Verse(s) of the Month - June 09

This month there are three verses that I'd like to share that have strong significance in our lives. The first relates to anyone who struggles with the ideas or principles of God, whether athiest, agnostic, lukewarm Christian or strong Christian, Buddhist, Jainist, or anyone else. It is for those who doubt, which is everyone at some point.

"Be merciful to those who doubt." - Jude 22

Jesus loved the sinners - the tax collecters - and the doubters - the Pharisees and His disciples - yet he rebuked them, and that is what God has called us to do, to love and provide accountability to doubters; to be merciful as God has been to us.

The next verse has been convicting in my life as I have seen - through past experiences and philosophical discussions - with athiests that our understandings of God vary much so. Even as Christians we tend to "box God" and limit his possibilities.

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'" - Luke 18:27

Now if we as philosophers and doubters and Christians and human beings in general, if we can get this through our head that God is limitless, now let's discuss His possibilities, shall we?

And the final verse comes from the King James Version Bible and deals with the fact that God provides.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." - Hebrews 13:5

God will never leave you, so in all doubt and struggle, why should we look to things less than God and make them bigger than they are? God is already so big, what more could we want - than a [merciful] and [limitless] and [omnipresent] being?

Verse of the Month - May 09

"Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible." - 3 John 5 MSG

Prayer Request of the Month - April 09

I know it has been a while since I have last blogged, but I am simply putting up a new prayer request. I am sorry that I have not posted anything in the past month or so. I have been very busy and will most likely return to it soon.

Anyways, this month there is no particular "fascination" of prayer as there hasn't been a lot happening in the people around me. I think for this month please just pray for one of my friendships I have right now. It isn't good presently and it is one I would like to restore, because this friend of mine is someone who I really trust and love and look to when it comes to having faith in God. Thanks for all of the support to everyone who reads this and prays along also.

"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." - Psalm 6:9.

Verse of the Month - April 09

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV

Verse of the Month - March 09

I have recently fallen in love with this Bible verse, simply because although in society today many call Christianity a practice of faith that is "condemning" to so called "sinners," this is all that the Bible has to say:

"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Key word being "but," it changes everything. We are all sinners and betrayers like it or not - I personally hate the idea, but sadly enough, without further denial, it is true. So instead of looking at the aspect of the wrath of God - which is uncommon in faith to look at - look for the aspect of why God sent Jesus. He sent him because He truly wants us and desires us, despite our wicked past. This is even said in the Bible:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Ski Trip

After a long weekend out with some of the church guys and leaders, a group of about 15 guys - including myself - all went to South Vermont for a ski weekend. Simply said, it was one of the most exciting, relational and heart-throbbing experiences I have ever had. Not only did I get to ski, but too were my eyes opened to God's existence through conversations, scripture, discussions, seeing the beauty of the mountains, crashing on moguls and talking with some old folk on the chairlift.

Here were some of the things I learned and did:

In relation to skiing, I was able to hit some of the largest mountains I had ever seen, ride down some of the steepest black diamonds on the East Coast, fall and injure myself due to being cut off by other skiers and moguls, hit one of the largest jumps I'd ever hit and ride along a simple, smooth path that cut between pine and spruce trees which overlooked a beautiful frozen lake and mountains in the distance. But that was not the greatest reason I experienced God.

In relation to our friendships, it was beforehand that I barely knew anyone with the exception of four friends, but this gave me the opportunity to make many knew friends and learn something about the leaders that has allowed me to build new friendships. And still, this is not the greatest reason I experienced God.

In relation to our discussion topics, I was able to walk away with a wider view of what God intends for us as people, learn a powerful new verse from scripture and gain a perspective of Biblical knowledge that has changed the way I view "Christianity." Yet this is still not the greatest reason.

The greatest reason I was able to experience God on this trip was through something most people wouldn't call a "God miracle." It was a car crash. On our trip, we had two vans, one - the church van, the van I was in - and the other - Mr. Reed's van - in which the church van carried a heavy trailer behind it full of our equipment. Mr. Reed drove ahead of us most of the trip, and as we went through Troy, New York - an almost all downhill city - we were caught at a yellow light. Mr. Reed stopped at the intersection and as our van had too much weight in the back, we were not able to slow down enough to stop, hence we hit the back of Mr. Reed's van (pictured above.)

