In this final trailer for the GO12: Santo Domingo documentary, Daniel Andrews captures an entire week of outreach in just under five minutes--helping us all to realize how the most important thing really is giving your time, energy, and heart to helping others realize the beautiful love of Christ. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zacBWhieLo4&w=560&h=315]
Daniel and I have been working on a short film documenting our recent trip to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for over a month, and it is almost finished. We recently screened the nearly completed version with a few people who went on the trip and it was met with a warm reception. We are excited about getting it out there for more people to see. Written by Grant Jones one late night in Santo Domingo, this trailer captures the heart of what the film is about, leaving. I hope you enjoy the trailer.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBk-2FN4evY&w=560&h=315]
I've known Skot Covert for several years. In all the time I've known him, he has been politically active. In fact, his interest in politics extends well beyond the day he first came to Arkansas Tech University. I've seen him grow into an incredibly bright young man, full of faith, and integrity; and although I'm not a Republican, I am a conservative. Skot is the kind of young man that gives me hope for the future of conservative America. When I asked him to write this guest blog this week, he graciously accepted, in spite of a rigorous travel schedule as the newly elected Vice Chairman for the College Republican National Committee. Skot is also the current Chairman of the Arkansas Federation of College Republicans. These are ten reasons why he is voting for Mitt Romney, and thinks you should too.
1. Youth Unemployment – In 2008 Barack Obama earned the support of Generation Y, with 66% of young Americans (ages 18-25) supporting then Senator Obama. Coming out in massive waves, America’s youth were mesmerized and strongly committed with the idea of electing Barack Obama. Now, this same generation faces the highest youth unemployment rate since the great depression at a staggering 16%, which is double that of the national average. Furthermore, 1 in 2 recent college graduates are unable to find meaningful employment. Four years later Generation Y is asking “why?” Why did Barack Obama not deliver on his promise of hope and change? Why did Barack Obama let us down? Why should we give President Obama another chance? Why?
2. Supreme Court Appointments – In the coming four years there will likely be multiple vacancies on the country’s highest court. A position on this bench is a lifelong appointment, which guarantees that whoever is chosen to serve will likely rule on very importance cases. Even this year alone the US Supreme Court made some very historic decisions, that from my conservative viewpoint, didn’t happen as I would of hoped. For example, Obama’s signature piece of legislation, the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) was ruled constitutional on a 5-4 vote.
It’s my belief that when these vacancies are to be filled, Governor Romney will appoint true conservatives and strict constitutionalist to the high court. If President Obama is allowed to make more appointments, we are assured decades more of a SCOTUS with a strong left leaning.
3. National Debt – When campaigning in 2008, President Obama promised to cut the national debt. It has since then doubled and is currently at 15 trillion dollars, correct, TRILLION with a “t”. The cost of President Obama’s out of control and irresponsible spending practices will be placed on my generations tab.
Governor Romney has a proven record of cutting spending and not spending more than what is taken in. Our country is desperately in need of a President with experience in balancing a budget. Governor Romney’s experiences as Massachusetts governor coupled with his record as a successful businessman more than qualifies him.
We have a moral responsibility not to spend more than we take in. Governor Romney has a record of embracing this fundamental building block that thus far, has made our country a great one.
4. Experience Matters – Being president is no easy task. There is absolutely no room for on the job training, which is what Barack Obama demanded. Formerly serving as a US Senator, he had only been exposed to one branch of government. The pace in the US Senate is, frankly, slow. Not acting on much legislation and only having to make an up or down vote.
Being President requires one to make decisions, often times hard decisions. Mitt Romney’s experience as a governor has prepared him to lead and to make the tough decisions that confront the issues our country is facing.
5. Because Barack Obama Said So – On February 2, 2009, referring to the economy and the stagnant job market, President Obama said in an interview with the Today Show “If I don’t have this done in three years, then there’s going to be a one-term proposition.”
Mr. President, it’s been three years. 23 million Americans are still unemployed. Time’s up.
6. High Expectations - John F. Kennedy sought to send an American to the moon. Ronald Reagan wanted to tear down the Berlin Wall. What’s the goal of our nation today? What direction are we working towards? I’m afraid there isn’t an answer to this. Our President has disappointed Americans, much less inspire us.
Governor Romney has a vision for America. A vision that embraces freedom and prosperity that will allow for innovation, job creation, medical breakthroughs, and restoring faith that the American dream is still alive and well today.
7. Timing – Every few decades, turns in the business cycle, changes in culture and policy mistakes conspire to make us question ourselves. Is the “American dream” still alive? After 200 years, is our country finally in decline?
In 2008 our country was facing some very serious problems. We looked to the untested, brand new freshman Senator from Chicago to show us the way. Four years later, we are much wiser. We now know the “Chicago way”, and it’s not the “hope and change” that it was hyped up to be.
