I hope everyone had a nice Easter. Easter, in case you didn't know, is the holiday where Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from the dead after dying for our sins. He proved he was the son of God, and provided forgiveness for sins and hope of eternal life.
Unless you're Al Sharpton. Al (I'm particularly using his first name as a sign of disrespect) has been up to no good. After admitting to being an informant (which could be considered a violation of the "confessional" privacy, much like doctor-patient or lawyer-client confidentiality). He was forced to be an informant because he tried to purchase crack, like an idiot.
But now he decided to add another charge to his file: blasphemy. He said that President Obama "has been crucified and resurrected." I know that some claim Obama is the new Messiah, but this is going a little too far, don't you think? Especially on Easter? Especially from a "reverend"?
I don't think Al Sharpton is worthy of reverence.
In the meantime, Harry Reid didn't want Al to have all of the attention. He decided to call the ranchers and anyone that agreed with them "Domestic terrorists." He repeated it a few time just make sure no one thought that he had spoken out of turn.
Nidal Hassan, who yelled "Allah Ackbar" before killing 13 people and injuring more than 30 more, was called "workplace violence," despite using the same cry suicide bombers use moments before their attacks.
Mass murder? That's sad. Wanting your cows back? Threat to our nation! We should stomp out anyone who likes beef immediately!
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, April 21, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Let Bloomberg be the Judge!
Former New York Major Michael Bloomberg said recently "When I get to heaven, I'm not waiting to be interviewed. I earned my way in. It's not even close."
Funny, I didn't know Bloomberg was God.
I thought God made the decisions as to who got into heaven?
Even funnier, it isn't close. You didn't earn it.
That's not a judgment about him. The Bible says "There is no one righteous, not even one." It also says, "Anyone who has broken any part of the law is a lawbreaker." In other words, if you have ever done ANY sin, EVER, then you can't earn it. You're either pure or tainted. There is no in between.
Tomorrow is Good Friday. Sunday is Easter. The whole reason for this weekend (and incidentally all of creation) is that none of us has or can earn our way in. So God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die as punishment for our sins, and rose from the dead so we would too.
Jesus said elsewhere that if we rely on how good we are, we won't make it. But He will give us His righteousness. Think of it like Him paying our cover charge to get into the most exclusive club ever.
So Bloomberg, you can rely on your goodness. I'm taking His.
Funny, I didn't know Bloomberg was God.
I thought God made the decisions as to who got into heaven?
Even funnier, it isn't close. You didn't earn it.
That's not a judgment about him. The Bible says "There is no one righteous, not even one." It also says, "Anyone who has broken any part of the law is a lawbreaker." In other words, if you have ever done ANY sin, EVER, then you can't earn it. You're either pure or tainted. There is no in between.
Tomorrow is Good Friday. Sunday is Easter. The whole reason for this weekend (and incidentally all of creation) is that none of us has or can earn our way in. So God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die as punishment for our sins, and rose from the dead so we would too.
Jesus said elsewhere that if we rely on how good we are, we won't make it. But He will give us His righteousness. Think of it like Him paying our cover charge to get into the most exclusive club ever.
So Bloomberg, you can rely on your goodness. I'm taking His.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
From Green to Red (Special Thanks to Fox News' The Five)
Did you hear this one? Probably not. It was discovered that a hospital in the UK was shoveling children into the incinerator. This wasn't cremation. This was the incinerator used to heat the hospital.
The media isn't covering this, because they get money from groups like Planned Parenthood, and they don't want to "hurt" the business of murder. I learned about this story from my favorite new show, Fox News' The Five, which features Five opinion people from across the political spectrum, who discuss the news. They range from and advisor for Walter Mondale and Jimmy Carter, to a W. press secretary to libertarians. If you have access, watch it. It has become one of my favorite shows.
Back to the topic, a woman had a miscarriage and asked for the body of her baby, to give him/her a proper burial. She was informed that her baby would be thrown into the incinerator, "like the rest of the garbage."
I'm sorry, why is executing McVeigh or bin Laden evil, but an innocent child is garbage? Why do we wonder while childhood suicide rates are so high while telling them they are garbage, to be burned like the box your Big Mac came in. Wonderful.
This is disgusting. The hospital has vowed to stop the practice, but this is too little to late for me.
They've turned Green to Red.
In trying to save the planet and use less electricity, they decided to burn unborn children. This lady who lost her child would love nothing more than to have one, and other people kill theirs. It's not just the practice that is disgusting. It's the principle. Somewhere people decided that what has become a false, cultish belief that human beings destroy the earth by existing, is more important than humanity. They'd rather not kill a petunia, so let's kill a few million people instead.
Hey, Auschwitz must have been really green! Look at how many people they burned?
People who promote, profit from, and practice abortion have blood on their hands. The Earth was created for us. God told us to care for it. He created this wonderful thing to show us Him. Why worship the creation when we can worship the creator? This is almost as if you liked a painting so much, you killed the artist. That is insane.
So is burning innocent babies. It's insane. Detestable. An abomination. A real-life nightmare.
The media isn't covering this, because they get money from groups like Planned Parenthood, and they don't want to "hurt" the business of murder. I learned about this story from my favorite new show, Fox News' The Five, which features Five opinion people from across the political spectrum, who discuss the news. They range from and advisor for Walter Mondale and Jimmy Carter, to a W. press secretary to libertarians. If you have access, watch it. It has become one of my favorite shows.
Back to the topic, a woman had a miscarriage and asked for the body of her baby, to give him/her a proper burial. She was informed that her baby would be thrown into the incinerator, "like the rest of the garbage."
I'm sorry, why is executing McVeigh or bin Laden evil, but an innocent child is garbage? Why do we wonder while childhood suicide rates are so high while telling them they are garbage, to be burned like the box your Big Mac came in. Wonderful.
This is disgusting. The hospital has vowed to stop the practice, but this is too little to late for me.
They've turned Green to Red.
In trying to save the planet and use less electricity, they decided to burn unborn children. This lady who lost her child would love nothing more than to have one, and other people kill theirs. It's not just the practice that is disgusting. It's the principle. Somewhere people decided that what has become a false, cultish belief that human beings destroy the earth by existing, is more important than humanity. They'd rather not kill a petunia, so let's kill a few million people instead.
Hey, Auschwitz must have been really green! Look at how many people they burned?
People who promote, profit from, and practice abortion have blood on their hands. The Earth was created for us. God told us to care for it. He created this wonderful thing to show us Him. Why worship the creation when we can worship the creator? This is almost as if you liked a painting so much, you killed the artist. That is insane.
So is burning innocent babies. It's insane. Detestable. An abomination. A real-life nightmare.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Must read/watch
I came across a really interesting blog entry by someone else. Well worth the couple of minutes it takes to read it. Enjoy!
http://www.becomegoodsoil.com/castration-a-case-for-carrying-a-knife/
http://www.becomegoodsoil.com/castration-a-case-for-carrying-a-knife/
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Biblical Suicide
Last night, before leaving work, I got a call, informing me that the son-in-law of church members had committed suicide. I spent a while at their house last night talking to them, crying with them, praying with them.
In that time, I thought of a lot of things about suicide. I know some groups believe that suicide is unforgivable. They view repentance as asking God to forgive you. They believe firmly that if you don't ask forgiveness for each individual sin, then God won't forgive it.
People sure think God is petty.
