The Circle

Worth It All- Disciple

2006-06-16T18:27:00.000-05:00

It’s worth it all
If I can just see You, feel You
It’s worth it all
If there’s just one that sees You, feels You
I know it will be worth it all

All the time it’s taken
To be here in this place
The scars have left their mark
But I’m still running

Forgetting what is behind
I’m moving straight ahead
And I will run with a passion ‘till I reach the end
I won’t let my eyes move left to right
I’ll run with all my heart, I’ll give it all I got

It’s worth it all
If I can just see You, feel You
It’s worth it all
If there’s just one that sees You, feels You
I know it will be worth it all

Remembering all those voices
Arrows that cut me down
There’s something burning in me
That keeps me runningI know it will be worth it all

-Disciple

Those lyrics are what I feel right now. To live for Christ is gain. And it's all worth it to reach souls of people. How I pray I can fulfill my calling and the purpose God has set out before me.

Don't Put God In a Box..."What's in a Christianism?"

2006-02-20T21:12:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I should be studying right now but I can't...not while this thought is fresh in my mind...I'll study after I get this out.

This post is purely based on my thinking, I have not looked into whether there is Biblical basis to back up what I am about to say or not...also, I'm writing at Christians or people who have heard Christianisms spoken...I hope you still are open minded when you read this which ironically in part it may seem as if I attack the very sentiment...

Have you ever heard someone say that "You better be careful not to put God in a box?" Probably have...and let me be one (though I know I'm not the only one...Pastor Mullet Man said this before me) to say "You really think you're tough enough to put God in a box?!" HAHAHA Forgive me for laughing at this Christianism but it's ridiculous...we are the ones in the boxes. We build nice safe little walls...God cannot dwell in the boxes that we make so we crawl inside them while He rides the clouds as His chariot. His white hair blowing in the wind, His eyes blazing with fire, His lips spread in a slow smile, and an infectious laugh bellowing from His spirit as He dwells outside the box...I've heard a sermon spoken on this Christianism three times and each time the pastor has warned against being so proud as to think that we can put God in a box. I'm not gonna preach on this danger...I'm not even gonna tell you a sermon on getting out of the box.

What I am going to say is something that I fear the idea that we might end up accidentally putting God in a box if we remain too firm on any given interpretation of scripture may end up doing to us. I worry that if we try too hard not to put God in a box that we might leave ourselves opened up for deception. Look, yes, by sticking too firm to an interpretation that you have on a scripture may be a tad close-minded and I'm not saying close your minds entirely (actually I haven't much said anything yet have I?) but this is what I'm saying... Know what you believe...take a firm stand for what you believe....and know why you are standing there. YES people will think you're nuts, some will be Christians, some won't...but at least you will have a belief...a starting point if you will...don't just pick a scripture, read it and then decide that BAM "this is how I see it...this is how it will be...no one can tell me otherwise" that's not very wise...but if you truly seek to know God and you truly search for truth in the scriptures then Pray first, pray for a sound mind, pray for understanding and solid interpretation of what you read, then...Read. Read the scriptures. When you think you've understood something...look to a Christian that you know to be solid in the word....often times, this would most likely be your pastor though it may not always be...and then test what he or she says against the scriptures and see if that makes sense...then stick with that until God sends you proof contrary to it. If it never comes then keep going, learn more, continue to pray for truth and solid interpretation and read and check and double check and pray some more. But I URGE you...But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect1 Peter 3:15 Basically I urge you to have a solid belief and to treat people with gentleness and respect when sharing that belief...if that belief be proven by scripture to be wrong...then be corrected and stand firm on the belief that you have as a result of that correction. In all cases...do not sit on the fence...make a stand on something or you'll fall for anything.

God Bless

A Case of 6 Days?

2006-02-19T22:59:00.000-06:00

Edit: I realize that not everyone will agree with me on these things, and that doesn't bother me, I don't expect that we ever will fully come to a 100% consensus on what happened at the beginning of the creation of Earth, even in Christian communities. I wish we all could but we won't. However something critical to every Christian is this...know what you believe and why you believe it commit to a firm belief that can only be shaken if God gives you proof otherwise....for my reasoning on saying this...stay tuned for my next blog.

Hey,
Thought the subject line really fit the topic. lol. Anyways, I'm not seeking to start a debate, I have no real interest in a debate, these are my thoughts and reasons behind the thoughts...the more I seek answers on this topic the more convinced I am of my position and I will not be swayed on it, (and don't think of it as ignorance or standard reaction of a christian, or creationist...I've actually put thought into this and considered both sides even talked to people I respect about them (and yes some were pastors who have creationistic views but you can't hold a bias because of that)) Ok, that being said...first off I want to state that I do think it matters...this is a personal assertion and I am not sure scripturally if there is a basis for it or not...however I do believe with all that I have in me that it matters whether the earth was created in 6 days or 45 million years even though neither option discredits a creator.

Now here are the things that have strengthened my opinion/faith on this issue....

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning -- the first day. Genesis 1:1-5

Ok so this first part, since we're talking about creation and the Bible is the account that we're really dealing with, this was my number one source to turn to. I've been praying a lot about this issue and this first section really began to stand out...look at what God did here...he created the constructs of time. It's not a metaphorical, poetical, similitical or any other allusion to light and dark...it's real, day-and-night-light-and-dark-time-to-get-up-time-to-sleep-time...The first thing that God did was create time...time that you and I understand...he didn't work outside of time and then when he was nearly done turn time on and finish things up in six days...he really created time...from there we see a strengthening of this assertion that time has just been created...He called the light day, and the darkness night...then we see a recurring trend of "and there was evening and there was morning"...These days that are mentioned are within the constricts of a day/night rotation of time. I believe that the rest of the Creation telling takes place with God working within those same constricts...in a sense it seems as if God steps into His creation and begins creating...working within time. I know that you're probably thinking that it was written in "poetic" form and as such metaphor is licensed to use, also the fact that it was told to the first man and retold and all that that God may have "told them in terms they would understand"....ok this is another thing that I had trouble with and as such have discussed it with my dad...our theory on this is that...it was told pre-fall...and first I'll show a verse before explaining why this verse:

