Author: ForCommonGround

Priceless Gift

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment


Have you ever gotten someone a really special gift? If so, did you think, “I sure hope they appreciate this…” Maybe more than that have you thought, “they better not let this gift go to waste…” Or maybe, “I hope they get a lot of use out of this…” Or even, “I hope they take good care of this gift.” I don’t think that’s abnormal. In a way we are probably associating their response to the gift as a response to us as the one who gave the gift. This is undoubtedly unhealthy if it influences whether or not we continue to give gifts if their response isn’t up to par with our expectations or hopes. But I do think we are reflecting the ultimate gift giver in a way.

In reality, our response to God’s gifts are a resflection of our attitude towards God Himself. Most importantly, our response to His greatest gift, Himself in the form of Christ Jesus, shows our love and devotion and gratitude. What I mean by response is whether or not we cherish the gift and express thankfulness through the way we live. I think that we should express it both to God and to others. I mean, I’ve been given some awesome things in life and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about it and I certainly couldn’t contain my thankfulness towards the gift giver. However, over time, years even, the level of joy the gift gave wore off. I grew accustomed to having the gift or perhaps became distracted by other things in life. My point is, I lost focus and perspective.

When it comes to God’s blessings in life, and mostly salvation in Christ, we can’t afford to lose that focus. We can’t grow accustomed to the point where we take it for granted. We can’t stop taking great care of that most precious gift. We need to maintain that thankfulness so we can keep fueling that burning desire inside to shout it to the world. Fortunately, God doesn’t give gifts based on merit and certainly doesn’t stop if we don’t make full use of those He’s already given. If He did, none of us would be blessed and definitely none of us would be saved. 

I think all of this is very important to remember whenever we give gifts to others. If they don’t care for it or appreciate it like they should, it’s their loss but it will not deter me from giving all I can. Because we give because we love and God gives because He loves. And really, unless we’ve made the most of God’s grace in our lives we have no room to talk. So let’s give and love without expectation and pray that the Holy Spirit lights the fire of passion for the Greatest of all Gift Givers and the greatest of all gifts!

“God so loved the world that He gave is one and only Son, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Who do you say I AM?

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

names-of-Jesus

The most important question that anyone will ever have to answer is “who is Jesus Christ?” Why is this the most important? Simply put, it will dictate your entire life, every decision, desire, direction, and your future destination. Whether you view Him as never existing, a simple good teacher, a divine created being, or God Himself, the outcomes of your life hang on your personal view of His identity.

For someone who disregards Him as a figment of history’s imagination, they will not be affected by Him or His teachings in the slightest and will thus have to base their choices and moral compass on some other thing, person, or philosophy. For those who acknowledge Jesus as a good teacher or created being like us, but stop short at recognizing the identity given Him in the Bible, may be guided by the teachings they like or agree with. However, when confronted with a difficult truth, these people will shy away or look to other paths for guidance. The categories of people mentioned so far are all really in one category together. Let’s call them category one. Their lives are not consumed by Jesus and they are open to influence from outside forces at a far greater extent that someone who believes the answer that the Bible gives to the question “who is Jesus Christ?” Let’s jump into the Bible and take a look at a moment when Jesus Himself poses this question:

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:13-18 (ESV)

First, Jesus asks what the world labels Him as. The world would be those who are in the first category I mentioned earlier. They either don’t acknowledge His existence or they don’t attribute to Him the correct identity. Category one members would most likely label Jesus in a positive way. Notice here, He is associated with great men from earlier in Israel’s history. Most of the world agrees that He walked this earth and that He had a great influence. Members of most religions, at the very least, call Him a great teacher. Most of us would be honored to be thought of in these ways. The difference is, these are insults compared to who Jesus really is.

