"Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord God, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live? But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die."....."Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive." (Ezekial 18:23-24;27)
When I used to work for my dad at his restaurant, it always felt like whenever I made a mistake, all the countless things I did right seemed to go right out the window. Never did I imagine that God would view us in the same way...were it not for Jesus of course! What was done once, never need take place again. That does not mean that our feet do not get dirty (John 13:10), but our sins were carried once and for all, for all.
It seems to me that living in the time before Christ would have been like a neverending spiritual teeter-totter; one would have to remain vigilant in their heart to make the way for the Lord clean. Similarly now, we strive to remember that it is not our own righteousness that makes us pure, but in who we believe. The mantra of 'guilty until proven innocent' still stands-and our justification died and rose again to prove it!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Our path may be uncertain, but may we take strength in where we end up!
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
I look back on how my nephew grew up around me, and I can only be thankful for how (relatively) well he has turned out thus far. Man that kid was horrible, and I was far from a righteous uncle that 'trained him in the way he should go' when I was younger! I said and did things around him that I thought were really hilarious at the time, but looking back make me wince in sheer stupidity and short sightedness. Fortunately, God is ever faithful, and remembers the prayers of His chosen. Having grown up in a divorced household myself, I relate to him and others who grew up with their parents not talking to each other. It really does have long lasting (permanent really) effects on a child.
When I went to the Michael W. Smith show yesterday, I feel that God gave me a vision that I will one day either adopt a child or children, or be in some place that I will be a mentor to many of them. Kids are so pure in heart, even when they say mean and unfriendly things, that I can't help but take mental notes. I often find myself trying to escape to memories of being a kid again, living a much more carefree life than I do now. It feels like God's way of saying 'I want you to be My child; don't strive for things that are too much for you to handle." Like a child trusts in the hand that feeds them, let us find solace in the power of our Father!
I look back on how my nephew grew up around me, and I can only be thankful for how (relatively) well he has turned out thus far. Man that kid was horrible, and I was far from a righteous uncle that 'trained him in the way he should go' when I was younger! I said and did things around him that I thought were really hilarious at the time, but looking back make me wince in sheer stupidity and short sightedness. Fortunately, God is ever faithful, and remembers the prayers of His chosen. Having grown up in a divorced household myself, I relate to him and others who grew up with their parents not talking to each other. It really does have long lasting (permanent really) effects on a child.
When I went to the Michael W. Smith show yesterday, I feel that God gave me a vision that I will one day either adopt a child or children, or be in some place that I will be a mentor to many of them. Kids are so pure in heart, even when they say mean and unfriendly things, that I can't help but take mental notes. I often find myself trying to escape to memories of being a kid again, living a much more carefree life than I do now. It feels like God's way of saying 'I want you to be My child; don't strive for things that are too much for you to handle." Like a child trusts in the hand that feeds them, let us find solace in the power of our Father!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
For this is why we were created
"How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I am awake, I am still with you." (Psalm 139:17-18).
Tonight when I saw the Michael W. Smith show (which was well worth ushering for in order to see it), Philip Curtis Chapman read this passage, something that he turns to when he is too weary to endure. It is a most beautiful passage; Shakespeare himself would be envious! At the show it was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit began moving through the crowd; at first no one would stand up or really make much noise, but gradually they came to life, both young and old! And this is only about 4500 people, imagine the glory when nation after nation shall confess that He is Lord!
This is a psalm at the heart of anyone who loves God, for they desire to really know what makes God's heart beat. When I was younger and more idyllic, if there was a girl I really liked, I always wanted to know more about how she thought, and why she liked the things she did. Because I just wanted to see what made her happy, and that is the same way I want to direct my heart towards God: what makes Him happy should bring joy to me, regardless of whether it's my favorite thing to do or not (hey, God's not asking us to read a romance novel or anything!). It has been an awesome weekend I must say, and it is exciting to think about the seeds that God has been planting in people's hearts through Coffee house and our fellowship with one another!
Tonight when I saw the Michael W. Smith show (which was well worth ushering for in order to see it), Philip Curtis Chapman read this passage, something that he turns to when he is too weary to endure. It is a most beautiful passage; Shakespeare himself would be envious! At the show it was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit began moving through the crowd; at first no one would stand up or really make much noise, but gradually they came to life, both young and old! And this is only about 4500 people, imagine the glory when nation after nation shall confess that He is Lord!
This is a psalm at the heart of anyone who loves God, for they desire to really know what makes God's heart beat. When I was younger and more idyllic, if there was a girl I really liked, I always wanted to know more about how she thought, and why she liked the things she did. Because I just wanted to see what made her happy, and that is the same way I want to direct my heart towards God: what makes Him happy should bring joy to me, regardless of whether it's my favorite thing to do or not (hey, God's not asking us to read a romance novel or anything!). It has been an awesome weekend I must say, and it is exciting to think about the seeds that God has been planting in people's hearts through Coffee house and our fellowship with one another!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
This place is not our home...no matter how comfortable it seems
"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in your sight, O God; and you have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God." (I Chronicles 17:16-17).
King David, ruler of all of Israel, triumphant over Saul and (soon to be) the Phillistines, and yet he had nothing but humility on his heart. I don't know exactly what David looked like, but I always envision a broken soul coming before God, for he knew in his heart that none could satisfy like the Lord. A lot of times living here I have felt unsure of what to do next, or sometimes even who I am. Perhaps that is why so many develop superiority complexes or arrogance; it is much easier to be assurred in who you are, even if you're wrong! As followers of Christ, we know that it is better to be lost but cling to God, then have our path laid out for us, when it is purely our own design. I pray that whatever we receive, be it home, hearth, happiness, or health, that we see it is the work of the Lord, and not the works of our own hands. David was a man of many mistakes, but in spite of, or perhaps because of, his lack of vision of who he was, he was able to see God all the more clearly. Let us not be deceived by societies' assurrance of self-glorifying self-esteem!
King David, ruler of all of Israel, triumphant over Saul and (soon to be) the Phillistines, and yet he had nothing but humility on his heart. I don't know exactly what David looked like, but I always envision a broken soul coming before God, for he knew in his heart that none could satisfy like the Lord. A lot of times living here I have felt unsure of what to do next, or sometimes even who I am. Perhaps that is why so many develop superiority complexes or arrogance; it is much easier to be assurred in who you are, even if you're wrong! As followers of Christ, we know that it is better to be lost but cling to God, then have our path laid out for us, when it is purely our own design. I pray that whatever we receive, be it home, hearth, happiness, or health, that we see it is the work of the Lord, and not the works of our own hands. David was a man of many mistakes, but in spite of, or perhaps because of, his lack of vision of who he was, he was able to see God all the more clearly. Let us not be deceived by societies' assurrance of self-glorifying self-esteem!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty!
