The I's Of The World

We've taken over.

Walking home today after school, on such a beautiful day, i looked up to the sky to see this aircraft flying by. I don't know what it was, the point of view, or the blue skies, but it looked really ... "majestic"? What hit me was that there were people on that plane. And I soon realized how advanced our society is now, that we've taken over. There are people on land, there are people underground, there are people miles under the ocean, and there are people miles into the sky.

Although I believe that God gave us this earth for us to live in, but thinking about how much we've used it, and how we aren't taking care of it. Society today is all about "i". Think about it, iPhone, iTunes, Apple has most definitely channeled that "i" concept. Even in the real world, people are constantly thinking about themselves, and using others to get to the top. We've become really selfish in our thinking, and we often forget to put others first and love others as well.

¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12 

more tears?

who would've thought there'd be more tears to come today.

Today we had a first small drama practice with a group of friends for ACUPE night, our annual coffeeshop-like event, they decided to remake the chisel video (above) by the skit guys and i was re-watching it beforehand and something just hit me. I had to go upstairs and because i couldn't hold it. Im not sure what it was, but something was tugging at me.

Listening to it carefully, it was exactly what i needed to hear. It was exactly what I was needed to be reminded of.

I am God's original masterpiece. That was the catchline of the video.

I always think lowly of myself, i don't think I'm worthy of anything, i don't think I'm good enough for anything or anyone, i can beat myself down to pulp, but with others, I'm able to encourage, and praise them, but with myself, its the complete opposite. I never have faith in my work, i need so much reassurance, its horrible. Sometimes i think that i've failed at life. To the point where there's no turning back, that i've ruined it.

Junk. I think I'm junk.

In the video, "God" says "you've listened to so many voices for far too long that aren't of me. You think you are junk don't you? You really, really, really, really think you are junk. Listen to me. I don't make junk. What does that say about me."

God doesn't make junk. Thats insulting to him.

I also constantly compare myself to others, and that was something that was needed to be chiseled off. Im always thinking of how people are so great and how I'm not, what they have and what i don't, what I'm missing.

God doesn't make copies.

I can feel all the weight on me. All the dirty nasty things that need to be chiseled off. God needs to come in and do that, but will i let him take over and do i have the faith to let him do what he needs to do? I say yes, but i think there are parts of me that are still resisting.

I am God's original masterpiece.

I am God's original masterpiece. 

I am God's original masterpiece.

And so are you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;    you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14 

Road to Calvary (IV)

Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and was lead to crucifixion. After Peter's denial, he is brought to Pilate, as he's questioned, but as the Son of God, he did not deny, and told the truth that no one believed. That he was the Son of God. Pilate looked through his records, and it was true, he hasn't committed any crime and did no deserve any form of punishment since our God is pure and sinless. He asked the crowd what they wanted, between Jesus and Barabbus (who was a robber), yet the crowd still wanted to bring down Christ. So Pilate gave in and gave them what they wanted (John 18:28-40).

¹ Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe ³ and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.

⁴ Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” ⁵ When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

⁶ As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”

⁷ The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

⁸ When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, ⁹ and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

¹² From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”

¹³ When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). ¹⁴ It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.

“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.

¹⁵ But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

¹⁶ Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

John 19:1-16

Just as described, Jesus was ridiculed. He was spat on, he was made fun of, and insulted, with a crown of thorns and the purple robe (v. 1-3).

After the bit at the end of John 18, we see Pilate's growth here. He brings Jesus back out to the crowd, saying that he has found NO guilt in him, that he shouldn't be crucified. He's defending Christ! (v.4). Yet the people continue to order for Christ to be crucified. Have you ever thought, "wow if only i was born in that time, i would be able to see this great amazing God", but if you really think about it, what if you were one of thousands that were ordering Christ to be crucified. Can you imagine being in that moment, whether you were apart of the crowd or were against it. Seeing our Saviour beaten, torn, battered. The pain he must go through for us, out of love and grace.

Pilate goes crazy. He drags God back and tells him that he has to power to free him, but this one line that Jesus said was extremely powerful. “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (v.11). Christ acknowledged what Pilate was trying to do, but it also shows God's power. He knows that no matter what anyone may try to do, God's plan will rule and will reign. It was Christ's purpose to be the final sacrifice for us, and His will shall be done. Pilate continues to try and save Christ, and the crowd says that if you release him, you are not a friend of Caesar's.

