I know that my posts on here are anything are not exactly 'religious' when it comes to frequency, but it is a true blessing to have this means of communication. My internship here in Iowa officially started this week, and I really enjoy all the people I work around, and being involved in work around the corn plant where I currently work. We had orientation last week in Illinois, which was a great experience, getting to meet all the other interns and see how we all came from such different places. So far I haven't found a church here yet, and only two people I see at work are Christian that I know of so far. It's pretty amazing how, when one is put in a situation where there are few believers that you know, your spirit will really be crying out to God for nourishment. Try it and see, it's a great way to not take 'just going to church on Sunday' for granted!
It is great spending time with my roommate here and the other interns, but it can also be very lonely too. For instance, we were all hanging out yesterday, at a concert and then a bar, but it got worse when they wanted to go to a strip club. I was the designated driver, but they were surprised that I didn't want to go in with them. Not that strip clubs are my scene mind you, but a part of me didn't want to feel left out either. But then I remembered it is not my job to be liked. Whenever people I work with can't understand why I don't drink with them, swear like a sailor with them, or go places they do, I have to remember the world hated Christ first. Were it not for God's grace, the world couldn't possibly hate or dislike me, because I would be a part of it. There is more than just a good time at stake here; it is for the name of our God.
Reading Romans, I was greatly encouraged when I came across "How then shall they call on whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (10:14). Wherever I am, this is my calling to be the salt of the earth and give dominion back to its rightful owner. Each one of my co-workers, fellow interns, and bosses all belong to Him, and I will 'proclaim thy faithfulness to all the generations." (Psalm 89:1)
Gotta love summer :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Not with a bang, but a whimper
Today was my last two finals, just a few labs to do tomorrow and I'll be all done! It's actually kind of funny, I thought one of my exams was tomorrow when it was actually today. Late last night I was studying and all of a sudden I heard this voice speaking, saying I should check my schedule. As soon as I did I noticed my exam was actually on Tuesday! Ironically enough it was the same class I missed the midterm in for the same stupid reason, but at least I went this time. God is indeed good!
Psalm 107
"When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow, He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way; yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, and makes their families like a flock. The righteous see it and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth. Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." (39-43)
When I was in Atlantic City over spring break, one of the things I couldn't help but notice was the plethora of poor people that were all over the rather unpopulated city. In stark contrast to the glamorous looking casinos (ok, a far cry from Vegas, but you get the drift), they were everywhere you turned, in wheelchairs, selling stuff, or talking to...themselves or someone, I know not what. One thing I can't get out of my mind is one woman, who was singing in the most awful voice, banging a piece of silverware against some tin. She looked wildly crazy, but as I got closer to her I noticed the song was singing was none other than "Blessed be Your Name!" While this may seem to be straying from the portion of the above Psalm, all who are righteous should observe what it is that the poor who have little in this life hold on to. If we as a nation didn't fear the thought of poverty so much, perhaps we never would have had this 'stimulus bill' or have seen this economic crisis like we have. The glory of Jesus is that He is enough, no matter what we have in this life. "Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His works unto the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8)
Psalm 107
"When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow, He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way; yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, and makes their families like a flock. The righteous see it and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth. Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." (39-43)
When I was in Atlantic City over spring break, one of the things I couldn't help but notice was the plethora of poor people that were all over the rather unpopulated city. In stark contrast to the glamorous looking casinos (ok, a far cry from Vegas, but you get the drift), they were everywhere you turned, in wheelchairs, selling stuff, or talking to...themselves or someone, I know not what. One thing I can't get out of my mind is one woman, who was singing in the most awful voice, banging a piece of silverware against some tin. She looked wildly crazy, but as I got closer to her I noticed the song was singing was none other than "Blessed be Your Name!" While this may seem to be straying from the portion of the above Psalm, all who are righteous should observe what it is that the poor who have little in this life hold on to. If we as a nation didn't fear the thought of poverty so much, perhaps we never would have had this 'stimulus bill' or have seen this economic crisis like we have. The glory of Jesus is that He is enough, no matter what we have in this life. "Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His works unto the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I know I have been in limbo the past few days, what with two finals this week and a field trip and what not, but if Paul was able to write epistles to Timothy in prison, and joyful and hopeful ones at that, my excuses ain't nuttin but limp noodles.
"Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." (Romans 4:4-5).
How great would it be to have absolutely nothing to your name, and have someone come up and offer you their mansion, lamborghini, sportsbike, etc., for nothing at all? Even that alone would not compare to the offer we have in Christ, a blank check signed by blood made out to us. One of the biggest dangers in being an active part of the church is the potential for prayer meetings, bible studies, etc. to become routine. If your heart is not perpetually fully submitted to God, in no time at all you can find yourself living a life of religion, rather than a life of love and grace. I say that not to discourage anyone, but rather to encourage. Like Mark said on Friday, if you want to grow in your faith, you really need a pure heart. Don't let going to church, prayer meetings, etc. ever become burdensome. The moment it does, the enemy can trap you into thinking you must labor for God's love, and that is a sheer and utter lie. No father loves His children any more or less if they do wrong, or else his love is not truly genuine. How much more so for our Father in Heaven!
"Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." (Romans 4:4-5).
How great would it be to have absolutely nothing to your name, and have someone come up and offer you their mansion, lamborghini, sportsbike, etc., for nothing at all? Even that alone would not compare to the offer we have in Christ, a blank check signed by blood made out to us. One of the biggest dangers in being an active part of the church is the potential for prayer meetings, bible studies, etc. to become routine. If your heart is not perpetually fully submitted to God, in no time at all you can find yourself living a life of religion, rather than a life of love and grace. I say that not to discourage anyone, but rather to encourage. Like Mark said on Friday, if you want to grow in your faith, you really need a pure heart. Don't let going to church, prayer meetings, etc. ever become burdensome. The moment it does, the enemy can trap you into thinking you must labor for God's love, and that is a sheer and utter lie. No father loves His children any more or less if they do wrong, or else his love is not truly genuine. How much more so for our Father in Heaven!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Let this veil be lifted from our hearts
I think I slept about 4 hours last night after reading the first 4 chapters of Ezekiel, for some reason I just couldn't relax. I read it as if in a trance, like I couldn't even look away. That happens to me sometime, and I pray that could be the case every time I open the word of God, never remotely taking it for granted!
Today I have read from II Corinthians 3 instead.
"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;" (2)
What stands out to me in this verse is just how we should read the word of God. We don't want to get caught up in the pompous air of academia, neglecting the fact that it is God speaking to us, and our hearts should carry His message wherever we go. In that sense we are all authors of 'epistles' like Paul, and should let God's word be seen in us before all men (and women ;p).
"..our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?" (5-7)
It seems harsh for us to think of the law as a 'ministry of death', but such was and is its power. There was no means for salvation in it, only procrastination until a better covenant could be made. We may ask ourselves, how could not God, in all His power, make there some other way to eliminate our sin from existence without the sacrifice of His son? But 'what communion has light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). God could not 'eliminate' sin any more than He could allow sinners into His kingdom and still remain holy. Jesus' death confirmed what we already know in our own lives, the new life we have came from the death of Another, just as we eat once-living plants and animals to sustain our bodies.
"For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the OT, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (14-17)
I feel this verse sums up everything we should understand when it comes to serving God. When it feels like we being condemned, like we are under the law, we shouldn't run around trying to do this or that to try and cover up our tracks. Instead, let us ask ourselves, "Am I getting closer to knowing Jesus day by day?" That is really what it comes down to. Nothing, absolutely nothing else can change us. Men and women around the world are running in circles to find peace in a world of lies and deception. This may be a battle that is far from over, but if we tell ourselves, "I am willing to stand forever to fight for Christ", then it won't take very long! The Spirit is aching to fill the earth with His glory, and I don't want let my fear, selfishness, and pride do anything but speed it up!
Today I have read from II Corinthians 3 instead.
"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;" (2)
What stands out to me in this verse is just how we should read the word of God. We don't want to get caught up in the pompous air of academia, neglecting the fact that it is God speaking to us, and our hearts should carry His message wherever we go. In that sense we are all authors of 'epistles' like Paul, and should let God's word be seen in us before all men (and women ;p).
"..our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?" (5-7)
It seems harsh for us to think of the law as a 'ministry of death', but such was and is its power. There was no means for salvation in it, only procrastination until a better covenant could be made. We may ask ourselves, how could not God, in all His power, make there some other way to eliminate our sin from existence without the sacrifice of His son? But 'what communion has light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). God could not 'eliminate' sin any more than He could allow sinners into His kingdom and still remain holy. Jesus' death confirmed what we already know in our own lives, the new life we have came from the death of Another, just as we eat once-living plants and animals to sustain our bodies.
