The Way Warriors

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand and John Piper

2011-12-02T15:26:00.004-06:00

I've known about the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand for a long time. I finally bought a copy and started reading it. I can't put it down. I'm only a little over half way though it's more than 1000 pages. I've also watched Part 1 of the recent movie adaptation of the book.

Atlas Shrugged was written in 1957, but has gained a new popularity in the past few years.

Ayn Rand was an atheist/philosopher/novelist. She explained that she wrote the book for herself, not her readers. It's her world as she sees it and how she wants it to be. To Rand, those that buy and read it are "voyeurs".

I found that I was drawn to much of her philosophy of "Objectivism".

Rand defined Objectivism as "a philosophy for living on earth," grounded in reality, and aimed at defining man's nature and the nature of the world in which he lives."

An acknowledgement of God or a higher power is left out of Rand's philosophy. This can be seen in a letter she wrote to Sylvia Austin in 1946 about Christianity where she refers to Jesus as "one of the first great teachers". You can read the full letter here.

I found a critique of Ayn Rand written in 1979 by John Piper that I believe would be helpful to a Christian reading her books. Piper had mixed emotions about Rand's philosophy.

He even sent his critique to her before she died in 1982. I hope she read it.

You can read Piper's full critique here.

Rob Bell Leaving Mars Hill

2011-09-23T07:12:00.004-05:00

Controversial pastor Rob Bell is leaving Mars Hills in Michigan, the church he founded. Bell has been teaching and preaching what many believe is a watered-down gospel.

Bell will be taking his message to a wider audience and surely the controversy surrounding him will only grow. Look for more books by Bell and against Bell on heaven and hell.

Read the story about this in the Blaze here.

Sign of the Times and Pat Robertson

2011-08-25T15:39:00.005-05:00

A lot has been going on this week: Earthquake hits near DC; Glenn Beck rally in Jerusalem; Huge hurricane heading to the East coast. On top of that, the 700 Club is running a "Sign of the Times" series that was scheduled before all these events.

Read this article about it.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/virginia-earthquake-a-sign-of-the-end-times-public-looks-to-pat-robertson-54431/

Here is a link to the series with videos that can be viewed online.
http://www.cbn.com/700club/signsofthetimes/

This series is also being shown on the 700 Club the rest of this week.

Coincidence???

America's Last Call

2011-08-01T19:16:00.002-05:00

I have been re-reading David's Wilkerson's 1998 book "America's Last Call". A free Internet copy has been posted.

http://worldchallenge.edgeboss.net/download/worldchallenge/books/americas_last_call.pdf

With the economic turmoil the world is in, it's worth reading and considering.

Prepare to Believe

2011-07-15T08:53:00.004-05:00

Recently we visited the Creation Museum near Cincinnati, OH. The experience at the museum was eye opening. Basically, it was designed on the premise that the Bible can be trusted and the book of Genesis is the basic building block. That is, if one dismisses Genesis as not being literally true, the rest of the Bible, including the New Testament and the Gospel, are suspect.

The evidence, scientific and otherwise, is significant.

The theory of evolution is taken on as the main reason that trust in the Bible has weakened - especially in Christian Churches. The presentation given is no re-hash of the Scopes "monkey" trial. Solid scientific evidence is presented. Evidence that mostly is ignored in public schools.

Religious people, atheists and agnostics would find the Creation Museum enjoyable and challenging to their world view. But, as the website warns: "Prepare to Believe". Click here for more information.

http://creationmuseum.org/

Where is Our Reward?

2011-06-15T11:05:00.007-05:00

We (me included) seem to have a human need to get recognition for the things we do. What we do in church is no exception.

I learned in politics that to build a campaign organization, heaping praise and creating titles is vital.

Charities also take advantage of this need to be recognized too. For example, we give to many charities. Most now will send a certificate of appreciation that can be framed and hung on the wall. I even suggested to my wife that she do this. :)

Don't get me wrong. I don't blame organizations for recognizing those who help.

Considering this myself, Mathew 6-1-4 and related scriptures came to mind.

1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

The next time I write (or not write) a check for an organization, as a professed believer, I need to consider Scripture. That applies to volunteering my time too.

For more information on this, check the following link out. It includes Bible verses similar to Mathew 6:1-4.

http://bible.cc/matthew/6-4.htm

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 NIV)

2011-06-09T09:55:00.008-05:00

Lately I have read several pleas for people to read the Bible. (see links below)

Hosea 4:6 and Psalm 1 come to mind. Our times demand a knowledge of the Bible.

http://peebles.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/my-people-perish-from-a-lack-of-knowledge/
http://mikethepastor.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-read-bible.html

Following is a good link to share that gives one the only answer.

http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/?/2/that-he-gave-his-only-son.html

Are Bible Commentaries a Crutch?

2011-04-29T08:29:00.008-05:00

Today a Facebook Friend posted this on his wall.

"Start with the Bible..."

‎"...never get to the commentaries"?

This got me thinking about my walk with Jesus and the Bible

Reading the Bible without "helps" is scary. It's hard to read the Bible. So many names, so many places, so many pages. So confusing. It takes time and thought and prayer to slog through. We have so much else to do that is more important and fun: like watching TV, blogging, reading books about the Bible, etc. You fill in the blanks.

Assuming that you are a Christian, what do you do with the Bible? If you do as I have done, you skim through the Bible and read a comment in a commentary if you have questions. You do this because you are in a hurry.

What's your favorite commentary? The MacAurthur Study Bible? Calvin's Commentaries? Patristic commentaries? Rationalistic commentaries? Midrashim commentaries? We have thousands of choices. Check them out here.

Usually your church will recommend an "approved" or "unapproved" list. For example, if you are a protestant, a commentary by Francis Ribera of Castile would not be approved. If you are a Catholic, Martin Luther's Bible Commentary would be banned. If you are a member of a reformed church the Scofield Study Bible would be a no, no.

I have found that each commentary will have a slant towards the theology of the denomination.

Confused yet? But how do we find the truth?

Consider the Holy Spirit.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 (NIV)

Consider the Bereans.

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:10-11 (NIV)

But what or who is the ultimate truth?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)

Good reading, praying and searching. Scared?

Bashing Rick Warren

2011-04-26T11:37:00.006-05:00

Today, a friend forwarded me the link to a story which called out Rick Warren of Saddleback Church as a "wolf in sheep’s clothing".

Read the article titled "Chrislam Starts To Spread In America" here.

I did some research and the Rick Warren controversy started in 2007 when he and other notables signed the document Loving God and Neighbor Together

"as a response to an October statement from 138 Muslim scholars and clerics calling for interfaith cooperation. Wheaton College president Duane Litfin and provost Stanton Jones were among the signatories, along with pastors Rick Warren and Bill Hybels, National Association of Evangelicals president Leith Anderson, Youth With a Mission chairman Lynn Green, Frontiers mission founder Greg Livingstone, theologians Miroslav Volf and John Stott, and Christianity Today Media Group editor-in-chief David" Neff."

Read the complete post in Christianity Today here.

I also found a very well crafted short video response to the signing of that document by John Piper on You Tube which is worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTY-9FY13kw

Praise God, help is on the way. Piper himself will be at Saddleback Church April 29 and Saturday, April 30 to speak at his "Desiring God 2011" conference. I am positive he will get his message of Biblical truth to Saddleback people.

http://saddleback.com/blogs/communityblog/desiring-god-conference/

I don't think Rick Warren has "horns", as some critics suggest, but I do agree with others that his message is sometimes too "seeker friendly". Nevertheless, his willingness to host a Piper conference is strong evidence that he wants his flock to dig deeper into scripture and through the help of the Holy Spirit, Saddleback seekers will be led into "all truth". (John 16:13)

It's good we have people like John Piper to keep us "simple folk" in line.

Note - I am appreciating John Piper more and more as he corrects error gently. I am trying to learn from his style. LOL.

(John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T13:38:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had the experience of knowing about something before it happens? In some cases it is a good thing like a surprise birthday or anniversary party for a milestone that is reached and in other cases it can be not so good like news from a Doctor that a loved one does not have long to live. In both instances you know what the outcome is going to be. Well my wife is in a Bible Study called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and they are studding Isaiah. With Easter coming up this got us thinking. Jesus was a scholar of the Law and Prophets. This is evident even as a child in Luke 2:46-47, After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

With this knowledge he knew what the Prophet Isaiah had said.

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting...” (Isaiah 50:6)

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-11)

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)

So even as a child Jesus knew he was going to die for our sins. What a burden this must have been for Him to carry His entire life. So on this Good Friday let us take some time to reflect on the burden that Jesus had upon him and the burden of sin on our lives. Let us also look forward to what we have coming up this Easter. From the song Christ is Risen by Matt Maher:
O death, where is your sting
O hell, where is your victory
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead
He’s alive! He’s alive!

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

2011-04-20T14:45:00.008-05:00

Update 2011- Another year has passed and I decided to re-post my true Good Friday story. I was reminded about it because my wife is upstairs now baking Hot Cross Buns that I am sure are for distribution. Will you have some this year?

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Update 2010 - It's almost a year since my original post on Hot Cross Buns. Good Friday approaches. Since that time, my wife and I have become good friends with the teacher mentioned below and his wife. Now, we meet at Panera often. Yesterday we all spoke of Hot Cross Buns. We will have them again. Won't you join us?

Following in the original post, slightly edited for accuracy.

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, Panera. While waiting, we chatted with a wonderful elderly gentleman that we often saw there. 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. He pointed his finger at the bun 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."

Are You a Brother or a Wolf?

2011-04-14T09:54:00.013-05:00

What circle do you run in? And I mean “circle”.

To be accepted in some circles, you have to check out scripture in a “MacArthur Study Bible” or keep up with John MacAuthur’s blog. Caution – he is a “leaky dispensationalist”.

Currently John MacAurther is leading the attack on Rob Bell. Rob Bell: a Brother to Embrace, or a Wolf to Avoid? Caution – Bell is a "wolf".

