Closing out 2010!!!

   I want to first apologize for the delay since the last post.  If you take the times where time was limited, mix in holidays, and throw in a few periods of procrastination, then you'll see why I'm just now updating, but nevertheless, my apologies and I will try to do better this upcoming year ;)
   There's a few things I want to cover including (in order): 1. Overton 2. Burmese 3. Our Discipleship 4. Bible Memorization and 5. Upcoming News.... If only a couple of these interest you, then consider this your table of contents and you can just skip to that section. (It could get lengthy, but hopefully not too long).
    1. Overton High School-  Our meetings have continued on and have been really great.   Each Wednesday, we meet and discuss/disciple the students who will be leading the First Priority club on their high school campus.  Our numbers have gone down a little due to a few various reasons, but it's been good to see the students who want to be there and lead step up.  We're still in the process of actually setting the club up where we will begin meeting on campus, but I believe we will be meeting on campus before January is complete.  We recently challenged our students to pray with someone one week, and the teacher with whom one of the students prayed for wants to be involved with sponsoring the club.  Her name is Mrs. Stafford so you can add her to the list of Overton prayer requests.  Having a supportive sponsor will be so very helpful!  Pray for this lady!  Since the last post, there's also been a big change in partners for me.  My old partner's schedule brought about conflict so my friend Autumn and I are actually getting to work together at Overton, which is a God thing because the majority of our students right now are girls.  It's just been a great situation all the way around.  I know that Overton is receiving prayer.  I can tell, but I do want to encourage you to continue in your prayers for this school.  The other day I told the students that Overton is going to change, and I think it really hit the students for the first time that we're not planting this club/meeting just to have something on campus.  They're fixing to engage Overton as warriors in the Lord with the Gospel, and the Lord will change the school by changing the people in it.  It's not just a hope, it's a promise, BUT it'll happen by the power of prayer, which releases the power of God.  Prayer is our avenue for Power.  Please continue praying as we continue to build this foundation.  1 Corinthians 3:10-15
     2. Burmese Refugees- Our time with the Burmese is always great and always different from the previous experiences.  We had two visits with our friends right before we let out for the holidays.  During the first, we met and told them about Christmas and why we celebrate and such.  It was a real good time as we met in an apartment close to where we live.  There had to be at least sixty different people come through the doors of that apartment with maybe five of them having the ability to speak a good amount of English.  Nevertheless, it was good to share the Good News of Christ by explaining why we celebrate Christmas.  One other thing happened at that meeting though... We were invited to a Burmese birthday party.  We decided that we didn't need to deny this opportunity so we said we'd come.  After helping our friend, Lulu (who is the refugee coordinator for the Burmese), with the lesson plans for the Saturday meetings the Burmese will have until we return to Nashville, we said our good byes and told Lulu we would see her at the birthday party on Wednesday.  Well, Wednesday came, and despite potential bad weather, we decided to head to the party.  We followed three or four Burmese friends down a run down apartment complex to a small apartment filled with people.  Of course, we are the only white people in the place so I figure most of the Burmese are wondering who we are (or what the heck we are doing there).  After a minute or so, I recognize a couple of faces and we go and visit with Lulu.  In our discussion, we were asked how we celebrate birthdays in America, and we said the basics like cake, games, etc...  Then Lulu said something along the lines of "OK, good, so will you lead the party?".  Not only were we invited, now we are the hosts!!! Haha.  It was a great time and we had plans afterward so we couldn't stay as long as we wanted, but we led Simon Says, did the Hokey Pokey, sang Christmas songs & Happy Birthday, and presented the cake... and like always, we try to share God's Word with them.  They're so appreciative, and likewise, we are of their hunger for fellowship, community, and His Word.  I'm going to post a video of the party and a picture or two of some of the guests.  You'll also see the birthday boy too.  He is 2!!! Haha and... His name is Augustino, which by the way Lulu wanted us to spell with 24 candles.  Check out the video and see how we used all 24 to decorate the cake.  It's definitely a hot cake!

