Sinking Sands outside the Kingdom

My hope is not and  never will be in a political machine.  I thank God, that my hope and future is in Jesus Christ- not the republican or democrat parties.

Since the election, I've heard, read and seen many disappointing comments towards "other" people.  To be honest-at times I've been ashamed at "Christian" responses toward Mr. Obama, and the election.

Sure, I don't agree with many of Mr. Obama's stances, but on the other hand-I can't say that I agree with the alternative on all of his as well.  My point is beyond this; my spirit has really been burdened by the sharp, unloving, and relentless attacks on the "others."  

Kingdom followers- we must live and love as pursuers of Jesus Christ.  Jesus lived under and near the one of the greatest political influences of all time.  How did He live and love the world He walked in?

On Christ the Solid Rock I will stand, all other ground is sinking sand......

www.neueministry.com/2008/11/a-reply-to-dobsons-letter/

A word on Fear, by Don Miller

Don Miller is an author that I respect quite a bit.  Recently on his blog, he posted some thoughts on 'fear', and how he is trying to live beyond the grips of fear.  Here are some of his thoughts:

"But none of my heroes are controlled by fear.  The commandment most often repeated in scripture, in fact, is "do not fear."  Fear is often something unrighteous trying to keep you from doing something good."

-Don Miller

Refreshed

  Ever find yourself worn out? Not physically, but something more, a deeper sense of being worn out.  I would imagine we can all relate.  

  Could be that we find ourselves on the "edge", or maybe feeling like giving up for a spell.  Or it could simply be a feeling of "everyone just leave me alone!"  Ha!

  I found myself entering this past weekend-worn out.  Not on the edge by any means, but at the same time needing a time of refreshment.

  Thankfully I found that refreshment.  Or rather, I met Refreshment, and of all things it was an encounter with God.  And what I found interesting was that the encounter happened in a series of experiences within a group setting.  

  Yes, sure- a church setting.   It doesn't really surprise me; after all I truly believe that we have been created for community.  Which is what church is.  So it doesn't surprise me that refreshing experiences are birthed out of community settings!

  So if you find yourself needing refreshed, and you are lacking community-rediscover God encounters within a group setting!

  I came across an interesting statement.  It come from the book "The Screwtape Letters."  Here's a brief overview of the book; it is a fictional account of a demon who is a mentoring  a younger demon.  There..if you want more-read it.

 Here's the statement: pg 65

"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

  I understand that not everyone believes in a Hell, but if it were to exist, could this be the most disguised way to find ourself on the way there?

  If Hell were to exist; and Heaven as well, could this statement be possible- that narrow is the road to Heaven?