“Put not your hope in princes…” Isn’t that what government-run health care is all about? Putting your trust in princes? Expecting the state to look after all your needs?
The crux of the matter I think is that we don’t have a high enough view of God. We want the government to look after us because we don’t trust God to provide for all our needs. (Not only that, but I think in our society needs and wants have gotten pretty mixed up.) In scripture as far as I can tell caring for those in need is the job of individuals and the church.
I’m afraid that government control of healthcare eventually leads to euthanasia. Charity ends up being a burden. People like me (although I would rather not accept government money most programs and resources for the blind are government funded) end up being a drain on the government and it’d rather knock us off than spend money on what some people might consider "unproductive" citizens. Where does something like this stop?
No one stops to consider implications for the future. No, it’s all about now, about us. We’re giving away our freedoms! Selling our birthright for a pot of soup! But that’s what happens in a nation of incredibly self-centered people with an ‘entitlement’ complex looking for instant gratification. We want what we want when we want it at any cost. You know, I think we have an overblown opinion of ourselves, in the US these days, and what we deserve. I know what I deserve and it’s not very pleasant.
We should expect suffering, not ease or comfort. We should strive to follow God, not to gain material wealth, a problem-free life. Problems, suffering, disappointments are what often sanctify us and yet we want to avoid them at any cost. Anything but what would ultimately make me more Christ-like.. We need to get our priorities straight. If god ever gives me children I hope i will not instill in them a desire for the ‘American dream’ but a desire to see God’s ‘kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The other things just aren’t so important as we seem to think and yet we set so much store in them and spend our lives and energy pursuing them.
What does it profit if we gain the whole world and lose our souls?
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti
Hi,
Well, by now everyone’s heard about the earthquake in Haiti, helped, prayed (I hope). I hope you all – even now that the first shock of it over – are still praying for the folks in Haiti. We’re so far removed from everything that it’s easy to go on with our lives and not even remember to pray or care. Death toll in the tens of thousands? We can’t even wrap our minds arund that. It’s hard to care or understand as much as we should. Haiti seems so far away and the tragedy is honestly too great to comprehend. But if we stop and focus in on just a few of the stories, it helps.
I kno we’ve been shocked, too, when some people claimed that Haiti deserved this ‘judgment’. Well, that sounds so mean. Truth be told, though, there’s a small gleam of truth in what they’re saying even though it’s a gross misrepresentation. Yes, they deserved it. But so do we. That’s what everyone deserves. Anything short of death and hell is mercy.
Lamentations 3: 21-23
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 130: 3-4
If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.
We should be thanking God it’s not us. Because we deserve every bit of it and more. We’re a veritable Sodom and Gomorrah ourselves over here in the U.S.
Hopefully God will use this tragedy to remind us of both his mercy as well as his justice. He is in control and he’s good; we can trust that even when we don’t understand.
On another note: it’s an awesome opportunity to share the gospel with the Haitians. I hope Christian workers get the chance to do a lot of that while serving them in practical ways.
Be in prayer.
Jason
Well, by now everyone’s heard about the earthquake in Haiti, helped, prayed (I hope). I hope you all – even now that the first shock of it over – are still praying for the folks in Haiti. We’re so far removed from everything that it’s easy to go on with our lives and not even remember to pray or care. Death toll in the tens of thousands? We can’t even wrap our minds arund that. It’s hard to care or understand as much as we should. Haiti seems so far away and the tragedy is honestly too great to comprehend. But if we stop and focus in on just a few of the stories, it helps.
I kno we’ve been shocked, too, when some people claimed that Haiti deserved this ‘judgment’. Well, that sounds so mean. Truth be told, though, there’s a small gleam of truth in what they’re saying even though it’s a gross misrepresentation. Yes, they deserved it. But so do we. That’s what everyone deserves. Anything short of death and hell is mercy.
Lamentations 3: 21-23
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 130: 3-4
If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.
We should be thanking God it’s not us. Because we deserve every bit of it and more. We’re a veritable Sodom and Gomorrah ourselves over here in the U.S.
