Golden Compass

Man, I'm a sucker for good storytelling. I just thought a couple of you all may be interested in the following (despite the obvious pagan references to witches--which has never bothered me in the slightest, after all what were we given imaginations for?). Found the following trailer:

Of Christianity and Rock

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. - 1 Corinthians 12:4

It goes without saying that no two humans are exactly alike. Among the 6.1 billion people here on this Earth, it's a surety that you'll find shared characteristics, but in terms of whole equality that's a definite negative. It is also true that we have certain abilities, the degrees and expression of which are peculiar to us and only to us. I make reference of course to our talents, the little things we have a knack for doing, like drawing, writing, playing sports, public speaking, and a myriad of others that I, for lack of time, cannot mention here. On the other side of the coin, there are also things we like to perceive, whether it be artwork, music, literature and so forth (which are indubitably the products of someone else's talents). So we produce via our own talents for the enjoyment and appreciation of those that prefer to consume them. An interesting cycle.

Let's narrow it down a bit and talk to music. Nowadays music is wide and varied, coming from prehistoric natural sounds, to the ancient to the medieval to the dispersal of tradition in favour of diversity. No longer do we listen to music that's bound by cultural lines as it were in the past, nowadays the lines are blurred by a seeming diffusion of styles across borders according to what fresh new innovative minds decide to incorporate into their own compositions. It's only natural that some of these will take off and others will not, especially with the finding of instruments that give off a particular feel that's well suited to what is being produced. If I seemed to be going off on a tangent before, I hope where I'm heading is slowly becoming clear. And while I'm at it I think I'll dispense with the bland essay-type writing that I seem to have been pursuing for the past 289 words...good gravy I think I'm turning into one of those old philosophers. Reading some of those texts you immediately get a picture of a dark and musty old room filled with cobwebs and the scent of several melting candles providing light for the author. Yikes.

Now to get to the point for the sake your time and mine, I'll pose the essential question: "What's up with Christianity and Rock Music??" The rock music I'm referring to here is not that of the secular world--because Lord knows there are some pretty scary/disturbing ones out there (Nine-Inch Nails...hint-hint). I enjoy some of the musical backdrops however, and some of them have wicked-cool guitar tones all wrapped up in them (Big Machine by the Goo Goo Dolls is a prime example). However, the lyrics usually spoil everything--and in some cases I don't even know what these people are trying to express. There was a point at which people thought rockers were just kids who loved singing songs about being angry with their parents--and after my first encounter with their music I was almost inclined to believe the same. But propaganda aside, the main thing here is that one can enjoy a song purely for its instruments and not for the vocals. Having done breakdancing in the past, I can attest to the truth of that--a piece of hip-hop or electronica may be playing and you're following not the words of the song, but rather the rhythm and tempo and matching those to the execution of the breaks. You don't perceive the words anymore--all you perceive is a flow on the beat which the cadence of the words tends to augment. For example, I have no idea what Joe Budden says in "Pump It Up"...but he flowed so well on the beat that dancing to it was a joy ^______^. I think we played that at least once at every session for over a month actually o_O. In any event, dancing to hip-hop doesn't make me want to be a part of that culture I only like the backbeats. Perhaps if the words were more meaningful I'd actually listen to them. It follows then that if you were to give me the same backbeat which I already like, with words that are sending a message, that my ears will perk up and I'll get interested. This is the one thing that we as Christians don't seem to understand--what did the Word say? Moreover, what are we as Christians supposed to do, if not capture everything and make all such things submissive to Christ? Does that not also include music?