"For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the OT, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (14-17)
I feel this verse sums up everything we should understand when it comes to serving God. When it feels like we being condemned, like we are under the law, we shouldn't run around trying to do this or that to try and cover up our tracks. Instead, let us ask ourselves, "Am I getting closer to knowing Jesus day by day?" That is really what it comes down to. Nothing, absolutely nothing else can change us. Men and women around the world are running in circles to find peace in a world of lies and deception. This may be a battle that is far from over, but if we tell ourselves, "I am willing to stand forever to fight for Christ", then it won't take very long! The Spirit is aching to fill the earth with His glory, and I don't want let my fear, selfishness, and pride do anything but speed it up!
Monday, April 27, 2009
I felt it on my heart that God wanted me to read Ezekiel, so that's where I started next. The prophet Ezekiel, like Daniel (around his age) and Jeremiah (around 20 years older), warned the children of Judah of the impending destruction that would take place at the hands of the Babylonians.
"As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man, each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle." (1:10)
In the gospels, each of the four represents Christ in a different form. Matthew, with Christ as a lion, representing strength and royal authority. Mark represents Him as a bull, a symbol of service and power. Luke shows Christ as a man, a symbol of wisdom and divine character. John represents Jesus as an eagle, a sign of deity. I never knew that those characterizations had root in Ezekiel, and these creatures are described as "in appearance like a flash of lightning." (14)
"Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard the voice of One speaking." (28)
Add another one to the list of Moses, Isaiah, and Saul who weren't exactly cracking jokes when the Lord let His light be shown. This is the light that gives contrast like we've never known. I need the light of God in my life, otherwise I am just a rat in a maze. I know enough to say that everything in this life comes and goes, and I need God's vision to be like a rainbow in my life so I am not blind as a bat.
"Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity....then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days." (4:4,6)
The first time I read Ezekiel was about 2 1/2 years ago, when I first came to Purdue. I read through it rather hurriedly, bored at times to be honest. The endless visions I found terrifying and discomforting, to say the least. Reading it again, with the knowledge that God is trying to speak to me in His word, will hopefully bring out much more than ever before. It would seem like having to lay on your side for over 400 days would cause some pretty serious muscular atrophy, but such as the weight put upon prophets in times of wickedness. For "no prophet is accepted in his own country." (Luke 4:24)
"As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man, each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle." (1:10)
In the gospels, each of the four represents Christ in a different form. Matthew, with Christ as a lion, representing strength and royal authority. Mark represents Him as a bull, a symbol of service and power. Luke shows Christ as a man, a symbol of wisdom and divine character. John represents Jesus as an eagle, a sign of deity. I never knew that those characterizations had root in Ezekiel, and these creatures are described as "in appearance like a flash of lightning." (14)
"Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard the voice of One speaking." (28)
Add another one to the list of Moses, Isaiah, and Saul who weren't exactly cracking jokes when the Lord let His light be shown. This is the light that gives contrast like we've never known. I need the light of God in my life, otherwise I am just a rat in a maze. I know enough to say that everything in this life comes and goes, and I need God's vision to be like a rainbow in my life so I am not blind as a bat.
"Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity....then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days." (4:4,6)
The first time I read Ezekiel was about 2 1/2 years ago, when I first came to Purdue. I read through it rather hurriedly, bored at times to be honest. The endless visions I found terrifying and discomforting, to say the least. Reading it again, with the knowledge that God is trying to speak to me in His word, will hopefully bring out much more than ever before. It would seem like having to lay on your side for over 400 days would cause some pretty serious muscular atrophy, but such as the weight put upon prophets in times of wickedness. For "no prophet is accepted in his own country." (Luke 4:24)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Balance in our lives
"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-15)
I know that James is always considered the 'heavy-hitter' of the NT, but it can't be said enough how his harsh words are only the word of God, sent to keep us from a dead-end street with no hope. I have been really trying to understand what grace means these past few weeks. Sure, I understand it on a basic level, but how deeply is my understanding of it? When John Newton (writer of 'Amazing Grace'), turned from his life of sin, it was with a realization of how low he truly was. The same could be said of Paul, formerly Saul. Most of us don't see just how serious a sin can be in our lives. But it is these 'small' sins that have allowed the Ivan the Terrible, Pol Pot, and Hitlers of the world. That is partly why I like to read the news and keep myself intimated of just how corrupt the rest of the world is becoming. That does not mean we do not pray for our leaders or lose hope that any can be saved, but if we see just how serious things like 'not wanting to share what we have' or 'always shopping when we are less than satisfied with our lives' can cause one's heart to turn away. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10). We shouldn't take lightly what sin can do, otherwise we will never understand what grace means.
