WARNING: Not the usual happy goofy stuff.
After prayer meeting, we talked about a variety of topics. One topic was abortion: a friend of mine brought up the question whether or not abortion is right if it was rape. [I feel that I should mention that the actual statistics suggest that the possibility of that event actually occurring is incredibly low (0.3% of all abortions).] I will try to be as diplomatic as possible when discussing this, as rape is an incredibly emotionally charged subject.
I do not think abortion is right in any case. Pro-choice individuals typically jump straight to the rape scenario. I have indicated with the above statistics that those scenarios are incredibly rare. Do you know why abortions typically take place? Contraceptives fail or having a baby is not an economically viable solution. BOTH of which scream an incredibly selfish attitude. Call a spade -> a spade, a pro-choice individual is for the MURDER of innocent children so that they can pursue and enjoy a hedonistic lifestyle. Society tries to use the highly implausible rape scenario to JUSTIFY the murder of babies. Not only that, I think 40% of abortions [I need to find stats] take place in the 2nd trimester on... where the child is starting to look a lot more baby and a lot less than a clump of cells.
With that little background, I'll address the rape scenario. In my limited understanding of God and His plan for us, I know that bad things happen to good people. Yes, a man has sinned against that woman. But, it would be against my conscience to tell the woman to repay evil with evil. If anything, I would tell her to give the child up for adoption. Give a blessing to the couple that is trying to start a family. However, in this scenario... the decision rests in the mother's hands, and what she does will be between her and God.
EDIT: Just to be perfectly clear with the last sentence. What I am saying is that I don't have control over the person. She can do whatever she wants. I advocate for pro-life. I believe abortion is sin. And I would actively encourage a woman to not go the route of abortion. In the end, I can't force anyone to do anything.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Canadian Tolerance FTL
I have been trying to put my finger on this problem for a while. I could never fully grasp what it was that disturbed me with our tolerance. I disliked having to *censor* myself, but I couldn't ever really pronounce the reasoning behind my feeling that way. The feeling was like knowing there is a shark hunting in murky waters. One is constantly and painfully aware of the predator shifting and stirring underneath the quiet waters. Slowly, the fin would rise out of the waters and only then would the potential problem be (at least partially) identified before its effects devour me... and then we would play this game all over again...
I feel like all my life, we are taught to be tolerant of one another. Don't speak ill of one another, if you have disagreements, just be quiet. Don't rock the boat. But, like the author says in this article...without dialogue, we don't come to an understanding of one another. We end up dividing ourselves and making up stories about the other party meanwhile playing nice to one another when face to face. We build and store up hostility and misunderstanding which will inevitably lead to destruction.
So what do we do? Especially as Christians?
LEARN TO SPEAK UP... regardless of consequence. There are many Christians imprisoned and suffering for the just cause. The ostracization or humiliation we may go through is considerably mild in comparison.
BE INTOLERANT. There is no middle ground on some things. One of those things is Jesus. We can speak truth in gentleness in a way that both illuminates the path to salvation, and is spoken in such a way that we can be held blameless. We have to be bold and intolerant on this.
PRAYER. Pray that the people you meet are indeed in search of truth and not there to peddle their own views. Pray that God work in their hearts and make them a soil that is willing to receive the gospel.
I feel like all my life, we are taught to be tolerant of one another. Don't speak ill of one another, if you have disagreements, just be quiet. Don't rock the boat. But, like the author says in this article...without dialogue, we don't come to an understanding of one another. We end up dividing ourselves and making up stories about the other party meanwhile playing nice to one another when face to face. We build and store up hostility and misunderstanding which will inevitably lead to destruction.
So what do we do? Especially as Christians?
LEARN TO SPEAK UP... regardless of consequence. There are many Christians imprisoned and suffering for the just cause. The ostracization or humiliation we may go through is considerably mild in comparison.
BE INTOLERANT. There is no middle ground on some things. One of those things is Jesus. We can speak truth in gentleness in a way that both illuminates the path to salvation, and is spoken in such a way that we can be held blameless. We have to be bold and intolerant on this.
PRAYER. Pray that the people you meet are indeed in search of truth and not there to peddle their own views. Pray that God work in their hearts and make them a soil that is willing to receive the gospel.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Money.
