"...I can't keep my HOLY SPIRIT all BOTTLED UP INSIDE..."
The video I included in my link is the lesser of *3*... well not "evils"... but I think a lot of you people who read my blog but aren't willing to admit it might be offended by the other *2* I could have put up there....I have a confession to make, I "took" these next three lines off something a friend posted on the 11th of a different month this year...
1) I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, No. He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation; it isn't granted, it is earned.
2) I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, No. He said He gives blessings; happiness is up to me.
3) I asked God to spare me pain, and God said, No. He said,"suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."
If you're looking for some "scripture"... I did a paper on the Book of James in my summer course on New Testament theology, it can be a good starting point for the ABOVE...
The rest of you obviously can't handle reading my blog so if honestly nobody hacked my account, perhaps Jesus took those entries away for your own good rather than mine. I'm not "losing my marbles"... Somebody else, if not God really did take those entries off my blog instead of me... And that being said, I understand some of you want other entries to be removed less divinely perhaps... well that you will have to talk to me and specify which ones about since God didn't do it... You might even want to say that...
Jesus "...can't handle it..."
Until He tells me you're ready to read this blog/Godcast again,
Bye for now.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
PJ's prophecy...
i-Logos: *NOT THE ONLY* PJ! :)
The word "prophecy" is often misunderstood in post-modern, "western-theology" circles due to the fact that it is not comprehensively translated in our modern English dictionaries:
proph⋅e⋅cy /ˈprɒfəsi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [prof-uh-see]
–noun, plural -cies. 1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.
2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
3. a divinely inspired utterance or revelation: oracular prophecies.
4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.
[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prophecy]
Ok, I stand corrected, if you look at definition #2 (albeit probably not the first one people think of when the word is heard), we do see that the secular dictionary does touch a bit upon the original intended spiritual meaning. Let's dig into some "scripture" shall we:
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
[1 Corinthians 12:7-11] Seven-eleven? "God's mouth never closes" :)
29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts.
[1 Corinthians 12:29-31] To some degree, depending on your interpretation/understanding of the passage, I would answer that YES... all are apostles, prophets and teachers to some point, it's all about as my prof put it the other day "spiritual discernment" there's that word again :) which like the concept in Hebrews 5, we need to sift out what God is saying to us despite whether the person talking is non-Christian (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:26) to even a Christian with their doctorate in theology.
Leads me to my other point, I hate to break it to you, but for most people, we shouldn't see seminary as something that necessary makes a person "more spiritual", it is what it is, a potential environment for encountering and experiencing God and also a good place for equipping one for ministry. But my personal opinion is that it doesn't actually make someone somehow be "more spiritual" because seminary cannot forcefully-impart or coerce the gift of Jesus and the holy spirit (John 16, Acts 1-2) upon us. Where I'm going with this is we all are capable of serving God and fulfilling his Matthew 28 calling, it is just like my prof would put it "a matter of foregrounding."
To make a long story short, our lesson of prophecy (perhaps I'll post it on my GREEN one later) came to an interesting new lesson for me. Apparently, prophecy is primary "forth-telling". Basically the prophets in the bible "tell it like it is" based on what God inspired them to say, but most prophecy from God has an integrated element of "fore-telling" (like prediction) in it as well. Hence, why even though PJ may not be able to "remember what I said"... I will quote some of his "prophecies here"...hehehehe, he shouldn't mind... I hope.... afterall most of these he made (semi) "public" anyhow (I may not remember word for word so there might be a bit of 'spiritual revision'):
"Got in the wrong car at the wrong time... we nearly all died, but God saved my life and theirs...As a Christian now, I can't understand why guys are so concerned they have no girlfriend... I'm 24 and still single and it DOESN'T BOTHER ME..."
PK (inspired, wish I could be like that too): "I wanna be like i-KE..."
LOL be careful what you wish for I suppose, that spin out on the highway wasn't exactly "fun"...
