Outstanding sword fights, a dragon, a sea serpent, nasty pirates, and even a talking mouse. That's what you get in Voyage of the Dawntreader, plus a whole lot more. Voyage opens in theaters on December 10th, but I had the privilege of seeing a sneak preview a couple of weeks ago and it is fantastic. It's an adventure movie fit for the whole family: lots of action but no gore and bad language. It is entertaining, but it is not mere entertainment.
Based on C.S. Lewis book of the same name from The Narnia Chronicles, the film explores not just an "outside" adventure, but also plumbs the depths of human character, especially in relationship to temptation. Without giving you a spoiler suffice it to say, that Voyage demonstrates time and again that often getting what we want leads to far less than we expected, and trouble besides.
Whether you are an adult, a teen, or child, Voyage rings true to the human experience and helps us understand that sometimes the most meaningful, and challenging, journeys in life are not a thousand miles away, but right inside of us. Don't miss it!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Hope Begins with You
I had the great privilege of attending the "Hope Begins with You" luncheon in downtown Orlando sponsored by the Community Food and Outreach Center. It was an inspirational luncheon in support of an organization that seeks to bless people in need throughout the Orlando Metro region.
The focus of the organization is on the working poor who need a hand up rather than a hand out. I heard that phrase-- a hand up not a hand out-- throughout the luncheon. The keynote speaker was Susan Spracher of Spracher Wealth Management in Winter Park. She described how her success in business was the result of an accumulation of hand ups offered by various people in her life. And now, she is paying it forward.
The truth is all of us are the result of people giving us "hand ups" in our lives. Sure, a lot of what we achieve in life is due to hard work on our part, but a lot of it has to do with other people believing in us, sometimes before we even demonstrated any promise at all. That's what the Bible describes as grace or undeserved favor, and it was best demonstrated by God in Jesus Christ:
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8 (NLT)
The luncheon today reminded me that I have been given "hand ups" far more often than I have recognized, and it is my job to pass those "hand ups" on to others. To whom have you given a "hand up" recently?
If you're interested in finding out more about the Community Food & Outreach Center visit their website at:
http://www.communityfoodoutreach.org/index.html.
The focus of the organization is on the working poor who need a hand up rather than a hand out. I heard that phrase-- a hand up not a hand out-- throughout the luncheon. The keynote speaker was Susan Spracher of Spracher Wealth Management in Winter Park. She described how her success in business was the result of an accumulation of hand ups offered by various people in her life. And now, she is paying it forward.
The truth is all of us are the result of people giving us "hand ups" in our lives. Sure, a lot of what we achieve in life is due to hard work on our part, but a lot of it has to do with other people believing in us, sometimes before we even demonstrated any promise at all. That's what the Bible describes as grace or undeserved favor, and it was best demonstrated by God in Jesus Christ:
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8 (NLT)
The luncheon today reminded me that I have been given "hand ups" far more often than I have recognized, and it is my job to pass those "hand ups" on to others. To whom have you given a "hand up" recently?
If you're interested in finding out more about the Community Food & Outreach Center visit their website at:
http://www.communityfoodoutreach.org/index.html.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Halloween-- Trick or Treat?
I find it curious that the United States, one of the most overtly Christian nations in the world, is also the country that celebrates Halloween-- the holiday of ghosts and vampires-- most enthusiastically. And it has been so since the late 1800's, long before the most recent decline of Christian profession among the population at-large. What's up with that?
Let me begin by offering a couple of suggestions as to why people like Halloween (besides the candy!). Ghosts, vampires, and other things that "go bump in the night" lead us into an exploration of the world of mystery. Throughout human history things have occurred for which people had no easy explanation. For example, someone once had a mysterious encounter with something in the mountains and the legend of "bigfoot" was born. I do believe the mysterious encounters were real, even if the explanations were surreal. Some of these mysterious encounters were obviously dark and scary, giving rise to all sorts of evil creatures in the minds of people. Vampires and werewolves may not be "real" but they are close enough to the human experience of evil to be believable, or at least attractive.
If you'll notice, very few creatures out there hold final sway over people. There is always an antidote of some sort: a silver crucifix, an special incantation, or amazing superhero who finally lays the scary creature to rest. That speaks to the human need to control evil wherever it is found. The stories of vanquished ghosts and reburied vampires are epic tales of good conquering evil, though not without a lot of scariness before the job is finally done.
So, people may ask, what's the harm in a little Halloween fun, especially if the good guys win in the end? There's probably not a lot of harm in some good-natured fun, except that interest in these legendary stories miss the true good versus evil story: the triumph of Jesus Christ over Satan on the cross. You see, the emergence of vampires and ghosts probably are the result of people rubbing up against dark spiritual forces, which the Bible calls demons, the creatures aligned with Satan. However, these evil forces are not conquered with a stake through the heart but by the authority of Jesus Christ. The problem with epic tales involving Halloween-like creatures is that people kind of sort of hope their version of victory is true, whereas the Good News of Jesus Christ is true. Anything that distracts people from that core truth is ultimately harmful to the resolution of fear in their lives.
