In case you've missed it this show, Making a Murderer, has been blowing up the news world and many Netflix ques. The story centers around Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey who were arrested for murdering freelance photographer Teresa Halbach. The show also looks at Avery's trial, sentence, and exoneration for sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Bornstein in 1985. After his exoneration 2003, Avery filed a major law suit against the Manitowoc County Police.
The show is filmed over a ten year period by film makers Laura Riccardi and Moira Demos, and it chronicles the saga of Avery and Dassey's arrest, trial, and many other events surrounding his original conviction and lawsuit against the Manitowoc County Police department. The show does have an MA rating, so please be advised that allowing younger children to watch this program will expose them to some very mature themes.
Here are a few thoughts on the matter. . .
1) Be careful who we look up to.
The subject matter of this show is very interesting. I'm not going to lie, I love courtroom drama. I've read 5 Michael Connelly books, and I have two more to read, but we as followers of Jesus Christ need to be very careful how we handle shows and situations like this. Steven Avery is a man with a troubled past. He should be prayed for and loved and encouraged that his actions need forgiveness. He doesn't need to be celebrated. This show has in some ways turned him into a house hold name and that saddens me. We know the name of this man who has such a troubled past but for many of us we couldn't name one of our local police officers or firefighters, and the list can go on. Jesus died for him as well, and Jesus desires that one day Steven Avery will accept him as his personal savior.
Philippians 4:8 is a great reminder of Paul that we should look and think on things that are pure, noble, excellent, and holy. Be mindful of that verse when watching shows such as this one.
2) Be careful about advocating violent entertainment.
We live in a culture of violence. To be fair I think the world was always violent, but with our expanded and improved way to share information I think we see violence more and more than generations past have seen violence. But, as followers of Jesus we're called to love the world, but not be a part of the world. I encourage you to pray for peace. See and support movies and entertainment that support family values. Vote in elections for candidates who support and will vote for things you believe. Pray for victims of domestic violence. Talk to your children and younger siblings about how violence is wrong and if they see it on the TV or in a video game how it shouldn't be imitated in real life, and above all look to draw closer to Jesus no matter what. Jesus said blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth, and he also said blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God! (Matthew 5:5, 5:9)
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
on Music
Psalm 100 states that we are to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Thank goodness it never says that we are to make a noise that is on tune, sweet sounding, or pleasant. Because, as someone who is pretty much tone deaf, I can't carry a tune in a bucket. What I conclude from this verse is that God loves people who use music among many other things to praise and worship him. As I dive into music, I encourage you to look at what CDs are in your collection, what music plays on your vehicle's radio, and ask yourself is the music I listen to bringing me closer or drawing me farther away from God?
1) Be gracious to all in the area of music.
Colossians 4:6 states that we should let our speech gracious, seasoned with salt. . . People love their music and use their music for many different reasons. Some people use music to get themselves pumped up for a big athletic game, test, or even to finally tell that special boy or girl how they feel. Others use music to relax and unwind after a long, stressful day. While still others use music to heal and move on from a painful life music, and still others use music to draw closer to God.
So, I'm writing to caution you, be careful what you about music that other people listen to and even at times love. We live in a world where we disagree on many things, but what I'm wondering is can we offer a dissenting opinion with a spirit of love and kindness? I think so. Music criticism can be very damaging especially when it is levied against worship music. Please be very gracious when someone seeks to worship God in a way that is different than your preferred style. Look to understand and know that God is bigger than hymns, bigger than guitars, and even bigger than the English language and God is worshiped and honored in all when our hearts are right. Not once in scripture did God command His people to worship only with piano, only in church, only with hymns, or only on Sunday, but God constantly was disciplining and correcting his people for having hearts that were sets on sinful things.
2) Don't make an idol out of music.
In Exodus 20, God was really clear to Moses that he should have no other Gods before Him. Jesus' discussion with many would be followers in Luke 9:57-62 is very similar. So, I bring that up to say this, "Have we made an idol out of music?"
Do we get so bent out of shape when a guitar appears in worship that we lose sight of the God we worship? Do we moan and groan when we have to sit and listen to hymns instead of letting our hair fly at a Christian rock concert? Do we get enthusiastic when our favorite music is being played or do we get even more excited about the God we're singing about?
Value the music you love. Cherish the memories you had at concerts or in church listening to that music, but never lose sight of the bigger picture and that is God honored not with music first and foremost but with hearts that are lifted up to him and community that desires Jesus above everything else.
I encourage you to read this piece that Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman said during an interview in 2014. May God richly bless you this day.
http://whizzpopping.tumblr.com/post/6664742872/jon-foreman-when-asked-if-switchfoot-is-a
1) Be gracious to all in the area of music.
Colossians 4:6 states that we should let our speech gracious, seasoned with salt. . . People love their music and use their music for many different reasons. Some people use music to get themselves pumped up for a big athletic game, test, or even to finally tell that special boy or girl how they feel. Others use music to relax and unwind after a long, stressful day. While still others use music to heal and move on from a painful life music, and still others use music to draw closer to God.
