Sorry for the great absence, the emptiness of the collection. The lack of sententiae. That is fun to say. I think it is latin, but I don't remember. You know, you don't use it, you lose it.
I thought I would share a little of my mind, my heart, my splognon (however that is spelled, my bowels). This is the first quarter of my senior year at the purple and gold UW, and it has been an interesting and adventurous one to say the least.
I am taking a class on J.R.R. Tolkien (fun but lots of reading), a Chinese History class (they have a lot of it, and they need Christ big time), and then there is my senior seminar, Greek Warfare (even more reading and research). Tolkien is fun because I get to read is stories and we get to talk about God and Christianity in class. I even brought in some Calvanism. Chinese history is a snoozer, but it is interesting to learn about their different philosophies over the years, even though they are all vanity and grasping after wind. My senior seminar is cool, because it talks about warfare, but is a lot more work than I expected. I have a 16-20 page paper due at the of the quarter, but many projects leading to that end as we go along, which mean my days very full. This is the heaviest load so far, but it is good for me to press on and persevere, or drown.
Yesterday I had 7-8 page paper due in Tolkien, my thesis and outline in Greek, and a test in Chinese, so needless to say I was up way late. Even with that crazy load God was/is so good and faithful. He gave me the wherewithall to write a good paper (according to Leila and I think she would know), know 90-95% of the info on the test (didn't study as much as I should've), and have time to spare to finish my Greek stuff. So God is good, and all of this has forced me to depend on God a lot more, and pray more. Praise God.
One more thing about this quarter, at the beginning I heard some sad news about my Dad. I won't go into details, but it has put a strain on our relationship, and my heart. Some of you know what I talking about, and I hope you keep praying for me and especially him and his wife (my stepmom). Through this I have been increasingly aware of sin, and its destructiveness. Our pride opens a door the size of those at the Boeing plant that lets them move in 777's or 747's in and out. Pride lets everything destructive in, and when sin is in it seeks to exstinguish all light, burn out all good, and strangle all life in your heart and life. Notice too, that I equated destructiveness with sin. They are one in the same.
We need to fight sin not only in our own hearts and lives, but also in and with others. If we are Christians then we are part of family, and we cannot be indifferent to each other, we must reach out and help each other. My Dad needs my help and I am trying to give it as best as I can. I need your help. I am weak in the flesh, and so are you, so let's fight together. One thing that I have learned in my Greek class is the Spartan hoplites were the best fighters because they trained hard, and fought together. Their constant training allowed them to keep order and overcome many obstacles together. The same goes for the Athenian navy. They were the best because of their focus on training together, and much practice. All great armies/navies, and sports teams found success because they trained hard, and relentlessly, with each other.
The point is, we must train hard and relentlessly for the fight against sin and the flesh. We must do this with each other. We must learn how to use our sword properly. If you don't train hard, who is going to get my back or the soldier next to you. We can't rely on each other if we aren't all working hard to fight better. We must protect and serve one another. Our sin and weaknesses always affect others around us, one way or another. My dad's sin has been festering for years, and it is because he has been poorly trained, and has not sought proper training. I am talking about proper training in the Word, our sword. He doesn't know his weapon, he thinks he does, but it is like he is holding it by the blade or something, trying to fight with handle and cutting himself. Not much good in a battle. So train hard, press on, and humble yourself before God, or sin will invade your heart, and ruin your life and the lives of those around you.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
War, Death, and our Humbled Hearts
I am taking a break from writing my paper on the "Zeitgeist" or spirit of the times of the Americans and the British during April 1917. If you recall this during WWI and on April 6th the US declared war on the Germany and her militaristic allies. As I am working this paper I am listening to DC Talks greatest hits and the song, "I Wish We All been Ready," and I was overcome by emotion. Now I know some of you are thinking that I am a girl, but I asked myself, "Why?" I answered that we are evil people and the world is terribly in need of God and so many of us live our daily oblivious to death, destruction, and pain. We are safe here in our little community in Snohomish county and we forget our place in this world and so stinkin' selfish.
