Last posts on Faith

Servant of Yahweh, Follower of Christ

2008-06-23T01:28:01+02:00

I’ve met many people who have said about themselves, “I’m a very spiritual person but I’m not religious at all.” I suppose these people might believe me to be a very “religious” person; being that I am a minister who spends much of my free time ministering via the internet, constructing weekly ministry newsletters and attending twice-weekly Bible Study. But I truly do not consider myself to be a “religious” person at all, BUT, that is only because of the connotation it gives when I think of the word and how others perceive a religious person. When someone says the word “religious”, for me and for many others, what automatically pops to mind are visions of those extremes that exist in modern society. Like people who speak in tongues, make pilgrimages to shrines or the “Church Lady” from Saturday Night Live.Being newly single for the past nine months and living in a new city, I will often be asked by co-workers and acquaintances that I meet and become friendly with, “What church do you go to?” When I reply that I don’t belong to a church they immediately follow the question up with, “Oh, well you should come to my church. I bet you’d meet someone there!”First of all, since when is church a pick-up joint?Never mind, I digress.I’ll be honest with you. The idea of attending any church makes me cringe inwardly and brings back childhood memories of dread because going to church once a week (and often times twice or more due to the fact I attended a parochial school) was not something I looked forward to. The thought of having to sit through an hour of the “Three R’s” - Repetition, Ritual and Routine - was my reasoning back then because my Schwinn bike with the blue flowered seat and warm clear day had more appeal. Not to mention that it was lacking in proper nutrition.However, unlike when I was a child, my reasons are different know for not wanting to attend any church.…Aside from the fact that the Light of Life Ministry is ordained by Yahweh and Christ and is not associated with any man-made organized religion, denomination (or non-denomination for that matter - in that isn’t a non-denomination still a denomination?) out there.…Aside from the fact that the Light of Life Ministry is the ONLY ministry that shares the light of truth with mankind rather than the watered down versions of truth, mixed truths and falsehoods provided by other religions out there.…Aside from these reasons I truly believe that the proper nutrition needed by each individual is provided directly by Yahweh to all who seek and who have learned how not to lean on their own understanding.…And, aside from the fact that I really have no interest in dating right now as the life I lead is in devotion to the One to whom my life belongs.I just simply believe that being a Christian means that Christ resides within you. And when he does, there’s no need.I also believe that being a follower of Christ is not about Rituals, Repetition and Routine. It’s a learned lifestyle patterned after the life that Christ lead. It’s Obedience to Yahweh, Faith, Loyalty and Love. It’s cherishing The Way and Father Yahweh’s Commandments and Laws. It’s about your heart and a belief in Christ as Lord and Savior.So…what am I then? Religious? Spiritual? A Christian?Well, if you’re speaking of the word religious as defined by Webster’s as being scrupulously faithful and/or conscientious, then yes. I’m also religious. And, I’m also spiritual in that I am not of this world. I’m also a follower of Christ.So I guess you could say that I’m all three.And what does it mean? Well, it means that each day I do my very best to live a life patterned after Christ’s own life. In that aspect I am conscientious of my actions and how what I do, say or think may affect others or myself. I remain at all times, to the very best of my ability while living in this sinful world; faithful, loyal and obedient to Yahweh and Christ and do all that I can to do what would be pleasing in their eyes. I also recognize and fully admit that I am far from perfect. When I stumble, and I do daily, I pray to Father for forgiveness, who then picks me back up and dusts me off and lovingly allows me to continue on my way down the rocky, pit-filled narrow path back home to Her and Her son Christ Jesus.What I have learned most is that it truly isn’t about whether you’re Spiritual, or Religious, what church you belong to or even whether you attend a church at all, but instead it’s a process of learning and growing closer to Father and Christ in how you lead your daily life.In the meantime, I prefer to refer to myself as a servant of Yahweh, follower of Christ and fellow good-for-nothing slave to my brothers and sisters of Father’s Holy Family.

