So, I'm going to use this post to hash out some of my views regarding wars and the use of force. This might require more than one post, or I may not even express all my thoughts. I've just been thinking about it more now because of the US government's bombing of Libya (which I won't be discussing in particular).
Jesus never condoned acts of violence in the New Testament. He set the example of peace and loving one's enemies. God has not commanded His people (Gentiles now included) to harm anyone else under the New Covenant; in fact, He has commanded the opposite: to be patient, loving, kindhearted, praying for those who abuse you, and blessing those who curse you. Where the Israelites would have stoned to death someone who was living in sin (especially sexual sin) among their congregation, the New Testament believers are commanded to rather cast the person out of fellowship. Just like the sacrificial system, I believe the switch to the New Covenant signaled switch from these physical acts of violence to actions which denote more spiritual consequences. As a follower of Christ (although a poor one at that), I do not feel that violence is an acceptable avenue in dealing with problems, whatever that may mean.
I could say more, but that is all for now.
Peace.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Short Thought
So, I was driving behind someone who was going 45mph in a 55 mph zone. I started thinking, "Man, old people sure are obnoxious on the road." Then I had another thought. "Why would I try to respect the elderly everywhere else but while I'm driving? Why don't I ask myself why they're driving slow and what could I do to respect them better as another driver?" Just an interesting thought.
Peace.
Peace.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
CCCA
So, I just got back from a three-day camp conference. It was so good. I just can't explain how much I learned there. Here are some thoughts, though.
Jesus is no longer the object of our faith; our experience with Jesus has become the object of our faith. If we're having a bad day, we get bummed out and forget that Jesus told us we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him.
"The Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8
Faith in Christ is not about what we see or feel. "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" Romans 8
Our faith is not about ourselves. Peter, Jesus' closest friend on earth, was also Jesus' great stumblingblock, as told in Matthew 16. Jesus told the disciples how He had to die, but Peter told Jesus it should not be so. Satan's best tool in trying to foil God's purpose (which is oneness) is often the person that is closest to us. The great lie of Satan is that it's all about us.
When people talk about "God told me this" or "the Holy Spirit told me to do that," it's often something that's good for the person. When God spoke to Saul in the New Testament, however....
I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER FOR MY NAME'S SAKE.
You're not students of the Word for your own benefit, are you? Everything we do should be done in devotion to God and others.
Stir others up to faith and good works.
Just some thoughts.
Peace.
Jesus is no longer the object of our faith; our experience with Jesus has become the object of our faith. If we're having a bad day, we get bummed out and forget that Jesus told us we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him.
"The Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8
Faith in Christ is not about what we see or feel. "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" Romans 8
Our faith is not about ourselves. Peter, Jesus' closest friend on earth, was also Jesus' great stumblingblock, as told in Matthew 16. Jesus told the disciples how He had to die, but Peter told Jesus it should not be so. Satan's best tool in trying to foil God's purpose (which is oneness) is often the person that is closest to us. The great lie of Satan is that it's all about us.
When people talk about "God told me this" or "the Holy Spirit told me to do that," it's often something that's good for the person. When God spoke to Saul in the New Testament, however....
I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER FOR MY NAME'S SAKE.
You're not students of the Word for your own benefit, are you? Everything we do should be done in devotion to God and others.
Stir others up to faith and good works.
Just some thoughts.
Peace.
Monday, February 14, 2011
That day of the year...
So, it's kind of funny: when I was single, I didn't really resent Valentine's Day. The people who hate it always disgusted me more.
I love rejoicing with my brothers and sisters when they start a relationship. I don't think there's enough of this. I would like to remind everyone that your job is not to be depressed about others being in a relationship; it's to encourage your brothers and sisters daily. When I was pursuing a relationship, my friends would be interested and would encourage me in it. When that relationship actually began, some of the FIRST comments I received were to the effect of "Oh, now you're one of them." Instant separation, even from people whom I greatly respect. I've tried to avoid doing this to my friends in the past, and I'm sorry if I ever spoke negatively of anyone in one of these times.
