I have a Myspace account that I almost never use. Basically I got it because some friends of mine have it. Anyway, the other day I wrote an intro to myself, but I want to share it here. I want to share it, because I don't think I'm the only one who struggles with constantly burning for Jesus, when living for Him is my chief aim and pleasure. So, without further adieu...
Do you ever have a desire to desire something? But the thing you desire to desire conflicts with your flesh creating a constant state of war everyday? That's my life. But it's a good life, because I desire to desire God. I want His presence, His joy, His leading! I want His correction, His compassion, and His mastery over me. Why is it so hard? Why do I let these desires be competed with? Why do I let selfishness, pride, and lust even become blips on the radar screen do infiltrate my longing for Jesus? This is my war, eveyday I wake up in the middle of a new battle field. Everyday needs to start with prayer, and reading the letters from my Master in Command or I will fall. Each day I let my general lead I see incredible victories as He fights on the front lines ahead of me. My heart is thrilled to see Him work His wonders and supposed impossibilities in my life - what a glorious Savior! Jesus has led me into full time missions work, and I why He chose me I still haven't figured out and it humbles me beyond anything else. Much of what I do involves writing music, playing music, and descipling people, but without a doubt the greatest ministry I have is simply in building relationships and helping them see Jesus. Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus How I've proved Him o're and o're Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus O for grace to trust Him more (nope, I didn't write that one) Who am I? I am a man harldy worthy of being called such, but made at peace with God, filled with joy, and empowered by Christ to do His marvelous will and be a part of His grand story, the greatest story there will ever be.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Death by Caffeine
How much of your favorite caffeinated drink would it take to kill you? Take this quick test and find out:
 | After 23.89 cups of Starbucks Grande Coffee, you'd be pushing up daisies |
LOL, I couldn't resist taking this test. There's all kinds of great beverages to choose from. You can take your own personalized test at www.energyfiend.com
On another note. Please keep me in your prayers as I have started the application process for full time missions in Japan:)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Wheelchair Olympics meet Nascar
Often times on Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to the gym at Johnson County Community College (hereafter refered to as JCCC) to play some basketball. Everytime on the court next to me, there is a special needs group getting exercise while honing their skills of cordination. I think it's great, don't get me wrong, but this time it was all I could do to keep from laughing. Zooming by me at every bit of 3 m.p.h. taking the inside lane of the running track was a young wheelchair bound racer, doing his morning laps. "What's so funny about that?", you may ask, and be entirely right to do so. Well, my response - nothing, if you are actually expending effort by spinning the rubber wheels of the chair. You see, this particular would be racer, was operating an automatic wheelchair, therefore the only energy requirements were that of his thumb and index finger to move the joystick of his wheelchair. Seriously, that was the funniest thing I'd seen all week long.
I guess it's like NASCAR really.
I guess it's like NASCAR really.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The End of the Spear
I recently had the oppurtunity to see a private screening of a new movie with some local pastors/community leaders. It was absolutely AMAZING! The movie, "End of the Spear", tells the stories of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, etc., who were missionaries martyred while trying to reach the Waodoni tribe in Ecuador. End of the Spear is a very powerful, true story that shows the Gospel in a very clear, emotional, non-offensive way. I will freely confess that I cried. The actual release of the movie in theatres is January 20. Go see it! And take your friends, believers and non. While $20 million was spent on the production of the film. Every Tribe Productions and Bearing Fruit Ministries did not have the $100 million most movies spend on publicity, therefore they are spreading the word through advance screenings and thereby churches and organizations. This movie has great potential to open up conversations about Christ and Christianity, and I think it will raise up a new generation of missionaries as well, maybe even you. You can see more about the End of the Spear at www.endofthespear.com
Friday, November 04, 2005
I want to be a dog
Today I was over at Randy & Karen Kellenberger's helping plant some trees. They have two dogs named Annie and Einstein, rather mischievious critters, I must say. Einstein was constantly over by us picking up tools, pulling sticks out of the ground - anything to be at where his master is, taking part in the action. And he did this when he could have been burying bones, or rolling around. So, I had this thought.
