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God, Country, Politics...
I know of a situation I'm not involved in. Hear me! I'm NOT involved and I'm not getting involved. I have loved ones on both sides of the situation. It hits at a tender place in my heart and memory. It saddens me in many ways that I'm afraid those closer to the situation may be calloused to. People are not perfect. Whether those people are pastors or congregants, old or young, long-tenured or newly arrived. But God is. None of us is capable of seeing into the hearts of anyone else. We can never definitively know the motives or...
Today, September 27, 2006 is my 3 year anniversary of blogging. 3 years ago today, I started blogging, as opposed to just "being on the web".
To be clear, this site is not been my first. I've been on the web for a VERY long time. I've had many sites before I started blogging. But they were very circa-90's-decade-personal-site, ya know? Infrequently updated. Look was more important than content. This site is very light on flash, but I use this site to discuss things that are on my mind and heart.
3 years blogging isn't a overwhelmingly significant milestone like my 1000th post or anything (which is...
After reading "Twelve Ordinary Men" by John MacArthur, I find it nearly impossible not to compare myself to these men.
MacArthur analyses the men in order of how they're usually referenced in Scripture. As such, he starts with Peter and ends with the traitor Judas Iscariot.
For me, I found myself identifying with each disciple in some way as I read their respective biographies. At times, it was surprise that I didn't know a certain feature about that person. Other times, it was shock at the extremes from where Christ called them from. In all of them, they made a journey.
Starting with...
I have the honor of highlighting one victim of the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States. His, and the 2995 other DIRECT victims died 5 years ago. 5 years! The memory of this event is etched on my mind like it was yesterday. It's not cliche. What I thought was a joke turned out to be a horrific, spineless slaughter of innocent lives.
Now, 5 years later, the heroes of 9.11.01 are facing their own challenges with lingering health issues related to their service following the destruction. The total toll of lives lost to this calculated, premeditated act will...
I experienced a Lord's Supper a little differently recently and it made an impact on me compared to the normal grape-juice-and-crackers that I've usually had. Many of you have participated in Lord's Suppers this way before, but I'd never taken the elements as a piece of bread dipped in the juice. I was shocked by what I felt... First, it's yucky. There was a psychological aversion to eating grape juice-soaked bread. Second, it's bitter. I'm not sure if it's the juice, the bread, or the combination of the two - maybe it was even the type of bread used,...
Before Jesus Christ lead His disciples through the Last Supper, He didn't seek to elevate Himself. While some of the Twelve debated which of them would be "greatest", Christ lowered Himself to Servant and Slave. While Christ was preparing to take the greatest stage in the history of the world He relegated Himself to a washbasin and dirty feet. This was His preparation before taking the platform where God Himself would watch His Son die for the redemption of sinful man. In this (or any) environment Christ would have been totally justified to request or require to be elevated, honored, or even pampered at His...
Question: How do most Southern Baptists (and others) believe the roles of church leadership in terms of Pastors, Deacons, adult teachers, etc are to be filled? Answer: By men. [ding, ding, ding, ding] Correct! Bonus question: What if the boys don't step up and lead? Answer: [crickets chirp] I make funny, but honestly, I think this is a problem. In fact, I know it is, simply because of how God made us. (Before I really get rollin', let me say that I'm making broad generalities and there are certainly exceptions to every stereotype.) For starters, many men (not all men all...
Some of the readers of this site know that I have a background in pharmacy. I have a continued interest in the profession - mostly because of the disillusionment I dealt with - and when it crosses with a socially-relevant Christian worldview topic, I just can't resist.
Well, today I found an article that mixes the many facets of the "emergency contraception" (EC) drugs that face pharmacists that claim to be Christians in one tidy article (here). Certainly, there have been PLENTY of articles covering what are generally painted as "renegade" pharmacists in the popular media. But the one at Christianity Today...
I lead a Sunday School class (referred to as a Connection Point for Adult (CPA) class in our church) that is officially categorized as an "Adult, 22-29" grouping. Unofficially and more widely known, is that my class is "the Newlywed Class". I HATE both of these methods of organization. Why? I'm glad you asked. :)
First, churches today need to understand that while "Promotion Sunday" where kids graduate from one classroom/age group to the next works and serves very valid purposes, adults don't bother to graduate classes as they age. I've never seen it happen widely (meaning that there are individual, rare cases of obedience)...
