The Way Warriors

At our Collective Core

2009-11-05T22:14:00.003-06:00

Who are we? What's the reason for this blog? I haven't posted in forever (at least not more than just in my mind), but I think about this quite a bit... What are our collective core values? I intend this to be a quick post, so I suppose these are rhetorical questions for now...

I stumbled across the core values page of D.C.'s National Community Church (theaterchurch.com) today, and I wanted to share their values here. This church was founded by Mark Batterson, author of my last read book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, an awesome book.

- Expect the unexpected
- Irrelevance is irreverence
- Love people when they least expect it and least deserve it
- Playing it safe is risky
- Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you
- Everyone is invaluable and irreplaceable
- Everything is an experiment
- You cannot out give God
- Maturity does not equal conformity
- Go the extra mile
- It's never too late to be who you might have been
- Do it right and do it big

God in the Tornado?

2009-10-02T08:50:00.017-05:00

Last night I "accidentally" found this on You Tube.

In unbelief, I "Googled" to find confirmation that this really happened.

This is some of what I found.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Tornado_Downtown_Minneapolis_Aug_19_2009

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=31109&ref=BPNews-RSSFeed0820

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1965_The_Tornado_the_Lutherans_and_Homosexuality/

http://www.southsidepride.com/2009/09/articles/ELCA.html

There were hundreds of other articles about it.

UPDATE - Here is a You Tube with John Piper I just found.

Obama - Partner with God?

2009-08-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

It has been confirmed that Barack Obama made the following statement in a conference call Wednesday, 8/19/2009 to 1000 rabbis from across the USA while trying to sell his health care reform package.

"We are God's partners in matters of life and death."

Read about it here.

Obama a partner with God? How about Psalm 103:19?

"The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all." (NASB)

Your thoughts?

Change

2009-06-19T08:35:00.011-05:00

I've been thinking about change today. I want change in me.

We live in troubled times and we hear how much others want change too.

Politicians run their campaigns based on the theme of "change". Parents want change in their children. Children want change in their parents. Pastors want change in their congregations.

But the truth is that God wants change in us too and the Bible answers why: "You are not your own."

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV - "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"

While thinking about change more and searching the Internet, I found an excellent post related to this in the blog Standing For Truth. The message was built around the old hymn "Whatever It Takes".

The hymn seems to tell it all. It touched me.

Consider the lyrics (below) words and read the post here. I pray that you will be touched too.

Whatever It Takes

There’s a voice calling me

From an old rugged tree

And He whispers, “Draw closer to Me;

Leave this world far behind,

There are new heights to climb,

And a new place in Me you will find.”

For whatever it takes to draw closer to you, Lord,

That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

For whatever it takes to be more like You,

That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

Take the dearest things to me,

If that’s how it must be,

To draw me closer to Thee;

Let the disappointments come,

Lonely days without the sun,

If through sorrow more like

You I’ll become.

Take my houses, my lands,

Change my dreams, change my plans

For I’m placing my whole life in Your hands;

And if You call me today…

To a place far away

Lord, I’ll go, and Your will obey.

I’ll trade sunshine for rain

Comfort for pain -

That’s what I’ll be willing to do -

For whatever it takes for my will to break,

That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

Our Judeo-Christian Nation

2009-06-14T21:14:00.005-05:00

National Day of Prayer Proclamation, March 30, 1863

"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD." ----Abraham Lincoln

Read the complete proclamation here.

Miss California: "I wouldn't change a thing."

2009-04-21T17:20:00.004-05:00

Carrie Prejean took a Biblical stand on gay marriage which probably cost her the Miss USA title.

I believe more and more Christians will be tested on their Biblical stands.

My stand is on the Word of God. Where is your stand?

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28 (NIV)

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sarah Palin's Right-to-Life Speech in Evansville, IN

2009-04-17T08:56:00.006-05:00

Last night Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) spoke at the Vanderburgh County Right to Life fundraising dinner in Evansville, Ind. Read about in here.

