As I look back on the year I ask what happened? A year where the USA became more divided over politics and agendas than I have seen in my life. But maybe I am off and things have long been this way. Political ads for candidates now run all year long, every year. Democrats go to certain churches and republicans to another with little mixing of the two in the same crowds. So which group does Jesus favor? FOX news versus everyone. More people are unemployed than I have ever seen. Things are turning around, we think. But the people do this, not the government. I saw a church I loved split and call it a plant so that the gospel was not damaged. I saw two smaller churches merge and join in the kingdom work because they knew they were better together. Now, more than ever, we need to wrestle with what the church is supposed to look and be like. How are we to be the body of Christ to a world that greatly needs the true King?
I looked up a pastor on YouTube and then followed a crazy trail. Stay with me on this, here we go: "Tony Campolo sermon" which led me to John MacArthur explaining how liberal TC was, then I saw JM explain how Roman Catholics and Billy Graham were wrong about the Bible and that BG said to Robert Schuler that there are many ways to Christ even if people don't know it, then Joyce Meyer says that we are little gods, then James David Manning says that a Joyce Meyer conference brings $60,000,000 a week into the economy, then Joel Osteen was exposed, then the NKJV was exposed and then found out Bible college was unscriptural and wrong, and then the trail went down from there. So I went on another beautiful trail starting with Mark Driscoll where he slams "The Shack" and then describes the 4 Lanes of the Emerging Church, then Rob Bell is slammed by The Way of the Master radio program with Todd Friel, followed by a bunch of other people slamming Rob Bell along with RB defending himself and his church, then Cameron Buettel slams RB some more then R.C. Sproul, Al Mohler, and Ravi Zacharias discuss post-modernism, modernism, liberalism, and the emergent church then Todd Friel exposes Rick Warren, then Rick Warren Tells Us How to Get to Heaven then Oprah is exposed then Brain McLaren "Attacks Hell and Jesus Atonement" and so on, and so on...
Who says the church is full of hypocrites? We are so full of love and get along well with each other. Right?
With all the heresy watchers out there apparently somebody or a lot of someones forgot the kindergarten lesson to play nice with each other? They will know us by our love for one another. There is so much time beating each other up that little time is left for being like Jesus to those who don't know Him. Doctrinal purity is important. But are we doing it how Jesus would? How can we make a huge difference in the world without working together?
What will it take to unify the church of Jesus and be the answer to His prayer in John 17? Can we make things different this year? It is time for those who follow Jesus to be the "00" agents that will take a stand for truth and love. Cooperation amongst the King's kids must become a priority. In 2010 we have to... You fill in the gap. What is God asking you to do as part of the Kingdom?
What makes our churches different than any group that does not have Jesus as its leader? What do we do on Sunday, or any other day, that someone who dislikes Jesus could not do? How is our love, service or power different? What is required of us? Let's do what He commands?
Love God. Love people. Make disciples...in His power and strength. Show us the way Holy Spirit.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What is wrong with His Church?
I am. The answer is me. G.K. Chesterton responded similarly to a newspaper question asking 'what is wrong with the world.'
Tony Evans, a pastor in TX, quoted these statistics:
If these stats are true, then the church is a mess. Given the above and divorce stats, the church really is a mess. Why? Aren't all these fabulous mega-churches making a difference? Some are. Some might be. But let's all be honest, at least this once, all churches have issues. And churches are the main place attempting to address these problems. Are we helping? How do we tell? If we judge based off attendance or financial giving, does that tell us if a life is changed and there is spiritual health? What if we are measuring the wrong things?
Do you still hear people complaining about there being too many hypocrites in the church? Well, where else are they supposed to be? Where will all of us hypocrites get help? Erwin McManus from a church in L.A. says, "We are all hypocrites in transition." Now that I have your attention I am going to ask you questions you don't want to hear. Read on if you dare.
Christians have churches that focus on theology and kick out those with differing views. There are churches with awesome emotional worship that separate out those that don't have the same gifts as the majority. There are churches for people who don't like church--which means all the other churches are doing it wrong. There are seeker churches that focus on evangelism, then attempt to make disciples out of these catered to spectators. How do you turn entertained consumers into advocates? That is hard work. There are churches for the spiritual but not religious. Really? I still don't know what that means. There are post-modern churches emerging...from what? All the above? If attendance is the measure, only a few are doing church right and MANY are failing. I know of a church that kicked out someone wrestling with the sovereignty of God and if He knows all ahead of time. This same church allows homosexuals to stay while they explore Jesus. Are we doing what Jesus wants?
What if our measuring stick is inaccurate? According to the statistics above, we are off in some serious ways. Christian men are hiding there sexual struggles. Christian families are rearing their kids expecting them to fail, for a while, until they make their faith their own. The USA is sexually out of control, drunk, drugged or violent. Yet our cycles continue. Is the church making the difference for the Kingdom of God that we are supposed to? Are we able to? Do we have the power to?
If what Jesus and the Bible say are possible for followers of Jesus, why is the USA church in such a mess?
I don't know.
I mean, I have some ideas and am looking for answers. Let's look for Jesus together as we seek to find where He wants us to go as He leads His church. This will require great utility, oops, I mean humility. Maybe the church like the culture has become too utilitarian. Is usefulness or love the key? Other ideas? Let's talk and I'll pontificate more later...
Tony Evans, a pastor in TX, quoted these statistics:
- 50% - 60% of Christian men are addicted to pornography; 85% of men 18-30 years old have this addiction
- 90% of teens raised in the church leave the church upon graduating from high school
- 26% of teenage girls 14-19 have at least one sexually transmitted disease
- 1 in 3 adolescent girls is a victim of interpersonal violence
If these stats are true, then the church is a mess. Given the above and divorce stats, the church really is a mess. Why? Aren't all these fabulous mega-churches making a difference? Some are. Some might be. But let's all be honest, at least this once, all churches have issues. And churches are the main place attempting to address these problems. Are we helping? How do we tell? If we judge based off attendance or financial giving, does that tell us if a life is changed and there is spiritual health? What if we are measuring the wrong things?
Do you still hear people complaining about there being too many hypocrites in the church? Well, where else are they supposed to be? Where will all of us hypocrites get help? Erwin McManus from a church in L.A. says, "We are all hypocrites in transition." Now that I have your attention I am going to ask you questions you don't want to hear. Read on if you dare.
Christians have churches that focus on theology and kick out those with differing views. There are churches with awesome emotional worship that separate out those that don't have the same gifts as the majority. There are churches for people who don't like church--which means all the other churches are doing it wrong. There are seeker churches that focus on evangelism, then attempt to make disciples out of these catered to spectators. How do you turn entertained consumers into advocates? That is hard work. There are churches for the spiritual but not religious. Really? I still don't know what that means. There are post-modern churches emerging...from what? All the above? If attendance is the measure, only a few are doing church right and MANY are failing. I know of a church that kicked out someone wrestling with the sovereignty of God and if He knows all ahead of time. This same church allows homosexuals to stay while they explore Jesus. Are we doing what Jesus wants?
What if our measuring stick is inaccurate? According to the statistics above, we are off in some serious ways. Christian men are hiding there sexual struggles. Christian families are rearing their kids expecting them to fail, for a while, until they make their faith their own. The USA is sexually out of control, drunk, drugged or violent. Yet our cycles continue. Is the church making the difference for the Kingdom of God that we are supposed to? Are we able to? Do we have the power to?
If what Jesus and the Bible say are possible for followers of Jesus, why is the USA church in such a mess?
I don't know.
I mean, I have some ideas and am looking for answers. Let's look for Jesus together as we seek to find where He wants us to go as He leads His church. This will require great utility, oops, I mean humility. Maybe the church like the culture has become too utilitarian. Is usefulness or love the key? Other ideas? Let's talk and I'll pontificate more later...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Questions for friends
Why so many with so little and so few with so much?
Why are so many 'artists' heterophobes and marriageophobes and pregnancyophobes?
Why is it a 'right' to kill the unborn and the elderly?
Why does the weather change so much every few hundred years and we think our 3.5% CO2 emissions from all our technology makes a gigantic difference?
Is there such a thing as humility in the USA?
Why is there so little difference between toddlers and teens?
Why do priests do marriage counseling?
Why do people believe in ghosts, use a green light to locate them, but don't seek Jesus?
Why are reality shows popular, when they are just people behaving badly?
Why are public servants not servants?
Why does the government think it can create jobs when their health care plan will eliminate hundreds of thousands and their bailout just prolongs the inevitable for failing car companies?
If socialism prevails with financial redistribution, how long will it take for things to return to the 8% having 80% of the wealth?
Who is really running the government: people or other forces?
What if being politically correct is wrong?
Why does the KKK think Christianity is white and Jews are bad when Jesus was a brown skinned and eyed, black haired Jew?
Why is the evil we do God's fault?
Why is Christmas about stuff other than God becoming man to rescue us from our brokenness?
Why are so many 'artists' heterophobes and marriageophobes and pregnancyophobes?
Why is it a 'right' to kill the unborn and the elderly?
Why does the weather change so much every few hundred years and we think our 3.5% CO2 emissions from all our technology makes a gigantic difference?
Is there such a thing as humility in the USA?
Why is there so little difference between toddlers and teens?
Why do priests do marriage counseling?
Why do people believe in ghosts, use a green light to locate them, but don't seek Jesus?
Why are reality shows popular, when they are just people behaving badly?
Why are public servants not servants?
Why does the government think it can create jobs when their health care plan will eliminate hundreds of thousands and their bailout just prolongs the inevitable for failing car companies?
If socialism prevails with financial redistribution, how long will it take for things to return to the 8% having 80% of the wealth?
Who is really running the government: people or other forces?
What if being politically correct is wrong?
Why does the KKK think Christianity is white and Jews are bad when Jesus was a brown skinned and eyed, black haired Jew?
Why is the evil we do God's fault?
Why is Christmas about stuff other than God becoming man to rescue us from our brokenness?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Dog's View of God
Last night at the end of our home Bible study a dog starts barking outside my house. It keeps going. Sounds like a big dog. Why is it still in front of my house? Must not be with people on a walk or the dog would have moved up or down the street.
Finally I get up to see what is going on. I open the screen door since the front door was open. The black lab is 20 feet away and starts barking a lot when she sees me. I think I recognize her from across the street so I call her name, Hollister. Then I call her Holly since the neighbors use both names. She hesitates and stops barking for a couple of seconds and then starts up again.
I am nervous since this is an 80lb black lab with a rough bark [pun intended as always]. I go back through the house and open the garage door putting on some shoes to walk her across the street. If it is Hollister, she is familiar with our garage and where the dog food is kept, so I am hoping this calms her down. Since it is night, I can't see her so I slowly walk around looking for her. She is across the street but still looking and barking at me. Now her bark sounds a little more scared than mean, but I am not comfortable so I watch her closely as I walk to the neighbors darkened front door hoping Hollister won't leap at or bite me. I knock on the door. Nothing. I open the screen door and knock loudly as barking black lab moves very close to me. While I hold the screen door open I look back after knocking to see Hollister timidly approach me. She starts wagging her tail and submissively dropping her posture as she sniffs and licks my shoes and ankle of my pants. Whew! It is Hollister and she does not attack! She is just scared out of her wits--if she has any. I finally calm down. The neighbor opens the door and sees Hollister who runs into the house in panic. Their other dog now comes out of the house with the owner as we talk and try to figure out how Holly got out. After a minute I head home and laugh about the whole thing.
