Friday, March 31, 2006
Red or Blue pill
If I had a pill that would make you stop the one thing that you think is keeping you from a closer walk with God, would you take it? Or would you have to think about it because you like the sin, it's just that you don't like the consequences of the sin? Examples could be if "I had a pill to make me stop drinking..." But you may say to yourself "I don't get drunk" so I can't apply that to me. So I used my own example...If I had a pill that would make me stop being so lazy...Or stop being jealous, or having the need for praise from everyone I know...Would I take it? Do I like the state that I'm in of being miserable so I can blame it on something else and not own up to my own selfish nature? These are the questions that are in my head right now. It seems as if the more I learn, the excuse of "ignorance is bliss" is in vain. I love learning too much to stop so I guess I have to realize that as much as I wish the world revolved around me... It doesn't.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
err is to human as forgive is to...
Lately I've been thinking a lot about the distinction Jesus made between body, mind, and soul (more commonly known as heart). Ive also been thinking a lot about the lack of distinction between the three among our culture. The three have their fair share of sins, which are equally as distinct as the heart, body, and mind. I've noticed how public certain sins are, making them easily seen by all, and how some sins are hidden so deep that no one sees them. I have to think that is why Proverbs says, All mans ways are innocent to him, but God looks at the heart.
Sins of the body are by far the most obvious. Drunkenness, lying, cheating, stealing, infidelity, drug addiction, and violence these all are very easily spotted, and very easily proven to be true. They are also the easiest to overcome. I by no means say they are easy to overcome, as they can plague a person for life, but they are by far the easiest. This is namely because they're almost always brought to the light, and once exposed there are many factors that lead to the recovery and prevention of these sins. Even the least spiritual people look down on them and discourage them. Friends or enemies both lead to the discouragement of these sins, and some can even be forcefully controlled, such as being sentanced to jail. Sins of the mind can often be treated with counseling, therapy, guidance from wiser people, and in some cases with medical attention. Sins of the heart most certainly cannot be treated by any human, only God can change ones heart. But the body is a wicked thing, with wicked desires... these sins often do not reflect one's heart. Thus the reason Paul said, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Sins of the flesh are horrible, but certainly the least severe of the three.
Sins of the mind are more severe than sins of the flesh, but still not the worst. Some minds work better than others, so these are very relative. One can have a weak mind but a good heart, and this is a very common thing, from simple lack of experience to mental illnesses. Not to harbor too much on it but Jesus says, To whom much is given, much is expected. Some minds simply do not work as well as others, However, sins of the mind are still not so difficult to notice with simple attention. The most obvious way to notice these sins are to listen to ones words. Thus the Proverb, where words are many, sin is not absent. Controlling ones tongue is a good thing, but when used incorrectly, it can mask sins of the mind and be devastating. Often holding ones tongue quickly turns into the downward spiral of lying. I've learned, when sins of my mind are exposed, those who love me jump in and encourage me to stop, and those who hate me slander me to the point of wanting to stop. Both are effective, although insulting often tears ones confidence down, leading to even more weakness. But again, weakness of mind does not always reflect a weakness of heart, and can be treated with the help of others, and simply life experience.
