Calling and Character
Posted on July 17, 2018 Leave a Comment
One of the greatest joys I have as a pastor, is assisting people in their journey of faith, especially when it comes to seeking out who God has created them to be.
I have many conversations with individuals trying to understand their calling in life. They are navigating through heavy questions of passion, purpose, and desire. We pray together, and I encourage them to continue listening to God and following His lead. I also challenge them to truly search their heart to discover what God has placed in there to pursue.
Then, finally, I leave them with this question…
If God were to call you into a certain place, would your character be strong enough for it? Read More
Dealing with Doubt
Posted on May 4, 2018 Leave a Comment
Have you ever felt like you were inadequate? Have you ever looked in the mirror and questioned whether or not you are truly doing what you are supposed to be doing?
Self doubt is natural, mainly because it is a broken part of yourself that hinders you from experiencing the fullness of your potential.
The truth is, many of you reading this struggle with self doubt.
I know I have.
I have often questioned how God could use me to speak into the lives of other people. I’m flawed. I’m broken. I hold some deep hurt that I am working through, and will be until I am done here on earth.
So, why me?
Can you relate?
Then, I turn to the story of Moses. Read More
Living in the Moment
Posted on April 25, 2018 Leave a Comment
Far too, often I find myself caught up in my schedule. I find myself thinking about the tasks ahead, while working on a project at the same time. Read More
Finding a Rhythm
Posted on March 19, 2018 Leave a Comment
For those of you who have been following me for awhile, you know I have been in the process of planting a church in Elkins,WV. It has been a wonderful experience, strenuous at times, but wonderful nonetheless.
My family and I are going strong and excited about what the future holds.
The main issue I have faced is finding a good rhythm. I have been writing sermons, getting used to preaching every Sunday, planning future events, developing teaching series, and much more.
All of it has been incredible, but I do know that in the process, I have let this blog go a bit. Read More
Rising To The Occasion- What We Can Learn From Nick Foles
Posted on February 5, 2018 1 Comment
The Super Bowl was last night. It was supposed to be the sixth championship for the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
It actually seemed like it was Tom Brady against the world.
The outcome was exactly the opposite of what people expected. The Philadelphia Eagles wound up the victors in a pretty solid matchup.
The Eagles were an improbable winner. They had been the underdog throughout the postseason, primarily because of the man mentioned in the title-Nick Foles. Read More
Who Should We Be?
Posted on December 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
In Tim Keller’s book Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just, he shares these words:
If God’s character includes a zeal for justice that leads him to have
the tenderest love and closest involvement with the socially weak,
then what should God’s people be like?” (page 8)
What a great question!
God’s character is revealed in His message of hope and grace to the least and the lost. He stepped into the lives of the broken to redeem them, in and through, His love.
The entire message of the Old Testament is that of God’s involvement with His creation after the fall of man in the garden. He desired to be in relationship with His people, so throughout the Old Testament narrative we find the truth of God’s purpose to redeem His work. Read More
When Healing Doesn’t Come
Posted on November 20, 2017 Leave a Comment
Some Relaxing Thoughts
Posted on November 8, 2017 Leave a Comment
On my Facebook page, Bobby Benavides, I asked the question, “In an age of busyness and crazy schedules, what are ways you relax?”
We all have our calendars filled with important events and meetings. We have our google calendars linked to our phones in order to keep ourselves linked to our schedules. Some people even have reminders set in order to be reminded about a reminder.
Taking time to relax is a lost art when notifications keep us moving and scurrying to our next event.
[tweetshare tweet=”Taking time to relax is a lost art when notifications keep us moving and scurrying to our next event.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
Here are some ways others have been able to relax and step away from their hectic schedules.
“I love to go hiking. It feels great to be out in the mountains, or somewhere, just having a nice conversation with God or some good friends for a few hours.”-Gary J.
[tweetshare tweet=”I love to go hiking. It feels great to be out in the mountains, or somewhere, just having a nice conversation with God or some good friends for a few hours.-Gary J.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
Heather S. shared an emoji of a wine glass. For those of you interested, she prefers “Red, like Pino Noir or Malbec”. I’m not a wine connoisseur, so I’m assuming those are relaxing.
My wife shared an emoji of a bathtub with the word “hot” in front of it. She does enjoy a hot bath, and I also know she likes to drink tea and have candles lit…and silence.
Lauren M. shared,” …laying outside barefoot in the grass, by myself engulfed in a good book, with the sun shining down on my face.”
[tweetshare tweet=”Lauren M. shared, …laying outside barefoot in the grass, by myself engulfed in a good book, with the sun shining down on my face.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
I’m assuming she is rubbing it to everyone who is located in northern states who have been turning their thermostats up. I also assume she is reading One of my books. 🙂
“During the busyness and chaos, background music and laughter is the best way to get through it.”-Mary and Aaron. They made a point to share classic rock or classic country is their music of choice.
