ponderUpon...

If someone gives you money and asks you to go buy something for them there are two options: either take the money and go buy what they asked or spend the money on yourself, buying what you want. To most all of us this is an easily made moral decision; I hope. Why is this decision not as easily made when living for God though? God gives you life. This life that has been given is not yours just as the money the person gave you is not yours. The reason the person gave you money is because of trust...God gave you life trusting you would spend it on Him, doing with it what He asks. Life holds much more purpose than spending it on ourselves because "the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:38). You are the one who has been entrusted with much...to go and make disciples. This task was only made possible when Jesus bought you with his blood "for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light" (Ephe...

You are standing on an open plain. To your left is a castle, a refuge, a safe place. Now you look to your right and you see something advancing. Whatever it is it doesn't look friendly. It's coming closer, your fear starts to build and you know you can run and take refuge in the castle but something holds you back. This is completely illogical, why aren't you running as fast as you can to where you know you will be safe, away from this advancing force of darkness. The choice is clear and obvious isn't it? This is the analogy of temptation. This is what I wish people would picture every time they're tempted. In the physical world we make smart choices (most of the time) when it comes to danger. We're not going to walk out in front of a passing bus or walk off a cliff. That would be completely illogical and idiotic. So why don't we think of temptation that way? Sometimes we do but what I'm say is why not think of it in this way all the time. If there was a...

I want to let all you in on a little secret. It's a secret I hope all of you know but it's something we all forget...almost everyday it seems sadly. God is stronger than whatever temptation we have. I recently watched a video where the author of "The Story of God, the Story of Us", Sean Gladding, talked about a man who just accepted Jesus as his savior. Well this man calls Sean up on the phone and says he's really struggling with a temptation...and the temptation is really strong! I thought to myself, "hey I've had that feeling before." Where (fill in the blank) temptation is so strong and you can't help but to give in. The other day this thought occurred to me. You feel like this temptation is really strong, it consumes your thoughts, and you know you'll give in...but...our God is bigger. Our God is stronger, our God is more consuming than any temptation that seizes us. How easy it is to overcome if we just turn the temptation over to Him, t...

There is a person suspended sideways holding onto two chains each having a handle. One chain goes downwards and is connected to a shadowed world. The other chain leads upwards extending into the light. It is a struggle holding onto both worlds but this person knows that if he drops the world extending below then it'll be easier to hold onto the world above. So the person drops the world below and it slowly slowly falls as if it is falling through space. The sad thing is, that world below is still within grasp and the temptation to grasp it back is too great. So it is grasped and the struggle remains. The person in the story is all of us. See, we all would like to completely let go of that world for good and never reach for it again but there's that humanity within us that won't let us. This isn't a story without hope though. The following are my thoughts from the other day which help explain the transition of letting the world below go: The wages of sin is death. So we ...

There is the earth. Now there is a single beam of light coming straight down onto the earth. This beam of light is all good and purity that God created. This and nothing more. There is something outside the beam of light. It is the abstract of all of God's good...the opposite. See there is nothing newly created from the beginning of the beam of light. Everything abstract from the beam of light was taken from the light then turned backwards. This abstractness is the perversion called sin. It is the opposite of the beam of light...a sick reversed copy if you will. Nothing can invade the beam of light or stand against it because it is an ever binding pure solid truth that cannot be challenged. So the abstract of light fills the left and right and the beam of light stays in the middle. There is one example that corresponds to this tale that comes to my mind, homosexuality, which has always been an issue in this world remember Ecclesiastes 1:9. God created marriage, it is a holy, pure, ...

A convenience store is a place we go to find things we need -or want- at a time when it's good for us. Do we treat God like a convenience store? Do we only go to Him when we want something, the key word here is only. Or do we go to Him just when it's good for us and we think we need something -which is really just a want-. The Father knows our needs and will provide for them but He won't always provide for our wants, which is just and fair. God isn't a convenience store...at all. Don't get me wrong, God wants us to bring our problems to Him. But we're undeserving of His help if we don't a have a servant's heart and praise, thank, and worship Him in return. I want you to think about these words and challenge yourself to ponder if you only seek God's help when it's convenient to you. I know we are all guilty of it but that doesn't mean we should make it a habit whatsoever. If we are faithful and come to Him humbly He will help us. Keep on your ...

