The Kingdom Experiment

Yesterday @ Jesus Time we started a book as a group. The Kingdom Experiment. The point of the book is to activate intentional living and get you out in the community showing love. Week 1 was intense. I showed up late because Steph almost ran outta gas and couldn't find her wallet so I went to get her some. As we walked in, we were handed a book and opened up to follow along. As the group goes through the book, we read the chapter and discuss. This is followed by a few pages of ways to live intentionally. This is going to be quite the experience and I am going to journal how it goes as we go through the book. Steph and I are sharing a book so I will be updating on her status as well as she takes on the challenges. Results to come.

Website For the Book. Click Here

Prep for CAMP!!!!

So I have been crazy busy lately and Ill update and explain through a series of blog updates so stay tuned.

Today we spent the whole day workin on ybod (body in a mirror) challenges for camp. An ybod (pronounced "ibod") challenge is a challenge that teams must compete in and complete as a team. Kurt and Rhonda Libby are the creative geniuses behind it.

DISCLAIMER!!!!!!

Before you push play, you must realize that we tried to fix it for months and months and it was un-fixable. So I dont want your hate mail. ha.

Preparation

This week is going to be insane!!!! trying to get all the camp prep done! woo hoo!!! ill post more later. And pics and videos to come!!!!

Help Me Out.

I have spent my morning registering for classes at Butte College here in Oroville. I got some good classes for Business Management. I am also going to register for Lane.... see what classes are available. What should I do? I love the Church, the people, the community.... Love it here. I love it back home too. I guess I am just looking for input. Tough decisions. Thanks Guys.

-Tyler

God Bless

Coterie (Foolishness)

Sorry it has been so long.... been extremely busy with work changing schedules and ministry work. here is the most recent topic and talk we did at Coterie.

Foolishness

(intro) crash clip

That's what the talk is today.... fools. The Bible talks about stupid people and wise people, which one do you think you are?

To be wise, you must first seek God.

What does that even mean?

To be wise..... smart, knowledgeable, sophisticated.

you must what? Actively seek God.

I used to think that foolishness was just a title given to someone who committed a stupid act. And believe me, I have encountered my share and more of stupid acts.

[Told a story about a time where brownie mix met exercise ball] -if you want to know what it was, email me and I'll tell you.

We were so stupid. That's what a foolish person was to me.

I'm not saying that if you don't actively seek God that you are gonna be stupid. But I am gonna let you know that in God's word we are told what a foolish person is and that we are not to be one.

Now, Psalm 14 tells us what a fool is.

Psalm 14: 1"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is

no one who does good. 2 The Lord looks down

from heaven on the sons of men. To see if there

are any who understand, any who seek God.

Ok, so a fool says "there is no God" Yup

Sounds foolish to me. but let me show you another passage about foolish people.

Matthew 7: 26-27

26"But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

The passage is saying that if you just take God's word and don't do anything with it.... you're foolish! The message puts it in to perspective.

verse 26 says: "but if you use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life...."

"Psalm 14 man" vs. "Matthew 7 man" who are you?

so it's saying that if you hear something to be true but continue anyway...its foolish for example:

*traffic sign.... red light...keep going... you might be ok, but eventually its not gonna end good.

*read the car manual.... takes gas.....put diesel in..... might be ok.... gonna ruin the car.

so this is not putting into practice things we know to be true, but continuing anyway.

*not brushing teeth....will still look ok for a but....then get all kids of sick and teeth fall out.

you can't just fake it. You musk actively seek God.

Dont answer, but think about this: are there things you know God siad that are true but you havent put them into practice?

Real quick here are some ways you can actively seek God.

Read- reading your Bible...your map to navigate through life.

Pray- talking to God...growing in your relationship.

Act- actions and steps you take to reflect Christ in your lifestyle.

James 2:17 says that faith without actions is dead.

So back to the verse in Matthew. But lets look a little bit before that. Verse 24

Matt 7: 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Right there you have the instructions. Read the word and take action.

Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

So if you actively seek God and and grow in His word, when the rain comes down and times get tough.... you WILL know how to stray from foolishness.

A wise man actively seeks God.

but not acting in the word.... you have no idea what God wants to do through your life if you aren't fully obedient to Christ.

So what might happen if you listened to God?

What might he want to do through you?

What will he do when you begin to act on His call?

Pray.

The night went well and we all had a great time. Please continue to pray for the ministry and the kids who attend. Thank you. I appreciate your prayers. have a wonderful day.

-Tyler

Hey Guys.

sorry it has been a while since my last post. I have been extremely busy with work and youth group. I will have my last three talks posted some time this week. Speakin tonight on foolishness. Love you all. have a wonderful day.

-Tyler

Suffering...

So last night I talked at Coterie about suffering and hard times.... in preparation I endured some struggles of my own.  A sickness and horrible dreams hit me... attack.

I pushed through though and it turned into a fun evening.

There is just something about facing your biggest fear just about every week.

411

Cool Info on Hot Topics

On Bad Times

 

 

And everyone will hate you because you are mine and are called by my name. But not a hair of you head will perish! For if you stand firm, you will win your souls (Luke 21:17-19).