19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. Genesis 2:19-20

Ok, so this theory of why God did not dumb it down into terminology that "adam" could understand is based loosely around this verse...and a fact...but ok...the theory is that pre-fall man had vast knowledge already at his fingertips, not to mention creativity and understanding, he was afterall constantly walking with God and learning and very intelligent...intelligent and creative enough that God brought every creature on earth to him to name...and he did! and to this day every name that adam came up with are surely attached to the animals...though we may have unknowingly called them these names who knows don't care....God said that the names he named them would be their names so I believe that all the names are accurate today...today we are aware that we use only a small portion of our brain, and of all human organs the brain still holds the most mystery... I believe that at the beginning before the fall, man used a much greater portion of their brains and I believe that God felt no need to dumb things down around a creation that He had made perfect....completely perfect, innocent and a little too trusting maybe in some case but perfect even in understanding complex concepts. So I believe that God did not "dumb" things down so that he could understand it. Once again...God said it we should believe it...my dad said that the first step to interpreting scripture is to read it literally first...unless it doesn't make ANY sense literally, unfortunately for evolutionists, in the constricts of language and writing, this portion of scripture makes perfect sense...and in faith...outside of the constricts of language...also makes sense.

Ok, so we also know that God is omniscient right, good, now...picture this...God is able to work within time on everything...lol...k, so God is carefully and masterfully creating a tree, maybe he pauses to sketch a little on his booklet before he starts working at it again, it's a maple tree he sees as he puts the finishing touches on the leaves in his sketch book, he then goes to work putting care into each cell, moving on to give the cells unity and shape, they turn into a root, the roots begin to change as the masters hands travel up the trunk of the tree carefully and diligently as he crafts the bark, that magnificent and protective bark, as he goes up he branches off and builds the first branch, likes it so he makes another and another, decides to make some buds, blows on a few and they open revealing the leaves, he's happy, he stands back and admires his work and notices that it is just turning dawn on the horizon...he worked through the day and night...whew that was quite the job, but it is good... now, you're thinking ok, I can see that, seems to fit God's character...but matt, it's one tree, there are a lot of trees....ok, but he's omniscienct right? SOOOOOOO picture that same picture happening a million times all at the same time....the same God is crafting and designing a million trees in the span of a day, with the same care and diligence that he took on one, and yet he's accomplished millions in the same span because he's God, he's able to work within time with care and patience, remaining true to his character and yet finish great things....

Next the vegetation thing that had me for a loop...you weren't wrong that not everything was created to full height...some were only planted in the created order...some, it was only a seedling that was created and nothing had yet sprung...but the garden, that was different, that was planted fully and full grown in my belief and interpretation...

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens- 5 and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth [b] and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth [c] and there was no man to work the ground, 6 but streams [d] came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground- 7 the LORD God formed the man [e] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. Genesis 2:1-9

Ok, so this really threw me for a loop...it almost made me switch right then...ALMOST, however, the fact that they hadn't yet grown did not mean that they weren't created...it was obviously wasreferredd to as "the sixth day" afterall...God's creating MAN! so how was this possible? How was it possible that plants hadn't sprung, yet man was being created...at first I saw that as plants hadn't been created which only pointed out how I had been looking at creation all this time...I'd been looking at every created thing as being full grown when created...when I realized this and re-read this verse I noticed that they had not sprouted but they were already created...and when God created adam food had to exist so God made all kinds of trees grow...in the garden...this isn't hard to believe is it? That possibly for a garden and a man whom God loved very much, he sped things up a bit? I don't think so, in fact, I think that since he had already put all the time and effort, patience and creativity into creating the plants in the first place...that it doesn't even put this outside of God's character to do such a thing...look at the tree withering immediately in the desert...:

19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.
20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."Matthew 21:19-22

Time sped up there, a tree does not under natural circumstances wither that fast (immediately)...AND it was Jesus (who we know is God) that "sped" up time...if Jesus is God and can do that and still hold true to the character of God then it's not out of the character of God to speed up time for a garden so that it's inhabitant(and later inhabitants) would have food to eat and shelter is it?

And lastly the star issue...I cannot answer why it is that we get light from stars that are "billions" of light-years away, even in the theory that the created earth was done in 45million years doesn't line up with the "BILLION light-years" theory, so I would say that possibly the math is wrong...but the creation of the stars is God's:

14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. Genesis 1:14-19

And in this case, I would see it as a mystery, possibly unsolved, possibly oneday solved, but for now...it's not, and now I regret to say, it's past my bed time and I have class in the morning so, farewell! Adieu! lol Have a good night and I hope this helps.
Matthew Clarke

How long has it been?

2006-02-09T19:06:00.000-06:00

I sit here listening to Kutless sing the words to a song called "Strong Tower". As I only half listen to the words and half concentrate on what it is that I want to say I decide to skim over a friends blog; I am struck by the raw pouring out and laying down of who he is under all the layers. You know...I was once told that there was a man who wanted to figure out who he was, this man told his professor his plan to take each layer of who he was and strip it away until he knew who he was. The professor posed this question to him: "What if you peel all the layers away only to find you are nothing more than an onion?" ... I like this story, it's simple and yet profound at the same time, and I prefer things that way, this is not to say that I don't crave an intelectual discussion or story as well, I just feel that language does not need to be fluffed up to be beautiful. Anyways that's besides the point... back to the story... I take it to mean that we should not trouble ourselves with the idea of discovering or "finding ourselves" and from personal experience...I would agree, it's not always a wise idea to spend a lot of energy in this area... however, I would like to just sit down and strip away the walls around me so that I could come face to face with whatever lies behind them. I want to be more open and clear like my friend, I want to distance myself from the sins that I have commited and focus on Christ. I want to think about things, but more than that I want to act on my beliefs.

You know...after that last line I look at the words here and I thought about relevance...I thought about all the people I know that are thinking about their faith and trying to figure it out, I thought about how little action accompanies all those thoughts (this has been a sore point to me lately) and I thought about what to write next...and you know what? I felt like...what's the point of writing anything else? is this even relevant? am I just spouting off? yes of course, will it help? I don't know...these thoughts came and made me realize that really...just like everyone else I know, I'm searching...I'm searching for purpose...

