We are not chosen because we are great.

We are chosen because we are weak, broken, foolish, without power, and our reclamation brings God glory.

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.26Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

via PCUSA – Devotions – Daily readings for Today.

It is not about righeteousness, it is about mercy.

Shame, anger, Galifornia.

It appears that some radicals have invaded churches, because california passed proposition 8, which amends the California state constitution so that a marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.

WorldNet reports:

Decisions by voters in Florida, Arizona and California to join residents of 27 other states with constitutional protections for traditional marriage
have prompted threats of violence against Christians and their churches.

“Burn their f—ing churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers,” wrote “World O Jeff” on the JoeMyGod blogspot today within hours of California officials declaring Proposition 8 had been approved by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent. Confirmation on voter approval of amendments in Florida and Arizona came earlier.

The amendments in all three states essentially limit marriage to one man and one woman. In California, the measure states the only marriages “valid and recognized” in the state are those between one man and one woman.

Thirty states now have adopted marriage amendments. However, in California, the vitriol appeared especially high since the state Supreme Court in May created same-sex marriage for homosexuals. Proposition 8 overruled the court decision, readopting the marriage definition California votersadopted in 2000.

Now the logic is that this is lobbying, which cannot be done by charities, which is bullshyt. Reformed churhc es attempt to influence the secular government: this is the reason for a” public questions committee”. From Huffington

Some pro-Proposition 8 folks may come to regret their not so private support of hate. And were you thinking about skiing in Utah this year? Hmmm, Colorado’s looking pretty appealing these days.

Yet somehow an economic boycott doesn’t feel direct enough; those who team up against gay people must learn that there are consequences.

That’s why we are seeking to strip the Mormon church of its status as a religious organization. According to IRS law, “no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying).” [Emphasis added.]

Please join our efforts and show the world that gay people — and their friends and families — know how to hit back

I’m no Mormon. But they first came for the Mormons…
Now when the Church stands up as it should and says to our Muslim friends ““Brother, do not kill your son because he loves a boy. Pray for him, love him”

From today's lectionary:

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.

I find I struggle with the attraction of the Belly — and there is a whole industry that sets my mind on earthly things. What the radicals do is glory in their shame. Maywe be ashamed ot that which is shameful, as this is the first step to repentence.

Hat tip Michell Malkin