Hopefully God will use this tragedy to remind us of both his mercy as well as his justice. He is in control and he’s good; we can trust that even when we don’t understand.
On another note: it’s an awesome opportunity to share the gospel with the Haitians. I hope Christian workers get the chance to do a lot of that while serving them in practical ways.
Be in prayer.
Jason
Friday, January 1, 2010
A Few Things I’ve Learned
Sitting here thinking back over this year and all the things I learned. God’s been faithful through it all and I just can’t help but be overwhelmed by how richly he’s blessed me
A lot happened, too, this year. Lots of changes. Riley went off to college. Amy got married. I turned 20.
I’m grateful to God for this past year. He’s convicted me about a lot of different things. I’ve prayed more, relied on Him more, and learned how hopeless I really am in my own strength.
So here’s another list. Just a few of the things I’ve learned (or relearned) in 2009.
1. Unselfishness.
There are no excuses for not obeying God and serving Him. No matter what state we find ourselves in He’s still given us all we need to live a life of godliness. We’re never exempted. When we look at other people’s problems the godly choice or action always seems obvious to us. But we think of ourselves – or at least I do – Well I have a legitimate excuse for not doing what I should. For me, “I’m blind. Nobody can expect me to, say, reach out to someone in need. I mean, shouldn’t people be reaching out to me?” But that’s a sinful and selfish thought. God commands us to: Philippians 2:3-7 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. That’s essentially the Golden Rule. So that means showing godly friendliness to someone at church even though I feel awkward or I’d rather not leave the safety and security of my seat. Hard but right. I’ve been working at this all year.
2. Edifying speech.
I’ve been convicted to try to have intentional conversations that build other people up. We so often just talk to say something – at least I find myself doing that all the time. Most especially because I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable around me so I try to say something – anything – just to put them at ease. But I really need to watch out against foolish words and worthless conversations. Life’s too short for that.
Besides, God’s been pretty clear with us about what he expects in that area: Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
3. Gratitude and Meekness
By this I don’t really mean ordinary thankfulness for all the things God’s blessed me with. I need that, too, but I was convicted about something even more specific. Other people may not struggle with this as much. Maybe I should call it (the fault) resistance to pity or aversion to help. Pride? Maybe? I guess pride underlies most sin. And I think the character flaw that fault reveals is a lack of gratitude and meekness.
Alright, here’s an example. Even if it seems patronizing, for instance, if I’m perfectly able to cross a street by myself and someone stops to help me, it’s still nice of them to stop. I should let them have their good feeling. I should be grateful. It’s nice of them to try to be helpful. I can at least appreciate the spirit of the thing even if the help itself wasn’t necessary. A lot of people would rather slink away. I know it. That happens all the time. Enough that I can appreciate people who quell their fear of people who are different from them and try to be kind and helpful. It’s pride and ingratitude that makes me rebel against help. That’s sin. It’s not sin to be helped.
So that’s another thing I’ve been working on this past year. It’s hard because lots of other blind people will encourage an attitude of arrogant independence. But that’s not right. My life’s goal is not to prove to the world that blind people are just as capable and independent as sighted people. My life’s goal is to grow in godliness and show the love of Christ to others.
So those are just a very few of the things God’s given me grace to work on this year. I’m so grateful for his love and grace and protection through another year and I know he’ll be faithful in this new one.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
God bless!
Jason
A lot happened, too, this year. Lots of changes. Riley went off to college. Amy got married. I turned 20.
I’m grateful to God for this past year. He’s convicted me about a lot of different things. I’ve prayed more, relied on Him more, and learned how hopeless I really am in my own strength.
So here’s another list. Just a few of the things I’ve learned (or relearned) in 2009.
1. Unselfishness.
There are no excuses for not obeying God and serving Him. No matter what state we find ourselves in He’s still given us all we need to live a life of godliness. We’re never exempted. When we look at other people’s problems the godly choice or action always seems obvious to us. But we think of ourselves – or at least I do – Well I have a legitimate excuse for not doing what I should. For me, “I’m blind. Nobody can expect me to, say, reach out to someone in need. I mean, shouldn’t people be reaching out to me?” But that’s a sinful and selfish thought. God commands us to: Philippians 2:3-7 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. That’s essentially the Golden Rule. So that means showing godly friendliness to someone at church even though I feel awkward or I’d rather not leave the safety and security of my seat. Hard but right. I’ve been working at this all year.
