Soldier of God

The Potter and the Clay

2011-01-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

“As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” (Jeremiah 18:6)

This is the statement that God gives right after the prophet Jeremiah has witnessed a potter molding clay into a pot. When the clay did not look like what he hoped it would look like the potter crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. God is making the point here that he is in control and if we don’t do what he says he will crush us and reform us into what he wants. Right? I don’t think so.

I believe God wants the best for us in our lives, and will do what it takes to give us the best of what we need. I also see a God through scripture that will allow us to go our own way. We see it in the story of his people Israel all through the Old Testament. When they wanted a king and he said, “I am your king” they did not listen and went with having a king that they could see in King Saul. So many times people want to make God out to be this guy that sits up in the clouds and makes us do what he wants us to do and if not there is punishment for it. Check yourself. The scripture speaks of a God that wants the best for us from the very start. He sets us up in the beautiful garden and gives us everything we need, but leave it to us humans to mess it up!!! Now, what does God do after he warns us not to mess up and we do? He puts us out of the garden and gives us things that will make life harder. The ground is not going to produce as easy for men and women will have pain in child bearing.

Now, if I were to let someone play with my greatest toy (the garden). I tell them not to mess it up or they will not get to play with again, and guess what they mess it up I take it away and never again let them play with my toy or me and have nothing to do with them. God takes it away for a time, but he wants to give us it back. We spit in his face and say we want a king. He says fine and tells us it will not be good, but we go for it anyways. Wow!!! Are we dumb or what!!! The God that wants to give us everything we need is there for us, but we turn our back on him. Well, God is of great forgiveness and mercy. He tries to get our attention one more time and sends his son to offer us the greatest life we could ever hope for…a life where we will truly live, but says that it will require us to change some things. It will require some re-shaping. It will require that God will have to crush us into a lump of clay again and start over.

Now, God gives us the choice if we want that or not. God wants the best for us, but do we want the best for ourselves? He is the potter. Are we willing to be the clay and let God reshape into someone that will live life to fullest?

I changed my profile pic of my Facebook account recently to a picture of a pot, because I wanted to make a statement that I want to be a Christian that God can shape to be what he wants me to be and not what I think a Christian should be. I am going through a change right now in how I look at life and I have learned that this life is not about me and what I want. Even my Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blogspot, etc. should be used to bring glory to God daily. The next time I put a picture of myself for my profile it will be a new person. I have the picture of the pot up while God reshapes me and while I lose weight and get myself into better shape where I will be able to do God’s work better everyday and longer with a healthier me in place. I have learned that my weight gain is not just from eating bad and not working out, but it comes from a spiritual battle within as well, because if I truly let God in then I would want the best for my life because that is what he wants for me. This will not be easy, but Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Entertaining Angels

2010-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13)

Early on the morning of November 30th, 2010 and that would be 12:30am to be exact I experienced something that I will never forget. It was a cold night and I needed to go get sweats for the next day so I could go walking outside and stay warm. At the same time I thought it would be a great time to get gas for my car. Before I went to Wal-Mart I stopped at the gas station across the street. As I pulled up a man came up to me. This man looked like any other man, but with a certain worry and exhaustion in his eyes. He came up and asked if I could help him buy a tire for his car because he had a blow out and his spare tire was not in working condition. I told him to wait just a second and I would help him out after I got gas. I went inside the station and got some cash and then on my way out asked the Gas Station Employee if he had ever seen this guy here asking for money before and he let me know that he had never seen him before. I had to double check just to cover my basis, because I was thinking about really helping this man out and did not want to put myself in danger.

When I came out he got in my car and we headed over to the Wal-Mart and he proceeded to tell me his story. He was headed with his brother-in-law (who was with the car) from Midland to Terrell, TX, because his mother-in-law was their in the hospital after she suffered from a stroke. He had been on the road right after his long day at work and so that helped explain the exhaustion I saw in his eyes and the worry about his mother-in-law. We pulled up on Wal-Mart and found that his brother had already jacked up the car and was ready for a new tire. We proceeded inside the store to buy a tire but unfortunately the tire store of Wal-Mart was closed and we went back to see if they had the tire they needed, but they did not have the right size. He called a friend to come get them and help them out as he still asked me for money to help when they found a place to buy a tire. While we waited for his friend I stayed and talked to him. We talked and I informed him that I was a minister and that struck up a conversation about God. The night went on and his friend got there and I was still having trouble deciding if I was going to give him money or not. Eventually after talking to him it hit me that it does not matter what he does with the money what matters is that I can help him. Plus money is just money and in the end it will all pass away. I thought about it and I remember scripture that says that God will separate us into two groups one on his left and the other on his right. “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”(Matthew 25) I don’t know about you but I would much rather have eternal life then eternal punishment.

