So this is what i do on friday nights, i read our blog. but no one else has blogged- what a bummer. so i read UNI's page. It was pretty interesting, just reading about 15 posts (some really long ones) all at once. it was pretty captivating, i must say.
I feel that there's just been so much going on. i feel that everyday, for the last week, at least, all i've been doing is study for exams. and up til now, i haven't exactly been worried. perhaps i was so out of it that i couldnt even get time to be worried. but really, what's the point of all my studying? just to get into university? and what happens after? i dont wanna sound emo, but that's what's been going on in my head.
However, i know that God's in control and im cool with that. Sometimes i scare myself because of how chilled i can be. But i've come to realized that this is God's peace. This is what He wants for me : not to worry about tomorrow, because tmr has enough worries of its own. ( I didn't want this to turn out into a "do no worry" post.. so i wont.)
So then it gets me to my next random thought. What am i wasting my time on? "waste" might not be the best word, but really, time seems to be lacking all the time (ha. pun.) but .. what do i spend my time on? what're my priorities? Why cant i just stop what i "shouldn't" be doing and instead, focus on what i should be. Like.. watching dramas. it's not like i dont have work to do, but im just sitting there. and half the time i'm not even watching the show.. it's just noise. maybe instead of all this wasted time on tv and such, maybe i can get more sleep. or even just more hwk time so i do quality work. or even better, more quality time with God. I can't say im not getting quality time with God.. but hey, the more the better. Sometimes i wonder if God gets bored of me, hahahah. :)
I think this is starting to be more of a rant blog then a ... "sharing about my experiences with God" blog. But that's okay. so lately i've been thinking about boundaries. im not sure if any one of you were even attending church back then, but we had a summer retreat, and that was the theme, i believe. i cant remember anything from then, but i have a bookmark in my bible, and it's green. haha. but everytime i think about that word "boundaries".. it has a negative connotation to it. if something is bound.. it's not good, right? it's restricted, limited to .. space? time? capabilities? i duno. i'm just saying.. "there's always gotta be a time to draw the line", right? but how do we know? i'm not exactly thinking of a specific situation, but just life in general. sorta like "how much candy is too much?" when my teeth start to rot? i'm just being a bit cynical here. but hey, the sky's the limit. i can do whatever i want, given that it's God driven. ( haha.)
if you read all that, then good job. im not sure what you got out of it. i think i just needed an outlet.
notice how i didnt even bother typing in Caps as i would normally on this blog because i want to promote correct english structure and grammar. haha. i'm too tired to think.
-a.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Religion vs. Rights
So I was watching the news today, and it said that the TTC would start running atheist freedom of speech ads along the side of buses. Messages such as, "There is no God, so go on with your life". My issue is that I'm not against that. Am I wrong for being okay with that message being advertised?
I do think that everyone has a right to say what they want, and hey, if the atheists are paying for the ad space, why not? I do understand how people would be offended by the statement, but I'm pretty sure Christian messages offend too. I've seen messages about rewards in the afterlife, and if someone doesn't believe in that, it can feel offensive. To me, "go on with your life" gives me the impression that they're trying to say that people should be living it out instead of living in fear of the consequences. If you're looking at it from their perspective, the message can actually be pretty positive.
So where am I supposed to stand on this issue? As a Christian, I should be against it, right? But as a human, I feel like it's fair to let this statement be publicized. Sometimes I feel that as Christians, we are limited to certain views and opinions. I learned in law class that some people believe that God gave us all the same equal human rights, so doesn't that include freedom of speech? Even if it does denounce God, isn't it just a use of the same human rights that we have?
I guess I don't really have an answer to my question yet.
-sabrina
I do think that everyone has a right to say what they want, and hey, if the atheists are paying for the ad space, why not? I do understand how people would be offended by the statement, but I'm pretty sure Christian messages offend too. I've seen messages about rewards in the afterlife, and if someone doesn't believe in that, it can feel offensive. To me, "go on with your life" gives me the impression that they're trying to say that people should be living it out instead of living in fear of the consequences. If you're looking at it from their perspective, the message can actually be pretty positive.
So where am I supposed to stand on this issue? As a Christian, I should be against it, right? But as a human, I feel like it's fair to let this statement be publicized. Sometimes I feel that as Christians, we are limited to certain views and opinions. I learned in law class that some people believe that God gave us all the same equal human rights, so doesn't that include freedom of speech? Even if it does denounce God, isn't it just a use of the same human rights that we have?
