Degrees of Waiting

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

I am waiting. I wait for God, I wait for fellowship, I wait for knowledge, I wait for truth, I wait for my continued journey, and I wait for love. Through patience we learn our strengths and weaknesses, and we learn how to overcome obstacles that once seemed impermeable. We tend to frown upon the idea of waiting and being idle, but amongst great odds, waiting is not giving up, it is growing up. Take heed; do not wait for this life to pass you by or allow opportunities to move away; instead, wait on growth and for a change that is internal.

If we continue to be idle in the progression of our lives, we will certainly miss the moments when God reveals miracles and sets a new path before us. There is a fine line to what is acceptable to wait on and what is a sin to wait for. Working on the patience in your life can be one of the most loving acts we can show another. I know the Lord had waited on me for a long time until I came to see His face. From this, he has taught me to wait on others and wait for growth.

I am not a perfect man of God, and there some days when forget that I must bear the fruit of the Spirit. I know my faults and where my guilt lies and what might stubble my walk with Jesus. In order to persevere through my own downfalls and transgressions, I ask Him for strength and to teach me how to be a better man for His honor. I must wait on this change, for each step takes time and a leap forward has the unintended possibility of missing guidance. “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

As I walk with God and listen to the words of Jesus, I open my eyes to other aspects of my life. I see where I am broken, lost, or confused. I see where my morals and values are righteous, but where I lack the ability to use them as my foundation. I do not feel at all that I have fallen away from His glory, nor am I roaming in the desert. I do, however, feel that poor decisions have been made on my part pertaining to the happiness of others. I also see that others have made bad poor decisions in relation to my happiness and well-being, and I made my anger an unhealthy distraction. This is why I wait for fellowship. 

I believe fellowship to be a core part of serving the Lord in this life. As I have seen relationships and friendships break apart over the years, I have learned what friendships are and how they can play a vital role in our walks with God. The best descriptions of friends I have come across are in the form of confidants, constituents and comrades. Everyone in your life whom you have spent any great amount of time with, will settle into one of these three categories; with the exception of family. To better understand the meaning of fellowship and support in our walks with God, we must take a close look into the details of who these people are.

Confidants are those who love you unconditionally. They can be defined as a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it. They are “into-you”, they are there for the long haul, with you when you get yourself into trouble. They are your mentor, they feed you so you can feed someone else; they are for you, with you, confront you, they get in your “business.” These confidants weep with you, rejoice with you, pray for you, and have your trust. All leaders need them. Being able to see the Kingdom of the Lord comes with a confidant.  

You will be a very blessed soul if you have three confidants in your lifetime. If you have twelve close friends, three of them need to be confidants. They are so comfortable to be around that you act as if you do when you are alone. They know all aspects of your life. They support your dreams and fight your battles with you, even if their dreams are different. Their love for you only compares with the love God has for you. And without hesitation, you are also their confidant.

A few biblical examples of confidants are David and Jonathan, who was the son of King Saul, and the love they had for each other. See 1 Samuel 19:9-20:44 for how deep their friendship was. Jesus and Peter were confidants during Jesus’ ministry. Jesus knew and trusted Peter, but knew Peter would deny Him. In the end, Jesus knew Peter had to deny Jesus in order to learn how to be the man God intended him to be and evangelize to the world. One more example is of Paul and Barnabas, who were business partners, but separated due to a disagreement. After Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, at which point his name changed from Saul to Paul, he returned to Jerusalem as a student under Barnabas’ ministry and learned how to evangelize. As time went on, Paul became the leader of the group. Even though Paul and Barnabas had disagreements, respect kept them together in order to improve their ministry. See Acts 9 and Galatians 1.

The next type of friend is a constituent. These are people who are for what you are for, but not for you. They can be defined as being a part of a whole, who will labor with you, but will leave you for someone else that better suits their own agenda. They can be heart breakers; will use you to get them closer to their mission. You find yourself having trouble relaxing around them. Constituents can be mistaken for confidants. They are common in your life, and you will find yourself as someone’s constituent without realizing for some time. 

