New Year’s resolutions. Let’s face it, they have become a joke. Some people even laugh as they say, “I resolve to watch less tb this year.” or ” I think I’ll be more responsible this year.” One of my favorites, ”This year I’m going to loose weight!” We say these things in passing and almost give them no thought what so ever. But, should it be that way?
Here’s what I mean. We are coming to the end of a year. It will never again be 2012. Is it really that bad of a thing to take an inventory of what we have done the past year and look at what we could do better? Have we gotten so comfortable in our failures that we can joke about them? I know there are lots of things I want to do better at. I want to be a better husband. I want to be a better father. Most of all, I want to serve God more. Can I really do those things without looking at how I am doing now and in the past and being purposeful in changing the way I am living?
So, here is my New Year’s Resolution: I want to be more in love with Jesus this next year than ever before. I want to be seeking Him and His will more than I did this year. I want to love the people around me more than I did this year. I want to love my family more than I did this year. Because I know I can always do better.
Teach me Your way, Yahweh,
and I will live by Your truth.
Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.
I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God,
and will honor Your name forever.
Psalm 86: 11, 12
What do you want to do this year? The real question is: What will you do this year?
In Christ,
jon walton
What Will You Do This Year?
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Thank You, God, For The Instructions...
I was sitting at home relaxing today when my son, Isaiah, came in the living room to ask me a question. I was pretty tired and was somewhat groggy, but that would soon change with the question he would ask. He often comes to my wife and I when he is wondering about something. Usually it is something about a video game or a toy he has, but sometimes he knocks you right off balance. He walked in, sat on the couch and asked, "Dad, would you give me up if God asked you to?"
"What?" I asked back in a bit of shock. "Where did this come from?" I further questioned.
"I was just thinking about it and wondering." He replied with great innocence.
I took a deep breath. I knew the answer that I would want to give, but how on earth do I explain this to my 8 year old son? How do I explain to him that the answer was yes?
Then it hit me. "Buddy, come sit with me and let's read a story from the Bible." He jumped in my lap and we read Genesis 22:1-14.
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Take your son,” He said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.
Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.”
And he replied, “Here I am, my son.”
Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
We took our time as we went though it, me stopping to ask questions to make sure he understood, as well as explaining words he didn't know. He fully understood what God was asking Abraham to do. He almost cried a time or to. So did I as I read this account to my son. I can not fully express the joy I had as I read the next few verses.
But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
He replied, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.” Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”
Talk about Scripture coming alive! I felt such a weight lifted as I read that to my son! I then plainly told him, "Isaiah, if God asked me to give you up for Him, I would say yes. But I also believe my God is so great, wonderful, and loving that He would provide a way for us to keep you, just like He did with Abraham and Isaac!"
My son hugged me and I hugged him back. Hard. He asked some more questions about God and Jesus which I was happy to answer. Then my wife and I tucked him in, prayed with him, told him we love him, told him Jesus loves him, and told him goodnight as we turned out the light.
Thank you, God, for the instructions. How lost would we be if we didn't have them? I thought of how hard that question would be to answer if I didn't know that example from the Bible. I would have been dumbfounded. Thank you, God, for Your Word.
In Christ,
jon walton
"What?" I asked back in a bit of shock. "Where did this come from?" I further questioned.
"I was just thinking about it and wondering." He replied with great innocence.
I took a deep breath. I knew the answer that I would want to give, but how on earth do I explain this to my 8 year old son? How do I explain to him that the answer was yes?
Then it hit me. "Buddy, come sit with me and let's read a story from the Bible." He jumped in my lap and we read Genesis 22:1-14.
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Take your son,” He said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.
Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.”
And he replied, “Here I am, my son.”
Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
We took our time as we went though it, me stopping to ask questions to make sure he understood, as well as explaining words he didn't know. He fully understood what God was asking Abraham to do. He almost cried a time or to. So did I as I read this account to my son. I can not fully express the joy I had as I read the next few verses.
But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
He replied, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.” Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”
Talk about Scripture coming alive! I felt such a weight lifted as I read that to my son! I then plainly told him, "Isaiah, if God asked me to give you up for Him, I would say yes. But I also believe my God is so great, wonderful, and loving that He would provide a way for us to keep you, just like He did with Abraham and Isaac!"
