Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
People Watching
Some people are much more reserved, cordial, dignified and tend to study everything you say. They prefer to know everything about you before they themselves volunteer any information about themselves. They will even ignore any questions you ask about them until they get the 'scoop' on you. They don't like to show weakness, vulnerability or openness at first. They seem much more cautious in a friendship. Time breaks down the facade when you prove you are not a threat to their pride.
" A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26)
Other people are much more extroverted and love to just know everything about you. They are excited and thrilled to know what you like, what are your dreams and goals, what makes you tick. They are thrilled to have a conversation and hold nothing back. They seem so vibrant, curious and get a kick out of understanding you. They to like it when you give them the same amount of consideration and want to understand them. These types don't feel threatened by people or by you. They love to jive, connect, gel and prefer to stay away from judging people too quickly and harshly. They'll give anyone a chance unlike our previous example.
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2)
"Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'" (Matthew 18:33)
The New Preachers.
There was a comment from a researcher the other day. He talked about the new preachers and how they start with a movie clip, joke and center there message around it but offer next to nothing in terms of Biblical content.
Than there are others who may offer 1-2 or even 4 Bible verses if you are lucky. He also talked about the growing illiteracy of the Bible with the new churches and generation. His research showed that new converts who go liturgical Churches are the only ones who have the highest rates of Biblical literacy.
God bless these churches.
The early church had a problem with literacy in general. So what they did was give there service over to public reading of Scripture.
I wish more churches would do this.
He also said that nothing worth having comes easily or quickly!
Fasting and Feast!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Pastor's Joke
Men of God and Many More...
A man of God had some profound words. He talked about a personal trial and started to question whether he was in the God's will or not. Than he went into 2 Cor 12 about Paul's pesky thorn in the flesh and how it made him weak, but God's power whole. He mentioned the following:
Sometimes when we're weak and foolish in worldly standards, we're in the center of all God's action!
What stood out more was that I knew the man of God a bit more personally. He was not just a stellar exegete for the Bible or a great orator but humble, caring, warm, gentle, kind and giving! I was more awestruck at his character above everything else.
I just want to give a shout out to all those men and women of God who put character ahead of all else. Thank you to the risk takers, thrill seekers, sacrificial givers, believers, mercy dispensers, peace vendors, meek matchers, and most of all Christ lovers.
It is nice to bear witness to some authentic fruits of the Spirit and much more! I hope to imitate you as you imitate Christ!
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
"...but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises"(Hebrews 6:12)
Alicia Keys!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Witness of the Disciples in Jerusalem
(Acts 5:40-42)
Can you imagine the bold response of the disciples? They didn't spend time licking their wounds or having a pity party. They could have just threw in the towel and leave it at that. How about going back to the old way of life? They didn't even say, "Hey! This is not what I signed up for?" These men of God meant business!
- Paul Achetemeier Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Basic Christian Attitude.
- William A. Dryness
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Beautiful Service!
There was a wonderful chapel today. It goes back a bit. There were hymns, liturgy and water... We sang some golden oldies from my Catholic days. It has been a long time since I have been in a liturgical experience of worship. Today was different.
The service focussed on water and it's symbolism in the Word of God. It was exciting! They poured water on our hands and reminded us to reflect on the day we were baptized. We went away and took time for reflection.
It was at DPC and S was there. The days were dark, dismal and we both could relate to each other. He just came out of a very heavy and scary time in his life. I was in the dumps as well. It was time for us to get baptized. He felt alot better after it was done. I remember that sedated, euphoric look in his eyes. He was a lot slower.
The BC (Before Christ) friends came to watch. I'm glad they were there.
B was there as well. She came up to us and said that watching us get baptized made their whole trip worthwhile. God I miss her.
Later I met another friend. She happened to have pictures of the baptism. My hair looked like hell. It was in a time when the walk was in the valley of the shadow of death. It was scary and lonely and all you can think of is when will it all be over.
Sitting back and reflecting, the same word keeps popping up. Hope!
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." (Psalm 9:18)
The trials will all be over.
"For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Tripping...
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
We had an authentic move of the Spirit at PMC today. The program was cut and an altar call was taken in mid service and there was electricity in the air. It was real, authentic and awesome! There was a hunger.
It was moving seeing the multitudes come forward. They just wanted to touch the hem of Jesus' cloke. You can see desperation, pain, hunger, as the body re presents their needs to the Maker. I know God was there and moved with compassion when he saw the multitudes.
When the moment was over, we got back to our chairs and back to, 'church as usual.' There were the kids heading for Sunday school, so I dived over to get my brief case and baggage when all of a sudden I slipped and fell. All you can hear is a loud 'THUD!". Yes, it is me! Than there was H right in front of me and she couldn't stop laughing. She even kept laughing on the way home.
