Your Love Never fails.

Hey Guys,

so I was just on the jesus Culture website and came across a video of Chris Quilala on the 700 Club singing "You love never fails." When I first started listening to Jesus Culture, this was my all time favourite song, and to be completely honest it still is. When I listen to it in times like these my soul hurts, I want to be doing what He is doing so badly! SO badly. School is frustrating, and I am scared I am becoming negative about it all. God says to admit when we struggle, and I don't know if I'd call it struggling, but I am just tired of school, and the things that go along with it. Right now the perfect day for me would be in a really old bookstore, with a big bottle of orange juice, listening to worship music, laying on couches, reading the word, and tapping into what God wants me to hear. Lately I think Satan is clueing in that I am tired, and the bible says he is a lion, always ready to pounce. I say lets not even give him the satisfaction of coming close to tackling us. Hahaha... oh man....

A few verses from Isaiah. ---

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.

God, I am ready to be consumed in You. I know that You make all things work together for my good... so show me God, this is the year that we win together. Bring me back to the Heart of Worship. On the Jesus Culture website there is also an article by Erica Greve, what God has told her about the year 2010, check it out. So inspiring. God, lay on these anointing's, and spiritual gifts on me. Yes, I want to bless people, but there is no satisfaction like that of seeing your approval, and success shine by the hundreds. Load it on.

That verse from Isaiah is very commonly used, but I feel like there is so much truth in it that we don't always appreciate. Read it over and over, what is God saying directly to you from that verse, what line sticks out? What penetrates? Now throw the question back to God, ask Him what He wants you to realize, what He has in store for you.

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes, but
You have new mercy for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that you love me
And your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep, but
I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
But your love never fails

You make all things, work together for my good

-Colton

I place all my hope in you.

The darker the night
the brighter the day
the fiercer the fight
the stronger the faith
so I place my hope in You

The deeper sin
the stronger the blood
the more to forgive
the more reason to love
so I place my trust in You

In Your ways oh God
redemption is so much better than perfection
in Your ways oh God
redemption is so much better than perfection
in Your ways oh God

Over and over
You prove You're so faithful
over and over
You prove Yourself a redeemer

In Your ways I have
redemption
so much better than perfection
so I place all my hope in You

- "Redemption" by Kristene Mueller, check her our, incredible stuff.

Well folks, I am pretty wiped out today, actually I am straight up exhausted, emotionally, physically, I think I need a day of rest. Running out of one thing right into another isn't always the wisest thing to do. But while I am here, try this out...

Luke 7:37-47 ---

Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."

⁴⁰Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Oh? Tell me."

^41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"

^43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."

"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."

Read - Read the passage slowly, noticing the major players and actions in the story.

Think - (I love this part) Choose one person in the story with whom you identify most, and then read the story again. Imaginatively enter the scene, experiencing everything from that person's perspective. Hear the conversations. Feel the silence in the room as Jesus' feet are tenderly washed. Now listen to Jesus' voice and watch his face as he speaks. What do you feel? What thoughts go through your head?

Pray - Talk to Jesus about what this experience has stirred up in you.

Live - "If human love does not carry a man beyond himself, it is not love. If love is always discreet, always wise, always sensible and calculating, never carried beyond itself, it is not love at all. It may be affection, it may be warmth of feeling, but it has not the true nature of love in it." - Oswald Chambers. Think about the degree of restraint or abandon you show in your relationship with Jesus (and others). Consider the conscious decisions you are constantly making about the way you'll act in that relationship. When does emotional momentum stir you? What do you do when it does? Under what circumstances do you set limits or hold back? What expectations or fears underlie your decisions? Share these with Jesus. What is something you could do today that would have "the true nature of love in it"?

-The message. :)

Pray, Eat, Sleep

-Colton

Dance with me.

Oh God, set us on fire, we pour out our love on you.

Wake up our normal life, you can do whatever you want to. Shake up eternal sight, because we want You.

Woah, out of nowhere, I realized I was so overly thirsty, so dry, and tired, I needed to be ignited big time, so I popped in the Jesus Culture DVD, and everything that I had been questioning the past few days had been cleared up, I need to go to that school, I need to worship, it is what I am meant to do, it is all I can do when I am in that state.

It's funny, I decided to get off Facebook, and look where it got me. It really pays to listen to that voice in your head.

This is the time, I can't forget that, we can't forget that, oh man, this is everything, He is everything and I spent a week forgetting that, I am so back, and so ready. God set me on fire right now.

Here inside your presence I am taken by the wonder of you, here inside your glory, we give our lives fully to you.

I ask for more of you.

We cry Holy, Holy are you. Our hearts are burning, burning for you.

We are your burning ones, we are consumed by you. We set our lives apart.

