Friday, November 4, 2011
A Christ follower living in a secular world: The Occupy movement
A Christ follower living in a secular world: The Occupy movement: Just what is it all about? I just don't get it. We live in a free and democratic society. We have real means for social/economic change th...
The Occupy movement
Just what is it all about? I just don't get it.
We live in a free and democratic society. We have real means for social/economic change through legitimate sources. It's not like it was in the sixties when there was real oppression of black Americans in the south. This is not like what happened in the 80s in Poland when an unjust and non democratic government was oppressing the people. It spawned the solidarity movement.
We have problems, I know, and there is a need to change our ways in a big way. This has been a long time coming and Governments have mortgaged our future to satisfy the immediate needs. Our whole economic landscape is bleak. It is going to call for some pretty drastic changes to remedy. At some point there will be a world wide economic meltdown due to so many trade imbalances. We in the western world have been the "haves" for a long time. We have it way better than most of the world and for every action there is a reaction. Since the rubber band has been stretch as far as it has the recoil will be formidable.
All this talk about the "one percent" can make you believe you deserve more. Well I hate to say it but the rest of us around here are in the 2 to 5 percent range. It is not just the mega rich that are the haves. We are better off because of the imbalance. When things fall apart, and they will, we are all going to suffer the consequences along with the 1 percent.
Prepare for the inevitable. Harder times will come upon us. Financially speaking I mean. Canada can't really do much in of itself since the US economy is the only one that really matters. It is all very complicated but the US is the central figure in the world economy and since the gold standard was dropped during the Nixon era(it actually goes back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt but I don't need to go into it all) this paper economy we have has kept the good times rolling here in North America with only a few hiccups.
The US is close to 20 trillion in debt and eventually they will no longer be able to service their debt. When that happens the dominoes will start to fall. This is not mere fantasy but a real event that will happen. Most economists know of this inevitability but few speak of it. It likely will happen before we reach 2020 and honestly could happen anytime.
When this happens everything you've worked and saved for could very well disintegrate. The housing market will plummet. Unemployment will go through the roof. The great depression of the 30s will look mild in comparison.
So what should we do? Well I know what I am doing. I'm doing my best to put people above things. I am only a pilgrim passing through, an alien in this world. There is more to life than possessions. I'd rather invest in relationships than mutual funds(though I do both). I am debt free and do save money but I have no faith in my money. Everyday I live thankful for what I have. I live within my means and give to the needy. I want to give more than I desire to receive.
I have no interest in overthrowing a corrupt system. It is a no win situation. Perhaps rather than being dissidents these people should work on changing their attitude and working on an occupation rather than being a nuisance to people trying to get on with their lives. Just my take on it all.
Blessings!
We live in a free and democratic society. We have real means for social/economic change through legitimate sources. It's not like it was in the sixties when there was real oppression of black Americans in the south. This is not like what happened in the 80s in Poland when an unjust and non democratic government was oppressing the people. It spawned the solidarity movement.
We have problems, I know, and there is a need to change our ways in a big way. This has been a long time coming and Governments have mortgaged our future to satisfy the immediate needs. Our whole economic landscape is bleak. It is going to call for some pretty drastic changes to remedy. At some point there will be a world wide economic meltdown due to so many trade imbalances. We in the western world have been the "haves" for a long time. We have it way better than most of the world and for every action there is a reaction. Since the rubber band has been stretch as far as it has the recoil will be formidable.
All this talk about the "one percent" can make you believe you deserve more. Well I hate to say it but the rest of us around here are in the 2 to 5 percent range. It is not just the mega rich that are the haves. We are better off because of the imbalance. When things fall apart, and they will, we are all going to suffer the consequences along with the 1 percent.
Prepare for the inevitable. Harder times will come upon us. Financially speaking I mean. Canada can't really do much in of itself since the US economy is the only one that really matters. It is all very complicated but the US is the central figure in the world economy and since the gold standard was dropped during the Nixon era(it actually goes back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt but I don't need to go into it all) this paper economy we have has kept the good times rolling here in North America with only a few hiccups.
The US is close to 20 trillion in debt and eventually they will no longer be able to service their debt. When that happens the dominoes will start to fall. This is not mere fantasy but a real event that will happen. Most economists know of this inevitability but few speak of it. It likely will happen before we reach 2020 and honestly could happen anytime.
When this happens everything you've worked and saved for could very well disintegrate. The housing market will plummet. Unemployment will go through the roof. The great depression of the 30s will look mild in comparison.
So what should we do? Well I know what I am doing. I'm doing my best to put people above things. I am only a pilgrim passing through, an alien in this world. There is more to life than possessions. I'd rather invest in relationships than mutual funds(though I do both). I am debt free and do save money but I have no faith in my money. Everyday I live thankful for what I have. I live within my means and give to the needy. I want to give more than I desire to receive.
