Enough is Enough

Confession
For those of you who don't know, I am a recovering church basher. Let me explain. I have spent my late teen years and early twenties pointing out everything that was wrong with the church, instead of being the church. From music to leadership, I have had some rude actions, under the breath grumblings and down right hateful comments towards the American church. Honestly, I feel some of my opinions about our brand of theology in America is watered down, but that is not what I am referring to.*

Problem
I am talking about my specific disdain for individual churches. This is not spiritually healthy. God doesn't want me bad mouthing the church, his bride, anymore than I should be talking bad about my neighbor (see Revelations 19:7 and Luke 10:27). If I am tearing down the bride of Christ, I am actively dishonoring God, spitting and throwing dirt at the Almighty. The church, a community of believer who gather to hash out God's word, love one another and win others to Christ, should be honored. The church should be a bunch of sinners who come together for correction, encouragement and praise for the Creator. And yet, through my pessimistic lenses and haughty attitude, I see only the negative from the bride of Christ and dishonor God.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

Enough is Enough
I am not only calling out myself, but those who have similar attitudes. We need to be disciples of Christ, not outsiders who claim to live a different and better brand of Christianity than what the church is offering now. The American church is in dire need of leaders: men and women of faith who will stand up for scripture, defend the bride of Christ, and become assets of the church. The church has plenty of enemies, but where do you and I stand? If you were in my sinking boat, than you are currently an enemy. Are you an enemy of God? Enough is Enough, "...because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelations 3:16)." I don't want to be lukewarm any longer and I encourage each of you to do the same. We need to build a better and stronger community of believer, instead of punching holes in the walls allowing Satan to spin nasty webs. Where do you stand, lukewarm enemy of the church or on fire for God?

May God Bless and touch each of you this week.

*I do believe with sound doctrine, faithfulness, positive and corrective encouragement through strong leadership, action and prayer can help change the American church; the negativity from professing believers must stop.

Oh My Blog Where Have You Gone?

For those of you who still stop by, I extend my deepest apologizes. Not that I expect each of you to read my blog daily, but I know my mom reads...Sorry for not posting soon, Mom (or anyone else who might be offended by my lack of posting). I have been reading a few other blogs and think to myself, "I used to blog." It has been too long, so without further delay...

Kari and I have been having a blast. I am working full time doing customer service and Kari is working overtime at Texas State (she's taking 18 hours). I lack about 10 hours before I can get my diploma.

Our first Christmas was amazing. Check out some of the pics below to see our Christmas tree. We enjoyed Christmas with all sides of our families and remained mostly in Central Texas. Christmas Day was spent in Milano, College Station and Bastrop. We enjoyed Christmas with my mother the Sunday before the 25th. New Year's was spent at Watterson Hall in Watterson, TX with my brothers and sister in law. We enjoyed some country music by Rockne's own Logan Tucker. On New Year's day, we slept the morning away and had a great meal that included some great black eyed peas. Later that afternoon, we watched a couple of movies and played the origianl Super Mario Bros. on Nintendo.

Please be in prayer for Kari and I, as God moves in our lives daily. Kari's grandfather is in the hospital, please pray for him, his wife and family. I have battled a few health issues over the past few months; some prayer would be great. Kari continues to have back pain, please keep her in your prayers as she receives treatment.

I will be on here more often...so check back or just set up an RSS Feed, it does all the work for you. Have a blessed day and week.