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matt 5:19-21.
I decided to re-read parts of Matthew. When I say re-read, I tend to only read the first half of a book, get distracted by something else and read another book. So let's pray that I finish the whole book! Anyways, I find for myself at least, I always remember the "not storing up treasures on earth instead store up treasures in heaven" part. But, I never remember the rationale. So, reading the "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" really rang true today.
I am truly blessed financially. I have never had to budget. I have not worried about where my next meal will come from or how I will pay off my bills. If there was something I wanted at the spur of a moment, I could have it. I sincerely thank God for blessing me so. I think I spend the majority of my money on food (I am talking about non-essentials - otherwise it would be insurance and gas :/). I know my money is God's money, so I try to spend it on others.
Money perplexes me, sometimes. I try to view it as a tool to further God's kingdom. And if it is a tool, it can be prayed for and God will answer. Maybe I am the guy that is supposed to make money and give it to people who need funds to do their ministries. I could do that... but the world of business seems so un-fulfilling... on the flip side, I don't know if I could be the other guy. The guy who has to pray expectantly for his very survival, knowing that God will provide.
I know God is working in me. Despite knowing that at least right now, I don't think I could be that guy... I want to be that guy. I trust that He'll prune me for the work that He has set for me. Whether it is in a business suit or something else...
Matt 5:19-21.
I decided to re-read parts of Matthew. When I say re-read, I tend to only read the first half of a book, get distracted by something else and read another book. So let's pray that I finish the whole book! Anyways, I find for myself at least, I always remember the "not storing up treasures on earth instead store up treasures in heaven" part. But, I never remember the rationale. So, reading the "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" really rang true today.
I am truly blessed financially. I have never had to budget. I have not worried about where my next meal will come from or how I will pay off my bills. If there was something I wanted at the spur of a moment, I could have it. I sincerely thank God for blessing me so. I think I spend the majority of my money on food (I am talking about non-essentials - otherwise it would be insurance and gas :/). I know my money is God's money, so I try to spend it on others.
Money perplexes me, sometimes. I try to view it as a tool to further God's kingdom. And if it is a tool, it can be prayed for and God will answer. Maybe I am the guy that is supposed to make money and give it to people who need funds to do their ministries. I could do that... but the world of business seems so un-fulfilling... on the flip side, I don't know if I could be the other guy. The guy who has to pray expectantly for his very survival, knowing that God will provide.
I know God is working in me. Despite knowing that at least right now, I don't think I could be that guy... I want to be that guy. I trust that He'll prune me for the work that He has set for me. Whether it is in a business suit or something else...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
And now...
...the care bears share a lesson in caring:
Wouldn't it be hilarious if they did a satire of that? It would probably go something like this...
Kid: Oh man, my bike is broken.
Wish Bear: Wow, sucky. *Points and laughs*
....In other news, here are the events that transpired today.
Went Downtown for a course on critical and analytical thinking.
Went to the wrong building.
Went to the right building.
Scoured the building for the right room.
Entered late.
Enjoyed the class.
Went for lunch with Paul Wan.
Had good talk.
Came back late.
Left early.
Went to Holco Sales.
Found nothing.
Went to Ryerson.
Did nothing of importance there.
Went home.
Drove to Bible Study.
Enjoyed Bible Study.
Talked for once.
Came home.
Epic day.
Wouldn't it be hilarious if they did a satire of that? It would probably go something like this...
Kid: Oh man, my bike is broken.
Wish Bear: Wow, sucky. *Points and laughs*
....In other news, here are the events that transpired today.
Went Downtown for a course on critical and analytical thinking.
Went to the wrong building.
Went to the right building.
Scoured the building for the right room.
Entered late.
Enjoyed the class.
Went for lunch with Paul Wan.
Had good talk.
Came back late.
Left early.
Went to Holco Sales.
Found nothing.
Went to Ryerson.
Did nothing of importance there.
Went home.
Drove to Bible Study.
Enjoyed Bible Study.
Talked for once.
Came home.
Epic day.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Repent.