2. Edifying speech.
I’ve been convicted to try to have intentional conversations that build other people up. We so often just talk to say something – at least I find myself doing that all the time. Most especially because I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable around me so I try to say something – anything – just to put them at ease. But I really need to watch out against foolish words and worthless conversations. Life’s too short for that.
Besides, God’s been pretty clear with us about what he expects in that area: Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
3. Gratitude and Meekness
By this I don’t really mean ordinary thankfulness for all the things God’s blessed me with. I need that, too, but I was convicted about something even more specific. Other people may not struggle with this as much. Maybe I should call it (the fault) resistance to pity or aversion to help. Pride? Maybe? I guess pride underlies most sin. And I think the character flaw that fault reveals is a lack of gratitude and meekness.
Alright, here’s an example. Even if it seems patronizing, for instance, if I’m perfectly able to cross a street by myself and someone stops to help me, it’s still nice of them to stop. I should let them have their good feeling. I should be grateful. It’s nice of them to try to be helpful. I can at least appreciate the spirit of the thing even if the help itself wasn’t necessary. A lot of people would rather slink away. I know it. That happens all the time. Enough that I can appreciate people who quell their fear of people who are different from them and try to be kind and helpful. It’s pride and ingratitude that makes me rebel against help. That’s sin. It’s not sin to be helped.
So that’s another thing I’ve been working on this past year. It’s hard because lots of other blind people will encourage an attitude of arrogant independence. But that’s not right. My life’s goal is not to prove to the world that blind people are just as capable and independent as sighted people. My life’s goal is to grow in godliness and show the love of Christ to others.
So those are just a very few of the things God’s given me grace to work on this year. I’m so grateful for his love and grace and protection through another year and I know he’ll be faithful in this new one.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
God bless!
Jason
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Post-Holiday Blues?
I went with my friend, Jake, to church this morning. He was kind enough to come considerably out of his way to pick me up. Rough weather too.
Good sermon. I bet pastors have a hard time deciding what to preach on the Sunday after Christmas. The Christmas story? Just slightly late for that. New Year’s Resolutions? One Sunday too early for that. What are the pressing post-Christmas concerns? Weight loss?! To tell you the truth, I’d be rather pleased if I gained any weight this holiday. No, this morning’s sermon was on materialism. It’s a good topic any time of year but an especially helpful reminder around Christmas-time. His particular emphasis was on the inability of material possessions to bring fulfillment. That’s a pretty incisive insight right now when the excitement and anticipation of the Christmas season is over. All the gifts are put away, the food is eaten, the decorations are taken down, the family and friends are gone back to their lives. A lot of people are feeling empty and unfulfilled. The pleasures material blessings brought are already diminishing. It doesn’t last. Not even a few days!
He took his text from Luke 12 and his key verses were:
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
And 1 Timothy 6:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
The message was really well-times and convicting. I wish I had a copy of it. Maybe I’ll link to it if he puts it online.
Aside, from the awesome message, I haven’t been to that church in a while so it was a little awkward, I’ll admit.
I never want to get up while the aisles are full of people unless I can take someone's elbow and have them guide me out. I don’t want to be in the way. So usually I just sit in the pew and wait, listen to different conversations going on around me. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is not to eavesdrop; I guess people never think I can hear extremely well. It’s one of those things, you know. People subconsciously assume if you can’t see you have no idea what’s going on.
Well, that sounds a little boastful. I’ll admit I don’t always know what’s going on. For instance this morning the pastor said “Good morning” to me about five times before I realized he was talking to me. That was pretty embarrassing. You know, I wonder if he forgot my name.
Anyway, all that to say, as I was sitting there, waiting for the crowd to disperse, I could hear a group of kids discussing their Christmas gifts. It pretty much cemented everything I’d learned from the message.
