Milk

The other weekend when Mark came over, we had a couple nights staying in at home and watching movies. He's been wanting me to watch the movie Milk and so did I. I've heard so many good things about that movie, and especially because it touches upon a subject that is close to home: discrimination.

I don't know if any of you have been discriminate again before but I can tell you, it's not a fun feeling. There was one time when Mark and I were at the mall holding hands, and these young high school kids began to make indecent remarks. Whatever we both thought. But I can't imagine living back during the times of Harvey Milk and the many injustices that people, like me, had to endure. It was a rough time for gay rights. I am so thankful for those who fought for what we have today. Grant it, there is still not a whole lot that we can do, like get married in California (come on Iowa granted it before California.. WTF?!), but it's more than what was possible.

Harvey Milk was a revolutionary. I didn't know much about him. Bad gay! Bad gay! ::disciplining self:: This movie though was very enlightening.

Starting off with his grassroots movement in the Castro disctrict, to his rise to supervisor, it shows the hard road that gays had to travel.

The movie was very well done and the real life footage adds more of that personal touch and brings it back down to reality. After watching this movie, I can understand why it did get the many nominations that it did.

Great work Sean Penn! And James Franco!

I recommend this movie to everyone, not only because of the great acting, but because of the message and struggles it examines!

Performance Anxiety

It's official...I'm nervous. I'm having anxiety. My half marathon is less than a week away. Am I prepared? Is my body well enough to run? I haven't really been able to train as much as I have been. My new shoes....have I broken them in enough? So many questions to think about and answer; it's nerve racking.

I've been trying my best this past week to prepare for this. When I think about it, I have been training for this for about 5 months now. Wow....has it really been 5 months of training and dedication? But I know my reasons for doing this and I will prove not only to myself, but to others I am ready to make the sacrifices.

That's really one of the things that I did need to improve upon in my life. Everything that has happened up to this date since last December had made me realize I have to humble myself. I am blessed that I have many privileges that some don't. I can't afford to be selfish. I have no reason to be impatient. I've thought about myself instead of others. But that has all changed now. I've learned what that many of my faults have made me lose in a big way. And as I struggle and continue to prove, I will continue to sacrifice. Following in the steps of Jesus, I will also sacrifice my body. In this sense, I will sacrifice my body through running and raising money and funds for important causes. Next run/walk/race I would like to do is the AIDS Walk OC, and most definitely the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

So, this weekend, there are no excuses. No easy way out. No trying to get out of it. I made a dedication, I made a commitment. As scared as I am that my body will break, I will push through and endure through the tears, sweat, and pain. I know my love will give me strength!

Weekend of Memories

This past weekend was filled with many wonderful memories. It was also host to raise awareness for an important mission: March of Dimes.

The weekend started off with dinner at one of the favorite eating spots: BJ's Brewery where Mark and I met

up with some of his friends, Mike and Jay who were visiting from the Bay for Jay's 28th birthday. They have the best dessert there called a pazookie; that is a freshly baked cookie of choice (huge portion) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. YUM!

Dinner was follow up with a night of dancing at the infamous Rage in West Hollywood. The night started off slow as patrons trickled in. I swear I'm so out of the scene that I don't really know anyone anymore. Guess I'm just getting old. Yikes! Mark and I headed home early cause I had work the next day.

Saturday was more of a chill day. Mark was able to get some much needed rest and personal time, while I was off trying to make money to pay the bills and set aside for the future. It was nice to see our niece Bridgette spend some time with her Uncles. Lots of laughing was included.

Sunday was filled with a mission in mind. It was the OC's walk for the March of Dimes; an event that raises funds assist families

of premature babies and the programs for prenatal care. It was a wonderful 5.5 mile walk through Newport Beach, filled with many sceni

c photo opts, random quotes of inspiration from the volunteers, interesting conversation topics from some participants, and the last mile dedicated to the mission. The last mile I just mentioned hit a chord with me seeing the names and birthdays of the young ones who are now angels in heaven. There were quite a few that shared the same birthday as Mark and I. I will proudly say that I got teary eyed and did start to cry when I saw many of the families take photos next to the placard of their loved one. I know Mark was also touched because a similar situation has happened in his family.

