Thanksgiving 2016

"It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do."
-Timothy Keller
     I know it's almost a week from Thanksgiving, but I figured I would still take time to write my thanksgiving topics. I recently read the above quote and it inspired me to not be lazy and to write these topics. Here we go:

1. Jesus Christ. Jesus died and rose again on the Cross for my sins. Without Him I have no hope, joy, peace, or life. I thank God that He sent Jesus for me.
2. Church. When I say church, I don't mean the building. A church building is nothing without the people in it. Being apart from my hometown church has made me realize how much I depended on them. I grew so much in my faith because of the people of the church.
3. Family. I am blessed to have a great family. We have been through some difficult times, but for the most part, life was good because of my family. I would not be where I am today without my parents and brothers.
4. Friends. I'm thankful for the people God has placed in my life that I have the privilege of calling friends. I am always encouraged when I meet with friends.
5. School. I graduated college earlier this year, and I'm realizing more and more everyday how beneficial school was for me. The things I've learned and the experiences I've had help me do my job today.
6. Work. I started working from my sophomore year of college. I've worked two jobs before starting the job I have now. I'm grateful for each of my workplaces that have not only provided me with money but great friends.
7. Money. Yes, it is said that "money is the root of all evil". However, money is a necessity. I'm thankful that I have enough money to live and still have some to save. 
8. Apartment. I know that I am very fortunate to have a place to live. I don't want to think for a second that I earned this apartment solely by my effort, it is a gift from God.
9. Health. I'm not very old, but I am starting to feel that I am not the same as I was in my younger years. This makes me appreciate good health all the more. I sprained my ankle playing basketball, but I am recovering well. Thank God for my health.
10. Music. Music does something to us that we can't explain. I'm thankful that God blessed us to have music, and increasing access to music through technology.
11. Car. Having a car is something that I take for granted often. My car has taken me halfway across the country, and drives me to work everyday.
12. Technology. Everyone recognizes that technology is amazing, but as an engineer I feel that I have a deeper appreciate for technology. Technology improves my life tremendously and I am grateful for that.
13. Cooking. More specifically, my interest in cooking. I imagine that my interest in cooking will fade away sometime, but I'm thankful that I have the resources to cook meals for myself.
14. Airplanes. This year I have ridden airplanes more than any other year of my life. Although I don't really enjoy the experience of being in a plane, I'm thankful that I have the ability to travel long distances by plane.
15. Sports. I enjoy both playing and watching sports. I'm thankful that God has made exercise enjoyable through sports.
16. Bed. Sleep is incredible. When I moved into a new apartment, I did not have a bed at first. The days I had to sleep without a bed were pretty miserable. I'm grateful to have a bed, even if it's just a mattress.
17. Podcasts. I listen to sermons often on my phone when I'm exercising or working. I'm thankful that sermons are available through technology.
18. Clothes. I feel that no explanation is needed here.
19. Gaither Vocal Band. I had the chance to hear them in concert this year, and they are incredible. I'm grateful to have discovered them when I did.
20. God. He is the giver of all things. Nothing I mentioned above is possible without Him. Thank you God for providing everything I need.

