Has anyone heard of the term “If you make your bed, sleep in it”? This is what me and my wife are going through right now. As you may remember, I wrote a post six weeks ago about money. I confessed to you the massive debt load we are under, and that we are fighting to get out. We didn’t really gain any traction, so we dumped a car. 4% of the world have a single car, never mind two. But we saw another opportunity, and next week we are moving into a townhouse with Mike McKee, a great friend, and all in all our expenses will be cut about $850 a month.

But for us, it’s not about the money. It’s about how much clutter we found in our 100-year-old apartment. I cut my wardrobe in half, Tabitha cut hers in a third. We’re getting rid of dressers, couches, comfy chairs, and shelving units. We’re giving away vacuum cleaners, cans of paint, and lawn chairs. And we have never used any of it.

We are spoiled rotten in the Great White North. Did you know that over well over the people on the planet today can’t afford to eat today, and yet we can walk into a Montana’s, and pay to have someone make our food? That just makes me SICK! We  have to respect the privileges that Christ gave us. It’s not like you’re evil if you eat at Montana’s, or the Big Wing Sandwich at Turtle Jack’s (praise Jesus for Big Wing Sandwiches) but just think of your clutter. Of your house, appartment, or bedroom. How much stuff do you need?

What can you use to give to others and use for God’s kingdom. Any stories are welcome.

Aaron

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mark 10:43-45)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, it breaks my heart to see how many “Christians” don‘t carry out this principle. It‘s so easy to get sucked into the rut or self-serving, not humbling yourself to the needs to others. I‘m not just talking about writing a check and you’re done. I’m talking about getting dirty, going to the places where others don‘t want to go.

Me and my wife had this conversation very recently. We are committing a certain portion of our giving to litterally helping the needy. It may be handing out sandwiches to homeless people, cleaning a friend’s house, watching someone’s kids, or buying groceries. In the words of Dino Rizzo, it`s Servolution, and we want to take this principle from Jesus to a whole other level in our lives.

So I challenge you to give your time, your efforts, your largest chunk of energy, maybe your money, your basement, or your spare bedroom. And if you can, do it annonymously. I have been the recipient of such gifts in the hour of my greatest need, and it is one of the biggest reminders of God you will ever experience.

What is God telling you to give?

Aaron

We all have weaknesses, areas of our life where we don’t  believe that anything can work through us. God teaches us otherwise, though. And it is through a man who orchestrated the release of Israel as slaves.

In Exodus 4, God tells Moses to stand up to Pharoah, the leader of Egypt, and tell him to let the Israelites go free. The problem was, ending slavery in Egypt would shatter the Egyptian economy. Moses answers like many of us would in Exodus 4:10:

“Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (NLT)

Moses used his shortcomings as an excuse to get out of what he saw as uncomfortable. In verse 14 it states “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.”

When we don’t live out our callings we are actually being disobedient to God. This makes Him burn with anger. When Moses decided to follow God’s calling on him, his leadership resulted in the Israelites escaping Egypt … and walking through the Red Sea, which was split in half. Pick up the phone, answer God`s call. He will work miracles in your life.

Aaron

“The same power that conquered the grave lives in me!”

How many people listen to Hillsong? They are an absolutely amazing worship band that came out of Hillsong Church in Australia, where God is doing some absolutely amazing things. Being a drummer with a lot to learn, you will frequently see me quoting worship lyrics in my posts. I noticed and loved this song musically when I first heard it, because of the build-up and the tense atmosphere that the song has …. the slow melody and soft rhythm slowly becoming engulfed in a driving beat leading armies of people worshipping God … and then the words actually hit me:

The same spirit that defeated sin itself is living within all of us.

The biggest and most amazing power is in you and in me. Guys, if that spirit is actually living within us, lust shouldn’t be a problem. When Jesus raised from the dead He put sin to death. We should have an astronomical passion for living like Jesus Christ; Your brain shouldn’t be dropping three feet every time you see a girl in a mini-skirt. Sin should be completely evaporating out of our lives all together.

Proverbs 10:9 says: “He who walks in integrity walks securely.”

I love you guys. I want the best for you, and God wants the best for you. But you have to be the best to get the best. Walk with integrity; Walk with God. It’s much better than by yourself. I’ve been on the other side of the fence. It’s a lonely road, and God doesn’t want your life to be a country song. Be Godly, be pure, live by integrity. Hey, man, God loves you. It’s worth the effort. Trust me.

Aaron