Issues

Getting Close to God

2009-11-23T09:52:00.002-06:00

Pastor Timmy has been doing a really great series on getting close to God. Insightful, and inspiring.

A special blessing you have as a hairdresser is, being able to have your finger on the pulse of your clients. Getting close to God is definitly an issue to the people of the area, and the world. It actually is a common denominator. I am so fortunate, about half of my clientelle is from Wyandotte County, and the other half from Johnson County. One being the poorest County in the state, one being the richest.
Their problems are the same, though thier addresses are different.

From both sides of the county line (I am mostly speaking of women in this blog.) Self esteem is the core issue. Poor self-esteem, more specifically. Thinking that they have to achieve, do, be something better than they are, to be worthy of being loved, and that includes Gods love.

The disconnect is almost always the same, they feel that God can love the worst sinner unconditionally, but they don't feel as worthy as the worst sinner.

There is a difference between knowing the sins of others and knowing your own.

So getting close to God for many, I think, involves understanding Gods nature, and love, and desire to be close to us.

His nature,is Creator, he created us and all our being, even the parts we hate about ourselves. He created every part of you on purpose. So that we could love each other and walk together.

His love, is perfect, and unconditional, before your grandparents and thier grandparents were born, God knew every beautiful, and every ugly thing you would do in your life, and still Jesus came to die on the cross to redeem the ugliness in your life and my life and make a way for you and God to love each other and walk together.

His desire, that we would accept his love, as unconditionally as he gives it, so that we can love each other and walk together.

So drawing close to God, means accepting his desire to draw close to me.
Accepting his desire to redeem the parts of me that make me feel unworthy.
Knowing that I don't have to get rid of those things first, but understanding that Gods desire is to help me, mold me, shape me, clean up the ugliness as a part of our relationship. Like a parent loving a baby, the dirty diapers are just a part of the package, we don't get angry when we change them, it doesn't even dissapoint us. It is just a part of the Parent, child relationship.
It means understanding that God desire to create a relationship with me, with you, and guess what he already knows what you hide from everyone else and he still desires you. With God thier are no suprises for him, he won't ask for a divorce or be dissapointed when you fail. He is there to pick you up, strengthen you, heal your brokenness,and get close to you.

So as we consider getting close to God today, simply concider his desire to be close to you.

Things I am learning

2009-07-01T12:07:00.002-05:00

Wow last month was a whirlwind of activity, I am still processing it all to see what I can learn from it. Here are a few of my thoughts;

Seeing my wife achieve a dream is one of the sweetest moments life can offer.

Having my daughter want to follow in my footsteps is a beautiful and humbling feeling.

Making a safe enviroment for communication is important for a good conversation.

Sometimes what seems like the worst moment in your life can be the beginning of achieving the best moments in your life.

When explaining A.D.D I like to use the illustration of the difference between an appliance that uses a 110 electrical outlet and an apliance that uses a 220 outlet.
They both use the same electricity they are just wired differently.

-17

2009-07-01T08:57:00.004-05:00

Well 2 weeks and 2 days have gone by. I am feeling better, I have tons more energy and alot less weight. I am really starting to get in the groove now. I am astounded how I have been able to, for the first time, have some willpower and not be tempted by food. I made a lasagna Saturday night for my cousin who just had a baby. Now I'm telling you it was the best lasagna ever. I took 4 cheese ravioli, and used that for the noodles and cheese, and alternated layers of Cascone's Marinara sauce, ravioli, ground beef and Italian sausage, Cascone's Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese and a little of my home made spaghetti sauce. I actually made two, one for them and one for Arielle. There is only one piece left and I haven't even been tempted. I can't believe it. I also have gone out to eat several times. I found it quite easy to order without blowing the system. My clothes are beginning to get a little baggy. I guess the best thing is that I now eat because I need to eat. I am not even tempted to go through the drive through and spend 18.00 bucks at Sonic just for me. I don't eat because I am bored or only when I am ravenous anymore. Oh and by the way, my wife doesn't know I am losing weight, she is out of the country for 5 weeks so this will all be a surprise to her.
She returns on the 11Th.
We will chat later.
Ross

Week 2

2009-06-23T18:13:00.002-05:00

Well, Fathers day was not good for me. I fell off the waggon. I could see it coming though, so I just tried to not go back to old habits completely. I will tell you that there was a prime rib buffet, and a church pancake breakfast involved. But here is the cool thing. Come Monday, it was so easy to get back to the plan. It was effortless as a matter of fact. I went to the box in the kitchen, picked out five meals, and you know what? After a week of this plan, I was still looking forward to eating the meals. I had a moment where I wanted to put off the plan and stop at McDonald's, and then I thought of my wife, who will be coming back on July 10 or 11. You see I haven't told her I am doing this. If I am successful she will freak.
So I have to be successful, because seeing Jeannette Freak is really cool!

I have also decided to forget about the scale for a while and just try to focus my energy where it needs to be. Which, by the way, is much easier with fewer calories, and lots less energy devoted to figuring out what I am going to eat.

Later All.
Ross

climbing over the first wall.

2009-06-20T07:53:00.003-05:00

12

I didn't blog yesterday, because it was a "Hit the wall day."
At 6:30 AM I got out of bed and hit the scales, I have to tell you I was disappointed. When the digital scales stopped flashing to let me know that it had honed in on my new svelte weight, and I got close enough to see without my glasses, the numbers were exactly the same as the day before.

It is quite strange when that happens, all these words hit you, Failure, Fat, Fool, Freak, maybe even one or two you can't really throw out there for public consumption. I felt deflated and really a bit underpowered to continue.

But then I ask myself, "What is the truth in this situation?" Well that wasn't hard to find, if I stepped back and looked at my experience over the last week, I was 9 pounds down, I was sleeping much better, I had more energy during the day, and the feelings of the F words, well those things are not tied to what the scale said. Those things weren't true when I felt good about myself, why would they be true because the scale didn't say what I wanted? The truth was that for the first time in a long time, I was moving in the right direction. I was doing something that was good for my body, mind, and spirit. So I asked myself a new question, instead of was I better than yesterday, I asked was I better this Thursday than last Thursday?

Yep!
Psalm 73:26 (New King James Version)

26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2009-06-17T11:24:00.002-05:00

-9
Beginning of day 4. Scales said 211. Had a small mental breakdown last night. As I was reading my information again I looked at the list of acceptable veggies and realized that I had brussel sprouts for two meals, including last night. AAAHHHHH! Brussel sprouts are not approved. Too many carbs for the fatburning stage of this plan. On the good side, I had two meals with brussel sprouts and still lost 9 pounds at the beginning of my 4rth day.

