The Glorious Resting Place

Ruby Update

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Pathetic.

She looks so stocky here to me. Broad shoulders.

She is an explorer.

This was a picture from a few days after I picked her up. She has grown since then.

I have noticed since getting Ruby that her existence depends on me. I realized that all the work I am doing, all the money I am paying, all the time I am spending is for her good. It's been a very selfless lesson for me to learn.

Depression

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:19:00 +0000

I've had so many people recently seeking counsel for depression. I know God took me through the "wilderness" so that I could relate to others (and I'm ok with that). I am honored that my boss sends people down to my office at times who are struggling. Here are some books that I found to be helpful during this time.

Charlie Brown is Reformed?

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:07:00 +0000

First Choice

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Don from Freshwater Labs just emailed me and said I get my first choice of puppy. I'm very excited to bring Ruby home.

Ruby

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:44:00 +0000

My friend told me that when I get this puppy she will be my girlfriend. I went to Tonopah Arizona to choose from two puppies. These are the two choices. I bought her from www.freshwaterlabs.com.

Choice #1

Choice #2

Why I am in Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:50:00 +0000

This is Kayde and she is a senior in my youth group. A few days ago she asked me and a few friends if we would go with her to look at the home she grew up in. I knew she lived in poverty but I didn't know it was this bad. The house was probably about 15 miles into the heart of the Marianas. These are mountain communities that people who are escaping the brutal realities of life tend to find appealing. It's an escape from community but it's also an escape towards sickening amounts of drug and alcohol abuse. She wanted us to see what she came from.

The home was on top of a hill that other than the building itself and massive amounts of trash may have been otherwise pleasant to view. The home isn't ever locked but rather open for squatters to find a warm place to sleep. Inside there are rat droppings, hard liquor bottles and pictures of naked women everywhere. Kayde said that growing up it wasn't uncommon for them to go for some time without electricity and running water.

As disgusted as I was seeing this place I was moved by the fact that Kayde was proud of her old place. It was the home that she grew up in and loved. The family was forced by CPS to move because there were too many dangers on the property. Her father has since died of Lou Gerhigs disease and you could tell she misses him. It was a moment of grace for me to realize once again how blessed I am to have the family that I have. I am very proud of how God has grown Kayde and chosen her to be his own. Stories like Kayde's keep me going in ministry. This is why I do what I do.

Desert Living

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:09:00 +0000

The desert is a strange beast at times. Days can be miserably hot while nights can be nasty and cold (with lots of wind). Last week I studied Mark's account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Having lived in the desert for 2 years now I can imagine how unbearable Jesus' wilderness time could have been. I love the picture of God "tearing apart" the heavens in 1:9. He is the one who is tearing that wall down (we would prefer to have that wall still intact).

Sunsets in the desert are beautiful. This is from the street in front of my house. It's a quiet neighborhood.

Joshua Tree in my front yard. They are weird but nice trees. It's illegal to cut them down. It makes me want to sing, "Where the Streets Have No Names."

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Hard week for our teenagers. I believe God is in control. It's our only hope (even if my feelings scream otherwise).

My true self

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Recently, I have become friends with a guy with an incredible story. He is 24 ( I think) and absolutely loves Jesus. He was regenerated about 5 years ago listening to Chuck Smith on the radio. We were talking about the male struggle with lust and he brought out the point that who we are when we fall is the greatest picture of reality. What he meant was that when we sin (whatever the sin may be) we are really showing at our core who we are. I am a sinner by nature. I am cursed by nature. I am depraved by nature. I am not good by nature. This may sound quite grim but it is actually quite liberating. The more we are exposed to our true self the more it pushes us to Jesus. It pushes me to his goodness and righteousness rather than me trying to muster up something I don't have.

To End All Wars

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:09:00 +0000

This is maybe the best movie I have ever seen. Absolutely an incredible picture of grace.

ESV Study Bible

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Crossway continues to be very smart. Mac users can download a free widget for the ESV Study Bible.

Slow and Steady Growth

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:37:00 +0000

God is moving in our teenagers. Here is a list of what I have seen:

1- Teenagers coming to me with Bible questions from their personal time with Christ

2- Teenagers asking me what book of the Bible they should read

3- Teenagers getting angry (righteous anger) over their parents lack of love for God.

