Thursday, June 28, 2012
Looking Forward
The past few days have been a marvelous display of God's commitment to communication. Whenever we are faced with opportunities that we greatly desire to pursue yet find ourselves tied by various responsibilities, we must look for the message God is communicating. I have known far too many people who find themselves in a great gig, serving in a ministry right where they belong, when another opportunity presents itself. They immediately jump on the fresh avenue and abandon all they have worked for feeling certain that this new path would not have opened if they were not meant to traverse it. I do not believe this is always the case. Sometimes I truly believe God is just showing us the expanse of our possibilities in Him and uses this broadened perspective to help us appreciate the path we are on.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Daniel Ch. 12
Happy Monday! This weekend was great. On top of it being my birthday on Friday I got the opportunity to go home and spend quality time with my family, my roommate, my girlfriend, and my oldest friend Jake who is moving to Arizona in a few weeks. I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I do!
Final thoughts from Daniel (chapter 12):
So this wraps up the conversation Daniel is having, or rather listening to, with this great angel. He is told that at the end of time the dead will arise, some to eternal life and some to everlasting contempt. Two other people appear before Daniel and ask the angel when these things will take place in which they receive the vague answer "for a time, times and half a time." That really clears things up for me..
One of the last things the angel says to him is that "none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." This is what I would like to ponder.
I have always found much hope in this idea. This does not mean that if you are smart enough you will get it and all the ordinary people will just miss out. I believe it is talking about at the end times, the wise and the wicked. The wise would be those who lived their life with wisdom, who heeded advice from others, obeyed the law, did what they knew to be right. At the end times I believe they will see clearly the purpose behind all of their best efforts, and "understand" how they were part of a greater plan. The wicked, those who act with their own agenda and out of their own desires will be clouded by their wickedness, they will not be able to see clearly and understand. I think this verse from 1 Corinthians 13 shows this point well:
"Now we see but a poor reflection in a mirror; then we shall see face to face."
This is of course the verse at the top of my blog, it is one of my favorites. Paul is of course talking about those who are in Christ Jesus, those who live by wisdom and by the Truth. So here is the encouragement to all who believe in the Way: that even though it is very hard to see the point of living most of the time, one day we will see clearly... we will understand. Perhaps an example will illustrate this clearer:
When I was an employee at Chick-fil-a, there were many times I would work "behind the scenes." I would be working in the kitchen making chicken, wrapping it up, and then throwing it up to the front to be sold. There was a very meticulous method for assembling the chicken sandwiches into the bags, the top needed to be folded down three times to make sure the insulating layer was completely enclosing the sandwich. This often seemed like an unnecessary chore to me, and it would have been easy to get away with not doing it every time. Now what would happen if I never folded down the tops of the bag and then was given the opportunity to meet each one of the customers that had eaten one of my sandwiches. They would be angry they had a cold sandwich, and I would probably not feel as if I meant much to the company. Now if I had regularly took the extra time to fold the bag correctly and then met all the customers I had made sandwiches for, they would certainly be grateful for my efforts and I would be proud of the work I had done. In the first case, I would not understand as I would in the second case. This is just how it will be when we see our work here on earth for what it truly is. So there is the challenge, to do all things unto the Lord, as if we are being watched and one day will be judged.
That's all I got, stay blessed and highly favored!
Final thoughts from Daniel (chapter 12):
So this wraps up the conversation Daniel is having, or rather listening to, with this great angel. He is told that at the end of time the dead will arise, some to eternal life and some to everlasting contempt. Two other people appear before Daniel and ask the angel when these things will take place in which they receive the vague answer "for a time, times and half a time." That really clears things up for me..
One of the last things the angel says to him is that "none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand." This is what I would like to ponder.
I have always found much hope in this idea. This does not mean that if you are smart enough you will get it and all the ordinary people will just miss out. I believe it is talking about at the end times, the wise and the wicked. The wise would be those who lived their life with wisdom, who heeded advice from others, obeyed the law, did what they knew to be right. At the end times I believe they will see clearly the purpose behind all of their best efforts, and "understand" how they were part of a greater plan. The wicked, those who act with their own agenda and out of their own desires will be clouded by their wickedness, they will not be able to see clearly and understand. I think this verse from 1 Corinthians 13 shows this point well:
"Now we see but a poor reflection in a mirror; then we shall see face to face."
