Two New Features on the Blog

I have enabled two new features on the blog to insure that the blog stays true to its original intention.

The first one is "comment moderator." All new comments will be rerouted to the blog administrator (that's me) for review prior to being published on the site. "Comment Moderator" also allows me to review the comment to insure that it is civil, non accusatory or offensive. You can still remain anonymous, but this will eliminate spam that is generated which is sometimes offensive. It seems some people make their living by creating programs that surf the net and pop up with ads about the most "interesting" products.

The second one "Poster Screening." Again, to insure that it's not a computer program trying to crash the site, you will find some squiggly text to decipher and type in the box in order for your comment to get posted.

It may take you a few more moments to post a comment, but don't let that detract you from joining the conversation. Feel free to agree, disagree, ask questions, and make statements as long as it is addressing the post. You don't have to agree with the post, but keep it civil and don't make it personal.

Is This Movie PG, PG-13, or R?

A generation ago, full-gospel, fundamentalists, and many evangelicals preached of the perils of the Hollywood, movie industry. Attending a movie with even the slightest bit of questionable content was forbidden. But that has changed in only one generation. Nowadays to even suggest that a Christian should avoid a movie would draw an accusation of being a legalist. But the evidence is leaning in the direction that our moral standards continue to be compromised by many who profess faith in Christ.

This article is thought provoking. It clearly shows how "ratings creep" has affected the decision making of many people, christian and non-christian, to watch movies that would have made a previous generation blush, or just plain walk out of the theater.

Minute Meditation: Leaving a Legacy

“You can gauge the size of a ship that has passed out of sight by the huge wake it leaves behind.” (Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew, Harper Collins 1995)

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

What will be said of you when you pass from the scene? It’s a question that many of us ask. Something within us knows that our lives are more than just a 70 or 80 year span of living and dying with a bunch of haphazard events in between. There has to be meaning in order for life to have been truly lived.

Commit yourself to making lots of money, but your descendants may squander it in frivolous living. Earn a bunch of initials at the end of your name, but all that knowledge will be buried with you. Expend your time in looking good with the latest fashions, an excellent exercise regime, and age-defying plastic surgery, but all that will be left is a good looking corpse. Sounds king of morbid or even fatalistic doesn’t it?

Train a child to enjoy music and at least for another generation the world will reap the benefits. Sponsor the building of a well to supply a remote village with fresh water and the gratitude extended to you will help you sleep deep and long. Share the good news of the kingdom with someone who hasn’t heard and eternity will be changed and shaped.

All of these suggestions have one thing in common. You will leave a greater wake in your stead if you live your life for the benefit of others, rather than yourself. Invest your life in touching others and your legacy will be bigger than the life you lived.

Materialism and Today's Young Generation

The definition of a comfortable life has been skewed. More than ever, today's generation has become confused between what is a desire and what is a need. This article shows how todays teens have bought into materialism as a goal in life.

Part of the reason seems to be that the Boomer generation inherited the values of the previous generation by pursuing the idea that "our children should have it better than me." As a result when the Boomers parents provided a better life for their children the ante was raised. In order for the children of Boomers to have it better than their parents, they have to amass a ton of stuff, most of which most people can easily live without.

How do we stop this insane cycle of materialism? When is enough, enough?

Good Dialogue

I lifted this post from Jesus Creed's Scot McKnight. I think he is really onto something. I was taught a long time ago that we should "seek to understand before seeking to be understood." I haven't perfected that yet, but am working on it. The art of listening is a difficult craft to learn. Especially when there are so many voice clamoring for attention.

This post is a little long, but well worth reading. Like everything else I read, I don't always agree with every little detail, but the gist of this is right on in my book. This is what Scot had to say:

What are the ingredients of a good conversation? Remember, a conversation is not the same as information-exchange or lecture.

First, a good conversation (and therefore a good conversationalist) requires a safe environment. By this I mean space — somewhere to feel comfortable; and I mean at least two people with listening skills; and I mean the ability to disagree if necessary but not denounce, condemn or berate.
Illustration: most of us think this blog is safe; when someone joins us at the table and starts denouncing someone we feel uncomfortable. (Not the same as disagreement; we are more than happy for this to occur. I thought Mark Devine’s comments Tuesday night were solid, crisp disagreements with me. No problem for me. I’ll avoid specific examples of denunciation.) The reason we feel uncomfortable when someone denounces another is because we assumed we were in a genuine conversation in a safe environment.