It has been quite a while since I've written anything and I apologize for that. School has kept me very busy so  it is the main factor why I haven't posted as of recent but school is about over now. This leads me to what I'm going to discuss today. Everyone can have a busy life at times (this is understandable and normal) but this busyness shouldn't consume us to the point where God filters to the background and work, school, sports, (fill in the blank) becomes a priority on our minds above God. I think it's human for this to happen but this doesn't make it an excuse. Our minds become focused on what's going on in our lives and since these things are visible to us we can fall into thinking about them more than thinking about God. This really becomes a problem because handling stress becomes worse, our relationships with people can lessen to what they shouldn't be, and our emotions can run high and unchecked. When we keep God at the center of our lives He...

Jesus watched rich people put their money into what we would call the offering. He also watched a poor widow put money into the offering as well. I want to point out two things. Even though the rich people's money was worth more it was worthless to them thus having no meaning. The widow merely put in about a penny, whose worth is less than the rich people's yet more. It meant something great to her because it represented her livelihood here on earth. The rich people's donations were meaningless to them because they had it in abundance so it was no real sacrifice. The widow's heart was in the place where it should be, in a humble state. She knew it wouldn't garner any attention from the people but she didn't give offering for attention because then it's not really giving. It's expecting to receive (attention). The fascinating thing is Jesus (the most important out of all) noticed & discussed what she did with the disciples & told them there is a l...

In my previous blog post,  Citizen One , I discussed individuality; how we are a breathing, living, loving person existing in this world. How we are unique yet united through this bond we share, this bond of citizenry. To clarify exactly what citizen means (I'm sure we all know but just for clarification) here is the definition: a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection. This comes straight from dictionary.com. Now this definition fits perfect with being a Christian and in fact just being a person in general. With the change of a few things it goes like this: a native member of the Kingdom of God who owes allegiance to God and is given protection by Him. That is being a citizen of God. A citizen is not meant to be alone though, the Kingdom of God is not meant to be empty. That is why we are all citizens of His Kingdom in Heaven (eventually) but also right now here on this earth -rememb...

Socrates (a Greek Athenian philosopher) said, "I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world." What words come to your mind regarding this quote? The word that I think of is united . I am a citizen of the world that God created. What is meant by this, is we are one central people. The children of God. So being fellow citizens of this world it is our duty to love one another and have respect for each other. I remember reading in one of my History textbooks this idea of citizen virtue, where the people put aside their individual differences for the good of the whole. So they could be a stronger people, more united. In putting away their differences their strengths were highlighted making for an overall better community. How can we do this and how does it apply to being a good Christian for God? I see it as trying (with the Holy Spirit's help) to live with people as peaceably as possible (which is pleasing in the Lord's eyes). With each day bri...

Lent isn't over, it never has been, and it never will be. It's the feeling that stays with us in our hearts. We don't stop learning from God we keep listening. Lent is a time for learning, but shouldn't that be all the time as well? Lent is a time to give something up to break down the distracting barriers between us and God. But shouldn't we try to do that every day? Jesus said to all of them, “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me. -Luke 9:23. Jesus didn't say they must give up their lives only during Lent He said they must give up their lives daily. What did Jesus mean by "give up their lives"? I believe He meant anything that keeps us from growing closer to God...a big one is ourselves, our selfishness. If there is something in our life that keeps us from God in any way then it isn't worth being in our life. As it is written in Galations 2:20 "It ...

I love you, Lord. You are my strength. -Psalms 18:1 He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. -Isaiah 40:29 Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help. -1 Chronicles 16:11 The Lord saves good people; he is their strength in times of trouble. -Psalms 37:39 Ponder Upon these verses. God layed on my heart tonight to share with you, my dear friends, that those who need strength from the Lord shall have it. Call upon his name with a humble heart and he will not abandon his people. I really love Isaiah 40:29...that one really hits me. I want you to think of these verses throughout your day & especially in your times of where strength is what you need most. I also see strength corresponding with patience & probably many other things. It's a really beautiful thing to see how these attributes, if you will, flow & weave together working in unison all for our better. So in the times when you say "God, see my heart, ...

