Great Day

Today was very good. I got to hang out with my best friend Matt, grab a burrito at Moe's Southwest grille AND finally got to go to Clearwater beach. I don't know how to describe how much all these things meant to me. There are just some people in your life that your so tight with, they're almost like a Jonathen to your David. That's what Matt is to me, and I'm grateful to God for him. It's been a real challenging confronting my worst fear, that I am manic depressive. I've learned that it really isn't the end of the world, and that it can be quite manageable with medication, and a regular dose of sleep. Praise God that I'm getting both of those things these days.

I don't know why, but the beach is really my home. For some reason, I think of it as the most safe chill place on earth. I guess it's because when I was little, my parents would take us to the beach on a Sunday afternoon. Mom would always read a book on the shore, and Dad would take us out in to the water and play games with us. Afterward, we would go grab an ice cream cone. That was one of the good memories I had as a child, and I'm trying to focus on positive things these days. In fact, I'm asking God for help in learning that "what...(others)...meant for evil, God will use for good".

So I'm doing really good, and might even have a job at my old workplace, Sam Ash Music Stores. They're looking for someone to take care of the Recording department. I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket, and still applying to the other places. But that would be really awesome, if it works out.

I've got a support group going with this bipolar thing, and I'm also seeking professional help tomorrow. Medication seems to be helping me in the mean time, and I'm choosing to focus on Jesus, instead of myself.

At the beach, me and Matt did some filming with my laptop. I'll try to upload it to the web sometime this week. We ended up meeting this guy, and try to talk to him about Jesus. He told us that he had gone through cancer, and we offered to pray for him, but he turned us down. Oh, well, we can still send in "air support" without his consent. :)

So, things are looking up, but I'm still trying to keep both feet on the ground. It's good for me to be around my family. It's been really humbling at times. I hope that I can be a blessing to them, just as much as I am to others. When reading the Word this morning, I saw a note that I must've jotted down at the Calvary East Coast Pastor's Conference. Your family get's the best portions from the Word, and everyone else gets sloppy seconds. I like that. I think it's true. The priority in your life should be God, Family, Ministry, and then everything else. So grateful for God's grace and the revolutionary love that Jesus has shown, is showing today, and will show for eternity.

My younger brother Joey, played me some new music by Charlie Hall. There's one song in particular that has a great chorus, "When everything around me is going crazy (paraphrase), Your love is the rock on which I stand". That is so true, and something I'm asking God to reveal to me more and more.

Great Men's bible study tonight. We looked at 1 John 2, and read all about God's love and truth. The Living Word (Jesus) is inside of the hearts of believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit. That's how we can avoid cults, bad doctrine, and deception. The Spirit of truth, leads and guides us, into all truth. What a wonderful thing to be reminded that we live in truth, and the truth lives in us. Jesus is the truth, and Jesus lives in the hearts of those who believe.

"In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have already overcome the world."-Jesus (John 16:33)

Take courage, God's already finished everything, all we have to do is trust in His mighty love. I was thanking God for the palm trees this morning, since they look so lovely, stately, and tall. I thought about God's great big love, and how awesome He must be in person. It's so great to know that someday, it's going to happen. I'll be face to face with Jesus, and nothing will ever separate us.

Please pray that I would hear the voice of the true shepherd, and not be led astray by others. I've already learned that "there is wisdom in the multitude of many counselors", and "He who isolates himself, rages against all counsel." I guess guys like myself, are mule headed, and have to learn things the hard way. For now, I trust the Word, and also loved ones around me for help in discerning God's voice. It's not His voice that may be wrong, just my own "faulty wiring". The signal is coming in clear, it's just the reception that's a little fuzzy.

"Praise God for his indescribable gift!"-Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Amen. If it wasn't for God's grace, I would not be qualified to pick up trash on the street, let alone carry the glorious riches of the Gospel. I'm trying to take things slow and easy, and not get carried away. It's very humbling to rely on others more than self, but it's good for me, too. I have missed my family and friends terribly.

The week before I left Perth, On, we watched a film called "Paul the Apostle". It's three hours long, but totally worth it, it's a great flick. There's a line from that movie that resonates with me. Upon discovering there were believers in a foreign place, Paul said in the movie, "You are Christians. Oh, well than I am home." What a marvelous statement. When we gather with other believers, we feel like we're with family. I do miss my "family" in Perth, but I know that I will see them again someday, even if it's in Heaven. I'd like to pay them a visit in the summer, but we'll see what the Lord has in mind.

As always, I have multiple opportunities to do several things, but "only one thing is necessary and Mary has found it" (Luke 10:42). "One thing have I desired of the Lord, and that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To behold, the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." (Ps 27:4).

Well, I need to head for my bed. Be blessed.

Grace and Peace,
Jesse

No storm lasts forever

At the present I'm looking at my keyboard, and don't even know how to put into words how I feel. Please pray for me. "You've never had a boring day in your life", is what a friend said to me once. It's true. I don't often slow down, and rest. I'm weary from the journey.

