So today at Campus Church was pretty great. The sermon was on Enoch, and how he walked with God.
He used this example to really drive the point home. Throughout history, we can see that if a King were to go somewhere, he would send out his servants ahead of time, to make sure everything was set for the King's presence. That would be the same as us walking before God, or serving God.
Enoch though, walked with God. As opposed to going ahead and preparing the way for God, Genesis 5:24 says "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away". Imagine, being that close to God. Enoch didn't die either, evidence by the end of this verse, God took him away.
Enoch was also the father of Methuselah, the oldest man to ever live. If you break down Methuselah's name into Hebrew it means, "when he dies, it shall be sent". Genesis 5:21 -22 states that Enoch fathered Methuselah, as well as many other children, but specifically mentions Methuselah. The significance in this ( this kind of confuses me), but the flood was prophecized by Methuselah and his life. If you look at the definition of his name, when he dies, it shall be sent. When Methuselah died, the flood came, after he lived his whole life prophecizing.
This suggest to me that this was a turning point in Enoch's life, giving birth to Methuselah, and this enabled Enoch to walk with God on a level to my knowledge no one ever has. We were given three points at the end of the sermon.
1) There has to be a turning point, something has to happen in our lives to allow us to become closer to Christ.
2) We have to actively and consistently pursue God. We can't just have this occurance, this turning point, then fall back into the same pattern of sinfullness. We have to keep trying, do the necessary things to grow in our walk with Christ.
3) We have to humble ourselves, surrender ourselves, and let our pride down.
It was a really inspiring, humbling, and spiritual song. While praising I started weaping, just weaping honestly for the first time in a long, long time. "Be my everything". That is my cry.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
You're Ever so Inviting
..... It's a song by the popular Christian band Underoath. There's a line in this song that is stuck in my head, playing over and over.
The opening line verse goes... " The time has come for you to sit this out, to fit inside your mold, would be to sell myself short.... I think he's talking about a christian, whose stuck in the sinful ways of the world.
With this line, I personally take out of it this. We as Christians are growing, but yet at the same time our human nature, our sinful nature is dragging us down. The songwriter is expressing
not only his struggles with overcoming his own sinful nature, but yet the spectrum that we as Christians are viewed under to the non saved world. "Failure leaves such a bitter taste in their mouths". When we fail, when we give in to our sinful nature; it does leave a bitter taste in a non belivers mouth. Why would they want to be like us? They see no difference.
Psalm 34:8 says "Taste and see that the Lord is good..."
and Psalm 46:10 says " Be still and know that I am God"....
------ I guess what I take from this lyrical quote I a man struggling, yet God reaching out to him, as evidence by "taste and see", and "be still and know". At the same time the world, people out there are looking at us, holding us to a higher standard, because we are called and often claim to be "Christ Like"? And they won't lie to us, they will tell us exactly what they think....That we are hypocrites and we contradict what we say, in the way we live our lives...
Before that verse he sings.....
"Oh it's getting longer and longer come on
To see it through their eyes
Would bring me so much closer
You can't do this night after night after night
Failure leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth"
To me this clearly just emphasizes the constant struggle between the Holy Spirit inside of use, and the sinful nature that we face every second of every day. Failure does leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
This is just what I take out of this song, I think it's a great illustration of what we face every day, and the constant struggle within us. Alot of my struggle is not necesarrily oh I'm going to mess up, and stumble, it's a fear of what will happen if I do. This is so close to home for me because for the past 2 years I've been no where close to God, I've been a mockery of Christianity. So it hit's close to home...
Anyways. That's just been on my heart. Thanks for reading.
The opening line verse goes... " The time has come for you to sit this out, to fit inside your mold, would be to sell myself short.... I think he's talking about a christian, whose stuck in the sinful ways of the world.
"Oh, my story's growing and growing it is
on my last request
Don't make me feel so contradicting
There's no room for cheating and being yourself
Failure leaves such a bitter taste in their mouth"
With this line, I personally take out of it this. We as Christians are growing, but yet at the same time our human nature, our sinful nature is dragging us down. The songwriter is expressing
not only his struggles with overcoming his own sinful nature, but yet the spectrum that we as Christians are viewed under to the non saved world. "Failure leaves such a bitter taste in their mouths". When we fail, when we give in to our sinful nature; it does leave a bitter taste in a non belivers mouth. Why would they want to be like us? They see no difference.
"Taste and see... I swear I know what's good
Be still and know that they won't... lie to you, every
single time you're facing lies"
Psalm 34:8 says "Taste and see that the Lord is good..."
and Psalm 46:10 says " Be still and know that I am God"....