I believe many today, and this is characteristic of young emerging Christians, are looking for a safe place to air differences and raise questions. Many have turned to the blog world because they are having difficulties finding a safe place. I can’t tell you the number of pastors who have written me privately and said “I can’t say this on your blog, but I want to converse with you about the post today” or about something else.

Second, a good conversation requires a good topic or a good question. This one is clear: what is a good topic for some is not for others. It is also clear that some topics are better than others. Some topics are off-limits for one person and on-limits (neologism?) for another. There is a social skill involved here: some people perceive immediately what is on-limits or off-limits; others don’t.

Third, a good conversation operates on the basis of frequently-unexpressed but nearly always assumed, shared assumptions. I find this to be a regular hang-up on the blog. Many of us operate with a set of assumptions — and it would be fun to bring to expression what these really are — but we don’t talk about them. When someone violates them, we raise our eyebrows or start to wiggle our fingers and maybe even break into a sweat. Perhaps it begins with the viability of the question we ask. I have asked in our women and ministry series for participants to recognize that women in ministry is a viable question; some don’t. That assumption is needed, so I think, for a conversation to occur. Without it, the conversation breaks down.

Fourth, a good conversation requires the spirit of exploration and experimentation. If I ask my good friend, Greg Clark, who happens to be a philosopher and therefore practiced in the art of conversation and one who finds it delightful to turn over each stone somehow, a question, I expect him to tell me what he is thinking on the subject and he will probably explore his mind and he’ll ask me what I think and then I’ll ask him back and it goes on and on.

The major problem here is when someone gets too dogmatic. If in conversing we want to explore something together, we can’t have someone say “here’s the answer, buffo, and there’s no other possiblities.” The shared assumption is that we don’t get too dogmatic and that we explore and think together.

Fifth, a good conversation desires wisdom. I have very little use for a conversation that goes nowhere unless a few of us are gathered just to chat over beer or coffee or about a football game (go Bears!). No, a good conversation with a good topic or question leads to mutual exploration so each of us can learn and grow in wisdom. As a Christian, we want the conversation to lead us into the wisdom of the way of Jesus.

You can visit Scot McKnight by clicking here

A Tribute to Two Great Coaches

If you want to read an excellent article about Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy, you will find it here. Here is an exerpt:

• "Dungy and Smith are role models, not just for coaches who look like them or men who look like them, but for all coaches and all men. They live their lives the right way, and as a result they do their jobs the same way. Their priorities are, in order: faith, their families and football. The outcome of the Super Bowl or any game does not define them. They personify words such as class, grace, dignity, honor and integrity. We all can draw inspiration from men such as these."

Here is proof that you don't have to be a wild, crazy, ranting, maniac to be good at football. Why do you think coaches have to be yellers in order to be motivators? All you dads out there whose sons are playing sports look, listen and learn. I wish I had role models like this when I was a kid. Better yet, when I was a father. :)

Why One Soldier Joined the Fight

This is one of the most truly patriotic pieces I have read. It cuts to the quick. It reminds me that we are indeed our brothers keeper and have a responsibility to confront tyranny, despotism and general wickedness wherever it is found.

This young soldier gave up his life so that others might have a chance to enjoy what we so freely practice, freedom. It's easy to point to the original reasons given for the invasion of Iraq and to conclude that we don't belong there, but now that we are there, we don't have the luxury of simply packing up our stuff and coming home. The honorable thing to do is to get behind our soldiers, give them the tools to complete the job and continue to put pressure on the Iraqi people to take responsibility for their country now that it is in the hands of a duly elected government.

I have always contended that the part of the argument that we have heard little about comes from the mouths of our fully volunteer army. They believe in what they are doing and are reenlisting at record rates to complete the job. This may be an unpopular war at home, but unlike our drafted soldiers in Viet Nam, the American forces in Iraq have criticized very little.

The only way morale will go down in our forces is if we continue to use our soldiers as political pawns. Listen to what they have to say and when we say "we support the troops" let's back it up with the resources to complete the task.

Da Bearz!

We're in the Super Bowl! For the first time in 21 years the Chicago Bears have advanced to the ultimate football championship game. The much vaunted New Orleans #1 NFC rated offense was held to 14 points. Too many yards were given up on pass defense but the bottom line is alway who scores the most points. We're in!

