wudan mountain returns...

Poop

2008-03-07T20:59:00.001-08:00

That is all. Keep on walking.

community

2007-04-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

well, honestly, chapter 30 was like listening to a one hour sermon that could have been condensed to 15 min and the main point would still get across. of course, what i got from this chapter is that the main way that Christ would be preached in our everday lives is to be out in the community. if Christ is shown through our lives in us everyday, then that should natually affect our community for the better.

back

2007-04-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted... I'm back!

Anyways, it's been a crazy weekend. To sort of "piggyback" off of Abe's post, it sometimes hard to imagine Jesus "calling me out" when I read the text of the Sermon of the Mount because when I read Scripture, I sometimes forget to personalize it. To me, one of the themes that Bonhoeffer always seems to emphasize is that the authenticity of our faith is directly linked to how we take it in and follow Christ's example and commands. The implication of course is that the greatest level of "taking something in" is to personalize it - that we have to answer Jesus' call on a deep level.

faith and The Matrix

2007-04-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

I liked chapter 27 (hopefully i'm reading the right chapters). Talks about how the calls the disciples received to follow Him is the same as the calls we receive. The illustration and thought that came to mind was from the movie The Matrix. In the movie (not talking about any of the sequels) it's interesting to see where each person first accepts the truth that Neo is "the one." And it is interesting because Morpheus who is the one who follows the idea that Neo is the one and seeks him out and brings him into the real world and begins to train him and everything actually comes to the final realization only after Neo comes back to life and kills Agents Smith. Morpheus actually says "I don't believe it." (or something like it). It's like he was Peter after Christ was crucified. Ok maybe the parrallels aren't completely there but u get my point (hopefully).
Ok I would add more thoughts but it's 11:58 so I just better hit the "publish" button...

kalloiga la llamada

2007-04-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

yeah, what the heck does that title mean?
it's hard to logically look to the Bible as Jesus' call for yourself if you look at it as text. But when you choose to believe, you are believing in God's Word as Truth, and in it, Jesus' call to be more than just any other human being going through the motions. being a disciple of Christ demands your soul, your life, your all.

so what is he saying

2007-04-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

is what we hear from God today the same as what he has always said. each person interprets what he reads and hears differently. we read it today and the desciples heard it back then. but is it really the same? it is. it's a matter of just hearing something and following with your heart. he also gives us a gift of a new life when we hear and proclaim is calling. to that, we shall be greatful and to continue to listen and serve. keep your eyes peeled, ears open and be ready to act upon the call of God.

wisdom vs. wisdom

2007-04-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

In chapter 24, "The Suffering of the Messengers," I'm sure the point of this chapter is to encourage followers to rest steadfast in the wisdom of God and not the world's. The Bible says that the messengers of God's word will have opposition till the end. So, for us that have chosen to follow, it becomes an everyday struggle of relying on our own wisdom and God's wisdom, but we often go towards our own wisdom. The Bible has God's wisdom, so in order to be wise, a disciple must be in his Word.

the message

2007-04-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

God has given us the greatest gift, His son Jesus. He sent Jesus for a purpose, and He saved us also with a purpose. We are His messangers, to proclaim to the ends of the earth the good news of Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. -Matthew 5:14-15

For the glory of God

2007-04-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

The messenger are selfless and determined. They are unfazed by the people harassing them as they spread the good news know that they are delivered by God and protected by his hands. The anguish in the process is well worth the outcome. To live an eternal life and to be with the father is enough to keep them going. Looking and people today, there are very few willing to sacrifice and risk as much as they did for anything, let alone anyone. We need to have that passion and desire in order to even come close. They messengers need to be be respected and recognized for what they did. God will come again and we need to be ready like the messengers were and are.

ze apostles

2007-04-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

What I'm reminded of in this chapter is the power Jesus imparts over his disciples - power over unclean spirits and over the devil. This often gets forgotten, maybe because of the supernatural sense of it, or is not really taken seriously. And when this power is used by believers, the motives of the 'user(s)' is often put in question. Well, yes, we should make sure people and things are tested. But if this is imparted on all disciples, then we should use it like we mean it. At the same time, I believe Satan definitely wants us to doubt this power and downplay it, cuz that's want he does best. punk.

the harvest

2007-04-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

this is a short chapter, but nonetheless an insightful and encouraging one. it is encouraging to know that Jesus is Lord over the "sick and poor" and will not forsake them. they are the harvest, and i pray that i can have more courage be one of the "pickers" so to speak.

we are the vessel

2007-04-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

many times we try to hard to be Christians and to evangelize and disciple. but in actuality we need to be patient and wait to be called upon by God. in order to truly serve you must only do what and when he appoints. this is how we can be messengers. and in this task we may not get anything out if it nor get any response. it is a thankless task to be the vessel of God.

I AM the law! part 2, the revenge

2007-03-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess this isn't a direct 'part 2' of my previous 'I AM the Law' post, but I thought I'd reuse the title since the topic of judging others is brought up again in chapter 18. The main point was to
was a nice wrap up in the end of the chapter, reminding us what the greatest commandment is - to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and then second to that, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

I agree that as Christians, we set ourselves apart, but in many circumstances we are very judgemental when we actively 'set ourselves apart' from the world's ways in everyday situations. We usually don't even think about the unintentional damage that we do for the sake of being 'christian.' shame on us.

yeah, late post again, and it's 11:52pm now, so there.

what sets you apart

2007-03-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

to be desciple, you do not have your own image. you are a direct channel of God and do as Christ would do. you also have no special power or privilege for being a desciple. you are just another person just with a special connection. it must be hard to be a desciple and to give up one's self image. i know i cannot do it. it takes a lot of discipline and focus. i do not have the mental capacity nor the toughness to seperate myself from the world and worldly things. in order to be divided from church and the world, you must do this. this defines you as a christian and a person of God. One step at a time will get you there if you want to get there.