And the last friend to come about in your life will be a comrade. They may be there to share in your activities or are a fellow member in something you take part in, but do not be deceived; they are not for your dreams. They will team-up with you fight a greater enemy only until that enemy is defeated. They are for what you are for, but not on the same playing field. Although a comrade has use in your life, always expect them to leave you at any moment. 

When I think of comrades, I think of times when I was a “comrade.” I was envious of others, and only after laying my life at the Lord’s feet did I see the perversity of envy. Watch out for those that carry envy around you, their schemes are evil. Here is an excerpt from a book of poems by Abraham Cowley called Davideis: 

“Envy at last crawls forth from that dire throng,
Of all the direful'st; her black locks hung long,
Attir'd with curling Serpents; her pale skin
Was almost dropt from the sharp bones within,
And at her breast stuck Vipers which did prey
Upon her panting heart, both night and day
Sucking black bloud from thence, which to repaire
Both night and day they left fresh poysons there.
Her garments were deep stain'd in humane gore,
And torn by her own hands, in which she bore
A knotted whip, and bowl, that to the brim
Did with green gall, and juice of worm wood swim.
With which when she was drunk, she furious grew
And lasht herself; thus from th' accursed crew;
Envy, the worst of Fiends, herself presents;
Envy, good only when she herself torments.”

When I wait on fellowship, I find appreciation in the friends I have and the friends I lost. I have learned to pray for those people sent into my life, not taken away. Be thankful for who was there for when you needed them, do not be bitter about their absence now. Those sent into my life that helped me, encouraged, and mentored me, are a part of who I am today. From them I have found the importance to be submissive, learned to be humble myself and show respect. I have learned that equality in a friendship takes form on different levels. God does bless lives with statuses over others, but He sees fit when a status can change. Saul failed God, lost his kingdom to David and Jonathan was not envious. 

Do not be quick to judge those who God has placed in your life. They may look “fancy” on the outside, like a Cadillac with shiny rims, but could be full of trash on the inside. A big house with impressive landscaping may be intimidating from the outside, but the inside may very well be cluttered by a hoarder. Do not think you can identify a comrade from a confidant easily; relationships grow as God works in them and cleans them for the purpose they are meant to fulfill. “May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.”  2 Thessalonians 3:5

Through waiting on a blessed fellowship, I have been given the opportunity wait on knowledge and truth. I have watched the seasons change, the world turn, and His Word kept time and time again. As each day begins anew, I listen to His wisdom as He teaches me the meaning of my actions and influences of this world. Every detail has a glimmer of higher truth behind it; we only have to be aware of His workings behind it. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7

A portion of our lives is dedicated to waiting for the readiness of the path God lays ahead. This can be a trying and hard period of our lives as we allow ourselves to be blinded in a fog of the unknown. My own journey, the culmination of hiking the Triple Crown trails, growing to become the man God asks me to be, and learning how to support others, has been stressful and peaceful. As the cloud parts and the way is made visible, I almost stubble over myself with joy for what lies ahead; at which time I find the most speed bumps and unnecessary distractions. When the path is set heavy with fog and mysteries at every bend, I find triumph and success with each step. Everyone has their own walk and must understand where their strengths and weaknesses reside most. My strengths are when I’m clear that caution be the best choice. “"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” Matthew 7:13

When we have moments to be alone, we are able to see where God is working, to know what will fit our needs. As I wait on love, I have found how to look for what I am seeking. If you are single or dating, you know what I mean. We must think we have found love, romance, intimacy, and trust to realize we were wrong. It takes time to understand these things, and too often than not, mistakes. Through the search to find love, I have discovered I cannot find who I seek if I do not love myself first. How can I accept the love of another if I am ashamed of whom I am?

And so I waited, I waited very impatiently to find who I was and to love this person I am. My own struggles made this search take much longer than it needed, but it was the way I needed to find love for myself. I ended up hating who I was and destroying myself intentionally until there was nothing left to be hated. That was when I realized God had been calling upon me the entire time. He loved me then, and He loves me now. Only through seeing His love did I rise up to become a man worthy of His love, while learning to love myself.