I don't and never have seen a life where I get up, put on a suit and tie and head to work from 9-5 and then go home to my family, go to sleep, wake up, head to work, go home, wake up, go to work, go home...ok you get the picture...I know that I need to have a job, and I want to have a family to go home too, otherwise I wouldn't have dated, I wouldn't have asked Sharyl-Lynn to marry me, I wouldn't be planning my wedding with her now... and I want that...I want to marry her, I want to have kids with her, I want to provide for her....but more than that..I want to have direction, I want to be able to give and share direction with my family...I want to spread the Gospel, I want to have a purpose that goes beyond money, or fame, or even just surviving day to day life in North America...I want to leave this world one day knowing that I have fulfilled the purpose that God put me on this earth for. I long for the day when I discover that purpose. When i was little, I dreamt of many things...in my heart...I still hold all those dreams, every single one...

That paragraph brought up two thoughts to me... one was trivial...since I was little I have held the belief that there is significance in what we were named...and that the names that are prophesied over us or that God gives us also contain much significance...that being said Matthew means "Gift of God"...I honestly believe that names contain prophetic meaning, lately, in my heaviness and confusion, I fail to see how I have been much of a gift...also it was prophesied over me that I had the spirit of David (something that holds twice the significance because of a funny coincidence in my own room) and I feel unworthy to have that said of me because of the meaning of the name David...for anyone that's curious David means "Beloved"... a prophecy that I have the spirit of David or heart like David...well...to me tells me that I'm loved, and it also tells me that there is strength, and faith and all those things, (along with warning me of weaknesses in my life) and well...I just don't see those things...I hold fast to this belief that they are prophecies by God and that they will be fulfilled, but in my shortsightedness I have lost focus...

The second thought was that this blog, these words, the style of writing, etc...do they matter? really, does what I write here matter at all? I dunno. Guess I'll see one day...just wanted to get my rants off my chest. take care

Prayer of a Prodigal

2005-12-23T08:17:00.000-06:00

Remember me Oh Lord,
And do not forget the love that we shared,
Remember the times where you carried me
Remember the times where you cried with me
Remember me and do not forsake me Jesus.

It's been so long,
Since I have drank of your waters,
Since I have tasted the sweetness of your bread,
So long it has been
That I fear I may never drink again
Or eat from your table.

I have drifted so far, Jesus
I have been gone so long,
Can it be that you will take me back?
Is there hope for a Christian Prodigal?
One that has known you and ran?

Dear God,
I have been a slave to sin
Dear God,
Free me
Dear God,
I have learned to run
and run I have,
Dear God,
Stop me in my tracks
Dear God,
I'm tired
I'm sore
I'm aching inside
My heart burns with a pain so deep
A pain born from the emptiness that I feel apart from you
A pain that can never be healed outside of you I fear
Dear God,
I have tried to heal that pain,
To fill that hole,
To put ointment on the wound
But that ointment has only caused more hurt
That filler has only caused more emptiness
Dear God, Oh God,
Make me seek
And make me seek with such passion and fire that I will not,
No, I cannot stop until I have met you again
Dear God,
Let us love with the love that we did in my youth
Dear God,
Let my sins be nothing more than a thing of the past
Dear God,
Let it be that I burn for you.

Dear God,
You alone are God and against you, only you have I sinned
You alone are God and from you, only you have I ran
You alone are God and for you, only you does my heart long for
You alone are my love, you are what I long for, you are my hearts desire.

Dear God,
Break me
Take me
Make me yours.

Amen.

iD: Individual Designs

2005-11-08T21:16:00.000-06:00

Here is another project post from school:

It's for a media planning project. It's a logo for a store.

Zyrtec Ad for Layout Class

2005-11-08T14:24:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone, As you all know, I add pictures quite regularly to this site, everything from ads that I've done in class to pictures inspired by messages I've read or Bible verses. Here is another ad layout that I have done. Comments would be appreciated:

Click on the ad to see it in full

Feast and Be Free

2005-11-04T09:34:00.000-06:00

I was inspired to make this picture when I read this verse:

"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord's Passover."-Exodus 12:11

and also

7Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. -1 Corinthians 5:7

You see it? Christ is our Passover Lamb! Why might the Israellites have been commanded to eat the lamb the way they were that night? I was told, and I honestly think it is true, that a reason for it was because they were to be ready to go immediately after they finished eating the lamb. They were going to walk into freedom after feasting on the Lamb. In the New Testament we learn that Christ is our Passover Lamb, and we know that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." -John 1:1

So what I gleaned from these connections was this: We are to feast on Christ, on His words, on the Word of God and we are to do so in a way that we are ready to go and walk into freedom.

God Bless!

(Read the Creed, I think it's a good reminder...download it to your comp if you want)

The Creed

2005-11-03T23:46:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, Recently I've learned that if I take my eyes off of Christ,

I'm just gonna fall. I've learned that I am a weak man, with much pride and

no reason to be proud lol. God has shown me my heart and I wrote

this creed in inspiration of what I have learned.

Glory to God!

Take it easy!

Musical Influence

2005-10-31T23:08:00.000-06:00

This is an essay I wrote in highschool, I was told I should include it in my blog so here goes, enjoy keep in mind that each word was written when I was in grade 11 and so grammar, spelling and the like may be off:

