God's Army

..has new recruits.

I'd like to share my thoughts on a soon to be controversial independent film on the verge of breaking through to mainstream culture. I would expect quite a backlash when the populace gets wind of this. (^_^)

At first I was excited when a friend posted a link to the trailer (which I posted below) and said that it was about evangelical camps for kids. I of course was thinking of sound Biblical based evangelism and not some crazy militia the likes of Karesh. I do believe that these things are woefully under valued by current Christian teachers by and large. So to have a revival of youth who are "divinely flammable" as a friend likes to say, is a beautiful notion to me.

Then I saw the trailer and my first reaction was a mixed one. I saw what I hoped but I also saw what others had seen. Namely, the potency of the film. The clips and trailer alone contain more emotional potency than most films made these days and the reason is clear. Dealing with matters of Salvation, love, hope, and revival for God (especially in the eyes and words of children) is bound to not just tug at heartstrings but yank at them. So I watched it abit more and read a few of the reviews from both sides of the fence and let it all sink in. Asking myself the question, was this right or wrong even though at it's core purpose, its intent, it was clearly right.

Ultimately I believe this to be a work of God and I pray that it produces the good fruits that one might expect. Watching the actions of the little kids (who are the focus of the film) makes one just so much more aware of his or her own lack of passion. These kids have yet to be tied down to bills or responsibilities beyond that of salvation, faith, and a few chores. The burn brightly for God while the rest of us glow. Inspiring I hope, I know it inspires me.

So I think I was right to defend this film and its purpose initially. In truth the words and actions of the camps leaders, at least in the reviews/clips I have read/seen, are a bit confrontational but certainly not out of line. I actually, though timidly, applaud them in their desires to raise up an "army of God" with this coming generation. I had hoped that mine would be more than it is. We are of course there, moving and effecting, but no more it seems than the one before us or the one before them. May God bless and maintain this opening salvo to a spiritual war.

Tagline:
"A growing number of Evangelical Christians believe there is a revival underway in America that requires Christian youth to assume leadership roles in advocating the causes of their religious movement.

Jesus Camp follows Levi, Rachael, and Tory to Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years-old are taught to become dedicatied Christian soldiers in "God's army".

The film follows these children at camp as they hone their "prophetic gifts" and are schooled in how to "take back America for Christ". The film is a first-ever look into an intense training ground that recruits born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future."

Trailer:
Jesus Camp Web Site

The Once Captive...

...an excersize in creative writing and self expression born of swift inspiration.

The stage is set, a life not yet lived is held captive, stranded, within the enemies stronghold. It is my life, I am the captive. Night and day are but sides of the same black coin to me, flipping and rolling in the shadows of this confine I have called home. My captor is none other than despair though it is known by many names and has assumed many forms in an effort to oppress this race of imperfect cogs and gears. We have called it despair and loss though many of my people have been in it long and have now come to call it power or even hope. I weep for these sons and daughters of my land in this cell I am shackled to.

At night, or perhaps during the day, I hear their cry's echoing. Scream and wail, but within the moans and tears a language of another kind emerges. We have come to know it well here in this dark world. With tears they love each other and with frightened yelping they reach out for each other in support, unable to leave their rooms and provide other assistance. Yet this goodness, that seems to be intrinsic to our people however poorly upheld, it bears an insignia. We all know it and we, those who have refused the darkness, long for it's promise.

It is now my tenth birthday, or is it my fortieth, and I have known no joy nor held worthy memory. My life wastes away within this prison.

Wait, what was that noise, like nothing I have ever heard? More to the point what is this I feel in the dark? Are the shadows trembling as they seem? My insignia, the brand of my lover glows hot as black tendrils of hopelessness recoil and hiss. I must steady myself and understand this but the cry's of my people, who call out day and night, sound different. It is not my people who call out, but the darkness. It is withering and failing its fight, but what terrible thing moves forward in this place that my nightmare should flee in its wake? I tremble.

My cell door shakes and the locks within groan. As the door swings open on it's rusted hinges a form stands before me. A man, but no man as well. My heart stops and I hold a shallow breath of this disgusting dungeon air. The shadows fear this man and rightly so as He holds some potent authority over us all. Yet He is here for me.