Gov. Palin spoke from the heart about the difficult decision she made to give her baby, Trig, the right to live. I wonder how many babys like Trig will be born because of Sarah's stand? Where do you stand?

"So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them."

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

Easter Video

2009-04-14T08:29:00.002-05:00

My wife and I attended the Easter Service at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Illinois with some members of our family. Following is an awesome video that was played at the beginning of the service. Once you open the link, click on the right arrow to start the video.

Eastview Easter Video.

Jesus is Alive

2009-04-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hallelujah! He's Alive!

Hot Cross Buns - A True Story of God's Love

2009-04-10T14:46:00.001-05:00

My grand-daughter came to our home today to visit. I was downstairs in my usual place ready to watch my favorite news program. Then a heard a high pitched tone. I rushed upstairs and found my grand-daughter playing "Hot Cross Buns" on her new recorder. She was excited because she had just joined the recorder band at her elementary school. A shiver went up my spine.

Earlier in the day, my wife and I were standing in line at our favorite breakfast place. While waiting, we chatted with a wonderful elderly frail gentleman that we knew. He had once been my teacher. As my elderly teacher was about to order, his eyes fixed on a lone hot cross bun resting on some crumbs atop a display that obviously earlier had been filled with this delightful treat. His finger was shaking as he pointed to it and said: "I think I'll take one".

This earlier experience and hearing Hot Cross Buns being played on the recorder, led me to do some research on the Internet. This is what I found.

"It is traditional to eat warm 'hot cross buns' on Good Friday. Hot Cross Buns with their combination of spicy, sweet and fruity flavours have long been an Easter tradition." Read about them here.

God is so good, that he brought me His message through a "teacher", a child and a "recorder".

May the peace of Christ be with you also; today and always. Do I smell something baking in the oven?

"Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, One a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns."

Rick Warren on Cavuto

2009-04-09T07:15:00.002-05:00

Pastor Warren speaks to embyonic stem cell research near the end. Great interview.

Many Applaud the Spread of Gay Marriage to Iowa

2009-04-03T08:56:00.015-06:00

It was reported today that the Iowa Supreme Court overturned a state law that defined marriage as a union between a man and woman. Iowa is the third state where gays can marry. Many applaud the court decision. Read about it here.

Several states have already permit "civil unions", which are essentially gay marriages with a different name. The old saying applies: "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet".

Even Christian churches can't seem to agree how to handle gay marriages. Some will conduct "marriage" ceremonies. Some won't. A third group will have a ceremony to "bless" the relationship. This third group sees this as a good compromise.

Those that oppose gay marriage on Biblical grounds or legal grounds are called "homophobes". A recent example of this is when Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a homophobe : "I wouldn't want it (a gay marriage issue) to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe got too many votes on this current court." Read about it here.

With the current mood in the country, it's pretty sure that gay marriage will spread. That saddens me.

I believe Jesus. I take a stand for marriage between a man and a woman.

Jesus said:
"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one."
Mark 10:6-8 (NIV)

What about you? Are you afraid to take a stand?

You can read my previous post about gay marriage here.

UPDATE: Vermont joined three other states that allow gay marriage. Read about it here.

A Living Prayer

2009-04-02T08:35:00.000-06:00

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls ". How true today.

I woke up this morning and my soul was troubled. Then I went to prayer and found Psalm 73. Verses 25 and 26 spoke to my heart.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever. (NIV)

Then I went to read from the blog "Jolly Blogger" and found the following posted: "A Living Prayer" by Alison Krauss.

I need to remember that Jesus alone holds my hand. My prayer for you is that He will hold your hand too.

The first verse of the old Gospel song "Jesus Hold My Hand" by Albert E. Brumley tells it well.

As I travel through this pilgrim land there is a Friend who goes with me.

Leads me safely thro' the sinking sand, it is the Christ of Calvary.

This would be my pray'r, dear Lord, each day to help me do the best I can,

For I need Thy light to guide me day and night,

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

David Wilkerson's Urgent Message

2009-03-13T08:17:00.008-06:00

Rev. David Wilkerson recently sent out an urgent message to those on his mailing list. He also made several posts on this. Read them here and here.

