A Chalfant5 Update

Get your head in the game

I'm thinking that Brook and i have a different perspective on American Christianity since we lived out of it for a couple of years. We were pretty amazed when we first got back a year ago at the self-focus and small thinking. I thought i was being too critical and sensitive, so i chilled for a while. But i can't chill any longer. No punches pulled on this one.

At a large prayer meeting recently, the guy praying asked for those struggling financially to stand for prayer. It was a large portion of the crowd. Then he asked for those with health issues to stand. The lady in front of us muttered "Well that'll be pretty much everyone" as she stood for prayer.

I don't deny that there are occasional money and health issues - the Bible has many. But it seems we have a lifestyle of not quite having enough. There's a sickness, poverty mentality that is so enveloping American Christianity. I'm talking about those who just dwell there and wear their need as some kind of badge - "My needs and problems are worse than yours..."

There is a simple solution, one that is almost too easy. Get outside of yourself. I know in my life he times i've dealt with the most junk are those times i get self-absorbed and then it just sucks me in. Naval gazing, self-absorbtion, self pity, it's all a pit. Once you start down that road of self, it's a quick downhill slide. Pray, bring your need to God and then serve something or someone outside of yourself.

Sorry if i sound mean and uncaring. There is need and sickness and issues surrounding us. It just strikes me that health, provision, blessing and soundness come when we put ourselves second or third and serve someone else.

I'm not talking about earning something by works, but by proving our love and that Jesus is Lord in all situations by putting Him first and loving others like we love ourselves.

Pray, love, give, serve.

Whoa!

My new job at CBNnews.com is all about news. It's cool that i'm surrounded by news and current events all day long, but weird that i'm right in the middle of it all day long. It's amazing to see the bias of some agencies and the restraint of others. It's part of my job to monitor top stories from around the web and the news channels.

One of the most amazing displays of restraint is that of the nation of Israel. I'm amazed at how they are so cool under fire and how they are going about taking care of Hezbollah and others who seek their demise. If they wanted to, they could totally wipe out Hezbollah and Hamas but with incredible numbers of civilian casualties. They are doing it the right way by surgically taking out the terrorist infrastructure.

I'm also amazed at what a difference a Christian perspective puts on the news. Things are still bad and circumstances are still rising all around, but when you can look at things with a hope and a sense that nothing is a surprise to God, it makes all the difference. Our God is still in control and has everything under control. Wild fires, tropical storms, terrorism, war, stem cell debate ... all are still under the jurisdiction of the One who created it all and holds us in His hand.

First Post

Well, we've finally entered the current century. Somebody the other day pulled out an old Family Feud game and said it was from last century. I guess we won't get into records and 8 tracks.

Brook and i have some stuff brewing around in our heads, so stay tuned. We're finally getting into a groove back in the States and this area and life in general, so we'll be doing some brain dumps soon.

Blessings,
c