Least favorite word

Over time, I have developed a small hatred toward certain words. The hatred has been created by either way too much use of the word, incorrect usage, or just overall sound of the word. My more recent additions to this list include, but are not limited to: Change, Hope, and entitlement. The last one is the one I would like to talk more about.

Entitlement to me seems to be the crutch of the American people, and perhaps people abroad as well. To them, it's the thoughts of "what can I get out of this", or "what are they going to do for ME" that cause them to feel entitled to certain things that they would much rather have given to them than have to earn them.

Now, don't get me wrong -- there are definitely things in this world that people are entitled to, such as natural rights and liberties, in particular the ones addressed in the American Bill of Rights. These are rights that should be guaranteed, protected, and for lack of a better word - entitled - to ALL American citizens regardless of race, creed, or other classifications of society.

The trouble I have with these beliefs is when people feel that, since things are getting so bad for them, it's obviously someone else's fault. Whomever's fault it may be is now responsible for fixing that person's problems because they are entitled to a better life. Nevermind that that person may be sitting at home, watching their big screen, satellite t.v., eating overpriced junk food, and looking out the window periodically at their overpriced vehicle (obviously, money had been spent unwisely is the point I'm trying to make). Instead of trying to find a decent job, spend their money wisely, and try to accomplish things on their own, they are expecting someone else to pick up the slack for them....and now it seems they'll get it.

Included in this outrageous "bailout" bill proposed by Obama himself are health care benefits...FOR THE UNEMPLOYED! Ridiculous? Most definitely. Not only can these people get paid for not working (Unemployment), they can now receive health insurance. Here lies my question to myself: Why am I even working? Why do I have a job that pays equal to those receiving unemployment AND that I have to pay for my own health benefits for my entire family? If this bill is supposed to "create" jobs as it has been said it will, how is it going to do this if it only encourages people to NOT get jobs and cash in on their entitlement from John and Jane Q. Taxpayer???

So many people voted in our current President because they desired change. They had lost hope. He was their savior. They wanted to get what they believed they deserved and had long been without - what they were entitled to. Well America, when this $900,000,000,000.00 (what it will be after Senate gets through adding what THEY want) bailout bill comes to your front door, beware for what you had hoped you were going to get. You will soon find out that it wasn't all that it was hyped up to be, and you will soon feel a new sense of entitlement - believing that this was all someone else's fault, shoving off any responsibility from yourself (the people who voted these crooks into office), and needing another savior to give you what you're entitled to....

Bottom line: only God can give you that.

Signs of things to come?

As we embark on a new era of "leadership" in our country, I am very discouraged of what's to come. A couple incidents, however extremely minute, have shed light on what can happen in the coming months and years.

The first incident occurred while I was waiting in line to vote on election day. I got to the polling center around 10am and didn't have much wait. As I got closer to the booths, I noticed a giant bowl. Now, I am not using that term lightly(When I say "giant", I mean it was about the size of a bowl that one may serve spaghetti to the Army in). At one point, the bowl had the little, round peppermints that are individually wrapped inside. The only reason I know that is because by the time I got up to it, there was one left! You may be wondering where I'm going with this, so let me explain: The majority of people in my polling center were voting for Obama. These people want him to be President because they firmly believe he will provide them with what they have always wanted -- prosperity and happiness....So, the empty mint bowl symbolized, in a very out-of-whack way, when the wealth is taken from those whom have earned it to be put in a "bowl" and redistributed to those who couldn't achieve it themselves, it will be gobbled up quicker than that bowl of mints to the point where it's all gone. Then all we're left with are a bunch of people with bad breath (no money)...see the connection?

The other incident was in my classroom. I decided to put a communal supply box in the back of the room for the students. I was noticing that too many people didn't have the necessary materials (i.e. pencils, pens, paper, etc.) to perform the daily tasks. I was also finding several pens and pencils left behind by other students. So, I decided to put those pens and pencils in the box and allow the kids to BORROW them on the premise that they would return them by the end of class. The first day I implemented this, a student actually donated a bunch of his own pencils to the box. The VERY NEXT DAY, the box was EMPTY. When I asked the next day: "what the heck happened to all the pencils!?" and one kid's response was "Mr. Schnee, we're black people," as if this was a reasonable excuse, I was disgusted that black people would hold themselves to such low standards....I think after reading my previous explanation, you can see the symbolism in this story, so I won't take anymore of your time.