This year over 4000 people under the age of 25 will commit suicide, over 2500 teens will commit murder, drug use is on the rise and premarital sex and rape are out of control. What causes this lack of morality? What do all these people have in common? "Young people wake up to it, they drive to it, play to it, study to it, and go to sleep to it." It is music. "Nothing is more singular about this generation than it's addiction to music." The average teen will listen to and watch close to 11,000 hours of rock music and music videos, that is more time than students spend in school. Is it actually possible that this, 11,000 hours of music doesn't influence people? The music many teenagers listen to is filled with references to sex, drugs, alcohol, violence and suicide. The music tells the listeners that sex, drugs, violence, and suicide have no consequences, that they make life easier, or that they get people back for wronging the listener. If music doesn't influence, then why are these very things increasing in our society? Music is powerful, powerful enough to influence and entire society in a negative (or possitive) way.
The power music has is unquestionable, it has the ability to heighten our moods, to lift our spirits, to affect the physical, spiritual and emotional. Throughout history people have been aware of music's unprecidented influence on its listeners. 2000 years before Christ was born, musical systems in China were highly developed. An emperor by the name of Shun would monitor the health of the provinces of his kingdom by examining the music they produced. Course and sensual sounds indicated a "sick" province in need of help. Plato basically restated Shun's idea when he said, "When modes of music change, the fundamental laws of the state change with them." Later, Aristotle stated that music has "the power to form character", while Vladimir Lenin, the co-founder of communism said, "One quick way to destroy a society is through its music."
Music is not usually seen as this powerful, that it can change nations, destroy societal laws and even society, or that it can build or destroy character; but the sentiments of people and their views of music have been repeated throughout history. It does influence society.
Music also influences the physical body. Studies have been done using plants in which classical forms of music were played and the plants blossomed faster while those plants to which rock music was played, didn't grow as fast, and some even died. Other studies have shown that classical music stimulates both sides of the brain simultaneously, increasing creativity, memory and even IQ. Classical music has helped many great minds, such as Thomas Jefferson, when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, he was stumped so he played the violin and it helped him focus his thoughts. Einstein, one of the worlds brightest men of their time, was at one time "too stupid to learn" his parents gave him a violin and it became the key to his genius.
Does music have that much influence today? Yes, and if lyrics were compared to 4 key issues facing society, the results would astound. Four big issues that society faces are: teen sex, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and suicide. How does our music deal with these subjects?
The music industry glamourizes sex, it is fascinated by it and is showing teens and young children a world in which sexual desires should be fulfilled. They lie, saying that premarital sex is safe, that it's normal and that everyone is doing it. They also teach that you can have as much sex as you want, with whomever you wish, however you wish, whenever you want without worrying about consequence. Imagine, a little girl walks into a cd store with her mother, she picks out 3 cds: N'SYNC, Brittney Spears, and Destiny's Child, her mother buys them without a second thought. At home that little girl has an entirely new world opened up to her through that music. The world of sex. As she listens, she is bombarded with words like, "We started grinding...had me up against the wall" (N'SYNC), "Baby could we do more than just talk...we get nasty, nasty...I can't wait to get you on the phone girl, the things you do for me so late at night, turn me on babe." (N'SYNC) or from "so-called" role models, "Baby, don't you want to dance upon me...I'm a slave for you." (Brittney Spears), "No fallin in love, no commitment from me...do them boys like they used to do you, if you pimp him I congratulate you."(Destiny's Child) And for the more "mature" crowd, bands like Tweet, Eminem, DMX and Blink 182 supply the vers. "...My skirt droppin to my feet...I'm turning red...I was looking so good I couldn't reject myself...I had to touch myself." (Tweet), "I'm a rapist...all I wanted to do was rape that b****" (Eminem), "My little sister's birthday, she'll remember me, for a gift I had ten of my boys take her virginity." (Eminem), "I got blood on my hands and there's no remorse. I got blood on my d*** cuz I f***** a corpse." (DMX). This is legal?!
Sex comes at a cost. Sex, even protected can result in pregnancy, disease, or a broken heart and contrary to popular belief, not everyone is "doing it".
Music pormotes and glorifies drugs and alcohol, it tells all who listen that drugs have no consequences, that they make life interesting. Over 10.5 million people who are currently drinkers are 12-20, over 2.3 million of them are heavy drinkers. Mainly a popular topic in hip-hop and rap, drugs are a topic that is often sung. Nelly, NAS, Eminem, and 2Pac all sing about drugs, how can it affect someone who hasn't totally got a grip on their morals or beliefs? Nelly, a well known group that is frequently played on the radio sings, "Light it up and take a puff...smokin blunts in Savannah." Eminem tells his fans to do exactly as he says, "Follow me and do exactly what the song says, smoke weed, take pills, drop outta school, kill people and drink." This is the world's top rap artist and he says words like "do exactly as this song says" and then denies the power of music. Drugs and alcohol can destroy your life and the lives of others, they can be linked to date rape, sexual harassment, racial disturbances and suicides. Drugs and alcohol often lead to violence, which, surprise surprise, the music industry has something to say about.
Go figure that a major issue facing society would be glorified and displayed in current entertainment. Violence is rising, and so are the number of artists singing about killing people and raping women. Coincidence? I don't think so. Picture a young man, he's been teased for years, everyone including his teachers calls him dumb, he is angry and confused. He goes to his room and begins listening to a variety of artists that include: Alien Ant Farm, Ludacris, 2Pac, Eminem, D12 and Korn, the lyrics heighten his anger and give it a voice, lyrics like "Bang Bang, kill a man, let his brains hang." (Ludacris), "I write your name on a piece of paper and now your whole family gone...leavin motherf***** drownin in they own blood."(2Pac), "F*** this b**** right here on the spot...hit that s*** raw dog and bail...f*** slittin her throat, cut this b****** head off." (Eminem), "I'm comin in the house and I'm gunnin for your spouse, tryin to send the b**** back to her maker, and if you got a daughter older than 15 I'ma rape her...click, boom...see your a** in hell."(DMX) these lyrics prompt him to go into his school and blow people to pieces. In 1999, 1 763 people, 17 and younger committed murder, many listed music as an influence (Phil Chalmers, Music to Die For). In 1940, the top disciplinary problems in highschools were: talking out of turn, chewing gum in class, running in the halls and dress code violations. In 1990, after we began marketing violence, murder and rape to our youth, the problems were: drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery, assault, and murder. Violence has consequences.
The last issue is suicide and the fact that music makes it seem like an easy way out of life's problems: Over 100,000 teens attempt suicide a year, and music can once again be found promoting it. Many teens have said in suicide letter that certain bands understand how they feel. Linkin Park, Slipknot, Papa Roach, Eminem, and Blink 182 all sing about it. One of the most influential songs to me as a depressed and confused youth was "Last Resort" By Papa Roach, in which they sing "Cut my life into pieces, this is my last resort, suffocation, no breathing, don't give a f*** if my arm, bleedin...would it be wrong? Would it be right? If I took my life tonight, chances are that I might." and "Adam's Song" by Blink 182, "I'm too depressed to go on, you'll be sorry when I'm gone....never thought I'd die alone, another six months, I'll be unknown." Traa Daniels of P.O.D. sums it up pretty well, "I can't relate to any artist who lives in a $4 million house and sings about being depressed. That guy should be the happiest guy in the world." Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
In rhetrospect, music does shape the society we live in. It's time for artists to realize what they are doing and quit hiding behind the lies. They have an amazing opportunity to leave a lasting impression on this world, and it's their choice whether it's negative or possitive.

