2nd Corinthians chapter 10 can provide us with a reminder about how the devil will place thoughts in our minds, which can lead to "grand illusions", false scenarios, or as the Scripture puts it, "strongholds" that can get us off track in our lives:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...
We have to bring those deceptive thoughts under the submission of God's truth. When the enemy tries to lure us to step outside what we know is right and to follow a path of selfishness, we have to replace the evil thoughts with words that bring life and peace. When a lie pops into our consciousness, we have to have that working knowledge of God's Word and begin to think on that. And, perhaps even speak it out loud for the sake of reinforcement. Truth wins - and we overcome deception by taking hold of it and standing firm.
In John chapter 10, Jesus gives us some insight into His identity and His care for those who belong to Him:
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
If you have anything called C-Extract on your shelves, you may want to know that it's not what you think it is, and the lady who claims that it will cure cancer and other maladies is going to prison. She's been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. The base for her empire, according to the Orange County Register, was a "wellness center" with ever-changing names in Mission Hills.
She was also ordered to forfeit nearly $1.2 million. When the then-licensed physician and ordained Pentecostal minister was arrested in LA in October 2009, she'd by then taken $1.1 million from 55 families over three years for her herbal "C-Extract." She had apparently been marketing this stuff to Christians as some sort of miracle cure - from God. Even the wife of a well-known minister had tried out the treatment. At least six patients died over a six-month period.
And, her "brown sludge'' was actually made of suntan lotion and beef flavoring.
You know, many times something that seems too good to be true usually is. And, apparently, there are plenty to go along for the ride when someone wants to cook up a scheme. Just Google the word "scheme" in the news section of that website and you'll see page after page of deceptions, grand illusions that have been perpetrated on a sometimes unsuspecting public. It's really sad - not only that there are those who would deceive, but that there are so many that become victims of these hucksters.
The enemy will promise us power, control, material possessions, and more if we just go outside the boundaries that God has set for us. When he tempted Jesus, he offered the Son of God control of the world if He would just fall down and worship Him - of course, the world and everything in it is already under God's dominion. But, that's the real deception - if we depend on God, He promises all we need for life and godliness, but the enemy, through the power of deception, tries to lure us to seek what only God can give. But, if we are not satisfied with the Lord's provision for us, then we become vulnerable to being led astray by the schemes of the devil.
He will create grand illusions for us - through the power of imagination and concocting scenarios in the recesses of our mind, we begin to act in a manner that doesn't exhibit a trust in Christ. If we latch on to those destructive suggestions and fail to stand on God's principles, then we walk outside of the will of God. God has a plan for our lives - to follow Christ and be saved, to enjoy His abundant life. And, Satan has a plan for you, too - to steal, kill, and destroy. Illusory thought patterns is a principal device that he uses to get us off track. God gives us the strength to know the truth and stand against deception.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Maintaining a Clear Mind
In the 77th Psalm, we see a central theme of meditating on God's Word and His works in our lives:
5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. 10 And I said, "This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.
I believe that God wants to walk with a clear mind - we can become weighed down with the concerns of this world or the distractions that so easily come our way to the extent that we are not able to think clearly about the decisions that we have to make. In our ability to do a lot of things, we cease to do the things we do - well. The Word of God can provide a reliable anchor for our souls when it is so easy to get led astray and lose our focus. Our minds can be renewed and in perfect peace as we carefully study and meditate on God's truth and maintain an awareness of His presence.
In Joshua 1:8, God gives the new leader of Israel some specific principles for keeping a clear head and staying focus on the task at hand:
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
We think that multitasking can enable us to get more things done in a shorter period of time, and we know there is plenty to do...but some new research suggests that it actually might be counterproductive.
Excuse me, let me go check that e-mail.
Alright, I'm back - NBCNews.com reports some rather depressing research by Gloria Mark at the University of California, Irvine, that says that typical office workers only get 11 continuous minutes to work on a task before interruption. With smartphones reaching near ubiquity, the problem of tech-driven multitasking — juggling daily tasks with email, text messages, social media etc — is coming to a head.
And, researchers say only the simplest of tasks are candidates for multitasking, and all but one of those tasks must involve automaticity. If you are good at folding laundry, you can probably fold laundry and watch TV at the same time, for example.
Great text here, my boss has a new grandbaby!
OK, Bob, focus - a couple of studies released recently show that we might not get as much done effectively if we're trying to do more than one thing at time. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Human Computer Interaction lab recruited 136 college students to take a standard test of cognitive abilities, and invented a controlled method of distraction. Test-takers were interrupted via instant message, which they were told contained important additional instructions, during the exam.
The interrupted group answered correctly 20 percent less often than members of a control group.
Another study, from Cal State-Dominguez Hills, followed 263 students into their normal study environments — bedroom, library, den — and told them to work on an important school assignment for 15 minutes. Even knowing they were being watched, the students couldn't resist texting or using social media. So-called "on-task" behavior started declining at about the two minute mark, and overall, only 65 percent of the time was used on schoolwork.
Look at that tweet - can you believe what that cat is doing in that picture? Oh, there's that group shot of the artists that came through on that RV tour earlier this week. What was I saying?
Annie Murphy Paul of "The Brilliant Blog", is quoted as saying, "Multitasking while doing academic work — which is very, very common among young people — leads to spottier, shallower, less flexible learning."
I think that, as always, the Lord has something great to teach us through the life of Joshua. He had to have a clear mind and spirit in order to accomplish the "big picture" task of capably leading the children of Israel. And, even though he didn't have a smartphone vibrating or making any number of notification sounds every few minutes, I am sure distractions could get him off course. That's why he was told to keep God's Word in his mouth and meditate on it consistently, so that he would know what to do.
The combination of verbal and mental can help us keep a clear mind - speaking the word of God, memorizing passages of Scripture and saying them out loud, repeating them, and incorporating God's Word into our prayers can be effective in enabling us to stay focused on what He's called us to do. Meditating on God's Word - thinking about the implications of the Scriptures on our lives, creating mental pictures of certain principles, can be powerful in cutting out the clutter. Perhaps you've been distracted in your mind while you are praying or studying God's Word, as the enemy wants to get you off course, or you've intentionally tried to engage in other activities during your quiet time. In order to make the most of our time with God and our walk with God, careful attention can make for a more fulfilling spiritual life.
5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. 10 And I said, "This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.
I believe that God wants to walk with a clear mind - we can become weighed down with the concerns of this world or the distractions that so easily come our way to the extent that we are not able to think clearly about the decisions that we have to make. In our ability to do a lot of things, we cease to do the things we do - well. The Word of God can provide a reliable anchor for our souls when it is so easy to get led astray and lose our focus. Our minds can be renewed and in perfect peace as we carefully study and meditate on God's truth and maintain an awareness of His presence.
In Joshua 1:8, God gives the new leader of Israel some specific principles for keeping a clear head and staying focus on the task at hand:
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
We think that multitasking can enable us to get more things done in a shorter period of time, and we know there is plenty to do...but some new research suggests that it actually might be counterproductive.
Excuse me, let me go check that e-mail.
Alright, I'm back - NBCNews.com reports some rather depressing research by Gloria Mark at the University of California, Irvine, that says that typical office workers only get 11 continuous minutes to work on a task before interruption. With smartphones reaching near ubiquity, the problem of tech-driven multitasking — juggling daily tasks with email, text messages, social media etc — is coming to a head.
And, researchers say only the simplest of tasks are candidates for multitasking, and all but one of those tasks must involve automaticity. If you are good at folding laundry, you can probably fold laundry and watch TV at the same time, for example.
Great text here, my boss has a new grandbaby!
OK, Bob, focus - a couple of studies released recently show that we might not get as much done effectively if we're trying to do more than one thing at time. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Human Computer Interaction lab recruited 136 college students to take a standard test of cognitive abilities, and invented a controlled method of distraction. Test-takers were interrupted via instant message, which they were told contained important additional instructions, during the exam.
The interrupted group answered correctly 20 percent less often than members of a control group.
Another study, from Cal State-Dominguez Hills, followed 263 students into their normal study environments — bedroom, library, den — and told them to work on an important school assignment for 15 minutes. Even knowing they were being watched, the students couldn't resist texting or using social media. So-called "on-task" behavior started declining at about the two minute mark, and overall, only 65 percent of the time was used on schoolwork.
Look at that tweet - can you believe what that cat is doing in that picture? Oh, there's that group shot of the artists that came through on that RV tour earlier this week. What was I saying?
Annie Murphy Paul of "The Brilliant Blog", is quoted as saying, "Multitasking while doing academic work — which is very, very common among young people — leads to spottier, shallower, less flexible learning."
I think that, as always, the Lord has something great to teach us through the life of Joshua. He had to have a clear mind and spirit in order to accomplish the "big picture" task of capably leading the children of Israel. And, even though he didn't have a smartphone vibrating or making any number of notification sounds every few minutes, I am sure distractions could get him off course. That's why he was told to keep God's Word in his mouth and meditate on it consistently, so that he would know what to do.
The combination of verbal and mental can help us keep a clear mind - speaking the word of God, memorizing passages of Scripture and saying them out loud, repeating them, and incorporating God's Word into our prayers can be effective in enabling us to stay focused on what He's called us to do. Meditating on God's Word - thinking about the implications of the Scriptures on our lives, creating mental pictures of certain principles, can be powerful in cutting out the clutter. Perhaps you've been distracted in your mind while you are praying or studying God's Word, as the enemy wants to get you off course, or you've intentionally tried to engage in other activities during your quiet time. In order to make the most of our time with God and our walk with God, careful attention can make for a more fulfilling spiritual life.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
He Said, "It's Not a Prayer" - Is It?
In Matthew 7, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the power and principles of prayer:
7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. We are told to ask - to present our requests before God. We also are taught to seek for God - I believe that requires an intentional effort to access God's presence and approach His throne. It also implies that we are seeking knowledge. The Bible teaches us to pray according to God's will, so we have to seek, to search for God's will in a matter, which I believe includes praying the Scriptures. And, we are told to knock - I believe that means we are to be consistent in our requests, not just asking once half-heartedly or speaking the words when our minds are halfway around the world. I believe He calls us to earnestly go before His throne. Ask, seek, knock - some of principles that can produce effective prayer.
James chapter 5 outlines some principles of effective prayer:
(16b) The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
In 1st John 5, we get a great idea about the content of our prayer and the condition of our heart. John writes:
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
So this is written to those who believe in Jesus, and we are told that we can have confidence, or faith in the Lord:
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. The issue of the use of prayer to open a legislative will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court soon - the high court agreed to decide whether an upstate New York town is violating the Constitution by opening public meetings with prayer. The justices will review an appeals court ruling that held that the town of Greece, a Rochester suburb, violated the constitutional prohibitions on government sanction of religion by opening nearly every meeting over an 11-year span with prayers that trended Christian.
The WORLD website reports on an instance of a prayer to open up the Arizona House of Representatives recently. Rep. Juan Mendez told the lawmakers that he did not want them to bow their heads or close their eyes. He said, "I would like to ask that you take a moment to look around the room at all of the men and women here, in this moment, sharing together this extraordinary experience of being alive and of dedicating ourselves to working toward improving the lives of the people of our state."
Like it so far? Yeah, it's pretty good. Rep. Mendez continued: “This room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my Secular Humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences. We share the same spectrum of potential for care, for compassion, for fear, for joy, for love."
