Category Archives: Culture Wars

by | May 7, 2011 · 12:46 pm

What Congress Needs to Hear Before 2012

Cover of "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be...

Cover via Amazon

I am going to do something unusual. I am going to let you read an extensive quote from I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Geisler and Turek). If you don’t have this book, I would highly recommend it.

The following is from chapter 14, “What Did Jesus Teach About the Bible?” The scene is a hypothetical speech made before the House and Senate by a 7th generation descendant of George Washington.

Woe to you, egotistical hypocrites! You are full of greed and self-indulgence. Everything you do is done for appearances:  You make pompous speeches and grandstand before these TV cameras. You demand the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats wherever you go. You love to be greeted in your districts and have everyone call you “Senetor” or “Congressman.” On the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness! You say you want to clean up Washington, but as soon as you get here you become twice as much a son of Hell as the one you replaced!

Woe to you, makers of the law, you hypocites! You do not practice what you preach. You put heavy burdens on the citizens, but then opt out of your own laws!

Woe to you, federal fools! You take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, but then you nullify the Constitution by allowing judges to make up their own laws.

Woe to you, blind hypocrites! You say that if you had lived in the days of the Founding Fathers, you never would have taken part with them in slavery. You say you never would have agreed that slaves were the property of their masters but would have insisted that they were human beings with unalienable rights. But you testify against yourselves because today you say that unborn children are the property of their mothers and have no rights at all! Upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed in this country. You snakes! You brood of vipers! You have left this great chamber desolate! How will you escape being condemned to hell!

Jesus Wouldn’t Say Such Things!

Oh, really? Just consider what he said to the rulers of His day…which, incidentally, were even more ruthless than our government allows.

Matthew 23:13, 23-33 RSV – [13] “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. …

[23] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

[24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

[25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity. [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean. [27] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

[29] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ [31] Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. [33] You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?

More Like Jesus

Let this be an example to those who serve America. Many of you say you are Christians, but talk like Jesus you do not. If more men of integrity would stand up before the nation’s leaders and call them to stand account, can you imagine what kind of country this could be?

You say it over and over, “No more politics as ususal,” but you lie…it’s always the same. Do something really different for a change: speak the truth and take a stand for right, not career or party.

Be the men and women who deserve to be in Washington.

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by | March 25, 2011 · 6:12 pm

Prostitots?

Not a Flattering Term

At some point a few years ago, someone coined the phrase, prostitot. As you may have figured out, the word is a combination of “prostitute” and “toddler.” It refers to young girls dressing like older girls, but not in appropriate ways. More often than not it is meant to refer to middle school girls who dress like 21 year olds out to “hook up.”

Sad Reality

Sadly, there ARE moms who WANT their little girls to look like prostitots.  An example can be seen on a reality TV show that glorifies the insanity of baby beauty queens. Little girls, young enough to have the maternity ward bracelet still on their ankles, are turned into ruthless little competitors obsessed with everything from makeup to staying thin. Sadly, if it were left up to the kids, they would be out on the playground getting dirty. But with mentally disturbed mothers and fathers exhibiting twisted parental skills, the only thing these little girls are allowed to play are the judges and crowds. Frankly, I don’t care what people submit as reasons for this – it’s still wrong, unwise, and dangerous. The picture to the right does not do justice to the rampant sexuality that these little girls are being trained to exude, all in the name of being popular.

Now, odds are not many women are submitting their little girls to this kind of abuse (yeah, that’s what I call it). On the other hand, actual trends should be quite disturbing, nevertheless. Young girls today are more sexually expressive than ever before. Access to the internet and smart phones is allowing them to post and receive adult material (including self-made stuff). Clothing is becoming more revealing and makeup more alluring as time goes on. Yet, many moms are just going along with the fun, while daddy is either clueless, or forced to go along for the ride. The need to be popular, pretty, and sexy is invading the middle school.

And it’s getting bad.

