Monday Mail 11-8-10
I’m burnt out. I think everyone is. Sure we all have a lot of stuff going, but why are we all so burnt out on AGO? It’s because something is wrong and nobody wants to admit it. There is this big fat elephant in the room and we don't see it or say anything about it. We are lazy and apathetic; we have lost our first love; we say great things yet do nothing to see it happen. When Clayton dropped there was a sadness in my heart that still lingers, not just because of him dropping and not having any pledges, but because it was an indication that something is really wrong. It’s like Metro was saying the other week, we have become complacent and we are okay with being so. We have lost a love for AGO, a love that only comes if we love the Lord. Serving God and serving the fraternity were never supposed to be two different things, they are supposed to be the same thing. I’m not trying to blame anyone or point any fingers; if anything I’m pointing the finger at myself. But we must do something; we must repent and pray that the Lord will forgive us and seek Him with absolutely all that we have, in everything that we do. We need to love God and each other, we need to serve and sacrifice, we need to do what we say we will do. We can sit back no longer we must fight, we must strive, we must work because that is what we are called to do as AGO men, as followers of Christ. And we need to do it together. I love guys.
Your Brother In Christ
Chops 271E
Your Brother In Christ
Chops 271E
Monday male 10-25-10
Do you remember the scene from Men in Black where the guy stands and explains that they are there because they are the best of the best of the best… with honors? That is exactly what AGO men should be, the best of the best of the best. An AGO man should be the best student, the best employee, the best boyfriend/husband, etc. We have been given every resource to make this happen, to be the very best. Why should we be any “better” than anyone else? Because in everything we do we should be doing it for the glory of God. Being the best student doesn’t mean that you get As all the time. It means that you are diligent and disciplined. You study and try your hardest because God gave you the ability to study and be a student. Just because you think you’re not as smart as somebody else doesn’t mean that you can’t glorify God through being a student. The model applies to all areas of life. What truly makes us different is our motivation. If we are motivated by pride, selfishness, greed, or even just to do works for God; we will fail. Our motivation should be love, once you fall deeply in love with your creator I believe you will be strongly compelled to serve and glorify Him in all things. The Taj Mahal is a good example of this. It is a mausoleum that a man built for his wife. He could have gotten her a nice tomb and brought flowers every year, but he loved her to the extreme. The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648 and is still one of the most impressive structures in the world. That is the kind of thing that you will do when you are motivated by love. So what should you do now? Fall deeply in love with your Savior and your Creator. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:12-14, ESV)
YBIC,
Hack 278E
YBIC,
Hack 278E
Monday mail 10-11-10
As I reflect back on this year I wonder what life would have been like if I had never joined AGO. How I would be doing in school, friendships, and my walk with God have all crossed my mind. As I see it they would be nowhere close to where they are at now. As a sophomore in college I was immature in my faith and engulfed in every kind of sin, but the brotherhood that AGO offered; with its accountability and the consistent push of one another towards Christ has helped me mature and understand what it means to be a man of God. We must remember that this house is His house. That Satan is consistently tearing at our hearts and causing heartache to separate us from Him and one another. With this in mind we must abolish the simple arguments and drama that seems to constantly distract us. We must constantly turn to Him for strength and encouragement as well as push and guide each other as brothers. Luke 12:15 states “And he said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” This verse stuck out to me and encouraged me to examine my own heart. As we go through everyday life we are constantly engulfed in materialistic items that so many people covet so highly. It is far too easy to join in the indulgence and turn away from Him. As I prayed on this God opened my eyes to items that I had seen as idols. It was something I had not recognized and I encourage everyone to pray for God to show them sin that they are neglecting or are not seeing. Do not be afraid of what He might show you!
