My Brother gave me one of the best gifts I've received in a long time.
It was one of Ravi Zacharias' lectures on CD.
Previously to this present I had not heard that name. I did not know who Ravi was or how to pronounce his name. No nationality was apparent in his name, but my family told me he was Indian (as the CD would confirm through his heavily apparent accent, which I might add, "makes him seem 'Xtra Learned'").
Of course he is "Xtra Learned" he has to be, because he's an Apologetic. One of the things that the faith needs most at this time.
Below is a link to Ravi's Website:
http://www.rvim.org
Here is a link within the website that talks more in depth about apologetics and why the church needs it:
http://www.rzim.org/JustThinkingFV/tabid/602/ArticleID/10475/CBModuleId/881/Default.aspx
Before you do a ton of reading on the website or decide you don't want to do a ton of reading on the website I want to share a few nutshell ideas that I stole from Ravi. Consequently, I will offer my testimony to vouch for them.
Ravi Zacharias states the main reason for apologetics in the church is and has been the opening of the mind to the thought that God might exist. He states that duplicity in the mind cannot work. Meaning someone cannot believe in atheism and God at the same time. Like-wise people cannot accept God if their mind believes in certain philosophical and or scientific theories that contradict belief in God. Their mind cannot begin to be open to any part of God if they hold these theories dear.
Apologetics takes a learned, intellectual stand to prove there is room for completely intelligent people to believe in God.
Without the information that refutes doubt in their mind they will not be able to believe, and would not want to believe (as I did not want to believe at first).
The Christian faith promotes intellectual thought. It in fact wishes for all people to search out knowledge. One of the many verses that the Bible has that advocates learning and not burying our heads in the sand is 2nd Timothy 2:15
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." KJV
This particular scripture has an obvious connotation to understanding the Bible in its entirety, as it would have been understood when it was written. However the new testament was not compiled yet, and God was not moving in ways he had moved before.
At this time in the Christian faith there is no firm doctrine or experience driven truth, because everything they are operating in is new. Because of this Paul wanted Timothy to enlighten himself that he may be able to tell why heresy is heresy.
If he wanted he could have made a check list of all the things to allow and not to allow, but that would have been like the old law which Jesus fulfilled. Instead he tells him to study. Embrace learning, embrace an open mind to ideas, and put them through the fire to see if they hold up to the standard of truth.
Because truth is exclusive. There cannot be two truths that exist if they contradict one another. In this Paul's telling Timothy there cannot be Relativism. There is a reason the world goes round, and there is a truth behind it. Find the truth in the world and it will support what is true with God. All we have to do is get rid of the lies, because we don't fight truth. We don't make a business fighting truth, because truth is God.
I am the way the truth and the life no many comes to the father but by me.
-Jesus Christ- John 14:16
This quote isn't arrogant, because it makes sense. Jesus claimed to be the son of God that would save the world from their sins. Meaning after he died and was raised people would have a way through him to be reunited with God. There would be no other way.
It's not arrogant at all. It's true. When you think about apologetics like that it's more discerning what is true than "defending the faith" as some have put it.
Many believers have seen no reason for apologetics, which is funny because I became a Christian mainly because of an apologetic. More funny is the fact that for a time I believed that apologetics was unnecessary, because I believed God would somehow supernaturally make himself known to the people or that simply being nice would be enough. While God sometimes does save people supernaturally or through our kindness he also saves people through logic.
C.S. Lewis had been raised a Christian similarly to I, but rejected Christianity pretty early on in his life. Traveling through Highschool and College he remained a devout atheist. His conversion I count as remarkable, because without anyone leading him along he began to believe. His account is of himself alone in his room working, while he reasons to himself that there must be a God. This step for him isn't easy. Read a biography on him or his autobiography, "Surprised by joy". You'll learn his personality. He never wanted to believe in God until he started. In his own words he was the, "The most dejected, reluctant convert in all England."
and at that point he hadn't even become a Christian merely a theist. whether he was to become a polytheist or monotheist or Christian was still up for debate at this time.
Paving the way for me to become a Christian was C.S. Lewis, the great Christian apologetic. Without him I wouldn't have given Christianity a chance (funny isn't it, it's my life now). I viewed worship as hype, prayer as calming yourself down (similar to meditation), and that knowing that God existed provided a sense of security to us as humans.
I couldn't bring myself to agree with these views completely, because my mind couldn't very well dismiss some intelligent people I had met in my own life who were Christians.
Other facts chafed at my atheism, such as the fact that most of the world claims a religion or a god of some sort. Yet I knew that to agree to something soley, because a lot of other people did was stupid (Strait/Straight up in every sense of the word).
The Screwtape Letters was the first book I read by C.S. Lewis, and it was especially vital to my faith.
Doubts that I had thought to be exclusive before were revealed to be inclusive to most all people. Above all it made me see that I was not alone, and that other people who experienced a Christian background had doubted.
I had asked Christians about doubt etc. and they claimed that they always knew God and perhaps couldn't answer everything that I was asking, but remained faithful no matter what doubt I could throw at them.
It was strange talking to them. I likened them to desperate orphans swearing that some day their parents would return for them. Then I, as the mean orphan, enters demanding proof of their parents return. All the time keeping in mind that they claimed their parents would rescue me too.
It seemed almost as if they were brain-washed, yet now I can see where they are/were coming from. God had reached them, but only because they were young enough to accept the teaching without question and search for him. God reacted to the whole-hearted devotion they showed, because they truly believed.
As a young believer I did not fully understand the commitment that went along with becoming a follower of Jesus like they did. I was all for not burning in hell, but I never quite followed the Jesus as Lord of my life. Prolifically after my conversion I told people that I had never understood that God was supposed to be in control of everything in my life. Somehow growing up in the church I had missed that part. Because I did not search for God and submit my life to his. As a result he never responded to me as a child, and as my mind developed it rejected God for secular theories and ideas. Experience had told me that I had not encountered God, because if I had encountered him certain things would happen in my life that had not happened. While I had touched God at certain points and claimed religious moments; the summation of my childhood-teenage experiences with God only piqued my interest. Overall, I was a skeptic of most everything, as such I liked philosophy a great deal. :)
Apologetics stepped in and opened up my mind to God again.
No matter how many people told me about their personal testimonies I couldn't relate, because we were speaking different languages. They said, "I feel him," I said, "You feel emotion and psychology working on you in the hype of the atmosphere created in the church building environment."
Along with the reading of the philosophes (and light reading on sciences that mainly dealt with evolution) I indulged in apologetics. soon apologetics would show me uniting truths that explained God, and made much more sense than some of the philosophies I was reading. In a nutshell: apologetics had paved a way for my mind to accept Christ.
Looking back at my conversion it was an astonishing thing. Forces were at work that I was not aware of, and I'm sure that I'm still not aware of all of them.
Apologetics may not be placed as the most important piece that led me to Christ, but it was the gate-way to allow my mind accept a belief in God.
Many other things ensued afterward in the oncoming months, and the end product was my being saved.
Apologetics I believe is a neglected category of the faith that is equally important as something such as worship.
