Day 38

I saw how big God is today.  He makes the calls not us.

Day 37

Today i saw God answer a prayer.  I won't go into details, but it was really really inspiring.  Evidence that God lives and that God hears and cares.

Going to bed.
peace.

he is risen

Day 36.  I saw God in Easter today.  He is risen.

I am WORN OUT.  Night Ya'll.

Oh snap. Bible Reading.  Here goes.

James 3 talks about the importance of taming the tongue. 

I am so so so so tired. I promise some more lengthy posts this week.
Night.

Day 35 - Five Weeks in

So this has deffintly become a habit.  Every night before I go to sleep I always remember to blog.  I've only forgotten once, and have pushed myself to at least write something every night.  This week seems like that night has been every night.  I just can't get a grip.  I haven't been in the word much, or in prayer much, and I have only myself to blame.  I've been struggling real hard to see God in my day, but I've seen the importance of how vital it is to stay in the word on a daily basis, even if it's just for 5 minutes.  I have noticed in my own life, the days that I'm in the word an in prayer, I resist temptation more easily.  I'm more apt to make wiser decisions.  When I'm not I often find my self slipping up in areas of struggle, with lustful thoughts or with a dirty mouth.  I read one verse earlier, and I'm gonna go read one chapter in James now.  It's hard to get in the word everyday.  Other things get in the way, but I'm adding on to my challenge.  A chapter at least a day, and I have to blog about that challenge.

Lehhh Go.

Today is Easter, I would also just like to thank God for sending his sons to take my sins cause idk where i would be with out him.  Hallelujah.

Day 34. 15 days left

Today I was reminded just how much God loves us.  Through thick and thin in our faith, when we are up when we are down, (down today, and much of this past week), I just feel God picking me up and telling me it'll be okay.

That's where I saw him today.

Day 33

shewwwwwwwwwww. long day.  I'm not gonna lie, I'm really "struggling" to see God today.  Just been one of those days where I've put God last, and it hasn't been on the forefront of my mind.  I have deffintly noticed in the way I have conducted myself today.  When Christ isn't at the front, it just kinda feels like a different day.  Guess I have seen God remind me of this today.

Day 32

Today God gave me the chance to witness one on one to someone.  That was pretty awesome.  He also reminded me how utterly important it is to live what we say, live what we believe.

I'm worn out so tonight is gonna be xxxxxtra short.

Peace.

Day 31 special edition

Two blogs in 30 minutes! Say it ain't so. 

The CRAZIEST THING JUST HAPPENED.  As I was finishing up my previous blog, I was gonna go to sleep.  I had been praying slightly just for some inspiration from God, for him to lift me up.  I couldn't go to sleep.  I had this sudden urge, like nothing I've ever felt before just to get in the word.  I went outside and read James and like 6 Proverbs.  Then I prayed for about 15 minutes.  I was just so enthralled, so lifted up.

THAT IS GOD ANSWERING A PRAYER.  I mean, I had literally just asked for something, and then it's like boom he puts it on my heart.  I wasn't reading out of conviction, out of guilt.  I was reading beecause I longed for it.  I was spiritually hungry, I felt like I could have kept reading for hours.  It was just so cool and something I've never really experienced before.

Anyways I'm pretty excited.  If you can't tell.

:)

Love Ya'll, we serve an awesome God.

Day 31

I've strayed pretty far here over the past week.  I've been letting some words slip, struggling with impure thoughts, that type of thing.  I can trace it back to one thing - I haven't been in the word, or in prayer.  It's so constant, it's not even funny.  There is a direct coorelation between the two.  I think it is the power of the holy spirit.  The mroe I'im in the word, praying the more I will see God throughout my day, the more he will be with me.  THe less I do, the more power that gives to my sinful nature.  I would appreciate prayers.  This has been a tough week.  I have some very tough decisions, some hard choices that have to be made, and i would like to ask for prayers to do the right thing.  I would also ask for prayers just to lift me up in God's spirit, as I feel spiritually dry at this time.

thanks guys.