Psalms 32:11 ---

Celebrate God, Sing together-everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

The past week I have been so focused on the world, and certain things about it, haha it is all wrong and there is no satisfaction from it unless it is from God. Oh God, fill my soul with YOUR desire. Take away everything that I feel like I have to focus on, make it second priority, you won't let me fail at anything if I put You first in everything. Let my passion bring you fame. Let my life be like a flame. Consume every part of us! Every part of us, you are my one desire Lord.

Haha, oh man, I can't believe I let myself forget the thing that always made me the most happy person. I am really back, really. Forever free.

Sorry for the ramble and rant, and you know what, it will probably keep going; but I have to say, let it all go, surrender it all, give it all up, there is no other joy that will complete you. The thing is... we worry during so much of our day, and stress, and we don't have the fun that God wants us to have, and we aren't trying to shove religion down peoples throats we are trying to show people how incredible and incomparable God's love and joy is to anything else in this world! Haha. Amazing love, how can it be, you gave everything for me, everything for me.

God is higher than anything and anyone, outshining everything you can see in the skies.

-Psalms 113.

Meditate.

I have a new devotion book, and the main idea of it is to meditate on God's word, really read it two or three times, and look at it from different characters in the story, to relate it to yourself. This method really gets you into pressing deeper into what God is trying to say to you through his word. Man, oh man, I encourage you guys to do it, and take the time to do it like crazy. Meditate, close your eyes, God what are you saying? You know what is really on my heart, what is really consuming my mind, take it, and make it make sense, solve the problems that stand in the way of what you really want for me. Be my everything, with all creation I sing, praise to the king of kings, you are my everything and I will adore. No more pride, no more worry, just want to be where you are, just want to stay where your presence lingers, forever, follow me wherever I go. Lead my every step, never let go of my hand. I adore you.

This is what it is like when real love takes over, let it, completely let it take the reigns of your life, because when that happens there will be no questions, You will be in the exact spot where you need to be.

I've got to shout, I've got to sing, I've got to dance, I've got to let it out.

-Colton

Dance with me oh lover of my soul, to the song of songs. Romance me, oh lover of my soul, to the song of all songs.

Heart

Yes!

I am back, and it has never felt better, I have so much to talk about, and so little at the same time so we will see how this goes.

Hi! How are you? It's been three days, and three days too long at that.

The shows are over, and I am sad, and happy all at the same time, it was a great success! I was just stuck thinking about how blessed that cast was, they was groups of kids praying before the show every night, and it was obvious that God had His way with that show, people left with tears, smiles, and hope. It felt good, I feel good. I want to do it again.

So here I am, at home, away from that amazing cast, my mind is kind of buzzing. I loved doing that so much and I regret ever thinking that God didn't want me to act or sing or dance, I apologize for even writing that. He gives me joy from doing that, I get such a thrill, and the long term effects of a show like that are tremendous, I am completely blessed by it.

So thank you God, give me some more opportunities to get better, to be able to touch more people and release your never ending joy on audiences.

Story #2.

I don't know if I ever wrote about it on here or not before, but over the past six months God has put it on my heart to attend the school of Worship in Redding California, home of Jesus Culture. Lately the thought has come on gone a few times, a few things have stood in the way, and I just kind of stopped thinking about it for a while. Today I found out that my uncle has been thinking about going to the same school which would make finding a house, living in California for three weeks, and basically everything, a whole lot more realistic. I like the sounds of that. So that is something to keep in my prayers, God will tear down more walls fro me to go, if that is what really is supposed to happen.

Idea #3.

Heart. Guard your heart, open your heart. Over the last week, I have had a lot of thoughts about... heart. My thoughts, when you are so fully immersed in God, you start to think like Him, you become more in tune with His voice, so that eventually there is not a chance that Satan has the power to tell you something. So, let's reverse that. When we don't spend as much time with God as your used to, Satan starts to try and sneak thoughts into your mind or give your heart different desires. On top of that, your own mind starts making up things, and in some cases you think it's God speaking to you when it's really not. That's why it is best to wait and pray some things out. Which I am currently doing, testing my heart, making sure that what seems like a gift from God, really is. We can do that with everything.

Well, I am glad to be back, ready for more and more and more. As for now, it is more and more and more Homework, we'll see how that goes.

Until Tomorrow,

Colton

Joy

HEY!

So I apologize big time for not posting yesterday. This week is show week, and I am so busy and excited and I am having an incredible blessed time, but I've made a decision, I am putting the whole "ACTS" study on hold for the remainder of the week. I feel like I wouldn't really be able to put into it everything that I wanted to.

So, the next few days, if I get to post, the posts will probably be short, but keep checking - who knows what God has to say.

Anyway, like I said this week is a pile of fun, we are putting on the show Annie, a lot of the time I wondered how I was benefitting God, or what the point was of doing productions like this, then I guess... well, I sapped myself across the face. God fills me with joy, and complete satisfaction, and this energy that just overflows when I get to act and sing and dance on stage. Hopefully that energy and joy overflows to the audience... that i the point to make people happy when they come see these shows, it is simple, yet so worth it. So let that be your prayer, joy, abundant joy, Hahah..

