Devotional Time with God

Back in the 80’s when I was growing up, there’s always a group of people who could influence my way of doing things.  They were, unfortunately, my high-school friends.  The Church didn’t have a strong influence.  In fact, it was quite passive.  In addition, the media on TV and radio has a strong influence, they were coolest thing to see and hear.  In today’s fast paced and Internet-connected society, it’s quick & easy to pass around information.  I obtained ideas, opinions, and commentaries faster today than I ever did back then.  Those are the strong influencers now.

My character was molded by someone else.

But it’s time to turn to creator, who molded me from his own image (Genesis 1:27), to set me back on track to the Heaven.  It’s time to develop convictions (Romans 12:2) that deeply motivates me to do the right thing for God and for love.  It’s time to develop Christ-like character, and develop habits that bring fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful savior
I know for sure all of my days are held in your hands
Crafted into your perfect plans

You gently called me into your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
Through your eyes

I’m captured by your holy calling
Set me apart. I know you’re drawing me to yourself
lead me, Lord. I pray

Oh Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Oh Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

You gently call me into your presence
Guiding me by your holy spirit
Teach me dear lord to live all of my life through your eyes

I’m captured by your holy calling
Set me apart. I know you’re drawing me to yourself
lead me, Lord. I pray

Oh Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Oh Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the potter’s hand

Hillsong Australia, “Potter’s Hand”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ”

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:2-5

All my life, I want to be in control.  I want to control what can happen to me.  I want to control what people say about me.  I want to control what people can do to me.  I want everyone and everything to behave the way I like.  I want to be the god of my life.

Now that I’m married with a kid, it’s them that I’m in control now.  Not 100%, mind you, but I definitely want all control.

At work, I want to make sure my projects gets down the way I want it: less unknowns, on-schedule, and keeping it simple.

If there’s something that I do every day, like driving, riding a bike, etc., I want to be very good at it so I’m in full control.

When people see me as a weak person (because of my boyish look and figure), I tend to lash out, quick to judge, give the stink-eye, and in some cases, I would curse under my breath.  My face scowls to give an impression I’m tough.  I walk upright and shoulder scrunched up to show strength. I walk with loud thumps using a pair of heavy soled shoes/boots, to tell others that I’m coming.

I’ve denied having problems with anger, being wrong more than usual, looking at dirty pictures, give up too easily, and having a short attention span.  I don’t admit to be the poster child of what’s wrong with being a man – or a human being, for that matter.

I have my fair share of fear, frustration, fatigue, and failures.

However, I am glad that God cares for me.  He takes away my bad habits, painful hurts, and bothersome hang ups.  Not just one time, but all the time!  I just tell Him, “I’m sorry.” and He will give me another chance in life.

I have to admit I’m powerless to change myself.  I’m powerless to take control, when it’s not mine in the first place.

Jesus, you’re full of grace. I sin and constantly sin.  But every time, you always forgive me.  You always let me live everything as if they’re a fresh start.  I love you for it.  You’re the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and all of the chances!  Thank you, Lord, for saving me.  I give you control of my life.  Amen.

It’s a subject the mainstream media have already bombarded the youth of America.  The message is clear: sexual freedom.  Anyone is free to have sex whenever they want, whoever they want, and worry about the consequences later (ie. abortion).  The media taught young girls it’s cool to lose their virginity early.  For young boys, it’s a right of passage and a sign of manhood.  In the end, as adults, it’s just part of “growing up”.

For me, I know for a fact, having sex out of context of marriage, was a destructive move.  When both me and my girlfriend were not ready, it brought a lot of emotional baggage.  The future seemed unclear because we were just focused on the moment.  My own parents were not restricting my sexual freedom.  I was allowed to learn my mistakes.  I didn’t get any punishment – only empty warnings.

In hindsight, now that I’m a parent, I need to get involved in my daughter’s search of her sexual identity.  Even though she is 4 right now, I still  have to watch how I treat and influence her.  As a Dad, I represent the man in the family, and let her know men are not the enemy, but also the provider of love and affection.  I must be there when she has questions about boys/men.

