That is an interesting question. Since August 22 (my Dad's 81st birthday), I have:
Completed another semester of school, the toughest I have ever dealt with. Remarkably, I did this with a 4.0 GPA. This next semester, I will spend part of that time figuring out HOW I got that 4.0.
Gone to Washington, D.C. for the first time, and marched with over a million like-minded people. The nation heard: the politicians did not listen.
Experienced the birth of our second child. Sophie came out proudly on November 24 at a whopping 11 lbs, 12.8 oz. She is a thing of beauty, if I do say so myself.
Outlasted another manager at work, along with a remodel the week before Thanksgiving, and the most ridiculous Christmas season ever. I say that every year, but every year it gets more ridiculous. I truly bedieve there is drug use going on in our corporate headquarters. No sane people could make those decisions.
Witnessed the expansion of my waistline. I am embarrassed by how much I now weigh, and am now on the quest to lose 70 pounds.
Join me this year, as I promise to blog more frequently, and I update the progress on my march to a normal body weight.
It's good to be back...
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Rules For Christian Radio
My wife showed me a blog last week from Stuff Christians Like. It’s one of our favorite blog sites online. Check it out at stuffchristianslike.blogspot.com. The gist of it was “Are you a Christian Culture Snob” with a point system to determine if you are.
Well, I am not a snob.
I am a cynic.
Only after taking that quiz, fresh off the heels of my Christian Radio rant that was my last posting, did I realize how far gone I am. That also got me thinking. If I want a change, I have to put out some guidelines, some ways I would change things. So, here are my “Rules for Christian Radio.”
1. 4Him has retired. Their music should also be. It is dated, and it is cliché. Do you still play Larry Norman, or 2nd Chapter of Acts? Let them go, please.
2. Phillips, Craig, and Dean have not retired, but they should.
3. Crystal Lewis released better songs than “God’s Been Good to Me.” Find them and play them.
4. Avalon’s music has a shelf life of five years. After five years any of their CDs should be shredded.
5. It is perfectly fine to play Big Daddy Weave’s cover of Rich Mullins’ “Hold Me Jesus.”
6. Michael English has been forgiven by God and is redeemed. It is OK for Christian radio to forgive him and play his music, as well.
7. DJs that do promos must pass a stringent test of coolness.
8. DJs that tell jokes must pass a doubly stringent test.
9. I enjoy hearing inspirational thoughts from Max Lucado, just not the same one every hour, and not the same one all month. They send you a bunch of these, please mix them up.
10. Unless it is a purposeful double play, and you state it as such, please do not play the same artist twice in one hour! Just to be clear as well: playing the artist at 11:55 and again at 12:15 is within the same hour!
11. Lastly and very important: it is a service to the listeners and to Christian retail stores to tell who is singing the song and the title more frequently. I could write a page with the stories I’ve witnessed on this topic alone.
Southern Gospel is a stagnant form of Christian music that has its own special set of radio stations, and gets a special set of rules all its own.
1. See rule #1 in the above list and reverse it. Many groups like the Cathedrals and Bishops were far better than the groups touring today. Please play their music.
2. Watch the terminology when playing older music. A song from 2004 is not an “oldie.” A song from 1994, well, maybe. Give it at least 20 years before you call it an “oldie”. ON second thought, don’t call it an “oldie” at all. See above rule #7, and call them “classics.”
3. Recognize that only a few groups today are actually, well, good. This short list includes the Gaither Vocal Band, Talley Trio, Greenes, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Primitive Quartet, and Inspirations, plus a few more. Centering your playlist around such groups will ensure a happy listener base.
4. See rule #6 in the above list. Along with Michael English, God has redeemed Kirk Talley. Get your head out of that hole in the ground and play his music!
5. Crabbs are a disease. They are loud, and they are too "showy". If not controlled, they can overrun a station.
6. Any singer that states in their bio that they “sound like” another singer should be avoided like the plague.
Careful following of these rules by radio stations can ensure that they do not get stuck in a rut of playing bad music, annoying listeners, or causing listeners to do drastic things like poking sharp objects in their ear or changing the station. It might also keep me off of the classical station more.
Well, I am not a snob.
I am a cynic.
Only after taking that quiz, fresh off the heels of my Christian Radio rant that was my last posting, did I realize how far gone I am. That also got me thinking. If I want a change, I have to put out some guidelines, some ways I would change things. So, here are my “Rules for Christian Radio.”
1. 4Him has retired. Their music should also be. It is dated, and it is cliché. Do you still play Larry Norman, or 2nd Chapter of Acts? Let them go, please.
2. Phillips, Craig, and Dean have not retired, but they should.
3. Crystal Lewis released better songs than “God’s Been Good to Me.” Find them and play them.
4. Avalon’s music has a shelf life of five years. After five years any of their CDs should be shredded.
5. It is perfectly fine to play Big Daddy Weave’s cover of Rich Mullins’ “Hold Me Jesus.”
6. Michael English has been forgiven by God and is redeemed. It is OK for Christian radio to forgive him and play his music, as well.
7. DJs that do promos must pass a stringent test of coolness.
8. DJs that tell jokes must pass a doubly stringent test.
9. I enjoy hearing inspirational thoughts from Max Lucado, just not the same one every hour, and not the same one all month. They send you a bunch of these, please mix them up.
10. Unless it is a purposeful double play, and you state it as such, please do not play the same artist twice in one hour! Just to be clear as well: playing the artist at 11:55 and again at 12:15 is within the same hour!
11. Lastly and very important: it is a service to the listeners and to Christian retail stores to tell who is singing the song and the title more frequently. I could write a page with the stories I’ve witnessed on this topic alone.
Southern Gospel is a stagnant form of Christian music that has its own special set of radio stations, and gets a special set of rules all its own.
1. See rule #1 in the above list and reverse it. Many groups like the Cathedrals and Bishops were far better than the groups touring today. Please play their music.
2. Watch the terminology when playing older music. A song from 2004 is not an “oldie.” A song from 1994, well, maybe. Give it at least 20 years before you call it an “oldie”. ON second thought, don’t call it an “oldie” at all. See above rule #7, and call them “classics.”
3. Recognize that only a few groups today are actually, well, good. This short list includes the Gaither Vocal Band, Talley Trio, Greenes, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Primitive Quartet, and Inspirations, plus a few more. Centering your playlist around such groups will ensure a happy listener base.
4. See rule #6 in the above list. Along with Michael English, God has redeemed Kirk Talley. Get your head out of that hole in the ground and play his music!
5. Crabbs are a disease. They are loud, and they are too "showy". If not controlled, they can overrun a station.
6. Any singer that states in their bio that they “sound like” another singer should be avoided like the plague.
Careful following of these rules by radio stations can ensure that they do not get stuck in a rut of playing bad music, annoying listeners, or causing listeners to do drastic things like poking sharp objects in their ear or changing the station. It might also keep me off of the classical station more.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Here I go again-
Sewing (or sowing? I can never get that right.) discord among the brethren.
