http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/worst_case_shopping.png
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Friday, May 28, 2010
"Quantum" Faith (...and Black vs White Jesus)
This is an excerpt from an actual conversation that I had with my best friend. None of this is scripted or whatever. I took the liberty of editing a bit. Mostly it’s just grammatical structure and what not. Oh, and the names were changed. The letter “T” signifies my best friend, and the other one is me. Obviously. Actual additions are made in italics and the color blue. I don’t know if the color blue will show up on the blog (I’m editing this in Word) so I made it italicized as well. I -know- that that transfers. Anyway…after the line is the new(er) part. Btw, -anyone- may feel free to fix anything where I may have been wrong. You may either post it in a comment, or send it to me in an email. Thank you for your time, and God bless…
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T: So I read something someone wrote, and they basically said that they had had an epiphany. That epiphany was that God created evil and let Lucifer reside over it, and that He also created hell as a kingdom for Lucifer because it was His way of still showing His love…and that Lucifer didn't completely fall all the way down to earth. Just half way -.- .............I need your thoughts on this please, cause no one else speaks any sense :P
Rev (sXe): Ok. One: that's kinda difficult. Since God created everything, then it's a good argument to say that he created evil. Personally, I think that there is a balance to everything. It's part of free will. Io...it's not so much that He -created- it (to me), but that He -allowed- it to be. Idk...it starts to look like a chicken and egg scenario. Had to start somewhere. Trufully, idk. What I -do- know is that no one was forced to do anything. Whether God actually created evil or not is a moot point (to me). People always want to blame God for things…when they actually -do- acknowledge His presence. Nope. Not His fault.
Lucifer was one of the three strongest angels in Heaven. He was also beloved of God. Kinda like Judas (note: I’m not saying that God showed Judas particular favor, just that he was a disciple…kinda favor off top, you know?). He was strong enough to convince a third of all of the angels to join him in his rebellion. God didn't -give- him anything. He allowed it to happen, and Lucifer naturally took over being the strongest, and starting the rebellion in the first place. God created Hell as a punishment Matthew 25:41. It states that clearly in the Bible. And Lucifer didn't really -fall- anywhere. We call it that because he "fell from (God's) grace". He was CAST out of Heaven.
When he was cast out of Heaven it is presumed that he tried to take Earth over. Idk. I just think that he was jealous that God had a new creation that had His love, and he wanted to get back at God. Being that he already lost and knows that he can't win, he instead got at Him through his creations. kinda like keying a car to get revenge on the owner. Of course we have more value than a car, and it's so serious that God cursed an animal for the rest of its existence for being party to Lucifer's villainy. Lucifer wasn't supposed to fall -anywhere- specific (I’ve read verses that say that Lucifer is going to end up in Hell. It mentions him being there, but apparently he’s not bound down there yet if he walks around on the Earth (I Peter 5:8). So far, I haven’t noticed anything saying that he was cast straight to Hell to begin with. I could be wrong. Anyone who knows differently, feel free to correct me. Please and thank you.), he was just cast out of Heaven. That's punishment enough. Think about it...you're used to seeing God's face all day every day and enjoying bliss while being the musical leader and enjoying dominion over (presumably) a third of the angels (presumably, cause it's thought that he reigned over the third that he took with him), then you get cast into nothingness. There -was- no Earth as we know it, then. "And the Earth was w/out form, and void; and darkness, was upon the face of the deep" (Gensis 1:2a). So...he was cast out of eternal light into the blackness of space.
-Then-, when he caused man to fall, God punished him again...I think. Idk. I just know that there's no record of God making Hell before that. There was no need. One punishment, one crime. God forgave him, but didn't forget so he wasn't allowed back into Heaven. Well...idk. Maybe he -would- have been had be repented and actually -asked-. I can't say for sure...but, yeah. No Hell before men fell. Not that I can find. So...yeah. Hope that helps a bit??
T: Yea. You said basically what I've been saying to him, but he came back and said that he researched it and that his eyes are wide open..............................sometimes I get real defensive, especially when it's about God. So...I had to step back and say to myself, “Am I arguing out of my own frustration that someone actually has the audacity to say this, or is what I'm saying real?”
Rev (sXe): Researched? As in...the Bible?
T: No. I doubt it. -.- That's the thing with these people, they all talk about research and noone even bothers to open the bible.
Rev (sXe): Cause...no one else was around then. And, I'd -love- to see -those- verses. Man...don't even worry about it. I figured it out when I went through my doubting stage. People who's lives don't mean what they want it to, who aren't as important as they'd like to be, or who don't want to accept the idea of an omniscient higher Being like to think that -they- know the secret truth about God, and all Christians are wrong. One problem...they never even bother to live their lives right!!! I mean...I -know- I'm not wrong. But, if I was, I'd rather be slightly wrong and living a good life, then all right and living messed up. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9 [minus “that”]" says nothing about religion or a certain set of beliefs
T: So, I spoke to someone else about this and they said for me to think about it like God's wrath...so basically what they meant was that God does have it in Him to be dark and evil, and that He created Lucifer to embody that. Basically -.- And that He knew from jump that Lucifer would rebel, so it all kinda fell into place.
Rev (sXe): ...but Lucifer was -beautiful-! Which is why he can still appear as an angel of light. He was created perfect and whole. Just like we were. It was -choice-. Free will. Something that people refuse to acknowledge with their excuses and bs Yeah...He knew it would happen. He knows all. He also knew that Adam would eat from the tree. Again...free will.
People are going to complain no matter what. If it -didn't- go down like that, the same people would complain that “God doesn't trust us, ‘cause if He did He'd give us free will and let us make our own decisions trusting that we'll turn to Him”. That “He's trying to hide something”, or “He's a control freak”.
Man...people are -stupid-! Just don't feed into it, T. Your faith is strong, don't let pseudo-intellectuals who wouldn't know a verse if it fell on them, and who haven't been inside of a church since they were last made to, try to dictate -your- faith for you. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12c). But...the start is salvation, not posturing. Yah mean?? :P
It's like poor people trying to tell you how to get rich when you're already rich. Why listen?? -Not- trying to discourage you from asking me q's. -Very- glad that you did. I -love- theological and intellectual discussions. Been too long since I had one. Just tryin to tell you that it doesn't matter who's smarter between you and the person that you are talking to (though I'm sure you are), we're supposed to approach God as children, anyway.