David Wilkerson wrote the book The Cross and the Switchblade which was made into a movie starring Pat Boone. He is the founder of Times Square Church in New York City, Teen Challenge and World Challenge. He is an amazing man - but controversial. Read about him here and here.

Wilkerson's bottom line is to have faith in God to get through these times. He has preached on Habakkuk 2:4 about this. You can read that sermon here.

I don't know what to make about all this. I am watching. Recently I posted about my feelings here.

John Piper offers a caution to Wilkerson's warning that should be considered. You can read his commentary titled "Testing David Wilkerson’s Prophecy" here.

Judge for yourself. Comment on this post if you want.

Never Again: The Slippery Slope to Eugenics

2009-03-09T15:59:00.005-06:00

Many believe that abortion, euthanasia, withholding medical care, creating designer babies and cloning are leading us on a slippery slope towards eugenics.

The extreme of eugenics happened in Nazi Germany where the "so called" weak and inferior were eliminated. The horror was not limited to the Jews.

"Beginning in 1940, thousands of Germans taken from old age homes, mental institutions and other custodial facilities were systematically gassed. Between 50,000 and 100,000 were eventually killed."

The above quote was taken from an article about the history of eugenics by Edwin Black. You can read it here on George Mason University’s History News Network. Warning - this article is disturbing.

Some fear that the new "stimulus" law pushes the United States further down the slippery slope towards eugenics. Betsy McCaughey wrote an excellent article on the stimulus bill that would lead one to believe that their fears are warranted. One quote has chilling overtones.

"The Federal Council [created by the stimulus law] is modeled after a U.K. board discussed in Daschle’s book. This board approves or rejects treatments using a formula that divides the cost of the treatment by the number of years the patient is likely to benefit. Treatments for younger patients are more often approved than treatments for diseases that affect the elderly, such as osteoporosis."

You can read the full article on Bloomberg.com here.

There is an excellent movie by Ben Stein titled "Expelled" that relates to all this. Click here for information on the movie. Run, don't walk, to get a DVD of the movie; watch it and share it!

Many Jews, Christians and others have been ringing alarm bells for years about this. Is anyone listening?

Update - The state of Washington joined Oregon by legalizing euthanasia that starts March 5. Read about it here.

Valentines Day

2009-02-11T17:59:00.000-06:00

In a few days it will be Valentines Day and husbands will be rushing around to get there wife’s cards, flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals with hearts. And a few lucky ones will be getting something that sparkles.

Men we need to remember that even though Valentines Day is once a year we should be reminded what it says in Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. And in Colossians 3:19(NIV) Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Guy’s we need to treat our wives like it is Valentines Day everyday.

Also we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5(NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

So husbands when ever you get the chance just go up to your wife give her a hug and tell her you love her. She will ask what you did but just tell her it’s because she is your wife and you love her.

Happy Valentines Day

Inauguration day

2009-01-20T19:43:00.003-06:00

I subscribe to the news feed on Biblegateway.com, it's the verse of the day. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”- James 1:2-3. How appropriate to get this verse on this inauguration day. I feel that we will have many trials that will test our faith but as long as we believe and stay true to "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."- John 14:6 we will be alright.

Romans and Poe’s Annabel Lee

2009-01-05T16:28:00.010-06:00

One of my favorite poems is Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee. I don’t know a lot about about Poe, but I have read a few of his works. He definitely seems like an odd, potentially vulgar character, but his appeal and talent is recognizable and his works offer several redeeming qualities. One of the reasons I like this poem so much is that it reminds me of a favorite Bible passage.

The highlight of the poem is found in the 5th stanza:
And neither the angels in heaven above,

Nor the demons down under the sea,

Can ever dissever my soul from the soul

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

Poe stresses that death and the supernatural cannot separate him from the love of his Annabel Lee. This section of the poem closely parallels Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Apostle Paul writes that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ. It’s interesting to note that Poe was baptized in the Episcopal Church as a 3 year old by his foster father, John Allan. This Romans scripture is often cited in Episcopalian funeral services. It’s likely that Poe was familiar with this passage and allowed it to have some level of influence on his writing.

