Perfection

Lately, I've been having conversations with friends of mine about faith. Generally, they're good, but I've found out that we don't quite see eye to eye on things. One of those things, is Jesus.

They've said Jesus wasn't perfect. A good majority of people actually belive this, but the thing is if He wasn't perfect, than none of us would be able to go to Heaven. Salvation does not exist. No one would be able to be saved. Do you really want to believe that?

The whole reason God sent His Son was to offer Him as a sacrifice to forgive every single one of us, and to allow us to one day be with Him. The perfect, sinless, unblemished Son of God is the only One that would do. If Jesus had sinned once, only once, we would all be doomed to Hell.

Now, Jesus was born to a virgin. Many people will argue that she wasn't, because otherwise it wouldn't be possible. The thing about God is...He can do what He wants. So, if He wanted His Son to be born to a virgin, so be it. That's the way it happened. I don't know how He did it and it really shouldn't matter. God can do anything.

The thing that amazes me the most is how Jesus remained perfect throughout childhood. Things were probably pretty easy on Mary and Joseph. This made it evident that Jesus was indeed God's Son, and sure, the Bible doesn't really give us much into Jesus' childhood, but one of the first times it does is often seen as a sin on Jesus' part.

Luke says that "when Jesus was 12 years old, His parents and He traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. After they were done eating they packed up to head back home, but Jesus stayed and his parents were unaware of it. [. . .] When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him."
~Luke 2:41-45

If anything, this was Mary and Joseph's fault as they forgot their son. I don't think anyone would say that a boy left in a grocery store is his own fault. That is the parents' responsibility. And look what Jesus was doing. He wasn't worried: crying or running around crazy like any other kid would do. He was in the temple sitting and listening to the teachers AND asking questions. He wasn't worried at all. His parents had been gone for 2 days and he was absolutely fine. If your parents forgot you as a child and were gone for 2 days, how would you feel? I know I wouldn't be as nearly cool and composed as Jesus was.

The other instance people argue that Jesus sinned was when He went to the temple. He got angry, which is where many people believe the infraction occurred. It's amazing what simple and easy research in the Bible can do. Usually, it seems that this is taken out of context, and there is complete disregard for what others were doing around Jesus. They were using the temple as a marketplace. Selling and bargaining was going on in the Lord's house. You can imagine why Jesus was not happy.

Anger is not a sin. I mean, think about it, God has gotten angry numerous times. How can He go against His own law? But, you can sin IN your anger. This could be, swearing, being unkind to someone, etc. Jesus got angry because these people were misusing His Father's house and seeking to earn benefits of their own. They were not using it properly. That's why Jesus got upset and did what He did, had to do. Just like God would have done.

It just kind of blows my mind that some people don't realize that believing Jesus sinned, indirectly says that none of us are going to Heaven. Jesus was absolutely perfect in every single way, and because of that, we get to spend eternity with our awesome God.

Luke 23:13-15

Acquiring the Confidence

It occurred to me the other day that the semester is nearly over and I haven't posted a new blog in freaking FOREVER! So I hope this helps all of you who I know had withdrawal of this over the past few months.

Not gonna lie, it has been a pretty rough first semester here at UNL. The only thing I seemingly haven't struggled with is my composition lessons. Which is great considering that's my major, however, I need to get my stuff together next semester.

In case you don't know, I really am a shy and quiet kid at heart. When I was younger, I didn't talk a lot and still have my moments now when I won't because I feel uncomfortable somehow. Now, once I get to know you and become pretty good friends I will REALLY open up, as some of you know. But one thing I've definitely been learning is to be confident in everything you do. To have the courage to be firm and just do things, and do them well. This first came up with drumline, but I've noticed how important it is just to be successful in general. I'm learning to quit being so wishy-washy and just get in there and do it.

Also, my relationship with Christ has been somewhat lacking, just with me being so stressed. No excuse, I know, but it's just been tough. I still managed to open my Bible every couple days, but I could still give more of an effort.

So next semester, I'm hoping to hit the ground running in all aspects. I won't have marching band, so that'll help somewhat, but I'll miss it. There's your update of me. Hope it was what you wanted.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Status Stupidity

So, I'm on facebook quite often. Much more than needed, but I'm usually have Finale up working on something or other and just have it up if someone wants to chat. However, some statuses have really started to annoy me lately. So much in fact, that I've hidden certain people from my news feed and even more have removed some as friends. With that said, here's a list.

Things No One Wants to See on Your Status Update

• Homework Assignments: Chances are someone else has more than you and will comment about it so you know.
• Things That Don't Make Any Sense: Seriously, if you're going to put something with your name on it, at least make it somewhat sensible to someone out there.
• What Day of the Week It Is: Everyone knows.
• Inspirational Quotes That Suck/Were Written by You: As much as I appreciate you flaunting yourself around like Socrates and showing everyone how "deep" you really are, stop it.
• Feelings Towards Your Significant Other: I don't mind the occasional "my gf/bf is awesome," but once you start posting "LOVES HIM/HER SOOOO MUCH," or "wouldn't know where he'd/she'd be without you babe," it gets really old, really fast. We get that you like each other. Please stop screaming it at us.
• Status Hijackings Concerning Victim's Sexuality: Ok, changing your friend's status to "...is so gay (among various other homosexual things)," makes it absolutely completely obvious that someone messed with it. What is actually comical is when you can change it to something that makes friends laugh at the victim, but still makes them think they posted it.

I hope this was at least somewhat informational concerning my feelings on these topics. Just know that if you do post something within these criterion, you will be subject to being hidden and/or possibly even removal all together. Have a good week.

