Scars

      We all carry our own scars. Some can be seen. Some can't. But they're still there. Scars from our past. Scars from our choices. Scars from our mistakes. Scars from what we thought was love. Some have begun to heal, some are too busy growing deeper to do more than hurt. They remind us of things we'd rather forget, of hates we still cater to, of lost dreams that were tossed aside when we thought they were too big to accomplish. But let's not forget Jesus has scars too. His hands, his side, each spilling His precious blood for us. Do you think He looks at His scars wishing they weren't there? That He hadn't done what He did to give all who recognize Him as their Savior eternal Life? Do you think He regrets? No. He doesn't. So why should we? In no way should we let our scars and what they are from define us. But without them would we be what we are today? Without Jesus's scars would we even be breathing right now? He was all God, but He was also all Man- a simple, just like us Man. If He can look at His scars and only see the Grace, Mercy, and all comforting Love that they represent, shouldn't we be able to look at ours, praising Him for the hope in a tomorrow that He watches over, knowing that one day, our scars will represent so much more than what caused them.

His Glory

A Chaplin in our church's son was shot in gang related violence a couple weeks ago and later died in the hospital...yet today at church when I look over and see the father singing with his hands in the air, a smile on his face, and praising God with more zeal than ANYONE in the whole church, including myself, I was shocked. I kept waiting for him to break down and have to leave or at least look away and dab his eyes...

He didn't. I later found out why.

His son Brian's funeral attracted 4,000+ people, so much so that 2 High schools in San Antonio (the family's hometown) had to be shut down because they knew none of the kids would show. Many of Brian's friends wanted to retaliate against the shooter's family and kill the shooter. The Chaplin said "Why? We, as Christians, have forgiven the man, and we know Brian is in Heaven now, where there is no pain, or hate, or lust for revenge. If you want to do something for Brian you be sure to meet him up there one day by giving your life to Jesus Christ right now." ...400 people gave their life to God that day alone. The church was over flooded. The altar call was so vast people of all ages were being prayed for out in the parking lot and surrounding area. Their church has doubled in size. The media has become involved and spread the word of this, thus bringing more to God through this story. One life, even if he had to be taken from this world in order for it to happen, brought hundreds of hearts and souls to God and His Mercy... This is how a tragic loss, a funeral, and a simple altar call became a modern day Revival. So if you think that God can't take your dark situation and turn it for His Glory...well, this is proof that He can. He does. And He will.  

Who We Are

We are all God's children. And every single one of us is loved unconditionally, which means no matter how much we screw up, He's still waiting for us to turn and run back to Him. There is always going to be a pair of open arms for us to crawl into and be sheltered from the world, even if we can't see them. There forever will be Someone to wipe away every single tear, even if we're still crying. He's promised to always be here, even if we don't trust Him to catch us when we choose to fall. Darkness flees from the Light, same as the torments of your life will when you give God ultimate control.
So don't 'fit in', don't lose the definition of who you are for the world's benefit. Don't think that the only way out is to fall into the traps and trials set before us. Don't change who and what you are, a Child of the Most High, for ANYONE. Take Courage in being his son/daughter, courage to face the world and bring others to Him. Take Pride and Honor in the life and body He has given you, by using it to His glory. Take Comfort in knowing the most powerful, evermore being in existence has YOUR best interest at heart. Take Peace in the thought that no matter the hell this life may seem like, by the blood of Jesus, you've been promised a Heaven that will last for eternity.