T: Not all all hun! Lol, please! Me be caught up in all that nonsense? No way! I am loyal to God to the BONE! Real talk
Rev (sXe): Oh. Idk...I kinda had flash backs. I had a phase when I was all deep into that religious conspiracy stuff like Immortal Technique saying that Mary Magdalene had Jesus’ children (didn't think that part was true, but I was listenin to people who did) and the Apocrypha and all that. Eventually I -got- the Apocrypha. Guess what? It's like...the same as the Bible :P (note: It’s the same language style) But the people who read that whole thing religiously don't read the Bible. I finally pulled my head out of my butt and moved on from that. So...I was kinda talkin to younger me, not doubting you :P
T: I see lol. I actually have an awesome edition of the bible...an archaeological/historical one so it has so many references and notes...I read up on that in there. I've never been one to be caught up in conspiracies...I DO realise that there are things we need to know so we don't get brainwashed and that, but I draw the line and just walk with/by/for my faith. Knowledge is a wicked thing oft times. (btw…that whole “Ignorance is bliss” thing that people say isn’t a complete quote. The -whole- quote is “When Ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise – Thomas Gray's, "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College" (1742)) You and I both know that. And the more you know, the more you will be held accountable for. I forgot the book that's from- do you remember?
Rev (sXe): YES!!! :P
T: can't even remember if it's N or OT :p (New or Old Testament). I think it's something Paul said....
Rev (sXe): "to whom much is given, much is required", is the exact syntax of the KJV.
T: what book?
Rev (sXe): Luke 12:48
T: you know, the thing with me...although I have read aLOT, I don't know my Bible passage for passage and all that. And I really should. I get lazy to be honest.
Rev (sXe): I don't either. I just googled it ;) I know a lot, but I can't keep the chapter, verse, and books right. It helps that I'm almost always right with the words and wording. So...it generally pops up on the first try. You don't have to have the passage if it's in your heart. It -helps- when talking to other people, but you don't need chapter and verse number IMHO. If they're smart, they'll check up on you to make sure that you're right, anyway.
T: Awww, my exact sentiment :) Thank you for validating me/that :p So yah.
Rev (sXe): Not me, it's the Bible :P Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word in all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"
T: “I know a lot, but I can't keep the chapter, verse, and books right Rev (sXe): it helps that I’m almost always right with the words and wording. So...it generally pops up on the first try. You don't have to have the passage if it's in your heart. It -helps- when talking to other people, but you don't need chapter and verse number IMHO”
T: that's what I meant
Rev (sXe): Oh. Gotcha
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“18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Romans 1:18-25)
Breakdown: God is mad at anyone who would twist the truth, or say that it is wrong, because everything that anyone needs to know is already known to them. God showed it to them. Even the things that you can’t see, you in essence -can- because He explained the whole thing to you -just- to make sure that you wouldn’t have an excuse. But, when people see God in life, they insist on saying that it’s something else. They aren’t even thankful, they just think it’s them (man) who is all and, in their foolishness, their error is compounded into wickedness. Though they thought themselves to be wise, they instead became fools and changed the glory (Praise, majesty, pride. Pride as in “what it is that makes Him so great and different from us”) of God into something that they could better understand like images of men or animals.
Does that sound familiar? It should. Ever heard of a “Jesus piece”, or seen a “depiction” of Christ? First off, Jesus didn’t even look good. “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2b). Second: He -definitely- wasn’t Caucasian. There’s a bit of debate about what he was and wasn’t. I don’t -care- what race or color my Lord was. Why does it matter? What does it change?? Anyway…idk. I mean…the hair thing, too. He probably -did- have long hair is He was traveling all the time with nothing more than the clothes on His back. I don’t think He was particularly worried about “Hey, barber? A little off the top and sides, please. I have to look good for their depictions and pre-conceived notions of/about me. Thanks” This is just one of my pet peeves. Let it go, man. Save some people from burning in Hell. Don’t worry about how much melanin the Son of God had, or whether or not his tan was beyond the power of SPF. *smh* anyway…I just wanted to put my little plug there because the convo was about the same thing, believe it or not. That whole thing about Jesus having kids is the product of an overactive imagination (IMO), and our -insane- need to have to understand the unfathomable or, barring that, mar the image of perfection that we cannot understand being of sin and born to/in it. Look…He was perfect. He still is. We don’t understand Him. We know as much as we need to. We have enough on our hands just trying to figure out His Will for us, and staying in it. You’ve got better things to do. Seriously. If you’re bored, go soul-winning. That one doesn’t get old. Why, you say? Because you never run out of people to lead to the Lord. If you do? Move!
…I’m not saying that I walk around slaying people with the Spirit (who came -up- with the idea of the Spirit as a weapon, anyway?? Did a Bible search. Didn’t find it. I find it insulting that “the comforter” is referred to in weaponized terms. Seriously, people! Stop messing it up for the -rest- of us!!), I’m also not trying to quantify -everything- having to do with God. There’s some things that I don’t understand. -Great-! Yes, -great-! I don’t want to be responsible for that knowledge, anyway. True story.
Anway…off my soap box. Stay -in- the Will of God, and -out- of His business just cause you’re bored and don’t understand. Just say that you don’t understand. It happens. There is an entire -type- of science that is dedicated to uncertainties and chance/probability. It’s called “quantum”. So…let’s try having a little “quantum” faith, huh? Yeah.
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T: So I read something someone wrote, and they basically said that they had had an epiphany. That epiphany was that God created evil and let Lucifer reside over it, and that He also created hell as a kingdom for Lucifer because it was His way of still showing His love…and that Lucifer didn't completely fall all the way down to earth. Just half way -.- .............I need your thoughts on this please, cause no one else speaks any sense :P
Rev (sXe): Ok. One: that's kinda difficult. Since God created everything, then it's a good argument to say that he created evil. Personally, I think that there is a balance to everything. It's part of free will. Io...it's not so much that He -created- it (to me), but that He -allowed- it to be. Idk...it starts to look like a chicken and egg scenario. Had to start somewhere. Trufully, idk. What I -do- know is that no one was forced to do anything. Whether God actually created evil or not is a moot point (to me). People always want to blame God for things…when they actually -do- acknowledge His presence. Nope. Not His fault.
Lucifer was one of the three strongest angels in Heaven. He was also beloved of God. Kinda like Judas (note: I’m not saying that God showed Judas particular favor, just that he was a disciple…kinda favor off top, you know?). He was strong enough to convince a third of all of the angels to join him in his rebellion. God didn't -give- him anything. He allowed it to happen, and Lucifer naturally took over being the strongest, and starting the rebellion in the first place. God created Hell as a punishment Matthew 25:41. It states that clearly in the Bible. And Lucifer didn't really -fall- anywhere. We call it that because he "fell from (God's) grace". He was CAST out of Heaven.
