The title of this post reflects the title of the blog, this world is a story. The God who made the world loves story-telling, He delights in throwing in plot twists. He makes beginnings out of ends, He blesses the humble, and humbles the proud. He draws straight with crooked lines. He uses sinners, the very people who rejected Him, to glorify Himself and accomplish His will. He gives humans a second chance. He gives us eternal life.
We are actors in this story being told by the Creator. We are given scenes, and we have to roll with it. We are given situations to make the best of. We are given people to love. We are given challenges to overcome. The person next to you has been put there for a reason. Don't ignore them. Love them, grow with them, challenge them in the right way. We are actors, but we don't have our lines written out for us. We don't know what is going to happen in the next scene, or the next minute, or the next moment. We need to be ready for those situations.
For example, Sundays are busy in the Lopez household. Church takes up the majority of the morning, and then we host small group at our house in the evening. This particular Sunday was a gorgeous day, and was begging the children outside. Thus, my sister and I plunged into the unknown of the backyard to watch the children of the parents that come to small group.
Normally, we just look on as the kids use their imaginations and play together, but today was different. Today was going to be interactive, atleast for me. My sister, Abi, sat on her towel in the grass and watched with an amused expression on her face as I wrestled and shouted with the boys. First we played soccer, then baseball, and then switched back to soccer. Seeing as the size ratio was slightly in my favor, I normally found myself on my knees, playing goalie, or pitching for the seven year-olds.
As the evening progressed, we moved to the popular request of football.. After a certain team (I won't mention which one) scored multiple touchdowns by their 6'3 star running back, it quickly deteriorated into a game of wrestling. The young fellas attacked me from every angle. One came running at me (I now realized that he was a decoy), and I proceeded to sling him over my shoulder. Another one attacked my leg and clung for dear life, while I was being thus distracted, then the other two warriors sprung on me and pushed with all of their might that they could muster.
I toppled.
They laughed victoriously.
The young warriors danced around their fallen enemy, as the dust settled on the battle scene, and the sunset swept the young combatants off to their victory feast of icecream and cookies.
I laughed and leapt after them.
The victory was short-lived.
Every moment is a scene in the story that God is telling. Live out every second for Him. Live so that the other actors look at you curiously, and ask you who is this God you speak of? Live, breathe, and dance in this story. We may not be familiar about the next chapter, but we do know the Author that writes it.
Showing posts with label Theology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theology. Show all posts
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Friday, October 18, 2013
Brotherly Love
I just want to leave you with something real quick this Friday night. What does it mean to, "Lay down one's life for a another?"
It doesn't mean that you have to be ready to lay down your life for another Christian. We're talking about something on a bigger scale. Not just your brother in Christ, but for your fellow humans. Not just those who follow Christ, but the one's who denies that He exists. To be willing to lay down one's life for another, you are willing to take up the Cross of Christ. And that is one of the biggest callings for a Christian.
You need to be ready to help, sacrifice, and even die for your loved ones. And maybe even for those who you don't even know. If Christ laid down His life for us, and was humiliated in such a way as to die on the cross like a common criminal, how much more should we be willing to lay down our lives for another?
That's my thought for the night. I apologies if it wasn't very clear, I'll try to expound more on it in a later post.
It doesn't mean that you have to be ready to lay down your life for another Christian. We're talking about something on a bigger scale. Not just your brother in Christ, but for your fellow humans. Not just those who follow Christ, but the one's who denies that He exists. To be willing to lay down one's life for another, you are willing to take up the Cross of Christ. And that is one of the biggest callings for a Christian.
You need to be ready to help, sacrifice, and even die for your loved ones. And maybe even for those who you don't even know. If Christ laid down His life for us, and was humiliated in such a way as to die on the cross like a common criminal, how much more should we be willing to lay down our lives for another?
That's my thought for the night. I apologies if it wasn't very clear, I'll try to expound more on it in a later post.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Music
Today we in Omnibus, we were discussing Psalms and music. One of the topics touched upon was, "Does music affect our lives?"
To answer it very simply, yes. Music has an enormous impact on our lives. It's amazing how people say that normal music just goes through one ear and out the other. But also, in another class, we learned that everything (even unintentionally) tries to convince someone of something. Music is no exception to this. By George, it is one of the most effective ways to convince someone of something. Especially if the song is catchy, that is the danger of alot of music.
That brings us to the quality of music we listen to. Christians should be conscience of what is going into their head. If you're just sitting there listening to Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce, it's going to effect how you think. And in turn, it will affect how you feel, and slowly, very slowly, it will change your philosophy. It can easily change the way you believe in God. It's that serious.
Now, I'm not saying that you should only listen to just Christian artists (which it isn't a bad start), but you need to guard your heart. It is so easily affected just by a tune or a beat. If you say, "I love this song!" You need to be aware of why you love it. So just be conscientious of what you're listening to, and make sure it is God-honoring.
(Here's some of my favorite Christian bands, and even some bands that aren't Christian. But they are still enjoyable to listen to.)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
David the Anointed (Part one)
"11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest,[a] but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah." (I Samuel 16: 11-13)
Here we have the introduction of David into the Story. God's Story. One from a lowly background, but of a rich bloodline. Descendant of Judah and Boaz, and part of the line of Christ, who couldn't have asked for a richer line? And yes, he is also the eighth son who watches the sheep. The waterboy.