So Jesus continues and turns the question to His disciples. These are the people who make up those in category two. Those who believe that Jesus is the very image of God, and God in the flesh, make up the second category. In simple terms, there are followers/disciples of the true Jesus, and then there is everyone else. The first of Jesus’s disciples to respond is Peter. He states that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Son, in this context, refers to the fact that He is of God, one with God, God in the flesh. Jesus then congratulates Peter on answering wisely and correctly. Jesus says that Peter’s faith in this fact is what the entire church is to be built on. He also says that this faith is given by God not man. So that means that people will declare the identity of Jesus based on human perspective or on the Godly perspective. For those who believe Jesus is who the bible says He is, also believe that Jesus is everything that makes up their life. Check out Colossians chapter three.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

Notice the effects that the view of Jesus has on the believer. The people of category two, those who say Jesus is who the bible says He is, will spend the rest of their lives seeking the things above, meaning heavenly/godly. They will live as sojourners in this world. They will live to please their heavenly Father because of the extreme grace that He as shown them. Their decisions will be weighed against the truths that Jesus taught and demonstrated.  They will live as though He is their everything and that they owe Him everything. They will seek to understand what please Him which will transform their decisions, desires, direction, and destination. They do this because, Jesus taking our place on the cross and dying for our sins, was not a mere mortal man or good teacher laying His life down. They do this because it was the God of the universe, their very creator, who stepped down out of heaven to take our place. They do this because they realize the goodness of God and it has radically changed them. For those in category one, the doubters and believers in a false Jesus, they have no reason to do this. A person either has the foundation of Christ to direct their life or they don’t and what determines that is how you answer the question: “who do you say I AM?” posed by Jesus Himself.

Before we end, lets take a look at how Jesus answered this question for us:

John 6: 35, 48 I am the bread of life

-Meaning He is what sustains people, not just in a physical sense, but in a spiritual one.

John 8: 12, 9:5 I am the light of the world

-Meaning He brings truth into a dark and sinful world.

John 8: 58 Before Abraham was, I am

-Meaning He was in the beginning of time with God because He is God.

 

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd

-Meaning He is there to lead us into real “life” and eternity.

John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life

-Meaning He is the one that will resurrect us from the day once we are gone if we believed in Him.

John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life

-Meaning He is the only way to heaven.

Now let’s take a peak at other parts in the bible that show His identity:

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men…14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-4, 14

So to wrap it up, the weight of our answer to this question could not be any greater. Not only will our answer dictate the way we live our lives here on earth, but it will also determine our destination after we die. For those in category two, there is nothing to fear, but every reason to be excited and hopeful. However, for those in category one, not only will their lives be far emptier and far less impacting, but the worst is yet to come. Fortunately, God doesn’t want anyone to perish or spend eternity away from Him so He’s made the way simple and glorious…and that way is Jesus.

Humility Where You Least Expect it

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

  
“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

Wrestling season just ended this last week so I like to take the time to reflect on how it went. This was perhaps the most challenging team that I’ve had the privilege to coach. Seems like every week there was some new drama between the kids that exposed every ounce of patience in me. Ironically, this was a very successful team regardless of the divisiveness at times. Amidst all the challenges and success, this year seemed very unique. 

I witnessed a few athletes who chose to set their image aside for their opponents. Sports teach kids many positive character traits but unfortunately humility is not one of them. That is something that can only be learned by example and I’m hoping that these young men will be just that for all those who saw what they did.

We had a boy on our team who was a first time wrestler and faced some physical disabilities as well. Wrestling is a physically demanding sport as it is, so this kid faced an uphill battle every match. Time after time he lost and he began to get discouraged. Two of his opponents would give him the encouragement he needed to keep going. 

Before I tell you what they did let me just mention that they were both the best wrestlers in his weight class. Needless to say both of these kids could have toyed with him and embarrassed him without breaking a sweat. Instead, they turned a possible humiliation into a display of humility. In both matches the opponent of our wrestler allowed him to take them down and get escapes and score several points on them. They didn’t make it super obvious either. They allowed our kid to keep the match close all the way to the end. When the matches were over, our kid walked off the mat with his head held high and a big grin on his face. You could tell he was so happy. Those two losses were his biggest victories of the season. Two weeks earlier I had read about a high school wrestler who was undefeated and ranked #1 in the state. He was wrestling a kid with Down syndrome and actually let the kid take him down and pin him. He gave up a undefeated season to make a mark in a kids life that he’d probably never forget.