God is a God of love and mercy. Mercy isn't Him waiting for the chance to burn us, disappointed when we repent. God is understanding. This particular individual was in a car wreck that messed up his brain, a little more than a month ago. He was also on a medication that had a side effect of suicidal thoughts and actions. He told the doctor that he was having suicidal thoughts, and the doctor didn't do anything.
This man had a disease. He couldn't help it. God is merciful, and I have hope for him. I won't guarantee his salvation, because God knows this man's heart, but I have hope.
There are several people in the Bible who commit suicide. Famously, King Saul and Judas Iscariot killed themselves. They died in their wickedness. But two others are praised for their faith. Samson had faith and repented for the first time in his life, and destroyed the enemy temple and was killed with that act. The other was a servant of King Saul, who was so grieved that their God appointed king had taken his own life, he also took his own. Yet he is lifted up as an example of faithfulness.
So if you have a loved one who is depressed or suicidal, get them help. If you have a loved one that took their own life, please don't let ignorant people steal your hope away. Trust God. Love Him. Know that He is faithful, even when we aren't.
In that time, I thought of a lot of things about suicide. I know some groups believe that suicide is unforgivable. They view repentance as asking God to forgive you. They believe firmly that if you don't ask forgiveness for each individual sin, then God won't forgive it.
People sure think God is petty.
God is a God of love and mercy. Mercy isn't Him waiting for the chance to burn us, disappointed when we repent. God is understanding. This particular individual was in a car wreck that messed up his brain, a little more than a month ago. He was also on a medication that had a side effect of suicidal thoughts and actions. He told the doctor that he was having suicidal thoughts, and the doctor didn't do anything.
This man had a disease. He couldn't help it. God is merciful, and I have hope for him. I won't guarantee his salvation, because God knows this man's heart, but I have hope.
There are several people in the Bible who commit suicide. Famously, King Saul and Judas Iscariot killed themselves. They died in their wickedness. But two others are praised for their faith. Samson had faith and repented for the first time in his life, and destroyed the enemy temple and was killed with that act. The other was a servant of King Saul, who was so grieved that their God appointed king had taken his own life, he also took his own. Yet he is lifted up as an example of faithfulness.
So if you have a loved one who is depressed or suicidal, get them help. If you have a loved one that took their own life, please don't let ignorant people steal your hope away. Trust God. Love Him. Know that He is faithful, even when we aren't.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
I Have a Dream 50th
What is the dream? The Dream is that we realize the truth found in Scripture and stated simply by our founding fathers: that all men are created equal.
Created by who? MLK said it was "God Almighty." That's the thing. This isn't about what the government who gave us freedom. It was God. In fact, Dueteronomy warns us that governments oppress people. And they still do.
MLK's dream was for racial justice. This still doesn't happen. Whites are "evil rich people." Blacks are "dangerous criminals." Everyone else is here illegally. Yes, prejudice is everywhere.
MLK also said "Don't blame our white brothers." As he pointed out, many white people where there marching with them. Racism isn't a White issue, or a Black issue. It's a sin issue. That's right, sin. God said in Christ there is no difference between race or gender. We're all equal in sin, and made equal again if we accept God's grace and repent of those sins. We need freedom that is found in Christ Jesus. This includes Americans and non-Americans, rich and poor.
Today we are still fighting these battles. Democrats keep people locked in ghettos and in chains of government dependence. Republicans ignore people. Both parties act their way because all they care about is taking power, and not about the people that they step on to get that party.
Some say "We're doing better. We have a black president." We're doing better. But that's not why. MLK wanted people judged by content of character, not race. Voting for someone because he's black is the same as not voting for him because he's black. The fact that race is noticed is still racist. I've made no secret that I agree with little that Obama does, but those disagreements are philophical, not race. Being a minister, baptizing whites, blacks, hispanics, you just celebrate because they're people that matter to God.
I have a dream where all people realize God's love and treat each other just as that: people.
Created by who? MLK said it was "God Almighty." That's the thing. This isn't about what the government who gave us freedom. It was God. In fact, Dueteronomy warns us that governments oppress people. And they still do.
MLK's dream was for racial justice. This still doesn't happen. Whites are "evil rich people." Blacks are "dangerous criminals." Everyone else is here illegally. Yes, prejudice is everywhere.
MLK also said "Don't blame our white brothers." As he pointed out, many white people where there marching with them. Racism isn't a White issue, or a Black issue. It's a sin issue. That's right, sin. God said in Christ there is no difference between race or gender. We're all equal in sin, and made equal again if we accept God's grace and repent of those sins. We need freedom that is found in Christ Jesus. This includes Americans and non-Americans, rich and poor.
Today we are still fighting these battles. Democrats keep people locked in ghettos and in chains of government dependence. Republicans ignore people. Both parties act their way because all they care about is taking power, and not about the people that they step on to get that party.
Some say "We're doing better. We have a black president." We're doing better. But that's not why. MLK wanted people judged by content of character, not race. Voting for someone because he's black is the same as not voting for him because he's black. The fact that race is noticed is still racist. I've made no secret that I agree with little that Obama does, but those disagreements are philophical, not race. Being a minister, baptizing whites, blacks, hispanics, you just celebrate because they're people that matter to God.
I have a dream where all people realize God's love and treat each other just as that: people.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Playing with Fire
Sorry for the long-time-no-post. Moving will do that to you.
So yesterday I spent a day burning a brush pile. A big, old one. I, being a responsible person, watched the fire all day, making sure it didn't get out of control or light up the neighbor's yard.
I had a lot of time to stand and think. Two things went through my mind. The first of them was all those survival shows. Second was all those places in the Bible where God chose to represent Himself with fire. Those things combined into some interesting thoughts. So here are some ways how God is like fire.
Fire is powerful. Some might even say dangerous. And God, well "He's not tame, but He's good." (C.S. Lewis) God has terrible destructive power, which is not to be underestimated, just like a fire, or it will consume you.
We depend on fire for nearly everything. Those survival shows (even Survivor) talk about how fire is life. Cooking, clean water (boiling), warmth, protection, even transportation. Yet it's something we take completely for granted (until it isn't there). In the same way, we depend on God for everything, yet we take Him for granted as well.
Fire is very fickle. Fire is tough to get going. I started the brush fire in five places, and only one of them worked. Some of them were too wet. I needed wind (but not too much). I needed fuel. I had to babysit it all day, or it wouldn't work. Ok, God isn't like that. But our relationship with Him is. It is tough, like most relationships. If we let it, sin, laziness, or even busyness will take us away from God. It will put out that fire before we have a chance. We have to work hard at it, or it simply won't work.
So yesterday I spent a day burning a brush pile. A big, old one. I, being a responsible person, watched the fire all day, making sure it didn't get out of control or light up the neighbor's yard.
I had a lot of time to stand and think. Two things went through my mind. The first of them was all those survival shows. Second was all those places in the Bible where God chose to represent Himself with fire. Those things combined into some interesting thoughts. So here are some ways how God is like fire.
Fire is powerful. Some might even say dangerous. And God, well "He's not tame, but He's good." (C.S. Lewis) God has terrible destructive power, which is not to be underestimated, just like a fire, or it will consume you.
We depend on fire for nearly everything. Those survival shows (even Survivor) talk about how fire is life. Cooking, clean water (boiling), warmth, protection, even transportation. Yet it's something we take completely for granted (until it isn't there). In the same way, we depend on God for everything, yet we take Him for granted as well.