In other circles, you have to have a subscription to Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine and have been to or watched one of his crusades. Caution – Graham is a Baptist (99% God 1% man) who likes Catholics and hasn't been to seminary.

In other circles, you have to be a member of Pat Robertson’s 700 Club. Caution, he is a tongues speaking Baptist.

I have stopped running in “circles”. (It makes me dizzy)

I am clinging to Jesus. Caution - Don’t follow me, please follow Jesus. (Read the Bible too - not the MacAuthur Study Bible)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 1:10-25 (ESV)

Hope for the Future

2011-04-13T21:21:00.004-05:00

Things look hopeless in the world today. Economies are collapsing, people are rioting and natural or man-made disasters of a Biblical scale are occurring on a regular basis. Is there any hope?

I love a quote by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Billy Graham in a 1954 meeting. They had been discussing conditions in the world and Graham had just shared the Gospel with Churchill.

"I do not see much hope for the future unless it is in the hope you are talking about young man. We must have a return to God."

Churchill hit the nail on the head. This is a timeless message for then and for now.

World Aflame

2011-04-06T09:02:00.017-05:00

In 1965, Billy Graham wrote a book titled: "World Aflame". (you can buy a copy from Amazon for a penny, but the message is priceless). I graduated from high school in that year and I only wish I had read that book then. It took me many years to finally realize that the only answer to the world's problems is Jesus.

Graham wrote: "Our world is on fire, and man without God will never be able to control the flames. The demons of hell have been let loose. The fires of passion, greed, hate, and lust are sweeping the world. We seem to be plunging madly toward Armageddon."

Those words could have been written yesterday. If you don't realize this, you have you head in the sand. Now, as then: "Jesus is the Answer".

This message applies worldwide.

Fasting

2011-03-12T19:02:00.004-06:00

This morning I embarked on a journey that I have not done before. At 9 a.m. this morning along with several other members of church we began fasting for 24 hours (technically 23 with daylight savings time). You can read more at the Baker Blog. It has now been 11 hours and I have to say I am not that hungry. Although I have thought a lot abouth the people and kids that I met while in Haiti. I have thought abouth the lunch that the kids receive at the school and how sometimes this is the only meal that they eat for the day. Going to bed hungry not knowing what tomorrow will bring but having complete faith in God that He will provide for them each and every day. It is amazing the faith that they have. For me not eating was just a choice. I have boxes of Girl Scout cookies, chips and dip, and sundae cones that I could be eating right now. But not eating has allowed me to focus more on my family, the kids and people that I met in Haiti, and most important my own faith. While I still have some questions I know God has a plan for me and it will be on his time not my own. I look forward to going back to Haiti in January to see everyone that has touched my heart so much.

Gobbledygook

2011-03-01T16:31:00.012-06:00

I was trying to decide what I was as far as religion is concerned. I used to think that I was a Christian. However, in the past few years my church and Christian brothers have introduced me to a whole new world of labels that have made me think deep.

After a great many lengthy discussions and after listening to many sermons, I decided that I was an anti-intellectual fundamentalist with an Arminian presupposition and charasmatic leanings who goes to a Presbyterian Church. Ouch!

That seemed to settle it.

But this Monday, after recommending a book about the end times to a brother, I learned that I am also a dispensational - Christian Zionist. Another ouch since Wikipedia says Pat Robertson is one of those. I was outed, since I am also a card-carrying member of the 700 Club.

But wait. Just when I thought I had finally discovered my religious identity. I learned yet another set of classifications today from another brother - premillennialist, postmillennialist and amillennialist.

As he started talking about it, my head slowly dropped on the table.

I am surrendering. Surely there are many more other labels out there that I would have to think deeper about.

Then a scripture came to mind. Can anyone please tell me how all this gobbledygook jives with Matthew 18:3?

"And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (NIV)

Thank God, I was right all along. I am a Christian!

Please. Just give me Jesus.

　

Touched by Jesus - Samuel "Sam" Jones

2011-01-05T16:02:00.006-06:00

The following true story is based on notes taken by my wife, Donna.

Dan and I met Sam Jones 10-07-2007 at 9 30 AM while at Nubble Lighthouse at York Beach, Maine. A man of God who was touched by Jesus.

His formal God-given name was Samuel Jones. He came from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. He was a fragile appearing 84-year-old man. Samuel had been widowed six years earlier after 56 years of marriage. He writes poetry (some published) and sings in the church choir. As an elder, he worked with several ministers on the radio. Samuel related how after praying for divine guidance in a huge family dispute,

"Jesus woke me at 3 AM saying, ‘Samuel (before this everyone called him Sam), your prayers have been heard. You are to open the sealed envelope there with other papers’." He opened it to discover several poems he wrote in 1974. Then Jesus said two things:

"Only speak when you are spoken to and then speak with love."

Samuel then told us that after this encounter with Jesus, he was healed. He previously had all but one foot of his intestines removed due to disease. He told us now he can even eat pizza as Kelly his beautiful red-haired granddaughter grinned and nodded agreement. Samuel’s Doctor had been amazed. Samuel is a walking miracle.

This small gentleman leaning on his carved thick cane topped with the head of a deer, peered through sunglasses with lenses tinted amber and smiled. Before we left, his Granddaughter Kelly called out, "Sing for them PaPe." He then sang his signature song "He touched Me" as others gathered around us with Nubble Lighthouse in the background to hear his wonderful deep booming voice.

We captured his singing on our video recorder. (see below) We gave Kelly our business card as we left. As we drove to downtown York Beach, Dan wept with joy.

For the past three years we have enjoyed corresponding with Samuel. He has sent us copies of newspaper articles and poems he has written about Jesus. He even wrote a special poem for us. Unexpectedly last week we got a call from Samuel. He shared his love of Jesus with us and we spoke about our troubled world and how the only answer is to read and believe in the Bible and to receive Jesus’ touch, as Samuel had been touched.

By Faith a 79-year-old Retired Preacher Ran Off a Burglar

2010-12-31T13:27:00.006-06:00

My wife’s uncle’s widow has been in the news lately. The retired 79-year-old nurse/preacher ran off a burglar with a 12" ‘Crocodile Dundee’ knife – after being knocked down and maced twice. It's an amazing story that needs to be retold.

Dec. 31- 'The intruder had just pushed her for a second time, this time with both hands, and Doris Ranson was on the ground, bleeding from a gash on the back of her head. That's when she saw it. It was just where she had left it, between the bed frame and the box spring. It was a gift from a friend, one she'd received about eight or nine years ago and always kept at her bedside. The "Crocodile Dundee" knife.' Read the full story here in the Messenger Inquirer, Owensboro, KY.

Doris Ranson summed up her faith: "I didn't see any point in being frightened," Ranson said. "(I thought) either I run him off and I win, or he kills me and I go straight to the Lord and I win."

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

Are You Ashamed of the Gospel?

2010-12-19T16:19:00.008-06:00

It's getting harder to preach the Gospel in America. You read about it every day in the news.

"The tide is turning against Christians—spurred on by the media, politicians, and even our school systems. As our religious rights are being eroded deeper and faster than ever before, Christians are being portrayed as hate-filled menaces to society; the cause of the world’s problems rather than the solution."

Read the full story here.

Christians have a choice. They can either keep their religion in the churches as many want them to do or they can proclaim it "on the housetops" as taught in Matthew Chapter 10. The whole chapter is instructive.

Are you ashamed of the Gospel and afraid to proclaim it in the open?

Jesus is clear on this:

26 "So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:26-28 ESV)

Chasing 120

2010-12-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

When will you die? What year? What’s going to happen between now and then? These questions were posed to me a few weeks ago at a men’s conference called the Betterman Fall Summit.

Seriously, pick a date for your demise. We all know its coming and that it will be in a blink of an eye. Some people die as infants, others as octogenarians, or older. When will it be your turn to leave the time and space of this Planet?

We know that life is short, so why not make the max number of years possible? Assuming that God will spare you from the usual debilitation that can come with extreme old age, why not life to the literal fullest?

For me, that outlook has somewhat been inspired by a goal to live until I’m 120 years old. Why that age? Well its possible that God has set that as the ceiling on our lifespans. In Genesis chapter 6, God’s people are rebelling as usual, and God enacts some righteous judgment and we have the following verse 3:

Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."

Now the interpretation that this 120 years relates to individual lifespans is greatly contended. Many interpret this 120 years as referring to the time remaining before the Flood. After God makes this statement, we do see certain people living more than 120 years, but it could be that they exist in a period of time of special exceptions. Moses died at exactly 120 yrs, while in good health, we learn from Deuteronomy 34:7, and I don’t believe we read of anyone living beyond 120 years again, after Moses death.

People smarter than me who have spent more time researching this may tell me I’m wrong to think of this as a maximum number of years any one can ever live. And they very well may be right. I do not believe one specific interpretation of this scripture is a black and white matter of salvation. I’m not married to this interpretation and I wouldn’t take a bullet for it. That said, there’s something about a full life of 120 years that has its appeal.

Without a doubt, life is short and beautiful and fleeting. We absolutely have to fight to maintain that true perspective and make the most of every waking moment and every ounce of energy we have!

At what age do you think you’ll die? What are you doing until then?

Memorial

2010-11-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

This Past Saturday, Amy and I attended a funeral for a 31 year father of 3. Roger Burns was the brother-in-law of a close friend of ours named Jared. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, that started in his tongue, about 2 years ago. After many ups and downs, he took a turn for the worse in the last few weeks.

On Saturday night, Oct 30th, Jared called me and shared the news that the Dr's expected that to be Roger's last night. He and I took a midnight drive to Asland, Ohio, about an hour from Akron, and I finally got to meet Roger, the man we had been praying for for months. That Monday, he was miraculously conversing and standing on his own, a great improvement from just the day before. There was great hope of a healing and recovery. However, that Tuesday night, the Dr's were right and it was his last night.