Zach

Day 30 - Blessed

Today it really kinda just hit me how blessed I truely am.  I have a wonderful family, wonderful friends, a job, I'm getting an educatin.  I was brought up in the best home in America, my grandfather is way better than your grandfather and my little brother is awesome.  Besides Matt and Becky ( just kidding Beck ;) ), my family is great.  Just kidding I love both of them with all of my heart, Matt is the best big brother I could have ever asked for.  He's set such an example for me in certain areas of my life. 

I've had alot of opportunities many others haven't and won't ever have the chance to, and it just kinda hit me today.  I wasn't in a bad mood, wasn't complaining, I just have so much to be thankful for, and I don't say it enough.  God has truely blessed me.

Day 29 still discouraged

Still discouraged, but a challenge is a challenge, and I have to complete it.  I see God in his overwhelming grace for me today.  My gosh I don't deserve it, I'm such a sinnger.  Such, such such a sinner.  Oh how he loves us.

That's it for tonight. 

Day 28

Yeah, so I'm pretty discouraged.  I am being tempted and just feel weak in my walk with Christ today.  Funny thing is though, I can feel God's grace, I can feel God picking me up and embracing me, despite my state.

I heard a quote today,

"I'd rather embrace God's grace, than abuse it"...

Think about that, I have been all day.

Love Y'all.
Decues.

Day 27 - Never Forget

It was a cold day, it was well into Spring and it was snowing outside.  I was in Mrs. Beachumps College Spanish class around noon when I got word, "shooting at Virginia Tech".  For the next two hours, we watched in horor on TV and on the internet as the largest school massacre in US history unfolded 45 minutes down the road.  Many former classmates, many friend, many family members, all at Tech, it is a day I want to forget, but will never be able to.  I remember exactly where I was, exactly how that day went. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says in all things give thanks, I would ask regardless of your political views, to please take 5 minutes to watch this video.

I watched this tonight, and it brought tears to my eyes.  The leader of our nation praising and glorifying God's name EVEN THROUGH one of the darkest days ever to occur in the United States.  A man not afraid to stand up for Christ, to passionately present him, and to humbly but his hope and trust in God, in front of America, in a time of grief and crisis.  This is where I saw God today, in a big way.  Wow.

Ya'll be good.  Never Forget

4/16/2007

Day 26 - yesterday - oops

I forgot to post. haha.  I was WORN OUT.  Long day, but it was worth it.

Anyways, yesterday I saw God just in the beautiful weather, it was so nice!  It is so nice living in Virginia, just last week we had 3" of snow in my hometown.  I love it here, this is home. 

Anyways, it's almost 4, and a challenge is a challenge, there's my post.  Peace

Day 25 - Halfway home

I'm officially past the half way mark.  Wow, I cannot believe it.

Anyways, I'm worn out and I have a final exam in about 9 hours so yeah, this is gonna be quick ;).

Quite simply, today I saw God's love shine through people.  Through my teacher who kindly put up with me getting frustrated today in my favorite class ever (cough, cough), to Clayton King and his wife at Campus Church, to my mother who called me this morning to tell me she gave me some $$$ for food ( I love her so much ;) ), to Jonathan Turner ( grandpa as we like to call him), giving me some wisdom; I saw God through every one of thsoe people today.  It was very inspiring and very humbling to see the power of God, the caringness of our Father.

Anyways, that was short toldya ;)

Wish me luck tommorow.

Rocks.

Day 24

So in case your wondering.  The Chicago Bulls are 61-21.  Best record in the NBA.  I'm not a big NBA fan, but when I am, go Bulls. 

