Fwd: Harvest Daily Devotion for 3/30/2009: "Valuable to God"

Monday, March 30, 2009 Valuable to God We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. — 2 Corinthians 4:7 Is low self-esteem really the problem with society today? I think we need to have a proper understanding of the way things are. First of all, I recognize in myself I am a sinner. But I also recognize that when Christ came into my life He gave me value. He put His treasure in an earthen vessel, or in a jar of clay, which is my life. And now, with a new confidence and boldness, I have something to offer, because He has made me someone of value. A great writer can write on an ordinary piece of paper and suddenly it is valuable. A great artist can take a canvas and make a beautiful painting on it that is priceless. It isn't the paper that's valuable, or the canvas. It's what the poet wrote on the paper. It's what the artist painted on the canvas. The apostle Paul knew that the value of the work he was doing for the Lord was not due to his own ability, but due to the power of God at work in him. He wrote to the church in Corinth, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). God wrote His name on you when you gave your life to Christ. He invested Himself in you. That's why you can make a difference. God wants to use you, and He has a place for you—a part for you to play, a seed for you to sow, a call for you to answer. 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: "It is Finished - I" Read the Word: Today--Exodus 39 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

Weird dream

Some are jealous that I can have some control in my dreams. And others also jealous that I can remember my dreams. Here's the one from last night:

I was already graduated from college; have my degree. Everything! I was actually substituting for a class. Actually, it was my 4th & 5th grade teacher's class. She had left the lesson plan for me but for some odd reason, I'm assuming it was faxed over cause part of the document didn't come through clearly.

I ended up giving a lecture for the 1st 5 mins about the importance of completing school, going to college, and getting a post graduate degree. The kids seemed really in to it, and after my little spiel, felt good about myself that I was trying to positively influence the youth.

I went around and helped some of the kids with their assignment and happy I didn't get the normal "let's disrespect the substitue teacher" syndrome.

When the day was almost ending, the kids starting watching this Anime (kinda looked like the shower Drawn Together) and they talked about Armageddon. And randomly I saw some of my old classmates from over the year just hanging out in the class. Apparently they needed to take a 4th/5th grade class to satisfy some odd requisite. Among those friends was Kristen Harker (friend from Jr. High) and my friend Nicole Novella who I was trying to convince that she knows my friend Ronnie Valdivia (elementary school friend).

Random right?

God and sexuality- Latter Days

My next Netflix movie to review is Latter Days. This is a movie that I've watched before, and generally liked. But watching it again now, has more meaning for me. Aaron is LDS missionary who has a tough time coming to terms with his attraction to men. He has always suppressed it because it wasn't "right". And then he meets, ironically, Christian; a care-free gay Angelino (Los Angeles resident).

It isn't until a series of events, that Aaron is thrusted to coming to terms with who he is. In many respects, I am like Aaron. I used to be so secure in my identity as a gay Christian. I believed that God created me this way; it wasn't something that I was influenced or coaxed in to becoming. I didn't decide one day I want to be gay; it just happened. I was secure that as long as I had God in my life and heart, I will be saved. But as time goes on by, a new question arises; "I am gay & Christian. Can those two identities truly co-exist?".

And then there is the character Christian who I can identify with as well. He is shallow and lives for the moment. There really isn't much to him than his good looks and witty personality. But then he is also faced with questions, "Am I shallow?". A series of events help him come to terms that he can be something else, personality wise. He can have depth and look beyond the superficial.

This movie hits home with me on so many levels. It didn't provide me with any revelations on how I should live my life with dual personalities, but a reminder that I'm not the only one going through these struggles; trying to ground myself in my beliefs and trying to live in harmony with my feelings.

I recommend this movie to those who are trying to find themselves both in God and who you are!

Perspective

This is a quotation from The Daily Book of Positive Quotations by Linda Picone. It's a pretty good book. It has for each day a quote and a little blurb about it. Today's quote talks about Perspective:

March 22

"We are all something, none of us are everything"- Blaise Pascal

Do we think too much of ourselves- or too little? We may have tendencies towards one end of the spectrum or the other. Or we may go back and fourth between extremes, convinced of our importantce one day and our insignificance the next.