God, I am sorry for being such a child sometimes. You bless me continually, endlessly, and I keep crying and coming up short. You say "trust me" and I run away. Let me turn over a new leaf. Take control of my life.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Computer.
You would be surprised how much time you have each day if you don't head straight to your computer after school/work.
Odd News?
DELTONA, Fla. - An angry Deltona father whacked his teenage daughter's boyfriend with a metal pipe after finding the boy naked in his daughter's room. Authorities say the father, 45, didn't even know his daughter had a boyfriend or that the youngster had been sneaking into the home for more than a year.
When he heard noises coming from his daughter's bedroom Thursday morning and saw a stranger standing naked on the girl's bed, he swung a metal pipe. He then chased the teen out the front door and called police.
The boy was taken to the hospital where doctors closed a head wound with staples.
The father was charged with aggravated battery on a child and bonded out on $10,000.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/odd_angry_dad;_ylt=Alhoi4OX9JTkNthNHQoLH2rtiBIF
A couple of points:
1) I would hardly classify this as odd news. I don't have any stats on me at hand, but it would be safe to assume that many youngsters are engaging in sex outside of marriage and without their parents' knowledge especially in post-Christian America.
2) If I were the father, I probably would have reacted the same way. God willing, I would try to be a little more involved in my parenting and not let it escalate to this point.
3) Legal age of consent is 16 years old in Florida. I don't understand how they can classify someone that engages in adult behaviour as a child. And if they were under the age of 16, the article states that they have been doing the nasty for more than a year. So that means if they are under 16 and can't be named...they started when they were 14?!?!?! In which case, the dad is in every right to slap a chastity belt on the girl and smack the guy upside the head. But... the dad gets charged?
4) To the Dad: Geez man, don't you know what's going on in your own house?
When he heard noises coming from his daughter's bedroom Thursday morning and saw a stranger standing naked on the girl's bed, he swung a metal pipe. He then chased the teen out the front door and called police.
The boy was taken to the hospital where doctors closed a head wound with staples.
The father was charged with aggravated battery on a child and bonded out on $10,000.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/
A couple of points:
1) I would hardly classify this as odd news. I don't have any stats on me at hand, but it would be safe to assume that many youngsters are engaging in sex outside of marriage and without their parents' knowledge especially in post-Christian America.
2) If I were the father, I probably would have reacted the same way. God willing, I would try to be a little more involved in my parenting and not let it escalate to this point.
3) Legal age of consent is 16 years old in Florida. I don't understand how they can classify someone that engages in adult behaviour as a child. And if they were under the age of 16, the article states that they have been doing the nasty for more than a year. So that means if they are under 16 and can't be named...they started when they were 14?!?!?! In which case, the dad is in every right to slap a chastity belt on the girl and smack the guy upside the head. But... the dad gets charged?
4) To the Dad: Geez man, don't you know what's going on in your own house?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Speak
I debate whether the reason I can't talk lately is whether...
A) God has closed my mouth similar to Zechariah prior to the birth of John the Baptist...so when I do open my mouth, praises will be uttered! So I screwed up and God doesn't want me to talk.
B) The Holy Spirit is working in me more powerfully, and I'm just talking less because the words I would normally speak are being purged of ungodly talk. So I am only speaking fresh water and no salt water, a good thing.
C) I have mistaken my gifting, and I am not to be up at the front teaching and speaking. Rather, I am someone who plays in the background. Both have their uses, I just thought I was the former.
So lift up some holy hands in prayer and help me out here. :)
A) God has closed my mouth similar to Zechariah prior to the birth of John the Baptist...so when I do open my mouth, praises will be uttered! So I screwed up and God doesn't want me to talk.
B) The Holy Spirit is working in me more powerfully, and I'm just talking less because the words I would normally speak are being purged of ungodly talk. So I am only speaking fresh water and no salt water, a good thing.
C) I have mistaken my gifting, and I am not to be up at the front teaching and speaking. Rather, I am someone who plays in the background. Both have their uses, I just thought I was the former.
So lift up some holy hands in prayer and help me out here. :)
Discipline
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1st Tim 4:7-8
When I think about exercise, I think it's done primarily for two reasons: To look good, and for healthy living. We have plenty of news articles exclaiming the benefits of regular exercise. So off to the gym we go, spending our 1-2 hours each day (or every other day) running on the treadmill, working the circuit, or bench pressing while our spotter's shorts are dangerously close to our face.