Wouldn't it be great if Christians were like Einstein (the dog)? What if we would put aside our preoccupations, such as accumulating treasure to bury in the ground, or rolling in the mud of sin, and instead FIND OUR JOY, CONTENTMENT, AND DESIRE in being with God where He is working? Willing to do anything to be with God in His prescence and be used by Him? Imagine what would happen. Realize this could happen. Wow. Imagine the revolution, the revival that would take place. Remember, this has happened before. Through Christ, we can make it happen again. I want to be like Einstein.
Wouldn't it be great if Christians were like Einstein (the dog)? What if we would put aside our preoccupations, such as accumulating treasure to bury in the ground, or rolling in the mud of sin, and instead FIND OUR JOY, CONTENTMENT, AND DESIRE in being with God where He is working? Willing to do anything to be with God in His prescence and be used by Him? Imagine what would happen. Realize this could happen. Wow. Imagine the revolution, the revival that would take place. Remember, this has happened before. Through Christ, we can make it happen again. I want to be like Einstein.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Intimidated
Wow. There was so much to write about after everyday and so little computer time that I resorted to writing nothing at all. Gomen Nasai. The trip was absolutely fantastic!
On the Sunday before I came back to the U.S. I had a new first time experience. Church had just wrapped up and we were hanging around talking when the walls started shaking. We kind of all just looked at eachother, and confirmed what we were thinking...earthquake. Don't get to excited, it only lasted maybe 30 seconds, and I don't think it was above a 3.0 . I guess at the epicenter it was a 7.2, so pretty strong, but miles from us. But the ground wasn't the only thing God shook in those two weeks.
God is shaking the Japan with the news of the Gospel in new ways with new hearts dedicated to serving Him. It was INCREDIBLE to be at the conference's main events and watch 100 + young Japanese worshipping God, lifting their hands in praise, praying for eachother in small groups, and encouraging eachother! Even more exciting yet, was that all of these believers are leaders in their church and community, and most of them use music and arts in their leadership position. These last two weeks have just blown me away. In fact, my very future as been shaken once again and my concept and awe of God is ever increasing. I'm very heavily praying about and considering moving to Japan to work full time with the Christian Artist Network...possibly as soon as March. Yup. So pray for me, tell me what you think, hey, maybe someday you'll end up there!:) Walk with God my siblings.
Mark
On the Sunday before I came back to the U.S. I had a new first time experience. Church had just wrapped up and we were hanging around talking when the walls started shaking. We kind of all just looked at eachother, and confirmed what we were thinking...earthquake. Don't get to excited, it only lasted maybe 30 seconds, and I don't think it was above a 3.0 . I guess at the epicenter it was a 7.2, so pretty strong, but miles from us. But the ground wasn't the only thing God shook in those two weeks.
God is shaking the Japan with the news of the Gospel in new ways with new hearts dedicated to serving Him. It was INCREDIBLE to be at the conference's main events and watch 100 + young Japanese worshipping God, lifting their hands in praise, praying for eachother in small groups, and encouraging eachother! Even more exciting yet, was that all of these believers are leaders in their church and community, and most of them use music and arts in their leadership position. These last two weeks have just blown me away. In fact, my very future as been shaken once again and my concept and awe of God is ever increasing. I'm very heavily praying about and considering moving to Japan to work full time with the Christian Artist Network...possibly as soon as March. Yup. So pray for me, tell me what you think, hey, maybe someday you'll end up there!:) Walk with God my siblings.
Mark
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Countdown to the conference
I had a whole cool post lined up to go for the last few days, but I keep leaving the reference sheet I need at my room. So, sorry, maybe Ill post it later. Anyway...
Things have been incredible here! I have a sweet room, cool people to work and hang with (one of which is giving me about 4 hours of Japanese tutoring a day), and, of course, the 100\ store. Yes, the 100 yen store - where countless incredible things can be purchased for less than a dollar. Food, pens, brushes, wallets, boxers, shirts, but the sweetest of all is ties. And they have some SWEET ties (did I mention theyre only a dollar?) So yeah, Ive pretty much made it my tradition to buy a new tie every time I go in a 100\ store. I already have 5:). If I get my camera situation figured out, I may even be able to post a tie of the day pic. boo yeah! So, in summary, I like Japan.