Matt. 7, verses 13-23

2007-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

This initial sequence of verses in chapter 19 is a fascinating one. It explicitly implies that the road to ruin is the easy path to take, and that the righteous path is the one that's the tough course to stay on. It goes on to emphasize how important it is to be wary of "false prophets" out there who are out to deceive and mislead the populace for the sake of their own selfish gain, monetary or otherwise. It's sad to think there are people out there who are like this, who will purposely attract the generosity of the masses for their own misguided, diabolical ends. To counter this, it further suggests that one always be on the lookout for "fruit," and whether it is good or bad may lend some insight. I can't help but think of televangelists in this light, but at the same time I'm in really no position to judge. Just to watch out intently like a sniper for the "Carmen Miranda" so to speak.

fasting

2007-03-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." -Matt 6 v.6

This is a frequently referenced verse of the Bible, and it makes me think about the purpose of the act itself and the motives people have for carrying it out. I think the obvious answer is to draw closer to God, showing that the participant's dependence is in Him and not themselves. It's purpose is not to show how tough you are among your fellow men in a ridiculous spectacle, but to display who is truly in control, which should be God and not the misguided egotist.

being carefree

2007-03-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

It seems as though a lot of times I lose that connection of God having power in my life and me actually living that faith in Him out in my everyday life. Like that knowledge that God always has my back should lead me to not worry and even take more risks. Yet I worry, I stress and I am afraid of failure.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13

in the closet faith

2007-03-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

A lot of the time, many christians remain in the closet. hiding their faith and not opening up and sharing about it. maybe it's more than about the faith but maybe one's character. yesterday, i saw shadowlands, a play about cs lewis' life. i got a glimpse on his faith and how he lived. he was a christian through and through but when is came to relationships, he had to make choice about about showing his love of someone who was not available. his friends tried to keep him straight but the heart won over and he did what made him who he was. even the strong can sometimes take a step back to cover up the rest of life. personally, it happens to me too. a lot depends on the situation and how we feel. we need to feel more open more.

the natural

2007-03-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

well, at first this chapter seemed a bit repetitive and going no where, and finally he got to the point. Bonhoe, made it clear that our lives shouldn't be striving to be "extraordinary" for the sake of it, but that our normal lives should be so "extraordinary" that it's normal and ordinary. It kind of seems like it contradicts itself, but it makes sense. I believe that if we're to live the "extraordinary" lives that we're meant to be, then it has to be all the time.

yeah i know, i made this entry down to the wire and as i type this it's 12am... suckas.

tunnel vision

2007-03-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

So we have to let our lights shine on top of a hill but it can't be visible (to us). I guess it's just a natural thing to do as a human to concentrate and focus on ourselves. It's also hard when you put yourself in a leadership role because a lot of people are looking at you to act a certain way. Like if a military leader shows weakness or doubt then his troops might falter. So as a leader you might be too preoccupied on how your troops are perceiving you. But the best military leaders in history probably didnt become bogged down in how they look but were focused on the objective to be accomplished. Must've took good discipline.

the visible invisible man

2007-03-11T21:53:00.001-07:00

Jesus cautions us to seek God first in all our endeavors; in obediance, humbly following after Him and seeking to further His kingdom and glory. Otherwise we run the risk of doing things for the sake of being seen; to be acknowledged by men, seeking self glory.

humbleness and spontaneous

2007-03-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

in order to be righteous with God, you must use the extraordinary gifts that he has given us. but we must do it with humbleness and with spontaneity. it shall not be pre-meditated or that would be considered your own virtue. so in order to truly be what God wants of us, we must hide in the shadows and only do what God wants when he wants.

resistance is futile

2007-03-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

On page 143, Bonhoeffer brings up the Reformers interpretation of the chapter 12 Matthew passage and he poses the question, "If I am attacked am I not at once the father of my children, the pastor of my flock, and e.g. a government official? And am I not bound for that very reason to defend myself against every attack, for reason of responsibility to my office?" It seems Bonhoeffer says no, which seems to imply that any type of fighting or violence is wrong (like war for example). I suppose I shouldn't generalize or make blanket statements like all war is wrong. I dunno, I guess we'll have to discuss it more during CG.

Enemies

2007-03-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Loving your enemies...the more i think about it, the harder it seems. I already find it hard many times to love those that are my friends. But if Christians are meant to be 'extraordinary' then it's an area that I would definitely need some help.

revenge

2007-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

i am one who meets evil with non-resistance. but i am also one that does the same with attacks on our religion unlike what the reformers speak about. i understand their view but the lack of knowledge makes it hard to battle those attacks on my religion. i do however defend my faith and beliefs, defending the faith in general is tough. but what the reformers say make sense and explains how evil/revenge should be handled.

Week 7 of 14

2007-03-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Revenge - Ch. 12
Eye for an Eye... Tooth for a Tooth... so is revenge or violence ever called for? Again it's a calling to suffer. I still don't understand how this could be practically lived out in every situation in life. Bonhoeffer acknowledges the difficulty of living a life of non-aggression when other people are put under your care (mid p.143) and the fact that we are still living in a world of sin (mid p.144). So are we supposed to be passively "taking it" while others are wronging us? I'm all about loving our enemies (next chapter)... but I still don't understand this whole thing of non-aggression. It seems that in practical living... there are certain circumstances that require some sort of response.

The Enemy - "The Extraordinary" - Ch.13
"Every insult they utter only serves to bind us more closely to God and them. Their persecution of us only serves to bring them nearer to reconciliation with God and to further the triumphs of love." (top p. 150) Bonhoeffer says that this is an active love towards our enemy. So I guess that as we actively love the other person and pray for the other person, their hearts will start to turn towards God. In this passage, I guess it specifically calls out people who are our personally enemies. But I'm guessing that this applies to anybody who is an unbeliever (an enemy of God).

Just so that I remember how much I owe... as of today I owe a total of $20. Like I said last week, I'm going to be out of town again this coming Tuesday (3/6).

Truthfulness

2007-02-25T23:15:00.000-08:00

It's interesting that the main point of this chapter is that oaths are because there's the existance of lies. But if "we know the cross we are no longer afraid of the truth. We need no more oaths to confirm the truth of our utterances, for we live in the perfect truth of God."

So if we claim that we're a disciple of Christ, live truth like you mean it.

Woman

2007-02-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

It's interesting that there actually is a chapter called 'Woman' huh? 1 Corinthians 6:13 talks about our body isn't meant for sexual immorality but for The Lord. That's definately something to keep in mind. There's probably some hard stuff that a woman has to deal with that men dont have to deal with, but perhaps one of the most difficult things men have to deal with that women dont really have to deal with is of course 'Women.' Oh Bathsheba...

oaths & truthfulness, not truthy-ness

2007-02-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

It's interesting to read how Bonhoeffer analyzes Jesus' words in Matthew 5:33-37. He argues that the reason that Jesus criticized the use of oaths is because of the existence of lies and lying - after all, if everyone told the truth all the time, there would be no need for anyone to swear an oath to "ensure" truth-telling. Instead, Jesus calls on us to be truthful ALL THE TIME - thus, we don't need oaths.