This has taken almost 2 years to get to this point. It's worth every second of my time. I love these teenagers. I would die for them. I pray they will not leave the faith of their youth when they are out of high school. Sadly, this is the minority. I believe the Church is smaller than first appearance and the faithful inside the Church are even smaller. I want my kids to be the change and follow after the love of Christ.

Ituma Road

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:01:00 +0000

I am in the process of buying a house this month. I feel very blessed that God has allowed this. It's a fairly decent sized house with years of work to do. One of the benefits of this house is that the chairman of the Elder board at our church lives a few houses down. He is actually the one who told me about it. I can't think of anybody who displays a love for Jesus more than him. Plus, he is a very handy guy around the house.

Time Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:40:00 +0000

There is an article coming out in Time magazine speaking of the rise of Calvinism. I love that the awareness of God's sovereignty is continuing to grow. I am excited in the growth of Calvinism and how a true understanding of the Scriptures will liberate many.

Ted Haggard Still Missing the Point

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Ted Haggard is still missing the point. In a recent article he said, "My spiritual life was wonderfully empowering for me in the midst of the struggle. But it wasn't the solution."

Not the solution? Seriously? Jesus is not enough?

I don't care what sin he has committed. Jesus is not just a solution but rather the solution. He can still dwell and embrace the grace of Christ and it would be wonderfully freeing and liberating for Haggard. Like him we all need grace. Me and most the world don't struggle with homosexuality but we do have our pet sins. These pet sins can only be killed by Jesus. Pray for Ted Haggard.

Some Devil

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

This album came out in 2005 but I just really started listening to it in the last few months. It's Matthews' only album away from the band. You can tell a difference but it's absolutely fantastic. The songs "Some Devil" and "An' Another Thing" are great.

The Dave Matthews band has an album coming out this Spring. It's been a while since so I am very eager to hear the album. I have been fairly disappointed with the last 2 studio albums. Please don't let me down Dave!!

God's Discipline

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:11:00 +0000

About a week ago I had the unsettling feeling that I had not been disciplined for a while by God. In fact it was one of those moments that made me question my standing with God. God says in Hebrews 12:5-6, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Not long after this thought process I was disciplined. It's painful, humiliating, and terrifying all at the same time. But, I believe the greatest emotion I experienced in this is ironically love. I feel God's presence in the discipline. I love that this passage starts off as my son. He is calling me his child.

All that to say I SUCK!!!!!

Father,

May I learn to love, obey and make you the object of my affections in every area of my life. I am sorry for my rebellion and hard heart. I grip onto you and Jesus. Jesus is my only hope for salvation, redemption and deliverance from my sin. Thank you Jesus. I love you.

Your Son, Nate

Assurance

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:43:00 +0000

I never really had assurance of salvation until my early twenties. Even though I trusted and loved Jesus I still battled the terrifying thought of being one of the many who will hear the words, "I never knew you" (Matt. 7:21-23). In all honestly I became very angry at God because of my own doubts. I once emailed a famous theologian about my doubts. He even wrote two very solid books on the subject. I became frustrated with him (unmerited) because he couldn't give me assurance (as if it's a secret pill). How selfish of me to get mad at a very busy man who took the time to help me.

I really believe that the battle of doubt is mainly a personal battle. I say mainly because we need to express our doubts to other mature believers and get their help. But, when it comes down to it this is a battle between the totally depraved person and their doubts.

With all that said I want to explained what helped me in my battle (that at times still exists).

Meditate on Scripture-Remember that faith comes by hearing and reading God's Word (John 17:17; Romans 10:17. Do it over and over again until what you doubt becomes the anchor of faith you rely on.

Listen to Biblical Preaching- Along the same lines on meditating on Scripture it's important to hear Biblical preaching. If you are at a church where there is not Biblical preaching then you need to leave. Modern technology can be a blessing and a curse. The blessing of modern technology is that we can get wonderful preaching online. Here is a list I highly suggest: John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and Matt Chandler.

