Don't Believe The Lie.

I'm a big sports fan.

Over the years, my liking of sports has grown and changed. I remember my middle school years when I could name every Philadelphia 76er's player and coach and watch almost all the games. I'm even a little embarrassed to admit that I even built a shrine in my room of little newspaper article cut outs of my favorite player Allen Iverson. I was a strange child who would flip back and forth between Food Network and ESPN (any Around the Horn watchers??) I guess when I fell for a certain sport, I fell hard.

As I grew older, I started to appreciate sports like baseball and hockey (we're still working on football) ....if you ask any of my friends, they'll attest to the fact that I can even watch a whole game of golf. It's strange, I get pure enjoyment out of watching a fine weekend game of golf. Some of my favorite memories include either going to or just watching games with my friends- feeling pure excitement when one of our guys hits the buzzer-beater or soaking up the tears as we watched a championship slip away.

But as a fan, I came to a stark realization. Each year I watched eagerly for my team to deliver a championship but unfortunately for most of the time, I had to angrily watch many other teams obtain the ring or the trophy or the cup instead. However, there is one thing I realized about the teams that win- Every year, they tried again. With how hard these guys worked, the many hours invested for that one championship...you think they would be satisfied with finally obtaining what they worked so hard to get! The players got their fame, the fans had the parade, the city had that day of pure rejoicing. But then you wake up the next day...and the parade is over..and the players have made their millions....the truth is you are left craving for the feeling you once had.

Ever feel like that? I'm sure if your a Phillies fan like me you got pure happiness in 08 with that world series win but now if only we could do it again right? If only we had a repeat, another parade, maybe if the Flyers win the cup or the eagles get a ring we'll be satisfied.

But that's a lie.

Allow me to give a small example. You've seen the NE Pats and how many rings Brady has on his finger. You think any of the fans are gonna say- "naa Tom, we're okay this year, we don't want you to win anymore...we're SATISFIED" No way! Something like that just sounds silly. But you see the truth is, these things may give us a great amount of happiness while it's happening but what we forget to realize is that "joy" doesn't last. These things won't ever give us the lasting satisfaction we so deeply desire. But isn't this the exact same way we go about our lives sometimes? Just one more look, maybe one more touch, just one more ....then I'll be satisfied, then I'll never do it again! We're always hungry for more, hoping to hold on to that fleeting moment of pleasure. You see, that's exactly what this world offers- the joys of this world are only temporary-a bit of happiness and pleasure that will last for a night but then it's over, gone, and you're left searching for the next. So why would anyone settle for this when there's something far better? Is it because the immediate, tangible pleasure we see being offered to us now looks better than the ones we are asked to patiently wait in hope for?

As I was listening to a sermon, I heard a statement that stuck with me:
"Giving up something now for something better later is not you making a sacrifice, it is you making an investment." So what seems like a worthwhile investment? Look at what the bible says:

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17

"You make known to me the path of life;
 in your presence there is fullness of joy;
 at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

This is where lasting pleasure is. Here is where a soul finds its rest and satisfaction- in the presence of the Maker of joy, the Maker of pleasures, the Maker of life. Where better to find ultimate satisfaction than the source of it?

Don't get me wrong, I myself am extremely grateful that God gave us the ability to enjoy things in this world that make us happy- but what I am saying is don't settle for the passing pleasures this world has to offer. Don't believe the lie that those things will satisfy you... remember only putting our trust and finding our rest in our Maker will supply lasting joy to our weary souls.

If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, I can only conclude that I was made for another world.

-C.S. Lewis

When Christianity becomes hereditary...

Over the past few weeks I've made great leaps in my effort in reading the Bible chronologically or at best according to a reading plan I found. Sadly, these great leaps only came in the form of covering much ground but not really understanding or comprehending what I was reading...(books like Amos, Obadiah, or Micah). It didn't really even help that these books were at best four or five chapters long...so when I say that I've made great leaps, I've really made no leaps at all- not even large steps. I seemed to have walked fast so long in the woods through these books that when I look back, I can't even see any of my footprints. I definitely have to take a walk through those books again. But nonetheless, I am pressing onward, and my walk has landed me in the book of Isaiah.
My heart pained as I read this account of a people who God heroically brought out, ransomed, healed, and loved but had no reverence, love or even appreciation towards God. As I continued reading, I noticed that this pain I felt was not solely from the passage but also from the realization that this same problem is present today- this wasn't just a phenomenon locked away in the ancient pages of Isaiah. Ironically (or not so ironically), what I was reading was exactly what had been true in my own life.

