This weekend, I had the pleasure of being a part of "Jason and the friends," the band that led worship for Eagle Retreat 2010 in Salina Kansas. I really believe that it was a God thing that happened this weekend.

First of all, we weren't even supposed to be there, (the band that is). Through a weird series of events, (not going to go into them), Jason got asked to lead worship very close to the start of the event and was asked to put a band together. Luckily, he had two friends that he had led with before that were (kinda) in the area of Salina at the time. So we were called up and the experience began.

Another great part of this weekend was getting to hear the pastor for the event, which was none other than Andy Addis. If you have never heard of him, he is probably one of the greatest baptist preachers I've heard. His mix of comedy, stories, and just straight biblical wisdom really come together to create a wonderful teaching experience. He has an ability to speak to any congregation that he is asked to, whether that be for a camp full of 3rd through 6th graders to teaching an adult church congregation.

The theme verse for this week was a verse that I had read before and really been hit hard and convicted by the Holy Spirit on. The verse was Hebrews 12:4 "You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin." This verse was dubbed the "No whining verse." The main emphasis Andy made with this verse is that, especially in America, we love to complain and let others know our struggles and hopefully they will feel bad for us.

"You don't understand, I just can't kick this habit of looking at pornography."
"Well, have you tried not looking at it?"
"Kinda...."

or

"It's just SO tough to stop cursing."
"What have you done to stop it?"
"Well.......it's just SO tough....but nothing I guess..."

I believe that the actual quote from Andy was, until your attempt at stopping to sin gets to the point of shedding blood, you do not have any clearance to complain."

"...and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Another verse we talked about was, as everybody agreed, the one verse that everybody would cut out of the bible if they were given the option to do so...

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (NASB)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing" (NIV) Philippians 2:14

So even if we DO resist to the point of shedding blood, we still don't really have any clearance to complain. In everything we do, and this is my prayer, we need to have the attitude of the Apostles who were beaten for the cause of Christ. "So they went on their way...rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for HIS name. And everyday, in the temple and from house to house they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:41-42)

So my prayer for you today is that you would always "Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of one's faith produces endurance." (James 1:2-3) Always know that God wants the best for you and He will never give you more than you can handle. Always rejoice if you have to suffer for Christ, because the suffering here on earth helps you to receive a crown in heaven.

So I hope this just gives you something to think about. Always know that I pray for the readers of this blog, (if there are any) that they will be changed for the better and would grow closer to God through this.