I still do agree with what I wrote here, some of my arguments may have been week and the lyrics are dating themselves HOWEVER because of what i believe. That being, Jesus Christ is Lord, He died on the Cross to save all and that God is good and that Satan was once named Lucifer and was the director of music in Heaven....well, why wouldn't our enemy use what he was originally created for to do some damage to those that God loves sooo dearly?
Recently I was blessed with being able to grow closer to God and to see my youth group grow closer to Him as well. We went to "Acquire the Fire Run to the Battle" and they talk about how Christians today are lacking severly...it was a very humbling message to say the least. I am not blaming music for the problems of the world..."12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 On the contrary, I blame satan. And one thing I feel that our current world of music, along with television and every other thing I can think of in North American society promotes above all of these is self over others...selfishness...that is not something God created. He is a very selfless God and I am learning to give God the glory and to selflessly act according to His call. I pray that you all will be blessed and will come face to face with the transforming image of the glory of God, being Jesus Christ. May the strength and grace of God be with you. Amen.

Proverbs 5

2005-10-31T19:40:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 5

Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight,

2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.

3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;

4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. [a]

6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.

8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,

9 lest you give your best strength to others
and your years to one who is cruel,

10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich another man's house.

11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.

12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!

13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.

14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."

15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.

16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?

17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.

18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.

20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?

21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.

22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.

23 He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.

When I read this I just thought, wow! What an image! So I tried as best I could to put what I saw in my head into a visual that I could share with everyone else...here it is.

2005-10-20T02:04:00.000-05:00

You are Ephesians.

Which book of the Bible are you?

Living Water

2005-10-20T01:52:00.000-05:00

Today I learned something new, it was pretty cool actually...you know the account in the Bible of Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4)? Well, what do you think that Jesus meant by living water? And what do you think His reason was for asking the woman about her husband and telling her the things about her 6 relationships? I always thought it was so that we would know that no matter who you are Jesus is for you. That anyone can be saved. That Jesus doesn't condemn, etc. And I think those answers are probably parts of the reasons and meaning too. However today I learned that when Jesus talked about water that will never make you thirsty...He ended up pointing the woman to her relationships to show her that her relationships and lust (her water so to speak) constantly left her feeling thirsty again and again. She would forever be searching for that satisfying and thirst-quenching drink and never find it. But Jesus told her that He could give her living water...basically water that would satisfy her and help her overcome the effects of the other water (continuing thirst/lust for more). I thought it was a pretty cool lesson!

Revised Tylenol Ad

2005-10-05T00:09:00.000-05:00

If you check the post before this one you'll see a Tylenol Ad I did for class...well this is the revised copy, I think it's more impressive, comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

I want to be creative!

2005-09-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!
This blog is actually just a show and tell lol...I just wanted to upload some pictures that I have done recently because I'm pleased with them and wanted input on them. Enjoy!

Realizations

2005-09-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

What is it all about? What is it that I just don't get? Why have so many things in me gone left unchanged? What is He all about? I try to do good, I try to witness, I try and try and try to achieve success and perfection and yet I fail.
And you know what I find in that failure? I find two things: love and grace. Forgive me for sounding preachy I don't mean to, but it isn't until I've failed that I realize God's love for me. It isn't until I haven't acheived the perfection I so long for that I get a glimpse of His heart. Sometimes I miss out and I don't see those two things, sometimes it seems to be hidden beneath all the self-condemnation, or pain, or guilt or just dissatisfaction-the things I so strongly and willingly accept - but lying underneath I know, or sense that love and grace are still alive and well.
I've been reading three books lately (Black, Red, White) and as I've read them a desire to know more about God, more about His heart, His character, His personality has quietly started creeping in...maybe I shouldn't say creeping in, but I have felt more drawn into Him lately because I am beginning to think that my approach to getting His heart has been all wrong.
I'm beginning to think that it is all about love. From the first page to the last. I know that there are other major points, major lessons and major messages in the Bible as well, but I think that love is one of the big ones. I want to become close to God, I want to grow so much, I want to do great things for him, I want to be able to do those things with my wife, I want to love her with as much love as God for us, I want to know God's heart and His mind, I want to challenge, I want to encourage, I want to be strong, I want to be manly, I want to love and feel compassion for others, I want to be all that God had set in His mind and heart for me to be...I guess this blog is more of a realization...a realization of love and who I want to be. Sorry if it bored ya. Take care.
God's Strength.