By all accounts, Roger was a strong man of God, loved and respected by all who knew him. My heart breaks for his wife Heather and their three children, aged 5, 2, and 11 months.... Somehow his whole family is comforted knowing that God has a plan and his early arrival in Heaven is being used for great things... This link provides more info on Roger and his family: http://rogerpaulburnsmemorialfund.blogspot.com/

From Great Heights

2010-10-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, 11 of us went to the greatest Amusement Park on the Planet, Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio. That place is crazy and deserving of its title of Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Growing up, I hated Roller Coasters. Who wants to be thrown around intensely and dropped and abused, all while paying $100+ for it…?

As a 4-year old, I remember well riding the infamous Dumbo ride at Disney World with my Dad. That ride has a button you can press to make Dumbo rise 10 feet or so, but its not exactly a thrill ride... However, my Dad was terrified of heights and he kept smacking my 4-yr hand away from that button, at least that’s how I remember it and he’s not around to tell it any differently. I grew up avoiding coasters and thrill rides for fear of heights and seemingly insane intensity. However, ever since my Honeymoon with Amy at Universal Studios, I’ve grown to appreciate and love the unique experience of a crazy coaster.

So Sunday, we had a great crew at the park including the kids, so there wasn’t a lot of time to get away for the big rides. A ride on the famous Magnum XL200 was a great exception. This thing takes you over 200 feet high before dropping you down the tracks, only to follow that with another giant hill. It’s a rare view and an experience that I flat out loved.

200 feet seems high, but I read something recently about something even taller; the Washington Monument in Washington DC. At 555 feet tall, it stands as the world’s tallest stone structure. It took over 36 years to complete. I’d never learned that within it's cornerstone is a Bible (along with other articles of Americana). At it's peak, on the east side of the aluminum cap appear the words, "Laus Deo" which translates to "Praise be to God" in Latin.

As a nation, our history is filled with great and beautiful things, and other things we’d like to forget. But we can never forget that God’s Truth is the foundation of all of life, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone.

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (Eph 2).

For Faith

2010-09-12T23:41:00.000-05:00

How big is your faith? Are you Conquering kingdoms?

Administering justice?
Gaining what was promised?
Shutting the mouths of lions?
Quenching the fury of the flames?
Escaping the edge of the sword?
Having weakness was turned to Strength?
Becoming powerful in battle and routed foreign armies?

Well the Bible doesn’t have time to talk about the people that have done these things through faith!

The great Faith chapter, Hebrews 11, defines faith for us in verse 1. Then the author gives us a thrilling recap of many of the heroes of old and what they did by faith.

I believe we can do these things. No, we are called and empowered to do great things by faith in this very time and space, right now, right here.

Of course, verses 35-38 emphasizes that it ain’t easy. I don’t want to be on the wrong end of torturing, jeers, flogging, stoning, death by sword. But if that's His plan, so be it! Amen. The heroes in this chapter did not receive what was promised. God had something better planned. Something better that we, you and me, can grasp a hold of!! Through the resurrection of Christ, the amazing Grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit we are called to do Supernatural things, and we have what we need! If we have faith, BIG Faith…

Hebrews 12: 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The Exclusivity of Jesus: What About Other Religions?

2010-09-01T19:25:00.006-05:00

If you claim to be a Bible believing Christian it is impossible to get around or explain away John 14:6.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)

For over 2000 years, those who hold fast to this truth have been under attack. Many have been martyred for their stand. Today is no exception.

The attackers usually get around to the question: "What about other religions?"

Pastor Brian Bill of the Pontiac Bible Church takes on this question and in my view has hit a home run.

I especially like the following found in Pastor Bill's conclusion.

"Jesus is the only way to God. You see, religion is our attempt at finding God. Christianity is God’s plan to find us. Here’s your choice: you can be religious or you can have a relationship with the one who made you and loves you."

It's worth the time it will take to read this entire well written and reasoned post. Read it here.

Revival - God Can Use Anyone

2010-08-31T13:37:00.009-05:00

I watched much of the recent Glenn Beck "Restoring Honor" event in DC. It turned out to be something the mainstream media didn't expect.

Acknowledging Beck's event was more like a revival than a political rally, The Washington Post opined: "...the Mormon convert seems an unlikely leader for conservative Christians, many of whom don't regard Mormonism as part of their faith." Read the full article here.

Beck has reached out to evangelical leaders. The same article mentioned above records a conversation between Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson who were at the rally.

"We walked back to the hotel after and said: 'That was extraordinary,' " Land said of his conversation with Dobson after the dinner in Manhattan. "I've never heard a cultural figure of that popularity talking that overtly about his faith. He sounded like Billy Graham."

Could Glenn Beck, like Billy Graham, be the catalyst for a revival in America?

Recently, a friend of mine sent me an email and said he was nervous about Beck and asked for my opinion. I told him I was nervous too.

But today, I got thinking about it. If Glenn Beck is being used by God, it would not be the first time God has used an unlikely person. The Bible is full of unlikely characters He used. David of David and Goliath and Rahab the prostitute come to mind. God even used a talking donkey once. (Numbers 22:28 )

Further reflection led me to how God used an unlikely person in relatively more modern times in a revival.

This true story is about a young Welsh girl named Florrie Evans who cried out to a young people’s church service: “I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart”. Her simple heart cry and love of Jesus stoked an already burning spiritual fire in her young friends. Their enthusiasm spread and influenced Evan Roberts, a young preacher, that led to the 1904 Welsh Revival. It is said that 100,000 souls were saved.

Read about it here. and watch a video about that revival. I've also added videos about two other revivals you might find interesting.

You decide for yourself about Glenn Beck and his rally. I'm still nervous, but as Scripture teaches I plan to take a deep breath and trust God and see what He will do.

The 1904 Welsh Revival

John Wesley - The Evangelical Revival

The Azusa Street Revival

New Design, Refreshed Faith

2010-08-05T07:59:00.009-05:00

Blogger made some changes that necessitated a design change, so I made it. It seems our old design is no longer available. The new design is similar to the old one, but has a little different look and is easier to change.

I made some editorial and administrative changes. In addition, I changed the "Quote of the Day (week, month, year...)" to one I found this morning by C. S. Lewis while searching the Internet.

“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell".

That quote helped lead me to the main point of this post.

I haven't posted lately. I haven't felt like it. A man of faith I know who fought a terrible disease lost his battle recently. I know he was a man of faith because I once heard his powerful testimony.

Many prayed for God to heal him. I prayed many times too. But this kind, wonderful man, a man of faith, died.

I had faith that he would receive his healing. Don't misunderstand. I know that God often answers prayers by saying "no". I know that, but I did not "feel" it. I selfishly felt left down when he died.

Where are you God when we need you?

Then last night my faith was gently refreshed.

My wife and I went to see a Shakespeare play that she really wanted to see, "The Merry Wives of Windsor". We didn't have tickets but went with the hope that we could get them at the door. But when we got there we were told that the tickets were all sold out and that they doubted anyone would turn theirs in. They even said that, by law, they couldn't even resell the tickets for "no shows" because of the law.

My hope turned to despair and we walked to a bench near the stage and sat down. I suggested we go see a movie but my wife said no. There I sat, thinking a was defeated.

But then for some reason I offered a simple prayer something like this: "God, we really want to see this play. Please help us." I hesitated and then added: "If it is your will". I closed the prayer: "In Jesus name".

It was close to starting time and we went back to the ticket booth in the courtyard and sat on a bench. I was determined to sit right there until the play started. We watched people walk to the "will call" window but they all took their tickets and ran off to the play which was about to start.

With about a minute to go to the start of the play, my wife began walking out of the courtyard. But I stayed put, determined to wait to the bitter end. Then at the very last minute, the ticket person called out "Sir, two tickets have just became available". I ran to the counter and paid for them.

Minutes later, we were sitting in the "platinum" section, right in front of the stage three rows back from the stage - the best seats we ever have had. The play was the best ever too. Add to that, there was a 40% chance that there would be rain and thunderstorms last night, but not a drop of rain fell.

Many would say that our experience was just a coincidence or sheer luck. I don't believe it. We have experienced things like this many times before. God has come through for us before at the last minute in often surprising ways. There is always the same message "Trust Me".

The best thing is that God reminded me last night that I shouldn't be sad over the death of the man of faith. He had his ticket too. But his ticket is far better than my ticket to the Shakespeare play.

Faith in Jesus was his ticket and he even got his for free, years before the best show ever started. This show has no beginning or end and will go on forever. The man of faith is now in the first row and bad weather was never predicted.

Do you have your ticket? If you're reading this post, it's not too late.

God, forgive me for my weak faith. Thank you for the refreshment. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

Now the quote by C. S. Lewis that I randomly found makes better sense and is so true.

“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell".

A Call to Anguish

2010-07-22T16:29:00.002-05:00

Fat Cats and Financial Stewardship

2010-07-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine on a sister blog, jesuscleansfeet.com, recently posted about how American’s spend over $41 billion a year on pets, and he wonders if that’s necessary or good, in light of our responsibilities to help people. It’s a good post and the core question of it could be applied to anything we choose to spend our money or time on.

That post led me to comment about the basics of financial stewardship. Everyone should know their household budget and operate responsibly in it. Its vital that we understand our family Balance Sheet (which combines our liabilities/debts with our assets to arrive at Net Worth, as of a point in time) and our Income Statement (which looks at our Income and Expenses for a period of time, such as a month or a year and shows if we’re making a profit/saving or a loss/borrowing). First off, after tithing, we need to spend less on expenses than we take in via income. Then we can apply any profits/savings to any debt that’s lingering on the balance sheet.

Some people say debt has value, why not use other people’s money to make money for good causes? Of course, with over 800 financial references, the Bible has a few comments on money also. “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7). I’m not debt-free. I plan to be someday soon. I pray that I’m a slave to only one master, and that’s certainly not my cat Skitz.

Just like anything, pets, golf, food, “Christian” resources, notebooks, should all be subject to a classic cost/benefit analysis. I believe, as I’m sure you do, that it’s possible that Pets can provide some value to people. Maybe that’s lessons in responsibility, maybe compassion or recreation, maybe connections/relationships with other people, or maybe just the time honored life lesson that cats are from the Devil. The biggest problem I see with pets is that some people elevate animals to the same, or even greater, value as humans. That’s just stupid, let alone unbiblical.

