IllumiNations!

I am an iPhone4 snob now!

 Well, I finally broke down and bought the iPhone4. So far, after about two weeks, I am a very happy man. The iPhone4 is the best smart phone I have ever owned. For the last three years, I have been a Blackberry man. My Blackberry Curve was a very good phone, and for the most part I was happy with it. However, it was an older model, and it did not have many of the functions of the newer smart phones. The iPhone4 is an amazing piece of hardware. The software and hardware flow together effortlessly, and I find myself really enjoying spending time with my phone. However, I also see the temptation to become an iPhone junkie! I have already downloaded and installed more than 50 different apps! I find myself looking for apps almost continuously at the AppStore. Am I becoming an addict? Even now, as I do this blog post, I am doing it on an app on my iPhone4. I am using the Dragon Dictation app to draft this post. Pretty cool stuff! After I'm done dictating it, I will simply copy and paste it into my blog. How good is that? The combination of interface, hardware, apps, and many other intangibles truly make this the best smartphone on the market as far as I'm concerned. If you've been holding out on getting an iPhone4, quit listening to the negative press and take the plunge. You will not be sorry that you joined that elite fraternity known as the iPhone snobs.

Genesis 1 - ESV Online

1 In the abeginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was bwithout form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

via www.esvonline.org

Here is a link to another great Bible Study resource. ESV online has some great tools, and a very nice interface and page layout. Enjoy!

Immigration Position from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS

As many are aware at this time, Immigration is a polarizing subject, and can make friends into enemies in a manner of seconds!  On Mothers Day, my son, Stephen and I  had a spirited debate at the dinner table as I played Devil's advocate, and bounced around on both sides of the debate. Actually, to say there are two sides to this debate is a huge misnomer.  

Immigration, and specifically illegal immigration, is a very complex and nuanced subject.  The reason I am even taking this on, (though I recognize that some will misunderstand me, and make judgements about my position), is because I see Christians reacting in ways that I believe to be un-Christlike.  This document by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS provides what seems to be a very balanced and Biblical perspective to this extremely tense debate.  Please take the time to read it and comment.  However, keep your comments gracious and factual please.

Immigration 2009 NAE POSITION.

Here is a quote from Timothy Keller where he deals with the hard subject of Polygamy and Primogeniture (the oldest son got everything) in the book of Genesis. Over the years, many women in particular have asked me why God would allow polygamy, and seemingly bless it. Keller makes it so clear that the Lord was actually working against it throughout his redemptive history with mankind. Here is the quote below.

Many years ago, when I first started reading the Book of Genesis, it was very upsetting to me. Here are all these spiritual heroes—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—and look at how they treat women. They engage in polygamy, and they buy and sell their wives. It was awful to read their stories at times. But then I read Robert Alter's The Art of Biblical Narrative. Alter is a Jewish scholar at Berkeley whose expertise is ancient Jewish literature. In his book he says there are two institutions present in the Book of Genesis that were universal in ancient cultures: polygamy and primogeniture. Polygamy said a husband could have multiple wives, and primogeniture said the oldest son got everything—all the power, all the money. In other words, the oldest son basically ruled over everyone else in the family. Alter points out that when you read the Book of Genesis, you'll see two things. First of all, in every generation polygamy wreaks havoc. Having multiple wives is an absolute disaster—socially, culturally, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and relationally. Second, when it comes to primogeniture, in every generation God favors the younger son over the older. He favors Abel, not Cain; Isaac, not Ishmael; Jacob, not Esau. Alter says that you begin to realize what the Book of Genesis is doing—it is subverting, not supporting, those ancient institutions at every turn.

When I read Alter's book, I then reread the Book of Genesis and loved it. And then it hit me: What if when I was younger, I had abandoned my trust in the Bible because of these accounts in Genesis? What if I had drop-kicked the Bible and the Christian faith, missing out on a personal relationship with Christ—all because I couldn't understand the behavior of the patriarchs? The lesson is simple: Be patient with the text. Consider the possibility that it might not be teaching what you think it's teaching.

