I'm out of a job right now.
This is by choice and I've been happier now than I have been for several months, if not years. So I'm doing the job hunt thing and the interview thing and I've realized something: HR departments care more about who you were and what you did than who you are and what you can do now. I've had a frustrating time finding work, especially in a larger corporation. And I believe it is because my resume does not portray a golden boy, without spot or blemish. I've had some bad circumstances when it comes to my career. Unfortunately, I used to seek satisfaction from a job, before I knew the Lord, and, of course, never found that satisfaction. So I have had a few too many jobs than most people my age, hoping to fulfill that insatiable thirst for importance in a job.
By God's grace, He has shown me His Truth and it has set me free. I now aspire to delight in Him at all times, independent of whatever job I have.
Anyway, so my resume has a lot of jobs listed, and I even had to leave out a few to save on space. And, on the blessed chance I get an interview, the HR person and I go over my resume and I have to sheepishly explain each job move and transition, hoping I don't come across as an uncommitted wanderer or some undisciplined hothead. Even though that is who I was during most of my career. So here I am loathing the whole job hunting process, but staying steadfast in prayer, knowing that God will provide a job.
And now my point. I am thankful God does not operate like this. He has said he has removed me from my sins as far as the east is from the west. It is by His grace, as a free gift, that He has forgiven me the things I have done in my past and has given me salvation through the blood of His son, Jesus Christ. The Bible makes several references to my path, suggesting, things to come, the path of the rest of my life. He does not mention the path I took, He is more concerned with the path before me, concerned that I involve and rely on Him for guidance on that path.
Do you know your path? He can guide you. All you need to do is accept Jesus into your heart (if you haven't done so) and allow him to guide you. He can do it. Just listen and He will lead. Amen.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Untouchables
Social Leprocy 101
Most Christians know of the parable of the Good Samaritan. The story appears in Luke 10:25. And when we hear it, most of the time we are reminded to love our neighbor, or we are reminded to not let our religion get in the way of our faith, as the hypocritical Sadducees tended to do in the days of Jesus. To review, though I probably don't have to, it was Jewish law and custom to avoid anything dead, which is considered "unclean." Touching a dead thing would make you "unclean," after which you would have to go through this big ordeal and ritual in order to be clean again. This is especially true for the priests (Sadducees and Pharisees among others). So, when seeing a man, left for dead, but not completely dead, mind you, these priests avoided him, thinking he was dead. As the story goes, a Samaritan then helps the man who was hurt and probably saves his life through his aid.
I am reminded of this because of a discussion I was part of over the weekend. We were talking about what/who affects our fun in life. And it was brought up that the "Eeyores" in life, those who are constantly complaining and sad about one thing or another, take away our fun and are not fun to hang around with. True enough. But to pass judgment and willingly ostracize another person because they are not "fun" is not exactly a Christian thing to do.
Perhaps I am overly sensitive on this issue. My mother is a mono-polar depressive. That means unlike manic depressives, who experience extreme ups and downs, she just experiences the downs. Constantly, of late, unfortunately. Anyway, if I want more fun in my life, does that mean I am justified in not having to visit my mother because she would impede my fun? Suffice to say, my mother, all the other Eeyores in life, and any other person who doesn't act the way we want them to act, are our modern day "untouchables," no different than a man lying on the side of the road left for dead. So do we engage them? Or do we pass by, not wanting to infect ourselves with their problematic and negative idiosyncrasies?
The answer, obviously, is a resounding, "Yes!"
I would go even further to say that they are at the core of the group of people with which we Christians should involve ourselves. In addition, we are commanded to visit those in prison, who comprise of another group of "untouchables." Let's face it: this is a sick, messy, hurtful, sinful world and humankind has made it as such. Are we going to ignore someone down in the dumps because it will interrupt our fun? Are we so fun-centric that we would rather distract ourselves with an enjoyable past time rather than show Christ's love to someone who desperately needs Him?
NO! We need to befriend an untouchable, get into his/her life, find out what troubles them, find out how we can help them, and SHOW OUR LOVE FOR THEM. Not because we enjoy their company or because they live conveniently next door. We show them our love because they are a creation of God and therefore DESERVE to be loved. And we show them our love so we can point to the source of our love: the love of Jesus Christ, who, in love, died for us so that we can spend eternity with Him in heaven. We show them our love because they are suffering, they are hurting, they are crying inwardly to be loved. Ultimately, aren't we all?
