Monday Messages: Panda Express

Happy Monday! Sorry that I skipped out last week, but I literally had 2 essays due and that was enough writing haha. But I don't think that will happen again, so rest easy.

I didn't have a subject for today's message until I went to Panda Express for lunch and got to thinking about their mascot and half their name. The Panda. So that is what today's message is about. You see, Pandas are a very calm animal. I personally have never heard of a Panda attacking anyone in publc. Now I'm not saying that happened, I've just never heard of it. Basically, a Panda is what James 1:19-27 is talking about.

19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you[b] thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

A Panda rarely gets angry. They eat mostly plants. They are like God's perfect creature. In my opinion, they are the closest you can get to Jesus. Now what if we lived like Pandas? What if we thought before we got angry? There would be a lot less deaths. There would be less wars. Now let me tell you a little story that actually didn't happen till right before I started writing this but totally relates.

Something happened to me. I have been asked to stop serving in Middle School Ministry just because I tried out a new church ONCE. . I'm going to be completely freaking honest with you. I'm really pissed off. But I'm not choosing to show my anger to the person that asked me to leave. Instead, I'm still showing them love and trying really hard to see what God's reasoning behind this is. Oh on top of all this, I quit my job because I was pissed. Pissed they weren't doing anything to the manager that was making me uncomfortable. Now, I do not have a job and do not volunteer at youth anymore. Could it be my fault? Partly, yes. I feel like it was conviction from God. Maybe. I don't entirely know. But God has a plan. No matter if something is our fault or not, He still loves us. Remember the Disneyland story? It's just this all over again. I need to put all my trust in Him. In every aspect of life. Life is going to kick you in the ass. But trusting God will make it easier.

Until Next Time, Alex 

Monday Messages: Broke As A Joke?

Hey Everyone! I hope you enjoyed last week's post :) Before I get started I wanna announce a change or two that is going on in the world of Monday Messages. No, I'm not going on another hiatus lol. Starting this week, I will no longer be doing series. I'm just going to write on what is inspiring me and/or what I think the world needs. There will still be Bible verses and ways to apply to your life. I just feel stepping out of the series will reach more people. So let me welcome you to the new Monday Messages!

I have always wondered why people say "I'm broke as a joke." Like dude, I'm broke. It is for sure not a joke. Money isn't a joke, either. Money is the most talked about topic in the Bible, so it must be pretty darn important, right? But people just throw it away, me included. This past paycheck I got this weekend was only the 2nd time that I have tithed since I got hired at Domino's back in November. There's just a crap ton of cool stuff to buy all around us! So much that we can literally find anything we want without getting off our butt!

Today's reading is going to come from 1 Timothy 6:3-10

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is ameans of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b] 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Whoa! What did that just say? Money is the root of ALL KINDS OF evil. Well I mean God ain't kidding! Prostitution, strip clubs, stuff like that is sinful and money can be spent on it. It's pretty freakin' crazy. You may be thinking "Well then why did God give us money?" Because there is a way to honor Him with money and you don't have to do bad things with your money. Even spending too much money is a sin. One that I'm guilty of.

When God gives you a job, honor Him by giving 10% to him via church or missions or whatever. And He will keep blessing you I promise.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages: Secrets & Regrets "(Don't) Let It Go"

I'm back! After a couple months off of doing Monday Messages, I'm glad to finally bring them back! I am starting a new series today called Secrets and Regrets where I'm gonna tell you my 4 biggest secrets or regrets and give you ways to avoid it. As always, I hope this will help you. So here goes nothing!

Have you ever let someone out of your life because they were dragging you down or wasn't helping in your walk with God? Well I did that a few years ago and to date it is one of my biggest regrets. We will get to that story a little later because right now it is time for a little bible time.

Today we are going to be reading Proverbs 3:1-8 in the NLT version
My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

So here it goes. A couple years ago, I was best friends with this girl and she was a Christian turned very strong atheist. The way she talked, the way she acted brought me down and really was not helping in my walk with the Lord. So out of the blue I just told her I couldn't be friends with her anymore. She literally said nothing to me and I sent that message. Mind you again, we had some history (not as a couple) but that added in the factor. I should have let the past in the past. Now that I preach and am a youth coach on Saturdays and Sundays I realize how wrong of me it was to do that. When you are a Christian ESPECIALLY a wanna be pastor, you have to be the light in the darkness and not let the dark take over your light.

Now how do you avoid this? Instead of letting them go, keep praying for them. Keep telling them about Jesus. Keep inviting them to church. If they stop being friends with you, keep praying for them. Maybe one day in the future they will become a Christian and you have to know that you played a HUGE part in that.

I'm currently trying to become friends with her again and will keep you guys updated.

Until Next Time, Alex

5 Bands/Artists To Watch For In 2016

I have decided to make my "Artists to Watch" feature on this blog an annual thing so here we go!

1.) Blondfire

Blondfire is the now solo project of Erica Driscoll. Let me start off by saying her second album "Young Heart" is a Dreamy Summery Indie Pop masterpiece. In fact, the song "Where the Kids Are" from that album is regularly played in Taco Bell. So often, that I have heard it the last 3 times that I have eaten in-store. Now that it's 2016, she is releasing her new EP "True Confessions" which is more of a rock feel than anything on Young Heart. But it is still amazing and you should definitely check them/her out.

2.) Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Man, I hope you have heard of this band. They are going to revive Rock-N-Roll. If Elvis made a song about drinking called "S.O.B." it might as well be The Night Sweats song of the same name. Not even kidding, their style sounds like Elvis and Nathaniel himself could be Elvis with his voice. "Son of a bitch! Get me a drink!" because this could be a great band to drink to.