Fire is very fickle. Fire is tough to get going. I started the brush fire in five places, and only one of them worked. Some of them were too wet. I needed wind (but not too much). I needed fuel. I had to babysit it all day, or it wouldn't work. Ok, God isn't like that. But our relationship with Him is. It is tough, like most relationships. If we let it, sin, laziness, or even busyness will take us away from God. It will put out that fire before we have a chance. We have to work hard at it, or it simply won't work.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Equality?
Our nation took another step away from freedom in the name of tolerance. The Supreme Court said that states had no ability to define marriage. Gay marriage is now ok.
Here's the problem. The Federal Government doesn't issue marriage liscences. Marriage is 100% a state issue. I know. I've performed weddings in four states.
This is just one more case of the liberals in Washington stripping away our rights, especially the first amendment. This isn't equality. In truth, in everything that is right, the government should recognize "civil unions" for hetero or homo. Marriage should be left where it started, in the church, ordained by God.
Here's the problem. The Federal Government doesn't issue marriage liscences. Marriage is 100% a state issue. I know. I've performed weddings in four states.
This is just one more case of the liberals in Washington stripping away our rights, especially the first amendment. This isn't equality. In truth, in everything that is right, the government should recognize "civil unions" for hetero or homo. Marriage should be left where it started, in the church, ordained by God.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Confessions
I hate me sometimes. I know people say that, but I mean it. And today is one of those days.
I walked into work this morning and found a post-it note on the floor. I'd written it to myself as a reminder that a close friend of mine was having surgery this morning. I'd promised to go to the hospital and have prayer with her this morning (even though she tried to talk me out of going). Still, I'd given my word, and broken it. My word is all I have. I've got nothing else. No talents or skills that the world cares about. I'm pretty well mediocre and anything I am good at.
Then, to make up for it, I snapped at a friend. I'm mad at me, and so I took it out on him (I will be apologizing next time I talk to him).
"Big deal. Nobody's perfect." Right? I hate that. It is a big deal. I want to be perfect. No one is harder on me than me. I'm better than I used to me. I used to hate me all the time, and everything about me. I've finally become more comfortable with me, but I still hate me some of the time, like today.
I've also not had a regular devotional time since November. I'm talking twice a week on a good week. I work for God, for crying out loud, and I can't motivate myself to turn off the TV in the morning and give him fifteen minutes of my day. I pray for a living, and don't pray for me.
I hate meeting new people, especially dating, because I'm supposed to talk about me and I have nothing to say. "I like teaching people about the Bible and was raised in a family where passing gas was a sport." That's about all I got.
I've not done well at keeping up with this blog lately. And that makes me feel guilty.
I hate it when people compliment me, because I feel like it's a lie. It feels like a slap in the face because I know they aren't true.
I hate it when people run me down. I've been run down most of my life. I hate it because I don't need to be told things that I already know.
I don't like spending time with people because I feel like I'm constantly being watched and secretly think that everyone has expectations of me that I'm not meeting. This was especially true of the girl that I dated for a year back when I was in college. She had this image of what I should be and when I didn't match that image, she knew right where to stick in a spear to hurt me the worst.
When I went to work with my dad, he used to run me down the whole time I was with him, then come home and tell my mother that I worked really hard and he was proud of me. That's probably why I hate compliments today. That was my relationship with my dad. I loved the him that was around other people, but hated the occasionally abusive him that was at home (he used to lose his temper and hit me when he was mad at anything).
I feel like no one really knows me. I don't really think that I want them to.
I don't want to get married because to me, a wife is one more person with expectations that I will let down. Diddo with kids.
Like many men, the reason pornography is a temptation for me is because it is a woman who offers herself to me sexually without demanding anything from me. And that is why I won't have Internet at home (that and I'm cheap).
I hate it when people try to cheer me up, because I feel like they only do it because they have to.
Sometimes I wish I could become a hermit so that I'm only letting down me and God.
I feel like a hypocrite. I hated preaching a sermon on a series from the Beatitudes because it was on having a pure heart and I felt like a fraud for preaching it. Same with teaching on having a devo time while mine ranks somewhere with the Titanic right now.
I feel like right now that God is trying to tell me that He loves me, that His power is made perfect in my weakness, and I really don't want to hear it. In fact I'd rather not talk to anyone right now.
I've often used my intellect to keep people at bay with facts.
I sometimes (like today) consider quiting at my church, because I feel like the church would be better off if they hired someone more competent than me. I've thought that for years. There were times I almost quit. The only things that have stopped me is: 1) I'm stubborn. 2) I feel like God wants me here. 3) I'm not good enough at anything to do anything else, nor is there anything else I want to do.
My boss said something to me before (years ago) about being too insecure. Now I'm insecure about being insecure, and feel guilty for feeling guilty.
I hate making decisions, and the smaller and more inconsequential, the more it's crippling to me.
I want to be something better than myself, but I don't know how or what.
I read books about warriors because I feel like a coward and a failure. That why I like knights and swords.
I beat myself up for typos.
My life's motivations are love for God, guilt, and fear of failure. One of those three is the reason behind almost everything I do.
That's enough feeling sorry for myself right now. I have work to do.
I walked into work this morning and found a post-it note on the floor. I'd written it to myself as a reminder that a close friend of mine was having surgery this morning. I'd promised to go to the hospital and have prayer with her this morning (even though she tried to talk me out of going). Still, I'd given my word, and broken it. My word is all I have. I've got nothing else. No talents or skills that the world cares about. I'm pretty well mediocre and anything I am good at.
Then, to make up for it, I snapped at a friend. I'm mad at me, and so I took it out on him (I will be apologizing next time I talk to him).
"Big deal. Nobody's perfect." Right? I hate that. It is a big deal. I want to be perfect. No one is harder on me than me. I'm better than I used to me. I used to hate me all the time, and everything about me. I've finally become more comfortable with me, but I still hate me some of the time, like today.
I've also not had a regular devotional time since November. I'm talking twice a week on a good week. I work for God, for crying out loud, and I can't motivate myself to turn off the TV in the morning and give him fifteen minutes of my day. I pray for a living, and don't pray for me.
I hate meeting new people, especially dating, because I'm supposed to talk about me and I have nothing to say. "I like teaching people about the Bible and was raised in a family where passing gas was a sport." That's about all I got.
I've not done well at keeping up with this blog lately. And that makes me feel guilty.
I hate it when people compliment me, because I feel like it's a lie. It feels like a slap in the face because I know they aren't true.
I hate it when people run me down. I've been run down most of my life. I hate it because I don't need to be told things that I already know.
I don't like spending time with people because I feel like I'm constantly being watched and secretly think that everyone has expectations of me that I'm not meeting. This was especially true of the girl that I dated for a year back when I was in college. She had this image of what I should be and when I didn't match that image, she knew right where to stick in a spear to hurt me the worst.
When I went to work with my dad, he used to run me down the whole time I was with him, then come home and tell my mother that I worked really hard and he was proud of me. That's probably why I hate compliments today. That was my relationship with my dad. I loved the him that was around other people, but hated the occasionally abusive him that was at home (he used to lose his temper and hit me when he was mad at anything).
I feel like no one really knows me. I don't really think that I want them to.
I don't want to get married because to me, a wife is one more person with expectations that I will let down. Diddo with kids.
Like many men, the reason pornography is a temptation for me is because it is a woman who offers herself to me sexually without demanding anything from me. And that is why I won't have Internet at home (that and I'm cheap).
I hate it when people try to cheer me up, because I feel like they only do it because they have to.
Sometimes I wish I could become a hermit so that I'm only letting down me and God.
