Wow. In 10 days I will have been in Savannah for 6 months. Time has truly flown by and many memories have been made and many things have happened! I have learned so much about the person that I am. I have realized a new freedom that can be pretty scary, but it is nice to know how I can be in control to some extent.
Work is going well. I passed the "probation period" and I am eligible for an exam that could open up a possible raise. I have become slightly bored with the job that we have been working on for the past 2 months. The repetition is to blame for the boredom! I have, however, been able to do plenty of thinking and chewing and praying while working in this field. God provided and continues to provide plenty of personal work time (pulling wire and putting up devices by myself) when I need it the most. When changes present themselves or when I feel anxiety of any kind, God opens the door so that I can run back to Him.
This actually reveals to me the rebellion in my heart, but it confirms that I know where I call home. I have learned how easy selfishness can be when you are out of the parent's house, but I have also learned to hate this selfishness and get my act together.
I've learned that God provides grace during hard times through relationships. Even though I haven't been plugged in with a college-aged ministry since this past summer, God allowed me to find a wonderful church home. He has also blessed me with a great family (Katie and Michael and the kids) to depend on and learn from. Friendships are something that I want more of right now, but I am thankful for Abbey and her family for taking me in like their own.
I find blessings around every corner in this "new life" and I love it. God is sustaining me and holding my head up despite my lousy efforts to please Him and spend ample time with Him.
A new prayer for me:
God, thank You for your grace and for opening up this door. Thank You for the relationships that I have been able to build down here. Thank you for continually blessing me and my family. Give me a new loving attitude towards work and a new passion for my new church home. Give me a new desire to have that important time with You. Bless my family and all those that I come in contact with. May You become known through my speech, thoughts, and actions.
Blessings, my friends.
I want to pray for you. Feel free to contact me so that I can do that!
jebbutcher@windstream.net
678 836 8683
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
The Struggle is Real [#4}
New place, same face.
I have recently made the decision with the help and encouragement of my family, to move to Savannah, GA to take on a steady full time job (answered prayer!!!) and continue school at Armstrong University. The taste of this idea was delicious, but I am beginning to see that I am a grown up. I chose this path to explore and get out of the nest, but I have learned that taking on responsibilities and moving away from home is not all fun and games. When you step out of the boat and away from your safe place, you truly find out who your friends are and most importantly who YOU are. I have felt new aspirations and have set some new unannounced personal goals that I wouldn't have thought possible just months ago. Growing up doesn't always have the good and dandy candy. Pearls aren't made easily, but with great strain and pain from the clam. I am praying personally that God will allow all of the strain and pain of this 'growing up' experience to be channelled towards something great; something completely God-honoring and tasteful.
With the things that are happening in our world, it is not easy to persevere as a follower of Christ. Racism, terrorism, and hate of all kinds overflows the cup where Jesus is absent. This is not good. The Holy Spirit seems to be preparing to leave this evil rock that we call home. Revival must happen for His people. You MUST truly search your heart and see what destination your ticket to eternity has. The Lord will NOT recognize some who thought they were believers. Dust off your Bibles and use it because you want to, not because you see it as an obligation. Get on your knees and stop praying petty prayers for yourself or success, but prayers of salvation and revival for this world. Jesus gave us the Helper (Holy Spirit) in His absence because we are in desperate need of understanding. Don't let it go to waste. Pick up your cross. Pray for me. Pray for your brothers and your sisters. But most importantly pray for the lost. Do something about it.
This went further than I thought. I hope and pray that we as God's children will begin to hope and pray for salvation for our blind world.
And I am preaching to the choir. AKA myself.
I have recently made the decision with the help and encouragement of my family, to move to Savannah, GA to take on a steady full time job (answered prayer!!!) and continue school at Armstrong University. The taste of this idea was delicious, but I am beginning to see that I am a grown up. I chose this path to explore and get out of the nest, but I have learned that taking on responsibilities and moving away from home is not all fun and games. When you step out of the boat and away from your safe place, you truly find out who your friends are and most importantly who YOU are. I have felt new aspirations and have set some new unannounced personal goals that I wouldn't have thought possible just months ago. Growing up doesn't always have the good and dandy candy. Pearls aren't made easily, but with great strain and pain from the clam. I am praying personally that God will allow all of the strain and pain of this 'growing up' experience to be channelled towards something great; something completely God-honoring and tasteful.
