Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

                It has been too long since my last update. For those of you who don't know, I am currently studying at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities with the intensions of a major in physics.

                Over the past few months God has continually blessed and strengthened me through His word, my community, life's circumstances, and the church. Don't think that my lack of writing means a lack of learning, challenge, or blessing because God has been faithful to continue His work in me.

                One thing that has been on my mind lately is the power we have in the choices we make. Every day we make millions of them: what to wear; what work to do; when to eat; who to be with; to spend time with God; to speak; what to say; to encourage; the list continues.

                God has been revealing to me the significance of my perspective of Him in the choices I make. What I mean by that the choices I make are based on my understanding, or lack thereof, of who God is. If I seriously believe that God is The Healer, then I'm going to spend time praying over the sick. If I truly believe that Jesus Christ conquered death and is the only way to Heaven, then I'm going to take every opportunity I have to share God's truth with a willing listener.

                It is deceivingly easy to make statements like, "God is good," "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," "He is the Great Physician," "Jesus has paid my debt and bought my life," and "I give my life completely over to the Lord " without understanding what we just said, and without living that out.

                If you want to figure out what you really think about God take a look at some of the choices you make. Do we as the body of Christ really believe what we say?

Do you spend time in His word regularly? Psalm 11:11 ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart  that I might not sin against you.

Do you give sacrificially to the Kingdom? Mark 12:41-44  ⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

 ⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on."

Do you rejoice in trials? James 1:2-4  ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,<sup value='[a]'>[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

                For many, this blog is probably feels discouraging. Personally, reading through this list and reflecting on the choices I make I question how much faith I have in the God of the universe because I'm not always doing what I should be. I know that I often don't act like I serve the God who holds all things in His hands and there are many ways that I can step out in faith that I don't take advantage of. I write these words with the hopes that some of you will be encouraged by the affirmation of your faith that is visible through your actions, and that others would examine their actions and start reshaping the areas of your lives that need improvement.

                The truth is that we are human, not perfect, and we make mistakes. The good news is that we serve a God who has mercies anew for us morning by morning and that He wants you to trust in Him more than you want to trust in Him. Growing in faith is hard, I am pretty sure it's impossible without God so ask Him for help!

   ⁹ "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"