The Heart of Christmas premieres on gmc TV on Sunday, December 4th at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS was inspired by the true story of Dax Locke and his family, which also inspired the new song of the same name by Grammy-nominated recording artist Matthew West.
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS tells the story of one family's quest for their seriously ill son to experience an early and magical Christmas, and how an entire community came together to make it possible. Their journey and desire to cherish every moment would change their lives and those of millions around the world forever. For more information about this movie, please visit http://www.theheartofchristmasmovie.com/.
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS stars Candace Cameron Bure, Jeanne Nelson, Eric Beck, Matthew West, Kelsey Marie Kingsbury (daughter of novelist Karen Kingsbury), Anita Renfroe, and Erin Bethea.
"The Heart of Christmas" on Gospel Music Channel - Sunday, December 4th at 6pm & 8pm CT.
Dish Network channel 188
DirectTV channel 338
Sky Angel channel 117
Knology channel 187
Charter channel 189
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Jake the Plummer's Comments Down the Drain
1st Peter 3:15 and 16 say:
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
After John Elway hung up the cleats as the legendary quarterback of the Denver Broncos, another lauded starter took the field - his name was Jake Plummer. Interestingly enough, both those guys have been taken to task for comments about Tim Tebow, the current Denver starter, who is 5-1 in that role and has the team in position to make the NFL playoffs. Elway, now a Broncos executive, has been seemingly less than enthusiastic about Tebow's success, saying in a recent interview that the team hasn't found its long-term starter. Jake Plummer has resurfaced, and had these words about Tebow:
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
After John Elway hung up the cleats as the legendary quarterback of the Denver Broncos, another lauded starter took the field - his name was Jake Plummer. Interestingly enough, both those guys have been taken to task for comments about Tim Tebow, the current Denver starter, who is 5-1 in that role and has the team in position to make the NFL playoffs. Elway, now a Broncos executive, has been seemingly less than enthusiastic about Tebow's success, saying in a recent interview that the team hasn't found its long-term starter. Jake Plummer has resurfaced, and had these words about Tebow:
"Tebow, regardless of whether I wish he'd just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates, I think he's a winner and I respect that about him. I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.
"Like you know, I understand dude where you're coming from ... but he is a baller."And, not surprisingly, Tebow was graceful in his response:
"If you're married, and you have a wife, and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife 'I love her' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity?
"And that's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ is that it is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell him that I love him or given an opportunity to shout him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity...I respect Jake's opinion, and I really appreciate his compliment of calling me a winner. But I feel like anytime I get the opportunity to give the Lord some praise, he is due for it."And, there was Tebow on the sidelines as Matt Prater lined up for the game-winning field goal in overtime against San Diego - in the familiar pose, now nicknamed, "Tebowing" or Te-BOW-ing. So with humility and grace, Tim Tebow has once again shown us as Christians how to respond when we are criticized for expressing our faith. He acts, as we talked about earlier this week, with conviction, rather than convenience.
Hidden Treasures
The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians chapter 2:
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
If you have bought a suit from a Goodwill store in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of the man who donated it would like to talk with you. There is $13,000 stuffed in its pockets!!
An 80-year-old man mistakenly donated a suit with the stash to charity, and discovered it about a week after he made the donation - you see, he's caring for his wife who has cancer, and that amount of money represents his life savings, and he needs it now to care for her. Goodwill has searched the store and a warehouse, but it might have been sold. The man's daughter is offering a $1000 reward for the person who may have bought it.
So, here you have a man who possessed a treasure and forgot he had put it in his suit coat - and probably we've all done something like that. And, you have someone possibly who has 13 grand in a suit in his closet. This reminds me of hidden treasures that we have been given in Christ - treasures of salvation through Him, access to God's love and peace, His wisdom, and His protection, for example.
Some of us may, like James chapter 1 says, forget we have these treasures:
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
And, I would imagine there are some that possess these treasures because we have accepted Christ, but don't really walk in them. Either way, God is calling us to look intently into His Word and draw close to Him, to seek His face, to enjoy fellowship with Him - so that we will know more of what we have in Christ and won't forget those treasures He has given to us.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
If you have bought a suit from a Goodwill store in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of the man who donated it would like to talk with you. There is $13,000 stuffed in its pockets!!
An 80-year-old man mistakenly donated a suit with the stash to charity, and discovered it about a week after he made the donation - you see, he's caring for his wife who has cancer, and that amount of money represents his life savings, and he needs it now to care for her. Goodwill has searched the store and a warehouse, but it might have been sold. The man's daughter is offering a $1000 reward for the person who may have bought it.
So, here you have a man who possessed a treasure and forgot he had put it in his suit coat - and probably we've all done something like that. And, you have someone possibly who has 13 grand in a suit in his closet. This reminds me of hidden treasures that we have been given in Christ - treasures of salvation through Him, access to God's love and peace, His wisdom, and His protection, for example.
Some of us may, like James chapter 1 says, forget we have these treasures:
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
And, I would imagine there are some that possess these treasures because we have accepted Christ, but don't really walk in them. Either way, God is calling us to look intently into His Word and draw close to Him, to seek His face, to enjoy fellowship with Him - so that we will know more of what we have in Christ and won't forget those treasures He has given to us.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake...
Hebrews 13:
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. 20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
2nd Peter 1 tells us to add to our faith, virtue - in other words, to live out what we say we believe. Victoria Childress, a baker in Iowa, was attempting to do that recently, taking action based on conviction. She was contacted by a lesbian couple to bake a wedding cake for them. She told Fox News:
The pair also released a statement, calling the Christian cake baker a “bigot.” “Awareness of equality was our only goal in bringing this to light, it is not about cake or someone’s right to refuse service to a customer", they posted on the TV station's website.
Victoria has been receiving hate mail, but also affirmation from local business owners.
And, of course, there is the proverbial discussion of civil rights and discrimination. Iowa's Civil Rights law protects against so-called "discrimination" for sexual orientation. But, think about it - this is a far different situation than the civil rights issues we experienced in Alabama regarding race - for one thing, even if someone claims to have a propensity toward same-sex attraction or homosexuality, the "born gay" argument, it is still behavior that is contrary to Scripture. And, marriage is defined in the Bible as one man for one woman. And, in Iowa, where gay marriage is legal, 3 Supreme Court judges that voted in favor of legalizing gay marriage were actually removed from office by the voters. So there is Biblical and popular support for Victoria's position.
So Victoria Childress was acting in accordance with her deeply-held, Scriptural beliefs...that seemingly small decision would, presumably in her mind, violate her conscience. You know, we could use more people like that - making a decision, in a moment, that affirms her love for Christ. She apparently was not rude, but matter-of-fact in stating she could not bake the couple a wedding cake.
So, in those moments, those points of decision, are we rooted in deep beliefs so that we will be able to state and act in accordance with what the Bible says? Are our hearts prepared, if necessary or if led by the Spirit, to make a bold decision, or have we been conditioned to go with the flow?
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. 20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
2nd Peter 1 tells us to add to our faith, virtue - in other words, to live out what we say we believe. Victoria Childress, a baker in Iowa, was attempting to do that recently, taking action based on conviction. She was contacted by a lesbian couple to bake a wedding cake for them. She told Fox News:
“I was straight-forward with them and explained that I’m a Christian and that I have very strong convictions,” she said. “I chose to be honest about it. They said they appreciated it and left. That was all that was said.”Now, apparently, the couple has taken their case to the media, trying to add to the narrative of gays being victimized: One of the ladies told KCCI television that "It was degrading...It was like she chastised us for wanting to do business with her. I know Jesus loves me. I didn’t need her to tell me that. I didn’t go there for that. I just wanted to go there for a cake.”
The pair also released a statement, calling the Christian cake baker a “bigot.” “Awareness of equality was our only goal in bringing this to light, it is not about cake or someone’s right to refuse service to a customer", they posted on the TV station's website.