Music in and of itself is not evil. It can be associated with evil things however, and that makes all the difference. There is no difference between the sweet subtle melodies of a hymn and the cacophonous sounds of guitar storms other than what you perceive to be your preference (or lack thereof). Check out the Anglican/Catholic hymn 'O Jesu I have promised' and DC-Talk's rock gospel 'Jesus Freak' and you'll get what I'm saying. There's also no question that we tend to fall under the influence of what we like--it's pretty obvious. Ask any gamehead (cough, cough, not I >_>) and you'll see. You get enthusiastic about those things because they appeal to you. So now, let's be shrewd. We've got a Great Commission given to us at the end of Matthew which we must fulfil. So the point here is that we need to find more creative ways of spreading the gospel--in other words, by using our talents. If someone's enthusiasm doesn't lie with the organ, but does lie with the electric guitar, then that person has as much right to praise God with it as the organist does. Both instruments, and more importantly, both persons are being submissive to God, they're just praising him the best way they know how--by doing what they're best at for his sake. By using their talents they can then reach out to other people that have similar likings and tastes in music as they do, and who knows, before you know it a following begins. It's not to say that everyone that hears their music will necessarily be inspired to follow Christ...because once they get the Word out there, it's all up to God. After all, we don't know that person's heart, but He does. His Truth is what draws people...we're just the messengers.

Remember, the measure of a man lies in his heart. It's his courage and faith to be effective, and most importantly, the love that he has for God and His children that defines him. Don't be a flapper. We're all called to serve with all our hearts and minds, so let us not be content to be less than what we really are: the Sons and Daughters of a King.

Till next time.

Blessings!

PS:
'The Measure of a Man' by 4Him is a very good song...I encourage you all to take a listen when you have the time. Now if only I could remember what World of Worship CD it's on...

Proverbs...

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:20-21)

This is why I love the book of Proverbs. Direct, and to the point in its own poetic way. How many of us lean to our own, fallible understanding on a daily basis? How many times do we rush into things without so much as a word of prayer to the one who holds our lives in His hands? Doesn't even make sense to deny it, we all have done it. Good thing our Father loves us, and understands our failings.

I've been dissatisfied for a good while now. Funniest thing is I didn't even realise it. So much for thinking that introspection was one of my strong points -_-. In any case, it's strange because I had such enthusiasm for what I was doing all through school--and now that I'm in the real world, I suppose it's not all I thought it would be. This is perhaps a classic case of depending on the world to meet needs that only God can fulfil--but at the same time that's not quite it. It's something about me, something about my own process of construction that's the problem. This reminds me of a time when my artistic ability became stagnate, and I would despair for hours wondering why I would never improve. Of course the answer was clear, I had outgrown that artistic stage, but it was almost as though in my mind I had reached the top--my limit so to speak. I was, for all intents and purposes, blind to what would come next. I recall speaking with York (best friend) about it once, sitting on a bench under that (accursed) mango tree where we used to wait for our parents. He said he was disappointed that I thought that. That's one thing I enjoyed about our bond--there was no need to sugar-coat things, because the truth was always the truth. No amount of buttering made it otherwise...that would only make it lose its value. Truths are hard, rarely soft.

And consequently I guess one truth I have to face is that I've come full circle--the only difference now is that I'm seeing a bit more clearly than when I was 16. I'm wondering where else to go now when there's a veritable sea in front of me. There's an island somewhere out there that will offer me something new--but I can't see it. What do I choose? Do I dive in as Steven Curtis Chapman sings...or do I remain within the comfortable boundaries of land? I cannot remain in this same position, I would merely drown in my own complacency. I want more--wisdom, faith, perseverance, everything. If only I could be more aggressive about it and not procrastinate all the time, then maybe I'd have gotten somewhere between 16 and now. But I suppose, we fall down so that we learn lessons about getting up. And that's where I am. There's a plan for me, as there's a plan for all of us. But once we start going forward, we must never go back. Never. Many of us stick at that decision and it's no wonder why. The commitment seems too huge. But our God has promised us that he has plans to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. There is no harm in Him. He didn't promise comfort, but He promised Grace, and that's all we will ever need.

...The question is...have you got that mustard seed? Plant it because Christ is at work within you.

As my supervisor often quotes when she's managed to solve a problem: "Jah-jah people forward ever, backward never!" I always get a good vibe hearing that. I think I'll end on that note.

Blessings!

