Reflect

Carrots and Hummus

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:24:51 -0700

It’s weird when you sin everyday

but God still chooses to talk to you when you are doing mundane things like eating carrots with hummus.

I can understand how David wrote an entire book on talking to God.

Makes sense.

Anxiety?

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:54:48 -0700

I recently had a situation in which I was so anxious that my head legitimately started throbbing.

I didn’t know that was even possible.

Anywho, it reminded me of the verse that says be anxious for nothing. Really made me think about how I respond to stress and anxiety. Instead of re calculating all my stressors, I should go to the one who can relieve that stress, aka God.

#lessonoftheweek

Testify

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:06:32 -0700

My goal is not to convince anyone of God’s existence or to convert anyone.

My goal is to simply be Christ to everyone on this earth. Whether it be through preaching the Gospel or declaring identity and healing into people, where God leads me I will follow.

Of one thing I am certain. One day, every knee will bow. There is no doubt. Philosophers and scientists believe that they have everything figured out with their philosophical arguments and their scientific theories. Yet all that “convincing” evidence against God will be forgotten on that great and terrible day when Jesus returns and reveals the full foolishness of man.

Get ready. He is coming. You can be for Him or against Him. There is no middleground.

The enemy would like you to think that he has a chance to win this battle, but when Jesus returns, there is only one victor and He is the one who conquered hell itself.

Forgiveness

Sun, 05 May 2013 15:51:27 -0700

Forgiveness doesn’t just happen.

You have to “give” it.

For”give”ness

Wrecked.

Sarcasm (yeah, I'm talking about that one deleted facebook correspondence...)

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:24:50 -0700

Passage from Matthew 5

33“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’34“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THEGREAT KING.36“Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.37“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.

38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’39“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.40“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.41“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.42“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous andthe unrighteous.46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

So it’s amazing how a phrase that is said or typed can have multiple meanings. As a Christian I often don’t think twice of speaking our common vernacular of sarcasm. But just recently I had quite the sarcastic exchange with someone who I don’t know extremely well.

Now, given we are both fairly sarcastic this conversation was pretty much doomed from the start. If one was just reading our conversation one might have thought we were insulting each other.

Ironically, at a certain point, the conversation did change in both persons minds that the other person was no longer being sarcastic but being rude.

Now, I have not claimed to be perfect, but this is totally something I have to work on.

I still don’t know what the final outcome of that conversation is but it’s quite evident that both of us were stung by the other.

If you’re reading this, In my head, I never escalated to anything outside of sarcasm. One could read my comments and say there was a clear escalation that implies me being peeved and therefore changing from sarcasm to insults. The ironic thing is that I never intended for you to take the sarcastic comments as insults. I thought we ware just sparring with sarcasm. On the topic of the tumblr comments, I was literally just being sarcastic.

I apologize for being overly sarcastic and offensive. I admit that I was being a jerk. But I’d also like you to realize that your comments were also sarcastic and insulting outside of the context of sarcasm. If one of us was being rude, due to an overdose of sarcasm, I’m pretty certain that the other also thought the other was rude. I’m not sure if it’s fair to point fingers and say that one was being rude and the other was completely guiltless considering sarcasm is just a way of communicating using insults that we are implying aren’t what we actually think.

So coming back to the main point, this whole experience just woke me up to the danger of being sarcastic in general. I’ve heard it said that when people are being sarcastic, that is the only time they are telling the truth. I honestly don’t think that as people who are supposed to be loving on each other, that “lying” to each other in our daily conversations is the most healthy way to go.

As for me personally, I think from this point forward I’m going to turn down the sarcasm down to the point where it’s non existent or very minimal. Basically, in my head, I realized that if the sarcasm isn’t understood by both parties, than it simply sounds like one person is being rude and insensitive. Even if both parties understand each other or both use sarcasm regularly, it can come off very negatively.

In closing, I apologize again. It was not my intention to be insulting and rude. I assumed incorrectly that were just being sarcastic, but at some point one of us or both of us changed from understanding the other person to being offended by them.

