Johnny's Plight

Pic from: here

It was late but Johnny’s mind was filled with many things that it felt like 12 o’ clock in the noon. He can’t stop thinking what could be the purpose of God for him at this milestone of his life. All the things that were happening, are they from God or just humanly originated events? The answer to the question was vital because he wanted to understand all the all the pain, all the hopelessness and the confusions that he felt, whether they have some purpose to fulfill. It does not help when he might also need to forget about having something that he wanted because of it. It was nothing new but usual for him anyway. However it was still painful so much so he hoped he could quickly pass through this stage of his life. Poor Johnny, it was too late but his mind was still thinking like it does under the broad sunny day.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is said to be a time of sharing and giving. Christmas is said to be a time of love and joy. While all are true, ultimately Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation of the Son of God or the Word of God. He came as mere a man to bring forgiveness, salvation and show us the way to the Father. This is not impossible for the Almighty God for nothing is impossible for Him. As we celebrate let us also remember why He came and that He will come again. May God bless you and Blessed Christmas.

Now where is my gift? Lol.

With or Without

Yesterday a church member commented about the view that Christmas tree and all other things that distracting true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus’ birthday. He said there a lot of other things that we do in church that distracts us from Christ and does that mean we strip of everything and only focus on Christ? That means no food, no music and you may think of many other things to add to the list.

I guess he has a point. Some things we are so used to that without those things we do not feel complete. Therefore Christmas is not complete without the decorated Christmas tree and famous Christmas carols. All these are symbol that reminds us and gives us the mood for Christmas. Personally I am not so concerned about whether we have Christmas trees or whatever as long as we remember that the main purpose of Christmas is celebrating Christ’ birth.

Having said that, no one actually knows when Christ was born. December 25^th may have been chosen to counter the pagan festival in early church and was made as a day to remember Christ’ birthday. Therefore even December 25^th is just another symbol to remind us about Christ.

For Christians then, Christ is the focus everyday and having a day to remind us that Christ was born is a bonus. After all it is a significant event that the Word of God became flesh to save from our sins and bring us to a new relationship with the Father. To me there are two types of people who celebrate Christmas. Those who understand the Word of God became flesh believe Him and those who do not. With or without Christmas tree is not an issue for me.

A Gift and a Curse

The need for intimacy should never be underestimated. It can drive a person to do anything. Good, bad and ugly. Because of it one may love, because of it one may sin and because of it one may take much hurt in life.

Boxfish

Look at these boxfish! My goodness so cute. The transparent Boxfish (the last one) has two cute horns on its head. It seems though they are cute, if under stress they can release toxins around them.

You Can Hide But You Can't Run

Pic: The Face Behind The Mask by ~AngelicalEyes

It is a place to hide. A place to take cover. A cloud on the truth. It does not show the reality because the reality is not meant to be shown. Out of fear and shame, the truth is not known. It happens so naturally. So much so that it has become more real than reality itself. It is seen as survival. It is seen as how life has to be. But it is not when it robs the life that it seeks to have. How ignorant to think that it will even work on the One who sees directly into the soul. Oh the mask that we wear!

Me No Island Either

Pic from (google search): bowjamesbow.ca/blog.shtml

A friend visited me and stayed for few days. My, it made lots of difference and wish he could stay longer. I used to think that I am an introvert therefore I have no problem being alone. Guess I was wrong and I could feel the loneliness creeping back again. Hmm.. John Donne was right in saying, "No man is an island".

Depending on God

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge-even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you--so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1.3-9 (ESV)

As we try to walk this journey doing what is right and what is expected from us, we cannot however go to the other extreme and think that we can do everything through our own ability. For we have nothing good enough to boast. When I try to walk with my own ability and strength, sooner or later I realize I will not last.

Thank God through Christ that I am not left alone to suffer! It is God Himself who gives us strength to do what is right so that we may stand blameless in front of Christ on the Day of Judgment.

Therefore I depend on God to do what is right. It is by His grace that I walk.The fact that God is sustaining means we are to work together with Him doing what is right. We now have the strength.

Criteria for the Coming Kingdom

The more I read the parables of Jesus in Matthew 24 and 25, the more it challenges my perspective on salvation and eschatology. Though many will say we should not base our doctrine from parables because they give exaggerated picture, who decides that we should not take the message from parables into consideration when building our theology and doctrine? The parables of Jesus in Matthew 24 and 25 teach about what Jesus expects from us. As much as I want to believe that I have the assurance of a place in God’s presence in heaven, I don’t want to be naïve.

I am, being and will be saved only through Jesus and there is no compromise in that. But if I think that just because I believe Christ has died for me and do nothing about it, I’m the most foolish person. It’s like finding the door but not entering it. The parables in Matthew 24 & 25 challenges that unless our action shows what we believe, we stand as unfaithful servants in front of Christ on judgment day.

The criteria for the kingdom among many are these: The faithful slave- Matthew 24:45-51, the wise and prepared bridesmaids- Matthew 25.1-13, The slaves that brought profit with the Master’s entrusted property – Matthew 25. 14-30 and the “sheep” that did God’s will by caring for others- Matthew 25. 31.46.

What is your need?

pic from: http://www.spiz.net/

In helping a person to receive God’s love, we may misunderstand or ignorant of what their need is. While everyone from young to old needs God’s love and the assurance of a relationship with God through Christ, there are different level of expectations and needs that one may have. Erik Erikson’s theory of ‘psychosocial stages’ gives an idea on what people’s inner needs could be according to their age. It also shows what may happen if their need is not fulfilled.

Their Need vs Possible outcome if not fulfilled

1. Basic trust vs Mistrust (Infant)
2. Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt (toddler)
3. Initiative vs Guilt (preschool)
4. Industry vs Inferiority (school)
5. Identity vs Role confusion (Teenage)
6. Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adult)
7. Generativity vs Stagnation (Mid-Adult)
8. Integrity vs Despair (Late-Adult)
   

Helping people and reaching out to them makes more sense when we know what their needs could be. While a toddler explore with confident to try out new things by himself, he also needs guidance that would not hinder his need for autonomy. A teenager’s need for identity or a young adult’s need for intimacy needs no introduction. A grandmother’s need for appreciation for her wisdom or achievement and not regret about life should be considered when helping her. Bringing God’s love is made easier, when we really understand a person’s need and the Gospel is made more relevant this way.

Back to Reality

Pic from: Flickr uploaded by sharon-sparkles

Four years of living in a seminary can be deceiving. For a moment living in that protected world seems to be so real that I almost forget what real world is. Now I’m back and see things in new perspective. I see a person needs the Word of God and another in pain and needs comfort. I see one needs guidance and still another thinks he stands in the high peak of survival of the fittest and needs to lay down his burden. No matter where one stands, God is waiting to meet him there. I’m not just talking about Christians. Taking up the role of road sign pointing to the great Shepherd, I start by following Him myself. Somehow here in reality He seems much easier to be found. What is real, what really matters and who really walks with you is crystal clear for now. But the danger is falling into another vacuum that confuses me with what is real, what really matters and who really walks with you again. HoweverHis Word and prayer seem to help in the dilemma.