We all have a place in the world that is significant; we all matter. The trick is not to think we matter more than anyone else in the world.

I can be happy with my place in the world, without distorting it one way or another.

Take time to smell the roses

Today was a lazy Saturday. At least the first half of it. I was able to sleep in, listen to a couple podcasts, do some stretching, eat breakfast and played with my niece. Here is just a glimpse in to what my Saturday morning was like.

St. Patty's Day

Today was the day to be green. Not green with jealousy, not green with envy, but green with good cheer!

My St. Patrick's Day was pretty eventful. We had a potluck at work, and to my surprise, even came home to a corned beef with cabbage and potato dinner.

Must be my lucky day!

A freed man

My friend is finally discharged from the hospital. All rejoice!

After almost 3 weeks of being in the hospital, I am happy to report that he is out! Was worried there for awhile. Day after day, I would visit him and remind him I'm never going to leave his side and that I will always be there for him in any way possible.

We've been friends for over 11 years, and through it all, thick and thin, good and bad, I have supported him. I've tried to be his rock even though there were times when I felt neglected or pushed away. He is like a brother and family. I would do anything for this guy!

I'm close with his family and considered like "one of the cousins". I will always have his back and he has mine. I'm just thankful that, like my fortune cookie said, "You will make a fortune with your friend". And that we will by making a fortune of memories to come!

Tears of the Saints

I remember during this past summer when I went to the Harvest Crusade, I was fortunate enough to see this band Leeland perform. I didn't know who they were but I liked their style. And then they played this song.

I was literally crying watching them play this song live. I was touched at the powerful lyrics and it's meaning to me as a Christian. I hope this video will touch you in a way like it did me.

Enjoy!

Vicky Cristina Barcelona was great

Laying in bed yesterday in my injured state, I was able to watch a movie. I ended up watching Vicky Cristina Barcelona. My coworker was talking about it mainly because Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson share an on-screen kiss. Eh. I didn't think that was a big deal, and that wasn't my main motivation for watching the movie.

Mainly the motivation was it was an Oscar nominee for something, I forget, and cause Javier Bardem is foreign hottie. LOL.

Verdict: I liked it!

It tells the tale of two women who have different ideals about love: one who believes love is practical and the other who has a more carefree attitude. Then comes in Bardem's character to complicate it even more who is alluring and charismatic. There is a demeanor about his character that leaves you guessing and captivates you. And one more layer to the formula, an ex-wife played by Penelope Cruz. Confusing and twisted? Yes...but aren't most Woody Allen movies like that?

One of the quotes that really stood out in this movie was, "...we are meant for each other, and not meant for each other. It's a contradiction." This was a movie I could relate to with my current state of affairs. As Bardem's character describes it, the situation can only be described through poetry. Maybe that's why I have resorted to blogging?

Hmm....makes me wonder.

Anyhoot, this was a great movie. If you got some time to spare, I recommend it.

Fortune Cookie

What better way to replenish energy after a long run (10k) than eating Chinese food? Fried rice, orange chicken, chicken & shrimp with vegetables! Yum!

And the fortune cookie says:

"You will make a fortune with your friend"

Did I ever mention I hate money? I hope it's a fortune in other ways.

I did it...we did it...now I'm hurting

Today was a milestone for me. The first time in my life I ran a race. What kind of race? A 10k. Where? At Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Ca.

It has been about 3 months of training to get to this point. Grant it, last weekend my group ran 8 miles which is more than a 10k, but it was the first time to run in an official race. It was for a good cause also. All proceeds of the race went towards the Speech and Language Development Center.

I had a lot of anxiety the night before. I woke up a couple times during the night, and was afraid of my knee and hips hurting. I was also afraid of being late for the race but that was fine. I got to our Snail's Pace tent and met up with all the coaches.

I was psyched! I was nervous! I had performance anxiety! What if I fell? What if I came in last? These were all thoughts going on in my head. And what can you expect on your 1st race? But as we were lined up in the chute, and racing gun went off, all of that went away. I was on my way to the finish line with my group!

I broke away from the pack, but come around mile 4, my knees and hip starting to give out. I had to slower my pace down, and listen to my body. I couldn't keep the run 5 mins, walk 1 min interval that I had been so good at doing. Was more like 3 run, 2 walk.