I also understand the need to encourage people who are single to be content and rejoice in giving even MORE of themselves to following God. However, when divorce rates among Christians are in some cases HIGHER than divorce rates of non-Christians, I wish I would see more encouragement for people in relationships.
Finally, this is not a call for pity upon myself. Go encourage someone who needs/deserves it, and I'll do the same.
Peace.
I love rejoicing with my brothers and sisters when they start a relationship. I don't think there's enough of this. I would like to remind everyone that your job is not to be depressed about others being in a relationship; it's to encourage your brothers and sisters daily. When I was pursuing a relationship, my friends would be interested and would encourage me in it. When that relationship actually began, some of the FIRST comments I received were to the effect of "Oh, now you're one of them." Instant separation, even from people whom I greatly respect. I've tried to avoid doing this to my friends in the past, and I'm sorry if I ever spoke negatively of anyone in one of these times.
I also understand the need to encourage people who are single to be content and rejoice in giving even MORE of themselves to following God. However, when divorce rates among Christians are in some cases HIGHER than divorce rates of non-Christians, I wish I would see more encouragement for people in relationships.
Finally, this is not a call for pity upon myself. Go encourage someone who needs/deserves it, and I'll do the same.
Peace.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thoughts on Life
So, I've been doing a LOT of thinking lately about my lifestyle choices. I've been learning a whole lot about America: corporations, fast food, Christianity, consumerism, health, etc. I don't like what I've been learning, to say the least. Most of my own friends have their own problems with the state of things here, but it seems like wherever I go and whatever class I'm in at Spring Arbor, I keep learning more and more that makes me disgusted with life here. I really don't like having so much stuff. I don't like being in debt. I don't like eating things that are destroying my body. I don't like being complacent in my faith because I don't need God where I am. God has a lot to say about all these things in Scripture, as well.
Some changes I'm currently working on in my life: I've almost completely given up Taco Bell (which was a hard decision, by the way) and I'm trying to get rid of ALL fast food out of my diet eventually, I'm trying to stop shopping at chain stores (even if their prices are cheaper...I'll say more about that in a moment), and I'm trying to get rid of certain items I don't need (like my stereo and iPod, among other things).
I'm really tired (literally and figuratively) of being unhealthy. I want to eat better, sleep better, and work better. This is why I'm trying to eliminate fast food out of my diet, with Taco Bell being the first to go. I've been seeing the value of supporting local businesses instead of buying everything from chain stores, even if their prices are cheaper. I don't think just because you save $1 you are necessarily being a good steward of your resources. I want to start buying things from Hutch's and Weatherwax instead of Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Wal-Mart. This isn't saying I'm not going thrift shopping anymore...I'm just trying really strongly to avoid chain stores. Some chain stores I will still support, like Goodwill, but for obvious reasons (Goodwill is actually helping people).
Some changes I want to happen in my life eventually: be debt-free, grow a lot of my own food, make a lot of my own stuff instead of buying things if possible, and generally live simply. I'm still working out a lot of my thoughts on these things, but one thing I keep thinking about is how much of this might be easier in another country/culture. I don't think God is currently calling me to be a missionary, but he may be preparing me for it with all this.
Those are my thoughts from the past week/month. Yours?
Some changes I'm currently working on in my life: I've almost completely given up Taco Bell (which was a hard decision, by the way) and I'm trying to get rid of ALL fast food out of my diet eventually, I'm trying to stop shopping at chain stores (even if their prices are cheaper...I'll say more about that in a moment), and I'm trying to get rid of certain items I don't need (like my stereo and iPod, among other things).