These Israelites were second or third generation Isrealites...people of God. Look what the Lord says of them:

² Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!  
   For the LORD has spoken: 
“I reared children and brought them up, 
   but they have rebelled against me. 
³ The ox knows its master, 
   the donkey its owner’s manger, 
but Israel does not know, 
   my people do not understand.”

 ⁴ Woe to the sinful nation,
   a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
   children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD;
   they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
   and turned their backs on him. - Isaiah 1: 2-4

¹¹ “The multitude of your sacrifices—
   what are they to me?” says the LORD.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
   of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
   in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
¹² When you come to appear before me,
   who has asked this of you,
   this trampling of my courts?
¹³ Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
   Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
   I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
¹⁴ Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
   I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
   I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer,
   I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
   I am not listening.- Isaiah 1:11-15

There certainly wasn't an attitude of love or reverence when these people came before the Redeemer, the Deliverer, the LORD. It must have stemmed from such a familiarity of hearing these same deliverance stories, seeing the same sacrifices being brought as a result of reoccurring sins...these guys were "going through the motions." They lost the joy their forefathers like Abraham and Joseph had in walking with and living for the LORD. They had gotten all of this passed down to them...hereditary.They had heard the stories from their parents- "sure, God saved our fathers from a mean and nasty Pharoah. Yesss we know, we were once slaves...but Godddd delivvverred us" The amazing accounts of God's love became like a broken record that was replayed over and over till it became stuck as merely head knowledge and there, in the head, it made it's dwelling. It refused to move down into their hearts where it could transform their lives. 

While reading, I was reminded of the charge against the church in Ephesis
"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (Revelation 2:4)

The people of Isreal had lost their first love, and look what resulted- 

there was no true obedience..they had no true knowledge or understanding of the LORD and because they thought they knew Him, but really didn't, they turned their backs on Him. But wait, they knew what they should be doing! Of course! It had been told to them for ages now, generations have passed on exactly what they needed be done to obtain favor from the God they thought they knew! Wanna lie? Just offer so and so number of animals. Wanna cheat? Here's the recipe for that sacrifice. They multiplied offerings to the LORD and look at His response- He. Hated. It. But Jerry, they even prayed to God!! God's response? He. Didn't. Listen. 

I remember a couple years ago, while thinking in retrospect upon many things, there was one idea that stuck out like a sore thumb (and thankfully may I add) was the thought of WHY. Why did the Isrealites act this way? Why did they have the audacity to value these things so lightly? Wait, Why have I also acted this way for so long?

I remember thinking, why. Sadly, (and yet by God's grace I can say thankfully) I asked myself, why am I going to church every week? Why am I reminded to read the bible every day? What could possibly be so important that I have to remember these verses? And sadly, I hear the hearts of many asking the same questions-WHY do we do the things we do so routinely?

I remember asking the same questions many "second generation church goers" may ask: Why I was doing it? Was I a Christian simply because my parents told me that I must go to church? Was I a Christian because I had known in my head about what Jesus did for me?

I remember stopping one night and just thinking it through. How is it that so many people around me were enthusiastic about praying and singing while I just didn't get it? Had they heard a different story than what I'd heard? Did they hear it longer?

Revelation 2:4 hit me and it hit me hard. What was common about who they all loved? I looked at Abraham's life, who did he love? He certainly loved God more than his own son. Who did Joseph love? He certainly loved the LORD more than a woman or any earthly position. 

