Live with Hope

In a day and age where journalism is driven by the almighty dollar, we see a lot of depressing stuff. Depressing, sexual, and shocking stories drive page views; page views means more ads which means more money. So simple.

I've noticed the longer I keep my eyeballs focused on all these sites, they begin to affect me. A haze begins to crowd out the beauty and life all around me. It's like a drain is being installed in my bathtub of happiness and it lets it all out while replacing it with black water. Not cool.

God is good. People are naturally evil. I have a bit of experience with angry people. As long as you tell them things that make them happy and rub their tummies, all is good. But tell them they are a sinner and need to repent, boy you have released a demon. (In many ways, I think this is a good way you can tell a Christian from a non-Christian; how they respond to your pointing to their wicked hearts.)

But does a natural tendency towards evil in others need to cause us to lose hope? NO! Why?

Christ.

That's about it.

When you read a horrifying news story, just remember.

This is why Christ came.

This is why blood was spilled on the cross.

This is how these wicked men who may have raped a woman, or murdered their grandfather will be released from this evil.

And that is why we live with hope, faith, and repentance.

Open Your Eyes

Seriously. Get it out of your life. I've been getting to see more and more how evil seeds planted in people's lives begin to turn them into the monsters that they are today. They let their sin grow and now they can no longer see right from wrong. They wander around blindly screaming at God.

I am thankful for the mercy God has had on me. Otherwise, that is who I would become.

Hated

The world will hate you if you love Christ. As humans we are naturally evil. Our thoughts turn towards evil. It is only because of the Spirit working in us that we aren't blaspheming God and rejecting His law, as well. Instead of cursing the darkness of this world, instead dwell in the beauty of Christ. Don't worry if they hate you because you love God and His laws. You're on the right side.

Sin Hurts

Ugh, I hate my sin. Hate it. Sin in any form is such a disgusting bondage. I push back from it, and then dawdle along for awhile and bam, I'm down for the count again. <.<

Today I'm thankful for the blood of Christ. Pretty much where I'm sitting right now. Hope you all are doing well. Only thought for today is trust in Christ, otherwise you're hosed.

Don't Let Evil Ruin Your Day

Just because the internet is full of people who hate God, hate life, and hate all things bright and beautiful does not mean you should worry about them. God is a just God. He takes care of the righteous. None of you will be hurt by these people beyond what God allows. Just remember that today. God loves His people. He takes care of his people. 

If you are ever discouraged read Matthew 10. It is such a blessing to me when the evil that seeps through the internet or sins are hailed as righteous begin to discourage me.

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." ~ Matthew 10:28-31

Internet

The Internet is a place for people with zero courage and those with lots of courage to both be placed on the same field and then run amok. W000t!!!!! One thing I've noticed, those who are the loudest on the Internet are generally the quietest in real life. Please try to shoot for reality when you are interacting with others on the web. Don't build a false picture of who you are. Sure, you don't necessarily have to reveal every aspect about yourself. But don't lie.

Are You a Dreamer?

As a child, I was a dreamer. Spent hours upon hours in my imagination. I really thought I could do anything or be anybody. But I've begun to learn that there is a huge gap between dreamer and visionary. Those who dream never get anywhere. Those who have vision get places. The difference is that the dreamer can't see the journey. He can't see the steps that need to be taken to arrive at his/her destination. He can see the end, but he doesn't see the dragon, the six henchmen, and the evil witch standing in his way. The dreamer will then dawdle toward his dream, but once he sees that first henchman he quickly turns around and runs back to his dreams. The visionary is different. He's the one who sees what he wants, plans out and asks others what the journey looks like, and then jumps off the metaphorical cliff. He fights through the battles of life, he pushes hard when he needs to, and he will eventually arrive at his destination.

So which are you? Are you made of the stuff that gets things done? Are you willing to go through a ton of misery and exhaustion in order to find and experience your dreams? I hope so. Lets turn from dreamers into visionaries. It won't be immediate, but it's worth it.