Today, I started the day off in a great mood.  Went to class, came back, job hunted, applied for a few places, went to work, made some good money.  Got back to my room, and it's like something clicked.  I became transparent, nonchalant about my walk with Christ.  Suddenly, I didn't really care.  This attitude of what I like to call "pshhhhtness" (that's a trademark Zach Robinson term, kthanks#), came over me.  I went to prayer groups and I was just so whatttttttttttttttttttttttttttttever God.  Yep, sure, Uhuh. Whatever.  Ya'll know how we get.  I came back to my room, worked out, cleaned up, got ready for bed, but then I did something important.  I got in the word, even when I didn't feel like it, and what I read was pretty cool.  I am in the proccess of reading/studying 1 Corinthians, and I was in chapter 6 today.  If you've read it, you know the majority of the book is about sexual immorality.  Being a 19 year old guy, my sex drive is usually about through the roof, so it was good to read and refresh on why it is so important to stay sexually pure.  However, the main thing I took out of this didn't just pertain to sexual immorality, it pertained to life as a whole. 

1 Corinthians 6:19 says

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies"

That is speaking to me on so many levels.  The words, "we were bought at a price", ( that price being Jesus, God's SON),  they really mean something.  Reading this, it kinda hit me.  It jolted me.  That whatever I was feeling earlier became God saying to me This is why you are to follow me.  Because I bought you and you are not your own!.  Those are powerful, powerful words.  It hit me, woah Zach, your not living for you, your living for God, he owns you.  Immeadiately that spirit I had earlier left me, and the spirit of God filled me.

Just thought I'd share that lil' story with ya'll today.

My hands are dry, I'm sore, tired, ready to sleep, tired, fried, tired, x60, so .. goodnight.

Day 23

Today, I saw God forgive me.  I had a great day, and I really just felt God's love and mercy all around me today, for no particular reason.  I guess it started with the message at Cornerstone, which really spoke to my heart.  I am saved, and I know I'm going to heaven when I die, but I really just took how much Christ gave for me, and how much he took my sins when he died.  The power of the cross.  God has paid for my sins, and that is a wonderful feeling, all to him I owe.  I'm not saying I have a free pass to go sin now, not at all, what I am saying though is that the consequences of sin is death.  Knowing Christ paid the price, bore my consequences, so that I might live, that's a good feeling.  God's spirit filled me with that today.

Love ya'll.  Peaces.

Day 22 - Getting Real

Yesterday, my boy Cody Fulton calls me up and is like:

"Yo what are you doin"?
Me: Ya know, chillin', savin the world like always.
Cody: That's chill, come to Galax with me.
Me: Aight I'll be ready in twenty.

That's how it went down.  I had the night off work and decided to head home for a night to surprise the rents and my brother, and see some friends.  I realized while I was at home, that I only have 2 more full weekends here at Liberty.  Next weekent, then I will be home for Easter, then I will be here the weekend after that.  School ends that week.  It's kind of sad.  Actually, I'm not looking forward to it at all.  I've made some great friends, built some great relationships here and once again they'll be coming to a rather abrupt end.  I'm trusting in God though, I am certain he has a plan for me, absolutely certain.

Which leads me to my main point for the night.  Being home this weekend, I was tempted.  Outside of this little bubble we call Liberty, it is so hard to get off track, so hard to fade far from God.  I got a small glimpse of what next year at Va Tech will be like.  It's funny though, cause I noticed it.  Before I started this challenge, I doubt the thought would have come to my mind "woah I'm being tempted"  - - I probably just would have given in.  I guess I really got a very small piece of how imperative and important it is  that I stay in God's word and in prayer over the summer, and over the course of next year.  At Liberty, it's easy to surround yourself with God, with the right people.  It's not gonna be that way at Tech, and it just kinda hit me tonight. I saw God today work in me, and reveal himself to me in that way.  It's so cool how he works, I mean it really is.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh :)

I heard this quote today, and it's kinda just been weighing on my mind.  Growing up, I had alot of crushes, and I mean alot, haha, most of which didn't pan.  We won't get into all that though ;).  Anyways, what I read was this quote from C.S. Lewis

"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." --C.S. Lewis"