The reason these events are of concern to me is that they indicate what sort of things Obama's administration is going to do. With the "leadership" of Obama, Biden, Pelosi, and the Senate Majority Leader (I forget his name), this once-Constitution-run country will soon become a FAILED Socialist regime. People's hard-earned wealth and happiness will be stripped from them and given to those who are just looking for handouts; the things we once held dear to us will be put to an end; and worst of all, these so-called "leaders" will be doing this without a second thought because, as long as their pockets are stuffed, they could care less about their subjects. Anyone care for a mint?

Olympic Disappointment

As billions of people have witnessed over the past 16 days, the USA team has had its shining moments, along with its moments of shame. The shame most notably coming in the track and field events, unfortunately....But, my biggest disappointment from watching these games has been the lack of glorifying God, and an almost total promotion of self. So many athletes have spoken of what they did at a particular moment and how it was "luck", or how well they've been training and it all paid off. The defining moment of the Olympics for me was during the 400 meter race. The heavy favorite ended up getting beat by another American, who has been his fierce rival for years. The winner said it's what he's been training for, that's why he won. He trained to win, so he won. The guy that got beat was obviously upset (even though he did what so many people have been unable to do by winning a medal at the Olympics). And my favorite part of this post-race interview was when David Neville spoke. If you missed the race, he's the one who literally dove toward the finish line to earn the bronze medal. During the interview, he stated how happy he was to have accomplished what he did and as the camera was turning away, he stated: "all the glory to God!"
I don't expect everyone to profess their faith, but it makes me proud to see when people are put on the spot, how they'll shine. David Neville made my Olympics!

Birth Control & Controlling Birth

Recent convictions have shown me that I am not allowing God to have complete control of all aspects of my life, which is what I am supposed to do. This is never an easy task, and is in fact an ongoing struggle in my Christian walk. When it comes to having a family and making the right decisions based on what God's will is, I have been convinced that I am not doing it right. Sure, I honor the whole reading, praying, and worshiping together as a family, while instilling Christian morals and principles in my children, but where I have struggled is when it comes to making babies.

When Courtney and I got married, we agreed we would not have children until about 5 years or so. We got a plan, called Natural Family Planning (NFP) -- a form of controlling birth based on a woman's "cycle" -- and tried to put it into practice. Obviously, for those of you who know, we got pregnant within the first month of our marriage...so much for the 5-year plan....I have since wrestled with the idea of birth control, either by pill, shot, NFP, or some other method, and whether this was our attempts of controlling what God wants.

Sex in marriage is supposed to be one of the most (if not THE most) enjoyable, sensational, honorable, glorifying, etc. experiences of marriage. When practicing NFP, we had to put sex on hold for 6-10 days (torture) so to avoid pregnancy. I know if we would have been on "the pill", it may have been a different story and I wouldn't be writing this blog as a father of 2....Nonetheless, however we try to control the miracle of a baby, we are, I feel, disobeying God. If God doesn't want us to have children (yet), He won't give us any. Why should we provide ourselves with the safety net of birth control as opposed to letting God control the situation. Similarly, I would not carry a gun around with me just to make sure I'm not attacked and unable to defend myself.

The last word there is key: "myself"....that's what it boils down to, isn't it? Making sure I take care of myself before I take on what I once considered to be a burden to my "dreams" and "ambitions". Having a family is a dream come true! Some say it's "irresponsible" to not take birth control....But, I'm a Christian and I must follow the plans GOD has for me, not the plans I have for me. Irresponsibility is not relying on God to control my life.

I firmly believe that God gave us Noah and Gus for a purpose. What does God do that is NOT for a purpose?? Whether we are ready or not, we are going to let God control an area of marriage that so many people wish to control themselves. If we get pregnant again, PRAISE GOD for such a miracle!!!

Yet another reason to hate the Steelers...oh yeah, and abortion....

I'm either voting McCain or no one for the simple, yet pivotal issue of abortion. It is the cruelest thing next to murder a human can do to another life. It disgusts me and frightens me that people who support abortion are running our country and could possibly become one of the most powerful people in the world (Obama, etc.). He offers "change", but that change brings tremendous consequences, which may not take effect for another generation, but will nonetheless be disastrous. I don't tend to speak out about much politically, but when family, friends, and colleagues are being brainwashed by these utopian beliefs, it becomes something of interest to me to stay convicted and follow my heart. To find peace in this frustration, though, is only found in Christ. I have to constantly remind myself that He is the leader of this country, it's people, and it's interests. It doesn't matter what anyone does or doesn't do, He is ultimately in control.

