One Truth... or Many Truths?

"...then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

truth [trooth]
noun, plural truths [troothz, trooths]
1.the true  or actual state of a matter: He tried to find out the truth.
2.conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.
3.a verified or indisputable fact, or the like: mathematical truths.
4.the state or character of being true.
5.actuality or actual existence.


I hear the question a lot; is there one Truth-with-a-capital-T, or are there many truths? I assume what people often mean by this is, "Is this religion thing right, or do we have fudge-room to get into heaven? Will other people be there too?"


As a Christian, I feel obliged to believe there is only one truth, and it's pretty well-laid out in the my Bible: 
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6


(Hmm. There's no fudge-room in this statement, is there?)


But...
As a deep thinker (humor me here), I look around and see people following different truths: Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, Atheists, and many, many more. I can't believe they're all going to hell because they don't understand John 14:6. It's not that I don't believe in hell, but, um, God, that's pretty harsh, isn't it? Some of these people are my friends!
But...
As a human, I think there's one truth-with-a-small-t. Something's got to be right, and something's gotta be not-right. Unless there are parallel universes, but, well, I'm not going there today.
But...
As a hippie wannabe, I like the "follow your truth" stuff. It's empowering. It's all warm and fuzzy and makes me want to go hug a kitten. (I like kittens. That's one of my truths.)


Out of the two possibilities, (one Truth/many truths) I see a third: 
There is ONE TRUTH.
We don't know it.
Nobody.
Because we're not God.


Yup. That's it. So, here's my truth, for now: I'm going to keep plodding along in the direction I'm going. It seems right to me. I believe the universe is somehow greater than the sum of its parts. There's more to life than what we can see and touch. I admit, I can't get my mind around some parts of the Bible (mostly the Old Testament), but I like the idea of a personal God. I like the stuff Jesus said. That's MY truth.


I see people following other paths, though. Do their paths lead to God? I don't know. Sometimes I like to think... and this might be wrong; I'm just thinking aloud... that Jesus is a LOT more than just a 2000 year old Jewish Carpenter, and that He speaks to people in different ways. I don't mean everyone, because not everyone is seeking Him. (Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7) But if people seek Him, and they find someone called Vishnu or Allah, and they put their hearts into following the wrong god, does the "right" God close the door? Or... does He leave it open until they see Him face-to-face, and they realize the Truth? If I see God when I die, and it turns out He has green skin and His name is Barbara, will I reject Him? Or will He say, "Too late. Go to hell."? I don't know.


I'll keep praying for more understanding. After all, I believe in God, and God knows the Truth.
Peace, Love, Truth

Ashamed to be a Christian?

If you're a Christian, is it your goal to spread the Good News?

That's the message of the Great Commision; Jesus' words to His disciples not long before he ascended into heaven: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28: 19-20

For the sake of simplicity, I'll assume that this was directed not only at the eleven remaining disciples, but at all Christians.

So how, as a Christian, do I spread the Good News? In a nutshell, I believe the "Good News" is the message of Jesus, his atoning death on the cross and his resurrection, the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the promise and hope of salvation for the faithful.

Let me try two ways of proclaiming, and let's see how it might sound to nonbelievers...

"I'm not ashamed to be a Christian. Look at me! Look at meee!!!"

or...

"Here, you look like you're in need. Let me help you. By the way, when I was in need, Jesus gave me hope. I'd like to tell you more as we get to know each other."

The term "I am not ashamed" is a direct quote from the Bible:
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16
(Gospel = Good News = Promise and hope of salvation)

But when I hear a Christian say "I'm not ashamed" nowadays, it seems to be a challenge, and it isn't a pleasant one. It means that if I disagree with this person's politics, I'm not a good Christian. I don't walk in lock-step with any political party, left or right. Does that make me a bad Christian? I hope not. Because I avoid people who really only want to draw attention to themselves. I'm attracted to people who gently point the way to God.

No, I'm not ashamed of the Good News! Sometimes, though, I'm ashamed of the way some Christians act. I fear they're building themselves up rather than pointing the way to God.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:11

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. " Galatians 5:22-23

I'm sure there are many ways to spread the Good news. I've chosen mine. For me, it's not brazenly arguing politics. If other Christians think that means I'm "ashamed," they'll have to deal with it.

Peace, Love, Gentleness

Christian... American... Interchangeable?

Saying America is a Christian country is neither Christian nor American.

