Jim Daley, President and CEO of Focus On The Family, has this to say regarding the Manhattan Declaration;
"The document is...a renewed rallying cry to those who have been engaged in this historic effort of spiritual and cultural conversion. This is not a manifesto for culture war; it is a prescription for cultural change...
As a unified body, we are acknowledging that our faith is strong and redemptive, but it's not necessarily a comfortable and easy pursuit. Standing up for our beliefs can often come at great cost."
The following link is to a 2 page pdf summary of the document:
http://manhattandeclaration.org/images/content/ManhattanDeclarationSummary.pdf
I am posting this on Thanksgiving Day 2009 and at this point Christian Americans still have much more than a remnant of the Christian heritage left us by our Founding Fathers in our culture and government. As a Christian American I exhort and remind my brothers and sisters to take up their cross, follow Him, be ready in and out of season and not to be weary in well doing! We are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against the spirit of anti-christ in our generation. Christ is still building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Christ's purposes will be fulfilled.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Trauma, Drama..."and the wise man built his house upon the ROCK"
It's been a long time - 3 months - since I last posted here. A whole lot has been happening. I'm reminded of the parable of the wise and foolish builders and the little song I learned as a child..."the rains came down and the floods came up and the house on the rock stood firm!"Please take the time to visit this site, read the article and check out the comments.
http://comments.americanthinker.com/read/42323/442851.html
I'd also like to share some edifying words I have heard lately:
Allow the water of God's Word to wash away all defilement of flesh and spirit. Let Him cleanse you and release you into the power of a new day. Deliberately renew your mind, and let go of all ungodly and destructive mindsets. Rise up in faith and renewed hope as you release the past and prepare to move ahead. Refuse to allow the enemy to destroy your confidence by making you feel condemned. Overcome the flesh, and walk in the Spirit.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
The enemy is poised to attack us in the area of our emotions, but we must refuse to allow our flesh to rule or our emotions to run wild. We must stand strong, and rise up in the Spirit where we can see clearly and maintain stability. Otherwise, it will be a roller-coaster ride. Let the Lord lead through this maze of extreme demands, conflict, and confusion. The war is on, but victory comes through overcoming the works of the flesh and walking in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
There is a chorus, do you know it?
Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!
Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!
Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!
Let God, let God...Arise!
Beloved, refuse to allow frustration to hinder your progress. Calm yourself and quiet your soul, and allow Christ to bring you through every challenge in peace. Obstacles will literally melt away if you will just trust Him to undertake as you pray your way through. He will give you strength to accomplish all that is before you and the wisdom that you need to surmount every obstruction and clear every hurdle. Be strong and set your will to conquer.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
The enemy wants to create threatening situations that will produce enough intimidation to keep you from walking and living in the Spirit. Watch for these attacks and refuse to allow them to keep you earthbound. Just as Christ has called you to come higher, the devil is calling for you to go down with discouragement and disappointment because of the things you face and have to deal with. Refuse to allow the enemy of your soul to ground you. Resist him and keep looking up.
1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
“If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.”-- Winston Churchill
Another song comes to mind..."My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness...on Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand..."
Shalom!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thinking about our nation...
"Freedom is an open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. With the preservation of these moral and spiritual qualities and with God's grace will come further greatness for our country."
-- President Herbert Hoover
I wonder what he meant the "moral and spiritual qualities" which needed to be preserved were?
The only thing I know for certain is that only by God's grace is any person, let alone a nation, able to achieve anything considered even close to "greatness".
-- President Herbert Hoover
I wonder what he meant the "moral and spiritual qualities" which needed to be preserved were?
The only thing I know for certain is that only by God's grace is any person, let alone a nation, able to achieve anything considered even close to "greatness".
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Transitions: Thrilling, Tricky, Transformational
A powerful word picture by Terry Walling in his new book Stuck! that reminds me of our part and God's part in our journey toward maturity as a Christ follower:
"The trapeze artists climb high above the crowd. All eyes watch as an empty swing is put in motion. Off to the side, the catcher begins his rhythmic swing, matching the timing of the vacant bar, floating upside down. His size and strength are impressive. The flyers are dependent on his skill and strength. The flyer propels herself high into the big-top air. The crowd thrills as the flyer blindly releases from the swing, trusting the catcher. The catch produces applause reserved for this moment. The flyer is home. They have together accomplished what few dare attempt, an act of death-defying proportion. This is a picture of the transitions in the life of a committed believer."