Patience

Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Sigh. Incredible that the other day I so badly wanted a car...and now that I've got one I'm dissatisfied with it. I've prayed so hard about this! And now that I've received what I wanted there are all sorts of problems, the roof seal above the doors seems to be leaking, the AC only works when it's turned on High, and the steering is pretty stiff. It needs new mats, the lower waterhose needs to be changed, the oilpan seal needs to be replaced and it's in need of servicing. Granted, I got it for 140 K (J'can) which is fairly good given it's a 1994 Swift Sedan (1.3 L) with a sound engine.

But at the same time, what did I expect? Luxury for the cost? I daresay that's what I thought.

I guess I got so caught up with the idea of owning one I forgot that, heck, for second-hand stuff it's never going to be easy. I prayed to God for something to move around in and that would fit my budget. It works, and drives quite nicely so my prayer actually was answered. But we always want more don't we? We always do--that's what caused the whole Eden fiasco in the first place. (On that note, where do people get off blaming Eve o_O? I won't say she wasn't part of the problem--but didn't God give Adam a specific mandate? In light of this, shouldn't he have at least dealt with the issue as soon as it arose? As they say over here "Satan 'trang yuh nuh" -_-. By the way, there's a hilarious comic from ReverendFun.com here) We always want things in the now, not the later. Quite frankly--I'm pretty angry with myself for thinking like I do quite a bit of the time. I mean, I do wish that things could have worked out a little better, but that's no reason to be ungrateful. I was actually able to drive my girlfriend around--and that was a good feeling especially since previously lacking mobility kind of prevented us from going out when we wanted to. In fact I'm hoping it will give us more opportunities to see each other--since we're both busy with work and all that. So I'll be thankful not only because it's the right thing to do, but also so I don't forget where I'm coming from. I used to have to ride pillion on a bike in the rain, and would sometimes get splashed. Now I'm in a vehicle, warm and dry. And did I mention that the gas needle has barely moved since I've been up and down in it? The fuel economy sure is nice :). I must make do with what I have because things could always be worse.

How easy it is to lose oneself in what one wants as opposed to what one really needs! In the end I think that makes all the difference. Take care till next time.

Blessings!

PS: I hereby christen my Swift--the FaithMobile 2.0 (cuz Yan has the original FaithMobile...boy the number of times I thought it would run out of gas and guess what...it didn't o_O!)

Vector!

Did I mention I'm having a most unholy attraction to vector art as of late o_O? Well, not 'unholy' per se, but dang I've got a sudden interest. It's something to do with the colours I think. Maybe this is why I've always preferred Dreamcast RPGs to PS2's: the colours on the DC are so much more vibrant and edged. Then again it did have a more powerful GPU than the PS2 so I guess that's why (gloats). Skies of Arcadia--Praises be. Grandia 2--Hallelujah. Sweet stuff man.

In any case, I'm going to see if I can get Inkscape. I'm hearing rumours that it may be better than Illustrator, but I doubt that since Adobe's got a rather mature product and they make all-around good software ^_^. Heck but at least Inkscape is open source/free. And maybe I can make a couple attempts at vectoring a couple verses and stuff--mwuhuhhaaaa. Should be a fun experiment. I just hope Inkscape makes text easy to handle...when I was doing a poster class in Photoshop, text was reeeeaaallly easy to manipulate. I look forward to Inkscape providing me with the same luxury.

Keep the faith and walk good.

Blessings!

A Visit from the Archbishop of York

Hey again y'all. Today was really cool, the Archbishop of York (from England) held an Inter-Anglican service today at our National Arena. Being a server (and thus being obliged to be there >.>) I initially thought that it would have been a 3-hour drag. My colleagues Sadikie, Stephanie and Dominic seemed to have been under the same impression, but lo and behold we were pleasantly surprised. The theme of the service was that "We are called to freedom, working for justice while embracing responsibility" and banners reflecting as much were placed all around the Arena. In part this was the bicentenary celebration of the abolition of the Trans-atlantic slave trade. It was only fitting that the first black man ever to have achieved such a high position in the Church be called to host it XD.