When it comes to Christian Music, I have a station I listen to more than others. But I must make this comment, and I don't mean to paint with a broad brush, but I am, so there:
CHRISTIAN RADIO IS DORKY. PURE AND SIMPLE, IT IS DORKY.
It's not the artists, mostly. There are some songs that are played on these stations that, simply put, sound like they were taken from radio jingles. I hear Scott Krippayne's "I Wanna Sing," and on the last line of the chorus I sing "US Postal Service- We Deliver For You," because it's the same music! The other example is Pocket Full of Rocks' "You Are Welcome Here." I feel bad, because they sing it with such passion. But the chorus sounds like a cheesy supermarket ad from the 90s. The last line is "You are welcome here, Mighty God!" - instead, I sing "You are welcome here - Harris Teeter!"
The station I listen to also features the most annoying DJ in the morning hours. I know there are things he has to say and promote, it's part of the job. I understand. There are things I have to sell, or I lose my job. But the way he says it, it's like nails on a chalkboard! His Wednesday weather forecasts always include the lines "on your way to church." I don't go to church Wednesdays. Am I less of a Christian?!? And quit telling jokes! You're not funny! You're an old dork! Just play the music, and tell us who's singing, so I can sell their CDs!
Sorry. I'm calming down. OK. The music is mostly good. It's repetitive, sure, but it's good. It's a better mix than the other stations. But each one I've encountered has the same problem: Dorky DJs. You can't escape them in the Christian market. But some are worse than others.
One more rant before I finish: Each genre of Christian music has "that" artist. In Southern Gospel, it's Ivan Parker. I call him "Mr. Gospel Mullet" and "the Robert Goulet of Gospel Music." He'll sing ANYTHING! In contemporary music, it's Phillips, Craig, & Dean. A friend of mine, David, calls them "the Michael Bolton of Christian music- they'll sing anything-and ruin it!" How ironic is it that Ivan Parker has now released a PC&D song? He has recorded "Favorite Song of All."
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
When it comes to Christian Music, I have a station I listen to more than others. But I must make this comment, and I don't mean to paint with a broad brush, but I am, so there:
CHRISTIAN RADIO IS DORKY. PURE AND SIMPLE, IT IS DORKY.
It's not the artists, mostly. There are some songs that are played on these stations that, simply put, sound like they were taken from radio jingles. I hear Scott Krippayne's "I Wanna Sing," and on the last line of the chorus I sing "US Postal Service- We Deliver For You," because it's the same music! The other example is Pocket Full of Rocks' "You Are Welcome Here." I feel bad, because they sing it with such passion. But the chorus sounds like a cheesy supermarket ad from the 90s. The last line is "You are welcome here, Mighty God!" - instead, I sing "You are welcome here - Harris Teeter!"
The station I listen to also features the most annoying DJ in the morning hours. I know there are things he has to say and promote, it's part of the job. I understand. There are things I have to sell, or I lose my job. But the way he says it, it's like nails on a chalkboard! His Wednesday weather forecasts always include the lines "on your way to church." I don't go to church Wednesdays. Am I less of a Christian?!? And quit telling jokes! You're not funny! You're an old dork! Just play the music, and tell us who's singing, so I can sell their CDs!
Sorry. I'm calming down. OK. The music is mostly good. It's repetitive, sure, but it's good. It's a better mix than the other stations. But each one I've encountered has the same problem: Dorky DJs. You can't escape them in the Christian market. But some are worse than others.
One more rant before I finish: Each genre of Christian music has "that" artist. In Southern Gospel, it's Ivan Parker. I call him "Mr. Gospel Mullet" and "the Robert Goulet of Gospel Music." He'll sing ANYTHING! In contemporary music, it's Phillips, Craig, & Dean. A friend of mine, David, calls them "the Michael Bolton of Christian music- they'll sing anything-and ruin it!" How ironic is it that Ivan Parker has now released a PC&D song? He has recorded "Favorite Song of All."
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Facebook, Yearbooks, and the Book
Recently, I finally took the plunge.
I joined Facebook.
Sheyna had been telling me for months that I needed to join, because that’s where everyone was. MySpace was for the younger set. For months I held out. Well, Last month I finally indulged.
Boy, am I glad I did.
One of the most fun aspects of Facebook is the photos. You get to see what your friends look like now, how they’ve changed, and how their lives have changed. Some have also put photos in from days gone by, including some yearbook photos. Talk about a trip! Naturally, it makes me want to dig out my yearbooks, the old scanner my father-in-law gave me (along with the really old computer I use to type these up with-but I am thankful) and put some on there myself.
Another recent happening is my nephews sent their high school yearbook from this year with me to imprint their names. Of course I looked at them. The clubs are WAY different than my time there. What is a Skills club? Can you go into the room, say “I got skills,” and they let you in? They have an anime club now! But I must say, the faculty section was the most interesting, because that is where time stands still. You see teachers still there when I went there, teachers still there when MY BROTHER went there (he graduated in 1986!), and teachers who were students with me! Some look no different. Some have shown signs of age. One looked like he ate himself! He’s doubled in size!
Then, of course, there is the student section. I can’t believe nephews I held as little babies when I was in high school are now in high school, listening to music, playing football, running track, having girlfriends…wow. At the same time, my little baby is now a talkative three-year-old with a wild imagination, driving a toy ambulance all over the place behind me. Time has a funny way of doing that.
But that’s the joy of pictures and the high school yearbook. There, time holds. To me, it makes me long for things that don’t change so much. It makes me thankful for a relationship with Jesus, because he has not and will not change. Hebrews 13:8 declares it: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Now that’s quite a picture.
I joined Facebook.
Sheyna had been telling me for months that I needed to join, because that’s where everyone was. MySpace was for the younger set. For months I held out. Well, Last month I finally indulged.
Boy, am I glad I did.
One of the most fun aspects of Facebook is the photos. You get to see what your friends look like now, how they’ve changed, and how their lives have changed. Some have also put photos in from days gone by, including some yearbook photos. Talk about a trip! Naturally, it makes me want to dig out my yearbooks, the old scanner my father-in-law gave me (along with the really old computer I use to type these up with-but I am thankful) and put some on there myself.
Another recent happening is my nephews sent their high school yearbook from this year with me to imprint their names. Of course I looked at them. The clubs are WAY different than my time there. What is a Skills club? Can you go into the room, say “I got skills,” and they let you in? They have an anime club now! But I must say, the faculty section was the most interesting, because that is where time stands still. You see teachers still there when I went there, teachers still there when MY BROTHER went there (he graduated in 1986!), and teachers who were students with me! Some look no different. Some have shown signs of age. One looked like he ate himself! He’s doubled in size!
