He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven…..

(Colossians 1:15-23 ESV)

Steph Davis, climbs 1000 vertical feet without protection on “the diamond” in Colorado.

Maybe this is just me, but i want to look at my journey with Jesus in this life like steph looks at “the diamond” Do i trust God enough to free solo with him? Do i trust Him enough to do the radical things He has called me into; like contradict our Americanized Christianity by living a life that truly reflects Jesus. He has called us to live on the edge, to climb without ropes; help the needy, give to the poor, love our neighbor as ourselves (think about that….do I really love my neighbor as much as myself?) and love one another. Jesus says “By this all people will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another” (John 13:35)

When God asks me to free solo a “1000ft vertical wall” will i just go for it; trusting that He will take care of me and catch me when i fall because He is with me? Or, will i put some conditions on the task by bringing my carnal safety ropes and pieces of protection to save me?

Psalm 23~ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Do we as disciples of Jesus really live this way? Are we willing to live radically, and walk the opposite way for Jesus. Will people know that He Is the only Way, Truth and life by our boldness for Him? Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Don’t put God in a box, live out loud!

~Peace Be The Journey~

-jared

This is such a beautiful picture of our journey. We need to have the boldness to be who God has made us to be!!

A Reflection on The Sun

What is a sunset? Is it the mere darkness that comes after we toil long in this world? Or is it the poetic death of another day? A death so wonderful, so breath taking that never is there one that is the same.

What is a sunrise? Is it the mere light that ignites the existence of our complacent lives? Or is it the beautiful resurrection of another day? A new start, clean canvas, but we fear to create.

I can feel the warmth of the Sons rays penetrate and soften the depths of my cold bitter heart. The warmth of your love fulfills even the most desperate of slaves, as if i was made with a missing part.

Oh my sunshine, keep your light Shining
It’s brightening my skies. I can’t believe my eyes
Oh your beauty’s reflected in our Fathers eyes
Your dancing to the tune that He’s composed for you.
Of all the prophets, Jesus alone was resurrected from the dead, and He remains our living Mediator forever. I gave my life into His hands. For me, life is an opportunity to serve Him, and death is the privilege of getting to be with Him
~ Mehdi Dibaj Martyr Iran 1994 

The time is now, for lifting souls.
The time is now, for letting go.
From your skin, to your core.
Let light, and love, come rushing through the door.
Oh, come rushing through the door.

You’ve learned every song, memorized the verse,
Took the bread and wine, and even bought the shirt,
It’s time.
It’s time to hold your shield,
It’s time to draw your sword,
Let’s be the resistance,
Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, it’s time.
Yeah it’s time.

~Phil Wickham The Time Is Now 
Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it’s full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing
~The Bible James 1:2-4
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  • 10 Plays

Kiralee Nichols and Karissa Nichols have the voices of angels. God has given them such beautiful gifts. When they were up last weekend we decided to have some worship time and record it live session style. Here is one of the songs “Heart of Worship” is such an amazing song!! My little brother is with us to :D He is the one playing the djembe. Hope you guys enjoy

~Peace Be The Journey~ One Love~ One Way~

-jared

Once Upon A Thought: Giving You A Chance

onceuponathought:

After years of wondering “What is it about me that people cant seem to stand?” I finally found the answer to my question.

It had been a while since I’d really gone out of my way to meet a new person thinking of them as a possible friend. I’ve met new people because of work but they are coworkers…

 This is my good friend Caleb Glasers post a couple of days ago. He beautifully puts into perspective relationships and how we have lost sight of them. We were created for relationships, relationship with God and with each other. Why are we so isolated to ourselves. Why don’t i break out of my comfy bubble and love the unlovely or just people in general (like my neighbor) the way that Jesus did. What are the two greatest commandments? “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, strength, and soul” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” I think Jesus pretty much sums up the secret of life right there haha

~Peace Be The Journey~

-jared

Source: onceuponathought