:: perspective ::

Frustration/Grief

2011-06-29T23:08:00.003-07:00

More often than not I have a hard time falling asleep at night. I lay down but my brain just keeps running. It won’t shut down. With nothing to keep my attention, my mind wanders. I think about where I’ve been, what I’ve done, what God has done. I think about the future, sometimes with excitement, other times with anxiety. Recently it is worry that keeps me up.

My mind is plagued by “what if” questions, two in particular: What if I’m not a good enough photographer/business man and I can’t support myself or my future family? And what if my friends and family, my brother and sister, and those students and peers that I influence fall away from their faith or fall into some serious sin?

I want to focus on the latter. Recently I heard a story about a group of Christian friends hanging out, talking about life and all of it’s intricacies. The topic of conversation eventually came to sex. A few in the group awkwardly shuffled their feet and twiddled their thumbs. Having remained pure and set boundaries in their dating relationships, there wasn’t much to tell. A couple of the guys spoke proudly of their exploits, how far they’ve gone and with how many different girls. The two guys showed no remorse for their sin as they high fived and gave each other props. One girl remained silent, staring blankly off into the distance. Later, she confided in one of the girls, how she was coerced into sex by a boy who made promises with no intention of keeping them, leaving her cold and alone after he got what he wanted. The girl tried to comfort her friend as she wept over what had happened and silently questioned herself, “How does something like this happen? Why is it so hard for some Christians to remain pure and save themselves for marriage?”

This story grieves and frustrates me. The worst part is I didn’t make it up. I grieve for the guys who show no penitence or remorse for their sin. I grieve for the girl who gave herself away under false pretenses. But at the same time I am frustrated. Despite how tragic the circumstances of some sin, I ask myself the same question, why is it so hard for some Christians to remain pure? If we are saved and Christ is in us, don’t we have the power through Him to resist temptation and overcome sin?

Please don’t think I’m some judgmental, self-righteous jerk who looks down on people. I’m not, I’ve made mistakes, but through Christ I’ve overcome a lot and miraculously stayed pure these 23 years. I think we give our sin too much credit. God is faithful to deliver us from temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” I feel like that says He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and when we are tempted he will provide an escape route. Yep, it definitely says that. So ultimately it comes down to our choices. People choose to sin. I’m not saying I’m perfect. Sometimes I see the escape route and I choose to sin anyway. What I am saying is that it takes faith and strength that only God can provide.

And oh how sweet the sound
I know it saved, but is it changing a wretch like me?
And oh my God how sweet is the sound
I once was blind but now I just look away

Stepping in and out of the shadow
Stepping in and out
I just look away

Stepping in and out

My bride, I don't want to know what I'd be without
forgiveness brushing these adulterous lips

As Cities Burn - Thus From My Lips, By Yours, My Sin Is Purged

That's my perspective,

Ben Peters

Longing

2010-11-03T01:37:00.003-07:00

This one is a bit of a departure from my normal style. I'm just free flowing right now so I just started typing and I'm gonna post it.

I am very content with my life. I can honestly say with full assurance that there is not much I can complain about (besides maybe my car, but that's really nothing). I love Jesus and I love what God is doing in my life. It's funny though, I don't feel as though there is some great thing that is in the works or that something awesome is coming my way. God is just good and I'm content.

Despite my content disposition, I am still longing for something. I don't feel as though my relationship with God is lacking, though I am constantly in need of more personal time with Him, I don't think that's what it is. (I'm sure it's probably bad to say that I'm longing for something besides God, but whatever. That's not exactly what I'm saying). I have wonderful friends and an amazing family that love me. I'm really not lacking in anything, but yet I long for something.

Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm suppressing my discontent with positive thinking and constant distraction from what's really bothering me. I probably sound crazy right now! (But everyone is a little bit crazy right? The world would be boring without crazy people!). All I know is I'm longing for something and I don't know what it is. I'm gonna pray for God to fulfill whatever it is, or at least ask that I be satisfied in Him alone. I guess we'll see what He comes up with!

