I can't help but look around in these few moments in life. I look around and there are busy people moving so quickly and fast. The world is spinning, the universe is expanding, the galaxies are twisting and light is traveling. Everything is moving and in motion. There is no stopping it and there is no slowing it down. What is happening is happening now... not later... not sooner... not then... BUT now! We are restrained by this ticking clock and we are contained in moment by moment life sequences. We all have a beginning... a birth... and we all have an end... death, but what is found in between is life or is it?
Is what we perceive now to be what really is or is what we see now only a mirage of what is to come? Is this reality or only a sense of reality? Have we not yet been awaken to true reality where we experience life with new senses that we have no idea exist? Is this moment life or is it only a glimpse at what life really is? I have no answer to these questions, but I ask them not to find an answer, but to challenge thought and to awaken ideas of what eternity may be like.
Eternity sounds like freedom from time... Freedom from the chains that locks me into a system of birth and death. Eternity is incomprehensible for me, because all I know falls under the ticking of the clock. What will life be like when there is no clock ticking? When there is no age, but simply existence under no restraint. My mind is left to ponder these ideas, but not to go mad over them. I actually find deep rest and security in this idea of God being incomprehensible and of eternity being timeless. I rest in the arms of the very creator who defined every law of motion and existence. It is intimidating, but who is better to trust then HIM!
I don't have answers to any deep theological question or answers to any philosophical inquiry, but I do have the truth. It does not matter about right or wrong, because in the end when we are in eternity we will laugh at our distraught efforts to solve the world. We will laugh at our arguments about existence and creation and life after death. I have a feeling that I am going to look back on my life now in eternity and just laugh at how I thought I knew and how I thought I understood. I love how the writer of Ecclesiastes talks about life... "meaningless." It is almost depressing, but yet refresshing because it is true. In Ecclesiastes 3 Solomon talks about how there is time for everything and how God has set "eternity in the human heart yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes)." So what happens when there is no longer a time for everything? What happens when eternity sets in? What happens in the end? I don't know, but I am refreshed to know that God does and I serve Him. My master knows all!
I have been awakened to eternity only, because God has placed it in my heart not so that I can understand it, but so I will trust Him with it. It is God's gift! In Ecclesiastes, Solomon pretty much says he does not know! He proclaims that he has no answers. Now this is the wisest man in the Bible and he has come to the conclusion that he does not understand. BUT Solomon does make an interesting observation about time. He says to enjoy it and to enjoy your work and to enjoy your life.
"Go eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this MEANINGLESS life that God has given you under the sun - all your MEANINGLESS days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10)."
At first when I read this I was very confused. I was upset a little, beacause all my life I have been told, "you can do it... you can change the world... you can make a difference...", but can I? Can I really change the world. I have come to find that I can not, but I have found Christ who can. He is moving and He is changing me and the world around me. He is putting into place all of the pieces to bring God Glory one moment at a time. I am along for the ride. I have been handed life and I don't know when it is going to end, but I am sure that it will one day, but instead of making sure that every moment counts I am going to make sure I enjoy it. I am going to soak up what God has given me and I am going to sink my heart deep into the truth of eternity. I will enjoy my days here and I will enjoy what I do. I will enjoy my friends and family who I am priveleged to be on this journey with. Instead of being worried about the end I am going to fear God more than I fear death. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-13)."
why worry about what is happening now and why be so caught up in this concept of time and how it is limited, but become lost in God! He is the Creator and the Almighty! He is the great judge! He is all of everything and so much more. God is incomprehensible and unkown to me, but I much rather be on His side than on anyone elses even if Calvin says this or that (haha). I choose to be on God's side not my side. I choose to rest in the Almighty and rest in the unknown. I choose to enjoy my life and to enjoy what I have been given. I will work with all my might and follow with all my heart, but only because of what Christ did. If it were not for His action I would be incapable and comoletely hopeless, but since my savior died and my savior rose I can live! I can have eternity! I may never be able to understand, but I am okay with that, because I know the truth. My God knows me better than I know myself and He will take care of me not for just this moment, but for eternity.
