tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41485267147105590912024-03-13T00:26:53.756-04:00Confronted by GodToo many questions...one big answerben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-58428685431814858322014-02-28T13:17:00.001-05:002014-02-28T13:17:59.743-05:00Bible Believing Christian love to Eat with Homosexuals
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It seems there are many Americans that have reservation
about gays making reservations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arizona
has made news about a controversial bill that would allow restaurant owners to
refuse service to people based on their sexual orientation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately the whole matter was vetoed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still, however, many other states
that have recently or are in the midst of creating laws that discriminate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I had a conversation with someone who was speaking very passionately
about this subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This friend was hurt
that people were doing their best to make discrimination legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hurt him and many people he loves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What really riled him up was that many of
these proponents of discriminatory laws were Christians.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
However, I assured my friend that while there are many who
are proclaiming that Christian values indicated we can kick anyone out of a restaurant,
I assured him it was not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
most people who are in favor of these laws are not Christian at all, but only
use one or two verses in the Bible to spread hate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is all Christians have for a long
time love all people regardless of race or orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are true followers of Christ who
actually put trust in the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are true Bible Believing Christians.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Case in point is Matthew 22:1-14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This parable suggests that those who think
they are entering the feast of the Kingdom of God are actually refusing to
enter it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result Jesus goes into
the streets and invites anyone to eat at his restaurant in the sky who will
respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus lets anyone who wants to
come eat with him in his Kingdom to come; I think Bubba's Burger Join ought to
extend the same courtesy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus also reminds the religious high and mighty types, that
Jesus actually came to eat with those who are outcastes (Matthew 9:9-13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus spent time hanging around those others
would not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not once does Jesus appeal to
congress to create a law to keep them away from his dinner table.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Also remember the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke
15:11-32)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Younger son collects his
inheritance from his father, wastes all the inheritance, and comes back home to
a loving and forgiving father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often
forget the end of that story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
everyone is celebrating the return of the younger son with a feast inside the
older brother refuses to go in and join the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father comes out pleading with the older
son to come in and join the celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This part of the parable is Jesus pleading with the "super religious"
to come into the Father's home and eat with the sinners who have been allowed
to join.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those trying to keep unwanted
people out of restaurants are like the older brother refusing to go into his father's
house because a sinner is in there.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus came saying "come to me all you who are weary and
carrying heavy burdens" (Matthew 28), there are no homo/hetero
qualifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Finally if Jesus is willing to sit and eat with anyone,
including Judas, then true Bible Believing Christians who follow Jesus Christ
also are willing to open the table to anyone as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all Jesus said "as the Father sent
me so I send you" (John 20:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That means followers of Jesus Christ, true Bible Believing Christians
are not picketing and discriminating, but inviting people over for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others are only using and abusing the
bible, but not really following it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus has some simple words for these people "I never knew you; go
away from me, you evil doers" (Matthew 7:23). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
So if you want to be a true Bible Believing Christian, open
your door and your table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you are
hungry, don't be afraid of those who shout the name of Jesus, but do not know
him.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-37230518313538771882013-12-11T16:17:00.002-05:002013-12-11T16:18:39.710-05:005 Reasons You Cannot Help but Read Lists (even though you hate them)Let's face it we all cannot help but read a list. Whether its the "Top 5 Cancer Causing Foods", or the "Top 10 Signs Vampires are Real:; you are drawn to click and scans every list you come across. Thanks to Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo, the ubiquitous presences of lists has becoming daunting. You know your should get back to work, but you just saw another article on "The 8 Ways your Spouse is Secretly Killing you" and you must read it now. Lists become an addiction; you want to get away but you can't. So below I made the top 5 reasons why lists are made and read despite everyone's deep hatred for them. Hope you enjoy, though you probably won't.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No
Time Left for You - </b>Writers know you don't like to invest time in things
like reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting for an author to
develop a sound argument through paragraphs of questions, information, and
conclusions is so 1950's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lists provide
the shallow relationship that we in America love so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read the headings in the list to get
the authors idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don't life the
heading you can end your commitment to the article there, but if you are
intrigued you are invited to read more.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instant Wisdom - </b>Lists are magical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason deep down inside we believe
if we grasp all the concepts in a list, apply them to our life, then our life will become better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Whether the list is about dieting or relationships, we feel that if we can just grasp the lists concepts we will master our troubles. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readership, Readership, Readership - </b>Clicks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Online literature is measured not by usefulness nor accurate information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Online articles
are all about the clicks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one really
cares if you read the article, as long as you click it. This encourages more people to write more lists which simply feeds our addiction. When we see an article has become viral, we begin to think it must have useful and accurate. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Imagination Termination
-</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lists require no creativity, only
a number, followed by a period and some vague information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lists mean the writer can be lazy. If the writer can be lazy and quickly crank out an article it leaves more time for the author to read their own lists or create more.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Numbers are
reputable -</b> Lists have a way of creating a sense of accurate undisputable information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the lists online are simply opinions,
but if you number your points they instantly become hard tested truths in the
minds of readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
This is why lists are so popular, but leave us feeling empty inside when we are done.ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-45477275826830616822013-12-06T12:40:00.000-05:002013-12-06T14:17:37.688-05:00Why the Church should stand behind higher wages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in;">
I want to be clear, I am not advocating for government
intervention for a minimum wage increase, I am advocating for a compassion
intervention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't get me wrong, I
would not oppose an increase in minimum wages to a livable salary, but making
people pay livable wages does not change anyone's heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if legislation was passed to increase
minimum wage I would be completely behind it, but it would still fall short of
the greater goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greater goal is to
have consumers, employers, investors, and employees to see the working force
not just as soulless line items, but as human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greater goal is not to force, but to
compel people to move in the direction of providing every full-time worker with
a livable wage regardless of education, race, background, ethnicity, religion or
language.</div>
<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="http://www.empireclaims.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Living-wage-e1351622473520.jpg" width="332" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">"Do not muzzle an ox while it is
treading out the grain" (Deut. 25:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This scripture passage is one of those that sound too odd to be in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the passage centers on compassion and
fair treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While your ox is working
and treading the grain, you cannot cover its mouth so that it will not eat in
the midst of the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ox deserves
to eat and be provided for while doing the work it is being required to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one who is using the ox to do
the work is responsible to make sure the ox get what it needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is how we treat animals, certainly
human beings deserve better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means
that employees, who are doing the work required of them, are the responsibility
of the employer to make sure they have enough to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently the minimum wage 40 hours a week
worker earns far below the poverty line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Employees are falling further and further behind, the responsibility of
the employer to provide has fallen on government programs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">1 Timothy 5:18 quotes this Deuteronomy
passage adding Luke 10:7 "the worker deserves his wages."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One who works and does the work required of
them deserves to be paid a wage that provides a basic level of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">James 5:4 says that the wages you refuse to
pay the worker who worked your field have been noticed by the Lord
Almighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God notices our refusal to
pay our workers, I believe God still notices when we pay our employees
inadequately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">Sometimes we fall into the mistake that God
only cares about our "spiritual existence" but this is nothing but
empty religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture is full of mandates
concerning provision for our neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is concerned with our economic system, and Christ cares for how we
treat the "lowest" of employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lack of education or training is not an adequate excuse to underpay the
children of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">One of Jesus' most enamoring names he has
for us is "sheep."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture,
more than a few times, refers to God's people as sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the Good Shepherd in John 10, and
leaders and elders of God's people are also called shepherds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheep have a fairly simple job, grow
wool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheep basically do their job just
by existing. For us humans, our jobs are much tougher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the Shepherd's job to care, protect,
and provide for the sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezekiel
34:2-4 has some harsh words for Shepherds who do not care for their sheep:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take
care of yourselves! Should not shepherds <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>take
care of the flock?</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text"><sup>3 </sup>You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool
and slaughter <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the choice animals, but
you do not take care of the flock.</span> <span class="text"><sup>4 </sup>You
have not strengthened the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>weak or
healed the sick or bound up the injured.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">This passage is most often read with
national or spiritual leaders as the Shepherds and I believe that is the most
accurate place to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
passage does not intend to stop there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also believe that this passage can and does talk to employers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you demand the work of your employees, if
you consume 40 hours a week of their life, if you profit from their toil, and
they go hungry or naked then you are judged as an unjust Shepherd. Employers,
along with leaders, and pastors, are called not to care just for themselves,
but for those they are over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
God gifts and appoints employers along with pastors, teachers, and leaders to
use their talents to provide sustainable and fulfilling jobs, economies, societies,
schools, etc. however, we have fell woefully short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">Our prayers and church attendance is not
enough when our employees, who are our brothers and sisters, do not have
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must push, we must strive, we
must struggle to ensure our brothers and sisters who work do not also have to beg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text">The truth is there is enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ has made sure of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God in his infinite wisdom did not intend to
create a universe where people must suffer for others to survive. What creates
this suffering? Sin! We have to stop believing the law that there is not enough
to pay everyone enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is plenty,
God has designed it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there
