Showing posts with label beliefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beliefs. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

In Defense of Amazon #AmazonFail

AmazonThe Wall Street Journal reports: Amazon.com Inc. said an internal cataloging glitch inadvertently removed more than 57,000 books from its sales rankings and main search page. [Twitter]

I am an author, though not one whose work would be affected by a "blunder" such as this, even if I was a best-seller. I am also a father, and as a father, I prefer to be able to sit with my children and look at books on Amazon without having to worry about titles that I consider objectionable popping up and my kids asking, "What's that, Daddy?"

What would I consider objectionable? Probably several topics that would cause many to say I'm in favor of censorship. For example, I would prefer that my children not be unexpectedly presented with books about any sexual persuasion, or covering any sexual topic at all. I would prefer my children not be presented with material displaying any form of nude "art," to include even the famed statue of Michael, for example.

Does that make me in favor of censorship? I don't think so. I'm not saying that Amazon shouldn't offer material with such topics to its customers, just that maybe it is material that shouldn't pop up in general searches. Just as I favor a triple-X domain that would protect my children from accidentally stumbling onto objectionable content, I favor systems that would make what I consider objectionable content just a little less likely to pop up when I and my family are looking for books online.

None of these things make the content impossible for those who want it to find it. It is still there, and they can find it if they use the right search techniques. I do not consider it censorship to make something available only to those who want it while at the same time protecting those who don't want it from having to be exposed to it.

I ask you, does it make more sense for someone who is looking for content of an adult nature to have to search for it by adding "Adult" to their search term, for example, or for someone who doesn't want to be exposed to it to have to spend money on filtering devices, etc., or avoid the Internet altogether? We can enable everyone, or just those who suffer from moral bankruptcy. Sorry, that might be harsh, but that's how I feel. If you don't like it, next time you search Google for content, try entering "-Average Joe American" into your search and see if it helps you avoid my content. Or you could just avoid the Internet altogether, which is apparently what I'm expected to do if I want to protect my kids from things that we find objectionable.

Whatever the cause of the recent Amazon "blunder," even if it was completely intentional on Amazon's part, I say "Good on ya" Amazon. It is possible to serve everyone without offending everyone, if those who are so in favor of the further decline of society would just learn not to be offended when the content they want is appropriately categorized to prevent young innocents from being exposed to something that, in my opinion, we have every right to expect them to be protected from.

Your comments?

Joe





Monday, August 25, 2008

Deceivers

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: There are a lot of smooth-talking charlatans loose in the world who refuse to believe that Jesus Christ was truly human, a flesh-and-blood human being. Give them their true title: Deceiver! Antichrist! And be very careful around them so you don't lose out on what we've worked so diligently in together; I want you to get every reward you have coming to you. Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son. 2 John 7-9 [MSG]
  • O: There have long been deceivers among us who would have us believe teachings that do not come from the Word. They would have us believe that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God in the flesh.
  • A: I find myself from time to time engaged in discussion threads online that start off as political and quickly turn to religion. I have been berated by people who call themselves devout Christians while at the same time claiming that very key portions of the Bible are not true, or that Jesus didn't accomplish all that the Bible says He did. The Bible warns us of false prophets, charlatans, deceivers, antichrists -- warns us to stay true to our faith and not fall for their lies. Any scholar of Bible prophecy can show historical evidence supporting the fulfillment of more than 50% of end times prophecy from the Bible. We are nearing the end of days, and growing more likely every day to encounter one of these deceivers.
  • P: Lord, keep me alert, strong, and determined to keep the faith in defense of the truth.
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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Words -vs- Actions