------ I guess what I take from this lyrical quote I a man struggling, yet God reaching out to him, as evidence by "taste and see", and "be still and know". At the same time the world, people out there are looking at us, holding us to a higher standard, because we are called and often claim to be "Christ Like"? And they won't lie to us, they will tell us exactly what they think....That we are hypocrites and we contradict what we say, in the way we live our lives...
Before that verse he sings.....
"Oh it's getting longer and longer come on
To see it through their eyes
Would bring me so much closer
You can't do this night after night after night
Failure leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth"
To me this clearly just emphasizes the constant struggle between the Holy Spirit inside of use, and the sinful nature that we face every second of every day. Failure does leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
This is just what I take out of this song, I think it's a great illustration of what we face every day, and the constant struggle within us. Alot of my struggle is not necesarrily oh I'm going to mess up, and stumble, it's a fear of what will happen if I do. This is so close to home for me because for the past 2 years I've been no where close to God, I've been a mockery of Christianity. So it hit's close to home...
Anyways. That's just been on my heart. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Nothing beat the fresh cut grass, the chalk, and the eye black...
I'm going through some major baseball withdrawls. I haven't really enjoyed it since my senior year of high school, I was miserable at Bluefield, where I played my freshman year. The other night, I was thinking about my old man, and how we used to ride home together after almost every game, and just talk about baseball. I was always so hard on myself, and he would always tell me "Zach, just relax, it's that simple!"? ( or something along those lines)
That year, my senior year, Galax had their first winning season in like 20 years. We were litterally one shoestring catch from making the playoffs for the first time since the 80's. However, I will never forget the bond I shared with those guys. We were such a team, and I miss it like crazy.
Alright, like for real. I'm done nerding it up. This is probably the most homo thing I've ever done. hahaha. It's whatever. It's late. Peace.
That year, my senior year, Galax had their first winning season in like 20 years. We were litterally one shoestring catch from making the playoffs for the first time since the 80's. However, I will never forget the bond I shared with those guys. We were such a team, and I miss it like crazy.
 |
| That's what we did when we got on base ;) |
 |
| Me and Todd (Back Left) after a big win vs. Auburn |
 |
| Me diving....almost.. |
 |
| The Team |
 |
| hahahaha. "sliding" back to first.. |
 |
| Without a Doubt my most favorite... Me and the old man waiting for the change on the mound... |
 |
Getting hit in the Elbow with an 80 mph fastball doesn't feel to great.. |
Alright, like for real. I'm done nerding it up. This is probably the most homo thing I've ever done. hahaha. It's whatever. It's late. Peace.
Up Against A Wall...
So I started my new job today at the Crown Sterling, it's pretty chill. A couple of pruney hands haha but it is all good. Life is crazy sometimes though. If you read my last blog, I told you that I was really excited about my evangelism course. Why? Because I see it as an amazing oppurtunity not just to get a college credit, but to legitametly grow in my faith.
Turns out, one of my professors assistan'ts works at the Crown Sterling as well. Just started too!. It's so crazy because sometimes you just feel like God maybe puts the right people in your life, but you don't know what for. Anyways, I got talking to this guy, heard his testimony and what not and it was pretty cool. Really cool to know that now at work, I have a Christian brother there to help hold me accountable and lift me up. ..
On another note. I'm trying to "clean up" my ipod. I mean, i'm not gonna get rid of all my crap, but some of it can go. I'm a big fan of bands like Underoath, A Day to Remember, Breaking Benjamin, but if it sounds good, I'll listen to it. Please someone hit me up with some good Christian bands to listen too!!!!
Turns out, one of my professors assistan'ts works at the Crown Sterling as well. Just started too!. It's so crazy because sometimes you just feel like God maybe puts the right people in your life, but you don't know what for. Anyways, I got talking to this guy, heard his testimony and what not and it was pretty cool. Really cool to know that now at work, I have a Christian brother there to help hold me accountable and lift me up. ..
On another note. I'm trying to "clean up" my ipod. I mean, i'm not gonna get rid of all my crap, but some of it can go. I'm a big fan of bands like Underoath, A Day to Remember, Breaking Benjamin, but if it sounds good, I'll listen to it. Please someone hit me up with some good Christian bands to listen too!!!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Year am I?
I've been asked this question alot recently. My answer has been sophomore, cause this is only my second year on a college campus, but I have enough credits to graduate in 1.5 years if I work hard. So you can be the judge of that...
On another note, I have now attended all my classes and drawn the following conclusions
Anyways on another note, I got put in my prayer group tonight, and it is pretty legit. My prayer leaders is Ian, and he is a cool Godly guy. We even have food. We need a salary cap, we're that good. I start my new job at the Crown Sterling tommorow! Wish me luck!