Faith and Doubt, A Conversation Between Friends

2005-09-21T20:36:00.000-05:00

This is an unusual blog I guess, but I thought to myself, it might be kind of interesting, Aaron and I are best friends and we sometimes debate our faith quite strongly, we are the same faith and many times we argue different sides of the same coin...anyways, we ended up discussing/debating faith and doubt and this is our discussion. Enjoy:
Matt says:hi
Matt says:what's up?
Aaron says:hey
Aaron says:not much u?
Matt says:same just bored so I came online
Aaron says:yeah
Aaron says:i wanted to go to young adults tonight but couldnt get a hold of anybody
Matt says:aw really? that sucks
Aaron says:yeah
Matt says:so any new blogs?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:nope
Aaron says:u?
Matt says:lol no, just haven't had the time
Aaron says:yea
Matt says:what are you doin on here?
Aaron says:not a lot
Aaron says:lol
Aaron says:i have nothing better to do
Matt says:lol have you ever fasted?
Aaron says:yeah i did once. i think i told too many ppl about it though. sorta took the serenity away
Matt says:lol yeah, if I ever fasted I wouldn't tell anyone...or I'd try as long as possible not to tell anyone...I am just curious about fasting
Aaron says:yeah. it's a good practice
Matt says:well what's the purpose of it?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:it's like a self-sacrifice type of thing. similar to the offering plate i guess. where you spend an entire day with God. anytime you think about food or get hungry, talk to God... or worship. or read your bible
Matt says:hmmm....but why is it good? because that just seems like you try to distract yourself with God? is that good?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:it's good if your intent is to seek God yes
Matt says:hmmm....how long do you think a successful fast lasts?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:sometimes a day, sometimes a week, sometimes a month
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:my aunt did one for 40 days
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because that's the longest you can go without food i think
Matt says:40 days! wow...I thought about fasting this week...but I pushed it aside...the thought keeps stickin with me...and...ok, I don't know if this was God's voice or my own thought but I "thought/felt/heard"...
Matt says:"Your desire must outweigh everything else"
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:how do you mean? what desire?
Matt says:I think that meant my desire for God, my desire for something more, for change and freedom...basically for God and all He promised
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:yeah
Matt says:at least that's what I thought when I felt that way and think it still
Matt says:I dunno, I'm gonna trust what you say...you think that was me or is that something you think that God would say?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:wel, what do you mean when you say more of God? like what does that mean you get more of/look for/want
Matt says:it means....it just means pursuing God...it means letting him pick me up and hug me and fill my cup to overflowing and dancing with him and catching his heart
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:so is it like a feel-good session? or are you wanting God to tell you something?
Matt says:neither and both...I don't just want God to tell me something, I want him to take my hand, take my heart, take my head and point it somewhere, I want him to take me on a walk with him, I want to touch him and see change happen both in me and outside of me in those around me
Matt says:I want him to take me somewhere...I want to realize my purpose
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:okay, but what part of your life do you want God to grab ahold of?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:like you've made countless decisions in your life up to this point. if God told you to let go of something would you?
Matt says:I guess that's why those words were said to me "your desire must outweigh everything else"...I think at this point I would still be afraid if God did talk to me...but honestly I think anyone would be, and truthfully I don't know if I would...I would love to say yes but I really don't know...I've never been to that spot
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i know
Matt says:so I will say that I don't know...but not knowing isn't reason enough to stay away from Him is it? like honestly if God told you today that he didn't ever want YOU to marry, and that he wanted you to forget about girls altogether and go and talk to i dunno...some people you really didn't want to would you do it?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:lol
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:well i would ask God to show me a sign. but more than one sign. like 3
Matt says:lol but then where would your faith/trust be? I gave you an extreme, but still... ok, but would you fearing the worst not ask for that third sign? or would you not seek God if you weren't sure what he wanted from you? or what he would tell you to do?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:or if i got 2 and not 3...
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that' swhere i am right now
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i'm waiting for a 3rd sign
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but i'm waiting for a 3rd sign
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:and it is getting rough because i'm getting impatient
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but God is teaching me patience
Matt says:but why? why three signs? why not one or two?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because i had 2. and to make sure they were both signs, i asked God to show me one more.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:and i only asked for one more.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if i receive one more that's it. i wont keep asking for more signs
Matt says:yeah, but if youhad two then a third one seems redundant
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:people do act on one.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but it's risky... i dont know how to explain it... basically if it's not in God's will, and you act on it then you are sinning.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but i think the closer you are to God's heart the easier it is to hear Him
Matt says:it's like....sign one-wow I didn't expect that...maybe it was too easy of a sign, so just to be safe I'll ask for a second...who a there it is!...ok I still don't trust so can I have a third? like...why not trust if you have two signs? I agree...I think the closer you are to God the more he makes himself known to you
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:not to say someone should ask for 4 signs or more the further they are from God.
Matt says:lol no, that I think would just scream I DON"T TRUST YOU
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:well i received 2 signs in 3 days. the 2nd one was what made me realize it could be a sign
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:so to confirm, I askd for a 3rd one
Matt says:ah ok
Matt says:that makes sense
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:yeah
Matt says:sorry I wasn't tryin to say you have no faith because I know you have more than most do...but you do see what I meant right?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:yeah
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:basically i don't think God is going to deliberately try to mess me up by allowing me to receive a 3rd sign if he doesn't want me to do something
Matt says:true, HOWEVER maybe he's waiting for you to step out in faith without him having to prove himself all the time
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but it's not proving himself. it's allowing for God to work in His own timin
Matt says:no, it's really not...it's asking him to prove that he'll be behind it
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:so whats wrong with that?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:what's wrong with knowing God's hand is upon something you are stepping out in faith for?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:you can't act in faith if God hasn't said he would back you up right?
Matt says:I dunno if there is anything wrong with it...but where is the faith if you already know that God's hand is on it?
Matt says:you can act on faith if you don't have proof, you step out believing that with or without results God will use that situation
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:there's faith that God wants to see this happen, then there's faith that God will do it when he's ready
Matt says:yes there is but really what is the difference between those two?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because God's timing is everything
Matt says:with or without a sign...God will work in them won't he?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:say i met the girl i was supposed to marry tomorrow... but God didn't want me to ask her out yet. because she's not ready for a relationship.
Matt says:then you don't ask her out
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:exactly
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but how would i know when to ask her out?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:when things make sense in MY mind?Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:my understanding of her readiness for a relationship?
