26 people are dead today. And yesterday the debate began again, followed by the familiar slogans: “We need stricter gun laws!” “If he didn’t have the gun this wouldn’t happen!” “We need to arm our teachers!” “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” And with each thought, the fire within us is ignited. And I agree, if stricter gun laws would work, then I say pile them off, because as a parent I can’t imagine getting that phone call from my daughter’s school. But Connecticut has strict gun laws, and people always break the law, even this man did. he stole the guns that he took to school. And, like most times, we found out too late.
As a teacher, I want to do everything I can to protect my students. Could me carrying a gun protect my students? Possibly. But with the teachers that are in our public schools, how could we know who to trust? Their is evil and corruption everywhere, and it can get into the hearts and minds of educators.
It’s true that guns don’t kill people, people kill people...with guns...with knives...with whatever tool they can use to inflict pain on others. Yesterday, on the same day that the tragedy happened at Sandy Hook Elementary, a Chinese man took a knife and attacked 22 students and 1 adult outside of a school in the latest of attacks outside of a school. It seems only a few months ago we were mourning the shooting in Aurora. A short while before that we mourned for Virginia Tech. And it was only 12 years ago that the tragedy happened at Columbine. And in each of these, it wasn’t the weapon that led to the tragedy it was the hate and sin in a person’s heart. Sin that led them to disassociate with reality and only focus on their own wants and hurting others.
I’m reminded today of the first murder, when Cain rose up against his brother Abel. He didn’t have a gun or any modern weapon that we have today. He was armed with his anger and malice towards his brother, and with that evil he rose up and killed his brother. Would God make a new rule or law that it’s illegal to rise up against your brother and kill him? No. But why would God let this happen? Because when we as humans turned to evil God allowed us to embrace it and has allowed it to effect our lives. But he provides a way to redemption through Jesus Christ. In Him we can cry out “Abba Father” and long to travel to a world beyond ours where the pain and hurt will cease. I know this doesn't fully answer the theological question, "Why does God allow suffering?" But it provides the answer we all need: Jesus.
Just last Sunday (the week before the shooting) my pastor preached from Matthew 2 and shared an “unconventional” Christmas story. He shared with us that surrounding the “beautiful” Christmas story we typically hear this time of year is tragedy. Within the Christmas Story is the story of Herod and how his fear and desire to be the only ruler led him to murder every child 2 and under, hoping to destroy Jesus. Here again we find such hate that led to the death of unnecessary lives. And what could people do on that day, but to look and wait for redemption.
We have a choice in tragedy and pain, we can give up hope. Hope that their is redemption, hope that this pain will end, hope that this life isn’t all their is. Or we can desperately wait for the return of our King. We can cry out “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” just as they cried out for Him over 2000 years ago. Last night, as we put our daughter to bed, we read her a Bible story as we do each night from her children’s Bible, this one was title “a prayer for children.” And with tears in our eyes we read: “Heavenly Father Bless each Child/ Protect them with your love/ Give them all the good things/ That you have up above/ Comfort them when their afraid/ And keep them in your care/ Let them know both day and night that you are always their.” We choose (Ashley and I) in this tragedy to pray harder and to teach my daughter that we can turn to Jesus even when it hurts.
You may think that I’m wrong for wanting to cling to faith, you may not, this may convince you that their is no God. If it does, you don’t know the God I know. He is the one that sent his Son to experience tragedy and death so that we could have redemption. It’s moments like these that I refuse to be satisfied with this life and find solace in Jesus Christ, my only hope for redemption from the evil that resides in this world and in me.
These are just observations as I am putting the pieces together from my own heart as many people are doing. I have seen some turn to anger, and I am angry. Angry at this young man that selfishly took the life of the innocent. Angry that no one seems to know warning signs when my brain say “someone should have saw this coming.” Angry that God allows such tragedy. But I take my anger and hurt and fears to God and attempt to surrender it to Him.
