The Wristonian Legend

Let's Create TV

2010-06-08T10:53:00.001-07:00

I came across a very interesting public access television show recently. If you aren’t familiar with public access, it allows average folks like myself to create content and broadcast it through cable television. It is perhaps a misnomer to refer to those broadcasting through public access as “average”. Often, they are anything but.
Artist John Kilduff hosts “Let’s Paint TV”, currently broadcasting through the Internet. Some episodes of the show are conventional, recorded sessions of Kilduff showing the viewer his process of oil painting. The show is famous for the live episodes, in which Kilduff paints while running on a treadmill, taking calls from viewers, making food, and blending drinks. He is quite the multi-tasker.
Kilduff, holding a masters of fine arts from UCLA in California, aims to encourage people of all skill levels to paint or become involved in another form of creative self-expression. Some have speculated that the show is an ironic piece of performance art but Kilduff is sincere about his mission. Though many call in to the show to express prejudice, curse, insult Kilduff, or make derogatory comments about rival gangs, Kilduff continues to take calls, paint, and run.
I emphasize the importance of creativity quite a bit as it’s become my passion. I think that everyone needs to find out where he or she fits in the work of God. Rom. 12:6-8 and several other passages emphasize our varied gifts. Creativity can be a weapon used to battle depression and other forms of adversity. Plenty of people who can’t talk, walk, or see lead fulfilling lives. If a particular path you’ve chosen isn’t working for you or some outside force is working against you, it often takes creativity to find your way to God.

Consider the Flintstones

2010-06-01T09:08:00.001-07:00

I remember using the Internet in its earliest stages. I would walk several blocks while waiting for a single picture to download. When I sent e-mail, a bird flew out of the back of my computer and made a sarcastic comment about catching a flight to Cleveland. Oh wait, that was an episode of the Flintstones. You know, there is a number of individuals out there in today's world that simply would not tolerate "back talk" delivered by a kitchen appliance. If my baby elephant vacuum cleaner even considered saying something like "It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it," I'd have it returned to Marshall Flint's or JC Pennystone immediately.
I have a special attachment to the Flintstones in that my grandparents are the modern Stone Age family. My grandfather could not be any more like Fred Flintstone unless he decided to stop wearing shoes and propel his car with his bare feet. My grandparents spend all their time with my aunt and uncle who bear striking similarities to Barney and Betty Rubble. It's downright frightening. We won't let my grandfather go bowling for fear he will land the ball on top of his noggin or get his finger glued in its holes. I wonder if my grandfather has intimate conversations with a little green Martian that only he can see? It would explain quite a bit about him, really.
Matthew 6:25-30 was the passage written in a book given to me by a good friend and mentor. He wrote it knowing how I struggle with the worries of life on Earth. When life is not convenient for me, I get frustrated. I can barely remember how I lived without computers, a cell phone, and a digital audio player. There are always new worries. Life is not easy no matter how many solutions and fixes we find for it. However, God is always good and will always provide what we need if we depend on him.

Artificial Christianity

2010-05-25T10:55:00.001-07:00

I spend quite a bit of my time attempting to invent modern conveniences to simplify every day life. Wouldn't it be sweet to have a clone or at least a highly sophisticated robot Doppelganger to replace you in some of your more mundane, daily duties? I would merely like him to cover for me at the office a few times each week. Sometimes I listen to myself speaking and I don't sound all that different from the artificial intelligence featured in U-Scans at local grocery stores, ATM machines, or Haley Joel Osment (look up that last reference). It's sad really. It's about as sad as the thought I just had that my favorite Meijer cashiers, "Flock of Seagulls Hair" or "Mullet Master," could one day be replaced by machines. At least California has a governor in office prepared for such a "rise of the machines." You know, I would settle for a robot that could make my bed. Why my parents were always so insistent on such a worthless task I will never know. Perhaps my father knows more than I give him credit for. Perhaps he wants to be presentable when the robot king visits to choose slaves worthy of his glory. Truly my imagination defeats my practicality at times.
Many things that Jesus said support the idea that he requires one’s full attention and support. In a world of quick fixes and short cuts, the Christian life is often expected to be easy. Life brings many hardships regardless of whether one chooses to follow Christ or not. The difference is that a Christian faces these difficulties with armed with the hope of salvation. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus talks about the costs of following him. One who “looks back” when doing the work of the Lord is not fit to serve him. When a follower of Christ looks ahead, he or she is able to see joy in the future. God and his church support us in all we do. We don’t need robots or artificial intelligence to be the followers God wants us to be.

When DEET Doesn't Cut It

2010-05-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am going to file this week’s news under “WHAT!?” Some respectable scientists in jolly old England discovered that “mosquitoes can develop an immunity to DEET and breed offspring that are also impervious to the bug repellant”. (thestar.com) Female mosquitoes (the annoying ones) use their antennae to find humans. Humans contain the blood needed to fertilize mosquito eggs. DEET, developed in 1958, isn’t completely understood but is believed to interfere with a mosquito’s ability to smell us blood filled humans.
Scientists (perhaps evil scientists), found that some of their studied mosquitoes weren’t reacting to DEET. When the researchers bred these non-reactive “skeeters”, their offspring showed resistance to DEET as well. I suppose this breeding of super mosquitoes isn’t all bad. Supposedly, this research can help us develop alternate mosquito repellants. In the meantime, make sure you are using repellant this summer. Mosquitoes carry some awful diseases.
Satan, like a blood-sucking mosquito, can develop immunity to some of our safeguards. You might not be addicted to pornography or often found gossiping, but we all have our exploitable weaknesses. James 4 discusses full submission to God. We have to examine our motives and allegiances. If we are devoted more to this world than to God, we become his enemy. It is only when we are dedicated completely to God that we can “resist the devil” (James 4:7). Our ultimate goal is purity and there is no finality in our search to obtain it.

Innovation in Times of Adversity

2010-05-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

An article I read this morning on dailymail.co.uk sparked my interest for two reasons: 1. I love my iPhone and technology in general and 2. I enjoy reading stories in which innovation triumphs over adversity. The “Mail Online” article I read tells the tale of Martin Brooks, a man whose daughter was born with cerebral palsy. For years, Brooks and his wife “have struggled to understand Mia’s needs by getting her to look at objects or picture cards.”
After buying an iPhone last year, Brooks decided to put Apple’s slogan, “there’s an app for that”, to the test. When Brooks found nothing that fit his 5-year-old’s needs particularly well, he designed his own app. iComm allows Mia (who can’t walk, talk, or control her movements) to point out pictures of food, toys, activities, etc. on the iPhone screen using her eyes. Users can upload photos and voice recordings in order to personalize the app. Mia responds well to pictures of herself doing an activity as well as pictures of friends and family. Brooks said, “It has given her a voice for the first time and allowed us to understand her so much better.” iComm has been downloaded by more than 1,300 people since first made available for the iPhone.
It’s no secret that God loves seeing creativity blossom in the midst of difficult circumstances. When David faces Goliath in 1 Sam. 17, he doesn’t use brute force to take down the giant. He uses a sling and a stone. When Jonah needed some time for reflection, God used a big fish. Jesus is the best example of God’s innovative problem solving. Mankind was sinful and needed to know God. We needed a savior who walked and talked just like us. Plenty of people call God’s creative work “impossible” but “with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). If you keep yourself faithful and open, God can show his innovative plans to you.

Living Water

2010-05-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

“The Green Cheapskate” is the blog of Jeff Yeager. It is featured on the web site “The Daily Green”. Without sounding like too much of a “nutty environmentalist”, I want to share a few things Jeff learned while being without running water for 15 days while having a new well drilled on his property. While there are those that seem to consider separation of environmental matters and church to be as necessary as the separation of church of state, I think it’s good to survey the way one interacts with God’s creation every now and then.
The first thing Yeager realized in his 15 days without running water is that toilets are an engineering marvel. A toilet can be manually filled and flushed without running water. Yeager also realized that “clothes don’t really need to be washed so often”. I actually learned this in college. Those were much smellier times. Yeager states that “remodeling an outdated bathroom doesn’t look like a financial priority post-drought”. When one is without running water, functionality becomes more important than form. The next little tidbit in Yeager’s article made me cringe. If one were to drink only bottled water, it would take $1,000 per year to get the recommended amount of H2O as opposed to 49 cents from the tap. The final thing that Yeager learned in his 15 days without running water is that one should never see one’s self in a mirror while taking a sponge bath.
In John 4, Jesus talks to a Samaritan woman while she is drawing water from a well. Jesus tells the woman about “living water” that keeps one from getting thirsty. I think I learned the most about how much I need Jesus when I lived without him. I don’t recommend this lifestyle as I learned that living without “living water” is more than inconvenient. Without Jesus, we will always be found wanting. Without Jesus, we walk in darkness looking for something we’ll never find. Don’t wait until you’re dehydrated to form a strong bond with Jesus Christ.

John’s Double Bacon Deep Fried Cheesecake Burger Supreme

2010-04-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently turned on to a series of articles on topcultured.com entitled “Will They Build It?” In each installment of this series, the fine folks at Topcultured invent a dish that theoretically would be served at a fast food restaurant. Then, the authors attempt to persuade the employees of these establishments to actually create the dish.
The “Double Bacon Rodeo State Fair Cheeseburger” was featured on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien”. At just over 1,500 calories, this Burger King dish consists of a combination of 2 Rodeo Cheeseburgers and 9 Funnel Cake Sticks. For the layman, you start with a sesame seed bun, onion rings, Funnel Cake Sticks, bacon, barbeque sauce, cheese, and a beef patty. Then, you repeat said ingredients. Voila! Only 85g of fat!
The inspirational KFC Double Down has caused quite a stir among the media. This actual menu item at Kentucky Fried Chicken is concocted with two fried (or grilled) chicken breasts. Inside these two poultry buns one can find bacon and cheese. Yum! Topcultured took this monstrosity one step further to compose the “Elvis Fried Chicken Double Down”. Added to the original Double Down is two slices of toasted bread, sliced bananas, and peanut butter. It sounds fairly gross but evidently is great in execution!
God knows that we have need for food. God ordered the ravens to feed Elijah (1 Kings 17:4) and Jesus fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). God feeds all living things (Psalm 145:15-16). We have deeper needs than food (Luke 12:23). God didn’t pamper Elijah or his people during the Exodus. Ultimately, our security must be found in making God our greatest desire. I’ve often pondered why things like the Double Down aren’t all that good for us. Consider the grip gluttony has on now. Imagine our response to healthy fried chicken. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

The Mother of Invention

2010-04-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

I found a list of inventions on the internet this morning that no sensible individual should ever consider purchasing or needing. Advancing as far as we have has been no small feat. We have been to the moon and created microprocessors that can perform a variety of incredible feats. Once in a great while though, the right combination of twisted genius, ignorance, and perhaps alcohol intake allows a person to invent items like the baby toupee. This is exactly what it sounds like, embarrassing wigs for infants.
The next invention is one I’ve actually seen at a number of stores. “Doggles” are goggles for dogs. I don’t know about your dog, but there is no way my dogs would be comfortable with a pair of goggles strapped over their faces.
I’ll admit that I’ve written things I need to remember down on my hand. I was caught doing it once to cheat on a test in elementary school and never did it again. The To-Do Tattoo allows one to write down a to-do list and create a temporary tattoo. I guess it would make a pretty nice gag gift for one of those “over the hill” type birthday celebrations. If you are getting senile, you might need the next invention. The “Motorized Ice Cream Cone” spins the ice cream in your mouth so you don’t have to. I can think of a couple individuals I might like to give this gift too as they really seem to be working hard when eating ice cream. This is a little pet peeve of mine I’ve recently discovered.
God has blessed us all with an amazing cornucopia of different ideas and abilities. Ephesians 4:11-13 mentions some of the different positions in the church as they pertain to building up the church. You might not be a preacher, deacon, or elder, but you can definitely come up with ways to further God’s kingdom on Earth. Galatians 6 tells us about doing good to all and carrying our own load. Use what you have to give others what they don’t have. People might not need baby toupees or Doggles, but they need God.

Nazi UFOs

2010-04-13T11:21:00.001-07:00

In the realms of science fiction, conspiracy theories, and comic books, there are several stories and claims regarding Nazi UFOs. Supposedly, prior to and during World War II, Nazi Germany successfully developed advanced aircraft or spacecraft. Some theorists even claim that these craft have survived in secret underground bases throughout Antarctica, South American, and the United States.
The accounts of Nazi UFOs “appear as early as 1950, likely inspired by historical German development of specialized engines such as Viktor Schauberger’s “Repulsine” around the time of WWII.” (Wikipedia.org) An Italian newspaper article from early 1950 by Professor Guiseppe Belluzzo claimed “types of flying discs were designed and studied in Germany and Italy as early as 1942.”
In 1978, a Nazi sympathizer and author named Miguel Serrano claimed that Hitler was a god and was going to lead a fleet of UFO’s from Antarctica in order to establish a Fourth Reich. An upcoming film titled “Iron Sky” is based on this assumption. The film is set in 2018 when the Nazis return with a fleet of UFOs in order to conquer the Earth.
I wouldn’t be completely surprised if Adolf Hitler was actually planning to put Nazis in to space. Human beings love to make plans. The more deranged among us make the most ridiculous plans. Proverbs 19:21 reads, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 16:1 (NLT) reads, “We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” While it’s good to be ambitious, careful, and responsible, God has the final say. We may have delusions of grandeur or desires to simply have it our way. God wants us to prosper (Jer. 29:11) but his plans might be different from our own.

30 Minutes or Less

2010-04-06T10:35:00.001-07:00

Have you ever considered the level of commitment you have towards your family, job, or to God? Once in a while, for whatever reason (probably lack of sleep), I think about what percentage of my total available effort I am giving to my various responsibilities. Do I do the dishes often enough? Do I plan enough activities for the youth group? Do I dedicate enough of my time to serving God?
This morning, I read a story on foxnews.com about a 19-year-old pizza deliveryman from New York City. Assami Semde, a student at Burkina Faso, has only been in the U.S. for six months. He works for Famous Famiglia 125 pizza in East Harlem. Friday evening, Semde came across two men in a hallway on his way to deliver a pizza to an apartment. The men started to harass Semde, asking for a slice of pizza. When Semde refused, one of the men pulled a gun on him. Semde, 6-foot-4, lunged at the man as he bent over to grab a slice of one of the pizzas Semde had dropped to the floor. Building security happened to come by on a routine check and the two men fled. Before going to the police precinct to file a report, Semde delivered the pizzas. They were undamaged and still hot.
If you find yourself in a position like Semde’s, I don’t recommend attacking an armed man to save a couple pizzas. Semde’s boss, a retired NYPD officer, told his employee to leave the pizza next time and get away safely. I have to commend Semde’s commitment to his job. We are told in scripture to “lay aside the old man” (Eph. 4:22) and “put on the new man.” (Matt. 16:24) We are to follow God without any attachment to who we were before we became committed followers of Christ. We become “living sacrifices.” (Rom. 12) Consider the level of commitment of the persons listed in Hebrews 11. We should model this level of dedication on our lives, willing to make sacrifices for our God.

The Name Above All Names

2010-03-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

First impressions can be very important in a variety of situations. When arriving for a job interview or when meeting your significant other’s parents, it is best not to smell like unwashed gym socks or expired gorgonzola. If invited to meet the president of the United States, I wouldn’t suggest donning a suit of fur and acting like a cat. Well, unless you are a cast member of the show “Cats” and the president’s staff suggests that you stay in character in order to fit the president’s request. Finally, if you are looking to meet that special someone, make sure your name isn’t George or Ann. Wait… What?
According to a study by Professor Richard Wiseman of Hertfordshire University, “we might subconsciously associate names with those of the rich and famous.” (dailymail.co.uk) People with traditional names that can be associated with powerful individuals like royalty are viewed as successful and intelligent. The way a name sounds also seems to have an effect on one’s perception as female names that are “soft-sounding and end with the ‘ee’ sound” are thought to be attractive. For Wiseman’s study, 7,000 volunteers were given a list of 20 male and 20 female names. They were asked to identify who they thought would be most successful, attractive, and lucky. Fittingly, I am at the bottom of the lucky ranking and near the bottom of the attractiveness standings.
The names of God in scripture have more significance than association with fame or the way they sound. Elohim (Isa. 54:5) means “strong one.” Yahweh (Ge.4:3), or YHWH, comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” Through this name God expresses himself to be self-existent. Adonai (Gen. 18:2), like Elohim, is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” The Greek word Theos is translated “God” and teaches that God is the only true God. (Matt. 23:9) God’s character is multifaceted. He is more than a supreme being. He is our Lord, father, and everything else we need.

Illuminate 2010: Drive

2010-03-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

This weekend the youth group made its annual trip to Illuminate, a youth conference at the Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester Hills, Michigan. I am very thankful to everyone that made the trip. I would also like to thank the elders for allowing us to be there. It was an excellent time of fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
The theme of this year’s Illuminate was “Drive”. Various speakers and performers throughout the weekend used the word in its various definitions. David Skidmore, a youth minister from Tennessee, spoke about how many of us are running on empty, living without a passionate relationship with God. He mentioned David’s Psalms of lament that might seem depressing but show an authentic connection to the Creator. While introducing the concept of “Japanese Bible Theatre” to us, David Skidmore referenced Jesus’ meeting with Nathanael and Philip in John 1. In this story we find two kinds of disciples. There are those like Philip that immediately does what God commands without hesitation. Then, there is Nathanael, who though skeptical is complimented for his authenticity and desired as a disciple in God’s kingdom.
Finally, Skidmore spoke about “Our song”. Those of us that know God and are driven by our desire to serve Him have a beautiful song that people want to hear. We need to be aware of what our song sounds like. If we are tied down by Earthly pursuits, our skepticism, or if we can’t get past our lamenting, we have a song that few want to hear. We have to be driven people, and not simply people that believe in Jesus. We exist to love and to serve the people in our lives. Like David Skidmore did, I want to challenge you to find one person in your life that you can lead to know Christ. Pray without ceasing and share the gospel without fear to all who will hear.