But in all of this, it truly was God miracle if we could look at the circumstances. For one, the crash shattered the trunk and the safety glass in back, but in that nobody was hurt, the cars still ran fine, no airbags popped, the cops and emergency vehicles arrived in less than a minute, and we were given God's grace that our speed wasn't a lot, because if it was so, I would've gotten whiplash because there were no headrests, people in Mr. Reed's van could've been hurt, and it could've cost us an extra day and lots of money. God was evident in this because if it was to be a bad crash, we were about 5 hours from home with no place to stay, meaning that we would have to find a hotel and I had nothing but 75 cents left, and we would've had to find an alternate for a car, which again, could've cost a lot. So next time you think God might not be in a bad situation, try and look at what went right rather than wrong.

So in conclusion, ski more and think of what God has done in your life.

Investigating Scripture

This morning while doing my quiet time with God at church, I was caught by this one verse that had meaning in almost every word it had. Here it is:

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." - Romans 12:12-13

What I saw was that there was something to find in every single phrase, and it has seemed to help me understand the Bible already a lot better. I'll put up two of my favorite verses - including this one - and individualize the meaning of each phrase and how it is applicable to our lives as people.

Romans 12:12-13

Be joyful in hope - Be happy in knowing that God knows your future and provide for you the best life if you commit to having faith, which is hoping.

Patient in affliction - (this is the one that gets me) - Wait for God's work despite hardships in life, because there is a better road ahead. Although there will always be struggle, trusting in the Lord is the one way that can pull you out.

Faithful in prayer - When in prayer, be justified and humbled before the Lord - (Luke 18:9-14). Don't pray for other people to see, pray so that it is your request of heart to God.

Share with God's people who are in need - Believer or nonbeliever, provide accountability and love which can support the believer in his or her walk with Christ, and can shine a light for the nonbeliever.

Practice hospitality - Open you house - and most of all - your time to absolutely anyone in a time of need or struggle.

2 Timothy 2:22

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Flee the evil desires of youth - Literally run from temptations and desires that are for now, but will not benefit your future. Leave behind your youthful sins. If you are no longer youth - proof comes through this - was following those desires more worth it than obeying God?

And pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace - Escape from the worldly passions and live in mission with Christ by following His ways to be a missionary in the world - whether it be in another country or simply with the friends you have now.

Along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart - Surround yourself with strong accountability from Christians who will challenge you to be the person you can be.

So in all of these, which verses can you narrow down and see yourself applying to your life?

Prayer Request of the Month - March 09

As I was having a conversation with my mom the other day, she brought up some terrible news that I know will require prayer. My best friend's friend has recently been put into rehab because of a message he sent out that said he wanted to commit suicide. He is safe now at the hospital, yet I feel that an event like this rubs off on everyone around this person - including me, although I do not know him. So please just keep it in mind that there are many people who aren't appreciative of the life they've been given, and pray for this one person as he struggles to regain sense of the divine love God has for him and the fact that he truly is worth living for in this world.

Do You See God In This?

This simply is a compilation of some of the cool pictures I have found recently - not only that, but too do they speak "God" in the aspect of our dark world.

Sunrise over the African Plain

Puerto Williams, Chile - Southernmost City of the World

The Center of the Whirlpool Galaxy in Blue Coloring - I see Jesus!

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about (to) himself: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."" - Luke 18:9-14.

As usual, I'll sometimes find a verse in the Bible that ends up rocking my world for some time. This verse - from the Book of Luke - has done that. To me, this verse confused me in a way that I actually thought it might be wrong. I'll explain: I believe - personally - that prayers should be out of honest and heartfelt justice that one should pray his every thought. God sees everything anyways - our struggles, addictions, aspirations and wishes - so why not pray what is on your mind, whether it be anger or complete joy? Plus, He sees all of that anyway; so it struck me when it says to "pray humbly."