But here he is, the last person anyone would have expected. Another example of God raising the low and exalting them. From a shepherd, to a warrior king of a mighty nation. This man would be the protector of Israel, and the shepherd of an entire kingdom. Not just sheep.
God knew that Saul was not going to be faithful that long, and when he turned from the Lord, God aroused Samuel to go to Jesse. (Notice that the Spirit of the Lord "rushed upon Davis.." and later on you'll see that Saul was troubled by a spirit of God. This symbolizes David's rise to power.) Thus, you find David being anointed. And later on in chapter sixteen, you'll find that Saul actually brings the one to replace him to his own court. Ironic much?
God definitely had a hand in this part of the story. As we will see throughout the story of David. It is a beautiful story.
Here we have the introduction of David into the Story. God's Story. One from a lowly background, but of a rich bloodline. Descendant of Judah and Boaz, and part of the line of Christ, who couldn't have asked for a richer line? And yes, he is also the eighth son who watches the sheep. The waterboy.
But here he is, the last person anyone would have expected. Another example of God raising the low and exalting them. From a shepherd, to a warrior king of a mighty nation. This man would be the protector of Israel, and the shepherd of an entire kingdom. Not just sheep.
God knew that Saul was not going to be faithful that long, and when he turned from the Lord, God aroused Samuel to go to Jesse. (Notice that the Spirit of the Lord "rushed upon Davis.." and later on you'll see that Saul was troubled by a spirit of God. This symbolizes David's rise to power.) Thus, you find David being anointed. And later on in chapter sixteen, you'll find that Saul actually brings the one to replace him to his own court. Ironic much?
God definitely had a hand in this part of the story. As we will see throughout the story of David. It is a beautiful story.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The Hall of Forgiveness Part 2
A few days ago, I did my favorite Hero's of Forgiveness of the Old Testament. Now, it's time for round two, but with the New Testament!
1. Of course Christ is the Ultimate Forgiver, but I'm going to do mortals! Firstly, Mary and Joseph. It had to be a duo effort. When Mary became pregnant, Joseph (even though he was told by the Angel of God to go on) must have had to forgive Mary to be able to have a happy marriage. And Mary must have had to be able to forgive Joseph, for thinking she had slept with a soldier. (Which may have been the only other possibility, but it she was still probably hurt.)
2. John the Baptist. One of my favorites. He is just amazing, his persistence spurred on by the Holy Spirit. Never giving up on the promise of the Messiah, and always forgiving those who didn't believe. But he didn't give up to try to convert them, even when they turned away.
3. The 12 Apostles. These were the models that Christ needed for the people. They forgave, they endured in the face of danger, they sacrificed for the church. They were Christ's right hand men.
4. Paul. From being one of the most promising Pharisees, he turned to be one of the strongest warriors for Christ. How many times was Paul persecuted? Tortured? Imprisoned? But he stood fast, forever forgiving those who did him wrong. He was definitely not the man he used to be.
5. Stephen the First Martyr. He cried out to the Lord to forgive the people, even when he was being stoned!
6. And last but definitely not least, Ananias. Not the Ananias and Sapphira, but the one who converted Paul. (Or at that time, Saul.) He was nervous, because here was the Christians greatest enemy, and God wanted him to convert him? That definitely took some forgiveness.
So that concludes the Hall of Forgiveness! The theme of forgiveness just kept standing out to me. I hope you have enjoyed! Oh! And on a side note, this is my fiftieth post! HOORAY!
1. Of course Christ is the Ultimate Forgiver, but I'm going to do mortals! Firstly, Mary and Joseph. It had to be a duo effort. When Mary became pregnant, Joseph (even though he was told by the Angel of God to go on) must have had to forgive Mary to be able to have a happy marriage. And Mary must have had to be able to forgive Joseph, for thinking she had slept with a soldier. (Which may have been the only other possibility, but it she was still probably hurt.)
2. John the Baptist. One of my favorites. He is just amazing, his persistence spurred on by the Holy Spirit. Never giving up on the promise of the Messiah, and always forgiving those who didn't believe. But he didn't give up to try to convert them, even when they turned away.
3. The 12 Apostles. These were the models that Christ needed for the people. They forgave, they endured in the face of danger, they sacrificed for the church. They were Christ's right hand men.
4. Paul. From being one of the most promising Pharisees, he turned to be one of the strongest warriors for Christ. How many times was Paul persecuted? Tortured? Imprisoned? But he stood fast, forever forgiving those who did him wrong. He was definitely not the man he used to be.
5. Stephen the First Martyr. He cried out to the Lord to forgive the people, even when he was being stoned!
6. And last but definitely not least, Ananias. Not the Ananias and Sapphira, but the one who converted Paul. (Or at that time, Saul.) He was nervous, because here was the Christians greatest enemy, and God wanted him to convert him? That definitely took some forgiveness.
So that concludes the Hall of Forgiveness! The theme of forgiveness just kept standing out to me. I hope you have enjoyed! Oh! And on a side note, this is my fiftieth post! HOORAY!
Friday, October 11, 2013
Out of Communion
We've all seen that one child that just breaks down, when their parents leave them with a babysitter... Or their siblings. (A.k.a. my youngest sister) They just can't seem to get over it, they just can't accept their fate.
It may be annoying, but really, if we just took this toddler's reaction and applied it to our relationship with God, we could not possibly go wrong. If we loved our Creator like this toddler, we would not err. We need to cling to Christ, and hold fast to Him. Don't let go. Hang on to our Father and do not go astray.
