Doug Sherman - What Think Ye?

ONLY GOD KNOWS OUR HEARTS!

2011-12-14T10:17:00.001-08:00

Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." But he said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same... But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak." And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:29-31, 71, 72 ESV)

O' the horrible, bitter pain of denial! It is my observation after many years of working with this complex and nuanced creature called the human being that we do not know our own hearts. How many times have I heard the impassioned plea of a person as they tell me how pure their heart is in a given situation. I want to scream, "You don't know the motives of your heart, watch out!" Am I saying this because my heart is pure? Heck NO! If there is anything I know about me it is, I don't know about me. What we know about ourselves is only the proverbial "tip of the iceberg". There is much more under the surface of our own waves that we cannot see.

Here in this text, Peter is you, and Peter is me! Peter proclaims loyalty, courage and martyrdom. Jesus reveals denial, cowardice and brokenness. Peter sees his own intentions but Jesus sees the true state of the man. I have to go with Jesus on this one. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but my own experience now confirms this narrative. I am no longer shocked or disappointed when a person reveals a character flaw or sin in the midst of a great test or time of pressure. I think I grasp the doctrine and reality of depravity and the "sin within".

Jeremiah reminds us of the true state of the unregenerate heart here, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV). However, contrasted to this text is the New Covenant promise of Ezekiel, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "(Ezekiel 36:26 ESV). So, which is it, deceitful and sick, or new? Well, according to my understanding of the "heart" as it is Biblically defined, I must say both. The heart seems to be the intersection point within the human soul and spirit where the indwelling Spirit of God and the other influences of mind, will and emotion all interact. It is the center of our being from which we ultimately live out our lives. It is too complex and deep to understand completely.

This is why it is so dangerous to judge another man's motives or intentions. We cannot even judge our own motives or intentions, so how can we possibly see into the depths of another man's heart? The apostle Paul confirms this idea here: "In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me." (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4 ESV). There are many other places in the Scripture where we are called to make righteous judgment and assess good and evil. Where the Bible clearly labels something to be sin or evil, we are called to declare those truths. However, we cannot judge the state of our own hearts or another man's heart. Only God knows our hearts!

WORDS OF LIFE OR DEATH? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?

2011-12-13T09:14:00.001-08:00

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing...Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment...Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:18, 19, 25 ESV)

Sword thrusts or healing? Forever or just a moment? Weighed down or glad? The writer of Proverbs gives us several great contrasts to assess how we use our words. What kinds of words issue from your lips? Do people feel stabbed and thrust-through after spending time with you? Do people leave your presence feeling like healing virtue and medicine were just poured into their souls? Are you a truth-teller or exaggerator? Are you honest in your assessments or do you embellish a little to make yourself look good? Exaggerators and embellishers are quickly forgotten, but truth-tellers endure forever!

Have you ever experienced the power that comes when your heavy, anxiety-laden heart gets suddenly lifted by a good word? Oh, that God would help us keep a watch over our tongues, mouths and lips. We are to be a people who fill our world with words of grace! Remember, whatever is filling your heart will issue out of your mouth. Let us keep our hearts filled with the grace, truth, love, justice and the holiness of God. Let us be Spirit-filled people who pour-forth words of life to all those around us. Declare LIFE!

SLAVES NOT YET READY FOR WAR!

2011-12-12T09:41:00.001-08:00

SLAVES NOT YET READY FOR WAR!

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle... And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. (Exodus 13:17, 18, 21, 22 ESV)

God knows our abilities and mental state of mind. God knows that newly delivered slaves are not prepared to be a mighty army. God led His people away from the Philistines because He knew that they lacked the mental toughness and preparation to do battle against a nation that would later become their arch-enemies. Though they went up "equipped for battle", it was mostly for show. They were brandishing swords and spears but could only handle trowels and slave implements. They marched like roosters, but were chickens at heart. God knew this about them and it was ok. It was the season of a pillar of cloud and fire to protect, guide and cover. God let them wear the armor so they could get used to it's weight and feel, though they were not yet ready to actually use it in battle. Like George Washington and the Continetal Army at Valley Forge, God had a place called the Wilderness to form a warriors heart within them.

Have you recently been delivered out of a life of spiritual slavery? Do you want to venture out into the enemy's territory and set captives free? Don't be surprised if God keeps you out of the heat of the battle for awhile and guides your life through some wilderness training. He wants you to become comfortable with your new armor and weaponry. God wants you to become confident in your new identity as a Son or Daughter of His! He wants you to be free from a slave's mentality so you can wage a good warfare for His Kingdom. Unfortunately, as we know, this particular generation with Moses could never cast off their yoke of slavery. However, their sons and daughters would march into the Promise Land and possess it. They would be led by a mighty warrior named Joshua who had encountered "The Captain of the Host of the Lord's Armies"!

THE SACRAMENTS OF FLYING EAGLES AND GOOD MUSIC

2011-12-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

This is a post from around 5 years ago. After reading it again, I thought it might encourage and bless some of you.

A SACRAMENT in the Christian Faith is a rite that conveys or transmits the grace of God to the adherent. As an Evangelical/Charismatic believer I hold to the general tradition that Baptism, the Lord's Supper and the Preaching of the Scripture are Sacraments that convey Divine grace into the life of the believer.

However, I have come to embrace a broader application of Sacramental living because I see and experience God conveying His grace to me and many others in a number of non-traditional ways. Some specific examples would include the gifts of the Holy Spirit, music, the arts, touch and the beauty and majesty of creation.

Yesterday, I experienced the grace of God being conveyed to me in a variety of ways as I walked along the lake in my community and drove down the highway in my car.

Mondays are often a day of recovery for me as I try to recharge myself from the intensity of the weekend. As a pastor, I minister two services on Sunday and often spend large amounts of time in personal ministry with people in need. For some reason, more than any other day of the week, when I am done I am exhausted and spent.

On Mondays, I often like to take walks and spend time being quiet and thinking about God and His big beautiful creation and purpose. Doing this helps me to get perspective and remember why I got into this thing called pastoral ministry in the first place. Yesterday, as I walked along the lake, I stopped and thanked God for the breeze on my face and arms, the warmth of the sun, the smells of grass and sagebrush, the sounds of many varieties of birds, the cackling of geese, and the overall signs of Spring bursting out all around me.

As I was absorbing all of this, I noticed a commotion among the geese on the lake and looked up to see two magnificent bald eagles soaring on the thermal drafts above. I watched them for a long time and thought about how they were created by God to soar and hunt and inspire wonder in us. It seemed that everywhere I looked, God's creation was conveying grace to me as I took it all in.

Later as I drove down the road in my car on my way to an appointment 25 miles away, I listened to a couple of bands that I really appreciate and enjoy. As I sang out and beat on my steering wheel to the rhythm, God conveyed His grace and Presence to me. I joined U2 in declaring "YAHWEH, YAHWEH, always pain before a child is born, YAHWEH, YAHWEH, I'm still waiting for the dawn." I was emotionally overcome as I realized that people all over the world were singing out the name of the ONE TRUE GOD as TIME MAGAZINE'S CO-PERSON OF THE YEAR, Bono, belted out some of the most powerful lyrics to ever go out over the airwaves!

WALKS, DRIVES, GEESE, EAGLES, BREEZES, SUNSHINE AND U2! GOD WAS IMPARTING HIS LOVE, PROVISION AND AMAZING GRACE TO THIS NEEDY MAN THROUGH THESE UNLIKELY SOURCES! I praise Him for His SACRAMENTS OF EVERYDAY LIFE! May He give all of us the ability to recognize how they subtly appear all around us every day.

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

2011-10-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Core Values - #1 - Relationship with God

2011-10-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO BE SAD

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this little devotional thought on sadness to encourage anyone struggling with depression and sadness right now. Remember, Jesus is "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief."

Psalms 6:6-7 - 6 I'm tired of all this — so tired. My bed has been floating forty days and nights On the flood of my tears. My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears. 7 The sockets of my eyes are black holes; nearly blind, I squint and grope. THE MESSAGE
Psalms 13 - O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? NLT

I am alive!!! I know this because I hurt. I know this because I sorrow, am disappointed, and feel the deep sadness that often goes with being a man on this fallen planet. Yes, of course I hate the dark moods of life, but they testify to me that all is not right and that sin and death are the reality of this groaning, cursed ground. You may think I am crazy, but a few moments ago while sitting here feeling quite discouraged and heart-sick, this truth slipped through one of the cracks in my heart and brought me comfort.

We live in the age of the HAPPY CULT of which I have often been a zealous adherent. We are made to believe that being happy is our birthright and entitlement. To feel bad is the ultimate no-no and the perfect excuse for extramarital affairs, most divorces and regular indulgences for our sinful nature. Many Christians I know would rebuke me for these thoughts and accuse me of being negative, faithless and oppressed by an evil spirit. To these things, I must counter with the words of David and Solomon, men of much greater stature than I. It seems God often has His servants in the school of suffering as they major in depression, discouragement, disappointment and discontentment.

Please understand, I am not advocating some kind of sick, masochistic view of suffering that encourages the onslaughts of sorrow and pain as though they are blessings to be sought, because I am not. Rather, I am simply convinced that suffering is an amazing teacher and a constant reminder that all is not well down here. Our Utopian experiments are all failing, (thankfully) and we must look to embrace God's Redemption experiment, for, it is at work in the hearts of hurting and joyful sons and daughters.

Pain reminds me that I feel and it serves as the emotional and spiritual counterpart to my physical nerve endings. It teaches me to avoid evil and embrace God. It is a beautiful thing that the God who could give me the capacity to laugh loudly from the belly, experience the ecstasy of sexual passion and the beauty of art and music, could also equip me with the emotions of sadness, anger and sorrow. The pleasure and the pain teach me about the God of the Scriptures who sits in the heavens laughing, stands outside Lazarus tomb weeping, and cries out in the oil press of Gethsemane, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Ecclesiastes 7:3-4 - 3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the
wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the
house of mirth. NKJV

Mr. Promise and His Two Sons, Hope and Wish

2011-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

I HAVE UPDATED THIS LITTLE ALLEGORY ABOUT HOPE AND WISH, TWO VERY DIFFERENT BROTHERS. CHECK IT OUT.

After reading some thoughts recently from Eugene Peterson on the difference between hoping and wishing, I came up with this little allegory about a Father named Mr. Promise, and his two sons, Hope and Wish. Enjoy.

“There was once a very good man named Mr. Promise. Mr. Promise had two sons named Hope and Wish. Mr. Promise often had to travel abroad because of his work. Whenever he would travel, he would purchase gifts to bring home to Hope and Wish. Often, while traveling Mr. Promise would phone home and tell his sons that he would be bringing them gifts upon his return. Mr. Promise never lied.

Now Mr. Promise’s son Wish would always get his heart set upon a certain gift that he wished his father would bring him. On this particular trip, Wish wanted an “Easy Wand”. Now Mr. Promise had never even hinted that he would bring Wish an “Easy Wand”, but Wish was determined that the will of Mr. Promise was for him to have an “Easy Wand”. An "Easy Wand" is a magical wand (that Mr. Promise says does not even exist) that makes everything in life easy. However, Mr. Promise had purchased a beautiful “Belt of Truth” for Wish, and was very excited about seeing the surprise on his son’s face. When Mr. Promise returned and gave the belt to Wish, Wish simply opened the package, threw it down upon the ground, and walked away disappointed.

On the other hand, Hope looked with great expectation to the return of Mr. Promise. Hope never had any preconceived ideas about what Mr. Promise would bring home. Hope knew that his father, Mr. Promise was a good man. Hope was always amazed with the ability Mr. Promise had to figure out the perfect gift for the day and the occasion. Hope was so full of excitement that he thought he would burst with joy. When Mr. Promise returned with the most wonderful gift, a “Book of Light”, Hope was thrilled, captivated, and surprised! Of course, the difference between Wish and Hope was simply that Wish always decided for himself what would make him happy. Hope however trusted that his father, Mr. Promise, always knew better than him what would make him happy.

After many years of this scenario playing out, Wish left the family, disowned them, changed his name to Disappointment, and joined himself to some rather dark companions. Wish, or rather Disappointment "hooked up" with Discontentment, and they had two children named Cynicism and Bitterness. They moved to the community of Ruin, and live there until the present.

Hope met a beautiful girl named Contentment. They married, and had two children named Faith and Love. They live modestly in a very nice tent city within the shadow of the walls of the great city of Paradise. They have been promised a wonderful dwelling in Paradise at a future date. Hope and Contentment have no doubt that they will receive their dwelling because the promissory note was signed by Mr. Promise’s father, Mr. Faithful.”

Hostages Freed! Good News!

2011-09-21T09:35:00.001-07:00

So very happy today for the two American Hikers and their families after their release from an Iranian prison! I can only imagine the pain, fear and uncertainty their families and friends have gone through.

Click on this Wall Street Journal link and read the story. I have prayed for their release and am thanking God for His mercy. He still sets the captives free! Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

WHAT THINK YE?

2011-09-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

This is my new blog, "What Think Ye?" In these tough economic times, I have decided to go budget and drop Typepad and adopt Blogger again. Every little bit counts, right? So, check it out and tell me what you think. Cheers!

Illuminate Day 2 - Bad Heart or Good Heart?

2011-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezekiel 36:26-27 ESV)

Is the heart of a true heaven-born, Christ follower bad or good? Most of the believers I talk to reply with Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" ESV

This response is telling to say the least, and potentially fatal to living out and understanding Christ's saving work. Yes, the unredeemed man or woman is truly in this state before God.The heart is "deceitful" and "desperately sick" apart from the redeeming work of Christ. However, the promise of God prophesied through that great prophet Ezekiel tells a much different story. According to him, the New Covenant would usher in the day of a new kind of people with "new hearts" and "new spirits"!

The human "heart" as revealed in the Bible is that central place within us where our mind, will, emotion, spirit, intellect, passion, imagination and desire all intersect. I see it as that place where soul and spirit meet, and where all of our decisions are ultimately determined. Without Christ, our heart is a confused, selfish mess of intersecting and jumbled thoughts, feelings, and decisions all vying for preeminence. With Christ inhabiting the spirit of a man and governing the heart from within, we can finally begin to live out of our true center. We can finally be "good hearted" people who live out of the indwelling life of Christ from within.

I do realize of course that within popular society it is assumed that everyone has a "good heart" to begin with. However, if we are honest with ourselves, our nightly newscasts and private inward battles debunk that myth in short order . Without Christ the human heart is truly wicked, selfish, rebellious, murderous and without hope. Jesus made it clear that every evil deed we do issues from within the human heart and cannot be blamed on the old adage, "The Devil made me do it".

There is no doubt whatsoever that the heart can be deeply affected by what enters it, and can be altered even after the new birth. Solomon exhorts us in Proverbs 4:23 to "Keep your hearts with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life". He then goes on to warn us about what our mouths say, where we look, and where our feet take us. It is our sacred charge to be like a sentry and guard carefully whatever enters our hearts. Even so, the true Christ follower has been given a new heart with new desires and a new proclivity toward God and His kingdom! We must not forget that.

Jesus made it equally clear Matthew 5:8 that "The pure in heart will see God". Based upon my understanding of the Beatitudes, Jesus was not speaking of a future day after our death or at His second coming when He made that statement. He was showing us how to live in the kingdom of God now, while giving us great incentive for pursuing purity of heart. To "see God" is the yearning of every true God-lover and a pursuit worth giving our all for. We must believe that it is possible to see Him if it is to become an experiential reality.

We must be convinced that redemption includes receiving a "new heart" and a "new spirit", and that our inward nature is now God-possessed. Furthermore, we must believe that God is able to give us His desires and dreams for our lives. Receiving a new heart and living from that Spirit-filled heart gives me great hope that I can truly think and feel as God thinks and feels. It makes me confident that He will guide me by His Word and Spirit and help me to carry out His will and purpose for my life.

It all starts with BELIEVING IN HIM AND RECEIVING A NEW HEART!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Illuminate Day 1 - Idolatry or Jesus?

2011-06-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am blogging again! I have stopped and started so many times, any skepticism on your part is justified! Go ahead...disbelieve!

I am going to make an effort to share some regular devotional-type thoughts that I will gather from my own daily journey with Jesus Christ. Hopefully they will feed something in your soul and encourage you to become more of a "Seeker of His Presence".

