real moments

Brian Orme asked me the other night,

“What makes your faith real?”

It was an interesting question, mainly because I could not rely on simply regurgitating what others have told me or could I look in a textbook for an answer. It was a personal question with an answer.

He was waiting for me to answer, as I nervously tried to muster up something that would satisfy his inquiries as well as mine. I recollected the memories of which God has spoken to me in my life and the transformations I saw in other people. I remembered my trip to Mexico when I learned what God’s love was. I pondered on my daily conversations I had with Him when I was at work or when I was walking home to class, worshiping Him. Yet, as I told my friend my answer, something still didn’t sit right with me. And it dawned on me

When was the last time I had a real encounter with Him?

I’m a very idealistic person when it comes to thinking and planning. I love to think of ways I could improve every facet of life. When I talk to other PC people, I always talk about how I want to encounter God in a more real way or how I could reach out to people. However, talking too much about theory does not really do much if it doesn’t lead to action.

I was dry
I was weary
I didn’t know why I believed the things I did besides what has been taught to me

To be honest, I wasn’t spending my alone time with God or reading the Bible. Mix that with sinful habits such as falling into lust among other things, I felt like there was a barrier between me and God. I knew I needed rest in Him. I’ve heard of the miracles. I’ve seen Him move, but I couldn’t picture what He could do in MY life. And honestly, I didn’t want Him to move in me anymore.

That night was the first night of Greenhouse, a Passion Church event that attempts to explain how simple church works. By now, I’m a simple church planting expert. I knew what a Person of Peace was, I’ve heard Neil Cole’s corny jokes and puns, and I’ve seen that Helm’s Deep clip from Lord of the Rings at least 3 times.

I asked myself, “What is the point of me being here?” I’ve seen this, yet nothing’s happened in my life. I haven’t created a person of peace. I haven’t created a simple church. Heck, underneath the veil, I’m a terrible person. At this point, I was thinking, “Maybe God will move in me at this conference, but then I will probably be jaded in a month and be at square one again.”

Brian then stopped me and asked another question

Why do you declare false truths as if they are going to happen?
Why not declare the truths that are in His word?

I meditated on that thought for a moment.
Yes I know what His word says, but I don’t believe it in my heart.

My friend asks me another question

What does Jesus think about you?

I began declaring it
I am a child of God
I am holy in His sight

However, I couldn’t get myself to say the next one
He is p-p-p-rooo…

I don’t know why, bu ti couldn’t believe it
He is p-p-prooooudd of m-mum-meee, even in my shame

I repeated it
He is p-proud of me even in my weakness

After claiming that, I felt some clearing. I felt God was speaking to me. However, there was some blockage. Brian and Jennifer proceeded to pray over me some more. Suddenly, an intense wave of shame was brought upon me that caused me to shake uncontrollably. The devil was trying to use shame as bondage from preventing me from hearing. Brian starting praying for me again, and I felt the chains unravel as I felt less burdensome. Finally, I was able to clearly encounter God without the baggage.

You’re my son whom I love
I’m proud of who you are

It felt like complete freedom in Him. God is my savior. I began declaring things of who God was. These things that I was declaring weren’t fabricated out of prior knowledge from a Sunday school teacher, but from what I’ve encountered personally with God. These were truths that were made REAL.

I thank God for moments like these.
I thank God for the truths in His word
I thank God for real encounters
I thank God that He is the same always and still relevant today

Lack of Updates

Hey Guys,
Sorry for the lack of Vblog updates. My roommate, Jason Lee, has a dead laptop right now, so I'm letting him borrow mine. I don't have a webcam for the time being.

-Daniel

What is tafokints?

Q&A 2

1. What would you like to see happen this year? - Jason
2. How do you make money playing online poker? - Sam
3. How do you maintain your sexiness? - Andrew Hiah



-Keep posting questions guys

Habits and Pet Peeves

VBlog

Retreat

In a dark room, a boy was sitting in the front row amidst of variety of people. he reminisced over the week’s work and wondered what had just happened. He knew he couldn’t finish his job. He was put into a losing battle and because of it, he felt anger, frustration, and disappointment. He was a perfectionist at heart, wanting every little detail pristine to his liking. The boy lamented at his failures and wondered if there was any relief to what he was feeling. He could not deliver his promises to the expectations of the group. In one sense, he didn’t live up to his commitment for his family.

Suddenly, he heard a voice saying, “look behind you”. Shrugging, he looked behind, much to his dismay; he saw something that captivated him. He saw his brothers and sisters behind him with their voices loud and hands lifted high, praising the Father. Hope gleamed from each of their eyes and love radiated from their bodies. There was a transformation that was occurring in each of them. Something he could not possibly explain. It was not his planning or logistics that led them to this. Something worked passed all the mistakes and errors. Upon this realization, he could not help, but let go of his mistakes and worship the King. His eyes were teary as he fell facedown to the floor in awe of the Father.