Tim Keller, in the sermon "Literalism" (available on PreachingToday.com on 5-17-10)

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Convert: Obama should speak up for oppressed Christians

James is currently living under police protection in an undisclosed location in Europe due to death threats she received after converting to Christianity.  The granddaughter of a mullah in Islamic Pakistan, James has become an outspoken voice for oppressed Christians after her book,  My Fight for Faith and Freedom, became a bestseller in Germany.

via online.worldmag.com

I thought this article was insightful and illuminating. I am not a person who believes that every Muslim is a terrorist, and that Muslim's are all bad and praying for the downfall of America the Great Satan. However, I do think there are a number of inconsistencies that exist when it comes to the West's approach to Islam. This article does a good job of pointing some of them out.

Have not blogged in a long time, but just wanted to say how blessed I am to be a son of the Most High God and His family! Everyday it seems my appreciation for the Church of Jesus Christ grows as I see people through His redemptive eyes.

People are amazing, unique, wonder-filled expressions of the Imago Dei. When Christ is actively at work in a human heart, and is transforming a man or woman's character into His own image, it is truly breath-taking to watch! THANK YOU FATHER FOR YOUR PEOPLE!

THE NEW REFORMED MOVEMENT: TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION.

This article is WORLD MAGAZINE reports the growing movement within Western Christianity back toward Reformed Theology or Calvinism.  The "New Calvinism" as some would call this movement has been gaining great momentum the last decade or so, and has been very good for the church in my opinion.

As a Charismatic with a root system in what has generally been considered an Arminian movement, I have felt a little out of place at times because of Reformed leanings within my own heart.  Reformed Theology to me makes God bigger, man's lost-ness greater, and Christ's Incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension more glorious!  Reformed Theology keeps the focus of the Gospel on the glory of God, and the initiative of God in bringing men to saving faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ truly makes "Grace Amazing!" 

However, with that said, I am not a 5 point, T.U.L.I.P. Calvinist.  I know, I know, to the true 5 pointer, I am not a Reformed guy at all then!  One of the things that has so frustrated me over the years about some Reformed guys is their inability to see the work of God through the great non-Calvinist Christians throughout church history.  If you are not a 5 pointer in their minds, then you are probably not even a child of God. 

Anyway, the article I have a link to really gives me hope that a new attitude is developing which may make room for guys like me with certain leanings.  This quote from Mark Driscoll really captures some of the values that have been real to me for many years, "Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll, dressed in an all-black anti-suit of jeans and zippered jacket, cited four TGC emphases: engaging rather than separating from culture, moving into not out of cities, openness to charismatic gifts, and building bridges to other Christians."  AMEN!

WE ARE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF THE UNCHANGING ONE!

Everything on this planet is in a constant state of change.  Nothing ever remains the same.  The only Unchanging entity in the universe is the Lord God Almighty.  HE CHANGES NOT!  The human creature, (myself included) though constantly looking for that Utopian State of bliss and perfection, is dogged by the reality of decay and breakdown.  We must daily behold the reality of change even while we gaze into our mirrors.  

The Apostle Paul declared that, "though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is renewed day by day."  The outward man is winding down to death, while the inward man is being prepared for the eternal state of resurrection life.  Whether in the corporate world, or the church world, we understand by the amazing and rapid changes going on around us that change is happening at a rate we can never keep up with.

With this as my backdrop, I have been so very aware of my need to change as a man, husband, father, and local church pastor.  If all that I do would avoid fossilization, I must be a man in the process of ongoing transformation.  Alas, there is hope for this sinner, and stubborn man. 

In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, I am reminded that the great key to true change, (that is, Christ-likeness) comes by "beholding Christ in His word."  Since we become like whatever we meditate on or behold, we can become like Jesus by looking on Him daily and often.  This truth gives me hope, since it takes the pressure off of me and my various self-salvation projects, and puts it on Jesus, the "Author and the finisher of my faith."  He has promised to transform you and I as we spend time beholding His beauty, majesty and power.  WE ARE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF THE UNCHANGING ONE!

