In the chaos of life, we tend to get caught of in our own world that we can't focus on what is right or wrong. A lot of times that can lead us to act and react in ways that we normally would. It's part of this process we call life. I hope this story will bring some encouragement to your life, and hopefully show you that no matter what, God is FOR you, and never against you.
I recently had the opportunity to engage into the best experience ever: mentorship. I've been in youth ministry for quite some time, and I have mentored many young men through the process, but I never saw the type of results I would see through this experience. It all started at a coffee shop; a bond was made; a friendship was developed; and now a young man's life is pursuing his Kingdom calling.
Asking him in advanced, Harrison Aslami gave me permission to write what I am going to write. Harrison wasn't your typical 18 year old student. Even after many run-ins with the law, distrust issues with his parents, and relationships that never should have been pursued, he was smarter than he thought. Throughout his life, he dealt with many things that a normal 18 year old shouldn't have to deal with. Through it all, he always came out stronger.
This summer sparked something inside of him. In the process of mentoring him, he made the decisions to follow the Lord, and to even give up his education at the University of Alabama to pursue ministry at a Bible college, Highlands College. This move was one that he knew would better his life, but it didn't come without obstacles first, as he has seen many since he moved to Birmingham.
A few weeks ago, after a summer of sobriety, he relapsed and found himself smoking marijuana. Since it was apart of his life before, it was hard for him to not go around it. Not only was he struggling with this, but also a lack of understanding of God, and whether or not He was real. These questions caused him to lash out in a way that he knew would bring him closure; weed. What makes this story amazing is that he admitted to me the next day he had smoked. With an open heart, I told him that I wasn't mad at him, and that God doesn't condemn him. It's not how you fall, it's how you get back up.
On September 18, Harrison found himself at a Hillsong Live concert, from row, dead center stage. With a simple "I'll be right back, I've gotta go to the bathroom," he was gone, leaving the concert. What happened that night, I won't go into details. All I know is that he found himself at a bowling alley, drunk. Harrison also admitted of other things that happened that night (the details that I've withheld), and pursued ways to better himself after this incident.
The point of this blog is to say that no matter how many times you fall, God is still there, and He's the one who will help you up. It doesn't matter how far in the wrong direction you are, it takes ONE step to move into the right direction. You would think Harrison would be mad at God because his stuff was stolen from a bookstore (about $1,500 worth of stuff). After talking more with Harrison, I've come to find out that he's not the slightest bit of mad, but perhaps slightly disappointed in the thief's actions. Since that time, he was able to get a new laptop and backpack.
With the beforehand actions, you would think that Harrison would get kicked out of ministry school. With other actions, you would think he should be in jail. But, he's neither. He's still in HC, and pursuing God now more than ever. I say all of this to say that your sin doesn't disqualify you. If anything, it qualifies you for God's grace and mercy. But, that doesn't mean we continue to sin. We turn from our sin, and seek God more and more everyday! Grace doesn't come through the repetition of sin; it comes from the repentance of sin!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
So unworthy--
This morning, I find myself listening to "God So Loved" by United Pursuit Band. I can't help but to think of the most popular, famous Scripture of John 3:16. Just the mention of that Scripture can have you quoting it like it's nothing. But, while that's the reality of it, I've come to find out that we lose interest in what that Scripture actually says. I know in my life, I've dishonored God's word when a pastor reads from John 3:16, and I just sit there thinking "I've heard this so many times." Or "This verse again?" Have you ever felt that way?
In this time and age, we're not seeing the miracles that the Scripture talks so clearly about. I wonder why that is? I heard a pastor once say that it falls on how we honor God's Word. There's third world countries who've never heard of Jesus that are seeing more miracles than those living in the Bible belt knowing Jesus their whole life. Why? Because when someone whose never heard of Jesus hears about Him for the first time, the honor is so strong that they're able to see things happen. When I heard about Jesus, it wasn't for the first time. I grew up around it (but, don't think for a second it inspired me to be a Christian).
The point I'm trying to make is that we dishonor God's Word so much that we allow it to just take a backseat in our mind, and we don't think twice about what we're actually reading. We're reading the God spoken, God-breathed, God inspired Scripture! That's major! If we could only grasp what people went through to get this book in our hands, it'll be enough to prove His existence.
So, here's the test:
In this time and age, we're not seeing the miracles that the Scripture talks so clearly about. I wonder why that is? I heard a pastor once say that it falls on how we honor God's Word. There's third world countries who've never heard of Jesus that are seeing more miracles than those living in the Bible belt knowing Jesus their whole life. Why? Because when someone whose never heard of Jesus hears about Him for the first time, the honor is so strong that they're able to see things happen. When I heard about Jesus, it wasn't for the first time. I grew up around it (but, don't think for a second it inspired me to be a Christian).
