(Masterpiece of God)
It used to bother me that I was different, but now my perspective has changed. I no longer see my peculiarities as defects, but rather as blessings and as definitions of my character. If I was a sculpture, I would consider myself beautifully bizarre or sensationally surreal. Those of you who know me know that I've had very low esteem and very little confidence for all of my life. For me to say these things and the things I'm about to say is very difficult.
This blog is an effort to encourage myself, perhaps others.
Life has always consisted of me contradicting everyone. I never did it on purpose; it was just who I was. Clicking with people was always a failed attempt. The status quo simply never interested me.
As of now, I have found myself to be a mixture of many stereotypical crowds. You may have read my blog in which I elaborated on the quote, "Birds of a feather flock together." My plumage is of every color. I'd even go as far as to say that I'm a combination of both genders, personality-wise of course.
Many say that one's soul is without gender. If this is true, God has no gender either. Lately, I've been doing some intense studying regarding androgyny. There are theories out there that Adam, the first man, was actually androgynous (both male and female). When God took Eve out of his side, He took the female aspects out of him and formed them into a person. Then there was both male and female. Also consider that when two marry, they "become one flesh." This is a very interesting study. Apparently, Jews believe that God has no gender. They've always referred to G-d as a "He," because of the principles of the Hebrew language. Masculine terminology was given to things that were strong, unbreakable, and resilient. Feminine terminology was seen as weak, breakable, and frail. Also consider that the man was created as the head of the family. Referring to the Lord as a male gender may simply be an anthropomorphism, which is the application of human characteristics to a non-human object in attempts to better explain it in a more understandable way. The Bible says that God created man in His own image. If Adam was androgynous, then so was God. Even later on in Genesis, it says this: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Men and women are in God's image. This is a very interesting topic. Of course, it is only a theory, as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to talk to a devout Jew regarding this.
Anyway, I remember learning in a few classes the differences between the way male and female brains think. In addition, I read much of John Gray's "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." At these points of my education, I found myself to equate more with the female way of thinking. It has always been that way with me. It is generally understood that one becomes like the ones he surrounds himself with. I grew up hanging out with girls, and my mom was the main individual to raise me. Hanging out with guys didn't really happen until I went to college. I'm at a point now in my life where I can pretty much hang out with anyone and be okay with it. My mind is much more of a neutral gender now.
It is very easy for me to catch people off guard and completely boggle them. I do it just by being me, lol. These past several months, I've learned to embrace myself as a creation of God. He made me who I am for a reason. If He wishes to make changes, I will let Him. People can say all sorts of things, judging me and my persona, but may God have the final say. As far as my own say, my persona is regarded as highly unusual, old-fashioned, taboo even, at least in America. In foreign countries, I could be regarded as normal. It's all a matter of one's perspective and cultural upbringing.
I encourage you, even DARE you to be bold and to do the things you've always wanted to do (as long as they're not sinful) and to be the person you've always wanted to be. Don't let the opinions of others, whether positive or negative, affect who you are. The only individual's whose opinion you should care about is God's, for He created you and your identity.
The world is full of chaos, confusion, and despair. Peer pressure is one of its deadliest poisons that many are forced to ingest. Don't let yourself fall for it.
". . . whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
In the Presence of the King
Today was a very somber day for me. Perhaps many will relate to this. Last night, God exposed flaws in me, through the lips of another person, therefore, showing me clogs in the vessel He is supposed to flow through. In our feeble human minds, we tend to think we're either not good enough for God or we're too good for God. We either shun Him for feeling ashamed of all our flaws and such, or we shun Him thinking that we don't need Him. All this is usually done without realizing it.
The prime goal is to maintain a balance between the two, including God in the equation. Doing works for His kingdom is a team effort. We must be confident in His love for us, yet also be subordinate, knowing our place. Since the Church is the fiancee of Christ, many of us are guilty of spiritual feminism, if you will, attempting to rise above the Husband.
