*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
This one is an interesting one. It starts by telling women to submit to their husbands. (4 sexist jokes just went through your head...shame on you...) It also says men should honor their wives. Then it talks about suffering even though, and sometimes because, you are doing something good!
If you didn't guess, this one is by Peter also. And boy is it relevant today. Peter tells wives to submit, so that their husbands "may be won over by their behavior." If that happened, along with men treating their wives with respect, so much fewer marriages would be lost! And, Christians around the world are persecuted just because they share Jesus! And it may not be as drastic in high school, but the more you stand up for Jesus in high school, the more others try to knock you down.
This one seems like it wouldn't be very applicable for this trip, but in fact it's the opposite! We may not be married, but there are guys and girls going on this trip. Girls, I'm sorry, but as Peter says, you are the "weaker partner." I'm not being sexist, but most guys are stronger than most girls. (Example: Hulk vs. Black Widow.) but guys aren't perfect, by a long shot. Girls, for one, actually admit to having feelings...(yeah, I went there.) as for suffering, it's gonna be hard work, and people here will question why you're even going on this trip. I mean really, who spends $1600 to spend a week of their summer helping people in Nicaragua? Oh, that's right, God's children do. Boom...roasted.
Get it? Roasted? Because its hot in Nicaragua??
Oh bad puns...
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
1 Peter 2
*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
Also, that last one was supposed to be about 1 Peter 1, and that's what I made the title....but I read/wrote about 1 James 1.....oops.
Anyways, without further adieu, 1 Peter 2:
So. Summary. Let's see, first he talks about how we are a chosen people, and thought we will be rejected by men, we should still abstain from sin, "so that they may see your good works and glorify God" (v.2) He then goes on to say that we should submit to our 'masters' and authorities, (both kind and cruel) because it is commendable to God.
Peter was an interesting fellow. He had his dumb moments, but writing this definitely wasn't one of them. He realizes that we are going to have authorities in our lives, (be it teachers, parents, or bosses), and some of them won't be very nice, and may not even have our best interests in mind. But God wants us to endure submit, because it gives us love and patience, and it could show them Christ's love!
This section also has a lot to do with our trip. You are going to disagree with someone on this trip, and your response will have an impact on others on the team. It's up to you to decide whether that impact is positive or negative. Another connection is that we were all chosen for this trip by God and the leaders. God put something in each of our hearts to make us put in an application. (Because no one would fill out that much of an application for fun...just saying.) And I don't know how many (or if any) applications got rejected, but I do know that the leaders put a lot of time and prayer into who to accept. So each of us will have a specific part to play, and it's up to you to fulfill yours...
Also, that last one was supposed to be about 1 Peter 1, and that's what I made the title....but I read/wrote about 1 James 1.....oops.
Anyways, without further adieu, 1 Peter 2:
So. Summary. Let's see, first he talks about how we are a chosen people, and thought we will be rejected by men, we should still abstain from sin, "so that they may see your good works and glorify God" (v.2) He then goes on to say that we should submit to our 'masters' and authorities, (both kind and cruel) because it is commendable to God.
Peter was an interesting fellow. He had his dumb moments, but writing this definitely wasn't one of them. He realizes that we are going to have authorities in our lives, (be it teachers, parents, or bosses), and some of them won't be very nice, and may not even have our best interests in mind. But God wants us to endure submit, because it gives us love and patience, and it could show them Christ's love!
This section also has a lot to do with our trip. You are going to disagree with someone on this trip, and your response will have an impact on others on the team. It's up to you to decide whether that impact is positive or negative. Another connection is that we were all chosen for this trip by God and the leaders. God put something in each of our hearts to make us put in an application. (Because no one would fill out that much of an application for fun...just saying.) And I don't know how many (or if any) applications got rejected, but I do know that the leaders put a lot of time and prayer into who to accept. So each of us will have a specific part to play, and it's up to you to fulfill yours...
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
1 James 1
*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
To sum this chapter up, it begins by talking about how facing trials and temptations will make us better and closer to God. Then it goes on to say how dumb it is to read God's word and not do what it says. (not in those exact words...)
James wrote this. He's Jesus's bro by the way. I think he wrote this because people back then struggled with the same things we do today. Lust, greed, etc. And the Word has ways to deal with these "trials and temptations."
This chapter tells us a few things. One, God won't send temptation on us. Our own desires tempt us, but God will help us through that temptation. Two, we can't fight it on our own. That's probably why I give in so much; I try to defeat temptation on my own. Finally, this trip is gonna be full of trials. But we should "consider it pure joy," because if we let it, it'll bring us closer to God and each other.