I like this quote:

"The commandment of complete truthfulness is really only another name for the totality of discipleship."

that's a definate maybe

2007-02-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Whenever people in the movies say "I swear to God," or "I swear on my dead mothers grave," they're usually lying through their teeth. Jesus tells us to be truthful, to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. To just simply speak the truth... no need to rationalize it, justify it, or swear by it. To do anything else is leave room for doubt and sin; for the lie to take place of the truth.

"traps"

2007-02-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Reading through chapter 10, it essentially equates women to being "alluring bait" to the opposite gender. So that implies there is a trap behind that occassionally mesmerizing veneer, if not approached accordingly. A trap which has pretty drastic implications according to Matt 5:29-30. The only real solution to this I can think of is to cut it off from the source, to totally eliminate the "bait" from one's thought process. And herein lies the conundrum, since human nature is such that the more something is repressed and bottled up and its very existence denied, the more one is infatuated with whatever "bait" that might be. This leads me to believe that world class self-discipline is the key.

lustful women...guilty man

2007-02-24T23:42:00.000-08:00

What bonhoeffer speaks about makes it seem women are the one who commit adultery. That they are the cause of sin. I also was shocked where it said that the innocent one of a bad marriage cannot remarry in order to prove the sanctity of marriage. This really bites that there are all these rules to obey. In the next chapter, truthfulness is described as transparancy of oneself to God. You are to show everything, good and bad. And that if you do so, there shall be no need to lie.

the righteousness of Christ

2007-02-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:20

The scribes and the Pharisees were the "elitists" of their day, the people who had viewed themselves as accomplishing much when they looked in the mirror, and wielding high status within society. It made me think about where the hatred of Jesus ultimately stems from, because the only real person whose righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees is Jesus himself. People intrinsically / naturally long to find their own way through the dangerous minefield known as the world, driven to be self-sufficient and believing their works and achievements should justify their status in others' eyes along with their own. There are people who shun Jesus because believing in him means denouncing righteousness as a commodity.

"I AM the Law!"

2007-02-19T15:20:00.000-08:00

What stood out to me in this week's reading is in chapter 8 where Bonhoeffer emphasizes that Jesus fulfills the old law, therefore those who believe are righteous in God's eyes. Previous to Christ, people veiwed the law in a way that put in place of God, and that's not good. The law became God and not God alone. So God had Jesus set that all straight. Thank you God.

the law brother connection.

2007-02-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

It was kind of hard for me to see what the connection between the topics and it really took some thought. After thinking about it for awhile, I guess it occurred to me that when you think about the 10 commandments, the first 4 laws deal with our relationship with God; the next 6 laws deal with our relationship with other people.

That helped me to make the connection in that Bonhoeffer reminds us that Jesus came as the fulfillment of the law - that the law was originally designed as guidelines for human beings to have fellowship with God, and fellowship with each other. Even though it's difficult for we as fallible human beings to keep the law, it doesn't mean that it's unimportant or that we should ignore it. Only with the help of Christ can we obey the law and have true fellowship with our "brothers".

the law and the brother

2007-02-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

to respect and to love. this is like how life should be. to respect and follow the law and to love and treat as a brother. it is an intersting balance and should be worked on. sometimes it's easier to respect that to love. this is how we should be. to love man and to life Jesus up.

peacemaker

2007-02-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

"The followers of Jesus have been called to peace. When he called them, they found their peace, for he is their peace. But now they are told that they must not only HAVE peace, but MAKE it." -Bonhoeffer

.:.

I really found Bonhoeffer explanation of this beautitude to be really meaningful, at least in the way that it's reminder of what it really means to be a "peacemaker". Being a gun nut, I sometimes associate the gun with the name "peacemaker", but thinking about the idea of "peace", I realize more and more that the reason our world lacks peace is because it lacks faith and it lacks Christ. Peace comes first from having it within ourselves, and only once we have it within ourselves, can we truly "make it" through showing God's love and compassion. Without having it within ourselves, we're powerless to really "make peace".

powerlessness

2007-02-11T23:50:00.000-08:00

I think the one thing the stuck out to me while reading these chapters is the concept of having to "lose yourself" in order to "gain yourself" so to speak. The disciples had nothing to their names; no belongings, no home, not even an identity they could lay claim to on Earth. They gave up everything for the implied odds that following the Lord offered them, which is something along the parameters of infinity to one. And I personally feel the ability to empathize w/ that on multiple levels, sometimes one has to be consistently be willing to give it all up on a moment's notice to truly feel a profound purpose.

Blessed are the meek:

2007-02-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

for they shall inherit the earth.
I never really understood why the meek shall inherit the earth, and I can't say that after reading Bonhoeffer's thoughts has helped me to fully understand, but I guess it's a little more than before. When I think "meek," I guess I usually think of it having a slightly negative connotation, like being weak and quiet. Letting the big guy stomp all over you. But Bonhoeffer brings the perspective of the meek leaving their rights to God alone and relying on that alone.

Still can't say I quite understand it for myself...seems more like a passive lifestyle to me. But in this age of "stand up for your rights!" being "meek" is something that's worth thinking about, I suppose.

still have a long ways to go

2007-02-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

blessed were they who follow Christ. I remember Pastor Lam also giving a sermon on this too; as followers of Christ, we should encompass all the beatitudes. That when Jesus was talking about the beatitudes, he wasn't talking about various groups with one of the beatitudes, He was talking about the disciples themselves. Looking in the mirror, I don't really see my life reflecting any of the beatitudes. For sure I feel the very opposite of a peacemaker right now. I'd rather not bring peace, but a sword. I would rather have a peacemaker right now, than be a peace maker. yeah, still have a long ways to go...

Ye are the salt

2007-02-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

"The call of Jesus Christ means either we are the salt of the earth, or else we are annihilated; either we follow the call or we are crushed beneath it."