I have no interest in overthrowing a corrupt system. It is a no win situation. Perhaps rather than being dissidents these people should work on changing their attitude and working on an occupation rather than being a nuisance to people trying to get on with their lives. Just my take on it all.
Blessings!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A Christ follower living in a secular world: The trouble with all Hallow's Eve
A Christ follower living in a secular world: The trouble with all Hallow's Eve: As we are at the end of October and people are celebrating this most unholy of events what is a Christian supposed to do? For our struggle...
The trouble with all Hallow's Eve
As we are at the end of October and people are celebrating this most unholy of events what is a Christian supposed to do?
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
As a believer I am convinced there is a spirit world. People dressing up as Zombies and Vampires all in the name of "fun" is not good. They hold mock seances and cast spells. They call on dark forces and often get very loose with their morals. The drink flows, the party goes into the wee hours of the morning, and for some it is a chance to do some random vandalism. It is one of the busiest(probably the busiest) times of the year for law enforcement along with the Fire Department. There is lots of violence and general debauchery. Firecrackers and fireworks getting lit continuously with little to no concern for safety. It is quite literally a glimpse of hell.
Then there is what this is teaching the children. I'm not a parent so I don't have to deal with that aspect of it but I feel sympathy for Christian parents. Do you banish your kids from all Halloween activities? I really don't have an answer to that. It would be easy to say yes of course but it seems kind of mean to not allow your daughter to dress up as a princess and get some candy from your neighbours. It is a dilemma. I guess it would have to depend on your situation but I think you have to embrace the good aspects but prepare for it with prayer and protection for you and your little ones.
Then there is the church, do they have a "family fun night" instead of a Halloween party with treats and bobbing for apples and the like. It is a great opportunity for outreach but should a Christian organization be taking advantage of an opportunity the Devil provided? At one time I would have said no but now I believe so. I don't hand out candy only because I don't have the location for it. If I did then I would. Candy really isn't good for you but sometimes you have to let kids be kids. As for having a costume themed party I don't have a problem with it so long as they are in good taste. Dress up as a sports hero, or cowboy or thousands of other non evil characters. There is nothing wrong with dressing up so long as it is appropriate.
So to believers out there I say measure your actions carefully. Don't fall into the Devils trap. To the nonbelievers I say think about what you are doing. Do you really want to be calling the dark forces out? If you do then expect to get what you ask for. A nasty hangover, some regrets and possibly a whole world of hurt.
I don't celebrate the day but I do pray over it.
God bless you and keep you safe!!
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
As a believer I am convinced there is a spirit world. People dressing up as Zombies and Vampires all in the name of "fun" is not good. They hold mock seances and cast spells. They call on dark forces and often get very loose with their morals. The drink flows, the party goes into the wee hours of the morning, and for some it is a chance to do some random vandalism. It is one of the busiest(probably the busiest) times of the year for law enforcement along with the Fire Department. There is lots of violence and general debauchery. Firecrackers and fireworks getting lit continuously with little to no concern for safety. It is quite literally a glimpse of hell.
Then there is what this is teaching the children. I'm not a parent so I don't have to deal with that aspect of it but I feel sympathy for Christian parents. Do you banish your kids from all Halloween activities? I really don't have an answer to that. It would be easy to say yes of course but it seems kind of mean to not allow your daughter to dress up as a princess and get some candy from your neighbours. It is a dilemma. I guess it would have to depend on your situation but I think you have to embrace the good aspects but prepare for it with prayer and protection for you and your little ones.
Then there is the church, do they have a "family fun night" instead of a Halloween party with treats and bobbing for apples and the like. It is a great opportunity for outreach but should a Christian organization be taking advantage of an opportunity the Devil provided? At one time I would have said no but now I believe so. I don't hand out candy only because I don't have the location for it. If I did then I would. Candy really isn't good for you but sometimes you have to let kids be kids. As for having a costume themed party I don't have a problem with it so long as they are in good taste. Dress up as a sports hero, or cowboy or thousands of other non evil characters. There is nothing wrong with dressing up so long as it is appropriate.
So to believers out there I say measure your actions carefully. Don't fall into the Devils trap. To the nonbelievers I say think about what you are doing. Do you really want to be calling the dark forces out? If you do then expect to get what you ask for. A nasty hangover, some regrets and possibly a whole world of hurt.
I don't celebrate the day but I do pray over it.
God bless you and keep you safe!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Apology accepted?