I believe that finding the spark in a story that you've heard over and over is very hard but that's sometimes what happens when Christianity becomes hereditary....simply passed on...handed down the family line to the next generation... to carry on...pick up the reigns- and it surprises me how widely spread this detrimental misconception is! The thought that "oh my kid's know I am Christian so they will automatically just follow after." Well I guess it shouldn't be too surprising as even the children of Israel had the same problem. The rules about the sacrifices and feasts had been simply passed down for them to carry out- it wasn't a reality in their lives- they felt no need for it or for God. But what I came to realize as someone who grew up hearing the gospel, and I hope will help you realize, is that until or unless you want to love this God who is reaching out to you, Christianity will be just a story that is told and retold in your head.

Don't take my word for it, let's look at what God says in that same passage in Isaiah: 
¹⁶ Wash and make yourselves clean. 
   Take your evil deeds out of my sight; 
   stop doing wrong. 
¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice. - Isaiah 1:16 and the beginning of 17.

How can someone make themselves clean unless they determine to do so? and WHY (the oh so important question) would someone determine to wash themselves? Only after he has determined that he is in need of cleaning of course- or in easier terms, someone will consciously determine to make themselves clean when they realize they are dirty. But this question goes deeper, WHY would someone take their evil deeds out of the Lord's sight? Because they know it is something He hates. Who that is trying to love someone will want to do what that person hates? Sometimes, the only way to make something not a motion or routine is to rediscover it, to renew a love for it.

Remember when I said reading through books like Amos and Micah etc. were hard to reflect upon since I couldn't understand much?  Well it's hard to believe... but one thing did stick- God is speaking to His beloved children of Isreal and it's found in the book of Micah:

 ³ “My people, what have I done to you?
   How have I burdened you? Answer me.
⁴ I brought you up out of Egypt
   and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
   also Aaron and Miriam.

⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.- Micah 6:3-4, 8

"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"- Amos 3:3

God did the same exact thing for us through the cross. He brought us up out of death, gave us life. He redeemed us from the land of slavery to sin. He gave His word, the Bible, to lead us through the wilderness of life. God doesn't want burnt sacrifices anymore, He abolished that with the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross! He wants us to accept His sacrifice that He did on our behalf once and for all! He wants us to walk humbly with Him.

Let me end off by reminding you of when "AN EXPERT IN THE LAW" spoke up to ask Jesus something. It is seen in Luke 10:

²⁵ On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
[Jesus replies:] 

 ²⁶ “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
 ²⁷ He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’^[c]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[d]”
   ²⁸ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

We may sometimes think we are experts at something when hearing it constantly and repeatedly but as the Bible so often reminds us and warns us, even experts can be blinded by mere head knowledge- in order to truly act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, one must want to love Him or rediscover their first love for Him.

It's a Friday night, and I'm relaxing...no really, I'm listening to cello music.

Woooo what a week! First exam of the second semester came with a roarrr and washed over me like a tidal wave! The waves haven't ceased yet but I'm slowly but surely learning how to keep my head above water.

Today, I took advantage of the beautiful day and went on another one of those walks...that led me right up to Green line. This time, I got a chance to actually sit down with my drink and just scan the faces there. (Yes I may have looked creepy or just very interested in the scenery around me) I did get a chance to taste their hot chocolate...I made an unwise decision to make it a macadamia nut hot chocolate because even for me, it was just too sweet. I should have gotten straight up hot chocolate with no extras. So after my purchase, I sat down and did some observing. As my eyes moved about the cafe, my gaze soon rested on a display case that showcased a batch of freshly baked ginger and apple scones with orange icing.

I fell like the walls of Jericho.


Now that I've felt content with my chatter about my day, I should get into a thought that made its way into one corner of my mind the other night.


On my journey, I've slowly walked through 1 Samuel and have taken a few steps into 2 Samuel where I met David. And whatta guy! He seems like a guy's guy. Sensitive in all the right ways and manly enough to slay the enemy and rule a kingdom. And please don't get me started on his whole friendship with Jonathan- talk about a bromance! If that ain't a bromance, I don't know what is. What really took it over the top was when I saw God's own testimony of the guy- that he's a guy after His own heart. I was like well there ya go! What more can you need! Bottom line, this guy David, he's awesome.


