So it has been a while since i updated.....
I think i want to make this a little more upbeat so here is a song I wrote about a year ago or so.
Make me steady
Make me strong
Make me wise
cuz I'm ready
Am I steady
Am I strong
Am I wise
cuz I'm ready
Send me out
in Your name
for Your gain
make me fruitful Lord
Let me walk
with the wise
let me med-
itate day and night
let me be
a tree, firm-
ly planted in the ground
Make me steady
Make me strong
Make me wise
cuz I'm ready
Am I steady
Am I strong
Am I wise
cuz I'm ready
Don't let me stand
too long
in one place, stagnant, Lord
Don't let me sit
in a seat
far from You, those forlorn
Don't let me be
the chaff
blown to far
blown away from You God
Make me steady
Make me strong
Make me wise
cuz I'm ready
Am I steady
Am I strong
Am I wise
cuz I'm ready
(Repeat x 2)
well thats all i have for today, God bless you all for real
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Addicted to life
So I have been away for a day, sorry for not updating yestersday i told you it probably wouldn't be an everyday thing.
Recently i have been thinking about addictions, this is the definition: –noun- the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
Here is the question that has been on my mind: Can you honestly say that if God called you now to do something could you do it without any hinderances?
READ that again before you go on
Can you honestly say that if God called you now to do something could you do it without any implications. That means that if God asked you to go to Africa could you do it?
now that seems easy or at least to those whom have missionary hearts. They very well would answer the call to sell their stuff and move to Africa. But what would you do if God told you not to go even though you had the heart for it? Or what if God asked you to just quit playing video games, no reason just quit. Would you?
This is really interesting to me because the disciples in the bible do exactly the opposite. The only thing they could know they were getting out of going with Jesus is His approval. They had no idea what was Jesus's plan and yet they followed without hesitation.
I think if i was a disciple and Jesus called me i could probably get past the no questions- just follow beginning but right around dinner i might start wondering about the details like how long will this thing go and where will we stay and eat tonight.
That strikes me odd because today we so easily come to God and we could make those huge decisions like give up all your belongings or move to Africa but what about the small details?
You see, I think what i am getting at is that none of us is totally unbonded to follow our calls and the main reason is because we don't look at the little things.
One thing we talked about at camp is that most of the time the big failures to sin in our lives isn't because it over took us but because we built up alot of little things that grew into a big thing. Basically that act of lying to your parents about being fired for stealing could be because you let small lies and stealing small things go since they were "no big deal".
So whats the fix?
First i don't think there ever is a full and easy fix to any problem but i think the answer lies somewhere in the statement by mother theresa made when she said" we do no big things just many small things in the eyes of the Lord"
After we have Christ all of our battles are potentially won and we are free- that means no longer enslaved. NOT even to addictions. That means you can't be held so why do you keep going back to that addiction.
But what does that mean?
I think in the end what we have to realize is that we are addicted- addicted to video games, to food, to sleep, to entertainment, to feeling good, to sin, to life.
But we don't have to be addicted. Infact if we let God take it we won't have anything in between us.
Don't get me wrong we will never be right "there" with God till we die and none of this is overnight but we should strive for being as near as we can.
And when that stuff starts clearing in your life you can really answer those calls- the ones most important to plant the real roots of the Christian life.
The cost of being a disciple sometimes is small but in the end adds up signifigantly
Recently i have been thinking about addictions, this is the definition: –noun- the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
Here is the question that has been on my mind: Can you honestly say that if God called you now to do something could you do it without any hinderances?
READ that again before you go on
Can you honestly say that if God called you now to do something could you do it without any implications. That means that if God asked you to go to Africa could you do it?
now that seems easy or at least to those whom have missionary hearts. They very well would answer the call to sell their stuff and move to Africa. But what would you do if God told you not to go even though you had the heart for it? Or what if God asked you to just quit playing video games, no reason just quit. Would you?
