It is horrible that I have not written here for so long but I have not felt called too in awhile. I am going to have trouble explaining to you the amount of what God has done in the last 3 months. No I did not decide to take the room/apartment I wrote in my last post but staying on Long Island actually helped bring me closer to God. Though a great amount of it was keeping in touch with my Hunter college intervarsity christian fellowship members who encouraged me to find a church and gave influences on steps to be closer to God. God gave me these people who were actually interested in my life and my Walk with God. I love all my friends, but I have not had friends like this. They encouraged me to do quiet times in prayer with god, and not just finding a church, but what church. I decided to continually pursue or well try out this church. When I first went and was leaving at the end of service, I was chased out the door by girl inviting me to a small group bible study that was conveniently meeting down the block from me. I eventually go and was at first weirded out because everyone worshiped and prayed very differently from me. I still decided to give it another chance the next week and the Pastor prayed for everyone to be filled by the spirit. I never quite understood what meant... but God explained it to me through action. I actually felt it and I have felt undoubtedly close to God through Jesus since. Unfortunately toward the end of the summer I was no longer able to go to these groups or the church. Intervarsity meetings or events were at the same time, but this experience that God gave me, energized me to share my transformation with others especially at hunter college. I was inspired and driven by God for some kind of leadership in Hunter college. Intervarsity's first event was to reach out to the new coming students at freshman orientation. I was so nervous at first and just kind of let some freshman walk by me without saying a word, but in a few minutes God broke my fear. God did not just have me start talking to one person, but many in groups about Jesus and God's vision for hunter intervarsity. Half of the people I talked to showed up to our fellowship game night later on and some of those are now consistent members who I have developed close friendships with. There was also a second freshman orientation. God had me prepared for this one and ready to spread his vision but he also trained me through intervarsity that I needed to set a Goal and believe it to see his work be done. He used me to reach 13 people interested the first time therefore he led me to set a goal higher than that even though a 3rd the amount of freshman was going to be there. I set the number to 15 and again the Lord had me talking to groups of people with plenty interested. Though not 15, God did answer my prayer with an increase of people interested with the number 14 lol... Again a good amount of those people showed up at our game night event later and even some of the people from last time came. Intervarsity in total reached out to about 90 interested freshman. Though not all have joined our fellowship, God has blessed our fellowship by it doubling in size.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Too much to Touch...
So I really am bad at keeping up with this even though I really have been wanting to.... I guess we will have to start with my Bday... I was suppose to work that day, teaching swim classes and at Outback. I had to teach swim lessons of course but thank you God one of my managers at Outback let me be off. I was blessed with a pretty good birthday... went to the beach and out to dinner. The weather could of been nicer...but hey I had nap. I don't get those often.
Later that night pretty much all my friends ditched me to either a party or a bar. That's what I get for surrounding myself with friends like that. They weren't always that way, most of them use to be serious athletes...and part of that time I was actually more like how they are now. People go in different directions. I know I can still be friends with them... but I can't involve myself in such things.... It actually bothers me that they feel they need to rely on alcohol to get in a different mind state just to have fun and for me to be there, having fun with them is supporting it. If I am there saying I won't drink because it is not good for me and it is against what I believe in, it may seem to be leading an example but it is really saying I only care for my own well being. If I don't go there believing I can prevent someone from drinking alcohol or getting drunk, or to in general preach the word of God then I should not be there.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
God has blessed me with this wisdom...but I have a lot more I need to write. It is really late and I have work in the morning. Hopefully I may finish this tomorrow... If I can work on it consistently I'll try to put it out for people to read.
God Bless.
(CONTINUATION)
So I was convicted of what I wrote before at Basileia...not that anyone reads this but once I get things together I will put it out more... If you want to know what basileia is... read my 1st post...