These stories give me hope for the younger generations and for athletes who are bombarded with messages to pursue perfection and awards. 

Humility is a powerful force. It can change someone’s life forever. The best example of humility is Jesus Christ. The night before He would be crucified, He knelt down to wash the feet of His disciples, even the one who would betray Him. Jesus did this obviously knowing who would betray Him and when. Jesus even says that He came to give us the ultimate example of humility so that we too would lay down our lives for others and never elevate ourselves above others. If God in the flesh could pay the death penalty for my sin, then I should not hesitate to humble myself before those around me. 

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-8‬ ‭

What’s it worth?

~ ForCommonGround ~ 2 Comments

everest

I watched a movie recently that I had an emotional response to which I absolutely did not expect. I had looked forward to watching this movie, believing that it would be an “edge of my seat thriller.”

The movie was called Everest, recently released in 2015. The story surrounds a tragic expedition in May of 1996, with the goal to reach the summit of Everest.  Climbers from two commercial expeditions were caught by a violent storm, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. It quickly turned into an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds. Sounds like the making of a great film doesn’t it? Well it certainly was very well done and I believe it captured the essence of their struggle on top of the world’s most enticing mountain amidst nature wrecking havoc. However, this is not meant to be a movie review.

After watching the movie I was left with an overwhelming sense of frustration and sadness. The emotions were so intense that I vented to my wife for like an hour straight. She just listened like the amazing wife she is– Let me pause for a moment. I was not angry with any one person in particular. I wasn’t angry at the movie producers or directors. I was extremely frustrated with people who choose to risk their lives for a thrill or for a temporary  “accomplishment.”

Spoiler alert: Several people die in this film. One of those is a man who is leaving behind his wife who is seven months pregnant. Being a father and husband myself I cannot imagine risking my life to reach a personal goal, or to be able to say “I did it” for any such accomplishment. I just don’t understand it. The people in the movie reached the summit, they raised their arms, and shouted “Yeah, I made it!” Then they had to start climbing back down because they were literally dying. I don’t want to take anything away from those who have accomplished this incredible feat, but what if they were among those 150 plus bodies still on Everest? What if their families and friends lost them because they felt the need to stand on top of a mountain?

In the movie, one of the climbers is a journalist, Jon Krakauer, who is known mostly for his book “Into Thin Air” which describes the event that the film is based on. Part of me believes that Krakauer wrote that book to discourage future expeditions-but it hasn’t . Two even more tragic expeditions happened after the one this movie is based upon. Anyway, In the movie he asks the climbers the simple question: “Why? Why climb the most dangerous mountain in the world? ”                                                                 No one can really answer. They stumble through the question. One man says that it is to inspire children to try and do the impossible. Others say that they do it because the mountain is there. Krakauer is quoted saying that the Everest climb was the worst mistake of his life and that he suffered from PTSD for years afterwards. I’m sure many climbers share in his sentiments. I understand why people risk their lives to save others, charge into battle to defend the helpless and innocent, run into a burning building to rescue someone trapped, working a life risking job in order to provide for your family, or take a bullet for someone. John 15:13 says that, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” Our lives are no more important than anyone else’s life and to give ours for others is the greatest expression of love their is. But to risk your life to stand on top of a mountain in no way applies to using your life for the betterment of others. It may seem like I’m downplaying what it means to climb Everest, but let’s be honest, it means risking your life to say you stood on top of a mountain. What is that worth? Really…what is it worth? Your family? Your future? Your limbs? Your life?

