Politics

TOUGH QUESTION TUESDAY?

Who should i vote for?

That is a really good question. I have really felt the desire lately to start conversations with people. Get people talking about things that they are already talking about, or hopefully, raise questions that they are not talking about.

Inevitably, people are asking this question, especially since it is super tuesday. Although we here in Ohio are not voting today (1 more month), we will with out a doubt be swamped with news coverage today (and beyond) as election results pour in, and don't pour in.

We will continue to get 50 different opinions on 50 different topics covering 50 different states in 50 different languages stated in 50 different forms of communication. So back to the question; 'who should i vote for?'

The Bible does not give a specific party to vote for or a specific candidate. Only if it were that easy. What the Bible does talk about is; praying for those in authority, obeying the laws of the land, giving to Ceasar what is Ceasars. The Bible speaks specifically about being good stewards of our money, valueing all life since it comes God, and also about justice and honesty.

On this subject, among others, I would go with two things. First of all, pray. Seek God's face. Talk to him about the candidates. Talk to him about the issues. Search His Word for answers. Secondly, do your research. There are lots of websites out there , for example, here are a couple that i found. **Please note that i in no way endorse anything from these sites. I only suggest them for research purposes.

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/index.html#/context=index/issue=health

http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm

Third, have open, honest, fair conversations with other people.

blessings & see you at the polls.

Christians

I was reading once again in Acts 2 the other day the account of the Day of Pentecost, and somthing jumped off the page that I either had never seen before, or had forgotten about. Look at the reactions of these "God-fearing Jews" throughout the chapter:

1) "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?'" (v. 12)

2) "Some, however, made fun of them and said, 'They have had too much wine.'" (v. 13)

3) "...and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross." (v. 23)

4) "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" (v. 37)

5) "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day." (v. 41)

Very interesting that during the course of this event that there were multiple responses to the same situation.

So i ask myself today, 'how am i responding?'

blessings!

racism

given the major celebration that will take place this week (the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), i have decided to reflect on the subject that he dedicated his life to, and that is popping up in the news quite frequently these days - racism.

last monday i had the wonderful opportunity to here a civil rights legend, Dr. John Perkins, speak in person. it is not easy to make a definitive statement of my reaction to his talk, other than to say - overwhelming.

dr. perkins has experienced a lot of negative in his life because of one simple fact - the color of his skin.

as i sat there, i realized that i have no clue what it means to experience shallow hatred. hatred that comes from the dark recesses of man's depraved soul. i have sat and observed the past couple of weeks, the continued stirring of this atrocity. whether it be political candidates discussing it, television reporters and editors be scolded and reprimanded for comments; this issue is still alive.

dr. perkins made a wonderful point when he said; "we apologize enough to keep the economy running." and i wondered; have i confessed my weaknesses in this area? have i truly forgiven? or have i apologized enough to keep the economy running? apologized just enough to feel better?

one thing that i do know, i can't do enough when it comes to this issue. i must continue to search my heart. continue to apologize and confess when i am at fault. i must continue to accept the apologies of others. continue to pray for peace and unity (especially in the body of Christ).

i must do more.

Try Again!

I read an interesting article today that suggested that blogs could be used for discipleship. Sounds like a really good idea, I think that I will try it. - Stay posted!!!

Campus Missionaries

Well tonight all of the students that we brought with us to Indianapolis committed to being campus missionaries. I am honored and humbled to be the leader of such an incredible bunch of students. It is amazing to think what will happen in our community as these missionaries begin to "build God's Kingdom." Within the 25 students that are with us is the power to literally change the world from Springfield Township in Akron, OH. Look out world!

Fine Arts Day 2 and 3

So if you have not heard by now, we are doing awesome here in Indy. Forgive me if you have checked and haven't seen anything new. It has been real crazy. I will try and upload some new photos tonight. Our students have done unbelievable. All of our groups have recieved the highest rating that they possibly could. That rating is called "Superior with Honors." There are different point levels in this category. Recieving this rating puts us into the possibility of being in the top ten in the nation in the category. I am so proud of our students. As you are well aware, we have a young group, but they have worked incredibly hard and it has shown. Not only have we had a great time at fine arts, but our nightly meetings have been phenomenal. It is apparent that God is doing something really awesome in each of our lives. The future of exodus youth ministry looks bright.

so we have officially arrived in indy. today has been a wonderful day of travel. we made it safely with no problems. we hit about a half hour delay in dayton with some construction, but other than that everything has been wonderful. we checked in and got all of our times. we have just finished meeting and discussing details, etc. as you can see, several of the students enjoyed a nice relaxing time in the pool for a few moments tonight. tomorrow starts bright and early. we leave at 8am. bethany huff sings at 9.40 and stephanie merchant plays her flute solo at 10.12. the rest of the day we will watch other groups and attend a few workshops. tomorrow night we will go to the national youth convention service with about 10,000 other teenagers.

so here we are, jumping in together!!!!!