These are the things I must insist on my child:

• Two distinct sex: man and woman.  There can’t be same sex dating, let alone marriage!
• Both parents are wise.  Our instructions are valuable, and must be kept in heart.
• Moral integrity.  Biblical principles are important.  No one can turn her away from them.
• Don’t let flesh control our actions.  Avoid perversity.  Be faithful!
• Meet the needs of the spouse.  Be the best companion and friend.

My daughter is smart and cunning.  She knows when there’s a division between us, she will go straight for it.  She’ll make it painfully obvious that we’re inconsistent.  The disagreement will cause me to get into a heated argument with my wife.  It’s not healthy, at all!

A house divided will never stand.

As parents, my wife and I have to be in the same mind and attitude towards my child.  There must not be favoritism.  We must use the same approach in raising her.  When there’s a question on an issue, I have to discuss it with my wife, and visa versa.

There must be unity between us.

One of most the intense moral, political, and legal issue is California’s Proposition 8: Banning Same-Sex Marriage. It hits closer to home.  My opinion on Proposition 8 is not about discrimination, but rather the twisted lies and deceit set forth by the people who are against it.

I support Proposition 8.

It’s not about hate of fellow human beings. It’s not about the tax breaks. It’s not about denying health care access to anyone.

It is about moral standards set by God.

The bible says marriage is for a man and woman, sacred, and must be protected. It also says that homosexuality lifestyle is a sin. As a Christian, I have to abide by what the bible says because it is God’s word.

It is about my parental rights.

I don’t want my daughter to be forced to learn about homosexuality at an early age. My wife and I will decide when she’s old enough to understand and form her own opinion on the subject. The State’s public school system must not force the idea that same-sex parents is acceptable. Anyone who is religious clearly disagrees. Just as the atheists are against at the idea of the Lord’s Prayer in our schools, we want our rights to go against any immoral teachings. As parents, we decide what’s right for our child’s education. We should not have to go to jail because we protested against the public school’s enforcement of same-sex marriage education, like they did to David Parker in Lexington, Massachusetts.

It is about democracy.

America’s forefathers were Christians, and they set the principles and ethics for this country in a constitution based on God. They made this country great. In year 2000, the people clearly voted against same-sex marriage. However, it saddens me to learn the about judges who decided to overturn this democratic outcome. Here we are now, in 2008, again with the people voted against same-sex marriage. This is America: We Vote – for the good of the many, not the few. The people has clearly spoken.  We don’t use scare tactics and hide behind “civil rights” arguments. Bill Daily’s comment on Louis Gray’s blog has pretty much echoed my conclusion: It turns out the church and its members’ rights are the one being cast aside.

I’ve known many people who are gay. They’re nice and loving people, just like me. What is different is their lifestyle, and that’s the only thing I don’t agree with. However, that doesn’t stop me from caring or talking with them. Most of my church-going and Bible-believing friends have the same view. People may argue that the church should not force their views on every one else, but it also applies to everyone else not forcing the issue on the church and its members. The definition of marriage between man and woman have not changed for thousands of years. Why should 2% of the world population suddenly make it mandatory for that to change?

Proposition 8 is about the people’s rights, and that means for BOTH SIDES have to be respected. Children must not be the pawn of this argument. Democracy must still be used before we make any big changes to system. Being informed is required for everyone, avoiding finger pointing and lies. All it takes is a little civility, and treat each with respect and dignity.

God, I pray that you will give us, the patience and grace to handle this issue.  Give us the abundance of love for each other, that we don’t simply get angry at each other.  Rather, we want to be able to agree to disagree, and decide on the matter in a democratic and civilized way.  Let your will be done, Lord.  Amen.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

– Genesis 1:1

It all started with God. It will always be that way. Essentially, our existence depends on our creator and He’s got a plan for us even before we arrive here on earth. That is the message that Pastor Rick Warren is delivering to everyone within the next 40 days. He started the 40 Days of Purpose series at Saddleback Church and its congregation all over the world. It is also based on his popular The Purpose Driven Life book which outlines a topic in each chapter, that is to be read one day at a time for 40 days. The book has a profound (yet practical) message and has changed a lot of people’s lives, including mine.

Within the next few days, I’m excited to re-study this book and re-learn God’s plan for me.