Egypt

• Pray for peace
• Pray for the pursuit of freedom, liberty and democracy
• Pray for peaceful, fair and free elections
• Pray for courage
• Pray for wisdom
• Pray for safety
• Pray for visionary, passionate, courageous, fair and honest leadership
• Pray for reason
• Pray for the oppressed, the poor, widows and orphans
• Pray for Christ-followers who are working, and ministering in Egypt
  

The "Fridge": A Portrait of Self-Destruction

Addictions are no laughing matter. They are serious and every day they wreck lives, marriages, families, businesses, and careers. Perhaps the most disturbing thing about addictive behavior is how it stalks victims from every walk of life and social strata. Alcohol and drug addiction is no respecter of education, income, race, religion, gender, or social position. Those of us involved in the work of recovery know that no matter how hard loved ones, professionals, co-workers and friends are willing to fight for someone's sobriety, it must begin with the individual.

Sadly, too many times co-dependent family and friends acknowledge the problem and its destruction, but they are paralyzed and actually enable the addiction instead of helping. Among the saddest and most pathetic stories I've heard recently is that of the once famous Clemson and Chicago Bear great, William "Refrigerator" Perry. His story is tragic and sad. In order for this blog to make sense you need to read the entire story (click here)

This is not complicated. It is a sad story of willful, self-destruction. For every family, every spouse, child, sibling, and friend living with/around someone caught in a similar addiction, I beg and implore you to intervene and do whatever you have to do to help the addict in your life wake up. However, at the end of the day, you are not responsible for their response and behavior. Recognize that at some point you may have to exercise some serious boundaries to protect yourself from becoming codependent. Remember, exercising a boundary does not mean the absence of love. In fact, when accompanied by fervent prayer it demonstrates the depths of our love.

Patriotism or Performance?

When did the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic songs (e.g., God Bless America, America the Beautiful) become more about personality and performance than the truth of such songs, or the principles, ideals and freedoms they represent?
Suggestion for the producers of our nation's top sporting events: instead of asking mega music stars to sing, use military chorales, or service members to sing such songs before games. They seem to appreciate the lyrics and underlying message of such songs without seeking the spotlight. Bet you'll never see a midshipman, or marine sing such songs then bow and say, "thank you," as if the song is about their performance, or has anything to do with individual personality. That's because the song is about America. Us and we, not me, or I.

How sad that this national obsession with self-infatuation and adulation (e.g., Twitter, FB, Reality TV shows, etc.) has permeated a once hallowed and sacred pre-game tradition. Why are we surprised at this when the majority of the athletes who make big plays at these events go out of their way to call attention to themselves when they celebrate instead of their team?

Bet it won't be long before this self-promoting attitude seeps into worship. Can you imagine people "performing" in worship as they seek the accolades, applause and approval of humans over God? Boy, am I glad worship is still sacred and people are seeking to praise God instead of seeking the praise of their fellow humans. God forbid worship ever becomes more about the choir, praise team, musicians, pastors, or band than the actual praise of God! We're reminded in the Old Testament book of Amos how displeasing insincere/inauthentic worship is to God:

"I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like and ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:21-22a, 23)

A One-armed Inspiration

Kevin's story will make you grateful for what you have and challenge you to rise above any challenge!

Donors or Owners?

By now you've probably heard the story about the wealthy University of Connecticut football donor who has asked for his $3-million donation to be refunded because he disagreed with the selection of the new football coach and he is dissatisfied with the current athletic director.

I'm not a UConn fan, or alumnus so I don't have a dog in this fight, but I think the story gets to a bigger issue. When do donors become owners? Either your donation is a gift, or it's a purchase of power and decisions. Churches, universities, and non-profit organizations that rely on donations to live out their mission and purpose shouldn't be held hostage by wealthy, or influential people. Was UConn's athletic department obligated to follow the wealthy donor's advice over someone who has been a 40+ year ticket holder, paid tuition for their children to go to the university and never missed a home game? If "yes" then why? If yes, then how is this not a purchase of influence?

This is a dangerous slope and a nasty precedent. It's why we have big time laws on this issue in regard to political campaign contributions. I'm not saying the benefactor doesn't have legitimate concerns, or the right to express his opinions on the football program, but at what point does a donation become a purchase? Now if his donation had clearly stated that it gave him the right to make decisions for the athletic program upon the university's acceptance that is different. Every day people endow gifts and make significant contributions to non-profits while specifying how they would like the funds to be used. For example, someone may want to endow a chair in a specific field of study, or they may want to contribute funds to build a new facility for the arts at the school, etc. However, even these donations have to be approved by the board of trustees, or leaders. The organization or institution wants to make sure any and all donations support their mission and purpose. This is why designated contributions can be ugly.

If someone wanted to give our church 2-million dollars to begin a ministry dedicated to promoting the Wican movement our leadership would decline the offer because it is in direct conflict with our stated purpose and mission. However, let's say someone approaches leadership and wants to donate funds to build additional children ministry facilities. We're all in and we would even appreciate their input on the facility! But if they wanted to dictate how our children's ministry leaders lead and what they teach (content, style, volunteers, etc.) we would probably pass on the offer. What's the point of having leaders in certain areas if you are not going to empower and trust their leadership? Why would anyone want to serve when at any moment their role can be made obselete by someone trumping it with more cash?