The rest of the day was spent at

Newport Beach where Mark and I relaxed. We spent sometime at Fashion Island, taking advantage of the many photo opportunities and to feed our artistic photo eye. We were touched by the sun in many spots on the beach, spent some time enjoying one of our hobbies of stunt kite flying, hiking across the jetty (rocks), and spending a wonderful

dinner at a restaurant at the end of the Newport Pier. It is times like these that we share that will always over-shadow any of the rough times we experience because let's face it, 90% of the time is good, and there is always some that are bad. But if we are both committed, the good times will always prevail and be the driving force in the life we share.

Again

, this weekend was a much needed one. It was filed with memories that will never fade, and served as a stepping stone for more positive things to come. It was a time for us to share a mission together, to walk hand in hand with love guiding us, and God blessing us every step of the way!

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day everyone! Make sure you do your part!

Heart & Soul

Dear Heart,

We got hit hard today.

No matter how hard we try, it seems to have the opposite effect; doing more damage than any repairs. We've told him how sorry we are. Told him how much he means to us. Told him that our love has grown despite our sin, and that it is stronger than ever and will not fail him again.

But now, we are starting to feel numb; devoid of any emotion, whether happy or sad. And although we feel like crying, there are none that can be let out. They have all been shed.

We started this fight too late. We were not quick or swift enough to save what is most dear to us. That was our downfall. No matter how tight or long we struggle, his love keeps slipping further and further away. I'm afraid he will never return to us.

I'm sorry we let him down. But we are strong Heart. Despite our adversity, we will silently continue to fight from afar; on a different front.

We cannot force or convince him to return. We were probably even just fooling ourselves to think he would ever want to return to us. Why should he? He doesn't love us like he used to anymore. How could we expect so much from him? He will need to find that out on his own what his heart truly desires. He will need to make the decision of what he wants.

So for now, maybe we should retreat? Maybe even give up on our hopes and dreams? Cause reality is starting to set in....we lost his love.

Sincerely,
Soul

'Til death do us part

Today is my brother and his wife's wedding anniversary. I believe they have been married now for over 6 years. I forget. But they have been through many hardships, and still have their struggles but they manage to keep it going and alive. Even through their worst times when they were separated, they were able to build up again, and now they have a family.

Happy anniversary Kuya and Nicole!

A solemn vow

A solemn vow

This is a declaration not of the mind, but of my heart!

I declare that true love cannot be bought, but given willingly and
freely. It is not selfish or unkind. It is humble and warm. It is
fueled by love itself.

I declare that love cannot be equated to any amount of currency, any
precious stone, or fine metal. It has a value beyond comprehension or
units of measure. It is intangible and felt from within.

I declare my love will make sacrifices expecting nothing in return. It
is unyielding and understanding. It will be patient.

I declare that my love will endure, grow deeper, richer; strong enough
to move mountains. It will continue to prove itself day after day.
It will become ripe and sweet. It will be an unwavering rock..

I declare my love will protect, comfort, and embrace you. It will be a
shield and fight when it is in harms way.

These are the declarations of a zealous heart. A heart that has been
strengthened by hardships, a heart that has listened to wisdom, a
heart that has been refined by fire, and is now pure. A love
strengthened by the Creator!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

Let the tears of our love give life to the seeds of hope that we sow
and may we reap in the rewards from that harvest.

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

The stars

One of our places to visit is the Griffith Observatory. Remember, we would gaze up at the stars and just lose ourselves in the wonders of the night. It still is one of our favorite spots to visit.

I also now go to the beach and check out the night sky, wondering if you are seeing the same view as I am. Maybe even wishing on the same star....a shooting star.

"Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight...."

When there is a will, there is a way...

Struggles sometimes are intimidating. Sometimes the task seem too daunting you don't know where to begin. Sometimes the task is too much to ask.

But when there is a will, there is a way.

I know we have an upward hill to battle. There are many obstacles that can stand in the way. But I am determined that we can overcome them. I am determined that we can get past it. This weekend gives evidence that we have already conquered some of those hurdles.

Our efforts will not be in vain. They will not be meaningless. I will be strong for you and help us along the way. I will carry you when you are tired.

I promise the view from the top of the hill will be worth our efforts. Will you climb this hill with me?

Symbols and signs

I wear a symbol around my neck. A cross that symbolizes my faith and devotion to God. I am not afraid to proclaim my faith and I do so gladly.

