So Your Email is Sending Spam...

If your friends, or even strangers, are randomly receiving links or weird email messages from you, your account is probably compromised. To check if someone is actually logging in remotely to your email, most email providers have a way to show if someone else logged in to your account. To check this, follow these steps:

Msn.com/hotmail.com/live.com - Go to 'Account Settings' (under your name at the top right), and then click 'Recent Activity' on the left.

Gmail - It's a bit simpler in gmail, as you just go to the bottom right and click the 'details' link.

Once you're logged in there, you'll see something like this:

So, this shows information that can help you determine if someone else is logging in to your account.

If you are sending spam to your friends and DON'T see someone else logging in, then someone may be sending it from your actual computer (see option 4 below).

If you change your password, and you keep getting re-compromised, then your problem might be 'Option 2' below (or Option 3, and you keep replacing your password with another weak one).

1. Password was stolen via phishing - This is the most likely answer. In this scenario bad guys try to get you to give them your login details (username and password). I'm sure you think "But I'd never do that!", but you'd be surprised. The most common way this happens is that you get an email telling you that your account has been compromised, or offering a new service. The email contains a link that LOOKS like it goes to your email provider. In reality, you can make any link look like it's going someplace, but then send the user somewhere else. So, in this case they send you to a page that looks just like your email login page, but isn't. Once you arrive there, you naturally enter your login credentials and BAM, you're toast. They've got your login details now. Sometimes they even prompt you for answers to your security questions too, so that if you change your password, they can get right back in via the security questions (mother's maiden name, etc.).
   • To fix this, you'd need to reset your password and, to be safe, your security questions. I recommend a passphrase instead of a password. Most websites will foolishly tell you to use a password that looks like this: h9Ytz7Pp. Well, not only is that hard to remember, but it's actually EASIER for a modern password breaking tool to guess. The strongest passwords are actually passphrases... something like this: ireallyliketoeatcheeseandcrackers is nearly unbreakable AND it's easy to remember. Also, when you create answers to security questions, you don't have to answer truthfully. Often times the answers to security questions (Social security number, mother's maiden name, etc.) are readily available to bad guys in the underground. So, if the security question asks who your first teacher is, answer with something nonsensical (i.e. 'Tractor'). As long as you're consistent and remember (or write down) these answers, they work just fine and are safer. Following this, I highly recommend you set-up two-step verification. For details on this, see http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/two-step-verification-faq (for msn/hotmail/live) or https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/180744 for gmail.
2. Password was stolen via credential theft malware - In this scenario malware (Often incorrectly referred to as a 'virus' by laymen) gets on your computer and steals your keystrokes and/or files containing login credentials. By stealing keystrokes the malware can watch for literally anything you type... it can watch for you to visit a specific website (i.e. hotmail.com, gmail.com, etc.) then logging your password and username.
   • To fix this, you'd need to reset your password and, to be safe, your security questions. I recommend a passphrase instead of a password. Most websites will foolishly tell you to use a password that looks like this: h9Ytz7Pp. Well, not only is that hard to remember, but it's actually EASIER for a modern password breaking tool to guess. The strongest passwords are actually passphrases... something like this: ireallyliketoeatcheeseandcrackers is nearly unbreakable AND it's easy to remember. Also, when you create answers to security questions, you don't have to answer truthfully. Often times the answers to security questions (Social security number, mother's maiden name, etc.) are readily available to bad guys in the underground. So, if the security question asks who your first teacher is, answer with something nonsensical (i.e. 'Tractor'). As long as you're consistent and remember (or write down) these answers, they work just fine and are safer. 
   • Next, and this is important, don't log in to your email account again until the malware is removed from your computer or else they'll just steal the information all over again and you'll be back at square one. A pro will need to remove the malware and/or reinstall the operating system on your computer (i.e. start over).
   • Following this, I highly recommend you set-up two-step verification. For details on this, see http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/two-step-verification-faq (for msn/hotmail/live) or https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/180744 for gmail.
3. Weak password guessed - In this scenario bad guys find your email address (there are a variety of ways this happens, and most of them aren't your fault) and use a password guessing tool to try to gain access to your account. If you have a weak password (i.e. 'admin', '123456', 'password', etc) then this method works quite well. Once they guess it, they can then log in and use it to spam your friends and others. To resolve this, follow the steps in Option 1 above.
4. Malware is manipulating your computer - In this scenario malware (Often incorrectly referred to as a 'virus' by laymen) gets on your computer and is able to control it. So, when you're not paying attention they can use your email from your computer. Alternately, bad guys can tunnel through your computer so that activities they perform from their computer (including using your email, see option 2 above), appear to be coming from your computer. Fixing this is the same as seen in option 2 above.
5. One of the above later spoofing your email - If your email was compromised at some point, the attackers could steal your contact list, and then send spam to your contacts while posing as you (spoofing their email to look like yours). This is hard to detect and hard to stop.