Victoria has been receiving hate mail, but also affirmation from local business owners.
And, of course, there is the proverbial discussion of civil rights and discrimination. Iowa's Civil Rights law protects against so-called "discrimination" for sexual orientation. But, think about it - this is a far different situation than the civil rights issues we experienced in Alabama regarding race - for one thing, even if someone claims to have a propensity toward same-sex attraction or homosexuality, the "born gay" argument, it is still behavior that is contrary to Scripture. And, marriage is defined in the Bible as one man for one woman. And, in Iowa, where gay marriage is legal, 3 Supreme Court judges that voted in favor of legalizing gay marriage were actually removed from office by the voters. So there is Biblical and popular support for Victoria's position.
So Victoria Childress was acting in accordance with her deeply-held, Scriptural beliefs...that seemingly small decision would, presumably in her mind, violate her conscience. You know, we could use more people like that - making a decision, in a moment, that affirms her love for Christ. She apparently was not rude, but matter-of-fact in stating she could not bake the couple a wedding cake.
So, in those moments, those points of decision, are we rooted in deep beliefs so that we will be able to state and act in accordance with what the Bible says? Are our hearts prepared, if necessary or if led by the Spirit, to make a bold decision, or have we been conditioned to go with the flow?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Better is One Day...
Psalm 84 says:
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God... 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
There was plenty of yearning over the weekend, as so-called Black Friday yielded a reported 7% increase over last year's sales, and today, which is Cyber Monday, promises a glorified rush of holiday shopping. Black Friday, unfortunately, was not without its incidents, such as the lady who unloaded pepper spray upon her fellow shoppers, just to get a competitive advantage for an XBox - 20 people injured there. A few fights in retail stores were reported across the country, and the psychological experts were paraded through the media, saying that perhaps the combination of the dismal economy and the desire to win produced some aggressive behavior.
Well, Biblically speaking, we can see exactly what was going on late Thursday night and after midnight on Friday. James 4 nails it:
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
While I enjoy spending the Friday after Thanksgiving visiting the stores early and kicking off the Christmas season, as we did this year, the promotions and circumstances presented somewhat of a perfect storm - and the root of bad behavior is selfishness - wanting what we don't have and failing to trust God as our provider. In this season where we allegedly celebrate what God has given to us through Christ, we would be wise to develop a passion for giving to others and drawing closer to God during this Advent season.
Bottom line: we'll do what we want to do, and be slow to do what we don't want to do. So, the question becomes, what do we want? In Mark 10, Jesus asked a blind man,
51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
May God grant us the ability to see what He wants to do in us, and to develop a passion for our desires to line up with His.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God... 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
There was plenty of yearning over the weekend, as so-called Black Friday yielded a reported 7% increase over last year's sales, and today, which is Cyber Monday, promises a glorified rush of holiday shopping. Black Friday, unfortunately, was not without its incidents, such as the lady who unloaded pepper spray upon her fellow shoppers, just to get a competitive advantage for an XBox - 20 people injured there. A few fights in retail stores were reported across the country, and the psychological experts were paraded through the media, saying that perhaps the combination of the dismal economy and the desire to win produced some aggressive behavior.
Well, Biblically speaking, we can see exactly what was going on late Thursday night and after midnight on Friday. James 4 nails it:
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
While I enjoy spending the Friday after Thanksgiving visiting the stores early and kicking off the Christmas season, as we did this year, the promotions and circumstances presented somewhat of a perfect storm - and the root of bad behavior is selfishness - wanting what we don't have and failing to trust God as our provider. In this season where we allegedly celebrate what God has given to us through Christ, we would be wise to develop a passion for giving to others and drawing closer to God during this Advent season.
Bottom line: we'll do what we want to do, and be slow to do what we don't want to do. So, the question becomes, what do we want? In Mark 10, Jesus asked a blind man,
51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
May God grant us the ability to see what He wants to do in us, and to develop a passion for our desires to line up with His.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Respect the Bird?
Ephesians 5:19b
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Doug Matthews is a 49-year-old chef from New Jersey who's been posting recipes online for almost 15 years. Last year, when he saw Christmas candy on a grocery store shelf even before Halloween, he shared a blog post, proclaiming, "Respect the Bird!!!" The obligatory Facebook campaign followed, and over 3900 people have pledged "to not let Black Friday shopping gobble up my Thanksgiving".
That's kind of the spirit displayed by Anthony Hardwick, a 29-year-old Target employee who put a petition on Change.org that garnered some 185,000 signatures, protesting the midnight opening of his store - he did this because he had intended to spend time with his future in-laws, but now has to sleep 'cause he'll be up all night.
Has Thanksgiving been reduced to the symbolic opening of the Christmas retail season, even though we see Christmas stuff in the stores in October? Could the American celebration of Thanksgiving be renamed to "Black Friday" Eve now? Well, the actual date of Thanksgiving has economic factors in its history.
The final Thursday in November had become the customary date of Thanksgiving in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. And, after proclaiming a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, President Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November, as he was influnced by Sarah Hale, who wrote letters for some 40 years trying to make Thanksgiving a national holidayl.
It was not until December 26, 1941 that the unified date changed to the fourth Thursday (and not always final) in November—this time by federal legislation. President Roosevelt, attempting to give the country an economic boost and lengthen the Christmas shopping season, agreed with Congress to make Thanksgiving always the fourth Thursday.
Instead of "Respect the Bird", I think I prefer something like, "Revere the Lord"! Because, the very meaning of the word, "Thanksgiving", means there is someone to whom we give that gratitude. It's not about the Pilgrims giving thanks to the Native Americans, as some would have us believe, or some generic giving of thanks, but intentionally expressing TO GOD our praise and adoration for who He is, for His saving us through Christ, the relationships that He has given us to enjoy, and how He has blessed our lives.
So, this year, consider the approach of one retailer, who doesn't put up Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving - Nordstrom's viral post, says, "We just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time". So, soak in the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving, and make a choice to recognize the hand of God on your life.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Doug Matthews is a 49-year-old chef from New Jersey who's been posting recipes online for almost 15 years. Last year, when he saw Christmas candy on a grocery store shelf even before Halloween, he shared a blog post, proclaiming, "Respect the Bird!!!" The obligatory Facebook campaign followed, and over 3900 people have pledged "to not let Black Friday shopping gobble up my Thanksgiving".
That's kind of the spirit displayed by Anthony Hardwick, a 29-year-old Target employee who put a petition on Change.org that garnered some 185,000 signatures, protesting the midnight opening of his store - he did this because he had intended to spend time with his future in-laws, but now has to sleep 'cause he'll be up all night.
Has Thanksgiving been reduced to the symbolic opening of the Christmas retail season, even though we see Christmas stuff in the stores in October? Could the American celebration of Thanksgiving be renamed to "Black Friday" Eve now? Well, the actual date of Thanksgiving has economic factors in its history.
The final Thursday in November had become the customary date of Thanksgiving in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. And, after proclaiming a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, President Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November, as he was influnced by Sarah Hale, who wrote letters for some 40 years trying to make Thanksgiving a national holidayl.
It was not until December 26, 1941 that the unified date changed to the fourth Thursday (and not always final) in November—this time by federal legislation. President Roosevelt, attempting to give the country an economic boost and lengthen the Christmas shopping season, agreed with Congress to make Thanksgiving always the fourth Thursday.
Instead of "Respect the Bird", I think I prefer something like, "Revere the Lord"! Because, the very meaning of the word, "Thanksgiving", means there is someone to whom we give that gratitude. It's not about the Pilgrims giving thanks to the Native Americans, as some would have us believe, or some generic giving of thanks, but intentionally expressing TO GOD our praise and adoration for who He is, for His saving us through Christ, the relationships that He has given us to enjoy, and how He has blessed our lives.
