A Game of Hope | Prejudice

more about “A Game of Hope | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth“, posted with vodpod

 

Prejudice comes in many forms.  It isn’t just racial.  My sermon this week is primarily about racism, and I plan to take a candid look at how we practice racism in ways we don’t something think about.  It mostly happens when we can only see our point of view. 

Though it isn’t about racism, I found this video that I think is a great example of moving beyond prejudice.  Now, I will be the first to point out that some of the comments of the young people in the prison should be addressed.  When the kids says he deserves a second chance, I wanted to say, “You don’t DESERVE it, but I hope you get it.”  “You DID mess up, and you are paying for it – that’s the way it is.”  In fact, the news anchor states, “Playing football here isn’t a righ, but a privilege.”  But, I SO appreciate those such as this Christian school that realizes that we all need a second chance, even though none of us deserve it.  It’s called grace!  It comes from Jesus!  So, in the name of Jesus, these folks found a way to show His grace to others who may not deserve it, but REALLY need it!

God Love Her (us)

I’m not a country fan really.  I watch Fox news in the morning except when Heidi gets the remote first – then I watch country videos on CMT.  Mostly I IGNORE country videos on CMT, but… This morning one caught my eye while putting on my shoes.  It was God Love Her by Toby Keith.  The gist of it is a preacher’s daughter is raised in church, reads the Bible, then runs off with a bad boy on a motorcycle to California.  From the video, it is obvious she is having sex with the guy at age 17.  The song notes that she goes to California while daddy stays home to “preach to the choir.”  But, inspite of it all, God Love Her as does Toby Keith (the bad boy in the song). 

It’s not clear, but doing the song as much poetic justice as possible, it seems that perhaps the girl’s parents are “preaching the choir” while their daughter goes wild.  Maybe he is a self-righteous preacher and neglects raising his kids?  Who knows.  But, the other part that stands out to me is that the girl is living and obvious life of sin, yet per the song’s theme, “God Loves Her.”  In the song, it notes they lived on the Mississippi and that she was baptized in “dirty water” (presumably the river).  Did this mean she was only “partly saved”?  Does it imply she can live both a life of sin and forgiveness (Matthew 6:24)? 

As I watched the video and heard the song, my mind teeter-tottered.  I thought on the one hand that God DOES love this girl (and us, and her parents) no matter what they do.  On the other hand, the song didn’t seem to condemn her behavior in any way, and seemed to imply it may be o.k. for her to practice this lifestyle since God Loves Her.  Perhaps the bad boy thinks it’s alright since it is probably her daddy’s fault for staying home and “preaching to the choir”? 

Regardless, I think the truth lies in a balanced understanding of God’s love.  God loves us no matter what we do.  No matter if our parents do or not.  No matter what sinful behaviors we are involved in.  But, that love does not IGNORE the behavior.  In fact, because of His love, God is always trying to lead us and teach us to be better.  Perhaps her preacher daddy didn’t show her love when she behaved like that.  Or maybe he ignored it so that she came to think it was alright.  God says, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7).

The truth is God loves us, and therefore wants us to change to be the people He created us to be.  It pains Him when we are not, but He keeps loving us and working on us.  Isn’t that how we should treat others as well?  Including our kids?  When Jesus washes us, He washes us – not in dirty water, but in His blood.  What are we going to do because of it?

Humorous videos

I’m not a regular surfer of YouTube or GodTube, but often folks send video links that I enjoy.  The most recent was from John Dobbs to his elder Mike Riley to me.  I thought I might just add a few now and then to enjoy and share.  If you want to see them and even suggest some to be added, click here: VIDEO PAGE or on the link to the right of this page under “pages”.

Those Kids!

“Those who tend to criticize the younger generation should remember who raised them.”

Looking back at my Jr. High year book picture makes me wonder why someone didn’t take me to the vet and put me out of my misery.  Thinking of High School, I wonder why someone didn’t lock me in a room somewhere and throw away the key (though I wasn’t that bad…at least not in MY eyes). 