It is getting so bad that even liberal women, like Jennifer Moses, are writing in the Wall Street Journal about their concerns. In an article entitled, “Why Do We Let Girls Dress Like That?” Ms. Moses lamented the fact that many moms are allowing their 12-and 13-year-olds to dress “like prostitutes,…but pay for them to do it with [their] AmEx cards…” She wonders what kind of message parents are sending to their children when they encourage children to look like girls on the prowl.

[It’s] easy for parents to slip into denial. We wouldn’t dream of dropping our daughters off at college and saying: “Study hard and floss every night, honey—and for heaven’s sake, get laid!” But that’s essentially what we’re saying by allowing them to dress the way they do while they’re still living under our own roofs.

According to Jennifer Moses, the reason for all of this is, “with the exception of some Mormons, evangelicals and Orthodox Jews, scads of us don’t know how to teach our own sons and daughters not to give away their bodies so readily.”  Now THAT’S an interesting thing to say, isn’t it?

I don’t want to speak for the Mormons, Jews, or Muslims (especially the Muslims who just burned 50 churches in Ethiopia this week), but in spite of what all the liberals have to say, the Bible has some good advice when it comes to rearing children. It even instructs against dressing like a prostitute. Imagine that!

The Bible?

The problem is that many parents have no idea what the Bible says about anything. They never read it, much less attempt to apply its principles to parenting. Too often parents want to let their children make their own decisions with regard to clothing, friends, sexual choices, etc. Rarely is it the case that they stop and consider the reasons for sexual purity before marriage. Rarely do they consider why girls should dress modestly, not seductively. Today, even Christians are having a hard time distinguishing between what is culturally acceptable or socially popular, and what is actually destructive.

Question

[GIRLS]Why do women want their daughters to dress seductively? Do they want the boys to look at them? Do they want the boys to think inappropriate thoughts? Why is it that so many women are allowing their daughters to play with fire? King Solomon advised his son, “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:25). The reason was pretty simple: there are always consequences to lust.

Stop and think about it, moms. When you allow your girls to dress like eye candy, what do you expect boys with racing hormones to do? They sin. As a matter of fact, Jesus said,

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. – Matthew 5:27-28 KJV

Does it make you comfortable to think that your daughter in a miniskirt and high-top boots just may be causing another mother’s son to commit adultery? It is that serious, you know. Of course, let it be said that it takes two to tango. Boys should be taught to keep their hormones in check. They should learn from Job who said “I have made a covenant with my eyes…”

The Answer

Now, more than ever before, I believe it is time for the mature and godly men and women to step up to the plate.  The younger men and women need to know what this world is really about. So many mothers and fathers are unaware of the dangers that lie in wait for their little boys and girls. They need some mature men and women to come alongside them and say, “look, dear, this is what will happen if you continue down this path.” The Apostle Paul told Titus that the people of Crete needed the same thing.

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self‑controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self‑controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self‑controlled. – Titus 2:1-6 NIV

A Final Thought

In response to the article by Jennifer Moses, a  critical piece appeared in Salon magazine. Mary Elizabeth Williams labled Moses as “guilt-wracked.” She also said of her own daughters:

I want them to believe that their sexuality isn’t something to be afraid of, to be doled out stingily and grudgingly…And I wish someday for my daughters — and their friends, both the girls and the boys — what plenty of us not named Jennifer Moses have been able to achieve: a lifetime of healthy self-esteem, varied experiences and zero regret. (emphasis mine)

Well, I guess we know who else hasn’t read Proverbs 5, 6, and 7, huh? Good luck with that “zero regret” thing.

Links:

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748703899704576204580623018562-lMyQjAxMTAxMDIwMzEyNDMyWj.html

http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/03/21/wall_street_journal_tween_sluts/index.html

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by | March 18, 2011 · 3:29 am

Speak Out While You Still Can

What I am about to write is definitely dangerous.