This is of course the verse at the top of my blog, it is one of my favorites. Paul is of course talking about those who are in Christ Jesus, those who live by wisdom and by the Truth. So here is the encouragement to all who believe in the Way: that even though it is very hard to see the point of living most of the time, one day we will see clearly... we will understand. Perhaps an example will illustrate this clearer:
When I was an employee at Chick-fil-a, there were many times I would work "behind the scenes." I would be working in the kitchen making chicken, wrapping it up, and then throwing it up to the front to be sold. There was a very meticulous method for assembling the chicken sandwiches into the bags, the top needed to be folded down three times to make sure the insulating layer was completely enclosing the sandwich. This often seemed like an unnecessary chore to me, and it would have been easy to get away with not doing it every time. Now what would happen if I never folded down the tops of the bag and then was given the opportunity to meet each one of the customers that had eaten one of my sandwiches. They would be angry they had a cold sandwich, and I would probably not feel as if I meant much to the company. Now if I had regularly took the extra time to fold the bag correctly and then met all the customers I had made sandwiches for, they would certainly be grateful for my efforts and I would be proud of the work I had done. In the first case, I would not understand as I would in the second case. This is just how it will be when we see our work here on earth for what it truly is. So there is the challenge, to do all things unto the Lord, as if we are being watched and one day will be judged.
That's all I got, stay blessed and highly favored!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Daniel Ch. 11
Today was a success of a day. Got the grass mowed, tires put on my car, and made some money. I am pretty tired and am ready for a relaxing birthday weekend up at the lake!
Here is the thing about Daniel chapter 11. I had an extremely difficult time following what was happening and I had a lot of trouble thinking of something to write about. So, here it is:
sometimes things are just over our heads!
Stay blessed and highly favored!
Here is the thing about Daniel chapter 11. I had an extremely difficult time following what was happening and I had a lot of trouble thinking of something to write about. So, here it is:
sometimes things are just over our heads!
Stay blessed and highly favored!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Daniel Ch. 10
Another relaxing day. Intended on going to Savannah to talk with people on the streets, but had to postpone because of the rain. Instead me and Dan spend a great deal of time talking about the importance of language and being able to speak clearly in both translating between languages and in "translating" ideas by using pictures and other oratory tools. Interesting stuff!
Tomorrow will be a great test for me. Here's the to-do list:
Tutoring at 10 a.m.
Mow grass at CCF
Take car to get new tires
Get packed to leave Friday
Go to CCF
Just have to stay focused and do what I need to do! Here are my thoughts on the 10th chapter of Daniel:
You would think at some point Daniel would get a break... but no, he has another terrifying vision; this time of a man with a "face like lighting, his eyes like flaming torches..." This entire chapter is Daniel trying to find the strength just to listen to what this man has to say.
"When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said 'Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.'" (19)
I think a lot of times we lose the strength to listen to God. Now why is this? What a ridiculous thing to say! I believe it is because we see listening to God some great chore, or rather, we feel we need to be in a certain environment to listen to God. On the beach, in a church, alone and away from our worries... what a hassle to find the strength to find the time to listen to God! But here is the problem we will find ourselves in if we live with this mindset, we will never find the strength! God is right in front of us with His hand over us, pleading with us to listen to His voice while we fill our minds with the noise of the world around us. The ironic thing is that the only thing that will give us the strength to listen to God's Word is His voice, "When he spoke to me, I was strengthened..."
Why won't we listen to Him when He speaks right to us? If we would just stop and listen, we would find the strength to keep listening. God's voice is our source of strength. His Word is what gives life to our bodies. Never let anything interfere with hearing His voice.
Short and sweet. Stay blessed and highly favored!
Tomorrow will be a great test for me. Here's the to-do list:
Tutoring at 10 a.m.
Mow grass at CCF
Take car to get new tires
Get packed to leave Friday
Go to CCF
Just have to stay focused and do what I need to do! Here are my thoughts on the 10th chapter of Daniel:
You would think at some point Daniel would get a break... but no, he has another terrifying vision; this time of a man with a "face like lighting, his eyes like flaming torches..." This entire chapter is Daniel trying to find the strength just to listen to what this man has to say.
"When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said 'Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.'" (19)
I think a lot of times we lose the strength to listen to God. Now why is this? What a ridiculous thing to say! I believe it is because we see listening to God some great chore, or rather, we feel we need to be in a certain environment to listen to God. On the beach, in a church, alone and away from our worries... what a hassle to find the strength to find the time to listen to God! But here is the problem we will find ourselves in if we live with this mindset, we will never find the strength! God is right in front of us with His hand over us, pleading with us to listen to His voice while we fill our minds with the noise of the world around us. The ironic thing is that the only thing that will give us the strength to listen to God's Word is His voice, "When he spoke to me, I was strengthened..."
Why won't we listen to Him when He speaks right to us? If we would just stop and listen, we would find the strength to keep listening. God's voice is our source of strength. His Word is what gives life to our bodies. Never let anything interfere with hearing His voice.