13:3 One of the beast’s 9 heads appeared to have been killed, 10 but the lethal wound had been healed. 11 And the whole world followed 12 the beast in amazement; 13:4 they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority 13 to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: “Who is like the beast?” and “Who is able to make war against him?” 14 13:5 The beast 15 was given a mouth speaking proud words 16 and blasphemies, and he was permitted 17 to exercise ruling authority 18 for forty-two months. 13:6 So 19 the beast 20 opened his mouth to blaspheme against God – to blaspheme both his name and his dwelling place, 21 that is, those who dwell in heaven. 13:7 The beast 22 was permitted to go to war against the saints and conquer them. 23 He was given ruling authority 24 over every tribe, people, 25 language, and nation, 13:8 and all those who live on the earth will worship the beast, 26 everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world 27 in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed. 28 13:9 If anyone has an ear, he had better listen!
According to prophetic teachings, in particular that of Jack Van Impe in the documentary „Global ID:666“ (let me know if you want to borrow it!), the anti-christ will arise out of the EU, and most likely will come from the Netherlands or Belgium. He will suffer a mortal wound, but be revived ‘miraculously’ and rule the earth under a ‘peace treaty’ for 7 years. But halfway through, at 42 months, he will command all the earth to bow down before him and worship him. At this point God is said to pour out his judgment upon the earth, with travesty unlike anything before or after.
According to Impe again, the rapture will take place before this 7 year period. Many other sources speak otherwise, that those in Christ will remain on the earth for an undefined period during this ‘peace treaty’. I do not know for sure, I can only trust in the Lord and be aware that these things are coming, but at the same time not worry about them.
We do know that “the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (Revelations 19:20). Whatever comes our way, we must remain faithful that the Lord will not forsake His saints, ‘for they shall lack no good thing’ (Psalm 34:10).
According to prophetic teachings, in particular that of Jack Van Impe in the documentary „Global ID:666“ (let me know if you want to borrow it!), the anti-christ will arise out of the EU, and most likely will come from the Netherlands or Belgium. He will suffer a mortal wound, but be revived ‘miraculously’ and rule the earth under a ‘peace treaty’ for 7 years. But halfway through, at 42 months, he will command all the earth to bow down before him and worship him. At this point God is said to pour out his judgment upon the earth, with travesty unlike anything before or after.
According to Impe again, the rapture will take place before this 7 year period. Many other sources speak otherwise, that those in Christ will remain on the earth for an undefined period during this ‘peace treaty’. I do not know for sure, I can only trust in the Lord and be aware that these things are coming, but at the same time not worry about them.
We do know that “the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (Revelations 19:20). Whatever comes our way, we must remain faithful that the Lord will not forsake His saints, ‘for they shall lack no good thing’ (Psalm 34:10).
7:3 Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another.
7:4 “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind 9 was given to it. 10
7:5 “Then 11 a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs 12 in its mouth between its teeth. 13 It was told, 14 ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’
7:6 “After these things, 15 as I was watching, another beast 16 like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. 17 This beast had four heads, 18 and ruling authority was given to it.
7:7 “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions 19 a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. 20 It had two large rows 21 of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns.
7:8 “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. 22 This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant 23 things. (Daniel 7:3-8)
I watched the other day a video about end time prophecies, how there are hidden forces going on around the world, and have been for centuries, seeking to usurp our God from his rightful throne as Creator, and giving the glory to the enemy of our souls. “Why do the nations rage and plot a vain thing?” (Psalms 2). Because “men were evil and did not want their deeds exposed (John 3:20).” Nontheless, the prophet Daniel gives voice to this turn of events, purportedly more than 2500 years ago, to Belshazzar, king of Babylon.
The animals described represents, according to Perry Stone, 4 nations in modern times. The lion represents Britain, the Bear the Soviet Union, the Leopard Germany, but the final one is uncertain. Interestingly, the three were mentioned in the order of their rise to power. Also, they represent older nations as well, with Babylon (and Nebuchednezzar’s fall being the wings plucked out), Persia, Greece and Rome, respectively. The final vision, with little horns, is believed to be modern Spain, which, according to Jack Van Impe, will have much more say about military events in the future.
‘Bear’ with me, I pray to get into more of this stuff in the future! God tells us “my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 4:6), and we should not take it lightly!
7:4 “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind 9 was given to it. 10
7:5 “Then 11 a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs 12 in its mouth between its teeth. 13 It was told, 14 ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’
7:6 “After these things, 15 as I was watching, another beast 16 like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. 17 This beast had four heads, 18 and ruling authority was given to it.
7:7 “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions 19 a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. 20 It had two large rows 21 of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns.
7:8 “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. 22 This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant 23 things. (Daniel 7:3-8)
I watched the other day a video about end time prophecies, how there are hidden forces going on around the world, and have been for centuries, seeking to usurp our God from his rightful throne as Creator, and giving the glory to the enemy of our souls. “Why do the nations rage and plot a vain thing?” (Psalms 2). Because “men were evil and did not want their deeds exposed (John 3:20).” Nontheless, the prophet Daniel gives voice to this turn of events, purportedly more than 2500 years ago, to Belshazzar, king of Babylon.
The animals described represents, according to Perry Stone, 4 nations in modern times. The lion represents Britain, the Bear the Soviet Union, the Leopard Germany, but the final one is uncertain. Interestingly, the three were mentioned in the order of their rise to power. Also, they represent older nations as well, with Babylon (and Nebuchednezzar’s fall being the wings plucked out), Persia, Greece and Rome, respectively. The final vision, with little horns, is believed to be modern Spain, which, according to Jack Van Impe, will have much more say about military events in the future.
‘Bear’ with me, I pray to get into more of this stuff in the future! God tells us “my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 4:6), and we should not take it lightly!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
He who will not leave us to be condemned
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance, let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted. And your first father sinned, and your mediators have transgressed against Me. Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; I will give Jacob to the curse, and Israel to the reproaches." (Isaiah 43:25-28).
