Privilege and Responsibility

June 11, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
1 Comment

Tomorrow my beautiful daughter turns 14.

Emily has brought me more happiness than I could have ever imagined possible, but not everyone gets to celebrate such milestones. It is only becuase she was born in a developed country like Australia that she has had the opportunity to grow up in the amazing young lady she is today. I don’t take that for granted and I can’t help but feel deeply for millions of parents around the world who battle to simply keep their children alive.

Tomorrow we’ll celebrate fourteen healthy years for our eldest child. In many countries it’s a major achievement for any child to just make it to the age of five.

Every day, over 24,000 children under the age of five die from mostly preventable and treatable causes, such as diarrhoea, malaria, measles, pneumonia and HIV/AIDS. They don’t die for a lack of knowledge or science-we know how to prevent thousands of these children from dying each day-we simply need to put our knowledge into action. It’s not up to philanthropists, non-government organisations, religions, governments or individuals alone: this will take all of our efforts, working together.

One of the things that I hope Emily has learned is that with privilege comes responsibility. We live in an amazing country and although we are far from being rich by Australian standards, when we look around the world and then at our circumstances we see how good things are for our family. That means we have a responsibility to help others in more difficult circumstances.

Our finances are pretty tight at the moment but we still have a very good roof over our heads, food in our tummies and a whole lot more. Millions around the world don’t have any of that.

Of the approximately 2.2 billion children living in the world today, more than half are living in poverty. That means they lack opportunity and options, and face challenges that can rob them of even basic rights: safety, good health, education and enough food to develop properly. Today’s children embody tomorrow’s world, and uneducated, malnourished, poor children are likely to become tomorrow’s uneducated, malnourished, poor adults.

One of the ways we help others is through Compassion Child Sponsorship.

I know that most of us don’t have too much to spare at the moment, but please consider helping others who have nothing. I’ve been to developing countries and seen the work Compassion does first hand. Believe me, they do amazing work. The money does get through and it makes a world of difference.

I’m so thankful that I have two healthy children. I want to ensure that other parents know what that’s like too so I’ll continue to support Compassion.

Please think about how you can change the life of a child and their family through Compassion Child Sponsorship.



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Consumerism and Spirituality

June 9, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
1 Comment

Am I the only one who feels a little uncomfortable when people joke about retail therapy?

Did anyone else feel uneasy about the masses lining up for days to get their hands on an iPad as soon as they went on sale?

Is our happiness really dependant on the power to buy items that will soon be outdated or superseded?

I don’t have a problem with the iPad and would probably enjoy using one if I could afford it, but I was quite concerned by the hype that drove people to stores around the world to participate in a buying frenzy. The latest I heard is that they’re still selling at one every three seconds. They may be quite wonderful but they’re not the answer to the world’s woes.

Whether it’s shoes, clothes, electronic gadgetry, food or whatever else, we seem to repeat the process of purchasing as much as we can, growing dissatisfied with it, then going out and doing it all over again in the hope that the next purchase will bring the contentment we’re seeking.

To a great degree it doesn’t even matter what we’re buying. Consumerism is all about the purchasing. We gather together to worship at shopping centres that have become our cathedrals.

We need to purchase a variety of items just to live our lives but we can so easily cross the line and let that purchasing process become an end in itself.

My regular Wednesday morning guest on 98.5 Sonshine FM is Rev Dr Ross Clifford who is the Principal of Morling College in New South Wales and Vice President elect of the Baptist World Alliance. Each week we chat about a range of issues relating to spirituality and belief.

Today we talked about consumerism and the way it is affecting so many lives. We live in a world where millions are dying because they don’t have enough, yet just as many are dying due to excess.

If you want to hear what Ross had to say about the spirituality of consumerism just click the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

It’s hard not to get caught up in consumerism when we’re surrounded by it constantly but I’m working towards the kind of attitude that Paul talked about in the Christian Scriptures.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12

What we own or what we can buy shouldn’t define who we are. Satisfaction, deep satisfaction, doesn’t come from consuming more and more. Purchasing will never add more meaning to our lives.

