why and what for?

I would like to start off by saying God is good. That everything He does in a believers life is for His glory and for our good(even though we may not see it at times). Trials come and go in a Christians life, but for some reason I felt this was going to be tough. After working for two hours at work I just felt like I had to leave and get alone with God. I kept asking myself, (while deep in my heart was doubting and distrusting God), "why and what for?" Quickly, God reminded me.

I recently went to the beach by myself (which you should try sometime) and beheld His creation and was just at awe at what He created; every single wake in the water, every movement in the clouds, every reflection on the water, and every sand that followed the wind was purposed for that day, so that my eyes can see the beauty of my Lord. I could of never asked for anything better. I was able to put on my headphones and listen to worship songs and looking out to sea, while lying in my sand-made Lazyboy.

After listening to an awesome set of songs, I remembered a brother encouraged me to read 2 Corinthians 1, so I pulled out my bible and started reading and right from the get-go God brought me to tears with His promises.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

So, I stopped prayed and thank God for such a treasure verse. All the emptiness was filled with His mercies and comfort. I had no more need to fret or worry of the trials and bumpy roads in my life. I had the Father of mercies and the God of all comforts besides me. I truly was surrounded by His glory and was reminded that His mercies are new every morning. Through all this I understand that God gives mercy and comfort to His children in time of need and with the purpose to comfort others with what God has comforted me with, His word.

Psalm119:33,44 "Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statues, And I shall observe it to the end... So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever."

checkmate

These past couple of weeks has just been an amazing joy that I feel like I have to express. I coach a volleyball team of young teenagers for our Church outreach and just this past Friday I found myself pleading with the Lord in my mind that God would touch the hearts of every single one.

After losing a tough match, my team looked super discouraged. As a coach I felt that I had to help them look at the brighter side, but I believe that the Holy Spirit moved within me to poor out my heart. And frankly I don't quite remember what I said. All I remember is, as the tears were coming down my face, and looking at each person saying, "It's all about Jesus! There is nothing better!" I am a pretty emotional and (what I believe to be a passionate person) was sharing a part of my testimony and recalling my Savior, Lord, King, and Friend revealing Himself to me to this ungrateful sinner and couldn't help but to plea with them to turn to Jesus Christ, and that He is everything and more that they would need.

My heart and prayers go to them. I know that I can't change anyone's heart, but I pray to the one who I know can. Let's not forget the people we love and remember to pray for their souls and as you pray ask God for the courage to speak in truth and grace.

Mark 10:27 "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

The Author

The Author by Jimmy Needham:

(VERSE1)

You spoke the word into the vacant universe

You breathed and life became

You wrote the script into the sky

The story told in black and white

Spelling out the glory of Your name

(CHORUS)

Thanks to Your love every I was dotted

Thanks to Your love every T was crossed

All of heaven and all of earth acknowledge

You’re the Author of the story of the glory of God

(VERSE2)

Before the earth, before the curse, before the crown of thorns was made

You penned the end before we even went astray

So why are we surprised ? The Son of Man that came to die

Knew this day before the world was made

You know our prayers before they’re even prayed

(BRIDGE)

The words You speak are poetry

I’ll gladly be the melody

Until every ear has finally heard

It’s all part of Your perfect plan

From the garden to the fall of man

From the day You rose to the day You’ll return

Thoughts

I guess it would be appropriate to start off by sharing this song "The Author" by Jimmy Needham who writes this great song about the God whom I worship. It's just amazing to think the God of this universe who created everything and holds all things together chose me to be His adopted child. "Who am I?" says Casting Crowns. I echo that same question, Who am I? The answer-- justReggie. I've come to know through His word that it's nothing I did, but it's by God's grace, mercy, and love toward me.

I thank You, Jesus. Your death on the cross is why I stand before the Father righteous and forgiven.

I'm speechless... but that's ok because it's Christ who speaks for me.

Blogging?

Hmm...what to say?! Well... I guess I just said something, so I guess this is my first blog post. Hope to try to keep this up to date.