Well like waking up from a lovely dream to the horrible buzz of your alarm, I was hit hard with the reality of who David really was- a sinner..just like me. Well wait, where's the David I know? The awesome David. where'd he go? He fell. Fell hard for a woman, and not just any woman, Bathsheba, and not just any Bathsheba, he fell for the Bathsheba who was THE WIFE OF Uriah. He fell to the point where he got her pregnant. He fell so hard that each sin he committed blinded him from the depravity of each successive sin he committed as a result of the first. (How true in my life also). Hmm, maybe this guy after God's own heart is not so different than a girl who is trying to discern what things in her life would help her be someone after God's own heart.


In the midst of my sadness at David's actions, I took notice of another man who was also very deeply affected by David's sins. This man was named Uriah. It's a given that David's behavior of staying behind during time of battle was strange enough in itself...but even after being told that Bathsheba was THE WIFE OF...David still decided to commit sin by taking her and laying with her. This just seemed outside of David's "normal, typical character" up till this point. And now look when exactly does he choose to take Bathsheba? While her husband is out fighting for his life, fighting to protect King David's very life, fighting to protect his wife's life and the people back home. He's a loyal soldier whose being betrayed by the king he's fighting for. Disgusting. Tragic. I almost felt like crying for Uriah. He had no clue. David calls Uriah to come back from the battle. King David tries to get Uriah drunk so he can go home and lay with his wife and be able to hide up the fact that David got Bathsheba pregnant. But what does Uriah do? He, even in his drunkenness knows the troop is lying out in some field with the enemies threat looming over their heads, so he also sleeps outside the king's house. He knows that those soldiers out there don't have the luxury of going back home to their wives, he knows those guys don't have a comfy bed to sleep in, so he refuses to sleep in comfort. What a brave soldier, what a guy! Loyal, self controlled, and purely innocent. As I sat there reading of such a guy, I was smacked in the face with King David's next ingenious idea- he plans Uriah's death by making him fight on the front lines. What's more? David  uses Uriah to carry his own death sentence to the army commander. The whole time, Uriah had absolutely no clue. What happens? The loyal, self controlled, innocent, Uriah dies or more truthfully murdered. He may have died a soldier's death, honorably- while fighting in battle. The fact that David puts Uriah in the front line where the bible says is where the "valiant men fought" (2 Sam 11:16) showed me that Uriah may have not been the strongest fighter in the pack but he was a little guy purposely put  in dangers way at the front line.


Uriah was completely innocent! He died thinking that he was fighting on behalf of a loyal king who respected him. He had no clue that the king stole his wife, planned his death and used him to carry out his own death warrant. David's sin didn't stop after one, his sin snowballed into successive sins- each numbed him even more than the previous- to the point that he was so blind about his sin that he even didn't recognize he was sinning!


our sins affect the people around us and they affect the relationship we have with the people around us negatively. 


The sins I commit today are not only hurting my relationship with God, but it's hurting the relationship I have with my mother, my father, my sister, my friend, or even you who is reading this. I hope this serves as a reminder to you and to me in the constant struggle to overcome certain sins in life. I know that God is not pleased with the sins I commit but my sins affect others who are on the outside just about the same as it affects me on the inside. That's a sobering thought. I need to remember this the next time I'm tempted to sin.  Is my sin going to lead to other sins that snowball into more sins? (more likely, yes) and like icy snow- will these sins create a numbness around my soul that prevents me from feeling the sting of sinning? (most likely, yes) How is this sin going to affect my relationship to others around me? (think about it.)  I pray I can truly turn away from a sin when I ask for forgiveness for my sins by thinking about the consequences of my sin the next time I'm presented with the temptation.


I'll leave you with David's cry once he realized exactly what happened as a result of his sin and who he hurt while sinning.


Psalm 51(NASB)

 ¹ Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

 ⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
⁶ Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
⁷ Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
⁹ Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.

 ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.

 ¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation;
Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
¹⁵ O Lord, open my lips,
That my mouth may declare Your praise.
¹⁶ For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
You are not pleased with burnt offering.
¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

 ¹⁸ By Your favor do good to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹ Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,
In burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.


There's the David I'm familiar with! The sinner who is still a man after God's own heart. Find the whole story in 2 Samuel 11!
Take care.