See I’m afraid that we as a nation and as individuals have become hard in our hearts. Hard enough to only be angry. Hard enough to make this about laws and who’s right whose wrong. We’ve seen so much tragedy that we are callous and forget how deeply this should effect us. I promise today that every student and parent in Connecticut knows the rawness that this tragedy brings. I pray that this wouldn’t cause them to be hard in their hearts, but to be broken before God, searching Him for answers.
If you and I truly want to be brave, we would cry out to God. We would weep and wail over these lives gone, over the hate that can feel a person’s heart, and out of the desperation in our hearts knowing we can change nothing and the ultimate answer for this tragedy can only be found when we seek our God through Jesus Christ. Then we would live each day, each moment, making the most of life, doing good to our fellow man, and live for God with every breath he gives us. I pray that this tragedy will change us, that we will seek God desperately, and that through one act of kindness at a time we can impact our world with more good than this one man did with one act of evil.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, October 11, 2010
175
What is 175? It's not a speeding ticket, or my weight (I wish). It is my baby's heartbeat inside of my wife. She got sick and threw up 17 times on Saturday so we went to the ER to get her hydrated and make sure everything was fine. And it was. But while they checked her they brought a machine to check the baby's heartbeat and that is when we heard it for the first time.
God is so great and amazing. Just to hear the beat and know that everything is developing and working. It's simply amazing. The nurse is guessing it's a girl (which would be awesome) but we will be happy either way. Anyway, I am humbled by God and the blessings I have in my wife, my church, our future baby, and so many other areas. I ask that you pray for my wife and baby for protection and for a healthy baby and mom in April 2011!!!!
God is so great and amazing. Just to hear the beat and know that everything is developing and working. It's simply amazing. The nurse is guessing it's a girl (which would be awesome) but we will be happy either way. Anyway, I am humbled by God and the blessings I have in my wife, my church, our future baby, and so many other areas. I ask that you pray for my wife and baby for protection and for a healthy baby and mom in April 2011!!!!
Dead Men Walking
Yesterday at church, during the children's time, Butch (Pastor at LHBC) taught the kids about CPR. He had Howard (our Children's Pastor who is a fireman) come up and discussed what CPR was, how and why they did it, and when to stop. See CPR can be done but once a person is pronounced dead there's no reason to do it anymore. There's no point to revive a dead person. The same is true with us, there are areas of our life that should be dead, but we spend all of our time trying to revive them. And so all of our energy and strength gets devoted to dead things.
What do I mean? Look at Galatians 2:20. Paul said I have been crucified with Christ and it's not I that lives but Christ that lives within me. So when we are Believers this is what happens to us, Christ should be living in us. So our lives should be dictated by (no matter how cheesy or corny this is) What would Jesus Do? Because it's not our life, it's His. Ephesians 2:1-5 also echoes this truth. It says we were dead in our sin and trespasses, but God being RICH IN MERCY, made us alive with Christ - by grace we have been saved.
So here's what we have to get as Christians. If we are saved, then we are made alive with Christ. When that happens we need to have a funeral and realize the person we were is dead. Some people like to make excuses "I'm like this way because...I wish I could change but...It's just who I am..." and most of these excuses are actually us saying, Jesus saved me, but I still like to live as my old self. We must realize the old self is dead. Some fear that the things they did, habits they developed, before Christ will rear their head and cause them to be tempted and sin. Once again we have to call it what it is. It is a dead man's habits, it is sin. If we don't realize that Christ saved us from who we were (habits included) then we won't ever have victory.
Does that mean we never mess up or are perfect? Of course not. It does mean that we don't view our sin as just part of our personality or who we are, we view it as sin and as a dead man's habits. And we pray and ask the Lord to continue to help us to put to death our flesh. Then we walk in it. We live the Scripture that says I have been crucified with Christ. God will be faithful to us as we are faithful to His Word.
What do I mean? Look at Galatians 2:20. Paul said I have been crucified with Christ and it's not I that lives but Christ that lives within me. So when we are Believers this is what happens to us, Christ should be living in us. So our lives should be dictated by (no matter how cheesy or corny this is) What would Jesus Do? Because it's not our life, it's His. Ephesians 2:1-5 also echoes this truth. It says we were dead in our sin and trespasses, but God being RICH IN MERCY, made us alive with Christ - by grace we have been saved.