So, this year, consider the approach of one retailer, who doesn't put up Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving - Nordstrom's viral post, says, "We just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time". So, soak in the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving, and make a choice to recognize the hand of God on your life.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
The link to an editorial on the "Washington Examiner" website said a lot: "The Supercommittee Was a Typical D.C. Charade". The article read, in part:
As master illusionist Harris III said on this show prior to his recent performance in Prattville, we must be careful to be discerning and look beyond just what our eyes can see and our senses can behold, or else we'll be deceived. The political culture in America at times seems like a big charade - always saying they'd like to get something done, but often taking the wrong steps and therefore not doing the right thing. And, inexperienced and inept politicians will do stuff just to appear like they're doing something. Dan Gainor of the Media Research Center has devoted plenty of words and energy to exposing the Occupy movement, which on the surface seems like a harmless grassroots effort full of people who have been dealt a poor hand by the economy, but who might have a more sinister agenda, as some have pointed out.
But, while on the surface things may appear one way, the truth may be wholly something different. Remember Samuel, when he chose David to be king, said that God doesn't look on outward appearance, but on the heart. Faith is defined as the evidence of things not seen. So, while it's easy to jump to conclusions based on the information we have or we've heard, quite often there's more to the story. 2nd Corinthians reminds us that there are other forces at work and that we don't engage with flesh and blood:
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ...
Then he cautions the Corinthians: 7 You are looking only on the surface of things.
Walking by faith and reasoning in faith involves careful thought, prayer, and discernment, not falling for the charades of this world, but exercising Godly wisdom, built by an understanding of God's Word, and adhering to the truth - beyond appearances, beyond merely what we can see on the surface.
To no one's surprise, members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, a.k.a. the Super Committee, announced yesterday that it had failed to agree on a $1.2 trillion debt reduction plan. As a result, no additional spending cuts or tax hikes will go into effect this year. True, there are $1.2 trillion in mandated spending sequestrations that will begin to take effect in 2012, but these are almost guaranteed to be repealed by a future Congress. That being the case, it's difficult not to view the whole super-committee process as a charade intended only to make it appear that Washington was "doing something" to control federal spending, and in the process protect the jobs of incumbents of both political parties.I think that you have to recognize that, despite political posturing that is taking place, many believe it is not politically advantageous to put into effect a serious plan to curb our government's seemingly insatiable ability to keep increasing itself. And, as Dan Celia will share later today - it's not a revenue problem - more revenue would be equaled out by more spending, so there's not really any reduction of the deficit. Experts have observed that even the debt ceiling deal that produced the supercommittee really didn't produce any meaningful cessation of our spending spree, and you just knew by the makeup of that select group that no agreement would be reached, and the blame game has already begun.
As master illusionist Harris III said on this show prior to his recent performance in Prattville, we must be careful to be discerning and look beyond just what our eyes can see and our senses can behold, or else we'll be deceived. The political culture in America at times seems like a big charade - always saying they'd like to get something done, but often taking the wrong steps and therefore not doing the right thing. And, inexperienced and inept politicians will do stuff just to appear like they're doing something. Dan Gainor of the Media Research Center has devoted plenty of words and energy to exposing the Occupy movement, which on the surface seems like a harmless grassroots effort full of people who have been dealt a poor hand by the economy, but who might have a more sinister agenda, as some have pointed out.
But, while on the surface things may appear one way, the truth may be wholly something different. Remember Samuel, when he chose David to be king, said that God doesn't look on outward appearance, but on the heart. Faith is defined as the evidence of things not seen. So, while it's easy to jump to conclusions based on the information we have or we've heard, quite often there's more to the story. 2nd Corinthians reminds us that there are other forces at work and that we don't engage with flesh and blood:
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ...
Then he cautions the Corinthians: 7 You are looking only on the surface of things.
Walking by faith and reasoning in faith involves careful thought, prayer, and discernment, not falling for the charades of this world, but exercising Godly wisdom, built by an understanding of God's Word, and adhering to the truth - beyond appearances, beyond merely what we can see on the surface.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Power of Influence
A new Barna survey shows that roughly 4 out of 10 Americans, when asked to identify the most influential Christian leader in the U.S. today, were unable to come up with a name. Those that could mentioned Billy Graham as the most influential - at 19%. About half of that number - 9% - said that the Pope was the most influential. Following behind were: Joel Osteen (5%), Charles Stanley and Joyce Meyer (at 2%), then a variety of individuals – including pastors, ministry leaders, authors, politicians, and other public figures – who are considered the highest ranking Christian leaders by 1% of U.S. adults each. These include: Franklin Graham, George W. Bush, T.D. Jakes, Oprah Winfrey, James Dobson, and Maya Angelou.
Now, while it is not my aspiration to be named by even 1% of respondents in a Barna survey, I think it should be the ambition of all of us to be influential. I submit that we're all called to be leaders, to some degree - so we can be challenged to live lives that are worthy of being followed. The apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, said in chapter 11: 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.
He challenged the Ephesians to be imitators of Christ...if we are imitators of Christ, then we will be able to set an example of Godly behavior that others can be confident in following. He elaborates in Ephesians 5:
live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Many young people today are influenced by popular music stars. Last night, the American Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles, and congratulations to Casting Crowns, the winner of the Contemporary Inspirational category. Taylor Swift was the big winner, including artist of the year. She won 3 trophies, as did a British singer named Adele. I was glad to see that the Pop/Rock Album award went to Adele, who has admittedly took a different direction than the overly sexualized appearance and lyrical content that is indicative of pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna. In fact, Adele's album, "21" beat out Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Rihanna's "Loud" in that category. Now that's not an endorsement of Adele's lifestyle or music, but it's refreshing to see someone that has a different approach to what is commonly seen in the music industry do well. Truly, she brings an element of "music" to the American Music Awards, which has its own issues with inappropriate performances and artists who rely on sensuality and shock to sell records.
So, what kind of influence are you? Are you intent on reflecting the character of Christ, knowing that people are watching - not millions, like watched the AMA's last night, but as few as one other person, who needs to see the light of Christ and be encouraged.
Now, while it is not my aspiration to be named by even 1% of respondents in a Barna survey, I think it should be the ambition of all of us to be influential. I submit that we're all called to be leaders, to some degree - so we can be challenged to live lives that are worthy of being followed. The apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, said in chapter 11: 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.
He challenged the Ephesians to be imitators of Christ...if we are imitators of Christ, then we will be able to set an example of Godly behavior that others can be confident in following. He elaborates in Ephesians 5:
live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Many young people today are influenced by popular music stars. Last night, the American Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles, and congratulations to Casting Crowns, the winner of the Contemporary Inspirational category. Taylor Swift was the big winner, including artist of the year. She won 3 trophies, as did a British singer named Adele. I was glad to see that the Pop/Rock Album award went to Adele, who has admittedly took a different direction than the overly sexualized appearance and lyrical content that is indicative of pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna. In fact, Adele's album, "21" beat out Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Rihanna's "Loud" in that category. Now that's not an endorsement of Adele's lifestyle or music, but it's refreshing to see someone that has a different approach to what is commonly seen in the music industry do well. Truly, she brings an element of "music" to the American Music Awards, which has its own issues with inappropriate performances and artists who rely on sensuality and shock to sell records.
So, what kind of influence are you? Are you intent on reflecting the character of Christ, knowing that people are watching - not millions, like watched the AMA's last night, but as few as one other person, who needs to see the light of Christ and be encouraged.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Vote for an Atheist - Say What?
So would you, as a Christian, vote for an atheist who claims to respect your values and personal beliefs and acts accordingly, rather than someone who might claim to be a Christian but supports policies that violate your beliefs? Maybe a tough choice, right?