-Smart

Election 2016 Thoughts

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
-Romans 13:1
     The 2016 United States presidential election ended early this morning. To the surprise of millions of people, including myself, Donald Trump has won the nomination. The result of the election is hard for many people to accept. Once I realized that Trump would win the nomination, I felt a mix of emotions- confusion, sadness, anxiety, and to be honest, fear. I did not expect Trump to have come as far as he did in this presidential race, and I certainly didn't expect him to win the presidential election. Today I just wanted to share some of my thoughts surrounding this election.
     This election cycle is the first one in which I was old enough to vote. I never really took a liking to politics in my life, but when I saw the way in which this election was headed, I started paying closer attention. There were over fifteen republican candidates for president, which is a large number for one party. As the presidential race continued, fewer and fewer candidates remained. Finally, every candidate withdrew from the race except for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
     Again, I do not have much interest in politics, and quite frankly I don't want to talk about politics here. What I do want to talk about is what I observed in this election. First, I want to talk about the media. The media has constantly criticized Donald Trump in this presidential race. News anchors, political analysts and even comedians have continually attacked Trump during his campaign. To be fair, Trump has said and done hurtful things that needed to be brought to the public's attention. However, I believe that because the media has shown so much of Trump, it helped him catch the eye of the public. I also think that the constant criticism he received actually may have helped him gain supporters who were looking to rally behind someone that went against the so-called establishment. Since the media is seen by many as something that is controlled by the elite, people were happy to support someone that was banging heads with it.
    Next, I'd like to write about Hillary Clinton. Clinton has been in office for awhile, which means that she has government experience. However, many people are unhappy with the way the government has been run in recent history. Since Clinton has been a part of that system, people saw her potential presidency as just a continuation of a government that wasn't working for them. Of course there were many other factors that made her a pretty weak presidential candidate, such as the email scandal. The perception of many that she would be unable to bring meaningful change in government is another reason Trump was able to win the presidency.
     Honestly there are many reasons that play into Trump's nomination, but the last two points were just things that I think played a huge role. Now I want to get to the point that really matters- people. This presidential race has been an extremely dividing time. Trump supporters were hungry for change in the United States. They felt that Trump could offer the change that they desperately seek. Even though Trump has time and time again attacked people because of their race, gender, or nationality, people still supported him. As much as it pains me to say this, it seems that there are many people who agree with Trump's views on these matters. I could not support Trump because he is someone who spreads fear and hatred.
     Clinton supporters and/or non-Trump supporters are absolutely shocked at the results of the election. Many of them are terrified, furious or both. They cannot believe that the people in America have voted for Trump, a man who seems to have no respect for people of other races, gender or nationality. Liberals generally have the belief that everyone should be accepted, regardless of race, class, gender, sexual preference, etc. However, what I realized in this election is that liberals actually go against what they believe, but in a way that they don't think.
     As I looked on social media earlier today, I saw countless posts from my liberal friends that say hateful things towards Trump and his supporters. They called Trump and his supporters racist, sexist, xenophobic and many other negative things. Think about that for a second. The very people who say that no one should be attacked because of who they are or what they believe are attacking people based on who they are and what they believe. Liberals argue that even if your beliefs don't match other people's beliefs, you should still accept those people. How is it that liberals say this and yet don't accept others (Trump and his supporters) because of their beliefs?
     I want to be clear in that I do not agree with many of Trump's views. I am simply stating that people cannot say that they accept everyone regardless of beliefs and yet hate Trump and those who voted for him. They are contradicting their own principles. People, whether conservative or liberal, have been hateful to others. The only difference is that conservatives direct their hatred towards people of other races, gender, and nationality, and liberals direct their hatred towards conservatives or those with conservative beliefs.
     One of the biggest failings in people is the unwillingness and/or inability to see themselves for who they really are. The Bible states that we have all sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). No one is perfect, and no one is free from sin. We all have the capacity to hate. That is simply the ugly truth. However, the beautiful silver lining is that Jesus has shown us that there is another way. He has shown us through the cross that we all can choose to love. The Bible teaches that some actions and beliefs are wrong, but it also teaches us that we should reach out to those who do or believe in wrong things. When Jesus died on the cross, He died for all people. He did not die for those who agreed with Him, He died for everyone. He loved everyone the same. If we can accept that we are sinners but Christ still loves us, maybe then we can reach out and love others.
-Smart

For Such a Time As This?