When he was cast out of Heaven it is presumed that he tried to take Earth over. Idk. I just think that he was jealous that God had a new creation that had His love, and he wanted to get back at God. Being that he already lost and knows that he can't win, he instead got at Him through his creations. kinda like keying a car to get revenge on the owner. Of course we have more value than a car, and it's so serious that God cursed an animal for the rest of its existence for being party to Lucifer's villainy. Lucifer wasn't supposed to fall -anywhere- specific (I’ve read verses that say that Lucifer is going to end up in Hell. It mentions him being there, but apparently he’s not bound down there yet if he walks around on the Earth (I Peter 5:8). So far, I haven’t noticed anything saying that he was cast straight to Hell to begin with. I could be wrong. Anyone who knows differently, feel free to correct me. Please and thank you.), he was just cast out of Heaven. That's punishment enough. Think about it...you're used to seeing God's face all day every day and enjoying bliss while being the musical leader and enjoying dominion over (presumably) a third of the angels (presumably, cause it's thought that he reigned over the third that he took with him), then you get cast into nothingness. There -was- no Earth as we know it, then. "And the Earth was w/out form, and void; and darkness, was upon the face of the deep" (Gensis 1:2a). So...he was cast out of eternal light into the blackness of space.
-Then-, when he caused man to fall, God punished him again...I think. Idk. I just know that there's no record of God making Hell before that. There was no need. One punishment, one crime. God forgave him, but didn't forget so he wasn't allowed back into Heaven. Well...idk. Maybe he -would- have been had be repented and actually -asked-. I can't say for sure...but, yeah. No Hell before men fell. Not that I can find. So...yeah. Hope that helps a bit??
T: Yea. You said basically what I've been saying to him, but he came back and said that he researched it and that his eyes are wide open..............................sometimes I get real defensive, especially when it's about God. So...I had to step back and say to myself, “Am I arguing out of my own frustration that someone actually has the audacity to say this, or is what I'm saying real?”
Rev (sXe): Researched? As in...the Bible?
T: No. I doubt it. -.- That's the thing with these people, they all talk about research and noone even bothers to open the bible.
Rev (sXe): Cause...no one else was around then. And, I'd -love- to see -those- verses. Man...don't even worry about it. I figured it out when I went through my doubting stage. People who's lives don't mean what they want it to, who aren't as important as they'd like to be, or who don't want to accept the idea of an omniscient higher Being like to think that -they- know the secret truth about God, and all Christians are wrong. One problem...they never even bother to live their lives right!!! I mean...I -know- I'm not wrong. But, if I was, I'd rather be slightly wrong and living a good life, then all right and living messed up. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9 [minus “that”]" says nothing about religion or a certain set of beliefs
T: So, I spoke to someone else about this and they said for me to think about it like God's wrath...so basically what they meant was that God does have it in Him to be dark and evil, and that He created Lucifer to embody that. Basically -.- And that He knew from jump that Lucifer would rebel, so it all kinda fell into place.
Rev (sXe): ...but Lucifer was -beautiful-! Which is why he can still appear as an angel of light. He was created perfect and whole. Just like we were. It was -choice-. Free will. Something that people refuse to acknowledge with their excuses and bs Yeah...He knew it would happen. He knows all. He also knew that Adam would eat from the tree. Again...free will.
People are going to complain no matter what. If it -didn't- go down like that, the same people would complain that “God doesn't trust us, ‘cause if He did He'd give us free will and let us make our own decisions trusting that we'll turn to Him”. That “He's trying to hide something”, or “He's a control freak”.
Man...people are -stupid-! Just don't feed into it, T. Your faith is strong, don't let pseudo-intellectuals who wouldn't know a verse if it fell on them, and who haven't been inside of a church since they were last made to, try to dictate -your- faith for you. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12c). But...the start is salvation, not posturing. Yah mean?? :P
It's like poor people trying to tell you how to get rich when you're already rich. Why listen?? -Not- trying to discourage you from asking me q's. -Very- glad that you did. I -love- theological and intellectual discussions. Been too long since I had one. Just tryin to tell you that it doesn't matter who's smarter between you and the person that you are talking to (though I'm sure you are), we're supposed to approach God as children, anyway.
T: Not all all hun! Lol, please! Me be caught up in all that nonsense? No way! I am loyal to God to the BONE! Real talk
Rev (sXe): Oh. Idk...I kinda had flash backs. I had a phase when I was all deep into that religious conspiracy stuff like Immortal Technique saying that Mary Magdalene had Jesus’ children (didn't think that part was true, but I was listenin to people who did) and the Apocrypha and all that. Eventually I -got- the Apocrypha. Guess what? It's like...the same as the Bible :P (note: It’s the same language style) But the people who read that whole thing religiously don't read the Bible. I finally pulled my head out of my butt and moved on from that. So...I was kinda talkin to younger me, not doubting you :P
T: I see lol. I actually have an awesome edition of the bible...an archaeological/historical one so it has so many references and notes...I read up on that in there. I've never been one to be caught up in conspiracies...I DO realise that there are things we need to know so we don't get brainwashed and that, but I draw the line and just walk with/by/for my faith. Knowledge is a wicked thing oft times. (btw…that whole “Ignorance is bliss” thing that people say isn’t a complete quote. The -whole- quote is “When Ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise – Thomas Gray's, "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College" (1742)) You and I both know that. And the more you know, the more you will be held accountable for. I forgot the book that's from- do you remember?
Rev (sXe): YES!!! :P
T: can't even remember if it's N or OT :p (New or Old Testament). I think it's something Paul said....
Rev (sXe): "to whom much is given, much is required", is the exact syntax of the KJV.
T: what book?
Rev (sXe): Luke 12:48
T: you know, the thing with me...although I have read aLOT, I don't know my Bible passage for passage and all that. And I really should. I get lazy to be honest.
Rev (sXe): I don't either. I just googled it ;) I know a lot, but I can't keep the chapter, verse, and books right. It helps that I'm almost always right with the words and wording. So...it generally pops up on the first try. You don't have to have the passage if it's in your heart. It -helps- when talking to other people, but you don't need chapter and verse number IMHO. If they're smart, they'll check up on you to make sure that you're right, anyway.
T: Awww, my exact sentiment :) Thank you for validating me/that :p So yah.
Rev (sXe): Not me, it's the Bible :P Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word in all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"
T: “I know a lot, but I can't keep the chapter, verse, and books right Rev (sXe): it helps that I’m almost always right with the words and wording. So...it generally pops up on the first try. You don't have to have the passage if it's in your heart. It -helps- when talking to other people, but you don't need chapter and verse number IMHO”
T: that's what I meant
Rev (sXe): Oh. Gotcha
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“18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Romans 1:18-25)
Breakdown: God is mad at anyone who would twist the truth, or say that it is wrong, because everything that anyone needs to know is already known to them. God showed it to them. Even the things that you can’t see, you in essence -can- because He explained the whole thing to you -just- to make sure that you wouldn’t have an excuse. But, when people see God in life, they insist on saying that it’s something else. They aren’t even thankful, they just think it’s them (man) who is all and, in their foolishness, their error is compounded into wickedness. Though they thought themselves to be wise, they instead became fools and changed the glory (Praise, majesty, pride. Pride as in “what it is that makes Him so great and different from us”) of God into something that they could better understand like images of men or animals.