I had no idea it was going to be like this, but every single post, i continue to see links between the characters as well as us everyday. Judas represented the sinner in us, we will betray and fall short of God's glory. We may also be like Peter, two faced, denying Christ for our own benefit, out of pride or for our reputation. And once again, we can relate to Pilate. The crowd continues to shout at Pilate, and its exactly like the world today. Casear is the "king of The World" and the people are the people OF the World. And we are constantly being told what to do by the media, what standards we should have, how we should live, and it is up to us whether to decide to follow and give in or stand against. Although in the end Pilate gave in and followed the orders of the people, he still had a spark in him that wanted to do the good.

Like I mentioned earlier, that God's plan is so much more perfect and so much more powerful. Although Pilate did want to save Jesus from his death, but I feel like its possible that God made sure that Pilate wouldn't stand against. That he would eventually give in, and bring Jesus to his death because the plan will and must be carried out.

Where do you stand? As Easter weekend starts, instead of thinking about the chocolate you'll get, and maybe a visit from the Easter bunny, take some time to reflect on the pain and the journey Christ went through on his final days on earth. He lived out the truth. He fought for the truth. He was arrested for the truth. He died for the truth. He stood by the truth. He was the truth.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example we should live by that has ever walked on this earth. May he be glorified today and forevermore.

10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10

Road to Calvary (III)

Before Jesus was arrested, as the amazing man he was, continue to prove himself by prophesying. Earlier in John 13, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows, and in John 18, that is exactly what happens after Jesus is arrested.

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest,16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

...

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

John 18:15-18, 25-27

In the previous post, Judas represented us as followers of Christ that have fallen short of his glory because we are human and because we are sinners and need the love and help of Christ to reconcile with God. Similarly, here, Peter also can represent us. When we confess, repent and believe in our God, the sinner's prayer says that we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour. But many times, we forget why we say this, what this statement means and what commitment we're getting into exactly.

Saviour. We believe that Christ died on the cross for us, for all of mankind because we have fallen short of God's glory through sin. He is that connection between us and God, granting us the gift of salvation.

Lord. We often forget that when we say Lord, we are letting God take our lives by the reigns, and giving him full access and control. He reigns in our life as Lord. We should know and believe that he has a perfect and better plan for us, and having faith in him will only bring us blessing and happiness.

As a commitment, we are "married" to Christ. Peter, one of the disciples was completely committed to following Christ, but afterwards, he denied knowing him. If you were married, you wouldn't deny that your spouse was your spouse right? What kind of relationship is that? Yet as followers we may have the tendency to deny our God, due to pride, selfishness, and reputation.

Have you ever been a "Peter" in your life? Have you ever denied your faith because you would get ridiculed? judged? "Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself", at first, it seems like such an insignificant line, why is that necessary to be put in? (v. 18) After thinking about it, it shows how two-faced Peter (as well as us) can be. He simply decided to follow the world, "the servant and officers" (who were against Jesus), and join in their activities. This really demonstrates the difference between living IN this world and OF this world. Where do you stand? How far will you go before you decide to go against Christ?

"at once, a rooster crowed." A true demonstration of the power of God. That it IMMEDIATELY crowed, exactly as Jesus predicted. I've felt this before, after sinning, I sometimes feel like Adam and Eve, after biting into that apple after temptation, to have my eyes truly open to realize exactly how disgusting this act was, and how Satan lured us in.

But there's hope. God STILL continues to love us oh so unconditionally. And as long as we have genuine repentance and ask for forgiveness, he will give us another chance, a clean slate as his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Romans 11:33

Road To Calvary (I)

Since it is the final week before Easter comes around, i decided that I wanted to dedicate this week to Jesus' road to Calvary. Im planning to go through his last moments on earth, everyday, starting from John 17 (not sure why i picked there). Here goes. May God speak to you and me through his Word.

¹ After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. ² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

⁶ “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe bythat name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²²I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

²⁴ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

²⁵ “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

John 17

After reading through and listening to what Jesus said in this prayer, there's really a lot of context here. So i'll try to break it down, or just share first thoughts that came to my mind. In the text i was reading in, ESV, i didn't know it was split into so many parts, but i guess that'll be an advantage.

Verses 1-5, when reading this, i thought that this could also be a prayer we should be praying to God with. He talks about glorifying God with his life (v.2) just as we should be with our speech, and actions, living as a holy and pleasing sacrifice. It also hints about our purpose on this earth. Christ's purpose was to be sent to die, carrying the sins of mankind, granting us salvation and forgiveness for those who believe and repent. But for us, can we say v.4 before we leave the earth? That we've brought glory to his plan?