Overly Critical Book Reviews Make Jesus Cry...or Something

So my title is hyperbole... it's humor... but I'm sure there are those out there who would love to "set me straight" in my misrepresentations of God. I've seen a few instances of this over the years...well, not so much correcting blog titles, but nitpicking books, sermons, conferences, etc. all in the name of Jesus.

For some reason, there are those out there who believe that setting the record straight on every minute detail of doctrine, even at the expense of unity, relationships, and grace, is their duty as a Christian. I think people too often think in terms of "right and wrong" instead of patience and grace. I know that's how I used to think. My wife later showed me the importance of valuing people above truth. To clarify, I don't put aside my beliefs or bend truth to suit relationships, but I do overlook things in the name of love.

I really believe that the tendency to defend minutia and insignificant doctrine, even defending the institution of Christianity itself, as opposed to Jesus, is the cause for so many unnecessary church divisions over the years. It seems to me that it's getting worse, likely thanks to the explosion of information availability. The Internet has seemingly turned people loose with a newfound freedom to voice their opinion about everything (ironically like I am doing right now). The real problem though, as I see it, is a failure to see the person they're "reviewing" or "correcting" as a PERSON. I seriously doubt most, if any, of these reviewers contact the authors or speakers they are correcting, prior to posting their thoughts, in an effort to find out what they meant, what they were thinking, etc.

So, it may be hypocritical, but I'm going to point out some flaws in the writing of some "Christian Bloggers". While I have a problem with anyone nitpicking another person's statements and opinions, I'm going to focus on what I feel like are the most egregious instances. Reviews of two books come to mind, books that use parable, allegory, metaphor (or artistic imagery). The two I'm thinking of are The Shack by William Young and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

First, as a disclaimer, I've not read either of these books. They didn't interest me. But my wife has, and she is quite trustworthy. Additionally, based on the quotes in these reviews I've read, I can tell that their most convincing evidence leaves much to be desired. In fact, one review I read of The Shack, a few years back was both comical in its insane attempts to find fault with the book, but also horribly depressing that someone would go to such lengths to find fault.

I don't know if it's the type of people doing the reviews (generally angry sounding conservatives, my own personal heritage) or if it's coincidence, but these people generally seem to have one thing in common: they fail to recognize writing that uses allegory, parables, metaphors and other artistic imagery, instead still thinking them to be subject to their theological dismantling. (I wonder what they think of the Psalms....).

Before I go any further, I want to be clear that I don't want to come across as hateful... I'm mostly sad, and upset that people insist on dividing the body of Christ. There are certainly things worth dividing over (core doctrine, such as who Jesus is) but most of the problems these criticisms (in the reviews) are more along the lines of things the Pharisees had problems with ("Why aren't your disciples fasting!?!?!"- Mark 2:18) and yet, ironically, both parties seem to miss the point (tithing spices but neglecting justice, mercy, and faith - Matthew 23:23). So anyway....

From what I know of the aforementioned books, they are NOT intended to be a high form of theology or doctrine of some kind. They're art. They're intended to inspire and to point to Jesus as the ultimate prize. Just as you wouldn't take the Psalms or a book of poetry and point out the inaccuracies, you probably shouldn't do it with books like this either.