My son hugged me and I hugged him back. Hard. He asked some more questions about God and Jesus which I was happy to answer. Then my wife and I tucked him in, prayed with him, told him we love him, told him Jesus loves him, and told him goodnight as we turned out the light.
Thank you, God, for the instructions. How lost would we be if we didn't have them? I thought of how hard that question would be to answer if I didn't know that example from the Bible. I would have been dumbfounded. Thank you, God, for Your Word.
In Christ,
jon walton
Monday, November 19, 2012
Hard To Feel Close To God...
Let me begin this post with this: I hate messing up. Not that I think anyone likes it, but I am particularly hard on myself when I do. Even more so when I look back on how I messed up and easily it could have been avoided and just how stupid I was. I get disappointed, irritated, and down right mad with myself when I do. I feel like a failure.
Now, don't misunderstand what I am saying here. This is not a "poor pitiful me" message. This is just part of the process I go though due to my struggle with pride. You see, I feel like I always have to have it all together. So, when the mess ups come (and make no mistake, they seem to come much more often than I would like) I go through all kinds of emotions and feelings that I know are not productive. I dwell on the issue, how I messed up, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future. It causes stress, robs me of my joy, and just makes for some lousy days. Which in turn, usually leads to even more mess ups.
The big thing I have come to realize from this downward spiral is this: Its hard to feel close to God when you are in the pit if despair.
I know i'm not alone in this. David had some of these same feelings. Look at Psalm 13:1-4.
Lord, how long will You forget me?
Forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long will I store up anxious concerns within me,
agony in my mind every day?
How long will my enemy dominate me?
Consider me and answer, Lord my God.
Restore brightness to my eyes;
otherwise, I will sleep in death.
My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,”
and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
So what are we to do when we feel like this? We have a choice to make. Either we can continue to stress and fret over our mistakes and beat ourselves up and continue to feel removed from God, or we can cry out to Him for forgiveness and ask Him to restore us back to Him. I need that. I need that because I hate feeling separated from my Savior more than the suffering I get from being mad at myself for messing up. David felt the same way. Look at how he finished Psalm 13 in verses 5 & 6:
But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because He has treated me generously.
Thank you God, for Your faithful love. Even when I have messed up. Thank You, Jesus, for Your forgiveness that you offer when we ask. Restore me, Oh Lord.
In Christ,
jon walton
Now, don't misunderstand what I am saying here. This is not a "poor pitiful me" message. This is just part of the process I go though due to my struggle with pride. You see, I feel like I always have to have it all together. So, when the mess ups come (and make no mistake, they seem to come much more often than I would like) I go through all kinds of emotions and feelings that I know are not productive. I dwell on the issue, how I messed up, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future. It causes stress, robs me of my joy, and just makes for some lousy days. Which in turn, usually leads to even more mess ups.
The big thing I have come to realize from this downward spiral is this: Its hard to feel close to God when you are in the pit if despair.
I know i'm not alone in this. David had some of these same feelings. Look at Psalm 13:1-4.
Lord, how long will You forget me?
Forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long will I store up anxious concerns within me,
agony in my mind every day?
How long will my enemy dominate me?
Consider me and answer, Lord my God.
Restore brightness to my eyes;
otherwise, I will sleep in death.
My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,”
and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
So what are we to do when we feel like this? We have a choice to make. Either we can continue to stress and fret over our mistakes and beat ourselves up and continue to feel removed from God, or we can cry out to Him for forgiveness and ask Him to restore us back to Him. I need that. I need that because I hate feeling separated from my Savior more than the suffering I get from being mad at myself for messing up. David felt the same way. Look at how he finished Psalm 13 in verses 5 & 6:
But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because He has treated me generously.
Thank you God, for Your faithful love. Even when I have messed up. Thank You, Jesus, for Your forgiveness that you offer when we ask. Restore me, Oh Lord.
In Christ,
jon walton
Saturday, November 10, 2012
It Means So Much That You Called...
Over the past year I have made lots of phone calls when people have lost a loved one or friend. I was calling just to see if there was anything I could do. I know it is a difficult time and many times people just don't know what to do. So, any comfort that I can offer I do.