As I write this, the AFC game is still on with the score tied at 28. What's your prediction? I say I'd rather play the Colts than the Pats. We already beat the Pats 21 years ago :)

Update: Colts 38-Pats 34. It's the Bears against the Colts on February 4th. Woohoo!

Minute Meditation: Knowing Jesus

“I first got acquainted with Jesus when I was a child, singing “Jesus Loves Me” in Sunday School, addressing bedtime prayers to “Dear Lord Jesus”, watching Bible Club teachers move cutout figures across a flannelgraph board. I associated Jesus with Kool-Aid and sugar cookies and gold stars for good attendance.” (Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew, Harper Collins, 1995)

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Cor. 13:11 (NIV)

In the past several weeks I have had the wonderful privilege of speaking with two different sets of parents about their child’s salvation experience. It seems that both of these children came to comprehend their need for the Lordship of Jesus “independently.” That is to say that it didn’t happen in Sunday School, or Kids Church, or even during family devotions.

Children have a wonderful capacity for experiencing God. I marvel at how naturally they come to know and love Jesus. The stories of the Bible are readily absorbed and matters of faith are matter of fact.

I counseled these parents to work on their children’s maturing faith, teaching them to stay in love with Jesus all their lives. I encouraged them to help them get beyond the Kool-Aid and sugar cookies into the relational aspect of knowing Jesus, all the while maintaining awe and wonder for the glories of God and His creation. After I conversed with them about their children’s faith, I gently reminded them to work on their own faith walk with Jesus. After all, Kool-Aid and sugar cookies are great, but a cup of coffee and a sandwich is great too.

Sometimes We Doubt our Faith

"I have of late received e-mails from some who are facing severe doubts about their life and about the Christian faith, and I have no capacity here to dissolve doubts by cooking them dry on some apologetic stove — by and large I don’t think doubts are dissolved so much as they are, by faith, put on our shoulders to be carried along with us. In other words, I think doubt and faith are not opposites; faith sometimes is what demonstrates doubt. Or, faith sometimes demonstrates doubt."

What do you say about this quote?

HT: Scot McNight, Jesus Creed

Why I Won't Run for Office

I don't particular care for politics. The arena can get particularly brutal. Take this article about Senator Barack Obama. Now that he is considering running for president, all gloves are off. His entire life is being scrutinized with a microscope. Everything he's ever said or done will come under question. Who of us is squeaky clean?

In my life I have done things (especially before coming to Jesus) that are incriminating and embarrassing. Since becoming a Christian, I have almost 30 years of public speaking, every week, sometimes 2 or 3 times a week. That amounts to roughly 4,000 sermons, and teachings. There is enough fodder available to fire a pretty big cannon. Every idle word will be brought to bear. Snippets will be taken out of context to create whatever evil monster my critics may want to convey.

I wonder why some people would care to enter the public arena. Knowing that their lives will be exposed, warts and all. And think of the effect it has on your children or spouse. Whatever your feelings about Obama, Clinton, Guiliani, or fill in the blank, you have to at least give them credit for having tough skin.

What about it? Do you think our way of selecting leaders is fair? Can you suggest a better way? Why do you think people run for public office? I'd be interested in getting your thoughts.

Another Post on Worship

One of the topics that quickly gets my attention is the subject of worship. In my short life I have learned some things about worship and I find that the more I've learned the more there is to learn. But studying up on the topic is only one side of the coin. One fellow wrote:

• "defining worship too tightly is somewhat like dissecting a frog to understand it. You might understand it but it is also dead. Worship is a humble, biblical response to what God chooses to reveal about himself."

Reading, praying, observing and exploring worship eventually must lead to practicing it. It is not enough to know the details, but to experience the presence. It is more than the posture of the worshiper, but the exaltation of the awesome God. It is one thing to be humbled and yet another to humble ones self.

Worship is a response to God. Just as a sunset may inspire a contemplative mood, or awestruckness, peace, expectation, or relief, each time we walk into the presence of God can result in a different response or reaction.

I have found that when I am restless I worship God and find peace. When I am happy, I experience affirmation. When I am discouraged I find myself encouraged. Each worship opportunity can reveal something new from God. Often it is determined by your need.