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
This blog is not intended to be a political blog, but when I feel the Spirit of God moving me to discuss a specific topic -- whether of a political nature or not -- after reading a passage of Scripture, I must obey that calling.
  • S: Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we'll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God's children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep His commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep His commandments and they are not at all troublesome. 1 John 5:1-3 [MSG]
  • O: The evidence is in our actions.
  • A: We see it in the current political scene right now in the Presidential campaign. The candidates can say whatever they want about their faith. They can label themselves as Christians. Anyone can say he or she is a Christian -- a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. But it takes more than just the claim to make it so. To be a follower of Christ is to believe that Jesus came and died for our sins and that, as the Son of God, He arose and went to prepare a place for us with the Father. Actually believing it, not just claiming to believe it. And having that belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, our lives become changed -- renewed. We live a life that exemplifies our beliefs. We are a model of what Christ taught while He walked on Earth among us. We strive to obey God's commandments in all that we do. All of them, all of the time. God's principles are reflected in our own. No one is perfect -- just forgiven. It is the forgiven who understand the gift of forgiveness and want to live a life that pleases God -- not the voters. Don't fall for the rhetoric of the campaign ads, debates, and news reports. Talk is cheap, and anyone can say what is politically correct for the situation. We live by faith, and our actions display that faith in a tangible form. Hear their words, but believe their actions.
  • P: Father, open my eyes -- and the eyes of voters all across America -- so that we might see through the pretense and choose wisely when casting our ballots in November.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Works

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me. John 14:24 [MSG]
  • O: We show our love for Jesus by keeping his word and doing his works.
  • A: I've journaled before about the difference between belief and works, and how one gets us to Heaven and the other pays our rewards after getting to Heaven. While works don't make the grade, it is by doing God's works and obeying His words that we display our love for Him for all to see. It's like oxygen and carbon dioxide. If we breathe in oxygen, we must breathe out carbon dioxide. That's just the way out works. Similarly, if we take Jesus Christ into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, we must breathe out good works, and obey His words. It's not possible to do the first without the last. Not genuinely, that is, and not for long. If we say we love God and we don't show it, because we continue to wallow in sin, what kind of love is it really? If you say you love your spouse, yet you continually betray her, what kind of love is it? It is a deep and abiding love for Christ Jesus that first moves us to accept Him as our Savior, and second gives us the undeniable desire to obey His will. How can we love Him and not show it? How can we love Him and not want everyone to experience the power of His love? We cannot.
  • P: Father, Thank You for your love, and for Your plan of salvation. Thank You for sending Your Son to pay the price for my sins. For that which I am wholly unworthy, Thank You. Guide me now, Lord, as I try to obey Your will, to do Your works, and to share Your love with those I encounter on a daily basis. Use me as tool, Lord, to grow Your kingdom.
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Friday, August 8, 2008

Two Are One

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: Again the Jews picked up rocks to throw at him. Jesus said, "I have made a present to you from the Father of a great many good actions. For which of these acts do you stone me?" The Jews said, "We're not stoning you for anything good you did, but for what you said—this blasphemy of calling yourself God." Jesus said, "I'm only quoting your inspired Scriptures, where God said, 'I tell you—you are gods.' If God called your ancestors 'gods'—and Scripture doesn't lie—why do you yell, 'Blasphemer! Blasphemer!' at the unique One the Father consecrated and sent into the world, just because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I don't do the things my Father does, well and good; don't believe me. But if I am doing them, put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes. Then perhaps things will come together for you, and you'll see that not only are we doing the same thing, we are the same—Father and Son. He is in me; I am in him." John 10:31-38 [MSG]
  • O: God and Jesus Christ -- Father and Son -- are actually one and the same.
  • A: It can be difficult for our finite minds to comprehend how God and Jesus can be the same. How they can be One. The Father in Heaven and His Son who came to earth to save us from our sins. How can two be One? Think about this: you cannot see air. You can't touch it, taste it, or feel it. You can't smell it. It's not something tangible that you can measure. When the wind blows, you're feeling the wind, not the air -- rather the effect of air being moved. You may smell scents or aromas, but they are merely carried by the air, not actually the air. But we know the air is there, we know it's all around us. We believe that. Why? Because someone we trust told us. Similarly, our belief in God is based on faith -- because someone we trust told us. We can't see Him (though we see His works in nature around us), we can't touch Him, taste Him, or feel Him (though we may feel Him working in our hearts). We certainly can't smell Him. But we know that He's there. And if we believe in God, and believe that Jesus is His Son, then we must accept the fact that God's Son doesn't lie. And if God's Son doesn't lie, then all that He says is true. And if Jesus says that He and God are One, then it must be true, because someone we trust -- Jesus -- told us.
  • P: Father, my finite mind may not be able to fathom all of your wonders, but I take it on faith that Your Word is true. Because I trust You and You've told me these wondrous things.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Belief