After I gave them the money they headed out to their car. I went back to buy my sweats and I paid for it headed out and guess what I see as I come out of the store…not them or there car. I don’t know where they went, but I know I did not get angry about giving the $20 I gave even it was not for a tire and maybe it was maybe it wasn’t and who am I to judge. What if, and just maybe, you can call me crazy, but what if those men were angels? “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Hebrews 13:2)

It is not an easy choice to make to help people out that you don’t know, but Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,
Spencer Gunnels

The Masterpiece

2010-11-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

Masterpiece: The most outstanding work of art by the most creative artist.

This past week (starting with last Saturday) has been a crazy busy one. It involved a show, preaching, finishing up a class, starting a new class, subbing, traveling, and my birthday. It was overall a great week to be alive. Everyday has been a blessing with a lot of time spent thinking about God and what He has in store for all of us.

Like I said it all started with a show. I was invited out by the Sunnyvale School Distract to perform at their fall carnival. It was very interesting performing at an event that was not a church event, but either way I still put on the same show I always do. It was cool to get out there and do that because I felt like Paul on the street corners preaching the word. On top of the great message that is bigger then all of us that I got the privilege to bring it was fun just simply because a lot of the kids that I sub for all the time were there rocking out to the music. Well, right after the show I got on the road for the trip to San Antonio where I would be speaking at the youth rally on Sunday night.

I had a safe trip and fun one at that, because anytime I get to travel it gives me a chance to think on life and what has gone on. It serves as a time for me to catch up with myself. I got in late to the Glenn house and also Josh came in to help out and hang out. The next day, Sunday, was a busy day. It all started at 7am when we woke up to head to the church building early to get some work done. The bible class was great and it was good to see some of the kids that I knew and see how they were doing. Then, after church Andy, Josh and I got to work setting up for that night and the youth rally. A couple hours later all the youth groups showed up and we got it under way with the focus of the night on “The Masterpiece” the topic that I got to choose. This is what I really want to share with you in this blog.

In Ephesians 2:1-10 is the beautiful story of the gift of grace. The first three verses talk about how at one time we were ruled by our sinful nature being led by the ruler of the dark world who is the Devil. He had us wrapped around his finger, because he gave us what we wanted and not what we needed. Still today this is the problem. Well, the verses go on and God rocks our world in verse four and five it says, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of OUR sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” God is so rich in mercy and offers us true love, and if fact it is so much that we cannot even understand it, but He did it. THAT IS SO COOL!!! Then guess what…He makes us into something that is completely new. God does not just come in and wash off all the bad stuff, but He comes in a gives us a whole new self. Why? He did it so that He can point to us and show His incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us. God is SO GOOD!!!

The biggest thing we need to understand from this is in verse eight it reads, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Life. True Life. It is a gift from God. In the beginning God created the world and in it He created birds, fish, beast, and like most artist He did not stop until He had His masterpiece. He created us and now He has created us anew in Christ Jesus. For we are God’s Creation…For we are God’s Workmanship…For we are God’s handiwork…For we are God’s Masterpiece!!!

Masterpiece: The most outstanding work of art by the most creative artist.

God is the most creative artist and you and me…we are His most outstanding work of art. We are His masterpiece. Take this and know that you are loved and have been made very special. Life sometimes gets in the way and likes to make you believe otherwise, and with that just know that Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,
Spencer Gunnels

Ps. My Birthday was fun even though I spent most of the day on the road. The rest of this week has been great subbing and just living life.

Wake Up: The Movement

2010-11-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

The lights went out and all you hear is the simple phrase “wake up” whispered through the crowd. Then voices join in and it builds up to the singing of Ephesians 5:14 “Wake Up, O Sleeper, Rise From The Dead.” The Show has started.

It was so much fun. On Saturday Night October 30th, 2010 at At The Cross Church of Christ in Mesquite, TX. I will always remember that night as the night the Wake UP Movement started. I just want to say thank you to everyone that came out to enjoy this event. I hope you had fun, and learned something about yourself and relationship with Christ. The night was full of great words as we got into the scripture a couple of times to read what God had to say to us. Thanks also to J. Withrow, Explicit, and Redeemed of Rekonciled coming out and bringing a word from their own songs to the show. It was great being able to fellowship with people that love God and love doing the music thing to tell others about him.