On another note, I have now attended all my classes and drawn the following conclusions
- Evangelism is gonna be my best class. My professors seems to have a true passion for God, and it almost doesn't even feel like your sitting through a class.
- My business classes are dull so far, but Marketing will be a fun class.
- Business Managment is gonna be alot like the real world. Real world business projects and such, so maybe I will get a glimpse of my future?
- Philosophy is a very C.S. Lewis based class. It will be a hard class.
- Statistics seems much easier than I expected. I'm not taking it lightly, but it is certainly different from pre-calculus.
Anyways on another note, I got put in my prayer group tonight, and it is pretty legit. My prayer leaders is Ian, and he is a cool Godly guy. We even have food. We need a salary cap, we're that good. I start my new job at the Crown Sterling tommorow! Wish me luck!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
My Land and Destinations of the Fall..
I've always been a mountain boy. I'm from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and have an absolute passion for the beauty and solitude of my hometown and surrounding mountains. I've always took great pride in my home county, quite simply because I truely believe it is one of the most beautiful places in America, if not the world. The Blue Ridge Parkway disects my County, as you can watch the gentle rolling mountains drop from a steep couple thousand feet into the Piedmont of North Carolina seemingly below your feet. To the west the highest mountains in Virginia often provide some pretty amazing views late in the evenings and in the winter. To the north the Great Valley of Virginia is home to the New River, and the Interstate 81 Co-oridor. The picture in my header is actually a picture taken of Carroll County from Buffalo Mountain, about 1.5 miles outside of Carroll County. It's a pretty amazing place.
I said I have a passion for my hometown, but I also have a passion for all nature and beauty. I love exploring, and recently knocked out the Smoky Mountains of NC and Tennessee, as well as the Coal Country of West Virginia and far Southwest Virginia. One place I haven't gone yet, is the Shenandoah Mounatins of Virginia. Living in Central Virginia for the next several months, it looks to be a great fall!
Some places on my list of must sees this fall are -
Devils Marble Yard - located just southeast of Lexington, its a mountainside of boulders with some majestic views.
I said I have a passion for my hometown, but I also have a passion for all nature and beauty. I love exploring, and recently knocked out the Smoky Mountains of NC and Tennessee, as well as the Coal Country of West Virginia and far Southwest Virginia. One place I haven't gone yet, is the Shenandoah Mounatins of Virginia. Living in Central Virginia for the next several months, it looks to be a great fall!
Some places on my list of must sees this fall are -
Crabtree Falls - Known as the largest waterfalls east of the Rockies, this series of waterfalls cascades over 1,000' down the Eastern Slopes of the Appalachians.
Skyline Drive - A highway built along the crest of the Blue Ridge runs right through the middle of Shenandoah national park. To the west look into the Great Shenandoah Valley, and to the east, the Piedmont of Virginia.
Peak of Otter - Originally thought to be the highest mountains in the Eastern U.S., peaks of Otter rises 4,000' above the Virginia Piedmont. Although a greater elevation change occurs, the Peaks are actually no where close to the highest mountains in Virginia. Situated in the southernmost parts of the Shenandoah, the Peaks offer a majestic view with alot of history. Thomas Jefferson once wrote "the mountains of the Blue Ridge, and of these the Peaks of Otter, are thought to be of a greater height, measured from their base, than any others in our country, and perhaps in North America."
Innaugural Post
Hey what up guys. I'm Zach. First let me start this off with telling you guys a little bit about myself. I'm from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia. I'm 19 years old and attend a pretty amazing Christian University - Liberty U. It is a rocking place to be at.
I got here in a weird way. I swore to myself in high school I'd never show up here, stupid rules. I went to a small NAIA school my freshman year for baseball, and I couldn't stand it. All my dreams and aspirations just kind of evaporated right in front of me. Everything I had worked for, I just kind of lost interest and gave it up like that. I was going through a pretty down time in my life. I was away from home for the first time. I had it bad for this girl, and I mean bad. Ha-ha. Baseball wasn't going good, and my shoulder was all tore up. Worst of all though, I was far from God. I was standing right next to him, but there was a glass wall in between us. I could see him, but I couldn't feel him, hear him, anything like that. I was numb.
I had made the decision in April that Liberty was going to be my new school home. I was nervous; I was taking a leap of faith. While still not super close to God, I had gained some ground thanks to some close friends at Bluefield. I didn't know why, not a clue, but I knew God was calling me to LU; I had such a peace with it. It was one of those things where I didn't (still don't really) know what I was doing, but I knew I was doing what God wants me to do. Proverbs 16:9 says
"A man's heart plan's his ways, but the lord directs his path"
I stumbled across this when I was reading my bible one of the few times I have this summer. I've never forgotten it, because it is so true, and I have seen how it has worked in my life. No matter what Zach Robinson tries to do, God holds the trump card, and he'll play it eventually.
