"The right to hold religious beliefs and to act in keeping with one's faith, is being set against the right not to be offended, and is losing." This quote is from an article in The Telegraph (London) concerning the court case of the owners of a bed and breakfast who refuse to rent rooms to unmarried couples. Why should they not be allowed to rent rooms as they desire? Why do the courts feel the need to be involved in such business decisions? If you do not like the policies of a certain business, don't frequent them. Tell your friends not to go there. Affect their bottom line, but don't bring the courts into it.
This reminds me of the posts I have been seeing on Facebook concerning Chik-fil-A and their "ties to fundamentalist, anti-gay groups". If you don't like the groups that a company gives their money to, buy your chicken elsewhere. No one is forcing you to eat at Chik-fil-A or stay at a particular bed and breakfast. No one makes you buy certain magazines or watch particular movies. Don't give your freedom to choose over to the government.
We do not send our children to public school. Some of the things taught there are offensive to our family. That means that we must make other arrangements. We might have to suffer a bit of inconvenience in order to avoid the things that offend, but we are okay with that. It is the price we pay to live in a free society. Not everyone is going to agree with how you do everything. It is our right to pick and choose. I'd like very much to keep that right. Wouldn't you.
Just in case you are wondering about the British couple with the B&B, they lost the case and are planning to close their establishment rather than go against their beliefs. Way to go. Another couple(at least) out of work.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Gift Card or Mom
So, I read just the other day that hundreds of teens were surveyed and 95% of them would rather spend the day with their parents than to have a $200 gift card. I really did not think that was the way the answers were going to fall. It sure didn't go that way in our house. All three of my teens chose the gift card. My feelings were almost hurt until one of them said, "We get to spend all day, every day with you, so we might as well take the gift card and just spend tomorrow with you again." Did you get that? They GET to spend time with me. That put a smile on my face for sure.
Maybe those teens that were surveyed don't have that opportunity. I don't really know, but it sure does seem to send a message to those of us who are parents of teens. In spite of what we see in the media, our teens really do want to spend time with us. We are still an important part of their lives. They haven't stopped needing our input and guidance. The issues aren't the same as they were when they were eight, they are much bigger, life altering, and sometimes scary. They need our wisdom and support now more than ever.
This just might be a good day to make a date with the teen in your life. Go to the beach, window shop at the mall, have dessert at a local restaurant. It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be time. With you. To listen. Don't let this slip away from you.
Maybe those teens that were surveyed don't have that opportunity. I don't really know, but it sure does seem to send a message to those of us who are parents of teens. In spite of what we see in the media, our teens really do want to spend time with us. We are still an important part of their lives. They haven't stopped needing our input and guidance. The issues aren't the same as they were when they were eight, they are much bigger, life altering, and sometimes scary. They need our wisdom and support now more than ever.
This just might be a good day to make a date with the teen in your life. Go to the beach, window shop at the mall, have dessert at a local restaurant. It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be time. With you. To listen. Don't let this slip away from you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Heavenly Disney World
A couple of days ago, Stan was sharing with me why he thinks we all love Disney World. As I considered what he said, I realized that he had some good points.
All of us, believer and unbeliever alike, were created in the image of God, and, like Adam and Eve, were made to be holy and happy. Because of that, we are all looking to heaven for our ultimate fulfillment. In some ways, Disney World is like heaven. Like all analogies, this one breaks down, but there are similarities to consider.
Disney World is all about happiness, worldly happiness to be sure, but happiness is the goal all the same. The Disney Resort is all about filling your every need and desire. There are a variety of parks, rides, food venues, and recreation options so that everyone will find something to please them. Disney is about no more sorrow, pain or tears. Of course, we have all seen crying kids and exasperated parents there, but what can you expect, we are all sinners after all. Disney properties are beautiful, reminiscent of the Garden, flowers bloom, grass is trimmed and trees even grow in the shape of animals and people.
Disney is not heaven by any means. Not even close, but I see his point. Here on Earth in this life, we are all looking for something more. Instinctively, we realize we were made for more than this. Our souls long for the shalom of heaven. Even though Disney World isn't heaven, I am happy enough to spend some of my time on Earth there, enjoying what it is until I can have the real thing.
