So this week's large group topic will attempt to answer the question of: What does it feel like and look like to grow? I have to admit that I have not really thought of this question. However, as I look back to Freshmen year, I can really see how I have grown for the better and worse. I can definitely say that I've grown a lot more cynical in many ways. After many years of seeing Christian hypocrisy in other's, as well as, my life, and after encountering the politics in churches that can break families and lives, my heart has been rather scarred. I've always struggled with God's sanctification in my life. I've always been beaten in with the concept of doing right and not wrong, of going to church, of being a nice person, of not sinning. Ever since childhood, I've always struggled with having confidence in my salvation. I've wrestled with the feeling of failure and sin in my life and wondered if God could ever accept someone like me or whether I can even call myself a Christian. Eventually you get tired when you try to earn perfection. Eventually you learn to surrender more to God. It's that whole concept of trying to earn God's love. I still struggle with God's love. Accepting his free gift is one of the hardest concepts to grasp. Are we ever able to pry ourselves from the reach of his grace and atonement over our lives? After years of struggling with addictions - and frankly, still struggling - the sanctifying work of God's spirit can easily come into question. And along with that, one can easily question the state of one's salvation. I think that salvation is one of the hardest concepts to grasp in this culture. A free gift that God chooses to give. A gift that I cannot ever come close to earning, nor one that I can ever come close to losing. A gift that is completely dependent on the giver and his redeeming sacrifice. I sometimes wonder about how big a part God plays in my life, or, more correctly, how big a part I play in his Will.
I returned home this weekend. It was kinda discouraging going back to the English service on Sunday. The attendance was sparse and the atmosphere seemed to be lacking. It seems like a heavy air lingers among the English ministry in our church. People struggle to obtain ownership and direction. I do not see the vision and I get a sense that we are aimlessly wondering and searching for something that we don't even know what that somethings is. My heart really aches whenever I think of the English ministry. I see hearts that are longing for something more. I see so much potential, so much hope, and such a desperate longing for community. Yet, we are trapped in some sort of quick sand, unable to move and progress.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Bums Make Me Uncomfortable
I've recently noticed that as my quiet time has diminished, my focus on God has become blurrier and blurrier. I go to class, go to meals, and go to sleep. However, I forget the motivation behind all of these things and that motivation should be for the glory of God. How many times have I decided to do something for my own ends and means.
I haven't been able to sleep recently. I think part of the reason is due to my poor sleeping habits. I've been taking naps late in the evening causing me to stay awake until 3 am in the morning. However, as I stay awake, I've notice this hunger for something that I can't quite put my grasp on. Sometimes I feel this tireless longing for God's kingdom. I look at my own brokenness and I cry out for God to heal me. I look at the brokenness of this campus and my heart cries out to God. I occasionally run at CRCE. As I run, I feel my body weakening, I feel my lungs desperately longing for air, I feel the pain in my sides. Then God reminds me of the spiritual pain and desperation we have on this campus. We subject ourselves to agonizing pain in our pursuit for a something. Many of us do not even know what that something is. Other's are running towards a dead end, others toward the edge of a cliff. Still other's are running home, back into the arms of the Father. The race is so hard. But we run with the understanding that through the pain, God is refining and sanctifying us to be whole again.
I recently spent a Sunday afternoon at the Swann Center, a center for severely disabled individuals. At first, it was extremely hard to interact with the people there. It was a hard time talking to them and trying to get a response from them. However, any smile or form of response was a real delight. There was a bed-ridden child there who had the most adorable smile when ever I paid any attention to him. God really humbled me in teaching me how to show compassion and affection to others, especially through touch. Admittedly, I was scared to touch many of the people there, partly due to the fact that normally, I'm not a very touchy kind of guy. But, just placing my hand on someone's hand, leg, or rubbing someone's hair was something that I felt really conveyed a sense of love that words or expressions could not convey.
Even though there was a lot of pain and illness at the Swann Center, the love of Christ was very apparent. With some Christian music occasionally blaring in someone's room, I began to see and understand Jesus' love for his children. Even though they did not have the full mental capacity to function as normal human beings, I could still see how much God values their beauty. It was hard seeing beyond the drooling, occasional yells, and the smell of urine from patients that accidentally soiled themselves. However, God definitely sees beyond what we see. Each room had artwork created by the residence hanging outside their door. I think that that is what God sees. He sees the artwork or his children. I saw how the world is not right, not working, and not fair. I also saw a God restoring the brokenness of this world.
A few weeks ago, me and some buddies decided to stroll around campus town around midnight on a Friday evening. I wish I could have been more bold with proclaiming God's love, however, I have to confess that I was kinda scared. I had never spent that much time - like 30 minutes - immersed in that culture. We had decided to walk campus town with the intentions of doing a prayer walk. We silently prayed for people was we strolled up and the down the bars. I guess a first step is a first step, but I really wished I could have been more bold in talking with people and kinda catching them off guard. The influence of the world, of sin, and of Satan was obvious in the air. For me, there was this sense of non-safety and of unrestrained indulgence. It was sad seeing these able-bodied individuals selling their lives for a few hours of fleeting pleasure. I think that walking the bars was also a very reflective process. The drunkenness, sex, and depravity was merely the manifestation of the human heart. Seeing all the sad things that went on really revealed my own sinful and selfish desires in my heart. People were looking for something, and it makes it that much harder when you have what they are looking for, but they just don't see Jesus. I think we need to start to bring God's beauty back onto this campus. To live radically, love radically, and witness the healing power of Christ.
