Girl Meets God

For a number of years I've been a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Then a few years back I became interested in Judaism. The idea of learning more about the religion that Jesus, Himself, was a part of intrigued me. As I delved deeper into the Jewish background and roots of the Christian faith, it only expanded my understanding of the Messiah that I love.

I have read numerous books, and a few have been incredibly helpful to me. Don Finto's "Your People Shall Be My People" was revolutionary and a must-read for beginners to this topic. Another book, Athol Dickson's "The Gospel According to Moses" took it to a whole other level, as they say. I have read, and re-read that one and am blown away each time. Other books by Brad Young and Ron Mosely have been helpful, but not quite as engaging.



Then yesterday, at a thrift store downtown, I picked up Lauren F. Winner's, "A Memoir: Girl Meets God". I have not finished it yet, but am so excited to be reading something as engaging and informative as anything I've read in some time. So far, I recommend it highly. God bless!

Love Wins - and anonymous cowards

Today I came into my office and had an anonymous letter sitting on my office chair. The letter was addressed to me, but with no return address. No name. Inside the envelope was a copied article, written by Ray Comfort, concerning Rob Bell's book, Love Wins. The article was titled, "Rob Bell Has Bad News for the Jews" (or something like that).

I skimmed the first two sentences and then quickly wadded up the article and threw it in the trash. It was garbage.

Here's why I feel this way:

First, Ray Comfort is not someone that I believe should be listened to. He promotes an evangelism formula called "The Way of the Master", which ironically, is exactly the way the Master did NOT evangelize. His ministry is one that I would never support, let alone recommend ANYONE be involved with. I think Mr. Comfort's ideas, teachings, and conclusions are bogus, anti-Biblical, and dangerous to say the very least.

Second, if someone wants me to read something, or discuss a topic, then have enough courage to sign your name or come in and talk with me. I will not take the time to read extremely long articles or books that are left and "emails" sent to me by anonymous folks. Sorry, but that's how it is.

Third, please stop sending me articles concerning Rob Bell's book and other hot-topics. I have a computer. I know how to research and study. I don't need 50 counter-viewpoints shared with me every time I stand up and declare something. I would spend 20 hours a week reading all the "stuff" people send me. That's not going to happen. If you have a legitimate question and feel it merits a discussion. My door is open. Come in and let's talk face-to-face.

As for Rob Bell's book, Love Wins, Love does indeed win. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones. Nothing major in my belief system is altered by what Rob claims in his newest book. Nothing has changed with what I've been teaching, as pastor of Desperation Church, for well over a decade. I will always support the message of 'love' and the message that the Kingdom of God is happening NOW. Real, authentic life does not begin when you take your 'last' breath, but your 'next' breath.

Thanks for reading.

Michael Craft

Big-Time Blessings

I was blessed today... big time!

I decided to take my family out to lunch today after church. This is becoming a rare thing for the Crafts, due to it costing so much to take all 7 of us out. When we are able to go, we usually have to wine & dine at such wonderful places like the Bell of Tacos.

Today, May 1st, is payday. I decided to splurge and go to Minsky's Pizza - the only place I know of that serves great pizza... on WHEAT crust! It's really great, and a bit more healthy. When my family arrived we ran into four of our DC family chowing down. The pic here is of them. They were finishing up and we were just getting started, but it was cool to laugh and visit with them for a moment.

They left.

We ate.

When I went to pay... our bill had been taken care of.

Totally.

Thanks guys.

Thanks God.

>"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." - Psalm 112:5

"A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." - Proverbs 11:16-17

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." - Proverbs 14:31

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." - Proverbs 22:9

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." - 1 Peter 4:9

"But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" - Matthew 6:3