I guess I don't really have an answer to my question yet.
-sabrina
Thursday, January 22, 2009
exam time= no time for God?
So. Everyone seems to be on exam mode. I'm surprisingly chilled, considering that all these exams will and could "screw me over" for university. However, somehow i am at peace with myself. :) I think it's a good thing.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Col. 3:23 NLT
This verse always pops up at me when I have to do things that I'd rather not do. I think that whatever we do, there is a purpose. If it's not going to help you in your studies/life, you would not be required to do it. Many times we think of exams as a chore, something to dread over. But what happens when we change our attitude about it? Think of it as a gift for yourself. A gift for you to once and for all prove your capabilities. :) It's awesome, isn't it?
Another thing is.. a lot of time, we stay up, pull all nighters just to study for exams. And we totally leave God out of our lives for these few days/week, and then at the last minute, we pray to God and ask him for wisdom to do well. But like Turo said, don't leave prayer as your last resort; it should be the first. Let God help you through your exams :)
Happy studying,
--a.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Col. 3:23 NLT
This verse always pops up at me when I have to do things that I'd rather not do. I think that whatever we do, there is a purpose. If it's not going to help you in your studies/life, you would not be required to do it. Many times we think of exams as a chore, something to dread over. But what happens when we change our attitude about it? Think of it as a gift for yourself. A gift for you to once and for all prove your capabilities. :) It's awesome, isn't it?
Another thing is.. a lot of time, we stay up, pull all nighters just to study for exams. And we totally leave God out of our lives for these few days/week, and then at the last minute, we pray to God and ask him for wisdom to do well. But like Turo said, don't leave prayer as your last resort; it should be the first. Let God help you through your exams :)
Happy studying,
--a.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Blue Monday
So yesterday was Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year, according to some psychologist.
Well, that really caught my attention. What makes a good day? What makes it bad? I had a fantastic day yesterday, so when I found out it was "supposed" to be the worst day in the year, I was even more grateful of the great day that I had.
"15 to 20 minutes a day of something that feels really good can counteract hours and hours of negative." -Wendy Matthews, a life coach
That statement is simple and direct, right? But where would I find something to do for 15-20 minutes on something that feels really good? :) DEVOTION! spend your time with God.
Lately, if you've read my previous blogs, I've learned that spending quality time with God is vital in my spiritual walk. We often say that it's really important to know what God wants and where He wants to lead us. But how? Read your bible. It's useful. I've found that God speaks in funny ways. He uses the least important details from your mundane life to show you just how awesome He is. :) Really, you gotta try it yourself.
“[Trials and Temptations] Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”- James 1:2-3
love,
-a.
Well, that really caught my attention. What makes a good day? What makes it bad? I had a fantastic day yesterday, so when I found out it was "supposed" to be the worst day in the year, I was even more grateful of the great day that I had.
"15 to 20 minutes a day of something that feels really good can counteract hours and hours of negative." -Wendy Matthews, a life coach
That statement is simple and direct, right? But where would I find something to do for 15-20 minutes on something that feels really good? :) DEVOTION! spend your time with God.
Lately, if you've read my previous blogs, I've learned that spending quality time with God is vital in my spiritual walk. We often say that it's really important to know what God wants and where He wants to lead us. But how? Read your bible. It's useful. I've found that God speaks in funny ways. He uses the least important details from your mundane life to show you just how awesome He is. :) Really, you gotta try it yourself.
“[Trials and Temptations] Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”- James 1:2-3
love,
-a.
Monday, January 19, 2009
I have no idea how to start off, but it's been a long while since it happened to me. But anyway one day a while ago, i was cooking and it was a bit late already, so i decided to multitask in cooking. (not such a smart idea). Multitasking is fine, but as long as you don't forget what you're doing. I was making pork chops and put it in the mini oven and started to get the vegetables ready for cooking, well anyway like a while passed and the vegetables were ready to be cooked and i oiled the wok and left the lid on it. i took out the pork chops and started to cut it into pieces cuz i knew it would take a while for the oil to get hot. as time went by i forgot about the oil that was in the wok, i only remembered when there was this really really oily smell and then i remembered. first thing i quickly turned the stove off and moved it to the other side of the stove, that's when i realized how serious this was. i was about to open the lid, but then there was like a mini explosion that happened. there was a pop sound and i saw this orange/yellow glow to it and i screamed because it was sooo sudden and i thought that i would burn my house on fire. fortunately nothing happened to me or my kitchen (or else i would've been in major trouble) but that experience had taught me a lot.
