This concept is nothing new or really profound but still so powerful! Slavery is the picture we have of sin and salvation is the picture we have of freedom from sin! What better way to see hope in people than to free them from physical slavery in hopes that they be freed spiritually as well?
Recently, I attended an event that had a feature program involving a team performance with many parts and acts. Needless to say, it was very impressing and impacting! Did it have its mistakes? Sure! Anything has its faults, but it is what we do with those faults that shows our competence and character. And this team didn't let that stop them nor did it really hinder them in any way! I say all of that to say that their performance dealt with this issue quite a bit. We all need to be transformed so we can be freed from sin and found in salvation.
But salvation doesn't just end there. It continues for the rest of our lives; that's sanctification. A quick word on that while I am thinking about it: "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
Every comfort comes with a challenge though. The comfort is clear - Christ began His work in us through salvation and continually saves us from our sin by calling us to live "lives worthy of the Gospel" (Philippians 1:27). So the challenge is just as clear - become what Christ makes us - more like Him and less like us!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Strings
Picture this: a string... that shouldn't be too difficult, right? Being a college student, it's the simple things that make a difference (like fresh laundry, good food, days off, etc.)
Being a musician at heart and somewhat by hand, I love stringed instruments. Salvation is pictured by strings. The Gospel is that we are strings. By ourselves, we have little or no worth. Our significance is based purely on the fact that we are created by God. God's creation and our significance cannot be separated! Thankfully, Christ didn't just create us though. We were created for a purpose, a reason for living. Christ created us so that we would worship Him. Ever since the Fall, we have struggled with wanting to worship Him and ourselves, but one day the struggle will end! The design has been created, is being sustained, and will be restored!
Our lives are like strings in the sense that we are also strapped. As creation, because of Adam, we are naturally bound to where we don't belong. Picture a string strapped onto the wrong instrument. It just doesn't work too well. Similarly, we were once trapped in sin. We belonged to a master who controlled our lives; we were our own masters.
But praise God the story doesn't end there! Everything happens according to His design, so even though we did and do mess up, God still shows grace! God frees His children from captivity, so the string is loosed from the wrong instrument. We are indeed free from sin, but again praise God the story doesn't end there! God still shows grace.
We are not simply free from one instrument and loosed into the air. Rather, we were bound, are loosed so that we can be bound once more.
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:12-14).
One last thought: It is when the strings are pressed in various places that beautiful music comes out and if our lives are strings, what does that mean for the trials we face? And with that question, I recommend James chapter 1.
Making pens and making a difference!
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Being a musician at heart and somewhat by hand, I love stringed instruments. Salvation is pictured by strings. The Gospel is that we are strings. By ourselves, we have little or no worth. Our significance is based purely on the fact that we are created by God. God's creation and our significance cannot be separated! Thankfully, Christ didn't just create us though. We were created for a purpose, a reason for living. Christ created us so that we would worship Him. Ever since the Fall, we have struggled with wanting to worship Him and ourselves, but one day the struggle will end! The design has been created, is being sustained, and will be restored!
Our lives are like strings in the sense that we are also strapped. As creation, because of Adam, we are naturally bound to where we don't belong. Picture a string strapped onto the wrong instrument. It just doesn't work too well. Similarly, we were once trapped in sin. We belonged to a master who controlled our lives; we were our own masters.
But praise God the story doesn't end there! Everything happens according to His design, so even though we did and do mess up, God still shows grace! God frees His children from captivity, so the string is loosed from the wrong instrument. We are indeed free from sin, but again praise God the story doesn't end there! God still shows grace.
We are not simply free from one instrument and loosed into the air. Rather, we were bound, are loosed so that we can be bound once more.
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:12-14).
One last thought: It is when the strings are pressed in various places that beautiful music comes out and if our lives are strings, what does that mean for the trials we face? And with that question, I recommend James chapter 1.
Making pens and making a difference!
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Monday, September 24, 2012
Archery and Pens (AP)
Only those of you who have shook my hand can laugh at this, but I actually absolutely enjoy archery! (P.S. If you have shook hands with me, hopefully you both get the joke and did laugh. If not, your bad). :P
Anyway, I love being outdoors and shooting a bow and arrow is also quite therapeutic! It is also pretty therapeutic to make pens and it is also absolutely enjoyable! In archery, you often aim at something but miss the mark. Missing the mark is part of life though. In fact, in this life we ultimately always miss the mark, which is why Christ came! "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
In the same way shooting bows and arrows is something I can do that I enjoy, making pens is something I love and I would love nothing more than to make pens and make a difference! I know I will miss the mark, but God shows grace and I realize my need for it! My life wouldn't exist if God didn't show grace and this will never happen without His grace!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
Anyway, I love being outdoors and shooting a bow and arrow is also quite therapeutic! It is also pretty therapeutic to make pens and it is also absolutely enjoyable! In archery, you often aim at something but miss the mark. Missing the mark is part of life though. In fact, in this life we ultimately always miss the mark, which is why Christ came! "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
In the same way shooting bows and arrows is something I can do that I enjoy, making pens is something I love and I would love nothing more than to make pens and make a difference! I know I will miss the mark, but God shows grace and I realize my need for it! My life wouldn't exist if God didn't show grace and this will never happen without His grace!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Crutches, Comforts, Challenges
As I am listening to "All I Have" by Tenth Avenue North, I can't help but think how true the opening is: "Forgive me, Lord for thinking you could ever need me." Somehow, because of the society we live in and the lies they offer, I honestly think we believe God needs us. Truth is, God doesn't need us, we need Him. "All I Have is Yours, oh Lord."
As a Christian, I can very much relate to those who have the need for crutches. Crutches are used for support, which everyone needs. However, as a Christian, I do not think Jesus is interested in being just a crutch. Crutches just lend some support; they don't totally give full support.
So here is my proposition: Other believers are crutches Christ gives us because He is in complete control. We literally cannot make a move if it were not for the sovereign act of God.
As a side note, I got to thinking about this because of the old adage, "Words come back to haunt you." My life verse is II Corinthians 12:9 which says, "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
That right there is enough to make you think, but the verse doesn't stop there! Paul responds with a bold statement, "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Now I will admit that I am no theologian, but I am aware that there is controversy as to whether or not the context here of a thorn being in Paul's side is literal or figurative. I have my own opinion, but regardless, I can somewhat empathize. My sin is a constant reminder, that's for sure.
So, if Paul is referring to his past sins, which he certainly had, I can definitely relate! But to steal a quote from the song "The Struggle" by the band Tenth Avenue North, "Hallelujah, we are free to struggle; we're not struggling to be free."