Value comes at a cost. Salvation comes at a cost. Is it worth the cost? Can we even count the cost?

“With great power, comes great responsibility”, as Spiderman taught us. Or “from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”, as Luke (not Bubba, but the Doctor) teaches us. In all things we have to fight to understand our responsibilities and how we can have the greatest impact for the Kingdom.

Are you a good financial steward? What kinds of tools help you manage finances well?

A 4th of July Tribute to Our Flag

2010-07-05T20:30:00.002-05:00

A Tribute to Our Flag

"In this grand and glorious banner, I see in the blue the blue of Heaven, in the stars, God's promise to Abraham, 'Your progeny will be as numerous as the stars of the Heavens' and the never-ending blessing that God is still on His throne! I see in the red stripes that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for me, and with Paul, stand firm in the knowledge that 'By His stripes we are healed'. In the white, the purity of the babe of Bethlehem, Who became my Lord and Savior, the ultimate fulfillment of all the line of ancient Prophets, the pure Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the universe."

U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Minto

From: The Jew Who Chose Jesus by the Rev. Dr. Nathan Cohen Beskin, Greenfield Center Press (1995) p. 81.

The Second Coming

2010-06-20T10:13:00.013-05:00

I found the following poem by Yeats this morning while surfing the web. Interesting. I also added a You Tube video animation of the famous poem to this post at the bottom. Comments? This was written right after World War One.

THE SECOND COMING

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

The Logic of Love and Hate, Part 1

2010-06-02T12:02:00.003-05:00

Self proclaimed athiest, Penn Jillette, shares some words of wisdom in the below video. In it, he discusses an experience he had after a show, where a guy approached him to give him a Bible. He seems quite moved by the event…

Penn goes on to share a basic wisdom that so many Christians are quick to forget, or worse yet ignore. He makes a statement along the lines of, how much do you have to hate somebody, to believe that they are going to die in eternal torment and not tell them? If death or Hell or the Mack Truck is barreling down on someone, and we know something that just might help them, then to say nothing is outright hateful! This is simple logic. In spite of the teachings of our culture, there’s absolutely nothing loving about saying nothing and letting them find their own way…. and their death.

Often times Christians get a bad rep as being judgmental or holier than thou. The Fact is, we are all fallen sinners, deserving of death. Only our relationship with Christ impacts if we’re heading for Hell or Heaven. We cannot ever make someone submit their lives to Christ, only the Holy Spirit can do that. But in all of our relationships, we have to be open to God’s calling, pulling at us to step up and step out and share some of the Truth that’s been made known to us, and doing so with gentleness and respect.

Relating and Relegating

2010-05-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in my life and the lives of those around me. This came up this morning at a breakfast meeting with my dear friend and pseudo accountability partner Joe and I’d like to share it here…

The trend is simply due to human nature. We tend to naturally gravitate towards our friends and the people we know. Not a bad thing in and of itself. But as soon as this comes at the cost of not reaching out to others, or worse, ignoring God’s prompting to talk to someone else, then this has to be a bad thing.

I don’t really know what a clique is… I’m sure it must be French or at least Canadian, since it has a funny Q in it, but I think this word might partially get at my concern. Even within our circle of friends, it’s easier to “relate” to some more than others due to unimportant things like video games, sports, or strong fashion sense. It must be that when these things are the basis of a friendship, instead of loving, encouraging and confronting each other, that’s a problem too…

This whole notion overlaps with another area I’ve been wrestling with; reaching out to and forming real relationships with the outcasts of society. There are some people that others just don’t want to be around due to a poor fashion sense, bad hygiene, unlovelyness, or just simply bad attitudes (not like B.A. “Bad Attitude” Baracus, Mr T’s name in the A-Team [just saw a trailer for the new movie…], but just a general negative outlook on life that noone wants to be around). Its vital that we reach out to outcasts and the disconnected. Jesus gave us that model. At the same time, I’ve noticed another disturbing trend where I start to take pride in these relationships… Like “I have more outcast friends than you do”, or that this gives me some sort of faux (that must be French too) street cred.

Ultimately, its clear. Its gotta be both. We have to work at loving and sharpening our good friends, at the same time as we reach out to others, so that God can use us in their lives if he so chooses. And that reaching out, has to encompass outcasts of society, not for our own pride, but for the love that God has for them and can put in us. We can’t play favorites, relegating certain relationships to an unhealthy greater focus, but we can work to keep God at the center of all of our relationships.

Just Who is in charge?

2010-05-12T12:59:00.010-05:00

The picture here was taken 3 days ago while we were camping near Skyline Drive in the Mountains of Virginia. Next week will be three years since my wife Evelyn was diagnosed with Non-Hogdkin's Lymphoma. This was a particularly rare cancer with a survival rate of about 10%. It has been a very difficult struggle for both of us. With many skilled Doctor's and Nurses and the best technology that man has available we have been struggling with the fact that it was and still is all beyond our control. Yet through it all God has been by our side whenever we needed him. Even providing just the right Doctor when we needed him or providing the right donor when the time was right. I came across the following post by David Wilkerson this afternoon that puts it all in perspective. http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/

Complex Creation and Simple Love Continued

2010-04-23T19:59:00.006-05:00

(Left Click to Enlarge Photo)

I wish that I had come across this image (NASA Photo) when I wrote the original post. It gives me chills to look at this picture of the center of our galaxy - just one of a number too large to count - thinking about the God that created this loves me enough to send His Son to our little blue ball to die for my sins. He loves each one of us enough to create this great universe filled with beauty and majesty. I can not describe the emotions that wash over me looking at this picture.

Complex Creation and Simple Love

2010-04-13T20:18:00.003-05:00

Driving down to Southern PA to visit our daughter last week, I heard a presentation by Ravi Zacharias pertaining to the complexity and uniqueness of creation. You can find a portion of it at "atnttp//:www.rzim.org/just thinkingfv/tabid/602/articleid/6642/cbmoduleid".

On a grand scale consider that we are able to see billions of light years into the universe and find nothing like our earth. It is overwhelming. What are the odds?

On a personal scale, the human genome as designed by God contains over 3 billion bits of information that determines who we are. It is the precise arrangement of these 3 billion bits of information that determines what we are; gives us the ability to love, think, and reason; and determines what we look like.

I was sitting on Kelly's front porch with these thoughts swirling through my mind and was astonished by colors and beauty before me. Red bud trees, pink cherry blossoms, yellow and orange tulips, the green hues in the grasses and leafs just for my enjoyment. He could have easily designed a black and white world. I also began to think about the complexity of His creation. The Universe is a complex interconnected place and yet the Creator loves each one of us enough to be concerned about the number of hairs on our heads. Matthew 10:30.

Most importantly the creator knows us so well that he created a plan of salvation for us that is so very simple and yet as beautiful as his complex creation. John 3:16 "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone that believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." What a fantastic God!

CONFESSING CHRIST

2010-04-08T17:31:00.003-05:00

Great post today by David Wilkerson based on this Bible verse.

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV)

Read it here.

Franklin Graham Begins 2010: 'I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel'

2010-03-25T07:06:00.008-06:00

This morning I saw a clever commercial on TV that referred to a website IAmNotAshamed.org.

This got me thinking, so I googled "I am not ashamed". I found the following quote by Franklin Graham in an article titled "Franklin Graham Begins 2010: 'I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel'".

"I believe that a time is fast approaching – I think it will be in my lifetime – when the preaching of the Gospel is referred to as hate speech," Graham wrote in a commentary posted on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association web site. Read the full article here.

Talking about the gospel can be difficult - especially telling people that Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

That's tough stuff.

Franklin Graham is right. It's not going to get any easier talking (preaching) about the gospel and it probably will nasty.

Are you ashamed?

Note - The best I can determine IAmNotAshamed.org is not associated with Franklin Graham.

Significant Event in Jerusalem

2010-03-16T07:05:00.007-06:00

The Hurva Synagogue has been rebuilt.

"Jewish Quarter-- this Monday, March 15, 2010, the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City will have its historic reopening. This is a momentous occasion in Jewish history-- somebody has said "it's almost as significant as the 'Abomination of Desolation' of the Temple of Zerubabbel that was desecrated by the Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes IV (215-164 B.C.)."

To read the full post in End Time Truth click here.

For information on the Hurva Synagogue click here.

Who Is Your Jesus? The Gay Marriage Debate in Boulder Colorado.

2010-03-11T06:31:00.010-06:00

The issue of Gay marriage is again in the news. Gay marriage activists continue to challenge the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. I believe the Bible is clear on this, but many "modern" Christians would say that the Bible has to be redefined to fit the times. In other words, take a poll to find out what is popular. Of course, non-Christians would look to sources other than the Bible for their views on gay marriage. I'm not speaking to them here.

The "conflict of the day" on gay marriage can be found in Boulder Colorado.

"The archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, is defending its decision not to re-enroll two children in a Catholic school in Boulder next year because their parents are lesbians." The full article on CNN News can be found here.

Again, many ask the popular question: "What would Jesus do?" In other words, how would Jesus handle this question? Would he let the children stay in school?

I found an interesting take on this on STLTODAY.com. Author, television and radio host Colleen Carroll Campbell tells of how two Jesus' to answer this question.

One that "has a habit of endorsing what we wanted to do anyway, especially when it comes to sex" and another Jesus, the "intense and unsettling figure in the Bible — the one who talked about marriage as the union of a man and a woman for life — this Jesus never talks about tough choices or objective truth".

Campbell further describes the first Jesus as the one who is "all about hugs, rainbows and doing what feels right — a sort of human Hallmark card in Birkenstocks".

Read the full article on STLTODAY.com here.

Which one is your Jesus?

Christian Hugs and Holy Kisses

2010-03-07T21:58:00.001-06:00

I have a very good friend named Robby. Yes, he's a grown man, 29 years old, but he's made a conscious decision to go by Robby. That's cool. We all have our hangups; Its 2010 and I still can't listen to enough Pink Floyd, plus I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to coffee, and I think my adult sister still sleeps with a wooby, I mean baby blanket.