Verses 6-19, going through this, i can really see how Christ is the connection between us and God. Like that cartoon i've seen where the cross is the bridge between earth and heaven. In these verses I feel like he's really talking FOR us. For instance, he says protect them (v.11). He's really talking for us, wanting the best for us, but something extremely important is that he's praying for those who have accepted the truth (v.8-9). He states very clearly that he is praying for them (those who accepted the word), NOT the world. Reading this section over and over, you can really see how much God has loved us. He talks about how he's protected us while he was on earth, but now that he's leaving he hopes God can provide and watch for us (v.11-12). The rest of the verses continue to show his connection with us, being the link between the sinful and the holy. Verse 16 dives right back into being representatives of Christ, of living IN this world, not OF this world. As followers of Christ we must live and strive to imitate him. Jesus knows that following him is hard, and the world will hate you because you are going against the current, the trends, but its a fight (v.14).

Verses 20-26 are similar to the section before, but instead, Christ is praying for all the believers versus his disciples earlier. But no only does Jesus pray for the believers, he adds in the non believers too. He knows that there are people who do not believe, and that he proclaimed his name, radiating God's love to others, and he hopes that that can continue to happen through his disciples and through us. Thats one of the more general purposes we have on this earth, to share his love and good news to others.

Reading and going through this passage, I think i've finally opened up and have seen Christ's love for me. I've always felt distant from his death and sacrifice because it happened so long ago, but reading his prayer, it really shows his love for us as we see him speaking for us.

⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:9-11

sunlight sweep

Coming home today, I realized something which i somewhat made into an analogy, and i just wanted to share it with you all.

I've heard many many times people ask, "how does salvation work for those who wont ever hear the gospel?". Personally, i know that God has a plan for each and every one of us, a perfect, almighty plan with a purpose, with a goal, and with reasons. So I think that no matter where you are, everyone will somehow hear the gospel at least once in their life. God sent his Son to die on the cross for everyone, and everyone is a child of God, so he wont leave anyone out. Like a shepard and his sheep, if one strays off, he will go in search of it until they find it.

So walking home, on this bright and sunny day, i saw the shadow and the sunlight hitting the walls of the houses, and i thought to myself. Sunlight hits everything. The sun encircles the earth, and everyday we see it rise in the east and set in the west, you watch the shadows move, and eventually, everything is hit and touched by the rays of light.

Like the world, every single person is touched by the gospel, but there's more to do. Will you take this gift of salvation when you hear about it? Everyone gets the chance, but its up to you to act upon it. No one else can give you that gift and force you to take it. God has handed it out on a silver platter and no one else can make you take it.

The choice is yours.

¹¹ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Titus 2:11

More.

We were heading to the doctor's today after school and we drove all the way down to Scarborough to meet this doctor, and on the way there, looking out the window, i realized that there was much more. So much more.

I think because im so used to the community and area I live in, i think thats all there is. Like the story with the frog in the well, it looks up and all it sees is the sky is a small circle, but when he climbs out of the well, he then realizes and sees all the more in the world. Today, i remember when passing a school, seeing all the other kids walking home with their backpacks, i realized that there are more people in this world.

By realizing that there's more and more, i started to realize exactly how small we are. I've heard people say this but i've never experienced it or realized it yet, that when they stand next to the ocean, they realize how small they are.

Look up. See the ceiling with the little dots or holes? Imagine that a single one of those dots is our home, earth. Now imagine that one dot, split into 6 000 000 000 other dots. The entire ceiling is the galaxy, and one of the 6 000 000 000 dots within that one dot is you. Can you imagine how small we are compared to the world, the galaxy, but most importantly to God? We are so small, and so incompetent.

Our God is bigger than "the ceiling" he's huge. This is my God, this is OUR GOD.

²⁸ Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
³⁰ Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:26-31

Hello, My Name is: Friend

There are so many times I know that i've felt lonely, uncared for, and like an outcast. Friends, sure and yes i have friends but only a rare few are the ones i can truly talk to and can call "BFF"s if you will. Its difficult sometimes, dealing with the loneliness, but thinking and looking ahead towards eternity, I've come to realize that God is THE true friend.

He's always there for you. You dont need to call him, poke him, text him, just say a prayer and he's listening attentively. I know that sometimes i can completely pour out my heart to him when im going through things.

He has this love for you that no one on this earth can ever express. He loves unconditionally, not matter what you're suffering through, no matter how you look, how you speak, or how you dress. He loves each of us because he designed, planned, and created all of us in his image. His love is so great that he died for you. Sacrifice IS love, and his life, the greatest thing anyone can sacrifice, he gave up for you.