Then, of course, there is the student section. I can’t believe nephews I held as little babies when I was in high school are now in high school, listening to music, playing football, running track, having girlfriends…wow. At the same time, my little baby is now a talkative three-year-old with a wild imagination, driving a toy ambulance all over the place behind me. Time has a funny way of doing that.
But that’s the joy of pictures and the high school yearbook. There, time holds. To me, it makes me long for things that don’t change so much. It makes me thankful for a relationship with Jesus, because he has not and will not change. Hebrews 13:8 declares it: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Now that’s quite a picture.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
I just want everyone to see this
I will hopefully post a link to a YouTube video in this posting. It is by someone with the username hoover4000, and is a performance by the new Gaither Vocal Band. Talk about redemption, grace, and unconditional love. Please take a look.
Log on to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yixFKKw53g
Log on to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yixFKKw53g
Friday, June 19, 2009
Revisiting the Pharisees
Back when my blog was on MySpace, I did a blog titled Modern Day Pharisees. I revisit this tonight, after seeing a story on the news last night and reading in the book of Acts this week. The story on the news (and I know, it's the news- always take it with a grain of salt, because these folks have an agenda) was on a "Christian" TV network based in Charlotte. They have recently completed a $150 million dollar expansion. It's one of these stations that broadcasts guys that say "If you'll sow your seed in our ministry, God will bless you." It turns out, our pockets get lighter, and they get a room expansion on their house.
In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks loudly about these people. "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, the way they act (7:16). Do they act like the New Testament church? Do they share things with other believers? Do they feed the poor in their neighborhood? Wait-do they have a neighborhood? Or do they live on their gated mansions, not giving handouts, praying prayers that bounce back from the ceiling, saying words that they may believe, but do not follow.
Tonight I read the book of Haggai. Check out Haggai 1:4-6: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!" (NLT) I believe that ties in quite perfectly with what Jesus was saying.
If you want to support the work of God, if you want fruit to multiply, plant a more local seed. Not all TV preachers are bad. Watch NRB (378 on DirecTV). There are some sound ones on there. But tithe to your church first. After that, find someone hungry in your neighborhood, and get them a meal or groceries. Sponsor a child in a foreign country. Give of yourself, not because the President mandates it, that is socialist. Give because you can and are willing to, that is the capitalist "invisible hand."
When the people that Haggai gave the word of God to began doing His work, he declared he would bless them, and so he did. Through the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, a descendent of David, the line would continue to Jesus. This ended up blessing us all. But beware those who use the name of Jesus to line their own pockets. They may speak well, have great TV hair, and sound like they have a grasp on the Bible. Jesus gives them a somber warning, back in Matthew 7:21 (NLT): "Not everyone who calls out to me 'Lord! Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks loudly about these people. "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, the way they act (7:16). Do they act like the New Testament church? Do they share things with other believers? Do they feed the poor in their neighborhood? Wait-do they have a neighborhood? Or do they live on their gated mansions, not giving handouts, praying prayers that bounce back from the ceiling, saying words that they may believe, but do not follow.
Tonight I read the book of Haggai. Check out Haggai 1:4-6: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!" (NLT) I believe that ties in quite perfectly with what Jesus was saying.
If you want to support the work of God, if you want fruit to multiply, plant a more local seed. Not all TV preachers are bad. Watch NRB (378 on DirecTV). There are some sound ones on there. But tithe to your church first. After that, find someone hungry in your neighborhood, and get them a meal or groceries. Sponsor a child in a foreign country. Give of yourself, not because the President mandates it, that is socialist. Give because you can and are willing to, that is the capitalist "invisible hand."
When the people that Haggai gave the word of God to began doing His work, he declared he would bless them, and so he did. Through the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, a descendent of David, the line would continue to Jesus. This ended up blessing us all. But beware those who use the name of Jesus to line their own pockets. They may speak well, have great TV hair, and sound like they have a grasp on the Bible. Jesus gives them a somber warning, back in Matthew 7:21 (NLT): "Not everyone who calls out to me 'Lord! Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Why I am no longer the elephant in the room
Yes, these guys are heroes, but...
It is official. Or it will be when I send in my registration change form in next week.
I am no longer a "Republican."
Do not worry, those that will come across this. I am not becoming a democrat. I am not so infatuated with the "messiah" that I have converted my ways. I am still conservative to the core. I still believe that right is right, wrong is wrong, and that Ronald Reagan was the greatest President of the 20th century.
The problem lies in the fact that the leaders and spokespeople of the Republican party do not believe that. They believe that we must win elections first, and that to win elections, we must not offend anyone that might vote for us, make nice with our enemies, and try to be friends with the media.
This line of thinking, espoused by John McCain, Colin Powell, and John Cornyn, are sending the Republican party the way of the Whigs. How many Whigs are in the house?
(I'm listening for a response. Strangely, all I hear are some of these guys...)So I am not looking for a new party to call home. Libertarian party recruiters, please stay away. I toyed voting for Bob Barr last year, but instead voted for Sarah Palin.
I have entered this summer missing the fact that I am not in class this semester, but searching for thought. But the only thought the Republican party is having is not offending anyone and getting elected. They don't seem to realize that's how they lost elections for about 40 years, save Presidential elections. There must be principles. There must be values. People will align with someone that takes a stand. That's what drew us to Reagan. That's why Palin got a big response from conservatives last year, and why the culture tried to trash her! That's why Bobby Jindal was attacked this year. That's why "republican" strategists are brought onto CNN & MSNBC each day to try to refute what Rush Limbaugh said. They fear TRUTH.
The truth is, the Republican party is not for me. I think. Therefore, I am on my own. But yet I feel, no, I think, no, I BELIEVE I an not alone.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
This will anger many race fans
I am not a Johnny-come-lately when it comes to NASCAR racing. I guess my earliest memories are from 1985, when Bill Elliott blew everyone away in that red T-Bird. That said, I went to my second live race on Sunday (and Monday). I went to the Coca-Cola 600, which this year was the Coca-Cola 340. People ask me who my favorite driver is. I have been a fan of Tony Stewart, but have really latched on to Kyle Busch. It’s easier to say who I’m not a fan of. That would be Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
I almost feel for Dale. He had to become the face of the sport. He has to live up to the name of his father. I did not cheer for or like his father when he was racing, but grew to respect him. People call him the greatest driver of all time, which I must disagree with. I believe that falls on Richard Petty. The difference between the two is that Dale unfortunately did not get to race past his prime. Richard raced eight years after winning his last race, and thirteen after his last championship. To some, that tarnished his image. Earnhardt had gone six seasons after his last title, and was showing signs of slacking, but was still fierce to the end.
