Lack of Food & Money, Sickness are clearly seen around our globe. The enormity of painful situations lead may to Grief, Hopelessness and Frustration, even Desperation.
Some reach to man to solve the problems via technology and/or political and social reform.
The cause of pain and inequity in the world are pinned on many scapegoats. Some say greed, political power struggles or an economic system have created our problems.
Many suggestions might help our world in some degree but our condition is unlikely to change as a result of man's resources.
Every man is short sighted and flawed. That includes you and me. The result is inadequacy in all solutions we manufacture.
This inadequacy of man, this imperfection is called sin in my book. Since sin is universal in this world as we know it will always be flawed.
Today in many parts of the world including the United States Christianity is considered as bigoted, even negative.
There are reasons for this. The message of Christianity is often lost in the behavior of Christians. Many foolish things have been done in the name of Christ.
Secondly there is an amazing lack of honest scholarship in the rhetoric of intellectuals in the world.
However the message of the Gospel is a message of Grace. The message first simply says that sin is the source of pain in this world. While Pain and inequity will stay in this world, desperation and helplessness need not.
The good news, Faith in Christ is the antidote to sin. The God Man Jesus Christ, died and rose again that may could know God by Faith trusting God as Savior. The result is Hope and Expectancy. We won't see perfection is this life but a better life later awaits us. We can however, experience His peace now that surpasses understanding.
That's a good start! We can expand of this later.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Courage - A Commodity In Short Supply
Someone posted this quote on Twitter recently.
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. The quote was not attributed to anyone.
In today's charged political and religious climate this quote comes at a most appropriate time. Opponents used to discuss issues on which they differed with each other. In this day and age it is more likely for opponents to make their views known among those of like mind via social networking and other media. The rhetoric is often personal, seldom well thought out and increasingly hostile.
Valid viewpoints often go unheard nor considered by opponents. Countries and people become charged with animosity, even hatred.
Courage to speak involves preparation and due diligence. Courage also takes compassion and wisdom. It is in tune with it audience. Courage knows when withhold comment. Courage creates a climate of respect by knowing how and when to speak and take appropriate action.
Having courage does not assure that we will not have enemies but it assists us in not making "needless" opponents.
Having courage is far more likely to bring people together than push them apart.
It takes a wise person to have true courage.
So who am I and who are you? Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Does our life represent true courage do we retreat to anger, a unprepared mind and name calling.
True courage takes time, work and wisdom. True courage is often first led by example than spoken with insight and strength.
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. The quote was not attributed to anyone.
In today's charged political and religious climate this quote comes at a most appropriate time. Opponents used to discuss issues on which they differed with each other. In this day and age it is more likely for opponents to make their views known among those of like mind via social networking and other media. The rhetoric is often personal, seldom well thought out and increasingly hostile.
Valid viewpoints often go unheard nor considered by opponents. Countries and people become charged with animosity, even hatred.
Courage to speak involves preparation and due diligence. Courage also takes compassion and wisdom. It is in tune with it audience. Courage knows when withhold comment. Courage creates a climate of respect by knowing how and when to speak and take appropriate action.
Having courage does not assure that we will not have enemies but it assists us in not making "needless" opponents.
Having courage is far more likely to bring people together than push them apart.
It takes a wise person to have true courage.
So who am I and who are you? Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Does our life represent true courage do we retreat to anger, a unprepared mind and name calling.
True courage takes time, work and wisdom. True courage is often first led by example than spoken with insight and strength.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Grace - A Christian World View
There as many reasons to not believe the Christian world view as there are opponents of it.
I'll leave Apologetics of its truth to others. This post is simply to say that I love the message of Redemption and Grace in the Bible. The Bible tells of the failures and sin of man and a savior that is eager to atone for past and future sins. We are free to respond in love and not be propelled to "earn" his love. Frankly we wouldn't have a chance.
The Christian message of redemption is not based on a system of performance that is arbitrary at best. Really, how good is good enough and who would have the capacity to know? It is based on a God that pays for our sin and simply asks us to follow him in return.
We are asked to love our enemies and to pray for them that oppose us.
Yes, yes there are Christians that pervert the Gospel. The message however doesn't change. In the end of grace and mercy rule. The message of the scripture is Love and Compassion. We do not always promote specific behaviors but Love and Compassion should rule. People can be misguided but God is not. Our confidence is not in imperfect messengers (like us) but in the object of our Faith, Jesus Christ.
I'll leave Apologetics of its truth to others. This post is simply to say that I love the message of Redemption and Grace in the Bible. The Bible tells of the failures and sin of man and a savior that is eager to atone for past and future sins. We are free to respond in love and not be propelled to "earn" his love. Frankly we wouldn't have a chance.
The Christian message of redemption is not based on a system of performance that is arbitrary at best. Really, how good is good enough and who would have the capacity to know? It is based on a God that pays for our sin and simply asks us to follow him in return.
We are asked to love our enemies and to pray for them that oppose us.
Yes, yes there are Christians that pervert the Gospel. The message however doesn't change. In the end of grace and mercy rule. The message of the scripture is Love and Compassion. We do not always promote specific behaviors but Love and Compassion should rule. People can be misguided but God is not. Our confidence is not in imperfect messengers (like us) but in the object of our Faith, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Integrity in Political Debate
In listening to candidates for political office I wonder if many comments toward opponents are meant to be factual or just a power move to gain political advantage.