Ezekiel 14:3 - "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? ESV

Idolatry is primarily a thing of the heart and face. We were created by God to worship Him and no other. However, we have all fallen in and with Adam, and now worship idols of our own minds and making. And please don't think for a minute that we moderns and post-moderns have somehow evolved beyond idolatry!

Our idols may not be little golden or wooden figurines, but they have captivated our hearts with even greater power. We will and must worship something! The god's of money, sex, power, addictions, pleasure, self, religion, intellect and false religion have all been given beautiful little altars within our hearts! If you did not find yours, just insert it here___________.

Before our faces are those things we most love and worship. As much of the Scripture confirms, we become most like what we gaze upon. What are you gazing upon? What captivates your attention, thoughts, imagination and affection? What is almost impossible for you to turn away from? Behold, your god!

Our only hope and answer is the gaze upon the One who is the "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the "exact imprint of his nature" and the perfect representation of all that He is. If you see him, you will see the Father.

Once the Holy Spirit has revealed Jesus to our idolatrous hearts and faces, we will have eyes for no other. The idols of this age are empty! Jesus is substance and fulfillment! Gaze intently upon Him within the pages of Scripture and the witness of creation! BEHOLD YOUR GOD!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I am an iPhone4 snob now!

2010-07-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally broke down and bought the iPhone4. So far, after about two weeks, I am a very happy man. The iPhone4 is the best smart phone I have ever owned. For the last three years, I have been a Blackberry man. My Blackberry Curve was a very good phone, and for the most part I was happy with it. However, it was an older model, and it did not have many of the functions of the newer smart phones.

The iPhone4 is an amazing piece of hardware. The software and hardware flow together effortlessly, and I find myself really enjoying spending time with my phone. However, I also see the temptation to become an iPhone junkie! I have already downloaded and installed more than 50 different apps! I find myself looking for apps almost continuously at the AppStore. Am I becoming an addict?

Even now, as I do this blog post, I am doing it on an app on my iPhone4. I am using the Dragon Dictation app to draft this post. Pretty cool stuff! After I'm done dictating it, I will simply copy and paste it into my blog. How good is that?

The combination of interface, hardware, apps, and many other intangibles truly make this the best smartphone on the market as far as I'm concerned. If you've been holding out on getting an iPhone4, quit listening to the negative press and take the plunge. You will not be sorry that you joined that elite fraternity known as the iPhone snobs.

Genesis 1 - ESV Online

2010-05-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

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

via www.esvonline.org

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

Immigration Position from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS

2010-05-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

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

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

Immigration 2009 NAE POSITION.

2010-05-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

2010-05-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

via online.worldmag.com

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

2010-01-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

2009-06-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

WE ARE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF THE UNCHANGING ONE!

2009-06-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

THE BLESSING OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS FOR YOUR CHILDREN

2009-06-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

A NEW TACTIC: SHORT AND SWEET/GO ZONA AND ZAGS!!!

2009-03-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have come to see that blogging is almost impossible for me to keep up with, but I still love to write when I am inspired with a little thought or stirred up by something in the news. The only way to make this work then is to write when inspired, to keep it short and sweet, and to not feel the pressure to "keep up."

By this time, most of the people who used to regularly read my posts have long since disappeared from this site due to my infrequent musings. However, I have been unable to close it down and file blogging bankruptcy, so here I go again. PLEASE COME BACK, O FRIENDS OF CYBERSPACE!!!

With that said, let's get on with the really important stuff of life, like --- MARCH MADNESS!!! My brackets are shot, my teams are getting slaughtered, and my pride is taking yet another beating, but I am still holding on to Gonzaga and Arizona, who have both made it to the SWEET 16! Go ZONA, AND THE ZAGS!!! Give us West-coast boys something to celebrate!

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE RACE FOR PRESIDENT

2008-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted on my blog or said anything more about the race for the presidency. As usual, my life has been incredibly busy, and blogging does not have a place of priority in my life that it once did. Nevertheless, in light of everything that has happened in our country in the past few months, I felt it necessary to once again put my thoughts down for equal opportunity shredding.
Our nation's financial system has stood on the edge of a great precipice, looked over the edge, and has stared at the possibility of a great fall. During these events, we have been inundated on a daily basis with this wonderful, everlasting presidential campaign. Like the song that never ends, this race goes on and on my friends. Some day very soon, we will once again know the bliss of life without campaign promises, negative advertising, and the media's love affair with Barack Obama.
One of the things that I have found most interesting in the current financial crisis has been the amazing ability of both candidates, and both parties to continually shift the blame toward one another. The truth is, there is plenty of blame to go around when it comes to the current financial meltdown on Wall Street, and in the American banking sector. The policies of Bill Clinton, Republican and Democratic lawmakers, and George W. Bush have all contributed to the current debacle. Those on the left, who claim to be so full of compassion for the poor, have pushed for mortgage bankers to give loans to people who have no ability to pay them back. If that is compassion, then we could all use a little bit less of it. Those on the right have continued to push for policies that make it easy for the greedy sharks on Wall Street to make millions and even billions of dollars in bonuses, without having to pay any taxes.
Meanwhile, the maverick John McCain, and the Messiah Barack Obama, continue to promise us the sun, the moon, and the stars. At this point in history, either candidate will face some of the most difficult challenges in the history of this great nation when they take office. Senator McCain, and Senator Obama have both articulated policies, programs, and ideas that will dig an even deeper pit for this nation to climb out of.
We need a leader at this time in our history who will be able to come before the American people and sell the idea of great national sacrifice. The government cannot spend us out of our current crisis. It is time for our president, and our representatives to call on all of us to slay that great idol of greed and materialism, and learn what it means once again to sacrifice, to live within our means, and to be better stewards of all the resources that God has given us.
The message I speak of is not popular. Most Americans do not want to hear it. We want to continue to believe that we can have whatever we want, paid for by credit cards, and Uncle Sam. Unfortunately, the bill collectors are on the phone and they are not taking no for an answer. Though some would wrongly say that, "Money is the root of all evil", I would remind you that what the Scripture actually says is, "the love of money is the root of all evil." Money is amoral, has no feelings, and is simply a tool to be used to bring honor to God. However, we have fallen in love with the greenback and have come to see it as the answer to all of our ills. How ironic then to find that the prescription that we thought would make us well is actually, like many of the drug ads on TV, so full of negative side effects that we may just die from the prescription itself.
I have already articulated in previous posts why I could never vote for Barack Obama, but I want to make it clear that I do not think that John McCain, or any other candidate from a third party, has the answers for this nation. I am convinced more than I ever have been that the hope of our nation lies not within the grassroots of some political movement, but squarely in the laps of those who would be called disciples of Jesus Christ. The church, and when I say the church, I don't mean a particular denomination or right-leaning movement, is the only true hope for this nation. The reason I say this is simply because those who have followed Jesus as he prescribed within the Scriptures have always been the greatest change agents on this planet. Shortly after Jesus of Nazareth had walked this planet, it was said of his followers, "here comes those who have turned the world upside down!"
These God-possessed, radical lovers of God and man shook up the established systems, and alternately brought the downfall of the Roman Empire. They did not accomplish this through political power, but by Holy Spirit power. I am not advocating a withdrawal from the political process, as that has been almost as disastrous as the church wielding political power. What I am advocating is re-focusing our attention on the kingdom of heaven and its influence in the earth, rather than trying to become a great political voting bloc. God's people need to return to the Gospel in its simplicity and power. We need to get on our knees and pray, and then get up and do the works of Jesus in the highways and byways. I know this sounds simplistic, but it seemed to work for the early church.
Real Christians who live out the teachings and character of Jesus Christ are downright revolutionary. If we truly took the great commission seriously and sought to make disciples like Jesus told us, we could see a nation turned in fairly short order. The radical love of Jesus Christ demonstrated in practical ways in the lives of the neediest, the "down and outers", and the "up and outers" would be too compelling to ignore. I'm sure it would produce a very similar reaction to the time of Jesus Christ and his apostles. The life-changing, life confronting message and presence of Jesus through his people would be magnetic in its attraction to many, and equally repelling to others. This would produce a clear line of distinction, and provoke people to make decisions for or against the kingdom of God. America would never be the same!
As for how to vote, I would encourage everyone to vote their conscience. If that includes a third-party candidate, go for it. Some say that is throwing away a vote. But if you feel like neither candidate is going to produce the change necessary, or is willing to tell the truth and do what's necessary to bring that change, then you're not throwing away a vote.
I will vote for a candidate who most represents the values I see in Jesus Christ and in his Bible. Because I know Jesus loves the little children, I could never vote for Barack Obama. Jesus would protect the baby in the womb, care for the poor, and call everyone to love their neighbor, do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God. Neither do I believe that Jesus would require the government to meet everyone's needs. He was far more practical than that. He would not let people off the hook that easily. He required that every individual, and every family look out for the needs of their neighbor. Jesus would require people to work hard, but he would also show mercy to those who've experienced difficulty and he would provide a second chance to all who have failed.
I am just sorry that Jesus is not on the ballot and we can't vote for him.

THE MAIN REASON I COULD NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA!

2008-07-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 24:11-12 - 11 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. 12 Don't excuse yourself by saying, "Look, we didn't know." For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. NLT

I'M DOING IT AGAIN!!! I'm talking politics. What has got in to me? Friendly debates are igniting convictions and passions. Watch out, it could get quite hot in the kitchen.

I admit it. I am a "LITMUS TEST", "ONE ISSUE" voter. I could never vote for Obama because he is not willing to use the power of the office of President to help bring an end to the American Holocaust! Abortion is the wholesale murder of an innocent child in the most sacred and vulnerable place of the human body, THE WOMB! No matter how we try to reinvent terminology, and make it about a "Woman's right to her own body", we cannot escape the simple, bloody, violent truth. ABORTION IS THE SLAUGHTER OF A CHILD! No human has the "right" to do that!

Think about it. No crime committed, no charges filed, no arrest made, no due process, no jury, no defense counsel. Just execution for the crime of being inconvenient, and disruptive. The slaughter of "innocent blood" as the Bible often describes it.

If Barack Obama is truly a person who cares about the weak, disenfranchised, marginalized, and those unable to defend themselves, then he needs to use the power of the office of President if elected, to do whatever he can to end all forms of abortion in this country once and for all.

Yes, I care about poverty, the environment, education, health care, the role of our military in foreign policy, the war in Iraq, and all of the other issues out there. But if our Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches will not endeavor to protect life at its weakest and most vulnerable point, then the people in power are not worthy of whatever office they hold. This right to life is one of the fundamental rights protected within our Constitution, and is self evident to people of all times. Without this right, all the others collapse.

Besides, as Joel Belz points out in this excellent article in World Magazine entitled "STOP APOLOGIZING", abortion does not stand alone as an issue. Every other issue listed above is directly and indirectly linked to the abortion issue. Poverty is a factor as to why women get abortions, a lack of good parenting and the breakdown of the family contribute much as well, but the simple truth is, people choose to kill another human being. There is never a justification for the murder of an innocent victim. Take a little time and read the article.

WE WANT A TALL, GOOD LOOKING, SMOOTH TALKING KING!

2008-07-02T04:46:00.000-07:00

1 Samuel 8:4-7 - 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him,
"Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now
appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD said to
Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for
they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king
over them.

1 Samuel 9:2 - And he had a son whose name was Saul, a
handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more
handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of
the people.

Election campaign season is now truly upon us in all of its glory, and I can hardly wait to be wowed by both of our party candidates! Do you hear the obvious sarcasm and cynicism in my words? I am already fed up with the last year, so I cannot even begin to imagine what's to come.

I am not impressed in the least with either John McCain, or Barack Obama. Though many would say I would be throwing away a good vote, it is quite possible that this year I will actually vote for a third party candidate. It would not be the first time I have done so, but I am not encouraged at all with either of these two front runners.

What has happened to the American people when as is typical, we choose to vote for and get excited about IMAGE over SUBSTANCE? Barack Obama is exciting people with his rock-star persona, and his preacher like public rallies. His calls for "change" have become cannon fodder for comedians, but his voting record seems to be largely overlooked by most. He has the most LIBERAL voting record in all of the Senate, including Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton! The "right" to kill babies in the womb, and the Nanny State are central to his political ideology. I know that is blunt, but that is the truth. Barack wants the government to take care of you. In fact, he insists on it! You need help with your life from someone other than God, and Uncle Sam/Barack is the man.

Unfortunately, the call for a king who makes us feel good about ourselves is as real today as ever. Barack reminds me of the Biblical texts that I have quoted above. It seems that Saul's main credentials for leadership included striking good looks and being taller than anyone else! Sounds like the way Americans elect their public officials! Barack even has one more electable quality that Saul lacked. He can give a good speech.

The fact that Senator Obama is African American is getting many people excited too. I don't care what color a man's skin is, or what brand of hyphenated American he is as long as his policies are acceptable. My beef with Barack is just that. His policies will hurt America and its people horribly. Ethnicity is no reason in and of itself to elect anyone.

At least if Barack gets elected, we can feel good about the way our President looks and carries himself. Those who have hated the George Bush swagger, and his appalling use of the English language will finally get some relief!

John McCain seems to be a good guy with a distinguished military record, and many years of service on his
side. But John McCain is a politician through and through. He will do and say what it takes to court the right, the left and the middle, and get elected. Then, he will do what the heck he wants to. He is that kind of guy. Who does he really represent? In a way, I think that could be a good quality, but, I find myself still trying to figure him out.

Senator McCain is an insider if ever there was one. Yes, at times he has been kind of a maverick, but not with policy decisions that have brought great change to the political process or government in general. He seems pretty slippery to me. I realize this is all pretty subjective and personal, but I base my thoughts upon policy and history, not just some feelings I have about his energy, looks, or his commitment to "change."

One last thing, while I'm at it. I am fed up with parties, and labels as well. I am not a right wing conservative evangelical freak. I am not the so-called "Christian Right." I am now an Independent who is going to work hard to vote my conscience, and not some affiliation. I don't want the government in all my business, and I don't want a nanny state OR corporate welfare. I think both John McCain and Barack Obama are too ingrained with the typical Republican and Democratic Party disease to do much to really help or change America. Band Aids will no longer work. We need major surgery! SO HELP US GOD!!!

Anyway, there you have it. The most political I have been in a post in a long time. May God have mercy upon us and not give us the leaders we deserve, but the leaders we need!

ONE MORE TIME!

2008-06-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I cannot believe I'm writing this, but here I go doing that blog thing
AGAIN! After more than 9 months of inactivity, I am risking it again. What can I say? Life ran me over, and other things took on greater significance than blogging. However, because I love to write, and have been told on occasion that my musings encourage a few folks, I have taken up the power of the pen, uh, keyboard once again.

Recently, a pastor friend of mine sent me an email with what was a profound quote in the signature section of his email.
"Vision is the spectacular that
causes us to carry out the mundane."
-Chris Widener

WOW!!! That little quote spoke to me more than I can say! This sums up my commitment to so many things in this quite "mundane" life. Many years ago as I followed what seemed like the leading of God into my calling to pastoral ministry, I was captivated by a vision of the spectacular.

Unfortunately, like so many other things in life, I expected all of the steps toward the spectacular vision to be spectacular, and not mundane. Of course, the mundane is the pathway to the fulfillment of a spectacular vision.

The little so called "meaningless" things we do like paying our bills, loving our spouses, and showing kindness to a neighbor are the very things that lead to the fulfillment of a spectacular vision. In a way, writing this blog is kind of like a spectacular vision I once had about blogging that settled into a kind of mundane day to day regimen of writing.

When the Biblical patriarch Jacob had to work for 7 years to receive Rachel as his wife, he learned to make the best of the mundane work of shepherding and managing Laban's affairs. Yet the Scripture records in Genesis 29:20 that, "Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days for him because of the love he had for her." Obviously that man had a spectacular vision (Rachel was a beauty - see Genesis 29:17), that he was willing to do mundane work for. The Scripture goes on to tell us that Jacob still had to labor for 7 more years under Laban to fulfill his vow. Talk about devotion to a vision.
May God give all of us a "spectacular vision" that will cause us to "carry out the mundane."

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tags: VISION, BIBLE, JACOB, MUNDANE, SPECTACULAR

Starting Over Again!

2007-09-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again as I attempt to regain the heart and time to become a blogger par-excellence. Many people have asked me to pick up this blessed habit because they seem to get something out of my musings. So, here I go again.