Back to Junior. People believe that he will be great because he has his father’s name. It’s time to be blunt and anger some people: his father’s name is all he has. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is not the next Dale Earnhardt, Sr. If anything, he’s the next Kyle Petty. No offense to Kyle. He’s a good driver, won some races, done great things with Victory Junction. But the point is it is almost impossible for the son to eclipse the father. The only notable exceptions I know of are, well, Richard Petty, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr., and for a wrestling reference, Randy Orton.
It’s natural to want the apple to fall close to the tree. But the evidence is out there. Look at the last person to drive the 8 car part-time: Mark Martin. He has already won two races. Johnson and Gordon have won one. Each has done well this season except one: Earnhardt. Is Hendrick Motorsports giving him worse equipment? I don’t believe Hendrick has bad equipment. Is it Tony Eury, Jr., the crew chief? He will probably be the next thing to change, but they seemed to work well together. In Monday’s race, they changed everything but the driver. He could do no right.
But Earnhardt, Sr.’s fans want a legacy. They want an heir to his throne. I believe they are booing him. Kyle Busch has the most natural talent I have seen in a driver since Jeff Gordon, and I dare say, Dale Sr. Plus, he is as brash as Dale Sr., is forceful on the track, and is not intimidated by other racers. He finds a home out front, and tends to stay close at all times. These are not popular statements I am making, but look at the results: Kyle has them, and is continuing to accrue them. That means gather, for you Junior fans. So take an honest look: the heir apparent is not from North Carolina. He is from Las Vegas.
I almost feel for Dale. He had to become the face of the sport. He has to live up to the name of his father. I did not cheer for or like his father when he was racing, but grew to respect him. People call him the greatest driver of all time, which I must disagree with. I believe that falls on Richard Petty. The difference between the two is that Dale unfortunately did not get to race past his prime. Richard raced eight years after winning his last race, and thirteen after his last championship. To some, that tarnished his image. Earnhardt had gone six seasons after his last title, and was showing signs of slacking, but was still fierce to the end.
Back to Junior. People believe that he will be great because he has his father’s name. It’s time to be blunt and anger some people: his father’s name is all he has. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is not the next Dale Earnhardt, Sr. If anything, he’s the next Kyle Petty. No offense to Kyle. He’s a good driver, won some races, done great things with Victory Junction. But the point is it is almost impossible for the son to eclipse the father. The only notable exceptions I know of are, well, Richard Petty, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr., and for a wrestling reference, Randy Orton.
It’s natural to want the apple to fall close to the tree. But the evidence is out there. Look at the last person to drive the 8 car part-time: Mark Martin. He has already won two races. Johnson and Gordon have won one. Each has done well this season except one: Earnhardt. Is Hendrick Motorsports giving him worse equipment? I don’t believe Hendrick has bad equipment. Is it Tony Eury, Jr., the crew chief? He will probably be the next thing to change, but they seemed to work well together. In Monday’s race, they changed everything but the driver. He could do no right.
But Earnhardt, Sr.’s fans want a legacy. They want an heir to his throne. I believe they are booing him. Kyle Busch has the most natural talent I have seen in a driver since Jeff Gordon, and I dare say, Dale Sr. Plus, he is as brash as Dale Sr., is forceful on the track, and is not intimidated by other racers. He finds a home out front, and tends to stay close at all times. These are not popular statements I am making, but look at the results: Kyle has them, and is continuing to accrue them. That means gather, for you Junior fans. So take an honest look: the heir apparent is not from North Carolina. He is from Las Vegas.
I’ve had all I can take.
We have been asked lately to find “common ground” on many issues. As this country is asked daily to compromise, to change its ways, to give ground to enemies, to give up freedoms and independence, we are told it is for the good of all. It is utilitarian in its basis, and authoritarian in its practice. People that have long been respected are now being attacked. People who thought protests and rallies were for the most radical of our society are now hitting the streets with those of like minds, wondering if there is anyone that will listen to them.
We are told to respect the views and opinions of others. We are told to accept and give credence to all views, and that anything less is bigoted and intolerant. However, the people telling us this have no intention of changing their views. Yes, Jesus told us to love our enemies. He didn’t tell us we had to get along with them! What did he do those that changed money in the temple? Did he pat them on the back, say “ I don’t agree with what you are doing, but you are welcome in my Father’s house?” NO! He drove them out! [ Time for a sidebar: I think about this scene when I went to Greenville, SC with my wife to hear a famous reality TV couple at a church. After the event, you got to meet them…if you paid $20 for a picture to autograph.]
Ecclesiastes 3 mentions that there is a time to kill and a time to heal. There is a time for war, and a time for peace. It is said and used on bumper stickers: “War is not the answer.” Well, according to the Bible, it sometimes is. Why do you think there is so much record of war in the Old Testament? Do you think God hated the Phillistines? Did he hate Goliath or Delilah? I believe God loved Goliath and Delilah. But they did not serve Him, nor worship Him as God. They came against God and His people, and had to face their end. Read the end of 2 Timothy. Did Jesus die for Demas, and for Alexander the coppersmith? Yes, He did. Did Jesus die for Larry Flynt, Rosie O’Donnell, and Ray Boltz? Yes, He did! But does that mean that we accept their lifestyles, tolerate their work, and give them full fellowship in the church? NO. We are not to be unequally yoked together with them. We are to be separate from them (2 Cor. 6: 14-17).
You may say “But Jesus ate with the low people of His time,” and so He did. Did they stay the way they were? Was Matthew a tax collector after he met Jesus? Was Mary Magdelene still demon-possessed after she met Jesus? Did He respect and tolerate the views of the Pharisees? Go back to His first message after His tempting period. What was His first word? REPENT! In other words, turn your life around! Change your ways!
Yes, we are to love our enemies, and bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44). We are also supposed to do all things in love, or it will get us nowhere (1 Cor. 13). But tolerate is not listed in there. There is a time for war. This is that time. We are to go to war against today’s “tolerance.”
We are told to respect the views and opinions of others. We are told to accept and give credence to all views, and that anything less is bigoted and intolerant. However, the people telling us this have no intention of changing their views. Yes, Jesus told us to love our enemies. He didn’t tell us we had to get along with them! What did he do those that changed money in the temple? Did he pat them on the back, say “ I don’t agree with what you are doing, but you are welcome in my Father’s house?” NO! He drove them out! [ Time for a sidebar: I think about this scene when I went to Greenville, SC with my wife to hear a famous reality TV couple at a church. After the event, you got to meet them…if you paid $20 for a picture to autograph.]
