thoughts of a theoretically thorough thinker

One or Many. ...

2010-08-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

If it's 'to each his own' then where's the backbone? If the Teacher's thrown, we're all just drones, ready to robotically recite the most random religion that has even an ounce of reason. We throw tree rings and the air in there, and become yellow-bellied, no-eyed slugs with a preference for a trail in front rather than behind; one on which truth is created by the slime of pride in our godless life. Once we deny the very life-giver who cried it becomes so damn easy to refrain from trying, and we sort through the simple, the ordinary, the contrary to sight, the belief in ourselves as the center of every miniscule product of the invisible whole. But that's bull--we are not gods; we deserve no bowing down, no worship, no prayer, no indistinct distinction of sanctification by mediation of some other human. The Truth is not flawed; we are. To hurt is not to become sub-par: it's normal in this existence. It's been here since the first breach of innocence, persistently scathing our troubled hearts to form grimaces, and twisting our finite minds to instantly feign ignorance. It's deliverance that cleans those blemishes deep down in new hearts of flesh; and then a constant refreshing of insanely wise, Spirit-guided minds that are ever blessed. So stop pissin against the wind by resisting wisdom. We harm ourselves if we only accept legalistic systems, or the blister we call self-interest, forging ministry with cynicism by absolutely and cyclically insisting that absolutes don't exist.

2010-07-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

I'm learning more and more about the tremendous power in the truth in action, in rejecting lies and receiving God's words over my life, and in not asking God to bless what I'm doing, but rather to do what God is blessing.

It's possible.

2010-06-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

Maybe this new layout & design will be fuel for me to start writing again more often. Or maybe my marriage will be the inspiration. Not sure yet. [Read title].

It's time to go home and go to bed, so I can get up in the morning, drink some delicious coffee, eat some cereal, and work on copying my ipod files to my desktop so I can burn the mp3's on the CD's for Zac for the wedding.

Goodnight, dear reader.

point of reference

2010-01-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

In response to a video sermon by Paul Washer, two people "dialogued" (through comments) about a very important matter facing the church today. Then I responded to one of them.

debmlopez30 This is an awesome message! But I kept waiting for this preacher to give the biblical plan of salvation! It's more than just living right, and having a clean heart, and bearing good fruit. We are instructed in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized in Jesus name and as ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and as EVIDENCE you will speak in other tongues!!!
debmlopez30 Living a Godly, Holy, righteous life and bearing fruit is awesome and right and good, but God gives us specific instructions that we must also have the Holy Ghost! It's essential! It can't be left out and forgotten!

Passiflora101 Speak in tongues? Does your church have classes on how to do that? I understand Jack Hayford has them. Does God give special revelation to individuals in your church? Do you or people in your church get internal feelings, impressions, thoughts, or "anointings?"

debmlopez30 No our church does not give special classes in how to speak in tongues. I'm sorry I don't know who Jack Hayford is. Yes, God does give people in my church and many others churches feelings, impressions, thought and annointings!

Passiflora101 Hayford used to be president of Foursquare International. Ever heard of it? FI was founded by Aimee Semple McPherson. Heard of her?Do you know why Martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic Church, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation?

debmlopez30 I have heard of the Foursquare church but am not familiar with their doctrine. No I do not know why martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic church.

Passiflora101 Correction: Aimee Semple McPherson was the founder of the Foursquare Church, upon which FI was built. :-)Do you speak in tongues or get any special revelation which is not found in Scripture?

debmlopez30 Yes I have spoken in tongues. I am an Apostolic Pentecostal.

Passiflora101 When you speak in tongues, is it a real foreign language or just sounds like gibberish? Do you have an interpreter? Does anyone in your church openly speak in tongues with someone else to interpret, or does everyone just go to their closets, or speak tongues in a private setting?Have you, yourself received any special revelation through thoughts or feelings?

debmlopez30 I do not have an interpreter. Yes we openly speak in tongues, and at times there are interpretations. There are also times when I pray and speak in tongues in my "closet" or in private. The Bible speaks about tongues edifying the body. Yes through prayer, and fasting and the living word of God I feel that God has revealed things to me.
debmlopez30 Furthermore I know of of instances that individuals who spoke no foriegn language have spoken ain tongues and ministered through the Holy Ghost to other individuals who have spoke that language. The Bible says that speaking in tongues is a heavenly language.

Passiflora101 Have you, yourself received any special, individual revelation through thoughts, impressions, or feelings, as if God is still speaking to us?

debmlopez30 Yes. And I do believe God is still speaking to His people!

Passiflora101 If you've received special revelation from God, may I ask what it was He said?

debmlopez30 Do you ask because you have no faith to believe for yourself that God still speaks to His people? Have you never had the experience on your own?

