"My Way of Life" Journal 06-27

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. 2 Timothy 3:10-11

Over the past few years reality shows have taken tv by storm. Shows like "Big Brother" and "Survivor" were the pioneers of this new TV era. Recently I even heard about an individual who lives with a camera on his head watching his every move, every detail of his life (except for the bathroom of course) all of it is broadcasted on the web to millions of viewers. I even became a fan of these reality shows as Tara and I got hooked on a show called "The Amazing Race" now it's "Hells Kitchen" but that's another story. One thing that I've noticed in any of these reality shows is that you eventually get to see who the real people are. No matter how charming, how good looking, how well someone speaks, no matter how people come across from the outside eventually you'll see who the person is on the inside, and that's what makes it "Reality TV". There's something about being in the middle of a deserted island, having nothing to eat for days but rice, and losing a team challenge that will reveal who you really are, and so it is with our life as well. Life is tough as the apostle Paul tells young Timothy v.12 "Everyone who desires to live a Godly life will suffer persececution", but Paul modeled the Christian life in a powerful way. It was Paul's way of life through his purpose, his faith, his patience, his love, his endurance that really made a difference in others lives. Paul's way of life spoke volumes about his relationship with Christ. And so I begin to question myself today if I were on a show like survivor, when things got really tough, when moral is low, how would "My way of life" speak to others. What does my way of life tell others about Christ living in me? Does others see Jesus in my low times? What's the first thing people think of when they think about me. "What does my way of life" say? Our mission in life is to get our way life to get as close to Christ way of living as possible.

The reason why reality TV is just as popular as it was a few years ago is because it's exactly what people are looking for. People are looking for the reality of life. People are looking and trying to find the answers to "Who am I", "Why am I", "What am I to do", "What is life truly about" they may not say it, but peoples actions, behavior, and lifestyles sure do speak it. I have a co-worker who the other day who said something to me and in no way is this bragging or boasting about myself but I believe it's Christ living in me that is making the difference through me. My co-worker said "I envy you Ant". I know my friend is hungry, I know he's searching and looking for reality, he's looking for what I have not material wise (he's got to nicer car than me, LOL) but he's looking for the reality of life. What does your way of life say today? Does your life say Christ lives in me? Does you way of living unlock hope, peace, encouragement and life in others? We are living in one of the most difficult yet opportunistic times in the history of mankind. The very reason why there is such great opposition and difficulty is the same reason why there is such a great opportunity to make a difference. Live the best life possible for Jesus and to shine His Love, His mercy, His grace, His hope in your life. Remember, "We are the salt and light of this world" Matthew 5:13,14

Lord, I know that anytime you desire to do something through me you always do something in me first. Do a work in my mind, my heart, my life. Let me live a life that speaks hope, love, encouragement and gives life to others. When the difficulties of life kick in Lord, give me the strength to hold on, and to let my way of life speak about you. Thank you Lord for your love and your plan, In Jesus name, amen.

Keep the END in Mind

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
-Hebrews 12:1 (nlt)

Well these past few weeks have been difficult, just like Amanda said, knowing that it’s going to be the last time with your team together, knowing that it’s going to be the last time in M.C. but I could complain and cry here all I want, but the fact of the matter is that it’s time to grow up and turn the pages and enter into the new chapter of my life! (Which I am excited to start!)
But just to share with you guys about what the Lords been pressing upon my heart is these 5 little words, that I believe if we all practice them we can all reach greater heights: “KEEP THE END IN MIND” that’s it? Well yah! Just imagine with me for a second… if you knew the end result of your math test, how would you prepare yourself? If you knew the end result of a sickness, how would you take care of your body? If you knew the end result of your family (present or future), what would you change to spend more time with them? If you knew the end result for this year or the ones to come, what would you do differently? If you knew the end result of this race that we are all called to run, what would you do to finish FIRST? If you knew an end to a thing, what would you change to get there? And what would you keep to stay there? Remember “KEEP THE END IN MIND” I know this race gets hard and very strenuous, but make the finish line visible. Starting a race is a good thing, but finishing is even better. I love what the word of God says in Ecclesiastes 7:8 (msg.) “Endings are better than beginnings…”

KEEP THE END IN MIND
-Santz

[hey yall on a side note keep Ant in your prayers this week, a big opportunity has arose for him to speak i know he's going to tear it up, but lets support him in our prayers]

Time to Say Goodbye

Wow. I can't believe this year went by so quickly. Last night, it hit me hard. It would be my last day of school as a Master's Student. It would be my last Bible Study as a Master's Student. It would be my last prayer time as a Master's Student. I'm not one to cry a lot, but I'm not at all ashamed to say that there were many tears shed last night, mostly on my part!
As I reflect on this year, there have been many failures, but also many victories. Although I'm tempted to look only at the failures, I take in both the good and bad, and I choose to learn from it all.
A certain word kept coming up in my mind this week, and Pastor Nick said it last night in Bible Study: "cleave". Now, most of us know this word under the reference of "a man must leave his parents and cleave to his wife." (Eph. 5:31) Leave and cleave, right? But this verse obviously does not and cannot apply to me right now. So still, I wondered why that word kept coming up... so I looked it up. In both the original Greek and common English, it means to "join one's self closely, adhere to, STICK to, GLUE to. Become strongly involved with or emotionally attatched to." Duh! I have to CLEAVE to God right now. I'm in a time of change, of movement, even of instability. BUT if I cleave onto something that is steady and strong, I can't be rocked.
1 Corinthians 6:17 says that "he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him."
Although I feel unsure and unsteady, if I glue myself onto the One who IS sure and steady, I can't go wrong. That is my mission right now. To learn to truly cleave and NOT leave. I'm so glad God placed this word in my heart and my head - He caused me to learn what His will is for me right now.
I want to encourage you - if you're unsure, if you're nervous, unstable, shaky, or scared, begin to cleave yourself to God. Not to other THINGS, or other people who will not help you focus, but will in fact distract you. I've recently found that things you need most from God can never be replaced any person. You must learn, along with me, how to grab onto God, connect with Him, and not let go for anything.
I love you all, and thank you for being there for me and with me this year. It was a battle, but having support and encouragement from my Fremont family has meant so much. Thanks again, and God Bless!

Remember to cleave onto Him!
- Amanda Mikk
Isaiah 59:19