Here we go.

Well, I guess this is my welcome to the world of blogging. So much for not giving in to the temptation of technology. :) I am traveling with work, so I visited a church where I happened to be this morning. I must say that the worship service was wonderful, and the people were very kind. Let me also point out that I had no problems with the basic message from the preacher. One thing got to me though- He quoted some very noted preachers who believe that salvation is a key to a prosperous life. Not neccessarilly monetarily, but I know for a fact that one of them is quoted as saying that, "I never have a bad day." This is not uncommon in the church today. Many believe that Christ came not only to save our souls from damnation, but also our bodies from ANY ailment and our pocketbooks from financial anorexia. What an egotistical, Americanized way of thinking. Are we to tell our brothers and sisters in so many foreign countries who suffer with crippling torture and overwhelming persecution that IF they had enough faith they would "never have a bad day?" Or what of my friend who is a street preacher in Galveston. He sees souls saved and lives changed continuously for Christ, yet he fights financially. God takes care of his needs, and he is amazingly positive. HIS pocket is not fat and I have seen him struggle with a bad day. Yet I count him as a great spiritual role model. I once was bitter towards those who were "better off" than me and my family, but thankfully through God's maturing process, I am usually glad for them and wish them the best now. I have no grudge against those who prosper and are healthy, especially if they are Christians. But in a world of Joel Osteen's "better you" philosophies and feel good spirituality, perhaps we need a little struggle to remind us of the reality of this harsh world and God's amazing grace. Hopefully I am not being to harsh, but the truth is love, and like true love sometimes it hurts so that what is right comes forth in the end. To all my brothers and sisters who may read this blog, thanks for your time. Pray for my family and I, we will be praying for you too. Captare Veritas