THE BLESSING OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Tonight, my wife Peggy and I hosted 17 wonderful youth for a barbeque, and had such a great time eating and laughing with them.  Our time with them reminded me of how powerful friendship can be in forming a person.  Many times, parents spend an amazing amount of time complaining about their children's friends, but very little celebrating good and godly friendships!

Well, here is my contribution to celebration!  The young men and women we had at our home tonight (and that is truly what they are - young men and women), are among the greatest blessings Peggy and I have ever partaken of!  Peer influence can literally make or break the moral, ethical, and spiritual life of a child.  Most of us can remember the good, the bad, and the ugly connections we made while growing up, confirming my point.

However, when our children develop friendships with other young people raised in similar value structures that reinforce ours, we can experience an amazing relational synergy that accelerates our children's moral, ethical, and spiritual growth!  These kind of friendships are worth their weight in gold and worthy of much praise!  THANKS BE UNTO GOD ALONE FOR THE BLESSING OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS FOR OUR CHILDREN! 

Daddy's Little Girl is a Princess

I am one proud papa!  My daughter, whose name is Sarah, is truly a princess in both name and title.  The name Sarah, means "Princess", and, my daughter Sarah completed the Moses Lake Jr. Miss Program as 1st Runner up this past Saturday night with princess-like dignity and class.  As I watched her perform, and heard her answer questions before a live audience, I was struck by her poise, confidence, and the sense of security she exhibited before hundreds of watchful eyes.

As a protective father, a Christian, and a pastor of a local church, I was not about to let my daughter be a part of something that emphasized outward appearance, and sensuality!  Initially, I was a little suspicious of the Junior Miss Program, and what it might expose Sarah to. After investigating a little and praying, Peggy and I gave her the green light to participate.  The last 6 weeks have been rather stressful at times while Peggy and Sarah bought dresses, and wrangled over "girlie" type stuff.  Oh, it's good to be a man!

Saturday night was the Grand Finale, and while most of the other girls danced for the talent portion of their presentation, Sarah sang "Think of Me" from the film adaptation of "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA."  She hit a home run, er, uh, sang beautifully, and brought tears to the eyes of a number of people all over the auditorium! 

When the results were announced, another girl won as Moses Lake Junior Miss, but my eyes were only on Sarah.  Sarah never really cared whether or not she placed as part of royalty, but she did want to compete, and do her best.  Well, as she was announced as 1st runner up, I felt as if she had just won an Olympic Gold Medal, and set a new world record as well!  The attitude she exhibited after the announcement was one of humility and graciousness.  Can you tell I'm proud and partial?

The American Junior Miss Program has high ideals and encourages inner beauty and character along with service, goal setting, education, and good health.  I have included the 'Be Your Best Self' Promise that AJM contestants make when competing.  Thank you for letting me indulge in a little fatherly boasting.  Only parents will be able to understand my indulgence!

The 'Be Your Best Self' Promise

I want to help improve the world, and that begins with me.  I promise to do the following things:

• Eat the right foods
• Stay fit
• Get a good education
• Live by moral principals
• Serve my community
• Set goals
• Work to reach my goals

EASTER: The Spring Season in the Life of the Christian!

Spring, that magical time of year when bird songs return to greet us in the morning, when flowers bloom,  trees bud, and new life seems to be bursting out all around us.  Spring is that season that offers to us the hope of new life as we emerge from the general grayness and drabness of the winter months.  Spring is that time of year when our children emerge from the cave of our homes and play outside again.  When I think of spring, I remember the years when my children would venture outside to rediscover bugs, birds, and the warmth of sunshine.  The thing I most appreciate about spring is the picture it paints to us of the most important miracle in human history.  The miracle I speak of is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the premier event of all time.

    In all of our brief time on this planet, there is nothing that holds more significance to our everyday lives than the person of Jesus Christ and what He did for us mortals when He died a torturous, pain-filled death and then rose from the dead after three days in a sealed grave. The entire Christian faith, as well as any hope we have as human beings is wrapped up in these events.  If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then our “faith is in vain”(I Corinthians 15:17) and sin still has the power to pull us down and lead us to an eternity without God or hope.  In this one event we have the only true hope in our struggle to cheat death and milk all we can out of this life.    