Finally, I wait for the last kind of love I have never felt. A love I know He wants for me. A love that is very much a part of His love for me, but through the soul of another. This love cannot be forced or rushed; it cannot be seasonal or conditional. This love will be that of a confidant, but so much more. This love is based on the same set of morals and values based upon the same laws; will be equally yoked in His name.

I have been waiting and will continue to wait. I have fought battles for this love, I have shown respect for it when no others understood. I have learned that my normal may not be the love’s normal. My mistakes may hurt and scare the love, but this love will be worth the fight. Before the Lord I ask for this love, this confidant, this unity, this intimacy. I ask that I be made perfect and clean for this love. I ask that I bear the fruit, put on the armor and be a man of God. I ask for the patience to wait. “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36

Whatever it may be you find yourself waiting for, remember how God wants you to wait. There will be seasons and reasons for waiting, friends will come and go, your path will be over mountains and seas, but the end will be your best for His glory.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and weighed down with heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in spirit. Indeed, you will surely find rest in Me! My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Supporting A Friend

My friend, Melody Magnuson, will be embarking on a journey with Christ for His glory across the Atlantic to Scotland, Ireland, and Britain. She is working with a YWAM (Youth With A Mission) ministry called Fire & Fragrance out of Harrisburg, PA. Her Training in Harrisburg will come to an end next week when she climbs aboard the plane destined for Scotland to begin her outreach ministry. As this journey is both challenging and rewarding for disciples of Jesus, it also costs money.

Melody Magnuson, picture from Facebook

On Monday, December 10th, she needs to have all her donations in so the trip can be paid for. I ask that if it is on your heart to support a great cause in the name of Jesus, then please take some time this weekend to send Melody your support. She is about $1,000 short of her goal, but with enough help that goal is not out of reach. Please donate anything you are comfortable with. Even $1 donations add up.

To find out more about the ministry, visit their website here: http://fireandfragrance.com/vision/

To follow Melody's journey and learn more about her, visit her blog here: https://melmagnuson.wordpress.com/

This is what she sent me for the ways she can receive donations and support.
1. if you have a smartphone, through an app called "VENMO" --- follow the steps to set up your account, then you can blast money from your phone to mine via bank account.

2. through paypal---my email address is mhmagnuson@gmail.com
https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online

3. sending a check---make it out to "YWAM Harrisburg" and send it to:
333 S. 13th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104

 If Monday is too short of a notice to make a donation, you can continue to support Melody while she is traveling via the ways described above. I'm sure any amount of money at any time will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at matt.liparulo111@gmail.com or post a comment below. Thank you and God bless!

Home

Today, I write to you on troubling subjects. We often find ourselves unable to discuss certain topics in a civilized manner. Most of us tend to shy away from these issues the moment they are brought to light. We make excuses to have these pressing topics slide onto the bottom of our “to-do lists,” where they remain as long as we can keep them there. We fill our minds and hearts with denial; we reject the notion that there is something we can do about these challenging subjects.

Before I begin the discussion, I want to make a few suggestions of things to keep in mind. The first is to not lose hope. Keep your thoughts positive, remember your strengths and stand for your convictions. Be you, be real, and be honest. Stay courageous so that those who follow you can be proud of the battles you fought. And finally, believe. 

Now for what you don’t want to hear; we are very quickly bringing upon us our own destruction. We all have failed to improve humanity, save the planet, and love one another. I’m not trying to fill your head with conspiracies or put you in some depressive state. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone specific or saying we’re already damned with no mercy. What I am saying is how close we are to not being able to turn around; we need to take responsibility for our actions NOW.

