Christmas is coming with vengeance and I'm trying to get in the Christmas spirit. However, right now i am trying to focus on getting done with finals and getting all my stuff moved out of here and into the other dorm they are putting us in for next semester. I'm ready to be home, i miss my family - i really wish that school was closer. i would love nothing more than being surrounded and actually being able to visit my family.. it stinks that they are 7-8 hrs away. I guess if I was rich i could just take a 30 minute flight and be home - stupid rich people
Tut this is about CHEER!!! and JOY! The pastor from View Baptist Church called me last night to congratulate me - i was voted in to be the new part-time youth minister there! I really wish I was more expressive with my emotions and would like jump up and down. I guess I'm just too much of a southern baptist to do something so "undignified"... ha ha. So, I am supposed to start when I get back after Christmas. I am Uber-excited about this and hope that everything goes well.
I have also been pondering getting another job but do not know yet. Being on a 77 hr program, if i don't take at last 10+ hrs a semester it will be 4 or 5 years before I graduate. Last semester i took 12 hrs, 11 this semester, and 11 next... so that's like after this spring i will have - 34 hrs done - halfway!..... and honestly, after this i want to move back to houston. i miss my family way too much - and i have friends there and my home church (even if i will be ministering somewhere else). I really don't know what the future holds... i guess if i get married that could change my plans.. but living away from my family for like 8 years has been tough. I guess I'm just a softy and miss that connection that i took for granted so long. I don't know if i would live in the same house or not... I'd definitely pay rent if I did (out of respect).... but I like houston - and I think there is a better chance of finding similar single people there like me. But like I said - it just depends on the future and what God has planned for me. Abilene isn't bad - but its just so like in the middle of nowhere.
- Daniel
Monday, December 11, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The Next & Final Great Awakening
For a few years in college i really thought i sensed it somehow, sometimes i feel i still do. When i sit down and read the Bible, read books and look at the news it just seems like such a real possibility: A last and final great revival. In my undergrad i did a paper on the two great awakening, focusing on America and the main evangelist starting with Jonathan Edwards and ending with Billy Graham. So many people were affected by these men, but men like Johnathon Edward had no attractive personalities - it was merely the work of God and the Holy Spirit. Jonathan Edwards was a man who preferred books to people and his speaking/preaching style was monotone and his sermons were read right from the paper he has written on. Yet, God used Edwards to begin something new, something that was already beginning to take place over the previous 100 years. Yes, God was working in the communities and in the heart of the leaders almost 100 years before the Great Awakening first happened.
I believe that the world is in place for another great awakening, unlike any great awakening before. The evidence of this can be found in the ideas of many church leaders and lay-people to return to a more traditional view of Christian's, however, this tradition is not shaped by Constantine and the Catholic Church in the 2nd Century. No, this tradition is found about 300 years prior, it is found in the example of the Gospels and the book of Acts. It is the example set by the disciples of Christ and the first missionaries and their churches in Acts. These were communities built around Christ and the use of talents and abilities given by God. There was not a hierarchy in leadership but a community, each person respected and appreciate for their place in the church. The people themselves would stand up and preach about God and what he had been doing in their lives, the disciples and missionaries being the mediators who would cut down any false doctrines that might arise during these times.
We lack this community but it seems to be returning. We, as the church, are finding that the truth is not only found in the preacher, not only found in the leaders and ministers who are paid but also truth is found in the life of those lay-persons in the church, those members who live a life to glorify God. These people are as much witnesses to the things of God as the pastors who preach to them every Sunday and/or Wednesday. The emphasis today on both evangelism and discipleship are obvious, the need for community and relationships by the current generations can be seen, the real threat of evil and terror, and the technology of the Internet and worldwide community provide both a means and audience for the next revival.
Will this happen? Is it possible? Is this a vision from God? I do not know. I want to believe that it is possible though it seems unlikely to me sometimes. I want to believe that there will be one last and great revival before Christ comes and takes his people into his arms. Are we willing to pray for it? Are we willing to obey, serve and sacrifice for such a time, for such an opportunity?
- Daniel
I believe that the world is in place for another great awakening, unlike any great awakening before. The evidence of this can be found in the ideas of many church leaders and lay-people to return to a more traditional view of Christian's, however, this tradition is not shaped by Constantine and the Catholic Church in the 2nd Century. No, this tradition is found about 300 years prior, it is found in the example of the Gospels and the book of Acts. It is the example set by the disciples of Christ and the first missionaries and their churches in Acts. These were communities built around Christ and the use of talents and abilities given by God. There was not a hierarchy in leadership but a community, each person respected and appreciate for their place in the church. The people themselves would stand up and preach about God and what he had been doing in their lives, the disciples and missionaries being the mediators who would cut down any false doctrines that might arise during these times.