"Bummer of a birthmark, Hal"

At church last week, our associate pastor gave a rather inspiring sermon. The message was based on chapter 4 in the book of Nehemiah, when the Jews are faced with overwhelming criticism and adversity when trying to rebuild their temple. People that had once supported their construction despite not being Jewish were now turning against them. People in leadership positions were telling everyone else bad things and instigating hatred in their speeches.

The relationship to this message today is that Christians are walking this earth with targets on our backs (whence the cartoon). We have a calling, a purpose on this earth, to bring glory to God. A lot of times, people we thought would always support us (i.e. the church, friends, family, etc.) will talk out against us. Sometimes they'll even go the extra mile to make sure we don't do what we're supposed to. I'm reminded of times we (either Courtney or I) have tried to raise support for a particular ministry or mission trip and our own family members spoke adamantly against it, in some cases attempting to convince the rest of our family that what we were trying to do was stupid or crazy. The case is usually that Satan is using them to attack us, not that our families or friends don't love us. Simply put, sometimes we are just not aware of the bigger scheme of things -- that there is a spiritual battle all around us and Satan will use what he can to win. The reality, thank GOD, is that the war has already been won by the One who is sovereign and in control of all things -- Jesus. I know I can be guilty of this type of behavior too. I am not constantly in tune with what is going on and that God is in control of my heart. This is what makes me human and a sinner. I was reminded in this sermon that I must prepare myself for the battle that is taking place all the time around me. I must make sure I am on God's side by the end of the day.

Although the cartoon refers to the "birthmark" as a "bummer", I am overjoyed to have this target on my back. It means I am on the winning side, that God is going to prevail, and that God's love will never fail nor leave me! Amen!

clearing the air

Okay, I can't sit on my thumbs any longer. First of all, it hurts. Second, I feel I need to clarify what the issue REALLY is with my opinions of "predestination". Too bad to those of you who said it was an issue that need not be discussed or used to create some sort of tension. Too bad, because I firmly believe in a just and true God.

It is not by anything I do -- go overseas, stand on a street corner, talk to someone at work, church, etc., read the Bible, or even pray -- that will bring someone to salvation from sin. To believe that God has NOT predetermined who will and won't be saved and that I am to witness to as many people as I can in order for them ALL to be saved before Jesus comes back is absurd! It takes any glory from the Father that would be His and puts it on my shoulders, making me and others believe that I am indirectly in control of what God does and doesn't do by my actions. I heard this analogy not too long ago: picture myself (a Christian) as a waiter at a restaurant. The chef (God) has cooked up something delicious for the guests (non-believers). My job is to present the meal (the Gospel) on the table, but that is all. I cannot shove it down someone's throat; nor can I just leave it on the floor and expect someone to come pick it up. God knows who it is for: the person who eats it. I could not do ANYTHING to determine who was going to eat it. Sure, some of you may say, "well, that's free will." But I ask the question: what glory does our Creator, Father, King get as a result of just sheer chance that someone will all of a sudden DECIDE to "eat" the Gospel? What that belief leads to is someone thinking that THEY made the decision, thus taking any glory from the sovereignty of God = sin.

And to those of you who think it is unnecessary to talk about this, you're wrong. If we as Christians go out into the world blind, without a solid foundation in what we believe in, in the truth revealed to us through the Word and the Word only, then all hope is lost. God reveals His truth through the Bible, not some commentator or teacher or any other outpost. We need to allow scripture to explain scripture. I believe that the "Calvinistic" view of scripture is the truest form because that is what it does -- looks at scripture to explain scripture. These labels are only given to allow us to understand that 1)there are different views of the Bible out there, so we need to discover what it is we believe, and 2)we can summarize our beliefs into a simpler form.

