Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13

Jesus loved in all the ways that Paul describes in I Corinthians 13. In other words love could simply be summarized as Jesus for Jesus is love. Though He had wisdom, knowledge (for He created the universe), power to perform miracles, and the might of a billion angels at his finger tips, Jesus chose to love even in times when his disciples expected it the least. In His life it was clear that love was the motivation, the inspiration, and the expression of everything He thought and did. Christ loved across the board – from the outcast to the CEO and governors. What a great challenge! To those who think it is impossible He gives the power of the Holy Spirit to teach and guide, mold and develop into loving beings with a mission and purpose to transform the world through Love.

Prayer

Father in heaven,

As I go through my day today give me your love and help me to pass it on to others. Not just to those that are easy for me to love but also those that may seem less lovable in human eyes. As I acquire knowledge and apply the principles I learn daily, teach me to do it in love. May love, the pure love that only comes from You be the motivation for my actions. Purify my heart and make my intentions and motives pure. In a world where little love is shown, many of your children never knowing what it is to be loved or to love, help me to be an agent of your love, an instrument of restoration, a messenger of hope. And as I grow from child to man, leaving the childish and embracing the great things you have to offer, make your love the water that renews and restores my soul. Please give me the transforming power that comes through Love.

If My People...

If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

It all starts with humility. I did not fully grasp the relationship between prayer and humility until I took a closer look at this verse. It is in humility that we recognize our frailty and come to the Lord for healing, guidance, and simply to worship him. It is in humility that we recognize our limitations and our need for someone greater that we are. In addition, God brings in another dimension to the believer’s experience; and turn away from their wicked ways. As a young Seventh-day Adventist I’ve had to struggle with the idea of faith, works, grace, law and their impact on our eternal destiny. Here God is saying “yes, I have forgiven you” but he adds, “leave the things that keep you enslaved to the world. Come and experience a fuller, more complete relationship with me. Let go of the things that entangle you.” Then I will hear from heaven; let’s commune, “let’s talk. I understand you and I am able and willing to forgive you.” God doesn’t just stop there. For most contemporary Christians, it would have been sufficient for God to end His statement there. However, He takes it to the next level. This gets really exciting! But sadly enough, this is where most of us fail to grasp the extent to which God wants to be involved in our lives…and will heal their land. What a promise! God is not only concerned out the state of our hearts (humility); He is not just interested in our devotion and worship (prayer). Yes, He wants to commune with us (seek my face) and forgive our sins, but just as important to Him is the healing of our land. God wants to restore broken relationships. He cares for the environment. He is pleased to see nature working in perfect harmony as He originally intended from the beginning of times. God is a promoter of social order and justice, peace and harmony across social and racial boundaries.

For most of us and especially for me it is easy to accept and even attempt to implement the idea of humility, prayer and devotion, communion with God, and accept the forgiveness of my sins and the healing of the land. The biggest struggle, however, is to turn away from my wicked ways. I often find myself questioning God’s involvement in my life. Like many believers I ask why my prayers are not answered and why the land is not healed. Looking at the world we live in today it is safe to assume believers across the globe are asking the same questions. I’m not a philosopher and I my best attempts at being a theologian failed. I cannot come up with a do-it-yourself kit for letting go of your wicked ways. For it is clear that God rewards those who are faithful to him and live a life that is in accordance with his precepts. In my moments of confusion and despair; when I feel like I’m way too tangled up to come out of my mess and be heard from heaven, I say a prayer and I invite you to say this prayer with me. “ Dear God, you have promised that if your people, who are called by your name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek your face, and turn away from their wicked ways; then you will hear from heaven and forgive their sin, and heal their land. Lord, come and heal my heart as you rain down your blessings on the land. Bring me into closer communion with you as I daily seek your face. Pull me out of the mess I created, from the sin that so easily entangles. I claim your promise that in my weakness I am strong through the blood of your son Jesus Christ. In His name.”

Broken Promises

So many broken promises. My heart is filled with doubt and my guilt ways me down. What seemed to be finally getting together has gradually disintegrated itself. I sit in the middle of this mess. The mess I created. I shrug my shoulders and say “that’s life” but deep inside I know it could be better. It doesn’t have to be this way. What do I do without You. My heart tells me to move on but my mind knows full well that it’s impossible without you. I’m tired and weak so I sit here and wait. Waiting for something better to happen, waiting for somebody to come and carry me away. This is my life – an endless moment of weakness. Strength only appears to be superficial. Is it just me or are they all part of this masquerade. Gravity holds me back. All I want to do is break away, be free indeed. The pieces are all over the floor – shattered in million pieces, all out of reach. I’m too weak to get up and yet I know that I must. It is the only way out of this cycle of self-destruction. I want to believe. To believe that it could be better. To believe that You are there. Break me into your will – the crucible that makes sense of all these fragments. I can’t make sense of it all. Calling out for peace I surrender my understanding. Shedding my doubt and my shame I reach out for faith, faith like a child. I’m waiting to feel your touch… I long for your healing touch. Your presence is my heart’s desire.

Back to Blogging

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I last posted anything on my blog. The school server didn't allow any traffic to blogger.com. Hmmm I wonder why... Anyway, though I wasn't able to post anything I still took the time to write some. I hope you can find insights from the entries.

Enjoy!