One News Now (www.onenewsnow.com) is reporting that a Pennsylvania judge has thrown out an assault case because the defendant, a Muslim man, was, according to the judge, "obligated to attack the victim because of his culture and religion."
The victim in the case, an atheist, dressed as a "zombie Muhammad" for a Halloween parade held Oct. 11, 2011, in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The judge dismissed all evidence including a video of the incident and eyewitness testimony from a police officer. According to the report, he then lectured the victim about the "sensitivities of the Muslim culture."
Here is a link to the One News Now article http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=1544716
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Learning from Lent: Prayer
Up until about eight years ago, I had never given much thought about Lent, the period on the Christian liturgical calendar from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. As a kid, I knew some of our Catholic neighbors observed Lent, but, being from a largely Baptist-influenced church background, I had never personally participated in the tradition of Lent.
That changed somewhat when my family began attending Gallipolis First Church of the Nazarene in 2004. We observed both Advent, the prelude to Christmas, and Lent as a congregation. I found both observances to be spiritually refreshing.
An article I read recently stated about Lent that its "traditional purpose ... is the penitential preparation of the believer -- through prayer, penance, repentance, alms giving, and self-denial."
Prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian life. It's our lifeline of communication with the LORD, so that we might take our requests and petitions to Him and that we might hear from Him in return. Jesus emphasized prayer throughout His earthly ministry, even giving us a guideline and a blueprint for prayer in Matthew 6:5-15: "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
The Apostle Paul also encourages the believers in Thessalonica to pray, as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Perhaps nowhere in scripture is a more powerful portrait of prayer found than that which is recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22, where Jesus prays to His Father in the garden of Gethsemane prior to His crucifixion. Christ's time of prayer in the garden was so intense that the gospel writer recorded in Luke 22:44, that Jesus "... being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
In just a few hours, Christ was about to take the immeasurable weight of the payment for the sin of all of mankind on His shoulders, and the thought of it drove Him to pray with such passion and urgency that none of us can ever understand what He experienced.
My prayer during this season of Lent is that our prayer time with God may become deeper and more intimate.
That changed somewhat when my family began attending Gallipolis First Church of the Nazarene in 2004. We observed both Advent, the prelude to Christmas, and Lent as a congregation. I found both observances to be spiritually refreshing.
An article I read recently stated about Lent that its "traditional purpose ... is the penitential preparation of the believer -- through prayer, penance, repentance, alms giving, and self-denial."
Prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian life. It's our lifeline of communication with the LORD, so that we might take our requests and petitions to Him and that we might hear from Him in return. Jesus emphasized prayer throughout His earthly ministry, even giving us a guideline and a blueprint for prayer in Matthew 6:5-15: "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
The Apostle Paul also encourages the believers in Thessalonica to pray, as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Perhaps nowhere in scripture is a more powerful portrait of prayer found than that which is recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22, where Jesus prays to His Father in the garden of Gethsemane prior to His crucifixion. Christ's time of prayer in the garden was so intense that the gospel writer recorded in Luke 22:44, that Jesus "... being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
In just a few hours, Christ was about to take the immeasurable weight of the payment for the sin of all of mankind on His shoulders, and the thought of it drove Him to pray with such passion and urgency that none of us can ever understand what He experienced.
My prayer during this season of Lent is that our prayer time with God may become deeper and more intimate.
Monday, February 13, 2012
What's in a name?
"What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."
-- Juliet Capulet from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
For the star-crossed lovers in the Bard's masterpiece about their tragic romance -- an affair doomed even before its inception -- their family names were of little importance. As one literary critic has penned, Juliet was communicating her opinion that a name is merely "an artificial and meaningless convention".
Perhaps that was true for those teenage lovers, but for me -- and probably for many a father or mother around this big blue marble on which we reside -- to be known by a certain name is, indeed, of great importance.
Random Thought 1: "It doesn't matter what your name is!" -- The Rock.
Response to Random Thought 1: Uh, yeah it does, Mr. The Rock. Sorry.
