~May Your Light Shine :D~

Saturday, June 25, 2005

I have got to share this. Received this link in my email. It is a really cool flash, one song made out of 23 different songs, each keeping its tune and lyrics. Watch it! Although my friend says it is pretty sad that it goes to show how many songs share the same chord and sound alike, I think the song sounds pretty good!

http://flash2.1ting.com/znew2/200503/12/9.swf

I know I have not been blogging lately, too busy and my brothers have been hogging the computer. However, I just managed to squeeze some time to read a book and decided to blog about it. Its a pretty long one, but just be patient.

I do not know what quite came over me as I read the book but tears kept spilling out, even for chapters that were not that particularly moving. Perhaps some dust got into my eye and wouldn't come out, or I am having PMS or maybe God touched me. I really hope its the latter, as it was after reading this book that I confirmed my hypothesis.

The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado is a book about the beatitudes from Matthews 5:1-10.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

In the book, he writes that joy is not determined by what happens to you but it comes from the inside. You can CHOOSE to be joyful, despite of the circumstances, and pure joy comes from God. In order to find this joy, first we have to recognize we are in need (poor in spirit) and repent of our self-sufficiency(mourn). Next, we quit calling the shots and surrender control to God(meek). Hence, we will yearn for more of him(hunger and thirst) and as we grow closer to him, we become more like him. We forgive others(merciful), change our outlook(pure in heart), love others(peacemakers) and endure injustice(persecuted).

I particularly like the way Max describes the dialogue between Jesus and this rich man: He's rich. Italian shoes. Tailored suit. His money is invested. His plastic is golden. He lives like he flies - first class.

"Teacher," he asks, "what good thing must I do to get eternal life? "The wording of his question betrays his misunderstanding. He thinks he can get eternal life as he gets everything else - by his own strength.

Jesus' answer is intended to make him wince. "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." A man with half a conscience would have thrown up his hands at that point."Keep the commandments? Do you know how many there are? Have you read the Law lately? I've tried-honestly, I've tried- but I can't."

This is what the ruler should say, but confession is the farthest thing form his mind. Instead of asking for help, he grabs a pencil and paper and asks for the the list."Which ones?"

Jesus indulges him. "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbour as yourself."

"Murder? Of course not. Adultery? Well, nothing any red-blooded boy wouldn't do. Stealing? A little extortion, but all justifiable. False testimony? Hm...Let's move on. Honor your father and mother? Sure, I send them on holidays. Love your neighbour as yourself...?"

"Hey," he grins, "a piece of cake. I've done all of these. In fact, I've done them since I was a kid." He swaggers a bit and hooks a thumb in his belt."Got any other commandments you want to run past me?"

Jesus gets to the point. "If you want to be perfect, then go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."

The statement leaves the young man distraught and the disciples bewildered. Their question could be ours:"Who then can be saved?"

Jesus' answer shell-shocks the listeners,"With man this is impossible..."

Does that strike you as cold? All your life you've been rewarded according to your performance. You get grades according to your study. You get money in response to your work. That's why the rich man thought heaven was just a payment away. But Jesus' point is crystal clear. It is impossible for human beings to save themselves.

It wasn't the money that hindered the rich man, it was the self-sufficiency.

This last line, really struck a chord in me. All this while, I have been relying on my own strength. Deep down, I probably felt I got my grades based on my effort alone. Many of my friends once told me that I would make a good doctor and that I should not give up my dream. Perhaps I would really make a good doctor, but if God had let me had my way, I will probably be still thinking I do not need Him. However, if I am thrown into unfamiliar territory, I will have to call upon Him for strength. And it is only then, can God be in control of my life. My parents ask what is it that I really want for my future. I honestly do not know, but I know that God holds my future and in Him I trust.

Lydea blogged at 8:28 PM

May your light shine...
in the darkness...