Ecclesiastes 3 mentions that there is a time to kill and a time to heal. There is a time for war, and a time for peace. It is said and used on bumper stickers: “War is not the answer.” Well, according to the Bible, it sometimes is. Why do you think there is so much record of war in the Old Testament? Do you think God hated the Phillistines? Did he hate Goliath or Delilah? I believe God loved Goliath and Delilah. But they did not serve Him, nor worship Him as God. They came against God and His people, and had to face their end. Read the end of 2 Timothy. Did Jesus die for Demas, and for Alexander the coppersmith? Yes, He did. Did Jesus die for Larry Flynt, Rosie O’Donnell, and Ray Boltz? Yes, He did! But does that mean that we accept their lifestyles, tolerate their work, and give them full fellowship in the church? NO. We are not to be unequally yoked together with them. We are to be separate from them (2 Cor. 6: 14-17).
You may say “But Jesus ate with the low people of His time,” and so He did. Did they stay the way they were? Was Matthew a tax collector after he met Jesus? Was Mary Magdelene still demon-possessed after she met Jesus? Did He respect and tolerate the views of the Pharisees? Go back to His first message after His tempting period. What was His first word? REPENT! In other words, turn your life around! Change your ways!
Yes, we are to love our enemies, and bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44). We are also supposed to do all things in love, or it will get us nowhere (1 Cor. 13). But tolerate is not listed in there. There is a time for war. This is that time. We are to go to war against today’s “tolerance.”
Church Me, Part 3: Music
It is true that the Pastor is the face of the church. He is God’s man, sent to deliver God’s message, eat fried chicken, visit the elderly, pray for the sick, appease the deacons, and raise a family, all for just barely over a living wage. After that, the next largest focus rests on the music in the church. Being a music director for seven years, I realize the vital importance music brings to the service. Churches in the Caldwell County, NC area, if you need an experienced music director for your church, contact me. We can end this series here and now. So, here are the questions for the music quiz.
1: Your music director goes by the title:
A: Music Director
B: Minister of Music
C: Worship Leader
D: Song Leader
E: We have a praise team- united to serve!
F: Mike
2: Your music director is comparable to:
A: Cliff Barrows
B: Bill Gaither
C: John Tesh
D: Darlene Zschech
E: Martha Munizzi
F: Sweet Little Eloise
G: A hyena in heat
3: Your church thinks Albert E. Brumley is/was:
A: A founding deacon of the church
B: A great songwriter whose songs are used frequently
C: A great writer of his time, but this is now!
D: That kid on the cover of Mad Magazine
4: A hymn is:
A: A pronoun describing a male human
B: Essential for each service
C: Nice every once in a while
D: The way they used to sing music; now obsolete
5: You keep your hymnals:
A: In the back of the pews
B: In the choir loft
C: In the storage closet
D: In the men’s Sunday school room; the herrals are in the women’s
6: You think worship music is:
A: Nice every once in a while
B: Any song, no matter how old or new, that draws us to God
C: Too new-fangled for our church
D: the only music that churches should use, man!
7: The number of people in your church that can read music is:
A: Fewer that 5
B: 5-10
C: 10 or more
D: Everyone can read it- they put the words on the screen!
8: The number that can read shaped notes is:
A: I told you, they put the words on screen!
B: What are shaped notes? Aren’t they all round?
C: There are people that can read shaped notes here
9: Your church’s music could be described as:
A: CD Quality. How do we contact Integrity Music?
B: CD Quality, because it’s on CD
C: We make a joyful noise. That’s all that matters!
D: Did you see the end of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure?
10: Our biggest concern musically is:
A: Keeping the old ladies from complaining
B: Keeping the youth interested
C: Trying to sound like we practiced
D: Bringing focus on Jesus and making the Pastor’s work easier
True confession time: I HATE praise bands. I think they’re a copout for not having a choir. I am a traditionalist. I like the songs in the 1951 Church Hymnal. I have a hymnal collection. My wife likes more contemporary & worship music. She and Levi love the new Israel Houghton CD, which drives me nuts.
So what I am looking for is this: a music service that isn’t afraid of mixing old & new. There is great substance in the old songs. There is merit to some of the new worship songs. A church that can put the two together will be a learning resource to the youth and a fountain of youth for the old. That’s what I look for in music.
1: Your music director goes by the title:
A: Music Director
B: Minister of Music
C: Worship Leader
D: Song Leader
E: We have a praise team- united to serve!
F: Mike
2: Your music director is comparable to:
A: Cliff Barrows
B: Bill Gaither
C: John Tesh
D: Darlene Zschech
E: Martha Munizzi
F: Sweet Little Eloise
G: A hyena in heat
3: Your church thinks Albert E. Brumley is/was:
A: A founding deacon of the church
B: A great songwriter whose songs are used frequently
C: A great writer of his time, but this is now!
D: That kid on the cover of Mad Magazine
4: A hymn is:
A: A pronoun describing a male human
B: Essential for each service
C: Nice every once in a while
D: The way they used to sing music; now obsolete
5: You keep your hymnals:
A: In the back of the pews
B: In the choir loft
C: In the storage closet
D: In the men’s Sunday school room; the herrals are in the women’s
6: You think worship music is:
A: Nice every once in a while
B: Any song, no matter how old or new, that draws us to God
C: Too new-fangled for our church
D: the only music that churches should use, man!
7: The number of people in your church that can read music is:
A: Fewer that 5
B: 5-10
C: 10 or more
D: Everyone can read it- they put the words on the screen!
8: The number that can read shaped notes is:
A: I told you, they put the words on screen!
B: What are shaped notes? Aren’t they all round?
C: There are people that can read shaped notes here
9: Your church’s music could be described as:
A: CD Quality. How do we contact Integrity Music?
B: CD Quality, because it’s on CD
C: We make a joyful noise. That’s all that matters!
D: Did you see the end of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure?
10: Our biggest concern musically is:
A: Keeping the old ladies from complaining
B: Keeping the youth interested
C: Trying to sound like we practiced
D: Bringing focus on Jesus and making the Pastor’s work easier
True confession time: I HATE praise bands. I think they’re a copout for not having a choir. I am a traditionalist. I like the songs in the 1951 Church Hymnal. I have a hymnal collection. My wife likes more contemporary & worship music. She and Levi love the new Israel Houghton CD, which drives me nuts.
So what I am looking for is this: a music service that isn’t afraid of mixing old & new. There is great substance in the old songs. There is merit to some of the new worship songs. A church that can put the two together will be a learning resource to the youth and a fountain of youth for the old. That’s what I look for in music.
Church Me, part 2: The unofficial online guide for finding the right Church
As I mentioned in part one, I believe at this point all churches should have a website. I guess I am spoiled because in the late 90s to early years of this decade, I attended Westview Baptist in Boone as well as my Dad’s church, and they had a website then. They were a little ahead of the curve.
As I digress, this is my idea for the finding the right church guide. Churchgoers submit their opinions in a survey. Based on the answers given, the guide will recommend a church in the searcher’s geographic area. Along with that are two options: “Get directions” and “I’ve been burned by this church. Please tell the next match.” The aim is, ultimately, to match person with compatible church with the least amount of hurt feelings as possible, because, in today’s society, feelings matter more than getting your toes stepped on. Someone say amen to my spiritual sarcasm!