Gotta Catch 'Em All

2010-03-16T11:38:00.001-07:00

This week I will be making, by far, my most “nerdy” illustration. Buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. A big phenomenon among today’s youth (and youthful gray haired folks like myself) are various games based on obtaining a collection of cards, toys, or electronic monsters. Some of the more popular games in this category are Yu-Gi-Oh!, HeroClix, Magic: The Gathering, and Pokemon. An insurmountable sum of time and money is spent purchasing, trading, and competing in these games. Tournaments and other events based on them are held throughout the world.
The one game in this collectable category that’s always gripped my brother and I is referred to as “Pokemon”. In the Pokemon video games, the player catches and battles with various creatures on his or her way to become the best “Pokemon trainer” in the game’s world. The games use an ingenious paper/rock/scissors system. For example, a Pokemon creature that uses fire can be bested in competition by a creature that spews water. In order to win battles against one’s opponent either in the game or in person, one must have a team of creatures that is diverse and skilled in the various elements.
Kids have been enthusiastic about collecting for centuries. When it comes to various virtues and attitudes detailed in scripture, kids (and adults) can be a little less zealous. There are various lists in scripture including the definition of love in 1 Cor. 13, the components of the “full armor of God” in Eph. 6, and the qualities of a Christian in 2 Peter 1. You can see that God (and the Bible’s writers) is very thorough. He wants us to have the “collect them all” mentality. There is always some facet of ourselves that we need to be working on. If we exclude parts of God’s commands, we are left vulnerable and unbalanced. Only through self-examination and training can we resist Satan.

And the Award Goes to...

2010-03-09T12:39:00.001-08:00

I have the Academy Awards to thank for my recent movie watching mood. Always a fan of the cinema and a part-time movie buff, it doesn’t take much to send me in to a film frenzy. This time of year, I spend the later part of my evenings catching up on any award nominated movies and performances I might have missed.
I was rather excited to see “The Hurt Locker” receive the Oscar for Best Picture. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy “Avatar” or the other nominees. I just like to see lower budget, more human/character centered movies take home the biggest honor in the motion picture industry. “The Hurt Locker” had a budget of $11 million and is the lowest grossing best picture winner of all time. “Avatar,” on the other hand, cost more than $230 million to make and broke box office records.
“The Hurt Locker” follows a United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War. The script was written by a freelance writer embedded as a journalist in 2004 with a US bomb squad in Iraq. Their job is among the most dangerous and most important in the military. They deserved to be recognized.
The Bible is centered on the lives of human beings with dangerous jobs. It could be nothing more than a simple instruction manual with step-by-step instructions. However, it follows people like Moses, who faced an angry Pharaoh. It tells the story of Job, who remained true to his faith despite losing everything else. It reveals the life of David, who (like “The Hurt Locker”) stood in the face of tremendous odds and conquered a giant. In the New Testament, we read about Jesus and his apostles, who suffered much to forever change the world. Carefully study the lives of these heroes. You will see that “average” human beings can become “more than conquerors.” (Rom. 8:37)

A Few Words About Nonverbal Communication

2010-03-02T12:23:00.001-08:00

I am a big proponent of nonverbal communication. I don’t prefer it to verbal communication, seeing as how I’ve spent quite a few years attempting to speak correctly. However, I can’t claim to have mastered the English language and I certainly can’t tell you that I’ve come close to becoming a skilled nonverbal communicator.
Facial expression, gestures, signs, and use of space are all important components of nonverbal communication. An About.com article states, “Multicultural differences in body language, facial expression, use of space, and especially, gestures, are enormous and enormously open to misinterpretation.” A study at UCLA revealed that up to 93% of communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal cues. Another study showed that the impact of one’s performance is determined 7% by words used, 38% by voice quality, and 55% by nonverbal communication. Having a very high and occasionally shrill voice myself, I depend highly on nonverbal communication.
In order to understand nonverbal communication, one must practice watching “facial expressions, eye contact, posture, hand and feet movements, body movement and placement, and appearance and passage as [someone walks] toward you.” If you have to choose between reading one’s words and one’s nonverbal cues, it is usually the right choice to go with the nonverbal communication. These cues reveal more than words.
In 1 John 3:18, it is stated that we should “not love with words or with tongue, but in deed an truth.” Anyone can talk about their love for their fellow man or for the Lord, but how many of us take time to show our love? James 2:15-17 tells us that faith without works is dead. More than a gesture or facial expression, acts of service can bond people together and change the world in significant ways. Encouraging words are great, but always look for other ways to serve your fellow man!

Winterfest 2010: "The Veil"

2010-02-23T11:39:00.001-08:00

The youth group had an excellent trip to Gatlinburg, TN for Winterfest this year. We would like to thank everyone who made the trip possible including (but not limited to) the parents, teens, sponsors, elders, and everyone who donated funds through the collection plate and our various fundraising events. As always, this trip allowed us to have fun, bond together, worship, and learn more about our God. Everyone who attends comes back spiritually invigorated and more enthusiastic about serving the Lord.
This year’s theme for Winterfest was “The Veil”. The theme was addressed from several angles. We discussed “the veils” in our lives. All of us have things in our lives that keep us separated from God and blind to the truth. We make idols out of a variety of pursuits including money, beauty, health, sex, and popularity. We make ourselves comfortable with the temporary and avoid the eternal God. Daniel and his associates were used as examples of individuals who put God first even when facing threats of death.
Our world was compared to the city of Babylon and it’s lust for power, wealth, and physical pleasures. The speakers told the story of Belshazzar and his lack of respect for God. He was given a prophecy of his destruction and we will end up destroyed as well if we try to gain life outside of God. One lesson was about the veil on the temple and how Christ’s sacrifice gives us access to God.
There was an excellent presentation on apologetics. Through a mock debate between a believer and a naturalist/agnostic, we were shown how to defend our faith without being condescending or offensively aggressive. Finally, we heard the story of Sean Algaier, a youth minister and “Biggest Loser” contestant who has lost nearly 200 lbs. He spoke about confronting our personal demons and achieving excellence with God’s help.

The Life of a Christian is Curling

2010-02-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

According to the bastion of information known as Wikipedia, “curling is a team sport with similarities to lawn bowling and shuffleboard played on a sheet of carefully prepared ice.” Two teams with four players on each team take turns sliding heavy (about 42 lbs.), polished granite stones down the ice towards a circular target marked on the ice (called the “house”). As the stone makes it way across the 140 to 150 feet ice surface, two sweepers brush the ice to control the speed and trajectory of the stones. The purpose of the game is to complete a delivery of 16 stones (an “end”) with the winning team’s stones closer to the center of the house than the opposing team’s stones. There are 10 ends in a complete match.
A curling team is named according to when a team member throws a stone. The lead is the first, the second is appropriately titled as the “second”, the vice is the third, and the skip is the last to throw a stone. There are three basic shots: a draw puts the stone in the house, a guard protects a stone or creates an obstacle, and a takeout knocks out an opponent’s stone. The sport of curling is featured as part of the Winter Olympics.
Studying Matthew 7, there are a few teachings of Jesus that can be connected to curling. For one, curling requires a precise draw throw towards the house. In order for us to have life, we must walk on the narrow road. There are others (sweepers if you will) that can assist us in staying on this road. We have to watch out for false prophets who try to lead us away from God. They are like the takeout throws. Finally, and I think this is a perfect illustration; the wise man builds his house on the rock. Though stones might try to take us out of the house, a guard, the rock of our salvation, defends us.

Babies Are Evil

2010-02-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

I read on article on the Internet this morning that reveals some of the more “evil” actions observed in babies. This isn’t just another ploy of mine to avoid having children as I still plan for my wife and I to do that in the near future. I just want to make you, the reader, aware of what human beings are capable of when living purely by instinct.
Scientists have observed that before reaching 6 months of life, babies will fake laugh and cry to get attention. They pause during crying to see if anyone is paying attention. Babies also know how to create a distraction if they’ve done something wrong. UK researchers conducted a study in 2004 that revealed babies show prejudice. Almost 100% of the babies in the study spent more time looking at photos of people deemed to be “attractive” than “unattractive”. Babies also tend to focus longer on photos of people of the same skin color. The theory is that babies are attached to the people of their own tribe. Babies also exhibit defiance in the form of tantrums and constant use of the word “No” in order to define themselves and exhibit control over their environments. Finally, (this might really shock you) babies bang their heads to get the rush of adrenaline from the pain and the comforted exhaustion afterwards.
As we study the life and teachings of Christ in our teen class, I have been brought back to “The Jungle Book” on several occasions. If we don’t spend our lives learning and growing spiritually as we grow physically, we are nothing more than instinct driven animals. 1 Cor. 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12 contrast “milk” and “solid food”. We should be progressing from milk to solid food but constantly obstruct our own growth. The best way to achieve maturity is together. We have to build each other up and equip each other to do God’s work. (Eph. 4:12-13)

Manage Up

2010-02-02T10:54:00.001-08:00

This week fun bit o’ information comes to us courtesy of Lynn Taylor, author of the book “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job”. Let it be known for the record that I love my boss (God), I don’t think anyone in the office is childish, and I haven’t even read Lynn Taylor’s book. (I don’t read nearly as much as I would like to)
According to a survey issued by Taylor, employees spend 19.2 hours a week worrying about what their bosses say so or do. 13 of these hours come during the workweek and 6.2 of them come during the weekend. Taylor states, especially in this economic climate, that employees “have to set limits as you would with a child.” Her approach comes in form of a handy acronym: “C.A.L.M.”.
First, you must “Communicate with your boss bravely, openly, honestly, and frequently.” You must Anticipate – “be aware of problems before they escalate and have solutions ready”. One must also Laugh to relieve tension and create “a better atmosphere”. Finally, an employee should “Manage up by using negative and positive enforcement for certain behaviors.”
Reading the article about Lynn Taylor on walletpop.com, several principles from scripture came to mind. The one regulation that one might believe stands in opposition to scripture is “Manage up”. While we can’t manage God, we can certainly manage our view of Him and how we interact with Him. God isn’t constantly waiting for us to make mistakes so that he can issue punishment. (Jer. 29:11) God is not looking for blind, fearful devotion. When Jacob wrestled with an angel in Gen. 32, he was rewarded. We should constantly be wrestling with our concept of God, re-examining why and how we dedicate our lives to Him.

A Hostage's Survival Guide

2010-01-26T12:01:00.001-08:00

This week I’d like to share with you a few tips for surviving a hostage situation. Let’s hope you’re never in one, but at least you’ll know how to stay alive. These are tense times in our world, with levels of stress, angst, and general political unrest rising constantly. You never know when that next trip to the bank or shopping mall will turn in to an all out hostage crisis. This information comes from the NYPD negotiation team.
First, don’t try to be a hero. Second, do what you are told. Don’t speak unless you are spoken to, and then only when necessary. Get comfortable but always keep an eye on your captor. Don’t make suggestions, as you’ll be blamed if anything goes wrong. Don’t try to escape unless you are absolutely positive you’ll be able to. Even then, you should think twice. Let medical needs be known in a matter of fact way. Be observant, memorizing the captors’ faces, names, etc. Only answer “yes” or “no” if you are the end fielding questions from the authorities. Finally, don’t be argumentative and hit the floor when help comes.
A lot of the comments on this article suggested that if you know you are going to die, you should attack your captors like some of the 9/11 victims did. Other comments suggested that these tips are intelligent and contrast many of Hollywood’s representations of hostage crises. I often consider how Jesus handled his captivity. In Isaiah 53, Jesus is likened to “a lamb to the slaughter”. He could have escaped, but he said nothing. There are times in our lives where we have to take a stand and sacrifice ourselves for others. There are other times when we need to endure until help arrives. In Matt. 4, Jesus endures tremendous temptation until Satan leaves him and angels come to attend him. For now we are help captive in our bodies. If we carry on, we will be saved.

Team God

2010-01-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

An interesting debate has arisen among many of my friends and associates. The split seen among my peer group is reflective of a larger split facing the entire population. I do not speak of race, economics, or other common sources of division. I refer to the Conan vs. Leno controversy that has infested my news gathering experience. For those of you who don’t know (kudos to you for having actually important matters occupying your time), Jay Leno’s current 10:00p talk show will be moved to 11:30 after the Olympics and Conan O’Brien is to be moved to 12:00p. However, Conan has stated that he is not willing to inhabit this time slot and might leave NBC if negotiations fail.
One commentary compared this situation to telling your wife that you will be marrying someone new in 5 years whom you’ve become interested in. Your wife decides to get in shape and others start to take notice of her. When 5 years has passed, you try to work out an agreement to keep both relationships.
Needless to say (sorry polygamists!), it is not in one’s best interests to have two wives. God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. (Matt. 19) God isn’t a fan of divided interests. He values loyalty, commitment, and discipline. Matthew 6:24 tells us, “no one can serve two masters.” You can’t “have your cake and eat it too” so to speak. Sometimes the offerings of the world are mighty tempting. It often seems like the bigger, better deal or the greener grass is offered outside of God. However, us Christians make a covenant with God. A covenant isn’t something you can slip in and out of. Imagine how angry your spouse would be if you told him/her that you want to marry someone else. Now imagine how the all-powerful God feels when you chose to leave Him.

Someone Has a Stinky Kitty!

2010-01-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I will remind you that my life is chock full of awkward moments. I don’t know if I have more than my fair share, but these moments come ridiculously often in my daily interactions with other human beings. Let’s just say if I ask someone for a synonym of awkward, he or she replies, “Your life”. This morning’s awkward moment was not nearly embarrassing as many others, but it was uncomfortable nevertheless. The following story, which you’d know if you followed me on Twitter or Facebook, mentions urine. I hope that doesn’t offend you and lead to yet another awkward moment.
I took all three of my pets to the vet this morning. I carried the cat in first, sharing in pet related conversation with other pet owners (awkward conversation, I should add). I went to get my dogs and came back to find the cat had covered herself in urine. She is an extremely clean animal and has never done this before. Her formerly fluffy, now soaked body made its way around the vet’s office covering everything in urine and filling the air with a horrendous scent. I apologized at least 40 times. To make things worse, I was very tired and fell in to a guilt-induced trance. While I was thinking about how remorseful I was, the veterinary assistant asked me if I had any questions. I believe that I stared her straight in the face for at least 10 to 15 seconds before giving an answer.
I don’t think life has to be as awkward and guilt ridden as we sometimes make it. In Romans 8 we learn that because of Jesus, we do not face condemnation. John 8:36 tells us that the Son has made us free. We should live like we are free, excited about who we are and how God can use us to do his work. If we live sincerely by faith, we live with a clean conscience. (Heb. 10) We don’t have to worry about what other people think of us because God thinks well enough of us to set us free from sin and guilt! Hold your head up high and know you’re saved!

We Are All Supermen

2010-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

Jeff Wise’s book, “Extreme Fear: The Science of Your Mind in Danger”, discusses how our bodies respond to hazardous circumstances. Wise uses several real stories as the framework for his exploration. In a chapter entitled “Superhuman”, an ordinary man performs an incredible feat of strength to rescue a cyclist who has been run over by a car. Tom Boyle, Jr. and his wife were leaving the shopping mall where they had just had dinner. They heard a Camaro squeal its tires as it shot onto the avenue. Tom looked up to see a shower of sparks fly up from beneath the Camaro. The Camaro had hit a cyclist and pinned him beneath the vehicle. Boyle, without thinking, ran towards the Camaro, reached under its frame, and lifted the vehicle off of the 18-year-old cyclist. Boyle held the car’s front end up for about 45 seconds while its driver pulled the cyclist to safety. Boyle, no weakling, was able to lift a 700 lb. barbell. A stock Camaro weighs 3,000 lbs. Something extraordinary happened to the body of Tom Boyle.
One of my personal goals is to view others and myself the way that God sees us. God knows our potential. Too often we sell ourselves short thinking we’ve worked ourselves in to an inescapable corner, unable to accomplish anything great. We think of ourselves and others as too old, too young, too stupid, too weak, or too inexperienced. God always seems to choose the least likely heroes. When the Israelites were led out of Egypt, God didn’t find the best speaker. When Samuel looked for a new king, he wasn’t to select the tallest or strongest man. When Jesus hand picked his apostles, he didn’t ask for a resume or good references. He chose fishermen and tax collectors. Today he chooses you!

2010: ?

2009-12-29T08:39:00.001-08:00

Wow, it seems like it’s been quite a while since I last sat down and cranked out an article. In the meantime between this article and the last, I’ve been thinking about the future. This is a typical and often dangerous habit of many. 2010 is nearly upon us and the future has not turned out quite the way many have predicted. “Project Plowshare” was an effort to use atomic explosions in large construction projects. (boston.com) Many predicted that if dynamite worked well for demolition, nukes would get the job done in a fraction of the time. Speaking of jobs, the 40-hour workweek, mandated during the Great Depression, was supposed to have been reduced to 30 or even 20 hours. It was once assumed that we’d be retiring around the time our first gray hairs started to appear.
Scientists, learning more and becoming more curious about animal behavior and even animal psychology, speculated that if could figure out the vocabulary, we’d be speaking to dolphins and whales. There are probably people out there that do believe they can speak fluent whale or dolphin. I predict that in 2010, these folks will not be invited to many dinner parties. They certainly won’t be arriving to the parties in flying cars, often thought to be the next logical leap forward in common transportation. Many hypothesized that there would also be more marriage choices in 2010, including polygamy. They came close, but will receive no cigar.
As I have mentioned in several past articles, we can’t predict the future and don’t need to spend nearly as time worrying about it as we do. Jesus gives some great instruction on how to deal with worry in Luke 12. He tells us to avoid greed, consider God’s provisions for all of his creatures, give to others, and seek out the kingdom of heaven. Our personal futures often don’t turn out the way we would like them to. In God, they don’t have to. “God works for the good of those that love him.” (Rom. 8:28)

Conniving Kittens

2009-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today I read an article (cracked.com) that proves to me that cats are indeed maniacal masterminds bent on world domination. I was a little shocked to discover that some of my cat’s adorable actions serve more purposes than making me say, “awwww” or get out the camera for a YouTube video. A recent study (that’s how you know it’s serious) revealed that people can tell the difference between a cat’s average meow and a meow that is pleading for food. Apparently, there is a remarkable similarity in frequency between this soliciting meow and a human baby’s cry. Cats adjust their meow to manipulate us! Another fact that I found disturbing is that when a cat rubs itself against you, it is not showing affection. It’s marking ownership! Powerful scent glands that a cat uses for communication are located on the tail, the side of the body, and the face. When a cat rubs itself on you, it is leaving its unique scent.
Cats, like many other animals, employ mimicry as a form of defense. When a cat puts its ears down, shows its fangs, squints, and hisses, it is trying to resemble a snake. It’s a fact that just about every member of the animal kingdom fears snakes, not just Indiana Jones.
Finally, you may have seen or heard of cats bringing dead animals to their owners. This is not simply the presenting of a gift. Cats do the same thing to their young to provide training. When your cat drops a dead bird on your foot, it is telling you that you are a terrible hunter and need to learn to feed yourself. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul talks about false apostles. There are quite a few people attempting to win our loyalty. Whether an affiliation is to a political party, church, or simply a brand name, we have to be discerning as individuals. Instead of accepting everything on a whim or at face value, we should carefully make sure that everything we do is according to God’s will. If we are not identifying the truth, we are looking at Satan as an innocent kitten.