Ruth

On my journey through the Bible, I've come to the book of Ruth and I got to say I read it in a way that I've never read it before. I thank God for letting me see things I hadn't seen before even through my many previous times reading through this short but amazing book. It's on a reminder that no matter how many times you read something in the Bible, there's only more layers to peel back and lessons to be learned from it.

As I started reading, I came across the usual qualities of Ruth that are so widely discussed but my eyes took a fresh, new look at Boaz. He doesn't really come into the scene until the mother and daughter-in-law duo reach Bethlehem. Here is where Ruth decides to take on responsibility and asks her mother-in-law for permission to go work in a field so they will have grain- which I'm not sure if they'll sell or eat or do even both with it. Basically, she is concerned with the idea of going out and doing work which will provide for herself and her mother. She wasn't idle or lazy. As she went on concerned about her work, she ended up working right into Boaz's field. The first time she saw Boaz was probably when he came back from doing things in the town and greeted his workers. It is recorded that when he returned, he greeted the people with "May the LORD be with you." (Ruth 2:4) and they replied with a blessing for him. After he greets the people (My thinking is that he greeted the workers in his field), he goes to one of his most trustworthy servants who was put in charge of the workers and inquires about the young woman- who she is and whose she is. The first thing I noticed here is that Boaz did his research. He saw this young woman and instead of running right up to her, he inquired of her from someone who has probably spent the day looking after the workers. He gets her whole history in a matter of minutes or verses lol (Ruth 2:5-7). He finds out where she is from, who she is here with, why she came here, how long she has been here and where she is now. You might think he's a news reporter or something with all this information he learns from his servant lol!- but I think his curiosity was of a genuine interest and not of any impure motive. Only after learning about her or doing some research, did he decide to approach her & when he did, oh it was something beautiful! Their first recorded conversation is really something marvelous.


Boaz approaches Ruth and says "Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.” Ruth 2:8-9


There are a few things I noticed about his first conversation with her:
He approaches her with a word of advice or instruction and says, "Listen carefully."
The way he speaks to her is with an affectionate tone, "my daughter" almost with a gentle concern.
He asks her to stay in his field and not look at any other fields.
He assures her that he will protect her by telling her how he has already commanded his servants not to touch her.He explains that he will provide for her by allowing her to drink when she is thirsty and even drink out of what his own servants draw.
To briefly sum what I just said up, in his first conversation with her, his conduct is gentle, he promises to protect her and provide for her.

What is her response to this? Look at Ruth 2:10. She falls on her face! She bows to the ground and is at utter amazement at how on earth she found favor in his eyes. She feels unworthy. Is this not a picture of how Christ treats us? and how we are to react to Christ's affection, gentle tone, promise to protect and provide for us?

Boaz doesn't write off Ruth's question of how or why she found favor in his eyes. He explains to her exactly what it is that impressed him and he blesses her. It is recorded that Ruth continued working in his field for quite some time. & After some time, Naomi starts seeing how it's probably time for Ruth to find a husband, she's been so helpful with looking after the family and taking care of Naomi that it's time for Ruth to take care of herself. Naomi gently instructs Ruth to go propose marriage to Boaz! Now when I read this, I was like whaaaat? But after looking at a commentary, the suggested reason for this is that since Boaz was an older gentlemen and Ruth was a young woman, he would not have approached her. Instead, Naomi suggested Ruth to propose using this ancient Eastern custom seen in Ruth 3:2-9. What really caught my attention here is Boaz's reponse. He graciously accepts and compliments her by saying how he and the people of the city know she is a woman of excellence. A woman of excellence- what a coincidence- just verses before, Boaz was seen greeting the people and being blessed by them. Both Boaz and Ruth seem to personify excellence which makes them a pretty well matched couple. BUT- Boaz says, there is someone else who has a closer relation than he does so as is customary, he must ask the other gentleman first.