The next time any of us are struggling with any sin in our lives, rather than shouting 'why me?' or 'what's the big deal?', let us instead tell ourselves 'your grace is enough God'. I don't have all the answers, but I have no doubt that is one of the best steps one can take.
Between the time I spent at the nursing home, being with my brothers and sister at Cornerstone Friday, cooking and cleaning on Saturday, and the awesome miracle which was having my roommate come to church with me this Sunday, I know my blessings reach to the heavens. Since I am reminded of the things which gives me true peace and joy, I know how much harder I must work to stay encouraged.
I know that James is always considered the 'heavy-hitter' of the NT, but it can't be said enough how his harsh words are only the word of God, sent to keep us from a dead-end street with no hope. I have been really trying to understand what grace means these past few weeks. Sure, I understand it on a basic level, but how deeply is my understanding of it? When John Newton (writer of 'Amazing Grace'), turned from his life of sin, it was with a realization of how low he truly was. The same could be said of Paul, formerly Saul. Most of us don't see just how serious a sin can be in our lives. But it is these 'small' sins that have allowed the Ivan the Terrible, Pol Pot, and Hitlers of the world. That is partly why I like to read the news and keep myself intimated of just how corrupt the rest of the world is becoming. That does not mean we do not pray for our leaders or lose hope that any can be saved, but if we see just how serious things like 'not wanting to share what we have' or 'always shopping when we are less than satisfied with our lives' can cause one's heart to turn away. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10). We shouldn't take lightly what sin can do, otherwise we will never understand what grace means.
The next time any of us are struggling with any sin in our lives, rather than shouting 'why me?' or 'what's the big deal?', let us instead tell ourselves 'your grace is enough God'. I don't have all the answers, but I have no doubt that is one of the best steps one can take.
Between the time I spent at the nursing home, being with my brothers and sister at Cornerstone Friday, cooking and cleaning on Saturday, and the awesome miracle which was having my roommate come to church with me this Sunday, I know my blessings reach to the heavens. Since I am reminded of the things which gives me true peace and joy, I know how much harder I must work to stay encouraged.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Lord speaks to everyone, but also to every one...
"I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 6)
The amount which we share our faith with others is really commensurate with the degree to which we realize how valuable our testimony is. If we believe that we have nothing to offer, either in the member's of the church, or sharing with total strangers, then we shall remain timid and afraid of showing the work that Christ has done and is doing in our lives. No amount of listening to pastors, sermons, diatribes, etc., will make us realize how great a testimony we have to share; none but the Holy Spirit can do that. For myself, learning that I have a purpose and that the grace and glory of God is worth fighting through my own inferiority complex for, has and isn't an easy battle. But I will never give up, until it becomes second nature in showing how awesome my God is, and it's not all about me. There will always be plenty of lies right in front of our faces, but that does not mean we should choose to accept them. May the peace and understanding of Christ be with us always, Amen.
The amount which we share our faith with others is really commensurate with the degree to which we realize how valuable our testimony is. If we believe that we have nothing to offer, either in the member's of the church, or sharing with total strangers, then we shall remain timid and afraid of showing the work that Christ has done and is doing in our lives. No amount of listening to pastors, sermons, diatribes, etc., will make us realize how great a testimony we have to share; none but the Holy Spirit can do that. For myself, learning that I have a purpose and that the grace and glory of God is worth fighting through my own inferiority complex for, has and isn't an easy battle. But I will never give up, until it becomes second nature in showing how awesome my God is, and it's not all about me. There will always be plenty of lies right in front of our faces, but that does not mean we should choose to accept them. May the peace and understanding of Christ be with us always, Amen.
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