YBIC,
Nicholas “Spartan” Pierce 300E
YBIC,
Nicholas “Spartan” Pierce 300E
Monday mail 10-4-10
Being a Christian means being a follower of Christ, belonging to Him, in him. It means being in constant communion with our living God. It means being in an active relationship with Him. Sounds a bit cliché, doesn’t it? Personally, this is stuff I can pull out of my pocket and share with whoever asks about my faith. However, I have been putting much thought on it for the past couple of weeks. What exactly does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How can I take my relationship with God to the “next level”? To make things short and sweet, God has been encouraging me through people lately to lay it all down when spending time with Him. I have been finding myself talking with Him out loud in my room during something my church likes to call “Face Time”. The thought of praying out loud by myself seemed a bit weird at first. But after having a change of heart and realizing that prayer was an actual conversation with God, I couldn’t stop myself from conversing with Him. I would find myself receiving revelations of things I needed to confess and receive healing for, and discernment about what step to take next. It’s in those times when I feel completely vulnerable with Him, and have such breakthroughs that only make me love Him more. To sum it all up, our God is a living God, who is constantly speaking to us in more ways than one. He is mad crazy about us, and wants to reveal His mercy and grace every single day. He shows me more of His character every time I open myself more to Him. It’s refreshing. It’s proof that our God is an awesome God. With this, I encourage each and every single one of you to pursue Him with all that you are! Don’t let any sin, fear, or lie keep you away from experiencing Him to the fullest. He is worthy.
ybiC,
Christian “seaweed” Baez 281 E
ybiC,
Christian “seaweed” Baez 281 E
Monday Mail 10.19.09
I often ask myself where I would be today if it wasn’t for AGO. Chances are I wouldn’t be doing well in school and would be 40+ friends short (actives + alumni). I would be a completely different person because I would not have the privilege of being part of a unique and amazing brotherhood. Every single active/alumni I have come to know has played a significant role in my life. As a freshman I was very immature in my faith, but the brotherhood that only AGO offers helped me mature and understand what it was to be a man of God. I must admit that to this day I am still learning a lot, but I have yet to learn of any other place that offers a brotherhood as special as ours. My point is that we as young Christian men of Alpha Gamma Omega should remain united as one body through our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 6:21 states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be”. If we begin changing our focus to anything but the treasures that only God brings, our brotherhood will most certainly suffer a devastating blow. We must consult our Lord daily through our devotionals and prayer and trust that the Holy Spirit leads us in the same direction regardless if we agree/disagree//like/dislike at the time. Psalm 133:1 “Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” We must protect our brotherhood so it may continue to produce and flourish the upcoming generations of Alpha Gamma Omega.YBIC,Fifa 276E
Monday Mail 10.12.09
God has put it on my heart today to tell you what AGO is to me. So that you may dwell on and ask yourself how you have changed while in the house and how you can change for the future. What is AGO? AGO is based on a core group of guys who have been guided by God to take this house in the direction that He has called us to go. It is a place for people to experience the world supported by a house filled with brothers. A place to be torn down built up twisted emotionally physically and mentally. A place that is built upon prayer, commitment, joy, love, and selflessness. A place challenging men to overcome the fears and struggles that the world has laid at our feet. A place to expand and grow your relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and one true Saviorthrough a better understanding and daily devotion in His Holy Word. It is men devoted to prayer and worship daily for the blessings poured into our lives. AGO will be a struggle for those who truly care about this house and the people in it. We are here to be one body, able to go out into this world with God’s awesome love and glory in everything we do! We are here for one reason...to live for Christ! Here to make a difference, to be leaders, followers, friends, servants, and lovers. We are here because God has placed us here. Take advantage of what you have been given and let nothing go to waste or be forgotten. Live, overcome, fall, seek, embrace, accept, and do it all again!! Be you by loving God and living through Him! This is a brotherhood that turns boys into men for the Glory of God in order to lead a life devoted to our Savior. Don’t be afraid to find strength in God to step out your comfort zone, seek relationships with those in need, and learn to truly Love one another! Don’t be afraid to be transformed!
YBIC, Lalo 255E
YBIC, Lalo 255E
Monday Mail 10.5.09
A Man After God's Own Heart
As of late I have been asking myself if I have been growing into the man that God wants me to be. I have realized though that no matter how I feel about it, God has placed me in situations to make sure that I become the man HE wants me to be. I cannot expect to continue on the same path that I have been on and expect to see God show me the solutions to my problems or to transform me into wo he wants me to be. Therefore our hearts need to come to the place where they say “Lord, I want you more then anything else today. I want to know You so You can make me the person You want me to become.”