He steps to my corner, my own private abyss, and bends down to my ear whispering a Word I have never known and I hear my shackles crack and drop over the sound of the shadows serpent-like hiss. I am stunned to the core by His Word. I cannot speak it, I cannot write it, but somehow it translated just as smooth as those once rusted hinges did turn for Him. It echoes in my heart still, it says "You are Mine, You are Free, You can come with Me, You are loved."

My tears, once falling for a lost hope, now fall with a vision of revival. My maker has come and my brand is burning like a hot coal. It hurts me, but as the moments pass I find joy in that pain. I crack a smile.

He steps back and new presence invades the room. The shadows retreat completely from this new opposition. It is hard to make out in the dim light, but it's tendrils surround me and caress my emaciated form. It is strong and it is gentile as it searches me. My new master nods and begins to turn from my sight, but I am unable to move and unable to speak for Him. This new presence holds me firm on the cold harsh floor. Am I to be left un-attended? Am I to know only this one peace in my days I wonder, but the new presence assures me as it sinks deep within me that I am never going to be alone again. I shudder from its potency.

My original rescuer is gone already and the shadows are testing their limits again, seeking a way to oppress me once more. Yet, my form is no longer fragile and my insignia is aflame. It glows outward and burns the shadows that seek to destroy it. I stand with my new counsel, my new partner within, and we move out through the door that held me so very long. It seems paper thin as I walk by and I pause to wonder how it ever held me.

A surge of heat hits me from down the hall and I look its direction. It is my rescuer in all His glory standing in front of a door much like mine. He looks at me with urgency and then points with a steady hand and a graceful finger to the door across from mine. It is still shut and though it may be as thin as mine it looks solid and heavy, the locks thick and old. My rescuer says another Word down the hall and my new constant Counsel echoes it back up to me. "Begin." With a deep breath and a fear of failure I reach for the door that contains untold souls like mine, locked within this dark dungeon of despair and strife.

Rumbling Tracks

Just got back and cleaned up from a wonderful day at the park (Hershey Park) with a group of friends from the bible studies. It was a beautiful day to be out at all, let alone to be out in such a place and with such people. We all gathered there around 1 o'clock and started in to Chocolate World which seems to get changed every year or two. The changes are normally more subtle, but this time we were met by singing cows and then, when we thought it was over, more cows. (^_^) It is really for kids and those from out of town. A one time is enough type of place. Still, it is nice to be engulfed in the scent of chocolate as you walk and ride.

We then departed for the gates of the park. Once inside we deliberately moved from roller coaster to roller coaster lead by our appointed "tour guide". :) The only stops not scheduled were for food and one brief pause to ride the Pirate ship, a personal favorite. I love the feeling it gives of being tossed into the air and then gently catching you on the way down. It's wonderful. Most of the coasters we rode I had fun on, but not too much fun. I do love coasters, but I get headaches from the rattling they can give a person as they bound down the tracks. Most of the time that means I don't enjoy the wooden ones as much as the metal ones. Anyway, I was happy to ride the three metal ones that we did get on and one of them was new to me. It starts in a weird way, meaning it goes from 0 to 40 or so in about 50 feet. Then, already flying along jets you up a cliff wall and over an arc several stories up. Immediately following the arc is a several story plunge that is actually inverted. I cackled like a madman in delight of the ride. Unfortunately it only lasted 35 seconds total, but it was so much fun it may very well have been worth the hour wait.

By 6:30 we had all had our fill of the park I think and so we departed, but I had so much fun and laughed so hard today that my face and stomach are tired. Good people and a good day. If I weren't exhausted I'd wish it weren't over, but being that it is over and I am exhausted I'm grateful for my friends. I haven't laughed so much in so very long, my face and stomach are sore. It's interesting to be with such a group (that of a heart minded mentality) in comparission to the other friends I have, both in and out of work. How far from the truth it is that Christians are not fun or funny. Or how we are stuffy and stiff in social situations. In truth humor does not need to be dirty to be funny, though the societal norm says otherwise these days. Anyway, I'm heading for a rant again so I'll stop. *sigh* I'm looking forward to our next outing.

Grace and peace...

