I’ve worked within the multimedia field over the years as a developer of web and computer based training material. One of the things learned is that there has to be a deliberate effort to maintain focus on the objective while in the development process. Without a deliberate approach to meeting the criteria for the learning/training objective, the development process can quickly be compromised as the presentation of the product takes precedence over the product’s content. The message gets lost, something that can and does takes place even within the church today as technology is embraced.
I think that P.T. Barnum definitely knew a little something about the human psyche and it’s desire for "signs & wonders". Presenting the latest amazing gadget,curiosity, or event with an excited tone is one tactic for creating a sense of desire along with urgency for a particular object. Another tactic used in sales promotions, campaigns, PSAs, or activism spots is the calculated use of a selected piece of music that evokes an emotional response sympathetic to the one selling their wares or ideas.
In the west we’re "trained" via television, radio, newspapers,magazines,movies or the Internet to expect to receive "information" via a BIG production. Again, the church has in some instances adopted similar approaches as an effort to evangelize to more unsaved souls. Notice however in the following verses from 1st Kings 19 that though Elijah was looking for God to appear to him amongst the chaos and excitement of all of the the BIG productions going on as God made His presence known. As God spoke the universe and all of it’s elements into existence back in Genesis, so too did the LORD choose this method, to make His presence known to Elijah.
1st Kings 19:11-12
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Are you looking for God to show up in a BIG way? Maybe He is looking for you first to hear Him.
"Shhhh".
Grace and peace be with you
Got-Fruit(?) 
God in effect – God in affect Part 1
Blogging buddy E. Barrett of R3, wrote a post titled: “God’s sovereign reign”’, which serves as a catalyst for me to write today’s post. The primary point I would like to focus on is a thought E. Barrett relays in his post…
It occurs to me that one reason that we may have a problem with this thought of God causing calamity(bad things to happen) is that we tend to look at it through our eyes instead of trying to gauge the situation from a Godly perspective. Knowing that the loving God that you worship is also one that “causes calamity” may be a hard pill to swallow if, we don’t consider within that idea, God’s character and nature in handling wickedness. For instance, recall what God proclaimed to King David through Nathan for the transgressions that David committed against God…
Now – I don’t mean to muddle the context of David’s sins and the consequences of such with those of the recent earthquake in Haiti, nor past events such as Hurricane Katrina because there are several differences to consider (more on that at a later time perhaps). So as E. Barrett points out in his post that he doesn’t buy into some folks claiming that “God caused such and such to happen” I agree… to an extent.
Let us begin with the presumed idea that God sits in heaven just itching to punish humans anytime we sin. This thought is not accurate however, when we go back through the Old Testament and
see how God led Israel to the promised land in spite of their sins. Yes, there were consequences of their sins; and perhaps it seems harsh, however we should consider that the Jews had God there with them ie; he manifested His presence to His chosen people.
You’ve probably heard the argument/objection.. “If God exists, why is there evil in the world?” . As if the mere utterance of the statement is somehow a valid and logical argument for refuting God and His existence. That’s like asking the following while sitting in a dark closet.. “If light exists, why is it dark in here?” But to get back on track with the point to be made, in a like wise manner maybe we need to consider that in His reign, perhaps God does “cause bad things to happen’ when He exercises His will to not intervene, thus allowing nature, physical laws and the nature of man to run their respective courses.
To be continued…
Grace and peace be with you.