So much has happened since I last posted in May. One of my heroes in the faith, and a man I have written about before, Pastor Larry James Brice has graduated to heaven after a painful battle with colon cancer. Larry passed quietly into the Presence of the living Light early on the morning of September 6. His struggle and death have had a profound impact upon my life. Larry was one of the best men I have ever known. What made him that way was Christ within! Larry's life was a picture of Christ being formed on the inside, and working His way to the outside for others to observe.

Larry was gentle, strong, joyful, deep, contemplative, funny, caring, skeptical, hopeful, and real! Larry was a wonderful contradiction of humanity struggling with divinity within. Larry could at times be negative, but he was never hopeless. I loved spending time with him because he was willing to be honest about the difficult subjects of life in a way that was non-religious.

Larry reminded me of men like David and the other Psalmist's who said how they really felt, and complained openly to God about it while maintaining a posture of trust and thanksgiving to God. Larry was a pleasure to know, and I am privileged beyond words to have been able to call him my best friend!

I now embark upon the journey of pastoring at Grace Harvest Church without Larry at my side. I never really prepared for this contingency, but I am confident that God was not surprised, and that He has already gone before us to meet our need. In some ways, I feel that I am not only starting over again at blogging, but that I am starting over again at pastoring. In both areas, I am counting on the God who holds my future, and the future of His people to give fresh manna for each day and to enable me and others to travel down this path that we have never traveled before. May God help us all.

I want to conclude by making the last sermon Larry preached at our church available through a link. Last November, just before Thanksgiving, while I was in the Philippines on a mission trip, Larry preached a message titled, "BE THANKFUL!" It is powerful and ironic in a God-kind of way. I have also included an article from the Columbia Basin Herald that was carried the day after Larry's Memorial Service.

"BE THANKFUL" - SERMON BY PASTOR LARRY JAMES BRICE
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD ARTICLE

The Best of Times, and the Worst of Times

2007-05-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

The opening line of Charles Dickens' famous novel The Tale of Two Cities
uses the oft quoted line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...", to capture a sense of the times and seasons in London and Paris during the French Revolution. It was a time of great upheaval and violent change. In many ways, it was similar to our own times. In some ways and places, times have never been better, while in other ways and places, times have never been worse.

Personally, and in the life of our church these statements are also true. Larry Brice, a

great champion of the faith, our Associate Pastor and my best friend, is battling for his life against colon cancer. Concurrently, our church family moves forward to build a new facility to glorify God and serve the people of the Columbia Basin. God is blessing our lives in unprecedented ways, while we grapple with some of the greatest
challenges our family and church have ever faced.

These times are designed by God to produce hardy saints of us all. The truth is, our predecessors, that "great cloud of witnesses" spoken of by the writer of Hebrews, faced their own "Best and Worst of Times." The history of the church is the redemption story of glory, power, healing, salvation, miracles, restoration AND martyrdom, suffering, loss, rejection, disappointment, and failure. Always, the two

seemingly contradictory tracks were running parallel to one another. Even the glorious book of Acts, that theme section of the Scriptures for Charismatics, reads like a roller coaster ride of paradoxes and life and death drama.

Redemption is the story of God in the midst of sin, death, suffering, sickness etc... Some day, everything will be swallowed up in the life, beauty, and presence of redemption Himself. Until that great day arrives, this train must run on both tracks, and we must ride it!

Daddy's Little Girl is a Princess

2007-04-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am one proud papa! My daughter, whose name is Sarah, is truly a princess in both name and title. The name Sarah, means "Princess", and, my daughter Sarah completed the Moses Lake Jr. Miss Program as 1st Runner up this past Saturday night with princess-like dignity and class. As I watched her perform, and heard her answer questions before a live audience, I was struck by her poise, confidence, and the sense of security she exhibited before hundreds of watchful eyes.
As a protective father, a Christian, and a pastor of a local church, I was not about to let my daughter be a part of something that emphasized outward appearance, and sensuality! Initially, I was a little suspicious of the Junior Miss Program, and what it might expose Sarah to. After investigating a little and praying, Peggy and I gave her the green light to participate. The last 6 weeks have been rather stressful at times while Peggy and Sarah bought dresses, and wrangled over "girlie" type stuff. Oh, it's good to be a man!
Saturday night was the Grand Finale, and while most of the other girls danced for the talent portion of their presentation, Sarah sang "Think of Me" from the film adaptation of "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA." She hit a home run, er, uh, sang beautifully, and brought tears to the eyes of a number of people all over the auditorium!
When the results were announced, another girl won as Moses Lake Junior Miss, but my eyes were only on Sarah. Sarah never really cared whether or not she placed as part of royalty, but she did want to compete, and do her best. Well, as she was announced as 1st runner up, I felt as if she had just won an Olympic Gold Medal, and set a new world record as well! The attitude she exhibited after the announcement was one of humility and graciousness. Can you tell I'm proud and partial?
The American Junior Miss Program has high ideals and encourages inner beauty and character along with service, goal setting, education, and good health. I have included the 'Be Your Best Self' Promise that AJM contestants make when competing. Thank you for letting me indulge in a little fatherly boasting. Only parents will be able to understand my indulgence!
The 'Be Your Best Self' Promise
I want to help improve the world, and that begins with me. I promise to do the following things:

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

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

2007-04-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ME CHURCH!

2007-03-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

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

BACK AFTER A VERY LONG ABSENCE!

2007-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

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

Our oldest son, Stephen, left to Kirkland, Washington, and The City Church GENERATION INTERN PROGRAM. Peggy and I have marveled at God's grace as we have watched our son be challenged and then respond with maturity to almost every challenge. The growth we have observed as a result of this intensive leadership program would be similar in some ways to what a parent sees when their son has returned from boot-camp as a man instead of a boy. I guess the

main difference would be the fact that Stephen has been formed inwardly and is manifesting the nature of Christ more than at any other time! PRAISE GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!

I traveled with 2 other people from our church to the Philippines for a short term missions trip at the end of November. Our goals were to train church leaders, visit the orphanage we support, and be a blessing to the Filipino church. As usual, the Filipino people blessed our lives far beyond anything we could ever do for them. The trip was very successful and fruitful but for me it had to be cut short due to some of the most difficult news I have ever received...

Larry Brice, my dearest friend of 18 years, associate pastor of 9 years, and one of my true heroes in the faith was diagnosed with colon cancer which had spread to his liver. I returned home immediately to be with him as he navigated through the difficult decisions facing him, his wife Shirley, and their 11 year old daughter, Madison. Larry determined to fore-go chemotherapy and is asking God, along with thousands of others from around the world, for a miracle of healing. Larry is truly one of the godliest men I have ever know, and as GENUINE A CHRIST-FOLLOWER as I have observed in my 23 years as a believer. Larry has a passion for God and His kingdom, and desperately wants to "See the Lord do amazing things in Moses Lake and the world!" PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER AS WE CALL ON OUR MIRACLE WORKING GOD TO DO THE AMAZING AND IMPOSSIBLE IN LARRY.

Simultaneously to all of these things, our church is growing, people are being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are starting to move forward in a building campaign. Truly, this is a time of FAITH STRETCHING and DOUG STRETCHING! GRACE HARVEST CHURCH seems to be in a time of harvest, blessing and momentum, and our leaders are in need of much support in prayer and encouragement. PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I AS WELL.

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

Blessings,
Doug

Remembering The Day Our Nation Was Shaken

2006-09-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Powered by Qumana

THE SAD DEATH OF THE CROCODILE HUNTER

2006-09-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

I have seen very few people in my life who loved what they did more than Steve Irwin. I have witnessed even fewer who were so completely sold out to a vision and life passion like he was. I already miss him!
I have marveled for years at the man's incredible abandonment to the cause of animal conservation and making the most fearful creatures in the world lovable in an awe-inspiring kind of way. Steve himself said on many occasions that one of his main goals was to expose people to the beauty and wonder of animals most of us have nightmares about. He knew that if people saw and experienced the animals as he did, they would do more to protect them.
I don't know if Steve Irwin knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, but based upon things he said on his program, I doubt it. I do know that God is the great Designer and Creator, and that it was He who put this passion in Steve Irwin so that all of us could experience the glory of the creation. I only hope that Steve's wife and two children will follow the link that exists between Creator and creature and find comfort and refuge in the one who made this man who pursued His life call with such wide-eyed wonder.
Men like Steve Irwin are a great example to us of the kind of single-focused vision that is lacking in so much of the church world today. He knew what he was made to do and did it with a zeal and love that puts many of us to shame. It is not my goal to condemn or judge, but to merely point out the great need we have in our time to be completely captivated by a vision of Jesus Christ and His kingdom.
After all, we know the One who made "the beauties" that Steve Irwin always excitedly exclaimed praise for. We know the One who made Steve Irwin such a pleasure and joy to watch. It is His image in Steve that left all of us continually saying, "WOW, did you see that?"

HERE IS A NICE TRIBUTE VIDEO

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST?

2006-08-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANOTHER SIDE OF GENE SIMMONS

2006-08-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

I'M BACK AND JUST GLAD TO BE HERE!

2006-08-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

I'M BACK AND JUST GLAD TO BE HERE!

Milestones and Memorials

2006-07-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

The year of our Lord 2006 has been a year of milestones and memorials for Peggy and I as we have celebrated our son Stephen's high school graduation and my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary.

Watching our oldest son Stephen grow into a young man has been both a wonderful joy and a painful challenge and reality. How did this little newborn that I lifted heavenward at birth in a prayer of dedication to Jesus Christ grow so fast and come so far in such a short time? Where did this facial hair, deep voice, amazing creativity, and stubborn independent thinking come from? I know I can't blame it all on his mom, so what's a man to do? Who gave him permission to grow up so fast and become his own person who seems to need us less and less?

Honestly, I am laughing and crying as I consider these questions. I am so proud of this young man who bears my name and oozes confidence, personality and talent. I know Stephen's future is bright with a number of career options and opportunities looming in front of him as they tempt him to test his wings and fly.

As he goes off to Seattle in the Fall to attend THE GENERATION INTERN PROGRAM at The City Church in Kirkland, Washington, I find myself hoping we have done our job as parents in an honorable way and that Stephen will have the tools necessary to grow and mature as a follower of Jesus Christ in the real world. Stephen, we are so proud of you and look forward to watching you become the man that God has ordained you to be. Stretch out those wings and fly high and true. The Lord is with you!

Currently we are in Southern California hangin' with Peggy's family and experiencing the many
generational blessings of a mostly intact family! Peggy hails from a large Roman Catholic family of 11 children, being the perfect #7 in the birth order. Though her family has its fair share of dysfunction and problems, it is truly an amazing experience to be a part of their get-togethers. With babies, toddlers, kids, teens, young marrieds, cousins, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, moms, dads and grandparents, it is almost impossible to feel left out in any way. The energy, laughter, love and good arguments (um, debates) are a privilege to be a part of.

Nana and Pop as we call them, have bequeathed a rich heritage to all of us by simply sticking it out and staying married for 50 years. If there was ever a reason to stay married in this covenant breaking culture, it is clearly illustrated to all of us in this family every time we get together and experience the dynamic of true nitty gritty family life. Perfect? No! Redemptive? YES!!! As I always tell my wife, I sure am glad her parents didn't stop having kids after #6. Thank you Nana and Pop for being an example and model of endurance, perseverance and principle. Your reward in heaven will be great!

The Good Samaritan on Mount Everest!

2006-06-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

I am not a mountain climber, but that if I am ever in trouble, I hope someone like Daniel Mazur lends a helping hand to me. This is a great story of an American climbing guide who gave up his ascent of the highest mountain in the world to help a stranded climber just days after many others passed by a British climber who eventually died on Everest.

This story reminded me of what a couple of men in our church named Mick and Clint did to help a distressed woman the other day as she sat weeping in her truck. This guy Daniel is a hero who is receiving much deserved press coverage, but Mick and Clint are hero's in their own right in my book!

I love what Daniel Mazur went on to say in this AP story about the rescue.

"Oh yeah, it was worth it," he said. "You can always go back to the summit but you only have one life to live. If we had left the man to die, that would have always been on my mind ... How could you live with yourself?"

I forgot to mention that Daniel's two paying clients had to sacrifice their ascent as well to save this man. On top of that, other climbers had already passed by and left Lincoln Hall, the stranded climber to die! Stories like this remind me of the parable that Jesus told 2000 years ago to his followers to illustrate the need to demonstrate faith and love with action. Jesus finished that parable with the words, "Go and do likewise." Sounds like good advice to me! Way to go Daniel Mazur! Way to go Mick and Clint!

Tags: Mount Everest, mountain climbing, rescue, Daniel Mazur, Christianity, Jesus Christ, good Samaritan

A Chilling New Wave of Anti-Semitism

2006-06-06T03:54:00.000-07:00

Please take the time to read this article in Christianity Today by David Aikman entitled, AN UGLY PHOENIX REBORN. The former correspondent for TIME MAGAZINE describes a chilling new wave of Anti-Semitism sweeping Europe only 61 years after we discovered over 6 million Jews were horribly murdered by Adolph Hitler and his Final Solution! The article goes on to recount how most Europeans see Israel as the biggest threat to world peace and not North Korea, Iran or radical Islamist terrorism. This is such an amazing confirmation to me of the demonic nature of this lie and proof that people are already beginning to forget what we promised would "never again" happen in our world.

I am not a Dispensationalist and I do not believe that Israel in its current state is under God's covenant blessing, but I am forever indebted to Judaism and the Jewish people for the great heritage of truth and history that they have passed on to us Christians. I pray that Jews all over this globe would "look on him who they have pierced" and turn to Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah. I will continue to support Israel's right to exist as a nation because they are one of the only truly democratic nations within the Middle East and our ally. I do believe that God did something supernatural in 1948 when Israel came to be an entity as a nation once again. Therefore, it is very important that we stand with them and challenge them politically when they engage in injustice toward any Arab people group.

I would remind those who think Israel is such a threat that almost every day we hear reports of Iran's president promising to wipe Israel off the map. I would remind you that Israel lives with the constant threat of terrorism and invasion from every nation that surrounds them. The hatred toward Jews and Israel that I am describing is not based upon injustices toward Palestinians or territory gained in war, but a deep ancient hatred that is rooted in nothing more than Jewish ethnicity and religion. This hatred was present before any of the current political realities and can only be explained as evil and twisted. Please remember what the Nazi's and Stalinists did to the Jews in the last century and pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the preservation of Israel.

P.S. - A few qualifiers are necessary. 1. A Dispensationalist is a Christian who has a certain viewpoint on the end times or "last things" when it comes to Biblical prophecy. It is a complex methodology for determining how this current age will end and views the nation of Israel as having a very prominent part in those events. 2. When I say Israel in its current state is not under God's covenant blessing, I am simply referring to those promises based upon obedience. Yes, God promised them the land, but those promises were based upon obedience. Disobedience would ultimately lead to expulsion from the land. 3. When I quote from Zechariah 12:10, where the text declares "they will look on Me whom they pierced", I am not blaming the Jews alone for Jesus' death. The Bible tells us that all of us are responsible for Jesus' death because our sin put him on the cross. The very fact that the Roman Empire with its mixed multitude and the Jewish religious system were the instruments used, just confirms our universal responsibility. Two dreaded enemies got together to kill the Prince of Peace!

Tags: Israel, Anti-Semitism, Palestine, Holocaust, Jesus, Adolph Hitler, Genocide

I Must Stand For Wicca

2006-06-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION - BILL OF RIGHTS - Amendment 1. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Sometimes the Culture War can put us in some rather uncomfortable positions and cause us to have some strange bedfellows as the story I am linking to in Christianity Today so poignantly illustrates. As John W. Whitehead explains in his column, Stand Up, Stand Up for Wicca, "Amidst a sea of memorial plaques at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, one space remains blank. That space is waiting to be filled by a plaque honoring the life and sacrifice of 34-year-old Sgt. Patrick Stewart, who was killed in action on September 25, 2005, when his helicopter was struck with a rocket-propelled grenade as it flew over Afghanistan. But it may be some time before Sgt. Stewart is remembered with a memorial plaque. That's because his war widow and the Department of Veterans Affairs are at odds over the Stewart family's request to have the Wiccan pentacle, a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle, placed on the plaque. As of May 31, 2006, government officials have refused to allow the Wiccan symbol to be placed on Stewart's plaque."