Focus on Jesus and not your emotions. The reason I battled so long with doubt was that I was looking at myself for my salvation. I kept seeing sin and rebellion. I remember thinking, "I can't be saved. I have done so much evil." Of course I will doubt my salvation if I look at myself. That is one of Satan's most potent tools. Inward dwelling can be very poisoning to your fight for faith.

Remind yourself of the gospel daily. If you can get into the habit of reminding yourself of the gospel throughout the day you will find your doubts over time will subside. Remember the Gospel is not just for those under the wrath of God the redeemed as well. Paul tells the Romans he is eager to preach the gospel to them (he earlier refers to them as the saints).

I hope this can be an encouragement in this battle. I believe we have made assurance of salvation a fleeting feeling. And to be honest I believe assurance is overrated to a degree. Many people are assured of salvation who will spend eternity in hell. May we cling to the sweet news of redemption in Christ and him alone.

Reading Goals for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:04:00 +0000

I have too many books I need to read but have not yet. I have close to 500 books in my bedroom. I pulled off approximately 20-25 books that I want to read this year. I can easily read these books this year if I will average one chapter a day. I am currently reading Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen and Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. I find myself choosing which book I will read by my mood. I am also going through the Bible this year. I am reading it in the NLT and enjoying it.

I am doing all of this because I want to love Jesus more. I want him to be what is quenching this constant uneasiness and anxiety in me. I love him but want more.

Matt Messner

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Last night was the first time in forever that I was nervous before youth group. Ironically, I didn't really have much to do with it. A student that I am mentoring told me a while ago that he wanted to get into speaking. He had never preached before but I felt comfortable enough to let him do it on a Wednesday night. He did a great job. God totally used him. I can honestly say that at his age I would have wet my pants if I had to stand in front of my peers and preach. We had 105 students last night and they were so supportive of him. I was very proud of them.

Matt spoke on the Gospel from Romans 1. It was a fairly deep message for a high schooler. Matt reminded us of Paul's undying commitment to the Gospel and how to live that out.

The most exciting part for me was afterwards when a few girls game up to me and said that when Matt preached he looked just like me. The girls said his hand motions were identical. I took it as a great compliment.

I believe God will use Matt greatly. I am very eager to hear what his future holds.

Middle Schoolers

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:12:00 +0000

I have had the opportunity to day a two day retreat with the middle schoolers here at our school. I am a rare person in that I would at times choose middle schoolers over high schoolers. No I don't use drugs and am not crazy but I really do love that age. Many times I want to hug them. Many times I would like to use torture devices on them. They don't make any sense. But there is some order to their chaotic world. They are at an age where they are so confused, so scared, but can still laugh. All that to say I want to share 3 questions that these kids asked me.

Question #1- "Why didn't God stop sin from coming into the world?"

Answer- God would be most glorified by this plan. Was sin a surprise to God? Heck no. What an insult. God knew what was going to happen but he wanted in the ages to come to share his grace with his created beings (Ephesians 2:7)

Question #2- "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Answer- We suck. There are no good people. Have you watched that show Two and a Half Men? It is impossible to deny total depravity after watching 5 minutes of that show.

Question #3- "Why does God give us parents, if he knows they are the type of parents that will divorce and leave?"

Answer- This is so heartbreaking to me. I can't answer that question. I think divorce is repulsive. The majority of my friends have been screwed by this man centered decision. It affects them forever. My own mother probably asks this question. I just want to tell whoever this kid is that this is not God who did this. God is madly in love with this kid.

God has given me the greatest job ever. I don't make a lot of money but I can honestly say I feel like I am cheating the church at times because I have so much fun and blessing from this.

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:25:00 +0000

I believe one of the keys to spiritual growth is hearing the Word of God preached (Romans 10:17). This should never replace personal reading of the Bible but rather be supplemental. I love hearing my pastor speak. He is so faithful in preaching God's Word. There is never a week off per se.

I also love to hear some preachers online. If you have not immersed yourself into the world of podcasts do yourself a favor and educate yourself. I will give you three examples of great podcasts that you can receive for free online.

The first and my favorite is Mark Driscoll. Driscoll is the Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. His leadership and passion can not be matched. He preaches with conviction, honesty, and intelligence. I love it when Pastors can be humorous yet not compromise on the Word of God. He once gave a story on grace that made me weep. I have never met him but love him greatly.

