Is It Finished?

So I took my little brother to see Bolt last weekend. At one point during the movie he leaned over to me and said "It's over." Knowing that he is not very well versed in movies I could tell that it was not actually over and told him that there was more movie. But I could see how he would think it was over. This got me thinking about how often we think something is over before it actually is. We think it is the end when we actually need to be hoping for more.

Like when David and Bathsheba's first child died. Everyone thought David should continue to mourn but he praise God. He knew what would come later. He knew he would be with the child. Or when Jesus was on the cross. He cried out a psalm of hope. He knew there was more to come. He was letting those around him know it was not over. He knew more was coming.

Often things get turned totally upside down and our first response it to question God. But what if we took a new perspective. What if we questioned our feelings? What if we questioned our perspective? What if we claimed "It is not over"? If you have a relationship with Jesus then you can claim this. Paul writes "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." If you do not have a relationship with Jesus you cannot claim this. But you can.

So there are two responses possible here. If you have a relationship with Jesus you need to remind yourself that "It's not over." If you do not have a relationship with Jesus you can respond by putting your hope in him. If you are interested in that you can email me @ jcvarner@gmail.com. There is actually a third option and that is to not respond to this information. You can go on living as you have been. But there is no hope in that. In Jesus we have hope. We know that "It's not over" for the resurrection has come.

In the Stream

I found this quote today.

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
- Thomas Jefferson

I wonder if this is to some degree what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)

"19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel,that I may share with them in its blessings."

Right now how are you swimming and how are you standing?

Verse to Reflect On

This verse was shared this weekend at church and I thought I'd pass it on as it is a great verse for reflection this time of year.

Isaiah 9:8 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Christmas vs. Xmas

So I keep having this strong desire to type out and write Xmas. But every time I think about it I am reminded of "The Reason for the Season." I know cheesy. But I want to encourage you all to consider writing Christmas rather than Xmas. For Christ truly is the reason we celebrate all this. And the more we can do to remind ourselves of that the better. With all the hustle and bustle, plus the consumerism. It is often Jesus that is lost in this time of year. So when you are at the store in line and are getting frustrated with how long it is taking take a look around. See if you can find something to remind you that this is about Jesus. And W.W.J.D.? I know cheesy. Or the next time you are searching for a parking spot or have one jacked look at the lights and remember He is the Light of the World. Still cheesy? Basically what I am saying is take a look around and I bet you can find something to remind you of Jesus. Even if it is Santa Clause. Remember he was a Christian. Not this modern Santa Clause but Saint Nicolas. Advertisers all the time use little messages for their purpose. So why not use the true little messages of Christmas to change your perspective. I hope you all have an amazing and wonderful Christmas season.

Justice and Mercy

Thoughts I'm pondering right now: To what degree do we offer mercy towards a Christian man guilty of a crime? To what degree do we yearn for punishment against a Christian brother? What should be my response when a Christian brother is accused of a crime? What should it be if he is found guilty?

I understand what my response should be when it is simply an act of sin; forgiveness.

Any thoughts?

Luke's Gospel

So I've been reading Luke's Gospel during my devotionals as of late. I've chosen to go through Luke because it appears that Luke writes to a man of power and position. While I do not have these I feel my current life setting has more to do with rich men of that day than it does with the other Gospels, not that they do not speak to me. I just thought I would read through Luke and let it challenge me as a privileged young man in a very wealthy county. So today I was excited to find out that the Singles Blog for Saddleback Church is doing a devotional set for the Christmas Story for Luke. When you have a chance you might want to check it out. It'll be very interesting to be challenged again by this story.

Craziness

So a month ago I was having a discussion with a friend and he said "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I'll sound crazy." As a prodded him for more information I said something that I didn't quite grasp until after I said it, I know typical me I say something before I think about it. I responded by saying "We believe in a God who was raised from the dead. Dead people don't rise on a typical basis. We deal in crazy." This statement has stuck with me since that day. I wonder what are something that we believe are impossible that are actually not that far off from occurring. I was once one of those lost cause people who few thought I would ever come to know Jesus. How many friends have I seemingly written off as unsavable? How many times have I written off a healing because it seemed impossible? As a Christian I have to believe that prayer works. I have to believe that God actually cares what happens. I have to believe that the impossible is possible. Every time we read the story of the resurrection it should to some degree remind us that the impossible is possible.