Anyway I was also convicted that my distance from God is because I have many bad influences in my life that pull me further from him. This has been hard for me to and I've been doing it. Probably a little slower than i should but..I actually had a friend say that I don't hang out with anyone anymore, I'm too good to go to parties, that I've changed and that hanging out with inter-varsity is changing me. It was hard to hear that he was upset with me but.... it is true and it's a good thing. I have changed, I am changing and I am trying to change. I still have along way to go on this especially with bad jokes and sexual innuendos... I thought for awhile if they are jokes and you aren't serious about it... then there is nothing wrong with it but again allowing yourself to speak of sin and joining in other's jokes is stating that it is ok to do, that it is ok that is around. It is influencing sin. I was clearly convicted by these verses....
EPHESIANS 5: 3 - 6
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. "
I have to say it is pretty blunt. It easier to not be involved in bad stuff with your friends you choose... but its tough at work... a place you kind of have to be and you're pretty much automatically involved in conversation. God is definitely testing me and building me. I need to be stronger though. I will have a good two weeks before school starts without working at most of my jobs. I will just have outback which is the least of my temptation so God has blessed me with some break time to get myself together. Also I have found a room I can rent that is 15 minutes away from school. I'm still weighing out the good and the bad though. I could definitely find peace there and have nothing to distract me from the word... and I hate to say it but school work when it comes.
again I am not finished but it is late... I'll continue tomorrow.
God Bless.
Later that night pretty much all my friends ditched me to either a party or a bar. That's what I get for surrounding myself with friends like that. They weren't always that way, most of them use to be serious athletes...and part of that time I was actually more like how they are now. People go in different directions. I know I can still be friends with them... but I can't involve myself in such things.... It actually bothers me that they feel they need to rely on alcohol to get in a different mind state just to have fun and for me to be there, having fun with them is supporting it. If I am there saying I won't drink because it is not good for me and it is against what I believe in, it may seem to be leading an example but it is really saying I only care for my own well being. If I don't go there believing I can prevent someone from drinking alcohol or getting drunk, or to in general preach the word of God then I should not be there.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18
God has blessed me with this wisdom...but I have a lot more I need to write. It is really late and I have work in the morning. Hopefully I may finish this tomorrow... If I can work on it consistently I'll try to put it out for people to read.
God Bless.
(CONTINUATION)
So I was convicted of what I wrote before at Basileia...not that anyone reads this but once I get things together I will put it out more... If you want to know what basileia is... read my 1st post...
Anyway I was also convicted that my distance from God is because I have many bad influences in my life that pull me further from him. This has been hard for me to and I've been doing it. Probably a little slower than i should but..I actually had a friend say that I don't hang out with anyone anymore, I'm too good to go to parties, that I've changed and that hanging out with inter-varsity is changing me. It was hard to hear that he was upset with me but.... it is true and it's a good thing. I have changed, I am changing and I am trying to change. I still have along way to go on this especially with bad jokes and sexual innuendos... I thought for awhile if they are jokes and you aren't serious about it... then there is nothing wrong with it but again allowing yourself to speak of sin and joining in other's jokes is stating that it is ok to do, that it is ok that is around. It is influencing sin. I was clearly convicted by these verses....
EPHESIANS 5: 3 - 6
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them. "
I have to say it is pretty blunt. It easier to not be involved in bad stuff with your friends you choose... but its tough at work... a place you kind of have to be and you're pretty much automatically involved in conversation. God is definitely testing me and building me. I need to be stronger though. I will have a good two weeks before school starts without working at most of my jobs. I will just have outback which is the least of my temptation so God has blessed me with some break time to get myself together. Also I have found a room I can rent that is 15 minutes away from school. I'm still weighing out the good and the bad though. I could definitely find peace there and have nothing to distract me from the word... and I hate to say it but school work when it comes.
again I am not finished but it is late... I'll continue tomorrow.
God Bless.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A much needed blessing
I GOT OFF THE LAST TWO DAYS... GOT TO SLEEP IN TWICE...amazing...
Tomorrow I have a pretty good shift at work, so not bad either.
Thank You God.
Tomorrow I have a pretty good shift at work, so not bad either.
Thank You God.
Matthew 11:28-30 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
I'm Horrible-y blessed
I'm horrible at keeping this blog... It is summer... I should be able to get things together but I am still all over the place... working hanging out staying up late which I should probably stop doing unless it is something productive.