I hate going into campus town. There's the smell of vomit and urine. Every other shop is a bar. And homeless people ask you for money. I'll be honest, I only go into campus town when I have to. Especially on a weekend and at night. I hate that feeling of guilt when you pass a guy on the street, so I just avoid the area all together. I mean it would be easier just to ignore them when you are going to grab something to eat in Campus town or going to the Loft. It would also be easier if I just throw a few bucks at them and have this "righteous" feeling in my heart. I think part of my fear is out of not knowing what to do. While there may be a lot of vomit, urine, drunkards, and bums on the streets Friday evenings, Jesus is there as well (or he needs to be there at least). For me, I feel this restlessness for knowing what living for Jesus really looks like. I have this hunger for the radical love of Christ, none of that sugar-coated stuff. Sometimes, I long for validation to be crazy. I've forgotten how radically crazy Jesus is. Man, I've got to read the Bible more. I love how God makes life so much more interesting and fun. Man, I can't wait to see God's healing hand at work. Life is so hard and ugly. God is so good and lovely.
I haven't been able to sleep recently. I think part of the reason is due to my poor sleeping habits. I've been taking naps late in the evening causing me to stay awake until 3 am in the morning. However, as I stay awake, I've notice this hunger for something that I can't quite put my grasp on. Sometimes I feel this tireless longing for God's kingdom. I look at my own brokenness and I cry out for God to heal me. I look at the brokenness of this campus and my heart cries out to God. I occasionally run at CRCE. As I run, I feel my body weakening, I feel my lungs desperately longing for air, I feel the pain in my sides. Then God reminds me of the spiritual pain and desperation we have on this campus. We subject ourselves to agonizing pain in our pursuit for a something. Many of us do not even know what that something is. Other's are running towards a dead end, others toward the edge of a cliff. Still other's are running home, back into the arms of the Father. The race is so hard. But we run with the understanding that through the pain, God is refining and sanctifying us to be whole again.
I recently spent a Sunday afternoon at the Swann Center, a center for severely disabled individuals. At first, it was extremely hard to interact with the people there. It was a hard time talking to them and trying to get a response from them. However, any smile or form of response was a real delight. There was a bed-ridden child there who had the most adorable smile when ever I paid any attention to him. God really humbled me in teaching me how to show compassion and affection to others, especially through touch. Admittedly, I was scared to touch many of the people there, partly due to the fact that normally, I'm not a very touchy kind of guy. But, just placing my hand on someone's hand, leg, or rubbing someone's hair was something that I felt really conveyed a sense of love that words or expressions could not convey.
Even though there was a lot of pain and illness at the Swann Center, the love of Christ was very apparent. With some Christian music occasionally blaring in someone's room, I began to see and understand Jesus' love for his children. Even though they did not have the full mental capacity to function as normal human beings, I could still see how much God values their beauty. It was hard seeing beyond the drooling, occasional yells, and the smell of urine from patients that accidentally soiled themselves. However, God definitely sees beyond what we see. Each room had artwork created by the residence hanging outside their door. I think that that is what God sees. He sees the artwork or his children. I saw how the world is not right, not working, and not fair. I also saw a God restoring the brokenness of this world.
A few weeks ago, me and some buddies decided to stroll around campus town around midnight on a Friday evening. I wish I could have been more bold with proclaiming God's love, however, I have to confess that I was kinda scared. I had never spent that much time - like 30 minutes - immersed in that culture. We had decided to walk campus town with the intentions of doing a prayer walk. We silently prayed for people was we strolled up and the down the bars. I guess a first step is a first step, but I really wished I could have been more bold in talking with people and kinda catching them off guard. The influence of the world, of sin, and of Satan was obvious in the air. For me, there was this sense of non-safety and of unrestrained indulgence. It was sad seeing these able-bodied individuals selling their lives for a few hours of fleeting pleasure. I think that walking the bars was also a very reflective process. The drunkenness, sex, and depravity was merely the manifestation of the human heart. Seeing all the sad things that went on really revealed my own sinful and selfish desires in my heart. People were looking for something, and it makes it that much harder when you have what they are looking for, but they just don't see Jesus. I think we need to start to bring God's beauty back onto this campus. To live radically, love radically, and witness the healing power of Christ.
I hate going into campus town. There's the smell of vomit and urine. Every other shop is a bar. And homeless people ask you for money. I'll be honest, I only go into campus town when I have to. Especially on a weekend and at night. I hate that feeling of guilt when you pass a guy on the street, so I just avoid the area all together. I mean it would be easier just to ignore them when you are going to grab something to eat in Campus town or going to the Loft. It would also be easier if I just throw a few bucks at them and have this "righteous" feeling in my heart. I think part of my fear is out of not knowing what to do. While there may be a lot of vomit, urine, drunkards, and bums on the streets Friday evenings, Jesus is there as well (or he needs to be there at least). For me, I feel this restlessness for knowing what living for Jesus really looks like. I have this hunger for the radical love of Christ, none of that sugar-coated stuff. Sometimes, I long for validation to be crazy. I've forgotten how radically crazy Jesus is. Man, I've got to read the Bible more. I love how God makes life so much more interesting and fun. Man, I can't wait to see God's healing hand at work. Life is so hard and ugly. God is so good and lovely.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Dialogue with the Lord
I was sadden to hear the expulsion of Intervarsity from Georgetown University. (Story) One fascinating quote from the article is from Chaplain Constance Wheeler of the University on their decision to expel six different evangelical groups on campus. Wheeler explains: "please know we are moving forward with this decision only after much dialogue with the Lord."
This raises an interesting question. How do we know what is from the Lord or not. Obviously, the officials at the University have their reasons for making a decision which seems right. On the other hand, other Christians would probably reason that this decision is not right. Who is right and where does God stand in the midst of all of this?
I'm not arguing whether Chaplain Wheeler and the administrators at Georgetown are right or not (although I do not agree with their decision). The fact of the matter is that people have exploited the name of God since the beginning of time. Jesus obviously warns us against these false prophets who exploit the name of God to accomplish their own motives. I begin to wonder how I have done similar things in my life. An argument is better won when I use the reasoning of "God this, and God that". Afterall, who can argue against God, right? In many ways, we have fallen into a world of Christian pluralism. We have the Prosperity Gospel, the personal Gospel, and countless other tailored Gospels. While there is certain danger in pluralism, I think there is definitely a greater danger in preaching a false absolute truth.
