The Beginning

As I ponder all of the things I feel need to be said, I find it somewhat overwhelming. It is difficult to put so many thoughts into just a few words, and completely throw yourself out to a relatively unknown audience. I cannot even comprehend being a pastor, because they do this every week. Christianity seems so unbelievably complex, and so many people have tried to make it so much more then what it truly is. Christianity is simple: Love God, and Love people. The problem is that satan has so overwhelmed the human heart that this becomes a difficult task. This post is what I have learned about overcoming satan, and pursuing God.
It would outlandish, and irresponsible of me to lay out a step by step guide to following Jesus. It isn't even really necessary. Jesus takes responsibility for pretty much all of the work you will allow him to do. So here is where you start: Believe God is who he says is, and do what he says he will do. Now comes the learning piece, and more steps of faith. If you really start to take heart this statement, then learning what God wants to teach you is only a bible away. Pick one up and start reading it, but do not, and I repeat do not start at the beginning. That isn't the beginning of the relationship with Jesus, and though vitally important, has a much different meaning. If you have grown up in the Church I suggest you start with the beginning of the Church in Acts, but only if you feel relatively familiar with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then just read a chapter a day, and add more as you feel called to do. I grew up knowing I should read the bible everyday, and I was terrible at it. I started reading everyday with one chapter about one and a half years ago, and increased to three just recently. I am just now almost getting back to the new testament. Let the words sink in, and let God work on your heart. Let Jesus conquer the things keeping you from climbing the highest peaks, and seeing the wonders God has done. Now conquering these things does not always happen instantly, so stop your whining. It is hard, but find people to help you. If you need counseling, get it. I don't ever think Jesus said check your crap at the door, and in fact I think he would have said "Let me carry it for you(Which he did, by carrying the cross)." I also suggest finding a community of believers to surround yourself with. Life was meant to be done together, and God uses people to draw others closer to him. If you are the reading type, I also believe that God has used many books to highlight how to pursue him further so find some good books to read. I hope to talk about the ones I have already read, as well as books that I am able to read in the future. So I suggest that you start somewhere.
Yours In Christ,
Joshua

Intro to a Passionate pursuit

I have had a weird desire to write about some of the things I have learned over the last 6 months. I think I have learned and taken to heart more about God in the last 6 months then possibly the 24 years prior to that moment. I would say that God used the circumstances of a break-up to push spark a spiritual revolution, and I am truly thankful that my God will attempt to reach me with whatever means necessary. This is the first part of passionate pursuit. GOD PASSIONATELY PURSES US! I wish to explain ways that God does this, and why God does this. It isn't always the way we think it should be, and we like to complain about circumstances or say that God does not love us because he let crap happen. God lets stuff happen so that all we can do is rely on him, which brings me to part 2. WE MUST PASSIONATELY PURSUE GOD. I feel that way to many people do not completely understand these topics, but I know it is the best way. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8. I want to get the end of my life and be able to say this. I don't want it to be I fought the fight better then him, I tried to finish the race, and kept the faith better then him. Quoting Yoda, "Do or do not, there is no try." I think so many Christians feel that trying to purse God is enough, and you probably know if you are not trying as hard as you can. I knew that I wasn't, but I needed a swift kick in the butt to start. So I will talk about some of the books I have read, and things I have figured out over the last 6 months in hopes that this could be the spark for a passionate pursuit that someone needs. I'll be honest and say that this stuff more aptly applies to men, and women may not understand all of it, because more often then not women have no clue or have no desire to know what a guy truly struggles with. God made men to see beauty, and women to want to be beautiful. In the context of marriage, and a God view this works wonderfully, but Satan transposes this for guys to seek more, and women to never feel beautiful, which works counter to God's design and Satan's goal. I think this is enough of an intro, but I hope to be back with more of the journey!