Ironic how people can be so easily persuaded that the world is going to end on May 21st, 2011, at 6 PM, but they are so averse to the truth about a real and living Gospel, and a real and living “end of the world” when approached by Christians. To them, this is the last plight of a desperate soul who knows (or sees this as) his last chance for redemption, or a last chance to party.
So what exactly was I doing the day before “DOOMSDAY”? I spent the day with my co-workers at Annella Designs talking about what they were planning to do before the final hour, and what they believed would lead up to this alleged end. A small part of me was actually convinced for a split second that the world actually COULD end tomorrow. I mean let’s face it, who are we to question God if He decides to make the day tomorrow? And people talking “big” can really frighten you—when your co-workers are talking about the sky looks so ominous and joking about being “left behind”, it kind of makes you think twice about what you’ve done with your life.
At the same time, it’s also sad hearing about what people are trying to do, and accomplish in the last hours. One of my co-workers was hoping to go home and pray with his mom for the end. You hear others who are planning on having a huge rapture party. Maybe I’m taking it too seriously, but on the way home, I kept hearing Britney Spears’ song, “Til the World Ends”. It was almost foreboding the way the words kind of just hung in the air like humidity, dripping and uncomfortable.
Deep down, I know that I have assurance in my walk with God, but a big part of me was ashamed that I was still so scared and unsure of what really was going to happen. I’m not going to lie, a big part of me was filled with relief when it hit 6:01 pm today. And as much as this sounds like another rollercoaster peak, where I’m fighting to regain my devotional life and relationship with God stemmed from guilt, I think this question was a good wakeup call, and a reminder to persevere, once again. I do believe that God saves me, and that He forgives. But every once in a while, we need an extra push, whether or not that means taking these “ridiculous crazy predictions” in stride as a reminder of His power, or if that means further action, by changing our small habits to little by little include Him in more and more of our day.
Romans 6:5-Just reading this verse after my small panic attack of fear at where I stand with God…I am SO AMAZED at how He still works. Just listen to God’s reassurance through Paul: “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” What promise He has in store for us! Even in my doubt, I am so encouraged by this truth, in knowing that I am in right standing with God, because I am united with Him in dying to sin.
At the end of the chapter, Paul writes, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” It makes me question some of the things I’ve participated in that made me reassess to what purpose and end they resulted in. When we choose to sin, we are making a conscious effort to ignore and avoid righteousness. But Paul makes a good point—if it’s something that makes us ashamed of what we did, in the sight of God, what good is that in the end? What good does it do for us? What do our decisions produce in the long run? There is no positive end. There is no good that comes from our conscious decision to ignore His word—it only begets death.
So what happens if we consciously choose righteousness instead? Paul’s answer is resounding, and so incredible: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” Choosing righteousness and following Christ means that we are constantly being changed for the better, and becoming more and more sanctified or holy daily. It’s not an easy fight. No, God promises it’ll be hard, and we will suffer trials. But the conscious decisions we make to serve Him, and hold fast to His word, in return, keep us obedient and give us the hope that He is molding us into his perfect image, and we have the reward of eternal life awaiting us.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
To A Very Special Person
Dear Matt,
I want to take this time to say thank you so much, for all you do, and for all you've put up with. The past almost-8-months, we've come a long way in our relationship, even considering the fact that I've known you for more than 5 years now. (6? I don't know, it could be 8 for all I know). I am so thankful for someone like you, and even though I have a hard time saying it aloud in words sometimes, I am really so lucky to have you in my life. I have to admit, it's been weird not having you around all the time, and as much as I hate to admit it, you are the glue that makes my life stick together sometimes. I see how much you brighten the people around you, and what an amazing personality you are. You draw people in with your light, and with your kindness, and with your love for people. That's something I wish I had, and something I will always envy and treasure at the same time.
Sometimes, I fail to uplift you, and my words are blunt and sometimes hurtful. The best image I can think of is shards of glass--once something beautiful, but now something broken, and painful. I tend to push people away, and sometimes you get caught in the crossfire. But I've been realizing that even though I want to think that I have it all together, and that I'm independent and always pursuing my own goals and my own direction, you are always encouraging me, and always pushing me to strive for better. That's something I've never asked for, and yet, God has really blessed me with you. Your patience and easy-going attitude could drive me insane, but at the same time, they are just what I need for my crazy mess of emotions sometimes. Thank you for being the balance in my life.
Now onto the materialistic qualities:
YOU KNOW, I never realized how MUCH of an extrovert you are, until I saw how much people took notice of you at the club shoot the second day we filmed. Robin, Chloe, and Gabrielle all asked about you, and genuinely seemed to like hanging out with you. It's a characteristic friendliness that I can't imagine ever having myself, but it's so awesome to see that gift within you. You reach out to people so well. I was just really touched to see that in person.