That leads me to another point, we are always breaking our fellowship with the Eternal Father. Every time we sin, every time we act on an evil impulse (whether that be to annoy a sibling, or leaving the toilet seat up) is breaking the communion that we enjoy with our God. He is so much bigger than us, and His compassion is so large. But we refuse His advances and His entreaties to come back to Him.
Don't become like that generic teenager, who despises showing affection for his parents. Go all out, preach it on the hills and valleys. He deserves it, does He not? Be that toddler who is scared to be separated from his family.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
300
We've all heard of the Battle of Thermopylae, where a mere three hundred Spartans clashed with over a million Persians to give their fellow Greeks a chance to prepare for the oncoming assault. They all died in that defense.
When you think of this story, you are most likely awed by that fact that so few men were prepared to take up the sword against such a strong enemy. An enemy that had a multitude of soldiers. Very much like Christians and our battle against the darkness of this world.
Satan has many weapons, and he is very wily about how he uses them. We need to be prepared for those assaults. Christ laid down His life, like the Spartans did, to give us a chance. To give us a shot at Eternal Life. He faced many foes. Even some of his own people, who had not yet been saved. And we are the rest of the Greeks, just catching onto the fact that we need to be ready to fight. The Fight was finished before it was even started, but we still need to be on guard. Satan is a sore loser.
When you think of this story, you are most likely awed by that fact that so few men were prepared to take up the sword against such a strong enemy. An enemy that had a multitude of soldiers. Very much like Christians and our battle against the darkness of this world.
Satan has many weapons, and he is very wily about how he uses them. We need to be prepared for those assaults. Christ laid down His life, like the Spartans did, to give us a chance. To give us a shot at Eternal Life. He faced many foes. Even some of his own people, who had not yet been saved. And we are the rest of the Greeks, just catching onto the fact that we need to be ready to fight. The Fight was finished before it was even started, but we still need to be on guard. Satan is a sore loser.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Hall of Forgiveness Part 1
(Halfway through my challenge! Hope you guys enjoy.)
I'm sure you have heard of the Hall of Faith, listed in Hebrews. Then is where I got this idea from. Why just a Hall of Faith, but also Hall of Forgiveness? Or, more accurately: The Hall of Forgivers.
What exactly is that suppose to mean? I am going to list men and women from the Bible, who forgave. Even when they could have easily struck back, or held it against the person who wronged them. It is important to learn what our ancestors did, so that we can observe and apply it to our lives. God obviously is giving us examples so that we can learn. He wouldn't be showing it over and over again if it wasn't important.
Of course, God is the Supreme example. The abundance of His love that washes all of our sins away. Anyway, I'm going to pick and choose people from the start to the end of the Old Testament.
1. Noah. I believe that he had to be able to forgive all of those people that mocked him while he was building the Ark. If he hadn't been able to let it slide, he would have given up on building the Ark.
2. Joseph. It took an enormous amount of the Spirit moving in him, to be able to make his heart ready to forgive his brothers; but he did.
3. Moses. How many times was he ridiculed by his own people, when he came to Egypt to deliver them? Very similar to how Christ was mocked by the people who He came to save. Moses forgave and moved on.
4. Gideon. This man had many faults, but he still came back to raise Israel up out of slavery, after being sent away from his family.
5. Naomi. She was sad in her heart that her sons and husband had died, but she did not hold it against the Lord.
6. David. In my opinion, one of the greats. He was persecuted so many times, he was patient through trials and tribulations. He never raised a hand against the Lord's anointed, even though he knew that he was heir to the throne. And another example of his forgiveness, when Absalom rose up against him. His own son. Yet David still loved him.
7. Job. This man is also one of my favorites. He never hated his friends or his wife for trying to draw him away from the Lord, he forgave.
8. Last but not least. The prophets of God. Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and all the rest. They had to have so much patience and forgiveness for the nation, that it was evident that God was working through them.
That is it for the Old Testament! Remember, if these Heros of old can forgive, why can't we? Forgive and let go.
I'm sure you have heard of the Hall of Faith, listed in Hebrews. Then is where I got this idea from. Why just a Hall of Faith, but also Hall of Forgiveness? Or, more accurately: The Hall of Forgivers.
What exactly is that suppose to mean? I am going to list men and women from the Bible, who forgave. Even when they could have easily struck back, or held it against the person who wronged them. It is important to learn what our ancestors did, so that we can observe and apply it to our lives. God obviously is giving us examples so that we can learn. He wouldn't be showing it over and over again if it wasn't important.
Of course, God is the Supreme example. The abundance of His love that washes all of our sins away. Anyway, I'm going to pick and choose people from the start to the end of the Old Testament.
1. Noah. I believe that he had to be able to forgive all of those people that mocked him while he was building the Ark. If he hadn't been able to let it slide, he would have given up on building the Ark.
2. Joseph. It took an enormous amount of the Spirit moving in him, to be able to make his heart ready to forgive his brothers; but he did.
3. Moses. How many times was he ridiculed by his own people, when he came to Egypt to deliver them? Very similar to how Christ was mocked by the people who He came to save. Moses forgave and moved on.
4. Gideon. This man had many faults, but he still came back to raise Israel up out of slavery, after being sent away from his family.
5. Naomi. She was sad in her heart that her sons and husband had died, but she did not hold it against the Lord.
6. David. In my opinion, one of the greats. He was persecuted so many times, he was patient through trials and tribulations. He never raised a hand against the Lord's anointed, even though he knew that he was heir to the throne. And another example of his forgiveness, when Absalom rose up against him. His own son. Yet David still loved him.
