A New Day...

Today is a new day in America. We as a nation have elected a new leader. Regardless of whether you voted for him or not, regardless of whether you like him or not Obama is the new president of our great nation, & now more than ever we must pray for our nation & its leaders, both current & future. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 - The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 2Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply in humble contemplation. (MSG)

Our nation is in the middle of a very tough time. As God's own we must continue to fight together for our nation, our leaders & each other. Only on our knees in prayer & on our feet living out His word can we truly make a difference.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

On my knees,

Coach Luis

The Warrior Poet: The Shepherd's Watch

For those of you that have been asking when its going to start, today is that day. Today I am starting a blog series entitled "The Warrior Poet". I am going to take some time to look at the life of David. David is one of my most favorite bible heroes. He was a great man of God who had victories and defeats. David was very open and honest about how he felt as he wrote each Psalm, but despite where he was at & what was going on he would come back around to how great God is! My plan is to study the psalms of David in chronological order - the order that David wrote them according to the various events occurring in his life.

Join me as I travel through these excerpts from David's life & feel free to leave your thoughts & comments as well.

The Shepherd's Watch - Ps. 23

Psalm 23 is most likely written after David was anointed to be king while he was still tending to his father's flock. David is next in line to be king & instead of being "groomed" for the job by another king in the palace he was out in the wilderness with no one else around, just a bunch of sheep. He may not have realized it at the time but he sure did realize later that he was being groomed for the job by the King of Kings! As David was sitting there watching over the flock he began to write down a metaphor about his life, his God, and God's love.

David writes that the Lord gives us all we need (vs.1); so long as we have Him we will never be found lacking! The lord gives us peace (vs.2) - in good & bad times. The Lord gives us strength and guidance (vs.3) - so we can get through anything. The Lord gives us protection and comfort (v.4) - so we can see the light through the darkest of times. The Lord gives us blessings, love and security (vs. 5-6); God pursues us & he never stops!

David knew about being a shepherd, its what he did, and he knew how much the sheep need the shepherd. David wrote about what God meant to him, but what about you? Maybe you know nothing of being a shepherd so what would you say God is to you? Is he your dad, your friend, your boss, your teacher, your coach? Whatever he is to you, the very things that David said the Lord gives us still apply today. God's love, peace, strength, comfort, blessing, ect, transcend all the way to where you are today. With him we have all we need and we will never be found lacking!

The Lord is my coach...

This morning I spent some time thinking about the way that I talk. As I was thinking of that I read a verse that really put me in check...

Ps. 34:1 - I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.

Is it God's praises that are continually coming out of my mouth? Do my words please God? After asking myself these questions I then asked myself, am I the man that God wants me to be? I want to honor God at all times.

I've still got a lot of work to do but it begins with today; it begins with now.

Leadership Thought...

"Any good leader can give orders, but a great leader lives the orders." - Unknown

WOW

Have you ever had one of those "Wow, God..." moments? I had one today. God has been doing some really great things here in Taylor & today I was again amazed at God. Despite me - the mistakes I've made & failures I've suffered God still chooses to use me; its truly amazing. Tonight God did some cool things in the hearts and lives of the students here in Taylor; I'm excited for what's to come!

A Tribute To Granddad

Today I did my first funeral - it was my grandfather's. Here are a few thoughts about him...

My grandpa was a man of God! His love for God was seen in his life - in the way that he served & blessed others. He loved to give - whether it was his time, resources, finances, etc. he would give. The greatest thing that he ever gave was giving the Great News of Jesus to others. I got to meet people these last couple of days who told us of how they came to know Christ as Lord and Savior because of my granddad's life. It was hard to see him go but I believe that if he were able to share one last thing with us today he would echo the words of Paul.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

I believe he would have recited those verses & then gone on to tell us, "Its okay to cry. Goodbye's are never easy, bust rest assured that this isn't 'goodbye', its just a 'see you later.' We will see each other again one day, but until that day, you have a race to run, a race to win. I have finished mine & I now go into the grandstands to cheer you on in your race. Run hard, don't give up & don't look back & when you are finished with that race I'll be there at the finish line to celebrate with you."

I have a race to win!

In it to win it,

Coach Luis

Don't Just Say It, Mean It.

Have you ever said something before but you didn't really mean it? I think we're probably all guilty of that. How about when someone asks us how we are doing, the typical response is, "Good." We answer back without really thinking of the question & without really meaning the answer; its an automatic response that we give. I must admit, I've been guilty of that before, not just with people, but with God too. Have you ever had a time that you prayed but didn't really mean it? What happens sometimes is we pray out of habit or routine & not out of desire & then wonder why our prayer isn't answered. God isn't looking for us to just punch a time card, he wants to spend time with us; he wants for us to meet with him! When we truly go to God he's there to meet with us...