The other interpretation is that Paul's condition is actually physical. And I can somewhat relate. I have a bad knee, but the difference is Satan didn't put this one in me; I did. The reason my knee hurts is a result of my own stupidity, but that's a different story for a different post on a different day!
I leave you all with these challenges/encouragements:
1 - Surround yourself with people who are supportive. That doesn't mean ones who just agree with you and do what you do. Diversity is a good thing. You have weaknesses and strengths and as a body, we are supposed to put all those parts together.
2 - Don't be stupid. Clear cut and simple. My mistakes cost me literally in this life and have eternal consequences, too. Thankfully, Christ died for my sins and so I have "redemption through His blood" (Ephesians 1:7).
But all of that would sound like a bunch of things to do and would miss the point of the passage!
3 - Remember God's grace is more than enough. He loves you and me despite the fact that we mess up. However, He does not love the messes we make. Comforts come with challenges. Paul put it well when he asked and answered, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
So the comfort is based on the finished work of Christ, but the challenge is that the work we are doing as a result of that finished work on the Cross is unfinished. To quote the 7 dwarves from Snow White and the Dwarfs, "It's off to work we go!"
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
As a Christian, I can very much relate to those who have the need for crutches. Crutches are used for support, which everyone needs. However, as a Christian, I do not think Jesus is interested in being just a crutch. Crutches just lend some support; they don't totally give full support.
So here is my proposition: Other believers are crutches Christ gives us because He is in complete control. We literally cannot make a move if it were not for the sovereign act of God.
As a side note, I got to thinking about this because of the old adage, "Words come back to haunt you." My life verse is II Corinthians 12:9 which says, "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
That right there is enough to make you think, but the verse doesn't stop there! Paul responds with a bold statement, "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Now I will admit that I am no theologian, but I am aware that there is controversy as to whether or not the context here of a thorn being in Paul's side is literal or figurative. I have my own opinion, but regardless, I can somewhat empathize. My sin is a constant reminder, that's for sure.
So, if Paul is referring to his past sins, which he certainly had, I can definitely relate! But to steal a quote from the song "The Struggle" by the band Tenth Avenue North, "Hallelujah, we are free to struggle; we're not struggling to be free."
The other interpretation is that Paul's condition is actually physical. And I can somewhat relate. I have a bad knee, but the difference is Satan didn't put this one in me; I did. The reason my knee hurts is a result of my own stupidity, but that's a different story for a different post on a different day!
I leave you all with these challenges/encouragements:
1 - Surround yourself with people who are supportive. That doesn't mean ones who just agree with you and do what you do. Diversity is a good thing. You have weaknesses and strengths and as a body, we are supposed to put all those parts together.
2 - Don't be stupid. Clear cut and simple. My mistakes cost me literally in this life and have eternal consequences, too. Thankfully, Christ died for my sins and so I have "redemption through His blood" (Ephesians 1:7).
But all of that would sound like a bunch of things to do and would miss the point of the passage!
3 - Remember God's grace is more than enough. He loves you and me despite the fact that we mess up. However, He does not love the messes we make. Comforts come with challenges. Paul put it well when he asked and answered, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
So the comfort is based on the finished work of Christ, but the challenge is that the work we are doing as a result of that finished work on the Cross is unfinished. To quote the 7 dwarves from Snow White and the Dwarfs, "It's off to work we go!"
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Movement
For those of you who read this, you should have seen the video of the TED Talk by Derek Sivers. Well, as much info as is packed into that short clip with plenty of food for thought, I wanted to share some of my own, so here goes:
The shirtless dancing guy is God, the Father, the first follower is Christ, the Son of God and the momentum is the Holy Spirit. Let me explain:
The shirtless dancing guy starts something, right? Well, as a believer to fellow believers, God started it all (Genesis 1:1). Jesus was there and created everything too, so you might be asking, "Well, why isn't Jesus the first shirtless dancing guy?"
An argument can be made either way I will admit, but the reason I chose to put it this way is that Christ claims that He is "Doing the Will of His Father" countless times in Scripture (John 6:38). In that regard, then, Jesus is the first follower who has the guts to stand out and be ridiculed. Nowhere is this more beautifully pictured than at the Cross where, to quote the song At the Foot of the Cross, "Grace and suffering meet."
Lastly, the Holy Spirit is the momentum, or the force that makes it all possible. Without the Holy Spirit, it is still just two dancing guys looking goofy.
So let's recap: The first shirtless dancing guy gets the credit, but the first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader and momentum occurs and a movement is started. That video is a picture of God at work. All three persons of God are working together to start a movement! The question is, will we join that movement?
Love is the movement!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
Monday, September 17, 2012
Pondering Prodigality
To quote Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music, "Let's start at the beginning. A very good place to start." However, rather than attempt to sing virtually or teach you how to sing (since I am not that great at either) I use that to say let's look at the definition of prodigal.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines prodigal as "recklessly spendthrift." Basically, to keep this post short and sweet, the point I want to make is that God truly is prodigal to us and our perspective is powerful!
As a Christian, here I am blessed beyond belief because of my belief, but yet I find myself complaining about what I do and don't have. It is in this context with regards to money that the writer of Hebrews says, "Be content with such things as you have." But the verse doesn't just end with that command. Instead it gives the motivation and the power to carry it out. "Because God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
So yes, I may not have the most money and all the things of the "good life" but I have Christ and that is a "good life" here in this life but far more importantly in the next life! And remember, God is prodigal to us and our perspective is powerful, so be looking for ways God is showing His prodigality to you, because He truly is all the time!
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines prodigal as "recklessly spendthrift." Basically, to keep this post short and sweet, the point I want to make is that God truly is prodigal to us and our perspective is powerful!
As a Christian, here I am blessed beyond belief because of my belief, but yet I find myself complaining about what I do and don't have. It is in this context with regards to money that the writer of Hebrews says, "Be content with such things as you have." But the verse doesn't just end with that command. Instead it gives the motivation and the power to carry it out. "Because God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
So yes, I may not have the most money and all the things of the "good life" but I have Christ and that is a "good life" here in this life but far more importantly in the next life! And remember, God is prodigal to us and our perspective is powerful, so be looking for ways God is showing His prodigality to you, because He truly is all the time!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Weakness
Being a pretty big Lord of the Rings fan, let me begin with a quote from Gandalf (at this point he is Gandalf the White), "I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil."
As a guy, I know tears and crying are not manly words and definitely not actions. However, I think a lot can be said about a man who is able to cry at times and that ability says a lot, too! As a guy, I know I feel a lot of pressure to be strong and not show too much emotion. And while this is true and necessary, I think it can go way too far! As men, we do need to be strong, but strength doesn't mean you don't have any weaknesses. This is a beautiful passage that illustrates this point.