Something I have learned from this is that you really don't have to have all the right answers, you just need to show that you care. I think so many times we don't do something because we are afraid we will mess up, say or do the wrong thing, or hurt someone. How many times have you not spoke to someone who needed comfort or to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ because of one of those reasons? Yet, when I call people to let them know I am praying for them or to see if there is anything I can do, it isn't the words I say that makes them feel a bit better, its the fact that I called. When we witness to people its isn't our vast knowledge of the Bible that will bring people to Christ, its Christ working though us that will bring that person to accept Jesus. We don't need be so consumed with saying the right thing, just doing the right thing!
What would you do differently in your life if you took these verses seriously?
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matt. 28:19, 20
See, I think the problem is too many times, we try to do the first part of those verses without remembering the second part. We try to do everything on our own, we get scared, and we wind up not doing it because we are afraid of saying the wrong thing before we even try. We need to remember the second part of those verses so we can effectively do the first part.
Tell you what, let's try this together and encourage each other along the way!
In Christ,
jon walton
Something I have learned from this is that you really don't have to have all the right answers, you just need to show that you care. I think so many times we don't do something because we are afraid we will mess up, say or do the wrong thing, or hurt someone. How many times have you not spoke to someone who needed comfort or to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ because of one of those reasons? Yet, when I call people to let them know I am praying for them or to see if there is anything I can do, it isn't the words I say that makes them feel a bit better, its the fact that I called. When we witness to people its isn't our vast knowledge of the Bible that will bring people to Christ, its Christ working though us that will bring that person to accept Jesus. We don't need be so consumed with saying the right thing, just doing the right thing!
What would you do differently in your life if you took these verses seriously?
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matt. 28:19, 20
See, I think the problem is too many times, we try to do the first part of those verses without remembering the second part. We try to do everything on our own, we get scared, and we wind up not doing it because we are afraid of saying the wrong thing before we even try. We need to remember the second part of those verses so we can effectively do the first part.
Tell you what, let's try this together and encourage each other along the way!
In Christ,
jon walton
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Unforgettable...
I have been thinking about the past year a lot lately I know its not quite time for end of the year reflections, but sometimes it just hits me. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some of these moments with you. The first one that comes to mind is a very powerful display of true repentance.
I got a call late one night. I usually silence my phone before I go to sleep, but this time I hadn't. I could never have expected what I would hear. It was one of the most unusual requests I have ever had. A trembling voice asked me if I was busy the next day and what time I normally got up. Then they asked an unforgettable question: "Could you meet me at the jail tomorrow morning?" You see, they had a family member that was running from the police. They had came to our church, heard the Word of God preached, and had been convicted by God. They were repenting and wanted to turn themselves in.
Wow.
I was truly in shock for a moment. I had no words. Finally, I heard, "Are you there?' come from the phone. "Yes, yes!" I stuttered. "I would be honored to be there with you."
I met them at the local jail. Through many tears and prayers in the parking lot, they told me their story. How they were tired of running and felt like God had lead them here. They were truly broken before God and willing to do whatever He asked of them. We all walked together to the jail where I was able to talk to officers. They treated her with respect and assured me they would take good care of this person turning themselves in.
I will never forget that moment. That was one of the truest pictures of repentance I have ever witnessed. Going from running away from the law (both God's and man's) to running to it. Thank you God for allowing me the honor of being there, praying with this person, and bringing them to repentance.
In Christ,
jon walton
I got a call late one night. I usually silence my phone before I go to sleep, but this time I hadn't. I could never have expected what I would hear. It was one of the most unusual requests I have ever had. A trembling voice asked me if I was busy the next day and what time I normally got up. Then they asked an unforgettable question: "Could you meet me at the jail tomorrow morning?" You see, they had a family member that was running from the police. They had came to our church, heard the Word of God preached, and had been convicted by God. They were repenting and wanted to turn themselves in.
Wow.
I was truly in shock for a moment. I had no words. Finally, I heard, "Are you there?' come from the phone. "Yes, yes!" I stuttered. "I would be honored to be there with you."
I met them at the local jail. Through many tears and prayers in the parking lot, they told me their story. How they were tired of running and felt like God had lead them here. They were truly broken before God and willing to do whatever He asked of them. We all walked together to the jail where I was able to talk to officers. They treated her with respect and assured me they would take good care of this person turning themselves in.
