41 posts tagged “christian”

Where is the world's wealth & poverty by country?

Nov 30, 2008
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geo.worldbank.org

Check out this great visualized data compliments of the World Bank. It maps the wealth in the world per country. Simply click on a country an you get the data. Click here to launch the map.

What if flags, representative of various countries, were not so idealistic?

Nov 28, 2008
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USA

A flag for a country often represents pieces of their history or values. Our flag for instance has its thirteen stripes representing the colonies and our rebellion against the crown onto independence. The stars represent the states and of course there is speculation as to the symbolism of the colors.

We have changed the flag throughout our history numerous times. The last time it changed was at the adoption of Alaska and Hawaii as states in 1959 to 1960. I love our flag and of course it has come to represent more than it's mere symbols as our history and national identity is attached to it.

The following illustration is not intended to desecrate our flag but rather I am using a powerful symbol that often represents a nation, and with a reconfiguration ask us to think about who we are and what we are becoming? This is a crude design focusing on some very negative conjecture, but the question I ask is "What indeed have we become?" I am convinced there in plenty of goodwill in America, but I will take a moment to focus on some very alarming realities I think have reshaped us.

United Socialist States of America - USSA

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This illustration explained.

1) Notice the enlarged star area. This represents the growth of government into a overtly huge and overwhelming entity. Bigger than it ought to be.

2) The federal governments control and scope has increased hence the strings holding the states as a puppeteer.

3) The parties are corrupt (by corporate interests) and capital hence their butts are tied to the world bank and brands encompass them. They of course hold power over us.

4) China is represented of course due to our oddly intimate relationship with a communist regime that seems to never be checked or balanced. Our financial dependance has created a compromise and hypocrisy in our policies economically and politically. These Chinese stars also represents all the weird and apparently compromising relationships we have had throughout history for the sake of gain.

5) The stars are different colors and shapes as we have morally taken a very polarized and odd direction from each other. This also represents the soon becoming chief value of America = Tolerance (the silencing of all disagreement with moral direction and the rejection of any one moral compass).

6) The flags multi-color, shapes and strings takes on the appearance of a child's mobil that might swing over their crib. This represents the markets (which run the country) attempts to infantilize and put to sleep "average" Americans (which = CONSUMERS). Keep a child-like mentality. This also represents the infantile mindset that comes on the citizens of welfare states. Personal responsibility slips away...

7) The stripes divided represent our disagreement over our history. Were the founding fathers godly or atheists? Were we founded on godly principles or not? Our division creates a re-reading of our constitution and leads to the continual erosion of its intent. It continues to be rewritten until it becomes a contradiction itself. This also represent the rewriting of our history that we are involved in (via the removal of monuments and writings).

8) Of course I will mention again the Department of Social Services logo whose growth represents our continued direction toward a more socialist state.

Let me know your thoughts. Again I want to state I am in know way attempting to to be disrespectful to our current flag or speak harm upon it. I am using this illustration to provoke us to think about our national identity as we are. How do you see your nation? We use images and icons to represent ideals and call people to rally around them. Are the images we are using truthful? What have they come to represent?

These are all questions I want us to answer personally. Especially as Christians. We are Christian Americans before American Christians. We are of a different kingdom and our understanding should be objective of the states we are in, not overtly patriotic.

To wrap this up, what actions and lifestyle changes do your conclusions call you too?

Generational Unanimity - Gen-We

Nov 10, 2008
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VOTE

The graphic above (courtesy of futuremajority.com), illustrating the striking agreement had in this election among youth, ought to tell us something very significant about what's on the horizon regarding America. As the largest Generation (larger than the boomers) America has ever seen emerges we need to take heed. We need to pause a moment and recognize the critical fulcrum point we are at in American & Church History. I want to take a moment and highlight some thoughts that ought to hit us...