"They say there are two events in a person's life worth commemorating, your baptism and engagement. (PK: yada yada... that day he talks only about those two topics LOL, is this what they call "bridle college"? :P)"
"You have to understand... I can understand even in the secular world, my co-workers are always debating when to propose or 'pop the question'...But do understand it can be taken to the other extreme as well (PK: LOL I don't see a problem with taking it to God's extreme though)...Like not everything we say in class (PK: Are you sure about that? "Office of Prophecy" lesson in class ;) necessary is meant to be taken literally, you know like CRUNCH TIME or stuff that happens on the softball field, bottom of the ninth (or in Christian leagues, 7th), bases loaded...You know, like maybe you study at *seminary*... God's not going to part the clouds to show you when to propose man..."
i-JAMES5: "What's this? I don't get it..."
"Marriage counseling..." (hehe, I think I experienced the fulfillment of this in some ways the other day too, for those of you praying, "never give up" praying especially for both myself and you, I only ask what I am doing for you as well :)
One thing I do want to point out in all of this, is that I do not consider myself a person who needs "confirmation" from any "prophet" if there is something I am already clear that God has already spoken onto my heart via the holy spirit (John 16, Romans 8) But like Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14, notice the placement of this passage ;) "I thank God that I (perhaps in my case) speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." Perhaps mentioning things like this is good for the edification of the church or body of Christ so even if it's for that reason only, His God's cast I will update...
I'm now going to quote a few lines I found "prophetic" to me from my last class as those who have been following my blog will know that it perhaps has significant meaning to my present context over the last half year or so (since we are a seminary class and it came up during our already overtime "discussion" my prof did not quote all the relevant passages here but I have included them for the sake of my readers):
Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1-3) has NO EXCUSE (no written excuse not to prophesy), so he *bottles up all his emotions inside*, including fear.... that is why God have to give him the scroll to EAT (like a disease? :P)
Isaiah (Isaiah 6) is sent on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE... same as Hosea (Hosea 1) “GO AND TAKE A HARLOT AS YOUR WIFE... COULD *YOU* SWALLOW THAT?” (ok in my case the harlot is probably more figurative/"metaphorical" [TWONG CD TEAM], let's get that part clear :)
Filled with your glory
-----------------------
In my heart, in my heart, there's a fire burning
A passion deep within my soul
Not slowing down, not growing cold
An unquenchable flame that keeps burning brighter
A love that's blazing like the sun
For who You are and what You've done
And as the fire is raging on
So Your praise becomes my song
The whole earth
Is filled with Your glory, Lord
Angels and men adore
Creation longs for what's in store
(Mountains bow and oceans roar)
May You be
Honored and glorified
Exalted and lifted high
Here at Your feet I lay my life
From the ends of the earth
To the heights of Heaven
Your glory, Lord, is far and wide
Through history You reign on high
From the depths of the sea
To the mountain's summit
Your power, Lord, it knows no bounds
A higher love cannot be found
So let the universe proclaim
Your great power and Your great name
[http://www.lyricstime.com/starfield-filled-with-your-glory-lyrics.html]
5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. [2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (New International Version)]
The word "prophecy" is often misunderstood in post-modern, "western-theology" circles due to the fact that it is not comprehensively translated in our modern English dictionaries:
proph⋅e⋅cy /ˈprɒfəsi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [prof-uh-see]
–noun, plural -cies. 1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.
2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
3. a divinely inspired utterance or revelation: oracular prophecies.
4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.
[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prophecy]
Ok, I stand corrected, if you look at definition #2 (albeit probably not the first one people think of when the word is heard), we do see that the secular dictionary does touch a bit upon the original intended spiritual meaning. Let's dig into some "scripture" shall we:
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
[1 Corinthians 12:7-11] Seven-eleven? "God's mouth never closes" :)
29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts.
[1 Corinthians 12:29-31] To some degree, depending on your interpretation/understanding of the passage, I would answer that YES... all are apostles, prophets and teachers to some point, it's all about as my prof put it the other day "spiritual discernment" there's that word again :) which like the concept in Hebrews 5, we need to sift out what God is saying to us despite whether the person talking is non-Christian (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:26) to even a Christian with their doctorate in theology.