Ps. 145:18 (The Message) - God is there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.

Don't just go to prayer on auto pilot, pray & really mean it.

Coach Luis

Amazing!

God moved in a mighty way tonight! He changed the order of how we were going to do things & it was great. Salvations, rededications, & breakthroughs, it was a fantastic night!

What did you do tonight?

I've spent the last month and a half looking over the lives of some of God's mighty warriors. Their stories are amazing, their lives inspirational, & their convictions piercing. Praise God that His word is alive & active & for today. The bible isn't just a history book, its a guide for us today. We too can have stories that are amazing, lives that are inspirational, & convictions that is piercing. I want to serve God, love God, & live for God the way these men & women did.

Daniel 6:4-5 - 4At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." (NIV)

I too must live with such character & integrity that the only problem people have with me is in my obedience to God. Daniel (along with all the others) was able to live for God in such a way because he (they) knew God.

Daniel 11:32b - ... but the people who know their God shall be strong, and cary out great exploits. (NKJV)

I cannot rest in my pursuit of God, I must know him more and more.

Coach Luis

!!!

Camp has been absolutely amazing! We've had people getting rocked by God, healed by God & set free by God. I was sad about missing tonight but I was excited about being back home with the most amazing students in the world. I was really tired coming back & I didn't want to make the drive, not to mention I wasn't feeling well. I got back & we had our meeting tonight & 3 students gave their hearts to Christ & others shared on how God was leading them to give up some things in their lives! God moved here in Taylor despite how I felt, praise God! It was worth the drive to be here tonight! 

I love you guys!

Well, time to get back to camp.

Later,

Coach Luis

Post Game Thoughts...

Yeah, its been a while since my last post. Things are going great here in Taylor! I'm really loving being here. Tonight was another awesome night! We looked at the beginning of Paul's (Saul) real life.

Acts 9:1-20

Praise God that he doesn't look at who we used to be, he looks at who we ought to be. People may remember our past but God forgives & forgets it. People may not see the plan, but God knows the plan he's made for us. We are his chosen instruments to get work done! Saul's past didn't matter, he was given a new mission, & it began right away, and the same applies to us.

I believe God that we are on the verge of an explosion & I'm thrilled to be right in the middle of it!

Coach Luis

Post Game Thoughts...

The Wings lost & the Pistons lost but we won tonight! It was another amazing night; God continues to blow my mind. Tonight we had about 7 hands raised when asked if any of the students wanted to know Jesus & when they came forward we ended up having 25 students respond! Things have been wonderful here in Taylor so far & its only the beginning. I'm pumped for what God is going to do here!

Quote

Here is a quote that I read today. It made me stop and think...

I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness. - Mother Teresa

What do you think about that?

So my first Sunday at TCC went well. I spoke on "What's It Worth" key verse Acts 20:24. We had 3 people give their hearts to Christ! I'm really excited about being here at TCC, I can't wait to see what God os going to do here.

By the way, check out the video that some of our leaders & students made to introduce me. What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eHslqfAC64

The End Is Just The Beginning

For more on this subject, "follow the white rabbit"...

I want more of JESUS!

I so desperately long for more of Christ - I must be more like him. John the baptist hit the nail right on the head when he said...

John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less.

As I reach out to people they don't need me, they need him; I don't need me, I need him.

I need...

1. Christ's character, not my charisma.

If its just my charm it will fail, but God's character gets through anything

2. Christ's compassion, not my concern

If its just my concern then I can blow people off, compassion can't take a step without being led by God.

3. Christ's cause, not my charge

If its just my charge & excitement then eventually it will flame out; God's cause never dies.

4. Christ's cross, not my change

I could change things all I want but it means nothing if that change isn't a result of the cross.

The closer I get to Jesus the less of me that exist. 

Getting closer to Him,

Coach Luis

Bolt Conference

I just got back from an awesome conference. For any youth pastor & leader that did not make it to the Bolt conference you don't want to miss it next year. It was filled with incredible speakers, fantastic workshops, and great time to hang & get to know other pastors & leaders. Last night Monty Hipp spoke and he asked a question that has had me thinking since he asked it. He asked, "If Jesus had your dream would he change the world or change the channel?"

What do you think? 

Meditate vs. Memorize

Ps. 119:97 - Oh, how I love your law! I MEDITATE on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97-104)

I've always been told of how important it is to memorize God's word, but what good is it if that's all I do is memorize it? How much nonsense have we memorized for a school test & how much of that do we remember now. Just because you memorize something doesn't mean you'll remember it, let alone do anything with it. See, we're not to just memorize God's word, we're told to meditate on it...

Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; MEDITATE on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Memorizing is is just filing something away in a vault that might come out again at some other time. Meditating implies constant action, its taking something and living it out; Its asking how does this apply to me and what am I going to do about it? I must do more than just memorize God's word, I must meditate on it. When I meditate on, not just memorize, God's word I gain wisdom (v.98), insight (v.99), understanding (vs.1o0, 104), direction (vs. 101, 102), & satisfaction (v.103).

I must do more than just file away what God speaks to me, I must allow it to completely transform me.

Meditating on the WORD,

Coach Luis

The other day Pastor Chilly posted a blog about communication. I was challenged to be a better communicator. I want to communicate in such a way that I can take others on a journey with me; that they would feel what I feel, see what I see, hear what I hear, & smell what I smell. I want to communicate in such a way that it hits the heart of those I'm communicating with. The only way for me to communicate that way is if what I am communicating is alive to me. When something is alive to you, you speak about it with joy, passion, intensity, & a genuineness. Well, I had to ask myself, "How do I communicate God's word?" If God's word is alive in me then it will be alive as I communicate it. I don't need to quote it word for word for it to be communicated, it should just flow from my life. I pray that others would see God's alive word alive in me daily.

Alive,

Coach Luis

God's word is amazing! I was reading a familiar passage of scripture today and was again moved by God. Many people can quote Jeremiah 29:11, but how many can quote the verses before & after that?

Jeremiah 29:11-14a - 11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you," declares the Lord...

God's plans for us are great but we'll never know them until we seek him with everything we've got. God wants all of me, not just part of me. Holding back robs me of God's best - we I seek him with my whole heart I'll find him!

The Underdog

I was watching the NCAA tournament this weekend and, like most people I know, my bracket has long since been destroyed. Since most of the teams I picked had already lost I found myself rooting for the underdogs. Its amazing how much people love the underdog. People will rally behind & cheer for a team they've never heard of before just because they're the underdogs. I began to ask myself, "Why is it that I, & others, so strongly root for the underdog?" As I thought about the answer to that this is what I concluded...

The underdog has nothing to lose. If they win that's great, if not then they weren't ever suppose to be there anyway.

The underdog has a relentless pursuit. They have nothing to go back to so they don;t give up - they "go big or go home".

The underdog has to believe for the miracle. All the odds, stats, & favors are against them & when no one else believes it they do.

The underdog is always described as having much/great heart, and that's what does it. The heart of an underdog captures attention and creates a buzz. & its the heart that God looks at (1 Samuel 16:7).

The bible is full of underdogs who God lead to greatness, but it wasn't just then, God still uses underdogs today! (I Corinthians 1:25-28)

The underdog is always a threat because he plays with everything in him!

Where is spring?

So we are now officially in spring, yet we still have the winter weather. "Hello spring", is what I said the other day when I looked out the window and saw all the beautiful snow coming down. When will it finally end? When will winter be over and spring begin? Why is it that we cannot dive right into spring? Why is it that winter will not end?

As I was asking myself these questions I came across a couple of verses.

Romans 8:24-25 - That is why waiting does not diminish us, anymore than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. - The Message

As I was reading that I began to think about life. What is it that's the "spring" in your life that you can't seem to get to? Every time you think you're about to break through to spring you get hit with another dose of winter. I was asking myself why that is and God just simple said, because you're not ready for spring yet. There is still work to be done so that when spring does arrive I'll be ready for it. 

Getting ready for spring,

Coach Luis

Repo!

Repo was great tonight! We took a brief look at the life of Samuel and how he heard from God. Then we posted a few questions on the screen and let the students spend time with God; and most everyone did! Students hung at the alter & all over the room for at least 30-40 minutes; it was amazing!

Praise God for what he's doing!

P.S.

You can check out a few of the things we talked about at... 

http://repolive.wordpress.com/

HE HAS RISEN...!

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ! Christ is alive! It shouldn't just be one day a year that we celebrate Christ's resurrection, everyday I should celebrate Christ being alive in me! All because of the cross there is an empty tomb and a full heart today. So I'd like to share a few thoughts about the cross...

The cross was pain and suffering for Christ,

But for me the cross was freedom and hope.

The cross was physical ending for Christ,

But for me the cross was the beginning of real life.

The cross was the darkest moment in HIStory,

But for my story the cross is the brightest spot.

The cross was the end of sin and shame

And the start of life and joy!

The Dream...