Take time to think about the God you worship. Remember that while God is personal, he is also universal in character and truth. Are you worshiping God or the god that you make him to be? Sometimes we worship the image reflected in a mirror and do not even realized what we are doing. Sometimes doubt sets in. I see other religions and wonder about their piety and devotion. I question myself and wonder what makes me so smart to know the truth while other do not.
1) Everyone is devoted to the things that they believe. Some believe in a god, while other believe in themselves. Everyone is pious to the religion they follow whether their god is themselves, their money, or some higher power.
2) Human reasoning can only go so far. We ultimately are all blind mice having our futile theories and glimpses of God and who he is. Some people may be a little bit wiser than others, but, at the end of the day, my theory is no better than anyone else's. In order to understand the nature of God, we need God himself to reveal who he is. God did that through Jesus. Jesus, both God and man in nature, the living word of God, revealed himself to man. He brought light to darkness and allowed a relationship with God. One fundamental truth that must be held is that the Scripture is not based on the opinion of people, but written through divine inspiration of God. One remarkable proof of this evidence is that with numerous authors across numerous time periods, the scriptures come together with a continuity unlike any other written work. Ultimately, though, one has to encounter the personhood of Christ, decide to embrace him as God or reject him as a maniac, then allow him to perform the most amazing transformation in your life. There is a truth out there and something must give.
Everyday, I hope that God would reveal his nature to me so that I can fully understand who he truly is. I'm tired of worshiping a god made in my own image. I'm also scared that as God reveals more of himself, I'll have to give up more of myself. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow. In the end, the truth is the best thing in the world.
This raises an interesting question. How do we know what is from the Lord or not. Obviously, the officials at the University have their reasons for making a decision which seems right. On the other hand, other Christians would probably reason that this decision is not right. Who is right and where does God stand in the midst of all of this?
I'm not arguing whether Chaplain Wheeler and the administrators at Georgetown are right or not (although I do not agree with their decision). The fact of the matter is that people have exploited the name of God since the beginning of time. Jesus obviously warns us against these false prophets who exploit the name of God to accomplish their own motives. I begin to wonder how I have done similar things in my life. An argument is better won when I use the reasoning of "God this, and God that". Afterall, who can argue against God, right? In many ways, we have fallen into a world of Christian pluralism. We have the Prosperity Gospel, the personal Gospel, and countless other tailored Gospels. While there is certain danger in pluralism, I think there is definitely a greater danger in preaching a false absolute truth.
Take time to think about the God you worship. Remember that while God is personal, he is also universal in character and truth. Are you worshiping God or the god that you make him to be? Sometimes we worship the image reflected in a mirror and do not even realized what we are doing. Sometimes doubt sets in. I see other religions and wonder about their piety and devotion. I question myself and wonder what makes me so smart to know the truth while other do not.
1) Everyone is devoted to the things that they believe. Some believe in a god, while other believe in themselves. Everyone is pious to the religion they follow whether their god is themselves, their money, or some higher power.
2) Human reasoning can only go so far. We ultimately are all blind mice having our futile theories and glimpses of God and who he is. Some people may be a little bit wiser than others, but, at the end of the day, my theory is no better than anyone else's. In order to understand the nature of God, we need God himself to reveal who he is. God did that through Jesus. Jesus, both God and man in nature, the living word of God, revealed himself to man. He brought light to darkness and allowed a relationship with God. One fundamental truth that must be held is that the Scripture is not based on the opinion of people, but written through divine inspiration of God. One remarkable proof of this evidence is that with numerous authors across numerous time periods, the scriptures come together with a continuity unlike any other written work. Ultimately, though, one has to encounter the personhood of Christ, decide to embrace him as God or reject him as a maniac, then allow him to perform the most amazing transformation in your life. There is a truth out there and something must give.
Everyday, I hope that God would reveal his nature to me so that I can fully understand who he truly is. I'm tired of worshiping a god made in my own image. I'm also scared that as God reveals more of himself, I'll have to give up more of myself. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow. In the end, the truth is the best thing in the world.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Love Skin Deep
I’ve realized that the closer you get to someone the uglier they become. From afar, people look nice. They look beautiful and handsome. However, as we get closer, we start to notice the blemishes on their skin. Their flaws seem to become more pronounced and their beauty seems to diminish and fade. When we first meet someone, we become easily infatuated with the front that they put up. However, as we start to go deeper and notice the ugliness and sin behind the mask, we realize that there’s more to people than we think. Likewise, we are afraid to show people our true selves. I think that this is one condition of the human soul. As we become more intimately acquainted with people, we notice the broken and sinfulness of the human soul. We notice the perversion, selfishness, and jealousy in the heart.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Infatuation
I've found that many times at the end of the day, I think about the eternal significance of it. When I realize the fleeting of my life, I wonder about what my days are amounting to. Am I making eternal impact on those around me? Regretfully, it seems that most days are spent worrying and preoccupied with things that will eventually perish. I almost never spend time resting in the beautiful and majestic creation of God. When have I ever momentarily stopped on the quad and felt the cool movement of the wind against my skin. When have I ever stopped to look upon the awe-inspiring stars. When have I slowed down my life in order to hear the concerns of a friend. Many times, I look back on the day and I wonder whether I've made any impact for God's kingdom. I wonder whether I've help God further his kingdom of healing to those around him. That's what I am worried about. I'm worried that I will settle for the easy and comfortable lifestyle and miss out on living true and abundant life. Even as I do my homework, I forget to realize that the effort I but forth has eternal implications for God's kingdom in the future. What is my motivation? Where is my perspective?