In the words of radio host, Steve Brown: "You think about that. Amen."
Most Christians know of the parable of the Good Samaritan. The story appears in Luke 10:25. And when we hear it, most of the time we are reminded to love our neighbor, or we are reminded to not let our religion get in the way of our faith, as the hypocritical Sadducees tended to do in the days of Jesus. To review, though I probably don't have to, it was Jewish law and custom to avoid anything dead, which is considered "unclean." Touching a dead thing would make you "unclean," after which you would have to go through this big ordeal and ritual in order to be clean again. This is especially true for the priests (Sadducees and Pharisees among others). So, when seeing a man, left for dead, but not completely dead, mind you, these priests avoided him, thinking he was dead. As the story goes, a Samaritan then helps the man who was hurt and probably saves his life through his aid.
I am reminded of this because of a discussion I was part of over the weekend. We were talking about what/who affects our fun in life. And it was brought up that the "Eeyores" in life, those who are constantly complaining and sad about one thing or another, take away our fun and are not fun to hang around with. True enough. But to pass judgment and willingly ostracize another person because they are not "fun" is not exactly a Christian thing to do.
Perhaps I am overly sensitive on this issue. My mother is a mono-polar depressive. That means unlike manic depressives, who experience extreme ups and downs, she just experiences the downs. Constantly, of late, unfortunately. Anyway, if I want more fun in my life, does that mean I am justified in not having to visit my mother because she would impede my fun? Suffice to say, my mother, all the other Eeyores in life, and any other person who doesn't act the way we want them to act, are our modern day "untouchables," no different than a man lying on the side of the road left for dead. So do we engage them? Or do we pass by, not wanting to infect ourselves with their problematic and negative idiosyncrasies?
The answer, obviously, is a resounding, "Yes!"
I would go even further to say that they are at the core of the group of people with which we Christians should involve ourselves. In addition, we are commanded to visit those in prison, who comprise of another group of "untouchables." Let's face it: this is a sick, messy, hurtful, sinful world and humankind has made it as such. Are we going to ignore someone down in the dumps because it will interrupt our fun? Are we so fun-centric that we would rather distract ourselves with an enjoyable past time rather than show Christ's love to someone who desperately needs Him?
NO! We need to befriend an untouchable, get into his/her life, find out what troubles them, find out how we can help them, and SHOW OUR LOVE FOR THEM. Not because we enjoy their company or because they live conveniently next door. We show them our love because they are a creation of God and therefore DESERVE to be loved. And we show them our love so we can point to the source of our love: the love of Jesus Christ, who, in love, died for us so that we can spend eternity with Him in heaven. We show them our love because they are suffering, they are hurting, they are crying inwardly to be loved. Ultimately, aren't we all?
In the words of radio host, Steve Brown: "You think about that. Amen."
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
A Terrifying Lack of Perspective
I never thought I would be defending cocaine.
This blog was created as an outlet for my revelations when reading the Word of God. But something happened recently that I have to change gears for one moment.
No, I'm not speaking of the highly addictive abused and illegal substance, cocaine, but Cocaine Energy Drink, a drink similar to Jolt or Monster, which gives a person, well, energy. The makers of CED vehemently insist that there is not cocaine in the drink, obviously, but the Federal Food and Drug Administration has banned CED based primarily on its name. So what?
It is a sad commentary of America today where government, who still insists on being the moral police for this country, outlaws a completely harmless drink for its name alone. MEANWHILE, THEY HAVE APPROVED A DRUG THAT DESTROYS YOUNG BABIES WHILE STILL IN THE WOMB JUST BECAUSE THE MOTHER THINKS SHE HAS MADE A MISTAKE.
It's improper to name a drink after an abused drug. But killing innocent babies? That's ok.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
This blog was created as an outlet for my revelations when reading the Word of God. But something happened recently that I have to change gears for one moment.
No, I'm not speaking of the highly addictive abused and illegal substance, cocaine, but Cocaine Energy Drink, a drink similar to Jolt or Monster, which gives a person, well, energy. The makers of CED vehemently insist that there is not cocaine in the drink, obviously, but the Federal Food and Drug Administration has banned CED based primarily on its name. So what?