Reading about the beatitudes and the call to be salt and light, I couldn't help but feel that I'm not those things it says I ought to be. I recall that I did at a point in time feel that I was truly salt and light, but not anymore. I lost my saltiness because I doubt my saltiness. To a degree, I feel like I don't want the life faith has brought me to be afflicted onto anyone else.

to become or to BE

2007-02-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

I liked when Bonhoeffer how Jesus says to the disciples that they ARE the salt and light not that they will become the salt and light or that they have the salt and light. Do you guys feel that you ARE the salt and light? That's a pretty big challenge. It's not like we can take a break from BEING salt and light. It's like can I sometimes stop being Asian? If we ARE salt and light then why are we not showing it?

the down and out

2007-02-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

From reading the chapters, Bonhoeffer portrayed the desciples as the one that have nothing nor want nothing. There sole purpose is to follow Jesus and does as told. They have no regard for possesions and their own beliefs and feelings. It must be really hard to being one of Jesus' desciple. You must really be convicted and wholy believe in Jesus and Christianity. It all about the end and the afterlife in which they long for. The time on earth is just temporal and had no real foundations. It is just a way for the desciples to practice their descipleship and oneness with God. And in the next chapter, the blessed ones are just salt and light. I like how he describes how salt helps preserves things and keep things good but once salt loses it's flavor then it is useless. I guess it reminds you not to burn out and over extend yourself....i hope i am understanding the authors points.

Chapter 4

2007-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

In this chapter, the emphasis is clearly stated. The call to follow is closely tied into Jesus' passion leading up to and on the cross, and as disciples we are called on to share this same passion. The life of a true disciple is one of constant rejection and suffering in the face of a worldly, lascivious environment. To deny one's self for the greater good, there is no greater calling than the one Jesus has paved for us to follow.

a passion for Christ

2007-02-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4 reminds me of Kristine's lesson on the Passion of Christ. When we use the word passion, we usually think along the lines of:

5a : ardent affection : LOVE b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest (Webster's online Dictionary).

Things that we have a passion for or are passionate about; be it teaching kids, mountain climbing, pets, playing video games, eating chocalate, etc. Someone who has a passion for basketball can spend everyday practicing their jumpshot and freethrows until they can hit it even with their eyes closed. People with a passion for eating can eat to the point they risk severe obesity, heart disease or other health ailments. Things that we are truly passionate about... we place a higher priority on them, make time for them, making sacrifices for, even forgoing food or sleep for them at the risk to our own health.

There is another definition of passion, from which we talk about the Passion of Christ. The latin root from which the word stems from is pati - to suffer(from which we get the word patient). The Passion of Christ; the suffering of Christ on the cross. Bonhoeffer talks about how Jesus had to suffer on the cross and be rejected by the ones He came to save, so that the Word of God could be fulfilled, and we be saved from our sins. That we crucified Jesus on the cross, and rejected Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is the ultimate proof of God's love for us, even though we don't desire it nor deserver it. And so we proclaim our faith in Him - that Jesus is the messiah; the truth, the way, the light.

But Jesus says this... that if we call ourselves followers of Christ, If we truly love Him, we must deny ourselves and take up the cross, His cross... and follow Him(Matt. 16:24). Truly, if we have a passion for God, we would make God(and His will) a high priority in our lives. So great a passion we would give up our own desires, and even suffer pain and indignity in His name. So great a passion for Christ did the disciples have that most were persecuted and killed because of their faith.

We are a passionate people, with a passion for many things, some healthy and some not. You can tell what a person is passionate about by looking at their life, what they spend a majority of their time on; through their actions and words.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.(Matt. 6:21).

The Mediator

2007-02-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

When it comes to recognizing Jesus as the mediator between God and ourselves, this is usually easy to remember. But I'm reminded that He's also the mediator between man and man, and man and reality. Much like how we have certain relationships or encounters with people that affect us in ways that are more than ordinary. But then, we often even overlook the more normal occurances in life as mediated by God, such as everday life issues and struggles - good or bad. Many times we just try to live life and deal with the "normal" things on our own and only come to God with more special or difficult issues in life.

Choosing suffering as a response

2007-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

The part about how we cannot by our own initiative enter into discipleship really made me think. The author says that we may put ourselves in a position to respond, but our action from that point is a response and not self-intiated. I think that we often create our own plans a seek approval from God, though we never try to make it appear that way. This connects with the chapter on suffering. The path of discipleship laid before us is one that leads to suffering. Of course, it's our human nature to avoid suffering. It makes me really consider what drives my life decisions, and whether I have the faith to choose the path of suffering when it's clearly the right path.

comprehension

2007-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Hehe don't exactly remember all of what I just read and sometimes I'm not sure what to make of it. But I liked at the end of Chapter 4 where he quoted Luther where Luther illustrated Abraham and his lack of comprehension when God told him to just go and He would lead the way. I can't really see what lies ahead of me, and that is really difficult and frustrating at times. Ok that's all I can think of.

timing...

2007-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

i got a chance yesterday to share with a non-believer friend about what i am reading about in the book. i talked about how it relates to how we live our lives; about the relation between faith and obedience. that there must be the act of obedience to allow for faith and the faith alone will not suffice unless obediently acted upon. i also touched on what the author talks about in chapter 3 about not acting upon what you think God would want or ask but rather to do just what the Lord requests. So don't give up all your possession because it is Godly to do so but rather when he asks for you to sacrifice, then give up to him with no hesitation and with earnestness. In chapter 4, he speaks about the suffering and the death of Christ. What i am understanding is that we do not have to do what Christ has done for us but rather to continually focused on Christ and to maintain balance in life on how we can best obey and be like him.

prayer works...

2006-10-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

nothing too deep or to complicated but prayers get answered sooner or later with good or not so good results. i try to do my best to keep God on my heart and to speak with him. it may just be a moment of internal reflection, a verbal appreciation or just a passing image or thought. i see how things work. i see i need to be the catalyst to the reaction from God. i need to pray. when i pray, burdens are lifted, stress is relieved and the joys are magnified. i need to make effort to maintain contact. and if your heart is there, God is more evident and will deliver. many things are happening in my life and though the tough times, God has brought clarity in my life and the light of reason and understanding. he has made me strong and as i continue to converse with him, i grow and i thrive. so i see that prayer is very important in my life and i need to adjust to keep it going. i need to schedule the time alone in a special place. i believe i need to start journaling again to keep the constant contact and maintain the connection and work on this relationship with God. this is where i need to be.

sitting, waiting, wishing...