So here's what we have to get as Christians. If we are saved, then we are made alive with Christ. When that happens we need to have a funeral and realize the person we were is dead. Some people like to make excuses "I'm like this way because...I wish I could change but...It's just who I am..." and most of these excuses are actually us saying, Jesus saved me, but I still like to live as my old self. We must realize the old self is dead. Some fear that the things they did, habits they developed, before Christ will rear their head and cause them to be tempted and sin. Once again we have to call it what it is. It is a dead man's habits, it is sin. If we don't realize that Christ saved us from who we were (habits included) then we won't ever have victory.
Does that mean we never mess up or are perfect? Of course not. It does mean that we don't view our sin as just part of our personality or who we are, we view it as sin and as a dead man's habits. And we pray and ask the Lord to continue to help us to put to death our flesh. Then we walk in it. We live the Scripture that says I have been crucified with Christ. God will be faithful to us as we are faithful to His Word.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Evaluations
So I felt led to cancel my Facebook account this week. Just to preface this story this is a PERSONAL conviction. By that I mean that this is something God showed me and I don't try to put my convictions on you. I pray that God who works in me, will work in you as well. But back to facebook...
Alot of people have asked me why I canceled facebook. There are a few reasons. I have really been feeling that God desires me to be free more in my life. There are many things in life that can bring bondage to a person. Bondage can come in many forms in our society. From bad relationships to entertainment to addictions. Another form can come in how a person spends his time. (I hope you're not offended but when I type about generalizations I use the masculine, and if you are offended, please stop being so PC :) Does the amount of time that I have spent on facebook and the amount of time I know others spend on it appear to be a good, God-glorifying thing (I Cor 10:31 - Whether you eat, drink, or log in to the most popular website, do it all for the glory of God.) The question that came to me is this "Am I being a good steward of the time God has given me?" Not just on facebook, but everywhere. If I'm not, then what areas is God calling me to be a better steward?
See I believe God is all about the take the log out of your own eye before the speck out of your brother's (Sorry I haven't told you about the speck Josh...see that was funny because Josh is my ACTUAL brother, lol) As a pastor and minister of the Gospel I have learned it's valuable to be introspective. God began showing me some of my logs. One was facebook. Another was technology. Another was television shows (not all shows, but shows that were just taking up time that could be used better, for the kingdom). And there are many other areas. But here's the thing: I don't believe he wanted me to just see these things and go, "Oh okay I'll manage my time better." I believe He is calling me to give this up for His Kingdom so He can teach me how to manage time. Too much of my life I've called the shots, and I've only given a certain part of my life to Him. But that's not how scripture paints the Believer. The Believer is to put off the old self and on the new. (Ephesians 4:22) The Believer is taught that he should give up everything in pursuit for the Lord (Luke 14:25-35) Their is a cost to discipleship, but I believe I was lost in the comfort of America.
Now I'm not trying to make this bigger than it is, but this is something big in me. And I know that years from now this will seem small in comparison to the other freedom God will show me my letting go of earthly things. But this is where I am now.
More specifically on facebook. Facebook isn't evil, Technology isn't evil, but when these things compete with God they can become tools of wickedness and sin. Questions came up as I looked at my life, others, and some statistics: Is facebook an idol/ could it be an idol to some people? Am I really friends with my "friends"? Does facebook just make it easier to act like we care about each other? Do I really need to know about people, or is their envy, pride, gossip, in my desire to read statuses? Can I teach others (students) that facebook may not be the best thing, while saying it's okay for me? Is checking facebook before doing anything else in the morning okay? Is it okay that Facebook is leading to infidelity in marriages? Is it okay that pedophiles are using it for their wickedness? Can I be close to people and know about their life without seeing their status update? Am I truly investing?
Facebok can provide a false sense of friendship and caring. I once knew a person who had hundred of friends on facebook but few in real life and was okay with that. It also can cause a false sense of achievement in things like Farmville. Why not apply ourselves to real things, heavenly things? Why not take time to call the people who are friends and really let them know I care?