Having the right heart is only beginning in one’s journey in becoming a man after God’s heart. It is through difficulties that Christ refines us to make us into a new creation. I must be renewed by Christ’s work in my life before I can grow into his purpose for my life. Being refined hurts more then we realize, because it forces each one of us to examine ourselves and make the choice of following Christ’s will for my life, or to continue as we were before we heard the call of Christ.
I know that I need to be refined by Christ and His work on the cross. I cannot hope to become the man God wants me to be without going hardships that test my faith. The way we know we are on the way to learning to trust in Christ to make us new is when we say our hearts “Yes, Lord”, and decide to worship with when the darkness seems unbearable. James writes in his book that we must
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:2-5)
We must be willing to give up our pride and admit that maybe we were wrong, that we messed up, and that we need to come with broken hearts to Christ. It is only through our brokenness that Christ can begin to work in our lives.
Paul wrote in Philippians “For to me, to live IS Christ, and to die is to gain” (Philippians 1:21). We must die to ourselves! We must become broken if we want to live in the life that Christ has in store for us. We have to give up everything that hinders our relationship with Him, even though it may hurt. It takes courage and faith in the fact that after the dust has settled, Christ still remains strong, ready to take us and make us new again. Remember that Christ is there for you and that “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Life is hard, but the one thing I must do is this: Forget what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. All of us must seek out the call of being men after Christ’s heart, but it is only through his blood and discipline that we can. As Paul said, “I can do ALL things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Through Christ, I can stand when my heart wants to give up, when all my hope runs dry. In Christ alone can I stand through the storms of life knowing that Jesus is there waiting to take my hand. In Christ I find the heart of a loving and healing Savior wanting to heal me. Let us go to him and seek out our God’s heart, for that is what really defines a man.
YBIC
Shade 263E
Monday Mail 9.28.09
Are You Protected?
You are in a place Satan does not want you to be. Satan does not want you to be built up by others. Satan does not want you to share the Gospel. Satan does not want you to be a "light on a hill that cannot be hidden." Brothers, you are in grave danger. More danger than you would like to admit.We are in the middle of Satan's stronghold and he is laying siege on you every moment of every day. He is not a dim-witted enemy either. He will do whatever he can to tear you down and cause you to sin. Sin is no laughing matter. Sin is dangerous, and will bring you away from G-d. But G-d does not leave us alone to face this deadly siege of Satan. In Ephesians 6 He give us very effective tools in which to defend ourselves with. He says,"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (11-13)"First He gives us the Belt of Truth: We must equip ourselves with the truth of who G-d is through the reading of the Word. Our Fraternity verse says to “study to show thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” The bottom line is: read your bible! Second He tells us to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate is not something that we can acquire by our own power, but only because Christ has bestowed it upon you. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus is there for you andon your side. Go boldly into battle with Satan knowing that Jesus is with you! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the breastplate of righteousness. Next, we are to put on the Shoes of the Gospel: In verse 15 it says, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Notice that having these particular shoes on mean that you are ready and prepared to share the Gospel. Jesus commands us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). You cannot go barefoot to go share the gospel with the nations, so be prepared at all times! Furthermore, we are in “all circumstances” to take up the Shield of Faith: Verse 16 very specifically says, “you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” with the shield of faith. It is your faith that will save you from all the temptations of Satan. Remove any doubt from your mind and put all of your trust and faith in G-d. You are weak when you put your trust in yourself, but when you put your faith in G-d, you can overcome any temptation. Make sure that you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation: If you are truly a child of G-d, you will be equipped with the helmet of salvation. Check yourself, make sure you are wearing this helmet. Without it, your mind is open to attack and every other piece of armor is worthless! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the Helmet of Salvation. Finally, fight back with the Sword of the Spirit: Contrary to popular belief, the sword of the Spirit is not just the Bible, but it is “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Satan cannot withstand an attack from you if you come at him with the Word of G-d and are in prayer. Study your Bible, meditate on it day and night, and store it up in your heart so that you might not sin against G-d. Pray constantly. Prayer does not have to be a formal ordeal. The Holy Spirit is always with you and you have the ability to be in constant communion with Him. These are your two biggest weapons against Satan. He will not be able to stand against them. In conclusion, remember to always check yourself. You in so much danger and you will become injured if you are not equipped with the Whole Armor of G-d. With these there is no way that Satan will be able to tempt you and bring you down.