Jesus has never been a male chauvinist, but rather the perfect gentlemen. Women will naturally take dominion in a household when the men don't fulfill their own duties or even show love to their wives. Women usually have no problem submitting to their husbands as long as they are fulfilling their God-given duties and loving their wives. This is just the way things are by nature.
Anyway . . . it was pointed out to me by God that I had often committed a sin which I didn't realize I was committing. Many of us do this. It's doing things our own way, opposing any of God's ways. It is written that He will beautify the meek with salvation. I wasn't being meek, but rather insubordinate. Therefore, I was ugly.
After much self-induced guilt and shame all day, the King of all kings stepped off His throne, walked down a heavenly staircase, and stepped into my presence. I, a fallen man, was shown love and comfort by a merciful King. I was in my car on my way home from work when this happened. The song "Falling in Love with Jesus" had just come on on the radio. I felt the Spirit of the Lord enter my car; it overwhelmed me. My composure slipped away from me as I began to cry out. All I could do was speak in tongues loudly for several minutes. When I pulled in my garage, I raised my hands and closed my eyes. My entire face became soaked with tears as Jesus made Himself known in the presence of a lowly servant such as me. (It is also written that He calls us not servants, but friends.) I fell into somewhat of a trance-like state, forgetting where I was. The only thing going through my mind was Psalm 51, specifically the verses that say, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation," and "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."
A few minutes later, I opened my eyes to a dark garage.
I entered into my home feeling refreshed. How great is this King's mercy! How great is His love! Let us rejoice in His name! I have never been one to celebrate anything, but this Jesus instills such excitement in me that I can't possibly contain myself. Nothing in this world even compares. Nothing in this world has ever even come remotely close to doing that sort of thing to me.
O that we would all often experience divine encounters with the King of kings.
O taste and see that the Lord is indeed good!
:-)
The prime goal is to maintain a balance between the two, including God in the equation. Doing works for His kingdom is a team effort. We must be confident in His love for us, yet also be subordinate, knowing our place. Since the Church is the fiancee of Christ, many of us are guilty of spiritual feminism, if you will, attempting to rise above the Husband.
Jesus has never been a male chauvinist, but rather the perfect gentlemen. Women will naturally take dominion in a household when the men don't fulfill their own duties or even show love to their wives. Women usually have no problem submitting to their husbands as long as they are fulfilling their God-given duties and loving their wives. This is just the way things are by nature.
Anyway . . . it was pointed out to me by God that I had often committed a sin which I didn't realize I was committing. Many of us do this. It's doing things our own way, opposing any of God's ways. It is written that He will beautify the meek with salvation. I wasn't being meek, but rather insubordinate. Therefore, I was ugly.
After much self-induced guilt and shame all day, the King of all kings stepped off His throne, walked down a heavenly staircase, and stepped into my presence. I, a fallen man, was shown love and comfort by a merciful King. I was in my car on my way home from work when this happened. The song "Falling in Love with Jesus" had just come on on the radio. I felt the Spirit of the Lord enter my car; it overwhelmed me. My composure slipped away from me as I began to cry out. All I could do was speak in tongues loudly for several minutes. When I pulled in my garage, I raised my hands and closed my eyes. My entire face became soaked with tears as Jesus made Himself known in the presence of a lowly servant such as me. (It is also written that He calls us not servants, but friends.) I fell into somewhat of a trance-like state, forgetting where I was. The only thing going through my mind was Psalm 51, specifically the verses that say, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation," and "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."
A few minutes later, I opened my eyes to a dark garage.
I entered into my home feeling refreshed. How great is this King's mercy! How great is His love! Let us rejoice in His name! I have never been one to celebrate anything, but this Jesus instills such excitement in me that I can't possibly contain myself. Nothing in this world even compares. Nothing in this world has ever even come remotely close to doing that sort of thing to me.
O that we would all often experience divine encounters with the King of kings.
O taste and see that the Lord is indeed good!
:-)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hidden Veins of Love
Yesterday, National Geographic launched a video on YouTube featuring a documentary on the survivors of the San Francisco earthquake of 1989. It's a 45-minute long video which I'd recommend to anyone. I had other plans at the point in time before I watched the video, but this video so got my attention that I quickly shoved my plans to the side [which weren't necessarily priorities.] Something struck me very deeply.
