pop culture and God

I was listening to CBC radio this afternoon (I really enjoy CBC, sometimes). Anyway, the show was about making mistakes. People had called or written in about mistakes they had made. One guy was telling about his "favourite" mistake, and the announcer asked him, "So, what did you learn from this mistake." The guy's remark gives a lot of insight into what many people, today, believe about God and religion and sin. He said, basically, "I don't believe in learning from mistakes. We're all taught that we're sinners from birth, and we have to be taught - to learn from the priest or whoever how to live properly. And I don't buy into all that stuff." I'm always interested to hear what people think about God, or even about Christianity. What do people today believe about God? What kind of God do they think He is? What kinds of messages about Him are finding their way into the hearts of His creation? I welcome any stories you may have about what people believe about God.

before my cross

thought I was ready
taking up that cross
following, following
I will stay close
(bring it on?)

I must go back
- missed something
I enter the stillness of the garden
in the time before the morning
someone is crying
"Nevertheless..."

my cross is too heavy
the garden is the only way
"not my will" can bear this crushing cross
the Father has drawn me
so I can come to the One
the One who bears His own cross

having surrendered to the One
who made the stars and the sky
I can take up my cross
and follow

with fear I follow
for I know I must come to the place
that still echoes, resounds with
"Father, forgive them!"

woman at the well

We're reading through Genesis at the Senior's Bible Study I go to on Thursdays. And Pat, one of the lovely ladies who comes, always has the coolest insights. Last week we read the story of Abraham sending Eliezer to find a bride for Isaac. When we finished reading, Pat says, "This story reminds me of the one in the New Testament, where Jesus meets the woman at the well." Such a simple observation, but I hadn't put those 2 stories together before. I'm really enjoying thinking on the comparisons. I mean Eliezer is a picture of the Holy Spirit - sent to find a bride. And the test he uses to find her is one of humility and willingness - the girl not only would give him water, but would offer to draw water for all his camels too. Then she was given a choice: "Will you go?" The woman at the well was also asked for water and then Jesus' questions required honesty and humility. But most importantly, Jesus also gave her a choice: "If you had asked, He would have given you living water." The woman made a good choice and asked for the Living Water. Rebekah, likewise, chose to go with the servant. I am thankful for the Servant who is bearing me to my Isaac. The journey is long and sometimes difficult, but God's Servant protects and sustains me. The day will soon be here when I will "light off my camel" and prepare to meet my Isaac!