The Eternal Design

Recently, I have been really getting into pictures from the Hubble telescope.  I know that it seems a bit random especially since this telescope has been around for over twenty years but these images have stirred my thoughts about the purpose of man in the universe.   Why did God create us to occupy one tiny speck of dust in a universe that now spans 14 billion light years and is continuing to expand?  Why create something so grand when man can only appreciate so little?  As I thought about these things, it dawned on me that God has made the universe with eternity in mind.  That one day, we will stand beside him as he spread his arms towards the stars and proclaims that he has made all of this for us to study, explore, and enjoy for the rest of time itself.

I am a huge sci-fi junkie and the thought of space travel and moving faster than the speed of light doesn't seem like a mere fantasy. I believe that man, given time, is capable of doing anything that the mind can imagine.  In this life, we are hemmed in by our sin and the death that it brings but once those obstacles are removed, there is a limitless universe that awaits us.  In all that we do for the Lord, my prayer is that our dreams will remain grand, as grand as the universe he has created for us.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Freedom in Truth

Earlier this week I was deeply saddened to hear with my own ears that Joel Osteen believes that Mormons are believers in Christ just like himself.  For many years, I have tried to stay away from all the negative statements regarding the ministry at Lakewood Church because I didn't want to believe that the largest church in the United States (45,000 members with a viewership of 10 million for their TV broadcast) could be so far from the truth.  I just happened to be watching the CBS morning show when this interview caught my attention and I was left completely stunned by what was said.

Some years ago as a relatively new believer, I had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Utah and visit the center of Mormonism in Salt Lake City.  It was clear then and clear now that we are not separated by some minor doctrinal issues but that there are fundamental differences that makes these two faiths incompatible.  To mislead people into believing that the gap between Christianity and Mormonism is minor is either the height of ignorance or the grossest deception.  In issuing this statement, Joel Osteen invalidated the ministry of all the Christians in Utah who are trying to uphold the truth of Scripture and reach out to people who are lost in a lie.

In the end, all of this points to a Christianity that is failing here in America.   We have traded authentic transformation and genuine salvation for a smile and positive thinking.  The success of churches like Lakewood, the growth of the emergent church, and the popularity of the prosperity gospel, all are indications that we have veered off the right path.  The quest for joy and happiness cannot bypass and overlook what is true.  How can we have real joy when our lives are still captive to the false desires of this world?  More than ever, we are called to seek a truth, a truth that will set us free.

Extraordinary Prayer

One of the on-going battles that I have with my 5 year old daughter is the fact that she just doesn't like to pray or at least doesn't like to be told when to pray.  I feel like most children are more obedient or more willing to humor their parents but Carissa won't even go through the motions.   Sometimes I'll ask her if she has prayed for her meal and she will reply, "Yes, in my mind."  Then I'll ask, "What did you pray for?", to which she will quickly answer, "You don't need to know, Dad."  What can I possibly say to this and so I have resigned myself to the fact that my daughter will pray when and if she wants. 

Amazingly, every once in a while I will catch Carissa in our walk-in closet (where my wife likes to pray) and I'll hear her little voice lifting up the needs of our family. Each time I find her praying in private, it really warms my heart and I can't help wonder if God feels the same way towards us every time He catches us praying in that secret place. Perhaps this is why He commands that the majority of our prayers should be in our rooms, behind shut doors, where we can reach out to Him from the depths of our hearts. I am quite aware that starting a new church takes a considerable investment of prayer but at the same time it can't be forced or come out of mere religious duty. True prayer comes when God stirs our passions to reach out for Him in a real and sincere manner. I hope that the bedrock of our endeavors to begin this ministry will be forged out of prayers that are authentic and genuine.

P.S  We will be having our first prayer meeting January 31 in San Mateo.  Please let me know if you would like to join us!

Our Future Prayer Warrior!