Matt says:no, it would be your trust in God's understanding of her heart...but what if all you hear is a feeling in your heart one day? no signs, just a peace or a nod? but say also that you want to start something up and all the doors are open to you...or at least one or two are open...now you have no PROOF that God is going to do something if you grab ahold of those doors but doesn't he open those doors?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i heard someone say once that the right one at the wrong time is still the wrong one
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but how do you count the doors?
Matt says:and yet I've heard others say that even if you haven't married "the one" (so you married the wrong one) then they still become "the one"?
Matt says:you don't count the doors man...you step through them...door one...does your pastor support you?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if you SEE that 2 or however many doors are open, and you want to stay inside God's will, you must then let God make your next step. that is letting Him direct your path
Matt says:door two...(maybe one) what does your heart say about it? what do you feel in your spirit?Matt says:etc...
Matt says:but if the doors are open and you do nothing then God can close them too because of your lack of faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:not if you let Him make your next step
Matt says:but how do you let Him make your next step?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:God says he will never leave you nor forsake you. that means that if you tell Him that you are relying on Him for something, he will not let you down. he can't
Matt says:he's not going to force you...he's not going to dazzle you and all that MOST TIMES...he's going to ask you to trust and then YOU have to make that step...he doesnt' step the step of faith for you...YOU do
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i just told you
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but thats blind faith
Matt says:no you didn't you told me that you have to let him make your next step...what does that mean? how does God make your next step? opening door number three? or do you step through door number one trusting that God will make door number two open if it is his will?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that's faith in your own understandingMatt says:what is faith in my own understanding?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:saying that you step out "in faith" knowing somehow that God is behind you because doors are open
Matt says:that's blind faith man
Matt says:you don't know that all the doors are open
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:exactly
Matt says:BLIND FAITH IS GOOD
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no it's not
Matt says:IN GOD? why isn't it? How is blind faith bad?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:blind faith is different than faith in God
Matt says:which is worse...depending on God for signs or following God without the signs?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:following God without the signs
Matt says:right...that's blind faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that's putting you infront of God in every decision you make
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:how do you know if you're following a deer in the woods if you're not looking for the tracks?
Matt says:blind faith doesn't put you in front of God
Matt says:It takes God at his word and steps out there...and you don't you follow the tracks
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:dude you've got blind faith mixed up with something else
Matt says:I don't think so...is blind faith asking for signs?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:blind faith is seeing what looks good and stepping out "blindly" and asking God to work in your new circumstance
Matt says:NO that's just stupidity...Blind faith IS faith...."Faith is the substance of things hoped for the lack of evidence seen."
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:well of course
Matt says:no evidence
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but don't call it blind faith
Matt says:it's blind faith...why don't call it blind faith?
Matt says:a child has blind faith in God
Matt says:why shouldn't we?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:the lack of evidence seen is how God will use you. not the steps you take.
Matt says:they believe everything he says
Matt says:you think sitting on your butt God'll use you because you hope for something?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no. God says be trusting like a child. if God tells you to do something that makes no sense, you do it without hesitation
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i'm not sitting on my butt
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if prayer is sitting on my butt then yes i am sitting onmy butt
Matt says:right...blind faith...no He lets us take part in his plan, he asks us to be active and to pursue him, he asks us to take a step
Matt says:no prayer is taking a step man...YOU pray, YOU take a step, you do it because you love God yes, but YOU do get to be active in this faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:dude. faith is different than blind faith
Matt says:God wants us to be a part of it...why else would he give us the great commission? why would he tell people that it was their faith that healed them? He's given us this wonderful opportunity to be a part of his plan and part of that opportunity consists of taking a step of faith...but it's us who he asks to take a step...He COULD do it without us...but he doesn't...
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:remember indiana jones?
Matt says:yeah leaping
Matt says:blind faith?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:indiana threw some rocks out in front of him. that's the EVIDENCE of things unseen. if it were blind faith, he would have just stepped out. (and possibly fallen for all he knew)
Matt says:but it would have been real faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:the "signs" that you ask for are like the pebbles
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no man
Matt says:yes it would have...he had a book that told him to take a leap of faith...if he would have jumped that leap would have had no evidence...yet he would have done it...things hoped for....no evidence...faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if i TOLD you to step out into what seemed like thin air to you, that's different than if you just decided to.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if God tells you, that takes the place of the pebbles.
Matt says:NO it doesn't
Matt says:it really doesn't man...God is invisible to our eyes...He's there, there is no doubt about it because I believe Him, but he is invisible which leaves room for doubt...if there is room for doubt in that then trusting him when he says something is still a leap of faith...without pebbles...because we also have an invisible enemy...one who is extremely decieving and very clever...if one didn't know
Matt says:God's voice the enemy could tell them to jump and they could confuse the voices...that leaves room for doubt...faith is blind at times man...NO PEBBLES
Matt says:NO EVIDENCE
Matt says:STILL BELIEF AND HOPE
Matt says:FAITH
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:dude you're missing it
Matt says:How?
Matt says:couldn't you be the one missing it?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if you are hearing God's voice, that's enough evidence for you to move forward
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that IS your pebbles
Matt says:BUT THERE IS ROOM FOR DOUBT...it's not evidence!
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:well if there's room for doubt, then you're the one lacking faith.
Matt says:No it's how things are man
Matt says:you mean that just because both God and Satan are invisible to the naked eye...there is no room for doubt AT ALL
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that is God's intent yes
Matt says:I disagree
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:HOWEVER
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:many people cannot distinguish the voice of God
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:so they need signs
Matt says:I believe that there is room for doubt...
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:how?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:i just explained it to you
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:are you arguing that there is not one person who can distinguish the voice of God and not have any doubt?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because i would highly disagree
Matt says:ok, first condone the idea that maybe we're on the same page...also condone the idea that maybe you could be wrong...I will admit that because I'm just speculating I COULD be...I don't think I am but I could be...but if I could be then you could be too
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:look at Samuel. he heard the voice of God before he was even a christian. he heard it like it was Eli in the next room
Matt says:I'm not arguing that there is not one person that can distinguish the voice of God and not have any doubt...but I am arguing that there is still room for doubt...and at one time or another Many if not all...have had doubt creep in
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:well of course
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but that does not mean that one should act on their faith if they have any doubt
Matt says:SO there is room for doubt, and without that doubt true faith could never exist