Uh-oh. A secular humanist prayer to open a legislative body? There's a new twist. He concluded by saying, "...let us root our policymaking process in these values that are relevant to all Arizonans regardless of religious belief or nonbelief. In gratitude and in love, in reason and in compassion, let us work together for a better Arizona.”
Now, the House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Andy Biggs have filed a legal brief agreeing with the town of Greece's position in that New York prayer case. Tobin actually didn't have a problem with the Mendez, well, so-called "prayer". But Rep. Steve Smith sure did. He said, “When there’s a time set aside to pray and to pledge (as in the Pledge of Allegiance), if you are a non-believer, don’t ask for time to pray...If you don’t love this nation and want to pledge to it, don’t say I want to lead this body in the pledge, and stand up there and say, ‘you know what, instead of pledging, I love England’ and (sit) down.
“That’s not a pledge, and that wasn’t a prayer, it’s that simple,” Smith said.
OK, this gets a little complex. Having an atheist open up a legislative body really doesn't fit the "prayer" mold, but it could have perhaps got Greece, NY or some of these cities that are having prayer legality issues off the hook. No, Rep. Mendez didn't pray, and Rep. Smith was probably a bit harsh in his retort - after all, remember we don't want to turn off the same people we're trying to win. Got to remember that.
But, it wasn't a prayer.
And, maybe sometimes what we call prayer really - isn't. Prayer is communication with Almighty God - it involves praise, petition, intercession, and confession of sin, among other things. And, I believe that Jesus taught that true, effective, fervent prayer, which avails much, is prayed by a righteous person. And who is righteous? The person who has accepted Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior. Jesus said no one comes to the Father except by Him. So, if you feel like your prayers are not effective, check your heart - do you know Jesus? Are you in right relationship with Him? Have you confessed sins of omission or commission? Are you asking selfishly? For our prayers to be heard and answered, we have to be in the right position. So often, prayers end up being mindless repetition or some kind of formulaic approach. God wants our hearts, and He desires that we communicate with Him from the heart.
7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. We are told to ask - to present our requests before God. We also are taught to seek for God - I believe that requires an intentional effort to access God's presence and approach His throne. It also implies that we are seeking knowledge. The Bible teaches us to pray according to God's will, so we have to seek, to search for God's will in a matter, which I believe includes praying the Scriptures. And, we are told to knock - I believe that means we are to be consistent in our requests, not just asking once half-heartedly or speaking the words when our minds are halfway around the world. I believe He calls us to earnestly go before His throne. Ask, seek, knock - some of principles that can produce effective prayer.
James chapter 5 outlines some principles of effective prayer:
(16b) The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
In 1st John 5, we get a great idea about the content of our prayer and the condition of our heart. John writes:
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
So this is written to those who believe in Jesus, and we are told that we can have confidence, or faith in the Lord:
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. The issue of the use of prayer to open a legislative will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court soon - the high court agreed to decide whether an upstate New York town is violating the Constitution by opening public meetings with prayer. The justices will review an appeals court ruling that held that the town of Greece, a Rochester suburb, violated the constitutional prohibitions on government sanction of religion by opening nearly every meeting over an 11-year span with prayers that trended Christian.
The WORLD website reports on an instance of a prayer to open up the Arizona House of Representatives recently. Rep. Juan Mendez told the lawmakers that he did not want them to bow their heads or close their eyes. He said, "I would like to ask that you take a moment to look around the room at all of the men and women here, in this moment, sharing together this extraordinary experience of being alive and of dedicating ourselves to working toward improving the lives of the people of our state."
Like it so far? Yeah, it's pretty good. Rep. Mendez continued: “This room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my Secular Humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences. We share the same spectrum of potential for care, for compassion, for fear, for joy, for love."
Uh-oh. A secular humanist prayer to open a legislative body? There's a new twist. He concluded by saying, "...let us root our policymaking process in these values that are relevant to all Arizonans regardless of religious belief or nonbelief. In gratitude and in love, in reason and in compassion, let us work together for a better Arizona.”
Now, the House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Andy Biggs have filed a legal brief agreeing with the town of Greece's position in that New York prayer case. Tobin actually didn't have a problem with the Mendez, well, so-called "prayer". But Rep. Steve Smith sure did. He said, “When there’s a time set aside to pray and to pledge (as in the Pledge of Allegiance), if you are a non-believer, don’t ask for time to pray...If you don’t love this nation and want to pledge to it, don’t say I want to lead this body in the pledge, and stand up there and say, ‘you know what, instead of pledging, I love England’ and (sit) down.
“That’s not a pledge, and that wasn’t a prayer, it’s that simple,” Smith said.
OK, this gets a little complex. Having an atheist open up a legislative body really doesn't fit the "prayer" mold, but it could have perhaps got Greece, NY or some of these cities that are having prayer legality issues off the hook. No, Rep. Mendez didn't pray, and Rep. Smith was probably a bit harsh in his retort - after all, remember we don't want to turn off the same people we're trying to win. Got to remember that.
But, it wasn't a prayer.
And, maybe sometimes what we call prayer really - isn't. Prayer is communication with Almighty God - it involves praise, petition, intercession, and confession of sin, among other things. And, I believe that Jesus taught that true, effective, fervent prayer, which avails much, is prayed by a righteous person. And who is righteous? The person who has accepted Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior. Jesus said no one comes to the Father except by Him. So, if you feel like your prayers are not effective, check your heart - do you know Jesus? Are you in right relationship with Him? Have you confessed sins of omission or commission? Are you asking selfishly? For our prayers to be heard and answered, we have to be in the right position. So often, prayers end up being mindless repetition or some kind of formulaic approach. God wants our hearts, and He desires that we communicate with Him from the heart.
Big Worship
Here are some portions from the 138th Psalm, dealing with the power of praise and significance of music in the Christian life:
(1) I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. There is a dynamic of music that is so beneficial in the Christian life. Here at Faith Radio, we place a priority on the spoken word, through quality Bible teaching, but we also recognize the importance of worship in the Christian life. Music is a powerful force that can contribute to our experience of God. You can probably think of a song lyric that has penetrated your heart in a particular moment of your life, or perhaps a melody will play over and over in your mind - in a positive way - to remind you of the presence or the promises of God. Those that participate in musical worship have that God-given opportunity to experience a unique resource that God will use in our spiritual experience.
In 2nd Chronicles 5, we can read the narrative of the dedication of the Temple and the role of the musicians;
11 And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place... 12 and the Levites who were the singers, all those of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, clothed in white linen, having cymbals, stringed instruments and harps, and with them one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets-- 13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
There was a momentous occasion recently in St. Petersburg, Russia: a crowd of some 4,335 Russian singers performed outdoors in St. Petersburg with the goal of setting a world record for the largest choir.
This massive mass choir, reportedly comprised of members from nearly all of the city's professional and amateur choirs sang from the steps of St. Isaac's Cathedral before thousands of spectators who sang along on a rainy day in the large Russian city.
There were 14 songs performed included some of the most popular and patriotic songs of Russia and the Soviet Union, including a hymn celebrating the country's victory in World War II.
You can just imagine the sound and spectacle of over 4000 choir members who raised their voices together. And, it reminded me of some of the larger choirs who were documented in the Bible:
Such as the 2 large choirs assembled to celebrate the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, according to Nehemiah chapter 12.
I think about the army of Jehoshophat, which was given specific instructions to stand still and see God's salvation, as a choir was appointed to go out front and sing praises to God - the worship became the warfare.
And, I referred earlier to the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem by Solomon, who had a tremendous musical accompaniment.
God appoints us to sing to Him for a very specific purpose - He inhabits the praise of His people, and I believe His is pleased as we honor Him with our musical worship. And, as we strive to offer up a song from the heart to God, it brings a greater awareness of His presence. The principle is the same for 4 or 4000 - He has ordained musical praise for a very specific purpose - music can stir the soul and carry a message in a unique manner that sometimes will even transcend the spoken word. A line from a song or a worship chorus can minister to our hearts in a very powerful way. And, a time of worship can prepare our hearts to receive the teaching of the spoken word.
(1) I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. There is a dynamic of music that is so beneficial in the Christian life. Here at Faith Radio, we place a priority on the spoken word, through quality Bible teaching, but we also recognize the importance of worship in the Christian life. Music is a powerful force that can contribute to our experience of God. You can probably think of a song lyric that has penetrated your heart in a particular moment of your life, or perhaps a melody will play over and over in your mind - in a positive way - to remind you of the presence or the promises of God. Those that participate in musical worship have that God-given opportunity to experience a unique resource that God will use in our spiritual experience.
In 2nd Chronicles 5, we can read the narrative of the dedication of the Temple and the role of the musicians;
11 And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place... 12 and the Levites who were the singers, all those of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, stood at the east end of the altar, clothed in white linen, having cymbals, stringed instruments and harps, and with them one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets-- 13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
There was a momentous occasion recently in St. Petersburg, Russia: a crowd of some 4,335 Russian singers performed outdoors in St. Petersburg with the goal of setting a world record for the largest choir.
This massive mass choir, reportedly comprised of members from nearly all of the city's professional and amateur choirs sang from the steps of St. Isaac's Cathedral before thousands of spectators who sang along on a rainy day in the large Russian city.
There were 14 songs performed included some of the most popular and patriotic songs of Russia and the Soviet Union, including a hymn celebrating the country's victory in World War II.
You can just imagine the sound and spectacle of over 4000 choir members who raised their voices together. And, it reminded me of some of the larger choirs who were documented in the Bible:
Such as the 2 large choirs assembled to celebrate the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, according to Nehemiah chapter 12.
I think about the army of Jehoshophat, which was given specific instructions to stand still and see God's salvation, as a choir was appointed to go out front and sing praises to God - the worship became the warfare.
And, I referred earlier to the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem by Solomon, who had a tremendous musical accompaniment.
God appoints us to sing to Him for a very specific purpose - He inhabits the praise of His people, and I believe His is pleased as we honor Him with our musical worship. And, as we strive to offer up a song from the heart to God, it brings a greater awareness of His presence. The principle is the same for 4 or 4000 - He has ordained musical praise for a very specific purpose - music can stir the soul and carry a message in a unique manner that sometimes will even transcend the spoken word. A line from a song or a worship chorus can minister to our hearts in a very powerful way. And, a time of worship can prepare our hearts to receive the teaching of the spoken word.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Remember the Titan
The concept of "putting off" the old and "putting on" the new is reinforced in Ephesians chapter 4, which tells us to:(22) put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
This is an example of living life from the inside, relying on the riches of Christ which have been deposited in our hearts by the indwelling Spirit. If we're living in the power of the "new man", the new person, the new creation formed in the image of Christ - our attitudes can change, we can have a hopeful mindset, and we can walk in the power and peace of a renewed spirit. That is very helpful for confronting the outward expressions of ways not pleasing to God and facing the external circumstances of life, which can weigh us down and make us less than productive and fulfilled in our Christian walk.
2nd Corinthians 4 highlights for us the perspective of "inside-out" living:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Chelesa Fearce is a senior at Charles Drew High School in Riverdale, Georgia outside Atlanta - she's the valedictorian of her high school class, she completed high school with a 4.466 GPA and scored a 1900 on the SATs. She tested high enough in school to enroll in local college courses for her last two years of high school. When she starts Spelman College in the fall, she will already be a college junior
That's pretty remarkable, but there's more...Chelesa spent most of her high school career living in shelters, the occasional hotel, short-term rented apartments and sometimes the family car -- when the family had one -- with her mother and three siblings.