In this day and age of GTMF (get the money first) leaders would do well to consider the potential "hidden" costs of big donations and remain faithful to the nature, purpose and mission of their organization. Donors need to remember the difference between a gift and a purchase. True gifts have no strings attached. When I give something to you it is no longer my responsibility. It is yours and you are responsible with what you do with with it. By giving I have done my part. Now when I purchase something that is different. I have a stake, claim and ownership in the purchase. I have expectations and we are legally bound by warranties, terms of service/purchase, contracts, etc.

Jesus promoted equal sacrifice. He wasn't as impressed with the size of the gift as he was the cost of the gift. Yeah we're talking about sacrifice. Remember the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41ff? Her gift was greater than the big donors because it was given at great cost to her. Jesus was also concerned about the attitude of giving. What's the motivation and the attitude of the giver's heart?

I really believe God has blessed certain people with wealth and the ability to use their wealth to be a blessing to others and bring glory to his name. I have been the recepient of their generosity more than once and I thank God for their faithfulness and calling. I also believe there are people who have wealth and use it to influence and control others as they attempt to gain additional wealth. These people are driven by greed and power. And don't be fooled, they are often found in churches. Hollywood and literature have provided us with a fairly accurate picture of their world. They give, but they give with strings, consequences and conditions that may be implied or stated. Scripture says God loves "a cheerful giver". Hard to imagine a "cheerful giver" asking for their money back.

A Debt of Prayer

Governments (state, city, county and federal) get a lot of criticism. Yes, much of it is merited. We've all got an opinion about government and our leaders. Just about every state is in dire financial trouble like the federal government. In South Carolina we've got our hands full. If we are going to rise above our current state of affairs it's going to take a lot of wisdom, bipartisan agreement and courage to make some unpopular decisions. These don't come easy.

Criticizing the government without digging in to do our part is like complaining about the weeds in the yard, but not lifting a finger to do anything about them. I'm not so naive to believe we are all going to agree on everything. However, I'm not so young that I can't remember days when our leaders rolled up their sleeves, set aside political rhetoric, made concessions and hashed out legislation that served the people for the better.

Christ-followers do Scripture and our Savior a huge disservice when we talk about the government, spread rumors and join the negative voice. James has strong words in this regard:

James 1:26
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Scripture counsels us to pray for those in authority over us:

• 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
• Romans 13:1-4
  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

You and I share the responsibility to pray for our leaders regardless of their party affiliation, whether we voted for them, or like them. It's time the church took the lead in showing the way. I'm not big on church sponsored political rallies (both parties use them) because it takes the focus off the Gospel and puts the emphasis on humanity, which is deeply flawed. But I am a strong advocate of praying for our leaders, especially those with whom I disagree.

The next time you are at your hair cutter, the hardware store, coffee shop, or break room and the conversation is a negative take on government try holding your tongue and simply pray for those in leadership. I promise you will feel better and I know that prayers offered in faith are heard!

A Not So Civil Discourse

Language means something, or at least it used to mean something. Today we exchange words, phrases, opinions, and remarks with little consideration for how, or where they will land. Although I've gotten better, I still need to practice living out my grandmother's advice: "If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all." You could also throw in, "You don't have to say everything that comes to mind." Ouch, still working on this one.

Whether it's acidic political rhetoric, Tweets tinged with vinegar by players on opposing teams, or Facebook postings laced with supposition and lacking facts, we are drowning in a culture that is immune to truth, common courtesy and simple respect. Opinion based on supposition seems to be readily accepted and repeated instead of questioned, or confirmed. Lincoln said, "To sin by silence makes cowards of men."

Let me give you an example. Recently I was hanging out with some guys when the favorite subject of the South (college football) came up. The topic was Clemson's new offensive coordinator, Chad Morris. One guy (a Clemson fan) quickly stated, "He's never coached in college and has no experience! It's a bad move." No one spoke up so I decided to challenge the statement with truth. I said something to the effect of, "I'm a Kentucky fan, but I do know that is not correct. I believe he coached last season at Tulsa and prior to that he was a very successful, tenured head coach at a Texas high school football power house." Now, I know this may seem relatively minor and I probably should have picked something more significant, but the point still holds.

First the facts. According to Clemson athletics website:
Prior to coming to Tulsa, Morris had an 82 percent winning percentage as a high school coach in the state of Texas. He led Lake Travis High School to back to back undefeated 16-0 State Championship seasons. He won three state titles overall and played in six state championship games in his high school career.

This is how rumor, innuendo and half-truths ruin careers, reputations, character, companies and organizations. It's like sowing bad seeds that yield ugly plants. Once they have grown they begin to choke out everything around them, including truth. These weeds are choking our culture. It's time we all exercised some weed control:

Ask yourself:
1. Is it true?
2. How do I know it's true?
3. Is it worth repeating?
4. Who will be affected by repeating this?
5. (For Christ followers) How will repeating this exalt Christ and build up His church?

I don't personally know Michael Vick, or Lindsay Lohan and yet I have commented on their lives or repeated something I heard, or read about them to others. There's nothing wrong with opinion, this blog is often full of it (opinion that is). However, opinion based on fact, or personal experience is better than opinion based on supposition, prejudice, hatred, anger, rumor and lies.

My grandmother had another saying or belief: Everyone has at least one redeeming quality. I need to remember that the next time I'm tempted to open my mouth without knowing all the facts, or seriously considering the outcome.