I feel like a hypocrite. I hated preaching a sermon on a series from the Beatitudes because it was on having a pure heart and I felt like a fraud for preaching it. Same with teaching on having a devo time while mine ranks somewhere with the Titanic right now.
I feel like right now that God is trying to tell me that He loves me, that His power is made perfect in my weakness, and I really don't want to hear it. In fact I'd rather not talk to anyone right now.
I've often used my intellect to keep people at bay with facts.
I sometimes (like today) consider quiting at my church, because I feel like the church would be better off if they hired someone more competent than me. I've thought that for years. There were times I almost quit. The only things that have stopped me is: 1) I'm stubborn. 2) I feel like God wants me here. 3) I'm not good enough at anything to do anything else, nor is there anything else I want to do.
My boss said something to me before (years ago) about being too insecure. Now I'm insecure about being insecure, and feel guilty for feeling guilty.
I hate making decisions, and the smaller and more inconsequential, the more it's crippling to me.
I want to be something better than myself, but I don't know how or what.
I read books about warriors because I feel like a coward and a failure. That why I like knights and swords.
I beat myself up for typos.
My life's motivations are love for God, guilt, and fear of failure. One of those three is the reason behind almost everything I do.
That's enough feeling sorry for myself right now. I have work to do.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Where is God?
This week has been active. Boston Marathon bombing. West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. Tornadoes. Ricen poison in the mail. Dr. Gosnell infanticide trial. The questions comes if God is real, how do these things happen?
There are a few things to be said about this, but the bottom line comes down to choice. When God created everything, he gave Adam and Eve choice, by planting a "tree of knowledge" in the garden. He warned them that when they ate of it, death and evil would enter the world. It's the true story of Pandora's box. They rebelled against God, and there were consequences for their actions. Death was unleashed. Evil abounded. The perfection of creation was marred (which is why tornadoes and out of control fires are a problem).
Since then, God continued to give people choice. Adam and Eve's son Cain used choice to murder his older brother, just as Dr. Gosnell murdered 40+ infants and madmen created bombs and poison. We were given choice, and some choose to abuse this precious gift to destroy another gift, life. Others bully. Or lie. Or rape. Or steal from the poor. Or any other number of bad things happen because people make bad choices.
So why did God allow choice? A girl at my church has a Winnie the Pooh doll. She loves that doll and carries it around. But does the doll love her? Of course not. Why not? Because it can't. It has no choice. God gave us choice because he didn't want dolls. He wanted us to choose to love. I choose love.
I choose to be with the soldier named Tyler who comforted the hysterical woman. I choose to be with the soldiers, officers, and civilians that ran toward the explosion to try to help people. I choose to be with the fire-fighters who tried to help in West, Texas. I choose to be with the tornado victims. I choose to love.
How about you?
There are a few things to be said about this, but the bottom line comes down to choice. When God created everything, he gave Adam and Eve choice, by planting a "tree of knowledge" in the garden. He warned them that when they ate of it, death and evil would enter the world. It's the true story of Pandora's box. They rebelled against God, and there were consequences for their actions. Death was unleashed. Evil abounded. The perfection of creation was marred (which is why tornadoes and out of control fires are a problem).
Since then, God continued to give people choice. Adam and Eve's son Cain used choice to murder his older brother, just as Dr. Gosnell murdered 40+ infants and madmen created bombs and poison. We were given choice, and some choose to abuse this precious gift to destroy another gift, life. Others bully. Or lie. Or rape. Or steal from the poor. Or any other number of bad things happen because people make bad choices.
So why did God allow choice? A girl at my church has a Winnie the Pooh doll. She loves that doll and carries it around. But does the doll love her? Of course not. Why not? Because it can't. It has no choice. God gave us choice because he didn't want dolls. He wanted us to choose to love. I choose love.
I choose to be with the soldier named Tyler who comforted the hysterical woman. I choose to be with the soldiers, officers, and civilians that ran toward the explosion to try to help people. I choose to be with the fire-fighters who tried to help in West, Texas. I choose to be with the tornado victims. I choose to love.
How about you?
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Warren family values
What the heck is wrong with people? Rick and Kaye Warren are famous pastors, people of faith. Now, I don't particularly like Rick. I don't agree with him on some things, plus we just have personality differences. But right now, my heart goes out to the Warren family. This weekend, they experienced the worst loss someone can experience. They lost a son. Worse, they lost a son to suicide.
If you've never known someone who attempted suicide, you are lucky. Even if unsuccessful, the attempt still leaves you with guilt and pain, always wondering if you could have done more. Depression is a terrible, impossible thing to struggle with, and doubt will always remain.
But, thanks to the wonderful world of the internet, the Warren family, while suffering, is under attack. People are criticizing Rick for the Purpose Driven Life. They are also saying he deserves to suffer because of his politics. These cruel, twisted, evil people are crossing a line. They need to knock it off. Stop spitting on their son's grave before he's even in the ground.
In the mean time, Jesus said in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are those who mourn." He also said, "Blessed are you when people hate you because of me." The Warrens are double blessed. It may not be a good idea to try to harm those that God has double blessed. Just saying.
If you've never known someone who attempted suicide, you are lucky. Even if unsuccessful, the attempt still leaves you with guilt and pain, always wondering if you could have done more. Depression is a terrible, impossible thing to struggle with, and doubt will always remain.
But, thanks to the wonderful world of the internet, the Warren family, while suffering, is under attack. People are criticizing Rick for the Purpose Driven Life. They are also saying he deserves to suffer because of his politics. These cruel, twisted, evil people are crossing a line. They need to knock it off. Stop spitting on their son's grave before he's even in the ground.
In the mean time, Jesus said in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are those who mourn." He also said, "Blessed are you when people hate you because of me." The Warrens are double blessed. It may not be a good idea to try to harm those that God has double blessed. Just saying.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Search for the hidden God
I was asked a question by an atheist friend that I've very rarely been asked about how God acts. Anyway, I thought I'd share the question that my friend asked as well as my response. If you've ever asked this question or been asked this question, I hope you might find my few humble thoughts helpful.
The Question:
It comes back to choice. At first God was fully revealed to Adam and Eve. But he also planted a tree and said "Don't touch!" So like any other child, the first thing they did was to go get it. As a parent, I'm sure you can relate to that. Anything we do that displeases God is called sin. God is Holy and pure, meaning He cannot even tolerate sin in his presence. So humanity was separated from God because of our sin. But that didn't stop God. He knew before He created the world ever sin you and I would ever commit. And as God laid out punishment for Adam and Eve, He also told them that He would send someone who would crush Satan's head. This was the first promise of Jesus.
Then God told a son of Adam and Eve named Seth that this person would come through his bloodline. He also chose a son of Noah. Then He began to reveal Himself to a man named Abram, who He renamed Abraham. He chose Abraham's son Isaac and Isaac's son Jacob, who He renamed Israel. Then He chose Israel's son Judah. All the while He revealed more of Himself. Then from the nation of Israel, He called Moses to be a prophet. God warned Moses that he could not see God's face, because no one can see Him and live (Exodus 33:20). Before that God spoke to the nation of Israel, revealing Himself to all of them, and they were terrified. They said in Exodus 20:19 (NIV), "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." When He tried to reveal Himself to everyone, they said no because they were afraid.
From that point forward, God revealed Himself through prophets, who spoke for Him. He even provided miracles to back up their words. But still the people rejected Him and disobeyed Him.