I can't stop smiling,

Colton

Hi Yall.

So, would you pray for me? At the moment I am at the point where my body is crying for sleep. I guess I need help focusing on what I NEED to be focusing on. So some back up would be great... I apologize, maybe I picked a rough week to start going through Acts, I am scared I am going to butcher it due to exhaustion, however, here is Acts, chapter 2.

Acts 2:1-4 ---

When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

Sounds like a party to me. The reason why I love Acts so much is because it is the beginning of what we are now. These are the first actions of disciples of Jesus, without Him being on earth with them, just like we are now. I find it encouraging, and to be honest we can learn a lot from what they did during these times. Listen, if we want success we should check out what these guys did, because trust me, they got it!

Acts 2:17-21 ---

"In the Last Days," God says,
"I will pour out my Spirit
on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
I'll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both,
and they'll prophesy.
I'll set wonders in the sky above
and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
to me, God, will be saved."

I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side. I'm glad from inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you'll never dump me in hades; I'll never even smell the stench of death. You've got my feet on the life path, with your face shining sun-joy all around.

-David.

I love that because the same God that did that for David did it for the disciples then, and for the disciples now, which we are, we have that same protection, love and joy surrounding us this instant. We have to seek it.

I love this chapter, it begins! This joy, this energy, this journey! They learned to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, to get out of and no longer conform to the sick culture that surrounded them and to live in harmony. Check out the last few verses.

Acts 2:43-47 ---

^43-45Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

Eyes are glazing over,

Colton

Acts: Day 1, Chapter 1.

Hi yall!

Well, here we go, this is exciting, I re read the first chapter of Acts a couple of extra times today and a few points I want to share, if you guys want to get a lot out of this you should read it too! My translation is The Message, for easy access to any translation you want check out www.biblegateway.com.

Just a side note, how was your day? :) Mine was pretty darn cool if I say so myself. Anywho, ACTS!

Acts: Chapter one.

First thing is first, who wrote this book? Luke is the answer to that! This is a continuation of Luke's gospel book, titled, Luke. What a coincidence! Anyway, basically the story of Jesus doesn't end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in him. Luke makes it clear that the Christians he wrote about were not just spectators of Jesus - they were in on the action of God. God acting in them, God living in them. Which also means, of course, in us! Now that is exciting to me.

Acts 1:6-8 ---

In this verse Luke is recalling one of the last meeting the disciples had with Jesus, and here is an excerpt from the conversation...

⁶When they were together for the last time they asked, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?"

^7-8He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

I love this because it is a straight up direction from God. For me, the key word is WHEN. WHEN we seek, and dedicate ourselves to being in tune with the Holy Spirit and finding that connection daily, THAT is WHEN we will see success all the way to the end of the earth! Hmm, I am not sure what your standards are, but in my book, that is a big deal. Now, when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to by witnesses. So the question came, how do we get this Holy Spirit? What is a holy Spirit? What does it do? They will soon have the encounter that went down in History... (stay tuned tomorrow for that.) So Jesus says that to his disciples, Jesus rose into the sky and disappeared in a cloud. I am sure this was in a very triumphant way, I can picture big trumpets playing in the background, haha, I'm joking... maybe a harp or two, who knows for sure, I guess Luke was so busy watching his best friend fly into heaven that he forgot to take notice on what the ambient sound was. Tisk tisk.

Acts 1:14 ---

"They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers." I also really like this, I feel like it symbolizes and puts into perspective that this amazing experience is for everyone, and everyone there was ready and willing to dedicate themselves to prayer. They were serious, and in this for good, it reminds me of a motto I've heard. "If I am going to do this, I am going to do it right."

Now for the last part of this first chapter of Luke.

Every time I read this, my mind is slightly blown to smithereens, slightly. Listen close, this is beyond profound!!!

The disciples had to pick someone new to replace the spot of Judas, because Judas killed himself, most likely because of guilt...

Acts 1:23-26 ----

They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.

Haha! So they pray to God to make to make it super clear to them who should be the new "Judas"... then they pick sticks. I don't know, I laugh, I just get this vision of Paul praying over these two sticks in his hand and God blessing them. I guess it makes sense, at this point they hadn't had the incredible "encounter", they probably weren't sure what to do, but I promise one thing, those sticks were heaven blessed. See, I told you that was profound!

Well, that is it folks, I am sorry if it bored you, I promise the rest of Acts get's super crazy, and I won't be so nit picky, I bet it's tough reading a super long blog. Anyway guys, have one of those days were nothing can wipe the smile of your face. Pray to god, commit yourself like those disciples did, after all, just like Luke said, this is a continuation of the walk of Jesus, we are now doing what He did on earth, the healings and miracles that He started are still going on today, and we can be a part of that. Ever think of that? Where did it start? Jesus is the answer my friends.

Well, until tomorrow.

Smile darn ya smile,

Colton