The other problem with a fascination with witches, goblins, and the like is that it sometimes leads to a genuine encounter with darkness that people cannot control, resulting in genuine spiritual and psychological damage. In that sense they are tricked into believing in something that can offer no treat at all. That is why God was so adamant in the Bible that people should not pursue the dark arts or the power of other gods. He knew that is was a road to nowhere at best and to the gates of hell at worst. He didn't want people to miss out on the road that leads to real life by walking down a different road. Which road are you on?
Let me begin by offering a couple of suggestions as to why people like Halloween (besides the candy!). Ghosts, vampires, and other things that "go bump in the night" lead us into an exploration of the world of mystery. Throughout human history things have occurred for which people had no easy explanation. For example, someone once had a mysterious encounter with something in the mountains and the legend of "bigfoot" was born. I do believe the mysterious encounters were real, even if the explanations were surreal. Some of these mysterious encounters were obviously dark and scary, giving rise to all sorts of evil creatures in the minds of people. Vampires and werewolves may not be "real" but they are close enough to the human experience of evil to be believable, or at least attractive.
If you'll notice, very few creatures out there hold final sway over people. There is always an antidote of some sort: a silver crucifix, an special incantation, or amazing superhero who finally lays the scary creature to rest. That speaks to the human need to control evil wherever it is found. The stories of vanquished ghosts and reburied vampires are epic tales of good conquering evil, though not without a lot of scariness before the job is finally done.
So, people may ask, what's the harm in a little Halloween fun, especially if the good guys win in the end? There's probably not a lot of harm in some good-natured fun, except that interest in these legendary stories miss the true good versus evil story: the triumph of Jesus Christ over Satan on the cross. You see, the emergence of vampires and ghosts probably are the result of people rubbing up against dark spiritual forces, which the Bible calls demons, the creatures aligned with Satan. However, these evil forces are not conquered with a stake through the heart but by the authority of Jesus Christ. The problem with epic tales involving Halloween-like creatures is that people kind of sort of hope their version of victory is true, whereas the Good News of Jesus Christ is true. Anything that distracts people from that core truth is ultimately harmful to the resolution of fear in their lives.
The other problem with a fascination with witches, goblins, and the like is that it sometimes leads to a genuine encounter with darkness that people cannot control, resulting in genuine spiritual and psychological damage. In that sense they are tricked into believing in something that can offer no treat at all. That is why God was so adamant in the Bible that people should not pursue the dark arts or the power of other gods. He knew that is was a road to nowhere at best and to the gates of hell at worst. He didn't want people to miss out on the road that leads to real life by walking down a different road. Which road are you on?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What Kind of God?
I just read an online article in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-10-07-1Agod07_CV_N.htm) about a new book by a couple of sociologists from Baylor University who have discerned through research four major views of God among the American people: Authoritative, Benevolent, Critical, and Distant. Furthermore, one's views of God go a long way in determining a person's attitudes towards economics, morality, war, politics, and more. No surprise here. Because our deepest beliefs are shaped by what we deeply believe in, it may be one reason why it is difficult to have genuine dialogue around important issues. We are much more likely to fundamentally believe our position is right because it seems to mesh with the kind of God we believe in. Some food for thought there.
The other thing to think about is, Is God really just the summation of what we believe about Him? From the article, we might surmise that people are picking their type of God as a preference, like they might pick items off a menu, instead of really seeking to understand who He is. The Bible tells us that God went to great lengths to reveal Himself to people, by sending His Son, Jesus, to live among us. John's Gospel tells us that Jesus proclaimed, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father (God)." (John 14:7)
The point is God is knowable. It's just that many people don't take the time to get to know Him, so they make assumptions about Him. The problem with this approach is that our assumptions may be totally out of touch with who God really is and how He works in the world (=reality).
What do you think?
The other thing to think about is, Is God really just the summation of what we believe about Him? From the article, we might surmise that people are picking their type of God as a preference, like they might pick items off a menu, instead of really seeking to understand who He is. The Bible tells us that God went to great lengths to reveal Himself to people, by sending His Son, Jesus, to live among us. John's Gospel tells us that Jesus proclaimed, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father (God)." (John 14:7)
The point is God is knowable. It's just that many people don't take the time to get to know Him, so they make assumptions about Him. The problem with this approach is that our assumptions may be totally out of touch with who God really is and how He works in the world (=reality).
What do you think?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Half Full or Half Empty?
As I was preparing for worship this weekend, I came across a great Bible story about attitude. It is found in Numbers 13. In this passage, God tells Moses to send 12 spies into the land He has promised to give His people. When they get there, they discover that the land is rich and fertile beyond their imaginations: it produces clusters of grapes so large, two men have to carry each cluster. That would have been outstanding news to people who were living off manna morning, noon, and night.