Got to tell ya, this stuff works so well. You don't get hungry, you don't have alot of prep time, you have a whole lot of choice and the weight just falls off. WooooHooo!

My thinking about food is changing also. I no longer seek comfort from cheeseburgers.

2009-06-16T10:06:00.002-05:00

7.5

Psalm 73:26 (New King James Version)

26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Good Morning,
Starting Day 3 of my culinary intake and thought adjustment process. Scale said 212.5. I am really amazed how easy this is going. I had eggs for breakfast today at 9:30 at 12 I will have a fruit punch, at 2:30 chicken noodle soup, at 5:00 a protien bar, at 8:00 a chicken breast with a salad, and green beens, if I need a snack at 10 or so I'll have some cinnimon rice crisps. To bed around 12 and that will be my day. Amazingly if you eat a little something every 2-3 hours you never get hungry. That cuts my caloric intake down from 4000 or so calories to about 1000calories per day.
We'll talk soon.

2009-06-13T07:23:00.002-05:00

Psalm 73:26 (New King James Version)

26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I decided yesterday that some things in my life need some work. (No suprise huh.?) So I spoke with two clients who have recently changed thier eating habits and lost quite a bit of weight and today I'm jumping in.

I have always known that my love of food was pretty unhealthy. I alone can spend around $18.00 at Sonic. Often I will eat a little something for breakfast, and then go pretty much all day 10-12 hours before eating again. Sometimes I'll grab a poptart or a handful of nuts. But at the end of the day I have become ravenous. Eating copious amounts of anything in sight. Usually from a drive through or restaraunt. Which I'm sure has contributed to my tight budgetary situation of late.
So today it's all going to change.

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I am starting out with exitement and anticipation. I don't really have a goal except to be healthier and break my addiction to food. But for the purposes of tracking I guess 50 pounds would be a good goal.

I started today off with a blueberry oatmeal at 7 am. It's now 10 am and I am having a glass of tropical fruit punch. The scale said 220 this morning. Ok hang on here we go.

Things I am Learning

2009-01-14T11:24:00.002-06:00

Things I am learning;

When living life in any situation, people are the most important part.

Conflict can't truly be resolved unless both parties are willing to be wrong.

When we feel wronged, just being heard is strong healing medicine.

Trying to fix a situation without telling the truth is just politics.

Politics don't belong in churches.

Healing a relationship doesn't always mean we agree, just that we understand.

Relationships weaken when the benifit of the doubt is gone.

Churches are about people.

Though we strive for perfection, and excellence, we live in an imperfect and fallen world, and yet that doesn't hinder God.

Judgement!

2008-10-31T11:02:00.002-05:00

It is time to vote, but
how can we do that without being judgemental?

Doesn't voting mean I have to make a judgment? Sure does.

Well shouldn't I feel guilty for having the audacity to judge? NO!

Wow we Christians miss the point so often. OK let's break it down. God would not give us the awesome privilege of voting for our leaders if he didn't want us to make informed decisions about who would be better for leading.

Is it ok to use my Christianity and belief in God when making my decision. YES!

Our relationship to God gives us our world view, we would be foolish not to take that into account. Do your duty, make an informed decision and cast a ballot.

What about the separation of church and state?

That is all about the Government not impeding your right to worship. There was never an intention of the founding fathers to say; "We made this experiment in democracy because of religious persecution across the pond, but when you vote, check your beliefs at the door."

But that is not the judgment we are supposed to avoid. The kinds of judgement we should beware of is the assumption of unspoken motive, or the placement of the eternal soul, these are the judgments that we have not only no ability to know, but no authority to pronounce.

So how does that look exactly?

Well first, it is OK to believe that what you believe is right.

As a matter of fact it is good to believe that your thoughtful, prayerful, time of seeking God's truth and wisdom has not left you completely ignorant.
Where we get into trouble is when we say that anyone who doesn't vote the way I do or think the way I do is ignorant or stupid, not a Christian, or is on their way to eternal damnation. It could simply be that God is not finished dealing with them or me yet, and by the way, he may allow them to vote differently because he wants to teach them, or me something.

OK, so how do I co-exist with someone who I disagree with?

Should I be quiet about my opinion?

Rather than being quiet, be sensitive to God and the other people you might discuss things with. Cover your thoughts and feelings with Gods grace and love.
If the other person is not able to be as graceful as you are in discussing these things then love them more and be sensitive to their feelings and positions your opinion is not dependant on anyone elses approval.

Know that some people don't have a sense of humor when it comes to these issues, on the other hand humor can come in very handy when discussing with some on the other side of issues.

As far as elections go there are many verses in the bible that talk about God being in control, the heart of the king is in the hand of God, God places the rulers on the throne etc. etc. So know that God is in control. That doesn't mean that God won't put a corrupt politician in charge. Remember lots of those kings God placed on the thrones beheaded Christians. But that is not the point. The point is God will place the person on the throne that he needs to accomplish his plan. So whether God chooses a person who is good or bad is irrelevant. Our responsibility is to serve God, and love people no matter what the circumstances are.

So in closing; generally a political or religious position that is opposite of yours is not a threat to you, and it is not your responsibility in most cases to correct. Remember you are responsible to people not for people. You are called to love the other person regardless of their handicaps, race, views, and positions. Open healthy dialogue where possible. Be eager to listen for the positions and arguments that you hadn't thought of. Never be dismissive of another person, that implies pious judgement toward them. Pray for those you disagree with, nothing changes our heart toward someone more than praying for them and constantly pray for humility, wisdom and peace. The bible says "They will know we are Christians by our love." That doesn't mean we will always agree, as a matter of fact, it is easy to love those we agree with, it is loving those we disagree with that really sets us apart.

Financial MELTDOWN?

2008-09-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

We Are On The Precipice Of A Financial Cataclysm? This is a joint statement from the Republican and Democrat nominees for president.

What are we to do? Ignore it? Hope it won't affect us? It is now just too late for that. Even churches are beginning to address the problem. Which I think is great. The church should be the voice of reason in these uncertain times.

Things to think about;

Live Responsibly. Decide before you get your wallet out is this a want or a need.

Eat more at home. Look honestly at what you spend weekly at restaurants and coffee shops.

Plan early for Christmas buying. Scale back without guilt, it is the thought that counts and thoughtful doesn't have to equal expensive. Often we wait until the last minute and spend more because we haven't planned ahead. Talk to your family and create realistic expectations for holiday gifting. Have fun, be creative, and be honest with your budget.

