2013 is winding down. It seems like yesterday we were saying, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" With October ending in a couple days, it has been deemed that it starts to become the most busiest time of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas. "Black Friday" kicks off late Thursday night with many steals and deals at many establishments, and Christmas trees all around the world are being lit. This also signals the most depressing time of the year as well. Many people during this time of year begin to worry that they will not be able to give gifts to their family and friends because of money situations or because of the loss of loved ones.
I fall into the loss of loved ones category. On November 5, 2010, I lost my best friend, my grandmother. Christmas was always her favorite time of the year. She would always start planning her annual Christmas party in August, until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Her life was lost to that disease. In honor of her, we continue the family tradition of a Christmas Day breakfast, filled with bacon and sausage casseroles and the infamous Cinnabon's.
Christmas is also the busiest time of the year for many people. People lose sight of why we celebrate Christmas because they are caught up in the motions of business to satisfy the needs of others. Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ was born in a stinky, dirty manger in Bethlehem. He could have chose to be born in a "Ritz Carlton" of that day. He chose not to because he had humility. Christ came to this earth to seek and save the lost. He died for our sins on the cross at Calvary. Death did not hold him down because He arose after the third day,
What does Christ's birth, death, and resurrection mean to us? This means that we now have direct access to the throne of God. We no longer have to go to the temple, to a priest to pardon our sins. We are no longer bound by a thou shalt not but a that we may enter the throne of God. This is why I love Jesus because He chose to come to this earth in the form of man, leaving his "luxury" in heaven, to seek and save the lost. Jesus is coming back, are you ready?
Monday, October 28, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
A New Perspective
If you have grown up in church or not, you have probably heard of the story about the feeding of the 5,000 found in Matthew 14:31-21. Jesus was going out on a boat to probably mourn the loss of John the Baptist, who was beheaded by King Herod. Jesus returns to land to see a large crowd has arrived. Jesus begins teaching until late in the evening. The disciples wanted Jesus to "get rid" of the people so they can go eat, but Jesus responded telling them that they should give the people food. Honestly, the disciples probably had a moment of panic when Jesus said this. The disciples began to complain that it would take more than half a years wages. Jesus then asked them to go and find out what they have. The disciples found five loaves and two fish from a boy's lunch. All the people were fed and were left satisfied.
The Disciples were doubtful-- The disciples have been with Jesus for much time seeing him to many miraculous things. They were probably doubtful because they were tired and hungry. They began to forget the miracles that Jesus had previously done. Majority of the time, we doubt the work Jesus can and will do. We see all that He has done in the past, but in the moment of adversity, we doubt what He can do.
The boy was available-- The little boy was there. The loaves and fish were just for him. The Bible doesn't mention this, but I'm reading "in between the lines" that many of the people probably had food with them. The boy's thought process was probably like this, "This man who is teaching sent his disciples maybe because he is hungry. I can go without a meal." Many times, we are too involved in our own needs that we are not available to the needs of others. Our society tells us that it is all about us. When you are available to what God wants, you can be used to do immeasurably more things to further His kingdom/
The boy gave it all-- This boy who gave the meal, it is mentioned that he gave all he had. We are in a society where we just keep things to ourselves. In sports, you are told to give it 110%. When you do not give it all you have, you tend to regret decision you made during the game. The boy in the story could have only gave 2 loaves and 1 fish, but he did not. God does not want only 40% of our lives, but He wants it all. We tend to give Him only a 40% effort. God sent His son, Jesus, with 100% to save the world. What if Jesus only gave a 30% effort when dying for you on the cross? God is constantly pursuing you with all He has. Are you pursuing Him with all YOU have?
The Disciples were doubtful-- The disciples have been with Jesus for much time seeing him to many miraculous things. They were probably doubtful because they were tired and hungry. They began to forget the miracles that Jesus had previously done. Majority of the time, we doubt the work Jesus can and will do. We see all that He has done in the past, but in the moment of adversity, we doubt what He can do.
The boy was available-- The little boy was there. The loaves and fish were just for him. The Bible doesn't mention this, but I'm reading "in between the lines" that many of the people probably had food with them. The boy's thought process was probably like this, "This man who is teaching sent his disciples maybe because he is hungry. I can go without a meal." Many times, we are too involved in our own needs that we are not available to the needs of others. Our society tells us that it is all about us. When you are available to what God wants, you can be used to do immeasurably more things to further His kingdom/
The boy gave it all-- This boy who gave the meal, it is mentioned that he gave all he had. We are in a society where we just keep things to ourselves. In sports, you are told to give it 110%. When you do not give it all you have, you tend to regret decision you made during the game. The boy in the story could have only gave 2 loaves and 1 fish, but he did not. God does not want only 40% of our lives, but He wants it all. We tend to give Him only a 40% effort. God sent His son, Jesus, with 100% to save the world. What if Jesus only gave a 30% effort when dying for you on the cross? God is constantly pursuing you with all He has. Are you pursuing Him with all YOU have?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Should the Redskins Change Their Name?
Over the recent weeks, the rising controversy of the Washington Redskins name has been in the news. You may ask why? The reason why is because it is not considered "politically correct". Daniel Snyder, team owner, believes that the name should not be changed. President Obama, Bob Costas, and many others prefer the name change. My question is this, why are we complaining about it now? I applaud Daniel Snyder's firmness on not changing the name. If he does, then political groups will probably get the Atlanta Braves or Kansas City Chiefs. To name a few, to change their name. If it has been that name for many years, why change it?
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Why I am at Passion City Church?
This particular question is asked every time someone asks me where I go to Church. I get the response of "really?" and "why?" many times. People think I am there because of Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, etc. That is not the reason. I honestly not in any way have even heard of these people. Yes, I have heard Chris' and Kristian's music, but never once said, "Where do these men go to church in Atlanta?" For Pastor Giglio, the first time I heard his name was the day I asked if we could go down to Passion City.