By “we,” I am talking about all Americans, all Europeans, and all consumers. We are robbing, pillaging, corrupting, raping, destroying, and terrorizing all the nations of the world. We use, abuse, neglect, punish, and hurt those who are less fortunate than us. We take part as a group of people consisting of less than 10% of the world’s population who are rapidly siphoning all of Earth’s most precious gifts. We bankrupt other nations so that they must sell their natural resources to us. We force the citizens of these countries to work for less, live with less, and smile less in order for us to have more, even if it’s barely more. 

We allow the murder of millions of unborn children.  We starve the hungry, we manipulate the innocent, we strike the weak, we take from the poor and give to the wealthy. We tolerate the unjust, we ridicule the broken, and we mock the wise. We are fools.

Don’t lose hope.

We think we’re the powerful thinkers and doers of the world because we want new and better technology. We constantly fool ourselves into thinking we’re “green” and “global warming” conscious. Our hybrid cars cost the environment more raw materials to mine, ship, produce, and put on your driveway than saving that little bit of gas over 20 years. When we think we’re being sufficient with the new organic products we use, we aren’t looking at its impact 50 years from now. Our “organic” foods at the grocery stores are far from organic and natural. The chemicals replaced to help grow these foods may not be as harmful to our bodies and earth as quickly, but the amounts they use have a very destructive impact in the future. We are blind to the effects that our decisions will have on upcoming generations. We see a problem today; we fix it for the day.

Every three years, 200 million more souls are on this planet, and that will only increase over time. That means more users, more consumers, more mouths to feed and more that need saving. Over-population is a very real threat which needs to be discussed. Everyone should be aware that at the rate we are going, in 500 years, there will be no surface on this world without a human being standing there. In 700 years, the mass of people will equal the mass of the earth. If we don’t start thinking about our actions now, then our beloved and blessed planet God gave to us will no longer able to sustain life. Not because she dried up, but because we bled her to death. 

There are three ways most scientists and futurists want to keep this from happening. Those options are to colonize another planet, change our genetic code to adapt to a changing world, or decrease population to half or even one third of what it is today in order to preserve our natural resources and let the earth heal. I disagree with each of these on moral and biblical standards. 

Colonizing another planet means to run with our problems elsewhere. We will only be delaying the inevitable destruction of our species; not to mention to the amount of elements we’ll have to consume in order to move away from earth. Manipulating genetics has been a topic under severe scrutiny for some time now. While the science is there and it has been proven to work on a very small scale, the dilemma we face playing god is that we don’t have the morals of God or the foresight of its impact on society and human nature. We take away the slow progression of adapting to positive change and rush into the unknown. Is this not already a very clear sign of where we’ve come from over the last 200 years? And finally, a drastic decline of world population can only happen from man-made causes. Those being war, famine, or disease. This is unacceptable and with no love to be found there.

Don’t lose hope.

Our selfishness has caused the downfall of most nations, and soon to be our own. We are printing paper with ink on it and calling it as good as gold. We use these "currencies" that have no real value to determine the worth of our nations and societies. We spend money on jewelry, video games, and the newest gadgets while thinking these possessions make us better people. We take, buy on credit, lie, cheat, hide, and scam our way to the top of the pyramid. We have become hollow and dangerous to ourselves. We push away those in need; the people who have less are worth less. We don’t give credit where it’s owed and we certainly don’t appreciate what we have. 

Our governments have too much power because we gave it to them. Our politicians lie to our face because we let them. Our companies are monopolies with full control because we like cheaper prices. The people of third world countries hate us because we kicked them when they were down. Believers are losing their faith because we just don’t care.

Don’t lose hope.

Don’t stop believing. It’s not too late to save what we have left and fill all the nations of the world with love. If we have all followed this corrupt “progress” together then we can all follow it back to who we once were. For thousands of years, people were hunters and gatherers, families and friends helping each other.

Empires forgave debts to reset the economy. The people had a voice and the earth was alive. We all have to make the choice to live better lives, so that our grandchildren may know what a real farm grown tomato taste like.