What does it mean, anyway? Every American citizen is a Christian? It simply isn’t true. Every citizen must become a Christian to live here? That's just stupid. Saying everyone who isn’t a Christian must leave is blatantly and horribly unchristian AND unamerican... and unconstitutional... and really scary!

It cheapens both my religion and my citizenship. I belong to a religion of love. I belong to a country of openness.

So, guys. Stop it already!

Peace, Love, Acceptance

Please Don’t Make Me Look Stupid

“Tide goes in, tide goes out. No miscommunication!”

If you don't know, that’s what Bill O’Reilly said. Bill is a political pundit with a show on Fox, who likes to argue and browbeat people who disagree with him. Apparently he was proving the existence of God to an atheist. He said it with such a smug attitude – and his argument is sooo dumb – that it went viral. People who don’t watch his show (like me) got to see Bill O’Reilly make a laughingstock of Christianity.

So, what was Bill trying to say? Science doesn’t explain everything, therefore there has to be a God. Is that it, Bill? Okaaaay. I get it now! I’m convinced. Jesus is Lord. I’m ready to be saved. Just pray the sinner’s prayer with me and I’m good.
No?
Why not?
The moon pulls the tides, says Bill, and we can’t explain the moon. No miscommunication. And furthermore, you're a pinhead for pointing that out! I’m convinced now! I feel so humble.
Wait.
We can explain the moon? (And the two moons of Mars?) It’s got something to do with gravity, or so I’ve heard. Einstein and Kepler and some other smart guys worked out a lot of equations, and they had lots of numbers in them, and – I admit it – I believe them. Sometimes it’s okay just to trust that scientists know stuff.
Hmmm.
Okay, now what?
A lot of scientific facts can be explained, well, scientifically. As a Christian, that doesn’t bother me. See, that’s what science is about; explaining things. Faith is about those things that can’t be explained. Faith in God is about our relationship with God (as opposed to, say, tides). I think many Christians today don’t get that. They want to argue science with scientists. What they should be doing is shining the light.

...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As a Christian, I actually understand what Bill was trying to get at. (For someone who talks so much, he manages to say very little.) Ultimately, if you look deep enough, science doesn’t explain everything. Atheists would say we just haven’t figured it out yet. Christians would say that if we go deep enough, we’ll find God.
But is that what the world is yearning for? Scientific proof of the existence of God?

See, it’s not the stupidity of Bill’s statements that gets to me. It’s his smug attitude. If I were an atheist, I wouldn’t want to know God based on Bill’s little diatribe. The God I know is loving, forgiving, and kind. The God I know is someone I can turn to when I’m unhappy, who loves me and gives me peace. For me this didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken me a long time to trust God and to find His peace. It’s been worth it. If you're not there yet, I'm not going to call you names, or to bully you into agreeing with me. The God I know doesn't think you're a pinhead.

This is what I think about when I think of God:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 1 John 14:27

Peace, love, faith

Adam's Navel, and What It Means to Me

When Adam was made by God (Genesis 2:7) he must not have had a belly-button, right? (After all, he didn't have a mom.) This must be VERY important. Scholars have actually STUDIED this phenomenon.

This is the online diary of an ordinary Christian. I believe everyone has full access to God's mind; not just priests, pastors and Bible experts. But God's written word, the Bible, is big and (admit it) often difficult to understand. I'm not saying I have the answers... I'm just exploring.

So, is Adam's navel worth contemplating? I think Christians often get sidetracked by unimportant (yes, that's what I said) issues like the exact age of the earth (Yawn...) when we should be discussing real issues, like how to love our neighbor. Some Christians say that to believe the Bible, you have to believe ALL of it - literally. And it often seems like this is the MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE of the Bible! Is it?

I'll have to think about this some more. Let me get back to you... (Hey, look! Lint!)


Peace, Love, Omphaloskepsis

A Lamp to my Feet

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Have you ever gone for a walk on a very dark night? Be careful when you do; you might stub your toe. You could fall and hurt yourself. And if you don't have a light, you will end up going well out of your way.

Life is dark. Lots of the time it's hard to know where we're going. There are many distractions to lead us out of our way; money, people, disappointments. I'll be honest. For me, it's hard even to walk in a straight line! My life is a full of zig-zags and backtracks, off and on God's road. Sometimes I can't see which way to go, and I've been a Christian for a long time!