 

 

 

Jesus talks about:

 

       Watch you aren’t deceived.

              Many will come in my name.

              Wars.

Luke 21:12-19  “¹² But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.  They will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ This will result in your witness to them. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ All men will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ By standing firm you will gain life.

 

So He is saying that we, as Christians, will be persecuted and attacked for what we believe.  But we are to show love and witness even in the hard times.  Because we know Jesus and follow Him… we have targets.

 

Let me tell you a story…. It’s about the first martyr named Stephen.

       Stephen preached of his Jesus.

       He spoke of how they had acted.

       His face was glowing like that of an angel.

       He looked upward and proclaimed his love for God.

       The mob stormed him and drug him outside.

       Still preached.

       Man there named Saul on a quest.

       Saul looked up.

       Men grabbed stones.

       Saul held coats.

       Rock beat Stephen.

       He prayed and continued to pray.

       “And God”, He made eye contact with Saul, “Do not hold this sin against them.”

       Everyone left and Saul was left there.

       Shortly after, Saul saw Jesus and became Paul.

 

Stephen lived Luke 21:17-19 almost 30 years before it was written.

 

Q: What are some experiences in which you have been persecuted for what you believe?

 

But there is also a myth out there….

 

Myth 1 – God CAUSES bad things and suffering to happen.

And that’s not true… He didn’t cause the stoning…

 

 

TRUTH 1 – God ALLOWS bad things and suffering to happen.

He allowed it…. That event shook Saul to his core…. Although he did not become a Christian because of it, it planted a seed in him.

 

 

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU ASK YOURSELF THE QUESTION:

 

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?

 

 

 

1. We make our own CHOICES.

I choose, I make so many choices, to magnify Jesus in hard places, it hurts me every day. I would not choose this if it weren't true!! If I couldn’t expect a resurrection from Jesus….I wouldn’t go this way.-John Piper

 

 

2. Suffering shapes our CHARACTER.

When have you gone through a hard time where you struggled…but obviously made it through… and haven’t become a better person because of it?  You learn things… you realize things… you go into a different mode of living.  It builds you.

 

 

3. God MAKES USE of suffering in His plan for our lives.

Mark Drischol says “It is horrible, but God is good.  And I tend to air on giving him the opportunity to use what was intended for evil, and use it for good….”

 

 

4. God does not expect us to ENJOY suffering.

 

 

Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18 NLT).

 

We don’t have a God who stood back and watched, He joined us.

 

 

 

Myth 2 - No GOOD can come from facing trials and suffering.

 

 

Truth 2 – God BRINGS GOOD in every trial and suffering we face.

 

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:2-3 NLT).

 

Moses floatin down the river.

His mother put him in a basket.

It was going to be so much safer to put her son in a basket and send him down the river that she did it!  Stress? Struggle? Hard times?  yes!!!

WHO PUTS THEIR SON IN A BASKET ON THE RIVER THINKING IT WILL BE SAFER?!?!?!

God took the situation and protected Moses and he grew up to save thousands.

 

Many major influential people have had days/life’s/periods of times where they thought nothing good could come out of it.  God takes our bad days, our suffering, our troubles and works them for good.

 

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

         23-27I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

 28-29And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut

 

Paul…. The same guy who was there when Stephen was martyred.  I mean he should have died numerous times….God took his situation and formed him and he is known as one of the most influential men in the Bible.

 

 

WHAT GOOD CAN COME FROM OUR SUFFERING?

 

1.   It is an opportunity to GROW.

 

 

 

2. Tough times teach us about PATIENCE and WAITING on God’s timing.

 

 

 

3. We are able to see the HOPE and JOY beyond our suffering.

 

 

 

Thought for the week:

 

Remember GOD is on your SIDE!

He walks with you and carries you through the hard times.  He has got your back and won’t ever leave.

 

Footprints in the Sand- Poem


One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

 

Don’t let the enemy win by giving up when things are hard.  God is there.

So the talk went well and I had fun.  I really hope kids are gettin stuff out of it.  Be prayin for them.  Thanks.

Tough.

So it has been a long while since I have posted last.... lots has happened...

My brother came

went to Oregon

knee pain

work

Coterie

Speaking

bills

Grim reaper

Being the grim reaper was so hard to do.  So fun, but....so real.  When a screaming girls mom ran on to the scene of the accident where her daughter was lying in her own blood and looked at me glaring back....my heart sank.  It was just a role I was playing and instilling fear into the kids...but that's not me.  It was hard.

Recently I have been really involved in reading a new book called Lifestories by Mark Hall.  A youth pastor and lead singer of Casting Crowns.  It is an incredible book with amazing perspective and stories.  I will blog more about it once I have gathered my thoughts.  There are many points on love in the book tho.  Lately everyone I have talked to/listened to/ seen/ read have been "in-your-face" intense with what they say.  In the book Mark writes about how he saw a girl who was running by a crowd of people to get to the abortion clinic... the people were "Christians".  They were clutching signs that were hateful and proclaimed that the girl was a murderer.  Mark followed with a series of questions.  First he said that the screaming people were the last image of Christians the girl had before entering the clinic.  People filled with hatred.  Not showing love. So he asks to the angry mob of "christians".  Where were you when she was looking for a church?  Where were you when she found a boyfriend?  where were you when she sat next to you at school at lunch?  where were you when she was getting tangled up in bad things?   