We lack this community but it seems to be returning. We, as the church, are finding that the truth is not only found in the preacher, not only found in the leaders and ministers who are paid but also truth is found in the life of those lay-persons in the church, those members who live a life to glorify God. These people are as much witnesses to the things of God as the pastors who preach to them every Sunday and/or Wednesday. The emphasis today on both evangelism and discipleship are obvious, the need for community and relationships by the current generations can be seen, the real threat of evil and terror, and the technology of the Internet and worldwide community provide both a means and audience for the next revival.
Will this happen? Is it possible? Is this a vision from God? I do not know. I want to believe that it is possible though it seems unlikely to me sometimes. I want to believe that there will be one last and great revival before Christ comes and takes his people into his arms. Are we willing to pray for it? Are we willing to obey, serve and sacrifice for such a time, for such an opportunity?
- Daniel
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Trust, Faith, & Being Kept in Christ
Trusting and having Faith begins with closed eyes, by letting go and falling backward...
What does it mean to trust God? What does it mean to have faith? What do these mean before victory is found, before the answer is given? If we knew our life, the things to do, the places to go, jobs to take, how we will meet our mate - then surely we would be obeying God, but would we have faith? would we trust God?
To trust or have faith is God is to be in an uncertain situation, and in this place we are met with the tension to obey and at the same time - to trust and have faith.
It would be easy, for example to have two people facing each other - one is to fall and the other is to catch them; however, the dynamics change entirely when one has their back to the one who is catching. The one being caught cannot see and therefore must have faith and trust when they fall backward that the other person will catch them.
In a much larger scale it seems life is the same. We, as Christians, are called to have faith and trust, only by letting go can we feel the satisfaction of God catching us, holding us, and keeping us safe.
The the question of when do I fall begins? We fall every day.
What do we fall too or towards? We fall from self and towards God.
So, then, in situations where we are concerned about God's will, purpose, or way - we need only to ask if we are falling from self and to God. Will what I am doing bring glory to God? Will what I am doing bring glory to my self?
To those who are being KEPT in Christ,
To those who have been called,
who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1),
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25).
~ Daniel
What does it mean to trust God? What does it mean to have faith? What do these mean before victory is found, before the answer is given? If we knew our life, the things to do, the places to go, jobs to take, how we will meet our mate - then surely we would be obeying God, but would we have faith? would we trust God?
To trust or have faith is God is to be in an uncertain situation, and in this place we are met with the tension to obey and at the same time - to trust and have faith.
It would be easy, for example to have two people facing each other - one is to fall and the other is to catch them; however, the dynamics change entirely when one has their back to the one who is catching. The one being caught cannot see and therefore must have faith and trust when they fall backward that the other person will catch them.
In a much larger scale it seems life is the same. We, as Christians, are called to have faith and trust, only by letting go can we feel the satisfaction of God catching us, holding us, and keeping us safe.
The the question of when do I fall begins? We fall every day.
What do we fall too or towards? We fall from self and towards God.
So, then, in situations where we are concerned about God's will, purpose, or way - we need only to ask if we are falling from self and to God. Will what I am doing bring glory to God? Will what I am doing bring glory to my self?
To those who are being KEPT in Christ,
To those who have been called,
who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1),
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25).
~ Daniel
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Interview @ Java City
I had a meeting or interview with a pastor this morning at Java City. The church is in Abilene and not far away. They are trying to build up both their youth and children's ministry and the pastor has done many things. He is a Bi-Vocational Pastor since he took over his parents business in town, so he works at the church part-time. He has gone from being a music minister to a youth minister to a pastor now. There are only about three or four youth right now because the other half graduated last may, the church is primarily traditional or hymn worship but the pastor and new music minister are trying to put in some praise music. The pastor and church also have a passion for prayer and missions, both which i feel are important and i am in need of these to help me own growth and ministry. The pay isn't great and i will probably look for another job besides this one, though this will have prominence over any other job i have or will have.
