When Will The Fog Lift

Well…week three at the new digs is nearly under belt. It’s been fulfilling and fun. Also, the robins are singing, the sun is shining, and the trees are popping. Spring is here! Although you never thought it would arrive…it has. Funny how that goes. Longing and waiting for a season that comes ever so slowly and goes ever so quickly.

This coming and going transcends life. You often don’t even realize that you’re out of one before being engrossed into another. Perhaps you’re shaking hands with stress and strife. Or, you may be sitting in the midst of uncertainty with doubt and fear hammering away. You wonder…how did I arrive? How can I get out? Or, more importantly, when will I get out? I need clarity. Now!

Sorry. But, there’s no magic cure or three step program for success. My advice is to never forget that God has not forgotten. God has heard your cries, pleas, and prayers and He has not forgotten a single one.

Sitting here today…I’m blessed. For years…I’ve chased, hunted, and pursued the present day. Fog often plagued my path. However, this path was paved by God. He did not forget! So, despite your current circumstances, a clearing will come. I’m proof! Until then…stay the course, stay the course, stay the course, and stay the course. God has not forgotten a single one.

Now, is it time to take the land or perhaps send some spies first? A discussion for another day. Until next time. Jed.

Confused Yet?

Well…this blog has been up and running for a few months. Little did I know what I was getting into as the “blog world” is one confusing place! ATOM feeds. Blogger. Commenting. FeedBurner. Following. Gadgets. Google Analytics. Linking. RSS feeds. Subscribing. Tracking. TypePad. Widgets. WordPress. My head is spinning. Feeds still confuse me…but, perhaps one of these days I will master this world. Until then…I’ll just pretend.

I somewhat feel like an outsider. The “blog world” is full of people with buddies, friends, and smarts. Me? I’m just looking through the window…pretending. Huh? What about the un-churched? What must they feel like?

First off…where do you even start? Apostolic. Assemblies of God. Baptist. Catholic. Lutheran (which one). Methodist. Non-denominational. Presbyterian. Seventh Day Adventist. Oh no. My head is spinning again.

Let’s take it one step further. Amen or zipped lips. Baptize adults or babes. Confirmation or not. Grape juice or wine. Guitar or organ. Khakis or jeans (now, that’s an important one). King James or Message. Raise hands or not. Women leaders or not. Oh boy…

And we wonder why. Why do people mock the church? It’s pretty obvious to me.

Let’s look at some statistics from The Barna Group.

There has been a 92% increase in the number of un-churched Americans in the last thirteen years. In 1991, there were 39 million un-churched Americans compared with 75 million currently (2004).

Yet, more than three out of five (62%) un-churched adults consider themselves to be Christian. And…44% claim they have made a personal commitment to Jesus. However, 64% believe Satan is merely a symbol of evil and not a living being. And…51% believe Jesus sinned (2006).

We…the Christians…look at the un-churched as being confused. They…the un-churched…look at the Christians as being confused. So, everyone seems confused. What to do? Until next time. Jed.