Avoid Holiday Arguments

2009-11-24T11:14:00.001-08:00

By the time many read this article, Thanksgiving will already have passed and their respective maws will be filled to the hilt. For those of you reading this post Thanksgiving, you might be able to use this information for future family gatherings. Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley and a couple others discussed how to avoid family fights during Thanksgiving by derailing various political arguments. For instance, one can lead a heated discussion of health care in to a conversation about Charla Nash, the woman injured in a chimp attack. She is currently awaiting a face transplant and learning how to live without hands or a face. Barack Obama is always a battleground, angering those who refer to themselves as either liberals or conservatives. If your family starts talking about an Obama, try to make it Michelle Obama, who with a 63% approval rating has started a garden, supported military families, and won Banana Republic on stage.
If the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan become a topic for discourse, try to put the focus on the respect we should have for the men and women serving overseas. Show your family videos of soldiers reuniting with their loved ones or their dogs. Finally, if Al Gore or the general subject of climate change comes up, lead the exchange towards the tornado chasing Henne family and the now famous “Balloon Boy.” At the very least your family will seem much more normal.
Satan feeds off of our arguments. He wants us to be split in to as many groups as possible. Ephesians 4:2-4 tells us be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. We are to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Paul brings unity up quite often. Paul tells Titus (in chapter 3) to remind people to submit to the government and “to be ready to do whatever is good.” We were saved by the kindness and love of our God when we least deserved it. We are to avoid arguments and instead do good to all of God’s people.

Electronic Polar Bears

2009-11-17T11:33:00.001-08:00

I came across an odd story this morning from the Riverfront Times, a St. Louis new blog. Apparently, the St. Louis Zoo hasn’t had much good fortune in the area of polar bear longevity. The zoo’s last polar bear, Hope, was euthanized last April when veterinarians discovered she had cancer. In May 2005 a polar bear named Churchill ate a fatal amount of cloth and plastic. Churchill died during stomach surgery. Just five weeks after that, a bear named Penny died from infection. She had two dead fetuses inside of her uterus. Zoo officials didn’t know that she was pregnant. According to a commenter on Riverfront Times, zoo keepers can only observe the bears from about the same distance as visitors This is due to safety reasons and not the zoo’s negligence.
The very strange part of this story, which references a photo from the Post-Dispatch (Google it!), is that employees with James Trogolo Co. installed a family of electronic polar bears where the real bears once lived. I can’t decide if this act is in bad taste. Evidently, James Trigolo Co. installed the electronic bears to promote their holiday decorations. Due to a rebound in the sale of commercial decorations, James Trigolo Co. is opening a new office in downtown St. Louis (exciting stuff... I know).
The world should not have to be subjected to a pale imitation of Jesus Christ. When Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” in 1 Cor. 11:1, he wasn’t telling the church in Corinth to work on a good voice impersonation or to do a couple things like Jesus would. He was telling them to become an exact reflection of the character of Jesus. In 1 Cor. 12, Paul tells us that we are the body. The Spirit of God dwells in us and we are witnesses in every way that we allow the Spirit to be seen in us. (1 John 5:6-12). Too often we use our imperfection as a crutch or exit strategy. We all are able to be Jesus for people that have yet to get to know Him. Don’t wait for others to be Jesus.

Bi Bi's Dilemna

2009-11-10T14:05:00.001-08:00

This week’s interesting news that leads to discussion of more spiritual matters comes to us from Victoria Australia. Sue Drummond was walking her maltese/shitzu mix on Brighton Pier when the dog was suddenly swept off the pier and in to the bay waters by a gust of wind. Drummond watched helplessly as the poor pooch, appropriately named Bi Bi (pronounced “bye bye”), struggled to stay afloat in the waves below her. A young man named Raden Soemawinata heroically stripped down to his skivvies and dove in to save the water logged canine. It was discovered by the “Herald Sun” that Soemawinata was at Brighton Pier to spread his grandmother’s ashes in to the bay. The humble hero stated, “It was pretty cold and windy, but it wasn’t such a hard decision to jump in.” He also said, “I’m a part-time model, so getting into my jocks isn’t so different to what I do for work.” Some fantastic photos tell the story better than I can. Google them at your earliest convenience. Be forewarned that the tasteful photos involve underwear.
To many, a dog in distress isn’t something that inspires much of an emotional response. Not having children and owning the first two dogs I have ever had the pleasure of caring for, I can certainly empathize with Sue Drummond’s plight. I would most definitely be in tears if one of my dogs fell in to a bay. I would jump in to rescue them, but I don’t think I’d be able to stand the embarrassment of dropping my pants to do so. If I was an angel at the time Jesus was sent to Earth, I would probably think to myself, “Why embarrass yourself to save pitiful, sinful creatures like men?” Even as a man it’s impossible to fully understand why the Son of God had to die for me. Who in heaven would miss a shaggy wet dog? God would. He loves us unconditionally and demonstrated His love in the greatest way possible. He gave His own life for sinners like you and I (Rom. 5:8). We should never fail to appreciate this gift.

Fast Food Christianity

2009-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ever experience discomfort, weakness, or pain caused by a prolonged lack of food? This desire for food, known to the masses as "hunger," affects millions of Americans daily. The solution for a working individual such as myself is often visiting a local establishment known as a restaurant, pub, or "fast food joint." The experience associated with these ventures is always two-fold. The first part of the experience is the quality of the food, typically consisting of simple carbohydrates soaked in fatty oils. The second is the quality of the service. I've attempted to work my experience at "sandwich shops" such as Subway, Quiznos, and Blimpie's, down to a science. The "sandwich artist" typically asks,"What would you like on your sandwich sir?" to which I respond, "Everything except tomatoes and jalapenos." (for I believe tomatoes to be a forbidden fruit not to be ingested in their pure form) After this response I occasionally receive an expression of confusion, a long pause, and several questions such as "Do you want pickles?" and "So, you want tomatoes, right?" This is truly a great enigma. Does not the exclusion of certain items infer that the remaining sandwich toppings are acceptable?
We often apply the same “choose your toppings” ideology to our faith. We are only able to accept God in the right environments and under ideal conditions. Anything apart from these circumstances becomes difficult for us to grasp. James 1:17 tells us,“every good and perfect gift is from above.” We shouldn’t experience God exclusively in a church building or strictly among other Christians. Every thing that you have in life and every moment that you live is a gift from God and should be treated as such. These gifts are to be enjoyed with gratefulness and adoration directed towards their source. We might not always understand why we are presented with certain “toppings” in life. People are not going to act the way we want them to 100% of the time and we aren’t going to receive 100% of the things we wish for. According to Romans 8:28, God works for good when we give him 100% of our lives.

No More JuJuBees Please

2009-10-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween is just around the corner and more than a few of you will be passing out goodies to children dressed as Miley Cyrus and the Transformers, I wanted to share a few of my least favorite Halloween treats. I do not mean to offend so much as I mean to inform. If you want to be the most well loved person in your neighborhood, you do not pass out things like my first item, “Good & Plenty.” While you may love the taste of black licorice wrapped in soluble plastic, the average child does not. Next up is toothbrushes, often passed out by the dentists in the neighborhood. Dentists do great work, but why not take off one out of 365 nights in a year? Dentists will come in quite handy if a child attempts to digest the next “treat” called “JuJuBees.” It’s possible that this candy was invented so that people with reluctant children could rip out their children’s teeth without pliers or strings tied to door knobs.
I don’t think I went a single year by without me receiving the next two objects in my collection of holiday delights. The first is “Double Bubble.” If you’ve ever looked at a piece of chalk and wondered what it would be like if someone made bubble gum flavored like that piece of chalk and coated with the same white residue, you might be interested in trying “Double Bubble.” You can purchase a piece or two using dirty pennies, something else I’ve found among much more useful Halloween handouts. A good reason to use hand sanitizer, dirty pennies should be melted down and used to construct a husband for the statue of liberty (or at least a large copper dog).
It’s odd that we occasionally have high expectations for free gifts. I will probably revisit this subject when I think about all the Christmas gifts I was openly unhappy with as a child. There is even an expression for this common response: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” God has given us and continues to offer us many blessings. In the “Parable of the Talents” in Matthew 25, three men are trusted with varying amounts of resources. The last man, given the least, squanders what he is given and produces nothing from it. Enjoy what God has given to you and make the most of it!

Why Do We Blush?

2009-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Because it’s my birthday this week, I was tempted to give you a summary of the last 30 years of my life. However, I am going to spare you that boredom and instead reference another great article from the world wide web, courtesy of Cracked.com. The article I read this morning discusses a few things our bodies do every day that science has yet to explain. The first of these, which I have often pondered, is yawning. Long believed to be the method by which our bodies compensate for low levels of oxygen in our blood, yawning doesn’t seem to have a purpose. Yawning, in fact, tends to decrease our oxygen intake. It also seems to be oddly contagious, even among animals.
You may also find yourself wondering why we dream. Several books, web sites, etc. discuss the idea of dream interpretation. Freud called dreams the “road to the unconscious.” No hard evidence exists that dreams are manifestations of our unconscious fears and desires. There is evidence that dreams can be influenced by noises, scents, and even the Earth’s geomagnetic activity.
A final conundrum among our bodies’ daily activities is the “most peculiar” human expression known as blushing. Some believe that blushing is an at of submission while other see it as a method of revealing one’s passive aggression. When one is embarrassed, it is believed that their anger is expressed involuntarily through blushing. Knowing God is one of the most sure fire ways to avoid shame. Shame is mentioned several times in scripture. Blushing is even mentioned a few times in Jeremiah. One of my favorite shame passages is 2 Tim. 1:8-11. Timothy is told to suffer for the gospel because of the grace given to us by Christ. Not everything about life has been revealed to humanity. However, we have seen the Savior and his power. We have also been told that his grace is sufficient. The life of a Christian means avoiding the shame of sin and testifying to others regarding the grace of God.

God Surveillance

2009-10-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

For this week’s article, I am referencing another article from Cracked.com. The content of this web site, while not always acceptable for younger audiences, is chock full of interesting tidbits of information. The entry on Cracked.com that I read today lists a few techniques by which average citizens are secretly monitored. This information might fuel existing paranoia or develop new delusions, so read this at your own risk. The first technique listed is TV cameras with audio recording installed in passenger buses. In 2001, way before “9/11”, Chicago spent more than $3 million to have this equipment installed in over 300 city buses.
The next technique is bit more unsettling than bus cameras. Anyone can download software from the internet that allows one to take a cellular phone and tap it. This software even allows one to turn on a phone’s microphone while not in use. One study estimates that 3% of cell phones in the U.S. are already tapped. Yikes!
I found this next technique to be rather interesting. Supposedly, several laser jet computer printers can imbed every sheet of paper that passes through them with a microscopic code that identifies the specific printer that the paper came from. While it is unsettling that such technology exists, one can see how useful it can be when trying to put a stop to criminal activity. Psalm 139 tells us that God knows everything about us. We can’t fully understand our creator or hide from him. God’s knows what is best for us. Though what is currently happening in our lives may be frightening, God knows what we need and if we put him first in our lives, we will have that which we need. If God is first in your life, you won’t have to worry about any level of monitoring.

Futuresketch

2009-10-06T11:34:00.001-07:00

This week my article is going geek (as if there weren’t geeky references already). According to Gizmodo, the “gadget blog”, “Photosketch is an internet-based program” that can take a rough sketch and turn it in to a beautiful montage. Until I watched the video online at Gizmodo.com I was very skeptical of this computer program. According to the authors of Photosketch, the software can take any rough sketch with each shape labeled (i.e. crude drawing of bear with the text “bear” next to it) and find images that correspond to each drawn element. The program then judges which images best match the shapes and seamlessly merges them in to a single image. Photosketch’s “blending algorithm” (I hope I didn’t lose you there) analyzes the images that it finds, traces the images, and matches the scene by adding shadows and lighting. So, you can have that photo of you and Batman fighting a Tyrannosaurus Rex in the center of a volcano that you’ve always wanted!
I wanted to mention this program not only because I am a Photoshop nut and it’s revolutionary, but because reading about it instantly made me think about the dissonance that sometimes exists between the plans we have for our lives and the plans that God has. We really have little idea of what our futures will look like. One can speculate on what type of person that he or she will marry, what job that he or she will have, or where he or she will live but only God knows for sure. We only know that, according to Jeremiah 29:11, God has “plans to prosper” us. Those who live in Christ have hope and can live knowing that God will not harm them. It’s acceptable to draw a rough sketch for your life and to make the choices that lead in certain directions but ultimately, it is left up to God to fill in the details. The process involves faith and dedication, but God can create a future more beautiful than we can possibly imagine.

We Are Pots Made From Clay

2009-09-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

I love art formed in a variety of disciplines. Whenever I am traveling, I make a point to stop by as many museums and art galleries as I possibly can. What usually catches my eye more than art placed in a museum is art found in urban settings or contrived in innovative mediums. I am always looking for the next “I wish I’d thought of that” expression of creativity. For instance, when I was playing with my Lego blocks, I’d never envisioned creating life-sized replicas of real world objects or detailed murals from them. Google Nathan Sawaya and be amazed by his constructions. A few weeks ago, I was looking at a Lego advertising campaign that used huge posters on the sides of buildings to make the buildings look they were made of giant Lego blocks.
When doodling with my Etch-a-Sketch, I never thought of making photorealistic portraits of my friends and famous celebrities. Greg and George Vlosich do amazing things with an Etch-a-Sketch. Today, I found a painter who’s medium is unwashed cars. Scott Wade, the artist, is truly gifted with drawing elaborate, shaded works on the windows of filthy automobiles.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I often feel like I have worked myself in to a corner. I get the feeling that I have nothing more to offer the world. I sometimes regret the choices I’ve made to the point that I believe I’ve ruined my life. I tend to look at the relatively young age of 30 (which I am less than a month away from) as the end of the road for me. Passages in Isaiah 29 and 64 refer to us as the clay and God as the potter. The clay isn’t allowed to claim that the potter doesn’t understand it and can’t make anything from it. We are the works of the hands of God. God has given us unlimited potential and plans for us to proper as we use this potential to its fullest.

Getting Out of the Crawl Space

2009-09-22T12:24:00.001-07:00

My wife and I are quite grateful for our home. It is easy to take care of and doesn’t require any major renovations. We have plenty of space and use it to entertain guests as often as we can. This is not a complaint (as it isn’t something I personally have to deal with), but my house presents a unique challenge to those installing services such as cable, internet, and home security. My house lacks a basement and its walls are almost entirely brick. Almost every installation technician entering my house experiences some level of frustration. When the first cable guy came to install service at my house, he turned completely white upon first glance at the crawl space beneath the house. A mold inspector had no problems spending time in the crawl space and claimed it to be clean and moisture free. The man installing DirecTV in my home today had a different perspective. While not fearful or completely aggravated, he did say that numerous creepy creatures inhabited the crawl space. Apparently, a nest of beetles attacked him. I apologized profusely feeling awful that this confrontation took place.
A fear of the dark is not always disconnected from reality. A number of dangerous critters become active in and inhabit darkness. Various crimes and other misdeeds take place in the dark. A few verses in Job 24 talk about the rebels and adulterers who “make friends with the terrors of darkness”. In Isaiah 29:15-16, the prophet condemns those who “hide their plans from the Lord”. Those who wish who do wrong attempt to hide their bad choices from those who would condemn or judge them. But, there is no hiding from God. Daniel 2:22 states that God “knows what lies in darkness” and that “light dwells with him”. Rom 13:12 tells us to “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light”. We don’t have to live in a crawl space with beetles and spiders. We can walk in the light of God, living prosperously without the guilt and shame of sin.

The Source of All Joy

2009-09-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

I don’t know if it’s just me that notices this, but there seems to be a general lack of joy among the world’s population. Most of this can be linked to the current state of the economy. (I’m sure you’ve never heard that theory before!) Could it be possible that we don’t experience happiness because we are looking for it in all the wrong places? I will get back to this question in just a few sentences. Until then, I would like to share a few tips for living happier that you may or may not have thought about before.
The first tip is one that I always dread, but have never regretted. One way to live happier is to get more exercise! (I can hear the sighs and groaning as I type this) What you might not about exercise is that it “lowers the body’s levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.” (HowStuffWorks.com) Exercising also produces endorphins, a mood boosting chemical.
One must also learn to accept emotions, whether positive or negative. If you really pay attention to your feelings, you may find that your anger or sadness is related to something as simple as temperature or hunger. You should also learn to accept the feelings of others. It’s acceptable for other people to feel unhappy at times. Trying to understand the source of someone else’s discomfort (and possibly helping them with their problems) can make you happier.
As a final tip, did you know that having pets can make you healthier? The responsibility of having a pet can be tough but it can give one a sense of purpose, companionship, exercise (there it is again!), and general stress relief. As great as these bits of advice may be, true happiness is found in knowing God. Numerous scriptures support this fact, but Jer. 9:23-24 contrasts strength, wisdom, and riches to the understanding of God. Feel free to boast about knowing God, the source of all joy.

Unexplained Mysteries of the Universe

2009-09-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

Though modern scientific research is moving along at a rapid rate, explaining many of the mysteries of the universe, there remains a number of natural phenomena that science is unable to explain. One of these is the “Naga Fireballs.” In October, along the Mekong River in Vietnam, tens of thousands of red lights rise from the bottom of the river and are lifted hundreds of feet in to the sky before disappearing. The “Naga Fireballs” haven’t lit any fires or caused any harm. It is theorized that the lights are caused by “fermented sediment in the river” releasing “bubbles of self-immolating gas that rise to the surface and combust.” (Cracked.com) Look the fireballs up on YouTube.
Another odd, unexplained natural act is the appearance of “blue jets and red sprites” above the clouds during a lightning storm. Only visible from space or a plane, these beautiful displays of light are only justified by unproven theories. Another light show has been observed in the skies minutes before major earthquakes. Thought to be gases released by earthquakes and then charged in the air or the result of a disruption of the Earth’s magnetic field, the beautiful displays of light remain a mystery.
For several hundred years, people have reported seeing animals fall from the sky in various placed throughout the world. Frogs and toads rained down in Japan. Worms rained in Louisiana. Fish fell from the sky in Singapore and Rhode Island. Some think waterspouts and tornadoes are responsible, but this doesn’t explain why the rain comes as a specific species. I like that there are still phenomena in the universe that only God can explain. As much as a lack of knowledge and awareness can cause fear and a feeling of insignificance, it can also cause humility and a respect for God’s creation. Rest easy knowing that God even knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7).