Agnostic = 'I don't know'

2010-07-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today I overheard three people having a conversation about Jesus and Christianity. The first woman, a Methodist, questioned the man, “what do you believe in?” to which the man replied, “I don’t know, I’m agnostic”. The other woman spoke up saying that she too was an agnostic and that she didn’t often meet people who shared her belief. The Methodist queried the woman on the beliefs of agnostic people, to which she responded, “I believe there is a higher power out there, I just don’t know which one it is!” The agnostic man stared at the supposed agnostic woman in disbelief and said, “Do you even know what the word agnostic means?” He then went on to give a lesson to the two women on what the word agnostic meant, first by defining Gnostic as a heretical sect of early Christians who thought they could “know” or posses some kind of spiritual knowledge of God through Gnostic gospels etc., and what it means when you attach the suffix “A” to it (the example given was when you put A at the beginning of the word moral resulting in amoral which means without moral) thereby defining agnostic as the belief that God is unknowable, that he himself is without knowledge of God. He then simplified his definition, “Basically being agnostic means ‘I don’t know’” (he said as he shrugged his shoulders).

I didn’t hear much else but the man said he had tried many different religions in his life, but didn’t find God. I could take this thing in so many different directions and point to so many different scriptures, but I’m not going to. To be honest, it breaks my heart to see a man like this. Who knows if his desire to know God is even genuine, but I feel like if he wants to know God that maybe that’s a sign that the Holy Spirit is beckoning him, stirring his soul, giving him that desire. I hope this man comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

On a side note, I think it’s pathetic when a person doesn’t know what they believe, whether they are a professing Christian or an “agnostic” or whatever. It’s especially sad when it’s a Christian though since we have such a wealth of knowledge in God’s word and so many good resources and teachings.

Matthias Replaces Judas

2010-05-20T01:17:00.012-07:00

I listened to this CD the other day and had forgotten that this song was on there. It is amazing. I hope you get something out of it :) Open this in a new tab to listen while you read the lyrics.

Showbread - Matthias Replaces Judas
Album: No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical

It is so that my transgressions have born a withered fruit,
the sun has scorched the rising plants; alas they have no root.
The bleached bones of animals bound by leather strips,
dance through the air with laughter as I wield this wicked whip.

As you did warn me carpenter, this world has weakened my heart,
so easily I disparage, self-seeking the work of my art.
And there you have come to me at the moment I bathe in my sorrow,
so in love with myself, sought after avoiding tomorrow.
Where do you find the love to offer he who betrays you?
And offer to wash my feet as I offer to disobey you.
Your beauty does bereave me, and how my words do fail,
so faithfully and dutifully I award you with betrayal.

The weak and the downtrodden fall on broken legs,
as I walk past a smile I cast, fervor in my stead.
But my bones like plastic do buckle backward now,
I lay in this field by Judas and anticipate the plow.
I cannot be forgiven; my wages will be paid,
for those more lovely and admirable is least among the saved.
And where would I fit Jesus? What place is left for me?
The price of atonement is more than I've found to offer up as my plea.

Jesus my heart is all I have to give to you,
so weak and so unworthy, this simply will not do.
No alabaster jar, no diamond in the rough,
for your body that was broken, how can this be enough?
By me you were abandoned, by me you were betrayed,
yet in your arms and in your heart forever I have stayed.
Your glory illuminates my life, and no darkness will descend,
for you have loved me forever, and your love will never end.

That's my perspective.
Ben Peters

The Fragility of Life

2010-05-14T16:44:00.003-07:00

So I almost broke my neck last night. I was at this place called Jumpstreet where they have this huge warehouse pretty much lined wall to wall with the most amazing trampolines ever. You can jump incredibly high and if you’re crazy enough you can even do some pretty cool tricks and flips. Well I am just crazy enough to try a lot of these tricks, most of which I have been able to perform successfully. That is until I decided to try the double back flip.

Double front flips were a piece of cake, and I saw my friend Stephen perform a double back flip so I figured, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Unfortunately I didn’t actually stop and think about the consequences of failing a double back flip (which is strange because I’m normally a “worst case scenario” kind of guy). So I go for it and get through one flip and start the second flip when CRUNCH! I landed right on my head. My neck folded in half and I heard all my back muscles and my spine popping and stretching. My forehead may very well have made contact with my sternum (and that ain’t right!).