The point I'm trying to make is that we dishonor God's Word so much that we allow it to just take a backseat in our mind, and we don't think twice about what we're actually reading. We're reading the God spoken, God-breathed, God inspired Scripture! That's major! If we could only grasp what people went through to get this book in our hands, it'll be enough to prove His existence.
So, here's the test:
"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His ONLY Son,
that whoever would believe in Him
would not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:15
What's new? Remember the first love? Keep that fire, because it'll spark plenty of flames in your future!
Monday, September 10, 2012
I remember September 11th.
It was Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 6:30 AM. I'm awoken by the booming voice of my father, "Wake up, it's time for school," in the sing-songy way he used to do it. Why'd he say it like that? It never made sense to me, plus he worried me saying it like that. So, I jump in the shower, gel my hair, get dressed, and pretty much, I'm looking pretty good, if I should say so myself. So, it's out the door, in the car, and heading to school! With my headphones in and listening to my new CD player I had gotten, I was feeling on top of the world. It was a beautiful days outside, I was happy, and more than ever, I had made the decision to ask my first girl to be my girlfriend (the cootie shot finally wore off).
Advisory class was never fun. We met for thirty minutes, then proceeded to our next class. That day was no different. I clearly remember sitting at my desk with my soon-to-be girlfriend, nervous, palms sweating as I slipped her a piece of paper. "I would like to be your boyfriend. Will you be my girlfriend? Check __Yes or __No." Simple as that. While waiting on my response, I couldn't help but notice that numerous students had been checked out. What? School has only been in session for like an hour? No fair! Cuz, I'm still here. I also couldn't help but notice that a crowd of teachers had surrounded the television in my teacher's classroom. I got out of my chair, looked to see what they were watching, and all I saw was a silver structure and smoke. My initial thought, "Oh, nice. A new factory has opening, and the smoke signaled the official opening." Wrong.
I sat back down in my seat, and I noticed a paper on my desk. My answer! Score one for Cody, my first girlfriend! About that exact same time, I'm checked out. Score two for Cody, checked out early. I walk down the very empty halls to meet my dad, and I find him distraught. He calmly explains what had happened, and that's when I realized America was under attack. As we drove home, I'm mortified by the news on the radio. I couldn't believe someone could be so evil.
When we arrived at home, of course we turn on the television, and see footage of terrorist burning American flags. It was a complete outrage. Quite frankly, I was scared.
In March 2012, I had the honor of flying to New York to work with the New York Dream Center. The NYDC is committed to helping out the inner cities during times of crisis. While on that trip, I got to visit what is now called the Freedom Towers. Bigger than ever, they scale the horizon of New York with a reflective beauty I've never seen before. They may have fallen easy, but they came back stronger. I also got to visit the memorial site of where the two towers stood, now thirty feet waterfalls. I'm amazing of the beauty of the sites. Around the pools are the names of the deceased... Hundreds... Thousands. Wives. Husbands. Co-workers. Friends. All gone in an instance.
Yes, I remember September 11, 2001, a day that changed America. God bless America.
Advisory class was never fun. We met for thirty minutes, then proceeded to our next class. That day was no different. I clearly remember sitting at my desk with my soon-to-be girlfriend, nervous, palms sweating as I slipped her a piece of paper. "I would like to be your boyfriend. Will you be my girlfriend? Check __Yes or __No." Simple as that. While waiting on my response, I couldn't help but notice that numerous students had been checked out. What? School has only been in session for like an hour? No fair! Cuz, I'm still here. I also couldn't help but notice that a crowd of teachers had surrounded the television in my teacher's classroom. I got out of my chair, looked to see what they were watching, and all I saw was a silver structure and smoke. My initial thought, "Oh, nice. A new factory has opening, and the smoke signaled the official opening." Wrong.
I sat back down in my seat, and I noticed a paper on my desk. My answer! Score one for Cody, my first girlfriend! About that exact same time, I'm checked out. Score two for Cody, checked out early. I walk down the very empty halls to meet my dad, and I find him distraught. He calmly explains what had happened, and that's when I realized America was under attack. As we drove home, I'm mortified by the news on the radio. I couldn't believe someone could be so evil.
When we arrived at home, of course we turn on the television, and see footage of terrorist burning American flags. It was a complete outrage. Quite frankly, I was scared.