What is your worship experience like?

Proposed Changes to our Constitution: Second Members Meeting

We had our second meeting of our members last night to discuss some potential changes to our church constitution. We are a blessed congregation. I have heard horror stories of other church's meetings where chaos has ensued, bitter words have been exchanged and members have felt ostracized from each other. It doesn't seem to be that way in our church.

While it is certain that some feel very strongly about their convictions on varying aspects of this proposal, the discussion has been civil and all expressed a sincere interest for how these changes may affect our church positively or negatively.

I was pleased with the turnout at the second meeting. Quite a few who weren't able to make the first meeting attended, and many who had attended the first meeting came again. It is obvious that a significant part of our membership has understood the importance of this venture. We have one more meeting scheduled for January 28th.

Our Elders continue to listen and take notes. Sometimes it is not easy to discern the voice of God when sincere, godly men and women on both sides of an issue share their convictions. But that is our calling, discernment. Continue to pray as we continue to dialogue. It is extremely important that this process be saturated with prayer.

One gentle pastoral piece of advice. Be careful how you discuss this issue in the lobby and aisles of the church. We have visitors who may inadvertently be given the wrong impression that just because there is a difference of opinion it may be interpreted as division or dissension. Continue to season your words with grace. The enemy is constantly looking for an opportunity to negate our witness.

Minute Meditation: The Third Lens of Scripture

“While it is fashionable in our times to analyze world events merely by looking through the lenses of politics and economics, it is also a serious mistake, for it prevents one from being able to see in three dimensions. To truly understand the significance of global events and trends, one must analyze them through a third lens as well: the lens of Scripture. Only then can the full picture become clearer.” (Joel Rosenberg, Epicenter, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006)

“ . . . men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do- . . .” 1 Chron 12:32 (NIV)

One of our previous presidential candidates was told by his advisors to keep the message focused on the economy. His “it’s the economy, stupid” sound byte was a constant reminder that our nation, at the time, was purely focused on economic issues. Any deviation from that message could sabotage his campaign.

In the past 8 years or so, Christians have been accused of trying to accomplish their goals using economic and political clout. While it is important to use our political system and economic might to influence culture, so far both have failed miserably. Our nation has experienced a loss of spiritual ground because of it. What is missing?

We must once again return to the principle that the “Bible is our all sufficient rule for faith and practice.” Adherence to interpreting life through the grid of Scripture is a fail proof formula for living a godly and fulfilling life. We are not talking about a legalistic interpretation of Scripture, but a prayerful discernment that helps us to glean the precepts, principles and practices of a godly lifestyle. Through Scripture we can frame our views about economic and political issues. We can discern the will of God and have a strong moral foundation for our beliefs and behaviors. Commit yourself to make 2007, the year of the Bible.

Martin Luther King Jr. on the Church

Today we celebrate the birthday of the great civil rights leader, but more imporantly, preacher of the gospel Martin Luther King Jr. It is more than just a day when school children have a day off and banks are closed. We remember his call for the church to arise and address the social injustices of her day. Here is what he had to say about the church in his "Letters from a Birmingham Jail."

• "In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists. There was a time when the church was very powerful in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society."

I too love the church. I believe Jesus mandated that his church transform the world by challenging its order and brokenness. May we answer the call to rise above the methods, philosophy, ethics, and morality of the world and proclaim loudly, through belief and behavior, that the kingdom of God is here.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Anonymous Comments

My blog allows anonymous comments. This is done to protect the identity of those who want to remain private. However there is another way that you can post a comment and still remain "anonymous." Give yourself a funny or otherwise identifying name by clicking the "choose an identity, other" in the comments section. For instance, I can post as "Big Guy, BlogmasterPastor, Dudester" or any other name I choose. This helps when there is more than one anonymous comment and someone may want to address your comment or question. Nobody needs to know who you are if you pick one blog nickname and stick to it.

Remember, this is a Christian blog and our comments should be tempered with grace. Since it is my blog, I alway reserve the right to eliminate any comments that are rude, vulgar, attacking, spam, etc. I won't eliminate comments that disagree with the original post or other comments as long as the language and approach is civil.

