Adam Barnett

Breaking News

Andrea and I have really grown to love watching the Wheel of Fortune together in the evenings. Tonight, however, we were interrupted by "breaking news" in the Oklahoma City area of a fire that was engulfing an unoccupied apartment complex. Let's get to the point: the news is ridiculous and I personally believe that 75% of the stories covered are completely irrelevant, unimportant and unproductive. Also, over 50% of news stories are utterly depressing. (i.e. - I watched a clip yesterday of an elderly man found dead in his living room... why does this make the news?)

For example - don't take 45 minutes of television time to repeat yourself 50+ times about a fire that has no one in danger.  (The graphic below says, "Apartment Fire Fight" - Even the firefighters weren't being aggressive with the fire - they were letting it take its course because the building wasn't salvageable). If the apartment complex was occupied, of course we'd be concerned.  The people on the news tonight were not at all informative and I'd rather watch paint dry than listen to them talk again. 

I'm convinced that our news takes us way too far into people's business (where we don't belong) and only stirs up drama, concern and fear.  Here's the criteria that I think news should have to follow (other than the two main areas of news that are primarily focused on information: sports and weather): 

• News should inform you of world issues and concerns
• News should alarm people if we are at any type of risk
• News should update people on political decisions by our government
• News should explain local issues (health, education, etc.)

This is my blunt opinion of our current news-stations.  Fear-inducing companies that are simply looking for any type of story to tell. I just wish the ones they told were informative, education, inspired people and made sense! 

Deeper Meaning behind "Orphan"

Recently, Warner Bros released the horror movie, "Orphan."  This movie portrays that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as you love your own.  Of course, Esther, the orphan, is a psychopathic killer that is out to make the life of her new family miserable.  While this could be entertaining for those who enjoy suspenseful movies, people are interpreting a deeper meaning from this movie.  

The release of this movie has caused millions to protest and try to protect the positive reputation of adoption.  There is even a website that is solely aiming at "defending the cause of the fatherless" (Isaiah 1:17).  You can click here to see startling statistics regarding the millions of orphans around the world and in your city that are waiting for someone to care! 

I've been motivated by my friend, Tom Davis, to join a conversation about this very topic. Tom is the founder of Children's Hope Chest and is a part of a relentless pursuit of providing spiritual direction and family care for every orphan in this world!  Praise the Lord! 

So, I'm not out to "protest" this movie with any violent words, but would like to say that my life is radically different because of the thousands of orphans I've interacted with and served.  I've actually had one young boy, probably two years old, become an orphan in my arms.  His mom brought him to us for a warm meal and in the midst of a large crowd and conversation, we quickly realized that she had disappeared.  There are thousands... millions of children that face this dilemma each day.  Their future, health, education, self-confidence and many other aspects of life are strongly influenced by being abandoned.  

So, in light of a simple movie with a strong title, stand up and defend the cause of the fatherless.  Pray and seek how you can get involved to eliminate forgotten children.  Maybe that means having a burden to pray.  Maybe it means adoption... financially supporting an adoption agency... foster-care... the list goes on and on, but at any rate - I encourage you... I urge you to get involved.  Set aside time this week to pray alone, with your spouse or with your entire family and hear the Lord. Odds are, he would be delighted to use you in some fashion to join this effort!

I would be more than delighted to hear your thoughts on this... (click comments)

 

I voted this morning.  Sort of a red-neck experience voting in Oklahoma.  That's a story for another day though.  Join me in praying for our nation this week.  "If my people, who are called by  my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14   HE IS IN CONTROL AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

How Would Jesus Vote?

I've been reading a book that has challenged me more than anything I've ever read before when its comes to politics and my view on culture.  How Would Jesus Vote? by Dr. James Kennedy has really taught me to ignore things about McCain vs. Obama and Republican vs. Democrat and instead, turn my attention on to what the Word of God says about the issues we're facing in society.  I feel like the most disappointing thing about elections is the promises and direction each candidate offers when scripture already shows and determines these things in our lives. 

Here's a list of the topics discussed in this book:

• Do Jesus and Politics Mix?
• Abortion, Stem Cells, Suicide and Euthanasia
• Crime and Punishment: Judging the Death Penalty
• War: Is it ever justified?
• Education, Economic Concerns and Health-Care Issues
• The Environment, Immigration and Racial Prejudice
• Marriage: Society's Smallest Unit
• The Problem of Political Compromise

So, as you can see, it covers all bases!  Here's a few lines from the book:

"The clear biblical teaching is that God is the giver of life; it is created by Him and is, therefore, sacred.  Life and death are in His hands."  (p. 48)

"While more than a trillion dollars has been poured into the secular public-education system in America and Christ has been taken out of it, the illiteracy rate has increased thirty-two times."  (p. 86)

"One of America's leading economists, Professor Thomas Sowell of Stanford University, observed: 'The amount of money necessary to lift every man, woman and child in America above the poverty line is one-third of what, in fact, is being spent on poverty programs.  Clearly, much of the transfer ends up in the pockets of highly paid administrators, consultants and staff."  (p. 105)

"I believe (Jesus) would not favor governmental welfare programs.  Such programs have a vested interest in the continuation of poverty, because if the problem of poverty is solved, then the money is no longer needed and the program might end.  Let the government get out of the charity business, and let the family, churches, and communities be free to take care of the less fortunate."  (p. 118)

This is a GOOD book that will help you understand the biblical perspective to these very issues we're about to vote on.  Choose wisely.  Observe scripture.  Don't be bound by a certain party simply because it "sounds" better or wiser.  And, in the deepest sense of this statement, may the Lord bless America.

By the way, this picture has nothing to do with my political preferences.  I simply wanted to show how pitiful we (people in general) look when we assume how Jesus would vote without first looking at what His Word has to say about it...

The Greatest Teacher

I saw this picture online today.  Unbelievable.  Talk about putting things into perspective.  In John 13, Jesus washed his disciple's feet to show the ultimate form of service, love and loyalty.  This is an incredibly moving picture of how Jesus might approach our world's greatest leaders.  Frustration, fighting and power-struggles could potentially wither away in light of the love, redemption, forgiveness and authority we find in Christ.  I look at this painting and I'm reminded of a few things:

• Jesus spilled his blood for ALL people.  We are ultimately equal in his eyes.
• Our frustration towards our enemies should result in prayer for them.
• Peace is something we should consistently pray for over our world.
• Winning (in the context of war and battle) doesn't have to include killing.  

What does this picture stir up in your heart or your thoughts?

Huckabee for President?

"I believe that all of us are the unique creations of a God who knows us and loves us and created us for his own purpose."   - Mike Huckabee on God and evolution