is enough for 5,000 with 12 baskets leftover, than there is enough for all of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-79270956396046780652013-12-02T15:40:00.002-05:002013-12-02T15:41:57.853-05:00Join the Movement<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
When was it decided that those who we deem "under
educated" do not deserve jobs that pay livable salaries?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of protests to increase wages to
$15 from corporations such as McDonalds and Walmart there has been a backlash
against the cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people are
finding it extravagant to pay a human being a livable wage for a "burger
flipping job." Many are arguing that these are entry level jobs and are
occupied by the "under educated."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The argument goes, since these are entry level positions and these
people do not have the education deemed necessary by some arbitrary standard to
obtain certain wages, than these employees and their families do not have the
right to be paid a wage above the poverty line.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Granted cooking fast food does not require a great deal of
education or training, but it is still work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Workers at McDonalds and Walmart show up every day and do all the work
required of them on their feet for 8 plus hours a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because people do not graduate college,
or maybe even high school does not mean they do not deserved to be paid a livable
wage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Livable wages should not be based
on education, but on being a human being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" src="http://ipsnews-net.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/Library/2013/08/9402829566_0bc2a1cae7_z-549x472.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 440px; width: 511px;" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
People who work McDonalds and Walmart work just as hard and
I am sure sometimes even harder than many of their executives sitting in comfortable
offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McDonalds and Walmart are not
some startup companies that cannot afford to pay their employees better;
instead they are greedy enterprises with gross amounts of profit and bonuses
for top executives who refuse to acknowledge that it is human beings with
families who work their stores.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It is true a good education can land you a better job, but
lack of a "sufficient education" should not prevent you from a livable
salary for the rest of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Our arguments against better wages do not work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God asks why we did not pay our
neighbors, friends, and employees a livable wage for them and their families,
God will not accept our distorted views of economics that declare they did deserve
such compensation due to lack of education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Education is not the deciding principle to livable wages, but being made
in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
God calls us to make sure all people are provided for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to care for the poor, homeless,
and unemployed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, we cannot even
learn how to care for the least of these, if we refuse to pay respectable and
livable salaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us learn to stand
with these workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not be afraid
to demand livable wages, let us not be afraid to take the power away from the
corporation and give it to the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
us see people not as products of services, but as people who bear the image of
God.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-12493162445824349172013-10-14T13:35:00.000-04:002013-10-14T15:16:53.191-04:00I'm the modern christopher columbus<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
With financial support from a respected royal I decided to
set sail down the street in hopes of discovering new places to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must truthfully admit that during the 3min journey hope had been lost
more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my perseverance
brought me success as I discovered a McDonalds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After discovering the McDonalds I poisoned all the employees after befriending
them and claimed the new land property of the Burger King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must embarrassingly admit for the first few
hours I thought I had landed at a Wendy's restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
revisionist history will certainly be kind to me and this day will be
celebrated among all McDonalds as the day a younger brave voyager found an undiscovered fast food joint. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Sound ridiculous?</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-37969242675586030702013-10-04T13:22:00.001-04:002013-10-04T13:22:01.924-04:00Government Closed: The Kingdom Still Open
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Are we not supposed to have some of the smartest leaders in
the world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we not supposed to have
the example of government for other world nations to follow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has happened?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
No matter how bright of people you gather together, no
matter how perfected a system, no matter how carefully distributed the power,
we run into catastrophic shutdowns.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We could easily replace all the House, and the Senate, and
other powers and positions with brighter more fairly minded people, yet
eventually we would run into similar problems, or a whole set of new ones.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The limits of the great Pax Americana are rearing their ugly
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while it may be all too
obvious of a statement now, I feel it must be said that the Kingdom of God is
not the same as the authority of the United States.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The very best solution that our government could stumble
upon will ultimately fall short of God's Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not mean that government cannot be
good, but that it is hopelessly limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While it is perfectly reasonable to want your government to make civil,
thoughtful, and well-meaning policies and procedures, it is foolish to think
the government can and will provide for every need. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our government, nor any other, can provide sufficient
security, ample health, meaningful peace, lasting international relationships,
unity, honest justice, happiness, or purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><img height="216" src="http://images.politico.com/global/2013/08/21/capitol_government_shutdown_ap_328.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We can look at the world around us and see that it is not government
that provides these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
people who have all these without a healthy government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is because these things are not offered
by human rule, but by the Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ Jesus is the creator of all things including thrones, and dominions,
and rulers and powers (Col. 1:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
in him all things hold together (17) because it is in him alone that the
fullness of God was pleased to dwell (19).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things do not hold together by any form of government except by the government
of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That government is not
a democracy, a republic, a dictatorship, or oligarchy, but a monarchy; it is a kingdom,
the Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things outside the
Kingdom will eventually fall apart because Christ holds all things
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaders will stumble and fall because
Christ alone as all the fullness of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He created true power and authority, so any rule that excludes him
excludes true power and authority.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We should not be surprised that we are in the situation we
are in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a vast amount of people
who lead with their pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True
leadership needs to lead with humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>True leadership needs to seek not the kingdom of their own self-interest
but the Kingdom of God,.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If leaders seek
first what is true, what is good, what is noble, and who is God, we become
closer to living in the Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his
Kingdom looks much better than any other government that ever has and ever will
be fashioned.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-89554758858465434862013-08-02T10:58:00.002-04:002013-08-02T10:58:36.598-04:00Idolarty of Intel. Is the NSA playing GOD
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Manning, Snowden, Assange, Wikileaks, NSA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have seen a lot of news and events
circling the topic of secrets, information gathering, and who has the rights to
collect and reveal classified information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The U.S. government has deemed it necessary to collect untold amounts of
information on citizens without a warrant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our governing bodies can collect, store, and eventually review copious
amounts of what once was private information in cell phone conversations, and personal
emails to use against those who may plot our country's ruin. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
This is just what we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am no conspiracy theorist, but if the U.S. is upset at people
revealing facts about domestic espionage on its own citizens through only cell
phones, and emails, it stands to reason, there may be even more going on.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I do find it unsettling that we have allowed our officials
to collect private information, scan our bodies at air ports, and allow our
children to be handled in a pat down all in the name of safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But let me ask a question; do we feel any
safer?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<img height="609" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yqwDV6PJbEE/TFhFGD_1t3I/AAAAAAAAAg0/QKtfP98mBzA/s1600/Copy+of+Spy_vs_Spy_WallPaper_2560X1024_by_Zarious.png" width="687" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe that most of our leaders have the right
intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe most think they
can make us safer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I also
believe our forefathers knew well about the dangers of a government with too
much power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe too much power
lends itself to great corruption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe the lengths that have been gone for our safety have only angered more
people who now foster ill-will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe we have allowed our government to play god by allowing access to our
privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have allowed our bodies to
be scanned and groped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have allocated
great wealth away from education and medical solutions in order to build weapons
of unspeakable horror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We have fallen into idolatry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have made our military our god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our government and its ready defense has
become what we trust most. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have given
this false god immeasurable power to protect our way of life, to give us freedom,
to bring us peace, to ensure us life and cast judgment on the wicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have fallen into a blind faith of
civil-religion in which our priests are our military, our bishop's members of
the federal government, our pope the president, and our objects of worship mere
war machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't think this was the
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I think good intentions were
behind all this, but this is the strength of evil; taking good intentions and
perverting them into something frightening.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
When we see more of our children come home from war with
bodily or mental injuries, or when they don't come home at all, that should be
a sign that something is not right.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Perhaps I am taking this a little too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been accused of being a little too
dramatic in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as a
follower of Christ, I put my hope in Jesus first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Jesus as God who has established and
protects my way of life, he gives me freedom, he brings me peace, and he alone
carries out judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is God who I submit
my private information, my body, and my hope.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I think fellow followers of Christ need to be careful about
blindly accepting what has been going on. I think we have stripped God of his
power and handed over to a false god (figure of speech we are not powerful
enough to take away God's power).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe in order, I believe god likes it when we organize
rules and a way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I
believe that power needs to be kept in check, power needs to be divided, power
needs balance; otherwise governments become divine wielding Caesars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to remember the place of government,
firmly placed under God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God is
truncated by our policies, anything will be done to protect us, even if that
means violating our freedom.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A god of war cannot save us from the fear of death; we need
a god of resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a god of
new life, a god of peace, a god that can redeem us, our relationships, and our
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-10084377468637744012013-06-17T17:35:00.001-04:002013-06-17T17:35:16.137-04:00What makes church different?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pastor a mid size church in west Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where we are located we see lots of
need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see families struggle with
feeding their families, rampant addiction problems, and homelessness camped out
under bridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try to do our best to
help those in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We provide a food
pantry once a month to struggling families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a weekly meal to provide a delicious dinner for free and give
parents a night off from cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
dispense bread through our Community Center daily, and offer clothes as much as
25 cents, and sometimes free for those really hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We provide fantastic preschool program that