Do not get caught up in the rush and caught up in the day to day routine, but break free into the unknown and rest in the incomprehensible God who knows all. It is true that He is King not only over time, but over all ETERNITY. Do not lose sight of the destination and do not lose your mind over the uknown, but be broken and humbled to be loved by a Sovereign Lord that will reign forever and ever. It is in this truth that I rest and it is in this truth that I live. Life is meaningless, all that has ever mattered and ever will is God. Plain and simple, God is the way, the truth and the life. There is no other way to live. So be free in eternity! Yes, it is incomprehensible, but be free in not knowing, but in trusting! Oh and don't forget to enjoy the ride!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Step of Faith to Nicaragua
Dear friends, family, and supporters,
Faith has been the call on my life over the past few weeks. There have been many moments of doubt and insecurity between me and God, but He has been so faithful to me (2 Timothy 2:13). God has made it clear to me that the only way I can follow Him is if I have faith in Christ. This faith does not come easy to me and is not some skill I was born with. I have struggled with this concept of Faith and I have wrestled with the Lord over it. I have pled my case and I have voiced my thoughts and God has listened, but I have lost. He has humbled me and reminded me of who He is. I am so glad that He has won my heart and has taken over my life. I am convinced that God is the way, the truth and the life! I am convinced that only by faith in Christ can I live! I am convinced and I will follow with confidence! I have faith that God will provide!
In Faith I have stayed in Tallahassee this summer to serve Wildwood Church. I am pouring into students and I am being trained to be a disciple of Christ. It has been difficult at times, but God has been so faithful. I have seen kids grow in God’s word and I have seen them excited about pursuing Christ. It is encouraging to see God work in the lives of these students and it is humbling to serve them. When you wash the feet of God’s children you get a glimpse of the beauty behind God’s Kingdom. When you serve out of sincere faith you realize the power of God’s redeeming love and grace. It is evident to me that God is working and He is moving. I have been privileged to have this opportunity to serve and I have grown in Christ every day.
In faith I will be going to Nicaragua this summer with Wildwood Church. The High School youth group every year goes on a mission trip to Nicaragua over the summer and I am so excited to be a part of this team! From July 24 to August 4, we will be serving in Nicaragua with Open Hearts Mission. During the time we will be working on a house project and running a summer camp for the local kids. I am excited to serve these people and I am excited to serve these High School students who are going on the trip. I can’t wait to see what God does in the hearts of these students and in the hearts of the Nicaraguan people. Also I can’t wait to see how God will work in your heart and my heart as we begin this trip of faith to Nicaragua!
As you know, these trips are not possible without God working in the hearts of supporters to give in prayer and finances. All of this is impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ moving to bring God’s Kingdom! My prayer is that God will work in your heart to give in some way whether it is in prayer or in financial support, but either way my true prayer is that you and I will be faithful! I need to raise $1200 dollars to go on this trip and I need prayer to be bold and faithful during this process. I am not going to lie, it is tough to walk by faith, but it is so worth it!
I am serving this summer out of faith and hope in Christ! “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)!” “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who believe and are saved (Hebrews 10:39)!” I have faith and confidence in Christ that He will provide for me this summer and the rest of my life!
Thank you for your support over the years and thank you for allowing God to work in your heart so that He can use you to change mine! I am blessed!
Thanks,
Michael Puckett
Send all checks to 100 Ox Bottom Rd., Tallahassee, Florida, 32312 and make them payable to Wildwood Church and write Nicaragua: Puckett on the memo line.
Faith has been the call on my life over the past few weeks. There have been many moments of doubt and insecurity between me and God, but He has been so faithful to me (2 Timothy 2:13). God has made it clear to me that the only way I can follow Him is if I have faith in Christ. This faith does not come easy to me and is not some skill I was born with. I have struggled with this concept of Faith and I have wrestled with the Lord over it. I have pled my case and I have voiced my thoughts and God has listened, but I have lost. He has humbled me and reminded me of who He is. I am so glad that He has won my heart and has taken over my life. I am convinced that God is the way, the truth and the life! I am convinced that only by faith in Christ can I live! I am convinced and I will follow with confidence! I have faith that God will provide!
In Faith I have stayed in Tallahassee this summer to serve Wildwood Church. I am pouring into students and I am being trained to be a disciple of Christ. It has been difficult at times, but God has been so faithful. I have seen kids grow in God’s word and I have seen them excited about pursuing Christ. It is encouraging to see God work in the lives of these students and it is humbling to serve them. When you wash the feet of God’s children you get a glimpse of the beauty behind God’s Kingdom. When you serve out of sincere faith you realize the power of God’s redeeming love and grace. It is evident to me that God is working and He is moving. I have been privileged to have this opportunity to serve and I have grown in Christ every day.
In faith I will be going to Nicaragua this summer with Wildwood Church. The High School youth group every year goes on a mission trip to Nicaragua over the summer and I am so excited to be a part of this team! From July 24 to August 4, we will be serving in Nicaragua with Open Hearts Mission. During the time we will be working on a house project and running a summer camp for the local kids. I am excited to serve these people and I am excited to serve these High School students who are going on the trip. I can’t wait to see what God does in the hearts of these students and in the hearts of the Nicaraguan people. Also I can’t wait to see how God will work in your heart and my heart as we begin this trip of faith to Nicaragua!