Read what Ravi has to say in that second link. He's able to explain it much better than I.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Praise
IHOP
stands for the International House of Prayer.
they're such a powerful part of the church down in Kansas City Missouri.
24 hour prayer worship and fasting....
That's all I've heard about them...and that seems to be all they're about...
I've looked into them quite a bit. They have multiple worship bands that switch in and out in shifts of 2 hours...
they have a university training people in worship and so many other things that advance the kingdom
Many of you have probably heard of Misty Edwards. In case you haven't: she's the lead worship leader down there. She writes Amazing worship songs. They are Simply, wonderful. They definitely have the anointing of the Lord on them.
The coolest part of this is that in the university they have a song composition and songwriting major. You can go to Ihop.org look around at all the amazing artists that have come through. They're all anointed, legit. and sincere in all their songs. There are so many of them...
and it's not just there. I mentioned Catherine Mullins before. completely different place in the country
I feel like the spirit is moving through worship so strongly right now, as if it were a rallying cry. That God is getting pumped up as it were. He's assembling his church to praise him and Love him so they can Love the world.
When people talk about revival they always talk about amazing moves of God and power and miracles and being spirit led.
however...
they tend to forget the Love.
They don't always neglect Love. Sometimes I hear about amazing moves of Love from people to people, but I generally don't hear that as the main focus of their conversation.
it's God
Love God with all your heart.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Not as you Love God.
I believe truly that God is starting to get people to know What Love is.
It's a mystery isn't it?
We have no Idea :)
we have good imaginations though :)
it's an outpouring. That's what Love is.
Jesus said apart from me you can do nothing.
I don't think he's in the habit of Lying.
Love is such an unattainable thing for us. It must be poured out on us.
so this 24 hour prayer, fasting and worship is asking for it.
It's asking for God's Love to fill us.
that's why it will start with worship. Worship is the Front-line
Chains will be broken.
Idols cast down.
but not because of any song.
but because he can't help but respond to our cry. (It hooks in with my last blog.)
when his Love fills it takes over. If you've ever met someone crazy enough to pray for you without ever seeing you before, it's that kind of power. it's something that says perhaps I don't know what is going on, but that doesn't matter, because i know what my Lord would have me do.
then do it.
it's a confidence
Isaiah 32:17
"And the work of righteousness will be peace,
And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever."
Isaiah 42:10-13
"Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth!
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Let them give glory to the Lord
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
the Lord will go forth like a warrior,
he will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies."
it's pretty clear as to what happens when we praise him...that's where we are. We sing to him and He arouses in us Zeal and defeats his enemies.
it gets better though...(that's where most people stop)
Isaiah 42:14-25
"I have kept silent for a long time,
I have kept still and restrained Myself.
NOW like a woman labor I will grown,
I will both gasp and pant.
I will lay waste the mountains and hills
And wither all their vegetation;
I will make the rivers into coastlands
And dry up the ponds.
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
and I will not leave them undone.
They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame,
Who trust in idols,
Who say to molten images,
'You are our gods.'
Hear, you deaf!
And look, you blind, that you may see.
Who is blind buy My servant,
Or so deaf as My Messenger whom I send?
Who is so blind as he that is at with Me,
Or so blind as the servant of the Lord?
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them;
Your ears are open, but none hears
The Lord was pleased fro His righteousness' sake
To make the law great and glorious.
But this is a people plundered and despoiled;
All of them are trapped in caves,
Or are hidden away in prisons;
They have become a prey with none to deliver them,
And a spoil, with none to say, 'Give them back!'
Who among you will give ear to this?
Who will give heed and listen hereafter?
Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to plunderers?
Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,
And in whose ways they were not willing to walk,
And whose law they did not obey?
So he poured out on him the heat of His anger
And the fierceness of battle;
And it set him aflame all around,
Yet he did not recognize it;
And it burned him, but he paid not attention. "
hang in there it gets better
Isaiah 43:1-13
"But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through waters I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other in your place and other people in exchange for you life.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
And to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.
Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes,
and the deaf, even though they have ears.
All the nations have gathered together so that the people may be assembled. Who among them can declare this and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified,
Or let them hear and say, ' It is true.'
'You are My witnesses,' declares the Lord,
And My servant whom i have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I even I, am the Lord,
And there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed,
And there was no strange god among you;
So you are My witnesses,' declares the Lord,
'And I am God.
Even from eternity I am He,
And there is none who can deliver out of My hand;
I act and who can reverse it?'"
what catches my eye the most is 42:14
God will gasp and pant like a woman in labor
and this is all still because our worship...it's a seem-less transition there.
verse 14 in my American standard Bible has a heading right before it...but the headings weren't part of the original Bible.
it's redemption
that's what it is.
he told them to break forth with new song,
because he was gonna' redeem them.
that we might be witnesses to God.
There's much more in there....but in a nut shell.
sing break forth with song and God will stir up new zeal enough to give redemption, because he Loves you
go back and read the beginning of Isaiah 42... up to verse 10...
they're instructions...what is true then is true for us today...
While Jesus has already been born, died and raised...
he is not known to the islands.
something is known as an island when it is isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.
in this sense it is an isolation from God starting in verse 10
it starts to make more sense.
there are islands all around us.
http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kedar.html (read about what Kedar means his origins)
http://www.grandview.com.jo/biblical_petra.html (read about Sela/Petra and what it means...)
He's Kedar is of the seed of Ishmael
and Sela is the place Esau and many other people who did not have God on their side.
He's saying he's pulling them towards Him. And how? with Song :)
it's a foreshadowing of Jesus coming to for both Jews and Gentiles.
It's saying He's gonna' fix this broken family that has been split.
He's gonna' heal them with new songs that they sing to him
and we need to sing to him with all we are so that they know the words. so they know who it is.
don't take my word for it. pray about it. fast about it. find out.
on another note.
IHop has a free CD available for download...and it's got a little bit from each artist...and plus they have monthly free songs you can download...
they're at forerunner.com...check it out...it may be easier to find them through Ihop.org though.
I would Love to hear any questions or comments on here or facebook :)
May the Lord be welcomed into your hearts :)
stands for the International House of Prayer.
they're such a powerful part of the church down in Kansas City Missouri.
24 hour prayer worship and fasting....
That's all I've heard about them...and that seems to be all they're about...
I've looked into them quite a bit. They have multiple worship bands that switch in and out in shifts of 2 hours...
they have a university training people in worship and so many other things that advance the kingdom
Many of you have probably heard of Misty Edwards. In case you haven't: she's the lead worship leader down there. She writes Amazing worship songs. They are Simply, wonderful. They definitely have the anointing of the Lord on them.
The coolest part of this is that in the university they have a song composition and songwriting major. You can go to Ihop.org look around at all the amazing artists that have come through. They're all anointed, legit. and sincere in all their songs. There are so many of them...
and it's not just there. I mentioned Catherine Mullins before. completely different place in the country
I feel like the spirit is moving through worship so strongly right now, as if it were a rallying cry. That God is getting pumped up as it were. He's assembling his church to praise him and Love him so they can Love the world.
When people talk about revival they always talk about amazing moves of God and power and miracles and being spirit led.
however...
they tend to forget the Love.