Kids: “I didn’t get the fill-in-the-blank that I wanted” and “Well, my grandparents got me a video game I already had and I wish my parents could exchange it” and “My baby brother dipped my remote-controlled truck in the toilet and it stopped working.” Etcetera. This reinforced, for me, the worth of the pastor’s observations this morning. Those kids, though – I don’t think they learned anything! :)
I just pray that we older ones are quicker to learn and obey. May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only. But, it’s comforting to remember that even when we mess up – even when we’re hearers only – we have a forgiving God. Aren’t you grateful for God’s mercy? He puts up with SO much!
God bless!
Jason
Good sermon. I bet pastors have a hard time deciding what to preach on the Sunday after Christmas. The Christmas story? Just slightly late for that. New Year’s Resolutions? One Sunday too early for that. What are the pressing post-Christmas concerns? Weight loss?! To tell you the truth, I’d be rather pleased if I gained any weight this holiday. No, this morning’s sermon was on materialism. It’s a good topic any time of year but an especially helpful reminder around Christmas-time. His particular emphasis was on the inability of material possessions to bring fulfillment. That’s a pretty incisive insight right now when the excitement and anticipation of the Christmas season is over. All the gifts are put away, the food is eaten, the decorations are taken down, the family and friends are gone back to their lives. A lot of people are feeling empty and unfulfilled. The pleasures material blessings brought are already diminishing. It doesn’t last. Not even a few days!
He took his text from Luke 12 and his key verses were:
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
And 1 Timothy 6:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
The message was really well-times and convicting. I wish I had a copy of it. Maybe I’ll link to it if he puts it online.
Aside, from the awesome message, I haven’t been to that church in a while so it was a little awkward, I’ll admit.
I never want to get up while the aisles are full of people unless I can take someone's elbow and have them guide me out. I don’t want to be in the way. So usually I just sit in the pew and wait, listen to different conversations going on around me. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is not to eavesdrop; I guess people never think I can hear extremely well. It’s one of those things, you know. People subconsciously assume if you can’t see you have no idea what’s going on.
Well, that sounds a little boastful. I’ll admit I don’t always know what’s going on. For instance this morning the pastor said “Good morning” to me about five times before I realized he was talking to me. That was pretty embarrassing. You know, I wonder if he forgot my name.
Anyway, all that to say, as I was sitting there, waiting for the crowd to disperse, I could hear a group of kids discussing their Christmas gifts. It pretty much cemented everything I’d learned from the message.
Kids: “I didn’t get the fill-in-the-blank that I wanted” and “Well, my grandparents got me a video game I already had and I wish my parents could exchange it” and “My baby brother dipped my remote-controlled truck in the toilet and it stopped working.” Etcetera. This reinforced, for me, the worth of the pastor’s observations this morning. Those kids, though – I don’t think they learned anything! :)
I just pray that we older ones are quicker to learn and obey. May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only. But, it’s comforting to remember that even when we mess up – even when we’re hearers only – we have a forgiving God. Aren’t you grateful for God’s mercy? He puts up with SO much!
God bless!
Jason
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone has had a blessed day. I know I did! God has been so gracious to me and my whole family. It’s been awesome.
I haven’t had time to write a long post like I’d wanted to but I thought I’d post a link to a sermon I found this afternoon. It’s by John MacArthur: called The True Spirit of Christmas.
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/80-152.HTM
And a few verses that I read this morning:
Phil 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What amazing grace we’ve been shown! That God would humble Himself and become a man like us. I know I am so undeserving. We serve a God of love and mercy!
God bless!
Jason
I hope everyone has had a blessed day. I know I did! God has been so gracious to me and my whole family. It’s been awesome.
I haven’t had time to write a long post like I’d wanted to but I thought I’d post a link to a sermon I found this afternoon. It’s by John MacArthur: called The True Spirit of Christmas.
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/80-152.HTM
And a few verses that I read this morning:
Phil 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What amazing grace we’ve been shown! That God would humble Himself and become a man like us. I know I am so undeserving. We serve a God of love and mercy!
God bless!
Jason
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hi!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I’ve had a blog before but wasn’t adept enough on the computer back then so I let it go. That was a long time ago. I’m ready to try again! So here goes my new try at blogging.
