Not What You Would Expect...

Being in Israel has been an amazing experience! I can't put into words the lessons I've learned, sights I've seen, relationships I've built, and growth in my faith. But there is something so much bigger happening in this place. This place is filled with conflict as many of you may know, due to you tell me to be safe as I departed. The people here so respectful and courteous to Americans. We have listened to 5 speakers from all different religions  and its so heartbreaking to hear how hurt everyone is because of the conflict. Many people at home believe the Muslims are the problem. They are terrorist and are causing all the problems here in the Middle East and for America. Our Muslim speaker last night felt so bad for Americans because of the hurt that "crazy people" caused us, and openly said that their is nothing their faith that requires them to hate America. In fact the complete opposite is true, they are told to love other the same way we as Christians are called to love. The real party at fault here are the Jews. They believe that the Bible clearly states that this land is theirs and no other race or religion belongs here. They are doing anything to push the Palestinians out of the land and causing a genocide just like the one suffered through during the Holocaust. America is give millions of dollars every year to the Jews and the Israeli army to strength their army, and fuel the genocide. Our media has twisted this conflict and we no longer know the truth. The Jews are the most hostile group here. The Arabs, Palestinians, and Muslims are so hospitable, and love Americans. Many of the Palestinians in the West Bank are actually Christians, and the Jews are causing a genocide of the Christians here. Christianity is under extreme threat and oppression here because of the Jews. One speaker told us the America holds the key to change, and that its time to forget the excuse of this is a war that goes back to the Bible. We need to stand up for our brothers and sisters here. Stop fueling the Jews to oppress Christians, stop listening to our twisted media, and start to find the facts.

I can't wait to return home to pass on not only my knowledge of the Bible and holy land, but to start to educate those around me what this conflict is really about.

God doesn't make junk...

The name of my blog came from the God Chisel video by the skit guys, based on on the following verse:

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."     -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)


There are many lines in this video that challenged me to think about my life, when I saw it at Young Life. 


First, when we look in the mirror, we see ourselves, but God wants us to see Jesus. I'm scared to have people see me as Jesus. Although I have dedicated my life to ministry, the judgement the world passes on Christians can be so harsh. I fear rejection, and struggle to be different. By dedicating my life to Christ, I have lost many friends, but gained many more. My current friends heal the pain and remove my fear, challenging me to become a greater man of God. I am honored to have people in my life to keep from stumbling, and to take my journey with.


Second, You can not let God down because you were never holding Him up. He is holding you up. I often fear that when I fail God will be disappointed. It is so comforting to know no matter what I do God is always holding me up. While I work so hard to do all I can to honor God I know I will fail and need to fall into the open arms of my Father. This  is where the URL of my blog comes in. When the Prodigal's Son returned home, his father jumped off the porch and ran to hug him, shouting "Welcome Home". He clothed him with the best robes and killed the best animals for a feast. I find great comfort in knowing every time I fail my Father runs, embraces me with open arms, welcomes me home.


Third, God doesn't make junk; You are an Original Masterpiece. I am such a perfect masterpiece that God loves me so much He refuses to leave me where I am at. I don't know where God is taking me, but I know that whatever he has in-store is part of his master-plan. I am excited to be a masterpiece in the Master's plan, and am ready to go where God calls. I still fear my unknown future, but I find comfort knowing that I am an Original Masterpiece.


This blog is my way to tell others about God using me, His masterpiece, in His master-plan. I will continue to share stories, and lessons that I learn along the way. My prayer is that my lessons, and stories can help others see the Master's perfect plan, and that they can begin to themselves as an original masterpiece, because God doesn't make junk!

Guide in the Darkness

As I reflect on why I am making a blog the only thing that come to mind is a story from my Spring Break 2010 trip in Alabama. 

A couple of afternoons were spent at a local church with elementary students tutoring them, and spending time loving them. On the first afternoon I was there a 2nd grader, Chris, spent this time working on math with me. After just a short time helping Chris, he was drawn to me, and would spend the next couple days working with me. At the end of our second day together Chris got asked to help put the school supplies away, and of course he asked me to help him. As we followed his teacher down the hall we came to a set of doors, and behind them was nothing but darkness. Chris stopped, and looked horrified! I stopped and knelt down next to him, and asked him if he was afraid of the dark. He began to tear up and nodded his head, Yes! I reached my hand out to him and said "Take my hand Chris and everything will be fine! I promise!" In that moment his worries were gone. He looked at me stepped forward with full trust that I would take care of him.

I would have never guessed that this would become the image of my life. I am scared looking forward into the darkness. I leave for Israel in a month, and I still need $1000. I have decided that I want to spend my life serving God through ministry, and I don't know what is in store. Its not easy living in the dark, and sometimes it might be easier to stay in the light. But I am here to be a part of the change in the making! All I need to do is reach out and take God's hand and trust Him to be a light in the darkness.