Make your living dear pilgrim with whatever makes you happy. Before you take these words into consideration though think about this verse: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21 & in 1 Corinthians 10:31 it is written do all for the glory of God. So once our treasure lies in God & not in the world & we do whatever we do for His Glory we will be happy. Once our interests He's instilled in us come alive something really cool happens. Forget the worlds definition of rich & poor. What God wants us to do we will be happy making our living for Him. I had the privilege of seeing Francis Chan (more than once!) but a few summers back I heard him say this & I'll never forget it...I want the things I do in this life to have an impact on the next life (referring to Heaven). The moral of this story is what you do for the Glory of God make sure to share that Glory with other people. Because that...that is what makes it all important! Shari...

I must share these thoughts with you. Christ's power within us is a mighty thing! Sin is destructive to ourselves. It seems attractive & pleasing to us but me must live as Christ lived & live not to please ourselves (Romans 15). We must live to please God our Father. With Him within us we can overcome all sin! No matter how great the temptation. The devil is always lurking & preying on our minds hoping we will fall to his traps. But I am here to tell you God is always around us too, continually strengthening us from these traps! Listen to Him when He speaks; when He provides a way out of our temptation. The offer is extended but we must take it. Do not entertain temptation because I guarantee you you will fall to sin because entertaining temptation is not God's will & it will sway our minds away from God. I come to you tonight with a humble heart. With an imperfect heart. A heart God is continually working on...& continually teaching. I was reading Romans 6 ...

Mercy: something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: -The Dictionary. It is God's divine favor that He has mercy for us so we can have mercy for people. It is a blessing we are allowed to have mercy from God & we are given the opportunity to show mercy to others. Without mercy...this world would be a wretched place indeed. Also in the dictionary it states mercy is compassion shown to an offender. When Jesus was being nailed to the cross mercy was shown. Not from the Roman soldiers but from Jesus himself, the one who was tortured to a horrible degree & in unimaginable pain, yet he had mercy on them, by forgiving them & pleading to the Father for them (Luke 23:34). What a beautiful thought. Who among us could do that? Have mercy on the person who was murdering you? This is a prime example of God's unimaginable love for us. It shows He has mercy on us, the ones undeserving of it (the offenders). How beautiful & what an example for us to follow. If Jesus ...

"I have fallen so many times, for the Devil's sweet cunning rhymes." This is a line from the song Nothing But The Water by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. How true it is. As humans we want to believe we are right. And it doesn't help when the Devil tells us we are. God's voice is always with us but so is our own. We have to make up our minds which voice we will listen to. The easy choice would be our own. But in the long run it will be more beneficial to our whole well being if we listen to God. But like I've been saying all along we're human (this isn't a justification but a statement we are weak without God), so sometimes we're going to listen to what we want to do, sadly. And as you all know it usually doesn't end up good. Alas all is not lost though when we selfishly do what we want to do, God can use the moment to teach us something out of it, show us a lesson. It is up to us though to not leave the lesson but keep it with us for next t...

Do not put too much time into your worldly possessions because what is important to you is not always important to others. Let me explain by giving an example. This past week I've given a lot of thought to phones (which brand is better than the other), their operating systems, what looks cooler, what I want in this phone & what I don't want in that phone. And it struck me...none of this would probably matter to a blind person or a person with (insert here). So is this a good use of my time? Does this, in all truth & honesty (I love saying that now by the way) owe that much of my attention & does it matter. Am I focusing on less important things when truly more important things are at hand? My answer is yes & no. It is all in accordance with a balancing of time. This applies to all recreational things. Give an interest in what you like but don't let that interest go too far so as you miss truly important things. I'll give you an example from me. Instead o...

I hope everyone has had a nice unexpected winter break, & for those of you who didn't have a winter break I hope your week has been great as well. During this winter break I've been pondering upon many many things. I cannot take credit of these things as my own imagining and creativeness but things I believe God has revealed to me. Things I hope to see become a reality someday but only if they are in God's plan. The whole point of this blog is so you will ponder(U)pon. So you will search yourself and think. Are you living your life to please God or are you living to please yourself? Are you living God's plan or are you living your plan? I want you, dear readers, to think upon these things. And I want you to never stop thinking upon these things. Many words do not need to be said to convey my purpose for this reading. With this final thought I say...in my absence this past week have you been pondering upon how U can improve the present moment through the love of God?...

"When Samuel hears God's call, he says, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:10). This is the true spirit of prayer; not, "Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking!" -Father Emmerich Vogt, O.P. I actually got a good laugh out of that last part, "Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking!" So that's why I decided to share it with y'all today. There is a good message to be found in it though. When we pray we shouldn't play the part of the All Mine Bunny but should listen to the Father because His plans & answers for us are & will be more beneficial than our own. I'm not saying we shouldn't bring our needs to God but we should approach prayer in a humble spirit and be willing to let God take care of us, not tell Him how to take care of us. Pray that God shows you how He can improve the present moment through you dear friends.