I will never forget that moment. That was one of the truest pictures of repentance I have ever witnessed. Going from running away from the law (both God's and man's) to running to it. Thank you God for allowing me the honor of being there, praying with this person, and bringing them to repentance.
In Christ,
jon walton
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Struggle...
I have had several interesting conversations with people lately. Particularly with things they have been told in the past about the Bible, the character of God, or traditions in the churches they are attending or have attended in the past. It usually always leads to the statement: “Well, this is what I have always been told.” Can I tell you that statement scares me to the core. My response is usually, “I understand, what does the Bible say about what you believe?” The response too many times is: “I don’t really know. It’s just what I have be told.”
Allow me to share a principal I have learned that has never let me down yet. I never take a stand on anything that I can’t back up with scripture. Let me explain why. At some point in our walk with Jesus Christ, our faith, what we believe, will be questioned. Someone will ask why we believe what we believe. Someone will disagree with what we believe. Someone will make fun of us for what we believe. When that time comes, a struggle will begin between ourselves and our faith.
I have talked to so many people who wish they never had to struggle. They have said they wish they were just told the truth in the beginning and never had it questioned. But I have learned that the struggle is one of the best things to strengthen my faith. Because when I am questioned, when I am challenged, I dig for the truth.
I want to be able to say, “Here is the scripture from God’s Holy Word that leads me to believe this.” God’s Word is my source for how I live my life. If I base my beliefs on my or other people’s opinions, I am not fully submitting myself to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Instead, I am setting myself up as the ruler of my own life and if I have given my life to Jesus, I am not my own. I am bought by His blood. I am redeemed from myself.
I understand where these people are coming from. No one really likes the struggle because it is hard. But Jesus knows how to make us more sure in our faith.
And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions,because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our heartsthrough the Holy Spirit who was given to us. – Romans 5:3-5
Don’t run from the struggle. Thank God for it.
In Christ,
jon walton
The Struggle...
Friday, September 21, 2012
Losing...
I read this devotional this morning from Tenth Ave. North and wanted to share it. All credit goes to them. It is really good.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why forgiveness is so hard? Seriously. It's such a pleasant ideal in theory, but in practice it's the quite possibly the hardest thing to do on the planet. Why does it seem so down right impossible? Why does it feel like losing?
Well, I guess that's because it is. To forgive someone you do have to lose. Whenever there's injury, someone has to live with the pain, and to forgive means you accept it, and the offender goes free. Even though you're not at fault, if you're going to turn the other cheek, you have to absorb the pain so that you don't turn around and inflict the one who hurt you.
I suppose you could liken it to falling on a grenade. If you have a grenade thrown at you, you can do one of three things. You can run, but then who knows who'll end up collateral damage. You can throw it back, which I must admit is quite alluring, but that can't stop the fire from spreading, it just redirects it. There is one other thing you can do though. You can fall on it. Absorb it. Take the explosion and die the death. Let everyone around you live.
And you know, whenever we forgive there's always a death involved. Isn't there? That's why Jesus had to die for us. To let us be counted right, justice had to be paid. The bomb had to go off. But instead of throwing it back and giving us what we deserve, He wrapped His arms around us and took the hit Himself.
"He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." -Isaiah 53:5
You see, the reason grace isn't popular or easy is because it's not cheap. To give grace costs us our right to be resentful. It robs us of our privilege to be bitter. It requires death. But friend, if Christ said to forgive the very men who drove nails through his wrists, and the same power that flung Him from the grave lives in us, then surely, surely He can give us the power to lose, so that our aggressors weapons are rendered useless. Rob your enemy of their ability to offend you, by gladly taking the full brunt of their attack. It is then, and only then, that hostility is defeated and love conquers death.
Remember who you are. Remember how you have been forgiven. You're only going to feel like you have the right to be bitter if you think you're better than them. "Oh no," we say, "I would never…" Never? Really? Remember what it cost Christ to redeem you, and may that knowledge drip down so deep in your heart that it becomes your joy to accept the cost of forgiving others.
Yeah I know it feels like losing, but it's what forgiven people do. As the old saying goes, "Hurt people, hurt people." Well, "Forgiven people, forgive people."
