Good grief, it has been many many months since I have updated my blog. But, I do hope that you all are doing well in the first week of this wonderful new year, 2014!! Who could have thought 2014 would ever come right? :)
I just wanted to share something with you all that God has reminded me of this evening. Something that had never made sense until now. Something that had crossed my mind, but never stuck.
Something that I hear many people talk about, whether secular or Christian, is what things have gotten them through hard times. Some say a family member, some say friends, some say an outlet such as sports. But for me, God had something very special. NOT BECAUSE I DESERVE IT but because He knew it would mean alot to me...and I take it every day as a gift from Him. Do you know what it was that got me through the hard times? Its my name: Joshua.
I used to greatly dislike my name. I didnt like the sound of it as a little boy. I always wished I had been called something different. But my Father knew me even better than I knew me. My name was written in the Lambs Book of Life before time began. He knew that I needed that name. He would use it as something special between us. Something personal that went from heart to heart. Something that would change my world.
Nearly every night as I lay down to sleep between, idk, 2008 and 2011, I would lay there in fear. The fear of dying and not knowing where I was going. So afraid Id wake up in hell.
Then Gods perfect plan led me to a Journey to the Heart. And during that week, the week that I found Jesus, HE saw fit to show me what my name means; Joshua: Yahweh will Establish.
Its amazing how many times I have heard the Lord tell me, again and again, not only in that week that I gave my life to follow Him, but in the years that are following. I am reminded when I am trying to do something on my own, "Joshua, let me work in you. I will establish you." Or when I am afraid of the unknown, I hear, "Joshua, do not be afraid. I will establish you." When I feel i have failed, "Joshua, you are washed in the blood. I have established you." Etc Etc Etc
He truly has, and I believe Him that we will continue to lead, and establish my steps. He is the only way. How often I need reminding. He is good.
Thank you for my name, Father.
Anyway. That is what I will continue to be thankful for this brand spankin new year. :)
Lord Bless you all!!
Joshua Hall
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Sunday, March 24, 2013
On my face, at His feet...
Well, howdy yall. It has been awhile since I posted anything on here. So I will just be sharing a little bit about what is going on in my world here at IBLP HQ. Nothing extremely exciting, but one must remember when He said, "He who is faithful with few things, I will put him in charge of many things."
The conference season here at HQ is ramping up pretty quick for the Graphic Arts Dept. Its all interesting as the different depts all start throwing in their aspects to the conferences and before you know it, all the hard work of many individuals make a successful even! Big thanks to all those who put lotsa hours of work into it. :)
But, honestly, on another level, its been quite a trying time for me spiritually for the past month or so. It has seemed like my talks with the Lord seem long distance. And sometimes like my walk seems to have many rough places where one could easily trip and fall if not careful. I have looked here and there for the reasons for this, but it hasnt really seemed to show its ugly head. Then, last week, I was just doing some cleaning ore something, and I just remember the feeling coming over me, and coursing through me, "Lord, I need you." I think I even said it out loud. It was then that I realized that its not that I had been doing something wrong, but its like the realization, the knowledge of that truth, had kinda faded out of my vision. My walk was hard cause I had become, idk, proud enough to not get on my knees that morning and beg for His guidance and wisdom, and protection for the day. And I had become arrogant enough that I had forgotten where my place is...on my face, at His feet. The words to the song, How Love Wins, just kept playing over and over in my mind:
This is how love wins, every single time:
climbing high upon the tree where someone else should die.
This is how love heals the deepest part of you:
by letting Himself bleed into the middle of your wounds.
Etc...
I just felt so bad, cause I had not loved Him with all of me. I had kinda pushed Him away as things got really busy. So, today i was just thinking about all that, and I remembered what my Journey to the Heart leader told me (2 years ago). I had just gotten saved, and I asked him what to do. He said, "Just keep your eyes on Christ. Go where He goes." Ever since then, I have really been challenged by those words...to "go where He goes." He died to His will every day, and began it with His father, so must I.