Anyway, Robby is a dear friend, a brother in the battle. In spite of that, he's introduced me to the concept of the Christian side hug. Apparently in some Christian circles, hugs with members of the opposite are discouraged due to the possibility of undue temptation. The alternative, is the side-by-side, arm around the shoulder side hug. This allows for minimal temptation due to the avoided frontal contact.

The point of this story is that while I understand the theory, that just seems a little weird and awkward. While, watching an online sermon (probably Francis Chan or Mark Driscoll... as they seem to be at the front of my "who can I listen to instead of reading the Bible and listening to God directly" type of sermon searches lately), I saw an advertisement that included a picture and vivid description of the Christian side hug!! This led me to a site that has both made me laugh out loud (most of the site) and cry (the "Having 'this is wierd but...' moments" post) within a 2 minute period. This site is stuffchristianslike.net.

I highly recommend checking out the site. In addition to the side hug, you'll learn such truths as, "When you're dancing, be sure to leave room for the holy spirit (I learned that, when in doubt, a Bible length will suffice).

Being a Christian is weird... and funny... and by far the greatest thing I've ever decided to do. I've given my life to a 2000 year old convicted felon, who made a whip, called his best friend Satan, and gave us a definition and the first understanding of what love is... and I know he is The Way, The Truth and The Life.

The Drive-In Christian Church

2010-03-01T08:15:00.017-06:00

My wife and I spent three weeks in Daytona Beach this year. Not in a fancy motel, but one of those mom and pop types run by a couple from Kentucky. It served us well: big bed, TV, shower, small ice-box, micro-wave. Best of all it was right on the beach.

Our day mostly consisted of coffee at Panera down the road, lunch at Burger King (they have a great dollar menu) and warming up TV dinners in the room - and we walked and walked and talked on the beach. Some days were very cold (I had to scape ice off the windshield of the car one day). Some days were in the 70's. It was a simple time but very relaxing. A dream. In fact, the name of the motel we stayed in was the Dream Inn.

Last year we stayed in the same place. We had noticed an old drive-in theatre down the road. The screen was gone, but the old buildings were still there and the humps where the cars used to be parked could be seen and the poles where the speaker had been were also still there.

At the main gate we saw a sign "The Drive-In Christian Church". But during the week it was deserted. Curious, we walked into the area several times and wondered why any one would go to church there. We concluded few would.

This year on the way to Daytona Beach, we stopped and visited my wife's parents. Her sister and brother-in-law go to Daytona Beach also and when talking to them I found out that coincidentally that they stayed real close to the Dream Inn when they were there. In our conversation, they mentioned the drive-in church. They had attended the services there and recommend it.

That's how we ended up going to that church this year. We liked it too. The pastor stood on the flat roof of the building where the screen used to be. The choir stayed inside, and you could hear the service over your FM radio. When the members of the church liked what the heard, people honked their horns. My wife and I held hands in the car and prayed. We sang heartily. I liked it because my voice is so bad and in my regular church I feel embarrassed and I sing quietly.

In The Drive-In Christian Church, they pass out a small cup of grape juice and a wafer and a program when you drive in. Someone comes around and collects the offering at your car. We took communion in the front seat and sipped coffee during the service as a sea gull lazily drifted around. When it got chilly, I started the car and turned on the heater. The sermon was good, but short and I felt God was there. So were a lot of cars. We guessed many more than a hundred.

After the service, the minister jumped in a golf cart and navigated through the cars to the front gate where he said good-bye to people in the cars as they drove out. Some of us walked to what had been the snack bar in the middle of the "church" and had coffee and donuts and visited with people.

I asked an elderly gentleman why he went there. He told me that his wife, now deceased, had a bad lung disease and kept on getting pneumonia sitting with other people in their "normal" in-door church. They heard of The Drive-In Christian Church and tried it out. They stayed. After she died, he stayed. It was his church now and he sang in the choir. He told me he was the only man in the choir and invited me to come to the old screen building with him for the second service and join for the day. I passed on that. When the second service was about to start, cars started driving in and he ran off (literally) over the humps to join his friends in the choir. When he spoke there was a twinkle in his eye.

That takes me to the point of my story. Last Sunday, back in our home church up north, the pastor was giving a sermon on problems he had with some churches. It was a great sermon. But then he gave several examples of churches that used gimmicks to get people in. I think he is against gimmicks. Then to my surprise and shock, he brought up The Drive-In Christian Church in Daytona Beach. His wife had found it on the Internet. He described the drive-in church in enough detail so that I knew it was the same one we had visited a few weeks before. He even mentioned the song that came on when the site came up. A cowboy was singing: "The Place Where I Worship" by Red Foley. I remember when we pulled in The Drive-In Christian Church, that song was playing on the radio. It started:

"Oh the place where I worship is the wide open spaces, Filled by the hand of the Lord..."

After the service, I told our pastor that we had attended the drive-in church he had used as an illustration in the sermon and I described our experience. I also told him that I liked it.

The Drive-In Christian Church in Daytona Beach isn't what many of us would want to attend full time. We might not like gimmicks to get people to go to church - or there might be some other reason.

Here's a link to that "church". Listen to the cowboy song, look at the pictures and read what it's all about. Decide for yourself. I'd appreciate if you'd post your comments. Could God possibly be in that place? What do you think about gimmicks to get people into church?

http://www.driveinchurch.net/

Note: The Drive-In Christian Church is a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
My church is part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

(I feel comfortable in my church because it's conservative. They believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation and the Bible is true.)

Jesus Film

2010-02-26T09:28:00.003-06:00

I found the Jesus film this week online. I just finished watching it. It can be watched in many languages. Watch it. Share it. Just copy the link below. Amazing.

http://www.jesusfilm.org/film-and-media/watch-the-film

Quoting Cash

2010-02-24T17:04:00.002-06:00

Johnny Cash is a favorite of mine, and a favorite of millions of others too I suppose. I stumbled across an article on the relevant magazine website about Cash and his faith. The below quote is a classic...

"Being a Christian isn't for sissies," Cash said once. "It takes a real man to live for God-a lot more man than to live for the devil, you know? If you really want to live right these days, you gotta be tough."

I also saw that a new album (and final release??) of his material called American VI: Aint no Grave, came out Tuesday. It sounds like this is the last material he recorded before his death and is filled with songs about overcoming death and his faith in Christ. Its available as an MP3 download for $3.99 at Amazon.

A big thanks to Justin Taylor's Blog at the Gospel Coalition for sharing the album info.

A Sprint and a Dash

2010-02-22T12:46:00.001-06:00

Slow down. Take it easy. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the view on the fence… as people around you are deceived into death and burn in eternal torment…

Recently the Senior Pastor at our Church, Jeff Bogue, shared a story about how someone suggested to him that he slow down and rest on the plateau. He said hearing that is one of the things he hates most…

Life is not a marathon. We can’t do it tomorrow. We have no idea what tomorrow may bring (Prov. 27:1, Matt. 6:34). Life is short, it’s a vapor, a mist. Life is short and then we die. Life is a Sprint!

These Biblical Truths have to shape our every day. I get tired, worn-out, frustrated, mostly lazy and procrastinatory. But… Thank God! It ain’t about me. My energy is misplaced and short-lived. But its His energy and power with which we work!

“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:29)

Wayne’s recent great post on the Dash in Between hits at this same idea… What are we doing with that flash or dash of time between now and when we die?

Thanks to Pastor Steven Furtick’s blog of elevation Church in Charlotte, NC that led me to this verse.

THE LIFE BEHIND THE LIGHT

2010-02-17T08:21:00.002-06:00

Great post today by David Wilkerson based on John 8:12.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

Read it here.

The Dash In Between

2010-02-15T19:52:00.006-06:00

On Friday of last week, Warren Pfohl one of the Pastors at my church (Eastern Hills Bible Church) posted the message below on his facebook page. Dealing with Evelyn's cancer the past few years, our world has revolved around friends that we have the same disease. A very large number of them have died. Most of them in what would be considered the "Prime" of their life. It is very clear to me that we have only a limited time to serve on this earth. God has a plan for our lives and I want to make sure that on the day my time here ends, I can know that I have completed His plan and I can hear "Well Done".

The Dash In Between

This morning as I was relaxing in my recliner, yellow fire dancing in the fireplace, sipping a dark french roast coffee from Brueggars, enjoying the beginning of a new day, my cell phone rang, indicating I had just received a text message. It was from my son, Daniel. It simply said,

"Mr. Shafer from English died this morning."

I don't know who Mr. Shafer is, if he was sick, or what he died from; all I know is that he passed away sometime this morning. It wasn't planned. I'm sure it caught his family, friends, and students by surprise. I know that they are grieving. My heart breaks for all of them. Please pray for his family.

Mr. Shafer's death stirred something inside of me. At first I couldn't identify it. It took me a few minutes to wrap my head around the emotion I was feeling. And then it became clear, it was fear. Not the fear of actually dying, although I don't particularly look forward to it, but the fear of getting to the end of my life and discovering that I had wasted my life. It could have just as easily been a text from one of Daniel's friends to their parents saying, "Dan Pfohl's father died this morning." I wondered if I knew tomorrow was my last day how I would live my life differently today?

Not wanting to really think about this I packed my gym bag and drove to the YMCA to work out. As I watched my heart rate climb to 140 beats per minute my mind was going even faster as I thought about my Dad's unexpected death at the age of 58, David's death at the age of 20, and now Mr. Shafer. In an attempt to slow down my mind or even shut out the myriad of thoughts passing through my brain I plugged my skullcap headphones into my itouch and selected a Chris Rice album, Amusing. A couple songs into the album his song, Tick Tock started playing. If you have a few minutes listen to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNMlRC1woNY Tick Tock by Chris Rice.

It was the exact song I needed to hear. It took my racing thoughts and slowed them down. It reminded me that its not important how long I live but how well I live today, moment by moment that really matters. David's short life is a perfect example of this. What matters is how well we live the dash out on our tombstone. (You really do have to listen to the song.)