That experience really reminded me of god. right after that moment i saw that orange/yellow glow, my heart raced and possibly skipped a beat, i was in shock. right after that i was really thanking god because something really bad might've happened to me.
For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go (Psalm:91:11)
I remember reading this bible verse from my sister's bible before this incident happened to me.
I always thought before this experience that I have a right to remain safe with nothing serious happening to me (e.g. house fires, robbery etc.) but afterwards i know that God is here to help me and sends his angels to look out for me as well and that it is not a right to remain safe but it's a privilege.
Ever since that day happened to me i never cook multitasking ever again cuz i don't want to go through the same fright again.
That experience really reminded me of god. right after that moment i saw that orange/yellow glow, my heart raced and possibly skipped a beat, i was in shock. right after that i was really thanking god because something really bad might've happened to me.
For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go (Psalm:91:11)
I remember reading this bible verse from my sister's bible before this incident happened to me.
I always thought before this experience that I have a right to remain safe with nothing serious happening to me (e.g. house fires, robbery etc.) but afterwards i know that God is here to help me and sends his angels to look out for me as well and that it is not a right to remain safe but it's a privilege.
Ever since that day happened to me i never cook multitasking ever again cuz i don't want to go through the same fright again.
Don't Give Up
So after seeing the last post titled "Be My Escape", it inspired me to blog about a song.
Sanctus Real- Don't Give Up
Well I heard you say you would love for a lifetime
And Now you complain a lifetime just doesn’t feel right, for you
Another casualty of casual love
Another soul out of place, a heart that gave up
Why do we break the promises we make?
Are we living for ourselves?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Dont give up on love
Well I heard you say you can’t change a stubborn heart
Yea I can relate ‘cause that’s how I feel when I talk with you
Why should it take losing everything
To realize it might be time to change?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Yea Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
Don’t give up on love
Don’t give up on love
Love
Yea Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Throw it all away
When I listen to music, I don't really listen listen to the lyrics. But with this song, I hear then words when I need it most. It's a really busy time, and there are so many uncertainties. The lyrics mention how running away from pain is easy and He can't change a stubborn heart. I also love the lyrics Why should it take losing everything to realize it might be time to change. Totally feeling those lyrcs. When times are hard, the easy choice is to just run away from whatever it is. The hard part is trusting that God will pull us through. It just feels so much better thinking that we have complete control of our lives. For me anyway, even though I tell myself to let go of what's happening and that whatever happens is meant to be, I feel like I need to control some part of my life so it feels like I'm not throwing it away. The funny thing is that it always takes a near disaster to realize that I can't do things on my own. For a few moments, I understand how it's really not all my choice and that God doesn't lead people into corners. He's given me so much and done so much for me- all out of love. When I come to these realizations, it does make me feel guilty about how I've tried to throw it all away because I wasn't getting what I expected. Then a new door opens and I'm just so thankful. But other than that, I'm not as faithful as I could be. I've got a restless heart that's often on the move, and I know that I can't win, but it's still an endless cycle...so far. Hopefully it does come to an end.
--sab
Sanctus Real- Don't Give Up
Well I heard you say you would love for a lifetime
And Now you complain a lifetime just doesn’t feel right, for you
Another casualty of casual love
Another soul out of place, a heart that gave up
Why do we break the promises we make?
Are we living for ourselves?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Dont give up on love
Well I heard you say you can’t change a stubborn heart
Yea I can relate ‘cause that’s how I feel when I talk with you
Why should it take losing everything
To realize it might be time to change?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
When did it become so easy to run from your pain?
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Yea Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Don’t give up on love and throw it all away
Don’t give up on love and let it fall away
Don’t give up on love
Don’t give up on love
Love
Yea Your restless heart won’t win ‘cause you take but you don’t give
And you’ll keep moving on until you learn what love is
Throw it all away
When I listen to music, I don't really listen listen to the lyrics. But with this song, I hear then words when I need it most. It's a really busy time, and there are so many uncertainties. The lyrics mention how running away from pain is easy and He can't change a stubborn heart. I also love the lyrics Why should it take losing everything to realize it might be time to change. Totally feeling those lyrcs. When times are hard, the easy choice is to just run away from whatever it is. The hard part is trusting that God will pull us through. It just feels so much better thinking that we have complete control of our lives. For me anyway, even though I tell myself to let go of what's happening and that whatever happens is meant to be, I feel like I need to control some part of my life so it feels like I'm not throwing it away. The funny thing is that it always takes a near disaster to realize that I can't do things on my own. For a few moments, I understand how it's really not all my choice and that God doesn't lead people into corners. He's given me so much and done so much for me- all out of love. When I come to these realizations, it does make me feel guilty about how I've tried to throw it all away because I wasn't getting what I expected. Then a new door opens and I'm just so thankful. But other than that, I'm not as faithful as I could be. I've got a restless heart that's often on the move, and I know that I can't win, but it's still an endless cycle...so far. Hopefully it does come to an end.