I don’t know. Maybe I’m struggling with this because I have an extremely high value of life. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I don’t think we were created to use our lives on personal accomplishments that could end our lives. I know that this applies to far more than climbing Mt. Everest. My wife challenged me the night I vented to her, about ways that I may devote my life or risk my life for things that don’t matter in the eternal perspective. I have spent about 28 of my 33 years in some way devoted to the sport of wrestling, whether training, competing, or coaching. I admit, looking back, that I poured far too much of myself into that sport. It became a lifestyle not a hobby. I don’t think that sports are a bad thing. I believe they teach people many valuable lessons, and some bad ones as well. I told my wife that wrestling isn’t life threatening so it’s not comparable to hiking Everest. When in reality, the risk is there. Many have become disabled or suffered from the effects of concussions and various other injuries that plague them the rest of their lives. Very few have actually died in that sport, or most other sports, but the same principle applies. People, like myself, devote their life and health, and put relationships at risk in order to accomplish a championship or records. Others risk their families, health, character, etc…in order to become wealthy. I know a young couple who do network marketing and they just reached a major milestone. Both are bringing in a lot of money. But at what cost? They never see each other, or live life right now. They are sacrificing the now, for their future. Which none of us are guaranteed. I have a student who just won a state championship in wrestling. He spent countless hours in hard work to reach that pinnacle. But now that it’s done, what does it matter? He will have a gold medal hanging on his wall and maybe stories to tell for years to come but in the end, what does it matter?

My view of why people risk in order to accomplish is this: they have a hole, a void, within themselves, that they are seeking to fill. Their desire to fill this void is so strong that the cost can never outweigh the benefit of the possibility of filling that “need.”

In the movie Everest, one character, Beck Weathers, said that a dark cloud followed him in life, accept for when he was ascending a mountain. I believe that dark cloud he spoke of is just one illustration of the vacant part of all people who are searching for that missing thing in their life. A major problem is that nothing on this earth will or can ever fill that need. Would you agree that there is a void, a huge one, in all of us? I spent years of my life trying to fill it. Some try to find it through thrills, accomplishments, wealth, or even addictions. I think when being honest, everyone would admit that none of these can satisfy. That’s because they aren’t meant too.

As previously stated, we are created by God. We are His workmanship. This means we’ve been handcrafted by the Creator of all things. We are a masterpiece of the greatest Designer of all time. With that said, we are designed for a purpose. Our purpose is not to climb a mountain or to be a champion at whatever sport or make “X” amount of dollars.  If it were, what a sad and empty purpose that would be.

Ephesians 2:10 says that we are created for good works that God has already prepared for us. What type of good works does the bible talk about? Loving others as ourselves, serving others, laying our lives down for others, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing can be more fulfilling or rewarding than a life devoted to Christ.

Genesis 1:27 says that God made us in His image and apart from that image we are nothing. Apart from Christ we are nothing. Apart from Christ our lives will be the sum of standing on mountaintops which in the end will mean absolutely nothing once we have eternity laid before us. A life that is devoted to serving Christ and loving others is a life that never,  ever ends. It is a life that has lasting impact on those we leave behind as well.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, what are you willing to trade (and what am I ) in order to reach your mountaintops in life? What cost are you willing to pay for temporal things?

“In him (Jesus Christ) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:4

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me (Jesus Christ) will save it.” Luke 9:24

Carry Me

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

carryme

“Carry me”…I have become awfully fond of these two words. I don’t say them, although I should. They aren’t from a favorite song, poem, story, or quote. These words are spoken by the precious lips of my two year old daughter. They sound more like kaywee me but it’s a beautiful sound. She’ll come running up to me or my wife, usually when we are in the middle of doing something, and want us to pick her up. I have to admit, there is a part of me that wants to continue doing the project I’m in the middle of, but I am completely disarmed by those two words.

A month or so ago I was praying with a friend of mine and he spoke the following words, “Lord give us the hearts to run to and want to be carried by you.” My mind immediately envisioned my daughter running to me with her arms out wanting nothing more than to be lifted up and held by me. I confess, I got a little emotional. I kept telling myself that I needed to get it together before we were done praying so my friend didn’t see me crying (I know it’s a dumb guy thing).  But it was pointless because the Holy Spirit was melting my heart. I was overwhelmed by the knowledge that God wants the same from His children-from me. Christ’s entire mission is to heal our hearts and adopt us into the family of God. Our sin no longer stands between us and running up to our Father and speaking these words, “carry me Abba…carry me Daddy…carry me Jesus.”