Does that sound familiar? It should. Ever heard of a “Jesus piece”, or seen a “depiction” of Christ? First off, Jesus didn’t even look good. “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2b). Second: He -definitely- wasn’t Caucasian. There’s a bit of debate about what he was and wasn’t. I don’t -care- what race or color my Lord was. Why does it matter? What does it change?? Anyway…idk. I mean…the hair thing, too. He probably -did- have long hair is He was traveling all the time with nothing more than the clothes on His back. I don’t think He was particularly worried about “Hey, barber? A little off the top and sides, please. I have to look good for their depictions and pre-conceived notions of/about me. Thanks” This is just one of my pet peeves. Let it go, man. Save some people from burning in Hell. Don’t worry about how much melanin the Son of God had, or whether or not his tan was beyond the power of SPF. *smh* anyway…I just wanted to put my little plug there because the convo was about the same thing, believe it or not. That whole thing about Jesus having kids is the product of an overactive imagination (IMO), and our -insane- need to have to understand the unfathomable or, barring that, mar the image of perfection that we cannot understand being of sin and born to/in it. Look…He was perfect. He still is. We don’t understand Him. We know as much as we need to. We have enough on our hands just trying to figure out His Will for us, and staying in it. You’ve got better things to do. Seriously. If you’re bored, go soul-winning. That one doesn’t get old. Why, you say? Because you never run out of people to lead to the Lord. If you do? Move!
…I’m not saying that I walk around slaying people with the Spirit (who came -up- with the idea of the Spirit as a weapon, anyway?? Did a Bible search. Didn’t find it. I find it insulting that “the comforter” is referred to in weaponized terms. Seriously, people! Stop messing it up for the -rest- of us!!), I’m also not trying to quantify -everything- having to do with God. There’s some things that I don’t understand. -Great-! Yes, -great-! I don’t want to be responsible for that knowledge, anyway. True story.
Anway…off my soap box. Stay -in- the Will of God, and -out- of His business just cause you’re bored and don’t understand. Just say that you don’t understand. It happens. There is an entire -type- of science that is dedicated to uncertainties and chance/probability. It’s called “quantum”. So…let’s try having a little “quantum” faith, huh? Yeah.
ATTENTION!!!
If you read this, then it applies to you. This is for real. As of -right now- I am removing everyone from my mailing list. If you get this email twice, no I didn't repost on the same website. It just means that you are in my mailing list on -both- sites. I have a blog site, -and- a poetry site. I -really- hope that you all realized that >.<
There are different reasons for this ranging from people not actually knowing the url of my webiste (where I'm actually posting this things), to people leaving comments in the wrong place (when they -do- leave a comment), to a -much- lower traffic volume on my site than people that actually read me, to me wanting to be able to contact more people telling them when I have posted something new, to me wanting the versatility of just encouraging people with a daily word or being able to switch or add places that I post to in the future should need be. Basically, all road lead to Rome. Rome is Twitter for sake of argument :P
Now...if you don't want to follow me on twitter, you just want to be updated with the things that I write about, you can always click on the "subscribe" link on my blog. There is one for subscribing to posts, and one for subscribing to comments. The difference is: that won't give you the full post in your email anymore, you'll only get a snippet. Which means that you'll have to click the link that is provided on the email and actually come to my site, now. Look...I'm not trying to difficult, but I would like an idea of how many people -actually- read me, and I would also like LOVE, more comments
So...my twitter information is as follows. For those of you that don't know, I will soon monetize my writting under the pseudonym of "Rev" (short for "Revelations"), and under the company name of sXe (short for silent expressions). Unfortunately, that was already taken as a twitter name (both "sXe", and "Rev"), so I used the fall back. Trufully speakin.
http://twitter.com/ trufullyspeakin
full name: sXe
email: silentexpression@gmail.com
Or you can just click here
So...my twitter information is as follows. For those of you that don't know, I will soon monetize my writting under the pseudonym of "Rev" (short for "Revelations"), and under the company name of sXe (short for silent expressions). Unfortunately, that was already taken as a twitter name (both "sXe", and "Rev"), so I used the fall back. Trufully speakin.
http://twitter.com/ trufullyspeakin
full name: sXe
email: silentexpression@gmail.com
Or you can just click here
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Step out of your comfort zone...
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:23-24)
You know...I honestly believe that -lot- more things would be done for God if people would only feel more "comfortable" doing them. This isn't going to devolve into: "we should find a way to make it easier for people to serve God". No...this is almost exactly the opposite. People should get over their little personal hang-ups and realize that there is something -much- bigger than them going on. I was reminded of that recently.
First, let me say that I do -not- fancy myself a prophet. I know that I know things that I should not know, and sometimes it is a bit more in advance of the event happening than I may be comfortable with, but I don't seriously purport myself to be a prophet by any means. However, recently God revealed to me/laid it upon my heart...I don't know the correct way to say it, I just -knew- that my father's pastor was about to go through something. Mind you, I have only met the man once. The one time, he spoke words of prophecy that are still coming true. Most impressively, he spoke on things of differing ranges as in short-term, medium, and long-term. And they are happening just as he said it. And he was a bit too specific for it to be "coincidence" or false "psychic" guessing, if you are wondering. I have a bit of a Gift for Seeing (discernment) and Knowing, but I still have a hard time believing in prophets. Probably because I have seen -so- many people puffed up with themselves, or so impressed with what they're doing that they leave the Holy Spirit somewhere behind them in their need to be seen. There are two big reasons I don't tell people about having Gifts (even in small doses). 1) If -I- have trouble believing, why wouldn't you? 2) I don't want to be seen. Getting off topic, but I Know that my dad's pastor is going to be going through something. It's not made clear to me -what- it is. Just that it is. And...idk what's going on. What I do know is that before I have acted on such Knowledge and been told that I was wrong. I don't know what happened. I could have been mistaken, or the person could have been refusing to receive. It's not for me to say, only to do. So...I'm a bit hesitant, but I do. I start by asking my father to pray for him, because I know that my dad will remember much better than I will. Then it become more and more plain to me that it's -not- something that I'm making up or misinterpreting. And this one song kept playing in my mind. It's a song that I heard down in Pastor Steele's church way back when. It's called "Don't Stop Praying For Me", and it says: "Don't stop praying for me/even though it may seem/that everything's fine/in this life of mine./Don't stop praying for me/for there's no way to see/what kind of load/waits for me down the road..."
