A Question

An Explosive Question in Our Digital Age: Should Tech Giants Have the Power to Silence Users? Which Users?

First Facebook shut down the President’s pages then Twitter shut down his personal account. Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch and Spotify followed suit. He pivoted to Parler which Google then removed from the apps available to those using Android devices followed by Apple web services which no longer supported the App for iPhone users. No problem, people could simply access it through Parler’s website, right? Yes, until Amazon web services shut down hosting of the social media platform’s website. 

The WSJ is reporting that financial technology service, Stripe, has cut off the Trump campaign’s website ability to process credit card payments.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/stripe-stops-processing-payments-for-trump-campaign-website-11610319116?

And what was once conspiracy theory became the experiential reality for millions of people who could no longer access information nor relationships that a handful of tech companies deem dangerous. It is a bad day for freedom of speech and it reveals a great deal about the power we have vested in a handful of companies that literally dominate communications today. 

Below are a couple of articles whose authors weigh in on these events:

* In Pulling Trump’s Megaphone, Twitter Shows Where Power Now Lies  by Kevin Roose

* Trump Isn’t the Only One by Shira Ovide

Today’s Guests

Dianna Gruver – Author of Companion in the Darkness

Dianna Gruver is a writer and communications director for Vere Institute. Her book, “Companions in the Darkness – Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt” is her attempt to show us the value that these seven saints’ stories bring to our conversations surround depression in Christians. She desires for these saints’ experiences to be sources of hope and empathy for us and our companions in the darkness. For more information on Dianna’s work, follow this link: https://www.ivpress.com/companions-in-the-darkness

 

Junius Johnson – Baylor University and Author of “Father of Lights”

Junius is leading a 12-week course with the goal of “examining the imagination as a way of thinking.” He hopes that through this course and other conversations such as the one he had with Carmen today that he can help bring imagination back next to reason – which is where it belongs. He hopes that by cultivating our imaginations we can discern, worship and witness in new and greater ways that we commonly do. For more information on this course and other works of his go to JuniusJohnson.com. For Carmen’s previous conversations with Junius go here: https://reconnectwithcarmen.com/tag/junius-johnson/.

Today’s Episode 

https://nwmedia-ondemand.

Philippians 4

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Today’s Guests

Zach Jenkins – Cedarville University

Pharm-D, Zach Jenkins, updates us on Covid-19 related news from Covid deaths to the vaccine and flu. He sends us to this link for more info on the vaccine: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines. Check him out on Twitter at: @PharmDHiker

Adam Carrington – Hillsdale College

Adam talks with us about the latest calls for the impeachment of President Trump as well as the transition to the Biden administration. He also compares idolatry and fantasy in politics and what happens when we make politics a religion. Below are some resources Adam has used to help him think through the events of January 6, 2021:

* Resource 1 – NY Time opinion piece titled  The Texas Lawsuit and the Age of Dreampolitik

* Resource 2 – The Dispatch article called, Trump’s Rebellion Against Reality

* Resource 3– Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210111100017-01-11-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

 

Where in the Word Are You Today? 

Luke 24:44-48

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Today’s Guests

Adam Holz – PluggedIn

Adam runs us through the latest reviews of movies such as Wonder Woman 84, The Croods II: A New Age and more! He helps us think through the streaming offerings of January and what it means to be a pirate in the digital age. For more reviews, check out PluggedIn.com

Ron Hutchcraft – Author of Hope When Your Heart is Breaking

For whatever loss you may be experiencing or have experienced, that loss brings grief and when we grieve we must make choices. These choices can further our hurt or lead to further healing. Ron Hutchcraft joins us to expound on these ideas and remind us of our LIVING HOPE, Jesus. For more information about Ron’s ministry or his book, check out the following links: Publisher’s Website, Ron’s Website, Book Website.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210108101008-01-08-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

Perspective Matters

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust” (Isaiah 40:15).

President Trump Concedes

“Now Congress has certified the results a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation. 2020 has been a challenging time for our people. A menacing pandemic has upended the lives of our citizens, isolated millions in their homes, damaged our economy, and claimed countless lives. Defeating this pandemic and rebuilding the greatest economy on earth will require all of us working together.”

Another Individual has Died as a Result of the Riots in DC on Wednesday

A Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, became the 5th person to die as a result of the melee in DC on Wednesday. For more of this story go to this link: Associated Press Article – Police Officer’s Death

Today’s Guests

Matthew Hawkins – Former Policy Director of the ERLC

Matthew joins us to discuss events surrounding the current election. He weighs in on the violent events at the Capitol this week, Trump’s concession, Pelosi and other’s desire to remove the President  from office before election day, and Joe Biden’s nomination of Merrick Garland as Attorney General. You can follow Matt’s work further at matthewhawkins.com.