I immediately rolled to my feet, which looking back now was probably a stupid idea when I consider what you’re supposed to do when dealing with back and neck injuries, but I digress. Upon standing up there was an immediate throbbing pain that I’m sure will be with me for the next couple days. I started stumbling across the trampolines toward the cafeteria-style tables where I slowly collapsed on one. I knew it must have looked as bad as it felt because I had random people trying to help me and get me ice packs etc. Thankfully my brother was there, firstly to help me out and secondly to make fun of me for failing so hard (he’s not heartless, we’re brothers!).

I tried to make light of the whole situation, because really I am fine (or at least I think I am, haven’t been to the hospital or anything). I told everyone to have a good time and not to worry about me, heck, I even went and jumped for a few more minutes before deciding the pain was too much to handle. The magnitude of what had transpired didn’t fully hit me until today. I could have been paralyzed or killed. My over active imagination immediately created a several alternate realities where I had been killed or paralyzed. The imagery my mind was bombarding me with wasn’t very pleasant to behold. What if I couldn’t walk? What if I still maintained my motor skills but came out of the experience with severe mental trauma or disability? Would everything I’d been chasing after in my life have been for nothing?

But I didn’t die. I’m not paralyzed. God protected me and gave me a newfound appreciation for life. There’s so much to be thankful and appreciative for in life! Thank God for the simple things we take for granted: Color, sight, sound, aromas, air, water, food, dogs, clothes, and technology. Thank God for the things that mean the most to us: Moms, dads, brothers and sisters, acquaintances, best friends, love. I’m going to try to express my appreciation for the people in my life more often from now on, not like that annoyingly cheerful guy that you want to punch in the face, but in a way that makes them feel special and cared for. You all deserve it.

Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal

Red light, can't stop so I spin the wheel

My world goes black before I feel an angel steal me from the

Greedy jaws of death and chance, and pull me in with steady hands

They've given me a second chance, the artist in the ambulance

Thrice – The Artist in the Ambulance

That’s my perspective,

Ben Peters

Second Chances

2010-05-09T17:38:00.001-07:00

So I’ve been thinking a lot about life, people and communication recently. Over the past month I have made a couple monumental discoveries: I cannot control most things in my life, and by that I mean that I am really only truly in control of what I do and say, and that you will very rarely get second chances. Revolutionary, I know * insert sarcastic tone here * but it’s true. I grew up as a gamer so any time I would come to a point in a game where I had to make a difficult decision or fight a hard battle, I would always save my game in case I screwed something up, that way I could reload my game and take another wack at it. Unlimited redo’s! I guess growing up is similar in a way. People will make excuses for you and give you several chances until a certain age. “He’s just a kid”, “He doesn’t know any better”, “He’s still learning”.

But when you become an adult, your excuses become very limited. You’re supposed to be figuring out this “life” thing, understand how to be people’s friend and how to communicate with them. But unlike a video game, we don’t get the same second chances in life. We can’t just reload from the save point and try that conversation over again. We can’t hit reset and attempt that battle again. I think this is something that James understood quite well and wrote about in chapter three of his epistle to the twelve tribes.

James 3 he talks about how the tongue is an unruly evil. With it we praise God and curse men. It is such a small part of our bodies, but look at the power it wields! It defiles our whole body and sets ablaze the whole course of nature. It’s really frustrating actually. I don’t struggle with vulgarity or inappropriate speech (at inappropriate times). However, I am a champ at putting my foot in my mouth and doing and saying things that, while having the best intentions, are childish and turn detrimental for me.

I guess I should be thankful though. I’m a big fan of learning from my failures so as not to fail in the same way again. But what makes this possible? I’ll tell you, it’s grace and mercy. They’re the Christian equivalent of a second chance. Just as God showed us mercy and grace in the gift of Christ’s sacrifice, we ought to show each other the same grace and mercy in our relationships and communication. If you know me at all you know I say and do stupid things sometimes, so I’m asking all of you to show me that grace and mercy. Give me that second chance.

Your tongue is a rudder.

It steers the whole ship.

Sends your words past your lips or keeps them safe behind your teeth.

But the wrong words will strand you.

Come off course while you sleep.

Sweep your boat out to sea or dashed to bits on the reef.