Our country is in a desperate need for a turnaround. There is no better-qualified politician in America to execute a turnaround than Governor Romney. It’s what he has done his whole career.
8. His Faith – Yeah, that caught you off guard didn’t it. You thought I was embracing Governor Romney’s Mormonism as a reason to support him. Well, frankly, kind of. Governor Romney has been faithful to his wife, a great father to his many sons, and never once has be been accused of any scandal. He is a man of integrity because of his faith, not in spite of it, and if he makes it into the Oval Office, we’ll know that his values are grounded in something far more profound than political expediency, opinion polls, or purely personal philosophies.
9. Fundamental Differences – The two candidates for president have very fundamentally different opinions on the role, size, and scope of government. I personally believe that government should be small because the people know best how to live their lives, spend their money, and make decisions about their family. The government only complicates this. Whether it be choosing health insurance or not, choosing which school to send one's children to, or what kind of vehicle to purchase, the government should never be the middle man standing in the way of the people, ultimately hampering potential prosperity.
Governor Romney believes in a small government. One not of regulation, but one that rewards success. He supports a smaller, simpler, and smarter government.
10. 58 States – In May of 2008, Barack Obama famously stated in a campaign stump speech that there were “58 states” in our union. If a sitting US Senator can make such a gaff and still be elected for his poor math skills, then I can submit this blog post with only 9 points. There are 10 points, that's a joke.
Check out these links to keep up with Skot, as well as the College Republicans. Website: www.CRNC.org | www.ArkCR.com Twitter: @SkotCovert, @ArkCR
I am allergic to wasps. Not deathly so, not without a large number of stings, but I am allergic and tend to get quite sick when stung. Even so, when a wasp landed on my infant son today I swatted it away with my bare hand. Crushed it with my bare hand. Never once thinking about the potential consequences to myself. Why? My innate fatherly instinct to protect. God instantly used this moment to show me a bit about Himself. He has that same instinct to protect those that belong to Him. This is where (good) parents get that instinct, having been made in the image and likeness of God.
God does not derive His sense of protection from an outside source. The desire to protect is not so much a thing He experiences so much as it is a part of His nature. In other words, just as mercy, love, justice, and goodness are part of His being...so is protection. Being in Him, belonging to Him, comes with it the requisite existence of supernatural protection. This is not to say that harm will not come to believers, anyone can realize that. This protection extends beyond the natural to the spiritual realm, although it does from time-to-time have natural repercussions in this life.
God's ultimate protection is one where He keeps His kids close, in His presence throughout all of eternity. To cohabitate that great age of timelessness that our minds can't quite comprehend. To be free from both the wages of sin, and the allure of sin.
The most incredible thing about God's great protection is that He always knew the price for it. Where I reacted without regard for consequence in order to protect my son, God always knew the price that would be paid to reconcile our iniquity. Jesus is spoken of in Revelation as the "Lamb slain before the foundation of the world." Before "let there be light" or even "let there be" God was prepared to pay the price to protect His people. He created the system, the Law, that would need to be fulfilled, all the while knowing that it would demand death. Knowing only His death would undo that which we have, and continue, to do.
The Dark Knight Rises, or does it? As a movie, it is entertaining. As a Batman story, it borrows from so many different plot lines that it borders on convoluted.
The acting is great. The dialogue and direction are as good as you should expect from a Nolan film. The special affects are awesome with plenty of neat set-pieces and spectacular happenings. If you want to see a lot of violence, it's there. If you want to see things blow up, you can rest assured that there are plenty of grandiose pyrotechnics. If you want to see a lot of Batman, expect to be disappointed. Ultimately, this is not a movie about the Caped Crusader. It's a movie about a lot of different things, and Batman.
I am not going to offer any spoilers so this may read as a little vague, but I don't want to ruin it for those yet to see it. There is just too much going on. There are so many players and so many story threads that by the time they all come together at the climax of the film, it feels more like a knitting experiment gone awry than a grand tapestry. I realize I am just one opinion, but when the final credits rolled it just felt lacking. It felt unfulfilled and flat.
I have been a Bat-kid as long as I can remember. I love the character, but ultimately this movie just didn't do it for me.
Life usually doesn’t fit into nice neat little lists, but that doesn’t keep me from trying. Welcome to my Tuesday 10, where I try to fit the messiness of life into a list of ten. It doesn't really feel like it, but 2012 is already halfway over. I have a few thoughts and expectations concerning the remainder of the year and thought that I would share them. Understand that this is purely speculation on my part. I don't know the future. That's obvious. In six months I might be able to revisit this list and see that it is really obvious. Or it might be prove to have been frighteningly accurate. Here are my predictions for the second half of 2012.