I suspect many know their comments for themselves and about their competitors are half truths with a ton of spin. Are candidates being less than honest and forthright? Is this what we want in our elected officials? Do our political preferences cause us to look over the spin tactics of our our favorites? I'm afraid this is often true. We often seem eager to solicit truth from our opponents while being forgiving to the politicians we prefer.
When are we going to come to grips that integrity "begins" with the truth? Integrity follows with actions that reflect that truth. It involves the contrasts of compassion and tough love. It's thrives on doing the right thing with the right heart attitude. Integrity starts with looking closely in the mirror at our own attitudes.
It will cause us to demand the same for our officials competing for office!
I suspect many know their comments for themselves and about their competitors are half truths with a ton of spin. Are candidates being less than honest and forthright? Is this what we want in our elected officials? Do our political preferences cause us to look over the spin tactics of our our favorites? I'm afraid this is often true. We often seem eager to solicit truth from our opponents while being forgiving to the politicians we prefer.
When are we going to come to grips that integrity "begins" with the truth? Integrity follows with actions that reflect that truth. It involves the contrasts of compassion and tough love. It's thrives on doing the right thing with the right heart attitude. Integrity starts with looking closely in the mirror at our own attitudes.
It will cause us to demand the same for our officials competing for office!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Erroneous Assumptions - A Catch all for Disagreements?
Have you noticed a link between how often the term "Erroneous Assumptions" is used in an unfair way. Might I even say, an "erroneous" way.
The phrase is often aimed toward others with differing stances on an issue. Far be it from me to suggest that the term be backed up with fact. Or fact in context to the position being discussed. :-)
Yes, "erroneous assumptions" is a
Before we use "Erroneous Assumption" as a catch phrase, let's do our homework.
The phrase is often aimed toward others with differing stances on an issue. Far be it from me to suggest that the term be backed up with fact. Or fact in context to the position being discussed. :-)
Yes, "erroneous assumptions" is a
perfectly adequate termwhen used with a well founded explanation. However this is sometimes not the case.
Before we use "Erroneous Assumption" as a catch phrase, let's do our homework.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are Things the Way We See Them?
The way we perceive a subject may not be as easy to comprehend as it seems.
Legislation is one of those issues that will often fool us. A catchy title can deceive us. One that seems to protect our personal rights may hinder them in the long run.
Prayer in Schools is a prime example. Prayer to whom should be the operative question.
What is keeping one from praying any time they want too. I suspect nothing! Seems to me that prayer is natural if learned. Is not "what is instilled" at home more important than what is formally encouraged at school?
This post is not really about Prayer in Schools. It's to encourage us to do due diligence on legislation and all issues. Most issues have two sides. They are often like a two edged sword that cuts both ways. They often encompass more than we think. What appears to be a stand to take can end up hurting us.
Lets be careful and use our heads to understand all issues, pro and con. Asking questions and doing a bit of research before we talk.
Legislation is one of those issues that will often fool us. A catchy title can deceive us. One that seems to protect our personal rights may hinder them in the long run.
Prayer in Schools is a prime example. Prayer to whom should be the operative question.
What is keeping one from praying any time they want too. I suspect nothing! Seems to me that prayer is natural if learned. Is not "what is instilled" at home more important than what is formally encouraged at school?
This post is not really about Prayer in Schools. It's to encourage us to do due diligence on legislation and all issues. Most issues have two sides. They are often like a two edged sword that cuts both ways. They often encompass more than we think. What appears to be a stand to take can end up hurting us.
Lets be careful and use our heads to understand all issues, pro and con. Asking questions and doing a bit of research before we talk.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Response to my "Tired if Politics Post" by Mike Shoemake
Mike sent me an email with his response which he couldn't get in 300 characters. I think it is worth passing on.
Cllff, I understand your sentiment. I read a quote one time that said "Leaders of the world are tired people." And, they are. I expect the majority of them are as sick of politics as we are. They won't say it publicly, but I know firsthand many of them are.
Another point I'd like to make is that I hear people say that the only power we have as citizens of this country is our vote. That is not true. We also have our voice, and we should let it be known on the issues important to us.
I recently asked Senator Hutchinson to help halt the continued violation of our rights by TSA and their groping our body parts at airport security lines. I went as far as to challenge her that if she didn't she should be the first female politician to allow herself to get "felt up". This would be an example of using one's voice. And, there are countless opportunities to tell our leaders how much we appreciate what they do well.
We are a much too silent majority.
Cllff, I understand your sentiment. I read a quote one time that said "Leaders of the world are tired people." And, they are. I expect the majority of them are as sick of politics as we are. They won't say it publicly, but I know firsthand many of them are.
Another point I'd like to make is that I hear people say that the only power we have as citizens of this country is our vote. That is not true. We also have our voice, and we should let it be known on the issues important to us.
I recently asked Senator Hutchinson to help halt the continued violation of our rights by TSA and their groping our body parts at airport security lines. I went as far as to challenge her that if she didn't she should be the first female politician to allow herself to get "felt up". This would be an example of using one's voice. And, there are countless opportunities to tell our leaders how much we appreciate what they do well.
We are a much too silent majority.
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