Thank you Mr. Shafer for living out your dash the best you could. While I am sure you were used in the lives of many students and people throughout your life, even in your death God used you to motivate me to make my life count.

How are you doing at living out your dash?

Are We Doomed?

2010-02-10T09:17:00.012-06:00

Many believe that we are doomed based on the possibility of the collapse of our economic system or global warming. There are many reasons given for this fear depending on the person's perspective.

I can undersatand that feeling. While in high school, I felt that we were doomed during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I fully expected that Russian nukes would rain down on America. My prayer then was that I would get to get my drivers license and drive before doomsday came.

Since then I have seen numerous doomsday scenarios, ranging from the fear of global cooling in the 70's to fear of terrorists and global warming today. (I write this as NYC and DC are experiencing a blizzard)

Is there hope? Where does our help come from?

Famous playwright Arther Miller cleverly uses the Genesis account of the Fall to suggest that doom can be avoided by man, with eyes wide open, seeking their own solutions.

"the apple cannot be stuck back on The Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less."

It is interesting that Miller acknowledges the Fall of man but sees the solution as man falling further.

C.S. Lewis gets it right when he sees the Fall as a move away from God towards self.

"The gravitation away from God, 'the journey homeward to habitual self', must, we think, be a product of the Fall."

The fall of the apple separates us from God but paradoxically Miller would have the separation increase. Sadly, he represents the view of many today.

But what if the apple were to go upward to be put back on the Tree of Knowledge? Can we put it back ourselves? No. But if we look up to the tree and trust in God, we will see Jesus' hand, not ours, re-attach the fruit. Then as we become as children with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the movement of our soul begins anew on the journey homeward to God.

Then we can press on towards the goal.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." - Philippians 3:12-16 (NIV)

May the 100 most searched Bible verses on BibleGateway.com help you in your journey upward. Click here.

Happy Trails with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

2010-02-05T16:45:00.006-06:00

I recently read a book about Roy Rogers and Dale Evans titled, "The answer is God". I highly recommend it. It's an amazing story. Roy and Dale were known as the King and Queen of the cowboys. As a kid, I looked up to them and eagerly watched their TV show as often as I could.

Early in their career together, Roy and Dale made a decision to add a Christian message to their famous show that they took on the road. Their manager and production team argued against it.

From then on, their fame increased and many "buckaroos" found that being a Christian and going to Sunday school was not "sissy", as Roy put it.

Take a few moments to enjoy the King and Queen of the cowboys as they give honor to their King. I pray he is your King too.

Anchored In Love

2010-01-31T11:02:00.005-06:00

Anchored In Love was composed by A.P. Carter (The Carter Family) in 1927 prior to the Crash of 1928 at a time when the economy was good, technology (Air travel, radio, automobile travel, electrical energy) was making life much easier. There seemed to be no end to what man could do. Yet it became a hymn of comfort for the great masses as the institutions of man crumbled around them and failed resulting in economic disaster and World War II. I heard this sung by several of the Carter family descendants last week and was struck by how GREAT it is to have your trust in God and not be consumed by fear!

Anchored in Love

I've found a sweet haven of sunshine at last,
and Jesus abiding above,
His dear arms around me are lovingly cast
and sweetly He tells His love

The tempest is o'er
I'm safe evermore
What gladness what rapture is mine
The danger is past
(The water's receding, the danger is past)
I'm anchored at last
(I'm feeling so happy I'm anchored at last)
I'm anchored in love divine

He saw me endangered and lovingly came
To pilot my storm-beaten soul
Sweet peace He has spoken and bless His dear name
The billows no longer roll

His love shall control me through life and in death
Completely I'll trust to the end
I'll praise Him each hour of my last fleeting breath
Shall sing of my soul's Best Friend

The Return of the King

2010-01-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

Do you believe Jesus will return to Earth someday?

Most Christians do and they should. The Bible is very clear on that....

Do you want Him to retun right now, before you are finished reading this?

I was listening to a Francis Chan sermon on http://www.sermon-online.com/ during my 45 minute commute to work the other day, and he threw this question out to his congregation. Nearly everyone said yes to the first question, but less than 10% said yes to the second question.

Stealing his good idea, a few weeks ago I asked the same questions to our home Church group that meets at our house every Wednesday night. The response was identical. Everyone said yes they believe that Jesus will return, but only about 10% said that they want Him to return right now.

Why is this? What are we waiting for? Most people seemed to share genuine concerns about wanting family members to hear the Gospel, or feeling like that God still has more work for them to do. These are perhaps fine reasons, but whats the wait? Let's share the Gospel, let's do the work of an evangelist, as Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:5. It will be far better for christians when Christ does return and frees us from the failings of this world.

Are you ready for Christ to return now? What is on your heart to do? What comes to mind? Our life is like a vapor and its gone in an instant. Let's take action now!

Marathon Men

2010-01-21T23:02:00.002-06:00

Caleb, a good friend of mine and a guy with the name of one of my favorite Bible heroes, heard about an idea of reading through the New Testament of the Bible in one day. So he and his wife put everything in place and a week and a half ago, seven of us guys read straight through the NT in 17 hours.

It was awesome. We started at 7:15am and finished right around midnight. They had all the details in place. We each took turns reading a chapter, going around the room. At the end of certain books, we stood together and took turns reading paragraph by paragraph to finish out the final chapter. Every 2 hours or so, we took a 5-10 minute break.

Caleb’s wife, Jen, and a few friends provided meals and constant snacks and beverages. They were amazing. They took care of us in a way that us guys will not be able to match, when it’s the girls’ turn to do the reading in a few weeks. They even had a baby monitor setup so that you could still hear the guy reading during bathroom breaks.

I approached the morning tired and worn out from a long week back at work, thinking I’d have to fight falling asleep. That was not the case. The order and process of the day, and the seemingly brand new content, didn’t allow me to get tired and the time flew by incredibly fast.

There’s something special about taking in the New Testament all at once that gave me a new perspective on it. I learned things I didn’t recall ever reading before, like Caiaphas prophesying about one man saving the whole Jewish nation, and apparently there may have been a female apostle name Junias…

After the day was over and we had finished, we recapped with excitement what had just happened. Jen laughed at us and commented that it seemed like we were standing around talking about an exciting movie we had all just witnessed together. We were certainly blessed with good friends to do this with and understanding and supportive wives that allowed us to sneak away for a Saturday. If you never have, I highly recommend trying a NT reading marathon sometime soon.

Stay Green

2010-01-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

Great post today from David Wilkerson.

Click here.

The Story of a Church Group in Haiti During the Earthquake

2010-01-19T10:04:00.007-06:00

Following is a post by Mike Baker, Senior Pastor at Eastview Church in Normal, IL Mike and several others in the church were in Haiti Jan 12 when the earthquake hit. It is an amazing story.

Read his post here.

Jesus in Haiti

2010-01-18T09:55:00.003-06:00

A poem about Jesus in Haiti by John Piper of Desiring God Ministries.

Click here.

And Now Something Else...

2010-01-06T09:57:00.002-06:00

You see the clouds in the sky, feel the wind flying by

And I’m wondering what we should do

I’m looking in your light eyes, as I’m telling you lies

And you laugh and see brighter days

You dream of great someday plans and not too distant lands,
      As I sit on my hands chasing dust
I should’ve known I was wrong instead of sifting through songs
      As you smile and still play along
And now something else, for once outside of myself
      And maybe this time we’ll see
Now days into night, you reflect your light in a life coming right
      And new sites unseen and now meaning

Courage in a New Year - Psalms 23: 1-6

2010-01-01T14:32:00.007-06:00

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Through the past 3 years my wife has been battling T Cell Lymphoma coming within minutes of death several times. During this process, God has blessed us with his love in so may ways it is hard to describe. We have learned or are learning to trust him even when the future looks dark and foreboding through our eyes. As we look to the new year wondering what it will hold, I am reminded of the beautiful people that we have come in contact with that are battling this disease some as healers, some as patients, but all a part of his beautiful plan. They are all a part of God's creation and he has loved us through each and everyone of them. There was a time when I had a plan of my own for the future worrying that I could not make it happen. Now I am no longer fearful of the future, but am excited and looking forward to see God's plan for my life as it unfolds. That doesn't mean that it isn't exciting at times, but I am certain that he is in control.

"The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not be in want."

Praise God!
Wayne

How Do You Love Jesus?

2009-12-29T10:15:00.000-06:00

No comment is needed on this one.

Family Reunion

2009-12-24T08:20:00.004-06:00

The Christmas season is a joyous time as we celebrate the birth of our Lord. But for many, it is also a sad time as we remember Christmases past with loved ones that are no longer with us. It is especially a sad for Al and Pam who will not to be able to spend future Christmases with their son on earth.

Our hope is in Jesus and the home he is preparing for us for the best family reunion of all.

I offer this video of the Osman family as comfort and hope to us all.

God Bless,
Dan

To my unborn son

2009-12-23T03:27:00.002-06:00

I didn’t get a chance to play catch with you. I didn’t get to hear you laugh. I didn’t get to take you to a game. I didn’t get to teach you right from wrong. But I want you to know your mom and I have always loved you and miss you terribly.

Tonight after 14 weeks of pregnancy, I had to take Pam to the hospital because we had thought she had a miscarriage. After some test and a sonogram it was confirmed. I know that he is in heaven with is great grandpa Tom and Uncle Charlie. I know there is hurt and sadness that we are feeling now but I know the love that God has for us will take it all away.

Son we love you,

Mom and Dad

How Do I Love?

2009-12-19T12:20:00.010-06:00

Recently I was asked the question: "Do you love the way the Bible teaches?". I had to honestly answer "No." I think I try, but I know the Bible sets the highest standard.

Since that time, I have been pondering the question and my answer. Today, I searched for passages that would give guidance. I found two that made made sense to me.

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Gal. 6:7-8 (NIV)

That's a tough one. I fall short here. This is the other verse I found.

"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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor. 13:1-7 (NIV)

Wow. Also, a tough one for me.