This moment was pivotal. This young lady turns the tide and risks it all by proposing to a much older gentleman and here, they both seem to agree to the marriage but Boaz says, wait- there's a possibility that you are not meant for me! There is another who might have the first right to marry you. What a bummer. Can you imagine what may be going on in Ruth's mind? She's become familiar with Boaz and comfortable enough to talk openly with him and even ready to spend the rest of her life with him but in a matter of hours, she might be engaged to marry someone totally different. But this is exactly what defines Boaz as a man of excellence! He knew he had to do what is right even though it might not end up how they both want it. This is an amazing display of excellence. He was a man who knew the laws and regulations by which he had to abide so he openly and honestly tells Ruth of the situation. He sends her back to Naomi with even more barley than she gathered! When Ruth arrives back home, she tells Naomi all about what happened. (Talk about an amazing mother-in-law to daughter relationship) Naomi instructs Ruth to W A I T until she knows how the matter falls or turns out for the man will not rest until he has settled it today. That caught my attention also- waiting to just see how the matter falls. Sometimes I find myself trying to take matters into my own hands. But here, Naomi instructs Ruth to just..wait. Not jump down any throats, not taking matters into your own hands, but just wait. That really showed me just how much faith/patience/peace they had in God's plan for their future and life in general. Not worrying about any matter.

Meanwhile, Boaz, the lovely gentleman goes up to the city gate and finds the other relative and gathers the ten elders of the city and they discuss the matter. Now although Boaz was an older gentlemen, he still had the humbleness and respect to approach the other gentlemen about his responsibility/choice of marrying Ruth. What does the other gentleman say? "I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself..." Ruth 4:6. OUCH. He refused to take on Ruth because that would be taking a hit for his own inheritance or property or family. Boaz and the other man then create an agreement that Ruth will be wed to Boaz and the elders of the city bless Boaz by blessing Ruth. After reading this, I think of how Christ had even more that he placed in jeopardy to redeem me and yet He did it. He gave up His heavenly glory for skin, His crown for thorns, His life He traded to die in my place all to R E D E E M me. Boaz was Ruth's kinsman redeemer as Christ is our Redeemer. Ruth was a widow, she lost all she had, she left her family, friends, home and clung to Naomi which is characteristic of a deep, faithful love. There must not have been much to gain by marrying this widow but Boaz redeemed her- gave her hope for a bright future. I'm so amazed at how through his love and conduct to Ruth, Boaz shadows certain characteristics of Christ. 

and what's more? Boaz and Ruth turn out to be the great grandparents of King David and are even included in the genealogy of Jesus Himself! What a blessed story! Well, I'm off to travel through the book of 1 Samuel and I can't wait to see who I'll meet there! Laters. =)

Happy New Year!

What a strange new year it was! 500 miles away from home, in a stranger's house, surrounded by close to 30 new faces all enjoying each other's company under the roof of a beautifully furnished log cabin. Let's just say I had an unforgettable last week of 2011.
It all started on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 when myself and four other girls left our homes and started a journey which would ultimately end in Kernersville, North Carolina. Early morning about about 5 am we left and passed through four states in about two hours. Our first stop was for breakfast in Virginia where we ate at the lovely Village Cafe (also seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives). I had the chance to eat three humongous pieces of  french toast with a side of grits. (Woohoo for a first time grit taster!) The grits were porridgy and somewhat bland. Definitely old people food. It was definitely my goal to eat grits wherever I got the chance to- since I was travelling down south afterall! We then arrived in NC around noon where we stopped in to see a family friend. After spending time there we resumed our journey into Charlotte, NC for the 2011 Rise Up Conference- here is where we stayed till Friday the 30th. Let me just say that I've never been to a conference like this. So many different age groups all praising God and there to hear the unbridled, pure Word of God. Although there were MANY and I mean many truths that I learned that need to be implemented in my life, two things in particular stuck in my head.

1) We are meant to be in this world right now. We are like ships- What is a ship made for? A ship is made to be in the water. When does the problem arise? When water gets into the ship. We are made to be in this world. When does the problem arise? When the world gets into us.

2) Be wary of using the term "how can we kill time?" We must redeem or purchase our time. It is So V a l u a b l e. Even the Bible tells us to do so- check out Ephesians 5:16.

I met so many great people that week that I'll never forget. Some I may not ever see again till after I see my Lord.