When Jesus came, He performed mighty miracles in front of people. Matthew and John saw for themselves and wrote their books of the Bible. Mark wrote down the stories told by Peter. Luke identified and interviewed many eyewitnesses in order to create an "orderly account." These writers recorded many miracles of Jesus. The lame walk. The blind see. The deaf hear. The dead were raised. Yet this was not enough to convince everyone. Then Jesus was killed and rose from the grave. When He did so, he didn't just appear to those that believed in Him. He showed Himself to Thomas, who doubted. He revealed Himself to His half-brother James, who had told people that Jesus was crazy. He also appeared to Saul, later called Paul, who not only didn't believe, but persecuted the church until he met Jesus.
In the end, it comes back to choice. Think of it like this. Debbie didn't have to marry you, but she chose to be with you because she loves you. When Jesus comes back, the Bible says that everyone will bow and say "Jesus is Lord." For some, that will be joyful. For others, it will be more "Oh sh*t. Jesus really is Lord." But by that point it is too late. Choice has been made. God wants us to chose to love Him just like Debbie chose to love you. She didn't have to. She chose. That's why God doesn't just mass reveal Himself. He wants to give us time to make our own choices.
Even back then, people asked what was taking God so long. They wrote to Peter to ask him. Peter replied, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) So that's why He's waiting to reveal himself. He's waiting on us to chose Him.
So I don't know if that answer will fully satisfy you. I doubt it, but that's ok. Like there's no courage without fear, there is no faith without doubt. I can tell you this: the deeper my walk with Him, the more He has revealed Himself to me. When I have faith, He proves faithful. I wish that I could transplant my memories and experiences to show you why I trust in God. Just know that I'll keep researching, keep digging, to answer your questions to the best of my ability.
The Question:
So help me with this... the question of the day. If we presuppose that God exists, then he has two options; full revelation or reliance on the faith of believers. So my question is, why would he choose faith over full revelation? After all, if I was trying to convince you of something you didn't believe, I would show you exactly what I wanted you to see. Why does God choose to rely on faith rather than fully revealing himself?My Answer:
It comes back to choice. At first God was fully revealed to Adam and Eve. But he also planted a tree and said "Don't touch!" So like any other child, the first thing they did was to go get it. As a parent, I'm sure you can relate to that. Anything we do that displeases God is called sin. God is Holy and pure, meaning He cannot even tolerate sin in his presence. So humanity was separated from God because of our sin. But that didn't stop God. He knew before He created the world ever sin you and I would ever commit. And as God laid out punishment for Adam and Eve, He also told them that He would send someone who would crush Satan's head. This was the first promise of Jesus.
Then God told a son of Adam and Eve named Seth that this person would come through his bloodline. He also chose a son of Noah. Then He began to reveal Himself to a man named Abram, who He renamed Abraham. He chose Abraham's son Isaac and Isaac's son Jacob, who He renamed Israel. Then He chose Israel's son Judah. All the while He revealed more of Himself. Then from the nation of Israel, He called Moses to be a prophet. God warned Moses that he could not see God's face, because no one can see Him and live (Exodus 33:20). Before that God spoke to the nation of Israel, revealing Himself to all of them, and they were terrified. They said in Exodus 20:19 (NIV), "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." When He tried to reveal Himself to everyone, they said no because they were afraid.
From that point forward, God revealed Himself through prophets, who spoke for Him. He even provided miracles to back up their words. But still the people rejected Him and disobeyed Him.
When Jesus came, He performed mighty miracles in front of people. Matthew and John saw for themselves and wrote their books of the Bible. Mark wrote down the stories told by Peter. Luke identified and interviewed many eyewitnesses in order to create an "orderly account." These writers recorded many miracles of Jesus. The lame walk. The blind see. The deaf hear. The dead were raised. Yet this was not enough to convince everyone. Then Jesus was killed and rose from the grave. When He did so, he didn't just appear to those that believed in Him. He showed Himself to Thomas, who doubted. He revealed Himself to His half-brother James, who had told people that Jesus was crazy. He also appeared to Saul, later called Paul, who not only didn't believe, but persecuted the church until he met Jesus.
In the end, it comes back to choice. Think of it like this. Debbie didn't have to marry you, but she chose to be with you because she loves you. When Jesus comes back, the Bible says that everyone will bow and say "Jesus is Lord." For some, that will be joyful. For others, it will be more "Oh sh*t. Jesus really is Lord." But by that point it is too late. Choice has been made. God wants us to chose to love Him just like Debbie chose to love you. She didn't have to. She chose. That's why God doesn't just mass reveal Himself. He wants to give us time to make our own choices.
Even back then, people asked what was taking God so long. They wrote to Peter to ask him. Peter replied, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) So that's why He's waiting to reveal himself. He's waiting on us to chose Him.
So I don't know if that answer will fully satisfy you. I doubt it, but that's ok. Like there's no courage without fear, there is no faith without doubt. I can tell you this: the deeper my walk with Him, the more He has revealed Himself to me. When I have faith, He proves faithful. I wish that I could transplant my memories and experiences to show you why I trust in God. Just know that I'll keep researching, keep digging, to answer your questions to the best of my ability.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Newtown Tragedy
How do you reconcile the innocents of Christmas with the horrifice nature of a madman walking into an elementary school and shooting children? You can't. A friend of mine put it well when seeking solutions.
The bottom line is evil just exists in the world sometimes. Like 9-11, OK City, Aurora, and Newtown. People like Osama bin Laden, Timothy McVay, Joseph Stalin, and Adolph Hitler. Part of me thinks we will never truly understand these people. At least I won't. You can't legislate morality. This boy didn't have a legal issue or a self-esteem issue. He was not right in the head, and for some reason, did an act of great evil.
The hope for this world isn't the law. It isn't a political party. It isn't video games, or lack thereof. The only cure for evil is Jesus.
Then again, that's what Christmas is really about, isn't it?
"Bear with me. I'm trying to process a few things and have been sharing to help with that as well as hear others opinions. That being said I have a few thoughts on the Sandy Hook School Shooting. 1) controlling guns is not going to solve this issue. He was a crazed man who would have found a way regardless of laws. Yes we can make things harder for criminals, but if they want to do harm they are going to find a way.She's right. They didn't need guns in Oklahoma City. They used common fertilizer. People are shifting blame to guns. To schools. To video games. (For the record, I won't play games like Call of Duty for this reason. It's one thing to shoot aliens or zombies. It's something else to go for realism that my friends have lived through. There is something wrong about fantasizing about real deaths and tragedy.)
"2) there are no right or wrong answers about how we can prevent this in the future. We simply have no answers as to why and only the killers have those answers. We can do our best to figure it out and hope it's enough to make a difference, but unless we start taking blinders off of our eyes and see that there are some people in this world that really are evil we can't change.
"3)we need to take an honest look at mental health in this country. We need to stop labeling those who do not need labels and HELPING those that need help. Parents need to stop pretending that children can never do wrong and see that they can. We need to learn the warning signs for potentially dangerous people and get them help. And we need to give law officials a chance to do the same.
"4) parents need to teach their children violence is NEVER a solution to their anger or fear. We need to teach them that anger and fear are healthy but that we need to address it appropriately and calmly."
The bottom line is evil just exists in the world sometimes. Like 9-11, OK City, Aurora, and Newtown. People like Osama bin Laden, Timothy McVay, Joseph Stalin, and Adolph Hitler. Part of me thinks we will never truly understand these people. At least I won't. You can't legislate morality. This boy didn't have a legal issue or a self-esteem issue. He was not right in the head, and for some reason, did an act of great evil.
The hope for this world isn't the law. It isn't a political party. It isn't video games, or lack thereof. The only cure for evil is Jesus.
