Updates from El Salvador!

Okay. I know I'm super late on these update videos, but my computer crashed and had to get it replaced.
So here they are. Enjoy!'

First Update!

Second Update!

These videos were edited by friend, Derek! Thanks again Derek for the videos!

Be blessed by the Lord!

His will, not mine

"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." - Galatians 6:8

When I read this verse I picture a man planting according to his own will, as oppose to the seasons. He tries to make something happen, but nothing is produced. Now he has no more seeds, and he's left with an empty bag.

We are like like this man when we try to do things according to our will and not God's. Instead of producing mountainss of fruit, we're just left with an empty field. But if we sow according to God's will, there will be an aboundace of fruit to harvest. For His will is like the seasons that are perfect for planting.

Application: I will try not to force things, but ask God to give me an opportunity to do His will.

Hook. Line. Sinner

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." - Galatians 6:7

This scripture hits right at the heart, reminding me who God is: an omniscience, omnipotent, and omnipresence Being. Nothing can be hidden from Him. Yet, I still find myself doing sinful things, acting as if He couldn't see it, and in the process undermining His attributes.

I conceive sinful thoughts knowing very well that He knows what I am thinking. I find myself doing sinful things as if He wasn't present, and when I continue to obey the flesh I find myself making a mockery of His greatest attribute: His banevolense.

Why do I do this? Why do I choose to act as if He can't read my thoughts? My heart? Why do I deceive myself in believing this deadly lie? Why do I mock God by belittling Him? To simplify the answer its because of Satan and our flesh.

Satan studies His prey, then cast out the bait to reel me in. When I snag his bait, its "Hook. Line. Sinner." I forget about God in the moment of indulging in my flesh, blocking Him out of my minds. When its over and the deed is done, I find myself at the foot of the cross, acknowledging Him. Filled with conviction, I ask, "God, what have I done? Why do I continue to do these stupid things?"

It hurts knowing that He shed His blood for me, and still I abide in the flesh. After that's done, where do I go from there? I feel like I'm not worthy of having a relationship with Him, that I'm not worthy of His grace. Do I just walk away from Him? He then speaks to me at the heart, "Jesse, I'm omniscience. I saw what you did before I came down to bear the cross for You, and even after knowing this I still died for you because You need a Redeemer. You need grace." He then points to a verse in 1 John: "If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). A verse I have known for awhile, but has never really spoken to me until today that God is faithful to forgive if I repent.

Application: I will memorize 1 John 1:9 and I shall remind myself of my life verse as well.

Your Convictions, Not Our Conviction

"For each one shall bear his own load." - Galatians 6:5

Each Christian have a set of convictions that they share. For example, getting drunk or high. But some may have different convictions that the Lord has placed in their own heart. For example, some may have convictions on using certain words, or watching certain television shows.

These unique convictions are stumbling blocks with your relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit has revealed it to you. Let me emphasis that part, "YOU." Those are meant for you and not the whole congregation, but many times we try to make our convictions theirs. When in reality God hasn't placed those convictions on their heart.

There is a saying that I've heard from Pastor Josh Harris, "You can't ride off the coat tail of someone's else's conviction." God has to show it to them as they continue to read His Word and walk with Him daily; being in tune with the Spirit. If we tell them to follow it it becomes legalism. A relationship of works, hindering their relationship with God.

Even as I write this I hear God saying, "Practice what you preach, Jesse." Then He reveals to me certain events where I pushed my convictions on how one should spend their money. See, my conviction is spending money irresponsibly. I use to spend my money on dumb things that were not needed, and I wouldn't have money to tithe. And I started to try to convict my friends with MY conviction.

Application: I will apologize to my friend for trying to force my conviction on her.

Need Help?

"But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." - Galatians 6:4

As Christians we will encounter sins and trials that we will struggle with. And when we encounter them we turn to God and His word, but it doesn't SEEM enough to help us through the midst of the pain. Where do you go after that? Well, Paul says to bring it to a brother or sister to help you (Galatians 6: 1-2).

You will find that you are not alone. That there are people how struggled with the sins that you struggle with. You'll find people who have gone through similar events as yours. They won't take it away, for God is the only one who can do that, but they will help guide you with wisdom that God has given them through those times, and to pray for you . To Help you draw closer to the Lord, expose things you didn't see before (2 Cor. 1: 3-4).

That is why we have a Church, to lift each other up through those difficult trials and temptations, to share wisdom that the Lord has given us. And when you've overcome them with the Lord, both you and brother/sister in christ can rejoice in what God has done through both of you.

Application: I feel like a sibling of mine is struggling with a burden, to show that regardless of how far I am I am still here for her as well. 

Big Ego

"For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." - Galatians 6:3

Have you ever ran into people who are full of themselves? So self-absorbed? People who thought so highly of themselves, that they would have pictures of themselves in there wallet, so they can look at how great they are. Okay. Maybe I'm exaggerating on the last part, but I'm just trying to get you to bear with me here.

I dont know about you, but I have ran into countless of people with that ego. They believe that they were the "the cream of the crop". Thinking so highly of themselves, as if they invented the light bulb, or something. They often treat others like as a stepping stone to achieve their goals.

Then I became a Christian and I've never thought that I would run into anyone like that in the congregation. I thought that prideful ego only existed outside the church. Boy, was I wrong. I ran into this one guy who loved to take the glory when it belonged to God. When he taught it seemed like he wanted people to focus on him and not on God. He wanted to lead people to Christ, so he could be known as a great evangelist.

This man was doing so many things for the wrong reason. How do I know those were his intentions? Because I am that guy. I did things, so people could give me praise, and be admired for my works. I've notice it in the past, but I thought nothing of it. Man, was I wrong. It grew stronger in my life, to the point I saw myself above God. A very scary place. Since then, I've asked God to help me with prideful ego of mine, and God was faithful to do so. But sin creeps in when we lower our Guard and that's what happened with me. Now I find myself struggling with pride again.

Application: I will pray and ask God to take away my prideful ego.

Our Master Is Awesome

"'So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" - Luke 17:10

Servants didn't receive a "thank you" for serving their master. It was there position, and it was expected of them regardless of how tired they were. Now as Christ servants we shouldn't be receiving any form of thanks for the things that are expected from us. Instead, we should fall to our faces and say, "we are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty." Out of appreciation for what He did for us on the cross, giving His life to purchase us from our former owner, satan.

Yet, in the end, when we have fought the good fight and finish the race He will give us, His servants, a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:7-8). And we will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things. Enter into the Joy of the Lord." Counting us worthy to enter into His kingdom.

Application: Tomorrow I will wake up early and play worship songs giving thanks to my Master.