In any court of law, evidence must be provided that one may be convicted or acquitted, otherwise there is no trial. How then are we able to escape conviction, is it with works, a penitent heart, or sacrifice? No, although those things have their place, they have no power to redeem us. In our continual clinging to Christ we have forgiveness, and in that alone. Every time we sin, or even reflect on our former sins, we should remember that Jesus gave all the evidence we need to embrace the escape from condemnation that we so desperately needed.
From Adam down, and even those who were righteous in the Lord (mediators) were not enough to argue the case. None of us were there when Christ died, but God was. And the sight of our sins, intermingled with the agony of the death of His only Son, was enough to imprint it upon Him for all eternity. I wonder how we can sin and not see that what Christ did will forever be enough to cleanse us? If it could cleanse the sins of our past, how could it not cleanse the ones we have yet to commit? This is not a recipe for a snowball of sin, but a lifetime of forgiveness. Let us not stay in that rocky soil (Luke 8:6); God wants us to blossom!
In any court of law, evidence must be provided that one may be convicted or acquitted, otherwise there is no trial. How then are we able to escape conviction, is it with works, a penitent heart, or sacrifice? No, although those things have their place, they have no power to redeem us. In our continual clinging to Christ we have forgiveness, and in that alone. Every time we sin, or even reflect on our former sins, we should remember that Jesus gave all the evidence we need to embrace the escape from condemnation that we so desperately needed.
From Adam down, and even those who were righteous in the Lord (mediators) were not enough to argue the case. None of us were there when Christ died, but God was. And the sight of our sins, intermingled with the agony of the death of His only Son, was enough to imprint it upon Him for all eternity. I wonder how we can sin and not see that what Christ did will forever be enough to cleanse us? If it could cleanse the sins of our past, how could it not cleanse the ones we have yet to commit? This is not a recipe for a snowball of sin, but a lifetime of forgiveness. Let us not stay in that rocky soil (Luke 8:6); God wants us to blossom!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Yeah, it's been a while since I last posted and I can feel the punishment coming...but I am far too blessed to be depressed! I had a great spring break and it was great when I visited my grandmother and she graciously gave a bible to my roommate who does not yet know Jesus. Praise God! I wish I could say I always prayed knowing that God will bring about everything I ask for, but nevertheless I do not lose heart.
18:1 Then 1 Jesus 2 told them a parable to show them they should always 3 pray and not lose heart. 4 18:2 He said, 5 “In a certain city 6 there was a judge 7 who neither feared God nor respected people. 8 18:3 There was also a widow 9 in that city 10 who kept coming 11 to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 18:4 For 12 a while he refused, but later on 13 he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people, 14 18:5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out 15 by her unending pleas.’” 16 18:6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! 17 18:7 Won’t 18 God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out 19 to him day and night? 20 Will he delay 21 long to help them? 18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. 22 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith 23 on earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).
Just as I was thinking about persistence in prayer, I came across these verses. When we ask for something, don't we really want or need that desired thing or circumstance? How many kids, when they ask their mother for a bike, cookie, or furby (whatever was the deal with these creepy things anyways?) only half-heartedly mean it? Most want it so badly they will eventually cry for it. So then shouldn't we, who are supposed to 'not be foolish, but wise, and know what the will of God is' (Ephesians 5:17) ask knowing that God delights in giving to us? If there is anything I have learned over break, it is that, like a kid in a candy store, I am free to do whatever I please. I can steal, swear, sleep around, start fights, and commit every sin you can think of. But I don't-because I love God and know that these things lead to nothing but a dead end street called death. Every day we should be driven by this-that God's love for us will fill us up to the bursting with contentment if we allow it to. So as we pray and seek God-don't be bashful or ridden with guilt-ask our Father to give us the vision we need to stay rooted in His soil of righteousness!
18:1 Then 1 Jesus 2 told them a parable to show them they should always 3 pray and not lose heart. 4 18:2 He said, 5 “In a certain city 6 there was a judge 7 who neither feared God nor respected people. 8 18:3 There was also a widow 9 in that city 10 who kept coming 11 to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 18:4 For 12 a while he refused, but later on 13 he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people, 14 18:5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out 15 by her unending pleas.’” 16 18:6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! 17 18:7 Won’t 18 God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out 19 to him day and night? 20 Will he delay 21 long to help them? 18:8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. 22 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith 23 on earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).
Just as I was thinking about persistence in prayer, I came across these verses. When we ask for something, don't we really want or need that desired thing or circumstance? How many kids, when they ask their mother for a bike, cookie, or furby (whatever was the deal with these creepy things anyways?) only half-heartedly mean it? Most want it so badly they will eventually cry for it. So then shouldn't we, who are supposed to 'not be foolish, but wise, and know what the will of God is' (Ephesians 5:17) ask knowing that God delights in giving to us? If there is anything I have learned over break, it is that, like a kid in a candy store, I am free to do whatever I please. I can steal, swear, sleep around, start fights, and commit every sin you can think of. But I don't-because I love God and know that these things lead to nothing but a dead end street called death. Every day we should be driven by this-that God's love for us will fill us up to the bursting with contentment if we allow it to. So as we pray and seek God-don't be bashful or ridden with guilt-ask our Father to give us the vision we need to stay rooted in His soil of righteousness!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
No sweeter name
"Truly my soul waits silently for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. My soul, waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my stregth, and my refuge, is God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed in the balances, they are altogether lighter than vapor. Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for you render to each one according to his work" (Psalm 62)
I feel like the modern church today has compartmentalized God way too much. We have made Him into a "church-on-Sunday", "when-I'm-with-certain-people", "when-I-feel-like-it" God, and He will never settle for that! If you were the Lord of all, and greater than all things that surround the lives of your children, wouldn't you want to be the center of their lives to prevent them from being led astray by lesser things? If we want to grow in our lives with God, we have to desire to be in His presence always. I was thinking about this since last Saturday, and we will always end up feeling like things are lacking until we do. Teach our hearts Father to long for your Word, and meditate upon it always.
Just like David mentions at the end of this Psalm, God wants our hearts to be reserved for Him, not riches. If we believe that Jesus is our bridegroom, then we will want to keep it pure for Him. The church really needs to live by the Spirit I believe, to see the changes that took place in the book of Acts. To tell the truth, I was told by someone at a church over Winter break that I was supposed to be baptized with fire (speak in tongues), before I came back to IN, and I didn't go to church that evening. I really feel that was a mistake on my part. Even so, I am not running out of hope, because my savior gives me the strength to run any marathon. This is not a relay race; every one of us can carry the torch at the same time as we seek our God in spirit and in truth!