Fearce told ABCNews.com, "I would just pray...My mom, whenever we're in that situation, she always finds a way out of it. So I would just tell myself, tomorrow it will not be like this, so take your time, do what you have to do now so that you get the future that you want tomorrow."
Her mom said she always emphasized education with her kids. On Saturday, Fearce's 18-year-old sister will graduate as salutatorian from a different high school.
She said, "Our mascots are the Titans, and I feel like the Titans are very influential...They're strong, and they need to be strong despite their hardships."
This teenage girl has a lot to teach us as believers in Christ. She obviously believes in prayer, which is so essential for us in the challenges we face each day. And, there's a lesson about perseverance in this story - even though they had no home, she didn't become despondent or allow those circumstances to hold her back. She kept working and stayed strong.
Our externals don't necessarily have to determine our destiny. I talk on the program about inside-out living, and for a believer in Christ, we can know that we have His resources to strengthen us, even when outward circumstances might be falling apart or working against us. We have the power of the indwelling Spirit to rely on daily and if we allow Him to shape our attitude, to give us direction, and to help us to develop a correct perspective, then we can know that He will do beyond what we could ever imagine. The externals can bring us down, but the internal strength of the Holy Spirit can sustain us and enable us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
This is an example of living life from the inside, relying on the riches of Christ which have been deposited in our hearts by the indwelling Spirit. If we're living in the power of the "new man", the new person, the new creation formed in the image of Christ - our attitudes can change, we can have a hopeful mindset, and we can walk in the power and peace of a renewed spirit. That is very helpful for confronting the outward expressions of ways not pleasing to God and facing the external circumstances of life, which can weigh us down and make us less than productive and fulfilled in our Christian walk.
2nd Corinthians 4 highlights for us the perspective of "inside-out" living:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Chelesa Fearce is a senior at Charles Drew High School in Riverdale, Georgia outside Atlanta - she's the valedictorian of her high school class, she completed high school with a 4.466 GPA and scored a 1900 on the SATs. She tested high enough in school to enroll in local college courses for her last two years of high school. When she starts Spelman College in the fall, she will already be a college junior
That's pretty remarkable, but there's more...Chelesa spent most of her high school career living in shelters, the occasional hotel, short-term rented apartments and sometimes the family car -- when the family had one -- with her mother and three siblings.
Fearce told ABCNews.com, "I would just pray...My mom, whenever we're in that situation, she always finds a way out of it. So I would just tell myself, tomorrow it will not be like this, so take your time, do what you have to do now so that you get the future that you want tomorrow."
Fearce's
school counselor, Razelda Killen, told ABCNews.com that, "Chelesa is an outstanding young lady. She's very conscientious,
always going over and beyond and is a very humble young lady...She has overcome some
obstacles...She has been homeless, but in spite of those
obstacles she has still done an outstanding job academically, socially
and still has goals to go even beyond."
She said, "Our mascots are the Titans, and I feel like the Titans are very influential...They're strong, and they need to be strong despite their hardships."
This teenage girl has a lot to teach us as believers in Christ. She obviously believes in prayer, which is so essential for us in the challenges we face each day. And, there's a lesson about perseverance in this story - even though they had no home, she didn't become despondent or allow those circumstances to hold her back. She kept working and stayed strong.
Our externals don't necessarily have to determine our destiny. I talk on the program about inside-out living, and for a believer in Christ, we can know that we have His resources to strengthen us, even when outward circumstances might be falling apart or working against us. We have the power of the indwelling Spirit to rely on daily and if we allow Him to shape our attitude, to give us direction, and to help us to develop a correct perspective, then we can know that He will do beyond what we could ever imagine. The externals can bring us down, but the internal strength of the Holy Spirit can sustain us and enable us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Put Your Money Where Your Faith Is
In Luke chapter 6, Jesus outlines the characteristics of a generous heart:
30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
I think this entire passage speaks to using the tools that God has given to us in a strategic manner, to do His work. We recognize the stewardship that is involved in our call as believers - God has entrusted to us a host of resources; some tangible, like money, and some intangible, like time or spiritual giftedness. As stewards, I believe that He wants us to have a strategy in how He wants us to use what He has given to us. That takes prayer, which can lead to a plan. So, we exercise stewardship, in a strategic way, and with a sacrificial heart, humbling ourselves before God so He can use us to bring glory to His name.
In 2nd Corinthians 9, we recognize that God desires to be involved in how we use the resources that He has given; indeed, what He owns anyway:
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God
Recently, the Wall Street Journal published a story on a relatively unknown couple from the Houston area - John and Laura Arnold. John had accumulated a fortune estimated at $4 billion in the past decade—very few made more during that time - and the Arnolds have decided to give almost all of it away. In October 2012, he closed his hedge fund, Centaurus Energy, and retired. In U.S. history, there may have never been a self-made individual with so much money who devoted himself to philanthropy at such a young age.
Arnold and his wife, Laura, have a somewhat unique approach to giving. Most billionaires tend to write checks to good causes they're part of, hospitals where they were treated or universities they attended. These are the so-called "grateful-recipient" donors. Or there are donors who make sizable gifts to meet an obvious need in a community, such as hunger or education. But at a time when charitable giving in the U.S. is still down from its peak in 2007, the Arnolds want to try something new and somewhat grander. John says the goal is to make "transformational" changes to society - they want to see if they can use their money to solve some of the country's biggest problems through data analysis and science, with a focus on results and an aversion to feel-good projects—the success of which can't be quantified.
Apparently, no topic is too ambitious: the Arnolds plan to dig into criminal justice and pension reform, obesity, and others. Anne Milgram, the former New Jersey attorney general hired to tackle the criminal-justice issue, has a name for all this: She calls it the "Moneyball" approach to giving, a reference to the book and movie about how the Oakland A's used smart statistical analysis to upend some of baseball's conventional wisdom. And the Arnolds are in no hurry for answers. Indeed, they believe patience is a key resource behind their giving.
And, in an interview with the website, GiveSmart.org, picked up by The Christian Post, Laura Arnold said they have decided that they don't want to use their vast wealth to create an entitlement mentality for their children:
"We don't believe that our children should inherit vast amounts of money. We think that many people have been quite successful at creating dynasties that have been effective and where people are productive and terrific members of society but we just don't want to run that risk. We want to give our children the opportunity and the ambition to create wealth themselves," she said.
"We don't want them to feel entitled. We don't want them to feel life has been solved for them. We always talk amongst ourselves that wealth should allow the kids to be able to do anything they want but not to do nothing and it was very hard as a parent to figure out how to do this," she highlighted.
Yesterday, I talked about the NBA's Kevin Durant donating $1 million to tornado relief in Oklahoma City, where he plays basketball. I remarked that he put his money where his faith is. I don't know what the Arnolds' motivation is, but they demonstrate some great principles for believers - our money is a tool. A tool not only for buying and selling, for commerce, for providing for our families and creating future security, but also for investing - for making the lives of others better. When we give to the Lord, recognizing that it all belongs to Him and we have been placed as stewards over it, we are demonstrating our love for Him and our desire to be used of Him to bring His light to others.
And, as the Arnolds demonstrate, it's important that we have a strategy for the use of our dollars. If we don't intentionally have a spending plan, and purpose to not spend more than we make, then it becomes less difficult to exercise the necessary restraint. And, the starting point for that strategy is to give our firstfruits to God - writing that tithe check first. Then, if we are prudent and budget carefully, even setting aside some dollars for saving and investing, our goal can be to not only meet our expenses, but to have an overflow, which we can invest in Kingdom work - work that can be "transformational" in people's lives and in our communities.
30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
I think this entire passage speaks to using the tools that God has given to us in a strategic manner, to do His work. We recognize the stewardship that is involved in our call as believers - God has entrusted to us a host of resources; some tangible, like money, and some intangible, like time or spiritual giftedness. As stewards, I believe that He wants us to have a strategy in how He wants us to use what He has given to us. That takes prayer, which can lead to a plan. So, we exercise stewardship, in a strategic way, and with a sacrificial heart, humbling ourselves before God so He can use us to bring glory to His name.
In 2nd Corinthians 9, we recognize that God desires to be involved in how we use the resources that He has given; indeed, what He owns anyway:
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God
Recently, the Wall Street Journal published a story on a relatively unknown couple from the Houston area - John and Laura Arnold. John had accumulated a fortune estimated at $4 billion in the past decade—very few made more during that time - and the Arnolds have decided to give almost all of it away. In October 2012, he closed his hedge fund, Centaurus Energy, and retired. In U.S. history, there may have never been a self-made individual with so much money who devoted himself to philanthropy at such a young age.
Arnold and his wife, Laura, have a somewhat unique approach to giving. Most billionaires tend to write checks to good causes they're part of, hospitals where they were treated or universities they attended. These are the so-called "grateful-recipient" donors. Or there are donors who make sizable gifts to meet an obvious need in a community, such as hunger or education. But at a time when charitable giving in the U.S. is still down from its peak in 2007, the Arnolds want to try something new and somewhat grander. John says the goal is to make "transformational" changes to society - they want to see if they can use their money to solve some of the country's biggest problems through data analysis and science, with a focus on results and an aversion to feel-good projects—the success of which can't be quantified.
Apparently, no topic is too ambitious: the Arnolds plan to dig into criminal justice and pension reform, obesity, and others. Anne Milgram, the former New Jersey attorney general hired to tackle the criminal-justice issue, has a name for all this: She calls it the "Moneyball" approach to giving, a reference to the book and movie about how the Oakland A's used smart statistical analysis to upend some of baseball's conventional wisdom. And the Arnolds are in no hurry for answers. Indeed, they believe patience is a key resource behind their giving.
And, in an interview with the website, GiveSmart.org, picked up by The Christian Post, Laura Arnold said they have decided that they don't want to use their vast wealth to create an entitlement mentality for their children:
"We don't believe that our children should inherit vast amounts of money. We think that many people have been quite successful at creating dynasties that have been effective and where people are productive and terrific members of society but we just don't want to run that risk. We want to give our children the opportunity and the ambition to create wealth themselves," she said.
"We don't want them to feel entitled. We don't want them to feel life has been solved for them. We always talk amongst ourselves that wealth should allow the kids to be able to do anything they want but not to do nothing and it was very hard as a parent to figure out how to do this," she highlighted.
Yesterday, I talked about the NBA's Kevin Durant donating $1 million to tornado relief in Oklahoma City, where he plays basketball. I remarked that he put his money where his faith is. I don't know what the Arnolds' motivation is, but they demonstrate some great principles for believers - our money is a tool. A tool not only for buying and selling, for commerce, for providing for our families and creating future security, but also for investing - for making the lives of others better. When we give to the Lord, recognizing that it all belongs to Him and we have been placed as stewards over it, we are demonstrating our love for Him and our desire to be used of Him to bring His light to others.
And, as the Arnolds demonstrate, it's important that we have a strategy for the use of our dollars. If we don't intentionally have a spending plan, and purpose to not spend more than we make, then it becomes less difficult to exercise the necessary restraint. And, the starting point for that strategy is to give our firstfruits to God - writing that tithe check first. Then, if we are prudent and budget carefully, even setting aside some dollars for saving and investing, our goal can be to not only meet our expenses, but to have an overflow, which we can invest in Kingdom work - work that can be "transformational" in people's lives and in our communities.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Storm Stories - OKC Edition
Psalm 59 is a reminder for us that we serve a God who brings strength and peace in the times of trouble we encounter:
16 But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.
The tornadoes in Oklahoma, as well as the disasters of April 27, 2011 in Alabama, or Superstorm Sandy in the New York/New Jersey area - and countless other instances of crisis or destruction, remind us that we do live in a fallen, turbulent world - a world that is passing away and ultimately will be restored by Almighty God, who has promised a new heaven and a new earth. So, in the meantime, on a planet that is troubled by natural upheaval at times, we can have hope in a God who is by nature a redeemer and restorer, the One we can turn to when we have suffered damage, when our lives are beset by trials. When a person asks, "Where is God?" in the aftermath of a tragedy - we can say, "right where He always is" or has always been - working to bring peace out of turmoil and to express the riches of His unlimited love.
