Author: Jason Maupin 7/14/2008 04:07:00 PM
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Many times I think back to my first encounter with Jesus Christ. I was at the top of a four-story parking garage, contemplating whether life was worth living. My parents were just separating, my brother was doing drugs and running wild and my mother was on her death bed with Lupus. It appeared that life wasn't as precious as people spoke about. I was only 14 and already had bought into the lie that I was born to fail. I remember reaching up to the heavens with one last desperate hope, saying "God if you're real you better show me, please help." And then He spoke. He took time to speak to me, or maybe I was finally at a point where I was able to hear. When Christ speaks it changes you. From that day forward I knew He was real. Have you ever had one of those times where you remember the time and date where you realized He was real? What He did for you? The pain He took on Himself, so that we could live. I began to cry...no, I began to bawl! You see there's crying then there's the ugly cry! That's when you're crying so hard that you can't breathe! You're choking on your snot, feeling you may just die. But I didnt care! Because someone chose to love me, despite who I was. But then as time goes by you become more dignified, you learn how to form your prayers the "right" way--praying the prayers that everyone likes. You become adept at learning what to say and what not to say and how to say it. You forget about the time you did the "ugly cry" or if you do you remember it's with a tinge of embarrassment. You forget about how messed up you were when He first found you. You even might start to say "I'm really proud of where I came from," forgetting it wasn't you who brought you out. That's why I like to remember the time He first came to me, it brings me back to what's important--back to who's important. Take time to reflect, to remember when. Much love!!
Florida Camp!!
Author: Jason Maupin 7/06/2008 02:59:00 PM
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What up everyone!! Just wanted to say hey to all of you at Florida camp! Thanks so much for making me part of your family! I had a great time!! You all scared me to death when you charged the stage to give me a hug!! I've never been hugged by 200 people at once! Whoever pulled my hair is gonna get it! Black team your the best even though you tried to drown me!! Im heading up North now to another camp! Keep loving Jesus and always remember when the devil is picking on you to look back at him and say "BRING IT ON!!!!" Much love!! :)
Jason
My Calling
Author: Jason Maupin 7/02/2008 01:56:00 PM
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A lot of times when I travel I get asked the question "how do I know that Im called?" I believe a persons calling is very important. Your calling is what keeps you going when you feel like throwing in the towel. A "calling" is when God calls you to do something. Its like a christians thesis statement when writing a paper, it keeps you on track. Without being called I doubt Peter would of been so courageous to not only be crucified for Christ but to' say "I want to be crucified upside down!" I remember my calling like it was yesterday. I was 15 and was in a band called Carbonated Society, (yes I know, you don't have to say it, I know the name rocks). I didn't contribute much to this band as far as playing or singing, I mostly helped set up and give a laugh or two. The band was comprised of some of my best friends. We really thought our music was going places, we thought we were really good. When you play for mostly your friends and parents, you to would think you were good. Your mom is never a good judge when it comes to getting an honest opinion, she's the one who thought it was cute when you threw up as a kid. She's also the one who tells those "special" people on American Idol they have a unique talent and can sing like and angel! In all seriousness we stunk! Our intentions were good though. The times I remember the most, were the prayer times we had. I was 15 and we were practicing in my friends garage. This garage was nasty, it looked and smelled like something out of the movie the goonies! I remember all of us freaking out because there was spiders everywhere!! I mean everywhere! It really kept you from falling asleep when praying! At the time I saw a lot of my friends graduating and doing the whole 2 year community college thing. Not that it was bad but most of them were doing it because they had no purpose or direction on where to go. I remember praying "Oh God please give me direction give me purpose for my life!" Coming from a past of rejection and abuse my future didn't look so bright. But nevertheless I knew I wanted to be used by God. That day in that damp, moldy, spider infested garage God spoke to me clearly as anyone has ever spoken to you. He said "speak." He didn't say anything else just one word "speak." He didn't scream it he just spoke real softly. I remember feeling such joy and excitement because I knew God had called me. I can't tell you friend, how many times that one word has kept me doing what Im doing. Its not always easy, sometimes you wanna quit but you know your called and that calling keeps you in the fight, it keeps you swinging for one more round. It says in James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer... If your struggling with your calling have God reaffirm it to you, there's no problem with that, and if you don't know your calling take time to fast and pray and ask God to speak to you on what to do. Trust me its worth your time!
Committed to a change!!
Jason Maupin