    Each of us is continually faced with the very real prospect of death on a daily basis as we listen to the news, experience our own close calls and grapple with the death or dying of a loved one.  Death, as we all know is even more sure than taxes.  No matter how much we advance in medical technology, or exercise and eat right, we all know we are going to die.  In our culture, we dress up death to look a little nicer, or try to hide it by putting it in the hands of others who will soften the blow and make it more presentable.  Unfortunately, we do ourselves and others no favors when we engage in this form of denial.  Death is real, and, according to the Scriptures, it is our greatest enemy.  It is waiting for all of us and we cannot avoid it.   

    It is precisely this admission which makes the resurrection of Jesus Christ so powerful and liberating to those who have come to know and believe in Him.  When Adam sinned, death spread to all of us through his sin tainted blood. Each one of us understands sin's power, and how it affects our everyday life and entangles us in its chains.  As much as sin is a concept most of us hate to talk about anymore in this therapy minded culture, (which makes all of us a victim of our environment, upbringing or genes) none of us can deny the reality of it in our experience.  As the Scriptures teach, “ the wages of sin is death...” and all of us must receive that paycheck whether we like it or not.   

    This is where the resurrection of Jesus Christ becomes so powerful and relevant for all of us.  As the sinless Son of God and very God in human form, Jesus’ death on a Roman cross was more than just a martyrs sacrifice for a good cause.  Jesus was the only qualified God-man who could die in our place and receive our judgment in His own body. Though innocent of any wrong, though completely pure and without original sin or personal sin, Jesus was sentenced to die an unjust death as a sacrifice for us.  This death alone could satisfy the righteous requirement of God the Father for an atoning death.  Through this death, our sin was atoned for and cleansed once and for all.   

    This story is called the Gospel, which means, good news.  This story would be nothing more than a sad tragedy if it was not for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  When Jesus rose from a grave sealed by the Roman Government, He put the exclamation point on His whole mission and proved He was truly God in a human body.      

    Jesus’ resurrection sealed for us the hope of eternal life with God in a New Creation. This New Creation will be a world without sin, sickness, suffering, sorrow, war, famine, strife, pain, and most importantly, death.  The resurrection of Jesus makes it possible for those who exercise child-like trust in Christ to receive the power of The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables His followers to overcome sin, and live without the fear of death any longer.      

    Truly, the Spring of creation was and is the resurrection of Jesus Christ! The resurrection is the most wonderful and powerful event in human history! The resurrection is the reason believers consider this Holiday to be the ultimate time for reflection and celebration.

    This Spring as you emerge from your winter grave clothes to enjoy all of the new life bursting forth, imagine Jesus Christ coming out of the tomb and bringing new life to those who believe in Him.  Think of a God in heaven who loved His children so much that He had to become one of them, so that He might die and reverse the curse of sin and death. Behold the God whose love is so powerful that not even death could keep Him in the grave!  HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Core Value #2 - Knowing God takes the "D" word!

"I Value seeking to know God intimately through prayer, the Scriptures, and other spiritual disciplines as a main goal of life."

Words and phrases like intimacy, knowing God, personal relationship etc... are really in vogue in a number of Christian circles these days, and I think that is a good thing.  The essence of theology after all is the study of God's Person as He has revealed Himself to us through creation, the Scriptures, personal experience, and most importantly, Jesus of Nazareth. Unfortunately, I have not met many people who truly know God very well, or take the time or energy needed to invest in that knowledge.

What theologians call the Doctrine of Revelation is based upon the idea from the Scriptures, that God must reveal Himself to be known by humanity. All of the human initiative in the world doesn't make Him any less elusive, and He will only be found by those He draws.  However, in this time of the gospel of Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated his goodwill toward us and summons us to come and believe in his Son.  We are called to seek Him while He may be found. 