What gets me off-track? Doubt, (usually caused when I listen to politically charged Christians with whom I disagree.) Money, (or rather, lack of it.) My own desires (I can get pretty distracted.) In other words, I'm not looking at Jesus; I'm looking at the world.

We expect God to be a floodlight. And because He’s not, we're disappointed in Him, or we assume that He simply doesn't exist. But He is a light to our feet… we can see just far enough to step forward without tripping, and no more. That's all He's offered us, so wishing for more, (or worse - pretending), doesn't help.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:13

So where is this gate? There's even a lot of argument among Christians about exactly where that road is! Do I need to be baptized? Do I need to follow the Latin mass? Personally, I believe that all I need to do is to love Jesus and to keep trudging along. I believe that the path is pretty easy to see... if I'm looking at Jesus.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

I think God gives us each a flashlight. We can see, but only a few steps ahead. If we keep our light aimed at Jesus - not at the world - we'll make it.
The question is – do you have your flashlight? Does it have fresh batteries? Is it pointed in the right direction? (Here's a hint - spend time reading the Bible, and pray. Prayer includes listening.)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

If you do this, you'll be fine.

Peace, Love, Light

"Yes, but..."

These words are right from Jesus' mouth. He was talking to a large group of people "who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases."

Luke 6:27 "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Ouch! This is extreme! Do you do everything Jesus asks of you? (I know I don't!) How does this fit in with your life? Your philosophy? Your political views?

Once I was approached by a homeless lady who admired my coat. When I smiled and walked away, she got huffy. Did Jesus want me to give it to her? I may never know.

As for turning the other cheek... Yeah, right. like that's gonna happen.

So why did he say it? Apparently he wants us to willingly give more than what's asked of us. Did he really mean it? If you read this and you even think "Yes, but..." maybe you're doin' it wrong.

Peace, Love, Give

Simple Christianity

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

How simple is that? Believe in premilleniallism or postmillenialism, young-earth Creationism or Theistic evolution, transubstantiation or consubstantiation, but remember to carry each other's burdens. That's what Christianity should be about.

Peace, Love, Simplicity

The Wacky Christian Races

Nowadays, some Christians spend a lot of effort criticizing others' beliefs. I thought I'd help out to make it easier. Here's a handy list to use when you meet other Christians, so you'll know if they're really Christians:

• Do you believe all the right things?


• Do you believe the Bible is literal/inerrant/infallible?


• Do you read only from the correct translation of the Bible?


• Do you believe in creationism?


• Do you vote correctly?


• Are you rich/poor enough to qualify?


• Are you born again, and can you recite your conversion story?


• Do you believe America is a Christian country, and that all our our founding fathers were Christians?


• Do you believe in the American constitution?


• Do you fully understand and agree with the entire Bible?


• Do you always obey the entire Bible?


• Are you always happy?


• Do you never feel doubt?


• Most important: Do you believe just as I do?

Hey, wait... Is that my job as a Christian? To decide if you are good enough? Is it your job to make certain I make the cut? Maybe we should have trials to find out if those around us pass muster. Maybe we should hold them under water to find out if they float. Then we'll really know if our neighbors are good enough for us. (Hey Christians: This isn't like those old "Wacky Races" cartoons. You will not earn points with God by knocking other Christians out of the race, flattening their tires, or injuring them.)

I noticed one thing about the above list, and it is taken from conversations I've seen online by Christians; it's mostly about believing the right way, but not about action; not about helping the widows and the orphans, for instance. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

The Bible has something to say about this attitude:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5

Oh, and one other thing... "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone..." John 8:7

P.S. In case it isn't obvious, the above list is completely tongue-in-cheek. I believe every person, Christian or not, is on a journey, and it isn't my place to judge them. It's only my place to share the Good News. (Romans 3:23-24)

Peace, Love, Acceptance

Is America a Christian Country?

