Compassion

As I sit and watch the images of the devastation in Japan scroll through news feeds I can't seem to bring to mind the reality of such a horrific circumstance. To simply think that countless brothers, mothers, sisters, cousins, and children have become mere numbers lost in a climbing estimate of death tolls is alarming. For many in Japan, life--the busyness, chaos, hurrying here and there-- has stopped. I too, for a moment, have paused. However, I remain conflicted by the reality that in the morning I will awake and continue with my day as normal--a truth that seems unfair when placed against the hardships rising before those survivors who managed to withstand the most terrifying event of their lives.

I soon begin to wonder what our response as believers should be. Already, many have been quick to label this disaster as 'God's punishment', while others have checked if off of their 'End-times Events' outline asserting that things will only get worse. While I think that those responses may be a bit misguided, I am certain that Christ compels us to act more compassionately.

Even within the chaos of this tragic event I am reminded of the love and service of Jesus to those in need. I am reminded of His compassion. His co-suffering with a fallen and needy humanity.

And even now, God is calling us to embody that very characteristic of Christ in an attempt to suffer alongside of those who have been so deeply affected by the tsunami and earthquake. We have been given the opportunity to reach out to our helpless brothers and sisters in Japan whose lives have forever been changed. We are faced with the opportunity to bring the kingdom of God to earth as we act compassionately in service and love to restore the lives of these countless children of God.

We are invited to be apart of God's redeeming work in which despite the circumstance, He is glorified. For we know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him.

May we be reminded that God is present and endures alongside of those who suffer and may our prayers be for peace and comfort to those whose tomorrow may seem less certain than our own.

Trusting.

Yet again, I find myself in the chaos of my life.

I really, seriously, helplessly, emotionally can't put words to what I feel. It's not that I am numb. It's not that I cannot feel--because I certainly can. I can. I can feel and this feeling moves and constricts within me.

Patience. Be still, calm, okay. Be in the now--I tell myself.

Without worry for tomorrow. It will take care of itself.

Strengthened by the hope and glory I have in Him--in this I rest.

Ever-strengthened by the storm, I press on.

Peace.

I think about things a lot. I think about God all day, literally. If I'm honest.

Piece by piece I'm discovering the greater picture of the whole.

Although not yet certain, this masterpiece of beauty I'm slowly uncovering.

Cheesy but true. It's not about knowing all the answers. But rather about catching

just enough of a glimpse of God's love to want to come back for more.

Ah, the lovely love of God.

Heavy are the things that weigh nothing at all.

Yet, heavy enough to weigh down this heart.

Strong are they whose strength can't be measured.

But, rather is proven by their unrelenting pursuit.

This is the Irony of faith. So strange--yet so true.

To let go of that which makes no sense. Blinded, simply trusting.

Willing to fall and not know the fate.

I rest in You and You live in me.

He will not Delay.

Eloquent and lofty words are not always easy to put together.

Sometimes it is the simplicity of words that mean the most.

There are a lot of things that I don't understand.

Even so there are things that don't deserve an explanation.

Though the dark tide swells, it cannot hold me back.

Though the sands shift and the winds blow, I will remain.

My hope is set on the immovable, the unwavering.

Ever-strengthened by the storm, I press on.

i will trust in You.

Love has no boundaries.

Literally. God's love stretches past national borders. It travels over deep oceans and extends to foreign lands. I really enjoy sharing this love. I honestly enjoy serving and loving others. I mentioned a few months ago my trip to Panama over the Holidays. Soo... I've finally decided to share some pictures. God showed me some awesome things there. I had a blast!

I definitely had an awesome time loving and serving the Kuna People. It was great seeing how simple yet satisfying their lives were. They definitely taught me a lot.

No Limits...

Okay, soo It has been said, "Be careful what you ask for, cause you just might get it."
To that I'd reply, "Be careful what you pray for, cause God just might reveal it!"

For the past few months, I've really been yearning to know God more. To discover more of him while fulfilling less of me. What is love? What are we really called to do? How far does God's love stretch? What is love with no boundaries? How does God really feel about certain situations and what does God really desire from me?