7. Job. This man is also one of my favorites. He never hated his friends or his wife for trying to draw him away from the Lord, he forgave.
8. Last but not least. The prophets of God. Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and all the rest. They had to have so much patience and forgiveness for the nation, that it was evident that God was working through them.
That is it for the Old Testament! Remember, if these Heros of old can forgive, why can't we? Forgive and let go.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Live Life to The Fullest
I've felt like I have mentioned slowing down and enjoying things, but I have failed to mention that you can easily do that while you're on the move.
God didn't want us to live life in slow mo, but we don't need to be going through life like you're driving through a drive-thru. Be merry. Eat and drink. Enjoy the amazing blessings in this life that God has put on this world. It's amazing what you experience when you see it, slow mo or fast paced.
David was one of those men who could just get into it. He danced his heart out before the Lord, but he didn't care what the other people thought. It was just him and the Father. A son dancing for his Father. The little children ran to Christ. Samson took the jaw of a donkey and killed Philistines. The Lord loves it when His children are celebrating and praising Him. How many celebrations did the Jews have? Many. The Lord believes in celebration. (People may contest that Samson killing the Philistines is not cause for celebration. But there was celebration after the fact, when the Israelites were freed;)
What I'm trying to say is, while you're going about your daily lives, live life to the fullest. Live for God. Live to please the Lord in all that you do; so that when you run to your Saviour's arms, He will declare, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
God didn't want us to live life in slow mo, but we don't need to be going through life like you're driving through a drive-thru. Be merry. Eat and drink. Enjoy the amazing blessings in this life that God has put on this world. It's amazing what you experience when you see it, slow mo or fast paced.
David was one of those men who could just get into it. He danced his heart out before the Lord, but he didn't care what the other people thought. It was just him and the Father. A son dancing for his Father. The little children ran to Christ. Samson took the jaw of a donkey and killed Philistines. The Lord loves it when His children are celebrating and praising Him. How many celebrations did the Jews have? Many. The Lord believes in celebration. (People may contest that Samson killing the Philistines is not cause for celebration. But there was celebration after the fact, when the Israelites were freed;)
What I'm trying to say is, while you're going about your daily lives, live life to the fullest. Live for God. Live to please the Lord in all that you do; so that when you run to your Saviour's arms, He will declare, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Friday, October 4, 2013
Inside Out
We were sitting at dinner, and Micaiah (My older sister. The popular one) brought up "Fashion and Design", which is a seminar she is taking online. And something she said really struck me, "The seams on the inside really have to be good. So that the outside can last."
This really grabbed my attention. If you think about it, it is the same with us as humans, families, churches, governments, and nations. As human beings, what goes on in our hearts is what will show on the outside. How we treat each other in our family will affect how we treat other people. "And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." (Mark 3:25)
A HOUSE DIVIDED. How can we stand if we are arguing and bickering amongst ourselves? If we are shoring up hatred and bitterness in our hearts, won't that show in our lives? Since we are called to make disciples of ALL nations, then how can we set an example to them by being united? How are we to convince people of the Love of God, when His people are constantly fighting about little things that are insignificant compared to that one soul that could be saved. The entire host in heaven rejoices when a soul is saved from eternal perdition, so why can we work hard to save someone?
So this is a call to hold back the retort, no matter how clever it was. It is still hurtful. We need to build up, and lovingly guide those who err, back to the truth. We do not need to pull down and lash out in hatred. We need to become soldiers of God, who love to share the Light.
"19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 19-20.
This really grabbed my attention. If you think about it, it is the same with us as humans, families, churches, governments, and nations. As human beings, what goes on in our hearts is what will show on the outside. How we treat each other in our family will affect how we treat other people. "And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." (Mark 3:25)
A HOUSE DIVIDED. How can we stand if we are arguing and bickering amongst ourselves? If we are shoring up hatred and bitterness in our hearts, won't that show in our lives? Since we are called to make disciples of ALL nations, then how can we set an example to them by being united? How are we to convince people of the Love of God, when His people are constantly fighting about little things that are insignificant compared to that one soul that could be saved. The entire host in heaven rejoices when a soul is saved from eternal perdition, so why can we work hard to save someone?
So this is a call to hold back the retort, no matter how clever it was. It is still hurtful. We need to build up, and lovingly guide those who err, back to the truth. We do not need to pull down and lash out in hatred. We need to become soldiers of God, who love to share the Light.
"19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 19-20.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Nature's Oktoberfest
As we enter into the autumn season, we see trees bursting into color, we watch as flowers give one last flush of pink, purple, and deep red before they die. Not only is fall the time when you rake the leaves into piles to jump into, but it is the time when summer makes it's last hurrah! But this time of year also signifies death. But it isn't a time for mourning or sadness, it is a time of remembrance. Remember that, as we plunge into winter, there's a promise of new life waiting on the other side. Don't forget the joys of the summer time.
The changing of the seasons also are represented in Jesus' death. Winter is the bleak and the hopelessly that was felt by all of the Christians when their Messiah died. But spring shares the joy they felt when He was resurrected and fulfilled the promise of New Life. In Christ we are made whole.
In commemoration for the start of fall, I went out and took pictures of nature's own Oktoberfest.