The first time I walked into 515 Garson Drive, I was in awe that the first people I met were in a cheerful mood. The church I came from, the greeters were the same as the previous week and they did not seem happy to be serving. These people come to find out were the doorholders of Passion City Church. When I walked in, I felt the Spirit of God on this place.
I am at Passion City church because Jesus is the center of it all. Each and every gathering at 515, it is all about Jesus and the works He has done in people's lives. Churches today tend to get caught up in the monetary situation or political dynamic of the society, but not at Passion City. Only once, have I heard anything political, this came at the time of the 2012 Election. Louie came up and asked for the church to pray over the election. If Jesus is not the lead story at your church, then what is it?
As a doorholder, I see the unforeseen side of how the church operates. Before each and every gathering, each team gathers in a circle and prays that Jesus be even more glorified and that each and every person that walks into the doors experience Jesus. I serve with some of the most amazing people at Passion City Church, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our House.
Passion City Church is family. Family is something I never really experienced at my previous church. Each and every one of us who call this place "home", are grateful for the vision God placed in Louie's heart to start a church. We are a small tribe of people. Our heart is that you come experiencing Jesus. If you would like to visit Passion City Church, our gathering times are 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 5 pm. Bloom (nursery) is available all three gatherings, Passion Kids meets during the 10 and 12:30, and Passion Students meets at 3 pm in the Loading Dock. We have been expecting you and can't wait to see you.
The first time I walked into 515 Garson Drive, I was in awe that the first people I met were in a cheerful mood. The church I came from, the greeters were the same as the previous week and they did not seem happy to be serving. These people come to find out were the doorholders of Passion City Church. When I walked in, I felt the Spirit of God on this place.
I am at Passion City church because Jesus is the center of it all. Each and every gathering at 515, it is all about Jesus and the works He has done in people's lives. Churches today tend to get caught up in the monetary situation or political dynamic of the society, but not at Passion City. Only once, have I heard anything political, this came at the time of the 2012 Election. Louie came up and asked for the church to pray over the election. If Jesus is not the lead story at your church, then what is it?
As a doorholder, I see the unforeseen side of how the church operates. Before each and every gathering, each team gathers in a circle and prays that Jesus be even more glorified and that each and every person that walks into the doors experience Jesus. I serve with some of the most amazing people at Passion City Church, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our House.
Passion City Church is family. Family is something I never really experienced at my previous church. Each and every one of us who call this place "home", are grateful for the vision God placed in Louie's heart to start a church. We are a small tribe of people. Our heart is that you come experiencing Jesus. If you would like to visit Passion City Church, our gathering times are 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 5 pm. Bloom (nursery) is available all three gatherings, Passion Kids meets during the 10 and 12:30, and Passion Students meets at 3 pm in the Loading Dock. We have been expecting you and can't wait to see you.
NASCAR INVADES CHARLOTTE FOR BANK OF AMERICA 500
NASCAR invades "home base", Charlotte Motor Speedway, this weekend for the fifth race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Sports journalists are now saying this race is between Matt Kenseth (#20, Joe Gibbs Racing), Jimmie Johnson (#48, Hendrick Motorsports), Kevin Harvick (#29, Richard Childress Racing), Jeff Gordon (#24, Hendrick Motorsports), and Kyle "Rowdy" Bush (#18, Joe Gibbs Racing).
As the race for the championship began, there was some controversy at the last race before the Chase at the Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon was added to the usually 12 car field due to reports of David Gilliland allowing Joey Logano to gain one bonus point over Gordon so he did not have to receive the Wild Card spot.
Tonight's race is the only night race in the Chase. Driver introductions start at 6:50 pm tonight, these are not telecasted. ESPN will begin their coverage at 7:00 pm with NASCAR Countdown. The Green Flag is set to drop at 7:42 pm. The race is 500 miles, equivalent to 334 laps (Charlotte, 1.5 miles). Radio networks are the Performance Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR 90.
As the race for the championship began, there was some controversy at the last race before the Chase at the Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon was added to the usually 12 car field due to reports of David Gilliland allowing Joey Logano to gain one bonus point over Gordon so he did not have to receive the Wild Card spot.
Tonight's race is the only night race in the Chase. Driver introductions start at 6:50 pm tonight, these are not telecasted. ESPN will begin their coverage at 7:00 pm with NASCAR Countdown. The Green Flag is set to drop at 7:42 pm. The race is 500 miles, equivalent to 334 laps (Charlotte, 1.5 miles). Radio networks are the Performance Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR 90.
Biography
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time out of this busy world we live in to read this blog. My name is Caleb Whisler. I am a senior in High School. I am a member of the National Beta Club and National Honor Society. I attend Passion City Church in Atlanta, where I am also a doorholder. My hopes for a career are in the ranks of journalism. My desire of this blog is to bring out the journalist in me, but also reflect on the life God has provided me with. Without Him, I will not be here on this world. Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) states, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." It is my desire to bring more glory to God through my writing. You are God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly-loved, prince/princess, son/daughter of the King of the Universe.
Thanks for reading,
Caleb Whisler
Thank you for taking the time out of this busy world we live in to read this blog. My name is Caleb Whisler. I am a senior in High School. I am a member of the National Beta Club and National Honor Society. I attend Passion City Church in Atlanta, where I am also a doorholder. My hopes for a career are in the ranks of journalism. My desire of this blog is to bring out the journalist in me, but also reflect on the life God has provided me with. Without Him, I will not be here on this world. Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) states, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." It is my desire to bring more glory to God through my writing. You are God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly-loved, prince/princess, son/daughter of the King of the Universe.
Thanks for reading,
Caleb Whisler
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