Lost Chances, No More

I know in this lifetime I could tell you a ton of stories about that one split second I could have decided to do something  and  didn’t.  I lost that chance forever.  I could have change the world in that instant, but for some reason I did nothing. Some I regret and others I regret even more so. This isn’t a woeful sad tale though, it’s about how not to miss those chances or more clearly put, how to have faith and act instantly.

There are so many reasons or excuses one can come up with for just standing by. I was scared, shy, pressured, what would they think of me, lack of faith. Unless you are John Wayne or God himself I’m pretty sure each and every one of us can say we’ve been there. I’ve been there many times and as I’ve grown older and more importantly stronger in my faith, I have learned that every single one of those moments is my time to shine.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

I really pull this verse close to my heart when I have a moment of doubt. I can think of this verse and step forward with full confidence with what I am doing. Trust in Him and your path will be straight, how awesome is that? In life we have many things going on that we feel we get lost or if we make that decision others will change or go bad. If we walk the path of God, make good decisions, know that He is with us in all that we do, how can we make a wrong turn.

I have always trusted my gut instinct for as long as I remember, but some times it didn’t always end up being the right move. Looking back at some of those situations I believe those wrong decisions were made because I was living for myself only. I didn’t have the Lord in my heart fully and I wasn’t living a completely good life. I realize now this was all apart of God’s plan and has made the person I am today. Which in turn led me to the following verses, explained below.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The above verses are a few from what I consider my personal contract with God. He gives me a his business plan for me, promises and intentions. I in return offer my faith to Him and wish to do His work and will. I know in my calling that all I do in His name is good. Until the end of time I will stand firm, always give myself to the Lord, do His work with a smile and a full heart and know that I am always right. He will never leave me and will always support me.

Reading over my past trial and tribulations, coming to my own personal contract with God and having an understanding in my life gives me faith I can do no wrong with God. Those lost chance moments I now shrug off and step confidently with Him in this path. I act instinctual and exact with His hand on my shoulder and His message in my heart.

Lost chances could be that kid getting bullied, a woman getting attacked at the ATM, a friend about to commit suicide, a personal crisis of faith, the list goes on and on. The message here today is that you may be that one deciding factor in a person’s life. If you think of it like that you can be like Jesus. You too can save.

Transparent

I’ve been making some major changes in my life that started late last year. The most important of these being my slow walk back to Christ. It’s been a very good walk for me even though sometimes I have no idea where I’m going. What I do know is that I’ve never been happier in my life before, ever.

I recently watched a video that featured Francis Chan speaking at Desiring 2011 Conference. It’s an amazing video and every word that man said touched my soul. After it was over the one thing that I kept saying out loud to myself is this, “Why am I wasting my time with stuff that is not eternal?” Wow. That blew me away! I know I’ve been making strides and leaps and bounds in my following God, but that hit me straight in the heart. I can truthfully say this was one of those defining moments in my faith that made me look ever harder at things. In a previous post I wrote about a thing I do called The Narrowing, it’s that thing where you look around and see if you like the person you are.  That phrase made me kick it up a few notches.

I can say that I have narrowed out a lot of the useless daily worldly things in my life and replace them with something that makes a difference in some way. In doing so I now realize that I live for God. I do His bidding and obey. Through me He works and I help others. I love Him in all His ways, the way he lets me live in the light and speak His gospel. The way He loves me.

I bet less than a year ago today I wouldn’t have been able to say that in any way shape or form, let alone publish it publicly for anyone to read.

“I am now transparent where my sin used to block His light from shining inside me“  – Matthew S. Hutson

Yah, I quoted myself.  I’m proud to say that and I think it might be the most profound thing I have ever said in my life.

I was told by a good friend that they enjoy my blog because of how transparent or real I am on here. I told them that I’ve never written anything for public view and certainly not anything in a spiritual topic or about myself.  I believe her though, it makes sense. I’m just here writing out my heart, hanging with Jesus and telling everyone what he is doing for me. Of course I cannot fully describe my passion, want, yearn oh how I want to change my world, your world and everyone in this God Blessed world.

I’ve been told all my life that I was meant to do great things in this world. When I always heard that I thought aren’t we all told that by our parents? It wasn’t until I felt God’s hand that I actually believed this. I’ve had a few different careers and purposes through my life so far, but all have paled in comparison to what I’m about to embark upon next. To be a fisher of men, a shepard to his flock, to lead minds and hearts to walk a better path. I’ve felt compelled to get back into a church community with a fire in my heart unrivaled by anything I have ever felt. God is working in me, I am humbled to say that.