Don't panic. God is able to take care of those who seek him, but that doesn't mean we should be irresponsible with our spending.

Help others whenever possible. If you make a pot of chili to eat after church invite someone over to join you. If you grow out of clothes or your children do, give the good clothes away to others who could use them.

Put away the Credit Cards. Try not to add to credit card debt, and pay it down or off if possible. If you use credit cards, pay them off monthly.

Don't think it, ink it! Jot down every penny you spend for a month. Add it up. That will change you.

Look up 10 websites on living frugally.

Look for Gods purpose in tough times. What is it that God wants me to learn, what does God want me to do, during tough times?

Get back to the simple life.

So here is my question, if we do these things, and the meltdown stops today, aren't I better off anyway?

Who will be in heaven?

2008-07-08T15:29:00.005-05:00

The bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to heaven. But what are the implications of that statement and belief? I recently heard an interview given to Billy Graham on Robert Schulers Hour of Power,that has made many people in the Christian world shudder. Here is what was said;
Dr. Schuller begins by speaking to Billy Graham:

Dr. Schuller: "Tell me, what is the future of Christianity?"

Dr. Graham: "Well, Christianity and being a true believer, you know, I think there's the body of Christ which comes from all the Christian groups around the world, or outside the Christian groups. I think that everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time."

"What God is doing today is calling people out of the world for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light they have and I think they're saved and they're going to be with us in heaven."

Dr. Schuller: "What I hear you saying is that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into a human heart and soul and life even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?"

Dr. Graham: "Yes it is because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, have never heard of Jesus but they've believed in their hearts that there is a God and they tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived."

Dr. Schuller: "This is fantastic. I'm so thrilled to hear you say that. There's a wideness in God's mercy.

Dr. Graham: There is. There definitely is."

The net is full of people that say things like this statement cannot co-exist with the belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven found in John 14:6. Another person said something to the effect that Billy Graham was attempting to be ecumenical to the point of error. John MacArthur even weighed in on the controversy in a very negative manner saying that Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists will all be in heaven according to Billy Graham.

I have read these authors views and listened to them speak and most of them are generally smart people. But they have really gotten it wrong on this one.

The position of Billy Graham is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. OK they all agree on that. These folks that criticize probably the greatest evangelist of our time seem to easily dismiss the entirety of what he says to quibble over their own fears that he could saying there is another way to heaven.

He certainly did not say there is another path to heaven. He said that Jesus calls us, and when he calls us, he may do it without the help of evangelicals. WHAT? How utterly absurd, that someone could get to know Christ without my help. God, you can't bypass me! I am your hands and feet here on earth you know. They can't get saved unless I give them a bible, and share the Romans road with them.

Does that sound arrogant to anyone but me. Don't get me wrong, I am an evangelical that believes Jesus is the only way to heaven, it is my calling to share the Gospel and give bibles, but I am not so bold as to say Jesus has to use me. If God wants to reach someone through me and I don't get out of bed that day will that person go to hell? No your salvation is not based on my works. God calls us and no person comes to God unless he is called. If I don't show up you know he could use a rock, or another ass. Or in the case of Paul he could just appear to that person himself. Listen to the words of Paul himself;

"I did not receive it [the Gospel] from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ....But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus."

So how crazy is it to believe that God might call a Muslim while practicing that religion, or a Hindu or Buddhist or in Paul's case, someone who was preaching against Christ.

Jesus calls us as he wills, when he does he opens heavens gates to us no matter what is in our past. Because he is the only way the truth and the light. I own no patents on his gospel.

The Evangelical, Post-Modern, Emergent, Missional, Orthodox, Conservative, Liberal Body of Christ.

2008-07-08T09:43:00.003-05:00

Wow my head is spinning. I had a great dinner last night with friends from a former church that imploded while we were attending. We have all gone separate ways; I am active in church leadership at Olathe Life Fellowship, another friend is a Pastor considering a new church plant in the Houston area, and the other finally getting settled into a church and becoming active in the life of that body of believers. The topic of labels came up when I ask my Pastor friend if he would consider himself an evangelical, he replied; "Yes, but I don't call myself that." Then he threw in the word "Emergent." We talked briefly about the controversy surrounding that word. So today I began to explore some of those labels and judgments surrounding some of our verbage and struggle to identify ourselves.

I know less now about where I fit in than I did yesterday.

So here is what I know for sure;

I am Evangelical.
Because I believe strongly that we are to carry the good news of the Gospel to the hurting, and that there is no other name in heaven or earth by which man can be saved, but Jesus.

I am Post-Modern.
Because of the period I live in, and the language I use to reach those around me, who live in this culture, with the Gospel of Christ.

I am Emergent.
Because of the creativity I use to share that Gospel with those around me.

I am Missional.
Because I am concerned for those in today's culture and when they hurt I hurt, so I seek to help them knowing, that God cares for them, and as I help them and care for them I show them a living example of the Gospel, and open the door for sharing the good news.

I am Orthodox.
Because I think the word of God is true and perfect in it's original form. That Jesus is and was God, creator of the universe and became flesh, and was tempted in every way that I am, and so he understands my temptations and I can look to him as my example. His sacrifice on the cross made it possible for me to have eternal fellowship with God, not by anything I could ever do or not do, but by his grace and mercy. Also because I believe that the great commission included the importance of discipleship.

I am Conservative.
Because I want to preserve the Gospel and it's truth so that it may change others lives. I am conservative because I believe in being responsible as we take care of the earth, and all that God has in trusted to us. I am conservative because I believe we are positionally perfect through Christ. I also believe that we should use the resources and intelligence we have been given to do what we believe God would have us do.

I am Liberal.
Because I believe we should give of our resources freely to help those in need, that when I meet Jesus he will ask me as well as all the nations "When I was hungry did you feed me, when I was naked did you clothe me.?" And because I believe that If Christ has set us free we are free indeed. I am liberal because while I believe we are positionally perfected in Christ, we cannot achieve perfection on the earth, even if we are church leadership. I believe that Gods Mercy and Grace trumps mans intelligence.

So you might say that I am just a mixed up kid. Or you might say I am rebelling against boxes and labels. What is important is; what God will say when I stand before him someday.

Depression

2008-06-24T12:36:00.004-05:00

Depression is a state of existence marked by a sense of being pressed down, weighed down, or burdened, which affects a person physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally.