I'm really tired (literally and figuratively) of being unhealthy. I want to eat better, sleep better, and work better. This is why I'm trying to eliminate fast food out of my diet, with Taco Bell being the first to go. I've been seeing the value of supporting local businesses instead of buying everything from chain stores, even if their prices are cheaper. I don't think just because you save $1 you are necessarily being a good steward of your resources. I want to start buying things from Hutch's and Weatherwax instead of Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Wal-Mart. This isn't saying I'm not going thrift shopping anymore...I'm just trying really strongly to avoid chain stores. Some chain stores I will still support, like Goodwill, but for obvious reasons (Goodwill is actually helping people).
Some changes I want to happen in my life eventually: be debt-free, grow a lot of my own food, make a lot of my own stuff instead of buying things if possible, and generally live simply. I'm still working out a lot of my thoughts on these things, but one thing I keep thinking about is how much of this might be easier in another country/culture. I don't think God is currently calling me to be a missionary, but he may be preparing me for it with all this.
Those are my thoughts from the past week/month. Yours?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Joy in Suffering
So, first I would like to share a selection from the devotional "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
"Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else. Dejection stems from one of two sources— I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means “I must have it at once.” Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself who gives the answer. What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today “the third day” and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God? Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer. It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is wrong, and we are always to blame for it."
I've been thinking about joy in suffering lately. I've realized that I can't really think of anyone off-hand who I personally know that I have seen be joyful in hard times, whatever they may be. What I very OFTEN see is people who are joyful because things are going well and God is doing great things in their life, or people who are depressed because they are going through a spiritually "dry" time or because of hard times. I almost NEVER see Christians rejoicing in suffering, like Paul is so often in his letter and exhorts us to. If hard times come, what I most often see is people moping around: "Yeah, times are hard...but God is good, right? I'm just getting through it." What a weak answer from people who are called to rejoice in suffering! I know I do this a LOT too, so I'm not immune to my own criticism. We should be joyful knowing that God is working in us in every circumstance.
Thoughts, anyone?
"Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else. Dejection stems from one of two sources— I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means “I must have it at once.” Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God Himself who gives the answer. What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today “the third day” and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God? Whenever we insist that God should give us an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer. It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is wrong, and we are always to blame for it."
I've been thinking about joy in suffering lately. I've realized that I can't really think of anyone off-hand who I personally know that I have seen be joyful in hard times, whatever they may be. What I very OFTEN see is people who are joyful because things are going well and God is doing great things in their life, or people who are depressed because they are going through a spiritually "dry" time or because of hard times. I almost NEVER see Christians rejoicing in suffering, like Paul is so often in his letter and exhorts us to. If hard times come, what I most often see is people moping around: "Yeah, times are hard...but God is good, right? I'm just getting through it." What a weak answer from people who are called to rejoice in suffering! I know I do this a LOT too, so I'm not immune to my own criticism. We should be joyful knowing that God is working in us in every circumstance.
Thoughts, anyone?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Isaiah 58: Fasting and Sabbath
So, this chapter is really interesting. I decided to open up to it today on kind of a whim, but I'm really glad I did. God lays out some hardcore sarcasm right in the beginning:
"...declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God." vv. 1b-2
It almost sounds like the Israelites are doing pretty well, until you notice that God is being totally sarcastic about their "righteousness." The people are confused about why God hasn't honored their righteous requests:
"'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?'" v. 3a
To me, this already sounds like a selfish complaint: "God we've done all this stuff! Why haven't we received anything in return?" God answers and points out the full extent of the people's selfishness:
"Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high." vv. 3b-4
Ouch. God point out that the people's fast was purely for their own pleasure, and they were even oppressing others during that time! The LORD, however, has more words regarding this:
"Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD?" v. 5
This is really interesting to me. It seems like God is still laying on the sarcasm regarding the people's fasting, but aren't the things listed here what we often view as good fasting: to humble ourselves and be broken before God and open to His leading? I think the answer to this lies not in the actions themselves, but in the people's motivation behind them. The Israelites were being totally selfish in their fast: they looked devout on the outside, but they were using the fast as a tool for their own pleasure, and they were harming others while they did it. They "humbled" themselves and bowed their heads because they wanted a reward, not because they wanted to know God better. Even if they did want to know God better, it was still for selfish purposes. Jesus faced the same problems with the people's fasting when He was on earth, and He explained how it should truly be conducted in public:
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matt. 6:16-18
The Israelites in Isaiah's day were probably "humbling" themselves and sitting in sackcloth and ashes in the sight of all, which is another reason God condemned their actions. God makes it clear in Isaiah 58 that the focus on fasting should never, ever be yourself:
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am." If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." vv. 6-12
Wow. So, that's a little dissertation on what God thinks about and wants with fasting. I'm sure there's more, though. I'll leave all that alone and move on to the last part of the chapter, which is about Sabbath:
"If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." vv. 13-14
God point out here that pursuing your own desires and pleasures is to be avoided on the Sabbath. Noticing a trend in this chapter? These two practices are solely for seeking God and serving others. God actually says you should not do what you want or think you need to do during these times. If you do, your focus will be far from where it should be.
