Posts Tagged ‘money’

submit

Jesus became one of us, even a lowly rabbi in the middle of one of the most powerful empires in human history (solidarity). Jesus took on our curse and submitted to death by way of a torturous and bloody crucifixion (submission). i have begun to realize something that should have been obvious to me long ago. that which is systemic and oppressive can only be truly defeated through solidarity and submission. if there’s anything that the history of human poverty and war has proven to us is that we cannot combat such diseases with that which is easy or seemingly most effective (money or force). Jesus taught us a more narrow, more difficult, more life-giving way. it is true that we will always speak of war and that “the poor will always be with us,” but we are told that there was one who came to free us from both… [Read More]

Keep your sword, I’ll keep my Jesus

I am stunned by the lack of compassion and the brutal use of force by Christians. My Jesus never did any of that. I’m at a loss. The below conversation is real. I’ve only removed the names for anonymity. Below it you will find my thoughts about the whole thing. This conversation started as a result of a comment about the immigration law that was recently passed in Arizona PERSON 1 “is planning a trip out to Az. I will support them regardless of what the uninformed Boston city council says.” Now, these are the comments that followed: Dana Fisher: Maybe we should reread James 2. Maybe their motives aren’t pure and maybe they are trying to take advantage but who are we to judge? Hasn’t Christ called us to something higher than persecuting someone because they are from another country? Since when was this land “ours” and not the… [Read More]

Paycheck to Paycheck

Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. ~Mark 10:21 “I’m living paycheck to paycheck.” You’ve probably heard this phrase used before. But is it such a bad thing, when done for the right reason? I’ve been wrestling lately with the idea of tithes and giving gifts to the Lord. Whether or not to actually do it, isn’t the question, but the faith behind it is what has been stirring up inside of me. The world tells us to store up and prepare. That’s why we have saving accounts and 401k’s so that we can “retire happy”. Maybe my argument here is radical and over the top but I suggest that the less money you have the happier you will be. There are some conditions to this but here me out: 1. Know Christ. 2. Trust Christ…. [Read More]

mustard seed kingdom

mark 4:30-32 30 “and he said, “with what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? it is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” everything in this world is done to the max. $500,000,000 movies, 110 story buildings, double-decker planes, mega-churches, etc. Jesus came announcing something totally different. Jesus gave us a way out of the empire. he gave us a way to escape the onslaught of massive production and hype. the lowest of the low are exalted in this mustard seed kingdom. everyone who is seemingly meaningless and insignificant will be called great and… [Read More]

The grass is always greener

Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered,… So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan. -Genesis 13:10-11 Some times trials aren’t bad things happening to you. Some times trials sneak up on us as perceived blessings and only bite us later on down the road. We look back and realize “Man that was a dumb decision”. For years I prayed for the “perfect” job. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect situation. Mine was this: 1. It payed the bills, 2. The people were nice and not overbearing, 3. They were understanding when you were sick and not second guessing you every time you called in, 4. It was close to home. That’s in no particular order and I earnestly prayed, Lord if you can make it happen please do. Put me in Your perfect situation. If money… [Read More]

I met someone

I will lead the blind along ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. – Isaiah 42:16 Coming back from lunch, I parked in my familiar spot and reclined my chair. David Crowder was playing through my ipod as I day dreamed for the last 20 minutes of lunch. I like to zone out during lunch, take my mind off of things and just relax. I stare at a computer screen for 8hrs a day so breathing in some fresh air and closing my eyes does wonders to break up the day. Moments later I caught a silhouette in my side mirror, followed it through my rear view mirror, and then suddenly through the passenger side mirror… She was walking up to my door! She caught me off guard, with a… [Read More]

He told me to write a letter

He who belongs to God hears what God says. – John 8:47 Back in September I heard a voice. No I don’t need to be institutionalized. It took me a while to figure out that it wasn’t just me, that it was the Holy Spirit. John says: But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come(16:13). Okay, lets backtrack to January 8, 2006. My then girlfriends father gave me a recliner. Very long story short I decided to pick up the recliner and carry it into the house by myself. Being muscle man and all, I figured no big deal. 12 hours later four paramedics were lugging my large body out the door an into an ambulance. Turns out I… [Read More]