I still remember when the veil was torn away in my life, and the revealed, self-existent God came crashing in on my world.  Oh, what a day and season that was and is!  I was shocked that God was truly personal and knowable.  I couldn't keep my mouth shut.  GOD WAS REAL, AND EVERYONE HAD TO KNOW!  As I soon discovered though, this knowledge of God was meant to be an ongoing process that required much seeking, knocking and asking.

This process of seeking God is often a hard and frustrating work just as my marriage relationship can be.  I know He is supposed to be the initiator, but I have to admit it often feels like it's all up to me in this strange and mysterious courtship of God.  God seems to love to play hide and seek, while I fumble around in the darkness of this sin fallen world listening for the faintest breath or rustling of His Presence to give His hiding place away.

This of course brings me to the big bad "D" word, DISCIPLINE.  Yes, it takes discipline and the spiritual disciplines to finely hone my senses to God.  Scripture reading, memorization, meditation, prayer, silence, solitude, service, fasting, night watches and various other methods employed throughout history by God's people have been effective tools in the seeking of God.  Unfortunately, I don't really enjoy doing some of these things because I am not a very disciplined person.  Not only that, but I am repelled by anything that feels like religious striving to earn God's favor.

Nevertheless, I have found that when I consecrate myself to God, not to earn anything, but to focus my faculties upon Him, He shows up and does some unveiling of Himself to my dull and dry soul.  This unveiling impresses God's Presence and character upon my soul, which changes me and influences the people around me as well.

To know God is the greatest treasure and value a human being can desire. Knowing Him is by far the most worthy pursuit of life.  God chased us down and caught us with His irresistible grace and love, so we must now join the chase and make the pursuit of God our life-long goal.  Who knows, if we chase Him long enough, He may just catch us!

Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

ME CHURCH!

This is a YOUTUBE clip that poignantly captures the dilemma facing many churches and pastors.  We live in an age when all of the marketing and focus of the media is about ME and what I want.  As a pastor, I too am regularly tempted to try to do all I can to make our church comfortable and pleasing to those who might attend.  While I think it is OK to be a little "SEEKER FRIENDLY", we must fight to truly make our churches more Holy Spirit friendly, and be a place that is welcoming to God and his Presence.  We must also contend to do all we can to not feed the selfish tendencies of fallen human nature.  ENJOY!

My Core Values - #1

Recently I found out that a ladies discipleship group in our church was using my Core Values as an example for the purpose of developing their own Core Values.  I was both surprised and challenged.  I was provoked to take them out once again, look them over, and make sure they are not only what I truly value, but what I am also endeavoring to practice in my daily living.

It is not my intention to be overly self-focused in my writing, but as I looked at my Core Values, I thought of how they provide a good starting point for regular posts and food for thought for those who read.   All of us have a set of Core Values that we possess and live from whether they are written or not.  Our lives are constantly telling on us and shouting to the world what our loves, hates, passions and gods actually are.  These are our Core Values.  With that said, here are the first of my Core Vaues with commentary following:

"I Value relationship with God and others as the source from which life and all true ministry will flow."

We are relational beings, this much cannot be denied.  Though I have met a number of so-called "Lone Rangers" in my time, my experience tells me that the primary reason most people become islands unto themselves is because of betrayal, disappointment, and dysfunction within their relationships.  The people that we love and value become the source of our pain.  This very reaction is nothing more than proof that we are indeed relational beings.

Every human being is conceived when two people relating in the most intimate terms, mingled their body fluids and cells to form a whole new entity.  This conception brought forth a new life that related to its host mother by a life-line known as an umbilical cord.  This life-line brought nourishment and connection until the day when this unique personality would be thrust upon its mothers breasts to suckle.  Thus begins the journey of life.  The journey of dependence, of relationship, of family and community.

This new person is just beginning to experience the human condition, the risky proposition know as relationship, with all of its love, acceptance, rejection, abuse, disappointment, competition etc...  It is precisely this experience which primes a person for the knowledge of God and a relationship with Him. 