"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
-II Corinthians 12:7b-10
Now I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty big statement Paul makes. He is boasting because of his pain. I don't think I can quite say that confidently yet, but here is the beautiful part of it all. Scripture is full of accounts where people just pour out their heart to God. And the really cool part is God doesn't just listen, He cares and even welcomes people to do this. Countless Psalms are just David pouring his heart out to God and pleading with Him. What a beautiful thing!
So, don't feel like you have to keep all your emotions to yourself. If you don't have someone you trust yet, you can always go to God!
And with that, please enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAifRGI1Fxs
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
As a guy, I know tears and crying are not manly words and definitely not actions. However, I think a lot can be said about a man who is able to cry at times and that ability says a lot, too! As a guy, I know I feel a lot of pressure to be strong and not show too much emotion. And while this is true and necessary, I think it can go way too far! As men, we do need to be strong, but strength doesn't mean you don't have any weaknesses. This is a beautiful passage that illustrates this point.
"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
-II Corinthians 12:7b-10
Now I don't know about you, but that seems like a pretty big statement Paul makes. He is boasting because of his pain. I don't think I can quite say that confidently yet, but here is the beautiful part of it all. Scripture is full of accounts where people just pour out their heart to God. And the really cool part is God doesn't just listen, He cares and even welcomes people to do this. Countless Psalms are just David pouring his heart out to God and pleading with Him. What a beautiful thing!
So, don't feel like you have to keep all your emotions to yourself. If you don't have someone you trust yet, you can always go to God!
And with that, please enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAifRGI1Fxs
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Starting a Movement
As much as I would love to take credit for the following brilliant concept, I cannot. I have to admit, I stole it from a TED Talk by Derek Sivers. He argues that a good leader embraces his followers as equals so that it is about the movement, not any person. That right there is a leadership lesson. Anyway, I say that to say I really do appreciate those who support my endeavors and endeavor to raise support. This pen business is only going to succeed with your help and I will try and do my best to embrace you all as equals so that it is about the movement, not me.
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
P.S. The link to the TED Talk by Derek Sivers is here, so enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74AxCqOTvg
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
P.S. The link to the TED Talk by Derek Sivers is here, so enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74AxCqOTvg
Friday, August 24, 2012
The "L" Word
"Learning is a life-long lesson."
My parents taught me this when I was a child and I have been learning this lesson thus far in my life, ironically enough. Of course, me being sometimes rather unintelligent, I have often had to learn a life lesson the hard way. To illustrate this point, let me share with you a true story:
One day a family decided to visit some friends from out of town. Little did they know this day would be a very special and memorable day for years to come. After arriving and spending time with friends over food, the children of the two families decided to go outside for some exercise, to burn the calories they just ate of course. There they were outside playing when one of the children got a little too excited and competitive. While running to avoid getting tagged, he ran right onto the road. Notice: He ran onto the road. Shortly afterward he fell onto the road as well. Yes, this child was careless and didn't look both ways before crossing the street and was hit by a truck, but you know what? This child is still alive! In case any of you are wondering who this story is about, it is me.
But here is the really cool part (aside from living to tell the story). God is sovereign even in the bad times. Yes, I was stupid and yes I was hurt and could have died, but I didn't. So here is what I want you to learn from this: Learn from me. Listen to your parents. And for goodness sake, look both ways before crossing the street!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
My parents taught me this when I was a child and I have been learning this lesson thus far in my life, ironically enough. Of course, me being sometimes rather unintelligent, I have often had to learn a life lesson the hard way. To illustrate this point, let me share with you a true story:
One day a family decided to visit some friends from out of town. Little did they know this day would be a very special and memorable day for years to come. After arriving and spending time with friends over food, the children of the two families decided to go outside for some exercise, to burn the calories they just ate of course. There they were outside playing when one of the children got a little too excited and competitive. While running to avoid getting tagged, he ran right onto the road. Notice: He ran onto the road. Shortly afterward he fell onto the road as well. Yes, this child was careless and didn't look both ways before crossing the street and was hit by a truck, but you know what? This child is still alive! In case any of you are wondering who this story is about, it is me.
But here is the really cool part (aside from living to tell the story). God is sovereign even in the bad times. Yes, I was stupid and yes I was hurt and could have died, but I didn't. So here is what I want you to learn from this: Learn from me. Listen to your parents. And for goodness sake, look both ways before crossing the street!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Mold
I am told that one of the greatest and hardest parts of teaching is that you learn so much by teaching. I can honestly say I am beginning to understand that concept. Continuing with the latest post on leadership, we are called to be like Christ as believers. Lately, I have been studying and being taught a lot in Romans. Paul writes, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
You might be thinking, how does any of this so far have anything to do with mold? Well, believe it or not, this passage is actually painting a picture of two different molds: the one is set by the world while the other is set by Christ. The one set by the world is natural and easy for us to follow, but the one set by Christ is supernatural and very difficult because we want to make this life about us. But the Gospel is the opposite. If Christ is indeed who He says He is, then our lives are not our own, but His. This means that our lives are to be lived for Him, which is exactly what John argues. "He must increase, but I must decrease."
So, which mold are we allowing to shape our lives?
You might be thinking, how does any of this so far have anything to do with mold? Well, believe it or not, this passage is actually painting a picture of two different molds: the one is set by the world while the other is set by Christ. The one set by the world is natural and easy for us to follow, but the one set by Christ is supernatural and very difficult because we want to make this life about us. But the Gospel is the opposite. If Christ is indeed who He says He is, then our lives are not our own, but His. This means that our lives are to be lived for Him, which is exactly what John argues. "He must increase, but I must decrease."
So, which mold are we allowing to shape our lives?
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Leadership Lessons Learned from Lecrae and TED
I'd like to say I am a man of few words, but those who know me at all know that isn't true of me at all! I like to talk, that's for sure, but I also like leadership! So here is a perfect opportunity for me to talk about leadership... kinda cool how that works, huh?
Again, those of you who know me, know that I am a pretty big fan of Lecrae and other Christian rap artists. Anyway, in his song Just Like You, Lecrae makes this statement: "All men were created to lead but we needed somebody to lead us." Of course, context goes a long way and in this case he is referring to how since we are created by Christ, we are saved by Christ, and called to be like Christ!
Another really cool quote for me about leadership is "Leadership is over-glorified." In case you are curious as to the source, Derek Sivers makes this quote in his TED talk. If you want to know more about the context of either of these quotes, I strongly recommend both!
Again, those of you who know me, know that I am a pretty big fan of Lecrae and other Christian rap artists. Anyway, in his song Just Like You, Lecrae makes this statement: "All men were created to lead but we needed somebody to lead us." Of course, context goes a long way and in this case he is referring to how since we are created by Christ, we are saved by Christ, and called to be like Christ!
