About Me
I NOW HAVE A BOOK OF POETRY FOR SALE
Hey I'm Phil, and by the grace of this dude:
....who actually probably looked a lot more like this dude:
....I have been given direction for how to live this life.
We're all put here to tell a story, mostly our own. But in addition to the account of my past and present life, I also invest in a message of prophecy.
Prophecy has little to do with predicting the future and much to do with relaying a message from God to man.
My message is to bring this:
....to this:
....which can only be achieved through this:
Amos criticized Israel for many things, revealing the wrath of God. Among these things were alcohol abuse, violence, and some other things, all of which our nation is guilty. But he also revealed God's biggest reason for the condemnation of Israel: refusing to help the needy and neglect of the poor, suffering, and oppressed.
Christ's ministry was all about extending love to the oppressed. If you don't believe me, there's a cool and amusing book called the Bible that you can find at places like the Dollar Store. But for whatever reason, we've created a God that is used to bless us as middle-class, patriotic, virtuous citizens.
Christians use a word a lot that they don't understand: "unconditional." When love is unconditional, you extend it to everyone, no matter who they are. But when we see a homeless man walking downtown, we tell ourselves, "He is there because he cannot get a job or does drugs or is irresponsible or unworthy or can't create run-on sentences as good as I can."
When we see propaganda for starving children in whatever country we immediately assume a position that they should become as educated as we are. They should feed themselves. They should work for their money. If not, then someone else will certainly support their cause. I have rent to pay.
We blow off things like these.
But it's not because we don't have time or money or passion. We have all these things. Simply look at all of the issues that American Christians are passionate about. Let's examine homosexuality and all of the signs of hatred that are displayed by "Christians" at rallies. These signs are backed up with notions like "God destroyed cities filled with gay people, like Sodom."
These "Christians" are the same ones that miss the point of scripture and love. The same ones that don't observe Christ's ministry. The prophet Ezekiel tells us that Sodom was not destroyed for its sexual immorality, but it was destroyed because the wealthy refuse to share with and provide for the poor and needy.
Of course, I'm a little cynical. I try not to be. All I ask is that you don't assume what Christ is like based on his followers. Instead read Matthew or Luke and develop your own opinion. When seeking truth, think for yourself.
The truth is, Jesus is always leaving the option open to following Him. He's got this life thing figured out pretty well. Try to live like Him and it might make a little sense.
So, let us bring this:
to this:
....and when we see this:
....become this:
....then take an opportunity to transform this:
....into this:
Because in the world of unconditional, selfless love, all who give will all the more receive an abundance of happiness and joy. All who bless in the name of Christ Jesus will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Shalom.