1. The world will continue to get crazy, and the global economy will not substantially improve.
2. John Cusack will not save the world, but he might ride on a big metal boat.
3. Glee will remain the craptastic assault on our pop-culture senses we all either love or hate, but mostly hate.
4. People who watch the Total Recall remake will remember why Colin Farrell disappeared for a while.
5. Conspiracy Theorists and doomsingers will live to conspire another day as the Mayan Calendar rolls to an end, and the world keeps going.
6. Michael Jordan will still be the best basketball player that ever lived.
7. My son will walk, and talk.
8. I will make significant progress on my book and my Master's degree.
9. Mitt Romney will defeat President Obama in the presidential race. Many conservatives will claim it's a huge victory, but no one will really be that happy about it, except for Mormons, rich people, and hyper-sensitive culture warriors.
*note* I consider myself an independent conservative, but have a fairly low opinion of pretty much every presidential candidate that took the field this round.
10. Regardless of how the rest of this list turns out, Jesus will still be the one and only Savior, Redeemer, and hope for mankind.
Life usually doesn’t fit into nice neat little lists, but that doesn’t keep me from trying. Welcome to my Tuesday 10, where I try to fit the messiness of life into a list of ten. It is a fact of life. We make decisions daily. Some of them are almost inconsequential while others are potentially life altering for ourselves and others. In the case of that latter kind, I'd like to offer ten tips that help me when faced with weighty decisions.
1. Weigh the pros and cons. Make a list. Jot them down. But remember, not all pros and cons are equal.
2. Prayer is important. If you aren't already doing that I'm not sure anything else on this list will help you. Remember, God is your Heavenly Father. Talking to Him about your choices should be like asking your earthly father, or someone you love and respect, for advice.
3. Get counsel. Not a lawyer (unless the situation calls for it). A key individual or small group of intelligent people you trust. Find someone that has faced a similar decision before. It's generally a good idea to ask people older than you if you don't have a lot of life experience. (If you're in college or younger, chances are you don't have a lot of life experience.)
4. What does the Bible say about it? Chances are that someone, somewhere, within those 31,103 verses faced a similar situation, if not the exact situation.
5. WWJD: "What would Jesus Do," it's a really old saying, but it's also a timeless litmus test for all believers that really can apply to every situation. Number 2 & 4 tend to make this one a lot easier.
6. Ask yourself what will help others. Is there an outcome that will greatly benefit others?
7. Ask yourself if it's selfish. It's ok to be selfish sometimes, but not every time, and certainly not to the point of self worship.
8. If this is a decision involving another party directly, such as in a job or relationship situation, ask them direct questions and get direct answers. Don't be fooled by noncommittal responses. Find out their expectations and make yours known.
9. Some people say not to trust your gut, I disagree. What most people call "gut feelings" I actually believe are promptings from the Holy Spirit. As Christians we believe that God made us, and He lives in our hearts. Why would we not trust that? Just remember, feelings and emotions are a speedometer not a steering wheel.
10. Find out what other people who were faced with a similar decision did. Robert Frost was a great writer, but he was also kind of an idiot. Sometimes the road is less travelled because bad things lie down that path.
A lot of people in our country are mad these days. I don't find that very helpful. In fact, that seems to me to actually be kind of dangerous. Instead I get a little sad about the current state of this United States. Because where madness usually drives people to take crazy action; a sadness borne of deep affection usually drives believers to loving action and dedicated prayer. There are a lot of things about our country that make me sad. It's mostly because I love it so much. I think the best way to describe it, is that it's like watching a very dear friend go through difficult times, and feeling as though you are largely unable to help them out. I just mostly feel powerless to do anything about it, but I know that I can pray, and I do, and will continue to. These are just a few things I'm sad about.
I am sad because I think our nation has lost a lot of the selflessness that once made us wonderful.
I am sad because the Democrats want to give everything away, and I fear we will not survive it.
I am sad because the Republicans are stingy beyond reason, or compassion.
I am sad because both parties act like spoiled little brats.
I am sad because bi-partisanship has died in the last decade.
I am sad because the words "Tea Party" used to mean something great before its recent scary revitalization and rebranding.
I am sad because our political system is a rotten quagmire of crooked career politicians, more interested in currying favor and power, than in helping people.
I am sad because our country's moral compass takes its bearing from the relativist fickle masses rather than objective truth.
I am sad because we are turning into a nation of cynics, talking heads, and "reality" TV, and I am trying not to fall into any of those categories (it's not easy).
I am sad because every time a stranger looks at my son I think about how I can protect him from them if they turn out to be a psycho or pedophile.
I am sad because in a nation of so much, so many have so little.
I am sad because schools no longer teach kids how to think, they try to teach them how to test.
I am sad because shame is an antiquated idea.
I am sad because we are addicted to ourselves.
I am sad, because sometimes that is more helpful than being mad.