They don't always neglect Love. Sometimes I hear about amazing moves of Love from people to people, but I generally don't hear that as the main focus of their conversation.
it's God
Love God with all your heart.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Not as you Love God.
I believe truly that God is starting to get people to know What Love is.
It's a mystery isn't it?
We have no Idea :)
we have good imaginations though :)
it's an outpouring. That's what Love is.
Jesus said apart from me you can do nothing.
I don't think he's in the habit of Lying.
Love is such an unattainable thing for us. It must be poured out on us.
so this 24 hour prayer, fasting and worship is asking for it.
It's asking for God's Love to fill us.
that's why it will start with worship. Worship is the Front-line
Chains will be broken.
Idols cast down.
but not because of any song.
but because he can't help but respond to our cry. (It hooks in with my last blog.)
when his Love fills it takes over. If you've ever met someone crazy enough to pray for you without ever seeing you before, it's that kind of power. it's something that says perhaps I don't know what is going on, but that doesn't matter, because i know what my Lord would have me do.
then do it.
it's a confidence
Isaiah 32:17
"And the work of righteousness will be peace,
And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever."
Isaiah 42:10-13
"Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth!
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Let them give glory to the Lord
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
the Lord will go forth like a warrior,
he will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies."
it's pretty clear as to what happens when we praise him...that's where we are. We sing to him and He arouses in us Zeal and defeats his enemies.
it gets better though...(that's where most people stop)
Isaiah 42:14-25
"I have kept silent for a long time,
I have kept still and restrained Myself.
NOW like a woman labor I will grown,
I will both gasp and pant.
I will lay waste the mountains and hills
And wither all their vegetation;
I will make the rivers into coastlands
And dry up the ponds.
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
and I will not leave them undone.
They will be turned back and be utterly put to shame,
Who trust in idols,
Who say to molten images,
'You are our gods.'
Hear, you deaf!
And look, you blind, that you may see.
Who is blind buy My servant,
Or so deaf as My Messenger whom I send?
Who is so blind as he that is at with Me,
Or so blind as the servant of the Lord?
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them;
Your ears are open, but none hears
The Lord was pleased fro His righteousness' sake
To make the law great and glorious.
But this is a people plundered and despoiled;
All of them are trapped in caves,
Or are hidden away in prisons;
They have become a prey with none to deliver them,
And a spoil, with none to say, 'Give them back!'
Who among you will give ear to this?
Who will give heed and listen hereafter?
Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to plunderers?
Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,
And in whose ways they were not willing to walk,
And whose law they did not obey?
So he poured out on him the heat of His anger
And the fierceness of battle;
And it set him aflame all around,
Yet he did not recognize it;
And it burned him, but he paid not attention. "
hang in there it gets better
Isaiah 43:1-13
"But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through waters I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other in your place and other people in exchange for you life.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
And to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.
Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes,
and the deaf, even though they have ears.
All the nations have gathered together so that the people may be assembled. Who among them can declare this and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses that they may be justified,
Or let them hear and say, ' It is true.'
'You are My witnesses,' declares the Lord,
And My servant whom i have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I even I, am the Lord,
And there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed,
And there was no strange god among you;
So you are My witnesses,' declares the Lord,
'And I am God.
Even from eternity I am He,
And there is none who can deliver out of My hand;
I act and who can reverse it?'"
what catches my eye the most is 42:14
God will gasp and pant like a woman in labor
and this is all still because our worship...it's a seem-less transition there.
verse 14 in my American standard Bible has a heading right before it...but the headings weren't part of the original Bible.
it's redemption
that's what it is.
he told them to break forth with new song,
because he was gonna' redeem them.
that we might be witnesses to God.
There's much more in there....but in a nut shell.
sing break forth with song and God will stir up new zeal enough to give redemption, because he Loves you
go back and read the beginning of Isaiah 42... up to verse 10...
they're instructions...what is true then is true for us today...
While Jesus has already been born, died and raised...
he is not known to the islands.
something is known as an island when it is isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.
in this sense it is an isolation from God starting in verse 10
it starts to make more sense.
there are islands all around us.
http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kedar.html (read about what Kedar means his origins)
http://www.grandview.com.jo/biblical_petra.html (read about Sela/Petra and what it means...)
He's Kedar is of the seed of Ishmael
and Sela is the place Esau and many other people who did not have God on their side.
He's saying he's pulling them towards Him. And how? with Song :)
it's a foreshadowing of Jesus coming to for both Jews and Gentiles.
It's saying He's gonna' fix this broken family that has been split.
He's gonna' heal them with new songs that they sing to him
and we need to sing to him with all we are so that they know the words. so they know who it is.
don't take my word for it. pray about it. fast about it. find out.
on another note.
IHop has a free CD available for download...and it's got a little bit from each artist...and plus they have monthly free songs you can download...
they're at forerunner.com...check it out...it may be easier to find them through Ihop.org though.
I would Love to hear any questions or comments on here or facebook :)
May the Lord be welcomed into your hearts :)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Blog :)
I've just been ministered to by Catherine Mullins....
she's this worship leader down at this place called lakeland in Georgia...
She has a wonderful worship leader....great voice...it's just amazing
She has this one song check it out....i've only found it on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/catherinemullinsworship
it's such a great powerful song it's called cry of the bride
"For you cannot help but respond when we cry"
those words stuck out most to me when she was singing...there a ton of other lyrics that are great... such as
Cover your heads I am coming
Cover your faces I am here
It's such a powerful song...I don't think I've ever been moved by God so much by a song...
but I had never thought about it like that God responds when we cry...because he can't help it...cause he loves us....
God confirmed it in my spirit...and with his word...I went upstairs and read my Bible...at lightning speed...
The Chapter I opened up to....Because i'd been reading through Isaiah...was Isaiah 38...
this chapter talks about Hezekiah's Illness...Isaiah tells Hezekiah to make everything right in his household...cause he's not gonna' recover from this illness
38:2-6
"Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with whole-hearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: "God and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the King of Assyria I will defend this city."
there it was right in front of me. God heard his prayer and saw his tears...and responded.
He Loves us too much to not do anything when we're loyal to him.
then a few chapters down it talks about God answering the World's cry
With sending Jesus
Isaiah 40
Comfort, Comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for , that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
it goes on...but you have to read it to get the whole picture later....
I don't know it just never struck me...before...
I've been told God answers prayer....and I believed/believe it too...but perhaps....I really didn't believe...and I just sorta' agreed..that God did that...
and now God's breaking it down...
I've been thinking a lot about that...Jesus rebuked his disciples so much for not believing..even after he had done so many things....bet they would say if you asked them...of course he can raise the dead of course he can heal people, but in their hearts did they really believe...perhaps they knew...but they didn't believe...I don't know it's a complex...thing....
I truly wonder if I truly believe or I just sorta' follow along..and agree with the whole thing...
I read the Bible and sometimes it's hard to take it for real...I agree with everything in it, however as far as application...it's difficult...but God generally works it through...and this one is just great..amazing...Awesome :)
she's this worship leader down at this place called lakeland in Georgia...