So, thats just alittle about what I am learning these days. I hope that some can be encouraged as they decide to "go where He goes", which begins "on your face, at his feet."
I am determined to be a leader as a man, and in order to lead, I must be confident in my direction...I am confident in my God: I go where He goes.
Well, Lord bless you all! Good night! I mean morning!
Josh
The conference season here at HQ is ramping up pretty quick for the Graphic Arts Dept. Its all interesting as the different depts all start throwing in their aspects to the conferences and before you know it, all the hard work of many individuals make a successful even! Big thanks to all those who put lotsa hours of work into it. :)
But, honestly, on another level, its been quite a trying time for me spiritually for the past month or so. It has seemed like my talks with the Lord seem long distance. And sometimes like my walk seems to have many rough places where one could easily trip and fall if not careful. I have looked here and there for the reasons for this, but it hasnt really seemed to show its ugly head. Then, last week, I was just doing some cleaning ore something, and I just remember the feeling coming over me, and coursing through me, "Lord, I need you." I think I even said it out loud. It was then that I realized that its not that I had been doing something wrong, but its like the realization, the knowledge of that truth, had kinda faded out of my vision. My walk was hard cause I had become, idk, proud enough to not get on my knees that morning and beg for His guidance and wisdom, and protection for the day. And I had become arrogant enough that I had forgotten where my place is...on my face, at His feet. The words to the song, How Love Wins, just kept playing over and over in my mind:
This is how love wins, every single time:
climbing high upon the tree where someone else should die.
This is how love heals the deepest part of you:
by letting Himself bleed into the middle of your wounds.
Etc...
I just felt so bad, cause I had not loved Him with all of me. I had kinda pushed Him away as things got really busy. So, today i was just thinking about all that, and I remembered what my Journey to the Heart leader told me (2 years ago). I had just gotten saved, and I asked him what to do. He said, "Just keep your eyes on Christ. Go where He goes." Ever since then, I have really been challenged by those words...to "go where He goes." He died to His will every day, and began it with His father, so must I.
So, thats just alittle about what I am learning these days. I hope that some can be encouraged as they decide to "go where He goes", which begins "on your face, at his feet."
I am determined to be a leader as a man, and in order to lead, I must be confident in my direction...I am confident in my God: I go where He goes.
Well, Lord bless you all! Good night! I mean morning!
Josh
Sunday, January 6, 2013
You say....but I tell you...
"You say....but I tell you, whoso looks at a woman with lust in his heart has committed adultery.
You say....but I tell you, if you hate your brother in you heart, you have committed murder," Jesus says.
I remember at the 2012 WIT singles conference when in the guys discussion session, the term "virginity" kept being used. The guys kept using the word as if that is the "line"...to go past that is sin morally. I leaned over to whispered to a buddy, "Something is wrong with that. It just dont sound right." We talked for a few minutes and came to the conclusion that "virginity" was a term of the world. "Purity" is what God demands. "Purity" is the principle that should have been held high...I bet you are now wondering what in the world my point is.
