When pastors and other leaders are models of God’s ways, marked by a joyous attitude, then it is interesting what blessings come to the church and surrounding communities.

Advent- means “coming” and it is a time that Christians think deeply about the coming of Jesus into our world. This time before Christmas is a great year-end focus.

My soul holds everything that is “me” together. When the soul is healthy, it is a quiet blessing. Content with the world like a baby with his mother. Jesus knows what that is like. He was there.

Young Christians have it different than most of their parents, and certainly their grandparents, as following Jesus is not a cultural phenomenon. What a character building time. In a way, I have envy!

To follow Jesus is to know that moving forward with something you connect with his vision will succeed, even if it means failure and correction of direction.

Just as the word “love” has lost its meaning for quite awhile, now “hate,” as well. “Hate” is used to mean, “You don’t agree with my thinking.” Do you agree with everyone about everything? No? Hater.

Starting tomorrow, I will blog in 200 spaces or less. I am using just above the “twitter” limits and am inspired by twentytwowords.com This is 150 and so we go.

I have named this site “how to be a christian without being a jerk!” to keep everything centered around the “no jerk” branding.

Psalm 109

5 They repay evil for good,
and hatred for my love.

After you trust in Jesus and he fills you with the Holy Spirit, you don’t become everyone’s new best friend. Life for the deepest followers of Jesus is hard. Life is hard. But Jesus is big.

Pray for Jesus to give you vision of his strength.

 6 Now rescue your beloved people.
      Answer and save us by your power.

When you follow God you rely on him. You don’t just go to him when times are tough. Whether there are challenges or not, we still need his power.

Pray for patience as God is at work.