A couple of days later I call my father back to tell him that whatever is going to/supposed to happen, that it will most likely happen within the next four days. And then I just let it go at that. Why? Because it made me uncomfortable to "push" my knowledge on other people.
Then, tonight, I felt a -strong- stirring in my spirit to make the call personally to this Pastor. I was pretty sure that he remembered me, but I was embarrassed to say the -least-. Internally I was like, "now God...I know better than to doubt you, but if I'm getting this one wrong, please don't let it be too bad". So I txt my father for the pastor's number. My dad is busy. Ok...I can leave it at that, right? Wrong. The feeling is stronger. So, I call my father's wife. -She- doesn't have the number. She says "you father has it, but he's in a meeting". "I know...that's why I asked you :) ". She has the pastor's wife's number. So I text the pastor's wife and sort of explain who I am (since she -doesn't- know me), and politely as possible as to speak to her husband. At this point, I'm not trying to be all "I HAVE A -WORD- FROM THE -LORD-!!" So I don't even mention what I need the number for, I just ask to be put in touch with her husband. She says that she'll have him call me. I Know that it won't be tonight. And I am supposed to complete this tonight for some reason. At this point I just want to get it over with, to tell the truth. I'm not going to pretend like I'm Mr Super-spiritual, because I'm not. I'm -very- much human, and I didn't want to be bothered to be flat honest. I -really- didn't want to be embarrassed. Well...my dad called me back as soon as he got out of his meeting. Thank God for people that follow up. I don't know anyone that does the way that he does. So...I have a number now. I txt the pastor to ask if it would be alright to call him tonight. I -still- don't want to put anyone the -slightest- bit out of their way and be wrong. The pastor ends up calling me back and I get embarrassed.
I get embarrassed because he is so -thankful- that someone would be in tune and listening to God enough to bless his life the same way that he blesses other people's lives. I -still- don't know what he was/is going through, and I don't -want- to know. It's none of my business. I was just the messenger. But it felt -mighty- good to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. For a moment I stepped out of my skin and it blessed me to bless someone else because...God is -still- working and moving all over the world. He doesn't -need- you, He -wants- you. You just have to make yourself available to Him...
About two Sundays ago the person who brought Word was talking about availability when dealing with the things of God. He was saying something to the effect that we as a people are generally too busy. Too busy to do the work of God.
God doesn't need you to be super talented or super good looking. Moses had a speech problem, and he was sent to speak not only to greatest leader of the known world at that time, but also his step-brother. His -younger- step brother. The murdering son-of-a-slave whom Pharaoh's daughter had "taken pity on", only to have him turn on her and her people one day, willfully (because that's how they would have seen it), this guy who can't even speak and should rightfully be in jail, has the gall to talk about a burning bush, the demands of the monotheistic God of the slaves who has no likeness (btw...why haven't we figured out that He -does- have likenesses all over -everywhere-? We were made in His image, weren't we? Look in the mirror!), and how it would be in the Pharaoh's best interest to destroy his people's economy by letting go their nation's greatest asset. The Hebrew slaves. You think that was comfortable for Moses? Or how about David being the runt of the litter to the point where he was left out to tend the sheep when Samuel came by to anoint the next king of Israel (I Samuel 16) You would think that a father would want -every- son on hand, just in case. Apparently they thought so little of David that he wasn't even worth consideration(I Samuel 16:11). Or, take for example Jesus Himself. "he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2b). It doesn't matter what a person looks like, or what talents they have: "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (I Samuel 16:7b).
What the man said that brought it heavy and hard to -my- heart was that "When you make yourself available, God will make you capable". He said that when God was looking for disciples His recruitment pitch went like this: "follow me". The man said that if you want to follow God, you have to make yourself available. And then, the part that -hurt- was when he made the point that PROXIMITY is not AVAILABILITY. Read that again. We can be -near- the Will of God, we can be -by- the Will of God, we can be in God's house on Sunday, we can look and act the part, but being close or being in the right place isn't the same thing as being open and available to be -used- by God. What is it that God is asking of you, or telling you to do? God doesn't always demand. Most often He simply asks, and we deny our own selves blessings simply by refusing His request! Other times He demands and, when something hugely dramatic happens because we ignored Him for years, -then- we sit up and take notice and all of a sudden it's a huge testimony. I don't want to get started, but you'll have to ask Dr Breakthrough about getting more information on "Divine Interception vs Divine Intervention". He knows someone who is coming out with a book on that, and let me tell you that is going to be powerful starting from the -name-!
The moral of the story that I started to tell was that two people were blessed just because I stepped out of my comfort zone to do what I was told. And I -really- needed that confirmation. I had, in fact, asked for it. Only to find it in encouraging someone else. -Never- underestimate the power of blessing other people, and don't take the chance of missing the chance to be blessed...by blessing others. It's 1:46 am and my thoughts are starting to run together. Just make yourself available, and God will take care of the rest.
Make this song your prayer:
| | | | | | | |
v v v v v v v v
You know...I honestly believe that -lot- more things would be done for God if people would only feel more "comfortable" doing them. This isn't going to devolve into: "we should find a way to make it easier for people to serve God". No...this is almost exactly the opposite. People should get over their little personal hang-ups and realize that there is something -much- bigger than them going on. I was reminded of that recently.
First, let me say that I do -not- fancy myself a prophet. I know that I know things that I should not know, and sometimes it is a bit more in advance of the event happening than I may be comfortable with, but I don't seriously purport myself to be a prophet by any means. However, recently God revealed to me/laid it upon my heart...I don't know the correct way to say it, I just -knew- that my father's pastor was about to go through something. Mind you, I have only met the man once. The one time, he spoke words of prophecy that are still coming true. Most impressively, he spoke on things of differing ranges as in short-term, medium, and long-term. And they are happening just as he said it. And he was a bit too specific for it to be "coincidence" or false "psychic" guessing, if you are wondering. I have a bit of a Gift for Seeing (discernment) and Knowing, but I still have a hard time believing in prophets. Probably because I have seen -so- many people puffed up with themselves, or so impressed with what they're doing that they leave the Holy Spirit somewhere behind them in their need to be seen. There are two big reasons I don't tell people about having Gifts (even in small doses). 1) If -I- have trouble believing, why wouldn't you? 2) I don't want to be seen. Getting off topic, but I Know that my dad's pastor is going to be going through something. It's not made clear to me -what- it is. Just that it is. And...idk what's going on. What I do know is that before I have acted on such Knowledge and been told that I was wrong. I don't know what happened. I could have been mistaken, or the person could have been refusing to receive. It's not for me to say, only to do. So...I'm a bit hesitant, but I do. I start by asking my father to pray for him, because I know that my dad will remember much better than I will. Then it become more and more plain to me that it's -not- something that I'm making up or misinterpreting. And this one song kept playing in my mind. It's a song that I heard down in Pastor Steele's church way back when. It's called "Don't Stop Praying For Me", and it says: "Don't stop praying for me/even though it may seem/that everything's fine/in this life of mine./Don't stop praying for me/for there's no way to see/what kind of load/waits for me down the road..."