In our bible study of late we have been reading and discussing Philippians. A book I have only read once and then I was not ready to appreciate it. It was quite possibly the best book to be in the middle of when the weekend retreat started the other Friday. Over the past year or so I have met and kept many close friends. Not just friends, but brothers and sisters in Christ. What does that mean? To me it means these people are not just passing friends or blood family (in both cases full of opposing values and desires), but instead these people are as one. True they are different, with different strengths and weaknesses. Different backgrounds and futures, but their ultimate goal or motive in life is a shared love of God and His creation. Sure they are human and lose track of this from time to time, but in the end they care about the person next to them in the way you might care for your grandfather, sister-in-law, or best friend. Deeply and with purpose. Anyway, God has blessed me with these relationships all over the place, from family to co-workers to old and new friends alike. So as we sit and read the letters of Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome for speaking the Gospel, I can't help but be appreciative of his heart for two reasons actually.

The first reason I have been taken by this book is the manner he speaks to and of his fellow Christians. Referring to us as servants and saints and brothers (sisters) he expresses his love and affection for our common ground. He speaks as if the day has already been won and we are all the victors even as he sits in chains. He talks about the glory of God to us who are watching his life unfold, then and now, while ministering to the palace guards and such. The very ones who held him captive and could possibly bring him and his work to ruin were the ones he made the effort with in those dark days. What consistency, humility, and hope he shines out to those of us watching his efforts. It is possible that those he was writing to were as he was, but to be honest with you I have my doubts. I imagine a group of people on the other end of this letter who look allot like me. People who get frustrated by the little things throughout a day, but still sit in deep appreciation of the open sky. People who have a heart that screams to take more action and be more effective, but often find themselves doing nothing of the sort. And so even as he counts us among him as if their is no difference between us I can only imagine the effect these letters have had to us over the years. The picture it paints of a man who has died to himself and yet lives brilliantly for God as a suffering servant and yet calls us as loved ones to stand beside us in our common cause of loving the worlds lost and broken.

The second reason I have enjoyed this book is because of the incite look we get into the heart and process of a mature Christian. These days we label what it is to be a mature Christian time and again as we grow in maturity ourselves. At first it might be the person who lead us to God to begin with. Latter it might be a church elder or a writer of a book like Max Lucado. Later still it becomes biblical characters and so on until we get to a point where we to will have reached maturity. Then, I'm willing to bet, we stop labeling what it is to be "spiritually mature" as we realize Christ is the mark we have been striving for and beyond Him their has never been a mark to hit. He is the whole ladder while the people we were labeling have been rungs on it. Anyway, the point I was trying to make before veering off track was that his level of maturity and humility and calm striving strength blow me away. By comparison I feel like a fish out of water, flopping around. So I look with deeper appreciation of his words and attitude in the face of all he has been through and the man he is because of it. Remember this is the same man who only years earlier was arresting and persecuting Christian women and men with urgency and passion. Now he sits alone and at the end of a sword speaking to his faith family as though nothing is out of place and everything is as it should be. He writes these letters while being watched and questioned by those who hold him prisoner. If that doesn't seem impressive to you, try a bit harder to see the very unnatural state of affairs this presents. Place even the most "mature" Christian you know in that spot and consider that (chances are) they would not be so well composed.

If you ever want to see the qualities that make a person a Christian read the gospels, but if you want to see the difference between the average Christian n00b and the more completed package read Philippians, or a few others in the New Testament. The contrast is quite apparent and indeed we should strive for the goal through living it, praying, learning, and loving, but in truth we all start out as one who knows and does nothing good it seems. This life is in all ways a process, a ladder, a race, a series of tests and choices so watch your footing and keep a fair pace in your race. The time for rest is not yet come.

Shouting Invitations

So of late it seems Evangelism is on my mind, as mentioned in earlier posts. I got to read a good bit in a mater of days and then (because of a black out) started reading the Seizing your Divine Moment book again. Well, a few days after that black out I picked up the book again and finished it off. What a work it is. I believe, bible excluded, it is my absolute favorite book ever. I can think of no other so good. Erwin managed to take a biblical story of a soldier and his armor-bearer (who attacked and destroyed an army of Philistines) and managed to reveal in it an inspiring look at love, outreach, and trust in the Lord. I don't think I'll be forgetting the lesson anytime soon.