Last week my wife asked me if I thought I was depressed. I asked her why she thought that? She said "Well I went to church today and two of the people who asked where you were asked if you might be depressed." Hmmmm, I thought to myself, maybe I should go online and take a depression test. That's what the 21rst century folks do right? GOOGLE BABY!. So off I went and I pulled up the first website that offered a screening on depression. I took the test carefully and pushed "get results" and it took be back to the first page, frustrated that I might have pushed a wrong button or something I took the test again. Again, it went back to the first page, after the third time of filling out this questionnaire I was for the first time beginning to feel depressed.

The topic of Depression is common in conversations that I have with Christians. Most of them who I speak with about it have tried every way they know to get help short of health professionals. 6 or 7 years ago I was leaving the church parking lot where I was the Worship Leader and a friend comes wheeling in the parking lot and asks me "Are you depressed?" What a strange question I said why would you think that?
My friend asked me 5 or so questions which I answered yes to 4 of the 5 and my friend wisely said you should see someone, I have a name for you. That was some of the best advice I had ever received.

I had no idea that I was suffering from depression, but my friends noticed changes in my behaviour that triggered them to ask. I was not sad, had no thoughts of suicide, but I found myself wanting to be alone more, avoiding phone calls, sleeping more, but never feeling rested, eating more but never getting full, and the joy I used to find in hobbies and activities had disappeared. Then of course there was my relationship with God, once vibrant and constant, I sought isolation even from him. While I felt no sadness, now I had a distinct absence of joy, I guess you could say numbness, fatigue, a feeling of being overwhelmed by every task and commitment, a deep sense of worthlessness and shame was about the sum of my existence. I was still able to preform my job, even help others during their struggles somewhat. But personally it was all I could do to get out of bed and do the list of tasks that had to be done for the day.

I saw the counselor that my friend recommended and found much slow relief. This depression seemed to be situational, my life had become overwhelming and my body and spirit or mind was growing weary and becoming incapable of dealing with it. My counselor began dealing with every heavy issue one thing at a time, giving me strategies to cope, reminding me constantly of Gods total and unconditional love for me, and Gods deep concern for me and desire to help me. My depression had started in the Situational realm but had gone into the Spiritual realm also. I began to feel without value to God even though I knew that not be true, I was unable to convince myself. Surprisingly during this time I could convince others of their deep value and worth I was just unable to convince myself.

I slowly lost the feelings that plagued me and eventually they were replaced with good feelings again. I was very fortunate that my form of depression had not yet entered biological, so I was able to get relief without medication. But so many Christians are afraid of medications for depression, I personally believe that they are a gift from God. Having seen first hand so many times how medication with a multi-faceted approach can absolutely change lives.

So now getting back to whether I am depressed or not, well I don't seem to have the ability to check that myself, but I am beginning to recognize patterns and signs that I have seen before. I sleep but find little rest, I eat but am not satisfied, I worship and feel no peace, I smile and feel no joy. I am productive still but am Isolating, and find it a task to do the things that used to bring pleasure.

Situationally things are pretty good, but over the last 3 years I and my family dealt with the long slow death of my mother. My wife told me that I have not been the same since that time. I do recognize that. I really don't feel sadness or despair, but the numbness has begun again. Though I know I am loved and that God loves me I have become unable to feel that love.

I have not lost my insight as a matter of fact I have two friends who over the last week I have noticed some common signs, and while many feelings are gone right now, compassion is still my primary gift. I will talk with my friends and see if I can help.

I am an Elder in my church, and the Church universal has not had a very good record on this subject over the years. We sweep it under the rug, or totally spiritualize it minimizing other core causes, or we dismiss it outright and say "Shape up, be full of the Joy of the Lord." That is kind of like telling an insomniac they would be better if they just got more sleep. Turns out that the bible seems to have its share of depressed people some of them even authors and kings. So I write this hoping that others who feel this way can come out into the open, the light, and that the shadow of stigma will be dispelled by the light of the truth. The truth that God understands depression, and loves us through the depression though we cannot feel it or see it sometimes, and in that knowledge our shame has no place to reside. Look over your life, are there any friends you have that you have seen changes in that concern you? Friends who don't return calls or emails, that don't want to do the same things they used to, that now seem to converse on a more superficial level, are fidgity, eat way too much or not enough, sleep too much or not enough, friends who used to smile and now don't. Pray for them. Talk to them, love them.

Hell

2008-05-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

Often our minds do keep us trapped in a hell of our own making. Dwelling on the things we know about ourselves that we can't forgive or can't seem to escape from. Shame certainly is a culprit, pointing out our flaws and paralyzing us against seeking help. Then those who of no fault of their own are trapped in a living hell of the mind, like severe cases of mental illness or cases of mental abuse. These persons are trapped in a hell-like state because what they are experiencing keeps them from a vibrant relationship with God. And this is exactly one aspect of Hell. Separation from God. But we are not temporal beings, while we do have a beginning as Christians we believe that we live on after our mortal body dies.

Our understanding of God and all spiritual things are based on temporal knowledge. Or you could say our understanding of the perfect is imperfect.
We hate the word judgment because of the flawed nature of our own judicial system. We have set it up the best we can, but if you are rich you may be able to purchase the best lawyer who is good at setting the guilty free or convicting the Innocent. If you don't have any money you may have to settle for a lawyer who is less than adequate. The judge may be senile or bias against your race or gender or religious beliefs. Not to mention that he has never met you, and doesn't know anything about you. Don't get me wrong, we must have the legal system, as flawed as it is we would be worse without it. But then we make a jump from the imperfect and flawed nature of our legal system to how God handles judgement. This is normal to do, but certainly not a complete comparison. In order to do this right we must see the attributes of God.
You see God is all-knowing, everywhere, just, merciful, loving, graceful. He knew us before we were born, created us, and can see through the tunnel of time and know all our actions and true motives before we arrive at any moment in the future. Scary huh, well not really, God loves us so much and wantsto spend time with us so much, that God became a man, lived a harder life than us and paid the ultimate price for us, suffering and dying on the cross.