I would have to say the coolest part of the night was right before the show when the other artist and I were back stage just simply hanging out and talking about nothing. We were just 5 men who love God enjoy each others company while we were about to minister. Good Stuff. Then the best part of the night had to be at the very end when Brother James prayed over us and the ministry that it would take off and multiply. It was so great. I had a ton of fun preaching the word and I hope to keep telling others about God in the best way that will be heard by others. To God Be The Glory. If you did not get to make it out to the show the check it out at www.youtube.com/SGforChrist.

Follow up from my last blog…I hope that you took it and have started to live out the Christian life. So many times we talk about the sinful things we do that makes God sad. We need to step up and stop feeling sorry for ourselves and make war against the devil and his armies by doing the good things that God calls us to do. He calls us to so much more then not sinning. He calls us to live the life He lived and that included so much more then focusing on not sinning, but more it focused on getting His message of love out to those that needed to hear it. We may not have tomorrow so let us start making war today. Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,
Spencer Gunnels

2010-11-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Therefore: in consequence of that; as a result.

In Matthew 28 verses 18-20 it says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In this scripture it uses the word “therefore” and any time you see this in scripture it means I said all that to say this. I find this “therefore” to be very powerful because it comes right after Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Also, He says this after He lived the life He did, died, came back from the dead to say, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”

Then, we see this great commission of sorts yet again in Acts 1:8. It reads, “He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In my Acts bible class this scripture was drilled into our head, because it is very important. This scripture is the mission statement, thesis, the focus of the whole book of Acts, but more importantly it should be the mission of the church always.

Jesus came from all His glory in heaven to come and show love to the lost of His day. In Mark 2:16-17 it reads, “When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” We see all through out scripture that we are to be like Jesus. It even says that He came to leave us an example that we should follow in His steps.

So What??? What does this have to do with you? Well, If scripture says all this then we should do it…right? There is scripture that tells us we should do what it says. In James 1:22-24 it says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” In the same book just a chapter over it says that we must DO work, because without deeds our faith is useless.

In James 2:14-20 it reads, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

Is it not clear that when scripture says something we must do it? So, does that mean we do some things like have elders, deacons, and church weekly, but not do the great commission??? No, we must do it all!!! Jesus came back from the dead to fulfill the law and then tell us to go and tell others about His great love. Unfortunately, we as Christian in this nation have not done all that we can, but more specifically I notice this in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It is sad that ministers are having to leave there established churches that have been around for 50plus years to go and plant a church that will do outreach. They are leaving because the leadership of churches have lost sight of what is really important in this life. There is so much more to church then the weekly worship service, married couple ministries, and the budget. We don’t get that and that is why the scripture says wide is the road to destruction and narrow the way that leads to life. In Matthew 25:31 and following it reads, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left…(the ones on His left are those that do what He said to do.) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

As Scripture says,(in Romans 10) “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Overall, in this town we got some ugly feet, because we are NOT doing the great commission justice!!! WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET IT!!! This is a call to all people that call themselves Christian!!! GO!!! This scripture is not just for paid ministers, but this scripture is to all people that want to be more like Christ. I love you all and pray everyday we can be more like Christ. I pray thanksgiving for those that are living like Christ by doing the great commission. Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it!!!

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Wake Up: First Steps

2010-09-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today, September 27, 2010 I have started my first steps to healthy living, and I did that by simply taking a walk around the block, cutting out sodas cold turkey, and laying off the sweets. This is going to be a mission that almost seems impossible, but I know with the support of friends and family I will be able to do it. And also with help from all of my friends here that read my blogs I will need your help too. I just realized with my album “Wake Up” coming out that it was something I needed to really start doing and for real this time. I cannot be telling everyone else to wake up and start living their lives better if I am living here in this body, which is the temple of God, not taking care of it and expect people to listen to what I have to say. So, for the sake of being able to spread the Gospel to the most effective way I am making this know to everyone. Let Us Do This!!! Remember, in Ecclesiastes 4:12 it says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Just think if three is not easily broken what do you think one hundred, one thousand, or even one million people could do if they all worked together for the purpose of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. But again this is only the first steps to a greater good. It all starts here with a mission to all those that read this that you will Wake Up and help spread this and make it a true movement.

WAKE UP!!!

ARE YOU READY!!!