Short and sweet. Stay blessed and highly favored!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Daniel Ch. 9
Well today was eventful indeed! My bike is all fixed up and ready to go... but of course it rained all day! Made some money this morning tutoring. Considered doing a great many other things.
Got a taste of interning tonight at CCF. I helped out with the worship band getting everyone on the same page, transposing keys for people, and encouraging everyone to stay focused. It is a desire of mine to let everyone play who wants to play, and sometimes there is a great test of patience that comes along with such a vision. Nevertheless we got it done and we will see out worship goes Thursday night!
Now for some thoughts on Daniel chapter 9:
So Daniel is reading through the book of Jeremiah (what a thought!) and "understands" that the destruction of Jerusalem will take 70 years. He then proceeds to pray an intercessory prayer for the people of Jerusalem that is quite beautiful.
One verse I would like to point out: "Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." (18) Here is the idea:
the attitude of prayer
Back in my old room there was a quote written on the door, "Prayer is not asking, it is experiencing." What is prayer? Certainly some part of it is asking... Daniel is certainly praying here and asking something of God. But what I would suggest is that the reason Daniel's prayer is answered immediately has nothing to do with what, when, or how he is asking. What does Gabriel tell Daniel? "As soon as you began to pray [before he asked for anything!], an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed." HA! What does that mean? It sounds like to me that God did not just "decide" to answer Daniel's prayer. It sounds like to me that God was planning on doing exactly what He was going to do regardless of what Daniel's prayer said. The reason God sent Gabriel to Daniel was to let him in on His plan. Daniel had the attitude of prayer.
What does that mean, the attitude of prayer? Go back to verse 18. Daniel acknowledges that it is God's city that He is pleading for, that it is for God's glory that he desires it to be saved.
Step 1: Have the right motive!
If we do not have in mind the things of God, but rather the ambitions of man, we do not have the right motive for praying. If we think we have some righteousness or worth on our own accord, if we think that God "owes" us something, we have the wrong motive. God's mercy is our ONLY plea. Always.
Step 2: Stand on God's promises, not our agenda.
We are called to experience God's plan. To be a part of it. We really do not get a lot of say in what God ultimately does, which is why it is so important that we get to know Him and understand His heart. The more we seek to understand Him, to have the right attitude, the more He will reveal to us. And that is a promise!
That is all for now, stay blessed and highly [esteemed]!
Got a taste of interning tonight at CCF. I helped out with the worship band getting everyone on the same page, transposing keys for people, and encouraging everyone to stay focused. It is a desire of mine to let everyone play who wants to play, and sometimes there is a great test of patience that comes along with such a vision. Nevertheless we got it done and we will see out worship goes Thursday night!
Now for some thoughts on Daniel chapter 9:
So Daniel is reading through the book of Jeremiah (what a thought!) and "understands" that the destruction of Jerusalem will take 70 years. He then proceeds to pray an intercessory prayer for the people of Jerusalem that is quite beautiful.
One verse I would like to point out: "Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy." (18) Here is the idea:
the attitude of prayer
Back in my old room there was a quote written on the door, "Prayer is not asking, it is experiencing." What is prayer? Certainly some part of it is asking... Daniel is certainly praying here and asking something of God. But what I would suggest is that the reason Daniel's prayer is answered immediately has nothing to do with what, when, or how he is asking. What does Gabriel tell Daniel? "As soon as you began to pray [before he asked for anything!], an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed." HA! What does that mean? It sounds like to me that God did not just "decide" to answer Daniel's prayer. It sounds like to me that God was planning on doing exactly what He was going to do regardless of what Daniel's prayer said. The reason God sent Gabriel to Daniel was to let him in on His plan. Daniel had the attitude of prayer.
What does that mean, the attitude of prayer? Go back to verse 18. Daniel acknowledges that it is God's city that He is pleading for, that it is for God's glory that he desires it to be saved.
Step 1: Have the right motive!
If we do not have in mind the things of God, but rather the ambitions of man, we do not have the right motive for praying. If we think we have some righteousness or worth on our own accord, if we think that God "owes" us something, we have the wrong motive. God's mercy is our ONLY plea. Always.
Step 2: Stand on God's promises, not our agenda.
We are called to experience God's plan. To be a part of it. We really do not get a lot of say in what God ultimately does, which is why it is so important that we get to know Him and understand His heart. The more we seek to understand Him, to have the right attitude, the more He will reveal to us. And that is a promise!
