Just some thoughts...

So life is good out here in ol Orlando, but a big storm just rolled through last night killing quite a few people in its path. I have trouble understanding the why's ya know? Did these people know God, did they pass away alone, with no real love in their life? Its humbling, its hard.

As a generation known and loved by God we are called to more. We need to live like we actually possess the joy we claim. I had a great talk last night with James whom most of you know, for those of you who don't, you should. :-) Anyway, i began to think and realize that the capability for the two of us to sit there and talk about life, joy, failure, sin, political quips, triumph, and God's redemption for all of it is indeed the essential part of God's kingdom here on Earth. The joy and truth that comes from experiencing the deep richness that is intended in the bride of Christ is lacking in the Christian life today. I asked James and myself if the reason why we as a Christian community have such trouble truly having compassion on the poor and reaching out to the lost because we ultimately don't find much to invite them into. Our communities are surface-level and our Churches are buildings and meeting halls on Sundays. If we actually experienced the life Jesus promises through his coming and all that comes with it, the sheer fullness of knowing Him would cause us to stand upon mountaintops, sit in synogogues, and roam through ghettos, selling everything, and Proclaiming the GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST!!! The news has just become "ok" to us, no longer is it "Good", "ok news" means its sufficient, it'll do. "Good news" is something we long to hear, to hold on to, to share, and to reflect upon continually.

All that ranting is for nothing but a emotional appeal to myself and others if it is not followed by action and movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives as believers and as the true citizen of the Kingdom of God on Earth. We, mostly myself targeted here, needs to let go trying to be "all things to all people" for the sake of Vince. I need to be me, and what Christ has ordained my life to look like. I can't get wrapped up in comparison which leads to competition which leads to all sorts of desires of the sinful nature, and all stems from Pride and Insecurity. Amazing how these two seemingly paradoxical traits are so partnered hand in hand.

So far at least 15 people died last night just north of where i live now in that storm, thousands more around the globe for reasons none of us will really understand and all we can really ask ourselves in what are we doing to make sure these people are not living w/out experiencing at least a true glimpse of the salt and light that God calls the body to be. Maybe they choose bitterness, and darkness instead, but our obligation is not there, its with finding the joy in us in our oneness with God and sharing in it with our brethren, and expelling outward to a depraved, lost, and longing culture. Love is all the relevancy we need.

love you all very much, thanks for reading and your prayers/support,

vince

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty {again?} It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;..." - Matt 5:13-14