The poem concludes in the 6th and final stanza as follows:
For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I see the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride,
In her sepulchre there by the sea-
In her tomb by the side of the sea.

Annabel Lee’s tomb by the sea was her final resting place. Conversely, death could not contain Jesus and he was resurrected, defeating death and the power of sin. Our love for our wives can be so incredibly strong and fill us with great force. However, the love of woman can never equal the love of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever and as devoted followers of Christ, who have submitted to Him and allow Him to both define and direct us, we cannot be separated from His love.

(special thanks to Dr. Thomas W. Buchanan for sharing his library of resources…)

Our Help Comes From The Lord

2008-12-10T14:35:00.007-06:00

Two weeks ago while in church I was fervently praying that God would intervene to straighten out our twisted and hurting world. A still small voice kept saying: "Watch me work."

I prayed because the times are scary. The economy is sinking and politicians don't seem to know what to do about it. Jesus and Biblical truth are being mocked. Terrorists seem to have the nations locked in fear. Even as I write this, news is coming about charges of corruption by a top government official. The question is being asked: "Is there any help out there?"

Today I found confirmation in Psalm 46 of what that still small voice was telling me. Believers can take heart. God's Word confirms that our help comes from the Lord.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Believers, watch Him work.

Newsweek on Gay Marriage - A Response

2008-12-09T18:30:00.005-06:00

Marriage and Biblical truth is under attack as never before.

Check out this excellent response to a recent Newsweek article by Albert Mohler here.

I pray more Christians, like Mohler, will study the Bible and speak out when Scripture is twisted to fit a political agenda.

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 (NIV)

Are you hot, cold or lukewarm?

Gay Marriage - Where Do You Stand?

2008-12-08T08:31:00.004-06:00

Some things to think about.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:26-28 (NIV)

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Mark 10:6-8 (NIV)

Do you believe the Bible? Do you believe Jesus? Where do you stand?

God Is in Control

2008-11-05T17:05:00.006-06:00

The election is over. Some are happy and some are disappointed. Nevertheless, one thing is sure - God is in control.

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change..." Psalm 46:1-2(a) (NASB)

It is clear many have turned their backs on God and this is the reason the election turned out the way it did. However, the Bible says that God will not be mocked.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 (NASB)

Prayer for our country is needed more than ever. American needs a revival.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

Intentions of Eternity – A Timeless Story, Seven Years Old

2008-09-11T15:23:00.004-05:00

I woke up at 6am this morning, a good hour earlier than usual, and made it to Panera by 6:45am. We’ve started a new monthly get-together called Open Mic Mornings. Every month, we meet up, share coffee and bagels, and hear from a speaker on an eternal topic. Speakers have ranged from local business leaders, to Christian friends, to area Ministry leaders.

This morning, we were blessed by the presence of a local Salvation Army leader named Tom, who fittingly shared his experiences at Ground zero, seven years ago. The highlight of his story for me was his relationship with a firefighter named Mike, and I feel compelled to share it here.

Early one morning in the days after September 11th, the firefighter woke up, dressed for work, went into his closet and prepared his 9mm pistol with the full intention of taking his own life. Something made him stop... He put the gun away, and reported for duty at ground zero. He sought out and approached Tom and told him he had to talk. Mike went on to relay his story of guilt and despair.

On the morning of September 11th, Mike’s fire company responded to the World Trade Center and Mike was driving the truck. They were early responders and quickly realized the prime location of their vehicle’s parking spot was becoming more in demand for rescue efforts, so Mike’s commander asked him to move the truck a few blocks down. Mike complied, and just after he parked the vehicle the first building collapsed and killed every other person in his fire company…

“Why me”? Mike asked Tom, who was serving as Chaplain. Tom could only say that God must have a plan for Mike that wasn’t yet finished. Through Tom’s guidance, Mike accepted Christ as his savior a few days later, and just like that his eternal destiny changed. He felt compelled to become a Chaplain in the New York Fire Department and accomplished that goal by 2004, continuing his life’s transformation.

