Stumbling About for Truth

As Christians (or the church as we're sometimes thought of) we're suppose to be a group for those looking for refuge. You know, a place where those in need come to find help. We're suppose to care about others before ourselves right? There's no greater way to show your love and care for someone in need than to give of yourself to them. Jesus said we should follow His example and love one another as He loved us: sacrificially and unconditionally. I recently found that a friend of mine experienced the opposite in her hour of need. I don't know all the details. But then again, I don't need to know them. What I do know is that she found no refuge when she needed it. She found only that those she thought would walk with her were too busy to stop and listen and realize that she was hurting and in need of their friendship and compassion. This is not good. If we can't slow down enough to care and be the refuge for those we say we love, then what good are we to God o...

Ahem... La La La La... Mi Mi Mi Mi... okay I'm ready... I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except by me... and if he's a republican... and only if he's pro-life... oh wait! No gays either. They're an abomination. And they must be American patriots. No sissy pacifists either! Also, he better have voted for "W" and he'd best not have voted for that heathen Obama! And low taxes! he's gotta believe in low taxes! Also, if you're a woman, you need to know your place if you want in to my kingdom - no woman leaders allowed in my kingdom! My peep Paul said it straight and he meant it! And you must be pro-israel. Screw the muslims! They are eeeeviiiilllll!!! You help a muslim, forget it. You're not getting in. No catholics either. They follow some guy in a big white shiny hat. They're idolaters. They ain't allowed! Hey God... did I miss anyone. You think them Americans will be happy? What was that? Socialists? Oh! Ye...

While I was walking tonight, I had an almost hour long texting conversation with my daughter. She is in Wyoming (though texting from Salt Lake City where she is visiting) and I am in Texas. She is coming back to Texas and the heat in a few days though and we are excited! I thought there was something special about the convo, though I am not sure what. Our conversation consisted of the mundane, the seriously spiritual, and some memories all wrapped up in a little humor. I don't know... Maybe it was just that we were sharing our lives with each other without the weight of the baggage that has been plaguing our relationship the last few years. Anyways, send me your thoughts after you read it... Note: I kept the bad grammar and punctuation as it appeared to preserve the essence of the brevity of texting. We still did some good communicatin' though! Dad: What doin? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Huh? Dad: Well? Dad: ....

"The ascended christ reigns over the church and all societies but in different ways. In truth, the only "Christian nation" is the body of Christ as it is dispersed throughout all peoples and in all times. Confusion on this point has resulted in far-reaching consequences." Read more here .

I think most times, God is busily stripping us of the idols we have clothed ourselves in. I don't think He cares much about what we want that we think will make us happy. There are many more imminent issues concerning our lives in relation to the Kingdom of God than our pipe dreams of wealth, health and happiness.

I like Facebook. So therefore you'll find me commenting and dialoguing there more than just writing a static piece here. So if you have a Facebook account, "Friend" me and let me know you found me here and I will accept you as a friend even if I don't know you. If you have no idea what "friending" is, don't be too alarmed. Go to facebook.com and open an account and then look me up. You can also click the facebook badge over there on the right side of this page. I will still write from time to time here - maybe once every other month or so. Maybe more, maybe less. So if you care to keep up with me, facebook is the place. You can email me as well. My address is over there to the right. -Alan P.S. I am also on Twitter @apcreative.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." “You must rail against an immoral society. By this all men will know that you are my disciples.” “You must be a part of the “right” political party. By this all men will know you are my disciples.” “You must point out others’ sins. By this all men will now you are my disciples.” “You must agree with me on all doctrinal issues – especially those pesky controversial ones. By this all men will know you are my disciples. “You must believe the Bible is inerrant. By this all men will know you are my disciples.” Some of those are actually good things. I wonder why Jesus didn’t say any of those instead of saying we would be known by our love for one another? You’d think He did say many of them by what we focus on sometimes. We are intent on becoming the world’s moral and spiritual police. We want to be the Holy ...