To be clear, you usually can't dismantle the doctrine or theology of someone speaking in allegory, metaphor or other artistic imagery. It's nonsensical. When Ansel Adams says "There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer." it's silly to retort "There aren't always two people in every picture! That's a lie!"

If these books said something dogmatic, taking a doctrinal stand, then maybe it'd be different. But, for the most part, they don't. So, my advice? Stop being divisive. Stop taking artistic books, which do no harm (One Thousand Gifts isn't convincing people to become mystics or panentheists) and finding minor fault with them.

Besides, this kind of constant nitpicking isn't what God has for you... as G.K. Chesterton says 

“Poets do not go mad; but chess-players do. Mathematicians go mad, and cashiers; but creative artists very seldom.” Find the beauty in others, in their creations... not the doctrine.

I know many of us want to seem like bigshot theologians, to prove our worth, but you don't have to do it. Jesus loves you regardless. Revel in it.

Kansas Fights Discrimination with Discrimination

Okay, so it's been a year since I last blogged... I tend to go in spurts, and this link (seen posted by my buddy Sharad on Facebook) was just the impetus I needed to throw up all over my computer:

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2014/02/14/what-the-hell-just-happened-in-kansas/

I don't have the energy to be real verbose here, but this Kansas bill is, in my opinion, a perfect example of what is wrong with huge portions of Christianity (the religion) today. Disclaimer: I'm no legal expert, but here's how I read it: The bill, which just easily passed the Kansas state House of Representatives, essentially allows businesses or individuals, on the grounds of their beliefs "regarding sex or gender," to refuse to "Provide any services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges; provide counseling, adoption, foster care and other social services; or provide employment or employment benefits, related to, or related to the celebration of, any marriage, domestic partnership, civil union or similar arrangement;"

The bill is being pushed under the guise of protecting people from being "persecuted for their religious beliefs", with it's backers citing a case where a New Mexico wedding photographer is being sued for refusing to photograph a gay wedding, but it is, in reality, attempting to fight discrimination with discrimination.

Based on the contents of the bill, and the makeup of the Kansas populace, I can only imagine the influence of the "Christian Right" on politics is to thank for this. That's messed up, but it's another subject. What this reveals to me is, as I mentioned, what is wrong with huge portions of American Christianity. 

• They view themselves as victims....as people with rights, who shouldn't be "victimized" and who "won't stand for it" rather than those who love unconditionally and turn the other cheek.
• They see non-Christians as threats or oppressors (or impediments to their peace and happiness) rather than eternal souls (I.e. People) to love and show Jesus to.
• They view "sinners" (I put that in quotes because they don't see themselves as sinners, just others) as contaminants that must be avoided at all costs in order to avoid loss of purity (or more likely reputation) or to appear to condone such behavior.
• They believe it's their job to prove their "wisdom" (their opinions on what is right), and to act as judge for God (despite Him saying not to), rather than actually listening to what He actually says (don't judge, suffer for others, love others, tell people the Good News of how Jesus has set them free, etc).

This is so frustrating because it is exactly what was wrong with Israel. (See the Pharisees, Jonah, and Jewish views on Samaritans for examples) and it's exactly what was condemned by Jesus. It's exactly what Jesus worked to reverse.... He loved the unlovable, broke down barriers, and allowed himself to be victimized all so that the world would see what God is like.

This all further supports my theory that the same tendencies have always, and likely always will, exist.... People tend to segregate, judge, condemn, all in an attempt to justify themselves... to try to convince others, and themselves, that they are lovable, valuable, and independent (in effect, good enough to accomplish their own salvation). 

I am going to force myself to stop... and not say anymore.... I just hope it's obvious to those of us trying to follow Jesus, that this kind of segregation and hatred is NOT an option.

The Religion of Christianity

Warning: The following contains opinions and generalities. Contact me if you’re angry or confused.

For a long time, I have struggled with the feeling that many, maybe even most, in the American church are not actually, at their cores, interested in following Jesus. Instead, the church often seems to be a social society, or a morality club, or something that can be abandoned at any time, for any reason. But is that what Christ intended His bride to be?

