Listening to: You Can't Win By Kelly Clarkson
So, as I'm listening to this song, it occurs to me how true this song is. Here's the thing, everyone has an opinion on everyone and everything. I was just complaining the other day that it is so tiring to have an opinion on anything or to make any kind of decision because everyone in my life wants to know why I made the decision that I did. Whether it's my family who's concerned that I'm making the right choices, a co-worker who asked me my political and religious views so that they can argue with me or some complete stranger who has decided I'm some kind of idiot because of my age, gender or ethnicity, there is no way I can win. At all or ever.
So, now I'm going to throw in some religious stuff that applies. Don't go away just yet. My pastor was preaching on the UnPresidential Servant. He was talking about Jesus. His ultimate implications for this sermon was that you have to expect people to disagree with your views. No matter what they are. He also said that we should do more and talk less, choose wisely and be discerning. His final point was that Jesus is the Christian Commander-in-Chief. But yeah, my point in bringing this sermon up is that people are going to disagree with my beliefs and my actions but as long as my views are sound and my actions are fair(definition: giving everyone the opportunity to have a chance) then I need to forge ahead and stand by them no matter what happens. But of course, I will apologize if along the way I am wrong too. You'd be surprised how many people wouldn't.
I wanted to post the sermon up here too, but it's not posted on my church's website yet, will do so when it is.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter everyone!
He is Risen!
Instead of just writing down about my day celebrating Easter, I thought I'd comment on Lent and what it has done for me. I know when you fast or give something up for God that you are supposed to focus on collecting your reward in heaven which is why many say people should not say anything about fasting and Lent and such. But I feel like from some of the comments I've gotten during Lent, I would like to reflect about this year's experience.
This year was different for me. I thought about what I would give up long and hard. During Lent, many people thought I was crazy for giving up so many things. I actually only gave up 3 things in my life that are important to me. I knew I wanted to give up things that I would truly feel the need to rely on God for when I was tempted. To be honest, I failed many several times and cheated many times. In a couple of instances, I was almost legalistic about how I was participating in Lent, which was wrong of me. But overall, the experience was good and it led me closer to God. I have created several spiritual habits that should have been habits before this, and leaning on God is never a bad thing.
Two people in my life made comments about Lent that really affected how I thought of Lent. The first was my friend Vincent who asked me why I participated in Lent and if it was biblical. He also wondered at the reason why Christians actually chose to participate in Lent. It led me to much thought and this is my answer. Everything that you do for God, should be between you and God, it should be done only after much prayer and communion with Him as well as guidance from your Christian brothers and sisters. Lent is similar to Fasting in which you give up something in order to focus on God. Many people fast when they need spiritual guidance. For me, Lent is the period in which I give up whatever is most important in my life so that I can refocus my life, reorder what is important to me and give God the glory he deserves. I do not have scripture to back up my thoughts, but I believe my thoughts are in the right direction at least. Carmen, another friend, reminded me that Lent is pointless if I make a point to announce to people what I'm doing. She helped me to see that compensating for my meatless-ness was wrong when I would tell people what I was doing for Lent so that they would accommodate me. I was reaping my rewards on this earth. I did find that participating in Lent gave me opportunities to bring up God with many people I wouldn't normally talk to about Him. So there were many blessing in Lent this season.
He is Risen!
Instead of just writing down about my day celebrating Easter, I thought I'd comment on Lent and what it has done for me. I know when you fast or give something up for God that you are supposed to focus on collecting your reward in heaven which is why many say people should not say anything about fasting and Lent and such. But I feel like from some of the comments I've gotten during Lent, I would like to reflect about this year's experience.
This year was different for me. I thought about what I would give up long and hard. During Lent, many people thought I was crazy for giving up so many things. I actually only gave up 3 things in my life that are important to me. I knew I wanted to give up things that I would truly feel the need to rely on God for when I was tempted. To be honest, I failed many several times and cheated many times. In a couple of instances, I was almost legalistic about how I was participating in Lent, which was wrong of me. But overall, the experience was good and it led me closer to God. I have created several spiritual habits that should have been habits before this, and leaning on God is never a bad thing.
