Friday, January 18, 2008
Apology
Just wanted to take a moment to say sorry to anyone who may have clicked on my link for one of my blogs (Think on This) listed on the right sidebar below. I incorrectly linked to the WRONG site. It should have been linked to http://www.thinkonthisquotes.blogspot.com The error has been corrected. I'm not even sure what the other site is, but a friend told me about it today. Sorry for any confusion!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
AIDS Crisis
Sunday night at church we had our monthly mission emphasis meeting and we learned more about the AIDS crisis in Africa and India specifically and AIDS in general. What a terrible disease! A while back I read Jenna Bush's book on AIDS that was written for young adults. She had some useful information. For more information, check out the post here.
We had a worksheet at church with the following information:
AIDS CRISIS = MATH MADNESS
40+ - Weekly work hours for many AIDS orphans
5 million - People infected with AIDS annually
330 - Number of self-help groups begun in India
8,000 - Children are orphaned each day
15 million - Number of AIDS orphans worldwide
240,000 - Number of deaths from AIDS per month
1 - Number of people necessary to make a difference
Some problems require more than a band-aid...
~ Pray for those dying with AIDS that they find Christ before it is too late.
~ Pray for the millions of children who have lost their parents and who are struggling to survive; pray for people to invest in their lives so they may learn Jesus loves them.
~ Pray for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of AIDS orphans.
~ Pray that God opens you heart to whatever HE would have you to do to help in the AIDS crisis.
We had a worksheet at church with the following information:
AIDS CRISIS = MATH MADNESS
40+ - Weekly work hours for many AIDS orphans
5 million - People infected with AIDS annually
330 - Number of self-help groups begun in India
8,000 - Children are orphaned each day
15 million - Number of AIDS orphans worldwide
240,000 - Number of deaths from AIDS per month
1 - Number of people necessary to make a difference
Some problems require more than a band-aid...
~ Pray for those dying with AIDS that they find Christ before it is too late.
~ Pray for the millions of children who have lost their parents and who are struggling to survive; pray for people to invest in their lives so they may learn Jesus loves them.
~ Pray for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of AIDS orphans.
~ Pray that God opens you heart to whatever HE would have you to do to help in the AIDS crisis.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Why are people hungry, abused and homeless?
Yesterday I was contemplating the questions I frequently hear when the topics of hungry, abused and homeless people come up. We ask why God hasn’t met their basic needs and then we are thankful that we live in America the land of plenty. But there are people even here in America who wake up hungry or who live in fear of an abuser or who have no homes all no fault of their own – many are children – invisible children who long to know love and security.
We read Scriptures that assure us that God loves His children and will provide for their needs (Philippians 4:19) and Scripture informs us that we are more valuable that the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. We read in God’s Word to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” in Matthew 6:25-34. But as we look around us, we see want. We see pain in a mother’s eyes as she watches her children slowly starve to death in third world countries all from the comfort of our living rooms.
As some watch heartbreaking promotions for World Vision or similar organizations they ask why God failed those innocent children. But in reality God hasn’t failed them, His children (Christians) have. As a song (lyrics) by Casting Crowns asks - If we are the body why aren’t His hands reaching…? (See video and hear song)
chorus…
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
If we spend our excess on the finer things in life while we watch our brothers and sisters want for what we consider basic necessities, we are failing them and God. We think we deserve incredible vacations to exotic places, concerts, massages, manicures, tickets to professional sporting events, nice clothes, expensive cars and houses, cable TV, internet hook up, and so much more. What is our rational? We work hard, so we should play hard. Is that what Jesus, our example, did while He walked on this earth?
The early Christians set an incredible example for us. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:42-45….”And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 12:16
“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.” James 1:27
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
How do we love the least of these?
The Scriptures above surely make it seem that giving to others should be a lifestyle, not something we do at Christmas and or Thanksgiving. If we (including me) truly followed Scripture there would be no need for government-subsidized programs to help the poor because the church would already be busy doing it. Of course we might be driving older cars and entertaining ourselves less…are we willing to pay that price?
If those Scriptures above are God’s will for me, then I am falling short. I don’t do enough for those less fortunate than me because we live in a high cost of living area without the benefit of the average income of our area. We are viewed as the less fortunate by many. I don’t really want those “amazing” things I mentioned above that some view as luxuries and others view as necessities. I really want to have treasure in heaven instead of here on earth, but I ask myself with great sadness, will I have treasure in heaven?
We read Scriptures that assure us that God loves His children and will provide for their needs (Philippians 4:19) and Scripture informs us that we are more valuable that the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. We read in God’s Word to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” in Matthew 6:25-34. But as we look around us, we see want. We see pain in a mother’s eyes as she watches her children slowly starve to death in third world countries all from the comfort of our living rooms.
As some watch heartbreaking promotions for World Vision or similar organizations they ask why God failed those innocent children. But in reality God hasn’t failed them, His children (Christians) have. As a song (lyrics) by Casting Crowns asks - If we are the body why aren’t His hands reaching…? (See video and hear song)
chorus…
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
If we spend our excess on the finer things in life while we watch our brothers and sisters want for what we consider basic necessities, we are failing them and God. We think we deserve incredible vacations to exotic places, concerts, massages, manicures, tickets to professional sporting events, nice clothes, expensive cars and houses, cable TV, internet hook up, and so much more. What is our rational? We work hard, so we should play hard. Is that what Jesus, our example, did while He walked on this earth?