With the things that are happening in our world, it is not easy to persevere as a follower of Christ. Racism, terrorism, and hate of all kinds overflows the cup where Jesus is absent. This is not good. The Holy Spirit seems to be preparing to leave this evil rock that we call home. Revival must happen for His people. You MUST truly search your heart and see what destination your ticket to eternity has. The Lord will NOT recognize some who thought they were believers. Dust off your Bibles and use it because you want to, not because you see it as an obligation. Get on your knees and stop praying petty prayers for yourself or success, but prayers of salvation and revival for this world. Jesus gave us the Helper (Holy Spirit) in His absence because we are in desperate need of understanding. Don't let it go to waste. Pick up your cross. Pray for me. Pray for your brothers and your sisters. But most importantly pray for the lost. Do something about it.
This went further than I thought. I hope and pray that we as God's children will begin to hope and pray for salvation for our blind world.
And I am preaching to the choir. AKA myself.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Wisdom [#3]
Heavy Heavy Heavy
This topic is not something to take lightly, but something to truly decide on.
Wisdom is not a key or requirement or deal breaker, I don't think.
If you study the Word of God, Wisdom is written 218 times. I think God is trying to teach us, His children something when He in His divine authorship inscribes a word or topic multiple times. One can discover over 2/3 of the usage is found in the Old Testament. I bet we could agree that this topic is used heavily in Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
Why?
Well who has the title of the "wisest man in the Bible?"
Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel.
Why is this title important, because Solomon is in the direct bloodline that precedes Jesus. I think this is awesome!
Anyways, I am studying on wisdom because The Lord put a fire in my bones to discuss on it with my friends over at Summit in the Young Adult ministry. I think there is a definite reason for the inspiration.
I know that one of my favorite stories is in Job, specifically in the mid 30s speaking of the YOUNG man, Elihu (Yes, I put young in caps for a reason). Elihu was a bystander in the presence of Job and his three friends who were trying to help Job make sense of all that happened to him (Amazing story of God's sovereignty. Go read it beginning in Job 1). Elihu spoke out because these men that were "wise" were trying their very best to justify why God caused this to happen, when they had it wrong the whole time! You see, this wimpersnapper was interested in opening the eyes of his older audience to see that God is not always understandable and He does not always communicate how we want Him to. God Almighty was testing Job and allowing the Enemy to attack his possessions, his family, and eventually his body. Job was seeking his decisions and life in order to justify himself. I can imagine that Elihu spoke in a loving and humble manor when he revealed what God had spoken to his heart. Elihu just wanted to show that Job needed to trust God and the same goes for Job's friends.
This continues throughout Job 32-37.
I feel that this may be confusing, as are my other posts in my opinion. I like criticism. I want to know what you think: Do you agree? Do you disagree? Is something off? Is something missing?
I really want God to be glorified with the words that come from this mouth. Please pray for God's will to be supreme and for His gospel to be clear.
Open your Bible today! Don't forget to pray for Wisdom! ;)
James 1:5
This topic is not something to take lightly, but something to truly decide on.
Wisdom is not a key or requirement or deal breaker, I don't think.
If you study the Word of God, Wisdom is written 218 times. I think God is trying to teach us, His children something when He in His divine authorship inscribes a word or topic multiple times. One can discover over 2/3 of the usage is found in the Old Testament. I bet we could agree that this topic is used heavily in Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
Why?
Well who has the title of the "wisest man in the Bible?"
Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel.
Why is this title important, because Solomon is in the direct bloodline that precedes Jesus. I think this is awesome!
Anyways, I am studying on wisdom because The Lord put a fire in my bones to discuss on it with my friends over at Summit in the Young Adult ministry. I think there is a definite reason for the inspiration.
I know that one of my favorite stories is in Job, specifically in the mid 30s speaking of the YOUNG man, Elihu (Yes, I put young in caps for a reason). Elihu was a bystander in the presence of Job and his three friends who were trying to help Job make sense of all that happened to him (Amazing story of God's sovereignty. Go read it beginning in Job 1). Elihu spoke out because these men that were "wise" were trying their very best to justify why God caused this to happen, when they had it wrong the whole time! You see, this wimpersnapper was interested in opening the eyes of his older audience to see that God is not always understandable and He does not always communicate how we want Him to. God Almighty was testing Job and allowing the Enemy to attack his possessions, his family, and eventually his body. Job was seeking his decisions and life in order to justify himself. I can imagine that Elihu spoke in a loving and humble manor when he revealed what God had spoken to his heart. Elihu just wanted to show that Job needed to trust God and the same goes for Job's friends.