Some Christians like to think so. I’m not sure why. Maybe they’ve gotten us mixed up with Israel from the Old Testament. Maybe they feel more comfortable thinking everyone around them feels the same way they do. Maybe they’re afraid. I’m not sure.
What I do know is, AMERICA is NOT a CHRISTIAN COUNTRY! (Ooh! Blasphemy!) Some of our founding fathers were Christian, and some were not. Jesus isn’t mentioned in our beloved documents. (The Constitution prevents the Federal government from making a "law respecting an establishment of religion", and guarantees the free exercise of religion. How is that Christian?) If 76% of Americans are Christians, what about the rest? Are they not Americans?
Is America a great country? You bet! One of the best. I’m happy and proud to live here.
But...
I’m not wrapped in a flag. I’m at the foot of the cross. I’m a Christian first, and an American second. That means I respect strangers and friends who worship Allah, who worship other gods, and who don’t worship at all. I don’t assume they’re evil, I don’t assume they’re un-American, and I don’t pretend they don’t exist, either. I do know God loves them as much as He loves me. He said so.

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

There’s the other side of this; of course. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 But that’s God’s job, not mine. My job is to tell people the Good News. What's the Good News? "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

In the wake of 9-1-1, we’ve become more xenophobic than ever, and we’ve made some pretty huge mental leaps; like, for instance, all Muslims are terrorists. (That’s like saying all Christians bomb abortion clinics.)
But if God wants them to know Him, than so should we. I dare you to make friends with an American of another faith. Don’t preach, don’t condemn, and don’t assume they’re going to hell. Don’t assume you’re superior, either. God loves both of you. Just let Jesus shine through you. He’ll do the rest.

Peace, Love, Coexist

Imagine No Religion

Yesterday I was listening to “Imagine” by John Lennon. I love that song. But then I thought; What kind of bass-ack-wards religion has Christianity become, that lines like this were even written?

“Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky”

To me, this isn't a good thing. After all, as a Christian, I love the idea of heaven. If it weren’t for that line, this would be my favorite song. And I like the "no religion" part just fine, because religion makes us do stupid things. Even Jesus said so. (Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Matthew 23:13)
But the line is there, like it or not, and it keeps bothering me.

Instead of being seen as the people of peace and love, Christians (and other monotheistic religions) are seen as people of hatred and judgment. Yes, the Bible talks about judgment; but God’s judgment, not ours. (Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1) Leave the judgment up to God. He knows what He’s doing.

Try this on for size:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Hey, Christians, here’s an idea: Let’s be the dreamers. Let’s be people of grace. Let’s lovingly invite people to join us... so the world will live as one.

Peace, love, dreams

Maybe We’re Not Supposed to Understand God

This may not go over well. After all, we as a people take pride in our ability to understand everything; the big bang, Einstein's theories of relativity, psychology, philosophy, apologetics... well, okay, we don't really understand it all. But we're pretty close, right? We know how the universe began; we've got a cure for cancer... okay... we're not even close.

It's important to be Smart. That's why Creationism is just as much of a science as evolution is, with scientific explanations for everything from the earth's age (around 6000 years) to how Adam was made from dust (and Eve from a rib), to why it appears that dinosaurs walked the earth before the earth was even made. Because, if Christians don't understand science or if, (gasp) our Bible doesn't explain everything in detail, we'll seem stupid; and that's not good.
But... when I read the Bible, it seems as though I'm not supposed to know everything. In fact, wasn't the tree that Adam and Eve ate from called "the tree of knowledge of good and evil?" Wasn't it bad for them to eat from that tree? Is God trying to say something in this story, besides laying out our genealogy?
Maybe the message is closer to "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
And "... But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." 1 Corinthians 1:9

Science can (mostly) be explained; God can't. Maybe it's time to stop trying to bend our tiny little minds around his great one. He knows things that we can't--and aren't supposed to--fathom!
Personally, I think evolution was God's way of creating us. It fits in with the order, but not the time frame, laid out in Genesis. But I could be wrong. Lord, forgive me if I’m wrong. I just don't think it matters that much.

Here are some actual theological discussions; some from the past, some still going on. How important are they?

Does the earth revolve around the sun?
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? (This was probably never actually discussed. It was an insult to nit-picky theologians.)
How many animals were on Noah's ark? How did the dinosaurs fit?
Were dinosaur bones put in the ground by God to confuse us?
Did Adam have a belly button?
Can God make a rock so big that He can't move it?

I have some better questions; how can I help the people in my community to know and love God? How can I help people in my family, my neighborhood, and the world? How can I really understand the meaning of love, since that's the center of Christianity?