I guess this past year has been kind of weird for me, from a relationship standpoint.  I haven't really had that "crush", I've always had.  I've been interested in a girl here and there, but nothing has really took hold of me, consumed me, constantly been on my mind, etc. etc.  Every person knows what I'm referring to, when your a teenager.  I'm no relationship expert, but it's almost as if I see what I'm looking for in a future wife become my main priority, the main thing I look for, rather than that euphoric high you get for the first littlle while when you meet someone new.  I'm learning I guess, to see past that, to play through that, because it never lasts.  I don't want to get into my personal relationships or whatnot, I guess all I'm trying to say is this.  I believe love is real, and very powerful, and when you meet someone and do in fact fall in love, it is a very powerful and very strong emotion.  However, on a personal level for me, I have gone from looking for that "crush", to looking for qualities that I would want my future wife to have.  Not that girl whose rocking the sundress.  Not the girl with a Southern Drawl and eyes that will kill.  Sure things like that are attractive, but God has really changed what attracts me, to be more in line with the desires of his heart.  For those who are discouraged, (as it is so easy to do when you've been single for over a year), don't beat yourselves up.  Pray for God to reveal himself to you in ways you never have seen him before.  Spend time in prayer and in his word, and just commit yourself to taking time off from "relationships or talking to girls".  Limit everything to strictly friends, and earnestly seek God's direction for growth.

That about sums that up I reckon. haha. 

Sorry to get all sappy on ya'll, that's just kinda been on my heart for the past couple weeks, and I felt like tonight was a good time to write about it.  I love writing if you couldn't tell, it's how I exrpess myself. 

Night Y'all

Day 21 - Start of week three

Hey ya'll.  Shew, Can't believe it's been three weeks.

Tonight, I don't feel like writing again, but I will do so.  Today was a lazy Saturday.  I made the surprise trip home to see the family for a night, and will be heading back to the bubble tomorrow evening.  Today, I saw God's power in nature.  Yesterday was one of the worste severe weather outbreaks I have seen in my lifetimes.  The nearby town of Pulaski Virginia got hit hard, with over 400 houses sustaining significatn damage.  Driving through the disaster area today was numbing.  I have never seen so much destruction in my life.  Houses lifted off of their foundations and spun.  Cars completely smashed or flipped over.  Trees twisted and snapped, laying in places they shouldn't be.  Families standing along side the road at a shelter, with no where to go.  Houses, completely destroyed.  It was devastating.  It honestly kinda put the fear of God in me a little bit.  I don't think God made the tornado hit Pulaski to "punish" anyone, not like that.  I do think however the tornado is indicative of just how powerful our God is.  God created this storm, which is just a glimpse of a glimpse of a glimpse, to the millionth, of how powerful our God is.  It was sad and inspiring all at the same time.  I will try to upload some pictures and share them later this week.

Until then

Peace Ya'll.

DAY 20

Wow, can't believe it has been 20 days. Crazy stuff.  Today I talked to my grandpa.  He had some words of wisdom, particulary about 1 Corinthians chapter one and two and the spirit of God.  Funny thing is, guess who read the same the exact same thing last night before he called?  This guy.

Weird. How God works. Someone told me I should read that.  I did, took notes, and then the next day, one of the most influential people in my life calls me and tells me about it, without him knowing I read it.  That is God! That is where I saw him.

I would like to ask for prayers for the families of all those who experienced damage from the severe storms tonight.  Tonight SWVA experienced a rather robust outbreak, producing 3 tornadoes that destroyed several homes and business all over the area.

Anyways, man it's so late.  I gotta start doing this later.  Love you Grandad, this one's for you!

Night Ya'll.

Day 19

So.  Today was good.  I got alot done! Homework, final exam, worked out, went to work, class, got in the word, man it was a good day.  I'm going to keep this short cause I'm beat but here's where I saw God today.

I saw God in my prayer leader Zach Smith.  He's been such an inspiration to me.  Every morning I wake up with scripture texted to my phone and daily reminders, to get in the word.  He is different, he has a true passion for God, and helping people grow.  I love this guy to death, he's a great leader.  I'm gonna miss him next year.  Yet another Godly influence God has put in my life.

Shew.  I'm worn out.

Night Y'all

Hey dudes. Day 18

Uggh. Perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance.

James 1:3-4

"because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...."

Love love love this passage because it is so true.  The book of James is just so inspiring, particulary the first chapter.  We see James talk about perseverance under trial.  He tells us about Perseverance during times of temptation, and the benefits of doing so in verse 4.