Another really cool quote for me about leadership is "Leadership is over-glorified." In case you are curious as to the source, Derek Sivers makes this quote in his TED talk. If you want to know more about the context of either of these quotes, I strongly recommend both!
All of that to say this, though. To me, the lessons I learn about leadership from these two quotes can be summarized this way: Good leadership is required and requires humility!
Making pens and making a difference!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day
Let me be clear: I love Chick-Fil-A! I love their views, but that isn't even all of what I love about them nor why I am so resolved to make it a point to go there and get food! I love their food and I am against a government official making such a ridiculous claim for virtually no reason whatsoever! At least, his reasons are not valid, in my opinion! But he has the right to say and share his beliefs just like Dan Cathy does with his. Here are the bottom lines for me:
1 - Chick-Fil-A is a lawful business and as such, under America's laws, it has every right to be exactly what it is... a business!
2 - Dan Cathy is a man and a leader and as such he has views. As a leader, his views are shared by his followers. Also, as acting president of Chick-Fil-A he gets to decide what direction the business takes to a large degree.
3 - No government official or agency has any right or valid reason to prevent a business from being a business in their city, if that is what the people want.
All of that to say, I will be eating at Chick-Fil-A and invite you to do the same if you want good food and want to support something great!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
1 - Chick-Fil-A is a lawful business and as such, under America's laws, it has every right to be exactly what it is... a business!
2 - Dan Cathy is a man and a leader and as such he has views. As a leader, his views are shared by his followers. Also, as acting president of Chick-Fil-A he gets to decide what direction the business takes to a large degree.
3 - No government official or agency has any right or valid reason to prevent a business from being a business in their city, if that is what the people want.
All of that to say, I will be eating at Chick-Fil-A and invite you to do the same if you want good food and want to support something great!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Ashes to Beauty
Isaiah 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."
"And You've won my heart
Yes, You've won my heart
Now I can trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross."
-At the Foot of the Cross (Ashes to Beauty) by Don Moen
Praying for those families and friends involved in and affected by the Colorado Massacre!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
A Lesson in Patience and Perseverance
So you might be wondering... what in the world sparked this post on this topic? Even if you aren't wondering, let me go ahead and share it with you. I was visiting a college campus today and was talking with someone about my possible major and she was sharing a lot of great insight, teaching me a lot actually and also kindly, inadvertently I'm sure, letting me know how much I still have to learn and grow! So, patience is key but patience alone isn't sufficient. After all, if we are just patient, waiting on things to happen, nothing much will happen. We have to take action and continue acting if we are going to make a difference and really learn something!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Friday, June 22, 2012
Eureka!
Eureka, as some of you know, is an exclamation of excitement. What you might still know is that it means "I found it." I love history and so I wanted to share this with you. Archimedes coined this phrase while taking a bath... or so the story goes... Archimedes was faced with an obstacle, but obstacles are meant to overcome. He met a wall but to quote from the movie Tintin, "You hit a wall, push through it." In a word, persistence. I was thinking to myself a lot lately about Scripture and money and eternity and people and work and family and the list goes on, but as I am laying here in bed writing this, unable to sleep... AGAIN... I was thinking about treasures and was reminded of the passage of Scripture that talks about treasures, and so now hopefully you can say EUREKA!
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Eternal > Earthly.
What is eternal is of far more worth than what is earthly. However, the earthly can still be used for the eternal. That's the really cool part!
C.S. Lewis himself wrote, "No natural feelings are high or low, holy or unholy, in themselves. They are all holy when God's hand is on the rein. They all go bad when they set up on their own and make themselves into false gods." God is in control, not us and what He has given us is still in His control, so let's use what He has given us to glorify Him!
Making pens and making a difference!
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Eternal > Earthly.
What is eternal is of far more worth than what is earthly. However, the earthly can still be used for the eternal. That's the really cool part!
C.S. Lewis himself wrote, "No natural feelings are high or low, holy or unholy, in themselves. They are all holy when God's hand is on the rein. They all go bad when they set up on their own and make themselves into false gods." God is in control, not us and what He has given us is still in His control, so let's use what He has given us to glorify Him!
Making pens and making a difference!
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Worship Music and Martin Luther
I spent a good bit of this Sunday night over at my Grandad's house. Side note: his house was a family project that I was part of helping to build. Anyway, that is not the point at all. I went over and he had some kind of Bill Gaither video playing. Yet another side note: Bill Gaither is not my favorite musician and doesn't play my favorite style of music. But as I was watching it with him, I got to thinking about music, worship, styles, selfishness, etc. And here's what I really thought about... but before I tell you I have to tell you it is a really simple concept but at the same time it is convicting and so applicable to situations all throughout the church, at least that is my opinion. But alas, here is what I got to thinking about: WORSHIP ISN'T ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU WANT!
Such a simple concept to understand and yet how hard it can be to apply at times. Let me give you an example by asking a question. How many people leave churches because they don't like the worship "style?" I don't know either, but it does happen and I know that every situation has specific circumstances, so I do not mean to generalize and condemn but if worship isn't about you and what you want than it must be about someone else, and if it isn't about what we want than it must be what someone else wants. Well, I submit to you that the "someone else" is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. But here is the really cool part that we get to play and I am going to steal a quote from my pastor, "The temple is where God expects to be worshiped." I Corinthians 3:17b reads, "For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." MIND=BLOWN!
God expects to be worshiped in the temple and we are God's temple. What does that mean? I know I don't know all that means, but here is what I do know. The temple is sacred and was used in the Old Testament as a symbol of God's presence. So somehow, you and I are sacred despite our sin and somehow in our sin, we still have the presence of God within us! All of that (and so much more) is possible because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus! Because we are God's temple, we are in the presence of the Most High, but we are still only in the outer courts while Jesus is our High Priest. God still expects to be worshiped by us and the outer courts are where the sacrifices were made. I wonder if that is why Paul would also write in Romans 12 to, "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices..."
Going back to worship through music, while I was over at my Grandad's listening to and watching this video, a quote by Martin Luther was shared and I wanted to share it here as well. "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." Why? Luther continues to say because "It controls our hearts, minds, and spirits." So music is no doubt a powerful tool and the sound no doubt makes a difference, but the real issue isn't the style of music, but rather the message of music. Sadly, much of music promotes a self-centered lifestyle, which is expected of unbelievers but not for believers. We are God's temple and the temple is where God expects to be worshiped, so the focus is on him, not us. So, the question is what kind of music are we listening to and how does it control how we live and who we live for?