How does that fit in? Well the bible calls Jesus our advocate, which could be translated as lawyer. He is not a low paid public defender, he actually paid to defend us. Not only did he already take our punishment but then he comes to our defense and stands before God on our behalf. But what about those who don't know Jesus. This is the flaw in my human eyes, what about the good who don't have Jesus as a lawyer, who's debt he didn't pay? Jesus paid the dept of all mankind, he paid for the sins for all eternity, it is not his will that any one should perish but all should have eternal life. And yet we see in Revelation at the White Throne Judgement that there are people who will not spend eternity with God, but be thrown into the Lake of fire. This seems inhumane to us humans who know that there is nothing we can do to make it into heaven on our own. We know that we have been freely forgiven for all of our mistakes, why is our merciful God not as merciful for others. The answer is simple to me. God is Merciful, God is Just, God is All-Knowing, God is the Perfect Judge, God is full of Grace. I have no right to judge who will be in heaven for God. That is Gods job. My understanding is so limited I couldn't even file the papers in the courtroom of God.

What about the babies, what about the person on a mountain who never had the chance to accept or reject Christ's love for them. God has the perfect answer. I don't know what it is but God does. God knows the innermost being of every person, and knows the true answers to the questions that God has for each person. God sees our motives. God will have mercy on who God chooses and it will not be based on my understanding of who should receive it. It will be based on what should be done. God will not allow some into heaven and it will not be based on words or deeds that I think they should speak or believe, or religious actions that I think should be followed. God is bigger than my understanding of God. Jesus speaks of Heaven and he speaks of Hell. His love is unconditional toward us his creations. God wants us with him so much that he perfectly paid for our imperfections. God wants us to help the hurting, feed them, clothe them, heal their wounds and share the news about Gods love for them. We are to tell them what Jesus did on the cross and why. What they do with that information and how God judges them is not for me to know. But I know this, God knows just the right thing to do.

Sin in the Church

2008-05-21T23:44:00.000-05:00

Recently my pastor asked the staff and elders to chime in on his blog on some sensitive topics. He has been quite outspoken on the topic of how God loves gays prompting alot of email. One person wanting just to make sure that he viewed homosexuality as a sin. Here is my 2 cents.

What a hot topic, SIN. I think that you certainly can make the case biblically that homosexuality is not what God intended. And yes I think that you can certainly make the case that homosexuality is sin. It is true that of all the times it is mentioned in the bible that only 2 or 3 have to do with same gender sex, others have to do with prostitution and other forms of sexual activity outside of marriage, but certainly same gender sex is spoken against biblically. But let's start by putting some of the positions into perspective;
1.) To the extreme right would be let's say a pastor from Topeka who pickets funerals for the armed services, and feels justified in using hate speech like "God hates Fags." because, the fact that they are gay or in any sin, is proof that they are not part of Gods elect or chosen. If God has rejected them it is their obligation as Christians to do so also. If a gay person walked into that church they would say "God hates You!"

2.) Just a little less far to the right, would be those who believe that gays are evil and we shouldn't pray for them, help them, they should be shunned. If a gay person would walk into their church members would get up and walk out.

3.) Let's move to the opposite side, the extreme left. Embracing all things, believing that there is really no such thing a sin, or hell, as a matter of fact "Whatever you believe is good, whatever God you embrace is good for you." If a gay person walked into this church they would say; "Let's celebrate you finding your truth, you are gay and we are proud of your gay perfection."

4.) A little less to the left, the thought that God created Gays, to be gay so the bible must be culturally irrelevant now or was just written down wrong. If a gay person walked in this church, they would be asked to join some committees.

5.) Now let's go to the center. This is where I really think the minority of those who call themselves Christians live. The belief here is that God created us all, but through the fall of Adam ALL have fallen, from the time of the fall we were born imperfect, our lives are thick with struggle, disease and defect. Through the sacrifice of Christ ALL have the opportunity to accept the love of God freely given to ALL who would accept it. That there is nothing we can do of ourselves to earn Gods love and free gift. That none of us will achieve perfection on earth in our skin but, all who have accepted God's free gift, are perfected positionally in Christ. This church believes that we need to share the message of the Gospel to everyone, and that means the homosexual, the extreme right hateful preacher from Topeka, the extreme left preacher who believes that whatever you believe is good for you and you can write your own gospel. This church also believes that it is not necessary to clean up the sinner before loving them, and acknowledges that to try and do so would be hypocritical since each of us deal with sin on a daily basis. That loving others is not about the other person or their worthiness to be loved, but is based on the fact that God's love for us is unconditional and that is what we are called to do, love unconditionally. Jesus loved us while we were sinners, gave his life for us before we were born knowing that some of us would choose him and some would not. This church believes that we are to come to Christ as we are, but we are not to stay that way. That God begins his work on our lives even before we accept him, but after we accept him he begins to work on us in His perfect timing, he chooses things for us to work on and we start the process of God cleaning our life on the earth up. This church understands that the day we accept Christ's gift, all our sins do not just fall off, but with Gods help we can grow, and struggle through and as we do we are less dependent on our sins and more dependent on God and his mercy and his grace. When a homosexual comes to this church the church says; "Welcome fellow sinner, come join us in our journey, let us help you bear your burdens and accept Christ's free gift of love with us. Where you are hurting let us help you heal, and where you struggle let us pray for your struggle. Call us when you need a friend, come and eat with us, when you are are hungry. Let us hold you when you cry for our hearts have been broken too. And let us pray that the sins that entangle you and entangle us will be overcome on earth as they are in heaven. For God loves you and wants to make you whole.

This church speaks the truth in love, it lists all the sins and is not ashamed of saying them, for it is shame that keeps us from dealing with many of our sins, and shame often drives us to them. We are not ashamed of the Gospel, we are not ashamed of our imperfections and struggles, for that would only drive them deeper below the surface hiding them from view. We strive to be aware that our sins exist, and to be honest that our sins are real, our sins bind us and control us. Our sins need to be confessed our struggles need to be shared. Your sins do not shock us at this church for we are sinners too. We cannot treat people differently because of the type of sin that entangles them. A homosexual, should be treated no differently than the rest of us sinners. If you have been in church leadership you understand that at anytime a majority of your church is struggling with addictions, all manner of sexual indiscretions, gossip, hatred, unforgiveness, gluttony, self-loathing, lying to others and ourselves and on and on. So someone walks in, struggling with homosexuality, why should they get special treatment. Welcome sinner come on in let Gods love begin to heal you and make you whole.
Ross
Sinner,
Elder,

Perfect Moments

2008-05-20T17:17:00.000-05:00

Perfect moments are falling stars.
Not contrived by or books or lectures or seminars.
Simple in all their grandeur,
existing as I move around them, unaware of their being.
Not opportunity.
Not ability.
Not dependent on me.
But gifts of comfort, and peace.
Slices of perfection to be savoured.
Proof of creations purpose.
The places where God meets me and gives me a wink.
I cannot create them, but I can allow them.
I cannot speak them but I can hear them.
I don't know when they are coming, but I know when they are here.
Unless my eyes are closed to their colors,
and my ears are closed to their song,
unless my heart is hardened to their touch.
Perfect moments are falling stars.