Things have been incredible here! I have a sweet room, cool people to work and hang with (one of which is giving me about 4 hours of Japanese tutoring a day), and, of course, the 100\ store. Yes, the 100 yen store - where countless incredible things can be purchased for less than a dollar. Food, pens, brushes, wallets, boxers, shirts, but the sweetest of all is ties. And they have some SWEET ties (did I mention theyre only a dollar?) So yeah, Ive pretty much made it my tradition to buy a new tie every time I go in a 100\ store. I already have 5:). If I get my camera situation figured out, I may even be able to post a tie of the day pic. boo yeah! So, in summary, I like Japan.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Day of Departure
My flight leaves in less than 7 hours. Please pray for my time in Japan.
Will update:)
Mark
Will update:)
Mark
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
02 Track 2.wma
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Monday, September 26, 2005
Called To Love
Wow, that was a substantial first post to this blog. Still, Mr. Incredible, not bad, had some issues, but hey, it could have been worse. I could have ended up as Violet, or Syndrome, or worse...Incrediboy...shudder. Anyway, I need to get to sleep, but before I do, I shall put up a post with slightly more meaning. Because I'm lazy, this is an old post from my xanga blog www.xanga.com/guitarguy317
Oh and this song is almost done, so if you want to hear it, just comment, give me your email, and I will email you the mp3.
I started writing the inspiration for my songs. I was going to put it in the cd book, but I fear that I am far too long winded, so...instead I think I'll have to put these notes on my site. But here's what I just finished for now. May it reach your heart.
In the months leading up to the events of “Called to Love”, my personal activity in witnessing for Christ had been pathetic. My burden for the lost had fallen from my shoulders and I had replaced it with a backpack full of college textbooks and timecards. This particular morning I purposed in my heart that this would change. I shelved my pride and selfishness and laid my petition before God, pleading to be led by His Spirit again with one sole purpose – furthering the Kingdom of Christ. Armed with a pack full of bibles and feeling somewhat vulnerable, I began “prayer walking” though downtown, anxious to see what God had prepared for me to do. God quickly opened my eyes to the huge percentage of homeless souls walking the streets, many just looking for someone to acknowledge them. Engaging in conversation I discovered most of them hadn’t eaten for hours on end, most having been without food for one or more days! As I began to take them one by one to eat, I was startled by the response of the different fast food restaurants. Disapproving looks from the employees enforced their words; “You’re not welcome here.” “What’s HE doing here?” At best, they would let us buy food as long as we promised to leave. Only one restaurant we visited would so much as give these people a disposable cup of water. Despite all these rejections, the knife in my heart cut the deepest that night. I was walking back and saw a man huddled on a stone bench, shivering as he slept. I couldn’t help but think “Isn’t there ANYONE who will take this man in?” How in the world can this be happening?!?! Yet I myself am responsible for the countless times I walked by those same men without so much as a glance. Why? I’m ashamed to say. I walked by because I didn’t care. I cared more for myself, for my plans, for my pleasure, for my money, for my safety, for my COMFORT, then I did about there needs, and the greatest need they had for Christ! How could I have been so calloused?!?! How could I have passed Jesus by, knowing full well that whosoever gives a cup of water in the name of Jesus does it unto him! It’s no wonder the church of Christ is so cold and stagnant. What is the church if not the members? In Acts they gave freely to all that had need, and people were added to the church daily!! Not only that but they did it in the face of persecution! I’m so thankful that God opened my eyes that day and allowed me to bear reproach with my brothers. It was so much better than any pleasure on earth, for there is NO GREATER PLEASURE THAN SERVING AND KNOWING OUR GOD! Brothers and sisters, we (myself included) are rich. We are spiritually fat and out of shape, resting in the light. We need to wake up and remember the greatest commandment; that we are called to love.