False Psychology

2009-08-25T12:17:00.001-07:00

I received my bachelors degree in psychology several years ago. I have to boast about this fact because a bachelors degree in psychology is not worth much more than bragging rights. I worked hard and learned a lot, but I will have to go to graduate school before I can do much of anything in the world of psychology. However, there are a few things I picked up in psychology classes that make for interesting conversations and contradict common thought. Many people fancy themselves to be amateur psychologists without knowing the statistics that can either support or completely negate their opinions.
For instance, did you know that letting your anger out isn’t the best way to deal with your anger? Studies show that expressing your anger, even towards inanimate objects like pillows and stress balls, reinforces your motivation to become angry. Being creatures of habit, we can become addicted to outward expressions of anger. If a pillow or stress isn’t available, one’s habitual anger can be directed any number of completely inappropriate places.
This next idea may seem a little confusing, but stay with me. The concept that simply believing in one’s self will lead to success is a tad backwards. Having confidence in one’s self can be a component of success, but individuals who have an inflated sense of self-worth can become very aggressive when their superiority is questioned. Instead of teaching kids to feel worthier, we should be teaching them the skills that will lead them to pride and success like good social skills and appropriate ways to deal with anger. It is great that this helpful idea as well as others can be found in scripture. The Proverbs alone are full of advice that is supported by several modern studies. God truly knows us best.

Living With Purpose Instead of Anxiety

2009-08-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I performed my very first wedding ceremony. This was no average wedding. This particular wedding joined my wife’s beloved sister and her husband in holy matrimony. After weeks of fearful agonizing, the wedding is over and I think I did fairly well. Again, I discovered that when I divert my self-centered thinking, remove my control, and allow God’s authority to reign, everything works out for the best. I can’t the times I’ve had to learn this lesson and I am certain I will have to learn it again quite a few times before my life is over.
The desire to see specific results in life can be the root of all kinds of evil and negativity. I heard someone summarize anger recently as the result of something that doesn’t take place as one intended. This might seem like an excessively simple definition of anger, but it’s a great one to meditate on (especially in times when anger starts to show its ugly face). Lately, when I find myself getting frustrated, worried, angered, etc., I start to think about my motivation for producing these various emotions. Just like a performer needs to find her character’s motivation to properly convey the character’s emotions, one must determine her own motivation to put one’s thoughts in the proper perspective.
We need to live a purpose and with motivation that comes from God. I wasn’t performing a wedding ceremony to score points with my wife’s family or get to impress the pants off some random strangers. I was fulfilling part of God’s plan for the lives of Sara’s sister and her new spouse. I was being used as an instrument. In 1 Tim, Paul makes Christian behavior personal, relating it to the nature of the church. The next time you find yourself getting upset about a situation you find yourself in or about the outcome of a situation, try to look at your position from God’s perspective.

Leaving Behind the Invaluable

2009-08-11T10:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I came upon an interesting article that tells the stories of various items thought to be junk that turned out to be valuable artifacts. The most interesting tale, in my opinion, was that of an $800,000 Stradivarius violin. Called “The Duke of Alcantara”, this 267-year-old violin was donated to UCLA. In 1967, the violin was loaned to a member of UCLA’s string quartet (the university must have really trusted this violinist). After stopping to get groceries, the violinist found that his car was left unlocked and the Stradivarius was missing. 27 years later, a violin dealer found himself repairing the Stradivarius. Recognizing its significance, he did some research and found that the Stradivarius was missing from UCLA. The valuable violin was owned by a woman who received it through her divorce settlement. This woman’s ex-husband was given the Stradivarius by an aunt who found it on the side of the freeway in 1967. It appears the UCLA violinist left the violin on top of his car and drove away forgetting it was there.
It’s amazing how much value we attach to certain objects. I know that I would be panic-stricken if I lost my laptop computer. Though I treasure it, I’ve left my computer in places where it could be easily stolen. I tend to do the same thing with my faith and my morality. I’ve not always made the best choices in the people that I associate myself with and how I spend my time. I’ve often found myself in situations that cause me to compromise my representation of Christ. I’ve found myself beginning to doubt God. In 2 Peter 1:1, Peter uses the phrase “precious faith”. 2 Corinthians 5:7 states that “we live by faith”. Several times in scripture our faith is compared to food and water. We can’t live without it! One’s walk with God must be focused and persistent. Faith is not something that should be left behind like a cup of coffee on a car’s roof.

Prayers Answered at Auto-Zone

2009-07-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

I must admit to you that I often neglect the power of prayer. Over the years, the countless sermons, classes, and personal studies regarding prayer have drilled the importance of prayer deep in to my brain. So deep, in fact, that I often become numb to the reality of prayer’s power and the connection it gives me to the creator. John 15:7 states that if we “remain” in Christ and His words “remain” in us, then whatever we wish will be given to us. I believe this means that if our intentions are pure and directed towards serving God, we will find satisfaction in our prayers.
I had an excellent time at VBE. All of the teachers and volunteers did fantastic job. I must give a shout out to the teens who gave up their evenings all week (and days for a few of you) to decorate, sing silly songs, make videos, and generally attempt to keep some sense of order at VBE. I bring up VBE in the middle of this discussion of prayer because I believe God answered many prayers on the last evening of VBE. Up until Thursday evening’s session, the weather report predicted lighting and rain. We scrambled to find alternative entertainment for the kids and considered canceling the outdoor activities. Well, the weather cleared up just in time to allow us to head outdoors. I was knocked out of my socks by this occurrence.
To add to my amazement, another prayer was answered for Sara and I this past weekend. After a trip to the DIA, our car began to buck like a wild bronco every time it went idle. We were both frustrated by and left with worry over our only means of transportation. While having the car checked at Auto-Zone, a stranger offered to look at our car. He solved a problem that had been plaguing us for weeks in about 5 minutes. And, he didn’t even want our money! One might consider these two situations to be coincidences, but I see them as answers to prayers at times when extreme doubt began to fill my head. “Be alert and always keep on praying”. (Eph. 6:18) Trust me when I say that our prayers are both heard and answered.

Thanks From the Roseville Youth Group

2009-07-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

I want to use this week’s article to share with anyone reading this (all 4 of you), how well things are going with the youth ministry at the Roseville Church of Christ. Many may not know this, but we actually have an organized group of young men and women who meet on a regular basis in order to share in fun, fellowship, and service. My wife and I are extremely thankful that the Roseville Church continues to support this ministry. We believe that it is very important to give our youth an alternative place to enjoy themselves while growing as Christians. I know that I personally would not be the person I am today without being part of an active youth ministry. My parents were involved in ministry from before I was born. Youth ministry is just one way to get involved in the church.
I have seen tremendous maturity in the youth at Roseville. There are teens here that are willing and ready to learn the Bible and serve the Lord when they have countless alternatives. I have had the pleasure of seeing a few of them grow up from wide-eyed children in to mature adults. This is a testament to the work done within the church, particularly by the parents. Youth ministry would not exist without strong parents and the many incredible volunteers willing to give their time to the ministry.
2009 has been the busiest year yet for the youth group. God has provided a large number of activities and services for us to become a part of. Everything from Winterfest to Cedar Point has been well attended and well supported. Visit http://rosevilleteens.com or http://www.rosevilleyouth.com to keep updated on youth group events. If you have ideas or would like to be a volunteer, contact me at (248) 420-0842 or send e-mail to epsilon_rc@hotmail.com. Paul tells Timothy to not let anyone look down on him in his youth and instead set an example (1 Tim 4:12). Because of the youth ministry at Roseville, the teens are able to know Christ and set an example that reflects him.

Christians Deserve Forgiveness Too

2009-07-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

After reading the title of this article, you might a little confused. Hopefully, you are intrigued. This will be a difficult concept for me to explain (especially in less than half a page), but hang in there with me. Lately, I have been considering what I’ve said about my church experience. More specifically, I’ve been considering what I’ve said in the presence of those who are not Christians. There is a particular relative of mine that I’ve wanted to become a follower of Christ since I was a young child. I’ve sat with this person countless times in attempts to discuss the wonderful things about being a follower of Christ. This person, like so many others, tends to see the negative side of Christianity.
In the news, there are countless stories about Christians who commit violent acts in the name of Christ. Based on a twisted reputation, many believe that Christianity consists of nothing more than punishment and criticism. The biggest detraction is that my relative has met individuals claiming to be Christians that live no differently than other people.
What I have noticed very little is the part that I myself play in my relative’s perception of Christianity. In my high school and college years particularly, I would complain about the church in the presence of my relative. I would talk about how I tire of hypocrites, judgmental individuals, and those who distort the teachings of Christ. Who would want to become a Christian when a Christian finds so many faults within the church? 2 Tim. 3:16 states that scripture is useful for rebuking and correcting. It is also useful for teaching and “training in righteousness”! We need to be willing to forgive each other the way that God does. Christians are humans and humans make mistakes. If you see a problem in the church, do your best to lovingly correct the problem as Christ would! Complaints just fuel the fires set to destroy Christianity. “Come now, let us reason together.” (Isa. 1:18)

The Blue Screen of Death

2009-06-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Forgive me if this illustration is redundant. I don’t keep a very detailed catalog of every one of my illustrations so this could be a repeat. I can’t begin to count all of the times that I’ve had to troubleshoot a computer. I try to be incredibly careful with my computers, but I frequently find myself attempting to fix some hardware or software problem. Don’t let my experiences cause you to fear and shy away from computers. I wouldn’t be able to do much of anything without them. The hours, days, and weeks that I’ve spent on various computer-related difficulties have been worth it for the productivity, communication, and entertainment that computers provide for me. It’s really a love/hate relationship that keeps me on a constant emotional roller coaster. One day I am happy as a pig in mud, photoshopping myself having breakfast with Barack Obama. The next, I am literally ripping my hair out while writing down the error codes from an ominous blue screen. They might as well add maniacal laughter to this screen.
The human condition comes with its own share of troubleshooting. The parallel concepts between our lives and the “life” of a computer are numerous. For one, there is a lot of regular maintenance required. Galatians 5:25 tells us that we need to live and be guided by the Spirit. Living in the Spirit prevents a lot of problems. However, as stated in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned”. It’s difficult to free one’s self from sin. No matter how spiritually mature we think our selves to be, there is room for growth. Proverbs 26:12 says there is more hope for a fool than man who thinks himself to be wise. We have to be aware of our own shortcomings and do everything we can to overcome them. Remember that God is ready to forgive. We just have to be willing to change.

Look Mom! I'm Eating a Sandwich in the Pool!

2009-06-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

You might want to sit down while reading this. I have some shocking news for you. Ready? Your parents are not always right. As wise and intelligent as they may be, your parents might have passed some inaccurate bits of medical advice on to you. An article in USA Today states that sugar, according to 12 different studies, does not make children hyper. 30 studies including a total of 11,000 people found that vitamin C has no effect on one’s ability to resist catching a cold. Here’s one I learned a few weeks ago that completely floored me: Going out in cold weather does not make you sick. Colds and flues are seasonal, striking most often in the winter. Did you know that you could go swimming directly after eating? You might be uncomfortable, but eating before swimming doesn’t cause life-threatening cramps. I don’t know how this advice came about, but you can wake a sleepwalker without hurting him or her.
Once about every week or two, I learn that I’ve been sharing an inaccurate piece of information. Some of these, like the belief that cold weather leads to sickness, have directed the way I live. I don’t plan to join the Polar Bear club and swim in artic waters, but I won’t make keeping warm my only method of preventing sickness. Even the most educated people in the world get it wrong sometimes. It’s not that we can’t learn from other people, but we should constantly seek growth in God. In 1 Cor. 3, Paul urges his readers to start with Christ as a foundation and build themselves up from there. Paul states that though we begin as infants in Christ, we become his buildings. No matter how much we know, there is always more to learn and more learned information to reinforce.

What Would God Twitter?

2009-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, Internet based social networks are currently the latest craze for everyone from teens to savvy older folks. Myspace and Facebook are the biggest names in social networks. One creates a profile adding various bits of personal information, photos, or whatever else he or she wants to share. Then, he or she contacts friends, relatives, or whomever else he or she wants to connect with. It can either be the biggest waste of time one encounters or an opportunity to stay in touch with individuals living on the opposite side of the country or maybe even completely outside of the United States. I’ve read this type of interaction can strengthen the mind by helping us recall facts about individuals and past events. I use Facebook to communicate with several people from the Roseville church. I first announced the Tigers game there.
Twitter, getting more popular by the second, is a streamlined type of social networking. One shares a message (no more than 140 characters long), called a “tweet”, with those visiting one’s Twitter web site or those who connect to Twitter through portable devices. Some individuals use Twitter to tell others what he or she is doing every 5 minutes throughout the day. Today, I found a Twitter entitled “What Would God Tweet?” (WWGT) Here is a sample entry: “Day 1: Lighting system installed, brb. Day 2-6: Some assembly required: sky, plants, cows, people. Left humans in charge, lol. Day 7: Siesta”. This Twitter reminded me that God and His word are very accessible. He has not made a puzzle that can only be interpreted by an elite underground society. God walks among us (Lev. 16:12). God wants us to know the truth and be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4).

A Love Poem for God

2009-05-19T11:32:00.001-07:00

At one point in my life I, like many other boys, began to develop an interest in the fairer sex. I relentlessly pursued the hearts of various young women in hopes of finding true love (that makes me sound like a creepy stalker, which I believe is something all young men border on becoming). During this particularly awkward phase of my life, I knew very little about how to win the affect of lovely maidens. The only weapon in my arsenal was ridiculously sappy poetry. Here is an excerpt from a poem entitled “Come Into My Heart”. Feel free to hurl insults at your discretion. I won’t cry… much.

“Show my heart what it has yet to see,
open it up and set it free.
Give to my heart a love unending,
so we will end all pretending.
A place in my heart will always be,
for one as beauteous as thee.
A heart like mine is ever alone,
until the day it finds another of pure gold.”

I wrote this type of poetry to a couple girls I barely knew. I even recycled a poem once by giving it one girl and then another. I handed the second girl the poem as I exited the school bus and walked away as quickly as possible with my head down. I used to spend so much time and money on unrequited love. What if we had more passion and love for God than anything else? He certainly has an infinite amount of unconditional love for us. Let God know that you love him. Keep God’s greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-38). Keeping God’s commands speaks volumes. It means God’s love is in you (John 15:9-10).

Where Moths and Rust Destroy

2009-05-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

I read a story this week that, in light of recent economic circumstances, may frustrate you. However, this story reminds me of a concept that I often ignore. The article I read, located on msn.com, shares the account of Augustine Fou. Mr. Fou and his wife earn around $400,000 a year. He works in marketing and has a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while his wife, Lisa, is a dentist with her own practice. They live in a one-bedroom apartment located on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue with their two children. Though it may seem Mr. and Mrs. Fou have a life to be envied, they are affected by the state of the economy. They rent movies instead of going to the movies. They go to restaurants only once every 3 months. They buy their holiday gifts after the season has passed and do the bulk of their shopping at Wal-Mart. You might be thinking that the Fous are merely penny-pinching members of the upper class. Due to the cost of living in New York, a drop in the value of investments, and the possibility of losing their jobs, the Fous are nervous and fearful just like you and I.
I constantly have to be reminded that there is never enough money. I often think that money will solve my problems. With money, I can have a new house, a new computer, a new car, and whatever else I want. These things can never bring fulfillment. With all of these things there is just more risk involved. What happens to house payments when one loses her job? And, when we have more things, we often tend to want or need more things. Luke 16:13 states that we can’t “serve both God and Money”. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to save riches for ourselves here on Earth, “where moths and rust destroy”. We need to be content with what we have, like it is stated in Hebrews 13:5.

A Shooting Star Leaping Through the Skies

2009-04-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hang on to your hats! It’s time for an exciting journey in to the world of astronomy! Last week, a faint gamma ray burst (GRB) was captured by NASA’s Swift satellite. This particular GRB is significant in that it destroyed “the record for the earliest, most-distant known object in the universe”. (skyandtelescope.com) The burst, named GRB 090423 in honor of its discovery date lasted for 10 seconds. Based on how much the light was red shifted (stretched) through the expansion of the cosmos since the burst first happened, it was determined that the gamma rays traveled 13.1 billion years before reaching the Earth. The GRB comes as the result of the explosion of a massive star. When the right kind of star collapses in just the right way, narrow jets are produced that can send gamma rays streaming towards the Earth. I hope that you are still reading at this point. I know not everyone is as fascinated by astronomy in the way that I am.
I love astronomy because it is the scientific discipline that humanity has covered the least ground in, relatively. We have much to discover about our own planet, but we only know a tiny fraction of what exists beyond it. It is difficult to wrap one’s mind around light traveling 13.1 billion years. We are accustomed to flipping a light switch and instantly seeing light. God has existed since before GRB 090423. He knows our origin and our finale. It’s easy to worry when we consider the current recession began in December, 2007 or that the swine flu vaccine could take several months to develop. I love the perspective given in Ecclesiastes 3 regarding time. The writer states that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” and that men “cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (vs. 11) God has always been in control and always will be.

Learning From Failure

2009-04-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Due to the current economic climate, many Americans are experiencing failure for the first time. An increasing number of individuals are losing their jobs, their homes, and their savings. One’s initial reaction to failure is often to immediately reject it and remove themselves from it as quickly as possible. A recent article in Reader’s Digest shares the stories of several individuals who approached failures as opportunities to learn important lessons and to eventually find success. J. K. Rowling, one of the richest people in England due to the success of her Harry Potter books, was “as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain without being homeless”. Bob Williamson, a 62-year-old man from Florida, was a drug addict who had to sell a pint of blood for $7. He recently sold his 9th business, a software company, for $75 million. Randi Ketchum’s husband left her on the day she graduated from college. She had a 5-year-old and was pregnant with her second son. Though overcome with the loss and a massive amount of debt, Randi obtained a job as a kindergarten teacher and earned her master’s degree in education.
There were several other stories contained in this article and I will gladly help you find the article if you wish to read them. One thing I didn’t mention about Bob Williamson is that his faith in God helped him overcome adversity. Hit by a car, Bob was in the hospital for 3 months. He read the Bible, the only reading material available, and began to feel forgiven. He also learned that “God seems to show his strength and power through weakness”. Romans 8:35-39 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This passage states, “in all these things we have victory through him who loved us”. We are to forget the things that are behind us and reach for things ahead. (Phil. 3:13)

National Moaner's Summer Vacation

2009-04-14T12:12:00.001-07:00

What is the biggest complaint you’ve ever had with your vacations? Maybe it was way too hot and crowded the day you visited Cedar Point. Maybe there was too much noise and alcohol abuse at the campsite you visited with your family. Maybe the hotel you stayed at was incredibly filthy and the shower was too difficult to control. These are all common and valid complaints. A simple inconvenience during one’s vacation experience is amplified ten fold as we are supposed to enjoy this time away from work.
The Association of British Travel Agents has put together a list of the most bizarre vacation complaints (news.com.au). One tourist complained stating, “The beach was too sandy.” Another was made upset when she found fish swimming in the sea. Her complaint read: “No one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled.” Yet another tourist complained, “I was bitten by a mosquito – no one said they could bite”. One man, not realizing he had been eating gravy, claimed the “soup was too thick and strong.” Finally, one woman held her hotel accountable for her pregnancy!
It is easy to find things to complain about. We are temperamental creatures, requiring certain conditions to allow us to remain comfortable. A few degrees separate a tolerable climate from an unbearable one. During the Exodus, the children of Israel were full of complaints even though God had provided for them. Paul tells us to “do everything without complaining or arguing” (Phil. 2:14) Instead, we are to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

Earned Love Average

2009-04-09T11:49:00.001-07:00

I’ve come to accept that Michigan lacks a spring season. As much as I enjoy the perfect climate typically provided by this time of year, I know that I will only see a handful of perfect spring days. Despite this saddening factoid, I wear a smile upon my face when I hear the crack of a bat and smell the finest hot dogs $10 can buy. Baseball season has begun. I have loved the game of baseball since my early days of self-awareness. I even played on a team during high school. However, I remain uncertain and ignorant in the area of baseball statistics. There is a ridiculous amount of data and calculations made in baseball. I will attempt to explain a couple of the more confusing statistics. A pitcher’s earned run average (ERA) is the total number of runs that did not come as a result of errors or passed balls multiplied by 9 and divided by the number of innings pitched. WHIP stands for walks (BB) plus hits divided by innings pitched. I won’t even get in to extrapolated runs.
While statistics are very usual in professional sports, as well as a variety of other areas, they don’t often help our relationships. Imagine if you were assigned a number based on the number of selfless acts you perform on an average day. What if your friends and family wrote down every time you sinned and loved you based strictly on how often you did? One dimension of love that I personally have a difficult time grasping is that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). We are to fight the urge to blacklist people. No matter what someone has done to you, we should never be unwilling to love our fellow man. By loving others, we know that “God lives in us, and His love is truly in our hearts” (1 John 4:12).