We so often go about our daily routines, not expecting a thing, until disaster strikes on an ordinary day. Due to the surprise factor, our mere human minds are unable to simultaneously absorb the reality of the situation and gain the insight as to what to do. I've always heard it said that what happens in the temporal world is a reflection of what happens in the spiritual world. Whether that is true or not, I do not know, it does appear to be true. If anyone has any Biblical support on that, I'd be much obliged if you'd share. Anyway - disaster destroys much more than merely what is seen. It also destroys our routines, some of our lives, our happiness, our feelings of security, etc. But on a more positive note, it also destroys our inhibitions, our hatred for others, our false fronts, our selfishness, and even our doubts of the impossible being done.
Why is it that it takes a tragedy in order for reality to emerge? Life problems suddenly become void when disaster strikes. Essentially, everyone becomes the same. The only thing we have on own minds is to fight for life itself, whether it is our own or another's. It isn't uncommon to see someone save the life of his or her worst enemy in this situation. The levels of love and compassion are immensely raised. It is in this environment where even the most shy and introverted person will cry out for help and will put all of his or her trust in a complete stranger off the street.
Why can't we live this way normally?
People experience mixed emotions when they hear of apocalyptic events. For some it may be anger. Why would God do such a thing to destroy innocent lives? There is something not many think about or even realize. God gave life. What's wrong with Him taking it away? We may think that our lives are solely our own, but they're really not. How we live our lives is our own choice, but who are we to not include the One who gave us life in our life? It's thievery.
There is but one thing that God really desires. That is love, which comes in different facets. God wants to be loved by us, He wants us to love others, and He wants us to allow ourselves to be loved by Him. It is very evident in this world today that love is rare. Since God is love, this world is becoming more and more Godless. As that happens, the God who created this world will destroy it because it had nothing to do with Him anymore.
We all want to be loved, but it impossible for us to feel loved unless we love first. If any enemy of ours loved us, we'd feel disgusted, would we not? Their love would mean nothing to us. Our hatred for them blocks out their love, making it void The same goes with God. If we don't love God, we won't even notice His love for us. It's all about mutuality. If you want God to work in your life, then show it by expressing your love for Him at all times. Show it by your lifestyle; For it is written, "The Father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:29)
Hear it from my own human standpoint: be a lover of God and of all people, bar none (no exceptions), before you will be cursed. As this world comes to a conclusion, even as we speak, disaster will strike more and more often, behold, even more intensely than of years past. If those are the only environments when love emerges from us, then that is the environment we will live in. Let us change our wicked ways lest disaster comes to us.
I end this by saying that God only uses disaster as a last resort. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Any child of God has nothing to fear.
We so often go about our daily routines, not expecting a thing, until disaster strikes on an ordinary day. Due to the surprise factor, our mere human minds are unable to simultaneously absorb the reality of the situation and gain the insight as to what to do. I've always heard it said that what happens in the temporal world is a reflection of what happens in the spiritual world. Whether that is true or not, I do not know, it does appear to be true. If anyone has any Biblical support on that, I'd be much obliged if you'd share. Anyway - disaster destroys much more than merely what is seen. It also destroys our routines, some of our lives, our happiness, our feelings of security, etc. But on a more positive note, it also destroys our inhibitions, our hatred for others, our false fronts, our selfishness, and even our doubts of the impossible being done.
Why is it that it takes a tragedy in order for reality to emerge? Life problems suddenly become void when disaster strikes. Essentially, everyone becomes the same. The only thing we have on own minds is to fight for life itself, whether it is our own or another's. It isn't uncommon to see someone save the life of his or her worst enemy in this situation. The levels of love and compassion are immensely raised. It is in this environment where even the most shy and introverted person will cry out for help and will put all of his or her trust in a complete stranger off the street.
Why can't we live this way normally?
