Fast Track

Well, things have been moving really quickly lately. First of all, the wedding of my friend Rachel is less than a month away! That has made things fairly busy. Second of all, I have two weeks left of school. I actually started this blog when I moved here for school, what an adventure that has been! But of course God has been good through the whole thing. I have really loved school, and am racing to finish, but am also looking forward to the next thing that God has for me. Third of all is the move. We are still trying to sell the house, but we have every hope and joy that all will be in Gods timing. We had some friends living in the basement for a few months, because when we decided to move so did they...well as it would happen they sold their house that day, and now they are moving out because they found a place in Boise....oh the irony! Last of all, my sister-in-law has a due date!!!! Jan 2!
Wow! That was a very brief way to write down everything that has been going on in my life =) I have another story idea, and I cant wait to start working on it, but at the moment I think it wise to finish the two or three that I am working on already before plunging into the next. I cant tell you how many "Chapter 1"s I have! Oh well, I enjoy playing with the ideas just as much as I enjoy finally writing them down and then reading them later. Did you know that Alexandre Dumas never went back and read his work?! Amazing, he did not read The 3 Musketeers until 15 years after he had written it! Well....back to work, so long all!

New Life

My brother and his wife are having a baby!!!!! This is the first one, and I am soooo excited! They have not been married for very long, but I know that God has everything under control. I found out last night, and as I have been telling people, I have been met with both concern, joy, and bewilderment. I think that the thing that amazes me the most is how much I already love this little life that is so tiny and yet has been touched by the hand of God and made into something extraordinary.
I have been enjoying the new life all around me this spring, but the new life of a new human being is something that far outweighs anything that could ever happen. My prayer life has officially shifted a bit, and from now on this child will be covered in prayer for protection, wisdom, joy, and a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.
P. S. I decided to make it pink because I feel all rosy =)

Worth a 1000 words...

I found myself today really wishing that I had a better camera, and a way to post pictures on this blog. Pictures are a way to say something that you cannot express in words. Being a writer, I am fairly good at expressing myself in words, but sometimes just a simple snap shot can give inspiration and love and joy to a whole afternoon. I was in Barns and Nobel yesterday, I love to look at the books, but sometimes I am more inspired by the cover, or the people around me than I am by the words. For this reason, I enjoy reading blogs that have a lot of pictures, and wish that I could give that to someone, anyone who finds themselves reading my blog.
Perhaps I should take a class and find out how to do all of this stuff, but at the same time I want to "take a class" for just about everything...It's a good thing that I like school. There are so many things out there to learn and enjoy.
The other reason that I would really love to get a new camera is because, first off I am almost done with school, and will be moving soon, so I want to begin to capture some of the wonderful people, places and memories that I have here. When we move I'd like to take pictures of that. And....I feel that God is going to be taking me overseas soon, it would be nice to really be able to capture and show people my adventures. Weather I go back to Africa, to Israel, to Europe, or on a boat trip to Fiji. So, what do you think? Should I start saving for a camera...or perhaps a plane ticket? ;)

Conotations and Paradigms

So much of what we see and do is related directly to our connotations and paradigms, and so often do we only see through these lenses that it becomes nearly impossible to see something new. Furthermore, the longer we look through these ideas only, the more they become ingrained into our brains until it is nearly impossible to see things any other way. This is why we call older people "narrow minded".
There is however, a way around this fate of being "stuck in our ways", and that is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. But, we have to let Him take control. The Bible says to "take every thought captive to Christ." What do you think would happen if we submitted every idea and belief to the infinite being who created thought in the first place? So often we take the term "take captive" and say that He is locking us up and stifling any creative thought, but if you think about it, since He is the creator, would that not be freeing?
It is our connotations and paradigms only that make us thing of God as a controlling party-pooper who does not want us to have any fun. If we sit down and read the Bible, read His story just for what it is, a simple story about God and His creation, and what he did with it, then we will begin to see this whole world in a new light. Why not try and read it from God's perspective instead of the peoples? Just read the text, if for no other reason that it is an ancient story filled with some of the most influential ideas, and beautiful poetry ever written, and you will see what will happen...