Goodness, was I glad I made it past the finish line! The excitement....and the pie that was waiting at the end! It was awesome!

Now it's time to rest and definetley lots of cross training this week and from here on out. But one thing is for sure, I learned a lot about myself today, a lot of what I am capable. I learned to listen.

Funny thing when you are competing against yourself. When your body tells you to stop, but your mind is telling you that you can do it. Is this the runner's high people talk about? Is this the sense of satisfaction and achievement that all runner's experience?

I think I'm addicted!

There will come a day....

For awhile now, I switched over to listening to Christian radio. Just one day last summer, I was just fed up with listening to music that wasn't inspiring or uplifting. I had enough of the music that talked about sex and drugs. Grant it, I still like listening to that kind of music once in awhile, especially when I'm really feeling that groove at the club.

But with the recent events happening in my life, Christian music is very soothing and comforting. I'm really stuck on this song by Jeremy Camp called "There will come a day...". It's very uplifting and a wonderful reminder that our life here on Earth is temporary. Our real home is in Heaven. I look forward to going home.

Troubled Times

This week has been rough. Actually, the past couple days have been pretty turbulent. My best friend varies from day to day. Every day that I see him, he is able to do more and more, but complications keep coming up that prevent him from going home. He's already been in the hospital for over 2 weeks. I only pray that God continues to bless him and give him the strength and the courage to fight on.

I am thankful though because it is strengthening our relationship and it has also given us an opportunity to grow together with God.

Additionally, I found out that my niece's uncle is also in the hospital with tangled intestines. Usually it's a simple procedure that can be corrected at birth, but in his case, it was never fixed. So this past week, he had to undergo surgery to untangle all 32 yards of his intestines. What is making it worse since the procedure is done, he is spitting up blood, and has tubes connected to his body in almost every oriface possible.

Please pray that God be with my loved ones, and that He continues to bless them.

Radio is a Wunder

I think my blog has become more of a review for the different products that I use or different applications that I come across. LOL. But it is still a place for me to express what is on my mind. But anyways....

Wunder Radio

Love this app for my iPhone. It gets pretty much every radio station you could ever have in your area. There are a few stations that you can't get and for some odd reason are on IheartRadio like 102.7 KIIS FM in Los Angeles. But if you have 3G coverage and wish the iPhone had a FM tuner, this is a great alternative. Yes there is a price tag that comes a long with this, and there are other alternatives like the previously mentioned IheartRadio, Pandora, AOL Radio which are all free, but Wunder Radio is worth it.

I recommend it just if you only have Edge available, not sure how well that works out for you.

The Testimony: Love and Politics

I like artists. I like individuals who have a message to say. Individuals whose works convey a thought, an emotion, and makes you think about what exactly is going on in your life. A reflection of their soul is present deep within that work. India.Arie is no different. She is an artist; not an entertainer.

Her latest work is definetly just that; a testimony. Just like her previous release, which is an awesome pick up also, her soul speaks and I listen.

There is just something about the lyrics, the rhymes, the beats, and the sultry voice all make this a must have.

Some of my favorite tracks on this album are "Ghetto", "He Heals Me", "River Rise", "Long Goodbye", "The Cure". Heck, all the songs are awesome, even the little outro's.

I picked this up at Best Buy for only $9.99 but even if it's not on sale, it is worth every dollar.

Mission: Accomplished

I can honestly say I was waiting for this all week. I had a hard time sleeping last night cause I didn't want to miss it or be late. I was psyched and scared at the same time. But I conquered it and didn't let it scare me away.

I ran 8 MILES TODAY!!! For the first time in my life, I ran 8 miles in one run. I was proud!

There were others in my group today who also have never accomplished such a feat! But we did it. I didn't have anyone else to prove that I could do it but to myself. I pushed through the mental block, and physical hardships and did it.

Damn! I feel good!

That's what I like about running now. Before I was just tired of running and thought it was boring. But now I actually look forward to it; almost like an addiction. I feel I have grown as a person, I've gorwn in my dedication, and perseverence to the sport.

As Coach Joy put it today, "We are athletes now".

I look forward to the Roller Coaster Run this Sunday at Knott's Berry Farm for a 10k run. I'm going to try my best and find out what I am capable of. It'll be a good baseline for me to reference my abilities!