This is something I don't think I have right yet. I try to have a Sabbath rest on Saturdays, staying away from homework and just chilling in general. However, if this is going to be a true Sabbath day, I need to focus a lot more on God and not on myself anymore. Fasting is also hard, because often I want to just shut myself away from others and be by myself all day. This doesn't necessarily seem like the right way to go about it after reading Isaiah 58. Both of these practices are for God's glory and the benefit of others.
Just my thoughts.
Peace.
"...declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God." vv. 1b-2
It almost sounds like the Israelites are doing pretty well, until you notice that God is being totally sarcastic about their "righteousness." The people are confused about why God hasn't honored their righteous requests:
"'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?'" v. 3a
To me, this already sounds like a selfish complaint: "God we've done all this stuff! Why haven't we received anything in return?" God answers and points out the full extent of the people's selfishness:
"Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high." vv. 3b-4
Ouch. God point out that the people's fast was purely for their own pleasure, and they were even oppressing others during that time! The LORD, however, has more words regarding this:
"Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD?" v. 5
This is really interesting to me. It seems like God is still laying on the sarcasm regarding the people's fasting, but aren't the things listed here what we often view as good fasting: to humble ourselves and be broken before God and open to His leading? I think the answer to this lies not in the actions themselves, but in the people's motivation behind them. The Israelites were being totally selfish in their fast: they looked devout on the outside, but they were using the fast as a tool for their own pleasure, and they were harming others while they did it. They "humbled" themselves and bowed their heads because they wanted a reward, not because they wanted to know God better. Even if they did want to know God better, it was still for selfish purposes. Jesus faced the same problems with the people's fasting when He was on earth, and He explained how it should truly be conducted in public:
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matt. 6:16-18
The Israelites in Isaiah's day were probably "humbling" themselves and sitting in sackcloth and ashes in the sight of all, which is another reason God condemned their actions. God makes it clear in Isaiah 58 that the focus on fasting should never, ever be yourself:
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am." If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." vv. 6-12
Wow. So, that's a little dissertation on what God thinks about and wants with fasting. I'm sure there's more, though. I'll leave all that alone and move on to the last part of the chapter, which is about Sabbath:
"If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." vv. 13-14
God point out here that pursuing your own desires and pleasures is to be avoided on the Sabbath. Noticing a trend in this chapter? These two practices are solely for seeking God and serving others. God actually says you should not do what you want or think you need to do during these times. If you do, your focus will be far from where it should be.
This is something I don't think I have right yet. I try to have a Sabbath rest on Saturdays, staying away from homework and just chilling in general. However, if this is going to be a true Sabbath day, I need to focus a lot more on God and not on myself anymore. Fasting is also hard, because often I want to just shut myself away from others and be by myself all day. This doesn't necessarily seem like the right way to go about it after reading Isaiah 58. Both of these practices are for God's glory and the benefit of others.
Just my thoughts.
Peace.
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