Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. (Jude 3, NIV)
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As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. (Acts 3:19-20, NIV) As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4-5,NIV) The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 4:24, NIV, emphasis mine) I’ve read from my uncle’s Quest Bible that the Bible is a love story. More than a novel, it is the most interesting story mankind has seen. God, knowing how people were afar from his love, sent His only Son, and He decided to put all the world’s sins upon Him. From the beginning of the Earth, God has aptly put a mark on the history, and nothing happens without His will in touch. This is love. Pure love. He has also considered not only forgiving our sins and throwing us as the east is from the west, but He also restored us fellowship for His throne. We are not worthy of saying, “I love You, Lord”, not one bit. But He overlooked us, and decided to spare us from the incoming wrath. “I love You” is the only thing we can say. All this week, I’ve focused on human weakness and the overcoming love of God. More than what I expected, love is never left out from our weaknesses. There is one thing that I have considered: did I said “I love You” to God lately? This part makes me confused. Again, internet hasn’t resolved much in searching how exactly do we love God, if there are any requirements. One article that I remember put up that loving God is keeping His commandments. It’s not pointless, in fact, it’s true; however, this also strains me to guilt, for the fact that I need to keep doing His commandments to show that I love Him. Also, my mind is not helping. “I love You” can become an “I hate You”! This is becoming annoying! Thus, I overshadowed saying a simple three-letter phrase, because I needed to say it from the heart so that it could count. Until today in the wee hours of the night. After we watched Muriel’s Wedding (great movie!), we watched a bit of the Golden Girls (great show!), but I was feeling sleepy since 10. I decided to go to bed, but my sister woke me up with a prank of hers. Although I felt distressed, I pulled up and moved to my uncle’s bed (my sister sleeps in there, he’s still in the hospital) with my new favorite white sheet. Before falling asleep like a rock, this pondering thought made my mind somehow. Was I cold to His love, just because I was intimidated to say “I love You”? (Until recently, it’s rare for me to write long posts.) I woke up this morning, and this thought of three simple words is still hovering over the brain. Is God really working out my fear for loving without being self-conscious? I think. With three simple words… “I…Love…You…” I repeated some short, uncountable times. Though God wants more than sacrifices, He wants us to see the bounty of love he has for us. I guess I should put these words up in my “Mamu-vernacular!” I love You, Lord, and I shout it to the Heavens! Me encuentro a 1589.847 millas (o 2558.610 kilómetros para aquellos que siguen el otro sistema) de Puerto Rico. Esta es la primera vez desde hace tres meses de que no hago un update al blog. Esto quiere decir que es la primera vez en tres meses de que no escribo un párrafo completamente en Español, a menos de que las circunstancias lo ameriten.
It is near 6:00 PM. I’m here writing as always, skimming on my brain, trying what can I present to you. There is still a realization I have to let sink in: in less than 24 hours, I have obviously transgressed all the Commandments God intended in Exodus. I have idolized, I have coveted; I haven’t sanctified the day of rest (what is it, then?), lusted, coveted, killed, and more. I need death; this I unfortunately deserve. I need blood, I need blood… (And I’m not a vampire!) But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. (Hebrews 9:7-9, NIV) |
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