Not to mention I'm starting to see some nice results with my body.

Thankful

As I sit here in the hospital, I am reminded of the many things I thank the Lord for. I am thankful that I can still wake up to the morning sun, air to breathe, and food to eat.

I am thankful that my friend is still with us and have more time to experience. I love my friend and committed to showing him just how much during this tough time for him. I am thankful for everything he has done, and will do for me.

Friends to the end! I will always be there!

-Ervin A.
Sent from my iPhone

"We Belong to God"

This devotion really touched me. This is a great description of why I don't worry about a lot of things. I have such a trust and faith in God that everything has a purpose and reason. Only good can become of anything that God throws at us. When we are down, there is still a positive side of it. During my current trials and tribulation, I have been humbled and reminded that God is in control.

I trust Him and love Him for all the blessings in my life.

Thursday, March 5, 2009 We Belong to God For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you" — Acts 27:23–24 This week's devotions are taken from a recent series of posts on Pastor Greg's blog. To see his latest blog entry, click here. So there was Paul in the midst of a tempest. Yet somehow, he had an amazing calm in the midst of this storm. We too have our storms in life, and we wonder how to get through them. Here are some of Paul's secrets to surviving life's challenges. In Acts 27, Paul said, "For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you" (Acts 27:23-24) Yesterday, I pointed out that Paul realized God was with him. That gave him great confidence. Now, here's the second reason Paul could be strong in his storm. He belonged to God Again, Paul said, "Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me." Do you belong to Jesus? It can make all the difference. Only the follower of Jesus Christ has this confidence. In the Song of Solomon, we read, "My beloved is mine and I am his" (Song of Solomon 2:16 NKJV). Over and over in Scripture, we are given the analogy of being in a relationship with God like that of a bride to a husband to whom she is deeply in love with. This reminds us of His affection and love toward us. But we are also given the analogy of a sheep belonging to a shepherd. In John 10, Jesus told us that He is "the good Shepherd and we are his sheep." This reminds us of His constant care and awareness of our whereabouts. It's hard to be proud about being compared to a sheep. They are basically defenseless, vulnerable, dim-witted creatures. But when under the care of a loving shepherd, they are safe and content. We are also given the analogy of a child to his father. Romans 8:15 reminds us, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,' Abba Father'" (NKJV). This reminds us of His tenderness and protection over each one of us. My children have always had special access to me, as well as my total, unconditional love. That, of course, extends to my grandchildren as well. When my granddaughter Stella sees me, she does not ask for permission to approach. She just says "Papa!" and I stop what I'm doing and pick her up and hug her. We are also told in Scripture that we are his very property. We read in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "You are not your own" (NKJV). In the Greek, it is "You are not your own property. You are bought with a price." If something belonged to a king, it carried his seal. In the same way, 2 Corinthians 1:22 says, "He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us." I read a story about an old gentlemen who known for his godly life. One day, someone asked him, "What do you do when you are tempted, old man?" He replied, "I just look up to heaven and say, 'Lord, your property is in danger.' " Yes, we are His bride, children, sheep, and property. And when the Devil sees that "I.D. tag," he respects it. And just like Paul, we too can say, "I belong to God!" 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 quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Today's Radio Program: "A Word to Children & Their Parents - I" Read the Word: Today--Exodus 14 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

Being bold

One characteristic I am trying to work on is being bold. I'm trying to be bold meaning facing fears, acknowledging my feelings, and not afraid to let others know it either, especially when there is nothing to lose. Call it confidence I guess.

The other night, I was bold enough to tell someone, whom I didn't know, that they were attractive. I didn't get the response I was looking for, but you never know. I can always try again. LOL

But I was also happy that I was bold another time this weekend. I was supposed to have dinner with my friend Sunday night, but haven't heard anything back from them. So I was bold and just went to the house. If my friend was home, great! If my friend wasn't, at least I had a backup plan of doing some work at Starbucks.

I managed to make my way in to the apartment complex, and found my friend's mom. Turns out, reason I didn't get any return calls or texts is because they were not able to; my friend was in the hospital!

"OMG! Excuse me?", is what I was thinking.

I'm glad I was bold that night.