I am having a hard time finding the words to say. I have written and re-written stuff for the last 5 hours. The problem is that there is no easy way to say what I want to say. I am not a radical. I am not a conspiracy kook. What I am is someone who watches what is going on in the world, in light of history, and is terribly disturbed by what potentially lies ahead. Please watch the following video, and then read my thoughts on the matter.

Nobody wants to label the whole religion of Islam as dangerous. To do so runs the risk of being labeled “Islamaphobic.” But just in case no one noticed, the reason the police didn’t stop the peaceful Muslims from clogging the streets of France is because of the fear that some radical will burn a police station, behead a cop, or start a riot that leaves the city in ruin. Why shouldn’t that make me nervous? Since when did the police of any country run in fear of Christians?

The Norm?

What will we allow to become the norm in this country? Sure, there are the humanists and the atheists who would like to see no public display of religion; but most Americans would just prefer that a person be able to hold whatever belief their conscience dictates, exercising their faith in peace. However, if the norm becomes fear of speaking out or questioning anything about any religion; fear to enforce certain laws because it may offend a Muslim; or fear to even draw a cartoon depicting a particular “prophet” (that got a lot of people killed, you know); then freedom will cease to exist. That is not the norm I want to get accustomed to.

Another video.

You see, it is coming to a point where we are going to have to speak out for freedom, or we will not be able to speak out at all. Fear and intimidation is running rampant all over the world.  Just look at how people are being jailed for speaking out in Europe against Sharia law.

<object style=”height: 390px; width: 640px”><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/sPmURANLiHw?version=3″><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”><param name=”allowScriptAccess” value=”always”></object>

No Sharia!

To not speak out in this conflict of cultures is to allow Islam the opportunity to replace our Western form of government with a system of laws that go against everything our forefathers fought for.  There will be no place in an Islamic state, should it go that far, for those who seek freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of thought, or equal rights for all. Freedom of religion is a core value in American society, but we should beware of those who would use that freedom to usurp the freedom of all others. Already, intimidation and the fear of retribution is robbing us or our of public discourse in the arena of ideas.

A concluding thought

As a concluding thought, the above videos spoke of laws in other countries that limited religious expression outside of the home, church, synagogue, or mosque. We should be thankful we are still allowed to express our faith anywhere, not just inside the walls of our own homes and churches. But make no mistake, there are those in this country who would love to have us be just like France and Austria. They have already succeeded in removing many expressions of faith from the public arena in the name of “separation of church and state.” Understand that unless we have the right to full, unrestrained discussion, only the most intimidating bullies will be aloud to speak. Speak out while you still can.

Related Articles (just in case you want to read the other side of the argument)

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by | January 31, 2011 · 11:24 am

Be “Careful” for Nothing…

I am sitting at my computer and thinking of all the things about which I want to write, but all of them really seem trivial at this point. Life must go on, but sometimes world events make everything personal seem, well, trivial.

At the time of this writing, Egypt is in a state of turmoil. The people, led by students (like always), are demanding the president of

Unrest in Egypt

Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, to give up power. Muslims all over the world are taking their side, even burning pictures (like always) of the president in the streets. The leading opposition group in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood, is calling for the government to be handed over to them (like always). And once again, the world is feeling the tremors of this shake up in the price of oil and the falling stock markets. Things are getting really tense all over the world.

 

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110131/D9L39P7O0.html

In case you are reading this and have no idea of the ramifications of what is going on, let me just tell you what could potentially happen.

1)   Egypt, one of the few Arab countries at peace with Israel, is about to change its form of government, from a “dictatorship” to a hastily formed “unified” government, not a democracy.

2)   The government that is being called for by the “people” of Egypt will, in essence, be nothing more than a theocratic-themed, Islamic-controlled, religiously-based government. Even though the protesters on the street just want an end to the 30 year reign of Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood wants anything but a democratically-elected, religiously open-minded, pro-Western government. They want one more domino to fall in the long stack of countries they want to conquer in the name of Allah.

