Pressing On

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 NIV

This verse really spoke to me this week...I guess mostly because the news about Pastor Kim and his wife really shook me. Out of all the churches I have attended this is the only one where I feel like my family in Christ is actually my family. Losing Pastor Kim and his wife is like having family members taken away from you. Thinking back all I ever received from either of them were genuine smiles, hugs, and how-are-you's...and I hardly share any history with them at all. This whole situation breaks my heart because I cannot even imagine the sacrifices the entire Kim family has made so willingly for the glory of God.

But that's really what we have to do, isn't it? I mean when it comes down to it, faith isn't about our church members or our leaders, it's about you and God. Giving up our past lives, lives of sin and worldy things...well it's not really much of a sacrifice if you think about how amazing it will be in dwelling in the heavenly kingdom of God. But that's not really to say that life on this earth is a breeze, and that once you accept Jesus Christ that your life will be perfect and you will never struggle with any sort of sin or temptation ever again. Quite the opposite actually; you'd probably be much more aware of sin and Satan's traps for you. Also I guess that like Pastor Kim, we will all be faced with situations where we must push on, the only thing keeping us on that path being our trust in God. This week I have been praying so hard for their family and the future of our church, but I know that each of us must persevere, press on for the glory of God and the hope of eternity with Him.

Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11

This week I read this verse and it seemed to stick out to me especially because we have break this week. During breaks I usually sleep alot and pretty much do whatever I want...but I also found that I am more spiritually sound during breaks. I have less stress and more time that is devoted to God without having other worries or anxieties interfere. This verse says that we should live in peace...and not just on breaks. I think this verse shows how I should already be content with what God has given me. It's almost the exact opposite of what we're taught by the media and parents and stuff...to always want more money, to work harder in school to get a better paying job, etc. I'm sure that my parents are just trying to make sure I don't end up being a hobo on the street, but I know that God will provide for me wherever I end up. I just think it's awesome that I have that reassurance. Even if I were to end up as a hobo on the street, God is still going to be with me. I don't know what God's plan for me is in the future, but I am content because I have all I will ever need--His love. If God's love is with me on this earth and even past that, then the temporary things I acquire on this earth are of much less significance...

Recently one of my friends was rejected from some of the schools he applied to...after he received the rejection letters he told me how frustrated he was and how he didn't really know what God's plan for him on this earth is if his chance to go to college is taken away. My automatic response was to comfort him, reminding him that God will never give us more than we can handle and that when we have salvation in Christ, we are entrusting our lives to God fully and completely in all matters of life. Later I guess I realized that I'm pretty much anxious about the same thing. I don't know what God has in store for me at all, and now that college visiting and all this other stuff is starting to come around during junior year it's all a bit mortifying at first. In considering what areas I would like to pursue in college, I am starting to look at things I could do in either english or art. My parents worry because they say there is no money in either of those studies and their worries start to become my own. Upon deeper reflection I am comforted by the realization that I already one true purpose on this life, which is (always!) to live a life that glorifies Christ and His sacrifice for us on the cross. But even with the commands that Scripture provides us with it's still hard to know what God is calling you to do in order to glorify His name to the best of your own ability...which is why I like this verse alot:

So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

Not only does this relieve my anxieties about college and the future; but it also reminds me the importance of reading Scripture. Just because you've read Scripture once doesn't mean you've taken it all in. Our memories fade; therefore, constant reinforcement, re-application, and general reflection is what makes Scripture valid in our lives both now and until we stand before Him in judgment.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV

This is a really simple verse that I am trying to apply to my own life because I think it gets straight to the point of how we should live as believers. If we don't give over every aspect of our life to God, our faith is false. To claim faith to the Lord only when we're inside a church building or in front of our christian friends/family members is useless and in time, only harms ourselves in that we have deprived ourselves from a chance of true salvation in Christ. For my own spiritual life this is something I've thought about a lot, because at first I didn't really understand the verse. We are commanded by Scripture to live our lives so that the work that we do will glorify God's image and not our own. Thus, even the things I do in my daily ritual that seem trivial to me should be magnified in their importance because they are for God and dedicated to His glory. But things like swim practice, washing dishes, doing my homework....how were these things at all related to glorifying God? Even though it may not be straightforwardly glorifying God like we do when we sing praise songs and prayer, it is still work. When I do homework, it is (I hope) to improve my mind and at the very least my discipline. An improved mind and discipline can be used to gain a better understanding of Scripture and my spiritual relationship with God. Things like helping my parents with chores and swimming aren't directly related to worshipping God-but they may give me opportunities for evangelism and extending further from the church "bubble" of overly self-contented christians. In the end I think that faith should be something that transcends the boundaries that we often create in our own minds when we compartmentalize our lives. Faith is not something to be restricted into "Church time" or "Prayer/Devo Time", rather, it should be a driving force that moves all aspects of our lives so that we can glorify God with all that we have.

So this week our english teacher wanted us to write essays for a competition. The essay topic was basically to write about a woman we regard in high esteem...I picked my grandmother. I realized she is someone I admire because she is for me, an example of a woman of Christ. She was far from perfect, but after she was saved she lived her life with a strength and hope that could only come from Christ. I realized that throughout her life she extended the love of Christ to whoever she met. In low spiritual times I wonder if my faith is just an act--my grandmother's sons, for the most part, rejected Christ after my grandmother died. My mother, as well as my older brother, have rejected Christ. I wonder if this is will happen to me too, that putting up a pretense of faith is for all intents and purposes, "hereditary"...

and through these treacherous thoughts this is one of the verses that appears in my mind:

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

I've heard this verse spoken zillions of times and I think it's just so simple and powerful. There is no doubt in my mind nor heart that Christ died for us; that the saving power of His grace is all we need and He will never leave our side. Now that I'm writing this I guess this can be related to the Spiritual Disciplines book. If you guys don't have it,get it...it's pretty straightforward and really puts things in the proper perspective. Anyway, there's this part where Whitney talks about why believers should memorize Scripture--without the Word of God stored in our hearts, how can we know what He wants us to do when a Bible isn't nearby? Verses are our weapons against Satan, against the daily temptations and thoughts he puts into our minds. The Holy Spirit will work in us and bring verses to mind that will help us through our problems. This verse was especially comforting to me because it says "do not be discouraged"....a reminder of perseverance against the world, and the trust that I put into the truth of Christ.

Uncompromising

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.



So this week I watched the the Obama inauguration in school and it started off with the music and the invocation prayer and stuff. Normally I'm not really an avid follower of politics or anything but I guess I paid more attention because the gay community is all in uproar about Warren being picked to deliver the invocation. Anyways so at the end I was a little disappointed (esp. after watching the Brittany McComb video)because Warren seemed a little.....eh. He didn't preach Christ or eternal life; most of his speech was pretty much passive and vague enough to satisfy pretty much everyone. The point of me saying this is not to criticize the guy, but I guess I feel sort of responsible. This is really cheesy I know, but some day the kids in my grade are all going to be grown up and we're going to be leading America. Most of the time I feel like a lot of the Christian youth I meet are too passive, too willing to give up their beliefs in exchange for outward acceptance. Either that or I guess we kind of have a desensitized view on the fragile state of life and the immense gift Christ offers us. You probably can't compare a speech made up by a high school valedictorian to a speech read at the inauguration of the first black President (with millions watching), and certainly there is a lot of pressure to avoid controversy...but still, I think values should still stand, regardless. There seems to be a fine line between being tactful about evangelism and compromising the message of Christ to the point where you only skim the very surface and never actually get to the heart of Scripture at all. haha...I seem to be getting sidetracked. Anyways, I just feel as someone who is starting to get older I should try harder to examine my life and make sure that I'm not compromising anything. In the end I will only face God's judgment. My favorite verses of that passage are the last two; even though I may stumble or grow weak, the Lord will renew me. His strength is going to be what will carry me through, what will help me lead an uncompromised life, a life for Christ.

Psalm 119

1 [a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.

2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.