offers several scholarships to those in our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work with the local school to help provide
school supplies; we partner with the city to offer free meals during summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also help support other ministries and
charities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We give to the local Edna
Martin Center, Missions over seas, schools, and we give some emergency
assistance to individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I recognize that there are a lot of other charities
that may do similar things, and I am grateful for the other organizations that
are committed to making their local communities a better place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mention all we do not to boast or
gloat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know there are other churches
and charities that do even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mention all this because it shows what we have in common with other non-profit
organizations, and government charity programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The truth is the Church is not unique in its work for the poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the church does have a distinct
difference in its work for the hurting that government programs and other
charities cannot provide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning a woman who had battled and defeated
cancer found out after 5 years of being cancer free that it had returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time cancer took most of her voice,
and left her with scar tissue in her throat that needs to be cleaned out every
so often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now caring for her granddaughter
on her own the cancer has returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is where the church became the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We gathered around her, laid hands upon her and prayed for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then several members of the church who hardly
knew this woman began making arrangements to go to her appointments with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church offered not just to provide
charity, the church offered to be her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is what the church has the power to do that others can't, to be
family together, to support one another not just with money, not just with
donations, but with inclusion into a family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="text Gal-4-4" id="en-NIV-29136"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><em>But when the set time had fully come,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29136A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> God sent his Son,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29136B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> born of a woman,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29136C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> born under the law,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29136D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></em></span><em> <span class="text Gal-4-5" id="en-NIV-29137">to redeem<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29137E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> those under the law, that we might receive adoption<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29137F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> to sonship.<sup> </sup></span></em><span class="text Gal-4-6" id="en-NIV-29138"><em>Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29138H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> into our hearts,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29138I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”</em> - Gal 4:4-6</span>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-40065570777707228642013-04-09T17:51:00.003-04:002013-04-09T17:51:39.407-04:00An Offensive Faith<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
My faith may be a little offensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that God became man in Jesus
Christ, died a gruesome death, and rose from the grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe he did this willingly and some may
find that offensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe Jesus came to open the Kingdom of God to people
who do not deserve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe prostitutes,
adulterers, thieves, murderers, and others are called and invited by God and his
Son Jesus to enter into his Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe that the "the basically bad people" beat out the
"basically good people" to the Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This offends some people.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe that Just War is an oxymoron, and weapons of
violence are never sufficient for dealing with the evils of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the most prepared are not
necessarily the best nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see evil
and wrong on both sides of the battle line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe God wants us to lay down all weapons for all times no matter
how good of a rational argument you can make for owning one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants us to turn our weapons into
gardening tools so we can plant new life, not violence and death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be offensive.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<img height="428" src="http://blog.planetpreterist.com/media/2/20090206-Jesus_with_Prostitute_Big.jpg" width="640" /><br />
I believe that rulers are fallen and prone to corruption
like all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that my
leader is King and I belong not to this nation or that nation, but to his
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe there are other people
of other nationalities, languages, and governmental associations, legal and
illegal who are also parts of this same Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that I and others are more than
citizens, but children, and we are therefore brother and sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it hard to hate my brother and sister
simply because a political leader says they are a national enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe my leader is perfect, and the only
true one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will certainly offend
some.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe that our global economy is one based on
greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we market wealth off
the enslaved backs of the world's poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We demonize and dehumanize the poor calling them wicked or lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a world where "success"
is actually failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we
enslave millions of people today by disgusting unlivable wages to get what we
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will offend many.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe we do not know what love is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe love is choosing to lay down your
life for others, to be patient and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe love has no reason besides love itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe love is for the good and the bad,
the just and unjust, the deserving and undeserving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe we have exchanged love for desire
and it has made us less than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe we vilify those with certain sexual orientation to hide our own failure
to understand and love each other the way God invites us to love and be loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe love is death on a cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe God is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This offends most.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe we throw in a dollar to help charities not because
we care, but to assuage our moral guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can buy shoes, food, clothes, and concert tickets to raise money to
send to the struggling, so long as we benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This hardly changes anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
few will give time, heart, home, at their own cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We too often practice false religion by bank
rolling financial issues which create greater problems instead of practicing
true religion and caring for people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This should offend us all.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe God is working to bring the hurt and struggling
into his Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe God is
leading the drunk to worship him, and the poor to trust in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe God is inviting the hurt to find healing,
and broken communities to come together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe God has planted a small seed which is growing in neighborhoods
and homes of those who are part of God's Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe God is turning away from leaders,
the influential, professional, programs, and the initiated and putting his will
in the hands of the humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
God's work cannot be stopped and that food will become plenty, health will
become inevitable, life will flourish, and peace will rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe all this will come from God and his
Spirit and through him alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
offensive.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-13640125478375813302013-03-19T13:15:00.001-04:002013-03-19T13:15:23.370-04:00Are We Spiritual People?<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It is amazing how many people turned their undivided
attention toward the Vatican in the days the conclave of cardinals convened to
elect a new Pope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The religious,
unreligious, anti-religious, and indifferent awaited the black smoke to turn
white, and the identity of the new leader of 1.2 billion Catholics to
emerge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world eagerly awaited the
name Francis I to be chosen, and the personality and character of the new
Pontiff to surface. Why do so many unaffiliated with the Catholic Tradition
become so interested in their new leader?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why when the Catholic Church has undergone much criticism and scrutiny
over their global transgressions of sexual immorality, and rape, have many
people become invested?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it is
just the sheer greatness the Church has over the world that draws our
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe many are simply hoping for a
cleaning up of corruption by the new Pontiff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe, it is just the newest story in the news to grab headlines, and no
one truly cares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
I tend to believe that the new Pope, his upbringing, history, character, and influence has more to do with our own spirituality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people realize that they are spiritual people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you go to church or not, chances are you recognize a spiritual side to your being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the social sciences have recognized that importance of Spiritual Health in the overall health of an individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly every day I meet people who tell me they are spiritual people, but not religious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thisweconfess.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/absent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://thisweconfess.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/absent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Spirituality is important to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Catholic Church strives to be a spiritual
institution, therefore, when news of a new leader is on the rise, people cannot
help but be interested for their own spiritual sake.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are books upon books that talk about becoming more
spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can take classes about
becoming aware of our spiritual being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are retreats, seminars, movies, shows, prayers, songs, gurus, chapels,
sanctuaries, meditations, drugs, movements, and therapies that all promise to
make us more spiritual people.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The problem is that nothing can make us "more spiritual"
just as nothing can make us "more emotional."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A book, movie or song, can tug at our
emotions, and books, songs, and movies can tug at our spirit, but these are
only short term accomplishments that have no lasting fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not make us more emotional or more
spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I have spent time in my life trying to become "more
spirituality."</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I kept telling myself if I read one more book, or learned
one more philosophy, or recited just one more prayer, one more teaching, I
could find that gap in my spirit to fill me. We look for these quick answer
that cost us a small price to fill our needs, and we find ourselves still
wanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is all indicative of our
self made human construct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are
hungry we drive thru McDonalds and buy our physical fulfillment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we feel inadequate we buy a book or
class to teach us one more trade, when we feel sad we buy one more drug or
drink to make us happy, when we are unfulfilled we buy one more movie, or
vacation, or a bigger television. When we feel that our image is hurting we buy
one more piece of clothing, when we lose our joy we look for one more
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When things are broken we
buy our way into healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look for
quick fixes or complete replacements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
has become our spiritual being.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We think if we get another tattoo, or piece of jewelry or
another sacred relic we might fill that spiritual void.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a way we think if a better leader is
chosen to lead the spiritual, no matter how skeptical we are of the tradition,
we too might be spiritually filled.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
However, nothing can make us "more spiritual"; we
are already spiritual, just like we are already physical, emotional, and
social.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we need is spiritual health
and guidance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as we wish and
pretend, true physical health cannot come from an easy fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors since the beginning of time say right
eating and right exercise leads to physical health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same is true with our spiritual
health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we put into our spirit, and
what work we do with our spirit will decide if we are healthy or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Our spirits are hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pills and vitamins are good, but they will never cure hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books, and traditions are good, but they will
never cure our spiritual hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