The more I think about it the more I laugh. Hollister was much more scared than I was. All the houses around were dark except mine. She could see inside our front door since we were doing our study in a well lit front room and just so happened to be talking about Jesus calling us to be light in the darkness! Are we letting His light shine through us? Darkness always loses to light. Darkness is emptiness. Light is filling and fulfilling.
So here is this scared puppy [about a year old] barking in terror confused about how to get back home to safety and comfort. She finds the only light she can and asks for help. Took me a while to figure that out. She was so happy once she was at her front door and going back home. Rescue calms fear.
It was a cool illustration for me. It was a good way to be kind to a neighbor.
Then I started thinking about how I am like Holly when I cry out to God and sometimes to god--you know, the false image I have created in my head that is not trusting, good and loving like God is. Do I scare others with my searching to be rescued, when I am really the one who is scared?
We all need rescue, safety, light, comfort and love. Holly's cry is similar to ours. "I know you aren't my God. But you are the only light I see. Please help me get back home!"
How are you like a dog who needs to run to God?
Finally I get up to see what is going on. I open the screen door since the front door was open. The black lab is 20 feet away and starts barking a lot when she sees me. I think I recognize her from across the street so I call her name, Hollister. Then I call her Holly since the neighbors use both names. She hesitates and stops barking for a couple of seconds and then starts up again.
I am nervous since this is an 80lb black lab with a rough bark [pun intended as always]. I go back through the house and open the garage door putting on some shoes to walk her across the street. If it is Hollister, she is familiar with our garage and where the dog food is kept, so I am hoping this calms her down. Since it is night, I can't see her so I slowly walk around looking for her. She is across the street but still looking and barking at me. Now her bark sounds a little more scared than mean, but I am not comfortable so I watch her closely as I walk to the neighbors darkened front door hoping Hollister won't leap at or bite me. I knock on the door. Nothing. I open the screen door and knock loudly as barking black lab moves very close to me. While I hold the screen door open I look back after knocking to see Hollister timidly approach me. She starts wagging her tail and submissively dropping her posture as she sniffs and licks my shoes and ankle of my pants. Whew! It is Hollister and she does not attack! She is just scared out of her wits--if she has any. I finally calm down. The neighbor opens the door and sees Hollister who runs into the house in panic. Their other dog now comes out of the house with the owner as we talk and try to figure out how Holly got out. After a minute I head home and laugh about the whole thing.
The more I think about it the more I laugh. Hollister was much more scared than I was. All the houses around were dark except mine. She could see inside our front door since we were doing our study in a well lit front room and just so happened to be talking about Jesus calling us to be light in the darkness! Are we letting His light shine through us? Darkness always loses to light. Darkness is emptiness. Light is filling and fulfilling.
So here is this scared puppy [about a year old] barking in terror confused about how to get back home to safety and comfort. She finds the only light she can and asks for help. Took me a while to figure that out. She was so happy once she was at her front door and going back home. Rescue calms fear.
It was a cool illustration for me. It was a good way to be kind to a neighbor.
Then I started thinking about how I am like Holly when I cry out to God and sometimes to god--you know, the false image I have created in my head that is not trusting, good and loving like God is. Do I scare others with my searching to be rescued, when I am really the one who is scared?
We all need rescue, safety, light, comfort and love. Holly's cry is similar to ours. "I know you aren't my God. But you are the only light I see. Please help me get back home!"
How are you like a dog who needs to run to God?
Friday, October 2, 2009
My Prayer for the Church in America
Holy Heavenly Father,
Show us more of You. Reveal to us where we are obeying you. Help us define obedience Your way. Are we even supposed to worry about or define success? We define both by growth in numbers and outward behavior. We talk about evangelism, transformation, missional living, discipleship, serving, etc. Are we doing what You want? Are we being who You desire us to be? Are we off track? Help us know how to accept a lesser role; be humble, so we can give You honor, praise and glory.
Are we measuring the right stuff? What if our metrics, ROI, budget expenditures, etc. are not according to Your will? How can we know? When You put roadblocks in the way and we go around them calling it perseverance, show us the truth. When You say, "No," give us ears to hear. When You say, "Go," give us ears to listen, hearts to obey and follow.
You are perfect. We are not. Only You are.
Jesus prayed for the unity of Your followers.
You called us to sacrifice and care for the poor, needy, widows and oppressed. You called us to love mercy and act justly.
You sent Jesus to rescue us and show us the way to You.
Show us more of You. Reveal to us where we are obeying you. Help us define obedience Your way. Are we even supposed to worry about or define success? We define both by growth in numbers and outward behavior. We talk about evangelism, transformation, missional living, discipleship, serving, etc. Are we doing what You want? Are we being who You desire us to be? Are we off track? Help us know how to accept a lesser role; be humble, so we can give You honor, praise and glory.
Are we measuring the right stuff? What if our metrics, ROI, budget expenditures, etc. are not according to Your will? How can we know? When You put roadblocks in the way and we go around them calling it perseverance, show us the truth. When You say, "No," give us ears to hear. When You say, "Go," give us ears to listen, hearts to obey and follow.
You are perfect. We are not. Only You are.
- Forgive us for getting this backwards; or at least, acting like it.
- Forgive us for thinking and acting like You cannot solve our problems.
- Forgive us for simplifying Who You are and limiting You & Your power to our small minds.
- Forgive us for sinning and thinking it is fine or justified.
- Give us grace to understand the Bible, help us understand theology, give us gentleness towards those we disagree with.
- Forgive us for being self-righteous and indignant, judging wrongly.
- Forgive us for assisting the accuser while pretending to be the Holy Spirit.
- Forgive us for being too insecure to love. We call it other things: being busy, focused, introverted; when really we are just scared or don't care.
Jesus prayed for the unity of Your followers.
- Forgive us for failing to fulfill Jesus' prayer. We should pay more attention to this since it was Jesus' last prayer before the cross.
- Forgive us for putting a positive spin on our disobedience and inability to get along across generations, races and cultures.
- Forgive us for dividing over methods, music styles, programs, etc. when You wanted us to work through differences for the greater good of answering Jesus' prayer.
- Forgive us for fighting over spiritual gifts; their use, whether certain gifts are still around or not and, the misuse or faking of those same ones. After all; they are Your gifts.
You called us to sacrifice and care for the poor, needy, widows and oppressed. You called us to love mercy and act justly.
- Are we spending your resources of money, time, talents and gifts wisely? It is all Yours.
- Forgive us for hording these resources or spending them on ourselves.
- Do our buildings for Your church use your resources rightly?
- How can we better care for the hurting?
- Show us what we need to change here.
You sent Jesus to rescue us and show us the way to You.
- Forgive us for doubting Your love.
- Thank You for adopting us when our father was the devil and our fallen flesh.
- Thank You for choosing us when we were at our weakest and worst.
- Thank You for being patient with us; even when, we are not with ourselves or others.
- Thank You for the incarnation, teachings & parables, healings & miracles, the cross, the blood, the death, the burial, the resurrection.
- Thank You for life transformation, grace and a future with You.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Civility, Morals, Courtesy; Right from Wrong?
The older I get [44], the less tolerant I am of lies, boorish, snotty and inconsiderate behavior. As a father and step-father of four teenagers and a nearly 21 year old, I see from them and their age group plenty of self-focused actions that often appear toddler. I guess toddler equals adolescent nowadays. There is an inability to close cabinets, clean dishes, or even pick them up and put them near the dishwasher, wrappers and garbage are left all over the planet. Have you ever seen a teenager's bathroom toilet? Dear God! The piles of clothes and clutter all over their bedrooms are comparatively nothing. Rinse and smash the recyclables is way too mentally challenging. A friend of mine says he will no longer hire anyone under 30. "They are just too lazy and selfish."
We should return to the times where teenage meant; now you need to act like an adult, you get a job and learn some responsibility instead of figuring out how to beat the next level of a video game or text message people while you ignore the ones you are with. Parenting is difficult; especially, when the examples around are less than stellar. Why should we expect decent behavior from anyone when we have created a society that caters to adolescent insanity? 'It's all about me' has become a creed instead of a need for therapy. As a former youth pastor, I failed miserably because I could not 'fix' all the snotty brats in 1-2 hours per week. So, it was my fault for not straightening them out and making them want to keep coming to church. OOPS! I only told them the truth and they didn't want to hear it because I disagreed with their self-focused lives where they thought all their problems were adult's faults. Parents, teachers, bosses were at fault...but never them.
Look at the foolish actions of nearly everyone on reality shows. I refuse to watch any of them. Jon and Kate. Who couldn't see that one coming? Controlling, manipulative, angry woman drives away passive aggressive sissy man. Shocking! Nowhere do we find any people worth emulating. Oh, wait. The family with 18 kids. They are great role models, mostly because they are real followers of Jesus, not people who play church. Crazy to have that many kids. But their life reveals all things good. Is there ever anything negative on that show? Compare that with all the others. MTV is 'hell' comparatively. What a bunch of jerks are on that 'cool' network! Put those freaks in jail!
How about our celebrated athletes? Late last week I saw Serena Williams stare menacingly at a line judge for calling a foot fault on her tennis serve. Then I hear that she lost the semi-finals match due to an outburst after the same [bad] call that lead to a penalty on match point. She threatened to shove a ball down the line judge's throat and then plays it off as acceptable competitive passion. Good Morning America put her on Tuesday AM to 'apologize' and pump her book. Her passion for sports and her past painful experiences excuse her extreme outbursts. Right? What a farce!
Michael Jordan's hall of fame acceptance speech revealed an overly competitive, insecure personality still trying to prove himself. As a huge fan, I lost nearly all my respect for him as a person. He was a fantastic player. He is a jerk as a human. Roger Federer just whined about some rules and judging in his US Open finals match. Later in the same match he tried to get away with same thing.
Win-at-all-costs is celebrated in sports. If you win it is OK. Jordan once replied to a coach who thought he was being selfish, "You are right. There is no 'I' in 'team' but there is in 'win.'"
Let's move back to other celebrities. Kanye West. Need I say more? How about--too much Hennessy? Eminem finally lost his voice when he showed how immature he was. It has been years since he has been allowed to speak his opinions. Hopefully that happens to Kanye today; despite his lame attempts at apologies and excuses because of his mom dying in 2007. In another amazingly idiotic act he jumps on stage during an award acceptance speech to complain that someone else should have won. He takes the microphone from the young white girl to complain that an African-American young woman should have won. He needs to go away. In my life, I have never seen anyone do more to undermine race-relations and removing prejudice than this foolish man who needed more spankings as a child. There is plenty of great stuff already written to show his lunacy.
Beyonce and Taylor Swift were very classy handling KW's nutso act well. Someone has taught them manners and c0uth.
Federer just lost in five sets after being up 2 sets to 1. His collapse is complete as an upstart 20 year old beats the 28 year old superstar, grandslam champ with 110 mph forehands that were as blistering [the same speed] as his somewhat relaxed serves. Good job Juan Martin del Potro.
Many recent shows have addressed these same issues.
