It’s been a while since I’ve gotten into a TV show, but Flash Forward is getting me hooked, though I’ve watched more episodes online than on Thursday nights.
If you haven’t watched it or didn’t catch the hype leading up to the September premier, on one day everybody in the world simultaneously blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds. During that time, nearly everyone has a vision of his or her life six months into the future, their flash forward.
That raises an interesting question: Is the future as seen in the flash forward inevitable or changeable? Are the flash forwards a clue to what could happen or a certainty of what will happen? Sounds like the question Scrooge asked the ghost of Christmas future, doesn’t it? It’s a question of free will. Are we genuinely free to choose, or is choice an illusion? (That question was answered to some degree in episode seven, “The Gift.”)
Sometimes the question gets asked about Judas Iscariot. If his betrayal of Jesus was a fulfillment of scripture, then was he truly exercising free choice? Or was he unknowingly following a script written for him that he could not escape? Personally I believe that Judas was free to choose to betray Jesus or not, even though his free choice was foreseen and foretold.
Left to ourselves, all we would choose is evil. But God graciously chooses to make freewill possible for us. And God gives us this free choice, because he “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
11/18/09
9/30/09
Living the Dash
Sunday we started the series "One Month to Live" and the first lesson our groups are doing this week is "Living the Dash."
On Sunday Scott Samuelson told me about a poem he read at his uncle's funeral called "How do you live your dash?" You can search for it and find it on several sites, but here's a video presentation of it authorized by the author.
http://www.thedashmovie.com/
It might be a little schmaltzy, but since it fit the occasion, I thought you might like to see it.
-Steve
On Sunday Scott Samuelson told me about a poem he read at his uncle's funeral called "How do you live your dash?" You can search for it and find it on several sites, but here's a video presentation of it authorized by the author.
http://www.thedashmovie.com/
It might be a little schmaltzy, but since it fit the occasion, I thought you might like to see it.
-Steve
8/19/09
I’m praying for health care reform
I’m not particularly partisan about this debate. For those of you who are, please indulge me a moment. I’m okay with Newt Gingrich’s plan, and I’m okay with President Obama’s plan. The way I look at it, it doesn’t matter which one we start with, because the will of the American people will force it to be revised.
Do I trust the federal government to determine the health care I can receive? Of course not! Do I trust a large insurance corporation to act in my best interest? The answer is the same: Of course not!
Last month I talked to a doctor of internal medicine who has her own solo practice. She has to hire a fulltime staff person just to haggle with insurance companies to get them to pay what they are legally obligated to pay on behalf of her patients. They try one sneaky tactic after another. She is so sick of it, she said she’d rather have a government-run, single-payer system.
This surprised me, so I asked her if she really thought a government-run system would be better. Her reply was something like, “It couldn’t be worse.”
I’m not advocating a single-payer system, and it seems that even Obama’s public option is currently in doubt. But here’s what I am advocating: affordable healthcare available for all.
I don’t want a system that sends the uninsured to the ER when what they really need is a visit to the clinic. I don’t want a system where people die undiagnosed because they couldn’t afford a doctor’s visit. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
Like many of you, I’m fortunate. I have good health insurance. But we the insured are more vulnerable than we like to think. I don’t want a system where between jobs we lose our coverage, or we can’t afford to keep it. I don’t want a system where, if one of my young adult kids suffers from a major illness or injury, we find out too late that he or she was between coverage or terribly underinsured. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
I don’t want a system where some are denied the benefits of group health coverage, because they’re self-employed or work for a small business. I don’t want a system that balloons the national debt, leaving it to our grandchildren to pick up the tab. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
Generally speaking, I believe that the free market system has served the American people well. Competition has spurred innovation while keeping costs down. My preference is to harness it rather than abandon it. But the free market isn’t designed to work for everybody. And I don’t want a health care system that has no conscience. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
Do I trust the federal government to determine the health care I can receive? Of course not! Do I trust a large insurance corporation to act in my best interest? The answer is the same: Of course not!
Last month I talked to a doctor of internal medicine who has her own solo practice. She has to hire a fulltime staff person just to haggle with insurance companies to get them to pay what they are legally obligated to pay on behalf of her patients. They try one sneaky tactic after another. She is so sick of it, she said she’d rather have a government-run, single-payer system.
This surprised me, so I asked her if she really thought a government-run system would be better. Her reply was something like, “It couldn’t be worse.”
I’m not advocating a single-payer system, and it seems that even Obama’s public option is currently in doubt. But here’s what I am advocating: affordable healthcare available for all.