spiritual bread, bread that will make sure we never go hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need spiritual water, so that we never go
thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a spiritual task so
that our souls do not apathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We miss where to find spiritual food, drink, and work
because of its simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often want
to find a secret, hidden, undiscovered truth for ourselves that we can keep and
control. The truth is that this spiritual food, drink, and work are given to all
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not just the intellectual,
powerful, or those who have arrived who have this spiritual sustenance, in fact
they typically overlook it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This food is
accessible to all as a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
spiritual life cannot be bought or earned.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The question is, are you hungry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you thirsty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you lost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you willing to be fed and filled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you ready to be given drink and quenched?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you longing to journey down a road toward
healing and companionship?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Eat:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says - I
am the bread of life (John 6:35)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Drink:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says -
Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Follow:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says - <span class="woj">The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent</span>
(John 6:29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="woj">There is much more to be said about all
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not simply forcing or pushing
anyone into something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am simply
inviting you to ask honest questions, and give honest answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is your spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you searching from place to place,
addiction to addiction, teaching to teaching, trend to trend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is your spirit fulfilled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="woj">What does Jesus mean when he says we can be
fed on him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="woj">What does it mean to believe in Jesus as a
work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="woj">What would your spirit begin to look like if
you regularly went to Jesus to be fed, quenched, and commissioned? </span></div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-26647448076347028332013-02-11T14:16:00.001-05:002013-02-11T14:16:14.106-05:00God's Kingdom, and the Papacy's Kingdom: One is Not Like the Other
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Pope Benedict XVI will be stepping down at the end of
February leaving the Pontiff position open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Cardinals will gather together in secret while the world will wait
and watch for the rising smoke that signifies a new Pope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the Vatican's various missteps in
theology, scandal, and unawareness make me wonder if this new appointment will
even matter.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/pope-benedict-xvi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/pope-benedict-xvi.jpg" width="320" /></a>In Mathew 16 Jesus gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom of
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the reason for the Peterine
Pontiff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A careful reading shows that
Jesus most likely did not give Peter himself the keys, but all his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we read it where Jesus gives such
responsibility to all his gathered disciples, than would this key not be copied
and handed down to all disciples of Jesus?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus wanted to let Peter and his disciples know that what
they did on earth mattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message
of forgiveness, healing, and God's love was theirs to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were given a message that invited people
to a new life, a whole life, an eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The key was not for the disciples and Peter to hold people spiritually
captive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Vatican, however, has
become a city built for its own purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The hat, the shoes, the clothes have removed the simple and powerful
message from the broken and moved to the halls of decadence and
indifference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus, Peter, and his disciple did not sit upon thrones
removed from the dirtiness of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus washed feet, touched those with infectious skin diseases, stayed
in the homes of greedy tax thieves, spoke and showed true love to prostitutes, slept
in boats in the middle of storms, laid his head on rocks, and died on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the Pope not to be this example?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Unfortunately I do not see the Vatican being serious about
the message of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Cardinals,
and Bishops, and Vatican royalty were authentic about the life giving message
of Jesus our Christ, they would abdicate all their power, wealth, comfort, and
position.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are so many priests, pastors, and preachers who have
given up so much only to have their message of good news to the poor, weak,
sad, and imprisoned corrupted by the lie lived by the Pontiff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The truth is the Kingdom of God invites us to join the
advancing ranks of God's love and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, we cannot serve two masters, nor can we serve two
Kingdoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot serve God and money,
God and pride, God and fame, God and Vatican, God and Republicans, Democrats,
Tea Party, or any other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God invites us
to empty ourselves of any desire for power, money, and influence exemplified by
the Vatican so that God can fill us with hope, peace, and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Therefore let us not sit and wait idly why another Kingdom
elects its leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is we have
been given the Keys to another Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While many other places may keep us locked out Christ not only invites
us in, but he gives us keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us be
active in using those keys to invite others into the ever expanding loving
Kingdom of God.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-16722852303080938152013-02-01T22:06:00.002-05:002013-02-01T22:06:54.048-05:00a church for outcasts
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I write this with a heavy awareness of what is happening in
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not have to listen
very closely to hear the rhetoric of hate, anger and division that plagues our
world, our nation, and our churches.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.mansibhatia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/outcast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.mansibhatia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/outcast1.jpg" width="400" /></a>Fiercely we see people debate homosexual marriage, and
immigration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see passion burning so
hotly that it consumes us and those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the midst of all the politics, and all the arguments, and all the
assumptions we have forgotten to listen to our Heavenly Father.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Perhaps we have been so focused on morality, or holiness, or
tradition that we have forgotten the gospel...the good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often what we argue does not sound like
good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we are so eager to
make political stands, we forget to see that we are not standing on the rock.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
These two issues homosexual marriage and immigration are
very divisive yet very important for the church today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How we speak about these and how we deal with
them is extremely important to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But before we even begin to think and speak about such things we must
remember the message of the gospel, the good news.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We need to remember Jesus began his preaching ministry in
Matthew with the Sermon on the Mount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus says:</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the poor
in spirit for there's is the kingdom of heaven</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are those who
mourn for they will be comforted</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the meek
for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:3-5)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus blesses those whom we would not otherwise see as
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Jesus preached that sermon
today, who would he mention as those who are blessed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly we could mention the poor, the sad,
and the weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who fit in this
category?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus' list in Matthew 5 is
not exhaustive; there are many more we could add such as:</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
immigrants for they will be given a home</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
homosexual for the Father will pour his love on them</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
tattooed for God will put his mark on them</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
drunk, high, and strung out, for God will inject them with the Spirit</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
mentally ill, for God will be mindful of them</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
single parents, for God will be their partner</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
Blessed are the
children with no mothers or fathers, for God is their heavenly Father.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We could add so many to this list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are people who are hurt, ostracized,
and often seen outside of God's favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oftentimes we keep them at arm's length.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Remember the ministry of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember who he healed, whom he touched, whom
he ate with, spoke with, did ministry with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember whom Jesus welcomed and who he blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of worrying too much about political
solutions we should focus on Christ solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our arms are not made to push people away, but to bring people in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Look around today, who can we bless, who is Christ blessing
today?</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-54898255638804983652013-01-16T14:02:00.001-05:002013-01-16T14:02:16.166-05:00Too Many Words, No Real Change
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.recalculatingthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/words.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://www.recalculatingthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/words.gif" width="320" /></a>Have we simply become a mere nation of words? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our blogs, Facebook updates, Twitter feeds,
and endless comment sections have polluted our world into a garbage heap of
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our words are spoken so quickly
and flippantly that they never really amount to anything more than just
garbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We defend and offend our hidden
monologues inside virtual dialogues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
pass words pack and forth without anyone listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We start revolutions from our arm chairs, and call out
injustice while we sip our lattes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
decry oppression and hunger from our third world manufactured tablets and phones.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We raise awareness without raising an arm, unaware that our words
have died the moment they were conceived.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Our words are not spoken anymore, they are merely
written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our words are formed without oxygen,
and without oxygen nothing can live.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Our words do not move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our words are not even real. Words created digitally do not even really
exist in the physical world, and therefore they have no real power, no real movement,
no real meaning.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We talk without talking, we communicate without
communing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer share instead we
market, and no longer listen, instead we consume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We have allowed words with no life to define us, instead of
defining our words with life.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Words have power when they have life behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words have life not only when they compel
action, but when the words were created by action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We have it backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Words do not create meaning, meaning creates words.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe in a word,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A word with power.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A word with life.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A word created by meaning. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in a word
that was not created by anything, but itself created what we know and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in a word with breath and spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in a word that has power to save,
and redeem the broken dead words in all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know a word that combines us all into a grand story of salvation and
victory. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know a word, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Living Word. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"In the
beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God"
(John 1:1).</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-21362331602155262342012-12-13T17:32:00.002-05:002012-12-13T17:32:12.598-05:00How to Prepare for Christmas<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.dollymix.tv/salesalesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://www.dollymix.tv/salesalesale.jpg" width="320" /></a>Outside of the essential groceries, I would rather drink a
gallon of milk and go on a roller coaster ride than have to go shopping
(especially when it comes to the mall). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something that has been fused into my