admittedly, I get infatuated way too easily - whether it be a person or something else. I get way too easily distracted. Eventually, these things begin to crowd out God. Selfishness ensues. I become infatuate with my wants and desires before God's. Have you ever been so infatuate with someone that every single morning you wake up, you think of that person? That every waking moment you long to be with that person. The motivation that drives you is the prospect of seeing that person, if not but for a brief meeting, during the routine of your day. I want that with Jesus. I've made the mistake of having similar feelings for people rather than the one thing that can fully satisfy me and that is a relationship with Jesus. Sometimes I buy into this world's lie about romance: that some person will be able to fill the void and longing in my heart. It's so hard. It's a struggle. We long to fill deep spiritual need with temporary physical imitations. We think that our answer to intimacy and love is found in another person when it can only be adequately filled with and by Christ. It's just so much easier to believe and strive after things that we can physically grasp in our hands. Many times I wonder about my relationship with God, about how intimate it is and how real it is. I wonder whether my concepts of God are truly who he is or I'm just putting up my own constructs. I want to love Jesus and not the Jesus I have created in my mind - cause if that is the case, we are just loving and worshiping ourselves. It's hard to surrender everything to Christ and not expect anything back. I sometimes say I will give something up to God when in actuality I reason that if I "surrender" something, I will be able to keep it after all. I am learning the meaning of surrender, to give up something you deeply care about and trust that God knows what he is doing. While sometimes surrender means giving things up, other times, surrender means waiting, other times, surrender means taking action. Surrender means trusting that God is in control and that he knows best. For me, I've realized that surrender means not thinking or reasoning too much.
I'm learning to fall in love with God. I hope to see him today, if only for a brief moment.
admittedly, I get infatuated way too easily - whether it be a person or something else. I get way too easily distracted. Eventually, these things begin to crowd out God. Selfishness ensues. I become infatuate with my wants and desires before God's. Have you ever been so infatuate with someone that every single morning you wake up, you think of that person? That every waking moment you long to be with that person. The motivation that drives you is the prospect of seeing that person, if not but for a brief meeting, during the routine of your day. I want that with Jesus. I've made the mistake of having similar feelings for people rather than the one thing that can fully satisfy me and that is a relationship with Jesus. Sometimes I buy into this world's lie about romance: that some person will be able to fill the void and longing in my heart. It's so hard. It's a struggle. We long to fill deep spiritual need with temporary physical imitations. We think that our answer to intimacy and love is found in another person when it can only be adequately filled with and by Christ. It's just so much easier to believe and strive after things that we can physically grasp in our hands. Many times I wonder about my relationship with God, about how intimate it is and how real it is. I wonder whether my concepts of God are truly who he is or I'm just putting up my own constructs. I want to love Jesus and not the Jesus I have created in my mind - cause if that is the case, we are just loving and worshiping ourselves. It's hard to surrender everything to Christ and not expect anything back. I sometimes say I will give something up to God when in actuality I reason that if I "surrender" something, I will be able to keep it after all. I am learning the meaning of surrender, to give up something you deeply care about and trust that God knows what he is doing. While sometimes surrender means giving things up, other times, surrender means waiting, other times, surrender means taking action. Surrender means trusting that God is in control and that he knows best. For me, I've realized that surrender means not thinking or reasoning too much.
I'm learning to fall in love with God. I hope to see him today, if only for a brief moment.
Monday, September 18, 2006
The Journey
"Christianity is a crutch." Is grace is an excuse for apathy and continued sin? Where can I find the balence between accountability and grace? In so many ways, I've bought into the lie of this world. In fact, I'm still struggling with my whole mind set of earning my self-worth. I'm only worth as much as I can contribute. I think about how I look to God for comfort so many times and wonder if I am using God as a crutch. I wonder if I am molding God into my own image as a coping mechanism for the harsh realities of life. In many ways I am. I've discovered how so many times, I've created a god in my own image for my own purposes and comfort. How many times have I reasoned: "I feel God is calling me do this or that...", or "I feel this is God's will..." when in actuality, I am merely using God to fill my own insecurities and agendas? I've been so caught up in trying to hear God tell me the exact path to go, that I begin to confuse my voice with his. I'm learning to build myself with the charater of God rather then merely just listen to his "voice" for desicion making. It's kinda like the teach a man to fish rather than just giving him one. I think that sometimes I get so caught up in learning to hear God's voice rather than allowing God to transform my character in line with his. In the end, I don't think we are supposed to have our own agendas, hear this voice of "do this" or "make this choice" and follow it. Instead, I believe that God must transform us from the inside out. He must transform our character, our wants, and our will. Eventually, we do not need to listen to that "voice" in order to make a decision, our intimate knowing of God and character transformation will allow us discernment in making godly decisions on our own. Whenever making decisions, I wait for that gut feeling, that "stirring of the spirit." I think that a lot of times, those descisions can be based on human emotions rather than the clear desire of God's will. I think that, in the end, God doesn't desire followers who are robots who mindlessly follow orders from God. I think that God desires people who think for themselves. People with transformed characters filled with spirit and wisdom. The transformation of the character is much more powerful than the following of a command. This begins with prayer for wisdom and the seeking of it through studying God's word. You want to know more about God's will for your life? Read the Bible and start living it.
So many times I desire the miraculous appearances of angels or visions to tell me what God intends for my life. This desire is flawed. First thing, God decides when and how to give us those life altering visions. Second, for the people in the Bible, these people were not seeking after that vision, they were living life when God decides to show up. I've got to realize that before those big, life changing moments, I must first remain faithful in the everyday.
I make myself more godly than I truly am. I've come to the conclusion that majority of my decisions are based on my selfish desires. I have to be honest. I'm not to pious. I read a passage in the Bible, I quickly forget the passage, and I don't even apply it to my life. I find it extremely hard to pray. It feels like I'm talking to a distant parent that I just had a fight with. Sometimes, I feel like my prayers are so fake. Public prayer seems geared toward the listening audience and my mind cannot stay focused during private prayer. Praise God. Through that struggle, I get a sense that God is painfully refining the temperment of my soul. It's frustrating though, when God seems so distant that you doubt his sovereignty or initmate existence in your life.