I don’t want a system that sends the uninsured to the ER when what they really need is a visit to the clinic. I don’t want a system where people die undiagnosed because they couldn’t afford a doctor’s visit. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
Like many of you, I’m fortunate. I have good health insurance. But we the insured are more vulnerable than we like to think. I don’t want a system where between jobs we lose our coverage, or we can’t afford to keep it. I don’t want a system where, if one of my young adult kids suffers from a major illness or injury, we find out too late that he or she was between coverage or terribly underinsured. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
I don’t want a system where some are denied the benefits of group health coverage, because they’re self-employed or work for a small business. I don’t want a system that balloons the national debt, leaving it to our grandchildren to pick up the tab. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
Generally speaking, I believe that the free market system has served the American people well. Competition has spurred innovation while keeping costs down. My preference is to harness it rather than abandon it. But the free market isn’t designed to work for everybody. And I don’t want a health care system that has no conscience. That’s why I’m praying for health care reform.
7/30/09
A VBS moment to remember
It’s Thursday, and we’re heading into our last night at Vacation Bible School. I’m a crew leader this year with seven 5th and 6th graders, and I’m loving it.
Tuesday night I invited some friends to come and experience VBS at Horizons. Jeff and Linda Thurman moved here about a month ago to begin planting a new church in northeast Lincoln. They came to our VBS for the first hour, and what they saw and heard just blew them away. Before they left, Jeff told me that there may be some bigger VBS programs out there, but none are better than Horizons!
Last night at our closing in the worship center, each crew was given a strip of black plastic about 6” x 30”. Each person in the crew was to grab on to the plastic and think of one thing we’ve done that we’re sorry for. Then the crew leaders took the plastic strips up to the front and hung them on a wooden cross. While we sang, an older youth volunteer came forward wearing burlap, representing Jesus.
As we watched and sang a slow song, all those strips of plastic, representing our sins, were draped on to his shoulders and open arms. Then we saw him walk through the worship center and carry them away. The girl next to me was so moved, that she spontaneously began clapping. It seemed to be her way of thanking Jesus for carrying her sins. I felt the same way, so I started clapping with her. Soon others were joining in. That was when I felt my eyes getting full with tears.
It was a moment I won’t soon forget.
Tuesday night I invited some friends to come and experience VBS at Horizons. Jeff and Linda Thurman moved here about a month ago to begin planting a new church in northeast Lincoln. They came to our VBS for the first hour, and what they saw and heard just blew them away. Before they left, Jeff told me that there may be some bigger VBS programs out there, but none are better than Horizons!
Last night at our closing in the worship center, each crew was given a strip of black plastic about 6” x 30”. Each person in the crew was to grab on to the plastic and think of one thing we’ve done that we’re sorry for. Then the crew leaders took the plastic strips up to the front and hung them on a wooden cross. While we sang, an older youth volunteer came forward wearing burlap, representing Jesus.
As we watched and sang a slow song, all those strips of plastic, representing our sins, were draped on to his shoulders and open arms. Then we saw him walk through the worship center and carry them away. The girl next to me was so moved, that she spontaneously began clapping. It seemed to be her way of thanking Jesus for carrying her sins. I felt the same way, so I started clapping with her. Soon others were joining in. That was when I felt my eyes getting full with tears.
It was a moment I won’t soon forget.
6/22/09
Standing up to Hitler
Last week Tricia and I rented and watched the movie "Valkyrie," based on the true story of a plot by German army officers to assassinate Hitler and gain control of the country. Personally, I had no idea this kind of dissension existed in the ranks of the Third Reich. While Valkyrie is not a great movie, it kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I recommend it.
And then I was pleased to read a Local View column, "In Germany, the rest of the story", in today's Journal Star by Pastor Walter Rowoldt, contradicting the much held view that Christians in Germany were either silent and weak in the face of Hitler's anti-Jewish propoganda, or they bought into it easily. I hope you'll read it.
May those of us who have been rescued by Jesus the Christ remain true to him, and may the Holy Spirit give us the clarity and courage to stand firm when we are tested.
And then I was pleased to read a Local View column, "In Germany, the rest of the story", in today's Journal Star by Pastor Walter Rowoldt, contradicting the much held view that Christians in Germany were either silent and weak in the face of Hitler's anti-Jewish propoganda, or they bought into it easily. I hope you'll read it.
May those of us who have been rescued by Jesus the Christ remain true to him, and may the Holy Spirit give us the clarity and courage to stand firm when we are tested.
6/1/09
I'm down with UP
Tricia and I saw Pixar's UP in 3-D Friday night, and I agree with just about every movie reviewer, that this is a great show. I won't give away any of the story, but there's adventure, humor, love, loss, loyalty, and good vs. evil all spun together in a tale that keeps moving. And like every good story, elements introduced early are woven back in later.
I was so fascinated by the artistry of the animation that sometimes I found myself giving it as much attention as the story. The main character, Carl the curmudgeon balloon vendor, has a square, over-sized head (patterned after Spencer Tracy, I've heard); even his fingers have square edges.