3)   If Egypt falls into the hands of Muslim extremists and jihadist-sympathizers, then they will have the ability to control all traffic through the Suez Canal. It is through this waterway that a majority of the world’s oil is transported. To cut access to the Suez would cripple the United States economy overnight.  Oil prices would go through the roof, along with every thing that the increased prices could affect. Everyday staples, such as food and electricity would be triple in cost, if not more. Businesses would fail.

4)  If Egypt falls into the hands of Anti-American extremists, Suadi Arabia will be in trouble.  The Muslim Brotherhood has already stated that it wants to see the Saud family removed from power. If that were to happen, then the majority of the world’s oil would be in the hands of those who want to see America and the West fall. Because of the demands and restrictions placed on our energy-making industries by Liberals and global-warming nuts, we will not have the capability of meeting the fuel and energy demands of this nation. Our economy will come to a standstill.

5) If the economy of the United States comes to a halt, there are plenty of groups poised and ready to bring riots to our own streets, just like has been seen in Europe (France, England, Greece, etc.) and the Middle East.  At that point, say good bye to the America of our forefathers (what’s left of it, anyway).

6)  Of course, don’t forget, before the world economies give up in defeat to the folks in the desert, there will be, as the protesters call it, “blood for oil.” War in the Middle East over the control of its stock of resources would no doubt include the self-interests of every major power, including China and Russia. Very easily, we could be on the brink a major global conflict.  Worried, yet?

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Phl 4:6 KJV).

What does it mean to “be careful for nothing?” Well, the word translated “careful” in the KJV is a Greek word that means:  to be anxious; troubled with cares (merimnaō – Strong’s G3309). To “be careful for nothing” would mean to not be anxious, or overly troubled by anything. Now, with all the bad news above, how in the world are we supposed to not be anxious? “By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let [our] requests be made known unto God.”

What happens when we put our faith and trust in the God of the Bible?

[The] peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phl 4:7 KJV).

But my problems are not trivial. They are real – as real as the problems in Egypt. I’ve got my own issues that tend to make me anxious.

Yesterday, my wife and one of our girls drove to Chicago. They went there because of a family emergency. Lo and behold, Chicago is expecting up to 2 feet of snow and winds close to 60 miles an hour – a blizzard.  Do you think that makes me happy? Not only is the world falling apart, but MY world is in danger.

What am I to do?

Pray and give thanks to the God who made this world and holds it in the palm of His hand. Only His peace can keep our hearts in these troubled times. Only He can give the peace that passes all understanding. I resolve “to be careful for nothing.”

Phl 4:4, 6-7 NLT – Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! … Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

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by | January 24, 2011 · 11:44 am

I Don’t Want to be Judgmental, but…

I guess I am just getting old. Those things that I used to hear being said by my peers are now being said by people half my age…or younger. They say things like, “That’s just the style,” or, “What’s wrong with it?” What’s worse, is I am wanting to say the same things that I heard from older people when I was young, such as, “Put some clothes on!” or, “Did your mother really let you out of the house like that?”

I’m recovering, but not cured.

Even though I try not to, I can still find myself being judgmental when I observe other people. You see, being a recovering legalist means that I am not, nor will I ever be, totally cured. I was reminded of this last week when I spent a few hours on the campus of a Christian university. My first thought was, “You’ve GOT to be KIDDING me?” The next thought that crossed my mind was, “These are Christian kids?”

I have spent a lot of time over the years on the campuses (campi) of secular colleges and universities. I know what the kids of the world look like. I can spot a tree-hugging, pot-smoking, left-wing Marxist from a mile off….or can I? Believe it or not, either the liberals have been purging the rolls at U. C. Berkeley, or Christian kids have found a new style.  Who knows, maybe they’re wanting to reinvent the vagabond, wandering prophet, hippie-Jesus look of the ’60’s? Maybe it’s their attempt to reach the grunge crowd.

Go ahead and say it, “You’re being too judgmental.”

You may be right. The thing is, though, I thought that Christian young people (assuming the ones on campus are Christian) are supposed to live by a higher standard. That is the way my children are taught. My girls know better than to try to dress like “prosti-tots” out to pick up a fuzzy faced, hormonal, boyfriend-of-the-week. They have more respect for their reputations than that. Shouldn’t it be expected that older, college-age followers of Christ should know better?

