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My Sermon from Galatians chapter 6 on restoration. I encourage the church in how to reach out to those who have fallen into sin, or other wise fallen away from God and the Church. Unlike the Inquisition, and how so many Christians have handled the hurting and broken, Jesus shows us a better way. This passage also gives us certain words of caution so we do not stray as we reach out to help others by believing ourselves to be superior, or falling into the same trap.

1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load.

6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

~Galatians 6:1-10 NASB

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I just bought Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]) [+digital booklet] at Amazon. They are almost always cheaper than iTunes and I can use the music on whatever device I want easily. I’m only a couple songs in, but I’m enjoying it. The first song opens almost exactly like “It is Well” by Kutless. So much so I thought I played the wrong album. In any case, less than $12 for 34 songs from a band I love … no brainer

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I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.

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The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions.

~Claude Levi-Strauss
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I’m getting much closer to the look I’m after for this blog. There is still some work to be done for image, video, and aside post formats but things are really shaping up.

Mood: Very Happy
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Rain began falling drop by drop. He said, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain that will fill the cisterns, pits, and caverns.”

It began to rain with violence. He said, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain of goodwill, blessing, and graciousness.”

Then it rained in moderation.

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I was looking at a Tumblr blog and decided I needed to make my site work better for tumble style blogging. I’m already a good long ways that direction, but I did additional updates to how a few post formats look. Check out these archives and let me know what you think of the new look for these formats.

Got a few other minor changes planned to clean things up, but I’m happy with this start.

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Events to Kill by

image of a man with multiple guns pointed at his head

As a youth pastor, I like to believe that my ministry is more relational. I like to talk to students and hear what is happening in their lives. Not many adults really listen to students. Most are too busy telling them what to do. As a parent I can understand how that happens. You spend so much of your time trying to keep your kids safe and it is hard to really listen to them. We try to ask about their day, but get a shockingly truncated summary. Me: How was your day? C: Good. Me: … [Read more...]

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Just got an email letting me know my credentials were renewed. Every year I have to fill out a form and agree to the fundamental beliefs of the Assemblies of God and make sure I have paid the district 75% of my tithe. It is kind of interesting since I know I don’t “need” a license to do ministry, I can even get approved to do weddings without a license. I go through this because in my mind it is the right thing to do. In any case, I’m happy that my license was renewed even if I might be a tiny bit disenchanted with the process.

Mood: Happy … I guess? Yeah, Happy.
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God Bless Us as We Bless Others

Presents

Last week I shared about a family I have come to know that is in need. I put a donation button on my site and asked for help. I didn't know if anyone would give but I've been blessed to see how people responded. That night my heart was heavy. I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about this family, and then all the other families in need. I know we made a difference for this family. But my heart was crushed at all of the families out there who need more from those who can help. I kept getting … [Read more...]