She has a wonderful worship leader....great voice...it's just amazing
She has this one song check it out....i've only found it on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/catherinemullinsworship
it's such a great powerful song it's called cry of the bride
"For you cannot help but respond when we cry"
those words stuck out most to me when she was singing...there a ton of other lyrics that are great... such as
Cover your heads I am coming
Cover your faces I am here
It's such a powerful song...I don't think I've ever been moved by God so much by a song...
but I had never thought about it like that God responds when we cry...because he can't help it...cause he loves us....
God confirmed it in my spirit...and with his word...I went upstairs and read my Bible...at lightning speed...
The Chapter I opened up to....Because i'd been reading through Isaiah...was Isaiah 38...
this chapter talks about Hezekiah's Illness...Isaiah tells Hezekiah to make everything right in his household...cause he's not gonna' recover from this illness
38:2-6
"Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, "Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with whole-hearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: "God and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the King of Assyria I will defend this city."
there it was right in front of me. God heard his prayer and saw his tears...and responded.
He Loves us too much to not do anything when we're loyal to him.
then a few chapters down it talks about God answering the World's cry
With sending Jesus
Isaiah 40
Comfort, Comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for , that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
it goes on...but you have to read it to get the whole picture later....
I don't know it just never struck me...before...
I've been told God answers prayer....and I believed/believe it too...but perhaps....I really didn't believe...and I just sorta' agreed..that God did that...
and now God's breaking it down...
I've been thinking a lot about that...Jesus rebuked his disciples so much for not believing..even after he had done so many things....bet they would say if you asked them...of course he can raise the dead of course he can heal people, but in their hearts did they really believe...perhaps they knew...but they didn't believe...I don't know it's a complex...thing....
I truly wonder if I truly believe or I just sorta' follow along..and agree with the whole thing...
I read the Bible and sometimes it's hard to take it for real...I agree with everything in it, however as far as application...it's difficult...but God generally works it through...and this one is just great..amazing...Awesome :)
Monday, December 21, 2009
I Thirst
I've been waiting to write this one...
My heart has been yearning for more than there is. I want change. I want difference. I want to be better. I want to do greater things, yet I hold myself back.
I made this stop-motion animation that personifies dirt that is dried out and incredibly thirsty.
Here's the video
The dirt looks for water when There is water all around it, but there's this transparent layer. You can see what's on the other side. You see what you want, but can't get to it. It's clearly out of reach, but you want it...it's so close...but you know where you are now is not near there.
It makes me Thirsty.
I've seen people healed.
I've known people healed.
I've seen the world flipped upside down by God.
My world has been flipped upside down by God.
YET...
there is so much I want.
and no it's not...a new car...the brand new video Game...a girlfriend...or anything like that...
it's ability...
it's opportunity...
it's Love
and all from a higher power...
I could care less how fast you can do scales on your instrument...
I could care less about the stock market opportunities...
I could care less about your girly-girl cute romantic tv flick "loves" coming to life...
I have a passion
Get it out of your mind...
what you've been thinking...
up till this point you've been judging what I say weighing it with a measure...
throw it out...
the lord doesn't need people who are so scared of making a mistake...that they never do anything...
he's waiting for a people with passion...he's waiting for a people who don't care what the paradigm is...he's waiting for a people who want to do his work so much that they don't care if they say something wrong, because they're humble enough to admit they were wrong....
that's where growth begins....
with a will...
that's where healing begins...
with a will...
it's time you started to make God's will yours.
his will isn't for you to go to a church building or group...his will is for you to be the church...to THIRST FOR HIM!
don't get me wrong...children of God are amazing...and we should not forsake the gathering of ourselves together...
but when God can only use you in that space...he's not using you....
"assemble the preachers to preach to one another..."
Hell NO!
Jesus' ministry was absolute....
There is Truth Jesus is that truth
I so desperately want people to actually do what's in the Bible, and yes I understand that God moves it at his time...but
...I have a hard time believing that God needs time...to work on people...
yes God has different things for each of us...he told a rich young ruler to sell everything and follow him...while he told a demon possessed man to stay where he had lived and offer a testimony...
but I feel like the modern day Christian is the rich young ruler...they've followed all the commandments since they were young...but still can't bring themselves to be like the chosen who sacrificed everything....
as much as we try to tell ourselves we did....we made that decision...isn't strange that change happens so pain-stakingly slow?
what if instead of the pleasures we wasted our money on...like movies or ice cream...or some sort of indulgence we gave them back...what if we fasted like Jesus said we would when he had left us...and used the Xtra (that's for you pastor Matt) cash to do some good...what if we actually did do the little things that would amount to benefits for other people...
what if we did care enough about people in Africa and Asia that we would actually learn about them...and learn what problems they're going through...so we could help them out...instead of just sending them some really cheap toys in a box once a year...so we can pretend we're "Christian"
Cause that's what we do...we offer up cheap toys in offering..
I'm not asking you to go yell on a corner...though I've come very close to yelling in many places...(but that would just be way too easy wouldn't it...to just yell "Jesus Loves you" "you said that very convincingly young man...I believe you" *I wish* :)
Our generation is one of results...and if anyone knows anything about results they would know they come from something else...
results result..from something else...
however our generation has forgotten that...
they expect their lives to yield fruit...to result without the work that goes in before...and the world recognizes Christians by talking about results...but never yielding....
well...
I'm tired of talking I'm ready to yield amazing things...Brought about by God inside me....he gave you a spirit use it...
and the main reason why we don't use it...is because...we're not serious about God...I'm guilty too...but that doesn't nullify or make it right....
You're relationship with God is not to be compared with anyone else's...
but I can't help look at my own and ask...and long for more of God
once you've tasted that he's good
how can you look at the world...and
the answer is when we look at the world...we look at everyone else...other Christians...we see them doing what is "normal" and we automatically think whatever they're doing is ok...and we lose track of what God was saying to us...
if we were truly serious about God...we wouldn't have awards for Best Christian...
We would have...prayer...constantly...and not just while we're doing everything....but we would have hours long prayer...by ourselves...cut out with God...and on a regular daily basis...
we would see him move....we would fast on a whim...and do it often...we wouldn't care about routine....we would hear God's voice...because his Children hear his voice...and if you don't you can't be his Child...
We're a generation that doesn't like to hear with our ears....we don't want to understand in our hearts...and we don't want to turn....and we don't want to be healed....because it would be too much trouble....
Ever since I've become a Christian I've been asking if I am one.....am I really one...is this really what it's all about....
and the time that I knew when I was a Christian without a doubt was right when I began...because I heard God's voice...and I did it...every time....and after being immersed with other Christians....I learned norms...and let go of that Intimacy...
being reduced to pastors...to try to tell me what I'm doing wrong...and that's just it...pastors shouldn't be telling me what I'm doing wrong...
I'm all for people correcting me...I'm all for being humbled....by pastors or whoever...but God should tell correct you way before any person...God has the first say....
I could totally relate with Shane Claiborne....he wrote the irresistible revolution...