We invest a reasonable amount of time in physical exercise. So it's kind of important to understand the reasoning behind it. Do we exercise for the praise of men? "Nice guns!" Or to appease our own vanity?
Don't misunderstand me. I don't think exercise is a sin. I don't think wanting to look good is a sin. Rather, what I want to bring to attention is the amount of time we spend physically training our bodies against the time we spend training to be godly.
I want to spend more time training myself to be godly. Won't you join me?
When I think about exercise, I think it's done primarily for two reasons: To look good, and for healthy living. We have plenty of news articles exclaiming the benefits of regular exercise. So off to the gym we go, spending our 1-2 hours each day (or every other day) running on the treadmill, working the circuit, or bench pressing while our spotter's shorts are dangerously close to our face.
We invest a reasonable amount of time in physical exercise. So it's kind of important to understand the reasoning behind it. Do we exercise for the praise of men? "Nice guns!" Or to appease our own vanity?
Don't misunderstand me. I don't think exercise is a sin. I don't think wanting to look good is a sin. Rather, what I want to bring to attention is the amount of time we spend physically training our bodies against the time we spend training to be godly.
I want to spend more time training myself to be godly. Won't you join me?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Future.
Thinking about the future is tough.
Definitely want to try taking some Seminary courses.
This week, knowledge has been pretty key... I need to learn how to learn again.
Definitely want to try taking some Seminary courses.
This week, knowledge has been pretty key... I need to learn how to learn again.
Predestined?
These past few days have been pretty insane. It seems like God is taking me places for specfic purposes, it is really awesome to be used by God. I'll start from the beginning, as Monday's post probably doesn't reveal much.
Monday:
I go downtown for three days (Mon - Wed) for Showcase Ontario 2008 (BABY!) - a tech conference dedicated to the hard-working members of the Ontario Public Service. This first day was okay, went to some of the booths...got some free stuff. I suddenly felt the urge to go visit Ryerson (I was planning to at least on Wednesday), so off I went.
I Got there, made some calls...couldn't reach anyone. So I went shopping for a while. Then I got hungry, so decided to go have lunch (at Chicken place...because it's like drugs). At which point, I ran into my friend, Janny. We had a pretty good spiritual talk. Catching up and things. I like her. She's one of those people who you can see Christ in all aspects of her life.
I went back to the conference to catch my final class. I was an hour late, and the guy finished an hour early. Decided to grab a coffee and spend some time with Jesus. Took the GO train home with Kelly Chan. She took some of my free stuff.
Also exercised for the first time in weeks. It was not so pleasant.
Tuesday:
Conference again, this time with the co-ops. It was a lot more fun this time, because the main expo opened today. We developed a strategy while waiting for it to open to maximize our opportunities to get free stuff. Highlights include pen-highlighters, a pen that is also a usb-stick, a kinetic flashlight, steel water bottles, and more. I skipped all my classes on Tuesday, because the expo was so much more interesting. We also went to eat kbbq for lunch.
After lunch, called it quits early. Went to Starbucks and spent some time with God. After, took the train home with Kelly. She decides that it would be a great time to announce she wants more free stuff...and that she wants to help out with Zoe. I was pretty excited, because I pray and knew and called it (ask Felix) that she was supposed to help. So that really pumped me up. :D
Evening, had a Zoe meeting. I shouldn't have taken a nap beforehand. I felt out of the zone. It was still good. Everyone is pretty passionate about bringing change to our fellowship. I feel kinda "green" in the leadership thing, but so far so good. Imma trust that the HS guides me true.
Wednesday:
Not as much free stuff. No one was really there. I toured around some more, and attended my classes. Stephen Lewis was there, I'll dedicate another post to my thoughts on his speech on another day. It was disturbing for me. I had lunch with a co-worker one on one. It was pretty good, learning about his life and what he was up to. I revealed that I was Christian, and he was like "Really? Cool!". So I'll talk to him more in the future.