     3. Our Discipleship- Acts has continued to show God's sovereignty more and more (yes, we're still in Acts).  Whether good or bad, we've seen over and over that God is in control no matter the situation.  Our study of Acts has definitely brought encouragement to our group on numerous occasions.  It's just a great book of the Bible.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we've been going through the Old Testament and a book called The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer.  It's been good to experience the Old Testament a little more in depth and see the beauty of God's love for his chosen people.  It's even better knowing that this is the same love God has toward me.  The Pursuit of God was great as well.  We actually finished it the week before we left for the holidays.  I do recommend reading it if you haven't.  It's very short, to the point, and a great book study for a group of believers.  The chapters cover different material, so missing a week wouldn't leave you behind if you were part of a group that was going through the book together (although you would miss out).  I've taken much from this book, and I hope you will as well.
     4. Bible Memorization-  Ok... If by chance you were memorizing scripture with me (or at least trying to), my apologies again.. Right now, I'm at 48 verses and hopefully, I'll have 50 by New Year's Day!!!  I'm just going to list the scriptures for you..  If you see me, please quiz me.  I need all the help I can get in trying to retain these precious Words.
The Word: Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12, Jeremiah 15:16
Prayer: John 16:24, Matthew 21:22, Philippians 4:6-7
Obedience: Romans 12:1-2, John 14:21, Hebrews 5:8
Witnessing: Matthew 4:19, Proverbs 24:11-12, Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16, Matthew 28:18-20
Salvation: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27-28, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 5:24, John 1:12, Revelation 3:20
Assurance: 1 John 5:13-15
Guidance:  James 1:5, Isaiah 30:18, Proverbs 3:5-6
Victory: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:35-39
Christ the Lord: John 3:30, Galatians 2:20-21, John 13:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
    5.  Upcoming News-  This is just to give you a quick run down of what we see happening as 2011 rolls around the corner.  It looks like I'll be in Puerto Rico in February, and there's a possibility of being in the Dominican Republic in March (from what I hear).  I'll keep you updated (a lot better this time) about those as they get closer, but you can start praying for them for sure.  I'm a tad nervous, but I know the Lord usually works best when my confidence is not in myself so I'm looking forward to big things from Him.  Anyway, just pray for it please.  We also start back on January 10th with our discipleship.  The break away has been nice, but I'm ready to get back to some sort of routine as well.  We (the students of Trek-X) have scheduled a get away to Atlanta for the Passion Conference, which should bring in the new year with a bang as we get to enjoy speakers like David Platt, Francis Chan, and John Piper.  I'm looking forward to it and to what 2011 brings.

So... I hope that you feel updated and in the loop just a bit better about what's happening in Trek-X.  Like always, If you have any questions, please ask.  I'll try to answer them the best that I know how to.  Also,  I hope you enjoyed the update.  Maybe you skipped around some, but hopefully you wanted to hear it all.  If not, that's what the table of contents is there for.  ;)  Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed, and I do appreciate all your prayers.  May God keep you and Bless you in 2011. Merry Late Christmas and a Happy New Year!   Isaiah 35:4-5

the 9th week

Once again, the previous week was amazing material in Acts.  There's so much packed into these chapters, so I just suggest you read Acts 14 and 15 and look through the eyes of each person throughout the verses.  It's amazing stuff and I'd rather you observe it, interpret it, relate it, and apply it for yourself... You'll see that the people of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra resemble our culture very much.  It's really interesting to see the comparison.

Besides that, I just encourage you to put on the armor of God this day (Ephesians 6) and hold true to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  It reads: 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,"

Also: Matt 28:18-20, Romans 1:16, John 14:21, Hebrews 5:8, and Romans 12:1-2 are verses for last week and this week if you're trying to memorize these things along with me.

Prayer Updates...

Also... Wanted to update you on two prayer requests that I'd mentioned before: 1. Overton High School- We had our meeting and had 7 students show, which was more than expected! and they are on fall break this week, but on the 27th, we have a meeting to start training the kids in the First Priority material (Pray, Bless, Serve, and Tell) which all comes back to one purpose.  We want every kid at Overton High School to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.(approx. 2000).. Remember, God is at Overton.. The Gov't did not take him out of school.  It's foolish to think someone can take God out of anywhere!!  Some people really belittle God and think the US Gov't has that power. (They don't)... Anyway, It's an awesome club/avenue for students to be able to share Christ and make disciples all while reclaiming God's territory at John Overton High School.  So be praying for this next meeting and that the right students will show...  and 2. I asked you to pray that we would get to start meeting with the Burmese Refugees again, because something was inhibiting us from meeting and we couldn't figure out why. Well... Check out the answered prayer through these pictures...