All of us, believer and unbeliever alike, were created in the image of God, and, like Adam and Eve, were made to be holy and happy. Because of that, we are all looking to heaven for our ultimate fulfillment. In some ways, Disney World is like heaven. Like all analogies, this one breaks down, but there are similarities to consider.
Disney World is all about happiness, worldly happiness to be sure, but happiness is the goal all the same. The Disney Resort is all about filling your every need and desire. There are a variety of parks, rides, food venues, and recreation options so that everyone will find something to please them. Disney is about no more sorrow, pain or tears. Of course, we have all seen crying kids and exasperated parents there, but what can you expect, we are all sinners after all. Disney properties are beautiful, reminiscent of the Garden, flowers bloom, grass is trimmed and trees even grow in the shape of animals and people.
Disney is not heaven by any means. Not even close, but I see his point. Here on Earth in this life, we are all looking for something more. Instinctively, we realize we were made for more than this. Our souls long for the shalom of heaven. Even though Disney World isn't heaven, I am happy enough to spend some of my time on Earth there, enjoying what it is until I can have the real thing.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
In Cahoots With Satan
I applauded as I listened to MacArthur, Piper and Washer talk about Osteen and others who preach a prosperity gospel(in my heart, anyway). They bring to mind the robot from the old TV series "Lost in Space". Those of you without any gray hairs will have to ask your parents about that. I remember none of the story lines from this show, but I do remember that robot waving his arms around saying, "Danger, Will Robinson", and he was always right. No amount of justifying actions ever averted the danger that the robot predicted. These men are warning America and the church that there is danger in following the path of the prosperity gospel.
The other thing that struck me as they talked was that the same danger warning needs to be sounded to the church as it goes about seeking to make our worship services comfortable for those in the neighborhood. Are we just giving the people what they want? Dramas, contemporary music, and hi tech presentations are not sinful in and of themselves, but we do want to be careful as a church to make sure that those things are speaking truth and glorifying God. The church needs to be teaching that we are all wretched sinners with no hope save for a loving and merciful God who sees us through the saving blood of His son, Jesus Christ. Proclaiming to one and all that "there is none righteous, not one" and "I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father but by me" is not a comfortable thing to do, but it is the job of the church to preach the whole truth. Let's be sure that we are not "in cahoots with Satan".
The other thing that struck me as they talked was that the same danger warning needs to be sounded to the church as it goes about seeking to make our worship services comfortable for those in the neighborhood. Are we just giving the people what they want? Dramas, contemporary music, and hi tech presentations are not sinful in and of themselves, but we do want to be careful as a church to make sure that those things are speaking truth and glorifying God. The church needs to be teaching that we are all wretched sinners with no hope save for a loving and merciful God who sees us through the saving blood of His son, Jesus Christ. Proclaiming to one and all that "there is none righteous, not one" and "I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father but by me" is not a comfortable thing to do, but it is the job of the church to preach the whole truth. Let's be sure that we are not "in cahoots with Satan".
Monday, January 31, 2011
Going About Our Business
If it is the business of the church members to fill the church, then the question is, "How do we go about it?" Do you find yourself inviting people to your church and saying things like, "The praise band is awesome.","You should check out the kids puppet shows.", or "Our new coffee bar has the best cappuccino around."? Is your philosophy "just get them through the doors and let the professionals take over from there?" Is that the way Jesus wants us to "do church"?
What about investing your life in your neighbors, fellow PTA members or kids on the soccer team? Are you living your life with the lost in such a way that they see a difference in you? Are you joyful, peaceful and contented no matter what the circumstances? Do you give willingly of your time, money and talents? Do you do all things without complaining or grumbling? Is the gospel evident as you live before others? Maybe if we Christians started living with our faith in a sovereign God on display for all to see all of the time, we wouldn't feel the need for so many gimmicks in order to fill the seats at church on Sunday.
As those around us notice that we live our lives differently, they will begin to ask "why?' Let us be ready with an answer at all times. Know why you believe what you believe and be ready to share it with others. Then, you can invite them to join you at church and hear your preacher go about his business of proclaiming the Word to God's people. We, the church members, need to keep inviting others to fill the seats and trust God to keep them there through the work of the Holy Spirit and the words of His representative, our preachers.