But i am getting ahead of myself i guess... this was only step one in the process. Step two is either meeting with the deacons or going for a visit and then meeting the deacons later. I discussed going to the conference at the church next tuesday, so i can get a feel for the people and see the church. It felt more of a discussion and getting to know than a interview. im glad i got to know this man as well... he is nice and seem to have both a sense of responsibility and humor, not unlike myself. He asked about situations with youth, females in particular - to which I said I would like to have a lady or woman in the church for such situations - and with guys or girls it would not be good to be alone but if possible meet at a certain public place. I was asked about the inerrancy of scriptures and answered that is inerrant, yet i to claim aspects of infallibility - such as God using the culture, strengths and weaknesses of the authors to get his point and purpose across. The asked which translation I adhere too - i said the NIV and NASB, for practical and grammatical reasons. I said that no one speaks in King James and so it lacks helping people make the connection to God, I would rather change translations than split a person from God cause they cant understand his word. He asked if I thought I could to the administrative work - I said yes but I would need help. He then asked if I was involved in the BGCT and SBT split/disagreements, which I said no to but then explained and commented that I know there are some issues; however, I think the church, evangelism, and discipleship should be primary over and bickering.
So, I guess thats about it. it was a really good interview. I really think I could help them and they could help me grow as well as a minister and in my own personal walk with Christ. I'm really trying to be optimistic, I despise my pessimistic side - it depresses me so many times.
- Daniel
But i am getting ahead of myself i guess... this was only step one in the process. Step two is either meeting with the deacons or going for a visit and then meeting the deacons later. I discussed going to the conference at the church next tuesday, so i can get a feel for the people and see the church. It felt more of a discussion and getting to know than a interview. im glad i got to know this man as well... he is nice and seem to have both a sense of responsibility and humor, not unlike myself. He asked about situations with youth, females in particular - to which I said I would like to have a lady or woman in the church for such situations - and with guys or girls it would not be good to be alone but if possible meet at a certain public place. I was asked about the inerrancy of scriptures and answered that is inerrant, yet i to claim aspects of infallibility - such as God using the culture, strengths and weaknesses of the authors to get his point and purpose across. The asked which translation I adhere too - i said the NIV and NASB, for practical and grammatical reasons. I said that no one speaks in King James and so it lacks helping people make the connection to God, I would rather change translations than split a person from God cause they cant understand his word. He asked if I thought I could to the administrative work - I said yes but I would need help. He then asked if I was involved in the BGCT and SBT split/disagreements, which I said no to but then explained and commented that I know there are some issues; however, I think the church, evangelism, and discipleship should be primary over and bickering.
So, I guess thats about it. it was a really good interview. I really think I could help them and they could help me grow as well as a minister and in my own personal walk with Christ. I'm really trying to be optimistic, I despise my pessimistic side - it depresses me so many times.
- Daniel
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
I Am Tired of This
I don't know what it is... but i am tired of it, of this feeling inside that I'm not doing all I can, that I am supposed to be doing something else. I have no idea what I am supposed to do: Fast? Pray? Read my Bible? Try to make new friends? Find a ministry job? A secular job? volunteer? Read more books and concentrate on my studies? Get a new hobby?
I have just found myself sorta confused and yes, somewhat depressed. I try to make friends here but everyone has their own life.
I have also been lacking a lot in my own personal walk lately. I actually think God is beginning to break me, but its not as if I have been reading my bible or praying more. I just have a general feeling of uneasiness. I actually got up the other day and just starred at my dorm room and felt like I wanted to cry. Why? I have no idea. loneliness? Feeling a lack of purpose and vision? I don't know. And I don't feel like crying often, usually it is when God shakes my life by obstacles, confronting me with my own self and sin, or if someone dies. Those who know me know i'm not too very emotional. When something is not funny, serious or causing me to cry I usually just have blank look on my face. Its my I don't feel anything so this is my face face...
So, I am on the edge toward my 23rd year of life, looking over the cliff and wondering if I have used this year for the good of God or for my own selfishness. Sometimes it seems about 50/50 or so I guess. I want to be part of something great for God and yet find myself perhaps falling behind. But what do I do to move forward? I do not know. I need to be in more prayer, in more communication with my Father; as well, I need to be initiated more in the reading of my Father word, the scriptures that bring life to me, to my heart and life I have been neglecting. You can have some pastor, teacher, professor or witty Christian tell you that reading the Bible daily isn't necessary, but I believe it is - I believe it is as necessary as prayer and yet I've neglected both. What way can God speak to me if I block of these ways?