Some of you use facebook just to catch up with friends who are far away. Great. Some of you use facebook to minister to people. Praise the Lord. Some of you just think this is weird, well God sometimes moves in weird ways.
So I know that you may not be where I am and that's okay. But this is where I am. I am reevaluating things in my life and making sure that I am allowing the Spirit of God to lead me, to show me the things that are worth applying myself to. Maybe these areas aren't part of your struggle. But where are those areas? Where are the areas where you need to allow God in more? Where are the areas you need freedom? I promise that Jesus doesn't want part of you, he wants all of you, and not just theoretically, but truly all of you.
I'll keep the blog going as long as God allows, I feel God led me to write it, so I will write is as long as I have the freedom to do so. I'll also post things about my life and probably even life pictures (of my baby in 6 months), but please call me, email me, don't let our friendship/relationship just be words on a screen. And most importantly, I'll write how God is challenging me and pray that my faith and life can influence you.
Alot of people have asked me why I canceled facebook. There are a few reasons. I have really been feeling that God desires me to be free more in my life. There are many things in life that can bring bondage to a person. Bondage can come in many forms in our society. From bad relationships to entertainment to addictions. Another form can come in how a person spends his time. (I hope you're not offended but when I type about generalizations I use the masculine, and if you are offended, please stop being so PC :) Does the amount of time that I have spent on facebook and the amount of time I know others spend on it appear to be a good, God-glorifying thing (I Cor 10:31 - Whether you eat, drink, or log in to the most popular website, do it all for the glory of God.) The question that came to me is this "Am I being a good steward of the time God has given me?" Not just on facebook, but everywhere. If I'm not, then what areas is God calling me to be a better steward?
See I believe God is all about the take the log out of your own eye before the speck out of your brother's (Sorry I haven't told you about the speck Josh...see that was funny because Josh is my ACTUAL brother, lol) As a pastor and minister of the Gospel I have learned it's valuable to be introspective. God began showing me some of my logs. One was facebook. Another was technology. Another was television shows (not all shows, but shows that were just taking up time that could be used better, for the kingdom). And there are many other areas. But here's the thing: I don't believe he wanted me to just see these things and go, "Oh okay I'll manage my time better." I believe He is calling me to give this up for His Kingdom so He can teach me how to manage time. Too much of my life I've called the shots, and I've only given a certain part of my life to Him. But that's not how scripture paints the Believer. The Believer is to put off the old self and on the new. (Ephesians 4:22) The Believer is taught that he should give up everything in pursuit for the Lord (Luke 14:25-35) Their is a cost to discipleship, but I believe I was lost in the comfort of America.
Now I'm not trying to make this bigger than it is, but this is something big in me. And I know that years from now this will seem small in comparison to the other freedom God will show me my letting go of earthly things. But this is where I am now.
More specifically on facebook. Facebook isn't evil, Technology isn't evil, but when these things compete with God they can become tools of wickedness and sin. Questions came up as I looked at my life, others, and some statistics: Is facebook an idol/ could it be an idol to some people? Am I really friends with my "friends"? Does facebook just make it easier to act like we care about each other? Do I really need to know about people, or is their envy, pride, gossip, in my desire to read statuses? Can I teach others (students) that facebook may not be the best thing, while saying it's okay for me? Is checking facebook before doing anything else in the morning okay? Is it okay that Facebook is leading to infidelity in marriages? Is it okay that pedophiles are using it for their wickedness? Can I be close to people and know about their life without seeing their status update? Am I truly investing?
Facebok can provide a false sense of friendship and caring. I once knew a person who had hundred of friends on facebook but few in real life and was okay with that. It also can cause a false sense of achievement in things like Farmville. Why not apply ourselves to real things, heavenly things? Why not take time to call the people who are friends and really let them know I care?
Some of you use facebook just to catch up with friends who are far away. Great. Some of you use facebook to minister to people. Praise the Lord. Some of you just think this is weird, well God sometimes moves in weird ways.