As you know, these trips are not possible without God working in the hearts of supporters to give in prayer and finances. All of this is impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ moving to bring God’s Kingdom! My prayer is that God will work in your heart to give in some way whether it is in prayer or in financial support, but either way my true prayer is that you and I will be faithful! I need to raise $1200 dollars to go on this trip and I need prayer to be bold and faithful during this process. I am not going to lie, it is tough to walk by faith, but it is so worth it!
I am serving this summer out of faith and hope in Christ! “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)!” “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who believe and are saved (Hebrews 10:39)!” I have faith and confidence in Christ that He will provide for me this summer and the rest of my life!
Thank you for your support over the years and thank you for allowing God to work in your heart so that He can use you to change mine! I am blessed!
Thanks,
Michael Puckett
Send all checks to 100 Ox Bottom Rd., Tallahassee, Florida, 32312 and make them payable to Wildwood Church and write Nicaragua: Puckett on the memo line.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Master Me
If you can understand it then you can master it...
Any scientist would agree that the purpose of research and studying is to better understand the subject at hand in order to predict it or in other words master it. For instance, a scientist studies the properties of electricity to learn how it functions and once this is accomplished electricity can be utilized. Scientist discovered ways to use electricity to power homes, automobiles, airplanes and computers. The point is that in order to master something you need to understand it and then you can utilize it.
Like any good tool you need to know how it works. A hammer can't be used by someone who does not know how to use it. The user must understand the function of the hammer in order to unleash its full potential. A hammer should not be used as a toothbrush or a hairbrush, but definitely should be utilized as a tool that smashes nails. The tool is surrendered to the will of the master and the master can't use the tool for anything other than its purpose. When the tool is mastered it is at its highest potential and it is serving its greatest purpose.
Take a step back and look at the way you learn about God. Look with honest eyes into the depths of your heart and think about the way you study the word, listen to preachers and worship in church. Think about the reasoning behind your actions and think about the frustration you feel when you just don't understand God. Think about the times that have been difficult and reflect on your feelings towards God. Think about the days where this whole God thing just doesn't make sense. Think about the moments where you have questioned God's existence, because you don't see Him, hear Him and feel Him. Think.
I am convicted with the desire to use God like a tool. I have tried to learn about Him and study Him and understand Him. I tried to at least know enough about God was to master Him and control Him. My equation was this that if I read my Bible everyday, prayed everyday, worshipped everyday and shared my Faith everyday then I would have a great life with a lot of money, kids and security. I tried to follow this outline in order to receive the results. Nothing in my heart wanted to read, pray, worship and share. It was all a show in order to use God like a tool for my own good.
I am in no way saying that reading your Bible, praying, worshipping and sharing your Faith is bad. Actually, I believe that these are outward signs of a changed life IN Christ, but it is all a sham if these things are done not IN Christ. The truth about my walk with God was that it revolved around me. I would get so frustrated at Him if I didn't understand something and I would be so upset that I couldn't comprehend Him. I wanted to know everything about Him, but not for the purposes of falling in love with Him, but for the purposes of using Him. The crazy thing is that I thought and believed in my deepest of hearts that I was seeking God, but really I was seeking my own selfish desires. I was so blinded by my own deceit and evil heart that I was living a Christ like life without Christ. I wanted to learn enough about Him to develope a code or equation for success. I wanted to use Him to have a happier life and the reasons for my pursuit was to bring my name glory rather than His. I was a fake. I wanted to master God to control Him. This is an evil reason for pursuing God.
The truth is that I am scared. I am afraid of not knowing, not understanding, and not ever knowing the answers. I want to know why this happens and that happens and I want to know the reason for this and that, but I don't. It drives me crazy to think of all the mysteries of God and how much I don't know. Why God would you allow sin? Why God would you create a tree that we could eat from that would curse us? Why does Satan exist? Why have you not destroyed him already? Why are there people born every day that will never know your name? Why not just let them never be born if they are destined for condemnation? Why predestination or why free will? Why baptism and why this or that!? Why!?
One can go mad thinking about all that is unknown about God. Trust me I know. It is indescibeable of how great our God is and how He is incomprehendable. We will never be able to wrap our minds around the vast concept of God and therefore we will never understand Him and never be able to master Him. Now this is the truth and this is what overwhelms me, because God calls me to surrender my life to Him who I don't even understand. He calls me to be the tool and says, "I will be your master!" The problem is that I want to be the master and I want Him to be the tool, but this will never happen because I am no god.