I have a son that will graduate this year from High School, another one next year, and two more behind them.  Sometimes I want to lock them in a room and throw away the key, but other times, I want to turn them loose on the world and let them make their glorious mark. 

Truth is, we all grow up.  It is when we stop growing that we get old and start dying.  My kids sometimes could be better.  But, they OFTEN could be worse.  I’m not so naive to think that the don’t do things I don’t know about.  My parents didn’t know much of what I did, mostly because I don’t think they wanted to know.  But, all we can do as parents is to raise them the best we know how, know we have and will continue to make mistakes, and pray that God will lead them and that they will listen to Him along the way. 

When you’re frustrated because they’re acting like kids…remember they ARE kids…and so were you once.  Maybe we should act more like them sometimes.  Don’t stop growing up.  Stay young, no matter how many birthdays you have.  When your kids do wrong, let ‘em have it.  They need consequences for their actions.  But, always let them know you love them.

And above all, be thankful for them.  Many, like my friend John and others I know, have lost their children way too early.  Or, so it seems on this side of eternity.  Though John Robert continues to make his glorious mark on this world, it isn’t in the way mom and dad would have expected or wanted.  

And when you are tempted to criticize them for being kids, acting weird, doing things different than we did and different than we think they are supposed to be done, just remember that YOU were like that too.  You may have forgotten because you’re getting old.  Or, you may choose no to remember, but you were just like them one time.  Only in a different time. 

We thank God for our kids!  No matter what, they’ll always be our kids!

Matthew 18:3  And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ephesians 6:1-4  ”Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.   2.  “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– 3.  “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  4.  Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

The Doghouse

Click on doghouse to view video.

Dan Williams once again shared a cool video with his e-mail list.  This one is appropriate for many of YA’LL men (not me of course!) who don’t understand women, especially those with high maintenance women.  You know, if you would learn how to control your woman, and put her in her place……oh, sorry….I just woke up….what was I saying?

Seriously, men find ourselves in the doghouse most often when we are inconsiderate or don’t take time to think of how our actions will affect our wives.  On the other side, sometimes women are unappreciative of our efforts and gifts, and behave in a selfish and unthankful way.  NEITHER are good! 

I’m fortunate to have a wife who doesn’t put me in the doghouse very often.  When she does, I’m sure I deserve it.  She also appreciates “household” items for Christmas also, though I do know to include some “personal” stuff as well.

Consider the following scriptures to see if they relate, and post a few you think of as well.  Then enjoy the video.

Philippians 2:3-4  ”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. “

Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Here’s the link: THE DOGHOUSE

Old and New Tribes

Someone called my attention to a blog post entitled You Can’t Change a Tribe.  In it, he discussed the impossibility of changing the “old tribe” of a church.  We want “new tribe members” who bring new things, and essentially he says we can have the new tribe alongside the old tribe. 

While that may be ideal, we all know the struggles of teaching that old tribe to accept the ways and preferences of the new tribe (and even adopting some to “attract” them), and equally the struggles of teaching the new tribe that they don’t have to have it all their way either.  In reality, when the old tribe is unwilling to change, the whole tribe usually dies off with the members of that tribe (or church).  The would be new tribe members wonder aimlessly looking for a tribe, or perhaps quit looking for one.  Where will that lead the church in the coming years?  Any thoughts?

Like everyone else

I’m not sure why I am posting since few people read my blog anyway (pout pout!).  Maybe if I posted more, more would read it??? 

Still, I found this line and just wanted to share it with……nobody….or…..whoever.  It was on Dan Williams’ “Preacher Stuff” e-mail. 

In our desire to want to be like everyone around us, we end up despising the very thing that God called us to be. 

How true that is!

God says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14)

Savor the moment

The other day, I was leaving the hospital after visiting one of our members.  In the courtyard / park next to where I was parked, there was a beautiful squirrel, bushy tail, deep red color, and kinda cute as he sat on his hind legs eating the nut in his front paws.  Don’t get me wrong….I am a hunter.  I kill and eat deer, squirrel, coon, and whatever else.  But, I still have a “soft side” for God’s beautiful, and sometimes “cute” creation.