Tell your other friends that this blog exists and comment away. If you have an idea for a post, send it to me by clicking the email button on "View My Complete Profile." I'll consider it as my time allows. I don't generally respond to comments that are made as this is an open forum. If you want to connect with me directly, you can email me. Feel free to visit the archives for past posts and comments as well.

Thanks for your participation.

Healing Today

Let me say it straight from the start, I am a firm believer that God heals today. This article, although rather long, is an excellent treatment. The series of articles probes the efficacy of healing in a modern scientific, rational, myth-busting culture. It is a must read. The writer's conclusion is dead on:

• "A wise man, therefore, proportions his belief to the evidence"

I have prayed for many and have seen miracles happen occasionally. I don't have all the answers as to why God heals one and not another, but my faith that he does heal keeps me praying. In a day when so many are hurting despite so many new advances in medicine, and new diseases constantly being discovered, a rediscovery and practice of praying for the sick would be a welcome development. Not just in our once a week church services, but anytime we come in contact with someone who is ill, or everytime we ourselves are stricken with illness.

What has been your experience in the faith arena of healing?

Funny Things that Happen in Church Services

I've put in about 30 years of ministry time. Some strange and funny things have happened along the way. This site records some of the funny things that have happened in full-gospel, pentecostal churches. Here is a sample:

• "We were having an awesome move of the Holy Ghost one evening; everyone was dancing and shouting and worshiping the Lord in the fullness of the spirit. It was great! They had one of those metal heater radiators on the side of the church, you know the ones like they used to have in the old school houses. Well, anyway, as pastor's wife began to dance, we heard her shout, or so we thought, twice with much 'fervor!' Which really excited several of the other ladies over by her. She then fell to the ground and began to roll around. We were thinking, 'She's a holy roller!' but later we found out she had stubbed her toes, not once but twice on that heater and was rolling around on the ground in pain! It was quite a treat for those who knew what happened. Even to this day, every once in a while, someone brings it up, and she kind of snickers."
  J.S., Oklahoma

I can recall one instance that happened early in my ministry: A young man began to prophesy during the worship time of an "end-times" conference. To the best of my recollection, this is what he said:

• "The Lord is nigh thee (back then we prophesied in the King James English). He is coming to bring judgment in all the earth. My people are to humble themselves before me, pray and wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost. If you are not faithful to me, I will withdraw my presence and write Michelob over the door."

Obviously he meant "Ichabod." Read 1 Samuel 4, especially verses 21 and 22 to get a fuller appreciation of why this was funny. It began as a snicker, but before long we were all laughing full tilt. I'll never forget that night.

Has anything funny happened in a church service you attended? Let us know so we can laugh together.

A Toast to . . . Toast!

Just when you thought that everything possible could have already been posted on the internet, along comes this article about 300 ways to eat toast.

Jesus said "man cannot live by bread alone," but that doesn't mean he wouldn't want us to appreciate a good piece of toast. What's your favorite way to eat toast? I like 7-10 grain, toasted dark with real butter.

Have a great weekend in Jesus.

HT: Todd Rhoades over Monday Morning Insight

$haring the Good New$

Sharing the gospel is like giving away million dollar bills, but it could get you in trouble. It seems that this fellow was handing out tracts that looked like real money and had his tracts confiscated. I have seen a lot of tracts over the years. None are more attention getting than those that have something to do with money. Money talks! It is the vocabulary of our culture.

But the real value of the tract is in the message. There was a 160 word gospel presentation printed on the bogus bills along with several disclaimers that the tract was not "legal tender." Recipients of those bills would be fortunate to know that, if acted upon, the message is worth more than a million dollars.

I came to Christ when a Gideon handed me a New Testament as I was swearing into the Armed Forces. At the time, it cost about 38 cents to print an entire N.T. It has been priceless in my life ever since. What kind of witnessing tools have you been exposed to? What kind of witness did it take to make you aware of your need for Jesus?

50 Most Influential Christians in America

The list is out. This site will tell you who are the 50 most influential Christians in America. The real question is, does our understanding of influential mirror the Bible's definition? If a widow's mite is the standard of giving (all you have), is it enough to say that a tithe is exemplary? If prayer moves the hand of God to change things, can a prayer warrior claim the same kind of "influence" as a Christian who leads a church of 12,000?

How many did you recognize? I knew 41 out of the 50. And who are Paula White and Marcus Lamb? Any of you heard of these two? Just some food for thought.