Sins of the heart are by far the most dangerous. These include pride, judgment, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, and things of the sort. These sins go deep into ones soul, and are extremely hard to treat. While an alcoholic can have his drink taken from him, a criminal can be locked up, one with a weak mind can have counseling or medical help, the only person who can treat sins of the heart is God. There is no human control over ones heart. Honestly, I dont know how God goes about this, or how a person even gets God to do this. As "sweet-tempered" as people think I am, this is one callused heart. It takes alot of time with God to not just fly off the handle when I really REALLY want to. Plus other issues that I deal with myself... I have a strong feeling this is why God has said, You will be judged to the measure at which you judge others... and I can't fairly judge someone else's wickedness when I am wicked myself. Quite frankly self control and mental stability have never been my strong point. I know that I am FAR from perfect (sometimes I feel I'm FAR from the person other people see)- if I judge anyone for anything, Im going to hell in a hand basket. :) The one thing I must keep in check is my heart. As long as I forgive others for their sins, I'll be forgiven (which is no excuse to keep sinning... you'll be miserable if you do). Vice versa, Jesus said if I do not forgive every sin commited against me, God will not forgive mine... which again means hell in a jiffy. Sins of the body and mind are cured with maturity, with learning from mistakes, and flat out growing up. With dedication and help from others, they're easily overcome. Sins of the heart are often taken to the grave, with pride by far being the most difficult to overcome. Vanity is by far Satans favorite sin. Vanity leads to lack of forgiveness, which leads to hell. Vanity is the ultimate sin. (for more on that, read Mere Christianity... C S Lewis is the best with that)
John 8
(The Pharisees) said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Sins of the body are by far the most obvious. Drunkenness, lying, cheating, stealing, infidelity, drug addiction, and violence these all are very easily spotted, and very easily proven to be true. They are also the easiest to overcome. I by no means say they are easy to overcome, as they can plague a person for life, but they are by far the easiest. This is namely because they're almost always brought to the light, and once exposed there are many factors that lead to the recovery and prevention of these sins. Even the least spiritual people look down on them and discourage them. Friends or enemies both lead to the discouragement of these sins, and some can even be forcefully controlled, such as being sentanced to jail. Sins of the mind can often be treated with counseling, therapy, guidance from wiser people, and in some cases with medical attention. Sins of the heart most certainly cannot be treated by any human, only God can change ones heart. But the body is a wicked thing, with wicked desires... these sins often do not reflect one's heart. Thus the reason Paul said, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Sins of the flesh are horrible, but certainly the least severe of the three.
Sins of the mind are more severe than sins of the flesh, but still not the worst. Some minds work better than others, so these are very relative. One can have a weak mind but a good heart, and this is a very common thing, from simple lack of experience to mental illnesses. Not to harbor too much on it but Jesus says, To whom much is given, much is expected. Some minds simply do not work as well as others, However, sins of the mind are still not so difficult to notice with simple attention. The most obvious way to notice these sins are to listen to ones words. Thus the Proverb, where words are many, sin is not absent. Controlling ones tongue is a good thing, but when used incorrectly, it can mask sins of the mind and be devastating. Often holding ones tongue quickly turns into the downward spiral of lying. I've learned, when sins of my mind are exposed, those who love me jump in and encourage me to stop, and those who hate me slander me to the point of wanting to stop. Both are effective, although insulting often tears ones confidence down, leading to even more weakness. But again, weakness of mind does not always reflect a weakness of heart, and can be treated with the help of others, and simply life experience.
Sins of the heart are by far the most dangerous. These include pride, judgment, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, and things of the sort. These sins go deep into ones soul, and are extremely hard to treat. While an alcoholic can have his drink taken from him, a criminal can be locked up, one with a weak mind can have counseling or medical help, the only person who can treat sins of the heart is God. There is no human control over ones heart. Honestly, I dont know how God goes about this, or how a person even gets God to do this. As "sweet-tempered" as people think I am, this is one callused heart. It takes alot of time with God to not just fly off the handle when I really REALLY want to. Plus other issues that I deal with myself... I have a strong feeling this is why God has said, You will be judged to the measure at which you judge others... and I can't fairly judge someone else's wickedness when I am wicked myself. Quite frankly self control and mental stability have never been my strong point. I know that I am FAR from perfect (sometimes I feel I'm FAR from the person other people see)- if I judge anyone for anything, Im going to hell in a hand basket. :) The one thing I must keep in check is my heart. As long as I forgive others for their sins, I'll be forgiven (which is no excuse to keep sinning... you'll be miserable if you do). Vice versa, Jesus said if I do not forgive every sin commited against me, God will not forgive mine... which again means hell in a jiffy. Sins of the body and mind are cured with maturity, with learning from mistakes, and flat out growing up. With dedication and help from others, they're easily overcome. Sins of the heart are often taken to the grave, with pride by far being the most difficult to overcome. Vanity is by far Satans favorite sin. Vanity leads to lack of forgiveness, which leads to hell. Vanity is the ultimate sin. (for more on that, read Mere Christianity... C S Lewis is the best with that)
John 8
(The Pharisees) said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Sometimes we don't think it could happen...
This is an article that was sent to me by my cousin...we need to pray for our nation guys... nuff said
Afghan convert may be unfit for trial
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan man facing a possible death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity may be mentally unfit to stand trial, a state prosecutor said Wednesday.
Abdul Rahman, an Afghan who converted from Islam to Christianity, is interviewed in Kabul on March 16.
APTN/Ariana Television
Abdul Rahman, 41, has been charged with rejecting Islam, a crime under this country's Islamic laws. His trial started last week and he confessed to becoming a Christian 16 years ago. If convicted, he could be executed.
But prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said questions have been raised about his mental fitness.
"We think he could be mad. He is not a normal person. He doesn't talk like a normal person," he told The Associated Press.
Moayuddin Baluch, a religious adviser to President Hamid Karzai, said Rahman would undergo a psychological examination.
"Doctors must examine him," he said. "If he is mentally unfit, definitely Islam has no claim to punish him. He must be forgiven. The case must be dropped."
It was not immediately clear when he would be examined or when the trial would resume. Authorities have barred attempts by the AP to see Rahman and he is not believed to have a lawyer.
A Western diplomat in Kabul and a human rights advocate — both of whom spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter — said the government was desperately searching for a way to drop the case because of the reaction it has caused.
The United States, Britain and other countries that have troops in Afghanistan have voiced concern about Rahman's fate.
The Bush administration Tuesday issued a subdued appeal to Kabul to let Rahman practice his faith in safety. German Roman Catholic Cardinal Karl Lehmann said the trial sent an "alarming signal" about freedom of worship in Afghanistan.
The case is believed to be the first of its kind in Afghanistan and highlights a struggle between religious conservatives and reformists over what shape Islam should take there four years after the ouster of the fundamentalist Taliban regime.
Afghanistan's constitution is based on Shariah law, which is interpreted by many Muslims to require that any Muslim who rejects Islam be sentenced to death. The state-sponsored Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has called for Rahman to be punished, arguing he clearly violated Islamic law.
The case has received widespread attention in Afghanistan where many people are demanding Rahman be severely punished.
"For 30 years, we have fought religious wars in this country and there is no way we are going to allow an Afghan to insult us by becoming Christian," said Mohammed Jan, 38, who lives opposite Rahman's father, Abdul Manan, in Kabul. "This has brought so much shame."
Rahman is believed to have converted from Islam to Christianity while working as a medical aid worker for an international Christian group helping Afghan refugees in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.
He then moved to Germany for nine years before returning to Kabul in 2002, after the ouster of the hard-line Taliban regime.
Police arrested him last month after discovering him in possession of a Bible during questioning over a dispute for custody of his two daughters. Prosecutors have offered to drop the charges if Rahman converts back to Islam, but he has refused.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Afghan convert may be unfit for trial
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan man facing a possible death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity may be mentally unfit to stand trial, a state prosecutor said Wednesday.
Abdul Rahman, an Afghan who converted from Islam to Christianity, is interviewed in Kabul on March 16.
APTN/Ariana Television
Abdul Rahman, 41, has been charged with rejecting Islam, a crime under this country's Islamic laws. His trial started last week and he confessed to becoming a Christian 16 years ago. If convicted, he could be executed.
But prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said questions have been raised about his mental fitness.
"We think he could be mad. He is not a normal person. He doesn't talk like a normal person," he told The Associated Press.
Moayuddin Baluch, a religious adviser to President Hamid Karzai, said Rahman would undergo a psychological examination.
"Doctors must examine him," he said. "If he is mentally unfit, definitely Islam has no claim to punish him. He must be forgiven. The case must be dropped."
It was not immediately clear when he would be examined or when the trial would resume. Authorities have barred attempts by the AP to see Rahman and he is not believed to have a lawyer.
A Western diplomat in Kabul and a human rights advocate — both of whom spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter — said the government was desperately searching for a way to drop the case because of the reaction it has caused.
The United States, Britain and other countries that have troops in Afghanistan have voiced concern about Rahman's fate.
The Bush administration Tuesday issued a subdued appeal to Kabul to let Rahman practice his faith in safety. German Roman Catholic Cardinal Karl Lehmann said the trial sent an "alarming signal" about freedom of worship in Afghanistan.
The case is believed to be the first of its kind in Afghanistan and highlights a struggle between religious conservatives and reformists over what shape Islam should take there four years after the ouster of the fundamentalist Taliban regime.
Afghanistan's constitution is based on Shariah law, which is interpreted by many Muslims to require that any Muslim who rejects Islam be sentenced to death. The state-sponsored Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has called for Rahman to be punished, arguing he clearly violated Islamic law.
The case has received widespread attention in Afghanistan where many people are demanding Rahman be severely punished.
"For 30 years, we have fought religious wars in this country and there is no way we are going to allow an Afghan to insult us by becoming Christian," said Mohammed Jan, 38, who lives opposite Rahman's father, Abdul Manan, in Kabul. "This has brought so much shame."
