Do Something, Take a Risk

I think for a time we in America believed that as long as we did what we were supposed to and stayed away from a reckless lifestyle, harm would not befall us. I know that is how I thought when I was growing up. But now I am sure it was just an allusion. Even if there was no such thing as natural disasters or even accidents we still have to deal with ourselves.
Man has always gone out of his way to harm others. From the time Cain killed his brother till the disturbed young man took the lives of all those college students and professors mankind has been in harms way.
I suppose we could try like some families in the 50’s and bury ourselves in an underground shelter like the comedy "Blast From the Past" dipicted or a more modern version hide in a safe room in our home and never come out. But that just means we die to others while we are still technically alive. It may be the safe thing to do but what kind of life is that?
If holing up (being perfectly safe) is not what we were put on this earth to do then what are we supposed to do when life is dangerous? Some people believe vigilantism is the way to stay safe (fight fire with fire). Others, through demonstration believe they can bring about a better and safer world, and still others, say forcing or outing people will call attention to the problem and bring peace and safety through understanding.
The Apostle Peter gave us his spiritually devined plan for life in the face of danger. He says in 1 Peter 4:7-11 that we are to stay clear headed so we can pray. In chapter 5 Peter tells us to cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for you.
We are to also love others above everything. 1 Corinthians 13 says that love keeps no record of wrong, in other words it forgives. Through love we also show the world that we are His disciples.
Finally Peter tells us to be hospitable toward others and use our gifts to serve one another.
These are what Peter says to do in our daily life. They may or may not seem to you all that big a deal, but to a world that is afraid and in need of hope and comfort they can be a true lifesaver. Why not be a risktaker and just do something?

Virginia Tech

I sit here at my computer not knowing what to say in the face of yesterday’s senseless tragic shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech with more than 30 students and professors losing their lives. May God bless each of their families during their grief.
Please, in your prayers don’t forget to pray for those God is using and will use to minister and counsel those affected.

Chocolate Jesus

A few weeks back Keri and I along with Brittany and Ethan traveled up to Washington, PA to visit with Keri’s parents and to bring back a pick-up truck for Aaron. While there we decided (read I decided) to go to Sarris’, our favorite homemade chocolate shop. There is no where that I know of that compares to the smooth mild milk chocolate that they produce. Anyway, while we were at Sarris’ I came across their Easter section of shaped chocolates and was taken back by what I saw. Along with the traditional Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs of every size there were other items for consumption, but the one that really made me wince was the chocolate Last Supper. While I do not find the Leonardo da Vinci painting especially sacred, I for some reason was offended by this edible version. Of all the things you can mold chocolate into why the Last Supper scene? Nothing new here, but I feel that we have, like Christmas, rendered Easter a consumer product. And although he is a “sweet” savior he also is our judge. Check out the passage below and notice how the Holy Spirit describes the Son of God.

Hebrews 10:29-31 (NIV) How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

While molding The Last Supper into chocolate is in my opinion “poor taste” what we do with His name and how we represent Him in our daily life is more important. I know for one that I am guilty of using the name of God and Jesus lightly in conversation and in joking around. I have been graced by God with His patience and I do not want to test the length of it any longer so I have decided to change how I represent Him in my speech and actions. Why not consider doing the same starting with this Easter and maybe the world will notice the change and if we are blessed maybe, just maybe they will ask us why we believe and do the things we do. What an opportunity!!!

Happy Easter

Roger, over and out!