I feel like the modern church today has compartmentalized God way too much. We have made Him into a "church-on-Sunday", "when-I'm-with-certain-people", "when-I-feel-like-it" God, and He will never settle for that! If you were the Lord of all, and greater than all things that surround the lives of your children, wouldn't you want to be the center of their lives to prevent them from being led astray by lesser things? If we want to grow in our lives with God, we have to desire to be in His presence always. I was thinking about this since last Saturday, and we will always end up feeling like things are lacking until we do. Teach our hearts Father to long for your Word, and meditate upon it always.
Just like David mentions at the end of this Psalm, God wants our hearts to be reserved for Him, not riches. If we believe that Jesus is our bridegroom, then we will want to keep it pure for Him. The church really needs to live by the Spirit I believe, to see the changes that took place in the book of Acts. To tell the truth, I was told by someone at a church over Winter break that I was supposed to be baptized with fire (speak in tongues), before I came back to IN, and I didn't go to church that evening. I really feel that was a mistake on my part. Even so, I am not running out of hope, because my savior gives me the strength to run any marathon. This is not a relay race; every one of us can carry the torch at the same time as we seek our God in spirit and in truth!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
All of creation is longing
Despite getting a ticket for $160 which re.ally wasn't warranted, I got off the hook for some $140 in late fees from the library which I didn't know I had until a few days ago. God is good, I would never see the silver lining without Him!
"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity towards God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:6-8)
When one thinks about this from a human perspective, it is easy to feel that God is condemning us when He is the very one who created us. But this does not take into consideration God's purity, for He is incorruptible and wants nothing to do with sin, despite His love for us. The word 'enmity' means 'A state or feeling of opposition or hatred', and just like the world despises Jesus because He stands in opposition to it, so to does our flesh oppose God.
The fact that God does not praise our flesh as worthy in any way does not show his disdain for us, but His love shines all the more. Our carnal selves simply have nothing to do with godliness, nor can be. Say for example you wanted to get really big and strong, and began working out like a madman. However, all you ate was crisco and lard. After several weeks, you wouldn't have gained anything but a gobs of fat and an EZ pass towards atherosclerosis. You simply can't build muscle out of fat, nor can holiness be built from something inherently devoid of purity. This is why God doesn't talk about the purity of our brains, liver, kidneys, or anything else: only our heart is of true value to Him from a perspective of change. If that is the only thing that keeps us close to our God, then it is truly wise for us to be guarding it above all else!
"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity towards God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:6-8)
When one thinks about this from a human perspective, it is easy to feel that God is condemning us when He is the very one who created us. But this does not take into consideration God's purity, for He is incorruptible and wants nothing to do with sin, despite His love for us. The word 'enmity' means 'A state or feeling of opposition or hatred', and just like the world despises Jesus because He stands in opposition to it, so to does our flesh oppose God.
The fact that God does not praise our flesh as worthy in any way does not show his disdain for us, but His love shines all the more. Our carnal selves simply have nothing to do with godliness, nor can be. Say for example you wanted to get really big and strong, and began working out like a madman. However, all you ate was crisco and lard. After several weeks, you wouldn't have gained anything but a gobs of fat and an EZ pass towards atherosclerosis. You simply can't build muscle out of fat, nor can holiness be built from something inherently devoid of purity. This is why God doesn't talk about the purity of our brains, liver, kidneys, or anything else: only our heart is of true value to Him from a perspective of change. If that is the only thing that keeps us close to our God, then it is truly wise for us to be guarding it above all else!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Keep my heart soaked in the Holy Spirit, please....
"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to you trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own. No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:9-13)
This serves to remind me how we should view our money and wealth. It really is just mere pennies compared to the kingdom of God. There really is nothing new under the sun; men are just as greedy today as they were in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, since the times of Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Rome, the Ottoman Empire, you name it, we are all products of our own selfish hearts. God bless His grace and mercy for not destroying us utterly.
When you read the news today, you here the words 'faith', 'trust', 'hope', 'security', and 'safety' all over the place. In articles about the glory of God and His kingdom? Nope...the economy. The many years I spent listening to my God-fearing, apocalyptic-talking grandmother talk about the end of times really is coming true....the economy is all people care about. I too start to worry about it, and then wonder why....if I am truly in Christ, there is nothing this world can take away from me. As I listen to the news it becomes more and more disgusting, the UN is even saying they will stop helping third world countries because it is too expensive. I've lived so much of my life thinking that things will just be taken care of because of the righteous....but they certainly aren't in the higher ranks of government, that's for sure! If I am not going to third world countries (hey, I haven't said I won't , I'm just not there yet), the least I can do is offer my prayers and resources. There is only one thing that can change the world, and it certainly isn't Obama and all the 'hope' he spews left and right....it is the love of Jesus Christ that every poor person has access to, and no man of wealth can take away. Let us be faithful in our Father, for He is worthy of praise!
This serves to remind me how we should view our money and wealth. It really is just mere pennies compared to the kingdom of God. There really is nothing new under the sun; men are just as greedy today as they were in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah, since the times of Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Rome, the Ottoman Empire, you name it, we are all products of our own selfish hearts. God bless His grace and mercy for not destroying us utterly.
When you read the news today, you here the words 'faith', 'trust', 'hope', 'security', and 'safety' all over the place. In articles about the glory of God and His kingdom? Nope...the economy. The many years I spent listening to my God-fearing, apocalyptic-talking grandmother talk about the end of times really is coming true....the economy is all people care about. I too start to worry about it, and then wonder why....if I am truly in Christ, there is nothing this world can take away from me. As I listen to the news it becomes more and more disgusting, the UN is even saying they will stop helping third world countries because it is too expensive. I've lived so much of my life thinking that things will just be taken care of because of the righteous....but they certainly aren't in the higher ranks of government, that's for sure! If I am not going to third world countries (hey, I haven't said I won't , I'm just not there yet), the least I can do is offer my prayers and resources. There is only one thing that can change the world, and it certainly isn't Obama and all the 'hope' he spews left and right....it is the love of Jesus Christ that every poor person has access to, and no man of wealth can take away. Let us be faithful in our Father, for He is worthy of praise!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
His grace is sufficient
3:23 Why is light given 86 to a man 87
whose way is hidden, 88
and whom God has hedged in? 89
3:24 For my sighing comes in place of 90 my food, 91
and my groanings 92 flow forth like water. 93
3:25 For the very thing I dreaded 94 has happened 95 to me,
and what I feared has come upon me. 96
3:26 I have no ease, 97 I have no quietness;
I cannot rest; 98 turmoil has come upon me.” (Job 3:23-26)
I have not been in the best of moods for much of today, between my dismal performance in CBL and getting hit in the junk with the ball, finally getting my undeserved ticket for $160 for going off the road in January in the mail, and spending countless hours on a lab I still haven't finished has gotten me in a sour mood. God's word is able to give us perspective like nothing else though, hallelujah. Job endured such suffering, and yet he was ultimately redeemed and restored before the Lord.