This picture was so postcard-like on the dark green grass that I immediately grabbed for my cell phone, struggled to remember what seems like hundreds of key sequences to activate the camera, pointed it at the squirrel only to notice it was too far.  So I went through many more sequences to find the zoom.  The screen said “zoom not available in full mode.”  So I had to press more buttons to choose a lesser quality setting, then it would zoom, but….as I may have guessed….only to the size of the original “full mode.” 

Finally, after deciding I would give up on sharing the picturesque scene with others, I put my phone down and looked to just enjoy the squirrel…who now was no longer looking so cute, and had moved behind a tree where he could hardly be seen.

Then I realized……how often in our modern, technological, electronic world do we try so hard to CAPTURE a moment that we end up failing to SAVOR the moment?

It’s great to share God’s moments through the SOMETIMES wonderful technology of pictures.  But, I would encourage us to sometimes put the camera down, at least long enough to savor what God is showing us.

Psalms 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

NOTE: Obviously, this is not “THE squirrel”.

Go for the GOLD

I was proud when Shawn Johnson finally won her gold.  She seems like a sweet girl who works hard and represents America well.  She already had 3 silvers, but no gold.  Was 3 silvers not enough?

I was pround to see the 3 Americans Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement, and Bershawn Jackson won gold, silver, and bronze in the 400m hurdles.  The picture of these three together under the flag is my favorite of the olympics.  I’m sure they all wanted gold, but all seemed proud to be where they were.  Of course I’m also proud of all the speedy Jamaicans.  I’ve made 7 or 8 mission trips there and love the Jamaicans.  I have been called a “Jamerican” but my birth certificate is still American.

Then, there was the May-Walsh  amazing duo.  To win gold in consecutive olympics is great.  But, it’s downright amazing that they have now won 108 consecutive matches.  Of course, they could do it with a little more clothes on, but it is amazing.  They were obviously excited.

And of course, there was the gymnastics all-around.  The most coveted event in the gymastics world.  If you saw the events you can’t help but to agree that the judges were…well…seemed to favor China.  I mean, what do we lay people know?  But, it seemed so obvious to us.  They could make big mistakes and still win.  But, what really stuck with me in this event was that disappointment that the American team seemed to feel for ONLY winning silver in this event.  I saw the same sort of demeanor from some others in other events.  ONLY winning silver in the Olympics?  Dissapointed?    

On the one hand, we must remember that these folks have worked long and hard and set their sights on the gold.  But, others seemed happy to win silver, or maybe just to make the olympics. It depends on their perspective.  I think those who expected gold, but won silver should be thankful even to have made the olympics.  Those whose sights were on just making it to the olympics probably aren’t going to win gold anyway.  They are content with something less.

The Bible teaches us to GO FOR THE GOLD.  I Corinthians 9:24  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.   And yet, we know we fall short of “the gold”.  That’s what grace is about.  If we had to depend on our own ability and training, we wouldn’t even MAKE the “heavenly olympics.”  But, through Jesus, “whosoever will may come.”   ALL who ”hunger and thirst for righteousness” can be filled.   “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11).”  God teaches us if we will go for the gold, with Jesus as our coach, we will ALL win the prize.  There is no dissapointment in that!

Americans Sweep 400m

Derek Webb – No Savior on Capitol Hill

 I found this video on Chris Lindsey’s blog Sacred Spaces.  Chris is the lead singer of Watershed Worship.  I’m not sure who Derek Webb is, but see how you like it. 

It does remind us that our life is not dependant upon our economy, politics, or other things of this world.  That’s not to say they are unimportant.  We want them to be the best they can be…but for who?  For us!  Jesus lived in a political and religious culture where He wasn’t so free to do His thing.  But, He did it anyway.  We worry about who will be in office, how gas prices will affect our economy, whether China will soon take over our world as we know it (O.K. – I had to throw that pet peeve in – we may argue they already have!), but what matters first is our relationship with God, and our willingness to serve and share Jesus in this world, no matter WHAT it looks like.  HE is the savior.  Thank God He is capable, because no political candidate can handle the job – not on Capital Hill, and not in the Eternal Kingdom.