the eleventh hour...

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:13

It’s been an interesting week in the area of ministry here at Kaleo. First and foremost our days were filled with Church Ministry, a course that would interest even the most particular of believers. It is always difficult to come to a consensus when dealing with something that is divine – yet human, and this was reflected in the lack of absolutes that were developed over the course of this class. It frustrated the crap out of me...in a good way, does that make sense?

So with a brain resembling an intense seniors boggle game, I headed into my weekend with a full work schedule – balancing kitchen work, dishes, and barista responsibilities can have its toll, I am currently writing this under the influence of artificial energy. One moment stuck out amidst the chaos though.

I walked in on the end of one of the sessions with the speaker; the speaker finished his talk and then invited the worship team up. As the music began there was something different. I’m not referring to an overwhelming amount of baritone voices, but something much more significant. As a person who desires to be a man of God, it is so encouraging to stand at the back of a room and see hands rise to praise God. Not just arms accented by cuff links and gold watches, but arms that were tattooed, wrinkled, dirty, all equal before the throne of God. I use to think that when boys became men they grew in maturity and turned away from foolish ways, though I`ve come to find very little truth to this though, I was shaken at the faith these men displayed. It went far beyond the raising of the hands, but throughout the weekend – I cannot stress this enough, I felt a deep tangible encouragement by these men who were truly acting as God had made them.

To be a man of God is not a theory. I`m learning that regardless of what we hold in our heart as our deepest convictions, if those are not manifested in our world than we are not men. We are simply boys who refuse to take responsibility, and by the grace of God, build His kingdom. I am feeling tugged in this area of my life. A lover of theology, debate, and discussion, I am finding myself with insufficient funds in the area of action. I love talking about love, but showing it? I read somewhere that faith without deeds is dead.

So I find myself staring at my computer screen writing about it. Pray that the words on this blog are not just that, words. This blog post is short, and I think I’m ok with that.

Thanks again,

Jake