2006-10-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Lord knows that this world is cruel
I ain't the Lord, no I'm just a fool... -J. Johnson

I think the one thing that really struck me in this chapter was the section on where God will say "slow!" when the timing is wrong for a prayer to be granted. The request is justified, but because of circumstances that one or a group may face at a given moment, the tangible results can't happen right then and there. We definitely find ourselves living in a society that's overwhelmingly slanted towards the concept of instant gratification, and when things don't go their way, many people seem to have a tendency to sulk and wallow in a whirlpool of internalized anger and frustration. Impatience seems to be a sinister default trait of being an imperfect race, whereas patience seems to be a heavenly virtue.

It's not my intention to denigrate the idea of prayer as I offer up the following analogy (and some of you may even roll your eyes and playfully smirk the suggestion) but I'd have to say it has similarities to the game of poker, specifically in the tournament form. After lengthy durations of not getting cards and/or after some onerous bad beats, many folks start to get fidgety / finicky, and end up haphazardly throwing all their chips in out of their frustration in an ill-timed situation when they didn't really need to. They essentially lost their patience and discipline, and let their emotions cloud correct judgment, leading them to be prematurely knocked out. I've played in numerous tourneys this past year, and I've seen the same individuals consistently finish at the final table and in the money. And I don't think it's any coincidence that it's those people that appear to be the most patient, disciplined and faithful. And it's those very traits that seem to be paramount in a bountiful cornucopia of a fruitful prayer life.

too busy (not) to pray

2006-10-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, I find myself always feeling rushed for time. Things to do, so busy, must keep moving. Especially this past saturday with the praise night. The rest of the worship team had gathered to pray, and I was in the back tweaking the board and doing last minute checks. I looked up, saw them, and continued on about my business. I knew they would be in prayer for a bit, and I still had a couple things I needed to check. After a while, Justin, who was helping me with the sound check came over and said "hey, lets go and pray with the team." After finishing a few quick checks, I begrudgingly went with him and joined the rest of the team as they finished praying.
Ironic that the them was about returning to our first love, and I felt too preoccupied to even pray.

I find myself doing this more frequently of late during worship setup, feeling too busy to pray, to join the rest of the worship team up front with Pastor Lam and pray right before service. Not a thought to even saying a quick prayer while running around setting up. Going through this study on prayer, it's a good reminder for me that the (most) important thing on sunday is not whether the mics work, or the powerpoint slides are in order, or that the projector is on. And if I can't even take time to stop and pray, then I am missing the most important part.

"no - slow - go"?

2006-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Is that really the reason for unanswered prayers? "NO - SLOW - GO"?

I reflecting on my own prayer life in relation to this past week's chapter, it felt as if the chapter itself wasn't so helpful in regards to my own struggles with the mysteries of unanswered prayer. I've actually read several different books that try to address the issue, but because of experiences I've had in life, I think my own personal faith can sometimes struggle with the aspect of being faithful in prayer.

It's easy to pray when you see your prayers being answered immediately, and the results are crystal clear. It's much harder to pray when they aren't being answered immediately, or when the results are much more muddy and unclear. In the latter case, I think what makes it especially hard is the fact that even after I take the time to reflect on what I'm praying is in line God's will for the circumstances, there can be circumstances where I feel strongly that God should be answering my prayers because theyre prayers that involve other people's interests too. The chapter of the book seeemed to create an impression that anytime a prayer goes unanswered, that's because you're wrong or praying for the wrong thing.

But if you're praying for the right thing, doesn't that imply your prayers will be answered?

Not necessarily, I suppose...

what's that smell....

2006-10-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

is it the "gourmet aged" food at chris' house???

alright...this is just a test...i'll post my journal blog shortly.

represent.

2006-09-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

represent, represent.

solitude Mark 1:35

2006-03-31T04:39:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...Jesus prayed in Solitude before the day begins...maybe I should begin to model this as well. Need to learn to build in more margin in the mornings.

On Fasting for Lent

2006-03-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

From a post on my blog...

.:.

last (soulfood) supper

Well, today is Ash Wednesday... the beginning of Lent season. This time of year always brings mixed feelings for me, both because of events in my life and its nearness to Easter.

Even though I grew up in a Christian family, we never had any traditions we celebrated during Lent season (like most Protestants in America). After I met a couple of Catholic kids at public school (most of 'em Filipino), I learned that there is a long history of Lent traditions in Christianity, most notably in the realm of fasting - the abstaining from certain activities, especially eating of certain foods.

It wasn't until I was in high school and college that I began to understand the spiritual motivations behind fasting...

By depriving ourselves of things we desire, we reflect that on need in our lives to desire spiritual growth rather than mere satisfaction of physical wants. [Job 23:11-13]
Fasting induces a state of (small) physical weakness, a reminder of that ultimately, we must try in God's strength rather than our own. [Matthew 6:25-26]
Fasting brings us a to a state of neediness, and in that state of neediness, we are reminded of those who are in need materially, emotionally, spiritually, and the duty of all people to aid those who are in need. [1 John 3:16-18]

...

So for the past 7 years or so of my life, I've strived to always recognize the holiness of the Lent season by reflecting on something in my life that would hurt to give up while at the same time using the time or resources gained from that sacrifice for practicing a spiritual discipline. Thinking about the past year in my life, I realize ironically that discipline is exactly what I've been lacking. My bible study is currently reading Foster's Celebration of Discipline, and I can hear my inner voice in the back of my head doing its worst Ahhhnold impression: You lack discipline!

In my the doldrums of the past few years, I've slacked off and neglected both my physical health AND my spiritual health - and yes, I believe they're connected. With that in mind, this Lent I've decided to do the following:

-Because of my love for eating, I will be completely abstaining from eating beef, chicken, pork, and other derived meat products such as bacon, sausage, and... SPAM *moan*.
-For the sake of protein, milk, eggs, and fish will be OK.
-Devote myself to daily to at least one continuous and undisturbed time of prayer, with focus on:

Praying for the 22 kids in my student teaching class - For their good health, growth in both their academic ability and their development as human beings, and that as their teacher I would strive to care for them as if they were my own children.
Praying for my friend D.'s health - For his ongoing battle with cancer, his chemotherapy and treatment, and that he'd be able to stay strong despite it all.
Praying for my family - Primarily for my immediate family, but also for my extended family and my "adopted" families, abroad in Japan and elsewhere.
Praying for my spiritual health - Being more mindful of controlling both my personality defects (ie, temper) and vices (*ahem* whiskey *ahem*). Keeping a healthy, hopeful attitude... being grateful.