Had dinner with Kevin Leung, and we ran into Sabina. The three of us ate together. McDonalds barely counts as dinner. Anyways, we talked and she told me what was going on with her. I pray that she comes to Zoe on Saturday, I think she will...but haven't prayed enough to be 100% sure. Well, I told Vicki to pray for her...so maybe Vicki will cover. :D
Went to CCF after dinner. I am pretty sure that God has closed the door on this ministry. Maybe I'll drop by now and then, but I don't think my presence there will affect anything. It's nice to see them, and I miss them all tremendously. But, for now.. I don't feel called to do anything there.
Had some pleasant talks with some of the newcomers... I am excited for them, too. Cuz there are some strong Christians coming in...and it is true that every Chinese Christian is connected somehow.
Thursday:
Had to do real work today. I also talked to my co-worker about her son who has an absess on his ear. He is in the hospital right now. Imma pray for him.
After work, I went to a bible study my friend, Ayrine invited me to. I got there before she did. "I'm here for the Bible Study"...is a line I never thought I would use. Their pastor made fun of my clothes. We did a study on Calvinism versus Arminianism. To be fair, I thought it was a balanced view on both sides, but it turned out to be Pro-Calvinism. It was interesting, I may attend next week if so called to it. :P
Getting home was pretty quick. Once I entered the house, it seemed like every room I entered had a purpose for me being there.
I entered Family Room - Mom, Dad, and I talked about our day. Which is pretty rare.
Went to Basement - to check e-mail, then head to bed. Remembered had to bring stuff to work for co-worker via e-mail.
Went to Bedroom - to find stuff, realized I had to send an e-mail to Marc about visiting Pastor.
Went to Basement - wrote e-mail.
Went to Bedroom - Bible Reading Time! Decided to read more on Calvinism and Arminianism from my Theology book. Remembered Essay On Computer in basement.
Went to Basement - read essay, checked e-mail, realized Vince and KY had sent stuff..sent stuff back.
went to Bed...tired.
It was kind of like a re-cap of the week. Everywhere I went had purpose. It was pretty insane. I pray that every week can be like this.. but I may get tired. :/ I'll pray for His strength. :D
Monday:
I go downtown for three days (Mon - Wed) for Showcase Ontario 2008 (BABY!) - a tech conference dedicated to the hard-working members of the Ontario Public Service. This first day was okay, went to some of the booths...got some free stuff. I suddenly felt the urge to go visit Ryerson (I was planning to at least on Wednesday), so off I went.
I Got there, made some calls...couldn't reach anyone. So I went shopping for a while. Then I got hungry, so decided to go have lunch (at Chicken place...because it's like drugs). At which point, I ran into my friend, Janny. We had a pretty good spiritual talk. Catching up and things. I like her. She's one of those people who you can see Christ in all aspects of her life.
I went back to the conference to catch my final class. I was an hour late, and the guy finished an hour early. Decided to grab a coffee and spend some time with Jesus. Took the GO train home with Kelly Chan. She took some of my free stuff.
Also exercised for the first time in weeks. It was not so pleasant.
Tuesday:
Conference again, this time with the co-ops. It was a lot more fun this time, because the main expo opened today. We developed a strategy while waiting for it to open to maximize our opportunities to get free stuff. Highlights include pen-highlighters, a pen that is also a usb-stick, a kinetic flashlight, steel water bottles, and more. I skipped all my classes on Tuesday, because the expo was so much more interesting. We also went to eat kbbq for lunch.
After lunch, called it quits early. Went to Starbucks and spent some time with God. After, took the train home with Kelly. She decides that it would be a great time to announce she wants more free stuff...and that she wants to help out with Zoe. I was pretty excited, because I pray and knew and called it (ask Felix) that she was supposed to help. So that really pumped me up. :D
Evening, had a Zoe meeting. I shouldn't have taken a nap beforehand. I felt out of the zone. It was still good. Everyone is pretty passionate about bringing change to our fellowship. I feel kinda "green" in the leadership thing, but so far so good. Imma trust that the HS guides me true.
Wednesday:
Not as much free stuff. No one was really there. I toured around some more, and attended my classes. Stephen Lewis was there, I'll dedicate another post to my thoughts on his speech on another day. It was disturbing for me. I had lunch with a co-worker one on one. It was pretty good, learning about his life and what he was up to. I revealed that I was Christian, and he was like "Really? Cool!". So I'll talk to him more in the future.