--sab
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Be my escape.
The first verse of psalm 10 says: "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" if you continue reading, you find out that God is not far off. "The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more." (1:16-18)
So, the sight passage that i had to read for my exam was about this guy living in a nightmare and how we are all "bonded by nightmares". Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. And everyone has their own nightmare, whether it be war, starvation, loneliness...you get the picture. When we're faced with our nightmare, our instinct would tell us to run. And often we do. We run because we don't want to face it (like i've mentioned in my previous blogs). However, we can't run forever, can we?
So this week my dilemma was music class. I know for a fact that i am not a musician. I cannot understand the music the way that i should, and i am almost sure that i am tone deaf. So this year we're playing these incredibly cool songs, but I cant play it. I really.. just couldn't do it. It's not a matter of practice, because i have tried. So then i think i just kinda told myself to stop caring so much about it. I have other things to worry about. Things that would actually aid me in my future. So in a way, it came down to prioritizing, and music came to the last spot. While i was contemplating my situation, all these angry thoughts came to me. "I should've dropped music a long time ago. The teacher is ridiculous, and i really cant take it anymore." etc. On monday, I had a talk with my teacher. (We're going on this trip, and I had to tell him that i dont want to go and i have no money to waste.) Before i talked to him, I came up with all these things that I could say. "Kick me out of the band, I can't do what you expect of me. You can't force me to go on a trip which i don't want to. I need you to stop expecting perfection from me because I'm sick of disappointing you over and over again." Like, I had no fear to say those things to him. I really didn't. I was actually going to say them. But I ended up just... crying. I simply told him that I can't afford to miss school and use money that i dont have. (It's not that expensive, but still, I need to save up for uni.) I felt like I couldn't lie to him at all because I knew that he cared for me. Then my teacher started saying these things that really made me feel like a jerk for ever thinking such angry thoughts in attempt to hurt him. I felt like i couldn't hide from him because his love/care was genuine and I can't run away from that.
Then it suddenly hit me. If I can't even run away from a mere teacher, how can I run away from God? And what can I do to make God so angry that He'll turn His face from me? Everything just seemed so unrealistic. How is it that God is able to take all these crap from me, and yet love me for who I am? There is no logic in that. But God is God. Nothing makes him happier other than me knowing how much He loves me and how much He wants me to "live life to its fullest". Like I said before, we have no idea how much God is capable of doing and how much bigger and stronger and more authoritative than anything of this world. God used my relationship with my teacher to teach me how much more He loves me and my vulnerability. Humans are limited, but God is not. God also taught me that I can't run from Him. I can try to hide all that I've done wrong, but don't be fooled, He already knows. There's no use in keeping secrets from Him, it only makes us feel more guilty by attempting to hide.
Whatever you're running from, you know that God is your escape. God is there, 24/7, waiting with open arms to listen and to embrace you for who you are. :)
Listen to "Be my escape" by Relient K if you want. I stole the title from them. hahaha.
--a.
So, the sight passage that i had to read for my exam was about this guy living in a nightmare and how we are all "bonded by nightmares". Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. And everyone has their own nightmare, whether it be war, starvation, loneliness...you get the picture. When we're faced with our nightmare, our instinct would tell us to run. And often we do. We run because we don't want to face it (like i've mentioned in my previous blogs). However, we can't run forever, can we?
