Editors note: I copied and pasted this from my Facebook account to this. Some folks may not be able to view Facebook if they don't have an account. So, in an attempt to allow others to view this, I brought it here. Aren't I a nice guy?
I want to put this out here for you blogging folks to chew over. There are big disputes, or maybe we'll say 'misunderstandings' of the love of God. Granted, I'm still trying to work this out as well, but I've done a few laps around the sun by now, so I felt my input might be helpful for some.
I've done various street ministry (meaning going to the streets of the city and talking with various folks) and I've done open air preaching at UNCC. It was quite interesting. That certainly has it's place. I was on a team of folks who would go onto the UNCC campus for a time and do open air preaching and just walk around and talk to folks. But sometimes, I question the results of it and its effectiveness. I'm sure there is some fruit to it. Did Jesus do street preaching? From time to time He did. Of course, most of the street ministry He would do is healing the sick and stuff like it. He moreso challenged the religious system of the day. This isn't to say that anyone who does street ministry is wrong or bad. One of my friends from church has a 10' cross and he carries that down the city streets. Talk about a magnet to draw people into conversation.
But I think that one of my favorite techniques of ministering is around a kitchen table or quieter conversations with people, to hear whats going on with them. I would say that much of my theology is a mixture of Arminism and Calvinism. I believe the Lord gives us free will to choose the path we want to go down. He has a path He would like us to go down, but He wants us to choose Him. As far as I see it, extreme Calvinism makes God out to be a sinner and un-Biblical. It makes God to draw us into sin. Which of course He can't do. Theology and doctrine are good, but its really just man trying to figure God out.
I want you to think as judgement/correction/rebuke as this. The Lord disiplines (judges/corrects/rebukes) those He loves. I'm sure there are a few rebuke-happy folks out there. But when its done in the wrong spirit/attitude, its wrong. If and whenever I bring correction to someone, I like to do it one on one. No one else needs to hear it, or at least not at that times hopefully. But then when i get to praise someone for doing something, i love to do that in public. But I've been corrected in the past, and it doesn't feel good at the time. But afterwards, i realize that this person had my best interests at heart and they wanted to see me grow. Whenever my supervisors at work would tell me I'm doing something wrong (and they were right) i would thank them and move on. They were doing that to help me out.
My parents would discipline me growing up. At the time, it didn't feel good. but in the end, they were doing it because they loved me. I know some of you don't believe in discipline because it was done in the wrong spirit. And now whenever you hear the term discipline or Father, you recoil. You had a bad experience. Satan brings condemnation (meaning there is no hope for you). God brings conviction (you were wrong, but there is hope for you yet.)
A lot of time in ministering, I'm dealing w/ folks (young and old) who have a bad perception of God. They think He's a evil task master and just wants to discipline and hurt people. There was abuse growing up and your dealing with that and that's the filter you run it through when you hear Father. Do you realize that that's giving a bad perception of God the Father? God the Father wants the best for you. He has an awesome plan for you and He wants to love on you.... You just have to open up your heart to Him. He doesn't want to exploit you in any way, shape or form. He wants to heal those hurts and give you a correct perception of Him.
Do you realize that you can actually enjoy God? You can enjoy prayer and reading the Bible? God wants for you to enjoy those things! He wants you to enjoy life! God is a Father who wants to love you; He's Jesus who wants a personal relationship with you; and He's the Holy Spirit who wants to empower you to live life to the fullest.
I was just talking about this last night with some of my friends. When a guy and girl first start dating (and hopefully it doesn't stop), he doesn't consider the time he spends with her as something he HAS to do, he probably looks at it as something he WANTS to do. He'll ride his bike miles on end in crazy traffic, with 95 degree temps and humidity like crazy just to spend time with her (ok, so this is all either theory, or at least stories i've heard). But its not like he's dreading the time. He's looking at the end destination.
So I've spouted off for long enough, thanks for taking the time to read this.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Reasons to Pray for Obama, Pt. 5
Reason 12: New Era of Socialism. Pres. Obama will usher the U.S. into a new era of European-style socialism and big govern't collectivism under the guise of globalism and fairness.
