I came across an article recently on whether "God inhabits the praises of his people" is really biblical. It talks about how this translation of the Hebrew text may not be accurate and goes to explain why. More importantly the author discusses the integrity and tensions one may have in accepting that it may be so, much less teaching or talking about it honestly. And I can understand why. As he puts it, "its an exegetical silver bullet." It is used by many worship leaders and pastors to teach and encourage the congregation to participate in worship, and I know of at least 1 song that alludes to the verse (am pretty sure there are more).
So when an issue like this springs up, how then do we deal with it? Is there space in the church or in believers to address this misinterpretation, and reteach/relearn it the way it was written? Not only for this specific verse, but plenty others as well. Perhaps the misinterpretation of a verse is not pivotal to our faith or salvation, but surely there's responsibility on our part to allow Scripture to say what it intended to say. And what happens if this misinterpretation occurs with verses that have grave impact on doctrines? Is there room for us to re-look and revise some of our practices that stem from the flawed understanding of scripture?
This reminds me of the book Erasing Hell by Francis Chan. I love the authenticity the Chan has with regards to handling Scripture - the parts we sometimes cringe at and wish God didn't include, and the way he communicates it so directly, without pretense.
What is really important? My prayer recently has been for God to show me who He is - who He really is and not what people or traditions tell me. I want to know Him and what His Word says purely as it is, without corruption (in the least negative sense of the word) of any sort.
Of course, if you want to get technical about it, that is not possible unless I learn Hebrew and Greek, start from scratch, and reinvent the wheel - which is silly really. It is also somewhat limiting God - surely He speaks through people, through history and traditions as well. What I really mean is: I don't want to be holding on to what I have been taught or to traditions too dogmatically, that when truth emerges, I'm too blind to see and accept it. I want to be open and honest enough to admit mistakes when present and change when needed.
After all, we are finite and limited beings, aren't we?
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3/06/2011 08:11:00 pm
I'll Stand By You
One of my all time favourite songs. I love Pia Toscano's version of it.
This, to me, is what love looks like. Standing by someone, regardless. |
2/27/2011 11:47:00 pm
:)
*gleams*
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1/29/2011 09:41:00 pm
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
I think I might have a hole in my tooth.
Funny, but I came to realise things just from the spine-chilling sensation I experienced over lunch last Sunday.
You see, the set of pearly whites I've been given is something I take pride in. I loved visiting dentists in school because they'd always tell me that I've done a good job taking care of my teeth, and I'd always spend less than 5 minutes lying on that chair that so many others fear. People always ask me: Have you had braces before? No?! Wow! You have straight teeth! Whenever I fall on my face (not very many times anyway), the first thing I'd check is my teeth. You get my point - Teeth, importante.
So when I experienced the unnerving jolt of pain, it made my mind go in a flurry. Is there really a hole? Does this mean I have to get fillings now? But my teeth! I have nice teeth! This is absurd! How can I allow this to happen!
After a whole stream of thoughts akin to the above, I suddenly came to terms with the fact that I am decaying. This physical body. We all are. Everyday, deteriorating*. As much as I can put in effort to preserve it and work hard at maintaining its original condition, my teeth will eventually all fall off. And that applies to every other part!
What a depressing thought right?
You know what? This is but my earthly body. God did an awesome job at it; so many times I just am so blown away by how my heart can beat so constantly, how I can breathe and how my body is so capable of functioning every single day without me even having to think about it. It really is amazing.
But I'm so looking forward to getting the new, glorified one when the time comes.
We unknowingly hold on to things that are bound to turn into dust. How silly. :)
*I hate spelling this word.
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1/02/2011 12:08:00 am
2011
I feel very accomplished today. Not only did I do some revamping to my room, I also solved the broadband/wireless problem (that we've lived with for more than a year; all too lazy to do anything about it) AND figured out (all thanks to Google) how to reset and secure our wireless network.
Sweeeeet!
It's funny how I remember each year by it's endings and not the beginnings. Must be because of Christmas.
BTW, best Christmas present this year (thus far) goes to a kikki.k stamp set!
Looking forward to all that 2011 is going to bring! :)
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11/15/2010 12:45:00 am
Christmas is here already?!
Well almost.
Can you believe that I have already started on my Christmas shopping?! I am amazed at myself. This way... I won't be totally broke come end of December!
My 2010 Starbucks tumblr cracked and retired a few days ago. Sad face. No more snowman/penguin. *hint hint* There's a chance that I might get too many sbux tumblr this Christmas.
Although, I'm quite wary of Starbucks now - actually most companies/organisations for that matter. Am so disturbed by the whole all-seeing-eye /masonic pyramids /Illuminati conspiracy that I've been reading up on of late. I... really don't want to be loving products from companies that are trying to turn me into a devil worshipper. Now if you think I'm exaggerating... you don't know subliminal messages. It is quite an alarming thing that I feel we all should be aware of.
Still. He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world!
-End of incoherent, random post-
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8/24/2010 11:23:00 pm
11:44
It's almost that time again.
Except it is supposed to be much more significant.
I just feel like telling everyone, there are really only three material things I want right now (all of which are mentioned in the previous post). Please do not get me anything unless you are completely 100% sure I will love it AND use it, because it'll really just become a white elephant and end up being thrown away after a while. And... I'm not into brands and shiny things.
What you could do is give me an ang bao (read: money). I can use that to save up for many many things (like my mission trips, the DSLR that is so far away *insert sad face*, my future, etc...), and I most definitely will give a part of it to Charity: Water.
In other news...
Idealism: Boon or bane?
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8/10/2010 11:43:00 pm
So...
I got my first contribution to the 'get-Janine-a-decent-acoustic-guitar' fund, that I didn't even know existed.
Nice...
Now, if more of these could miraculously form (like for a DSLR and/or keyboard), I'm a happy camper.
I'm just kidding (I really am extremely grateful). Besides, I'm just turning 21.
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7/31/2010 01:35:00 am
I won a giveaway from Ashley Ann!
While I was writing my last paper on Spiritual Formation, I took a break and checked my email, finding this:
Thoughts started racing through my mind and I went straight to her blog, finding this:
Then I started jumping around and squealing in my mind (because I was in the library). It's a little embarrassing though. If you read, my comment is grammatically incorrect. Does even make sense actually. I was in a hurry and thought that she wouldn't read it anyway... BUT she obviously did and she picked me. YAY!
Now, when will my US$25 dollar come? I can't wait to e-shop at Lemon Poppy Shoppe. So many things to buy! I'll probably get it later in the year though, since they don't ship outside of the US and Canada. Gonna get it sent to my dad and get it when he returns! Weeeeee~
"The love that I'm singing in that song is really, is not a pretty, clean, is not a Hollywood hot pink love. It's a kinda love that's willing to love things that are messy, and willing to love even the difficult and sort of, um y'know, kind of gross."
-John Mark McMillan.
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about.
ng jinning JANINE
270989
nebular nineteen!
God's girl! :)