We cannot change the soul of people with simplistic views. Behavior modification does not rescue people from sin, rebellion and selfishness. Right from wrong is not determined by culture and current society's thoughts; even though, that is what the media promotes regularly. Without a direct act from God and our own submission to Him we will be as foolish as the early Israelite's in the book of Judges where "every man did that which was right in their own eyes." Now look at what a bunch of fools we look like. Are we right? Is God stupid because He does not do what we want or live by our morals? What if we humans are wrong?
We should return to the times where teenage meant; now you need to act like an adult, you get a job and learn some responsibility instead of figuring out how to beat the next level of a video game or text message people while you ignore the ones you are with. Parenting is difficult; especially, when the examples around are less than stellar. Why should we expect decent behavior from anyone when we have created a society that caters to adolescent insanity? 'It's all about me' has become a creed instead of a need for therapy. As a former youth pastor, I failed miserably because I could not 'fix' all the snotty brats in 1-2 hours per week. So, it was my fault for not straightening them out and making them want to keep coming to church. OOPS! I only told them the truth and they didn't want to hear it because I disagreed with their self-focused lives where they thought all their problems were adult's faults. Parents, teachers, bosses were at fault...but never them.
Look at the foolish actions of nearly everyone on reality shows. I refuse to watch any of them. Jon and Kate. Who couldn't see that one coming? Controlling, manipulative, angry woman drives away passive aggressive sissy man. Shocking! Nowhere do we find any people worth emulating. Oh, wait. The family with 18 kids. They are great role models, mostly because they are real followers of Jesus, not people who play church. Crazy to have that many kids. But their life reveals all things good. Is there ever anything negative on that show? Compare that with all the others. MTV is 'hell' comparatively. What a bunch of jerks are on that 'cool' network! Put those freaks in jail!
How about our celebrated athletes? Late last week I saw Serena Williams stare menacingly at a line judge for calling a foot fault on her tennis serve. Then I hear that she lost the semi-finals match due to an outburst after the same [bad] call that lead to a penalty on match point. She threatened to shove a ball down the line judge's throat and then plays it off as acceptable competitive passion. Good Morning America put her on Tuesday AM to 'apologize' and pump her book. Her passion for sports and her past painful experiences excuse her extreme outbursts. Right? What a farce!
Michael Jordan's hall of fame acceptance speech revealed an overly competitive, insecure personality still trying to prove himself. As a huge fan, I lost nearly all my respect for him as a person. He was a fantastic player. He is a jerk as a human. Roger Federer just whined about some rules and judging in his US Open finals match. Later in the same match he tried to get away with same thing.
Win-at-all-costs is celebrated in sports. If you win it is OK. Jordan once replied to a coach who thought he was being selfish, "You are right. There is no 'I' in 'team' but there is in 'win.'"
Let's move back to other celebrities. Kanye West. Need I say more? How about--too much Hennessy? Eminem finally lost his voice when he showed how immature he was. It has been years since he has been allowed to speak his opinions. Hopefully that happens to Kanye today; despite his lame attempts at apologies and excuses because of his mom dying in 2007. In another amazingly idiotic act he jumps on stage during an award acceptance speech to complain that someone else should have won. He takes the microphone from the young white girl to complain that an African-American young woman should have won. He needs to go away. In my life, I have never seen anyone do more to undermine race-relations and removing prejudice than this foolish man who needed more spankings as a child. There is plenty of great stuff already written to show his lunacy.
Beyonce and Taylor Swift were very classy handling KW's nutso act well. Someone has taught them manners and c0uth.
Federer just lost in five sets after being up 2 sets to 1. His collapse is complete as an upstart 20 year old beats the 28 year old superstar, grandslam champ with 110 mph forehands that were as blistering [the same speed] as his somewhat relaxed serves. Good job Juan Martin del Potro.
Many recent shows have addressed these same issues.
We cannot change the soul of people with simplistic views. Behavior modification does not rescue people from sin, rebellion and selfishness. Right from wrong is not determined by culture and current society's thoughts; even though, that is what the media promotes regularly. Without a direct act from God and our own submission to Him we will be as foolish as the early Israelite's in the book of Judges where "every man did that which was right in their own eyes." Now look at what a bunch of fools we look like. Are we right? Is God stupid because He does not do what we want or live by our morals? What if we humans are wrong?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sushi and Politics
I didn't like sushi until I had several exposures to it when I was 35 years old. 35! My life was almost over. I was near death from old age. What the heck?! Sushi didn't change. Just my exposure to it and learning to like it. I still don't like raw quail eggs. But, WOW do I love [read - enjoy] sushi. How come I didn't know about this great food? Was it because I had been trained by the knowledgeable reporters? Obviously everything raw was bad for me. Just like eggs have been good, then bad, then good for you. The media always knows best. Just ask Dan Rather. I am an idiot so I need him to tell me what do do, think and say.
In Mark 7, Jesus says in verse 19 "...since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)" Bad news for vegetarians and vegans. Not that Hindus believe what Jesus says.
Many don't take to heart what Jesus says. After all, redactors of history tell us he probably didn't say it anyways. Because we are so much smarter now that we can tell when a writer makes stuff up to support an unsustainable position. So we in the 21st century must know better than this guy who died on a cross. He didn't even leave Israel or write a book. He didn't travel the world and learn about other cultures. He must not be that knowledgeable. So the philosophers say. He died on a cross! Hello! He is a loser! He must have been a failure. Just ask Schweitzer.
So let me make one small comparison. Alexander the Great. Why is he great? His army conquered everything they could find. Then, when they were bored he whined, got bored and sick and died moping around because there was nothing else to live for. He had already conquered and done all the world had to offer. What now? Nothing! So just go die...
So here we are in the USA in 2009 with the next savior or anti-Christ, depending on your political view. Don't let him talk to our kids. It can't be good as he propagandizes them. Remember when Bill Clinton was the anti-Christ? Now it has to be Barack Husein Obama. He wasn't even born in the USA. Kenya or somewhere else, right? And his middle name is some Islamic terrorist name, right?...
Where is the truth?
Is the president a good man? Is Jesus real or a liar? Does Jesus have anything to say about modern times?
People argue and fight over these questions. How often do we pursue the truth? Is it all just about our own ideas and agendas? Our own wants and desires? Who tells us the truth? CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, MSNBC, DUPE, RESPECT? Where can we get honest information without falsehoods and agendas? The internet? The Post, the Times, the Street? Why is there so much blindness that people don't see both sides of the agenda propaganda machines?
No wonder I have learned to love sushi. No BS. Just straight, raw meat. Tastes good and very satisfying. No colors or MSG. It doesn't give me a headache. It leaves me full and satisfied. It is a little pricey, but 'Oh, man' is it worth it!
But politics? As the book of Judges says regularly, "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Who were they supposed to listen to? Was there a better way? All men know better than God, the Bible, prophets, Jesus, etc.
Aren't you so glad that politics solves all our political and earthly problems? I am so glad that the red and blue states know better than Jesus. My health care and retirement depend on it. I am so looking forward to my great future of retirement and health care in a country that cares so greatly for all its people.
In Mark 7, Jesus says in verse 19 "...since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)" Bad news for vegetarians and vegans. Not that Hindus believe what Jesus says.
Many don't take to heart what Jesus says. After all, redactors of history tell us he probably didn't say it anyways. Because we are so much smarter now that we can tell when a writer makes stuff up to support an unsustainable position. So we in the 21st century must know better than this guy who died on a cross. He didn't even leave Israel or write a book. He didn't travel the world and learn about other cultures. He must not be that knowledgeable. So the philosophers say. He died on a cross! Hello! He is a loser! He must have been a failure. Just ask Schweitzer.
So let me make one small comparison. Alexander the Great. Why is he great? His army conquered everything they could find. Then, when they were bored he whined, got bored and sick and died moping around because there was nothing else to live for. He had already conquered and done all the world had to offer. What now? Nothing! So just go die...
So here we are in the USA in 2009 with the next savior or anti-Christ, depending on your political view. Don't let him talk to our kids. It can't be good as he propagandizes them. Remember when Bill Clinton was the anti-Christ? Now it has to be Barack Husein Obama. He wasn't even born in the USA. Kenya or somewhere else, right? And his middle name is some Islamic terrorist name, right?...
Where is the truth?
Is the president a good man? Is Jesus real or a liar? Does Jesus have anything to say about modern times?
People argue and fight over these questions. How often do we pursue the truth? Is it all just about our own ideas and agendas? Our own wants and desires? Who tells us the truth? CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, MSNBC, DUPE, RESPECT? Where can we get honest information without falsehoods and agendas? The internet? The Post, the Times, the Street? Why is there so much blindness that people don't see both sides of the agenda propaganda machines?
No wonder I have learned to love sushi. No BS. Just straight, raw meat. Tastes good and very satisfying. No colors or MSG. It doesn't give me a headache. It leaves me full and satisfied. It is a little pricey, but 'Oh, man' is it worth it!
But politics? As the book of Judges says regularly, "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Who were they supposed to listen to? Was there a better way? All men know better than God, the Bible, prophets, Jesus, etc.
Aren't you so glad that politics solves all our political and earthly problems? I am so glad that the red and blue states know better than Jesus. My health care and retirement depend on it. I am so looking forward to my great future of retirement and health care in a country that cares so greatly for all its people.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Problem with Santa Claus
Christmas in July. Not really. I just watched "Fred Claus." Fred is Nick's older and obnoxious conniving brother played by Vince Vaughn--a real stretch. The movie is probably aimed at young teens. It is safe and fairly funny. The thing that hit me was something that Fred said and did. He originally goes to the north pole to get some money from Nick for a business con he is working on. Forced to work for Nick to earn the money he is placed in charge of the naughty and nice list. Because of a relationship with a little boy back in his home town he finds that this orphaned little guy has been placed in an orphanage and jumped to the top of the naughty list.
Fred changes the rules and stamps all kids as nice instead of naughty. This throws the toy production for a loop since they don't have the capacity to make toys for this huge number of children. Nick and Fred argue over this but Fred has the best point by saying that all the kids are good, maybe they just hit a rough spot and were going through a tough time; which is the case with his little orphan friend.
Here is the twist. Santa has always separated the good from the bad kids. Is this performance based acceptance? If you were a good kid for that year, you were guaranteed gifts Christmas morning. I think this has led to a wrong view for a lot of people. God is not like this at all. So Nick is wrong. Santa is wrong! But so is Fred. Not all the kids are good. Paul argues in Romans that no one is good in God's eyes. All have sinned and far from acceptable to God in thought and behavior. We have all sinned against God.
We are all on the naughty list.
So none of us deserve gifts. Santa gives coal. God allows those who die in their rebellion to go to hell and burn in the fires. The second is a much nastier and eternal torment. Santa accepts kids based on good behavior. God cannot because we are born in sin and can never earn acceptance by behavior. We cannot make up for being being born in sin by doing good. The good cannot outweigh being stuck in sin thanks to Adam and Eve. We are born as humans so we cannot do something to make us eagles. We cannot change ourselves. So it is with our sin. We need some outside help in a massive way.
God sent Jesus as the Christmas gift to take us off the naughty list when we trust in Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice for our sin. The ultimate gift from God is not for those who are good but to make us good in God's eyes by faith when we accept this grace. God is a lot different than Santa.