This section is the question churchgoers would submit about Pastors. They are the face of the church, as scary as that can be! The questions would be as follows:
1: Choose your denomination. (A scrolling list of 47 or so denominations rolls out.)
2: My Pastor preaches in the style of:
A: T. D. Jakes. Let’s shout, get all excited, and DANCE!
B: Chuck Swindoll. Teaching the people with insight.
C: Rick Warren. Teach me my purpose.
D: Joel Osteen. Make me smile. Just make me smile.
E: Rob Bell. Lots of questions, but few answers.
F: Barack Obama. Great with the teleprompter, but without it…
G: Oprah Winfrey. Do I need to say more?
3: The Pastor preaches about tithing:
A: Occasionally
B: Seldom
C: Never
D: If his mouth is open, he’s talking about it
4: The pastor’s most annoying habit is that he (check all that apply):
A: Spits as he speaks
B. Shouts or takes those loud breaths
C: Is too quiet
D: THINKS THE MICROPHONE IS ALWAYS BROKEN!
E: Constantly refers to himself as “we”
5: There is not a Sunday that goes by that the Pastor does not (check all that apply):
A: Seek to shake everyone’s hand
B: Present an invitation
C: Present four invitations to get someone to come
D: Step on my toes
E: Quote Oprah
F: Quote Rick Warren
G: Quote Joel Osteen
6: My Pastor has done the following to appear “cool” (check all that apply):
A: Stop wearing ties
B: Stop wearing dress clothes to service
C: Stop wearing shoes (hey, man, Jesus wore sandals!)
D: Began using a headset microphone
E: Began sitting down to give his sermons
7: Our Pastor preaches from the:
A: King James Version, because that’s what Jesus used
B: KJV, because he likes the language of it
C: New King James Version, to not totally offend older members
D: New International Version, because times have changed, man!
E: New Living Translation, to appeal to younger members
F: I had no idea there were different versions of the Bible
G: What is a Bible, and why would my Pastor use it?
8: My Pastor believes the Bible is:
A: Again, what is a Bible?
B: Obsolete
C: Full of questionable material
D: A nice book to help with his sermon
E: The infallible, unchangeable Word of God
9: My Pastor was recently seen (check all that apply):
A: at Wal-Mart
B: at the Christian bookstore
C: at the buffet
D: at the sports bar
E: at the video store (and I don’t mean Blockbuster!)
F: in the police blotter
G: on his knees before God
This concludes the Pastor section of the survey. Sadly enough, this became a commentary of where many of today’s churches are! Like politics, many Pastors have gone away from the Word of God in favor of focus groups, the latest book on how to be a Pastor, and cowing to popular sentiment. They are afraid to teach the true Word of God because it might cost them a member, upset a deacon, or offend someone. Guess what-the Gospel IS offensive! It has to wound us before it can heal us! Many more fail to live the life that they set before us to live, and it turns many away. I will continue this series looking at music, but I hope you see where I’m going. I want the real thing!
As I digress, this is my idea for the finding the right church guide. Churchgoers submit their opinions in a survey. Based on the answers given, the guide will recommend a church in the searcher’s geographic area. Along with that are two options: “Get directions” and “I’ve been burned by this church. Please tell the next match.” The aim is, ultimately, to match person with compatible church with the least amount of hurt feelings as possible, because, in today’s society, feelings matter more than getting your toes stepped on. Someone say amen to my spiritual sarcasm!
This section is the question churchgoers would submit about Pastors. They are the face of the church, as scary as that can be! The questions would be as follows:
1: Choose your denomination. (A scrolling list of 47 or so denominations rolls out.)
2: My Pastor preaches in the style of:
A: T. D. Jakes. Let’s shout, get all excited, and DANCE!
B: Chuck Swindoll. Teaching the people with insight.
C: Rick Warren. Teach me my purpose.
D: Joel Osteen. Make me smile. Just make me smile.
E: Rob Bell. Lots of questions, but few answers.
F: Barack Obama. Great with the teleprompter, but without it…
G: Oprah Winfrey. Do I need to say more?
3: The Pastor preaches about tithing:
A: Occasionally
B: Seldom
C: Never
D: If his mouth is open, he’s talking about it
4: The pastor’s most annoying habit is that he (check all that apply):
A: Spits as he speaks
B. Shouts or takes those loud breaths
C: Is too quiet
D: THINKS THE MICROPHONE IS ALWAYS BROKEN!
E: Constantly refers to himself as “we”
5: There is not a Sunday that goes by that the Pastor does not (check all that apply):
A: Seek to shake everyone’s hand
B: Present an invitation
C: Present four invitations to get someone to come
D: Step on my toes
E: Quote Oprah
F: Quote Rick Warren
G: Quote Joel Osteen
6: My Pastor has done the following to appear “cool” (check all that apply):
A: Stop wearing ties
B: Stop wearing dress clothes to service
C: Stop wearing shoes (hey, man, Jesus wore sandals!)
D: Began using a headset microphone
E: Began sitting down to give his sermons
7: Our Pastor preaches from the:
A: King James Version, because that’s what Jesus used
B: KJV, because he likes the language of it
C: New King James Version, to not totally offend older members
D: New International Version, because times have changed, man!
E: New Living Translation, to appeal to younger members
F: I had no idea there were different versions of the Bible
G: What is a Bible, and why would my Pastor use it?
8: My Pastor believes the Bible is:
A: Again, what is a Bible?
B: Obsolete
C: Full of questionable material
D: A nice book to help with his sermon
E: The infallible, unchangeable Word of God
9: My Pastor was recently seen (check all that apply):
A: at Wal-Mart
B: at the Christian bookstore
C: at the buffet
D: at the sports bar
E: at the video store (and I don’t mean Blockbuster!)
F: in the police blotter
G: on his knees before God
This concludes the Pastor section of the survey. Sadly enough, this became a commentary of where many of today’s churches are! Like politics, many Pastors have gone away from the Word of God in favor of focus groups, the latest book on how to be a Pastor, and cowing to popular sentiment. They are afraid to teach the true Word of God because it might cost them a member, upset a deacon, or offend someone. Guess what-the Gospel IS offensive! It has to wound us before it can heal us! Many more fail to live the life that they set before us to live, and it turns many away. I will continue this series looking at music, but I hope you see where I’m going. I want the real thing!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
It has begun
I will get back to the whole "Church Me" format, but it is not yet time. I first have to get done with this semester of school. It had me thinking this morning about Philippians 1:6 : "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ..." This is only the end of the first year of college for me. But it is only the beginning. The other things that are going on in our life: whether it's getting a car fixed up, going to the doctor about what will happen over the next eight months, or whether it's about what's going on in your life.
