Interpretting a Difficult Passage- Luke 8:26

For those who have never read Luke 8:26-39, let me say that this is probably one of the most interesting verses I have ever read.  Not because it is so amazing, but because it has so much hidden meaning!  It took me a full two meditations (so about 2-3 hours) to break down this passage so I can fully understand the scenario.

In summary of what does happen, Jesus and his disciples "sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee."  When they come upon the shore there is a man who is demon-possessed, screaming at the top of his lungs for help.  This man was buck naked and lived "in the tombs," so he was literally living among the dead in some caves.

The demons inside of the man start calling out to Jesus, asking Him not to torture them or send them to "the abyss" (which is a deep pit where the devil and demons will reside on judgement day).  

Jesus asked the demons what their name was, they responded by saying "Legion," which signifies that there were many demons in this man, not just one or two.

The demons continued to beg Jesus not to send them to the abyss, but to let them live in some pigs in the hillside.  Once all the demons were in the pigs, the pigs stampeded into the deep river bank and drowned.

The man then became clean and free of the demons, and was now fully clothed, in his right mind, and at the feet of Jesus.

The towns people were then afraid of what Jesus did and urged Him to leave town, the man came to Jesus before he left and begged to leave with Him.  However, Jesus told him to stay in the town and tell all about what the Son of God has done for Him.

Like I said, this was pretty freaky to read.  Being a non-denominational Christian, I have never really taken demon-possession as something on my priority list to read and learn about.  I have always been more of a "learn how God is love and peace"-type gal.

However, learning about this, as much as a struggle it was, has surely given me a different dimension and side of Jesus I have never seen before!

Some of the points I would like to make after breaking down this passage are:

1. Jesus traveled all the way across the sea to save one man.
•  This teaches us that we are all worthy and valuable in God's eyes
2. This man who was saved had MANY demons living in him.
• I wonder sometimes what the crap these people have done to have a demon possess them, especially with this man.  However, regardless how hopeless we may seem to be reached, someone can always be saved if they allow Jesus into their hearts.
3. The demons were truly afraid of Jesus, and would rather drown as pigs then face His wrath.
• For those who do not know, Pigs in Jewish culture were the lowliest form of animals and unclean.
• Which, makes it sort of fitting for the demons to take upon the pigs.
4.  The townspeople were more concerned about their livestock drowning than the man being changed
• You would think that after a man living his life naked and up in the caves, chained and possessed- the townspeople would be in awe at Jesus' ability to heal him than worrying about their pigs drowning
• This shows that even though our lives may truly be changed by Christ, people truly just don't care or notice as sad as it may seem.
• When people are focused on the world, they lose sight of the supernatural wonder of God.
5. Jesus told the man to stay in the area and tell all the region about His healing. 
• The man probably realized how awkward and hard it would be to facilitate back into him home town, and would rather be with Jesus.

• However, Jesus told the man to stay to be a witness and share his testimony!  Sure, it will be hard to adjust back, but those who are lost may have an opportunity to see the wonder that God has done for this man! 

From what you have read, I hope this passage sticks out as much to you as it did to me.  Part of Jesus' ministry was healing others from demon possession.

While Jesus did, that does not mean we should start becoming Demon Hunters (even though that would be a pretty cool occupation).  But, we are to be aware of their presence, but not so much looking for them.  Because trust me, if you go looking for darkness in the world- you will find it.

As Christians, we are to be a light and pray for those we see who live in darkness- not so much possessed by demons, I don't think I even know anyone who is.  But, friends we see living their lives lost in drugs, alcohol, fidelity, adultery, and sin.

We all face temptation and are at risk for falling into traps, but with the Holy Spirit living and leading in us- we can overcome anything.

For those who usually skim over these types of passages, I urge you to try developing a deeper study into it and try to learn things that are relevant to what you are familiar with, or just gain a total different perspective on the manner.

It does take time, it does take effort.  However, let the Holy Spirit (and maybe the power of Google) lead you to these deeper and new understandings.

Have a blessed day, and good luck with this challenge friends!

<3KM


 

The God of Creation and Nature

Spring Break finally came this week.  For the past few days, I have been experiencing rest and stress-free days.  I have been visiting Wilmington, Fort Macon, New Bern, and other towns around where I live- exploring what the NC coast has to offer.

However today, while studying for Anatomy and Physiology- I realized that with my time off, have I been spending my time wisely?

As well, have I been investing enough time for school work.  And, now that I think about it, have I been investing enough time for God?

It is so easy to forget spending time with the Father, Lord during times that are hectic and crazy.  But, forgetting to spend time with God when I have all the time in the world?

What I noticed I have been doing though is cherishing all the beauty God has given to the earth.  Me and my boyfriend have been going to beach almost everyday, just enjoying the waves and the sand under our feet.

  

Nehemiah 9:6  

"You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."

The past two days, we have been craving to wake up at 530 AM to see the sun rise, both of the times my fault for not going (I was tired).

Yet, just looking back the past couple of days- we truly have seen God's beauty in the sunsets over the beaches and a bright rainbow after light sprinkles.