What an awesome experience, an incredible relationship, and an amazing outcome. Satan intended for Mike’s life to be ruined. God had a different plan.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen. 50:20 NIV)

The tremendous change in perspective that 9/11 brought was amazing. For a period of time, (a few days, months, or hopefully the full seven years) everyone had a new found clarity in life. People realized that relationships were more important than task lists and family was more important than careers. Satan intended this act of terrorism for harm, but in many ways God used it to open people’s eyes to eternity and what really matters…

In this fallen, wicked world, we know that we will have troubles (John 16:33). We also know that somehow, we should consider it pure joy when we face trials (James 1:1-2) because we will be made better for it (1 Peter 4:12-14), and God is great at using our trials for good, His good and perfect plans.

We can take great encouragement knowing that God is moving in many lives, like Tom’s and Mike’s, and he clearly intends great things with our lives as well.

Barack Obama's Gaffe on Life at Saddleback Civil Forum

2008-08-18T07:24:00.003-05:00

In last night's forum at the Saddleback Civil Forum, Barack Obama made a huge gaffe is his response to Pastor Rick Warren's question about abortion.

Pastor Warren asked:

"AT WHAT POINT DOES A 'BABY' (emphasis added) GET HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR VIEW?"

Obama stumbled around and answered in part:

"IT FROM A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OR A SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE, ANSWERING THAT QUESTION WITH SPECIFICITY, YOU KNOW, IS ABOVE MY PAY GRADE."

Incredulously, Obama did not challenge Warren's use of the word "baby" in his question. Obama bought into the assumption that a "baby" was being talked about. He then said he was in favor of "choice" (aka abortion).

Thus, according to Obama, a "baby" by "choice" can be aborted.It is key in the abortion debate, as far as the pro-abortion people are concerned, that a "fetus", not a "baby", can be aborted.

Warren "loaded" the question and Obama took the bait.

You can read the full transcript of the forum here.

The Context of Reality

2008-06-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Life is tough. How’s that for some profound wisdom. Many people consider this site to be a great source of profound wisdom (ok maybe just one person…), but that may not be the case today. All around us, people are failing, I’ve failed, bad decisions are being made. People let each other down and relationships are strained. There’s pain, there’s suffering, broken hearts and broken homes.

Sometimes Christians become consumed by the wickedness of our world and give up or backslide. Now I love the name Luke, but luke-warm is not a good temperature to be when it comes to Eternity.

Thank God, quite literally, that He hasn’t left us empty handed. The Bible is clearly the best book ever written, easily the best selling, and hands down the most historically accurate document known to man.

In Romans (12:2) the Bible tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” And in Ephesians (6:12) we see that, “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

How’s that for a little perspective? Rulers, Authorities, powers, spiritual forces…. That sounds like some stiff competition. But if we’ve submitted our lives to Christ we know that we have the ultimate victory in Him. Many people, even life-long Christians struggle with accepting the reality of life, of Eternity. But struggling doesn’t mean giving up and accepting doubt as truth. We can search the scriptures, rely on our Christian brothers and sisters, and ask God for what we lack. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). I love that quote. My wife painted that on a wall in our house. I don’t want to be like a wave, back and forth, back and forth, pulled around all day by the moon. ...We need the reminder.

In Hebrews (10:39) we see that, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved”. That one’s not painted anywhere in our home, but its definitely ingrained in my mind...

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” (John 14:6) That is reality. That is the context of life, our lives. There are only two ways to respond that…

I don’t always understand it, but life is tough for a reason. The things that seem like overwhelming hardships are often not that big of a deal and we just need a little perspective to see whether or not this will really matter in a hundred years (let alone Eternity…). “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

We are part of something greater. Each day God will show us that more and more, if we seek Him. Our focus is not on the failure in life, not on the pain and suffering in this wicked world. Rather by choosing to focus on Eternity, the amazing gift of life, and the beauty of God’s creation all around us, we can live in a new way and experience the fullness of life.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Php 4:8)