I don’t think that it does anything to just speak the words unless our hearts actually want to be picked up and held. And more than that, we have to want it continually just like my daughter does. When presented with the choice of walking on her own or being carried by us, our little Anna wants to be held. I know that this won’t always be that way but I am praying that she will have that same, yet greater, dependence on her Father in heaven as she grows older. I am also hoping for that same dependence in my life. I don’t want to have that desire to walk alone when I have been given the choice to say to the Lord, “carry me.” Fortunately He is never too busy and will never tire. I imagine He is simply waiting to hear those two little words from you and me and I have no doubt that it warms His heart more than it even does mine.

Christ calls us to carry our cross and follow Him, but what we sometimes don’t realize is that He will actually carry us and our cross. He will do that because, one, He already carried our cross up Calvary’s hill, and two, because He is perfect love is far greater than any earthly father. From the beginning of time God wanted a relationship with His creation that He made in His image. It’s not a passive relationship, which I’m afraid describes most of our relationships in the western world. He wants the intimate, passionate, heart-felt love that He expressed, not only in making you and me, but in taking our place on the cross. How can we love our earthly family in such a way that our hearts hurt when we are apart yet we struggle to crack open our bibles or spend a few minutes in prayer? God doesn’t deserve a portion of our times when it’s convenient, He deserves the passion of our hearts. The passion that would pay any price so as to never be separated from Him. He deserves followers who act like His children and want nothing more than to please and be with Him. He deserves a love and a humility that would run to Him saying, “carry me” and never want to be put down. I want that heart for myself, for you. For everyone in this hurting, lonely, depressed, prideful, suffering world. What will it take? I’m convinced He has already done enough to make this happen. He risked it all, to carry you. Will you let Him?

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15 (NIV)

I feel like I’m starting to understand what that verse means. Thanks to being a parent I’m learning what it means to be a child. Now to love Him as I should.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

Cleaning with a dirty rag

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dirty-rag-by-paul-simpson

I’ve been blessed these last five years to have a Window Washing business that provides my family with a little extra well-needed cash throughout the year. I’ve cleaned a lot of different types of filth off of windows during that time. You’d be amazed at what people allow their windows to look like…During one window job I had an epiphany. I know what you’re thinking: how enlightening can washing windows really be. Well on this occasion it happened to be very inspiring so I’d like to share it with you.

On this day I happened to be doing the windows on this gigantic house. If I lived in a house this size I wouldn’t want to clean my windows either. We’re talking like a 5-6 hour job here with professional equipment. So as the job went on I noticed that it was becoming more and more difficult to get the windows streak and smudge free. I would clean out my gear fairly regularly to ensure that I wasn’t transposing dirt from one window to the next, but after a while that didn’t seem to help. It began to be frustrating. I was getting so close to the end of the job but I wanted to make sure my last window got as clean as my first. It was starting to take a long time just to complete each window.

Then it hit me. I had a super stubborn smudge that would not come out no matter which part of the shammy I used. Each wipe just spread the smudge in a different direction. I just cleaned this shammy too so why wasn’t it doing the job it was designed for? Then a spiritual bomb got dropped on me. “A dirty and used rag, no matter how clean I try to get it, will never be good enough. The rag has to be new.” If you’re familiar with the teaching of Christ you probably have an idea of where this is going.