I wear a band around my finger. A ring that symbolizes a commitment we made to each other. I promise to uphold that commitment until the end of time.

These are signs I proclaim; ones that I am not ashamed of!

I will be all you need

I want to give big thanks to Miss X-Factor winner Leona Lewis. The songs from her Spirit album speak to me and sing out loud in ways I cannot.

Today, you told me some news that we didn't get to talk about yet. But I am ready to tackle the challenges, do what is necessary to make everything okay.

I dedicate this song to you my love:

Dreaming of bitter/sweet

The other night I had a dream. It was a wonderful dream; one that
transcended the dream plane and stepped in to reality. It was that
powerful and sweet!

I haven't been having many great dreams whether they are experienced
in an unconscious state or dreams in terms of goals and aspirations.

It as a nice change. But alas, it was only a dream. That's the bitter
part; one that will most likely not come true.

Dream on, dream on.

Another day....

Another day, another dollar! Another day waiting for my love to return.

I miss him!

Grumpy and blue

Chillin' with my monkey at work, and drinking out of my Grumpy mug.
Feeling blue! At least it's a nice sunny day. Nice view from my desk!

Fwd: Harvest Daily Devotion for 4/15/2009: "Gone Fishing"

-Ervin A. 

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Greg Laurie" <GregLaurie@harvestdirect.org>
Date: April 15, 2009 1:00:00 AM PDT
To: Ervin Aquino <Aquinoervin@aol.com>
Subject: Harvest Daily Devotion for 4/15/2009: "Gone Fishing"

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Gone Fishing Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." — John 21:3 How many times have you wanted to leave your problems behind, get away from it all, and hang the "Gone fishing" sign on your office door? After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were waiting in Galilee for Jesus as He had instructed them. Not knowing what else to do, they decided, under the leadership of Peter, to go out and fish. The apostle John tells the story like this: Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3–4) Well, these disciples went out fishing and they caught nothing. That was not a bad thing. But Jesus had them catch nothing to prove a point, which was the futility and uselessness of living our lives without the direction and blessing of Jesus. You can aim at your goals. You can work hard in business, work hard at everything you hold dear, and still your dreams may not be fulfilled because you did not have the Lord direct your life. You did not invite Him to bless your plan or, more importantly, direct you in your plans. So often we will think, It's my life and my future and my career and my family and my money. We forget that we belong to God. We need to remember—it's God's life. It's His future. He is so gracious and loving. He wants to guide and direct your steps. Did you know that? God has a custom-designed plan just for your life. Keep that in mind as you think about your future. Say, "Lord, what do You want me to do? I don't want to go fishing and pull up empty nets. I want You to direct me. I want You to guide me." Have Pastor Greg's devotions blessed you? Write and tell him! Greg@harvest.org Want to read more from Greg Laurie? Be sure to check out his weekly columns at World Net Daily. Click here to read his latest article. Copyright ©2009 by Harvest Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000 Today's Radio Program: "Facing the Trials of Life - I" Read the Word: Today--Leviticus 15 How to Know God Devotion Archives Live Services Pastor Greg's Blog Greg's Personal Site You are receiving this daily mailing because you signed-up to do so on Harvest.org. If you no longer want to receive this mailing, or if you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe from other Harvest Ministries mailings, please visit our e-mail subscription management page. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300

I will love you always!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

My future

The future is uncertain. But we can take steps today to ensure it will be a good one. "Baby steps" is what Mark told me. We may get there slowly, but we'll get there. Here's to taking the necessary small steps to heal, and to one day when we can be each other's one and only again.....

Reap what you sow

If you reap bad seeds, you will have a sour harvest. But if you reap seeds that are good, you will have a bountiful harvest that will nourish and provide over and over again.

Last December, I reaped some seeds that were bad. Now they have gone through the process of growing, and here I am with a bunch of rotten apples. I am now learning my lesson and trying again by planting the seeds that will guarantee good pickings. And this time, I will be patient and nurture the seedlings. I will protect them and care for them. I will love them. And when the time is right, hopefully we can share in the harvest!

Eat cake, or repent?

You say that you've talked to your friends about what is going on. And what they say to you is that I am trying to eat my cake and eat it too.

