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Journal — September, 2007 |
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AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL WEBLOG
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September 28,
2007
Poverty is real and it exists in all countries, even here in America.
No great surprise to you, I know. But why doesn't our country do
more about it? Why don't each of us do more about it?
Perhaps it is because we don't know the face of poverty personally. If
we are not among the class of truly poor and we don't mingle among them,
work with them or speak with them, then it is difficult for us to really "know" them.
Our government can do more. A bipartisan bill to expand child health
care was recently passed by Congress (State Children's Health Insurance
Program—SCHIP). However, the President has threatened to
veto it. This is the same President who said in his first inagural
address:
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September 26, 2007
Today is the day designated as See
You at the Pole. It is an annual event where students
gather before school starts, usually around the flagpole, and publicly,
yet quietly and humbly, pray. They are bearing witness to their faith,
but not forcing it on anyone. They are turning to God and drawing
strength to face the many challenges of youthful life.
See You at the Pole has grown
over the years, but I hope its intent has stayed the same. Our
faith must first change us, then we reach out with the Good News to others.
We offer it joyfully and share our hope for a better way. We must
never force our beliefs on others, but we can be courageous in our reliance
on Jesus Christ and the way of love. This is difficult in environments
where people look down on such beliefs, or don't think it is "cool". Like
at school.
For more on See You at the Pole visit
their official website
here.
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September 21,
2007
The ninth month of each year is an important one for Muslims. It
is Ramadan when all adult Muslims are obligated to fast during the daylight
hours for 30 days.
Fasting can have spiritual value if when we do it our attitude of our "giving
up food" is done in a positive manner and for the purpose of focusing
on God and God's purpose for us.
In Arab countries Christians can be under pressure to fast during Ramadan. Many
do, but often not to give in to Muslim pressure, but rather as a way
to identify and share spiritually with Muslims.
How we as Christians interact with others, especially those with different
faith beliefs from our own, can show us how closely we are following
Jesus. How did he act around people who were not Jewish, such as
the Samaritans and the Romans?
Gospelcom.net has more about What
should our attitude be as Christians toward the Muslim Fast?
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September 18,
2007
A just published book of some of Mother Teresa's letters, Come
By My Light, shows a side of her that many would be surprised
by. The letters, spanning 66 years, often express her doubts and despairs,
and at times she is apparently questioning her faith (story
here). Some skeptics have seized on this to say she was a hypocrite. I
think it is just the opposite.
Who among us does not have doubts or a crisis of faith? Despite
her struggles Mother Teresa kept on with her saintly work for the poor. This
is a tribute to her devotion and an example to each of us that we can't
think our way into right living, we have to act our way into it. We do
that with God's help.
See several books about Mother Teresa at our online
store.
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September 17,
2007
I am reading the final pages of a thrilling detective/mystery novel.
It rivals Tom Clancy and John Grisham for suspense, plot twists, character
and dialogue. Yet, it is written by a best-selling "Christian" author.
Sometimes it bothers me when we apply the "Christian" tag to authors,
musicians and artists. I love that they are believers with strong
moral values and are carrying the message of Jesus Christ and God's great
love for us - as long as it is not "beating people over the head" with
that message. Obviously you don't have to be a Christian to have
artistic talent. There are many incredibly talented people. God
gifts each of us and some choose to give credit back to the Creator for
that gift.
At any rate, Deception by
Randy Alcorn is a page-turner and I've thoroughly enjoyed the book. Check
out this murder tale and Ollie Chandler, homicide detective extraordinaire,
as he attempts to solve the crime and find something worth believing
in at the same time. You can order
the book here from our online store.
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September 13,
2007
A good friend of mine, a doctor in the Air Force, is about to be deployed
to Baghdad. Going to Iraq and that volatile situation at this point in
his career (he's in his forties, a colonel with wife and child) is something
he doesn't relish, but he will do his duty. He's a good man and I know
he will bring hope and compassion to the others serving there.
Despite the long-standing concerns many of us have about the war in Iraq
and the hope that the U.S. troops can soon come home there is continued
speculation that our country may engage Iran in military action. Is there
a better way to approach this situation than rattling sabers?
Sojourners/Call to Renewal thinks so. They have collaborated
with Faithful
Security (National Religious Partnership on Nuclear Weapons
Danger) to produce a Words,
Not War Study and Action Guide. The intent is for us
to better understand Iran and to diplomatically (as people of faith)
find a solution to what could surely be an impending crisis.
As people of Faith, as Christians, we should always exhaust every opportunity
for peace. Our own cross to bear means we face life's challenges without
returning hate and violence with more of the same.
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September 11,
2007
Six years ago my brother was working in Washington D.C. He knows
what a terrorist attack looks like up close. The Pentagon was also
a target on September 11, 2001.
The events of that day are etched into our minds. New York City,
the Pentagon, and Flight 93 all had stories of tragedy, but also of great
courage and compassion.
Each day we face life. Life rarely goes as planned. It's
best to suit up with the armour of faith and trust God to lead us. Jesus
says, "Follow me". He knows the way.
Today on the 6th anniversary of 9-11 I offer a link to an inspiring and
beautiful website short movie that my brother passed along to me this
morning. The May
You Be Blessed movie (here)
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September 5, 2007
Quality affordable health care for everyone is certainly an important
issue these days. Not everyone can access that health care. This is particularly
troubling for families with children. Even those who are working, but
just above the "official" poverty line also find it impossible to get
health care, unless they can use government programs.
The PICO
National Network brings people of faith together to strengthen
families and revitalize communities. With more than one thousand religious
congregations and one million families working in 150 cities and towns,
PICO is one of the largest grassroots community efforts in the United
States. They are currently encouraging citizens to support SCHIP funding
- State Children's Health Insurance Program .
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed legislation
supporting more funding of SCHIP, but it is in danger of being vetoed
bv the Administration. Find out more about this at the PICO SCHIP
resource center online
here.
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September 3, 2007
Today is the Labor Day holiday in the United States. It recognizes all
who work for social and economic development. Ideally our work
should be meaningful, fulfilling, a livable wage and available to all. However,
we know that's not always true.
Ask God to help you enjoy your time off as well as to spend time at work
with the right attitude. And remember what Jesus told us when we
are so very weary: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mathew 11:28-30 —NIV).
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved
throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering
of goods or services requires the prior written consent of International
Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New
Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale
House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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PSALM 118:24
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"This
is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad
in it."
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(NIV)
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