This continues throughout Job 32-37.
I feel that this may be confusing, as are my other posts in my opinion. I like criticism. I want to know what you think: Do you agree? Do you disagree? Is something off? Is something missing?
I really want God to be glorified with the words that come from this mouth. Please pray for God's will to be supreme and for His gospel to be clear.
Open your Bible today! Don't forget to pray for Wisdom! ;)
James 1:5
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Ecc. 1 [#2]
I just sat down with some dear friends of mine, but because our time was short, I was able to stay here at Chick-fil-a and study for classes and take a quick look at the Bible.
I've always wanted to study Ecclesiastes, but I have often been intimidated by the level of Solomon's knowledge. I carefully approach the Bible no matter where I choose to study. Because I had time, I read the first chapter and after much confusion and digging I have compiled some scattered thoughts. I do encourage you to take a look at Ecclesiastes at least Chapter 1 so that this will make more sense to you.
The basic gist of this chapter begins with almost a sense of mourning from Solomon. His search of wisdom and knowledge brought him to an understanding of life different that I have ever imagined. "All is vanity!" This was offensive to me at first. I understood that Solomon did not see worth in life! In verse 3, he questions the work of man in what he can gain as a reward for his toil. After digging, I discovered that Solomon did not say that all is vain. There is a crucial difference in the two words that was not addressed in my mind. The word vain means without meaning or useless and the word vanity means conceited or excessive pride. With that in mind here is Jeb's thinking.
The value of life on earth is carried way too highly. You can see where someone's priorities are by what they provide for, protect, and pursue before anything else. This is typically going to be their selves. You can also discover this by where they spend their time, their thoughts, and their treasures (money/talents). We were created to enjoy the glory of God. This world that He created for us has changed drastically and Solomon is noticing that! He is at an understanding where any occurrence or issue that we face is not new. It has happened before and probably has happened multiple times. Even when we consider the these little, petty insecurities and issues now, we truly won't remember them later. Ask yourself: What was my mood on the day before Christmas Eve in 2012? You don't remember, do you? How about this moment two weeks ago? You can think really hard, but you will not feel what you felt then.. You see this says a lot about us as humans and furthermore as believers. We were not created to fall in love with this world. We were not created to live in the past. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." (2 Cor.5:17) We were created for more than this. More than the issues and toils and repetitions of life. We are supposed to strive andobey, no, cherish the commands that God has laid out for us in His Word.
I hope this makes sense. I pray that God will speak to you through the studying of His Word.
Blessings
John 3:30 "He must increase and I must decrease."
I've always wanted to study Ecclesiastes, but I have often been intimidated by the level of Solomon's knowledge. I carefully approach the Bible no matter where I choose to study. Because I had time, I read the first chapter and after much confusion and digging I have compiled some scattered thoughts. I do encourage you to take a look at Ecclesiastes at least Chapter 1 so that this will make more sense to you.
The basic gist of this chapter begins with almost a sense of mourning from Solomon. His search of wisdom and knowledge brought him to an understanding of life different that I have ever imagined. "All is vanity!" This was offensive to me at first. I understood that Solomon did not see worth in life! In verse 3, he questions the work of man in what he can gain as a reward for his toil. After digging, I discovered that Solomon did not say that all is vain. There is a crucial difference in the two words that was not addressed in my mind. The word vain means without meaning or useless and the word vanity means conceited or excessive pride. With that in mind here is Jeb's thinking.
The value of life on earth is carried way too highly. You can see where someone's priorities are by what they provide for, protect, and pursue before anything else. This is typically going to be their selves. You can also discover this by where they spend their time, their thoughts, and their treasures (money/talents). We were created to enjoy the glory of God. This world that He created for us has changed drastically and Solomon is noticing that! He is at an understanding where any occurrence or issue that we face is not new. It has happened before and probably has happened multiple times. Even when we consider the these little, petty insecurities and issues now, we truly won't remember them later. Ask yourself: What was my mood on the day before Christmas Eve in 2012? You don't remember, do you? How about this moment two weeks ago? You can think really hard, but you will not feel what you felt then.. You see this says a lot about us as humans and furthermore as believers. We were not created to fall in love with this world. We were not created to live in the past. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." (2 Cor.5:17) We were created for more than this. More than the issues and toils and repetitions of life. We are supposed to strive and
I hope this makes sense. I pray that God will speak to you through the studying of His Word.