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But after a few days of figuring it out, I found that this not only can it be applied to our prayers, but too our walk with Christ and our everyday lives, because if we can live humbly and justified, there will be a reward and a fulfillment - and an exaltation. We need to be justified before the Lord by not [just] praying our thoughts and wishes onto Him, but too our burdens and need for forgiveness. I noticed that just this morning I hadn't prayed "Forgive me Lord" in such a long time, and so I did... And it happened to be the most weighted object off of my shoulders. I don't even think we as people realize how much of a burden it is to carry around the fact that we have been unforgiven. So all I'll say is this; it was just this morning that I applied what the Bible said in this verse. I tried praying my thoughts and requests for others and myself, but too did I humbly admit my wrongs, and it had never felt so good!

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Later today, I also went for my sunset run - as usual - and had experienced God's presence like I haven't usually. With an exceptionally beautiful sunset over the crest of the farmland mountain, it seemed as though I were set free from society. And for some odd reason, my mind felt clear, my heart felt clean, and my overall being felt good. So maybe, it doesn't hurt to be forgiven. Maybe it doesn't hurt to take just a little [honest] time to be justified before the Lord. Maybe the inner relief of forgiveness can truly set us free...

Prayer Request of the Month - February 09

This month's prayer request goes out to one of my friends whom I have known quite well for a while. After further discussing with him his struggles, I have discovered that although he is a strong follower of Christ, he is in desperate need of prayer in his addictions and problems which he aspires to overcome. I know he can do this as he struggles with what most teenage guys do, so in this, can we all be open and pray for him and have him on our hearts - although anonymously? I know that with many prayers, I have felt the veil of burdens lifted from my own life; let us do the same for him.

A Love For Others

Since it is Valentine's Day, I'll make tribute to those who I love. In a sense, that is literally everybody whom I know and don't know. Not trying to sound like a hippie, but there has been a verse recently that has captured my heart, in which it speaks of the love we must have for each other.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8. It makes a good point that we all need to love each other no matter what. To have the love of God conquers many sins such as: jealousy, lust, hatred, inner incompatibility, etc. And I don't think the verse's objective is for us to conquer sin, yet rather love each other no matter what. In this, all the sins listed above are conquered. Yet this can only happen if our love for each other comes from ourselves [individually] first.

Also, last night my dad and I pulled off another movie night together in which we watched the gut-wrenching and moving Black Hawk Down. There was a line at the end of the movie that caught my attention and talked a lot about the love soldiers' have for each other. The character was talking about how many people do not understand why so many lay down their lives for one another, here is how he responds: "They won't understand that it's about the men next to you, and that's it. That's all it is."

[All] that matters are the people next to you. The ones you love. And the ones you should love.

Verse of the Month - February 09

"Hearken unto this," we are challenged, "stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." - Job 37:14.

Transforming "The" and "A" Into "Many"

Just the other day at Track practice, I was asked by a fellow teammate: "What do you think the meaning of life is?" It was funny because I had a definite and direct answer. It was: "I don't know."

Truly, I feel that with all of the Theories and Laws of this world, the idea of there being [a] meaning of life has been falsely perceived into something that needs a definite answer. Which it doesn't. Will non-believers ever disprove God? Will believers ever prove God? Will 50% of Americans ever figure out that Africa isn't a country? Probably not. In this same way, maybe to believe that there is [a] meaning of life is simply to possess faith - that there is one.

In my personal opinion of researching and discovering God more and more, it is clear - and proven - to me that God exists. I have felt His work on my life, I have seen my prayers take action through His works, I have had spiritual highs, doubts, curiosity and learning experiences in which all of them have been used for a purpose. Such purposes include discussions with non-believers and providing accountability to believers. Can anyone claim this testimony false? Certainly not.

So in this, I have seen, felt and heard God's work and [calling] in my life. Which has led me to believe that there is not [a meaning] of life, but rather [many meanings.] Someone's calling for Christ may be different than mine simply because of cultural differences or the way they feel His calling on their lives. Wouldn't we then have seperate opinions? Of course.