Stuck!
Navigating the Transitions of Life & Leadership
Author: Terry B. Walling
Publisher: ChurchSmart Resources, 2008, 144 pp.
ISBN: 1889638757
"The trapeze artists climb high above the crowd. All eyes watch as an empty swing is put in motion. Off to the side, the catcher begins his rhythmic swing, matching the timing of the vacant bar, floating upside down. His size and strength are impressive. The flyers are dependent on his skill and strength. The flyer propels herself high into the big-top air. The crowd thrills as the flyer blindly releases from the swing, trusting the catcher. The catch produces applause reserved for this moment. The flyer is home. They have together accomplished what few dare attempt, an act of death-defying proportion. This is a picture of the transitions in the life of a committed believer."
Stuck!
Navigating the Transitions of Life & Leadership
Author: Terry B. Walling
Publisher: ChurchSmart Resources, 2008, 144 pp.
ISBN: 1889638757
Friday, April 24, 2009
More Work? part 2
I had the pleasant surprise of crossing paths with two other neighbors outside yet another local post office...this time I was hailed and warmly greeted by both. From a distance there was no mistaking friendliness in this acknowledgement!
The kind of "work" needed here is almost effortless!
There's another blog I post on. I have the privilege of expressing myself to as many of my internet using neighbors that may choose to read it. They have an opportunity to comment there as well.
I have wondered often and long about the reasons why those who have commented there have done so with absolute anonymity. I recently came to a conclusion and formed a rather strong opinion about the matter. Based on that opinion I wrote a rather intense post which has been viewed but, still has not been commented on. So, I'm left wondering if that post will cause any change to occur.
I'm also hoping I didn't alienate anyone but, if that were my only guideline for topics on the other blog, I'd never post anything!
One of my mentors said, "I hate anonymous letters! As a matter of fact, if I get one, I throw it away and won't even read it." They shared that recently they had bent their usual rule for dealing with anonymous letters. This particular one was read because a second copy was given them and in turn they wrote a response to it in a public forum. The reason my mentor gave for this exception was that many people were involved, it effected a decision needing to be made, and there was another perspective that needed to be considered than the one presented anonymously. The response they wrote was not anonymous. I respect that.
I have no problem disagreeing with someone. I have no problem when someone disagrees with me. Most of the time I like my perspective best but, I have been enlightened by the perspectives of others on more occasions than I can count. Questions, answers and the resulting discussion can be "messy"; time consuming and draining at times but, I've always been a more well rounded person for having made that investment. Sometimes my opinion is changed as my perspective is enlarged and other things are brought in to focus.
This can be scary at times. It can be excruciatingly difficult at times. It is more work.
If anyone reading this would like to share their thoughts on anonymous commenter's, I'd appreciate the input.
The kind of "work" needed here is almost effortless!
There's another blog I post on. I have the privilege of expressing myself to as many of my internet using neighbors that may choose to read it. They have an opportunity to comment there as well.
I have wondered often and long about the reasons why those who have commented there have done so with absolute anonymity. I recently came to a conclusion and formed a rather strong opinion about the matter. Based on that opinion I wrote a rather intense post which has been viewed but, still has not been commented on. So, I'm left wondering if that post will cause any change to occur.
I'm also hoping I didn't alienate anyone but, if that were my only guideline for topics on the other blog, I'd never post anything!
One of my mentors said, "I hate anonymous letters! As a matter of fact, if I get one, I throw it away and won't even read it." They shared that recently they had bent their usual rule for dealing with anonymous letters. This particular one was read because a second copy was given them and in turn they wrote a response to it in a public forum. The reason my mentor gave for this exception was that many people were involved, it effected a decision needing to be made, and there was another perspective that needed to be considered than the one presented anonymously. The response they wrote was not anonymous. I respect that.
I have no problem disagreeing with someone. I have no problem when someone disagrees with me. Most of the time I like my perspective best but, I have been enlightened by the perspectives of others on more occasions than I can count. Questions, answers and the resulting discussion can be "messy"; time consuming and draining at times but, I've always been a more well rounded person for having made that investment. Sometimes my opinion is changed as my perspective is enlarged and other things are brought in to focus.
