Friday, September 25, 2009

Is God Still Alive?


Hello and Welcome! Let me assure you that God is still alive and well, even in times of dismal financial circumstances.

Thank you for taking time to read this blog. Comments are always welcome. I hope the information contained on this website will help you to further understand that 1.) there is a God, 2.) Yes, He actually does care about us, and 3.) you can have doubts or questions and still be faithful.

Stick around a while and enjoy the posts.


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St. Thomas Aquinas Quote

“The things that we love tell us what we are.”
This quote from early Christian writer Thomas Aquinas seems to put the onus on us by giving us this simple way to think about what we consider important. If we are given to the materialistic desires of the world, then maybe we fill our hearts with money, possessions, or something worse. Jesus said "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." But rather turn your eyes toward Heaven and the things of God. I lost some friends and co-workers today due to financial limitations within our company. It reminds me that this world and everything in it is transient. I hope someday when I am no longer around, that people can say about me, "he really had his priorities in check," or "he loved what was important." If God ranks on this priority list for you and I, then by His very nature we will have loved the right things. If God is the center, then the fruits of the spirit follow suit: love, kindness, gentleness, righteousness.
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Life is Meaningless? Think Again...


I enjoyed listening to Ravi Zacharias' counter argument to the statement offered by some atheists and materialists that "life is ultimately meaningless." Ravi is an accomplished speaker, author, teacher, and Christian apologist. Click on the link below and listen to his answer. It is a short video, only about 2 minutes long. Enjoy:


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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Appetite and Existence


We are provided an interesting clue to the origin of man when we think about the relationship between desire and being satiated. Consider first some common scenarios that we have around us from which to choose. Appetite or hunger for example. If I am hungry, it is because I lack something within myself (namely food), and I can point to the reality of an outside source -- a pork chop, a salad, etc. – which will satisfy this hunger once I have indulged. There is also the example of being physically too cold or too warm, if you will. Our bodies are set at a certain temperature (this varies slightly for different people of course) from which if we stray too far in one direction we will be too cold. Too far in the opposite direction, we will become overheated. As such there is a balance or an ideal which exists on our planet that meets this need we have regarding an acceptable temperature range.

If we go a little more abstract, we can talk about the need for companionship for example (either social or marital). Although many of us have different levels upon which we communicate with others, almost none of us would be happy living alone in a box with no connection to the outside world for the rest of our lives. People need other people, we need companionship in some form. I would also argue that this need/fulfillment relationship goes farther than the statement “it would be nice to have a friend in my life.” No, I’m afraid that it is actually a need. We can see from just a few of these examples that there are certain things operating in this world and within ourselves that have a need vs. satisfaction relationship. In other words, we have the need as human beings because there are people or objects or things outside of us that we can direct these appetites toward, and thus become satiated.

Now let us take this another step farther. We have no desire within us which does not have an object or source with which to satisfy that hunger. Isn’t it natural or logical to conclude that because man most certainly has the need to apply meaning and purpose to his existence, that this hunger or need has an object outside of itself by which it can be fulfilled? In other words, since we have the craving for God in our lives, for something higher, or better, or more moral, or more fair - could we not assume that there is a God which can meet this need? If not, then we must make arguments for things like evolution creating within us the need to lead more fulfilling lives. We must thank the first amphibian that grew legs and crawled onto land for the yearning for purpose. We must look to the first warm pool of chemical sludge in the Pre-Cambrian period for our morality. If one seriously attempts to do this, they end up in an argument of words without meaning: “Morality is what we make it, truth is whatever works for you, etc.”

No, I’m afraid that man is not simply a Cosmic Joke. We are called to be more than that. There is a reason that you and I are programmed to look for something greater. A reason that nothing in this world ever really seems completely fair or just. A reason that no matter what law is passed, or what initiative is set forth, human error can still unravel it. Let’s face it. We have a notion of perfection planted inside of us, it is left to God to meet that need. Until He is present in our life, we remain incomplete.
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Interesting Quote



"Men do not differ much about what things they will call evils; they differ enormously about what evils they will call excusable."


- G.K. Chesterton



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God's Love Defined


We often take time to remember Jesus, to remember His sacrifice for us on the cross. But how does He think of us? We are told God loves us in the Bible, but how does this really look? And to what degree does He love us? Let’s look at some examples in the Bible, and see what this love really looks like. I came away with 4 ways to describe God’s Love in particular (although there are many others).

First Matthew 10:29-31 relates, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Here we see that God’s love is incalculable. He knows us through and through, inside and out. This is reassuring, but also a little scary – isn’t it? That someone could know us better than we know ourselves!

