He is the potter we are the ... Jack O lantern?

I sat in a field with many others just like me, but He chose me. He cleaned me, opened me up, and took out all the gross stuff. With His own hands He took out the seeds of deception, envy, hate, rejection, and fear. Then He opened my eyes and carved a smile on my face. Finally He put His light in me, so that I may show all the world what He has done.

Where Does Passion Go?

Passion, she drives men to be more then they know
With a gentle hand she pushes them through the process of life
With a violent push she encourages through crises
But when she can no longer graces us with her presence
Where did she go?
Was she sold, traded for security, honer, or power
Was she constrained, put in a cage, out of embarrassment or fear, slowly dying in the dark
Was she left unprotected, to be beaten and violated by the world,
Who had no respect of her beauty, till she was but a shell
Was she neglected, pushed aside, taken for granted that she will always be there
Was she prostituted, misusing her for gain, corrupting her purity on worldly desires
I would love to say No!!!
Of course not, she is happily at home waiting for me
But is that true?
If she is gone what can you do?
Can she be found, healed, or resurrected
Maybe, but that is out of your hands,
Territory of the All Mighty
He has given her as a gift when we first met Him
Cherish her, keep her safe

A Mirrior Dimly Lit

Lord, the turmoil in my heart only you can know,
the depths of my own introspection fail to show
the inner workings that is me.
Why, Oh why, my heart denies
a circumspect view of why it cries.
I am my own greatest mystery.
My eyes are blinded to what in the mirror,
but on nothing else will my attention veer.
Lord Jesus, Father God, of You I want my attention to seek,
but alas all I see is me.
Lord grant me relief, give me your heart,
be a lamp unto my feet, show me where to start
this journey, the destination of where Myself - The World will depart.
God all I want is You but all I see is me.

Character of God

This project was started on the premise that one way to discern God's will is to be intimate with his character. This is my attempt to delve in what makes God tick.

All Knowing - knows everything
All Powerful - Can do anything
All Present - Is everywhere

Unique -
1 : Being the only one
2 : Being without a like or equal

Isaiah 44:6 D - Beside him there is no God

Transcendent -
1: being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
2: being beyond comprehension
3: being beyond the universe or material existence

Gen 1.1 - He is outside time, matter, space. he was before "the beginning, heavens and the earth"

Everlasting -
1 : lasting or enduring through all time : Eternal
2: continuing for a long time or indefinitely

Isaiah 63 16 E
thy name is from everlasting.

Temporal - (might be a better word let me know if you know one)
He exsist inside(as well as outside) all the bounds of time space and matter. He works in our time and in the earth. To do that he must limit his glory.

Isaiah 44:6 c - He is the first and last he is in all of time.
Exodus 3:14 - His name is I am, mean He exist currently

Love -
1: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
2: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another

Jealous -
1: intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness
2: vigilant in guarding a possession

Exodus 34:14

Holy/Whole/Perfect
Holy
1 : exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness

Lev 19:2
1 Peter 1:15-16

Whole
1: free of wound or injury
2: free of defect or impairment
3: having all its proper parts or components
4 : constituting the total sum or undiminished entirety

Perfect
1: being entirely without fault or defect
2 : satisfying all requirements
3 : corresponding to an ideal standard

Good -
1: based on sound reasoning or information
2 conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

Merciful -
1: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment
2: compassionate treatment of those in distress

Jeremiah 3:12
I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.

Just -

1: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason
2: faithful to an original
3: conforming to a standard of correctness
4: acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good

Isaiah 61:8

Righteous -
1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2: morally right or justifiable

Lawful -
1: mean being in accordance with law
He made the Laws but is important to know he follows them.

Pure -
1: being thus and no other
2: free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes
3: containing nothing that does not properly belong

Faithful -
1: steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal
2: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious
3: given with strong assurance : binding

Constant -
1 : marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : exhibiting constancy of mind or attachment
2 : Invariable, Uniform
3 : continually occurring or recurring

Truth/Reality -
Truth
1: sincerity in action, character, and utterance
2: the state of being the case
3: the body of real things, events, and facts

Reality
1 : of or relating to fixed, permanent, or immovable things
2 : not artificial, fraudulent, or illusory being precisely what the name implies
3: occurring or existing in actuality
4: capable of being detected

Relational -
1: an aspect or quality (as resemblance) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind

Were made in His image and He wants to be in relation with us.