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| Pretty cool car, right? |
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| The Almighty is very artistic. Get out there and enjoy it. |
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| The Catholic church in Lupburg. |
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| The castle in Lupburg. |
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| Flowers can be manly. |
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| Yup, that's my bike. Pretty vintage looking, isn't it? |
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“The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet. Until it joins some larger way, where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say” --- J.R.R. Tolkien
(Thanks dad for lending me your camera!)
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Monday, September 30, 2013
The Little Things
*No. Stop. Before you go any further, this is not about One Direction. Never been a fan. Anyway, back to the original program.*
Last Thursday I woke up early, blogged, got ready for my day, and jogged to Chemistry which started at 8 a.m. (I know, bright and early) Seeing as how it was only 2 miles away, I decided to run to the co-op. Thus, you find me with my backpack slung over my shoulder and dribbling my basketball to a neighboring village at the crack of dawn.
While I was plodding along and listening to my Ipod, a car rolled by and it's window slid down. An elderly man popped his head out and asked in German (As far as I know), "Do you need a ride?"
It was not at all creepy, he was heading the way I was and his family were in the van as well. I politely declined, preferring to finish out my run. But what really caught my attention was that so many cars had already passed me, but this man, who was obviously taking his child to school, was willing to slow down and ask a total stranger if he needed a lift.
It it sad that majority of small acts of kindness in this era is unusual. When a person that we don't know, asks us for something, we frown upon them with suspicion. (I have fallen prey to this very often.) When a person desperately asks someone to help, we normally tend to ask what's going and demand an explanation before we dash to that person's aid. Since when did chivalry take a second thought? It's little things like this, pulling up to ask a person if they need any help, that shows people love. And aren't we called to love? Aren't we called to share the love of Christ to the world? Christ sacrificed Himself for us because He loved us. If He is willing to die and suffer for us, then how much more can we show to one person for the few moments we inter-act with them?
These loving acts are the first steps to showing people what kind of God God is. Not only does He love us, but He wants to protect His children. And if He wants us to help that little old lady across the street so that His love his shown to her, then who are we to deny Him?
Last Thursday I woke up early, blogged, got ready for my day, and jogged to Chemistry which started at 8 a.m. (I know, bright and early) Seeing as how it was only 2 miles away, I decided to run to the co-op. Thus, you find me with my backpack slung over my shoulder and dribbling my basketball to a neighboring village at the crack of dawn.
While I was plodding along and listening to my Ipod, a car rolled by and it's window slid down. An elderly man popped his head out and asked in German (As far as I know), "Do you need a ride?"
It was not at all creepy, he was heading the way I was and his family were in the van as well. I politely declined, preferring to finish out my run. But what really caught my attention was that so many cars had already passed me, but this man, who was obviously taking his child to school, was willing to slow down and ask a total stranger if he needed a lift.
It it sad that majority of small acts of kindness in this era is unusual. When a person that we don't know, asks us for something, we frown upon them with suspicion. (I have fallen prey to this very often.) When a person desperately asks someone to help, we normally tend to ask what's going and demand an explanation before we dash to that person's aid. Since when did chivalry take a second thought? It's little things like this, pulling up to ask a person if they need any help, that shows people love. And aren't we called to love? Aren't we called to share the love of Christ to the world? Christ sacrificed Himself for us because He loved us. If He is willing to die and suffer for us, then how much more can we show to one person for the few moments we inter-act with them?
These loving acts are the first steps to showing people what kind of God God is. Not only does He love us, but He wants to protect His children. And if He wants us to help that little old lady across the street so that His love his shown to her, then who are we to deny Him?
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Stiff Necked People
Deuteronomy 9:13
Those Israelites are just so stupid, aren't they? Why can't they just listen to God and just stop? It'd have made life a whole lot easier if they followed God's commands, right?
So many times I catch myself thinking this. Whenever someone mentions, or when I read something on, the Jews and when they turned their backs on God, and I wonder how they can be so foolish? But the next questions that come crashing in is: Are we that different from them? Are we that different from Israel?
I've been reading through Judges today, and all the suffering and pain that the Jews went through was because of their own stubbornness. If you come to think about it, it is very similar to how a lamb is cared for, and has everything in the world it needs. But it just won't be satisfied, and it yearns to stray away from the flock and look for adventure. Even when the shepherd is there to give the flock protection and fodder, yet it still wants to leave.
But a bigger picture blooms in my mind, we are so concerned with how the Jews reacted to God's requests, that we forget that we are exactly like them. God loves us, promises us eternal life with Him. Yet what do we do? We turn aside. We do what the Israelites did,"they whored after other gods and bowed down to them." (Judges 2:17) Not only do we go after other gods, but we forsake our true love. We ditch our Heavenly Father, the One who made us, to go after another.
This isn't a guilt trip. Or atleast I'm not aiming for that. This is a warning. Beware of the devil and his many weapons. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) So be careful, Satan is watching, to find and use your temptations, and they often come in the form of those we admire. Even worship. But if we trust God, and love Him, we cannot be led astray. For "true love casts out fear."
“Furthermore the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed they are a stiff-necked people."
Those Israelites are just so stupid, aren't they? Why can't they just listen to God and just stop? It'd have made life a whole lot easier if they followed God's commands, right?
So many times I catch myself thinking this. Whenever someone mentions, or when I read something on, the Jews and when they turned their backs on God, and I wonder how they can be so foolish? But the next questions that come crashing in is: Are we that different from them? Are we that different from Israel?
