Abide

2013-03-27

Seeing another die does something to a person.

It makes one think about the condition of life - its longevity - its fragility - its beauty.

Peace be with you.
Do not fear death.
Celebrate life.

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From this summer in Salta, Argentina. Some really cool people with really cool stuff.

First of all, I find political/theological (if you can even call bumper stickers theological) to be cop outs from actually knowing what you believe. It’s even less invested than lip service. You can slap it on your car and have it say what you believe and no one is going to challenge you for it. Sure, they may sit behind you and curse your stupidity, but you’ll never hear about it.

Anyway.

This bumper sticker said, word for word, with Ol Glory flying proud and haughty: “God bless our troops. God bless America. Let there be no comfort or aid to our enemy!”

I had to pull over. A sickening rage grew inside me. I was so disgusted. I mean, what god is this guy praying to? Whoever it is, it sure is not Jesus.

It got me thinking: what the hell is being taught in church buildings today? How does anyone get to this point of ignorance and misinformation?

I guess that’s bumper sticker theology, for ya.

2013-02-21

Morning thought.

The Kingdom starts where we begin to bleed.

Meaning, loving someone and truly giving any care about their life starts when you leave your comfort zone. Love starts where you begin to sacrifice.

I’m getting a little perturbed with the fleeting, humanitarian trends I see popping up all over facebook. I don’t see how anyone feels like they’ve really done a damn thing to help someone by sharing a video. I think it’s interesting that the Kony 2012 thing died within a couple of weeks. I know that was a while back, but it still makes me think: Does that issue still resonate with people? Or did they just like the free shirts and well produced campaigns? Or perhaps some just felt like they would be seen as cruel or simply lame if they didn’t show some concern. Either way, There was no sacrifice required. It made loving people comfortable - put it on a screen.

I just want to encourage everyone to love those who are downtrodden and lowly, that live right in your own city. Those who are homeless, cold, and hungry. Of course, contribute to some of the many humanitarian organizations, but let’s not pretend like we’re doing something great by giving a few dollars to a middle-man.

In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about how we will be judged. basically, the manner in which we treat others is how we treat Jesus himself. ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I doubt Jesus would be too satisfied with a small donation and a video share.

2013-02-19

Rant.

I often wonder what Paul would say to the church in America.
I wonder what praise he could offer because, frankly, I very rarely have any. That might be a Spirit issue with me, however it’s hard to filter through the loudest of the tragically misinformed individuals who spew anti-gospel political agendas in the name of Jesus. It’s heartbreaking.

There seems to be a greater urgency for political power than Kingdom living. In fact, many people I’ve encountered are entirely unaware of the Kingdom of God. Many have been force fed the idea that the United States of America is God’s favored nation. I simply don’t see how that was even started, much less how it is still perpetuated today.

There may be a growing number of church buildings present in our borders, but they are emptier than ever. The idea that this is a Christian Nation is simply not true and it should never be so. Has any worldly kingdom thrived after adopting Church-rule? The whole span of Europe is dramatically more secular than ever and their church buildings sit, ruin, and rot…

This is what worries me about the future of the American Church. The massive push for “Christian” based rule will more than likely, history shows us, destroy the life of the Church. We belong to an entirely separate, radical, unique Kingdom that, in most instances, stands in direct opposition to the things American society is built around. The more we attempt to mix the kingdom of the world with the Kingdom of God, the more we drive the dagger into the gut of the Church.

Work to take it out. Be the voice of Jesus. Stand for peace, healing, justice, and humility. This is a reminder to myself as well.

Grace and Peace.

Prayer

Lord,
I offer repentance.
As a weak vessel,
I can only hope for Grace.
Nothing I can do will ever
Live up to your holiness.
Humility.
Unity.
Make me your servant.

Allow me to serve you in my
Relationships - romantic and
Platonic.
No more selfishness.
No more.

You are my King.
I belong to Your Kingdom.

Amen.

Abide

2013-03-28

2013-03-27

2013-03-15

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2013-02-28

Bumper Sticker Theology

2013-02-21

Morning thought.

2013-02-19

Rant.

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2013-02-15

2013-02-12

Prayer