Two people in my life made comments about Lent that really affected how I thought of Lent. The first was my friend Vincent who asked me why I participated in Lent and if it was biblical. He also wondered at the reason why Christians actually chose to participate in Lent. It led me to much thought and this is my answer. Everything that you do for God, should be between you and God, it should be done only after much prayer and communion with Him as well as guidance from your Christian brothers and sisters. Lent is similar to Fasting in which you give up something in order to focus on God. Many people fast when they need spiritual guidance. For me, Lent is the period in which I give up whatever is most important in my life so that I can refocus my life, reorder what is important to me and give God the glory he deserves. I do not have scripture to back up my thoughts, but I believe my thoughts are in the right direction at least. Carmen, another friend, reminded me that Lent is pointless if I make a point to announce to people what I'm doing. She helped me to see that compensating for my meatless-ness was wrong when I would tell people what I was doing for Lent so that they would accommodate me. I was reaping my rewards on this earth. I did find that participating in Lent gave me opportunities to bring up God with many people I wouldn't normally talk to about Him. So there were many blessing in Lent this season.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lent
Yesterday started the official period of Lent. Lent is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter which is for the purpose of sacrifice and cleansing for The celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ. I encourage anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and the Gospel to participate in Lent. The 40 days in which Lent is traditionally practiced is comparable to the 40 days in which Jesus Christ fasted and prepared for his ministry to the World. During this period, Satan tempted Jesus but Jesus prevailed. So, in imitation and emulation of Jesus, during this period, it is encouraged the Christians give up something that is extremely important in their lives, something that could be an idol in your life. Also, during this time, we should be focusing on God, on his grace and mercy and bringing ourselves closer to him as well as seeking to understand Jesus' great sacrifice.
This year I have given up meat, facebook and reading for pleasure. It's been tough and it's only been one day, how weak am I. But it's alright for God has my back.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
This year I have given up meat, facebook and reading for pleasure. It's been tough and it's only been one day, how weak am I. But it's alright for God has my back.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Year, New Resolutions
Okay, so, This is the time of year when everyone starts giving new years resolutions and for many Christians, it's a time to recommit their lives to God. So, Every year, I go to One In Love Conference (OIL) and recommit myself to God just like everyone else. But it used to be all about the hype. The last three years I would come back feeling really full of God, like a really long adrenaline rush. Then about a week or so after, or even a month later, I would be back to my old ways.
This year, I want it to be different. So I'm starting out small. I have committed myself to reading the bible everyday and praying everyday. Not a big commitment right? Dr. Min Chung preached that we all fail in our commitments to God because we are human. However, by failing, repenting and coming back again, we grow each time to be more faithful in the Lord.
The passage I have been meditating on recently is Ephesians 2:8-10. there has always been a great debate between good works and by faith alone. I have always believed because it is true that it is only by faith alone that we are saved. For by faith, which was given to us by God can we be saved. But Good works is the outward sign, the proof to all that we believe. Good works alone will do nothing towards our salvation, but even those who do not have faith in God want to be good to do something towards the greater good, because we were made to glorify God in all things, and good works is the venue in which we can.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:8-10.
This year, I want it to be different. So I'm starting out small. I have committed myself to reading the bible everyday and praying everyday. Not a big commitment right? Dr. Min Chung preached that we all fail in our commitments to God because we are human. However, by failing, repenting and coming back again, we grow each time to be more faithful in the Lord.
The passage I have been meditating on recently is Ephesians 2:8-10. there has always been a great debate between good works and by faith alone. I have always believed because it is true that it is only by faith alone that we are saved. For by faith, which was given to us by God can we be saved. But Good works is the outward sign, the proof to all that we believe. Good works alone will do nothing towards our salvation, but even those who do not have faith in God want to be good to do something towards the greater good, because we were made to glorify God in all things, and good works is the venue in which we can.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Question of Social Norms
Paternal and Maternal Societies. 99% of the World is Paternal now, save a few small Maternal societies in obscure corners of the world. Males especially that I have seen are expected to be the protectors and women are supposed to be sheltered by protectors. Or at least that is what I have been told and when because my very nature goes against that, I naturally rebel. Now, the question is, am I the exception to the norm or is it just perception? Well according to all the Sociology classes I've taken, I am the exception to the norm because I do not follow the rules. According to my Social Justice class, it depends. It depends on social context and personal views. But even in this, since I live in the United States, the social context that matters is that of the States and the personal views of those in the States as well as my own. So, why did I bring all of this up? Simple, Jesus.
This Nation was built by Christians who wished religious freedom, but also by males accustomed to a paternal society. Women were first seen as property, and then as second-class citizens. Even now, many men still view women as something to be sheltered, protected and ruled over. Now, I do not even pretend to say that Men shouldn't be in a leadership position. In fact, if and when I get married, I absolutely agree that the man should be the Head of the Household, but what I disagree about and the reason I write right now is the part about men ruling women in general.
The Husband has every right to put his wife in her place if she gets out of hand, but he has no right to put other men's wives in their place. Not only is it not right for Men to try to rule over women who are not their family, it is disgraceful. If men have a problem with a women they have no right to lead, then they should either talk to that woman with the respect that the woman deserves, or if they cannot bring themselves to do that, cowards that they may be, they can simply go to a male or leader over that woman. Now, again that implies that the leader may not be male, but you know what? Get past it.