I don't feel like There's a whole lot that separates "Christians" from nice people....
because nice... is a luke-warm term...and those who are luke-warm are spit out by God...
but if we truly moved beyond nice....and moved to Passionate, Loving people...now there would be something.
we didn't do the regular Christians things....and don't worry if you're not creative...God is...he's got a lot of history with problem solving....trust him he'll tell you stuff...
I've come across fiery Christians without any know-how.... (they don't know how to hear God....they don't know the Scriptures) but they know how to Love...like it's nobody's business....and eventually you see them start to hear God's voice...and they learn the scriptures...
and...
they start to say....hey...I've already been doing all this...because they're sold out to God...
they didn't have any remorse when they gave...and they gave anything and everything....
I'm sure if you're a Christian reading this...You've wondered...would you give your life for God...would you die for him...and I'm writing this wondering...would you live for him...cause it's SO MUCH HARDER!...
or is it easier...because...if you are living for God...you do what he wants you to do....you listen to him..and you do it...
sounds easy...
but we shy away...
I don't wanna' pray I wanna'....do this...or I need to relax blah
I'm so tire of writing this...you guys know what I'm talking about...do it...and not because I say so...not because you respect me...or don't....or you think what I'm doing or saying is right....
find out. stop agreeing...
Talk to God!
he confirms things to be true...because he is Truth... pray fast until you find out
"why weren't you at church?"...."because I was praying"
My heart has been yearning for more than there is. I want change. I want difference. I want to be better. I want to do greater things, yet I hold myself back.
I made this stop-motion animation that personifies dirt that is dried out and incredibly thirsty.
Here's the video
The dirt looks for water when There is water all around it, but there's this transparent layer. You can see what's on the other side. You see what you want, but can't get to it. It's clearly out of reach, but you want it...it's so close...but you know where you are now is not near there.
It makes me Thirsty.
I've seen people healed.
I've known people healed.
I've seen the world flipped upside down by God.
My world has been flipped upside down by God.
YET...
there is so much I want.
and no it's not...a new car...the brand new video Game...a girlfriend...or anything like that...
it's ability...
it's opportunity...
it's Love
and all from a higher power...
I could care less how fast you can do scales on your instrument...
I could care less about the stock market opportunities...
I could care less about your girly-girl cute romantic tv flick "loves" coming to life...
I have a passion
Get it out of your mind...
what you've been thinking...
up till this point you've been judging what I say weighing it with a measure...
throw it out...
the lord doesn't need people who are so scared of making a mistake...that they never do anything...
he's waiting for a people with passion...he's waiting for a people who don't care what the paradigm is...he's waiting for a people who want to do his work so much that they don't care if they say something wrong, because they're humble enough to admit they were wrong....
that's where growth begins....
with a will...
that's where healing begins...
with a will...
it's time you started to make God's will yours.
his will isn't for you to go to a church building or group...his will is for you to be the church...to THIRST FOR HIM!
don't get me wrong...children of God are amazing...and we should not forsake the gathering of ourselves together...
but when God can only use you in that space...he's not using you....
"assemble the preachers to preach to one another..."
Hell NO!
Jesus' ministry was absolute....
There is Truth Jesus is that truth
I so desperately want people to actually do what's in the Bible, and yes I understand that God moves it at his time...but
...I have a hard time believing that God needs time...to work on people...
yes God has different things for each of us...he told a rich young ruler to sell everything and follow him...while he told a demon possessed man to stay where he had lived and offer a testimony...
but I feel like the modern day Christian is the rich young ruler...they've followed all the commandments since they were young...but still can't bring themselves to be like the chosen who sacrificed everything....
as much as we try to tell ourselves we did....we made that decision...isn't strange that change happens so pain-stakingly slow?
what if instead of the pleasures we wasted our money on...like movies or ice cream...or some sort of indulgence we gave them back...what if we fasted like Jesus said we would when he had left us...and used the Xtra (that's for you pastor Matt) cash to do some good...what if we actually did do the little things that would amount to benefits for other people...
what if we did care enough about people in Africa and Asia that we would actually learn about them...and learn what problems they're going through...so we could help them out...instead of just sending them some really cheap toys in a box once a year...so we can pretend we're "Christian"
Cause that's what we do...we offer up cheap toys in offering..
I'm not asking you to go yell on a corner...though I've come very close to yelling in many places...(but that would just be way too easy wouldn't it...to just yell "Jesus Loves you" "you said that very convincingly young man...I believe you" *I wish* :)
Our generation is one of results...and if anyone knows anything about results they would know they come from something else...
results result..from something else...
however our generation has forgotten that...
they expect their lives to yield fruit...to result without the work that goes in before...and the world recognizes Christians by talking about results...but never yielding....
well...
I'm tired of talking I'm ready to yield amazing things...Brought about by God inside me....he gave you a spirit use it...
and the main reason why we don't use it...is because...we're not serious about God...I'm guilty too...but that doesn't nullify or make it right....
You're relationship with God is not to be compared with anyone else's...
but I can't help look at my own and ask...and long for more of God
once you've tasted that he's good
how can you look at the world...and
the answer is when we look at the world...we look at everyone else...other Christians...we see them doing what is "normal" and we automatically think whatever they're doing is ok...and we lose track of what God was saying to us...
if we were truly serious about God...we wouldn't have awards for Best Christian...
We would have...prayer...constantly...and not just while we're doing everything....but we would have hours long prayer...by ourselves...cut out with God...and on a regular daily basis...
we would see him move....we would fast on a whim...and do it often...we wouldn't care about routine....we would hear God's voice...because his Children hear his voice...and if you don't you can't be his Child...
We're a generation that doesn't like to hear with our ears....we don't want to understand in our hearts...and we don't want to turn....and we don't want to be healed....because it would be too much trouble....
Ever since I've become a Christian I've been asking if I am one.....am I really one...is this really what it's all about....
and the time that I knew when I was a Christian without a doubt was right when I began...because I heard God's voice...and I did it...every time....and after being immersed with other Christians....I learned norms...and let go of that Intimacy...
being reduced to pastors...to try to tell me what I'm doing wrong...and that's just it...pastors shouldn't be telling me what I'm doing wrong...
I'm all for people correcting me...I'm all for being humbled....by pastors or whoever...but God should tell correct you way before any person...God has the first say....
I could totally relate with Shane Claiborne....he wrote the irresistible revolution...
I don't feel like There's a whole lot that separates "Christians" from nice people....
because nice... is a luke-warm term...and those who are luke-warm are spit out by God...
but if we truly moved beyond nice....and moved to Passionate, Loving people...now there would be something.
we didn't do the regular Christians things....and don't worry if you're not creative...God is...he's got a lot of history with problem solving....trust him he'll tell you stuff...
I've come across fiery Christians without any know-how.... (they don't know how to hear God....they don't know the Scriptures) but they know how to Love...like it's nobody's business....and eventually you see them start to hear God's voice...and they learn the scriptures...
and...
they start to say....hey...I've already been doing all this...because they're sold out to God...
they didn't have any remorse when they gave...and they gave anything and everything....
I'm sure if you're a Christian reading this...You've wondered...would you give your life for God...would you die for him...and I'm writing this wondering...would you live for him...cause it's SO MUCH HARDER!...
or is it easier...because...if you are living for God...you do what he wants you to do....you listen to him..and you do it...
sounds easy...
but we shy away...