Important elements or questions to consider as leaders (as the church),

How are we doing at raising up Parents who can effectively transfer faith into the life of their family and children? *We think in an hour like this that we need to ramp up youth and young adults ministry and in part we must but the shrinking of the church is by in large more a testament against strong parenting than it is in weak youth.
Happy or sad about the new presidency they (Obama) ran one of the greatest "campaigns" in American History, if not the greatest. Many books will be written on the power of their story and the movement and energy they have created. They (he) was, is a great story teller. They painted vivid pictures and provided substantial inspiration and hope for change in the minds of millions. They addressed certain looming and haunting realities felt by much of America and then persisted to convince the American people (especially the youth) that they (he) was the answer. They solicited and inspired faith. They called upon and challenged effectively with a language and attitude that inspired. We (christians) need to learn more about influence. It's not enough to say things we must say them right and work to gain permission to speak into people's lives. Personal influence is based on permission.
The population numbers are insane. I have attached another graphic here (from Gen-We.com) to illustrate, but 90 some million young people in it is massive and rivals the boomers by close to 20 million. The near unanimity in this generation politically and the trend toward a filibuster government situation (that appears to be with us for some time) is striking. Your policies, or not, the chorus of agreement could be wild in American politics some day soon. We could feasibly go from discussing the negative torn nature of our nation, to a more fearful (depending on how you see it) agreement. Either way if the church does not learn to engage this generation with the right conversation it will continue to become more isolated in America culture and even become stigmatized as a social evil. If we adjust and win the "vote" of the millenials we could see a massive resurgence of Christianity and a radical "volunteerism" (spirit of Christ) hit the Church and America. This generation is about GOOD but it does not entirely see it's need for the church to accomplish it. Whatever way it goes, with these numbers and this higher level of agreement it will be a more massive and impacting shift.

Picture 1
What needs to be transferred to this generation from the older that might be critical to their future. Right now is the time for any influence and platforms that older generations have to use them. We are seeing the passing of what is called "the greatest generation" and what is going with them? What can our boomer parents impart? If the older generation fails to transfer any of the wisdom it has soon it may be to late and then the millenials will be left in charge with a whole lot of hope and confidence in their ability to lead with very few historical anchors to ground them. With out a healthy bridge of values and anchor of history especially those from the Greater Generation we are not going to lead as we ought to. Of course there are some new values that did not exist or needed revived and we are seeing this with Gen-We but overall we need the voice of Father's and unfortunately many millenials only have "very nice" parents or none at all. Where are the honored voices however even among the "nice" parents?

For now I will leave you with these... Maybe a part two? The bottom line here is that someone (in the church) better start getting a different game plan if they want any part in the shaping of America in the next 50 years. Gen-We is more corporate (hyper-corporate = being connected to many and varied circles at the same time without conflict), missional (proof and works oriented regarding the less fortunate and "our planet") conversational (used to having their comments and input matter and be factored in as a part of the equation) and anti-institutional (meaning they have an aversion to anything that looks greedy or insensitive to the people which also includes pompous attitudes) then previous generations. How do these elements affect the way we do church? How does our current mode assist or hinder our connection with this MOVEMENT?

"May the Lord give us all great WISDOM to lead such a GREAT PEOPLE." Rushed this post so forgive the grammatical errors if any (I am sure there are!)

P.S. Notice the "blue" Texas. Could we see the great state of Texas turn in the next decade? Interesting times!

Visualizing your Influence

Nov 6, 2008
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Visualize Your Network 2

QUESTIONS to CONSIDER: What does your network look like? What are the weather or conditions of those connections? How much permission have you been given to shape others? What is the proximity and level of entrance you have with individual members of the network? What is the rhythm of input and or exchange you have with the members of this web? What is the potency level of your presence (published and live)? How viral is your influence? Do people easily integrate, translate and transfer your ideas, words, content?

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It's time for each of us (christians) to begin to work at INFLUENCE. In the wake of one of the most well run campaigns in history we need to be considering our Ground Level Game of Influence not sitting back commenting on the power of others. We need to understand power and become champions of this thing called The People. We live in a world where political movements and markets are aggressively learning to affect people's perspectives to the point that they have made a science of it.

Here are just a few books regarding the Science of Influence:

The Tipping Point written by Malcolm Gladwell is on my top five and it outlines the critical components of social influence. (Check out Blink also for more info on decision making.)

The Science of Influence by Kevin Hogan which breaks down the very proven elements by which we effect others via our connection with them.

Tribes by Seth Godin outlines the relationships and mediums by which influence spreads unto the production of MOVEMENTS of Raving Fans (that one was extra).