I am a transparent Godly man to no end. I only hope to tell my story to let others know, especially men.  I want to let them know it is ok and encouraged to be transparent in God’s eyes.  I would not be this person I am today if God did not break my heart, wash away that sin and fill my soul up with his light.  Now His light shines brighter in me than anything in my life.

So what do I intend to do with this life He has blessed me with? Eternal things!

-M

the full armor

I armor myself daily with scripture. Anything related to that day or situation I am in. Maybe it’s how I’m feeling or I need a personal Mantra or I just need a little lifting up. Perhaps I need to armor myself with words of wisdom to help others. This is how I see Sunday’s Experience. I go to the experience looking to get all I can out of the message, to armor myself with knowledge and His word. I then go out from then on and spread that word or message however I can now and forever.  Sure I feel great going to church and seeing all my new friends and it just generally feels amazing being there in His presence with all these Godly people. Church is in our hearts, it’s not in a building with all those people. Church is there to arm us to make us ready to help others, to love others, to show them they too can walk in the light.

Being a LifeChurch.tv chat host this past month has really opened my eyes about what kind of questions and trials one will be put through while ministering to non-believers or those that aim to debunk Jesus, I laughed as I wrote that. Debunk Jesus, good luck. Anyway, I could quote scripture or look up an answer to any question you will have, but honestly I only need one answer for everything. Just one word.

FAITH.

If you are a follower or believer you would agree, but this one word usually falls on deaf ears or also needs to be partnered with “proof”. It’s not their fault they are confused, we are just built that way. I wise man told me today that we don’t have to fix people, that’s Gods job, we are just here to love them and show them what can be. (Thanks Jack!) I think that is a great way to minister to people, just to love them. This doesn’t mean go up and give them the biggest hardest hug you can, but however you show them, to help them just might be that proof they need to see. That’s your faith and God working through you to them. It’s all a big plan and He’s the only one that knows what’s up. Good thing he gives us his Holy Words to armor us and keep on keepin’ on to fight the good fight.  Lead by example, spread that love, make that proof!

Eph 6:10-17 (NIV) ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I don’t know about you but after I read that scripture I felt like a superhero, bring on Batman, bring on Superman! BOOM! (yes I get excited and this is how I express it, if you have witnessed in person, you know exactly what I mean.)

If God is for us, how can anything be against us!

-M

theHouseFM 89.7 Pledge Drive NOW

I know each and everyone one of us loves to minister to whomever we can, but we are yet single lights spreading the word when we can. Well the past couple weeks a local radio station called TheHouseFM and My Praise FM have been holding their annual Pledge Drive and I have been honored to help volunteer to help with this.

I was just out fixing my own house trying to find some other way to pledge. I have already pledged a monthly donation as well as time. Financially I cannot do anymore even though I wish I could. I am currently unemployed and my house is falling down around me, literally, but I want this HouseFM to keep on going strong and always.

So while I’m knee deep in mud, sweat and blood God says hey you got this Blog thing going on and you have some people on there reading, why not use that media to spread the word.

This is it! My message or plea or cry for help.  I was not asked by anyone by the station to do this, I am doing this by my own accord and well God told me to do it. Haha.

INFO: You can go to:

- http://www.klvv.com/share2012.asp

- www.thehousefm.com

- www.mypraisefm.com

GO THERE NOW and make a pledge. ALSO, if you pledge 360.00 one time or 30/monthly you also will be helping out the partnered company called Children’s Cup. They are the organization that helps feed the children in Swaziland, Africa. Not only will you help this amazing Christian Radio Station stay on the air and help spread the word of God, but you can help feed some kids. I think that is pretty amazing! If you pledge the above amount you also get gift points good for t-shirts and sports bags and beach towels.

I know in the times we are in money is tight, but anything you might want to give helps. 5 dollars one time, 50/monthly, whatever.  If you feel God pulling at those heart-strings and want to do some good give them a call @ 1-800-324-8488 or 1-800 FAITH 88 or go to one of those sights up above and pledge online.

Thank You.

-M

Christ Club (kinda like Fight Club, kinda)

The First Rule of Christ Club is that we do God’s work daily.

The Second Rule of Christ Club is that we do God’s work daily.

The Third Rule of Christ Club is If someone cries out or is down, you reach out and help them.

The Fourth Rule of Christ Club is be a fisher of men and grow your fellowship.

The Fifth Rule of Christ Club is we save souls every day.

The Sixth Rule of Christ Club is no worldly possessions necessary.