This is really interesting to me because the disciples in the bible do exactly the opposite. The only thing they could know they were getting out of going with Jesus is His approval. They had no idea what was Jesus's plan and yet they followed without hesitation.
I think if i was a disciple and Jesus called me i could probably get past the no questions- just follow beginning but right around dinner i might start wondering about the details like how long will this thing go and where will we stay and eat tonight.
That strikes me odd because today we so easily come to God and we could make those huge decisions like give up all your belongings or move to Africa but what about the small details?
You see, I think what i am getting at is that none of us is totally unbonded to follow our calls and the main reason is because we don't look at the little things.
One thing we talked about at camp is that most of the time the big failures to sin in our lives isn't because it over took us but because we built up alot of little things that grew into a big thing. Basically that act of lying to your parents about being fired for stealing could be because you let small lies and stealing small things go since they were "no big deal".
So whats the fix?
First i don't think there ever is a full and easy fix to any problem but i think the answer lies somewhere in the statement by mother theresa made when she said" we do no big things just many small things in the eyes of the Lord"
After we have Christ all of our battles are potentially won and we are free- that means no longer enslaved. NOT even to addictions. That means you can't be held so why do you keep going back to that addiction.
But what does that mean?
I think in the end what we have to realize is that we are addicted- addicted to video games, to food, to sleep, to entertainment, to feeling good, to sin, to life.
But we don't have to be addicted. Infact if we let God take it we won't have anything in between us.
Don't get me wrong we will never be right "there" with God till we die and none of this is overnight but we should strive for being as near as we can.
And when that stuff starts clearing in your life you can really answer those calls- the ones most important to plant the real roots of the Christian life.
The cost of being a disciple sometimes is small but in the end adds up signifigantly
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Teaching the Teacher
So here is something that made me think about today, it's not really deep but I was listening to the radio today as i was traveling home from college for the thanksgiving break this week and i stumbled onto the christian station with James Dobson the bible answer man.
While talking on the air he made the ad for his new book of Bible answers(Ironic huh?). But this really intrigued me. The reason was because I really wonder if we need such a book.
I mean, i don't think that it is a bad book to have but if you use James Dobson's bible answer book to answer all your questions about the bible it seems like a cop-out. I believe God gave us the bible to answer questions about the bible you just have to learn to read it right.
---However maybe that is a bit overly critical of his book. Personally I have never read the book, it could be a great tool for the Lord.
But I guess in the end all i want to say in this update is that its a really humbling experience to realize that not everyone gets the chance to go to a christian college, or grow up in a christian church, or even get the chance to read the bible. Sometimes I get so involved in my bubble that I don't realize the fact that others don't get the doctrine and biblical thoughts drilled into them day and night that i do attending the university.
That being said it really motivates me to want to help the saints to pursue the ability to really interpet the Scriptures so they can have those answers.
I really want to end this post just with some encouragement: Go and serve the Lord tomorrow even in the smallest way. Buthere is the challenge, make whatever you do based on your knowledge of the bible. That means instead of doing the main Chrisitan things like pray for someone or give money away or tell someone the gospel, try to speak the wisdom to others or teach someone how to do something. And although it seems small and abstract just remember this quote "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a life time"
While talking on the air he made the ad for his new book of Bible answers(Ironic huh?). But this really intrigued me. The reason was because I really wonder if we need such a book.
I mean, i don't think that it is a bad book to have but if you use James Dobson's bible answer book to answer all your questions about the bible it seems like a cop-out. I believe God gave us the bible to answer questions about the bible you just have to learn to read it right.
---However maybe that is a bit overly critical of his book. Personally I have never read the book, it could be a great tool for the Lord.
But I guess in the end all i want to say in this update is that its a really humbling experience to realize that not everyone gets the chance to go to a christian college, or grow up in a christian church, or even get the chance to read the bible. Sometimes I get so involved in my bubble that I don't realize the fact that others don't get the doctrine and biblical thoughts drilled into them day and night that i do attending the university.