Along with this blog today I am releasing a lot of new videos and blogs as well. You can find these on my websites… www.youtube.com/SGforChrist www.purevolume.com/SoldierofGod www.myspace.com/fighterforthechrist www.facebook.com/fighterforthechrist www.fighterforchrist.blogspot.com

SG: Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Wake Up: The Album

2010-09-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

My album titled, “Wake Up” is done. Actually, Saturday I sent everything off to get it duplicated so everyone will be able to enjoy this message with me. I am so excited to have it done and to be able to share it with everyone the message that it brought to me and changed my out look on life. This album is a word of what God has taken me through in my life the past couple years (from high school till now about 4 years). Through everything in my life one message has rung true and loud, and that is the message that this album brings. When are we going to wake up? The scripture reads in Ephesians 5:15-17, “Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” The Lord wants us to WAKE UP and live this out right. The Lord calls us to spread this word to others, because before we know it He will be back to take us home. We need to stop living this life like it’s a game! We need to stop living by what we want in our religion and start living in a relationship with God which is what God wants for us. Let us WAKE UP!!!

-INSIDE LOOK: TRACK LIST and FEATURED ARTIST-

1: Wake Up Intro (ft. J.Withrow, Homeward Bound)**

2: Wake Up**

3: Salvation Revelation**

4: Turn Around (ft. J. Withrow)**

5: We’re Forgiven (ft. J. Withrow)**

6: Street Talk v. 2**

7: Trying So Hard^*

8: I’ll Get By (ft. KT of Rekonciled, Josh Duncan)*

9: Got A Problem*

10: Ima Soldier Interlude**

11: Soldier of God (ft. Explicit, J. Withrow)**

12: Now’s The Time (ft. Rekonciled)^*

13: Gotta Go^*

Bonus: We’re Forgiven Remix (ft. Rekonciled, J. Withrow)**

I cannot wait to share this album with you. The single “Soldier of God” will be released today to give a taste of what you can expect to hear. I hope you are ready for the message and call that this album will bring. Christians LET’s DO THIS!!! WAKE UP!!! Hey, Jesus Never said it would be easy; only worth it!!!

-Be watching-

www.facebook.com/fighterforthechrist

www.myspace.com/fighterforthechrist

www.youtube.com/SGforChrist

www.twitter.com/SGforChrist

...for details on how you can get a hold of this album and share it with your friends.

SG: Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Wake Up

2010-09-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

-Ephesians 5:14-

For me the college transition was a tough one to make, because I left home to go six hours away to Searcy, Arkansas to Harding University. One of the biggest things that I struggled with was waking up in the morning to get to my 8am class or 9am chapel depending on the day. It was not that I did not know how to get up, because I got myself up in high school everyday, but then if I didn’t wake up I had my mom there waiting to yell at me till I did wake up. So, when I went off to college it was so easy not to get up for classes. It was so easy to miss because all I had between me and getting up was not my mom anymore, but a simple little snooze button that I just had to reach over and press. If I chose to not press it and get up then good for me, because that meant I made the choice to face the world and do what I should be doing. But, if I did press the snooze button then I missed my classes, chapel, and the chance to live a life of meaning.

See, in the same way our Christian lives are based on a simple little “snooze button” decision; a choice that we choose to make or not make everyday. Let me explain. We may wake up everyday but do we really “wake up” in the sense of living for God. You may wonder why I say this is an easy choice when at the end of every blog I say Jesus never said that this would be easy, but again let me explain. The choice, the actual physical choice that we make to stand for God daily is an easy one or at least it should be, because of all the miracles we see everyday in nature and the lives around us. I believe when you choose that road you will have some troubles here and there, but at the end of the day, “your life”, you will look back and feel good about all that you have accomplished for the kingdom.

On the other hand the truth about choosing to not wake up for God is much like not waking up in life to get to class or work. That choice will be as simple as the one to wake up, but if you choose that road it will be easy because you stay in the comfort of your bed, “your comfort zone”, all day not worried about the world outside. You get to sit there and focus on you and your sleep coasting through the day, through life. And at the end of the day, “your life”, you will look back and think about all that you could of accomplished for the kingdom, but by then it will be to late.