Blessings
John 3:30 "He must increase and I must decrease."
Friday, January 16, 2015
Title-less [#1}
Me.... Blogging.... I would've never thought this would happen, but I am thinking that it can benefit me if it doesn't benefit you the reader.
If I start from the beginning, I should explain who I am. I think the work "jeb" or "most interesting person" would be a good fit. I don't claim to be much. I am a Georgia good ole boy, but when I say I love the Lord, I really mean it: not just a "go to church on Sunday" kinda deal. I love my family and my friends and I rarely meet a stranger because either I have met them or they have already met a Butcher. This is me.
I don't really know what else I can add to my resume. I have some growing up to do, right? I am 20 years young and about to finish my second year of college - the fourteenth grade. This is probably the biggest decision I am going to make: what will I major in? Right now, this is the hot topic that completely stresses me out and lingers in my mind like that ugly zit that just won't go away; everyone brings it up and I'm kind of embarrassed to discuss it in its entirety. I think that I have narrowed it down to the two most realistic things that Jeb could be a fit for. I am confident that God has shown me what He wants through my desires. I feel as if He trusts my decrement and will be glorified regardless of the decision. But still, its a big freakin' deal to me. A high school teacher or a physical therapist are my two current options. Unfortunately, there is not much overlap when it comes to taking the courses, and I have a feeling that school will be expensive and difficult. That is my mind in a very organized manor in words.
This year I saw it fit to begin this blog. I don't really know what I am "supposed to" talk about, but I would like to see how long I do this for. My biggest intention is to see how I have changed from year to year. I think I have some goals to help keep me accountable.
1. I want to get into a deep, incredibly intimate relationship with God. The kind where I can't get enough of Him and the same kind that keeps me awake at night out of excitement for the new mysteries and opportunities He has for the next day.
2. Because I love music, I would love to progress in one or two or five instruments. Primarily the guitar and the piano among many others that I would love to play.
3. I would like to end this year as a healthier person physically. I have always wanted to do more than clean up really well. I want some muscle and strength! I'd love to love to work out. (Yes, I said love to twice on purpose)
Right now, those are the biggest in my mind. I'm sure that I'll think of more later or something. I'm not quite sure if I blogged correctly. Let me know if this was enjoyable or crazy or mediocre! I just would like to be a better, more organized writer!
"For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace." John 1:16
~The Real jeb
If I start from the beginning, I should explain who I am. I think the work "jeb" or "most interesting person" would be a good fit. I don't claim to be much. I am a Georgia good ole boy, but when I say I love the Lord, I really mean it: not just a "go to church on Sunday" kinda deal. I love my family and my friends and I rarely meet a stranger because either I have met them or they have already met a Butcher. This is me.
I don't really know what else I can add to my resume. I have some growing up to do, right? I am 20 years young and about to finish my second year of college - the fourteenth grade. This is probably the biggest decision I am going to make: what will I major in? Right now, this is the hot topic that completely stresses me out and lingers in my mind like that ugly zit that just won't go away; everyone brings it up and I'm kind of embarrassed to discuss it in its entirety. I think that I have narrowed it down to the two most realistic things that Jeb could be a fit for. I am confident that God has shown me what He wants through my desires. I feel as if He trusts my decrement and will be glorified regardless of the decision. But still, its a big freakin' deal to me. A high school teacher or a physical therapist are my two current options. Unfortunately, there is not much overlap when it comes to taking the courses, and I have a feeling that school will be expensive and difficult. That is my mind in a very organized manor in words.
This year I saw it fit to begin this blog. I don't really know what I am "supposed to" talk about, but I would like to see how long I do this for. My biggest intention is to see how I have changed from year to year. I think I have some goals to help keep me accountable.
1. I want to get into a deep, incredibly intimate relationship with God. The kind where I can't get enough of Him and the same kind that keeps me awake at night out of excitement for the new mysteries and opportunities He has for the next day.
2. Because I love music, I would love to progress in one or two or five instruments. Primarily the guitar and the piano among many others that I would love to play.
3. I would like to end this year as a healthier person physically. I have always wanted to do more than clean up really well. I want some muscle and strength! I'd love to love to work out. (Yes, I said love to twice on purpose)
Right now, those are the biggest in my mind. I'm sure that I'll think of more later or something. I'm not quite sure if I blogged correctly. Let me know if this was enjoyable or crazy or mediocre! I just would like to be a better, more organized writer!
"For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace." John 1:16
~The Real jeb
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