Chris Martin – Terms of Service Blog and Editor of Moody Press

Chris weighs in on the events of this week and helps us think through his articles from his Terms of Service Blog titled, Using Social Media for Good in 2021, 3 Social Media Predictions for 2021, and Privacy Investigation Coming.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210108095007-01-08-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

Psalm 46

“1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ”

As I said yesterday and I say again today, God is still God. God is good and we are His.

Today’s Guests

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Carmen and Peter discuss what is happening in the world and how to stand with stability on our feet as people of truth in the midst of lives. They discuss words (the definition and misappropriation) and the recent perversion of the word “amen” and of the one God and Son, Jesus Christ, in the Congressional prayer.

Carrie Gress – Co-Author of Theology of the Home

Carrie helps us whether single, married, working, or a stay-at-home mother to discover how to bring to our homes order, vibrancy and beauty for the people we love. For more information on her work and the book go to: TheologyofHome.com

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210107101008-01-07-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

Storming of the U.S. Capitol – Carmen’s Call to Christian Citizenship and a Denunciation of Violent American Citizenship

“We have no king but King Jesus”

     Yesterday was a long day. We started out anticipating the outcome of Georgia’s two Senate run off elections and the Constitutionally mandated joint meeting of the U.S. Congress to certify the vote of the electoral college in the Presidential election. Both of those outcomes are now before us. But in the meantime, the U.S. Capitol was stormed and four people are dead. If they had not been Americans, we would have called it an act of war as the two highest ranking U.S. officials in succession to serve as President, the Vice President and the Speaker of the House were both present in the chamber when the mob surged past the Capitol Police and breached the building. But this wasn’t an invasion by a foreign enemy, this was an act of domestic frustration – even desperation – but it was nonetheless lawless, dangerous, reprehensible, abhorrent – my list of descriptors is long.

     I understand the frustration of those who find valid cause for alarm over the election processes in several states of this union. I understand the desire to see comprehensive election reform. I share the desire for free, fair and accurate elections. I do not deny we need reform – but violence is not the path. And waving the flag of Christianity, invoking the name of God or claiming that what was done yesterday was done in the spirit of Jesus only confuses the cause of Christ in the world. 

As Christians we are first citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We have no King but Jesus. 

     As Americans we also bear responsibilities of citizenship that include great and wide liberties – guaranteed by the Bill of Rights which dates back to 1689. Those rights include the right to peaceably assemble and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances which is the right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of, one’s government, without fear of punishment or reprisals.  What happened yesterday, went beyond that and tested the question of our commitment to being a nation of laws. 

     In the end, at 3:55 a.m. eastern time, Vice President Mike Pence dropped the gavel on the joint session of the U.S. Congress confirming that in two weeks from now, Joe Biden will be inaugurated to the office of the Presidency of the United States. President Trump confirmed as much when the White House issued a statement by the President which includes these words: “There will be an orderly transition on January 20th.” 

     Yesterday did not have to go as it did. And today is now before us. How we live as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the kingdoms of this world is ours to determine. But let us be mindful of the fact that is not only our reputation at stake, it is the very reputation of God and the Gospel which we seek to see go forth to a generation who knows not God.

Today’s Guests

Ben Johnson – Acton Institute

Ben weighs in on yesterday’s events and helps guide us through various political, cultural and religious headlines from around the United States and world.

Kathy Branzell – National Day of Prayer Taskforce

Kathy joins us again to reorient our hearts and minds through prayer. She helps us develop prayers for this year that are blessings and not curses and a Word to journey with God through 2021.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210107095011-01-07-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

Foundation & Treasure

Church collapsed because its foundation was undermined – by treasure hunters! 

* https://www.persecution.org/2021/01/05/treasure-hunters-damage-chapel-turkey/

* https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/treasure-hunters-trigger-collapse-of-historic-chapel-in-western-turkey/news

What issues if not believed and taught do undermine the foundations of the church?

Sola Scriptura, the Bible alone as the word of God.

Jesus Christ alone as the The Way to salvation exclusively. 

What’s the foundation of your life? Jesus or shifting sands of the times? 

Matthew 7:24-27

Are you treasure hunting? Where is your treasure? 

Matthew 6:20 & 21 where your treasure is there your heart will be also

Are we seeking the treasure buried around/beneath the church edifice or the treasure INSIDE? Recall the pearl of great price in Matthew 13! 