I've recently been reading about the life of Joseph; what an amazing story! There is something that really stuck out to me in this story; Things tend to get worse before they get better. See, Joseph had this amazing dream but in his dream he didn't see the pit he would be thrown into or the prison he would live in. No, all he saw was what would eventually happen once he finally made his way to the palace; which would end up being about 22 years later. Joseph had to go through all those things so he could be ready for the time when his dream would come to fruition. God had to prepare him; it would be in the pit that he learned humility, in the prison that he would learn patience, & in the palace that he would learn honor.

Wherever you are at in your journey don't forget what God has taught you along the way.

Coach Luis

Take A Chance...

I was talking to someone last night and I was reminded of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on the water.

Matthew 14:30 - Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

None of the other disciples cried out for Jesus to save them, only Peter did. We don't realized how much we need God until we step out onto the water. Taking a chance is scary but I'd rather take a chance and start to sink than sit in the boat and wonder "what if."

Stepping out of the boat,
Coach Luis

Working Hard vs. Hard Work

Have you ever found yourself working so hard that you ended up running yourself into the ground? I found that that's where I was at recently. Health wise this has been the worst winter for me that I could remember. I've been sick several times and when I get sick I get shut down for a little while. The other day I was thinking about why I haven't been so healthy and I realized that I was running myself ragged. There is a difference between working hard and hard work.

Working hard is giving your absolute best every time - its living out Colossians 3...

Col. 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

In another translation it says whatever your hand finds to do... whatever you do give it your best effort. But I must be sure that whatever my hands are doing that its what God wants them doing. I could work hard but if its not what God wants me working on then its nothing but hard work. When its just hard work I need to step back and get God's assignment. Its in working hard on my God given assignment that I can say like Isaiah that, "those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength..." (Isa. 41:31). 

With that said I must reevaluate and reprioritize some things so I can be sure to be working hard.

Coach Luis

Amazed...

God is so amazing! Earlier today I was looking outside and enjoying the sun; I'll admit I did consider taking a drive with the top down. I watched the weather go from sunny & about 60, to rainy & about 50, to snowy & about 30 in just a matter of hours. As much as I want winter to be done with I couldn't help but look up in awe at the snow & think about how incredible God is.

Amazed,

Coach Luis

 

Random Thought...

So I was talking with a good friend today and he shared a great quote with me in regards to the following verse...

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...

"God doesn't give us the information we want, he gives us the power we need." - Jim Cymbala

I might not always know who, what, where, when, why, or how but I know that God said to so I've got to.

Trusting God,

Coach Luis

Freedom

I was reading an article about Harriet Tubman today, no, not because of Black History Month but because she was a free slave who risked her life to free other slaves. While traveling there would be times when people would get scared and nervous and want to go back but she wouldn't let them. Tubman would pulled out a gun and said, "You'll be free or die a slave!" 

She risked everything to lead slaves to freedom and she wouldn't let them go back. That's what we're told to do, go and free others. I was once a slave to sin but now I am free!

Am I Living Full?

Someone asked me today what it meant to live a full life. Is it living a life full of hype & excitement? Is it living a life full of daring stunts & extreme activities? Is it living a life full of deep thinking & philosophizing? Is it living a life where you become extremely successful in your field of study? What is it to have & live a full life? My response was simple - A full life is a life full of Jesus.

John 10:10b - "...I have come that they may have life, & have it to the full."

We could go through life and do all of those things listed & still not be satisfied. Jesus is the only one that will fill that void. He satisfies our hunger even better than a Snickers. A "full" life isn't about accomplishments & accolades its about surrender. Life can't be full without Jesus directing it.

"Brothers & sisters, if Christ is not life, we have to do the work; but if he is life, then we do not need to struggle." 

"Repeatedly we say that life is Christ himself, & work can never substitute life." - Watchman Nee

To live a full life I must live a life that truly meets with God daily, that holds absolutely nothing back, and that enjoys the moments I have. When people look at my life they should see a full one - they should want what I have. Like a gatorade commercial Christ must seep from my life & others must see him.

living,

Coach Luis 

Warriors...

Judges 11:3 - So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of ADVENTURERS gathered around him and followed him.

1 Sam. 22:1-2 - David left Gath & escaped to the cave Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, & he became their leader.

True warriors are attracted to real warriors. Wherever God has called you & whoever he has called you to serve do your absolute best. When you get into those times when you want to throw in the towel you must remember the call, go back to that moment & remember why you are there. Fight to the end!

In the fight...

Coach Luis

No Regrets!

Regret - To feel sorry or remorse for an act (or lack there of), fault, disappointment, etc.

I was reading today about a guy who lived with no regrets. We don't get a lot about Jonathan in the Bible but the few things we do read about his life tell a great deal of the kind of guy he was. In this particular instance he and his armor bearer took on a whole army.

