Wednesday, January 20, 2016

on Making a Murderer

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) 

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

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!!

Monday, December 7, 2015

on Islam

If you're like me you've seen a lot in the news these past several weeks about shootings, acts of terrorism, call for more conceal gun carry permits, call for more gun laws, and the list can continue and continue. It's enough to make your head spin! How can we as the body of Christ be the salt and light of the world in times that seem more chaotic than ever? How can we seek to reconcile the world back to Jesus when the world seems more divided than ever? Well, I will tell you it is not easy, but God does call us to pray for and share the good news with Muslims all over the world. Here are some things to remember.

1) God never promises us to be safe.
  Safety is very overrated in the eyes and mind of Jesus. Now, granted harm is never wished on anyone, but our priority on safety above all else is not very high on Jesus' radar. In fact Jesus' promised that the world hates you (John 15:18) and (1 John 3:13). All who live Godly for Jesus Christs will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), and all those who live for Jesus Christ will suffer trials and persecution. (1 Peter 4:12)

  Those are some grim verses, and I will say that making sure your family is safe is very important. However, it cannot be the most important thing. One thing all these verses had in common was that all of them included a blessing for the oppressed, persecuted, and afflicted person because they were suffering on Jesus behalf. Throughout Christian history the church has flourished when brave Christians sought to pursue peace, spreading the gospel, loving the lost, and living bold, unashamed lives for the Kingdom. This Advent season dare to do something risky, send a card to a long lost friend, look to repair a seriously broken relationship, buy coffee for a mother who looks down on her luck, volunteer at your church, and the list can go on and on. Safety is important, but not the most important thing.

2) Balance the Bad with the Good.
  Bad stories of people doing bad things sell newspapers, drive view counts on websites up, and make news outlets money. Seek to promote in your neighborhood, school, or community people doing good things. Good stories don't often empty news stands, but they uplift and encourage troubled hearts. Islam is a very deep, multi-faceted religion and is getting some very bad press. It does have good people who follow Allah. Look to highlight and promote that wherever you are. Look to pursue understanding, strike up conversations, and possibly even build friendships with Muslims and many different kinds of people that are different than you.

3) Look to have your heart changed by the Holy Spirit.
  Don't ignore your feelings. If you're feeling strongly negative about Muslim people or any other major issue that is relevant in our society today. Do some soul searching about those feelings. Because more times than not our feelings our indicators of the condition of our spiritual lives. Pray regularly and pray big. Look for people who will be honest to encourage you and help build you up in the faith. And finally begin listening to Christian music or even wholesome music, because a lot of our personality and spirituality is shaped by our music. Don't ever stop trying and don't ever stop pursing Jesus Christ who will lead you in one of the most worthwhile, fulfilling journeys of your life!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

on Proverbs 9

  For many of us this time of year we come into many situations where we feel our faith is being attacked. Whether it be through the ACLU demanding a Nativity scene be taken down from a town square, a store demanding their employees to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, or even a major coffee chain not putting any holiday symbols on their coffee cups, I will say in these situations we often feel that our faith is being unjustly attacked. As we've plowed through Proverbs, one of my goals is for you to see the big picture in what God is doing in our world today. Our hope is that as life continues to unfold in this ever crazy world that we as the body of Christ would learn how to respond with love and kindness no matter what:) Here's what Proverbs 9 has to say.

Proverbs 9:4. . . "Let all who are simple come in here," Wisdom says to those who lack judgement.

  Good sound judgment is something that can be taught. Let me repeat this, you can learn how to make good, Godly decisions with every area of your life. Often times people need to learn and experience the pain of making poor decisions, but in many cases good decision making skills comes from listening to wisdom, diving into the word of God, having a teachable spirit, and learning to think before speaking or making decisions.
   I want you to know that you are being invited according to this verse to come into the house of wisdom. It is not an elusive thing. This holiday season, I want us to reflect and live with a spirit of thankfulness and wisdom, but in so doing I want us to examine feelings that we may have toward the church, God, and life in general. Some of these feelings may be great and others not so great. I want all of us to ask, "Why am I feeling this way?"