Second if we turn to the book of Psalms, we see Psalm 52:8 which says “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. “ Likewise Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Here the psalmist shows that God’s love has no time limit. It goes on forever. If He can forgive a sinner 2,000 years ago, He can forgive you and me today.

Thirdly 1 John 2:4-6 also speaks about God’s love for man. It says “The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” His love is shown here as disciplined. Real love seen here as coinciding with obedience. A conscious decision. When we walk inside the faith (and not outside of it), His love is made complete in us.

And finally Romans 5:7-9 tells us “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is merciful. Though we didn’t deserve it, we received it. Though we mocked His son on the cross, we received it. Though we mock Him sometimes today with the great sins of our time (abortion, pornography, dehumanization) we received it. He is capable of loving us so much more than we can ever give back to Him, but He does it anyway. His love is incalculable, forever, disciplined, and merciful. In other words – it is perfect!

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Sunday, September 13, 2009

On Forgiveness


I recently found this quote from C.S. Lewis (famous Christian writer) regarding forgiveness, and why it is so important to cultivate it in ourselves, and other virtues like it. He said:

"Remember, we Christians think man lives forever. Therefore, what really matters is those little marks or twists on the central, inside part of the soul which are going to turn it, in the long run, into a heavenly or hellish creature. We may kill if necessary but we must not hate and enjoy hating. We may punish if necessary, but we must not enjoy it. In other words something inside us, the feeling of resentment, the feeling that wants to get one’s own back, must simply be killed."

Humbling to think that what we do in this life can reflect in such detail that higher form of life in heaven to which we are all called. Holding grudges is popular and widespread, and even sometimes gratifying. But then why are we gratified? What part of ourselves are we feeding? The heavenly part or the hellish part?

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Beacon of Hope: Medjugorje


Ever heard the phrase, “The Bible is really just about God dealing with people thousands of years ago.” Maybe the wording is slightly different, but the attitude demonstrated here seems to be that God doesn’t intervene in our world anymore, if He ever did at all. Though there are many proofs that God does still intervene today, what I am about to describe seems to be one of the most accessible and recordable forms of God’s activity in recent history.

I will give a quick overview of the account given from a little village near Bosnia-Herzegovina called Medjugorje. Many of you have some knowledge regarding the purported appearance of the apparition of the Virgin Mary within the last few hundred years. There were occurrences in Lourdes, Garabandal, and Fatima for example. At all of these locations, witnesses described seeing her and then receiving specific messages. Mary would appear for a time and then stop. The Catholic Church recorded the messages and held the appearances in high regard (though to this date never officially endorsing them). If your skepticism alarms are beginning to sound off; hold on a minute! This is not a ghost story or a UFO sighting – keep reading.

We have available to us a collection of apparitions that are still going on to this very day in the village of Medjugorje! This is significant because it allows us a portal to look through in which the six people that Mary reportedly appears to regularly are still living. They have all six been put through rigorous tests by various government officials, psychologists, and priests. They were forced to submit to polygraph tests, as well as humiliation and insults from local nonbelievers. Still their testimonies remain unscathed. To date millions of people (not just Catholics) have gone to visit this area. There have been both conversions and healings. I have included a link below showing video of one of the purported miracles caught on tape; it is called the Miracle of the Sun. From time to time pilgrims will witness the sun bouncing around the sky, coming closer, then farther away, or simply changing appearance. Thousands of people at a time witness these phenomena.

All of us must make up our own mind when it comes to Medjugorje (and things like it). It has appeared on national news shows like Nightline in the past. A man I know personally and respect has visited this area a number of times and personally witnessed some of these events. Jesus said that the way to judge whether or not something is good is by its fruit. Thus far, the fruits of Medjugorje have been the same as the messages given: that God wants from us prayer, conversion, fasting, and penance. If it is true, then we are fortunate enough to be alive at a time when God has proven that He “will never forsake us, never abandon us.” One final thought. Medjugorje is popular among Catholics because it involves the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. But this event is not just for Catholics. It is a God thing, and that is sufficient for me. The website is http://www.medjugorje.org/ if you want to learn more (NOTE: this website also appears in this blog's list of other Christian websites).
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Friday, September 4, 2009

The Author of Love


Where does love come from? Is it a human invention? Is it simply a collection of emotions like butterflies in the stomach, or is it something more? Different people have different definitions of love. But I think that if we dwell upon the subject for any length of time, we must come to the conclusion that it is more than just a “feeling.” Although going on a first date can provide us with that nervous stomach and romantic fireworks emotion, it doesn’t last forever. This is simply the honeymoon stage. What comes after is more interesting. And I think we can agree that what comes after is more like an act of the will, as opposed to an ooey/gooey feeling.