The Seventh Rule of Christ Club is that we will go on warring for your soul as long as we need to.

The Eight Rule of Christ Club is if this is your first time to experience the Lord, You are blessed and may you walk in the light forever.

Yes, I spoofed Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It’s one of my favorite books/movies. No, it’s not a family book/movie, but like many things, you can pull something out of it and turn it into something good.

If you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, it’s a great mind bender.

I’ve been busy with Life Groups, Small Groups, Traveling, new churches, old churches, volunteering, contemplating unemployment, breaking into houses and figuring out this so-called life.

What a great and wonderful life it is.

Just want to through out Psalm 139:14. The part that I want anyone and everyone to focus on is “You are WONDERFULLY MADE!” It’s true you are, so go live your wonderful and great life to the fullest.

Sometimes I just like to share what goes on through my head when I think Godly.

Thank You, and goodnight.

-M

in His hands

I started this Blog to help with my re-dedication of my faith and to personally keep myself accountable. The first post was sometime early January and last year September was around the time that I heard God calling me back. I thought for this post I would take inventory of what I’ve been up to. I invite everyone that reads this to do this easy exercise with me. I believe it’s a healthy thing to do so we don’t plateau spiritually and see what more we can do.

SO, in the last few months I have done the following, think of it as a personal checklist:

- I have started this Blog with over 10 posts now, a few more followers than I thought I’d have by now. Most importantly I have received messages from people known personally and not that they were encouraged to walk with the Lord once again because they saw what was I was doing here. (which breaks my heart in a good way every time I think about it).

- I have volunteered at a number of organizations and helped my community in a way that is so fulfilling there is no substitute. I wish I could do more, so if you have opportunities that you think would be great for me, leave a comment!

- I have also been volunteering at live.lifechurch.tv as a Live Chat Host for the last few weeks. It’s amazing to reach out on this type of media. It’s not just happy circles of Kumbayah either, we have some serious discussions all the time. We get people from all over the globe coming to worship and discuss. It’s great and I love doing it.

- I have enrolled in classes to start and lead a Small Group/Life Group with my local church. It has been brought to my attention many times that my city did not have these certain groups. I live in a town that has a lot of churches and many more liquor stores and bars. I felt compelled to sacrifice my time because I think it’s so important to help people and to provide other venues to gather. I hope these groups will be up and running before summer. I’m aiming for a singles group and also an all male from college age to mid late 20s or greater. I think this is important due to the lack of Godly men. I know personally at that age it’s tough to be “real” and “cool”. It’s just hard to find yourself generally at that age. I feel great about doing this and am driven.

- I have met a lot of amazing new friends and people who I can share my faith with and discuss the word. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for this. Community and fellowship is in my top 5 of things I’d take with me to a deserted island. (I know that is technically 2 things, deal with it)

- I have a clear plan that I complete everyday. I have my books/chapters I read (My Utmost for His Highest), I have plans going on YouVersion.com Bible App and of course my quiet time with God. I pray,discuss my life and devote my heart daily.

I’m what you would call a control freak sometimes, so really giving it up to God and letting him take care of things is and has been a continual struggle for me. I can honestly say I’ve come leaps and bounds from where I was, but still today I struggle. I can use the words of Sanctus Real from the song Redeemer to say it best; It feels like chaos in my life but somehow heavenly.

I’m trying daily to put everything in His hands. All that I have posted above was because of Him through me. I encourage all of you to do the same. We’ve got the tools and the talent to make a change. (oh yes that was a quote from Ghostbusters!)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly equipped to perform every good work.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

-M

I’m no Conan… (new chat host for lifechurch.tv)

…but I am one of the new Chat Host for LifeChurch.tv for Wednesday 10pm cst sessions!

I received a confirmation email today that I was accepted for this honor to serve. I will be on a trial basis for 30 days and then upon decision by my Captain and my performance I will get my Host tag!

Needless to say I’m very excited to be apart of this team and yet another way to spread His word. I feel the Spirit moving through me and with me in my journey. More and more opportunities keep coming my way and I’m loving it. (now if I could just get that book deal or blog deal, Hah!)

So if you are a Life Church goer or want to come check it out, come by Wednesdays at 10pm cst and I’ll greet you with a smile and open hands.

Jeremiah 29:13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

– This post brought to you by Thinking Godly–  (see how I used it as an action verb?)

-M

A Wasted Life?

Someone once asked me, “What if I lived my entire life for God, spread His word and fashioned my life to suit His teachings, then come to find out there is no God?”  Then the next comment made me feel a bit sad for this person, they said, “Wouldn’t you feel like you had wasted your entire life living for something that isn’t even real?”