Ok, time for the Jesus part. God gave power to men. I admit, he created man over woman first. Thus, this gives man some power over women, but only as long as they are in a rightful leadership position. This position may be as simple as husband, or as High as President, but they do not have power over women unless they have this position. These titles also do not give them absolute power. There is a scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which the mother says to her daughter, "The husband may be the head, but the wife is the neck!" That is true, and men shouldn't forget it. women have power too. Another point I would like to point out is that men are fallible. Adam was charged to protect Eve. And yet, he didn't. He failed in protecting her from the serpent and THEN went so far as to BLAME her. Nice protector eh? They say the past predicts the future. Ah, so true, for I as I look at the past, I see men blaming women for things and not just in the past, but in the present and it will continue until Jesus comes again.
So to wrap it up, my conclusion is, The Lord God did not giver power for men to rule over women, he merely gave men the power to lead and only over those whom they have rightful power to lead over. Women are very capable, not second-class and shouldn't be treated as such. Men are fallible. By this purely one sided argument, I do not men that women are better, no by FAR, women are just as fallible and there are many women I would never trust in positions of power. And yet, men need to remember women were made to be a companion so that men would not be lonely. Not just something to rule over or as just a companion for the lower regions of the male body.
This Nation was built by Christians who wished religious freedom, but also by males accustomed to a paternal society. Women were first seen as property, and then as second-class citizens. Even now, many men still view women as something to be sheltered, protected and ruled over. Now, I do not even pretend to say that Men shouldn't be in a leadership position. In fact, if and when I get married, I absolutely agree that the man should be the Head of the Household, but what I disagree about and the reason I write right now is the part about men ruling women in general.
The Husband has every right to put his wife in her place if she gets out of hand, but he has no right to put other men's wives in their place. Not only is it not right for Men to try to rule over women who are not their family, it is disgraceful. If men have a problem with a women they have no right to lead, then they should either talk to that woman with the respect that the woman deserves, or if they cannot bring themselves to do that, cowards that they may be, they can simply go to a male or leader over that woman. Now, again that implies that the leader may not be male, but you know what? Get past it.
Ok, time for the Jesus part. God gave power to men. I admit, he created man over woman first. Thus, this gives man some power over women, but only as long as they are in a rightful leadership position. This position may be as simple as husband, or as High as President, but they do not have power over women unless they have this position. These titles also do not give them absolute power. There is a scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which the mother says to her daughter, "The husband may be the head, but the wife is the neck!" That is true, and men shouldn't forget it. women have power too. Another point I would like to point out is that men are fallible. Adam was charged to protect Eve. And yet, he didn't. He failed in protecting her from the serpent and THEN went so far as to BLAME her. Nice protector eh? They say the past predicts the future. Ah, so true, for I as I look at the past, I see men blaming women for things and not just in the past, but in the present and it will continue until Jesus comes again.
So to wrap it up, my conclusion is, The Lord God did not giver power for men to rule over women, he merely gave men the power to lead and only over those whom they have rightful power to lead over. Women are very capable, not second-class and shouldn't be treated as such. Men are fallible. By this purely one sided argument, I do not men that women are better, no by FAR, women are just as fallible and there are many women I would never trust in positions of power. And yet, men need to remember women were made to be a companion so that men would not be lonely. Not just something to rule over or as just a companion for the lower regions of the male body.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Christian Minister who's also a Muslim?
Episcopal minister defrocked after becoming a Muslim
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/02/muslim.minister.defrocked/index.htmlAn ordained minister, who's been in the service of the Lord for over 20 years, became a muslim. But that's not out of the ordinary, what's out of the ordinary is that she continues to claim Christianity while being a Muslim. This is her arguement, when she took the vows to be a muslim, The vows only proclaim that there is only one god and that Mohammed is God's prophet or messenger.
But, what about what Mohammed proclaims? The foundations of being saved in Islam is that you must prove your worthiness. Mohammed also proclaimed that Jesus is not the Messiah, he is only a prophet. Christianity is founded on the belief that we are all sinners, and only Jesus' can save us by believing that He died on the cross for our sins. It is impossible to be both a Muslim and a Christian. I don't think this woman has throughoughly thought it out. She's a living, walking contradiction.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Waking Up
So I've noticed something, I have issues. Ok, It's not something that I just noticed, more like something that's recurring. What happened? Well I'm going to tell you whether you care or not.