3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

This week has been so much work because of midterms so I had to try really hard to keep myself disciplined in Scripture and prayer. Most of the time whenever I struggle with keeping daily devotionals its because the night before I was working until way too late...and Scripture is always better when you can read it and think it through clearly. So not to be redundant here, but I think the retreat and Spiritual Disciplines book were blessings to my life because they remind me of my true purpose on this earth: to live like Christ would. So this psalm was really encouraging to me and I really hope that I can remain steadfast in Him.

So recently my parents opened up a wine store in new york and while my dad/brother work there all day, my mom will go help out after she gets off from her own job. So basically a lot of time now it's just me and my little brother at home because my parents don't get back till ten thirty or eleven, plus they work the weekends now too, and I realized all the things my parents do for me. At first I was really annoyed because my parents always come home exhausted and generally very irritated if the house was messed up when they came home. Also I guess it was a transition for my family life, since now I guess I'm responsible for taking care of my brother and the house more than usual, but I remembered a verse I memorized in my old church:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:9-10

Now honestly when this was going on I was kind of thinking a lot of selfish things because I felt like this huge load was dumped on me without being asked, and school basically takes up a good deal of my time. But, remembering the verse was a blessing, especially the last part. Honor one another ABOVE yourself. So even though at first I thought it was completely unfair that my parents were gone all the time, I realized that love isn't something that is measured in fairness. If it was, I really don't think we'd deserve Christ's love at all. I love my parents, and I love my brothers. We may not always show it through affection, but I am thankful God has blessed me with parents who work so hard to support their family. If Scripture tells us that we must honor one another above ourselves, then I should treat my family so. I really hope that God will help me shine His light in my own family, and that they can see Christ's love working through me, even if it starts just by me washing the dishes and making dinner.

Patience.

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Man okay so I'll be the first to admit that I have temper problems. Whenever something goes wrong or someone does something in a way I don't like, there's a good chance I'll snap at them or end up saying something that hurts their feelings. I don't know if alot of you guys have seen that side of me, not many things annoy me when I'm hanging out at retreats or worshipping. But it's the times where I'm not directly worshipping, praising, learning about God that I forget myself. That would pretty much leave my time at school, home, etc. It's how I've reacted since I was a little kid. Lacking in patience. But this verse is so good that I stuck it on the bulletin board in my room as a reminder, cuz as a follower of Christ it's important to do more than read the bible. Gotta live up to the Word, gotta live up to be like Christ, amen? So I guess the very last part of the verse is what speaks to me the most, be patient with everyone, no matter how they are or what they've done.

Work

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7

This verse centers around one thing: work. A life for Christ includes things like joy, love, hope--but alot of times we tend to focus on those things because those are the things we want for ourselves and the people we care about. We forget that without work, our spiritual lives are empty. Reading the bible every day, praying every day, going to church; these all require our time and effort, and not putting our heart into it is what keeps us from having a truly intimate relationship with God. Another thing is letting guilt get to you. Sometimes it's really hard for me to get back on track if I haven't read the bible that morning because I know that I should have...but didn't. There has to be a connection between wanting to know God and realizing that the way to know God is through hard work and daily discipline. It's the same thing with school pretty much; you'll get more out of it if you work harder at it, and even more so if you place your heart into your studies instead of doing it begrudgingly. A while back Pastor Steph made an analogy to our lives and a salmon run--basically when all the salmon swim back to freshwater as a part of their life cycle. Some of them travel thousands upon thousands of miles up waterfalls and against rapids against gravity and against the tremendous force of rushing water...now how is that not amazing? But if the fish falters, if the fish stops swimming, there is no doubt that it will be swept away by the current. The same thing applies to our lives...if we stop working to fill our minds with Scripture, with God, we will be swept away by the world, taken in by temptation and sin. That is why it is so easy for christians who don't know Scripture to fall back into patterns of sin. The world we live in basically encourages us to get as much possible by doing the least amount of work; our human nature only encourages this if we give in to our laziness. Not to say that I always feel like reading the bible in the morning, but keeping in mind Christ's love and the heavenly reward of eternal life is more motivating than just thinking "Ugh, I have to read the bible because I promised myself I would every day". After all, what's a bit of time each morning compared to the promise of eternal life?