Thanks be to God for this grace. Read Romans chapters 3-8 and Ephesians 2 to get a bigger picture of this.
Let's all run to Jesus and thank him for this amazing Christmas-Easter gift. Jesus is Lord of all; even if, some or many do not believe. We cannot change the facts. We cannot tell God what He can or cannot do. God loves us.
Fred changes the rules and stamps all kids as nice instead of naughty. This throws the toy production for a loop since they don't have the capacity to make toys for this huge number of children. Nick and Fred argue over this but Fred has the best point by saying that all the kids are good, maybe they just hit a rough spot and were going through a tough time; which is the case with his little orphan friend.
Here is the twist. Santa has always separated the good from the bad kids. Is this performance based acceptance? If you were a good kid for that year, you were guaranteed gifts Christmas morning. I think this has led to a wrong view for a lot of people. God is not like this at all. So Nick is wrong. Santa is wrong! But so is Fred. Not all the kids are good. Paul argues in Romans that no one is good in God's eyes. All have sinned and far from acceptable to God in thought and behavior. We have all sinned against God.
We are all on the naughty list.
So none of us deserve gifts. Santa gives coal. God allows those who die in their rebellion to go to hell and burn in the fires. The second is a much nastier and eternal torment. Santa accepts kids based on good behavior. God cannot because we are born in sin and can never earn acceptance by behavior. We cannot make up for being being born in sin by doing good. The good cannot outweigh being stuck in sin thanks to Adam and Eve. We are born as humans so we cannot do something to make us eagles. We cannot change ourselves. So it is with our sin. We need some outside help in a massive way.
God sent Jesus as the Christmas gift to take us off the naughty list when we trust in Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice for our sin. The ultimate gift from God is not for those who are good but to make us good in God's eyes by faith when we accept this grace. God is a lot different than Santa.
Thanks be to God for this grace. Read Romans chapters 3-8 and Ephesians 2 to get a bigger picture of this.
Let's all run to Jesus and thank him for this amazing Christmas-Easter gift. Jesus is Lord of all; even if, some or many do not believe. We cannot change the facts. We cannot tell God what He can or cannot do. God loves us.
Friday, June 19, 2009
a high thought for today
Often we miss focusing on the fact that God made and loves us. We are His and not our own. Bask in His gentle, caring nurture and protection [i.e. love].
Life is all about God. He made it. He is the author of it. Our life will return to its rightful owner. We are not the end all. He is. He is also the beginning and the middle.
Chuck Colson writing about G.K. Chesterton:
It was realism that was behind one of Chesterton’s most famous writings. When the Times of London invited leading intellectuals to write about what was wrong with the world, Chesterton’s contribution was a short letter that simply read: “Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely, G.K. Chesterton.”
Life is all about God. He made it. He is the author of it. Our life will return to its rightful owner. We are not the end all. He is. He is also the beginning and the middle.
Chuck Colson writing about G.K. Chesterton:
It was realism that was behind one of Chesterton’s most famous writings. When the Times of London invited leading intellectuals to write about what was wrong with the world, Chesterton’s contribution was a short letter that simply read: “Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely, G.K. Chesterton.”
It’s difficult to imagine a more succinct articulation of the Christian worldview. Which is why Orthodoxy is one of the 10 best books I’ve ever read and ought to be on your reading list, and why Ken Boa should be your guide.
Love Ya',
Scott
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Jesus Prayed for Our Unity - Why?
Within just a few hours of going to the cross, Jesus prayed for the unity of those who would follow Him. Three of the gospels tell us that Jesus prayed to be relieved of the burden of going to a death by crucifixion. Yet, He relented and obeyed God the Father knowing that is was necessary. There was no other way that broken, self-centered, sin-filled mankind could be forgiven and restored to a relationship with the perfect God that made us. It is this same God, the One and only, that we ignore most of the time attempting to find ways to fulfill our emptiness with everything else except Him.
Jesus agreed to complete the task that He descended to earth to carry out. Only the gospel [good news] of John lets us in on His prayer that His followers would be unified as He and God the Father were one. One what? Only a fool would claim that we could be God like They are God. Only within Christianity is there a One God made of several beings or persons. Odd. Christianity is a pluralistic monotheism. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit combine to make up the One God of the Bible. God has chosen to reveal Himself in this magnificent work of literature that tells His story of creation, fall/rebellion, redemption/restoration, and the future end of the universe and beginning of a new eternal one that will no longer contain flaws--sin.
Still, one what? Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. The church: Jesus' followers; is disjointed, schismatic, separated, split, denominationalized, protested, reformed, argumentative, individualistic, etc. Many churches or groups of churches claim to be the one true church. So all the others must be wrong. We have many First Church of somethings and a few seconds, but I don't know of any thirds, fourths or higher numbers. Churches argue over many differing doctrinal issues: end times, spiritual gifts, free will versus predestination, types of atonement, how far the redemption applies, etc. ad nausea. There is some unity about Whom Jesus is and that He alone can save lost souls. His death, burial and resurrection tie us together.
But did Jesus' prayer fail. It doesn't look like Christ's followers are one of anything. All seems divided. We are all one big fight. Did the Father say "No" to Jesus' prayer? Where is the evidence of this oneness? Are we to do something to be an answer to this prayer? Is that why John included it? Jesus prayed that we would be one so that the world "may know that you [Father] sent me [Jesus] and loved them [Christ followers] even as you loved me." No wonder the world has such a difficult time believing our message as we live divided and proclaim that Jesus is the only way to God.
What are we to do to be one as He prayed for us?
Can you imagine how messed up things would be if Jesus had not prayed for our unity?
We do see glimpses of this unity when we surrender the things that divide us and focus on the centrality of Jesus to our faith. It is only when we surrender our arrogance and learn to lovingly care for one another that we see lived out an answer to this prayer. It is only when we commune and serve together for the glory of God and not ourselves that we see why He prayed for unity and oneness. There is incredible joy in seeing this prayer answered in the affirmative around and through us.
What walls do we need to take down to make John 17 a reality?
Who do you need to work with, serve alongside, forgive, apologize to in order to bring about Jesus' desire?
P.S. Happy 49th anniversary to my Mom & Dad. That's unity. It is a little taste of heaven here on this divisive, divided planet.
Jesus agreed to complete the task that He descended to earth to carry out. Only the gospel [good news] of John lets us in on His prayer that His followers would be unified as He and God the Father were one. One what? Only a fool would claim that we could be God like They are God. Only within Christianity is there a One God made of several beings or persons. Odd. Christianity is a pluralistic monotheism. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit combine to make up the One God of the Bible. God has chosen to reveal Himself in this magnificent work of literature that tells His story of creation, fall/rebellion, redemption/restoration, and the future end of the universe and beginning of a new eternal one that will no longer contain flaws--sin.
Still, one what? Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. The church: Jesus' followers; is disjointed, schismatic, separated, split, denominationalized, protested, reformed, argumentative, individualistic, etc. Many churches or groups of churches claim to be the one true church. So all the others must be wrong. We have many First Church of somethings and a few seconds, but I don't know of any thirds, fourths or higher numbers. Churches argue over many differing doctrinal issues: end times, spiritual gifts, free will versus predestination, types of atonement, how far the redemption applies, etc. ad nausea. There is some unity about Whom Jesus is and that He alone can save lost souls. His death, burial and resurrection tie us together.
But did Jesus' prayer fail. It doesn't look like Christ's followers are one of anything. All seems divided. We are all one big fight. Did the Father say "No" to Jesus' prayer? Where is the evidence of this oneness? Are we to do something to be an answer to this prayer? Is that why John included it? Jesus prayed that we would be one so that the world "may know that you [Father] sent me [Jesus] and loved them [Christ followers] even as you loved me." No wonder the world has such a difficult time believing our message as we live divided and proclaim that Jesus is the only way to God.
What are we to do to be one as He prayed for us?
Can you imagine how messed up things would be if Jesus had not prayed for our unity?
We do see glimpses of this unity when we surrender the things that divide us and focus on the centrality of Jesus to our faith. It is only when we surrender our arrogance and learn to lovingly care for one another that we see lived out an answer to this prayer. It is only when we commune and serve together for the glory of God and not ourselves that we see why He prayed for unity and oneness. There is incredible joy in seeing this prayer answered in the affirmative around and through us.
What walls do we need to take down to make John 17 a reality?
Who do you need to work with, serve alongside, forgive, apologize to in order to bring about Jesus' desire?
P.S. Happy 49th anniversary to my Mom & Dad. That's unity. It is a little taste of heaven here on this divisive, divided planet.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Planned Parenthood Real Life
What an interesting case study in social acceptance. Planned Parenthood was started as an experiment in eugenics to eliminate the inferior as they defined it: poor, unhealthy and minorities. If someone was less than functionally healthy [then - "genetically unfit"; today - "viable"], they were to be eliminated. Survival of the fittest. Founder Margaret Sanger: "More children from the fit, less from the unfit -- that is the chief aim of birth control." (Birth Control Review, May 1919, p. 12)
So what are they now. They cry loudly for reproductive freedom and women's rights over their bodies. They have nice sounding ads for their services which are heavily funded by the federal government. One of their branches offered gift certificates for their services this last Christmas. They celebrate George Tiller as a hero. His murder was wrong. His 50,000 abortions is honored as caring for women.
So last night at a house church my wife, Darla, shares her painful story of being used by a boy, getting pregnant and then being told by him to get an abortion. She went to Planned Parenthood with some of her other church girlfriends, who it turns out, were also getting abortions. Darla felt trapped and isolated; forced into making this decision to get rid of what she knew was a baby. She describes her experience as feeling like cattle herded through, processed, and kicked out. None of the staff would look into her eyes. It was just a money making procedure in a callous, sterile environment. There was no care or compassion for the individual. After her procedure, she was still drugged and groggy when made to leave the facility with no aftercare. She was accosted by protesters on the way out. Where were they when she needed help before?
22 years later the emotional pain of the experience was finally dealt with as she went through the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's Post Abortion Counseling and Education [PACE] group Bible study. She wrestled through this painful experience knowing that she had terminated a baby, that her parents missed out on a grandchild. She dealt with apologizing to God as she asked for forgiveness and healing. She described it as some of the most painful weeks of her life as she dealt with the long hidden guilt and shame. Now she wants to help others who have also hidden their memories under the cloud of freedom of choice.
After she told her story a young lady shared a similar experience. At 17 she got pregnant by a boy she was trying to hang on to. She had no one else. Her mom had kicked her out. He did not want the baby. Nor did the boys parents. She went over to their house for dinner and was encouraged to abort the baby and promised that if she did, the boy would marry her and later, when they were ready they could start a family. That lie lasted until she was in process at PP for the abortion. She wept at the ultrasound as the babies 5-1/2 month old form was visible and at the sound of the heart beating that she says she will never forget. She was abandoned and trapped, so she went through with it. None of the staff made eye contact. She was pushed through and then out. She hates what she did. She is learning to forgive herself.
PP won't tell the millions of stories like these. They won't tell you that abortion dramatically increases the risk of breast cancer due to the mess it causes with a woman's body. They won't offer what people really need.
I don't understand.
