We have a choice...

Okay, so I think I have something to say. I'm going to give it a shot here...
I know I got a little, politically fired up that last one, which is a rarity for me I know. Some were there with me...others definitely were not (sorry I haven't responded to them all yet...I haven't forgot). I'm hoping we're all learning a lot through these times we're in...I feel that I definitely am.

I don't want to get too much into politics now, but one thing I see that saddens me is the way some people, especially 'Christians' respond at times. I see hateful comments, racial slurs, words of condemnation and the like. And that really hurts my heart to see. I admit, I've been there before myself for sure. Sometimes it's just to be 'funny' but sarcasm does mean 'to tear one to pieces', right? The media definitely doesn't help. Think about the past year or so...two people are torn down over and over and over again. One of which will end up being our President. What a difference it would make if we were to honor them both throughout the whole thing.

We are called to be a people of honor. I'm not saying you have to agree with them or stand for what they stand for, but we don't honor people because they deserve it...we honor them because we are honorable. In Proverbs 18:21 we learn that our words have the power to give life...or death. In Genesis, God 'spoke' the world into existence. I think the verse in Deuteronomy I used last time still applies to us..."see I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses...now choose life, so that you and your children may live. We have a choice. No matter what side we supported, we can now either choose to say that America's doomed and oh no...fill in the blank with the latest reason why. Or say, 'okay God, You are in control, You are good, You work everything out for the good of those who love You and Your ways are much better than our ways.'

How can we tear down our leaders and expect God to touch their lives? We were all made in the image and likeness of God. And whether you believe in God or not...He believes in you. And we ought to treat everyone accordingly, no matter who they are. In 1 Peter 2, Peter writes, "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. I believe the king at time he wrote this was Nero...who later hung Peter upside down on a cross...and here Peter is choosing to honor the king.

So it's late now and I'm hurting to get a good conclusion here. This is one of the many things I'm learning lately. And just seems very relevant for our time right now. I have so much I want to share with you all, but am hesitant to do so until it is not just knowledge to me...but truth that I live from. Let me just leave you with this last thought...

"Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." (colossians 3) I can promise the world to my country, I can give them the world, I can heal the sick, I can pray for my president, I can look after the poor, counsel the wealthy, make the best videos, surf the best waves, be there for kids, preach, teach, wash my enemies feet...but if I don't have love, I'm nothing. If I don't have love...nothing I do matters. How many of you know...you can't love others until you can love yourself? You can only give away what you have. And how many of you know that God's thoughts for you are more than the sands of the seashore? And those thoughts are all good. They always have been and always will be. Jesus has had your picture on the fridge (so to speak) before you were even born. He loves you...because He is love. So just accept it...and then give it away to the next person you meet.

I love you all and really appreciate you taking the time to listen here.

...now choose life.