As a Christian, I'm so glad I don't have to come up with an answer to any of those first questions. I know God loves me anyway.
Some (like the sun revolving around the earth) are now seen not as literal interpretations of the Bible, but metaphor.
At the time, the Christian scientific view of geocentrism was based on:
"the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved." Chronicles 16:30 KJB
"[the Lord] Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever." Psalm 104:5
"The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." Ecclesiastes 1:5

This isn't exactly science. Could these verses be talking about something else? In fact, when the "science" is taken out, the verses and stories are much richer and more meaningful.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! - Romans 11:33

If I Were God, I'd Do It Differently

“God cares for you” doesn't mean he takes your problems away.

Remember kindergarten? Have you wished you could go back? You could spend your whole day painting, and playing at recess... and learning your ABC's... and learning to color in the lines... and... how soon would that get really boring?
Life is like that. We wish it would be easier, but when there’s a lull in the excitement, we wish there was something to do.

These are facts of life:
death
pain
war
illness
cancer
hate

These are also facts of life:
beauty
music
ice cream
flowers
sex
hope
laughter
love

Sometimes we can change things, sometimes we can’t. That’s just the way it is.

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5

As Christians, we have hope for a better future. I think this life will seem like nothing in comparison.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Yes, If I was God, I'd do it differently. Life would be one good day after another; no wars, no unhappiness; We could ice cream all day long and never get fat. But I'm not God, and I have to be content with this:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Peace, Love, Serenity

Should Christians Care for the Earth?

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.."
Psalm 19:1

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:26

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11

Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Have you Thrown Any Stones Lately?

You may have heard that Jennifer Knapp, a Christian singer, just “came out” as a lesbian.
Is homosexuality a sin? I think you’ve heard enough on the subject, and maybe you’ve already decided. I’ve heard many opinions, and I’m not going to give mine here, for one reason; it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what God thinks, but last time I checked, I’m not God.
Are homosexuals going to hell? Even unrepentant ones? Not necessarily. All homosexuals are sinners; so are all heterosexuals! Personally, I think greed is a big sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANT money-grubbers. I think killing the earth is a BIG sin, and I know Christians who are UNREPENTANTLY anti-green. I don’t think they’re necessarily going to hell, either. And I think HATE is a BIG sin...

God wants us to love and forgive. Forgiveness and love are mentioned in the Bible far more times than homosexuality. So hating gays is a bigger sin than being gay!

And here’s the kicker; failing to forgive is a HUGE sin! If you’re going to sin, I’d recommend doing something different.
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Put down your stone. Forgive.

Do people need to be repentant for us to forgive them? Read John 8 for yourself. The woman “caught in adultery” wasn’t repentant at the start of the story:
John 8:2-22
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

But back to Jennifer. I know one thing for sure. I’m not qualified to judge her. She has (IMO) a great singing voice and great lyrics. I am just as much a sinner as she is; Period. I hope she doesn’t leave the Christian faith because of this. I hope and pray that she repents of her sins, whatever they are. I hope she keeps writing beautiful songs, too.

Undo Me
Papa, I think I messed up again
Was it something I did?
Was it something I said?
I don't mean to do you wrong
It's just the way of human nature!

Sister, I know I let you down
I can tell by the fact
You never come around
You don't have to say a thing
I can tell by your eyes
Exactly what you mean
That it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me.

Mama, I know I made you cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie
While the world shook its head in shame
I let you take the blame
Brother, I know you labored
So hard to please
But I cut you down
And I left you on your knees
Well I know it must be
Time to get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord
I am wanting, needing, guilty and greedy
Unrighteous, unholy; undo me. Undo me!

Abba Father You must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied.
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my life eternally to you!
And it's time
To get down on my knees and pray
"Lord, undo me!"
Put away my flesh and bone
'Til You own this spirit through me Lord,
Undo me

I can relate to this.

Peace, Love, Forgive

Let Go of the Wheel

There's an old bumper sticker saying "God is My Copilot." It always struck me as sort of backwards. Shouldn't God be in control? Shouldn't I be in the passenger seat? After all, He's the one with a plan for my life, right? I'm just praying and following his lead.
Well that's not exactly true. Too often, when faced with a choice, I say a quick prayer, then I do or say what I was going to do or say anyway. I've got both hands firmly on the wheel, I'm looking straight ahead and I'm not gonna change course for anyone; even God. (I say this I because I want to admit it. If I didn't I'd be a hypocrite, and we don't want any hypocrites in church!) The truth is I think my course is the right one and the other courses are--well--wrong. It's human nature.