This can be scary at times. It can be excruciatingly difficult at times. It is more work.
If anyone reading this would like to share their thoughts on anonymous commenter's, I'd appreciate the input.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I cried, I smiled
I started Grief Share Monday night. I cried through the whole thing. I'm glad I'm not the only one shedding tears in the group. I'm glad for a safe place to allow the true emotions to surface. I'm glad for safe people who understand.
I smiled today when the sun was shining. I smiled at the happy songs of the birds. I smiled at the happy colors of the spring flowers.
There is hope. God doesn't keep that fact a secret.
I smiled today when the sun was shining. I smiled at the happy songs of the birds. I smiled at the happy colors of the spring flowers.
There is hope. God doesn't keep that fact a secret.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
More work?
You know, sometimes it can be very challenging to be neighborly.
I'm a friendly person as a rule. I like to smile, say "hi" or at least nod to acknowledge someone I see out in the community. I wave at crossing guards and flag men on road work as I pass. I like to engage the cashier or waitress who's serving me in a few words of courteous small talk, making an effort to say something complimentary or encouraging while I'm there.
Then there's the times that we run across the difficult people in our lives.
Should it be any different with them? Well, yes and no.
Yes, it should be different because it takes greater effort. No matter what emotion they stir, the same respect is due them as is due every other human being. The reality of what is going on in my heart comes to the surface immediately in a difficult situation. It's revealed in my immediate reaction!
And no, because when this happens it becomes an opportunity to put myself aside and consider the bigger picture; God loves them and wants to love them through me so, what would that look like in this situation? That is exactly the same motive behind my friendliness in the first place; love and respect for God and others.
Today (well, technically yesterday) my path crossed with someone in the parking lot at the post office. I recognized them from a distance and determined to be friendly. As we acknowledged one another in a brief exchange of eye contact my smile was met with what I interpreted to be a disdainful scowl. Not totally unexpected, we have a stressful history but, I was hopeful we might be able to move past this level more quickly.
The fact that it's bothered me on and off throughout the day reveals to me that I've got more to process on the inside regarding the trouble between us. Some would say to me, "You think too much! Just let it go!" Well, "letting it go" is easier said than done, my friend.
"Letting it go" takes a bit of focused concentration and time. You have to be aware of what it is that you are letting go of before you can actually do it, otherwise all you have done is bury it alive. The next time you are confronted with something related to it, what is still in your heart will rise up and make itself known again!
This is one of the reasons that being too busy is a bad thing. The time needed for personal reflection, meditation and resolution is often squeezed out by the urgent and the necessary things get buried alive.
For me, taking time to "really live" includes making time for this kind of thing. It's the only way I've found to practically apply God's grace and peace and mercy to my own personal daily walk in a way that actually impacts everything I do.
I'm glad I took the time to write this out. Thanks for "listening."
I'm a friendly person as a rule. I like to smile, say "hi" or at least nod to acknowledge someone I see out in the community. I wave at crossing guards and flag men on road work as I pass. I like to engage the cashier or waitress who's serving me in a few words of courteous small talk, making an effort to say something complimentary or encouraging while I'm there.
Then there's the times that we run across the difficult people in our lives.
Should it be any different with them? Well, yes and no.
Yes, it should be different because it takes greater effort. No matter what emotion they stir, the same respect is due them as is due every other human being. The reality of what is going on in my heart comes to the surface immediately in a difficult situation. It's revealed in my immediate reaction!
And no, because when this happens it becomes an opportunity to put myself aside and consider the bigger picture; God loves them and wants to love them through me so, what would that look like in this situation? That is exactly the same motive behind my friendliness in the first place; love and respect for God and others.
Today (well, technically yesterday) my path crossed with someone in the parking lot at the post office. I recognized them from a distance and determined to be friendly. As we acknowledged one another in a brief exchange of eye contact my smile was met with what I interpreted to be a disdainful scowl. Not totally unexpected, we have a stressful history but, I was hopeful we might be able to move past this level more quickly.
The fact that it's bothered me on and off throughout the day reveals to me that I've got more to process on the inside regarding the trouble between us. Some would say to me, "You think too much! Just let it go!" Well, "letting it go" is easier said than done, my friend.
