CHRISTIANS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS IN THE GAY COMMUNITY

Gays and lesbians have been in the military for a very long time. Although there have been times that they were welcome with the promise of silence, other times they have been serving in total fear. Don't Ask Don't tell must be ended once and for all. 

You ask, how can a Christian organization possibly make such a statement? Simple, Christians should not judge. Gays and Lesbians are not the evil we are fighting today. So why must we create an evil. 

Being a Christian is not easy. Every Christian is battered with thoughts of doubts and insecurities at some point. Sometimes, these doubts come often, while others are lucky and will only encounter a few. It wasn't until recently my doubts became very loud. On the radio and T.V. the only people that seem to be openly fighting against gay rights are Christians. I myself find it very hard to maintain my belief when bombarded with all this hate and lack of compassion for human beings. I begin to feel ashamed to call myself Christian. The current views of some outwardly spoken Christians make it very easy to think, that in order to be a real Christian you must hate and outcast gay people. However, I can't deny the fact that, in my heart and from the words of God, that this hate should not to be tolerated. If Jesus were alive today, he would be appalled at the direct hate that has come from the very people that claim to follow in his ever caring and compassionate footsteps. Christianity is, and always has been, a faith based on compassion and love. 

During a time that Christianity should be spreading like wildfire, instead it is smoldering like used BBQ charcoal. Many Christians like myself are starting to doubt the compassion of Christ. In the end many are finding that compassion elsewhere. What else do you expect. If in order to be a Christian you must fit into this tiny square box, not many people will fit. 

That's why I am here to state that you do not need to fit into a tiny square box. You just need to love Christ, Love God. And like Jesus, show compassion and love for all. 

CHRISTIANS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS IN THE GAY COMMUNITY

Gays and lesbians have been in the military for a very long time. Although there have been times that they were welcome with the promise of silence, other times they have been serving in total fear. Don't Ask Don't tell must be ended once and for all. 

You ask, how can a Christian organization possibly make such a statement? Simple, Christians should not judge. Gays and Lesbians are not the evil we are fighting today. So why must we create an evil. 

Being a Christian is not easy. Every Christian is battered with thoughts of doubts and insecurities at some point. Sometimes, these doubts come often, while others are lucky and will only encounter a few. It wasn't until recently my doubts became very loud. On the radio and T.V. the only people that seem to be openly fighting against gay rights are Christians. I myself find it very hard to maintain my belief when bombarded with all this hate and lack of compassion for human beings. I begin to feel ashamed to call myself Christian. The current views of some outwardly spoken Christians make it very easy to think, that in order to be a real Christian you must hate and outcast gay people. However, I can't deny the fact that, in my heart and from the words of God, that this hate should not to be tolerated. If Jesus were alive today, he would be appalled at the direct hate that has come from the very people that claim to follow in his ever caring and compassionate footsteps. Christianity is, and always has been, a faith based on compassion and love. 

During a time that Christianity should be spreading like wildfire, instead it is smoldering like used BBQ charcoal. Many Christians like myself are starting to doubt the compassion of Christians. In the end many are finding that compassion elsewhere. What else do you expect? If in order to be a Christian you must fit into this tiny square box, not many people will fit. 

That's why I am here to state that you do not need to fit into a tiny square box. You just need to love Christ, Love God. And like Jesus, show compassion and love for all. 

LET THE DEBATES BEGIN!

It is sad when our elected officials try to end a hot topic without even a good debate. This country is based on votes and the rights of the people. Not the opinions of one person.

THE GOD DIET, WEEK 1

   Food has become and overwhelmingly hot topic these past few years. With more knowledge about nutrition, thousands of diet products, and quick and easy ways to cook, you would think we would all be the most healthiest humans ever. However, this is quickly becoming further than the truth everyday. For the first time our children are expected to have a shorter life span than their parents. Currently 1 in 3 children is considered obese.

   There are many factors contributing to this health decline. Ease of access to processed foods being the biggest factor. Processed foods are everywhere you look. They are on almost every shelf of your local grocery store, on TV, Billboards, on the radio, schools, parties, and almost any function you attend. This can make these processed foods seem normal, everyday, and even healthy. However, as we all know, these foods can be devastating.

   The truth is, food can be one of the easiest ways to get close to god. Everything natural around us is gods creation. One of Gods most important creations is, plants. My 9 year old daughter is learning in school that plants are called producers. While everything else is called a consumer. This is a very simple, yet extraordinary concept to recognize. A producer, is something that gives without asking much in return. God gave us plants, that produce nutrients for us and all other consumers. This is like having a checking account with no balance. Not to bad for someone like me that can't keep her checkbook balanced. The bible states that God made humans to be superior and special. This can be rather misleading when it comes to the treatment and conditions of Gods other creations. Many of which are intended for our very survival. Whole Foods are foods that are given right from the hand of God.