[tweetshare tweet=”During the busyness and chaos, background music and laughter is the best way to get through it.-Mary and Aaron” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
Lora O. shared, “Working puzzles is my relaxation time.” She prefers puzzles that have at least 1000 pieces or more. She also said, “I most always have a puzzle going.”
[tweetshare tweet=”Working puzzles is my relaxation time.-Lora O.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
I imagine a hallway filled with framed puzzles of animals playing poker and/or cartoon characters, but this is why I can’t work puzzles.
A friend of our family shared, “…I find laying in the tanning bed very relaxing. It’s warm…Soft music…no interruptions.”-Robin H.
I am still trying to figure out if she just lays in a tanning bed, or if she actually turns it on. I mean, I’m not one to judge, but the former seems a little weird.
[tweetshare tweet=” …I find laying in the tanning bed very relaxing. It’s warm…Soft music…no interruptions.-Robin H.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
Sarah W.’s relaxation is found in a nice “Nap!!!” I hope she takes advantage of that when she can.
[tweetshare tweet=”Sarah W.’s relaxation is found in a nice…’Nap!!!'” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
Finally, Sharon S. shared a picture of the word “NO” written on a piece of paper and said, “I use this word…a lot.That allows me to only say yes to what really matters.”
That made me think of this post I shared recently…Why Saying No Can Set You Free.
[tweetshare tweet=”Sharon S. shared a picture of the word ‘NO’ written on a piece of paper and said, I use this word…a lot.That allows me to only say yes to what really matters.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
We all need to find time to relax. These are a few suggestions from some of my friends on Facebook. Hopefully, one of these ideas will come in handy, but if not, share with us some ways you unwind on this post.
Your suggestion just might help someone else put their feet up and rest on their journey.
Peace and blessings friends.
The World Is Dark, But We Can Shine Brighter
Posted on November 6, 2017 Leave a Comment
As many have been watching, the attack on the church in Texas has rocked the nation…again. From Orlando to Vegas to Texas, we are watching darkness aim to overtake our light.
[tweetshare tweet=”The sad part about these tragedies is how quickly they become political narratives instead of narratives for unity.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
The two-sides want to point fingers. They want to say how the other side is so wrong and how things need to change. They don’t realize how divisive their words are , which in turn creates a more tense and difficult conversation.
You see, the world is dark. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how much pain is around us.
[tweetshare tweet=”The only way the darkness can be defeated is when light shines brighter.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]We need to address issues. Gun control may or may not be necessary, that isn’t what this post is about. What this post is about is unity.
When tragedy strikes, we need to come together. We need to reflect on lives that are lost and hold each other closer.
We need to find the common ground and connect.
When our lives are shaken and hope is lost, we need our community to lean on. Our light can grow dim when the outlook is bleak, yet when you surround yourself with a group of people unified in hope, your spirit can regain some power.
[tweetshare tweet=”If we continue to allow our political views to tear us apart, then the darkness wins, and our ability to shine is snuffed out.” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]
May we find ways to come together in painful circumstances. May we truly pray for each other in dark times. May we look beyond political ideas, for just a moment, and see humanity, in order to come together for a common good.
Peace and blessings friends.
A Prayer
Father, we sit in a dark world waiting for you to come.
May we find ourselves resting in your arms of hope and peace today.
[tweetshare tweet=”May we see our neighbor and view them in love and joy. May we move beyond politics and focus on your kingdom. ” username=”^M)zLemMY!u5ZU3lg5tTofaqD7l2DKda:1:1″]For so many, they long for your return, yet they miss their ability to share your hope in the meantime.
Our Father is good in the midst of pain. We say this so freely, yet we don’t live like we believe it.
Let us not flee from the One who heals, but run towards you as children run to the arms of their parents.
Let us look into our neighbors eyes and see You. May we bridge gaps, instead of making larger divides.
May we be a light shining brighter, when the darkness seems to be winning.
Oh Lord, may we rest when necessary. May we act when the call comes. May we love the way you loved. May we be peacemakers in a time of chaos. May we reveal your hope in the hopeless situations.
Lord, may you be revealed through us for your glory to radiate and penetrate the hearts of the broken.
Amen.
Three Reasons to Step Away From Social Media and One Important Reason To Come Back
Posted on October 30, 2017 Leave a Comment
I don’t know about you, but for me, I often get overwhelmed with the bleak messages on social media.
It seems like every other post is full of depressing news and causes me to struggle with hope or joy.
Yes, my eternal hope and joy is found in Jesus, but as I see the struggles of others or division in our society, I sit back wondering when He will come back and the light will overtake the darkness.
I contemplate shutting down. I dream of running off into the woods, living with my family off the grid, and being secluded from all of it.
Some of you may actually share my dream.
If so, we might be on to something. Read More