It all starts with you. Do it for you, do it because you know you’re better than to just settle for the way things are. You are the change this world needs. Eat healthier, grow your own garden, and educate yourself in the ways of what is truly organic. Walk, ride a bike, the bus, or train more. Carpool, eat at home, save driving for when it’s needed not because you’re bored. Turn your lights off when you leave home; invite the less fortunate to share a dinner in your “palace.” Recycle, because it’ll take you a while to learn how to not have things to recycle. Share, use less, be conscious and grateful to the thousands of people that make your day enjoyable. Pray in thanks for the workers who made your clothes, shoes, grew your food, and gave up their mountains so we can have precious metals in our phones that are so cool. Make a difference.

I forget where I heard this quote, but it goes, “Every time we learn from history, the price goes up.” We are all to blame for the direction our hurting world is going. We must not be ignorant, must not neglect, and must not be destroyed for lack of knowledge. We must rise up, fight for what is right, defend the weak and sick and learn to love others. 

Today, I ask you to give yourself a life changing challenge. There are many different ways to start helping for a better future, but take it on steps. Don’t shock yourself into creating a whole new lifestyle overnight, it won’t work; trust me. Instead, divide and conquer. I’m not recommending living on the streets or in the wilderness to be more “green.” You shouldn’t feel obligated to pass on the millions of luxuries you use daily. Instead, use what you possess for good. You have talents and skills God gave you that are unique to you, put them to use by helping others. I believe we are extremely blessed to be living well in a place with all the provisions we could ever need within arm’s reach. You’re never too young or old, never too broke or too tired to share your love. So do some good with your situation and don’t lose hope.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I don’t have the answers to specific scenarios, the cure for all diseases, or how to bring peace into all hearts. 

Everyone is different and each person has their own walk in this life. However; I do know that 90% of diseases are caused by a combination of stress and an unhealthy diet. I know turmoil is brought about by rash decisions and lack of understanding. Only love can prevent and truly cure the misfortunes of the world.

It has taken me years to find the proper motivation to live a better, selfless life. You need to find that motivation and make it an obtainable goal. My motivation for fighting for the future of the world and for nations to unite under His love, are for my children. 

I don’t know my future wife yet, and I do not currently have children. I am not even sure how I feel about bringing children into this world, but nonetheless; I will do everything through the power of Jesus Christ to provide for them a beautifully rich and thriving world to be a part of. To enable them to go out into far lands and see the joy that resides there. To know their children will have a great future because of the effort we put forth today.

Whatever your motivation; may it be for your loved ones, for yourself, out of respect for others, or because the Lord just loves you so much; make an outstanding change to increase the wellness of earth and the joy of all nations.

If you are interested in learning more, curious for knowledge, and eager for experience, then please release your possessions, drop your obsessions and share your money. Besides going out and learning about a strong life on your own, get a good start by taking part in outreach programs in your local communities and churches. 

There are many great books out there to help you find influence in making a difference and living a healthier better life for the Lord and as a caring citizen. The Bible is the most obvious and perfect one; others would be Before You Do by TD Jakes, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, Ideas & Opinions by Albert Einstein, and Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. You can also watch some decent documentaries called 180 the movie, Food Matters, Food Inc., Forks Over Knives, Surviving Progress, Payback, Freakonomics, and The Most Important Video You'll Ever See Parts 1-8 on YouTube and many more.

Mirror

He groaned as he rolled onto his side and cringed. He hoped by squeezing his eyes shut even tighter he could escape from this moment a little longer. His mouth tasted coarse and his throat was dry. He didn’t want to leave his dreams or the comfort of his bed. He didn’t want to a play his role for one more day; another agonizing, disappointing, and most of all, pointless day.

He kept his eyes closed as he pushed away the covers from his body and slowly, almost painful to watch, slid his legs off the bed so his aching feet could touch the cold floor. As he sat on the edge of his bed, he let his mind put things into place, to remember the world he lives in. A view imprinted on his thoughts by mass media, politics, cheaters, haters, and liars. He thought about the world and how greed, corruption, back-stabbers, and killers have built this place as a hell on earth. 