Sometimes, I feel so tired, so lonely on this Christian journey. Sometimes, I just want to give up. Temptation seeps into the brain, telling me to give up and stop trying. Sometimes, the frustration builds up like water behind a dam and it feels like the dam is going to collaspe anytime. It feels like the mind is going to breakdown. Sometimes, being Christ-like comes so easily, it feels like 2nd nature. Other times, being Christ-like feels so artificial and fake. Many times this feeling of lonely desperation building up comes from implosive living. When someone holds onto all their struggles and feelings to themselve until they explode. I hide from God. I restrain my thoughts from him. I fear him, I despise him, I hate him when all he does is love me unconditionally. He loves me like his son yet I treat him as garbage. I'm just so scared to approach the holy throne of God. I'm scared of my shame coming to light, scared that I have to change, to actually leave my shell of comfort. God disciplines those that he loves. Discipline me, teach me, mold me, guide me in your ways o LORD. I'm physically sick, and through that experience God has shown me his tender strength. I've come to realise how vulnerable and weak I am, but also how sustaining the arms of God can be when I desperately grasp onto them. Ultimately, we cannot walk the Christian walk. We cannot take up the life Christ has called us to live. Christ must walk it for us. He has. Christ must carry and spur us on. He is our only strength and hope. I think we all long for someone to understand us, to journey with us, to be intimate with us. That is why we blog, get so emotionally infatuated, and get so caught up in sin. We're looking for sympathy, looking for someone to resonate with us, someone to share our sorrows. In the end, no one, not a single person can fully understand what is going on in my mind. No one can fully understand the things I am struggling with. Not one can fill my empty void for understanding except for Christ. Imagine the struggle Jesus had to go through. He carried a burden on his heart that none of us can fully understand. Yet, Christ understands our struggles completely. Thank you, Jesus, for loving and understanding us even though we hated you and misunderstood your struggle and sacrifice.
So many times I desire the miraculous appearances of angels or visions to tell me what God intends for my life. This desire is flawed. First thing, God decides when and how to give us those life altering visions. Second, for the people in the Bible, these people were not seeking after that vision, they were living life when God decides to show up. I've got to realize that before those big, life changing moments, I must first remain faithful in the everyday.
I make myself more godly than I truly am. I've come to the conclusion that majority of my decisions are based on my selfish desires. I have to be honest. I'm not to pious. I read a passage in the Bible, I quickly forget the passage, and I don't even apply it to my life. I find it extremely hard to pray. It feels like I'm talking to a distant parent that I just had a fight with. Sometimes, I feel like my prayers are so fake. Public prayer seems geared toward the listening audience and my mind cannot stay focused during private prayer. Praise God. Through that struggle, I get a sense that God is painfully refining the temperment of my soul. It's frustrating though, when God seems so distant that you doubt his sovereignty or initmate existence in your life.
Sometimes, I feel so tired, so lonely on this Christian journey. Sometimes, I just want to give up. Temptation seeps into the brain, telling me to give up and stop trying. Sometimes, the frustration builds up like water behind a dam and it feels like the dam is going to collaspe anytime. It feels like the mind is going to breakdown. Sometimes, being Christ-like comes so easily, it feels like 2nd nature. Other times, being Christ-like feels so artificial and fake. Many times this feeling of lonely desperation building up comes from implosive living. When someone holds onto all their struggles and feelings to themselve until they explode. I hide from God. I restrain my thoughts from him. I fear him, I despise him, I hate him when all he does is love me unconditionally. He loves me like his son yet I treat him as garbage. I'm just so scared to approach the holy throne of God. I'm scared of my shame coming to light, scared that I have to change, to actually leave my shell of comfort. God disciplines those that he loves. Discipline me, teach me, mold me, guide me in your ways o LORD. I'm physically sick, and through that experience God has shown me his tender strength. I've come to realise how vulnerable and weak I am, but also how sustaining the arms of God can be when I desperately grasp onto them. Ultimately, we cannot walk the Christian walk. We cannot take up the life Christ has called us to live. Christ must walk it for us. He has. Christ must carry and spur us on. He is our only strength and hope. I think we all long for someone to understand us, to journey with us, to be intimate with us. That is why we blog, get so emotionally infatuated, and get so caught up in sin. We're looking for sympathy, looking for someone to resonate with us, someone to share our sorrows. In the end, no one, not a single person can fully understand what is going on in my mind. No one can fully understand the things I am struggling with. Not one can fill my empty void for understanding except for Christ. Imagine the struggle Jesus had to go through. He carried a burden on his heart that none of us can fully understand. Yet, Christ understands our struggles completely. Thank you, Jesus, for loving and understanding us even though we hated you and misunderstood your struggle and sacrifice.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Christian Community
Acts 2:42-47
"42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
When all is said and done, things begin to become clearer and simplier. I think the down fall with working in God's kingdom is that so many times I complicate the situation. I complicate the means and methods, and I complicate the entire reasoning behind why I do what I do. I think with planning large groups last year, I got lost with over-complication in the planning when - after everything is stripped away - we realize that Jesus is the only reason and means that we do the things that we do. After reading this passage, I was really convicted and humbled by the simplicity of what the early Christians devoted themselves to. The essential, unfallible truth of the Apostle's teaching. Fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. What really stood out to me was their devotion to the later three.
Fellowship. I think that many times, we can get the most distracted by having fellowship. I think that many times, I get so caught up in having fun, I begin to get caught up in myself. The thing that really eats at me is the fact that whenever people are having fun and hanging out, there's always someone being excluded. When I was growing up, I always felt like the one being excluded. Part of the out crowd. I always felt like there was something wrong with me. That people looked down at me, they were annoyed at me, and that I was always unwanted. Some people don't realize how painful it is to feel forgotten or even worse, unwanted. However, I think that this feeling of hurt can eventually get really unhealthy and selfish. Eventually, self-pity sets in and it becomes you against the world. God is teaching me to take more proactive steps in inviting others to join in on the fun rather than sulking. I suppose in the end, fellowship is not about us or me or you. It's about others. With me, I get so caught up with my insecurity, my comfortableness, my desire for fun that I forget about the person sitting in the corner not having fun. I'm so busy talking with people that I know that I forget to talk with those that nobody knows or cares to talk with. Yeah, it's a little bit uncomfortable, awkward, and weird. Yeah, it requires a little step of faith. Man, it's so hard to remember what allows us to gather and the reason for meeting. We're all here because of Jesus. Let's not forget.
