The Cross's Symbol

I just finished watching the last 5 minutes of a documentary on crucifixions. It seemed as if they were talking about the miserable death that comes by the torture device (Yes, it is a torture device). But I was disappointed when the last line of the program was, "The cross should be a symbol that says, 'You should never treat somebody like this.'"

Are you kidding me?!

Now don't get me wrong, I agree that we should not treat anybody in a hurtful way; neither physically nor emotionally. Christians are called to love everybody. The cross even shows that! "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (-John 15:13 ESV) Yet the idea of the cross's new meaning from Channel 269 (DirecTV) ticked me off. The cross has such a deeper meaning. It carries with it the idea of grace, hope, and a future in Christ! I'm so thankful that is the meaning instead of the one that the historian from the History Channel came up with. 

How Can We Know?

Summer is coming to a close...which means I will come to a long stretch where I can do nothing but read, write, study, sleep, and eat. It has been a good summer where God has challenged the way I think and live my life. The last question that God has brought to my attention comes from Corinthians. After reading the opening chapter of the first letter, I began to ask myself how I should look at other people who say they are believers, yet don't act the part. Are they saved or not? So let's get started...

There is no doubt in my mind that these people, in Corinth whom Paul is writing to, are saved through the blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is evident through the first half of the chapter. Paul makes that very clear. 

But the rest of the book shows the people to be drunks, adulterers, liars, etc.. So what does this mean? These people are saved and act like this?! It just doesn't make any sense. 

Paul says that these people are saved. Even though they act the way they do. So how are we supposed to think around the "Christians" in our society. In chapter 2 verse 14 Paul explains what a natural, or unsaved, person does. He "does not accept the things of the Spirit of God." 

Now...what are the things of the Spirit of God? I might be wrong on this one because I have not studied exactly what Paul is talking about, but on first look it appears as if Paul is talking about wisdom. Most of the second chapter revolves around the idea of wisdom. So it would not be a long shot to think that he is still talking about it here in verse 14. 

A natural person does not accept wisdom, so an unnatural, or saved, person would. I think that is our answer. It is all about being able to accept being wrong! Humility is a showing characteristic of our salvation. We show humility every time we worship God. As seen in Revelation 4, the 24 elders throw their crowns at the foot of God and worship Him! They show humility. Worship is a way of telling God that He is more important than us. It is also the sole reason we are on Earth. 

We also see this idea being set forth, by Paul, in chapter 5. There is a man who is doing such a sinful act that they throw him out of the church. The man says he is saved, yet doesn't act like it. So Paul says they will throw him out in order to save him from his flesh (v. 5). And praise God, in 2 Corinthians we learn that he did repent from his sin (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). 

This is still a difficult idea for me to grasp. Hopefully as I further dive into God's Word the answer will become more and more clear to me. 

Side note...I put in quotes the word Christian referring to people who do not appear to be saved. I have no remorse in putting quotes around it. In fact, there should be quotes around myself sometimes. I feel as if it should serve as a reminder that we are sinful, wretched people who do not deserve God's gift of salvation. But God is full of grace and mercy and we can rely on the fact that He has forgiven us of all our sins! I cannot wait to get to heaven and worship at the throne.

Obamassiah

Whether you like Obama or not...you have to laugh at this!

Awesome parody. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNFNG3AGO_g&feature=related

R.I.P. Golf

The headlines shouldn't be reading, "Tiger is having reconstructive knee surgery." It should be reading, "Golf is having reconstructive knee surgery; out for the season." It is absolutely absurd how important Tiger Woods is to golf. For those of you who know me, you know that I'm a golf addict. I know a ton of players on the tour and can tell you if they are good or not. I might even be able to tell you their world ranking...but since Tiger's been gone, I haven't watched one event. Granted, I have been overseas for 3 weeks. But I did have the opportunity to watch the PGA Championship, one of the 4 biggest tournaments the year, and I didn't watch any of it. In fact, it's Monday...and I still haven't even checked to see who won! This is ridiculous for somebody who loves golf as much as me. I can only imagine for the guy who just likes golf. I guess I'm not a golf fan, I'm a Tiger fan. I'm okay with that. After all, Tiger Woods is my male celebrity crush (I say that completely heterosexually).

So until next season, I probably won't be watching much golf. 

Go Tiger! 

Something Spiritual

I alluded to the fact that there were security issues with my blog being written while I was over there because the Government monitors all internet activity and it is very possible that they could read my blog and deport me, my team, and the IMB Missionaries there. So I chose to talk about things that were secondary agenda to me. Luckily, I'm back in the states where I can openly talk about my beliefs. So here is what really happened.