DNA that prevents me from shopping without developing migraines, frustration, and
the gout (ok maybe not the gout).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
makes this time of the year particularly difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With so many gifts to buy for my friends and
family, holiday shopping reaches a new level of pain (like going from a normal
wedgy to an atomic one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are some things in life that are particularly
difficult for me to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
hard for me to see the Cardinals outperform my beloved Cubbies year after
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult to hear my strange
alien voice on a recording device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
it is downright painful for me to go shopping.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
This is not only painful for me, but this becomes a real
difficult circumstance for my wife who must drag me through the stores like a
petulant child with the promises of ice cream and candy if I am good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only am I of no help at shopping, but my
present wrapping skills are inept, and my hand writing for Christmas cards is
legible only to highly trained graphologist ninjas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to Christmas I am
hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It is amazing to think about all the things we do to get
ready for the 25th of December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put
up lights, a tree, buy and wrap presents; we write Christmas cards and bake
cookies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas is something that we
have to prepare for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When comes to the evolution
of Christmas preparation I am prehistoric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But maybe that is not so bad.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
For me Christmas is first and foremost the celebration of
the birth of a baby that changed that world as we know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas is when I remember the reckless of
love of God who became human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event
shows the love of God, and the length that our Creator is willing to go to
reach out to us, forgive us, and give us life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question that I ask when it comes to
Christmas is how ought I prepare for the birth of the King of Kings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I get ready to celebrate the birth of
Jesus the Savior and Son of God? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The good news is I do not been to be proficient at shopping,
or a master present wrapper or a Pulitzer Christmas card writer to prepare for
this kind of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, to
prepare of a Christmas that celebrates not just gift giving, but the greatest
gift ever given, we must do something that comes quite difficult to us, we must
wait and be still.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Preparing for Christmas is about waiting, being still, and
allowing God to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas is a
time we ought to not run, but wait for God to come into the world as a baby,
and into our life as our King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
reminded that it is God's doing that changes things not us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if this is the Christmas you want, then I
urge you to get ready by putting down the list and wait for God to come once
again.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-45209847582852664092012-12-06T16:16:00.000-05:002012-12-06T16:16:33.385-05:00Fiscal Cliffs and Political Deficits<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.slimbeleggen.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fiscal-cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://www.slimbeleggen.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fiscal-cliff.jpg" width="320" /></a>Strap on your parachute, attach your bungee cord, and secure
all safety harnesses the end is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If they Mayans were wrong and the world does not end on December 21st,
than the fiscal cliff will certainly be our demise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that the leaders of our country who
are suppose to be the representatives of the interests of their constituents,
have unfortunately only been interested in representing themselves and their
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The egregious irresponsibility or
our leaders has been not just an approaching cliff, but a continual downward
spiral that has not hurt our leaders, but the poor of our nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of progress we have politicians
getting on television and radio stations pointing fingers at each other.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The gap between the rich and poor continue to grow as
companies are less likely to share their profits with their employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impractical wages given by our nation's
largest employers is insufficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rising cost of education,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
impossibility of owning a home without paying twice as much as it is worth with
mortgages, and the impending rise on taxes are clear evidence that our leaders
have failed to serve anything but their own agendas.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
All that said I do not despair simply because I do not give
too much credence to governmental leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I admit that our government has a great amount of power to make life
easier or more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the government
can never fully provide the things that make life worth living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I hope the Fiscal Cliff is avoided, my
hope for the New Year is much deeper. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I truly believe that the fully functioning church of Jesus
Christ is the best solution to the world's problems. I believe that the Church
is the best answer to hurting families, education, Medicare, care for orphans,
and care for the elderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand
the Church has made many great mistakes that have caused pain, I understand not
every individual church is functioning under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I
understand this makes a lot of people angry and suspicious of the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the church that confesses to the Lordship
of Jesus Christ is the only organization that Jesus promised would not be overcome
by hell's gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Church is the only
organization that is called the adorned bride of Jesus the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Church is the only organization that is
center around relationships with Jesus and with each other.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Governmental programs can be helpful, but they are limited
by their paper work and staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
seen the good, but I have also seen the devastating shortfalls of governmental
programs such as the Child Protective Agency, Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps,
rehab, and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These programs only go
so far, many fall through the cracks, and they are prevented from going deep
into people's lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The programs are
also corrupted by the political process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The church is only limited by the love of Jesus Christ and its
members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been part of a church
that has taken time to go further and deeper with people than any government
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the Church not only
feed the body but feed the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
seen the Church not only provide shelter, but provide a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the Church not only provide
clothes, but also provide warmth.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I have seen the local church do much more good than any
other organizations has or could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
should not be surprising because true change cannot be mandated by a law from
our politicians, but real change is something that happens from within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real change is allowing God to make you into
a new creation, and fill you with the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>True change comes not from law, organization, or policy, change comes
from God's grace manifested through the Church.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-82715247922473967012012-11-16T15:41:00.000-05:002012-11-16T15:41:32.849-05:00Black Thursday<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.cartoonaday.com/images/cartoons/2010/11/black-friday-camping-598x461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://www.cartoonaday.com/images/cartoons/2010/11/black-friday-camping-598x461.jpg" width="400" /></a>Black Friday is synonymous with gigantic televisions, the
latest gaming systems, Tickle-Me-Elmo's, long lines, trampling people, and mass
hysteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the most hyped
shopping day of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a
highlighted day for owners, workers, and shoppers alike as it kicks off the Christmas
shopping season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millions of people scrounging
for deals to wrap in elaborate boxes and place under artificially lit trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is excluded from the commercial
chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once worked for a Christian retailer
who once lectured me about this day and season was about making money (silly me
thinking it was about a birth). </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It's a day we throw away our money, our common sense, and
our common courtesy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a day of the
survival of the fittest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weak are
trampled, the slow are left behind, and the broke are imprisoned behind
scanners for 16 hours straight with the promise of longer hours to come during
the "most wonderful time of the year."</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Is it not bad enough Black Friday comes hours after we
celebrate being thankful for what we have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now stores are opening sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
just 3:00 am Friday morning, but now even 8:00 pm on Thursday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now families who had to work on little sleep
after Thanksgiving will not be able to have any Thanksgiving at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanksgiving will soon be a holiday reserved
for the wealthy who are not forced to work customer service jobs. Have we all
gone crazy?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Wal-Mart, our nation's largest employer, is following
suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wal-Mart already has a terrible
record with managing its employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
already have unlivable wages, scarce access to health care, and discrimination
lawsuits enough to backlog the courts for several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their record on the environment is reckless,
and their concern for local business is nonexistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Wal-Mart is opening on Thanksgiving "for
their customers."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not enough
to steal employees from their beds in the wee hours following Thanksgiving, now
they are stealing them away from the dinner table so that they can provide our
country with things we do not need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Black Friday has moved over to Black Thursday, and it seems
that the darkness is spreading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The truth is we don't need a Black Thursday, and we don't
need a Black Friday, what we need is a Good Friday, a Friday where work is not
done through shopping malls and super-stores, but where work is done by God
himself mending our hearts, our families, our nation, and our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need days of Sabbaths, to remember God's
work for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not need to jump
start our economy, or get a head start on our shopping, we do not need to grab
tents and wait in line, we need to gather together around the table and wait
for the Lord.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are people who have had enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wal-Mart employees have already started
walking out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People have signed
petitions and made promises not to shop on Thanksgiving or Black Friday for the
employee's sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This all gets me
excited and hopeful.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The truth is if we continue to head down the path over manic
materialism we will not have to worry about any fiscal cliff, because we will
have already fallen so far there will be no else further to go.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Not that shopping is wrong in itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But let us be honest, haven't we gone so far
overboard that it has become downright unhealthy, disturbing, and just plain
wrong? </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not dream of
asking employees to stay home, that would be unfair, but I am asking employers
to close their shops and trust in the Lord, I am asking shoppers to stay home
and "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in
Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please let us stay home, let us be thankful, and let us enjoy a Sabbath
rest.</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-36908288747752200942012-09-07T14:34:00.000-04:002012-09-07T14:34:02.330-04:00A Physician not a Politician<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/002443685/1540470727_Voting_Booth_shitter_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/002443685/1540470727_Voting_Booth_shitter_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The election always reveals our nation's problems and issues
that each candidate promises to fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
problems with jobs and a shrinking economy, the problems with education and
failing schools, the problems with national security and foreign threats are
seen as issues that can be corrected if the right candidate is elected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Democratic nominee believes that his
leadership and party can correct the wrongs, and the Republican nominee wants
to ask "are things better than four years ago?" Both candidates think
they have the answers to our nation's problems, but what if they are both
wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that not only do both
candidates have the wrong answers to our problems; I believe they have the
wrong idea completely about what the problems are.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The reason things fail to get better is because we have been
inadequate at naming and addressing the true problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A struggling economy, the loss of jobs,
national security, and failing schools are not the problems, instead they are
the symptoms of our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to