The choice to have a good end comes at the start of everyday in your life. Everyday you wake up you make a choice to either live for God or not, and every time you don’t make a choice that is really you making a choice not to follow. You see Jesus says that if you are not for him then you are against him. Duh!!! Let me tell you this is not something that will every be easy to do, live this life I mean, but we can start by just making the choice daily to WAKE UP; Rise from the dead and live for Christ! Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it. Take This. Live This.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Finding-Self

2010-09-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Traveling around the world would be a fun thing to do. Right? Now, it is not something I will do soon, but I have been traveling around the state the last week and a half. Last week I was in Searcy, Arkansas visiting friends at Harding University. This week I went down to Houston for two days, and now I am in San Antonio, Texas visiting The Glenn’s and Northside Church of Christ. It has been fun. In Searcy I saw some friends that I have not seen in a year and a half, went to chapel, went on a hike and saw God’s beautiful creation, and then worshiped God long into the night with fellow believers. Then, in Houston got to see my good friend and brother Josh Duncan. We just simply chilled out and that is exactly what I needed. Now, I am in San Antonio and its has been great so far. Last night I got to teach class and today getting to just relax and work on sermon ideas I have been wanting to write out for a long time.

The reason I am writing this to all of you is that behind all the fun and seeing old friends I really am going around to get away from it all. It is something that is very good for anyone to do. There are several times in scripture that we see Jesus walk off to spend time away from it all. Also, I am taking this time to “find” myself. Now, this does not mean I am lost, but rather I have just lost sight of what is important to me and my walk and mission in life. This can happen to us all. What do we do when we loose our footing in life and have to get back on track?

Well, one of the biggest things I find that helps me is reminding myself daily that I am God’s child and He loves me. How? I get into that Book (The Bible) and see what He has done for me. We can read about this in Ephesians chapter one and verses’ one and two it reads, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” He loved us and we are His dear children. Everyday it is good to see this truth in The Word. So many of us get down on ourselves and there are days you may wake up and feel no one cares for you and no one is there for you. Well, that is DEAD WRONG and a LIE from the devil himself!!! The devil does not want you to know of God’s great love for you and plans He has for you, because if you don’t know then you cannot live. God has done so much for you and because of what He has done we need to live a life full of love. The next time you need to know who you are do this…Go find a spot to be quite and read the word and know that you are a child of God and He loves you very much.

Sometimes life is rough. Ok, a lot of times life can get rough because it likes to change…a lot!!! But remember that Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it. Take this. Live This.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Got A Problem

2010-05-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Problem Solved

I Got A Problem W/ The fakers the takers,

The world who likes to cheat us,

Beat us till we're dead,

Make me do what I can just to get the bread,

They telling me I gots to be a "G" and I gots to fight for me,

I continue to see parents ditching kids,

Kids not knowing what is coming in the end,

Friends taking their life cause there is to much striff,

Need to realize Jesus already gave his life,

Check the clock how much time you got,

Check your days are you going to change your ways,

I am not the best, but know I am trying,

Not sitting in the back of my life still crying.

-SG (Soldier of God)-

Well, as the title reads I do indeed have a problem. Now, the question becomes why do I have a problem and with who do I have this problem?

I am writing a song and started work on the music for it yesterday. It is a song that I have lyrics to but needed some music for it. Starting from scratch I worked on making this music with a good friend and producer Stephen "KT" Hill. Before we got to work on the beat we started to talk and catch up with each other. We talked about a bunch of things and one of the things happened to be what we have a problem with. One of the biggest issues that we both have was the lack of respect for prayer. So many times we use prayer as a way to make us feel better about the choice we make instead really searching for what God wants in our life. Have you done this before? You have a big choice to make and you have what you want to do and all your emotions involved. Then you go to God and ask him what He thinks you should do, but really you already know what you are going to do you just went to Him so you could tell people you prayed about it. So, have you done that too? I know I have done it a few times in life...Ok, a lot of times in life. I have had to learn over the years what prayer is truly for and why we are taught to do it.

When I was younger it was taught to me that God knows everything. This is true. So, if this is true then why should I need to go to God and speak to him if he already knows everything? Well, it is very simple answer because it helps us move on with our life. You know those times were you have that guilty feeling and you just need to get something off you chest and then you do and you feel better. I feel that guilt is required for us to learn from the mistakes we have made, but also it pushes us to speak to our father in heaven for forgiveness. Do you do something wrong against a friend and then just expect them to forgive with out you even asking for it? If you do then you have some problems and I have a problem with you. It takes us really wanting it and taking the time to speak to God about our mistake to move on with our life. It is tough to remember to pray to God everyday and when we do pray to not bring our own agenda to the conversation, but just simply to just talk to God and hear what he really has to say. Look it is like this Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it. Now I will leave you with the chorus of Problem Solved.