So what are they now. They cry loudly for reproductive freedom and women's rights over their bodies. They have nice sounding ads for their services which are heavily funded by the federal government. One of their branches offered gift certificates for their services this last Christmas. They celebrate George Tiller as a hero. His murder was wrong. His 50,000 abortions is honored as caring for women.
So last night at a house church my wife, Darla, shares her painful story of being used by a boy, getting pregnant and then being told by him to get an abortion. She went to Planned Parenthood with some of her other church girlfriends, who it turns out, were also getting abortions. Darla felt trapped and isolated; forced into making this decision to get rid of what she knew was a baby. She describes her experience as feeling like cattle herded through, processed, and kicked out. None of the staff would look into her eyes. It was just a money making procedure in a callous, sterile environment. There was no care or compassion for the individual. After her procedure, she was still drugged and groggy when made to leave the facility with no aftercare. She was accosted by protesters on the way out. Where were they when she needed help before?
22 years later the emotional pain of the experience was finally dealt with as she went through the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's Post Abortion Counseling and Education [PACE] group Bible study. She wrestled through this painful experience knowing that she had terminated a baby, that her parents missed out on a grandchild. She dealt with apologizing to God as she asked for forgiveness and healing. She described it as some of the most painful weeks of her life as she dealt with the long hidden guilt and shame. Now she wants to help others who have also hidden their memories under the cloud of freedom of choice.
After she told her story a young lady shared a similar experience. At 17 she got pregnant by a boy she was trying to hang on to. She had no one else. Her mom had kicked her out. He did not want the baby. Nor did the boys parents. She went over to their house for dinner and was encouraged to abort the baby and promised that if she did, the boy would marry her and later, when they were ready they could start a family. That lie lasted until she was in process at PP for the abortion. She wept at the ultrasound as the babies 5-1/2 month old form was visible and at the sound of the heart beating that she says she will never forget. She was abandoned and trapped, so she went through with it. None of the staff made eye contact. She was pushed through and then out. She hates what she did. She is learning to forgive herself.
PP won't tell the millions of stories like these. They won't tell you that abortion dramatically increases the risk of breast cancer due to the mess it causes with a woman's body. They won't offer what people really need.
I don't understand.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Get Busy Serving in Reno
This link explains the Reno Assistance Center:
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=1373
Let's get people heavily involved in ongoing service to the homeless in Washoe County increasing our compassion while loving and evangelizing the broken.
Men’s Drop in Center run by Volunteers of America, 315 Record St. [Debbie Caruso, 329-4141] [Family Shelter - 85-100 people including children] [Women’s shelter – 40-50 ladies; Dorieanna Dewey, 722-3087].
Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, 355 Record St. [call Tammie to coordinate, 323-0386, Ext. 16].
WestCare Triage [this is a detox unit] also at 315 Record St. [A.J., 348-8811].
The Resource Center [1 city employee], 335 Record St. [Krista, 657-4675].
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, 335 Record St. [Chris, 348-0605].
http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=1373
Let's get people heavily involved in ongoing service to the homeless in Washoe County increasing our compassion while loving and evangelizing the broken.
Men’s Drop in Center run by Volunteers of America, 315 Record St. [Debbie Caruso, 329-4141] [Family Shelter - 85-100 people including children] [Women’s shelter – 40-50 ladies; Dorieanna Dewey, 722-3087].
- Prepare & serve dinner
- 250 men at the meal
- 10-15 volunteers to make and serve meal
- 5:30-7pm
Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, 355 Record St. [call Tammie to coordinate, 323-0386, Ext. 16].
- Prepare & serve dinner
- Give gospel presentation or short sermons
- 30 women & 60 men at meals
- 10-15 volunteers to make and serve meal
- 5-6pm
WestCare Triage [this is a detox unit] also at 315 Record St. [A.J., 348-8811].
- 2-4 volunteers at a time
- Facility is open 24/7 and can use volunteers at any time
- Hang out, teach an art/craft or business skill [resume writing, job searches how to interview well], lead a Bible study…
- Can be a one time thing or ongoing
The Resource Center [1 city employee], 335 Record St. [Krista, 657-4675].
- Teach business skills [resume writing, job searches how to interview well]
- Rooms can be reserved for this
- This can be a one time or regular class
- M-Fri, 9am-3:30pm
- Also needs 2 volunteers to answer phones
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, 335 Record St. [Chris, 348-0605].
- Sort clothes & assist shopper
- M-Fri, 9am-3:30pm
- 6 volunteers at a time
- Prefers regular volunteers to commit to serving weekly
The Foolishness of God
Once upon a time...
in a land far, far away,
lived a virgin who loved God,
she became pregnant
without touching her soon to be husband
the little she knew of God
she believed and obeyed
the man she was engaged to
did not want others to mock her
she was not insane
she was not promiscuous
she was a young teen
she had much faith
he thought to make it a secret
so she would not be killed
for getting pregnant
before the wedding ceremony
angelic visions gave them the
courage to not throw
each other away and hold
onto their future together
not your average romance
a bizarre teen drama
orchestrated by the divine
and we think we are
in control of everything
and believe the lies that
God is not good, fair or kind
God must not be benevolent
if he manipulated them
for his own selfish plans
to bring our rescue to earth
we are so right to judge and
condemn the creator for his
foolish ways that don’t mesh
with our brilliant wisdom
Friday, April 3, 2009
What is this thing called love?
Remember that Tina Turner hit, "What's love got to do with it"? She sings that it is merely a second-hand emotion. Apparently it is not of much value to her or those that bought the song. Maybe people believed her because she had been through an abusive marriage. Maybe people thought that since they had been wounded in a relationship that love is not all that great. It keeps leaving people broken and wounded in its wake.
Others would argue that love is important and extremely valuable. Maybe some of the problem is that we define it differently. We may say the same word but mean something totally different. Think about how you defined love as a child, then as a teen, then in your 20's, and so on. Has your own definition and understanding of love changed over the years?
Lately I have been intrigued by the simple life and love of Mother Teresa. It started with hearing Shane Claiborne talk about her and quote her, "We can do no great things; only small things with great love." Let's look at a few of her quotes about love before we look at how the Bible defines it.
"We have to love until it hurts. It is not enough to say, "I love." We must put that love into a living action. And how do we do that? By giving until it hurts."
"True love causes pain. Jesus, in order to give us the proof of his love, died on the cross. A mother, in order to give birth to her baby, has to suffer. If you really love one another, you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices."
"Love is, just like Christ himself showed with his death, the greatest gift."
"I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. I wouldn't touch the leper for a thousand pounds. Yet I willingly cure him for the love of God."
She describes love in action and as a response to what Jesus Christ did by going to the cross to die for our sin and cleanse us.
Josh McDowell uses the Bible to show how God defines love in two ways:
- love is nourishing [nurturing] (this is more of a feminine aspect of love)
- love is protecting (more masculine)
James Dobson uses the Bible and psychology to define love as doing what is best for others; even if, they don't like what you do.
1 John 4 twice declares that God is love. The above definitions share a little about God's character and how He loves. The Bible tells us that He is love. Romans 5 tells us that He demonstrated His love for people by Jesus becoming human and then dying for our sin when we were His enemies. At our ugliest, most rebellious and disobedient, He chose to show love by allowing us to kill Him so that we could be brought into a restored relationship with God! That is not exactly how I normally respond.
So, God is love. He nurtures and protects. He redeems and restores. He does what is best for us whether we like it or not; even, whether we receive it or not. God defines love and all that is good comes from Him.
That is what love's got to do with it! It is the key to the meaning of life. Love determines all aspects of our life on earth and our eternity after this short life in this decaying earth-suit. Brokenness and shattered relationships can all be temporary if we receive the rescuing, restoring and healing love of God Who cares for us deeply.
This thing called love comes from God. Do you know Him? Do you know His love? Do you live with the knowledge and love of God through Jesus? Does it determine how you live and treat others?
Others would argue that love is important and extremely valuable. Maybe some of the problem is that we define it differently. We may say the same word but mean something totally different. Think about how you defined love as a child, then as a teen, then in your 20's, and so on. Has your own definition and understanding of love changed over the years?
Lately I have been intrigued by the simple life and love of Mother Teresa. It started with hearing Shane Claiborne talk about her and quote her, "We can do no great things; only small things with great love." Let's look at a few of her quotes about love before we look at how the Bible defines it.
"We have to love until it hurts. It is not enough to say, "I love." We must put that love into a living action. And how do we do that? By giving until it hurts."
"True love causes pain. Jesus, in order to give us the proof of his love, died on the cross. A mother, in order to give birth to her baby, has to suffer. If you really love one another, you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices."
"Love is, just like Christ himself showed with his death, the greatest gift."
"I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. I wouldn't touch the leper for a thousand pounds. Yet I willingly cure him for the love of God."
She describes love in action and as a response to what Jesus Christ did by going to the cross to die for our sin and cleanse us.
Josh McDowell uses the Bible to show how God defines love in two ways:
- love is nourishing [nurturing] (this is more of a feminine aspect of love)
- love is protecting (more masculine)
James Dobson uses the Bible and psychology to define love as doing what is best for others; even if, they don't like what you do.
1 John 4 twice declares that God is love. The above definitions share a little about God's character and how He loves. The Bible tells us that He is love. Romans 5 tells us that He demonstrated His love for people by Jesus becoming human and then dying for our sin when we were His enemies. At our ugliest, most rebellious and disobedient, He chose to show love by allowing us to kill Him so that we could be brought into a restored relationship with God! That is not exactly how I normally respond.
So, God is love. He nurtures and protects. He redeems and restores. He does what is best for us whether we like it or not; even, whether we receive it or not. God defines love and all that is good comes from Him.
That is what love's got to do with it! It is the key to the meaning of life. Love determines all aspects of our life on earth and our eternity after this short life in this decaying earth-suit. Brokenness and shattered relationships can all be temporary if we receive the rescuing, restoring and healing love of God Who cares for us deeply.
This thing called love comes from God. Do you know Him? Do you know His love? Do you live with the knowledge and love of God through Jesus? Does it determine how you live and treat others?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Human Being versus Human Doing
Am I a human? I think I am. Others may disagree. That's not the big problem. The main issue is about performance and function. Am I a being or a doing? I am rarely satisfied with what I 'do' and I rarely rest in who I am. There is always more to do, more actions to accomplish, more relationships to build, more...And, Whatever I did wasn't perfect. It is never good enough. Oh! The frustration of all this doing.
But how often do we just rest and 'Be'? I mean, how often do we relax in who we are and just 'be' ourselves, not trying to live up to others expectations or not trying to earn love or acceptance? Can you just 'be' you? Can you be the you that God loves and accepts?
I found a cool blog and signed up to follow thunderstruck.org because it fits with where God is leading Darla and me as we search for people far from Jesus so we can love them as we all journey through this messy life. Near the end of this blog: http://www.thunderstruck.org/holysmoke/smith.htm is an interesting question from a man who doesn't know Jesus. He asks the writer, "Are you a Christian, or do you love Jesus?" Very honest. Very real. Authentic and pure is what we all want; even if we don't understand what that means. We want real and we want truth.
Are we trying to earn God's love by doing or being good? By being good Christians who do good? Are we so focused on doing things for God to keep Him happy with us that we miss the whole idea of a love relationship with God? I'll define love in a future blog.