Why is it that we wait til someone has fallen into our "bad list" before we confront them?

Why as Christians do we judge?  We ought to help and talk to people before they "need" it as we see it.  Where are we when things are going fine?  Where are we when people want friends before they need friends?

Just think about that type of stuff....  it has really messed with me.

I am also workin on a talk for Coterie about love.  The following are my ideas for my talk.  still workin on them and finalizing them...thought I would share for some feedback and so you can see my thoughts:

            As we have been going through the other 3:16’s we have talked about:  

            Jealousy, Reputation and the Bible.

 We are going to be talking out of 1 John 3:16.  Not to be confused with John 3:16, the verse that we first memorize in Sunday school.  1 John 3:16 says this:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Ok, so the start of this verse says, “this is how we know what love is….”

LOVE

What is love?  

The word “Love” is one of the most used words in the Bible.  It is used over 500 times and is preached by Jesus.  But what is it? 

Jesus laid down his life for us.  That’s what 1 John 3:16 starts with, but the second half can be kind of….hard to understand.  Do we have to die for someone to show love?  The Message does a great job explaining what this verse means.  We are going to read 1 John 3:16 and 17 out of the message.

So it says:

 16-17This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

Ok, so in the message it says Christ sacrificed his life.  This is the same as laying down his life.  His dying for our sins was a sacrifice to wipe our slates clean.  So if we follow the theme of sacrifice what are we to do? 

            Live sacrificially

So it doesn’t mean we must die for our brothers to show love.  If we read verse 17 we can see how we are to live sacrificially.

            “If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it….”

So if you are able to help your brothers and sisters in Christ when they need the help...

“…but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.”

What it is saying is that if you CAN help but DON’T, where’s God’s love?  The love He showed us that we don’t deserve.  If we can’t even help…we aren’t showing love.

In Romans chapter 12 Paul writes that offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God is an act of worship.  So living sacrificially also shows our love for not only our brothers and sisters, but to God also.

This isn’t the only point at which love is talked about.  Later in Romans 12 love is brought up.

9Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves….

We see brotherly love here and putting people before ourselves.  This is just one of many other passages that proclaim love and what it is.

1 Corinthians 13 is all about love.  It tells what love is and how we are to embrace it.

If you think loving people is hard, you’re correct… some people we are called to love just seem like an impossible task.  But sometimes love can be as easy as a smile to a stranger. 

A quick story I heard the other day…

            Who has been to the Golden Gate Bridge?

It’s huge and so sweet to see, but it’s also infamous for a horrible thing.  Suicides.  There is a story of one man who jumped over the edge…. But before he did, he left a note on his dresser back at his apartment.  The note read: I’m going to walk to the bridge.  If one person smiles at me on the way, I won’t jump.”  Tragically, he didn’t find what he was looking for.

It’s a sad story but it just shows how easy it is to show love.  Sharing kindness can be all someone needs.

So Christ showed us what love is.

The Bible tells us many times how to love.

Some of the sadducees and pharisees wanted to test God and asked him what the greatest commandment was.

In Matthew 22 verse 37 we find Jesus response:

37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'^[ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

Who knows an example of loving your neighbor as yourself?

The Good Samaritan.

In your groups, talk about ways you can apply love.  How can you show love to others this week?

1 John 3:16

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

 Go out and have a wonderful week and think about to show God’s love to others as you make your way through life. 

Those are the thoughts I have right now.... still workin on and praying into it.  Be praying for me as I get ready to speak to the kids on monday. Have a wonderful day and smile at someone.  Love you all.  Thanks for reading.

-Tyler

"Do This"

I just finished reading Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell and Dn Golden.  In the end the Last Supper is brought up.  We "Do This" in remembrance of Christ by taking part in the "ritual" of breaking bread and drinking the wine.  But the book asks, what if the "do this" isn't the taking part in the ritual?

     "Do This"

What if the "do this" was living out a life like Jesus?  Allowing our bodies to be broken and willing to let our blood flow.  Hearing the cry.  Love.  What if we "do this" in remembrance?   

Seems a little more meaningful and productive than the "ritual".  There is nothing wrong with the taking part of the bread and wine.  In fact, people become extremely close to God when taking part.  But do we have it all wrong?  

Just a thought.

A missionary came to church on Sunday and talked about his life in Africa.  A-M-A-Z-ing.  If I could ever get close to being William, that is what I would aim for.   WIlliam was a young man who showed extreme love, endurance, faith, perseverance, and compassion.  Relationships are key.  They are number one.  With God and others.  KEY.  and how do you build relationships?  LOVE

God is truly amazing.  have a wonderful day.

God Bless.

-Tyler

Reflections.

