At the risk of one more post just after one more episode of violence, I thought I’d weigh in with my heart. I’m tired of eating violence for breakfast. Each morning I wake up and take a peek at what’s happening in the world. Lately my twitter feed, the local news, the national news, the world news, all drips of violence and death. My children are growing up in a world where extreme violence is normal. We exhibit a measure of shock every morning and then we grow a little more calloused and numb to it all. America, we were once a people of life and relative peace. Now we eat violence for breakfast.
I wish I had solutions to offer in 750 words or less but this is complicated. Politicians, officials, and well intended people will work for pragmatic solutions but it won’t work if that’s all we do. This, my friends, is a heart problem. Only God can remedy the heart.
So while we work for pragmatic and political solutions, might we lament and cry out to God in prayer. Might we love others like Jesus loves people. Might we (the church of Jesus Christ) offer the people of our culture, no matter how different, our service, our love, and the refreshing good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Might we throw off hate, anger, and fear, and exhibit faith, hope, and love. Now’s the time church. I’m tired of eating violence for breakfast.
Brian Haynes 
Well said Brian. Well said indeed.
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Violence has never left us. To say we’ve ever lived in a time of peace is, I believe, not accurate. It’s just information is at our fingertips like never before and we are more aware of it. We need to keep sharing Jesus for this very reason.
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You are right. Violence has been around since Cain and Able. It’s just that the increase of violence in the US is evident as of late.
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Lately is so hard to live out Phil 4:6-7, especially the very first part-Don’t be anxious /worry about anything. I / we need to spend more time on the second part, praying about everything that’s going on in this crazy world.
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It is difficult Pastor, but in my early years I was influenced by a different culture, one that had boundaries and leaders that could motivate not denigrate. Then there is the lack of truth in the media, one that reports the facts and doesn’t use the sensationalism to boost its ratings.Turn off the TV and the radio and a quiet peace is uncovered.
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Me too ! My heart is hurting today. IF ONLY all people could love God and love others. Holding on to this Scripture.
Psalms 2: 1-6
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
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