Batten Down the Hatches!

Well I am in Florida, on holiday. Threatening my peaceful escape from reality is Tropical Storm Fay. I have never experienced a tropical storm before, but despite the huge deal the media is making of the storm, I am kind of skeptical.

It's agenda setting, plain and simple. The media does not tell us what to think or what to say, but rather what to think about and what to talk about. By doing so, news stations and reporters are telling everyone to "run to the hills", there is a storm coming. But really, when is there never a storm coming in our lives. Both literal and metaphorically, we deal with storms everyday. You know those feelings of despair and desperation? Those are storms. Anxiousness, depression, sadness; all storms. When the storms of life come we do the same as when a real storm comes; we retreat, we prepare for the worst. In essence, we stop trusting and take things into our own hands.

I know I am walking a very fine line here, I mean, if I were a resident of Florida, I would not, not do anything in preparation for the storm, but I would like to say I would not worry about it. We live in a broken world, storms come, we endure them and the next day forget we even worried about the storm that just passed. The point where responsibility becomes taking charge of our lives instead of trusting our situation to God. I do not want faith to be mistaken as Christian stupidity, and I am not saying that people in Florida should not do anything to prepare for hurricanes or tropical storms, that would be stupid. What I am saying is that, as Christians, we should not be so quick to run to the hills, to run from our storms.

As a side note, I am not sure where I first was introduced to what I am about to write about; it was either in My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers), or in Crazy Love (Francis Chan). If you are a believer, to this you can relate. Before leaving on a missions trip, a vacation, or a road trip, we always pray to God and ask for His blessing in the trip and ask for safety. Where does Jesus ever talk about comfort and safety in the Bible? In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." He does not say, I will give you safety; Jesus says, I will give you rest.

That being said, why do we think God wants us to be safe? As Christians we are not called to a cushy life with no problems. No, we take the narrow road, which is hard and arduous, a road which not many others take. Few will find it. As Christians we are also called to suffering, as Christ did. Jesus did not say that as Christians we would become greater than all others in the world. No, Christians are persecuted everyday. All around the world, every moment, brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering because they identify with Christ. Do you?

So, back to Fay. This is where the doctrine of American Christianity kicks in full fledge. As Americans, we have a sense of entitlement. We do. I have lived overseas, and the stereotype of Americans is ignorant and inconsiderate. That is the reputation we have among the world. Arab countries hate us and our government. Please, for your own safety, don't wear apparel with American Flags, identifying yourself with America. You will probably get robbed and beaten because believe it or not, we are rich. Even the poorest people in America have more than those in third world countries. So, this sense of entitlement. We think because God has blessed America, that it is His duty to do so. Well, guess what, it's not! When bad things happen in the world, it is not because He isn't a loving God, it is because He is a loving God. He uses suffering and storms to bring people closer to Him. John 10:10 says. "The thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." We live in a broken world, just because we are Christians does not mean life is going to be perfect. However, because we are Christians, we have an outlet to cast all of our cares on. The cross. We have the privilege and opportunity to cast all of our burdens and worries at the foot of the cross, to give them to Jesus, because the enemy has been defeated!

So, instead of asking for safety, why don't we ask God that He bring us closer to Him whatever it takes? I would challenge anyone who reads this to get real with his or herself and say, "God, I want to know you more, whatever it takes." As Christians, is not that the journey we are on? To know God more? To experience God more? It is. I urge you to understand, Christianity is not about what God can do for you. It is about serving God with what He has given you. God cares more that we grow closer to Him than that we are safe. Are you willing? Do you trust God enough that no matter what happens, good or bad, that you will find rest in Him?

When the storms of life come, God is in control. You will not find peace in preparation. You will find peace in Him.

In Philippians 3:7-10, Paul says, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

This is my hope. This is your hope. As believers, this is our hope. So he next time a storm comes your way, know that God is in control and that there are countless others who are going through the same thing you are.

Endure.

Persevere.

Press on.

Reentering the atmosphere

Well, I set this blog up as a requirement for one of my classes while in college. Most of the previous posts are not worth reading only because they were assigned; however, you are welcome to read them if you feel so inclined.

It has been over a year since I last posted. I am getting sick of facebook messages and notes and I want to share my own opinions on morality and Christianity with all who may be interested, not just my friends. I want this blog to be a catalyst for change. I may be an optimist and idealist to many, however, I believe one act of faith can change the world. Just because we cannot see the results does not mean people, places, have not been effected. There is so much more to this world than meets our eyes.

I recently finished a book titled "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. As a Christian, I relate a lot to what Francis writes about. My unique perception of the world has been rocked by this book. I say unique, because I believe that all people, while having the same instruments of perception, (ears, eyes, nose, fingers, toes, brain etc.), perceive differently based on conditioned expectations resulting from huge life experiences. However, I also believe in Christ's power to change people. That while Psychology may diagnose someone as overly neurotic and introverted, the power of the living God, when invited into that person's heart will change that person forever.

Heck. Look at me. If you don't know me, I was overly neurotic and introverted before I found Jesus Christ. In fact, I rejected Christ until I was 20 years old. I am not that person anymore. Christ has changed me and he want to change you to. He loves me, and He wants to love you too.

I do not want this blog to be a place of argument of hotly contested issues. If you don't like what I say, I won't take it personally, because nothing good comes from me. Everything good in me comes from the Holy Spirit living in me. Instead of getting mad at me, examine your own heart. Be mad at God, for everything I say comes from Him. If you don't like my viewpoints, don't try and argue with me. I will stand up for what I believe in, but I won't bicker or try and prove you wrong. We are all entitled to our beliefs. However, one day, it will be evident which beliefs are actually worth believing...as we stand before God. "For we will all stand before God; for it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of Himself to God." Romans 14:10-12

I know there is a horrible stereotype for Christians in America today. On behalf of all Christians, I would like to apologize. I believe the state of Christianity in America to be lukewarm at best and not what God intends for us. There is so much more than we can even think to comprehend. I want revival where I live and for all of America.

I have been completely overwhelmed by the relentless love of God. I am not perfect, I am a sinner. I sin every day. But, I believe in grace. Grace that takes its shape in the cross, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Do you want a piece of the pie? It's free. Ask Christ to dwell in your heart and He will rock your world. You won't be disappointed.

I believe God is viral. The Holy Spirit spreads like wildfire and I am praying He will use this blog in some way, shape or form.