Thoughts from John 4

2008-05-15T15:11:00.001-05:00

The same as you
The same as me
Weary, and the place of rest
Parched, and the quencher of thirst
His hands held a hammer, built the earth,
and gave the hammer up to pound in spikes,
giving rythem to the song of wholeness,
written for you
written for me

The carpenter of universes,
Architect of the mind
Author of the Dream
Director of the Vision
Caller of the Calling
Creator of the Created
Flesh and blood and bone and spirit.
Babe, child, teen, adult.
Answer to the question
lawyer for the accused
the bail, the judge,
the vaccine and the cure
the painter of all color
the speaker of all words
Brother and Father
Seer of my soul
know er of my motive
north on my compass
words of eternity speak to my emptiness filling
my being with it's longing.
Birthing purpose in my days.

circles

2008-04-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

Essence of heaven, melting from mountain tops and trickling across the toes of star shaped blossoms. Flowing between houses, roaring by highways. Slowing to cross fields and meadows. Through farms and towns, and cities. Becoming glassy placid lakes, over falls to rivers end, and into the open, eager, mouth of the sea. Rays from celestial fire reach down and gather up a vapour from her, and out of the vapour forms a mist and from the mist puffy white vessels are fashioned, carried on the breath of God again to mountain tops.

7 new deadly sins

2008-03-11T12:15:00.000-05:00

The Vatican came down with 7 new deadly sins this week to add to the list of 7original deadly sins, which were put in place about 1500 years ago. The original list is; Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Slothfulness, Wrath, Envy, Pride.

The new list is much more modern and I'd say very relavent to our culture today;
Environmental pollution
Genetic manipulation
Accumulating excessive wealth
Inflicting poverty
Drug trafficking and consumption
Morally debatable experiments
Violation of fundamental rights of human nature

Wow! what food for thought. I spoke with about 17 folks yesterday and about half of them I asked if they had learned the new list of 7 Mortal Sins, some were Catholics some were Protestants, the reactions were great. One Catholic said she is going to just replace the old list instead of adding 7 more because 7 was her limit.

A Seventh Day Adventist seemed frustrated at the fact that the Vatican thought they had the authority to proclaim that these were sins.

I researched on the net a little about it yesterday and was not suprised that opinions were all over the place about whether this was right or wrong, and almost everyone took the liberty to paraphrase the vaticans list spinning the list which ever way they wanted to prove thier particular point.

Most of the reactions were knee jerk. If you didn't like the Pope, the Vatican, or Christianity, or you Loved the Pope, or whatever your particular view was, that is how you interpreted this new list.

A few years ago I was seeing a counselor who was helping me through some rough times when I would recount situations that had hurt me or made me angry; usually something someone did or said, he would make me look at the situation objectively by asking me, "What's the truth in this situation?"

Using this strategy I would ask what's the truth here?
Is enviromental polution a sin?
To us non-Catholics, we can use this list to examine ourselves and our beliefs. We can use this list to dig into the Bible and see what it says about these issues. This is certainly no threat to us.

Whatever comes my way gives me an opportunity to grow.

NLT Ro 14:8
While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord.

Ro 6:12
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires.

Ro 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.

Healthy dialogue.

2008-02-08T09:19:00.001-06:00

There are many folks out there that are deep thinkers, and they ask hard questions about God that often throw us off course. Breathe deep, acknowledge the question, if it stumps you don't be afraid to say, "I don't know but give me some time and I'll search it out."
One of those questions has recently been posed to me;

How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?

This question appeals to the P C'ness in all of us. It is God's love that has drawn us to him, and yet there is certainly an element of judgement found in Gods word also.

Here are some of the steps I use when answering questions.

First of all value the question. If a person asks a question assume it is because they think it is important enough to ask it. So respect the question. Don't be judgemental and assume a motive for the question, just answer the question on it's merits.

Secondly, value the questioner. Remember another one of Gods creations asks the question. Remember that we are called to be known by our love. The sacrifice of Jesus was for the person who ask the question.

Thirdly, Keep the question in a positive form. Avoid turning the question back at them. This is usually a defensive move because we have assumed the motive of the other person or think that the question is disrespectful in some way. Responses like "Are you a Pagan?" Don't usually help and can be dialogue killers.

Fourth, Never fear questions. Questions are not dangerous. Our discomfort often comes from the reason we think the person is asking the question. We assume that the person is trying to belittle us, or prove us wrong by asking the question. Don't assume anything. Answer the question without prejudice.

Lastly, even if you can't answer the question engage in dialogue and find out what they think about it.

So here is how I answered the question;

How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?

One of the reasons I am a Christian is because of the incredible freedom that we have been given by God, the freedom to think, dream, fail, grow. The freedom to know that I am not responsible for the world, I am responsible to the world. God has given me gifts and callings. One of those callings is to share his unfailing, unconditional love with those who haven't experienced it. Judgement is Gods job alone. While I think we must use good judgement, we as Christians have no authority to condemn others to hell, or to elevate them to heaven. Just to love them and share Gods love with them as we are given opportunity. What I think about who God will allow to go to heaven is irrelevent and just plain none of my biz. God is all knowing, and completly just. He alone will make proper decisions based on knowledge that is far above my ability to grasp.

Notice this answer makes no assumptions about the person asking.
It is positive and dissarming in nature, and opens oportunities for further dialogue.

Black and White

2008-02-06T11:18:00.000-06:00

The bright day
The dark night
late or early
black or white
in or out
now or never
yes or no
one or none
stay or go
my way or the highway
to be or not to be
left or right
you or me
depth or height
all or nothing
feast or famine
up or down
good or bad
God or Satan
saint or sinner
rich or poor
good or evil
on or off

The words that now seem to define our culture
They are the death of dialogue
Communication killers
Judgementalism at its best,
Dismissing those we don't understand or see
eye to eye with.
Limiting our thoughts, goals and plans
with principled fortresses forged of straw.
Dividing us by shallow rivers of polluted thought, eroding our commonalities exposing our differences.
We have lost the ability to love
We have honed the ability to judge.
We fear the unknown, instead of asking why, we ask what.
We have forgotten how we've gotten to where we are, so we have no patience for those who have not yet arrived.
We assume we are in the perfect philosophical place, so we have stunted our growth.
Where is love?
Where is grace?
Where is mercy?
Where is our ability to love unconditionally, to give the benefit of the doubt,
to seek truth, to allow God to work in our lives and take his time in the lives of others?
We have defined our existence in the narrowest terms, and worse we have defined the existence of others.
We are polarized and not able to discuss it, and just as we, are mired in me, it is time for the next presidential election.

