A moment before He rises.

Tomorrow, almost 2000 years ago, the Son of man, the Son of the Most High God, the Light of the world, arose from the grave, victorious. God conquered death and it's grip upon us is worthless!

Yesterday, almost 2000 years ago, the Son of man, the Son of the Most High God, the Light of the world, went down into darkness...humbled, abused, beaten, and crushed. He was the perfect lamb to die for our sins, to save us from eternal seperation from God the Father. To save us from ourselves, to save us from complete destruction!

So I pray for you, dear reader, that the eyes of your heart be opened. The blinders removed. Your vision cleared to see the truth Jesus brings to you! You might have read that Christianity is a lie, full of hypocrites, theives and unloving zealot freaks. In fact, I challenage you to tell me about the Christianity you know, and I will most likely agree with you and even dislike it too. Once you're done, give me the courtesy of telling you about the Jesus I know who wants to enjoy a beautiful, loving, peaceful, enjoyable, fun filled relationship with you! Because that is REAL Christianity. Not a religion, but a relationship! Legalistic Christianity is NOT real! In fact, in Paul the Apostle's view, it could be considered a sin.

Why? Legalism (as it's called) doesn't build a person up, it belittles them. It doesn't affirm them, it tears down the spirit, crushing it under guilt and shame. It doesn't glorify the Lord, it causes people to flee. Jesus died on the cross to remove our shame, our fear, our bondage to such human created things! Why should we allow ourselves to be saddled with lists of Do this or Don't do that? What about doing a chant, a litergy or praying to a stone/wooden idol? GO DIRECTLY TO THE SOURCE! Remove the middle man, drop the pretense, open up and let God have it! Be honest, open and direct! Jesus set us free and you are free indeed!

-My Lord, this day, glorious awesome things have occured. My church's reach out event was very successful and allowed people to enjoy themselves with family and friends! Lord, You made the weather perfect! In fact, a predicted storm for the area was delayed because of You! It rained all around, but not at the Speedway! Thank You Lord for making it successful! Only You could have done that. Please, bless all of those that helped, all of those that visited, all of those that will eat the candy from the egg hunt. Bless them with peace, comfort and love for the rest of today and tomorrow! Please, bless Westside Family Church, the pastor staff, regular staff, and the volunteers with protection, strong spirit, conviction, and wisdom as we continue to seek your guidence during the coming year! Help us Lord be the best we can be to reach others for You and to grow them to be like You! In Your name I pray, Amen!

Psalm 4-10-06

Am I to be bold for You?
Is my path to cross those I know and love with You?
Is my heart finding it hard to love You?
Is my soul reeling from its walk away from You?
Am I to be Your son for the ones who seek You and want answers?
To all of these, I say yes.

I am to be bold for You!
I am to cross paths with the ones I know and love for You!
I am finding it hard to love You, but I know You will step in to help because I need it!
My soul is reeling from the disconnectedness I feel. The anguish is painful!
I am to be Your son to the seeking and questioning souls on this lost world!

So what is it I am doing wrong to not be bold?
Why do I fear crossing the paths of those I know?
Why do I find it hard to love You? Is it because I not obeying You?
Why is my soul reeling from the disconnection?
How can I be Your son to those who are seeking and questioning?

Lord, You can do anything and accomplish anything.
You are God and I am not.
You are in control.
You are the Sovereign God Almighty and there isn't another god but You!

Worthy are You of all praise!
Holy are You in all of the Universe and none is more holier than You!
You are God.
You are the Father, Creator of the heavens and earth.
You are my Best Friend and I love You for what You have done to change me to be like Jesus.
You are there for me everytime...And I know I haven't been there 100% because I am so human.

Perfect are You Lord, for we all fall short of Your glory! Please, never stop loving us because we depend upon You. We need You. I desire You. I want to obey Your every whim. I want to obey. I want to give it all to You. I want to be Yours and be one to go after Your own heart! I pray that I have.

Mighty God! Thank you for today and the wonderful work You granted me to do. Thank You for the people that I know. Thank You for the love of the small group. Thank You for allowing me to fail and to see I am nothing special outside of You! Thank You for making me who I am and for letting me live, despite my poor judgment and lack of wisdom! Thank You for keeping me from becoming a cruel and hateful man. Thank You for Your grace and granting it to Abraham so many years ago! Please, accept my thanks, even though it is nothing to the full due You are deserving of. In Your name I pray, Amen!