I never intend to act like a "proper pastor" pretending to be happy all the time, faking a smile, puffed up with pride, running from table to table saying hi to everyone like I'm so important. I'm just gonna try and be.. totally real. Genuine. And truly consider myself a servant to all others, instead of just reading that, and thinking it looks good on paper.

Christ is hidden in plain sight today. That is a fact. It is the great agonizing fact. The lies in this country are incredibly powerful. The distractions are devastating. The addictions and compulsions extensive. It's amazing anyone survives it at all. In that, is the mercy of God, who draws us to his son.

Is it so hard to throw away the things that make you miserable? Is it so hard to give up a life full of sadness and mistakes? Give your life to God through Christ. He will guide your new way to greater things. Lay down your burdens.

We know Christ Jesus was tempted in every way possible, and that he endured the pains of a human life without sin. This paid the debt that humanity incurred through it's endless disobedience of God. Our faiths will not be perfect, but let me encourage you to rise again when you fall. And if you can't seem to rise up out of the gloom in your head, or the mindset of sin going on, ask your loving Father for a hand up. We know he answers our prayers. Because he loves us truly.

You ever have one of those moments.. when God does something really amazing in your life. And you're just filled with joy. And so humbled. And so excited. And just happy. And you kinda huff back into your car seat.. and say my God... quietly, slowly, wondering at the power of this awesome being.. with tears in your eyes. At all you're being taught and being given. Yeah, wow, yeah.

I imagine today, should God come out and say hello, everyone would have it explained away in a few months via the latest scientific fad or that it was by the power of the human mind that some sort of mass delusion was created. In the final analysis the truth seems to matter less to us than what we want to believe about the world around us.