Throughout my life, I've been known by several nicknames; some flattering, some the opposite of flattering. As a kid, there was "Jaws," given to me by my sisters because, according to them, I talked too much. Way too much. Occasionally, actually a lot more than occasionally, my Pop referred to me as "Boy", "Jughead", and "Whatever Your Name Is."
Easy on Pop, now, there were five of us running around La Casa del Carter. It was hard to keep track of us sometimes.
My classmates at school were at times a little less than courteous in their usage of noms de guerre for me. There were various monikers (see insults) that rhymed with my last name, "Carter", in addition to their favorite, albeit cliche, "Four Eyes". I wore the old Coke-bottle thick glasses, that were frequently targeted by soccer balls, basketballs, dodge balls, kick balls, and any other projectile available on the playground.
Random Thought 2: Was I a nerd back in the day? Oh yes. Still am. A pushover on the playground? About 50-50. But I gained my revenge in fifth grade by winning the Seffner Elementary Bicycle Rodeo -- using a hand-me-down bike from my sister. Ha! Yes. It had a sissy bar. Why do you ...? Ugh!
I'll bypass the couple of nicknames I picked up in high school. In college, I became known as "Guido" for a time, all thanks to a grey fedora and a grey trench coat that I wore frequently during my freshman year. The moniker "AC" also came into play during my college years. And that one -- thankfully -- is really the only one that has stuck with me.
Marriage brought on a handful of new pet names, none of which are any of your business. All right, the fair Jolene calls me "Baby".
Like I said, some of the names were flattering ...
Wait a minute. Actually, hardly any of those names were flattering. What was I thinking? Well, "AC" and "Baby" are fine.
Okay, enough of the set up, let's get to the point of all this.
I don't remember the exact day or date that my son Joel first called me "Daddy"; all I know is that the first time that I heard his sweet little voice utter the word "Daddy", I was totally done, all in, if you will.
Random Thought 3: He had me at "Daddy". He had me at "Daddy".
While nothing will ever top Joel calling me "Daddy", there is one other name that comes really close. It's a name that a lot of his little buddies use when they see me: "Hey, Joel's Daddy!" Yep. I get the big head when I hear the mini folk call me by that name. The "warm-fuzzy effect" also kicks in when I hear that name called out. It's a good thing, to be sure.
So, to answer Juliet's question, "What's in a name?"
I say ... everything.
Plus, it would be really weird if Joel called me "Rose".
-- Juliet Capulet from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
For the star-crossed lovers in the Bard's masterpiece about their tragic romance -- an affair doomed even before its inception -- their family names were of little importance. As one literary critic has penned, Juliet was communicating her opinion that a name is merely "an artificial and meaningless convention".
Perhaps that was true for those teenage lovers, but for me -- and probably for many a father or mother around this big blue marble on which we reside -- to be known by a certain name is, indeed, of great importance.
Random Thought 1: "It doesn't matter what your name is!" -- The Rock.
Response to Random Thought 1: Uh, yeah it does, Mr. The Rock. Sorry.
Throughout my life, I've been known by several nicknames; some flattering, some the opposite of flattering. As a kid, there was "Jaws," given to me by my sisters because, according to them, I talked too much. Way too much. Occasionally, actually a lot more than occasionally, my Pop referred to me as "Boy", "Jughead", and "Whatever Your Name Is."
Easy on Pop, now, there were five of us running around La Casa del Carter. It was hard to keep track of us sometimes.
My classmates at school were at times a little less than courteous in their usage of noms de guerre for me. There were various monikers (see insults) that rhymed with my last name, "Carter", in addition to their favorite, albeit cliche, "Four Eyes". I wore the old Coke-bottle thick glasses, that were frequently targeted by soccer balls, basketballs, dodge balls, kick balls, and any other projectile available on the playground.
Random Thought 2: Was I a nerd back in the day? Oh yes. Still am. A pushover on the playground? About 50-50. But I gained my revenge in fifth grade by winning the Seffner Elementary Bicycle Rodeo -- using a hand-me-down bike from my sister. Ha! Yes. It had a sissy bar. Why do you ...? Ugh!