Well, in light of President Obama's visit to Australia, I recalled there were some positive things written about Prime Minister Julia Gillard with respect to religion. According to the Daily Mail:
According to leading religion analyst Marion Maddox, writing for ABC-Australia:
One opportunity is coming up this Saturday in Iowa. Our friends at CitizenLink are co-sponsoring the Thanksgiving Family Forum from Des Moines, moderated by Frank Luntz and featuring Tom Minnery - the webcast will be anchored by Stuart Shepard. It will be held from 4-6 this Saturday afternoon - all Republican candidates, except Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman will be on hand. This will be reportedly a values-based forum, with questions about social issues front and center.
Well, in light of President Obama's visit to Australia, I recalled there were some positive things written about Prime Minister Julia Gillard with respect to religion. According to the Daily Mail:
Australia’s new Prime Minister has revealed she does not believe in God.But, she has taken some policy positions that have actually been consistent with Biblical priniciples. Some, she hasn't. She's apparently an advocate of abortion, saying: "Women without money would be left without that choice or in the hands of backyard abortion providers" and that she understood "the various moral positions" regarding abortions...that's pro-choice language. She cohabitates with her long-time (male) partner. But, she doesn't support same-sex marriage. She basically said to Muslims that wanted to live under Sharia Law that they, well, needed to find another country.
Julia Gillard told ABC radio in Melbourne that she was not prepared to go through ‘religious rituals’ for the sake of appearances.
Ms Gillard added: ‘I am, of course, a great respecter of religious beliefs, but they are not my beliefs.
‘For people of faith, I think the greatest compliment I could pay them is to respect their genuinely-held beliefs and not to engage in some pretence about mine.
According to leading religion analyst Marion Maddox, writing for ABC-Australia:
Fellow-atheists were surprised, that August, when Gillard pledged $1.5 million of commonwealth funding to the celebrations for the canonisation of Australia's first saint, Mary Mackillop, and offered tax deductibility for the church's fund-raising effort for the occasion, although the anticipated economic benefits from such a major tourist event are surely a sufficient explanation.
So, isn't that strange? She doesn't believe in God, but supports some Christian positions. But, let's make her a bit more conservative, and put her in the American context. Would you vote for an atheist who embraces positions consistent with Biblical truth over a Christian who makes questionable policy decisions? It's important to get all the facts, pray over our choice, and make an informed decision as the election approaches.
More perplexing was her decision in relation to (former Prime Minister) Howard's National School Chaplaincy Program, which he established in late 2006 at the tail-end of his prime ministership. Although Howard had stated that it would be open to state and private schools, the majority of chaplains (1915) are employed in state schools, of whom 85% are supplied by Christian organisations belonging to the National School Chaplaincy Association.
In November 2009, Kevin Rudd announced a further $42.8 million to extend it until December 2011, and established a review to consider provision of pastoral care in schools beyond that date.
On Gillard's succeeding him, however, she pre-empted the review by confirming a further increase, to $222 million, to extend the program to 2014 and include a further 1000 state schools. When asked whether the program would retain "its unique flavour linked to the faith, the Christian faith," she assured the nation that it would remain "a chaplaincy program, with everything that that entails."
One opportunity is coming up this Saturday in Iowa. Our friends at CitizenLink are co-sponsoring the Thanksgiving Family Forum from Des Moines, moderated by Frank Luntz and featuring Tom Minnery - the webcast will be anchored by Stuart Shepard. It will be held from 4-6 this Saturday afternoon - all Republican candidates, except Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman will be on hand. This will be reportedly a values-based forum, with questions about social issues front and center.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Eutychus Revisited
Acts 20 tells the story of a man who fell asleep during a sermon by the apostle Paul, fell out of a third-story window, died, and was raised from the dead.
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. 9 And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep ; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, "Do not be troubled, for his life is in him."
51-year-old David Bathrust was a bit more fortunate than our Biblical character. You see, David, a British man, attempted to set a new world's record for Bible reading out loud, currently set at just over 113 hours. To break the record, he had to read continuously for 5 days and 5 nights, taking time out for 20-minute naps every 4 hours. Well, things began to go downhill the 2nd night, and by Friday night - the 3rd night - David was exhausted, fell asleep, and finally by Saturday morning, paramedics came out to help. He raised $4000 for charity, but needless to say, missed the world record.
Students at Palm Beach Atlantic University are taking a tamer course to call attention to God's Word. This past Monday, they began to read the Bible publicly over a period of 4 days. Students are taking turns reading passages of Scripture, with the aim of encouraging "spiritual refinement" at the university.
And, church leaders met last week and discussed how to bridge the gap between Bible ownership and Bible literacy...representatives of Christian Bible agencies, denominations and ministries, gathered together this week in Orlando, Fla., for the Forum of Bible Agencies North America Summit. More than 300 Christian leaders signed the Uncover the Word Commitment and pledge to practice daily Bible engagement in their own lives as well as encourage it within their spheres of influence.
Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and the president of National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Samuel Rodriguez joined the call to action as well, challenging their fellow leaders to rebuild Bible engagement in North America.
Lamar Vest, President and CEO of the American Bible Society told The Christian Post, “Through Uncover the Word we aim to help people discover that the Bible is not a dusty, outdated book but has much to say about today’s most pressing issues."
In Joshua chapter 1, we read a passage that reinforces the importance of not only reading but absorbing God's Word:
8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous ! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
And, The Seed Company, a Wycliffe Bible Translators Affiliate, has started an initiative called, “The Campaign to End Bible Poverty,” designed to engage Americans in addressing the spiritual impoverishment experienced by millions worldwide. Their hope is that God's Word would be translated into every language on earth, one sacrificial cup of coffee or tea at a time. Partnering with several other organizations, The Seed Company is asking supporters to fast from the simple, everyday things – such as coffee, pizza or new clothes – and donate those unused dollars toward translating the Bible.
Bible literacy is a huge deal - in order for us to live the Word and display the character of Christ, we have to allow God's Word to govern our behavior, the living and active Word, which will produce fruit to God's glory as we live it.
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. 9 And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep ; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, "Do not be troubled, for his life is in him."
51-year-old David Bathrust was a bit more fortunate than our Biblical character. You see, David, a British man, attempted to set a new world's record for Bible reading out loud, currently set at just over 113 hours. To break the record, he had to read continuously for 5 days and 5 nights, taking time out for 20-minute naps every 4 hours. Well, things began to go downhill the 2nd night, and by Friday night - the 3rd night - David was exhausted, fell asleep, and finally by Saturday morning, paramedics came out to help. He raised $4000 for charity, but needless to say, missed the world record.
Students at Palm Beach Atlantic University are taking a tamer course to call attention to God's Word. This past Monday, they began to read the Bible publicly over a period of 4 days. Students are taking turns reading passages of Scripture, with the aim of encouraging "spiritual refinement" at the university.
And, church leaders met last week and discussed how to bridge the gap between Bible ownership and Bible literacy...representatives of Christian Bible agencies, denominations and ministries, gathered together this week in Orlando, Fla., for the Forum of Bible Agencies North America Summit. More than 300 Christian leaders signed the Uncover the Word Commitment and pledge to practice daily Bible engagement in their own lives as well as encourage it within their spheres of influence.
Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and the president of National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Samuel Rodriguez joined the call to action as well, challenging their fellow leaders to rebuild Bible engagement in North America.
Lamar Vest, President and CEO of the American Bible Society told The Christian Post, “Through Uncover the Word we aim to help people discover that the Bible is not a dusty, outdated book but has much to say about today’s most pressing issues."
In Joshua chapter 1, we read a passage that reinforces the importance of not only reading but absorbing God's Word:
8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous ! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
And, The Seed Company, a Wycliffe Bible Translators Affiliate, has started an initiative called, “The Campaign to End Bible Poverty,” designed to engage Americans in addressing the spiritual impoverishment experienced by millions worldwide. Their hope is that God's Word would be translated into every language on earth, one sacrificial cup of coffee or tea at a time. Partnering with several other organizations, The Seed Company is asking supporters to fast from the simple, everyday things – such as coffee, pizza or new clothes – and donate those unused dollars toward translating the Bible.