Are You Locked In?

2009-03-31T11:01:00.001-07:00

Not to ruin it for you, but last night’s episode of the show “House” featured a patient suffering from “locked-in syndrome”. The character, portrayed by hip-hop star Mos Def, was almost completely paralyzed. He could only communicate through blinking his eyes. The paralysis was supposedly a side effect of Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease carried most commonly through animal urine. With that disgusting side note behind us, I will further discuss locked-in syndrome. Caused by a brain stem lesion, locked-in syndrome has been described as “the closest thing to being buried alive”. Imagine being completely awake and aware, yet unable to use any of your voluntary muscles. Your cognitive functioning is in full working order, yet you remain trapped within your own body. It’s pretty scary stuff.
In 1999, 16-year-old Erik Ramsey suffered a stroke after a car accident that led to locked-in syndrome. He is now working with doctors to develop a communication system that uses a computer to translate electronic brain signals in to words and sounds. Currently, Erik can only communicate by moving his eyes up or down. While Erik most likely yearns for the ability to speak, so many of us remain silent. We lie still, as if we are slaves to our bodies. Each of us has the ability to incite change and bring hope in to this world. I constantly go back to Romans 12 in which Paul talks about us all being part of the body of Christ. The gospel should not be locked in the body of Christ. We should be using every resource, ability, and gift that we have in order to be Jesus in this world.

Spider-man is From Thailand?

2009-03-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

I had a few stories and illustrations to choose from this week. Because I decided to end last week’s entry with a quote from the amazing Spider-man, I am starting where I left off with a real life story featuring Spider-man. Yes, you read that correctly. A REAL LIFE SPIDER-MAN saved a boy in Bangkok, Thailand. The boy, afflicted with autism, climbed out of a classroom window and on to a third-floor window ledge. It was the boy’s first day at a special needs school. His new teachers tried their best to convince the boy to come back inside, but he continued to cry and ignored them. A comment by the boy’s mother regarding his love for comic book super heroes inspired fireman Somchai Yoosabai to run back to the fire station in order to change in to a Spider-man costume. The costume, typically used to entertain children during fire drills, comforted the boy. When the boy saw Spider-man holding a glass of juice for him, he quickly threw himself in to the firefighter’s arms. If this doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, I worry about you.
I could see myself in the same situation as a boy. I don’t know that I would have climbed out on to a window ledge, but I did have some scary first days at new schools and I still love Spider-man to this day. Throw in juice and you’d have my unconditional support. Today, when I am feeling scared and alone, I try to throw myself in to the arms of Jesus. Despite what many people in the world say, Jesus is real. John 1:1 states that he was God in the flesh. Luke 24:34 informs us that he is the risen Lord. Jesus is our savior (Acts 5:30-32) and he came to die for sinners (Rom. 5:8). We today need to look at Jesus with more love and adoration than a young boy who sees Spider-man holding a glass of juice. There are a lot of people out there claiming to have the answers and purporting to show the way to the “good life”. Jesus is the only way. He is our super hero.

Above Average

2009-03-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

This morning I read an article about a 6-year-old named Pranav Veera that has an IQ of 176. According to the USA Today article, Pranav can recite the names of the U. S. Presidents in the order that they served in office. He can also say the alphabet backwards and if given a date back to 2000, Pranav can tell you the day of the week on which the date fell. One person in 1 million has an IQ of 176 or above. It is said that Albert Einstein’s IQ was 160 while the average IQ is 100. Pranav, just a few months past age 4, could recall the colors of various sets of alphabets. His photographic memory makes it difficult for his family to keep his attention and spur Pranav on towards more learning. Despite his above average intelligence, Pranav plays like an average 6-year-old. He climbs on the monkey bars and enjoys playing the Nintendo Wii. Pranav’s parents hope to keep him “as normal as possible” by considering his social needs.
Quite a few individuals have told me that the story of Jesus seems like a fairy tale or comic book story. God comes to Earth in the form of a human and walks among us. He walks, eats, sleeps, and participates in all the mundane activities of every day human life. Hebrews 4:15 states that we have someone “who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin”. It was completely necessary that Jesus took the form of a man. He taught us at our level, leading a perfect example and showing us that it is possible to live free of sin. As difficult as it might be for Pranav to fit in among his peers, imagine how difficult it must have been for the creator of the universe to become a lowly Homo Sapien. No matter where you fall on the IQ scale, you have to appreciate this act. You also should be aware that Jesus could have done anything he wanted with his power but he used it to help people. We might not have IQs of 176, but we have great power. And, as the immortal Spider-man says, “With great power comes great responsibility”.

How to Really Beat the Dealer

2009-03-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have found myself fascinated with the concept of card counting. Apparently, American mathematician Dr. Edward O. Thorp is considered to be the father of card counting. He wrote a book entitled “Beat the Dealer” that outlined various strategies for one to use in the game of blackjack. Various individuals have been incredibly successful in the game of blackjack before the publication of this book. Al Francesco invented blackjack team play and taught Tommy Hyland and the infamous Ken Huston how to count cards. Huston became the subject of a 60 Minutes feature. Teams run by these men, along with various groups from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are said to have earned millions of dollars through blackjack play. The MIT students are the subject of two films: “The Last Casino” and the more recent film “21”. These films, along with many others highlighting the world of gambling have sparked my interest.
Though interested, I’ve never been one to gamble, as I am well aware of its possible consequences. One risks losing his or her hard earned money and can lose much more in what can become a powerful addiction. I am not writing this particular article to expose the dangers and evils of gambling, though they exist. I am writing to make known the hazard of gambling with aspects of one’s life that are beyond money. We are often guilty of giving our effort, attention, love, etc. to anything but God. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus tells us to “seek first” the kingdom of God and his righteousness. He tells us to stop worrying about the things that the “pagans seek”. Everything in this world fades and is far from flawless. We need to invest more of ourselves in the sure bet that is our Lord and master. We can discover systems, but in the end everything is meaningless without God.

Oh Mandy, You Came to the Mall. Now We’re Aching.

2009-03-03T10:26:00.001-08:00

This is probably one of the oddest illustrations I’ve ever used. Something struck me about an article I read this morning that reflects an issue I find to be too prevalent in our world. Maybe I am really reaching here, but you can be the judge of that. An article from the MSNBC web site states that the New Zealand city of Christchurch is having problems with unruly teenagers in their outdoor malls. The teens “spread rubbish, spray graffiti, get intoxicated, use drugs, swear and intimidate patrons”. It’s shocking, right? What makes this world news is the method being used to hopefully get rid of or at least pacify the teens. The malls are planning to use the “smooth, gentle tones” of Barry Manilow’s music as a weapon against the teenagers. You read that right. Barry Manilow is expected to alter the behavior of teenagers. If it works, I will have to stand and applaud the progressive city of Christchurch. If not, they might have to enact my plan to forbid the sale of caffeine to minors. My Plan C involves elderly citizens giving them hugs.
I know the theories and explanations for it, but I will never fully understand why some people’s favorite pastime is to bother and frustrate others. I know I was a weird kid (and still am), but I didn’t spend my time pushing boundaries and people’s patience. Though I constantly argued with my father about going to church services and Bible studies, I truly believe that well-spent time helped shape me in to the person I am today. 2 Tim. 3:16 states, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” While there are many useful techniques that can reform one’s behavior, there is no instructional manual or Manilow album that can be compared to the Bible. Spend your time and your family’s time in scripture. You won’t regret it.

Winterfest 2009

2009-02-27T13:31:00.001-08:00

We had an excellent time in Gatliburg on our annual trip to Winterfest. For those reading this who are unaware of what Winterfest is, it’s the largest gathering of teens from the Churches of Christ in the nation. Nearly 13,000 people were there this past weekend to share in worship, education, and entertainment. There are great speakers, worship leaders, actors, and other performers who together make up the Winterfest program. The teens that come on the trip grow closer to each other and always seem to return with more dedication to knowing and serving God. I’ve always been impressed with the work that goes on through The Winterfest Group. We learned about several mission trips supported by Winterfest as well as various Christian colleges and Christian organizations. The youth group and myself are very thankful for the support provided by the Roseville Church. Without your generous donations and encouragement, going to events like this would be impossible.
This year’s theme for Winterfest was “Love God. Love Others.” The theme scripture for the weekend was Matthew 22:34-40. In this passage, Jesus states the two greatest commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This weekend, it was stated that our responsibilities as Christians boils down to these two commands. If we love God and love others, worship and service will be natural outcomes. Loving God means being fully dedicated to Him. It means that people recognize God living in us. Loving God should naturally lead to loving other people. When we realize what God has done for us (particularly through the sacrifice of Jesus), we should be excited about sharing God’s love with other people. This means putting aside our differences and our comfort as we do everything in our power to serve the people living in our world.

Consequences

2009-02-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

This morning, I read a story about a woman who embezzled funds from an Ann Arbor hockey league. The Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association (AAAHA) had been putting money in to a special fund for decades. The money was to be spent on the construction of “an independent ice rink for children in the local hockey league”. (mlive.com) This plan was terminated due to the fact that Kimberly Knight, an employee of the AAAHA, spent close to $1 million of the AAAHA’s funds on gifts and a vacation for her family. She apparently purchased some construction equipment for her family’s struggling business, expensive jewelry, extravagant clothing, a 2005 Cadillac Escalade and various other items. Knight had been embezzling the money from 2005 through 2007. It wasn’t until August of 2007 that a forensic audit showed the missing funds and Knight was fired.
This case was discussed on the radio today. The on-air personalities found it odd that this woman’s conscience wouldn’t stop her from committing this crime. A lot of emphasis was put on consequences and how people so often avoid considering them. It was hypothesized that this type of activity is an addiction, leading one to become obsessive and gain a “high” from illegal activities. I always find it fascinating when morality is discussed outside of a Christian perspective. Motivation should come from one’s desire to follow God’s commands and represent him. I remember times in my life when I committed certain acts because I knew there was a slim chance that I would be caught. I also remember doing certain things because I feared the wrath of my parents and other authority figures. God doesn’t need forensic evidence to know we are guilty. He also doesn’t need statistical research to know the consequences of sin. He gives us logical instructions in the Bible that if followed, will help us be freed from sin. God knows our potential, both good and evil. He wants us to live for and fear Him first.

Personal Ads

2009-02-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

I can’t tell you privileged I feel to no longer be a part of the “dating scene”. Looking for a mate was an excruciating and ultimately worthless pursuit. This might not be the case for everyone, but in trying to find the love of my life I only found problems. As I’ve mentioned before, I completely believe that God brought someone to me only after I completely gave control over to him. Before I gave up jurisdiction over my love life, I attempted to meet women in several places including: high school, chorus, summer camp, church, college, and even the Internet. One thing I never tried was personal ads.
This afternoon, I came across a personal ad featuring a chubby engineering student that seeks an Asian woman of a very specific height, weight, and build. I began searching around and found several other examples of humorous personal ads. The first is: “SWM, old, fat, balding, many disgusting habits seeks SWF with money. Send pictures of your house, car, RV. This could be your lucky day.” You have to appreciate his honesty. Another reads, “SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seek likeminded SWF. No weirdos, please.” Even the stars of major motion pictures have trouble finding love! Finally, showing that one’s priorities change with age: “When I was thirty my dates had to be young, slim, tall, handsome, rich, intelligent. Now I'm 64, they only have to know how to read and use the telephone!”
James 4:8 states that if you draw near to God, “He will draw near to you”. God has put out a personal ad for us. He seeks a loving, intimate relationship with his creation. If we answer this ad and devote ourselves fully to God, it is easy to see how strong God’s presence can be in our lives. We have someone to confide in that provides everything we will ever need. Do you “consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ?” (Phil. 3:7-8)

The Wide World of Sin

2009-02-03T11:10:00.001-08:00

From time to time, in the news headlines, we read stories about adored athletes who make bad decisions that forever tarnish their reputations. It wasn’t all that long ago that Michael Vick, a former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was found to be the proprietor of a massive dog fighting complex. He was suspended by the NFL, lost his promotional agreements, and was sent to prison. The last I read, Vick is supposedly heading to a halfway house program. Sean Avery, a former left-winger for the Dallas Stars, lost his spot on the team for publicly insulting another NHL player regarding this player’s relationship with Avery’s former girlfriend. Plaxico Burress’s future in the NFL is in question because he was found to possess a handgun illegally after accidentally shooting himself in the leg. Most recently Michael Phelps, the winner of 16 Olympic medals, was photographed using marijuana. There is talk that he will lose sponsors.
There is much that we can learn from these athletes. First, we discover that there are consequences for even the wealthiest and most well known people in the world. Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us “a man reaps what he sows”. Second, we learn that we can’t hide from these consequences. In Psalm 139, the writer speaks of God’s omnipresence. The worst thing about the situation involving Michael Phelps is that those representing him attempted to cover up the mistake and bribe the newspaper that original published the photo. Finally, and possibly most importantly, we must remember, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). These men have made mistakes that our Lord is willing to forgive them for. We should also be willing to forgive the sins of others.

Tale as Old as Time

2009-01-27T13:17:00.001-08:00

I know I’ve probably mentioned my dating life in too many sermons, lessons, articles, and every day conversations. Before marriage, the pursuit of the “fairer sex” took precedence in my life from a very young age. I like to blame Disney movies for planting this desire deep within my soul. I know that Disney movies get blamed for a lot of things (like the supposed subliminal messages planted in various scenes), but almost every Disney movie pushes the idea that a man is not complete until he has found that special woman to compliment him. Snow White had her prince. Aladdin had his princess. Even the lady found her tramp. Who was not touched during the scene in which one pooch in love pushed a meatball across the table to its companion? That’s amore! Can you feel the love tonight? It’s obvious that Disney’s target audience is not single men and women.
Before reaching manhood (however you define that), I had crushes on teachers and gave valentines to girls in my class. This developed in to “Do you like me? Check yes or no” notes and the typical fare of awkward interactions and gestures. Once, I literally threw a poem at a girl and walked off of the bus as quickly as possible. I worked so hard to get attention from girls. I don’t think that I’ve ever pursued God with nearly as much vigor and intensity. In Philippians 3:8, Paul states that he considers “everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus”. When I was finally able to put aside girls and seek more intimacy with God, God provided me a woman more wonderful than I could have comprehended. Whether single or as part of a couple, God provides the things that we need when we genuinely try to know Him. In contrast to having a relationship with our Lord and master, other relationships are meaningless.

The Fear of Failure

2009-01-20T12:39:00.001-08:00

I know that I myself, and many other people living in the world today, have a fear of failure. There are numerous opportunities to fail in the various pursuits one engages in. We can fail in relationships, education, and careers. We can even fail to accomplish remedial tasks like cooking an egg or tying our shoes. Now that I have you excited to go out and face the day, let’s step back and consider how we define failure. Is our definition of failure determined by the world? Do we live to impress our fellow men and climb above them on the ladder of success or do we live to fulfill the will of God, striving to please our creator? One might find himself like Jesus, completely unpopular in the eyes of humanity only to be lauded and praised by God.
God views failure quite differently than the average person does. Romans 8:1 states that there is “no condemnation in Christ”. God forgives mistakes much faster than the world. God’s first action is not to criticize and punish one who fails. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him in Luke 22:31-32. However, he knew that Peter would turn back. We can all turn back from failure as God constantly gives us the opportunity to do so. Romans 8:28 lets us know that everything works out for those that love God. God allows us to profit from our failures. We learn and grow stronger from failure.
We will all fail at one point or another in our lives. Everyone makes bad choices and mistakes. However, we must never fall away from God. Our lives must be constantly centered on him. The failure that we must fear is displeasing God. When we take control of our lives away from God, we displease him. When we live without fear of consequences, always trying to satisfy the world, we deny God and fail him.

Give Careful Thought to Your Ways

2009-01-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

When it comes to surveys, I am a glutton. I can’t take enough of them. I don’t know if they are a stroke to my ego, making me feel like my opinions actually matter. I don’t know if it’s the feeling of satisfaction I receive in helping to shape psychology, entertainment, restaurant service, or whatever realm a particular survey might be rooted in. I believe this love affair started in college. Taking a couple classes in statistics introduced me to the importance of assessment. How can anything be tailored to a population without data gathered from that population? How can problems be solved without properly evaluating the problems themselves?
In one of my classes, entitled ‘Research Methods’, the class was prompted to not only learn about methods of research, but we had to construct our own studies. Each individual was important to my study of the effects of cinema on one’s mood. In order to receive accurate and unbiased results, I had to find as many people as possible to participate in my study. It was a very interesting and potentially useful. A couple people even cried.
Various passages of scripture remind us to “give careful thought to” the way we live our lives. (Haggai 1:5,7) It’s important to sit back and ask one’s self, “Am I really living the way that I should?” Even if you feel confident with your choices, it is necessary to constantly be asking yourself tough questions like this. There is always room for improvement, even in the lives of the most diligent Christians. Lamentations 3:40 suggests that we “test” our ways and “return to the Lord”. It is never too early or too late to take at honest look at one’s life and make the necessary changes or enhancements.