As an outsider who doesn't know me, it would appear to be that way. I don't blame them. But it's all depending on who you talk to. A person who has never experienced true love or a deep love, doesn't understand the concept that a person can be sorry and remorseful of their actions; that a person can repent.

Jesus loves us and though we may waver away at times, He will still forgive time and time again if we are truly sorry for our actions.

I am a man who has been transformed by my sin. You may think I wanted to "have my cake, and eat it too" but you don't know me. See, I have Jesus in my life. Yes I did make some choices that I am now reaping, but I have learned my lesson. I learned my fault and made the proper corrections. And although I'm trying to make things better, I know what path will lead to hardship and heartache.

So don't judge a book by it's cover. But maybe, you also got your cake, and ate it too.

Questions and Answers

You ask how I can keep on loving you knowing what you two have already shared?
My answer is that my love is deep and forgiving. My love can overlook all that because it doesn't judge. It holds no grudges. It isn't blind to what has happened. It is deeply rooted within my heart and soul like the roots of a great Redwood tree. It can and has overlooked it, and it continues to shine bright, flourish, and yearn for your love in return.

You ask why don't I go out and meet new people and hopefully find someone new to love?
The answer to that is simple. I have met all the people I've needed to meet in life. With each hand I shake, with each face I meet, it just reinforces my love for you. It reminds me of the 1st time that we met, and solidified the strong foundation that we had set.

You ask how I could have strayed the way that I did?
My answer is that I was blinded by the desires of this world. But love shined through, cleared away the clouds, and everything came in to focus. Just like after a rainstorm, the sky is a clear blue, the rays of the sun bring warmth and life, and the clean air breathes new life. And the rainbow in the distance is a reminder of a promise that was made by God and a promise I made to you.

You ask can we overcome our differences?
My answer is our differences are superficial. But it is also what makes us an individual. Our differences pushed us; pushed us to persevere, provided insight to the life of the other. It gives us healthy challenges to strive to be better, and inspire us to create, but our similarities pull us back in.

You asked if we can ever find our way to each other again?
My answer has never been clearer. If the love that we have is truly meant to be, then yes, we will find the path where our lives will intersect and coincide once again with each other. We can and will share the dreams we once had of having a family. That is a hope I still hold on to, and will patiently. I hope that in time, the clouds will clear for you. Until it does, you will always have a place under my umbrella where you can take refuge from the storm.

I ask you, will you ever be able to look at me the same way you did before? Will you be able to see past what is on the surface, and evaluate my core, my soul, my heart?

Will you let our love heal?

Beach that pulls you in and pushes you back out

The beach is such a wonderful place. It's actually my favorite place to pass the time. There is just something about it that is calm and serene. It's become my hangout spot over the last few months. The tides coming in and going out are very soothing. But if you aren't careful, you could be pulled in, sucked out beyond the shore.

I watched the sun set yesterday as well. Such a beautiful sight that was to see. Very reminiscent of past good times. It's a reminder that although it can be dark for a time, it will also light up again.

Run

Life is full of hardships.

And sometimes, the flame that is inside of a person starts to weaken if it isn't taken care of. The pain I suffer is like a broken record, repeating the same verse over and over. I feel like the fierce fire I once had inside of me is striving to survive; one that burns for Mark. But as each day goes by, each day that I am pushed away, each day that although yearns for him to return, weakens my fire to a point I feel that it may one day become extinguished. What once used to be the fuel of my fire, is now its own enemy trying to blow it out; it has no desire to be re-kindled. All that will remain will be the ashes of a past that used to be a beacon of hope, a source of light for those who have lost faith in love.

Leona Lewis's Run, originally done by Snow Patrol, is an inspiring song, that although you don't seem to have a choice, you have to "Light up Light up!". I am constantly being told by him that I will get over this and move on with my life with someone else; take the lessons learned from our now broken love and apply it so that someone new may experience that.

But how can one do that unless you discard the ashes?

The verse "I'll sing it one last time for you, then we really have to go" hits a chord with me because I feel this is starting to become the end; where we must part our ways. And that makes my heart and soul cry out! "To think I may not see those eyes, makes it so hard not to cry, and as we say our long goodbye" is another lyric that is starting to become true for me.

To overcome this pain, must I truly say goodbye, even to friendship...to everything?