Love. This reoccurring theme that God smacks me in the face with over and over. I think about Christ's sacrifice. Jesus really was awesome. Seriously, he was the coolest person ever. And then at times I look at the church, and us so called Christians and all the conflicts we seem to have. How we tend to be so harsh and judgmental. Somebody slips up one time or says something we don't agree with and we begin to question their relationship with God or feel as if they are no longer capable of serving or representing Christ. It's outrageous, and I'm not satisfied with it.

Since I have been little I've heard the statement, "Love the sinner, hate the sin." As remarkably intelligent as it sounds, and although it has good intentions, I think it is seriously flawed. For so long I've agreed with it, at least until God revealed how arrogant I was allowing myself to be. "Love the sinner, hate the sin" actually is not found anywhere in the Bible. Jesus put it this way, "Love the sinner; hate your own sin." Until you've taken care of all the sin in your own life, you have no room to address the sin in others lives. Wow, this was huge for me. And yet, in all of our grossness, filth and sin, God still find's worth and sees potential in our lives despite what others may think.

Seriously, Black Eyed Peas had something right when they wrote their song, Where is the Love?
...And exactly why is this Gospel of Love Diving America? Have we loss connection with the truth of Grace and Mercy that God Offers?

Wow, the Church, I'm often a bit disappointed lately at it's attempts to satisfy itself. To meet the needs within and fail to address the lost and dying. We beat ourselves up over arguments about who is qualified to serve on certain committees or how particular groups should be ran. After all, Church should be about lifting one another up, living in fellowship and focused solely on giving to the poor, and loving the lost.

Okay, so it probably seems like I'm venting, and although I may be, I feel like God is allowing me to see what really matters and what true Christianity is about. It isn't governed by particular rules. It does not stumble or avoid what it does not understand nor is comfortable with. Love truly has no bounds. Absolutely "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ."

God is huge and his love, immeasurable. It has no limits. It is patient and kind. It does not envy. It does not boast and is not proud. It reaches to the lost and clothes the poor.
This is the love that I want and the love that I'm commanded to give.

Through all this, I'm learning to shift my prayers from.. "God meet this need in my life" or "Show me who I should date so that I can be satisfied" or "God allow me to have a comfortable and stress-free week" to "God give me a heart for the afflicted and defenseless" or "God allow me to put your desires above mine"or "God burden my heart for the needy".

God desires our love. He wants us to be satisfied with Him and Him with us. He wants us to understand that he loves all people and desires that we live a life that brings glory to Him. It is so complicatedly simple.

God is huge. Bigger than the issues we face and the complexities we can't understand. His love limitless, it knows... no boundaries.

"I wanna be your hands and feet. I wanna be your voice every time I speak. I wanna run to the ones in need, In the name of Jesus. I wanna give my life away, all for your kingdoms sake. Shine a light in the darkest place, In the name of Jesus." --Fee

A Difference.

"If You're really inside changing my life You would shine, You would be evident. There's a difference."

"And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure... By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil; whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." 1 John 3:3 & 10

Is it evident to those around me, that my actions emulate a life of Hope that is placed in Christ?

I am certain that if my life is centered around Christ, it would be evident.
It would be evident because of the righteousness I have obtained through faith. It would be evident because of the love I have for my brother. It would be evident because of the selflessness and humility that I display through the example of putting others before myself. My joy, hope, peace, patience, and satisfaction in Christ alone would make it evident.
And yet at times, in actuality, I feel that its not--evident.

When I begin to question this dilemma, I quickly realize that it revolves around my understanding of love. I am fully aware of Christ's presence--His living presence, inside of me. I am aware because I experience His grace and love. It is when I fail to completely embrace this idea of love that his presence, although it does exist inside of me, is not evident. It is when I fail to realize that his love isn't fully encompassed by a feeling but demonstrated through action.

It is God's presence that ignites this comforting feeling of love that demands action. This move of action that demonstrates His presence. Action that shows concern for a brother, and service to the needy. Action that provides evidence--evidence indicating the presence of Christ.

I pray that my actions would be evidence for Christ's presence inside me. I pray that not only would I be satisfied with my knowledge of Him living in me, but that I would be compelled to act in love and allow others to witness his presence in my life as well.


God is huge and awesome. It is time that his presence in us is evident by our actions for Him.
I'm ready to move big for God.

By the way, I went cloud hopping on Saturday. It was cool. You should check out the pics.

"The same power that conquered the grave, Lives in me."