"Letting it go" takes a bit of focused concentration and time. You have to be aware of what it is that you are letting go of before you can actually do it, otherwise all you have done is bury it alive. The next time you are confronted with something related to it, what is still in your heart will rise up and make itself known again!
This is one of the reasons that being too busy is a bad thing. The time needed for personal reflection, meditation and resolution is often squeezed out by the urgent and the necessary things get buried alive.
For me, taking time to "really live" includes making time for this kind of thing. It's the only way I've found to practically apply God's grace and peace and mercy to my own personal daily walk in a way that actually impacts everything I do.
I'm glad I took the time to write this out. Thanks for "listening."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Character and Controversy
I've been quite busy, as usual (not something I consider a good thing), and decided to take some time to just sit and watch a couple of videos.
Sometimes, I feel a need to experience something vicariously without actually having to be involved in any significant decision making processes. Movies can be good for this kind of get-away. The only decisions are whether or not to put it on pause when you need to move away from the screen.
The two I settled on were "The Tale of Despereaux" an animated G rated film staring a plucky little mouse and "Seven Pounds" a drama staring Will Smith. Both were well worth the rental fee.
Despereaux inspired me towards courage, honor, the value of fighting to overcome oppression, forgiveness from the heart, and the integrity that is revealed in common courtesy. It also highlighted the reality of how we respond to grief and loss in ways that can be easily misunderstood and may deeply effect those around us. All things I need to be reminded of at this particular juncture of my life's events and circumstances.
Seven Pounds allowed me to experience the raw emotion around the very difficult topics of grief and loss. Sometimes we're so wrapped up in "doing the right thing" that we don't allow ourselves to feel the emotions we're experiencing. We find ourselves reacting and behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic of us. I suspect I'm not the only one who has this type of reaction to loss and grief from time to time. I think it's a form of denial. I'm told that denial is a safety valve of sorts, putting things on hold until we are able to process them appropriately. This film also highlighted the reality of the dangers of isolation; physical or emotional. We need the perspective of those around us when we are going through difficult things.
I was surprised to find the themes of grief and loss, forgiveness and character in both films. I simply chose one because it seemed to guarantee a light hearted laugh and the other because it seemed to be inspirational...
I had signed up to join a Grief Share group this coming Monday evening. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence. Some One guided my choices.
I'm going to give you a link to a site that does movie reviews from a conservative Christian perspective: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "The Tale of Despereaux" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004407.cfm .
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "Seven Pounds" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004409.cfm .
Sometimes, I feel a need to experience something vicariously without actually having to be involved in any significant decision making processes. Movies can be good for this kind of get-away. The only decisions are whether or not to put it on pause when you need to move away from the screen.
The two I settled on were "The Tale of Despereaux" an animated G rated film staring a plucky little mouse and "Seven Pounds" a drama staring Will Smith. Both were well worth the rental fee.
Despereaux inspired me towards courage, honor, the value of fighting to overcome oppression, forgiveness from the heart, and the integrity that is revealed in common courtesy. It also highlighted the reality of how we respond to grief and loss in ways that can be easily misunderstood and may deeply effect those around us. All things I need to be reminded of at this particular juncture of my life's events and circumstances.
Seven Pounds allowed me to experience the raw emotion around the very difficult topics of grief and loss. Sometimes we're so wrapped up in "doing the right thing" that we don't allow ourselves to feel the emotions we're experiencing. We find ourselves reacting and behaving in ways that are uncharacteristic of us. I suspect I'm not the only one who has this type of reaction to loss and grief from time to time. I think it's a form of denial. I'm told that denial is a safety valve of sorts, putting things on hold until we are able to process them appropriately. This film also highlighted the reality of the dangers of isolation; physical or emotional. We need the perspective of those around us when we are going through difficult things.
I was surprised to find the themes of grief and loss, forgiveness and character in both films. I simply chose one because it seemed to guarantee a light hearted laugh and the other because it seemed to be inspirational...
I had signed up to join a Grief Share group this coming Monday evening. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence. Some One guided my choices.
I'm going to give you a link to a site that does movie reviews from a conservative Christian perspective: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "The Tale of Despereaux" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004407.cfm .