 Genesis 9:12-13 - 

"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

Even though we may forget to read our Bible everyday, or fail to pray everynight- I'm sure God still makes His existence known through the changing weather and the Beauty of who He is every moment.

Colossians 1:16,17 

 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

God, Santa, and the Christmas Spirit

This year for Christmas, I made all the presents for my close friends.  I make gifts not just because I am a poor college student, but also because I feel these gifts are more special.  Not that buying gifts is wrong, I love receiving purchased clothes and gift cards (hint-hint Mom and Dad).

But, I give hand-crafted gifts because receiving a custom, unique gift that is one of a kind in the entire galaxy has a special effect on people.

Giving gifts and seeing how genuinely appreciative a person is, is rewarding itself.  In our culture, giving gifts is a custom that we do out of love and compassion.  We give gifts to make others happy.

Yet, how many times do we fail to acknowledge every day the best gift ever created by the Lord Himself?

I know that I personally fail to appreciate the ultimate gift every day; I commonly take for granted the Salvation promised through the Crucifixion of the Lord’s only Begotten Son.

We give Gifts in Honor of the greatest gift the World has ever received!

John 3:16 States: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).”

The gift of Christ was given to us out of the Lord’s Love and His Compassion.  We know that we do not deserve such a wonderful gift.  Heck, if God was Santa- we would probably all receive coal for being on the Naughty List, all because of the sin we commit unintentionally on a daily basis.

However, God is not Santa. 

He is the God that loves us unconditionally, even though we don’t deserve it.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

1 John 4:9-12

His Love surpasses all things.  He blessed us with His son because he wants us to be happy, and to spend all eternity with Him rejoicing in His Righteousness.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (NIV).”- Romans 21: 4

True, we can never love as much as God, or give the best gift ever (since it was already given).  

Gifts are more than physical items, gifts are small things of actions and spoken words through Love!

But, I challenge you- next time you give a gift, ponder the amount of joy the person will receive.

Next time you compliment someone, how much joy will they receive…will it come off as negative criticism?

When you refer to someone in a conversation, are you speaking harmful things that can cause emotional pain?

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

-John 3:18

Cookin' up time for Jesus

I have recently discovered that I have a peculiar, somewhat procrastination habit, to cook instead of doing homework or studying.

So far this week, I have made Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Bread, Vegetarian Pasta, Spinach Pizza Bagels, 2 batches of brownies, and Cookies.

Oh my goodness!

Fortunately, my fellow starving college student friends have been the ones consuming the food!  Though, one thing I tend to do is try to make the food as healthy as I can.

The picture that's up is Banana Peanut Butter Bread where I used flour, sugar, 2 banana's, vegetable oil, and lots of peanut butter.  I try to avoid using milk and eggs in the food I make, in case someone is lactose intolerant or for my vegan suite mate to try eating.

But what is the point of all this, besides the fact that I can cook well- it's that I realized God doesn't substitute anything in our lives.  I realized lately, from reading Crazy Love (an amazing book thus far), is that I try to substitute my love and praising of God with deeds.

I stick to my habit of never going out of my way to help others, to try to avoid embarrassment, and to be a disciple.  I'm not saying that I want to become one of "those" Christians.  The one's that try to force religion, trying to lead a horse to drink Holy Water that its not thirsty for.

So, what should I do?

I figure, make the Holy Water look more appetizing to the horses we gather.  Show them that the Holy Water is good for their thirst of water.

John 4: 13-14:

" Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,

  but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. 

Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus offered His life to provide a Source of an UNLIMITED SUPPLY of Water!  I am learning that I need to start drinking this Holy Water more by reading my Bible more, praying for more than five minutes before I go to bed, and spending more time with my Heavenly Father, Creator, Abba.

If I can make time to cook all these delicious foods, imagine how delicious my relationship with God can become!  

I cannot cook my way up to Heaven, I cannot lead others to God by hiding around in the kitchen.  

Have a blessed Day

<3 KM

The Trinity in Ourselves

Yesterday, I was reading my Bible and came across the verse:
Mark 12:29-31
   29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Verse 30 stood out the most to me, not that loving your neighbor isn't important.  However, I came up with a hypothesis about the Trinity and the possibility of a Trinity in ourselves.

In the Christianity perspective, the Trinity is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in which all one is a Supreme, powerful being.  I thought.  And well, I would like to think that Our Heart, Our Soul, and Our mind make up who we are as people in which combined forms a super power in way of Strength.  Maybe that's why the Trinity is made up of 3 separate beings that are actually one!

Think about it, God is the Mind that created us! He is the one that provides us Wisdom and Knowledge!  And, without a Brain (in other words, mind) we would not be able to live, nonetheless function.  I would like to think that the Holy Spirit is in us guiding our soul towards a sound relationship to share with God and others around us.  And last, but not least Jesus is the Heart in us, that relates Him to us physically and emotionally!  Providing the ultimate gift of Love and sacrifice that could ever be given with Salvation.

And, together- there is the strength of all three combined in us and in the Trinity of God. 

Like I mentioned previously, this is just a theory.

But, it certainly make me feel closer to God whether it is right or wrong.

This is the Trinity of Ourselves.