April

Today is April 1st, which as you all undoubtedly know is April Fools day. I decided to find out the origin of April Fools, and come to find out it was started because "those crazy foolish people who call themselves disciples of Christ think that He rose form the grave!" and because it was said that they had taken the body and tricked everyone into thinking that He was alive, people played tricks on each other in order to make fun of them.
This, I thought was very interesting, and you could have a lot of fun with it. One thing that I thought (though I may be too much of a coward to do it at the moment) is to celebrate this day by doing something foolish for Christ. It is a good excuse to get yourself out there, to obey Him even if it seems odd to other people. What if we celebrated Easter and the "foolishness" as the world calls it of Christ himself to die for ultimate victory, and the 'foolishness' of His followers to believe and know without a shadow of a doubt that HE IS RISEN. Can we, like Jesus, obey God at any cost and do something that makes no since to anyone else? This is also a challenge for me, so don't think that I am just trying to get you to do something that I wont, but lets come together, and "become even more undignified than this!"
Happy Easter!

Decisions

This weekend was I think very important... I went to Boise with my parents to attend some meetings where a good friend was speaking. As usual I enjoyed the speaker as he flowed in his natural prophetic gift, and there were many good things being said. However, this time was different. I don't know if it is just because times are changing, I am growing up, I have a different view, or God was just doing something different, but different it was. I enjoyed the meeting, it was full of power and encouragement, but this time I had to figure out what I thought of it Biblicaly. I have since then come to the conclusion that what I heard of it was Biblical, but there was a while that I really had to search for the answers that I could only find in the Word.
There was another interesting time in Boise, my family (I have a rather large one) were all gathered at my aunts house, and just visiting when a heated debate about Christian activity in the government broke out. All sides made good points, and I did not think much of it until today. Today I found out that my cousin was involved in a Police Brutality Protest, where there was a lot of commotion, some shooting and ultimately many people were arrested. (She is fine, and the experience I believe has been good for her. ) This made me think. At what point do we get involved in this? Personally I believe that much of that decision should be on an individual basis, but at the same time, I think that it is time we...or at least I made that decision.
I am now an adult, I am by no means old, but I am at the age where these things, the way I live out this life that has been given to me, must be decided. I am part of the face of the next generation, and I am the one who is going to have to decide how this next 50 years will go. But here is the trick, the wonderful awareness that comes..."not I but Christ in me, the hope of Glory." "For I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who lives." And it is in that knowledge, and awareness that the decision must be made.
(Weather or not you read my blog, just writing it down has helped me to think through a lot of what has happened=) )

Look Closley

One thing I have noticed more lately than ever before, is that if you are not looking to God, then there is nowhere to turn. This month, our family has faced seemingly impossible situations, where the only place to go is up...happily, that is where we went, and we have seen the goodness of God come through. He has shown Himself strong on behalf of His people. It was really not a big thing, but at the same time it was too big for us. Our prayers were answered, and my faith is high.
At the same time, there are many people upset at our government rite now, and it would seem that we are faced with a problem that is really too big for us to handle...but I can assure you that it is by no means too big for Him to handle. Now, I know that you know this, but at the same time it is good to be reminded of it. God it would seem prefers to save His people at the last possible moment. Rite before the end, it is then that He often chooses to show Himself. The trick is to believe even unto the end that He will come through for you. When Jesus went to the cross, it seemed as though God was too late, that it was passed the end, but....He knew what he was doing, and all is always in His timing.
If we look closely, we can see God all around. I firmly believe that God is the primary, and not the secondary cause of history, and the goings on of the world. It was no accident that America was born, that we have helped to spread liberty all over the world. It was no accident that Napoleon was defeated. It was no accident that Rome ruled the world when it did. These things are not the cause of the time line of the world, but rather the result of what God is doing. He is still around and working today. We read the story of Ester, and the famous words "For such a time as this." Could it also be true that we were born for such a time? That the fields are white for the harvest, and that God is searching the Earth to find someone who will gather it, who will spread His word? God is moving, He is speaking, He has a plan, and a strategy. If you will look closely and pray that the eyes of your heart will be opened. Stop. Listen. Know that this is a time unlike any other, and God is very near...