Christians and Comedy

I must confess. I love comedians. I love to laugh and a good comedian will have my stomach muscles aching. There are some comedic geniuses out there. You can probably name your own and from every generation. But lately I have found that you have to sort through a whole lot of junk to get the joke. Most mainline comedians are getting so vulgar that a God-fearing man like myself won't sit through a bunch of offensive language just to get a good laugh out of a joke or two.

Here is the good news. There is now a Christian Comedian organization. These are comedians who are committed to using their craft to give Christians a good time without having to compromise their values or yours.

The Bible says that a "merry heart makes good like medicine." Outside of sarcasm, or knock knock jokes, or cut-ups, Christians don't seem to get involved in sharing good jokes. Perhaps it is because the "good jokes" are racy. But I am convinced that humor can be clean and side-splitting.

Can you see a church event with a dinner, some music and instead of a sermon a comedian? That would be a wonderful way to enjoy a date without exposing yourself to questionable entertainment. What do you think?

Prayer: Feeling Guilty Yet?

We've got some real committed prayer warriors in our church. There are the ones I know about, and the stealth prayer warriors. But, like most churches, we don't have enough of them. It is difficult for most Christians to have a consistent personal prayer life. Studies, polls and surveys show that it is the one spiritual exercise that most of us struggle with and often feel guilty about.

You can link to a great article on the subject of prayer and be challenged to a great goal for 2007. Here is an exerpt:

"The vision for corporate prayer. Our individualistic culture robs us of a vision for corporate prayer. Private devotion is upheld as the ideal. But Scripture teaches that the church prayed together. And Jesus taught us to pray in a collective sense. The language of is essentially, "When y'all pray, pray 'Our Father,' and 'give us our daily bread.'" His ideal was that we pray in community.
People who have considered this teaching have asked me, "Which is more important, private or corporate prayer?"
I respond, "Which leg do you need to walk on more, your right or your left?"

Jesus said that "my house shall be called a house of prayer." Corporate prayer should be a high priority for His people. One of the ways to make this happen is to commit to our monthly church prayer meeting. It is scheduled every first Sunday of the month with rare exception.

Put it on your calendar now. Make it an automatic appointment to join your church family in this all important endeavor.

Pro-Life News

Perhaps the best website to keep up with news on the abortion front from a prolife perspective is found at www.lifenews.com All of the latest judicial cases, legislative endeavors and medical reports that frame the abortion debate can easily be accessed here.

As we approach the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, it is imperative that we continue to fight this scourge upon our land. Conservative estimates put abortion in the U.S. at over a million a year and over 40 million since the case was decided. When the numbers are extrapolated worldwide they reach an astounding 500,000,000 children killed. This figure is considered to be a very general and conservative estimate with closed countries like China not providing any direct information.

If you've been watching this wrestling match over the slaughter of the innocents from the sidelines, it's time to get back in the arena. You can get actively involved in a number of ways. Write your congressional representative on the state and federal level, especially about the appointment of judges because that is where the issue will be decided. You can also volunteer time at or donate funds to a crisis pregnancy center to help on the front lines.

Stay informed and get involved.

Why the Muslim World Views us with Fear and Contempt

Most Americans are good, moral and ethical people. But television, movies, magazines and newspapers often project a different America. If you want to find out why the Muslim world views us with contempt and fear, follow this story. What we have here is a cultural civil war that must be fought and won by those of conservative values. The article states:

"Many American liberals view the great social revolution of the past few decades—freedom for abortion, divorce, and homosexuality—through the prism of an expansion of civil liberties, "freedom of choice," and personal autonomy. But from the Muslim perspective these same trends appear as nothing less than the shameless promotion of depravity. So it is not surprising to see pious Muslims react with horror at the prospect of this new American morality seeping into their part of the world and potentially destroying their religion and way of life."

Traditionalist societies fear the impact and influence of our "free" way of living and justifiably want to protect their children and society from it. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn't see the solid fly-over state values that are very conservative. The East and West coast influences dominate our media leaving a distorted sense of what America is truly about. The write continues:

"So what should America do about this? First, we should recognize how our domestic culture war and the war on terror are linked. The restoration of American culture will not only be better for our children, but will help America's image abroad. As a practical matter, of course, such a restoration will not be easy. At the very least, it is a task that will take a couple of decades. The best we can do is to show Muslims, and traditional people around the world, the other America that they often don't see."