And with that, please enjoy (with perhaps a new perspective and a deeper appreciation) a song that Martin Luther himself wrote the words for (in a style very different than its original musical composition)! All you have to do is search A Mighty Fortress is Our God by Chris Rice!
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Of Antonyms and X-Men
"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."
It's a cliche for sure, but if you think about it for a second, you can see some truth to it and some applications (or how we should act and react).
Here's what I want you to do. I am going to just write a few ideas and I want you to think of the possible "opposite and equal reactions" for each one. Let me make sure we are good by giving a sample:
Love:Hate
Now that I think you've got it, let's get started!
Truth:
Sleep:
War:
Those of you who know me know that three is my favorite number and you know why... so let me give you three quick thoughts:
Obviously, this catchy saying talks about two things, action and reaction, and their correlation. Think for a minute about situations when someone acts and then how people react to it. Now, if you are like me, think of times when you react impatiently, maybe even seeming angry at someone and "blowing up" on them for something they did or didn't do. Even if the person's action or lack of action was wrong, we are just as wrong for reacting that way. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So actions and reactions can be harmful, but not always.
Thankfully, helpful actions and right reactions are also just as real, though perhaps more rarely evident. I can't help but think of X-Men First Class here, so pardon me if I seem like I am just being nerdy, but I promise there is a point and connection, a connection-point. The movie is pretty awesome, if I do say so myself, and really effectively tells a story. Much of that story is centered on the ideologies of two characters - Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Eric Lensherr (Magneto). The one ideology is to fight for mankind and promote peace while the other is to fight against mankind and promote violent vengeance. The turning point in the story is when Eric Lensherr becomes Magneto and much of that part in the story hinges on the different viewpoints on action and reaction that Professor X and Magneto hold. Both Professor X and Magneto agree that mutants are different than the rest of mankind. It's not the issue that drives them apart, but it is their reaction to that issue that is the defining factor that determines their actions. Professor X realizes that mutants are different but hopes and works toward a way where they can still be somewhat accepted in society. On the other hand, Magneto sees the same situation in a different light. He blames humans for the evil in the world and sees mutants as superior (which in this case they definitely are). However, again I do not think this is even an issue between the two. The issue is how they seek to use that superiority. Professor X seeks to use that superiority for the betterment of mankind while Magneto seeks to use it as a way to rule over mankind.
I say all of that to submit to you that in a way we are like mutants. That is, we are not like unbelievers in this world... and we are not supposed to be. However, we are also not supposed to hold that over people's heads and puff ourselves up because we think we are somehow better than them. The only difference between us and them is Jesus and that makes all the difference! I find it really incredible that Professor X has the ability to read minds and in that way is able to feel what people are feeling. I know we don't have the ability to read minds as believers but we can still empathize. How? Why? Because we used to be the same if indeed the only difference is Jesus and Jesus makes all the difference! We used to be without Christ and still struggle with things people struggle with because, after all, we are people too! The difference is what actions we take in that struggle and how we react in situations. Here's an ending thought: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." God's action requires a reaction. Obedience is an action. Working out your own salvation is an action, but it is also a reaction to the fact that God has already taken the action in working in us, as this verse mentions. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. God's action requires an action and a reaction, but all of our actions and reactions will never be equal to His action.
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
It's a cliche for sure, but if you think about it for a second, you can see some truth to it and some applications (or how we should act and react).
Here's what I want you to do. I am going to just write a few ideas and I want you to think of the possible "opposite and equal reactions" for each one. Let me make sure we are good by giving a sample:
Love:Hate
Now that I think you've got it, let's get started!
Truth:
Sleep:
War:
Those of you who know me know that three is my favorite number and you know why... so let me give you three quick thoughts:
Obviously, this catchy saying talks about two things, action and reaction, and their correlation. Think for a minute about situations when someone acts and then how people react to it. Now, if you are like me, think of times when you react impatiently, maybe even seeming angry at someone and "blowing up" on them for something they did or didn't do. Even if the person's action or lack of action was wrong, we are just as wrong for reacting that way. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So actions and reactions can be harmful, but not always.
Thankfully, helpful actions and right reactions are also just as real, though perhaps more rarely evident. I can't help but think of X-Men First Class here, so pardon me if I seem like I am just being nerdy, but I promise there is a point and connection, a connection-point. The movie is pretty awesome, if I do say so myself, and really effectively tells a story. Much of that story is centered on the ideologies of two characters - Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Eric Lensherr (Magneto). The one ideology is to fight for mankind and promote peace while the other is to fight against mankind and promote violent vengeance. The turning point in the story is when Eric Lensherr becomes Magneto and much of that part in the story hinges on the different viewpoints on action and reaction that Professor X and Magneto hold. Both Professor X and Magneto agree that mutants are different than the rest of mankind. It's not the issue that drives them apart, but it is their reaction to that issue that is the defining factor that determines their actions. Professor X realizes that mutants are different but hopes and works toward a way where they can still be somewhat accepted in society. On the other hand, Magneto sees the same situation in a different light. He blames humans for the evil in the world and sees mutants as superior (which in this case they definitely are). However, again I do not think this is even an issue between the two. The issue is how they seek to use that superiority. Professor X seeks to use that superiority for the betterment of mankind while Magneto seeks to use it as a way to rule over mankind.
I say all of that to submit to you that in a way we are like mutants. That is, we are not like unbelievers in this world... and we are not supposed to be. However, we are also not supposed to hold that over people's heads and puff ourselves up because we think we are somehow better than them. The only difference between us and them is Jesus and that makes all the difference! I find it really incredible that Professor X has the ability to read minds and in that way is able to feel what people are feeling. I know we don't have the ability to read minds as believers but we can still empathize. How? Why? Because we used to be the same if indeed the only difference is Jesus and Jesus makes all the difference! We used to be without Christ and still struggle with things people struggle with because, after all, we are people too! The difference is what actions we take in that struggle and how we react in situations. Here's an ending thought: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." God's action requires a reaction. Obedience is an action. Working out your own salvation is an action, but it is also a reaction to the fact that God has already taken the action in working in us, as this verse mentions. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. God's action requires an action and a reaction, but all of our actions and reactions will never be equal to His action.
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
(Green) Eggs and Ham
"The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed."
-Martina Navratilova
Okay, so I have to be honest and say that as thought-provoking as this quote is and as successful as Martina Navratilova was as a tennis player, she is not perfect and I do not condone much of what she says and does. However, she did apparently say this and I wanted to talk real quickly about this quote and give just a couple of thoughts.
Involvement is big but commitment is an even bigger deal. I don't want to be all nerdy, but let's go to the dictionary for a look at these two words.
Involvement simply means to have an effect on. That effect can either be good or bad depending on how you are involved and what you are involved in, obviously.