Bible literacy is a huge deal - in order for us to live the Word and display the character of Christ, we have to allow God's Word to govern our behavior, the living and active Word, which will produce fruit to God's glory as we live it.
So - What Do You Depend On?
On Monday's edition of TMH, I talked with Craig Smith of Swiss America - not only does he have incredible insight on economic issues and what is taking place in the financial markets globally, but he also approaches the topics of economics and politics from a Christian perspective.
We were discussing generally the topic of dependence...and we recognize that government spending is greater than what is being taken in, and we have a whole array of social programs that, in order to be sustained, have to be funded through increased revenues. And, while I appreciate the contributions of so many in our listening audience who are employed by federal, state, or municipal governments, we also recognize that there is a Biblical view of the role of government, and philosophically, as government entities have become more of a safety net for the less fortunate in society, the role has increased to include entitlement rather than empowerment. The government is charged with keeping order, and can be effective in the areas of accountability and regulation.
Government can be an incredible incentivizer and facilitator, if it stresses personal responsibility and an entreprenuerial spirit. But, when it becomes an entity that fosters dependence on itself, to the extent of perhaps short-circuiting and demotivating personal growth, we end up supporting a system that is contrary to the Biblical model we find in Romans 13. And, the church, is charged with the role of ministering to those less fortunate, to helping those in need...James 2 paints the picture:
2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives ? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren : did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man.
God ultimately desires for EVERYONE to be dependent on Him - He does not desire to look to man-made institutions for our sufficiency, and even though the church is charged with helping the poor, He wants people to look to Him as their source - the government and the church can help people get back on their feet, but He wants men and women to look to Him.
We were discussing generally the topic of dependence...and we recognize that government spending is greater than what is being taken in, and we have a whole array of social programs that, in order to be sustained, have to be funded through increased revenues. And, while I appreciate the contributions of so many in our listening audience who are employed by federal, state, or municipal governments, we also recognize that there is a Biblical view of the role of government, and philosophically, as government entities have become more of a safety net for the less fortunate in society, the role has increased to include entitlement rather than empowerment. The government is charged with keeping order, and can be effective in the areas of accountability and regulation.
Government can be an incredible incentivizer and facilitator, if it stresses personal responsibility and an entreprenuerial spirit. But, when it becomes an entity that fosters dependence on itself, to the extent of perhaps short-circuiting and demotivating personal growth, we end up supporting a system that is contrary to the Biblical model we find in Romans 13. And, the church, is charged with the role of ministering to those less fortunate, to helping those in need...James 2 paints the picture:
2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, "You sit here in a good place," and you say to the poor man, "You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool," 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives ? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren : did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man.
God ultimately desires for EVERYONE to be dependent on Him - He does not desire to look to man-made institutions for our sufficiency, and even though the church is charged with helping the poor, He wants people to look to Him as their source - the government and the church can help people get back on their feet, but He wants men and women to look to Him.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Penn State and the Moral Outrage
Last September, the ACLU of Nebraska reportedly threatened school districts who invited University of Nebraska assistant coach Ron Brown to speak at public schools in the state. Why? You can guess this - because Brown, in his message, shared principles of Christianity, and was charged with trying to violate the religious rights of parents. Brown was not intimidated...he said, according to NebraskaStatePaper.com:
Here is the transcript of the prayer...
“Every one of these young men that was called to this platform today - Lord, we know, we know we don’t have control of all of the events that took place this week but we do know that you are bigger than it all. And we give you the glory that you are going to protect this stadium today and this town and these university sponsors and these students, that you would give great sense to all of them, Lord. Remove the foolishness and that your common sense will reign and shine. Well, God, there are a lot of little boys around the country today watching this game and they’re trying to figure out what the definition of manhood is all about. Father, this is it right here. I pray that this game will be a training ground for what manhood looks like. That we would compete with fierce intensity. With the honors, the gifts, and the talents that you have given us. And may we be reminded, Lord, that as it says in your word in John 1:14 that Jesus is full of grace, and truth. May the truth be known. May justice be known. Would you protect the victims (tough to understand over crowd claps)? Would you say grace and forgiveness for the lives of all of those involved? (More parts tough to understand over crowd). Now give us a great game, a game that honors you, and in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”
The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians chapter 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
Into the atmosphere of confusion and outrage, the presence of Almighty God was injected, as one man stood up and led the players in a Jesus-centered prayer. By and large, there was moral outrage over the events that came to light this week - many were upset that sexual abuse of young boys was taking place, and it was allowed in the vicinity of the campus...and the boys were rightly called "victims". This was sin, and it violated the communal moral conscience of a college, a community, and a nation.
And, where sin abounded, Ron Brown pointed to a source of grace that abounded much more, taking an opportunity to display the comfort and compassion of Jesus Christ, who is near to the afflicted. It was a moment for the ages, and a reminder that when we see tragedy, difficulty, and disappointment, that we can be agents and ambassadors for Christ to speak God's truth and life into a situation. And, even though some columnist and commentators are expecting retaliation from the ACLU, Ron Brown used his platform to minister to thousands of people on-site and millions across the nation...did he establish a religion? Of course not. He prayed according to the dictates of his conscience, and we have to be careful not to confuse "establishment" with "acknowledgement" or "expression".
Brown has a history of being outspoken about his faith in Christ. He returned to the Cornhuskers' coaching staff in 2008, after serving for 4 years as the state director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. According to Huskers.com:“I don’t have a secular school speech and a Christian school speech, or a football speech or a church speech,” he said. “It’s all the same to me. I’m not a chameleon. I don’t change colors with the crowd.”
But the coach tells the schools to make his talks optional. He also said he’s within his 1st Amendment rights to cite what he thinks is the authority on why kids shouldn’t use drugs and alcohol.
“Who says lying is wrong?” Brown asked rhetorically. “Who says cheating is wrong? Who says stealing is wrong? Who says doing drugs and alcohol is wrong? There’s a source. There’s a final say. And I believe that is the Lord God.”
Ron Brown, a graduate of Brown University, has been featured regularly on Sports Spectrum on Faith Radio. So why are we talking about Coach Brown today? Let's go back to this past Saturday - it was the first football game at Penn State since the announcement of the charges against a former assistant coach that he abused a number of young boys. The resignation of Joe Paterno had taken place, the now-assistant coach who had witnessed a locker room incident was put on administrative leave for his own protection, and the football team and the rabid Nittany Lions fan base was hurting...enter Ron Brown.
Brown and former Husker Stan Parker are co-founders and co-directors of a statewide Christian ministry called Mission Nebraska. This ministry stewards numerous Christian radio stations and translators across Nebraska, along with facilitating a host of other endeavors that are near to Brown's heart. One such passion was the several I CAN CAMPS that minister to low-income children throughout Nebraska.The 54-year-old Brown spent the four years prior to his return to coaching serving as the Nebraska State Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. While he relinquished that duty to return to the Cornhuskers, he continues as a regular columnist for FCA's National Magazine "Sharing the Victory." Brown also hosts a national weekly one-minute sports feature called, "I Got Jesus, Who You Got."
Here is the transcript of the prayer...