Passiflora101 Friend...I used to attend Pentecoastal churches. They deny the very foundations of Protestantism. You've admitted you don't know what those five teachings are. Pentecostals are in direct violation of one - "Sola Scriptura" - Scripture Alone, as the ONLY Word of God, in much the same way the Roman Catholic Church did & still does. This has lead to faulty doctrine on both ends. Are we to trust the Word of God, or the "feelings" of thousands of INFALLIBLE people?
Passiflora101 LOL...ANOTHER CORRECTION~Are we to trust the INFALLIBLE Word of God, or the "feelings" of thousands of "FALLIBLE" people?See how imperfect I am? :-)

debmlopez30 I'm sorry I don't know your name, but I believe the word of God to be the Infallible word of God. Do you? Because if you do then who wrote the Bible? And how did they obtain the knowledge, and who instructed them to do so?

Passiflora101 If you believe the Bible to be the INFALLIBLE Word of God, then you CANNOT believe in FALLIBLE people who come up with their own ideas.
Passiflora101 The Bible is God-breathed, "inspired" into around 40 people - like we don't know who wrote Hebrews - so it's an estimate. All mainline churches, excluding Pentecostalism believe God stopped speaking to us at the close of canon.

debmlopez30 I did not know that you believed that God quit speaking to his people. Please explain to me why. However please email it to me because I'm leaving for home now ;) Also I'm assuming that you are Baptist? Am I correct?

Passiflora101 No...not a Baptist. Reformed. My PM to you on Sola Scriptura will explain why I believe God stopped speaking to us. If you can't grasp it from that, I have more info. The reason you think other churches believe as you do is because many Charismatics have invaded them. I don't agree with some of the teachings of the Lutheran church either, such as infant baptism & gays now accepted into the pulpit. But I agree with the foundations of Protestantism.
Passiflora101 I will send you an article in a PM to explain further what I am saying. It's too long to post here. You need to understand how Pentecostalism is not based solely on the Bible, but on Mysticism.And if the Holy Spirit is working in us & someone were to check out both your channel & mine, who would they say the Holy Spirit is really working in? Where is evidence that He works in you?

debmlopez30 Because I have a blank channel page? Thats a little silly don't you think? Its wonderful you've posted many videos of different ministers speaking on your page, you've quoted many scriptures. By your "works" do you think that will ensure your spot in Heaven friend?

Passiflora101 It's not silly at all. These are not "my" works, but evidence of the works of the Holy Spirit. PROOF. They are not of me, for I am nothing without Him. I am just a doulos. No one is saved by works. Although Catholics are taught to believe that. The selling of indulgences to "buy your way" out of purgatory (not found in the Bible,) was in violation of Sola Fida - Faith Alone, not works.
Passiflora101 These instances where someone spoke in a real foreign language...did you witness that live, in action yourself?

debmlopez30 No I have not witnessed that myself in person.

justinnichols5
@Passi~ I don't think you're really listening (reading) very well to all that deb has been saying.

First of all, she never claimed that many other churches believe as she does, so don't put words in her mouth.

Secondly, you're coming off pretty brash and arrogant in your comments, while she is not. Work on your delivery.

Third, more holistically, you need to recognize and pray for revelation of the consistency and immutability of God. He does not change...
He has been and is and ALWAYS will be the same. Since the very beginning, since Adam and Eve, God has spoken to His creation. He has revealed mysteries, shown His character, proven His justice, imparted His love, declared His sovereignty, released His grace, called His chosen, and with unmatched power and majesty changed the hearts of men and women. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE. Therefore, reason (and wisdom) would tell us that God STILL does all of those things. Just because His Word is in writing for us to read and study does NOT mean that His Word is LIMITED to that location or medium. Sola scriptora excludes OTHER writings as the supreme and infallible Word of God; it doesn't mean that God cannot speak to us still today!

4th, you must know that by asking all the questions how you asked them, it exposes your disbelief in not only God's ultimate omnipotence, but also in the goodness and beauty of the new creations He has brought into His Kingdom.....all of the wonderful brothers and sisters that Jesus Christ purchased by His perfect sacrifice and subsequently raised to life by His resurrection from death. I know it's difficult to believe solely in the person... I wouldn't recommend that. I would suggest trusting in the amazing, ever-loving God who resides in every person who has believed on and professed the name of Jesus, as Lord and Savior of all. That way, you can know that it's not just some guy or girl inventing to push an agenda...You can know it's from Someone greater and perfect and truly loving.