Tim Challies
, blogging from the
WorshipGod06
conference, run by
Bob Kauflin
recently had this as part of
report from a recent session
...
How many times have we gathered with the church to worship God and been unaware or only vaguely aware that God is present in His house? How many times have we sung songs of praise with our minds distracted in a thousand different places, completely unaware that God is present in His house? How many sermons have we listened to and been aware of the pastor's voice, but only vaguely aware of God's voice? How many times have we...
I'm going to try hard to NOT make this a rant. We'll see how it goes.
Here's the deal: I'm tired of the Prima Dona attitudes that seems to accompany many in the music field (hobbyist to professional) in supposedly Christian circles, particularly in the arena of worship. That wasn't rant-like, was it? :)
Too often, I've seen many people of varying skill levels be WAY too focused on themselves. Too often, they believe that THEY should be the center of a worship set (of music). Too often they’re incensed when THEY aren’t being used in the way “God told them” they...
Some of you may have already noticed the new addition to the left-side bar. It's a "site sticker" with the name of the individual I've been assigned after volunteering to do a remembrance with the "
2996 Tribute
" movement.
What is the "2996 Tribute"? This tribute is a web-based movement to remember each and every one of the 2996 victims that died during the terrorist attacks on 9.11 - At the WTC, Pentagon, and in PA. This isn't just an empty "be with the families" or "be with everyone" general statement, but an attempt to showcase the lives on a personal and individual...
Today, I ran across a commentary from Kay Warren. While she is the wife of Saddleback Church pastor and "The Purpose Driven Life" author Rick Warren, she's quite a woman in her own right.
It seems that Mrs. Warren runs Saddleback's ministry serving HIV-positive and AIDS sufferers. She witnesses miserable tales of mistreatment, abandonment, suffering and death around the world.
[Excerpted from the CNN.com article] ***************************
Horrific and startling images confront each of us daily through newspapers, televisions, and eyewitness accounts of those suffering from AIDS. You can do what I did for years -- choose to ignore it all because it...
In a review of Philippians 1:15-18 (NASB, NIV), I've found myself struggling to align my thinking with the teachings of this passage.
To start, let's consider what I believe this passage to mean - that there are two camps of teachers; both preaching the Gospel, but one doing it with sinful (or at least less than ideal) motives. Paul is happy that the Gospel is being preached, regardless that the people doing it are doing it for the wrong reasons. Now, I don't believe this means Paul condones their attitude, but that's not his point here. He's focusing on spreading the Gospel. In...
...no, not Defense.
...no, not Dallas, either.
This "D" is "Divorce". Don't worry (Mom). I'm not going through one myself - that I know of. :)
I recently heard a sermon that gave me pause. I've heard countless (and sometimes worthless) messages on the Biblical reasons for divorce and the like. But the latest rendition left my wife and I talking for quite some time that afternoon.
Now, my regular readers probably know by now that I'm really not interested in your opinion if it's not backed up with Biblical principles. I can get all the unsubstantiated opinions I want from any number of religious organizations and...
I've been considering pursuing some higher education of the Bible-based variety for a while now and I'm finally to the point where I'd like people's opinions on what schools they would recommend.
I'm in St. Louis, MO, so the institution would either have to be local or provide remote learning services.
Beyond that, each school seems to have a number of specialized degree programs, so if you have opinions on a "track" to pursue, that would be helpful too. Barring any other guidance, I'll probably just start with a basic program that COULD wind up at a M.Div. or similar credential, if...
Usually (but not always), I like Jerry Falwell. I think he's got a great University program established. I think he's got great political and legal organizations going. But today, I think he's off the mark.
A couple of days ago I received the “Falwell Confidential” as I regularly do. This email is a platform for Mr. Falwell to give his opinions on topics, create awarenesses, or generate support for events that strike his fancy. Generally, since I have a similar world-view, I'm OK with what he sends out and it keeps me informed on whatever has his dander up. (And, for the record, I'd...
OK, I've had it. Yes, I know I've been quiet for a while, but enough is enough. I don't relish the idea of using my 100th post on this site for this topic, but this has to be said...
I'm convinced, now more than this time or this time that Pat Robertson must have a direct-dial phone number to God to come up with the things that pour out of his mouth. Either that, or he's a moron.
PR is NOT helping the perception of "The Religious Right" and especially "Christians". I use quotes because those two groups are socially perceived as...