God has just really been showing me is that every single thing sin that I ever commit outwardly (whether verbally, or physically, etc), started long before in the heart. He has shown me that its whats in the heart that is the sin. If a man were to steal something, he sinned long ago by coveting. The sin only became more serious when it became outward by the act of stealing. Now he have not only sinned against God, the heart, but wronged a person, the action. If a man commits adultery, God would tell him, "Your sin started long ago when you thought this in your heart. Your adultery was only an outward expression of your wicked heart." Now, not only has he sinned against God, the heart, but now the woman by the action. The sin began long ago as lust. If a man murders his brother, it wasnt the act of killing him that was "the sin". (Although that is sin). The act of murdering him was just an outward act of what was in his heart all along. These are not my ideas, but principles that Jesus taught. He says in Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." God didnt say, "as a man doeth with his hands, so is he." Nor did He say, "as a man speaketh with his lips, so he will become." He said, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." In other words, you are what ur heart is full of. The Pharasees were what He called "white washed tombs". They were spotless on the outside, but the inside was full of "dead mans bones". Its not your actions that He calls sin, its your heart (which He calls "desperately wicked") that has committed sin. And Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life." Arnt we glad that we have a Savior that covers our wicked hearts?! :) That adds a whole new meaning to "He was spotless". Wow...He was indeed Holy. Praise His name! :)
My friends, it is whats in your heart that is the sin against God. Deal with the issues of your heart before they become the outward expression and before you harm another human being. "It is better for you to have a millstone placed around your neck, and for you to be drowned in the depths of the see than to cause one of these little ones to stumble." -Jesus. He takes wrongs against others very seriously. Please confront the sins of your hearts before the cleansing blood of Christ who has forgiven your sins, and strive to be a man/woman after God's own heart. What is the perfect heart? According to Jesus, the perfect heart says, "Father, have mercy on me, a poor sinner."
Just some things that have been on my mind lately.
May the Lord bless you all.
Keep them smiles on your faces. ;)
Josh
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
"...For it is the power of God..."
Well, its been several weeks at home now, and I LOVE it. I have been enjoying the time with my family, and I hadnt realized exactly how much I missed them. Its sad to think that nearly half of my stay is over. :(
But amid all of the fun there still is the whole "relationships with younger siblings" thing. haha. I remember my mom telling me after this last year (Christmas break), that I seemed to "easily be irritated" with the younger ones. But the thing is, I didnt notice that, I didnt feel like I was irritated at all. I do know that it was much harder to get along with them at times...
When she told me that I was really surprised. And in the weeks leading up to this year's Christmas break, I really wondered how it'd be for me...if I would be able to be a good example to them...I had been praying that He would allow me to be. In the last few weeks here at home, I have noticed that the times when a sibling tries to annoy me (like little siblings enjoy doing ;) I have been able to respond kindly. Its weird, because I seemed to have little control over that last year...but this time, its been almost natural to be kind for the most part.
Then God showed me what it is: It is because I truly have been in His Word. He reminded me that the He truly does honor His Word and His promises. He just pointed out that I cant love anyone, in the slightest degree, as He loved them unless I am in the Word. Like meditating on it. It never ceases to amaze me the difference from "walking in the Light, as He is in the Light" and "walking in darkness". It effects every area of life.
And on top of that, I have been really thinking about JN 12:24, Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Learning the importance of surrender when HE asks of it. Learning how to die...apparently there are many ways to die.
Stay in the Word yall! Lord bless you all!! Happy Holidays!! :)
Josh
But amid all of the fun there still is the whole "relationships with younger siblings" thing. haha. I remember my mom telling me after this last year (Christmas break), that I seemed to "easily be irritated" with the younger ones. But the thing is, I didnt notice that, I didnt feel like I was irritated at all. I do know that it was much harder to get along with them at times...
When she told me that I was really surprised. And in the weeks leading up to this year's Christmas break, I really wondered how it'd be for me...if I would be able to be a good example to them...I had been praying that He would allow me to be. In the last few weeks here at home, I have noticed that the times when a sibling tries to annoy me (like little siblings enjoy doing ;) I have been able to respond kindly. Its weird, because I seemed to have little control over that last year...but this time, its been almost natural to be kind for the most part.
Then God showed me what it is: It is because I truly have been in His Word. He reminded me that the He truly does honor His Word and His promises. He just pointed out that I cant love anyone, in the slightest degree, as He loved them unless I am in the Word. Like meditating on it. It never ceases to amaze me the difference from "walking in the Light, as He is in the Light" and "walking in darkness". It effects every area of life.
And on top of that, I have been really thinking about JN 12:24, Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Learning the importance of surrender when HE asks of it. Learning how to die...apparently there are many ways to die.
Stay in the Word yall! Lord bless you all!! Happy Holidays!! :)
Josh
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
My worst nightmare, His perfect plan...