So, it has been much nicer since I stopped doing the blog daily.  Now I have time to actually read my Bible and do what I need to do.  I have been wrestlin with some stuff lately.  I need to continue to trust God.  He has been weighing on my heart to Trust Him with everything, (not that I haven't been, but what does everything include?  stupid question, He means EVERYTHING.) not make plans, but rather, let the Lord guide my steps and set-up what He wants me to do.  I WANT to do everything/anything He wants.  My heart is called to do the work of the Lord.  Whether it scares me or not. I am willing to do what it takes.  I had a wonderful weekend writing music and attempting to record with Allison.  So good to see someone from my home town. (yes yes, home town is Springfield but thats ok, Eugene and Springfield are one....Springgene.)  Learned a lot about myself and others.  Opened up musically and met some talented people. Headed to a Dirt meeting which I am super stoked about.  Have a wonderful day all.  Love you.  Be safe in the crazy weather.

Wrecked. Love. Torn.

So I have come to a conclusion.

I will no longer post a blog a day.

It is hard for me to do, but tonight at Core group with Kurt, it hit me.  It is important that I stop, it is more harmful than good.

I have been making sure that I keep updated every day....(part of my whole "one a day" new years resolutions)  don't think im flakin like everyone else does on their commitments....or do, I don't care.  

I have neglected reading my Bible and spending time with God to make sure that I have kept caught up with my blog.  An online site where I write whatever I want for a small group of people to read. So really, it is NOT important.  I have not made sure I have kept up on my QT or went back to make sure I did the days I missed...WHY  the Bible is so great and filled with great stuff.  God's word!!  How could I have gotten so mixed up?!?!

The idea of trust and worry has been placed on my heart lately.  Trust God.  He's the God of the universe, of all things, what can't He do?  Nothing.  

In Core we talked about second chances, crazy stories, crazy people, God's power, Christian influence..... I heard a story about a missionary who didn't trust God to keep him and his family safe in the location they were serving.  The rattle snakes were all over and might get one of his three boys or his wife.  He didn't trust where God had called him, so he moved to the safety of nowhere Kansas.  

One day, his boys were crawling under the house and exploring when the two older boys fell in a rattle snake nest and were bitten all over.  The younger, and the two bitten crawled out.  Their father threw the bitten boys in the truck. Backed out and ran over the littlest, killing him.  The two older boys died at the hospital.  The father came home to find his wife had died of a heart attack from the shock of seeing her youngest in the driveway.  He lost his whole family because he didn't trust that God would keep him safe where he had been called.  That's a true story.  Not trying to scare you, but God is a powerful God.  Why don't we trust Him?

We talked about holding on to Jesus with two hands.....not one on Him and one on the earthly possession or passion in our life.  We will ultimately be torn away from Jesus if we can't let go of the other things.  He should come first.  

I say I live for Christ...but how much of my living days do I spend with Him?  Shawn talked in Sunday school about our days broken into one year and how many straight days we do the things we do.  Sleep consumed a lot of our days....makes sense.  Movies, internet, video games consumed a huge amount as well.   some 30 days.   QT/Church/Youth group = 5 ish.  WOW  some "living for Christ" huh.  Lately I have felt extremely lukewarm.

LUKEWARM = wanting to be saved from the penalty of our sin, but NOT wanting to be saved from sin.  

HOW could I let myself get to this point?!?!  It's jsut a way im feeling.....but tonight, that changes.  I WILL be different.  I WILL offend people.  I WILL stand up for what's right.  I WILL risk my reputation.  I WILL set down my pride. 

Feel free to call me out on any of this.  The Lord has put it on my heart to change.  

An interesting point was made tonight and I fully agree;

calling people out on cussing and getting upset is not something to make a big deal about.  I most likely will say "hey, come on now" but end it there.  Just so I don't let a kid go on without somewhere getting a sense of what manners are.  But I will not lecture.  If a kid gains good morals....SWEET.   But if a kid does not: lie, cheat, steal, cuss, murder anyone, rape, fight or do anything bad; but doesn't know Jesus, he is STILL going to Hell.   hmmm...sounds like ethics and morals aren't something to lose a kids respect over.  Don't get me wrong, we can't let kids run around being little punks, but I would rather LOVE on a kid the best I can and get him to Jesus than "whip him into shape".  Even "kids in shape" will end up in Hell without Jesus.

Just tonights crazy wrecking of my old self.  I go to bed new and wake up refreshed.  goodnight all.

I love.

-Tyler

The Search Continues...

I went to crash this morning which didn't really happen.... Shawn got called to a potential fire.   Fun to jsut hang out though, but so early. 

I need a job pretty bad.  I need to support my kid in Haiti.  Pray for him.  His name is Jean-vilaire Pierre.  Cutest kid ever!!!

I went all over town to get apps and get rejection.... love it.  *note sarcasim

Big Lots gave me an interview (everyone who went in got one) but it was a bit of fresh air to make some sort of progress.  Also got some more apps with some slight sense of interest in the handing of the papers.... its unexplainable.  Really, it is.  :)   well.....  Axiom now, then dinner.  maybe a little Extreme Days action after with Derrik.   should be fun.  have a wonderful day.

