"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.' This is the LORD's declaration. 'For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For just as rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return there without saturating the earth, and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it to do.'"--Isaiah 55:8-11
I'm not quite sure why some avoid teaching the Word to young people. I understand many have cute sayings with biblical allusions, but why do we ignore diving into the Word? Are we afraid they will be bored? Are we concerned that we are not educated enough? Are we simply ignorant of the Word ourselves? If God's Word will accomplish what it was created to do (Isaiah 55:8-11) why would we not proclaim it?
Skolex
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Immersion into the Divine
Why is it that we would rather rule than serve? Why is it we look down upon others rather than lift them up? Why is it we belittle others rather than seeing them as better than ourselves? Are we incapable of meekness within American Christianity? Why do we seek personal promotion more than we seek to connect to God? I am not being judgmental, I am one of you.
Reaching out to immerse ourselves in the Divine is not a common thought within the modern church. We want the abundance that Christ offers, but few receive it. We will never receive the abundant life that Jesus promises without the obedience He commands. Many, unfortunately, miss this truth, and cheapen grace. We would rather boast in our sin and relish in defeat, thinking all the while we are victors in life.
"Father, rise us out of the sand that swallows us alive. Pour grace on your church, so she may be a pure pride the is fruitful and productive. Allow us to connect to the fire of life, so we may burn as an anthem to You. Awaken us from the sleep of night, though it may be dark outside. Hear our hearts weep. Free us from our desires. We pray--break."
Reaching out to immerse ourselves in the Divine is not a common thought within the modern church. We want the abundance that Christ offers, but few receive it. We will never receive the abundant life that Jesus promises without the obedience He commands. Many, unfortunately, miss this truth, and cheapen grace. We would rather boast in our sin and relish in defeat, thinking all the while we are victors in life.
"Father, rise us out of the sand that swallows us alive. Pour grace on your church, so she may be a pure pride the is fruitful and productive. Allow us to connect to the fire of life, so we may burn as an anthem to You. Awaken us from the sleep of night, though it may be dark outside. Hear our hearts weep. Free us from our desires. We pray--break."
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
It has been awhile, but I have been thinking.
I am comfortable right now. I feel safe. I feel secure. I have a full stomach and warm clothes on. Should I feel ashamed?
Right now it is reported the approx. 16,000 children die every day of starvation. I know we Americans don't like to hear this because we believe that everyone makes their own destiny. Those poor starving children are starving because they are lazy, or so we think.
I am full. I have a stomach full of coffee and I had a cinnamon roll this morning. I am comfortable.
Granted there are many who are hungry right now because they are lazy, but 16,000 children die every day. That is around 667 an hour. But we don't listen. Forget the fact that the one encouragement the disciples gave Paul when they met in Jerusalem Council was not to forget the poor. Forget the fact that these are children. What does this say about Western Christians? What does this say about me? Imagine being a parent and watching your child starve to death right before your eyes, and you can do nothing about it. Sound harsh? Did I just go too far?
I am comfortable right now. My children are safe and in good health. Does anything else matter?
But a worm,
Skolex
Right now it is reported the approx. 16,000 children die every day of starvation. I know we Americans don't like to hear this because we believe that everyone makes their own destiny. Those poor starving children are starving because they are lazy, or so we think.
I am full. I have a stomach full of coffee and I had a cinnamon roll this morning. I am comfortable.
Granted there are many who are hungry right now because they are lazy, but 16,000 children die every day. That is around 667 an hour. But we don't listen. Forget the fact that the one encouragement the disciples gave Paul when they met in Jerusalem Council was not to forget the poor. Forget the fact that these are children. What does this say about Western Christians? What does this say about me? Imagine being a parent and watching your child starve to death right before your eyes, and you can do nothing about it. Sound harsh? Did I just go too far?
I am comfortable right now. My children are safe and in good health. Does anything else matter?
But a worm,
Skolex
Thursday, August 9, 2007
For entertainment value
Art without a message is vanity, and a message without art is simply entertainment.