People experience mixed emotions when they hear of apocalyptic events. For some it may be anger. Why would God do such a thing to destroy innocent lives? There is something not many think about or even realize. God gave life. What's wrong with Him taking it away? We may think that our lives are solely our own, but they're really not. How we live our lives is our own choice, but who are we to not include the One who gave us life in our life? It's thievery.
There is but one thing that God really desires. That is love, which comes in different facets. God wants to be loved by us, He wants us to love others, and He wants us to allow ourselves to be loved by Him. It is very evident in this world today that love is rare. Since God is love, this world is becoming more and more Godless. As that happens, the God who created this world will destroy it because it had nothing to do with Him anymore.
We all want to be loved, but it impossible for us to feel loved unless we love first. If any enemy of ours loved us, we'd feel disgusted, would we not? Their love would mean nothing to us. Our hatred for them blocks out their love, making it void The same goes with God. If we don't love God, we won't even notice His love for us. It's all about mutuality. If you want God to work in your life, then show it by expressing your love for Him at all times. Show it by your lifestyle; For it is written, "The Father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:29)
Hear it from my own human standpoint: be a lover of God and of all people, bar none (no exceptions), before you will be cursed. As this world comes to a conclusion, even as we speak, disaster will strike more and more often, behold, even more intensely than of years past. If those are the only environments when love emerges from us, then that is the environment we will live in. Let us change our wicked ways lest disaster comes to us.
I end this by saying that God only uses disaster as a last resort. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Any child of God has nothing to fear.
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Failing Nation
It is very difficult for God to have His way in America. Why is that? Because we are the most SELFISH nation in the world.
It is easiest for God to move in an atmosphere that is attractive for Him. He is attracted to loving homes, broken hearts, etc. Anything that involves genuine love, God will be attracted to. Overseas, in third world countries especially, people aren't worried about their appearance. They aren't striving to make it big, indulging in riches and in all the things money can buy. All they really have is each other. When a missionary exposes Jesus there, He will always move, regardless of the missionary's denomination.
God is attracted to those hungry for Him. Here in America, we are full with the junk food and filth of the world, such as fame, fortune, entertainment, narcissism, etc. Lord, if I am full on any of these things, by all means, make me to vomit it all out. We've heard the phrase "garbage in, garbage out." What we give our time and effort to is what we feed ourselves. Here in America, we feed ourselves junk food, which tastes so good but has no nutritional value whatsoever.
The only sense of freedom I enjoy here in America is the ability to worship Jesus without getting arrested. Other than that, this country is not free. This country's idea of freedom is my idea of bondage: letting everyone have their own way. I hate that. We've become a nation full of big kids. Discipline is out of the question. Obedience is optional. Thanks to this "freedom," everyone is bound by hatred, hurts caused by freedom of speech, chaos, confusion, etc. Thanks to this "freedom," there are so many voices out there saying so many different things. No one knows what to listen to. Long before my time, it would have been an honor to reside here. Now, this country disgraces me. I'm ashamed to live here. Its citizens are full of hatred and selfishness.
Behold, as the darkness gets darker, the brightness gets brighter. As with Sodom and Gomorrah, few righteous were found. If this nation doesn't shape up its act, the wrath of God will come destroy it. Yes, God is love, but there comes a time when He no longer allows people to override His grace and mercy. He is in control. If people don't admit that, then He will prove it Himself. Before God destroyed a city, out of love, He always gave people a space to repent of their wicked ways. He would send a prophet to send a warning of God's upcoming wrath on a nation. If all went well, God would change His mind. The book of Jonah comes to mind.
After God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah became scared. He tried running from the command, but God sent a big fish after him. Jonah changed his mind. He ended up going to Nineveh and warning that nation that the wrath of God was coming. They believe him. As a result they all repented. "Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
It is not God's will that any should perish, but that all may have everlasting life. If God didn't love Nineveh, though they were a rotten nation, He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble He did to get Jonah to come there.