3. State Champs 

Pop Punk is back! Whether or not you want to admit it, 5 Seconds of Summer is a big reason why it is. State Champs is on the rise in the Pop Punk scene and they are headlining several tours. Their 2nd album "Around The World And Back" just came out and trust me when I say it is one of the best Pop Punk releases in recent history. The same goes for their 2013 debut "The Finer Things" Get into it.



4. Chase Huglin

My boy Chase! Man if you are a fan of Ed Sheeran, I really suggest checking him out. He is getting pretty big selling out all the cassette tapes and hats he had. If you get his EP "Glow" on vinyl, it makes it that much better. Chase has a full band record due out this year and if its any bit as good as his acoustic stuff, it will kick some ass.



5.) The Wonder Years 

Last one for 2016 of course has to be a Pop Punk artist. The Wonder Years are from Philadelphia. They just released their 5th studio album "No Closer To Heaven." It is an extremely sad concept record about losing someone close to you. It's really relatable for me as I lost my grandfather just over 6 years ago and it still hurts. If you like Pop Punk, I suggest checking them out.




Well there it is! My list of artists to watch this year! Let me know if you have checked any of the bands out. Also let me know if you know any bands that should be on this list.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages UPDATE!

Just realized it has been over a month since I have posted anything on here! I'm first gonna let you all know that I am alive and way better than ever! If you are wondering what happened to my Monday Messages, they are on a little break as I started preaching in Youth Out Loud! From one blessing into another, I am baptizing one of my students next week (whaaaaat). They had a choice to be baptized by the pastor or their coach and my student chose me over the pastor. I got emotional because that means that God is using my life which is so far from perfect to speak to a 6th grader. Honestly I could die happy and know that I am going to heaven because I have changed a life. Before I go, Let me leave you with James 1:2-17 because It's really resonated with how last year compares to this year.

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Also, keep an eye out for the return of Monday Messages next week. ;)

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages: All New "99 Problems"

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! :) I hope you had a great week. Like I said last week, every year comes new problems. You have to deal with taxes, a new semester of school, filling out fafsa for the next 2 semesters at school, the list just goes on and on. Those problems lead to the stress that I talked about last week. How can you get rid of those problems? No, not drinking or getting high. That'll only make you feel worse.

Today's reading is going to come from Luke 4:1-13

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,[a] 2 where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. 3 Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’[b]” 5 Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’[c]” 9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’[d]” 12 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’[e]” 13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

When you have problems or stress, you don't have to result to drugs, drinking or sex. Everyone has been tempted. And I literally mean EVERYONE who has ever taken a step on planet Earth. You may be asking "Well Alex. What about Jesus?" Yes, even Jesus was tempted. The Devil tempted Jesus when He was in the desert. You may say "Hey. I live in the desert. It isn't THAT bad is it?" No, living in the desert may not be too bad. But imagine living in the desert without food. You couldn't survive. Satan tempted Him for 40 days. He gave Him ways to make food. (Can we be honest though? He Jesus. He could have made anything and knew this was going to happen).

My main point I wanna focus on is don't give into temptation just because you're a little stressed out due to problems. The verse I want to focus on is 2. It talks about Jesus being tempted for 40 days. Yes, it may be harder for you to turn away temptation. But it comes a lot easier when you have Jesus. I challenge you, this week. Instead of giving into temptation, pray. Read a bible verse. Go to church. I promise it'll help you.

Until Next Time, Alex

Monday Messages: All New "Stressed Out"

Welcome to week 10 of Monday Messages! Yes, I am in week 10! Thank you to everyone who read this each and every week. You are truly loved and I thank you. With each new year brings new problems, new relationships, new stresses, new problems. In this new 4-week series I'm gonna highlight each one of those and how to approach them in a godly manner.

Like many people (including me), you have probably made a new year's resolution. Let's be honest, you will not do it and you will make the same one(s) in a year. I am the same way. I think it makes people feel better about themselves in the moment but in the end it just leaves them feeling stressed on making a decision whether to keep at it or give up. That leads us right into the Bible passage for today which comes from Leviticus 26:1-17.

‘You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God. 2 You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord. 3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, 4 then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 5 Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. 6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. 7 You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. 9 ‘For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you. 10 You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new. 11 I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. 13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright. 14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you.

Sorry that was so long but every word of those verses is going to go along with today's message but before I relate the verse to the message, there is a song I would like to also use as an example for the message today. The song is called "Stressed Out" and it is by the experimental indie band twenty one pilots. The song talks about going back to the good old days when our mama sang us to sleep. Now that many of us are adults, we find it stressful, especially us 20-somethings who are going to college, getting jobs, moving out, etc. We all have regrets and stuff we would like to take back. The song is from the album "Blurryface." Its a concept album where Blurryface is a character that wants you to hate yourself, to the point of death. He wants you to regret everything. He wants you to be stressed out. He wants you dead. So simply, Blurryface is a version of Satan. He doesn't want you to have a good 2016. But God does.

The verse that I would like to focus on today is verse 10. It's saying that God provides you a new harvest. In this case, let's pretend the new harvest is actually the new year. 2015 is in the past. God provided you with yet another year. Isn't it crazy to think 2012 was supposed to be the end? Boy, did God ever prove them wrong. Not even Jesus knows when He is coming. So neither do we. So until then, we will keep having new years. So, my main point here is don't let Blurryface rule your 2016. Let God take it over and it will be an amazing year.

Until Next Time, Alex

PS, here is the video for the song if you want to listen :)