He wants to expand government to the point of controlling the public in a bad way. It sounds well and good, but when someone lazy is getting money from me when I'm working hard, that doesn't sit well with me. I will help someone get the tools necessary to get them back on their feet. But not to reward their laziness.
Reason 13: Government-Run Health Care. Pres. Obama will weaken the world's greatest health care system by pushing a socialized, govern't-run system that increases our tax burden and limits health care choice.
Again, he wants the government to control the decision making, instead of allowing doctors to make the decisions, someone in the government will make the call.
Reason 14: Radical Abortion Agenda. He'll promote the most radical abortion agenda in the history of the American Presidency and he will start by signing the Freedom of Choice act.
He will promote 'abortion on demand' so that a woman doesn't have to deal w/ the 'mistake' (another word for 'pregnancy' according to Obama). Mind you, to show the video of a partial birth abortion would be banned on national broadcast television. It's a procedure where the doctor 'delivers' the baby feet first up to the neck and then inserts a syringe and extracts the brain, causing the skull to collapse and allow the now-dead baby to be aborted. Remember, in an interview when he was asked at what time does the baby deserve rights, his answer was "that's above my pay grade to answer that." Scary? Yeah, I know.
He wants to expand government to the point of controlling the public in a bad way. It sounds well and good, but when someone lazy is getting money from me when I'm working hard, that doesn't sit well with me. I will help someone get the tools necessary to get them back on their feet. But not to reward their laziness.
Reason 13: Government-Run Health Care. Pres. Obama will weaken the world's greatest health care system by pushing a socialized, govern't-run system that increases our tax burden and limits health care choice.
Again, he wants the government to control the decision making, instead of allowing doctors to make the decisions, someone in the government will make the call.
Reason 14: Radical Abortion Agenda. He'll promote the most radical abortion agenda in the history of the American Presidency and he will start by signing the Freedom of Choice act.
He will promote 'abortion on demand' so that a woman doesn't have to deal w/ the 'mistake' (another word for 'pregnancy' according to Obama). Mind you, to show the video of a partial birth abortion would be banned on national broadcast television. It's a procedure where the doctor 'delivers' the baby feet first up to the neck and then inserts a syringe and extracts the brain, causing the skull to collapse and allow the now-dead baby to be aborted. Remember, in an interview when he was asked at what time does the baby deserve rights, his answer was "that's above my pay grade to answer that." Scary? Yeah, I know.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reasons To Pray for Obama, Pt. 4
Reason 7: Open Border Anarchy. Despite lack of progress on the double-layer fence, Obama will minimize government efforts to secure our borders while exposing our nation to more illegal, criminal and terrorist crossings at our borders.
Reason 8: Amnesty for Illegal Aliens. There are good chances that Obama will sign into law a plan to give amnesty and taxpayer supported benefits to millions of illegal aliens, launching the largest increase in illegal immigration in our nation's history.
Reason 9: Diminished U.S. Military. President Obama will oversee a reduction in the U.S. military while pursuing a radical agenda of nuclear disarmament as part of an overall strategy that leaves our country more vulnerable to terrorist attacks. He wants to retract everything and disarm our defenses.
Reason 10: Carbon Tax to Save the Planet. Under President Obama, the unproven theory of global warming will be codified into law, costing tax payers billions of dollars and placing an enormous burden on the U.S. Economy.
Reason 11: "Green" Energy Crisis. Pres. Obama will worsen American's energy crisis by rejecting calls for increased domestic oil and nuclear production while promoting an ideological energy crisis that forces costly 'green solutions on society.
Reason 8: Amnesty for Illegal Aliens. There are good chances that Obama will sign into law a plan to give amnesty and taxpayer supported benefits to millions of illegal aliens, launching the largest increase in illegal immigration in our nation's history.
Reason 9: Diminished U.S. Military. President Obama will oversee a reduction in the U.S. military while pursuing a radical agenda of nuclear disarmament as part of an overall strategy that leaves our country more vulnerable to terrorist attacks. He wants to retract everything and disarm our defenses.