On top of this, Jesus describes the way to following Him as a narrow road with a small gate. And yet, we see that by some statistics Christianity is the largest religion in the world! I mean, in the United States, studies show that around 80% of people in the country label themselves as “Christian,” with nearly 40% claiming to be “born again,” and about ⅔ of adults claiming to have made a decision to follow Jesus, which they still view as "important"! I don’t know about you, but ⅔ of the adults I meet don’t seem to act as though a relationship with Jesus is important. This is backed up by the fact that only 3% of adults hold what would be considered a Biblical worldview*(see note at end).

So, we have this huge group of people who claim to be Christians (albeit not necessarily holding a Biblical worldview), while we also have a huge group of people who are opposed to that group. Ironically, according to the statistics, many who oppose Christianity are actually churchgoers!

How has this happened?

To start, I think we have to identify the typical types of people who participate in the church today. But first, I want to clarify that I believe there is a difference between the church described in the Bible (the body of Christ, those who are His followers), and “church” (often a building, sometimes a group or denomination) we see today. So, for most of this article, when I refer to “church”, I’m saying the American church and all it’s buildings and denominations... the religion. So, who comprises the American church today?

1. Moralists: These have, for varying reasons, latched on to morality. Sometimes it's taught by their upbringing, or their political association, while sometimes it's caught as people see the negatives of a moral paucity. Either way, Christianity can be seen as a route to "upright living". They may leave when the church fails to meet their moral standards.
2. Socialites: These folks join the church and are fine with a certain degree of non-commitment. They attend, listen to some sermons and sing some songs, but hold political, moral, relational, and/or sin views which differ from those professed by the church. They may leave when things don't suit their needs or when offended.
3. Concerned Parents: These join the church because it supports the values (i.e. morals) they want instilled in their kids, even though they don’t believe those values are relevant for themselves. I still am not sure why people want to instill values in their children, which they themselves disagree with. These people may leave when they don’t like the values instilled in their children, or when it becomes inconvenient.
4. Disciples: These people genuinely love Jesus and believe the church is His body on earth - here to show Him off. It seems to me that this group is often frustrated with what they see in most churches...since what they see are the groups above. In desperation they may change churches, hoping to find the Jesus (and His bride) they see in the Bible.

There may be other groups, such as seekers (those trying to learn about God), wolves (those the Bible describes as coming in with the intent to divide the church), etc., but I think the above is a good list to work from.

Comprised of the above groups, the church survives. I believe this is, in part, because there's no persecution... So everyone in this country feels free to choose a religion, even if they don't really believe it. The religion (i.e. institution, again, not the true church) of Christianity in America appears to be, for the most part, a lukewarm suggestion that its people follow the rules laid out in the Bible. Sometimes low to no pressure, other times very high pressure.

The problem I see with this is that most of the churches I’ve visited or heard about, stink at preaching about what matters. If you’re teaching me about rules and how to be good, and not about the GOOD NEWS THAT IS JESUS, then you are a religion...not God’s church. I believe that this is why Christianity can appear to be a large and thriving group... the bulk of its participants aren't actually following Jesus!

Plus, the plethora of denominations and their wildly divergent views, make defining Christianity a bit like trying to specifically define a politician. You can say they “work in politics”, but each politician will explain “effective politics” in radically different, and even opposing, ways. “A politician is someone who creates laws to protect the people.” “No no, a politician is someone who minimizes laws to protect and benefit the people!”

When it comes down to it, it seems most of the people in the American church can’t agree with others in their own denomination, let alone other denominations! Those in the “Christian religion” are usually fine with people as long as they agree with them, or don’t get in their way. But because of the radically divergent views held by each person and denomination, many of them can’t stand others who are supposedly on the same team, or the religious leaders who drag seemingly antiquated (or at least contextless) views into the news and/or political arena.