So this week my dilemma was music class. I know for a fact that i am not a musician. I cannot understand the music the way that i should, and i am almost sure that i am tone deaf. So this year we're playing these incredibly cool songs, but I cant play it. I really.. just couldn't do it. It's not a matter of practice, because i have tried. So then i think i just kinda told myself to stop caring so much about it. I have other things to worry about. Things that would actually aid me in my future. So in a way, it came down to prioritizing, and music came to the last spot. While i was contemplating my situation, all these angry thoughts came to me. "I should've dropped music a long time ago. The teacher is ridiculous, and i really cant take it anymore." etc. On monday, I had a talk with my teacher. (We're going on this trip, and I had to tell him that i dont want to go and i have no money to waste.) Before i talked to him, I came up with all these things that I could say. "Kick me out of the band, I can't do what you expect of me. You can't force me to go on a trip which i don't want to. I need you to stop expecting perfection from me because I'm sick of disappointing you over and over again." Like, I had no fear to say those things to him. I really didn't. I was actually going to say them. But I ended up just... crying. I simply told him that I can't afford to miss school and use money that i dont have. (It's not that expensive, but still, I need to save up for uni.) I felt like I couldn't lie to him at all because I knew that he cared for me. Then my teacher started saying these things that really made me feel like a jerk for ever thinking such angry thoughts in attempt to hurt him. I felt like i couldn't hide from him because his love/care was genuine and I can't run away from that.
Then it suddenly hit me. If I can't even run away from a mere teacher, how can I run away from God? And what can I do to make God so angry that He'll turn His face from me? Everything just seemed so unrealistic. How is it that God is able to take all these crap from me, and yet love me for who I am? There is no logic in that. But God is God. Nothing makes him happier other than me knowing how much He loves me and how much He wants me to "live life to its fullest". Like I said before, we have no idea how much God is capable of doing and how much bigger and stronger and more authoritative than anything of this world. God used my relationship with my teacher to teach me how much more He loves me and my vulnerability. Humans are limited, but God is not. God also taught me that I can't run from Him. I can try to hide all that I've done wrong, but don't be fooled, He already knows. There's no use in keeping secrets from Him, it only makes us feel more guilty by attempting to hide.
Whatever you're running from, you know that God is your escape. God is there, 24/7, waiting with open arms to listen and to embrace you for who you are. :)
Listen to "Be my escape" by Relient K if you want. I stole the title from them. hahaha.
--a.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New link to my blog
Hi guys, with the help of an expert, I managed to add my own blog "ceaselesspraise" to this site under "list of blogs". So, there you can read my journal too! :) And also I can now make my "new posting" by my own gmail/blogger account. Cool eh?!
A Time for Everything
After being accepted to university, things really began sinking in, and it put me in a pensive mood, so why not blog. The topic on my mind?
Change.
It kind of scares me how close university is, and it's got me thinking about who I am and who I want to be. I find that I can pick and choose my masks and mold them to fit the environment. It's kind of funny how I want a big change but a safety net as well. Anyway, I guess I'm worrying that if I want change too much, I'll fall into the wrong crowds and totally stray away. So while thinking of change and what might happen, this verse came to mind:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
So after reading this, I'm still really confused, but take some comfort in the fact that there's a time for everything. I guess what I'm trying to say is that whatever happens, happens. And it always happens for a reason. Now I'm thinking that it's not my time to worry yet. It's my time to just be thankful that I made it to this next step in life. I know that I need to trust God more with my life and let the pieces fall, but it's always just so hard to let go of things. I guess I'm kind of feeling that if now's "a time for peace", I want it to be "a time of war"- connecting to amy's 'evil thoughts' thing. I'm practically addicted to drama, and even though it's not the right time for it, and I know that I shouldn't be doing it, it's an addiction. Like every addiction, it's hard to kick.
--sab.
Change.
It kind of scares me how close university is, and it's got me thinking about who I am and who I want to be. I find that I can pick and choose my masks and mold them to fit the environment. It's kind of funny how I want a big change but a safety net as well. Anyway, I guess I'm worrying that if I want change too much, I'll fall into the wrong crowds and totally stray away. So while thinking of change and what might happen, this verse came to mind:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
So after reading this, I'm still really confused, but take some comfort in the fact that there's a time for everything. I guess what I'm trying to say is that whatever happens, happens. And it always happens for a reason. Now I'm thinking that it's not my time to worry yet. It's my time to just be thankful that I made it to this next step in life. I know that I need to trust God more with my life and let the pieces fall, but it's always just so hard to let go of things. I guess I'm kind of feeling that if now's "a time for peace", I want it to be "a time of war"- connecting to amy's 'evil thoughts' thing. I'm practically addicted to drama, and even though it's not the right time for it, and I know that I shouldn't be doing it, it's an addiction. Like every addiction, it's hard to kick.
--sab.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
What're you planning?
I just wanna sure the verse that i talked about in my sharing today.
if you didnt understand that, another version goes like this:
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
23"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. (NIV)if you didnt understand that, another version goes like this:
23All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].
24Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor]. (Amplified Bible)
Furthermore,
23-24Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. (The Message)
it always surprises me how many different ways the bible could be interpreted.