Like everyone else I enjoy a good movie at times. I have often observed from actors, directors, and writers that they simply want to entertain an audience. My question in response to this is: why? Is it a complete lack of self-confidence that they are in desperate need of approval from others? Is it because they want the monetary benefits of being famous? Or is it simply that they are so self-absorbed that they want the constant praise and attention? I believe the latter is probably the best answer. I've heard there is a saying in the entertainment bizz: "If you have a message leave it at the beep."
I ask what benefit is it for someone to simply entertain? What betterment will they leave on their fellow man? What lasting effect will it have on the world around them? Do they feel better about themselves that they have given humanity an excuse to ignore reality for a short time? Do they not realize their selfishness and vanity?
Don't get me wrong--I enjoy leaving the realm of reality and exploring the world of imagination as much as anyone, however I want my art and entertainment to mean something. I want entertainment that is deeper than blood, bombs, and adventure. I want an artistic message. Why? For some reason I think then I have been a small part in supporting true art and fulfilling entertainment. I haven't just killed some time so that I may abandon reality, but I am in support of making our reality better.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Skolex
Like everyone else I enjoy a good movie at times. I have often observed from actors, directors, and writers that they simply want to entertain an audience. My question in response to this is: why? Is it a complete lack of self-confidence that they are in desperate need of approval from others? Is it because they want the monetary benefits of being famous? Or is it simply that they are so self-absorbed that they want the constant praise and attention? I believe the latter is probably the best answer. I've heard there is a saying in the entertainment bizz: "If you have a message leave it at the beep."
I ask what benefit is it for someone to simply entertain? What betterment will they leave on their fellow man? What lasting effect will it have on the world around them? Do they feel better about themselves that they have given humanity an excuse to ignore reality for a short time? Do they not realize their selfishness and vanity?
Don't get me wrong--I enjoy leaving the realm of reality and exploring the world of imagination as much as anyone, however I want my art and entertainment to mean something. I want entertainment that is deeper than blood, bombs, and adventure. I want an artistic message. Why? For some reason I think then I have been a small part in supporting true art and fulfilling entertainment. I haven't just killed some time so that I may abandon reality, but I am in support of making our reality better.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Skolex
Monday, August 6, 2007
Give me...
What is it that you are seeking from God?
Do you want fame, success, money, peace, love, glory, etc?
What is it that you should seek from God?
What is it that you think God owes you?
Who makes the rules, us or God?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Skolex
Do you want fame, success, money, peace, love, glory, etc?
What is it that you should seek from God?
What is it that you think God owes you?
Who makes the rules, us or God?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Skolex
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Who am I?
I live so that I may be a reflection of Him.
I long to loose myself in Yeshua. I long to think like He thinks, speak like He speaks, do what He does, and die like He died.
Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Too much of Skolex is living. Too much of Skolex is in control.
My friends who do you see?
Skolex
I long to loose myself in Yeshua. I long to think like He thinks, speak like He speaks, do what He does, and die like He died.
Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Too much of Skolex is living. Too much of Skolex is in control.
My friends who do you see?
Skolex
Friday, May 18, 2007
Freewill, gravity, and a screw-up.
When it comes to the issue of freewill and determinism there is always one question that I can never get out of my mind: Does God have total control over my destiny? If you say "no" then you're saying there is a limitation to God's power. I personally believe there is no limit to His power. On the other hand, if you say "yes" many would say, "Why pray or seek to change something if God has already determined it?"
Before I go on let me say that there is no denying the perception of freewill at the least. We would all agree that, at the very least, it would appear we have freewill. I do not deny that. Secondly, I completely believe that we are held responsible for our actions. We cannot pass off our bad decisions or actions on an omnipotent and omniscient Being. Thirdly, I am not saying that we do not have freewill, but this is a blog. I am simply posting thoughts and questions about life. This is a question that I have asked some intelligent individuals in the past and I ask them again.
