What's the Big Deal?

One of the subjects that I did some research in while at Cal State Dominguez, and which I still pursue, is that of gay marriage.

Is it really that important to be informed about this issue? Is the acceptance of homosexual marriage really an indicator that our society is in trouble? Or are those just extreme arguments used by religious people? Could it be that religious people like myself are simply homophobic?

Or is there real reason for concern?

I have been engaged in a small, friendlly debate on this issue at http://www.gustavorojo.com/?p=384 .

Please check it out, and weigh in on the discussion. Think about this subject carefully, and put down your opinions if you wish.

Gratitude

Its June 19th 3 am 2005. Last night (a few hours ago) I received my Master of Ministry degree from Harvest Bible University in Los Angeles. I can't believe the support I had from my family and friends. You guys were there for me in a big way. I really appreciate your presence on this special day.

I'm definitely more encouraged to continue in the seeking after knowledge of God and His Truth. And to be more willing to teach it and spread it.

For several weeks during the last year, it had become a routine, and I wasn't really sure why I was doing what I was doing. All I knew is that I've been doing it for a long time, and couldn't think of anything else to do, so I might as well just keep doing it, never realizing that the whole while I was being shaped, and developed and stretched...

Now I'm humbled at how little I actually know, and how little I've actually accomplished...

The work never stops...

I was reminded that this is preparation for Kingdom work... Kingdom work... not just the accumulation of head knowledge or degrees or the seeking of recognition...

The ceremony reminded me to not lose sight of that.... to seriously think about the severity of the call of Christ... it's really all or nothing when it comes to God... we're either fully engaged in the battle or we're not...

I trust the He will help all of us to achieve His purposes and not lose sight of the goal...

Thank you everybody

The Urge to Self-Destruct...

One of the worst things one could do is to hate oneself. It's an affront to God, in whose image we are made...

The devil (I believe in a devil now) or his kingdom, or my own mind will often cause me to hate and resent my own being. Hopelessness, emptyness, worthlessness, fear, doubt, hate, anger, confusion, etc. might result.

Those of us who in the past indulged in harmful behaviors (like me) might be tempted to return to those things to medicate ourselves. We might lash out at, or isolate ourselves from those closest to us, or begin to harm our own body and spirit by indulging in any number of sinful behaviors... there's not too many to choose from... it can begin with self-hate, or mistrust of God ... it often springs from lust or pride of some sort... and can manifest in all kinds of harmful behaviors from gluttony and drunkenness, to angry outbursts and sexual immorality.

Whatever it is... it's the way of self-destruction.

The feeling after indulging is often worse than the feeling that led to it, and if not checked could lead to a spiral that can leave one numb, almost... dead. With a heart calloused towards God and others...

When I sense this evil attempting to enter my life, I gotta snap out of it! And think! That's right besides prayer and fasting, we must discipline ourselves to reason. Think out loud, and reason with oneself, and PROVE to oneself, the absurdity of the harmful behavior we might be contemplating.

I recently made this "pros-and-cons" list to help me put things into perspective:

I said to myself,

Marvin

Is it worth it?

Would you be willing to trade:

Everything that gives worth and meaning to your life:

Your relationship with God

Your Faith

Your integrity/character

Your Health - physical; emotional; mental; spiritual

Your Wealth

Your Relationships (Family; Friends)

Your self-respect

Your word/your reputation

Your salvation

Your desire for perfection (Jesus said, "Be perfect as your Father is perfect")

Your strength, your vigor, your very life, your virtus ("Watch over your heart with all diligence for from it flow the springs of life" proverbs 4)

Your work

Your studies

In exchange for:

A few, passing moments

of empty pleasure...

With no returns...

and no relationship...

Isolation from God and man...

With absolutely nothing of worth or value...

With no meaning or substance...

Sickly

darkness confusion death.

After a well reasoned evaluation like that, the answer is clear! : )

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