The World As It Is and The World As It Should Be

You’ve probably been hearing this language quite often recently. It’s made its way into the political arena of late and was again repeated by Michelle Obama this evening at the Democratic National Convention.

But let me make this clear: this is “lifted” language.

Whether you want to believe it or not, the fact is that this Gospel of the “way it is and the way it should be” is not new language. I heard this language in church long before it came in vogue as a slick, smarmy slogan in the political circle and, frankly, it is much more compelling in the biblical context. So while the Obamas are setting up our American hopes for a coming Savior, the good news is it’s not Barack Obama…but neither is it John McCain.

I believe the world is broken and yes, there is a way that can be or should be, but trusting that to come in in a political figure or system will always leave you wanting.

quote of the week

“Life is just what happens to you,
While you’re busy making other plans.”

-John Lennon, from “Beautiful Boy”

Globalfingerprints

Jeanette introduced me today to Globalfingerprints, an orphan sponsorship program of the Evangelical Free Church. I encourage you to watch the video below, but thought you’d be interested to know a little bit more about this program.

GlobalFingerprints is a sponsorship program specifically for orphans in Congo who have been left behind by AIDS, malnutrition, civil war, and poor health care. Through GlobalFingerprints, these orphans will be able to attend school and receive medical care as necessary. Fifteen percent of the children in Congo are orphans, mostly due to AIDS. Children are cared for in the homes of extended families or concerned Christians from a Congolese Evangelical Free Church. The awesome thing about this sponsorship, in my opinion, is the way in which the church is so central to its mission. I know there are many worthy sponsorship programs, such as WorldVision and Compassion International, which we can participate in and support, but thought this one should be put on your radar as well.

IOC acting on Chinese Gymnasts?

Hold the phones, folks. It seems someone thinks the Chinese Gymnasts broke the rules and put underage gymnasts in the 2008 Olympics…I mean, besides me. Could you imagine??

The International Olympics Committee has asked the International Gymnastics Federation to investigate the matter putting several medals under question. Recently, more information has come to light that online records and media reports suggest three Chinese gymnasts — He, Jiang Yuyuan and Yang Yilin — may be as young as 14.

For more information, read the Associated Press article here.

new music for worship services

I spent a part of my morning today looking for new music (it’s a discipline…) and I’m finding myself a little uninspired. I have to believe there are songs for congregational worship yet untapped that are theologically rich and melodically and musically engaging. Here’s my struggle in looking for quality new songs: Most of the material being “put out there” is being written and released for modern rock bands - you know, crank it up, let it loose, sing it high and sing it loud. And where that works for arenas, nightclubs, and intense, emotional camp/conference settings, there’s a little translation needed for the rest of the world. The responsibility of that translation, however, is not up to the record producers and touring bands who saturate K-LOVE with their new, high-energy single. The responsibility of translation is in the hands of real life, week to week practitioners who have to burrow through the pile to find the nugget that can actually relate to real world application. And frankly, that can be tiresome.

Not that I want you to do my work for me, but I am inquiring for my edification. So…here’s the challenge: based on the above criteria, send me a list of newer songs you think I need to consider. Now, there are a couple limitations. You cannot send me any songs by David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, or Hillsong United…I love them all, but we all know about those. So, bring it on. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.