1 Sam. 14:6 (1-14) - Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. PERHAPS the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many of by few."

Jonathan wasn't prepared to live the rest of his life wondering what would've happened had he attacked, he just did it. When we cast out lot in with Jesus life becomes more than a game of chance, it becomes a life of destiny. I don't want to get to the end of the day wishing I would've done one thing different, I want to know that I did it all! 

Ps. 39:5 - You have made my days a mere handbreath; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.

Make every choice count - make it matter!

No Regrets...

Coach Luis

I'm hungry...

So we are near the end of our 40 day fast and its been amazing! Someone asked me if I was really hungry from fasting so long (although there were several days that the fast was broken) and I said yes. I am hungry. In fact, I'm very hungry, but not for the things that I once was hungry for. I've found that as I've spent time with God my appetite has changed. See, its like people who stop eating fast food. You go so long without it that even the thought of it makes you sick. What you once found very tasty & satisfying you now find utterly gross & disgusting, not to mention extremely unhealthy.

I've found that my appetite has changed. My diet can't go back to being what it once was, it must continue to be transformed by God. No, what I eat, although I believe that God is changing my actually eating habits, but the things I put into my body & mind.

Phil. 3:7 - 11 -7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

As I get closer to Christ I realize how much I need him.

Coach Luis

Heirs of the King... Living the Beatitudes

So recently I've been reading a really fantastic book and I thought I's share some of my thought on it...

“Heirs of the King” was an absolutely phenomenal book. In fact I think it could be one of the best books I’ve ever read. Maybe its just the timing of what all God is doing in my life right now through this time of prayer and fasting, but its was a great read. Wiersbe wrote so many insightful thoughts and pointed to many, many scriptures to back it up. In this book Wiersbe not only lists the beatitudes but he breaks them down as well. He goes into detail as to how each one of these can & should be displayed in our lives as Christ’s followers.

 

There were so many things that I learned from this book and many of those things I’m still pondering, examining, and developing so I can put them into my daily living. However, of all the things I’ve been learning from this book one of them really sits above the rest. The beatitude that stands out the most is, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Mat. 5:8).  As this beatitude is broken down its made clear that its takes a completely pure heart to see clearly. A clouded heart clouds your vision, which in turn clouds your living. Wiersbe writes, “At some point in life, each of us must decided what is our highest joy, for the thing that delights us directs us.” So I began to ask myself what is it that brings me the most joy? Is it God’s work or something else?

 

He also goes on to talk about how a pure heart is one that is totally committed to Christ & no one else. As he describes this he uses the example of Saul & David. While Saul spent the majority of his kingship worrying about what people saw & not what God saw, David spent the majority of his not carrying about what others saw but only about what God saw. Sin in my heart will cause me to worry about the outside, but a pure heart takes care of the inside.

 

As I continue to let God clean me out from the inside out I continue to see just how much more I need God to do in my life. But I also see more of Christ in everything and everyone. When my heart is in tune with God I’ll be more aware of him and I’ll see him in everything – that’s why Paul said that ALL things work together for good…(Rom. 8:28). The more pure I become the closer to God I will be, and the closer to God I get the more I’ll see of him around me, and the more I see of him around me the more I do for his glory.

still processing things,

Coach Luis

So over the past couple of weeks in Repo we've been talking about the fruit that our lives should and shouldn't produce (Gal. 6:16-26). Tonight while I was praying I was asking God to continue to deal with & clear out the rotten fruit in my life and to produce the fruit of the Spirit in me. 

Galatians 6:22-23a - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

As I was praying through those fruits God stopped me. I had one of those 2x4 moments, you know, when God's word knocks you upside the head and knocks some sense into you. It was then that I realized that Paul didn't just write this in some random order. God isn't random, he's very specific - Paul was lead by the Holy Ghost to write these in this specific order. 

See, you can't expect to have one fruit without the other, but it all starts with love. Without love you'll never have the rest of them. After all love is the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-31). Its because of love that you can have joy (Hebrews 1:9, 12:2). If you have true joy then no matter what comes your way you can trust God in it and have peace (Philippians 4:7). If you have peace then you can be patient (Ephesians 4:2) Its through patience that you can be kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). From the kindness in your heart goodness will flow (2 Peter 1:5-7).  And as goodness flows you will find yourself living faithfully according to God's Word(2 Peter 1:8). And if you're faithful to God's word you can't help but be gentle (Ephesians 4:2). As all of this is coming from your life you will find that you are living with self-control (Galatians 5:16).

When they get all jacked up go back to love.

I've got some work to do.