-Tyler

Coterie!!!! woah that's sick!!!

Today I was hit with an overwhelming feeling.... God was testing the "rollin with it theory" and I failed.   Let things freak me out for about a half our.  I'm good now.  

Check out thenaz.net.

Out to Coterie.  Bye

Other..... Stoked!!!

It is a good day.  

Woke up for church.

Hung with the kids in Sunday School. (never a dull moment when Shawn is there.)

(the jerk challenged me to step back and look at how much I "really live my life for Christ".)

It was a stinger.

Church was good as well.  Totally thought I would check out...(it was about marriage) But I didn't.

(and for all you who are like, "ooo hes thinking about marriage!!"  shut up, if a rumor starts, blood will flow.  ;)  I just had a peace about me and it was nice to listen)  God revealed to me that He has everything under control and I don't need to worry about what happens.  Just roll with the days as they come.

Funny, cuz He tells us to do that anyway.  Not worrying about what we will eat, or wear.  To worry is to deny the fact that you trust Him to keep getting your back.

Other was the same.  Great time of worship.  I was dancing on the drumset.  So enthused by God....couldn't help it....my expression.   Andrew Reed talked tonight and it was really good.  All about worry.  Who'd a thunk!!!  God is hilarious how he works.

"Why do we freak out, when there is a storm, Jesus is just takin a nap.  Be calm and don't wake Him up.  Trust Him."

Simple.....right?

try again.....

that's my thoughts for the day.

-Tyler

Funeral For a Friend!!!

Going to a concert tonight!!!  Woke up not feeling that great tho so I have spent it laying around today.  Yesterday was quite the day.  Went to LP for their Homecoming skits....they were very good I might add.  I got to see Jordan (Snow White), Jesse (tree), Kristina (skunk), Carlene (skunk), Kaitlyn (1 of 7 dwarfs), and many others.  So cute, so fun.  Jordan ended up winning!!!!  Congrats!!!  Ill see if i can't get some pick.  Should be a fun show tonight.  Axiom up late was quite fun.  A bit of interesting events took place beforehand and during, but overall great night.  Shawn burnt my senses in my nose.  Off to the concert.  Love you all.

Axiom all Day.

Today we are going to do Axiom Up Late.  It's the playday for the month of January.  

I will be at Axiom from 2 pm until 12 am.  Long day.

Still gettin over bein sick.  

Miss my friends and family.  And I miss my bro.

Let you know how the night goes  tomorrow.

night all.  ill be up late

then bed.

-Tyler

Sick pt 2

Still sick.

Staff meeting.

Not moving.

Axiom. 

Drumset.

tired. 

bed.

leave some love. 

-tyler  

God bless.  Prayin for many.

Sick pt 1

I'm sick...don't wanna do anything.

Headed to axiom.

then core group.

then sleep.

night

Un Eventful.

Not a lot happened today... 

  Crash = Good

Dirt mtg = good

Axiom = Good

Hanging =fun

Got sick

Night

Abraham and Sacrifice

Tonight I talked at the Coterie.

The Jr. High youth group.  It was a pretty wild night.  lots was going on and it took me quite a bit of time to get everything set up.

My talk was about Abraham and Isaac.   

Sacrifice was key.

Being willing to lay out for God and take a beating.  

Sacrificing comfort to do what is right.

Think about it.   How often do we do what is right?

How often are we scared?

How often does our reputation get in the way?

How often do we not believe God wont provide and keep us safe?

think about it.

-Tyler

Love. It's everything.

Today was quite the day.  

Sunday school was fun.  Shawn and I had a great time with announcements and with the events that took place during class.  

Church was so great.  

"Promise"

-Unfinished Business

Dennis talked about the promise of a "new earth" for believers.  

Such a great concept.....moved fast because to fit all of this into one message....wild.

LOVE.  again....love came up.  

"... faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love."

Is love key?  Yes!!   Just read all of 1 Corinthians 13   all about love, and without it....have nothing.

Other practice was good.  Fun.  

Super Bowl Party at the Hayse house.  It was fun. funny commercials.

Steelers won!!  I was the lone rider in the party.  For good reason, but it was fun.

Have a great night all.   

Oh...I need to make it a point to show my love for others better.  If I am not acting in a loving way.  CALL ME OUT.  

thanks  tyler

Preparation.

Today I spent my day in One62 preparing for The Coterie this coming Monday night.

I am speaking on sacrifice..... what better to talk about than Abraham and Isaac?

That is a wild story about sacrifice.  The Love.

Does he not love his son?  NO!!!  He loves his son terribly....His priorities where just in the right order.  

The links in this chapter to other events are very interesting.  I will be thinking about it the next few days and be ready to share with the kids on Monday.

Love.

-Tyler

ps- had a good dinner  ;)

Head Domination

My head hurts so bad.....Migraines kill.  I can't do anything.

Headed to Axiom then Father's House to drum for a seminar. 

Love you all.

I'm back now.  Good night of worship.

-Tyler

Faith and Righteousness.