My immediate retort was, “So you think that living a clean, healthy, inspiring, real, truthful, helping, unselfish, serving life would be a wasted one?” The conversation continues on and goes quite a bit deeper, but I wanted to spark this Blog off with those comments.

I bet that I could take a poll of any random Christian and they would say they are not living a wasted life.  But the question is, Are you living a FULL life in God’s light? Most would say or think that they are, others would say I try to do what I can, and the rest, well there is always tomorrow. I can and will honestly say I have not been doing so myself up until a few months ago.  Don’t get me wrong I’m still a weak man and far from perfect, but I’m trying to turn everything in my life to God. Everything. For Him

Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the reasons I started this Blog was to keep myself accountable on all measures. I’m literally trying to live the title, “Think Godly”. WWJD to the 24th power is how I see it!  This Blog is only a small part of the plan of how I’m trying to do to live a life worthy of Him. I’ve started volunteering at multiple organizations, going out of my way to facilitate others, narrowing the worldly/material items, and hoping to host a Life Group/Small Group in the near future. (Orientation classes start Sunday! Excited!)

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

These past few months I can honestly say that I have never felt so real and so confident of how I am living my life. I’ve been “blessed” to have ample time for this soul-searching and somewhat of a cushion, at least for a couple more months or so. I’ve been able to spend more focused time with God. I have even considered the Peace Corps. as an option for the future. I want to surround myself with all things Godly: friends, job, hobbies, entertainment, anything  and everything in my life.

2 Peter 1:3-11 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious  promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleanses from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So if a “Wasted Life” means that I can touch others and help my fellow-man all in His name, than count me in.

How about you?

-M

Listen

Sometimes in life you need a hand to lead you, but sometimes you just need to close your eyes and listen.

It’s been longer than usual since you have heard from me and I think this post might explain it. Have I been sitting in the dark all this time just listening for something?  Well yes and no I say! In the Bible it talks often of Jesus going away from his disciples and spending time alone, spending it with the Father, praying and listening. Prayer is a very important part of my spiritual growth, but listening in my time alone has become very important to me as well.

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went up to a solitary place, where he prayed.

It continues in other verses such as: Matthew 14:23, Matthew 26:36-44,  Five different verses in Luke and of course John 16 and 17 before the arrest.

Of course Jesus was praying, but just as important he was listening. Listening to God speak to him.

An age-old discussion is that if people really hear God? Like the scripture say, it’s up to you. He is waiting for you. Sure you can read the Bible with God’s Word directly written in it to absorb it and learn, but you must listen with your heart to know the Lord.

John 10:27 My Sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 8:47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God has to say. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

It’s more a question – not of how to hear God’s voice, but will we hear Him? Will we say, “Yes, Lord!” and obey His command? I know I have and I’m a better man for it. A Man of God if you will.

As you might have read in the previous post, I attended WinterJam 2012. The worship I heard in those hours not only from the bands/singers but from those attending was amazing. As I go further in my path to follow Him I’m not only thinking more Godly, I’m also listening to the sound of Him working in all kinds of ways more closely.

Psalm 66:4  All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.

-M

 *Lyrics from Building 429 song Listen to the Sound, suits my journey:

Oh, listen to the sound of hope
That’s rising up
Over your old horizon
Listen to the sound
Listen to the sound
And listen to the sound of a new beginning of
This is where the old is ending
Listen to the sound
Listen to the sound

Take me as I am
I am Yours to use
I am lifting empty hands
‘Cause I was made for You
Made for You

You are God, there is no other
I won’t bow before another
I was made for, I was made for You

 

Winter Jam 2012

GO GO GO if you can!

I’ll be back soon with regularly scheduled programs and posts, but I just had to post about this A-MA-ZING event. I admit this was my first Christian related concert event, but it certainly melted my face off. Everyone sounded incredible and the worship literally blew the roof off, (fireworks and pyrotechnic was out of this atmosphere). Side note: still can’t hear 100%

I’m so glad my good friend invited me to this. (Thanks Crystal!)

My heart broke a million times over feeling the spirit move through the room and everyone there. It was so great to see so many people excited for Jesus. The world and community for Jesus and His worship is most definitely awake and alive!

*Three new posts in the works, hope to get a couple out this week.

Have a blessed day, now go get your faces melted at Winter Jam!

-M

**for info on WJ2012 goto: www.thehousefm.com  or http://www.jamtour.com/