So, I'm writing to caution you, be careful what you about music that other people listen to and even at times love. We live in a world where we disagree on many things, but what I'm wondering is can we offer a dissenting opinion with a spirit of love and kindness? I think so. Music criticism can be very damaging especially when it is levied against worship music. Please be very gracious when someone seeks to worship God in a way that is different than your preferred style. Look to understand and know that God is bigger than hymns, bigger than guitars, and even bigger than the English language and God is worshiped and honored in all when our hearts are right. Not once in scripture did God command His people to worship only with piano, only in church, only with hymns, or only on Sunday, but God constantly was disciplining and correcting his people for having hearts that were sets on sinful things.
2) Don't make an idol out of music.
In Exodus 20, God was really clear to Moses that he should have no other Gods before Him. Jesus' discussion with many would be followers in Luke 9:57-62 is very similar. So, I bring that up to say this, "Have we made an idol out of music?"
Do we get so bent out of shape when a guitar appears in worship that we lose sight of the God we worship? Do we moan and groan when we have to sit and listen to hymns instead of letting our hair fly at a Christian rock concert? Do we get enthusiastic when our favorite music is being played or do we get even more excited about the God we're singing about?
Value the music you love. Cherish the memories you had at concerts or in church listening to that music, but never lose sight of the bigger picture and that is God honored not with music first and foremost but with hearts that are lifted up to him and community that desires Jesus above everything else.
I encourage you to read this piece that Switchfoot singer Jon Foreman said during an interview in 2014. May God richly bless you this day.
http://whizzpopping.tumblr.com/post/6664742872/jon-foreman-when-asked-if-switchfoot-is-a
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
on the New Year
As 2015 draws to a close we can't help but reflect on what was and what will be. 2015 was a year that was filled with many great moments for us all and many moments filled with pain. But, what is most important is not whether or not you had a landmark or a valley year. The most important part is what you learned and who you've become and did you become more like Jesus in 2015.
Here's a few reflections from the past year.
1) Acquiring patience leads to a fulfilling life.
We live in an instant gratification society. Most of us want our goals, our dreams, and even our coffee right now. Waiting is the bane of almost all of our lives, very few people enjoy the lines, the traffic, or being on hold. But, the truth is our God doesn't operate on our timetable. Our God isn't in the business of always giving us what we want but rather, God is in the business of placing people, situations, and opportunities that are designed to make you more like Jesus.
Acquiring patience, learning how to speak with love and compassion, and being gracious in frustrating circumstances are HUGE steps to acquiring more patience. Once you begin to pray BIG prayers, ask for more patience, and look to learn in upsetting circumstances you will begin to have a fulfilling life!
2) Prepare for the storm during the sunshine.
During the Cold War days many people in our country had bomb shelters that were fully stocked in case disaster happened to strike. People were ready and prepared, and they prepared before the disaster. Now, I will say that tough moments are bound to come in all of our lives, so prepare for them now.
Let your friends know that you're there for them, and be there for them. Because you will need them when disaster comes. Build up your spiritual disciplines now, because the moment when disaster comes your faith will be one of the main things that will get you through it. Most importantly, tell your loved ones you're thankful for them, and be thankful for the blessings you have. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we are to give thanks in all circumstances.
This year promises to be a good one. Worship often. Pray big prayers. Seek wisdom and look for ways to serve the Lord with gladness!!
Here's a few reflections from the past year.
1) Acquiring patience leads to a fulfilling life.
We live in an instant gratification society. Most of us want our goals, our dreams, and even our coffee right now. Waiting is the bane of almost all of our lives, very few people enjoy the lines, the traffic, or being on hold. But, the truth is our God doesn't operate on our timetable. Our God isn't in the business of always giving us what we want but rather, God is in the business of placing people, situations, and opportunities that are designed to make you more like Jesus.
Acquiring patience, learning how to speak with love and compassion, and being gracious in frustrating circumstances are HUGE steps to acquiring more patience. Once you begin to pray BIG prayers, ask for more patience, and look to learn in upsetting circumstances you will begin to have a fulfilling life!
2) Prepare for the storm during the sunshine.
During the Cold War days many people in our country had bomb shelters that were fully stocked in case disaster happened to strike. People were ready and prepared, and they prepared before the disaster. Now, I will say that tough moments are bound to come in all of our lives, so prepare for them now.
Let your friends know that you're there for them, and be there for them. Because you will need them when disaster comes. Build up your spiritual disciplines now, because the moment when disaster comes your faith will be one of the main things that will get you through it. Most importantly, tell your loved ones you're thankful for them, and be thankful for the blessings you have. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we are to give thanks in all circumstances.
This year promises to be a good one. Worship often. Pray big prayers. Seek wisdom and look for ways to serve the Lord with gladness!!
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