I have to say it

I have a hard time watching people tell other people about Jesus in like a minute (assuming the person hearing has never heard of Jesus) and then expect them to make a life decision.


It usually goes like:
Does your life suck? Well it sucks because you were meant for Jesus and since you don't know him it sucks. On top of which you need him because your sins separate you from God and the only way to be back with God is to believe Jesus.

If I was listening I would ask:
Why do you think my life sucks? Who is Jesus? Where is he? What are sins? Why did they separate me from God? When did that happen? I don't remember God being there and then God being gone? I just have to believe Jesus, believe what about Jesus? That he exist? That's all?


I'm not trying to criticize (though I know I am doing that very thing). I just struggle watching people do this. They assume certain terms and phrases should be simply understood. Culturally people know nothing about Jesus. If I knew Jesus from the culture around me I would know very little about him. A matter of fact I would basically know that Jesus hates Muslims, gays, and liberals. Oh and of course people who have an abortion. If I only knew Jesus from sitting in most churches I would know that Jesus did good things, forgives people for bad things, died and is in heaven.

What life decision does this information tell me I need to make?


I feel like people are often not informed and then are expected to make a decision. And then, this is the part that gets me, they are left alone. Regardless if they made a choice or not, they are left alone to figure out all the details. What are their chances?

I mean I full heartedly believe we need to evangelize the nations. I believe in the Great Commission. But I just wonder sometimes about the people who are falling through the cracks. It is heart breaking, and sometimes I want to say it's not their fault (though I know it is).

Just something to think about

Sadness

So I was going to write a comment about this super spiritualized blog I found and an emotional video to encourage people to fill that spiritual hole with themselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phL0RLKL8bc&feature=player_embedded

But truthfully it simply too sad to elaborate. Simply said this person is lost... and there are many lost... and it is sad.

It is particularly sad when people can acknowledge they need something but can't quite find the void.

I don't have any words for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2sC56-ybw&feature=channel

it's just sad

Gospel Compilation from Arizona Mission Trip

Technological Explosion

One thing I like about God is that he often reminds us, or at least me, that he is all I need. For example, from the very beginning of this semester I have been fighting to keep viruses (yes plural) off my computers (yes plural). It has been a struggle trying to keep my homework on a working computer. Anyway as I’d fix one the other would go down… almost non-stop.

That wasn’t all. This last weekend my wife and I were having a family friend stay with us as they attended a photography conference. About two days before this friend got to our place we lost our hot water, then later our water all together (well it was off and on), and then finally the plumbers ‘accidently’ cut our phone line so our internet was gone.

I’m not trying to complain really. God was good to us the whole time. It’s just when you see all these things we depend on in our age fall away but God doesn’t it makes me glad I have such an awesome God. But this is also an explanation of why I haven’t had any good post in awhile. I’ve been fighting technological wars since January.

About 200 words on Matia

It is difficult to write 200 words on somebody who has blessed you professionally and personally because often those two areas blend. But Matia has done an excellent job about keeping those lines distinct. In the professional realm she has been a huge help to my wife and I. She has helped both of us find work and think about how we could carry ourselves in a more professional manner. Also when I was injured at work she was right there with me, helping me get through the insurance paperwork to actually be treated. Matia helped me so much in a professional and sweet way that I could never thank her fully. Also I’ve seen her interact with people in such a gentle way even when they were not giving her the respect she deserves. Any organization would be truly blessed to keep an employee of this magnitude. As great as she is professionally, my personal (non-work related) interaction with Matia has been far superior. She has been a wonderful friend to my wife, who absolutely adores Matia. She is a friendly and loving person and just radiates kindness as soon as you interact with her. Seeing her with kids is so funny and sweet. Children love Matia almost as much as she loves them. She is a fabulous example of Christ.

Formating Formating Formating!

Well I've been formatting, recovering, and reformating my computer for the last couple weeks. I think I finally got it straight.... for now... so I have a few post coming. Keep your eyes out!

Relive the past

Do you ever have those moments in the past that you wish you could relive? Were there times you wished you acted differently? Perhaps wish you could apologize to someone who you can no longer communicate with? Perhaps wish you could make a different decision? Perhaps wish you could just relive a joyful memory? Do you ever wish you could go back in time and relive one of your favorite memories?

The awesome thing about the future is that you can redo that stuff WITH the added benefit of having gained the knowledge from the past. What I mean is that you can apologize to people now. You can make different decisions. You can more thoroughly enjoy present activities! You don’t have to wait. We don’t have to live behind shameful memories. We don’t have to live with tears on our faces. We don’t have to live with regrets.

In Christ, this is true. We are free to look toward the horizon and look forward to the coming of the Son. We are free to live in Christ. We are free to make Christ proud. We are free! And what the son frees is free indeed (John 8:36)! Hallelujah!