I don't wanna' pray I wanna'....do this...or I need to relax blah
I'm so tire of writing this...you guys know what I'm talking about...do it...and not because I say so...not because you respect me...or don't....or you think what I'm doing or saying is right....
find out. stop agreeing...
Talk to God!
he confirms things to be true...because he is Truth... pray fast until you find out
"why weren't you at church?"...."because I was praying"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Isn't it Love that Moves you?
Haven't you ever wondered
isn't Machiavelli such a jerk...to think that being feared is better than Loved...
isn't it a sad fact that as a ruler it probably is better to maintain power by making your populous fear you...
he talks about how Love is weaker than fear...and less consistent...
While your populous may love you today they may grow weary of you tomorrow...
isn't that so true...
I didn't like reading the prince...twice...in highschool both times...first time...was sorta' weak attempt though....anyway...
it's such a dry book....
but there's wisdom in it....
cynical wisdom...
he goes into the most minute detail...this is how you should go about acquiring territory...this is how you should set this up...blah blah blah...
but it's all true...he backs it up...
it's worldly knowledge...
and doesn't apply much to Christians...
Fear is the opposite of Love...I can't think of anything worse...yet he says it motivates better....
and for a large majority of the population it does...
but that's because they don't know Love...
My Jesus is Love
He's the one...don't you Love it!? :)
it's still the same...after all this time....the message is so simple
let's keep it simple :)
Jesus came to earth to die in our place isn't it so simple...accept him as Lord and Savior....let him lead you and you will live eternally...not as a servant, but as a Child of GOD!
it still surprises me to this day...the power of it all....
The Lord of HEAVEN'S ARMIES would have me as a son...do any of you get Why I Love him so much!? :)
Don't you understand... we were slaves to sin....a ruthless master...a SLAVE!
someone who has no place in the family
and he not only takes us to be in a greater family where it would be an honor to be a servant, but makes us sons and daughters! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) !
John the baptist cries out in the wilderness IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM!!!
I must decrease that he might increase...He got it 2 thousand years ago before anyone even knew who Jesus was...same with Mary...and some shepherds....and really really really wise men (they had to be...they came from far away...and most people couldn't even see it right there in front of them)
So what is it that Moves you?
what Are you crying out? what is it?
is it Love
FAITH HOPE LOVE
the three things that will never pass away and the Greatest is Love
I Love the story of the Blind beggar Jesus Heals...
he's got nothing he knows nothing...EXCEPT who healed him...he was told to go wash mud off his eyes...and then he could see and Jesus had moved on...
so he's got all these leaders of the law lookin' at him...askin' him if he REALLY was blind...
do you have witnesses that you are blind...isn't that just like the devil..."did Jesus really do that much for you?"
YES!!!!!!!
YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE DID!
they ask him who healed him..they ask his parents...
and all he can say even after being disowned by his parents is the truth...
I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE! THE ONLY REASON I CAN SEE IS BECAUSE OF JESUS!!!
it's sooooooooooo simple... :)
your testimony is more powerful than it looks...
how can someone dispute you?
"well there was a lot that went on....it's all psychology....church is where people meet and give community...and they're nice people"
I've met nice people before...
"it's the idea of having someone there that gives you comfort...a higher power that makes you feel more significant"
COMFORT! SIGNIFICANCE! I couldn't feel more insignificant and Love it so much! :)
"well a lot of religions do that for people"
I could care less about other religions...my God doesn't compete! He is! "I am the way the truth and the Life no man comes to the father except through me"
Isn't it great we can get to the Father!
"Sounds a bit exclusive"
NOT at all!
anyone can come to the lord...:)
If heaven is a place and there's only one God wouldn't it make sense that he made only ONE way! :)
why would he create more than that...
does he think it would be funny to watch us get lost along the way? :)
There is truth and there is Love
and they motivate people to die willingly...and there is no fear
we minister to the truth, the good news that Jesus our SAVIOR has come
There is great motivation! why should we fear any, but God? A Loving God who's anger has been satisfied! A God who created Life and Conquered Death...is there anything apart from him?
How can we fear?
we are sons and daughters of the Most High! The Lord of Heaven's Armies! The Almighty! The Creator! The Provider! The Truth! LOVE!
For the Son can only do what He sees the Father doing :)
What A Lineage We are a part of :)
isn't Machiavelli such a jerk...to think that being feared is better than Loved...
isn't it a sad fact that as a ruler it probably is better to maintain power by making your populous fear you...
he talks about how Love is weaker than fear...and less consistent...
While your populous may love you today they may grow weary of you tomorrow...
isn't that so true...
I didn't like reading the prince...twice...in highschool both times...first time...was sorta' weak attempt though....anyway...
it's such a dry book....
but there's wisdom in it....
cynical wisdom...
he goes into the most minute detail...this is how you should go about acquiring territory...this is how you should set this up...blah blah blah...
but it's all true...he backs it up...
it's worldly knowledge...
and doesn't apply much to Christians...
Fear is the opposite of Love...I can't think of anything worse...yet he says it motivates better....
and for a large majority of the population it does...
but that's because they don't know Love...
My Jesus is Love
He's the one...don't you Love it!? :)
it's still the same...after all this time....the message is so simple
let's keep it simple :)
Jesus came to earth to die in our place isn't it so simple...accept him as Lord and Savior....let him lead you and you will live eternally...not as a servant, but as a Child of GOD!
it still surprises me to this day...the power of it all....
The Lord of HEAVEN'S ARMIES would have me as a son...do any of you get Why I Love him so much!? :)
Don't you understand... we were slaves to sin....a ruthless master...a SLAVE!
someone who has no place in the family
and he not only takes us to be in a greater family where it would be an honor to be a servant, but makes us sons and daughters! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) !
John the baptist cries out in the wilderness IT'S HIM! IT'S HIM!!!
I must decrease that he might increase...He got it 2 thousand years ago before anyone even knew who Jesus was...same with Mary...and some shepherds....and really really really wise men (they had to be...they came from far away...and most people couldn't even see it right there in front of them)
So what is it that Moves you?
what Are you crying out? what is it?
is it Love
FAITH HOPE LOVE
the three things that will never pass away and the Greatest is Love
I Love the story of the Blind beggar Jesus Heals...
he's got nothing he knows nothing...EXCEPT who healed him...he was told to go wash mud off his eyes...and then he could see and Jesus had moved on...
so he's got all these leaders of the law lookin' at him...askin' him if he REALLY was blind...
do you have witnesses that you are blind...isn't that just like the devil..."did Jesus really do that much for you?"
YES!!!!!!!
YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE DID!
they ask him who healed him..they ask his parents...
and all he can say even after being disowned by his parents is the truth...
I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE! THE ONLY REASON I CAN SEE IS BECAUSE OF JESUS!!!
it's sooooooooooo simple... :)
your testimony is more powerful than it looks...
how can someone dispute you?
"well there was a lot that went on....it's all psychology....church is where people meet and give community...and they're nice people"
I've met nice people before...