fix symptoms does not fix our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I watched a women die this year of cancer pain free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morphine and medicine took away her pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am glad that she was able to pass pain free
but the pain wasn't the problem, the cancer was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a cancer in our country and our
politicians plan is to inject our country with morphine so that we will no
longer feel pain, and it is not all their fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look for and vote for politicians to take
away our pain instead of leading us through difficult treatment to restore us
back to health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rather die
comfortably than live with heroic struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We look for people to numb our existence instead of push for growth.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The issue with all this is that no political nominee of any
party can bring about the holistic healing of our nation, their position and
qualifications are inept. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The true problem that causes the symptoms of job loss is
greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CEO's and stockholders demand
greater profit which means minimal cost which effect job market, livable wages,
and even the environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No government
official can undo and cure greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
issue with our economy is entitlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People of all classes believe they are owed something and live off the
backs of other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem that
causes the symptom of failing schools is discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our students are not disciplined, our
teachers are not all disciplined, and our parents are not disciplined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem that causes the symptom of
national defense is lack of peace and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No government program and change these real problems.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
If we create more jobs, they will simply be shipped overseas
where they can legally pay unlivable and destitute wages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we simply throw more money at the impoverished,
they will still lack the ability to provide for them, if we create more testing
for students and teachers they will surely tell us nothings has changed, and if
we add more missiles and bombs to our arsenals our enemies will follow suit.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Where does our hope come from?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
What if there was one person who lived this out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if there was a person who was not greedy
but giving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if there was someone
who was not entitled but humble?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if
there was someone who was disciplined and lived out love and peace?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if this person did all this and instead
of saying "vote for me" he said "follow me."? What if there
was someone who could not just cure the symptom but the problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if there was someone who could not only change
things but change us? </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There is someone who offers such hope, who does not go on
television and slander other people with lies, but is gentle and loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is someone who does not charge
ridiculous prices to eat in a banquet hall with him, but freely invites you to come
and eat the broken bread and wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is someone who has cure, a great physician who knows the ailment and
solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately we have failed
to see our sickness, and we have failed to go seek the cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the physician is still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one who can fully effect change has not
abandoned us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Jesus who takes the illness of the world upon himself and
proclaims forgiveness has given us cure from all this and even cure from death
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want the cure, if you
want the change, if you want Jesus then he invites you to follow him and
experience not just change but transformation!</div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-2976115071298875992012-08-22T14:58:00.000-04:002012-08-22T14:58:36.044-04:00Character Counts: The Debase Debates of our Petty Presidential Candidates
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is official the Presidential debate has turned historically ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With both candidates pushing to raise 1
billion dollars in pursuit of being named Commander in Chief, resources have
recently been overwhelming spent on negative ads vilifying opponents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ads question Romney's past CEO initiatives
and Obama's past Presidential programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not that questioning an opponents' motives are wrong, but these paid
messages have more name calling than a grade school playground fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These messages paid for by wealthy
intelligent people in support of candidates are nothing more than bully
talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The campaign messages are full of
half truths that distort the other candidates' words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are sound bites taken to make a
completely different message than ever intended. There is more dishonesty in
this campaign than any other in our history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.iamnotapirate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2012-Presidential-Candidates1-530x350.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Politicians
(on both ends) lie about their opponents' to smear their name and then they
dare to claim they stand for truth and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Meanwhile the issues of rising poverty, escalating war, unstable
governments, and missing opportunities of the lower class go ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is the last time the Afghanistan War
which has over 80,000 U.S. troops engaged been mentioned?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These
debase debates effect more than just our voting system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The behaviors of our nation's leaders are a
terrible hideous disease that has infected us all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as a people can no longer discuss points
and ideas in how to govern a nation, instead we get angry, make personal
attacks, ostracize opposing ideas, and even commit unthinkable acts of violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not know how to have differing
respectful debates because our leaders have debased the art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our politicians speak out against bullying,
yet when it comes to their opponents' they cruelly attack anything and everything
they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had everything from people’s
pet ownership to singing ability attacked in political ads vying for what is
supposed to be the highest position in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been left with petty presidential
debates that disease our nation, families, and even our own reasoning skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
are we even passionately arguing for one leader over another when neither has
risen above the challenge?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we put
our energy and resources into a failing system?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
think it is time we expect more from our leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year candidates wonder why people do
not make it to the polls when we are left with no good options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
leaders have failed to lead us to be better people; our public servants have
failed to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have put winning,
election, and position at the forefront of our achievement and we have only
sunk to the bottom in attempts to reach these goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
Christ quite plainly told his disciples the secret to leadership and effective
change; serve humbly and look to others interest before your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are to become a people united together
with vision that can effect change, our leadership, our politics, our theology
and deepest personal self must turn away from the egotism that has led to
violent words and behavior of debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must learn to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This message is for
our politicians, for our CEO's and world leaders, but if we expect them to
reflect this behavior, we must first lead them with our own daily sacrificial
lives, just as Jesus did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We as a people
from the bottom must imitate the greatest teacher who ever lived, we must trust
in the powerful words of service and humility allow ourselves to become last so
others can be first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will not
trickle down from the top, but it will be planted in those on the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will slowly, yet surely as a strong oak, grow
into an unmovable, healthy, and fruitful tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
will happen with those who trust in those words of Jesus and become the
underground, dirty, unnoticeable roots that hold together both tree and nation.
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-9341179420451675512012-08-01T13:49:00.000-04:002012-08-01T13:49:22.251-04:00The Unjust Scandal of Chick-fil-A<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
When the donations of owner of Chick-fil-A started to go to
places that among other things had official stances against gay marriage the
public became suspect of the faith based fast food chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the owner was asked about gay marriage
he stated that he believed in a Bible based marriage that recognizes solely the
joining of a man and a woman, all suspicions were confirmed and now Chick-fil-A
has become a nothing short of modern Nazi régime.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-50109802/turbine/ct-chick-fil-a-perspec.jpg-20120725/600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-50109802/turbine/ct-chick-fil-a-perspec.jpg-20120725/600" width="400" /></a>But let us wait a minute here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owner of Chick-fil-A never said he
supports the illegalization of gay marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The owner never said that if someone is homosexual they are terrible
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact there are homosexual
employed at Chick-fil-A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was asked a
question (no doubt to stir up controversy) and he answered honestly.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are now protests and articles, and blogs attesting at what
an evil corporation Chick-fil-A is, have we all lost our minds?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The CEOs and owners of Wal-Mart are one of the largest
employers in our country, yet their employees have no health care and fall
under the poverty line because they fail to pay adequate wages, where are the
protests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apple has been accused of
atrocious crimes of starving, overworking, and putting their employees in
dangers environments to make a cheap popular phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apple does not give money to charities and
they force workers to sleep on factory floors, yet we dare not protest one of America's
most favorite products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the
former deceased owner Steve Jobs has been lifted up as on iconic hero of
marketing and technologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Companies that
employe children in dangerous factories and sweatshops dehumanize workers
making them nothing more than slaves are our favorite brands that escape the
scathing eyes of justice.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Chick-fil-A has donated millions to charitable organization
and gives their employees a day off to be with their family on Sunday, yet we
have made them our modern society's villain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Are we truly so blind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are we so focused on specks that we fail to notice the logs in people's
eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you believe Chick-fil-A's
ideology is wrong that is one thing, but to put their actions above the
atrocities of Syria, Apple, Wal-Mart and other power hungry companies enslaving
people overseas in unhealthy work environments is a sign we have truly lost our
moral compass here in the United States.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We have become such disoriented wanderers in the pursuit of
our sexuality that we have lost our eye on justice, mercy, compassion, and
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we not open our eyes and ears
and put first things first, can we not recognize good and evil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't get me wrong, I am against all kinds of
hate, but I do believe the words spoken by Chick-fil-A may not be words we all
agree with, but they were not words of hate.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We are a lost nation, and either the voices of modern
prophets will turn us around into the direction of love and compassion, or we
will wonder as shepherdess sheep right of the cliff of selfish obsession. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us become a people concerned with true
justice, true mercy, and let us not become distracted any longer by the perception
of noble causes.</div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-68678778092062317862012-07-05T11:44:00.000-04:002012-07-05T11:44:05.832-04:00The God of Science and the Science of God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://storycartoons.com/images/godparticle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://storycartoons.com/images/godparticle.jpg" width="400" /></a>Let us be honest, Religion has been guilty of interfering
with fields of study such as science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Galileo purposed the earth revolve around the sun instead of the sun around the
earth, the Church was quick to contradict such claims based off unrelated scriptural
texts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we are truly honest, we
must admit that Science has been guilty of interfering with faith and religion
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the theory of evolution
and the Big Bang, many scientist of pointed out that these prove God cannot
exist.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Both Religion and Science have overstepped their
bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a pastor of an American
Baptist Church let me contradict many strongly held stereotypes and say that I
am a big fan of science and technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Issues such as Evolution and the Big Bang do not disturb my faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel no overcoming urge to refute
scientific claims because I have not the knowledge or understanding to debate
with highly trained physicists. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
My faith expresses the beauty of a creative God carefully