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because Christ has forgiven the inexcusable in us." -C.S. Lewis
Have you ever stopped to wonder why forgiveness is so hard? Seriously. It's such a pleasant ideal in theory, but in practice it's the quite possibly the hardest thing to do on the planet. Why does it seem so down right impossible? Why does it feel like losing?
Well, I guess that's because it is. To forgive someone you do have to lose. Whenever there's injury, someone has to live with the pain, and to forgive means you accept it, and the offender goes free. Even though you're not at fault, if you're going to turn the other cheek, you have to absorb the pain so that you don't turn around and inflict the one who hurt you.
I suppose you could liken it to falling on a grenade. If you have a grenade thrown at you, you can do one of three things. You can run, but then who knows who'll end up collateral damage. You can throw it back, which I must admit is quite alluring, but that can't stop the fire from spreading, it just redirects it. There is one other thing you can do though. You can fall on it. Absorb it. Take the explosion and die the death. Let everyone around you live.
And you know, whenever we forgive there's always a death involved. Isn't there? That's why Jesus had to die for us. To let us be counted right, justice had to be paid. The bomb had to go off. But instead of throwing it back and giving us what we deserve, He wrapped His arms around us and took the hit Himself.
"He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." -Isaiah 53:5
You see, the reason grace isn't popular or easy is because it's not cheap. To give grace costs us our right to be resentful. It robs us of our privilege to be bitter. It requires death. But friend, if Christ said to forgive the very men who drove nails through his wrists, and the same power that flung Him from the grave lives in us, then surely, surely He can give us the power to lose, so that our aggressors weapons are rendered useless. Rob your enemy of their ability to offend you, by gladly taking the full brunt of their attack. It is then, and only then, that hostility is defeated and love conquers death.
Remember who you are. Remember how you have been forgiven. You're only going to feel like you have the right to be bitter if you think you're better than them. "Oh no," we say, "I would never…" Never? Really? Remember what it cost Christ to redeem you, and may that knowledge drip down so deep in your heart that it becomes your joy to accept the cost of forgiving others.
Yeah I know it feels like losing, but it's what forgiven people do. As the old saying goes, "Hurt people, hurt people." Well, "Forgiven people, forgive people."
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because Christ has forgiven the inexcusable in us." -C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I Gave In To Temptation...
There are times in everyone's life when the temptation to do something you know you shouldn't arises. It can happen almost anywhere at any time. It can be a slow process or can happen almost instantly. This happened to me just recently.
I was somewhere I didn't "need" to be. I was doing something I didn't "need" to be doing. And then it hit me. Temptation. I saw something I wanted, but I knew was not good for me. At first, I tried to brush it off and ignore it. Yet, no matter how hard I tried, the thought of it kept coming back and I wanted it more and more. I went back and looked at it again. The longer I looked, the more I wanted it. I started justifying reasons it was ok to get it. I deserve it. Its been a long time since I had it. I'm not really hurting anyone. No one has to know about it. None of the reasons were really valid, but they were eventually enough. I came to the place where I was willing to accept the consequences of my actions. I was willing to accept the long term bad for the temporary good. I gave in to temptation.
There is something I did not do that I should have. I never once asked Jesus to step in and help. I never thought about scripture. I never prayed. We have help available, but we must choose to reach out for it.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. - 1 Cor. 10:13
If I would have looked for an exit, I'm sure I would have found one. But I never did. I wanted what I saw.
Always look for the exit.
In Christ,
jon walton
P.S. What was I temped by? Where was I that I should not have been when I should not have been? I was at Walmart, after MANday night, with a sweet tooth. And the Oreos just looked too good...
I was somewhere I didn't "need" to be. I was doing something I didn't "need" to be doing. And then it hit me. Temptation. I saw something I wanted, but I knew was not good for me. At first, I tried to brush it off and ignore it. Yet, no matter how hard I tried, the thought of it kept coming back and I wanted it more and more. I went back and looked at it again. The longer I looked, the more I wanted it. I started justifying reasons it was ok to get it. I deserve it. Its been a long time since I had it. I'm not really hurting anyone. No one has to know about it. None of the reasons were really valid, but they were eventually enough. I came to the place where I was willing to accept the consequences of my actions. I was willing to accept the long term bad for the temporary good. I gave in to temptation.