Blogs in this series: Red: the Sacrifice White: the Innocence Blue: the Sadness
Since returning home nearly a month ago Daniel and I have been hard at work editing the footage we filmed from the trip. We're hoping to roll out a fully produced documentary within the next couple of months, but in the meantime, here is a small teaser. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSntqG0Y6Is&w=853&h=480]
To read more about GO12 see one of these stories. Challenges Going Learning Jordan Hearing Doing Grant Dakota Home
I was watching The Munsters with my nephew and brother-in-law this weekend. It was great. It had been so long since I had watched it, that I had forgotten what a wholesome, family friendly, show it was. It made me start to think about a lot of things that seem to have grown dirty and soiled over the years. TV definitely, but I think in general our pop-culture has certainly lost its innocence. Hearing yesterday's big news on the passing of TV legend Andy Griffith was for me, like so many others, a proverbial nail in the coffin.
In the aftermath of the very sad news I was watching an interview with the classy Matlock star the night he was inducted into the Hall of Fame some time ago. The interviewer questioned Andy about his opinion on the "modern" state of TV. I found his answer to be a sad commentary. In short, he had stopped watching TV long ago, really only preferring the news if he watched at all. A public indictment from Mayberry's humble Sheriff is quite the statement on the condition of entertainment in America.
I'm not some ultra-conservative fundamentalist here to bemoan all aspects of media and entertainment. There are still a few decent programs you can watch. It just takes some research and censorship on our part to find them. Particularly for me, I find myself watching less and less television all the time. My chief sources for entertainment have shifted to books and film, where I am incredibly critical and careful of both. (I recently greatly enjoyed seeing Brave and John Carter.)
Growing up through the 80s the TV landscape was vastly different than today. The Andy Griffith Show reruns I used to watch have been replaced by really crappy reality TV, vitriol spewing news networks, and filthy "comedy".
Traditionally the color white has always stood for purity, wholesomeness, and innocence. This 4th of July, as my wife and I stay indoors to watch movies together (The Vow, Patriot, and Captain America) I am wishing that were still the case.
Blogs in this series: Red: the Sacrifice White: the Innocence Blue: the Sadness
Life usually doesn’t fit into nice neat little lists, but that doesn’t keep me from trying. Welcome to my Tuesday 10, where I try to fit the messiness of life into a list of ten. I really love this country. My heritage goes deep. I'm part Native American, and part English immigrant, but one way or another my family was here from the very beginning of this great nation. I've always been patriotic, as anyone that knows me well at all can tell you. Here are ten things I love about this wonderful land we live in.
1. The Bill of Rights is pretty awesome. Owning guns and being able to read the free press are WIN scenarios any way you slice it.
2. Captain America. I don't believe that requires any further explanation.
3. Charity; people all across the board like to point fingers and gripe about everything from entitlement, perceived socialism, welfare, deficits, and stinginess, but facts are facts. The U.S.A. Is the most charitable country on the Earth both inside and outside its borders. Whatever side of the political aisle you find yourself on, next time you want to gripe about charity, you would do well to remember that once upon a time that word actually meant LOVE and not HANDOUT.
4. Creativity; thinking and doing are appreciated in a myriad of ways. We aren't the only creative culture around, but we manage it with a sense of style that is uniquely American.
5. Freedom of Expression; some people choose to exercise this particular freedom like bone-headed-nincompoops, but that is their prerogative. For every flag burning moron out there, there are an army of sensible artists ready to wow us with their beautiful minds.
6. Protection; if you come to my house and threaten the life of my family, I will kill you, and it will be legal.
7. Natural Beauty; this is a remarkably beautiful place. I can drive less than an hour from my home and see sights that take my breath away.
8. Military; we have the most powerful armed forces in the world, and it's made up entirely of volunteers.
9. Capitalism; for the most part I decide where my money goes. Do I want to buy seventy bags of Corn Chips? That would be ridiculous, but if I want to I can...or I can buy a pile of ground beef and grill burgers for my family. Not everyone handles this freedom responsibly, and plenty of people wish they had a little more wealth to be (ir)responsible for/with; but if you have it, it's yours to do with as you please, or as your conscience dictates.
10. Worship; I've been reading a lot of stories lately about churches in my movement facing violent persecution around the world. I can sleep easy knowing no one is going to come into my home and attack me for my faith...but if they do I can always fall back on number 6 (Kidding! Kind of.)
I don't worship America. What a funny way for an American pastor, and US Missionary, especially one that professes to be so incredibly patriotic, to start off a blog right? Well, I just felt like I needed to come right out and say it. There is a sad kind of fervent religious nationalism I continuously sense in the American church, at least here in the South. Sometimes it borders on idolatrous. Sometimes, it is just plain idolatry.
Jesus didn't die for America, He died for the world; and as much as I love both Jesus, and America, those are two very different focuses for two very different levels of affection. Even though Jesus didn't die exclusively for America, there have been thousands of men and women who did die exclusively for America. I don't worship them. I don't worship their sacrifice, or even the incredible freedoms it has bought me, but I do honor them. I do remember them. I do thank them.