Rahman is believed to have converted from Islam to Christianity while working as a medical aid worker for an international Christian group helping Afghan refugees in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.
He then moved to Germany for nine years before returning to Kabul in 2002, after the ouster of the hard-line Taliban regime.
Police arrested him last month after discovering him in possession of a Bible during questioning over a dispute for custody of his two daughters. Prosecutors have offered to drop the charges if Rahman converts back to Islam, but he has refused.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
interesting series of events...
There were lots of things that I learned today that I partially gave me a headache, but somehow makes sense.
~ Let's start with chapel today... I like the fact that Campus ministries wants us to pray as a University, but I'm not sure if I agree with the way it was done today; but that's just one person's opinion. Sadly, I don't think that people are going to be "real" with the person sitting next to them and ask for prayer. I know I was sitting next to one of my closest friends so I know what's going on in their life, but the person they had to pray with, although they knew each other, it was still awkward to spill their guts to that person. So still you give a surface "real" answer. I don't think we are called to tell our deepest darkest secrets to one another just to be authentic. Chances are you're not gonna anyway. That's why you have those people close to you and I don't think that's a bad thing.
~However, I did like the speaker in chapel today and how he expressed that we need to own up to responsibilites of what's going on in our lives and not blame it on God or the enemy. Sometimes, it's just us that messed up. But it goes back to what I was saying that we need to realize that we aren't perfect and can be "bad" at our Christian walk but need to work on it. So yeah, "do not be anxious for anything" but don't sit and wait for the clouds to part and everything be laid out perfectly for you.
~In my class we were learning about prayer, (and I'd really like input on this topic... How do you deal with "pray without ceasing"? Does it mean that every thought or everything you do you should be praying? Something that my professor said that just made sense to me was, Once I graduate and recieve my degree, and I'm just walking down the halls and I say goodbye to my professor and he says to me "learn without ceasing" Does it mean don't stop at a Bachleor's? Go on until I can get every degree possible? or does it mean that in every circumstance, learn from it? the same goes with praying. Praying has to be an everyday occurance. In every circumstance, pray. Not just after you get something and then don't pray. Also, when you pray, does it have to be audible...meaning do you have to speak? There's nowhere where it says that thoughts are considered prayers but... He knows our thoughts...this is where confusion strikes and my head hurts...so maybe I can figure it out another day... until next time
~ Let's start with chapel today... I like the fact that Campus ministries wants us to pray as a University, but I'm not sure if I agree with the way it was done today; but that's just one person's opinion. Sadly, I don't think that people are going to be "real" with the person sitting next to them and ask for prayer. I know I was sitting next to one of my closest friends so I know what's going on in their life, but the person they had to pray with, although they knew each other, it was still awkward to spill their guts to that person. So still you give a surface "real" answer. I don't think we are called to tell our deepest darkest secrets to one another just to be authentic. Chances are you're not gonna anyway. That's why you have those people close to you and I don't think that's a bad thing.
~However, I did like the speaker in chapel today and how he expressed that we need to own up to responsibilites of what's going on in our lives and not blame it on God or the enemy. Sometimes, it's just us that messed up. But it goes back to what I was saying that we need to realize that we aren't perfect and can be "bad" at our Christian walk but need to work on it. So yeah, "do not be anxious for anything" but don't sit and wait for the clouds to part and everything be laid out perfectly for you.
~In my class we were learning about prayer, (and I'd really like input on this topic... How do you deal with "pray without ceasing"? Does it mean that every thought or everything you do you should be praying? Something that my professor said that just made sense to me was, Once I graduate and recieve my degree, and I'm just walking down the halls and I say goodbye to my professor and he says to me "learn without ceasing" Does it mean don't stop at a Bachleor's? Go on until I can get every degree possible? or does it mean that in every circumstance, learn from it? the same goes with praying. Praying has to be an everyday occurance. In every circumstance, pray. Not just after you get something and then don't pray. Also, when you pray, does it have to be audible...meaning do you have to speak? There's nowhere where it says that thoughts are considered prayers but... He knows our thoughts...this is where confusion strikes and my head hurts...so maybe I can figure it out another day... until next time
Friday, March 17, 2006
Bad Christian? Perish the thought!
C.S. Lewis rocketh my socks... I need to write and what better place to do so than here so here goes...