There is something I did not do that I should have. I never once asked Jesus to step in and help. I never thought about scripture. I never prayed. We have help available, but we must choose to reach out for it.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it. - 1 Cor. 10:13
If I would have looked for an exit, I'm sure I would have found one. But I never did. I wanted what I saw.
Always look for the exit.
In Christ,
jon walton
P.S. What was I temped by? Where was I that I should not have been when I should not have been? I was at Walmart, after MANday night, with a sweet tooth. And the Oreos just looked too good...
Friday, September 7, 2012
Actions Are Louder Than Words...
I was visiting with a friend recently who has been sick for a while. They told me other friends had offered help or for this person to come over and hang out, but they were simply unable to. "I know these other people care," they told me, "but you actually came. Thanks."
Pastor Bidwell Mindy once told me, "If you come to Africa, then you are our brother!"
Words can be a great source of comfort. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and drive someone forward. Yet words can only go so far. When we put our faith into action is when it truly becomes "real" to us.
Since we came back from Ecuador, Dan Williams and I were talking about how much a tractor would help the construction at Casa de Fe. Dan didn't let it stop with talking about it. He has set up a Facebook page to start raising funds to buy one. (Click here to like it!)
I think this is the heart of the message James was talking about:
If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself. - James 2:15-17
Don't just talk about doing something for Jesus, actually get up and do it!
In Christ,
jon walton
Pastor Bidwell Mindy once told me, "If you come to Africa, then you are our brother!"
Words can be a great source of comfort. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and drive someone forward. Yet words can only go so far. When we put our faith into action is when it truly becomes "real" to us.
Since we came back from Ecuador, Dan Williams and I were talking about how much a tractor would help the construction at Casa de Fe. Dan didn't let it stop with talking about it. He has set up a Facebook page to start raising funds to buy one. (Click here to like it!)
I think this is the heart of the message James was talking about:
If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself. - James 2:15-17
Don't just talk about doing something for Jesus, actually get up and do it!
In Christ,
jon walton
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tranquilo...
There is always an adjustment period when coming back from a mission trip. Going from working hard each day and knowing what you are doing every day is serving God to a "normal" routine can be difficult. In fact, it can be down right depressing. It's easy to get caught up in the busy lifestyle we live as citizens of the United States. But when you have experienced something different, (and better in my opinion) getting back into the swing of things takes some time. This time back has been more difficult for me.
I get tired of all the "extras" we so quickly put in our lives thinking they are so vitally important. Sports for our kids, get together parties, activity after activity that fill up our time. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying these things are sin, but there is no doubt that they add extra stress and take up time that could be devoted elsewhere.
In the midst of all this, God has reminded me of something that has helped me readjust. "Tranquilo." Which is Spanish for "chill," or "relax." It's what we said to each other anytime things didn't go according to plan in Ecuador. (which happens quite often on a mission trip.) It's a good reminder that I can trust that Jesus is still in control, even in my busy schedule. That it will be ok.
Maybe I need to look at my priorities in my life here in the states again and see if I need to drop some unnecessary stuff but if I trust in Jesus, He will show me what to keep and what to let go. He will do the same for anyone who seeks and puts their trust in Him.
In Christ,
jon walton
I get tired of all the "extras" we so quickly put in our lives thinking they are so vitally important. Sports for our kids, get together parties, activity after activity that fill up our time. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying these things are sin, but there is no doubt that they add extra stress and take up time that could be devoted elsewhere.
In the midst of all this, God has reminded me of something that has helped me readjust. "Tranquilo." Which is Spanish for "chill," or "relax." It's what we said to each other anytime things didn't go according to plan in Ecuador. (which happens quite often on a mission trip.) It's a good reminder that I can trust that Jesus is still in control, even in my busy schedule. That it will be ok.
Maybe I need to look at my priorities in my life here in the states again and see if I need to drop some unnecessary stuff but if I trust in Jesus, He will show me what to keep and what to let go. He will do the same for anyone who seeks and puts their trust in Him.
In Christ,
jon walton
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Home…
One final, quick post. We have all made it home safely. Thanks for all the prayers thanks for all the thoughts. I'm going to spend some time with my family and go to bed.
We're Going Where?
