Going Down?

The current times will not sweep away those who have a strong anchor.  Even as the markets crash and politicians come and go and the world itself groans on its axis; those with a strong anchor will not be swept away.  There is another way of living in hope and prospering love.  There are clear thoughts and meaningful clarities just through the haze of this media blitz and neon lighted signage.  

I feel a bit at odds with this global world.  There is some kind of weird circle we go through where we work to afford to live where we live and we work to afford the things we have and then we are conditioned to "need" these things and we end up laboring for the wrong things.  I end up neglecting those that need my help.  I end up neglecting the one who loves me.  I am guilty in many ways of being distracted.  

This brings me to my current condition.  I am trying to get back into school to finish my degree so that someday when my wife and I have kids, we will have the flexibility financially for her to stay home and spend her time helping to raise our children.  I am also in the process of finishing off two albums for two different musical projects.  This music is what I wish to do with my life.  It's financial success though is not guaranteed.  I will continue to write no matter what because there in lies some of my most honest thoughts and feelings.  The writer... the artist... these will remain and I will add additional arteries for benefit of my family.  God's will be done.  Where will this go next?

Changing the Hearts of Christians

Followers of Christ rise up!  Fellow believers in love please take your stand.  Anybody who has ears to hear or eyes to see, please take note.  It does not matter who wins this upcoming election in the United States.  Our next President and his fellow members of the House and Senate will not bring about the change this country and this world needs.

God will bring change.  When God changes the heart of a person, that's when there will be change.  We need to all grow in our relationships with Christ.  We are in need of his grace and mercy more than ever.  Money will not change our problems.  Passionate speeches or drawing lines in the sand will not bring about change.  No, it is God that changes the heart of men.  

When God changes you from the inside out there is an amazing shift that occurs.  What was once an internal struggle and toil becomes a tangible manifestation of love.  Our actions begin to mimic the love God has put in us.  This is the change that is needed in America today.  We Christians need to start living lives of love and we will see the transformation God brings when act upon His love.

I want to confess to you all sins and my transgressions.  One of my main areas of sin is my anger.  I sin daily when I drive to work (usually).  I am so refreshed that one day out of twenty when I am able to drive somewhere and not be brought to a sinful anger.  Today in particular I found myself cursing at people in cars on my way home from work.  I cannot overcome this anger but God can.  Please forgive me for unloving and selfish heart in this matter!  

Do you have unconfessed sin?  The bible calls Christians to confess their sins to each other.  This is a beautiful moment for us to lay bare what is hidden and be forgiven.  I will have more posts where I ask your forgiveness as I know that I will continue to stumble around in this life.  My hope is that God will help me grow and give me the strength to stop committing the same sin over and over again.  I want to move on to the mature things the bible alludes to!  

-E

Hear me oh civilization!

They feast on our flesh while we sleep.  They try to control us as we move about.  They want to know our information and our time.  Who is they?  

I find these questions as I watch any TV news show or read the popular news sites.  CNN, Drudge Report, Yahoo, Google, MSN, NY Times, Politico.  Who are these people?  There are too many agendas clouding and clawing at us.  All these distractions to keep us passionate about nothing, but passionate about it.  The powers of this world always trying to exert their influence.  They direct us to and fro trying to sell us on products and ideas.  They are trying to divide us and put us into their neat little boxes that have brought them so much comfort.  

I want to talk about real things.  God, poverty, war, religion... take your pick, there are many more.  I don't want to regurgitate someone else's opinions or conclusions.  In particular, I want to talk about poverty.

I feel guilty that I do not seek out the poor or take care of the widows.  What do I do?  So often I am approached on the street for some spare change and ALWAYS my answer is, "Sorry, I can't help you" or "Nope, don't have any."  I don't remember that last time I looked upon them as people.  I join the ranks of hypocrites claiming to be Christ Followers but disdaining those who ask me for real help.  Please forgive me, give me another chance.