Believing in the work of the Holy Spirit, through tongues & visions & prophecies & healings, etc, is slightly mystical, I'll admit. However, you have to realize that your beliefs have an enormous mystical element as well. The fact that you claim theres a Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, none of which we can see, who love you and one who died for all sins 2,000 years ago, and one who made everything, is also very mystical..... That's why it's called Faith! We believe in absolutely fantastical things, and readily put our lives in the hands of a trinity we do not see. But the glorious revelation of such is the beauty of it all-- that's why 1 Peter says that even angels long to look into such things.

Do not discard someone else's claim of the Holy Spirit's workings just due to its fruit's inexplicable and mysterious qualities; that person may very well have a legitimate anointing from the God you serve and love...
...And do not discount something that you personally have never seen or heard simply because it hasnt been in your life experience. God reveals Himself to someone at the times & places that are perfect for that person in whatever he/she is going thru, in order that He might be more glorified. You need to realize that a believer in Jesus Christ loves Him and is trying to understand more about Him & what He's done. If God chooses to use tongues, prophecies, etc to do it, you must accept that.

I've written to you at length because I'm finding out more about the wide & disturbing divide there is b/t those who place heavy emphasis on teaching & learning Scripture as a means for sanctification, and those who emphasize more the experience of Spirit-led fellowship as the path on which to walk for Christ-likeness.

I wish desperately for a bridge to be built between the two... for people to understand & know deeply how imperative they both are in our lives... And for us to LOVE one another!

God is.

2009-11-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

I am determined to make this life worth the breaths that God pumps into my lungs. It is a fight I am completely willing to engage in, the war on wastefulness and mediocrity. To expend energy and time on fruitless, fickle, forgettable things is to relinquish my right to and blessing of wonderment, as well as my design of usefulness in something bigger and more glorious than this life and realm alone. I am on my way to seeing and knowing the invisible and mysterious: That alone should be incentive enough to seek after the substantial with every step, with every breath.

And yet there is still so much more.

2009-03-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

unto You be all the glory.

movement.

2009-01-21T12:35:00.001-08:00

With such a passion to pen my heart onto paper and let fly my inner stirrings, I wonder if my rush to grab a pen is fast enough for the expansion within. What I wish to express cannot be disclosed quickly nor clearly enough for full satisfaction. There is always more to present, and always a better way to unwrap it. Words seem too small, like a mere interlude on an album of dreams. And yet every song is beautiful, every moment worthy of intertwining with the next, every bit of meaning ready to be connected with and understood by the others. Is it the same for a larva to dream of being a butterfly as it is for me to dream of becoming a glorious being, one of no imperfections and completely lovely, whether it be physically or spiritually? Can I sprout wings and fly in my heart and mind before I shed my cocoon? My feet never fully touch the ground and my struggle is continual, unfailingly being blown this way and that by the unseen; I'm like a snowflake twisting and turning my way into the palms of warm hands, ardently striving to decipher the wind that brought me to them. Independent of nothing, I am cradled and soaked in... the gentility envelopes me.

I wish desperately to explain this essence, this beauty which surrounds me like the breeze. I long vigorously for the availability of copious amounts of articulation and deep understanding within the midst of unexpected interaction and sudden embrace. With all these precious people passing by daily, and with so much compassion fire burning up my insides, I simply want to reach and be reached; yet, this cold, stony body allows only small sparks to emit, never full flames lest the fire chaotically spread and rage unconfined, and apprehend and scorch the hearts of millions, leaving us all as nothing but crisp, refined metals. Our carnality won't permit such transformation; propagating growth at all, especially in others, limits our enjoyment of life's fleeting desires. But such transformation won't permit carnal pleasures to gain a foothold with deceit. Our spirits want to fly; our bodies want to slither. We are sorely mistaken or misled if we believe that walking is the compromise. We must make like a plane on a runway, quicken the pace, gain back some momentum, and take to the flight for which we were made, soaring purposefully for our promised destination with the limitless horizon in plain sight and nothing but the sun beckoning, leading us toward eternity.

when you still depend upon...

2008-08-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

... her warm and tender touch simultaneously ignites and melts me in this seemingly colorless world, its tones overshadowed by the brightness of her sensational smile. Her head is on my chest right now. Her heart is mingling with mine: I long for their union...

-----

Jesus...

I will live to love you. I will live to bring you praise. I will live a child in awe of you. Cuz you alone are God of all. You alone are worthy Lord. And with all I am, my soul will bless your name.

The greatest love that anyone could ever know.

---

I'm starting to understand that I don't have to be fully ready as readiness is usually understood and sought after. I just must be willing and dependent on the strength that is above all. Hope in Him and the wonderful gifts within His blessed Body sets the stage for revival, and trust constructs the steps. Faithfulness from both sets of hands handles the rest, primarily the perfectly sovereign, intangible fingers weaving a quilt of righteousness and justice using threads Grace and Mercy.

something about the wings of an eagle...