As the rest of the article goes on to point out, it is very important for people of all faiths to stand up for cases like this because if one religion can be disallowed its free exercise, than all can be. It would be my desire for all Wiccan's to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the very creator of the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, the seasons and rhythms of creation, male and female and sexual passion and energy. But even if they never do, I will stand for a Wiccan's right to worship however they desire, even while trying to persuade them otherwise. Sergeant Patrick Stewart's family should be able to memorialize his death with whatever symbol is appropriate to the Wiccan religion, and the Department of Veterans Affairs should support them and see that it happens quickly.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I unashamedly embrace Him as the Savior of the world and the only source of salvation, heaven, the forgiveness of sins and fellowship with the Creator Yahweh. I know Him as the Ultimate Goodness and Harmony behind creation, and the Conqueror of the evil spirits in the world known as demons. I believe all people must turn from self worship, nature worship and sin to Jesus Christ in order to be in harmony with God and His creation. I trust Jesus Christ and His sinless, perfect life, substitutionary death, cleansing blood and bodily resurrection and ascension as the only means for seekers to be reconciled to the Eternal God.

Having said all of this, I realize that their are many who do not embrace my beliefs and see them as being intolerant because they make Jesus exclusive and unique above all the other people to have ever walked this planet. With all that is in me, I would seek to persuade these very people and trust God's Spirit to change their hearts to believe the aforementioned truths. In spite of all of this, I am an American and I do not in any way espouse forcing people to believe or embrace a particular religion. I agree with our Founding Fathers and the First Amendment and would stand for any person of any belief system that was being threatened or not given the right to the "free exercise thereof." Because I am a Christian American, I must stand for Wicca in this case.

Tags: Freedom of Religion, Wicca, Christianity, Christ, Jesus, First Amendment, War on Terror, Constitution of the U.S.

Powered by Qumana

BE A REAL MAN!

2006-06-02T02:26:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 16:13 - Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; TLB.

John 15:13- Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. NKJV.

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, NKJV.

Nehemiah 4:14- And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." NKJV.

I am leaving today to join about 35-40 men on a MEN'S ADVANCE in a beautiful wooded area just North of Spokane, Washington. As I embark on what always turns into an interesting adventure, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be a man and why manhood seems to be under such attack today from cultural forces that seek to make "maleness" a bad thing.

Many men these days seem to be confused about manhood because they have been told for several decades now that aggression, strength, passion, drive and decisive action are qualities to be avoided. Men are being forced into a mold of "niceness" where the highest virtue to be achieved is to be "nice" to one and all. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to say that being manly is defined by being harsh or caustic, just that our highest goal in life should not be to make everybody happy with a kind of sappy sweetness.

As a man, I find that I am most inspired by great stories of love, sacrifice, brotherhood, courage and protection. Though I hate war, I recognize that it is a sad necessity at those times in history when to avoid it is to risk our very existence as human beings. War though seems to be one of those endeavors that brings out both the best and worst in men. Whether it is the story of Sergeant York, or movies like Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List or Hotel Rwanda, there is something so powerful about men who put it all on the line to risk life, limb, property, comfort and privilege to rescue, protect and sacrifice for others. It seems that when men live like this, they are fulfilling what it truly means to be "manly". This is precisely why Jesus Christ is the ultimate man and the greatest model ever of what a REAL MAN looks like!

As the above Scripture references make clear," laying down our lives, loving sacrificially, and fighting for our brothers, children, wives and houses", calls out to the "deep unto deep" within us and inspires something that often lies dormant in the day to day drudgery we call life. The good news is that it doesn't take a war or some kind of heroic act to live our lives this way. We were made to give up our rights, desires and comforts to assure that others may live well. It is in "losing our lives" that we truly "find our lives" and become REAL MEN. Men were made to give all for the sake of others and to put it all on the line to assure that the weak, the poor, the widows and the orphans are protected, provided for and loved. We are called to live heroically by loving our wives as they deserve to be loved, and by providing an example for our sons and daughters to follow.

One day, some of us will be called upon to literally put our lives on the line for our families, nation or Lord, but until we do, we must make it a practice in the rhythms of our homes, workplaces and churches. My friend and associate pastor Larry always reminds me that "we get good at what we practice at most often." If we practice loving, giving, sacrifice and true manhood, we will be the kind of man we want to be in the day of testing and when we stand in the presence of the Almighty and hear Him pronounce, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord!"

Powered by QumanaTags: Men, Manhood, Marriage, Family, War, Sacrifice, Love, Jesus

One More Help To Refute THE DA VINCI CODE

2006-05-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Maybe you are saying as many are, "enough on THE DA VINCI CODE already", but I thought it might be helpful to give you one more tool to help you refute Da Vinci quite simply. Here is an article from Associate Editor Collin Hansen of CHRISTIANITY TODAY, that deals with THE FIVE BIG QUESTIONS FROM THE DA VINCI CODE. I have simply copied and pasted it into my post as it appears on the site.
5 Big Questions from The Da Vinci Code
A brief guide.
by Christianity Today magazine Associate Editor Collin Hansen
Already an international publishing sensation, The Da Vinci Code now is a feature film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks. The compelling story written by Dan Brown blurs the line between fact and fiction, so moviegoers have joined readers wondering about the origins and legitimacy of orthodox Christianity. This guide offers brief answers to five important questions.

1. Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?
No. Mary Magdalene was certainly close to Jesus. She wept at Jesus' tomb (John 20). Jesus even entrusted her to return and tell the disciples about his resurrection. But we have no reason to believe they were married. Brown says that Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper reveals the secret. He writes that the figure to Jesus' right, traditionally known as the apostle John, is actually Mary. Not true. Artists often gave characters feminine features to portray youth. John was the youngest of the disciples.

Brown correctly observes that few Jewish men of Jesus' day did not marry. But why, then, did the apostle Paul, himself celibate, not mention Jesus and Mary when he argued that apostles could marry (1 Cor. 9:5)?

2. What about these alternative gospels that aren't in the New Testament?
It's true that the Bible did not arrive as a "fax from heaven," as Brown writes. The New Testament canon in its current form was first formally attested in 367. Nevertheless, church leaders applied important standards when compiling the Bible. Authors of accepted writings needed to have walked and talked with Jesus, or at least with his leading disciples. Their teaching could not contradict what other apostles had written, and their documents must have been accepted by the entire church, from Jerusalem to Rome. Church leaders considered earlier letters and reports more credible than later documents. Finally, they prayed and trusted the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions.

The so-called Gnostic gospels, many discovered just last century, did not meet these criteria. Many appeared much later than the Bible and were dubiously attributed to major Christian leaders. Their teachings contrasted with what apostles like Paul had written. For example, many Gnostic writings argued that Jesus did not appear in the flesh, because flesh is evil, or they rejected the Old Testament.

3. Were there really competing Christianities during the early church?
Yes—in the sense there were many disputes about the nature of Jesus. And the church has done its best to vanquish challengers to orthodoxy. Once the church decided against the Gnostic writings, they gathered and burned all the Gnostic manuscripts they could find.

Later church councils convened to discuss other threats to Christian orthodoxy. Constantine, the first Roman emperor to make Christianity legal, called the most important of these meetings in 325. Leaders from around the Christian world gathered in Nicea, where they debated Arianism, which taught that God created Jesus. Brown writes that Constantine called this council so he could introduce a new divine Jesus on par with the Father. On the contrary, documents from before Nicea show that most followers of Jesus already called him LORD, the Yahweh of the Old Testament. The church leaders at Nicea rejected Arianism and affirmed that God and Jesus existed together from the beginning in the Trinity. This council produced the first drafts of what became the Nicene Creed, a landmark explanation of Christian belief.

4. What is Opus Dei?
A conservative religious group within the Roman Catholic Church. Opus Dei urges priests and laypeople to strenuously pursue sanctification through everyday discipline. The group has taken criticism for its conservative views, zeal, and secretive practices. There is no evidence that Opus Dei has resorted to murder; nor has the Vatican entrusted Opus Dei to violently guard the church's deepest secrets, as Dan Brown claims in The Da Vinci Code.

5. Does the Priory of Sion really exist?
Yes, but not as described by Brown. Researchers suspect that members of the real-life Priory of Sion, founded in 1956, forged documents that placed major historical figures—such as Isaac Newton and Leonard da Vinci—in an ancient secret society. There is no evidence for this group beyond dubious documents. Any story relating this group to a dynasty begun by Jesus and Mary Magdalene is a fanciful work of fiction.

Collin Hansen is associate editor of Christianity Today (www.christianitytoday.com). For more Christianity Today coverage, visit www.ChristianityToday.com/go/DaVinci

Tags: Da Vinci Code, Movies, Books, Christianity, Jesus, Mary Magdalene

Powered by Qumana

Some Help For Fellow Bloggers

2006-05-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

I am not a tech-geek, but I do like to discover tools that can spruce up my blog and help others do the same. I am especially looking for ways to streamline and simplify blogging. I have discovered a new blogging tool called QUMANA that I am excited about trying out. This particular tool is free and in BETA FORM and can be downloaded at QUMANA. QUMANA makes it possible to do most everything necessary to post to your page right from your desktop without having to go to your actual blog. You can write a post, save it for another time and then post it when ready without going into your account. It has most or all of the normal capabilities of your blog posting editor in a very user-friendly interface. Check it out and see what you think.

PS - I POSTED THIS ARTICLE FROM QUMANA.

Tags: blogging, help for blogger's, Qumana, blog posting, blog editor

Powered by Qumana

THE DA VINCI CODE: A REVIEW

2006-05-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it! On Monday night, my wife and I ventured through the doors of the Fairchild Cinemas, the smells of popcorn and the bad movie previews to see the screen adaptation of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. After reading a number of reviews and watching a very well done rebuttal to his book, we were able to come to some of our own conclusions.

First, the good stuff. I'm still thinking...! Oh, I know, Paris is sure a beautiful city and the Louvre is a magnificent memorial to the creative touch of God upon the human spirit. The art work depicted in the film made me yearn for an opportunity to visit Paris one day to experience the image of God shown forth through the great masters. The acting was decent, though Tom Hanks has done much better. Ian McKellen is truly an amazing actor, able to make himself believable in any part I have ever seen him portray. Well, that's about all I consider praiseworthy.

Now, the meat and potatoes. It is an act of self-torture to sit for 2 1/2 hours and hear the Savior you love and live for blasphemed and misrepresented. If this picture had been a portrayal of Muhammad, we would have had large scale riots, bombings and worldwide bloodshed! Thank God, the very Christ who was being lied about has taught us differently and is well able to defend Himself! I now know that this book and picture are not merely an innocent piece of fiction, but a convoluted mixture of fiction, revisionist history, outright lies, reconstituted ancient Gnosticism and modern paganism.

I almost feel bad for having supported Hollywood with our 16 dollars, but I felt it was necessary to know what it is that people are discussing around the proverbial water cooler. If believers are going to see this movie, I think it is important to go with an un-churched person so as to be able to answer the many questions that will inevitably flow forth from their confused mouths and minds. I really do not know how any lover of Jesus Christ could find entertainment value in hearing and watching our Master and King be made out to be a fraud!

I know that many of the "cool" Christians out there who read this will feel that I am overreacting and going into "extremist" mode, but when I step back and really think about The Da Vinci Code, I cannot put a pretty face on blasphemy and deception. There must be some kind of cultural lines drawn sooner or later, and there have got to be some hills we are ready to die on. I cannot be silent about living in a time when it is becoming a regular occurrence to see and hear my God and His church mocked, ridiculed and marginalized in the popular media on a daily basis.

In the last several months, story upon story has emerged calling the historic faith of followers of Christ into question. Please, understand, I am not insecure about God, Jesus, the Bible and the church being unable to undergo scrutiny and emerge stronger than ever, but I am concerned about being able to get a fair hearing in the marketplace of ideas. Our Lord and His followers have been persecuted, defamed, rejected and killed since the beginning and yet the church and true biblical faith have thrived. I just hope America has not come to the place where she is shutting her ears to the truth of Jesus and His Gospel.

In closing, you may be asking where the review of the movie was in all of this venting. Well, in a nutshell, The Da Vinci Code is a bad movie with beautiful on-site cinematography, some pretty well portrayed bad guys and one of the most offensive story-lines in history. Sentiments similar to mine were very passionately expressed in an interview with Author Eric Metaxas at RELEVANT MAGAZINE. His article really provoked me and can be accessed HERE.

PS - A very dear friend of mine, Stan Fleming is an excellent apologist (one who defends the Christian Faith by reason, history and logic) and has just recently returned from Europe on a "Refuting the Da Vinci Code" tour. He has made his notes available to us and I have included a summary of 16 points that refute the errors of Dan Brown. They are in MS WORD format and can be accessed right here - Download refuting_the_davinci_code_fable_summary.doc

Tags: Da Vinci Code, movie review, religion, Christianity, protest, Paganism, books

BE THOU MY VISION

2006-05-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

Where there is no vision (prophetic revelation), the people perish... Proverbs 29:18

I hear a call going out in our land in this day for men and women of vision as never before. It is a desperate call, really more of a cry for leaders with a vision that will inspire us to reach for higher heights than ever before. This cry seems to manifest itself most clearly in the political arena as aspiring leaders and candidates assure us of the great vision they have for our nation and its future.

Being a person of vision has always been important to me as I have found hope and encouragement flows from having a vision for life and ministry. I have found that vision-less people are direction-less people without much hope for the future and no plan to get where they aren't going. On the other hand, I have found that many people are calling their own dreams, presumptions and desires, a vision from God, and are therefore setting themselves up for big disappointment. Take a few minutes with me and look at the most important and fulfilling aspect of “getting a vision”, namely an encounter with the living God.

A number of years ago as my wife and I drove to Spokane to attend a conference, we were enjoying a great worship tape when a line to a song jumped into my heart and the Lord seemed to speak to me about vision. The line I refer to is from a Vineyard song on the HUNGRY CD called, “BE THE CENTRE.” The third verse starts, “Jesus, be my vision.” As I heard this verse it suddenly struck me, as things often do with God, that the Lord has been refocusing me on Himself as the “center” and “vision” of my life.

As I thought about these things, I began to revisit the disappointments of ministry, the “hope deferred that makes the heart sick” and the lack of fulfilled vision in my own life. I realized that Jesus is the essence of all I have ever wanted to be and that knowing Him intimately is the greatest vision a person could ever have. These things may seem obvious to you the reader, as they did and do to me, but at that moment they became a revelation to me of the greatest pursuit and adventure to life. These things have become more real to me as I have noticed the general lack of vision many of God’s people have to know God intimately. Jesus himself must become our vision. As He fills our gaze, we will see the things that are important to Him and He will call us to become involved with Him in the things that make His heart beat.

Consider with me several Biblical examples of this truth as we gaze into the Scriptures. Moses had truly experienced what it meant to be broken and brought to the point of having very little self confidence. Educated in Egypt by the best educators of his time, “mighty in word and deed”, Moses somehow came into contact with his ethnic background and heritage. This revelation brought him into a great conflict one day as he observed his own people being oppressed in their slavery and decided to deliver them in his own strength. In a moment of rage Moses was downgraded in status from possible ruler of Egypt to a hunted fugitive!

After fleeing Egypt he became a shepherd on the back side of the desert and learned the lessons of waiting, trusting and contentment. After forty years of leading sheep around the desert he encountered a bush that would forever change his life as well as ours. As he stared at a bush that was burning and yet not consumed, the voice of the one true God began to speak to him and call him to a special work. Moses would be the one who would deliver the people of God out of Egypt and into the promise land. When most of us read this account, we miss the most important aspect of the story, specifically the fact that God first identified Himself and called Moses to remove his sandals and worship on Holy Ground.

Before Moses could ever become a deliverer he had to first encounter the Great Deliverer Himself, the I Am. This one vision and the many that would follow would become the springboard for the most powerful and important ministry of the entire Old Testament. This encounter ruined Moses and caused him to continually seek the presence of the Lord to the point where he had the audacity to ask to see the Glory of the Lord! This vision of the Person of the Lord led to a revelation of the Purpose of the Lord. This is the clear Biblical pattern and still the way our God manifests Himself today.

This pattern continues throughout the Scriptures with Joshua as he sees the Captain of the Lord’s armies and worships on Holy ground. This happened before receiving instructions to conquer Jericho, the gateway to the rest of the Promise land. Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up before he heard, “who will go for us...?” Jeremiah had a revelation of God the rejected Lover, before he could go forth into a ministry of rejection, sorrow and destruction. Only the open revelation of the Lord could keep him through the persecution and sorrow he would have to endure.

