So starting with my main point. So i was in the shower the other day, and the verse comparing physical training and spiritual training popped into my head. It goes something like this: 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1Tim 4:8 (i'm not sure if this is what i was looking for, but the meaning's there.) And i thought of LAST year, when we made SMART goals as a fellowship. I remember mine was to exercise at least twice a week. HAHA. then sometime in June Tina sent out an email to remind us of our goals. I just brushed it off, and forgot about it. But this year i actually started doing something. I've been going to the gym in the morning before my classes with one of my friends every mon/wed/fri and usually saturday as well. Anyway, this is beside the point. So back to the Bible verse. And i was thinking, wow, i'm actually doing SOMETHING and you can kindaaaa see results. haha. And on top of that, i feel so energized and such after i started exercising more. And now i'm like... wow, what if i was this disciplined in reading the Bible daily. It's not just reading the bible, but actually getting down and studying it like it's as HARDCORE as a physical workout. To a point that it's making a significant difference in your life, and it actually takes effort to do it, not just skimming over it. I really hope i can do that. Anyone up for the challenge with me? :):)
OKAY, second point (of many). So CCF has actually been quite hardcore as well. everyweek, they would have a 'question of the week' at the end of each program. The last one was about this dude talking about his faith. He started saying that in order to out reach, we gotta know our own faith and stuff, and answer the questions like 'WHY ARE YOU CHRISTIAN.' then he goes on to talk about how often he gets asked that question by non-christians, and how he tries to explain it. Then he challenged us, to really reflect and think about the MORE important question. "ARE you christian?" I think that's really hard to say. Is there some sort of checklist that makes us christian? Like Anthony's favorite verse, "21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matt7: 21-23. How do you reply to that?
more thoughts:
So i've been quite busy this past week. now that i think about it, i'm a little ashamed of how i've treated this guy that wanted to talk to me. He was saying how he's been having a tough week, 'caught in sin' and 'waiting for God to find him again' kinda thing. At that moment, I think i was just too caught up with myself that i was insensitive to his feelings and kinda just said.. "oh.. well, at least you know that God is there all the time, and everythign will be okay". But really.. when you're upset, how is that gonna help? He needed something more and i didnt give it to him. I'm just feeling.. a little disappointed in myself, i guess. Another thing to work on.
i'll leave for now :) haha, but if you have time, have a listen. it's been on my heart this past week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nd9QgNao5M REIGN IN US.
love,
--amy. (sorry for the long long post.)
Hi Amy, so glad to hear from you...and someone continues to BLOG! =)
ReplyDeleteNote the context of Matt 7:21-23 is vv.15-20. It's speaking directly to false prophets whose hearts were evil and disguised themselves in sheep's clothing. They appeared as holy men, did things for the Lord, prophesied, etc., but they're the wolves; deep down in their heart God sees that they're just doing things for themselves. I don't know what they have done. May be they just wanted to look good before people, to gain honor and respect from people? May be they sold their services to the rich and neglect the poor?
Jesus told them plainly that "I never know you!" because they're not doing the will of God. What are they lacking? What does God really care?
My checklists/steps would be:
1. Are you believing with your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord? (Romans 10:9-13)
2. Are you communicating with God, wanting to know Him? Learn how to pray, read His Word, understand His will, find out how to please Him.
3. Are you pleasing God in all the things you do and walk with Him? Renounce from past sinful life, live a new one in God. It doesn't mean we'll never fail, but when we sin, we'll bring it to the Lord and repent, knowing that God's grace and forgiveness are always sufficient for us.
3. Are you cultivating genuine love for God and for the people of God? To a point you're willing to put down yourself, even sacrifice your right for a greater cause? (Matt 19:21; Phil 3:8; 1 John 4:7-12)
4. Are you willing to witness Him, spread out the good news of Jesus Christ by your words and deeds? If He is so good, are you willing to share with others? Learn how to witness, overcome our fear to lift Him up.
Whether we love good or evil, love God or the devil, it all comes from our heart. Therefore,
- Above all things, guard your heart, it is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4:23)
I believe those who truly know God will have the DESIRE to follow Him, love Him and please Him. That is the mark of a Christian/disciple/follower of Christ.
Not measured by how much accomplishments, titles, honors, assets, or treasures we acquire on earth...
- But store up treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God bless.
haha regarding the guy whos waiting for God to find him, first thoguht I had?
ReplyDeleteI remeber learning something along the lines of how God is the constant and he never leaves. It is us that leaves him and up to us to find him again. sommthing along the lines of that.