Sadly, many, if not most young people, even in the Church, are not being taught how to dress. Before they are barely out of diapers, many children are allowed to pick and choose the clothes that they like, based on what they see advertised or worn by their favorite singer or over-rated, over-paid Nickelodeon idol. By the time they get old enough to go to high school and college, there is no turning back. They wear what they want, even to church, and bristle with indignation when it is suggested that they should cover their legs or put on a sweater.

“Back in MY day…”

Back in my day (again, sounding like an old man), kids that attended Christian colleges were expected to dress differently. Granted, the standards may have been a little strict in some ways; but what is better, some standards, or none? The college boys and girls, young men and women, that I observed the other day looked either like wanna-be’s from the hood, rejects from a Goodwill store, barefoot hillbillies, brother-in-law bums, cheerleaders on the prowl, or morons that let their blind mothers dress them. I know, I’m being too judgmental. Maybe they just want to look like their favorite Christian band.

Here’s the real problem: we’re getting too comfortable with the culture and not giving our children proper instruction. The last place I would expect people to look like lazy, disrespectful, jobless bums, or shameless, clueless, hormone magnets is a Christian campus. On the other hand, if parents, grandparents, and godly mentors are not taking the time to teach what is proper, or even model correct behavior,  what hope do we have? We should, as adults, accept the responsibility for teaching our children that how we dress makes a statement about our beliefs. Consider Paul’s words to Titus:

Tts 2:4-7 NLT – These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely in all they do. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching (bold italics mine).

Tennessee Temple University has a motto that should sum it all up: “Distinctively Christian.” How are we teaching our youth and young adults to be “distinctively Christian” in an increasingly sensual, rebellious, self-worshiping world? Even more, how far are our Christian Universities willing to go to avoid being labeled “legalistic?” I don’t want to be too judgmental, but is it possible that somewhere along the line we backed away from taking our teaching [doctrine] seriously, trading a “Pharisaical” evil for a casual one?

* For the record, the above picture is of the Christian band, Superchick, which does have some really good music with powerful lyrics.

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by | January 19, 2011 · 2:53 pm

Missing the Point…AGAIN!

It never fails to amaze me…the ignorance of those who claim to know so much.

Just recently, Governor Robert Bently of Alabama made a whole lot of people angry. According to the reactions of some, he might as well have said that from now on, only Christians will be allowed to eat and breath in the state of Alabama. Of course, that is not what he said, but that is how it was interpreted.

You can read the articles for yourself (I attached the links, below). Both are full of accusations from non-Christians and atheists. None show any understanding or appreciation of the biblical principles to which Governor Bently was referring. Moreover, they smugly and hypocritically avoid the fact that the word “brother” is used in more circles than just Christian ones. Most of all, they accuse the governor of making all non-brethren out to be “second-class citizens.” All because he said that if you are not a follower of Jesus Christ and born again you can’t be considered family?

Correct me if I am wrong, but since when was I included in the family of the Muslim brotherhood? Tell me, when was it that I was last notified of my spot at the reservation in Montana? Has anyone received a call from Jessie Jackson, recently? Surely, the Rev. Jackson is wanting to welcome me as a “brutha.” Did anyone misplace the memo? NO, because I am not in those “families.” Moreover, most don’t want me, if I could, to become a part.

Governor Bently said what he said based on the fact that only believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour can claim a relationship. That, however does not make us incapable, as Christians, to love and serve our fellow man, even if he is a part of another “family” which seeks to destroy our own. The Apostle Paul made it very clear in the 12th chapter of the letter to the Romans that even though we may not all be “family,” we are to be “kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (v. 10).”

On a side note, where do the people of Philadelphia think they got the name for their city? Philadelphia is the Greek word for “brotherly love,” as in Romans 12:10. Atheists and Muslims weren’t the ones who named the city, and those leaders led well.