The Apostle Paul gives us another example of this truth as he stands before the angry mob in Jerusalem and recounts his conversion; Acts 22:6-10 - 6 “As I was on the road, nearing Damascus, about noon a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 “ ‘Who are you, sir?’ I asked. And he replied, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn't hear the voice. 10 “I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that you are to do.’ Paul understood the proper order when he asked, “Who are you, sir?” before, “What shall I do, Lord?” We often get these questions backwards as we zealously seek to do something for God instead of concentrating on knowing His Person first. A true vision for ministry will always issue from an encounter with the Lord in private as we seek to know Him and see His beauty and glory

I close these thoughts with a Psalm and a classic Hymn that both capture the heart of being God-vision seekers far better than I can. Psalm 27:4 - One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. The third verse of, “Be Thou My Vision” really speaks to this thought beautifully. Read, meditate and enjoy the Presence of the Lord. “Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise - Thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and Thou only, first in my heart - High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” May the Lord bless your seeking hearts!

Tags: Jesus Christ, religion, Christianity, visions, purpose, life direction

Some More New Stuff

2006-05-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone please take notice! I have a "Lightning Banner" in blue now at the top of the page. Along with that, you will notice a continually updated news-feed from NEWSVINE and a CARTOON OF THE DAY from ANDERTOONS. To see the cartoon, just click on it and a window will appear with the cartoon in it. The Newsvine stories can be accessed the same way.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INPUT ON MY PAGE! I AIM TO PLEASE.

INVERTED BLUE AND WHITE

2006-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, here are the same colors, but inverted with blue on the outside and a large white area. Part of my reason for going with the larger white area is because it seems to be easier to read and very similar to the newest trend in web design called WEB 2.0. Google pioneered this particular look and many companies and organizations are following suit. I'm not doing it as Google would, but I am trying to learn from the "experts" as they study what people like and what works. Just a thought.

THE DA VINCI CODE IS UPON US! YAWN...

2006-05-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

THE DA VINCI CODE IS UPON US! I know this is supposed to make me get defensive and be concerned about people's faith, but I just cannot get that upset about bad history, regurgitated ancient Gnostic error, and what critics are mostly giving, "lukewarm praise, shrugs of indifference, some jeering laughter and a few derisive jabs." I admit that I haven't yet read the book or seen the movie, but I will do both soon. I hear the book is a roller-coaster, page-turner, which makes me excited about reading it.

I have read several articles, watched a 70 minute video that pretty much shredded Dan Brown's recounting of history and seen much of the hubbub on TV. The amazing thing is that even the Networks, National Geographic, Fox News and 60 Minutes agree that Dan Brown has some serious issues when it comes to getting his facts straight. Now, that in itself is akin to a miracle!

Gnosticism arose as a formidable opponent to the early church and endured for a few centuries before being repudiated by the truth of the Gospel and those who actually walked with Jesus of Nazareth. It is a familiar doctrine of demons that first made itself known through a serpent in a garden as he tempted a woman with special, inside, god-like knowledge. Our adversary, that serpent of old, is not very creative, but he is an expert at getting as much mileage out of his lies as could be possible.

It is very important that we know his lies, but even more important that we know the truth. That, I am afraid is the real issue. Christians do not really know what they believe and how to defend it against error. The times that we live in will test us and our ability to "contend for the faith." Dear brother and sister in Christ, FEAR NOT THE DA VINCI CODE, BUT FEAR THE LORD!

CHRISTIANITY TODAY REVIEW OF - THE DA VINCI CODE
ROTTEN TOMATOES - OVERALL CRITICS REACTION TO DA VINCI CODE
THE DA VINCI DIALOG - A SITE DEDICATED TO EXPOSING THE ERRORS OF THE BOOK AND MOVIE
RELEVANT MAGAZINE ARTICLE - SEEKING TRUTH IN THE DA VINCI CODE

Tags: Da Vinci Code, Jesus Christ, movie, books, Dan Brown, religion

A Different Banner

2006-05-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

A different banner for your input. I didn't get much positive feedback on the page banner.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

NAVY BLUE AND WHITE

2006-05-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

Well, here is TEMPLATE #2, which I have called NAVY BLUE AND WHITE. Tell me what you think. It seems Purple and White was a little too Purple for most people's taste.

Doug

A Man, A Blog and Change

2006-05-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Something about myself I have come to accept is my regular need for variety and change. Yes, I have my grooves like everyone else has, but I do truly love to spice things up a bit. I have been designing several Page Templates and thought I would let you check some of them out over the next couple of weeks. Tell me what you think. I know that it's a good thing to have constancy and a certain amount of name-brand familiarity, but I am not a household name by any means, so I don't think I'm going to rock many boats by changing my banner and some colors. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT WITH YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.

THIS TEMPLATE IS CALLED PURPLE AND WHITE - Pretty creative huh?

JESSE HELMS ON BONO

2006-05-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Even Jesse Helms is a fan of U2 and BONO! I have been a U2 fan for 25 years now and I can honestly say I have always loved the passion and energy that they bring to every song and show they perform. I remember turning on MTV in 1981 and watching a music video that was filmed in Northern Ireland and being impacted by the way BONO led young people through the streets as he wailed-out lyrics with actual substance and meaning. I had the privilege of seeing U2 twice in concert in 1984 and I was moved deeply by their music and BONO'S stage persona. I remember wrestling with the questions of the genuineness of BONO'S faith in Christ shortly after my conversion.

For a number of years I quit listening to U2 as I came to have serious doubts about BONO'S "form" of Christianity. I would read articles about his wild times on tour and be confused by the kind of expletives he would use during interviews. Well, I don't always agree with his politics, methods, or language, but I have come to see that this man really knows Jesus and has something to say.

BONO is one of the most influential Christians on this planet and he is using his albums, celebrity and concert pulpit to do something worthwhile in the world. As one of TIME MAGAZINE'S PEOPLE OF THE YEAR and one of their PEOPLE WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD, he is getting a hearing from both sides of the political spectrum. That in itself is a minor miracle. Even the ultra-conservative former Republican Senator Jesse Helms raves about BONO AND SAYS OF HIM, "I knew that he was genuine."

Christianity Today carried an interview that BONO did with French music journalist Michka Assayas, where BONO discusses Grace and the Gospel. Based upon this interview, it is clear to me that BONO knows in Whom he believes. Everybody has been talking about him for the last several years, so I figured it was time to give my two cents worth. By the way, their newest project, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is right up there with Joshua Tree as the greatest work of their long reign as the biggest rock band in the world. U2 IS FOR YOU TOO! I know, pretty corny!

Blessings,
Doug
Tags: U2, Bono, Christianity, religion, Time Magazine, Jesse Helms, music, celebrities

Boxing Redemption for Oscar De La Hoya

2006-05-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

I admit it! I am a boxing fan! I never really liked watching or getting into street fights growing up. In fact, I once got my nose broke trying to break one up! Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed watching a skillful boxer or a powerful brawler deliver blows to the body and head of their opponent. I don't like watching fights get bloody or out of control, but I love to see multi-punch combinations and one punch knockouts.

Call me sadistic, macho or twisted if you like, but I believe God put something of His warrior nature within us and it is seen at times in sport and warfare (No, I do not believe God wants us to enjoy war or hurting people, but it is sometimes necessary in this current age). Anyway, this past Saturday night Oscar De La Hoya put on a display of boxing skill and art as he knocked out Ricardo Mayorga in the 6th round of their championship bout. This was boxing redemption for De La Hoya after a string of very disappointing losses these last few years. I did not get to see the fight, but I have the 6th round knockout here for your enjoyment. To the ladies that read my blog, I simply say, "BOYS WILL BE BOYS!"

GAS PAINS

2006-05-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

It seems Americans are having collective gas pains and there is not an anti-gas pill like "Beano" out there to take away our bloating. Many people are angry as they look at paying $40.00 or more to fill up their Civic. I am hearing cries for justice and calls to make "THE MAN" pay! Some are saying "THE MAN" is G.W. Bush and/or the "Gummint", while others are saying "THE MAN" is Big Oil Companies.

I say, it is much more complex than these simplistic explanations. I really appreciated an article I read at WORLD MAGAZINE'S SITE titled "GAS ATTACK" because Gene Edward Veith does a great job of showing the need for a balanced and many sided approach to this issue. Who knows, maybe we just need to consider changing our diet and start consuming less. Maybe we will get out and walk a little or ride our bikes. As Doctor's always tell us, a proper diet and regular exercise will lead to better health and less GAS PAINS.

THE AMERICAN CONSUMER AND CHURCH SHOPPING

2006-05-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

American consumerism has infected every part of our life to one degree or another, and I am sad to say that the church is definitely not exempt. This is a video clip from the animated series KING OF THE HILL and it does a great job of capturing the sad dilemma facing much of what we call CHURCH SHOPPING. No, I do not watch KING OF THE HILL, but was linked to this clip from Mark Driscoll's blog RESURGENCE.

STATISTICS, STATISTICS, STATISTICS! LIES, LIES, LIES, YEA!

2006-05-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

50% of all marriages end in divorce, 1 out of every 10 people is homosexual, 40% of Americans attend church every week, "3 out of 4 Dentists surveyed recommend sugarless gum for their patients who chew gum."

All of these statements are statistics that have been regularly declared as fact for most of my life and at least 3 of them are not accurate! Statistics it seems can be manipulated pretty creatively to back up just about any position or viewpoint that the individual or group wants to portray as the truth. By the way, I think the only accurate study shown above is the one about sugarless gum! DUH!

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I am passionate for the truth as it pertains to God, life, culture, the family and the church. I receive emails from well meaning Christians all the time that are inaccurate and full of mythology about the government, celebrities, dead atheists, corporations and Christian leaders. Some of these are bald-faced lies made up by some atheist computer geek with too much time on his hands and a desire to make followers of Jesus look foolish! AT LEAST I THINK THEY ARE!? Whenever I receive these forwards, I quickly jump over to www.truthorfiction.com and check out the veracity of the claims made. It would be good if we all did the same.

Anyway, I digress. What bothers me even more is the use of statistics that have been long ago debunked to prove points that strengthen a political position or movement. Several examples of what I mean are given in my opening paragraph and are regularly used to strengthen the agenda of groups trying to gain cultural acceptance or show the failure of certain institutions. So, do 50% of all marriages end in divorce, are 1 in 10 people homosexual, and do 40% of Americans regularly attend church? Well, the truth on these issues is fairly difficult to determine, but based upon far more accurate and realistic long-term studies done, the numbers are significantly lower in all three categories. That's good news for marriage, but bad news for the church and the homosexual community.

To find out more about these issues, please follow any of the three links below to get a clearer picture of the truth. Remember, when it comes to statistics, be skeptical and do your homework. They could be right, and they could be "LIES, LIES, LIES, YEA!"

CHURCH ATTENDANCE STUDY

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE STATISTICS

1 IN 10 PEOPLE IS HOMOSEXUAL?

THE DANGER OF UNDER-POPULATION?!

2006-04-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:26-28 - 26 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth." 27 God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth." (THE MESSAGE )

It's an amazing thing how all it takes to get most people to believe something is to repeat it over and over again, throw out a few statistics and then let time and the mainstream media do its insidious work. In particular I am speaking of the myth of OVERPOPULATION that has been foisted upon the human race for the last 4o years or so. Many of us have actually come to believe that having children is a bad thing for creation and that birth control and abortion are not only necessary, but our duty for the good of the race!

The problem with this idea is the simple fact that it is in direct opposition to God's command to "be fruitful and multiply... and to take dominion" of the earth. These two commands are linked together and seem to indicate that multiplication and dominion are a package deal. Children, the Scriptures declare, are a "blessing", "reward", and evidence of God's covenant keeping power.

The true problem in many nations throughout Europe and in Japan is
UNDER-POPULATION. Yes, you heard me right, UNDER-POPULATION is quickly
becoming a crisis that threatens both the economy and way of life for
many around the world. In some of the previously mentioned nations,
the government is actually starting to pay couples to have children due
to the necessity of producing more taxpayers to provide for a rapidly
aging population.

Here in the United States, the only thing that is keeping us from
depopulation is legal and illegal immigration. No, I do not think our
current approach to illegal immigration is good for the country, but
legal immigration is necessary because of abortion and small family
size. What this means of course is that those groups which have a
tendency to have more children will become the more populous and over
time the majority rather than the minority.

Over the course of the next century America will become far more
Hispanic, Slavic, Filipino and Asian in its demographic. These facts
will bring immense changes to our society, some of which will be very
positive. The encouraging side of this is the reality that many of
those mentioned are followers of Jesus Christ. The negative side to
this equation is simply that much of America's rich European Christian
influence will be lost as those of European descent have fewer children
and continue to kill the inconvenient ones through the evil of
on-demand child-murder (abortion)!

Children are living laboratories of divine potential and creativity
who become adults who make new discoveries in medicine, agriculture,
science, the arts and business. Only heaven truly knows how many great
people with earth shaking abilities have perished at the hands of
abortionists in this nation and many others! As Marvin Olasky points
out in his OP/ED article in WORLD MAGAZINE, the MULTIPLIER EFFECT is
a key to industry, prosperity and making a difference as Christians in
our world. May God give us a revival of fruitfulness and family
industry as we once again recognize our divine call to "be fruitful and
multiply."

READ MARVIN OLASKY'S ARTICLE IN WORLD MAGAZINE BY CLICKING HERE

Psalms 127:3-5 - 3 Don't you
see that children are GOD's best gift? the fruit of the womb his
generous legacy? 4 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children
of a vigorous youth. 5 Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your
quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against
you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. (THE MESSAGE )

A WORD TO LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS AMERICANS

2006-04-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have had the amazing privilege of traveling to a number of foreign nations while doing missions work these last several years and I can honestly say I have been saddened by the perception that many outside of the USA have of ugly, loud Americans. Not only has this perception hurt our image abroad, but it has been a hindrance to our global leadership role.

Although not all Americans are ugly, loud or arrogant, the few bad apples that travel have given all of us a bad name. I have personally sat with Russian, Chinese, Australian, Mexican and Filipino people as they spin a sad tale of some brash, haughty, rude American making a fool of themselves and drawing the ire of the locals. This kind of example can be particularly damaging if your trying to be a witness and representative of Jesus Christ.

The problem has become so widespread that starting next month the U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT will be issuing guides to Americans who travel abroad on how to act becomingly. The article I link to for this story is in THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD out of Australia. That alone should tell us something. Even our Allies know about our faults and are writing articles to point them out.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ THE STORY IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

THE RESURRECTION OF A GOLF GAME

2006-04-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a great feel good story about 25 year old Australian golfer Aaron Baddeley who won his first PGA Tournament on Easter Sunday just 10 hours after he stood at a Lectern just off the 18th green to talk about his relationship with Jesus Christ. Aaron was speaking at an Easter Sunrise Service at the very site where he would eventually sink a putt to give him the win. "At the 18th hole this morning, he was giving amazing testimony," said
Baddeley's wife, Richelle. "Ten hours later, he's holding the trophy.
So, it was great." This is a story of pride, humility, disappointment, failed expectations and redemption. I thought it was a wonderful irony that Aaron would resurrect his career and win his first tournament on Easter Sunday after almost leaving the game of golf altogether back in late 2000 due to perceived failure. Enjoy.

READ AARON BADDELEY'S STORY BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK

Jesus Christ has risen, He has risen indeed!