I also wanted to say how awesome it is that I have a photographer as a boyfriend. As a designer, I love that you are so crazy about seeing the world through the film of the artistic lens. It comforts me to know that I have someone who can at least SOMEWHAT understand my dilemma of having a passion that is severely under-appreciated, and more often than not, severely underpaid. I find comfort in knowing that we walk similar paths in terms of pursuing the beauty that is in God's creation.
Thanks for putting up with my best friends--Esther and Char, you two are AMAZING...but I can only BEGIN to imagine the kind of fun you're having with him. I love that the three of you get along so well, and it puts my heart to rest knowing you're in good hands (each one of you). Thanks for making math and the Transitive property that much greater, and that much more fun.
I hope this love letter finds you safe in HK. As you deal with the trials that are inevitable on every family trip, I just want to say thank you ONE MORE TIME, and thank you for praying me so faithfully. I have yet to find someone who has so faithfully exhibited Christ to me so well (MAYBE with the exception of my parents). I am so grateful. And knowing how much you will appreciate this and treasure it because your Love Language is Words of Affirmation, I end this heartfelt note with a full heart, because I know that my words will not go unheard, and that you will take these words of encouragement with you as you travel.
I really am so proud of our relationship. This isn't arrogance. It stems from confidence in knowing that God is slowly changing me, and showing me how to take in this blessing, and learn how much more He loves me in spite of my sin.
STILL SO AMAZED!
Love,
Jo
I want to take this time to say thank you so much, for all you do, and for all you've put up with. The past almost-8-months, we've come a long way in our relationship, even considering the fact that I've known you for more than 5 years now. (6? I don't know, it could be 8 for all I know). I am so thankful for someone like you, and even though I have a hard time saying it aloud in words sometimes, I am really so lucky to have you in my life. I have to admit, it's been weird not having you around all the time, and as much as I hate to admit it, you are the glue that makes my life stick together sometimes. I see how much you brighten the people around you, and what an amazing personality you are. You draw people in with your light, and with your kindness, and with your love for people. That's something I wish I had, and something I will always envy and treasure at the same time.
Sometimes, I fail to uplift you, and my words are blunt and sometimes hurtful. The best image I can think of is shards of glass--once something beautiful, but now something broken, and painful. I tend to push people away, and sometimes you get caught in the crossfire. But I've been realizing that even though I want to think that I have it all together, and that I'm independent and always pursuing my own goals and my own direction, you are always encouraging me, and always pushing me to strive for better. That's something I've never asked for, and yet, God has really blessed me with you. Your patience and easy-going attitude could drive me insane, but at the same time, they are just what I need for my crazy mess of emotions sometimes. Thank you for being the balance in my life.
Now onto the materialistic qualities:
YOU KNOW, I never realized how MUCH of an extrovert you are, until I saw how much people took notice of you at the club shoot the second day we filmed. Robin, Chloe, and Gabrielle all asked about you, and genuinely seemed to like hanging out with you. It's a characteristic friendliness that I can't imagine ever having myself, but it's so awesome to see that gift within you. You reach out to people so well. I was just really touched to see that in person.
I also wanted to say how awesome it is that I have a photographer as a boyfriend. As a designer, I love that you are so crazy about seeing the world through the film of the artistic lens. It comforts me to know that I have someone who can at least SOMEWHAT understand my dilemma of having a passion that is severely under-appreciated, and more often than not, severely underpaid. I find comfort in knowing that we walk similar paths in terms of pursuing the beauty that is in God's creation.
Thanks for putting up with my best friends--Esther and Char, you two are AMAZING...but I can only BEGIN to imagine the kind of fun you're having with him. I love that the three of you get along so well, and it puts my heart to rest knowing you're in good hands (each one of you). Thanks for making math and the Transitive property that much greater, and that much more fun.
I hope this love letter finds you safe in HK. As you deal with the trials that are inevitable on every family trip, I just want to say thank you ONE MORE TIME, and thank you for praying me so faithfully. I have yet to find someone who has so faithfully exhibited Christ to me so well (MAYBE with the exception of my parents). I am so grateful. And knowing how much you will appreciate this and treasure it because your Love Language is Words of Affirmation, I end this heartfelt note with a full heart, because I know that my words will not go unheard, and that you will take these words of encouragement with you as you travel.
I really am so proud of our relationship. This isn't arrogance. It stems from confidence in knowing that God is slowly changing me, and showing me how to take in this blessing, and learn how much more He loves me in spite of my sin.
STILL SO AMAZED!
Love,
Jo
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Before the Fall...
I began reading this book called "The Church Awakening", by Charles Swindoll, and within the first few pages, I started realizing, our churches are ERODING. As Swindoll states, churches today have lost the sight of the original vision and purpose of the church that Christ began in 0 AD. As a result, its people have lost sight of the simplicity of the gospel, and the conviction of Christianity.