Fill my Soul Deep as the Ocean.

So... I've been away for a while, again. A lot has happened.
God allowed me to go on a mission trip to Panama over the Holidays. It was amazing; I'll post more about it later.

I'm rediscovering what it means to have life in Christ.
John 10:10 states "...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

This is powerful stuff.
I like how the Amplified version translates this; " I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

Having life in Christ means exactly what it states. Living IN Christ.

John 15:5 "I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."

It is essential that we allow Christ to dwell within us and us within the nature of who He really is. To live in love and compassion while fully accepting the grace that he offers.


I'm so thankful for a God that is relentless in his interest for what is best for me. I'm thankful for a God that lives inside of me and desires a life for me full of joy and happiness. And then when times are difficult, a God who desires to walk with me through the tribulation and allow me to be refined into the greater creation I have been designed to become. God is so much greater and bigger than I can comprehend.

I like revival, rediscoveries, newness.

Some friends and I put together a video in Uptown Charlotte to kick off the new year at our campus worship services. It's to the song Rediscover You by Starfield. Feel free to check it out.

Back To Life. from Kyle Ward on Vimeo.

Christ live in me, and allow me to live in you. Create in me the realization that apart from you I am nothing.

I am not Ashamed.

Today was a good day. That is definitely an understatement.

I'm pretty excited that I have been given to opportunity to live a life for God. I don't want to take that for granted nor do I want to waste it.

Big things are on the verge of happening. 1. Because I've been praying for it. 2. Because the devil has been at work. and 3. Because God is faithful and reigns over all.

My prayer is that I would carry the cross of Christ daily and suffer for his sake.


For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name.

Good Times.

Sleeping In, Japanese and Sushi, Wingate football Victory, delicious southern fish fry, intense golf cart ride, amazing game of charades, church at target, McAlisters for lunch, an authentic Panamanian dinner and a good nights rest. Definitely some of the finer days. Weekends are refreshing. Unfortunately they go by too fast.

I hope this week will prove to be incredible.

Glory to God forever.

Resuming the life of education.

I'll admit, I took a vacation; a blogging vacation. I am pleased to announce that the vacation is over. I'm apologetic in that it was so long; regardless, I'm back.

It has been great being able to resume the college life. My time is quickly spent fulfilling the demands of the commitments I've made. Above all-- so far I'm quite satisfied. I'm eager to dive into what God has in store for this year. Just the same I'm prepared to face the difficulties, tests, and trials along the way. I've come to understand that how we deal with these situations determines the direction of our success and potential of who we can become.

So while the halls are tread, the weather nice, and the opportunity for success bountiful.... I'm here to stay. Nestled for now beneath the trees of wisdom and revelation--or well, more realistically the concrete walls of Helms Mansion.

Title-less

I really do not get along with pollen. I've definitely had my share of "God Bless you"s for the week.

I really like how God works in the lives of people that I don't even know. People that live in other states, countries, and continents. Sometimes I forget that God is larger than me. Larger than just what goes on in my life. It is even cooler when you get to meet and spend time with these people who have aligned their focus with his plans for their lives. To see how God is moving in their lives and how he uniquely provides the resources that allow them to minister in their own demographics and communities. It is neat being in this army, sharing the same desires as soo many others. To have this love for them because of this same God that we serve; yet not even knowing them. God is huge. He is awesome. He is bigger than me and for that--I'm thankful.

Hmm.

Okay... So Easter was pretty awesome.

I wonder what would happen if I hid and egg in some grass and tied invisible thread to it. And how about if right before the person almost grabbed it I pulled the string and it moved. Then when they reached for it again, I would repeat the string pulling idea. I would then go on to repeat this process possibly three more times. Then finally I would let them get the egg. When they opened it they would see the $50 bill inside that I had hidden and then think "wow, at least it was worth all the work of chasing this egg". But then they would turn the bill over and it would be fake and read "April Fools"! I bet they would get mad because they are aware that it is Easter and not really April fools. But this wouldn't bother me because me and my friends do April fools all month long. Anyway I just thought I would share this.