If you’ve ever used a shammy to clean before you know that no matter how much you clean it, there is still residue from previous uses. There are stains that won’t come out no matter the method of cleaning. Shammies are designed to suck up moisture and clean better than most anything else. They work so well that this can be their downfall as well. My point is, that people and shammies are very similar. We have been designed by our Creator to be so efficient, creative, intelligent, strong, funny, and so much more. Psalm 139:14 says that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God and Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship (handiwork/masterpiece). God made each of us for a purpose and equipped us to carry out that purpose way more so than a shammy. But the similarities continue. We are all stained from life…from choices…from sin. And no matter how much we try to clean ourselves, those stains remain. Many of those stains are outwardly obvious and others are below the surface just like the ‘stuff’ held in the fibers of the shammy. We try to purify ourselves by being good, following lists, avoiding bad things, believing in ourselves, reading self help books, listening to motivational speakers, achieving high accomplishments, making money, buying nice things, keeping a smile on our faces, and so much more. All of these things are simply a facade without heart surgery. No matter how good we are in life, our goodness is like a filthy rag compared to the pure holiness of God. Our scars/stains will always affect those around us as well just like my dirty shammy was just smearing the glass. The only way for me to get those windows clean…the only way to be clean ourselves…is to be made new.

Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us that everyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Jesus Christ removes the deepest stains in anyone’s lives. God promises to erase any stain and purify anyone who calls on His name and receives forgiveness through Christ. Just check out Isaiah 1:18. God goes on to tell us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that Christ, the Holy and Perfect One, died so that we might have the righteousness of God. So our filthy rag becomes a spotless garment pure as the driven snow. So my plea to anyone reading this, who battles with deep seeded scars, struggling to mask pain and hurts from life, if you don’t know Jesus Christ, today is your day. In Him is healing…in Him all things become new…in Him is rest and peace. No formula in life will ever work outside of Christ. Everything else is just cleaning with a dirty rag. And lets be honest, every day we get our shammy dirty in some way and Jesus is the only way to remove it.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

 

 

A Refuge for Refugees

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images

This is one of the most heavily debated topics in US politics at the moment. As the crisis worsens in the Middle East and more and more people try and flee the region, nations are faced with the question of whether or not to allow them in. Not only is this dividing politicians but it’s also dividing society.

There seems to be a pretty clear division in terms of party opinion. The House of Representatives, dominated by Republicans, voted a measure to limit Syrian refugees into the states. Governors have voiced their opinions as well. Thirty one state governors have openly objected the idea of allowing refugees into their states, all but one is Republican.

151117160654-v8-map-states-accepting-syrian-refugees-exlarge-169

The main arguments for closing our borders to refugees is safety. Many believe that letting refugees in could open the door to terrorists slipping through our borders. Even some involved in the information gathering business for our government (names to remain anonymous) believe that it would too difficult to monitor those coming in who cannot be traced and have no records.

While this is a valid concern, I cannot get over the fact that these people need help. I have talked with some who think that most of the refugees are Muslim men who share extremist views and pose a threat to our nation. If that were the case I would have a heightened level of concern myself. The problem is that most of the people affected by this displacement are women and children. Take a look at the data below:

#1-The problem is getting worse as people in our nation debate:

MercyCorps_SyriaCrisisRefugeesGraph_0215

#2-Women and Children are by far the largest population hurt by the conflicts in Syria:

MercyCorps_SyriaCrisisChildren_0215

The arguments against allowing the refugees into our nation sound all too familiar. They are far too similar to what our media was voicing in the 1930’s over the issue of allowing the flood of European Jews into the US due to persecution by the Nazi and Fascist regimes. The main concerns were that the Jews posed a safety risk to our nation and that we had no way to support the large numbers of refugees. Sound like anything you’ve heard on the news lately? I’m convinced that the root concern then, as is the root concern now, is prejudice. However, Jews have never been a threat to the world, quite the opposite actually. Islamic Extremism is perhaps the greatest threat our world has faced ever since Muhammad began his bloody campaigns well over a thousand years ago.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

As a follower of Christ I find myself at a crossroads. On one hand I have no doubt that allowing anyone into the United States who could promote Islamic Extremism poses a major threat to our country and i’m sure some ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ WOULD find their way in. On the other hand I feel it is our responsibility to look after the millions of women and children (and yes the men too) who are in distress. Actually I don’t even think distress is a sufficient word to use. In addition Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

There’s no doubt that this is a hard topic but as a follower of Christ I cannot deny His call on our lives. The call of compassion, love, action, mercy, service, etc…We are also called to be wise and discerning so it’s not as clear cut as it may seem. However, millions need a home, a bed, food, clothing…hope. Who better to offer that than those who proclaim the God of hope? The God who is our refuge and strength.