Breaking of bread. I think that the meaning of breaking of bread is not simply that they ate together nor merely had communion together. Communion or Eucurist was a form of rememberance and celebration - rememberance of the serious sacrifice of Christ, and a celebration of what he did for the entire fallen creation. I believe that we as Chrisitians should be committed to celebrating our milestones together - of remembering God's faithfulness in our lives. Eating together and making small talk is one thing. Eating together and remembering why we're eating together in the first place is another thing altogether. We're all here because of Jesus. Let's not forget.
Prayer. This probably convicts me the most. I most certainly do not prayer alone nor with other enough. In the end, we can have the best programs and talent in the world, but without prayer, it will amount to nothing. Prayer is so difficult to do (esspecially with someone with a short attention span). To sit and be still and do nothing but converse with God is one of the hardest disciplines for me to follow. I've also found that I pray the wrong prayers and with the wrong expectations. First thing is that I am not honest with God. I'm learning to curse God more and yell at him more. This might be heretical, but I'm learning to be more raw with God as a worship to him. Do you curse when you pray, do you admit your most evil and shameful desires. I'm trying, but it is hard. People usually do not realize this, some people don't even care, some people aren't even looking for it, but deep inside the heart contains the vilest sin and anger. Deep inside we are molesters, murderers, and thieves. Stand before the presence of God and see how well you stand up against him. Open up your heart and see the sickness that rots within. God wants to take that and burn it away from your soul. Give all that you have to God. Also, I don't think people realize that they are answers to their own prayer and the prayers of others. Sometimes I don't realize the implications that prayer has. We desire God to help us be more like him... Do you realize that means taking up the cross? We desire people to come to Christ... Do you realize that means persecution and hatred from the world? A spiritual battle for souls is going on right now. I may be the only person praying for some of my friends right now. Imagine people walking around campus, lost and under the influence of Satan without someone to pray for them. Sad and scary. Let's remember who makes the world go round, who gives us life and vitality. Jesus.
There's so much in this passage... I guess the big question is should we sell all our possessions? The answer is God demands much more than that. He wants your life, your soul, your hopes, and your ambitions. He wants it all. We are not to sell everything and live communally. That would be stupid and we would be extrememly bad stewards of God's possessions. However, the question that I ask myself deals with where my heart is. It pains me cause my heart is not in the right place. I am rich. I am the rich young ruler. I am the camel through the needle of the eye. I think the mere fact that I ask that question as I read the passage reveals my love of what I have. It reveals the fear that I have of losing my possessions. The answer to the question is yes and much more. We must not merely sell, but sacrifice all to God. After all it's all or nothing.
More to be said, but I'm getting too judgemental. Laters.
"42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
When all is said and done, things begin to become clearer and simplier. I think the down fall with working in God's kingdom is that so many times I complicate the situation. I complicate the means and methods, and I complicate the entire reasoning behind why I do what I do. I think with planning large groups last year, I got lost with over-complication in the planning when - after everything is stripped away - we realize that Jesus is the only reason and means that we do the things that we do. After reading this passage, I was really convicted and humbled by the simplicity of what the early Christians devoted themselves to. The essential, unfallible truth of the Apostle's teaching. Fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. What really stood out to me was their devotion to the later three.
Fellowship. I think that many times, we can get the most distracted by having fellowship. I think that many times, I get so caught up in having fun, I begin to get caught up in myself. The thing that really eats at me is the fact that whenever people are having fun and hanging out, there's always someone being excluded. When I was growing up, I always felt like the one being excluded. Part of the out crowd. I always felt like there was something wrong with me. That people looked down at me, they were annoyed at me, and that I was always unwanted. Some people don't realize how painful it is to feel forgotten or even worse, unwanted. However, I think that this feeling of hurt can eventually get really unhealthy and selfish. Eventually, self-pity sets in and it becomes you against the world. God is teaching me to take more proactive steps in inviting others to join in on the fun rather than sulking. I suppose in the end, fellowship is not about us or me or you. It's about others. With me, I get so caught up with my insecurity, my comfortableness, my desire for fun that I forget about the person sitting in the corner not having fun. I'm so busy talking with people that I know that I forget to talk with those that nobody knows or cares to talk with. Yeah, it's a little bit uncomfortable, awkward, and weird. Yeah, it requires a little step of faith. Man, it's so hard to remember what allows us to gather and the reason for meeting. We're all here because of Jesus. Let's not forget.
Breaking of bread. I think that the meaning of breaking of bread is not simply that they ate together nor merely had communion together. Communion or Eucurist was a form of rememberance and celebration - rememberance of the serious sacrifice of Christ, and a celebration of what he did for the entire fallen creation. I believe that we as Chrisitians should be committed to celebrating our milestones together - of remembering God's faithfulness in our lives. Eating together and making small talk is one thing. Eating together and remembering why we're eating together in the first place is another thing altogether. We're all here because of Jesus. Let's not forget.
