Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Astonished...What does it mean?

What does it mean to be astonished? Is it an action, result, prerequisite for change?

In the dictionary it states the definition of astonishing as follows:

“To fill with sudden wonder or amazement.”

“To fill with sudden and overpowering surprise or wonder.” (http://dictionary.reference.com)

We can see that according to the dictionary it is an unexpected feeling, which causes one to reflect or be in an elevated state of mind.

As I pondered on this word, I thought of times when I too felt this feeling. Each time was when I was being taught by the Spirit. This feeling of astonishment has led me to do such things as write music, poetry, go have an uplifting conversation, go serve etc. It was this feeling which led me to have a DESIRE to act. The Bible itself is a compilation of people who through the teachings of Christ were enlightened and therefore willing to change.

If we look in the book of Mark we can learn even more about what the word astonishing means.

Through out all of the references in Mark containing the word astonishing, every single reference was an after effect. In most it was Christ who shared with the people about the real questions of life, for example, Who am I, Where did I come from, What is my purpose, What do I need to do, What happens after I die….etc. Through Christ’s teachings these questions which many assumed to be unanswerable, were answered. Not only did they receive an answer to these question, but the power by which Christ taught them left the people amazed…astonished. This happened as He taught the people with wisdom, healed the 12 year old “damsel,” questioned the apostles etc.

All of the astonishment was a result of Christ’s ministry and the attention of the astonishers.



What was this power? Why were others effected by what Christ said. What authority did Christ have. Lets look at the reasons why

1. Authority- Jesus Christ was and is the literal son of God. God is His earthly Father. Just like I have brown eyes and a spunky personality from my mom, Jesus Christ in reality has the characteristics of God. He and God are as separate in body as my mom and I, but, He has powers that no other human being possesses.

2. Power- along with the literal authority, Christ’s words have power because they are true. We have all heard the saying “ The truth will set you free.” Truth, in its simplicity is the greatest source of power and when we live it we have the power to become free. While upon the earth Christ did not teach about the cosmos and the galaxies. Instead he spoke simple powerful truths. For example, God is our Heavenly Father, He loves us, We must choose to love God by being baptized, Repent, Forgive, and Love. Living these brings power, the true power into our lives.


As we see the power that Christ possessed it causes me to reflect upon what capacity I have to astonish and move others. I will never be the literal son of God, but I can speak with power. What keeps us from this power? It seems simple enough to love, forgive, repent, but is it? When was the last time we held a grudge against someone we believe wronged us? When was the last time we allowed our judgments or sarcasm create barriers with those around us. We are not perfect, but we can try to be. In this complex world it is only the pure simplicity of living a truth that can bring our minds to the point of astonishment.So lets lift our heads, speak kind words and courageously love.



Mark 1: 22

Mark 5: 42

Mark 6: 2

Mark 7: 37

Mark 10: 24, 26

Mark 11: 18



Monday, September 28, 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009

New Testament Witnesses

In the New Testament Christ performed many miracles. He gave much counsel. He taught and healed in such a way that after being in his presence, those in attendance were changed. I have noticed specific attributes of those who were witnesses of Christ. First is that they were active, second is that they were forever changed by the experience.
Let’s start with the birth of Christ. Matthew chapter 2 speaks of the exodus of the wise men in search for Christ. It states they, "saw a star and rejoiced." They later found him and worshiped Him. They were not just witnesses, but they were active witnesses. When they saw the star, they sought ought Christ and found him. And when they found him, they worshiped him. In our world today we live in a time of inactivity. By this I mean that many people prefer to watch others "live" their lives from a television screen instead of actively living life. As I have read through the gospels in the Bible, I have found a reoccurring theme. The nature of the true eye witnesses of Christ is change, action, and becoming. I will give a few examples.
1. Luke chapter 8- There was a man who was possessed by many devils. He would scream in the night and run around ragged all day. He remained this way until the master came. The Savior cast out the devils and the man was restored to his natural self. His life, his very body became a sign of the compassion and power of our Savior. He was a witness of how through the Savior one can become whole. Yet, he did not just look at himself say thanks and walk away. He was active. He went to his home and praised the name of God.
2. Luke chapter 8- There was a "woman having an issue of blood 12 years." She heard of Christ. She actively sought Him amidst the tumultuous crowd. She touched Him. One simple touch of his clothes and she witnessed within herself the healing power. She was willing, active, and eternally changed.
3. Matthew chapter 8- Christ healed a leper. The leper was healed. The savior told the leper not to tell others about this occurrence. Yet, the leper knew. He changed. He went away glorifying the name of Christ. It was not just a physical change, but an inner.

4. Mathew 7- A government man‘s servant was sick. He actively sought out Christ. He did not send a servant or maid to find Christ, he directly went to him. The Savior offered to come to his home. Yet, this centurion showed his witness of Christ by saying, “speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” This man saw Christ, yet he did not see him heal his servant. He didn’t have to. He was a true witness of Christ. Or in other words, he actively believed.

As we can see theh witnesses of the New Testament are many. Thihs point causes me to think... am I a witness? Do I believe in Christ enough to actively show it and allow myself to change?


Monday, September 14, 2009

Welcome

Well Here I am....... for my New testament class we were asked to make a blog. The title of this blog is life makes me happy------ We've all been through hard times that break us down and build us up. Sometimes we feel we can't go on, other times we want it to go on forever. What a life we live!

There are many many negative people, news clips, and movies. Many things that try to make us believe that this life is unfair and really........ that life just stinks!!!!
I'm here to prove that life is wonderful! What a great time to be alive! I hope that through this blog I might assist others to see how happy life really is! :)