His name is (The Most Rev. Rt. Hon. blah-blah) Dr. John Mugabi Sentamu--a humourous, dark fellow (African-born) who has quite a history, having championed the case for a young buy who was murdered by racists in England. He even followed the father of the child here to pay his respects at the funeral. Incidentally, he described those called to the bar as being "thick-skinned, short-sighted, and ready to charge" (like a rhino), a bit of mockery derived from his own days of such no doubt. Now, he considers himself a donkey.

Yep, a donkey.

It makes sense actually because the donkey that carried Jesus into downtown Jerusalem was rather adorned. He drew a parallel between that scene and himself in his fancy robes, saying that he was simply Christ's donkey, carrying his Saviour to places where there was no love, no hope, no charity--in short any place that Mission Impossible (what I like to call Mission 3:16 :-)) involved. Funnily enough, he directed that same call to the other Bishops et. al on the altar--and while some smiled, I am sure their smiles did not reach their eyes in some cases. I wonder why?

I think more than 1500 people were in attendance, and that's not counting the people in the Sports Complex where they watched via CCTV. The sermon was excellent--not long/overbearing, but just right, to the point, with just the right bit of humour thrown in to keep any listener's interest. In fact let me see if I can simply describe the salient points:

In retrospect, the entire thing was about giving your service to God. We've heard it all before but the way he did it was 'right on the money' as they say. He lay bare the facts and was fiery without being nauseatingly so (something you'd sometimes find on Way of The Master Radio at times -_-) that a lot of us were 'flapping'. That's right, 'flapping' not 'flagging'--no typo. Allow me to explain--he wanted to bring across the point that for us to be effective for God, we needed to be deeply involved. Indeed we would need to have a closer relationship with God rather than the simple hi-and-bye routine that so many of us, (myself included -_-) have fallen into. The analogy he used was that of a glove that's being told what to do but hasn't been fitted over the hand of its master. Of course such a tool would be limp, ineffective, and in short not serving its master's purpose. Put the glove partly over the hand and it becomes a 'flapper'. In a sense it's neither here nor there, it resembles those of us that try to have a little bit of everything, so to speak. A little bit of church, a little bit of Jesus, a little bit of the world, and in the end we're not really doing anything of much significance o_O. Also that's the worst way to live--trying to please everybody and trying to satisfy your own needs at the same time. To those of us that profess to love Christ, remember what this passage, John 21:16 :

Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

This basically echoes the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 :

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

If you love God, take care of his sheep. It's the hallmark of Christ's life, he died for us that he may be saved. Thus in the same way that he gave His life for us, we too should extend that same sacrifice to those among us that do not know Him. He then linked that back to the theme of freedom (through Christ), justice (for the oppressed) and responsibility (for His sheep). It was all around a cool sermon throughout. I doubt I'll hear another for a loooong time (I hope our own Rector takes some pointers--hehe--just kidding, he gives some really good sermons but the delivery could be better).

I cannot regret having gone to that ceremony. I'm recording my thoughts here not only to allow other people to know what's going on, but also so I'll have a bit of a record to go by. I've got some work to do :-), and this time I'm actually happy about doing it. Christians need Christians as they say, and I think I'm definitely missing out on such things because I'm so busy all the time >_<. But as they say, if you want something, you'll make time for it. I want Jesus...I'll make time for Him. Praying that all will work out.

Blessings!

Hurricane Dean has come and gone...

No matter what storm clouds may rock this ship of mine
The light of my Savior will lead me safely through the night
Though my ship may be rocking and my sails may be torn
I shall rest in the eye of the storm.