"When a man who accepts Christian doctrine lives unworthily of it, it is much clearer to say that he is a bad Christian than to say he is not a Christian.” ~ C.S. Lewis, in the preface of the book, Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis went to a place where few preachers dare go – he actually said it – you can be bad at being a Christian and still be a Christian. This is without a doubt dangerous ground, because it is easy to become stale, and God clearly said ‘You can be hot, or you can be cold, but if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth.’ However, there are still two facts, tried and true, that cannot be changed. The first is, you can become a Christian instantly. Christ clearly stated that fact – “Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, and you will be saved.” If you acknowledge the teachings of Christ, and commit to following them, you are a Christian. The second fact is, you cannot become a good Christian instantly. It’s no more than common sense – I would believe that my guitar playing friends would agree with me if I say if you start playing guitar, it will be a good bit of time before you will be a good guitar player (haha I can't get past smelly cat). That is no reason to give up – you can call yourself a guitar player the second you purchase one and begin to learn. You are simply a bad guitar player, and that’s quite all right, for a certain period of time. If you’ve been playing for years and are no better than you were at first, there’s something quite wrong, but as long as you continue to improve, there’s no place in anyone to insult your progress. While one man may have a more natural makeup to play guitar, that doesn’t exactly mean he has tried harder. To whom much is given much is expected; only you and God know if you are working at the pace you should be. Seeing as chastity, temperance, humility, and all the other Christian virtues are in the opposite direction of your natural desires, it’s certainly going to take some time to become good at adopting the Christian virtues. Do not be discouraged by the fact that you are a bad Christian – it’s quite all right, just so long as you never stop practicing.
Here’s another way to look at it. You know that taking smaller bites of food and chewing them slowly is a healthier way to eat, right? Many of us, despite knowing this fact, inhale our food. This overloads our body, and due to not chewing our food properly, our body cannot get all the nutrients out of the food before it turns to waste. The same goes for Christianity – there is so much to be taken in, it must be done slowly and carefully. The person who inhales the entire meal may be able to say, “yep, I am a better eater than you, I am already done”, but get very little quality or enjoyment out of it. Meanwhile, the very slow eater, who may seem to be inferior at the practice, is getting proper nourishment and enjoying his meal at the same time. I have seen many eager Christians (including myself) constantly bite off more than they can chew, trying to make themselves a perfect Christian overnight, only to find themselves disappointed when their efforts turn to waste (I have actually seen this go on for years upon end). One man may say, ‘I am going to stop cursing, drinking, smoking, lusting, pay all my bills on time, get out of debt, get in healthy shape, clean up my room, and read my bible every day’. Meanwhile his friend says, ‘I’m going to deal with the smoking, drinking, debt, lust, and all that stuff later – right now I am just going to try and stop looking down my nose at people I don’t prefer. I’ll confront those other issues when I get this one down.’ While the first man may hold up for a while and seem to be getting further along, appearing to be a better Christian, he will quickly find he has bitten off more than he can chew and all his efforts turn to waste. Meanwhile, the second man, while not coming along as fast, will slowly overcome his flesh and eventually digest more training and wisdom than the other man. Don’t try and bite off more than you can chew – it’s ok to be a bad Christian for a time, and I would go so far as to say it is unavoidable. No one is good at something overnight. You can become a Christian overnight, but take your time becoming good at it. Practice makes perfect. Pick up your guitar and learn the basics, and when you’re ready, move on to the next level. Chew your food slowly and enjoy each bite – take another when your body is ready. Believe in God, study Jesus teachings, and though it will take years, that’s quite normal and alright – with God’s help and some hard effort on your end, you’ll get there.
Just a thought...