2nd Corinthians 4 speaks to the human frailty that is exposed during times of crisis or disaster:
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
When we see a crisis, we recognize that even though God is not to blame, He is right there in the midst of the adversity and will show His care and faithfulness, so that people may come to a knowledge of Himself. And, we see the faith element in the recent tragedy in Oklahoma...
It was even integrated by a high-profile reporter in a bit of an awkward way. CNN's Wolf Blitzer, on location, interviewed a lady who had survived the devastation. In talking with a lady named Rebecca, he said: "You guys did a great job. I guess you got to thank the Lord. Right?"
REBECCA: Yes.
BLITZER: Do you thank the Lord for that split-second decision?
REBECCA: I -- I'm actually an atheist.
BLITZER: Oh, you are. All right.
(LAUGHTER)
BLITZER: But you made the right call.
REBECCA: Yes. But we are here, and you know, I don't blame anybody for thanking the Lord.
BLITZER: Of course not.
I agree, and we should give credit to God in a legitimate way when He protects or preserves our lives. I think it's interesting that in times of disaster, even media personalities, who generally don't demonstrate a whole lot of understanding or acknowledgement of faith, seem to be a bit more sensitive to at least giving a tip of the hat to the Almighty.
The hashtag #PrayforOklahoma was a top trending topic on Twitter for the remainder of the day on Monday and throughout yesterday. And, indeed faith stories are emerging from the rubble. I reported to you yesterday about the lady attributing the preservation of her life to God, whose little dog was discovered in the rubble - alive - in the middle of a television interview. An L.A. Times piece tells the story of Edie Cordray, who sent an urgent message to members of her church in nearby Norman to pray for her best friend. That friend, Becky Jo Evans, teaches first grade at Plaza Towers Elementary School, which took a direct hit. Evans and her students were missing, Cordray wrote.
Her pastor consoled her and kept her from driving.
Just after 6 p.m., Cordray received a text message: Evans had been found. Turns out that Becky had got some of her students into a bathroom. The walls started falling in on them, so she jumped on top of them, shielding them with her body. After the storm had passed, Evans pulled children from the destroyed building. But she still doesn't know how many of them survived.
Another teacher at the school, Rhonda Crosswhite, literally used her body as a shield to protect students, according to the TODAY show website.
And, Christian NBA star Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder is putting money where his faith is. He's donated $1 million to the Red Cross for the purpose of aiding the Oklahoma victims.
According to DailyThunder.com, Durant had tweeted, “Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!”
Durant spoke to reporters in Minnesota and said, "As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see...I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to come together as a city like we always do and we’re going to bounce back.”
On the BeyondTheUltimate.com website, Durant is quoted as saying, "In the Bible, (it says) the Lord exalts humility and that’s one thing I try to be all the time. When I’m talking in front of people or when people tell me I’m great, I (remind myself that I) can always be better. Humility comes before honor. I always work on what I have now. I have to be thankful to the Lord for the gifts He’s given me. My gift back to Him is to always be humble and always work as hard as I can." The people of Oklahoma are on the receiving end of Kevin's willingness to be humble and share his resources.
Christian ministry organizations are providing much-needed relief to the victims. For example, as WORLD Magazine reports, more than 5,500 Southern Baptists in the state had gone through a church training program for disaster response.
By Tuesday morning, Sam Porter—head of disaster relief for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma—had a message for those volunteers: “Today’s the day. It’s game time in Oklahoma when it comes to disaster relief.” And, as is the pattern, faith-based groups are on the ground providing not only the physical resources but the spiritual encouragement - many will not understand why the tornado ravaged such a large area, but hopefully they will come to recognize and understand the love of God, who is a very present time of help in the midst of and after the storms of life.
16 But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.
The tornadoes in Oklahoma, as well as the disasters of April 27, 2011 in Alabama, or Superstorm Sandy in the New York/New Jersey area - and countless other instances of crisis or destruction, remind us that we do live in a fallen, turbulent world - a world that is passing away and ultimately will be restored by Almighty God, who has promised a new heaven and a new earth. So, in the meantime, on a planet that is troubled by natural upheaval at times, we can have hope in a God who is by nature a redeemer and restorer, the One we can turn to when we have suffered damage, when our lives are beset by trials. When a person asks, "Where is God?" in the aftermath of a tragedy - we can say, "right where He always is" or has always been - working to bring peace out of turmoil and to express the riches of His unlimited love.
2nd Corinthians 4 speaks to the human frailty that is exposed during times of crisis or disaster:
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
When we see a crisis, we recognize that even though God is not to blame, He is right there in the midst of the adversity and will show His care and faithfulness, so that people may come to a knowledge of Himself. And, we see the faith element in the recent tragedy in Oklahoma...
It was even integrated by a high-profile reporter in a bit of an awkward way. CNN's Wolf Blitzer, on location, interviewed a lady who had survived the devastation. In talking with a lady named Rebecca, he said: "You guys did a great job. I guess you got to thank the Lord. Right?"
REBECCA: Yes.
BLITZER: Do you thank the Lord for that split-second decision?
REBECCA: I -- I'm actually an atheist.
BLITZER: Oh, you are. All right.
(LAUGHTER)
BLITZER: But you made the right call.
REBECCA: Yes. But we are here, and you know, I don't blame anybody for thanking the Lord.
BLITZER: Of course not.
I agree, and we should give credit to God in a legitimate way when He protects or preserves our lives. I think it's interesting that in times of disaster, even media personalities, who generally don't demonstrate a whole lot of understanding or acknowledgement of faith, seem to be a bit more sensitive to at least giving a tip of the hat to the Almighty.
The hashtag #PrayforOklahoma was a top trending topic on Twitter for the remainder of the day on Monday and throughout yesterday. And, indeed faith stories are emerging from the rubble. I reported to you yesterday about the lady attributing the preservation of her life to God, whose little dog was discovered in the rubble - alive - in the middle of a television interview. An L.A. Times piece tells the story of Edie Cordray, who sent an urgent message to members of her church in nearby Norman to pray for her best friend. That friend, Becky Jo Evans, teaches first grade at Plaza Towers Elementary School, which took a direct hit. Evans and her students were missing, Cordray wrote.
Just after 6 p.m., Cordray received a text message: Evans had been found. Turns out that Becky had got some of her students into a bathroom. The walls started falling in on them, so she jumped on top of them, shielding them with her body. After the storm had passed, Evans pulled children from the destroyed building. But she still doesn't know how many of them survived.
Another teacher at the school, Rhonda Crosswhite, literally used her body as a shield to protect students, according to the TODAY show website.
And, Christian NBA star Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder is putting money where his faith is. He's donated $1 million to the Red Cross for the purpose of aiding the Oklahoma victims.
According to DailyThunder.com, Durant had tweeted, “Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!”
Durant spoke to reporters in Minnesota and said, "As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see...I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to come together as a city like we always do and we’re going to bounce back.”
On the BeyondTheUltimate.com website, Durant is quoted as saying, "In the Bible, (it says) the Lord exalts humility and that’s one thing I try to be all the time. When I’m talking in front of people or when people tell me I’m great, I (remind myself that I) can always be better. Humility comes before honor. I always work on what I have now. I have to be thankful to the Lord for the gifts He’s given me. My gift back to Him is to always be humble and always work as hard as I can." The people of Oklahoma are on the receiving end of Kevin's willingness to be humble and share his resources.
Christian ministry organizations are providing much-needed relief to the victims. For example, as WORLD Magazine reports, more than 5,500 Southern Baptists in the state had gone through a church training program for disaster response.
By Tuesday morning, Sam Porter—head of disaster relief for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma—had a message for those volunteers: “Today’s the day. It’s game time in Oklahoma when it comes to disaster relief.” And, as is the pattern, faith-based groups are on the ground providing not only the physical resources but the spiritual encouragement - many will not understand why the tornado ravaged such a large area, but hopefully they will come to recognize and understand the love of God, who is a very present time of help in the midst of and after the storms of life.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Graduation Memories and Musings
Psalm 119 has some great words of wisdom about incorporating God's Word into our lives - especially important for our recent graduates who are entering a new chapter of their lives.
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Sometimes we need to know the right thing to do, but I think more often we know what is right to do, but we choose not to do it. We face a constant struggle, and there are influences that will get us off course, distractions that can shift our focus from the things of God to the whims of the world. So, to be grounded in God's Word is essential. Careful study and meditation in the Word of God - making His Word a priority - can help us find that strong foundation that equips us to not only face life but to, as Romans 5 says, reign in life, rather than allow life to rein us in. We can be challenged to walk as an overcomer, more than a conqueror, someone who follows God's path and walks boldly through life, trusting in the Lord.
In Jeremiah 29, we see a passage of Scripture that can be used not only in praying for our children, but it can be a watchword and source of encouragement for young people who are facing the future:
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
An era ended last night. I know am the proud father of a high school graduate. Our daughter, AnnaBeth - yes, that little baby girl who so many in our Faith Radio audience had prayed for, even before she was born, has grown into a beautiful, vibrant young woman, and her mom and I couldn't be prouder. With tearful beaming, we watched and rejoiced as she walked across the stage last night and became a graduate of LAMP High School.
Now, she enters this new chapter of life, with all the anticipation of going to college - 4 hours away - seeking to follow her dreams. It is our prayer as parents that she will follow God's call and fulfill His purpose for her. I believe that He has opened incredible doors for her already in her life, and has confirmed in so many ways over the past few months that indeed His plan includes attending Berry College in Rome, Georgia. I believe He has some wonderful things in store for her...
...as well as those members of the Class of 2013 who will follow His path for their lives. Over the past 2 or 3 days, she's had the opportunity to hear plenty of advice - great wisdom for church staff members, fellow students, and school officials. Now, it's time to soar.
And, the advice has been inspiring, no doubt - I think you could summarize the advice given as:
I think you could summarize it as: follow Christ. If He's Lord of a young person's life, then he or she can be challenged to follow the things of God and desire to be a light on a college campus and beyond.
God has been placed here for a purpose; recognize that life is bigger than just yourself.
You know the difference between right and wrong, so choose wisely.
Allow God to use your life so that at the end of your life, what you have done will exceed the days of your life here on earth.
Pursue what lasts.
Seek out the Christians on your college campus - don't wait for them to come to you.
Do what you're passionate about - perhaps what you enjoy the most is the career path God is calling you to.
And a few other quotes:
Daniel Webster: "“If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and instill into them just principles, we are then engraving that upon tablets which no time will efface, but will brighten and brighten to all eternity.”
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Sometimes we need to know the right thing to do, but I think more often we know what is right to do, but we choose not to do it. We face a constant struggle, and there are influences that will get us off course, distractions that can shift our focus from the things of God to the whims of the world. So, to be grounded in God's Word is essential. Careful study and meditation in the Word of God - making His Word a priority - can help us find that strong foundation that equips us to not only face life but to, as Romans 5 says, reign in life, rather than allow life to rein us in. We can be challenged to walk as an overcomer, more than a conqueror, someone who follows God's path and walks boldly through life, trusting in the Lord.