It is a sad commentary of America today where government, who still insists on being the moral police for this country, outlaws a completely harmless drink for its name alone. MEANWHILE, THEY HAVE APPROVED A DRUG THAT DESTROYS YOUNG BABIES WHILE STILL IN THE WOMB JUST BECAUSE THE MOTHER THINKS SHE HAS MADE A MISTAKE.
It's improper to name a drink after an abused drug. But killing innocent babies? That's ok.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Things I Learned From a Dead Man
This message is based on John 11:21-46. The Resurrection of Lazarus.
Background: Jesus receives word that His friend, Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha (who also significantly appear elsewhere in the Bible), is sick and dying. Jesus purposefully waits two days before going to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. He arrives with His desciples to find that not only did Lazarus die, but he has been in a tomb for four days.
Message: Mary and Martha see Jesus coming in the distance and come running. Very upset at Him, since they know He is God and could have healed their brother, Mary and Martha attempt to chastise Jesus through their grieving tears. Jesus wept as well.
This is interesting for two reasons: 1) Jesus, fully knowing Jewish customs, waiting an extra long time, knowing that the Jews believed that a dead person could come alive again after 3 days, but no longer. So he came after 4 days, where all the Jews would believe that there was no hope in "awakening" Lazarus. 2) Jesus wept tears of compassion, not surprise. Both of these points are interesting because they occur for the same reason: Jesus, in all his omniscience, glorified God more by acting contrary to the way one would expect to act. He gave the glory to God by immortalizing this situation in His Word, by doing the impossible, by giving hope to others who have impossible obstacles. By showing the world beyond any shadow of a doubt that God is more powerful and is capable of anything. And he glorified God by showing God's compassionate side, by showing Martha, Mary and the whole world that He not only cares for us, but He weeps when we despair.
Application: What can be taught from this little-but-powerful story? It is this: It's never too late. Nothing is beyond God. Beloved, are you struggling right now? Are you mired in an addiction to drugs? Alcohol? A sexual addiction? Lying? Cheating? Gambling? Are you in a damaged relationship? Experiencing financial ruin? Not to make light of any of these things - these are all situations that destroy lives daily and we are hopeless in overcoming them ourselves. But God can help us. He said He has overcome the world. And He can overcome your obstacle.
You may say to me, "That's fine and dandy for someone else, but I am beyond saving. I've hurt too many people, told too many lies, slept with too many men..." and so on. Or you may say, "Mike, I've commited murder," or "I've had an abortion, God cannot possibly love me after doing all these horrible things. It's too late for me."
It's not. It never is. It never will be. That is Satan's lie.
Who parted the Red Sea when the Isrealites were being hunted by the Egyptians? Who delivered the entire Midianite army of thousands into Gideon's hand with a mere 300 men? Who saved Daniel from the lion's den? Who made a once-powerful ruler Nebuchadnezzer eat grass like a beast? God did all these things. God is the answer. The same answer to "who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
He did all these impossible things to deliver His chosen people, the people of Israel. And He died on the cross to deliver the impossibly lost, the impossibly afraid, the impossibly hopeless people out of eternal damnation. And we Christians are now His chosen people. And He delights in us. It's not too late.
Invitation: So won't you come to the foot of the cross? Won't you say, "Lord, I cannot do it on my own any more. I need your help. Your strength. Your wisdom. Your forgiveness." And He will freely give it to you. All you have to do is confess that you are a sinner and admit that Jesus is the son of God and that he died for your sins so that you can spend eternity in heaven. Search your heart for the truth and know that He is our God. Amen.
Background: Jesus receives word that His friend, Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha (who also significantly appear elsewhere in the Bible), is sick and dying. Jesus purposefully waits two days before going to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. He arrives with His desciples to find that not only did Lazarus die, but he has been in a tomb for four days.
Message: Mary and Martha see Jesus coming in the distance and come running. Very upset at Him, since they know He is God and could have healed their brother, Mary and Martha attempt to chastise Jesus through their grieving tears. Jesus wept as well.