and deliberately fashioning a habitable world full of diversity and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God decided to developed life through slow
evolving creatures that is his prerogative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is simply beyond my scope to suggest the validity of theories of Big
Bangs and Evolving Apes, they may be correct, they may not be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Scripture, though intimidating to many, is relatively brief
when considering its subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Christian Bible does not have the luxury to detail every nuance of creation and
existence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, John even admits
that not everything about the short life of Jesus could be accounted for because
the world is not spacious enough to hold the volumes it would produce (John
21:25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If scripture is too brief to
account for the entire life of the Savior, how could we reason that it holds
all mysteries of heaven and earth?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I believe that there is much to be revealed about the
amazing planet given to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we do
with the discoveries is what is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Science is used to better care for humanity and the world I believe
every Christian and non-Christian should celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if our advancement in science and
technology is used to strip men and women of jobs, produce unfathomable and consequential
pollution, if the earth is raped of its resources and beauty, and money becomes
the pursuing ambition of our research, then the prophets of God ought to speak
again unjust practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While science
has brought comfort and efficiency, too often it has brought great consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The atomic bomb is a great example of
scientific advancement but at too great of a cost, one that too few Christians spoke
out against in its debut during World War II.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<img height="247" src="http://rabbisremembering.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/scienceandreligion.jpg?w=590" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Science has also been guilty of misusing their expertise and
betraying the very field they represent by concluding god could not exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science does not have the ability to affirm
or deny the existence of everything in existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scientific process relies on materials
that can be measured, weighed, seen, or heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet humanity overwhelming believes in love, a reality that cannot be succumbed
to scientific research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though brain
patterns can be measured and tested, love and its practices will always be an
unproven theory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it amazing that
Scripture testifies that "God is love" (1 John 4:8).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I celebrate the fact that we live in a world that can be
discovered and revealed through the power of science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also celebrate the reality that there is
more to life than what mere humanity can capture, hold, and analyze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love, forgiveness, loyalty, compassion are
all beyond quantifying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science has
revealed many mysteries and complexities of our existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is disingenuous for anyone in the
scientific or religious field to assume all is revealed and understood in the
ever expanding universe we live in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is so much we have come to know, but think of the so much more
that is unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see God in the known
and unknown, I see God in power of love and forgiveness, and I see God
transforming lives in miraculous ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some say it is psychology, others insanity, but for me and millions of others
it is truth that defines truth itself (John 14:6).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
So let us as followers of Christ not be intimidated by the
findings of science, and let science not be intimidated at the prospect of
something greater than their methods exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let us use our skills and wisdom to advance the world in things of love,
compassion, health, and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
us put aside our pride and remember nothing we have made or invented has come
without the resources given to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
us not be surprised about the statistical prospect of something greater than us
exists, and let us rejoice that the greater thing loves us and desire to be
known.</div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-91639964887339153112012-06-29T18:10:00.000-04:002012-06-29T18:10:30.370-04:00Stop Hating Leaders and Become One: The First Health Care Mandate<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://blc24seven.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/worship-serve-learn-pray.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://blc24seven.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/worship-serve-learn-pray.png" width="400" /></a>Say whatever you like about the constitutionality of the
health care law, it will not solve all the problems as some hope, and it will
not be the fiery apocalyptic end of civilization as others tend to argue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My concern is how did we even get here in the
first place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does any "modern
developing" society that believes in evolving intellects and advancement
find itself in a place that must cajole people to move.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We idly sit by criticizing our leaderships every move
demanding them to make changes that allow for better jobs, better pay,
affordable healthcare, and equal access to education and opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority sees the world as an incomplete
place and we point figures at past leaders, opposing political parties and
contentious markets for our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When did we adopt the belief that real change must trickle down from the
top?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
What if the only way to provide better jobs, equal
opportunities and health care was through small local changes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early church had it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church had the message of Jesus Christ
upon the cross, the message of forgiveness and hope, the message of eternal
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early church also believed
that they were called by their messiah to advance his kingdom here on
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The advancement of Christ's
kingdom does not come with holy wars, forced conversion, or a Christian
nation-state, but through caring for the poor, widow, and orphan.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The early church quickly attracted a following because of
their encompassing way of community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one had shortage of food in the church because they all shared their meals
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rich with the poor sat
down side by side, brother next to brother, sister next to sister as equals and
ate the same meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone was out of
a job due to famine, cutbacks, or being blacklisted because of their faith, the
church carried the family through and helped them find a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone was injured and could not work,
the church would not only carry the family through the difficult time by taking
care of food and shelter, they also provided physical care or the injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If famine destroyed your farm, your house
burnt down, a plague ran through your town, there were no sick days there was
no insurance, there was no equal cheap access to health care, the church was
formed together to take care of every need. The only mandate was to love at all tiems with everything (literally everything) you had.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
This kind of community extremely attracted the poor, but it
quickly grew so that even the wealthy could not ignore the power of the
movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power and provision was
always driven by Christ as their Lord and savior, but as the church grew in
size and influence they began to focus less on local communities to address
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Churches started becoming
regional, then national, and then global.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The church formed a hierarchy that imitated the powerful nation-states,
with a Pope at the top, cardinals as governors, bishops as local magistrates, and
priests as alderman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church became
an ineffective government.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The early church understood the importance of influence not
through money, or power, but through joining together, eating, praying, living
together and providing for needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
church did not try to fix the world, it tried to care for those within her
reach, and this enacted a chain reaction.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
If we want change we cannot hand it over to leaders
governing from the top of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change
begins by reassessing our values, reaching out and joining with our neighbors, and
committing to care for those within our reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everybody wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody wants to save the world,
but nobody wants to save their neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A smaller focus means a bigger change.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It is time we focused on doing the right things, like making
sure we are paying our neighbors livable wages, not because someone makes us
but because it is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to make
sure our neighbors are getting enough food to eat instead of handing them a
form for food stamps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to join
together and help find shelter for those struck with tragedy, and not wait for
the government to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time we
do the right thing for our neighbors without passing it off to anyone
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom of God is coming, and
Christ with it, and we will be judge on his mercy, and how we care for each
other, if we rely on some other force to care for our neighbor why we turn our
back, we may miss out.</div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-66004915404758521372012-06-28T15:07:00.001-04:002012-06-28T15:07:27.788-04:00When Progress becomes regress<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
When progress becomes
regress<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
And cities are set on
fire<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
The rage of the people
will burn bright<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Tottering ideals expire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Tyrants feed, dictators
greed<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Who can lead the wild
flame?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
When the earth begins
to turns backwards<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
All the unknown need a name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Mass killers only
hinders<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
More than generals can
command.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
The devil wages the
fiercest war<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
For much more than our
mere land.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
When what's torn part
is our heart<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
And we cannot find our
soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
More is needed than our
human pride<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
A mender to make us
whole.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Ideals burn placed in
the urn<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
And everything is in
soot<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
We refuse to build it
back again<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
We will shake it from
our foot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
A new place with a new
grace<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
Unlike all others
before<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
What was started from
the beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
God will finally
restore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-42835325643543173092012-06-22T13:07:00.001-04:002012-06-22T13:07:04.592-04:00How to Raise a Bully<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Grade schoolers cussing out bus monitors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karen Klein, 68, was hit with a barrage of
profanity from pre-adolescent school children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They make sexual taunting passes at her, and blame her for her eldest
son suicide that happened 10 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you watch the viral video, you see the children are relentless, even continuing
while Mrs. Klein cries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the
video you feel extreme discomfort and sympathy for this poor woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, those who work with students on a
regular basis may not be too surprised by the taunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teachers, aids, and monitors are being cussed
out regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was cussed out by a
seven year old in the parking lot of our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this incident with Mrs. Klein goes far
and beyond most cases, I believe it is a sign of the continuing trend of our
society.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.katu.com/images/120621_bus_monitor_bullied660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://media.katu.com/images/120621_bus_monitor_bullied660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Yahoo recently released on article detailing the "non-issue
of profanity and nudity in television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Censorship is turning down the "bleeps" and the
"blurs" of foul language and nudity, and allowing more to been seen
and heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Censors believe there is too
much censorship!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Another trend is happening if you watch the Disney network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Innocent" and "kid friendly
shows" are containing more themes of disrespect to bumbling parents and
clueless adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I challenge you to
watch a show and count the times the adults disrespected or considered idiots.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Another article has just been released that reveals teens
spend an average of 10 hours a day connected to media (tv, computer,
music).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Kids are plugged into more media, media is showing more
language and sexual content, and children are using more language, sexual
content, and practicing complete disrespect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you suppose there may be a connection?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I have spent the last month without watching television (except