What this all comes down to is that we don't know how to rest in God and be His children. We are so activistic and pragmatic that we often miss the rest that God intended in the Garden of Eden and we miss the rest that Jesus desires for us to enter because of His doings at the cross and then leaving the tomb empty. There is a rest that we need desperately to enter [Hebrews 4] so that we can bask in the love of God and live life with different motives. We don't do things for God or others to be loved, affirmed or accepted. We do things because we 'are' loved, affirmed and accepted.
Do you know that Jesus loves you? Can you rest in the love God has for you? Have you surrendered all your doings to God so He can be in control of your life? These will bring you the rest you need. God meets all our needs. Not often how we want. But He is good. He is loving. He is the perfect being. Let's learn from Him and bask in His love. Dig into the Bible so you can know and love Him. He already knows and loves you.
Are you ready to "be" His child?
But how often do we just rest and 'Be'? I mean, how often do we relax in who we are and just 'be' ourselves, not trying to live up to others expectations or not trying to earn love or acceptance? Can you just 'be' you? Can you be the you that God loves and accepts?
I found a cool blog and signed up to follow thunderstruck.org because it fits with where God is leading Darla and me as we search for people far from Jesus so we can love them as we all journey through this messy life. Near the end of this blog: http://www.thunderstruck.org/holysmoke/smith.htm is an interesting question from a man who doesn't know Jesus. He asks the writer, "Are you a Christian, or do you love Jesus?" Very honest. Very real. Authentic and pure is what we all want; even if we don't understand what that means. We want real and we want truth.
Are we trying to earn God's love by doing or being good? By being good Christians who do good? Are we so focused on doing things for God to keep Him happy with us that we miss the whole idea of a love relationship with God? I'll define love in a future blog.
What this all comes down to is that we don't know how to rest in God and be His children. We are so activistic and pragmatic that we often miss the rest that God intended in the Garden of Eden and we miss the rest that Jesus desires for us to enter because of His doings at the cross and then leaving the tomb empty. There is a rest that we need desperately to enter [Hebrews 4] so that we can bask in the love of God and live life with different motives. We don't do things for God or others to be loved, affirmed or accepted. We do things because we 'are' loved, affirmed and accepted.
Do you know that Jesus loves you? Can you rest in the love God has for you? Have you surrendered all your doings to God so He can be in control of your life? These will bring you the rest you need. God meets all our needs. Not often how we want. But He is good. He is loving. He is the perfect being. Let's learn from Him and bask in His love. Dig into the Bible so you can know and love Him. He already knows and loves you.
Are you ready to "be" His child?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Christian Dumb
Did that get your attention? The other day I heard someone pronounce 'Christendom' like "Christian Dumb." That's funny right 'dere. The nuance caught me by surprise which is why I laughed.
But it isn't all that funny since so many outside of 'Christendom' would be more likely to agree with "Christian Dumb." Is that because so many Christians act dumb? At least dumb toward those outside of churchdom? That is probably true. This might explain why there is such a dichotomy between those on the inside and those on the outside of North American churches. Here in the USA the lack of respect by both 'sides' towards each other has created a nasty wall that divides them so there is little room for dialogue. Perhaps if Christians would realize they don't want an oligarchy run by church attenders there would be some rom for discussion.
Maybe if Christians acted and lived like Jesus, they would decrease the frustration of those who dislike the political far-right fundamental religious right, insert other unpopular moniker stereotypical classifications here. Christians need to stop living dumb by not pushing laws that...so goes the argument. You know; things like 'you can't legislate morality,' 'separation of church and state,' etc. But aren't most criminal laws and many civil laws about legislating morality? Isn't the separation of church and state about not being told by the government what religion to follow? Isn't it OK for us to discuss, or argue, differing moral opinions so we can arrive at a social morality that protects as many as possible?
It is dumb for Christians to rule the general population like a church. It is not dumb for Christians to be in government. It is dumb for people to separate their religion from other areas of their lives. Apparently that type of religion is not worth following when it is not convenient. What other things are dumb or dom?
But it isn't all that funny since so many outside of 'Christendom' would be more likely to agree with "Christian Dumb." Is that because so many Christians act dumb? At least dumb toward those outside of churchdom? That is probably true. This might explain why there is such a dichotomy between those on the inside and those on the outside of North American churches. Here in the USA the lack of respect by both 'sides' towards each other has created a nasty wall that divides them so there is little room for dialogue. Perhaps if Christians would realize they don't want an oligarchy run by church attenders there would be some rom for discussion.
Maybe if Christians acted and lived like Jesus, they would decrease the frustration of those who dislike the political far-right fundamental religious right, insert other unpopular moniker stereotypical classifications here. Christians need to stop living dumb by not pushing laws that...so goes the argument. You know; things like 'you can't legislate morality,' 'separation of church and state,' etc. But aren't most criminal laws and many civil laws about legislating morality? Isn't the separation of church and state about not being told by the government what religion to follow? Isn't it OK for us to discuss, or argue, differing moral opinions so we can arrive at a social morality that protects as many as possible?
It is dumb for Christians to rule the general population like a church. It is not dumb for Christians to be in government. It is dumb for people to separate their religion from other areas of their lives. Apparently that type of religion is not worth following when it is not convenient. What other things are dumb or dom?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spiritual questions for you to wrestle with...
How can you know which religion/faith is true?
How can you prove them true or false?
How did their holy books get written: by whom, over how long a time, how accurate are they historically and archeologically?
How can "all roads lead to heaven" if they disagree over the main things?
What difference does your faith make in your life?
What does it all come down to? What is most important in life?
It's not our opinion that counts. We need to discover what is real and true.
How can you prove them true or false?
How did their holy books get written: by whom, over how long a time, how accurate are they historically and archeologically?
How can "all roads lead to heaven" if they disagree over the main things?
What difference does your faith make in your life?
What does it all come down to? What is most important in life?
It's not our opinion that counts. We need to discover what is real and true.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Welcome to the Adventure
Darla and I have begun a grand adventure of pursuing God's direction for our lives by starting a church for people who don't go to church. The intent is to invite people's friends, neighbors and coworkers into relationships that start with coffee talks where people can hang out, listen, vent, share their religious ideas and we can make friendships while sharing our faith too. I am convinced that as people search for truth, they will find Him. He is not a religion of works, so we don't need to appease some unknown god. He is, in fact, the God who created all things and then came to earth as a human to reveal what God is really like.
This God detests rebellion but loves rebels. He hates sin but sent Jesus to die for it. He knows and loves us intimately. Our goal is to pursue Him so we can know and love Him in return. Our side is done out of gratitude for His work of rescuing us when we were far from Him. Because He first loved us, we respond back with the love He teaches us how to share. This love inspires us to go to those not in any church and share the truth with them in a gentle and loving way. We want to do life with them. We want to share God's love as we make these new friends. As we love them and do life with them, we pray they will meet and fall in love with Jesus as we all journey toward truth.
So this will be based in love and relationship. There will eventually be worship celebrations, but we don't plan on looking like other churches. We will do all we can to keep things in a building simple. The fewer programs, the better. Reaching people far from the church will always be our primary purpose. We will be taking the church to them. I may not have a lot of the preaching or teaching skills of other pastors, so they can continue to attract people to their churches through their varieties of methods. I don't sing well enough for anyone to listen. I would have been dropped by American Idol at audition #1. I can't play any instruments. We don't have a building, a cool stage and sound system or lights or a parking lot, but we have love. Because God is love, we have a lot of love. Because Jesus hung out with regular folks, so will we.
If you know people who would be interested in having these coffee talks, start one. I would love to help you. I would hang out with you and your friends. If you want to connect us to them so we can lead a group and help you love your friends, we can do that too.
Let's all be the church going to those far from church. The truth is that even though they may be far from the church, they are never far from Jesus.
Love Ya',
SC
This God detests rebellion but loves rebels. He hates sin but sent Jesus to die for it. He knows and loves us intimately. Our goal is to pursue Him so we can know and love Him in return. Our side is done out of gratitude for His work of rescuing us when we were far from Him. Because He first loved us, we respond back with the love He teaches us how to share. This love inspires us to go to those not in any church and share the truth with them in a gentle and loving way. We want to do life with them. We want to share God's love as we make these new friends. As we love them and do life with them, we pray they will meet and fall in love with Jesus as we all journey toward truth.
So this will be based in love and relationship. There will eventually be worship celebrations, but we don't plan on looking like other churches. We will do all we can to keep things in a building simple. The fewer programs, the better. Reaching people far from the church will always be our primary purpose. We will be taking the church to them. I may not have a lot of the preaching or teaching skills of other pastors, so they can continue to attract people to their churches through their varieties of methods. I don't sing well enough for anyone to listen. I would have been dropped by American Idol at audition #1. I can't play any instruments. We don't have a building, a cool stage and sound system or lights or a parking lot, but we have love. Because God is love, we have a lot of love. Because Jesus hung out with regular folks, so will we.
If you know people who would be interested in having these coffee talks, start one. I would love to help you. I would hang out with you and your friends. If you want to connect us to them so we can lead a group and help you love your friends, we can do that too.
Let's all be the church going to those far from church. The truth is that even though they may be far from the church, they are never far from Jesus.
Love Ya',
SC
Sunday, March 1, 2009
"I Hate Organized Religion" & Other Phrases
Help me understand what this means: "I don't like [hate] organized religion." That is like saying that you don't like organized businesses. What about organized roadways & traffic laws? Is that what this means? Let's just all agree on mass disorder. There shouldn't be a boss to tell me what to do or how the company should be run so it can make a profit and keep people employed. Who needs goals?. Also, there shouldn't be traffic rules, laws or enforcement--that all cramps my style and doesn't let me be me--which, of course, is the highest good for humans.
I don't think that is the heart issue. We don't want chaos and mess. It seems like what is really being meant is that religious people have done a bunch of bad or hypocritical things so that leads to individuals turning their lives into private spiritual journeys to flee the hypocrisy, bickering or politics. Don't talk to me about your ideas and I won't talk about mine. Just mind your own business and do your own thing. Let's just be sincere and coexist. [Have you seen the 'COEXIST' bumper sticker? All those religions strongly disagree with each other. Now what!? They cannot all be right.]
I guess what the blog title phrase means is that we don't or can't know what is truth. How can we humans know what is the truth about God or gods and spiritual things? Can God really be known? We can't see, hear, smell, touch or taste God or the supernatural. Don't all roads lead to God? No one can tell anybody that they are wrong. As long as we are sincere.
I sincerely believe I can fly, walk on water, run 250mph, and have $1 billion in the bank. Nobody else thinks any of those are true. Dang! Just because I still believe sincerely, doesn't make it true. Instead I would be exposed as a fool or a nut. But if I sincerely believe spiritual things that are less easily disproven, then it must be true for me. I can now do whatever I want religiously or spiritually. I can make a buffet of everything out there until it is palatable for me. No one can tell me its wrong, since it's mine and I am sincere. So it's all good. Right?