So, back to my real point.
What I experienced during my conversation with God and my struggle with my friend was very powerful. I'm still in awe of how God knows me so well. I think that our sinful nature is constantly working inside us without us knowing. This is dangerous because we sometimes our actions hurt others and/or ruins other people's views about what we believe in. But really, once we realize that we are at fault, what do we do to stop our sinful nature? Do we just think about it and forget it the next second? Or do we take a step and ask God to help us cleanse ourselves of this sin? Right now, I'm in a mixed emotion... i still want to get the message across to my friend that his/her actions upset me (and not just me). But at the same time, how do i act out of love? How do i make sure that my motivation is from God and not from my own evil schemes? Many times, i think we struggle with this, and we subconsciously just let it go. We don't deal with these situations because we don't know what to do, and we don't want to ruin friendship. Or, we just dont have the guts to do it. But really, if the results of me confronting my friend enables him/her to really see what's going on, maybe he/she can change. Maybe God is working in him/her too. I think a really big message from 1 Cor. is that whatever you do, if it doesn't benefit others, don't do it. This is very hard for me, if you know me well enough. I tend to take things into my control and do whatever my mood fits. I'm learning to let God take control, and also to be transformed into someone better than who i am right now.
As we said today in fellowship, God is our refuge, our stronghold, our shield, our protection, our strength... He is able to help us through whatever struggles we have, only if we let him.
May we continue to reflect on God's "bigness" and get to know him even more.
-a.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The other day I noticed my friend kinda down and I decided to ask him/her what had happened. And after a while my friend told me that it all started on boxing day. And right there I guess what she had done. My friend had a history of stealing things from stores and it wasnt nessasarily my friend's fault as he/she was very presurred to do it. Blame peer presure I guess? And all along I would keep tryign to tell him/her that its wrong. Every time we would go somewhere, I made it my duty to stop him/her from stealing and that over time, he/she would eventually stop. But obviously I wasnt that great of an influence as on boxing day he/she decided to steal again and was finally caught when I wasnt there. My friend had a lot going on after with his/her parents disapointed and my friend feeling really bad and all. And although she wasn't charged, he /she did have to pay a fine and be banned from the store for a year which my friend stole from. After hearing this I was kinda disapointed. I remember in sunday school learning about how we have to influence others.
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14)
I felt like I have failed and just wasnt strong enough to stop my friend. However my friend did manage to learn his/her lesson from this, even though it was through the hard way. And not only that, I too have learned my lesson. After all this, it made me realize that I need to be a stronger influence to the people around me. Just think. If I was a stronger influence, things like this could have been prevented.
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14)
I felt like I have failed and just wasnt strong enough to stop my friend. However my friend did manage to learn his/her lesson from this, even though it was through the hard way. And not only that, I too have learned my lesson. After all this, it made me realize that I need to be a stronger influence to the people around me. Just think. If I was a stronger influence, things like this could have been prevented.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Where is the love?
So i was doing my devotion yesterday night, and i came across these verses.
Another version goes like this: 13-14Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
Love without stopping. I guess it's a bit foolish to ask what is "love" after all these bible studies that we've done concerning this topic, but I'm still learning, i guess. Often, I find myself not knowing how to respond out of love, but rather out of my own ... evil ways, if you know what i mean.
Hopefully I'll learn how to love others without stopping. May this verse be encouragement for us. :)
-a.
13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (New International Version)
For some reason this really caught my eye. I suppose it's because of verse 14, where it says "Do everything in love". What does this mean? How do we do things out of love?Another version goes like this: 13-14Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
Love without stopping. I guess it's a bit foolish to ask what is "love" after all these bible studies that we've done concerning this topic, but I'm still learning, i guess. Often, I find myself not knowing how to respond out of love, but rather out of my own ... evil ways, if you know what i mean.
Hopefully I'll learn how to love others without stopping. May this verse be encouragement for us. :)
-a.
Dear Samuel Fellowship :)
HELLO!
so this is going to be our blog. :)
You could either get your own account and become a "follower", or you could simply comment after each post.
I think it'd be nice if you read someone else's thoughts and comment on it if you find anything that you could relate to, or have questions, or simply want to comment.
Feel free to post!
so this is going to be our blog. :)
You could either get your own account and become a "follower", or you could simply comment after each post.
I think it'd be nice if you read someone else's thoughts and comment on it if you find anything that you could relate to, or have questions, or simply want to comment.
Feel free to post!
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