I'll bypass the couple of nicknames I picked up in high school. In college, I became known as "Guido" for a time, all thanks to a grey fedora and a grey trench coat that I wore frequently during my freshman year. The moniker "AC" also came into play during my college years. And that one -- thankfully -- is really the only one that has stuck with me.
Marriage brought on a handful of new pet names, none of which are any of your business. All right, the fair Jolene calls me "Baby".
Like I said, some of the names were flattering ...
Wait a minute. Actually, hardly any of those names were flattering. What was I thinking? Well, "AC" and "Baby" are fine.
Okay, enough of the set up, let's get to the point of all this.
I don't remember the exact day or date that my son Joel first called me "Daddy"; all I know is that the first time that I heard his sweet little voice utter the word "Daddy", I was totally done, all in, if you will.
Random Thought 3: He had me at "Daddy". He had me at "Daddy".
While nothing will ever top Joel calling me "Daddy", there is one other name that comes really close. It's a name that a lot of his little buddies use when they see me: "Hey, Joel's Daddy!" Yep. I get the big head when I hear the mini folk call me by that name. The "warm-fuzzy effect" also kicks in when I hear that name called out. It's a good thing, to be sure.
So, to answer Juliet's question, "What's in a name?"
I say ... everything.
Plus, it would be really weird if Joel called me "Rose".
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Miffed about misses
The older I get, the more I realize how much I've missed along the way. And to be honest, I'm a bit miffed about all those oversights throughout the years, both intentional and unintentional.
Time with family, epic sunsets, time with friends, glorious sunrises, time with God; I've missed out on so much that will never come my way again.
We moved to Zanesville, Ohio, in June of 2011. While we miss all of our friends back in Gallia County, our home for 17 years, the move to Muskingum County has been fruitful in many ways. Of all the positive aspects of the move, the one for which I am most thankful is the opportunity (see second chance) that God has given me to really reconnect with my wife and son.
My employment situation over the past seven months or so has been on again, off again, but that's not a bad thing. That on again, off again routine, if you will, has allowed me to spend a lot of good time with Joel, especially last summer. We hit the park, the mall, the pool and just hung out together.
Since the school year started back in August, we established a new routine which sees us grab some time together in the morning before heading off to school. We also enjoy time together in the afternoon before Jolene comes home from work. Homework is part of that routine, too, but that's another story for another time.
Joel and I go to Cub Scouts together. He enjoys it and I enjoy seeing him having fun and playing with his new buddies that he's come to know through Scouts. We had fun making our pinewood derby car. He won two of the four races in which he competed. Seeing the smile on his face as he watched his car speed down the course made me feel, well, I really don't have the words to describe how I felt. Let's say it just felt good.
Over the past two years or so, I've missed way too many bedtimes at our house. Since we moved to Zanesville, my bedtime participation percentage has skyrocketed. We pray together and trade hugs and kisses, wait for Joel to stall a little more before he finally settles in and hits the sack. What I love most about bedtime is feeling Joel's husky little "monkey hug" around my neck and hearing him say "I love you, Daddy."
Yeah, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Jolene told me recently that I've got my funny back. She's glad that I'm less grumpy and more easy-going than I have been in recent years. My nearly constant complaining has subsided and we once again enjoy that comfortable quiet that has been a hallmark of our marriage for so many of the nearly 21 years we've been husband and wife.
There was a time when I was really concerned about having a career and enjoying success, whatever that is, and I have the gray hair and belly fat to prove it. But I feel like I've entered a new phase of life, sort of a Dave Barry era, in which I find myself forging further ahead into the undiscovered country of fatherhood and husbandhood (?), praying that my kid doesn't grow up to be a serial killer (kidding, of course) and that I don't drive my wife stark, raving mad (serious about that one).
Actually, all joking aside for a moment, my prayer is that God will help me to draw closer to Him so that I can be a better dad and husband, because, goodness knows, I desperately need His help in both areas.
And while I try to follow this path that God has laid out for me in this new country, I'll make sure to stop and enjoy those epic sunsets and glorious sunrises and spend time with family and friends.