Brand New

Play Crack the Sky

That’s my perspective

Ben Peters

Optimism in the Face of Adversity

2010-04-29T21:30:00.001-07:00

I’d say that most the time I fancy myself an optimist. No matter the situations I find myself in, I can usually find something to be positive about or some glimmer of light on the horizon. I would also consider myself a very open and genuine person. I invest into all my relationships in life physically, spiritually and emotionally, and I’m all in. I don’t hold back. On the whole, I would say I’m a very trusting person and I find it easy to believe people. These are generally qualities that I think most people find desirable in a person.

There are consequences, however, to this degree of investment ranging as far as the pendulum swings (I don’t even know if that makes sense, but it does to me). When one of my friends makes some great stride in their relationship with God, I feel their joy, I experience spiritual fulfillment with them. However, when a friend or loved one falls on hard times or does something stupid, I get to experience the whole gamut of dramatic emotion. From heartbreak to marital bliss and from tears of sorrow to joyous laughter, the entire spectrum of human emotion is mine to share in. Maybe that’s what Paul meant when he wrote Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

It’s hard though, when you’re the one going through the tough stuff. Having friends around to share it with is nice, but I’ll tell you what’s even better: Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I’ve been really stressed out lately. I was driving down the road today with all these questions reeling through my mind and I swear I heard Him say to me, “Don’t you believe that I have great things in store for you? Do you not think that I have a great plan?” Then this verse came to mind Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

So why do I worry? Why do I freak out?

God knows what I need. You know what I need.

Jon Foreman

Your Love is Strong

That’s my perspective

Ben Peters

In my weakness He is strong

2010-04-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, it sure has been a long time since I last updated my blog! A little update on myself since the last post: I’m 22 now, I started working full time for a local photographer in efforts to grow in my own abilities as I pursue photography as a career, I have an amazing family and amazing friends and I’m absolutely in love with the life that Jesus has given me!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way we can talk about something that’s been on my mind recently: strengths and weaknesses. This past month or so I’ve been reading this book called God Guy: Becoming the Man You’re Meant to Be by Michael DiMarco. I suppose this book was actually written with high school guys in mind but the simplicity of the writing and the direct approach that the author takes toward things caught my eye so I picked up a copy. As you can probably tell by the title, this book is about becoming the man God wants you to be (for the ladies out there, the authors wife wrote a book called God Girl and I’m sure it’s just as good).

I was pretty much breezing through this book picking up things here and there and being reminded of truths that I had already learned when I stumbled upon the section of the book on strengths and weaknesses. The author makes a bold claim, “ Being honest about what you can and can’t do, where you are weak and where you are strong, is the quickest way to get into line with God’s will for your life.” He then goes on to give examples such as guilt, resentment, repeated failure, procrastination, character, attitude etc. All of this got me thinking: I know I’m on the path that God has laid out for me, but could examining my life a little more closely help me to avoid some of the pot holes I keep hitting?

So I set to it. I started looking at my own strengths and weaknesses and started examining myself. I started to realize that things that had previously been weaknesses in my life had now all but disappeared. However, at the same time, things have been popping up in my life that I have never seen as weaknesses or struggles until now. Here’s what I found out: I’m a very confident person in Christ, but I’m very concerned with the way other people view me. I’m prideful and narcissistic and I think I’m pretty cool (ask my family, they’ll tell you). I’m very concerned with the physical and spiritual well being of my friends, but sometimes I do childish things and try to control people/things. I’m always encouraging people to follow through with spiritual disciplines but really I should be taking my own advice.

The list goes on. It seems for every strength I find; I have at least two weaknesses. And so I challenge myself and whomever you are reading this, let us do away with the sin that ensnares us. Maybe you are like myself and need to give up some childish behaviors, 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 is for us “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Maybe you feel dirty, stuck in the sins of your past, or like God hasn’t forgiven you. For you it’s 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”

Maybe you have some physical ailment. Please remember 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Nothing gets so bad, A whisper from your Father couldn't fix it.

He whispers like a bridge, it's a river spanned.