Commitment, on the other hand, means to pledge oneself to a position on an issue or question. And again, that commitment can be either good or bad depending on if you fulfill your commitments and what you are committed to.
Here's my whole thought though: Everybody is involved with something and everybody is committed to something. The question is, are we more involved and committed to things for ourselves or others? Taking that a step further for us as believers, are we more involved and committed to earthly things than eternal treasures? Where is our focus and what is our passion?
I'll close out with this well-known and cherished hymn: Be Thou My Vision.
And you can listen to Alison Krauss sing "Be Thou My Vision" right here right now: (It's even got a verse you might not be as familiar with) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub56L5AYyEM
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Competitive Comparison
When you hear the words competitive comparison what immediately comes to mind? Do you think of someone else and compare yourself to them as a way of making yourself feel better about your own imperfections, shortcomings, and failures? I know do this often and yes, it does make me feel better... kinda... for a while... maybe a little. However, bottom line is... IT'S WRONG! Let me explain (and when I say that please understand I still have a lot to learn):
The first question is, why do we compare ourselves to other people? And if the answer is to make ourselves feel good, we should be very wary of that. Timothy Keller in his book The Prodigal God argues that the elder brother spirit does this competitive comparison deal to make himself feel more significant and justify his own weaknesses and failures. In short, he does it to make himself feel better, but life isn't about us feeling good. The Gospel isn't about us feeling good; it wasn't even about Christ feeling good, either. The Gospel isn't intended for us to feel good. I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but that is why Matt Chandler talks about the Cross in this light, "You are going to fail, and you're going to stumble, and you're going to feel dirty, and you're going to feel awkward. The whole point of the Cross is that there'd be this mighty picture of His love and pursuit of you despite you."
And see, here's the really convicting and humbling part of it all: It is easy to compare ourselves to other people and it makes us feel good, but to pose the same question as Francis Chan, "Is Jesus your role model?" Here's the bottom line for us as believers: "Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did" (I John 2:6). Yes, it is easy to sit there and look at others and how they make mistakes to make ourselves feel better, but doing that is wrong. Why? Well, first of all because we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to others, but to Christ. And when I compare myself to Christ, I don't feel too good about where I am. But it is also wrong because unbelievers are still God's creation. Who are we to pass judgment on God's creation? What's just as bad, though, is when we do the same thing to believers, God's children and our brothers and sisters.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should dismiss accountability because we shouldn't judge others. No, it is our duty as a believer to hold another believer accountable, but there is a big difference between judging them and holding them accountable and competitive comparison inevitably leads to judgment, not accountability.
All of that to say this, competitive comparison may be easy, natural, make us feel good and all this, but it only does harm to ourselves, others, and our relationships with others. Instead of looking down on people and puffing ourselves up, we should be emptying ourselves and building others up. We are called to be like Christ and He completely poured Himself out so that we could have eternal life. The question is, what are we willing to do for others for His sake?
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
P.S. The video with the quote by Francis Chan is here for you to watch if you want!
The first question is, why do we compare ourselves to other people? And if the answer is to make ourselves feel good, we should be very wary of that. Timothy Keller in his book The Prodigal God argues that the elder brother spirit does this competitive comparison deal to make himself feel more significant and justify his own weaknesses and failures. In short, he does it to make himself feel better, but life isn't about us feeling good. The Gospel isn't about us feeling good; it wasn't even about Christ feeling good, either. The Gospel isn't intended for us to feel good. I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but that is why Matt Chandler talks about the Cross in this light, "You are going to fail, and you're going to stumble, and you're going to feel dirty, and you're going to feel awkward. The whole point of the Cross is that there'd be this mighty picture of His love and pursuit of you despite you."
And see, here's the really convicting and humbling part of it all: It is easy to compare ourselves to other people and it makes us feel good, but to pose the same question as Francis Chan, "Is Jesus your role model?" Here's the bottom line for us as believers: "Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did" (I John 2:6). Yes, it is easy to sit there and look at others and how they make mistakes to make ourselves feel better, but doing that is wrong. Why? Well, first of all because we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to others, but to Christ. And when I compare myself to Christ, I don't feel too good about where I am. But it is also wrong because unbelievers are still God's creation. Who are we to pass judgment on God's creation? What's just as bad, though, is when we do the same thing to believers, God's children and our brothers and sisters.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should dismiss accountability because we shouldn't judge others. No, it is our duty as a believer to hold another believer accountable, but there is a big difference between judging them and holding them accountable and competitive comparison inevitably leads to judgment, not accountability.
All of that to say this, competitive comparison may be easy, natural, make us feel good and all this, but it only does harm to ourselves, others, and our relationships with others. Instead of looking down on people and puffing ourselves up, we should be emptying ourselves and building others up. We are called to be like Christ and He completely poured Himself out so that we could have eternal life. The question is, what are we willing to do for others for His sake?
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Burger King, TAN, and the Cross
Now that I have a job working for Burger King I feel like I should express the fact that I do happen to love it! I hope and trust I will continue to do so as I work there as well. Anyway, they have a slogan that is catchy and appealing (maybe that is why they use it...). "Have It Your Way." While this is true for food at Burger King and true to extents in other aspects as well, it does not apply to salvation. Why? Because "our" salvation isn't and never really was "our" salvation in the sense that it belongs to us and we make the rules. John writes, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb" (Revelation 7:10). But hear me out because that is actually the best news we could possibly hear! If it belonged to us and somehow depended on us to any extent we would fail and lose it for sure!
To quote Matt Chandler, "We've got this weird compartmentalization thing that happens where you don't think that God sees all that you are, or that if He could have somehow known who you were going to be He wouldn't have gone to the Cross. Um, listen, God knew you were going to be messy; Christ knew you were going to be messy. God knows you are going to screw up often. He knows that you're going to be drawn to things that are wicked. That's what the Cross is all about. That's the whole point of the Cross is that you are going to fail, and you're going to stumble, and you're going to feel dirty, and you're going to feel awkward. The whole point of the Cross is that there'd be this mighty picture of His love and pursuit of you despite you. So, the Cross is necessary because of you, but it is also the picture we have of just how far God is willing to go because He loves you.
And with that, feel free to watch the How He Loves video with Matt Chandler and John Piper, but also I wanted to share this video:
To quote Matt Chandler, "We've got this weird compartmentalization thing that happens where you don't think that God sees all that you are, or that if He could have somehow known who you were going to be He wouldn't have gone to the Cross. Um, listen, God knew you were going to be messy; Christ knew you were going to be messy. God knows you are going to screw up often. He knows that you're going to be drawn to things that are wicked. That's what the Cross is all about. That's the whole point of the Cross is that you are going to fail, and you're going to stumble, and you're going to feel dirty, and you're going to feel awkward. The whole point of the Cross is that there'd be this mighty picture of His love and pursuit of you despite you. So, the Cross is necessary because of you, but it is also the picture we have of just how far God is willing to go because He loves you.