In a land where consumer is king, Christians must do their part to avoid contributing to and supporting the erosion of the basic conservative values that have made our country strong. By turning the culture back to these moorings, our image in the rest of the world will be more acceptable and desireable.

Complexity of a Broken Soul

You would think that, after almost 30 years of ministry experience, I would have a clue as to what to do. But there is no blanket protocol or procedure for dealing with homeless people. Here’s what happened yesterday.

I was prepping for my Sunday sermon when my intercom buzzed and I was told there was a woman who wanted to speak to “a pastor.” I instinctively knew what that meant. Someone was going to ask for help. I stepped out into the hallway to invite her in and was greeted by a disheveled, homeless woman. Life had taken its toll on her. With unkempt hair, soiled clothing and an unpleasant odor, it was obvious to me that this was no easy fix. This was not a “normal” person who was going through a tough time and needed a boost over the hump. This was someone who had sown bad seed for a long time and a temporary fix wasn’t going to do much to change the situation.

She began to tell me her convoluted story. Much of it didn’t make sense and was full of discrepancies. I patiently let her speak. I asked a few questions to try to get some clarification. No such luck. The amount of money she was asking for was not much by the standard of living that I am used to, but her purposes for its use were suspect.

My heart ached as I wanted to help her in the most productive way. I saw in her the image of God, although it had been distorted by the consequences of sinful choices. I saw someone Jesus had died for, but I also knew that she hadn’t a clue as to how to appropriate his free gift of grace.

I tried to share with her the simple plan of salvation but her need was so overwhelming that I’m not sure how much was absorbed. I wasn’t satisfied to offer her platitudes like “God loves you. God knows your need. God will provide for you. etc. As true as these statements may be, the Bible is clear, that faith without works is dead.

Tell me how and what you would have done to handle this situation. After I hear from some of you, I’ll tell you what I did.

The Stature of a Christian Leader

With all of the rumblings among non church-goers and church-goers alike, about the absence of good, quality church leaders, there is one who stands head and shoulders above all the others. His name is Jack Hayford and many haven't heard of him. But those who have recognize his unique calling, anointing and consistency in his 50+ years as a minister of the gospel.

God calls men and women, who have feet of clay to do His most important work. Unfortunately the weaknesses, when exposed, are plastered on magazines, newspapers and television screens. Very little is said of the trooper who labors in obscurity year in and year out without ever falling in scandalous sin. These pastors pray fervently, prepare messages to feed the flock, visit the sick, nurture young Christians, encourage the discouraged and make sure their churches have a good testimony in their respective communities. They receive little fanfare for their faithfulness.

Rather than being counted among the disgraced by association, most of these pastors identify with, and thank God for, the testimonies of great men like Hayford. The next time you are tempted to judge a pastor as untrustworthy because of the failings of a few high profile ministers, take a closer look at Pastor Jack and let it serve as a reminder that he reflects more the typical pastor than most anybody else who holds that position.

How to Buy a Book

Books can be expensive. Not only that, but it's hard not to judge a book by its cover. As a result one can easily purchase a book and upon reading it realize that it wasn't worth the expense. This site has a nice chart that can help you in making your book purchases.

HT: IMonk via "Between Two Worlds"

New Years Goals/Resolutions

I'm not very good at keeping resolutions, however I am better at setting and attaining goals. A resolution too often turns out to be a wish that doesn't or can't come true. A goal can be more easily reached by identifying the steps necessary to reach the goal. As a result I am not making any resolutions this year, instead I am going to set some goals.

• Goal #1- I will lose 20 pounds this year. I have several incentives. My daughter is getting married and I want to look good for her. And I have a really nice suit hanging in the back of my closet that I want to wear again. Aside from that, I'll probably be healthier and my doctor will be pleased.
• Goal #2- I will finally completely organize my garage. Even if it means taking vacation time to do. Most of the stuff my kids had stored there is gone and the rest is pretty manageable.
• Goal #3- I will exercise 3-4 times a week starting today. This should help me in the weight loss, but should also give me increased stamina and more energy.
• Goal #4- I will commit myself to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, bible reading and worship. The difference will be personal spiritual growth rather than just professional growth.

How about you? Do you have any goals you'd like to pursue in 2007?