Then again, that's what Christmas is really about, isn't it?
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Vow of the Modern Knight
The Knight
We live in a day when we are in need of knights. We need warriors who are willing to fight for things that truly matter. As a knight for today, I take this oath.
A knight does not serve himself. He serves a king. I surrender myself totally to the King of Kings. I will obey him in every area of my life. I withhold nothing from myself. I completely and totally surrender. I will obey His every command. I will go on every quest, no matter how dangerous, no matter how deadly, no matter the cost to myself.
Isaiah 6:8, Luke 9:23, 12:51, Romans 6:22-23, 12:1, Rev 19:11-16
A knight is a warrior. We live in a world at war. I pledge to fight. I pledge to defend myself from the attacks of Satan, using the armor God has given me. I will use the weapons God has given me, the sword of His Word and prayer. I will not fight alone, but with my King. I was not meant to fight alone, but alongside my fellow knights. I will lead when others will only follow. I will not get caught alone and be an easy target for the Enemy and his minions. I will fight alongside others. I will defend those who cannot defend themselves. I will join the King on His mission to storm the gates of Hell itself and set free those held captive there. I understand that this is a dangerous mission and that many have fallen in the undertaking of it. That is why I will surround myself with prayer, with the armor of the King, and with knights who do the same.
Exodus 15:3, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:37-39, Rev. 20:10
The Virtues of the Knight
The first virtue of the knight is integrity. Someone once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.” I will strive to be a man of integrity. I will be the same man whether I am being watched or not. Whether I am with my family, with my church, with my friends, or with myself, I will do the right thing. I will live my life built on a foundation of the King of Kings and His Word. I vow have integrity in every area of my life. I will obey the King in every area of my life. No area will be off limits to Him. I will have integrity in even the small things. No exceptions, just obedience.
Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 24:3-5, Psalm 25:21, 41:12, Proverbs 10:9, Titus 2:7-8
A knight will be a man of courage. I will not let fear hold me. I refuse to be imprisoned by its power. Fear is a great weapon of the Enemy. I will not stay a hostage of my fear. The Enemy cannot stand with the power of the King. The servants of the King are far stronger than the minions of the Enemy. The Enemy is already defeated. His tactics are of the weak and desperate. I will not let my fear control me. There is no bravery without fear. I refuse to surrender. I refuse to die. I will be a man of courage.
Proverbs 28:1, Hebrews 13:6, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Matthew 14:27, 2 Kings 6:16
I will be a knight of compassion. I will seek to truly help the poor, not just give a token dollar to appease guilt. I will fight for justice for those who are oppressed. I will strive for freedom for slaves. I will try to provide food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty. And I will treat those that I meet daily with compassion.
Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 58:6, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 John 3:17-18, James 1:27
As a knight, I will strive for self-control. I will discipline my body, my mind, and my heart. Satan will try to take me out of the fight through self-indulgence. I will fight him through self-discipline. I will read and memorize Scripture. I will read devotional books and books to help me lead others. I will keep my guard up. I will flee temptation. I will control my body and my weight. I vow to discipline myself.
1 Timothy 4:8, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-8, Hebrews 12:11, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
A knight will speak with honesty. I will not tell a lie, no matter how small it seems. My world will be my bond. I will keep the commitments that I make to the best of my ability. I will in no way deceive anyone for any reason. My “yes” will mean yes and my “no” no. My word will be trustworthy.
Ephesians 4:15,25, Ephesians 6:14, Matthew 5:33-37
As a knight, I will strive for humility. I will remember that I am only a servant of the King. I will think more of others than I do myself. I will give glory to Jesus in all things. Max Lucado wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.”
Matthew 20:25-28, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:12, James 3:13, 1Peter 5:5, Psalm 8:3-4,
Proverbs 16:18
As a knight, I will live with purity. I will keep my mind and body pure. I will not allow myself to be diluted by the lusts and desires of the world. Many things in this world are intended to corrupt man and take away the pureness of his heart, mind, and soul but I will fight against these things to keep my purity. I will keep my eyes clean. I will keep my mind pure by memorizing the Word. I will also be pure in my devotion to the One and Only King in Heaven. No other idols will take me captive or break my whole devotion to the King of Kings.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Psalm 119:9, 1 Timothy 4:12, Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 5:48
Another virtue of the knight is perseverance. This world has many hardships. I will joyfully endure them, seeking only to be transformed more into the likeness of the King. No matter the trail, I will seek only to be obedient and to become the man I was meant to be. No matter the battle, I will continue to fight. I will endure and help others to endure. I will seek out relationships that will help me keep to the path.
James 1:2-4, James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1, Romans 5:1-5, Matthew 7:24-27
A knight will strive for patience. A knight will show understanding. I will let mistakes go, since I have made my share. I will try to empathize with others, especially in their anger, to see things from their perspective and attempt to root out the deeper issues, knowing that sometimes people just need an ear to listen.
Proverbs 16:32, Ephesians 4:2, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:19
Another virtue of the knight is loyalty. I swear allegiance to the King. I will let nothing stand between Him and me. I will loyally defend my brothers and sisters in Christ through accountability, transparency, and prayer.
1 Samuel 20:42, Hosea 6:6 (NASB), 1 Chronicles 29:18
A knight will work with excellence. In all things, I will work to please the king, and therefore do my best. Hard work is also a virtue of the knight. I will not flinch. I will not hesitate. I will not leave it for others. I will do the work that needs done. I will be a servant for all. I will work not to earn the love of my King, since I cannot do so, but I will work as my act of gratitude for what the king has done for me.
Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 6:7-8, Matthew 25:14-46, Luke 17:7-10, Revelation 2:2
Relationships of the Knight
The King. I will obey the king in all areas of my life. And I will love the king with everything that I am and everything that I do. I will study His Word and apply it to my life. I will seek daily to build a closer walk with Him.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
The lady. I will treat women with respect, as daughters of the King. I will only seek deeper relationships with those that will help me grow closer to the King. I will seek to do the same for her. I will put her above myself and my work, understanding that the first person I should serve is her. And I will love her with self-sacrifice and undying commitment despite wavering emotions or what I get out of it. I seek not a servant nor a princess, but a partner.
Ephesians 5:25-33
Children. I will disciple my own kids. I will make it my first priority to help them to be loyal to the King. The best way to love them is to love their mother. I will help sons to see their strength and to become warriors. I will help daughters to see their beauty and their value.
Ephesians 6:4
Church. I will lead the church by being a servant. I will stand as a shepherd to guide, and a watchman to protect. It is not my church, but the King’s. I understand that I cannot lead from above; I must be with them. I will feed them. I will make disciples. I will seek others with whom I can walk through life. And I will train up other leaders to serve the King and His church.
Jeremiah 23:1-2, Ezekiel 3:17-19,
The lost. I will follow the King in His mission to seek and save the lost, by whatever means necessary. I will remember that I am not superior to them, but “a fellow beggar showing others where to find bread.”
Matthew 28:18-20, Acts1:8
The World. I will not be swayed, deterred, or distracted by the world and following the crowd. No matter how unpopular, I will obey the King as He leads me. I will not seek the world’s interests or possessions.
Exodus 23:2a, Galatians 1:10, 1 John 2:15-17
The Enemy. I will fight the enemy until all my strength is spent, and then I will rely on the strength of the King. I will seek to storm his strongholds and set free his captives. I know that he has lost the war. I will still fight the battles.