May God have mercy on us when we neglect him,
when we neglect his word and our glorious conversations listening to Him in prayer
~ Daniel
I have just found myself sorta confused and yes, somewhat depressed. I try to make friends here but everyone has their own life.
I have also been lacking a lot in my own personal walk lately. I actually think God is beginning to break me, but its not as if I have been reading my bible or praying more. I just have a general feeling of uneasiness. I actually got up the other day and just starred at my dorm room and felt like I wanted to cry. Why? I have no idea. loneliness? Feeling a lack of purpose and vision? I don't know. And I don't feel like crying often, usually it is when God shakes my life by obstacles, confronting me with my own self and sin, or if someone dies. Those who know me know i'm not too very emotional. When something is not funny, serious or causing me to cry I usually just have blank look on my face. Its my I don't feel anything so this is my face face...
So, I am on the edge toward my 23rd year of life, looking over the cliff and wondering if I have used this year for the good of God or for my own selfishness. Sometimes it seems about 50/50 or so I guess. I want to be part of something great for God and yet find myself perhaps falling behind. But what do I do to move forward? I do not know. I need to be in more prayer, in more communication with my Father; as well, I need to be initiated more in the reading of my Father word, the scriptures that bring life to me, to my heart and life I have been neglecting. You can have some pastor, teacher, professor or witty Christian tell you that reading the Bible daily isn't necessary, but I believe it is - I believe it is as necessary as prayer and yet I've neglected both. What way can God speak to me if I block of these ways?
May God have mercy on us when we neglect him,
when we neglect his word and our glorious conversations listening to Him in prayer
~ Daniel
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Of The Utmost Deepest Contemplation
I am sitting here and reading about perseverance and prayer and I realize that I do not pray like i need too, sometimes I find that i do not even pray at all. why is this? It seems that when I am in tune with God he has a sort of tug in my life; however, when I am far from God I give into my flesh, Satan, the world - I give them a foot-hold and then I feel another tug. This mortal tug, though, does not fullfill me. In fact, it actually does the complete opposite. I feel so much like Paul in Romans 7:14-25... I feel this tug and tension between both worlds and I struggle to let one or the other have control. Why is it so hard for us to let God have complete control? I truly want to serve God but find myself serving myself - and this dosnt even please me - it actually leads me down a depressing road that I dont want to go down.
I suppose a lot of it has to do with the fact that I still find it very hard to completly trust and have faith in God. When I was younger it was easy because my parents were there and protected me from a lot of things - they provided for me.. and now that I find myself on my own it seems that I have to start over. I feel like an infant in my faith in so many ways.
Right now I'm really and truly still struggling with what is going to happen this summer. I want to be used by God so much but I'm not sure what is going to happen. There seem to be so many barriers in the way and no one ceases to stop reminding me of these. I try to forget these details of my life and have faith, but it is so hard. Many people say that God will provide if we have faith, if we obey him he will provide a way, a form in which we can serve - that he will provide power and strength in weakness and provide ministry oppurtunities. What happens if things dont work out? If i can't get a youth ministry job won't that just leave me back where I was? I really and truly tried to have a servant's heart while I was at work this past summer and fall, but the way managers and people hounded me to constantly "hurry up" always got to me. I never yelled at them or anything but it just really annoyed me - here I was trying to do my best and they were saying it wasn't good enough. I know my limits on runing and pushing myself - and pacing also comes in a lot - I knew that Christ was happy with me but how was I to respond to this? It's hard for me to uderstand the world, so much of it is filled with sin, evil, greed, malice, and the never-ending boss or manager riding ones bottom to do more, get more done, and faster faster faster.
This all brings about thought of heaven. I long to be with God and be in peace, to have gone and be rid of this world. This world so much annoys me, the way people bicker and fight - yet I know I have a duty to stay, to try and show Christ's love in this world. Of course, I know not all people are "evil", but humanity as a whole just bugs me. I know I am not persecuted like the first christians or even as some in other countries today, but I long many times for the end, for the rapture and judgement; and for God to take control and wipe wickedness and sadness away. I long for God to wipe the veil of sickness, disease, and suffering from this plane of existance. I guess many times I have a tension in wanting God's vengance, yet wanting it to come later so that more might be won for Christ. I long to share the gospel and see people become heirs to Christ, to be disicpled and come into a eternal and ever-growing relationship with Christ.