And with that, feel free to watch the How He Loves video with Matt Chandler and John Piper, but also I wanted to share this video:
Monday, May 7, 2012
Taste and See
Salt brings out taste and light helps us see. With that in mind, let me share a passage with you:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
-Matthew 5:13-16
Guess what? As believers, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As soon as we identify with Christ, He calls us to be salt and light. That's a huge job and carries a lot of responsibility! It is also kinda scary because if we lose our saltiness, we are "no longer good for anything." I know this isn't rocket science, but salt is a preservative and so it is our job to be agents of preservation, but the reason we cannot lose our saltiness is because it isn't even ours in the first place. We are made salt and light because of Christ and He is the one who keeps us salty. However, we can and do try to work outside of Christ in the name of Christ. What do I mean by that? We try to do good things (and often succeed) but we all too often make it about our own glory and not for God's glory. God hasn't lit us as lamps and put us under a bowl. Instead we are put on a stand so that we might give light. And this is the hope: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The goal and purpose is that others may see the light and that more and more people would glorify God.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Two Masters
I hate to be so blunt, but it is the truth and the truth hurts. If we believe God's Word is truth then we have no choice but to agree with what it says. Actually, I take that back because we do have a choice, but it doesn't change the truth that God's Word is truth. Our choice is which master we are going to serve.
In Matthew the apostle writes, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
-Matthew 6:24
Folks, it doesn't get much clearer than that. We must, to quote Joshua in the Old Testament, "Choose this day whom you will serve." I just hope I can say as emphatically as that verse (Joshua 24:15), that despite all the masters I can serve (and Joshua mentions a few), that I would choose to serve the Lord.
But all of that (to quote my pastor), "serves as an introduction."
The Israelites were reminded time and time again about the ways God had delivered and led them out of Egypt and slavery. Well, we are like the Israelites in many ways because we are human. And as humans, we forget... A LOT! So, just to reiterate and remind us of our job as the body of Christ and how Stella's House offers a great opportunity to get involved, let me re-post this straight from stellasvoice.org:
Our Arms - Hold Orphans
Our Hands - Feed Orphans
Our Hearts - Love Orphans
Our Voices - Protect Orphans
Making pens and making a difference!
www.stellasvoice.org
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
In Matthew the apostle writes, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
-Matthew 6:24
Folks, it doesn't get much clearer than that. We must, to quote Joshua in the Old Testament, "Choose this day whom you will serve." I just hope I can say as emphatically as that verse (Joshua 24:15), that despite all the masters I can serve (and Joshua mentions a few), that I would choose to serve the Lord.
But all of that (to quote my pastor), "serves as an introduction."
The Israelites were reminded time and time again about the ways God had delivered and led them out of Egypt and slavery. Well, we are like the Israelites in many ways because we are human. And as humans, we forget... A LOT! So, just to reiterate and remind us of our job as the body of Christ and how Stella's House offers a great opportunity to get involved, let me re-post this straight from stellasvoice.org:
Our Arms - Hold Orphans
Our Hands - Feed Orphans
Our Hearts - Love Orphans
Our Voices - Protect Orphans
Making pens and making a difference!
www.stellasvoice.org
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Healing Begins
"This is where the healing begins. This is where the healing starts; When you come to where you're broken within, the light meets the dark."
Late night/early morning thoughts about this...
I love it, but love hurts... true healing comes about when we are broken... consider the following Scripture: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
I can't help but think that the reason we fear brokenness, especially as guys, is a result of our pride and fear of pain. But both our pride and our fears are conquered by the power of the Cross, where Jesus was broken so that we might be healed.
Making pens and making a difference!
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
www.stellasvoice.org
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Hearty Delight
Quick note: if you were expecting this to be some kind of recipe for food, I am sorry to inform you that it is not. Now that you know what it isn't, you probably want to know what it is, though.
Psalm 37:4-5 reads, "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this."
But before I make applications, let me explain some context. This passage starts off with a challenge, a command, to "not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."
From the start, then, the Psalmist is saying don't worry when evil people prosper in their ways. Or, to quote the second half of verse 7, "Do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Again, now that we know what not to do, what is it we are supposed to do? And that is what verses 4 and 5 are all about. It all starts with taking delight in the Lord. Then, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Why? Because He loves us and when we take delight in Him, our desires are much more like His.
So we take delight and then we have these desires, what's next? Well, we do have a part to play, but we are not to play the part of God. That is why we commit our way to the Lord and then trust in Him because He is the one that "gives and takes away," as Job put it.
So, if we take delight in the Lord, commit our ways to Him, and trust in Him, it proves only beneficial in many ways!
Consider this picture: Our lives are like a huge white canvas and as time goes by, God adds a little here and a little there. In the end, a beautiful picture is painted, but it is because of what God has done in and through our lives. However, every time we decide to try and paint our own picture (i.e. we go a different way outside of the way we know to follow as we follow Christ), it creates a bad mark on the painting. Thankfully, even when we do mess up, God is faithful to forgive and knows our sin before we do. Not only that, but He died for it and that power conquers all our sins and erases those bad marks.
Point is this: My prayer is that I would take delight in the Lord, commit my ways to Him, and trust in Him with everything I do, including making and selling pens.
Making pens and making a difference!
Please check out Stella's House here: www.stellasvoice.org
Psalm 37:4-5 reads, "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this."
But before I make applications, let me explain some context. This passage starts off with a challenge, a command, to "not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."
From the start, then, the Psalmist is saying don't worry when evil people prosper in their ways. Or, to quote the second half of verse 7, "Do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Again, now that we know what not to do, what is it we are supposed to do? And that is what verses 4 and 5 are all about. It all starts with taking delight in the Lord. Then, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Why? Because He loves us and when we take delight in Him, our desires are much more like His.
So we take delight and then we have these desires, what's next? Well, we do have a part to play, but we are not to play the part of God. That is why we commit our way to the Lord and then trust in Him because He is the one that "gives and takes away," as Job put it.
So, if we take delight in the Lord, commit our ways to Him, and trust in Him, it proves only beneficial in many ways!
Consider this picture: Our lives are like a huge white canvas and as time goes by, God adds a little here and a little there. In the end, a beautiful picture is painted, but it is because of what God has done in and through our lives. However, every time we decide to try and paint our own picture (i.e. we go a different way outside of the way we know to follow as we follow Christ), it creates a bad mark on the painting. Thankfully, even when we do mess up, God is faithful to forgive and knows our sin before we do. Not only that, but He died for it and that power conquers all our sins and erases those bad marks.