This morning, all I wanted to do was sleep. Was I allowed to? No. From 7:30am, I was repeatedly woken up. At about 9:30 I lost it. Lost my brains that is. My dog was barking non-stop. I knew what she wanted and could have just given it to her. But instead, I got really angry and started yelling and screaming at her. Then my sister started calling. First she calls the house phone, thn she calls my cell phone, then the house phone again!!! I'm trekking up and down the stinking stairs trying to reach the phone she's currently calling to tell her to SHUT THE F*** UP!!!! So when I finally do get hold of her, I yell and scream into the phone, and hang up on her. It wasn't until about 10 minutes later and after I had calmed down did I realize she might have been calling me for something important since she was so insistant.
So, do I have issues? Yes, Yes I do. But then, God is gracious. Thank the Lord, someone forgives me, cuz I know for sure my sister hasn't.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" - 1 John 1:9
This morning, all I wanted to do was sleep. Was I allowed to? No. From 7:30am, I was repeatedly woken up. At about 9:30 I lost it. Lost my brains that is. My dog was barking non-stop. I knew what she wanted and could have just given it to her. But instead, I got really angry and started yelling and screaming at her. Then my sister started calling. First she calls the house phone, thn she calls my cell phone, then the house phone again!!! I'm trekking up and down the stinking stairs trying to reach the phone she's currently calling to tell her to SHUT THE F*** UP!!!! So when I finally do get hold of her, I yell and scream into the phone, and hang up on her. It wasn't until about 10 minutes later and after I had calmed down did I realize she might have been calling me for something important since she was so insistant.
So, do I have issues? Yes, Yes I do. But then, God is gracious. Thank the Lord, someone forgives me, cuz I know for sure my sister hasn't.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" - 1 John 1:9
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Westboro Baptist Church
WestBoro Baptist Church, who are they?
They are a "church" who claim God hates gay people, and from everything I've read about them, God hates everyone else too. Excuse me, God hates everyone but the Westboro Baptist Church. Apparently, God even hates those who have many of the same beliefs as the WBC, as long as they oppose the WBC. The WBC have been labeled a hate group and a cult by many. I agree.
I bring them up because I heard on the radio, that the WBC may be protesting at the Illonois First Baptist Church of Maryville. Now I find this church interesting on many points.
I will not judge the Westboro Baptist Church, for the bible warns us "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2. I will also never do anything in vengence even though my heart wishes to, for the Lord says 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,'says the Lord." - Romans 12:18-19
Actually I prefer to take the route the Lord provides for us in Romans 12:20-21.
"On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:20-21.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church
http://www.godhatesfags.com/
They are a "church" who claim God hates gay people, and from everything I've read about them, God hates everyone else too. Excuse me, God hates everyone but the Westboro Baptist Church. Apparently, God even hates those who have many of the same beliefs as the WBC, as long as they oppose the WBC. The WBC have been labeled a hate group and a cult by many. I agree.
I bring them up because I heard on the radio, that the WBC may be protesting at the Illonois First Baptist Church of Maryville. Now I find this church interesting on many points.
- If both church are baptist, then shouldn't you be supporting them and not protesting them?
- Where in the bible does it say to protest and hate your fellow christians for loving sinners?
- Didn't Jesus love sinners? and hang out with them every day too?
- How come the WBC's primary income is law suits?
I will not judge the Westboro Baptist Church, for the bible warns us "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2. I will also never do anything in vengence even though my heart wishes to, for the Lord says 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,'says the Lord." - Romans 12:18-19
Actually I prefer to take the route the Lord provides for us in Romans 12:20-21.
"On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:20-21.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church
http://www.godhatesfags.com/
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Blowing off steam
So, I think I mentioned this before, but I gave up Facebook, Manga and My Nintendo DS for Lent. So far, I've been doing awesome. However, In my email, I get all this mail from Facebook!!! Telling me my friends have tagged me in this and that. What sux is, I can't get on Facebook to change that. But God has prepared me for just such a temptation by giving me this verse "No Temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
So with this I know that I can withstand it through my outlet, Blogger!!!
So with this I know that I can withstand it through my outlet, Blogger!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Frustrations
Someone once told me, and I also read in a book, that it is good to get your feelings out whenever possible. I have a journal, but I'd rather write it here. I am so frustrated! I am a Christian. I try to do Bible Quiet times. A quiet time is when you read the bible, and communicate with God. I was doing that today, and my sister walks in. She was angry and upset, for reason which I still do not know, and started yelling and screaming. She accused me, saying it's my fault because I did not help her by opening the door. Now quiet times are sacred and private. And above all, they are quiet. I wanted to finish before she came home, because when she comes home, there IS no quiet or privacy. When I said I was doing my quiet time, she acted like she didn't care, and she really doesn't. Instead of starting a fight like I normally do, I helped clean up and put away groceries that she brought home. She stopped yelling at me, but she's still angry and I'm so frustrated. Almost to the point of anger. I wish I could yell out! SCREAM!!!! ARGH!!!!
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