The Last Few Weeks - 5/16/2010

It's been a couple of weeks- actually, just a few days shy of a month - that I have been out with the cross. Towards the end of April, I started a temporary job with the U.S. Census as an enumerator. I have been working almost every day (including Saturday and Sunday) for the past three weeks. Things have taken a different turn the last few weeks.

Three weeks ago, I finished reading the John MacArthur Study Bible (NAS version). I started reading the New Testament (with commentary) towards the end of October or beginning of November and after finishing the New Testament, I moved on to the Old Testament.

Starting three weeks ago, I developed a plan (based on John MacArthur's advice in his study bible) to memorize the New Testament. I will be reading a portion of the Scripture every day for 4 weeks and then move on to the next portion. For the past three weeks, I have been reading Matthew, chapter 1 to 7, almost every night. I was also listening to John MacArthur's sermons on the corresponding texts.

I also wanted to start rereading the Old Testament alongside the portion of the New Testament I would be reading daily. I've been really occupied with my temporary job for the past three weeks and I haven't kept up with that. I've been working really sporadic hours- often a few hours at a time, but totaling up to 8 in a day. I've noticed my mind is very occupied with work and I haven't been nearly as devoted as I was just a few weeks prior. I definitely need to make an adjustment. I have found myself trying to rely on Scripture references but have been coming up blank.

On another note, I had an interview last Thursday for a full time position that I am really hopeful about landing. When one of the interviewers searched for me on the Internet, they found this blog. The thought actually crossed my mind of taking this blog down, but Jesus' words soon reigned in my mind: "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38).

I feel this blog says a lot about me, but I also feel like it has hurt my chances of employment. I know other prospective employers have found this blog upon searching for me on the Internet and have never contacted me. I think people looking at me from the outside, seeing a "religious zealot" is one thing, but standing on the street with a cross is another thing.

For the record, I do not consider myself to be a "legalist" or "religious." While I do call myself Christian, I do not have a set of external rules that I must abide by outside of biblical teachings. Granted, I follow and obey the Bible, but there is a difference between what Jesus and his disciples taught and the teachings of the likes of some modern religions. There is a big difference between going through ceremonies in an attempt to be right with God versus a right heart.

Regardless, I cannot and will not feel ashamed for what I believe and know to be true. I am hopeful that employers will see my skills and abilities. As Jesus said, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?"
I have to trust that God is in control of my job situation and He will place me where I belong.

It is appropriate that I have been reading the Sermon on the Mount for the past three weeks. Since becoming a Christian, I have been trying to follow Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." It hasn't always been that easy. The following verse is hard for me also: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I do not know what is next after this temporary position, but I need to trust that God will provide. I'm not sure how that will manifest itself, but I need to stay faithful to Him and His Word.

Status Update 5/01/10

I haven't been out with the cross for about a week and a half now. I landed a part time, temporary job that required me to be in training most of last week. I will go back to having late weekday mornings available and I hope to hit the streets at least a few times a week until I find permanent full time works. Please pray that I would find a permanent full time job before my current temporary job ends! Thanks to all my visitors!