Brand New – Sowing Season

That’s my perspective

Ben Peters

Dating and Relationships

2009-12-25T22:26:00.003-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about dating. I’ve talked to people who describe the way that their significant other treats them and I’m shocked that they are still together. What is keeping these people together? They’re not married; they have no governmental or spiritual contract binding them, so why do people choose to stay in these less than desirable circumstances? I truly wish I had the answer to this question. I’ve often heard pastors and other Christian speakers expound on the “evils” of dating and how it’s just “trial marriage” and that really got me thinking: what if we treated the people we are dating the same way we would treat them if we were married to them? Now obviously you wouldn’t be engaging in the same activities that married couples are privileged with, but think about it; if you marry a person who treated you poorly when you were dating you can’t expect them to magically start treating you better after the wedding can you?

I’m putting the challenge out there; I say it’s time for men to step up their game. Read Ephesians 5:25-31. Pray with your girlfriend, read God’s word together, seek wisdom together. Guys, remember: Proverbs 31:30 – Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Ladies: If your guy is more interested in your body than your walk with God, that’s a red flag. Find yourself a guy who is strong in his walk with God. You should also read Ephesians 5:25-31. Also check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. Also, check out this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKNl5OK1Yew He’s really rather good, and the main point I’m getting at is the second half of the video, but watch the whole thing.

Like David, I wanna be a man after God's own heart. And I'm not there yet, but I'm past the start. And when people talk, I try to listen. A spirit of compassion, that's my vision. Surely I am a manly man. I want to be loved and have love and give love.

And not just that romantic kind either. Although I am looking for that beauty. Not helpless, but wants to be rescued. The damsel in distress, man, woman, myth, true. I will fight for her, climb the highest tower for her, love her, share with her, delight in her, be her warrior, her protector. She will be my crown and I will be hers. My masculinity will be passed down and affirmed to my sons. And each of my daughters will know they are lovely, and deserving of authentic romance.

Bradley Hathaway - I Am a Manly Man

That’s my perspective
Ben Peters

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T18:56:00.003-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We find ourselves celebrating a holiday that, like most other holidays, has strayed from its established purpose. And what was Thanksgiving’s original purpose? Well part of it is in the name, to give thanks, while the other half is somewhat lost. Allow me to enlighten you. Thanksgiving was a day established on Oct. 3, 1789. By our nations first President, George Washington, and this is what he had to say:

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to begrateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness…

We could pull a lot out of this statement, but the two things I want to focus on are giving thanks and prayer. These days it seems like Thanksgiving has become less about giving thanks and prayer and more about family skirmishes and food. Just yesterday I was listening to the radio and the DJ was having listeners call in and tell stories of how Thanksgiving is awful at their house. I heard how these people’s families would do anything from discussing very private medical procedures to getting in fistfights. And then of course we have the gluttony. Don’t misunderstand me on this point. I firmly believe that a good meal is one of the best ways for us to experience fellowship; it just gets a little excessive sometimes. So in effort to bring back a little bit of the spirit of the holiday I would like to use the rest of this post to thank some people and say exactly what I am praying for them. If I don’t mention you by name, fear not, I still love you very much.

I guess I should start with my family. Thank you Mom and Spence for providing me with a place to live and supporting me in my pursuit of photography. My prayer is that God would continue bless you as you provide for me and that He would continue to mold me into a man that you can be more and more proud of. Thank you Barb and Dad for your continued support and your wisdom as I make decisions regarding my college education and career path. My prayer is that God would continue to bring opportunities to you to minister to the Natives up in Tuba city and that He would bless you for doing so. To all my brothers and sisters, thank you for putting up with me and providing a great opportunity for God to grow me in patience and love and thank you for your friendship. I pray that God would grow you in these areas as He is growing me.

To my closest and dearest friends:

Dan, thank you for your unending friendship and fondness of all things geeky that we share. The example of obedience to God that you portray in your life is something I pray He would grow me in.

Bre, you are the embodiment of what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman, and for that I thank you. Your life is an example for women everywhere to aspire and I pray that the influence you have in the lives of the young women around you would be powerful.

Daniel (Crawdad #5), thank you for being fearless in your obedience to God’s calling on your life as an evangelist and teacher. Even though you are younger than me I have always looked up to you and admire you as a man of God. I pray that God would grant you a peace that surpasses all understanding and that He would guide you in this next season of your life.

Drew, thank you for you and your families support of me in all of my endeavors. Thank you for sharing with me in our passions for philosophy, apologetics, biblical exegesis and photography and cinema. My prayer for you is that God would take you far in the movie industry that you may bring Him glory with your art.