As it is written, "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). I find this very interesting and very deep at the same time. What did Jesus mean when he said this? Our body's live in this world. Our hearts & minds can live in the Kingdom, the kingdom within. So I see them working in harmony. If we are living in the Kingdom and living in this world we can do great things through the Holy Spirit who lives in the Kingdom with us. Let me elaborate. All our actions good or bad, our sin, our thoughts all begin in the mind & the heart. If we have the Kingdom of God living within us then God's great plans for our lives give birth to great thoughts and those great thoughts give birth to great actions and those great actions give birth to great things God does through us all shining His light upon the earth but all starting from within. Regnum caelo intra allows us to improve the present moment, dear brothers and sisters. I pray you see the kingdom of Heaven around y...

"There is a temptation to see Lent as a time of self-improvement, during which my focus is on myself. However, my sin shows me that my hope can never be in myself. My only hope is that someone save me. Saint Paul says: "I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want...Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 7:19, 24-24). Let our focus be not on ourselves, but on Jesus. Let us turn toward Jesus Christ and beg for a renewed experience of his presence. He is the one who saves me from my miserable condition; it is his merciful gaze which awakens and transforms me." -Father Richard Veras. I could not have put it better myself. That is why I decided to share it with you, my dear readers. Lent is most definitely not about ourselves. Remember Galatians 2:20 I talked about in a previous article. It is about allowing Jesus to increase in our lives and us decreasing. I saw a quote to...

I told you before that we love you so much we would live or die with you. I feel very sure of you and am very proud of you. You give me much comfort, and in all of our troubles I have great joy. (2 Corinthians 7:3, 4) This verse is so beautiful and reassuring. It is a verse that we all should apply to our daily lives in treating and thinking of other people. But for now I want to focus on the last part where Paul says, "and in all our troubles I have great joy." I think of that last part whenever I have troubles or in all honesty, just flat out tired and worn out from the day or week. It reminds me even though I'm tired or troubled and want to be a crabby person I really have nothing to complain about but should have joy and thankfulness instead. Paul exhibits this joy by living his life for God. He had much to complain about for his troubles were many, more than we have, yet he still had joy and didn't complain (I'm sure he complained sometimes like all humans d...

Your pride has fooled you, you who live in the hollow places of the cliff. Your home is up high, you who say to yourself, ‘No one can bring me down to the ground.’ Even if you fly high like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord. (Obadiah 1:3, 4) These two verses serve as one of the best examples to not become too arrogant. God is the giver of all things. We deceive ourselves in believing all that we have & do is of our own power. Remember Job said "The Lord gives and the Lords takes away. (Job 1:21) Job knew best about things being taken away. Now practically all that Job had wasn't taken away because he was arrogant. It was taken away to show the faithfulness of God's servant. All through this process Job stayed humble and praised the Lord. We should also not be arrogant about our appearances. Thomas a Kempis wrote in his book,  The Imitation of Christ,  don't take too much pride in your appearances to the...

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly is a movie about three different people. One is good, one is bad, and one is ugly. These character traits apply to us in certain ways. In fact we can be all three. Our sin is ugly, our actions can be bad, but...through Jesus Christ we can be good. Jesus said why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. (Mark 10:18) Now Jesus didn't mean no one can be good, he meant the Father is good all the time -notice the keyword truly- where us as human beings are fickle in our actions. So how can we be good and avoid those other two as often as possible? (I'm not saying "bad" and "ugly" will always be avoided, I believe they can be, but since we're human and rely on ourselves sometimes and not the Father they won't always be avoided.) Jesus told us he would send The Helper to..well...help us. Help us in our times of trial and to always be with us in our hearts. The Scriptures say I will hide his word in my heart  that I might ...

Dear friends, I write to you on the eve of Lent. This journey we are about to embark on together will, I hope, strengthen us in our lives, deepen us in thought, and empower us in our love for one another, not just in our actions but most assuredly in our hearts. I am very excited for this season of Lent and I hope you are as well. Follow my blog for more of my thoughts and what I am learning through this season of Lent. Always remember...how will you improve the present moment?