for a few minutes of a Cubs game when I was visiting a sick friend).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also in the last month I have only listened
to the radio 4 different times, less than 30 minutes each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this month, I have extra time to read,
go to the park with my daughter, and pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The best part is not what I am getting, but what I am missing, all the
negative messages.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The principle made an official statement assuring the public
that the students who participated in the hazing would receive discipline, but
what about everyone else?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't we all
deserve some punishment in this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
not High School students throwing these insults, they are middle
schoolers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we not to blame in
putting these words, these sexual images, these scenarios of entertainment that
encourage disrespect before their influential eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could we actually say these students ought to
know better when they have not been shown better?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
W only know what we see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You cannot expect someone to know better when they don't see respect,
love, kindness, and patience lived out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is not enough to verbally teach the meaning of such words, they must be seen in
action.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
When Jesus called his disciples he did not call them into a
classroom, tell them to open and text book and read the definitions of love,
respect, and forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus did not
just teach his disciples, he showed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he called them he said "Follow me."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he told them it is better to serve than
rule, he showed them by washing their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And when Jesus wanted his disciples to learn the depth and power of forgiveness,
he surrendered himself to death on a cross.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Our children are simply living out the lessons they are
taught on the internet, television, music, and us adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time we start showing the lessons
children out to live out, and block the message that we do not want them to
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is perfectly acceptable to
refuse to allow children to watch violent images, sexual images, and prevent
them from hearing offensive language and negative lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I think it is time we act like adults and begin showing our
children what is commendable, and blocking what is condemnable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us clean up our act, clean up the media
we allow to influence our children, and clean up our schools.</div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-64854668175076875312012-06-14T15:36:00.000-04:002012-06-14T15:36:15.972-04:00Mercy Not Sacrifice: The Idolatry of War<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/stk102498m_marines-fold-an-american-flag-after-it-was-raised-in-memory-of-a-fallen-soldier-posters_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/stk102498m_marines-fold-an-american-flag-after-it-was-raised-in-memory-of-a-fallen-soldier-posters_main.jpg" width="400" /></a>2,000 American Soldiers now have died in Afghanistan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The suicide rate for our soldiers has reached
nearly one per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The momentous number
of fallen soldiers is the culmination of 3,900 days in Afghanistan.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Every time a son or daughter is brought home in a box, tears
are shed, hearts are broken, and the ubiquitous phrase "she/he paid the
ultimate sacrifice" is announced as a word of comfort.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I am growing weary of this "sacrifice."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become infuriated at the idea of us
proudly sending our children across the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Boys and girls who ought to be busy going to college, starting families,
building community are given rifles, an enemy, and a paycheck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an impossible life that has claimed
2,000 soldiers in this war.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Today is Flag Day, and many homes, businesses, and churches
will wave the banner of our nation high in patriotic pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this flag is drench stained with so much
blood, the gore has made me ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel
dirty and guilty every time we sell the idea to our children that people must
die so we can have the freedom to vote for indifferent politicians who break
apart families by sending them to war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too many have returned home dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too many have returned home severely injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many have returned unable to cope with
the things that no man or woman or child or soldier should have to see or do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many unable to cope with the evil drown
their lives with liquor, drugs, or other self-destructive tendencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other's cannot cope and end their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the "ultimate sacrifice" we
are willing to accept for our lives of "freedom."</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel saw terrible acts of
sacrifice happening in their day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mothers and Fathers were actually sacrificing their own children to
idols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezekiel cries out</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
"You slaughtered my <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">child</span>ren and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">sacrifice</span>d
them to the idols" (Ezekiel 16:21).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Can you imagine such a heartbreaking image?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What evil can manipulate parents to surrender
their children to the temple flames of a grotesque god?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, we participate in the very act today.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
While none of us may physically put our children in a fire,
we put them on buses and planes and send them to distant lands, knowing their
life is in the hands of the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We do this in the name of freedom, in the name of democracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe that freedom cannot exist if the
flag fails to fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are willing to
have our children die so a government can continue to promise us what only God
can give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it not Jesus who brings
freedom (Luke 4:19)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What god then are
we trusting when we sell our children to war?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We sacrifice our children, then go to church singing God
bless America and Ezekiel says,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
"On the very day they <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">sacrifice</span>d their <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">child</span>ren
to their idols, they entered my sanctuary and desecrated it. That is what they
did in my house" (Ezekiel 23:39).</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We believe that guns and missiles will ensure our God given
rights when 2 Corinthians 10:4 says the weapons followers of Christ use are not
weapons of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe we can
have peace and freedom by sacrificing our children when 2 Corinthians 3:17 says
freedom comes from the Spirit of the Lord.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I know many who are enlisted and on active today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that they may not have to encounter violence;
I pray that they may come home safely, but I most earnestly pray that we stop
relying on our children to do what only God can and has promised to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ultimate sacrifice is not our children,
the ultimate sacrifice is Jesus Christ upon the cross, through him we have
freedom, peace, and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148526714710559091.post-51790234000499528942012-05-22T15:38:00.000-04:002012-05-22T15:40:51.741-04:00Evil Church Vs. Good Church: The Unfair "Truth"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I am a pastor of a church on the Westside of Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not a big church (130 worship
weekly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am passionate about my job
and my church, and I truly believe I have the best occupation in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after watching/reading
the news this past week I have been left with a feeling that all pastors and churches
are a bunch of bigoted whack-jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Just within the last month we see news stories of Priests
suing the President over birth control, and pastors advocating extreme and
violent methods against homosexuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
time I see Priests/pastors in the news I hold my breath and prepare myself for
the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The headlines for spiritual
leaders have gotten so bad that sometimes I wonder why I even do what I do.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Somewhere in the middle of being flooded with ethically
suspect clergy, I realized that media is extremely biased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I
am not saying they are biased against all forms of religion, or even a specific
religion (they may or may not be).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
media is biased toward the audacious, the corrupted, scoundrel, catastrophe,
and the tragically ironic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Media shows
the worst of the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Media is not
about reporting facts or truth in of themselves, but they seek to report rating
boosting headlines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about the
money from commercials they receive from gathering an audience.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Now I am very well aware that there are many self proclaimed
religious leaders who callously take advantage of the susceptible and weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know great crimes have been committed by
those who are held to the highest standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the reporting on churches and leaders has been so outrageously
slant, that it makes me wonder if it is the Priests/pastors that are corrupted
or the reporters.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The priests who molest people should be held responsible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastors who steal, cheat and lie for gain
should be called out, and spiritual guides who make provocative violence
endorsing speeches should be removed, but we should also call to remove those
who misinterpret the truth through slanting stories against certain peoples.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.whatthehellbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Helping+the+POOR+-+101+Blog..jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Of every corrupted pastor who commits some crime I know
hundreds who give up so much to help so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of every church that sweeps things under the rug, I know hundreds that
expose the truth and offer comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know hundreds of churches that give food to hundreds of people in their
communities on a regular basis without using government funds that come from
taxes (of which we are one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
hundreds of churches that provide clothes to those who need them for free (which
we are also one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know many churches
that donate money, gifts, and time to hospitals for the sick (which we are also
one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the members of our church who
make this possible are not in the news, only those who are doing something
morally disgusting are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
There are hundreds of churches I know that help addicts
recover without the use of public funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know churches that provide homes for the homeless, schooling and
training for the unemployed, assistance to struggling families, and counseling
to hurt relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone
passes away a church is always there to comfort the family (we even provide
meals to families).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When someone is in
the hospital the church is always there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When there are hungry, homeless, naked people,
the church is there.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I am not saying we are perfect, and I am not saying we should
ignore the ugly sides that rear their heads, I am only advocating for honest reporting;
I want some truth in the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A local church daycare got in trouble for a boy who
accidently drowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The news began
reporting that Churches do not follow regulations or guidelines that other daycares
must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the dishonesty that
saddens me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We run a Preschool ministry,
and our teachers are highly trained, highly qualified people who follow all the
procedures and requirements every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of our children stopped breathing due to a severe seizure episode,
and our teachers saved the child's life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No where was that in the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our preschool prepares the children more (according to teachers, staff,
and administration at our local elementary school) than any other that feeds
into the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We offer the 2nd lowest
cost in the area with the best care and education, and we are strictly
non-profit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any family that is
struggling receives discounts so that no child is without a place in our
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our church and many other
churches are helping hurt communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I do not expect accolades, nor do the saints in the church
that work hard every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply want
people to know, that many of us, most of us, are not about hate; we are not about
judgment, but we are about the love, reconciliation, and acceptance of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Let us stop pretending that all Christians are terrible
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us do the unpopular thing
and show what real churches, real pastors, and real lay people are doing
everyday in small local churches.</div>ben wakefieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14404203152939927689noreply@blogger.com0