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.
1.31.2009
1.23.2009
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.
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.
1.17.2009
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.
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.
1.09.2009
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.
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.
1.02.2009
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.
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.
12.19.2008
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?
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?
12.12.2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)