Their journey's destination is a place called Paradise Falls, which, when I thought about it later, carries some significant symbolism. See what you think.
If you're looking for a great show you can take the kids to (if they're of the age where they can handle cartoon ferocious dogs) I give this one all thumbs UP. And if you see it in 3-D, which I recommend, that stands for the extra three dollars you'll need per person for the goofy glasses.
I was so fascinated by the artistry of the animation that sometimes I found myself giving it as much attention as the story. The main character, Carl the curmudgeon balloon vendor, has a square, over-sized head (patterned after Spencer Tracy, I've heard); even his fingers have square edges.
Their journey's destination is a place called Paradise Falls, which, when I thought about it later, carries some significant symbolism. See what you think.
If you're looking for a great show you can take the kids to (if they're of the age where they can handle cartoon ferocious dogs) I give this one all thumbs UP. And if you see it in 3-D, which I recommend, that stands for the extra three dollars you'll need per person for the goofy glasses.
4/27/09
Prayer for an astronaut
Saturday night I was given the privilege of giving the opening prayer at an event put on by Nebraska Educational Television: the Governor's Premier of the documentary about Nebraska born and bred astronaut Clay Anderson. I remember Clay from high school, mostly from band, as he was a three grades younger than I. His sister Lorie and I were friends.
After sharing a bit about Clay's parents, Jack and Alice, who have passed away, I offered a few introductory words and the prayer, which are printed below.
"As a call to prayer, I thought it might be fitting to remember Yuri Gagarin, the first human to see earth from the vantage of space. He's been credited with saying, 'I have been to the heavens, and there is no God.' But apparently those words are not on the verbatim of his space flight, and they are more likely to have originated with Nikita Khrushchev. What Yuri Gagarin did say to ground control is this. 'The earth is blue. ...How wonderful. It is amazing.'
"To me, that might be the most important reason for us to explore space. It's so we can hear the wonder in their voices, see their pictures, and vicariously live that experience through them. It's so we can be filled with awe at the little blue marble we live on. And whenever we're filled with awe, it awakens a sense of reverence and humility.
"So, filled with awe, reverence, and humility, as residents of the amazing blue marble, let's pray.
"Dear God, thank you that we get to explore the universe you have created. It takes our breath away to behold the wonder of the atom, the grandeur of a galaxy, the multitude of species, and the beauty of each and every person. Give us eyes to see ourselves as your children, sharing your gift of planet earth.
"We don't want to be like those in centuries past who shunned scientific knowledge, because it didn't fit what they'd been previously taught. Give us the grace and courage to study both scripture and creation, to know that all truth is your truth. May we cry out as David did 3000 years ago, 'The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands' (Psalm 19:1).
"Thank you for being with us tonight. Thank you for being with Clay during his trip to space and back. Thank you for showing us the way, the truth, and the life.
"We share this meal and this moment with grateful hearts, and we give thanks to you. We have been blessed so far beyond what we deserve.
"We may have a number of faiths represented here tonight, but as for me, I pray in the name of the one who said he came to seek and save the lost--and that includes me. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen."
After sharing a bit about Clay's parents, Jack and Alice, who have passed away, I offered a few introductory words and the prayer, which are printed below.
"As a call to prayer, I thought it might be fitting to remember Yuri Gagarin, the first human to see earth from the vantage of space. He's been credited with saying, 'I have been to the heavens, and there is no God.' But apparently those words are not on the verbatim of his space flight, and they are more likely to have originated with Nikita Khrushchev. What Yuri Gagarin did say to ground control is this. 'The earth is blue. ...How wonderful. It is amazing.'
"To me, that might be the most important reason for us to explore space. It's so we can hear the wonder in their voices, see their pictures, and vicariously live that experience through them. It's so we can be filled with awe at the little blue marble we live on. And whenever we're filled with awe, it awakens a sense of reverence and humility.
"So, filled with awe, reverence, and humility, as residents of the amazing blue marble, let's pray.
"Dear God, thank you that we get to explore the universe you have created. It takes our breath away to behold the wonder of the atom, the grandeur of a galaxy, the multitude of species, and the beauty of each and every person. Give us eyes to see ourselves as your children, sharing your gift of planet earth.
"We don't want to be like those in centuries past who shunned scientific knowledge, because it didn't fit what they'd been previously taught. Give us the grace and courage to study both scripture and creation, to know that all truth is your truth. May we cry out as David did 3000 years ago, 'The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands' (Psalm 19:1).
"Thank you for being with us tonight. Thank you for being with Clay during his trip to space and back. Thank you for showing us the way, the truth, and the life.
"We share this meal and this moment with grateful hearts, and we give thanks to you. We have been blessed so far beyond what we deserve.
"We may have a number of faiths represented here tonight, but as for me, I pray in the name of the one who said he came to seek and save the lost--and that includes me. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen."
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