Enough already!!!

The presidential elections are approaching really fast, and quite a few people I've spoken to are still waiting for a viable option to emerge out of the fracas of indelicately aimed jabs and personal insults. While the US is contending with who will establish foreign policy and fix the economy (among various other major issues) over the next four years, the rest of the world is working hard to ensure that their economies don't collapse. Meanwhile the world of radical Islam is busily plotting their next attack against our "evil" western lifestyle, since the attention of the world is focused on other, shall we say, more delicate issues! Wars, famine, violence, wildfires, among numerous other disasters continue to plague our world. And the Church? Well the church is... well, being the Church!!!

We could be taking advantage of this financially debilitating season to serve the poor. We could be reaching out to the lost, the hurting, and the next generation with the good news of the Gospel. We could be preaching purity and a return to Godliness for our nation, yet we are about as insular and out of touch with reality as we've ever been. Many Christians are busy campaigning not just for Palin (you'd think she was running for president), but against Obama. Why, recently I received a 'forward' in my inbox that 'traced' Obama's ties to the Middle East and potentially to terrorism. Having 'established' that damning tie to terrorism, the question was delicately raised (and left unanswered), "Where is all his campaign financing coming from?" What??? What country do you live in? Have you somehow missed all the people who have vocally aired their support for "Change?" To listen to many Christians, you'd think God was voting for McCain and against Obama.

I have news for all the Republican and Democrat Christians: God isn't voting for either of your candidates! He already cast His vote over 2000 years ago, and He isn't changing His mind. His Candidate is unequivocally Jesus!!! If we would let Him be seen in the earth through us (the Church), then we probably wouldn't have to worry about campaigning against abortion or homosexuality, or gay marriages, since our commitment to love and serve hurting people would go much further in helping them find healing, than our empty rhetoric does. Yeah, you'll probably accuse me of standing on a soapbox, and if you did you'd be right. I think it's time that we took responsibility for the ills of our nation. Last time I read the Scriptures, 2 Chronicles 7:14 still reads:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I'm not quite done yet but I think I'll take a break to cool off and come back tomorrow. See you tomorrow same time same place. :)

Frivolous Friday!

Today we're staying local for Flivorous... I mean, Frivolous Friday! I found these priceless signs that I thought you would enjoy almost as much as I did. ;)
You know, I always thought polar bears were supposed to be smart creatures. Evidently this one didn't read the sign. He could have saved himself so much trouble if he'd just paid attention and taken the detour around the ice.Hmmmm, let me see. I know I want to get to Houghton, but I'm not sure if I can make it that far considering it's two miles further than the "End of Earth!!!"And so the war continues between Mac and PC! Seriously though, I wonder if Mac paid Forsdicks BMW to run this Ad. Personally, I'm a PC and I don't wear tweed!!! Have a great weekend and keep smiling. See you next week.

Republican or Democrat???

I'm sorry I didn't get round to posting the rest of the cartoons my friend sent to me, yesterday. I'm sure you understand how life gets busy and things fall off the priority scale. Anyway, I'm posting three more cartoons today for your early weekend enjoyment! These all come from Australia, and, whatever your position may be with regard to America's foreign policy, and our domestic security laws, you can't help but laugh at the way the rest of the world perceives the way that we respond to crisis. Enjoy the cartoons, and, incase you feel the need to shoot someone, remember that I'm just the messenger. I report the news as I receive it!!! :)
In the cartoon directly above, presumably a depiction of Arlington National Cemetary, I'm quickly reminded that there are no Republican or Democrat sections in cemetaries. Isn't it interesting that, at our final resting place, you can't tell which way we voted!?!

Liberalism/ Radical Islam Roulette???