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
-Esther 4:14b
     This year has been full of experiences and changes that I never would have imagined. I don't want to talk about all of those experiences here, I'll save those for my New Year's Testimony. I've lived in the state of Maryland for my entire life. I've never left Maryland with the exception of vacations and conferences. I definitely never lived anywhere outside of Maryland for more than a couple weeks. In Maryland I've enjoyed to company of my family and many friends. I could never imagine living anywhere else. Being with cherished family members and friends, driving down familiar roads day after day, and going to a church that I love were such precious times that I enjoyed.
     In September 2016, everything changed. I left my hometown of Maryland to travel to Texas, the state of big things, apparently. My heart was filled with a mix of anxiety, anticipation and excitement. When I finally arrived, it just felt like another vacation. However, after a couple weeks passed, the harsh reality of what was happening hit me. I had to wash my clothes, clean my floors, buy toilet paper- all things I never really had to worry about before. The more time passed, the more I finally began to accept that this is now my life.
     Before I get to dramatic, let me just say that I am not writing this to draw sympathy. I chose to live here in Dallas. I knew what was coming, but there was one thing I couldn't expect. The third Sunday I was in Texas I attended a Bible Study with some UBF members. We studied the book of Esther, focusing on chapter four.
     The book of Esther describes a Jewish girl who hides her identity as a Jew to become the queen of a power nation. While Esther is queen, the Jews are put in danger of a massive execution. Mordecai, who raised Esther as his own daughter, pleads with her to help the Jews. He reminds her that she herself is a Jew, and thus has a responsibility to act on their behalf. In his plea, Mordecai says something has stuck with me for weeks. "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
     As we were studying the passage, Stephen, the Bible study leader, recounted the recent events in Dallas. Stephen and his family arrived in Dallas three years ago. Jonathan and his wife arrived in Texas a couple months ago. Brian, Jonathan's bible student, also came to Dallas a couple months ago. Finally, I came to Dallas in September. None of us had ever planned to meet each other- not even Brian and Jonathan. And yet, God has brought all of us here.
     When I thought about how we all came here to Dallas only recently, the same question that Mordecai asked Esther burned in my mind. Who knows that we have come to Dallas for such a time this? Esther had no idea what was in store for her life when she became queen. When Mordecai approaches her with his plea for help, she is given a choice. Either she can agree and help the Jews, or she can keep silent and continue living a comfortable life as a queen. Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. If Esther agreed to help the Jewish people, it could very well cost her life.
     I can't help but believe that God has placed me here in Texas for a reason. Who know but that I have come here for such a time as this? Like Esther, I am given a choice. Either I can accept God's calling and obey Him, or I can keep silent and continue living a comfortable life as a working adult. I know that obeying God won't be easy. It could cost me my pride, position, money, time, or even my life.
     I don't know what God wants from me here in Dallas. Yet I do know that as in Esther's time, people are awaiting an inevitable destruction if no one comes to save them. When Esther responded to Mordecai's plea, she saved the many Jewish people. God placed her in her position at a perfect time. Who knows but that God placed me here for such a time as this? I know that if I obey God's call, He is mighty to save. I cannot save an entire race of people, but God can.
     So what about you? Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this? Are you going to let God's power pass over you? Obeying God's call is never easy. In fact, it is costly. However, obeying God's call is the best decision we can make in our lives. If you're like me, the thought of leaving a comfortable life is scary. I don't feel as if I can do anything meaningful for God. However, I refuse to believe that I am here at this time for no reason. Who knows but that I have come here for such a time as this? Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this? Who knows?
-Smart

Do You Want to Get Well?