And yes even though I have not been keeping to this blog God has blessed me a lot. I've kept in touch and hung out with as well as got closer to most of the people from the basileia trip. We are starting a weekly bible study this tuesday.
I also helped my friend move the another day with a lot of other people. It went quickly and smoothly. It didn't bother my shoulder at all. The interesting thing was when we were returning the moving truck my friend forgot that she never put gas in it. You are suppose to return it with the same amount of gas it came with or they charge you per gallon plus $30. They actual give you a paper showing how much gas the truck had when you received it. The picture showed a little less than half full. Interesting enough when we returned it...the truck was a good amount past half full. We drove from southeast Brooklyn to Uptown Manhattan as well as having to take select roads because the Truck was too big thus making the trip farther. God actually filled our tank.
Another huge blessing is that a Job I was suppose to have that would have paid $25 an hour fell through but that same night I found that out I got a call from a guy offering me a $30 an hour job. The first job was teaching swimming which I love very much but the new one is just life guarding which is very simple. I put down the money for basileia and purchased a lot of the food for the bbq I had with the friends from basileia (and other intervarsity people) knowing I would get that job. Nothing is sure... but what is sure is, if you give for God and trust in him, He will provide, maybe just not the way you originally thought or wanted but it will be better.
And yes even though I have not been keeping to this blog God has blessed me a lot. I've kept in touch and hung out with as well as got closer to most of the people from the basileia trip. We are starting a weekly bible study this tuesday.
I also helped my friend move the another day with a lot of other people. It went quickly and smoothly. It didn't bother my shoulder at all. The interesting thing was when we were returning the moving truck my friend forgot that she never put gas in it. You are suppose to return it with the same amount of gas it came with or they charge you per gallon plus $30. They actual give you a paper showing how much gas the truck had when you received it. The picture showed a little less than half full. Interesting enough when we returned it...the truck was a good amount past half full. We drove from southeast Brooklyn to Uptown Manhattan as well as having to take select roads because the Truck was too big thus making the trip farther. God actually filled our tank.
Another huge blessing is that a Job I was suppose to have that would have paid $25 an hour fell through but that same night I found that out I got a call from a guy offering me a $30 an hour job. The first job was teaching swimming which I love very much but the new one is just life guarding which is very simple. I put down the money for basileia and purchased a lot of the food for the bbq I had with the friends from basileia (and other intervarsity people) knowing I would get that job. Nothing is sure... but what is sure is, if you give for God and trust in him, He will provide, maybe just not the way you originally thought or wanted but it will be better.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever." Philippians 4:19-20
GOD BLESS
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Last Second Blessing
(this is yesterdays blog...i my computer was just messing up when i tried to post it, i have alot to write about today but won't do it right now)
So everything has been good. I've been hanging out and relaxing. I still have to work and honestly dread it a little bit. But.....one(last) thursday night after working at Outback, my lifeguard boss calls me. I really did not want to pick up. He is a cool guy and definitely the chillest boss ever but if he ever dares to pick up the phone and call you...most likely it is not good news. So I let it ring.... He of course leaves a message. I could not hear the message but I'm like whatever...I'll eventually see him anyway so I call him back. He asks desperately if I can cover on saturday to teach this little kids swim class.... at eight in the morning. I don't mind little kids...but 27 of them in a pool and I have to be there at 8 in the morning which means I have to take a 7:00 train on a saturday in the Summer. And for my boss... cover means.... eventually making it permanent which is what happened. Of course I say yes...even though I had this date that day but I feel bad to say I am honestly not interested but let myself get fooled into... she eventually had to cancel anway
So Saturday comes and I am nervous. The first two classes were actually adults so I was relieved but then I had to face the kids. I actually had help from another lifeguard and we each took like 14 kids... I had the younger of the groups. the kids who could not stand or barely stand. They were like 6 years old. I had this kid like the kid in role models. Actually he was joking and actually a nice kid which is pretty hillarious. They were really tough to handle and I lost my voice but I can't wait to do it again next week. I actually do like kids alot and I like teaching. Swimming is really my passion. I would really like to do this the rest of my life honestly. This is by far better than any job I ever had. The most amazing thing though was I got these kids to actually listen to me. I'd say "raise your hand if you are listening" and about halfway through the class their hands would shoot up and they would completely stop what they were doing. I did not expect that at all. Actually there is something that ties that experience. This little girl was so scared to even get in the water...she had only half her legs in. She was holding on the the railing on the stairs for her dear life. She was actually shivering and tearing a little. The most almost thing was she eventually got comfortable with the water and was able to put her face in the water. All I can say is God is good and he will definitely take care of you.