For me, when I think of the red, white, and blue that has come to mean so much to me over the years--the red is a constant reminder of all the blood that was spilled making this nation what it is today. Some of it was spilled unjustly and serves as a sad reminder, as when the Native Americans and African slaves were treated cruelly and often murderously by zealous settlers or tyrant land owners. Some of it was spilled innocently, as when terrorists threatened and attacked our civilian population. And some of it was spilled valiantly, as when brave men, women, and sometimes children, took up arms to galvanize the hope for democracy for another generation.
No, I don't worship America, but I am thankful for all whose blood paved the way for mine and my family's freedom. And though this country is not a recipient of my worship, it is a focus for my pride. Join me this week in honoring those whose sacrifice made the possibility of our freedom a reality we enjoy daily.
Here are a few stats on the number of combat related deaths from ten of our wars. 1. World War II - 291,557 2. Civil War - 212,938 3. World War I - 53,402 4. Vietnam War - 47,355 5. Korean War - 33,746 6. Revolutionary War - 8,000 7. War on Terror - 4,977+ 8. War of 1812 - 2,260 9. Mexican–American War - 1,733 10. Northwest Indian War - 1,221
Blogs in this series: Red: the Sacrifice White: the Innocence Blue: the Sadness
When my son goes to sleep he doesn't first stop to consider where he is, what is going on around him, or where he might be headed. If he is sleepy he does one of two things; he either tries to fight off sleep and becomes irritable and cranky, or he just eases straight into rest. As anyone who has ever cared for a small child can probably tell you, they can sleep pretty much anywhere so long as they bypass, or make it through, that irritable restless phase my wife calls "running from the sleep monster".
The seventh verse of the thirty-seventh Psalm begins with this phrase, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him..."
Often I find myself getting antsy and fidgety when it comes to expecting something from God, but the proper response in such a situation is to simply wait, or rest, in Him. But like so many others, I am often not content to wait--sometimes going so far as to think that I can somehow help God in the situation. What actually usually happens is that I make myself miserable. Instead of resting in His promise, or on His Word, I manufacture a path of my own choosing. I often walk into what I can see or where I can comfortably understand the way that lies before me. This is folly.
When my son finally gives in to sleep it doesn't matter where he is. He sleeps. And He LOVES it, if he can sleep in mommy or daddy's arms. God is not the "sleep monster". We gain nothing by ignoring His call for us to rest in Him. Take a breath. Relax. Turn your anxiety, worry, and stress over to the Loving Heavenly Father who is far more qualified to handle all your cares. Rest in Him.
A lot of the time when people ask for your money they bury it under a sales pitch, but that's not really my style. Jamie and I want your money. The truth is, we need it to fulfill the call we believe God has placed on our lives. Many of you who visit either my blog, or our family ministry site, already regularly support our ministry through your money, your prayers, or both. We are incredibly grateful. We can't do what we do without you. I won't spend the next three paragraphs outlining how God will bless your bank account if you give us X amount of $ per month, although I do believe blessing often follows giving. Instead, I just want you to know that any financial pledge you prayerfully consider sending our way will greatly bless us, and our ministry. So, what do you think? Will you consider joining our growing team of financial and prayer partners? You can click HERE to make a donation to our ministry, whether it be a regular commitment or one time pledge. Or click HERE for a printable faith promise form. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please copy and paste the following info into the comments section on the donation page or into the “Missionary Info” section of the faith promise form.
Nathan and Jamie King Chi Alpha Account – 505543
Life usually doesn’t fit into nice neat little lists, but that doesn’t keep me from trying. Welcome to my Tuesday 10, where I try to fit the messiness of life into a list of ten. It's not all that uncommon to hear someone bemoan their life. I feel like a pretty blessed guy so I thought I would share why I feel that way. Thanks for checking out the blog!
1. I have a beautiful baby boy. He's twelve weeks old as of yesterday.
2. I have an incredible wife, she is absolutely the love of my life, and our marriage is very healthy.
3. I love my job. It's not perfect, and I'm not wealthy, but it enables me to live out my calling, and get paid doing it; and at the of the day I usually feel pretty satisfied knowing I'm living for a purpose bigger than my own greed or selfishness.
4. I own my own copy of the Bible.
5. I'm self aware, not like a deranged robot from cheesy sci-fi, but I have a pretty good take on who I am. I try to regularly evaluate myself, and invite people close to me do the same. If something needs to change, I make an effort to change.
6. I can read.
7. I grew up in a nuclear family. My parents weren't, and aren't, perfect, but they are pretty close. They are the most selfless-tender-hearted people I have ever met.
8. I learned both; the power of imagination, and the worth of critical thinking at an early age, and then I started using them.