But I do take responsibility for being rude. I apologize.

Slow to speak

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:45:34 -0700

We should be quick to listen.

So in practicing this I’m going to ask more questions and then listen more. A more effective strategy for countering our self centered society may be allowing them to verbalize their ideas and realize the folly of their thoughts themselves. Of course, given different situations and people there are different approaches to reaching out to them that the Holy Spirit will reveal to me as they come up.

I got to remember to chase God’s version of righteousness, not my own.

Humanistically...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:03:48 -0700

We are only so powerful.

I’ve been depressed to the point of contemplating death.
I have also experienced anger that sucks the life out of you. More tired waking up than when you went to bed.

We as humans though we are fearfully and wonderfully made, are not capable of getting rid of our crap. Our anger, pride, guilt, lust, problems, etc can not be wished away.

Psychological and Philosophical bull crap that implies that we are capable of just becoming better people by somehow getting rid of our problems with positive thinking is just not true.

If I ever falter in my faith, I will always remember the times when humanly speaking I should have succumbed to the thoughts in my head that told me life was hopeless. I will remember asking God to prove He existed by taking my anger and I will remember Him doing just that.

Philosophers, atheists, debaters, and skeptics can doubt the Gospel I preach, and the world views I hold. But no matter the questions and no matter the amount of skepticism, I will not be swayed.

Because I know for a fact that if God wasn’t the one who took my crap, than I wouldn’t be here. There is no other explanation and this is one thing that I refuse to not be stubborn in.

That Awkward Moment...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:54:06 -0700

So my high school friend told me about these “School Name Here Hookups” facebook pages that exist.

Now, I’m not gonna say that I’m not human, because believe me I am. But what I saw there was horrible.

I think I understand why Jesus came and has us as His followers called a “body”. I would never be vulgar to or mistreat my own flesh and blood. Once someone isn’t family though, it’s much easier to dehumanize them to the point that they are simply objects to be used and disposed of.

Not gonna lie, lust is something I struggle with.

But something is totally changing in my heart. Because I’m beginning to realize that that girl is a person. That girl is potentially MY sister.

Shoot.

The eff have I been doing?

I think God has called us to be men of God. We are meant to protect the hearts of the women in our life. Protecting not only in the context of romance, but also to those who just call friends or acquaintances. We need to affirm and encourage them so that they do not need to find love and acceptance by being objectified.

I’m literally freaking out right now as I realize the absolute disgustingness that I have taken part in. “it’s no big deal” “it’s normal” “guys just do that” are no excuses. It’s wrong.

Pornography exists, because we as men have decided to give God the finger and to objectify God’s gifts to us and to get as much earthly pleasure as possible.

I’m disgusted. This is complete and utter bull shit.

The enemy just comes in and twists and lies, and screws with the beautiful things that God intended for beauty and good.

Our society (and our “men”) hide under the cover of how it is our nature and all that garbage.

So for all the guys reading this. Instead of taking the approach: “I must not do this” think about it this way “that’s my sister. I’m supposed to be protecting her”

Our job as Christian males is to protect. It doesn’t matter what she says, you know what you are supposed to do and what you are called to do.

#latenightconvictions

Birthday Reflections

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:01:09 -0700

Well.. I must say that this birthday was pretty crazy. I’ve had people do stereotypical birthday celebrations and I’ve been surprised once or twice, but I have never been as surprised as last friday.

The fact that my friends would cross social circles in order to surprise me was what put the cherry on the sundae (even though it was friday). Basically, my friends from here got my good friend from a different church to show up, along with my two best friends from back home. I was so surprised… it was kind of ridiculous.

One thing that God revealed to me this birthday was how special we are in His eyes. If our flawed human friends have this capacity to love on us, what greater love does God have to lavish upon us? We ask for crap by being humble and God’s delivers a $$$ dinner where he force feeds you and has all the people you love show up. Dang. A flawed picture of God, that couldn’t even start to describe him…

Thanks to all my brothers and sisters who participated in the dinner, but thank you to everyone else who surprised me throughout the day and made my birthday special. I have never felt more appreciated xD

A special shout out to that one person who regardless of the fact that it was my birthday asked me that real talk question and had me share my testimony in 45 minutes.