Transfer Tension

I'm in the middle of week 4 at UNL. I wish I could say the transfer went amazingly, but it didn't. The past couple weeks I've been feeling stressed. Everything is a lot more intense, which is great, but has so far been a bit overwhelming. I feel like I'm forgetting something every other day. For instance, yesterday I missed our first composition departmental meeting. Not something you want to miss as I was informed of today at my lesson. I think I'm finally kicking things into high gear though and getting used to the pace.

I've also noticed how much I compare myself to others. Other guys on the drumline, in the percussion studio, in my classes, and music majors. I am terrified of not measuring up, not being legit, and turning into a fold. Terrified. This is a new experience for me, and thankfully I seem to be adjusting. And really, I shouldn't be concerned about that at all. As long as I'm doing what is asked of me by God, which I believe I am 100 percent.

I can't help but notice now, that over the past few weeks, I haven't been where I should have been with God. Devotions are quite rare and church is iffy. Finally today, I made the time to sit down, read my Bible and listen to some Casting Crowns. I said a short prayer before that God would show me what He wants of me. I clicked on my iTunes and opened up my Bible. I opened up to where my bookmark was. The first thing I read was:

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
-Proverbs 16:3

It's nice to know that the only One I'm seeking approval of isn't concerned of how good of a snare drummer I am, or how fast I can play my scales on a marimba. As long as I am doing everything for Him; I will be fine. God is so amazing.

If you'd pray for me, that I'd stay on the track I've gotten back on with everything, that'd be great. That I'd stay on top of my classes, lessons, assignments, practicing, and most importantly with God.

Drummin' for the Huskers

It has been far too long since I posted anything on here, so hopefully this somewhat satisfies you.

Well, as of August 15th, I made the snare line at UNL, and it has been awesome. It's hardcore and I love it. Our center snare marched Phantom over the summer, so naturally he wants things very clean and intense. This is easier said than done, but I feel we keep getting better as the season goes on.

Yesterday, we had our first game, and it was incredible. I've been a die hard Husker football fan since I can remember, and actually being there on the field doing what I love to do was such an amazing feeling. Being surrounded by The Sea of Red was so sweet, and I get to do it at least 7 more times!

If you're ever bored in Lincoln on game day, you should come check out the line. We usually warm up and hour and a half before kickoff outside of Arch Hall. It's a good time.

Trusting Him to Provide

We've all heard the phrase that goes something like, "Trust in God and He will provide for you." I've taken this for granted, yet today, I realized how much He really does take care of me.

Friday, a few friends and I went and got fireworks, the 4th of July on Saturday, and we decided to hang out and light some fireworks, have some fun. When we got the stand we had a tough time deciding what we wanted. So we had the idea that everyone had to get one (within reason) that began with the same letter of their name. For example, I got "Killer Bees."

I looked at my friend Troy and asked if he was paying and he said yeah, but I wanted to pitch in. I had a 20 dollar bill so I told him I would pay then he could give me a few bucks, whatever. The total turned out to be 9 dollars, or something like that. Troy gave me a 5 and the lady working the register only handed me a dollar. I didn't notice until later that night. We were gonna go out to eat and instead of having the 16 dollars I thought I had, I had 10 less.

Now, really, it wasn't that big of a deal. The lady shorted me 10 bucks, not a lot to some, but for me, thats a meal and a half. I brushed it off, moved on and wasn't gonna let it ruin the time I had with my friends, but it was one of those things where you go "Ugh, if I only still had those 10 dollars." But I got my mind off of it and didn't worry about it.

Sunday was an amazing day of worship for me. From singing, to having great conversation, to serving food, it was great. I really did truly believe that God was there for me and was going to provide for me.

And then last night, when I got home I was talking to my parents and sister about the Esprit concert among other things. Finally, my parents asked us what we had planned for the week. We mow a lawn of some friends of ours. I usually don't, I let my younger siblings do it because they want to, it's a paying gig, but then my mom turned to me and said, "Keygan, will you do it?" I said yes, not because I knew God was doing what He promised, but just because I didn't have anything else to do.

This morning, mowing, it hit me. He provided for me something that wasn't even that big of a deal. A measely 10 dollars, He changed into 15 and gave to me. Thanks God.

Manhunt: Strength

13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love.
-1 Corinthians 16:13, 14

I had remembered reading around this area with one of Pastor Jack's sermons and decided to look into it more and I found this verse. This is the first of two letters that Paul writes to the church of Corinth, and this verse is found towards the end.

Now, about half of what Paul says here goes with the world's view of a "man," and the last two words of the first verse are fairly universal when talking about men. It's simply put, "be strong."

The typical worldview of a man is physically strong. Ask virtually anyone what their definition of a man is, and most would answer with strong, but there's mental, emotional, and of course physical forms of strength. Physical seems to be the most apparent in men, and the world presses this one the most. Along with that, emotions are seen as a weakness, and even being mentally strong is viewed as a weakness. With God, this is not the case, thankfully.

Physically, I'm not as strong as a good amount of people. However, Solomon says in the book of Proverbs that "A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength." This is a good reassurance that men don't necessarily HAVE to be able to bench tons of weight, but it also shows that God looks at more than the physical side.

And I don't know about you, but I've seen plenty of very physically strong guys, but haven't seen many that are also mentally and especially emotionally strong. I'm tired of seeing guys break up with a girlfriend and their whole world falls apart. I can understand why they're upset, but when something like that happens it's obvious to see who they were really living for, and it wasn't who it should have been.

The last part of the verse from 1 Corinthians is convicting for me: "Do everything in love." I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggles with this. Think about it, doing EVERYTHING in love. Not just when you remember to do so. Absolutely 100% of what you do should be done in love. I'm not the best at making sure what I do is out of love. I like to think I'm good at it, but I'm really not.

1) A man of God is strong and does everything in love.