Josh Dyer, thank you for all those Monday nights spent at my house and the many many memories we still have to this day (especially the ones involving “crater chin”). I ask God for His continued provision for you and your family and that He would guide you in your career path. Also that He would get you back out to Arizona to eat all the food in my house…

Josh and Brandi Krzanak. Josh, thank you for your guidance and teaching when I was in high school and thank you and Brandi for the example of purity that you demonstrated in your relationship leading up to your marriage, it is still a shining example in my life to this day. I pray that God would bless you and your children and continue to provide for you.

Patrick, thank you for being the guy I can text or call whenever I want and for all the countless hours of laughter that we have shared. Thank you for living a lifestyle of worship as you pursue a closer relationship with God. I pray that He would bless you in your music and that when people hear your music that they would grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Tyler, thank you for your musical and artistic influences in my life, as well as your dedication in your relationship with God. Were it not for your influence I may not have discovered some of my favorite bands, nor would I have an example of a person who reads what God says to do and then does it. I pray that God would give me the same willingness to be used as he has given you.

Nate, thanks for being my brother. All through Bible College and then our time in Scotland you were always there to make me laugh and challenge me with scripture. Just as iron sharpens iron, God put you in my life to sharpen me. I pray that God would bless me with your ability to absorb scripture the way you do and I also pray for your success in college.

Josh Barton, thank you for your leadership and the countless hours of Settlers of Catan. Thank you for always being available to talk and hang out and I pray that God would grow you as your wife gives birth to your first son. I pray that he would bring you such joy that you cannot help but sing.

Lisa, thank you for your friendship and spontaneity. Your personality and heart for people are truly refreshing to be around. Thank you for bringing a little adventure to my life. I pray the Lord would continue to guide you into your field of study and bring you overwhelming joy and contentment.

Josh Tedrow, thank you for the constant banter we have. You have no idea how much it means to be able to act like I’m British with someone. You make my day. I pray that God would guide you into your next field of study as well as provide you a career in your current field.

Kevin, thank you for being my BFF. This past month of knowing you has truly been the best month of living here in Arizona. I look forward to many epic conversations and times spent together in the future. I pray that God would bring peace to your soul and that He would reveal more and more of Himself to you as you pursue Him.

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless you all!

Ben Peters

Over and Underneath

2009-11-21T19:56:00.003-07:00

I know I need You

I need to love You

I love to see You, but it's been so long

I long to feel You

I feel this need for You

And I need to hear You, is that so wrong?

Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh

Now You pull me near You

When we're close, I fear You

Still I'm afraid to tell You, all that I've done

Are You done forgiving?

Oh can You look past my pretending?

Lord, I'm so tired of defending, what I've become

What have I become?

Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh

I hear You say,

"My love is over, it's underneath.

It's inside. It's in between.

The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.

The times that you question, 'Is this for real?'

The times you're broken.

The times that you mend.

The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.

Well, My love is over, it's underneath.

It's inside, it's in between.

These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.

The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.

The times you're hurting.

The times that you heal.

The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.

The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.

I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.

I'm there through your heartache.

I'm there in the storm.

My love I will keep you, by My power alone.

I don't care where you fall, where you have been.

I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.

It never ends."

Oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh

Tenth Avenue North - Times

Complicated

2009-11-14T23:57:00.002-07:00

How often do you find yourself thinking that life is just too complicated? Every time I think that, I can usually come to the conclusion that my life wouldn’t be so complicated or stressful if I would just do what I’m supposed to do. You all know what I mean I’m sure, but here’s an example that most of you will be able to grasp pretty easily. Procrastination. Yup, that’s it. The #1 cause of stress in my life is me procrastinating the things I need to do. Think about it, when we put things off then we have to do them later with less time. That may fly for some people but when I take into account that I am supposed to do all things unto the glory of God, and a personal belief of striving for excellence, I can’t just do a poor job on whatever it is I’m doing. So now I’m trying to do an excellent job on something that I’ve been putting of till the last minute, this equals stress.