I know whomever Mark shares his love with will be lucky. Maybe it's just my time to finally pass on the torch to a bearer. At least I will live to tell others of a wonderful treasure I once had, but how I let it go so he can burn for someone else. "Better to have loved, than to never have loved at all".

I sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbyes
I nearly do

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

Cliches

"If you love it, set it free. If it comes back, it was meant to be!"

Someone loved me before and let me be free. But I came back. But that
love they once had is gone now. So now I have to let go, but not so
sure if they will come back....ever.

Still, a hopeless romantic can dream!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

My memories

I will always cherish these memories and hope that it can be recaptured!

I will always love Marvin!

Hate

I hate you!

I hate you for tempting me! I hate you for leading me astray from my
home! It was a good home. Sure it had it's problems and some repairs,
but it was my home. My home damnit!!! One that I built with careful
and patient hands. My blood, sweat, and tears went in to it! The
calluses on my hands are proof!

I hate myself for not protecting it!

I hate you! I wish I never met you! You ruined it!!!

Ruined EVERYTHING!!!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

Dreaming of gremlins and demons

Another dream! These are becoming more frequent. Here goes:

Setting: neighborhood (raining)

I was walking home when I noticed some individuals were tagging up a neighbors garage door. I wanted to say something but I was scared. Surprisingly, I saw a cop, but he was partaking in the defacement also. I kept to myself and kept on walking. Finally made it home, and went to one of our tinted windows so I can take pictures of them in the act. They then moved to another part of the neighbor's house.

I quickly moved to our garden window, but for some stranger reason it was decorated with black out drapes, and also the window covered with paper or tin foil to keep the light out. After some time, dogs kept scratching at our window searching for shelter. Eventually I had 5 dogs, but found out some were possessed by the demons and quickly cast them out.

But my sister and I soon realized the demons/gremlins were going to attack. The protective paper we put on the windows were soon broken and demons were coming in. Unfortunately, we had security bars on the windows so it was easy for them to slip in through from the outside, but difficult to push them out.

Soon enough, the "fathers" came strolling down the sidewalk like a calvary to save the day. At that moment, I had a premonition; a vision of what should happen. A voice was telling me that there were others, tortured by demons hiding in other homes and underground. All the safe houses were connected by wires. The solution was to have a bolt of lighting hit the lighting rod outside my house. That would kill the demons and save the day. The End.

Interpretation: I have a lot of demons that I have casted out. And because of it, I have become a better person. That premonition/vision can be interpreted as God's divine intervention. That when you put your faith in Him, all will be possible.

Wacky dream, huh?

Sin is bad

I am a sinner. I admit that. I'm not perfect. I am far from it. As much as I was warned, I allowed sin to enter my life, chew me up, and spit me out. I understand why God wants us to stay and run away from it. It tears you up.

I committed a sin. I allowed it to ruin my home that I was building with my partner. I allowed it to alter the love that took 7 years to create and maintain. I allowed it to ruin my life.

And for what? Nothing...cause I lost it....lost it all.

I understand why God warns us of sin because it brings nothing but sadness, depression, and despair. I have been forgiven by the blood of Christ and my partner for my sin. But it's not going to bring him back. I continue to look up and pray to God for strength and guidance, and for HIs will to be done.

I pray he can find his way home like I did. HIs family misses him!

The soundtrack of my life

Is it sadistic to say that when I'm down, I like to listen to depressing, sappy music? People sometimes say to me, "Why you making yourself feel even worse?". As I see it, I find it very therapeutic. Yeah, it makes me fall farther down the spiral but, once you reach rock bottom, where else can you go? You can't go any further than the bottom. The only way from there is up! It's quite humbling actually. When you have nothing else, you rely on God for strength and guidance. Sometimes it's easier to figure out what needs to happen because you can see all of the obstacles stand in your way when you look up.

I'll be honest. I'm sad. I'm depressed. I'm confused by everything. I'm missing you. I'm complicated, I know. I'm a hand full. I'm lost. You offered to stick through it all, and I turned my back. You are not selfish but selfless. I'm lost and I want you to help guide me once again.