After only a few short years on this planet, we begin to realize that things are not right down here.  We see the failure of our biggest heroes, face tragedy and personal difficulty, and learn the law of the jungle.  It is often when the props of human relationships have fallen all around us that God reveals Himself to us as Father and Friend.  We then begin a new relationship with One who relates to us on His terms alone.  These terms begin with the idea of the Fall, and the human need for salvation.  We see ourselves as we really are, and God as He really is, in the Person of Jesus Christ. This new relationship becomes the source of all true relationship, and the restorative power through which all other relationships will be made right again.

This new life, this new relationship, issues forth as the fountainhead of all ministry into the lives of others.  It is only within the context of this new relationship, that we can find what God truly intended for all human relationships.  This is why the Great Commandments begin with loving God with our whole being.  To love my neighbor as I love myself, I must experience the settled reality of God's first loving me. Only then am I able to return that love to Him.  I can try to love my neighbor, but until I have encountered being loved by God and then loving Him, my love for my neighbor will always fail and fall short.

So, this is my first Core Value.  This is an impossible proposition apart from God's love.  This love is most clearly demonstrated and embodied in the Person and life of Jesus Christ.  I have received love and relationship, so now I can give them.  This is the law of the kingdom of God.  This is what I value!

BACK AFTER A VERY LONG ABSENCE!

I don't know what to say about my absence, other than the fact that I kind of lost the vision for blogging for awhile.  So much has happened since my last post on September 11th, 2006, it would be almost impossible to tell all, but here are some highlights and lowlights;

1. Our oldest son, Stephen, left to Kirkland, Washington, and The City Church GENERATION INTERN PROGRAM.  Peggy and I have marveled at God's grace as we have watched our son be challenged and then respond with maturity to almost every challenge.  The growth we have observed as a result of this intensive leadership program would be similar in some ways to what a parent sees when their son has returned from boot-camp as a man instead of a boy.  I guess the main difference would be the fact that Stephen has been formed inwardly and is manifesting the nature of Christ more than at any other time!  PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!
2. I traveled with 2 other people from our church to the Philippines for a short term missions trip at the end of November.  Our goals were to train church leaders, visit the orphanage we support, and be a blessing to the Filipino church.  As usual, the Filipino people blessed our lives far beyond anything we could ever do for them.  The trip was very successful and fruitful but for me it had to be cut short due to some of the most difficult news I have ever received...
3. Larry Brice, my dearest friend of 18 years, associate pastor of 9 years, and one of my true heroes in the faith was diagnosed with colon cancer which had spread to his liver.  I returned home immediately to be with him as he navigated through the difficult decisions facing him, his wife Shirley, and their 11 year old daughter, Madison.  Larry determined to fore-go chemotherapy and is asking God, along with thousands of others from around the world, for a miracle of healing.  Larry is truly one of the godliest men I have ever know, and as GENUINE A CHRIST-FOLLOWER as I have observed in my 23 years as a believer.  Larry has a passion for God and His kingdom, and desperately wants to "See the Lord do amazing things in Moses Lake and the world!" PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER AS WE CALL ON OUR MIRACLE WORKING GOD TO DO THE AMAZING AND IMPOSSIBLE IN LARRY.
4. Simultaneously to all of these things, our church is growing, people are being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are starting to move forward in a building campaign.  Truly, this is a time of FAITH STRETCHING and DOUG STRETCHING!  GRACE HARVEST CHURCH seems to be in a time of harvest, blessing and momentum, and our leaders are in need of much support in prayer and encouragement.  PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I AS WELL.

Well, it's good to be back and get some of this off my mind.  PLEASE POST COMMENTS AND LET ME KNOW YOU ARE READING.  COMMENTS ARE A BLOGGER'S PAY FOR HIS/HER EFFORTS.

Blessings,
Doug

Remembering The Day Our Nation Was Shaken

As I sit in my bedroom watching the San Diego Chargers school the Oakland Raiders, I cannot help but think of that infamous day 5 years ago when our great nation was shaken by the worst single terrorist attack in world history.  As I'm sure most of you have noticed, the last couple of weeks have seen a saturation of media programming that is memorializing 9/11.  It seems everybody has an opinion from every side of the political perspective with some slant that will ultimately have an effect upon some state or national race for office.  The single point that is most amazing to me is the simple fact that 5 years later, we have not had another attack upon American soil!