We have books now such as The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo outlining the powerful elements of systems and organizations and the positive and negative psychological effects they have on peoples behavior (See an example of the effect of a failed system by reading more about Abu Ghraib).

They are now discovering the very levers responsible for the changing of people's minds. Howard Gardners: Changing Minds: The art and science of changing our own and other people's minds. By the way this is an amazing book that is up there on my list also.

Of course there is always the great Robert Greene who brought to us The Art of Seduction and the 48 Laws of Power. Books that will make you uneasy and even more skeptical of markets but are true in their revelation of working principles of influence.

We could go on and on adding to this list of strategies, but the point is that the world has reduced influence down to working principles they employ daily to shape, bend and direct things "their" way. Paul wrote "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." - 1 Corinthians 9:22 What is he saying? I am working to influence!

The Willow Creek Association put out a curriculum years ago based on a book called Contagious Christianity. In it there is a formula (CC + HP + CP = MI). Clear Communication plus High Potency plus Close Proximity equals Maximum Impact. I love that they are leading people of God to think about Influence... Love leads us to these things. Opening our home, taking time, serving, all are increasing the impact.

Take some time to visualize your network. Below is a very incomplete diagram I started on regarding some of the dynamics of my direct networks... obviously I have excluded web connection and a whole bunch of others but this general picture helped me to evaluate who I am connected to, what are the nature of those connections and how strong or healthy are they? (P.S. If your name is not under friends its because it may have been redundant to list twice and also this is not a thorough or complete expression of my networks.)

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Picture 7

School Shootings

Oct 8, 2008
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Map-edited

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My Little Automated Child

Aug 24, 2008
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I have discovered that my children can do much more for and by themselves than I originally thought.

Rhythm

We have developed the "list" and now "lists" in our home by which my 7 year old lives. Our job? To remind, reinforce and promote the list. DO YOUR LIST! :) I have posted a .pdf here that is merely a quick start guide to creating your own list. Some of it is no brainer stuff but may help to stimulate ideas... Hope this is of use or at least inspires you to think about how to help your kids by exposing them to deeper levels of rhythm, structure and responsibility.

Here is the first point of the PDF I designed for you:

1) Compose a list or lists (we have a morning and evening one) of important values, works and rhythms your child ought to engage in. Do this with their help. It is amazing the things they think should be there. Help them be realistic. My son thought up *Ask Mom if she needs help (morning item).

Warning This May Happen If You Lose the TV

Aug 23, 2008
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Posting a follow-up post from the NO TV experiment. You're two youngest might decide to 1) work together peacefully 2) to be creative with objects and develop their brains. 3) Your house may be overrun with toddler projects also...

DSCN0749_1

Exceptional Creatures; Severely Mistaken

Aug 11, 2008
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Supermanredson

Just finished reading a very thought provoking graphic novel titled Red Son. The premise is "what if Superman had been raised in the Soviet Union?" You can read more about the details of the story here. The moment I was introduced to the novel and it's basic idea I purchased it and read it in the same day. The primary reason for my eagerness in regard to this particular story has to do with the idea that "the stories we are exposed to shape our identity and view of the world (of what is good and evil even)."

Our culture and our view of ourselves, of what is possible or impossible, of what is beautiful or hideous, of what is morally acceptable or grossly evil is all shaped by the stories (the framed and stitched together ideas) we give ourselves to, and are surrounded by. I have shared the story of my son and how he underwent a transformation into the image of Obi Won Kenobi (a Jedi Knight from the story of Star Wars). He was so inspired by the story and the chief characters he actually thought he could use the force against his father who was attempting to discipline him. You can read more about that here.

In the Novel Red Son we see a Superman still very motivated to do good but a very redefined (communistic) form of good. This was the story he was raised in and hence his entire worldview and personality was reshaped. We need to consider our own lifestyles, positions (convictions), desires, opinions and morality in this light. What stories shape us most? We may as Christians read the Bible but at the same time be inspired by other stories, conflicting stories that hold more intimate and deep places of influence in our hearts and lives than divine truth. We possibly are being shaped and influenced by stories that have quite literally captured our ego and holds it hostage. Does the story of God as revealed in Scripture and through the gospel hold any form of shaping power in your life?