The First Day of My Life

2006-07-29T02:40:00+02:00

Hi Friends.Sorry I haven’t written any boring theories for a while. Here is something more important.I think I finally understand faith. I am not afraid anymore, for the first time in my life. I finally understand what it means to look upon your Beloved, torn to shreds, being pulled dead and limp off of the cross, and to somehow hope against hope, to believe somehow the words He spoke will somehow come to pass, to believe that He is right even if it means all your reason and logic, everything your eyes can see is wrong.This is especially disconcerting for one who has used reason and logic, pretty much his whole life, to hide from pain, to ultimately hide from love. Long story short (for the first time in my life,) boy meets girl. Boy likes girl. Girl sort of likes boy. Boy moves forward. Girl disengages. Boy gets hurt, and says words that hurt girl. Repeat. Boy and girl decide to never talk again. Boy does everything he can to forget girl. Boy dislikes anything that reminds him, boy turns to logic, to reason, to work, to anything that will make the memory of his love for girl go away. Yet, somewhere it is still there. Not that this is the first heartbreak for boy. Far from it. Yet the other ones are forgotten, and this one just won’t go away. Boy spends time with a few great girls, girls who were his whole list of things he wanted. Yet even with them, he thinks of her. Boy distrusts desire greatly. He distrusts his heart, for he truly believes that to follow it is to be hurt.Yet, there is something in the stillness of prayer, a whispering. His desires are still alive, even if scourged by flails of logic. And his desires want God even more than her, but they still want her. So at some point, boy turns to face his fear. He yields his desires to God. And he prays… ’God, change my heart or change hers.’ Soon, he realizes that he will need more faith, hope and love than he has to continue to pray this. So he asks God for this. And he seeks blessings from friends, (male and female) and parents. He seeks their advice and counsel as a cross-check on his actions. They are very supportive.Unexpectedly, more so in the midst of it than in the recounting, God not only does not change his heart away from her (which is how he originally thought the prayer would be answered,) but he becomes even more in love with her. Even more unexpectedly, he dreams crazy dreams that he had not dreamt before, dreams of a house full of beautiful children, dreams of scuttling what seems to be a very promising military career to become a missionary to closed nations. And things begin to happen in the physical. So against all probability, girl and boy have an email exchange. Boy responds to what seemed to be a positive, open email from girl. Boy cross-checks this with male and female Christian friends, as boy has been known to get it wrong before. And girl responds.Pause for a second. A while ago, I realized I had been focusing too much on outcomes. Outcomes were, at least to me, about a measure of control. Hence, I had been too concerned with analyzing every comma, ordering all my events. At come point, though, I realized this whole journey of desire thing was between me and God. If He chose to make it about me and her, than I would rejoice all the more, but it is about me and Him until and unless he were to do that. Hence her response was relatively and strangely unimportant. I remarked to a friend, that even if she said ‘I hate you and hope you die,’ it would not change my desires, nor change the journey of desire I am on with God. Surely, I have said the same to Him and He loved me still. Love is unconditional, even if its expression is highly conditional. The love is unchanged, the way one can express it, though, is contingent on the other person’s willingness to receive it, for love will not force itself upon someone. Anyways, the ‘if she says ‘I hate you and hope you die’’ thing turned out to be prophetic, if with more syllables. That was unexpected, given the council of my friends, and the seemingly positive previous email. Her response was wounding, and intentionally so, in every possible way. All those vulnerable points, the scars from my histories, all of them were struck cleanly and systematically. Belittled, insulted, all the things I hold of value were attacked. With the precision of an Israeli air strike. My honor, my courage, my friendships, my dreams, everything. As if that was the only way to finally get through to me. As if you kick the dog, if will finally leave you alone. As if it was reciprocity. It should have hurt more. And this is what puzzles me. A year ago, it would have been devastating. I would be in tears. Yet I am not. In fact, I forgave her even as I read it. This is certainly strange to me. And then it struck me. I actually believe in this faith thing. That even in the midst of the hurricane, if I keep looking at Jesus, the water will still hold my weight. And I was right: it didn’t change anything. My desire is still for her. Jesus can change it if He wants, but my prayer is unchanged. ‘God, my heart is yours to change. Change my heart, or change hers.’ Somehow, I still have the faith, hope and love to believe that He will answer. This is beyond me, and I embrace it. In one of my prayers a month ago, I heard God answer that ‘she is yours.‘ I accept that, even though I have absolutely no ability to make it come to pass. If that happens, against all logic and all advisories of my eyes of flesh, it will have to be Him. But I accept that. Like still believing, having never seen someone come back from the dead, that your Lord will truly rebuild the temple in three days. Where does someone even start to do that through their own power? One can only start with belief. I recognize her right to say whatever she wants. I respect her right to build boundaries, and I will observe those boundaries. And she has the right to resent my actions, if she chooses, as I have the right, which I relinquish, to resent hers. The thing that hurts the most, though, is the distinct impression that she resents my heart. As if my love for her was offensive, that my heart, was in some way, disgusting to her. And she is wrong to do so. But I relinquish my rights there, as well. And I ask for a love I do not have, one that keeps no record of wrongs. For if there was a record of mine, how could I stand?I once said I would fight through hell to find her heart. I did not know how prophetic that would be. But I mean that as much now as I did then. It is only through a strength beyond myself that I can see this thing through. Yet I find myself stronger than I ever expected in my weakness. Praise be to God. I believe. He will answer my prayer. Whether he changes me, or her, or both, my heart is His. I am not afraid anymore. And I will hope beyond what this world calls reason. My heart is His to move, but until He moves it, I will persevere. If this is faith, this is it.