2006-04-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday, and I am excited about celebrating death's death through the One called THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE! This greatest miracle of human history is the event which started to turn back the curse of death in the garden and is moving us toward a day when the very creation and environment will be filled with resurrection life! Here are some great quotes and statements made by heroes of the faith. Think on these:

Let's celebrate Easter with the rite of laughter. Christ died and rose and lives. Laugh like woman who holds her first baby. Our enemy death will soon be destroyed. Laugh like a man who finds he doesn't have cancer or he does but now there's a cure. Christ opened wide the door to heaven. Laugh like children at Disneyland's gates. This world is owned by God and He'll return to rule. Laugh like a man who walks away uninjured from a wreck in which his car was totaled. Laugh as if all the people in the whole world were invited to a picnic and then invite them. Citation: Joseph Bayly in Psalms of My Life

Easter is a feast and is celebrated as the feast of freedom. For Easter is the beginning of the laughter of the redeemed and the dance of the liberated and the creative game of fantasy. Since earliest times Easter hymns have celebrated the victory of life by laughing at death, by mocking at hell, and by making the lords of this world absurd. Easter is God's protest against death. Easter is the feast of freedom from death. We must keep the two things together. Citation: Jurgen Moltmann in Experiences of God

Easter is the New Year's Day of the soul. A. B. Simpson

MORE ON THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS

2006-04-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

I just read an excellent critique of the significance of THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS at Albert Mohler's Blog and I wanted to pass it along. As Mr. Mohler points out, heresy is primarily reconstituted and regurgitated, as "there is nothing new under the sun." This particular "Gospel" is really nothing of the sort and in fact was known of in A.D. 180 by Irenaeus, the early church father. He considered it to be Gnostic in origin and heretical then as it is now. The other thing I really appreciated about this post by Albert was his explanation of Gnosticism. Please take the time to read and consider.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE BY ALBERT MOHLER

EVEN MORE EXCELLENT INFO ON THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE AT THE VOLOKH CONSPIRACY IN AN ARTICLE BY DAVID KOPEL

THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS?

2006-04-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of weeks it seems as if Jesus has been taking a beating within the press as a number of "discoveries" and theories about Him and His life are being discussed and debated. The "DaVinci Code", The Gospel of Judas, extra-biblical Gnostic writings and the scientist who claims Jesus did not walk on water, but on ice, have all seemingly cast doubt on the Bible and its account of Jesus. To those who do not know the Biblical record or church history, these movies, books, articles and documentaries can seem very convincing and confusing.

Let me assure you though, the Bible, church history and Jesus Himself are as trustworthy as ever when objectively considered against any so-called evidence that calls all three into question. Gnosticism has been around since the first century A.D. as have a number of theories about Jesus and His death and resurrection. These theories have been refuted every time they have raised their ugly heads and will continue to be in the light of honest and objective inquiry.

The Bible even records one of the false theories of the resurrection in Matthew
28:11-15 - As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the
city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.
12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a
plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, "Say this, 'His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.' 14
If this reaches the governor's ears, we will deal with him and keep you
out of trouble." 15 So they took the money and did as they were
instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this
day.

Just to help the discussion along, I have included the entire text to a
well thought out response to The Gospel of Judas by Father Jonathan
Morris. Father Morris was reacting to an article in the NEW YORK TIMES
that seemed to add credence to the Judas story. I really appreciated
how he refuted the article point by point. Here is the article in its
entirety:

The Gospel of Judas

by Father Jonathan Morris for FOX Fan Central

When in New York there are few things I enjoy
more than browsing the elegant pages of the New York Times while
sipping a cup of a well-brewed coffee. Those pages often make me mad,
but usually make me think. Friday’s edition only made me mad.

I’m referring to the article about the “Gospel of Judas.” It offered
a dumbed-down, ideology-driven report on the ancient text discovered in
Egypt in the 1970’s and recently translated into English by the
National Geographic Society. The text depicts Judas Iscariot, the
traitor, in a good light. Hard to do, you might say. Yes, it is, but
only if you trust authoritative, eyewitness sources like Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John.

The New York Times apparently does not.

For all their purported progressive thinking, one would surmise the
17 centuries separating the Gnostic authors of the “Gospel of Judas”
(self-proclaimed “progressives” of their day) and the editors at the
Times would produce greater evolution of thought. But the paper’s
Friday edition read like the diary of an anti-Christian Gnostic
apologist of the late second century AD. For when it comes to
Christianity, both are incapable of distinguishing between fact and
fiction. Here’s what the article said and here’s why it’s wrong.

(Read the New York Times article - registration required)

NY Times: “An early Christian manuscript,
including the only known text of what is known as the Gospel of Judas,
has surfaced after 1,700 years.”

Father J: The "Gospel of Judas" is not an early
Christian manuscript. It belongs to the well-known body of Gnostic
writings condemned by the early Christian community as heretical
(anti-Christian). One of the early Christian Fathers, St. Irenaeus of
Lyons, specifically rebuked the text as “unorthodox.”

NY Times: “The text gives new insights into the relationship of Jesus and the disciple who betrayed him, scholars reported today.”

Father J: Scholars didn’t report new insights into
the relationship between Judas and Jesus. They reported new insights
into what some second century writers conjectured about the
relationship. The early Christian community discarded those conjectures
because they didn’t match with eyewitness accounts.

NY Times: “The discoveries of Gnostic texts
have shaken up Biblical scholarship by revealing the diversity of
beliefs and practices among early followers of Jesus.”

Father J: This is ridiculous. The hundreds of second
and third century apocryphal texts, of which the “Gospel of Judas” is a
part, have nothing to do with biblical scholarship, since they tell us
nothing about the Bible. Moreover, scholars have known for centuries
that there was a diversity of beliefs and practices in the early
centuries of Christianity. The Christian community sifted through the
contradicting beliefs and classified some as faithful representations
of the teachings of Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and others
as imposters (Gnostic writings, among others).

NY Times: “As the findings have trickled down
to churches and universities, they have produced a new generation of
Christians who now regard the Bible not as the literal word of God, but
as a product of historical and political forces that determined which
texts should be included in the canon, and which edited out.”

Father J: So much confusion in so few lines! New
generations who don’t believe in the Bible as the Word of God may be
very good people, but they are not Christians. This is not to say the
Bible was dropped from the clouds, or was dictated word for word by
Jesus. Christian theology teaches the canon of Scripture was determined
by human beings inspired by the Holy Spirit. Amazingly, the New York
Times gets things almost exactly backwards. Gnostic texts produced in
the second century stem from a clear historical and political agenda,
whereas the first century canonical Gospels reflect an attempt by
eyewitnesses to put into writing what they had seen and heard.

NY Times: "For that reason, the discoveries
have proved deeply troubling for many believers. The Gospel of Judas
portrays Judas Iscariot not as a betrayer of Jesus, but as his most
favored disciple and willing collaborator."

Father J: The discoveries are troubling only for
believers who give equal value to all ancient writings, no matter their
credibility. At least two of the four Christian Gospels were written by
eyewitnesses. The “Gospel of Judas,” on the other hand, was written
over 120 years after the death of Christ by an author explicitly
condemned as a false teacher by the early Christian community.

NY Times: "At least one scholar said the new
manuscript does not contain anything dramatic that would change or
undermine traditional understanding of the Bible."

Father J: At least one? From my assessment of the
reports that have come out, this has been the norm among all serious
scholars. I hope this last quote from the Times is not a feigned
attempt at unbiased reporting!

There is good reason to accept the authenticity of this text as part
of a body of Gnostic writings, but not as part of early Christian
beliefs. The Times repeatedly insinuates the text represents new
historical data on Jesus and the beliefs of early Christians. This is
completely out of the bounds of professional journalism. As soon as
Gnosticism raised its head, the early Christian community recognized it
as incongruent with what they knew from first-hand sources about Christ
and his teachings.

The New York Times has a tradition of excellence in newsgathering
and reporting dating back to 1851, when Henry Jarvis Raymond founded
the paper. During the Civil War it stood out for its speed and accuracy
in the publishing of eyewitness accounts. Later, during the civil
rights movement, it lent its bully pulpit to those who would bring down
slavery.

But on this story about the foundation of Christianity, the paper’s
unwillingness to trust eyewitness accounts is baffling. I must say, the
silliness of giving the same credibility to the “Gospel of Judas” as to
the Christian Gospels is unworthy of the venerable tradition of my
morning paper. When I read dumbed-down, ideology-driven articles like
this one, the coffee, even good coffee, just doesn’t taste the same.

God bless, Father Jonathan

P.S. In the coming weeks we’ll examine the relationship between
Gnosticism and “The Da Vinci Code,” just in case the NYT doesn’t get it
right.

This article is part of a regular blog hosted by Father Jonathan Morris on FOXNews.com. You can invite new readers by forwarding this URL address: www.foxnews.com/fatherjonathan.

Write to Father Jonathan at fatherjonathan@foxnews.com.

WRONG AGAIN! FLORIDA 73 UCLA 57

2006-04-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I WAS WRONG AGAIN!! ONE SURE WAY TO WIN A BET IS TO GO FOR THE TEAM I PICK TO LOSE! FLORIDA WINS THEIR FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY BEATING THE UCLA BRUINS 73-57. Way to go Gators!

PS - I DON'T BELIEVE IN BETTING - 0;

OF RAHMAN, ROUND BALL AND RETREATS

2006-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

ABDUL RAHMAN IS FREE AND ALIVE IN ITALY!

Our "Insane" friend has been set free and given safe haven in Italy where he can now read his Bible, pray and speak openly of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! For those of you who think martyrdom is cool, I am very sorry, but it seems that God wants Abdul to live a little longer on this side of Paradise. Though the great church Father and Theologian Tertullian said that, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”, I do not think he meant we should romanticize, glorify or seek to be martyrs. We can rejoice that God has given Mr. Rahman an opportunity to grow as a disciple and get the help he needs if he is truly "mentally unstable" as German officials are now stating.

65 HAVE BECOME 2!

THE NCAA MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT has been whittled down to 2 teams as the FLORIDA GATORS face the UCLA BRUINS tonight at 6:21 pm Pacific Time. I have to go with UCLA, though they are the team that broke my heart a couple of weeks ago as they came back to beat GONZAGA in a game the Zags should have won. I started the tournament with the following teams in descending order as my favorites: GONZAGA, ARIZONA, WASHINGTON, UCLA AND CALIFORNIA. UCLA plays some of the stingiest defense I have ever seen, but Florida is loaded with talent. I see UCLA pulling out a squeaker with the score being in the high 60's to low 70's. GO UCLA?!

NEXT GENERATION RETREAT

This past weekend, Peggy and I traveled to the beautiful Olympic Rain forest of Washington State and did a COLLEGE AGE RETREAT for OVERLAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. I was asked to speak on WORSHIP, INTERCESSION and SPIRITUAL WARFARE to a hungry and passionate group of movers and shakers for Jesus. Pastor Josh Julian and his wife Ashley served as our gracious hosts as they led the weekend with humor, confidence and obvious love for the flock they are leading. I felt it went pretty well, though I was not as sharp or spiritually sensitive as I would have liked to be. To all of you who prayed for Peggy and I this weekend, I want to say a big hearty THANK YOU! I know I was carried on the wings of prayer before the throne of God. Thanks Josh, Ashley and the NEXT-GEN group for being instruments of God's grace to us. Thank you Peggy, my bride of almost 19 years for supporting me in prayer and the ministry of presence!

WILL THE REAL ISLAM PLEASE STAND UP?!

2006-03-28T04:37:00.000-08:00

WILL THE REAL ISLAM PLEASE STAND UP?! I am confused. I keep hearing in the Liberal press and in press releases from Islamic Organizations that Islam is a peaceful religion that teaches tolerance and love for your fellow man. I have listened to Islamic apologists on NPR speak of the "radical minority" giving Islam a bad name. I guess the reason I don't buy it is because every time a Muslim Nation is faced with an opportunity to demonstrate this so called "religious tolerance" they show their true colors and expose the reality of Islam as a religion of the sword.

Even in Turkey, a Muslim Nation with a "secular" government, Christians face persecution, bureaucratic red tape and threats. Our brother in Christ, Abdul Rahman has now been released due to pressure from the West and his so-called insanity and is in need of political asylum in a truly tolerant western nation. Unfortunately, at this point we are not even sure if he is alive, or where he will go.

Italy has stepped up and offered him asylum, but the good old U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT has offered this helpful advice, "Asked whether the U.S. government was doing anything to secure Rahman's safety after his release, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in Washington that where he goes after being freed is "up to Mr. Rahman." Wow, that is profound help! Where is our courage? We put pressure on Afghanistan to release Rahman and then don't offer help? Is this another example of secret deal cutting going on? I am sorry Mr. Bush, but you have got to do better than this.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I recognize those shameful times in history when Christ's followers departed from His character and teaching and did shameful deeds in His name such as Inquisitions, Crusades and Pogroms. I recognize that Muslims, Jews and fellow Christians have suffered horribly at the hands of those who claimed to be the representation of Jesus Christ in the earth. Those who slaughtered and persecuted the innocent in Christ's name were wrong and were not representing His teaching or His nature! True Biblical Christianity is clear on this. Unfortunately, all of us who name Him as Lord must suffer with what our forebears did in His name.

However, Muhammed and his followers have spread Islam by the sword from its very inception. Islam has always been a religion of war and conquering and to deny this is to be untrue to history. I know, I know, Jihad is supposed to be about personal struggle and the overcoming of temptation and evil, but it has always included the aspect of making war against Jews, Christians and other infidels. Whereas Christianity seeks to convert through persuasion, reason and reliance upon God's Spirit working in the human heart, Islam uses persuasion, reason and the threat of violence when the first two have failed. To deny this is to lack integrity.

So, if any Muslims out there read this article and feel the need to write a response, please enlighten us on the REAL ISLAM. Please demonstrate for us an example of any state on this planet where Islam is truly tolerant of other faiths. Islam is in desperate need of reform in the same way Christianity has been at various times in history. I know there are many good individual Muslims and that millions of Muslims are perplexed by what they see parading as their faith. Honestly though, when you contrast Jesus and Muhammad, you see a man who conquers human hearts by love and one who conquered by war in Allah's name. I am not trying to be disrespectful to any Muslim, but I must ask, WILL THE REAL ISLAM PLEASE STAND UP?

FOR MORE ON THIS SUBJECT, PLEASE READ RICHARD COHEN'S COLUMN IN THE WASHINGTON POST BY CLICKING HERE

AFGHAN CHRISTIAN TO BE RELEASED!

2006-03-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

The man who was prepared to die for his trust in Jesus Christ appears to be on his way to freedom after the authorities in Afghanistan have decided to drop his case. Abdul Rahman was facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity some 16 years ago. It is so very important that we pray for him now since many Islamic clerics are calling for his death. Among large numbers of Muslims, it would be considered honorable and righteous to kill Mr. Rahman and thus remove the shame from Islam for the "crime" of rejecting Islam. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RELEASE AND FOR SAFE HAVEN!

READ THE STORY AT USA TODAY BY CLICKING HERE

CAN AMERICA KEEP UP?

2006-03-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

CAN AMERICA KEEP UP? That is the question U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT asks in a special report on America's ability to keep up with the global economy and its technological leap forward in nations like China, India and South Korea.

This is one article among thousands that have been written in the last few years about the rapid decline of American global dominance technologically and economically. This report is sobering to say the least. On the one hand it is exciting to see other nations emerge and offer their citizens a better life, while on the other hand it is disappointing to watch our great country go the way of many civilizations throughout history. I only hope we awaken to these global realities before we find ourselves economic slaves to the rest of the world. Though it may take decades for the concerns raised to become reality, we must act now to maintain a place of leadership.

Please take the time to read this article, though I forewarn you that it is a little discouraging and quite long. It is very important that those of us within the church of Jesus Christ in this country be aware of the trends happening globally. The breathtaking speed of these events is going to deeply influence our lives and our children's lives. Where oh where are the Christian Entrepreneurs?

For the purpose of whetting your appetite, here is a short quote from the CEO of THOUGHTWORKS, a Technology company;

Complacency. Besides, many people see deeper problems--widespread American complacency, an entitlement mentality about jobs, and a pure lack of awareness about how tenacious some foreign companies and their employees have become--that can't be fixed by a few federal grants. "When you're in college drinking beer and watching the Super Bowl, your counterpart in China is on his fourth book," says Roy Singham, CEO of ThoughtWorks, a software consultancy with offices in the United States, India, China, and elsewhere. "I'm not predicting the end of American entrepreneurship, but we will lose 10 to 30 percent of our high-end start-ups."

OUCH! WHAT AN INDICTMENT!

READ THE ARTICLE AT U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT BY CLICKING HERE

100 YEARS OF POWER AND PROVOCATION!

2006-03-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." NIV

One hundred years ago this year in Los Angeles California, a one-eyed, uneducated, African American son of former slaves was used by God to launch the fastest growing movement in the history of Christianity. William Seymour prayed for and preached a new Pentecost and the results have been about 580 million adherents worldwide and the most effective missions enterprise ever to be undertaken.

Of course I am referring to the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement that has been the source of great power and provocation throughout Christendom for most of the last century. As an Evangelical/Charismatic/Mostly Reformed pastor of an Interdenominational church in Eastern Washington State, I am both thankful and proud of my heritage and concerned for the future of this growing global movement. Somehow I know we must preserve the power missions approach to the gospel while continuing to strive to maintain sound theological underpinnings.

