The Hardest Thing

I love history. I love to read about it, study it, and watch documentaries about it. I have been fascinated lately with the Jihadists and their Islamic roots. I know that the fundamental Islamic tribes early on hated the monarchy's friendship with the west. So why did they not go after their own monarchy instead of us? Now, do not take the word fascinated as a form of fondness. On the contrary I believe that Islam is a false religion, and is full of contradictory statements. I hear all the time that Islam is a "peaceful" religion. I see absolutely no evidence of that whatsoever. In fact I see the contrary, I see violence and death. Osama Bin Laden himself was quoted saying, "the biggest difference between us and the United States is that you love life, we love death." OBL is a practicing Muslim. I can go on and on, The USS Cole attack, the Khobai towers attack, and nobody will or should forget September 11, 2001. I see all of these things and all I want to do is exact punishment on them. Swift and very severe. Yet Christ tells me to love my enemies. That is indeed the hardest thing for me. I am a patriot. I love my country and would go and serve at the drop of a hat if given the opportunity. So when I see cowardly attacks on our soldiers by these jihadist nancy boys. I get angry. Very angry! They do not fight with honor, or bravery. So what do I do? How do I love these people who are so full of hate? I know I at one time was an enemy of Christ due to my sin and through Jesus' blood I have been adopted into the family of God fully redeemed, cleansed by the blood of the lamb. So I ask the question once more. How do I love my enemies?

Revolution vs. Reformation Pt. 2

Well this book by Shane Clairborne "Irresistible Revolution" is a challenging book to say the least. Now I know a lot of folks say that about books they have read. But in this case I say the book is challenging me because it is making me look at why I have not acted when I should have, and why I did not stand up for somebody who could not stand for themselves. Honestly. I only thought of the military in that way. But as I read this book I am reminded of ways Christ stood for those who could not stand ( hello the Cross!) and how He was a revolutionary. He went against the Pharisees, Sanhedrin, and the established law and re-wrote it. So what does that look like for us here in the 21rst century? Get involved. Feed the homeless, clothe the naked, stand up for those who are abused, hurt, neglected, cast off, and for those who have no idea that long ago Jesus paid for their sins. SHOW them this love that Jesus has for them by being that love. Any fool with a mouth and any vocabulary can talk. But the person of action is the one who truly shares Christ with the world. Jesus taught a lot, and He also bathed the dirty, healed the sick, clothed the naked, loved the unlovable, fellowshipped with those whom society casts off. So yea the military does ( in some cases) stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves. But why should they have all the fun? So pray for me as I pray that my Rescuer will show me where and how I need to act like a "Irresistible Revolutionary."!!!!

Journey: The begining

No its not about the rock band that tore up the airwaves in the 70's and 80's. I have been contemplating this for while and I think now is the time. I will begin a journey that will be difficult, possibly painful, but will be rewarding when I reach the end. I need to do this for my wife, for the kids the Lord will soon be blessing us with, and for myself. By now you are asking, "what is he going to do?" Well simply put, I will embark on a fast/feed. Now that sounds a bit contradictory doesn't it? But hear me out. I have been over weight for a while now. But I have also been spiritually out of shape as well. A lack of prayer in my life and a lack of (non study prep) time in God's Word have made me spiritually anemic. So my plan, what the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart is this. When I feel the urge to eat junk like candy, or drink lots of soda I will praise God for His eternal grace and mercy. I will also pray for my relationships that they may honor God and benefit the person I am praying for. I will not be in prayer for myself if only to gather strength from Him who sustains all life. Then I will spend time with Jesus and the Word He left for us. Thats part one. The other part is to take better care of the Holy Spirit's temple by eating less junk and exercising. Now this is not so I can look good naked or run a marathon. The physical aspect is mainly to honor God with the gifts He has given me and I can do that better by being in better shape. I also wish to be able to have the energy to be whatever is needed. At times it could be a mover, counselor, teacher, landscaper, missionary, daddy, drummer, or a listener. My inspiration is of course Christ, but also the apostle Paul, he tried to be all things to all people. He made tents with tent makers, fished with fishermen, and I want to be a better husband, and a great dad when that time comes. So there it is. It will be a journey for sure. I do need some advice. Should I allow myself one day a month to eat what I want? Or not? I am thinking yea I should. But I am not certain as of right now. Thoughts?

IR part 2

So here I am reading this book about being a real Christian. I can see from what I am reading that S.C. is living his life sort of like a Christian activist. Honestly, that really interests me. I just read where he and other college buddies found out that a group of homeless people who were staying in a old run down church were being told to leave by the very church that "owns" the building. Wow a church kicking out homeless people. Does that sound totally bassackwards to anyone else? Shane also went on to sat that Jesus was homeless. I would agree to a certain extent. While He was here (physically) He traveled extensively and never really settled. Now He was from Nazareth but it is not like He returned there after a ministry trek with His disciples. So I sort of agree with that. Back to the homeless folks. Shane and his buddies found out that the church authorities gave them 48 hours to leave or they would be arrested for trespassing. Well long story short those people got to stay thanks the God of the universe who cares for a small group of folks in south Philly who needed a home and needed Him. He showed up in the form of Shane and his buddies, a couple of Firefighters, and the media. Moral of this blog is that ministry takes many forms. Activism is one of them. As I prepare to leave my home and all of my furry kids (3 dogs and two cats) and go to NYC I feel a small sense of activism stirring in my heart and spirit. (Thanks Shane and Scott!!) I am not sure what that looks like now but when I find out I will keep you all posted! Keep reading folks, this book will lead you to action!

Revolution vs. Reformation

I love history, politics, military history, and archaeological study. I have often wondered which better shaped our history. Revolutions or Reformations? We all can name a few of both. I mention this because I began to read a book called "Irresistible Revolution." So as I begin who has this book? And have you begun to read yet? If not or if you just started lets discuss this book through blogging. Any takers?