Anyway, the book, though important here, is not the point. The point is where to start when reaching out in such a way is what you want. Though living well in the sight of others is important it is not enough anymore and so the next step would be inviting and connecting with people on an active level. As I struggle to figure out what to say and when to say it, as if a struggle is even necessary, I have seen a street preacher two days in a row. The same man and his family who seems to be following me around. On Monday I went with some friends to Kipona on Front Street and had a good time. Got a pork-BBQ sandwich and watched some people. Heard some cool music and got some sun. But as we walked we passed a man and his wife. They had the feel of farmers, perhaps straight out of the painting with the man and woman farmers. You know the one, he has a pitchfork in it. So, as we passed, he held up his signs that read "repent" and that the end was near. I tuned in as best I could in the noise to hear his words. At first I was proud of him for being so bold and unflinching, appreciating his words of warning as he spoke of temptations and avoiding people who lead you astray. On the way back though, again not breaking stride, I tuned in and what I heard pulled my heart down again. He was shouting damnation to the onlookers. Warning them not condemning them, but still that manner of evangelism and outreach is not one favored by me, not to mention the non-believing onlookers. That does not mean of course that he didn't impact me or those walking by.

Then today on the way home while enjoying the drive and the music playing, I passed the man and his son out at the Hess station just a mile or so down the road. They held the same signs and stood in rush hour shouting and waving to the cars that passed and stopped at the light. I was struck that I should see them again, let alone so soon. It meant something and I knew it, but what? Was I to pull over and talk to him? I had been interested in doing so on Monday in town, but hadn't. Here was another chance. Or was it that I was just to take in his example of fearlessness and hope (regardless of method)? No doubt that was true at least, as I drove by, partially regretting my decision not to stop. I am curious who he truly stood out there for? Was it the God I know? Was it the Jesus I know? Or was it a warped mirror of those things? Would he be welcoming of a curious and hopeful evangelist or would he see me as opposition, given that he was there for the non-believers he would most likely expect one of them to come. Or if it were another Christian, perhaps one who was not as appreciative of his efforts. Who knows now the moment has passed, but in a way it hasn't as well. I am moved by his heart to stand out and reach out, whether I condone his approach or not. While the rest of us see and hear him and his on the corner, we may think or say to ourselves "Good job!" or perhaps even "Talk about bad press!" , but we by-and-large shy away in some form of embarrassment from those situations and the possibility of association with them. With sadness, I admit that when I hear and see these situations I am all for it inside, but on the outside I shy away. In part from an unconscious and unnecessary fear that comes with being the one standing out. Some people don't have that, God bless them, but many do whether they admit to it or not. Oh well, just one more wall to break down right. o_O

Cleaning House

Well, not all went as planned this extra long weekend, but it was overall productive. I got plenty of time in on writing and web-stuffs. I get more than enough sleep and today I spent nearly 4 hours cleaning at full speed. The apartment hasn't been so clean since it's first year I think and theirs still a few things I have to do before I'm done. Still it was great to take the time to organize and clean so that I could remove some of the clutter I accumulated over the years. Oversized mirrors, extra cushion and pillows, scrap wood, paperwork, appliances, and various knickknacks. I am of course a packrat so I keep anything that I can imagine using later on. This is a trait made far more impacting because of all the hobbies and projects I put my hands in. Maybe if I only have one hobby I would only have been collecting for that hobby, but instead I have enough to start my own yard sale. Maybe if I had my own yard it would be a thought. (^_^)

Instead I simply through it all out. All but a few things I new I could give to someone I know that is. Now, you could call it spring cleaning in late summer if you like, but that wasn't the point. The goal was not actually to clean as much as it was to cut some of the fat, the excess weight, off of my life. Ideally I know what I need and do not need. I need food and water. I need shelter from certain weather things. I need my health. However, after having lived with far more than these few necessary things it is not so simple to let go of my "stuff". True my apartment has never been so empty and I am pleased with the loss incurred today, but I cannot help but feel their is much more that can be let go of.