Like Pilgrim, I've encountered many obstacles and blessings en route to the Celestial City. There's a great t.v. movie called "Pilgrim's Progress: Journey Towards Heaven" that I heartily recommend to anybody, Christian, or otherwise. It really gives an overview of the life of a Christian.

website: https://reelchristian.com/

preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxtoCydNDY&feature=related

It's a modernized account of Pilgrim's Progress, and the director apologizes for only hitting the major themes from the book in his film. He said,"It would take a six part t.v. miniseries to do the entire book." After seeing the film, I would love to see it as a miniseries. It was awesome. I mean, how often do you see a Christian film with sword-fighting? That's bad to the bone.

Anyway, I'm doing better than I was earlier this week, and looking forward to what God has for me in the near future. I'm just taking my time with things, and trying to not to make any major decisions. Thanks again for all the prayers and warm thoughts.

Change is good

Significant change has occurred in my life. I've gone on many adventures down life's journey. But I find myself here at the refuge, where the only person still standing is the Rock called Christ. It's only here that I can find the love I so desperately long for, and the sure protection from the storm. Similar to Elijah, being fed by the ravens, while he rests in the cave, I've been doing a lot of relaxing. In another blog, I will describe my recent adventure this past weekend, but will use fictitous characters and settings, so as not to protect the covenant of friendship I've sworn to uphold. Even if I'm crazy, my loyalty does not stop. I'll give more details later.

Things to do

1. Write a screenplay based off of a kids book from the '60's by the end of the month.
2. Contact agents or record labels for permission to use their songs in a movie.
3. Continue to contact people who have skills such as writing, painting, acting, lighting, directing, filming, etc., for movie.
4. Write a kids book that deals with depression, acceptance, and belonging, but somehow incorporates Jesus being in the midst of it all.
5. Write another book about your crazy life in the last three years with experiences in two different countries that explores the role of culture, poverty, and the Christian's response.
6. Learn how to paint for free from guy who's studied under a professional artist who's done backdrops for movie sets.
7. Slow down. Relax. Take your time. And focus on the main thing you're called to do...lead worship.

I'm sorry to say this is a small portion of what goes on in my head these days. The rest gets journaled.

Right now

I'm listening to Amy D. and my good friend Joel rock out a fresh jazzy song. I don't know how God put me in a christian recording studio, but He has. It's here in Perth called Christian Music Records. I got a chance to help record some fellow belivers who rocked out for Jesus with tribal drums Native American style! I can begin to describe how awesome that was.

In other news, it's actually been a really trying week. God is obviously in the midst of it all, but it's been really hard. I could always use some prayer. I really believe that I am doing what God has called me to do, and the enemy is not happy with my choice to serve and follow Jesus Christ.

U2 Redeemed

In the Name of Love (Pride)-U2

I've changed into:

His Name means Love (Jesus)

Who can match this holy love?
Who can make it grow?
This man came to exemplify
A love that won't grow cold

His Name means Love
His Name is the same as Love
His Name means Love
God sent His only Son

it's Jesus, it's Jesus
It's Jesus...

You once taught, and always teach
God's forgiveness
To zealots, outcasts, and freaks,
The Father's holy kiss

Your Name means love
Your name is the same as love
Your Name means love
You sent Your only Son

King Jesus, King Jesus, King Jesus...

On a Friday night, in Pilate's court,
They crucified my Lord
Now You're alive, the cave's full of light
Now We are your righteous Bride

Come stay my love
Come take me home above
Come stay my love
You are God's Holy Son

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Good Day

I think this is the first time in a long time, that I'm doing alright today. I think my brain has finally taken the helm this week, and I feel a lot more calm. I had a great time in the Word this morning and was really encouraged to continue serving.

The exciting news today is that it looks like I will be able to receive chiropractic care at no out of pocket expense, and I was able to get some more "biofreeze" today which is very helpful for me.

A verse that's been really speaking to me lately is, "No man hates his own body, but loves and takes care of it." I'm really glad that Jesus loves His Body, and takes care of it, aren't you?

Check out Revelations 21, if you want to see what Jesus sees when He looks at us as the "Lamb's Bride". We are a beautiful city made of transparent glass, solid gold, and decorated with priceless gems. The word "adorn" is used to describe this city a few times, which is an awesome word that means "make more beautiful or attractive".

I also read Ruth chapter 4, where we find out the name of the child that came from Boaz and Ruth's marriage. His name is Obed. Obed means "serving" or "worship" (blueletterbible.org). He just so happens to be the father of Jesse. Obviously, it's really nice to read one's own name in the Bible, and I was very encouraged today when I read that.

Anyway,it was a productive day and I got several errands accomplished, and still a few more to go. I'm having difficulty setting up a podcast for northgateministry.com, and may have to phone a friend, or something. In the meantime, I'm going to get what I can done.

It's good to know that things are going to work out "little by little" (Proverbs 13:11), and that the more I deal with life, the easier it will get. I'm reducing stress by working through things one step at a time and am very encouraged to keep moving forward.

I'm sorry to say that the very good thing is over. However, I'm so less stressed out, and probably better off without it for now. I don't know what the future holds, I just know Who holds the future. He is very trustworthy, and has promised those that seek Him diligently that "they will never be disappointed."