When God DOES send you out, know that HE sent you, not YOU. When you pray, it is to share intimacy and communication with our Father, not to change His will. When you witness, do it for God's glory by presenting the Gospel and leaving it at that. Sure, build relationships, talk to the lost as much as possible, but know that nothing YOU do will change the outcome of that person's salvation, which is only given by God. It is my hope that you all understand this. Accepting it is up to God.

predestination

When it comes to how I understand what I believe about God, I guess I would be called a Calvinist. Keep in mind, this is only a label given to a theological viewpoint, and I don't worship Calvin or his teachings, but I worship only Jesus Christ, the one true God. But, I believe it is essential in my faith walk to have something to help explain things. When discovering truth about my faith, I tend to fall under the same beliefs that are categorized under Calvinism. One of the staples of Calvinism is Predestination. Predestination is when God has predetermined who will be saved; He has predetermined ALL that has happened, is happening, and is yet to happen. Basically, there is no such thing as "luck" or "chance", it has all been set out by our Creator. This topic is subject to much controversy and debate, and is a major dividing factor amongst the Protestant faith between Calvin and Armenian theologies.

I believe that God has predetermined who is going to Heaven and who isn't. If we all knew who was going to Heaven and who wasn't, it would be too easy for us and would take away the sovereignty of God. It is by God's grace alone that we are saved. There is nothing we can DO to change that. I cannot send someone to Heaven or Hell, it is by God's sovereign will. What better way to bring glory and honor to God than to NOT know everything He knows? Just because someone is a good person -- contrary to some popular beliefs -- they are not necessarily going to Heaven. On the contrary, just because someone is a bad person, it doesn't mean they're going to hell. Nor does all this mean that Christians don't have the responsibility to bear witness and baptize in the name of Christ. We still have a duty, but it is ultimately up to God what happens. Don't look at witnessing or praying as a waste of time, but rather a heartfelt responsibility that glorifies God and makes Him happy -- our purpose on this earth.

Man vs. Media

Here's something that really bothers me. The way our society degrades men on a constant and regular basis is extremely destructive and condescending. Turn on a T.V., radio, or computer, and you almost instantly find a show, advertisement or some other media outlet degrading men. Now, it may not be straight out saying, "Hey, we are degrading men!" But instead, it will display a father/husband/a male figure doing something careless and being the one to blame, while the wife and kids disrespect and downplay his authoritative role for their family. Or maybe it's a commercial where the kid gets what he wants because he makes the dad feel stupid -- a direct act of disrespect.

I realize this is all just acting and people are simply reading a script, but think about how much influence a simple advertisement, song, or show has on people. People mold their lives or revolve their schedules around their favorite shows and actors/actresses.

All this bothers me because I see it affecting the men of this world. They don't have a clear idea of how to be a man, so they look to what they know and what is accepted in society in the media. Don't believe me? Just look at the lack of leadership in the homes. Men are complacent, they walk out, or give into someone else's lead. Wives leave their husbands because they are unresponsive, uncaring, or simply not their. The men leave their wives because that's what's "normal". It's always easier for men NOT to lead, while it tends to be easier for women NOT to submit to a man's leadership. This simple observation of mine leads me to believe that that is why it HAS to be the other way around. Good things take hard work. Therefore, men need to work hard at being a leader and women need to work hard at submitting to their husband's leadership.

Instead of looking to the media (magazines, tv, radio, etc.), we need to look to the only constant and true thing in this world: GOD. His instructions to us on how to be men are clearly written in His Word (the Bible). My prayer for myself and the men out there is that we can mold our lives after Jesus, not just some show or advertisement.

Why now?

I'm delving into this whole blogging business as a result of having a lot on my mind, but no one other than my wife to share it with. I miss fellowship with other men and being surrounded by strong Christians that I have a meaningful relationship with, like at other stages in my short life. My life seems to be a constant struggle with what I want to do and what I should do. My heart pulls me one way and reality (or the world) pulls me another. I am constantly at a crossroad where I feel pressured to make something of myself and a decision must be made now! The bottom line is that I NEED to follow my heart, for it is controlled by God and not something else...ideally. But in an ideal world, I wouldn't feel the need to create this blog. The more I am away from true fellowship, the more I am pulled away from following God's will and being held accountable to doing so. As a result, when those times come when I must make a decision on something, I am not confident in where my heart stands and thus if I should actually follow it. Although my wife is perfect for me in every sense, I cannot expect her to provide accountability and encouragement all of the time. By having this blog I hope to at least put my thoughts in type and have some sort of connection with the reader. No, this is not my idea of fellowship either, but at least it allows me to be heard. Thanks for reading.