Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 10/8/2011
The words of Jesus in John 19:20 “IT IS Finished”! How sweet the words and yet how sour the cost it must have been in order to say such words. For a God to humble Himself and become a man even limiting His knowledge as a man, for the purpose of being a sacrifice. The ultimate service for all of mankind and yet He is the one who is and will be our King when that glorious day appears.
I do want to throw out there, by calling Jesus “God”. I am not at all saying that God and Jesus are two separate entities but rather they are the same entity. Its just like our own bodies how we have a head but we also have feet, hands, and ears. They are not separate from the body but apart of the same body with different purposes. Just as we have God the “father” as the head, Jesus the Christ(God in flesh or God with us) and the Holy spirit to dwell within us while our Lord is away. I just wanted to throw this out there because of muslims I’ve come across who have difficulty seeing God being more than just one(I hope that makes sense).
Anyways back to the topic at hand, far too often we want to work out in our flesh and say that what Jesus did on the cross Isn’t enough. We work in order to find some kind of full-filling feeling as if we were in debt.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ….....KJV
That’s Right all we have to do is believe and its accounted to us as Righteousness. The Awesome work on the cross has been Finished!! It is done! No need to work anything out or follow a law to achieve such righteousness but it was all completed in the body of Jesus.
News from Romania!!
Well, we are getting ready to move from Romania to the nice little country of Moldova. We’ve done much here and just finished painting the fence around the farm white. Taho last night had allowed us to come to his daughters birthday party and boy that is one proud father. If I had a daughter too I probably would be proud like him. I really enjoyed working on his farm and seening a bit of the operation it takes to keep a dairy farm going.
While we’ve been here we’ve also had much time to help and talk to the Brits who have come through this place. From Ray, helping me fix the piano, to Julian and his funny accents of the world. To this last crew who allowed us to help them pour a foundation for a house. I especially enjoyed it. Thanks for everything guy’s and I hope to go past the UK sometime to visit.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 9/21/2011
Well, The latest news is I’ve been helping a cool Dude named Tao out on his Dairy farm. Its amazing that a big project like that has such small projects that need to be done everywhere. Looking at it from a Christian perspective, we may see the big picture looking forward to how the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus is coming but too often we can forget the small people or things that slide through the cracks we should be doing, after all our lives are an example to others.
Out here in the field we see the farm, the cows but don’t see all the weeds that need pulling, the tractors that need maintaining or even keeping track of nursing the baby cows to maturity. Its interesting how our Lord Jesus often uses shepherds in the bible as people who lead the flock, who look after the flock.
Jesus didn’t call us to live out our lives within the confines of our homes in a fantasy but he calls us to get out there to the real world and live with people, learn about people. I’ve been going out to town with some of my friends and just like the cows, they have a lot of crap, metaphorically speaking of course. Just being with them has helped me to understand them, learn about where they are coming from and how to live with them.
1Co 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
This verse I have been learning lately. I have wondered how to die to self and I believe just by attempting to live by this verse will show you how to die to self so that your legalistic point of view will be diminished and you can minister to a person who is weak in the faith. We must be wise in how we live with each person individually and not look at people so corporately.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 9/13/2011
Well we are all getting rested up here in Romania and ready to get to work for the Lord. Our group seems to have formed up fairley well but I believe we are getting ready to start going through a Storming phase, that is if you look at "Tuckman's stages of Group Development". I believe there are some hidden things benieth the surface which will come to light as time goes on about how we need to do things to take care of one another in a group.
I had played some soccer yesterday with some guy's/kids and one little kid who looks like he's about 8 yrs old has been trying to size me up. I think I may have to beat him up to show him who's boss, all in good fun though. Brings me back to when Josh, Ricardo and myself would wrestle in the living room, usually it was myself and Josh vs Ricardo, those were some good times.
The people here in Romania are really respectable, when we were waiting in the train station a drunk came buy and started grumbeling. Some of the locals who were walking by saw the drunk and told him to leave us alone and he went away. I really respect the people who are in this country. We also me a pastor and an IT guy from Texas in the train station, we talked for a bit and parted. It seems like there are people who are from all over here in Romania.