Leads me to my other point, I hate to break it to you, but for most people, we shouldn't see seminary as something that necessary makes a person "more spiritual", it is what it is, a potential environment for encountering and experiencing God and also a good place for equipping one for ministry. But my personal opinion is that it doesn't actually make someone somehow be "more spiritual" because seminary cannot forcefully-impart or coerce the gift of Jesus and the holy spirit (John 16, Acts 1-2) upon us. Where I'm going with this is we all are capable of serving God and fulfilling his Matthew 28 calling, it is just like my prof would put it "a matter of foregrounding."
To make a long story short, our lesson of prophecy (perhaps I'll post it on my GREEN one later) came to an interesting new lesson for me. Apparently, prophecy is primary "forth-telling". Basically the prophets in the bible "tell it like it is" based on what God inspired them to say, but most prophecy from God has an integrated element of "fore-telling" (like prediction) in it as well. Hence, why even though PJ may not be able to "remember what I said"... I will quote some of his "prophecies here"...hehehehe, he shouldn't mind... I hope.... afterall most of these he made (semi) "public" anyhow (I may not remember word for word so there might be a bit of 'spiritual revision'):
"Got in the wrong car at the wrong time... we nearly all died, but God saved my life and theirs...As a Christian now, I can't understand why guys are so concerned they have no girlfriend... I'm 24 and still single and it DOESN'T BOTHER ME..."
PK (inspired, wish I could be like that too): "I wanna be like i-KE..."
LOL be careful what you wish for I suppose, that spin out on the highway wasn't exactly "fun"...
"They say there are two events in a person's life worth commemorating, your baptism and engagement. (PK: yada yada... that day he talks only about those two topics LOL, is this what they call "bridle college"? :P)"
"You have to understand... I can understand even in the secular world, my co-workers are always debating when to propose or 'pop the question'...But do understand it can be taken to the other extreme as well (PK: LOL I don't see a problem with taking it to God's extreme though)...Like not everything we say in class (PK: Are you sure about that? "Office of Prophecy" lesson in class ;) necessary is meant to be taken literally, you know like CRUNCH TIME or stuff that happens on the softball field, bottom of the ninth (or in Christian leagues, 7th), bases loaded...You know, like maybe you study at *seminary*... God's not going to part the clouds to show you when to propose man..."
i-JAMES5: "What's this? I don't get it..."
"Marriage counseling..." (hehe, I think I experienced the fulfillment of this in some ways the other day too, for those of you praying, "never give up" praying especially for both myself and you, I only ask what I am doing for you as well :)
One thing I do want to point out in all of this, is that I do not consider myself a person who needs "confirmation" from any "prophet" if there is something I am already clear that God has already spoken onto my heart via the holy spirit (John 16, Romans 8) But like Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14, notice the placement of this passage ;) "I thank God that I (perhaps in my case) speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." Perhaps mentioning things like this is good for the edification of the church or body of Christ so even if it's for that reason only, His God's cast I will update...
I'm now going to quote a few lines I found "prophetic" to me from my last class as those who have been following my blog will know that it perhaps has significant meaning to my present context over the last half year or so (since we are a seminary class and it came up during our already overtime "discussion" my prof did not quote all the relevant passages here but I have included them for the sake of my readers):
Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1-3) has NO EXCUSE (no written excuse not to prophesy), so he *bottles up all his emotions inside*, including fear.... that is why God have to give him the scroll to EAT (like a disease? :P)
Isaiah (Isaiah 6) is sent on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE... same as Hosea (Hosea 1) “GO AND TAKE A HARLOT AS YOUR WIFE... COULD *YOU* SWALLOW THAT?” (ok in my case the harlot is probably more figurative/"metaphorical" [TWONG CD TEAM], let's get that part clear :)
Filled with your glory
-----------------------
In my heart, in my heart, there's a fire burning
A passion deep within my soul
Not slowing down, not growing cold
An unquenchable flame that keeps burning brighter
A love that's blazing like the sun
For who You are and what You've done
And as the fire is raging on
So Your praise becomes my song
The whole earth
Is filled with Your glory, Lord
Angels and men adore
Creation longs for what's in store
(Mountains bow and oceans roar)
May You be
Honored and glorified
Exalted and lifted high
Here at Your feet I lay my life
From the ends of the earth
To the heights of Heaven
Your glory, Lord, is far and wide
Through history You reign on high
From the depths of the sea
To the mountain's summit
Your power, Lord, it knows no bounds
A higher love cannot be found
So let the universe proclaim
Your great power and Your great name
[http://www.lyricstime.com/starfield-filled-with-your-glory-lyrics.html]
5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. [2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (New International Version)]
Monday, November 09, 2009
(8) I'm gonna praise YOU like I should.... (8) Apostles *3* years ago...