So, due to lots of delays and technical problems, we have wound up in Miami. Please pray for us as we have been traveling for over 11 hours now and everyone is pretty tired. Thanks for all your prayers and this is just a bump in the road one the way home.
In Christ,
jon walton
In Christ,
jon walton
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Construction...
For the past few days we have been all hands on deck working on the school for the children at Casa de Fe. We have dug a 120 feet trench for electrical line. In the states, this would have taken 2 to 3 hours with some heavy equipment. However, here it is done by hand. That includes moving 100 pound rocks, swinging pick axes, and moving all the dirt by hand. Not an easy task, but when something needs to be done, God has bonded us together to get it done!
While some of us working on the trench, others were painting the school. Everything here is concrete and it all needs to be painted. There are lots of places to paint. Our team has done a great job painting lots of classrooms, hallways, and ceilings. It really looks great!
We have one more day in Shell then we head to Quito for our flight out. This will most likely be my last post until we get back to the states. Thanks again for all the prayers, donations, and help that have allowed us to have this incredible experience. We are setting dates for next year already. Yup, we are absolutely doing this again. Just let me know sometime if you are interested in going. I know I am already!
In Christ,
jon walton
P. S. here are some extra pics before I go...
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Baby Time...
So, each day 6 of us get to go into the baby and special needs room to hold babies and work with the kids with severe special needs. It is wonderful.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Getting Ready to Paint...
Church was great yesterday! Dr. Steve did a great job preaching through 1 John 1 & 2. Thanks for praying for him. It was a pretty incredible experience. We have 5 different people groups there including us all worshiping and praising one amazing God. I am so thankful to have such an unique time with fellow believers.
I couldn't help but think of how amazing it will be when we get to heaven and there are thousands of people groups all worshiping my amazing Savior.
After that, we went back to Casa de Fe for our first 2 VBS classes. It was a lot of fun and a real challenge to get 40 kids involved in a skit, songs and a craft. But by the end we were all laughing and having a great time.
After we finished up the VBS, we headed up to the school to begin painting and installing toilets. We have a couple of painters on the team that got really excited when they found out that we are painting for our construction project.
I can't thank you all enough for all your prayers. Please pray for our group and our patience with everything. The tiredness is beginning to set in and we still have several more days. Pray that we would continue to be effective for the ministry!
In Christ,
jon walton
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Church...
Buenos Dias!(Good Morning!) As they say in Ecuador. I had some time so I thought I would try to slip in a quick post about today. It is going to be a very exciting day for the team.
Today, we get the opportunity to go to a local church that natives started. If you know the story of Nate Saint, these are the descendants of the tribesmen that speared and killed him and the other missionaries. Dr. Steve tells me this new generation is on fire for Jesus Christ and I can't wait to see it. But we are also getting a special treat. We found out last night Dr. Steve has been asked to preach there this morning! Please pray for him as we had a very late night and a very early morning.
We had 3 very unique experiences yesterday due to a scheduling change. One thing about Ecuador, or any mission trip, is that things can change in an instant. We were suppose to have our first VBS class with the kids, but when we got to the orphanage, the tias (ladies who watch after the kids) had taken them all swimming down the road! So we took the afternoon off to go into Shell and see the town. I was carrying my guitar as I needed to take it back to the guest house. While approaching a store, and elderly gentleman was waving me down. He motioned for me to sit beside him and play. Being in a different country and not completely knowing everything about the culture, I took this as a "not optional" request. I sat and started playing the songs I had been working on in Spanish. "I have Decided to Follow Jesus," "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," and "I've Got That Joy Down In My Heart." He sat listing and singing what he could. But then crowd started to gather around! He asked for more so I started playing and singing in English. One younger fellow came up and told us about how his church played and sang contemporary Christian music. It was really cool.
The second experience was pretty awesome, too. As we were walking back to the Guesthouse, we saw a local youth group out singing. They invited us in ans we worshiped with them for a short while. We could recognize the songs, like "God of Wonders" and started singing in English with them as they sang in Spanish.Two groups of people singing in two different languages worshiping the same God. Amazing.
Lastly, after leaving the youth group and only a few steps down the road, an elderly lady stopped us to witness to us! She sang songs to us about the love of God and even prayed with us. It was so cool.
Well, Its almost time to leave for church. Thanks again for all your prayers! I really hope you can come experience this with us next year!