I Got A Problem,

It Makes Me So Crazy,

I Got A Problem,

With People Being Lazy,

I Got A Problem,

Yeah I Am Looking At You,

I Got A Problem,

'Cause You Know What To Do.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Summer of Sacrifice

2010-05-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

"she picked up the bible wiped off the spit and said, "what have they done? Father please forgive them." And that time the soldier put the gun to her head and pulled the trigger.

-Jesus Freaks by DC Talk

The girl was only 15 years old. She got caught in Asia in a bible study and the guards took their bible dropped it on the ground and said anyone who would spit on the bible and deny Christ would be let go unharmed. Three people did just that and then this brave girl stepped up and with all her love for God gave up her life rather then deny Christ.

We have started a three week long series titled Jesus Freak. We are going through the book and reading stories of people that have gave up their life to the extreme for God. This is all prep for the summer theme Sacrifice coming from Romans 12. We will start lessons from Romans in the month of June. I am really looking forward to this great summer that we have in store for the teens and some lesson when I preach will help the adults catch this vision of giving up our lives all the time for God.

In Romans Chapter 12 we read that we should give our lives up as a living sacrifice to God. When we do that we will be able to test and know God good, perfect, and pleasing will. I believe this is a very important concept that needs to be taught at a lot younger age so teens that have given up their life to Christ or are about to really understand what they are getting into. And with that may come them seeing that they are not ready to take on a life dedicated to Christ, because they will see that there is a lot more to then just going to some church events. It is about denying ourselves daily and doing everything we do for the glory of God. This is not an easy thing to do, and that is why Jesus never said it would be easy only worth it.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

Hasty Zeal

2010-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done one of those "directions" test, and you do not read the directions. The teacher tells you it a race to see who can do the whole test, and answer all the questions first before anyone else in your class. Then, when you get to the end of it you find out that you did not have to do any of it except for writing your name at the top. Yeah I have done those and many times I have answered all of it and skipped the directions all together and failed the test completely. I failed it all because I was more worried about getting it done then doing it right. I missed the real lesson the test was trying to teach me. It was trying to teach me how to read the directions because they are important to doing the task right. See, in my hasty attitude I missed "the way" the reason for the test.

In Proverbs 19:2 it reads, "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way." So many times in my preaching I ask people to get excited with their faith. They get pumped up and what not, and then turn around and they are still doing the wrong thing. Why does this happen? Number one reason it is like that is because they are not in the book. The most important thing is to know the word of God. Then, when you know it you will hopefully naturally get excited about it, and know what to do with your zeal for God. See, we don't want to be so hasty that we miss the point of all this. If we know the word inside and out and get into it and read it I believe that is when we can accomplish true zeal for God. When we seek the true knowledge of the word of God we will know what true zeal is and not miss the way.

This life is tough and sometimes we slip and speak before we speak. In those times we need to just simply step back, think, and go from there. It takes practice to live this life right all the time. It also takes leaning not on our own understanding. Remember, Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels

First Times

2010-04-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the first time you walked? I mean really remember it? Where you were standing ? What you grabbed hold of to help pull yourself up? It is tough to remember those types of things for most people. I don't remember so that must mean it is not just me, but most people.

This is my first blog on this page and I have started writing it with no thought of making it anything that I will remember for the rest of my life. Or at least 20 years from now will I look back and remember on April 16th, 2010 that is when I wrote my first blog. I don't know. I don't know because I can't see what is going to happen in the near future let alone the future 20 years from now. This blog is designed to share with you some thoughts about what it means to be a soldier of God and how we can widen our gaze to the battle before us. The unknown before can be very scary at times. I mean it is unknown. We have no idea what is coming our way. Sometimes we can guess and have some idea, but we never really know. Life throws us some curve balls sometimes. We just need to trust that whatever comes our way God will be there to help us through it. Don't forget that he is also there for times of praise. So many times we remember him when things are going wrong. We pray to him and ask, "Why God has this happen to me? Why do bad things happen to good people?" See with true faith and trust in God that is not a question we should have to ask. We should trust that God will get us through all the first times of life. That is when things are roughest is when we don't know how to deal with something because we never dealt with it before. The second time we sort of know what to expect and can get through it, but it is that first time that throws us for a loop. So, in your life may you enjoy every first time you have. May you fight through and trust in God when those first times don't seem so great. And remember, Jesus never said it would be easy; only worth it.

Soldier of God,

Spencer Gunnels