St. Patricks Day

I love St Patrick's Day. It is one of my favorite holidays. Have you ever studied St Patrick himself? He was an amazing man to say the least. He lived somewhere between 350-450 A. D. (well before the catholic church) and was raised in England. When he was about 15 he was picked up in a raid and taken to be a slave in Ireland for the next 10 (or so) years. He had been raised Christian, and during his time as a slave, his love and devotion to God, as well as the safety and assurance he felt from God, only grew. One night he heard the audible voice of God telling him to...Return to his homeland. And so he did. He made a rather fastening journey, it was very roundabout, but he finally made it back to England. Once there, he began to feel very heavily that God was calling him back to Ireland as a missionary.
Thus he went, with only Gods word to sustain him, back to the people who had enslaved him as a youth. He is famously associated with the 3-leaf Clover, or Shamrock...the reason is because the three leaves were a perfect illustration as to how God can be one God and Three Persons. Just as it is one clover with three leaves.
In his later years, he went all over the known world starting churches. He operated in the supernatural every day, and it was said that he would raise people from the dead daily. He started many praise and worship centers, and multiple mission schools where he taught young people to know the word of God, and to operate in it, and to go out into the world. The movements which he started were not stopped until Constantine, and the rise of the Catholic Church. Thus, St. Patrick was a truly remarkable man. Here is the prayer he prayed daily. I love it, and I hope you will too...

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Through the power of the Trinity
The Three in One
The One in Three
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation

Spring Fever

Well, it may only be March 8th, but it is most definitely beginning to be spring, and EVERYONE that I know has spring fever. God is so good; yesterday, as you must know, was Sunday...I stayed home this weekend, instead of going home (does that make since?) and whenever I stay home I get lonely on Sunday, because that it the day that I usually spend with family. Well, I was sitting at my house feeling lonely, and looked outside at the warm sun and thought "There is no way I am going to stay inside when it is so beautiful outside!" So, taking a well placed suggestion from my mother, I grabbed my books and headed to the park for some lovely outdoor reading.
Upon getting there, however, I ran into a friend of mine who had taken his kids to the park, and was able to sit and visit for a few hours. It was a lovely time, and I cannot help but be thankful that God has given me both the ability to walk to the park on a Sunday afternoon, and the ability to have friends close by who are willing and able to talk to me. Another thing is that I realized how close I actually am to another friends house, as I passed it on my way to the park.

Point Taken

Diligence, Consistency, and Self Control are the words for this next thing that God is doing in my life. And let me say, that He is really making His point. The other day, when I was journoling He was telling me that it is time that I really learn how to be consistent, and push myself. Then, the next day I was reading and came across the Scripture where Paul says "If a man does not work, neither shall he eat." The next day was Sunday, and the pastor decided it would be a good day to preach on diligence, and the importance of using what you have. The next day, as I was at work logging into some books, and hearing what was over the radio, the man was talking about using what you have, and using it unto the Lord day in and day out. Is it just me, or is Someone trying to say something here!
Now, here is the amazing part...inasmuch as God wants us to daily work hard, be diligent and self controlled, He has also provided a day of rest. Most of us do not understand the meaning of the Sabbath anymore, we like having Saturday off of work and all, but we don't understand the purpose that God intended. Jesus said that the Sabbath was created for man. It was created to give us a day dot relax, rest, and remember and concentrate on what we are living for, to re-center all that we are doing, and encourage us to continue on for the rest of the week. Now, do we have a wonderful God or what! He gives us something to work hard at, to go for with all that is in us (weekday!) and then gives us a day to stop and see what we have done, and why we have done it.

Moving On

Well, all I have to say about the date of this blog as compared to the last one is that sometimes God gives me so much to think about and write down that it gets overwhelming and I procrastinate. =)
There has been so much going on lately. First of all, my brother got married. It was beautiful and fun, laid back and sophisticated. Small...but perhaps bigger than our living room could hold. And the best part is...I have my brother back! For the past two years it is as though he had to prove that he was old enough to get married (he is very young) and now that it is no longer a matter of proving himself, he can once again be the wonderful person that I grew up with.
The second 'main thing' that has been going on has a lot to do with what God has been doing in my own heart, mind and life. (I will keep this blog to two) You know, when the Angel came to Gideon his greeting was to call him a "Mighty man of Valor." And considering that at the time Gideon was hiding in a vat this title did not seem to fit him very well. He then took the whole next part of the story to prove that he was neither mighty nor valiant, but once he had been given that title, God never saw him as anything else. Once God tells you who you are, there is never another question. God has told me who I am, and now it is my decision to be that person or not, to follow and obey my Creator or wallow in my own self. I am not saying that we can be that person without Him, for we cannot, but I am saying that it is our decision to really become that person. Gideon did become a mighty man of valor, and with an army of 300 defeated an army of 10,000, but it was because he obeyed the Lord. So, I don't know where exactly God is going to take me, and it may seem ridiculous (as it would seem ridiculous to fight 10,000 people with 300) but I think I will take my chances...