I don't think that is the heart issue. We don't want chaos and mess. It seems like what is really being meant is that religious people have done a bunch of bad or hypocritical things so that leads to individuals turning their lives into private spiritual journeys to flee the hypocrisy, bickering or politics. Don't talk to me about your ideas and I won't talk about mine. Just mind your own business and do your own thing. Let's just be sincere and coexist. [Have you seen the 'COEXIST' bumper sticker? All those religions strongly disagree with each other. Now what!? They cannot all be right.]
I guess what the blog title phrase means is that we don't or can't know what is truth. How can we humans know what is the truth about God or gods and spiritual things? Can God really be known? We can't see, hear, smell, touch or taste God or the supernatural. Don't all roads lead to God? No one can tell anybody that they are wrong. As long as we are sincere.
I sincerely believe I can fly, walk on water, run 250mph, and have $1 billion in the bank. Nobody else thinks any of those are true. Dang! Just because I still believe sincerely, doesn't make it true. Instead I would be exposed as a fool or a nut. But if I sincerely believe spiritual things that are less easily disproven, then it must be true for me. I can now do whatever I want religiously or spiritually. I can make a buffet of everything out there until it is palatable for me. No one can tell me its wrong, since it's mine and I am sincere. So it's all good. Right?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Judgmental Hypocrites
This morning I was listening to sports talk radio until the typical 5-7 minutes of commercials came on. So I flipped over to some of the political talk radio channels that weren't stuck on commercials. Both sides were Blaming, Attacking & Mocking [BAM] the other sides for all the problems in this country. It's the other guys fault. The BAM game is ugly and I am tired of it. Is the other side the hypocrite who judges wrongly? Does this go beyond politics? Who are the real, true judgmental hypocrites?
Aren't we all? I am. I know that. I have to fight it all the time. If we were honest, we would have to agree that we all are. It goes way beyond just politics or religion. Isn't this why we yell at the bad drivers on the road? Even if we use kinder words than others in our criticism, at the heart is still the hate that is in our heart. How about complaining about the new hair or clothing fashions of stars and celebrities? "Oh, I like her better as a blond." Well, that's not our life job. We aren't here to tell people how to dress, what to look like, etc. This is just like my blog below that many people won't like. "I want it my way, or else!" We make everything all about us. Guess what? Life ain't. We aren't God. In fact we aren't even god of our lives. We don't control circumstances, people, events. And when we try we are left frustrated and grumpy. "Why won't everybody just do and be what I want?"
I laugh at the "Happy Bunny" sarcastic clothing line. I guess I laugh because it is as mean as I am. Sick! Have you seen one of it's famous lines? "You suck, and that's sad." At a concert last week one of my son's friends wore a jersey that had this on the back: "You're Scum." Isn't that what we tell or think toward those who differ from us in looks, opinions and tastes? "You don't like __________? You must be a stupid idiot!"
As a follower of Jesus I often hear how bad Christians are. We are all such judgmental hypocrites. I beg to differ. It's a sickness we all have. Some are just easier targets than others. Have you watched any reality TV lately? A common theme is: "Don't judge me, just accept me." We all want to be loved and accepted. We desire to be built up and cared for. If we can get honest, we need to wrestle with how we treat others out loud and in our hearts. We all judge. We are all hypocrites in transition, [Erwin McManus]. But what kind of transition are we making? Are we making progress in love or escalating our critiquing skills? Are we screaming out for love and acceptance of our immoral lives so we can do whatever we want and still have it our way? Do we really want to make a better world? Or are we just toddlers whining so we can get our way?
I love you. I am sorry for being such a jerk. Help me work on that.
Aren't we all? I am. I know that. I have to fight it all the time. If we were honest, we would have to agree that we all are. It goes way beyond just politics or religion. Isn't this why we yell at the bad drivers on the road? Even if we use kinder words than others in our criticism, at the heart is still the hate that is in our heart. How about complaining about the new hair or clothing fashions of stars and celebrities? "Oh, I like her better as a blond." Well, that's not our life job. We aren't here to tell people how to dress, what to look like, etc. This is just like my blog below that many people won't like. "I want it my way, or else!" We make everything all about us. Guess what? Life ain't. We aren't God. In fact we aren't even god of our lives. We don't control circumstances, people, events. And when we try we are left frustrated and grumpy. "Why won't everybody just do and be what I want?"
I laugh at the "Happy Bunny" sarcastic clothing line. I guess I laugh because it is as mean as I am. Sick! Have you seen one of it's famous lines? "You suck, and that's sad." At a concert last week one of my son's friends wore a jersey that had this on the back: "You're Scum." Isn't that what we tell or think toward those who differ from us in looks, opinions and tastes? "You don't like __________? You must be a stupid idiot!"
As a follower of Jesus I often hear how bad Christians are. We are all such judgmental hypocrites. I beg to differ. It's a sickness we all have. Some are just easier targets than others. Have you watched any reality TV lately? A common theme is: "Don't judge me, just accept me." We all want to be loved and accepted. We desire to be built up and cared for. If we can get honest, we need to wrestle with how we treat others out loud and in our hearts. We all judge. We are all hypocrites in transition, [Erwin McManus]. But what kind of transition are we making? Are we making progress in love or escalating our critiquing skills? Are we screaming out for love and acceptance of our immoral lives so we can do whatever we want and still have it our way? Do we really want to make a better world? Or are we just toddlers whining so we can get our way?
I love you. I am sorry for being such a jerk. Help me work on that.
Monday, February 23, 2009
American Idols
The idols of the USA are not the singers and non-singers on Simon’s TV show. Our idol is self. And at that, only a part of our self. We are all pleasure seekers. I am a pleasure addict. I have to fight my selfish impulses in order to love and care for others.
One of our main pleasure idols for ourselves is sex. We know it can feel great and help us escape our sometimes mundane existence. But when it is all about us it is destructive. When I hide from others to pursue porn pleasure I tear down other relationships. When I give in to my basest urges, others lose. What if Ted Haggard gave into Oprah's badgering and was "honest" with himself and admitted he is a homosexual? How would that affect his family? Oprah was more ticked that he was not, by her judgment, being honest with himself than she would be saddened if that further tore apart his marriage and family.
Why has our society declared sex as the greatest life achievement? We make more money so we can take better vacations at better hotels so we can have more sex. We take all kinds of pills to make sex better and supposedly safer. We exercise a lot and eat better or jump on the latest diet fad so we can have more and better sex. Cosmo, Men's Health, etc. are all about looking good and knowing the right or best techniques to get more people to have more fun sex with. Who cares about loyalty, commitment, monogamy? Those are all anachronistic wastes of my pleasure time. The time is now.
Why have we claimed sexual freedom as our highest good? We scream for the right to have sex with whomever, whenever we want. Some scream for the right to have sex with a whatever. "Ick!" This is all without concern for consequences. We scream for the reproductive freedom to terminate an unwanted pregnancy since the child would interfere with our freedom. It must be our choice alone without meddling from those who might disagree. We can take pills, shots and creams for nearly every other consequence of our flings. Their ads are all over the place telling us after we use their product we can continue without delay or fear. We don’t necessarily have to tell a future partner of a prior virus or disease. We define ourselves by our sexuality rather than who we are. It seems it is all about our sexual release. After all, we were born this way, so why change or exercise self-control? But what would happen if we lost the ability to have sex? Then who are we? Does that ruin our life?
Have you heard what is going on in California? Here is some info from Chuck Colson's Breakpoint newsletter:
Opponents of traditional marriage have sent threatening emails and vandalized churches. They have forced supporters out of their jobs and boycotted their businesses. They’ve made abusive telephone calls and even threatened their neighbors with death. Hundreds of cases of harassment have been documented.
Ron Prentice, chairman of the pro-Proposition 8 group ProtectMarriage.com, says the message of the maps “is unmistakable: Support traditional marriage, and we will find you.”
This is unbelievable in a democracy. In fact, “domestic terrorism” is not too strong a word to use for what’s occurring in California—and it’s a reminder of what happened when citizens allowed similar tactics to go unchallenged in another time and place. He goes on to show how Hitler's youth followers harassed and abused anyone Adolf opposed.
So doing life and sex God's way are the enemy? Now that's the loving way to treat others! Not exactly the role model Jesus set for us. So, who is really the intolerant and the judgmental?
One of our main pleasure idols for ourselves is sex. We know it can feel great and help us escape our sometimes mundane existence. But when it is all about us it is destructive. When I hide from others to pursue porn pleasure I tear down other relationships. When I give in to my basest urges, others lose. What if Ted Haggard gave into Oprah's badgering and was "honest" with himself and admitted he is a homosexual? How would that affect his family? Oprah was more ticked that he was not, by her judgment, being honest with himself than she would be saddened if that further tore apart his marriage and family.
Why has our society declared sex as the greatest life achievement? We make more money so we can take better vacations at better hotels so we can have more sex. We take all kinds of pills to make sex better and supposedly safer. We exercise a lot and eat better or jump on the latest diet fad so we can have more and better sex. Cosmo, Men's Health, etc. are all about looking good and knowing the right or best techniques to get more people to have more fun sex with. Who cares about loyalty, commitment, monogamy? Those are all anachronistic wastes of my pleasure time. The time is now.
Why have we claimed sexual freedom as our highest good? We scream for the right to have sex with whomever, whenever we want. Some scream for the right to have sex with a whatever. "Ick!" This is all without concern for consequences. We scream for the reproductive freedom to terminate an unwanted pregnancy since the child would interfere with our freedom. It must be our choice alone without meddling from those who might disagree. We can take pills, shots and creams for nearly every other consequence of our flings. Their ads are all over the place telling us after we use their product we can continue without delay or fear. We don’t necessarily have to tell a future partner of a prior virus or disease. We define ourselves by our sexuality rather than who we are. It seems it is all about our sexual release. After all, we were born this way, so why change or exercise self-control? But what would happen if we lost the ability to have sex? Then who are we? Does that ruin our life?
Have you heard what is going on in California? Here is some info from Chuck Colson's Breakpoint newsletter:
Opponents of traditional marriage have sent threatening emails and vandalized churches. They have forced supporters out of their jobs and boycotted their businesses. They’ve made abusive telephone calls and even threatened their neighbors with death. Hundreds of cases of harassment have been documented.
Ron Prentice, chairman of the pro-Proposition 8 group ProtectMarriage.com, says the message of the maps “is unmistakable: Support traditional marriage, and we will find you.”
This is unbelievable in a democracy. In fact, “domestic terrorism” is not too strong a word to use for what’s occurring in California—and it’s a reminder of what happened when citizens allowed similar tactics to go unchallenged in another time and place. He goes on to show how Hitler's youth followers harassed and abused anyone Adolf opposed.
So doing life and sex God's way are the enemy? Now that's the loving way to treat others! Not exactly the role model Jesus set for us. So, who is really the intolerant and the judgmental?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Subtleties – stuff we don’t need
Much of marketing and entertainment is aimed at getting us to believe we are less than we need to be. We don’t have enough stuff to satisfy our souls. We don’t look good enough for the people we need to please. We don’t have the latest and greatest so we are incomplete. We don’t have a big enough house and it’s not in the right part of town. Our car needs upgrading. We know for sure our phone does. And our flat screen TV.
Genesis 3:6 “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
It’s the same old ploy that has been used against people from our beginning. Hey, look! There’s something over there you don’t have. But, wow! You sure need it. See how nice it looks? It’s shiny and pretty and cool and necessary for fulfillment. Not only that, it is desirable. I see it. I like it. I want it. I need it. I have to have it or I will die. It will complete me.