9. I am blessed with some incredible friends--guys that I am so close to, they feel like family.
10. Probably the most important reason why I feel blessed is not because I am good but because God is good. I haven't hit on the magic formula for how much money to put in the offering. I haven't figured out the number of good deeds I have to do in a day. In fact I really have no idea why I feel so blessed. All I know is it must have something to do with the goodness of God and very little to do with me.
Saturday I posted a brief quote from Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller on my facebook status. It sparked some interesting conversation that I felt like preserving and sharing here. The following is completely unedited except for the names, which I am only editing because I didn't ask for the permission to use their names, and it only seemed like the proper courteous thing to do.
(My original facebook post): The truth is we are supposed to love the hippies, liberals, and Democrats. God wants us to think of them as more important than ourselves.J: I don't care for none of the above. I love them in Christ but would have a hard time holding a conversation with them. I would prefer hippies since at least they are high and laid back. Liberals are loud and misguided. Especially ones that say I'm a Christian and a liberal democrat. I don't think you can vote for a baby killing, gay marriages approving party and run back to the cross. The Lord forgives us yes, but we need to live the life. Being associated with a party that believes that way is WRONG. I will not be friends or hang out with liberals even ones that are family.
Me: I'm curious, how does someone "love someone in Christ" if they are unwilling even to partake in conversation, one of the most basic and harmless points of human connection? Love isn't an abstract idea that we can simply claim to adhere to under religious pretext, it is a continuing state of unselfish caring, serving, and giving. Love in this is a lot like faith, you can say have faith, just as you say you have love, or you can demonstrate both at once through your actions.
J: I'm speaking of liberal Christians that are "saved". I try to talk to them about politics such as abortion, war on Christianity, and gun control. All I here is I can be a liberal and not believe in that. Or the big one is the gay argument that under the blood being gay is ok. All talk about gay being a sin is old testament. I like helping lead the lost to Christ, but it is hard when so many "Christians" have absolutely no morals. You can't pick and choose what part of the word to obey. I love a lot of people I don't talk to(see some of my family). So loving and liking are different, not mutually exclusive.
Me: I haven't learned how to love people without liking them yet, maybe someday, maybe not.
K: The truth is were supposed to love self righteous rednecks, conservatives, and republicans. Even though it can be hard at times.
L: The truth is, if "labels" keep us from loving someone, we aren't seeing them through Christ's eye. Gal 3:28
Me: And I'm pretty sure I fit into at least two of those categories most of the time!
D: Some people have to be loved from a distance. I think sometimes loving others simply means living out the Christian life within their view, and praying for them.
Me: Loving people from a distance might be possible, or even occasionally necessary, but I definitely think it is the exception and not the rule. Everything about God's love, and this Gospel that we put our hope in, revolves around the premise of God leaving heaven, to become a man. While a man Jesus modeled active involved love. He got in people's lives, often through very humbling circumstances. He loved others to the point of death, and as His follower I don't believe I have the right to do anything less.
C: As a Christian, I think the hardest to love are the Christians.
So, that's it in a nutshell. I posted this because I think it highlights a few issues that are really important for us to think about. How much are we willing to love those who are drastically different than us? Is it possible to love someone and not "like" them? I don't think it is, and personally I believe that we don't have the option of not loving people, or liking them. I'm not saying it's always easy. Heaven help me (literally) there are a few people in my family, a certain ridiculous aunt comes to mind, that make it difficult. But for those of us who claim to adhere to the Christian faith by following the teachings of Jesus, I don't think we have an option. I don't believe that God allows us an "exceptions" list. It has been my experience that if I am having trouble liking someone, it is because they have offended me in some way. It has also been my experience that if I am in any way offended, it is because I have too much pride in an area of my life.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please sound off in the comments section below.
Last year for Father's Day I was in Ecuador. We were in this tiny little cinder block church with one fading loud speaker. It was my first time to experience an international worship service. It was a great experience. In the year since, I've become a father myself, and Father's Day means so much more. The following is a blog I wrote and shared last year while in Ecuador. It is a small excerpt from the book "Jesus Among Other Gods" by Ravi Zacharias. While reading it I felt that it was a great piece to share in light of Fathers' Day. The excerpt is followed by some of my own personal thoughts.
"A few years ago, a former Olympic athlete came to visit me. He was looking for some direction in his life. He was a strong and solidly built man. It was a privilege to be around him--just in the hopes that muscles were contagious!
He told me of the time he was representing his country at the Olympics. It was a story of dreams that had struggled against a potential nightmare. From the age of twelve, the Olympics had been all he labored for. He had put every penny he earned and every purchase he made into someday becoming a gold medalist in the event he loved. He was totally focused. This is what he wanted. But he had a very turbulent relationship with his father, who had no interest in this dream of his, and, therefore, he had funded every penny himself.