Partisan politics is all the rage right now, with the average black man lining up behind Obama and the average white man lining up behind McCain (or is it Palin?). Whatever the case, we are discovering that we are a united nation only with regard to our geographical borders, as we are completely polarized when it comes to agreeing on what's in the best interest of our internationally beleaguered nation. It seems impossible for us to truly determine who would be the best president for our nation at this juncture of the pivotal political and economic quagmire we find ourselves in. This clearly means that we will vote for whomever we identify with the most, as far as our world view goes. If the truth be told though, when all is said and done, our interests will take a back seat to the interests of lobbyists, big-money investors and other special interest groups that really pull the strings of the candidates. I know, I know, I'm beginning to sound like one of those conspiracy theorists.

At the end of the day I must go with my conscience and do whatever I believe will ultimately serve our nation best. I recognize that sometimes things must get worse before they get better (trust me; I know this from first-hand experience). I am intrigued though, by how the rest of the world views what is going on in American politics, and how they think it will affect the global economic and political tensions that are threatening to strangle many nations. A friend sent me a series of political cartoons from Australia so I thought it would be good to share some of them with you today and tomorrow. Whatever your thoughts are about partisan politics, I'm under no illusions that there is not one true American who won't be concerned if this cartoon turns out to be a political prophecy.

This is why I'm convinced that our only choice, certainly if you profess Christianity as your world view, is to trust Him completely, knowing that as long as you follow Him, you are headed in the right direction no matter what the circumstances seem to say to the contrary. See you tomorrow.

Consumer Christians

Sometime last year Craig Groeschel posted a blog on more missional and less consumeristic Christianity. I've been thinking a lot about that lately, especially in light of our obviously divided views on presidential politics (I recently wrote a series of blogs about this also). We seem to "shop" for a church in much the same way we shop for a president. What is closest to my particular leaning? Which one plays the sort of music that I like? Which one has a more exciting plan to titilate my ears every Sunday? See what I mean? Even you weren't sure if I was talking about presidential politics or church!!!

Seriously though, the idea that we attend church for what we can get as opposed to what we can give, is a totally asinine idea. We really should be the ones leading the charge to encourage people to find a church where their gifts can best be utilized to serve the community. The Church that will have the greatest impact on our culture will be the Church that:

• Is sick of living in material comfort while millions starve to death
• Believes in the power of prayer and fasting
• Is willing to endure hardship for the cause of Christ
• Is passionate about missions both locally and internationally
• Makes money so that they can give money rather than consume it on themselves
• Sees it as their role to introduce people to Jesus
• Sees it as a primary calling to serve the lost, the hurting and the next generation.

Sadly, I am persuaded that we won't come to this place until we as Christians, have suffered tremendous pain and hardship in the 'wilderness' experience. This seems to me to be the time when our attention is more focused on God and less on our accomplishments or abilities. Or like Greg Surratt put it, "In God's relentless pursuit of us, He uses 'no fish' moments to lead us to "But because you say so" obedience. It's time to seek the face of God like never before for the future of our nation.

Flivorous Fliday... More Engrish!!!

I know it's been a busy and full week for you, especially if your week has been anything like mine. That means that you are entitled to a few minutes of brainless laughter. So without further ceremony, I present for your viewing pleasure... this weeks installment of flivorous, I mean frivolous Friday: Boy, I hate having to make these sort of decisions. Should I let the flames kill me or do I go with the explosion from the hand grenade??? They won't even let you die without having you make major decisions!!!
All we ask is that when you're done 'braking' down the wall you return the sledge hammer where you got it, so that the next person that needs it can find it easily in all the swirling smoke from the fire!!!
All I know is that this sign can drive a man to drink! My primary concern with the sign is that they feel like it's the guests responsibility to "defend the mattress that fall down." My question is why? Why can't I just enjoy being a guest at the Linan Inn without having to defend the mattress? If you have any answers please let me know. Meanwhile, have an incredible and fun-filled weekend.

A slap in the face!!!