What is going on in your life? Did your husband or wife tell you it's over? Did the doctor? Did you get a good deal on a new car? Did you get a raw deal? Did you have to leave the church you were attending over doctrinal issues (I guess I can't let it go)? Do you find yourself hiding in your basement afraid of pig flu (sorry, Lord Obama - H1N1)?Each of these things are just the beginning. Hold on. Stay strong. Wait on the Lord. He has a plan for you.
We never see the whole picture now. It takes a lifetime in some cases to see where we got to from where we are going. Only eternity can sometimes show us how god was working. But keep on. He who began a good work WILL complete it.
What is going on in your life? Did your husband or wife tell you it's over? Did the doctor? Did you get a good deal on a new car? Did you get a raw deal? Did you have to leave the church you were attending over doctrinal issues (I guess I can't let it go)? Do you find yourself hiding in your basement afraid of pig flu (sorry, Lord Obama - H1N1)?Each of these things are just the beginning. Hold on. Stay strong. Wait on the Lord. He has a plan for you.
We never see the whole picture now. It takes a lifetime in some cases to see where we got to from where we are going. Only eternity can sometimes show us how god was working. But keep on. He who began a good work WILL complete it.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Church me, part 1
A little background about me: I am the son of a preacher. I went to the same church until I was 27 years old. The last seven of those years, I was music director. We left because we lived out of town, and the drive was much too far. We're back in the same county, but it's a big county. My family needs closer neighbors and friends, a close church family. We joined a church last year in a transition period between Pastors, and the new Pastor's teaching was not to our liking. Therefore, we left.
We visited a church a couple of times, which shortly afterward asked their Pastor to leave. We are not doing the transition thing again. (Let this be a warning to all Pastors- if we visit your church, dust off your suitcases and polish your resume! KIDDING)
The long and short of it is this: there is no good way to look for a church! We get recommendations from friends, but you don't want to disappoint them and say you didn't like it. They might start thinking you think they're weird, or they'll think you're weird, etc. I tried our local Baptist association (I'm closer to the Baptists than anything, I guess) website. They have a directory of churches, but maybe a third of them have websites. It should be a prerequisite that a church now have a website!
Simply put, it's not a good situation to be churchless. I plan on devising a method of how to choose a church. I will work on the logistics, and post it another time. Meanwhile, if anyone out there has any suggestions for finding a church in Caldwell County, NC, with solid teaching, a nursery, and music for a worshipper and a traditionalist, please let me know!
We visited a church a couple of times, which shortly afterward asked their Pastor to leave. We are not doing the transition thing again. (Let this be a warning to all Pastors- if we visit your church, dust off your suitcases and polish your resume! KIDDING)
The long and short of it is this: there is no good way to look for a church! We get recommendations from friends, but you don't want to disappoint them and say you didn't like it. They might start thinking you think they're weird, or they'll think you're weird, etc. I tried our local Baptist association (I'm closer to the Baptists than anything, I guess) website. They have a directory of churches, but maybe a third of them have websites. It should be a prerequisite that a church now have a website!
Simply put, it's not a good situation to be churchless. I plan on devising a method of how to choose a church. I will work on the logistics, and post it another time. Meanwhile, if anyone out there has any suggestions for finding a church in Caldwell County, NC, with solid teaching, a nursery, and music for a worshipper and a traditionalist, please let me know!
From my MySpace blogs...#3
Originally Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008
 | Current mood:  calm Category: Religion and Philosophy Everybody has favorites in this world. We have favorite foods, sports teams, colleges, superheroes, etc. And not everyone will, or I say, can have the same favorite. For example, if your favorite food is cheeseburgers, my lactose intolerance makes it impossible for it to be mine. My siblings and I graduated from Hibriten High. My nephew is currently a freshman at Hibriten. On the flipside, I have two mieces that attend rival West Caldwell High. I try to support each in what they do, and I want their schools to do well. But unfortunately for my nieces, I have a point where I draw the line: Hibriten vs. West. Jesus told us that dual loyalties were not sustainable, starting at Matthew 6:24. To paraphrase, you will love one, and hate the other when their worlds collide. I would like to see West beat Hickory, or any other school in conference. But when they play Hibriten, hold on. My primary loyalty is to Hibriten, my alma mater. Hannah and Katy understand this, I'm sure. If something is in the way of a Christian's full service to Christ, it must give place. But it will not do it willfully. We must lay aside every weight (Hebrews 12:1). If TV watching blocks your spiritual life, turn it off. If your non-Christian friends try to steer you away from doing right, you must make them take a back seat. On spiritual, and on personal levels, if your life is hindered by obstacles, you must put them down. It is not easy, by any means. You need help. Help from God primarily, and from your peers. Ask them to pray with you, support you, and keep you accountable. I, for example, have a problem with food. The body is the temple of God, and mine is currently a megachurch. I would like to lose 50 pounds, and I can not do it alone. I will need help first from the Lord, asking Him to help me be strong. Then I will need help from each of you that read this. Help me to make wise food decisions, and don't offer me seconds! Seriously, pray for me. And pray that I will have inspiration to do more blogging. I feel like I'm slack. See you soon! |
From my MySpace blogs...#2
Originally Posted: Sunday, April 20, 2008
| Current mood:  contemplative Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." - Proverbs 29:18 I guess you could call me a dreamer. But don't worry, I'm not going to break into song. I'm just reflecting here on a Sunday night, thinking about all the things God has been showing to me. No, I wouldn't call them visions, and no, they haven't all been about things in the Word. They were different things about my life. My life can not be at a standstill. But Jonathan, what about the verse in Philippians that tells you to be content? You know, my son Levi can spot a brand name from a mile away, and tells us what make a car is simply by looking at it. But you know, if we do not let him learn any more, this young genius will be wasted! It's the same way with Levi's dad-no, I'm not saying I'm a genius. But if I do not experience any growth, I will deteriorate. Pastor Scott said at Wednesday night service two weeks ago that backsliding is standing still, and not growing. I find that quite true. That's why I spent part of tonight attempting to fill out a college application. My break has to end at 13 years. On top of that- and I haven't even told Sheyna much about this- I keep getting ideas, different aspects, about starting a Christian retail store of my own. Folks, I don't know much about what's going on, but I know this: I want to be able, willing, and ready for ANYTHING God has in store. My prayer to Him is that I receive all that He is showing me, and my request for all of you is that you remember me. |
Friday, April 10, 2009
From my MySpace blogs...