But I can say, that I hope some day, that I will love the way the Bible teaches.

I found a quote about hope that touches on how I feel.

"Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise." - C.S. Lewis

It seem then, that in the end, my only hope is in the Lord.

How about you? Do you love the way the Bible teaches?

Hope - Hillsong

Fear in the Face of the Storm

2009-12-09T16:32:00.005-06:00

It's been a "white out" today. The wind is wild. Garbage cans roll down the street. It's a good day to stay inside, drink hot coffee, rest and reflect.

Rest is good. Especially because we live in days when many people are gripped by fear. Worldwide, the economy is in a free fall, wars rage, while Christians and the Bible are under attack.

Are you fearful?

Men were fearful in Jesus' day too. Once Jesus was resting when a "furious storm" raged while he and his disciples were in a boat. The disciples were gripped by fear. They woke Jesus up and cried out: "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" He then got up and rebuked the winds and the waves. It became completely calm.

The disciples were amazed and exclaimed "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)

Do you believe this? Do you believe in Jesus?

The next time you are scared and feel like you are going to drown, call out to Jesus. he WILL calm the storm. He is able. Never let go.

If this is it...

2009-12-05T08:31:00.001-06:00

Goals are good, dreams are needed, vision's invaluable. But what exactly are we planning for? There are things on our minds and in our hearts that we are looking forward to, striving towards. What are those things?

At a golf outing a few months ago, former NFL Player Je'Rod Cherry, winner of 3 Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, spoke after the 18th hole. He shared how so much of his life growing up was about sports, he excelled in track and football. He dreamed with a passion of the next accomplishment. In 2002, his goals were accomplished as the confetti came down and he had won his first Super Bowl ring.

One of his biggest recollections from that day was looking around at the lights, hearing the cheers and thinking, "Is this it...?". Everything he had been working for and driving towards had been accomplished, and it felt empty, like there must be more to life. That's a feeling I can relate to. Wanting something so badly, getting it, then realizing you now simply want something else. This is often especially evident in our Christmas day celebrations.

Later in his life, Je'Rod realized that there is more to life. So much more in beauty, purpose, and truth. So much more that means something, that will still matter 100 years from now. Je'Rod gave his life to Christ and is realizing an eternal calling on his life that's more important than a Super Bowl ring.

At the golf outing, Je'Rod also told us about a Charity he's involved with, Celebrities for Charity. Through this involvement, and out of a desire to have a greater impact, he decided to auction off a Super Bowl Ring. But which ring would it be? Super Bowl XXXVI (2002), XXXVIII (2004), or XXXIX (2005)? He wrestled with this, but then decided since the first one meant the most to him, then it had to be the first. The event raised over $200,000.

What is it we are truly striving for? What is the next event or goal that we get excited about planning for? Is this dream aligned with our true calling, our eternal life's purpose? The Bible tells us that planning out of our own will is meaningless. Life is so short, a vanishing mist... Only by living for God, striving to be more like Christ, can we live life to the fullest and embrace the greatness that we're called to.

James 4:13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

What I am thankful for…

2009-11-24T13:00:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for a God that loves me so much that he gave his only son to die for me and my sins.

I am thankful for my beautiful wife who I love so much and who is going to me the mother of our child.

I am thankful for our kids who never cease to amaze me in their loving kindness for others.

I am thankful for my mom who taught me right from wrong and no matter what I did was always there supporting me.

I am thankful for the men and woman in our armed services that protect us and keep us from harms way.

I am thankful for my Church for meeting the needs of the families that would have been without coats, without presents, and without food during the holidays.

I am thankful that I will be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the many visitors during Imagine.

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving and takes a few moments to reflect on everything that you are thankful for.

Like a Good Neighbor...

2009-11-20T12:54:00.000-06:00

Our next door neighbor Herman died a few weeks ago. He was a great neighbor and the kids loved to talk to Mr. Herman. When we heard of his death, we were instantly struck with sadness and some regret... regret that I didn't talk more to him about Christ and that we never got to bring him the Apple Crisp Amy had made a few days prior. We had talked about God, and he knew we are Christians, but the thought that my next door neighbor could have died without knowing Jesus, on my watch, was chilling.

While talking with his children in the week after his death, what we seemed to already know about Herman became even more clear. And at his funeral Saturday (a beautiful, different experience for me), I heard the story of a man and more... A tender, gentle hearted man who demonstrated dedication in his marriage (his wife of 40 years Leonsie died just before we moved here), his job (51 years at Firestone/Bridgestone) and his service (Army Seargent and dedicated Church member), and came to know Christ as a child at Akron's Antioch Baptist Church. What I heard rang exactly true with what we knew of the kind neighbor we lived next to for 6 years and hearing of his service and devotion to Christ explained the brotherly bond we felt with Mr. Herman.

I think this will definitely change the way I interact with all of our neighbors... There are many people in my neighborhood who I don’t know if they believe. And there are some who don’t know that I do. Even more so are the neighbors not in my neighborhood, but in my daily path of life. I don’t always love my neighbor as myself. I sometimes don’t care, or am too busy. But, as for me, this is a command I intend to keep…

If you're interested, the below link is to an article about Mr. Herman in the Akron Beacon Journal: http://www.ohio.com/business/64047802.html

Fishing

2009-11-16T15:21:00.003-06:00

My wife and I recently went "fishing" at a local summer festival with a group trained by The Way of the Master ministry. We took their short course before we went. Neither of us got up on the "soapbox" to proclaim Christ - although they wanted us to. I, at least, was "chicken". We mingled in the crowd and passed out tracks - firsts for both of us.

I just got an email from them about another event they are planning. It included a link to a blog. I opened it and found a wonderful post about fishing on "The Lawman Chronicles" blog and I thought I'd share it.

You can read it here.

I want to go "fishing" again. The next time, maybe I will be bolder. Have you ever been "fishing"?

WayWars Turns 3!

2009-11-12T22:52:00.000-06:00

Last week marked the 3rd anniversary of this charming little Way Warriors blog. Happy Anniversary!! I'd say a lots changed in 3 years. God works in amazing and marvelous Ways... Sometimes we can directly see His plan unfolding and we praise Him. Other times it doesn't make any sense, we don't like it, and we simply can't fathom how any good could come from a certain situation. Really, it doesn't matter how we feel or what we think we know. There are a million things I won't understand until Jesus tells me face to face, and thats awesome. There's a million other great and beautiful things I can know and still need to learn now...

To celebrate the anniversary I've added 3 new links:
1> All Pro Dad (http://www.allprodad.com/dungy/) - Tony Dungy, former coach of the world Champion Indianapolis Colts, blogs here about his experiences as a retired coach seeking to make a difference.
2> Between Two Worlds (http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/) - Justin Taylor posts several updates daily that offer ways to help us grow in our Faith.
3> evotional.com (http://evotional.com/) - Mark Batterson, author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day offers short posts encouraging us to more effectively minister to others.
Happy Anniversary!!

Lest We Forget

2009-11-10T11:46:00.004-06:00

This morning after reading the article titled "The Victory of the Cross by " Newt Gingrich, Callista Gingrich, and Vince Haley, the words "Lest We Forget" crossed my mind. Read the article here.

I'll have to admit that I was not thinking of Veterans' Day at the time. I googled those words and found the following beautiful poem.

LEST WE FORGET

God to-day
Shield with Thy wings the many, far
away;
Soothe those who watch and wait
and do each task
With brave hands working, while
their brave lips pray.

LILLIAN CARD

Later in the day, a good friend reminded me that it was Veterans' Day tomorrow (November 11). Then I searched further on the Internet and found the following You Tube, titled "In Flanders Fields - Lest We Forget". It is very appropriate for Veteran's Day.

The same friend invited me to attend a Veteran’s Day ceremony tomorrow. I decided to attend with him, and another vet, in honor of the men and women who serve and have served our country in the armed services. I'm embarrassed to say that I've never gone to such a ceremony before.

“Lest we forget” may you and I NEVER FORGET again. God willing, I will attend next year too.

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!

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)

Everyone has a story

2008-02-04T19:58:00.000-06:00

We are currently doing a study at church entitled Engage. It goes along with a book written by Bill Hybels called “Just Walk Across the Room”. This weeks study had us write and share our faith story with our small group. So I thought I would share my story with you.

"I have always believed in God. My parents would take me to church when I was young and they had me sprinkled in a Lutheran church. As I got older we stopped going to church. After my grandfather died, I was mad at God. Why did he have to die? I went through a time where I felt as long as I believed in God; I didn’t need to go to church.. I was someone that would attend on Easter and Christmas and feel like that should account for something. Then I started to come to Eastview. After attending a few months I just didn’t want to miss a Sunday. I looked forward to hearing Mike or Gary speak. Mike baptized me on Easter Sunday of 2006 and I was just overwhelmed. I felt like things were going to start to get better in my life but my wife started making some bad choices in life by choosing an alternative life style and we ended up getting divorced. This was a difficult time for me and once again I was asking God why? But unlike when my grandfather passed away I had my friends at Eastview along with my brother-in-law John, who has been my main inspiration in my spiritual walk, to help me in my faith. I have been a member at Eastview for almost two years and I am so glad God opened the door so I could walk in."

The Unbecoming Greatness

2008-01-07T23:29:00.000-06:00

I’m the type of guy who likes to plan. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far too lazy to be a control freak. But I love to spend time mapping out the calendar and planning the budget. However, I’ve learned the hard way that my plans often fall flat in failure.

When I pursue things that are solely my own plans, and they conflict with God’s will for my life, failure is the only possibility. I’ve found that true in my life, time and time again.

When I graduated from college I moved to Georgia and planned for my girlfriend to move there. I envisioned the American dream… working hard at a good job, starting a family, living a good life. However, my girlfriend didn’t like Georgia and I wasn’t living the kind of life God had planned for me there. So much for my planning abilities. Ultimately, I changed. I gave up. My girlfriend (now my wife) and I submitted our lives to Christ. We submitted our plans and dreams to Him. He moved us several states north and gave us a new life, a Church to call home and grow in, and a family. I’m overwhelmed by His blessings daily.