What pastor Dave talked about today really struck a chord with me, as I'm sure it did for you all. As I read through Job, it becomes clear that his misery became so all consuming that he was in a place that is reminiscent of the things that Dave described today as being characteristic of temptation. Feeling like he was lost in the wilderness? Check. Feeling like he was the only one with his degree of suffering (though he probably was at this point in time). Check. Job had been living a life of righteousness, and yet all he had was uprooted from him.
I know God has been trying to show me that I need to come back to Him for all my answers. I long in my heart to remember His words as absolute truth. I'm sick of discouragement, hope is the only thing worth living for. On days like today when I just want to run and hide from this world, God's arms are my only solace. Please Father, let my every moment of the day be in your presence. Amen.
whose way is hidden, 88
and whom God has hedged in? 89
3:24 For my sighing comes in place of 90 my food, 91
and my groanings 92 flow forth like water. 93
3:25 For the very thing I dreaded 94 has happened 95 to me,
and what I feared has come upon me. 96
3:26 I have no ease, 97 I have no quietness;
I cannot rest; 98 turmoil has come upon me.” (Job 3:23-26)
I have not been in the best of moods for much of today, between my dismal performance in CBL and getting hit in the junk with the ball, finally getting my undeserved ticket for $160 for going off the road in January in the mail, and spending countless hours on a lab I still haven't finished has gotten me in a sour mood. God's word is able to give us perspective like nothing else though, hallelujah. Job endured such suffering, and yet he was ultimately redeemed and restored before the Lord.
What pastor Dave talked about today really struck a chord with me, as I'm sure it did for you all. As I read through Job, it becomes clear that his misery became so all consuming that he was in a place that is reminiscent of the things that Dave described today as being characteristic of temptation. Feeling like he was lost in the wilderness? Check. Feeling like he was the only one with his degree of suffering (though he probably was at this point in time). Check. Job had been living a life of righteousness, and yet all he had was uprooted from him.
I know God has been trying to show me that I need to come back to Him for all my answers. I long in my heart to remember His words as absolute truth. I'm sick of discouragement, hope is the only thing worth living for. On days like today when I just want to run and hide from this world, God's arms are my only solace. Please Father, let my every moment of the day be in your presence. Amen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The anointed One is here
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4-5)
I have a short story to tell. About the mid '80's, there was an awkward guy who didn't fit in anywhere, either in school or at church. He was constantly picked on and beat up by all the 'jocks' at school, and even at church was looked down upon. It was like he didn't exist to most of them. Even the youth pastor, though he tried to get to know the guy whose name was Brian, stuck to the other kids, mostly because they were more likeable.
One time this youth group went to an amusement park, but ended up spending the day by himself, when it was made clear that he wasn't wanted. After going to church for 3 or 4 months, Brian stopped coming. No one missed him, nor did they try and get a hold of him.
A few years passed. The youth pastor received a call from a guy who used to be in his youth group. "Do you remember a guy named Brian Warner who used to be in our youth group; tall, skinny, and kind of a loner?" the young man asked.
"Oh yeah, Brian Warner. What happened to him?" the pastor asked
"He goes by a different name these days," said the young man. "You've probably heard of him. Calls himself Marilyn Manson."
Yeah, the guy who has surely led thousands of kids into the open arms of our archenemy could have been a warrior in Christs' name, if only one of his fellow church members had taken the time to show the reality of His love. We talked today at church of how we can stay motivated; this story should do just that. We have no idea what people God is going to put in our lives, nor do we know the seeds that we may have already planted in those around us. There really will be coming a time when "there is night...and no one can work." We need God to rain His Spirit down upon us, that we may be prepared at a moment's notice to share, and receive testimonies from others. I know that not a single person here wants to see a single soul turn away from the only light that is in this world, so please do not lose faith!
I have a short story to tell. About the mid '80's, there was an awkward guy who didn't fit in anywhere, either in school or at church. He was constantly picked on and beat up by all the 'jocks' at school, and even at church was looked down upon. It was like he didn't exist to most of them. Even the youth pastor, though he tried to get to know the guy whose name was Brian, stuck to the other kids, mostly because they were more likeable.
One time this youth group went to an amusement park, but ended up spending the day by himself, when it was made clear that he wasn't wanted. After going to church for 3 or 4 months, Brian stopped coming. No one missed him, nor did they try and get a hold of him.
A few years passed. The youth pastor received a call from a guy who used to be in his youth group. "Do you remember a guy named Brian Warner who used to be in our youth group; tall, skinny, and kind of a loner?" the young man asked.
"Oh yeah, Brian Warner. What happened to him?" the pastor asked
"He goes by a different name these days," said the young man. "You've probably heard of him. Calls himself Marilyn Manson."
Yeah, the guy who has surely led thousands of kids into the open arms of our archenemy could have been a warrior in Christs' name, if only one of his fellow church members had taken the time to show the reality of His love. We talked today at church of how we can stay motivated; this story should do just that. We have no idea what people God is going to put in our lives, nor do we know the seeds that we may have already planted in those around us. There really will be coming a time when "there is night...and no one can work." We need God to rain His Spirit down upon us, that we may be prepared at a moment's notice to share, and receive testimonies from others. I know that not a single person here wants to see a single soul turn away from the only light that is in this world, so please do not lose faith!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Spiritual leprosy plagues us still
Although we rarely hear of leprosy anymore (apparently it does still happen in places like India though, aka Hansen's Disease), there is a much less obvious, but even more serious one that persists in spiritual terms. Left and right, all around us, there are members in the body of Christ that are rotting away as we speak. What I find most amazing about leprosy, is that up until very recently, there was no cure, only divine intervention ever healed anyone of the disease. And today our spiritual sickness is still only curable one way, through that of our savior Jesus!