   God from the very beginning made the food system perfect in every way. Humans have not changed much over the past few million years. Ancient people often had to go all day or even many days without a home cooked meal. Therefore there was a need for quick snacks, drive threw berry bushes, and set aside figs and nuts. So, why do we think we are so different now? There are very few civilizations throughout history that were less busy than we are now. Most of those civilizations, such as Babylonians were overtaken easily in a matter of time. Therefore time can not be an excuse. One thing that we have that our ancient predecessors did not have is, convenience items like ice packs, plastic containers and microwaves. These simple conveniences almost make God eating easier than fast processed foods.

   Not too many churches these days focus on food. However, if you are what you eat...then as a Christian you should be eating God made foods. If you or your family has not already made a transition to whole natural foods the way God intended, give it a try. I promise your life will be changed for the better. God will bless you with better health, leaner body, more energy, and well being. 

   *POINTS THIS WEEK TO CONSIDER*
Think about what you eat. Is it God made, or man made. The simple truth is God made food will make you strong in all aspects of your life. It will make you physically strong, and mentally strong. Both of which will enhance spiritual path with God. When you go grocery shopping this week for food and meals, try to stay in the produce section as long as possible. Also, make sure that all your snacks are picked from the produce section. Our family goes through about 15 bananas a week, and over 20 apples. It's easy, fast, and a child friendly option.

   *CHALLENGE*
(choose one or both of the challenges. Give them a try and come back here  and share your experiences.)

1. Find something new in the produce section and buy it. Bring it home and look it up on the Internet, and try to cook with it.  
2. Pick something from the produce section that you might already be familiar with and cook it or eat it in a way you have not done so already.  

Feel free to contact me with any questions. This will be a series that will last a few weeks. If there is a topic you would like discussed, share it with me.






  

If You Think You Are Too Small Too Make A Difference......

"If you think you are too small to make a difference in the world, then you have never been to bed with a mosquito." -many

Although simple, short, and funny I thought this quote says a lot. Often, we pass through day by day wanting to make a change. Most of us want to help, improve the world, be someone important. However, as soon as the thought starts to motivate us, we quickly realize how small and insignificant we are. Think about this small mosquito in the room with you as you try to go to sleep. Your dead tired, all you want to do is fall asleep. However, this little small insect, with it's little small buzz, and it's little small bite, can ruin it all.

Think about this today. You can make a change in the world today, and it can be a big one.

Some ideas:

1. Pack an extra lunch or snack with you today. Put it in a small bag you got from the grocery store that you were going to throw away. Give this bag to the begger you pass on the street everyday. 
2. Pick up one piece of trash today. No matter how small. 
3. Put your extra grocery bags in the trunk of your car. That way they are ready for you the next time you go grocery shopping.
4. Snail mail a family member or friend.

These are simple ideas that can make a huge impact. Try one today, and see how it effects you.
Contact me if you have some good ideas that I should post!

Thanks,
Church Of Green Leaders

Genesis 1-29 "The Gift"

^{KJV 28}And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.


^{NIV 28} God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."


So we all know God spent 7 days creating things. Almost everyone knows the story whether you're Christian or not. Lights, plants, animals, people, the whole kit-n-kabootle.


However, it is what happens afterwards that effects us and our roll and ultimate responseabilities as humans.


The first thing we have to do, is imagine what the earth must have looked like during these beginning stages of our planet and the life forms on our planet. At this point there was day, night, and some other plants and animals. Not a lot, as God gave them the same command to fill the earth as he did with humans.  God is also extremely happy with the entire earth at this point. He sees all these things as good. In fact in the first chapter of Genesis, God states that his creations are good, no less than 6 times. In the final verse God states,


¹And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.


This is very significant, and often overlooked. God was looking at the same things we see now. The feeling you get when you step into beautiful wilderness or and amazing beautiful day at the beach. This was the same thing God was feeling. God was witnessing the beginnings of everything, every step of the way. 


So, now we know that God spent time on this creation and stated how good it was over and over again. The next part is vital. After all this glorious creation God gives it all to his human creation. Not only that, God commands that, humans have dominion over everything. 


KJV - subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.


The webster dictionary for dominion is,
Main Entry: do·min·ion 

Pronunciation: \də-ˈmi-nyən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English dominioun, from Middle French dominion, modification of Latin dominium, from dominus

Date: 14th century

1 : domain
2 : supreme authority : sovereignty
3 plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
4 often capitalized : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth of Nations other than the United Kingdom that acknowledges the British monarch as chief of state
5 : absolute ownership

Absolute ownership, and supreme authority. The question has to rise as to why God would have given this opportunity to His human creation. We can be pretty certain that if all humans were to die today, the planet would be just fine. In fact, it would probably be better. So then, why would God have to make a point to give humans this gift.