In March 2012, I had the honor of flying to New York to work with the New York Dream Center. The NYDC is committed to helping out the inner cities during times of crisis. While on that trip, I got to visit what is now called the Freedom Towers. Bigger than ever, they scale the horizon of New York with a reflective beauty I've never seen before. They may have fallen easy, but they came back stronger. I also got to visit the memorial site of where the two towers stood, now thirty feet waterfalls. I'm amazing of the beauty of the sites. Around the pools are the names of the deceased... Hundreds... Thousands. Wives. Husbands. Co-workers. Friends. All gone in an instance.
Yes, I remember September 11, 2001, a day that changed America. God bless America.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
You ARE Blessed!
Something has been on my heart a lot lately. I've realized in the midst of expectations, a lot of times we're let down. We "think" we deserve something, or we're doing all that we can to pursue our faith to the fullest extent. In reality, we're doing just enough to get by. Let me further explain.
The blessing God has for your life is something that HE sees fitting for your life, not something you'd realize. As Pastor John Bevere once said, "God may send a blessing that you need in a package you don't want." Think about it, we know what our flesh wants. We live on this earth; we're merely human beings. We're fleshy people with fleshy desires. But, our desires do not align with God's sometime. God's desire is for us, yet desiring ourselves may seem a bit conceited- but that's a different story. The point I'm trying to make is that we don't realize that we're already blessed.
In my own life, I've had the blessings that I've wanted, and the blessings that God has already provided. Here's some examples:
Blessings I Want:
The blessing God has for your life is something that HE sees fitting for your life, not something you'd realize. As Pastor John Bevere once said, "God may send a blessing that you need in a package you don't want." Think about it, we know what our flesh wants. We live on this earth; we're merely human beings. We're fleshy people with fleshy desires. But, our desires do not align with God's sometime. God's desire is for us, yet desiring ourselves may seem a bit conceited- but that's a different story. The point I'm trying to make is that we don't realize that we're already blessed.
In my own life, I've had the blessings that I've wanted, and the blessings that God has already provided. Here's some examples:
Blessings I Want:
- My car has been in the shop for almost two months now. Being that I do not like to rely on people much, I've been desperate to get my car back.
- Financial peace- Working in a dead end job doesn't help this area. My potential to tithe is slim due to the job I have, and the pressure to provide for myself as well.
- After a few semesters from school, God has blessed me with the opportunity to go back to school. I never thought I'd get a second chance, but God is in the miracle working business. Being in debt, and on academic probation, the process was grueling to plead my case. It was worth it in the end when I walked into the doors to Shelton State to further my education.
- Since my faithfulness to the ministry of the Kingdom, God has blessed me in that- even when it feels like a huge burden- my car is being fixed! And, I should have it back anytime now. There's more to this, but that's confidential, and between myself, God, and the people helping. I'm just truly blessed to be involved with these people.
- In December, I have the opportunity to go to Los Angeles for a mission trip. From the talks I've had with people, I've been blessed with their friendships, and they've committed to sponsorship, which is a huge blessing. LA, here I come!
God is truly amazing. Don't live off the blessings you want, but realize that you ARE blessed!
Monday, August 27, 2012
God is amazing!
The title says it best. God is truly amazing. I don't know how I can possibly say more. In the months since my last post, so much has happened. God has opened the door to so many different opportunities. He has truly blessed me. Here's a small highlight of some new things happening in my life recently.
- The time has come to put the past behind me. Whenever I was in elementary school, I wore hearing aids. It was the worst thing ever. It caused no air to flow throw my ears, and with zero pressure reaching your inner ear, you start to talk nasally. Because of it, I got made fun of in school. People would always tell me I talked funny, and rather "loonie" as some may call it. Since then, I've further the process of getting new hearing aids made, and making sure that people's opinions no longer have an affect on me. Galations 1:10 encouraged me to fix my priorities as far as what people say and what God says. What God says is a lot more important, and God says that I am created in His image, therefore I am His righteousness, and nothing can seperate me from Him. Because He has delivered on His promises, I find the confidence to move forward for many reasons. One, I can hear. Two, I can understand more. And, three, I can experience what others are experiencing by not missing out on potential life-changing opportunities.
- I go to the most life-giving church ever. Since starting Church of the Highlands about a year and a half ago, I've found my purpose in ministry. With the strategic classes and internship, I have seen my calling put to test as I am placed in position to lead people with excellence. Excellence is the assurance of top notch quality with great results. With the mindset of excellence, you see lives change. I've witnessed it first hand.