"When a man who accepts Christian doctrine lives unworthily of it, it is much clearer to say that he is a bad Christian than to say he is not a Christian.” ~ C.S. Lewis, in the preface of the book, Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis went to a place where few preachers dare go – he actually said it – you can be bad at being a Christian and still be a Christian. This is without a doubt dangerous ground, because it is easy to become stale, and God clearly said ‘You can be hot, or you can be cold, but if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth.’ However, there are still two facts, tried and true, that cannot be changed. The first is, you can become a Christian instantly. Christ clearly stated that fact – “Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, and you will be saved.” If you acknowledge the teachings of Christ, and commit to following them, you are a Christian. The second fact is, you cannot become a good Christian instantly. It’s no more than common sense – I would believe that my guitar playing friends would agree with me if I say if you start playing guitar, it will be a good bit of time before you will be a good guitar player (haha I can't get past smelly cat). That is no reason to give up – you can call yourself a guitar player the second you purchase one and begin to learn. You are simply a bad guitar player, and that’s quite all right, for a certain period of time. If you’ve been playing for years and are no better than you were at first, there’s something quite wrong, but as long as you continue to improve, there’s no place in anyone to insult your progress. While one man may have a more natural makeup to play guitar, that doesn’t exactly mean he has tried harder. To whom much is given much is expected; only you and God know if you are working at the pace you should be. Seeing as chastity, temperance, humility, and all the other Christian virtues are in the opposite direction of your natural desires, it’s certainly going to take some time to become good at adopting the Christian virtues. Do not be discouraged by the fact that you are a bad Christian – it’s quite all right, just so long as you never stop practicing.
Here’s another way to look at it. You know that taking smaller bites of food and chewing them slowly is a healthier way to eat, right? Many of us, despite knowing this fact, inhale our food. This overloads our body, and due to not chewing our food properly, our body cannot get all the nutrients out of the food before it turns to waste. The same goes for Christianity – there is so much to be taken in, it must be done slowly and carefully. The person who inhales the entire meal may be able to say, “yep, I am a better eater than you, I am already done”, but get very little quality or enjoyment out of it. Meanwhile, the very slow eater, who may seem to be inferior at the practice, is getting proper nourishment and enjoying his meal at the same time. I have seen many eager Christians (including myself) constantly bite off more than they can chew, trying to make themselves a perfect Christian overnight, only to find themselves disappointed when their efforts turn to waste (I have actually seen this go on for years upon end). One man may say, ‘I am going to stop cursing, drinking, smoking, lusting, pay all my bills on time, get out of debt, get in healthy shape, clean up my room, and read my bible every day’. Meanwhile his friend says, ‘I’m going to deal with the smoking, drinking, debt, lust, and all that stuff later – right now I am just going to try and stop looking down my nose at people I don’t prefer. I’ll confront those other issues when I get this one down.’ While the first man may hold up for a while and seem to be getting further along, appearing to be a better Christian, he will quickly find he has bitten off more than he can chew and all his efforts turn to waste. Meanwhile, the second man, while not coming along as fast, will slowly overcome his flesh and eventually digest more training and wisdom than the other man. Don’t try and bite off more than you can chew – it’s ok to be a bad Christian for a time, and I would go so far as to say it is unavoidable. No one is good at something overnight. You can become a Christian overnight, but take your time becoming good at it. Practice makes perfect. Pick up your guitar and learn the basics, and when you’re ready, move on to the next level. Chew your food slowly and enjoy each bite – take another when your body is ready. Believe in God, study Jesus teachings, and though it will take years, that’s quite normal and alright – with God’s help and some hard effort on your end, you’ll get there.
Just a thought...
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Raindrops on roses...
So I've been stressed out lately but I try to hide it well. But I just decided to write things that make me smile, beam, giddy...Whatever...
~ Jesus totally working for the "good of those who love Him". Like, there's no explanation for it besides the fact that He loves you. I LOVE THAT!!!
~ Jana'...She's amazing!! I'd need a total blog to explain the amazingness that is Jana'!! (If you know her, you'd agree!!)
~ People visiting me when I'm on duty Like Margaretann and Mary
~ MySpace Comments (and I guess blogger comments)
~ Going to the Movies with Esther (or anytime spent for that matter)
~Going to Chipotle with Britt
~ Evan and his "favorites" and the "turtle song"
~ DISNEYLAND!!! Give me Fantasmic! and I'm a happy woman
~ Notes just because
~ Presents just because
~ MY RA STAFF!!!
~ Kris Dorn... JP's husband...Tall love is the greatest haha
~ Everytime Alison and I hang out
~ BJ's Pizookie
~ MY GIRLS!!! Cottages 8&9 Make my life!!!
~ the Richey family
~ Matthew Mason- I'm a fan of that kid!
~ Giving a gift that's totally something somebody wanted... when I have the money
~Stevie Wonder songs
~ Tuesday nights!
~ Quoting Movies
~ HUGS!!
~ the fact that Katie Flynn lets me call her Katie80!
~ When I actually understand something that I didn't get
~ cooking for other people
~ Really good love songs
~ Who can forget dolphins!!