Yet, all my ideas. All my writing. None of it is experience, none of it is action beyond the pondering of my brain and typing on a keyboard. I long to be used and useful to God's work and purpose. I long to be who I AM TRULY and not just a floating image that is just learning - I feel my knowledge is almost useless right now because all anyone ever tells me is that I need experience, that I need to buy this or that, have this or that. I dont care too much about THINGS - im tired of having so many DVD's... so much stuff. it's all temorary and doesn't bring me closer to God - all my stuff can't give me experience so I can serve. I don't know, I am thankful for a lot but what I really want from God is an oppurtunity, some experience. I want a door-way to open like I hear in all those stories of faith in church. I have never had God open some awesome door after I took a step of faith. I am glad to be here at Seminary but it's only came after a big let-down - and perhaps that was so I could come here... but why didn't I see the door before? Thinkng about it too much hurts me head. All I know is that I am tired, tired of wanting more, desring more and yet nothing happening. It seems like everyone else has things they need, that they have had experience while i sit here still triyng to gain entry into something I am passionate about yet experience wise many would see me "unqualified" for. What ever happend to the qualification of PASSION and KNOWLEDGE? I think anyone passionate about God with a understanding of the Bible should be allowed and encouraged to gain entry - but it seems like I'm supposed to have "connections" and "networks" - as if being a Christian and a church-member isn't a good enough reason to let someone speak and/or preach.
I guess I'm just tired, not so much depressed but tired - yet I find in my spirit this wanting to persevere, always comes the thought that God may have had this plan and is still in the process or preparing and dealing with me so I might be able to serve Him. It's hard to work on God's schedule instead of my own - especially when I feel like it is my own fault I have not gone furthur, instead of considering that it is God's way to block those chances until I am ready.
While I wish others understood, I get the impression that God does and for whatever reason has me where I am for some reason. I pray it is not my complacency that has kept me here, but some divine blocking from God himself for a purpose and reason. I hate to think that my lack of faith in some way may have blocked me from ministering forever.
To all those who strive to make Christ first - I pray that God gives you power to serve and follow Him, for those of you who do not and are having a hard time - I pray you return and come back to a deep relationship with God. And please pray for me as well.
Pray for all the Saints,
Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pray for the Power of the Holy Spirit,
Pray that Opportunities May Open,
Pray that we Will Follow.
Your Brother in Christ,
~ Daniel
I suppose a lot of it has to do with the fact that I still find it very hard to completly trust and have faith in God. When I was younger it was easy because my parents were there and protected me from a lot of things - they provided for me.. and now that I find myself on my own it seems that I have to start over. I feel like an infant in my faith in so many ways.
Right now I'm really and truly still struggling with what is going to happen this summer. I want to be used by God so much but I'm not sure what is going to happen. There seem to be so many barriers in the way and no one ceases to stop reminding me of these. I try to forget these details of my life and have faith, but it is so hard. Many people say that God will provide if we have faith, if we obey him he will provide a way, a form in which we can serve - that he will provide power and strength in weakness and provide ministry oppurtunities. What happens if things dont work out? If i can't get a youth ministry job won't that just leave me back where I was? I really and truly tried to have a servant's heart while I was at work this past summer and fall, but the way managers and people hounded me to constantly "hurry up" always got to me. I never yelled at them or anything but it just really annoyed me - here I was trying to do my best and they were saying it wasn't good enough. I know my limits on runing and pushing myself - and pacing also comes in a lot - I knew that Christ was happy with me but how was I to respond to this? It's hard for me to uderstand the world, so much of it is filled with sin, evil, greed, malice, and the never-ending boss or manager riding ones bottom to do more, get more done, and faster faster faster.
This all brings about thought of heaven. I long to be with God and be in peace, to have gone and be rid of this world. This world so much annoys me, the way people bicker and fight - yet I know I have a duty to stay, to try and show Christ's love in this world. Of course, I know not all people are "evil", but humanity as a whole just bugs me. I know I am not persecuted like the first christians or even as some in other countries today, but I long many times for the end, for the rapture and judgement; and for God to take control and wipe wickedness and sadness away. I long for God to wipe the veil of sickness, disease, and suffering from this plane of existance. I guess many times I have a tension in wanting God's vengance, yet wanting it to come later so that more might be won for Christ. I long to share the gospel and see people become heirs to Christ, to be disicpled and come into a eternal and ever-growing relationship with Christ.