Are you ready to fight back against the lie of consumerism?

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/SPI060910_1056.mp3]

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Christian Carnival 327

May 12, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
2 Comments

christian_carnival_lion.jpgWelcome to the 327th edition of the Christian Carnival. There is some great reading here and I’m sure you’ll enjoy working your way through the list of posts.

The weekly Christian Carnival is an opportunity for Christian blog writers to share their best posts from the previous week. The topic of the post doesn’t necessarily have to focus on Christianity but it must reflect a Christian worldview, and the writer must be Christian to qualify.

As always it’s a real honour to be able to present such a diverse range of great posts.

Please take the time to read through each post … it’s worth it. You might also like to link to this week’s carnival so that your blog readers can enjoy the variety of styles and thought. Another way to spread the word about the Christian Carnival is to click any of the buttons below this post to share the carnival on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon or any of the other sites represented.

Starting things off this week is FMF presenting Channeled Tithing at Free Money Finance, a post about being surprised by God when we remain faithful.

Can we still stand up for morality? Ronnica has started a great conversation at Ignorant Historian with her post Taking Liberties with Liberty.

I’ve enjoyed reading HARMLESS THOUGHTS for years. This time around Matt Harmless presents an interesting look at Abide in Christ, a book by the great Christian writer Andrew Murray in the post Abide in Christ.

Barry Wallace has presented a challenging post asking us What Part of the Gospel Is Optional? Check out the post with a very thought provoking video at who am i?.

Have you ever heard of the myth of chronic uniqueness? Deb W. explains what it’s all about in Myth of Chronic Uniqueness & God’s Word at All Things Being Made New.

The growth of atheism is something that is causing some Christians concern, but if we trust an almighty God there’s no need for us to worry. Andrew presents a thoughtful post titled The answer to atheists at Rely on God in your personal development.

Richard H. Anderson presents his post about Continuing Revelation at his blog dokeo kago grapho soi kratistos Theophilos.

Singing when times are good and the sun is shining is easy but what about when times are difficult? Violet N. has written an excellent post titled Singing through your stress test. Check it out at Other Food: daily devo’s.

Sarah has been thinking about the way that some people make plans and talk about future events without leaving room for our sovereign God. her post Not When, But If at This is what Sed said gives us some great food for thought.

A great reminder from Ridge Burns that Ministry Is Hard at Ridge’s Blog.

Weekend Fisher takes on one of the big faith issues, that of evolution and creation, with the post Controversies in the church: Creation at Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength.

Diane R. has written a short but pointed post that should generate some interest. I think I’ve finally figured it out can be found at Crossroads: Where Faith and Inquiry Meet.

To finish this week Jeremy Pierce helps us get to grips with some would perceive as a conflict in Scripture. Read Proverbs and Wives at Parableman to see what Jeremy has to say.

If you’re a Christian and you missed out this week, how about choosing something to contribute for next week’s edition? It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just a post that outlines your point of view or is designed to get others thinking. Being part of the carnival could be a great way to gain a little extra traffic at your blog.

The easiest way to get involved is to submit your article through the Blog Carnival Submission Form. Otherwise, you can email the submission address.

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to spread the word. Feel free to click any of the buttons below to share the carnival on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon or any of the other sites represented.



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Christian Carnival Returns

May 7, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
2 Comments

christian_carnival_lion.jpgWould you like the opportunity to have your blog promoted? Have you published a post over the last week that you’d like read by a wider audience?

I’m having some friends drop in next week. They’ll be visiting from all over the world and you’re invited to join us. The next Christian Carnival is being hosted here at RodneyOlsen.Net.

The weekly Christian Carnival is an opportunity for Christian blog writers to share their best posts from the previous week. The topic of the post doesn’t necessarily have to focus on Christianity but it must reflect a Christian worldview, and the writer must be Christian to qualify. You may wish to consider that the readership of the Christian Carnival will be more varied than your usual readership, and you might do better contributing a post with broad appeal.