Reason 10: Carbon Tax to Save the Planet. Under President Obama, the unproven theory of global warming will be codified into law, costing tax payers billions of dollars and placing an enormous burden on the U.S. Economy.
Reason 11: "Green" Energy Crisis. Pres. Obama will worsen American's energy crisis by rejecting calls for increased domestic oil and nuclear production while promoting an ideological energy crisis that forces costly 'green solutions on society.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Reason's to Pray for Obama, Pt. 3
I hate war, I really do. I hate the idea of innocent folks dying. But when a nation's leader or a coalitions leader doesn't step up to the plate and do something about inhumane treatment of a society, evil has won. Another reason to pray for Obama is:
Reason 5: Pullback on the War On Terror. President Barack Obama will begin a pullback of U.S. efforts in the war on terror, starting with a quick pullout of Iraq, which will probably only embolden our enemies.
Since 9/11/01, has there been any other terrorist attacks on our soil to the likeness of 9/11? Not that I can recall. We have to get over the desire to have a microwave war and have everything changed overnight. It's just not going to happen. I have no doubt that the Iraqi nation was fed false information about our troops, and therefore, they're going to fight us. But according to many troops, the media isn't letting us know about the schools that have started up and the good things that have happened since our troops went in. And of course, I only know what I'm told by others. So that's why I try and get first hand accounts from our soldiers who have fought.
Reason 6: Liberal Court Activism. Pres. Obama will usher in a new era of leftist judicial activism by nominating only judges who disregard the Constitution in favor of legislating from the bench.
It might pan out that Obama is able to nominate 2/3 of new judges to the bench. Obama believes that the Constitution should be interpreted and should be read in the context of an ever-changing world. In other words: there are no absolutes. We will interpret the Constitution to fit modern day versus interpreting for what it says and means.
Reason 5: Pullback on the War On Terror. President Barack Obama will begin a pullback of U.S. efforts in the war on terror, starting with a quick pullout of Iraq, which will probably only embolden our enemies.
Since 9/11/01, has there been any other terrorist attacks on our soil to the likeness of 9/11? Not that I can recall. We have to get over the desire to have a microwave war and have everything changed overnight. It's just not going to happen. I have no doubt that the Iraqi nation was fed false information about our troops, and therefore, they're going to fight us. But according to many troops, the media isn't letting us know about the schools that have started up and the good things that have happened since our troops went in. And of course, I only know what I'm told by others. So that's why I try and get first hand accounts from our soldiers who have fought.
Reason 6: Liberal Court Activism. Pres. Obama will usher in a new era of leftist judicial activism by nominating only judges who disregard the Constitution in favor of legislating from the bench.
It might pan out that Obama is able to nominate 2/3 of new judges to the bench. Obama believes that the Constitution should be interpreted and should be read in the context of an ever-changing world. In other words: there are no absolutes. We will interpret the Constitution to fit modern day versus interpreting for what it says and means.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Reason's to Pray for Obama, Pt. 2
In another installment of my "Reason's to Pray for Obama" series, I wanted to hit another couple of topics here. I'm going to skip over a couple of reasons due to my lack of knowledge about them, but I'll at least mention them.
Reason 2 to pray for Obama: Tax Increases for All. Despite campaign rhetoric, President Obama will increase direct and indirect taxation on virtually all American's in pursuit of his stated goals of societal transformation and wealth redistribution. (Taken from the before mentioned pamphlet "Living in an Obama Nation: 21 Way the Obama Presidency Will Impact You and Your Family."
Reason 3: The End of Marriage. President Barack Obama will watch over the end of traditional marriage by pushing a pro-homosexual agenda that includes repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in his first year in office.
In essence, to him, he will start to at least do nothing to stop the homosexual agenda from going forward. Meaning, he won't stand for traditional marriage. But he will at least step aside and let those would decide to ruin the sanctity of marriage being between a married man and woman (being married to each other) and make it accessible to a man and man or woman to woman. But what if it doesn't stop there? Why not do an aunt to a nephew or some other combination? He stated in a letter to the LBGT community that he will as president support the gay community and see to it that their rights are up held.