You know, I guess I should have expected that it would happen, but I hoped it wouldn't. I would have thought that certain days would be indelible in our minds. Of course, good ones are - our birthday, Christmas, and the like.
I saw very little “remembrance” today of the attacks of the World Trade Center buildings 1 and 2 that occurred on September 11, 2001.
We’re 4 years past 9.11.01. We’re nearly a year since the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. We’re nearly 2 weeks since Katrina hit. Which one did you think about today?
Later.
Today, Michael Jackson was found not guilty on ALL 10 counts brought against him in the widely publicized molestation trial.
However, I can't help but wonder if there's a difference (legally or in the court of public opinion) between “not guilty” and “innocent”. In my mind, they're different, but I tend to be a little more cerebral in forming my views. For those that are subject to emotions, caught in the glare of celebrity, or simply apathetic, there's likely little difference between those concepts, if most people even think about it at all.
The deal is, in my mind, that while our judicial...
You know, I really love Memorial Day Weekend. Sure, there are the patriotic sounds, music, movies, and marathons. Sure, there are festivals, food, fun, and a day off. But that's not really what I love about Memorial Day. Memorial Day isn't Memorial Day in front of a TV watching baseball or barbecuing, to me. Memorial Day is a "church day". There's no place I'd rather celebrate Memorial Day than in church.
You may think that my church does some elaborate recognition programming or acknowledgement. Maybe they play the key songs that you'd think of. Maybe they'd present the flags in ceremony. ...
It's no secret to most folks that know me that I have to look left (politically speaking) to see just about anyone. Sure, Rush Limbaugh and others get much of their glory and fame for being “conservative”, but that's largely just on political/governmental issues. On social, moral and religious issues, most popular “conservatives” doesn't come close to anything reasonably Biblical (whatever “reasonably Biblical” means).
Am I some non-thinking, fanatical wierdo that only believes that: 1.) if it's fun, it must be wrong, and 2.) I believe soemthing because someone else told me so? Absolutly not. I believe some things differently than my parents and my childhood church...
Well, I finally completed my Inductive Bible Study for Romans. We wrapped up Romans by completing a Book Summary that I uploaded as a PDF.
It's a very interesting thing to be done with Romans. I kind of made a fuss to even start it. I was very nervous, etc., but now I'm thrilled that we've completed it (with my Sunday School class). I will say though, that I'm not ready to take on another huge and challenging book like Romans (ie, Daniel, Hebrews, Revelations, etc). Sure, it's all challenging to some degree, but smaller makes things look easier.
To that...
So, in a few conversations with my 5 year old about things of faith, we've hit a few times on baptism. In the course of those discussions, he's since referred to the dip in the water taken with the Pastor as:
"appetizing" and...
"recycled"
The beauty is that there's quite a bit of theology in both of those terms. :)
...from the mouths of babes.
Later
Terri Schiavo died today. I can only hope she was introduced to and accepted Christ early(ier) in her life.
I don't get this case. A man has a wife that he won't give up control over even though he has a separate family. Her parents have begged for her custody (and her life), but he maintains that he loves her and that he's following her wishes.
Was it her wish that he develop another family while he's STILL MARRIED TO HER? He refused to divorce her. He could have removed himself from the entire situation, giving control of her back to her parents...
Man, what a week... It was terrible this week. Work has been horrible. I've not been feeling well, both from the weather changes we've been experiencing and the stress that the job has been placing on me. I was feeling down about my Sunday School class. I've been discouraged about participating on our Praise Team.
Keep in mind, I know work isn't THAT important. No one dies when things go badly at work. So, I try to keep a little perspective. However, it's very much that everything that gets done is controlled by me, so when things go badly, I'm responsible. ...
As we were flipping channels Sunday afternoon, we happened on a television broadcast by Pastor John Hagee. He was preaching on marriage and had a list of “How to make your marriage sizzle” or something to that effect. By far, there was one of his suggestions that caught our ear and tickled our funnybone at the same time. He suggested “Read the Song of Solomon - and DO it.” The folks in the audience, and I suspect many of those watching the broadcast, did as we did...we laughed for quite a while.
It seems (here, here, here and here for example) that the first free election in more than 50 years in Iraq was wildly successful. Pictures of elderly, infirmed and cloaked women greeted me on most of the news sites that I frequent. I saw video of 3 men carrying an elderly woman in a plastic deck chair down the street so she could vote. I saw pictures of blue fingers everywhere. I think that’s very cool.