Had dinner with Kevin Leung, and we ran into Sabina. The three of us ate together. McDonalds barely counts as dinner. Anyways, we talked and she told me what was going on with her. I pray that she comes to Zoe on Saturday, I think she will...but haven't prayed enough to be 100% sure. Well, I told Vicki to pray for her...so maybe Vicki will cover. :D
Went to CCF after dinner. I am pretty sure that God has closed the door on this ministry. Maybe I'll drop by now and then, but I don't think my presence there will affect anything. It's nice to see them, and I miss them all tremendously. But, for now.. I don't feel called to do anything there.
Had some pleasant talks with some of the newcomers... I am excited for them, too. Cuz there are some strong Christians coming in...and it is true that every Chinese Christian is connected somehow.
Thursday:
Had to do real work today. I also talked to my co-worker about her son who has an absess on his ear. He is in the hospital right now. Imma pray for him.
After work, I went to a bible study my friend, Ayrine invited me to. I got there before she did. "I'm here for the Bible Study"...is a line I never thought I would use. Their pastor made fun of my clothes. We did a study on Calvinism versus Arminianism. To be fair, I thought it was a balanced view on both sides, but it turned out to be Pro-Calvinism. It was interesting, I may attend next week if so called to it. :P
Getting home was pretty quick. Once I entered the house, it seemed like every room I entered had a purpose for me being there.
I entered Family Room - Mom, Dad, and I talked about our day. Which is pretty rare.
Went to Basement - to check e-mail, then head to bed. Remembered had to bring stuff to work for co-worker via e-mail.
Went to Bedroom - to find stuff, realized I had to send an e-mail to Marc about visiting Pastor.
Went to Basement - wrote e-mail.
Went to Bedroom - Bible Reading Time! Decided to read more on Calvinism and Arminianism from my Theology book. Remembered Essay On Computer in basement.
Went to Basement - read essay, checked e-mail, realized Vince and KY had sent stuff..sent stuff back.
went to Bed...tired.
It was kind of like a re-cap of the week. Everywhere I went had purpose. It was pretty insane. I pray that every week can be like this.. but I may get tired. :/ I'll pray for His strength. :D
Monday, September 8, 2008
Today was a Good Day.
Nothing beats (in somewhat ascending order):
Warm Sprite (jokes)
Finding a Bargain
Free Stuff
Adventures
Good Conversations with Friends
Answered Prayer
Jesus
Warm Sprite (jokes)
Finding a Bargain
Free Stuff
Adventures
Good Conversations with Friends
Answered Prayer
Jesus
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Friend?
I think I am socially impaired in some way. I am bad at small talk, I rather talk to people about deep things. When I have to...I try to mix it up. I don't like asking the "How are you?" question...it's too boring. I rather ask something or know something going in that totally bypasses the boring information like what school they go to, where do they work, etc. But those are staples...and people expect it...and it will eventually lead to it.
I am bad at remembering things... like people's birthdays...despite them telling me something incredibly deep that they haven't ever told people before. It is not like I don't care...but the significance of such a thing as a birthday is "meh" to me. Yes, it is a special day. But, I remember other things that I see as more special. Inspirational thoughts developed or words spoken or actions performed...that sort of stuff. Trust me, it's a huge thing if I remember your birthday. I still don't have all the birthdays of my cousins down. And I have mixed up the number of my dad and mom's birthday (29 and 28 respectively).
Emotional vulnerability is probably the biggest difficulty for me. I use the word pretty loosely, allowing it to encompass our hopes, dreams, aspirations, struggles...basically anything that has meaning to us. There are people in my life that know a lot about me, but there is no one I have trusted with everything that goes on in my life. There is not anyone I would call my "best friend". It's pretty funny, seeing as I enjoy talking to girls a lot and girls are all about being vulnerable to one another... "tell me what you're thinking", etc.