Along this same line, he wants to make it possible for hate crimes to cover sexual orientation. Ladies, lets just say that your in a public restroom, taking care of business. And in walks a guy! Do you realize that if you were to try and gently say to the misguided man "Um, sir, your in the wrong restroom. The mens is just down the hall (or next door, or whatever the case may be). Do you realize that that could potentially be labeled as hate speech!? I mean, perhaps the guy just feels more feminine that particular day! That's where this is going. Trying to do away with the letter of the law and more along the lines of feelings.
Reason 4: Silencing Conservatives. He wants to utilize the Fairness Doctrine, and the power of the Executive Branch, to silence conservative opposition and deliver a damaging blow to free speech for all Americans.
The Fairness Doctrine is a policy that requires broadcast media to promote "fairness" and "balance". I haven't been on CNN or some of the other major networks in months. I stick w/ FoxNews or WorldNetDaily for my news. The way that some of the major networks spew their stories about blaming Israel for everything is just ridiculous.
Obama says that he is a Christian. Probably like a lot of folks say they're Christians and they know all the right talk. But what are they REALLY like? What am I really like?
Lord Jesus, I come before your throne of grace today, and I life up President-elect Obama to You. Lord, many of his policies I don't agree with. But I still petition you and ask for You to bless him with Godly wisdom in this hour. God, I thank you that while we were still yet sinners, Christ died for us. So Father God, I pray that you would visit him God and give him an encounter with Your Holy Presence and change his life forever more. May he come out of this as a man after Your Own Heart. Amen.
Reason 2 to pray for Obama: Tax Increases for All. Despite campaign rhetoric, President Obama will increase direct and indirect taxation on virtually all American's in pursuit of his stated goals of societal transformation and wealth redistribution. (Taken from the before mentioned pamphlet "Living in an Obama Nation: 21 Way the Obama Presidency Will Impact You and Your Family."
Reason 3: The End of Marriage. President Barack Obama will watch over the end of traditional marriage by pushing a pro-homosexual agenda that includes repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in his first year in office.
In essence, to him, he will start to at least do nothing to stop the homosexual agenda from going forward. Meaning, he won't stand for traditional marriage. But he will at least step aside and let those would decide to ruin the sanctity of marriage being between a married man and woman (being married to each other) and make it accessible to a man and man or woman to woman. But what if it doesn't stop there? Why not do an aunt to a nephew or some other combination? He stated in a letter to the LBGT community that he will as president support the gay community and see to it that their rights are up held.
Along this same line, he wants to make it possible for hate crimes to cover sexual orientation. Ladies, lets just say that your in a public restroom, taking care of business. And in walks a guy! Do you realize that if you were to try and gently say to the misguided man "Um, sir, your in the wrong restroom. The mens is just down the hall (or next door, or whatever the case may be). Do you realize that that could potentially be labeled as hate speech!? I mean, perhaps the guy just feels more feminine that particular day! That's where this is going. Trying to do away with the letter of the law and more along the lines of feelings.
Reason 4: Silencing Conservatives. He wants to utilize the Fairness Doctrine, and the power of the Executive Branch, to silence conservative opposition and deliver a damaging blow to free speech for all Americans.
The Fairness Doctrine is a policy that requires broadcast media to promote "fairness" and "balance". I haven't been on CNN or some of the other major networks in months. I stick w/ FoxNews or WorldNetDaily for my news. The way that some of the major networks spew their stories about blaming Israel for everything is just ridiculous.
Obama says that he is a Christian. Probably like a lot of folks say they're Christians and they know all the right talk. But what are they REALLY like? What am I really like?
Lord Jesus, I come before your throne of grace today, and I life up President-elect Obama to You. Lord, many of his policies I don't agree with. But I still petition you and ask for You to bless him with Godly wisdom in this hour. God, I thank you that while we were still yet sinners, Christ died for us. So Father God, I pray that you would visit him God and give him an encounter with Your Holy Presence and change his life forever more. May he come out of this as a man after Your Own Heart. Amen.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reasons to Pray for Obama, Pt. 1
I recently acquired a booklet entitled "Living in an Obama Nation: 21 Ways the Obama Presidency Will Impact You and Your Family". I just started to read this little pamphlet and its very informative. Let me also say again that I DID NOT and COULD NOT in good conscience vote for Obama. But, should everything continue as it may (if his birth was proven to be in the States, which to date is still up in the air and the longer he keeps it confidential and acts like its not an issue just reaffirms my nervousness about him.)