i-*3* words from Jesus: Isaiah 11:*2*, Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 40:31
i-KEV: "Oh YES Jesus, once again, you said it even better than I ever could have said it myself..."
i-Evangelism: "Did you know that I am an Apostle too?"
Matthew 26:36-46...
PRAY FOR ME FIRST... "I PROMISE YOU...THE UPD_ _ _ IS COMING"! :D
i-KEV: "Oh YES Jesus, once again, you said it even better than I ever could have said it myself..."
i-Evangelism: "Did you know that I am an Apostle too?"
Matthew 26:36-46...
PRAY FOR ME FIRST... "I PROMISE YOU...THE UPD_ _ _ IS COMING"! :D
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
"The LORD your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle..."
"...must cross over ahead of your brother Israelites." [Today's "the 5th of November", Deuteronomy 3:18]
"Bring the rain..." [Transformers]
"Bring *HIS* reign..." [Christians]
Whether Christ's blood "is *magic* (and I use this term loosely as in some ways it is) or not... it has brought us together... and together we can take back what is...Psalm 24:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:23-26" [if you clicked the link, Hebrews 9:11-28]
(For all proceeding quotes of Scripture in this entry I will post excerpts for space reasons and put the full passage that denotes the context in the reference key)
i-DING-A-DONG: "We need to tap into the spiritual resources..."
Omnipotent being #1: "All this will happen whether we were here or not... we are not responsible..."
Omnipotent being #2: "Maybe we should be..."
Omnipotent being: "I'm an Archanian, a non-physical lifeform... Trip is my host..."
Captain: "You knew about this disease and you did NOTHING to warn us...?"
Captain: "Maybe you evolved beyond physical beings and developed abilities we cannot comprehend... but you lost compassion... empathy... I don't want any part of it..."
Captain: "You want to know what it means to be human... you need to do MORE THAN observe..."
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_Effect]
5 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 6 But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. 7 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 8 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness." [2 Chronicles 9:3-12]
Is there perhaps some instances where you were also the "TEAM CAPTAIN sitting on the bleachers"? As the other saying goes "life is not a spectator sport"... I'm sure we all have some point in our lives where we regretted not acting when we had the chance. And even if we don't, there's always this blog, there's always also:
"While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others." [Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life, page 292]
How many of us truly realize that when we made the decision to accept Christ, we have already "tap(ped) into the spiritual resources..."? Whether it be something (seemingly non-divine) we are having peace through a difficult situation [2 Corinthians 1:3-5] or as I have heard stories from around the world of actual exorcists, resurrections, angels, etc..., experiencing God in more remarkable ways [Deuteronomy 7:17-24]. Almost makes some things in my quest seem trivial, do not underestimate the power of the holy spirit! [John 16]
i-TL^2: "Even in the midst of darkness, there will always be light...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY9b6jgbNyc&feature=fvw [John 1:1-14, Urbana 2009]
i-JANET: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdBym7kv2IM Is it so hard to share in God's love?
i-VOYAGER: "If the price of expressing myself is having to suffer the scorn of a few colleages, so be it..." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Author,_Author_(Star_Trek:_Voyager)]
"The absence of conflict doesn't equal good communication..." [Joshua Harris]
How many of us are faced with "being afraid" of not doing something we ought to? Be it simply talking to someone you may really not want to talk to, like those Rick Warren calls "Extra Grace People" (EGPs) or afraid to tell your neighbour about Jesus? Sometimes we allow fear to consume us from doing the right thing, including shying away from but do not fail to see that is part of Satan's plan all along (2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 3:13-15, Romans 1:15-17).