I’ve already received a number of contributions and I’m looking forward to offering readers of this blog some great links when the carnival is published.

If you’re a Christian and you’ve never contributed before, or if it’s been a while since you have, how about having a look through your posts for this week and choosing something to contribute. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just a post that outlines your point of view or is designed to get others thinking. Being part of the carnival could be a great way to gain a little extra traffic at your blog.

The easiest way to get involved is to submit your article through the Blog Carnival Submission Form. Otherwise, you can email the submission address.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday evening at midnight, Eastern (US) Standard Time. That means it’s midday Wednesday here in Perth, Western Australia.



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Christian Carnival 318

March 11, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
2 Comments

christian_carnival_lion.jpgThe carnival is back in town and we’ve had another great response this week.

The weekly Christian Carnival is an opportunity for Christian blog writers to share their best posts from the previous week. The topic of the post doesn’t necessarily have to focus on Christianity but it must reflect a Christian worldview, and the writer must be Christian to qualify.

As always it’s a real honour to be able to present such a diverse range of great posts.

Please take the time to read through each post … it’s worth it. You might also like to link to this week’s carnival so that your blog readers can enjoy the variety of styles and thought. Another way to spread the word about the Christian Carnival is to click any of the buttons below this post to share the carnival on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon or any of the other sites represented.

Jason Koeppe from Live2Worship starts things off this week saying, “I’ve become convinced that we often ask God to lay out the entire plan of something and He in His infinite wisdom knows we either can’t comprehend or take it all in and so I believe He revealed to me in my life a simple strategy for difficult times when we are crying out for the full answer or full plan and He doesn’t seem to be complying. I believe sometimes He just wants us to focus on the next step.” Jason, I couldn’t agree more. Check out the post How To Hear From God – Hearing the Voice Of God at Live2Worship.

Amanda Hunt tackles a couple of issues that I’m sure we all struggle with from time to time. Her excellent post Trust and Patience is at her blog Amanda’s Musings,

Can you name all twelve disciples of Jesus Christ? We may know Peter, John, James, Matthew and off-course Judas, but what about others? Find out more about the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, their Greek names and meaning and their occupations. Bible SEO presents Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation at Bible Study Exposition Online.

I’m sure you’ve never forwarded those cheesey ‘chain emails’ but obviously many people can’t get enough of them. Jeff tells it as it is in his post If You Love Jesus… Forward Another Brainless Email at ReturningKing.com.

What if we could create millions of dollars only to give it away? How many missionaries could be supported? How many evangelistic outreaches could be funded? How many God glorifying books could be published? How many hungry could be fed? How many lost could be reached? BWL presents My Strategy for Giving Away Millions posted at Christian Personal Finance.

Trent Cotton says, “Trying to explain the doctrine of justification can be, in itself, a weighty subject and often confusing. If you are anything like me, I often do better with analogies or metaphors. With this in mind, let me use an analogy I think best describes the basic, rudimentary differences in the understanding of justification.” Check out Trent’s use of analogy in the pos Confessions of a Converted Catholic: Justification at Christian Men-Christian Warriors.

God can choose to work in our lives in way he wants. Joe Plemon’s post Seven Ways God Works Through Our Finances at Personal Finance By The Book helps us discover some of the ways that he works through finances.

Anthony Delgado presents an interesting look at Fruits of the Holy Spirit—Joy, Peace, Patience & Goodness at eInquisitive. In his post he suggests a very sound reason that we may not be exhibiting the fruits that we should.

Jim Edwards says, “My friend Marlin Bates was an 80+-year-old former World War II Infantry Sergeant under General Collins in conjunction with General Patton. He learned some of the following details only after the War was over. While we were out working on his land near the Mississippi River, he unveiled this fascinating true story about ‘the War to End All Wars.’ It taught me volumes about Satan. I wrote this so we don’t forget.” What did Jim discover? Find out by reading The Yalta Agreement posted at EverydayChristianFamily.com.