There are some things in life that are inherently simple that too often we complicate. Take for example the gospel. It’s really not complicated. But maybe you’re not so eloquent, or you don’t feel called to be an evangelist. Maybe you’re more of an action person like me, you like to serve people. It’s been said that we may be the only bible people ever read, so let’s make a statement with our actions. Let’s get out there and go and just love on people. Serve in a soup kitchen, put together food packs for the homeless, go to Africa and run around with some orphans. Maybe that’s why I like the gospel of Mark so much because in it you get a great look at Jesus going places and taking action and serving people (I’ve given it a second title of “Jesus Christ, Man of Action, God of Compassion!). Micah 6:8 says to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Let’s not complicate things. Mark 12:30-31 gives us the greatest commandments, which are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and the second says to love your neighbor as yourself. I don’t know about you, but I sure love myself a lot, so I need to love my neighbors with that same amount of love. Certainly I wouldn’t allow myself to starve, so why am I letting my neighbor go hungry? Heck, I won’t even drink water out of the tap most the time, it’s bottled for me, but I’m ok with letting people in Africa drink muddy, polluted water? Enough is enough, it’s not hard, lets get out there and do something.

Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of always talking when there's no change
Rhetoric can't raise the dead
I'm sick of empty words, let's lead and not follow

Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance

That's my perspective

Ben Peters

When Opportunity Comes Knocking

2009-11-04T22:06:00.002-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you experienced things that were out of the ordinary? Today was one of those days for me. Let me fill you in. Recently I have been working as an assistant to a local photographer and he wanted to know if I would be able to assist him on Monday the 16th. The problem is that I have photography class on Mondays so I decided to ask my teacher what we would be doing that day. When I told him about the opportunity I had before me I heard him say something I've never heard a teacher say, "Dude you should skip class and go help him!" I was actually surprised when he said this because we actually are going to have an in class shooting assignment that day and he fully was encouraging me to skip it. He said that I should take advantage of this opportunity because chances are that I would gain more from working with this photographer than if I stuck around for class.

I had another fun experience today. I got to be a model. Now normally I'm in the role of the photographer so I don't get to have my picture taken very often nor do I get to dress up and actually model for someone. But this was more than just modeling, this was role playing. I was an actor playing the role of Aladdin in a modern day setting. I had been really excited to pose for this part but at the same time I was concerned that the girl playing Jasmine was going to be timid or feel awkward with the poses we were no doubt going to be in. Most of you know me well enough to know that I am not timid and I rarely feel awkward in situations that most people would feel awkward in. And so the photo-shoot began and we were situated into positions where we had to look lovingly into each others eyes and the best part was that she turned out to be just as confident as I was! Woo! It was also really fun to help the photographer come up with new ideas for poses that we could be in.

So I guess the theme of this post is opportunity. Opportunity comes in many shapes and forms and I want to encourage you to take advantage of it. Who knows, you could end up getting a job as an assistant in an otherwise jobless market or have a blast modeling as a modern day Disney character or you may even end up in a dance studio doing the night club 2 step with a 40 year old woman dressed as a pirate (yes, that did happen).

That's my perspective

Ben Peters

God's Holiness and Our Sin

2009-10-28T23:47:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel less sinful than you perceive others to be? Have you ever listened to someone else’s testimony and wondered what sin God has saved you from? You see, I grew up in a fairly stable environment and had Christian influences in my life since I was born and I feel like God has kept me from straying too far off the path. So what is it that God is actually saving me from? I had this discussion with a good friend of mine in which he told me he felt the same way. He told me that he knew he was a sinner, but since he had never really done anything that bad in his life that he has a harder time appreciating God’s saving grace as much as other people with amazing testimonies. We both struggled with this together until we finally came to a conclusion. Luke 7:47 “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” But isn’t all sin the same in God’s eyes? Yes. Now we can sit here and compare ourselves to the Ten Commandments all day (which I believe is a healthy exercise as the commandments are a mirror that allow us to see our sin) but I would recommend another approach for people who share the same difficulty as I do.