I am so convinced that if we studied our history (the history of man) we would continually be reminded of our sinfulness and need of a Saviour. As I have the privilege to study History at fine university like UW (Go Dawgs, that is a shout out to Sara W.), I have been reminded how important studying history and learning from it is. We all need reminding that the world is not our oyster and we are not the center of the universe. The universe is not youcentric; it is Godcentric. If you think that you are the most important person in the world and your life sucks, then let me take you on a tour of the battle fronts of WWI. I will show you men who loved their countries and hated evil and for the most part submitted to their leaders without question. The fought even when it seemed hopeless and they charged a storm of bullets, they inhaled the fowl, nasty smells of death on a daily basis. They had the "privilege" to fight the worst style of warfare imaginable, trench warfare. Until the tank and the German storm troopers, there was really no way to break through the trench lines completely and exploit the the breakthrough. So all sorts attempts we made to find a way through, like gas, immense artillery bombardment, and even the old school bayonet charge. The use of gas was nasty, it blinded people, burned their skin and lungs, ate through their clothes (mustard gas), made you sneeze so you had to take off your gas masks and be hit by other types of gas, not to mention the fact that while you are worrying about the gas, the enemy machine guns are spitting out their fireflies of death, and the artillery is belching out shells of death. Every aspect of life during the war was focused on one purpose and the was surviving and winning the war; avoiding death and finding solace in victory. Almost SIX MILLION people were killed, seriously wounded, or captured during the Great War. We must remember that life under the sun is mortal and finite. We are not here to live forever and be all hunky dory about life. We are here for God's purposes and that is to praise and worship Him as our sovereign Father, King, and Creator. We are to do all things to glory and praise of God. We must trust Him and obey, and not live our life without regard to death and pain; to not live our life like this is it and we are all that matters. We don't always have to have the best and be comfortable to have joy and delight in God, we can do that while suffering through the horrible atrocities of war and persecution. We can do this and love during the most horrible times of life only because of the indominable Jesus Christ. We think the our soldiers and the soldiers of all battles gave a great sacrifice of life and blood, but none of the millions, perhaps billions of people who have died in the wars of selfish mankind have made a perfect and infinite sacrifice, only JESUS CHRIST has paid the total penalty of sin and only he has fought a truly just and holy war. He is the only conquer and victor. Only He deserves all the spoils and the territories of the enemy. Only He deserves our totally abdication and surrender. Only He deserves praise and the rights to our total obedience. God gave His one and only son to be our victorious conquer and infinite sacrifice. He is the only one worthy of focus and striving. May we remember that every second 1.6 people die and you could be next. We must not wait til it is too late to love our greatest lover and bow the knee perfect submission to His holy will. I beg you remember the truth and forget your petty selves and love God with every molecule of your body being powered by the Holy Spirit charging you soul with the truth of His Word, the greatest weapon we have, and may ask our mighty commander for daily guidance and orders. God I love you and praise you may my own words not be hypocritical and may the only serve to bring you glory.
I am so convinced that if we studied our history (the history of man) we would continually be reminded of our sinfulness and need of a Saviour. As I have the privilege to study History at fine university like UW (Go Dawgs, that is a shout out to Sara W.), I have been reminded how important studying history and learning from it is. We all need reminding that the world is not our oyster and we are not the center of the universe. The universe is not youcentric; it is Godcentric. If you think that you are the most important person in the world and your life sucks, then let me take you on a tour of the battle fronts of WWI. I will show you men who loved their countries and hated evil and for the most part submitted to their leaders without question. The fought even when it seemed hopeless and they charged a storm of bullets, they inhaled the fowl, nasty smells of death on a daily basis. They had the "privilege" to fight the worst style of warfare imaginable, trench warfare. Until the tank and the German storm troopers, there was really no way to break through the trench lines completely and exploit the the breakthrough. So all sorts attempts we made to find a way through, like gas, immense artillery bombardment, and even the old school bayonet charge. The use of gas was nasty, it blinded people, burned their skin and lungs, ate through their clothes (mustard gas), made you sneeze so you had to take off your gas masks and be hit by other types of gas, not to mention the fact that while you are worrying about the gas, the enemy machine guns are