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:26-29 [NIV]
  • O: The one requirement of God: believe in the One He has sent.
  • A: Good deeds, living right, going to church regularly, being Baptized -- these are all things too commonly accepted as tickets to Heaven. Jesus Christ Himself said only one thing is necessary to do the works of God: ...believe in the One He has sent. For it is by His grace, through our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that we are saved. Meet that one small requirement -- believe -- and everything else will fall into place.
  • P: Thank You for making it so easy to receive the gift of Salvation.
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Saturday, August 2, 2008

One Faith

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18 [NIV]
  • O: Jesus came to be our Savior, and failing to believe in Him is an eternal death sentence.
  • A: It is often quoted -- John 3:16. That Jesus came to give us everlasting life. It's quite clear, really, that He is the one and only path to Heaven. But lest we fail to understand completely, John also explained in further detail in verse 18 that by failing to believe in Jesus Christ as the One and Only Son of God, our Savior, we can just as easily condemn ourselves to eternal death. Many politicians will try to say that any faith is good, that we all believe in the same God, and that if we live a good life we will go to Heaven. That just isn't true. Only one faith teaches that Jesus Christ is the path to eternal life. Believing in God is important, yes. But knowing His Son as your Savior is irreplaceable.
  • P: Lord, help me today to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with someone.
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Thursday, July 31, 2008

God In The Flesh

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-3, 14 [NIV]
  • O: Jesus has always been.
  • A: I have a relative who doesn't quite understand the concept of a triune God. She doesn't understand how God and Jesus have co-existed forever. She doesn't understand how Jesus could simultaneously be the Son of God and God Himself. Doesn't understand why, then, He was born a baby by His mother, Mary. She was raised in one of those old, old religions that puts more effort into making it's own rules than it does into just living right by God. Today's version of the Pharisees. John the Baptist makes it very clear in the opening of his Gospel, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When it all began, there was God and the Word. And not only was the Word with God, but the Word was God. Who was the Word? John continues, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Only one person has ever been referred to as "the One and Only Begotten." Jesus Christ. "Who came from the Father." Jesus Christ. "Full of grace and truth." Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among man, became man so that he could die to once and forever pay the penalty for our sins. The ultimate price, paid by the Almighty. The Son of God. The Word. God in the flesh.
  • P: Thank You, Father, for loving me so much that You would stoop to my level, become man, die for my sins, then arise and go to prepare a place for me to spend all eternity. You truly are an awesome God!
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Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Proof Is In The History Books

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: For a long time now, I've let you in on the way I work: I told you what I was going to do beforehand, then I did it and it was done, and that's that. I know you're a bunch of hardheads, obstinate and flint-faced, So I got a running start and began telling you what was going on before it even happened. That is why you can't say, 'My god-idol did this.' 'My favorite god-carving commanded this.' You have all this evidence confirmed by your own eyes and ears. Shouldn't you be talking about it? ... I show you what to do, where to go. If you had listened all along to what I told you, your life would have flowed full like a river, blessings rolling in like waves from the sea. Isaiah 48:3-6, 16 [MSG]
  • O: God -- through His Word -- has shown us what to expect. The proof is in the history books.
  • A: Those who would dispute the accuracy of the Bible have (and will continually) distorted historic events to try to present the "evidence" of why the Bible is not true. I was recently in a discussion online with one such person who claims to be a devout Christian very active in his church, who just happens to believe that the Bible is not the divinely inspired Word of God, but rather a collection of symbolic parables, allegories, and some history that we can use as a suggested guide to living. I won't attempt to judge this individual whose claims don't seem to fall in line with his actions. I know what I believe, and I know it because it is proven. More than a fourth of the Bible is prophetic -- telling us what will happen at a time later than it was foretold. Throughout history, these prophecies have been fulfilled -- come true -- time after time. How then, with such evidence of predictions come true, can we not believe in God's Word? I told you what I was going to do before hand, then I did it and it was done, and that's that. Case closed.
  • P: Father, Thank You for closing the case on Your Word. Though doubters will continue to spout their lies trying to discredit You and further the cause of the enemy, Your Word is the indisputable truth.
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Friday, July 4, 2008

Unity of the Trinity

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: Hebrews 1:1-3 [MSG]
  • O: God and Jesus have existed together forever. By his Son, God created the world in the beginning.
  • A: There are many people of many religions who can't seem to grasp the oneness of God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. Some who even believe themselves to be Christians, but don't understand that God and His Son have been together forever and even created the world together. Raised in a Baptist church, I've never even questioned the unity of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three in One. How do you help others to understand that?
  • P: Lord, help me to share Your Word and to help bring others to an understanding of Your Almighty nature. Give me the words to share and the courage and wisdom to know when to share them.
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

"What Could I Do?" -- What Can YOU Do?