Here is what I am trying to say. When ever you think something is impossible remember that day roughly 2000 years ago when the Son of God was raised from the dead. Remember that friend who came to know Jesus. Remember what he has done for you that seemed impossible. Remember that as long as it will lead to good God deals in the impossible. When the night is darkest remember that the impossible is possible.

I pray that you will all continue to form a worldview of craziness.

Advent Conspiracy Promo Video

Found this video and it really struck me. What will we focus on this Christmas?

From a Friend

A long lost friend of mine posted this on her blog. I thought you all might appreciate it.

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

William J. H. Boetcker (1942)
(Quoted by Ronald Reagan)

This Guy is Great.

This guy brings up some great points. Especially about the actors at the end.

ACORN

So recently the group known as ACORN has been caught performing voter fraud in multiple states. In Indiana they were caught because the state had 105% of its population registered to vote. They were caught in Nevada because they registered the entire Dallas Cowboys starting lineup. So this issue is extremely upsetting to me. This is a right many men have died fighting for. It is a right that other people in other places would die to have. Think about the people in Burma or other places that yearn for this right and would die for it. So in light of this I decided to add up the top 10 Wars in American History by deaths. You want to know what it adds up to?

Death Total: 1,308,244

The lives of these men is worth more than winning an election, but I guess not everyone thinks that way.

Parable of the Talents

So I've been spending some time reflecting on the Parable of the Talents. Not the whole parable, just a part, actually just part of a single verse. The part I have been reflecting on is found in Matthew 25:15. The part I've been reflecting on is "each according to his ability." Not really sure why this struck me but it has. I think we generally understand what the point of the parable is, that we are to be responsible with what we have and more will be given, but I keep thinking about this portion of a verse. As I think about this I wonder "what exactly does it mean?" So as I process this I am beginning to wonder what abilities he has given us that we often forget about and we often miss opportunities to use the abilities and therefore are unfaithful with them. Or if we don't know about the ability and we miss an opportunity will we have what is given taken away. I'm unsure if we are responsible for what we do not know.

This has also gotten me thinking about what abilities I have and I am not using. What do we do when we don't have opportunities to use our abilities? Do we search opportunities out or do we wait until we are given them?

Any how, just some random thoughts to get you thinking. Feel free to process in comment form if you like.

The Possible

So Purpose Driven Childrens Ministry Conference started today at Saddleback. The theme is Pipedream: Making The Impossible Possible. This got me thinking "What are the things my friends or myself might do if we thought it was actually possible?"

Here are some of mine (Feel free to post yours as a comment if you like):

Plant a church in Portland that ministers to the poor and the captives.
Start a retreat center that is a ranch.
Lead some long time friends to Jesus.
Write a book that brings people closer to Jesus.

That's it for now.

My Thoughts and Hopefully Yours

So first off I want to ask you all for your thoughts in response to what I am about to write. I've been pondering something and I am curious if others see it the way I do or if I am off base. So lets be at it shall we.

Last night I was having a conversation with a female friend and she was talking about how she has a lot to bring to the table and doesn't want to settle for some random guy. Which frankly kinda bugs me. The reason this bugs me is because I feel if a man were to say this he would be considered prideful and arrogant but if a women says this she is just holding her self with high value. But honestly is it any different? Also as I thought about it I began to notice something about myself; I dislike it when men are prideful (side note: I am a prideful person and I know that but I am working on it) but when women appear prideful it really really bothers me. Not really sure why. Do you guys feel the same way or differently? I think what bugs me about it is that it seems so contrary to the nature of women where in men it almost comes off as a natural thing. Now I have little to base this on other than my gut. Am I off base here? Please note I am not making a moral or ethical judgment here considering all pride is bad. Overall what do you guys think?