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No matter which side of the debate you are on, please join with me in praying for these millions who’s lives have been shattered. And if you can, do  your part to extend a loving hand and speak hope.

Selective Sympathy

~ ForCommonGround ~ 2 Comments

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The events that have taken place in Paris, France recently are extremely tragic. My heart has been broken for those who have lost loved ones and those who suffered at the hands of those evil men. For those of you who don’t exactly know what happened, here is a snapshot:

  • It took place last Friday
  • Three teams of terrorist groups coordinated the attacks
  • It happened at a concert hall, the Stade de France and at least two restaurants
  • At least 129 people were killed and 352 wounded in the attacks. Ninety-nine of the wounded are reported to be in a very serious condition.
  • Seven terrorists were killed, one fewer than the number ISIS claimed were involved
  • Two of the dead attackers have been identified
  • Six people, all relatives of one of the attackers, have been detained

Here is what France is doing about it:

  • 1,500 troops deployed to secure locations

  • More than 150 police anti-terror raids conducted in cities across France.

  • The French Air Force carried out bombing missions over Raqqa early Monday

Last night I was driving through town and saw the French flag displayed in lights on the local hospital and my wife told me that many people are changing their Facebook profiles by adding the French colors or flag in recognition and as support. Students have mine have been calling for prayer for the people of France (which is totally awesome!) and many politicians have publicly expressed their sympathies and support for the nation. All of this is incredibly moving and it really shows what love and compassion has no borders.

I have been left pondering one question…”where has this compassion and support been for all the other nations and peoples that have been ravaged by terrorism?” Bear with me for a moment. This was an attack on France…a modernized nation and major player in the world. But what about Nigerians? What about Egyptians? What about Syrians? What about the thousands upon thousands of Christians killed and even more forced to leave their homes? Where is the outcry by our government leaders for those people? Where’s the plethora of Facebook posts?

To reinforce my point here is a list of terrorist attacks in 2015 alone, several of which were worse than the attack on Paris.  Here are a couple from the list:

  • Date: April 2
    Death Toll: At least 147
    Perpetrator: Al-Shabab
    Location: Kenya
  • Date: June 25
    Death Toll: At least 154
    Perpetrator: Islamic State
    Location: Syria
  • Date: June 30 and July 1
    Death Toll: At least 145
    Perpetrator: Boko Haram
    Location: Nigeria
  • Date: Oct. 31
    Death Toll: 224
    Perpetrator: Islamic State
    Location: Egypt

It almost seems like the nations of the industrialized world rally behind each other but what about everyone else? Is it apathy? Is it racism? Is it even the fault of the public or is media to blame? Regardless of the cause…there is a problem. We need to call this what it is: Radical Islam’s war on the world. And we need to throw our support behind those people in the shadows, those not playing a major role in world economics, those who don’t speak a major world language, as well as our brothers and sisters in France. We need to do our part to bring justice, not just to some victims of terrorism, but to as many as we have the capability to. We need to pray for every victim no matter where they hail from.

I’m Back!

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

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My life has been somewhat of a whirlwind the last month and half. My wife and I have sold our home, we’re in the process of buying another home and moving to another town, and my wife had our second child! Beautiful little Selah Autumn was born on October 11. Through these last several weeks I’ve experienced a couple life lessons that I’d like to share with you.

First: Faith is REALLY hard!