Source of strength: Psalm 23
Well NOT AGAIN... Please join me in Michael Jackson's dying wish, "to bring love to this world..." (1 Corinthians 13:12-13) Click on the link this blog is associated with and help liberate this planet from spiritual blindness (Luke 7:22-23, John 9:39-41)...
OPPS... I just realized that "Robin" didn't draw that artwork on one of my posts... Although she did post it on her Facebook and AJ told me she always has a way of expressing God through her posts... I guess Jesus is the one singing (8) nah nah nah nah nah.... Sidekick...(8) [TWIN Kevin]
"Bring the rain..." [Transformers]
"Bring *HIS* reign..." [Christians]
Whether Christ's blood "is *magic* (and I use this term loosely as in some ways it is) or not... it has brought us together... and together we can take back what is...Psalm 24:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:23-26" [if you clicked the link, Hebrews 9:11-28]
(For all proceeding quotes of Scripture in this entry I will post excerpts for space reasons and put the full passage that denotes the context in the reference key)
i-DING-A-DONG: "We need to tap into the spiritual resources..."
Omnipotent being #1: "All this will happen whether we were here or not... we are not responsible..."
Omnipotent being #2: "Maybe we should be..."
Omnipotent being: "I'm an Archanian, a non-physical lifeform... Trip is my host..."
Captain: "You knew about this disease and you did NOTHING to warn us...?"
Captain: "Maybe you evolved beyond physical beings and developed abilities we cannot comprehend... but you lost compassion... empathy... I don't want any part of it..."
Captain: "You want to know what it means to be human... you need to do MORE THAN observe..."
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_Effect]
5 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 6 But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. 7 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 8 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness." [2 Chronicles 9:3-12]
Is there perhaps some instances where you were also the "TEAM CAPTAIN sitting on the bleachers"? As the other saying goes "life is not a spectator sport"... I'm sure we all have some point in our lives where we regretted not acting when we had the chance. And even if we don't, there's always this blog, there's always also:
"While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others." [Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life, page 292]
How many of us truly realize that when we made the decision to accept Christ, we have already "tap(ped) into the spiritual resources..."? Whether it be something (seemingly non-divine) we are having peace through a difficult situation [2 Corinthians 1:3-5] or as I have heard stories from around the world of actual exorcists, resurrections, angels, etc..., experiencing God in more remarkable ways [Deuteronomy 7:17-24]. Almost makes some things in my quest seem trivial, do not underestimate the power of the holy spirit! [John 16]
i-TL^2: "Even in the midst of darkness, there will always be light...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY9b6jgbNyc&feature=fvw [John 1:1-14, Urbana 2009]
i-JANET: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdBym7kv2IM Is it so hard to share in God's love?
i-VOYAGER: "If the price of expressing myself is having to suffer the scorn of a few colleages, so be it..." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Author,_Author_(Star_Trek:_Voyager)]
"The absence of conflict doesn't equal good communication..." [Joshua Harris]
How many of us are faced with "being afraid" of not doing something we ought to? Be it simply talking to someone you may really not want to talk to, like those Rick Warren calls "Extra Grace People" (EGPs) or afraid to tell your neighbour about Jesus? Sometimes we allow fear to consume us from doing the right thing, including shying away from but do not fail to see that is part of Satan's plan all along (2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 3:13-15, Romans 1:15-17).
Source of strength: Psalm 23
Well NOT AGAIN... Please join me in Michael Jackson's dying wish, "to bring love to this world..." (1 Corinthians 13:12-13) Click on the link this blog is associated with and help liberate this planet from spiritual blindness (Luke 7:22-23, John 9:39-41)...
OPPS... I just realized that "Robin" didn't draw that artwork on one of my posts... Although she did post it on her Facebook and AJ told me she always has a way of expressing God through her posts... I guess Jesus is the one singing (8) nah nah nah nah nah.... Sidekick...(8) [TWIN Kevin]
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...the next generation
Not sure who invented it, but presently, it has been a number of years ago now that I have heard someone express that "a generation is ...