"it's the idea of having someone there that gives you comfort...a higher power that makes you feel more significant"
COMFORT! SIGNIFICANCE! I couldn't feel more insignificant and Love it so much! :)
"well a lot of religions do that for people"
I could care less about other religions...my God doesn't compete! He is! "I am the way the truth and the Life no man comes to the father except through me"
Isn't it great we can get to the Father!
"Sounds a bit exclusive"
NOT at all!
anyone can come to the lord...:)
If heaven is a place and there's only one God wouldn't it make sense that he made only ONE way! :)
why would he create more than that...
does he think it would be funny to watch us get lost along the way? :)
There is truth and there is Love
and they motivate people to die willingly...and there is no fear
we minister to the truth, the good news that Jesus our SAVIOR has come
There is great motivation! why should we fear any, but God? A Loving God who's anger has been satisfied! A God who created Life and Conquered Death...is there anything apart from him?
How can we fear?
we are sons and daughters of the Most High! The Lord of Heaven's Armies! The Almighty! The Creator! The Provider! The Truth! LOVE!
For the Son can only do what He sees the Father doing :)
What A Lineage We are a part of :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Black Gold
I don't Feel Like Blogging...but this topic is important...and applicable...
In my cultural anthropology class...we watched this movie called black Gold
it's about the coffee trade...
The movie talks about how the coffee farmers sorta' get screwed in the coffee business...getting about 1% of every coffee item sold...
so a $3 cup of coffee gives them about 3 cents...
when they do a good amount of the work...
I already sorta' knew...about that
I didn't know it was to that extent...
but I knew it....
Black Gold...is a documentary...
real people...
the main character...is this guy trying to get better coffee prices for his workers in Ethiopia...
It really touched me...
he was talking about how the coffee prices were set
they're set by our economies...
mainly the New York and London...economies...
which as everyone knows is set by supply and demand...
our demand...
so mainly...because we want a cheaper cup of coffee these farmers aren't getting enough to feed their families...or send their children to school...
that sounds harsh I know....but it's true...
and it's not just American demand...
it's everywhere...England France Italy...all over Europe and America...
crazy...
In the movie...the cameraman asks this guy who's trying to get better wages for his farmers what people watching the documentary can do...he said...it's up to the consumer...to make the change...he asked that they only buy free trade coffee...
This impacted me...because I saw on the actual effects in video......
I'm not a coffee drinker...never have been.
but this made me think about all the other things we own that may not have been produced ethically...
because it really is up to us as consumers...to boycott and take the stand....
I mean it's American...
that's how this country started...
boycotts...
Obviously the first company that jumps to mind is Starbucks...
well I'm not so sure about this...Starbucks...I know has at least some free trade coffee...where they give the farmers a more fair price...
I don't know i'll have to look into it more...
and I'd love for anyone who's more knowledgeable about trade and how workers are treated within companies to give me some info...
I really feel like God has put this on my heart....to boycott...pretty much everyone who doesn't treat their workers properly...
because when you think about it...that's what leads to our bad economy...other countries having their populations forced to work under minimum wage...
it would level the playing field...against people like China if....we boycotted their goods until they complied with a reasonable minimum wage...
yes it would force us as consumers to pay more...but I really feel like I could do without...a pleasure that would pass away as soon as I ate it....
you know?
Faith Hope and Love
The greatest of these is Love
right now I'm not asking for any sort of action yet....I'm asking people to be aware...and to get info....and send me info...so we can all be educated...about this...I really want to help people in Africa...
The one African that stood out to me the most was this guy who said....we care more about trade than aid....
because they're getting beaten in the trade world, which makes them dependent on aid...instead of giving them philanthropy...it would do them much better if we gave their economies a chance...
they can't compete...all they have are resources...so they're at the mercy of ruthless and compassionate buyers...
here's the trailer for the documentary...
it's actually really entertaining...believe it or not...I liked it better than a lot of other films that were legit made to entertain....
if you're interested in this they have a website...
http://blackgoldmovie.com/
it's wonderful...gives links on how you can buy the movie (I'm thinkin' about doing that)...and also has links to internet sites where you can watch it online...(they really just want to inform the populace)
I couldn't get those to work....so I found it on youtube.com if you guys are interested in watching the whole thing....it's a little over an hour...
here's the url to the first video....it'll be split up, because it's on youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8r4Fut8cvM
but please anyone...who has info on businesses that treat their workers well...and those that don't....for any industry...clothing...diamond...cereal industry...I wanna' know....
I really feel this is probably the next step for us as people to take...getting reasonable wages...or a universal minimum wage....
I know end times stuff...but I just wanna' help these people...
please help me...help them...:)
In my cultural anthropology class...we watched this movie called black Gold
it's about the coffee trade...
The movie talks about how the coffee farmers sorta' get screwed in the coffee business...getting about 1% of every coffee item sold...
so a $3 cup of coffee gives them about 3 cents...
when they do a good amount of the work...
I already sorta' knew...about that
I didn't know it was to that extent...
but I knew it....
Black Gold...is a documentary...
real people...
the main character...is this guy trying to get better coffee prices for his workers in Ethiopia...
It really touched me...
he was talking about how the coffee prices were set
they're set by our economies...
mainly the New York and London...economies...
which as everyone knows is set by supply and demand...
our demand...
so mainly...because we want a cheaper cup of coffee these farmers aren't getting enough to feed their families...or send their children to school...
that sounds harsh I know....but it's true...
and it's not just American demand...
it's everywhere...England France Italy...all over Europe and America...
crazy...
In the movie...the cameraman asks this guy who's trying to get better wages for his farmers what people watching the documentary can do...he said...it's up to the consumer...to make the change...he asked that they only buy free trade coffee...
This impacted me...because I saw on the actual effects in video......
I'm not a coffee drinker...never have been.
but this made me think about all the other things we own that may not have been produced ethically...
because it really is up to us as consumers...to boycott and take the stand....
I mean it's American...
that's how this country started...
boycotts...
Obviously the first company that jumps to mind is Starbucks...
well I'm not so sure about this...Starbucks...I know has at least some free trade coffee...where they give the farmers a more fair price...
I don't know i'll have to look into it more...
and I'd love for anyone who's more knowledgeable about trade and how workers are treated within companies to give me some info...
I really feel like God has put this on my heart....to boycott...pretty much everyone who doesn't treat their workers properly...
because when you think about it...that's what leads to our bad economy...other countries having their populations forced to work under minimum wage...
it would level the playing field...against people like China if....we boycotted their goods until they complied with a reasonable minimum wage...
yes it would force us as consumers to pay more...but I really feel like I could do without...a pleasure that would pass away as soon as I ate it....
you know?
Faith Hope and Love
The greatest of these is Love
right now I'm not asking for any sort of action yet....I'm asking people to be aware...and to get info....and send me info...so we can all be educated...about this...I really want to help people in Africa...