The month of November was a long one, but a good one. Then came December, even busier than the previous month. I was looking forward to a time at home. Was gonna be awesome! Then I got news one morning that my mom was being admitted to the hospital for lack of blood. (Okeeyyy....last time that had happened, she was told that had she come in any later, she would have died) So, I prayed, my awesome friends were praying, etc. It was pretty frightening because I heard nothing all day...nothing at all. My siblings at home heard nothing. I know this sounds terrible, but near the end of the day, I was wondering if she was even alive. At around 9pm, i got a text from my mom!!! Nothing can describe the release that was. :)
I talked to her yesterday and she was telling me just how serious it had been. Her body had been running off of 1/4 the oxygen that it needed. Oh my, she nearly had a heart attack at one point, her heart nearly collapsed at another point. Good grief...it was all God. It was all God. It was all God. He did indeed do all things well. I had a friend ask me, "If God decides to take your mom, will you thank Him anyway?" That was eye opening...I didnt want to think about that. I didnt think it would happen, but what if my worst nightmare was His perfect plan? Would i still thank Him? Thankfully, He never called on me to do that...not yet. I am at home with my family now. I have missed them so much. :) Thank you all for all your prayers!! God heard you!!
So let me ask you all, what if your worst nightmare is His perfect plan? Will you thank Him anyway?
Do you trust Him that much?
Lord bless you all,
I talked to her yesterday and she was telling me just how serious it had been. Her body had been running off of 1/4 the oxygen that it needed. Oh my, she nearly had a heart attack at one point, her heart nearly collapsed at another point. Good grief...it was all God. It was all God. It was all God. He did indeed do all things well. I had a friend ask me, "If God decides to take your mom, will you thank Him anyway?" That was eye opening...I didnt want to think about that. I didnt think it would happen, but what if my worst nightmare was His perfect plan? Would i still thank Him? Thankfully, He never called on me to do that...not yet. I am at home with my family now. I have missed them so much. :) Thank you all for all your prayers!! God heard you!!
So let me ask you all, what if your worst nightmare is His perfect plan? Will you thank Him anyway?
Do you trust Him that much?
Lord bless you all,
Josh
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"What is Your Last Name?"
Just was thinking about all of the messages that we have seen about prayer recently, and I've been thinking about all of the times that God has shown himself true through prayer. I just wanted to share a really awesome story that I have recenly been reminded of.
I had been at various rallies for Sen. Santorum all day, I was worn out. The HQ van wouldnt be heading back till later that evening. So when I heard Johanna Feehan say that she was taking her car back early, I quickly accepted the invitation to go back. It was an interesting trip...about a 4 hour drive. I hadnt ever even really talked to Johanna at all, much less told her anything about my past. We got to talking about our siblings, and our parents, etc...it was neat to learn about where God had brought her from. Then she asked about my story. I really didnt want to tell this stranger who I had been. Haha. But I did...I am so glad for that decision. She listened as she drove, asking an occassional question. Just nodding. When I was done, she said, "Wow, God really has brought you a long way! I am so glad to hear that!" We talked some more and then she just randomly asked, "So, what is your last name?" "Hall." "Wait...do you have a sister named Bethany that went on a journey 2 years ago?"
"Uhm, yes, do you know her?" She just started crying! I was like...okeyyyy...this is...weird...maybe she thought I said something that I didnt. Strange. A minute later, she said, "You know, I was your sister's journey leader. She told the team about you...about the bondage in your life, and how it was hurting your family. We prayed, and we cried out for your salvation. We begged God's intervention. I NEVER thought I'd ever hear the result much less meet you. And here you are, a growing believer, serving in a ministry. Wow...He hadnt forgotten. He heard us."
It blew my mind!! I thought that I was all alone in that. But the truth is, I had people praying for me. It was the prayers of that team, the prayers of my amazing, wonderful mother, my sister, and the listening ear of our merciful God that brought me home. Thank yall so much!! I'll never be able to repay you!