This is interesting for two reasons: 1) Jesus, fully knowing Jewish customs, waiting an extra long time, knowing that the Jews believed that a dead person could come alive again after 3 days, but no longer. So he came after 4 days, where all the Jews would believe that there was no hope in "awakening" Lazarus. 2) Jesus wept tears of compassion, not surprise. Both of these points are interesting because they occur for the same reason: Jesus, in all his omniscience, glorified God more by acting contrary to the way one would expect to act. He gave the glory to God by immortalizing this situation in His Word, by doing the impossible, by giving hope to others who have impossible obstacles. By showing the world beyond any shadow of a doubt that God is more powerful and is capable of anything. And he glorified God by showing God's compassionate side, by showing Martha, Mary and the whole world that He not only cares for us, but He weeps when we despair.
Application: What can be taught from this little-but-powerful story? It is this: It's never too late. Nothing is beyond God. Beloved, are you struggling right now? Are you mired in an addiction to drugs? Alcohol? A sexual addiction? Lying? Cheating? Gambling? Are you in a damaged relationship? Experiencing financial ruin? Not to make light of any of these things - these are all situations that destroy lives daily and we are hopeless in overcoming them ourselves. But God can help us. He said He has overcome the world. And He can overcome your obstacle.
You may say to me, "That's fine and dandy for someone else, but I am beyond saving. I've hurt too many people, told too many lies, slept with too many men..." and so on. Or you may say, "Mike, I've commited murder," or "I've had an abortion, God cannot possibly love me after doing all these horrible things. It's too late for me."
It's not. It never is. It never will be. That is Satan's lie.
Who parted the Red Sea when the Isrealites were being hunted by the Egyptians? Who delivered the entire Midianite army of thousands into Gideon's hand with a mere 300 men? Who saved Daniel from the lion's den? Who made a once-powerful ruler Nebuchadnezzer eat grass like a beast? God did all these things. God is the answer. The same answer to "who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
He did all these impossible things to deliver His chosen people, the people of Israel. And He died on the cross to deliver the impossibly lost, the impossibly afraid, the impossibly hopeless people out of eternal damnation. And we Christians are now His chosen people. And He delights in us. It's not too late.
Invitation: So won't you come to the foot of the cross? Won't you say, "Lord, I cannot do it on my own any more. I need your help. Your strength. Your wisdom. Your forgiveness." And He will freely give it to you. All you have to do is confess that you are a sinner and admit that Jesus is the son of God and that he died for your sins so that you can spend eternity in heaven. Search your heart for the truth and know that He is our God. Amen.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
So This is Blogging...
I have a question. Do you hear God's call?
Personally, I'm not sure. Six years ago, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior (my tale of redemption later), and I have always felt a strong conviction to do God's will. That doesn't necessarily mean I stop what I am doing and go to seminary. But my current vocation (art director) does not glorify God directly, other than being able to provide for my family and contributing to my company's success, thereby helping my co-workers provide for their families as well.
But something is still missing in my life. Is it God's call?
As I said, I'm not sure. I would love to give sermons as a full time profession, but pastoring a flock is more than speaking for 30 minutes every Sunday. I am fully aware of the ensuing depression and hardships that befall all our pastors and I feel I am either not ready for that or simply not strong enough for that. But I still have this nagging urge to speak on God's word and what truths It has revealed to me. Hence, the purpose of this blog.
A friend suggested I start something like when I told him the same thing as I've written above. So I'm going to try it. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks for stopping by.
Personally, I'm not sure. Six years ago, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior (my tale of redemption later), and I have always felt a strong conviction to do God's will. That doesn't necessarily mean I stop what I am doing and go to seminary. But my current vocation (art director) does not glorify God directly, other than being able to provide for my family and contributing to my company's success, thereby helping my co-workers provide for their families as well.
But something is still missing in my life. Is it God's call?
As I said, I'm not sure. I would love to give sermons as a full time profession, but pastoring a flock is more than speaking for 30 minutes every Sunday. I am fully aware of the ensuing depression and hardships that befall all our pastors and I feel I am either not ready for that or simply not strong enough for that. But I still have this nagging urge to speak on God's word and what truths It has revealed to me. Hence, the purpose of this blog.
A friend suggested I start something like when I told him the same thing as I've written above. So I'm going to try it. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks for stopping by.
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