God at Work

Well, yet another week has gone by without me posting a blog...sorry =)
Don't you love it when you can actually see the miracles that are happening around you? This week has been pretty amazing. I have been walking through life normally, but have seen many extraordinary things...here is the catch...you have to know what to look for. Like all things that are different or out of the ordinary, you must have a trained eye. Just as the bird watcher can tell the difference between a hawk and a raven, so an intercessor needs to be able to tell the difference between coincidence, and God at work. The second thing that we must do is to give that miracle is true value.
My brothers fiance gave some areas of her life over to God this week that she had not before. IT IS SO AMAZING! No one but God at work in her could have done that. This one simple thing has opened up so many doors that otherwise we would not have been able to even see, let alone walk through. Another friend of mine had some charges against him dropped because of something seemingly without connection...but there was a connection, and God is the connector. To add to my joy, some friends who have been struggling financially were given some money. Not a huge amount...if you look at the check, but if you look at the relationship, this is a major step!
All of these things are miracles. I truly believe that God is the primary cause of both history and the things that we see around us today, not the secondary effect of what is going on in the world.

Characteristics of God

Sorry that I have not posted in a while...its been kinda busy lately! Busy but good.

You know how sometimes something will happen that makes you feel like God is saying "its ok, I got it." but that something that happened was something that would only make you feel that way? Well that happened to me yesterday. It was small, but it was there. I was grocery shopping actually, and I was debating over a few of the choices that I had made, and how long everything was taking, and was fairly frustrated with the busyness of it all. When I purchased my food and supplies for the week it came out to an exact number, exact in the 10's and in the change. I am a little left brained ;) and it was like God was assuring me that I got exactly what I needed to get, not more or less. Then, on my way home I did not hit one red light out of the 7 of them, which said "You were not wasting time, and I am with you." Like I said, little things that reassure you that God is there and that He cares.

The other thing that I was thinking about it "Am I OK with God giving justice?" I know that it sounds silly, but think about it....are you OK with bad people being punished for sin? Most people get angry with God when someone dies, even if they are evil. They don't mind if they are in prison, as long as the prison is clean and happy (for the most part). But are you OK with God really taking vengeance on the people who have martyred the Christians? One of the biggest complaints that people have about God is His justice. The other, is his mercy. Let me ask you another question, "Are you OK with Gods mercy?" Would you be happy if a child molester and murder got saved and went to heaven? Or if someone who cheated you and hurt you was blessed in a business deal after he had repented? Or would you allow someone who divorced their good wife for another woman to be happy in that marriage?

I guess both of these questions are summed up in this one, "Are you OK with the Lordship of Christ?" Are you at peace to let Him be the ultimate judge? I really and truly believe that this one question is the most controversial and offensive question that anyone has to ask themselves. But, this is the one question that everyone must come to terms with in their life. It must be answered, and it will be answered....what is your answer?

Worship

You know, there is just something about reading the Bible that gives you life more than just about anything else. If you are ever beaten down by life, or are unsure where to turn, there are two things that you can do to remedy the situation. One or the other, and generally both work, worship and the reading of Gods word. They both bring so much edification and life to your spirit that there is nothing that can nullify them.
No matter where you are, or where you have been, as we serve a loving and forgiving God, we can come to Him and ask for forgiveness, we can set our hearts to worship Him, we can learn about Him. Weather you just need a "pick me up" in the morning, or if you have been running down the wrong road, there is always a place for you to find peace. If you have been running down the wrong road you must repent to find it, but it is there all the same.
That being said, we must never forget that we serve a Great, Mighty, and Just God. He is not a "push over" and though He will give forgiveness and grace, if you do not turn from your wicked ways He will give justice. However, I take comfort in that reality. I am glad to know that we serve a just and good God. I am invigorated when I know that evil will not stand, indeed it Cannot stand against the Powerful Light which is our God.
Of the righteous God says. "When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run you will not stumble" Prov 4:12
Of the wicked God says. "The way of the wicked is like darkness, they do not know what makes them stumble." Prov 4:19
Praise be to God, for You alone I will worship, and You alone I will praise. Praise the Lord.