Point is this: My prayer is that I would take delight in the Lord, commit my ways to Him, and trust in Him with everything I do, including making and selling pens.
Making pens and making a difference!
Please check out Stella's House here: www.stellasvoice.org
Monday, April 30, 2012
What is Pen Project 27?
Some of you may be wondering, what exactly is Pen Project 27? Well, I am still figuring out more and more each day as well, but let me share with you some of what I have discovered, what I am doing, and how you can be a part:
Fact: There are more than 27 million slaves around the world RIGHT NOW!!! That's the 27 part of the title. This is not a new discovery. It has been the case for quite some time and it will continue to be the case unless people like you and me start fighting for what is right!
So, Pen Project 27 is my small way of doing 2 things: Yes, I am making pens and do plan on making some money as well to help my own financial situation, but also I am personally donating $1 per pen toward Stella's House, a local ministry that aids with some of those more than 27 million slaves around the world.
But I cannot fight this alone... I need your help! To steal a "tweet" from Lecrae's twitter account, "The failure to do what is right is just as evil as doing wrong." #getinvolved
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. The first, of course, is to pray. And while I am on that note, take time to think on this quote from R.C. Sproul, Christian author, pastor, and theologian:
Fact: There are more than 27 million slaves around the world RIGHT NOW!!! That's the 27 part of the title. This is not a new discovery. It has been the case for quite some time and it will continue to be the case unless people like you and me start fighting for what is right!
So, Pen Project 27 is my small way of doing 2 things: Yes, I am making pens and do plan on making some money as well to help my own financial situation, but also I am personally donating $1 per pen toward Stella's House, a local ministry that aids with some of those more than 27 million slaves around the world.
But I cannot fight this alone... I need your help! To steal a "tweet" from Lecrae's twitter account, "The failure to do what is right is just as evil as doing wrong." #getinvolved
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. The first, of course, is to pray. And while I am on that note, take time to think on this quote from R.C. Sproul, Christian author, pastor, and theologian:
"Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is us. As we engage in this communion with God more deeply and come to know the One with whom we are speaking more intimately, that growing knowledge of God reveals to us all the more brilliantly who we are and our need to change in conformity to Him. Prayer changes us profoundly."
So yes, please pray, but another way you can get involved is by researching more about Stella's House, which you can do online right here right now: www.stellasvoice.org
And lastly, of course you can always make a donation to Stella's House or buy a pen here: www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
As I said, I am making these pens and do make a profit, but I am also personally donating $1 per pen toward Stella's House.
Making pens and making a difference!
So yes, please pray, but another way you can get involved is by researching more about Stella's House, which you can do online right here right now: www.stellasvoice.org
And lastly, of course you can always make a donation to Stella's House or buy a pen here: www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
As I said, I am making these pens and do make a profit, but I am also personally donating $1 per pen toward Stella's House.
Making pens and making a difference!
Daniel Patrick
Pursued and In Pursuit
Just had to share this with you... PLEASE do yourself a favor and take the 6 minutes to watch this... and when you do pay attention and absorb it if you can!
And to this I only say, I am thankful that God's love is unconditional! He loves despite me... and yet because of His love for me, He makes me righteous so that I can pursue righteousness!
So, enjoy the video and as always, feel free to check out Stella's House and the facebook page!
www.stellasvoice.org
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Body-Building
Right off the bat let me just be clear... I am not a body-builder. Those of you who know me can very quickly tell. However, because I would like to gain some weight, I got to thinking about the idea of body-building. A lot of hard work, training, and dedication is required to see results. (I know in theory mostly, though I did apply myself to put on some pounds a little while ago and achieved my goal, but then lost it.) But my point isn't how much I weigh, or how much I'd like to weigh, or whether or not I should start body-building to put on some muscle, etc. My point is this, hard work, training, and dedication (and many other aspects) are needed in body-building. Well, we are the body of Christ. Question, then: Are we willing to put in the necessary hard work, training, and dedication to the body of Christ? Now I know that looks different depending on who you are and where you are geographically, spiritually, financially, etc., but it might also look like a group of believers dedicated to God's Word, reaching out to the lost around them, building each other up through prayer and the Gospel, holding each other accountable, and the list goes on. I say all of that to leave you with 2 quick thoughts:
1 - Reflect on the following passage of Scripture and please take the time to personally read the entire passage:
I Corinthians 12:12-14
12: Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13: For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14: Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Point here is this: We are all different parts, but we all belong to the the one Body, of which Jesus is the Head, so it is about the body bringing glory to the Head, not each part exalting itself above the others.
2 - And with that, consider this from Stella's House: www.stellasvoice.org
Our Arms - Hold Orphans
Our Hands - Feed Orphans
Our Hearts - Love Orphans
Our Voices - Protect Orphans
So, the challenge for us is... what are we doing to build the body?
1 - Reflect on the following passage of Scripture and please take the time to personally read the entire passage:
I Corinthians 12:12-14
12: Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13: For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14: Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Point here is this: We are all different parts, but we all belong to the the one Body, of which Jesus is the Head, so it is about the body bringing glory to the Head, not each part exalting itself above the others.
2 - And with that, consider this from Stella's House: www.stellasvoice.org
Our Arms - Hold Orphans
Our Hands - Feed Orphans
Our Hearts - Love Orphans
Our Voices - Protect Orphans
So, the challenge for us is... what are we doing to build the body?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Winnie the Pooh
Don't you just love when you were a kid? When you could just sit back and watch all these great tv shows? I know I do! And I am not ashamed to admit it! Personally, Winnie the Pooh was an all-time favorite! I am still a pretty big fan... and not ashamed to admit it! Anyway, here is a great quote from A.A. Milne, the mastermind and author of Winnie the Pooh: "You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."
Good 'ol Winnie the Pooh! Gotta love it!
Good 'ol Winnie the Pooh! Gotta love it!
Lone Nut to Leader
"Leadership is over glorified."
"The first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader."
So, please follow and together we can start a movement... and get it moving!
"The first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader."
So, please follow and together we can start a movement... and get it moving!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Stella's House
For more information about Stella's House be sure to visit the website. Here it is: www.stellasvoice.org. This is an incredible ministry that is making such an impact, but needs support. Personally, I am donating $1 per pen toward Stella's House and I would encourage you to think of ways you can be involved as well! At the very least, you can know about it and tell other people about it! Help spread the word! Thanks everyone!
"Like" Us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/PatrickCustomPens. This will give you access to view some of the different pens and pencils we can make. I would be glad to work with you in getting your the right combination of style, wood selection, and trim options. If you are interested, just let me know by shooting me an e-mail or a facebook message. Thanks and have a great day!
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