So all in all, don't worry about discovering [the] or [a] meaning of life, because there is none, it is simply [your] meaning that you form through your knowledge and state-of-mind. And too don't worry about trying to prove or disprove something that cannot be proven neither disproven. I mean it is not bad to discuss philosophy, creation, evolution and other theories, but it is the fact that the Theory of Gravity applies to us all - we must all follow it. It is proven. But what about your own theories? What about God's work one your life? Can we prove it? With exceptions, no. But it should be our mission to discover who God is, because although He will not [prove] himself to the world, it is obvious that God exists because of the [many] that have felt His work. If you want to see God's work or want to have evidence of His existence, I cannot provide a 1-800 number that can help explain, but this verse comes from the Bible - which explains it all.

"...and those who seek me find me." - Proverbs 8:17.

Book Update - February

It seems strange to say this in my book update, but truly my book will be coming to a close because I feel God has called me to do so. Looking back, yes I had a lot of good things to write about - including many people complementing me on how "awesome" it was - but I feel that it was written more for the glory of myself rather than God. That is why I have chosen to discontinue it and if I do write a book, I want it to be for the glory of the Lord instead of me.

I hadn't really noticed it was out of selfishness until this past weekend, in which I truly learned why "actions really do speak louder than words." And this Bible verse also made me think about the aspect of doing things [for] the Lord that actually aren't [for] Him.

"'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" - Matthew 7:21-23.

So maybe in the end, we have to be more careful about what we do, how we do it, and who it is supposed to glorify in the end.

Stories and Questions

One quote I heard recently has really made a difference in my life and in talking to fellow believers, non-believers, and to those whom have not brought up a question of religion. It is a simple thing to think about and it seems that it really works.

"Pastors are known to give [sermons and answers.] But Jesus gave [stories and questions.]"

It's funny sometimes how our world can be dismayed by a simple statement such as: an answer is the best response. Sometimes I feel that people actually learn more from questions than they do answers. If it is something they ask themselves, they give themselves the answer, which I feel sometimes - in relation to faith - is more convicting.

So anytime you stumble into a non-believer or a struggling Christ follower, instead of mounting up answers - which is good - make them question their own faith. Does what they believe work? And at the same time, be knowledgeable of what they know too, because in this, you can truly give stories and questions.

"Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.' With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." - Mark 4:30-34.

Prayer Request of the Month - January 09

This months prayer request goes out to a person whom I have recently met, yet seem to know a lot about in terms of her walk with Christ. In fact, after a long discussion, it seems clear to me that God has become an [undecided] part of her life. I feel that that is a tough thing for someone to go through, and this month if you'll pray along with me that she will eventually seek the Truth and see God's majesty and existence. I have been through that once before, and it is something that needs prayer and support constantly. God bless!

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22.

Goodbye Bush; Hello Obama

Tonight after watching the Presidential Farewell Address, it made me think about how tough of a time George Bush had as President. Not only was he at an early start when 9/11 occurred, but there have been many economic downfalls in his time. Many blame him for this; I personally disagree. We must think in the perspective that God allows things to happen in His mind of what is best. Because He truly knows best. And in that He gives us the gift of free will and choice, and that is where we screw up. So maybe there is a reason that all of this happened. Indeed there were more deaths during the American Civil War than this one we are in by far, so why did Bush receive more criticism than encouragement? That is why I feel that - although I was for McCain - Obama does deserve love from the citizens and a supported term.

And in the end, think that it is God's will to allow Obama to be President. So in this year, as Bush leaves and Obama takes office, let us pray for our nation, President and government that God will give us guidance and that His plans will be beneficial to the American society and our world and its corruption. And in hope that we can provide accountability and kindness to the ones against us, and maybe - just maybe - there doesn't have to be all of these conflicts. Maybe we the American citizens - or wherever you are in the world - can spiritually, emotionally, mentally and in action, give Obama our trust and support as he will be taking on the most difficult job in the country. God bless Obama, Bush and America!

Jonah

A very short chapter, but probably one of the most confusing and - at the same time - comforting as it very well relates to who we are as humans and how we react to God's callings. Basically, in this four chapter book of the Bible, it talks about how God brings this large calling upon a man named Jonah. Now Jonah has a background of anger and disobedience problems, so when God calls him to minister to the city of Nineveh - one of the most ungodly cities in the Bible - what do you think Jonah did?

