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.
Friday, May 17, 2013
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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