No, it is precisely the Christian who is commanded to do what so few others are willing to do to non-brothers – love them and show kindness, even amidst persecution. Consider the following verses from Romans 12…

Romans 12:14-21  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

If the Constitution was not the law of the land, and we were in any other country, especially one ruled by Sharia Law, would the above words bring comfort, or install fear? If the founders of our nation had been Jihadists, would they have written a Constitution such as ours that allows for “freedom of religion?” Is it fair to say that Governor Bently will treat non-Christians like “second-class citizens?” Not if he really does abide by his religious beliefs. If he does what he is supposed to do, then the non-brethren will fair much better than the non-brethren do in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, China, North Korea, etc., etc., etc.

Give the governor a break people! The great thing about America is that we are a nation of many “families,” but we’re still Americans. Don’t miss the point to make a stupid one.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/alabama-gov-robert-bentley-apologizes-christian-comments/story?id=12662495

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/18/new-ala-gov-just-christians-family/?test=latestnews#content

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by | December 28, 2010 · 2:57 pm

What’s Down the Road?

I was just thinking about the new year, not to mention all of the things that I have committed to do. First, there were simple things like pounds to lose, things to fix, books to read, tests to take, messages to preach, and people to see.  Now, on top of all of that, there are more threats of war, higher fuel prices, decreasing morals, and a new season of American Idol. What are we going to do?

A wallpaper picture really caught my attention, today. The scene was a peaceful road leading towards some distant mountains obscuring the horizon. Above the mountains were what seemed to be fireworks and the phrase, “Happy New Year!” It caught my attention because it made me think, “Are we driving into a celebration, or a battle?”

We may not like to think of it this way, but we have lived in a pretty peaceful world for a number of years. Well, just to qualify that statement, Americans have lived peacefully. Even with the last 20 years’ worth of gulf wars, nothing we have experienced in the last 30+ years compares to the Vietnam conflict, the Korean War, or especially World Wars 1 and 2. The world has had its share of trouble, but nothing on the scale of the world wars and genocides of the early to mid 1900’s. Is it possible that the road leading into 2011 may find something besides celebration?

Just a quick glance of the the world news today gave me a shudder……

When you think about it, our country is no longer the leader she once was. We have lost our moral authority and our will to act unilaterally. Our leadership is seeking a plurality of world powers in the name of peace, while giving away our blood-bought sovereignty wrapped in treaties. The peace that was maintained by our threat of force is now up for grabs by any snot-nosed maniac willing to threaten with a car bomb. Who will now lead us down the road? Even more frightening, who are we willing to let lead us?

But even with all the doom and gloom on the horizon, there is hope.

Things could really get bad in the days ahead, and that should disturb us. What is just beyond the mountains ahead could spell the end to everything we have grown to accept as normal and peaceful. Even so, our hope is not in man, nor governments, nor political parties, or fragile treaties. Our hope is in God. Our God is in control.

Just think, the Bible is a good example of how nations can come and go like the seasons of the year. Israel was hardly ever at peace, yet the believers in God were comforted with such words as, “Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isa 41:10 KJV

If world markets crumble and governments collapse; if Social Security checks cease; if jobs become harder to find than Lindsay Lohan‘s common sense; God is still God. Followers of Jesus need not fear what is down the road. He can take care of His own.

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. – Luk 12:22-30 ESV

The future could be full of conflict, or it could be as peaceful as ever. We don’t know what the fireworks mean. But one thing is for sure, “I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.” As I walk down the road of life, I am not alone.

Bring on the future!

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by | December 23, 2010 · 12:33 pm

Ready for Christmas?

If it was this easy!

If I have been asked once, I have been asked a thousand times, “Are you ready for Christmas?”

No, I am NOT ready for Christmas!

Well, if by “ready” you mean “have you purchased gifts for every relative and friend, cleaned your house, wrapped everything in red foil, watered the tree, mailed the cards, etc.,” then NO! Quit pestering me, alright! If, on the other hand, you mean to ask if I am ready for Christmas to get here, they yes, I am.