The above comes from a song by the name of 'Eye of the Storm' (ask me by whom--I haven't a clue >_<). This song occurred to me while I could hear the winds of Dean howling outside, and hearing the clatter of stuff on the road outside. incidentally you know it wasn't at all very bad where I was--only that two sheets of zinc tried to migrate without visas off the house we're building beside our own. But I didn't know the impact of what went on outside until a coworker showed me this

Horrible ain't it? The damage was pretty bad in some parts, but I think overall we were better prepared this time around for the onslaught. I'm just glad that noone was hurt significantly though I am also regretful that some people lost everything. Taking all into account though--I've got to say a big THANK YOU to God for keeping us safe throughout. Whenever you hear someone say that Jamaica is a blessed country, take them at their word. it's like every season we have a narrow scrap/miss. This one could have been much, much worse. So more time, and keep the faith people.


Blessings!

Faith...

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

Since I've finally become less of an introvert over the years...interacting with people has given me quite a bit of insight into human nature. Don't get me wrong, I'm neither a psychologist nor a philosopher (though I have a minor in the subject -_-) but that doesn't mean one can't observe certain things about people and posit possible reasons as to why they do what they do. And if there's one thing missing in this world, it's trust. We're always more willing to worry than to trust God for something--it's like an innate response we just can't get rid of. I had first taken note of this habit while in 6th form (or 12th grade if you will). Now I'm not trying to belittle those of us that worry, it's perfectly normal. After all we have deadlines to meet, goals to achieve, and so on and so forth. But the funny thing is that worry changes nothing after you've done all you can. When you are finished, there's nothing you can do but leave the rest in God's hands. Recall that when you are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

But! Why do we do it so much? Why are we so much more willing to gripe and torment ourselves inwardly rather than thinking that the One we can trust is on the job?

My two cents basically amount to the fact that we have a hard time trusting what we can't see. From it ain't broke don't fix it is pretty much equivalent to if I can't see it--I don't trust it or it's irrelevant. And we call ourselves rational? Hah...funny. Sometimes I argue with myself about it--and I'm sure a lot of you out there do the same. Why is it so hard to do. I fight myself everyday--and oftentimes I don't budge. It's hard to get out of the driver's seat--hard to yield control--and much harder still to do what God asks of you. Boy I've got to say that's why I love Paul--he puts it perfectly in Romans...

So I discover this principle: when I want to do good, evil is with me. For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God's law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh, to the law of sin.

Dattebayo. Believe it. Sorry, too much Naruto in my system--but the above is as true as it gets. I had to embolden that line because here we see Paul do something that most of us loathe to do, especially the proud among us. He admitted his faults. A lot of us will try to mount a self-defense saying "But look I was good to that guy...", "Here I did this..." and a whole host of other things--while not realising that it's not about US, it's about HIM. When you see God on his throne some time in the future (whenever that may be) do you think he'll ask "What did you do?" and leave it at that? No...He'll ask "What did you do with my Son?" After all, who paid for our sins? Who secured our salvation from the Pit? And who loved us enough...to die for us? Did you take his sacrifice seriously? Or did you pass it off like some ordinary event to be lost in the sands of your memory?

...

Think on these things because time is short. And have an answer for your King.

Blessings!

You are a Child of Mine...

You are a child of Mine
Born of My own design
And you bear the heart of life.
No matter where you go,
Oh, you will always know
You have been made free in Christ.
You are a child of Mine

The lyrics above come from Mark Schultz's song "You are a Child of Mine"--one which I absolutely fell in love with the moment I first heard it. If I could, off the top of my head, say what a phrase like that comes close to, I'd have to say maybe "I love you" from someone special. But can you imagine the Father up above saying this to you? I don't know...that's better than hearing anything from an earthly voice. Because we who live here can hate each other, despise each other, even disown each other, but our God is a Father who never deserts his sons and daughters. He hurts when we hurt, He laughs when we laugh, He helps us when we stumble, He gives us the strength to continue when we are spent, and He mends us when we are broken among a multitude of other things. Who among us here can boast such love? I tell you none.