As I conclude this short series of "food for thought" posts on Presidential politics, I wanted to be sure to post quotes by two of the most outstanding Presidents this nation has ever been privileged to have. It seems patently obvious to me, that the principles upon which this nation was founded are principles that espoused godliness and Biblical morality and integrity. The survival of this nation depends largely on how well we adhere to the original intent of the Founding Father's, irrespective of how politcally incorrect it may be in our ever shifting socio-political society. Read what President's George Washington and Roosevelt had to say about the political prosperity and development of our great nation:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. . . . reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.”

– George Washington

“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.”

– Franklin Roosevelt

I will end by putting my neck on the proverbial line and appearing overly simplistic with regard to my belief about the impact of spiritual things upon the temporal world. Yesterday I watched a documentary about the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who are currently in the baseball post season for the first time in their history. They have never had a winning season in their over 10-year existence and have infact been the butt of jokes in the sporting world. The new owners came in with tremendous financial savvy, and instituted practices they learned from their success on Wall Street, into the successful running of the team. One of the first things they did though, was to eliminate the word "Devil" from the team name (among various other changes they made).

The franchise has been turned around in less than two years! I believe that there is a spiritual stronghold that hides behind things as simple as names, practices, and belief systems. If we advocate the legal killing of unborn babies by calling them something else, if we believe that prayer is okay as long as we keep it as far away from schools and public buildings as possible, if we believe that sanctioning the marriage of people of the same sex is acceptable practice, then we must be ready to deal with the consequences that result from such a blatant slap in the faces of our Founding Fathers, but more especially in the face of our Heavenly Father. What are your thoughts?

Dying to Live!

I'm taking a break from my 'Presidential Quotes' today to post a video that a friend of mine shot while he was in Sudan this past September. While it tugs at the heartstrings and begs for sympathy, the more overarching idea here is that we all get involved. If just a couple of people who read this blog regularly were to join up with Make Way Ministries and support the efforts in Sudan, then we would have had an impact beyond just sympathetic cries of indignation. Jesus said that whatever we do to the least of these, we've done it to Him. I urge you to take the five and a half minutes it will take to watch this video and then do something about it. The website address is at the end of the video. God bless your day today, and no matter how hard you have it, remember that there are people a lot worse off than you are, and Jesus died for them too!

The Politics of Virtue

Yesterday we looked at a quote from Ronald Reagan that established the idea that, in order for democracy to succeed in its purest intent, morality based on Biblical precepts is an essential ingredient. While I submit that democracy is a man-made system of government, it is based largely on the Biblical ideology that all men are created equal by a loving God. This means that all men have a fair and equal right to be governed and represented by people selected (or elected) from among them. This was how God instructed Moses to conduct the proceedings that determined who would represent each tribe of Israel among the council of elders. Today's quote comes from John Adams, the second president of the Republic, and vice president to George Washington (first president). Considered one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, Adams was one of the men who drafted and championed the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

“It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”

– John Adams

While we may debate the application of his intent in today's world, one thing that we cannot debate is the clarity of his intent. Clearly, Adams believed implicitly that, for the USA to gain and maintain her freedom, it was essential that her constitution be based on the virtue of religion (specifically the Christian religion in which he was raised). In the absence of this, he opined, they may change leaders and forms of government, but lasting liberty would remain an elusive goal. What are your thoughts and ideas about this?

Flat world?

This week, as we approach what may arguably be the most historic presidential elections this nation has ever witnessed, I'm reflecting on why America is such a great nation. Formerly powerful nations like the USSR have collapsed and lost their significance. Why? In todays world, there is no longer any question as to who the sole surviving "superpower" is. However, before we throw caution to the wind and revel in our arrogance, it would serve us well to explore why former great nations fell from their lofty heights. America was founded on the virtues of Christian doctrine (whether we are comfortable with that fact or not), and many of the Founding Fathers, as well as some of our more enduring presidents, have made no secret of the fact that they believe implicitly that America was and is meant to be a Christian nation. Most, if not all of these men, would be considered 'politically incorrect' in todays pervasive climate of tolerance at all costs even if it violates Biblical mandates. Today I feature a quote from President Ronald Reagan.