What does this mean? It means people don't read about, study, and KNOW, the gospel story, or even the history behind, and the prophesy foretold of the child who was sent to redeem all mankind because of sin. Many Christians call themselves Christians, because they think going to church is what warrants their claim. Or they think they've been pretty good people so far, and that they don't foresee any troublemaking tendencies that could cause their downfall. The original truth of the depravity of man, and the deserved death that we all should be doomed for, is long forgotten, and too "heavy" of a truth for most people to accept. It's a truth that sometimes even I don't want to really believe. But it is a truth nonetheless. One of the characteristics of the early church, as Swindoll stated, was their unyielding commitment to the "apostles' truth"--that is, the truth of Christ's salvation. It was this simple truth, without rules, laws, and regulations or standards, that was the foundation of the early church.
It is interesting now, seeing how rules and regulations are such a necessary part of running our church. Most people have become cynical, and skeptical about the truth, and without such standards, a church fails to promote the teaching/preaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer that is Christ-centered, and Word-focused.
It makes me think, how am I contributing to the church's erosion? Or how can I help to keep it from eroding? Have I given in and surrendered to certain "truths" which have so deceived me that I no longer can tell truth from lie anymore? It is the lies that consume us so much more easily, and more quickly, than truths convict us.
i've realized how complacent I've become in the last couple of years. Every week I remember Pastor Young mentioning how real spiritual warfare is. More often than not, it doesn't hit me HOW real it all is--that we are constantly under spiritual attack. It's not something we're constantly aware of until we start seeing everything in a kingdom light. What I mean by this, is that we begin to see our lives in light of our heavenly future. Living from day to day, just to get by, hardly gets me thinking about my heavenly afterlife. But it's there. It's real. And seeing my body and my mind go under physical and mental attack has really made me realize how hard Satan is willing to go, to make me feel unwanted, and unworthy.
As i go through this week trying to understand how to live my life fully for Him, and how to glorify Him in all I do, there are many mistakes I make. There's a lot of bitterness at the sin in this world, and at my own pride, and my own stubbornness. Still, I was reminded yesterday by a very interesting source, that I am very blessed. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have even more to be repentant for. And I was reminded that God is faithful, and that sometimes it requires being still, to listen for His voice, and trust in His plan. Sometimes that means staying in place, and just waiting for His direction. All I can do at this point, is try to live my life daily in communication with him, and trusting that He is keeping me here, or blocking certain opportunities, for a reason. And when it comes to contributing to the church's erosion, all I can do it persevere and fight with all my might against the sinfulness and the stubbornness that keeps me from serving Him completely. It means delving into His word more, and fully understanding and holding to the truths and the promises He gives me.
What does this mean? It means people don't read about, study, and KNOW, the gospel story, or even the history behind, and the prophesy foretold of the child who was sent to redeem all mankind because of sin. Many Christians call themselves Christians, because they think going to church is what warrants their claim. Or they think they've been pretty good people so far, and that they don't foresee any troublemaking tendencies that could cause their downfall. The original truth of the depravity of man, and the deserved death that we all should be doomed for, is long forgotten, and too "heavy" of a truth for most people to accept. It's a truth that sometimes even I don't want to really believe. But it is a truth nonetheless. One of the characteristics of the early church, as Swindoll stated, was their unyielding commitment to the "apostles' truth"--that is, the truth of Christ's salvation. It was this simple truth, without rules, laws, and regulations or standards, that was the foundation of the early church.
It is interesting now, seeing how rules and regulations are such a necessary part of running our church. Most people have become cynical, and skeptical about the truth, and without such standards, a church fails to promote the teaching/preaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer that is Christ-centered, and Word-focused.
It makes me think, how am I contributing to the church's erosion? Or how can I help to keep it from eroding? Have I given in and surrendered to certain "truths" which have so deceived me that I no longer can tell truth from lie anymore? It is the lies that consume us so much more easily, and more quickly, than truths convict us.
i've realized how complacent I've become in the last couple of years. Every week I remember Pastor Young mentioning how real spiritual warfare is. More often than not, it doesn't hit me HOW real it all is--that we are constantly under spiritual attack. It's not something we're constantly aware of until we start seeing everything in a kingdom light. What I mean by this, is that we begin to see our lives in light of our heavenly future. Living from day to day, just to get by, hardly gets me thinking about my heavenly afterlife. But it's there. It's real. And seeing my body and my mind go under physical and mental attack has really made me realize how hard Satan is willing to go, to make me feel unwanted, and unworthy.
As i go through this week trying to understand how to live my life fully for Him, and how to glorify Him in all I do, there are many mistakes I make. There's a lot of bitterness at the sin in this world, and at my own pride, and my own stubbornness. Still, I was reminded yesterday by a very interesting source, that I am very blessed. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have even more to be repentant for. And I was reminded that God is faithful, and that sometimes it requires being still, to listen for His voice, and trust in His plan. Sometimes that means staying in place, and just waiting for His direction. All I can do at this point, is try to live my life daily in communication with him, and trusting that He is keeping me here, or blocking certain opportunities, for a reason. And when it comes to contributing to the church's erosion, all I can do it persevere and fight with all my might against the sinfulness and the stubbornness that keeps me from serving Him completely. It means delving into His word more, and fully understanding and holding to the truths and the promises He gives me.
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