We've all been horrified this past week by the senseless shooting in the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. 

When something like this happens our society jumps to discover the reasons why it happened and how we can prevent it from ever happening again. We so desperately want to find the cause and effect for each and every wrong. It lets us label the problem. It gives us the illusion that we can fix it. It gives us something to hold onto--something that makes sense out of the senseless.

Immediately, news articles and TV shows began talking about how we can fix this problem: like how we need to learn to recognize the symptoms and behaviors of a serial killer; or how we must have tighter gun control so people cannot store up such a vast arsenal of destruction; or how people should not be allowed to wear masks or dress up as characters when they go into movie theaters anymore.

And all those things may very well be true.

But really, I think Mike Huckabee nailed it on the head in his Saturday night commentary. "Ultimately, we don't have a crime problem or a gun problem--or even a violence problem," he said. "What we have is a sin problem. And since we ordered God out of our schools and communities, the military and public conversations, you know, we really shouldn't act so surprised when all hell breaks loose!"

The thing we forget, dear people, is that sin abounds in the hearts of man. Oh, we know in our heads this is true because it says so in the Bible, but in a situation like this we see it with our own eyes played out on the TV screen nightly; we feel the terror in our own hearts. Turning from our God and going our own way leaves individuals--and our society as a whole--free game for the snares of the evil one and the power of his destructive plan for the earth. Evil personified is loosed in this world, prowling around "....like a roaring lion seeking whom it may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Instead of looking for answers on the evening news or from the latest pop psychologist, maybe we should turn to our Father God, who says, "And a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you..." Ezekiel 36:26-27

The problem of sin, friends, will not be resolved by tighter laws or better law enforcement; it will be resolved by nothing other than a heart transplant, performed by the One who brings order out of chaos and redemption out of destruction.

Pray for true redemption for our nation and our world.

Greg

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THIS SATURDAY! July 28: Day-trip to Willow Springs Lake
Get out of the heat for a day this summer with a day-trip to the Mogollon Rim! Kayak, Hike, or just relax by the lake! Bring a chair, camera, picnic lunch, food to share, swimsuit and watercraft if you have one. It doesn't hurt to bring a sweatshirt just in case (it can get cold and rainy). Willow Springs Lake is surrounded by tall trees and a nice hiking trail, so if you prefer hiking don't forget your boots or tennies. Meet Saturday morning at the Deer Valley Park & Ride at I-17 and Bell at 7:00 AM (leaving at 7:15). Call Elly at 623-297-1110.
Directions to Willow Springs Lake: Follow 260 to crest of the Mogollon Rim; go 1 mile past FR 300 to FR 149; turn left and follow road to lake.

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SUMMER SCHEDULE

Here it is! To the best of our knowledge this is the schedule for the rest of the summer. Check this e-news weekly for more info or changes in the plan. (You know--predictability with flexibility:-)

Monday Night Class: Every Monday night at Peace Lutheran except the second Monday of the month, 7:15 pm, call Greg at 623-376-9926

Womens' Study:  Second Monday night of each month - location varies, 7:00 pm, call Nancy at 602-570-5531

Fellowship of Followers: Second Sunday evening of each month at Greg & Jeane's house, 6:15 pm, call Greg at 623-376-9926

Breakfast Club: Third Sunday morning of each month at Greg & Jeane's house, 10:30 am, call Greg at 623-376-9926

DivorceCare: Every Wednesday evening at Community Church of Joy, 6:30 pm, call Jerry at 623-972-7651

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DivorceCare: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave
Glendale
If you are going through a divorce or have unfinished emotions and feelings regarding a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can help you heal and move forward. This is a small group setting.
Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.

Healing from Loss: Beginning this Fall
This 12-week grief recovery workshop involves reading, reflection, homework and sharing. The next workshop will begin this fall. Please call Greg for info: 602-622-1488.