Da Vinci Code?

2006-05-19T21:25:00+02:00

I din't bother to watch the movie version of the controvercial novel of Dan Brown. I read the book already and I found his "factual" explination of his theory without merit. Why waste my time watching the film version? A simple woman like me who just happens to listen intently during my ReEd class in high school and who had the priviledge to take up a two year course in Christian Ministry, could actually pin point the fallacies of Mr. Brown.

I'm no scholar in the area of theology and history. But this I can say. I do know some things about both subject. I will not dwell on the magdalene conspiracy theory of Brown, since I find it a waste of time. It's like trying to argue with someone who claims to see Big Foot, Mermaids and other creatures who are pigments of one imagination.

I will however discuss the things I do know about. Jesus' deity and church history. Both issues were so badly twisted in Brown's book. First, in the book Brown claims that "everything that our fathers told us about Jesus was false." Now this grave, very bold statement is in itself a big FALLACY. In the book, Brown claims that Jesus was only a mere man, a prophet. And that it was only during the time of the Nicean Council, where Jesus, through thru the proclimation of Emperor Constantine, was made a GOD. I do agree that when Jesus was here on earth, he was a man like us, he wept, he suffered, he even died. But Jesus was also every inch a God. He was the only son of God. This was proclaimed many times in the new testament. Even the demons proclaim this that Jesus has to shut them up and cast them out to stop them from revealing who he was. And the fact that he rose from the dead and went to heaven and is alive untill today, proclaims that he is God. The acceptance of both person (man and God) of Jesus was once and for all discussed in the Chaldean Council (because during that time there was a division between the two). What was discussed in the Nicean Council was in fact the issue of the Holy Trinity. Church Councils were held before to settle issues that the church faces. And during the nicean council the Holy Trinity was being questioned and not the deity of Christ. That's why we now have the Nicean Creed (more or less like the Apostle's Creed).

I'll discuss more of this again ext time, when i get the chance...for now...that's all i can say about the matter. for everyone...please don't take things as they are....ang naniniwal sa sabi-sabi walang bait sa sarili. Thanks.

It All Starts With God... Day 1

2006-01-21T16:25:00+01:00

It’s not about you!

“For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, …everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16 (Msg)

“It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.” Job 12:10 (TEV)

You were made for God, not vice versa, and life is about letting God use you for his purposes, not using him for your own purpose. Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.

The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God.

Andrei Bitov, a Russian novelist, grew up under an atheistic Communist regime. But God got his attention one dreary day. He recalls, “In my twenty-seventh year, while riding the metro in Leningrad I was overcome with a despair so great that life seemed to stop at once, preempting the future entirely, let alone any meaning. Suddenly, all by itself, a phrase appeared: ‘Without God life makes no sense.’ Repeating it in astonishment, I rode the phrase up like a moving staircase, got out of the metro and walked into God’s light.”