I am a good example of God hearing prayer. Pray for your loved ones, yall. He DOES hear you. Prayer brought me to my knees before I even knew Him.
Lord Bless yall, Its getting late,
Josh
I had been at various rallies for Sen. Santorum all day, I was worn out. The HQ van wouldnt be heading back till later that evening. So when I heard Johanna Feehan say that she was taking her car back early, I quickly accepted the invitation to go back. It was an interesting trip...about a 4 hour drive. I hadnt ever even really talked to Johanna at all, much less told her anything about my past. We got to talking about our siblings, and our parents, etc...it was neat to learn about where God had brought her from. Then she asked about my story. I really didnt want to tell this stranger who I had been. Haha. But I did...I am so glad for that decision. She listened as she drove, asking an occassional question. Just nodding. When I was done, she said, "Wow, God really has brought you a long way! I am so glad to hear that!" We talked some more and then she just randomly asked, "So, what is your last name?" "Hall." "Wait...do you have a sister named Bethany that went on a journey 2 years ago?"
"Uhm, yes, do you know her?" She just started crying! I was like...okeyyyy...this is...weird...maybe she thought I said something that I didnt. Strange. A minute later, she said, "You know, I was your sister's journey leader. She told the team about you...about the bondage in your life, and how it was hurting your family. We prayed, and we cried out for your salvation. We begged God's intervention. I NEVER thought I'd ever hear the result much less meet you. And here you are, a growing believer, serving in a ministry. Wow...He hadnt forgotten. He heard us."
It blew my mind!! I thought that I was all alone in that. But the truth is, I had people praying for me. It was the prayers of that team, the prayers of my amazing, wonderful mother, my sister, and the listening ear of our merciful God that brought me home. Thank yall so much!! I'll never be able to repay you!
I am a good example of God hearing prayer. Pray for your loved ones, yall. He DOES hear you. Prayer brought me to my knees before I even knew Him.
Lord Bless yall, Its getting late,
Josh
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Good ol' time...
It has been a crazy last couple of weeks here at HQ, but its been a good past few weeks. There is lots going through the graphic arts department these days as the year is coming to a close. I have found myself working pretty late sometimes on personal projects, which has been a good experience as well. I have also begun learning web design in the last couple months. And its been great working with my good friend, Josh Clark, in learning as much as I can in auto mechanics. Just trying to learn as much as I can while I am still here, seeing that I will surely use it in life later down the road. The Lord has really blessed me in that, yea, I dont necessarily like everything, but he is teaching me in both the things that I enjoy, and the things that I dont really enjoy at all. Ya just keep smiling and push on through it! :)
A few days ago, I was just talking with some of my buds here, and we were laughing and just joking around. I have no problem with laughing, and having a good time...I love to laugh! :D I easily become the one laughed at because I laugh at my mistakes and enjoy watching others get a laugh out of it too. Just ask anybody here at HQ, "So, according to Josh, should I go to 'arrivals' or 'departures' to drop my kid off at the airport?" Or you could ask them, "What kinda ID does Josh need to get on a plane...being a Texan?" Lol! So yes, I love a laugh. But God just seemed to guide my gaze across the room to someone who I could really tell was hurting. They werent laughing. On the face of that person written across it, "Dont these people have anything worth saying? I dont want to listen to a bunch of young people laugh about nothing: I need for someone to care..." I looked away like really fast. I felt very ashamed at all of the things said. Nothing wrong was said! But nothing right was said, no encouragement was given to any of the guys to seek Him more. It was all a big joke. There that person stood...just watching us...wishing we would "take life seriously". I got up and walked away. The Lord just asked me, "Where are you going? Why are you disappointed in how you acted?" That must be how Adam felt when God called him in the garden: "Adam...where are you?" Its like He knew the answer already, and He knew that I finally understood...but He asked me anyway. He just put a picture in my mind of me standing there on Judgement Day:
God: "Josh, do you remember that day when you were having a good ol' time with those guys?"