Christianity Today Magazine is devoting a significant amount of print to this story which I really appreciate. I would encourage all disciples of Jesus Christ to take the time to read these articles with an open heart and mind while realizing that much of what you see on some Christian TV is not truly representative of most of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity.

At the root of our theology is the simple concept that the Holy Spirit is still actively working to confirm His Word with signs following and to edify His church. We just believe and live as if the book of the Acts of the Apostles would be more aptly called the Acts of the Holy Spirit and that He is still at work in the earth to promote The gospel of the Kingdom with POWER!

WEARY OF GETTING MY HEART BROKE!

2006-03-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

Is God trying to deal with some terrible evil within my heart? Is the horrible American Idol of Sports being dismantled? Have I lifted up the teams of my choice into some high place that God wants only to be inhabited by Him? NO, I HAVEN'T, BUT I KNOW SOME OF YOU THINK SO! (;

In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel chapter 5, one of the dark seasons in Israel's history is recorded as the writer narrates the tragedy of the Ark of the Covenant being taken by the Philistines in battle. After the Philistines capture the ark they take it to the Temple of their god Dagon and set it up next to the idol. When the people awakened the next morning, the idol had fallen down face first in front of the ark. The people set him up again, and once more, they returned to find Dagon fallen, but this time with his head and hands broken off! The head represents authority and the hands, power and provision. It was as if Yahweh was saying, "In my Presence, all of your false gods have no authority or power!"

I am starting to feel like these poor Philistines when it comes to my love of sports. Every team I have allowed my heart to find some kind of attachment to these last several months has been defeated in some of the most painful ways imaginable. First, USC up by 12 points with only 6 minutes to go, lets Vince Young and Texas steal the National Championship. Next, that abomination known as the STUPID BOWL took my already broken heart and stomped on it over and over again as my SEAHAWKS and the REFS choked away the World Championship. Tonight after watching the Gonzaga Bulldogs outplay the UCLA BRUINS for all but the last 2 minutes of the game and then literally give the game away on a silver platter, I have concluded that God is out to bring my Dagon down!

Yes, that's right, I believe the entire sports universe is revolving around me and my addiction and that God is trying to rip the deep seated pleasure I derive from sports out like a rotten cavity of a tooth! The problem is, I don't know if I want to be set free! Seriously though, can you imagine what it must be like to be a Red Sox, White Sox or Cubs fan? The first two finally got the monkey off their back. Maybe this year will be the Cubs year? Anyway, could someone please call Bill Clinton for me because I know he can "FEEL MY PAIN." Oh, I am so weary of getting my heart broke!

UCLA 73 - GONZAGA 71

AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST

2006-03-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

It seems that everywhere I look out in cyberspace, I here people talking about and quoting Charles Colson as if he is a newly discovered voice in the Christian world. I am really excited about this development because I deeply respect Colson and see him as a true Ambassador for The kingdom of Jesus!

I have been a Colson fan for many years now and really appreciate his ability to take deep philosophical questions that deal with the clash of worldviews and civilizations and make them relevant to scholar and lay person alike. (By the way, though I am a pastor, I cannot stand the term "lay person"!)

Well, in honor of Mr. Colson, I have added several of the books he has written in my WORTH READING section that have had an impact on my life and thinking. These books are an excellent read because Colson won't let you off the hook when it comes to the application of truth. He will not allow the disconnect between belief and action that is so prevalent in much of Western Christianity to have any place within our common faith. If you profess that Jesus Christ is Lord, then it goes to reason that He is actively at work within you to enable you to practically live out your profession by demonstrating God's love to the culture at large. Dig in to a Colson book and enjoy!

P.S. COLSON'S BREAKPOINT RADIO PROGRAM CAN BE HEARD AT HIS WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE

AN UPDATE ON A CRAZY CHRISTIAN

2006-03-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

It seems our friend Abdul Rahman is a CRAZY CHRISTIAN according to reports from Afghanistan. You may remember I wrote about him and the martyrdom of Christians the other day in THE HIDDEN REALITY OF MODERN MARTYRDOM. Whether or not this is a ploy to help Afghanistan avoid political embarrassment or the truth, God can use a number of ways to show mercy to His people. If Abdul is insane, at least he is insanely saved through simple child-like faith in Christ. He seems to have enough on the ball to refuse to deny Christ. Remember, there are some modern Psychologists that believe religious belief is a form of mental illness. If that is the case, I guess I am truly out of my mind!

PS - THE PICTURE IS DEFINITELY NOT FLATTERING!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE ON FOX NEWS

THE HIDDEN REALITY OF MODERN MARTYRDOM

2006-03-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

Revelation 6:9-11

9And when the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their witness. 10They called loudly to the Lord and said, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be before you judge the people who belong to this world for what they have done to us? When will you avenge our blood against these people?" 11Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters--their fellow servants of Jesus--had been martyred. (NLT)

As I have written before, there is a whole lot of important and noteworthy news going on in our world that is unreported by the major news outlets because it is not politically correct. One of the ongoing stories I would include in this category is the horrible and glorious reality of martyrdom and persecution for being a follower of Jesus Christ. Every year all over our globe, thousands of disciples of Jesus Christ are imprisoned, lose their homes and jobs, are tortured and even face horrible deaths for the sake of Jesus and His gospel.

This past Sunday on a number of the major news outlets like USA TODAY, the story of an Afghan man facing death for converting to Christianity 16 years ago really caught my attention. I was both saddened for him and encouraged to see this story making the rounds. For all of those people out there who continue to declare that Islam is a peaceful religion, I only need to point out that wherever Shariah Law and the Islamic religion have political power, people of other faiths can be and are often imprisoned and put to death for their beliefs.

This man is a hero that we need to highly esteem and pray for. Let us pray for God's mercy and deliverance from the death sentence for Abdul Rahman. It may be the will of God for Abdul to die as a martyr, but I will pray for his release and for sanctuary in a Western nation where he can love his Lord openly. After all, that is what the early Christians did as they prayed for Peter.

ACTS 12:5 - So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (NIV)

READ ABDUL RAHMAN'S STORY BY CLICKING HERE

I'M BACK!

2006-03-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

I know many of you who have faithfully read my blog in days past have been wondering what in the world has happened to me. Well, LIFE HAPPENS! I have been very preoccupied with a number of other things and I have given myself a blogging vacation that has now come to an end. PLEASE COME BACK! I won't ever leave you like this again (maybe)! "BABY COME BACK, YOU CAN BLAME IT ALL ON ME. I WAS WRONG, AND I JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU!" I'm thinking about taking up song writing in the future. Anyway, keep your eyes open and please keep your comments coming.

Doug

THE RISE OF CHINA; GOOD OR BAD?

2006-02-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Many Americans today are alarmed by the rise of China as a global power both economically and militarily. The question is, should we be? Is a military confrontation over Taiwan just around the corner? Are we going to be buried economically over the next 50 years as China rises to global prominence? All of these scenarios are possible and some would even say probable, but I'm interested in what Fox News and CNN are not reporting.

We live in a time of incredibly rapid change in every sector of society, but the big story that goes mostly unreported is the amazing advance of the kingdom of God throughout the earth! All around this "big blue marble," the gospel is spreading and penetrating even the most difficult and oppressive regimes as a whole new generation of Jesus loving martyrs and saints preaches the gospel of the Kingdom with power and conviction.

Confirmed miracles as dramatic as in the days of Jesus and the apostles are breaking out in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. China is home to the most amazing church growth in history, as somewhere between 25,000-30,000 people a day come to faith in Jesus Christ! The really mind boggling thing about this statistic is the fact that it has been going on for more than a decade now!

This is the untold story as we consider what China may look like in 20 years. If the gospel continues to advance as it has been, China could be a very Christianized nation by that time and a much different bird to deal with politically. I know many believers are afraid of mixing politics with faith, but the history of Biblical Christianity is one of many nations being deeply impacted by the political and social implications of governing according to a Biblically informed world-view. The most significant global shifting, historically speaking, has often been spiritual and not economic or military in nature.

As more and more Communist Party Leaders of the "old school" mold die off, the new leadership will be filled with many of those who have become followers of Jesus the Messiah. This could be where the real rise of China takes place as she goes through a major "values shift" and begins to lead the world in exporting the gospel and not just consumer goods. Are you ready for Chinese missionaries filled with a holy zeal to save America from its backslidden condition, preaching the good news of Jesus all over this great land?

What if China became our friend and ally as Europe becomes more and more secular and less and less friendly with the US? Is it possible? Why not? God is in the business of blowing our stereotypes, prejudices and American pride out of the water. Of course, I favor a scenario that would include a great awakening in Europe as she rediscovers her Christian heritage, embraces it and experiences a new cultural transformation. Then, we Americans too can be awakened to Jesus Christ, and embrace China and Europe as our allies and not our rivals or enemies. I know this may sound like Christian Utopianism to some, but I see the possibilities and believe in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

The rise of China could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on where things go over the next couple of decades. We would be foolish to discount this great and ancient land that has been one of the most influential and longstanding civilizations for over 4000 years. We would be wise to pray fervently for China and her leaders to come, and do all we can to invest in the exploding church growth taking place there. Who knows, the future president of China may be a new believer just getting their spiritual feet underneath them. A new day may be rising as God thrusts in His sickle and reaps the greatest harvest the world has ever known! OH MY FATHER, LET IT BE SO!

THE HAWKS BLEW IT, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE STRIPES!

2006-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

It took me a couple of days to process the Seahawks' loss to the Steelers in SUPERBOWL 40, but I am now ready to make my statement. The Seahawks lost to the boys from Pittsburgh for a number of reasons, but here is my general assessment.

Pittsburgh did what they had to do in the "Big Play" category and the Seahawks did not. When a game is as badly officiated as this one was, you cannot leave any room for doubt. You must seize every opportunity and dominate! Seattle showed they had the weapons to do just that, but they did not. Big Ben and company got it done on 3rd and 28, got the big run when they needed it and pulled a great trick play that faked our secondary out of their pants. We, on the other hand, could do very little in the RED ZONE and when we did, the "Striped Shirts" took it away.

Mistakes, bad clock management and a lack of "want it bad enough" really hurt us at critical times in the game. Jeremy Stevens was dropping passes like they were Asian poultry carrying Bird Flu, Mack Strong was "weak" after a key catch that would have given us a first down and momentum. All he had to do was give a little second effort, but instead he fell limply to the ground as if a little girl slapped him. We can whine all we want about the terrible officiating, but could someone please tell our Pro-Bowl Quarterback and SUPERBOWL genius coach how to tell time? The time management at the end of both halves was the worst I have ever seen in the NFL, period!

Now, the officiating! Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said in this article and others? It was really bad and did have a profound effect upon the outcome of the game and the morale of the Hawks, but I cannot take anything away from the Steelers. They took the opportunities presented to them and won the game when they needed to. Congrats Steel Town! Enjoy your ring and trophy while you can, because the Hawks will be back and they will be very hungry this time!

Now that I have given my two cents, here are two articles from opposing perspectives that I thought both had a ring of truth.

Seahawks won everything but the game - FOX SPORTS

Sorry conspiracy buffs, a loss sometimes is just a loss - ESPN

My Young Theologian

2006-01-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:2-3 - Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. ³" I assure you," He said, "unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. CSB

This morning I had one of those moments in parenting that God gives just often enough to keep us in the game. Of course these moments I'm talking about are probably happening around us all the time, but it seems I can often be blinded by the "important" things in life.

My 9 year old son Josiah and I were having a Bible reading time together and discussing a certain text of Scripture when I popped the big question to my son of what the text meant . As is often the case with this philosopher/theologian son of mine, his answer illustrated the power and simplicity of the parables of Jesus and their ability to speak truth in clear and poignant ways.

Although his answer was not completely correct from the perspective of proper Biblical interpretive methods, he did get the general idea behind what Jesus had said. The main theme was stewardship of kingdom resources and he was able to grasp this concept quite well . What followed was a wonderful discussion around God's Word that can only be described as "fellowship." My son and I were entering into that blessed place in Christ when The Word lives and we know He is near.

I don't mean to say that we were caught up into some kind of super-spiritual experience because we were not. Rather, in the casual atmosphere of my bedroom on my bed, I enjoyed watching my son come to an understanding about the most important knowledge he can ever have revealed to him. I delighted in him and his inquisitive and wonder-filled eyes as they danced with the joy of a growing understanding of truth. I guess moments like these are the really "IMPORTANT" ones in life!

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. ⁷ Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. CSB

THE 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA?

2006-01-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

THE CHURCH REPORT MAGAZINE has come out with their annual 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA issue and it is very interesting to say the least. I can only imagine that heaven's perspective may be a little different as the top 10 might well be headed up with white haired grandma prayer warriors! I agree with a number of the selections, but was a little disappointed to find some names missing.

Influence is not always a positive thing if the person doing the influencing has bad theology or is unethical in their calling. It seems that the greatest temptation and challenge that most of us could ever face would be notoriety and success. I have heard it said that most people can weather poverty and loss, but few can weather success.

It seems that this statement is confirmed throughout the Biblical record and history. Solomon is probably the greatest example of a man who was praised universally during his time and "blessed" with more material wealth than anyone before.

Having whatever his eyes and appetites desired did not do him well, but rather led to great despair and spiritual poverty. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible tells of us his journey and ultimate conclusions. Here they are in his own words; "Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. ¹⁴God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."(NLT) May God give grace to these influential ones and keep them from leading many astray as they humbly accept the yoke of success and recognition.

A GREAT TIME TO HAVE BEEN WRONG!

2006-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Right now is A GREAT TIME TO HAVE BEEN WRONG about my Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts! Back in November I wrote an article called "Some Good News and Some Bad News" and received more feedback than in any other previous post. In that particular post I "predicted" that the Indianapolis Colts would march undefeated to the Super Bowl and embarrass any and all comers.

Almost immediately after that article, the Colts began to unravel while the Steelers and Seahawks started to peak and play their best football of the season. I am not too proud to admit my error, especially since I really believe that at that point in the season, the Colts were clearly the best team in football. It is so good now to sit back and celebrate with all of the millions of Northwest folks who have suffered for many years with the heartbreak that is part of what it means to be a sports fan from Washington State.

Now, the SUPER BOWL and redemption are staring right at us and we need only take them by the throat! The Seahawks match up really well with the Steelers and have all of the tools necessary to win the big one. If they can manage a balanced running and passing game, keep Hasselbeck from being "hassle-backed" (sacked!), hold on to the ball and play the defense they are capable of playing, I think they are the better team.

GO SUPER-HAWKS!

A SAD DAY FOR LIFE!

2006-01-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

"I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art." THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH - CLASSICAL VERSION 4th Paragraph

"You shall not murder." God - Exodus 20:13

Today, in the hallowed halls of our most powerful political institution, six judges decided it was OK for physicians in the State of Oregon to administer "a deadly drug" to patients who want to die! In a 6-3 judgment, our U.S. Supreme Court opened a Pandora's box of death for the other 49 States in this great nation and once again demonstrated that the blacked robed ones have entirely too much power and influence upon the course of this land. The irony of this is that pro-life people around America have set this week aside as a time to honor the Sanctity of Human Life.

So much for the Hippocratic Oath! Many physicians today are living according to the Hypo-critic Oath as they claim to care about preserving life, while they insert a needle into a living human being which carries death-filled poison. Those that support the Oregon Law claim that it is "humane" and well written with a number of protections that prevent abuse like the fact that it "covers only extremely sick people — those with incurable diseases and who are of sound mind, and after at least two doctors agree they have six months or less to live."

The problem with this reasoning of course is that it assumes the inherent goodness of human beings and the ability to make judgments about the "dying" person. History and the Bible make it ever so clear that we are not all that good, but rather, we are all fallen and depraved human beings with potential to do horrible things to one another. All we have to do is look at what a "woman's right to abortion" has got us (other than 45 million dead Americans), namely, a multi-billion dollar industry pedaling murder as a right and alternative. I can only imagine what kind of sophisticated riff raff is lining up to "make a killing" in this new and terrible industry. God help us all. Oh, it is a sad day for life in America!

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE USA TODAY STORY

PRO-LIFE=PRO-FIDELITY!