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: Acts 26:15-19 (MSG)
  • O: "I said, 'Who are you, Master?'

    "The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you.

    "'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'

    "What could I do, King Agrippa? I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot.

  • A: Why can't we be like this today? Paul, a tormentor of Christians, answered the calling of Christ and "became an obedient believer on the spot." He followed God's direction and spread the story of Salvation to non-Jews. He became persecuted for his beliefs, just as he once persecuted Christians for their beliefs. Today, we hear the church calling us to serve in one way or another, but many find it so hard to answer with a YES. Our lives have become so hectic, so busy, that we don't have time for the One Person we should be devoting all of our time to: God. Can't we be more like Paul?
  • P: Father, I myself have found it easier at times to make excuses than to say YES. So many things cry for my attention that I fool myself into thinking that they are more urgent, that God will wait. But I know that You wait for no one. That You wait only until You decide the time is right. Lord, help me to get up and say YES. Move me, Lord.
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Great Commission

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • Somedays, there just doesn't seem to be much to say. I've read through several online devotionals today, looking for the one that just struck the right cord with me; one that would make me feel like I had something to add to the conversation, so I could share it here. I guess it just doesn't always happen that way. It seems that almost everything I read this morning was about sharing your beliefs and your faith with others. Well, we should all be doing that all of the time anyway, shouldn't we? I shouldn't need a daily devotional to tell me that. The Bible tells me that. That is, after all, what The Great Commission is all about. To spread the teachings of Christ throughout the world. And we must each do our part in that, no matter how large or small that part might be. I long for a devotional of sorts that hits home in a different sort of way. Something that speaks to me on a daily basis about life, and work, and going about things each day. Parenting. Leadership. You know, day to day stuff. I have a couple of resources I'm going to look at and may be using here a little more than the online devotionals that, though they are good, all seem to share the same thoughts. The Good Lord willing, this won't become just another rehash of all the online devotional sites already on the web.
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Saturday, February 16, 2008

True Confessions

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
  • S: Matthew 16:13-17
  • O: In the days when Jesus walked this Earth among us, there was much doubt as to who he was. Was he the Son of Man, sent here by God to save us from our sins? Some thought the Son of Man was John the Baptist, Elijah, or someone else. But Simon Peter spoke up with certainty, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
  • A: I was watching the news on CNN last night, and Wolf Blitzer was talking to retired basketball player Charles Barkley. Barkley was announcing his support for Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Interestingly, he said he would back Hillary Clinton if she were to become the nominee -- he just had to vote for a Democrat. And why? Because, in his words, Conservatives are "fake Christians." Barkley is pro-choice, for gay marriage, and against increasing taxes. In his opinion, today's Conservatives are fake because we "want to be judge and jury." He says we aren't forgiving. As much as liberals want to maintain "separation of church and state" -- which, by the way, is not guaranteed in the Constitution -- Religion plays a major role in politics in our country. How many times have we heard the media express their concern over Mitt Romney being a Mormon, or Mike Huckabee being a former Baptist Minister? How many times have we heard the Democratic candidates try to tell us of their religious beliefs (which, by the way, they have to tell us about because they haven't shown us by their actions). It's easy to deny Christ day by day, only to quote Him or one of His teachings when it benefits you. But what of standing strong on your beliefs like Simon Peter? What of speaking up and saying that yes, Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, who came to take away the sins of the world? What would you say if you were asked? Would you confess, or deny? And if you would deny, then how does that impact the rest of your life? Do you "swear to God?" Do you take the Lord's name in vain? Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? Think about it. Feel free to comment.
  • P: Father, help me to be strong in my convictions, to show my beliefs by my actions, to confess you with my mouth. Help me to wear my heart on my sleeve. I want to shout it from the mountaintop, that Jesus Christ is King!
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