The early Christians set an incredible example for us. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:42-45….”And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 12:16
“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.” James 1:27
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
How do we love the least of these?
The Scriptures above surely make it seem that giving to others should be a lifestyle, not something we do at Christmas and or Thanksgiving. If we (including me) truly followed Scripture there would be no need for government-subsidized programs to help the poor because the church would already be busy doing it. Of course we might be driving older cars and entertaining ourselves less…are we willing to pay that price?
If those Scriptures above are God’s will for me, then I am falling short. I don’t do enough for those less fortunate than me because we live in a high cost of living area without the benefit of the average income of our area. We are viewed as the less fortunate by many. I don’t really want those “amazing” things I mentioned above that some view as luxuries and others view as necessities. I really want to have treasure in heaven instead of here on earth, but I ask myself with great sadness, will I have treasure in heaven?
Who do you support for the 2008 Presidential Election?
There are many factors to consider when deciding who to support for the President of the United States. This quiz may assist you in making your decision.
For a quiz that gives you information about various issues before you select an answer try this candidate calculator to find out which politician agrees with your opinions.
Here is a shorter quiz that doesn't give you as many options, but still gives interesting results.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Entertainment and the Christian
What is proper entertainment for Christians?
When should we be entertained?
Years ago I found a couple short articles that impacted the way I think about entertainment...
Jeremy Archer wrote an article about some Unruly Houseguests that gives us reason to pause before partaking in an American pastime.
Brownies with a Difference by Rich Deem gives us a fresh spin on a little bit of violence or sex on movies or TV as our entertainment.
When should we be entertained?
Years ago I found a couple short articles that impacted the way I think about entertainment...
Jeremy Archer wrote an article about some Unruly Houseguests that gives us reason to pause before partaking in an American pastime.
Brownies with a Difference by Rich Deem gives us a fresh spin on a little bit of violence or sex on movies or TV as our entertainment.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Donate Bibles to Persecuted Christians
You Can Donate Bibles
to Persecuted Christians Worldwide.
It's Quick Easy and Free!
There are many internet sites out there that donate items to people in need. Today I came across one that donates Bibles to persecuted Christians. "The success of The Bible Site depends upon as many Christians as possible visiting this site and clicking on the donation button to enable a scripture portion to be sent to a persecuted Christian. As more people visit and make these donations, awareness will be raised for this urgent need and thousands of Bibles will be provided to our suffering brothers and sisters worldwide."
"Right now, 200 million Christians are living under restriction for their faith in Jesus Christ. Most do not even have their own copy of the Bible, the one weapon they must have in order to be victorious in the spiritual battles they face every day. You can provide your suffering brothers and sisters with a portion of God's Word at no cost to you."
to Persecuted Christians Worldwide.
It's Quick Easy and Free!
There are many internet sites out there that donate items to people in need. Today I came across one that donates Bibles to persecuted Christians. "The success of The Bible Site depends upon as many Christians as possible visiting this site and clicking on the donation button to enable a scripture portion to be sent to a persecuted Christian. As more people visit and make these donations, awareness will be raised for this urgent need and thousands of Bibles will be provided to our suffering brothers and sisters worldwide."
"Right now, 200 million Christians are living under restriction for their faith in Jesus Christ. Most do not even have their own copy of the Bible, the one weapon they must have in order to be victorious in the spiritual battles they face every day. You can provide your suffering brothers and sisters with a portion of God's Word at no cost to you."
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Feed the Hungry
~ info below is taken from The Hunger Site
The Hunger Site provides a feel-good way to help promote awareness and prevent hunger deaths every day — through easy and quick online activities.
With a simple, daily click of the yellow "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Hunger Site, visitors help provide food to those in need. Visitors pay nothing. Food is paid for by the site's sponsors and distributed by Mercy Corps worldwide and by America's Second Harvest to food banks throughout the United States.
Funds are split between the two beneficiaries, with 70% going to fight hunger internationally, and the remaining 30% going to support hunger relief efforts in the United States. Mercy Corps works to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. America's Second Harvest is the largest food distribution organization in the United States and serves more than 26 million people.
Please remember to click every day to give help and hope to those most in need. Every click counts in the life of a hungry person.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Prayer Request
A friend shared a prayer request for a young couple dealing with uncertain times. I went to the husband's blog and was encouraged by his faith and perseverance. Tricia has cystic fibrosis and was hoping to be put on the list for a double lung transplant. However, when she found out she was pregnant she couldn't be put on the list. She is currently five months pregnant and in the hospital now. Their faith is simply beautiful. Please keep Nathan, Tricia and their unborn child in your prayers.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A New Year: 2008
"A new year – a book of blank pages waiting to be filled. It is easy to fall prey to doubts and questions about unknown days before me. But maybe God’s will for my life is far greater than knowing what path my life will take, what career choice I will make or what job change will occur. Maybe God’s will is simply for me to service Him and love Him and share His love with others. So simple, yet so complete. There is no need for lofty resolutions, no need for fear – I will begin my days with prayer; I will listen, and God and I will walk together. he will help me through the rest, one day at a time."
~ Author Unknown
~ Author Unknown
New Internet Addiction??
I just came across a website that has the potential to do good and increase your vocabulary. For each word you choose the correct definition for 20 grains of rice are donated to help end world hunger. Since the Free Rice website started on October 7, 2007 - 12,139,325,970 grains of rice have been donated. Click here to join in the fun, help others and improve your vocabulary!
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