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no. i dont think you should act until you get rid of your doubt
Matt says:why?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because only then could you know that it is God's will
Matt says:but that's part of trusting him
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if you do doubt, then ask for a sign
Matt says:acting on belief, on faith
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:how can i trust you if i doubt you?
Matt says:by choosing to
Matt says:and I'm not saying doubt God
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if you call me on the phone and tell me to meet you somewhere, and i can't be sure it's you that's speakng, how can i fully trust you knowing that there is an enemy out there who seeks to destroy me
Matt says:there IS an enemy out there who seeks to destroy you...you know that...I'm saying that sometimes God will open a door, He may not directly say "Aaron, see that door? I opened it for you...go through it" it may just seem like a coincidence that it is opened, but to trust that God was behind it because nothing goes against his word (the Bible) then step out
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:dude if you can do that without a hint of doubt, then more power to you. because it is possible. but not if you have any doubt
Matt says:I'm saying that sometimes God will say something to your spirit, you may not hear it audibly, it may even sound like your own thoughts, which leaves room for doubt, but still if it lines up with scripture trust God and step out, if it was you, God can still do something there, if it was him...then you were obedient
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if it lines up with scripture, that's your pebbles
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:because you're "checking"
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:a man told me once that God told him it was okay to have sex with his girlfriend. they were not married, but he said God told him it was okay
Matt says:No man it's not, it's my map...it's so that I don't meet the enemy that you talked about...THERE IS DOUBT man...thomas the doubter, the deciples on the lake, when healing happened, people thinking that the deciples were drunk when God descended on them
Matt says:yeah man, and we both KNOW that God wouldn't say that...so what that person said to you was wrong, he wanted to have sex with his girlfriend and so he did but convinced himself that it was ok by saying that God told him it was ok....
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:yes... and look at peter stepping out of the boat. when he doubted, he started to sink
Matt says:yes he did, because even when Jesus right there walking on water as PROOF there is room for DOUBT
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:if Jesus asked the disciples on the lake to calm the storms, do you think they could do it?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:how is that proof for room for doubt?
Matt says:HOWEVER, he WAS the only one of the disciples to walk on water, because regardless of the doubt and fear, he still stepped out in faith...
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:up until that point he didn't have any doubt. when he turned back to the boat he lost faith
Matt says:JESUS was PROOF...they had evidence that they could walk on water...however even with that evidence there was room for DOUBT
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but he saw jesus doing it first. so he lost all doubt that if Jesus said "come to me" then he would be able to do it too
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but if Jesus said "no, stay in the boat" peter would have sank
Matt says:it wasn't when he turned to the boat, it was to the waves...the waves scared him, he doubted Christ, even though he was right there in front of him, even though he had evidence because he was walking on the water himself...he had proof that it was possible, but even in the face of that proof, doubt crept in
Matt says:I'm not wrong man
Matt says:I know I'm right
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:dude. faith like a mustard seed.. did you know that the mustard seed is and has been the same size through all of history? dave williams once said maybe God wasn't just talking about the size of the seed, but its consistency. you can lose faith after a while. and some people do. but as soon as they let doubt enter into their mind, they take complete control over their own actions from that point
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:now you've changed your argument
Matt says:no I haven't
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:you just said that doubt crept in. meaning before that point he had no doubt.
Matt says:however it was there wasn't it? there was room for it? how can that be if he had no doubt? if there was only trust and faith without doubt?
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:no there wasnt room for it because he started to sink!
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:that's exactly my point!
Matt says:ok, I do see where you're coming from on that and we are arguing the same point, different sides...
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:as soon as he started to doubt, his ability to walk on water ended
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:when he initially stepped out, he had no doubt
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:lol
Matt says:yes, but in spite of his fear and doubt in the first place he trusted Jesus more, and with us it has to be the same, we have to trust Jesus MORE than we doubt, we have to step out of that boat because JESUS says we can, EVEN THOUGH OUR HEADS may be screaming....NO DON"T DO IT... PEOPLE DON"T WALK ON WATER!!! THEY DROWN IN IT!
Matt says:lol we have a knack for arguing on flip sides of the same coin man
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:lol it's your wording that throws me off
Matt says:and yours me
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:but you were arguing that you can have a little doubt in your faith when you follow after God
Matt says:I didn't mean to...I just said that God allows room for doubt by not actually physically appearing in front of us...basically I guess if you combine what we said it would be like this: Humans doubt, it's in our blood, it's in our nature...Faith is stepping out of trust in God and in His word...We have to trust God more and step out of the boat because JESUS says we can...the more we trust God the less room for doubt there is, until finally you don't doubt, turn from God and room is made for doubt which will bring you down and you will act less in faith
Matt says:same coin, flip sides
Matt says:lol
Matt says:and it always takes an entire argument to see it
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:lol but it was good thouguh
Matt says:it was fun
Matt says:lol
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:lol
Matt says:and honestly, I do get stuff out of them
Matt says:like maybe a blog
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:so do you see what i mean when i say that i need one more sign? because with one more sign, i have told God that my doubt will be eliminated with one more sign. and i have faith that God will only allow me to see another sign if it is His will
Matt says:then I would say that in this case this time it's ok, but I would also say that if you feel like God is leading you somewhere, trust him, check his word, let that be your sign...God will line up with the scripture...He IS the scriptures...so don't always ask for signs...because if you ask for too many sometimes it can come across as no faith
Matt says:or at least no trust
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:o for sure. its all in where you are at with God
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:most things i don't need to ask for a sign. most things you shouldn't need to.
Aaron -- http://aarport.blogspot.com says:and i dont
Matt says:exactly, but more so it's where you're willing to take God at even if you're not sure you're at that place yet
sorry I know it's wordy, it's a conversation lol...hope you got something out of it.

What Is "The Circle"?

2005-09-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

The Circle is an idea from an author that I respect greatly and enjoy reading. But the idea of the Circle is also an ideal, an ideal in which Christians are called to live lives of substance, lives set apart, lives that are drastically different from the lives that many of us (myself included) sometimes live. The Circle is from one of Ted Dekkers novels, a trilogy series to be precise, in which the entire history of creation to revelation is unfolded in parable like style. It's an amazing series and not to sound like I'm advertising for the guy but it is definitelly worth reading (the first book is a book by the title of Black). Ok back to what the Circle is...basically as events unfold in the book Christianity is born only in his story instead of calling themselves Christians they call themselves "The Circle". They serve God, they present the good news of Jesus death (though in this story Jesus is represented by a character named Justin) and they are willing to die for that good news. They truly care about others and learn to not judge one based on their lifestyle and unwillingness to change...basically if you look at the church in the book of Acts, that is what the Circle is...it's an ideal that I wish I could attain, I wish we all could attain and I believe that it should at least be our goal as Christians to strive to be what the first church or "The Circle" was...it's time to step out and answer God's call.