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2 :9-10)
Just like Brian mentioned tonight (by God's spirit) that "the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you. (I Corinthians 12:21), so too can our Head not say to us, 'I have no need of you'. It is important for us to look at the disciples as examples of people no different than us; it is the One who called them who made them qualified. It was awesome to get together with IV tonight; this wass an excellent chance for us to be reminded of how similar we are in our needs, if not our spiritual gifts. As I looked at some of the gifts written on the various body-part shaped papers, it felt like a small view of what God sees when He looks down at us; a body of beautiful opportunities that just need the right catalyst to set into motion. That catalyst is Christ, and once we overcome that activation energy there will be nothing to stop us, even the gates of Hades (sorry, I've been studying for biochem today ;p).!
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2 :9-10)
Just like Brian mentioned tonight (by God's spirit) that "the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you. (I Corinthians 12:21), so too can our Head not say to us, 'I have no need of you'. It is important for us to look at the disciples as examples of people no different than us; it is the One who called them who made them qualified. It was awesome to get together with IV tonight; this wass an excellent chance for us to be reminded of how similar we are in our needs, if not our spiritual gifts. As I looked at some of the gifts written on the various body-part shaped papers, it felt like a small view of what God sees when He looks down at us; a body of beautiful opportunities that just need the right catalyst to set into motion. That catalyst is Christ, and once we overcome that activation energy there will be nothing to stop us, even the gates of Hades (sorry, I've been studying for biochem today ;p).!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
To Him belongs all the riches
3:8 Can a person rob 15 God? You indeed are robbing me, but you say, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and contributions! 16 3:9 You are bound for judgment 17 because you are robbing me – this whole nation is guilty. 18
3:10 “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse 19 so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord who rules over all, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all. 3:11 Then I will stop the plague 20 from ruining your crops, 21 and the vine will not lose its fruit before harvest,” says the Lord who rules over all. 3:12 “All nations will call you happy, for you indeed will live in 22 a delightful land,” says the Lord who rules over all. (Malachi 3:8-22)
Before I came back this semester, I was really having difficulty coming to terms when it came to tithing. I kept asking myself, 'Should I really be tithing when I'm not working now, when most of my income is from student loans and money I saved up?' I tried to come up with all sorts of rationalizations, but when Pastor Thomas came and spoke during the retreat I stopped trying to find the answers in myself, but looked to the word of God instead. Malachi makes it very clear here that no one is pulling the wool over God's eyes. I used to tell myself that I would start tithing again once I was working, but the truth is if we are not generous with a little, we won't be generous with a lot. We shouldn't view tithing as some sort of leech experiment, but an awesome opportunity to see God's kingdom furthered!
There is a true story of a Christian senator, Dr. Peter Marshall, who was confronted by a man who asked him, "I used to tithe regulary many years ago, but now I make $500,000 a year, and I obviously can't afford to give away $50,000 a year. So you see my problem."
The senator answered, "I certainly do. Let's pray about it." His prayer went something like: "Dear father, I pray that you will help reduce this man's salary to a point where is able to tithe again..."
The man quickly said "No, no don't pray that, I'll tithe, I'll tithe!"
Brothers and sisters, if you are anything like this guy, start praying and giving! We are not blessed because of what we have, we have what we have because we're blessed! I know as the economy gets worse (which it likely will before it ever gets better), this will be easier said than done, so let us learn this things now, before it gets even harder!
3:10 “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse 19 so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord who rules over all, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all. 3:11 Then I will stop the plague 20 from ruining your crops, 21 and the vine will not lose its fruit before harvest,” says the Lord who rules over all. 3:12 “All nations will call you happy, for you indeed will live in 22 a delightful land,” says the Lord who rules over all. (Malachi 3:8-22)
Before I came back this semester, I was really having difficulty coming to terms when it came to tithing. I kept asking myself, 'Should I really be tithing when I'm not working now, when most of my income is from student loans and money I saved up?' I tried to come up with all sorts of rationalizations, but when Pastor Thomas came and spoke during the retreat I stopped trying to find the answers in myself, but looked to the word of God instead. Malachi makes it very clear here that no one is pulling the wool over God's eyes. I used to tell myself that I would start tithing again once I was working, but the truth is if we are not generous with a little, we won't be generous with a lot. We shouldn't view tithing as some sort of leech experiment, but an awesome opportunity to see God's kingdom furthered!
There is a true story of a Christian senator, Dr. Peter Marshall, who was confronted by a man who asked him, "I used to tithe regulary many years ago, but now I make $500,000 a year, and I obviously can't afford to give away $50,000 a year. So you see my problem."
The senator answered, "I certainly do. Let's pray about it." His prayer went something like: "Dear father, I pray that you will help reduce this man's salary to a point where is able to tithe again..."
The man quickly said "No, no don't pray that, I'll tithe, I'll tithe!"
Brothers and sisters, if you are anything like this guy, start praying and giving! We are not blessed because of what we have, we have what we have because we're blessed! I know as the economy gets worse (which it likely will before it ever gets better), this will be easier said than done, so let us learn this things now, before it gets even harder!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Heroes that stand in the gap!
17:25 The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who is coming up? He does so 33 to defy Israel. But the king will make the man who can strike him down very wealthy! He will give him his daughter in marriage, and he will make his father’s house exempt from tax obligations in Israel.”
17:26 David asked the men who were standing near him, “What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and frees Israel from this humiliation? 34 For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God?” (I Samuel)
Since pastor Dave Adams is supposed to come back and speak, it got me thinking of what he talked about last semester. To those who don't recall the former lawyers sermon, he discussed what David went through in the valley of Elah, where he fought and defeated the fearsome Goliath. He discussed the characteristics of a hero, in 3 ways: a hero is not afraid of what others may think, or is willing to 'stand in the gap' to defend the name of the Lord; a hero is confident that the Lord will bring victory over evil; and uh, I can't really remember the third one. Anyways, he discussed how important it is not to get caught up in David as a man, but David as a man of God.
17:32 David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged. 44 Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” 17:33 But Saul replied to David, “You aren’t able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You’re just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!”
17:34 David replied to Saul, “Your servant has been a shepherd for his father’s flock. Whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock, 17:35 I would go out after it, strike it down, and rescue the sheep from its mouth. If it rose up against me, I would grab it by its jaw, strike it, and kill it. 17:36 Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them. 45 For he has defied the armies of the living God!”