The one African that stood out to me the most was this guy who said....we care more about trade than aid....
because they're getting beaten in the trade world, which makes them dependent on aid...instead of giving them philanthropy...it would do them much better if we gave their economies a chance...
they can't compete...all they have are resources...so they're at the mercy of ruthless and compassionate buyers...
here's the trailer for the documentary...
it's actually really entertaining...believe it or not...I liked it better than a lot of other films that were legit made to entertain....
if you're interested in this they have a website...
http://blackgoldmovie.com/
it's wonderful...gives links on how you can buy the movie (I'm thinkin' about doing that)...and also has links to internet sites where you can watch it online...(they really just want to inform the populace)
I couldn't get those to work....so I found it on youtube.com if you guys are interested in watching the whole thing....it's a little over an hour...
here's the url to the first video....it'll be split up, because it's on youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8r4Fut8cvM
but please anyone...who has info on businesses that treat their workers well...and those that don't....for any industry...clothing...diamond...cereal industry...I wanna' know....
I really feel this is probably the next step for us as people to take...getting reasonable wages...or a universal minimum wage....
I know end times stuff...but I just wanna' help these people...
please help me...help them...:)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Manhattan Declaration
I understand that not many of my readers are 18 or over...but I would like to take some time...to make this declaration known...even if you can't sign it...
This is a wonderful declaration...
I would love for most everyone in the world to read it...because it proclaims some fundamental truths about Christianity...
in a glimpse here they are
Life
Marriage
Religious Freedom
The document uses scripture to support our stances on these issues...
I have read it and agree completely with it...I hope that everyone who reads this would read the Manhattan Declaration and sign it...if they are of age
follow this link to get to the website...
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/
This is a wonderful declaration...
I would love for most everyone in the world to read it...because it proclaims some fundamental truths about Christianity...
in a glimpse here they are
Life
Marriage
Religious Freedom
The document uses scripture to support our stances on these issues...
I have read it and agree completely with it...I hope that everyone who reads this would read the Manhattan Declaration and sign it...if they are of age
follow this link to get to the website...
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/
Friday, December 4, 2009
AHAHAHAHAHHHHH!!!!!!!!
What can I do?
How can I fight what my body wants to do?
JESUS JESUS JESUS!!!!
I know the answer, I know he Loves me from the bottom to the top of everything.
BUT WHEN WILL I LOVE HIM!
When will it happen I want to love him...I feel like crap right now...and I know I shouldn't cause....guilt is not what he wants...I want to know God....
I want to see his face...
I want his elegance to dazzle me...
I want this world to fade away...
I see now how beautiful Justice is...how beautiful it is for those who are wicked to receive what they deserve...
and I know that I deserve nothing...yet have been given everything!
My God I want you to anoint me...MY GOD I WANT YOU TO RESTORE ME!
MY feelings can't describe what I am...and my actions can't either...
my person is in Christ...but i can't accept that...I have to do something...because if someone can just be accepted by the state of their heart....then we're equal...
I can't accept that
have you ever had something so disgusting thrown in your face....
when really it's beautiful...that God Loves us all...and that his opinion won't change based on actions...but I've been raised such that this doesn't fit correctly....I have to be able to make someone like me...I have to be able...to be more important....isn't this how we're raised...isn't this what I work for....
acceptance...
for Love
we have to work on our relationships with God?
NO WE DON'T
He's LOVED us...do you even know what that means?
do you even know how to Love or what kind of thing this is....
no conditions...
1 corinthians 13
Love is patient love is kind it does not envy etc....it's so impossible..
unattainable without God....
i can't Love,
but i can love
I can't Love
they're completely different....
I wish for Joy....I wish for understanding...I wish for sleep.....
my heart my spirit my mind...my body...my thoughts my blood my skin it all yearns...
but hell if I know for what...
Plastic trees and Garbage bags..?
I'm yearning for more...I want more...of God...
I want more!
MORE!
MORE!
and there are times when I feel God and I know...and I hear him and he moves me...
BUT NOW!
he seems so non-existent..
But I must be still and know that he is God.
and like that...
It is well...
When I know...
When I am sure of it...and I know without a doubt I am...because of where I've come from...and where I've been and where I'm goin'...
there is such a difference...from now to then...
That being still has such immense power...
I was pissed at the beginning of this...but now I am well... :)
I can't explain it...
it's not simply defusing or channeling my anger...
I've done that....and usually...doesn't work...I've tried so many things to get to normal...but in perspective looking back...
all I needed was to know
that he is God... :)
I can't describe it...I'm in shock myself... :)
I was trying to "tap into" God and it wasn't working...and it was making me even more angry...but I suppose...I have to do it God's way :)
This has been a rant ramble....
Ranble or Rantble
Ramt
Rantle Ramtle ?
:)
How can I fight what my body wants to do?
JESUS JESUS JESUS!!!!
I know the answer, I know he Loves me from the bottom to the top of everything.
BUT WHEN WILL I LOVE HIM!
When will it happen I want to love him...I feel like crap right now...and I know I shouldn't cause....guilt is not what he wants...I want to know God....
I want to see his face...
I want his elegance to dazzle me...
I want this world to fade away...
I see now how beautiful Justice is...how beautiful it is for those who are wicked to receive what they deserve...
and I know that I deserve nothing...yet have been given everything!
My God I want you to anoint me...MY GOD I WANT YOU TO RESTORE ME!
MY feelings can't describe what I am...and my actions can't either...
my person is in Christ...but i can't accept that...I have to do something...because if someone can just be accepted by the state of their heart....then we're equal...
I can't accept that
have you ever had something so disgusting thrown in your face....
when really it's beautiful...that God Loves us all...and that his opinion won't change based on actions...but I've been raised such that this doesn't fit correctly....I have to be able to make someone like me...I have to be able...to be more important....isn't this how we're raised...isn't this what I work for....
acceptance...
for Love
we have to work on our relationships with God?
NO WE DON'T
He's LOVED us...do you even know what that means?
do you even know how to Love or what kind of thing this is....
no conditions...
1 corinthians 13
Love is patient love is kind it does not envy etc....it's so impossible..
unattainable without God....
i can't Love,
but i can love
I can't Love
they're completely different....
I wish for Joy....I wish for understanding...I wish for sleep.....
my heart my spirit my mind...my body...my thoughts my blood my skin it all yearns...
but hell if I know for what...
Plastic trees and Garbage bags..?
I'm yearning for more...I want more...of God...
I want more!
MORE!
MORE!
and there are times when I feel God and I know...and I hear him and he moves me...
BUT NOW!
he seems so non-existent..
But I must be still and know that he is God.
and like that...
It is well...
When I know...
When I am sure of it...and I know without a doubt I am...because of where I've come from...and where I've been and where I'm goin'...
there is such a difference...from now to then...
That being still has such immense power...
I was pissed at the beginning of this...but now I am well... :)
I can't explain it...
it's not simply defusing or channeling my anger...
I've done that....and usually...doesn't work...I've tried so many things to get to normal...but in perspective looking back...
all I needed was to know
that he is God... :)
I can't describe it...I'm in shock myself... :)
I was trying to "tap into" God and it wasn't working...and it was making me even more angry...but I suppose...I have to do it God's way :)
This has been a rant ramble....
Ranble or Rantble
Ramt
Rantle Ramtle ?
:)
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