Oh, but it isn’t any good for me. It will make me rely on it and other things more than I do on God. That’s OK. I am pursuing the American dream—happiness; and of course, that means going after happiness my way.
Genesis 3:6 “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
It’s the same old ploy that has been used against people from our beginning. Hey, look! There’s something over there you don’t have. But, wow! You sure need it. See how nice it looks? It’s shiny and pretty and cool and necessary for fulfillment. Not only that, it is desirable. I see it. I like it. I want it. I need it. I have to have it or I will die. It will complete me.
Oh, but it isn’t any good for me. It will make me rely on it and other things more than I do on God. That’s OK. I am pursuing the American dream—happiness; and of course, that means going after happiness my way.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Purity Pledge - Worth the Wait
As a father of 3 and step-father of two, a pastor who works a lot with teenagers, this night means a lot to me. My wife and I want our children to hold up this pledge as a truth to live by as they live out their faith in Jesus as the One Who rescued them from sin and darkness bringing them into His light. He designed life for His glory. When we follow Him, we have joy and freedom that cannot be found any other way. That is the basis of this pledge. I’ll read each line, explain it a little, and then we will read the whole pledge together as you commit yourself to it:
With confidence, strength, and integrity, today I make this promise to God, myself, my family, my future spouse, and my future children:
God wants us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Never underestimate the importance of relying on God’s strength to live a holy and obedient life of worship to Him. I pray for you a life of purity and holiness so that you are not followed by the struggles I have had to deal with because I did not know nor obey Jesus’ until I was 20. Your future life and family are worth this promise. Look at this as an honor to merely delay sexual pleasures until the honeymoon. It is not a punishment or torture to wait. God knows what is best; after all, it’s His design—marriage between one man and one woman for life. Let’s turn our culture around by obeying God and loving Jesus through how we treat each other and live out our marriages.
I will remain sexually pure until the day I give myself as a wedding gift to my spouse.
Everything in our society says this is unrealistic and not worth the wait. A TV show I saw last week said, “teens are going to have sex, they are all doing it.” Then it went on to expect teens to keep having sex; even though, some in the show were HIV positive. Let’s prove that those are lies. People who give into these lies will struggle with memories, comparisons and most-likely several diseases that only God can heal. If you save yourself for marriage, you will save yourself and spouse from a lot of stuff. And dealing with stuff ain’t worth it. Start over if you haven’t waited. All of you, stay completely sexually pure until married. Don’t do other things or see how far you can go. Once the blood gets flowing, you are going too far. Save yourself to be a wonderful gift that will pay off huge dividends in your future marriage. Ask your parents if you don’t know what a dividend is. Study about dividends so you can be a wise business person in these tough times. Being able to say that you waited until marriage is a gift that will amaze the people around you and provides a level of trust in your marriage that truly is priceless.
I know this requires support from my family and friends, as well as setting boundaries for myself and avoiding compromising situations.
I will not allow anyone to discourage me or pressure me from fulfilling this goal.
Listen to wise counsel that helps you avoid giving in. Be careful who you get advice from. Setting boundaries in every area of your life is vital to being a healthy adult. Being foolish with credit can get you in debt—only spend what you have but save for the future and give to God’s work. Your physical life is similar. The boundaries need to be set so you aren’t exposing yourself to some physical pleasure now that you will be paying off the interest for a long time. The marriage bed is far more than merely physical. It is a celebration of body, soul and mind meant to be a worship service of the God who created us for His pleasure. He allows us to have this great joy in marriage to make the loving union stronger. Guard it like the treasure it is.
I make this pledge today in the presence of God, my friends, and family who will support me and hold me accountable for the protection of my future.
We can only be held accountable if we are honest with those who care enough to ask us if we are on the right track. It’s a lot easier to say that the boundaries are in place, you haven’t compromised and you are on the right track than it is to deal with the consequences and guilt of giving in. Remember, if we fail and turn back to God there is forgiveness and grace. But, WOW! How much greater it will be when you stand at the wedding looking your soon to be lover in the eyes and say, “We made it. I waited for you. And I don’t have to wait anymore for the fantastic joy of sharing myself completely with you for the rest of my life.” That will make this all worth the wait, just as God intended. Many people are here to love, support and cheer for you. Help us help you so you can have the joy-filled marriage relationship God desires for you.
Now, if you are ready, please read out loud with me as you make this commitment:
With confidence, strength, and integrity, today I make this promise to God, myself, my family, my future spouse, and my future children: I will remain sexually pure until the day I give myself as a wedding gift to my spouse. I know this requires support from my family and friends, as well as setting boundaries for myself and avoiding compromising situations. I will not allow anyone to discourage me or pressure me from fulfilling this goal. I make this pledge today in the presence of God, my friends, and family who will support me and hold me accountable for the protection of my future.
PRAYER
“I’m very much about ‘no sex before marriage.’ When I was 12 years old, I said to my mom, ‘I want to follow what the Bible says—would you buy me this ring? I want to wear it and promise it.’ She got it for me, right then and there, and it was awesome. And I’ve worn it ever since. I think it’s easier when the guy believes the same thing as you do, so you’re not always fighting a battle.”
- Actress/pop star Miley Cyrus speaking about her purity ring and whether guys she dates have to share her beliefs, Seventeen , September 2008, p. 198.
“To us, the rings are a constant reminder to live a life of values. It’s about being a gentleman, treating people with respect and being the best guys we can be.”
- Jonas Brothers’ Nick Jonas speaking about the purity rings the brothers wear, Rolling Stone, August 7, 2008, p. 100.
With confidence, strength, and integrity, today I make this promise to God, myself, my family, my future spouse, and my future children:
God wants us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Never underestimate the importance of relying on God’s strength to live a holy and obedient life of worship to Him. I pray for you a life of purity and holiness so that you are not followed by the struggles I have had to deal with because I did not know nor obey Jesus’ until I was 20. Your future life and family are worth this promise. Look at this as an honor to merely delay sexual pleasures until the honeymoon. It is not a punishment or torture to wait. God knows what is best; after all, it’s His design—marriage between one man and one woman for life. Let’s turn our culture around by obeying God and loving Jesus through how we treat each other and live out our marriages.
I will remain sexually pure until the day I give myself as a wedding gift to my spouse.
Everything in our society says this is unrealistic and not worth the wait. A TV show I saw last week said, “teens are going to have sex, they are all doing it.” Then it went on to expect teens to keep having sex; even though, some in the show were HIV positive. Let’s prove that those are lies. People who give into these lies will struggle with memories, comparisons and most-likely several diseases that only God can heal. If you save yourself for marriage, you will save yourself and spouse from a lot of stuff. And dealing with stuff ain’t worth it. Start over if you haven’t waited. All of you, stay completely sexually pure until married. Don’t do other things or see how far you can go. Once the blood gets flowing, you are going too far. Save yourself to be a wonderful gift that will pay off huge dividends in your future marriage. Ask your parents if you don’t know what a dividend is. Study about dividends so you can be a wise business person in these tough times. Being able to say that you waited until marriage is a gift that will amaze the people around you and provides a level of trust in your marriage that truly is priceless.
I know this requires support from my family and friends, as well as setting boundaries for myself and avoiding compromising situations.
I will not allow anyone to discourage me or pressure me from fulfilling this goal.
Listen to wise counsel that helps you avoid giving in. Be careful who you get advice from. Setting boundaries in every area of your life is vital to being a healthy adult. Being foolish with credit can get you in debt—only spend what you have but save for the future and give to God’s work. Your physical life is similar. The boundaries need to be set so you aren’t exposing yourself to some physical pleasure now that you will be paying off the interest for a long time. The marriage bed is far more than merely physical. It is a celebration of body, soul and mind meant to be a worship service of the God who created us for His pleasure. He allows us to have this great joy in marriage to make the loving union stronger. Guard it like the treasure it is.
I make this pledge today in the presence of God, my friends, and family who will support me and hold me accountable for the protection of my future.
We can only be held accountable if we are honest with those who care enough to ask us if we are on the right track. It’s a lot easier to say that the boundaries are in place, you haven’t compromised and you are on the right track than it is to deal with the consequences and guilt of giving in. Remember, if we fail and turn back to God there is forgiveness and grace. But, WOW! How much greater it will be when you stand at the wedding looking your soon to be lover in the eyes and say, “We made it. I waited for you. And I don’t have to wait anymore for the fantastic joy of sharing myself completely with you for the rest of my life.” That will make this all worth the wait, just as God intended. Many people are here to love, support and cheer for you. Help us help you so you can have the joy-filled marriage relationship God desires for you.
Now, if you are ready, please read out loud with me as you make this commitment:
My Pledge for Purity
With confidence, strength, and integrity, today I make this promise to God, myself, my family, my future spouse, and my future children: I will remain sexually pure until the day I give myself as a wedding gift to my spouse. I know this requires support from my family and friends, as well as setting boundaries for myself and avoiding compromising situations. I will not allow anyone to discourage me or pressure me from fulfilling this goal. I make this pledge today in the presence of God, my friends, and family who will support me and hold me accountable for the protection of my future.
PRAYER
“I’m very much about ‘no sex before marriage.’ When I was 12 years old, I said to my mom, ‘I want to follow what the Bible says—would you buy me this ring? I want to wear it and promise it.’ She got it for me, right then and there, and it was awesome. And I’ve worn it ever since. I think it’s easier when the guy believes the same thing as you do, so you’re not always fighting a battle.”
- Actress/pop star Miley Cyrus speaking about her purity ring and whether guys she dates have to share her beliefs, Seventeen , September 2008, p. 198.
“To us, the rings are a constant reminder to live a life of values. It’s about being a gentleman, treating people with respect and being the best guys we can be.”
- Jonas Brothers’ Nick Jonas speaking about the purity rings the brothers wear, Rolling Stone, August 7, 2008, p. 100.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Christian Tattoo?
So here is my tattoo that I designed and then got inked 12/29/08 by Tony at Absolute Tattoo. It took me two years to come up with a design I was satisfied with. It is not real big, intricate or colorful but it makes up for all of that in its meaning which is shown in the picture below. Life is all about God. The Bible tells us the story of God's redeeming love for His chosen children. I am very glad to be one of His adopted children by His grace which He freely gave by sending Jesus to the cross to die for our sin.
What God thinks of Women
Remember: God made man and all animals from the dust of the ground. You, as woman, were fashioned from a curved rib to be the crown and high point of all creation. You were designed to be delicate, beautiful, nurturing, kind, compassionate and supportive. You were made to be an encourager. The devil and the flesh fight against all that is the real you; to bring you down and inhibit God's image in you from blossoming and flowering forth. God smiles when He thinks of you. You are His externally and internally beautiful daughter, made to glorify Him and make known His beauty and majesty to the entire world. The world is waiting desperately for you to become all that God has destined you to be. Your worth comes from Jesus Christ alone. No one else knows the real you. Seek Him more than everything and everyone else. Know Him, then you will know you and how you are to relate to the world around you. Run after Jesus. Make Him the primary relationship in your life. As long as you make Him #1, your purpose, priorities and passions will fall into their proper place.
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