I could go on and on and on, but I fear this is becoming convoluted.... So, what I’m saying is this: I think Christianity in America is, for the most part, a religion which is just like any other. While there are genuine Jesus followers in its midst, most of its members don’t subscribe to their own church’s views, let alone those in other churches. That said, much of mainstream American Christianity is unified. They’re unified by the rules and morality they see in the Bible, and they are intent on getting those around them to agree and conform. It’s no different than any other arena... people want you to agree with their political views, sports views, entertainment views, and religious views.

But here’s the thing, "Christian" schools, churches, politics, and entertainment often promotes an ideology that is divergent from the gospel... And any divergence from the gospel is a false gospel, and is destructive. (Think moralism, legalism, watering down sin, etc.) This isn’t a new thing. The true church spread like wildfire after Jesus death. Persecution couldn’t stop it. They were unified. They were inclusive, sacrificial, and loving to those around them. They were showing Jesus love to the world. However, eventually Christianity was recognized as a legitimate religion (and even adopted as the religion of the Roman empire). I think this ended up being a bad thing. Mainstream always seeks to please, to comply, to conform. And when people don’t conform, the crusades take place and people are asked “Would you like to conform? Or die?”

But hear me out here... don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. The religion of Christianity in the U.S. (and probably in other places) is, in my opinion, fundamentally broken... but thankfully that doesn’t matter a bit. I don’t need to be known as a Christian. I don’t need to be a church-member. I just need to follow Jesus. Jesus is different. The true church (the body of Christ) is different. I've said it before, but it's hard to genuinely follow Jesus in a lukewarm manner. Sure, you'll have periods of lukewarmness, but it won't be the primary pattern. If you recognize that He is the Creator of all things, and He sacrificed greatly to save YOU, a REBEL, then it will likely drive you to worship-driven joy, where you want to tell everyone. If it doesn’t, be concerned.

For me, I am coming to believe that organized Christianity often gets in the way of people coming to Jesus. Most of the time, the true church doesn't, but most of the time the organized and recognized church does. I don't want to talk about "my church" or "the church I go to" at all anymore. Instead, I just want to talk about "the people I follow Jesus with".

*According to research by the Barna institute, 3% believe the following, with the rest of that ⅔ rejecting one or more of these core Christian tenants:

1. That Jesus lived a sinless life
2. God is all powerful and all knowing creator who still rules the earth today
3. Salvation is a gift from God and can't be earned
4. They have a responsibility to share their faith
5. Satan is real
6. The bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches
7. Unchanging moral truth exists and is defined by the bible

What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You, But it Can Get You Labeled a Fool

It's a shame that admitting you don't know something so often prompts the pity or disdain of others, rather than their admiration or respect. It's a weird thing really... we want people to be honest, and not arrogant, but then when a person seeks to learn by admitting they don't know something, the most common emotion (from what I have observed) is to view them as less intelligent, and to thus feel superior to them. But, in reality, a person who seeks to learn, and isn't afraid to admit that they don't know something, is likely more secure and wise than those who won't.

Maybe I'm off base here, but my typical response when someone mispronounces a word, or says they don't know what a word or phrase means, is to suddenly feel superior. In my less idiotic moments, I guess like right now, I see that it's actually reversed. While my ego is inflated by their honesty, it's actually they who are likely more secure and wise. That's ironic.

Knowing this, while I want to be a learner, and to admit my ignorance, I also know what many others will think when I do. So, I just have to remember that my significance does not come from others, and my identity is not found in my intelligence (a fact for which I should be thankful!).

I'm thankful that God is beating me over the head with this lately, teaching me that my identity and significance come from my relationship with Him and not from how other people view me. Outwardly, I hope it results in me loving and caring about others more genuinely.

Don't Forget to Love!

Since my earlier blog entry had a bit of a condemning and angry tone to it, which I don't regret, but would like to balance, I thought I'd try to be more specific in developing the idea of Christian love.

Do we really consider love in our day to day choices and interactions with people?

Much of the behavior I see from Christians is, in my opinion, yet another indicator of how far the vast majority of the church has strayed from biblical truth.