You can trust this friend. He'll never backstab you. Everything in this world will fail, will fade, and will corrode. From materialistic things, to friendships and relationships. But this friendship and commitment you make with Christ is forever and eternal.

But there are a few things i think we all struggle with when with this friend we call God. First, the world has become a place where everything is fast, immediate, and we often turn to our friends first because they reply. Whenever i talk to God, there isnt a literal response which provides immediate satisfaction. Also, i think i've talked about this before, but I dont usually feel the connection between his love and the cross because it happened so long ago that it doesnt feel relevant anymore. Lastly is knowing what he wants. I want to know what he wants me to do and what he wants to tell me, but I dont see it, and I cant hear it and its frustrating. Are these flaws of God? No. Its all apart of being a follower of Christ and having faith. Knowing that he is there and believing that his love never fails.

He's the true friend.

When all else fails, he will be the only one to turn to.

But you shouldnt be turning to him WHEN all else fails.

We should be turning to him first and foremost.

¹ See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

1 John 3:1

My World vs The World

"a very personal reflection"

Over the break, rotting away, i've gotten to chance to really think about what im going through. I feel like my life is a mess. Not in an obvious way though, but on the inside, a tornado has torn through and everything is everywhere. Doubt has flooded in and negativity radiates in my mind. Things still feel like they're up in the air, im not sure what to make of it, how much of it is true and how much of it is my mind playing tricks on me. Everything's just a big mess.

Thinking more each day, today i came to this conclusion. My World vs The World.

The World. By saying this, i mean the standards of this world. I guess more towards the academic/future world. Im not trying to boast or anything, just be clear of that. Personally, i havent felt stressed about the entire university thing. I feel very calm, prepared, and im ready for God to guide me wherever he desires. I've always wanted to follow him, but sometimes i can never tell where he wants me to be. The university dilemma, i've always thought, if you make it, you make it. If you dont make it, you dont. I feel like my marks are fine, and will get me where i want to go and i already have gotten offers. I think this is THE WORLD. The things "The World" worries about and cares about. And i feel like i've got that down.

My World. This is in reference to inside, my inner self. From social/physical/emotional side of things. You may or may not have noticed, but loneliness is one of the biggest things i struggle with i think one can say. There are so many things that im dealing with that i want to get rid of, and i want to discover the roots and really destroy it from there instead of the surface pains. From loneliness sprouted the missing sense of feeling good about myself, and about life, from that grew the urge to feel good, which blossomed into temporary satisfaction and sins. The chain continues, as doubt/guilt/anxiety fill in the gaping holes and to be honest im a bit scared of where this may/can lead to. Depression? Suicidal thoughts (but i dont think i have to guts to even attempt that)?

Solution? I honestly dont know. Thinking about all this stuff, from simple things, seeing people together and seeing myself alone, I've been thinking, what is worth living for? If the things of this world is going to fade and deteriorate, why are we still living? Whats the point of all this. Being able to vent out to someone is the best, and im happy i have a PINCH of these people. Talking to him reminded me of so many things. Living for God. He should be enough to live for. And although, yes that is the answer, but sadly i feel like my faith isnt strong enough to say that yet. I feel like many people see me as the mature spiritual one, but when i reflect on it, i dont think im anywhere near spiritual maturity.

So what is the answer? First off, another reminder from the same friend. We're in the midst of Teens Conference at the moment, and he talked to me about their bible study on Hosea. It talked about Hosea and Gomer (who was a prostitute). Throughout the entire passage, Gomer was constantly being unfaithful to Hosea, and long story short, Gomer represents us as Christians and Hosea represents Christ. We are CONSTANTLY going against Christ yet he is still committed to us, continues to love and forgive us. No matter who we are, what we do, God forever loves us. This boggles my mind that God is so willing to care for us and i've even thought, "why is he so stupid for not leaving me. i've done so many things to hurt him and he's just standing there just readying himself to get hurt again". But God is good. All the time.

So we got that down. God forever loves and forgives us when we are unfaithful. But now what? How will this rid of my loneliness, doubt, guilt, and pain? Again, we always point towards the Word. Are you indulging in it everyday? Are you truly spending time with our Saviour? And i confess and admit. No. Im not. And i need to be and should be. But I honestly can say, i dont have the motivation. Why? Im not sure. Why do i allow other things, tv shows, homework, scholarships, overpower and allow devotions and scripture reading to be pushed aside? I need a push. Still a weak Christian, i have lots to learn. I need to fully realize this and i need to put it into action.