The Digital Age

2009-01-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

In recent years, I’ve become fascinated by the processes by which various physical objects are created. Just looking around any given space, one can find hundreds and thousands of man-made products with a variety of purposes. Have you ever considered the process by which natural materials are converted to plastic? Our world does not require us to have this knowledge. Different people have different skills that fulfill the needs of others. Since man first had to depend on his own skills to provide for himself, we have been learning more and more about how to manipulate our world. We created tools, using physics and chemistry to create objects. The industrial revolution gave us manufacturing processes, allowing former craftsmen to pursue other interests.
Eventually, computers were invented and have since become a valuable part of our every day lives. Minds formerly taught to deal with a physical plane of existence are now learning to operate within a world of software. Computers are very complex and just a few years ago, were incredibly difficult for the average person to operate. Our children are growing up in a world where computer software is more simple and elegant.
It is important that no matter how far we advance in to the digital realm, we continue to remember where we came from. If you are reading this, you are most likely alive. This means you’ve at least had your basic needs met up to this point. And, if you really stop and consider where you stand today, you will see that you are blessed far more than many people living in this world. I constantly have to go back to Matt. 6:25-34 to be reminded that God continues to provide for me. Even with all of our understanding and labor, it is God who ultimately provides for us. We don’t need to continue to worry about tomorrow.

Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?

2008-12-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

Researches have discovered that people who break more rules are generally found to be more likable, even after brief meetings. They have also discovered that these people contain a certain gene that can be linked to rebelliousness. It is pretty obvious that children labeled as “teachers’ pets” are the most targeted by bullies. I can support this from a series of personal experiences. I will allow you, the reader, to determine which side of these infractions I found myself on most often.
Alexandra Burt, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University stated, “Your genes are to some extent driving your social experiences” (telegraph.co.uk). The behaviors of those who carry the “rebel” gene include heavy drinking, lying, dangerous driving, or drug usage. Between 40 and 60 per cent of the population carry this gene. Studies have included male college students. It will be interesting to see if girls are really interested in “bad boys”, as I have often heard. Do nice guys really finish last?
There are several ways I could go with this concept as it pertains to the lives of Christians. If half of us carry a “rebel” gene, shouldn’t we be more aware of our behaviors and potential to do wrong? In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states that “No one can serve two masters”. There isn’t a fine line that we are allowed to walk. It is sad to consider that one might prefer the company of a “rebel”. Proverbs 24:17 states that we must not rejoice when our enemy falls. Is there anyone who prefers judgment to love? Jesus tells us not to judge (Matthew 7:1). We need to be the loving arms of God, not boastful Pharisees who push others away. Remember: “The last will be first” in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 20:16). You may not be liked, but what really matters to God?

Go Wings!

2008-12-16T14:14:00.001-08:00

I found myself doing something yesterday that I promised myself I would never do again. I prayed for something completely out of my own selfish desire. I’m sure most of my requests are rather self-centered, but not since the days I prayed that Santa would bring me the die cast Voltron (still selling for over $100 on Ebay over 20 years later!) have my requests been so egocentric. I actually asked God to help the Red Wings win yesterday. Overcome by the intense anxiety brought on by seeing my favorite team losing to what I feel is a rather mediocre hockey team, I was motivated to seek God’s intervention. I use this example not to make this article my own personal confessional, but to lead you to consider the meaning of prayer. The Red Wings lost the game, but I did not loose faith. Maybe a little girl of pure faith from Colorado prayed a little harder than me. Maybe God wanted me to recognize that the purpose of prayer is greater than sports.
Looking at scripture, there are several purposes we find for prayer. John 14:13 states that when our requests are made through Jesus, glory is brought to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to pray continually to do God’s will. In Act 4:23-31 we find a powerful prayer that resulted in several individuals being filled with the Holy Spirit. They use prayer to praise God and ask him to give them the boldness to be God’s witnesses. In Matthew 9:38, Jesus tells his disciples to ask God to “send out workers into his harvest field.” We are supposed to make our requests known to God. Our continual prayers need to fit our personal needs. We have to also remember to give God the glory and pray that God will give us the desire the serve others and bring people to know him. This is our mission and purpose. It is something that we should never take for granted.

Updown Court

2008-12-09T12:31:00.001-08:00

Christmas is the most fascinating time of the year to me. People seem to lean in a couple different directions during this season. The more positive direction is found towards a spirit of giving and love. I feel as though I get a few more smiles than usual from the people working in the places that I shop. This could be because of threats issued by employers, but I’d like to think otherwise. The other direction that individuals appear to lean towards is that of rampant consumerism. We spend ridiculous amounts of our hard earned cash on toys, clothing, body lotions, plastic junipers, and lights that adorn our house from the day after thanksgiving until we get the motivation to remove them.
An article in Esquire (I read a lot of different things on the internet!) listed a few extravagant items one might purchase this holiday season if he or she possessed a billion dollars. The first, Updown Court, is a home in the English countryside with 103 rooms, several pools, a greenhouse, tennis court, stable, etc. It has been for sale for a number of years and even with a drop in real estate prices costs $139 million. One can automate every part of the house from the television volume to the temperature in every room for the low price of $16.5 million. What home would be complete without the world’s largest television, the 103 inches by 102.5 inches Panasonic plasma that will run you $69,995?
James 5 has some pretty strong words against rich oppressors. Now… the Bible doesn’t state that being in a certain tax bracket is an automatic ticket to Hades. However, James 5 warns that physical riches will corrode, rot, and be eaten by moths. The language gets even harsher as the passage continues. I know that for me, it’s easy to become attached to possessions. While we may never be rid of the materialism of the holiday season, we can at least add to the giving, loving, and sharing of the gospel.

Laser Wars!

2008-12-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

I have always been a big fan of military technology. Don’t get me wrong here. I don’t support unnecessary wars or needless killing. I simply appreciate that some of the world’s greatest engineers, scientists, physicists, etc. are behind the war machines of the Earth’s nations. Boeing and the US Air Force continue to advance in their creation of an airborne high-energy laser weapon. This laser weapon (a modified 747-400F if that means anything to you) is intended to shoot down missiles flying towards their designated targets. Recently, the system was test fired at the Edwards Air Force Base in California. Performing the test as if shooting at a real target, the laser was fired from the back-mounted generator through a beam control system. The laser exited through a nose-mounted turret and hit a simulated ballistic missile target. The next test will be against a real airborne ballistic missile aimed a children’s playground. I am kidding about the playground part, but it would make for an amazing episode of the show ‘24’.
I know for sure that God has been involved in a few wars. Some of the greatest wars of all time, featured in the Bible, involve thrilling victories against amazing odds. Joel warns of an approaching army. He speaks of great destruction that God will bring to Judah. God tells the nations to “Prepare for war!” (Joel 3:9) They are to beat their “plowshares into swords” and their “pruning hooks into spears”. God wanted his people to know that he “means business”. It is so easy to shove our relationship with God to the back of our list of priorities. Right now, we are officially in a recession. People are losing their jobs as well as their hope. There are a seemingly endless number of influences telling us how to live. Intercept Satan’s missiles before God has to reset your perspective. God shouldn’t have to bring war and destruction to inform us of his existence.

Umbrella Sky

2008-11-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

You most likely have never heard of her (I know I didn’t before a few weeks ago), but Marta Dahlig is an amazing artist. Dahlig works with the digital medium of Adobe Photoshop (fancy, high cost art software) and creates strikingly beautiful images. Her work entitled “Umbrella Sky” features a young woman wearing a bold red dress and holding an umbrella. She sits on a rock with the sea as a backdrop, surrounded by floating goldfish. Don’t let the floating gold fish distract you. Trust me when I say the fantastical image is powerful. “Umbrella Sky” was chosen to be placed on the over of “Exotique 3”, a book showcasing some of the most gorgeous digital characters ever created. Not completely satisfied with her work despite this accomplishment, Dahlig recreated the original image. The new version has greater contrast, more character, and new features like a glowing fish traveling though the more detailed water. Where one person might be satisfied with his or her first attempt, Dahlig saw more potential. She could have sat back and absorbed her achievement. Instead, she strove to improve her work and detailed the process so that other artists might see the potential in their own efforts.
I really wish that I had the eyes of God. God is always able to see things as what they could be, and not simply as they are. I heard one individual say that the purpose of church is to show people what they can become through the grace of God. When Jesus first met Simon Peter, he knew that Simon had been impetuous, easily influenced, and cowardly. But, in John 1:42, Jesus says that he “will be called Cephas”. Jesus saw Simon as what he would eventually become, the rock. God saw a shepherd boy David as a king. Looking back in John 1, at verse 1:12, we learn that we have “the right to become children of God”. 2 Peter 1:4 says that we can “participate in the divine nature”. There are many other scriptures that speak of our potential. We are beautiful works of art, created in the image of God. Instead of being merely satisfied with our current state or being too critical of ourselves, we should strive to do great things. No matter how far we’ve come in life, we can always go further. The potential to do so lies in every one of us.

You Thought Boys Have Cooties?

2008-11-04T11:45:00.001-08:00

I have to preface this week’s article by stating that my wife is probably the cleanest person I know. Not only does she practice perfect personal hygiene, but she tends to act as a reverse hurricane by leaving a wake of organization and bacteria free surfaces wherever she goes. This is, I digress, a significant contrast to my own filthy habits. I am improving daily (I even received a vacuum from Sara’s parents as a birthday present!), but I don’t think I will ever surpass my wife’s levels of tidiness. We are the competitive equivalent of a 3-year-old wearing water wings and a tube with a ducky head against Michael Phelps. It’s just not going to happen.
That said, I read a very interesting article today that states “Women carry more bacteria than men”. I put the quotes there so you don’t suspect me of paraphrasing. Though I am not skilled in the use of clothing irons and folding clothes might as well be complex origami to me, I carry less of a variety of bacteria than my female associates. Bacteria differ greatly from person to person, but women simply have more than men. Researchers aren’t entirely clear as to why this is the case, though some argue that men have more acidic skin than women. It might also be because of moisturizer and cosmetic product usage, differences in sweat and oil glands, skin thickness, or hormone production. Of 4,742 species of bacteria identified, only 5 were found on every one of the hands in the referenced experiment.
We have to recognize just how different that we are as individuals. No two of us is exactly alike. However, the Bible constantly stresses that we all need to get along. Ephesians 4:1-6 is just one of several passages in the Bible stressing unity. We have to show humility, patience, gentleness, and love in our interactions with others. There are people that we come across who seem to be more trapped in sin and more involved in evil deeds than we are and we judge them. However, we all of sinned and we all have a responsibility to be united in peace. We all have our own bacteria. Let’s wash them off.

Curious Customs

2008-10-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

We have the some pretty odd traditions during the holidays. On Easter, the holiday that I thought was intended for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, has turned in to a radically different character. A large, sentient bunny gives baskets of treats to little children. However, there is a catch. The baskets are full of plastic grass that you find in your vacuum for months to come and the treats are incased in plastic shells and foil. After receiving the baskets, the children have to search for colored eggs that were hidden by the bunny. To top it off, the children are dressed like tiny executives and characters from Little Women and they have to wear these costumes to church. Christmas also tends to leave me dumbfounded. To elevate the memory of the birth of the Christ within our minds, we cut down evergreens and put them in our living rooms. We cover these trees with easily broken glass spheres, statuettes of totally unrelated subjects like gingerbread men and deer, and potentially delicious cookies we turned in to plastic in third grade. Then, we hang large socks from the fireplace mantel and fill them with candy? Really? Last night, we removed the innards of large squashes and carved shapes in to them. Then, we put tiny candles in the squashes and took photographs of them. Do we seem completely insane to the parts of the world that don’t follow these traditions?
Christians have to be different from those who don’t follow Christ and don’t recognize sin as harmful. We really do need to be separate, as stated in 2 Cortinthians 6:17. This doesn’t mean we belong to an exclusive cult where we do whatever we can to exclude outsiders. It means that we have to make major improvements in our lives when we decide to call ourselves Christians. Attending church services is one of our greatest rights but it only serves to bring us together, sharpen us, and give us the opportunity to worship together. Do people know you are a Christian when you exit the building? Are you participating in the same conversations, actions, and thought processes of everyone else or do you reflect the person of Jesus? 1 Thessalonians 5:6 states that we can’t be asleep any longer. We have to be alert. The commands of God and the teachings of Christ aren’t always going to make us the most popular people, but they will make our lives great.

Yes, Another Roller Coaster Illustration

2008-10-14T12:35:00.001-07:00

Roller coasters are some of the greatest feats of physics and engineering that man has ever known. They reach incredibly high heights, ludicrous speeds, and perform dazzling maneuvers all while keeping one strapped in with a common seat belt and lap bar that hopefully clicks in to place. A few rides attempt gimmicks such as keeping one standing up, seated with one’s legs flying freely or keeping one’s entire body parallel to the coaster to simulate flying like a super hero. The experience can be exciting, exhilarating, and occasionally a little painful. As well as it worked for Noah, there are some things that should never be made out of wood. While there is enjoyment to be had on a wooden roller coaster, a quick survey tells me that an encounter with a wooden roller coaster is very similar to coming across a group of school bullies or mob enforcers which one is in conflict with. If a major manufacturer started producing wooden cars, you wouldn’t see a lot of people rushing out to purchase one. That’s all I’m saying. As terrified as I was of “thrill rides” up until high school, I enjoy them very much in the present. It not very often that one is taken to heights above 100 feet and rushed forward through loops at speeds above 80 miles per hour. I will take the feeling of weightlessness any time I can get it, even if it does mean waiting an hour or two. I highly recommend that you do the same.
As often as this illustration has been used, I still believe that life can be like a roller coaster. It begins with patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us to persevere and be patient. The ride is full of thrills and excitement. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so that our lives can be abundant. We are meant to experience the beauty and joy that God has provided for us. If we really sit and think about it, there is so much for us to enjoy. There is also a fair share or pain in life. In addition to the aforementioned waiting that is required, we all face low points in our lives. We loose loved ones, loose jobs, and see what we think to be opportunity passing us by. In my life of 28 years, 364 days (hint!, hint!), I have been deeply depressed and hopeless at various points in my life. However, I know that I and everyone else must do what we are told to do in Isaiah 40:31. We have to wait on the Lord. Then, we can fly like eagles! We won’t be weary! We will have all the strength that we need! These notions are exciting to me. Just remember that to experience the thrills of life, one has to wait on God and in the meantime, follow his commands.

Smear Campaign

2008-09-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Smear campaigns involve various reputation-damaging activities. They are typically targeted at public officials, politicians, and political candidates. Lately, there has been a cavalcade of advertisements featuring smears hurled from one political candidate at another. It reminds me the playground in elementary school, with kids facing off each other in a brutal contest of insults. The winner was whoever issued the best comment tarnishing the image of his opponent’s mother. Some of the political smear campaigns would have you believe that super villains, witches, demons, or the like are running for public office. They are portrayed to sit on a throne of skulls located in a fortress surrounded by lava, deep beneath the Earth’s crust. They send out their twisted minions to carry out their malevolent plans to lie to waste all that is good and holy. When the smear ads start, I tune them out. The one ad that actually caught my attention involved a political candidate talking about a few issues that I am genuinely concerned about and laying out a few of his plans to deal with these issues. I don’t want to know who’s the worst man for the job; I want to know who’s going to do the job better.
In middle school, I ran for class representative against one of the most popular girls in school. I put together posters, buttons, and various other promotional items. I worked for hours on my campaign speech and the concepts I was to offer for my class. I was defeated by an underground smear campaign and a speech that was something to the effect of “Uhhh… we might get a vending machine... with candy…” Maybe I just didn’t know the priorities of 7th grade students. I learned through this experience that though we face opponents who mean to wound our standing in society, we must hold on to our integrity. Lately, I have seen a lot of negative press aimed at Christianity. The outlandish actions of a few individuals claiming to be Christians often represent Christianity as a whole. I’ve also seen a rise in articles, books, television shows, etc. that insult Christianity in the light of how ridiculous it seems when compared to the “cold, hard facts” of evolutionary theory. The things I read that people say about Christians both angers and saddens me. Isaiah 58:8 tells us that despite all of this, we must continue to prevent injustice and fulfill the needs of others. If we are able to do these things, our light will rise out of the darkness.

Fantasy Sports

2008-09-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

I am genuinely surprised at my level of interest in fantasy sports this year. As much as I enjoy playing them, I’ve never been consistent in the researching and viewing of sports. As much as I have desired to become the stereotypical male, glued to my Lazy Boy recliner every Sunday as I watch football, I tend to be a fair-weather fan. Is it because my home team, the Detroit Lions, is reliably awful and rarely wins? Not to be completely negative, but even with seemingly the right players in place, the Lions tend to be an expected “easy win” for their opponents. Regardless, there is something in me that has faith in the Lions. Anything’s possible, I suppose.
Hockey has been a different story. The Detroit Red Wings, the defending Stanley Cup champions, are typically one of the better teams in professional hockey. Detroit is referred to “Hockeytown”. An enormous crowd of citizens gathered in Detroit last summer to hold a parade in honor of the Red Wings. As a youth, I had dreams of playing Olympic and eventually professional ice hockey. I would wake up every morning at 4 or 5 o‘clock in order to practice. Even when not practicing with a team, I would run drills with myself until it was time to prepare for the school day. When school would let out, I would get back to practicing or play a pick up game with friends. However, I never really had what it takes to be a professional. Like so many other of my interests, I gave up when I didn’t see results.
There are a few parallels that I can draw between my sporting life and my spiritual life. It’s difficult to remain steady in our relationship with God. When relationships, careers, and health fail, it is tempting to blame God. We tend to loose interest in Christianity when we don’t feel that it provides any advantage to our dismal lives. Phil. 2:12 states that we need to continue to work out our salvation. We can’t be spectators in the church. In Acts 2, just like today, people were being “added” to the church. We are part of the team. We are a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9). As such, it is our responsibility to do God’s work. 2 Thess. 3:10-12 states that, “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat”. We often won’t see immediate results in working for God. Prayers are not always answered in our time. Growth takes time. But, if we are ever to see positive growth in our lives and in the lives of others, we must continue to work.