Jesus is my truth

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

John 18:37

Truth is something we all search for. Some people devote their whole lives trying to come up with the answers to life. A few summers ago I took a philosophy course at JHU during the summer and we learned about a lot of philosophers; old school guys like Socrates and Confucius, and newer ones like Bateson and Dewey...anyways. These guys spent their years coming up with a whole bunch of theories on a variety of topics. Point is, people want the truth about everything. About creation. About mankind's existence. About love, hatred, happiness...the list goes on and on.

Guys, realize that truth can be found at the cross. Truth is Jesus. He is the only one that satisfies that inner desire to know something is pure and can withstand time and all else. If we turn to the cross we can find the truth that will illuminate our lives with His light...only the love of God is capable of moving us in such a way.

The other day I saw this poster that said, "Why believe in a god? Just be good, for goodness' sake!"

For me I guess that was how I viewed life before I came to Christ, trying to be good and obedient to my parents and all that. We're raised to be the "bigger person", to overcome our troubles just for the sake of being good and moral human beings. As well intended as these teachings are, they aren't realistic at all. Despite your good intentions, how many times have you lied? How many times have you experienced anger, frustration, even hatred towards others? The mantra of being good just for the sake of goodness has no lasting motivation because we are depending on ourselves. The only way we'd be successful through depending on ourselves is if we were inherently good anyways, and there wouldn't be any problems then.

This is why the cross is truth-it acknowledges our sinful nature, instead of treating it as something that can go away by itself through sheer human willpower. Scripture acknowledges that man is imperfect, that temptation is always near. Even Christians do not walk perfectly straight paths--we all have our down times and fall victim to the things of this world. The cross offers us truth because it says that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins now and forever, and through the love and sheer willpower of God we can live lives based on light and truth.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Christian Lifestyle

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:10-12

This verse is especially applicable to my life as I continue to grow in my spiritual walk with Him. The work that we do for Christ is for Him and Him alone. It isn't for our own self-image so that others will look at us like we're the perfect Christian--there is no such thing, otherwise we wouldn't need the cross at all. Alot of the churches I have visited in my past I feel like there are always kids and leaders who try to uphold this kind of "Christian" image or stereotype. But that's exactly what it is--an image, an imitation of the real thing. This is what happens when God is not the driving force of your life. I believe that if you are truly saved, the Lord will change the way you live your life drastically. It's not a part that you have to play while you're at church or around your Christian friends, which is what I feel like we've all done at some point in our lives. It is a genuine change of heart that will compel you to live your life that way. Christ is your motivation; God's strength and God's love will be able to help you see it through.

Having Everything We Need.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15


Now I know this is so predictable, but with thanksgiving coming up I figure I might as well post about it. At school there have already been so many mentions of thanksgiving plans and food and stuff. Thanksgiving, of course, has always been a holiday full of food, family, and friends. We get all warm and gushy inside just thinking about it, right? It's hard to find people who don't like it.

I think that a lot of times people get so emotionally high during the holiday season. For a lot of people thanksgiving is all about the traditions-the thanksgiving fare, the football, the changing leaves, all that good stuff. Getting caught up on this ideal, this concept of the "perfect Thanksgiving", and allowing it to engulf our entirety during the holiday season is not only setting ourselves up for an emotional low later on, but ignoring the whole purpose of Thanksgiving. I know kids who have families that are absolutely OBSESSED with having a perfect Thanksgiving--meaning family, friends, EVERYONE has to be there and the food has to be an absolutely gigantic and mouth-watering feast.

The essence of thanksgiving is something that doesn't need the food, doesn't need the games or pretty leaves. At its heart, Thanksgiving is about appreciating what we have, and giving thanks to the God, the Provider who has given it all for us.

If you could pick one thing, one thing that you are the most thankful for this Thanksgiving, what would it be? For me, the love of God is all I need to give thanks. So even if maybe you don't have a traditional thanksgiving (I know alot of my friends don't!), you don't need it. All that you will ever need is God's love....you already have it.