Josh: "Yes Lord, I do."
God: "Tell me one thing that it did to push them toward Me...did it push them toward Me? Or did it take their eyes off of Me? Its time for you to give an account..."
Josh: "Lord, now that I think about it, it took any thoughts of you out of their mind, and put in its place something worthless...I said nothing worth saying."
God: "Josh, what you didnt know was, there were several people that walked by that really just needed encouragement, and a friend. And they would have let you help them had they not seen the way you acted. You damaged My name. As a professing believer, you gave Me a bad name. And you made your testimony useless to them. I was no longer able to use you as a tool in their lives like I could have."
Its weird, cause all of that ran through my mind in several seconds. I had not only given Him a bad name, but I had damaged my reputation (Gods reputation) in the eyes of those people. Man...
I am really coming to know the power of the tongue. He is teaching me that the tongue is indeed mightier than the sword. I realize now that I wasted 15 minutes of my life saying things that had NO value whatsoever. And on top of that, damaged His name. Wow....I am so thankful that He has reminded me that I will indeed give an account for what I say.
Like I said, I love to laugh, God made all people to love to laugh. Thats right. But "There is a time and a place for everything under heaven."
For God's sake, and for sake of those around you...be careful with what you say, people. You will give an account.God bless you all...
Saved by Grace_Josh
A few days ago, I was just talking with some of my buds here, and we were laughing and just joking around. I have no problem with laughing, and having a good time...I love to laugh! :D I easily become the one laughed at because I laugh at my mistakes and enjoy watching others get a laugh out of it too. Just ask anybody here at HQ, "So, according to Josh, should I go to 'arrivals' or 'departures' to drop my kid off at the airport?" Or you could ask them, "What kinda ID does Josh need to get on a plane...being a Texan?" Lol! So yes, I love a laugh. But God just seemed to guide my gaze across the room to someone who I could really tell was hurting. They werent laughing. On the face of that person written across it, "Dont these people have anything worth saying? I dont want to listen to a bunch of young people laugh about nothing: I need for someone to care..." I looked away like really fast. I felt very ashamed at all of the things said. Nothing wrong was said! But nothing right was said, no encouragement was given to any of the guys to seek Him more. It was all a big joke. There that person stood...just watching us...wishing we would "take life seriously". I got up and walked away. The Lord just asked me, "Where are you going? Why are you disappointed in how you acted?" That must be how Adam felt when God called him in the garden: "Adam...where are you?" Its like He knew the answer already, and He knew that I finally understood...but He asked me anyway. He just put a picture in my mind of me standing there on Judgement Day:
God: "Josh, do you remember that day when you were having a good ol' time with those guys?"
Josh: "Yes Lord, I do."
God: "Tell me one thing that it did to push them toward Me...did it push them toward Me? Or did it take their eyes off of Me? Its time for you to give an account..."
Josh: "Lord, now that I think about it, it took any thoughts of you out of their mind, and put in its place something worthless...I said nothing worth saying."
God: "Josh, what you didnt know was, there were several people that walked by that really just needed encouragement, and a friend. And they would have let you help them had they not seen the way you acted. You damaged My name. As a professing believer, you gave Me a bad name. And you made your testimony useless to them. I was no longer able to use you as a tool in their lives like I could have."
Its weird, cause all of that ran through my mind in several seconds. I had not only given Him a bad name, but I had damaged my reputation (Gods reputation) in the eyes of those people. Man...
I am really coming to know the power of the tongue. He is teaching me that the tongue is indeed mightier than the sword. I realize now that I wasted 15 minutes of my life saying things that had NO value whatsoever. And on top of that, damaged His name. Wow....I am so thankful that He has reminded me that I will indeed give an account for what I say.
Like I said, I love to laugh, God made all people to love to laugh. Thats right. But "There is a time and a place for everything under heaven."
For God's sake, and for sake of those around you...be careful with what you say, people. You will give an account.God bless you all...
Saved by Grace_Josh
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