“Every one of these young men that was called to this platform today - Lord, we know, we know we don’t have control of all of the events that took place this week but we do know that you are bigger than it all. And we give you the glory that you are going to protect this stadium today and this town and these university sponsors and these students, that you would give great sense to all of them, Lord. Remove the foolishness and that your common sense will reign and shine. Well, God, there are a lot of little boys around the country today watching this game and they’re trying to figure out what the definition of manhood is all about. Father, this is it right here. I pray that this game will be a training ground for what manhood looks like. That we would compete with fierce intensity. With the honors, the gifts, and the talents that you have given us. And may we be reminded, Lord, that as it says in your word in John 1:14 that Jesus is full of grace, and truth. May the truth be known. May justice be known. Would you protect the victims (tough to understand over crowd claps)? Would you say grace and forgiveness for the lives of all of those involved? (More parts tough to understand over crowd). Now give us a great game, a game that honors you, and in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”
The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians chapter 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
Into the atmosphere of confusion and outrage, the presence of Almighty God was injected, as one man stood up and led the players in a Jesus-centered prayer. By and large, there was moral outrage over the events that came to light this week - many were upset that sexual abuse of young boys was taking place, and it was allowed in the vicinity of the campus...and the boys were rightly called "victims". This was sin, and it violated the communal moral conscience of a college, a community, and a nation.
And, where sin abounded, Ron Brown pointed to a source of grace that abounded much more, taking an opportunity to display the comfort and compassion of Jesus Christ, who is near to the afflicted. It was a moment for the ages, and a reminder that when we see tragedy, difficulty, and disappointment, that we can be agents and ambassadors for Christ to speak God's truth and life into a situation. And, even though some columnist and commentators are expecting retaliation from the ACLU, Ron Brown used his platform to minister to thousands of people on-site and millions across the nation...did he establish a religion? Of course not. He prayed according to the dictates of his conscience, and we have to be careful not to confuse "establishment" with "acknowledgement" or "expression".
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Test...1,2,3 - Is This Thing On?
8 But no one can tame the tongue ; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God ; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Perhaps you heard the other day about French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the G-20 Summit - apparently, he was about to address the media and encountered a "live mic", as it's called, in other words, the mic was on and his comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were relayed to the waiting press. He said he considered the Israeli leader to be a liar - and he was talking to President Obama, who replied that he had to deal with him every day.
You know, it's a oft-used cliche that God is always watching, and that's true. We can be assured of that, but we cannot know who else may be watching or listening to us. And, when we choose words or engage in reaction that may not please God, someone may be around that just might need to see an example of the character of Christ. Jesus talked about being a stumbling block to others.
We have to be so careful to use our words wisely - they're given as gifts to us, and we can use them to bless or to curse, to reinforce our witness for Christ or damage it. As Chonda Pierce says, sometimes our words pop out before they are sanctified, and I would maintain that if we thought before we spoke or allowed the Holy Spirit to filter our words, much of what we say would never make it those 6 inches between our brain and our tongue. Sometimes words spoken in error can haunt us and words that we speak intentionally by not "in the Spirit", words directed at others or about others, can do some significant harm, as well. Words are powerful containers, and God intends for our words to be consistent with His Word!
Perhaps you heard the other day about French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the G-20 Summit - apparently, he was about to address the media and encountered a "live mic", as it's called, in other words, the mic was on and his comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were relayed to the waiting press. He said he considered the Israeli leader to be a liar - and he was talking to President Obama, who replied that he had to deal with him every day.
You know, it's a oft-used cliche that God is always watching, and that's true. We can be assured of that, but we cannot know who else may be watching or listening to us. And, when we choose words or engage in reaction that may not please God, someone may be around that just might need to see an example of the character of Christ. Jesus talked about being a stumbling block to others.
We have to be so careful to use our words wisely - they're given as gifts to us, and we can use them to bless or to curse, to reinforce our witness for Christ or damage it. As Chonda Pierce says, sometimes our words pop out before they are sanctified, and I would maintain that if we thought before we spoke or allowed the Holy Spirit to filter our words, much of what we say would never make it those 6 inches between our brain and our tongue. Sometimes words spoken in error can haunt us and words that we speak intentionally by not "in the Spirit", words directed at others or about others, can do some significant harm, as well. Words are powerful containers, and God intends for our words to be consistent with His Word!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Pondering Personhood
The results are in, and the amendment that was on the ballot yesterday in Mississippi, defining "personhood" from the moment of fertilization failed, by a 58 to 42% margin. While this is the second state where such an amendment has failed, the margin was much closer than in Colorado, where a similar measure has been defeated twice.
For many, this is a strong statement about the sanctify of life, and the whole process helped people to consider their view of the unborn. A number of pro-life, pro-family organizations, including Family Research Council, Liberty Counsel, the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and the Mississippi Baptist Convention, supported the measure. Filmmakers gave their support, such as Jon and Andy Erwin of "October Baby", which was brought into theaters by the American Family Association to support the personhood vote, and Ray Comfort, whose ministry sent out 600,000 e-mails with a link to his provocative video, "180", depicting people changing their minds on abortion. One tweet this morning basically described "personhood" as a new civil rights movement.
But, as we experienced even in Alabama when a personhood measure was being considered by the Legislature, and in Mississippi and other states, there is a significant number of pro-life individuals and some pro-life organizations that are not on board with such an amendment. National Right to Life and American Life League are two of those. There are some that would fear unintended consequences, such as the case of a pregnant mother whose life is in danger and a pregnancy is terminated...would there be legal ramifications in that situation? Some opponents believe that the amendment would be certain to be struck down as unconstitutional, and fear that if such a case were to make it to the U.S. Supreme Court that it would not be strong enough for the justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, therefore strengthening that decision. A number of pro-life advocates fear sending strong pro-life measures to the court system because of the current judicial atmosphere. And, these are valid concerns. Many embrace the strategy of electing more pro-life lawmakers into Statehouses and Congress, and electing a pro-life president who would be certain to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who would view Roe as a dubious decision with questionable constitutionality, and would vote to overturn it. To some, "personhood" represented an "all-or-nothing" strategy, while many pro-lifers believe that "incrementalism" more effective. And, there are valid points on both sides.
The upside of the defeat of the Personhood Amendment in Mississippi is that the visibility of the referendum, you would hope, brought a new awareness of the issue of when life begins, as well as a fresh view of the sanctity of life. This is a key issue in our culture, because our view of the sanctity of life will also color our positions on other issues, as well as the way that we regard others - if we believe that every life is beautiful, every life a gift of God, then the way we behave toward others can be radically transformed.
For many, this is a strong statement about the sanctify of life, and the whole process helped people to consider their view of the unborn. A number of pro-life, pro-family organizations, including Family Research Council, Liberty Counsel, the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and the Mississippi Baptist Convention, supported the measure. Filmmakers gave their support, such as Jon and Andy Erwin of "October Baby", which was brought into theaters by the American Family Association to support the personhood vote, and Ray Comfort, whose ministry sent out 600,000 e-mails with a link to his provocative video, "180", depicting people changing their minds on abortion. One tweet this morning basically described "personhood" as a new civil rights movement.
But, as we experienced even in Alabama when a personhood measure was being considered by the Legislature, and in Mississippi and other states, there is a significant number of pro-life individuals and some pro-life organizations that are not on board with such an amendment. National Right to Life and American Life League are two of those. There are some that would fear unintended consequences, such as the case of a pregnant mother whose life is in danger and a pregnancy is terminated...would there be legal ramifications in that situation? Some opponents believe that the amendment would be certain to be struck down as unconstitutional, and fear that if such a case were to make it to the U.S. Supreme Court that it would not be strong enough for the justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, therefore strengthening that decision. A number of pro-life advocates fear sending strong pro-life measures to the court system because of the current judicial atmosphere. And, these are valid concerns. Many embrace the strategy of electing more pro-life lawmakers into Statehouses and Congress, and electing a pro-life president who would be certain to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who would view Roe as a dubious decision with questionable constitutionality, and would vote to overturn it. To some, "personhood" represented an "all-or-nothing" strategy, while many pro-lifers believe that "incrementalism" more effective. And, there are valid points on both sides.