His Will

"Teach me to do thy will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

Psalm 143:10

The past week I've been reflecting really hard on my leadership at DEM and especially at christian club. I remember when Pastor Steph asked us to become leaders that it was, if we chose to accept the position, a position to serve God by serving the youth. Honestly I'm not really sure I'm doing much for the youth group, but I realized at least of late I have been forgetting the most essential part of my service to God--that it is His work being done, and it is His will that should be moving every act I carry out as a leader. So this morning I ask that God will teach me to do His will, and not my own.

It's so easy to be carried away by your own "position". Even if you are just a regular member of DEM, I feel like sometimes any believer feels that they are "above" unbelievers because we try to live holy lives and we look down on those who don't know about Christ and living a life for Him. Yet, these are the same people who we should be turning to and inviting them to Christian Club, or at maybe just starting up a casual conversation leading to Christ...these are the people we have been told to spread the love of Christ to.

Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase so shall thy barns be filled with plenty….
Proverbs 3:9-10

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

This week was really exhausting for me because of school and a whole bunch of other things. I'm glad it's the weekend now and that I actually have time to sleep. I realized that most of the time during the week, if I'm not busy doing something I'm busy planning out what I'm going to be doing a few moments later. There is no time to stop, no time to focus on anything but the task at hand. Even when I do my devotionals I feel rushed in the mornings because I know I have to lead prayer at school, and if I do them at night I feel like that is the only time where I can find peace in God--but only for a brief moment before I sleep or finish my homework. That brings me to another point--why I love my Saturdays and Sundays spent with DEM. The prayer meetings especially are precious to me because I have no other responsibility but to come. Finally I have a time where I can devote all my consciousness to talking, praising, and being with God through prayer. Don't get me wrong--I love serving DEM and the kids at my high school, but I am grateful the Lord has also provided me with those moments throughout the week where I can find my quiet place-especially on Saturday.

It is at these moments where I ask this--

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me."
Psalm 51:10

Our reward in heaven is so much greater

It is good to praise the Lord,
and make music to your name, O most High

to proclaim your love in the morning,
and your faithfulness at night

Psalm 29:1-2

It's really weird sometimes how much an effect peer pressure can have on you when you're at school. So many times I am tempted to stray from my walk with God when I hear my nonbelievers talking about going to crazy parties and other activities. I mean, not that I am particularly interested in drinking or doing drugs or any sort of thing like that. Even for just a brief moment, I feel like I've missed out, because people always are recounting these events with stories full of laughter and smiles that I wish I would've been there to have fun with them. I've found that this fleeting feeling has had much more of a presence as I get older each year and my peers are starting to live lives consumed with more and more temporal thrills. But sometimes it feels like you're an outsider, kind of like you know you're forbidden from doing any such thing because you are supposed to be living a life of holiness. Truly there have been some times where I feel like I need to break out of this "entrapment" I have let myself fall into, this "church-goer" stereotype that people often assume with Christians. I especially know this feeling of frustration is true for many pastor kids I've met, "p.k's", who feel like they need to prove themselves to the world and act out so that they will not be judged based on preconceptions.

But I always do come back to the conclusion that this is the wrong sort of attitude I should have towards my faith in God. Faith should not be treated as a burden; it is God's gift. Why am I jealous of these unbelievers when I have something that is unknown to their sinful hearts? To be jealous of worldly things....why bother? They will pass soon enough, and I have something so much better that all those unbelievers don't have. The world tries to capture us with catch phrases such as : "c'est la vie!", "live in the moment", "live life on the edge". Notice that all of these phrases are based on the notion of life on this earth...if you think about it, they all treat the life they have now as the only thing they've got, telling you to use every moment to live it in thrill and excitement to make sure your life is not a wasted one. For unbelievers, this life really pretty much is all they've got. But that is where the beauty of God's grace comes in. We as believer shall not waste our lives on this earth on the thrills that this world has to offer. Our eyes are turned towards something else that we shall receive when we see His face. We shall receive something that will last forever, something that will be amazing and greater than anything else we have ever experienced; eternal life. I am blessed by Jesus' blood, by God's grace, and most importantly, His love; that in itself, is good enough for me.


Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven….
Matthew 5:12

Light of the World

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

In my english class we never really have tests or anything, and most of our written work is done outside of class. Instead, we have discussions. This week we were discussing the transcendentalists...this eventually led to a conversation on God and science. What struck me the most during that period was that so many people seemed to believe in God, or at the very least a higher power, or "the magic in life" in the words of one of my classmates. There was only one pronounced atheist in my class, and even he wasn't entirely sure on why he was atheist when he was asked by my teacher why he was so adamant in the nonexistence of a God.

This discussion also recalled the time when I was talking to my friend about God. I had asked her what she thought about faith and God's presence in our lives. Her response was, "I believe in a God....but I don't know...I try not to think about it so much."

All of these occurrences came back to me and it struck me that pretty much everyone my age at least wants to believe in a God, or, if they don't, they don't even know why. Guys wake up! This is where we're supposed to come in. We may be students, we may be sons and daughters of our parents, we may be friends and older siblings, but first and foremost we are the body of Christ. The disciples and Jesus are no longer physically on this earth to spread God's love. We are His body. So many of our peers have already acknowledged the existence of a God...half the work has already been done for us by His grace. They may not know Scripture or know God's mercy, but it is so great that they all at least want to believe that there is a God. As followers of faith we should take advantage of this! Let's share His light with them, amen?

Being the Bigger Person

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Hatred. I think it starts off small most of the time, just that tiny bit of resentment or annoyance for something in your life. Then it grows silently inside of you, oh so gradually, and before you know it, wham! You find yourself thinking things you know are wrong, you start to feel lost, the bitterness eating away at your heart--and ultimately, your relationship with our Creator.

We grow up in this society taught to be "the bigger person", to be above picking and engaging in fights with our loved ones--yet how often is it that we wake up and find ourselves in petty confrontations with our brothers, sisters, parents, friends...

Well, I think that the general concept of being "the bigger person" is good in that we should avoid engaging in activities that will only breed and encourage our hatred--except when the world preaches that idea to us, its missing one important part-God's grace.

For me, I remember trying to be the bigger person when I was little. And if I did succeed in walking away from some drama that my brother or friend had started, I would still be raging on the inside after I walked away. Actually, the situation ended up for the worse whenever I did that, because not only was I still angry and inwardly hating the other person, but also I would be gloating at the same time--proud of myself that I had done what I know my parents would've seen as the mature thing to do by walking away from a physical or verbal fight. But just because I walked away didn't mean anything had actually changed between the two of us--both of us would still feel animosity towards each other. Walking away from a fight without grace, without compassion for the other person, is meaningless. It won't change how you feel towards that person, and it most likely won't change your situation with the other person.

But if you walk away with God's grace--that's a different story. We can't overcome all of the problems we face on this earth alone--especially the hatred and evil which fills our hearts. We can't truly forgive, we can't truly empty our hearts of all hate and bitterness without God. It is our faith that allows us to turn from evil, to turn and be above the impurities that Satan tempts us with on a daily basis. The cross....isn't that the greatest example of forgiveness and love? Jesus died willingly for you, for me, and all of humanity. In this he shows us the true meaning of grace--forgiveness, even when by his actions the receiver has not earned compassion or mercy. We do not deserve the mercy God gives us--it is a gift that Jesus has enabled us to receive. It is not our own strength and maturity we should rely on to forgive others; rather, it is God's ultimate gift to us, and His strength that allows such mercy to enter our lives.

Fake Christians

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:1-5

I love these verses because it is so true that we often turn a blind eye to our own iniquities to judge our own brothers and sisters, whether it be silently in our heads or with outward scorn or disapproval. Perhaps we hear curse words falling from their mouths, or hear of their past unholy actions from another person. We are quick to deem them as "fake christians", the ones who go to church and say that they are believers when asked, yet when you watch them they seem to live just as ungodly a life as the nonbelievers that surround them.

