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Horizon's Devo I read today

And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, "Step forward."

Mark 3:1-3

Don't you just love the simplicity in Jesus' words to the man with the withered hand? All He said was "step forward." I bet it took a lot of guts for this man to stand up and step forward right in front of all those Pharisees and naysayers. This man wanted to be restored so badly, he didn't care what anybody else thought; he knew he was in the presence of God and he wanted to be healed.

And so it is in your life. Maybe you don't have a withered hand, but maybe you have a withered heart. Or a withered checkbook. Or a withered marriage. Whatever it is in your life that's been withered, Jesus is simply asking you to stand up and step forward. Bring all of those pressures and problems to Him. Forget the critics and the naysayers, and any past failures that the enemy keeps in the forefront of your mind. Just step forward and let Him do the work in your life.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).

God's blessings?

Doesn't it seem like we Americans can so easily associate God's blessings with riches, fame, and comfort? As if people in 3rd world countries then aren't as blessed or liked by God. I never really thought about the little boy in Africa who starved to death and how God was still faithful in his life; God still loves and thinks of him more than the sand of the sea. I don’t have a house to live in, food to eat, and clothes to wear because God loves me more than the little boy.

We aren't promised riches and comfort. God does say “to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48), but I don’t think God has “blessed” us with all this stuff so that we could kick back, lounge around, and enjoy it all (all the time). I believe we are to give like no one else. Maybe that means for me to be more wise with my money and control my spending, so that in my own mind I can “afford” to give more. I remember growing up and thinking as soon as I get... or when I start making... or as soon as I get a little more... then I’ll be able to give. I’ve learned that that day will never come. You will always want just a little more, because it’s never enough. You have to make a conscious decision that now is the time to give. If you don’t have a heart change about this matter, then it’ll become a chore for you, and God wants a cheerful giver. He wants giving to become a natural response to our worship to Him. I believe we can never out give God. With that said, I think its important to listen to the Holy Spirit in all things. In our human state we can so easily make this a religious thing or a contest to see who can give more. This remind you of any Pharisees? Most of all I think you should listen to the Holy Spirit in this and not what others think or what you read in a blog. Honestly ask the Lord, how else can I serve you? How much more can I give? It’s too hard to hear Him unless you’re spending time with Him. He wants us in the moment, being sensitive to the Spirit, not focused on ourselves and what’s going on in your own story. 

How else can I make Jesus the main character in my story?

crazy love

A friend gave me this book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I've been learning so much from it. I highly recommend it! One chapter talks about lukewarm people and it has really convicted me. Lukewarm people give money to the church and tithe, when it's convenient, when they have extra, and when it doesn't change their life style. So often I can have lukewarm attributes: It's easy for me to stand up and follow Christ when it's convenient It's easy to follow Jesus when things are going so well It's easy to serve God with my heart, mind, and soul when I can control my life and only give up when I want and what I want. Jesus said "Take up your cross and follow Me." I think He meant in every area of our life. We no longer have control, when we serve, follow, and worship Him it needs to be on His terms, no matter our comfort level or success. And it's not at all in a bully way. He is so loving and knows what's best for us! Matthew 7:20-27 says: 20"So then, you will know them by their fruits.  21"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  22"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'  23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'  24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.  26"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall." So, that means some people are going to completely miss it! As Christians, and one who grew up in the church, we're taught to everyday have a devotion time - read your Bible and pray. Those are great things to do, but sometimes we can make them religious and more of a to do list. When in reality they are practical things that draw you closer to Him. God says "draw close to me and I will draw close to you." Following Christ (Christian) is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. There has to be a heart change because then when you completely love God you will long for Him naturally. You will pray and read your Bible to spend time with Him. Then it's not about what you do or don't do, but who you know and more importantly that He knows you. Not a religion, but a relationship.

check out the book on www.crazylovebook.com

Ashley visiting

Ashley flew out to visit the tour. Yesterday we were in downtown Seattle. We visited the Pikes Place, had sushi, and visited my Dads cousin John and his wife Paula. They took us to McCormick and Schmick's right on the water!
Today we're in Nampa ID. Ashley and I are at a cutting competition on right next to the arena. For you city folks a cutting competition is where a cowboy or cowgirl seperates a cow from the herd and keeps it away showing the horses agilty. Poor little scared cow.

Seattle, WA

 On the 2nd day of the Rock & Worship Roadshow Tour. Today we're in Seattle, WA. Ashley flew out for a few days! I love this city. It's nice and dreary out. I hope to see and meet you Seattle people!

The Home Foundation

Ashley and I just got back from a benefit concert in Nashville. Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, 10th Ave North, and Phillip LaRue supported The Home Foundation.The Home Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. Through advocacy, education and relief efforts, the Home Foundation is committed to end the suffering of women and children sold into sexual slavery. I was amazed to find out that this happens here in America, here in Nashville! When it was over we knew we needed to get involved. $11 a month helps them build shelters and homes for these kids.

Childrens Hospital

Today we visited the childrens hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Thank you to you all that contributed and sent in gifts - 17,000 gift bags were sent in. That's amazing! We personally gave some to the kids and parents we met today.
It is such a blessing being apart of this; going out into the community and serving in the cities we're playing. God has really put on our hearts this urgency like never before.

Biff the buffalo

Hey everyone, this is Biff the buffalo. I met him at the boys home we visited in Sioux Falls SD. We had the opportunity to go hang with some cool kids. They also have 50 horses!