Coach Luis

Thoughts From The Job... Pushing Past The Tough Times

I live in a state where people are always talking about how bad our economy is. People are losing their jobs while others are discontent and complain about their jobs. People both with jobs and without jobs are facing hardships and hurts. And during this I've had people ask me, "Why is it that we go through tough times? If God loves me then why must I go through adversity?"

Well, I've been reading through the book of Job and its taken me back to those thoughts. The truth is that pain helps us grow. So weather you don't have a job and are in need of one or you have a job and its not the one you want here are a few thoughts I got from reading the book of JOB.

1. Adversity breeds strength, while good times easily breed apathy.

When things are going great its easy to praise God & its also easy to take things for  granted. Its in the tough times that we find out who we really are and what we're really made of. During hardships its easy to give in & get out but it takes character to rise up out of the ashes. To trust God in the good times is good, but to trust him in the hard tests our limits and displays our faith.

2. Suffering can be a result of sin, but be sure that sin doesn't come as a result of suffering.

Sometimes we go through hard times because of poor decisions we make and we must learn to face those consequences. In those times we must have the courage to get through those hard times. But just because we face hard times that doesn't give us the right to sin. Tough times come to us all & its in those times that we must guard ourselves and be reminded of God's faithfulness. He always comes through and we must trust that.

These are just two things so far. There will be more thoughts later.

STL

Tonight some of the Repo students, myself, and several other leaders went to a Speed The Light rally and it was great! If you don't know what STL is its a teens way to support missions work. Its said that 75% of all missions work is done because of STL; AMAZING! If you don't currently give to STL I encourage you to begin giving and if you don't attend a youth ministry that does give then leave me a comment and we will make a way for you to partner with us.

Anyway, while we were there we heard some really cool testimonies of what God was doing through STL, but I believe that our students also heard from God. Tonight we took pledges for STL and without my pledge or the pledge of any other leader the 9 students with us pledged almost what our whole ministry goal is for 2008. I believe that God is going to do something amazing this year in the hearts and lives of Repo, and this is only the begging. But we must continue to trust on God to get it done. Our goal is out of our reach, but its not out of his reach! Praise God for he is able to do more than I can even imagine...

Eph. 3:20-21 - 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ, Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Trusting & believing for the miracle,

Coach Luis

Imagine...

Could you imagine what it must have been like to be living in the days of Jesus? Imagine looking into those deep, love filled eyes. Imagine Jesus kneeling down beside you and saying rise and walk. Imagine the power that was felt when he spoke the word. This is my prayer...

That there would be a love that people sense just by looking into my eyes. May Jesus stare through me. When I put my arms around the hurting that they would instantly begin to fell healing. When I speak that the power that Jesus spoke with grab the hearts and attention of people. That I would truly be Jesus with skin on.

Tonight we had some great break throughs in some students lives! This week we've had several students showing up for prayer! God is amazing!

There's Always Work To Be Done...

I remember being a kid and working outside in the yard with my dad, if someone didn't stop us we would be out there all day. I'd ask him when we would be done and all he would tell me is, "There's always work to be done." Ahh, that drove me crazy. But I found that the saying is true - The very things that drive you crazy about your parents eventually will be the very things that you drive others crazy with. 

Today I was at work and I found myself telling someone else that there is always something to do. Oh, boy, I could hear my dad all over again. Then I went on break and I was reading my bible (Joshua 11-13) and all I could hear was my DAD (GOD) telling me, "Son, there's always work to be done." As long as my heart beats I have work to be done.

In these chapters Joshua takes the land - 11:16a - So Joshua took this entire land... They then go onto list all the kings Joshua defeated. He did a lot of work, but he wasn't finished

Joshua 13:1 - When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.

God gives us a job that's bigger than us so 1. So that we'll need him to get it done and 2. So that we don't ever stop. So, when you find yourself ready to slow down, catch your breath and look ahead - there's still land to be taken.

Coach Luis

Why The Hate?

Do you have someone in your life that hates you? Why do they hate you? Is it because you are a jerk? Or lazy? Or selfish? These are a few questions I asked myself today. If someone hates me, why? (By the way, hate simply put is an intense dislike, hmm...) Jesus told us that people would hate us. But why do they hate you, that's the question.

John 15:18-19 - 18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to this world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Jesus was a hated man, but he wasn't hated because he was a jerk, or cruel, or selfish, or lazy. Jesus was hated for completely different reasons. And if you look at his disciples or throughout the course of history at men/women of God you'll see that they too were hated people. Jesus and those who truly lived for him were hated because of two reasons:

1. Truth

Everywhere Jesus went truth was revealed and lives were changed, but lives were convicted as well. And when truth cuts into the heart people don't always want to deal with it. They'll either accept it or resent it. If Christ is in me then that means when I show up somewhere that truth should make a difference. After all, light does violate darkness. So truth must be seen in my life.