The second man I want to tell you about is John Piper. Again, I have never met this man but he has mentored me for several years now. I find myself thinking about quotes from his books throughout the day. Piper wrote a book on missions called "Let the Nations Be Glad." No book (besides the Bible) has influenced my life more. I have never read a book where I felt as if God were talking through the author specifically to me. This book on missions ironically is what led me to become reformed in my theology. Piper is known for impacting one liners. For example, "Missions exists because worship doesn't." Some books you may want to check out by him are: "Desiring God" and Don't Waste Your Life."

Finally, the last podcasts I regularly listen to is called the White Horse Inn. This is a group of 4 Theologians who discuss issues of the modern American church through the lens of Reformed Theology. All four guys are reformed. They come from the Reformed Church, Lutheren Church and a Baptist Church. The Baptist Church is represented by Ken Jones. Ken Jones is an African American Pastor in Compton, California. His intelligence is unbelievable.

Please go and check these guys out. They have helped me tremendously.

The Hollywood Church

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:11:00 +0000

We went down to Hollywood today and met a guy named Chris who planted a church in Hollywood. It was a cool experience. I love hearing about guys who have sold out. He went to Master's Seminary and worked at Grace Community (John MacArthur's church) for years. After that he moved to Alabama and worked under Stephen Lawson. Apparently, while he was there God totally shattered his heart and gave him a passion for inner-city ministry. For those of you who don't know Hollywood is not a great place. Homosexuality, poverty, drugs, and just sin in general runs rampant. It's a very sad and empty place. So God calls him here and God is doing some awesome through him. I just ask and pray that God would give me that faith. I say I would do it but would I?

There Will Be Blood

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:21:00 +0000

If you have not seen the movie There Will Be Blood do yourself a favor and go buy it now. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview who is an oil man in the late 19th century. The movie is a snapshot of his life. The movie starts with Plainview in his search for oil. As the movie goes on he becomes a wealthier and more successful oilman. I am of the opinion (with many others) that Day-Lewis is the best actor in the world. He is apparently a freak when it comes to taking on roles. He's one of those guys that takes on the character he is playing.

The excellence of this movie is not that it makes anybody feel good but is full of truth. The fact of the matter is the movie is a tragedy. But, I really believe there was more truth in this movie than much of what we call literature today (even Christian literature). Daniel Plainview is a somewhat likeable character in the beginning of the movie. I found myself cheering him on and wanting him to strike rich with oil. He takes on a child under his care with a deep intense love. As the movie goes on Daniel gets overwhelmingly greedy. The climax of the movie is when Daniel strikes it rich or as he says, "there is a whole ocean of oil under our feet." When they finally get to the oil it is at great cost. His son becomes deaf in an accident and Daniel sends him off to a special school. With his riches comes more and more evil. You can even see it in his physical appearance. By the end of the movie he is a disowns his son, is a drunk and murderer (killing the evil pentecostal pastor). The movie ends abruptly after the murder.

This movie could be summed up with the truth of I Timothy 6:10. Loving money is a root of much evil. This is to me the poison of the health and wealth message that so many people have fallen into. These poor souls have been told that godliness means blessing (typically financially). There is no promise of this in Scripture. The promise we have is death, persecution, sickness, heart-ache. Who are we to think that Jesus in all his perfection had to face incredible pain but we wouldn't. Don't love money love God. Don't love prosperity. Love Jesus. Make him your treasure. Make your time to be used for Jesus and his glory. The more you love money and worldly materials the more evil will follow you.

Student Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (nate g) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:06:00 +0000

I love being a youth pastor. I love making a difference in teenagers lives. I don't remember being in seminary or college and getting any preparation for the emotional struggle of ministry. I think they should have a class specifically on that issue. I have wanted to quit so many times but it's as if every time that happens God brings somebody to encourage me. That encouragement usually comes in the form of a teenager coming for spiritual help. I just met with a student that I love greatly. Something happened today that has never happened in ministry before. While he was on the verge of tears I thought to myself, "This kid is my brother." I would die for him. I mean that.

Thanks to a couple girls in my youth group I have a blog now. I want this to be mainly for me. My cheaper form of therapy. However, if people read this and are encouraged so be it. Thanks girls!!