- Finally, the people in my life have made life worth living. Yes, the LORD is first and foremost, above all, yet if God builds His Kingdom relationally, then it matters who you have in your life. Recently, I had the honor and privilege to take a youth man under my wing, and lead him in the ways of the LORD. Although I'm not perfect, nor fit for the position, God used me to help him in a huge way. Risking it all, even to incarceration, I made sure that I did whatever I could to help this kid out. It paid off. He got saved, completely covered in the grace of God, and is now pursuing ministry at Highlands College (the college my church founded). Seeing his life changed changed my own life. It was the spark I needed to know that being involved with people can not only help them, but it can help yourself, too.
With all that being said, you can see why God gets all the glory. With man, all this would be impossible. But, with God, ALL things are possible. And let me leave with this one verse:
"...because God is by my side, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8
Walk in this confidence daily!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Update from New York!
Words cannot describe how blessed I am to have come to New York on a mission. Since I've been here, I have marveled at the lights of Time Square, grieved in the sight of the Freedom towers, which is also the site of the now demolished World Trade Centers. I have seen the high lifes of District Soho, which is a very upscale neighborhood. I've been to Central Park, and seen John Lennon's memorial. This all seems fun, and to be honest, it was. But, New York has a flip side, and I saw it yesterday during Harlem outreach.
During Harlem outreach, the NYDC came together and offered the poor and less fortunate a bite to eat, and some hot chocolate for the bitter coldness. In Alabama, we had about two weeks of coldness. I've been wearing my jacket everywhere I go here. Anyways, as we were preparing to hand out food, an ex-convict started stirring up chaos with another man in the line, and we had to seperate them before they fought. We got the ex-convict some food, and led him away to talk with him. My part during the outreach? Dispense the soup, which was basically chicken flavored Ramens. I absolute loved and enjoyed meeting new people, and being able to give them food- something they literally hunger for. I thought I had seen it all until I met a man named Jose.
Jose had come through the line for food, and I handed him some "dry soup," which is just soup without water. He walked away, and had another member of the NYDC pray with him. But, God kept him there longer... and for a reason, too. As the NYDC crew loaded up and took off, Chris and I began walking back to our apartment (only a few blocks down from Harlem). Jose was still standing by, and I had noticed he had actually walked away. When I saw him bring out a tissue, I knew something was wrong with him. Chris and I approached him, and started talking to him more. The life he lives of going from one shelter to another, constantly running out of medication, struggling to stay alive- it broke my heart. I wanted to pack him up, and bring him home back to Alabama. He is desperate for a job, but because of his "social status" and many disabilities, he's only able to rely on welfare.
I tell his story to say this- I never realized how good I actually have it until I met Jose. Here I am, with a steady home life- struggling, yet steady. And, this guy has no idea IF he'll get a bed at the next shelter, where they happen to just turn you away to the cold if they're full. I have an okay food supply. This guy relies on outreaches like the NYDC to feed him. The guy NEVER begs for money, and even tried turning away the money I gave to him. He's a humbled man, yet knows he's struggling. So, as we were leaving, I got to pray for Jose, and just bless him. As I walked away, my heart started to break. The last words I told Jose were "If I never see you again, you're face is forever engraved in my heart." And, he was off.
Here I am, a block from the Freedom towers now, sitting in a Starbucks, and I'm realizing how blessed I am. God has blessed me with so much.
I'm looking forward to coming home, and seeing everybody! I know this blog was long, but I'm glad you read it, too!
During Harlem outreach, the NYDC came together and offered the poor and less fortunate a bite to eat, and some hot chocolate for the bitter coldness. In Alabama, we had about two weeks of coldness. I've been wearing my jacket everywhere I go here. Anyways, as we were preparing to hand out food, an ex-convict started stirring up chaos with another man in the line, and we had to seperate them before they fought. We got the ex-convict some food, and led him away to talk with him. My part during the outreach? Dispense the soup, which was basically chicken flavored Ramens. I absolute loved and enjoyed meeting new people, and being able to give them food- something they literally hunger for. I thought I had seen it all until I met a man named Jose.
Jose had come through the line for food, and I handed him some "dry soup," which is just soup without water. He walked away, and had another member of the NYDC pray with him. But, God kept him there longer... and for a reason, too. As the NYDC crew loaded up and took off, Chris and I began walking back to our apartment (only a few blocks down from Harlem). Jose was still standing by, and I had noticed he had actually walked away. When I saw him bring out a tissue, I knew something was wrong with him. Chris and I approached him, and started talking to him more. The life he lives of going from one shelter to another, constantly running out of medication, struggling to stay alive- it broke my heart. I wanted to pack him up, and bring him home back to Alabama. He is desperate for a job, but because of his "social status" and many disabilities, he's only able to rely on welfare.
