Proclaim!

The age we are living in has been defined as "post-modern". For those in my generation, that is perhaps all that we have ever known and been accustomed with. In our society diversity is praised along with tolerance and pluralism coupled with religious syncretism. This pervasive thinking has infiltrated every area of our life and thinking. We are programmed by our culture to live in open mindedness to anything and everything. What truth is to you is whatever you want it to be and for me to say otherwise, I'm wrong.

It's funny, however, when it comes to Christianity (even though I hate stereotyping the word), our society is very intolerant. They preach tolerance, but when it comes to a religion that claims absolute truth, they are willing to turn their backs on everything they stand for and go to any means possible to eliminate or destroy this claim that there is absolute truth.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that at some point believers are going to have to approach this issue head on. I believe Jesus taught about such a thing when He took his disciples on a retreat to Caesaria-Philippi just prior to the transfiguration. The city was known for their pagan worship of the Greek god Pan. There was a crack in a cliff linked to a grotto or underwater river or spring in which the locals believed that spirits would travel back and forth to and from the underworld, or hades. They coined the name "Gates of Hell" for this crack or gate as they saw it. The city was renowned for it's Gentile paganism which included promiscuous ceremonies that went to the extent of committing sexual acts with goats. A devout Jew would not be caught near such an unclean place. So, why did Jesus decide to take His disciples to this ancient "Red Light District"?

Do you remember the coversation He had with His disciples during this tenure? He asked them, "Who do people say that I am?". The disciples responded with, "Some say you are Elijah, some say you are John the Baptist, and others say you are a prophet." Then He directs the question to them and Peter replies, "You are the the Son of the Living God".

Think about the contrast between the pagan, dead gods that would have been freshly on the minds of the disciples. Their God was living and alive. He was the Messiah who was the promised deliverer.

Christ would then respond with, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it".

I personally feel that Christ was preparing His disciples for the reality of the future without Him. They would not shy away from the evil in their culture, rather they would confront it and not even the most wicked evil would stand against it. The reality of the age we live in is similar I believe. Should we as believers (myself included) sit back and allow the culture we live in to dictate the way we live our lives, or, should we like the disciples confront sin for what it is. We are the "Church" and the "body of Christ". I feel that now more than ever we have the responsibility to take the gospel and confront the culture we live in. We may face ridicule or even persecution at times, but remember the Word says that "all who desire to live godly will be persecuted".

I pray that I will be faithful in proclaiming not only the written gospel, but also the living gospel. May my life be a living testimony to all I am privleged to come into contact with. I pray you will do the same.

Apathy

Have you ever had those moments where you are suddenly brutally honest with yourself? I had such a moment today. I just want to say thank goodness for the grace of God. He has given me far more than I ever deserved and He continues to put up with me despite my regular short-comings. Anyways, I've been very apathetic of late about spiritual issues. This "apathy" has affected me more than I realized. I am in a relationship with my Creator and I take it for granted far too often. I'm not really sure why I'm apathetic, but I know that haven't made a decent effort of late to change things. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe I can't change things, yet, I have this responsibility to uphold my part of this relationship. The book of James says that if I draw near to God, He will draw near to me. If I submit myself to God and resist the devil, he will flee. God has given me soo many promises through His Son, but I refuse to act upon them. So, what are the consequences? Well, my prayer life suffers. My devotional suffers. And even my relationships suffer. God says that if I am faithful in the smaller details of life, I will be faithful in the larger areas. That's scarry! Someday, by the grace of God, I will be husband and a father. I know some of you probably can't picture that, but God has given me the desire to someday have a family. I truly desire to be close to God! Maybe I've been relying on my own strength too much. I am only one man--emphasis on the "man". I'm stuck with this human/carnal/fleshly nature and it sucks. I just need to come back to the basics. Love Adonai with all my heart, mind, and soul! I feel like I'm in a state in which I'm waking up from a dream, but I'm only half conscious. I see glimpses of God and like what I see, but in reality, I'm not there yet. So, tonight I ask you--my brothers and sisters in Christ--to lift me up in your prayers. L'chaim! 

The Keys! Not sure it's worth the drive all the way there, but beautiful nonetheless.

 

A little canoeing at Weeki Wachee springs.

 

I give this trip a big "Butts Up"!

 

Sunset at Key West. Gorgeous!

 

A little fun with the gators.

 

Group pic at the beach in St. Augustine.

 

After driving all night, we decided to crash in the middle of this outlet mall parking lot. Would have been perfect had it not been for the stinkin' street sweeper!

 

REI...

Where do I start? Spring break is officially over in a rude way. I had reality check today when I went to my first class after break. That's such a dull feeling. But, I look at as one day closer to graduating this May and then it's off to Colorado for a second summer of guiding in the Rockies. That gets my blood stirring. I'm really pumped about getting back out there. It feels so much more fulfilling when you are working with groups every day and living outdoors doesn't hurt either. Oh yeah, all you REI members out there. How 'bout them dividend checks, huh? I'm already searching to see what I want to use my 20% off coupon on. I try to not let it go to waste. Sorry if you're not familiar with REI. It's probably best you keep it that way because they like to take your money in exchange for quality gear. Gear heads, anyone?

Check back later and I'll have some pics from spring break posted ;o)