Whether David was afraid or not is not mentioned, but regardless of how he felt, he let the righteousness of the Lord be his guide. When many of us see an obstacle before us, like graduating and going off to find a job, we make it such a grand task that we forget the Lord has carried us this far and will continue to do so. Even though David had never slaughtered a 7(some say 9)ft man before, he just saw it as being similar to protecting his own sheep. We too should see the obstacles before us as mere pebbles before the might of our God. It is perfectly natural for us to fear what we haven't encountered before, which is why we need God to put his super on our natural so that our power is supernatural!
17:50 53 David prevailed over the Philistine with just the sling and the stone. He struck down the Philistine and killed him. David did not even have a sword in his hand. 54 17:51 David ran and stood over the Philistine. He grabbed Goliath’s 55 sword, drew it from its sheath, 56 killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they ran away.
James tells us "..submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (4:7). David was able to conquer his giant by trusting in God and ignoring the seemingly impossible power of the enemy. Ask yourselves today, what giants can God conquer in my life today? Pray about it too, hopefully at tonight's prayer meeting!
17:26 David asked the men who were standing near him, “What will be done for the man who strikes down this Philistine and frees Israel from this humiliation? 34 For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God?” (I Samuel)
Since pastor Dave Adams is supposed to come back and speak, it got me thinking of what he talked about last semester. To those who don't recall the former lawyers sermon, he discussed what David went through in the valley of Elah, where he fought and defeated the fearsome Goliath. He discussed the characteristics of a hero, in 3 ways: a hero is not afraid of what others may think, or is willing to 'stand in the gap' to defend the name of the Lord; a hero is confident that the Lord will bring victory over evil; and uh, I can't really remember the third one. Anyways, he discussed how important it is not to get caught up in David as a man, but David as a man of God.
17:32 David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged. 44 Your servant will go and fight this Philistine!” 17:33 But Saul replied to David, “You aren’t able to go against this Philistine and fight him! You’re just a boy! He has been a warrior from his youth!”
17:34 David replied to Saul, “Your servant has been a shepherd for his father’s flock. Whenever a lion or bear would come and carry off a sheep from the flock, 17:35 I would go out after it, strike it down, and rescue the sheep from its mouth. If it rose up against me, I would grab it by its jaw, strike it, and kill it. 17:36 Your servant has struck down both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be just like one of them. 45 For he has defied the armies of the living God!”
Whether David was afraid or not is not mentioned, but regardless of how he felt, he let the righteousness of the Lord be his guide. When many of us see an obstacle before us, like graduating and going off to find a job, we make it such a grand task that we forget the Lord has carried us this far and will continue to do so. Even though David had never slaughtered a 7(some say 9)ft man before, he just saw it as being similar to protecting his own sheep. We too should see the obstacles before us as mere pebbles before the might of our God. It is perfectly natural for us to fear what we haven't encountered before, which is why we need God to put his super on our natural so that our power is supernatural!
17:50 53 David prevailed over the Philistine with just the sling and the stone. He struck down the Philistine and killed him. David did not even have a sword in his hand. 54 17:51 David ran and stood over the Philistine. He grabbed Goliath’s 55 sword, drew it from its sheath, 56 killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they ran away.
James tells us "..submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (4:7). David was able to conquer his giant by trusting in God and ignoring the seemingly impossible power of the enemy. Ask yourselves today, what giants can God conquer in my life today? Pray about it too, hopefully at tonight's prayer meeting!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
May we not have plastic praise that melts in the light of the Lord!
"The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" (Proverbs 18:14)
The past couple of days I have been really reflecting on how much my attitude needs to change. Even though I do not vocally complain about my life (as far as I can tell), there is still an internal dissatisfaction that I believe has prevented me from being closer to my Father. I believe this is in part because I make too big a deal out of things, like the fact that it may be too cold, my homework too frustrating, or my money situation too tight. So what, God has shown me such grace and mercy, and the more I pray about it, the more He opens up my eyes to how blessed I really am. I remember when we went to CFC revival last semester, and the pastor mentioned how whenever we complain about what we do or don't have, we are in effect saying, 'Jesus, you don't complete me'. Sounds harsh I know, but there is no other way to a joy that goes beyond all circumstances. People in history (not to mention the present) endure the most excruciating of circumstances the least we can do is show our gratitude for how well we have it!
All around America you see nothing but advertisements for depression, weight loss, makeup, surgery, you name it; but still we are not satisfied. Let our hearts cry, "The Lord gives and He takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord." I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if we live by the Spirit of God, we will be able to overcome anything that comes before us. Relying on our own strength can only take us so far, so consider it a blessing if your shortcomings make you rely on God all the more. "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22)....As a child of God, it is my prayer that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of our Father. Selah!
The past couple of days I have been really reflecting on how much my attitude needs to change. Even though I do not vocally complain about my life (as far as I can tell), there is still an internal dissatisfaction that I believe has prevented me from being closer to my Father. I believe this is in part because I make too big a deal out of things, like the fact that it may be too cold, my homework too frustrating, or my money situation too tight. So what, God has shown me such grace and mercy, and the more I pray about it, the more He opens up my eyes to how blessed I really am. I remember when we went to CFC revival last semester, and the pastor mentioned how whenever we complain about what we do or don't have, we are in effect saying, 'Jesus, you don't complete me'. Sounds harsh I know, but there is no other way to a joy that goes beyond all circumstances. People in history (not to mention the present) endure the most excruciating of circumstances the least we can do is show our gratitude for how well we have it!