We must remember God loves us all, He is love
1 Chorinthians 13 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT

Blood of Christ

2008-01-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

I used to love this song called "One drop of Blood." It was a church song. The statement it made was that one drop of Christs blood was enough to pay for all of my sins. What a cool line for a song. But as I have really contemplated this, I think that this song is in error. If Jesus had only cut his finger it would not have been enough to pay for the sins of the world. The sacrifice had to be death. The blood of Christ is only a word picture of the death of Christ. It was his death on the cross that paid for my sins and the sins of the world, past, present, and future.

Ro 5:10 -
For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.

Thoughts on Mercy and Gods Love.

2008-01-26T07:24:00.000-06:00

Growing up in a loving home but a home plagued with addiction, I had a screwy idea of what a relationship with God was. It tended to focus on behavior. Basically if I kept myself from sin I was close to God. But if I fell into sin I was far from God. This concept lead to what I'll call roller coaster Christianity. Tuesday was a triumph, Wednesday was a miserable failure. Over the years I began to segment my life into compartments, the successes and failures. I no longer viewed my life as one life from beginning to end, I was constantly starting over. My motto was; "Today I will become the Christian I am supposed to be." Enjoying life right up until the moment I did something that God wouldn't like. Eventually this kind of life wears you down and the constant concept of failure caused depression and dis-illusionment to fill my brain.

It is only in the last few years that my understanding of God and his mercy has changed. I no longer think that the favor I find with God is based on my ability to please God. I understand that I could not be good enough to please anybody. I fail daily. But Gods love for me is unconditional. Jesus willingly died to pay for all my failures even tomorrows failures. I can't be good enough to earn Gods love, but I also can't fail enough to lose his love, this is what Christianese refers to as Unmerited Favor.

In a constant effort to not fail, not sin, and then failing and sinning, I end up wasting precious time. Some days I get through the entire time and think, "Hey I didn't blow it today." And yet at end of the day I still feel somehow without significance. This made me think it is not the absence of sin in my life that makes me significant. It is the time I spend with God that makes me significant. When we spend intimate, quality time with a person we now call them our significant other. That is what God wants from us. In the end I have changed my goal, my new goal is not, not, to sin, it is now to seek to be close to God. When I stand before Him someday, my failures will be covered by Christs work on the cross, but if I am not close to Him I think I might wish that I had lived differently.

Shouldn't that be our prayer for everyone?
If someone is treating you badly, pray that they would know God.
If someone is stealing from you, pray that they would know God.
If someone is picketing funerals and being ugly, pray that they would know God.
I Pray that the Bigot will know God.
I Pray that the Atheist would know God.
I Pray that the judgmental would know God.
I Pray that the hypocrite would know God.
I Pray that I would know God.

Questions?

2008-01-08T14:47:00.000-06:00

Here are the Questions I am thinking about today;

What is the difference between Praying the Lords prayer and reciting the Lords prayer?

Why don't you see what I see, when you look in the mirror?

Is death a natural thing, or an Un-natural thing?

What does God see when God sees me?

New Every Morning

2008-01-03T08:48:00.000-06:00

Orange and purple silks slide in to dispel indigo clothed stars,
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right, and ripe for this day, scurry through grey matter,
planning for the hours coming, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from a pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.

Confident now to face the day, sure I have planned the only way.
Quite okay to ponder hours from tomorrow and it’s tomorrow.

Setting new guidelines and grids to walk, I see the artist rendering of the life perfectly parsed. But, as blue is covered by Orange and purple silks, as indigo chases, I am aware that this path now seems overwhelmingly un-scaleable.
Steeper and more crooked and each time I slip off Iwonder; where did I go wrong?

The words I fashioned seemed to be the right ones. Dark is the cover over me keeping me from finding the best tools that I was sure I brought. Lost again, looking for comfort I return to a familiar road. Aimlessly following until sleep takes me.

Orange and purple silks slide in to dispel indigo clothed stars,
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right and ripe for this day scurry through gray matter
planning for the day, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.

Why can't you live up to MY expectations?

2007-12-31T00:03:00.000-06:00

Jeannette and I went out to have desert last evening with her sister Ingrid and her hubby David, we found ourselves looking for an adventure. (The wait was just too long at the places we wanted to go.) Well, we ended up at a Mediterranean restaurant. Very nice! was said as we entered the door to see the inviting and warm atmosphere. When we ask the waiter what deserts he suggested, he replied in a very peculiar way; "I'd just stick to the Cheesecake or the Baklava." (Little did I know this was a real example of the literary technique of foreshadowing.)No way I'm going to waste an adventure by playing it safe, . So I ordered my very favorite desert which I happily found on the menu; Rice Pudding. It is definitely my comfort food; fluffy rice soaked in milk and sugar, the Cinnamon sprinkled over the top, and found somewhere in each bite the sweetness of a raisin, my mouth almost seems surprised with every one. I prefer mine served cold, so I asked the waiter "Is the rice pudding served cold or hot?" His answer increased my anticipation; "Cold." That sealed the deal for me.

After a few really fun moments of discussing holiday meals from our past, the tray arrives carrying 2 Cheesecakes drizzled in chocolate, a delicate looking Baklava, and a glass bowl of something else pretending to be my Rice Pudding. A semi translucent gelatinous looking pumpkin colored portion of, well I'm not really sure what. "I'm Epicurus!" I thought almost a statement of faith. Plunging my spoon in to this foreign food substance in front of me and raising the first attempt to my mouth, which wouldn't quite open until I had taken a good sniff of the substance, I took a deep sssssssssnnnnnniiiffff! No, this was not a rice pudding smell at all, it was pungent, cured, fermented! The Cinnamon on top was a ploy to make me think it was rice pudding. But I know rice pudding, I have eaten it in three countries and at a Greek restaurant, and all rice pudding is like my Grandmas! Then the taste.........saffron? slightly.....well like they used leftover rice from a Paella! I finished it all and really even began to acquire a taste for it towards the end, or at least it was less repulsive. (You know kinda like diet Coke, at first it is awful and then it becomes tolerable and then you actually tell yourself and others that you really like it and couldn't drink the regular stuff because it's just too sweet, actually I think you could just substitute the word Good for Sweet in these instances.)