The upside of the defeat of the Personhood Amendment in Mississippi is that the visibility of the referendum, you would hope, brought a new awareness of the issue of when life begins, as well as a fresh view of the sanctity of life. This is a key issue in our culture, because our view of the sanctity of life will also color our positions on other issues, as well as the way that we regard others - if we believe that every life is beautiful, every life a gift of God, then the way we behave toward others can be radically transformed.
...and Counting
I really, truly had to ask Jim Bob Duggar the name of his television show, because it keeps changing...currently, it's "19 Kids and Counting", but there will no doubt be another alteration, because it was announced yesterday that his wife, Michelle, is expecting, yes, their 20th child! Of course, they're now in the grandkids' business, with their son, Josh and his wife, Anna having two children, one just born in June.
"We are so excited," Michelle Duggar told TODAY Moms before the broadcast of the "TODAY" show. Now three and a half months pregnant, the mom of 19 says she was actually surprised to discover that she's expecting again at 45. "I was not thinking that God would give us another one, and we are just so grateful."
The Duggars are a captivating family - not only because of the largeness, but because of the way they conduct themselves. Their TLC show is free from all the reality-show, tabloid angst and the kids genuinely seem to like being together, with their parents!!
Biblically, Jim Bob and Michelle take the Scripture from Genesis 1:26 seriously, when it says to "be fruitful and multiply"! They exhibit a simple, even profound, trust in God to fulfill His plan in their lives, even with regard to family size, and they are very rooted in Scriptural principles.
The Duggars demonstrate to the culture the power of family. And, the Lord has given them favor in the eyes of a sometimes skeptical media culture...they regularly visit on NBC's TODAY show, and TLC producers allow them to be transparent, even to the extent of sharing their faith.
1st Peter chapter 3 says, beginning in verse 10: 10 For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD ; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good ? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...
A couple of points to ponder: Does our conduct with regard to our families exhibit a strong testimony of the power and presence of Christ? And, are we applying Biblical principles in our individual and family lives to the extent that we can share with those who observe us the principles we are living by? In a culture that sometimes seems devoid of conviction, we can live by and speak God's eternal truth.
"We are so excited," Michelle Duggar told TODAY Moms before the broadcast of the "TODAY" show. Now three and a half months pregnant, the mom of 19 says she was actually surprised to discover that she's expecting again at 45. "I was not thinking that God would give us another one, and we are just so grateful."
The Duggars are a captivating family - not only because of the largeness, but because of the way they conduct themselves. Their TLC show is free from all the reality-show, tabloid angst and the kids genuinely seem to like being together, with their parents!!
Biblically, Jim Bob and Michelle take the Scripture from Genesis 1:26 seriously, when it says to "be fruitful and multiply"! They exhibit a simple, even profound, trust in God to fulfill His plan in their lives, even with regard to family size, and they are very rooted in Scriptural principles.
The Duggars demonstrate to the culture the power of family. And, the Lord has given them favor in the eyes of a sometimes skeptical media culture...they regularly visit on NBC's TODAY show, and TLC producers allow them to be transparent, even to the extent of sharing their faith.
1st Peter chapter 3 says, beginning in verse 10: 10 For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD ; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good ? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...
A couple of points to ponder: Does our conduct with regard to our families exhibit a strong testimony of the power and presence of Christ? And, are we applying Biblical principles in our individual and family lives to the extent that we can share with those who observe us the principles we are living by? In a culture that sometimes seems devoid of conviction, we can live by and speak God's eternal truth.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
What Do You Know, When Did You Know It, and What Will You Do?
A news story that has grown well outside the boundaries of the world of sports is swirling around the revered football program at Penn State, where a former coach is charged with molesting young boys over a long period of time. The coach retired from his position with the team back in 1999, but continued to use the university's facilities for his youth football program. There was allegedly an incident in 2002, when a graduate student claimed to see a locker room assault involving the coach and a young boy, and the coach was prohibited from holding his youth sports camps on campus after that point, but continued to work with young boys on a satellite campus through 2008. A grand jury investigated, and the athletic director and a former senior VP have resigned, charged with lying to authorities and failing to report child endangerment.
Even in this morally relativistic culture, there is quite a bit of outrage over this incident. Even legendary coach Joe Paterno is being criticized for not doing enough to stop this behavior - he reported it to his superior, but that's about all.
This incident has caused me to think out of the box about our role as Christians to speak up against injustice. When we see something that is immoral, maybe even criminal, taking place, we have to examine what Scripture says about taking action. Dillon Burroughs, who has been a guest on The Meeting House numerous times, writes in his "Activist Faith" blog on BeliefNet.com:
So, our attempt to triumph over injustice make take a variety of forms - it may be speaking out against mistreatment of the poor, or getting involved in a ministry that combats modern-day slavery. On a personal note, when there is a instance where abuse or neglect is taking place, then God may call you to intervene. And, when you see a brother or sister that is sinning, Matthew 18 directs us to go to that person directly and confront them, and if they do not repent, to take others with you. The question becomes: where has God's Spirit shown me that injustice is taking place and how does He want me to respond Biblically?
"Helping Without Hurting" Seminar - Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery November 12th.
Even in this morally relativistic culture, there is quite a bit of outrage over this incident. Even legendary coach Joe Paterno is being criticized for not doing enough to stop this behavior - he reported it to his superior, but that's about all.
This incident has caused me to think out of the box about our role as Christians to speak up against injustice. When we see something that is immoral, maybe even criminal, taking place, we have to examine what Scripture says about taking action. Dillon Burroughs, who has been a guest on The Meeting House numerous times, writes in his "Activist Faith" blog on BeliefNet.com:
Find an area that makes you angry and then study it. Discover what is causing the problem and the underlying factors involved. As you do, you’ll find helpful, non-violent ways to change the situation. THEN act. Do something. The world is waiting for you to do as my friend Charles says: “Don’t watch the news. Do something that makes the news.”
Hosea 10:12 tells us to "Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness ; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you." The prophet goes on to chastise God's people in verse 13: "You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors..."
Or as Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”
So, our attempt to triumph over injustice make take a variety of forms - it may be speaking out against mistreatment of the poor, or getting involved in a ministry that combats modern-day slavery. On a personal note, when there is a instance where abuse or neglect is taking place, then God may call you to intervene. And, when you see a brother or sister that is sinning, Matthew 18 directs us to go to that person directly and confront them, and if they do not repent, to take others with you. The question becomes: where has God's Spirit shown me that injustice is taking place and how does He want me to respond Biblically?
"Helping Without Hurting" Seminar - Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery November 12th.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Magic of Marriage
Ephesians 5:31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
The concept of marriage is an incredible idea from the heart of God - two people coming together to become one and to illustrate the powerful relationship between Christ and the people He loved so much that He gave His life for. I am delighted and so blessed by God to have a wife who loves God, who respects me, and who is my life partner, my best friend, and a woman whom I deeply love. We are one - and it is disappointing to me that marriage has become such a beleaguered institution, with the inflated divorce rate and the redefinition of the institution itself reducing its stature. But, that's not God's plan!
And, another so-called "celebrity" marriage has hit the skids - Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from her husband of 72, count 'em, 72 days - Kris Humphries of the NBA's New Jersey Nets. I wanted to isolate the language that he used in the press over the weekend:
I don't get the Kardashians - I don't - but apparently they have some influence over a significant number of people. And, to misuse that influence and send a message that marriage is dispensable - well, that's unfortunate.
If you've been gifted with influence, and all of us have to a certain degree, then we should use that platform, as Christians, to exhibit Christ's principles. And, marriage is still relevant - it's an incredible idea from God's heart - and I think if we love our mates and enjoy our marriages, then we can be talking about it. And, encouraging couples to be part of what we might call marital maintenance. There are plenty of resources out there, including books like Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' Love and Respect, as well as his latest devotional book. FamilyLife's "Weekend to Remember", Marriage Encounter, and so many others, give us as couples to opportunity to grow in our relationship and/or to absorb Biblical principles that can be used to improve marriages that may be suffering from the weight of some challenges. Marriage is worth saving, and God is pleased as we speak out about, or even brag about, what He has done in bringing together two people who deeply love one another into the covenant of marriage.