In Jeremiah 29, we see a passage of Scripture that can be used not only in praying for our children, but it can be a watchword and source of encouragement for young people who are facing the future:
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
An era ended last night. I know am the proud father of a high school graduate. Our daughter, AnnaBeth - yes, that little baby girl who so many in our Faith Radio audience had prayed for, even before she was born, has grown into a beautiful, vibrant young woman, and her mom and I couldn't be prouder. With tearful beaming, we watched and rejoiced as she walked across the stage last night and became a graduate of LAMP High School.
Now, she enters this new chapter of life, with all the anticipation of going to college - 4 hours away - seeking to follow her dreams. It is our prayer as parents that she will follow God's call and fulfill His purpose for her. I believe that He has opened incredible doors for her already in her life, and has confirmed in so many ways over the past few months that indeed His plan includes attending Berry College in Rome, Georgia. I believe He has some wonderful things in store for her...
...as well as those members of the Class of 2013 who will follow His path for their lives. Over the past 2 or 3 days, she's had the opportunity to hear plenty of advice - great wisdom for church staff members, fellow students, and school officials. Now, it's time to soar.
And, the advice has been inspiring, no doubt - I think you could summarize the advice given as:
I think you could summarize it as: follow Christ. If He's Lord of a young person's life, then he or she can be challenged to follow the things of God and desire to be a light on a college campus and beyond.
God has been placed here for a purpose; recognize that life is bigger than just yourself.
You know the difference between right and wrong, so choose wisely.
Allow God to use your life so that at the end of your life, what you have done will exceed the days of your life here on earth.
Pursue what lasts.
Seek out the Christians on your college campus - don't wait for them to come to you.
Do what you're passionate about - perhaps what you enjoy the most is the career path God is calling you to.
And a few other quotes:
Theodore Hesburgh: "The
very essence of leadership is [that] you have a vision. It's got to be a
vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You
can't blow an uncertain trumpet."
Daniel Webster: "“If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and instill into them just principles, we are then engraving that upon tablets which no time will efface, but will brighten and brighten to all eternity.”
Billy Graham: “People are the stocks into which we are to invest our time … the best of all investments you can make is to help people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. You can make a commitment right here and now … I’m asking you today not to graduate but commence a new life for God every step of the way.”
Martin Luther King: “Education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. … We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Jonathan Falwell: “When one considers our nation’s educational foundations — Harvard, Yale, Princeton and most of our respected institutions were originally Christian — it becomes evident why we, as Christians, maintain a passion about remaining true to the foundations of Scripture.”
(Thanks to www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com)
Monday, May 20, 2013
I Am of Who?
In the 5th chapter of Galatians, Paul paints a picture of a unified body of Christ and how effective we can be if we resist the temptation to walk in the flesh and denigrate other people:
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
God has called us into His kingdom and we are part of the body of Christ - Jesus is the head, and we allow His thoughts, His direction, His power, and His love to guide us in our activities. We are called to walk in a manner that pleases Him and draws others to see Him through us - we are not merely placed on this earth to gratify ourselves or exalt ourselves at the expense of others. No, we are called to humbly serve the living God and to serve others. We have a purpose greater than ourselves, and if we're sidetracked by pride, envy, and a sense of rivalry with our fellow believers, then we miss the big picture of what the Lord wants to do through His people in the earth.
In 1st Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul warned against the impotency of a divided church:
(3) For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
The latest "Star Trek" film boldly went into theaters this weekend, and while the studio predicted that this installment would do somewhere $100 million dollar range, it fell quite a bit short, at "only" just under $87. Meanwhile, the new "Iron Man 3" has roared over $300 million in domestic box office and over $700 million worldwide - it's expected to move into the #5 position all-time by the end of this weekend.
We love our science fiction, no doubt - but there's a cautionary tale of excess that has emerged out of Norwich, England. Randee Dawn opens an article on the TODAY Show website by saying:
Sci-Fi Club treasurer Jim Poole was asked to leave after requesting the autograph, and he and organizer Richard Walker reportedly had words inside before taking it outdoors. But, there were no light-saber and sonic screwdriver duels, but police did respond to a report that someone had been assaulted - turns out no one assaulted, and the event ultimately was termed a success.
So many of us have our favorite sci-fi characters, but I'm not about to get into a debate involving one of my personal favorites, the Doctor from the British sci-fi series which, by the way, is chock full of spiritual overtones. And, even though William Shatner and Carrie Fisher have been known to verbally mix it up about Star Trek vs. Star Wars, it's merely a matter of entertainment choices - but we can be so provincial sometimes...
...and of course, that applies to the church - it is something to which the apostle Paul desired to devote no shortage of ink in his writings - and it's consistent with the words of Jesus in John chapter 17.
We have various units within Christianity - particular points of view, expressed in our churches and denominations. And, these units give us the ability to worship in the way we feel comfortable, with people with whom we have a connection. The birth of the church, at Pentecost, which was celebrated yesterday, gives us a glimpse on how the Holy Spirit brought people together for the purpose of establishing the kingdom of God - overcoming language barriers so that the message of Christ's love and redemption might be preached effectively - and some 3000 people were saved because they heard the Word and saw the expression of the Spirit.
We are not as effective as we could be because so often we are turning our attention n ourselves and focusing on the faults of others rather than walking in a spirit of unity and being focused on those that do not know Him. When we realize that we are part of one universal body of Christ, the church triumphant, the church of the living God, we can experience great power. We are one in Jesus, called together to reflect His glory.
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
God has called us into His kingdom and we are part of the body of Christ - Jesus is the head, and we allow His thoughts, His direction, His power, and His love to guide us in our activities. We are called to walk in a manner that pleases Him and draws others to see Him through us - we are not merely placed on this earth to gratify ourselves or exalt ourselves at the expense of others. No, we are called to humbly serve the living God and to serve others. We have a purpose greater than ourselves, and if we're sidetracked by pride, envy, and a sense of rivalry with our fellow believers, then we miss the big picture of what the Lord wants to do through His people in the earth.
In 1st Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul warned against the impotency of a divided church:
(3) For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
The latest "Star Trek" film boldly went into theaters this weekend, and while the studio predicted that this installment would do somewhere $100 million dollar range, it fell quite a bit short, at "only" just under $87. Meanwhile, the new "Iron Man 3" has roared over $300 million in domestic box office and over $700 million worldwide - it's expected to move into the #5 position all-time by the end of this weekend.
We love our science fiction, no doubt - but there's a cautionary tale of excess that has emerged out of Norwich, England. Randee Dawn opens an article on the TODAY Show website by saying:
Sci-fi fans are generally fairly mild-mannered folk. But don't get them angry. You wouldn't like them when they're angry. Unfortunately, there was lots of anger in Norwich, UK, over the weekend, when fans of "Doctor Who" and "Star Wars" squared off outside a convention -- and yes, "the force" was called. The police force.Apparently, the convention had refused entry to members of the Norwich Sci-Fi Club by the members of the Norwich "Star Wars" Club, reportedly after the treasurer of the Sci-Fi Club asked a "Doctor Who" actor for an autograph.
Sci-Fi Club treasurer Jim Poole was asked to leave after requesting the autograph, and he and organizer Richard Walker reportedly had words inside before taking it outdoors. But, there were no light-saber and sonic screwdriver duels, but police did respond to a report that someone had been assaulted - turns out no one assaulted, and the event ultimately was termed a success.
So many of us have our favorite sci-fi characters, but I'm not about to get into a debate involving one of my personal favorites, the Doctor from the British sci-fi series which, by the way, is chock full of spiritual overtones. And, even though William Shatner and Carrie Fisher have been known to verbally mix it up about Star Trek vs. Star Wars, it's merely a matter of entertainment choices - but we can be so provincial sometimes...
...and of course, that applies to the church - it is something to which the apostle Paul desired to devote no shortage of ink in his writings - and it's consistent with the words of Jesus in John chapter 17.
We have various units within Christianity - particular points of view, expressed in our churches and denominations. And, these units give us the ability to worship in the way we feel comfortable, with people with whom we have a connection. The birth of the church, at Pentecost, which was celebrated yesterday, gives us a glimpse on how the Holy Spirit brought people together for the purpose of establishing the kingdom of God - overcoming language barriers so that the message of Christ's love and redemption might be preached effectively - and some 3000 people were saved because they heard the Word and saw the expression of the Spirit.
We are not as effective as we could be because so often we are turning our attention n ourselves and focusing on the faults of others rather than walking in a spirit of unity and being focused on those that do not know Him. When we realize that we are part of one universal body of Christ, the church triumphant, the church of the living God, we can experience great power. We are one in Jesus, called together to reflect His glory.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Through the Eyes of Jesus
A passage from Micah chapter 6 can shape our attitude concerning responding to God and to others:
6 With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
If we are walking humbly, we are submitting ourselves to the will of God, and desiring to serve others - with mercy and compassion, not excluding people from being recipients of ministry because of their social position, appearance, or beliefs. We win the hearts of people because of the way we display the love of Christ - if we see others through His eyes and strive to be merciful, we are fulfilling His desires and reflecting His character, lifting up Jesus so that others might be drawn to Him.
We can be challenged in our approach to people and guard against being exclusionary as Christians because of a number of factors, including appearance, or image. James 2 speaks powerfully to what our attitude should be:
(2) if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
Today the world of retail and fashion provides some thoughts for us about that topic. I remember back in 2003, I did a series of interviews alerting parents to a certain retailer that uses large photographs of semi-clothed young men and women to sell clothing; a retailer that for a number of years published a quarterly magazine which was described as "soft core" porn.
The store manager of a Virginia Beach location was actually arrested for violating the city's obscenity code - the charges were later dropped because city officials did not feel they could prove in court that the posters appealed to prurient interests, were patently offensive to the prevailing standards of the adult community and had no serious artistic value.
So, it really comes as no surprise that Abercrombie and Fitch is under fire again - and this time it could do more damage to an already suspect image, and reverse what has recently been a surging bottom line. A report on the Business Insider website from a couple of weeks ago made the claim that company CEO Mike Jeffries "...doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people...He doesn't want his core customers to see people who aren't as hot as them wearing his clothing. People who wear his clothing should feel like they're one of the 'cool kids.'"
Writer Robin Lewis cited a 2006 interview with Salon, where Jeffries himself said that his business was built around sex appeal.
“It’s almost everything. That’s why we hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that." Abercrombie and Fitch doesn't stock XL or XXL clothing in its stores, and Jeffries is quoted as saying that they are marketing to the "cool kids".
The comments have been widely reported, and the company CEO has attempted an apology, using the words "diversity" and "inclusion", even though that company has faced discrimination charges in its hiring practices. He said they are "completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."
Probably too late - there's a new viral video that has already racked up millions and millions of views - now it does blend some snarkiness and is not what you would call, "family-friendly", but filmmaker Greg Karber has a point. He is shown going to thrift stores, buying A and F clothing, and distributing the items to homeless people. It conveys a powerful image about the perils of exclusion.
And, incidentially, if you're looking for a fashion retailer that promotes Scripture - look no further than Forever 21, which uses the reference John 3:16 on its distinctive bags. That verse reminds us that God loved the - world - all the world!