A special shout out to the even coordinator in the making. You are legit and all your friends are blessed to have you as their friend.

A shout out to the gift wrapper who knows how to wrap incredibly well. Thanks for getting me a gift. I totes appreciate it.

A shout out to my bestie who showed up and brought the best gift.

A shout out to the person who showed up who was the best gift ;)

And a final shout out to all who pitched in to pay for that ridiculously expensive dinner.

I love you all.

Friends

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:35:54 -0700

It’s pretty crazy how we are designed to be in fellowship with others.

One of my best friends opened up to me today about a lot of the pain and hurt that one of his best friends has/had been causing him, and the amount of pain that I felt for him was surprising to me.

God has called us to be Christlike even in our friendships.

Go take some time, and be Christ to those who you call friends.

We’ve all taken people for granted. We’ve all hurt those we love. We’ve all taken advantage of people to a certain extent. We’re human, it’s inevitable.

But God has called us to love better than what we know.

Love.

WHAT YOU'VE HAD YOUR TUMBLR FOR A YEAR AND I DIDN'T KNOW THIS. granted, i haven't known you for a year. BUT STILL. okay, i'm done spamming your inbox, i promise.

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:37:17 -0700

LOL. I’ve been following you for a while… xD

My Fascination with Rap

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:10:18 -0700

I recently told a few people that I was fascinated with rap because of how fast words were said in that genre of music.

I guess I should rescind that considering that after a little thought, I realized I like rap because the writers are so raw with what they rap about. It’s literally their hearts on their sleeves. Profanity, struggles, modern vernacular, no pretty words, or elaborate sentence structures. What you see is literally an outpouring of their thought process.

I guess you could say that I’m attracted to the absence of hypocrisy. I see rap as the most honest form of music. Nothing is off limits.

Gratefulness

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:01:56 -0700

I’m extremely thankful for a few of my closest friends.

I don’t want to fully reveal their identities but I might just write their initials.
These people have been with me in the good times and most certainly the bad. And they have encouraged me to continue to tackle life with everything I’ve got.

J.B
C.W
M.P
R.S
M.H
E.L
M.L
J.L
A.A

(those L’s tho..)

I also am thankful for those friends who I don’t really know that well, but who have also encouraged me even though they didn’t need to..

Different J.B.
J.S
N.L
D.L
B.N
C.Y
A.C
A.H
E.C
J.H
D.H
K.A.

God has blessed me with getting to know some of the most beautiful people ever. People who have a passion for Him, but also people who are seeking to love on those around them better.

I don’t like becoming close friends with people because it makes the stakes of the friendship burning even higher. Yet God knowing this has put people in my life to encourage, grow, and push my boundaries and walls away.

I’m grateful for those people who I just met too. Who God has also graciously put into my life to encourage me. I’m excited for what God has for us in the future.

Life with God is an adventure that never ends.

Contentedness

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:13:04 -0700

Think about this:

How often are you content with being “friends” with some person without knowing what they are about, what has made them who they are, and what makes them tick?

I mean… maybe I have a flawed definition of a friend, but shouldn’t we be actively looking out for those we call friends? Why are we content with just knowing that their name matches their face?

Going, Going, Gone

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:59:15 -0700

Life is very short.

Biblically compared to a vapor.

Like a vapor that is in your bathroom after a shower: gone in a minute.

Don’t wait to love those around you.

That doesn’t mean live reckless. But it does mean live intentionally.

Tomorrow will not be experienced by everyone you know.. or even you.

Pissed

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:49:27 -0700

Just had a facebook status that was borderline inappropriately ranty.
I wasn’t trying to target everyone, but I definitely needed to remind myself and a few of my brothers and sisters that we have a different calling.

