Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Social Justice Emerging

I came across the Fuller Center for Youth and Famliy Ministry webpages where I can advance my thinking and inform myself about social justice issues and what others are doing and thinking. Here is a web portal with resources for impacting students "to do justly, to love kindness [in this world], and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)." I need to do more reading, reflecting, thinking, praying, and strategizing. I just came across this recently. So peruse the resources and discover the path God wants you to take.

Social Justice and its Implications


I came across a video regarding a student's journey to Darfur. I am uneducated in the depth of the injustice. I wonder how the student has harnessed his engagement with Sudan as a catalyst for making a greater difference in the world. Check out Nick's video on what he did last summer...in Darfur (please note that I do not condone or approve of everything on YouTube).


Nick went with OxFam America. Oxfam America "is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 120 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice."


What is our role in relieving poverty, hunger, and injustice? I believe we need to answer this question because our young people want direction on how to reconcile poverty's end, see hunger fed, and right all wrongs. I wonder how the Church can disciple believers to consider what to do or not do.

The Stirrings of the Spirit


One of my growing responsibilities is to shepherd, to encourage, and to partner with the missionaries we support worldwide. One area of focus is Europe. I am excited about what is occurring among the team in Europe. Tim Hawkins shared this link to Paul Klawitter's blog. I read with anticipation of what God could do among His people as we embrace unity and seek His face. May God advance His kingdom!

The Lord Reigns


As I traveled early this morning from Columbus to Wooster, Ohio, I thank God for traveling with me. It was starting to snow and to accumulate on the roadways. Yet God helped me stay alert and to keep the car on the road. All praise to God!

I marveled at the snow. The precipitation honors God. Although I may desire that Spring begin soon, this snowfall praises the Lord. I forget that. God created the snows for His glory. Yes, it may aggravate me as I travel through it. But God reigns. He rules over all. He set the boundaries of nature. The psalmist in chapter 96 says these words about the Lord's sovereingty, "Say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.' Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice..." Even when the snow flies, the Lord reigns. I believe the Lord releases the flurries and snowfall to honor Himself. He controls everything in creation, especially precipitation. He rules over it all. He reigns.


Because God reigns, I can praise Him. I will honor Him. May you take a moment to reflect on God's sovereign power over you today as you act like a child for a moment--gape wide and "taste" a snowflake or catch a flake and marvel at its uniqueness. Creation reflects the Creator. I choose to honor the Creator today!