Now, let me give you what I've got in my pinto bean shaped head so far. My answer would be "Yes, God does have total control over my destiny." Well, then why must we pray or seek to change things for the better? My answer would be: because God designed us for that purpose. If God destined it that you would pray and then He would answer, who are we (created, limited, and dependent beings) to question Him. Then you may ask: "Well, why would God punish us for doing something He determined us to do?" I would answer: God makes the rules not us. He determines what is right and what is wrong. If He determines something, again, who are we to question it. I know it seems harsh and fatalistic, but God is God. God is Good, and God is Love, and what He does is good and loving. The ultimate purpose of God is for His glory. If my demise glorifies Him then glory be His name. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I am looking for my demise, however I do hope my demise will be for the good of something. Plus, we do not know the complete will of God. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. So, who are we to say that God has not given us the desire and power to accomplish a certain task in our life.
But what about the perception of freewill? Doesn't it seem that we are the ones to decide whether we get up in the morning or not? To this I would say yes, absolutely it does! But, doesn't it seem that the reason we keep our feet on the ground is because we are beings of mass. However, we know that we keep our feet on the ground because of the rotation of the earth which causes gravity. I know this analogy has its limitations, but it could be the same with our decisions. We think that we are in control in making our own life, but in reality there is a bigger hand at the wheel in which we are too limited and small to see. A hand that is in complete control, but is beyond our realm of reference and thus we don't completely understand or realize what it is.
Maybe we believe in freewill because we are holding on to something in our life; maybe pride. If we do have freewill are we willing to give it over to God? Are we willing to let go? At times I think this because I know who I am. I know that if a mistake can happen I will make it. I know that if it can be messed up I will do it. I want God to take control because I know He is perfect, therefore everything He does is perfect.
So, do I believe in freewill? Yes, I do. Why, you may ask, after the explanation I just gave? My answer: because of the perception.
Just a Thought,
Skolex
Before I go on let me say that there is no denying the perception of freewill at the least. We would all agree that, at the very least, it would appear we have freewill. I do not deny that. Secondly, I completely believe that we are held responsible for our actions. We cannot pass off our bad decisions or actions on an omnipotent and omniscient Being. Thirdly, I am not saying that we do not have freewill, but this is a blog. I am simply posting thoughts and questions about life. This is a question that I have asked some intelligent individuals in the past and I ask them again.
Now, let me give you what I've got in my pinto bean shaped head so far. My answer would be "Yes, God does have total control over my destiny." Well, then why must we pray or seek to change things for the better? My answer would be: because God designed us for that purpose. If God destined it that you would pray and then He would answer, who are we (created, limited, and dependent beings) to question Him. Then you may ask: "Well, why would God punish us for doing something He determined us to do?" I would answer: God makes the rules not us. He determines what is right and what is wrong. If He determines something, again, who are we to question it. I know it seems harsh and fatalistic, but God is God. God is Good, and God is Love, and what He does is good and loving. The ultimate purpose of God is for His glory. If my demise glorifies Him then glory be His name. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I am looking for my demise, however I do hope my demise will be for the good of something. Plus, we do not know the complete will of God. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. So, who are we to say that God has not given us the desire and power to accomplish a certain task in our life.
But what about the perception of freewill? Doesn't it seem that we are the ones to decide whether we get up in the morning or not? To this I would say yes, absolutely it does! But, doesn't it seem that the reason we keep our feet on the ground is because we are beings of mass. However, we know that we keep our feet on the ground because of the rotation of the earth which causes gravity. I know this analogy has its limitations, but it could be the same with our decisions. We think that we are in control in making our own life, but in reality there is a bigger hand at the wheel in which we are too limited and small to see. A hand that is in complete control, but is beyond our realm of reference and thus we don't completely understand or realize what it is.
Maybe we believe in freewill because we are holding on to something in our life; maybe pride. If we do have freewill are we willing to give it over to God? Are we willing to let go? At times I think this because I know who I am. I know that if a mistake can happen I will make it. I know that if it can be messed up I will do it. I want God to take control because I know He is perfect, therefore everything He does is perfect.
So, do I believe in freewill? Yes, I do. Why, you may ask, after the explanation I just gave? My answer: because of the perception.
Just a Thought,
Skolex
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