spitting out their fireflies of death, and the artillery is belching out shells of death. Every aspect of life during the war was focused on one purpose and the was surviving and winning the war; avoiding death and finding solace in victory. Almost SIX MILLION people were killed, seriously wounded, or captured during the Great War. We must remember that life under the sun is mortal and finite. We are not here to live forever and be all hunky dory about life. We are here for God's purposes and that is to praise and worship Him as our sovereign Father, King, and Creator. We are to do all things to glory and praise of God. We must trust Him and obey, and not live our life without regard to death and pain; to not live our life like this is it and we are all that matters. We don't always have to have the best and be comfortable to have joy and delight in God, we can do that while suffering through the horrible atrocities of war and persecution. We can do this and love during the most horrible times of life only because of the indominable Jesus Christ. We think the our soldiers and the soldiers of all battles gave a great sacrifice of life and blood, but none of the millions, perhaps billions of people who have died in the wars of selfish mankind have made a perfect and infinite sacrifice, only JESUS CHRIST has paid the total penalty of sin and only he has fought a truly just and holy war. He is the only conquer and victor. Only He deserves all the spoils and the territories of the enemy. Only He deserves our totally abdication and surrender. Only He deserves praise and the rights to our total obedience. God gave His one and only son to be our victorious conquer and infinite sacrifice. He is the only one worthy of focus and striving. May we remember that every second 1.6 people die and you could be next. We must not wait til it is too late to love our greatest lover and bow the knee perfect submission to His holy will. I beg you remember the truth and forget your petty selves and love God with every molecule of your body being powered by the Holy Spirit charging you soul with the truth of His Word, the greatest weapon we have, and may ask our mighty commander for daily guidance and orders. God I love you and praise you may my own words not be hypocritical and may the only serve to bring you glory.
Monday, March 27, 2006
The Slacker Blogs
Hey look what I'm doing, I'm blogging. My wife is so inspiring and I thought this is a far more profitable way to to waste time before my first class of Spring 06 at the UDub. I want to write more this quarter to promote yours and mine edification and help all those who read to increase in Christ-likeness.
I have been reminded lately to press on and fight for growth in my life. I have found that I have been trying to fight the spiritual fight with the wrong weapons or at least a weapon in disrepair. Joshua Harris in his book "Sex is not the problem. (Lust is)," formerly titled "Not even a Hint" that I must fight spiritual battles with the Sword of the Spirit and not with my feeble flesh and its wussy rules and regulations. So myself and my fellow small groupers (sounds like a school of fish) are getting back in the fight and again memorizing Scripture. We want to memorize specific Scriptures to fight specific battles. Right now we need to remember that our love is to ABOUND and not to be barried by selfish pride. We also need to work on our respect for others and especially those in authority over us. Keep praying for us and to all who read my blog, keep asking us how we are doing with our fight and if it affecting our love for God, causing rejoicing in Him, and actually being practiced out in our lives. In case you don't know who is in our small group it is: Nathanal Lugg, Garrett Weinberg, Zach Isreal, Joey Neilsen, Bailey Wargo, Tk and me. Love you all and my wife rocks.
I have been reminded lately to press on and fight for growth in my life. I have found that I have been trying to fight the spiritual fight with the wrong weapons or at least a weapon in disrepair. Joshua Harris in his book "Sex is not the problem. (Lust is)," formerly titled "Not even a Hint" that I must fight spiritual battles with the Sword of the Spirit and not with my feeble flesh and its wussy rules and regulations. So myself and my fellow small groupers (sounds like a school of fish) are getting back in the fight and again memorizing Scripture. We want to memorize specific Scriptures to fight specific battles. Right now we need to remember that our love is to ABOUND and not to be barried by selfish pride. We also need to work on our respect for others and especially those in authority over us. Keep praying for us and to all who read my blog, keep asking us how we are doing with our fight and if it affecting our love for God, causing rejoicing in Him, and actually being practiced out in our lives. In case you don't know who is in our small group it is: Nathanal Lugg, Garrett Weinberg, Zach Isreal, Joey Neilsen, Bailey Wargo, Tk and me. Love you all and my wife rocks.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Fighting
Okay I know that it has been forever since I have written anything and when I did it was only one real post. But today is different and I feel a burden. A burden that just makes me want to punch something in all out rage. I want to kick and scream and act like King Kong. I want to destroy, mame, bruise, break, and mutilate. I want to fight.