A couple of days later I call my father back to tell him that whatever is going to/supposed to happen, that it will most likely happen within the next four days. And then I just let it go at that. Why? Because it made me uncomfortable to "push" my knowledge on other people.
Then, tonight, I felt a -strong- stirring in my spirit to make the call personally to this Pastor. I was pretty sure that he remembered me, but I was embarrassed to say the -least-. Internally I was like, "now God...I know better than to doubt you, but if I'm getting this one wrong, please don't let it be too bad". So I txt my father for the pastor's number. My dad is busy. Ok...I can leave it at that, right? Wrong. The feeling is stronger. So, I call my father's wife. -She- doesn't have the number. She says "you father has it, but he's in a meeting". "I know...that's why I asked you :) ". She has the pastor's wife's number. So I text the pastor's wife and sort of explain who I am (since she -doesn't- know me), and politely as possible as to speak to her husband. At this point, I'm not trying to be all "I HAVE A -WORD- FROM THE -LORD-!!" So I don't even mention what I need the number for, I just ask to be put in touch with her husband. She says that she'll have him call me. I Know that it won't be tonight. And I am supposed to complete this tonight for some reason. At this point I just want to get it over with, to tell the truth. I'm not going to pretend like I'm Mr Super-spiritual, because I'm not. I'm -very- much human, and I didn't want to be bothered to be flat honest. I -really- didn't want to be embarrassed. Well...my dad called me back as soon as he got out of his meeting. Thank God for people that follow up. I don't know anyone that does the way that he does. So...I have a number now. I txt the pastor to ask if it would be alright to call him tonight. I -still- don't want to put anyone the -slightest- bit out of their way and be wrong. The pastor ends up calling me back and I get embarrassed.
I get embarrassed because he is so -thankful- that someone would be in tune and listening to God enough to bless his life the same way that he blesses other people's lives. I -still- don't know what he was/is going through, and I don't -want- to know. It's none of my business. I was just the messenger. But it felt -mighty- good to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. For a moment I stepped out of my skin and it blessed me to bless someone else because...God is -still- working and moving all over the world. He doesn't -need- you, He -wants- you. You just have to make yourself available to Him...
About two Sundays ago the person who brought Word was talking about availability when dealing with the things of God. He was saying something to the effect that we as a people are generally too busy. Too busy to do the work of God.
God doesn't need you to be super talented or super good looking. Moses had a speech problem, and he was sent to speak not only to greatest leader of the known world at that time, but also his step-brother. His -younger- step brother. The murdering son-of-a-slave whom Pharaoh's daughter had "taken pity on", only to have him turn on her and her people one day, willfully (because that's how they would have seen it), this guy who can't even speak and should rightfully be in jail, has the gall to talk about a burning bush, the demands of the monotheistic God of the slaves who has no likeness (btw...why haven't we figured out that He -does- have likenesses all over -everywhere-? We were made in His image, weren't we? Look in the mirror!), and how it would be in the Pharaoh's best interest to destroy his people's economy by letting go their nation's greatest asset. The Hebrew slaves. You think that was comfortable for Moses? Or how about David being the runt of the litter to the point where he was left out to tend the sheep when Samuel came by to anoint the next king of Israel (I Samuel 16) You would think that a father would want -every- son on hand, just in case. Apparently they thought so little of David that he wasn't even worth consideration(I Samuel 16:11). Or, take for example Jesus Himself. "he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2b). It doesn't matter what a person looks like, or what talents they have: "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (I Samuel 16:7b).
What the man said that brought it heavy and hard to -my- heart was that "When you make yourself available, God will make you capable". He said that when God was looking for disciples His recruitment pitch went like this: "follow me". The man said that if you want to follow God, you have to make yourself available. And then, the part that -hurt- was when he made the point that PROXIMITY is not AVAILABILITY. Read that again. We can be -near- the Will of God, we can be -by- the Will of God, we can be in God's house on Sunday, we can look and act the part, but being close or being in the right place isn't the same thing as being open and available to be -used- by God. What is it that God is asking of you, or telling you to do? God doesn't always demand. Most often He simply asks, and we deny our own selves blessings simply by refusing His request! Other times He demands and, when something hugely dramatic happens because we ignored Him for years, -then- we sit up and take notice and all of a sudden it's a huge testimony. I don't want to get started, but you'll have to ask Dr Breakthrough about getting more information on "Divine Interception vs Divine Intervention". He knows someone who is coming out with a book on that, and let me tell you that is going to be powerful starting from the -name-!
The moral of the story that I started to tell was that two people were blessed just because I stepped out of my comfort zone to do what I was told. And I -really- needed that confirmation. I had, in fact, asked for it. Only to find it in encouraging someone else. -Never- underestimate the power of blessing other people, and don't take the chance of missing the chance to be blessed...by blessing others. It's 1:46 am and my thoughts are starting to run together. Just make yourself available, and God will take care of the rest.
Make this song your prayer:
| | | | | | | |
v v v v v v v v
Saturday, May 15, 2010
All of My Help Cometh From The Lord
Patris ignosco mihi. Enim ego peccatus.
Give me strength, Father. Give me strength, and give me patience. Only You understand. Only You would make my life better. Only -You- would take my pain. Every day that is made more plain. My faith shall make me whole.
Psalm 91:1-4
"# He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
# I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
# Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.
# He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler."
Glória Patri
et Fílio
et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio,
et nunc et semper
et in sæ´cula sæculórum
...
In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spirítus Sanctí
Amen.