Proverbs 9:10. . . "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
  This verse if your looking for a life verse could very well be that. I would encourage you not to be afraid of God, but rather have the word of God, the commands of God, and your relationship with God influence and affect every area of your life and decision making. You will never be the same:)

Proverbs 9:17. . . "Stolen water is sweet, food eaten in secret is delicious."
  One of the biggest red flags for any behavior is if you have to hide it from others. Behavior that is only done in secret is often very, very wrong. Be mindful of that. Seek to hold yourself and your loved ones to a higher standards as we all vigorously pursue the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Do you see any examples of good sound wisdom in our society or any examples of poor judgement today? Let me know what you think:)

Thursday, November 12, 2015

on Proverbs 8

  God continues to guide and lead us. Life as we know it isn't a short jog, or even a medium sized race. Life is a marathon, and if you're like me sometimes you can get very tired from running. But, the good news of the Gospel is that we worship a Savior who will scoop us up in His arms and run for us in those moments. Let's look at Proverbs 8!

Proverbs 8:7. . . "My mouth speaks what is true. My lips detest wickedness."
I will say if you as a follower of Jesus can live this verse out and let it become the central part of your life. They you will be very near to reaching Christian perfection. Lying is one of the most damaging sins not always the most egregious, but it often has a role in many other sinful actions. Learn to find ways and people that will hold you to a higher standard and push you to be honest in school, on your taxes, at your job, in your home, and the list can go on and on.

Secondly, know your Bible. I think our country is mixed up and bankrupt morally, for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because people have lost a lot of Biblical knowledge. Know what God's word says about big things such as politics, money, the poor, and even smaller issues which often seem big such as Starbucks' Christmas cups. Your lips will detest wickedness when this occurs in your life.

Proverbs 8:13. . . "To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

This verse really hits home to me. Because, I struggle with this a lot. I'm not a very humble person, but I know in good's word we're told the first shall be last, the meek shall inherit the earth, and God gives grace to the humble. How does one avoid prideful decisions and pursue humility? Well, unfortunately there aren't classes or a magic formula that allows one to become more humble but here are a few things to consider.
1) Thank people for what they do for you. (Thank your barista, barber, parents, etc. This will take the attention off of you and put it on someone else).
2) Pray each day for God to use you for His glory. (Many of our prayers can be self centered, but this is a prayer God will say yes to).
3) Volunteer or do something without being asked. Many folks say well, "I'd love to help but nobody asked me." That often times is true, but. . . what a huge difference you could make if you volunteered!!! Ask your parents what you can do around the house. Ask your pastor where you can volunteer in church. Ask your coach or boss if you can pick up any slack. I'm sure there are plenty of things that need done, and they'll be happy to help after they get up from having fainted because this has never happened before.

Live intentionally for the Kingdom. Don't just coast or assume things and opportunities will come to you. Pursue them joyfully and be amazed as your heart overflows with joy.


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

on Proverbs 7

God's word is still relevant. One of my goals in this entire journey with you is to allow you to see how vital and active God's word is for today. Proverbs 7 is written with some amazing metaphorical images as well as with some great advice to people of all ages to live by and for their lives to be filled with great meaning and hope. Let's dive in!

1) Proverbs 7:7. . . I saw among the simple. . . a youth who had no sense. This series of verses uses the "adulterous woman" as the antagonist/villain in this chapter. One thing needs to be clear in all of this, the adulterous woman refers to more than just an adulterer, this woman can refer to someone who causes you to look at inappropriate things, go to sinful places, and do sinful activities that don't have to be sexual in nature.

The good news is the adulterous woman doesn't have to have the final word. They won't always win, but they are dangerous, very dangerous. So, know where and what tempts you. Know where you're vulnerable. Protect your Achilles' heel and seek out people in your life that will understand what you're going through. Finally, pray, pray, pray, pray, and when you're finished pray some more. Know that prayer does work, changes you, and changes the heart of God.

2) Proverbs 7:25. . . Do not let your hearts stray into her path. The heart is the key. It is the lifeblood of our lives and it also is the spiritual thermometer of our souls. Wickedness and evil deeds are always an indicator of a corrupt and evil heart. Guard your heart. Fill your heart with goodness. Speak truth at all times. Above all seek the face of Jesus with all your heart and see the face of Jesus in everyone you come across. I'll be the first to tell you life is hard, complicated, and messy but works of wisdom such as Proverbs help us navigate some seriously murky waters.