Front Door Opportunities

I have recently been praying for God to give me opportunities to do things for Him. I realize that often this can be a frightening thing as we are never sure what He is going to ask us to do. However, in my case it has been a huge blessing.
I know that part of the calling on my life is to write, and, though I don't see a pulpit in my near future, I have been called to preach (at least some what). Well it occurred to me when I first started this blog that I could write "encouraging messages" but it has once again hit me that this blog is a wonderful platform in which to do what God has asked of me. Amazingly enough, using this blog to write and preach at the same time really works!
It isawe inspiring how when we ask God for something that is in line with what He has asked us to do, He will always give us the exact circumstances to get what we need...what I call "front door opportunities" Because it is right there, at your front door, the only thing you have to do is open it. Why cant I be pursuing what God has for me to do right now? Why cant I be doing what I can to prepare myself for all that He has for me? Why cant you?
Often, however, He must ask us to get up off of the floor in order to answer the door. We must embrace leaving things not of Him in order to become fully His. No relics of Hell in Heaven, so to speak. How much do you want it? You must love Him enough to be willing to do anything. I have said that He leaves things on our doorstep, which is true, but that dose'nt always mean that it is easy. It is however, always good. You know, "in order to become a butterfly, a caterpiller must want it enough to give up being a caterpiller."

Peace and Chaos

You know, there is just something about living alone that makes you very thankful for family. Don't get me wrong, I love the peace and quiet that I get in my apartment, but there are times when I miss the chaos. Thankfully though God has given me A LOT to do these days so I don't get board, but it still makes me happy to think that just two hours away is a place where I can go and watch as everyone freaks out and I can have a wonderful time. (I hope that dosent sound terrible) Sometimes the noise is exactly what I need.
I remember a few years ago when every time that I went into my room to try and get something done, or be by myself, someone would want to come in and talk to me. They never had anything to say, but they wanted to say something. Sometimes I miss that. But, I will be going home at the end of the day, and I cant wait to see everyone.

Sabbath

Sometimes, we get so caught up in "being Christian" that we forget to simply sit down in awe of God. We forget the simple beauty of who He is and what He is doing. Though there are many things going on, and we are all busy, there is a place where we all must go and sit, and rest. This is called the Sabbath. God instituted it into all that He was doing...from the creation on. He commanded us to observe it in the same place that He commanded us not to murder, or steal. Scientifically it is proven that if you take a day off you will be more productive on the other six days. I just want to encourage you to stop what you are doing, all the worry and all the Christian "have too", and just concentrate on Jesus, and why it is that you love Him. It does not have to be an in depth study, but more just an awe and an awareness of His love and life.

Poem

This is just some poetry that I wrote in worship the other day...

Lord,
You are my All,
You are my everything,
Help me through my trial,
Keep me under Your wing.
For my full desire,
Lord my only hope
is to honor and worship You.
God take me, use me
Make me, break me.
For I am yours in all I do
Let my life Lord
Be pleasing unto You.
Lord you are all I want,
You are all I need
Help me now,
To follow Your lead.
I will run after you
all of my days.
God please,
Train me in Your ways.
I look up into the sky
To see Your beauty pass me by,
Do not look away,
Do not leave me alone,
But look on Your servant,
See Your obedient one.
How lovely, how mighty,
Is the Lord?
Who is like Him?
For He is God
King of all
Lord Forevermore.
God of righteousness
And Justice,
Peace and truth shall be His name,
For He makes the blind to see,
and heals the lame.
How wonderful are Your works,
All mighty God!
Blessing and honor is your name,
I will praise you,
Oh Lord my God.
Worship and honor,
Praise and love,
To You forever more.
Until the very end of time
Will the Lord be praised.
For all shall know the Glory,
And the power of the Lord.
Through His overcoming,
Overpowering, captivating,
All consuming Son,
And love of His life,
Jesus Christ
Jehovah Savior,
Forever,
Amen

Excitement

Well, I started my school back up this week, and I don't think that the word excited quite covers it. :) I am absolutely in every way looking forward to this next semester. First of all I am taking The Life and Theology of Paul.....lets just say that this class is going to be a blast! I have been to two classes, and I have already learned a ton! Paul is the most talked about and controversial character in the NT (perhaps even more so than Jesus himself). Just as Moses is the most controversial character in the OT. We have already looked into some of the major arguments, and it is fascinating.