But as I sit here patiently, I'll listen to the the soundtrack of my life:

Therapy by India.Arie

He Heals Me by India.Arie

Come Back to Me by Utada Hikaru

Better in Time by Leona Lewis

Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood

I Hate Myself for Losing You by Kelly Clarkson

A Better Man by Shayne Ward

Something Worth Living for by Shayne Ward

I'm sure there will be volume 2! LOL

Please Lord, show me the way. Amen.

Late to the race

I had another dream last night. It's weird cause like I mentioned in my last post about dreams, it doesn't happen often. Maybe because I'm not asleep long enough. Hahaha. I average about 7 hours of sleep, but on a day that I get to sleep in, about 10. Bad, I know huh? Anyways...here is the dream I had:

Setting: a wilderness race

It was a nice summer day. I had decided to participate in a race. My family was there (mom and dad) and they were actually excited for me. I had brought my gear to the race and went to go change in the bathroom along with some others. I had my red gym bag with me and began to suit up. At that moment, all of the fast runners started to trickle in as well and it started to get crowded. I started getting frustrated cause I was having a hard time getting ready. In the background I heard the announcer counting down to the start of the race.

I had my running shorts, my running shirt, I put on the Body Glide, but then I noticed one important element...my shoes! Where were my shoes?! I scrounge around my bag and find them. As I put my running belt on, I start running towards the starting line. But I noticed I was missing another element, my racing bib! I hadn't signed up for the race. I franticly try to locate the registration table. I walk all around and panic. And behold, the race started without me. Some time passes and I go up to a table and inquire if it is too late to run. They stated yes. But did that stop me...nope! I decided to run with the pack anyways. The End!

Interpretation: There will be times when I make a decision and others will be there to support me. Sometimes those who I don't expect but for what ever reason, they step up their game. In this instance, my parents are that figure. There will be times when I can't think clearly because there is too much going on, but once things settle down, I am able to focus once again and complete the task. I'm not always going to be prepared for life's hiccups. But I will do what is necessary to ensure that I can be ready for it. And if I am not able to complete that research or get clarification, I just go for it and learn as I go.

Reflection: My life is a big cluster right now. So much I want to do, so much I want to accomplish, so much I want, so much I need. I don't have clear direction or all of the answers to my questions. Many things are still floating in the air. But I know with the support and love of important individuals in my life (God, Mark, Ricky, and my family), I will be able to withstand life's challenges and fulfill my dreams/aspirations!

Fwd: Harvest Daily Devotion for 4/2/2009: "The Spiritual Soldier"

-Ervin A.

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Greg Laurie" <GregLaurie@harvestdirect.org>
Date: April 2, 2009 1:00:00 AM PDT
To: Ervin Aquino <Aquinoervin@aol.com>
Subject: Harvest Daily Devotion for 4/2/2009: "The Spiritual Soldier"

Thursday, April 2, 2009 The Spiritual Soldier "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." — Luke 14:33 The people were following Jesus in great numbers, but for the wrong reasons. So He made a series of statements intentionally designed to thin out the ranks. He wanted to be left with those who really wanted to follow Him, truly committed disciples and soldiers. Let's look at the qualities Jesus wants in the soldiers He is enlisting in His service. We can see just what He expects in the Gospel of Luke: Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. . . . So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:25–26, 33) Jesus laid out plainly what is necessary to be His disciple, to be a soldier in His service. In essence, Jesus said, "If you want to follow Me, you must love Me more than anybody else." If someone is trying to hold you back, say to that person, "I'm sorry, but I am following Christ. If you want to walk with me, come on. You can be a spiritual soldier with me." A spiritual soldier must also forsake all he or she has for Jesus. That means you take everything in your life and say, "This belongs to you, Lord." That is what it means to be Jesus' disciple. That is what it means to be His soldier: you love Him more than anyone, more than anything—just as He loves you! Have Pastor Greg's devotions blessed you? Write and tell him! Greg@harvest.org Want to read more from Greg Laurie? Be sure to check out his weekly columns at World Net Daily. Click here to read his latest article. Copyright ©2009 by Harvest Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000 Today's Radio Program: "Where Were You, Lord? - II" Read the Word: Today--Leviticus 2 How to Know God Devotion Archives Live Services Pastor Greg's Blog Greg's Personal Site You are receiving this daily mailing because you signed-up to do so on Harvest.org. If you no longer want to receive this mailing, or if you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe from other Harvest Ministries mailings, please visit our e-mail subscription management page. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300