I know lot of intelligent people, who know lots of stuff ...so, I'm not trying to imply that you don't know stuff. I'm only thinking that perhaps I can tell you something you don't know.

Some of you know me better than others, but everyone knows me a bit differently.  I don't decide what it means to be a Christian ...but I am one, and I also don't think it proper for you to necessarily tell me what that means.  But it is proper for God to tell us what that means.

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It's sort of like a conversation I had several years ago with one of our daughters:  

She says, "Dad, you just don't understand!"  

I ask, "Understand what?"  

She gasps, "Me!"  

I take a breath also, "Well, I don't think you quite understand me either, but that is okay."  

She says nothing.  

I conclude, "I think it's okay if we don't fully understand each other, but if we focus on trying to understand God a bit more, then perhaps we will find that we can understand each other better too."

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What does being a Christian mean to me?  It means believing in God, believing in His character ...the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  And it means believing in the source of that character.  What is your source?

My source is not my own feelings.  At times, I get emotional ...I might get frustrated, and I may even get angry.  I don't enjoy those moments, but I have to admit I am not always in control of how I feel, or act.  So, I guess it could be said that I am not always the best at knowing who I am.  Someone close to me, like my spouse, may know me more than I know myself at certain given times.  But there is someone that knows me even better than my parents, or my spouse, or my children.

Whom am I referring to?  I am not saying this lightly, nor am I offering a cliche phrase.  God knows me better than I know myself.

And there is no source of who God is, that is more reliable, than what He reveals to us about who He is.  God has provided a written testimony of Himself through the Bible.

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You can get rid of all the labels.  I believe in God; and I also believe there was a significant figure who opposed God ...actively going against Him.  I believe going against God is sin ...separation from God's way.  Going against God does not please God, but it pleases the character called Satan.  What we should know foremost about Satan's character, is that he is against God ...and against anyone whose character expressly follows God.

Our condition here on earth is that we all struggle with sin, but we should persist and persevere to struggle against it ...not promote it.  Many things in our society that are embraced by us ...are things that are against what God has set as standards for us.  It would appear then, that we are against God during those moments.  But, that's the struggle.  God wants us to turn back to His ways, He waits, and also forgives.

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When I was growing up ...I was told that as long as I lived in their house, I was expected to act a certain way.   Some of the rules I found easy to follow, others I didn't ...but I clearly understood them.  I knew it was in my best interests to follow the rules, but I also knew they loved me ...and would never throw me out.  I was free to go, and I was free to stay ...but if I stayed, it was by their rules.

Well, there is God's Kingdom ...and we are expected to act a certain way.

Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, stating, "All this I will give you ..."

Of course, you realize, those are Satan's kingdoms ...otherwise, he couldn't attempt a legitimate offer.

God's established kingdom is something else.

I had to decide where I want to be ...just as each and every one of you have to decide ...but consider what's expected also.

Don't do Satan's bidding, and refocus on doing the work of God's kingdom.  I had to come to a realization ...and so do each of you.

God is not like politicians, where a changing tide changes the ebb and flow.  God is always the same, and that brings me great comfort.


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Yes, I've been grouped with many others whom are called 'haters' ...and also many more specific labels.  I am not like all Christians, and not all Christians are like me ...so, who is labeling who?  I do not label people ...I challenge them to become better.  I believe that many of us who are in sin will go to Heaven, as we are not judged by our failures, but by the direction we desire to go.

I do not call someone a homosexual ...that label gains its status by anyone choosing through self-admission to identify themselves as such.  On Facebook, it is not I who decides to use the term 'homophobic' ...more accurately, it is others who would fear what I have to say ...as I would say the real enemy should be feared, not me. 

It is also not I who protests and campaigns for women's rights, filling the internet.  I believe that a women has much value ...much more than she usually gives herself.  Yet, demands should not be used as an attempt to justify abortion ....I do take exception to a life being taken, and do strongly disagree with abortion.  Fifty percent of those would have been born would have been females, and I am all in favor of their women's rights too.  

It is my belief that self-defense is usually the accepted reason that is used for taking a life ...and the baby is always unarmed.