Instead of trying to convict yourself of your sin, allow God’s Spirit to do so by first doing a study on the Holiness of God. Read Isaiah 6:1-7 and Revelation 4. Anytime I find myself feeling like I’m not a sinner I read these passages and it really humbles me and shows me that even though I wasn’t pulled from the depths of depravity like some of my friends, I am none-the-less, just as sinful. It’s like coming back from a camping trip. You don’t realize just how dirty you are until you get home and see your face and hands in the light of your bathroom. The closer we get to God the more apparent our sin becomes in the light of his holiness. Maybe you don’t have a radical testimony, maybe your testimony is more like mine, an average American male who deals with pride and lust. You’ve never murdered someone (except in your heart Matt 5:21-26) and you’ve never committed adultery (except in your heart Matt 5:27-28) but I can guarantee that if you read just how holy God is then you will see just how sinful you truly are. And when we know just how much we have been forgiven of we are enabled to love God so much more.

We can’t medicate man to perfection again

We can’t legislate peace in our hearts

We can’t educate sin from our souls

It’s been there from the start

But the blind lead the blind into bottomless pits

Still we smile and deny that we’re cursed

But of all our iniquities

Ignorance may be the worst

Thrice – All the World is Mad

That’s my perspective.

Ben Peters

The Weight

2009-10-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

Do you remember fairy tales? Do you remember those movies you used to watch as a kid, the ones where the guy romantically wooed the girl, got married and lived happily ever after? Emotions run wild every time the two lovers eyes meet. The young girls beauty is overwhelming and the young man is exceptionally handsome. A sense of euphoria washes over the audience as the two share their first kiss. The movie culminates in the union of the lovers, leaving the audience with a feathery light sense of assurance: nothing could bring these two apart. Unfortunately this story does not hold true in the reality of our culture.

I have come to accept the fact that in American culture, especially in my generation, the motto is to do what “feels” right. As a culture we have made emotional decisions a normal part of everyday life. This holds true even in the most critical decisions we make, the most important being relationships. I often wonder how many people make the decision to get married simply based on the emotions they are feeling at the moment. One of my mentors once told me that “emotional decisions tend to be poor decisions” and I believe that this is reflected in the divorce rates we see in America. A study by the Barna Group revealed about Americans that “four out of every five adults (78%) have been married at least once” and “among adults who have been married, one-third (33%) have experienced at least one divorce”. Director of the study George Barna noted that Americans have grown comfortable with divorce as a natural part of life. I propose a change in perspective.

Coming from a background that has seen divorce I could tell you all the horrible things that it can do to a family, but instead I will present you with how God feels about it and what His plan is for us in seeking relationships with the opposite sex. Divorce is one of the things that God hates (Malachi 2:16) and it was never part of His plan for our lives. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Here’s the picture: Imagine you take two pieces of wood and you laminate them together, and by that I mean you spread glue over the two surfaces and then clamp them together and let them sit and dry overnight. When you come back the next day you will find that the two pieces of wood have become one. The glue has seeped deep into the pores of the two pieces of wood and they are now forever bonded together. This is how God views marriage. But what happens if you try to split these two pieces of wood apart? The wood splinters and cracks. Pieces of the wood tear off and remain attached to either piece. You see, that’s just the thing; you cannot break apart something that was meant to be a permanent bond without destructive consequences. How can we avoid such a disaster? By being the kind of people God desires us to be.

Before we can even consider pursuing a relationship with someone I think we need to compare ourselves with God’s definition of what love is. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”(NIV). Here is a challenging exercise: read this passage out loud, but replace the words “love” and “it” with your name instead. Can you say the whole thing and feel like it’s true? I know I can’t. Before we even consider bringing someone into our life we need to make sure we’re right with God and we are pursuing His model lifestyle for us, and not only that, but ask the question: is this person pursuing the same kind of lifestyle?

It’s time that we started to ask serious questions of ourselves and the people we are courting. Ladies, is he the kind of guy who is above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle and perhaps most importantly able to teach? (1Tim 3:1-7) Guys, is she a woman devoted to the Lord like Anna, devoted to worship, fasting and prayer (Luke 2:36-37) and does she speak wisdom and kindness? (Prov 31:26) Look beyond your emotions and don’t act to hastily. Know for certain the one whom you are pursuing, find out their character and be sure of their commitment to God and His interests. Ask yourself if you are truly ready to carry the weight of love.

“And come what may, I won’t abandon you or leave you behind,

Because love is a loyalty sworn, not a burning for a moment.

Come what may, I will be standing right here by your side,

I won’t run away, though the storm’s getting worse and there’s no end in sight.”

Thrice – The weight

That’s my perspective.

Ben Peters