In Christ,
jon walton
Today, we get the opportunity to go to a local church that natives started. If you know the story of Nate Saint, these are the descendants of the tribesmen that speared and killed him and the other missionaries. Dr. Steve tells me this new generation is on fire for Jesus Christ and I can't wait to see it. But we are also getting a special treat. We found out last night Dr. Steve has been asked to preach there this morning! Please pray for him as we had a very late night and a very early morning.
We had 3 very unique experiences yesterday due to a scheduling change. One thing about Ecuador, or any mission trip, is that things can change in an instant. We were suppose to have our first VBS class with the kids, but when we got to the orphanage, the tias (ladies who watch after the kids) had taken them all swimming down the road! So we took the afternoon off to go into Shell and see the town. I was carrying my guitar as I needed to take it back to the guest house. While approaching a store, and elderly gentleman was waving me down. He motioned for me to sit beside him and play. Being in a different country and not completely knowing everything about the culture, I took this as a "not optional" request. I sat and started playing the songs I had been working on in Spanish. "I have Decided to Follow Jesus," "Lord I Lift Your Name on High," and "I've Got That Joy Down In My Heart." He sat listing and singing what he could. But then crowd started to gather around! He asked for more so I started playing and singing in English. One younger fellow came up and told us about how his church played and sang contemporary Christian music. It was really cool.
The second experience was pretty awesome, too. As we were walking back to the Guesthouse, we saw a local youth group out singing. They invited us in ans we worshiped with them for a short while. We could recognize the songs, like "God of Wonders" and started singing in English with them as they sang in Spanish.Two groups of people singing in two different languages worshiping the same God. Amazing.
Lastly, after leaving the youth group and only a few steps down the road, an elderly lady stopped us to witness to us! She sang songs to us about the love of God and even prayed with us. It was so cool.
Well, Its almost time to leave for church. Thanks again for all your prayers! I really hope you can come experience this with us next year!
In Christ,
jon walton
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Pics from the Zoo!
Some quick pics from the zoo trip!
Thanks again for helping us go all who donated!
Thanks again for helping us go all who donated!
To the Zoo!
Just a quick update as we are pressed for time. Today we are taking the kids from Casa de Fe to a local zoo. Then we are coming back to start a 3 day VBS. Thanks for all your prayers!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Shell
We have all made it safely to Shell! Everyone is doing well, no sickness apart from a little motion sickness on the bus ride over.
It is such a wonderful feeling to be back here. For those of us returning, it is almost like coming home. We are super excited! We got to see some of the kids at Casa de Fe. They have grown so much!
We also got to see the school we worked on last year. It is almost complete! We will be working on painting the school and moving in furniture to get it ready for the school year.
Pray or us as some are walking and doing much more than we are accustomed to. Pray for God's strength and His guidance for us to be obedient even in situations where we are out of our element. Thanks so much!
In Christ,
jon walton
It is such a wonderful feeling to be back here. For those of us returning, it is almost like coming home. We are super excited! We got to see some of the kids at Casa de Fe. They have grown so much!
We also got to see the school we worked on last year. It is almost complete! We will be working on painting the school and moving in furniture to get it ready for the school year.
Pray or us as some are walking and doing much more than we are accustomed to. Pray for God's strength and His guidance for us to be obedient even in situations where we are out of our element. Thanks so much!
In Christ,
jon walton
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Atlanta...
Just a quick update, we made it safely to Atlanta. Grabbing a bite to eat, then heading toward Quito at 5:30 pm. Everyone is doing great, even the first time flyers. Thanks for all the prayers!
In Christ,
jon walton
Heading out...
15 people are en route to Knoxville, TN to board a plane to Atlanta, GA. From there, we will get on a plane to Quito, Ecuador, then on to Shell to work in an orphanage for special needs children.
I can't fully express the joy of getting to go back and serve these wonderful children who wouldn't have a chance without God moving people to start this orphanage. The feeling of getting to see people I met last year, seeing the progress on the school, and working with the construction workers is almost overwhelming.
For some, this will be their first mission trip, time flying, or time out of the country. I can't wait to see what God does in them as well as how God will use them to minister to others.
Please keep us in your prayers and check back all week for updates!
In Christ,
jon walton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)