Clearing The Air: Prayer

Prayer is one of our only ways to communicate to our father. Its a time of confession, praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledgement, but i think many people misunderstand what prayer really means.

Im guessing that when people first hear the word "prayer", they imagine people in white cloaks, getting onto their knees, heads bowed, hands together, eyes closed, and just completely in the zone. Prayer does not need to be like that.

Prayer also doesnt need to be out in the open, fully obvious and evident. (Matthew 6:5-8)

⁵ “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁷ “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Prayer can be something as simple as a quick word to our Father. You dont necessarily have to get on your knees, it can be just a sign of devotion and respect. You can think a prayer as well.

Prayers also dont have to be formal. You're not talking to the president. And although you're talking to the king of kings, the creator and the saving one, he's your father as well as your friend. Prayers can be like "heavenly father, we thank you for your grace and love..." or it can be "hey God, how's it going, i've been feeling really tired lately...". Whats important is that you are praying wholeheartedly.

Another misunderstanding. God is not a vending machine. You dont pray and expect him to give you things. God does have a say in all this, if he decides to give what you want/need. For instance, praying that you'll do well on a test versus praying for wisdom to make the right decisions for university.

Prayer is simple, informal, formal, intimate, wholehearted conversation. Just remember one thing, that you are talking to the Father, the almighty and powerful wise king.

Clearing The Air: Homosexuality

I know this is gonna be probably one of the more challenging posts im going to write, and its asensitive topic that i'll have to be careful. Im praying that God will give me the wisdom to speak about this properly.

I think lately, the world has started to become more and more open towards this topic of homosexuality, and lots of people are coming out and saying that this is their sexual orientation. The world says that its fine, that love is love, or as one may say "you were born this way".

Im sure most people have the misconception that Christianity hates homosexuality, and just doesn't tolerate it. We do say something about it, but i think many of us dont fully understand or see our perspective on homosexuality.

First of all, yes, the bible clearly condemns the act of homosexuality, for instance in Leviticus 20:13, it says

¹³ If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

As well as 1 Timothy 1:8-11:

⁸ Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, ⁹understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,¹⁰the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, ¹¹ in accordance with the gospel of the glory ofthe blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

This is truth. That this act is condemned. It is a sin.

ALTHOUGH it is a sin and is condemned in the Word, it does not mean we have ANYTHING against people who struggle with homosexuality. We are ALL children of God. We may have fallen astray, we may be reunited, but EACH and EVERY one of us were created in His image. We are all loved by God and He wants each and everyone of us to turn to him and repent.

As Christians, we love because God loved us first. We should not be judging and do not have the right to judge because God is the true judge in the end. What im trying to say is that as Christians we are not going to exclude and shaft those who are homosexual, (or who have done committed any other sins). We are to love everyone no matter of what they are struggling with. We are all sinners, that is true, and everyone is equal. The one who lies about their homework is just as sinful as the one who committed adultery. Society has ranked all these "wrongs" but in God's eyes, we have ALL fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).

We do not agree with the act one may commit with homosexuality (or any other sin), but we love all people because we all belong to God.

For my own personal thoughts, as a Christian, i do not know why God does not allow man to lie with man, i dont understand why love cannot be what it is, why cant we love anyone we want. I think its because this isnt how God intended. He made man and women to become one flesh, not man and man, or woman and woman. Although i have all these questionings and thoughts, I still believe that it is condemned and that it is a sin. There are so many things we as humans cannot understand, but God knows, and we can find out when we get there.

I think that feelings cannot be controlled. Whatever you feel is whatever you feel, whether if it is towards someone of the opposite or of the same gender. Homosexuality is the sin of when you act upon your feelings. When you decide to follow and conform to the patterns of this world. "Are you asking me to fight against my feelings then?" you may ask, yes, i think if you are struggling with this, fight against it. It may the hardest thing ever, fighting against yourself, but God will never give you anything you cannot overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). If your mind, heart and spirit is there, anything is possible with God's almighty power.