That being said it really motivates me to want to help the saints to pursue the ability to really interpet the Scriptures so they can have those answers.
I really want to end this post just with some encouragement: Go and serve the Lord tomorrow even in the smallest way. Buthere is the challenge, make whatever you do based on your knowledge of the bible. That means instead of doing the main Chrisitan things like pray for someone or give money away or tell someone the gospel, try to speak the wisdom to others or teach someone how to do something. And although it seems small and abstract just remember this quote "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he will eat for a life time"
Friday, November 21, 2008
Influential Diety
So i don't know how much i intend on writing in this daily but i really do think it might be beneficial.
SO today in Cultural and Global awareness class a very interesting question was discussed in class and i think it has alot to do with this cost of being a follower of Christ
Here it is, but be careful it just may offend you:
What is the difference between the use of magic to get things to happen and praying as a Christian to get things to happen?
To define this question better let me put it into a scenario. Lets say that there is a man that from his culture he believes that magic(as in supernatural powers that can be controlled). So when a drought accures in the land that he lives in he automatically turns to a witch doctor and asks for in to rain finally and help his dieing crops. The witch doctor then agrees and casts a spell that is to make the clouds release their water unto his crops. Then suddenly a few days later it rains and feeds the crops. Then soon after that the man comes to meet some missionaries who prayed regularly. In fact they are so fervent in prayer he learned they had been praying for rain all during the drought. This confused the man because he had seen his magic work the same way they claimed their God worked.
Who is right though?
And what is the answer? How do you prove that prayer is real and God does really work through it. Magic is used enough in other cultures that it looks like a legitmate power source just as prayer here works enough times to look legit.
I think it would be helpful to define both terms to answer this problem. Dictionary.com defines magic as the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Prayer on the same site is defined as a fervent request or petition. So basically magic is human control over the supernatural while prayer is a request.
So Here is what i see: magic can look legit but it is completely human instigated while prayer on the other hand leaves no power in the user but to whom the prayer is too.
The answer I think that is vital to see is, although alot of the time we think that asking God means he will listen and do as we say because we really need whatever it is we are asking for. But clearly that can't be true, where in the bible does Christ say the more fervent you pray to God the more likely God is to hear and answer.
So in the end the answer is that the difference in a Christians prayer and using magic is that prayer doesn't accomplish things Our God does. You can't control God like you can magic, you can't influence God.
But i guess if you think i am wrong you can chew on this question for a while: If you could influence God who would hold the real power?
peace out ya'll
What is the difference between the use of magic to get things to happen and praying as a Christian to get things to happen?
To define this question better let me put it into a scenario. Lets say that there is a man that from his culture he believes that magic(as in supernatural powers that can be controlled). So when a drought accures in the land that he lives in he automatically turns to a witch doctor and asks for in to rain finally and help his dieing crops. The witch doctor then agrees and casts a spell that is to make the clouds release their water unto his crops. Then suddenly a few days later it rains and feeds the crops. Then soon after that the man comes to meet some missionaries who prayed regularly. In fact they are so fervent in prayer he learned they had been praying for rain all during the drought. This confused the man because he had seen his magic work the same way they claimed their God worked.
Who is right though?
And what is the answer? How do you prove that prayer is real and God does really work through it. Magic is used enough in other cultures that it looks like a legitmate power source just as prayer here works enough times to look legit.
I think it would be helpful to define both terms to answer this problem. Dictionary.com defines magic as the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Prayer on the same site is defined as a fervent request or petition. So basically magic is human control over the supernatural while prayer is a request.
So Here is what i see: magic can look legit but it is completely human instigated while prayer on the other hand leaves no power in the user but to whom the prayer is too.
The answer I think that is vital to see is, although alot of the time we think that asking God means he will listen and do as we say because we really need whatever it is we are asking for. But clearly that can't be true, where in the bible does Christ say the more fervent you pray to God the more likely God is to hear and answer.