Intimate -
1: belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
2: marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
3: marked by a warm friendship developing through long association
4: of a very personal or private nature

Sovereign/Authority
Sovereign
1: supreme power
2: freedom from external control
Authority
1: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior
2 : persons in command

Humble -
1 : not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive
2 : reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission

Patience -
1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5: able or willing to bear

exodus 3:7

Passionate -
1: capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling

Artistic-
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of art or artists
2 : showing imaginative skill in arrangement or execution

Creation;
He is the potter we are the clay

Joy-
1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being
2 : a state of happiness or felicity
3 : a source or cause of delight

Psalm 59:8, 10

Empathetic
1 : the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it
2 : the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also : the capacity for this

Isaiah 63:9 a
In all their affliction he was afflicted


Order-
1 : to put into a proper assembly or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment
2 : to make preparations for
4 : to bring about an agreement or understanding concerning

Light and Darkness

We are creatures of darkness. By our vary nature we try to hide from truth.

From Genesis 3:8 (And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.)

to Revelation 6:15-16 (And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,)

Same principle as being unable to look at your self in the mirror, but where the mirror only will reflect what you know to be true; your guilty conscience. God and his Word (The perfect light and only true mirror) shows you all your inequity at once and in plain view. In the presence of God there is no room to hide, misdirect, or put the best face forward. That is insanely uncomfortable. Until we realize That God Loves us not because what we do or don't do and that he is the only person that needs to be pleased (this includes dying to yourself) you'll continually be looking for ways to puff your self up, and when ever the light comes we will continue to run. The light will destroy the careful and complex systems we have established to hide from others and ourselves.

Mission trip to Mexico

8/13/09
Journal:
The first day getting here where laced with God. At prayer meeting I had such a calm. Serene heart. I offered everything to God so I may take nothing ill to Mexico. On the plane I had a good talk with Dan and Jackie. When we got here we had a fantastic dinner "accompanied with fantastic watermelon juice" and crashed from exhaustion.






Today we got up and it was so beautiful. We had a tour of the place. It was fairly unassuming, but the stories behind this place are amazing! We went to the beach and it was beaming with your power from the ocean. It was so fun being thrown here and there by the waves. When we got back we had a meal and went into prayer. Honestly i was distracted by the waves and the memory of the beach.





We went to pick up some fence post at around dusk. What a Trip! Riding in a Mexican truck is like being on a roller coaster for an hour. Today was so filled with rejuvenation and team bonding. God thank you for the opportunity to help the people in this area as well as the chance for an awesome experience. Thanks for answering our prayers of safety and keeping the bugs off. We love and worship you. Please protect us from people who wish ill will.



8/14
Journal:
Traveled up to Masco. took like 9 hours and had a chance to chat with Jenny.

















8/15
Journal:
Amazing day Lord. Last night the guys where cracking each other up and the Holy Spirit was there. I was sleepless but the Holy Spirit rejuvenated me and was able to work all day. Lord while we worked your presence was there. The weather was perfect. The things that needed to be done got done and 10 people where saved at the clinic. Lord the spirit of joy was on me all day and I thank you. It swelled up in me and spilled out to all those around me. Thank you. You also filled me up with your strength. I had no sleep and was physically tired from the get go but you had me work hard all day. Lord please protect me from disease as well as for my brothers. God please help them with their walks. I know many are having a hard time. Please show yourself to them.

8/16
Journal:
Today was a wonderful day of rest. Had service in the Mezteco church we were wiring and it was outstanding. Even though there was a language barrier the Holy spirit filled the church. There was a strong bond that developed between Tyler, Tim and I as we were wiring the church. Jesse brought forth complaints about me which brought frustration. I gave it to you Lord and ask you to help me act in a way that fosters brotherhood and not division. Lord thanks for the restoration you gave me. I ask you rejuvenate us, keep the weather good for work, save us from disease, and help foster this brotherhood, Lord.








8/17
Journal:
Lord today started off with a sudden case of diarrhea. I tried to keep up beat and praise you. Breakfast was eggs and watered down beans, after the diarrhea indecent it was the most unappetizing meal ever. We then went up to finish the fence. God thank you for working through all of us there to complete it.

While finishing up the gate a wicked lighting storm came over the mountains. We started praying that we would be able to make it back before the rains made it to bad to travel. We finished the gate and before we left prayed for the owners of the bible school. Apparently one of her neighbors was killed because the new president will let you pay to kill some one if you have a grievance against them. There are some people who really dislike what these women are doing for you there. Please protect them Lord! Remind me to keep them in my prayers. While we we were praying out for your strength to protect them a massive thunderclap rang out proclaiming your power!

The trip home went without indecent which we give all the credit to you. About 1/2 a mile from the Mosco base there was a flash flood which went across the road we had to cross. We had to put a rope up and walk across the river holding the rope like something out of a television show. It did excite my sense of adventure and my masculinity.






Forgot to write yesterday about the bats in the church we were wiring. About 5 bats where flying all around us and I killed one with a broom. Then Tyler did as well. We had such a good laugh. After dinner we came back to finish and there were 30+ bats flying around in a circle. It brought me to tears laughing. Help the travel conditions tomorrow and save us from bat disease.

