I'm working on a contest for all my blog, twitter, facebook, myspace readers/people. Here's the contest: If you can find me a job that pays over $60,000 a year plus benefits, I will give you half of what I make that year at said job. I know this sounds too good to be true, but I am DEAD SERIOUS!!!!!
There are several stipulations. First, I must get the job and keep it for at least 3 months. After that, you will start receiving the money. I can't just apply for it and not get it. Second, You must tithe 10% of what YOU EARN to the church/religious organization of your choice. This could be convoy of hope, your local church, my local church :-), World Vision International, Red Cross and so on. The only stipuation on this is that they must be a Christian organization and they must help people!!!
I'm completely serious and to prove that I am serious, if I do not hold up my end of the bargain, you may confiscate my imac, all my guitars, my macbook, my truck, and anything else you find of worth from my possessions.
This contest is localized to the St. Louis area, but don't fret! If you are out of the area, you can still participate!
Here's what you need to do:
Find the job
Contact me with the information
Send me an email @ geoffmclarty@gmail.com
I will then apply for the job
It is very simple! All you need is some connections and a willgness to earn money!
This contest will run through the next few weeks. I will let everyone know how it turns out!! Blessings!
Ray Boltz.... the tale goes on!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
I'm sure many of you have heard of Ray Boltz, or maybe just his music. The famous song writer who wrote and recorded Thank You, recently came out as a homosexual. Personally, I was never really moved by any of Ray's music, but that's because of stylistic differences. What saddens me is the comments he has made over the past few weeks. You can read his comments in the issue of Blade here: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/9-12/arts/feature/13258.cfm
What is most upsetting to me is Boltz's rationalization of his homosexuality. He says that God made him this way and that he wants to live the way God made him. I feel there is a misconception here that most people fail to admit. God created us, gave us the earth to inhabit, mates so we could populate, and a choice to follow Him. Adam and Eve sinned and unleashed it on their generations. We are sinners because of the choice of our ancestors. Once sin was introduced, we were left to deal with it. Fortunately Christ died on the cross for our sins. That means we have redemption through His blood. We only need to repent (turn from our sins) and trust in God. This is much easier said than done. I am sure that Ray's life has been a wreck for a very long time. God didn't create Him gay. God just allows free-will to be a part of the equation. No one ever said it was easy being a Christian. Having to turn from evil all the time. Personally, I know this struggle, and so does every other Christian out there. Sometimes our flesh wins out. Sometimes we have the strength to continue on the path that we have chosen in Christ. I hate to see the rationalization of sin as the "way God created us". It's more complicated than that. It's about the decisions we make and how we deal with our sins.
Someone made a clever comment on a blog I was reading. They said that if we use the rationalization of "this is the way God created us", then what can we say to the pedophiles, murderers, rapists? Do we tell them it's ok because God created them this way? No! We tell them that sin is a part of every persons life. That it is a struggle to be who God created us to be. That there are easier ways to live, but that we were meant for so much more. God loves EVERYONE and wants us to be with Him, but we have to make that choice. That choice involves denying ourselves some of the pleasures of this world. It involves laying down our desires and submitting. It's not easy, but it's rewarding in so many ways.
I earnestly pray for Ray Boltz. I pray that God would bring Him some tender correction. That the church would rise up and love Ray, but also stand up for the values that we believe in. It's time to stop rationalizing our sins, displacing our faults and begin to take responsibility for our actions, thoughts, and words. Ray, I believe you love God with all your heart. I believe you have a relationship with God. I just don't see where you can validate this sin with scripture. Correct me if I am wrong, but sacrificing for the cause of Christ is what every follower is called to do.
In the end, I can't judge Ray Boltz. I can only pray for him and his family. On the day of judgement, God won't ask me what I think of Ray Boltz. God will ask me what I did with my life. He'll ask me why I did and didn't do some things. There is only one person I am responsible for right now, that's me! Ray, keep on seeking God. Geoff, start seeking God more! Anyone reading, figure out to live up to God's potential and not what the world, or anyone else, wants you to be!
What is most upsetting to me is Boltz's rationalization of his homosexuality. He says that God made him this way and that he wants to live the way God made him. I feel there is a misconception here that most people fail to admit. God created us, gave us the earth to inhabit, mates so we could populate, and a choice to follow Him. Adam and Eve sinned and unleashed it on their generations. We are sinners because of the choice of our ancestors. Once sin was introduced, we were left to deal with it. Fortunately Christ died on the cross for our sins. That means we have redemption through His blood. We only need to repent (turn from our sins) and trust in God. This is much easier said than done. I am sure that Ray's life has been a wreck for a very long time. God didn't create Him gay. God just allows free-will to be a part of the equation. No one ever said it was easy being a Christian. Having to turn from evil all the time. Personally, I know this struggle, and so does every other Christian out there. Sometimes our flesh wins out. Sometimes we have the strength to continue on the path that we have chosen in Christ. I hate to see the rationalization of sin as the "way God created us". It's more complicated than that. It's about the decisions we make and how we deal with our sins.
Someone made a clever comment on a blog I was reading. They said that if we use the rationalization of "this is the way God created us", then what can we say to the pedophiles, murderers, rapists? Do we tell them it's ok because God created them this way? No! We tell them that sin is a part of every persons life. That it is a struggle to be who God created us to be. That there are easier ways to live, but that we were meant for so much more. God loves EVERYONE and wants us to be with Him, but we have to make that choice. That choice involves denying ourselves some of the pleasures of this world. It involves laying down our desires and submitting. It's not easy, but it's rewarding in so many ways.
I earnestly pray for Ray Boltz. I pray that God would bring Him some tender correction. That the church would rise up and love Ray, but also stand up for the values that we believe in. It's time to stop rationalizing our sins, displacing our faults and begin to take responsibility for our actions, thoughts, and words. Ray, I believe you love God with all your heart. I believe you have a relationship with God. I just don't see where you can validate this sin with scripture. Correct me if I am wrong, but sacrificing for the cause of Christ is what every follower is called to do.
In the end, I can't judge Ray Boltz. I can only pray for him and his family. On the day of judgement, God won't ask me what I think of Ray Boltz. God will ask me what I did with my life. He'll ask me why I did and didn't do some things. There is only one person I am responsible for right now, that's me! Ray, keep on seeking God. Geoff, start seeking God more! Anyone reading, figure out to live up to God's potential and not what the world, or anyone else, wants you to be!
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