The teacher in me is almost tempted to call these (spiritual) learning targets.

I'm not attempting all of this as some sort of masochistic ritual of flagellation, nor am I writing about this just to create a public spectacle... I guess blogging about this is just my own way of keeping myself accountable and avoiding the pitfalls of a lazy spiritual life that relies on cheap grace. Like Bonhoeffer wrote, a true disciple avoids cheap grace and understands that costly nature of living a truly spiritual life...

...

So what did I eat for my last meal of meat? Well, you can't beat Ezell's, Seattle's finest fried chicken - fried chicken, sweet biscuits, fresh beans and coleslaw... Oprah used to have the stuff sent to her in Chicago.

The last soulfood I'll be eating until Good Friday, 2006... until then, I'll have to subsist on a different kind of soulfood.

What does God think about...

2006-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm currently going through Isaiah for my scripture readings. I've been going through them before I started coming to Bible study, so I figured that I might as well continue that.

Isaiah 47 talks about Babylon and how God is not pleased with them. Note that this is when the Isralites were taken into Babylon as captives. One thing that stands out is verse 6 "I was angry with My people, I profaned My heritage And gave them into your hand. You did not show mercy to them, On the aged you made your yoke very heavy."

In other words, Babylon was not very nice to Israel and God was not pleased. There are other things that God was not pleased about, like not recognizing God as who He rightly is and trusting rather in others who use sorceries, astrology, other things that are said to have "divine wisdom."

I think what this chapter speaks to me is that God knows everything that happens and sees the injustice in this world. But in concerns to His people, He takes a special possession of them, even when His anger burned against them, (ie being sent into captivity), and recognizing the injustice showed to His people.

How this relates to me is that sometimes I feel that people at church sometimes don't give me any respect or they keep me at arms length. (I'm talking about some of the adults, not peers.) I guess I can't blame them, because i don't know them, and they don't know me. But sometimes, I wonder exactly what our church is doing? Sometimes to me, it seems like we're just trying to make ourselves stronger and let the rest of the world go to Hell.

And then I think about myself and see that I fall in the same catagory as my last sentence. I haven't really done anything for the Kingdom recently. Anyway, I'm getting off track...

What I meant to say was that God is not pleased when you treat His people unjustly. So, I guess maybe it's a two way street. I should try to treat them with respect, even if I'm shown none. Matthew 7:12 says, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Also meaning that you don't go out treating people the same way they treat you...that's kind of being passive agressive.

I guess what I've learned from this is that God will not be pleased with me when I don't treat His people, even those who are hard to love, with love. I find that I care too much about what others think about me and that I should care more about what God thinks about me and everyone else. Jesus died for sinners. Jesus died for the ungodly. Jesus died for the people who killed Him also. And He lives today so that everyone can come to know Him through Jesus.

I guess I should pray. When Jesus comes back, what will He say to me?

[Edit]

Here's the link for Isaiah 47. You can find it here

Unseen

2006-02-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Wudan mountain returns... again...
Well again our small group is taking over this blog. This time we're (b)logging our experiences in reading Celebration of Discipline. Each chapter will be something different. This week: Meditation.

I chose to meditate using The Word and decided on going through some of the Sermon on the Mount. Today I meditated on Matt 6:6 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." I ended up concentrating on the statement that our Father was unseen. What does it mean to be unseen? Well it means that He is not physically there, unperceived by our eyes. He isn't bound by walls or closed doors like I was. Which is why He says to "go into your room, close the door." Because that is the best way to have one-on-one times. Me who is enclosed by the space, away from all distractions, alone with Him who transcends physical limitations.

Judges 21:10-11

2005-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've heard of the concept of weeding out, but this takes it to an entirely different level. Also makes me wonder exactly how the fighting men made the differentiations.

Wife Snatching

2005-10-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

Judges 21:23

So that is what the Benjamites did. While the girls were dancing, each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.

Talk about a messed up solution to a bad situation that was caused by the sinfulness of the people. Kidnapping women...for wives? Pshht. It's almost ironic that the whole Israelite vs. Benjaminite war was caused by the mistreatment of a woman... and now at the end of the war, the Israelite side decides to sanction a similar behavior.

As imperfect human beings, it makes me think that sometimes the way we deal with the problems we cause is as bad, if not worst than the original problem.

Judges 19:25-28

2005-10-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Very tragic circumstances that unfold in this passage. It's quite disturbing how the man could let her go amongst that ravenous mob, knowing full well what could happen to her. And it turns out that the worst case scenario one could imagine ends up panning out.

death accountability

2005-10-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

Judges 21. I'm amazed they were organized enough to do a roll call and see who was missing. What is our committment level to God? Can you imagine roll call at a all members meeting...send a death squad to all those who aren't there. Where were the people of Jabesh Gilead?...sleeping in?...donkey broke down?...working the fields?

OMG

2005-10-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

judges 19

whoa, this chapter is intense. what i don't get is why things happen the way they did. it's almost surreal as if this was written so extreme to teach a lesson possibly on tolerance. this chapter makes me sad, sick and angry at the same time.

Benjaminite Beatdown

2005-10-01T23:09:00.000-07:00

Judges 20:33-36

"All the men of Israel moved from their places and took up positions at Baal Tamar, and the Israelite ambush charged out of its place on the west of Gibeah. Then ten thousand of Israel's finest men made a frontal attack on Gibeah. The fighting was so heavy that the Benjamites did not realize how near disaster was. The LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. Then the Benjamites saw that they were beaten."

Reading the passage, it's pretty sad to see how many people died in a civil war that could have been easily prevented - all the tribe of Benjamin had to do was surrender the men responsible for raping and killing the Levite's wife. Instead, they were stubborn and went to war instead.

It kind of makes me wonder sometimes about the Christian community and sometimes its reluctance to call out other "Christians" when we see wrong things being taught or happening. Instead of surrendering them to judgement, we go out and wage an unjust battle to defend their actions. Sorta like when Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell make really racist or off-base comments, but Christians just let it slide...

Judges 21

2005-09-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Interesting chapter considering the methods that the male Benjamites would go to in obtaining a wife. They are methods that stand in stark contrast to today's American society, where it seems that potential wives have much more leverage and aren't necessarily coerced into a union.

bad wife, bad men

2005-09-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Judges 19:30

"Everyone who saw it said, 'Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!'"

