You all know how much I love religion and politics (insert sarcasm), but I got sent info on this new website faith2008.org. It’s a database of religious rhetoric being compiled by Georgetown University centering around the presidential election. Now understand this isn’t the newest version of Christianity Today where candidates give lip service to tow the he Christian vote. The Faith 2008 Database tracks religious rhetoric in the campaign by candidate and theme, and features historical and international comparisons. It’s interesting to say the least.

Check out Faith2008.org

I was watching a homeless guy, today, as he was drinking a Starbucks coffee. And I found myself scoffing and thinking, “ he can’t pay for a shower, but he can sure pay for his overpriced coffee.” For that moment, I actually thought I was better than him. What an arrogant bastard I can be.

But I know you’ve been there too. You see this dirty guy begging and you think, “if I give him cash, he’s not going to go get some food - he’ll just go buy alcohol and get drunk.” But think back to that situation, and look through Christ’s eyes. I did.

There’s this broken guy right in front of me. He’s obviously hurting. And I don’t even know his story, let alone his name - but I can sure pass judgment on him. I don’t even know his name and I think I know everything about him. Sometimes, I’m ashamed of myself.

Then I was reminded of proverbs 31:4-7

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel– not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more…

Is this about the beer? Maybe the beer isn’t the point…

How often do we try to make the world better for those who are suffering? Heck, how often are I even  purely selfless? How do I make life better to those around me? Do I show kindness to my neighbors? Or even my spouse?

Look at the world around you today. How can you make it a better place? Where can you show mercy where mercy is needed? Where can you help? Where can you reach out? Where can you love?

I know I lose the eyes of Christ so quickly and begin to judge. If I could only see the world as he saw it - it would be a beautiful thing.

Tony Jones and Trucker Frank hit the road to explore the changing landscape of American Christianity. Frank talks about his life in and out of the church. Great testimony.

[go to part 2 here]

I found these really amusing. I’ll give you the rest tomorrow.

Or at least one of the bravest people I know. I just like having very important sounding titles…. Jessica Maher is a new staff member in the offices of Arlington Youth Dynamics. At YD, we’re support based missionaries - which basically means we have to raise our own funding/money to work in our community.

We hired Jessica from Orange County California and it’s been amazing to see her begin to work with students. We haven’t had any female staff here for about 2 years and it’s such a vital ministry. In the short time she’s been here I’ve seen girls come alive. It’s an amazing sight to see.

Here’s why she’s the bravest person I know: Jessica moved up here on faith. She was only at 50% support (i.e. salary and ministry expenses) when she decided to leave the O.C. She’s been up here for a month and is about at 60%. I can’t imagine how scary it has to be  as a single girl to move away from everything you know and go to an unknown place with out the guarantee of funding. Her faith is amazing. She’s such a brave courageous young woman. Keep her journey in your prayers.

If any of you want to support an amazing female missionary doing vital work in one of the most unchurched regions of the country. Click here to support Jessica.

Follow her journey on her blog.