All around America you see nothing but advertisements for depression, weight loss, makeup, surgery, you name it; but still we are not satisfied. Let our hearts cry, "The Lord gives and He takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord." I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if we live by the Spirit of God, we will be able to overcome anything that comes before us. Relying on our own strength can only take us so far, so consider it a blessing if your shortcomings make you rely on God all the more. "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22)....As a child of God, it is my prayer that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of our Father. Selah!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Let the Written Agenda by our daily guide
2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, 1 and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face. 2 2:2 My goal is that 3 their hearts, having been knit together 4 in love, may be encouraged, and that 5 they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 6 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 2:4 I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments 7 that sound reasonable. 8 2:5 For though 9 I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see 10 your morale 11 and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
This past Friday, I got to meet someone from Saudi Arabia, a guy named Kassim to those who met him. I saw him standing by the day before we were to gather for large group. Once we started talking about religion, and what our church was all about, it was like we had so much in common, even though he was muslim. We talked all through worship (ok, not the best timing, but it was for a good reason!) and when we were walking I felt like God was showing me something from the future, when both arabs and americans, as well as arabs and israelites, would walk together hand in hand, living by the peace in Jesus Christ. However, as he talked to me about differences between Sunni and Shia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, and details about the prophet, he also made very clear his disdain for Israel. He even told me that Iran loves its Jewish population, and that Mahmoud Ahmedinejahd (its president), was actually a peaceful man, but only wanted Palestine to take over Israel, where they would live peacefully side by side (!). He didn't have much of an answer for why the man denies the holocaust, persecutes ruthlessly his own religious group called Bahai'i, or why Iran would help fund terrorist groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon or Hamas in Palestine. God tells us that he will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse her (Genesis 12:3). Despite how close I feel towards him, I must remember that the word of my God remains true forever, and not to be 'deceived by arguments that sound reasonable' (for I would love to believe that the Arab world only wants to live in peace with the people of Israel!).
More and more these days I think about what it was like as a kid, hanging out with my friends, running around outdoors, lighting off fireworks, fishing, playing videogames, and playing soccer, swimming, etc. In some ways I believe this is God's way of reminding me how He wants me to know I am still His child. And like a father wants to see his children's hearts knit together, so should we be, even among siblings that we don't get along with. I will keep meditating on pure thoughts of joy in seeing the family I may not even know yet, together with all of us, in the presence of our Father who loves us beyond our deepest of understanding!
This past Friday, I got to meet someone from Saudi Arabia, a guy named Kassim to those who met him. I saw him standing by the day before we were to gather for large group. Once we started talking about religion, and what our church was all about, it was like we had so much in common, even though he was muslim. We talked all through worship (ok, not the best timing, but it was for a good reason!) and when we were walking I felt like God was showing me something from the future, when both arabs and americans, as well as arabs and israelites, would walk together hand in hand, living by the peace in Jesus Christ. However, as he talked to me about differences between Sunni and Shia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, and details about the prophet, he also made very clear his disdain for Israel. He even told me that Iran loves its Jewish population, and that Mahmoud Ahmedinejahd (its president), was actually a peaceful man, but only wanted Palestine to take over Israel, where they would live peacefully side by side (!). He didn't have much of an answer for why the man denies the holocaust, persecutes ruthlessly his own religious group called Bahai'i, or why Iran would help fund terrorist groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon or Hamas in Palestine. God tells us that he will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse her (Genesis 12:3). Despite how close I feel towards him, I must remember that the word of my God remains true forever, and not to be 'deceived by arguments that sound reasonable' (for I would love to believe that the Arab world only wants to live in peace with the people of Israel!).
More and more these days I think about what it was like as a kid, hanging out with my friends, running around outdoors, lighting off fireworks, fishing, playing videogames, and playing soccer, swimming, etc. In some ways I believe this is God's way of reminding me how He wants me to know I am still His child. And like a father wants to see his children's hearts knit together, so should we be, even among siblings that we don't get along with. I will keep meditating on pure thoughts of joy in seeing the family I may not even know yet, together with all of us, in the presence of our Father who loves us beyond our deepest of understanding!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Our witness will never sell us out-for any price...
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness to our spirit that we our children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified." (Romans 8:15-17).
It breaks my heart when I think how deceived we are by this world. Solomon tells us there is nothing new under the sun; and yet so many think there is something in them that makes them unique, ignoring the glory of our Creator. Has anyone reading this ever seen the movie 'The Rescuers'? Remember how the little girl was so desperate to escape from that woman who just wanted to use her to fetch pearls, by putting on her mask of love at the adoption agency (er, something like that, it's been a long time ;)), only to finally end up with a family who truly loved her as she is? Well, the world is that woman, who puts on a mask of love and dupes us from the arms of our true Father. How many fathers do you know that, after seeing their son or daughter fall over and over again, says 'Forget trying to walk, I'd rather just see you crawl around hopelessly the rest of your life'. Not one! Why then do we think that God would ever give up on us, when there is literally not one person who could be more on our side than Him!
I think it is because we fall in love with the symptoms of love, rather than the root source of it. If I was to say to one of you, 'A rose is a beautiful fragrance' you would say, 'Uh, no, a rose makes a beautiful fragrance, but you can't say that it is.' That then being true, why are we so quick to surround ourselves with signs that God loves us, like cars, clothes, toys, and comfort, and so hesitant about embracing the source of all good things? I stand guilty above all, for not constantly looking to the Holy Spirit to be my guide in contentment. God gave us people to love, and things to use, and yet we love things and use people. Please, like Joe spoke about today, let's not define ourselves by things we possess, or the careers we choose, God made us as human beings, not human doings. We need to remember that we are loved unconditionally, and so must we return to our God and our people.
It breaks my heart when I think how deceived we are by this world. Solomon tells us there is nothing new under the sun; and yet so many think there is something in them that makes them unique, ignoring the glory of our Creator. Has anyone reading this ever seen the movie 'The Rescuers'? Remember how the little girl was so desperate to escape from that woman who just wanted to use her to fetch pearls, by putting on her mask of love at the adoption agency (er, something like that, it's been a long time ;)), only to finally end up with a family who truly loved her as she is? Well, the world is that woman, who puts on a mask of love and dupes us from the arms of our true Father. How many fathers do you know that, after seeing their son or daughter fall over and over again, says 'Forget trying to walk, I'd rather just see you crawl around hopelessly the rest of your life'. Not one! Why then do we think that God would ever give up on us, when there is literally not one person who could be more on our side than Him!
I think it is because we fall in love with the symptoms of love, rather than the root source of it. If I was to say to one of you, 'A rose is a beautiful fragrance' you would say, 'Uh, no, a rose makes a beautiful fragrance, but you can't say that it is.' That then being true, why are we so quick to surround ourselves with signs that God loves us, like cars, clothes, toys, and comfort, and so hesitant about embracing the source of all good things? I stand guilty above all, for not constantly looking to the Holy Spirit to be my guide in contentment. God gave us people to love, and things to use, and yet we love things and use people. Please, like Joe spoke about today, let's not define ourselves by things we possess, or the careers we choose, God made us as human beings, not human doings. We need to remember that we are loved unconditionally, and so must we return to our God and our people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)