1. For one, we and God know that humans are on the top of the food chain. God created us that way. 
2. God created us to have choices. Something that none of his other creations were given.
3. Third, because we are on the top of the food chain, God is able to predict our abilities, our outcome. By giving it to us as a gift, God is letting us know, that it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it and not destroy it. God knows he will not be able to save everything every time we make a mistake. 

So, imagine something you have supreme authority over and absolute ownership. Take your car for example. This is something that most people take good care of. You know you own it, and are responsible for it. Therefore you clean it, take it in when its not running, keep gas in it. This car is also linked to your survival. It gets you to work, the grocery store to buy food. It also will bring you to the hospital when you get hurt. You also know a new one will cost a lot of money. For many, a new one may not even be an option. This was the intention God gave us.

So it is safe to say, the first and main command God gave us was to take care of His creation, His Gift.

When talking about ruling and having authority, one can't go far without bringing up examples of great leaders of our time. Many great rulers have ruled with an iron fist, fear and destruction. This was their personal interpretation and method of leading. Stalin and Hitler. Alexander the Great whom had all his rivals murdered, and then went on a selfish quest to take over everything and everyone.  That does not go to say we have not gone without our more rightious leaders, I just want to show that interpretations of dominion, and supreme authority can have devestating results.

Which of course has to bring us to the conclusion of how to define supreme ownership and authority given to us by God. What was God talking about when he handed us this amazing gift?

Christians luckily don't have to look any further than the New Testament. God gave Christians a leader made of flesh and blood. Jesus came as a testament (a tangible proof or tribute) to what it means to have dominion. Jesus was the King of the Jews, a living testament to Gods word. So what does that mean. It means we can look at the way Jesus ruled and use that as our guide to the Gift God gave us. 


The first and most notable thing that happens with Jesus, is he is born in a manger among the animals. This is our first indication that God referred to the fact, that if Jesus deserves no better than the animals of the manger, than humans in general are also no better. We can therefore conclude that when God gave us dominion and Supreme authority, that did not make us better in any way. 


Jesus also uses animals in many of his teachings. While his child years included being born among animals, in his later years he is remarkably relating back to animals. 


John 10:
¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.


This is also a perfect example of Jesus' supreme guide to leadership. Jesus states that a true leader gives his life to those he leads. 


Another notable moment, is when Jesus is baptized and a dove appears. Most presumably the voice of God speaking to Jesus in the form of an animal. 


At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
        Mark 1:9-11




Once again Jesus was found with the animals when he was in the wilderness for 40 days. The only ones at his side and support were the wild beasts and angels. 


KJV-¹³And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

In Psalm 23 we can listen to the words of David as he explains the leadership of Jesus. 

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Only a leader of pure heart and soul can offer comfort with a rod and staff. To fear nothing, to know that you have complete protection and preservation. This is not the same as a leader that rules with fear. Jesus taught that leading should be done with protection, safety, and support. With the ultimate goal of preservation.

With these examples from a leader that directly refers to himself as a gate to heaven, we can only conclude that God gave us this Gift with a command (to subdue and have dominion over) means to protect it, save it, and treat it as a part of God. Everything must be done in our power to make this happen.

Now with this understanding and knowledge, what can we do to fulfill this command by God?

1) Make the changes in our lives to help protect and preserve The Gift.

2) Teach others to protect and preserve this Gift

Its that simple. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it makes not consequence. The truth of the matter is, God commanded us to protect and preserve the earth and everything on it.


Sign up to become a part of The Church Of Green Leaders in order to learn more ways to fulfill this command.


The Church of Green Leaders excepts everyone. Not a Christian, not sure about Christians, not a problem. Feel free to join in the discussion, activities, in part or in whole.


Thanks,
The Church Of Green Leaders

The Church Of Green Leaders

I have not always been a Christian. In fact I was raised in a home that did not believe in any god or gods for that matter. My parents raised me to search for what I wanted. This was an important step in my spiritual wakening and development. After many years of fighting this pull towards Christianity, I became a believer. The main reason I was always reluctant to believe or even join the Christian faith is because a lack of churches that felt and lived the way I did. Christian churches tended to be conservative and tight collared for a lack of better words. It wasn't until I spent time reading the bible and studying religions around the world that I saw Christianity threw Jesus' eyes instead of someone else'. This awakening was enlightening. I began to go to church and listening and learning. I found I gravitated towards non-denomination, gospel, and contemperary services. These services felt like they drew the spirit in, called it and worshiped it. However, each time I went two things would happen.

1. First I would get this strong urge to lead, to get up and start preaching. 
2. The second, that something was missing inside its core.

After about 10 years of listening to this calling and wondering. It has on this day of January 20, 1010 become The Church Of Green Leaders.