“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”– Ronald Reagan

While Reagan was one of the most eloquent and erudite leaders of our time, it didn't require a 'prophetic' gift to deduce the things that he so powerfully articulated above. I fear for the direction of our nation if we don't heed the warning. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Flivorous Fliday... Engrish ressons!!!

When all else fails on frivolous Friday, I can resort to my old trusted and faithful friend... Engrish.com (no this is not a typo). This is one of my favorite Oriental websites highlighting the faux pas that occur in the "Engrish" language when lost in translation. Enjoy!!!

I would personally advocate for homelessness myself. I mean, don't get me wrong, the floorplans look nice and all, it's just that I'm not sure I wouldn't rather just pay rent instead of contending with a "heart attack" as well. What a great advertisement for that new block of condos that was just completed on the beach. Can't you just see people lining up to buy them!?!Shouldn't this say 'Fravour' Buiscuits? I'm just sayin'. Any way, I wonder if these are a 'fravorite fravor' of the Japanese 'miritary' instead of those lousy MRE's the US army gives that taste like regular food.Now if only I could figure out where the Army office is so that I can 're-enrist' in the 'miritary'. Hey, enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to check out next weeks exciting stuff on Seasons of Change.

Professional liars inc.

"He lies, he's a professional liar...." These are the words of Al Davis, the octogenarian owner of the Oakland Raiders football team. He was speaking in reference to his recently fired coach, Lane Kiffin. I've been on the receiving end of such scathing accusations, and I know that it is incredibly painful and difficult to comprehend, especially when they come from quarters that you least expect. Lane Kiffin has carried himself with such class through this entire saga. The press has 'hounded' him continuously for a sound-bite, but he has remained steadfast in his resolve not to speak publicly about things that happened in private. Not so Al Davis! He has gone on record as being vocal, verbally abusive, and uncomplimentary about Lane Kiffin's one-and-a-half-year tenure with the Raiders.

Davis even went so far as to put up a slide of a personal letter he purportedly sent to Kiffin. Kiffin simply responded, "Because it's written on paper doesn't make it true." If the truth be told, it isn't too much of a surprise, coming from Davis. He has developed a reputation for being a really 'abusive' owner who is extremely unfair in his dealings with his employees. Fortunately for Kiffin, he doesn't have to say anything to elicit the sympathy of the public, since Al Davis's tirade on national tv ensured public support for Kiffin. What on earth gives Davis the idea that it's acceptable to label a man a "Professional liar" on public tv? Even if you needed to get rid of him, why not do it respectfully? After all, you pull the purse strings, so you're more than capable of drawing the line without resorting to cruel insults. It's my humble opinion that such antics are indicative of a need to vindicate your poor choices by placing the blame squarely on someone elses shoulders.

Lane Kiffin, in choosing not to fight a 'he said, he said' battle publicly, has left room for God to fight on his behalf. It is true after all that the Bible declares, "The battle is not yours but mine says the Lord." So, friends, if you're dealing with a situation in which you are being villified and falsely accused, take heart. God is on your side and He will fight the battle. Last I checked, He's never fought one and lost!

Overcast with 'thundering' activity

So, here's the weather forecast for the day: It's overcast with no visible signs of relief for the forseeable future, and there'll be lots of 'thundering' activity! No I'm not talking about the actual weather silly, I'm talking about the bleak financial outlook of our nation. What with congresses rejection of the $700 billion-tax-payer-dollar-bailout-plan (phew! That was a mouthful), there seems little that can be done to avert the inevitable. Finer, more astute minds than mine, have spent sleepless nights pondering the best way to resolve the current financial climate that threatens to derail global economies. All the indeces of the major stockmarkets in the world are dropping, as fears of an imminent collapse of the US financial market become more justified. I have had numerous conversations with friends who have vested interests (to varying degrees) for wanting to keep a close eye on the situation. Sadly, many of the reasons are fear based. How will this affect my family? How much do I stand to lose if it all goes belly-up? Will all my money still be worth what it's worth today? These, among many others, are some of the questions I hear bandied about regularly. I'm blissfully unaware of the right answers to all these questions (no, I don't need you to write back and educate me. I meant it when I said I am blissfully unaware).

