Piss Poor Attitude
Recently I’ve begun to experience the end of an era – a giant in my life has started to slow down; and it’s scary. Really scary.
My Grandad (Gdiddles) has started to begin being old. He’s always been spry as a jackrabbit and full of more puns than Jerry Seinfeld, and most importantly – He introduced me to the idea of Jesus. Less the idea and more the person of Jesus.
Never give money to anyone.
Hi. I want 20 bucks. Can I have it? Will you give it to me?
If you knew me, you’d probably spot me.
But what if I was homeless?
Would your attitude change then? Probably. Why?
Our culture usually associates homelessness with failure, drugs and alcohol, among other things.
So, if I was homeless you’d probably assume I was going to use it on the wrong things and offer to buy me something, like food or a jacket, in an attempt to protect me from myself.
Churchy people would use a word like discernment. How do you exercise discernment? What does discernment mean?
They’ll tell you something like “let the Spirit lead you.” What the H does that even mean? (pardon my letter.)
God Speaks
It’s always been taught and told to me that God speaks through His Word (The Bible). And I had always believed it, but sometimes didn’t experience it. I had learned a lot from it, and have been able to articulate great things to many people, that brought life change, because of it.
However, now that I was relying and yearning from a Word that would direct me, is when I REALLY experienced it.
Why I Dislike Scripture
Before you call me a heretic, or un-Christian, lemme explain, please.
I love the Bible. I love that God has provided us a written word that we can grow from, and learn the truths of His grace, love, and glory.
The fact that a Holy God has provided us a manuscript to know Him greater, is beyond comprehension to me. I can’t fathom it.
Going back to the truth aspect, the thing I like most about Scripture is its relevancy and truth. Those also happen to be the things I dislike most.
Filter It
Recently, I was at a comedy show at Dallas Comedy House. I enjoy laughter, so I went with a buddy, and the show was quite hilarious. The comedian used a German accent for the first 1/3 of his show, I legitimately thought he might be German. (only for a few moments.)
The show reached a point where it went religious, and something happened that surprised me. The comedian questioned the audience. “Is any one here a Christian? Raise your hand.”
I didn’t raise mine.
Grace, for the Chief of Sinners, and Fred Phelps
As of this writing, Fred Phelps is still alive, but the message will remain the same upon his eventual passing.
I’ve been seeing an alarming amount of posts on social media outlets, rejoicing about the coming death of Phelps. The majority of these people are people who would claim a relationship with Christ.
I am deeply saddened by this.
Immediately I’m reminded of 1 John 4:20. I’ll paraphrase it, You’re a liar if you say you love God, but hate your brother. (You might not agree that Phelps is your brother, but humor me.)
Proverbs tells us that hatred stirs discord/strife. As a Christian, your response should never employ hatred. Ever. There should be no desire for revenge, or payback.
Do I agree with the Westboro Baptist Church?
Is Your Love Like The Dew?
Guest Blog by Alex Martinez
There have been several times I’ve forgotten my godly routines. To be honest, it seems there are more of those routines than I can count. I’d probably get lost after the tenth or eleventh one I can name. The most prominent and forgotten routine is praying for my food before taking that first bite. And you know what? People who know I’m a believer, including other believers and non-believers alike, have stopped me after taking that big juicy “I’m-freaking-hungry” bite and asked, “Did you pray for that?”
Most times I explain my actions – “Well you see, I don’t always pray for my food because I simply forget sometimes and other times, I just don’t.” The ultra-conservatives usually snicker at me or look offended as they awkwardly move on to the next subject. The non-believers look absolutely lost and confused. Although it’s biblically proven praying before meals is always a good thing, I don’t think it is proven praying for my meals means I love God. I’ve seen several of my non-believing friends, who grew up in church, pray before meals. I ask them afterwards why they prayed, and the usual answer is “It’s how I was raised.”
I find the first manner in which these routines are defended by believers is, “We need to sacrifice certain things for Jesus”. I’m quickly reminded of how some people treat lent, as opposed to the biblical reason for lent. So you gave up your time and prayed for your meal; So you gave up video games for a whole week; So you don’t eat meat on Fridays in the span of forty days; So what? Is any voluntary sacrifice of personal time truly an act of love to the one true God, Creator of the universe?