Todays blessing would be even though I was upset that everyone from basileia was meeting up today and I already commited to volunteering at this thing with outback , I will have a chance to hang out with them tomorrow. Also the volunteer work was actually kind of fun and It went very fast. It is good to serve.
God Bless.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Uh The 1st one
Sooo I am stephen, I like hanging with friends doing w/e, exercising...running...swimming... working out...tennis..foot ball...volley ball w/e can't do as much cause I hurt my shoulder but I try. I work at outback steakhouse, lifeguard and go to hunter college... but most important I....
believe in God and the only way for me to get to him is Jesus.
I decided to make one of these to keep my relationship with him close and hopefully help others with theirs.
I believe he blesses everyone everyday so I will try to write how he blesses me everyday or every week depending on how often I can write on this thing
recent blessing: I am apart of intervarcity christian fellowship at my school and I recently went on a trip with them called basileia. It was chill to meet all these new people as well be in a place where you are not judged. Another cool thing was that I got closer to alot of people i've known for the past school year.....there is more to this but I will have to continue later
continued: I learned the limitless powers of Jesus and what you can do in his name... I learned that he has given us gifts that I haven't taken advantage of such as the Sabbath which is usually Sunday where most think it is the day to be holy. Its actually a day for us to rest...and I did not do this over the school year... I either had class or work everyday.... Also you are never on bad terms with God, He always wants to be with you. You just have to seek him. I also realized I have been allowing myself to be around bad influences the last few and that I need to clear my life of a lot of the wrong things like I did when I first became a Christian. My faith should become the influence. I definitely have not been perfect since basileia but God has blessed me in which I am more open with my faith and able to defend it better than I have in a few years. I've always been passionate about doing so but now I know it is for the right reasons not just being a right. I also been blessed in which I found someone cares about me a lot more than I thought. I am also blessed with a lot more new people to care about. Also...though there were some grades I was disappointed in... the hardest class... and the class with the most amount of work... I got pretty good grades in.
believe in God and the only way for me to get to him is Jesus.
I decided to make one of these to keep my relationship with him close and hopefully help others with theirs.
I believe he blesses everyone everyday so I will try to write how he blesses me everyday or every week depending on how often I can write on this thing
recent blessing: I am apart of intervarcity christian fellowship at my school and I recently went on a trip with them called basileia. It was chill to meet all these new people as well be in a place where you are not judged. Another cool thing was that I got closer to alot of people i've known for the past school year.....there is more to this but I will have to continue later
continued: I learned the limitless powers of Jesus and what you can do in his name... I learned that he has given us gifts that I haven't taken advantage of such as the Sabbath which is usually Sunday where most think it is the day to be holy. Its actually a day for us to rest...and I did not do this over the school year... I either had class or work everyday.... Also you are never on bad terms with God, He always wants to be with you. You just have to seek him. I also realized I have been allowing myself to be around bad influences the last few and that I need to clear my life of a lot of the wrong things like I did when I first became a Christian. My faith should become the influence. I definitely have not been perfect since basileia but God has blessed me in which I am more open with my faith and able to defend it better than I have in a few years. I've always been passionate about doing so but now I know it is for the right reasons not just being a right. I also been blessed in which I found someone cares about me a lot more than I thought. I am also blessed with a lot more new people to care about. Also...though there were some grades I was disappointed in... the hardest class... and the class with the most amount of work... I got pretty good grades in.
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