YBIC
-Lengua 279E
You are in a place Satan does not want you to be. Satan does not want you to be built up by others. Satan does not want you to share the Gospel. Satan does not want you to be a "light on a hill that cannot be hidden." Brothers, you are in grave danger. More danger than you would like to admit.We are in the middle of Satan's stronghold and he is laying siege on you every moment of every day. He is not a dim-witted enemy either. He will do whatever he can to tear you down and cause you to sin. Sin is no laughing matter. Sin is dangerous, and will bring you away from G-d. But G-d does not leave us alone to face this deadly siege of Satan. In Ephesians 6 He give us very effective tools in which to defend ourselves with. He says,"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (11-13)"First He gives us the Belt of Truth: We must equip ourselves with the truth of who G-d is through the reading of the Word. Our Fraternity verse says to “study to show thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” The bottom line is: read your bible! Second He tells us to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate is not something that we can acquire by our own power, but only because Christ has bestowed it upon you. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus is there for you andon your side. Go boldly into battle with Satan knowing that Jesus is with you! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the breastplate of righteousness. Next, we are to put on the Shoes of the Gospel: In verse 15 it says, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Notice that having these particular shoes on mean that you are ready and prepared to share the Gospel. Jesus commands us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). You cannot go barefoot to go share the gospel with the nations, so be prepared at all times! Furthermore, we are in “all circumstances” to take up the Shield of Faith: Verse 16 very specifically says, “you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” with the shield of faith. It is your faith that will save you from all the temptations of Satan. Remove any doubt from your mind and put all of your trust and faith in G-d. You are weak when you put your trust in yourself, but when you put your faith in G-d, you can overcome any temptation. Make sure that you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation: If you are truly a child of G-d, you will be equipped with the helmet of salvation. Check yourself, make sure you are wearing this helmet. Without it, your mind is open to attack and every other piece of armor is worthless! p.s. Isaiah 59:17 also speaks about the Helmet of Salvation. Finally, fight back with the Sword of the Spirit: Contrary to popular belief, the sword of the Spirit is not just the Bible, but it is “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Satan cannot withstand an attack from you if you come at him with the Word of G-d and are in prayer. Study your Bible, meditate on it day and night, and store it up in your heart so that you might not sin against G-d. Pray constantly. Prayer does not have to be a formal ordeal. The Holy Spirit is always with you and you have the ability to be in constant communion with Him. These are your two biggest weapons against Satan. He will not be able to stand against them. In conclusion, remember to always check yourself. You in so much danger and you will become injured if you are not equipped with the Whole Armor of G-d. With these there is no way that Satan will be able to tempt you and bring you down.
YBIC
-Lengua 279E
Monday Mail 9.21.09
“God loves me”. How many times have you found yourself saying this to yourself? Or how many times have people encouraged you with these words? Yes, it’s a statement that we’ve all heard so many times, that we sometimes lose the real and deep meaning for what it truly stands for. But honestly, God does LOVE you! Whether you may think you know that, or know how much He truly loves you, guess what? You never will!! We’ll all experience and feel His love in certain situations, but we will never fully grasp the whole concept of it. This past summer I served as a kid’s counselor at Indian Hills Camp. Throughout my whole time there, God started opening my eyes little by little to see His glory, and how wonderful of a Creator He is. I would find myself mesmerized every morning during staff devotions praising Him for that morning mist that so gently kept me cool. He started to soften my heart little by little to feel compassion for every kid that was put under my care. I would find myself pleading to God that He would use me to plant good seeds in all of my campers’ hearts, because I wanted them to experience Father’s love as I have. God started opening my mind little by little to understand that we’re all different, and come from different backgrounds. He taught me that no matter how broken or well we may be, we all need of His great and sufficient love, which surpasses all our worldly needs and desires. My prayer for you is that you stand in awe every day, in every way by the splendor of our King and experience the great love He has for you, no matter how small the detail.
Psalm 37
YBIC,
Seaweed 281E =]
Psalm 37
YBIC,
Seaweed 281E =]
