Self Storage – A Sober Meditation

Those who hope  in Christ and serve from the place of love, lay up glory and honor for eternity.  Those who trust themselves (seek after their own way), lay up eternal wrath and never-ending punishment in the day of judgement.

Like a dream, we will awaken from mortality to immortality.  Our destination (heaven/hell) will be set and we will be bound to the measure of glory or wrath we stored for ourselves in our short, transient journey we call ‘life’.

Some of the deepest truths in scripture hold consequences so grave that they can seem too crushing to consider.  Many passover such concepts in search of less weighty ideals to pacify their conscience.  Like children who prefer sweets instead of veggies – our preference for smooth sermons over sobering messages, only hurt us in the end.

I want to feel the weight of truth now (and respond accordingly) rather than be crushed by the truth later (when I stand before the Lord).

Romans 2:5-7

⁵ But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

⁶ He will judge everyone according to what they have done.

⁷ He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.

⁸ But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

Coming to America

I was awakened early this morning with a strong sense that the Lord wanted to share something with me.  The Spirit spoke gently to my heart, “I want to show you things to come.”  (However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  John 16:13) I LOVE the Holy Spirit!

I entered into prayer eager to hear from the Father’s heart.  Not quite knowing what to do or pray – I defaulted to my regular prayer list that I pray everyday.  As I began with thanksgiving/praise and continued in intercession I began to see a stunning picture with the eyes of my heart.

A sea of people as far as the eye could see  - Hundreds of thousands of Americans were gathered in a huge field seeking God with unrestrained passion and zeal.  A mighty roar of desire arose from the multitude as they sought God with brokenness and humility.  I knew there had been gatherings like this in Africa, specifically Nigeria.  The voice of the Lord rang clearly as I looked upon the vision – “COMING TO AMERICA.”

I believe our nation is being primed for a great harvest.

Love Hurts

Love is far deeper than mere romance.  In serving as an urban missionary over the last 17 months, God has given me a CRASH course in authentic love .  I have found that love isn’t roses and naked babies with wings, but it is a bloody, gritty, gruesome war against self preservation and selfishness.  Love is a daring, audacious act that takes courage, conviction, and passion to walk out day by day.  Each time we choose to love we entrust our fragile beating hearts to another and hope that they will care for it as they would care for their own.

The truth is it doesn’t always work out that way (i’m sure we’ve all found that out). What should we do?  Stop loving because we MAY get wounded?  In the name of the Lord – No!  Let us be fearless with our love and reckless with our mercy, even as the Lord has so bountifully dealt with us.  The Lord is so tripped out on this love thing that he even commands us to love our enemies!!!  INTENSE!  I’m not saying let’s hold hands with strangers and skip – I’m saying let’s be merciful, kind, patient, and tender with everyone we meet…  I’m not there yet but that’s where I am headed.  How about you?

I will fight to the death to keep my heart open to love.  Everyday the world, life, and the Evil One try to shut our hearts to love and convince us that self preservation and self gain is the way to go.  Whether you are an urban missionary, pastor, or everyday follower of Christ walking out His commands, you will be hurt – just keep loving.  We have and will be hurt by people we love and serve.  Let go and keep loving.

Cowards can have no part in authentic love, for love is a privilege reserved for the noble and brave.

love,

Gabe

 

The Least of These

Matthew 25:37-40

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

How wonderful!  When we reach out to those in need, we touch the Lord Jesus Himself!

Check out this slideshow of our kid’s from the West Side of San Antonio.  Almost all of our kid’s come from poverty stricken homes with only one parent.  Many of them are regularly abused physically and emotionally.  We are sharing our lives with these kid’s 6 days a week, simply loving them.  We laugh together, we cry together, we worship together, and we grow together.  When our kid’s are with us they know that they are loved, valuable, and safe.  I believe this is so close to Jesus’ heart.  For Him it is not a social issue, it is a justice issue.

If you would like to join us in changing the world through loving children, email me @ Gabe@GoToEthnos.com

Getting in Touch With Your Destiny

I believe we were all created with an amazing destiny.  It’s as if every individual is a destiny dreamed by God and wrapped in flesh and bone by the Creator Himself.  How beautiful!!!  But the reality is, we go through serious disillusionment and discouragement when it comes to getting in touch with this seemingly illusive phantom called destiny.  I recently received some super encouraging stuff from Jesus and thought it might encourage others as well.  Check it out in the video!

Grace be with  you,
Gabe

Movement1133 – GET SOME!!!

We are starting a blog about urban missions, changing the world, and other awesomeness.  Check it out!