One Way, Jesus. Two ways, Communication.

So I was just chewing on a late dinner of rice and helpings of dishes at the local foodcourt one Friday evening, when I received a new message from the spirit. Yes. At the foodcourt. At dinner. Oh well, who am I to question his logic and reasoning. All relations, whether your friends, your cousins, your parents, or rather, all good ones require communication. And it has to be two way. Not one way, never heard of three way either. Feel free to educate and enlighten me if you want to anyway. In this manner, you not only receive, but also give. After all, who doesn't like to be listened to? Whether it's telling your family about your day's work and activities, or a teacher giving advice from life experience to sometimes uninterested students, or a father telling his son about his stories (Still trying to show interest as much as possible, to be honest, honesty is important, please don't shoot me here). It's not just where someone shares for a few seconds, but gets often interrupted by those who are suppose to listen but start discussing among themselves before allowing the speaker to continue. Hey, admittedly, though I often keep to myself, I do like to enjoy a conversation or two. But for a couple of months, I rarely read the bible or listened to God's word through sermons or testimonies. It can't just be one way where I only pray to let God know about what's been going on for my life. Hey, if my earthly father wants me to listen to him, and respond to hims rather than let him have a monolouge (Hey, I'm still trying to make myself interested enough in order to generate genuine and creative replies) (Two-way, not one-way, remember?), why not my heavenly father who created us in his likeness. Our God created us so as to love us and for us to love him. If two-way communication is required to build strong earthly bonds, why not so in this two-way relation between God and us?

Ready. Get Set. Post.

Hmm, how should one begin. Ah, not like I'm writing an essay here. Let's just have at it. Well, after the recent church youth camp I've been attending at Desaru, I've gathered my notes mentally and found that we've certainly been learning a lot, so much so that my friend on the bus found it hard to digest what I told him so he would not lose out on what he missed when he wasn't around for the camp. There was a lot more we learnt through our bible reading and sharing, but I won't say too much here. For those who took their time to read, I thank you, and just to clarify, I'm not the sort of person who'll list down and note the exact verses I read. That isn't to say that I'll summarise what I had learnt, just that you'll not find me to be the person who would do so. Not that I would be sorry to find out if you'll disappointed in me for this, although it might be courteous for me to say so, but this wasn't meant to be a grade A essay. Just being honest here. Speaking of honesty, ever heard of how Christ once said that the truth can set one free, and that this was done only by receiving Him and his power? (By the way, feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong, learning is the main point of this blog for me after all) And also, how one must seek first the kingdom of God before the treasures that cannot be destroyed or stolen will be given to us, his flock? It is also said that where that our treasure is, our heart will also be. From what I've learnt, it could be said that the key location to entering the kingdom of God is at the heart, for that will be where this treasure may be. Sounds logical. He also called us his flock, which means only those who allow themselves to be guided and used by our sheperd,our Lord, can enter this kingdom. But how so can our hearts be open in order for us to enter and access this kingdom? By receiving his truth (that is, his word, whether it be through prophets, his chosen priests, the bible, annointed people and the holy spirit or otherwise), and thus setting us free from any chains or lies that close our heart. To receive his truth would be to focus on God above all else (For instance, he who sacrifices his material riches and desire to be the first among all, for it is the last who would be the first, as it is written in the holy word). Next, the heart used must be one's true heart. For instance, Gideon (Refer to Chapter 6 of Judges) was honest to who he felt he was and who God was to him, and consecrated himself by preparing a proper offering. In both his case and that of Jacob (who later became known as Esau), had to be subdued by God in order to receive his power. Further more, it is of interest as to how God challenged Jacob to be honest in admitting his crafty nature by asking him for his name (Google for the meaning of his old name). Basically, one must present a pure and honest heart and consecrate it, while allowing God to press in with his power and truth, as well as follow Christ with of it, above all. Now, I'm no preacher, but I hope I'm on the right track. But! What is this kingdom of God like? Christ had compared it to a mustard seed taken care of and grown to become a majestic tree, or to a yeast that one took effort to turn into wonderful bread. That said, the kingdom of God manifests when one focuses on God with all they have, by receiving his word wholeheartedly and following him above all else with all the resources he has. That said, notice how yeast and seeds need water? Think of God's word as the water needed. The water of life from which all who drink of it shall never thirst. Truly, I cannot grasp the infinite wisdom of Christ.