I am not the only person in this situation. Most, if honest, probably wish they had at least another month to get done everything on their lists. It is really hard to get ready for Christmas, traditionally speaking. On the other hand, I hope that we are always ready to celebrate the birth of Christ, which is the point of the whole day, you know.

Aside from getting ready for the Christmas celebrations to come, there are also some other things for which we need to prepare.  Last night I gave my congregation three things that all of us should be ready for, maybe even more so than Christmas.

Be Ready to Preach

Paul said, “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel…” (Romans 1:15).  I should be able to say the same, for, just like the apostle, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” (1:16). I should, and YOU should be ready to preach/teach/share the gospel at anytime with anyone.

But you may say, “I am not a preacher, though.” Really? Well, the words of Jesus apply to all of us. He said,

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mar 16:15 KJV

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. – Mar 16:15 ESV

Even though you may not be a pastor or Sunday School teacher, if you are not ashamed of Jesus, then it is still your responsibility to “proclaim” the message Christmas, the gospel (“good news”) of Jesus coming to save.  Be ready to preach.

Be Ready to Give an Answer

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer [a reasonable defense] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” – 1Pe 3:15 NIV

If Jesus is the “reason for the season,” are we able defend the Reason, based on reason and evidence; not hollow, empty faith? There are so many who are quick to attack Christians and the God of Christianity. They claim Christmas is based on a myth no more verifiable than the existence of Santa Claus himself. These same folk who deny Jesus was the Messiah then choose to follow some other pagan god, or no god, and say their “reasons” are more logical.  Really? Where is their evidence?

The Apostle Peter, when he said to “always be ready,” knew that there would be those who would question us and ask, “why do you have so much hope?” There are still plenty of people who are without hope in this world.  They are looking for answers. What they are not looking for is a fairytale to make them feel good.  They are looking for Truth that will make a difference in life, both on this earth and in eternity.  Be ready to give an answer.

Be Ready to Go

I am writing this on the day before Christmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas.  I know that Christmas is two days away. But unlike Christmas, I do not know if I will be here in two days.  There are no guarantees about tomorrow, for one day life on this earth will be over and eternity will begin.  However, for many of us, we believe that Jesus is coming back one day.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. – Mat 24:44 KJV

I want to be ready for His return.  I want to be ready to go with Him.  Being ready for that day, I believe, is a lot more important than getting everything wrapped just so, or cleaning house. If any “cleaning house” is done, we should always make sure our spiritual “house” is clean and ready.  One day, someday, a trumpet is going to sound…

1 Corinthians 15:51-54  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Are you ready to go?  If not, then there is good news:  you can be.  You may say that you are not good enough.  You may think that you have done too many things to be forgiven.  You may think that if God is real, then there is no getting right with Him, because you’re just too bad.  Well, if you are willing to put your faith in the Christ of Christmas, the good new is that God is also ready…ready to forgive.

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. – Psa 86:5 KJV

Get ready for Christmas; but make your heart ready for Christ.  The Jesus born in a manger wants to give new life to you. Are you ready?

Questions about faith in Jesus Christ?

Call 1-800-NEED-HIM

 

 

 

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by | December 20, 2010 · 11:36 pm

Give Me a Break! I’m a Man!

And now a thought resulting from too much Christmas shopping…

Men have to go rest, sometime. We even have a special room in which to rest.  They call it a Men’s Restroom. It is a place men can go and conduct business with very little, if any, conversation. As a matter of fact, it is a place where men usually choose to go alone, without a friend. It is a place where we talk to the “Fonz.”

This year I have decided to speak out against an injustice, a travesty, an attack on masculinity.  If you go to the J.C. Penney store in Hixson, Tennessee, you will see a sight that should not be. I don’t know who thought of this scenario, but whoever planned it is either anti-John Wayne, or Pro-Justin Bieber and Lady GaGa. What is wrong with this picture?

