Devoted to Christ

Leeland is performing tonight at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Irvine, CA. If you like U2 and Coldplay, come down and check them out tonight at 7pm! Address: 2777 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614

I will hopefully be in the media room meeting them and helping them prep for their performance.

GRAMMY-nominated progressive rock act Leeland has been known to deliver songwriting beyond its years and worshipful rock so genuine it disarms the honest cynic. Often quoted as one of Christian music’s most gripping live bands, the 2006 debut Sound of Melodies and 2008’s Opposite Way quickly established Leeland as a leader in the worship community and beyond. While both previous albums were GRAMMY nominated and drew a combined eight Dove nominations, Leeland’s measure of success has always been the human heart. And now Leeland’s third album, Love Is On The Move is a landmark in the deepest sense. — www.leelandonline.com

Bible knowledge in the world is pretty much useless if you are spiritually diseased in your heart. If you have lost your heart for God, all your knowledge and even religious habits won’t help you. I’ve been reading so much biblical reference within the last year, I have to admit it’s the best knowledge I can ever obtain, but through the rigorous times if something is hounding your heart that causes you to go your own way, it is difficult to reach deep down into your heart in finding the answer to your problem biblically. If you’re heart is dead, it can come back to life is you are spiritually rooted. If you’re not spiritually rooted, your heart will remain dead (and dangerous).

Glad to be getting my copy of the Holy Land experience soon!

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him. 17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. – Ruth 4:13-17 NKJV

For me, probably my first film that identified a female in great detail. I’ve watched great men of the bible, but this a first watching a woman. Throughout the film, Ruth was a determine woman who found herself in the outskirts of a new city in Bethlehem away from her the place where she grew up in Moab; and became known as the person who would pass down a generation of family that paved way to King David. Amazing how different cultures and ethnicity has effected those past times compared to today. It is still difficult for many elders specifically parents to picture their child dating or marrying another whom isn’t tied with their race. Ruth was a strong woman nonetheless and I was intrigued to have watch the film over my long labor day weekend!

Last night, I unexpectedly wound up in the media room during a Harvest Christian Fellowship service. All what I intended to say to the media people out there was that a good job they’ve been doing, and immediately I was asked if I could stay in the media room. The media room is where all the video is captured and projected towards the screen, the lyrics posted during praise and worship, and where scripture is posted on the screen while Pastor Greg is delivering his message. It was a bit of my surprise that the media room was filled with women! Wow! They are about roughly the same age as I am and I gotta say, it was an awesome experience getting to know that and what led them to doing the multimedia works of the church! Awesome!

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.” Colossians 4:2

The doors that God opens in our lives lead to new beginnings, new blessings and new opportunities to be effective witnesses for the Lord. Certainly things may not have gotten my way this week, but you know, it’s not my way in life, it’s God’s way. There’s certain things you expect out of life, and ALL of us, don’t meet that expectation. You think the door is open for you, you enter in, only to experience it doesn’t work out for you. Could be a job, a task, a project, or a certain hope. But who are we to argue and fight with a God that loves us and will not give us anything we can’t handle. God shows us the door to a new opportunity. And I thank God that even when a door is closed, he shows me a new door in enter in. As long as the leading of the holy spirit is there, I’m entering in! There are times of hardships, but be grateful my friends, God is with you. Emmanuel, God is with us.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:26

I’ve met a lot of people who have committed their life into profitting a business or gaining power to help save society. With much sacrifice, these people have accepted this role or career in doing whatever means necessary to gain this type of means. Even if it’s losing their relationship with their loved one. My love one for me, is Jesus. I used to be so focused on a career that it deprived me of God’s spirit. Then as soon I began experiencing the wordly success, I wasn’t really satisfied with it. Yes, there’s probably many people who will trade my success with their no education minimum wage life, but I tell you folks, it isn’t all that. Success is promoted by God, and if the holy spirit dwells in you, God will make your work happy and proud. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless my work, have me focused on the kingdom, and not on primarily being sucked into my own undoing.

Luke 18:17 NKJV
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

Just saw this film last night. It’s something many people can relate to. Cancer. An incurable disease. I’m always inspired from people who survive cancer. I truly believe that’s it’s the work of the Lord that does the job. I’ve had a cousin recently pass away 2 weeks ago. And although there is suffering in this world, there always hope. Hope for a better life. Hope for a better body. Hope of no more suffering and sorrow. The film was about a young boy who was diagnosed with cancer and although it seemed grim for this family and friends, young Tyler still chose to be used for God as an instrument to lead others to Christ. Very heartfelt and very hopeFUL. Not hopeLESS.

Dear God,

This letter to you is a thank you one. Thank you for giving people (even people whom I don’t know) the gift of salvation. For inspiring me and at the same time using me as instrument to reach out to people. I pray that you will use me more for your glory. Thank you for your holy spirit in resisting temptation. You word says, Blessed are those who resist temptation. I cannot pray to not let temptation come to me. It’ll always come. I just have to endure. You will not give us anything we can’t handle. Thank you for accepting me. I commit my life and sacrifice my body for you.

Love,
Michael

Can’t say I haven’t run into these types of people yet. But I sure can feel unsure and doubtful when someone comes to me with a bible and says. “Times are changing, we need to adapt to what the world is coming into and accept the things of it.” I’ve encountered one this week and can say this week was a testing week for me. Pastor Chuck preaches of what false prophets we may encounter during the times of Jeremiah and the times of today.

Like whoa! It’s times like these we need to check ourselves and make sure we are protected of the holy spirit for if you let it, you will know what is right and wrong.