Don't Forget Who You Are
Often times Christians behave as though non-Christians are appalling. This is ironic since we were once in their shoes and still struggle with most of the same issues they do...The difference? We're just forgiven because of Jesus. Oh, and while I think the "I'm just forgiven" deal has been distorted by many to where it sounds like a boasting ("Oh yeah? Well I'm FORGIVEN.. unlike YOU.") I am saying it in humility. I mean, my rebellion against God, and my self-centeredness (lack of love for others), is despicable.. and yet Jesus' sacrifice wipes the slate clean. This leaves NOTHING for me to boast about. All I can do is point to His work. Oh, and one other problem with being appalled by non-Christians is that JESUS CALLED YOU TO LOVE THEM, just like He did/does.

Don't Forget Who Jesus Is
The Bible describes Jesus as a friend of sinners. He was accused of being a glutton and drunkard (by the religious leaders) and He hung out with tax collectors and prostitutes. Ironically enough, many "Christians" today would likely, like the religious leaders of Jesus' time, be the first to condemn someone for hanging out with prostitutes and corrupt government contractors. Jesus loved others by serving and sacrificing for them, not by ruling and legislating over them.

Don't Forget Who Other People Are
Non-Christians are people. They're living, breathing, and hurting people, made in the image of God and capable of both amazing love and beauty, as well as horrific evil (just like YOU and ME!). But non-Christians are also not Christians. This means they aren't going to act like Christians, or hold all our values and beliefs. This is why I believe we should never try to legislate morality. Changing laws to dictate how people should act will not change their hearts, fix the world, or bring them to Jesus. There are lots of non-Christians who are far more moral than most Christians. Morality and good behavior does not save people... Jesus does. So, don't waste your time imposing YOUR rules and morality on people who don't embrace YOUR beliefs. Instead, love and serve them.

Don't Forget Who God Is
I think most of us tend to take injustices, whether against ourselves or Christianity in general, as some kind of personal affront to which we are called to respond. Additionally, we tend to carry our sense of justice into other places it doesn't belong as well. Instead, we need to respond with grace and patience, as Jesus did and does. This doesn’t mean soft peddling sin, nor does it mean ignoring the plight of the oppressed, etc., but it does mean that we don’t have to act indignant or appalled when non-Christians don't share our Christian views. It's not my job to judge and condemn. God doesn't need me to fight His battles, He needs me (and you) to show the world His love and grace.

Don't Forget What Love Is
Despite how it is portrayed by many today, love is not optional for the Christian. While it's not optional, love is:

• Genuinely seeking the best for others, including those that most would consider our enemies (Matt. 5:44). 
• Paramount. I Corinthians 13 says "I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned—but if I have no love, this does me no good."
• THE indicator of Christianity. "And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35)
• The greatest commandment (according to some guy named Jesus): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
• Patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up. (1 Cor 13). 

I'm pretty comfortable ranting about stuff, but in this case I'm going to leave it simple. Let's consider how the Bible describes love, and then compare our behavior to that.

August 10

I think we all have certain words or phrases that, when heard, bring a smile to our face. Maybe it's an old saying our grandpa used to repeat... maybe it's our the address of our childhood home... maybe it's the make and model of our first car. For me, it's August 10, 1977... the birthday of my wife Corey. Every time I see that date on a calendar, or hear it uttered, it makes my heart happy solely because it's her birthday.

You see, I have an amazing wife. I have rarely, if ever, thought myself to be worthy of her, because she really is the ideal woman, and as near to flawless as you can get. An amazing blend of beauty, brains, love and creativity, she brightens every room she enters and cheers every person she meets.

Everyone who knows Corey knows how good she is with people, and how genuinely loving and wise she is. So often I come into a conversation with her convinced that I know what's right, and leave seeing a better way. I've seen older women come to her for advice. I see other people's kids light up when they see her. I've heard people say "We need Corey here... then this would be fun."

She's amazing, and I'm so glad she was born.

I know it will please her more if I don't tear myself down during this post, but I'll just end by saying that I definitely "married up". Thank God for marrying up...

Happy Birthday beautiful...