When he was only seventeen, he filmed the world champion in the event for which he was training and broke down his every stride, frame by frame, to study his technique. He then had himself filmed in the same distance and matched it, stride for stride. By precisely piecing together where he was losing the precious seconds to the world champion, he determined to bridge the gap. Through sheer willpower, discipline, and courage, his goal was within reach.
He made the cut for his country's team, and life was suddenly like being atop a floating cloud. He won every heat and was emerging as the surprise and potential winner when the finals came. Was this a dream or was it real? No, it was real, he reminded himself.
He was at the starting point for the finals, and his nation was watching. Millions were cheering for him, and hearts were racing, expecting this 'country-boy-makes-it-big' story to hit the headlines the next day. In fact, I remember watching the event. The gun was about to go off, signaling the start. This was the moment he had waited for most of his life. But the mind with all it's tenacity and resoluteness is also a storehouse of unuttered yearnings.
'From out of nowhere,' he said, 'an unexpected thought suddenly flooded my mind--I WONDER IF MY FATHER IS WATCHING ME.'
That unanticipated thought momentarily overcame him and may have added a fraction of a second to his first two strides, robbing him of the gold. With great credit, he still won the bronze. The third fastest in the world is no mean accomplishment. Yet, to him, the victory on the track lost it's luster when measured against the deeper yearnings of his life--the approval of the ones you love. Little did this Olympian know how my heart was beating as he shared this story with me. I understood him well.
Young dreams may be wild ones, but they are never corrected by ridiculing them. They must be steered by a loving voice that has earned the right to be heard, not one enforced by means of power. This is a very difficult lesson for parents to learn. And, as cultures lose their restraining power, there will be greater need for mutual love and respect between parents and children if a relationship of trust is to be built, rather than banking on authority because of position."
This Father's Day I am overjoyed by the reality of fatherhood. It is better than I could have ever imagined. Also, I'm grateful for an earthly father that never squashed my dreams. I never once had to wonder if he was watching because he was always there to cheer me on in my accomplishments or correct me with great grace and patience through my many-many failures.
I'm also infinitely thankful for a Heavenly Father who has shaped me in my peculiar uniqueness, equipped me for big dreams, measured the distance of my faults by the rule of His mercy, and guided my every step by the light of His Word.
"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God." - Romans 8:16 NASB
Taking part in missions work is an extremely rewarding experience, but upon your return home it can also be incredibly difficult. The following is a little something I shared with our team this week. I hope it can encourage you, even as it encouraged us. "So, what's next?"
I remember asking myself that exact same question last year after returning home from Ecuador. How are you supposed to be equipped to handle every day life in the States after seeing and experiencing so much? How are you supposed to get back to business as usual? The answer is both easy, and terribly intimidating at the same time. You can't go back to how it was before, or at least you shouldn't.
By sacrificing time, money, sweat, tears, love, and comfort you allowed God to literally move you, geographically and spiritually, beyond the spoiled apathy and monotony of the American Church. Your obedience in going brought about transformational leaving. You see, God had to remove you from comfort, entertainment, and even loved ones, to push you to the point where He could open your spiritual eyes so that you could see the world and the Church as He sees it. Just as you left behind so much in going, now you must ask Him to help you leave so much behind in returning.
Instead of filling our days with scheduled business and mindless distractions, we each must realize that by answering that first question, what's next?, we will be answering a more important question.... What is God's will for me? In this respect I feel that I can offer you some helpful advice, and a sense of encouraging direction that will ease the transition back into life at home without forcing you to abandon the revelatory fervor God has birthed within each of you over the last eight days.
You found incredible joy and purpose in the Dominican Republic by giving constantly of yourself, some of you to the points of near exhaustion and sickness. You gave because you believed in the purpose which you felt that God had directed you to. Let me assure you, each of you have as clear and constant a God-given purpose on American soil as you did in the Dominican. Guard your hearts against the idle business of purposeless endeavor we often pursue. Set yourself toward some sacrificial end, and until a time which God directs you to it; pray and ask that He would lead you, not only to that end, but would also deliver unto you the means to see it through.
Let us continue to humble ourselves and take up the thankless tasks. There we were often met with fanfare and celebration, here that same heart may be met with indifference or disdain. Let us continue to love unconditionally. There love was almost always reciprocated, here it may be confused, misinterpreted, or ignored. In short, let us continue to love because Christ first loved us. Let us continue to shine, because we have come to know and love the Light, and our world is steeped in darkness.
To read more about GO12 see one of these stories. Challenges Going Learning Jordan Hearing Doing Grant Dakota Home
GO12 Videos Waterfight
John the Revelator often wrote of Christ as the Light. For him the topic was one that carried with it deep personal meaning. So when Jesus, during His many public teachings, frequently referred to His followers as being beacons of light (a city on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden, or a virgin with a lamp) it spoke volumes to the young apostle.