So in the end the answer is that the difference in a Christians prayer and using magic is that prayer doesn't accomplish things Our God does. You can't control God like you can magic, you can't influence God.
But i guess if you think i am wrong you can chew on this question for a while: If you could influence God who would hold the real power?
peace out ya'll
Thursday, November 20, 2008
scattered thoughts on love
Ok so this is my virgin post so wish me well..........
Anyways, I just started this because I wanted to put some of my thoughts onto paper. I had been meaning to do this for a while, so I am glad I did this.
Something i have been noticing lately, is just the fads that people take on. More specifically, I would say Christianity. However, this strikes me as very odd because even though America is the last stand of Chrisendom in the world, it still isn't completely acceptable to be a Christian. I mean its cool if you go to church and believe in morals and maybe even call yourself a christian when you happen to meet a person of another proclaimed religion, but to claim Jesus and look as hypocritical as most "Christians" do you must be crazy.
Why in the world would you still feel comfortable being in the same crazy shoes as your mother and father if you don't believe an ounce of what they say.
I think the reason I bring this up is because I sometimes think we are overly harsh on each other as Christians. Today in my regular bible study on wednesday nights we discussed Ephesians 4 and its all about unity in the believers.
Now don't get me wrong I am definately one at fault with this, but sometimes i think we too easily judge other Christians who are lesser in the faith as lesser or maybe even not really Christians because they have no fruit.
That being brought to my attention makes me think "Are we just trying to make this exclusive to push out the hypocrits?". You know, even Jesus told the disciples that the guy casting out demons in Jesus's name although he wasn't granted that authority was ok. Maybe i misread that and correct me if I am wrong, but I think that although Salvation is very stubborn and one sided(meaning it is only gained through believing Christ died and rose again), serving the Lord may not be so one sided.
Its a hard concept to swallow. Its hard to believe that we should love those who don't know the truth as well as teach them the truth, but it is our duty, both of those are our duties. It's the hardest question to answer now-a-days: "Why love and extend mercy to those who potentially are wrong?" But i guess all in all thats just one of the cost's of following. The cost of discipleship......
Anyways, I just started this because I wanted to put some of my thoughts onto paper. I had been meaning to do this for a while, so I am glad I did this.
Something i have been noticing lately, is just the fads that people take on. More specifically, I would say Christianity. However, this strikes me as very odd because even though America is the last stand of Chrisendom in the world, it still isn't completely acceptable to be a Christian. I mean its cool if you go to church and believe in morals and maybe even call yourself a christian when you happen to meet a person of another proclaimed religion, but to claim Jesus and look as hypocritical as most "Christians" do you must be crazy.
Why in the world would you still feel comfortable being in the same crazy shoes as your mother and father if you don't believe an ounce of what they say.
I think the reason I bring this up is because I sometimes think we are overly harsh on each other as Christians. Today in my regular bible study on wednesday nights we discussed Ephesians 4 and its all about unity in the believers.
Now don't get me wrong I am definately one at fault with this, but sometimes i think we too easily judge other Christians who are lesser in the faith as lesser or maybe even not really Christians because they have no fruit.
That being brought to my attention makes me think "Are we just trying to make this exclusive to push out the hypocrits?". You know, even Jesus told the disciples that the guy casting out demons in Jesus's name although he wasn't granted that authority was ok. Maybe i misread that and correct me if I am wrong, but I think that although Salvation is very stubborn and one sided(meaning it is only gained through believing Christ died and rose again), serving the Lord may not be so one sided.
Its a hard concept to swallow. Its hard to believe that we should love those who don't know the truth as well as teach them the truth, but it is our duty, both of those are our duties. It's the hardest question to answer now-a-days: "Why love and extend mercy to those who potentially are wrong?" But i guess all in all thats just one of the cost's of following. The cost of discipleship......
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