(people ask about my faith. and try it. but...in the end? people fail you. sometimes they even take delight in disappointing you just to see you fall. but i know where to lean. herein lies my strength. i trust and depend on no man. with no woman lies my heart. i am my own person. i accept full responsibility for my actions. and...in the end? i will be judged. but i will -not- be found wanting. of this, i swear)
Friday, May 14, 2010
You're Listening to the Wrong One (part 2)
Part 2:
So...still "tightening the belt". Got a little down, and when I get down I go through bouts of almost extreme laziness (not so that it affects hygiene, or even how I look, but I don't clean up and it kills my OCDness. extreme to me) and backbreaking diligence. Well...I'm not really on the diligence part of the cycle. Anyway...I took out a loan cause I have a 500 dollar deductible (read up about the car issues in the last post) and I didn't have that on me. So...I take out a loan for 1k. I only tell you that to explain what I'm about to say. So...I'm like, "10% of 1k (for tithe) is 100...but...sorry, God. I'll get you back. You know I would if I had it". Um...how many of you know that you -shouldn't- test God. I mean, -ever-??? Yeah. So, I notice a few discrepancies on my credit card and checking account. I finally get around to calling during their work hours. Apparently someone borrowed my identity to use my credit card. Also, I had racked up like 200+ in "returned transfer" funds. As shocking as that sounds, allow me to explain. It gets less shocking. Much. So...what had happened was (don't you love when it starts out like that? :P means an excuse is coming...) I had four transfers set to go automatically. Three from one bank account to the other in the same bank, and one to another bank (tithe). Well...the MC no longer has to pay me regularly as of Apr 20th, but I forgot about those transfers. So I'm going about my business and I get text alerts (cause I have it set up like that) on my phone telling me about insufficient funds to transfer. I figure, "too late to do anything about it now (plus I was out of town), oh well". I get more the next day. Here's what happens. -Any- returned transfers are an auto charge of $30. Even in-house. And they auto-retry the next day. I have four transfers. Four times 30. Times 2. 240. So...I call them up and grouse a bit like "man, I wish I would have known or something" and then I do my Harris thing where I tell them about my woes and shamelessly make them feel sorry for me until they help me. This is generally accompanied with prayer. This time it was proceeded by prayer. Guess what? -While- I was on the phone, they removed almost $120 dollars off of the charges that I had (in all fairness) racked up through stupidity and sloth. It's just me being lazy setting up auto-transfers. I do it that way so that everything's auto and I don't have to remember. Anyway...also, they're going to removed the fraudulent charges off of my credit card, and credit that money back to me within the next 3-5 business days. 7-10 business days for a new card. Um...God got His tithe, you heard?? Not only that, but I got a testimony to bring to my atheist friend's house.
I had a check returned to me today. It was sent -after- my loan had been paid off. The check had a sticky attached that simply read "Paid Off". I want you to know right now that when you get to Heaven and you see the looong list of sins that you've committed both intentionally and accidentally/unknowingly, both through action and in your heart, I want you to know that at the end of that "invoice", so to speak, over the price that says "the wages of sin is Death" there's a little post-it note about the size of the sign that hung from the cross. The sign that said "King of the Jews". And, on the back of that post-it it says "Paid in Full. ps: don't worry about this one, Pops. He/She is with me" :) Are you feelin me?
There is -nowhere- beyond the site and reach of our God. There is no -one- beyond His love. There is -nothing- to hard for Him. Back when I used to lead singing for children's church we used to say it kinda like this: "My God is so -big-, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do...for -you-!"
To be completely honest with you, I'm a bit of a closet adrenaline-junkie. I like to live on the edge. And it's actually a little fun, and feels like I'm getting direct attention from Him, to live day-by-day just watching Him work in wondrous ways. I'm not stupid, I gotta get off of my butt and get moving in the right direction. There's no need to be carried when you can walk, but still...it's kinda like kids that act up to get attention. I can use the attention at the moment.
So...let me take this time out to list some of the things that I am thankful for:
God
My parents (who did a fine job, i must say. my mother is the toughest woman that i know)
The fact that my parents are proud of me (and not just a little bit)
my siblings
the fact that my siblings and i get along (even if we do annoy each other sometimes)
My Grandmother
My family that loves and respects me
the love of a Godly woman (no, I'm not naming names)
my friends
a working car (that is beautiful, btw)
my destiny is falling in place. both parts.
my talents and abilities and the will to drive them
the double portion of my father and firstborn's blessing (sorry, Chris :P somehow I Esau's hair, but Israel's blessing)
spiritual gifts (separate from talent and abilities)
my health and life
my sanity
guidance
etc, etc, etc...
i have clothes and food and options and skills and...-so- much. honestly, sometimes it's so much that it gets a bit overwhelming. and sometimes i wonder just -which- gift should i pursue atm, and that is a -good- feeling, actually... Idk. "Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name"
Daniel Golden. My cousin. I love his voice, man. No homo.
So...still "tightening the belt". Got a little down, and when I get down I go through bouts of almost extreme laziness (not so that it affects hygiene, or even how I look, but I don't clean up and it kills my OCDness. extreme to me) and backbreaking diligence. Well...I'm not really on the diligence part of the cycle. Anyway...I took out a loan cause I have a 500 dollar deductible (read up about the car issues in the last post) and I didn't have that on me. So...I take out a loan for 1k. I only tell you that to explain what I'm about to say. So...I'm like, "10% of 1k (for tithe) is 100...but...sorry, God. I'll get you back. You know I would if I had it". Um...how many of you know that you -shouldn't- test God. I mean, -ever-??? Yeah. So, I notice a few discrepancies on my credit card and checking account. I finally get around to calling during their work hours. Apparently someone borrowed my identity to use my credit card. Also, I had racked up like 200+ in "returned transfer" funds. As shocking as that sounds, allow me to explain. It gets less shocking. Much. So...what had happened was (don't you love when it starts out like that? :P means an excuse is coming...) I had four transfers set to go automatically. Three from one bank account to the other in the same bank, and one to another bank (tithe). Well...the MC no longer has to pay me regularly as of Apr 20th, but I forgot about those transfers. So I'm going about my business and I get text alerts (cause I have it set up like that) on my phone telling me about insufficient funds to transfer. I figure, "too late to do anything about it now (plus I was out of town), oh well". I get more the next day. Here's what happens. -Any- returned transfers are an auto charge of $30. Even in-house. And they auto-retry the next day. I have four transfers. Four times 30. Times 2. 240. So...I call them up and grouse a bit like "man, I wish I would have known or something" and then I do my Harris thing where I tell them about my woes and shamelessly make them feel sorry for me until they help me. This is generally accompanied with prayer. This time it was proceeded by prayer. Guess what? -While- I was on the phone, they removed almost $120 dollars off of the charges that I had (in all fairness) racked up through stupidity and sloth. It's just me being lazy setting up auto-transfers. I do it that way so that everything's auto and I don't have to remember. Anyway...also, they're going to removed the fraudulent charges off of my credit card, and credit that money back to me within the next 3-5 business days. 7-10 business days for a new card. Um...God got His tithe, you heard?? Not only that, but I got a testimony to bring to my atheist friend's house.
I had a check returned to me today. It was sent -after- my loan had been paid off. The check had a sticky attached that simply read "Paid Off". I want you to know right now that when you get to Heaven and you see the looong list of sins that you've committed both intentionally and accidentally/unknowingly, both through action and in your heart, I want you to know that at the end of that "invoice", so to speak, over the price that says "the wages of sin is Death" there's a little post-it note about the size of the sign that hung from the cross. The sign that said "King of the Jews". And, on the back of that post-it it says "Paid in Full. ps: don't worry about this one, Pops. He/She is with me" :) Are you feelin me?