Of course I'm no fool, I am not doing this for the reason of a random quote of a book I liked or the lifestyle of some person I aspire to be and yet I am doing it for both if you get my drift. The word of God does not demand that every man gives up all he has, but it does not hold its toung in saying that doing so allows a man to do more of the work, live more of the life, that he was intended for. The example that Christ and those who followed Him left for us was one of loss and servitude. These people had nothing left to give but time and energy and it is in part because they had given it away for the cause. Still, I'm embarrassed to say, these reasons (known by most Christians) aren't enough to make me seek this process. It is more of an urge and urgency to prepare and separate than it is the things I read or the wisdom of scripture. An urge to find myself less encumbered by the world around me. An urge that is not my own influence.

Lord knows (pun intended) what awaits me in the coming years, what awaits any of us for that matter, but I'm not going to pretend He isn't going to use me. I'm not going to pretend that He can't use me or that I am not worth using. In fact I have already 'been' used and have found no greater joy in life then the life I find in Christ our Savior and King.

Silent Analysis

(Sorry for the length of this one. I kept it as short as possible without completely loosing the point.)
Anyone know about silent hill? It was a game once, back when I was in school. My friends and I spent hours in the middle of the night playing it. We did a lot of things, some quite scary, in those nights when I scurried out un-announced into the night, but not many things truly scared me like playing that game. "A game scared you?" Yea, it sounds dumb I know, but if you played it at 3am you might understand. It was an impressive work in it's construction and execution. No game since has given me the heeby-jeebies and now it has been made (true to it's origins) into a creepy and suspenseful movie, but I'm not here to recommend it and I'm not here to write a review. I'm here to talk about it's points and counter-points as it is well charged with the fight of good and evil, but even more so (as is common anymore) it blurs the lines of good and evil. In the movie...

-This town called silent hill enveloped in an evil presence has few "survivors", but the ones that existed to shelter in the church. One place where the darkness was unable to tread. When the evil of the town came for them a siren went off and each person ran for the doors of the church. Once in side they prayed to God for help resisting the darkness and their safety. Doing so not in a freeform sense, but in a way that made me think of a prayer herd in catholic mass. Though I doubt it was intended I found these things to represent two vivid (though distasteful) metaphors to be an incite to many churches of today. The first metaphor that comes to mind is that of the church, the very bride of Christ whose life and death was as a servant to mankind, running at the sight and thought of darkness coming. Fearful and unwilling to stand in the grace of God and oppose the evil of the world which is their charge. Instead taking refuge inside their buildings, leaving all would be souls outside to fend for themselves. (That does not apply to all Christians of course, but it is undeniable that many fit the bill.) The second visual that sparked an incite was the act of prayer in the wake of the darkness's onslaught. Instead of praying before hand and moving against it or standing in the hope and light of salvation against the shadows they instead waited for the darkness to come for them before they pray. To add insult to injury their prayers, though effective in the movie, seemed no tot have a spirit or life in it. It was a hollow and empty prayer almost as if a chant that they had been regurgitating each night for years. (I have heard these prayers in various places and seen how little they effect the mood and outlook of those saying it. It saddens me to think of the countless who do not connect with God in prayer. Instead falling to tradition and habit and showmanship.)

-The faith of these "survivors" is seemingly enough to keep them safe from the dangers which I found interesting because it gave a very small, but visible view that good (particularly God) actually had existence and power against the darkness that hunted them. Generally God in a film such as this plays little to no roll and consequently the viewer is given no enforcement that good is an option and a reality. This thing that got no real air-time in the movie aside from the secondhand blame brought on by the faulty followers was still the only real light in the film. Basically, I just was surprised to see, even with the believers being as damaged as they were, good held an actual presence with them and the church they took refuge in. So, for a brief 30 seconds, I was happy at what I saw from the Christian perspective in that scene.

-It bothered me (to no surprise) to here the use of the word faith from a group who would have been hard pressed to represent it any worse than they already did. For instance, in the movie they were hateful and quick to judge. Their judgments were harsh and poorly thought out. Upon judging they welcomed the opportunity to play the part of executioner. After said execution they moved seamlessly back into an assumed state of cleanliness and salvation. Now, I am always appalled to witness such a callous representation of the Christian faith and life. It happens all too often in these days of easy information and entertainment that we live in and so I often feel the need to correct some miss representations that are common today even though I don't have anyone lined up to listen.

(^_^) Maybe I'll post some in the near future just top get it off my chest.

No small feat...