Well I hope to show some pictures next time I write.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 9/6/2011
Well were off to our adventure around the world. I thank all the people at Washington heights church UT, The Blue house there in UT, Jeffersonville church KY, and Porter Memorial in KY. I will do my best to let you all know what im up to and how things are going. Thanks and God Bless
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 8/3/2011
One Chapter ends and another begins as I leave the U.S. Air Force with a coin from the Communications Director, a Flag that was flown over the U.S. capital, and another flag from my secure communications shop I worked in. The uniform I once took pride in I now have to lay down in order to follow a different calling.
There is no glamor for Heros or for missionaries, all are really the same except the wars in which they fight are different. One is out of the flesh and the other is by the spirit. Jesus once said, "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword". Intresting how our Savior who people expected to ride a horse and carry a sword did not. Rather people misunderstood what he ment, not understanding the heart of the matter. The heart and attitudes within themselves toward one another.
Ephesians 6:12-13
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
For myself change comes but I will learn to be patient with what comes in hopes to be in line with scripture.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 7/5/2011
Camp is cool not much compared to military basic training. Food is alright but I miss the crab legs, and pizza and hamburger of the chow hall in Afghanistan.
The people here are a bit charismatic but I’m OK with it as long as they are scriptural about what they do.
The only real fun I think I’m having is being the alarm clock in the morning for everyone with the flute. Go figure, didn’t think that was going to happen. Well all is well and I’m not liking typing on this Mac computer.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 6/30/2011
Jesus Walks on the Sea
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,[a]tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,[b]he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and[c]worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
I’d say for a lot of us going on this World Race there is much fear, at least for me anyways. I’m so used to sitting safely in the boat, not even attempting to get out. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post I’ve done things to ensure my safety and security but I’d say God has brought me to that point in my life to jump out onto what I’d call “the storming seas”.
To be honest, I believe from within the boat I’ve looked too often at the stormy seas and not focused in on Jesus. To silent my mind and hear his voice telling me to “Be of good cheer”. Rather all my focus seems to be elsewhere, looking for things to worry about when in fact God has it all in his hands.
Again I must say I’m scared to be going around the world and not be in the military to take care of me. I’m so used to all the comforts here in the U.S. My current mindset is just to go with the flow though.
In this World Race I really am looking for God to move and change me. I'm really looking for peace and rest in my life wich seem contradictory compared to me just staying in one place but I guess I can only find that in Christ.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 6/28/2011
Hey ya'all,
I'll try and give a more detailed life story about myself. So Here it goes.
I was born in Berlin Germany, both of my parents were in the Army band. My mom was in for 3 yrs and my dad served for 15 yrs. I've lived in Massachutes(don't remember), Alaska, North Dakota (it got -40 while I was there), Virginia, Kentucky--This is where I joined the Air Force. From there I went to Texas for Basic training, Mississippi for my AF Tech School, My first duty station was Ramstein AFB Germany. After Germany I got stationed at Hill AFB and deployed twice to Afghanistan. And here I am about 6 months after being in Afghanistan I'm coming to the end of my enlistment and really need a change of life in general.
Jumping back to Alaska:
When I lived up in Alaska my dad was stationed up in fairabanks for a time and my mom and myself lived down around Palmer. Well it was there where I first started praying to God. My mom was active in the local church there and had ran a kind of summer school there for a week for young kids. Well anyways I'd say I got saved there in Alaska.
My dad got out of the military and we moved to North Dakota for him to go to school, then to Lynchburg VA(did Beekeeping there).
I had pretty much gone to church but not know what a relationship is with God until I was stationed at Ramstein Germany. There I met up with Dennis Blea and Max Strange who were apart of the Navigators(mission to the military). I'd say these two guys really impacted my life as a Christian in teaching me the scriptures. Bringing me to confusing topics like "are we predestioned or do we have free will". After many yrs I believe I have my answer in this but it was good, it gave me something to mull over.
