Taking a Stand - Would you Do it?

Carrie Prejean, Miss California, a finalist in the Miss USA contest has created quite a stir. She was asked by judge Perez Hilton (pseudo name), an openly gay gossip blogger, whether she believed in gay marriage. Miss Prejean, responded, "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised." Many of the personnel who run the contest as well as much of the media has castigated Carrie. Perez Hilton has been downright caustic.

Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, tells FOXNews.com that he was "saddened" by Prejean's statement. "As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman," said Lewis in a statement. "I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit. I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone and religious beliefs have no politics in the Miss California family." (link)

The point is that religious people should "compartmentalize" faith. Religion is something that is to be private, but not something that would dare affect one's worldview - including politics. Prejean told FOXNews.com that she has "no regrets" and is happy with the answer she gave. According to Foxnews, Prejean, is a student at San Diego Christian College, and is studying to become a special education teacher. She spends her spare time volunteering for the Best Buddies non profit organization, a program that helps people with disabilities. Prejean is also a volunteer for the Special Olympics. (link)

There is speculation that her answer cost her "her crown." This story is worth sharing at your supper table and talking about taking a stand for what you believe, in spite of the cost or consequence. It is a biblical idea. It would also be a good opportunity to talk about the reason for your own personal convictions. Would you take a stand if it cost you a starting position on the team, a scholarship, a promotion, or ...? Here is a modern day example of someone who paid the price for standing up for her convictions.

Note: Here is a good response to this double standard by Andrea Tantaros. She effectively points out the hypocrisy of it all here.

Acting on Your Dreams - (no matter what your age!)

You may have a dream of using your talents for the Lord, but for different reasons you have not acted on those dreams. It maybe because you don't feel you have had the opportunity, or you don't believe you have the ability, or age is against you, or.... If you have a dream that you feel is God given, but haven't acted on it, I want to encourage you to ask God for the opportunity to fulfill that dream. That dream may be starting a new ministry, reaching out to a neighbor to show the love of Christ, coaching a children's sports team to have a positive impact in the lives of young people. The opportunities are endless. There are many passages from Scripture that remind us of God's enablement to carry out our calling in life.

Here is some inspiration from a 47 year old woman, from the 2009 "Britain's Got Talent" show. It is a moving experience! (Note: embedding of video has been turned off, you will have to follow this LINK to watch it -- it WILL be worth your time!)

Here is a little more info on Susan Boyle from Foxnews - click here.

Thoughts on Corporate Worship

Our desire at Valley Grace is to create an environment which encourages participatory worship of our God. Obviously, there are things which can hinder the expression of corporate worship which we are trying to avoid. Worship does not exist for the sake of the worshiper, but for the sake of God. So we need to ask the question, "what will please God?" We are desirous of providing an environment where there is participatory worship as opposed to an entertainment or concert atmosphere. We are the performers and God is the audience listening to us express our hearts to Him. It is important that we prepare ourselves in coming to gather as followers of Christ to sing and express your praise and adoration. Worship is not something that is just turned on at the beginning of the "worship service." Worship is something that we do individually throughout the week, and then just continue corporately as we come together as the church.

Note: this is NOT what we are after:

Sharing Christ

As followers of Christ, we are called to be involved in the process of helping people to find The Savior. So how can we be more effective on our mission? Here is a summary from the study, "YOU are more likely to influence the people you know for the gospel than a tract, billboard, commercial, TV or radio preacher. Those things may help, but relationship is central"

This is from A recent Lifeway Research study which presented the following information. The top 5 times when people are more open to consider matters of faith:

1. During the Christmas & Holiday season - 47%
2. During the Easter holiday season - 38%
3. After a major national crisis such as 9/11 - 38%
4. After a natural disaster - 34%
5. After the birth of a baby - 28%

Here are four things every follower of Christ can do to help influence people around you for Christ.

1. Praying: every believer and the church praying for lost people.
2. Engaging: every believer sharing as a trained witness for Christ.
3. Sowing: every lost person receiving a complete witness (this is so much more than "do you want things to go right in your life," or "ask Jesus into your heart." It is understanding that the Gospel presents our need for salvation, and invitation to be saved, and then there must be a response on the part of the individual to the Gospel.
4. Harvesting: every church harvesting and celebrating every salvation experience.

We need to make a Big Deal about every person who comes to Christ in faith. After all, there is a party in heaven (Luke 15:7 & 10).

The researchers also asked the question when people were most willing to receive information about a local congregation. Here were the responses:

1. Personal conversation with a family member - 63%
2. Personal conversation with a friend or neighbor from church - 56%
3. Informative ad in the newspaper - 48%
4. Outdoor sign or billboard - 46%
5. Newspaper or magazine advertising - 46%

You can read more of this research here with comments.