Prayer. This probably convicts me the most. I most certainly do not prayer alone nor with other enough. In the end, we can have the best programs and talent in the world, but without prayer, it will amount to nothing. Prayer is so difficult to do (esspecially with someone with a short attention span). To sit and be still and do nothing but converse with God is one of the hardest disciplines for me to follow. I've also found that I pray the wrong prayers and with the wrong expectations. First thing is that I am not honest with God. I'm learning to curse God more and yell at him more. This might be heretical, but I'm learning to be more raw with God as a worship to him. Do you curse when you pray, do you admit your most evil and shameful desires. I'm trying, but it is hard. People usually do not realize this, some people don't even care, some people aren't even looking for it, but deep inside the heart contains the vilest sin and anger. Deep inside we are molesters, murderers, and thieves. Stand before the presence of God and see how well you stand up against him. Open up your heart and see the sickness that rots within. God wants to take that and burn it away from your soul. Give all that you have to God. Also, I don't think people realize that they are answers to their own prayer and the prayers of others. Sometimes I don't realize the implications that prayer has. We desire God to help us be more like him... Do you realize that means taking up the cross? We desire people to come to Christ... Do you realize that means persecution and hatred from the world? A spiritual battle for souls is going on right now. I may be the only person praying for some of my friends right now. Imagine people walking around campus, lost and under the influence of Satan without someone to pray for them. Sad and scary. Let's remember who makes the world go round, who gives us life and vitality. Jesus.
There's so much in this passage... I guess the big question is should we sell all our possessions? The answer is God demands much more than that. He wants your life, your soul, your hopes, and your ambitions. He wants it all. We are not to sell everything and live communally. That would be stupid and we would be extrememly bad stewards of God's possessions. However, the question that I ask myself deals with where my heart is. It pains me cause my heart is not in the right place. I am rich. I am the rich young ruler. I am the camel through the needle of the eye. I think the mere fact that I ask that question as I read the passage reveals my love of what I have. It reveals the fear that I have of losing my possessions. The answer to the question is yes and much more. We must not merely sell, but sacrifice all to God. After all it's all or nothing.
More to be said, but I'm getting too judgemental. Laters.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Recent thoughts
Sometimes I'm so busy running my life, I forget about the life God is running in me. The truth is hard. The truth that I am so selfish. The truth that I am so prideful. The truth that I am a failure. My conscience aches when I realize the complete depravity of my life, the fact that my life seems so engrained with sin. The truth is that God is greater than all those things. I think that for me right now, realizing the extent of God's grace is extremely challenging. Just today, I noticed an anger welling up in me over some small complication in the travel abroad. Such a trivial thing as that caused so frustration toward others and God. I've realized that sanctification still has a long ways to go in my life. It's funny how the closer you get to God, the more you notice your sin. It's also funny how God still beckons you to enter into his arms.
One thing that God is trying to teach me is the essential need of following Christ daily. I've lived too often with the expectation for God to dazzle me. In reality, we were intended to worship him - all the time. What is the meaning of life? To give God glory whether we feel like it or not. If we are not able to be faithful in the little daily things, how can we be faithful with the big, spectacular things? Ultimately, we can't be. That is one thing that God is teaching me. He is slowing teaching me to have a grateful heart. God doesn't need humans for his will to be done, however, he graciously gives us the privledge of - not only witnessing - but participating in his glorious work. He gives us the go-ahead to fail while trying and to enter into his plan even though we don't know what we are doing half the time. Doesn't that make life exciting? Stepping into the unknow, yet knowing that God is waiting there to catch you. Realizing that every breath is a breath closer to God, every breath is another step in God's refinement of your soul.
Next time you're on the Quad. Stop. And listen. Every single person you see has a unique story of pain, struggle, and laughter. God has intricately woven the threads of their life to the very point where they now stand. Can you hear their hearts? Can you see their broken lives and feel their desperate longing for something to fill the voids within their soul. Some are thirsting for something greater while others are blinded to the reality of life. God can hear every one of their voices. This campus is broken. We are broken. I am broken. As humans we can possibly mend this campus together. However, we need God to completely tranform it. Revival, transformation, and rebirth begains with death. Death to the self, and life that can only come through, by, and given from Christ. Doesn't it hurt? That people are continuing with their daily routine, broken, unsatisfied, and oblivious. We, as "Christians" are walking the same way. We are so busy walking our own path that we don't notice that God has crossed our lives with the lives of others. Look around. Smell the roses. Life is not just aobut you. Life is about giving God glory. Life is worship.
One thing that God is trying to teach me is the essential need of following Christ daily. I've lived too often with the expectation for God to dazzle me. In reality, we were intended to worship him - all the time. What is the meaning of life? To give God glory whether we feel like it or not. If we are not able to be faithful in the little daily things, how can we be faithful with the big, spectacular things? Ultimately, we can't be. That is one thing that God is teaching me. He is slowing teaching me to have a grateful heart. God doesn't need humans for his will to be done, however, he graciously gives us the privledge of - not only witnessing - but participating in his glorious work. He gives us the go-ahead to fail while trying and to enter into his plan even though we don't know what we are doing half the time. Doesn't that make life exciting? Stepping into the unknow, yet knowing that God is waiting there to catch you. Realizing that every breath is a breath closer to God, every breath is another step in God's refinement of your soul.
Next time you're on the Quad. Stop. And listen. Every single person you see has a unique story of pain, struggle, and laughter. God has intricately woven the threads of their life to the very point where they now stand. Can you hear their hearts? Can you see their broken lives and feel their desperate longing for something to fill the voids within their soul. Some are thirsting for something greater while others are blinded to the reality of life. God can hear every one of their voices. This campus is broken. We are broken. I am broken. As humans we can possibly mend this campus together. However, we need God to completely tranform it. Revival, transformation, and rebirth begains with death. Death to the self, and life that can only come through, by, and given from Christ. Doesn't it hurt? That people are continuing with their daily routine, broken, unsatisfied, and oblivious. We, as "Christians" are walking the same way. We are so busy walking our own path that we don't notice that God has crossed our lives with the lives of others. Look around. Smell the roses. Life is not just aobut you. Life is about giving God glory. Life is worship.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Old Poems
I was looking around in the basement today and I found this cool collection of old pieces of writing that I wrote when I was younger. I found this collection of poems I had apparently written. Here are a few of them with more to come later:
Easter
Why do you laugh at such a man?
He tried and did all he can.