I tell his story to say this- I never realized how good I actually have it until I met Jose. Here I am, with a steady home life- struggling, yet steady. And, this guy has no idea IF he'll get a bed at the next shelter, where they happen to just turn you away to the cold if they're full. I have an okay food supply. This guy relies on outreaches like the NYDC to feed him. The guy NEVER begs for money, and even tried turning away the money I gave to him. He's a humbled man, yet knows he's struggling. So, as we were leaving, I got to pray for Jose, and just bless him. As I walked away, my heart started to break. The last words I told Jose were "If I never see you again, you're face is forever engraved in my heart." And, he was off.
Here I am, a block from the Freedom towers now, sitting in a Starbucks, and I'm realizing how blessed I am. God has blessed me with so much.
I'm looking forward to coming home, and seeing everybody! I know this blog was long, but I'm glad you read it, too!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Update from New York!
Since I've been here in New York, I haven't really been too busy. Today was my first day actually doing any type of outreach, which I loved more than anything. But, until today, I've been able to see a lot of New York, and it's made me realize a lot of things.
Honor here is not heard of. For instance, whenever I was boarding a seven train to head to our outreach, there was a very talented man playing an accordion by the tracks. The music was beautiful, and filled the air with the sound of soothing jazz. Whenever the man finished playing, no one even noticed. He looked around, expecting some sort of applause at all, but got none. It instantly broke my heart. I wanted to go over and let the guy know I enjoyed it more than he knew, but my train approached as I was heading to him. Although no one paid attention to him, he did make a little bit of money, which I think is amazing. But, money is temporary happiness.
New York is full of people looking for love and belonging. A lot of people come here expecting to live this high class life without taking in the true streets, and what is actually going on. Being in Spanish Harlem this week has made me step out in faith, and see New York for what it truly is, a place of hurt and despair.
Today, as I helped at the Chelsea outreach, some of the people there began to get heated with each other over the food we were handing out. It hit me then- these people are starving. Not in just a physical way, but in many other ways. I have grown to see the yearning these people have. Overall, the people were amazing. I got to meet a few of the people who lived in the Chelsea housings, and they were so happy and humbled. The majority of them, at least. I met one man named Philip, a Hispanic/Puerto Rican man, who had lived in Chelsea his whole life. I grew to love this man, because he had a servant's heart to reach out to his community.
Well, I don't have much else to say, but I do miss home. I hope everyone at home is having an amazing time. When this weekend comes, enjoy the Angels, and then serve whole-heartedly at church Sunday. What you're doing is setting the level for the generations behind you, so that when you do pass the torch, the plan is already clear.
I love you guys! Please continue to be in prayer for me as I roam these streets, showing the love of Christ.
Honor here is not heard of. For instance, whenever I was boarding a seven train to head to our outreach, there was a very talented man playing an accordion by the tracks. The music was beautiful, and filled the air with the sound of soothing jazz. Whenever the man finished playing, no one even noticed. He looked around, expecting some sort of applause at all, but got none. It instantly broke my heart. I wanted to go over and let the guy know I enjoyed it more than he knew, but my train approached as I was heading to him. Although no one paid attention to him, he did make a little bit of money, which I think is amazing. But, money is temporary happiness.
New York is full of people looking for love and belonging. A lot of people come here expecting to live this high class life without taking in the true streets, and what is actually going on. Being in Spanish Harlem this week has made me step out in faith, and see New York for what it truly is, a place of hurt and despair.
Today, as I helped at the Chelsea outreach, some of the people there began to get heated with each other over the food we were handing out. It hit me then- these people are starving. Not in just a physical way, but in many other ways. I have grown to see the yearning these people have. Overall, the people were amazing. I got to meet a few of the people who lived in the Chelsea housings, and they were so happy and humbled. The majority of them, at least. I met one man named Philip, a Hispanic/Puerto Rican man, who had lived in Chelsea his whole life. I grew to love this man, because he had a servant's heart to reach out to his community.
Well, I don't have much else to say, but I do miss home. I hope everyone at home is having an amazing time. When this weekend comes, enjoy the Angels, and then serve whole-heartedly at church Sunday. What you're doing is setting the level for the generations behind you, so that when you do pass the torch, the plan is already clear.
I love you guys! Please continue to be in prayer for me as I roam these streets, showing the love of Christ.
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