None the less, since i can do little more than continue to pray for him, that is what i shall do, as well as voice concern and raise the issues. This first issue in this book is "Post-American Presidency." In short, according to the booklet, ..."in Obama's post-American world, the U.S. must accept responsibility for the hatred and even terrorism directed at our land. Our wealth makes us responsible for the terrorists' bombs, not the vile ideology of the terrorists." So because someone in Africa is buying our stuff, we're responsible for someone trying to steal it? What? So because your rich, your responsible for someone trying to rob you... interesting.
I'm all for standing up to some bully trying to push people around. And unfortunately, America is seen as much a lot. I guess because we stand up for the little guy at times, we're seen as a bully.
After 9/11, all these countries came to rally around us. But then how quickly we went to do something about it and suddenly, everyone is dropping out. I wish the UN would've done something. They have policies for it. I'm not sure what happened there...
One thing I did like about this is that Obama wants to do something about global poverty. Hey, I got an idea, I know of a lot of missionaries around the world who are fighting this very thing. How about we give them the money and let them do the work or at least let them lead. I know, then everyone cries the false thinking of "separation of church and state..."
So, one down, 20 more to go. There is a lot more to all of this, but in an attempt to not make this into a 20 pg novel, i'm stopping here.
None the less, since i can do little more than continue to pray for him, that is what i shall do, as well as voice concern and raise the issues. This first issue in this book is "Post-American Presidency." In short, according to the booklet, ..."in Obama's post-American world, the U.S. must accept responsibility for the hatred and even terrorism directed at our land. Our wealth makes us responsible for the terrorists' bombs, not the vile ideology of the terrorists." So because someone in Africa is buying our stuff, we're responsible for someone trying to steal it? What? So because your rich, your responsible for someone trying to rob you... interesting.
I'm all for standing up to some bully trying to push people around. And unfortunately, America is seen as much a lot. I guess because we stand up for the little guy at times, we're seen as a bully.
After 9/11, all these countries came to rally around us. But then how quickly we went to do something about it and suddenly, everyone is dropping out. I wish the UN would've done something. They have policies for it. I'm not sure what happened there...
One thing I did like about this is that Obama wants to do something about global poverty. Hey, I got an idea, I know of a lot of missionaries around the world who are fighting this very thing. How about we give them the money and let them do the work or at least let them lead. I know, then everyone cries the false thinking of "separation of church and state..."
So, one down, 20 more to go. There is a lot more to all of this, but in an attempt to not make this into a 20 pg novel, i'm stopping here.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
New Happenings
It's been almost a month since i've last written, i just realized the timing of that now. I've started a new job. I work for an office and do the accounts payable stuff. we get invoices in and put them into a computer.
In other news, my roommate are currently in Israel. I'm extremely happy for them and yet very jealous. It's been a while since I've been out of the country. I miss the travel and getting out to see the sights.
So many things are swirling around in my mind right now. Aside from the fact that I'm not overly thrilled with the latest election results, there are some issues that need to be resolved in the process. Like if the guy is even eligible for the position. It's kind of ironic that he wouldn't even be able to get into the FBI but somehow as of right now, he'll be getting into the Oval Office. A bit scary.
I'm even more scared for the babies that won't survive.
In other news, my roommate are currently in Israel. I'm extremely happy for them and yet very jealous. It's been a while since I've been out of the country. I miss the travel and getting out to see the sights.
So many things are swirling around in my mind right now. Aside from the fact that I'm not overly thrilled with the latest election results, there are some issues that need to be resolved in the process. Like if the guy is even eligible for the position. It's kind of ironic that he wouldn't even be able to get into the FBI but somehow as of right now, he'll be getting into the Oval Office. A bit scary.
I'm even more scared for the babies that won't survive.
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