chris wertz online

I stole this from my friends blog and I don’t really know exactly how to react to this video. What I do know is that there is eternal life and that the question he asks in this video is outrageous. Honestly, how much do you have to hate someone to not tell them about eternal life? How much do you have to hate someone that Jesus can solve your problems?

Fast Tube by Casper

It is with a heavy heart that I pray for the comfort and peace of Charity’s family. Her dad, Samuel Henry, has been sick for quite some time. His time has come for him to meet the Father above. His livelihood was preaching God’s word as a pastor at a local church. I pray that their family finds peace as he transitions into his home in heaven. Thank you Samuel for preaching God’s word.

By now most of you know that there is a small character flaw that is built into my heritage. I know I know, I’m an Orioles fan! But I will say that it’s a lot better than being a Yankee’s fan. Earlier today I looked at the standings and right now we are second to last in the American League. That’s pretty bad. I will never forget their 30-2 loss. At any rate, I’m hoping they can pull off a shot in the play offs this season. That would be really nice. If any of you are interested in funding a “Chris wants an Authentic Orioles Jersey” campaign let me know! GO ORIOLES!

I was reading the begining of Joshua yesterday when I came across a verse that made me think. In the beginning the Lord was speaking to Joshua who was the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. Joshua 1:2 says “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the jordan river into the land I am giving them.” Can you imagine the  tremendous amount of pressure that instantly hit Joshua? I can’t even imagine what was going through his head. I will say that this is a prime example of why we should remain prepared. Here’s what I deduce from this verse… God loves us and he is going to expect us to grow. When the time is right, he is going to give me a task. He is going to expect me to handle it. He will never give me more than I can handle, but I better start preparing myself now to handle the tasks that he throws at me. You never know what God is going to throw at you and expect you to take care of. So the question here is, am I ready? Ready to follow in someones foot steps? … Hardly! Everytime I read the bible I find new and amazing things. I am now concluding that in order to be prepared to follow foot steps, it is imparative that I use the bible as a book of instructions to prepare me for something more.

Lord,

I sit here as a humbled servant, striving to learn your ways. I walk through this scatterbrained world; I’m lost. Father, I’m a sinner looking for your help. This is what I pray today…

• Father please touch that youngster who has given up on everything. Show him your light.
• Father please teach that broken and hurting man that domestic violence is not the answer.
• Father please hold the heart of the family who has just lost a loved one overseas, fighting what seems to be the endless fight.
• Father please stop that intoxicated person from getting into the car and driving down the street.
• Father please bring peace to that broken marriage.
• Father please feed the hungry, please don’t let them go another day without nourishment.
• Father please stop that deranged criminal from pulling the trigger.
• Father please prepare the hearts of those who are preparing their hearts and minds for the Dominican Repubic and Haiti to use their talents for you.
• Father please bring that lost family to Palm Valley Church this weekend.
• Father please protect Team Uncle BobbY this weekend as we ride to fight diabetes in Tour de Cure 2009.
• Father please open that teenager’s heart so they may see your Grace.
• Father please teach me to be great full.
• Father please teach me peace.

Father you are great in all ways. I thank you today for your grace and know that you are the light of the world. Please watch over your children and keep us safe.

Amen.

A few weeks ago Pastor Daniel approached me about doing a medical mission trip. Initially the trip was going to be a bit more than I could handle due to scheduling and finances and such. However, after some further research and some negotiations Daniel was able to assist me in making a decision. Pastor Daniel has organized a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. On Saturday, March 21, 2009 approimately 12 people, including my self, will travel to Santo Domino in the Dominican Republic. We will spend a few days in the D.R. focusing mainly on medical missionary work. It is unknown exactly what we will be tasked with while we are there, but I kind of like the idea of not knowing. I am excited that we will be attending a church service in the D.R. on Sunday morning. I don’t even know what to think about that yet! Mid week we will be traveling to Haiti where we will continue our medical mission. We will fly into Port-au-Prince and will stay at the Hotel Montana. We will be providing medical mission for Value Haiti. I am excited about seeing Value Baptist Church. Our church family helped build a new church in Value Haiti and I can NOT wait to see it!

I am still processing all of the information that I have taken in over the past few days, but I am eager to see what God has going on in these places. I have a lot of preparation to do on my end, but I can not wait! There will be more to come as I prepare myself mentally and spiritually for the trip I am about to partake in.

S) Luke 5:31-32 – 31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

O) Jesus isn’t calling for or looking for those people who think they are righteous. He isn’t looking for thos who boast but for those who will put their hands up and say “I am a sinner, and I need help.” So … Do you need a doctor?

A) I am rasing my hand, But I need to do more of it.

P) God,

Thank you for your grace. Thank you for being our doctor. Humble me and teach me to raise my hand early and often. In your name. Amen.

January 5, 2009

S) Luke 5:16 – 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

O) Jesus had just finished healing a man with leprosy. He had instructed the man to not tell any one, of his power, and to proceed to the priest for examination. Well as you can imagine the man who was healed was so excited he told everyone. So word of Jesus’ power spread quickly and now everyone was coming to hear him preach and to be healed. But Jesus often withdrew from people, from daily life to go away and spend quite time with God. With that being said, Jesus shows us just how important quiet time really is.

A) If Jesus finds it important to get away from life for prayer, don’t you think I should too? Everytime I want to go and do other “important” things I am going to try and remember what is truely important. I’ll ask myself … Got Prayer?

P) Father,

Thank you for your grace. Thank you for the wilderness and the ability to get away from life and to worship you. God teach me focus and the ability to disconnect. Teach me to spend time with you. In your name. Amen.

January 4, 2009

S) Genesis 9:13 – 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.

Genesis 9:17 – 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”

O) The neat thing about rainbows is that they are mostly present amidst dark and stormy times. God made a covenant with man and uses a bright and cheerful symbol during the stormiest days to prove he means business.

A) Everytime I see a rainbow or think of the rainbow colors I will remember God’s grace. I’ll remember that God is present during our darkest days and that his goal is to lift us up.

P) Father,

Thank you for your grace. If it wasn’t for you or your generosity we would have nothing. Thank you for choosing the rainbow as a symbol of your covenant with us. Father, teach me to look for your rainbow during times of darkness. In your name. Amen.

January 3, 2008 – SOAP

S) Today’s scripture is kind of a few different scriptures. My SOAP today takes place in the story of Noah, which is Genesis Chapter 6.

Genesis 6:9 … Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.

Genesis 6:13-14 So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destry all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth! Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out…”

Genesis 6:22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

O) I love the story of Noah. It is a story of sold out obedience. God starts noticing all of the violence and destruction that is occuring in the world. He hates it. So he tells Noah, I’m going to destroy this place. Build a boat, put all the different types of animals in and and put your family in it. Why? Becuase God sees Noah as righteous. Noah asks NO questions. He simply just does it! Can you imagine what everyone around Noah thought and said while he is building a boat in the middle of the sun? Can you imagine what we would be like now if everyone had obedience to God like Noah did? We will find out a little bit later what happens with Noah as a result of his obedience… Let’s just say it pays off.

A) In all the crazy things that happen in this world. Noah is a constant reminder to me that obedient is the way to be.

P) Father,

Thank you for your grace. Thank you for all of your blessings. God, teach me obedience. Teach me to do as you say regardless of what other outside, worldly, or satan driven distractions might wish. In your name, Amen.