I also find it interesting that there is talk of erecting a monument to Bush in Baghdad. This...
I probably shouldn’t post this. But I’m going to anyway…
Today, I received an email prayer list that contained a request that struck me. I have the privilege and honor to receive a request from a Chaplain that is on the ground in Iraq. I have the privilege and honor to pray for this man and his local “family”. As he submitted this request privately, I’ve obscured some details to protect his identity. Please join me in praying for him and his comrades as they serve their...
Folks, this kind of stuff drives me crazy. Martin Luther King Jr never (to my knowledge) used financial equality as one of his major platform issues. Yet today, on the commemoration of his birthday, this is what the likes of Jesse Jackson are claiming. Further, they've got mainstream news pundits parroting right along.
When did desegregation, voting privileges, and anti-discrimination turn into Socialism? MLK, while not a perfect man, stood for things that were good and right. He went about it a good way. He could have taken a path of violence (i.e. Malcolm...
Well, I think it's about time that I put down some thoughts on The Passion of the Christ. Certainly, I was too overwhelmed right after I saw it to effectively communicate much of anything about it. Now, in addition to Dan's comments on the subject, I have a few of my own...
To quantify this movie as “good“ or “the best I've seen“ or similar, is EXTREMELY difficult for me. While on one hand, I fully realize that this movie is Gibson's vision, based on various references and his own understanding of those references, in fact, most of the movie is...
As one of life's great mysteries, here's a case where some dolt beats a pregnant woman and their child dies 8 minutes after the stress-induced delivery. The paternal donor (I can't bring myself to refer to him as the “father”) is now charged with involuntary manslaughter.
First things first...I TOTALLY agree this this moron should be charged and not allowed to procreate any more. Personally, I think he's getting off easily if he doesn't get aggrevated assault and battery or at least something to account for kicking the woman (and baby), beating them with a broomstick, and pummeling her with his fists.
However,...
Well, this week I spent my evenings working on the finishing touches (furniture, cleaning, etc) for a new youth organization in my neighborhood. I'm very tired, but feel pretty good about the work. I've really enjoyed hanging out with everyone, watching passers-by as they crane to watch the activity, etc...
This new youth facility is called The Realm. It's owned and operated by my church, First Baptist Church of Harvester. It's the brain-child and love labor of the Youth Minister, Jamie George.
Jamie has no doubt taken some heat to see this thing to completion. Even though he got the funding...
Whew. I took 2 days off from work and spent Thursday through Sunday on a retreat weekend with my praise team group from our church.
While it's the first days off I've had in a while, I'm totally exhausted. It's not unexpected, as this is my third time on this retreat, but unfortunate, nonetheless.
That said, it was AWESOME. Roger Breland (Mr. Breland to anyone besides his wife, I'm sure) visited us. Mr. Breland was the founder of the contemporary christian music juggernaut TRUTH. For 31 years, this man took vocally talented individuals, and made them an excellent team that happens to sing. ...
Unions. It's a topic that divides people just like religion, politics, or whether the toilet paper should hang from the front or back.
I'm not anti-Union. I know that unions have their place and for many years served to protect workers from horrible working conditions, paupers wages, and general mistreatment. Unions were the only reasons these issues improved. Unions protected the “every-man” because those in power would otherwise abuse them.
That was quite a while ago, however. Today, in the U.S., I see little need for unions. I think non-industrialized countries could stand to benefit quite a lot from the power of unions. However,...
Whew! Well, I went and played paintball today with some co-workers. What a blast! Granted, I'm a big, slow, less-than-agile white guy, but I did pretty well. It must be that rural upbringing that put a innate ability to shoot things, get dirty, and love it...
In reality, it also opened my eyes a bit. I realize that I lead a bit of a sheltered life if that I rarely socialize outside of my “normal circle”. I spend 95% of my days around either professionals or church-goers (if not Christians) - some of each group are part of the other to...
Well, last night, we went to see the Martins in concert at First Baptist Church of Wentzville, MO. They really put on a great concert. ...but they always do.
On the way home, my wife and I discussed “prayer”. We discussed what we thought its purpose was and was not. Specifically, we acknowledged that it was not correct to think that praying to God would “change God's mind” or that we'd give Him some revelation or new idea. I mean, do we (collectively) think that we could come up with something where God said “Oh yeah, good idea. I hadn't thought...
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