Alright.... People who judge....

UGH

I don't understand.... why judge.

Reading in Romans; Jews and Gentiles are alike in sin....EVERYONE IS EQUAL.

There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands......

Wow, that's a blow.... If you thought you were righteous.....WRONG

There is NO one who does good deeds,

not even one.

You can't earn your way....if that is how you are doing it...don't waste your time.

It goes on to say that what we do is....well....not enough. and bad.

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Fear?  again?    We dont fear?!?!  why   

When the Bible says that our unrighteousness brings on God's righteousness more clearly, that means....sin, so that we may se clearer?  NO  how ignorant do you have to be to think that?!?!

Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There you go.... brain still scattered on that one.... just kills me that people wont lay aside their pride and think that they are better than other people.  Happens all the time and it's so sad.  I have to read todays devo still.  Have a wonderful night. Love you all.  

God Bless.

-tyler

Good day to smile.

I slept like a baby.

Good night.

speakin of baby, Bella K Libby was born a few days ago!!!!  I got to go see her yesterday!!!

She is such a beautiful baby.  Let me give you guys a run through.... 

First:  This picture could totally be an ad for Birth Control or Condoms....I look terrified (which I was).  I had never held a newborn before.

Second: Me, Bella, and proud new father Kurt!!

Third: Little more comfortable.

Fourth: Spent most of the time holdin her just watchin her sleep.  Kurt is so right when he said watchin a baby is peaceful.  Congrats guys!!!  

I will write more later.  gotta go to Axiom and love on the kiddies.  

Show love to others.

-Tyler

Longest Yard.

Today was such a long day.   I'm actually in bed by 10:30!!  

 

*Crash

*Run

*work-out

*shower

*take Kurt some coffee

*read Bible

*Hospital to see Rhonda, Kurt, and Bella!!

(pictures posted tomorrow.)

*Lunch

*One62

*Axiom

*dinner

*Movies with nathan.

*typing this.

*now bed.......zzzzz

take care all  

love you

-tyler

Bella!!!!

Coterie was good tonight and my day was alright.

I am really not going to even try to compare my blog to the extreme excitement of the birth of Bella K Libby!!!!

BellaKLibby.com

Check it out.

Dark Corners of Swirling Creep.

Today was a good day at Church.  Really relaxed.  

Intern Introduction was today.  Some slides went up on the screen and they talked about us and let people know who we were.

This picture went up on the screen to start my introduction. It was shortly followed by this one:

Much better way to show me to the whole congregation.

The Other was tonight too.  Such a good time of worship.

Got my socks freaked though...in a good way, before we started. We (the worship team) were praying before we started and Mike was in middle of prayer, and I saw something.  He prayed that there wouldn't be any room for anything not of God in the building.  A image, clear as day hit me at that second and I get chills thinking about it...

I was on stage drumming.... and looking out over the 

group of kids who had gathered worshiping I 

noticed a dark cloud swirling in the back-dark-corner

and a face shot out from the cloud with red eyes.

someone (couldn't see who it was) spun around and glared

back at the cloud.  It slowly diminished and 

disappeared.

I could not sit still during the rest of the prayer.  I was pumped, but like the other dream, I had no clue what it meant.  The whole service went great and the crowd gathered was on fire for God.  

Kurt approached me afterward and said:  

"I stared it down." 

I still don't know all of what happened....need to gather my thoughts and figure it out.  It is so cool but so.....I don't even know how to explain how it feels.  Have a wonderful night.

Mellow.

Today was a mellow day.  Woke up late and went to band practice.  It was a good practice with lots of worship.  Then I went for another run.  Poured so hard.

The events of last night were quite interesting:

Show up at the church.

given orders for night

given orders for night

given orders for night.

(yes i repeated that, given orders over and over by different people.  as if our leader didn't do a good job.  which she did very well fyi)

fill waters

fill pitchers

frantic scramble    (to nowhere, just around in circles)

waited     (like just standing....not like serving)

took food out after no one else took charge

made sure stuff was happening....

passed out dessert

ate

cleaned up.

Pretty long day yesterday....followed up with video games with the guys.

Had a peaceful shower and QT to follow.  The weather is so nice...raining and overcast.  I love it.  I'm all cozy.  Kids are coming over soon for a little game night. (Anti-formal party)

My main thought about QT was to trust in the Lord and don't turn your back on Him.  Keep the Lord with you and then what can mere man do to you.  So great.  Church tomorrow.  Love it.  Love the staff.  Love the learning and worshiping.

Good evening everyone.

-Tyler

Run.

Went for a run this morning....truly beautiful.  My body felt so good to work out again.  It has been a good day so far.  Relaxing but busy.

Genesis:

God hates sin.

-Wicked in the Lord's sight = death!!!

WHAT?!?!?  crazy

Psalm:

Look out for others with love.

Matthew:

don't turn your back on God

be prepared

God gives us what we CAN handle

Be faithful in everything

-even in the little things for if you prove yourself with little, will be given much

Love.

Be the Moon

-show love to all

Pretty good day.  Straight forward.  

