commitment and prophecy

Last Sabbath, we had a good discussion on our Sabbath School class. The topic for that Sabbath is about Commitment, while the Lesson Study was focused in Prophesy. Since we didn't have enough time, I want to share some thoughts on the points that were raised.

On Commitment.

There was a short skit about two people with pursuing the same goals (being valedictorian in school, being promoted at work, performing assigned task in church) while pursuing it in different way–one was committed while the other was not. So the question is what's the difference.

Like what I've shared with the group, for me, on the outside, there is no difference. On the eyes of men, commitment could mean anything, couldn’t even guarantee success. But what differs is from the inside. Although the non-committed person might show everyone about his successes, at the end of the day, he might not feel as victorious as the one who had commitment on achieving his work.

Then, the discussion was focused on commitment in a relationship, since we often connote commitment with love and relationship. The facilitator raised a question: Which can you say is more committed, a guy who works hard to give a girl expensive gifts; or, a guy who spends time with a girl but couldn't afford to give as much as the other person.

In my opinion, I would rather choose the one who gives his time IF they are the only people left in this world. ^_^

Although it could easily be concluded that time is more valuable than money; that would be too simplistic. Gifts (which do have monetary value) sometimes are derogatory since it implies buying, which in this case, love. But this can be also true with time, since there can be a trade between love and time, although no money is involved. The value of time over money would be contentious when we consider the purpose of commitment. Does he give gifts or allot time in his commitment to earn her love? Or to show his love?

Also the preference of time over gifts, or vice versa, can also be a factor. Why does he give expensive gift? Is it in exchange with the time he cannot allot to her? Or he works hard to show that he’s committed to his love not only for now but also in the future?

Therefore, although I could say that allotting time could earn more pogi points at face value when it comes to commitment, choosing him as a concrete winner would be immature. There is no argument: Both guys are both committed. The only distinguishing factor would be the guy’s definition of commitment matches the girl’s since commitment can show one’s priorities, perspective, and values in life.

On Prophesy.

The question on prophesy is about whether the date (1844) would be moved if Ezra choose to decline his mission, or would it be given to someone else. And likewise, will the second coming be delayed had we slacking off with our commission.

I think the issue the question wants to raise is: Is God's timetable regarding prophecies directly affected by our choices?

This would be hard to answer since if we say yes, this means that there is no surety in the prophesies of God–can be delayed or failed, which I can say is impossible. While if we say no, does this mean that our choices are predetermined, that God would directly control if not influence us? or God will choose another medium to perform the mission?

I think God does assign us a task in His timetable not because he needs us to perform it, but rather, we would choose to perform that assignment that’s why we are chosen to perform that mission. And there would be more people, or angels, whale, or even rocks, which are willing to be used to fulfill His divine will as stated in the prophecies.

brokenness

I first heard this song from Kuya Argie, my roomate in high school
who's excellent pianist and choir director.

Although the song is really sad, it reminds me that despite the bitter past, despite the uncertain future, despite being damaged and broken, I could still worship God.

——————–

Brokenness
by David Meece

In my brokenness
In my hour of darkness
I will lift my hands
And worship You
In my brokenness
In my time of sadness
I will lift my voice
And praise to You

Time stands still
As I kneel down before You
Life draws near
Like waves upon the shore
You touch me

In my brokenness
In these whispering shadows
I will lift the pieces
Of my heart to You

Time stands still
As I kneel down before You
Life is here
Your waves of power
And glory touch me

In my brokenness
In my hour of darkness
I will lift my hands
And worship You

I will lift my hands
And worship You.

the adventist advantage

by choice, not by chance…

This was the message in vesper prayer meeting in Pasay English Church. It was based on the November 2005 issue of National Geographic. It tackles about factors in longevity and studied three community where you can find members which are centenarian(whose age reach hundred).

Two of which are a community based on origin (Sardinian and Okinawans); while the third one is a community based on common belief–Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, CA. Haven't heard about the study but it was good to hear that I belong to those whose life expectancy can probably be longer than four to ten years than the average one.

Personally, I felt a little justified on my abstinence but I'm still humbled by these people who strictly practice what our literature encourage us, such as vegetarianism, and NEWSTART (Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God). It's like I'm still a baby when you're talking about healthy lifestyle.

Although it's sad, as the report says, that some Adventists follow this lifestyle because it's now scientifically proven, rather than it is the Word of God written as guideline on ancient Israel, which then has no scientific data to support such laws.

I believe that God's health law, in Leviticus and in EG White's writings, are not by in any chance helps in attaining long life, but it was given so that we can have long life. I firmly believe that following God's commandments, not only the health laws, do result to the longer and fruitful of life. And that's the Adventist Advantage. ^_^

“If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” Exodus 15:26, NKJV.

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22, NKJV

TOP 5: Cars

Yesterday, an email on logo quiz circulated in the office and most of which are car logos. Although I'm not a big fan of cars (I wasn't really planning of owning one), I do love some car… aesthetically. ^__^
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what pocky flavor are you?

Pocky (noun)
a crunchy and popular Japanese snack made by the Glico company. essentially a stick cookie dipped in any sort of a variety of flavored creams. the most popular flavors are strawberry and chocolate, though more esoteric flavors like yogurt, milk, and honey also exist. there is also "men's pocky," which features a darker bittersweet chocolate.**
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i can only imagine

I'll be posting songs here — from those that simply caught my attention to my own personal favorites.

So I'll start with my current favorite. I hope you'll enjoy the message…
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double jump issue

the reason why there's no new chapter of naruto and bleach released today.

sigh… another week of waiting.

london fever

When I arrived home, I saw this late night news about this foiled terror attack on London, UK and US. Quite similar to 9/11 attack although this time it would be a fourth of July in Atlantic Ocean, blowing up 10 trans-Atlantic aircraft. Violence is much evil–signaling Christ's soon return.

——— o0o ———

Last Sabbath, I saw a "balikbayan" friend. He just came back from his six-month business trip in London two weeks ago; though I only saw him that afternoon. We got a chance to chat for a while and as usual–talked about life in UK and comparing it with Japan. I really like London and I hope I could visit it in the future. I wish I could see a Big Ben, London Bridge, etc. Also I want to see Analytic Engine like he did — I'm a computer programmer while he's an accountant, which puts me into shame. >.<

——— o0o ———

Just had a chat with a friend, and guess what… he's also going to London for a week training. Well, I think he really deserve it. Actually he's the one who influence me in liking these European cities… London, Paris…

T_T waaahhh!!!  I wish I can join you… maybe next time… maybe…

blue? blog!

I'm feeling blue.
I have no one to talk to.

Dunno if this is a cause-effect or simply two events happening simultaneously — feeling blue because there's no one to talk to; or I’m feeling blue and there's no one to talk to.
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