All sins can be forgiven. If one whole-heartedly is willing to repent, confesses their sin to Christ, you will be forgiven. God is great, he is just and will forgive (1 John 1:9).

verse of the day: Romans 12:2

² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Clearing The Air: Baptism

Baptism. I feel like many people dont fully understand the meaning behind it and its purpose. I think many people think its something only the "super spiritual" can do. And to be honest, i thought it was like that too. I felt that i had to be completely sinless, or at least "above a certain level of holy" to be able to get into it. I remember during that time, when i was making my decision, i was struggling, and i felt that i had to overcome the struggle before i would step into the water.

But i've come to learn that Baptism is nothing like that. In a nutshell, baptism is your public declaration of your commitment to Christ. I guess you can say its like a marriage. Its that kind of public declaration. You are telling the world, without shame and with confidence that you are a follower of Christ.

But we must also understand that a commitment to Christ is a BIG DEAL. You can just choose to give up or walk away. God does give us free will and will let us go if we do choose so, but when we dedicate ourselves to someone, we shouldnt be doing that. Following Christ is big. Like it says in Luke 9:23,

²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

This is a commitment that will last a life time, and in previous posts, we've discussed that its not easy, at all. God will throw at you trials and obstacles that are meant to build your faith. Its these times you may feel that God has abandoned you, but he's there if you call on Him.

Back to baptism. If you're a Christian and you havent been baptized, think about it, reflect on your journey and your walk with Christ and think about if you're ready to tell the world that you love our Saviour and God and that you're ready to tell the world that you're His.

Clearing The Air: The Good Life

Ha, wonder if this will turn into a series, but i dont know if anymore will come after this one.

This is also a biggie. We'll just jump right into it.

Becoming A Christian does NOT EQUAL A Good Easy Breezy Life.

Many MANY people think becoming a Christian and accepting God will make life so much better, he'll handle everything, and it'll just be a breeze. No more sadness or suffering, no tears, just joy and happiness.

In FACT, becoming a Christian is probably the opposite. God WILL give you challenges and trials for you to endure, to test your faith in Him. I've learnt that life on earth is a test, a test for eternity. God will throw you questions, obstacles, problems, and scenarios and will test how you react/respond to them. God honouring or not. If you pass the test, he will say,

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)

Believe me. The run and the journey is hard, and its rough, but knowing that God is on your side is already relieving. Know that he'll never abandon you, even in the roughest and the toughest times, he's always by your side. Learn to call on Him and he'll be there. Im not saying accepting Christ will lead to a misery and dreary life, in fact it WILL lead to happiness. Yes, there are "rules" that we may find annoying, and restricting, but its for our own good in the long run, and he's protecting us because he loves us oh so much. Having God in my life has changed me, its given me hope, and im happy and proud to call him my Saviour and my God.

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Will you be able to say this at the end of your journey?

Clearing The Air: Temptation & Sin

There are many many misconceptions with Christianity, especially with us, the followers, for putting out a bad representation of Christ and his image and life towards others. But today i want speak about the misconception about sin.

Sin. Sin is when one fails to please God, does something ungodly, that isnt glorifying Christ. From stealing to pornography, from murder to adultery. All these things are sin. They dont please God and they dont raise his name.

Temptation. Desire. These two things are what people usually get mixed up about. When you desire something, may it be the thought to steal something, "oh i want that chocolate bar" or when you're tempted to cheat on a test. These things are COMPLETELY normal. God created us to desire things and want things, this isnt sinning. Its the first step. Sinning is when you actually act upon your temptation. When you do take the chocolate bar and walk out, when you do look over your friends shoulder and copy down their answer.

Sinning. We all will fall short of God's glory. And if we confess and repent, God will forgive us. BUT, dont take it for granted. He will forgive you, but this doesnt mean you can keep sinning because "oh he'll forgive me anyways". We have to work towards pleasing God. Try your best to walk away from Satan's temptations, and resist from acting upon it.

Something to remember: God will NEVER give you something more you can bear. he knows you can conquer it. Its up to you if you want to conquer it or not. So what's your decision? You? or Him?