Do you struggle at times and wonder ‘where is God in all this’? When God doesn’t seem to be at work, perhaps he has a greater plan. Perhaps he wants you to focus on him and know that he is at work. Compassionate Action posted at Chasing the Wind may be the comfort you need if you’re facing life’s difficulties today.

Looking for help studying God’s word? Bible SEO presents a review of the top four New American Standard (NASB) study bibles available. Find out more in the post NASB Study Bible – Most Popular NASB Study Bibles posted at BibleSEO Blog.

While many of the posts in the carnival give us great instruction and food for thought, Sarah is throwing out the challenge with a very interesting theological question in her post Calling All Theoblogians #8 at This is what Sed said.

In Luke 14:33 Jesus says, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” It’s not always a ‘popular’ scripture but it’s certainly one that demands our attention. Are we prepared to take those words seriously? Barry Wallace presents Paying the Price (Discipleship, Part 4) at who am i?.

Do our beliefs about end time prophecy affect how we interact with one another in the here and now? And, how does it affect our financial decisions? Steven and Debra will challenge your thinking with the post One World Government and a One World Currency: Is This a “Sign” of the END Times? at The END TIMES Hoax.

Steven Demmler presents some brief remarks from T.F. Torrance which are put in dialogue with the methodology of the “Jesus Seminar”. You’ll find T.F. Torrance on “Historical Jesus Quests” posted at You Can’t Mean That!.

In an age where we’re more likely to do as much as is needed to get by, Weekend Fisher challenges us with “How much more” — going the extra mile at Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength, saying, “Learning more from “Going the extra mile” than how to help ancient Roman soldiers.”

We’ve all heard it so many times and very often it can simply be an excuse to attack the ‘actions’ of others, but is it really possible to hate the sin while loving the sinner? Chris Brooks presents Hate the Sin… posted at Homeward Bound. This short, insighful post goes right to the heart of the issue and is a great challenge to us all.

Brian Marchionni believes that when looking at the manner in which the early church carried out their mission we may find some guidance as to how we can approach church planting in difficult economic times. Head to Where and Why of Church Planting posted at Boston Bible Geeks for some ancient wisdom on a modern problem.

If you’ve ever tried to explain deep theological concepts to children you may appreciate the post Blood Sacrifice which Violet N. posted at Bible Drive-Thru. It’s an explanation of the atonment that even a kid can understand from a blog of daily devotions for 8-12 year old kids

Jeremy Pierce looks at a problematic definition of the word ‘heterosexism’ in a post simply titles Heterosexism over at Parableman. I must admit that I’d never even heard the term before so I really appreciated Jeremy’s very comprehensive thoughts.

Parenting can be tough at the best of times and it can sometimes be difficult to choose a parenting style that will not only work but will honour God. Rey Reynoso presents an examination of Michael and Debi Pearl’s method of child rearing found in To Train Up A Child in the post To Train Up A Child: An Examination of the Pearl Method at The Bible Archive. The examination is extensive and sounds several warnings.

They sometimes make us smile and other times make us groan, but do ‘witty church signs’ always convey the truth? Henry Neufeld asks if a sign he’s spotted is really quoting a text in context. See what you think after you’ve read Church Sign: An Eye for an Eye posted at Participatory Bible Study Blog.

The final post for this week’s carnival comes from Jody Neufeld and it’s ‘great’ …. or is it? Jody’s post Jesus Defines ‘Great’ at Jody’s Devotionals, explores whether the definition Jesus gives of ‘great’ is same as ours.

If you’re a Christian and you missed out this week, how about choosing something to contribute for next week’s edition? It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just a post that outlines your point of view or is designed to get others thinking. Being part of the carnival could be a great way to gain a little extra traffic at your blog.

The easiest way to get involved is to submit your article through the Blog Carnival Submission Form. Otherwise, you can email the submission address.

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to spread the word. Feel free to click any of the buttons below to share the carnival on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon or any of the other sites represented.



Do you think some of your friends would enjoy reading Christian Carnival 318? Please use the buttons below to share the post. Thanks.