My second class this semester is the Principle Approach Literature. What that means is that we are learning how to teach Literature using the Principle Approach and the 4R method. These two ways of teaching are a lost art in today's world, which is sad because they are some of the most effective ways to teach, and the same curriculum/method works from pre-school to College. I am the most excited about this class, because quite frankly, I LOVE LITERATURE.
The last reason that I am so excited about this semester is that it is my last one. I will still go to school for a while I think, but this is my last one here. I am both excited and sad about this. I have learned and grown so much form my time here that I am quite amazed, and have grown to love the people around me. I have learned more in the two years here than I did in all of high school and grade school, which is fairly remarkable.

I know that God has good things coming my way, and that when I am done with this semester I will have been faithful in what He has asked me to do, and will be ready for the next thing. I will most definitely miss the classes, the teachers, and the other students, but it is my plan to stay in relationship with them, for they are a gift from God, and will not lightly go away.

Selfless

I had an experience this weekend that was in fact very similar to many other experiences I have had in my walk with God, this one however made the point like no other one had done. There had been a lot of talking lately about my grandfather and his new wife. This is a fairly sore subject still, and I was upset. In order to shake the offense and enjoy the rest of my night, I decided to go into the other room and pray...little did I know that God would show up the way that He did.

As I sat there writing in my journal God decided to interrupt my hurt and confusion with one word. Selfless...I realized, that if I was going to be OK, I had to stop thinking about what this whole thing had done to me and forgive to the point that I could be happy to let him be happy. I had to get to the point where I had to be OK if my grandfathers new wife was not only saved, but happy, and prosperous. This does not mean that I have to pretend that everything is fine and dandy, but it does mean that I have to forgive.

Then God decided to keep going with this whole "selfless" theme...I had to not only get to the point where I was OK, but I had to get to the point where it was no longer about me being ok, in fact it wasnt about me, or what I wanted or liked at all. I know that Jesus loves me beyond anything that I could ever realize, and in that knowledge I have to be ok with it being all about Him. In our sociaty today, we often talk abuot how much God loves us and wants us to prosper, and so on and so on...but we have forgotten that HE IS GOD. As such, He has the right to have everything be about Him. It is not about what we want, it is about what we can do for Him and for His kingdom. However, when we really truly begin to love him, then what we want becomes about spreading His kingdom and doing whatever He has asked us to do.

A Good Book

Well, I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful New Year, and that no one got hurt driving home. My New Year was good, went to a party with friends, good friends, and laughed and talked and probably ate a little too much, but ended up at home safe by 12:30. I then got very sick, and spent the next two days in bed, and now am back to work. Not quite back to 100% yet, but am on my way and am very thankful that I had the weekend off where I could just rest.

There was however one thing I was able to do besides sleep, and that was read. If you have not read the book Christ of the Indian Road by E Stanly Jones, I suggest you consider it. So far, it is wonderful! Mr Jones is discussing the difference between bringing Western Civilization to India, or bringing Christ to India. Here is the amazing thing, the Indian people Want Christ! They need Him, and they know it. When Christianity is centered on Christ, and we leave all of our traditions and all of the little things that we have to do out of it, Christianity has no problem spreading like wildfire. This all goes back to the very thing that I have been saying from the beginning, All must be centered on Christ.

There was a really good quote in the second chapter of the book that I would like to share with you. "If what we are doing is real, then it will thrive all the more. If it isn't real, the sooner we find out the better." How humble a way to profess your faith? If we would just simply believe in Jesus, and live for Him, often times that is the best witness we can give. I would also call to you attention the word "witness" What does this word mean but that we have "seen something with our eyes, and can testify to its truth." How many people do you know who can say that about their relationship with Jesus? Can you?

On that note, I will leave you to continue on as we burst into the new month, the new year, and the new decade.