Desperation

I came across an interesting - and somewhat disconcerting - article on TheSpec.com, our local newspaper's online channel, read it here. The paper reports an estimated 30% increase in visits to psychics and mediums in our current economic state. How sad! Rather than turn to the One True God, our family members, neighbors, friends and coworkers are turning to crystal balls and tarot cards to find hope.

One interviewee said this, referring to the cost of psychic advice (around $120USD/hr):

While Lamont and Aguilar acknowledge the price is high, Lamont says that Calibre was able to provide something she couldn't find consulting friends, families or her therapist.

"He just really gave me some little hope that things will be OK and I'm going in the right direction," she says.

How disappointing it is to see people's hearts turn in this direction. I highlighted the words that struck me immediately. People are looking for hope, they are looking for reassurance and are paying large sums of money to find it. How deceiving! Lamont and Aguilar are correct in one sense though, they can't find what they are looking for through friends, families or therapists... little do they know, they will be disappointed (ultimately) with their psychic as well. Such hope has no lasting value, no eternal value, to be sure.

Friends, my heart aches for these people. Their desire for hope is clear, but their methods are faulty, and spiritually dangerous. I am reminded this morning that we need to be beacon's of light and hope for those with whom we have contact. Many people are stressed, financially overburdened and losing hope - we need to show them that we have hope - not false hope from "spiritualists" and mediums, but true, lasting, eternal hope, from God's Word!!

Pray for those around you, pray for your family members, your friends and neighbors, your coworkers. They are desperate for the truth. If only they would turn to Jesus, and not psychics. Hamilton is a hub of psychic and spiritual oppression - do not be naive to think that Hamilton is any different than other cities - it may in fact be more oppressed! Pray for our city, but most importantly, pray for God's people to be salt and light, to be beacon's of hope and truth. That we would be filled with a desire to tell people about Jesus, and that He would go before us and change hearts, opening them, that they may hear the truth and receive it.

People will continue to look for security and hope. The Bible speaks of mediums and spiritual people that deceive many. Times have changed, but methods (largely) have not.

Desperation indeed.

Ah, U.S. Presidents... what will we do with you...?

Here's some interesting reading for today...

The first is an interview with the new President-Elect, Barack Obama, regarding his views on religion. I found this fascinating. And disappointing (but not really surprising...). Check it out here.

The second, a very brief Q&A with George W. Bush on ABC News. It's just a few short questions; I would have laughed had I not been shaking my head so vigorously. Read it! It'll be on Nightline... great... ...

IrishCalvanist wrote a good reflection, read it here : link! : Some of the responses were good too.

Happy Reading!

Ah, the sweet smell of politics...

Two posts in one day! How about that.

As I was taking a much needed break from work this afternoon, I came across an interesting blog that I thought would be helpful for those of you who are following the political race south of the border.

For those who haven't heard of Mark Driscoll, he is the teaching pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washingon (not to be confused with the Mars Hill in Michigan which is associated with the emerging church). Mars Hill Seattle is a multi-site church with thousands in attendance. Mark Driscoll is known for being somewhat outspoken, at times very blunt, but always very biblical.

I frequent Mark's blog regularly, and find it very thought provoking. This week his blog was titled, In God We Do Not Trust; his reflections on the election and the issues that have weighed heavily on our brothers and sisters who prepare to vote today.

I urge you to read the blog - it is truly humbling - at least it was for me. Our country is not far behind our neighbors to the south - and the same principals and insights that Mark identifies, apply to us as well. Here's a quote from his blog:

The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

For more, click the link above, or this link here, for In God We Do Not Trust, by Pastor Mark Driscoll.