Meet Mr. Earth

2008-09-16T11:32:00.001-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about creation, science, and how the juxtaposition of these two concepts just doesn’t click for a lot of people in our world. The Genesis account, which we who are believers hold to be fact, is thought by many to be merely some fictional tale passed down through generations. The universe and all of it’s many inhabitants are considered to be completely random products resulted from the right combination of RNA and proteins. All of these differences in belief aside, the Earth is an extraordinary and as far as we know completely unique planet. I wanted to share a few facts about the Earth that you might not already know. First, did you know that if the Earth were shrunk to the size of a pool ball, it would actually be smoother than a pool ball? However, the Earth might not be round enough considering that centrifugal force actually causes the Earth to bulge so it isn’t a perfect sphere. Use that one to impress friends at parties! Ever thought about what would happen if you could dig a hole through the center of the Earth? Well, first of all, you wouldn’t end up in China. With a properly coated hole and several other precautionary measures, you’d get to the center of Earth in about 20 minutes. You would then proceed to the other side of the world in another 20 minutes. You would continue to fall up and down indefinitely. I bet it would make a pretty amazing ride at an amusement park of the future. Finally, as few know, the Earth is actually getting larger all of the time. Not much relatively, the Earth gains about 40 tons a day. It sounds like time for Weight Watchers Mr. Earth.
God’s creation inspires my faith on a daily basis. It takes a lot to properly sustain life and only our Earth can do it. (as far as we know) Acts 17:25-28 tells us that God sustains life and that he does this so that we will reach out to him. The knowledge of our planet is not meant to pull us away from God. It is meant to bring us closer to him. We can find things to be thankful for and reasons to praise God all around. Habukkuk 2:14 tells us that “the Earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord”. I enjoy learning about the Earth because through it, I learn a lot about the creator. It might be why I use so many metaphors and illustrations. I can’t help but see God’s glory in everything he has created. I can’t help but make connections through what I see.

Olympic Judgments

2008-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

In an incredibly cliché move on my part, I am writing this week’s article about the Olympics. This year’s Olympics in Beijing have been rather exciting thus far. From Nastia Liukin’s gold medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around to the simply uncanny performance of Michael Phelps, there have been many spine-tingling moments of triumph. I have a feeling that there is an underground group of geneticists constructing super humans for the country offering the right price. China has to be purposely building super athletes or very lifelike robots. At their current rate, China will win as many gold medals this year as they have in all other Olympics combined. If they are robots, it might be a good idea to make the gymnasts look older than the age of 12. I kid. I just wanted to join the very vocal Olympic announcers in their pursuit of harsh criticisms. Some of them really seem to be reaching in their assessments. My jaw was agape when I heard an announcer rip apart the performance of most likely the world’s greatest tennis player, Roger Federer. And, I know a few of them are former athletes or coaches, but we are looking at the performances of the best athletes ever. Do they really have to pick them apart with such scrutiny? I suppose I really have no room to talk. When I get together with a few friends, we have a ridiculous amount of fun cringing or chanting as one when an athlete makes a highly visible mistake. How else am I supposed to cope with never making it to the Olympics and instead gaining a tremendous amount of girth?
We are very quick to make judgments regarding our fellow man. I remember when I was elementary school age and my parents would tell me the other kids would make fun of me “because they were jealous”. Then, through tears I would respond “They are jealous of being really fat and nerdy!?!” Wow, it’s really sad to type that out. But, sometimes we are jealous. Sometimes we just want to push every person below us on our rise to the top. Those who attend church regularly and study the Bible often have the tendency to forget how little separates us from the sinners we love to condemn. I know that I personally have felt as if I have obtained some special level of clairvoyance. Romans 3 tells us that we are all sinners. We are reminded that it is only through the grace of God that we exist and that we have the opportunity to be redeemed. We all make mistakes, no matter how well disciplined and trained we might be. But, we all have the opportunity to correct those mistakes. The church exists so that we can overcome our sin together. We are not here to knock off .2 for a mistake. We are here to offer grace.

One Technique to Get What You Need

2008-09-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

This week, I bring you information from another article I read. I hope you don’t think this method of illustration too lazy, but it’s a good alternative to several consecutive weeks of tales from the life of John Wriston. Perhaps motivated by my deep interest in psychology, my attention was caught by a piece on ‘The Today Show’ in which a body language expert spoke about various mind tricks. These mind tricks can supposedly be used to “get what you want” in life, work, and romance. The first “trick” involves putting up a picture of one’s dog in the workplace in order to make coworkers presume a high level of loyalty. Maybe it’s because you are dog’s best friend? The next technique requires one to wear an all-black outfit to work and retain a neutral expression to “appear more powerful”. Apparently, just holding a high-temperature liquid causes one to assume you are more likable. Well, I suppose you are definitely more likable holding a hot liquid than tossing it in someone’s face. Libraries and car dealerships report higher levels of customer satisfaction when their employees “imperceptibly touch their clients”. I don’t know about you, but I am going to be a lot more attentive and wary when checking out a copy of “War and Peace”. Did you know you could make friends just by imitating someone? Previously thought to be incredibly obnoxious, mirroring behaviors is good!
It’s amazing to discover all of the subtle ways in which an individual can manipulate his or her world. I am often interested to read the biographies of different successful individuals in order to discover how they’ve come so far in life. I want to know what makes them tick so that I can have the same types of success. God has so much more planned for us than what we often realize. But, instead of being told to learn tricks or techniques, we are told to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to avoid anxiety, thank God, and make requests to Him through prayer. James 5:16 tells us to pray in order to be healed. James 1:5 tells us to pray in order to receive wisdom. James 5:13 tells us to pray in times of suffering. While tricks might be helpful, the ultimate satisfaction comes from God. The next time you find yourself in need, find time to pray.

Just Too Good

2008-08-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been told that you are too good at something? Have you ever been denied an opportunity because your level of skill was too high for the position? It may seem like a far fetched concept, but people are occasionally overlooked because they exhibit talents beyond the simple fitting of qualifications. I remember an instance in which my mother was not hired for a particular job because she was “over qualified”. I don’t know if it’s quite the same concept, but I was once denied a job because I was “too persistent”. I simply called to find out if my application was received and when interviews were going to take place. Today, I was reading an article about a 9-year-old boy who can throw a 40 mph fastball. He is so good that his youth baseball league refused to let him pitch. When he took the mound despite this refusal, the other team left and forfeited the game. Not allowed to play, the boy is being punished for his gift.
Have you ever heard the expression “too good to be true”? Frequently, we doubt facts because the truth seems to fall too far beyond our expectations. I wonder how many people don’t find love because they believe that the individuals they are interested in are “too good” for them. Some people allow themselves to be abused because they think a better life is not within their reach. I myself have feared applying to certain colleges because they seemed to be too elite for me. I know of people who don’t attend church because they believe that their sins are unforgivable and that they could never achieve the level of greatness needed to be a Christian. While this may seem like the other side of the coin, people are being refused love, colleges are being refused students, and the kingdom of God is being refused servants because they are thought of as “too good”. While we are not worthy of God’s grace, nothing we can do on our own saves us. Ephesians 2:1-10 talks about how we are made alive in Christ. God’s gift of salvation is for everyone. No one is too good as everyone sins. And, God does not consider himself too good for us.

The Smog of Sin

2008-08-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

In an article I read today from Wired.com, I discovered it is possible that anti-smog efforts in Beijing are failing. In an effort to clean up the atmosphere in preparation for this year’s Olympic Games, the Chinese government has taken various measures. These efforts include: “traffic bans, factory shutdowns, cloud seeding, and construction slowdowns.” The BBC’s Beijing bureau has set up air pollution sensors to monitor the environment in Beijing. Levels actually rose following the institution of anti-smog measures and only lowered for a short time during a heavy rainfall. Photographs reflect the dangerous levels of pollution with the appearance of gray skies and air that appears thick enough to cut. The Chinese government claims that these photographs merely show clouds and haze and are not a proper measurement of pollution levels. In an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, several manipulations of pollution measurements were revealed. The Chinese government, while they may be bending the truth, is planning to institute a plan that will remove 90 percent of Beijing’s cars from the road.
If Beijing’s pollution troubles remain during the Olympic Games, there is going to be quite the number of people unhappy with not only the games, but with the Chinese government. The athletes, struggling to breathe, will find themselves risking not only their performance level, but their health. It is expected that few, if any, records will be broken. I read one article that suggests various cardiovascular problems might be triggered in not only the athletes, but for the spectators. When reading all of this, I couldn’t help but think of sin. Man mass-produces sin and sin causes man to struggle and choke. Ecclesiastes 7:20 tells us that there is not one man on Earth who does not sin. In Psalms 38:3, the author admits that he can not rest because of sin. In James 1:15, it is states that sin ultimately leads to death. We can make efforts to avoid this. Ephesians 1:7 states that we can be forgiven through Christ. Unlike Beijing, we shouldn’t wait until our situation is at its worst and we have to face judgment. We need to make a change now.

We Are Just Bus Drivers

2008-07-29T13:44:00.001-07:00

I just read an incredibly interesting news article. Apparently, 18-year-old James L. Harris was charged with three counts each of third-degree grand theft and burglary of an occupied conveyance. However, this was no average automobile theft. Harris took buses from several Miami-Dade Transit bus depots and drove the buses on their routes. Like a professional bus driver, he picked up and dropped off passengers along the way. Harris dressed like a Miami-Dade Transit employee and at the end of the day, returned the buses. Harris didn’t even steal any fare from his passengers! Police have set up an investigation to determine whether or not Harris had assistance from Miami-Dade Transit employees. Maybe he was doing a favor for a few bus drivers who needed the night off. Maybe he was trying to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a bus driver. Whatever the case may be, Harris was doing someone else’s job for them, whether or not he was asked.
Several years ago, the band Caedmon’s Call produced a song about a bus driver. It talks about a bus driver who picks up a woman headed to the bank, a retail salesman, and various others. He ponders the notion of what his town would be without him. He doesn’t see a lot of change, but he does know that his absence would effect at least the retail store and bank to which he delivers passengers. I’ve read several interpretations of the song, but I believe that it is about our personal significance as part of the body of Christ. Who doesn’t question their importance from time to time? I think we’ve all wondered where we stand in the universe. It’s easy to feel inconsequential and meaningless.
1 Corinthians 12 talks about our spiritual gifts. We have different talents and abilities. In the past week, I’ve seen a lot of these displayed by various people from the congregation. Without everyone’s help, we couldn’t have had a VBE or such a wonderful memorial service. We wouldn’t even have cabinets installed in the kitchen! It’s important to realize that we all have a job to do. And, unlike the Miami-Dade Transit Authority, we can’t leave someone else to do our job. We can each do a lot of good through God.

Working Nine to Nine

2008-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

When I think of the various jobs I held before my current position here in Roseville, I don’t remember much passion. During high school, I worked at the local Burger King. After a couple years, I was working a ridiculous number of hours. I don’t know how it was done legally, but I would occasionally start work at 6am and finish at 3am the next day. It was nice to have my own funds, but I certainly was not fervent about the job. This trend continued in college. I spent a lot of my time working at the local Starbucks, much like I did at Burger King, creating my own culinary masterpieces. If Starbucks sold a few of the drinks I concocted, there would be three of them on every block, instead of the usual two. Working at the expensive, trendy clothing store ‘J. Crew’ lacked the outlet for creativity that I found in previous jobs. I spent most of my time folding sweaters and avoiding eye contact with customers. The few times that I did make suggestions to shoppers were disastrous. I had a decent amount of style, but I guess my street credibility was somewhat lacking. In the evenings at college, I spent hours upon hours trying to convince the groundbreaking engineers and physicians of tomorrow that a small, liberal arts college was right for them. Again, my heart was just not in it.
While I watched a television special about the Batman last night, I began to consider why a city might need a costumed vigilante. Well, policemen are human beings and police work is a job. What if every policeman and detective lost the zeal to perform his or her job? What if they all decided to do the bare minimum that is required in order to obtain a paycheck? Chaos would rule and we’d need to light up a Bat signal or two. Christians need to be zealous about God’s work. We need to go the extra mile. Is coming to a couple church services and maybe working for an hour in a neighbor’s backyard enough? Christianity is not a 9 to 5 job. It is a lifestyle. We should be willing to be used by God in any capacity and at any time. Read Acts for some inspiration.

Alien Life Form

2008-07-15T14:23:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt in my mind that I am dating myself, but one of my favorite television shows as a child was ‘ALF’. ALF was a sitcom that ran four seasons from 1986 to 1990. The plot involved an alien, ‘ALF’, crash landing in to the garage of an average, middle-class family living in the suburbs. The Tanner family decides to hide ALF until he can repair his spaceship and return home. This, of course, led to various wacky and amusing scenarios. References to ALF’s appetite for cats alone accounted for at least 25% of the show’s comedy. The rest was typically provided by ALF’s snappy one liners or scenarios that involved hiding ALF’s existence from the Tanners’ nosy neighbors, the Ochmoneks. On one of my favorite episodes, Mrs. Ochmonek baby-sits for the Tanners. ALF, supposed to be confined to the Tanners’ bedroom, finds himself trapped outside while waiting for a pizza. ALF tries to get back in to the house and of course, hilarity ensues. Another sidesplitting episode featured the cast of Gilligan’s Island. Well, maybe you just have to see it. Mesmerized by both puppetry and situation comedy, ALF kept me glued to the television during its entire run (including the series’ subsequent syndication and spin-off animated series). Maybe I tuned in each week to learn an important moral lesson. Maybe I was emotionally involved in the struggle of an alien in a foreign world. Maybe I just love brainless television programming.
The theme of 1 Peter is that followers of Christ are “aliens and strangers in the world.” (2:11) No, we aren’t necessarily furry little dwarves who enjoy feasting on felines and racking one-liners. Being “aliens and strangers” means not longing for this world. Sure, there are a lot of attractive choices in this world. Among them are fame, fortune, and other pursuits of temporary happiness and security. We are a chosen people. While we may have to submit ourselves to the authorities of this world while we live in it, one day we will be free of our bodies and living in paradise. We absolutely should feel like ALF as strangers in this land. God wants us to feel uncomfortable when everyone else around lives sinful, impure lives. Unlike ALF, we need to be secure in our faith and let it be known. We are to come to the rescue of those who do not know the love of God.

The Children of Eden

2008-07-08T12:00:00.001-07:00

Have any of you ever had the hankering to start your own cult? Please refrain from tossing this bulletin in to the nearest trash receptacle. Just hear me out people. I'm not planning to have anyone drink poisoned kool-aid or ride around in little cars while adorned with fezzes. I am trying to create a practical cult. I was walking around the mall noticing the legion of clothing stores with $60 t-shirts and pants you'd have to trade your first-born child for. Suddenly a thought came to me. This came as a surprise to me being that my head is typically a grand canyon among minds, void of thought. I realized that clothes are merely the product of sin. They symbolize all that is wrong with humanity. When Adam and Eve took of the forbidden fruit, they were ashamed of their nakedness and fashioned the very first J. Crew ensemble from twigs and leaves. This design later sold at the retail price of 75 forbidden apples, the equivalent of a month's wage back then.
Michelangelo’s "David", a piece of art cherished throughout many generations, wasn’t wearing a cashmere cable crewneck sweater! He wore nothing! My cult would emphasize the idea of enjoying our bodies. Well, because of the damage caused by Kripsy Kreme and Mickey D’s and the shame that came as a result of sin, complete nudity might be taking things a step too far. Why not just assemble our clothing from the flora, fauna, and other raw materials provided to us in nature? We could even use that fluffy stuff that covers sheep! Who’s with me?
All that silliness aside, it is amazing that we spend so much of our lives focused on things that don’t really matter. We spend our time and effort fighting to gain the most material possessions. These possessions break, wear out, fall apart and eventually loose their usefulness. If it isn’t possessions we are worried out, it’s a long list of other items. Who will I marry? Where will I work? What will I do if my health decreases? I will give you the passage once inscribed in a book given to me. Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us that God even provides for the birds. We are much more important to God. If we trust in God, he will give us the clothing, food, and whatever else we really need.

Enter the Wriston

2008-07-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

A good friend of mine and I used to visit, according to a weekly ritual, a sushi restaurant called “Take Sushi”. For those who have never tried sushi, it is actually quite delicious (particularly its fried incarnation known as ‘tempura’). I have, over the years, come to appreciate many manifestations of Asian cuisine. Certain Asian restaurants cause me to feel that I am walking into a martial arts action movie. At any time, a shuriken or a dagger with a threatening note attached could whizz past my nose embedding itself into an adjacent wall. After a dramatic dodge or reading of the attached note I spring in to action. I flip a table on its side to deflect the attacks of several ninja warriors. I, and my ally fend off the assassins and are treated to all of the finest foods that Asia has to offer. When my good friend and I used to enter "Take Sushi," I felt as though we were the twin dragons, foretold by legend. We were two American detectives trained, since youth, by the monks that raised us in a temple high atop a mountain. This illusion ends as I rip into a packet of Sweet 'N Low. Certainly no master of the martial arts would ingest an artificial sweetener known to cause cancer in lab rats. I probably wouldn't get "tummy aches" from eating too much either. Well, one can always dream.
All of us might not have the power to defeat evil martial arts masters, but we definitely have power in Christ. In Philippians 4, Paul ends us letter to the church in Philippi by speaking of how he is content and empowered in all situations because of God. In 1 John 3:6-9, we learn that living in Christ removes us from sinning. The devil, like a ninja assassin, continually makes well-planned strikes against us. We need to be prepared. Like one trained by monks, we need to put on the full armor of God that is mentioned in Ephesians 6. Life is not without joy and peace. The only way to a fulfilling life, however, is through God. Accepting his forgiveness, we need to live as warriors of the faith.

Rejoicing Throughout the Drive

2008-06-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

I had an excellent time in Florida last week. For those of you that don’t know, this was my first excursion to the state of Florida. I was able to get a little sun (but not enough to burn… I’ve learned my lesson!), do a lot of swimming, see some wonderful sights, and eat some delectable cuisine. The drive down was not nearly as bad as one would think. I was able to pull off the first 12 hours of the trip with only a couple stops and without dosing off. The situation was only hairy at a couple points. The first came when a car carrier, carrying none other than the same Dodge Caravan I was driving, sent a large orange barrel flying directly at my windshield. A quick step on the brakes and a slight swerve avoided the barrel while simultaneously making me feel like an action movie hero. Later, driving through the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, incredibly thick fog made it difficult to see more than a few feet in front of me. Navigating a two-lane road currently under construction while bobbing and weaving between semi trucks is an experience that can make any man sweat bullets. The drive back from Florida included only a couple odd moves by other drivers and a storm in which the sky was black as coal.
Vacations, particularly the parts that include traveling long distances, allow one to become rather introspective. On my trip, I examined my life including the choices I’ve made and the places that God has taken me. Just like on the road, God has protected me throughout my life in ways I often fail to recognize. There are way too many events in my life that I cannot explain except to say that God intervened on my behalf. Philippians 2:12-18 talks about how God works in us and how we shouldn’t complain. God is always working in our lives and it shouldn’t take a long trip to think about this. If we remembered all that God has done for us, it is possible that we would complain less. I know that I personally need to spend less time grumbling, and more time rejoicing.

