Chains of Sin

In both my class study and the sermon on Judges this Sunday, it was clear that sin's chains bind and lead to devastating downfalls. 

Tragically, in Judges 19, we see that the Benjamites in Gibeah had fallen to such depths of human depravity and sin that they did what the Canaanites in Sodom did in Genesis 19, right before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in judgment for their wickedness.   How had the people of God fallen so low; and why did it take such a shocking occurrence like the Levite sending cut-up pieces of his concubine to each of the twelve tribes of Israel for them to wake up, assemble before the Lord, and take action against sin?  This can serve as a warning for the Church today.

Similarly, the story of Samson is one of tragedy because of sin.  He never dealt with his problems; and his collapse was due to a slow leak, not a blowout.  My pastor gave five principles for breaking the chains of sin, and, as in Samson's case, particularly that of sexual temptation:

• Flee lusts (1 Corinth 6:18-20)
• Fix our thoughts on obeying Christ (2 Corinth 10:5)
• Face temptation with personal accountability (James 5:16)
• Fortify your life by memorizing the Word of God (Psalm 119:9,11)
• Forsee disaster by learning from the failure of others (1 Corinth 10:11)

Praise God that the "blood of Christ is infinitely more cleansing than sin is defiling".

Beauty For Ashes and Ruth Series

For some time, I've been thinking about a topical study around my theme or area of focus this year - "Beauty for Ashes".  So, after prayer and initial preparations for the next Bible Study series, I have found passages that relate to various areas tied in with the theme, based on the Isaiah 61 passage (e.g. "mourning into dancing", "death to life", "healing", "darkness into light", etc). Through this series, may the lessons highlight the HOPE that Christians have, that in the midst of utter devastation and ruins (like ashes), God is able to raise beauty.

Between Labor Day and Christmas, aside from holiday breaks, there are fourteen Sundays.  The "Beauty for Ashes" series would only cover ten weeks; so, most likely, the Book of Ruth, which has four chapters, will cover the other four weeks.  Ruth would be a good choice, since it occurs in the time of Judges, and we now have the context of the background and time period.  In line with "God Delivers" as the title for the Judges series, "God Redeems" would be a good title for the Ruth series.  Also, it leads nicely in the "Beauty for Ashes" theme, for in the midst of the darkness of the nation of Israel's disobedience, the story of Ruth is a beautiful example of hope.

Light

Evening chapel service at EV Free last night was a time to honor Howie Stevenson and to remember Marilyn.  It was also nice to have the privilege to hear my friend beautifully play the Lord's Prayer on the violin at the close of the service.

But, whenever I go back to EV Free, I am often reminded of how "invisible" I feel.  Since it is such a large church, it is easy to get lost in the crowd; and I am not one of those people who stand out.  Having been part of the church and involved in various areas for over twelve years previously, and having only been gone for the last five, it was a little sad to see that most people, ranging from previous acquaintances, choir directors and fellow choir members, to pastors, did not remember me. 

But, this leads me back to a realization and goal I made, which is to live my life purposefully.   As long as what I do points others to God, then it does not really matter that they don't see me.  It reminds me of the verse in Matthew 5:16  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Global Warming

I attended a lecture this weekend on Global Warming by RTB scholar Dr Jeff Zweerink.  He had a good approach to addressing the topic during discussions, suggesting that we avoid getting into a political debate, but rather focusing on a more Worldview perspective.

He presented a good overview, and generally covered areas like climatic contributors (oceans, atmospheric, solar), the Greenhouse effect (e.g. Carbon Dioxide affecting the transparency of the atmosphere to retain thermal radiation), and the issue behind the current discussions:  "What is the effect of humans?"

However, since most data collected has really been done in more recent years, possibly the last 100 years, and the rest of the data are gathered from various models and methods; we really do not have enough information at this time yet to accurately predict any trends or expectations of what will happen, nor whether or not the effects do pose an alarming environmental threat.  More research and analysis needs to be done before we can get to the point where we can gain a better understanding.

So, a more useful approach might be to evaluate what can be done in the near-term given the limited information that we do have.   We can say that it is clear that 1) the globe is warming (e.g. the "Hockey Stick" graph of the rise in average temparatures over time since the 1800s Industrial Revolution) and that 2) humans are involved.  And we also know that the Earth is amazingly designed and created with perfect balance in all areas (astronomical, geophysical, atmospheric, and biological).   We can each individually do our part in the areas we can (e.g. reducing our carbon footprint); but, while we are given the command to properly care for Creation, we also need to avoid ending up worshipping Creation.  The best solutions will be ones that will benefit both Humanity as well as Creation.

Internet Service

It was time for me to update my Internet Service, because I've had the same DSL service for many years; and ISPs have made many new and enhanced features since I first signed up.  I decided against going with a cable company because I didn't want to pay extra for the cable TV service (at this time, at least).   For the same reason of not wanting to pay extra, I decided not to go with FiOS.   So, I opted for a relatively minor change.   I stayed with my current ISP; but, chose a new bundle plan that doubled my DSL speed and gave me new phone features.  After some chats and discussions and being told that the advertised free wireless router was for new customers only, one is supposedly being shipped to me now.  It remains to be seen whether I made the right decision in terms of wisdom and good stewardship; since, this locks me in for another year.   However, I think that this has lowered the cost from my existing service; added the upgraded speed, and should have include wireless.  I'll see how it goes and decide next year whether I would need to make another change.

Friendship

Over the last week and a half, I've had a chance to get together individually with three of my closest friends.  Maybe God just knew how much my "tanks" needed to be filled.  It really has been a blessing to encourage and be encouraged through fellowship with godly sisters in Christ.

Yesterday, we went to Bangkok Thai in Long Beach to celebrate my friend's birthday.  We had Pad Thai and a glass noodle dish (with cabbage, carrots, shrimp, seasoned with what tasted like Oyster sauce).   The food was good; and the hole-in-the-wall restaurant was neat and clean.

What I appreciate most about this friend is how comfortable we are able to be with one another.  We know that we can be ourselves, that we can show each other our real selves and know that we are loved and accepted.  She is like a sister to me; and we even seem to go through similar experiences and interactions with our respective family relationships.  She also brought back a sewn cloth bag from Japan - another special gift from a foreign country.

Psalm 51

King David said it better in Psalm 51 than I ever could:
Have mercy on me, O God,
       according to your unfailing love;
       according to your great compassion
       blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
       and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
       and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
       and done what is evil in your sight,
       so that you are proved right when you speak
       and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
       sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
       you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
       wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
       let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
       and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
       and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
       or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
       and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
       and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
       the God who saves me,
       and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
       and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
       you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
       a broken and contrite heart,
       O God, you will not despise.
In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
       build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
       whole burnt offerings to delight you;
       then bulls will be offered on your altar.

This was the prayer of my heart this weekend, as it was made clear to me that I needed to be Holy as He is Holy.  All the studies on Samson, showing the need to avoid temptation, to be committed to consecration to God, and to allow God to use us, were clearly applicable.

May He forgive me of my sins; and renew a right spirit within me.  Amen.