Now as it is, Jonah flees the Lord's calling by trekking to sea and fails in the process as God brings upon him mighty waves that sweep him over and he is swallowed by a huge fish. In this, he is humbled and realizes that truly [running from God only leads to failure, even if the failure is glory.] One may ask, how is Jonah getting glory by sitting in a belly of a fish? Hey, he has his own book in the Bible right? So I feel personally that the significance is that maybe there are people out there who do ungodly things - such as steal, oppose God, trade drugs, live explicit lifestyles, believe in racism, etc. - and are glorified for them in a way that they are encouraged through the things they do. Normally, when a bully picks on a younger kid, the bully's friends will praise him for what he has done, but they probably who reject him if he one day turned around and was nice to the younger boy. But think in this perspective, what kind of actions could the bully show to the young boy, and what actions will truly bring satisfaction?

So now that Jonah feels guilty, he listens to the Lord the second time around - which shows that God is a God of second chances; hence why he sent Jesus. Jonah then goes and ministers to the Ninevites, despite having doubts, he accomplished revealing God's glory and God was merciful to that nation. All ends well? Not exactly. You might think Jonah was happy that God's plan worked, but he was actually angry towards God for not obliterating that nation full of corruption and sin; and then... The End.

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So what does this story resemble to you? If my summarization wasn't the greatest, take a look at it for yourself. It is quite a neat chapter. But what I got out of it basically lie in these five words: doubt, listening, calling, opinion and action.

In relation to doubt, I have been reading recently a work of John Ortberg known as Faith and Doubt, which he talks about why having faith will bring doubt, and having doubt builds faith. It is really cool, but all I need to say about doubt in relation to Jonah is that Jonah doubted the plan God had for him, and when he do that, we obviously fail. Because God's plan is better than ours.

Now as for listening and calling, God does call us to great things - if you are open and listening to Him. And back to the fact that God's plan is better than ours, it is true because when we listen to Him and His calling, we are going to be apart of great work. If you do have doubts about listening to God though, think about this: has God's plan ever failed? If so, why? But in my general perspective of God, He is so majestic and powerful that even if we [think] He failed, He most likely didn't and we're just dumb.

And concluding with opinion and action, our opinion of what God does will not always be satisfying. Truly, Jonah wasn't happy with what God did, but that is because God is just. And it is tough for us as humans to establish our lives on justice, and that is why we may never actually see God's work eye-to-eye. But as for actions, Jonah ran from God's first calling but lived up to the second. Problem is that he not only fulfilled God's calling, but he wasted time beforehand. Just imagine if Jonah listened to God's calling the first time? What would've been different? These questions all apply to our lives; and as Jonah relates to our daily walk, try and ask yourself this: Am I truly listening and obeying God's calling?

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And maybe - just maybe - we aren't all that different from Jonah when it comes to listening to God's calling. But that is why God is a God of second chances.

Book Update - January

Believe it or not I have begun writing my book on the messages of 1 Samuel. For now I have only accomplished simple beginnings such as the forward and table of contents, but I am actually pretty sure that this may work out. Thanks for all of the support and especially a large thanks to my proofreaders and helpers! Hope the New Year is well!

Verse of the Month - January 09

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"
- Titus 2:11-12.

Why Africa?

As it is now 2009, it seems that I have been thinking of what God will have planned for me in this next year. It is something you should always think about, and one thing I feel God has been putting on my heart in the past few months has been Africa.

It all started last summer when I watched what is now my favorite movie, Blood Diamond. The entire view it portrayed of Africa opened my heart to something only God could have put there, and since then I have hoped highly to go there someday. And it seems as of now that that dream has come true.

Our church will be doing a missions trip to Zambia this summer, and right away I knew it was for me. So on top of just watching Darfur Now; seeing Hotel Rwanda this past fall and reading many things about African cultures, it seems that God has picked Africa to be in my life this coming year.

So what has God put on your heart in 2009?