After 2yrs I moved to Hill AFB Utah, where I moved in with a friend of mine Josh and Ricardo who were fellow Christians. Lived there for about a year, re-enlisted then went on my first deployment to Afghanistan. I did 3 months of Army Training then deployed for 6 months. I worked as a TOC(Tactical Operations Center) controller which basically talked over the radio to folks out in the field. I also listened in for if someone got into a TIC (troops in contact). Very High stress Job, don't know how I made it through that one but I did.
Came back to Utah for about a year then got deployed again to Afghanistain and this time I was apart of a PRT(provisional Reconstruction Team). Did 3 months of Army training and 9 months of Afghanistan. While there we(team of 4 people) managed 4 networks, worked on radios in trucks and also went out on missions outside the wire.
This deployment is the one that really made my decision as to getting out of the military.
Over the last 6 months I've been watch news articals of things going on in America and trying to find a job on the outside. Most of that area seemed hopeless to me. I wanted stability in my life but was not at peace with this.
For some Reason a few weeks ago God had thrown the world race thing back into my head. I was scared to even apply and yet there seemed to be peace there. I went a head and took a leap of faith, at least in my eyes it was, and signed up did the interview and here I am. This seems to be where God wants me probably because I've been caught up in too much garbage over the last couple yrs. I'm really looking for a change and a way to grow closer to God. Almost everything seems to be lining up for me to do this. There are still some details I'm working out as far as Outprocessing the military goes but I believe God will work it all out in the end.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 6/28/2011
Sitting by the fire looking into its large flames wondering what it would be like to be completely consumed by God. To be like the bush that spoke to Moses and have the presents of God covering you but not burning you up.
A few weeks ago the Intervarsity group at Weber state university was watching a video and the minister was reading a journal of a Girl who had lived with a Christian, became saved, then just like that died. What I find interesting about such a story is how God had used her death to bring her father and many others to the Cross. The flame of this person seemed snuffed out but just as suddenly the flame turned into a wild fire and this seems such a mystery to me in that, God can use a death to produce so much more life. Then again, she never really died but went home and is living it up while were still trudging it out down here.
Looking back into the fire:
Extremely hot, bright orange, the smell of burning wood fills the air. Its the best way we have to explain the spirit burning within us. To push us into directions we dare not go and yet we do it because we enjoy the burning and obedience to our Father in heaven.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Brandon Ellis on 6/26/2011
How do you like the title? Anyway's---->
Over the past 6 months to Year I've come to see where my country is going. Here in America there is much immorality, rejection of God, a diluted teaching of God, and lack of integrity within our government and society. I see all that is going on and the truth is America is on its way out. There are very corrupt people in high places who worship Satan, there is a youtube video with Christians interviewing this one individual(Roger Morneau) who was involved in such a group.
For me in knowing all this I bought some Safety and Securitys for the day when America falls which I still believe is very soon. I also believe that these individuals who worship Satan want to place many people under slavery here within America. We already see people who cry out to government for help and also seem to replace God with government, like the government owes them or something like that. Well, I'm somewhat prepared for an end of the U.S. scenario but here's what the reality is that God had brought and showed me.
Even though I am an American and love my country, as a Christian I am TO live for a higher Authority, a higher Country. Just imagine when that day comes when Jesus brings us into His Kingdom where true satisfaction, peace and joy is by being in His presents. Just think of Aslan's Country from Narnia, a much desired place to be.
America will fade away just like Rome, Sparta, Ancient Egypt, Byzantine Empire and any other great nations of the past. God's country will remain forever and its really our job to put off/ use worldly things to bring people to Christ so they might also partake in the inheritance that is to come.
Many of the apostles, and great pastors of the past believed that Christ would come within their lifetimes. We are to do the same, live each day with the anticipation of the return of Jesus our Lord.
Luke 12:45-47
New King James Version (NKJV)
45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Many Christians now a day's say My Lord is delaying and won't come within my lifetime. Many will be surprised as was said by Jesus.
| |
|
Next 10 Articles >>
|
|
|