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

My life is a constant battle to turn myself over to God; words AND actions. That’s how I can best honor Him, and that’s how I can best allow others to see Him through me. How do I do this? Well, usually, I pray, pray and pray some more. When I open my bible, I pray. When somebody asks me my opinion... or gives me theirs... I pray. When I say pray, I mean I talk to God, then I listen. (Not for voices in my head!) I honestly try to weigh both sides of every argument. He might speak to me through the Bible, He might speak to me through another person, or he might speak to me through a thought that pops into my head. I try to be open to anything.

"Keep an open mind, but don't be so open-minded that your brain falls out." Richard Feynman

I'm sure of my faith in God. I use the Apostle's Creed and the Bible as my starting point. Beyond that... my mind is never completely "made up," because that wouldn't leave room for God to talk to me.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2

...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. - 1 Kings 19:11-13

I hope I’m at least partly successful.

Let go; Let God.

Yes, I’m a Christian and I’m Green

Earth hour is coming.

(March 27th 2010,

8:30-9:30, your time.)

Turn off your lights for one hour.

What’s that you say? Christians aren’t green?

Does my bible tell me to be green? You’re darn right it does! God created the earth, He gave (more like lent) it to us to take care of; and it’s not right for us to trash it, burn it, deface it, uglify it, or ruin it.

Love the Creator. Love the creation.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Go to http://www.myearthhour.org/ to learn more.

Peace, Love and Recycle

Social Justice – Them’s Fightin’ Words

When you read the word "love" in the bible, what do you think of? Romance? Fondness? In the new testament, the word is usually translated from the Greek word "agape." In the King James Version, the Greek word "agape" is translated sometimes as "charity," sometimes as "love," because it's a bigger word than we can easily conceive... just as God is bigger than we can conceive. God is love, (1 John 4:8) and God intends for us to have that selfless, committed, all-consuming love for all people, just as He does.
Jesus said, "'Love (agape) the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love (agape) your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
This is the Greatest Commandment! How is any Christian unsure of what it means???
But wait. Because the people who were listening didn't want to love everyone, someone asked another question, hoping for an "easy out," undoubtedly expecting to hear that he didn’t really have to love everyone. He asked "Who is my neighbor?"
Jesus defined "neighbor" in a story. He used an example of the most hateful person they could think of, (to them; a Samaritan) he defined love as going out of your way to care for a hurt person, touch them (ick!) give them money, and make sure they're in good hands before moving on. And, insult of insults, he had the (icky) Samaritan doing all this to a good Jewish person!
What is this, if not social justice? How can we not believe in social justice? Social justice should be our passion!

What are we really afraid of? Cammunism? Nazism? Or are we simply afraid that our taxes will go up if the words "social justice" are used more?
I'm not a proponent of "pure communism," (which, for the record, is different from totalitarianism, the failed government of the USSR that people are so afraid of.) I don’t think idealized communism would ever work for long, because of human nature. But I think Christians should live as close to the bible as possible. And I can’t justify my own greed when I read this passage:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Acts 4:32-35
Anybody who says their church practices "1st century Christianity" needs to start living communally, or admit that they’re lying.

Someone I know brought up a good point; the government shouldn’t have to force us to give to the poor... that's for the church to do. And if the church were doing an adequate job, I'd agree. But it's not, so we have social programs, and we're taxed to keep them (barely) working, and we fight over where our hard-earned money goes. If Christians really lived as "1st century Christians," there would be no need for taxes.
I urge all Christians to freely help all people in need; because that’s what Christian love is.

Peace, Love, and Charity

This Story Has a Happy Ending

I watched a friend dying yesterday.
As I write this, I assume she's still alive because I haven’t gotten a call otherwise, but I assume she will "pass on to the other side" as I’ve heard it said, any day – any moment. I hope she goes soon. Her breathing was labored, she can't swallow and therefore can't eat, and she's clearly in pain or discomfort. She may understand what people say to her. When I told her hello, she groaned and briefly focused her eyes. But I didn't know what to say next. How are you? ... I hope you get better? Finally, after telling her briefly what I'd done recently, I told her "I know you'll feel better soon."
This lady has had a long and interesting life, so it's time for her to go. I have no doubt of that. But does her story have a happy ending? In this world, it doesn't. Her last years were frustrating. She used to be very active. She loved to hike. As she aged, she lost her balance and her ability to walk far. She lived in a neighborhood she didn't like, she became house-bound, and she grew bitter. Not a happy ending.