Seriously, making this jukebox has become less and less enjoyable as time passes. (^_^) I need a break so I'm going to leave it as is and just update the songs every month. Initially I wanted to have it an actually jukebox much like Pandora.com where it is really just a flash music player that reads out to my songs which are posted up elsewhere. I can't get it to work right so that only leaves two options. The first being that I actualy stick the song inside the flash jukebox so it can play "streaming" which is going to make the file size unbearable considering the songs I want to put in. The second idea is to do what I did which is simply put button links to the songs so you can download them and listen at your leasure, but it's hardly a true jukebox at the moment.

I am going to continue working on it until I get it right though. That and I'd really like to get rid of those darn white boxes around all the flash stuff. I know how, but with blogger keeping all the html files for themselves I can't fix it my way. Oh well, no shortage of puzzles to solve in my world. Hope you're all haveing a great extended weekend!

*Edit*
The Archives have been updated through August of 2006 again. It took forever to get it working right, but at least it is done. It's late and I'm exhausted. G'night.

These boots of stone...

What if those things that hold us back really were removed? What if the things that distract us, our hobbies, desires, and entertainment devices were cut away from our lives? What would we do as men and women in this revolution of Gods design with out the anchors we keep? Questions some of us ask often and answer easily, but dare not attempt.

I live a comfortable life. It is not overly fancy, but admittedly their is enough to be warm and happy day to day. I have "things" that absorb my time and some even seem rewarding. I have a nice car and a large apartment packed with crap that I think I might one day use. If I ever open the pantry to find no food it is because I am too lazy to run to the store, not because I don't have the money. I can go out to the mall and get a new radio or computer game if I get bored or an old one breaks. All these "things" that have made my life easy and pleasant have also distracted me and disillusioned me. Truly, what was once a blessing is becoming a curse.

Tonight the power went out while I was watching some streaming cartoons online. It's a Friday commitment I am happy to uphold after having offered up my cable, making my TV almost useless. I was laughing away, thinking about the characters and the movies I had rented to watch the next day while the rain pours down outside. Somehow, I had become far removed from the events of the past few days. Days quite full of movement in the Spirit. (I'm not saying much seemed to be accomplished in that regard, but certainly it was a busy front.) I was so out of tune I couldn't even see the opening. Instead, since the power flickered but couldn't remain consistent, I chose to go out to get groceries taking the long way around so as to avoid the high traffic intersections, being that their were no traffic lights to guide the people. As I packed the car up with foodies, standing in the darkened parking lot with the light touch of a misting rain falling on me, I started to pick up on the signal finally. The reception was not quite right though so it only managed to command a silent appreciation of the evenings weather. When I arrived home and began to unpack the food in the darkness, I wondered what I would do and at first it bothered me. "Now what? I can't watch my cartoons. I can't watch movies. I can't play a game. Heck I can't even type up the many letters and things I have backlogged. Man, this sucks."

Now, at some point the reception became very clear. Clear enough that my would-be frustration melted away and I decided to get a book and one of those "things I might need one day" (as mentioned earlier) which was a battery powered night-lite for reading. So, in a fair amount of silence I sat on the couch and for a time just read in the dim light. Between the content of the book and the stillness of the moment it didn't take long to tune in to the Spirit again. So good a feeling it was that when the lights all came back on and stayed on I was frustrated by the interruption. I actually got up, grumbling, and went around turning lights off. Then went back the couch and resumed my readings which, all said and done, lasted almost 2 hours. (This book, which I have to post on later, is almost done. If it weren't 2am I'd finish it, but my eyes are getting heavy.)

I am always so much happier in that ethereal connection than I am chasing after my own plans. Makes me wonder then, why play games? Even better a thought, why have a TV at all? In truth I have more responsibilities calling then I know what to do with and not one of them is distasteful to me. So their is no chance I will be bored without the ever present media that we Americans have come to depend on. Recently I have been motivated, not by a book or a sermon, to start getting rid of the "things" I have surrounded myself with. It will not be easy, but by the same token it will be. (I'm not talking about living as a purist in this regard, but just removing some of the many things that bind me.) Maybe I sound a bit nutty, but the things God has shown me today alone justify and testify to what needs done in my life to prepare me for what is coming. I say that with so much certainty even though what is coming is so uncertain.