I am greatly blessed to have quite a few ridiculously awesome brothers and sisters who are great examples of Christ’s love to our oh so desperate world.
But I also have a great deal of brothers and sisters who have bought into the lie that we are supposed to assimilate and become self seeking as those around us.

I’m sick and tired of sitting here staring at my facebook page pondering what to write to encourage others or make people think, only to erase all of it because I’m afraid of religious criticism and political incorrectness.
I myself have bought into this lie of “all about me”.
As if anything I could say would make any difference.
God’s the heart changer, I just do what He says to do.

I guess I want people to wake up. I want the sleepers to wake up. I want people to start reflecting Christ’s self less love so that others would not need to contemplate suicide or question if God was real. I want people so unashamedly God loving, that they would walk up to random people and tell them that they are valued and are loved.

I guess… It starts here. I guess it starts at the door of my heart.

I guess, it’s up to me to trust that God will use me, and I guess it’s up to me to step out in faith to love on people even to that extreme.

#operationloved

Elliott Thinks: Quick and Tailored Theology

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:56:08 -0700

Elliott Thinks: Quick and Tailored Theology:

elliottthinks:

We can’t be so eager to adopt a faith where we pick and choose what we want to believe about the Bible, nor can we accept an explanation for how God works simply because “it works for us” and suits our tastes.

If we believe the truths about God to be unchanging, then beliefs about God, no matter…

Shell Shocked

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:44:13 -0700

Worse than losing a battle, is losing a battle that you at first appeared to be winning.

I’m glad that I have people beside me to encourage me to get back up and to continue fighting.

What I can’t let happen is a paralysis to set in so that I am unable to move due to my fear of failure.

No more.

If death has lost its sting, then nothing else is capable of keeping me down.

Psychopaths and Relativity

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:56:47 -0700

I find it fascinating that we as humans try and describe things/conditions/behaviors that the Bible explains already. Yet apparently the Bible is too fanciful and thus we use pure “science” to try and explain it. We end up with circular reasoning that doesn’t make any sense.

For example.

A psychopath as I’m learning, has no concept of moral right and wrong.

The Bible would say that the person is possessed or God has hardened their heart or something

Yet we in our day and age come up with this idea that they have underdeveloped minds or something like that.

Why can wrong be so easily justified in our society? Why is morality so relative and skewed? Why do we create conditions for people that the Bible has a simple explanation for?

It’s pretty scary to think about.

But then again, if I didn’t have Jesus, I would be pretty confused too.

Less than a couple but more than single

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:59:37 -0700

This week has been pretty interesting. I got to hang out at home sweet home, rest, hang out with my family, and I got to hang out with friends.
The majority of the days I’ve been back, I’ve gotten to talk to and hang out with one of my best friends.

She’s quite the incredible woman of God. Quite frankly, she is definitely one of the Godliest women I have ever met.
Anywho, we always have these crazy “adventures” where we usually end up planning less and just going on spontaneous whims that make sense at the time.

At least this week, these spontaneous little outings have been defined by chilling at our God created beaches and talking.

Even though we are such good friends, we’ve never formally testimony swapped and so we decided that today would be a perfect day for sharing our testimonies with each other. It was quite the adventure.

If there is anything I fear more than sharing about my life, it’s sharing about it with someone who I am close to. With not so good friends, and people who kind of come in and out of your life, there isn’t so much of a fear of rejection as that which comes with someone close to you.

I definitely learned a lot about this woman today. Pretty crazy.
Amazes me, that through all the chaos and hurt that is her life, that she is able to put her faith and trust in Jesus above all others.
Kind of makes her that much more attractive in my eyes.

She actually said the title of this blog to describe what she thought our relationship was today, and I thought it was pretty accurate.
Even though we aren’t romantically involved with each other (officially), I’ve never felt so close to someone of the opposite gender before. It’s a combination of terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
Luckily we both are letting God work out the timing for whatever we are supposed to be in the future.

Excited to see where God leads this. It’s crazy how awesome it is to have a person to walk alongside you and God, all the while realizing that you are both growing and experiencing God’s goodness on so many levels.

Yeah. I’m hopelessly romantic.