Yet, all my ideas. All my writing. None of it is experience, none of it is action beyond the pondering of my brain and typing on a keyboard. I long to be used and useful to God's work and purpose. I long to be who I AM TRULY and not just a floating image that is just learning - I feel my knowledge is almost useless right now because all anyone ever tells me is that I need experience, that I need to buy this or that, have this or that. I dont care too much about THINGS - im tired of having so many DVD's... so much stuff. it's all temorary and doesn't bring me closer to God - all my stuff can't give me experience so I can serve. I don't know, I am thankful for a lot but what I really want from God is an oppurtunity, some experience. I want a door-way to open like I hear in all those stories of faith in church. I have never had God open some awesome door after I took a step of faith. I am glad to be here at Seminary but it's only came after a big let-down - and perhaps that was so I could come here... but why didn't I see the door before? Thinkng about it too much hurts me head. All I know is that I am tired, tired of wanting more, desring more and yet nothing happening. It seems like everyone else has things they need, that they have had experience while i sit here still triyng to gain entry into something I am passionate about yet experience wise many would see me "unqualified" for. What ever happend to the qualification of PASSION and KNOWLEDGE? I think anyone passionate about God with a understanding of the Bible should be allowed and encouraged to gain entry - but it seems like I'm supposed to have "connections" and "networks" - as if being a Christian and a church-member isn't a good enough reason to let someone speak and/or preach.
I guess I'm just tired, not so much depressed but tired - yet I find in my spirit this wanting to persevere, always comes the thought that God may have had this plan and is still in the process or preparing and dealing with me so I might be able to serve Him. It's hard to work on God's schedule instead of my own - especially when I feel like it is my own fault I have not gone furthur, instead of considering that it is God's way to block those chances until I am ready.
While I wish others understood, I get the impression that God does and for whatever reason has me where I am for some reason. I pray it is not my complacency that has kept me here, but some divine blocking from God himself for a purpose and reason. I hate to think that my lack of faith in some way may have blocked me from ministering forever.
To all those who strive to make Christ first - I pray that God gives you power to serve and follow Him, for those of you who do not and are having a hard time - I pray you return and come back to a deep relationship with God. And please pray for me as well.
Pray for all the Saints,
Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pray for the Power of the Holy Spirit,
Pray that Opportunities May Open,
Pray that we Will Follow.
Your Brother in Christ,
~ Daniel
Monday, April 10, 2006
Reflective Mood: Iraq & War
For those who care - im wondering what you all thing about War? What is our national responsibility? What about religious/christian view? We spent about three hours in my class this morning talking about it in one of my graduate classes today and really came out the same way we came in.
I feel like being a little reflective. I think it is good to sometimes sit and consider tings that are going on in my life, in the world. There are so many issues from the war in Iraq to Immigration (reform) going on right now. To tell the truth I am a bit uncertain about what to do with all this stuff. The real problem is that it seems like whenever we try to help someone they take advantage. How many people have been killed in Iraq because we have stayed to help? How many immigrants from Mexico ar getting a free ride here in the states? Did you know what not only can immigrants get jobs without paying taxes but also they can send their children to school and they can even get health discounts and things like Medicare/Medicaid because our goverment says it won't deny anyone who needs help. I don't know even the war is hard for me. I really just want our troops to come home. I know we are doing some good over there but it seems everyday we stay over there we loose more troops and also more sway in the world.
So, if our Christian duty is first to Jesus and to show his compassion and love, how do we go about doing that in these situations? A big question mark is above my head for I am clueless. I guess the way of the cross would be to stop violence and to help eachother out. If as a global christian community (maybe even the church in the world) came together and provided a sense of peace and security, perhaps we would not have situations like the ones in Iraq. Why do we create weapons just to blow eachother up? How stupid can humanity possibly be? And if we got together with Mexico and helped them get jobs and education, then maybe there would be no need for them to come to America (of course in a wholistic world we would not have national lines, just geographic ones i suppose).
All of this seems to welcome the NEW WORLD ORDER. I'm not much on REVELATION because most misinterpret it; however, I can see the world coming under one rule. The sad thing about it is that the ruler (rulers) will still be human and fallen and this person(s) would have control over not one or two countries but everyone. No wonder God and Jesus will step in during those dark days.
Ok, thats all my reflection for today
~ Daniel
I feel like being a little reflective. I think it is good to sometimes sit and consider tings that are going on in my life, in the world. There are so many issues from the war in Iraq to Immigration (reform) going on right now. To tell the truth I am a bit uncertain about what to do with all this stuff. The real problem is that it seems like whenever we try to help someone they take advantage. How many people have been killed in Iraq because we have stayed to help? How many immigrants from Mexico ar getting a free ride here in the states? Did you know what not only can immigrants get jobs without paying taxes but also they can send their children to school and they can even get health discounts and things like Medicare/Medicaid because our goverment says it won't deny anyone who needs help. I don't know even the war is hard for me. I really just want our troops to come home. I know we are doing some good over there but it seems everyday we stay over there we loose more troops and also more sway in the world.