To sum this chapter up, it begins by talking about how facing trials and temptations will make us better and closer to God. Then it goes on to say how dumb it is to read God's word and not do what it says. (not in those exact words...)
James wrote this. He's Jesus's bro by the way. I think he wrote this because people back then struggled with the same things we do today. Lust, greed, etc. And the Word has ways to deal with these "trials and temptations."
This chapter tells us a few things. One, God won't send temptation on us. Our own desires tempt us, but God will help us through that temptation. Two, we can't fight it on our own. That's probably why I give in so much; I try to defeat temptation on my own. Finally, this trip is gonna be full of trials. But we should "consider it pure joy," because if we let it, it'll bring us closer to God and each other.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Romans 7:16-25 (MSG)
I just wanna talk about something I've been dealing with for a while, and will probably be dealing with until the day I die. We've been going over this at GSM, and it's pretty well summed up by Paul in Romans 7.
What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
In my head, I think: 'I would never do anything like that, it's so wrong!' But then I find myself doing those very things!! Obviously I need to delve into God's word more, to get a better hold on what's right and wrong!
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
What is up with me?! I want to live full out for Christ Jesus, but for some reason right as I decide to live for him, I go and sin again! Why can I not live completely for Him?
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I really do want to live for Him!! My heart is committed to Him! But some part of my heart waits til I get alone with my thoughts, with no one to keep me accountable, and pounces, and I'm caught.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
Anyone? Obviously I'm never gonna be able to stop on my own; I've been trying that for far too long, with far too few results. And talking to another person helps, but it doesn't take it all away, it just lessens it. I need supernatural help!!!
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
God I need You! If not for Your Son Jesus, I would have no hope of fighting these demons! I need to somehow align ALL of my heart to yours! I need You LORD.
What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
In my head, I think: 'I would never do anything like that, it's so wrong!' But then I find myself doing those very things!! Obviously I need to delve into God's word more, to get a better hold on what's right and wrong!
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
What is up with me?! I want to live full out for Christ Jesus, but for some reason right as I decide to live for him, I go and sin again! Why can I not live completely for Him?
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I really do want to live for Him!! My heart is committed to Him! But some part of my heart waits til I get alone with my thoughts, with no one to keep me accountable, and pounces, and I'm caught.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
Anyone? Obviously I'm never gonna be able to stop on my own; I've been trying that for far too long, with far too few results. And talking to another person helps, but it doesn't take it all away, it just lessens it. I need supernatural help!!!
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
God I need You! If not for Your Son Jesus, I would have no hope of fighting these demons! I need to somehow align ALL of my heart to yours! I need You LORD.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
To Be or Not to Be....Single
If you're reading this, you probably know I am single. I have been for about....forever or so. Some people think it's strange. Others have told me I'm not allowed to date until college...
Anyway, I wanna share my thoughts on this whole relationship craze.
I think 90% of high school relationships should never happen. (Middle school: 99%, Elementary: 100%) I do not think that just because a girl is pretty, you should date her. If he/she hasn't met your family, it's not time yet. If you met a month ago, definitely not. I'm just saying, get to know him/her first! I personally am not going to date anyone I'm not already friends with. As of now, I'm not willing to risk any of my friendships for a dating experience that I know won't last.
Another thing, if you've been together for three weeks, its not love. Unless you would be willing to marry them right now, it's not love.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35: I'm not gonna write it all out, but basically it says that married (or dating) people will focus on making their partner happy, while single folks can focus on God.
1 Corinthians 7:8: If you were just in a relationship, and it didn't work out, you don't need to get in another just to make you feel better! Give it time!
2 Corinthians 6:14: Don't date non-Christians!! You don't have to be mean about it, just lead them to Christ! Really, if you care about them, you should care about their eternal soul...
Oh, and 99.9% of the time, "missionary dating" is a lie.
Look, I'm not saying we all need to swear off dating, I'm saying you should think!
Anyway, I wanna share my thoughts on this whole relationship craze.
I think 90% of high school relationships should never happen. (Middle school: 99%, Elementary: 100%) I do not think that just because a girl is pretty, you should date her. If he/she hasn't met your family, it's not time yet. If you met a month ago, definitely not. I'm just saying, get to know him/her first! I personally am not going to date anyone I'm not already friends with. As of now, I'm not willing to risk any of my friendships for a dating experience that I know won't last.
Another thing, if you've been together for three weeks, its not love. Unless you would be willing to marry them right now, it's not love.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35: I'm not gonna write it all out, but basically it says that married (or dating) people will focus on making their partner happy, while single folks can focus on God.
1 Corinthians 7:8: If you were just in a relationship, and it didn't work out, you don't need to get in another just to make you feel better! Give it time!