God HATES sin.   Don't do it.   

It's not always easy.  So get help.  This isn't rocket science.  

the Lord killed two people in the chapter of Genesis because the weren't obeying Him.    ummm.....think about it

The second....look out for others in love.  How hard can it be?  (think about conditional love before you answer)   

Don't turn your back on God.....DUH    why turn your back on the one guy will ALWAYS have it?  that's stupid!!!

The second bullet of matthew goes with 1 Corinthians about God not giving us stuff we can't handle....hand in hand.

LOVE

 that's the key.    Being faithful has been a beatdown for me.  I seem to be struggling with that one lately, and He wont let me forget it.   I'm workin on it though.

Be the Moon.   Reflect the Son.  (yes i know i spelled it wrong)  Show love.  reflect Jesus to all.  Called.

Axiom and a Pastor appreciation dinner.  take care.

Good talks today.

-Tyler

Signs.

Deception

Rumors

War

Disasters

Times will get hard. People will die. Life will suck. You wont like it. You will be hated by all nations. Because of Jesus.

You Ready?

People will turn away from faith and betray each other. False prophets will appear.

Stand Firm to the End!!!!

you will be saved

Don't listen to people when they say, "Christ is here!! look!"

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible in the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man"

When Jesus comes back, we will know!!! we wont need people to tell us. If we don't see it.... complete idiots.

Another thing. If someone says they know when the end of the world is going to happen.....laugh in their face! they are wrong!!! How could they know? not even the angels will know!!! just the Father. It will come upon us like the flood did in the days of Noah. SURPRISE!!!

"Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left."

WHAT?!?!! crazy
Unlike the Left Behind stories where all God's people go to heaven, this is where the non-believers are taken. When the flood came and TOOK those who were disobeying, the same as when the Son comes. (thanks Kurt for helpin me out)

Believe it.

But don't just believe it, live like it's going to happen.

If a robber was to come to your house, but you knew about it ahead of time, you would wait up and catch him. Well, the Bible said that and also gives the knowledge of the coming..... so why go to bed? Stay awake. Be aware.

Fear?

or

Prepared.

Still thinkin about it.....

Wild

Have a good one..... running in the morning.

-Tyler

I Am Second.

Check out this site.  It will mess with you.

that's all for today.

think this is enough to wreck you for a bit.

iamsecond.com

New Person.

Ok, this is going to be a long post.

I don't know where to start.

So yesterday I went to Axiom and laid face-down in prayer  God.  I found myself waking up (not that I was sleeping but opening my eye) having a dream or vision.  Not sure what it was.  

An old man slowly walked toward a figure on a road.

It was a dirt road and the figure on the ground had a blurry face.

As the old man approached, he opened his hand and 

extended a golden earring to the figure.  He pierced 

the right ear of the man and picked him up.  Then the old man

turned and walked away.

What was this?!?!  

I was reading in Genesis and Jacob had a vision in a dream.  He woke up in fear.   He knew.  

Why were the dreams I was having fading and meaning nothing?

This one didn't fade..... I can still describe it.  I want to know.....

Kurt showed me the lyrics from Brave Saint Saturn song and it made me think... the song is Under Bridges.  Check it out.

So I talked about Jonathan and the Arms-bearer takin it to the Philistines last night and it was good.  Had fun in front of the kids and was pumped about preachin it.  I have a great sense of peace about me today and finally had a great night.

I was talkin with Kurt about the book Crazy Love and how intense it is.  A few things that are said in the book hit me hard.  

We are impressed and focus on numbers in churches.  When a big crowed gathered, Jesus would talk in parables so that those who weren't genuinely after His heart wouldn't understand.  

Jesus wasn't into those who fake it.......true?

WOAH!!

What about the parable about the seeds on the road/thorns/rocks/good soil.....Don't assume you're good soil!!

WOW

yet another shot to the spiritual pride....

Let that stir.

nice to have a clean apt.

-Tyler

Dreams.

I don't know what is happening.

I keep waking up after tense nights.  

My body feels weird.

I am talking at Coterie tonight and I just don't know what I am going to say.  Hopefully I will find out.  Going to pray now.

Sunday.

Another good sermon.

Hard to sit still.....

Had another dream.... don't know what it is.... shaky and tense 

I'm going to lie down.

Pray

Dirt.

Dirt was great tonight.  Had a good turn-out and lots of fun.  Wrestling with some stuff but figuring it out.  Highlight video from the second dirt and intro to tonights will be posted at a later time.   Went to Mike's for spaghetti and ping pong after. then watched Sahara. Tired. Church tomorrow. 

Throwin Down!!!

Sittin at One62 I decided to open my Bible and figure out what the beef I was gonna say for Coterie Monday night.  I woke up frustrated with everything this morning and just have had a pretty rough morning.  Nothing happened to make it that way.....just havin one of those days where I constantly find myself with a tight jaw that is tense and uncomfortable.  

Decided that doing my quiet time might be less frustrating and help me to calm down and relax.

                       Worked.

 I read in Genesis, Psalm, and Matthew.