Time with family, epic sunsets, time with friends, glorious sunrises, time with God; I've missed out on so much that will never come my way again.
We moved to Zanesville, Ohio, in June of 2011. While we miss all of our friends back in Gallia County, our home for 17 years, the move to Muskingum County has been fruitful in many ways. Of all the positive aspects of the move, the one for which I am most thankful is the opportunity (see second chance) that God has given me to really reconnect with my wife and son.
My employment situation over the past seven months or so has been on again, off again, but that's not a bad thing. That on again, off again routine, if you will, has allowed me to spend a lot of good time with Joel, especially last summer. We hit the park, the mall, the pool and just hung out together.
Since the school year started back in August, we established a new routine which sees us grab some time together in the morning before heading off to school. We also enjoy time together in the afternoon before Jolene comes home from work. Homework is part of that routine, too, but that's another story for another time.
Joel and I go to Cub Scouts together. He enjoys it and I enjoy seeing him having fun and playing with his new buddies that he's come to know through Scouts. We had fun making our pinewood derby car. He won two of the four races in which he competed. Seeing the smile on his face as he watched his car speed down the course made me feel, well, I really don't have the words to describe how I felt. Let's say it just felt good.
Over the past two years or so, I've missed way too many bedtimes at our house. Since we moved to Zanesville, my bedtime participation percentage has skyrocketed. We pray together and trade hugs and kisses, wait for Joel to stall a little more before he finally settles in and hits the sack. What I love most about bedtime is feeling Joel's husky little "monkey hug" around my neck and hearing him say "I love you, Daddy."
Yeah, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Jolene told me recently that I've got my funny back. She's glad that I'm less grumpy and more easy-going than I have been in recent years. My nearly constant complaining has subsided and we once again enjoy that comfortable quiet that has been a hallmark of our marriage for so many of the nearly 21 years we've been husband and wife.
There was a time when I was really concerned about having a career and enjoying success, whatever that is, and I have the gray hair and belly fat to prove it. But I feel like I've entered a new phase of life, sort of a Dave Barry era, in which I find myself forging further ahead into the undiscovered country of fatherhood and husbandhood (?), praying that my kid doesn't grow up to be a serial killer (kidding, of course) and that I don't drive my wife stark, raving mad (serious about that one).
Actually, all joking aside for a moment, my prayer is that God will help me to draw closer to Him so that I can be a better dad and husband, because, goodness knows, I desperately need His help in both areas.
And while I try to follow this path that God has laid out for me in this new country, I'll make sure to stop and enjoy those epic sunsets and glorious sunrises and spend time with family and friends.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
But I've been wrong before ... a lot (The Sequel)
The last time I watched a super bowl in its entirety was Jan. 26, 2003, when my beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave the Oakland Raiders an old fashioned Port Tampa beatdown, 48-21, in the 37th installment of el gran juego (the big game).
Since then, I've watched el gran juego in fits and starts, witnessing more than less of each contest; although I did fall asleep or head to bed early at least a couple of times. Prior to the Bucs' win in '03, I never missed a down of a super bowl.
So, since my team has its own Lombardi Trophy in the display case at One Buc Place, have I become ambivalent toward what is now America's pastime? I guess I have.
But why? The past eight super bowl games have been pretty good contests, with only three of the eight decided by more than six points. New England, the NFL's version of the Evil Empire (see New York Yankees), has been involved in three downright dandy Super Bowls since 2004. The Pats beat both Carolina in SB 38 and Philadelphia in SB 39 by three points, and lost to the Giants by three points in SB 42.
Insert Random Thought 1 here: This game is brought to you by the number 3 and the letters N, B and C.
It's been amusing over the past week to watch all the football pundits weigh in and make predictions about this game featuring the Pats and the New York Football Giants. There's been a lot of solid acting going on as these guys pretended to really care about the game while enjoying their vacation in Indianapolis.
The really funny thing was that the Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay soap opera was the dominant story during the week. Sorry Brother Eli. On top of that, Tom Brady's supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen has grabbed more air time than her hubby or Brother Eli, and she hasn't said a word.