See... emotional vulnerability is putting it all out there, and hoping for God's sake that the other person does not reject you. Emotional vulnerable is something that Christians should be. We're disciples known for being loving, for imitating Christ. When we come to Jesus, broken, ugly, and undesirable... he says "I accept you". Using that as our model, we should do the same. Accept each other. Trust one another. Build each other up. Let's get beyond our superficial friendships, and enter something more meaningful.
I am bad at remembering things... like people's birthdays...despite them telling me something incredibly deep that they haven't ever told people before. It is not like I don't care...but the significance of such a thing as a birthday is "meh" to me. Yes, it is a special day. But, I remember other things that I see as more special. Inspirational thoughts developed or words spoken or actions performed...that sort of stuff. Trust me, it's a huge thing if I remember your birthday. I still don't have all the birthdays of my cousins down. And I have mixed up the number of my dad and mom's birthday (29 and 28 respectively).
Emotional vulnerability is probably the biggest difficulty for me. I use the word pretty loosely, allowing it to encompass our hopes, dreams, aspirations, struggles...basically anything that has meaning to us. There are people in my life that know a lot about me, but there is no one I have trusted with everything that goes on in my life. There is not anyone I would call my "best friend". It's pretty funny, seeing as I enjoy talking to girls a lot and girls are all about being vulnerable to one another... "tell me what you're thinking", etc.
See... emotional vulnerability is putting it all out there, and hoping for God's sake that the other person does not reject you. Emotional vulnerable is something that Christians should be. We're disciples known for being loving, for imitating Christ. When we come to Jesus, broken, ugly, and undesirable... he says "I accept you". Using that as our model, we should do the same. Accept each other. Trust one another. Build each other up. Let's get beyond our superficial friendships, and enter something more meaningful.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Stand Up.
If you talk to me enough, you probably know I am kind of in to the social studies stuff. I enjoy reading about cultural trends and what is going on in today's modern society. You have probably feigned interest in my discussion of the breakdown of family or yawned when I exclaimed my outrage at the general decay of morality.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
Ever hear that quote? I am pretty sure you have. And it is true, although I would say it applies to both genders and say when "good people do nothing..."
I was thinking about how we just let people be objectified now. Or someone assaults another person in a public place, the victim cries for help, and no one rushes to their aide. Or a person's car is stuck on the side of the road, and we just continue driving on. What has happened to us? Even Christians fare no better, unless we are being watched by other Christians in which case we are obliged to help out. (Real character is observed when a person performs unobserved.)
We have become a culture controlled by FEAR. We fear standing out.... We are afraid to denounce the lowered standards. We are afraid that stranger we try to help, he or she will turn out to be some psychopath killer (despite all statistical odds saying otherwise).I think the government plays a part in this: Control the masses with conformity, after all. .
So the question is...what do we do about it?
Well, first of all...we have to learn to not cannibalize one another. I know people fear the unknown, and people (including myself) will ostracize others that are different or go against the grain. What is right is not dictated by the majority. It is determined by God.
Second, especially for Christians... we have to stand united in truth. That is, for those that are brave enough, courageous enough to heed God's call and stand firm in His name... we need to support these people and stand behind them. This includes our pastors, whom I don't think we ever encourage enough.
Finally, we have to be rooted in God's word. This can be His written word and the things He reveals to us. This will allows us to discern who is for Him and who is against.
In all things, take heart my brethren. Eternal victory is already ours. The struggles we face here on earth is, but a short time in the grand scheme of things.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
Ever hear that quote? I am pretty sure you have. And it is true, although I would say it applies to both genders and say when "good people do nothing..."
I was thinking about how we just let people be objectified now. Or someone assaults another person in a public place, the victim cries for help, and no one rushes to their aide. Or a person's car is stuck on the side of the road, and we just continue driving on. What has happened to us? Even Christians fare no better, unless we are being watched by other Christians in which case we are obliged to help out. (Real character is observed when a person performs unobserved.)
We have become a culture controlled by FEAR. We fear standing out.... We are afraid to denounce the lowered standards. We are afraid that stranger we try to help, he or she will turn out to be some psychopath killer (despite all statistical odds saying otherwise).
So the question is...what do we do about it?
Well, first of all...we have to learn to not cannibalize one another. I know people fear the unknown, and people (including myself) will ostracize others that are different or go against the grain. What is right is not dictated by the majority. It is determined by God.
