Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Rise and Shine!



5:00 AM. Check. Hiking attire. Check. Camera. Check.

Jumping into the back of TJ's truck, some of the guys and I drove down to watch the sunrise at Pillbox Hiking Trail Lanikai.

For me, I was ecstatic as our adventure started. The wind blowing past my face brought on thoughts of,"OH YEAHHH!!!" "We manly men will surely succeed!"

That is until we got to the actual start of our destination.

Now we had some odds against us: our legs were still sore from an intense workout the day before, so we weren't in our top, physical condition. But we had to suck it up and move our legs painfully. Then we had a time limit. Yes, the clock was ticking before the event we were chasing would go by. Hike fast before time runs out!

And so began the journey.

Step after step, climb after climb, five guys who loved Jesus marched up the steep hill. The path was beaten, high, and steep. I was huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath. Like an RPG game, I would stop at some parts of the hike and take a deep breath, huffing and puffing like it was a save point. Then with absolute resolute, I looked up and said in my head, "You got this Zach....Don't give up! Persevere! Keep going!" So I moved my legs, despite painful bouts about going forward.

I kept going and pushing forward, envisioning myself on a spiritual journey, possibly the Mount of Olives or even on a expedition for the lost Ark of the Covenant. Step after step. Left. Right. Left. Right. Almost there!

And then we made it.

If I can only explain the thrill! The excitement! The joy of reaching such a place! I may have romanticized this small adventure, but it was AWESOME. Witnessing such a sunrise was epic. Granted, it was not the best sunrise ever, but it was still beautiful! As I stood there taking picture after picture like a paparazzi photographer, I was just in awe of God's beautiful creation. I was amazed. My heart became worshipful,"God, you are so awesome! You made all of this?!"

From this hike, I came away with a more worshipful reverence for God and His creation. Also, I was able to bond and get to know some of the Godly men I will be interning with.

This adventure was awesome. The start of a journey that ended with great reward.

What's next, guys? Climbing Mt. Everest?

I'm down for that. ^_^














(From left to right: TJ, Joachim, Zach,Billy, and Josh)

The keel of a boat represents my character.

The keel of a boat is the most important part since it gives stability during storms and keep the sailor secure anytime. Also, nice colors and a beautiful sail are important but without a good keel a boat will not be a safe boat that will accomplish its journeys (Pastor Alex Michel). So, the keel of a boat represents my character. However, if I want to accomplish the God's goals to my life I must daily work to develop my character to be a real Christian.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Identifying & Addressing my "low planks!"

1Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.


15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.


As I read this passage this morning, my prayer for our Legacy team is that we would all acknowledge and experience the abundant grace of our King eternal! God has poured out faith and love in our lives through Jesus! The character flaws of Paul, you and I... continue to be forgiven - as we continue to trust His unlimited patience and mercy!


Love you all and praying for us to be broken, healed and transformed into Jesus image - one day at a time!

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Beginning

The Legacy Internship Program begins May 27, 2011. Participating Interns from Hawaii, Oregon, California, and even Brazil will join New Hope pastors from five different campuses to experience the "Heart of New Hope."