Insert Random Thought 2 here: Wait, vacation in Indianapolis? That just sounded weird. No offense to Indiana's state capital, but I never pictured it as a vacation spot.
So I was half right, or half wrong, on my picks in the conference championship games. I got the Pats right, but went against my gut feeling and picked the Niners over Los Gigantes.
Insert Random Thought 3 here: Oh well. If I were a baseball player with a .500 average, I'd be a lock for Cooperstown, yes?
Who will win SB 46, Pats or Giants? Do I dare pick against Los Gigantes again? But how can I possibly defy the Evil Empire?
Insert Random Thought 4 here: In this remake, Pats coach Bill Belichick is cast as "The Emperor" and Tom Brady plays "Darth Vader." Cue the heavy, electronic breathing and the dogs barking the "Imperial March" theme, please.
Okay, hang on, let me flip a coin on this one. Arrgh! It stood on end.
All right, here goes. The Giants are on a roll, yeah, but I feel drawn to the dark side and the Pats. So I guess I'm picking New England by, let's say, three points, 20-17.
But I've been wrong before ... a lot.
Insert Random Thoughts 5 and 6 here: Why in the world did I slip into the "Star Wars" schtick? And did you see that number 3 thing pop in there again? Hmm.
Since then, I've watched el gran juego in fits and starts, witnessing more than less of each contest; although I did fall asleep or head to bed early at least a couple of times. Prior to the Bucs' win in '03, I never missed a down of a super bowl.
So, since my team has its own Lombardi Trophy in the display case at One Buc Place, have I become ambivalent toward what is now America's pastime? I guess I have.
But why? The past eight super bowl games have been pretty good contests, with only three of the eight decided by more than six points. New England, the NFL's version of the Evil Empire (see New York Yankees), has been involved in three downright dandy Super Bowls since 2004. The Pats beat both Carolina in SB 38 and Philadelphia in SB 39 by three points, and lost to the Giants by three points in SB 42.
Insert Random Thought 1 here: This game is brought to you by the number 3 and the letters N, B and C.
It's been amusing over the past week to watch all the football pundits weigh in and make predictions about this game featuring the Pats and the New York Football Giants. There's been a lot of solid acting going on as these guys pretended to really care about the game while enjoying their vacation in Indianapolis.
The really funny thing was that the Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay soap opera was the dominant story during the week. Sorry Brother Eli. On top of that, Tom Brady's supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen has grabbed more air time than her hubby or Brother Eli, and she hasn't said a word.
Insert Random Thought 2 here: Wait, vacation in Indianapolis? That just sounded weird. No offense to Indiana's state capital, but I never pictured it as a vacation spot.
So I was half right, or half wrong, on my picks in the conference championship games. I got the Pats right, but went against my gut feeling and picked the Niners over Los Gigantes.
Insert Random Thought 3 here: Oh well. If I were a baseball player with a .500 average, I'd be a lock for Cooperstown, yes?
Who will win SB 46, Pats or Giants? Do I dare pick against Los Gigantes again? But how can I possibly defy the Evil Empire?
Insert Random Thought 4 here: In this remake, Pats coach Bill Belichick is cast as "The Emperor" and Tom Brady plays "Darth Vader." Cue the heavy, electronic breathing and the dogs barking the "Imperial March" theme, please.
Okay, hang on, let me flip a coin on this one. Arrgh! It stood on end.
All right, here goes. The Giants are on a roll, yeah, but I feel drawn to the dark side and the Pats. So I guess I'm picking New England by, let's say, three points, 20-17.
But I've been wrong before ... a lot.
Insert Random Thoughts 5 and 6 here: Why in the world did I slip into the "Star Wars" schtick? And did you see that number 3 thing pop in there again? Hmm.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Another second chance ... again
I enjoy the film "Groundhog Day" for a variety of reasons.
No. 1: Bill Murray is hilarious and does a great job. He's one of those guys, you know the one, that's just plain funny. You know he's going to do or say something funny when he walks into the room. You can tell just by the look on his face. Plus, about the only time I watch golf is to see Murray in one of those celebrity pro-am tournaments. Now that's some funny stuff, right there.