However, there was a problem. The fruit was gigantic and so were the people who occupied the land. Exaggerating the problem as people are wont to do, one of the spies remarked that they looked like grasshoppers compared to the people of the land. Big opportunities, but big problems.
Ten of the spies could not see the opportunities for the problems, while only two could not see the problems because of the opportunities. They knew God had given them the land and would handle their problems accordingly.
What kind of person do you tend to be? Someone who can't the opportunities for the problems, or one who looks through the problems for the opportunities? All great plans face potential problems. It's whether we can look through the problems that determines our success.
I just finished reading Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, which chronicles the first transatlantic flight. It is s story of looking through problems, some of them gigantic, to discover the opportunity of reaching Paris. When he finally reached Paris, he even toyed with the idea of moving onto Rome. Lindbergh never quit looking ahead and he let that vision draw him through tough times.
So do you look at the glass as being half empty or half full? When it is half empty, there never seems to be enough to satisfy. When it is half full there is always room for more. Is there room for more in your life?
However, there was a problem. The fruit was gigantic and so were the people who occupied the land. Exaggerating the problem as people are wont to do, one of the spies remarked that they looked like grasshoppers compared to the people of the land. Big opportunities, but big problems.
Ten of the spies could not see the opportunities for the problems, while only two could not see the problems because of the opportunities. They knew God had given them the land and would handle their problems accordingly.
What kind of person do you tend to be? Someone who can't the opportunities for the problems, or one who looks through the problems for the opportunities? All great plans face potential problems. It's whether we can look through the problems that determines our success.
I just finished reading Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, which chronicles the first transatlantic flight. It is s story of looking through problems, some of them gigantic, to discover the opportunity of reaching Paris. When he finally reached Paris, he even toyed with the idea of moving onto Rome. Lindbergh never quit looking ahead and he let that vision draw him through tough times.
So do you look at the glass as being half empty or half full? When it is half empty, there never seems to be enough to satisfy. When it is half full there is always room for more. Is there room for more in your life?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
New Beginnings
Hey there, everyone. As part of Aloma's new, revamped website, I am establishing a blog to keep in touch. Hopefully I can renew it by Thursday of each week. Depending on what's happening in the world, I may get to it more quickly.
What I'd like to do in the blog is spend some time reflecting with you about what's happening around us, or new experiences I've been experiencing.
I want to begin by telling you a bit about YWAM Orlando and what God is unfolding in their midst. YWAM is short for Youth With a Mission. It was founded by Loren Cunningham in 1960. Since then it has spread all over the world, training youth and adults in discipleship and evangelism. You will see YWAMers all over the world, witnessing at Olympic Games or helping plant churches in North Africa.
YWAM Orlando was established in 1993 by Walden and Beverly Owen, who are in the process of becoming members at Aloma United Methodist Church. YWAM currently houses its operations at an Assembly of God near the airport. However, they are about to make a big move to the former Woodlands Lutheran Camp near Clermont.
Last Thursday, Andy and I had the privilege of meeting Michael Berg, the current base director, to hear the story of the new base and see it in its formative stages. The whole story of how YWAM got the Woodlands property is a major miracle, with evidence of God's hand unfolding events in His way all along the way. Michael's vision for the property is equally huge, with great plans to resurrect the property and use it for growing disciples from around the world.
As Andy and I reflected upon our meeting, we were struck by two important things: Michael is where he is today because Walden and Beverly believed in him (the older helped the younger), and God's work done in God's way (married to a godly vision) never lacks God's provision.
If your're interested in finding out more about the YWAM Orlando story and vision, visit them at: http://www.ywamorlando.org/.
What I'd like to do in the blog is spend some time reflecting with you about what's happening around us, or new experiences I've been experiencing.
I want to begin by telling you a bit about YWAM Orlando and what God is unfolding in their midst. YWAM is short for Youth With a Mission. It was founded by Loren Cunningham in 1960. Since then it has spread all over the world, training youth and adults in discipleship and evangelism. You will see YWAMers all over the world, witnessing at Olympic Games or helping plant churches in North Africa.
YWAM Orlando was established in 1993 by Walden and Beverly Owen, who are in the process of becoming members at Aloma United Methodist Church. YWAM currently houses its operations at an Assembly of God near the airport. However, they are about to make a big move to the former Woodlands Lutheran Camp near Clermont.
Last Thursday, Andy and I had the privilege of meeting Michael Berg, the current base director, to hear the story of the new base and see it in its formative stages. The whole story of how YWAM got the Woodlands property is a major miracle, with evidence of God's hand unfolding events in His way all along the way. Michael's vision for the property is equally huge, with great plans to resurrect the property and use it for growing disciples from around the world.
As Andy and I reflected upon our meeting, we were struck by two important things: Michael is where he is today because Walden and Beverly believed in him (the older helped the younger), and God's work done in God's way (married to a godly vision) never lacks God's provision.
If your're interested in finding out more about the YWAM Orlando story and vision, visit them at: http://www.ywamorlando.org/.
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