The Job Experience

     God never promised that the road will be easy, after all the road is narrow. Plus, in the gospel Jesus says that "...it will rain on the just and the unjust alike." Sorrow, pain, trials, doubt, and death are all a part of this life and occur on the just and unjust. We ask, "Why?" I have come more to believe that these things occur to both the just and the unjust in order for the unjust to see the difference in how we as a community of faith respond to these situations. When we respond to these situations with faith in God, then that is a witness to others. They see the light of God in our lives. An example of this is Job. His wife told him to curse God and die, but instead he responded with faith and trusted God. That should be our response to tragedy in our lives, trust in God. God is not the cause of the bad situation, He will help you through. When you trust God in the face of the adversary, in every difficult situation, and in the good times then others will see God as he carries us to the other side. Others will wonder why we do not curse God and die, but when they see us on the other side, they will draw closer to him. 

So, when a loved one dies, then do not place blame on God, even if you prayed and struggled with them for a long time. The principalities and powers and rulers of the air caused this, not God. Our only true enemy is Satan and his demons, and they are defeated foes because we have the eternal hope in glory. Life is to short to be angry at God or any one else for that matter. Go forth in peace and love and pray for those that offend you. Love God, love your neighbor (all of humanity is your neighbor), and love yourself.

(+) Peace.

Christianity and Homosexuality

There has been a lot said about this subject and I cannot put my thoughts in better order than what has already been said. Here are my links that will give you my views on the subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpP3CaN_LsY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUmxDbSXvPU

http://TheBedKeeperBook.blogspot.com/

• http://www.TheSanctuarySTL.org
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• http://www.AffirmingTheology.com
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• http://www.GayChristianFellowship.com
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• http://www.Homosexianity.com
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• http://www.TheRebuttal.ws
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Do We Show Love?

     Why do people call themselves Christian, but they do not operate in love? A friend of mine that is a Free Will Baptist minister recently visited a larger city and commented on the wretchedness he saw their and the "oppressive spirit" he felt. Yet, he did not once try to reach out to a single one of the people he saw in the street. He did not try to talk to them or give them a hug. He just kept on walking and judged them for their behavior and their state in life. He calls himself a Christian, a minister even, yet does not show love or compassion. What a foul odor his actions must have been to the nostrils of God. No matter how righteous we act, if we do not have love, then are righteous actions are lost.

Prayer

     Many people blame God for things he does not do. The church is the Body of Christ on the earth. We are the ones that are supposed to be ensuring that children in Africa do not die of hunger. We are the ones that are to heal and forgive. We are the Body of Christ on the earth. He has given us prayer as a tool, but ultimately the situation is in our hands. What are you going to do about you neighbor on drugs? Sit and watch him ruin his life, or get on you hands and knees and pray to find out what God would have you to do? And, make sure you pray for that neighbor, that God would give him the strength to put the drugs down. Pray for your neighbor that  is hurting next to you, go to them and ask what they need. Prayers is our tool to help us help them. Why sit and be idle. Start by helping the person next to you.

Musings

(W.W.Y.D)

     My dearly beloved, I bet you wonder why I have gathered you hear today? Jesus loves us, that is why. I believe in Jesus because He is a great God. Although, I do realize that many people have done horrid things in His name. We cannot judge Jesus Christ by the actions of others. What would you do if people that followed you on Facebook or Twitter started doing things in your name and people blamed you? How would that make you feel? Hence my subtitle: What Would You Do?

Jesus Ate With Sinners

     Jesus ate with publicans and sinners. He did not preach at them or get angry with them. He enjoyed dinner with them. Why do Christians think we can gripe and complain and argue with atheist and other sinners and get anywhere? We will only get to them through love. Griping and complaining and arguments is not love. I Corinthians chapter 13 tells us what love is and love is none of those things. We need to learn that we all see things through different lenses and the best thing is to agree to disagree and live in peace and harmony with each other. I have atheist friends that  I speak with and we have our disagreements, but we are still friends and respect each other. Love you neighbor as yourself. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

 Randomness! ( a few good things)

Good Advice From a Friend!

You can't please everyone, so don't try. Be who you are. If others can't accept you for that, move on. They aren't worth your time or effort. If it harm none, do as Ye will. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Live your life as you see fit and let the small stuff slide. Life is far to short to spend it trying to be perfect in others eyes. Be the best person you can be and don't worry about what others think of you.

- from Macbeth

 

"To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

 Signifying nothing" ~Shakespeare(from Macbeth)

A great image I found thanks to the Unvirtuous Abby!