I've been reading through Judges today, and all the suffering and pain that the Jews went through was because of their own stubbornness. If you come to think about it, it is very similar to how a lamb is cared for, and has everything in the world it needs. But it just won't be satisfied, and it yearns to stray away from the flock and look for adventure. Even when the shepherd is there to give the flock protection and fodder, yet it still wants to leave.
But a bigger picture blooms in my mind, we are so concerned with how the Jews reacted to God's requests, that we forget that we are exactly like them. God loves us, promises us eternal life with Him. Yet what do we do? We turn aside. We do what the Israelites did,"they whored after other gods and bowed down to them." (Judges 2:17) Not only do we go after other gods, but we forsake our true love. We ditch our Heavenly Father, the One who made us, to go after another.
This isn't a guilt trip. Or atleast I'm not aiming for that. This is a warning. Beware of the devil and his many weapons. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) So be careful, Satan is watching, to find and use your temptations, and they often come in the form of those we admire. Even worship. But if we trust God, and love Him, we cannot be led astray. For "true love casts out fear."
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
FatherHood
Good morning! It is currently 6 a.m. I know! It's crazy, as my friends have reminded me. But, I have a busy day ahead of me. So, here goes.
Proverbs 23:24 - "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."
I'm not at all saying that I'm a wise son, or a righteous child. I'm fallen. But, without a father I could easily be worse off. Without a man to look up to, I wouldn't know how to treat the women in my family, and those outside of my family. I would know how to react to the other males outside the family. (I'd probably poke them with a stick, and ask what kind of animal they were)
God has put that perfect father figure in my life. My dad teaches, reprimands, and encourages me. He steps in and gives me advice when I err, he encourages me when I'm down, or frustrated. He teaches me how to be a man. And how to effect the world and those around me. He used to come to my room and pray..."A leader among men." That's one of the things that I remember that he prayed that I would turn into. That I would become a "leader among men."
My dad is getting home later today after being gone for two months at a school in Georgia. I have missed him so much. But also, since he's been away, I've learned alot. I've learned what it means to look up to my Heavenly Father. Without my father here, I needed someone to lean on. What I'm saying is, that being a father is an important job, and if you want to become a father you need to be a man. You need to learn how to provide and protect. And what better example to imitate then our Heavenly Father? The One who started it all.
Genesis 18:19 - "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
Proverbs 23:24 - "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."
I'm not at all saying that I'm a wise son, or a righteous child. I'm fallen. But, without a father I could easily be worse off. Without a man to look up to, I wouldn't know how to treat the women in my family, and those outside of my family. I would know how to react to the other males outside the family. (I'd probably poke them with a stick, and ask what kind of animal they were)
God has put that perfect father figure in my life. My dad teaches, reprimands, and encourages me. He steps in and gives me advice when I err, he encourages me when I'm down, or frustrated. He teaches me how to be a man. And how to effect the world and those around me. He used to come to my room and pray..."A leader among men." That's one of the things that I remember that he prayed that I would turn into. That I would become a "leader among men."
My dad is getting home later today after being gone for two months at a school in Georgia. I have missed him so much. But also, since he's been away, I've learned alot. I've learned what it means to look up to my Heavenly Father. Without my father here, I needed someone to lean on. What I'm saying is, that being a father is an important job, and if you want to become a father you need to be a man. You need to learn how to provide and protect. And what better example to imitate then our Heavenly Father? The One who started it all.
Genesis 18:19 - "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Bound to Hell; Turned to Heaven
Hell is where we are heading. We sin. We err. We ignore the promises of Life and knocking's of our Savior. We stand and savor the ability to ignore the Messiah.
Although, normally, we don't go through this thought process, we still make these decisions. These absurd decisions. Who are we that we can decide our way of life? Why are we so confident in our own power? Minimal though it may be.
God created us in His own image. He gave us this ability to chose whether we go to Heaven or go to Hell. He sent us a pure Lamb that forgives a multitude of sins. An ocean of love that can swallow the void and blackness of the Human misery.
Although, normally, we don't go through this thought process, we still make these decisions. These absurd decisions. Who are we that we can decide our way of life? Why are we so confident in our own power? Minimal though it may be.
God created us in His own image. He gave us this ability to chose whether we go to Heaven or go to Hell. He sent us a pure Lamb that forgives a multitude of sins. An ocean of love that can swallow the void and blackness of the Human misery.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
You Can't Just Eat the Bible
You can't just eat the Bible, and say that you know enough to get you to heaven. That is not the way you go about it. I know the Bible is sometimes used in an analogy as bread, but that doesn't give you good reason to eat it. No. No. Back away. I know it looks enticing, but back off.
Yes, the Bible is Bread. But not the bread that you make sandwiches out of. This is the what we feed off of to obtain our real sustenance. We need to come daily to the Bible. No, I am not about to depart on a long rant on how we need our daily devotional with God. And that you are a heathen if you don't.
But, I will say that if you want to grow as a Christian, you should come to the Bible. This is where we get our marching orders. We need this kind of nurturing if we are going to preach the gospel in this world. In the Bible, we do not find sandwich bread. But we do find everlasting bread. It gives us the strength to run the race, as the Apostle Paul says.
So, I will encourage you to set sometime aside this day and try to go and delve into His Word. It isn't easy, I try to do it daily. Unfortunately, I am not as faithful as I would like. I am challenging myself and you to try set aside for the Lord. The Lord of Host deserves more than just ten minutes of your time. He deserves every second and every minute that we breathe. We need to worship him every time we draw breath. Now, this doesn't mean that we should read the Bible the whole day. But we should constantly be aware that our Father in Heaven is watching us, and we should act accordingly.
 |
| Bread. Not Bible bread. |
But, I will say that if you want to grow as a Christian, you should come to the Bible. This is where we get our marching orders. We need this kind of nurturing if we are going to preach the gospel in this world. In the Bible, we do not find sandwich bread. But we do find everlasting bread. It gives us the strength to run the race, as the Apostle Paul says.