;-)

Concepts of August

2008-08-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Break off the leaves of my brittle branches; my heart needs to sprout living colors with the water from the weight of Glory.

My stronghold is being fortified by necessity and clearer vision, and my longing strengthened by lack of friendship.

The irresistible yellow-white rays of Rest pierce my understanding of intentional solitude and devotion and commitment to others... even though I sometimes shield Serenity with assumptive assertions and arrogance.

This race I've been running a while just began, because now I have somebody next to me, one with whom I can share the baton. For everything makes more sense now, even though I have only the slightest idea of what's going on and what's going to go on. It leaves me, as well as this blog, open-ended and uprooted while truly decided and firmly planted. I know-- contradictory, right? Grammatically and theoretically and existentially ambivalent, I suppose it seems.... But it's not. Not Truthfully... Not from the Kingdom view...

Reality is an upside-down, inside-out realm where one has to die to live, and lose to gain; and where the Sinless One takes all the sins of the sinners who choose Him and makes them sinless in Him; in forgiveness, in death, and in subsequent resurrection Life.

What am I to do with that?

No, seriously.

.....I love how God chose me. Then sought me out. Then gave me mercy. Then wooed me. Then gave me grace. Then cleansed me. Then gifted me. Then called me. Then blessed me further. And loves me still. And yet more than any words on paper or computer or anywhere can convey.

Matchless.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead-- that masterpiece.

2008-08-03T18:53:00.001-07:00

David Cole's voice is filling my ears right now, and I haven't seen him since I turned 22. Right? Yea, I think it was November. Damn. That's a long time to not see a best friend. And thus, the hiatus continues: he moved to New York to further pursue his music dream. I haven't a clue when I'll see him again. Hmm...

Well, I wish to write more-- my heart wants you to see and feel a larger portion of it; however, I must go over to Dubb & Desert's now to watch 3:10 to Yuma and have pizza and beer. I'm not terribly thrilled about the former, but the latter sure intrigues me! :) Bye all you ridiculously amazing readers.

More, with some about missing her, later...

Hazelnut Kisses

2008-07-16T00:58:00.001-07:00

How in the world can I describe exactly what this welding is doing to me?? 13 pages of glory later, and my heart burns with God fire; with intensity forged from an understanding too deep to develop by way of an online communicative connection (aka a blog). It is real, beyond this reality real; and if you try to convince me otherwise you're either a fool, or one whom I am supposed to love and lead and teach... or both. On one fine day in the coffee shop, my girlfriend's hand hurt as her heart swirled with each pen stroke brushing against the pages of passionate prose actually written by the Holy Spirit. I commend her... she is exquisite and uplifts me... it's a crazy give and take, since I lead her in strength and faith.

Come unto Me, all who are weary...

those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary...

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Steal away my exhaustion, for I cannot sleep until I rest in you.

Become my bastion once again, for my refuge is not an earthly realm, but a three-fold entity so extraordinarily enticing that the encirclement of His extreme never-ending love has me enveloping my world with its existence.

Grant me wisdom and passion, so the two entwined form a intricately powerful web of wonder and understanding; of hope and Truth; and of victory and righteousness in the name of Christ alone.

Let me wait to hear and serve you in patience.

Carry me across the sea...

Whistling

2008-07-15T23:46:00.001-07:00

Power will manifest in proportion to the measure of your submission...

DON'T RUN FASTER THAN YOU CAN FLY...

2008-07-13T14:54:00.001-07:00

I think I'm tasting just a tiny portion of the meal of ministry right now... or, a fraction of what I'll eventually be fully chewing on. It's exciting and draining and rewarding and saddening and beneficial and glorious and frustrating and more all at the same time. Beauty comes in intense glimpses... and pain is prevalent but fleeting with its merciless beat pumping against my grains of emotions and the growing knowledge of what's factual and what's Truth.

If you need me, I'll be here... but there's only so much that I can do for you. That realization will immensely help us both.

I need to go get fitted for Jordan and Li's wedding.

More later...

What if I just wrote something?

2008-07-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

The coffee company always poses questions.

"Does this silence or nonchalance spring from exhaustion or boredom or sheer ignorance?"

"How is this woman next to me so incredibly wonderful? Why does she like me so much?"

"Do I wanna read any nonfiction at all anymore?"

"What if it was warmer in here? Would I be acting even more socially awkward?"

See? Questions.

Anybody can answer those if wisdom has been granted to one of you readers :)

Did you know that I love you? Have I told you that lately? If I haven't, I apologize. Remind me to remind you more often of what you mean to me.

Serenity sweeps me away....

oh, as does...

Powell's!!!!!!!! :)