Hearing that song just made me think a while on these things...and also gave me reason to contemplate such a relationship. It's one we oftentimes ignore and even forget (I know I have, much more frequently than I'd care to admit). I'm given the best present of every day, a life to live. Incredible how I take such for granted. I'm sure a good number of people out there do the same as well on a daily basis too. How can we change that I wonder? Is it that we're too busy trying to make a living? Too busy with our jobs and our responsibilites? It's said that people will make time for what they want, and I think a truer statement was never said. If you value a relationship with your spouse, you'll spend time on it. If you value your job, you 'll spend time on it. If you value a pasttime, you'll spend time on it. Notice anything? None of these things promises an eternity of joy. They promise a fleeting satisfaction with the here-and-now and that's pretty much it.

If that is so, shouldn't we be valuing our relationship with God above these things? Sure you love them, but will they love you back with the same intensity, the same ferociousness and your Father in heaven? In fact I can't even compare them, it's apples and oranges. But I'm sure you get the point. Take care.


Blessings!

Food for Thought

My mind has pretty much been on a particular question since last week. It has to do with what people consider to be 'compelling evidence' of God's existence...brought on for the most part by this Newsvine article http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/07/13/834375-religion-today. I would answer that with another question: do you know what you are looking for?

What's necessary? Writing on the wall? You could call it fake.
A family member being raised from the dead? You could say there's a perfectly scientific reason why that happened.
Him actually appearing before you? Pshaw...smoke and mirrors.

See where I'm going?
What would it take? What's your method of conclusive proof? One thing it seems that many people (mostly non-Christians) don't get nowadays is that when you start talking about God, ordinary, pragmatic (and so-called scientific) methods just don't cut it anymore. I won't waste time and say 'if they'd just read the Bible', because honestly, it means nothing to them. Until one comes to understand the depth of love and grace that our Lord has for us, the Bible will evermore remain a mere book. It will mean nothing--the words are dead to those who are dead. But to those of us who are alive, and by 'alive' I mean alive in Christ, it's our sustenance. Live it, breathe it, study it, work it. Heck marry it if you can (just kidding). But one thing you must never do, is say that there's no conclusive proof/evidence of God. If you don't see it, then you're looking in the wrong place. The Word itself says, and I can't put it any simpler, "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalms 34:8a). God's calling us to have a personal relationship with Him, and it is through the development of that relationship, that we will see His Truth.

What's the best way to ensure that someone is who they say they are? Meet them of course. Talk to them. Learn about them. The process of knowing God is pretty much the same. Just take the step. That's all.

Blessings!

There are different kinds of gifts...

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:4

For a good portion of the time, I often wonder what it is God has called me to do. Since the beginning I haven't been particularly special or outstanding in any way. I mean, I do okay academically, but otherwise there's nothing much in the way of a special gift. Seeing this verse though makes me wonder if I'm probably looking in the wrong places. I speak well (when it's called for) but I'm not so good when it comes to making friends...partly because I'm rather introverted too. Not to say that introverts are anti-social, but we do have a way of becoming socially exhausted which makes it appear that way. In any event, yeah I'm not really good at that stuff. But God used Aaron who didn't consider himself good speaker or leader to aid Moses. So there's got to be something I'm missing.

As of late I realise I've been drawn in particular to the area of apologetics. I just get excited when the opportunity arises to speak on and possibly defend articles of Scripture. To me that makes my day, even if I didn't do so well ('well' here meaning wasn't very successful in rebutting a view which I know to be false but couldn't articulate well enough). Could it be that perhaps this is what I need to do. I've also always wanted to start a Bible study somewhere, somehow. But how will I manage it? How do I let God work through me to draw people to Him?

I worry about these things pretty frequently. I know there's no reward without a risk, but I don't care for anything in return. Just knowing someone else is saved would make me happy. A large part of this is faith I know...and I'm basically getting in my own way. It's pretty selfish too, because I'm thinking what I'll look like before people, and not before God. I need to break myself of that. Terribly. Because I have a gift too, and if I don't let the Lord use it, then where's my purpose here? There is nothing else. I don't want the mundane life. Work, save, marry have kids. That's not enough. I don't mean to belittle it--marriage is a wonderful thing and so are kids. But in the end there's no benefit like having served God and having done it well. If men before me have got past their insecurities and their fears, if men before me have committed themselves to God on faith alone...then I should too. And with God's help, I will.