When I used to think of Muslims, not too many good thoughts would come to mind. I would have the usual thought of; terrorists, extremists, and the idea that they hate America. All of those views seem to be valid with what we are fed from the media. Just an example, when we were in LAX we put on our dishdashas (traditional Muslim attire) and a guy walked past us and under his breath said, "terrorists." That is not what he found out by himself. That is what the media chose for him to think.

What we are not fed and therefore not given the choice to think is what these people are truly like. Now when I think of Muslims, I think of; overly hospitable, nice, and family oriented. I think it is absurd that we go through our days and hear nothing positive about this people group. They act more like Christians than Christians do. I hate to say that, but it is true. When was the last time you gave out your number to a perfect stranger and told them to call you if you needed anything? I don't think I ever have, yet these people do it daily. I learned a lot from them. 

God is doing some amazing things in the Middle East. People are coming to the Lord in masses. There is a movement in Iraq that is so new right, they can't even number the amount of Believers. That is exciting! Who doesn't want to be apart of that?

I'm sorry to say that I cannot tell you of any tangible evidence of our mission trip. The fact is; witnessing to Islams is a slow process. The average amount of times the gospel is shared to them before they start to believe is 25. It usually ranges from a 5-7 year evangelism process. So unfortunately, we were not able to see anybody come to the Lord this trip, but I have faith that people we came into contact with will eventually be forgiven of all their sins. It is only going to take people who give up their time and make their way over to the Middle East and tell them the Good News that they have. And if God would call somebody like me, I know He will have people going over who will do a far better job than I ever will be able to. I think that God just wanted to show me what He is doing overseas because I am not very good at the whole evangelizing thing.

There is something that I feel is worth being discussed while I'm talking about my trip. It doesn't deal with interacting with the lost. It doesn't deal with smuggling Bibles into the country. It deals with the humbling act of worship. There is something that can't be described when you are able to worship the God of the Universe in a country where His name is not lifted up. Singing with my team and doing Bible studies was amazing. Not because we were good singers or teachers. Not because we had in depth theological discussions. But because God was being glorified! The trip alone was worth it because I was able to worship the Lord. 

People say that going overseas is a life changing experience. I pray that it will be for me too. Right now, I'm beginning to see the importance of living with intentionality. It was so easy to walk around looking for people to talk to and give people a smile that you make eye contact with. Why don't I do that in America? I have made a promise to God that I will start to make an effort in making relationships with unbelievers. I will do that by going to Starbucks to study instead of my apartment. I will make friends in my classes that are not believers. And I will make more of a point to build the relationships with my friends that I know are not believers. It is just one way that I will be fulfilling the Great Commission in America. Hopefully this is just not one of those post-summer camp moments where you are on fire to do stuff like this. 

My prayers are going to be going strong for the IMB Missionaries we met in the Middle East. And it is my prayer that you answer the call to go make disciples. It is not a choice. There is no so called "calling" to be a missionary. It is just a matter of saying "Yes" to God, because He is asking all of His sheep. So you can say "Yes" either two ways; Go or Send.

How much longer?

I'm pretty worn out with everything. Not to mention getting on the internet was a pain. Along with me not getting able to get on AOL to check and send email really made me happy as well. I promise I was in a better mood 10 minutes ago.

I'm still having hints of fun though! This place doesn't even look like the Middle East. It is more like a rain forest than a desert. A few days ago we had a picnic with some Arab guys on a cliff overlooking the ocean. We ate with our hands and the Arabs made fun of me...I guess I wasn't doing something right. Who thought there was a technique to eating with your hands? But at the end of our meal there were about 6 camels that showed up. It was a weird juxtaposition with the camels and ocean. I'm sure you can't see that combo too many places in the world.

It has been harder to find fluent people here in Salalah. Kind of a bummer, but we are making due.

Overseas brings a lot of Spiritual Warfare that I've never experienced in the states. I'll be happy to get it all off my back soon. Even with all the warfare, it is nice to know that the S-man isn't happy with the work we are doing. Speaking of the work...it is a lot different than what I thought it was going to be. And I'm still looking to find peace with my purpose for coming.

Please pray for me and renewed strength. There is only a few more days left and I want to be able to finish strong! There is still a ton of work to be done here. It has been refreshing to see the work that was already in progress. The harvest is ready!

I'm going to go and try to find a way to email people. But in case I can't....Mom, all I want is clean clothes, a good shower, my cell phone, and food that comes out solid. Also, mom and dad....Happy Anniversary! I love you guys.