"Let perseverance finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"

Those are VERY strong words.  If we can find the will power, the strength, to persevere after Christ in our daily lives, even when we don't feel like it, we will grow! That's a pretty big promise.

Verse 12 says:

"Having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love him".

Woah.  Strong words.  When we struggle with a certain sin, alcoholism, pornography, pride, etc.. when we are caught up in sin, we continue to do it, because it makes us feel good.  Anyone whose been drunk will tell you it's a pretty good time.  Ever get big headed? How do you feel?   Pretty darn good.

Clayton King has been preaching a series of sin, and I have been soaking it up and just really taking it in.  I love listening to him speak, and believe it or not will probably miss that the most this coming year when I go to Tech.  Anyways, back on topic.  The main point he has driven home is Sin Makes you Stupid, but drunk with pleasure.  If we don't get enjoyment out of it, why would we sin?! It doesn't make sense any other way!


You may be wondering where all this ties in.  You see there's something that happens after the sin, that leaves us feeling empty, insecure, and unworthy.  How do we cope with our sin, how do we respond?  For many, for most, actually for all, it is a fight not to fall back into it.  We keep getting drawn back to the temporary high we once had.  We become nearsighted, and we lose sight of the long term effects that it has.  As this happens we become more and more callious to the negative impacts it is having on our relationship with God, with friends, the way we live our lives and just our attitudes in general.


So where on earth does all this tie in to what I was talking about earlier.


Dictionary.com defines perseverance as this

  steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles and discouragement

Hello?! Tell me when your being tempted that all three of those emotions don't run through your head.  James promises us that if we persevere, we will find true life.  That longing that we are always trying to fill with sin, we will find that if we just persevere in times of temptation and trial.  


James 4:7 Humble yourselves before the Lord, resist the devil, and he will FLEE from you...


I challenge everyone to take a good, hard long look at James 1 sometime in the next few days.  I've only touched on a brief portion of it, but it has without a doubt had a huge impact on my spiritual life.


Also, I'd like to shoutout to my boys Drew Wildboy Hinton, and Devin Matthews.  Miss you guys.  Orphans and Widows baby!


That's where I've seen God today, that's what's been on my heart.  Love ya'll.  Peace.

God in Community - Day 17

Today, in prayer groups, I saw God in fellowship.  There is nothing better than just chilling with a bunch of people havin' good clean fun.  Growing up, I was always around Christian fellowship, and am really thankful for that.  I really saw God tonight reveal himself to me in that way, how important fellowship is to our walk.

I'm out.  I really should start posting earlier.  haha

Night.

Day 16

Tonight I saw God in a storm.  I went outside at 2am, to watch the storm roll in.  It started with a roar, like a Jet was flying and getting closer, and closer, winds picked up, and you could see the rain coming ( and hear it too) across the parking lot.  It was unreal.  As this was happening, I thought to myself, "no way does this happen by chance".

It was really cool too see and hear in person, just to take in the majesty of creation.  Life is truly beautiful if we just take time for the things that make it beautiful.

I'm going to sleep, it's almost 4.  I plan on writing a post this week on something that's been on my heart.  Hopefully I'll have time to get around to it tomorrow evening or Wednesday.

Psalm 25 - read it.

Night Ya'll.

day 15 - miranda lambert?!

"Out here it's like I'm someone else, I thought that maybe I could find myself".

That about sums the way i feel up.  I've been searching, and searching, for years and years for something more.  And yet, no matter how far, how deep, how wide I search, nothing I have found has compared with the joy I have received from my heavenly father.

I'm only going to find truly find myself, when I truly find my heavenly father for all he is in all of his glory.

I believe that, when we really truly begin to dedicate our lives to Christ, we will see the desires of our hearts, line up with the desires of God's heart.  Things on this earth will begin to take a back seat to spiritually priorities God has laid on my heart.