Reflections on 9/11

So just a quick hit before I go to bed.

I did some reflection today regarding 9/11 and what has occurred since. And something struck me. Rarely do I pray for the families that have been affected here due to that day and the days that have followed. Lives have been lost and people grieve. But something else struck me. Very very rarely do I and others pray for the families on the other side and instantly some verses came to my mind. Matthew 5:43-45 where Jesus instructs us to pray for our enemies, I assume he meant Al Qaeda and the like.

Matthew 5:43-45 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Just a thought.

Catholic Brothers

This was issued today by the Archbishop of Denver. I know it is longer than most post but it deserves reading. I am so proud of the Catholic response right now.

Found this at Hugh Hewitt's Blog.

Public Servants and Moral Reasoning:

A notice to the Catholic community in northern Colorado

To Catholics of the Archdiocese of Denver:

When Catholics serve on the national stage, their actions and words impact the faith of Catholics around the country. As a result, they open themselves to legitimate scrutiny by local Catholics and local bishops on matters of Catholic belief. In 2008, although NBC probably didn't intend it, Meet the Press has become a national window on the flawed moral reasoning of some Catholic public servants.

On August 24, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, describing herself as an ardent, practicing Catholic, misrepresented the overwhelming body of Catholic teaching against abortion to the show's nationwide audience, while defending her "pro-choice" abortion views. On September 7, Sen. Joseph Biden compounded the problem to the same Meet the Press audience.

Sen. Biden is a man of distinguished public service. That doesn't excuse poor logic or bad facts. Asked when life begins, Sen. Biden said that, "it's a personal and private issue." But in reality, modern biology knows exactly when human life begins: at the moment of conception. Religion has nothing to do with it. People might argue when human "personhood" begins - though that leads public policy in very dangerous directions - but no one can any longer claim that the beginning of life is a matter of religious opinion.

Sen. Biden also confused the nature of pluralism. Real pluralism thrives on healthy, non-violent disagreement; it requires an environment where people of conviction will struggle respectfully but vigorously to advance their beliefs. In his interview, the senator observed that other people with strong religious views disagree with the Catholic approach to abortion. It's certainly true that we need to acknowledge the views of other people and compromise whenever possible - but not at the expense of a developing child's right to life. Abortion is a foundational issue; it is not an issue like housing policy or the price of foreign oil. It always involves the intentional killing of an innocent life, and it is always, grievously wrong. If, as Sen. Biden said, "I'm prepared as a matter of faith [emphasis added] to accept that life begins at the moment of conception," then he is not merely wrong about the science of new life; he also fails to defend the innocent life he already knows is there.

As the senator said in his interview, he has opposed public funding for abortions. To his great credit, he also backed a successful ban on partial-birth abortions. But his strong support for the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade and the false "right" to abortion it enshrines, can't be excused by any serious Catholic. Support for Roe and the "right to choose" an abortion simply masks what abortion is, and what abortion does. Roe is bad law. As long as it stands, it prevents returning the abortion issue to the states where it belongs, so that the American people can decide its future through fair debate and legislation.

In his Meet the Press interview, Sen. Biden used a morally exhausted argument that American Catholics have been hearing for 40 years: i.e., that Catholics can't "impose" their religiously based views on the rest of the country. But resistance to abortion is a matter of human rights, not religious opinion. And the senator knows very well as a lawmaker that all law involves the imposition of some people's convictions on everyone else. That is the nature of the law. American Catholics have allowed themselves to be bullied into accepting the destruction of more than a million developing unborn children a year. Other people have imposed their "pro-choice" beliefs on American society without any remorse for decades.

If we claim to be Catholic, then American Catholics, including public officials who describe themselvesas Catholic, need to act accordingly. We need to put an end to Roe and the industry of permissive abortion it enables. Otherwise all of us - from senators and members of Congress, to Catholic laypeople in the pews - fail not only as believers and disciples, but also as citizens.

Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Archbishop of Denver

James D. Conley

Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

Out of touch

I have come to the conclusion that I am out of touch with the rest of my generations. Why am I out of touch you ask? The answer is simple, I am unwilling to believe political rhetoric. One thing I want everyone to remember is that Hitler was a good speaker. Good speakers do not make good leaders. Weigh what they say people. Do not blindly accept the rhetoric.

Whose Line is it Anyway - Richard Simmons Living Scenery

Amazing video that my friend Corri shared on Facebook. Thought I should share it with you as well.

1 Timothy 5:8

Currently I am trying to write a paper on which came first, The Gospel of Matthew or The Gospel of Mark. So I decided I would procrastinate.

Today I was listening to a podcast about Men and Women in the church. And the pastor reference 1 Timothy 5:8 which states "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (NIV). His point was that it was the man's job to provide for his family, even if it requires major sacrifice on his part, including having two jobs.

Now I am not going to interpret this verse for you as I don't feel like it and I feel the verse is pretty straight forward; which means I hope ya'll are smart enough to figure it out for yourselves (yes I just used ya'll and referenced smart people, no I do not see this as an issue). Any how, what I find interesting is I was just talking with a buddy last week about this exact topic and what is the man's responsibility according to the bible.

One issue we came across was that our current society primarily functions as a dual income environment. As we discussed this we wondered if that is due to the fact that we feel the need to have things that we really do not need.

Just some thoughts as I procrastinate.

I encourage you to read that verse and allow the Holy Spirit to move you to action, what ever that action looks like.

Tertullian and Ad Martyras

So I tonight I was working on a one page Historical Illustration for Christian History to 1517. For the illustration we have to find a primary source quote and illustrate the importance of the quote. As I was stumbling around I found a quote by Tertullian, a Christian apologist in the 2nd century who coined the term Trinity. One of his writings is called Ad Martyras which is means To the Martyrs in Latin. The thing that struck me the most was his perspective found in chapter III.

Grant now, O blessed, that even to Christians the prison is unpleasant; yet we were called to the warfare of the living God in our very response to the sacramental words. Well, no soldier comes out to the campaign laden with luxuries, nor does he go to action from his comfortable chamber, but from the light and narrow tent, where every kind of hardness, roughness and unpleasantness must be put up with. Even in peace soldiers inure themselves to war by toils and inconveniences--marching in arms, running over the plain, working at the ditch, making the testudo, engaging in many arduous labours. The sweat of the brow is on everything, that bodies and minds may not shrink at having to pass from shade to sunshine, from sunshine to icy cold, from the robe of peace to the coat of mail, from silence to clamour, from quiet to tumult. In like manner, O blessed ones, count whatever is hard in this lot of yours as a discipline of your powers of mind and body. You are about to pass through a noble struggle, in which the living God acts the part of superintendent, in which the Holy Ghost is your trainer, in which the prize is an eternal crown of angelic essence, citizenship in the heavens, glory everlasting. Therefore your Master, Jesus Christ, who has anointed you with His Spirit, and led you forth to the arena, has seen it good, before the day of conflict, to take you from a condition more pleasant in itself, and has imposed on you a harder treatment, that your strength might be the greater.

This quote reminds me of Paul's encouragement to Timothy in 2 Tim 2:3-6 to be a good soldier. It also encourages me to be present to what I have and not expect a life of comfort or protection for those are things of this world and this current kingdom, not the kingdom of the King.

If you would like to read Ad Martyras in its entirety it may be found here.

The Olympics and Russia

Now that the Olympics have come to an end we can begin to look forward to the Olympics of the future, such as the Winter Games in 2010 and 2014. Most of you by now have heard of the grievous actions of Russia towards the former Soviet Georgia. But something you might not have heard is that Russia is the home of the Winter Olympics of 2014. Due to Russia's choice to assert power in a way that is not appropriate in the modern world a website, http://www.revokethegames.com/, has been established to urge the IOC to revoke the 2014 games in Russia. A message must be sent to the Russian government that this kind of activity is not acceptable in the current political climate. In the forgone days of the past this activity might have been considered allowable, at best, so as not to destroy the entire world in nuclear destruction.