When the towers fell, the Pentagon was struck, and some very brave men rushed the cockpit of Flight 93 to keep it from hitting the Capital, I was dumbfounded and quite sure that we were in for ongoing strikes and a huge loss of life.  I thank God that is not the case so far.  I can sit quite secure within my home and enjoy a football game without fear, while men and women who love life as much as I do protect our nation in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.  Though I have had misgivings about the war in Iraq from the beginning, I am convinced that our brave men and women fighting the terrorists need to finish what they started with our prayers and support. 

September 11th, 2001 was a surreal day that has forever changed the way this generation of Americans think about the world, Islam, religion, security and what a true hero is.  On that day, we once again came to see that police officers, firefighters and emergency workers were everyday hero's who modeled the ultimate example of sacrifice and love for their fellow man.  In the day and age of  American Idol, baby Suri and Brangelina, it is so good to be reminded that the most important things in life have very little to do with what the tabloids have to say.  I'll take a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, police officer or firefighter over the pop icons of our time any day!

Sadly, it seems the short-term revival of Christian fervor in response to the attacks has passed, and that our slide into moral filth and complacency has continued.  As we remember that day, may those of us who consider ourselves followers of Jesus Christ, awaken to our duty to be salt and light and do all we can to lead our neighbors to the knowledge of the truth that is in Jesus Christ.  Furthermore, may we remember that it is the Lord who watches and protects a city and a nation and not the strength of a military.  He is the One who is shaking nations and testing the hearts of men.  In this time of great sifting, let us turn to Jesus, repent of our sin and lukewarmness, and stand in the gap for the protection, preservation and awakening of this great nation.

Psalm 127:1b -  If the LORD does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless; if the LORD does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard. GNB

Hebrews 12:26-27 -  At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."  This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. ESV

Tags: 9/11, Iraq, war in Iraq, terrorism, Twin Towers, WTC, World Trade Centers, soldiers, security, prayer, God, Jesus, memorial

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THE SAD DEATH OF THE CROCODILE HUNTER

The most widely covered news story of the last day has no doubt been the tragic death of Steve Irwin, the famous Crocodile Hunter of Animal Planet fame.  It seems that Steve was doing a documentary on ocean predators and had his heart pierced by a stingray. 

I have seen very few people in my life who loved what they did more than Steve Irwin.  I have witnessed even fewer who were so completely sold out to a vision and life passion like he was.  I already miss him!

I have marveled for years at the man's incredible abandonment to the cause of animal conservation and making the most fearful creatures in the world lovable in an awe-inspiring kind of way.  Steve himself said on many occasions that one of his main goals was to expose people to the beauty and wonder of animals most of us have nightmares about. He knew that if people saw and experienced the animals as he did, they would do more to protect them.

I don't know if Steve Irwin knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, but based upon things he said on his program, I doubt it.  I do know that God is the great Designer and Creator, and that it was He who put this passion in Steve Irwin so that all of us could experience the glory of the creation.  I only hope that Steve's wife and two children will follow the link that exists between Creator and creature and find comfort and refuge in the one who made this man who pursued His life call with such wide-eyed wonder.

Men like Steve Irwin are a great example to us of the kind of single-focused vision that is lacking in so much of the church world today.  He knew what he was made to do and did it with a zeal and love that puts many of us to shame.  It is not my goal to condemn or judge, but to merely point out the great need we have in our time to be completely captivated by a vision of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. 

After all, we know the One who made "the beauties" that Steve Irwin always excitedly exclaimed praise for.  We know the One who made Steve Irwin such a pleasure and joy to watch.  It is His image in Steve that left all of us continually saying, "WOW, did you see that?"

HERE IS A NICE TRIBUTE VIDEO

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST?

Did you know that Jesus Christ has come again?  He is here now and gaining adherents by the day!  He is from Puerto Rico, has a television program, regular web-casts, and is particularly interested in reaching the growing Hispanic population here in the good ol' USA.  His full name is Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda and his kingdom is on the move and growing!

