Over the past couple of months I have watched the Bourne trilogy. Though well crafted with excellent directing and storyline, they are intense to watch. The first two movies were rated PG-13 for intense sequences, language, and action violence. The last one, I noticed, was rated the same but did not mention language.
Good, I thought. I don't like language and it isn't necessary. So I settle down to watch the final installment. Shortly into the film, I am rudely jarred by the unremorseful taking of God's name in vain. I thought to myself, they said no language on the rating. Then I remembered, blasphemy isn't considered language in our culture.
Truth be told, movies can take God's name in vain in one breath and then thank Him in the next. The "thank Gods" of cinema are almost as blasphemous as the actual blasphemes: the 'thank yous' mean absolutely nothing since the characters obviously are not grateful to God.
I often remember Exodus 20:7 when I hear such irreverence: "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." As a young child, I realized the gravity of those words. I had heard God's name misused in the movies and could only think what would happen if those souls did not repent. Even now, I send up a prayer similar to Jesus: Forgive them, they don't know what they are doing.
Blasphemy isn't language; it is much, much worse. If only they would label the movies "PG-13 for action violence, thematic elements, and blasphemy," it would make my movie selections easier.
--HM
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sleep
Over the past week and a half, I have had difficulty sleeping. My symptoms would include not being tired, feelings of anxiety, rapid pulse, feeling pulse in my neck, and adrenaline rushes. None of these are conducive to sound sleeping.
It hasn't been easy to deal with the symptoms; but, I realized after my second short night that I had before me an opportunity to trust that God was in control of even my sleeping patterns. And even in my sleeplessness, I could give Him glory.
Perhaps I was more acutely aware of this because the week before my brother's appendix burst, the closest any of us have come to facing death. Yet in the situation, all of us were cognizant of the fact that God had everything in control, was working it for our good, and was bringing glory to Himself.
Sure, it doesn't make sense to me why an appendix needed to burst or that I should have trouble sleeping. During my wakefulness, I was confident that God could still my being and cause me to sleep just fine if he so wanted. But my restlessness continued.
As my mom reminded me, God is in charge of our sleep. "For he grants sleep to those he loves" (Psalm 127:2). I know that my emotions are a huge part of the stress I personally deal with. Sometimes it is self-inflicted: getting worked up over situations that don't require that kind of response; ruminating about problems as if dwelling on them further will solve them.
The other night I was very stressed and anxious about the prospect of another uncomfortable rest. I was tired of feeling this way. In that struggle, I prayed aloud that God would grant me peace, having mercy on me; and that I would give him the glory. I calmed down and had a better night of sleep. The next night, I slept normally. To God be the glory!
A good nights sleep is relative. Children need 10 to 12 hours. Most adults need 7 to 8 hours. Some people have the remarkable ability to be rested after only 5 hours of sleep. God knows exactly how much sleep I need and for purposes only He knows right now, that is less than what I think I need.
A dear friend of ours reminded my mom during my mom's episodes of insomnia, "It's just sleep." How true! Another great saying also puts sleep in its proper perspective: as one of the chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks tells Dave, "You can sleep when you're dead!"
It hasn't been easy to deal with the symptoms; but, I realized after my second short night that I had before me an opportunity to trust that God was in control of even my sleeping patterns. And even in my sleeplessness, I could give Him glory.
Perhaps I was more acutely aware of this because the week before my brother's appendix burst, the closest any of us have come to facing death. Yet in the situation, all of us were cognizant of the fact that God had everything in control, was working it for our good, and was bringing glory to Himself.
Sure, it doesn't make sense to me why an appendix needed to burst or that I should have trouble sleeping. During my wakefulness, I was confident that God could still my being and cause me to sleep just fine if he so wanted. But my restlessness continued.
As my mom reminded me, God is in charge of our sleep. "For he grants sleep to those he loves" (Psalm 127:2). I know that my emotions are a huge part of the stress I personally deal with. Sometimes it is self-inflicted: getting worked up over situations that don't require that kind of response; ruminating about problems as if dwelling on them further will solve them.
