Getting the hang of it

I will be working on a new blog. There will be a center focus on theology and God. More importantly, the shaping of my beliefs and how I came about them.

This seems like a good idea since I am now with a group of guys at church where we are being challenged to think about what we believe and why we believe what we believe.

Things may seem very slow at first, but I do believe that this will help me in trying to figure out my point.

If I can figure out how to work everything, I will be integrating my blog through mobileme. I'm not sure if that will require a new account, but once it is up, I'll be sure to let you know.

Until that first post...

Grace

I was reminded today during a brief quiet time that what is provided to me, is provided out of grace. Everything from as small as the phone I hold to the air I breathe has been provided not because I deserve those things, but because I have a God who cares enough to provide the essential (air, clothes, food, shelter) and non-essential (phone, computer, wireless internet).

This lesson is a reminder to myself to not expect these things.

Do I intend to demand action when I get to Heaven?

Would I say "God, be sure that the steak you provide is medium-rare with mashed potatoes like my momma used to make them?" (very unrealistic thought, but work with me)

That would be taking granted everything that our Creator has provided through His grace.

Now I need to readjust my thought pattern to say "Thank you God for everything You do for me" instead of "Why couldn't I have gotten the new 60" instead of the lousy 46" flatscreen?"

A little plea

I thought I would give something kinda crazy a try. I have been in almost desperate need of a new computer. My old Sony Vaio desktop is on its last limb and that makes it very frustrating when trying to do some work on the machine. My wife can even second this, but just turning on, it can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to half an hour.
Remember, that is just turning it on. When trying to update the iphone was like asking for suicide. So, I have used my computer vary sparingly with the hopes and dreams of getting a new one.
That is when I came across a legit site offering free laptops, game systems, and ipod touchs just for participation and referrals.
So the reason I am letting the public know, is so that maybe you can help me with this. Maybe not yourself, but a friend or family member. Check out the site, give it a search on google, and come to your own conclusions of what you think.
Click here for the site.
Let me know what you think. Much appreciated.

Not as surprising as...

I recently had to write a short little article for my creation class and thought I would share it with the rest of the world. I am open to criticism. I actually would prefer it so that I may work on my delivery method. I also added a little more to this one as I was limited in my class. Enjoy!

Is it surprising that scientific evidence supports a young earth perspective?

Is is surprising that there are scientist that believe in a literal Genesis?

I do not believe it to be surprising that scientific evidence supports a young earth perspective. I say this in believing the passage from Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” I believe the truth of the Word to come out in any shape or form, be it preacher or scientist or layperson or so on. Thankfully, we do have a population of scientists who are God fearing and knowledgeable of His Word and take heed to 1 Thess 5:21 to “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

I am not surprised that evidence supports a young earth perspective because I first believe on the Bible. Knowing that the Holy Bible provides a history of our ancestry helps in confirming that the evidence can be found to prove the age of the earth.

I find that if a person, scientist or not, first gets past the argument of “Does God exist?” then goes into a further study of the beginning, they will see that all evidence (and I mean ALL evidence) will lead to a young earth view. The problem with a lot of the secular scientists who believe in evolution is that they are waging in a spiritual battle right now that they cannot win. They try to take God out of the picture while accounting for everything He did.

We can think of a math problem such as x+2=4. We know something goes in the x. There has to be a number that completes the problem.

Well, the same would have to apply to the beginning of time. The problem simply can't be 2=4, just as life today could not be explosion=earth.

When we get over our struggle and rightfully place God where He is supposed to be, then we have a completed equation of 2+2=4, or God+creation=earth and every living thing He created.

Sadly, I am more surprised to see secular scientist stumbling over their fallacies and the majority people believing it without ever testing it. Now that is surprising.

Wheres the noise?

HEY!

Stop, listen.

What do you hear?

There is something, some noise, happening all around us. Whether it be cars, planes, the radio, or some old men arguing about politics and shaving cream down the block.

No matter what, we can not get away from NOISE!

I think about this because I just watched the NOOMA video called NOISE.

This isn't the first time watching it. I watch it about every 5 or 6 months. Each time, I look back and think about all the missed opportunities I had to make a connection with God and really listen to what He is trying to tell me.

Better than that though, I look back, and see how my schedule is filled with
busyness
school work
planning for plans
etc.

It never stops. The noise continues to pollute my ears as if I had stuck my head under a sewage pipe and allowed the junk to run over me on full blast.

Then, I come back to this video. It's not the Word of God. There is nothing magical about it.
However...
It points me back to where I should be looking. Where I can get my silence. Where I can find my answers.
Where I can HEAR from GOD.
In Psalm 4:4, David writes that we are to "Meditate in your heart..., and be STILL" (emphasis mine).

Also, in Psalm 62:5, it is written "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence."(emphasis mine)

And another reference. In Habakkuk 2:20, the prophet writes "But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep SILENCE before him." (emphasis mine)

When we have our time with God, lets turn off the distractions, the noise, and lets take time out to see what God is really wanting to say to us.

Maybe there has been something He has been trying to tell you for years, but there has been so much noise that it has drowned Him out.

What's your take?
Opinion?
Let me hear your voice.
Peace&love

Lets Get it Started

I get pumped up very easily. I get emotionally involved to the point where I am crying or screaming. What is this all pertaining to?
Why of course, sports!
I can be watching two teams that I could care less about or even know who they were. However, I am so pumped up about the game, I am cheering for the team that I think will be the win and getting mad when they make mistakes or screw up.
I go crazy when they score some points and jump up and down when it is coming down to the wire.
This is the confession of a crazed fan.

But, why do I get so pumped up and out of control over something that is testing the leadership, team work, or athletic ability of someone while at the same time dosing off when it comes to talking about my Creator?

Shouldn't I (more like we, I know there are more of you out there) really be focusing this energy to the One that really matters?

It is good to have some fun, root for your favorite team, and even be competitive. But when we focus our energy on a sport, or band, or tv show, more often than God, would this be considered a form of idolatry?

Let me know what you think.
Would love to get some input and scriptural reference...

as always,
Peace&love