Anyways, back to my story. About mid July I'm still kind of in this glass in between me and God stage, when some of my closest, lifelong friends, had the courage to tell me straight up I wasn't living right. I put the word Christian to shame. Looking back, Gosh did me ever. I wasn't drinking or partying or whatever, but I just wasn't living right. I had no respect for my mother, the most amazing woman I know. I treated my friends like dirt, and girls were just a number. God? He wasn't even around. I just didn't care. Then it hit me, and it hit me hard. It was a heart problem, I had none. I don't even know what happened to it, or how I got to that point, I just did. It hurt at first, but I think God for putting the right people in my life, to hold me accountable.
That was like less than a month ago - - but I'm making some major progress or at least I think so. I've cut the whole cussing thing down quite a bit and that glass wall between me and God is really cracking, which is a pretty cool feeling. I'm nowhere, I mean nowhere close to where I want to be. I dropped the F bomb today on the way to work and I'm really ashamed of it, but I had someone there to hold me up and tell me what's up. Accountability is key. I want people to look at me and say "hey, he's different, he actually lives like a Christian", not just some athlete who goes to church on Sundays.
God's putting a lot of big questions on my heart - like how to lead? How to grow? Is there a right way to do Christianity? Discipleship? - - Stuff along those lines, so hopefully I'll keep you guys interested.
I will talk about a lot of other stuff too, baseball, college football, weather. Poems (I love to write Poem's songs, raps) and random Random Crap. Ha-ha. Anything you name it. I'll try to hit the whole God topic once or twice a week.
Peace Out.
I got here in a weird way. I swore to myself in high school I'd never show up here, stupid rules. I went to a small NAIA school my freshman year for baseball, and I couldn't stand it. All my dreams and aspirations just kind of evaporated right in front of me. Everything I had worked for, I just kind of lost interest and gave it up like that. I was going through a pretty down time in my life. I was away from home for the first time. I had it bad for this girl, and I mean bad. Ha-ha. Baseball wasn't going good, and my shoulder was all tore up. Worst of all though, I was far from God. I was standing right next to him, but there was a glass wall in between us. I could see him, but I couldn't feel him, hear him, anything like that. I was numb.
I had made the decision in April that Liberty was going to be my new school home. I was nervous; I was taking a leap of faith. While still not super close to God, I had gained some ground thanks to some close friends at Bluefield. I didn't know why, not a clue, but I knew God was calling me to LU; I had such a peace with it. It was one of those things where I didn't (still don't really) know what I was doing, but I knew I was doing what God wants me to do. Proverbs 16:9 says
"A man's heart plan's his ways, but the lord directs his path"
I stumbled across this when I was reading my bible one of the few times I have this summer. I've never forgotten it, because it is so true, and I have seen how it has worked in my life. No matter what Zach Robinson tries to do, God holds the trump card, and he'll play it eventually.
Anyways, back to my story. About mid July I'm still kind of in this glass in between me and God stage, when some of my closest, lifelong friends, had the courage to tell me straight up I wasn't living right. I put the word Christian to shame. Looking back, Gosh did me ever. I wasn't drinking or partying or whatever, but I just wasn't living right. I had no respect for my mother, the most amazing woman I know. I treated my friends like dirt, and girls were just a number. God? He wasn't even around. I just didn't care. Then it hit me, and it hit me hard. It was a heart problem, I had none. I don't even know what happened to it, or how I got to that point, I just did. It hurt at first, but I think God for putting the right people in my life, to hold me accountable.
That was like less than a month ago - - but I'm making some major progress or at least I think so. I've cut the whole cussing thing down quite a bit and that glass wall between me and God is really cracking, which is a pretty cool feeling. I'm nowhere, I mean nowhere close to where I want to be. I dropped the F bomb today on the way to work and I'm really ashamed of it, but I had someone there to hold me up and tell me what's up. Accountability is key. I want people to look at me and say "hey, he's different, he actually lives like a Christian", not just some athlete who goes to church on Sundays.
God's putting a lot of big questions on my heart - like how to lead? How to grow? Is there a right way to do Christianity? Discipleship? - - Stuff along those lines, so hopefully I'll keep you guys interested.
I will talk about a lot of other stuff too, baseball, college football, weather. Poems (I love to write Poem's songs, raps) and random Random Crap. Ha-ha. Anything you name it. I'll try to hit the whole God topic once or twice a week.
Peace Out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)