So, if our Christian duty is first to Jesus and to show his compassion and love, how do we go about doing that in these situations? A big question mark is above my head for I am clueless. I guess the way of the cross would be to stop violence and to help eachother out. If as a global christian community (maybe even the church in the world) came together and provided a sense of peace and security, perhaps we would not have situations like the ones in Iraq. Why do we create weapons just to blow eachother up? How stupid can humanity possibly be? And if we got together with Mexico and helped them get jobs and education, then maybe there would be no need for them to come to America (of course in a wholistic world we would not have national lines, just geographic ones i suppose).
All of this seems to welcome the NEW WORLD ORDER. I'm not much on REVELATION because most misinterpret it; however, I can see the world coming under one rule. The sad thing about it is that the ruler (rulers) will still be human and fallen and this person(s) would have control over not one or two countries but everyone. No wonder God and Jesus will step in during those dark days.
Ok, thats all my reflection for today
~ Daniel
Friday, February 24, 2006
Intellectual Thoughts
A Quote From Gunnar:
The same thing is true with Universalism and Pluralism, for why we think we will bring different peoples and religions together though this generality we are actually further separating them because they are no longer aloud to disagree.. because it is politically incorrect to disagree, it is politically incorrect to bring your beliefs into your work life or anywhere in public because it might offend someone else. Well, humanity needs to grow up... I'm tired of these people whining - we can't have so and so a judge or in office because they are a Christian and will try to impose those values. What? Isn't that why we are democratic, that's why we vote. It wouldn't bother me to have a Buddhist or Muslim in office - im sure there is... but no one is criticizing them, that's for sure. Far be it from us to actually hire someone of moral integrity in office, in politics. It's so hypocritical to be "open to everyone" and yet curse those who actually believe something and will stand up for it instead of emersing themselves into the tide of society.
~ Daniel
I hate to address such broad, sweeping issues when the only thing more vast is my ignorance, but of course anytime anyone begins by saying they hate to do something what they actually mean is that is precisely what they intend to do. So, if I fail to do this justice in a few paragraphs, I would appreciate your criticism & insight.
At the root of the post-modern mind is a sacrosanct reverence for the “self”. That is the basis for what I like to call “everythingism”, the modern mindset we are all familiar with, the belief that all nice people go to heaven and that all roads lead to God. I’m afraid to offend you, you’re afraid to offend me, so we keep our version of truth to ourselves so as not to offend anyone. In general, modern morality is based on this respect for the rights and integrity of the individual.
However, what I would like to point out is that in reality this deference for the “self” actually degenerates into the destruction of the “self”. The problem is that all “others” are “selves”, and all “selves” are “others” depending on your perspective. So if we deny our ability to universalize our concept of truth, to say to someone, “No, this is how it is,” we likewise deny their ability to do the same. We don’t want to impose on their person, so we deny the possibility of a shared existence.
It is much like having a conversation. A conversation is a dialogue, a give and take. I can say I don’t want to talk when you’re talking so I’m not going to say anything at all, but if we both say nothing there is no conversation. It is the same thing with truth. I can say you’re never wrong, but in the end this is meaningless. One can not always be right, but on the same hand, one cannot always be uncertain either. There is a certain tension there.
This is why if we continue down that path we can ultimately deny the very existence of the other person. I can’t ultimately prove my neighbor exists anymore than I can prove lying is wrong or green isn’t red, and if I can’t tell my coworker he may be wrong I ultimately have no reason to tell him good morning.
After all, they’re my own personal beliefs, aren’t they? You choose not to believe God exists, I choose not to believe you exist. What’s the difference?I agree completely... we are to selfish and individualistic, to those who devlaue others view of truth because they believe their own is the best and to those who value others beliefs but keep quiet about there own (arrow towards myself). I believe we are in a time where we are almost so connected to each other that we have reached a pardox of communication. Instead of groups of friends meeting and hanging out we now gather online, we e-mail, we blog our life's to death. We chat and we have cell phone and I-pods that all keep us from connecting with the people who are right next to us, so while we think we are bringing humanity together thorugh technology we are actually separating them.
