February 28, 2008

The "Sort-of" brand of Christianity

Today, I decided to chill with some friends after class. After Contemporary Fiction, a girl needs some actually meaningful conversation. So, in hopes of this, I trudged across campus to the cafeteria, purchased a 20 ounce hot chocolate, and settled in with on of my friends at the "Big Table" in the cafeteria. There were two other students with him today, and the conversation was spiritual, so I was content for a few seconds.

I should rephrase. "The conversation was spiritual-- sort of."

I think something in me was a little agitated today. Nothing these other two students said was really settling well for me, and I think I truly came to recognize people who possess "a form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof."

"Either there will have to be a huge revival in America-- which I'm praying will happen, but it isn't likely-- or we're going to have to have a really strong Christian president to preserve the Christian heritage of America"

"There's really no point in evangelizing. Some people just aren't ready to hear the Gospel, and only people who are called by God the Father will come to the Son."

"Sometimes, I find myself asking God, 'Where are You? Where is the hope for our nation?'"

My reactions to all of these wonderful laments and shrugging off of responsibilities:

"Um.... WHAT?!"

"Um.... WHAT?!"

"Where is God? God is in YOU. Where is the Hope? The Hope is in YOU. Now, stop complaining. GO, make disciples of all men."

Of course, I didn't actually say these things, unfortunately. I just decided to retrace every letter on my midterm outline to keep from cursing them.

Whew!

I just finished Elisabeth Elliot's "Passion and Purity" in about 10 hours combined. More on that later.... Perhaps.

Onward to a biography about Gladys Aylward! Again!

February 21, 2008

What a week!

"Nothing unifies like a common Enemy
And we've got one, sure as Hell
He may be living in your house,
He may be raising up your kids,
He may be sleeping with your wife.
Oh no, he may not look like you think."

derek webb

February 04, 2008

Fool's Gold...

If Christ commanded the rich young ruler to sell all he had and give it to the poor if he wanted to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, why do we ignore this principle? It seems half of our lives are spent wanting to "get ahead", or worrying about what IS ahead financially, instead of focusing on things that ACTUALLY matter.

If James tells us that true religion is caring for widows, orphans, and the poor-- and remaining unstained by the world, why do we pick and choose which causes are good enough for our income to be sent to. We harbor away all of our money, as though it actually is OUR money, and not money that has been lent to us by God for His use in our lives?

If we are supposed to do everything without grumbling or complaining, why can we not find the good in what we have? We totter around everyday, looking at what God has blessed everyone else with, instead of rejoicing in what we have been blessed with.

Why is money such a stronghold for American Christians? I know of very few Christians in America that are not plagued by anxiety or insecurity in regards to money. To me, its nearly a phenomena. Can you explain it?

February 01, 2008

A New Law

don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music
don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me
i want a new law
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice
don’t teach me about loving my enemies
don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
derek webb

“Ima” (The Prodigal’s Mother)

 Birth is the only jubilant end To one life being shared with another. Not so joyous is the letting go that comes after. No one told me what...