Blessings!

I can do everything through Him...

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Interesting. Going through a rough patch at the moment with all these certifications I'm supposed to get. I can only pray that the Lord will spur me onwards to dealing with the stress. It's not easy because I also have a relationship to manage, and I don't want to be neglectful of it. At the same time I need to focus on all this. I guess this is a WWJD moment if there ever was one.

What Would Jesus Do...I wonder. If there's one thing we can take away from God's teachings--it's that relationships matter. he always made the time for his disciples--in fact that's how God's kingdom exists on earth--through His children. If that is so, then I should do the same. I have this dogged academic side that speaks against it, but that would be selfish. The whole point is for Him to become clear while I disappear isn't it (hehe can't recall the song that came from but kudos to whoever sang it ^_^)?

Lord, keep my head on straight -_-. I've been feeling pretty messed up over the past few days--but I suppose this happens from time to time. But I'll keep waiting and hoping. He didn't promise me easy times, but He did promise me the strength to get through my trials.

Blessings!

Casting the lot settles disputes...

Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. - Proverbs 18:18

Well this one is rather interesting. I never really thought of taking what the Bible said seriously on this one. One of the questions that came up in my mind while doing this was pretty much reactive...asking whether or not this was just being left up to chance. Thanks to this accompanying verse, I got some clarification on that:

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33)

It's common practice to call in a third party whenever you're having an argument which seems to be at a stalemate.

"That kid at the beginning of Pirates 3 is not Will's son!"

"And I'm saying it is!"

"Älright let's call somebody!"



See? That's an actual excerpt from an argument between 2 of my friends by the way. Interesting isn't it? They're weird that way ^^". Disputes on something else, say the DaVinci Code for example, can be a lot more serious. In any case though there's always the need to rely on someone who's rather objective about it and can enforce one view or the other (granted since we're human it's pretty hard sometimes to call someone 'objective' in all truth). But the one true judge, and the best arbitrator is always God. Why? Because unlike us, He's perfectly loving, and would never make a decision for any of His children that would cause them harm. And if the decision makes life difficult, just remember that when you are weak, He's strong. You don't see God's grace till the circumstances really start to get to you. That's when you'll thank Him. Trust me ^^.

Blessings!

PS: By the way, I'd recommend that everyone that's interested in apologetics or at least in Christian history particularly in regard to the DaVinci Code, pick up a copy of Josh McDowell's The Davinci Code: A Quest For Answers. I've read it and it's pretty darn good ^^. Cleared up a lot of things. Take care.

"He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly..."

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. - 1 Peter 2:23


I usually attempt to do a devotional a day before I get cracking on whatever project there is to do at work. This verse I found to be pretty cool. Partly because I've been in situations like this several times, and I'm sure many others have. At work, school, even with family and friends these things can crop up. And as a Christian in particular, I recall in my earlier school days that people used to think I was gay just because I didn't run after girls, or talk about them as much as they did. To tell the truth I really didn't see the point in being lecherous, it sounded pretty crass >_<. Of course it doesn't change the fact that I felt bad because I wanted to fit in and be 'one of the guys'. And for a time...I did. But it wasn't something I liked doing, and eventually I fell off that course. Thank God for that, or else who knows how much farther I would have strayed. 


A friend of mine once had a quote by Ralph W. Emerson as a part of her personal message on MSN. It read thus: "The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear." I was caught in a storm of my own self-consciousness and tried taking the easy way out because of my fear of rejection. That didn't work and I'm glad. I've been delivered from that fear and though at times my trust may be faint, at least I have this experience to hold on to, and I will not forget what my Father did for me. That also taught me a lesson that what people think of you, while that has its place, isn't as important as what you think of yourself in relation to God. After all, who judges justly? He does. We're called to be like Jesus, there's no other standard to adhere to. Life's difficult--if it were not there'd be nothing to learn. Difficult things are God's way of shaping you and molding you to become like Christ. Without risk, there is no reward ^_^. 


 Blessings!