This I think is how the love of God works. In the Bible He lists out for us numerous examples of love both given and received, and usually it involves a decision of the will. For example, deciding to make sacrifices for your children even though it may be detrimental to yourself. Deciding to stay with your spouse through difficult times, when it may seem easier to cut and run. Remember the Israelites in the desert? How often did God probably want to throw his hands up regarding humanity! But still He is a faithful God.

Now please don’t assume that by this new understanding of love that it is somehow less than strictly an emotional definition. The two go hand in hand to some extent. But the main thing is this: that God loved us enough to sacrifice the life of His Son on the cross for us. It is one thing to imagine that this sacrifice was purely mythical or symbolic. Another thing entirely to come to realize that it actually happened. That Jesus was actually flogged by Roman soldiers. That the nails used in the crucifixion on Calvary were real. It is this love that God has for us, if we are willing to accept it. I am glad that the author of love will accept people if they desire Him. Even more glad that He will accept me!
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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Interesting Quote


"The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man."


- G.K. Chesterton


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Consistent, But Not So Coherent


There are more than a few public figures today that are espousing theories or modes of logic detrimental to Christianity in particular, but when you actually read their arguments you come to find out that they are quite lacking. In other words, very smart people can make quite a few mistakes when it comes to spiritual truths. To help illustrate this, I recently viewed a video of a talk given by Greg Koukl (Christian apologist). Koukl was examining some of the arguments popular today regarding the New Atheist.

Richard Dawkins (renown atheist) in particular is quite popular for his seductive use of language and wit, but (as Koukl demonstrated) when we actually stop to look at his arguments, we can see the inconsistencies in the logic. Now I want to make it clear from the outset that I am not just picking on Dawkins. Christopher Hitchens, Bill Maher, and the like are equally popular among the nonbelieving crowd; and all get into the same trouble. Lets take a look in this post at some of Dawkin’s key arguments against the existence of God from his book ‘The God Delusion.’ This book came out some years ago, and is standard reading for many atheists today. The points below are from page 187 of this book, where Dawkins lists all of his major precepts for why he doesn’t believe in God. Keep in mind while you are reading that his final assertion is … therefore God almost certainly does not exist. To that end, what his arguments should do is further that conclusion with each premise. Lets read below and see what actually happens. I have added my own comments after each of his points:

* “One of the greatest challenges to the human intellect has been to explain how the complex, improbable appearance of design in the universe arises.” Now this is true, but does nothing to further Dawkins’ argument that ‘God almost certainly does not exist.’ It is just an interesting introductory note. We will give him a pass on this one, hopefully his next proposition will be more compelling.

* “The natural temptation is to attribute the appearance of design with actual design itself.” Also interesting, and possibly true, but does nothing to further the specific conclusion that ‘God almost certainly does not exist.’ Not yet anyway. Remember a good argument consists of premises that should in the very least help propel the thesis to its end result. If Dawkins is arguing against God, he hasn’t succeeded yet.

* “Although we currently have no natural explanation for the appearance of Design, we should not give up the hope of a better explanation arising in Physics as powerful as Darwinism is for Biology.” This statement reflects Dawkins’ hope that his atheism will someday be verified beyond a shadow of a doubt. An interesting piece of information about himself, but again – does nothing to further his end conclusion.

* “The temptation to infer a Designer is a false one because the Designer hypothesis immediately raises the larger problem of who raised the Designer?” Also an interesting opinion, but posing the question “who made God” in no way speaks to whether or not there is a Designer. It just pushes the question back. This premise also does nothing to further his conclusion!

* “The most ingenious and powerful explanation is Darwinian Evolution by natural selection… Therefore God almost certainly does not exist.” Remember this is an opinion without a logical construct. The premises prior to this conclusion have in no way built a supporting foundation. It is entertaining reading; but that is about it. After all, does Darwinian Evolution explain the cosmos, the fine-tuning of the planet, etc.? Can this one theory really be enough to arrive at the conclusion that God doesn’t exist?

Okay, now we have had some fun at the expense of Mr. Dawkins. But what I am getting at is that even the most elite academics make emotionally charged mistakes when it comes to spiritual things. If he were to stick with biology I’m sure he would be quite competent. But when transitioning into the realm of philosophy, logic, and theology - he (and many like him) remain less than proficient. Bill Maher says in his new film Religulous, “you don’t know what happens when you die, because I don’t know what happens when I die, and you don’t possess any special powers that I don’t.” I would answer that he is off the mark a bit. The special power that we possess is God.
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Resurrection Sunday Still Matters

The literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the Christian faith.  It doesn't matter which denomination or slant ...