There is -nowhere- beyond the site and reach of our God. There is no -one- beyond His love. There is -nothing- to hard for Him. Back when I used to lead singing for children's church we used to say it kinda like this: "My God is so -big-, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do...for -you-!"
To be completely honest with you, I'm a bit of a closet adrenaline-junkie. I like to live on the edge. And it's actually a little fun, and feels like I'm getting direct attention from Him, to live day-by-day just watching Him work in wondrous ways. I'm not stupid, I gotta get off of my butt and get moving in the right direction. There's no need to be carried when you can walk, but still...it's kinda like kids that act up to get attention. I can use the attention at the moment.
So...let me take this time out to list some of the things that I am thankful for:
God
My parents (who did a fine job, i must say. my mother is the toughest woman that i know)
The fact that my parents are proud of me (and not just a little bit)
my siblings
the fact that my siblings and i get along (even if we do annoy each other sometimes)
My Grandmother
My family that loves and respects me
the love of a Godly woman (no, I'm not naming names)
my friends
a working car (that is beautiful, btw)
my destiny is falling in place. both parts.
my talents and abilities and the will to drive them
the double portion of my father and firstborn's blessing (sorry, Chris :P somehow I Esau's hair, but Israel's blessing)
spiritual gifts (separate from talent and abilities)
my health and life
my sanity
guidance
etc, etc, etc...
i have clothes and food and options and skills and...-so- much. honestly, sometimes it's so much that it gets a bit overwhelming. and sometimes i wonder just -which- gift should i pursue atm, and that is a -good- feeling, actually... Idk. "Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name"
Daniel Golden. My cousin. I love his voice, man. No homo.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
You're Listening to the Wrong One (part 1)
Ok...so I've been basically absent from my blog for a little while. I've been traveling and being a Wildchild (in the Christian sense). Don't ask, cause I won't tell you, anyway. But...a few things occurred to me between then and now. Or, perhaps, I should say that I have been reminded of a few things. And my faith (previously thought to be mountain-moving strong) has been tested in small ways, bringing me closer to a realization of just how small I truly am next to Him "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God." - R.C. Sproul (stolen from a friend/acquaintance's facebook status
You know...sometimes you forget that even though God is all-powerful, all-seeing, and all-knowing, He still has time for -your- "small" problems.
...the was basically the Prologue :P
Part 1:
I Kings 19:1-4
For those of you unfamiliar with the story, or who don't want to have to look it up (lazy :P), this is the story of Elijah. Jezebel hears about how Elijiah's straight -slayin- fools (Mount Carmel. Proved some "prophets" false, and then cleaned up with a sword. And by "cleaned up", i mean "ended lives" I Kings 18) and she gets mad cause they're -her- pet "fools". And she so happens to be the queen. So she send a messenger with a 300-style edict "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time" I Kings 19:2. So Elijah does what any rational man would do when confronted with wrath of a queen. He runs.
One thing...right -before- this he's calling down fire from Heaven. Now he's running from a wicked queen. He runs and he lays down and he's like "God? Kill me. I'm done" (basically. I Kings 19:4b). He all but has a burnout. But God doesn't get mad. He sends an angel to minister to him, then he tells him that He's got 7 -thousand- that haven't bowed the knee to Baal. Elijah's saying that he's the only one and God goes "um...you wanna tell that to my other 7 -thousand-??" btw, this isn't in the world. This is just in Israel. It's just striking that Elijah is asking God to kill him and talking to him all upset off of the word of this chick (basically she's just "this chick" at -best- when compared to God). Not saying that he didn't have a reason to fear for his life. I'm just saying that he was listening to the wrong one. If it was his time, running would only make him die tired, you know? God's like "Yo. Eli (cause that's what God calls him in my mind). You're listening to the wrong one, dude. Remember me? Master and Creator of the Universe? Yeah. I'm still here. No days of." Then God throws him a bone and gives him a successor and the best retirement plan -ever-. You've heard of a golden parachute, right? Problem with that is that it doesn't get better, just steadily worse. It's letting you down softly. How about a golden -chariot-. That goes -up-. Not down. How about -that- view. Seriously...did he just go God-speed, or did he take a leisurely journey through the cosmos and all that. Was he the first astronaut?? Sorry. I have a weird mind. You know what I mean. He got his reward in -spades-. One of two that didn't die. Even Jesus died, though he rose again. This guy didn't have to. Listen to the right one. He'll never let you down... (to be continued)
Dan "the man" Golden
You know...sometimes you forget that even though God is all-powerful, all-seeing, and all-knowing, He still has time for -your- "small" problems.
...the was basically the Prologue :P
Part 1:
I Kings 19:1-4
For those of you unfamiliar with the story, or who don't want to have to look it up (lazy :P), this is the story of Elijah. Jezebel hears about how Elijiah's straight -slayin- fools (Mount Carmel. Proved some "prophets" false, and then cleaned up with a sword. And by "cleaned up", i mean "ended lives" I Kings 18) and she gets mad cause they're -her- pet "fools". And she so happens to be the queen. So she send a messenger with a 300-style edict "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time" I Kings 19:2. So Elijah does what any rational man would do when confronted with wrath of a queen. He runs.
One thing...right -before- this he's calling down fire from Heaven. Now he's running from a wicked queen. He runs and he lays down and he's like "God? Kill me. I'm done" (basically. I Kings 19:4b). He all but has a burnout. But God doesn't get mad. He sends an angel to minister to him, then he tells him that He's got 7 -thousand- that haven't bowed the knee to Baal. Elijah's saying that he's the only one and God goes "um...you wanna tell that to my other 7 -thousand-??" btw, this isn't in the world. This is just in Israel. It's just striking that Elijah is asking God to kill him and talking to him all upset off of the word of this chick (basically she's just "this chick" at -best- when compared to God). Not saying that he didn't have a reason to fear for his life. I'm just saying that he was listening to the wrong one. If it was his time, running would only make him die tired, you know? God's like "Yo. Eli (cause that's what God calls him in my mind). You're listening to the wrong one, dude. Remember me? Master and Creator of the Universe? Yeah. I'm still here. No days of." Then God throws him a bone and gives him a successor and the best retirement plan -ever-. You've heard of a golden parachute, right? Problem with that is that it doesn't get better, just steadily worse. It's letting you down softly. How about a golden -chariot-. That goes -up-. Not down. How about -that- view. Seriously...did he just go God-speed, or did he take a leisurely journey through the cosmos and all that. Was he the first astronaut?? Sorry. I have a weird mind. You know what I mean. He got his reward in -spades-. One of two that didn't die. Even Jesus died, though he rose again. This guy didn't have to. Listen to the right one. He'll never let you down... (to be continued)
Dan "the man" Golden
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