The TODAY SHOW recently did this story on Mr. Miranda while millions of Americans sat by in shock while having flashbacks of all of the Messianic figures that have graced our newspapers and televisions over the last 30 years.  Visions of Kool-Aid drinking, space-ship catching disciples danced around in our minds.  What is it about us that wants to believe in something so badly that we will suspend our intuitive sense, intelligence and natural skepticism in order to embrace people who are complete egomaniacs?  These so-called saviors could care less about us, our families, or our souls!  They are far more interested in their own fame, power and off-shore bank accounts.

As a believer in the true Jesus Christ, I find myself deeply saddened and disturbed by this video.  At the same time, I have a great sense of the fear of the Lord when I consider Judgment Day for Mr. Miranda.  On one hand, I pray that God would open his eyes and bring him to repentance.  On the other hand, I am reminded of the imprecatory Psalms where David and others prayed for the death and destruction of the wicked.  The longer this anti-Christ continues to live, the more people he can deceive and lead to an eternity of damnation!  Arise oh God, and let your enemies be scattered!

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW BY CLICKING ON THE PLAY ICON. 

P.S. - THE BIBLE INDICATES THERE ARE MANY ANTI-CHRISTS THAT HAVE "GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD", ACCORDING TO THE APOSTLE JOHN.

Matthew 24:5 - For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. ESV

Matthew 18:6 - but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.  ESV

1John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.  ESV

ANOTHER SIDE OF GENE SIMMONS

I grew up during the rise of the kings of shock rock, KISS.  I never got on the KISS bandwagon, but did have some friends who did though I could never understand the attraction to them musically.  To each his own I guess. 

I share this because I just read an interesting article over at NEWSVINE about Gene Simmons, the founder of KISS and the man with the unofficial longest tongue in the world.  It seems Mr. Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel and has the birth name of Chaim Witz.  In this story, Mr. Witz, er, uh, Simmons made a very special effort to commend an Israeli soldier critically injured during this last war with Hezbollah. 

It was a great human interest story and was used to remind me that there is always more to people than meets the eye.  To read this story entitled GENE SIMMONS HAILS ISRAELI SOLDIER go to the link at NEWSVINE BY CLICKING HERE.

Well, gotta go and put on my spandex pants and face paint so I can do a gig with my new band SCREAMLOUD!!!

PS - PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE OR STORY AS AN ENDORSEMENT OF KISS OR THEIR LIFESTYLES

I'M BACK AND JUST GLAD TO BE HERE!

I'm back!  I have been in a truly backslidden state when it comes to my identity as a BLOGGER!  I don't know what to say, but I got kind of burned out and a little tired of spending time blogging.  After a few days, then weeks and eventually more than a month passed as water under a bridge, I developed a new non-blogging habit.  Now, finally, I am breaking that habit.

Much has happened in our small world since I last posted an article way back on July 7th.  A war in the Middle East has been fought, a terrorist plot foiled, the biggest sporting event in the world concluded with a head butt and the one year anniversary of the worst natural disaster in American history has passed.  Through it all I have been grateful for the restraining Hand of the Almighty as He seems to hold us back from destroying ourselves!

I know for the many people suffering around this world with the fallout of the aforementioned events it probably doesn't seem like God is restraining much of anything.  But, when I consider history and all of its twists and turns, I am amazed that we haven't turned this beautiful blue planet into a blood-red or burned-out black orb of death by now.  Just over 60 years ago, the whole planet seemed on the verge of annihilation as we fought for civilization and our survival as beings made in God's image.

Truly, it is the guiding Hand of Providence moving us onward toward a great climax in God's mind. This great climax will ultimately result in all nations and peoples bowing their knees in humble and loving adoration to the King whose scars tell us the story of love.  This God-man named Jesus is upholding all things by the Word of His power and is the very Presence keeping creation from flying apart.  In this time of great upheaval, terrorism and power hungry dictators with nuclear ambitions, it does us good to remember that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

I'M BACK AND JUST GLAD TO BE HERE!