Wait, it gets better. I get downstairs to the Sunday School room and am racing to set up the power point to watch a favorite movie, The Miracle Maker. It happens again! I slip and fall on the table. The classroom erupts in laughter again.
AHHhhh, I just love the sound of children's laughter.
I'm such a clutz!
Lift those knees Bilson!
Oh, you are probaly wondering if I'm okay! Everything is fine!
Tea Ka!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pop Culture
Pop culture is quite fascinating. Here are all the world famous people with their millions, world fame and good looks. They are looked up to, admired and even imitated and often duplicated. They can represent the ideals that people want to aspire to until they fowl up. Than the very people who make them end up breaking them down.
I remember when Brittany first came on the scene. She was a wholesome innocent by standard who shared her Christian faith and being vocal about saving it for marriage. Later she changed and started sucking down the attention and fame and letting the machine called Hollywood and fame compromise her faith. Time went by and all of a sudden she just started melting down. Some say it was self-inflicted and she got what she was asking for... I'm not one of them. I'm one of the few who really feel sorry for her. Not many share my compassion.
She isn't the only one who is experiencing the meltdown. Now Kirsten Dunst is as well. I really feel sorry for these kids. They are someone's daughter, sister and in some cases mother.
I just finished watching Kanye sweep the Grammies. He is one of the few pop personalities I get a rise out of. He's a Jesus lover with obvious imperfections and a deep love for his mother. I get a kick out of his zainy style and his impulsive, unpredictable attitude.
What a picture of Christians. Jesus didn't reject anyone of them. Sure, Christians might have. The world sure has but not the one who holds all men accountable. Not the author of life! Not the God of the living. Not the one who determines all the rules. Not from the one who created love. Thank you Lord. You are the only one who truly understands! The one who is out to create and re birth, to give life and healing. I'm glad Jesus is not as shallow as some Christians, and the world. He understands...
Friday, February 08, 2008
More in Common with Martha
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-41)
There are some days I feel like I got more in common with Martha than anyone else. The gang and I were just getting some equipment ready for some worship and I have to admit I was pretty exhausted and lacking patience. This stuff seemed heavier than usual. I need to get into better physical shape! After moving and riding and plugging it was time for plucking. Than it got really awesome! The Spirit was flowing.I thought back to my cheerless attitude towards moving and riding and plugging. Than I tried to imagine how heavy that cross was that Jesus carried. I tried to imagine myself in His place for a sec... I tried to imagine how He took on all the sins of the world. He took on a heavy load and paid a BIG price for us. It was HUGE!
I know I have a long way to go! There are others who do as well. I'm glad I'm not the only one. Martha and I have a bit in common. I hope we both will choose what is better. Until than I'll trust the Lord with the following.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Mega Churches!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Etched My Soul
I met a new group of believers today. They are so caring and take a genuine interest in my well-being. I've have had only three meetings with them. I love them to death. They have already had an impact on me and I know that I'll never forget them forever. They have been etched in my soul. I feel so happy that they are apart of my life but you know what? I feel sad as well.
I know that there will come a time when they to will depart. We will be on our seperate ways and going on our different narrow paths. Than we will be re united in glory. I just hate the fact that I have to wait in between. I know there'll be other people but still...
God, you have made so many beautiful people. I see you in them. I love you in them. I'll miss seeing them. But atleast I still have you!
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Another G-Man
A met another G-Man a while ago. He was very old. The lines on his face were a map to his soul. He had an awesome testimony. He had a German accent and only a grade 8 education. He was single like yours truly. He went to Bible College. He was third in his class... in a class of three. He was full of jokes and here are a few:
- Love is blind but marriage is an eye opener!
- There is the engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering!
- My messages are like a mini skirt. They are short enough to get your attention but long enough to cover the subject matter
When he found out my roots go back to Kerala and he said, "Oh you're from Kerala!" and than did the sign of the cross on me.
He talked about his moments of brokeness like when the organization asked for his resignation. He was in tears and wept hard for nearly 15 minutes. He was very old at that time. It was quite hard. Than he recalled how God warned that morning that something might happen. He asked God why he would even bother to warn him? Why?
God called him to India and a dream was coming alive. He showed us his ministry. God called him to India in the dead centre and I mean DEAD! It started out as lot of land with a hut. It grew to house with young kids. It became a school, offices, dorms etc. It was God building a marvellous ministry. God used this old, German man to pioneer some sensational work. I loved seeing the smile on his face, peace in his soul and joy in his heart.
What was awesome is that he was a man with nothing to prove. He had absolutely nothing to prove! This is the mark of truly humble people who do not care to be recognized, honoured, esteemed or even acknowledged. I wish we had more people like this. It gets just plain dumb when professing Christians are only about getting praise for themselves. It is so shallow....This man was not one of them!
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5a)
May there be many more to come!