Great Days

Monday, August 23, 2010 Great Days
Today was a truly Great Day! I was in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and back again. I spent the day reconnecting with my cousin. It was all love and all good. I had a meal in the Burgh that was Thanksgiving like complete with all the fixins'. There was turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, and pound cake....LOVE. I was able to see my family; Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, Step-Dad, Sisters, Cousins, Nephew, Niece....

It's days like this that remind you of the important things in life. It's about family, connection, fellowship...essentially it's about relationships. Connecting with the people you love is truly powerful. It's that feeling of acceptance, understanding, and support that means so much. You can't find that everywhere so value those times when you do.

Life isn't perfect but it can be enjoyable. Don't spend all your time looking at what you don't have. Step back from the grind and the pursuit of happiness and take in what you have right in front of you. Recognize those folks that let you be you and take care to enjoy them. Have a great day!

The Undeniable Power and Presence of Sin

Talk to any born again Christian and you will soon find that somewhere close to the beginning of the Gospel message is the presence of sin in the lives of men and women. Sin is what separates us from God, from each other, and even from ourselves (people are not congruent in their thoughts, intentions, beliefs, emotions, or actions). It is a terrible disease that plagues the human race from beginning to end. Remember Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."

Sin is the number one problem in the world. Why is there disease? Answer-SIN. Why is there poverty? Answer-SIN. Why is there divorce, crime, pain, evil, lies, racism, debt, heartache.......? SIN, SIN, SIN!!! On every count it's sin. There is no escaping it's power or presence. Whether one is in or out of the church sin is still present among you.

Sin is why the country has a housing crisis. Sin is why you're overweight, underweight, or self-worshiping. Sin is why a person can do the wrong thing thinking it was for the right reason or do the right thing for the wrong reason. Sin is why we are attracted to hurtful, shameful, and damaging behavior. It is the cause of every whoa the human race experiences.

So, what is a man or woman to do? Where can one find relief? Will it ever end? The Answer to question number is seek out and accept Christ. He is the only real answer for our sinful ways. His blood and eternal life has paid the price for all of our wrongs. If you do this you find relief (the answer to question number 2).

Christ brings relief because takes the pressure to perform off of us. We can rest assured that we have salvation, forgiveness, love, and understanding from God our Father because of Christ. In addition, we receive the presence of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome sin in our lives. The Spirit helps to refine us and make us more like Christ daily.

If you proceed in the first two actions then the third question shall be answered via experience. We shall never know complete transformation from sinfulness to sinlessness on this earth. However, we shall sinless as we are formed in the image of Christ. Ultimately, we shall see the end of our struggle against this disease when we cross over into eternity. It is then that we shall be completely renewed. New bodies, a new home, and a whole new experience of God's presence and goodness. It will be at that time that we will see clearly and no as we have been known. There is no doubt that the power of sin is present throughout all of the earth. However, hope is available.