If you’re any kind of person my age the headline above will make you start singing the hit by Third Eye Blind.  For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, just go with me.  The song itself has some lesser than wholesome lyrics (I never realize these things until years later upon reflection) but there’s a key line in there that says, “I want something else, to get me through this…” and then combine that with the song title and you have the perfect ingredient for a Christian Life.

Odd, I know.  When I talk about Faith and all the stuff believers have a strong understanding I have to take it outside the Christian bubble of “Church Language”.  The greatest mistake anyone makes is going out there to make someone convert to Jesus.  Can’t be done.  You can show them the way and give them the idea.  Planting a seed works.  Yet the choice rests with them.  And it is a big decision.

All through high school I would never outwardly preach my faith.  I would walk as closely as I could to God and did retain the nickname as a “Jesus Freak” for a few years.  My car even was labeled, “The Jesus Mobile”.  One friend even went so far as to suggest that I mount a big ole’ wooden cross on the front hood to make a bigger point.  Of course he was laughing when he said this and I laughed along with him but it brought us together.  It gave me something to have with him in those moments.  We could have conversations about faith, about mine and his.  And it was never a bible thumping spirit drilling ordeal.

Which brings me to James Chapter Two. Throughout The Bible there are many constant words and phrases that pass from pen to paper from prophets and disciples.  One is Mercy.  Another is judgment.  Those two words are very hot buttons with people outside The Church (and even inside at times).  You see many people on the outside are oft to proclaim us all miserable hypocrites and miscreants judging from a high cliff of superiority.  Well, given experiences I and others have had at the hands of my fellow Brothers & Sisters In Christ, I would agree on all points.

The trouble begins when this generalization is spread to all believers and followers of Christ.  Which is a logical fallacy (been waiting to use that phrase) and just bone brain dumb (made that one up).  It’s the same argument of, “If everyone did it, would you?”.  The reality is that it is our humanity coming out from within our skin and making what amounts to a crass judgment…something we as Christians are accused of daily.

You see?  The logic is like the movie, “Groundhog Day”.  It’s just the same accusation they lay at our feet…could be delivered (or thrown depending on the mood) right back at them.  But that would not be…wait for it…the Christian Thing To do.

And this first part of chapter two urges us to follow God’s commands.  Love the poor.  Follow the laws of God and commands given to us.  Love your neighbor and that n word can mean down the way, across the state line and even halfway across the world.  God really did write some great stuff for us, didn’t he?  I love getting into this stuff and writing about it.  I am such a God Nerd.

What the basics of this section are is, “Don’t be hypocrite.”  Don’t judge.  Show mercy.  Grant grace.  I’ve slowly adopted this in life.  People have wronged me in the past and I’ve wronged people myself.  For those that have wronged me I’ve done my best to avoid the Path of the Grudge…and dealt mercy instead.  Have I always done that?

If my answer was yes, you’d need to call in the android destruction squad.  I ain’t perfect and neither is my english.  So no, I’m not great at applying this to everyone.  Again…I am a hypocrite.  I admit readily.   The difference is that I am a Reformed Hypocrite.  I know the errors of my ways and will be pushing myself to not be that guy who pushes someone away from the church because I throw down the H card.

Is this going to be easy? Nope.  But nobody said it be easy or fair.  Such is the way of life.  I’m getting better at turning over the wheel to God and living according to Him.  That’ll take time.  But at least I’m trying.

Until tomorrow…

God’s got a sense of humor, this much is evident. He wouldn’t have me where I am today without a little wry smile on that perfect face of his. And so, I begin once again my daily conversation with God.

First of all the format will change a bit. I’ll open up and ’splain what I’m thankful for on that day and what I’m praying for…and then dive into the word. Savvy?

To begin today off correctly. I’m thankful God’s kept me alive. I’m thankful God’s reminding me that even with a brain short circuit (meaning stroke) he’s got a plan for me. That plan is as cloudy and foggy as it was previous to said incident but I’m still following God on this path. I refuse to give up on following God. I know him, I believe in him and I’m slowly finding pieces of my faith along the road.

Oddly enough I’m listening to Aerosmith’s “Living on the Edge” which can at times be a description of the Christian life. I wouldn’t say you’re living on the edge about to fall off but you’re walking along some mighty fine looking precipices. The beauty of it is that God’s right there with you at your side walking with you directing you where to go.

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Dealing with a stroke can be maddening. Especially when the left leg gets crazy.

Today I have to dig back into my daily. I missed yesterday so I have to get back on track.

I talked about the first section of this meaty mastery from James in regards to favoritism.  Today I’m taking on the rest of this section.  Here James talks about a theme that I love repeating to elementary students the world round.  Whenever we’re going somewhere a line must be formed to transport in order and general silence.  Kids are hilariously focused on being first in line for no other purpose than being that solo person at the head of the line.

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Long days at work.  Tired.  But must study with God.

James is one of those guys who just keeps the hammer hot and fired up.  He’s taking people to task left and right as I march onwards through the second chapter of his book.  The heading above this section is, “Favoritism Forbidden” and this one is a potent point.  As people we have certain elements of humanity attached to us.  Things that make us human.  And one of those is favoritism.  We sometimes do it unknowingly and create more drama, politics and pain that we ever imagined possible.

James talks about judgment and more…but the line that sits in me good and plenty is this, “Mercy triumphs over Judgment”.

I’m going to end this early and pick right back up tomorrow night since I am literally falling asleep at the wheel.  More to come.

Until tomorrow.

Second verse, same as the first.

Today was a great day.  I did next to nothing, relaxed and took a five hour long nap.  Yes, it was truly a day of much needed rest.  Tomorrow I start the first in what will be three weeks of training for a new job that will be a complete and utter restart for me.  New industry, new world and a much needed change in working environment.

Today brings a somewhat unrelated question that I have been tossing around today.  I’m looking at a new living situation and I’ve got one pretty locked in but I’m still looking for some better deals.  I emailed a gentlemen about a listing and he shot back, “I read something in your bio about Christian Rock.  Will it bother you that I am an openly gay man?”

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