The other night I was very stressed and anxious about the prospect of another uncomfortable rest. I was tired of feeling this way. In that struggle, I prayed aloud that God would grant me peace, having mercy on me; and that I would give him the glory. I calmed down and had a better night of sleep. The next night, I slept normally. To God be the glory!
A good nights sleep is relative. Children need 10 to 12 hours. Most adults need 7 to 8 hours. Some people have the remarkable ability to be rested after only 5 hours of sleep. God knows exactly how much sleep I need and for purposes only He knows right now, that is less than what I think I need.
A dear friend of ours reminded my mom during my mom's episodes of insomnia, "It's just sleep." How true! Another great saying also puts sleep in its proper perspective: as one of the chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks tells Dave, "You can sleep when you're dead!"
--HM
Be Bacon
Commitment is a funny thing.
It is one of the most desirous aspects of a relationship. Yet at the same time all of us shy away from the requirements of commitment because we must give up something of ourselves to someone else.
Marriage is a commitment with vows spoken before witnesses; a covenant of dedication between one man and one women to be faithful to each other until death. Each has to give up their own desires for the other's well being. Give and take.
Currently, people shirk the duty of a solid marriage commitment for the comforts of "Styrofoam cup" relationships. All the emotions, responsibilities, and lifestyles of a married couple are thrown out for just "couple"; or more politically correct, "partner". Like a Styrofoam cup, the relationship can be tossed out whenever it suits us; whenever we have had our fill. Like a Styrofoam cup which is non-biodegradable, the consequences of such relationships won't go away.
Though this isn't an endorsement of Pope John Paul II, I believe he was accurate in his assessment of commitment--less relationships, "The fear of making permanent commitments can change the mutual love of husband and wife into two loves of self - two loves existing side by side, until they end in separation."
In the same vain, Scripture tells us, "You can not serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). Christians are called on to be committed only to Christ. Even if one is single, they are married to Christ as His Bride. We are to be wholly dedicated to the Truth of Scripture and the glory of our Father in Heaven.
Everyday I struggle with my own self-centeredness, to be committed to Christ's agenda or my own. My mother reminds me, "It's not about you"; it's about God.
Dr. Kistler told a joke a few Sundays ago:
Let us, then, in our Christian walk be bacon.
It is one of the most desirous aspects of a relationship. Yet at the same time all of us shy away from the requirements of commitment because we must give up something of ourselves to someone else.
Marriage is a commitment with vows spoken before witnesses; a covenant of dedication between one man and one women to be faithful to each other until death. Each has to give up their own desires for the other's well being. Give and take.
Currently, people shirk the duty of a solid marriage commitment for the comforts of "Styrofoam cup" relationships. All the emotions, responsibilities, and lifestyles of a married couple are thrown out for just "couple"; or more politically correct, "partner". Like a Styrofoam cup, the relationship can be tossed out whenever it suits us; whenever we have had our fill. Like a Styrofoam cup which is non-biodegradable, the consequences of such relationships won't go away.
Though this isn't an endorsement of Pope John Paul II, I believe he was accurate in his assessment of commitment--less relationships, "The fear of making permanent commitments can change the mutual love of husband and wife into two loves of self - two loves existing side by side, until they end in separation."
In the same vain, Scripture tells us, "You can not serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). Christians are called on to be committed only to Christ. Even if one is single, they are married to Christ as His Bride. We are to be wholly dedicated to the Truth of Scripture and the glory of our Father in Heaven.
Everyday I struggle with my own self-centeredness, to be committed to Christ's agenda or my own. My mother reminds me, "It's not about you"; it's about God.
Dr. Kistler told a joke a few Sundays ago:
"If you have eggs and bacon for breakfast, then you see different levels of
dedication. The chicken only made a donation; the pig made a commitment."
Let us, then, in our Christian walk be bacon.
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