As believers, we should are not called to be exclusive - all are welcome at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for all! We have to be careful that we are welcoming and that we do not place unreasonable expectations on people to behave or dress a certain way or belong to some socio-economic category. Scripture teaches against looking down on people because they fit into what we believe is a less desirable demographic.
Jesus loves all people, and I'm reminded of some song lyrics from a particular singer who happens to be a Christian, who is your 2013 American Idol, Candice Glover:
He says I am beautiful
And when I fall
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect
I am beautiful
I’m not alone
And in his eyes I’m so worth it
I’m worth every tear
And every scar
And even when you say I’m not
He says I’m beautiful.
I'm interpreting the "He" here as being Jesus - or at least someone who can see through His eyes. That's a key in relating to and ministering to others - see them through the eyes of Jesus, who gave His life for everyone.
6 With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
If we are walking humbly, we are submitting ourselves to the will of God, and desiring to serve others - with mercy and compassion, not excluding people from being recipients of ministry because of their social position, appearance, or beliefs. We win the hearts of people because of the way we display the love of Christ - if we see others through His eyes and strive to be merciful, we are fulfilling His desires and reflecting His character, lifting up Jesus so that others might be drawn to Him.
We can be challenged in our approach to people and guard against being exclusionary as Christians because of a number of factors, including appearance, or image. James 2 speaks powerfully to what our attitude should be:
(2) if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
Today the world of retail and fashion provides some thoughts for us about that topic. I remember back in 2003, I did a series of interviews alerting parents to a certain retailer that uses large photographs of semi-clothed young men and women to sell clothing; a retailer that for a number of years published a quarterly magazine which was described as "soft core" porn.
The store manager of a Virginia Beach location was actually arrested for violating the city's obscenity code - the charges were later dropped because city officials did not feel they could prove in court that the posters appealed to prurient interests, were patently offensive to the prevailing standards of the adult community and had no serious artistic value.
So, it really comes as no surprise that Abercrombie and Fitch is under fire again - and this time it could do more damage to an already suspect image, and reverse what has recently been a surging bottom line. A report on the Business Insider website from a couple of weeks ago made the claim that company CEO Mike Jeffries "...doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people...He doesn't want his core customers to see people who aren't as hot as them wearing his clothing. People who wear his clothing should feel like they're one of the 'cool kids.'"
Writer Robin Lewis cited a 2006 interview with Salon, where Jeffries himself said that his business was built around sex appeal.
“It’s almost everything. That’s why we hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that." Abercrombie and Fitch doesn't stock XL or XXL clothing in its stores, and Jeffries is quoted as saying that they are marketing to the "cool kids".
The comments have been widely reported, and the company CEO has attempted an apology, using the words "diversity" and "inclusion", even though that company has faced discrimination charges in its hiring practices. He said they are "completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."
Probably too late - there's a new viral video that has already racked up millions and millions of views - now it does blend some snarkiness and is not what you would call, "family-friendly", but filmmaker Greg Karber has a point. He is shown going to thrift stores, buying A and F clothing, and distributing the items to homeless people. It conveys a powerful image about the perils of exclusion.
And, incidentially, if you're looking for a fashion retailer that promotes Scripture - look no further than Forever 21, which uses the reference John 3:16 on its distinctive bags. That verse reminds us that God loved the - world - all the world!
As believers, we should are not called to be exclusive - all are welcome at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for all! We have to be careful that we are welcoming and that we do not place unreasonable expectations on people to behave or dress a certain way or belong to some socio-economic category. Scripture teaches against looking down on people because they fit into what we believe is a less desirable demographic.
Jesus loves all people, and I'm reminded of some song lyrics from a particular singer who happens to be a Christian, who is your 2013 American Idol, Candice Glover:
He says I am beautiful
And when I fall
It don’t matter that I’m not perfect
I am beautiful
I’m not alone
And in his eyes I’m so worth it
I’m worth every tear
And every scar
And even when you say I’m not
He says I’m beautiful.
I'm interpreting the "He" here as being Jesus - or at least someone who can see through His eyes. That's a key in relating to and ministering to others - see them through the eyes of Jesus, who gave His life for everyone.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Beating the System?
In Proverbs chapter 11, we are challenged to live the truth and to avoid deception:
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Integrity is described by Dictionary.com as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." We have powerful tools available to us for being people of integrity. We have God's Word, who teaches us what the truth is and we have the Scriptural admonition to be people who tell and live the truth. So, having a working knowledge of the Word of God, we also have the Spirit of God, who will activate our conscience to teach us the right thing to do in various situations and will convict us when we are not being honest. If we utilize deception in order to gain some advantage, that is not God's best way, and can result in negative implications - the price of being discovered and action taken against us, and the departure from the state of a clear conscience before the Lord.
2nd Timothy chapter 2 highlights some principles of a life that is pleasing to God and of a person who desires to build a good reputation, someone that can be trusted, who doesn't deal in deception:
(5) if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
A New York Post story has been making the rounds about how some of the well-to-do from Manhattan do Disney World - they hire a special tour guide at a rate of $130 an hour, or just over a thousand for an entire day. They're spared hours of waiting by going to the front of the line through a special entrance. This company, called Dream Tours, has a much lower rate that the Disney VIP service, which will run you over $300 an hour.
Sound like another example of that Disney magic? Well, there's a moral catch: you would be using a disabled guide to get to the front of the line. So, you have a tour guide with a disability that gets you and your family in through a special entrance. The disability is legit, but the guide's posing as a family member is definitely not.
Social anthropologist Dr. Wednesday Martin, who caught wind of the underground network while doing research for her upcoming book. She says, “Who wants a speed pass when you can use your black-market handicapped guide to circumvent the lines all together?”
“So when you’re doing it, you’re affirming that you are one of the privileged insiders who has and shares this information.”
Of course, the Dream Tours website says its tours have been suspended due to this negative publicity. CNN quotes a Disney spokesperson as saying that the massive theme park is reviewing the situation and will take appropriate steps to curtail the activity.
Building a reputation of integrity is so important. When we break the rules, or cut to the front of the line, sort of speak, just to gain an advantage over someone else, that is a violation of God's principles. And, yes, I admit, there is a human tendency to embellish the truth for personal gain. Or, when we get caught in a compromising situation to try to talk our way out of it.
I believe that an accurate story honors God. A path of deception, trying to weave a story to get ourselves out of a situation, or falsely check some box that will get us some advantage, I believe that ultimately, we'll pay a price. The Bible is clear that what we sow, we will reap. The Scriptures give us a distinct path to a clear conscience, and I believe to avoid transparency and not tell the truth will have implications on our walk with Christ and the reputation we acquire with others. We want to build trust and not be known as someone that will deceive someone in order to get what we want.
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Integrity is described by Dictionary.com as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." We have powerful tools available to us for being people of integrity. We have God's Word, who teaches us what the truth is and we have the Scriptural admonition to be people who tell and live the truth. So, having a working knowledge of the Word of God, we also have the Spirit of God, who will activate our conscience to teach us the right thing to do in various situations and will convict us when we are not being honest. If we utilize deception in order to gain some advantage, that is not God's best way, and can result in negative implications - the price of being discovered and action taken against us, and the departure from the state of a clear conscience before the Lord.
2nd Timothy chapter 2 highlights some principles of a life that is pleasing to God and of a person who desires to build a good reputation, someone that can be trusted, who doesn't deal in deception:
(5) if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
A New York Post story has been making the rounds about how some of the well-to-do from Manhattan do Disney World - they hire a special tour guide at a rate of $130 an hour, or just over a thousand for an entire day. They're spared hours of waiting by going to the front of the line through a special entrance. This company, called Dream Tours, has a much lower rate that the Disney VIP service, which will run you over $300 an hour.
Sound like another example of that Disney magic? Well, there's a moral catch: you would be using a disabled guide to get to the front of the line. So, you have a tour guide with a disability that gets you and your family in through a special entrance. The disability is legit, but the guide's posing as a family member is definitely not.
Social anthropologist Dr. Wednesday Martin, who caught wind of the underground network while doing research for her upcoming book. She says, “Who wants a speed pass when you can use your black-market handicapped guide to circumvent the lines all together?”
“So when you’re doing it, you’re affirming that you are one of the privileged insiders who has and shares this information.”
Of course, the Dream Tours website says its tours have been suspended due to this negative publicity. CNN quotes a Disney spokesperson as saying that the massive theme park is reviewing the situation and will take appropriate steps to curtail the activity.
Building a reputation of integrity is so important. When we break the rules, or cut to the front of the line, sort of speak, just to gain an advantage over someone else, that is a violation of God's principles. And, yes, I admit, there is a human tendency to embellish the truth for personal gain. Or, when we get caught in a compromising situation to try to talk our way out of it.
I believe that an accurate story honors God. A path of deception, trying to weave a story to get ourselves out of a situation, or falsely check some box that will get us some advantage, I believe that ultimately, we'll pay a price. The Bible is clear that what we sow, we will reap. The Scriptures give us a distinct path to a clear conscience, and I believe to avoid transparency and not tell the truth will have implications on our walk with Christ and the reputation we acquire with others. We want to build trust and not be known as someone that will deceive someone in order to get what we want.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Trouble Outside Your Door
The powerful image of God as a rock of refuge and strength is reinforced in Psalm 62:
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. When trouble is just outside our door - in a physical sense, or spiritually speaking, it is so important that we are properly positioned to withstand it. Just as we protect our homes from potential dangers or put on a seat belt in a car equipped with air bags, we have to take the steps of proactive protection to be able to repel the trouble that comes into our lives and trust in the Lord as our rock, our refuge, our ever-present help in time of trouble. We live in a fallen world, and trouble will come - we have to make sure that we are prepared, abiding in Christ, clothed in the full armor of God.
In Psalm 32, we see a passage that can remind us of the peace and comfort that is available through the Lord as we think about His care for us:
7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
I was drawn recently to a story from the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, which I found on The Gospel Coalition website. The suspects had hijacked a Mercedes SUV and were barreling through Watertown, Massachusetts, being chased by police, who were dodging homemade bombs being hurled from the vehicle.
At roughly 12:50 a.m., the SUV screeched to a halt in front of the home of Stephen and Emily McAlpin's house. The brothers opened fire, igniting a gun battle with police that involved more than 200 rounds of ammunition, additional makeshift bombs, and the death of "Suspect #!" - the older of the Tsarnaev brothers.
The McAlpins were quoted as saying:
There may be trouble that is very apparent that is threatening our lives - it could be something very apparent in a physical sense, or the warning signs of spiritual danger may be there. The Bible refers to the Lord as the "rock that is higher than I" - we can run to Him, dependent on His peace and strength, the One who can sustain us through difficulty.
Or, trouble may be hiding or lurking in the shadows. Just ask Dave Henneberry - he's another resident of Watertown. He found the younger suspect hiding in a boat in his yard. Sometimes trouble is there, but you can't see it - we're told that the devil roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. When he comes, perhaps to perform a spiritual ambush, when we can't even see him, we must be found abiding in Christ, constantly placing ourselves in His care as our hiding place.
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. When trouble is just outside our door - in a physical sense, or spiritually speaking, it is so important that we are properly positioned to withstand it. Just as we protect our homes from potential dangers or put on a seat belt in a car equipped with air bags, we have to take the steps of proactive protection to be able to repel the trouble that comes into our lives and trust in the Lord as our rock, our refuge, our ever-present help in time of trouble. We live in a fallen world, and trouble will come - we have to make sure that we are prepared, abiding in Christ, clothed in the full armor of God.