~ Nature...Just being outside and taking all of God's handiwork in...
~ People in UCO
~ Peter Epler nicknaming me "giggles"
~ Laura Bugbee's energy
~ Meghan's fascinations with my 3 weirdness and incorporating it into an everyday encounter
~ My MOPS babies
~ Yannick and Sam...that relationship makes me smile among others
~ Taking Pictures
~ looking at stars in the sky
~ singing at the top of my lungs in the car
~ singing a really good song
~ Gummy bears
~ my folks (most of the time)
~ Talking with Lindsey Boatman
~ Shanda!!
~ Being a total weirdo with my friends and knowing that they're doing the exact same thing with me
~ Steff and I being the same person!!
~ Having those really GOOD conversations with people that you never want to end
~ Joking around with people (what was in the fish? Cookies!!)
there are probably so much more but I think that's enough for now...until next time!
~ Jesus totally working for the "good of those who love Him". Like, there's no explanation for it besides the fact that He loves you. I LOVE THAT!!!
~ Jana'...She's amazing!! I'd need a total blog to explain the amazingness that is Jana'!! (If you know her, you'd agree!!)
~ People visiting me when I'm on duty Like Margaretann and Mary
~ MySpace Comments (and I guess blogger comments)
~ Going to the Movies with Esther (or anytime spent for that matter)
~Going to Chipotle with Britt
~ Evan and his "favorites" and the "turtle song"
~ DISNEYLAND!!! Give me Fantasmic! and I'm a happy woman
~ Notes just because
~ Presents just because
~ MY RA STAFF!!!
~ Kris Dorn... JP's husband...Tall love is the greatest haha
~ Everytime Alison and I hang out
~ BJ's Pizookie
~ MY GIRLS!!! Cottages 8&9 Make my life!!!
~ the Richey family
~ Matthew Mason- I'm a fan of that kid!
~ Giving a gift that's totally something somebody wanted... when I have the money
~Stevie Wonder songs
~ Tuesday nights!
~ Quoting Movies
~ HUGS!!
~ the fact that Katie Flynn lets me call her Katie80!
~ When I actually understand something that I didn't get
~ cooking for other people
~ Really good love songs
~ Who can forget dolphins!!
~ Nature...Just being outside and taking all of God's handiwork in...
~ People in UCO
~ Peter Epler nicknaming me "giggles"
~ Laura Bugbee's energy
~ Meghan's fascinations with my 3 weirdness and incorporating it into an everyday encounter
~ My MOPS babies
~ Yannick and Sam...that relationship makes me smile among others
~ Taking Pictures
~ looking at stars in the sky
~ singing at the top of my lungs in the car
~ singing a really good song
~ Gummy bears
~ my folks (most of the time)
~ Talking with Lindsey Boatman
~ Shanda!!
~ Being a total weirdo with my friends and knowing that they're doing the exact same thing with me
~ Steff and I being the same person!!
~ Having those really GOOD conversations with people that you never want to end
~ Joking around with people (what was in the fish? Cookies!!)
there are probably so much more but I think that's enough for now...until next time!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Because I said so... saith the Lord
Maybe it was just me, but I remember when I was a kid, I never wanted to make my bed. Sure, I'd clean my room but making the bed seemed pointless. I mean, sure it looked nice when your room was clean but what happens at night? you mess it right back up again! and you'd have to do it all over again so what was the point? I always got the profound words from my mother "because I said so..."
For my Christian Doctrine class, I had to read Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and had to write a paper from what I concluded from the book. which tried to answer the question of if God is Sovereign, why do we as humans need to "go ye therefore..." I believe every Christian has succumbed at one time or another to the mistaken belief that we are somehow responsible for the results of our evangelistic efforts. When we speak with a friend for hours and share our faith with that person but are able to secure no prayer of faith and repentance, we assume that we have done something wrong. We assume, perhaps, that our arguments are not persuasive enough or that we do not believe strongly enough what we claim to believe. But, thankfully, this is not the case. We are responsible to present the gospel faithfully and forcibly, but are not responsible for the result. When we have finished our task, we are to rejoice regardless of any result - we should rejoice as much if we have seen no conversion than if we have. In either case we should rejoice in the opportunity God gave us to share the awesome truths of His Word and to be faithful servants. We can rest in the confidence that we were faithful and can know that His will will be done.