So, I will encourage you to set sometime aside this day and try to go and delve into His Word. It isn't easy, I try to do it daily. Unfortunately, I am not as faithful as I would like. I am challenging myself and you to try set aside for the Lord. The Lord of Host deserves more than just ten minutes of your time. He deserves every second and every minute that we breathe. We need to worship him every time we draw breath. Now, this doesn't mean that we should read the Bible the whole day. But we should constantly be aware that our Father in Heaven is watching us, and we should act accordingly.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Not All Those Who Wander are Lost
Okay, so, I realized that I have not explained my blog title one bit. I am very disappointed in myself. And, you probably are too. I apologize. I hate letting people down. So, I shall ask for forgiveness, and we will try to be friends. Okay? Okay.
So, what does the title mean? What is the significance?
Not all those who wander have to be lost. Sometimes, we wander down a path to see what is around the bend, but we are not lost. We don't really have to be wandering and be lost at the same time. Indeed, we get lost plenty. It get be quite overwhelming. I mean who can get us unlost? Who is watching us? Who knows how to get out of this situation? Who?
The significance? It is a title that is screaming out the praise of the glory of the One who made this earth. This is the One who made caterpillars to morph into butterflies, this is the God who set burning balls of gas in their place. This is the One. He is the one who can get you unstuck. He is the only One who will watch over you 365 days of the year. And on leap years, He won't forget to count the days. It is like having an intense body guard... Except HE will never fail.
So, that is what I want my title to portray. I want it to portray the bigness of our God. No matter where you are, or what your situation is. Trust.
So, what does the title mean? What is the significance?
Not all those who wander have to be lost. Sometimes, we wander down a path to see what is around the bend, but we are not lost. We don't really have to be wandering and be lost at the same time. Indeed, we get lost plenty. It get be quite overwhelming. I mean who can get us unlost? Who is watching us? Who knows how to get out of this situation? Who?
The significance? It is a title that is screaming out the praise of the glory of the One who made this earth. This is the One who made caterpillars to morph into butterflies, this is the God who set burning balls of gas in their place. This is the One. He is the one who can get you unstuck. He is the only One who will watch over you 365 days of the year. And on leap years, He won't forget to count the days. It is like having an intense body guard... Except HE will never fail.
So, that is what I want my title to portray. I want it to portray the bigness of our God. No matter where you are, or what your situation is. Trust.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
8 Minutes And Already Impatient
I walk up the stairs to the shower (don't worry, there is no graphic descriptions in here) carrying my little ipod and doc, determined to try to stay in the shower as long as my sisters do.
I have always wondered how girls (speaking generally, but there are a few exceptions) manage to stay in the shower so long. For me, it is a place to get alone and solve the world's problems, as well as pray. As weird as it may sound, that place is part of my quiet time. But, it takes me only five minutes to solve the world's mysteries. So, I was determined to stay in the shower for forty-five minutes to an hour. And, thus you find me walking up the stairs to my shower with my ipod and speakers to entertain myself.
Three minutes into the challenge, I am done cleaning myself. *Sigh* Thus far, I have just under fifty-seven minutes to go. Oh dear, I have alot of deep thinking to do. So, I sit down. Letting the warm pressurized rain slide off my back. I stared at my speakers clock... My mind wandering to tonight, where I would be having a blast studying His Word and then fellowshipping with fellow believers afterwards. Then, I journeyed to the weekend. Thinking of the Family Feast we have each Saturday, then to Church and Small group on Sunday.
I shook my head, waking up out of the daze, and looked bleary eyed at the clock. It glared back at me. I had been in seven minutes... One minutes later, I had rolled out of the shower and stood up. Wondering how my sisters did it.
Eight minutes, and already impatient? As a culture, we have been used to having things at the snap of a finger. We can go through a drive-through and get food in less than five minutes. And then we are used to going to the movies and expect to be out of there in about two and a half hours. And, then here comes the Internet. We can have all the information by just typing in a few words into the Google search engine. With these few things and many more, we have become a culture that is fast paced, and high speed.
Now, don't get me wrong, these things are blessings from the creativity the King of the Universe has given these brains of ours. I think they are very useful, but, they have their bad side. They can make us think that we could survive on this earth without the help of the One who made us. HA! Like we could ever do that. We can easily forget the One who Sacrificed His perfect Soul for us. Thus, we elevate ourselves above the King of Kings.
Our culture could use a good bit of slowing down. We could too. Relax. Breath for once. Step back and view the bigger picture. Don't let it all go to your knoggin'. But remember. The Lord of lords and the Prince of Peace loves us and wants us to enjoy His creation. Not just rush through and deny it a second glance.
I have always wondered how girls (speaking generally, but there are a few exceptions) manage to stay in the shower so long. For me, it is a place to get alone and solve the world's problems, as well as pray. As weird as it may sound, that place is part of my quiet time. But, it takes me only five minutes to solve the world's mysteries. So, I was determined to stay in the shower for forty-five minutes to an hour. And, thus you find me walking up the stairs to my shower with my ipod and speakers to entertain myself.