This whole experience made me consider Expectations. In our mind either in dormancy or activity are thousands of expectations that we pull out at every kind of situation. They are based on the good moments and bad moments of our life. We really have these expectations about food, people, places literally everything. And whether or not our experience is good or bad, is based largely on how rigid we are with our expectations. The farther from my expectation the experience is the more disappointment I have. Marriage, spouses, children, in laws, when we are confronted with each of these our expectations kick in. Most of the time in life our expectations are focused outward; this is what I, expect from You, condemning those around us to live up to my expectations of what or who they should be or how they should act, sentencing both parties to failure and disaster. Is that really fair?

What if we turned our expectations around a little?

Today I expect the unexpected, God only you know what is in store for me, I expect whatever you bring me is what you want for me. I know you only want good for me, even though sometimes I have to walk through the bad to get there.

What if I had played it that way? Would my pudding have tasted different to me?

High Standard for Others

2007-12-30T00:37:00.000-06:00

I really hate it when I see people who are inconsiderate to others. Like when you are in the right hand lane at a red light and there is a person in front of you who is not turning right, especially when there is no one in the left hand lane. Or when people don't use their turn signal to change lanes or make a turn. How about this one? Someone doesn't signal because they are talking on their cellphone. Oh that one really chaps me. Or how about when you are at highway speed and just achieve a safe distance between you and the guy in front of you, when someone from the other lane decides to scoot in between you and the guy in front of you messing up your perfectly planned safe distance. The kicker; he doesn't even wave a "Thank you." for letting him cut in front of you.

Of course these things don't seem to apply to me I am finding out. Like the other day when I didn't signal to cut in front of someone because I was preoccupied with a very important phone call to Pastor Timmy on my cellphone.

The New Living Translation
Matthew
7:2
For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.

Hypocrisy

2007-12-29T23:27:00.000-06:00

Hypocrisy;
The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.
An act or instance of such falseness

I have been thinking quite a bit about hypocrisy lately. I have come to the conclusion that the word is used far too often and I think really improperly especially in church settings.
Before you judge me let me explain. The word has been used for people who believe or say one thing and then do another. This is really not the meaning. You see from what I can tell the word implies a level of willful deception. But most often people use the word to describe those who believe something and do something that contradicts their belief. That's not what the definition says at all. It says you profess beliefs, feelings or virtues that you do not hold.
So to say I am a Christian for instance, but really I am a satanist. That is hypocrisy.
To say that I am a runner but really I am a couch sitter. That is hypocrisy.

The word seems to be applied to those who aspire to goals and beliefs but fall short of attaining or living up to them. Like professing that I am a Christian, but today I lost my temper. Some might say if you loose your temper and profess Christianity you are a hypocrite. But this doesn't really meet that burden of deception does it. It would seem to fall in the category of missing the mark instead.

The reason I write this is two-fold.
One; because broken people who are searching for God are often too hard to judge themselves hypocritical because of constant failure to live up to their beliefs or those of others, and end up feeling devalued and defeated.

Two; judgemental folks often misdiagnose failure to attain, as hypocrisy and come down hard on others especially those who are weak among us or those who are young, resulting in a retreat from Christianity by the seeker, or young in faith. Ultimately resulting in another judgement by some of those that leave the Christian scene, that the church is full of hypocrisy.

To simplify;
A Christian who espouses love, who gets in fight or has some sort of moral failure. Probably not a hypocrite.

A person who says they are a Christian and full of the love of Christ so that they can receive charity from other Christians or churches, while in their heart and mind they don't believe in God or Christianity; definitely a hypocrite.

So as we go about our lives this week, be careful with your judgements of others and ourselves.
Set your bar high but be realistic about life when you fall short.

Romans 7 Paul writes this;

19 When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. 20 But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it. 21 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? F24 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

a christmas prayer

2007-12-20T11:02:00.000-06:00

It was a cold year, but not a snowy winter. A family of 3 were on our minds. Not long before they were a family of four; Mom, dad and two young boys, growing far too quickly out of their youth. I don't remember the ages or the names. I never have been good with those type of details, but the faces are still with me today. You see dad had just died, leaving the boys and mom to face the holidays without him. He was far too young to go; maybe 40, I don't even remember what caused his death, some illness that steals life in an imperfect world. Not yet over the funeral they are hit with the news of moms lung cancer. Given only months and faced with the possibility of her children being without both parents before the spring arrives, she had a prayer request.
The simple request; Snow.
Snow? What a frivolous sounding request. But you see her children had never experienced the joy of making a snow man. And knowing this was her last Christmas on earth she wanted to see her boys experience the incredible joy of building their first snow man. Well the entire little church began to pray for snow. I have heard sermons on frivolous prayers and many of them include praying for weather changes. Good weather for the picnic, no rain for travel, and always they include the other perspective; don't pray that it doesn't rain today because the farmers may be praying for rain. Well I thought this prayer was as pure as they came. White, clean as the snow itself on the day it falls. I also thought if God chose He could make it snow only in the their back yard if He chose to do so. As I said that little request became the most important request made at that little church that season.
God please bring snow, for the boys, let their mom enjoy the site of them making their first snow man.
Seems like we offered that request for weeks, and then it happened a Christmas Miracle, it wasn't on Christmas, I'm not sure if it was just before or just after but when the snow began to fall revival rose in that little church, at least for a few days, we knew that God was still in the miracle business and still answered prayer.

Mt 18:19
"I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

self worth

2007-12-20T07:39:00.000-06:00

Every day I talk with 16-20 people for somewhere between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. During that time virtually any topic you can think of is talked about. Not long ago I was having a conversation with a woman about personality problems she was having with someone that she worked with. She was completely frustrated, she seemingly had exhausted all avenues to deal with the situation and found no solution. I felt very fortunate as I listened to her story and then I said to her; I am so lucky not to have situations like that, firstly because I am self employed and work alone, except when my daughter is helping me. Secondly because if I have a personality conflict with a client that I keeps me from being effective I tell the client that I can't do them anymore and suggest some other places that might better meet their needs, so I only have clients that I like.

Her face softened as she looked at me almost puzzled and said "You like me?"

As I told her yes, her entire being changed, though I had never found her difficult, she was always guarded, coldish, sad, slightly un-trusting. With this revelation her cold exterior melted away. And I answered yes, I like you. I now really look forward to our time together. One moment in years of moments can change everything.

Why did she not think I liked her, and how simple was it to share Gods love by letting her know I valued her.

1Jo 4:12
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.