It's actually a Burmese Bible... I have no clue what's being read.
It's Ephesians though!

I had no clue what song they were singing

They cooked for us. Very interesting. Very Hot.

Mon Phet Thot (Banana, sticky rice, in seaweed roll)
Notice my red lips from the Vermicile soup.

week 8... The Authority of God...

Hey, sorry I'm just now updating.  Last week was great.  In Acts, the gospel has now moved on to the Gentiles, which is a major shift and not taken well by the Jewish leaders of the synagogue.  Peter is imprisoned, but God does a miraculous work in setting him free all while the local body of Christ is diligently praying for his rescue. (read Acts 12!) Let's see.. King Herod tries to steal God's Glory in Acts 12 and God will not put up with it. (may it be a lesson to us all, God takes sin and His Glory very seriously; hence.. Jesus's crucifixion)...
... Acts 12 really is an amazing chapter, but the thought that I want to share with you the most comes from Acts 13.  Here we see that Paul and Barnabas are sent off for work the Lord has called them to (Acts 13:2) and they go, but as they come to a place, they don't come as we usually do when we approach evangelizing or sharing our faith.  They take authority over wherever they are.  They aren't rude or disrespectful, but they let it be known they have authority.  They act with authority, and the reason is because they do actually have all authority.  It's not a strategy or a mind game they come up with on their own.  "ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Jesus)....and behold, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the end of the age." -Matthew 28:18-20.  We must wrap our heads around this concept that the whole earth and everything in it is under God's Authority.  I think sometimes we see the battle between good and evil, and we make satan out to be God's counterpart (like they are equal opposites), but he is not.  Satan is not allowed to do anything, except that which God allows him to do.  Read in Job where satan has to ask permission to test God's servant Job.  Without God allowing it, satan can do nothing.  Satan has no authority over our God! So, with that said, we have to remember that everything is God's.  We cannot look at the bars, strip joints, prostitution houses, and slums and say, "That's satan's territory".  NO IT'S NOT!!! Satan may temporarily be reigning in that place, but IT IS NOT HIS!! Too many times we walk into a dark place, feel the presence of evil, get uncomfortable and say nothing.  This doesn't have to be in an dark "place"; it may be walking into a conversation that you know is shedding no light and nothing but darkness is coming from it.  When you stumble upon a conversation like that, does the subject quickly change? Is the authority of Christ made known (w/ or without words)???  If you have the Spirit of God living in you, you have all authority in heaven and on earth with you.  May our coward hearts believe this and stop running from people and places that have no authority at all.  Do we not trust that God himself can handle any situation?  Do we really have the faith that we proclaim we do?  I pray for whoever is reading this to have boldness to truly believe this and walk in the Authority of God. AMEN.

Week 7

Well... It was a long week guys, but a good one.  It was probably the deepest discipleship we've had yet as we started the well known book, The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer.  You may have read it before, but if not, it's like one of the top ten books for a Christians to read.  I actually saw lists online that said it was in the top ten.  Personally, I haven't read 10 Christian books in my lifetime.  Anyway,  it reads like it's talking to the church today, but it was written over 50 yrs ago!

The rest of the discipleship went well too.  We're still marching through Acts.  Saul experiences Christ on the road to Damascus and you've probably heard the story many times, but the main application I want to draw out of this is that Saul believed he was doing God a favor in persecuting the Way as it is called in Acts many times.  I've always taken it as Saul knew exactly what was going on and he was trying to go against God, but that's not the case.  He was killing Christians and thinking that he was doing God a favor to wipe these people off the face of the earth since they didn't line up with the Pharisee teachings.  So it must've absolutely messed Saul up to find out the Truth.  Of course, it's a good brokenness, but still... you can imagine his whole way of life be shaken! SO.... in thinking about this, I have to ask God (and myself), "What is there in my life that I've taken as truth that does not line up with your Word?" and.. in asking this, I have to be humble enough to open my ears up to what God's going to say...  Lately, God has unblinded my eyes to many lies that I took as truth my whole life just because someone told me that when I was young, and I never checked it with scripture.  So.. I encourage you to pray that prayer in some manner and see what it is that God wants to show you next... May your eyes be opened. (Acts 9:1-20)