Lastly (for now), accountability. I have this with a few people, my pastor who is also my mentor, a close friend or two are there to support me and get me through these rough times. I think i got this down. But if you're reading this and you're going through something, tell someone. A brother and sister in Christ who is spiritually mature and whom you can trust. Accountability is so important. I remember when i first started, i kept telling myself, i can do this with God. All things are possible with Christ right? That is true, but i MYSELF cannot overcome it and be victorious. That's why we are a church and are a family. We are there to support each other. That's why there is fellowship, that's why there is accountability and support, that's why God made other people, for support, love and encouragement. Find that person for you!

More solutions? Im unsure of at the moment. I'll stop here. My process is still going, im still thinking, still reflecting. But at this moment, i can say im at a lower point in life. Feeling lost, sad, alone, and in a blur.

verse of the day: Proverbs 3:5-8

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

Conquer

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-38

We can conquer all that life brings. With God, we can overcome everything and anything. I think today's sermon at church was an extraordinary reminder to Christians. Life seems like a long time, averaging at about 80 years, 80 years of constant failure, trails, struggles, deaths, celebrations, obstacles, and pains, it seems like a long time. And I know for myself personally, its frustrating when you're struggling with pain and sin for so long, and you cannot win. Its difficult, and like they said in the sermon, giving up, and giving in are so extremely easy. To give in, do what you want, when you want, and how you want. Falling into the world's standards are simple and quick, but thats what Christianity is about, fighting the good fight. Can you fight against giving in, taking the hard but better road? Thats the real test.

In the passage, it says that IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. God has conquered over all already, and like in v 38-39, he's conquered Satan, death, everything in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Phil 2:9-11). Its always something that goes un-noticed is that in that passage, it says "under the earth". That just goes to show that God is powerful and victorious over everything in Hell, including the devil himself.

As human beings, it is very common and natural to have pride, to feel and want to be the best, and i know i myself has thought so many times "im better than him", "i dont do this, so she's clearly worse than me", but no, who am i to judge? IT IS GOD WHO JUSTIFIES. We are all equal in God's eyes, we have all fallen short of God's glory, no one has fallen MORE or LESS short His glory. We are all sinners equally and equally need God's saving.

NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME. God has already taken care of our future as well. Nothing that is happening to us NOW or LATER will separate us. As people, we love having control, of our lives, of our future. There are many things we want our way, it can be simple things like having the title of each note we take underlined, to bigger things like who we want to marry, what our family is to look like, but there are things that are out of our control. From the people you meet, to what university you get into. But trust in God. Do you have confidence in God that he will bring great things for you?

Verses 38-39, also talks about our identity. That at the bottom, within us, what truly defines us, is the love of God. As Christ followers we often "label" ourselves incorrectly. Yes, we are students, employees, husbands, wives, teachers, doctors, fathers, mothers, but before all of that, we are Christians, we are children of God. "I am a Child of God that is a brother, and student", not "im a brother, student, and also a Child of God." It is God's love that defines us.

We are continuously frustrated with the struggles we face daily, great or small, but God loves usand he has conquered way more than we have experienced. There are times that we want to give up, and just say game over, but remind yourself that nothing will separate you from God, no matter the challenges, and the difficulties, you can overcome it, and that God has greater things planned for you.

competition?

³⁷ Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.³⁸ And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

matthew 10:37-38

Whoever loves their OWN FATHER and MOTHER MORE than Christ is not worthy of God. One may ask, why is God so mean, that we cant even love our parents? And it goes on to say even our sons and daughters?

Reading my devotionals today, it put this verse into a different perspective. The overall lesson was competition and priorities. Within your heart, you only have one spot. One reigning spot that rules all. As Christians, Christ should be in that spot. But sin is very tempting sometimes. And there are other things that may fill up that hole. May it be a relationship, or a sexual desire, pride, materialism, or greed, something will fill the hole.

What's in your heart? Is there something competing with Christ for that? I love the last verse, whoever does not take up the cross cannot follow me. We've stated before, being a Christian is hard. Its a commitment. Its like marriage. Life long (but this relationship with God is longer than that). You have to be +100% dedicated to him. Nothing should be competing with Him. He is the creator, he is the king of kings, how is it that the latest apple gadget or yourself can beat that? The one that loves you, gave up His son for you? Why is this even a fight? He should be way up the scale. I dont know my answer either. I dont think i've fully realized the degree of love, and sacrifice the gospel is yet. It hasnt fully hit me yet.

There should be NO competition between Christ and the things of this world. He lasts, worldly things fade.

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.