That is all for now, stay blessed and highly [esteemed]!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Daniel Ch. 8
 |
| New bike - back tire! |
Competition had started being a theme throughout my days recently. I am reminded of Psalm 73 verses 2-3: "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." As a physics major, it has always been a challenge seeing my colleagues around me succeed. One of my friends is going to Cornell next year, several others to Georgia Tech. I know that God has his own timing and will fulfill the desires of my heart, but sometimes I find myself asking why I am taking a year off from school, why I am going to work at a ministry making nothing. I have to constantly remind myself of the opportunity I have right now, before "the days of trouble come" and I am left struggling to make it. One day I hope to have a family to provide for, and I may not have this chance again. So for that I am thankful.
Now for thoughts on Daniel chapter 8:
Daniel... maybe needs to watch what he's eating. He has another crazy vision, this time of a ram with two horns, one longer but the other growing, and of a goat with a horn that breaks and is replaced by four others. We are told Daniel is in bed sick for days after having this vision, I guess I can't blame him after Gabriel comes and tells him to "seal up the vision" for it concerns "the time of wrath".
I don't know about you, but it I do not frequently have dreams of goats and rams and angels telling about the days of wrath. So what can we learn from this chapter we most likely have difficulty relating to?
As we grow in our faith and and become spiritually mature, God will begin entrusting us with wisdom that we may not understand right away. But think about what wisdom is... wisdom by definition is a form of foreknowledge that is intended to help us at some later point. When I would hear stories from my dad about different challenges that I may face in my life. I may not have fully understood at the time what the moral of the story was, but I would take it for what it was, a story. Later on in my life, often when I would least expect it, I would face a similar situation as one of the characters I would hear about as a child and be better equipped to face that particular challenge.
So what can we take away from this vision? I don't really know. Maybe I haven't faced what this vision was intended to prepare me for. The way I see it is that this is just one more facet of God's wisdom that I have had the privilege of taping into and I will be better because of it. Other than that, a story is just a story so enjoy it=]
That's all for today, stay blessed and highly favored!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Daniel Ch. 7
Today was a great day to relax and rest from the stress I had been putting on myself. I gave some guitar lessons to a friend and spent some time in fellowship. Me and Erin cooked dinner together and made some corn on the cob, honey lime chicken, and black beans. It was delicious! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend here in Statesboro.
Daniel 7:
Well I really have no interest in discussing the implications of Daniel's dream. I knew it would be a challenge in the last few chapters to stay objective and not put a whole lot of my personal interpretation into my discussion, so I will try to focus just on one verse.
"But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever-yes, for ever and ever."
There are some crazy things going on in this chapter. Crazy things. But the parallel I think is important is that there are crazy things going on in our world today. Not just in the news, but in our daily lives. Things that are not very well understood, that are both vague and out of reach. As we face the uncertainty of the events ahead of us, there is one thing we must remember. That we are part of a greater Kingdom than any on this earth. We serve a King who is greater than any of the kings on this earth. What happens to the four kingdoms? They are allowed to live for a period of time, then pass away. But if we will take hold of the Kingdom today, renounce our citizenship of earthly kingdoms and live for eternity, we will possess life forever.
I had some Jehovah's witnesses come to my door the other day. Their entire message was the impiety of political participation. This is not what I mean by renouncing our earthly citizenship. I believe we have a responsibility to our government, to elect officials who will lead with integrity regardless of their religious beliefs. But we must place our faith in our eternal Kingdom, knowing that the earthly kingdom we serve here will one day pass away. This is the goal, to stay focused on where we truly belong and not be swayed by what is at hand or what is to come.
That's all I got for tonight! Good night and stay blessed and highly favored.
Daniel 7:
Well I really have no interest in discussing the implications of Daniel's dream. I knew it would be a challenge in the last few chapters to stay objective and not put a whole lot of my personal interpretation into my discussion, so I will try to focus just on one verse.
"But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever-yes, for ever and ever."
There are some crazy things going on in this chapter. Crazy things. But the parallel I think is important is that there are crazy things going on in our world today. Not just in the news, but in our daily lives. Things that are not very well understood, that are both vague and out of reach. As we face the uncertainty of the events ahead of us, there is one thing we must remember. That we are part of a greater Kingdom than any on this earth. We serve a King who is greater than any of the kings on this earth. What happens to the four kingdoms? They are allowed to live for a period of time, then pass away. But if we will take hold of the Kingdom today, renounce our citizenship of earthly kingdoms and live for eternity, we will possess life forever.
I had some Jehovah's witnesses come to my door the other day. Their entire message was the impiety of political participation. This is not what I mean by renouncing our earthly citizenship. I believe we have a responsibility to our government, to elect officials who will lead with integrity regardless of their religious beliefs. But we must place our faith in our eternal Kingdom, knowing that the earthly kingdom we serve here will one day pass away. This is the goal, to stay focused on where we truly belong and not be swayed by what is at hand or what is to come.
That's all I got for tonight! Good night and stay blessed and highly favored.
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