A Fortune Worth Believing

2008-05-27T11:07:00.001-07:00

I really wish fortune cookies would stop flattering me. A fortune I once read stated, "You have an open mind and find it easy to make new friends." I believe one from an urban area might respond with the phrase, "Stop playin’ me!" The next fortune is likely to be a cheap pick-up line such as: “You’re late. I've been waiting for you my entire life." The fortune might also say, "Are you tired? You've been running through my mind all day long." A relationship between a man and a cookie would never work out. Well, I suppose this could explain gingerbread men, E.L. Fudge, and other man-shaped cookies. Could animal crackers be the offspring of similar relationships?
How does one explain to a confection that he or she is already seeing someone? Do the words "Let's be friends" hurt a cookie as much as they hurt a human being? I bet cookies dunk themselves in milk when they get depressed. Maybe I need to start a dating service for cookies. I can set figs up with Newtons and cream up with Oreos. Maybe all together new confections will be born of my efforts! Forgive my food references as I have yet to partake of any food today. A more logical explanation for all this could be that the Chinese would like me to buy more of their food. First, it's MSG and the “being hungry an hour later” theory. Now, it’s coy cookies. Another conspiracy uncovered by Johnny Wriston, super sleuth. I am so having Chinese for lunch.
I believe that all of the positive statements made in scripture regarding Christians are absolutely true. We are not called “children of God” in 1 John 3:1 because God wants to entice us to join him. We are not called “new creations” in 2 Cor. 5:17 to get us to drop a little more cash in the collection plate. We are told that we “may participate in the divine nature” in 2 Pet. 1:4 because God wants to give us false hope. God’s love for us is real. The changes he makes in our lives are real. The rewards promised to us are real.

Artificial Christians

2008-05-20T11:22:00.001-07:00

Are You Hungry?

2008-05-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

Millions of people struggle with diets, weight loss, appearance, and body image. Losing weight can be quite difficult and keeping off the weight is even harder. An article I read states that the difficulty doesn’t always come in lack of motivation, discipline, or will power. Often, the problem lies in body chemistry and environment. We have to be aware of how our bodies work before we decide to try various diets. Hunger pangs aren’t the only reason we eat. Lab rats with mostly removed stomachs continue to eat regularly. Chemicals in our brains tell us not only that we need to eat, but also what foods we prefer at certain times. In our environment, certain cues like the smell of freshly baked bread or the amount of food on our plates cause us to eat. The set point theory states that we are predisposed to keep ourselves at a certain weight. If you loose too much weight, out hunger grows while our energy levels drop.
Whether or not you believe various ideas and theories regarding hunger and weight loss, one must admit that hunger is a force that drives us. If hunger didn’t exist in any respect at all, there wouldn’t be the motivation for us to obtain the necessary energy from food in order to live. In Luke 9: 10-17, we read about when Jesus feeds literally thousands of people. Not only did he tell them about the kingdom of God and provide healing, but also Jesus satisfied their hunger. Just as it is natural to hunger for food, it is also natural to hunger for the presence of Jesus in our lives. In John 6:51-58, Jesus calls himself the “living bread”. When we live in Christ, we do more than extend our stay on Earth or fight hunger pangs. In Christ, we have what is necessary to live forever. Without Christ, our lives are empty. We can try to fill them but only Jesus can really gratify us.

Part of the Team

2008-04-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

Being part of a team is one of life’s best experiences. If you ever question the value of team sports, then allow me to at least partially negate your concerns. It might shock you to find out, but I was never a star athlete. I would love to tell you that I scored four touchdowns in a single high school football game. However, the role of leading scorer never quite fit me. I was always the defender. Though I didn’t put the ball in the net, I kept the other team from doing this as much as I could. Though I rarely even shot the puck, I enjoyed being a part of the team as I stopped the flurries of incoming shots.
Everything just seems to get done faster and more efficiently with a team working towards a common purpose. Typically, a skilled and experienced coach is one of the biggest differences between a win and a loss. A coach passes on his knowledge and gives the team the necessary information to defeat its opponents. Some of my favorite athletes didn’t simply fade in to obscurity once their bodies prevented them from reaching the highest levels of physical prowess. They became coaches, using their experience to lead a younger generation. The fundamentals of team play learned by the coach are passed.
Jesus empowered his apostles to do amazing things. In Luke 9:1-9, Jesus sends out the twelve, giving them “the power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” He tells them to leave everything behind, preach the gospel, and heal people. It’s not that Jesus had passed his prime, but he needed a team. We each have important roles to fill. God has given us all abilities, and each one is necessary to the team. We are Jesus to those who have yet to encounter him. It can be daunting, but we have the ability.

Jesus, the Great Physician

2008-04-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

We have all been wounded at one point in our lives. Whether it was a laceration, abrasion, or puncture wound, I don’t think any of us have completely avoided damage to our bodies. I can only imagine how a parent must feel watching his or her child play recklessly among numerous sources of danger. Working with youth, I find myself a lot more aware of potential hazards. In Canada this past weekend, I cringed every time I watched a teen climb a rock or dive to catch a Frisbee. If something happened, we would have to drive to the United States to receive insured medical care in anything but an emergency situation. With the border being very close, I had little to worry about.
If somehow you’ve avoided physical injury, there is always emotional damage. Every time you are insulted or betrayed by another person, you feel pain. Occasionally, we bring this pain on ourselves when we tell ourselves that we are not good enough, unlovable, or unworthy of God’s grace. We often attempt to find release from emotional pain in all the wrong places. Sometimes it is addictions. Sometimes it is a toxic relationship. Sometimes it is through financial gain. We don’t even think of the source of healing that is just over the border, so to speak. The healing of Jesus is always available.
In Luke 8:40-56, we read about two serious situations that needed the healing of Jesus. A woman, bleeding for 12 years, and the lifeless daughter of a synagogue ruler are healed by Jesus. Jesus didn’t make them ‘jump through hoops’ to obtain this healing. Jesus required faith. Life is full of hazards and pain comes frequently. Because of Jesus, life is also full of grace and mercy. If you are hurting, come to Jesus. He can heal all wounds.

America's Roller Coast

2008-04-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

Shame and guilt are two of Satan’s most effective weapons against us. While often we feel little remorse for our sins, shame and guilt have the potential to become anchors that tie us to our pasts. Frequently, we enter a “cycle of shame and guilt”. Just when we emerge from that binds of sin, we begin to feel too unworthy of God or out of place amongst the church. It reminds me of a couple trips that I have taken to Cedar Point. At Cedar Point, there are many amazing thrill rides. However, you often have to wait in a line for several hours to experience a couple minutes of excitement. When this waiting gets to be too excruciating, I typically find a less thrilling ride like the Gemini. The wait for the Gemini is often non-existent. You get on the ride, get off, and then you get back on again. This is how it works with sin. We enjoy cheap thrills for a while, make somewhat of an attempt to leave them behind, and are pulled back by shame and guilt. God has a bigger, more exciting ride in store, but our shame tells us not to wait.
The dimension of guilt and shame was not one I first considered when I read the story of the demon possessed man in Luke 8:26-39. In this story, we find a man completely controlled by Satan. The demons inside him cause him to take off his clothes and hurt himself. Jesus approaches him, living in tombs, and casts the demons out of him. People find the formerly demon possessed man “dressed and in his right mind”. This man was clothed in mercy and grace. Jesus’ presence is so powerful that it can drive away demons. No matter what is torturing, tormenting, or controlling you at this moment, Jesus can remove it. Jesus sees us as what we have the potential to be and we need to be as excited about this idea as he is. Let the pigs have shame and guilt. I want mercy and grace.

He Commands the Wind and Water

2008-04-08T12:40:00.001-07:00

I was not only the firstborn son of my parents, but I was the firstborn among my cousins. For several years, I was the only child receiving attention at family gatherings and I was blessed to be the lone recipient of toys and other gifts at Christmas. I would completely consider myself as a spoiled child. I don’t know if it is related, but I suspect that this was the reason I was the last among my peers to try several new things. If I didn’t want to learn to do something, I avoided the subject entirely. The first obstacle I had to overcome later than my friends was a fear of water. I could wade but not dive.
Once I could actually go near water, I had to face one of my worst fears, the diving board. While other children had little problem flying through the air and landing several feet below the surface of the pool, I stood poolside feigning a stomachache or claiming that I had just eaten. Instead of working on my cannon ball, I was thinking of new excuses I could use to hide my shame. Instead of trying to break the surface of the water without making a splash, I was picturing myself choking and gasping for air as I became unconscious under water. I always had a knack for considering dangers.
God often calls us to leave what is comfortable and familiar. He asks us to choose building His kingdom over creating a kingdom of our own. In Luke 8:19-21, Jesus talks about leaving one’s family. I don’t think Jesus is suggesting that we leave behind our responsibility to care for our families. He states that “those who hear God’s word and put it in to practice” are his brothers and sisters. We can wade in the pool, or we can dive in to a life led by God’s teachings. In Luke 8:22-25, Jesus calms the storm. When we have faith, we learn that God is in control. We have to face difficulties, but not without God.

The Light Side of the Force

2008-04-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t figured it out already, I am a bit of a geek. For those of you unaware of the meaning of this term, a geek is considered in the dictionary to be “a peculiar or otherwise odd person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual". One who is in his late 20s and wears his hair in a “faux hawk” is not often labeled as “overly intellectual”, so I will have to present another common definition of the term “geek”. Geeks are also thought of as individuals who have a devotional to something to that puts them outside of the mainstream. For example, I have a penchant for video games that has never exactly made me one of the most popular guys out there. I didn’t win my wife’s heart by showing her my highest score in “Pac-Man” or “Donkey Kong”.
In this article, I want to talk about my love for one of the greatest film series of all time, “Star Wars”. I’m not the type to dress up to attend conventions and I didn’t enjoy the three latest movies all that much, but I do enjoy the franchise. “Star Wars” is like any other legend or mythological tale fabricated by man. It involves the same basic elements of light and darkness. The light eventually overcomes the dark side, fueled by hatred and destruction. The hero of the light must overcome seemingly impossible odds. However, no matter how powerful the darkness may seem, the light wins in the end.
Jesus uses darkness and light in several parables and illustrations. In Luke 8:16-18, Jesus states through an illustration that we can’t hide from the light. God knows our hearts and every action that we take. We need to take pride in our Christianity. We need to show our light whenever possible. When we walk in darkness, our rewards are only temporary. In light, our rewards are eternal.

I Owed a Debt I Could Not Pay

2008-04-01T20:26:00.001-07:00

During high school, I spent more time at my part time job than the average high school student. Working at Burger King was definitely not my dream job, but it paid for my various extravagances and allowed me to save a little cash for college. At first working only a few hours after school, I soon began to work past midnight as I assisted in closing the restaurant. One would think that I would have saved a ridiculous amount of money working occasionally 30 plus hours every week. However, between college and a few ridiculous purchases like a brand new sofa with a fold out bed, I found it rather difficult to keep extra money in the bank. In college, I began to appreciate every dollar that came my way. Every left over cent was precious as I strived to pay for college, fun, and even food when the cafeteria’s offerings were unrecognizable to the human eye.
Being in debt often changes our view of others. We work hard to pay off our debts. We take pride in our accomplishments, but sometimes to the extent that we shun those who don’t seem to work as hard. In Luke 7:36-50, we read the story of a “woman who had lived a sinful life”. A few of those present don’t understand why Jesus allows this woman to anoint him and wash his feet. So, Jesus tells them a parable explaining that those who owe more of a debt than others appreciate being freed from their debt more. I appreciate money more when I don’t have it in abundance. I appreciate God when I realize that he has freed me from my sin. We must welcome those who are caught in sin. Our world is filled with people who find it nearly impossible to live right. These people need us most. And, no matter how “debt free” we see ourselves as, we owe a lot to God.

The Genetics of the Sower

2008-03-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Genetics is a rather fascinating discipline. Further proving intelligent design to myself, at least, geneticists study the heredity and variation in living organisms. Gregor Mendel, in the mid-nineteenth century, first started to observe that we inherit certain traits through the distinctive units now called genes. Genes match up with regions in our DNA, a chain of nucleotides occurring in what appears to be a twisted ladder. Geneticists have been able to observe the molecular sequences involved with many diseases. Due to the decreased costs of sequencing and computation, researchers completed mapping out the sequence of the human genome in 2003. And, though we have come a long way in genetic research, there is much left to discover.
There are some of my genes that I am thankful for, like the one that gave me my oft-complimented eyes. There are also a few of my genes that I could live without, such as those genes that have possibly made my jeans a little tighter. There are a number of traits that can’t be explained any other way than genetics. There are also a number of traits that stand at the middle of the debate between nature and nurture. We often find a place of comfort in our given conditions. We explain our current behavior based on our past and occasionally fail to recognize our responsibility in making positive choices.
“The Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8 shows how the word of God is received by various groups of people. It is possible for us to say that we have no roots in Christianity. We can say that people in our lives, problematic experiences, or a lack of solid teaching have made it difficult for us to properly receive the word of God. However, we can also make the choice to be “good soil”, producing a crop. There are those that explain faith as a genetic trait. However, the word of God can be received by anyone.

My Heart Goes Out to You

2008-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

No matter the quality of the writing or oral presentation, it is difficult to truly empathize with the troubles of a fellow human being without actually living through them. Even then, every situation effects each individual involved differently. Let’s say that for instance, you have to pass a test in order to obtain a certain certification or pass a class necessary towards your college degree. You spend hours studying for the test, rejecting invitations to social gatherings and putting aside leisure activities. You have a friend taking the same test, yet he studies very little. His life is barely interrupted by what you consider to be an important milestone. When the results are issued for this test, you discover that you have failed while your friend has passed with little effort put forth.
Stories like these tend to stir up a number of feelings in one’s heart. This story is actually my story. And, of the two main characters, I wasn’t the one cracking open the books. At the time, I had little empathy for my friend. I would say something like, “Sorry to hear that, man” with very little thought of the hurt that my friend was truly experiencing. It was years later, when my own tests in college and elsewhere became more difficult, that I began to reflect on the plight of my friend.
We can easily say, “Life is not fair” when we look at all the trouble in the world and in our own lives. I am sure we all have experienced being passed over for a job opening, date, or some other opportunity. In times like these, it has always been helpful for me to remember the true empathy of Jesus. In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus raises the son of a widow. He doesn’t simply perform this miracle and pass on unaffected. It says in verse 13 that “His heart went out to her”. Our hearts need to go out to those in trouble and in pain.

Blessings and Woes

2008-03-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Our world has little trouble in classifying its inhabitants. We qualify each other on the basses of race, religion, beauty, wealth, and other exterior characteristics. And, no matter how removed we believe ourselves to be from this concept, it’s often difficult not to apply labels of poor, rich, ugly, pretty, black, white, etc. I don’t remember the existence of these labels at the beginning of my years in elementary school. My friends were from many different backgrounds and all looked different. But, I didn’t care about the skin color or number of rooms in their houses that my friends had. My biggest concern was having something exciting to bring to “show and tell”.
The older I get, the more I notice how limited my perspective can be. I almost immediately have opinions about an individual based on my first impression. Often, it’s just how an individual speaks that inspires me to apply criterion. My intention is not to make those reading this feel guilty or to make you afraid to approach me. I merely want us to see people through the eyes of Jesus. One of Jesus’ first concerns was to unify people. He often defied convention by reaching out to those considered to be outcasts by the majority of society. Jesus showed love to lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes.
In Luke 6:17-49, we read Jesus’ sermon on a “level place”. He begins by giving blessings to those who are poor, hungry, sad, and hated. Jesus then applies woes to the rich, well fed, laughing, and those spoke well of. Jesus isn’t trying to make people feel bad if they are enjoying life. He wants us to understand that blessings don’t come to those who put all of their focus on enjoying their lives. Jesus continues to say that we must love our enemies and not judge others. We need to have a broad perspective. We need to see what matters. We need to have empathy for and try to understand each other.

The Mysterious Origin Of...

2008-02-26T11:17:00.001-08:00

It is typically both fascinating and exciting to learn the origins of the people in our lives. Gerald Ford, former president of the United States, had parents who divorced just weeks after his birth. He lived with his mother and her husband, a paint salesman, whom Gerald was named after. He entered Yale as a football coach before being accepted as a law student. James Brown, who died in the same week as Ford, was born in a shack in South Carolina. He was abandoned by his parents and was living in a brothel by the age of seven. As a child, Brown picked cotton, danced, and polished shoes for money. Neither of these men came from nobility or was born privileged.
I used to read a great deal of comic books. Some of my favorite stories were the origins of the various super heroes. Peter Parker, an outcast and “science geek”, was bitten by a radioactive spider to become the Amazing Spider-Man! Bruce Wayne’s parents were gunned down in front of him, motivating him to fight crime as the Batman! These kinds of stories inspire us to believe that people with humble beginnings can become anyone they desire. I believe that God chose the individuals we read about in scripture for this reason. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is packed with the accounts of simple people who were able to accomplish great things.
We read in Luke 5 to Luke 6:16 about the gathering of the apostles. Jesus doesn’t choose the church leader, the historian, or the great orator. There is nothing wrong with being one of these people, but one of the biggest obstacles people face in accepting Christ is the belief that his message is not for everyone. Jesus used people that we fisherman and tax collectors. He asked seemingly average men to leave their old lives behind and teach the gospel. No matter how average we think we are, this is our responsibility as well.

The Mission

2008-02-19T09:56:00.001-08:00

We had an excellent time at Winterfest this year. I believe everyone that attended was uplifted and renewed by the worship and teaching that took place. We had a safe trip with no criminal infractions to report. I want to thank everyone who supported this trip from the bottom of my heart. Without your prayers, encouragement, funding, and general assistance, this trip would have not been possible. For parents, I know it isn’t easy to let your kids travel halfway across the United States without you. I want to say that you made the right choice as I believe trips like these change lives and create lifelong memories. I also want to thank the teens for giving up their weekend to get closer to our Lord and savior. Finally, I want to give special thanks to the chaperones that came with us to Winterfest. I know these trips can be expensive, time consuming, and generally exhausting. You are all irreplaceable and this trip wouldn’t be successful without you.
For those who don’t know, Winterfest is the largest gathering of teens from the Churches of Christ in the world. About 13,000 people traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for this year’s event. In several sessions, those in attendance are provided with entertainment, worship, and powerful lessons. This year’s theme was “The Mission” and was focused entirely on Jesus Christ. In the first session, we learned that we must know Jesus through studying the scriptures. In the second session, we were told that our character must reflect that of Christ and we must be Christ in this world. In the third session, we discovered that we must see Jesus in others, treating others as we would treat Jesus. Finally, we were left with a message centered on evangelism, the sharing of the gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us our mission. We are to share the gifts of salvation and the knowledge of Jesus Christ with the rest of the world. We must never waiver from this assignment. There is no time to waste in sharing the gospel.