So I urge you to go and sign the petition if you believe unprovoked attacks on a sovereignty country is unacceptable. Our voices must be heard. At times we must speak on behalf of those who have no voice.

Hockey Time...

On Wii that is. Finally the Nintendo Wii will have a good hockey game. It will be out in the Fall. I'm excited. :)

Here is the link.

Dedicated to the Girl Who Shall Remain Nameless

These lyrics are those lyrics that when you read them they hit home and hit it really fast, or at least they did for me. This is dedicated to a girl who this is the truth about, for me. It is far better that I am gone than I hang around. Now I am not bad for her but I distract her from what is good. So its time I say "I'm better as a memory than as your man." If your reading this girl know that God has released me from the task he had set before me for you. I pray he will release you from me. Go with God and know he loves you more than any man ever could, but that does not mean a man cannot love you as Christ loved the Church. I hope he finds you. Keep you eyes open and trust his time not your own power. Love completely.

Better As A Memory by Kenny Chesney

i move on like a sinners prayer
let 'em go like a levee breaks
walk away as if i don't care
learn to shoulder my mistakes
i'm built to fade like your favorite song
getting reckless when there's no need
laugh as your stories ramble on
break my heart but it won't bleed
my only friends are pirates, it's just who i am
i'm better as a memory than as your man

i'm never sure when the truth won't do
i'm pretty good on a lonely night
I move on the way a storm blows through
i never stay, but then again, i might
i struggle sometimes to find the words
always sure until i doubt
walk a line until it blurs
build walls too high to climb out
but, i'm honest to a fault, it's just who i am
i'm better as a memory than as your man

I see you leanin', you're bound to fall
I don't wanna be that mistake
i'm just a dreamer, and nothing more
you should know it before it gets too late

cause good-bye's are like a roulette wheel
you never know where they're gonna land
first you're spinning, then you're standing still
left holding a losin' hand
one day you're gonna find someone
right away, you'll know it's true
that all of your seeking is done
Its just a part of the passing through
right there in that moment
you'll finally understand
that i was better as a memory than as your man
better as a memory than as your man

Emo Video

So since Jesse is under the impression I am super emo with my questions I felt I should post the most emo video I know of. You all should enjoy the emoness it will spark it you.

Global Warming?

Very interesting news report.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/03/09/do0902.xml

Home School Illegal...

Just fyi. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/07/MNJDVF0F1.DTL

Questions

So frankly I haven't had much desire to blog lately. But I figured I should post something for those dedicated folks who occasionally read this thing (and no RSS feed does not count, j/k I'll take what I can get, Brent). Here are some questions I have been thinking about. Some spurred by life others by the movie Amazing Grace.

Do I have the courage to do what is necessary when the time calls for it?
Will I do what I must even though I dislike the choices?
Are certain choices in life always difficult regardless of the circumstances?
Am I willing to sacrifice my dreams?
Will I stand against the flow of society on this of ultimate significance?
Why does posting these questions seem emo?

Sorry...

I have abandoned you folks. I really have not intended to. I just have lacked the desire to write lately. I think I am beginning to come back to it, I hope. I will post more soon.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Jon

Sad Day

So my friends the new addition to the Varner clan was short lived. Tomorrow Mr. Leonidas will be returning home to his original family. Apparently I am extremely allergic to dogs, to the point that I thought I had strep throat. It is sad to say bye but at least I know he will be with good people and his mom for the time being. As odd as it seems considering he has only been with us for two days now I am extremely attached and will miss the little guy. It makes me cry to say bye, I know I know boys are not suppose to cry, but it really does. So yeah just thought I should let you all know :(

New Addition

So we have another new addition to the Varner family. His name is Leonidas and is being called Leo for short. He is half Black Lab and half German Shepard. If you would like to see more pictures of him you can click here and it will take you to the website where I have loaded them up. Just click on the album titled The Pup and there are a few there.