Ephesians 6:10-12, Revelation 20:10
Psalm 119
In adding my name in comment, I take this vow.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Who's the Hater?
So people keep calling Bible-believing Christians haters. They say we hate people not like us. Let me make a few clarifications.
1) Westboro Baptist Church do not count as Bible-believing. In fact, Peter warned about them in the Bible. 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction." They don't speak for us, because they are "ignorant and unstable."
2) There is an old saying in the Christian Church: "Love the sinner; hate the sin." If I truly believe the Bible, (that all people are sinners (Romans 3:23), that God loves everyone (John 3:16) and sent his Son Jesus to take the punishment for our sin (Romans 6:23), that we are all equally guilt (James 2:10), and God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9),) then I have a responsibility. If we all either have to accept God's forgiveness by changing our ways and being obedient to him, or we have to suffer the punishment for our sins. We are all the same. One person described the way we Christians should be as "One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." Others have described it as throwing a life preserver to a drowning man. This is our job, to love our fellow sinners enough to storm the very gates of hell itself to tell them of the same chance for rescue that we have.
The reason I point these things out is because I'm sick of being falsely labled. But I also have something else to ask.
Are WE the ones that hate?
My sister was recently attacked for taking her infant daughter to get lunch and take it to "Dada." Why was she attacked? The lunch was chicken. She was called ever foul thing these people could think of. They should be embarrassed at their behavior. And all just because her baby missed her daddy.
But the reason I particularly write this today is because of the news yesterday. In our nation's capital, a man walked into a Christian organization and opened fire. Why? Because of their stance on family values.
A few in the media are defending the man, who is likely to be charged with domestic terrorism. They're calling this Christian organization a "hate group."
I'm sorry, but who had the gun? Who was the one trying to kill people? Why are THEY being accused of hate? It seems to any reasonable person that the gunman is the hater.
Here's an idea. Instead of trying to defend his actions to support a political agenda, why not just call him a madman and be done with it.
1) Westboro Baptist Church do not count as Bible-believing. In fact, Peter warned about them in the Bible. 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction." They don't speak for us, because they are "ignorant and unstable."
2) There is an old saying in the Christian Church: "Love the sinner; hate the sin." If I truly believe the Bible, (that all people are sinners (Romans 3:23), that God loves everyone (John 3:16) and sent his Son Jesus to take the punishment for our sin (Romans 6:23), that we are all equally guilt (James 2:10), and God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9),) then I have a responsibility. If we all either have to accept God's forgiveness by changing our ways and being obedient to him, or we have to suffer the punishment for our sins. We are all the same. One person described the way we Christians should be as "One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." Others have described it as throwing a life preserver to a drowning man. This is our job, to love our fellow sinners enough to storm the very gates of hell itself to tell them of the same chance for rescue that we have.
The reason I point these things out is because I'm sick of being falsely labled. But I also have something else to ask.
Are WE the ones that hate?
My sister was recently attacked for taking her infant daughter to get lunch and take it to "Dada." Why was she attacked? The lunch was chicken. She was called ever foul thing these people could think of. They should be embarrassed at their behavior. And all just because her baby missed her daddy.
But the reason I particularly write this today is because of the news yesterday. In our nation's capital, a man walked into a Christian organization and opened fire. Why? Because of their stance on family values.
A few in the media are defending the man, who is likely to be charged with domestic terrorism. They're calling this Christian organization a "hate group."
I'm sorry, but who had the gun? Who was the one trying to kill people? Why are THEY being accused of hate? It seems to any reasonable person that the gunman is the hater.
Here's an idea. Instead of trying to defend his actions to support a political agenda, why not just call him a madman and be done with it.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Just a quick prayer
I don't normally do this, but I feel the need to write a quick prayer to God.
Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in your followers. Because I rely on His power so much. I can feel Him working as I write and speak. So much of the good that I do is because of His power and not my own. There have been so many times when I was overwhelmed with His presence, because You had something you were wanting to do, and I just happened to be present, little more than a tool in Your hands. That is such an amazing thing, and something so few people get to be a part of. I am in awe that you choose to use a nothing like me, so that your power comes through. I love you. Nothing in life compares to you. So thank you. In the name of your Son Jesus I pray. Amen.
Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in your followers. Because I rely on His power so much. I can feel Him working as I write and speak. So much of the good that I do is because of His power and not my own. There have been so many times when I was overwhelmed with His presence, because You had something you were wanting to do, and I just happened to be present, little more than a tool in Your hands. That is such an amazing thing, and something so few people get to be a part of. I am in awe that you choose to use a nothing like me, so that your power comes through. I love you. Nothing in life compares to you. So thank you. In the name of your Son Jesus I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Where is God in Tragedy?
When it comes to what happened in Colorado last Friday, there are many questions. Why did he do it? Is he insane or just evil? Did anyone see the warning signs? But in the end, I think that there is only one question that matters: Where was God?
Some believe that God predestines everything. They say crazy things like “Everything happens for a reason.” Bull crap. The Bible never says that. Anywhere. Look it up. And a belief in that will drive you insane, because then you have to believe in a god that is as cruel and evil as the pagan gods of old that tortured people for their own entertainment.
Some believe that God must be apathetic. He just doesn’t give a crap. The Bible says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Jesus Christ Matthew 10:29-31 NIV) God loves you so much, he counts the hairs on your head.
Some believe that God must be powerless. A Rabbi watched his son die of cancer, and concluded that God must care, but must be powerless. When Job questioned why God allowed tragedy, God “answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) God proceeds to explain His power showing creation. Look at the running horse; who gave it it’s power? Who laid the foundations of the earth, and set it on it’s axis and course? Who directs thunder and lightning? Who provides for the birds of the air and beasts of the field? Who made the dinosaurs, sea creatures, and hunters? Read Job 38-41 sometime. Watch the power of a thunderstorm, or stare into the expanse of the ocean. I’ve done it. Job did it, and answered “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NIV)
So if God is good, caring, and powerful, why didn’t he do something last Friday?
God gave us this amazing gift called Free Will. He gave us choice. And people misuse that choice.
This maniac who snuck guns into a theater and shot 60 people misused his choice. So did the 9-11 hijackers. So did Hitler, Stalin, and Hussein. So does the drunk driver that killed your neighbor. So did the assistant coach that molested little boys. So do a lot of people. So do you and I, every time we lie or say something mean.
So why did God allow it? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) God wasn’t just wanting to help the victims. He wanted to get the shooter to change his mind. God gave him a choice.
So where was God? God was with Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Smith, when Lucas was shot in the leg twice, and his wife helped him to the car, getting him in surgery quickly. God was with three of the dead, who sacrificed their lives to save others. God was with the father who lost a six-year old, whispering to him “I know how you feel. They killed my only Son.” God was with the pastor who comforted the grieving, something he was experienced with thanks to ministering to the families of the Columbine victims. God was with all those who were praying to Him, because we were so shocked we had nowhere to turn but to Him.
I guess that only leave one more thing to say. We can be angry. We can hate. Or we can be God’s hands and feet. We can comfort the mourning. We can hug our families. We can help those who were mentally ill. We can do something nice for an elderly neighbor.
We have a choice too.
Some believe that God predestines everything. They say crazy things like “Everything happens for a reason.” Bull crap. The Bible never says that. Anywhere. Look it up. And a belief in that will drive you insane, because then you have to believe in a god that is as cruel and evil as the pagan gods of old that tortured people for their own entertainment.
Some believe that God must be apathetic. He just doesn’t give a crap. The Bible says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Jesus Christ Matthew 10:29-31 NIV) God loves you so much, he counts the hairs on your head.