You may have felt in the dark about your purpose in life. Congratulations, you’re about to walk into the light

God's Jobs

2005-03-30T19:05:00+02:00

An eight year old wrote this for his third-grade Sunday school teacher, who asked her students to explain God:One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes these to put in the place of the ones who die so there will be enough people to take care of things here on earth. He doesn't make grownups, he just makes babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to walk and talk. He can just leave that up to the mothers and fathers. I think it works out pretty good.God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, 'cause some people, like preachers and things, pray other times besides bedtimes, and Grandpa and Grandma pray every time they eat, except for snacks. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio and watch TV on account of this. 'Cause God hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears unless he has thought of a way to turn it down.God sees and hears everything and is everywhere, which keeps him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time asking for things that aren't important, or go over parents' heads and ask for something they said you couldn't have. It doesn't work anyway.From A Third Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Happy Easter

2005-03-27T17:30:00+02:00

Today is a day that is special. Not because of the Easter Bunny. Not because of the yummy chocolate.For over half of my life, I didn't truly understand what Easter was meant to celebrate.In the Bible, God says that this day is the day when Jesus (after being crucified on the cross) rose from the grave. Also, I have found a wonderful article by one of my favorite pastors. His name is Greg Laurie, and the article is called "The Blood of the Lamb".I hope you check it out and enjoy it!Have a wonderful Easter, I pray you spend it with people you love.

Saturday Special

2005-03-26T11:13:42+01:00

Saturday Special

I Say.....You Answer....
Using words that are constantly mentioned during the Easter season, answer with the first word that comes to mind.
1. Peace..... you answer? Joy
2. Passion..... you answer? Christ
3. Forgive..... you answer? Sins
1. Love..... you answer? Christ

Theology Thing: How Bright Are You?

2005-03-25T02:55:00+01:00
No, today's TTT is not about intelligence, and there are no IQ tests. So put your pencils away! Instead, I wanted to post about how the world sees us.Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Phil. 2:14-15 NIV)Umm, the last time that I checked, I wasn't shining like I should. Yes, I am a Christian, and am confident that due to the grace, love and patience of God, one day I will spend eternity with him and all Christians. But I also have my shortcomings. I can be impatient, rude and quick-tempered among other things. I complain, and if you ask my wife, I bet she will admit to you that I argue! Yikes.So what do I do? I ask Jesus for a continued renewal of strength and for his help when I am weak. He has already given us the ability to withstand temptation, so it's up to me. Thankfully, Jesus is there to pick me up when I fall. But I need to strive to be the best Christian that I can be. As I spend more time in his word and in prayer, I will grow closer to him. James 4:8a says "Come near to God and he will come near to you." In doing so, I will become a brighter shining star to those who are not yet saved.To think about: What's your brightness level? Do you see room for improvement? Ask Jesus to show you how you can be a better servant of his, and resist temptation when it comes. 8:36 AM by Darryl

You

2005-03-24T02:40:00+01:00
(a song I wrote)Why do I letfear fill my heart?Where can I gofor peace?Who is the answer to my questions?When will I believe?Youhold me in your arms You never let me goYoumade the sun and starsYou always lead me homeAll of my questionsfall to the groundOne truth remains...It's Youwho is holding my lifein the palm of your hands

Praise Him

2005-03-21T01:04:25+01:00
(a poem I wrote to myself)Follow your heartsomebody once saidThat path leads to sorrowand fogs up my headFollow the Lorda difficult roadThat path leads to Heavenand riches untoldGive yourself overmind, heart, and soulDon't cease to praise Himonce more you'll be whole

Terri Schindler-Schiavo's Fight

2005-03-20T04:10:00+01:00
The United States Congress is now considering the Incapacitated Persons Legal Protection Act. This act could save the life of Terri and many disabled people who are at risk of being dehydrated and starved to death against their will. This measure would allow federal review of cases in which there is no advanced medical directive and irregularities in state court proceedings. This act would not encroach on the privacy protections Americans now enjoy with regards to their medical treatment decisions. It only ensures that the individual's federal due process rights have been observed and protected by the state courts.Please tell your Senator and Representative that you favor this act and that you want their cooperation in passing this bill into law. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please click here to help!While your there, check out the videos of Terri responding to various things!Tell me, what do you think about all this?

Thoughts

2005-03-03T23:40:00+01:00
This was on my calendar today:Feelings have nothing to do with who I am. My worth does not depend on them....I am secure because of Jesus. I must use my will not my feelings, to determine my value.-Bobby EvansI learned this in a Bible Study class I was in once. It's been a long road since then, and I had forgotten it.I tend to lean so much on my feelings that I bypass everything else.P.S. Does anybody know the Bobby Evans that said this quote?(2/18/05)