This passage marks the beginning of probably one of the most controversial stories in the Bible - I know some critics cite this story saying that it proves that God condones spousal abuse, rape, and murder. I would say that this story contains lessons for us not to imitate their behavior, but to observe the sinfulness that was in each character.

Every character in the story has some sort of fault or foible - the concubine, who is unfaithful and runs away from her husband; the old man of Gibeah, who while hospitable, wrongly offered up his daughter; the group of men from Gibeah who wanted to rape the Levite, but instead abused the concubine; and the Levite, who cowardly offered up his concubine instead of defending her. Nobody was completely innocent.

Judges 20

2005-09-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

Reading through this chapter, I'm reminded that sometimes appearances don't always tell the entire story. The Benjamites had the leverage in fighting the Israelites, but in seemingly an instant the tables were turned. Sounds eerily similar to the games of "Quoridor" played last night, often times the appearance of winning may not necessarily be grounded in reality.

last chapter of judges

2005-09-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

You wonder who is making these decisions to swear an oath to not give any women over to the Benjamites (of course it was them who killed all the women of Benjamin). Which brought them to the decision of killing any tribe/town who didn't come to the gathering, sparing of course the women to give to the Benjamites.
Yes there wasnt a king but where at least is some sort of structure of leadership? At least someone should come up with the bright idea of consulting God. They did it when attacking the Benjamites.

Bringing God Glory

2005-09-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Judges 20. Wow, more dead people because of someone's sin. Why did God wait until the third battle before defeating the Benjamites? Did the Israelites who died in the 22,000 in the first battle and 18,000 in the second battle bring God glory through their obedience? What is it a test to see their committment level of listening to God? Would I follow God into battle out of obedience to the point of death...maybe to be a part of a bigger or lesser story than myself?

Judges 19

2005-09-28T01:12:00.000-07:00

Pretty gruesome how this chapter eventually unfolds. The fate of the Levite's concubine definitely ranks up there on the scale of ways you'd least want to leave the Earth.

jack move

2005-09-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

Judges 18:19

"They answered him, "Be quiet! Don't say a word. Come with us, and be our father and priest. Isn't it better that you serve a tribe and clan in Israel as priest rather than just one man's household?"

Reading about the whole Danite episode of them stealing Micah's idol and his priest was reminder of how often in-fighting occurs among people who are supposed to friends. Afterall, everyone in the story is an Israel, so you'd they'd get along right?

Guess not.

internal conflict

2005-09-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Its kind of interesting how chapter 20 plays out. You would think that because those people in the town of Gibeah who did the unjust deed would get punished and thats how God would carry out justice. But what ended up happening? Not only did over 25,000 Benjamite soldiers die 40,000 Israelites also died fighting against the Benjamites. I guess the lesson could be that one man's sin just doesnt effect yourself but could have big consequences.

fine line

2005-09-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Judges 19. I was thinking of the leadership book chapter 17 "compromise" when the old man had good intentions of inviting the Levite in but when pressured by the mob he gave in to selling out his daughter and the concubine. Kind of makes me wonder at what point would I sell out on Jesus, or justify my own convictions.

Judges 19

2005-09-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

hmmm... what can I say? I remember a discussion or message on this chapter, but the only thing I remember clearly is thinking,"wow, that's messed up." reading this chapter, i think that about sums it up.

no king makes people go crazy...

2005-09-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

judges 18

as the chapter starts out: "In those days Israel had no king."

People just run amuck with no leader and guidance as portrayed by the Danites and to their understanding, God gave them the land. Whether or not this is true, they still end up setting up idols that Micah made.

splinter cell gone bad

2005-09-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like even though the tribe of Danites did "religious" acts they still did not understand God's laws or heart for all peoples. It is hard to blame them for taking action as they had not come into inheritance among the tribes of Israel (vs 1)...why do they not know how to seek God first?

do as you see fit?

2005-09-25T01:40:00.000-07:00

Judges 17:6

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit."

It's such a short chapter, but Judges 17 seems to be centered around that verse. The main character, Micah, is basically making himself a "home temple" and hiring his priest - all out of motivation that he wants God to be good to him, to bless him. It's a good reminder that as Christians, we need to always check our motivations for doing things - is it for our own benefit or is it because we love God?

out in a blaze of glory

2005-09-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Judges 16:25-30

While they were in high spirits, they shouted, "Bring out Samson to entertain us." So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them.

When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, "Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them." Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes." Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

Even though Samson killed more Philistines in death than in his life, I sometimes wonder if the reason his story is told in such detail in Judges is because God wants to warn us that ultimately, the man's way of doing things as seen through Samson (womanizing, being short tempered, killing at will) is ineffective and tragic. Sure, he killed 3000 people, but I wonder how Samson's life would have been different if had used his strength to build up the other Israelites rather than engaging in random acts of violence.

judges 19

2005-09-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Looks like another chapter which shows how much the Israelites have fallen. It seems they live in a world without any laws/structure. If I had no structure in my life, no guidelines, how far would I vear off the path? I guess in a sense without a steady job schedule I'm kind of without structure. Which explains how much time I waste away.

Judges 18

2005-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

In the absence of true leadership, it appears that pillaging and conquering ruled the day, along w/ the errant worship of idols. Juts goes to show that in the absence of an organized form of structure held up by genuine integrity, chaos will reign supreme.

you know what to do

2005-09-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

¹⁴ Then the five men who had spied out the land of Laish said to their brothers, "Do you know that one of these houses has an ephod, other household gods, a carved image and a cast idol? Now you know what to do."

When they said 'now you know what to do' it seemed like they were going to purge this household of false practices and idols but what do they do? They steal their idols AND priest and use them as centerfolds of their worship. Not exactly sure what the "lesson" is here but it does seem like worshipping practices were out of control.

judges 18

2005-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Isreal is without a king, and the Danites are looking for a land to call their own. It reminds me of how we are at times, without a sense of direction and looking a place for shelter, much like the Danites. so then the question is where are we looking for guidance?

judges 17-18

2005-09-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

i'm not sure exactly what these two chapters are about. Does Micah worship the Lord, but in an incorrect way with created idols?

In a weird way, the Danites stealing Micah's priest reminds me of when Barry Bonds stole Gary Sheffield's personal chef. How jacked up is that!