No. 2: It's set in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Not filmed in Punxy, mind you. It was filmed somewhere in Illinois, I think. But just the fact that Punxsutawney, that picturesque little hamlet in western Penns-a-vania, becomes the media capital of the U.S. for a little while on one day each year is fabulous, just fabulous. And all because of an old European tale that said that a rodent, or badger, or sacred bear, could predict the weather.
Sacred bear? Uh, yeah, I got nothin'.
No. 3: Ultimately, "Groundhog Day" is a story about second chances. A lot of second chances.
I'm all about second chances.
Actually, I guess we're all about second chances. No one is perfect, well, except for that one guy or girl, you know them. Anyway, we all mistakes, blow it, crash and burn, implode, explode, drop the ball, take one on the chin, etc. It's a part of life.
I have definitely done all of the above at one time or another in my 44 years on this big blue marble. I especially don't enjoy taking one on the chin, though. It usually leaves a mark. Ouch. Not cool.
But I'm thankful that despite all of my failures, shortcomings, missteps, bad decisions, really bad decisions, angry words, bad deeds, and, yeah, more really, really bad decisions, that God has seen fit in His mercy and grace to grant me more than just one second chance.
The Bible is full of second chance stories. One is found in the book of Jonah. Actually, there are two second chance stories found in Jonah.
The first is in relation to Jonah himself. The Lord calls him to "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me” (Jonah 1:2). But instead of going to Nineveh as the Lord called him to do, Jonah jumped on a ship headed in the opposite direction.
Next came the whale, or fish, prepared by the Lord for Jonah and, after being puked up on a beach, the prophet got back on track and headed to Nineveh. Jonah took the message of the Lord to the city, the people repented (second chance granted by God) and the Lord spared the city from its impending destruction.
Happy ending, right, just like "Groundhog Day"? For Nineveh, yes, but not necessarily for Jonah the prophet.
He never wanted to go to Nineveh in the first place and after the folks there repented and the Lord spared the city (Jonah 3), Jonah was apparently not a happy camper. And he let God know he wasn't happy in Jonah 4.
The Bible doesn't detail what happened to Jonah following his dialogue with God in the final verses of Chapter 4, so we don't know what kind of decision Jonah came to after his talk with the Lord. I hope he saw the error of his ways and found forgiveness from God, another second chance.
I'm thankful for all the second chances that the Lord has afforded me. My daily prayer is that I will continue to wise up and walk on the path that God has laid out for me instead of trying to live life on my own and cut my own path through the woods.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the woods.
No. 1: Bill Murray is hilarious and does a great job. He's one of those guys, you know the one, that's just plain funny. You know he's going to do or say something funny when he walks into the room. You can tell just by the look on his face. Plus, about the only time I watch golf is to see Murray in one of those celebrity pro-am tournaments. Now that's some funny stuff, right there.
No. 2: It's set in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Not filmed in Punxy, mind you. It was filmed somewhere in Illinois, I think. But just the fact that Punxsutawney, that picturesque little hamlet in western Penns-a-vania, becomes the media capital of the U.S. for a little while on one day each year is fabulous, just fabulous. And all because of an old European tale that said that a rodent, or badger, or sacred bear, could predict the weather.
Sacred bear? Uh, yeah, I got nothin'.
No. 3: Ultimately, "Groundhog Day" is a story about second chances. A lot of second chances.
I'm all about second chances.
Actually, I guess we're all about second chances. No one is perfect, well, except for that one guy or girl, you know them. Anyway, we all mistakes, blow it, crash and burn, implode, explode, drop the ball, take one on the chin, etc. It's a part of life.
I have definitely done all of the above at one time or another in my 44 years on this big blue marble. I especially don't enjoy taking one on the chin, though. It usually leaves a mark. Ouch. Not cool.
But I'm thankful that despite all of my failures, shortcomings, missteps, bad decisions, really bad decisions, angry words, bad deeds, and, yeah, more really, really bad decisions, that God has seen fit in His mercy and grace to grant me more than just one second chance.
The Bible is full of second chance stories. One is found in the book of Jonah. Actually, there are two second chance stories found in Jonah.
