Just some more Max Lucado for ya!

"...as appealing as a desert island or a monastery might be, seclusion is simply not the answer for facing a scary tomorrow. Then what is? Does someone have a hand on the throttle of this train, or has the engineer bailed out just as we come in sight of dead-man's curve? One of the themes running through the entire Bible can be summarized in two words: Fear not. Angels spoke it as a greeting. God commanded it from his people. Jesus used it to comfort his fearful disciples. no matter how out-of-control things appear, we are not to be afraid. He is in control. he will take care of us." - Max Lucado Knowing the Heart of Jesus

just a random thought for the night....

"No, the Lord is all i need. He takes care of me." - Psalm 16:5

So i was doing a lesson in my bible study called "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus" by Max Lucado.......excellent bible study. Anyways, he talked about a father with his arms spread out waiting for his child jump into his arms. The child, ready to face the mightiest jump, tells him to scoot back further. He asks, "is this enough?" She replies, "no, further!" But anywhere he moves she trusts that he'll catch her. 

THis is such a reflection of our relationship to Christ. Many times we tell God, "Okay God you can give me some more room and i'll handle the huge jump." Well...... no mater how far we want to jump He's always going to allow us that room. But whenever it's just a tad bit too far for us and in the midst of the jump we find ourselves falling, we know He's always going to be there to catch us. Maybe i need to realize that yes, God can catch me no matter the distance, but why become greedy for more room when God is always right by my side. God never commanded us to make giant leaps to Him. He said that He wants intimate time with us and He wants us to look to the left and right and see Him. No need to put space in between God and i because i get a little brave. 

The Odyssey of Dillon Chustz: TO HELL AND BACK

 So my mother sells a little thing called Italian ice with her brothers at a bunch of the festivals across Louisiana and at certain functions all around baton rouge. Well this weekend i was made aware of the "glory" that is selling this product. First off, let me say that Louisiana is one big teaming bacterial pit of heat and humidity! Anyways, my truck was needed to pull the trailer carrying out set-up equipment and such. A generator is needed to keep the freezers on while making the trek out there because without a perfect balance of temperature, the italian ice will melt and it will be ruined. Both days were far from successful. We made maybe around six hundred dollars. The cost of buying the stuff was five hundred. so we barely made any money. But........of course the river styx only gets worse!!!! Around 12:30 the next morning, yes the "smoked meat festival" at which we were selling the stuff didn't end till one o'clock in the morning, my red chevy s10 starts smoking! So the first thing that pops up in my head is KABOOM! We had to leave the truck in the hands of three parol workers because we had to get home and the truck was undriveable. Today my uncle and grandfather drove there to pick up the truck and get the italian ice, which had been accidently unplugged by someone almost being ruined, and now it sits under my carport broken. I didn't mention the fact that both ALLYSON and GARRETT M. surprised me and drove all the way out there to see me and then helped us through the truck situation :)))))

Okay, now that i'm done rambling and whining, here's what i learned:

 The trip was definitely not a waste because i actually got to minister to my uncle and aunt and even my mom. Through all of the sarcastic remarks and complaints i felt God push me out there many times so that i could shine light on my family. Also, if the truck hadn't have broken down out there, who knows where i would have been when it did! All last week i cringed at the thought of helping out this weekend. But God wanted me there with these people! And in the midst of one of the most obnoxious experiences, He sent me some joy when my two best friends showed up. So the truck's home. It's not on cinderblock with the radio ripped out. I have a mother who is emotionally and physically drained, but is ever grateful for my help. And i have a God who works in mysterious ways. TAKE THAT HOMER!!!!!! :)  

A DILLON POST

Okay soooooooo.  One thing that i've been noticing about myself lately is that i'm having a lot of trouble with abiding. one thing that i've learned, mostly through adam and john 15, is that the whole "trying" concept doesn't work.......or at least my own concept of trying. Let's check Dillon's view of trying shall we......

1) oh snap i gotta read my bible for at least thirty minutes today

2) oh snap i should blow off this friend gathering because my friend minutes are up and i've got stinkin rollover minutes in the God bank!

3) well i screwed up and sinned here, let me show God i love Him condemning myself (more than humbling)

Yea....i'm an idiot. 

Hmmm i'm listening to "Letters From War" by Mark Schultz right now...gosh i love that song!

Anyways..... Jesus† never told His disciples of all the laws and of all the methods concerning missions and spreading His word. He simply told them to abide in Him and in the Spirit as a branch does a vine. If the branch is cut off.....DEATH! 

I've recently been noticing that about all aspects of my spiritual life and how i, and perhaps many people i know, struggl with it. I've had to stop trying to please many friends even when the relationships are in shambles. Mainly to allow Him† to work and because simply listening to them and receiving them with love.....like Jesus†......mends the gaps filled with bitterness. Also.....miss belgard helps me continually to realize that the most beautiful part of our relationship is when listen to each other and simply lay all on the table, whether in long conversation or just each other's presence. Not by trying and trying to make each moment matter and schedule each time together as if it is our last. Thank goodness i've got her here to smack me around a little when my head is split five different ways and none of them in the right direction!!!! know what i'm sayin fellas??!!!

okay that's enough :) goodnight

"LIFE OF FAITH"

 So I recently listened to an adam robinson sermon entitled “The Life of Faith” , which I highly recommend to everyone, and the idea he presented was absolutely breathtaking….. mainly because it both convicted and enlightened me. Basically he pushes the point that it’s time to stop being a fan of God, standing on the sidelines rooting on Him and his players, and time to begin playing for the Lord of lords, the leader that holds no tryouts because he knows our strengths and creates our own special position for us to play.

Adam comically presents a scenario of him being asked by Nick Saben to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide, requiring him to get up out of the bleachers and get out of his comfort zone. Obviously the initial offer would create awe and joy in our hearts to be a part of something so spectacular, even though BAMA sucks :P! He depicts human nature’s tendency not just to want to stay on the sideline, but to think of the actual players as those with more strength and those who “have it all worked out”. Adam relates it to our view of pastors and missionaries, etc. It really helped me to humble myself but also to remember to dig myself out of my self-condemning nature. Anyways, I could go on forever. But please listen to the podcast! It’s free!!! And duh, it’s ADAM ROBINSON!!! J God Bless

http://adamrobinson.org/adam_sermons.html