Originally posted: Friday, July 04, 2008
| Category: Religion and Philosophy I'm a pretty quiet person. Most of my time on the phone is spent saying "Yes dear. I'm coming home soon." (I'M JOKING, SHEYNA.) But it's true that I depend on Sheyna to keep me up to date with what's going on with many of our friends and acquaintances. When she told me about one couple, who it seems God is calling to move a couple of hours away to do His work, I felt led to give them a word from Luke 9: 61: And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. That was not just for the man Jesus was talking to, and that wasn't for my friend. That's for each of us. In a wonderful message at our church this Wednesday, Pastor Scott reminded us that all this is temporary. To try to hold on to each and every thing like it has been is pointless. It all will pass away. Two years ago today, my grandfather passed. It was sad for our (large) family. The patriarch was gone, and several did not want it to happen. But to want our old life, to want to keep our family around like it is, to want nothing to be different, is utterly SELFISH. My Grandpa Levi needed to be free from pain and suffering. To wish to keep him here is natural, and I fault none of my family. But to think of the Glory he is experiencing, oh my. This is only temporary. The Marines have a saying: "Pain is temporary. Glory is forever." oorah. To cross over to the dork side for a second, look at Anakin Skywalker. His need to be in control, to keep his fears and dreams from becoming reality pushed him over the edge. He became Darth Vader, and his fear of losing his wife and all he held dear was so great, he ended up being responsible for her death. It also cost him his appendages, but he did get a cool breathing noise out of it. Your nice new house? It will get old. Spiders and earwigs will get in. Your new cell phone? You'll need a new one in two years. Your car? You'll need to buy gas. Your full tank? You'll need another in a few days. Things MUST change. This is all temporary, all but your life. It will end here one day, and begin anew somewhere else, either in a place of unending glory or one of unending death. We cherish our time and our memories, but God calls us to go forward. There is nothing to hold on to, except the straps of the plow. So get behind ol' Charlie, and for the cause of Jesus, plow ahead! |
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Things I never really knew...
A late Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, especially to my special Sheyna. I was thinking tonight, just after I filled out my FAFSA, and I realized I have grown a lot. No, folks, not just in the belly. There are things I have learned about myself and the world in the past few weeks that are astounding.
For example: See this CD cover above me? This was an unknown, 16-year old singer when she came out in Christian stores in the early part of this decade. I think her distributor went out of business, along with some other well-done Christian groups. What happened to her? She became Katy Perry, the most famous & frequently played girl-kisser in the nation. What else happened? Who knows. Many kids in the church feel the pressure to be angels and they just rebel from that. Their parents sometimes drive them away from what they need the most. I'm not saying that's what happened in this case, I truly don't know. I do hope that a seed of faith that is planted somewhere deep in her will get the chance to grow.
I also had no idea how easy it is to transfer songs from your personal collection to mp3. That's part of my Valentine's gift to Sheyna. Call it the modern day equivalent to the mix tape. I did put some things on here for myself, though, so don't worry. It's my feeling that if I'm not selling or sharing the music, It's mine for the using.
I also had no idea that my wife has done so much to mature me. I've been doing some life retrospecting (did I just make up a phrase?), and realize that I have been really immature for a long time. There were girls I dated, and I thought I knew what I was doing. It turns out I was socially awkward, and had no clue. It proves the point that when you meet the one for you, you know it. Sheyna has been better for me than anyone will ever know. I just hope that I can be as good for her. That's what we have the rest of our lives to work on.
(BTW- the Katy Hudson CD cover came from Wikipedia.)
Friday, January 9, 2009
God's Double Agents
If you've watched any kind of spy movie, TV thriller, or the old G.I. Joe cartoon, you've been introduced to the term Double Agent. That is a person that works for two different people or groups. They don't always interfere, but most of the time, the paths of the agent's agencies (Business Law term. College is paying off) will cross, and spell trouble for the agent. You may be surprised that God has had double agents. Truth is, all too common, he still does.
The first Biblical example is Balaam the prophet. Balak, head honcho of the Amorites, sent for Balaam and offered huge sums of money for Balaam to curse Israel (See Numbers 22). After a couple of attempts, he went with them, even after his donkey did a great Eddie Murphy impersonation. Once he got there, he could only bless Israel, even though he was paid to do otherwise. Finally, in Numbers 31, he was killed. All because he tried to sell what was God's for a price.
The next double agent was David. Preachers just read the name David and automatically said "a man after God's own heart." It's like they are programmed to say that at seminary or something. Yes he was after God's heart. He was also a double agent to lust. Don't believe me? Ask Uriah! Or, read 2 Samuel 11. David's lust for a beautiful woman led him to murder, heartache, and the loss of two sons, one at birth, and Absalom years later.
Jesus said in Matthew 6 that no man can serve two masters. He will love one or the other. Does this mean that a double agent can not be used by God? No! Look back at Balaam. Even after being paid to curse Israel, all he could do was bless it, because God will not curse His people. Was David useless to God? Read a couple of Psalms and get back to me. Was Peter useless to Jesus after serving fear and denying Him? Acts 2 will tell you the answer is emphatically NO!
God will use double agents. But they will not be as useful as they can be. Like David, they will have struggles and consequences for their actions.
What about you? What do you serve besides God? Do you serve lust like David? Do you like to look at objectionable sites when "no one" is looking? Do you bless on Sunday and curse on Monday? Does your gossip interfere with your prayer time? Choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15)! Give yourself fully to God and His purposes, and let him use you in the most mightily of ways.
The first Biblical example is Balaam the prophet. Balak, head honcho of the Amorites, sent for Balaam and offered huge sums of money for Balaam to curse Israel (See Numbers 22). After a couple of attempts, he went with them, even after his donkey did a great Eddie Murphy impersonation. Once he got there, he could only bless Israel, even though he was paid to do otherwise. Finally, in Numbers 31, he was killed. All because he tried to sell what was God's for a price.
The next double agent was David. Preachers just read the name David and automatically said "a man after God's own heart." It's like they are programmed to say that at seminary or something. Yes he was after God's heart. He was also a double agent to lust. Don't believe me? Ask Uriah! Or, read 2 Samuel 11. David's lust for a beautiful woman led him to murder, heartache, and the loss of two sons, one at birth, and Absalom years later.
Jesus said in Matthew 6 that no man can serve two masters. He will love one or the other. Does this mean that a double agent can not be used by God? No! Look back at Balaam. Even after being paid to curse Israel, all he could do was bless it, because God will not curse His people. Was David useless to God? Read a couple of Psalms and get back to me. Was Peter useless to Jesus after serving fear and denying Him? Acts 2 will tell you the answer is emphatically NO!
God will use double agents. But they will not be as useful as they can be. Like David, they will have struggles and consequences for their actions.
What about you? What do you serve besides God? Do you serve lust like David? Do you like to look at objectionable sites when "no one" is looking? Do you bless on Sunday and curse on Monday? Does your gossip interfere with your prayer time? Choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15)! Give yourself fully to God and His purposes, and let him use you in the most mightily of ways.
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