Some believe that God must be powerless. A Rabbi watched his son die of cancer, and concluded that God must care, but must be powerless. When Job questioned why God allowed tragedy, God “answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) God proceeds to explain His power showing creation. Look at the running horse; who gave it it’s power? Who laid the foundations of the earth, and set it on it’s axis and course? Who directs thunder and lightning? Who provides for the birds of the air and beasts of the field? Who made the dinosaurs, sea creatures, and hunters? Read Job 38-41 sometime. Watch the power of a thunderstorm, or stare into the expanse of the ocean. I’ve done it. Job did it, and answered “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NIV)
So if God is good, caring, and powerful, why didn’t he do something last Friday?
God gave us this amazing gift called Free Will. He gave us choice. And people misuse that choice.
This maniac who snuck guns into a theater and shot 60 people misused his choice. So did the 9-11 hijackers. So did Hitler, Stalin, and Hussein. So does the drunk driver that killed your neighbor. So did the assistant coach that molested little boys. So do a lot of people. So do you and I, every time we lie or say something mean.
So why did God allow it? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) God wasn’t just wanting to help the victims. He wanted to get the shooter to change his mind. God gave him a choice.
So where was God? God was with Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Smith, when Lucas was shot in the leg twice, and his wife helped him to the car, getting him in surgery quickly. God was with three of the dead, who sacrificed their lives to save others. God was with the father who lost a six-year old, whispering to him “I know how you feel. They killed my only Son.” God was with the pastor who comforted the grieving, something he was experienced with thanks to ministering to the families of the Columbine victims. God was with all those who were praying to Him, because we were so shocked we had nowhere to turn but to Him.
I guess that only leave one more thing to say. We can be angry. We can hate. Or we can be God’s hands and feet. We can comfort the mourning. We can hug our families. We can help those who were mentally ill. We can do something nice for an elderly neighbor.
We have a choice too.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Why I'm not seeing the new Dark Night -Part 2
In my original post, I intentionally did not tell a story, because I wanted to write a straight-up review of the movie, and not introduce the rest of you to my personal bias. In light of Friday, now seems to be the time to tell it.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Boy Scouts of America
So, I have to rant about something. Someone I know is accusing the Boy Scouts of human rights violations. Why? Are they molesting boys? No. Using biological/chemical weapons on civilians? No.
They affirmed their religion.
That's right. A Christian-based organization decided to remain Christian. Yes, that's right. They still refuse to allow homosexual leaders.
"That's intolerant!"
So? That's not a human rights violation. No where do you have "Life, liberty, and the boy scouts" in any document put forth by the founding fathers.
"We should boycott them! We should burn their manuals and camps!"
Yes, because arsen is always a way to show peace and acceptance. Ever stop to think that YOU are the one being intoleratant of THEM and their religious beliefs? I hate to tell you, but in other countries they execute homosexuals. THAT is the human rights violation.
If you don't like the fact that a faith-based organization is faith-based, then you're an idiot.
By the way, the same person is boycotting chic-fil-A because the founder, a Christian who founded the company on Christian principles and refuses to be open Sundays, also said he believes homosexuality is sin.
So threaten his life.* And the lives of Boy Scouts.* That will show.
(FYI, if you can't tell sarcasm and actually threaten anyone or accuse me of doing so, you're a moron and should lose the right to read. I believe in peace and love for people, even those you disagree with. I just can't stand these hypocrits who say things like "You're intolerant so I'm going to kill you.")
They affirmed their religion.
That's right. A Christian-based organization decided to remain Christian. Yes, that's right. They still refuse to allow homosexual leaders.
"That's intolerant!"
So? That's not a human rights violation. No where do you have "Life, liberty, and the boy scouts" in any document put forth by the founding fathers.
"We should boycott them! We should burn their manuals and camps!"
Yes, because arsen is always a way to show peace and acceptance. Ever stop to think that YOU are the one being intoleratant of THEM and their religious beliefs? I hate to tell you, but in other countries they execute homosexuals. THAT is the human rights violation.
If you don't like the fact that a faith-based organization is faith-based, then you're an idiot.
By the way, the same person is boycotting chic-fil-A because the founder, a Christian who founded the company on Christian principles and refuses to be open Sundays, also said he believes homosexuality is sin.
So threaten his life.* And the lives of Boy Scouts.* That will show.
(FYI, if you can't tell sarcasm and actually threaten anyone or accuse me of doing so, you're a moron and should lose the right to read. I believe in peace and love for people, even those you disagree with. I just can't stand these hypocrits who say things like "You're intolerant so I'm going to kill you.")
Monday, June 18, 2012
Wiggle thinking
This past week, I had a great time. It's all summerized by a few words. "It's Da Wiggles." Wiggles is my neice. And she loves her uncle. We had Wiggle Time every morning. She would giggle and squeal and had a great time.
My normal stoic self cannot help but love this little girl. I nearly cried the morning that I had to leave, because the next time I will see her, she will be a year old. She might be walking and talking. She will be so much bigger. She will see flashes of her uncle. Instead of being a part of her life, I will look through a window and see glances of it.
This got me thinking about my college roommate. He's a Marine. He's an officer. He was in Afghanistan when his daughter was born. And he is overseas once more as his wife prepares to have a son. As hard as it was to leave my neice, why did he leave a wife, daughter, and son?
Because it is his duty. To his country? Maybe. To his family? Yes. To his God? Definately. And he goes to that duty to protect and provide for his family. He goes obediently to what many of us would not do because it is where God led him.
A good friend is in China. He left everything he knew because God led him there.
I have other friends who started their family in West Africa because God led them to a people who don't know Jesus.
A young man could have a very successful career, perhaps in pro baseball, but is going into ministry because that's where God wants him.
I moved to Virginia for little pay because that's where God wants me. Now my story may be small compared to the others, but the point isn't me. The point is God. God might lead you to something big, like the mission field or the Marines. God might lead you to go become friends with your next door neighbor. The point is to go where God leads you. Matthew 28:19 best translated "As you are going, make disciples of all nations." God assumes we are going, and he will lead us. He might lead you to other nations, or your own. The point is GO and follow God.
My normal stoic self cannot help but love this little girl. I nearly cried the morning that I had to leave, because the next time I will see her, she will be a year old. She might be walking and talking. She will be so much bigger. She will see flashes of her uncle. Instead of being a part of her life, I will look through a window and see glances of it.
This got me thinking about my college roommate. He's a Marine. He's an officer. He was in Afghanistan when his daughter was born. And he is overseas once more as his wife prepares to have a son. As hard as it was to leave my neice, why did he leave a wife, daughter, and son?
Because it is his duty. To his country? Maybe. To his family? Yes. To his God? Definately. And he goes to that duty to protect and provide for his family. He goes obediently to what many of us would not do because it is where God led him.
A good friend is in China. He left everything he knew because God led him there.
I have other friends who started their family in West Africa because God led them to a people who don't know Jesus.
A young man could have a very successful career, perhaps in pro baseball, but is going into ministry because that's where God wants him.
I moved to Virginia for little pay because that's where God wants me. Now my story may be small compared to the others, but the point isn't me. The point is God. God might lead you to something big, like the mission field or the Marines. God might lead you to go become friends with your next door neighbor. The point is to go where God leads you. Matthew 28:19 best translated "As you are going, make disciples of all nations." God assumes we are going, and he will lead us. He might lead you to other nations, or your own. The point is GO and follow God.
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