I don’t have a whole lot of wisdom and profound thoughts to share but I know God has given me some unique experiences in my life that he’s used to teach me a great number of things. I don’t want to keep them to myself if they could help anyone else.
Well, for starters, let me introduce myself. I’m Jason Terryn, 20, tall, brown haired, a little eccentric, I guess. I try not to be, I don’t know if that counts for anything! My favorite things to do are play the guitar or read a good book. I like to write, too, and listen to music. And of course, one of my favorite things is spending time with my family. One other thing you should know about me is that I’m blind. It’s by no means the most significant fact about me but as other people often seem to think it is I figured I’d better mention it.
I have an awesome family: parents who love the Lord, my older sister, Amy, whose 21 and just married to Brian whose got to be the best brother-in-law anyone’s ever had. An awesome younger brother, Riley, 17; he’s in his first semester at college. He’s smart, athletic, and lots of fun. Last but definitely not least is my little sister Ava, whose 7 and the most sweet and beautiful girl I know. People are always shocked to hear I’ve got a sister that young. She came as quite a surprise.
I have a good life and an amazing family. They’re all very brilliant and successful and it makes me proud to be related to them.
Another thing: God’s blessed me so much in my life and I’m really happy and, for the most part, contented with my life. Often people, when they realize I’m blind, will come up to me and say they’re so sorry and just assume I have a horrible life, I tell them I’m happy, but not just because I’m fulfilled and independent and all that sort of thing. I’d be really unhappy with being blind if not for the Lord. I’m always glad for the chance to explain to them that the reason I’m happy is because of what Christ has done in my life. I’m not offended when people say that it just gives me a chance to share the gospel with them.
I’m not saying I never get discontented or ungrateful – but just that, for the most part, God’s helped me to be reconciled to my blindness and he’s been really gracious to me in giving me a loving family, caring friends, a good job, and an awesome church family. I don’t have much to complain about…
Thanks for reading my blog!
God bless!
Jason
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I’ve had a blog before but wasn’t adept enough on the computer back then so I let it go. That was a long time ago. I’m ready to try again! So here goes my new try at blogging.
I don’t have a whole lot of wisdom and profound thoughts to share but I know God has given me some unique experiences in my life that he’s used to teach me a great number of things. I don’t want to keep them to myself if they could help anyone else.
Well, for starters, let me introduce myself. I’m Jason Terryn, 20, tall, brown haired, a little eccentric, I guess. I try not to be, I don’t know if that counts for anything! My favorite things to do are play the guitar or read a good book. I like to write, too, and listen to music. And of course, one of my favorite things is spending time with my family. One other thing you should know about me is that I’m blind. It’s by no means the most significant fact about me but as other people often seem to think it is I figured I’d better mention it.
I have an awesome family: parents who love the Lord, my older sister, Amy, whose 21 and just married to Brian whose got to be the best brother-in-law anyone’s ever had. An awesome younger brother, Riley, 17; he’s in his first semester at college. He’s smart, athletic, and lots of fun. Last but definitely not least is my little sister Ava, whose 7 and the most sweet and beautiful girl I know. People are always shocked to hear I’ve got a sister that young. She came as quite a surprise.
I have a good life and an amazing family. They’re all very brilliant and successful and it makes me proud to be related to them.
Another thing: God’s blessed me so much in my life and I’m really happy and, for the most part, contented with my life. Often people, when they realize I’m blind, will come up to me and say they’re so sorry and just assume I have a horrible life, I tell them I’m happy, but not just because I’m fulfilled and independent and all that sort of thing. I’d be really unhappy with being blind if not for the Lord. I’m always glad for the chance to explain to them that the reason I’m happy is because of what Christ has done in my life. I’m not offended when people say that it just gives me a chance to share the gospel with them.
I’m not saying I never get discontented or ungrateful – but just that, for the most part, God’s helped me to be reconciled to my blindness and he’s been really gracious to me in giving me a loving family, caring friends, a good job, and an awesome church family. I don’t have much to complain about…
Thanks for reading my blog!
God bless!
Jason
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