This passage reminds us that we should remember first our own transgressions and sin before we should concern ourselves with how anyone else lives their own life. Are we not hypocrites if we only lament the sins of others, all while living sinful lives ourselves? We must always be careful of the grip of sin in our lives; if we grow lax and unwatchful of temptation's hold in our lives, there is a good chance that we will fall to our sinful desires. I think that focusing on the purity of your own life first is priority because ultimately faith is between you and God. Fellowship is important, and as a body in Christ we are united to do His glorious works, but when you meet our Heavenly Savior in judgment, He will be judging YOU. When you see His face, He won't be concerning Himself with the sins that your friends or family members have committed, but He will see all that has happened in your life and His judgment will be based on what you have sowed on this earth for your place in heaven. Therefore, ensure that your life is one that shines His light-do not be a hypocrite who judges others for their iniquities while you yourself are living in sin.

The verses then follow to tell us that after we have "taken the plank out of our own eye", to turn and remove the speck from our brother's eye. This is where fellowship and establishing yourselves among a family of believers will benefit your life immensely. If we constantly thrive to live lives of Christ, then it is only appropriate we should every once in a while speak to our brothers and sisters gently if we see them falling fast from sin and desire. However, the passage also points out our own hypocrisy-how often have we fallen into the same sins as the ones we see our brothers and sisters struggling through? How often is it that we can see sins that both of us are dealing with, yet we only seem to notice and judge others for falling into that temptation? We are all sinners. Being Christian does not mean that we do not struggle with sin or temptation, it means that the iniquities we deal with have been forgiven, covered by Jesus' blood. So maybe that "fake christian" you see in your school is failing to address the sin in their lives-yet by turning a blind eye to our own sin in order to judge them for their lack of watchfulness is hypocrisy. Perhaps they are truly curious about Christ but are not taking His word to heart and praying for a heart of faith. Whatever the case may be, I do not believe we should shun them(even if only in our heads) for being hypocrites, for we ourselves can probably relate to a moment where we ourselves were under control of the same sin that they struggle with. Instead, offer them words of encouragement, and most importantly, your prayers.

See You at the Pole

So this past Wednesday was See You at the Pole, a national event in which students gather at their local flag pole at their school or campus to pray for everything from their own storms to the sufferings that occur across the world.

At my school we gathered at 7 am, standing in the morning dew. When I arrived early I was surprised to see that there were so many adults(mothers of students at the school, teachers, and local church goers) sitting on the benches, ready to pray with us. After praise and an opening prayer as a large group, the other leaders and I divided up into small prayer groups.

In my group were two of my classmates, an underclassman, a young girl(maybe 9 or so) , her older sister, and a woman from a local church. As we parted from the large group and walked toward a set of benches a few yards away, the woman, Daisy, touched my shoulder and asked if she should go get her pocketbook before we started praying. She had left it next to the boxes of munchkins one of the leaders had brought to share. Considering the short distance between the benches and the vast groups of already praying small groups which surrounded the benches, I replied, "Sure you can, but it'd probably be okay if you left it too. I don't think anyone from our club would take it." We went on and prayed until 7:40.

As we returned to the large group, Daisy went to get her pocketbook. Except well, it kind of wasn't there. When she started looking for it and announced it missing, I was horrified. Horrified because I had been the one who had convinced her to leave it. Horrified at the possibility that someone had taken it in the midst of honest prayers and dedicated students. I hoped of course, that someone had taken it by accident.

The bell rang, and everyone had to go inside. The bag was no where to be found, and Daisy's phone and car keys were in the bag. I was at a loss at what to do, so quickly I prayed that God would return the bag to this poor woman who had come to pray for our school and our nation.

Now okay, later on Daisy emailed and told us that someone had found her bag in their car. She believes that someone (perhaps a student) had picked up the bag and placed it in the car, in knowledge that the owner of the car also had the same bag that Daisy did.

I realize that this whole story was a small incident and not particularly life-changing or deeply moving, but God works small miracles of faith for us every day. In a way I guess God answered our prayers to find Daisy's bag. At its heart, See You at the Pole is about prayer. Praying for our schools. Praying for our nation. Praying for those who are persecuted for their faith...the list goes on and on. God will answer honest prayers. They may not be answered in the way you want, or in the time frame you want them to be answered in. But He is listening for your cries.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18)