Okay, so that was a waste I guess. I should probably tie that into some nice concept that it compares to in life. I'd probably say something like "are there things in life that you chase after, things that promise to contain something of worth? Are there things that you finally obtain and then they aren't all you thought they were cracked up to be? At times it seems we are all chasing after the 'Lucky Egg' and then when its found its not all we thought it would be." But saying all that would probably be confusing. After all, what does egg hiding have to do with an Easter Bunny? And what does either of them have to do with the Resurrection of our Savior? I really do not understand who ever saw the connection with all this.

I hope this makes since.

I do in fact have a few Tricks up my sleeve. No, Seriously.


Ok. This was random

No Greater Love.

This is real.

A story about a real God who understood what real love was. A story about a Father who gave his only son. A real God who truly loves us. A real story that involves us. A real death and a real punishment that was caused by us. Because of our sins. These things that we do daily that please ourselves and deny God. Because of us a perfect son paid the price for our failures. This is real. This is real and this realness--it scares me. I am so undeserving. I am unworthy. I did this. This is real.

I have nothing to give that could repay for what I have done. I have nothing to offer but my life. I am compelled to move. To act. I didn't deserve this salvation that has been given to me but I want to show that I'm thankful. I want to get to know this man who gave everything so that I might know his Father. I want to love him back, since he showed me what real love is. I want to continue to move closer to this God. He is my desire. My one true, real desire. I will not be silent. I will move foward into this real world and proclaim this Love.

This is real...

Thank you, Lord.

I'm so grateful of the undeserving Love of God that he graciously pours into me.
I shake in my bones-- tremble at his great, vastness.

Who are we to be called children of God? To be coheirs, with Christ, in the kingdom of heaven and eternity. To have greater favor in the eyes of God than the wind and waves; and yet being so much more unworthy than they. For they obey the voice of God--He speaks and they obey, and yet we fail and sin against him. Yet through this still he loves us. We can't understand this love. We can't grasp it with our minds, but must let it burn in our hearts.

I want to be wrecked in His love. Wreck me God.

I'm excited about what God has in store. Greater things have yet to come.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21

Short and Sweet.

Firstly, Listen to these guys.... then continue reading.

There is power in prayer. A mustard seed of faith is required. Through Him we can move mountains.

His Love is soo thick and tangible. He is always by our side. He is perfect. Still perfect in Love--even in our imperfections. He'll never let us go. This God we serve is indescribeable.

My weekend went well,it was short. Youth Sunday went well today. I caught 4 fish this afternoon. That made me happy. Each day I learn how much more dependent I am on Him. I can't do this own my own. He is my strength.

The world is round like a globe.

It's great having people that invest in your life and pray with you through decisions.

I want to live with urgency-- in regards to sharing the Gospel.



Consider the umbrella. It's good that they dont make larger ones with two handles, because man, watching three people bump into each other in an attempt to stay under one little umbrella, now that is funny. Especially when it has already stopped raining.

I'll never tire of worshiping you, Lord.

Not enough room to express my thoughts from the day.
CharlotteOne was awesome, yeah, it was great.

Chili's has good bottomless chips and salsa.


I cannot deny God's hand in my life. I'm learning to step back from my desires and step up towards my dependence on him.

1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)
And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches.

New Heights

The weather was nice today. Did I mention I love nice weather? Billy and I went out in his plane and did some nice flying. It never gets boring.

Cashiers at Walmart that express their love for Jesus are awesome, plain and simple. It's nice to be reminded that were not alone in our walk with Christ.

God wants to stretch us and take us farther and higher than we've ever been before. He has this crazy awesome plan that we can't even begin to understand. He blesses our faithfulness and righteousness. He never fails to amaze me.

CharlotteOne is tomorrow night, and I'm excited.

May the Vision of You be the Death of me.

Its awesome to know that God is in control. Omnipotent, Omniscient, & Omnipresent. No matter the obstacles or situation.

Spiritually speaking...It is vital that we bring death to our own desires in order to align with the plan God has for our lives. This has been a renewal of revelation for me.
Church was awesome today, both times, both of them.

I'm already looking forward to the weekend. A trip home is going to be stupendous.

If your going to rock out while driving in your car, make sure when a car pulls up next to you at the stoplight that you step it up a notch or two. It's more fun that way. Besides, who cares if they look at you funny, they're the ones missing out.

btw, I'm excited about going to bed now. It is 5:30am. Yummy 6hr Annotated bibliography work, gotta love it.