This week we also had a guest come in from down under.  Martin, a professor from Sydney, Austrailia, joined us along with Benny Proffitt from First Priority.  We met and discussed Trek-X and the possibility of starting something in Austrailia (in the future) which resembled the same model that Trek-X uses (which is just a biblical model of discipleship).  It was a really interesting time, which was filled with a lot of wisdom ranging from spiritual warfare, to Western (American) Christianity, to the role of leadership in the church, to the path the gospel has taken across the globe, to trying to put new wine into old wine skins, etc... all of which was backed by scripture.  I think the part that amazed me the most was how the passage on the wineskins was broken down (Luke 5:33-39).  This passage helps me see a lot of the disfunction and complications that arise in the modern churches, but it also lets us know how to handle these "wineskin" issues that the church faces. Anyway.. there's been a lot of knowledge taken in this week, so pray that the same knowledge and wisdom will be given just as it was received.  Thanks for the prayers.  By the way, new verses for this week are Proverbs 24:11-12 if you're wanting to memorize.  Until next post, take care.

Bible Memorization

I wanted to let you know a little ahout this part of Trek-X.  Basically, I'll be learning approximately 100 verses this year which cover different topics such as the Word, witnessing, salvation, assurance of faith, etc. and I get to memorize a book of the Bible as well.  After praying and asking others in the faith whose opinion I respect, I chose... (drum roll).... EPHESIANS..  It's gonna be hard, but we shall see what happens.
Here are the verses I know word for word right now.  If you aren't memorizing scripture, I encourage you to start.
The Bridge verses
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Hebrews 9:27
Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 5:24
John 1:12
Revelation 3:20

The Word
Matthew 4:4
Hebrews 4:12
Jeremiah 15:16

This week I'm covering Matt 4:19 and Acts 1:8 as well for all you who want to join with me in the memorization.
Much Love,
Josh

Morning Discipleship Highlights (Weeks 1-6)

Hey everyone,
  Just wanted to update you with all that's going on here in Nashville.  I'm just going to highlight some of our focuses throughout these first few weeks to catch some of you up that haven't received updates lately.  I'm going to try to write a post at the end of each week from here on out.  Even if it's short, I'm going to try to post something.  Also, these first few weeks are just our morning sessions that we call RPM (Reading, Prayer, Memorization).  There's other facets of Trek-X that I'll be letting you know about too, but as for now, this is just a catch-up post to summarize the main themes throughout this first month and a half of our morning sessions.

Week 1
  After RPM was explained to us, we read about martyrs in the Faith from the book "Jesus Freaks" by D.C. Talk.  It's always humbling to see the extremes of our faith.  In our church language, we separate the the word witness and martyr, but they actually are the same thing. We use witness more as a verb meaning to share the gospel, but it actually means "martyr" or a witness unto death.  It doesn't mean all witnesses will die (for their faith), but a true witness embraces death for the advancement of the Truth.  Anyway, it's very easy to forget, ignore, and/or turn our minds away from the fact that right now someone in the world is probably dying for their faith in Christ.  We also began reading and studying Acts in depth.  If we are going to plant churches, then this made sense to study Acts.

Week 2
  We hit Acts 2:42 in this week and we spent a few days on it too.  The verse lays out exactly what the early church devoted itself to (which is probably what we need to do too... maybe???).  There are four things they devoted themselves to: 1. Apostle's Teachings 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking of Bread 4. Prayer.  SO.. let's break this down...
1) Apostle's Teachings= Scripture... These were not just words.  This was a whole new way of thinking.  It's the deprogramming of the Old Covenant life style where God existed inside a building or object to this New Covenant in which He indwells believers.  Like, this was a major switch where God was explaining this New Covenant to His people through the Apostle's Teachings.  Remember: They didn't have the New Testament scriptures.  This represents the whole Bible for us. (Matt 4:4)
2) Fellowship= Sharing what Christ has done and is doing in your life with other believers (and non-believers)... Usually, we think of fellowship as eating together and shootin' the breeze or watching a ball game together.  That's not the fellowship talked about here.  This is simply sharing what God was doing and how He was moving in their lives so that they could know Him more.  I imagine there was plenty of vulnerability here as well. (Phil 3:10)
3) Breaking of Bread=Community.... I'm not sure if we get Communion from community or if we get community from Communion, but this represents the bond and unity that is supposed to be within the Body of Christ.  It's the kinda community that says, whatever it is you're going through, come Hell or high water, I got your back.  Very close knit.  (Eph 4)
4) Prayer= well... This is just prayer.  Talking to God and bringing everything before Him. (Phil 4:6)

The last thing I want to point out is the definition of Devote: To give or apply (one's time, attention, or self) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.