A Christ follower living in a secular world: Apology accepted?: Did you ever notice that when you've done something wrong and apologized for it people will accept it. Or at least they say they do but late...
Apology accepted?
Did you ever notice that when you've done something wrong and apologized for it people will accept it. Or at least they say they do but later, when something totally unrelated happens, they bring up this previous incident as if it wasn't forgiven at all and you now have a new offense added to the list. Well of course you do, anyone who has lived in social situations, has had a situation like this. Unless you lived your whole life in a cave you have probably had situations like this. Likely you've played both roles. I know I have.
It's okay too, I'm only human and going through this process is how you learn. However, staying in that way of being is a lack of maturity. There is a difference between forgiving and forgetting. If someone has stolen from you it is good to forgive them. Holding a grudge isn't good for you and it really doesn't have much, if any, effect on the other person. That being said to put them in a position where they can steal from you again isn't wise. Unless they have showed a real change of character you shouldn't be leaving yourself vulnerable to the same thing being repeated.
Years ago I worked for a company and people I was responsible for made an error. I was held responsible for that error. I put new safeguards in place to prevent that from happening again. My crew did good work and I was praised for my/their efforts. I was forgiven for the error and life moved on. 2 years later another error occurred. Totally unrelated to the earlier blunder and when I was reprimanded for this the much earlier incident was brought up like it had just happened. Truth is it was never forgiven at all. I haven't work there in a long time now. I went to visit my old boss a couple of years back and he had now forgotten the incident but when I started talking about it in passing I could see the fire in his eyes glow. I went there to say hello but I realized I had to forgive him for his lack of forgiveness.
The bottom line on forgiveness is that it really isn't for the other person. The unforgiving heart is full of bitterness and may lead to seeking revenge in some way or another. Leading to an attitude of you against the world. Which turns the person into a pessimist where they don't trust anyone. Carrying the weight of other peoples stuff is a burden and if you add enough of that weight it will break you. Be free with forgiveness and you'll live in the light.
All that being said there is one who forgives and forgets all. Of course he knows what's in your heart when others can just guess. God is loving and forgiving. When you repent of your sin God will blot it out. Isaiah 43:25 reads..
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
So you see, unlike humans, God is able to see the sincerity inside of us and can instantly forgive our transgressions. If God can forgive me for all I've done then I should be able to forgive the person who cuts me off in traffic or even the one who stole from me. Even without an apology but even more so with a sincere effort to make things better. So the next time you think about dragging old issues into a new issue think twice then drop it. Live in the present and let the past stay there.
Blessings, James
It's okay too, I'm only human and going through this process is how you learn. However, staying in that way of being is a lack of maturity. There is a difference between forgiving and forgetting. If someone has stolen from you it is good to forgive them. Holding a grudge isn't good for you and it really doesn't have much, if any, effect on the other person. That being said to put them in a position where they can steal from you again isn't wise. Unless they have showed a real change of character you shouldn't be leaving yourself vulnerable to the same thing being repeated.
Years ago I worked for a company and people I was responsible for made an error. I was held responsible for that error. I put new safeguards in place to prevent that from happening again. My crew did good work and I was praised for my/their efforts. I was forgiven for the error and life moved on. 2 years later another error occurred. Totally unrelated to the earlier blunder and when I was reprimanded for this the much earlier incident was brought up like it had just happened. Truth is it was never forgiven at all. I haven't work there in a long time now. I went to visit my old boss a couple of years back and he had now forgotten the incident but when I started talking about it in passing I could see the fire in his eyes glow. I went there to say hello but I realized I had to forgive him for his lack of forgiveness.
The bottom line on forgiveness is that it really isn't for the other person. The unforgiving heart is full of bitterness and may lead to seeking revenge in some way or another. Leading to an attitude of you against the world. Which turns the person into a pessimist where they don't trust anyone. Carrying the weight of other peoples stuff is a burden and if you add enough of that weight it will break you. Be free with forgiveness and you'll live in the light.
All that being said there is one who forgives and forgets all. Of course he knows what's in your heart when others can just guess. God is loving and forgiving. When you repent of your sin God will blot it out. Isaiah 43:25 reads..
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
So you see, unlike humans, God is able to see the sincerity inside of us and can instantly forgive our transgressions. If God can forgive me for all I've done then I should be able to forgive the person who cuts me off in traffic or even the one who stole from me. Even without an apology but even more so with a sincere effort to make things better. So the next time you think about dragging old issues into a new issue think twice then drop it. Live in the present and let the past stay there.
Blessings, James
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Christ follower living in a secular world: You only get what you give.
A Christ follower living in a secular world: You only get what you give.: The title of the one and only hit from an obscure pop band called the New Radicals is very true. Generally people expect blessings without p...
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