So I know that you may not be where I am and that's okay. But this is where I am. I am reevaluating things in my life and making sure that I am allowing the Spirit of God to lead me, to show me the things that are worth applying myself to. Maybe these areas aren't part of your struggle. But where are those areas? Where are the areas where you need to allow God in more? Where are the areas you need freedom? I promise that Jesus doesn't want part of you, he wants all of you, and not just theoretically, but truly all of you.
I'll keep the blog going as long as God allows, I feel God led me to write it, so I will write is as long as I have the freedom to do so. I'll also post things about my life and probably even life pictures (of my baby in 6 months), but please call me, email me, don't let our friendship/relationship just be words on a screen. And most importantly, I'll write how God is challenging me and pray that my faith and life can influence you.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Beginnings
So I am starting this blog not because I think that I have something special to say that no one has ever said before. In fact, in trying to name my blog I thought of about twenty other names that people already had. I realize that some people blog because they do feel unique, which is great, but that's not me. I also am not starting it out of pride or because I feel I have something you don't.
I am starting this blog because I love people, I care for others deeply. I hate that we don't love each other and that people are so hurtful. I hate when I am this way. I also love God, more than I love people. Now this hasn't always shown in my actions, but I pray that with each and everyday he will help me grow in my love for Him, which helps me love others.
Just to clarify, I love God the Father through Jesus Christ. Now I know I've lost some people here, but because I love him and love you, I want you to know that I'm writing for Him. I actually have felt led lately to attempt to share my faith and struggles and share more of who I know and how you can know Him. I pray that God can use this as a tool.
So my final reason that I am blogging is because there are many who call themselves Christians who are not staying faithful to their faith. They aren't finishing the race they started and this worries me. What worries me even more is when we say we are believers yet aren't Biblical in the way we live our life. Now I know that some people see this as being legalistic, but I don't. Legalism is when you attach something else to Jesus Christ for your salvation. By being Biblical I acknowledge that I love the Lord, and Jesus is my only hope of salvation. But also, because He loves me, and I love Him, I will obey him, not in my power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. And I believe that I am not the only one who should strive for this. Now I know that we aren't perfect and life happens, but when we fail, when we sin, when we blow it, does it bother us? Do we have conviction? Do we have a desire to go towards the Father in spite of our sin?
This is my question and this is why I'm writing today, may not be everyday, but it is today. I want to see believers wrestle with their salvation with fear and trembling. I want us to embrace the Word of God and the Spirit of God with every thing within us. So if that's something you're interested in then subscribe or read or do whatever you do to a blog.
I am starting this blog because I love people, I care for others deeply. I hate that we don't love each other and that people are so hurtful. I hate when I am this way. I also love God, more than I love people. Now this hasn't always shown in my actions, but I pray that with each and everyday he will help me grow in my love for Him, which helps me love others.
Just to clarify, I love God the Father through Jesus Christ. Now I know I've lost some people here, but because I love him and love you, I want you to know that I'm writing for Him. I actually have felt led lately to attempt to share my faith and struggles and share more of who I know and how you can know Him. I pray that God can use this as a tool.
So my final reason that I am blogging is because there are many who call themselves Christians who are not staying faithful to their faith. They aren't finishing the race they started and this worries me. What worries me even more is when we say we are believers yet aren't Biblical in the way we live our life. Now I know that some people see this as being legalistic, but I don't. Legalism is when you attach something else to Jesus Christ for your salvation. By being Biblical I acknowledge that I love the Lord, and Jesus is my only hope of salvation. But also, because He loves me, and I love Him, I will obey him, not in my power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. And I believe that I am not the only one who should strive for this. Now I know that we aren't perfect and life happens, but when we fail, when we sin, when we blow it, does it bother us? Do we have conviction? Do we have a desire to go towards the Father in spite of our sin?
This is my question and this is why I'm writing today, may not be everyday, but it is today. I want to see believers wrestle with their salvation with fear and trembling. I want us to embrace the Word of God and the Spirit of God with every thing within us. So if that's something you're interested in then subscribe or read or do whatever you do to a blog.
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