Three minutes into the challenge, I am done cleaning myself. *Sigh* Thus far, I have just under fifty-seven minutes to go. Oh dear, I have alot of deep thinking to do. So, I sit down. Letting the warm pressurized rain slide off my back. I stared at my speakers clock... My mind wandering to tonight, where I would be having a blast studying His Word and then fellowshipping with fellow believers afterwards. Then, I journeyed to the weekend. Thinking of the Family Feast we have each Saturday, then to Church and Small group on Sunday.
I shook my head, waking up out of the daze, and looked bleary eyed at the clock. It glared back at me. I had been in seven minutes... One minutes later, I had rolled out of the shower and stood up. Wondering how my sisters did it.
Eight minutes, and already impatient? As a culture, we have been used to having things at the snap of a finger. We can go through a drive-through and get food in less than five minutes. And then we are used to going to the movies and expect to be out of there in about two and a half hours. And, then here comes the Internet. We can have all the information by just typing in a few words into the Google search engine. With these few things and many more, we have become a culture that is fast paced, and high speed.
Now, don't get me wrong, these things are blessings from the creativity the King of the Universe has given these brains of ours. I think they are very useful, but, they have their bad side. They can make us think that we could survive on this earth without the help of the One who made us. HA! Like we could ever do that. We can easily forget the One who Sacrificed His perfect Soul for us. Thus, we elevate ourselves above the King of Kings.
Our culture could use a good bit of slowing down. We could too. Relax. Breath for once. Step back and view the bigger picture. Don't let it all go to your knoggin'. But remember. The Lord of lords and the Prince of Peace loves us and wants us to enjoy His creation. Not just rush through and deny it a second glance.
Romans 1:21
New International Version (NIV)
"21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Sunday, September 16, 2012
It's called: Freedestination
Yep, it's Freedestination. Why does Predestination and Freewill always have to be at odds?
Predestination always seems to be the antagonist of the people. People always think that it is those crazy Reformed Christians who come down hard on the rest of Humanity! When people think Reformed, they think Predestination and foreknowledge. When they think Free Will, they think that God is up there... But, He is more like a crystal ball-gazer. He can see into the future, and then plan around our choices.
Freedestination? Now, that's a new term. Who ever came up with that ludicrous word?
Well, I don't know if it is original, but I thought of it, while I was meditating deeply on Predestination and Freewill.. Well, maybe not deeply... or maybe not meditating at all.. Really, it just popped into my mind. So I decided to write on it.
Well, let's jump in. Unless, you want to stay by the pool's edge and not do anything except stare at those who dare risk drowning, diving for this new term.
Okay, okay. Back to the topic. Freedestination is a combination of Predestination, and Free Will. You can't have one without the other. If you claim that God did not Predestine the things that go on in this world, then you are challenging His power and His authority. If you deny that He is completely sovereign over this life and the life to come, then you are denying that God is God. Because what kind of God is a God who cannot act like a God?
Freewill, on the other hand, is the Freedom of Choice. It is the liberty that God has given mankind. The ability to choose between right and wrong. Righteousness or wickedness. God or Hell.
These seem to be at odds with each other. But are they? Do they really have to be against one another? I think not. On the contrary, I believe that they are in fellowship with one another.
God predestined everything, every minute detail, even down to the silly choices of whether to have milk with your cereal or not. But He also established Freewill. He did predestine everything, but He also allows us to make the choices we think are right... Or sometimes wrong. God knows and plans everything, yet He allows us to choose whatever we want to do.
He is not a God who tries to force things on us. He is the merciful God. He is the King who will sit and listen to His subjects' pleadings. He will not turn away when we are in need. He is Sovereign, even down to the most simple little detail.
Predestination always seems to be the antagonist of the people. People always think that it is those crazy Reformed Christians who come down hard on the rest of Humanity! When people think Reformed, they think Predestination and foreknowledge. When they think Free Will, they think that God is up there... But, He is more like a crystal ball-gazer. He can see into the future, and then plan around our choices.
Freedestination? Now, that's a new term. Who ever came up with that ludicrous word?
Well, I don't know if it is original, but I thought of it, while I was meditating deeply on Predestination and Freewill.. Well, maybe not deeply... or maybe not meditating at all.. Really, it just popped into my mind. So I decided to write on it.
Well, let's jump in. Unless, you want to stay by the pool's edge and not do anything except stare at those who dare risk drowning, diving for this new term.
Okay, okay. Back to the topic. Freedestination is a combination of Predestination, and Free Will. You can't have one without the other. If you claim that God did not Predestine the things that go on in this world, then you are challenging His power and His authority. If you deny that He is completely sovereign over this life and the life to come, then you are denying that God is God. Because what kind of God is a God who cannot act like a God?
Freewill, on the other hand, is the Freedom of Choice. It is the liberty that God has given mankind. The ability to choose between right and wrong. Righteousness or wickedness. God or Hell.
These seem to be at odds with each other. But are they? Do they really have to be against one another? I think not. On the contrary, I believe that they are in fellowship with one another.
God predestined everything, every minute detail, even down to the silly choices of whether to have milk with your cereal or not. But He also established Freewill. He did predestine everything, but He also allows us to make the choices we think are right... Or sometimes wrong. God knows and plans everything, yet He allows us to choose whatever we want to do.
He is not a God who tries to force things on us. He is the merciful God. He is the King who will sit and listen to His subjects' pleadings. He will not turn away when we are in need. He is Sovereign, even down to the most simple little detail.
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