 

I'm sorry, but this is just wrong!

 

 

You see, it is bad enough that we men have to stand in the women’s clothing section for hours at a time while our women try on clothes. Could you at least give us a break when you plan where we are supposed to,…..well,……………go rest?

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by | December 7, 2010 · 1:38 pm

Guilt, Email, and Cartoons

You open an email from a [friend] that is meant to “make your day,” and you find something that starts something like this:

When it’s cold outside and your world is gray

Just know that love is coming your way.

Enjoy this cute picture of puppy cuteness,

And free yourself from laughing muteness.

Oh, you love the puppies…you’ve got to love the puppies.  But more than that, you have to love Jesus, right?  You know, Jesus, Saviour of the world?  So the email continues:

The world needs Love that’s ever true.

They need to hear you love them, too.

Puppies sweet will make your day;

But Christ, alone, can sinners save.

Now, who but the Neo-pagan, Muslim, Wiccan, or atheist could disagree with that logic? You are all for sharing the love of Jesus, right? Well, you may not be planning a mission trip to Africa next week, but you know the words to “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.”  Yeah, the world needs unconditional love, and maybe even a puppy, or two.  So far, the email has made you smile, feel the love, and even caused you to re-evaluate you world-mission ethic.  Great email, [friend].

Then, out of the blue, or off the white of your computer monitor, comes the rest of the email:

If you love God, Mankind, and are against the wholesale slaughter of innocent, cute puppies for the purposes of developing cosmetics for fat, uncaring capitalists, then send this email in the next five minutes to every friend you have, however distant or unheard of.  If you don’t, your lack of caring will mean that the light of this email candle of love will forever be extinguished and the Armageddon-like darkness of hatred and bigotry will forever envelope the landscape of our children’s future.  If you love life, and your mother, for the children’s sake, please forward this.

What is it with this kind of stuff?  In need of a hug, myself, I open an email meant to encourage me and find myself feeling like the scum of the earth if I don’t hand over my contact list!  Some *@!# [friend]!  I feel worse, now, than when I started!  What is it with all this guilt?

Well, if that wasn’t enough, someone on Facebook has recently gotten into the act.  The whole world is being made to feel like promoters of pedophilia and child abuse if we don’t change our profile pictures to cartoon characters.  What?  I am trying to make it through life the best way I can, trusting God to carry me as I go, and doing my best to break free from the Pharisees that would judge my spirituality.  Now, out of the internetal (I made that word up) universe, comes a flood of guilt meant to shame me into yielding to some unknown entity’s idea of what my profile pic should be.  I don’t think so, [friend]!

The reason behind all this profile-pic-changing is to increase child abuse awareness. The idea is that if all human faces could be removed from Facebook,  child-chasing perverts worthy of the lowest parts of Hell would have one less tool to lure unsuspecting kids into chatting.  I can respect that.  But how many children are going to look at my picture and think I am a 10 year old, huh?

I question the logic of all of this, also.  As I understand it, pedophiles are using cartoon characters as profile pictures of themselves. The purpose for this is to make the innocent children think that the slime on the other end is actually another child just wanting to be share cheat codes for the newest video game.  So, why not just ask everyone on the internet to post a picture of an old, sleazy-looking convict? If everyone had profile pictures that looked like Spongebob, then how would the kiddies know how to distinguish between good guys and bad guys?

I think that the best approach to stemming the tide of child abuse on the internet would be to keep your darlings off the stinking web! At the very least, parents, know what your little boys or girls are doing when they are on the internet.  How much common sense does that take?  If you know that there are preditors out there who want your children, why let them take their Dell-sized ticket to “pervert land” with them to their bedroom?

I am keeping my profile picture just the way it is.  I have no desire to give in to the self-righteous who think I don’t care about the world’s children, or for that matter, cute puppies.  So, keep your threatening emails to yourselves.  The next time I get one of your “please forward now, or else” requests, I may just forward the message that you kicked your own, cute dog……..

………and that you don’t like Jesus, either.

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