The concept of marriage is an incredible idea from the heart of God - two people coming together to become one and to illustrate the powerful relationship between Christ and the people He loved so much that He gave His life for. I am delighted and so blessed by God to have a wife who loves God, who respects me, and who is my life partner, my best friend, and a woman whom I deeply love. We are one - and it is disappointing to me that marriage has become such a beleaguered institution, with the inflated divorce rate and the redefinition of the institution itself reducing its stature. But, that's not God's plan!
And, another so-called "celebrity" marriage has hit the skids - Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from her husband of 72, count 'em, 72 days - Kris Humphries of the NBA's New Jersey Nets. I wanted to isolate the language that he used in the press over the weekend:
"I'm committed to this marriage and everything this covenant represents...I love my wife and am devastated to learn she filed for divorce. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it work."That's a quote from Us magazine. Now, he did refer to the marriage as a covenant, and that gives us something to ponder out of the box today. Marriage is an agreement, a union of two people, where they pledge their very lives to one another. And, unfortunately, so many enter in without having the commitment to stay in the marriage, even when there are difficulties, and in this case, even second thoughts.
I don't get the Kardashians - I don't - but apparently they have some influence over a significant number of people. And, to misuse that influence and send a message that marriage is dispensable - well, that's unfortunate.
If you've been gifted with influence, and all of us have to a certain degree, then we should use that platform, as Christians, to exhibit Christ's principles. And, marriage is still relevant - it's an incredible idea from God's heart - and I think if we love our mates and enjoy our marriages, then we can be talking about it. And, encouraging couples to be part of what we might call marital maintenance. There are plenty of resources out there, including books like Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' Love and Respect, as well as his latest devotional book. FamilyLife's "Weekend to Remember", Marriage Encounter, and so many others, give us as couples to opportunity to grow in our relationship and/or to absorb Biblical principles that can be used to improve marriages that may be suffering from the weight of some challenges. Marriage is worth saving, and God is pleased as we speak out about, or even brag about, what He has done in bringing together two people who deeply love one another into the covenant of marriage.
Friday, November 4, 2011
God and Jobs
One of the familiar phrases that we hear regarding God and His ways is "God helps those who help themselves". In fact, that passage was quoted this week by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney as he attempted to reinforce the President's reaction to the House of Representatives voting to reaffirm the national motto, "In God We Trust"...by the way, that vote was 365-9, so it seems to be a fairly popular position. Carney said he believed that was in the Bible.
You see, the President had given a speech in front of another bridge in need of repair, and said, according to ABC News, that
The problem with Carney's statement was that "God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible! AtlanticWire has some helpful insight on the passage:
These so-called "Forgotten 15" include:
In addition, they cite:
16) H.R. 2433—Veterans Opportunity to Work Act: H.R. 2433 would create or modify programs that provide employment and training services to veterans and service members separating from active duty.
17) H.R. 674—To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities: H.R. 674 would permanently repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.
18) H.Con.Res. 34—Budget for Fiscal Year 2012: The FY 2012 budget resolution passed by House Republicans promotes job creation and certainty by preventing the president’s job destroying tax increases and runaway spending.
But, back to what the Bible actually says - in Isaiah 40, we read: 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. The apostle Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians 12 that where we are weak, He is strong.
I think that's quite applicable to our overall economic situation...the President is campaigning for a bill he knows will not pass, and Republicans in the House have passed a slew of bills that they know will not make their way through the Senate, much less be signed by the President. Meanwhile, the supercommittee charged with reducing the deficit is ideologically deadlocked. It reminds us how we need to be praying for our leaders, and how much we need to inject Godly wisdom into the equation. These economic issues - the Federal debt, unemployment, and more - need ideas beyond ourselves in order to solve them. Leaders are trying to help themselves, in a sense, and when we're facing these mountains of dilemmas without the power of Almighty God, that attitude in governing, or in our individual lives, for that matter, is destined to fall short. If we were to put that motto, "In God We Trust", into action, I believe that we will see real change in America and the enormous partisan, cultural, and economic divides that we are seeing manifest would begin to be healed.
You see, the President had given a speech in front of another bridge in need of repair, and said, according to ABC News, that
House Republicans should work to put people back to work, instead of focusing on other measures that don’t create jobs, such as debating a commemorative baseball coin or legislation reaffirming the “In God We Trust” motto.
“That’s not putting people back to work,” Obama said as he stood before the Key Bridge that connects Washington, D.C., to Northern Virginia. “I trust in God, but God wants to see us help ourselves by putting people back to work.”
The problem with Carney's statement was that "God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible! AtlanticWire has some helpful insight on the passage:
But in the official transcript following the interview, Carney's sentence had a footnote added: "This common phrase does not appear in the Bible." This little Sunday school trip would all be more embarrassing for Carney if he'd been the first to make the mistake. In fact, people have long quoted the phrase as Christian Scripture. In 2000, George Barna, a religious analyst, conducted a survey of Americans' religious attitudes and beliefs. 75 percent of the 1,002 people he polled agreed with his statement that "the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves." Even in the 10 years since this minor expose was covered in several American publications, the misconception persists. Just last year, Bill O'Reilly wrote, "But being a Christian, I know that while Jesus promoted charity at the highest level, he was not self-destructive. The Lord helps those who help themselves. Does he not?"The AtlanticWire piece goes on to say:
A helpful Wikipedia entry notes that the sentiment predates Christ, hearkening back to Ancient Greece, where it appears in several forms. The tragedian Euripides, for instance, wrote "Try first thyself, and after call in God; For to the worker God himself lends aid." Since then, some version of that sentiment has been prominently put into words by the Prophet Muhammed, French fable writer Jean de la Fontaine, and it was given its American iteration by Ben Franklin, who put it in his Poor Richard's Almanack. You'll note however that none of these originators are named "Jesus," and that's because neither he, nor anyone else in the Bible, ever said it.After the President called out speaker Boehner for not focusing on jobs, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pointed to 15 bills that the House has passed that Republican leaders say are aimed at jobs and are bipartison. He charged that the Senate Democratic leadership is holding them up.
These so-called "Forgotten 15" include:
In addition, they cite:
16) H.R. 2433—Veterans Opportunity to Work Act: H.R. 2433 would create or modify programs that provide employment and training services to veterans and service members separating from active duty.
17) H.R. 674—To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities: H.R. 674 would permanently repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.
18) H.Con.Res. 34—Budget for Fiscal Year 2012: The FY 2012 budget resolution passed by House Republicans promotes job creation and certainty by preventing the president’s job destroying tax increases and runaway spending.
But, back to what the Bible actually says - in Isaiah 40, we read: 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. The apostle Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians 12 that where we are weak, He is strong.
I think that's quite applicable to our overall economic situation...the President is campaigning for a bill he knows will not pass, and Republicans in the House have passed a slew of bills that they know will not make their way through the Senate, much less be signed by the President. Meanwhile, the supercommittee charged with reducing the deficit is ideologically deadlocked. It reminds us how we need to be praying for our leaders, and how much we need to inject Godly wisdom into the equation. These economic issues - the Federal debt, unemployment, and more - need ideas beyond ourselves in order to solve them. Leaders are trying to help themselves, in a sense, and when we're facing these mountains of dilemmas without the power of Almighty God, that attitude in governing, or in our individual lives, for that matter, is destined to fall short. If we were to put that motto, "In God We Trust", into action, I believe that we will see real change in America and the enormous partisan, cultural, and economic divides that we are seeing manifest would begin to be healed.
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