I am however, quite aware of what my response should be in the midst of this looming crisis. David, by revelation of the Holy Spirit, writes:

"When all that is good falls apart, what can good people do? The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord sits on His throne (stately seat of power and authority) in heaven."

Psalm 1: 3-4 (New Century Version)

Wow! Do you see it? Hidden between those verses is the most profound and revealing approach to any crisis. When our world seems to be falling apart around us, David asks a relevant question: "What can good people do?" Amazingly, his answer is not an answer at all, but a statement. David boldly declares: "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord sits on His throne in heaven." Evidently our crisis did not take God by surprise. His power and authority are not diminished by the seriousness of our circumstance. He is not incapacitated by the severity of our situation. Our focus as Christians must be on God's greater purpose (which, believe it or not is often accomplished through hardship and suffering). In our world we avoid pain and seek peace and prosperity. In Gods, He uses pain to bring peace and prosperity. In our world we might say, "I'm going to live before I die!" In His He says, "Die so that you might live!" There is no confusing the facts. "Take up your cross and die daily" are His explicit instructions. We must die to our frivolous ideas of self-preservation, and trust that "He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.... " How's the weather where you are?

Mindless drivel

I'm in Massachussetts. It's part work part rest. I'm actually speaking this evening and twice on Sunday, so there is a fair amount of stuff I'm doing other than stuffing my face with lobster and steamers. There's so much preparation that is required before this evenings service, that I thought I should let you know that I won't be blogging today. Oops! Too late. I'm blogging right now even though nothing about this blog will add any value to your life (unless voyeurism is a favorite pastime of yours). I'll see you tomorrow (please don't judge my blog based on today's content) since today is a travel day.

What time is it???

Evidently I'm not the only one going through 'seasons of change'. Our world is evolving and changing daily. Heightened security awareness is marked by color coded levels of danger at our airports. Private jet ownership has never seemed more appealing when you consider the 'harassment' and 'humiliation' you have to contend with when flying commercially (hey, I can dream can't I?). Add to that our recent financial woes in the USA and our beleaguered president's conviction that, without governmental intervention using billions of dollars of tax payer's money as collateral, we are destined for destruction... well, you have the perfect recipe for panic and doomsday-prognostications.

What 'tickles me pink' (babes, no pun intended) is the fact that Christians are the arbiters of much of this doomsday panic. What happened to Paul's eloquent reminder that "To live is Christ, and to die is gain"? When did we stop believing that "Love is the greatest"? Suddenly, to watch our world, it would appear that Muslims, North Korea, and Afghanistan are the enemy instead of a very real devil (when in reality there is only a small band of radical and militant Muslims who believe that it is their sworn assignment from God to rid the earth of America, Israel and anything Judeo-Christian). To watch the Christian, you would think that "running for the hills" and "stockpiling weapons and ammunition" are God's revealed will for our 'survival.'

Enough already!!! How many guns can you stockpile, and even if you could amass a formidable arsenal, how many can you use at one time if you were attacked by a band of marauders who really wanted to kill you and your family and take your stockpile of supplies? While the world is in panic mode, shouldn't the Church be in 'loving mode'? Isn't this the perfect time for us to demonstrate that we believe implicitly what we preach? How many opportunities are we going to turn our noses up at, before we realize that we can reach our world best with a demonstration of God's love, more than we can with any amount of rhetoric. Does living really offer such attractive options as to make dying for the cause of Christ so detestable (asuming that's what we were called to do)? Again, I encourage every Christian to read Left To Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. It just might help you put a different perspective on life. What time is it? It's time to stop drinking milk and start eating solid foods! It's time to stop being babies and start being mature adults!! We have work to do Church, wake up!!!