Sunday, October 30, 2016

Jama or Ojama or Love


Today, 10-29-2016
I was in a hurry. A lady was not driving though a green light as she was waving to someone on the sidewalk. The person wasn't looking and the driver was taking 30 seconds to try and get their attention. When she did turn I pulled up to pass her and rolled down my window and shouted 'Jama" 邪魔 [じゃま (jama)]" see note at the bottom. "Jama," can mean, "you're in the way," or get outta the way depending how you say it. I believe I had the best intentions when I said it. My son swears it was close to an epitaph. I didn't use the honorific “O”in front to make it more polite (Ojama). At that point, my son sitting next to me and sinking down in his seat says, "Hey dad, can we go back and invite her to church?" I shot back, "Dude you sure know how to ruin my day." I now know what book I'll write now. "How NOT to be a missionary/pastor/father/Christian/or ambassador for Christ”

I got to thinking more about it and reflected on the scriptures this afternoon. Below are my thoughts.

Matthew 5:21-22
21“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you
昔の人々に、『人を殺してはならない。人を殺す者はさばきを受けなければならない』と
commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’
言われたのを、あなたがたは聞いています。
22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!
しかし、わたしはあなたがたに言います。兄弟に向かって腹を立てる者は、だれでもさばき
If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the
を受けなければなりません。兄弟に向かって『能なし』と言うような者は、最高議会に引き渡
court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. (NIV)
されます。また、『ばか者』と言うような者は燃えるゲヘナに投げ込まれます。

I was wrong and verbal and expressive. This is not by any means an excuse for my behavior in fact it wasn't the first time. I probably feed this attitude of my heart because I mumble under my breath. In stead of having a heart of compassion I had a heart of business and indifference. I was rude and a misrepresentation of Christ. So according to 1 John 1:9 I am forgiven as I confess my sin to Jesus. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” As much as I am addicted to coffee I am more addicted to God's grace.  The final thought I had on this even though what I did was bad on many levels because I was verbal... the scriptures show that even if you think the thought of something bad your are equally guilty. Oh may the Lord purge our hearts of evil thoughts. I need the heart of Jesus more and more. 

Verb

邪魔する ‎(hiragana じゃまする, romaji jama suru)
  1. to impede, to obstruct
    その車が通過 (つうか)邪魔 (じゃま)しています。
    Sono kuruma ga tsūka o jama shite imasu.
    That car is impeding passage.


Sunday, October 9, 2016

Christians that are haters...Stop it!

Warning I'm treading into the ring and shouting at the Christian haters. I am not endorsing any candidate. I am talking to Christians in general. Yes this is way too long.

1 John 5:16 "If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.

Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

6 months ago Donald Trump was not a born again Christian. Recently Christian leaders have been meeting with Mr. Trump and have stated that he has in fact prayed to receive Christ. If this is true (and this is a big if) then the above verses must be applied especially since his sin was in the past and our Savior Jesus has forgiven and forgotten Mr. Trumps Sin. Yet I am seeing just vile anger and guile toward this sinner saved by grace. I am questioning many of my social media friends on whether or not they have truly received grace?

Trump is not an idea candidate but he is who God sovereignly has provided to you republicans. Trump 6 months ago was and still is a Sleazy real estate mogul that was known for his strip clubs and gambling casino's around the world. He's cheated on his wives not a new revelation. He is rife with sinful actions. Now he turns and hears the gospel and receives Christ. He is a new creation. You hear about his past sins and the American Christian turns on him and shouts off with his head. Like crazy demonic eyed ISIS fighters there are many Christians that are hateful to Trump. Stop it! It's not Christian. I am a pastor and missionary here in Japan and I have to explain your vile actions to our church members. Trumps actions are easy to explain because they were pre-Christ. But you Christian are just flat out embarrassing. I have no explanation for why a so-called Christian would become so blood thirsty for one of their own.

I am reminded of the parable in the book of Judges.
Jotham’s Parable

When Jotham heard about this, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted,
“Listen to me, citizens of Shechem!
Listen to me if you want God to listen to you!
8
Once upon a time the trees decided to choose a king.
First they said to the olive tree,
‘Be our king!’
9
But the olive tree refused, saying,
‘Should I quit producing the olive oil
that blesses both God and people,
just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

10
“Then they said to the fig tree,
‘You be our king!’
11
But the fig tree also refused, saying,
‘Should I quit producing my sweet fruit
just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

12
“Then they said to the grapevine,
‘You be our king!’
13
But the grapevine also refused, saying,
‘Should I quit producing the wine
that cheers both God and people,
just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

14
“Then all the trees finally turned to the thornbush and said,
‘Come, you be our king!’
15
And the thornbush replied to the trees,
‘If you truly want to make me your king,
come and take shelter in my shade.
If not, let fire come out from me
and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’”

If you don't continue with what you started and Hillary gets elected you may find yourself burned in the process.