If you'd like to see another perspective than mine on "Seven Pounds" follow this link: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0004409.cfm .
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hope
Good Friday followed by Resurrection Day...a perfect season for this celebration in North America.
The snow is gone. All flora appears dead and brown. The temperature low. The wind often blustery. Frequent clouds and rain.
Yet the fauna...birds mostly but, also ground hogs, skunks, bunnies, and an occasional chipmunk eager to begin the new season reveal themselves and remind us of the promise of what is soon to come.
Let's allow the things of the past to die. Let's put them in the grave.
A new season is beginning. A new cycle of life. A fresh start. There is a future. There is hope!
Colossians 3:1- 4:6
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
The snow is gone. All flora appears dead and brown. The temperature low. The wind often blustery. Frequent clouds and rain.
Yet the fauna...birds mostly but, also ground hogs, skunks, bunnies, and an occasional chipmunk eager to begin the new season reveal themselves and remind us of the promise of what is soon to come.
Let's allow the things of the past to die. Let's put them in the grave.
A new season is beginning. A new cycle of life. A fresh start. There is a future. There is hope!
Colossians 3:1- 4:6
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
President Obama's Inaugural Speech
Look out! Here comes my "train of thought" on President Obama's inaugural speech!
This is evidence of me being more like a crock pot than a microwave ... thank you for indulging this idiosyncrasy and reading on.
On Tuesday I said, "There was nothing I didn't like about the speech the President gave on Tuesday." Which is true to a point; it definitely set a tone, inspired, and motivated. It elevated our thoughts to things above and beyond ourselves as individuals, put us in touch with our heritage as a nation, and gave a clear direction for us to focus on and move toward. It even instilled a sense of responsibility to the listeners for making concerted efforts to move in the stated direction. He even quoted many of my favorite historical figures!
BUT, he kept saying that he had faith in the American people, in our potential, our drive, our history, our ability, our competence, our strength, our American way. Not once did he reference our past or present dependence upon God for any of these character qualities or favorable outcomes. Not one hint. The absence of this could be chalked up to political correctness but, I don't think that's likely.
Everything about the speech was absolutely deliberate, specific, purposeful, intentional. Rick Warren's inclusion in the day's events, at first glance, seems only a token of "inclusion" (translate: appeasement) for those perceived to be "the intolerant, radical, right" and nothing more. But looking more closely, with eyes and hearts in tune through our relationship with God in Christ, we can see the LORD's glory revealed in that same inclusion! The truth of the good news about God was proclaimed and prayed without apology and broadcast to the world to the glory of God!
This is the truth: our hope is found in Christ Jesus alone. Without Him we are merely building another Tower of Babel and inviting God to intervene for His name's sake. He is a jealous God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished. There is no other and He is good.
With that, I step off my soap box.
This is evidence of me being more like a crock pot than a microwave ... thank you for indulging this idiosyncrasy and reading on.
On Tuesday I said, "There was nothing I didn't like about the speech the President gave on Tuesday." Which is true to a point; it definitely set a tone, inspired, and motivated. It elevated our thoughts to things above and beyond ourselves as individuals, put us in touch with our heritage as a nation, and gave a clear direction for us to focus on and move toward. It even instilled a sense of responsibility to the listeners for making concerted efforts to move in the stated direction. He even quoted many of my favorite historical figures!
BUT, he kept saying that he had faith in the American people, in our potential, our drive, our history, our ability, our competence, our strength, our American way. Not once did he reference our past or present dependence upon God for any of these character qualities or favorable outcomes. Not one hint. The absence of this could be chalked up to political correctness but, I don't think that's likely.
Everything about the speech was absolutely deliberate, specific, purposeful, intentional. Rick Warren's inclusion in the day's events, at first glance, seems only a token of "inclusion" (translate: appeasement) for those perceived to be "the intolerant, radical, right" and nothing more. But looking more closely, with eyes and hearts in tune through our relationship with God in Christ, we can see the LORD's glory revealed in that same inclusion! The truth of the good news about God was proclaimed and prayed without apology and broadcast to the world to the glory of God!
This is the truth: our hope is found in Christ Jesus alone. Without Him we are merely building another Tower of Babel and inviting God to intervene for His name's sake. He is a jealous God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished. There is no other and He is good.
With that, I step off my soap box.
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