Judges 17

2005-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

This chapter makes me think that sometimes a man has it set in his heart that something is right, and is fully convinced to the extent that he'll act upon it. In this case, Israel has no king, and Micah creates idols to worship to somehow fill that void. I suppose as humans we all have our own distinct 'voids' and what are some of the things in this worldly place that we use to fill them? Movies, music, video games, work, sports, etc. I guess in and of themselves they are appropriate enough, but all in all they don't fill the spiritual void quite as well as God does.

no king, no standards

2005-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Judges 17:6 No King to rule and everybody did their own thing even "creative" worship. Stealing vs 2, Making idols vs 3, Making shrines/ephods/more idols/self appointed priest vs 5, bribery vs 10. They did not look to God's word or even past history to find God's standards. Micah (whose name meant "Who is like God?" and mom did their own self religious acts. Kind of scary to think that can still happen in the church today.

Judges 17

2005-09-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

i don't get it. is this chapter showing the society's acceptance in micah's neck of the woods? Or is this to show that the LORD is patient and hasn't unleashed his anger...

but taking it further, this pretty much portrays all of us. As much as we have our LORD, we still have our 'idols' and the LORD is still 'good' to us. something to thing about...

judges 16

2005-09-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

²⁰ Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!"
He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

italics mine

I was at a retreat this past weekend and the pastor mentioned that some say this is the saddest verse in the whole Bible. Do we cherish the presence of the Lord? Would we know if He left us?

ummm....

2005-09-21T02:27:00.000-07:00

judges 17

not really sure of the context of what is happening in this short chapter. I take it chapter 18 will shed more light on what God has in store for Micah and his Levite buddy. that's about all i have to say for this chapter...

chapter 17

2005-09-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

It seems micah was setting up his own way of worshipping apart from the laws given to them at the time. Though when they made the idol and got the Levite to be their priest and their intentions were good, somewhere down the line these practices steered them in the wrong direction. God tells us to obey him for a reason and He knows how things can quickly become corrupt.

power of the flesh

2005-09-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Judges 16. This prostitute must of been very attractive to Samson for him to share his secret of power with her after all those attempts to capture him. Fallen into the power women have to seduce a man (like Jael and the tent peg). Makes me wonder if the intentions of women are really motivated by self interest? Are we more motivated by self interest?

Judges 16:28-30

2005-09-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

An interesting twist on the concept of sacrificing one for the sake of many. In this instance, those "many" represented by the Philistines are literally crushed along w/as he Samson pushes the two central pillars outwards, collapsing the temple onto the unsuspecting folks inside.

Judges 16

2005-09-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

This chapter has always fascinated me. Samson visits a prostitute in the beginning of the chapter. Then he falls in love with Delilah, who hands him over to the philistines for money. That Samson would love a woman that constantly wanted to know his weakness, and then test him to see if he was lying is beyond me. Wouldn't you figure after the first time that the woman was working with the philistine, much less the third time? But the most interesting part for me is that after Samson's hair regrows, He asks God for strength one more time, that he might have revenge on them for his two eyes. And thus in death he takes out more philistines than he did during his life, which then is certainly more than 1,000 people at the temple.

That this man, who was set apart for God... and though he broke his covenant with God by letting Delilah cut his hair, still God used this flawed man to accomplish his will in beginning Isreal's deliverance from the philistines. It reminds me of David, who was a man after God's on heart, yet even he sinned against God. It's a testament to God's faithfulness to us and His all surpassing power that even in our weakness, He can still use us to further His kingdom and glory.

weak

2005-09-20T01:35:00.000-07:00

judges 16
delilah sucks. and samson's real weakness is women. but i guess if it wasn't for delilah's constant nagging for samson to tell her the source of his superhuman strength, then he wouldn't have fallen this way. a man only can take so much nagging. :)

seeking God?

2005-09-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Judges 15:3 Sampson said he had the right to get even...I wonder why he doesn't seek God in his decesion process until he was needy (vs 18). He may have been in his rights to get even, but I wonder if this is what God had really wanted him to do?

skedjewl

2005-09-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

my schedule for thursday 9/14/05
1000 wakeup
1100 - 1200 lunch with heidi
1200 - 1830 work
1830 - 2200 co-worker's b-day party
2200 - 0030 heidi's house and researching home insurance stuff
0030 - 0200 surf/email
0200 - sleep

beatdown, donkey-style

2005-09-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

Judges 15:14-16

As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.

Then Samson said,
"With a donkey's jawbone
I have made donkeys of them.
With a donkey's jawbone
I have killed a thousand men."

Another example of Samson's penchant for violence and rhyming... I guess he was the original gangster rapper.

In the story, it's almost a bit shocking how casual people are about killing each other. I guess if I came home to my house and found that my father-in-law had given away my wife to my friend, I'd be mad too... though one might argue that it was Samson's fault for marrying a foreign woman and that God fully intended that there'd be consequences.

As for a personal application from the passage, I think that I need to make sure that I keep myself in check and that I don't pull a Samson whenever I get mad. Even though God can use anything to glorify him, unbridled anger and rash decisions have consequences for those around you - just look at what happened to Samson's wife and her father, being burned alive by a Philistine mob.

9.15

2005-09-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

12AM-10AM: zzz...

10AM-12PM: breakfast, 'Net, CIS job apps.

12PM-3PM: vehicle maintenance, lunch at Uwagi's, trip to Fry's / Target

3PM-5PM: W. Seattle nap, misc. errands

5PM-8PM: Smallville (4th yr.), dinner (Maruta's)

8PM-11PM: chattin' on Yahoo! M / 'Net

11PM-12AM: zzz...

Judges 16:18-22

2005-09-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

This passage shows that putting too much trust in others and yourself, and not enough in God, can end up backfiring on you. In this instance, it is on the extreme end as Samson gets his eyes gouged out and ends up "grinding" in prison.

schedule

2005-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

here goes ---

Thursday sept 15, 2005
hour/
activity
0
tv
1
tv
2
sleep
3
sleep
4
sleep
5
sleep
6
sleep
7
sleep
8
sleep
9
sleep
10
sleep
11
sleep
12
surf
13
surf/ready for work
14
drive to work
15
work
16
work
17
work
18
work
19
work
20
work
21
drive home
22
tv/dinner
23
surf
24
surf
0
pack for retreat
1
surf
2
surf