Genesis 

Ch28

* this chapter confused me, don't marry a Canaanite woman but rather, marry your cousin.    WHAT

*The Lord spoke in a dream.   

*Jacob was afraid.

*tithe

Ch29

*um.... confusion

Psalm

Ch33

*praise and worship

*play skillfully

*God's word is right and true

*Fear the Lord

*The Lord foils plans of the nations;.... plans of the Lord stand strong.

*Size and skill is nothing without Him.

*trust.

Matthew

Ch18

*greatest in kingdom?  like a child in humbleness

*whoever welcomes a child in name of the Lord is welcomed

*DON'T cause others to sin!!

*set yourself apart from what causes you to sin.

*don't look down on little ones.

*celebrate for ONE sheep found!!!

*confront problems one-on-one

*where 2 or 3 come together in His name, there He is with them

*Forgive!!!!

*cancel your debts, for Christ cancelled yours.

Ok so first.....why can't I have dreams like that?!

woke up this morning so upset because of the dream I did have and it threw off my morning.  I am not sure if I had a dream I would remember, or is it so intense that you wake up and ready to go?  I have been wrestlin with how to figure this stuff out. Afraid?  

Afraid..... that's it!!

but wait.  would I wake up afraid, or fearful?  Or would it be an awe unexplainable?  so many questions..... This dream and fear caused a vow from Jacob to give 10% of everything he received to God.  

Tithe

What is the big problem with tithing?  People seem to not understand that what we have isn't ours to begin with.  No i guess you're right, you worked hard for it..... how the beef do you think you got that job?!?!

By who you are and your skills.

Where did those come from?    Geeee I wonder.....stop complaining!!!!  it's only 10%!!

Kurt was telling me about this guy who spoke at Catalyst about tithing and the analogy he used.

"Ok, so lets say God in his gracefulness gives you 10 one-dollar-bills to take care of.  Wow, 10 whole dollars!!  Then 10% would be one dollar.  So you give that one dollar to God, but look!! 9 more dollars!!  And it's all yours!  Thank you God."  

Why don't we see it like this?   Makes perfect sense.

Not too sure what I was to get out of todays reading about Jacob and his love for a beautiful woman but ending up with her sister first.  Maybe love?  Have to read more I guess.  

The passage in Psalm 33 was a bit scattered but good for me.  

Importance of praise and worship and why we should.  I absolutely love to worship and sing praise.  When I am playing the drums for worship bands, I sometimes get caught up the sound, the look, the skill.....but wait.  "Play skillfully, and shout for joy"  Not sure what the thought behind this is.  I mean, it's good to make sure the music is not half-hearted..... so skill would be nice....not sure. 

The third bullet is self explanatory.  God's word is right and true.  Argue that.... (don't waste your breath)  

Fearing the Lord has still got me.  I don't/can't/not sure how this looks.  Someone please help me out.  I don't pretend to know all the answers, and if I get something wrong, please Please PLEASE correct me.  I am trying.  

TRUST

Constantly being beat down by trusting.....this is something I was struggling with doing and now I am feeling it.  Everything constantly reminds me that I was not trusting in God and that it is a HUGE deal.  It's like a slap to the face daily....and it should be.... I feel I have fixed/working on fixing it.  But I first slapped Him when I didn't trust in His power.

Matthew got pretty intense in ch 18.  It is stuff we should know and follow but don't always think about.  The disciples ask who the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is.  Jesus replies, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore,  whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  Wow, we so often look down on little ones because they are young.  We should look at them for examples of humility.  Children do not judge and they trust so easily.... what happens to us that makes us change from the children.

Right after answering their question Jesus continues to say that anyone who welcomes a child in His name welcomes Him.

I love kids.  I love ministry.  I love Jesus.    Seems easy right?

Not always...I'll be the first to say that I get worn out by the Axiom kids.  Need constant prayer for energy to continue to show Christ's love to the children.

Then Jesus says that if you cause a child to sin, you would be better off to just go die.  I never really thought about that..... How many times have I been the cause of something that wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me?   I am so thankful for God's grace.  Not only should we not cause others to stumble, but we too should avoid the things in life that cause us to.

This is key, don't put yourself in the situation.....it wont happen.

Rejoice for ONE life saved.  The parable of the lost sheep opened my eyes a while back and I love it so much.  When one of our nights was over at one of the ministries I was helping with, only one kid had given his life to the Lord.  Look back ten words and read to the period.  ONLY ONE?!?!?!?!?!  Why was this bothering me?!?!   ONE DID!!!! that should call for the most amazing celebration!  Heaven is rejoicing like never before for EVERY "sheep found".  We should be overjoyed with every new believer added to the family.

FORGIVE!!!!

What do we have to lose when we forgive?  Nothing!!  why not do it?  you will feel good and so will the other party.  We are selfish people and it's not ok.  We need to cancel our debts for Christ cancelled ours!!  Do we really want to slap Him in the face by saying, " thanks for what you did, but I don't think I care enough to reflect it on others."   NO!!!   Forgive!   Be the Moon!!

Have a wonderful friday night all.  Love you

-Tyler