What level of influence does it have? What stories are there in our own culture (that may conflict with the divine narrative) that hold places of shaping influence over us? We must open ourselves a new and fresh to the shaping power of God's words and revelation. We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This requires and honest opening to divine truth with the realization / confession that we are in desperate need of being re-programmed. We need to see and think through the lens of God's character and not the lies of an amazing architect of deceit (aka the Father of Lies).

The enemy of God is named this because he is a great storyteller and has been engineering very inspirational ideology that opposes God since the first conversation in the garden. We need the Spirit of Truth to lead us into all truth and truly make us a product of heaven as opposed to what we all once were and quite possibly still may be - exceptional creatures that are severely mistaken!

168 HOURS

Aug 4, 2008
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Measure

168 hours in every week. What do you do with yours? This is a rough estimate of mine to date. I counted Church attendance on Sunday & Wednesday as Enrichment not Serving. What would your illustration reveal about your investment? I am of course restructuring my time investment and will be hopefully reshaping my 168 hours. I look forward to posting a transformed diagram soon!

This picture made me think about a few things. 1) Being that our work and sleep are so prominent they need to be potent and enriched. God needs to be a big part of our work life and our interaction with others if we want to maximize our affect on others. 2) This is not a pure reflection of service as we ought to serve others in our work and people contexts. 3) Entertainment is a big chunk of time that we have direct power over when it comes to "squeezing" more into our week. 4) Enrichment affects our "performance" and potency in the other areas. What are your observations / thoughts? One more... 5) Despite what we believe, are we measurably giving to and loving people?

KEY: People would consist of direct interaction (family time, mentoring, coffee with a friend). Watching a movie with someone does not count in this measurement. Work and Sleep is self explanatory. Serving is that small line and this consists of community involvement and direct outreach / help offered to those outside of my friend / family structure. Entertainment is movies, tv, etc... and Enrichment is Church meeting attendance, book reading, blog reading, podcast listening (educationally oriented podcasts) and exercise.

The Spirit of Jesus

Jun 2, 2008
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Cross

(NOTE: The following is from some personal notes of mine hence their broken nature)

If in fact the Spirit of of Jesus is upon us... we would characterize the general behavior of Jesus as it relates to our culture.

REFLECT on how THE SPIRIT OF JESUS might be LEADING US. Into what RIDICULOUS BEHAVIOR is JESUS LEADING US?

(NOTE: The word ridiculous is used to signify the worldly perspective regarding the level and intensity of the behavior.)

JESUS is...

LEADING US TO DESPISE RELIGIOSITY - MATT 23 The woes to the Pharisees and the lack of real care for others... Their works existed for themselves...

LEADING US INTO HUMILIATING LEVELS OF SERVICE TO DIGNIFY OTHERS - JOHN 13.1 Washing of the disciples feet - the stooping low of God to make us great...

LEADING US INTO A SIMPLER MORE SINCERE LIFE OF CARE TO BE FRUITFUL The need to sculpt our lives or have our lives sculpted after him... the Spirit of Jesus that marches down into the messes...

LEADING US TO BEFRIEND AND CONNECT WITH IRRELIGIOUS PEOPLE AND EXPRESS CARE AND INSPIRE FAITH - LUKE 7.34 Matthew the tax collector... Friend of sinners and publicans.

LEADING US INTO RIDICULOUS LEVELS OF GIVING TO EVEN THE UNWORTHY - MATT 5.40 If someone sues you or takes from you give to them above what they took...

LEADING US INTO RIDICULOUS LEVELS OF REACTION TO THOSE THAT MISTREAT US - MATT 5.41 The walking of a second mile, the prayers and blessing we would offer...

LEADING US INTO PRACTICAL CARE MINISTRY & QUALITY TIME INVESTMENT WITH THE HURTING - MATT 25.31 The sheep and goats - the sick, hungry, thirsty imprisoned, in need of clothing and housing. In need of basic needs...

LEADING US INTO MINISTRY WHILE EXPERIENCING DEEP LEVELS OF REJECTION, PAIN AND HURT IN OUR OWN LIVES - LUKE 23:34 The prayer for people and the encouragement to the thief on the cross in the midst of painful trying situations...