He felt lost as he carefully stood, checking his balance. His eye lids tediously peeled apart to let the early morning glow touch his eyes. He looked at the time as if he gotten up much too soon, hoping this was only a bad dream. He knew better than that. He knew he had to make his way to the bathroom for a drink of crisp water and a cold splash to his face. 

As he waddled around the bed, his castle of rest, and began a dreadful shuffle to the bathroom, he continued to let the dark facts of life creep through his thoughts. Countries were at war over land, and religion, and old feuds never seemed to die off. Neighbors loathed each other due to grudges almost forgotten about, but never let go of. Young boys and girls are led to believe they have to have money and possessions to be somebody and at the end of the day, those pursuits only make them more hollow. He thought of the business men who lack any moral compass or the politicians who passed on lies as truth because truth is too hard for them to admit. 

He stepped into the bathroom, kept the light off as he wavered in front the counter. He grinded his teeth and clenched his fists while he pondered the reasons why so many men and women destroy themselves and everyone they know because of their pride and self-pity. He knew these thoughts were not his own, he knew all too well this feeling of waking up.

He flicked on the light, bright and piercing as it revealed his reflection in the mirror. And he smiled.

It wasn’t this broken, shell of a boy staring back at him. No, there was no scared stranger shivering amongst the dangers of this world. This was not a fool full of guilt and hate peering out from behind those eyes, but a man empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

His mind raced through all his previous thoughts and forgave all those had done him wrong, if he could even remember what those wrongs were. His heart ached for the boys and girls being led into a life full of shadows and games, but he knew they had hope; their strength would come from above. He looked at his own face, deep into his eyes and saw what was tucked away in his soul; a purpose, a light, and a reason.

He looked at his hands and wondered what work they would do for the Lord today. He looked down at his feet and pondered what miracles they would carry him to. These were not things that he expected or forced, but knew to be blessings at work for the Lord’s plans. He felt comfort and strength in the wisdom God passed to him each day, it was not money or possessions that gave him this feeling. He became excited with the joy truth would bring to him and the lives of everyone he knew. His smile grew. 

He turned on the faucet, let the cool water pour through his fingers before he cupped his hand and brought it to his lips. He drank and felt a river flow through his body, a friendly reminder that he is alive and well. He cupped his hand under the water again, squeezed his eyes shut and slashed it on his face. He breathed deep, this time eager to open his eyes, thanking Jesus for all the appropriate gifts to save this fallen world from itself. 

And so he began his day; a new beautiful day with a smile on his face.

It’s too easy for us to get caught up in the turmoil of this world. We distract ourselves from the simple beauty of each day by focusing on everything that is wrong. We forget to love.

Love who you are, what you do and those you meet. We’re all in it together and we’re here for each other. Remember to live a life with purpose. You have a place here and you fit there perfectly. Be honest, sincere and share what you’ve been given.  You can’t love others if you don’t love yourself. Forgive yourself for the things you’ve done, it’s in the past. Who you are today is not who you were yesterday. 

Grow with the Lord. Let him show you His love for this world. Look through the eyes of Jesus and give your heart to him. He will share your heart with who He wants you to love in the way He wants you to love them.

 You are made in His image and He asks us to mirror Him for others to see. 

Every day is not easy and He doesn’t make all things perfect just because you know Him. We are weak; we are persecuted, rebuked, and cast aside on a daily basis. Be thankful for those times, they are an excuse to learn and stand tall. Don’t let pride or self-pity blind you from truth, those are the tools for fools and the wicked. Let yourself be humbled, let go of your possessions, obsessions and distractions. It’s better to shut up and listen than to open your mouth. Be brave and courageous; always do your best even if it’s not the best in the world. Fight for your family, friends and loved ones, they are the only tangible things in this world that are worth anything.

I’m not perfect and I don’t have everything figured out. I make mistakes, I make bad choices, and I fall short of glorifying God at times, but I admit my faults and want to learn from them. I do my best for His glory. Will you do your’s?

Smile. Today is a beautiful day.