In Psalm 32, we see a passage that can remind us of the peace and comfort that is available through the Lord as we think about His care for us:
7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
I was drawn recently to a story from the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, which I found on The Gospel Coalition website. The suspects had hijacked a Mercedes SUV and were barreling through Watertown, Massachusetts, being chased by police, who were dodging homemade bombs being hurled from the vehicle.
At roughly 12:50 a.m., the SUV screeched to a halt in front of the home of Stephen and Emily McAlpin's house. The brothers opened fire, igniting a gun battle with police that involved more than 200 rounds of ammunition, additional makeshift bombs, and the death of "Suspect #!" - the older of the Tsarnaev brothers.
The McAlpins were quoted as saying:
It was like nothing we'd ever experienced. We first heard the gunshots and an explosion from our bedroom and, after calling 911, crawled with our dog to safety under the kitchen table where we cried out to Jesus for help, and then later into the bathtub for better cover, where we continued praying. We spent a lot of time in fear of death, even after the gunfire ceased and the police checked on us.They were interviewed by CNN, and the Gospel Coalition writer, Matt Smethurst, referred to the peace that was apparent in that conversation. The McAlpins said:
I believe the peace we experienced came from the Holy Spirit, who was a guiding light to us in a terrifyingly dark time. We experienced the Spirit's peace most fully while praying. It was a kind of peace that felt like someone else was sharing it with us. As I led my wife in prayer there was like a bright light that calmed my thoughts and helped me to feel that life is a gift and that it's all about Jesus. In our hearts we felt calmness and even joy at the idea of us finally being with God together. And physically, it was like God's arms were being wrapped around us to cover us.When trouble comes, where is our source of serenity and stability? Stephen and Emily truly looked to the Lord as their rock, their strong tower, their refuge, and their strength. When trouble showed up just outside the door, with 7 bullets penetrating their house, they saw God as their mighty fortress.
There may be trouble that is very apparent that is threatening our lives - it could be something very apparent in a physical sense, or the warning signs of spiritual danger may be there. The Bible refers to the Lord as the "rock that is higher than I" - we can run to Him, dependent on His peace and strength, the One who can sustain us through difficulty.
Or, trouble may be hiding or lurking in the shadows. Just ask Dave Henneberry - he's another resident of Watertown. He found the younger suspect hiding in a boat in his yard. Sometimes trouble is there, but you can't see it - we're told that the devil roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. When he comes, perhaps to perform a spiritual ambush, when we can't even see him, we must be found abiding in Christ, constantly placing ourselves in His care as our hiding place.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Spiritual Warriors
In 2nd Timothy chapter 3, the apostle Paul gives instruction about continuing in the ways of the Lord, recognizing that His way is best and that His Word is applicable to every area of our lives:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
We have been given a guidebook for life - and we can integrate its teachings into the way we live...it's not a book just for Sunday or for a church service, and it's not intended to be studied and then forgotten - God wants us to take His Word, absorb it into our minds and spirits, and use it in the way we relate to our families, the way we do our job and relate to our employer and our co-workers, the way we deal with the past, how we overcome our shortcomings, and apply its standards to the decisions we make. God's Word is completely useful for us.
In 1st Peter 4, we read about some components for a life that pleases the Lord and a life that works in harmony with others.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever
The bi-vocational pastor uses his oratorical skills to motivate the basketball team he coaches, and his athletic skills and knowledge have enabled him to build winning team. He uses the principles of Scripture to heavily influence his approach to life, as well as his sports involvement.
He desires to inspire with a message that is authentic and to be genuine. He told the San Jose Mercury-News that he chooses to use the Bible and its teachings because he believes it applies to all aspects of life, and he's thankful that those in charge of the team has supported his approach.
"It's who I am...I've watched people overcome, I've watched people accomplish, I've watched people bounce back -- all because of the Word. I've watched it work powerfully in my life. Why not use it? If I can use John Wooden's seven steps, then why can't I use Christ's words?" He has experienced that overcoming power in light of past indiscretions which were exposed by an extortion attempt some 7 years ago.
This pastor of True Love Worship Center International in Southern California applies his faith into various areas of his life - preaching the Word, renewing his marriage, relating to his employer, and building unity into the fabric of the basketball team he coaches.
I keep coming back to the basketball thing - and why not? His team will take the court tonight in San Antonio tied with the heavily favored Spurs in their NBA semifinal series. The pastor is Mark Jackson, the team is the Golden State Warriors, and according to that Mercury-News piece, the faith element is a unifying force. In a preseason chapel service, Coach Jackson reportedly preached about letting their light shine. Jackson's wife, recording artist Desiree Coleman, prayed over the frequently injured right ankle of team star Steph Curry. Also at the service, it was reported that All-Star David Lee renewed his commitment to God. Rookie Draymond Green closed out the service with a prayer.
About the Warriors, the article says:
He said that Collins could play for him "if he had game", but added that at this time, he couldn't help the team. So, Coach Jackson did not want to contradict his boss in the media, but was diplomatic, and I believe forthright, in his response.
You see, our Christian principles serve us well in every area of life. And, on my radio show, I stress how God's Word speaks to a variety of areas. This coach has built unity in his sports team, resulting in chemistry and a winning attitude - not that they pray to win and not exhibiting an attitude that God chooses sides, but they are able to demonstrate their best for His glory. He's able to work for and with someone who has a different view from him on sexuality...we can embrace people who are different than we and hold to our witness. He was able to overcome a devastating moral failure in his life and hold his marriage together. As I like to say, God's way is best, and as we recognize that His precepts are applicable to every area of life, we can experience His fulfilling and abundant life - we can know His best!
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
We have been given a guidebook for life - and we can integrate its teachings into the way we live...it's not a book just for Sunday or for a church service, and it's not intended to be studied and then forgotten - God wants us to take His Word, absorb it into our minds and spirits, and use it in the way we relate to our families, the way we do our job and relate to our employer and our co-workers, the way we deal with the past, how we overcome our shortcomings, and apply its standards to the decisions we make. God's Word is completely useful for us.
In 1st Peter 4, we read about some components for a life that pleases the Lord and a life that works in harmony with others.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever
The bi-vocational pastor uses his oratorical skills to motivate the basketball team he coaches, and his athletic skills and knowledge have enabled him to build winning team. He uses the principles of Scripture to heavily influence his approach to life, as well as his sports involvement.
He desires to inspire with a message that is authentic and to be genuine. He told the San Jose Mercury-News that he chooses to use the Bible and its teachings because he believes it applies to all aspects of life, and he's thankful that those in charge of the team has supported his approach.
"It's who I am...I've watched people overcome, I've watched people accomplish, I've watched people bounce back -- all because of the Word. I've watched it work powerfully in my life. Why not use it? If I can use John Wooden's seven steps, then why can't I use Christ's words?" He has experienced that overcoming power in light of past indiscretions which were exposed by an extortion attempt some 7 years ago.
This pastor of True Love Worship Center International in Southern California applies his faith into various areas of his life - preaching the Word, renewing his marriage, relating to his employer, and building unity into the fabric of the basketball team he coaches.
I keep coming back to the basketball thing - and why not? His team will take the court tonight in San Antonio tied with the heavily favored Spurs in their NBA semifinal series. The pastor is Mark Jackson, the team is the Golden State Warriors, and according to that Mercury-News piece, the faith element is a unifying force. In a preseason chapel service, Coach Jackson reportedly preached about letting their light shine. Jackson's wife, recording artist Desiree Coleman, prayed over the frequently injured right ankle of team star Steph Curry. Also at the service, it was reported that All-Star David Lee renewed his commitment to God. Rookie Draymond Green closed out the service with a prayer.
About the Warriors, the article says:
One of their strengths has been their chemistry, and a big part of it is the prevalence of faith in their locker room.
Many NBA players identify themselves as Christians. But the Warriors feature one of the more devout rosters, and it has fed into their team chemistry. Locker rooms are usually the NBA's version of man caves, chock-full of millionaires engulfed in the life of luxury. Comparatively, the Warriors are choir boys. Almost literally.And this is done under the authority of the team president, Rick Welts, who made news as the first openly gay top sports executive. Welts, of course, was exuberant over Jason Collins revelation that he was gay. Jackson, on the other hand, was nuanced in his response, according to CSNBayArea.com:
I will say this. We live in a country allows you to be whoever you want to be. As a Christian man, I serve a God that gives you free will to be who you want to be. As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what’s right and what’s wrong. That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family, and am certainly praying for them at this time.
He said that Collins could play for him "if he had game", but added that at this time, he couldn't help the team. So, Coach Jackson did not want to contradict his boss in the media, but was diplomatic, and I believe forthright, in his response.
You see, our Christian principles serve us well in every area of life. And, on my radio show, I stress how God's Word speaks to a variety of areas. This coach has built unity in his sports team, resulting in chemistry and a winning attitude - not that they pray to win and not exhibiting an attitude that God chooses sides, but they are able to demonstrate their best for His glory. He's able to work for and with someone who has a different view from him on sexuality...we can embrace people who are different than we and hold to our witness. He was able to overcome a devastating moral failure in his life and hold his marriage together. As I like to say, God's way is best, and as we recognize that His precepts are applicable to every area of life, we can experience His fulfilling and abundant life - we can know His best!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Changing Minds - and Hearts
In 1st Corinthians 6, we can see a passage of Scripture that can reinforce for us the power of God to change a life:
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Those of us who have been born again and have accepted Jesus as our Savior have experienced true heart change - and if it happened to us, can it happen to anyone? The answer is unequivocally - yes! I know I have a tendency to look at another person and characterize him or her in a certain way - thinking that people, especially high-profile ones, are so set in their ways that they could never go in a different direction. I think that God is calling us to expand our thinking about others and really see the possibilities. He is able to change a heart and save a life, and no one is so set in their ways that the trajectory of their lives cannot be dramatically altered by an embracing of truth and an encounter with Christ.
Colossians 1 reminds us of the transformative power of God, the One who brings change in our hearts and minds:
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
There's a story from the website, LifeNews.com that can serve to remind us that, yes, people can change and that the truth is a compelling force.
J.D. Mullane is a writer published on the website Phillyburbs.com. And, while most media outlets have been taken to task for their lack of coverage of the Kermit Gosnell trial, Mullane was there chronicling every day of it.
In a recent interview with Fox News host and former governor Mike Huckabee, Mullane talks about how the power of what Gosnell did changed one reporter’s mind on abortion. He relates that,
“There is one journalist sitting in that courtroom who writes for a local publication who has told me that he is very liberal, very pro-choice, but after sitting through the testimony in the Gosnell trial, he’s reconsidered. He’s changed his mind.
Mullane also said that “Gosnell pulls the curtain back from the inherent violence of abortion...You can’t sit in that courtroom and learn about what abortion does to the unborn child and to the woman in many cases...You can’t sit there day after day and week after week and listen to that testimony and not be changed, and not have a change of heart, or at least reconsider your position.”
I think that so often, there's a tendency to pigeonhole public figures, and even people with whom we have friendships as being rigid in their philosophy - that they are set in their ways, they behave in a certain manner, and that's the way they're going to be - that's just the way they are.
The Bible is replete with stories of people who made changes in their lives - incredible transformations from darkness to light! And, we are called to be agents of change - to give people the truth, in a compassionate and compelling manner. If we think that people - whether it be a politician or journalist, or doctor, waitress, or customer service rep cannot change, then we are underestimating the power of good information, the compelling nature of truth, and the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.