I'm not saying that we all have to do it the same way...but we do. The question is still Why do we have to give a “clear and forciable” presentation of the gospel when we acknowledge that the clarity and foribleness of the presentation have nothing to do with the end result? All I can think of is "Because God said so..."
Ok, I think I'm done pretending I'm smart now...
For my Christian Doctrine class, I had to read Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and had to write a paper from what I concluded from the book. which tried to answer the question of if God is Sovereign, why do we as humans need to "go ye therefore..." I believe every Christian has succumbed at one time or another to the mistaken belief that we are somehow responsible for the results of our evangelistic efforts. When we speak with a friend for hours and share our faith with that person but are able to secure no prayer of faith and repentance, we assume that we have done something wrong. We assume, perhaps, that our arguments are not persuasive enough or that we do not believe strongly enough what we claim to believe. But, thankfully, this is not the case. We are responsible to present the gospel faithfully and forcibly, but are not responsible for the result. When we have finished our task, we are to rejoice regardless of any result - we should rejoice as much if we have seen no conversion than if we have. In either case we should rejoice in the opportunity God gave us to share the awesome truths of His Word and to be faithful servants. We can rest in the confidence that we were faithful and can know that His will will be done.
I'm not saying that we all have to do it the same way...but we do. The question is still Why do we have to give a “clear and forciable” presentation of the gospel when we acknowledge that the clarity and foribleness of the presentation have nothing to do with the end result? All I can think of is "Because God said so..."
Ok, I think I'm done pretending I'm smart now...
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Learning...
Well, now I am 23. I don't feel much of a difference but hey, that too will change. My birthday party was quite fun. Lots of people I love were there and some I love weren't but there was valid reason and I totally know that it was nothing against me.
But something did happen yesterday that I wasn't sure to do with. I have this idea in my head that I'm liked by everyone I come in close contact with. Once you get to know me, we're pretty much buddies. And I happen to like it that way. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or say that I am the most popular person on the planet or anything of the sort. But my friends usually give me the impression that they genuinely like me and that I am a good person. However, yesterday I was told by e-mail that I was being a jerk so someone that I considered my friend. I made her feel like she wasn't cool enough to hang out with me. I made her feel as if I was pushing her away, and basically what I fear most in my friendships, I was doing to her. But I don't know if this is my selfish nature or what but I really don't think I was doing that. The same thing that I have felt and promised myself not to do is what I seem to be doing to her. Maybe I just didn't want to hear this news on my birthday. "Hey Danielle, just wanted to let you know on your birthday...You're a jerk." :-/ I love it how people tell me not to let it bother you but what if it's true? Maybe I do need to take a step back and reevaluate the way I treat people. Maybe I am a jerk. Of course people will say "oh no you're not" but I always have that inkling in the back of my head saying that that's just want they want you to hear...hmm....Maybe I need to go to the source. But like my conductor says "everything matters but not too much." Maybe its ok that some people think I'm a jerk...
But something did happen yesterday that I wasn't sure to do with. I have this idea in my head that I'm liked by everyone I come in close contact with. Once you get to know me, we're pretty much buddies. And I happen to like it that way. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or say that I am the most popular person on the planet or anything of the sort. But my friends usually give me the impression that they genuinely like me and that I am a good person. However, yesterday I was told by e-mail that I was being a jerk so someone that I considered my friend. I made her feel like she wasn't cool enough to hang out with me. I made her feel as if I was pushing her away, and basically what I fear most in my friendships, I was doing to her. But I don't know if this is my selfish nature or what but I really don't think I was doing that. The same thing that I have felt and promised myself not to do is what I seem to be doing to her. Maybe I just didn't want to hear this news on my birthday. "Hey Danielle, just wanted to let you know on your birthday...You're a jerk." :-/ I love it how people tell me not to let it bother you but what if it's true? Maybe I do need to take a step back and reevaluate the way I treat people. Maybe I am a jerk. Of course people will say "oh no you're not" but I always have that inkling in the back of my head saying that that's just want they want you to hear...hmm....Maybe I need to go to the source. But like my conductor says "everything matters but not too much." Maybe its ok that some people think I'm a jerk...
Monday, February 20, 2006
and another one...
So I seem to be addicted to these blog thingies...I've tried them all and so I wanted to see what this one is so special too...Hopefully I'll try to post something of meaning and not just useless facts here...but then again sometimes useless facts just work out that way. Anyway that's enough for now...I have plenty of time to post later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
