It's Not Over

Yea so part of me can't help but chime in on the controversy of the day, that is... the end of the world. Yet this is not what caused me to begin this post. A very dear friend of mine Andrew Ellquist is headed home to beautiful Colorado tomorrow and his return is questionable. This didn't really sink in right away but after it really hit me I was little bummed to say the least. But upon his departure from a great night we had, we left off with the words "It's Not Over." How comforting a thought it was, that no distance or amount of time can end our friendship and even further, that the bond we have in our savior gives us the confidence to say that no catastrophe or rapture can end it either. This I believe made us both feel a tad bit better about the unknown amount of time we'll have between us until we meet again.

 And this brings me to the fact that it is May, 21, 2011, the day Harold Camping claims is the beginning of the end. I clearly believe differently, otherwise I would not be spending my time writing to internet readers who may not be around much longer. That being said I stand firm and grateful in the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 which say that no man, angel, or even Christ Himself know the time when the earth will pass away. It's important to think this way, because if we knew the end than we would plan for it and well, to be completely honest plans made by humans don't really line up well with God's plan most of the time.

But the whole idea of the world ending is an interesting one, one that harps on the chord which all people seem to be afraid of and that chord is death, or uncertainty, or non-existance. Whichever way you put it, nobody wants there to be an end, especially not one we don't choose. But as for me I return to the contentment that we don't know when things will end, and if God's plan for the end is true, then it's no end at all.Because I know a God who desire's redemption and He will end things justly, and in His time.

But as for now I think it's important to care about, pray for, and love those who believe Camping's end days predictions (Including Camping). Especially because today, in this moment, many are being let down by this prediction and it may have some serious side effects. So as with every day I think we should live, laugh, and love as if it is the end. But most importantly we should seek to create openings for the Kingdom of God to move freely in our midst so that when the end does come we are closer, as opposed to further from the redemption that God desire's for all people.


So let us enjoy this beautiful day and as always,

spread the love,

-Ethan

Let justice roll on like a river.

Call me un-american if you'd like, say that I speak evil. But, I will stand firm in the fact that no murder should ever be glorified or celebrated. We hated when people in the middle east celebrated the events of 9/11 and given that fact, I hate America's response to Bin Laden's murder. I've spent an afternoon reasoning this point with a pastor and Church body. I will not push my point in my own words any longer. Rather give all the evidence and opinions that i have collected this day to you my friends to decide for yourself whom you will serve in this matter. God, or country. 

Part of me thinks that Pamela from Huffington Post read my opinions on facebook while she was writing this article. I've yet to read anything all day that mirror's my thought's so precisely. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-gerloff/the-psychology-of-revenge_b_856184.html?ref=fb&src=sp



The official statement of the Vatican- "Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions for this purpose.


In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred." 


My good friend and worship mentor Tim Kaiser's most recent blog post, http://www.timothykaiser.blogspot.com/




Yet another great insight-http://www.facebook.com/notes/jimmy-spencer-jr/whose-death-does-god-cheer/10150183264977528

At the end of this day, searching my heart, the scriptures, and the opinions of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and in humanity I have my stance. I serve a Kingdom and it's King that is far greater than any nation. I will not oppress my soul with self satisfying celebration, at the expense of another human beings life, no matter how evil. I am thankful that some though not all people, understand that peace is a possibility in this situation. And, not only a possibility but the right way. 

Proverbs 24:17-18 "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

Do with all of this as you please.

Dear friends I pray that we all continue to seek wisdom and truth in this matter, bringing glory to the LORD as this is our purpose in life.

Hallelujah what a savior that loves and leads in a way the promotes peace and wisdom.

Spread the love,

Ethan Pierce.