God’s lights shine tonight
On his shadows form
Arms are pulled in tight
In an effort to keep warm
Cold stone
On which he lies
Recaptures each day
As thousands walk right by
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
God’s light shines tonight
On this shadows form
And His Spirit speaks
Comfort to the worn
Someone will come
Show to you my love
I’m still calling them
One day one will come
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
We’ve been called to love
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
We’ve been called to love
We are called to love
Jesus, wake me up to my calling! Lord, stop my feet from walking away from Your work! Take my steps, words, and desires over! Make me completely selfless so that I am more concerned about the each person on earth, especially the ones the world despises, than I am concerned about my own well being! I need You! Make me transparent, so that there is nothing left in me but You! I repent of the times I’ve held back Your love, Jesus, let Your love flow through me uninhibited!
Oh and this song is almost done, so if you want to hear it, just comment, give me your email, and I will email you the mp3.
I started writing the inspiration for my songs. I was going to put it in the cd book, but I fear that I am far too long winded, so...instead I think I'll have to put these notes on my site. But here's what I just finished for now. May it reach your heart.
In the months leading up to the events of “Called to Love”, my personal activity in witnessing for Christ had been pathetic. My burden for the lost had fallen from my shoulders and I had replaced it with a backpack full of college textbooks and timecards. This particular morning I purposed in my heart that this would change. I shelved my pride and selfishness and laid my petition before God, pleading to be led by His Spirit again with one sole purpose – furthering the Kingdom of Christ. Armed with a pack full of bibles and feeling somewhat vulnerable, I began “prayer walking” though downtown, anxious to see what God had prepared for me to do. God quickly opened my eyes to the huge percentage of homeless souls walking the streets, many just looking for someone to acknowledge them. Engaging in conversation I discovered most of them hadn’t eaten for hours on end, most having been without food for one or more days! As I began to take them one by one to eat, I was startled by the response of the different fast food restaurants. Disapproving looks from the employees enforced their words; “You’re not welcome here.” “What’s HE doing here?” At best, they would let us buy food as long as we promised to leave. Only one restaurant we visited would so much as give these people a disposable cup of water. Despite all these rejections, the knife in my heart cut the deepest that night. I was walking back and saw a man huddled on a stone bench, shivering as he slept. I couldn’t help but think “Isn’t there ANYONE who will take this man in?” How in the world can this be happening?!?! Yet I myself am responsible for the countless times I walked by those same men without so much as a glance. Why? I’m ashamed to say. I walked by because I didn’t care. I cared more for myself, for my plans, for my pleasure, for my money, for my safety, for my COMFORT, then I did about there needs, and the greatest need they had for Christ! How could I have been so calloused?!?! How could I have passed Jesus by, knowing full well that whosoever gives a cup of water in the name of Jesus does it unto him! It’s no wonder the church of Christ is so cold and stagnant. What is the church if not the members? In Acts they gave freely to all that had need, and people were added to the church daily!! Not only that but they did it in the face of persecution! I’m so thankful that God opened my eyes that day and allowed me to bear reproach with my brothers. It was so much better than any pleasure on earth, for there is NO GREATER PLEASURE THAN SERVING AND KNOWING OUR GOD! Brothers and sisters, we (myself included) are rich. We are spiritually fat and out of shape, resting in the light. We need to wake up and remember the greatest commandment; that we are called to love.
God’s lights shine tonight
On his shadows form
Arms are pulled in tight
In an effort to keep warm
Cold stone
On which he lies
Recaptures each day
As thousands walk right by
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
God’s light shines tonight
On this shadows form
And His Spirit speaks
Comfort to the worn
Someone will come
Show to you my love
I’m still calling them
One day one will come
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
We’ve been called to love
How can this be happening
In a city where so many claim God’s love
Have we really come this far?
How can this be happening
When we’ve been shown so much of God’s love
We’ve been called to love
We are called to love
Jesus, wake me up to my calling! Lord, stop my feet from walking away from Your work! Take my steps, words, and desires over! Make me completely selfless so that I am more concerned about the each person on earth, especially the ones the world despises, than I am concerned about my own well being! I need You! Make me transparent, so that there is nothing left in me but You! I repent of the times I’ve held back Your love, Jesus, let Your love flow through me uninhibited!
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