He tried to help you out,
But you just kicked him about.
He was innocent of any crime,
Sold to death for one thin dime.
On that day, you saw his face,
As he walked with a tiring pace.
And in his eyes all you saw,
Was just love without a flaw.
But you just sat there,
And gave him an angry stare.
You lifted up your fisted hand,
And on that face it did land.
You saw into his loving eyes,
But still cried that he dies.
He was marched to the place
Where the punishment he would taste.
His eyes were mercy overflowing,
But your anger blinded your knowing.
You could have said not even a word,
But that anger made you yell absured.
And on that death rack he hung.
As a hero who's song was unsung.
Each hit that drove the nail,
was each time your love would fail.
You mocked and laughed with hate,
Until his life was almost too late.
On the most grusome symbol he lay.
However, he saved oyu on that day.
But out of this came a light,
To give the weak: might.
But then the hate was taken away.
For you could see the love that day.
You realized your great sin
Was on each hand's pin.
That great denial,
You thought was beyond reconcile.
But on that cross, that man said.
With all his might, before he was dead,
"Father, mercy on those; please, forgive,
So that each one of them may live."
This story does not end.
For there was more to send.
After three days in the grave,
A road to salvation that did pave.
He gave you a great gift.
Made it so your life will lift.
And this great man is here today,
And will love you all the way.
Even if people beat you down
And you try to keep a frown,
This man will always love
and give you preace from above.
Untitled
Welcome, I am a robot.
My head is a silver pot.
When I walk out of bed,
I sometimes feel half dead.
My iron stomach starts to moan,
And then it starts to groan.
So when the stove gets fired,
And I am just too tired,
I just pop off my pot
And put it on the stove top.
Wtih my head cooking,
I throw eggs while not looking.
For you understan',
My eyes are on the pan.
Another benefit,
Is where I sit.
When there are no seats around,
And a seat is nowhere found,
I do something neat,
And use my head as a seat.
As you can see,
You're jealous of me.
Cause you don't own
A pot of your own.
And you will always cry,
And you will always sigh,
For this pot is the best,
And your organic head a pest.
So just say it now,
And give me a bow.
Robots are way way better
For they have a better header.
(Wow, I can totally see my Feel-er personality trait coming out in the next one)
The Misunderstood Man
Everyday I get pie-ed
Don't like to be denied.
Everyday I stand around,
My self-esteem is downed.
Still ...
People point with mocks
And at me, throw their socks.
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
I try to be funny
and very very punny.
I give them a smile
That stretched a mile.
But ...
People point with mocks
And at me throw their socks.
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
For I am a clown
And I cannot frown.
Please stop mistreating me
and don't take my glee.
Don't ...
Point with mocks
Or throw your socks
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
Clowns have feelings too,
Not just to amuse you.
So ...
Next time you see
A clown like me,
Say thank you,
And please don't boo.
It seems like I was a better writer in 8th grade than I am now! I feel so sorry for that clown. :*( .
Easter
Why do you laugh at such a man?
He tried and did all he can.
He tried to help you out,
But you just kicked him about.
He was innocent of any crime,
Sold to death for one thin dime.
On that day, you saw his face,
As he walked with a tiring pace.
And in his eyes all you saw,
Was just love without a flaw.
But you just sat there,
And gave him an angry stare.
You lifted up your fisted hand,
And on that face it did land.
You saw into his loving eyes,
But still cried that he dies.
He was marched to the place
Where the punishment he would taste.
His eyes were mercy overflowing,
But your anger blinded your knowing.
You could have said not even a word,
But that anger made you yell absured.
And on that death rack he hung.
As a hero who's song was unsung.
Each hit that drove the nail,
was each time your love would fail.
You mocked and laughed with hate,
Until his life was almost too late.
On the most grusome symbol he lay.
However, he saved oyu on that day.
But out of this came a light,
To give the weak: might.
But then the hate was taken away.
For you could see the love that day.
You realized your great sin
Was on each hand's pin.
That great denial,
You thought was beyond reconcile.
But on that cross, that man said.
With all his might, before he was dead,
"Father, mercy on those; please, forgive,
So that each one of them may live."
This story does not end.
For there was more to send.
After three days in the grave,
A road to salvation that did pave.
He gave you a great gift.
Made it so your life will lift.
And this great man is here today,
And will love you all the way.
Even if people beat you down
And you try to keep a frown,
This man will always love
and give you preace from above.
Untitled
Welcome, I am a robot.
My head is a silver pot.
When I walk out of bed,
I sometimes feel half dead.
My iron stomach starts to moan,
And then it starts to groan.
So when the stove gets fired,
And I am just too tired,
I just pop off my pot
And put it on the stove top.
Wtih my head cooking,
I throw eggs while not looking.
For you understan',
My eyes are on the pan.
Another benefit,
Is where I sit.
When there are no seats around,
And a seat is nowhere found,
I do something neat,
And use my head as a seat.
As you can see,
You're jealous of me.
Cause you don't own
A pot of your own.
And you will always cry,
And you will always sigh,
For this pot is the best,
And your organic head a pest.
So just say it now,
And give me a bow.
Robots are way way better
For they have a better header.
(Wow, I can totally see my Feel-er personality trait coming out in the next one)
The Misunderstood Man
Everyday I get pie-ed
Don't like to be denied.
Everyday I stand around,
My self-esteem is downed.
Still ...
People point with mocks
And at me, throw their socks.
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
I try to be funny
and very very punny.
I give them a smile
That stretched a mile.
But ...
People point with mocks
And at me throw their socks.
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
For I am a clown
And I cannot frown.
Please stop mistreating me
and don't take my glee.
Don't ...
Point with mocks
Or throw your socks
I am so sad
This makes me mad.
Clowns have feelings too,
Not just to amuse you.
So ...
Next time you see
A clown like me,
Say thank you,
And please don't boo.
It seems like I was a better writer in 8th grade than I am now! I feel so sorry for that clown. :*( .
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