I think on the topic of abortion, we are finding that truth is winning - ultrasound technology is giving insight into the development of a pre-born child, and now the exposure of the brutal and grisly nature of the abortion industry is repelling Americans. More Americans self-identify as pro-life than pro-choice. Even a significant number of those who would be considered pro-choice favor some sort of restrictions on the procedure.
This is one of many areas where truth is resulting in the changing of hearts. And, when we become frustrated because people see issues in a way that contradict the teachings of Scripture, we can hold out hope that their point of view can change, that their hearts can be tenderized by their contact with truth, and with people willing to speak - and live - the truth.
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Those of us who have been born again and have accepted Jesus as our Savior have experienced true heart change - and if it happened to us, can it happen to anyone? The answer is unequivocally - yes! I know I have a tendency to look at another person and characterize him or her in a certain way - thinking that people, especially high-profile ones, are so set in their ways that they could never go in a different direction. I think that God is calling us to expand our thinking about others and really see the possibilities. He is able to change a heart and save a life, and no one is so set in their ways that the trajectory of their lives cannot be dramatically altered by an embracing of truth and an encounter with Christ.
Colossians 1 reminds us of the transformative power of God, the One who brings change in our hearts and minds:
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
There's a story from the website, LifeNews.com that can serve to remind us that, yes, people can change and that the truth is a compelling force.
J.D. Mullane is a writer published on the website Phillyburbs.com. And, while most media outlets have been taken to task for their lack of coverage of the Kermit Gosnell trial, Mullane was there chronicling every day of it.
In a recent interview with Fox News host and former governor Mike Huckabee, Mullane talks about how the power of what Gosnell did changed one reporter’s mind on abortion. He relates that,
“There is one journalist sitting in that courtroom who writes for a local publication who has told me that he is very liberal, very pro-choice, but after sitting through the testimony in the Gosnell trial, he’s reconsidered. He’s changed his mind.
Mullane also said that “Gosnell pulls the curtain back from the inherent violence of abortion...You can’t sit in that courtroom and learn about what abortion does to the unborn child and to the woman in many cases...You can’t sit there day after day and week after week and listen to that testimony and not be changed, and not have a change of heart, or at least reconsider your position.”
I think that so often, there's a tendency to pigeonhole public figures, and even people with whom we have friendships as being rigid in their philosophy - that they are set in their ways, they behave in a certain manner, and that's the way they're going to be - that's just the way they are.
The Bible is replete with stories of people who made changes in their lives - incredible transformations from darkness to light! And, we are called to be agents of change - to give people the truth, in a compassionate and compelling manner. If we think that people - whether it be a politician or journalist, or doctor, waitress, or customer service rep cannot change, then we are underestimating the power of good information, the compelling nature of truth, and the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.
I think on the topic of abortion, we are finding that truth is winning - ultrasound technology is giving insight into the development of a pre-born child, and now the exposure of the brutal and grisly nature of the abortion industry is repelling Americans. More Americans self-identify as pro-life than pro-choice. Even a significant number of those who would be considered pro-choice favor some sort of restrictions on the procedure.
This is one of many areas where truth is resulting in the changing of hearts. And, when we become frustrated because people see issues in a way that contradict the teachings of Scripture, we can hold out hope that their point of view can change, that their hearts can be tenderized by their contact with truth, and with people willing to speak - and live - the truth.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Living Like Jay
Greatness in the eyes of God is not equated with power or possessions, but is determined by your heart toward Him and your willingness to serve. In Mark 10, James and John brought their distorted view of greatness to Jesus:
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." After asking them if they would drink of the same cup as He, meaning His death and foreshadowing that they would also die a martyr's death, He said He could not grant that request. The other disciples were not happy about this power play, and Jesus brought everything into focus:(43) whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
The Scripture teaches that our ambition should not be greatness, but obedience - our desire should not be to call attention to ourselves or exalt ourselves, but to call attention to our great God and King. We are called to pursue righteousness and holiness and to fall deeper in love with Him daily, and that will enable us to produce fruit to His honor.
In Luke 22, we see that there was a discussion among the disciples of Jesus about who should be considered to be great:
24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
With the new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel, The Great Gatsby, the British website My Voucher Codes decided to take a deeper look into Jay Gatsby’s roaring 20′s life and, more specifically, his mind-boggling bank statement.
The looked at the book, made a list of key elements of his lifestyle, and estimated how much they would cost in modern day dollars, converted to pounds, of course, at the end. This includes:
The mansion: $10-15 million
The parties: $50,000 each for 5 of them equals $250,000
The personal shopper: over $470,000 on fashion alone
The hired hands: $800,000
The fruit and champagne: $81,300
You also have the hydroplane, a Rolls Royce, 2 motorboats, and more...the total is $34,320,880!
Money made is shadowy activities, gained in order to impress a married woman. What lack of meaning! And, that would one of the many themes that make high school English teachers and students fond of this American classic from Montgomery's own. The opulence does not equate to greatness - and so you conclude that the image of the "great" Jay Gatsby is a false and lifeless one, hardly what represents true greatness.
Jesus' disciples had an idea of greatness, too, and it wasn't a true picture, either. Their concept had to do with power and recognition. James and John asked the Lord for a prime spot at the throne of God. In the moments before His crucifixion, when they really should be trying to grasp the gravity of the moment, they were caught up in a dispute over who would be the greatest. This was just after His moving demonstration of the blood and the body, symbolized by the cup and the bread.
It just shows that despite our encounters with God, we can go away and still be prone to selfish ambition. And, selfishness or pride do not produce the fruitful life that God desires and serve to block us in our spiritual growth. We have to check our motives and realize that true greatness is not determined by how much we accumulate or what we achieve in the flesh, and our goal should be to be great in our development in Christ and bountiful in the amount of fruit we produce for Him.
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." After asking them if they would drink of the same cup as He, meaning His death and foreshadowing that they would also die a martyr's death, He said He could not grant that request. The other disciples were not happy about this power play, and Jesus brought everything into focus:(43) whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
The Scripture teaches that our ambition should not be greatness, but obedience - our desire should not be to call attention to ourselves or exalt ourselves, but to call attention to our great God and King. We are called to pursue righteousness and holiness and to fall deeper in love with Him daily, and that will enable us to produce fruit to His honor.
In Luke 22, we see that there was a discussion among the disciples of Jesus about who should be considered to be great:
24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
With the new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel, The Great Gatsby, the British website My Voucher Codes decided to take a deeper look into Jay Gatsby’s roaring 20′s life and, more specifically, his mind-boggling bank statement.
The looked at the book, made a list of key elements of his lifestyle, and estimated how much they would cost in modern day dollars, converted to pounds, of course, at the end. This includes:
The mansion: $10-15 million
The parties: $50,000 each for 5 of them equals $250,000
The personal shopper: over $470,000 on fashion alone
The hired hands: $800,000
The fruit and champagne: $81,300
You also have the hydroplane, a Rolls Royce, 2 motorboats, and more...the total is $34,320,880!
Money made is shadowy activities, gained in order to impress a married woman. What lack of meaning! And, that would one of the many themes that make high school English teachers and students fond of this American classic from Montgomery's own. The opulence does not equate to greatness - and so you conclude that the image of the "great" Jay Gatsby is a false and lifeless one, hardly what represents true greatness.
Jesus' disciples had an idea of greatness, too, and it wasn't a true picture, either. Their concept had to do with power and recognition. James and John asked the Lord for a prime spot at the throne of God. In the moments before His crucifixion, when they really should be trying to grasp the gravity of the moment, they were caught up in a dispute over who would be the greatest. This was just after His moving demonstration of the blood and the body, symbolized by the cup and the bread.
It just shows that despite our encounters with God, we can go away and still be prone to selfish ambition. And, selfishness or pride do not produce the fruitful life that God desires and serve to block us in our spiritual growth. We have to check our motives and realize that true greatness is not determined by how much we accumulate or what we achieve in the flesh, and our goal should be to be great in our development in Christ and bountiful in the amount of fruit we produce for Him.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
An Imperfect Hero
Here are the words of the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah, regarding Jesus, our rescuer:
68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear...It is God's nature to rescue - when humanity was held in the bondage of sin, He provided a way of redemption by sending His Son to die. When we are tempted, He provides a way of escape for us. When we are held in bondage by the power of the enemy, He has said that we are more than conquerors in Christ. And, when we encounter desperate situations or come in contact with people who need the life-saving, life-changing presence of God, He just might use us to bring relief. You might not want to call it heroic, but if we're willing to be used of the Lord, we can be that hero to someone and point to the ultimate hero, Jesus.
The book of Jude can remind us that God is a merciful rescuer, and He will call us and use us to intervene in the lives of those who are oppressed:
21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
One of the most gratifying stories that we've heard recently is from Cleveland, where 3 young women who have been missing for some 10 years were discovered essentially in captivity in a house.
The rescuer is an unlikely hero, Charles Ramsey, who, according to a story on The Christian Post website, was eating a hamburger in his home when he heard a girl screaming. He and another neighbor from across the street ran to the house, which Ramsey thought was empty since he saw his neighbor, Ariel Castro, leave earlier that day.
It was there that they discovered 27-year-old Amanda Berry, who pleaded with them for help. "'I'm stuck in here, help get me out,'" he said the captive woman screamed.
After struggling to open the door, he kicked the door open enough so Berry could crawl out with her young daughter fathered by her captor. Even though he was still in shock himself, he helped her call 911 and waited with her until the police arrived.
His initial interviews were animated and sometimes contained colorful language. In a more subdued appearance, he said to CNN's Anderson Cooper, who asked him about being a hero: "No, no, no. Bro, I'm a Christian, an American, and just like you. We bleed same blood, put our pants on the same way. It's just that you got to put that – being a coward, and I don't want to get in nobody's business. You got to put that away for a minute,"
68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear...It is God's nature to rescue - when humanity was held in the bondage of sin, He provided a way of redemption by sending His Son to die. When we are tempted, He provides a way of escape for us. When we are held in bondage by the power of the enemy, He has said that we are more than conquerors in Christ. And, when we encounter desperate situations or come in contact with people who need the life-saving, life-changing presence of God, He just might use us to bring relief. You might not want to call it heroic, but if we're willing to be used of the Lord, we can be that hero to someone and point to the ultimate hero, Jesus.
The book of Jude can remind us that God is a merciful rescuer, and He will call us and use us to intervene in the lives of those who are oppressed:
21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
One of the most gratifying stories that we've heard recently is from Cleveland, where 3 young women who have been missing for some 10 years were discovered essentially in captivity in a house.
The rescuer is an unlikely hero, Charles Ramsey, who, according to a story on The Christian Post website, was eating a hamburger in his home when he heard a girl screaming. He and another neighbor from across the street ran to the house, which Ramsey thought was empty since he saw his neighbor, Ariel Castro, leave earlier that day.
It was there that they discovered 27-year-old Amanda Berry, who pleaded with them for help. "'I'm stuck in here, help get me out,'" he said the captive woman screamed.
After struggling to open the door, he kicked the door open enough so Berry could crawl out with her young daughter fathered by her captor. Even though he was still in shock himself, he helped her call 911 and waited with her until the police arrived.
His initial interviews were animated and sometimes contained colorful language. In a more subdued appearance, he said to CNN's Anderson Cooper, who asked him about being a hero: "No, no, no. Bro, I'm a Christian, an American, and just like you. We bleed same blood, put our pants on the same way. It's just that you got to put that – being a coward, and I don't want to get in nobody's business. You got to put that away for a minute,"
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