While this is not a new concept and this is by no means the first experience in my 33 years that have taught me this crucial life lesson, I have been most definitely reminded of. Previouslyit was my belief that faith was so hard because of the uncertainty that lays ahead. However, this time around it’s been a somewhat different twist. Faith is so hard because we all have a desired outcome. We have a time frame that we want things to take place in and we have ‘expectations’ of what will happen. This is true for whatever the situation is. We wanted our house to sell for a certain amount, we wanted Selah to be born while I was on fall break, we wanted so many of our offers on homes to work out, and we wanted a contract done on a house weeks ago. Guess what…none of those things happened. Faith comes as reassurance that what is taking place is far better than our own desired outcome. When we pray “Lord your will be done in my life” we better mean it because if we don’t we’ll be a mess the whole time God is working His plan out in our life. Faith is believing that God works ALL things out for the good of those who love Him like Romans says.

Second: Perspective is key.

It’s easy to get caught up in our circumstances when they cause us pain, discomfort, and inconveniences. But most of the time, someone has it worse. God cares for everyone’s life and listens to prayers no matter how ‘small’ or ‘big’ they may be. One day I found myself in self-pity wrapped up in anxiety so I started praying. While doing so I found myself praying for those on the streets, women and children caught up in sex slavery, and Syrian refugees forced to flee because of Isis. Instantly my inconveniences didn’t seem like such a big issue. Trust me, I’ve experienced some of the worst pains life can bring (divorce and death of my father to name a couple) and it would be easy to be disheartened and disillusioned by life’s hardships and trials. But it brings life to focus on what we do have, because so many in the world don’t have even a fraction of it.  1502398_10152970238627502_3178632756373832348_o-1024x1024

While so much in this world is uncertain, God’s love and faithfulness are not.

God bless!

 

 

Color Blind

~ ForCommonGround ~ 3 Comments

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“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)

I know that I’m only 33 years old but I cannot remember a time during my life when the issue of race was so backwards in the minds of so many people as it seems to be today. The scenes of race riots in Baltimore and Ferguson, as well as protests of police brutality and the ensuing debates all over media, herald us back to memories of the civil rights movement when racial inequality was center stage in the United States. Since I’m a history teacher I’m pretty well versed about racism in the United States, as well as other parts of the world so I feel as though I have some foundation from which to address this topic but I also understand that experience is the best form of education and I am operating from a limited perspective there. However, I have no desire to solve the racial issues through a discourse on it’s history or by pointing a finger at anyone or any series of events. Instead I would love to solve the race issue for any individual, one at a time. I also would like to offer a bit of hope to anyone who has felt the sting of racism or believed the lie that world cultures have taught for thousands of years.

I heard a preacher give a message not long ago on this very subject. I have to admit that I am basing some of this off of his eloquent evaluation of this topic. The main point of his message was that we all have a common ancestor…Adam and Eve. Now for those who don’t believe in creation will have a very difficult time with this. You see, if we have one common ancestor, by definition we are all of one common race…humanity.  Before I go too far lets address what race is exactly. Race is defined as a way of classifying people according to physical traits and common ancestry. This is different from ethnicity which is a way of classifying groups according to cultural attributes. So I want to use the definition of race as an argument against race. Confused? Let me explain. If we are to understand that there are different groups of people known as races based on ancestry then how could there be more than one race? Even for the staunch evolutionist they would have to have a huge problem with this. Someone would have to argue that different people groups “evolved” from different sources. Evolution itself is hard enough to convince someone of. That would be nearly impossible. My point is, if we all have a common ancestry we are all of the same race. So how do we explain the physical differences? Well, I don’t want to get into genetic biology here but all you have to do is look within your own family to know that when people reproduce differences occur and no doubt as people spread throughout the globe, more and more differences will happen.

So why can’t we simply be color blind? I’m convinced that the only way to solve the race problem is to admit that there is only one race. There is no white, black, hispanic, asian, etc…There are only physical differences within the same family. We are all God’s creation rooted in the first created humans. God loves every skin shade and and physical difference we have. Therefore no one has any possible basis for an argument that any group of people is inferior to another and should in no way treat or look at someone differently. Instead, we should celebrate each other’s physical uniqueness because without it, this world would be awfully boring.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:28

God Bless