A few years ago, I became somewhat obsessed with the end of life. I realized that every life has an unhappy ending; either quick and painful, as in a car accident, or long and painful, as in cancer. Not a pretty picture. I didn’t tell anyone about my thoughts (what a downer!) but I dwelt on it a lot and I became depressed. After a while, I realized how pointless this was, and through prayer and re-thinking, I snapped out of it. It hasn't quite left me, this worry about how I’ll go, but I don't obsess on it any more.
Today, while praying, I realized something. My life won’t have an unhappy ending. In fact, it will have a happy ending; I'm sure of that. After all, I'm going to meet Jesus! Will I feel pain as I die? I don't know; I might. But there's nothing I can do about it, (except live a healthy lifestyle) so why dwell, on it?
Does my friend's life have a happy ending? I don't know. She went to church, but I don't – can't – know what her relationship with Jesus is. I'm in no place to judge anyone else, and I don't try.

Does your life have a happy ending? Only you know that... or maybe you don't. If you want to, you can re-write the ending, you know. You can do it at any time. Say hello to Jesus, or get reacquainted with him if you haven't talked to him recently. He is willing and eager to forgive those who come to him; at any time, young or old, even if they've lived a terrible life, (Luke 15:11-32), and even as they're dying. ...Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:42-43

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20

Peace, Love and Happy Endings

Proof that God Exists

I’ve seen the argument all over the internet:

"I can prove that God exists."
"No you can’t."
"I can prove that God doesn’t exist."
"You can’t prove that God exists/doesn't exist."
"Yes I can."

Then comes the "proof." The proof is usually something scientific, like the big bang or cells dividing and turning into humans. There it is; PROOF!

But, no. It’s proof to one person, but not to the other... Neither person sees what is SO CLEAR to the other person, and the argument goes on.
Well, I have “proof” that God exists, but here’s the problem; it’s inside my head. I can’t take it out and show it to you. In fact, it’s not actual proof at all. It’s faith. I can tell you about my faith, I can demonstrate my faith, but I can’t give you my faith, and therefore it’s not proof.
To me, when I look at a tree and I believe it was made by God, that’s all the proof I need. When I see a baby born, when I see a person forgive someone who hurt them badly; that’s proof of God’s presence. When I spend time in prayer, and an idea comes to me, or I feel a sense of peace that I can’t explain...
...but that’s it right there! I can’t explain it! No matter how much I want to, I can’t transfer that feeling of peace to another person, (not by myself,) especially if that person is looking not for peace, but for PROOF.

In fact, as soon as I see "Show me proof..." I think, here's someone who doesn't want to hear what I'd have to say anyway. It's a set-up. They'll wait for me to say something, then attempt to shoot it down. Then they can feel smarter than me, I guess.

I'm not worried. My goal isn't to feel smart. This is faith, as defined by the Bible: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:2 (italics added.)

So... God doesn't want to give us proof! He wants us to have faith. Why? Because proof is the illusion that you're in control of your world. And He wants us to put our faith in Him.

That's scary. It's like getting on a roller coaster ride and putting your faith in the engineers. It's like getting in an airplane and putting your faith in the pilot. It's like doing what you know is right, even in a confusing world, with people all around trying to pull your faith right out from under you. It means YOU'RE NOT IN CONTROL!

Everyone has faith in something. Think of a chair. When you sit down, you have faith that something solid will be under you, even if you’re not looking as you lower your body. (Ever have a chair pulled out from under you as you’re sitting down? I have. Believe me, we all use faith as we sit down. It’s a strange sensation to suddenly lose faith in a chair!)

Are you waiting for proof before you believe? Read the verse from Hebrews again. In fact, read the whole chapter, Hebrews 11. Go ahead. There’s not one mention of PROOF. It’s all about FAITH.
When it comes down to it, faith is a choice. (or it wouldn’t be faith, now would it?) The Bible talks a lot about faith but not about proof. Why? Faith is what God wants of us. Go ahead, stop looking at the roller coaster and defining physics. Stop looking at the chair and wondering if it will hold you. Get on and have experience it.

Try this: Stir some sugar into a glass of water. You can’t see the sugar. It still looks like water. There’s no proof that it’s there; until you taste it. So if what you really (really) want is to experience God, stop asking for PROOF. Try Him for yourself.

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Peace, Love and Faith