"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'"
-John 5:6
     For whatever reason it seems that God has been revealing John 5 to me. First, I heard a song by the Gaither Vocal Band titled "Do You Wanna Be Well" which is based on John 5. Next, I heard two different sermons from two different ministries on the passage. I believe that this passage will have a significant impact on my life, and I hope it will for you too.
     John 5 follows the story of a man who is an invalid. This man's condition is not specifically described, but we can assume that he is partially or fully paralyzed. This man has been in this condition for 38 years, and stayed near a pool called Bethesda. This pool was surrounded by those who were disabled just like the man described as an invalid. The reason these disabled people remained near the pool is that from time to time the waters would be stirred, and the first person in would be healed of their disability.
     One day Jesus comes by the pool and He spots this man who has been paralyzed for 38 years. Then Jesus asks the man a staggering question, "do you want to get well"? Can you imagine being asked this question if you were in this man's condition? What a ridiculous question! I immediately would have been offended at this question if I were this man. Of course he wanted to get well!
     What's even more amazing is the man's response, seen in verse 7- "'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.'" Instead of simply saying that he wanted to be healed, he starts telling Jesus the reason he cannot be healed. Isn't that weird? And yet, isn't this how we sometimes respond to Jesus' invitation for healing? Instead of simply accepting Jesus' healing, we tell Him all the reasons we cannot be healed.
     Every one of us is an invalid in one way or another. We are disabled because of anger, bitterness, depression, pride, jealousy, hatred, lust, and idolatry, just to name a few. The good news is that Jesus came so that we could be free from all of these things, but He is still asking the same question He asked the man- "do you want to get well?"
     Why did Jesus ask the man this question? I believe there are two main reasons. The first is that the man had gotten used to his condition as a paralyzed and broken person. Did you notice that the man lived at the pool where all the other disabled people were? He simply accepted that he was broken, and surrounded himself with other broken people to feel better about his condition. Jesus asks him if he wants to get well because Jesus knew that this man had gotten so used to his brokenness and didn't really want to be healed anymore.
     The second reason Jesus asks this question is that the man was seeking a change in his circumstances rather than a change in his condition. Recall the man's response to Jesus' question that I quoted earlier. The man blamed his condition on those who went into the pool before him or didn't help him into the pool. This man wanted Jesus to help him into the pool, not to help him get well. The man was so focused on his circumstances that he almost missed an opportunity to be healed by Jesus.
     Jesus is offering each of us a chance to get well. However, just like this man, we have gotten used to our brokenness and keep blaming our circumstances for our condition. One of the lyrics that I really like in the song "Do You Wanna Be Well" is in verse two. "Have you gotten used to the chains; are you so attached to the pain that you're afraid to part and ask the Man for a brand new heart?" Jesus wants to heal us of our brokenness but we keep holding on so tightly to it. We only want our circumstances to change, not our condition. However, Jesus didn't die on the cross only to change our circumstances; He came to change us. Are you willing to admit your brokenness and accept Jesus' healing? Are you willing to stop looking at your circumstances and start looking at your heart? Do you want to get well?
-Smart

Work in Paradise?

"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
-Genesis 1:28
     Nearly everyone who is an adult works for a living. Work is just a part of life. There are many different occupations, but there is a common perception of work: it sucks. No matter what occupation people have, everyone seems to dislike work. Work is seen as only a way to earn money, status, or power. Since work itself is not fulfilling, people tend to have a negative view of it. With this negative view of work, many people don't give their best at work. After all, why would anyone want to put effort into something they don't like?
     I personally have had this view of work in the past. My first job was a salesperson at a technology store. The pay was low, so I didn't see any reason to put much effort into my job. I never did research on the products I was selling, and I often spoke badly about customers (not when they were there). I just put the minimum amount of effort that I needed to for my work. Work was not very enjoyable, but was exhausting.
     I heard a podcast from Timothy Keller where he talked about work. He pointed out something that is very interesting. If you read Genesis chapter one, you will see that the first thing God gives to man is not food, but work (see verse above). In the Garden of Eden, the place of paradise, God gives man work.
     Why is that so? I believe God gives Adam work to do because he needed work to feel completely fulfilled. Paradise wouldn't be complete without work. Why is work fulfilling? Work is fulfilling because it lead us to a purpose. Everyone has a need to fulfill a purpose, and they can only reach that by working towards it. God gives us work because it leads us closer and closer to our purpose.
     Right now I am waiting to begin my new job. To be honest, I feel kind of empty without work to do. I've filled my time with shopping, sleeping, and video games. However, these things don't give me a sense of fulfillment. I cannot believe that I feel this way, but I am actually looking forward to starting my new work.
     As Christians, we should see our work as a gift from God. We shouldn't do our work with resentment, but with joy. Our work in one way or another is a contribution to society, and even to God's kingdom. How can we have joy in our work? Listen to Paul's words in Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Work is only tiresome and unfulfilling if we only do it for money, status or power. Work becomes joyful when we do it for God. So ask yourself, "what is my view of work, and if need be, how can I change it?"
-Smart