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Thursday, September 27, 2018

Random Thoughts: A Blemish on the Church

{Originally posted on my other blog as "Friday Thoughts"}

A Pennsylvania grand jury released its report on an investigation of abuse within the Catholic Church. I have not read the report but have heard bits and pieces from friends and from the news. What I have heard is shocking. I pray for the victims whose pain I cannot begin to imagine.

The church is supposed to be a light, leading to the way of hope. Instead we now know of the darkness in which some chose to operate. This is a blemish on the church. And though this was an investigation into the Catholic Church, all believers should take notice and should pray about how the body of Christ should proceed.

The body of Christ needs to examine itself to make sure it is the beacon of hope of which God has given His call. We need to extend a hand of healing to the victims letting them see God's love. We also need to let them know that God feels their pain and that the actions done by those who claimed to be His servants bring sorrow to His heart.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

As A Parent, Saying "No!" Is Easy. What Comes Next Is Hard

I had to say, “No,” a few times over the weekend. It's a word I’ve grown accustomed to after close to two decades of being a parent. In my early years I felt bad when I said that word. It felt like I was failing to meet some need or like I was selfishly rejecting my own offspring. Have you ever felt that way when saying, “No,” to your kids? After spending way too much on Christmas present a few years ago and watching the toy grow cobwebs, I realized a line had to be drawn. "No," became a regular part of my parenting arsenal, one I now use with no regret whatsoever. But while saying no is easy, knowing what to do next is the hard part.

Most of the time my children are (thankfully) ok with the word "no." They leave feeling a bit disappointed but they live. Occasionally they beg or try to ask for the same thing in different way but these attempts are easily dispatched. Every now and then I get a response like what one I got this weekend: sulking and visibly showing frustration over not getting their own way. This is something that comes with the territory of raising a teen and a preteen. Knowing how to handle this kind of response is where parents earn their stripes.

My mom would have gotten angry. Based on comments made by relatives and older friends over the years, my mom's response was once considered the norm. A few years ago it would have been the norm in my household as well. But then I looked at my goals as a parent and found they were not being met.

So I changed tactics. No I do not try to become philosophical nor do I speak to my children as if they are my friends. I do however ask them, “What’s going on?” From there we talk about more appropriate ways to handle disappointments and the difference between that and feeling frustrated. What used to lead to a confrontation now becomes a teachable moment.

I put this out there not to brag but to ask how other parents handle what comes after the word "No." If you are a parent do you find it easy to say "no"? How do you handle the moment after the "no" has been delivered?

Sunday, September 23, 2018

The Rise and Fall of King Uzziah

Part One: Help From God

Have you ever asked God for help? What was your expectation at the time? Is it true that God helps those who help themselves? The Bible is filled with stories of God helping people in one way shape or form. The Bible says God cares for us. Are you receiving His help?

2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen. From Jerusalem Uzziah ruled over Judah, sitting on the throne promised to David and his descendants. During the early years of his reign Judah grew strong and the fame of Uzziah spread "far and wide." He lead his armies to great victories over enemies like the Philistines. He reclaimed and rebuilt cities that had been taken from Judah, re establishing the kingdom as a force to be reckoned with. As a teenager, Uzziah clearly exceeded expectations.

What was Uzziah's secret? The Bible tells us Uzziah prospered as long as he sought the Lord (v. 5). This verse is followed by a list of Uzziah's victories and a description of the great army at his command. All of this came as a result of his relationship with the LORD who helped him "marvelously" until he became strong (v. 15). As long as Uzziah's heart was right, God helped him. As long as he sought the Lord with his heart he lived victoriously, enjoying abundant life at the hands of God.

The Bible does not speak of Uzziah helping himself in his early years on the throne. In fact there is no passage instructing us to help ourselves in order to receive God’s help. Instead the Bible speaks of how men and women like Uzziah sought God, people of faith who were humble before the Lord. In response God extended "marvelous" help. He offers the same to anyone today. Are you seeking Him, knowing by faith that He will help?

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Is It Time For A Different Approach To The Public Square?

Courtesy of Pexels.com
{Originally posted on my other blog before I moved back here.}

A billboard advertising a 29 year old festival was deemed offensive to some in Southern California, so much so that they felt the need to complain to the advertising agency. Rather than ignore or stand up to protesters the company ended the ad campaign returning the money to the group sponsoring "Harvest." As this is a private company there is nothing that can be done to get the billboards back up but perhaps there is something Christians can do to encourage a different outcome in the future.

This is a good time for Christians to show gratitude while, in effect, turning the other cheek towards offenses in the public square. It's time we see how far a well placed, "Thank you," or some other polite word will go when a company sides with a vocal minority against the faith community. Right now I suspect companies only hear anger, first from those offended by the Gospel message and then by those crying foul when a banner or a sign is taken down. And when slighted, today’s church has a tendency to act as if people are its enemies.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12

All too often Christians respond as if we are fighting against our neighbor. We respond to offenses, such as the one in SoCal, as if we are called to win a victory over other people instead of over the enemies mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. It's as if the goal of winning the public square has become more important than winning souls.

After learning about the situation I tweeted a suggestion with a different focus. I suggest we respond to these situations by thanking the ad company for the time that the billboard was up. Let them know there are people who do not find the Christian message offensive. Do so without complaining about lost rights and without threats of boycotts. Perhaps if companies hear from us in a non confrontational way we can build relationships where our voices are also heard. Then we will win souls. Perhaps we might even win in the public square.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Another About Face

 
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Back in August I returned to my old blog, planning to leave this one behind. I convinced myself it was right, that the old blog was the best place for me to express myself. Plus it was receiving visitors in larger numbers even though I had not posted there in years.

At first all seemed good. Then I noticed some uncomfortable trends in my pageview stats. Yes I was getting a decent number of page views but most of the readers were not from my target audience. In fact the site making the largest number of referrals was one which I find morally repulsive.

And so I am doing an about face, returning to this blog for my posts. In time I hope to build an audience of people who are here for the writing and for the chance to share opinions, including those who want to discuss opposing views.

Over the next couple of weeks I will mix new posts with posts I wrote since August that wound up on the other blog. Yes going back was a mistake. It's time to admit that mistake and to move forward in the right direction.