Today’s Guests

Bill English – Bible & Business

Join Carmen and Bill as they discuss the upending of America’s finances and small businesses due to the Covid-19. They also discuss the basis of a name change as the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce changed its name.

Sheridan Voysey – Author of Reflect with Sheridan

Sheridan invites us to take a break with him but really a breath with him. He has us pause and interrupt the rush of life to reflect to see what’s in our lives and allow ourselves to be shown the big picture. That is what his book, “Reflect with Sheridan” is all about. For more information check out his website here and for Carmen’s previous conversation with Sheridan, click here.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210106160010-01-06-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

 

 

Epiphany of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Epiphany as a Holiday

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January (or January 19th for some Orthodox Church who have Christmas on 7th January) and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus.

Epiphany is also when some Churches remember when Jesus was Baptised, when he was about 30, and started to teach people about God. Epiphany means ‘revelation’ and both the visit of the Wise Men and his Baptism are important times when Jesus was ‘revealed’ to be very important.

Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. 

 

What can we learn from the Magi who sought to see whether or the not the promises of the prophecy were true? What does it mean for wise men and women to continue seeking Jesus today? 

What might we learn from the LONG VIEW of the wise men of old on this Epiphany day in the year of our Lord two thousand years and twenty one? 

Today’s Guests

Daryl Crouch – Green Hill Church & The Cross Tied Blog

Carmen and Daryl discuss what it means to seek wisdom — the importance it is and act of faith it requires. They hammer home what is foremost and first in wisdom: to seek God.

Hunter Baker – Union University

Well, today is the day, Tuesday’s Georgia runoffs seem to be over! Hunter joins us to discuss what this will mean for the Senate. He alsos runs us through other election related topics including the certification of the Electoral Congress results.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210106102014-01-06-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

Set Our Minds On the Things Above, Where Christ Is…

You’re going to hear that “all eyes are on Georgia’s Senate run off elections today” – and while those elections are critical to the balance of power in the U.S. Senate of the 117th Congress, let OUR EYES be fixed upon Jesus. 

In Hebrews 12 we are encouraged to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

And in Matthew 14 we learn about the power of a life trained on Jesus when Peter is able to walk on the water as long as his eyes on fixed on Christ. 

So, today, when all those around us have their eyes fixed on Georgia, let us not lose the perspective gained by knowing Christ and Him crucified. 

Today’s Guests

Bret Nicks – Christian Medical & Dental Associations

Bret is a doctor in Wake Forest North Carolina. He joins us today to discuss how to make incremental lifestyle changes in smart ways. He also discusses medical billing transparency and a conference coming from CMDA called the Remedy Conference. Follow Dr. Nicks further by following him on twitter @DrBretNicks.

Mike Moore – Author of “Muted Voice.”

Mike Moore is the founder and president of Mike Moore Ministries. He has authored many books including, “Weep Not: Overcoming Grief, Disappointment and Loss” and “Loss and Moving From Tragedy to Triumph. He is also the Senior Pastor of Faith Chapel. Today he discusses his book, “Muted Voice,” where he argues that “two essentials are needed today to disarm and destroy racism in the Church and ultimately in our culture.” First – We must create legislation that is just. Second – as Christians we must challenge the Church to speak out against racism and practice reconciliation and unity. For more information about this book go to the link here.

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210105100012-01-05-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

Where in the Word Are You today? 

Carmen is in John 17. In it, Jesus prays – for himself, for the first disciples, for his future disciples (you and me) and that we might show forth the unity of the Spirit in such a way that the entire world would believe He is the Son of God and believe in Him for salvation. 

As we read, consider the power of very fact that Jesus, very God of very God, prayed. 

If he needed to pray, how much more so do we need to pray? 

Today’s Guests

Luke Moon – PhilosProject.org/ProvidenceMag.com

Luke joins us to update us on some major headlines from around the world. He covers news related to China and the EU, Hong Kong and its freedoms, and Russia’s security breach of the US. He also updates us on news about Iranian nuclear programs and the Beirut explosion from months ago.

George Barna – Arizona Christian University and The American Worldview Survey

Will Trump be the last conservative president? George Barna weighs in on this with us.

For other conversations with George, click the link here: Previous Conversations with George Barna. This conversation with George also reminded Carmen of a conversation she had with Robert P. Jones from PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) on The End of White Christian America. To go to that conversation page, click here. Finally this also reminded Carmen of the PRRI’s American Values Survey 2020 and the Lionier/Lifeway State of theology report.

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210105095009-01-05-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3