Tag Archives: conversation

“Where’s the Beef?”

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We are told not to judge others.  Why?  We judge the traffic lights.  We judge how high we can jump.  We judge whether something is going to hurt us or not.  We judge whether something can be profitable.  We judge everything all the time.  So what do they mean when they say we are not allowed to judge others?

If you went to a dinner at someone’s house and there was no food, wouldn’t you make the right judgment, and figure out quickly, you’re not going to eat here?  Would it be judging the host to mention that there is no food?  Would we be judging him to ask why?

I have noticed something about society that others never mention.  And I know people will think I am judging them when I mention it. 

The fact is, they are judging me for the words that I’m about to say.  Somehow the word judgment became synonymous with comparison or assessment.  Its not the same idea folks!  What people mean when they don’t allow us to judge is that what we’re saying to them hurts.  “Get over it.”

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Other than cursing, where the word “God” among us?

We don’t even say god bless you, unless someone sneezes.  But even then, we may simply say, “Bless you”. 

It’s true!  Am I judging others because I point this out?

I understand the reason why we don’t tell others about the Gospel.  It’s simply a matter of fear.  Or the response quickly comes,  “It’s just not socially acceptable”.

But I can’t explain why even the three letter word “God” is absolutely absent from conversations in public.  I have to admit I’m astounded and dumbfounded at realizing this this morning.

Have you ever been to a store where the teller said, “May God bless you” as you left?  Do you realize how out of place that would be?  Have we have become accustom to speaking like an absolutely godless nation, or what!

We greet one another with every possible variety of greeting (other than the mention of God). 

And lest you think I’m being stupid here, blessing each other in the name of God had been a tradition since the beginning of Man.  Not anymore, huh.

Let the reader answer for himself,.  But the question is obvious, “why”. 

Don’t you think this is rather conspicuous?  Why doesn’t anybody ask about this!

(I wrote this on Facebook first.  But in the short time it takes to cut and paste, I felt anger as I put it here.  I don’t think the anger is mine.)

From Demand to Debate

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What does the world say?

“Love me while I am wicked, with no intention to do what is pure and good!”

What is the response of the Christian?

“Get your hands off my throat so we can talk.”

Wordless Wonder

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Wordlessly my little dog speaks to me of volumes.

The rock on which I stubbed my toe proclaims to me, “I am here!”

Such is the marvelous conversation of creation.

How should we be surprised, that the Living God speaks to us by what is?

By His Grace

Going out

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I struggle hard to get used to it.  When I am not among people the sting fades.  The reality is remembered but the burden is softer.

Prayers are lifted.  Intent is sharpened.  I purpose to do well next time.  When it is time to venture out, desire consumes me to leave myself behind.  But I come along for the ride anyway.

Once with them, blinders of mercy strive to cover their sin.  But their behavior is so blatantly wicked, it is impossible not to notice.

The Lord has taught me his gospel.  And I wear a hat that speaks of eternity.  It is an emblem with a silver cross on a dark blue hat.  The words simply read “Think Eternity“. They see me coming and turn away.

Then the moment comes when conversation is inevitable.  This is the moment I dread the most, for now I will open my mouth.  Just a few words pass and the difference is clear; not only clear to me but brilliantly clear to them.

At some point you see them strive for opportunity to leave.  The simple witness of a man has opened a chasm.  Before they perceive it not.  But now it looms before them, bringing terror.

I did not speak the holy words of Christ in front of them.  That opportunity did not show.  But the views of life within me made themselves apparent.  And the differences between us are stark.

Yes, I dread going out to meet with people.  Not because they are wicked, but because I am such a weak fool.

Christ Jesus within me is strength beyond measure, wisdom eternal, mercy unending.  I look for opportunities to share what is within me.  But opportunity is a fleeting animal.

They are trained to avoid confrontation with the Most High God.  They are trained to love their neighbor by being inclusive and embrace their sin.  They are taught to avoid the confrontation between truth and lies.  And they have learned their lesson very well.