This week we travelled 1,833 miles to share that light. We went to share it with people who are not in relationship with Jesus. We also went to share in a combined experience in the Light of Christ with brothers and sisters in the family of God from another land. Late last night we made our bittersweet goodbyes with many tears, and much encouragement. On the ride back to our hotel I asked our team what part of their experience in Santo Domingo they felt shined the brightest. The following is a summary of their responses.
Humility, we travelled to a humble place, and there I saw our young people set aside the ugly pride that so often cripples our ability to love others fully. They washed feet, cleaned up filth, picked up trash, and set aside the need to feel cool or be impressive.
Sacrifice, often the measure of how deeply you believe something is weighed by the personal sacrifices you are willing to make to further that belief. Faith, and belief, is most purely displayed during acts of ultimate sacrifice. For many on our team this week was an incredible sacrifice. They gave up vacation time, work time, and family time. Some missed a week of summer school, placing themselves far behind in their course work. They sacrificed hygiene and comfort, convenience and frivolity, for; an exhausting schedule, weighty humidity, and a soulful vulnerability that many will continue to carry for weeks to come. And everyone gave up time with those they love the most to go and serve He who loved them most.
Hope, seems like a cliche to us a lot of the time, but only because we have become so disillusioned to the plight of hopelessness that plagues our world while we bathe in the gluttonous excess that most people in our nation enjoy even in these somber economic times. For those with less distractions in their lives hope often lies just one basic need away. Sometimes that need is a tangible resource that will quite literally change their life. Sometime that hope comes in the form of deep encouragement that can only be understood within the soul. It was one of my life's greatest blessings to see young Arkansas college students impart both to perfect strangers over the last eight days.
Love, like hope is a word used flippantly. We don't really love cheeseburgers or American Idol, but we often say we do. Real love shine bright and far. Its bigger and better than anything else we can understand.
We spent the last semester discussing the idea of HOME as a ministry. I think everyone on our team now has a larger understanding for that idea, even as they come to understand the nature of the global Church. The great Canadian missionary, evangelist, author, and pastor J. Oswald Smith once said, "the light that shines the farthest, shines the brightest at home.". I know seventeen college students and three campus missionaries that are sad to leave the Dominican Republic, but are excited to get home and shine.
To read more about GO12 see one of these stories. Challenges Going Learning Jordan Hearing Doing Grant Dakota Home What's next?
GO12 Videos Waterfight
I still remember Dakota as the outgoing and silly freshman that walked onto the Arkansas Tech Campus nearly three years ago, probably because he is still so outgoing and silly. Always ready with a joke or a laugh, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He loves the Lord greatly and has become a natural leader within our ministry. This week I watched a metamorphosis take place in his life, culminating as he shared the gospel from a parking lot to an eager and diverse crowd. The following is a note he wrote for me yesterday
Before we ever drove to the church in Russellville to get on the charter bus that would take us to Memphis, I had only one expectation. My expectation was that I didn’t have any other expectations. Literally nothing in my life could have prepared me for what I’ve actually experienced in the last 5 days here. Not even the meetings we had as a team prior to leaving could lead me to have an idea of what we would see and do while we were here. The research could never compare to the experience.
As soon as we got on the plane I knew that the time had finally come. The moment I had been waiting on ever since I was a freshman in college and was called into the ministry. That moment when I knew that the next destination would be my dream achieved and God’s plan a reality. It was surreal and exciting simultaneously. Being able to wake up in Arkansas and go to sleep in the Dominican Republic still blows my mind.
After the reality had sunk in, it was time to finally go and do what God had told us to do: share His love and serve others. When we showed up at the church, I’ll admit that I was a little hesitant, but after I saw how excited the people were to see us, I couldn’t help but let my guard down.
The only mistake I have made on the trip, and it was the best and worst kind of mistake, is that I got attached to those kids and they completely turned my world upside down. The first real moment I had was with a kid named Alexi. We actually beat boxed and danced and both had a good laugh at each other. One of the highlights of my life: getting to make a stranger from a different country smile because of a connection you have with them.
I will say that humbling yourself in front of others and actually helping with their needs is one of the best ways to introduce them to the love of God. It opened doors where I thought there weren’t any doors to open. When we had a service in the actual church building, that again changed my life forever, and I’m just being overly dramatic because of my emotions. I know that God is omnipresent and and He is the same God to everyone everywhere, but once I saw it first hand, I truly believe I’ll never be the same. Without a doubt the most amazing moment I have ever experienced.
Getting the chance to hear the same worship songs in a different language and seeing the people worship the same God I’ve worshipped for years is the one thing I will never forget. “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” I was different yesterday, I’ll be different today, and I pray that He will have forever changed me.
To read more about GO12 see one of these stories. Challenges Going Learning Jordan Hearing Doing Grant Dakota Home What's next?
GO12 Videos Waterfight