2 Corinthians 6:14: Don't date non-Christians!! You don't have to be mean about it, just lead them to Christ! Really, if you care about them, you should care about their eternal soul...
Oh, and 99.9% of the time, "missionary dating" is a lie.
Look, I'm not saying we all need to swear off dating, I'm saying you should think!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Horror Film
Everyone loves a good apocalypse movie! I mean natural disasters, alien invasions, zombies, that stuff is cool! It's so science fiction that almost no one imagines it actually happening. I mean really. A cure for cancer that turns 99% of the world into zombies? A meteo threatening to wipe out earth? Yeah right. But you know what i think the scariest movies are? Demon films. Especially for Christians. Because demons exist.
How many times have aliens fought against humanity? Or Cowboys? Or the Fantastic Four? Never, never, and....never. Jesus incountered at least 20, maybe 50 possessed people in his ministry. That's one person, three years, and that many Demons?
And it still happens today! Most people scoff at exorcisms and the like, but the fact is they are very real. The one thing that I take comfort in is that most theologins agree, Christians cannot be possessed. I believe this is because we already have Christ in us. "There ain't room for the both of us here."
Just something to think about, next time you watch a horror movie for fun.
(Yes, I know that none of the movies I referenced up there were horror movies...but they would be....if they were plausible...)
How many times have aliens fought against humanity? Or Cowboys? Or the Fantastic Four? Never, never, and....never. Jesus incountered at least 20, maybe 50 possessed people in his ministry. That's one person, three years, and that many Demons?
And it still happens today! Most people scoff at exorcisms and the like, but the fact is they are very real. The one thing that I take comfort in is that most theologins agree, Christians cannot be possessed. I believe this is because we already have Christ in us. "There ain't room for the both of us here."
Just something to think about, next time you watch a horror movie for fun.
(Yes, I know that none of the movies I referenced up there were horror movies...but they would be....if they were plausible...)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I've been thinking...
This time, I'm just going to post some thoughts. It might seem completely unconnected...get over it. :)
Pain:
One of the main reasons people avoid Christianity is pain. "How could there be a loving God with so much suffering?" in Laura Story's words, "When darkness seems to win, the pain reminds us, this is not out home." in other words, God didn't intend for this world to be flawed, but every time we choose against Him, He is in pain too. And a lot of the time it hurts us or those around us.
Fakers:
Another huge turn-off for non-Christians is all the fakers. All of the people who call themselves Christians, (regardless of if they really are or not), but don't reflect Christ in any way. But it's more than that; even the Christians who are decent, if they hurt someone, that person gets "turned-off" of Christ. That is why we, as Christians, must constantly pray for the strength to do what's right.
Forgiveness:
I believe in the ultimate forgiveness of God. If you believe that God is God, and place your complete trust in Him, you will be saved, and spend eternity in Heaven, be it when you are 7 at summer camp, or on your death bed. I believe if Hitler had trusted in the One True God, he would be in heaven right now.
Homosexuality:
Being homosexual, (or Bi-) is a sin.it says so right in the bible. However, God won't ban you from heaven if you are! Any sin is equal in His sight. It's the same level as lying, cheating, murder, and rape. I'm not saying I embrace it, but I won't hate you, and God doesn't either.
These are just some of my thoughts. I won't claim that they're flawless, but they are what I believe. What are your thoughts?
Pain:
One of the main reasons people avoid Christianity is pain. "How could there be a loving God with so much suffering?" in Laura Story's words, "When darkness seems to win, the pain reminds us, this is not out home." in other words, God didn't intend for this world to be flawed, but every time we choose against Him, He is in pain too. And a lot of the time it hurts us or those around us.
Fakers:
Another huge turn-off for non-Christians is all the fakers. All of the people who call themselves Christians, (regardless of if they really are or not), but don't reflect Christ in any way. But it's more than that; even the Christians who are decent, if they hurt someone, that person gets "turned-off" of Christ. That is why we, as Christians, must constantly pray for the strength to do what's right.
Forgiveness:
I believe in the ultimate forgiveness of God. If you believe that God is God, and place your complete trust in Him, you will be saved, and spend eternity in Heaven, be it when you are 7 at summer camp, or on your death bed. I believe if Hitler had trusted in the One True God, he would be in heaven right now.
Homosexuality:
Being homosexual, (or Bi-) is a sin.it says so right in the bible. However, God won't ban you from heaven if you are! Any sin is equal in His sight. It's the same level as lying, cheating, murder, and rape. I'm not saying I embrace it, but I won't hate you, and God doesn't either.
These are just some of my thoughts. I won't claim that they're flawless, but they are what I believe. What are your thoughts?
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