It is one thing to participate and do these things.  It's another to be devoted.


Week 3
  So.. week 2 was really good as you can see.  In week 3, we met with Benny Proffitt from First Priority, which is a campus club on high school that is sort of like FCA in some ways.  He talked to us about visions that God gives us (not like the vision you literally see), and how God's timing is not our timing.  He shared a story of how 20 years after he had started First Priority, he asked God why it was taking so long, and he said that he could almost hear God laugh and tell him, "What's twenty years to me?"  God is far outside of our minds and outside of our restraints (such as time).  It's important to keep this in your mind.  God's ways are far beyond and above ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  His time table differs from our culture which promotes now now now.  Heck, in America, we get upset if it takes longer than 10 seconds for a text message to send. 
  The other thing I took from Benny is that Jesus never once spoke about the gospel of salvation, but He spoke in terms of the gospel of the Kingdom.  I'm not going to go into explanation on this because God is still revealing a lot to me about it, but I do encourage you to pray and ask God what's the significance here and what's the difference?


Week 4
  This week brought about a whole different concept that is summed up in John 15:5, which says "I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" in the English Standard Version.  I think it had gotten to the point this week that we were learning so much and taking in a lot, but we had forgotten the simple fact that we need God!  It sounds silly I know, but it was refreshing to know that God is not asking us for results.  He simply just wants us to abide in Him.  When we TRULY abide and experience Him (not just knowledge about Him, but Jesus Himself), the results take care of themselves and we cannot help but speak the Truth of God.  This is a hard concept for many hard workers to grip their mind around, but God does not need us nor does He need us to accomplish His work.  He is sovereign and can get it done without us, but in His Grace, we have been chosen and included to experience Him and be a part in the eternal story of God and His Kingdom (John 15:16).  So.. abide in Him, and see what He does.  There will be an unnatural boldness that He puts in you that you cannot contain.  (Acts 4:20)


Week 5
  This week we covered martyrs in the faith and looked into how these people could be burned alive, watch their loved ones killed, and go through other things that are real life stories that I don't even want to think about AND do it in PURE JOY! How do they do it? The answer is because they were already dead.  The Only way someone can experience these things in pure joy is to be holding on to nothing of this world or life.  All these witnesses had this one thing in common. They had nothing to lose, but everything to gain.  It's easy to read this and say ''Yea, that makes sense", but really... That's crazy... These people had considered everything apart from Christ as filthy rags. (which I found out what the literal filthy rags of the scripture means.. it's gross)  This makes me think of Luke 14:26 and Matt 10:37.  Check the verses out and think on what it really means to have nothing to lose! Is your wife, husband, child, mom, dad, job or your life nothing to you in comparison to Christ?  What does God have to chisel away from you to present you with this love for God that Paul has? ck out (Phil 3:8) READ THIS ONE


Week 6
  As we continue in Acts, we see that persecution has now set in on the Church of the living God.  We covered Stephen's death, and looked closely into it, but I'm gonna skip the details here.  Just know that Stephen shares the good news of Christ and they don't like it becomes it accuses them so they stone him.  It's just fine though because Stephen had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Look at Acts 7:60 and see that Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit.  There is no other way that he makes the statement about forgiving the ones who were stoning him apart from God.  ANYWAY.... the last point we were shown is that in the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and in Acts 1:8, God promises that the people would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.  Well.. As of Acts 7, they haven't left Jerusalem so.. what happens?... In Acts 8, Saul starts ravaging the church and the people got the heck out of town!  Verse 4 says that those who were scattered went about preaching the word.  SO... what does it all mean???
  It means that God is sovereign.  It means that just because we may disobey and not do what God is trying to let us take part in, that does not mean God's purposes will be hindered.  He will accomplish His purposes with or without us.  He allowed the persecution and scattered His people.  Our God is in Control and Sovereign.  Thanks be to God.


Thanks for reading.  Hoping the rest of the blogs won't be as long, but this was an attempt to let you in on a small part of our discipleship.  Hope you enjoyed. Sorry for any typos. Not really feeling like proofreading this.
Much Love,
Josh

The Story of it All

Click below to view the story of it all.

The Story