So I give up... I have pursued for the wrong reasons. I have sought after Him for the wrong purpose. Now instead of being overwhelmed by God's mystery I am going to rest in His mystery. Even though it scares me I will have Faith. I will trust in the ONE who no one can comprehend and in the ONE who knows me better than myself. He is my ultimate master. I will lose myself in His mystery. I will pursue Him with the purpose of desiring to fall in love with the ONE who gave His son for me. My pursuit is a reaction to the action taken on the Cross. I would never of known God if it were not for Christ. So my hope is in Him who gives me strength and in Him who is a great mystery.
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" -Romans 9:20
When the tool is mastered it is at its highest potential and it is serving its greatest purpose. MASTER ME!
Any scientist would agree that the purpose of research and studying is to better understand the subject at hand in order to predict it or in other words master it. For instance, a scientist studies the properties of electricity to learn how it functions and once this is accomplished electricity can be utilized. Scientist discovered ways to use electricity to power homes, automobiles, airplanes and computers. The point is that in order to master something you need to understand it and then you can utilize it.
Like any good tool you need to know how it works. A hammer can't be used by someone who does not know how to use it. The user must understand the function of the hammer in order to unleash its full potential. A hammer should not be used as a toothbrush or a hairbrush, but definitely should be utilized as a tool that smashes nails. The tool is surrendered to the will of the master and the master can't use the tool for anything other than its purpose. When the tool is mastered it is at its highest potential and it is serving its greatest purpose.
Take a step back and look at the way you learn about God. Look with honest eyes into the depths of your heart and think about the way you study the word, listen to preachers and worship in church. Think about the reasoning behind your actions and think about the frustration you feel when you just don't understand God. Think about the times that have been difficult and reflect on your feelings towards God. Think about the days where this whole God thing just doesn't make sense. Think about the moments where you have questioned God's existence, because you don't see Him, hear Him and feel Him. Think.
I am convicted with the desire to use God like a tool. I have tried to learn about Him and study Him and understand Him. I tried to at least know enough about God was to master Him and control Him. My equation was this that if I read my Bible everyday, prayed everyday, worshipped everyday and shared my Faith everyday then I would have a great life with a lot of money, kids and security. I tried to follow this outline in order to receive the results. Nothing in my heart wanted to read, pray, worship and share. It was all a show in order to use God like a tool for my own good.
I am in no way saying that reading your Bible, praying, worshipping and sharing your Faith is bad. Actually, I believe that these are outward signs of a changed life IN Christ, but it is all a sham if these things are done not IN Christ. The truth about my walk with God was that it revolved around me. I would get so frustrated at Him if I didn't understand something and I would be so upset that I couldn't comprehend Him. I wanted to know everything about Him, but not for the purposes of falling in love with Him, but for the purposes of using Him. The crazy thing is that I thought and believed in my deepest of hearts that I was seeking God, but really I was seeking my own selfish desires. I was so blinded by my own deceit and evil heart that I was living a Christ like life without Christ. I wanted to learn enough about Him to develope a code or equation for success. I wanted to use Him to have a happier life and the reasons for my pursuit was to bring my name glory rather than His. I was a fake. I wanted to master God to control Him. This is an evil reason for pursuing God.
The truth is that I am scared. I am afraid of not knowing, not understanding, and not ever knowing the answers. I want to know why this happens and that happens and I want to know the reason for this and that, but I don't. It drives me crazy to think of all the mysteries of God and how much I don't know. Why God would you allow sin? Why God would you create a tree that we could eat from that would curse us? Why does Satan exist? Why have you not destroyed him already? Why are there people born every day that will never know your name? Why not just let them never be born if they are destined for condemnation? Why predestination or why free will? Why baptism and why this or that!? Why!?
One can go mad thinking about all that is unknown about God. Trust me I know. It is indescibeable of how great our God is and how He is incomprehendable. We will never be able to wrap our minds around the vast concept of God and therefore we will never understand Him and never be able to master Him. Now this is the truth and this is what overwhelms me, because God calls me to surrender my life to Him who I don't even understand. He calls me to be the tool and says, "I will be your master!" The problem is that I want to be the master and I want Him to be the tool, but this will never happen because I am no god.
So I give up... I have pursued for the wrong reasons. I have sought after Him for the wrong purpose. Now instead of being overwhelmed by God's mystery I am going to rest in His mystery. Even though it scares me I will have Faith. I will trust in the ONE who no one can comprehend and in the ONE who knows me better than myself. He is my ultimate master. I will lose myself in His mystery. I will pursue Him with the purpose of desiring to fall in love with the ONE who gave His son for me. My pursuit is a reaction to the action taken on the Cross. I would never of known God if it were not for Christ. So my hope is in Him who gives me strength and in Him who is a great mystery.
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" -Romans 9:20
When the tool is mastered it is at its highest potential and it is serving its greatest purpose. MASTER ME!
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