I know your like, "What the heck is going on with him? Did he just snap and blow a fuse?" Well maybe I have. When I was a kid (some say I still am a kid, just a big one), I used to get in a lot of fights and loose my temper over the dummest things, usually they made fun of me or my mom. Now that I am saved I don't loose my temper like that anymore and haven't got in a real fight in years. But now I have come to a point in my life where I want to fight again. I have been wondering what it would be like if more people would fight and if I would fight more often. In the world, the world of sin, flesh, and evil, we have to face many enemies. These enemies hate us and by us I mean Christians, those who love and serve Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They want us dead and maimed, made ineffective and bound into slavery to serve their Master, Satan.
I mean to fight this and I want to go to extreme measures to do it, but I find that I have one enemy that is ruthless and merciless. This enemy my bane. It is always plotting and formulating new devices and plots to destroy me. This enemy knows all of my inner workings and my greatest (or should it be weakest) weaknesses. I has the best surveillance on me and he is always present with me. I can never leave or run from him. If you haven't guessed yet, that maniacal enemy is me, myself, and I. I am bound by my flesh and only until the Day of Christ (Christ conquering return) or my certain death, will I be set free from it. Even though it is always here and I can never leave it, I am not a slave to; I do not have follow its orders and wanderings. My flesh is bound by sin and falleness, but thanks to Jesus Christ's redeeming work and the propitiation of His righteousness, I am no longer unable to conform to Christ's, the image of righteousness before a Most Holy and Loving Father, Judge, and Lord.
All of this to say that I want to fight and I want to fight in such a ways as to win; to be victorious. In fighting our flesh Jesus calls us to be radical with it and dismember it if necessary. I cannot do this fight on my own and I must use the ONLY tools that work: knowing intimately Jesus Christ, and walking in Spirit, through continual prayer, "swimming" (as John Piper says) and feasting on God's Word. Not just going to it and Him for snacks and a drink once and a while, and then turning back to my little idols.
I will write more on this, but pray for all Christians to fight and mortify their flesh; making no provision for it. Put on Christ and never take Him off. Live in Him.
I know your like, "What the heck is going on with him? Did he just snap and blow a fuse?" Well maybe I have. When I was a kid (some say I still am a kid, just a big one), I used to get in a lot of fights and loose my temper over the dummest things, usually they made fun of me or my mom. Now that I am saved I don't loose my temper like that anymore and haven't got in a real fight in years. But now I have come to a point in my life where I want to fight again. I have been wondering what it would be like if more people would fight and if I would fight more often. In the world, the world of sin, flesh, and evil, we have to face many enemies. These enemies hate us and by us I mean Christians, those who love and serve Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They want us dead and maimed, made ineffective and bound into slavery to serve their Master, Satan.
I mean to fight this and I want to go to extreme measures to do it, but I find that I have one enemy that is ruthless and merciless. This enemy my bane. It is always plotting and formulating new devices and plots to destroy me. This enemy knows all of my inner workings and my greatest (or should it be weakest) weaknesses. I has the best surveillance on me and he is always present with me. I can never leave or run from him. If you haven't guessed yet, that maniacal enemy is me, myself, and I. I am bound by my flesh and only until the Day of Christ (Christ conquering return) or my certain death, will I be set free from it. Even though it is always here and I can never leave it, I am not a slave to; I do not have follow its orders and wanderings. My flesh is bound by sin and falleness, but thanks to Jesus Christ's redeeming work and the propitiation of His righteousness, I am no longer unable to conform to Christ's, the image of righteousness before a Most Holy and Loving Father, Judge, and Lord.
All of this to say that I want to fight and I want to fight in such a ways as to win; to be victorious. In fighting our flesh Jesus calls us to be radical with it and dismember it if necessary. I cannot do this fight on my own and I must use the ONLY tools that work: knowing intimately Jesus Christ, and walking in Spirit, through continual prayer, "swimming" (as John Piper says) and feasting on God's Word. Not just going to it and Him for snacks and a drink once and a while, and then turning back to my little idols.
I will write more on this, but pray for all Christians to fight and mortify their flesh; making no provision for it. Put on Christ and never take Him off. Live in Him.
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