The first is in relation to Jonah himself. The Lord calls him to "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me” (Jonah 1:2). But instead of going to Nineveh as the Lord called him to do, Jonah jumped on a ship headed in the opposite direction.
Next came the whale, or fish, prepared by the Lord for Jonah and, after being puked up on a beach, the prophet got back on track and headed to Nineveh. Jonah took the message of the Lord to the city, the people repented (second chance granted by God) and the Lord spared the city from its impending destruction.
Happy ending, right, just like "Groundhog Day"? For Nineveh, yes, but not necessarily for Jonah the prophet.
He never wanted to go to Nineveh in the first place and after the folks there repented and the Lord spared the city (Jonah 3), Jonah was apparently not a happy camper. And he let God know he wasn't happy in Jonah 4.
The Bible doesn't detail what happened to Jonah following his dialogue with God in the final verses of Chapter 4, so we don't know what kind of decision Jonah came to after his talk with the Lord. I hope he saw the error of his ways and found forgiveness from God, another second chance.
I'm thankful for all the second chances that the Lord has afforded me. My daily prayer is that I will continue to wise up and walk on the path that God has laid out for me instead of trying to live life on my own and cut my own path through the woods.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the woods.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Lessons from the early believers
And with many other words he (Peter) testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
In Acts 2:44-45, the Bible relates the following: "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need."
It's an easy section of scripture to sort of read by right over as you head towards the marvelous accounts of the apostles' missionary journeys and a myriad of miracles, but it struck me at the time and still rings in my mind, causing me to ask several questions of myself. First and foremost is, do I possess the faith that the first followers of Christ had? It appears to have been a faith so deep and strong that they seemed to have no problem selling everything they owned and sharing the proceeds with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Is that something that I could do? Do I have the faith to do that? Is that even possible given the culture in which we live in America? Is it possible in our church culture?
The depth of their fellowship was also incredible, as detailed in Acts 2:46-47: "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
Two things stand out to me in verses 46-47: "simplicity of heart" and "having favor with all the people." I allow so many things to complicate my life and battle for my heart. Like my brothers and sisters in Acts, I long to enjoy a true "simplicity of heart."
And the fact that those early believers found "favor with all the people" also amazed me. Perhaps it was their simplicity of heart and overall lifestyle that was so appealing to those around them.
Finally, what is most encouraging about this passage from Acts is found in the last phrase of verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Those early believers planted the seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, watered it, and God gave the increase on a daily basis. Amen!
Father God, may we rediscover the faith of those first followers of Jesus Christ, live our lives daily according to your word, and, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Amen.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
-- Acts 2:40-47
A few years back when I was teaching a college and career Sunday school class, we studied the book of Acts. It was more of a survey than an in depth study, to be honest.In Acts 2:44-45, the Bible relates the following: "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need."
It's an easy section of scripture to sort of read by right over as you head towards the marvelous accounts of the apostles' missionary journeys and a myriad of miracles, but it struck me at the time and still rings in my mind, causing me to ask several questions of myself. First and foremost is, do I possess the faith that the first followers of Christ had? It appears to have been a faith so deep and strong that they seemed to have no problem selling everything they owned and sharing the proceeds with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Is that something that I could do? Do I have the faith to do that? Is that even possible given the culture in which we live in America? Is it possible in our church culture?
The depth of their fellowship was also incredible, as detailed in Acts 2:46-47: "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
Two things stand out to me in verses 46-47: "simplicity of heart" and "having favor with all the people." I allow so many things to complicate my life and battle for my heart. Like my brothers and sisters in Acts, I long to enjoy a true "simplicity of heart."
And the fact that those early believers found "favor with all the people" also amazed me. Perhaps it was their simplicity of heart and overall lifestyle that was so appealing to those around them.
Finally, what is most encouraging about this passage from Acts is found in the last phrase of verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Those early believers planted the seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, watered it, and God gave the increase on a daily basis. Amen!
Father God, may we rediscover the faith of those first followers of Jesus Christ, live our lives daily according to your word, and, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Amen.
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