What about investing your life in your neighbors, fellow PTA members or kids on the soccer team? Are you living your life with the lost in such a way that they see a difference in you? Are you joyful, peaceful and contented no matter what the circumstances? Do you give willingly of your time, money and talents? Do you do all things without complaining or grumbling? Is the gospel evident as you live before others? Maybe if we Christians started living with our faith in a sovereign God on display for all to see all of the time, we wouldn't feel the need for so many gimmicks in order to fill the seats at church on Sunday.
As those around us notice that we live our lives differently, they will begin to ask "why?' Let us be ready with an answer at all times. Know why you believe what you believe and be ready to share it with others. Then, you can invite them to join you at church and hear your preacher go about his business of proclaiming the Word to God's people. We, the church members, need to keep inviting others to fill the seats and trust God to keep them there through the work of the Holy Spirit and the words of His representative, our preachers.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Voices of the Faithful
As the old year ended, so did the devotional I had been using. I was very excited to start using Voices of the Faithful. I have never done a Beth Moore Bible study, but so many of my friends have and have loved them, so I was sure this would be an awesome book to use.
I really love the layout. There is a Bible verse and missionary devotion story each day of the year. The stories are from those out on the field and can be thought provoking, uplifting, and encouraging. Each month focuses on a different topic. Witnessing, spiritual warfare, God's grace and compassion are just a few of the topics covered. The daily devotionals are just so-so in my opinion. They are quick and easy and probably fit well for overly busy young moms who only have a couple of minutes before the tots begin to get into trouble. They can read through the days page and meditate on the devotion during the day. I find that I want my daily devotions to take me deeper into the Word than these do.
I think the best part of the book is Beth Moore's introduction of each topic. She takes a couple of pages at the beginning of each month and does a great job.
I really love the layout. There is a Bible verse and missionary devotion story each day of the year. The stories are from those out on the field and can be thought provoking, uplifting, and encouraging. Each month focuses on a different topic. Witnessing, spiritual warfare, God's grace and compassion are just a few of the topics covered. The daily devotionals are just so-so in my opinion. They are quick and easy and probably fit well for overly busy young moms who only have a couple of minutes before the tots begin to get into trouble. They can read through the days page and meditate on the devotion during the day. I find that I want my daily devotions to take me deeper into the Word than these do.
I think the best part of the book is Beth Moore's introduction of each topic. She takes a couple of pages at the beginning of each month and does a great job.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Eyes Are the Windows to the Soul
Have you ever sat by a campfire at night and noticed that your eyes are getting uncomfortable? They get itchy, then painful and finally start watering. We all know that is from the soot from the fire. Even though we can't see those little particles, they can affect our vision and cause us pain.
Sin is kind of like that campfire. We don't necessarily see the little sins in our lives. We are proud, self focused, and envious. We look at ourselves and others instead of continually seeking God. Our eyes become gritty with the filth of sin and it soon affects our vision. We find it harder and harder to see God and the truth. That is, until we experience the pain. When it starts to get hurtful, we cry. Those tears can help wash away the dirt that harms our ability to see clearly. Sometimes only tears can cleanse our eyes enough so that we can see. And as our vision clears, we see that God is right there with us, leading us through the pain to His glory.
None of us likes those difficult times. Sometimes it seems those trials are just too much to bear. Cry out to God. Use that pain to get closer to Him. He is there. He is working. As your vision clears, you will see Him holding you up through it all.
Sin is kind of like that campfire. We don't necessarily see the little sins in our lives. We are proud, self focused, and envious. We look at ourselves and others instead of continually seeking God. Our eyes become gritty with the filth of sin and it soon affects our vision. We find it harder and harder to see God and the truth. That is, until we experience the pain. When it starts to get hurtful, we cry. Those tears can help wash away the dirt that harms our ability to see clearly. Sometimes only tears can cleanse our eyes enough so that we can see. And as our vision clears, we see that God is right there with us, leading us through the pain to His glory.
None of us likes those difficult times. Sometimes it seems those trials are just too much to bear. Cry out to God. Use that pain to get closer to Him. He is there. He is working. As your vision clears, you will see Him holding you up through it all.
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