8/18
Journal:
Today was a travel day, I slept a lot of the way home. Once we got back we swam in the ocean. prayer in the prayer room was awesome and afterwords Reyes, Tim, and I had another prayer session. God i realize how important prayer is. This whole trip has been saturated in it and I'm positive that it is what not only has made this trip a success but a joyous success. God i pray for a blessed day with the children tomorrow.

While writing here on the 4th floor in the hammock hearing your waves and thunder, seeing your lighting and your stars, I give you praise. Your creation is majestic and beautiful and how much more are you! Your power is evident on this trip. Lord please continue your work in us Lord, keep us healthy and doing your will, Amen.







8/19
Journal:
Today Lord I woke up to Tim getting me up for morning devotions. It is so much getting up from a comfy bed then a slab of concrete. We had numerous delays so had time to rest in you. Jesse and I talked and it was one of the first healthy talks we have had on this trip. We got to San Martin and the kids where a blast. They where hanging from me and i was throwing them around. It was such an answer to prayer because I was not looking forward to schedule playtime. The church service was beyond words it seemed like a seamless transition between English and Spanish. When we were singing "bring the rain, open the floodgates of heaven" you thunderclaped in agreement and the rain started to pour. Once again showing how real you are.

After all went to bed Tyler and I were talking about the stronghold the enemy was using on the trip. A brother's disruptive spirit came up. As we were talking and praying for the brother two other brothers came up to see what we where up to. It turns out they where praying and discussing the same issue as us. It showed us that there is no coincidences. I believe you have brought our brother here to grow and we are a intricate part of that. We then started talking and I mentioned the story of Elijah and it turns out the other two brother where just talking about that as well. We ended with another group prayer. The prefect end to a perfect day. Lord please use me in my brother's life.

Note: Later I found out while we were praying for our brother he was talking to another brother about the same topic. The Holy Spirit is truly unified.

8/20
Journal:
Lord the wind of your Holy Spirit blows in this room both spiritually and literally. God thank you for sending Duane and your word though him. It was an answer to prayer that the work you are doing down here in us did not end with the end of the outreach ministry. Lord give me a discerning eye so that i may have the kind of faith to sacrifice all i know to pursue you. Lord fill me up with faith so i may do you works and withstand all trials. Father i repent of all the ill thoughts and motives i have been harboring. Selfishness, Lord cleanse me. Heal me. God i have seen you respond to my prayers in tangible ways here. Let me continue to grow in my spiritual discernment when i go back to the USA and don't let me forget what you have shown me here. Lord keep me open and flexible for divine appointments and my heart open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for answering my prayers about the spiritual health of my brothers. God continue the rest of this day in our hearts.

Note: This was written after Duane talked to the team and the spirit fell upon us in the early morning. This next part was written at the end of the day.

God your day was awesome. We were working at the local church and i must confess i had a hard time getting into the working spirit. We went swimming again and it was awesome. We had a barbecue where we got to gather together to fellowship and praise you. The guy's nightly prayer was so inspired. Your Spirit directed it. Our call to help our brother was answered not 24 hours after we petitioned you. He came to us asking for prayer about his disruptive spirit. Lord thank you for all you do.

8/21
Journal:
Lord this morning we got up and saw your beautiful sunrise. Was interesting seeing your glory and beauty yet being so tired. Please keep me rested so my discernment of you will remain. We found out the Mexicans are planing a road block and our plans needed to change in order to catch our flight. Thank you Lord for sending advance warning. You are looking out after this trip, we give you praise and thanks.

Went to your beach your beach and had fun. Then we had to walk to Roca Mar and I had an attitude of annoyance. Please help me recognize my negative emotions and keep them captive. Roca Mar was peaceful, so much so that I could just float and relax. however the tides changed and found myself unable to get back under my own power. I wasn't afraid because the group was close however I was concerned. I am sort of ashamed i did not call out to you in prayer. Lord in time of need let me first come to you and not try to fix things with my own power. Thank you for getting me back safely. On the walk back I talked with Tyler Hanson about school, faith, and our experiences.

Tonight we had prayer with the whole group. The men lead out in prayer. I found it odd that the woman didn't pray. Lord I pray that their spiritual walk has been strengthened by this trip. The guys stuck around after and continued in prayer. Tim, Reyes, Tyler, and I prayed for Arron after the rest had gone to bed. Lord the Holy Spirit moved to bring rain for our trip. We ask you to guide us on our trip to the airport, keep us on track, and in good spirits. Give us rest, Lord with such little sleep we will be weak without you. Keep the diseases at bay and destroy the ones within us. Heal us of our burns. We love you and thank you for our faith.