I speak the truth; God will always go out of His way for you. For any one soul. It is said in the Bible that heaven is more joyful over one sinner coming to repentance than it is over having 99 righteous people that need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
How many righteous are left in this nation? By our prayers we can change God's mind if the conditions are right. Consider Abraham when he bargained with the Lord over the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: "And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten [righteous] shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." (Genesis 18:32)
Now I will tell you these things from an experienced heart. Repentance is a beautiful thing. It's the best feeling in the world knowing that you're right with God. If God be for us, then who can be against us? If we want to live an anointed life, having the very favor of God, having more blessings than we can imagine, repentance is the key. Repentance is the greatest privilege ever given to man. It's the beginning of a second chance. When one repents, the blood of Jesus is present to wash away the sin. The death was already taken place for our sake. Woe to those who resist it!
He who has ears, let him hear.
Mark my words: JUDGMENT IS COMING TO AMERICA; BEHOLD, EVEN THE WORLD.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
Amen.
It is easiest for God to move in an atmosphere that is attractive for Him. He is attracted to loving homes, broken hearts, etc. Anything that involves genuine love, God will be attracted to. Overseas, in third world countries especially, people aren't worried about their appearance. They aren't striving to make it big, indulging in riches and in all the things money can buy. All they really have is each other. When a missionary exposes Jesus there, He will always move, regardless of the missionary's denomination.
God is attracted to those hungry for Him. Here in America, we are full with the junk food and filth of the world, such as fame, fortune, entertainment, narcissism, etc. Lord, if I am full on any of these things, by all means, make me to vomit it all out. We've heard the phrase "garbage in, garbage out." What we give our time and effort to is what we feed ourselves. Here in America, we feed ourselves junk food, which tastes so good but has no nutritional value whatsoever.
The only sense of freedom I enjoy here in America is the ability to worship Jesus without getting arrested. Other than that, this country is not free. This country's idea of freedom is my idea of bondage: letting everyone have their own way. I hate that. We've become a nation full of big kids. Discipline is out of the question. Obedience is optional. Thanks to this "freedom," everyone is bound by hatred, hurts caused by freedom of speech, chaos, confusion, etc. Thanks to this "freedom," there are so many voices out there saying so many different things. No one knows what to listen to. Long before my time, it would have been an honor to reside here. Now, this country disgraces me. I'm ashamed to live here. Its citizens are full of hatred and selfishness.
Behold, as the darkness gets darker, the brightness gets brighter. As with Sodom and Gomorrah, few righteous were found. If this nation doesn't shape up its act, the wrath of God will come destroy it. Yes, God is love, but there comes a time when He no longer allows people to override His grace and mercy. He is in control. If people don't admit that, then He will prove it Himself. Before God destroyed a city, out of love, He always gave people a space to repent of their wicked ways. He would send a prophet to send a warning of God's upcoming wrath on a nation. If all went well, God would change His mind. The book of Jonah comes to mind.
After God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah became scared. He tried running from the command, but God sent a big fish after him. Jonah changed his mind. He ended up going to Nineveh and warning that nation that the wrath of God was coming. They believe him. As a result they all repented. "Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
It is not God's will that any should perish, but that all may have everlasting life. If God didn't love Nineveh, though they were a rotten nation, He wouldn't have gone through all the trouble He did to get Jonah to come there.
I speak the truth; God will always go out of His way for you. For any one soul. It is said in the Bible that heaven is more joyful over one sinner coming to repentance than it is over having 99 righteous people that need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
How many righteous are left in this nation? By our prayers we can change God's mind if the conditions are right. Consider Abraham when he bargained with the Lord over the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: "And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten [righteous] shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." (Genesis 18:32)
Now I will tell you these things from an experienced heart. Repentance is a beautiful thing. It's the best feeling in the world knowing that you're right with God. If God be for us, then who can be against us? If we want to live an anointed life, having the very favor of God, having more blessings than we can imagine, repentance is the key. Repentance is the greatest privilege ever given to man. It's the beginning of a second chance. When one repents, the blood of Jesus is present to wash away the sin. The death was already taken place for our sake. Woe to those who resist it!
He who has ears, let him hear.
Mark my words: JUDGMENT IS COMING TO AMERICA; BEHOLD, EVEN THE WORLD.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
Amen.
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