2. Love

You can't speak truth if you don't love. Truth spoken without love is just an arrogant or harsh statement. So love must shout from our lives. But people don't know how to handle love. Real genuine love is strange & uncomfortable to the world because the world doesn't know what true love is. So our love must be loud and it must be real.

Jesus told his disciple they too would be hated because he knew that people didn't know what to do with people that spoke the truth and showed real love. If I'm hated I want it to be because I speak the truth in love.

Coach Luis

Thoughts and Questions...

John 14:12 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these..."

Jesus reminds his disciples that they have power in him and that they would do amazing things, and sure enough they did. One thing that I see that happened in Christ's ministry and in the ministry of his disciples is that people were drawn to them. Another thing was that people left better after they had been around Jesus or his disciples. This lead me to ask myself a few questions...

Are people drawn to me - meaning are they drawn to Christ in me? People are attracted to genuine love. God is love and if he lives inside of me then that means I should be love too.

Do people leave spending time with me better than they were before? When people came from being with Jesus of his disciples they weren't the same, how do people leave from spending time with me? GULP...

I gotta let God do some work.

Coach Luis

Sheep or Goats...

Today I read something about the difference between sheep and goats. the article was saying that one of the biggest differences between the two is the fact that goats, as opposed to sheep, are more independent. The article was saying that a goat is more likely to wonder off alone away from the flock and less inclined to the shepherd's voice. Whereas sheep are more likely to stay with the flock and follow closely to the shepherd. 

As I read this article I began to think about what I read earlier in John 10. In John 10 Jesus talks about how he is the good shepherd, but he mentions something about sheep too. As the Jews gathered around Jesus the asked to to answer clearly was he the Christ.

John 10:25-27 - 25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

The sheep know the shepherds voice, and they follow him! I've heard people say many times, "I don't know what God wants me to do", and so they do nothing. God didn't call us to do nothing, he wants us to do something. To often this is just a copout to try and get out of doing what he has already clearly told us. We either don't like it, are scared of it, or just to want to do it. As a result we don't follow the shepherd.

Churches are full of goats pretending to be sheep. Just because you hang around the flock doesn't make you part of the flock. Remember, its the goats that are doing their own thing, the real sheep listen and follow the shepherd.

Coach Luis

I'm looking for...

I'm overworked, underpaid & not appreciated. Have you ever thought that before? Those were a few of my thoughts the other day as I was driving home from work. I had just came from a meeting with my manager and it wasn't news that I wanted to here; I was told that I did great on my review, I got all high marks, I won employee of the month, I was a great asset to the team, and... that someone else got the promotion that I was suppose to get three people before. WHAT?!?!? How could this be? I was extremely frustrated. In fact, I was so frustrated that I was ranting to myself in the car (as I look back on that moment it was a real "Ham-town" moment). And in the middle of that moment would you know that God smacked me right upside the head - he spoke clear as day.

He asked me, "Who are you?" Who am I to think that I actually deserve something? After all Jesus did make himself nothing (Phil 2:7). At that moment I realized that there was still way to much of me  and not enough of Jesus around. I began to ask myself, why does this bother me so much? Can God not provide for all my needs? He can and he does, so I must be living like he can and he does.

I don't need to get caught up in all the pointless junk that just adds clutter, all I need to know is who my dad is! When I remember that then I remember that I don't need to seek my own promotion, I've just got to seek him!

Mt. 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

He'll give it, I just have to wait until then (Gal. 6:9). So stop looking for the world to notice you and let God notice you. Actually he's already noticed us, he just waits for us to acknowledge him.

Coach Luis

Joshua is such an amazing book! I was reading in Joshua 10 today and there was a verse that really jumped out at me...

Joshua 10:42 - All these kings and their land Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.

Man, when God does the fighting I've got nothing to worry about. But he won't do the fighting unless I'm completely surrendered to him. Chapters 7 & 9 are clear examples of what its like when we do the fighting ourselves and not God. But chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10 are clear examples of what it is like when God does the fighting for us. God wants to fight for me, i've got to let him though. My plans aren't nearly as good as his plans! So I must stop trying to lead God and let him lead me!

Coach Luis

Follow Me...

I think one of the most frustrating and irritating things is following someone who doesn't know where they are going. Do I turn, do I go straight, did I pass it, is it further up, am I even headed in the right direction, uh, I can't stand it. If you don't know where you're going then please be honest and just let someone else lead.

So where am I leading people? Do I know where I am going? Paul sure did...