Here's an example.  For the past 12 years, I have been fascinated with the weather.  I have an opportunity to study that next year and make a career out of it at Tech.  ( Something I am choosing to pursue).  Yet, ever since I've gotten accepted, it hasn't really been on my mind much.  Rather, what has been consuming my mind literally day in, day out, is am I honoring God in this choice.  I have just developed this greater passion to grow, and learn more about who Jesus was.  It's almost like God is killing some things that were there, and putting things that he has in his mind, in his heart, in mine, as I continue to grow.

The thing that kills me is I don't want to leave Liberty.  This is the best school in America.  But yet, no matter what, I really feel like Tech is where God is leading me to go.  How ironic, leaving the Christian University, to go to a secular school, and you feel like that is where God's leading?  Talk about confusion.  The funny thing, is I don't have a clue why. I've thought about staying at Liberty and doing pastoral leadership.  I've thought "well here ya go God, I'll grow in this, and then just become a full time Clayton King!:.  But yet, that's not it, either.  I think to do that you have to have a calling, and I don't.  Why would God call me, give me the choice to go to Virginia Tech, major in something scientific, but yet still have a plan, a purpose for me in advancing his kingdom?  Try telling me where I'm going to fit in, into the Kingdom of God.  It honestly makes no sense to me, I just have this peace about it, a peace from God, that I am following him, ironically.

 God continues to amaze me.  It's hard to see where/how God is going to use me in his kingdom at Tech.  I may not ever know, how God has used me, where God as used me, but I know I have a God who loves me.
That's where I saw God today, in peace.

I love every single one of ya''ll.  ya'll take care.  Cya.

PS - I'm really tired, so I hope this makes sense.  I was dozing off some but i really felt it neccesary to talk about it.

Point to take out of this quote -- if you get discouraged, because your just a "regular joe", get back up again.  Know that no matter what, if you are following God's commands, and seeking his will, you won't only find yourself, you'll find a love far greater than any love any earthly being can bring.

Day 14 - Two Weeks

Two weeks.  It's going by fast, only five left!  Today was a chill day.  I had a good weekend of work and hanging out with my dear friends Abi and Taylor from back home in Galax.  They came up to the big city for CFAW, so it was good to spend some time with some great friends from back home.

For the past six months, I've had the opportunity to work at a fine dining restaurant in Lynchburg, called The Crown.  I've made a lot of friends and memories there, but one person in particular, has had a rather powerful impact on my life in the short amount of time I have known him.  His name is Matthew Bryant, and today was his last day.

I don't know if you've ever just met someone who has led by example, but that is the type of guy this guy is.  He wouldn't ever own up to it, but he is different.  He used to tell me he tried not to care about how much money he made, he was more worried about the example he set for his non believing co-workers.  His life, was his testimony, not his words.  Never partial to anyone, never heard him speak a cold word, or turn a deaf ear.  He, at least in my experiences with him, always exhibited the love of Christ.  Every night I  would need a ride home from work, he was the first to offer.    He is the kinda guy that is just a real pleasure to be around, a real pleasure to know. Working in a fast paced, not exactly Christian environment, it has been awesome having a strong Christian Influence, someone who has been so real about their faith, there to encourage and mentor me.   I have been blessed.

It has been such a blessing seeing God place such a role model in my life, at such a crucial time of my life.  Through this, through the friendship I have developed, I have seen God answer my prayers.  I have seen God work in my life, through someone else.    It is just weird how God works.  It's like God is one step ahead of the game.    I ask for an example, for an influence, and he gave me a great one.  It's kinda funny to, because now that I'm leaving, he's leaving too.  It is just so weird how God works, it is crazy.    


Anyways, it's 3 am, and I'm getting up bright and early.  Ya'll take care, and I love everyone of ya'll.

Decues.

I'm reallllllllllllllly tired... but a challenge is a challeng.. Day 13

So today was day 12.  I saw God today in worship.  I really opened my heart and just worshiped the Lord.  I was just overcome with his joy, it was pretty crazy.  Seeing as I usually "am not the biggest fan", it was refreshing, and yet, another answered prayer.

God is awesome.

So is my bed, and my pillow. Night ya'll.