Second, especially for Christians... we have to stand united in truth. That is, for those that are brave enough, courageous enough to heed God's call and stand firm in His name... we need to support these people and stand behind them. This includes our pastors, whom I don't think we ever encourage enough.
Finally, we have to be rooted in God's word. This can be His written word and the things He reveals to us. This will allows us to discern who is for Him and who is against.
In all things, take heart my brethren. Eternal victory is already ours. The struggles we face here on earth is, but a short time in the grand scheme of things.
Wake Up.
It is like I can't escape from Him. It's weird to try and say that? Everything I read and see, He speaks to me. Not just through Scripture, but the daily happenings in my life. It is unavoidable, and unstoppable. Yet, I sell myself and I sell Himself short.
We talk often about letting God work in every aspect of our life. But, how often do we?
I planned to take time today (Monday) to spend with God. I didn't want to. I ended up playing video games and reading random stuff. Still, God speaks to me.
God is so mind-blowing.
I decided to add the "random" tag to this post, because if you read it...you probably didn't get much out of it. :P
We talk often about letting God work in every aspect of our life. But, how often do we?
I planned to take time today (Monday) to spend with God. I didn't want to. I ended up playing video games and reading random stuff. Still, God speaks to me.
God is so mind-blowing.
I decided to add the "random" tag to this post, because if you read it...you probably didn't get much out of it. :P
Roadtrip.
So I went up to Buffalo from Friday to Sunday with some of the Ryerson CCF guys. It was loads of fun, we went to Fashion Outlet in Niagara, Walden Galleria, Six Flags Darien Lake, and Casino Niagara on the way back. I'll have to get pictures from some of them, because I didn't have a camera. Some highlights include...
- Buying random stuff (Kim hooked me up with a d/c at Rockport so I got me some nice shoes.)
- Random discussion on the car rides, talking with Jon and Brian about the Holy Spirit, and more.
- Winning the weight guessing game at Darien Lake (3/3 in my life time.)
- A successful last minute devotion on Gal 6:1-10. It really opened my eyes to see how people are doing with God
- God talking to me a lot about my life and Zoe
Some longer discussion highlight points:
Winning $140 at Blackjack after praying to God about it. I don't really understand what God was trying to teach me at that point. I played 5 hands, and won all of them...ended on a "hot streak", so I basically violated the rules of Blackjack. I prayed about it...and asked if I should go back and keep playing, at which point He said "no". At the same time, I was wondering if I cut the blessings that God gives me short, by ending the game early? Eh... whatever, basically allowed me to recover any shopping expenditures made on this trip.
I am excited for the new people that will be in CCF next year. New people as in new committee members, as well as people from MCAC joining Ryerson next year. I can see that people are really maturing in their faith....so it is coolness. I am praising God, because I know it was in his plan for me to be on this road trip. I got the confirmation with a deja vu dream which I can explain to people in person, it takes too long to explain online! :P
- Buying random stuff (Kim hooked me up with a d/c at Rockport so I got me some nice shoes.)
- Random discussion on the car rides, talking with Jon and Brian about the Holy Spirit, and more.
- Winning the weight guessing game at Darien Lake (3/3 in my life time.)
- A successful last minute devotion on Gal 6:1-10. It really opened my eyes to see how people are doing with God
- God talking to me a lot about my life and Zoe
Some longer discussion highlight points:
Winning $140 at Blackjack after praying to God about it. I don't really understand what God was trying to teach me at that point. I played 5 hands, and won all of them...ended on a "hot streak", so I basically violated the rules of Blackjack. I prayed about it...and asked if I should go back and keep playing, at which point He said "no". At the same time, I was wondering if I cut the blessings that God gives me short, by ending the game early? Eh... whatever, basically allowed me to recover any shopping expenditures made on this trip.
I am excited for the new people that will be in CCF next year. New people as in new committee members, as well as people from MCAC joining Ryerson next year. I can see that people are really maturing in their faith....so it is coolness. I am praising God, because I know it was in his plan for me to be on this road trip. I got the confirmation with a deja vu dream which I can explain to people in person, it takes too long to explain online! :P