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." - 1 Cor. 11:1

He made it clear that he was heading the right way and he wanted to take people with him. The same must be said of our lives, we must be able to look at someone and say with confidence, "Follow me..." This journey we call life was never meant to be a solo act. We're to take others with us, which means we better be ready to look at someone and say as Paul said - "Follow me as I follow Christ."

Coach Luis

This morning I found myself asking the question how much of God do I want? Am I really desperate for him? My prayer is that I would truly be able to pray Psalm 63:1-8 and have it be true of me.

Psalm 63 - 1 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will life up my hand. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Read it a couple of times and let it sink in.

Coach Luis

WOW...

Tonight during work I was asked to got to a boys juvenile detention center to share my testimony and spend time with some of the students there. As the guys started to fill the room I went back to the day God rescued me. I was one of those guys that teachers, school administrators, and even relatives thought would be in and out of "the system" my whole life. I was even told by one teacher that I was a worthless Puerto Rican that wouldn't do anything with my life. Praise God that his plans were/are greater than my teacher's, or even my for that matter. When others saw trash God saw a star! It blows my mind everyday when I think of all the people God could've chose to be in Hamtramck right now he chose me, amazing!

Tonight I got to do what God created me for; to speak hope into the hopeless, to give worth to those who have been devalued, to give joy to the sad. I was told tonight that my story inspired someone - man God is incredible! Where would I be if it weren't for God's grace, mercy and love? Where would you be? I have a purpose, I get to do God's work!

Acts 20:24 - But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.

Amazed by God,

Coach Luis

I Got This...

A couple of years back I had a job at a camp as a lifeguard. I must admit, it wasn't the best job I'd ever had but I had a great boss. For the most part I worked up at the pool but every now and then the lifeguards had to be down at the water front. One day my boss had myself and another lifeguard go pull weeds down on the beach to clear it up. He told me that it wouldn't take more than an hour and that once we did that we were done for the day. Before he could finish we were out the door and on the beach. After about  4 hours and a lot of sweating we were almost finished. I thought to myself,  "So much for an easy job, and we were told it would take an hour at most, yeah right." My boss ended up coming by as we were finishing up and told us that we didn't have to do everything that we did, it was only a small section we were suppose to clear. I asked him why he let us do all that and he said because we never asked. Oh the frustration! How much time and frustration could I have saved myself if I would have only asked?

That's how life is sometimes, we get ourselves into sticky situations and messes because we don't ask.

Joshua 9 tells of a time when the Israelites got themselves into a sticky situation. They were told to go and wipe out EVERYONE in the land and because they didn't ask God they couldn't do that. They ended up getting tricked into making a covenant with the Gibeonites - their neighbors - saying that they wouldn't kill them.

Joshua 9:14 - The men of Israel sampled their provisions BUT DID NOT INQUIRE OF THE LORD.

What bad choices have I made all because I didn't ask God what to do? How much heartache would I have saved myself?  How much healthier would I be? See, God cares about every detail in our lives, no matter how big or small, and he has a plan for them and the only way to know that plan is to ask.

So before you act, stop and check with the the boss, he'll let you know what to do.

Coach Luis

Tonight was a great night. We had 6 visitors at Repo and 2 students ask Jesus into their heart! Man God is awesome! His faithfulness continues to blow my mind - even in the midst of my unfaithfulness he's still faithful, amazing.

Joshua 8 is an example of God's faithfulness. Even after the Israelites screw up and Joshua listens to his men instead of hearing from God, God gives Joshua another chance. After Joshua deals with the sin God reminds Joshua of the promise that was made...

Joshua 8:1a - Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Joshua and the army listen to God and they go on to victory - amazing!

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!

Coach Luis

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today we all find ourselves at the beginning - starring 2008 in the face. 2007 may have been great or it may have been terrible but regardless of what it was its over now, the door is closed on '07 and '08 has begun.

I stand here at the beginning with much excitement knowing that there is an adventure already planned out for 2008. And yes, I know that I will fall and fail throughout the year but I also know that God doesn't give up on me & he will see me through those times. As I stand here I find myself thinking of Joshua. Just as I can't go back to '07 Joshua couldn't go back to the desert or to Egypt - the door was closed. No matter what came his way he had to trust God to handle it.

When Joshua crossed over he crossed over with a mission & as I've crossed to 2008 I've crossed with a mission - to take the land! God made Joshua a promise that he would get the land, all he told him was to be strong and courageous. 

Joshua 1:6-9 - 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

I must be strong and courageous. The more time I spend with God in prayer, in his word & in carrying out his orders the more confident I will become, and the more confident I am the stronger and more courageous I will be.

This year must be better than last and it starts on my knees.

Coach Luis