The same thing is true with Universalism and Pluralism, for why we think we will bring different peoples and religions together though this generality we are actually further separating them because they are no longer aloud to disagree.. because it is politically incorrect to disagree, it is politically incorrect to bring your beliefs into your work life or anywhere in public because it might offend someone else. Well, humanity needs to grow up... I'm tired of these people whining - we can't have so and so a judge or in office because they are a Christian and will try to impose those values. What? Isn't that why we are democratic, that's why we vote. It wouldn't bother me to have a Buddhist or Muslim in office - im sure there is... but no one is criticizing them, that's for sure. Far be it from us to actually hire someone of moral integrity in office, in politics. It's so hypocritical to be "open to everyone" and yet curse those who actually believe something and will stand up for it instead of emersing themselves into the tide of society.
~ Daniel
Sunday, January 8, 2006
A New Perception & Year
Well, its less than a week now before I leave to go to Logsdon Seminary. I'm trying to adjust back to day life and I think I will do alright. I am kinda upset about getting a car and my license. I am probably going to have to wait, so instead of taking nine hours i will probably take twelve this semester and then in May when I come back drive some more. I just don't think a week is good enough for me to be comfortable driving, especially on freeways and such. I did get my permit, a job and am going to seminary, so basically I am blessed much more than I know. While I want a car and many other things I am just going to try and be happy with my life, try to grow and serve Christ.
The last few months have been pretty hard for me and I think God wants more of me, that I need to go to school and take time to seriously think about my relationship with God; which has been slacking these last few months as I've been so confused. It's so hard to hear God when we think he is silent, although I say "think" because I believe He is not... that mostly it is me (us) who stray from God, so that we can no longer hear his voice as clearly or see the path. when we stray from him the voice is quiet and life gets foggy. However, we have Christ as our constant. God will Never forsake us and for that I thank Him, for the life He has given me in which so many things are provided for me. I thank Him.
Sure sometimes life is hard and I struggle but God has seriously blessed me with a lot and if I am to live life without some things who am I to gripe at God, who has given me so much already. No, I will thank God for where I am, I will try to do things better and get things done but all in God's time. I should not be bitter or depressed with my life when so many other have it harder, when they are dying for the name of Christ, when people go hungry, when some people have horrid family and friends and I am blessed. When some people don't have a church family and don't know Christ and I do. God help us American Christians who want everything our way, everything easy and without struggle, for that is not Christianity, that is not a servant of the Christ I truly know.
God bless you all and may God grow and enrich our lives. May we all truly begin to know what it is to live for Christ and not self, to serve Him, to obey him, to sacrifice for Him. May these not just be Christian phrases and ideas but actual applications and witnesses in our lives. In my own life. God has a plan, a glorious plan to glorify his name and we can live joyous lives being apart of his Kingdom and purpose or we can miserably depressed as children of this world. The choice is our own.
The last few months have been pretty hard for me and I think God wants more of me, that I need to go to school and take time to seriously think about my relationship with God; which has been slacking these last few months as I've been so confused. It's so hard to hear God when we think he is silent, although I say "think" because I believe He is not... that mostly it is me (us) who stray from God, so that we can no longer hear his voice as clearly or see the path. when we stray from him the voice is quiet and life gets foggy. However, we have Christ as our constant. God will Never forsake us and for that I thank Him, for the life He has given me in which so many things are provided for me. I thank Him.
Sure sometimes life is hard and I struggle but God has seriously blessed me with a lot and if I am to live life without some things who am I to gripe at God, who has given me so much already. No, I will thank God for where I am, I will try to do things better and get things done but all in God's time. I should not be bitter or depressed with my life when so many other have it harder, when they are dying for the name of Christ, when people go hungry, when some people have horrid family and friends and I am blessed. When some people don't have a church family and don't know Christ and I do. God help us American Christians who want everything our way, everything easy and without struggle, for that is not Christianity, that is not a servant of the Christ I truly know.
God bless you all and may God grow and enrich our lives. May we all truly begin to know what it is to live for Christ and not self, to serve Him, to obey him, to sacrifice for Him. May these not just be Christian phrases and ideas but actual applications and witnesses in our lives. In my own life. God has a plan, a glorious plan to glorify his name and we can live joyous lives being apart of his Kingdom and purpose or we can miserably depressed as children of this world. The choice is our own.
James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:16-17, " Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
James 1:22-25, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. "~ Daniel
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