Some awesome memories from the week: (these are more for my own recollection rather than your entertainment- although I don't discourage you being entertained by my thoughts :p)

Tuesday 12/27:
-My innate knowledge of when Gina would want to get into another lane while driving caused me to always yell out, "You're good" - Why am I such a backseat driver? lol :p
-Jeeja in the car having ADD and needing a horse tranquilizer...badly.
-Getting myself into a sticky situation at Village Cafe with the pancake syrup hehe
-Becoming stuck in traffic for an hour and a half on the way to the hotel all because of a BOWL GAME?? (I had no idea what a Bowl game was until last week haha)
-Finally arriving at the Marriott.
Wednesday 12/28:
-Meeting awesome people and singing together at the Hymn Sing!
-Joe Reese ended his message with the chorus of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!!! & Someone chose to sing that at the Hymn Sing! = Amazing.
-Random guy at Marriott asked Roby and me about the conference- children prayed for him and he saw it.
Thursday 12/29:
-IHOP dinner at midnight with some awesome people.
-Midnight madness after dinner where chaos broke out when our pen shattered into a million pieces.
-The Journey is the Destination
Friday 12/30:
-Saying goodbye to all the wonderful people was sad on my heart...but I guess it's time to go back into my nook of the world and implement the changes I learned.
-Visited the Billy Graham Museum and went to Mac's BBQ- hand's down best BBQ outing I've ever been to.
-Justin and Jogi sceaming out foods for Jason to order while he was talking calmly to the waitress and the best grit's I've ever tasted!! (Cheddar grits) I also got to try grits for breakfast on Thursday morning at the hotel! They were better than Village Cafe's but not better than Mac's.
-Arriving at a rocky driveway that seemed to lead to an ax murderer but it was Ellie's beautiful home at night.
-Crying from laughing so hard during dinner that I had to separate myself and eat dinner in the dining room.
Saturday 12/31:
-Indescribable log cabin owned by Pink and Sarah.
-Rita's house and the man cave with at least 30 stuffed deer heads on the wall.
Sunday1/1/12:
-Ate breakfast too fast- not good move for me.
-Took the scenic route home- amazing scenery I will never forget: mountains, valleys, cows grazing on the hillside, homes located miles away from each other, and it goes on...

My goal for 2012:
Implement real changes in my life.
Pray more.

A Good Read

    I'm not a bookie, bookworm, avid reader, whatever you may call it. I haven't touched a Twilight book in my life. I've dropped the Harry Potter series after getting through the first three years. The only books I've read were usually required by the school I attended. (I gotta admit, I am a fan of The Odyssey, Our Town and To Kill a Mockingbird) and quite frankly I'm happy that those books were required so I would be forced to read it. Those were all books which have stuck with me to this day. Other than that, I rarely read for leisure. A Max Lucado book, I would read every now and then, but otherwise, not much reading going on. That said, I occasionally rummage through the attic to find old junk that needs to be cleared away. In my search for junk I usually end up finding treasures from my childhood. This past expedition in my attic uncovered a deeply hidden treasure that must have been left untouched for over five years. I've never heard of it before but the title caught my attention- "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. I decided to peek inside and found a random page somewhere in the middle of the book. The book seemed interesting enough to me at first glace to bring it back down into my room. The book has received a permanent home on my nightstand right next to my bed. Once at the bottom of a pile of old junk, it has turned into one of my favorite books. I would like to share an excerpt from this book that really stood out to me and actually convicted my heart.
     The book is generally about the believer's struggle with sin and how to focus on pursuing a holy lifestyle. One point that the author spends quite some time on is the idea of convictions. If you have a certain conviction, it's your firm belief or a certain strong persuasion that governs the way you do certain things. For instance, if you are convicted that lying is wrong and displeasing to God, you will do your best to avoid lying. As a child of God, there are certain convictions that the Spirit of God will lay on your heart that helps govern the way you live your life as a christian. The key is staying true to the conviction that you have and believe. James 4:17 says "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (NIV) But where I find myself having even more trouble is having any sort of conviction in the first place. Yes, I know the basic ten commandments and what is considered "sin" in that sense. But I realize that I have not searched the Scriptures to see how God would want me to live every moment of my daily life- even simple things like which movies I should watch or song I should listen to. I feel convicted that finding a conviction is the first step to developing a conviction. (Duh Jerry) Here is where this book that I'm reading has shed some light on the topic:

    "This is the way we develop conviction-- by bringing God's Word to bear on specific situations that arise in our lives and determining God's will in that situation from the Word. Many issues of life are clearly addressed in the Bible, and we would do well to memorize verses that speak to those issues. For example, God's will concerning honesty is plainly spelled out (Eph. 4:25,28) or abstinence (1 Thess. 4:3). These are clearly stated issues where we should have no difficulty developing convictions as to God's will--if we are willing to obey His Word. But what about issues that are not specifically mentioned in the Scriptures-- how do we determine God's will and develop conviction in those areas? Years ago a friend gave me what he called his "Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong' The formula asked four questions based on three verses in 1 Corinthians:

• "'Everything is permissible for me'-- but not everything is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 6:12). Question 1: Is it helpful-- physically, spiritually, and mentally?
• "'Everything is permissible for me' -- but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Corinthians 6:12). Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?
• "'Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall" (1 Corinthians 8:13). Question 3: Does it hurt others?
• "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Question 4: Does it glorify God?

As simple as this formula may appear, it is powerful in developing conviction if we are willing to use it. These questions can get rather searching but must be asked if we are to pursue holiness as a total way of life." Excerpt taken from The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
     
        As I'm getting towards the end of this book, it's really making me think about my lifestyle. Yes, I focus on not lying or committing adultery but do I focus on living a holy life? Do I view this command to live a holy life1 as making the heart of God glad rather than a mere victory in my christian life? A speaker at UCF (a christian gathering at my school) said a funny and ironic story of a guy who slapped his friend in the face. He immediately said sorry and asked his friend to forgive him. After the friend graciously forgave him, he slapped his friend again. I remember laughing while the speaker shared this story. It quickly turned into shame as I realized this is exactly what I do in my relationship with Christ. I hope and pray that as a christian, I can be convicted more of wrong things in my life by the daily reading of His Word. A song that I heard by Andy Mineo is called Every Word and there's this one line that says "Wanna know the fast track to lookin' stupid? Talk about obedience and never go do it." It's true, as a christian I always talk about what's right and wrong but I find myself never following through with it. I pray that I can shift my focus from the temporal things of this world to the eternal truths of God. I know I can only do so by setting aside time to search through God's word, let God's word convict me, and try to stay true to those convictions. I hope that the excerpt has encouraged anyone reading. I also encourage you to pick up a copy of this book! (and no I'm not being paid to say that haha)


For those who are interested- Andy Mineo Song: 

1 (Leviticus 11:44 and 1 Peter 1:16)
Till next time!

The Loner

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Today was a good day. Other than the fact that I couldn't focus and felt like I was getting sick, it was a good day. Even though I didn't get my work done or any of the things I set out to do, it was a good day. Why? Because I went on a walk! Ok, you might think I'm crazy. But I honestly realized how I really need more walks in my life. Just me, a personal walk, a stroll down memory lane (or in this case, 41st street). I have a three hour break on Fridays in between classes. I had a plan to get an essay done. Unfortunately, I couldn't focus at all. I decided to take a walk outside and thankfully it was beautiful, cool and sunny. I walked past cars, people, a park and found myself standing in front of a cafe. I decided to go in and see what this cafe had to offer me. I decided to purchase a small caramel latte and stepped back outside on my walk. The cafe reminded me of a coffee shop you would find in Kerala. Small, quaint, wooden floors, forest green paint- very cozy. I felt like a loner just walking by myself and getting a coffee by myself but to be honest, it felt very good. It was nice to just stroll. Quiet. Sunshine. Trees. Cold air. Warm latte in my hand. The day was so peaceful in those 30 minutes I used to walk. I even had some time to talk with God on this walk. I realized I need to do more of these walks. Hopefully I can make more time to do this sort of daily exercise. These lone walks really exercise the mind and body. =)