Only by pure submission, denial of our worldly desires for something greater, can we truly experience the awesome fullness of life. The focus of our lives shifts from ourselves to Christ.

It’s not about me. It’s not about you. We’ve been given eternal life through the undeserved Grace of God and his perfect plan in Christ. We’re being tremendously blessed as we grow closer to Him. But it’s not about us. It’s about saving the lives of others by helping them find the Grace that we’ve been given and thereby bringing glory to God. “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

Imagine Distribution Day

2007-12-15T13:03:00.000-06:00

Today was Imagine Distribution Day at Eastview Christian Church. Imagine is a something we started last year. We have three weeks of collection. Week 1 was Imagine no child is with out and everyone brought in an unwrapped toy. Week 2 was Imagine no one is cold and everyone brought in a new coat. Finally week 3 was Imagine no one is hungry and everyone had a food box to fill along with a donation for a ham. So as I said this morning was the day that people from the area came to church to collect what they needed. When I arrived at church at 6 this morning there was already a line waiting to get in. You don't ever stop to think how blessed we are for what we have. I work security for the kids program so that is where I was for most of the day. It was nice to see all of the families come in and see our church and what we have to offer them. I felt emotional seeing all the people that had come to take part in this event. The thing that touched me the most today is when a mom came back after getting everything she needed to pick up here two kids Nicholas and Maccey. There was a craft for the kids to do, a coloring book for them and a candy cane. Nicholas had all of his stuff and his sisters’ as well so I got her another candy cane. She looked up at me and asked if she could have another so I smiled and said sure. She went over got her candy cane and came over and gave me a hug. That is the memory that is going to stick with me for a long time. I am so proud to be a member of Eastview and I hope that we can carry this outreach program we provide for Christmas into the coming year. May God bless everyone that helped out today and the families that we made a difference in. I will add to the post once I get a total number of families we were able to serve today.

Update
Check out the The Rutter Scrawl for the numbers for our day of Imagine.

Fear...

2007-11-13T23:31:00.000-06:00

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder." (James 2:19) So the demons fear God… they actually shudder in fear. Should I? Who likes fear?

Psalm 89:7 tells us, “In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.” God, the creator of the universe, of uncountable stars and sand, the numberer of the hairs on your head, clearly is awesome. He is all powerful and we better not get on His bad side. Certainly He is worthy of our fearful respect. But that’s where fear ends.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

Not only has God not given us the spirit of fear, but you and I have actually been commanded not to fear. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9) That’s quite a command, and quite a promise.

A perfect God wouldn’t command us to do something and not show us how to do it. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) In love we find an answer. If we love the Lord with all our hearts, and love our neighbors as ourselves, God will help us overcome the debilitating fear that is so common in this dark world.

Fellowship with our brothers in Christ strengthens us. We are not alone. I absolutely love the incredible friends and family that God has blessed me and my family with, great people who struggle with fear, but radiate love and courage from their relationship with Christ. There’s been tremendous change in my life and, after God’s grace, this change has largely come about from the impact of Godly friends. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

Life on Earth is awesome and short. It will be filled with fear at times, but we know we win with the ultimate Victory of Christ. We will embrace God’s promises and not fear, but accept the courage and authority He gives us.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13)

Courage...

2007-07-29T21:47:00.000-05:00

We've heard it before. Since we were kids the story's been told to us. David vs. Goliath. The unknown Underdog triumphs over the giant who brought terror to the hearts of everyone.

What a great event. David the young kid, told by his brother to go back home to tend to the sheep, steps it up. With courage that could only come from God David confronts the Giant whose shield alone weighed over 15o lbs. "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Sam. 17:45)

I've never battled in a war. I’ve never seen someone who is 9 feet tall. I’m only 5’7”. Unfortunately, my Underdog status is probably all I have in common with young David.

David didn’t stand for the name of the Lord being defied. There’s tons of evil in this world. Evil wins when good people do nothing. David had intense courage. That Courage is available to us. In the Name of the Lord Almighty, which has been defied, we will take a stand.

Full text of 1 Samuel 17: 45-47:
45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

Barack Obama Takes on the Christian Right - Update

2007-07-13T17:39:00.000-05:00

Bump and Update - I made essentially the same post (see below) on the Blogger News Network. To my amazement when Google News picked it up, it had close to 900 views - the most for one of my posts. Also, many commented and most were very negative. I added my responses. However, the debate was good.

Following is one example:

Comment from seth Date: July 10, 2007, 11:26 am
The bible is nothing I want my children to read. It has the same sketchy background of all other religious books. We can recognize mythology as such, except when we believe it to be absolutely true. The Bible is disgusting, telling you to kill anyone who tries to convert you from christianity. But that’s the old testament, we skip that part. Start Thinking for yourself.

Comment from Dan Date: July 13, 2007, 3:22 pm
Seth, you may not like God, but He lives. Jesus is His son and the only way to salvation - and He lives too. I pray that the Holy Spirit will draw you and your family to the truth. I suggest you read the book “The Case for Christ”. See my June 24th comment above. God Bless.

Take a look at the BNN post and comments and add your comments there (or here) too. Click here. Thanks - Dan
________

Barack Obama says that Christianity has been"hijacked" by "so-called leaders of the Christian Right". Read the story about this here.

The truth is that many liberal churches and their leaders have crafted their own brand of Christianity based on popular "feel good" values, not on the Bible.

The "so-called leaders of the Christian Right", as Obama calls them, are being maligned for being faithful to the Bible and traditional Christian values.

Liberal, "so-called leaders of the Christian Left" are generally pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, pro-destroying living embryos for research, pro-euthanasia and against teaching intelligent design and praying in public schools.

Before I started reading and believing the Bible, I might have agreed with many of these liberal "values". But now that I actually have read and believe the Bible, I disagree with all of the same values. The Christian Right leaders didn't tell me what to believe, I merely came to agree with these leaders.

It is more accurate to say that liberal, "so-called leaders of the Christian Left", not Christian Right leaders, are trying to hijack Christianity.

If Barak Obama would look carefully at the polls, he will find that most Americans agree with the traditional values of the Christian Right. If he continues demonizing these same leaders and the voters they represent, he will soon find in the polls that his chances of becoming President are diminishing.

Opposition to the Opposites Right and Wrong

2007-06-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

“How can anyone tell anyone else that their belief system is wrong?” “What’s right for one person, may not be for another”… These are very prevalent mindsets in our culture. On the face of it, there is great appeal in these statements. These ideas try to be loving and nonjudgmental.

What is right? What is wrong? Seems like it should be easy, but the very concept of right and wrong is totally blurred by a sea of differing opinions. Our culture would tell us that right and wrong vary per person. There is a lot of opposition to the possibility of the mere existence of absolute right and wrong. But if there is such thing as right and wrong, doesn’t that mean that there must be a way to determine the difference? Sounds like simple good judgment. Do you have a right to judge anyone? Judgment is a dirty word. If its wrong to judge, isn’t it wrong to say that it’s wrong to judge? Perhaps now I’m judging the judgers judge…

How about murder? Bestiality? Rape? Child molestation? Are these things wrong? If you agree with the idea that no one can tell anyone else that their belief system is wrong, then simple logic tells you that you can’t say that these things are wrong. That’s just wrong.

Is it loving to never tell someone they are wrong? Is it loving to sit idly by and watch a beloved friend self-destruct? There are many circumstances in my past where I could have avoided great pain and suffering if a strong person would’ve taken a stand, confronted me, and judged my actions. But I probably wouldn’t have responded if I didn’t think they had a pure motive. I would’ve rebelled further unless this necessary confrontation was done in love and with compassion.

In Matthew (22:37-40), Jesus says; “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Clearly Christ wants us to cling to love.

Loving confrontation is vital and needed in our lives. Sure confronting evil and sin didn’t make Jesus’ top two list, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore evil around us. In 1st Timothy (3:10), the bible says that church leaders, “…must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” And Galatians 6:1 says; “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” In order to help each other grow we must gently hold each other accountable.

1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I think its Clear that Christ wants us to love God and love each other. It’s clear that we are to stand strong for the Eternal truth of Christ and fight evil and confront sin. If we ever want to have any impact on this world it’s so important that we take a strong stand against evil in our lives and we do so with love and compassion.

Mother's Day

2007-05-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

This Sunday is Mother's day. A day when we tell our mom's how much we love them and how thankful we are for them.

In the office where I work, where other than my boss I am the only guy, the topic of Mothers day came up. The ladies in the office decided that Mothers day should be extended to a full week or even an entire month. After much thought on the subject I had to agree with them. I think of my mom and everything she has done for me. She is the one that taught me right from wrong, was my example of a strong work ethic, and made me who I am today. After a while you take all that for granted. That she will always be there for you.

Four years ago on the day after Mother's day my mom went into the hospital. She had congestive heart failure and the prognosis wasn’t good. Doctors started talking to me about filling out a DNR and what was best for her and her quality of life. With all this going on, I was scared and the person that would sit with me at night when I was a frightened child was laying in ICU. I wasn’t alone with all this going on. I was surrounded by friends, family and God. We all prayed that she would be ok and that she would get better. She did. The doctors didn’t have any explanation but we knew it was our faith in God that pulled her through. Our prayers were answered.

This Sunday maybe “Mother’s day” but I thank the Lord everyday for my mom.

God Bless

Picture of Jesus Survives Greensburg, Kansas Tornado

2007-05-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

Rev. Gene McIntosh's church was almost totally destroyed, but a picture of Jesus miraculously survived.

In a Fox News interview aired today, Rev. McIntosh told the story of how his wife walked into the devastated church parlor or prayer room and found a picture of Jesus still hanging on the wall.

"about everything in that room too was destroyed, but on one wall there was a picture of Jesus hanging there, still intact, still unharmed. That was it, that was in that rubble, that picture of Christ."

Most of the interview, Rev. McIntosh's lip quivered, but when he told the story of Jesus' picture still hanging on the wall, his face lit up with obvious joy.