2006-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

We live in a sex-saturated society that claims to be enlightened and liberated about sex but is clueless when it comes to the beauty and mystery of human sexuality. It seems that the more we experiment and supposedly learn, the less we truly know and the more broken we become.

Unfortunately, being a professing follower of Christ does not seem to be making a difference in many who claim His name. The church, generally speaking, seems to be either afraid to really talk about sex (as though it might offend the God who gave us sex organs, sex drives, nerve endings and the capacity for pleasure) or takes a page from the anti-drug movement and tells people to "JUST SAY NO!"

Well, this isn't helping our young people or those who are desperately looking for some kind of Biblically informed view to help them understand their desire for sex.

If we are going to claim to be Pro-Life people, we must address the issue of sexuality in our teaching and in our living. With adultery and the divorce rate as high within Christian Churches as in the un-churched community, something is wrong! Our hypocrisy is telling on us! Please follow this link to an article in World Magazine entitled BROKEN SEX. It has some excellent points which we would be wise to embrace.

BACK HOME AND SO THANKFUL!

2006-01-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

Nathan, we are safely home and really thankful to God and to all of the people at GRACE HARVEST CHURCH who supported us and prayed for us these last three months as we took a sabbatical.

Mazatlan was amazing and Southern California family so refreshing, but there is no place like home and my SLEEP NUMBER BED! My family and I have been loved on by God and people and have experienced His provision and grace in manifold ways and expressions.

I know, I missed it with the Rose Bowl, but boy was it ever so close! A little change here or there and USC wins! Such is life! Vince Young of TEXAS put on a one man show (with a little help from his offensive line) and TEXAS was the better team on that given day. OH, THE GLORY OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

I will now get back to the regular business of BLOGGING, hoping many of you will continued to read and enjoy. We had a wonderful Christ and family-filled Christmas this year with my wife's family in Anaheim as we drank in the laughter, energy and love of these precious people.

We are so grateful to Jerry and Cathy and their children, Jerod, Rachel, Caleb, Hanna and Emma for making Jesus real to all of us in a tangible way. Thank you for the sacrifice and laughter! YOU GUYS ALL ROCK!!!

My wife, Peggy, is so fortunate to have the family she does. Her many brothers and sisters have been such a source of love and grace over the years to our whole family. Thank you Tony, Rose, Chris and Debra, Stephanie and Michael for giving and giving and giving! By the way Chris and Debra, Washington is beautiful and waiting for a visit from you. Chris, entertaining debate with Steve! (;

Rich, Patty, Bridget, Bethany and Shawn, thanks for opening your homes and lives up and for throwing an awesome party TWICE! We highly respect and love you. Steve, Natalie, Andrew, Conner and Isabella, you are a blessed family. We are thrilled to think about what God has in store for all of you!

Maureen, Rocky, Nicole and David, it was so good to see you and hang out a little. Maureen and David, we will never forget the way you brought laughter, beauty and grace to our home in "04". PLEASE COME AND DO IT AGAIN!

Lorraine, thanks for the great haircut! God loves you and your kids so much! He promised "He will never leave us or forsake us." Teresa, I am sorry we didn't see more of you, but know that you are loved and missed.

Tom, Lori and family, we'll take a rain check and get with you next time! You are a great family who have taken on a difficult assignment. God is with you and will help you! Children are so important to Him!

Bill, it was good to see you and talk out in the back awhile. Come on up and see us sometime! Our home is your home!

Steve, Jane and Hudson, we are so excited about all of you and your future! Steve, you have a great big heart which even your truck cannot compare to! Come on up and spy out the land! THANKS FOR THE SUNGLASSES!

Pop and Nana, it was good to worship the Savior with you together at Saint Anthony's. Thank you for all the gifts, dog baby sitting, conversation and love. You are very special people whom are loved and appreciated by all of the Sherman's. We look forward to seeing you in June.

Mom, it was good to see you! It wasn't long enough though! Russ, good to meet you finally.

Dad, Glenda, Atoya, Christa, Caleb and kids, I am so glad we got to hang out and connect. I hope we can do it much more in the future. Time is passing faster than any of us want to admit.

Now, 2006 is before us waiting to be challenged and conquered. May God guide us all as we seek to serve. love and please Him. Thank you family, friends, Church Family and Heavenly Father for an amazing 2005!

A burning Bush brands the Texas Longhorns!

2006-01-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

I admit it! I was wrong a number of weeks ago when I predicted that the Indianapolis Colts would go undefeated and beat the Seattle Seahawks on their way to an undefeated season and a Super Bowl win. Now, I am totally on-board with the Seahawks!

Well, since I have already failed at one prediction, why not make another? Tomorrow, the USC Trojans, led by a Burning Bush named Reggie will squeak by the Texas Longhorns in the most anticipated College Bowl Game in history! Enough of the hype already, let's play the game! Reggie Bush of USC and Vince Young of Texas are two of the most exciting players to ever lace up shoes at the college level, so expect fireworks. USC 38 - TEXAS 35!

An Encouraging View for the New Year

2006-01-02T03:13:00.000-08:00

Hello friends out there in cyberspace on this 2nd day of the Year of our Lord 2006. I have been a little too busy to blog much, but thought you might get some encouragment from a daily devotional I read called "STREAMS IN THE DESERT." This particular reading is filled with a faith perspective that looks forward to the unknown year ahead with expectation and hope. Enjoy and then act upon what you have read with the knowledge that your Father in heaven is going before you as you possess new territory for his kingdom! God's richest blessings upon you in this New Year!

         New Year

         by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

"The
land whither ye go to possess it is a land of hills and valleys and
drinketh water of the rain of heaven: a land which the Lord thy God
careth for: the eyes of the Lord are always upon it, from the beginning
of the year even unto the end of the year" (Deut. 11:11-12).

Today dear friends, we stand upon the verge of the unknown. There
lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it. Who
can tell what we shall find? What new experiences, what changes shall
come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting,
gladdening message from our Heavenly Father, "The Lord thy God careth for it." "His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year."

All our supply is to come from the Lord. Here are springs that shall
never dry; here are fountains and streams that shall never be cut off.
Here, anxious one, is the gracious pledge of the Heavenly Father. If He
be the Source of our mercies they can never fail us. No heat, no
drought can parch that river, "the streams whereof make glad the city
of God."

The land is a land of hills and valleys. It is not all
smooth nor all down hill. If life were all one dead level the dull
sameness would oppress us; we want the hills and the valleys. The hills
collect the rain for a hundred fruitful valleys. Ah, so it is with us!
It is the hill difficulty that drives us to the throne of grace and
brings down the shower of blessing; the hills, the bleak hills of life
that we wonder at and perhaps grumble at, bring down the showers. How
many have perished in the wilderness, buried under its golden sands,
who would have lived and thriven in the hill-country; how many would
have been killed by the frost, blighted with winds, swept desolate of
tree and fruit but for the hill-stern, hard, rugged, so steep to climb.
God's hills are a gracious protection for His people against their foes!

We cannot tell what loss and sorrow and trial are doing. Trust only.
The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way today. It
shall be a good, a blessed new year!

He leads us on by paths we did not know;

Upward He leads us, though our steps be slow,

Though oft we faint and falter on the way,

Though storms and darkness oft obscure the day;

Yet when the clouds are gone,

We know He leads us on.

He leads us on through all the unquiet years;

Past all our dreamland hopes, and doubts and fears,

He guides our steps, through all the tangled maze

Of losses, sorrows, and o'erclouded days;

We know His will is done;

And still He leads us on.

--N.L. Zinzendorf

A Christmas Motif

2005-12-22T03:24:00.000-08:00

Please take note of my new Christmas motif designed especially just to make you feel "Christmasy." Enjoy the look and feel and remember to meditate on the mystery of God "in-fleshing" Himself in the babe in the manger.

Humanity is freed from the tendency to create expressions of God, (otherwise known as idols) for we now know what God "looks" like in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. To see the image of God, go to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and read about this Jesus I speak of. The words of the writers will paint a clear picture of His character and nature for you. He is "God with us." He is the exact representation of God and "the Word made flesh." We need never look any further than Jesus. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Wonderful Gift of God-given Friendships!

2005-12-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

My family and I arrived safely in Southern California on Sunday, December 18th to the warmth of the home of Jerry and Cathy McLaughlin and the cold of watching an Anaheim Mighty Ducks live hockey game. Jerry is my wife's brother and he and Cathy have a beautiful family with 5 children, a big British bulldog named Sergeant and a home full of love. We are looking forward to spending our first Christmas in 17 years with Peggy's family and hangin' out with some of my family and friends in Southern California.

As I told you in the last post, leaving Mazatlan was bittersweet due to the many friendships we made during our time in paradise. In the picture collage seen here you can get a little glimpse of many of the precious people that jumped into our hearts and made "Maz" one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

At the center of God's purpose and plan for all of our lives is the idea that we were made to be relational creatures. Hard-wired into human nature is the need to connect, relate, fellowship and enjoy the company of other human beings. When God said of Adam that it was "not good for man to dwell alone," He was not just talking about our need for a marriage partner. We were created for friendship, brotherhood, family and community. It is a wonderful truth that the community of the twice-born, otherwise known as the church, is called all of these things at one time or another. We are not a corporation, social or service club, but the "Body of Christ!"

In Mazatlan, a number of the friends we made were not necessarily followers of Christ, but they were all beautiful people made in the image and likeness of God who were meant by their Creator to be redeemed from sin and brought into fellowship with Jesus Christ and His family. All of these people enriched us and blessed us in a number of ways. Our family experienced God's love poured through human instruments of His grace. We deserved none of this, but rather were recipients of people doing what they were created to do, which is love their fellow man.

To all of you in Mazatlan, I can only say a great big THANK YOU FROM THE RECESSES OF OUR HEARTS! Similar to the way that the wonderful people of Grace Harvest Church have poured love into my family for years, you too have blessed us. You have reminded me that in spite of all of the evil and hurtful things that people do to each other everyday on this planet, the gift of friendship flourishes where people will nurture it.

Rogelio, Marianne, Haley and Mario, thank you for taking us into your lives and sharing your rich deposit of kindness and love. You gave and gave and gave to us until it was almost embarrassing! People like you will never truly lack because you have learned that in giving, you receive so much more! We look forward to maintaining a friendship with you for many years to come. PS - Rogelio, kayaking, bon-fire building, Pancho's and basketball were all great fun for me. Even Sam's Club was cool. THANKS!

James, Robin and family, thanks for taking time with us and giving so much of yourselves to us. We felt at ease with you as we partook of the same spirit of friendship which will make you flourish in your outreach to Mazatlan. Keep doing what you are doing and they will come, grow, and multiply! Thanksgiving, El Quelite, Para-sailing and El Olivo's was great because you took the time to invest into our lives.

Javier, thanks for running the best Internet Cafe in town and for your warmth, professionalism, servant's heart and spiritual hunger. Our discussion on the last day was excellent as you shared your journey and I shared mine. Keep seeking and remember Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me." Jesus Christ is the "Light of the world" and my prayer is that He would Illuminate a way for you to see.

Mary, keep making the best burgers and sandwiches in Mazatlan and keep up your spiritual quest. You have a great heart that God wants to fill with His love and healing. Peggy and I enjoyed getting to know you. We will miss you much!

Carlos and Raul, thank you for blessing our family as we para-sailed, boogie-boarded and enjoyed great fellowship and the testimonies of God's amazing grace. Though our time with you was short, it was impacting to me as I was reminded of the creativity of God as He pursues us and wears us down with His love.

Lorena and Caesar, thanks for the great dinner on our last night. Your kindness was refreshing to us and we really enjoyed getting to know you a little bit. May God bless your lives and lead you into His Everlasting Arms. Stanley, thanks for the use of the phone, Internet and all of the great tips that helped us to survive.

Pastor Fred and Debbie, we absolutely loved attending La Vina, going on a tour to "The other side of Mazatlan", dinner discussions over "kingdom matters" and the pleasure of hanging out with some "MOVERS AND SHAKERS" like yourselves. Your enthusiasm to touch people with the tangible, practical love of Jesus is an inspiration to our family. Thank you for letting us use the car and get around Mazatlan a little. We look forward to possibly seeing you up our way in "06", God willing.

To all of the Rico's staff I say thanks for making our time fun! All of you are getting practice in doing what it takes to go far in life. Thanks you for the laughs, great coffee, pictures, hand-shakes, goofing off and Spanish language help. Our family will miss you all very much. We hope to return in the future and see some of you still at Rico's. I know many of you are going to go on and make great things of your lives.

Enrique, Jenny and family, thanks for your open-hearted friendship and passion for God and righteousness. Enrique, though we did not talk much, when we did I thoroughly enjoyed your sense of conviction and persuasiveness. Jenny, my wife really appreciated your kindness to her and the way you made her feel welcome in your home. God bless both of you.

To Oly, Marge, Ellen, Randy, Juan, Bruce and Anne-Marie, Frankie and all of the other people who made this trip so memorable I express my heart-felt thanks to My Father in heaven on your behalf. Mazatlan is a beautiful place, but the people mentioned above are what made this time one of the most memorable of my life. Thank you!

Lastly, I would like to say thanks to Larry and Shirley, Dave and Ginger, Keith and Donna and the congregation at GRACE HARVEST CHURCH. You all made this time possible as you released my family and I to go and rest awhile. You have been our family these last 17 years and have been an amazing instrument of God's love and grace to all of the Sherman family. Without you none of this would have been possible! THANK YOU!

"PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW!"

2005-12-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

I have always hated goodbyes! You see, I went to four different high-schools in three different States, left all of my family to move to Washington State and have made friends all over the world. The good side of this is simply the fact that I am very rich in relationships. The bad side is that I am always saying, "See ya later." We are down to our last two days in Mexico and I am dealing with the dual feelings of being sad to go and excited about seeing family and friends in California and then back home in Washington State. "Parting is such sweet sorrow!"

Our family has made some new friends that I hope we will be able to keep for life. We have come to love the City of Mazatlan and hope to return in two years for our 20th Anniversary. We now have some wonderful people we can "hang with" which will make the adventure so much the better. In the days ahead, I will take some time to introduce you to some of the people and places we have loved in Mazatlan and hopefully not bore you to death.

I remember Rick Warren, the author of "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" telling a story from his own life of his father´s long goodbye in death and the passion he graduated to heaven with. Rick shared how his father´s consuming goal in life was always to, "Take just one more person to heaven with him." I hope the love of God and the Good News of Jesus has shown forth from our lives in such a way while here in Mexico as to help to populate heaven. I hope one day I will be able to look back on our time in Mazatlan and see that it wasn't´t just about R&R and ministry goal setting, but that Jesus touched some lives through the family that stayed at Residential Burgos in Casa #3.

I am also looking forward to the day when I will never have to say goodbye again in The New Heavens and The New Earth. There, I will join with my eternal family in the longest party ever in Jesus´house. I long for my Master´s appearing and the completion of this part of "The Mystery of the Ages," when faith will become sight and spirit and matter will be one and the same. I can imagine abolishing goodbyes and never having to attend another funeral. Until then, I will continue to look for "A city whose builder and maker is God" and try to accept the idea that goodbyes create longing and are temporary. Truly, "Parting is such sweet sorrow."

Lucy and The Lion!

2005-12-11T02:26:00.000-08:00

We found a theater in Mazatlan that had "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" in English and went together as a family on opening night to see this classic tale. All of us in the Sherman family really enjoyed the picture and felt that the director did about as good a job as could have been done by a Hollywood film studio.

Lucy stole the show! All of the other characters were well casted, but Georgie Henley, the 10 year old girl who plays Lucy, was an absolute feast to the senses with her wide-eyed sense of wonder, innocence and child-like faith. Peter, Susan, Edmund, Mr. Tumnus, the White Witch and Aslan were all a hit, but Lucy was the show-stopper.

The White Witch played by Tilda Swinton had "ice in her veins" and was the embodiment of seductive cruelty. She, like many other tyrants throughout history, sees people, creatures and the environment as all existing as a means to an end. Aslan's world is utilitarian to her as she consumes everyone and everything around her to strengthen her hold on power.

Aslan's voice is done by Liam Neeson and provides an excellent combination of gentleness, wisdom and power. The one criticism of Aslan that I have is that we don't see or hear enough from Him. There is some very important dialogue cut out of the picture which diminishes Aslan's presence as the awe-inspiring character He is in the books. The director comes close, but falls a little short on this account.

The special effects are great and do a good job of making the creatures of myth and magic come to life in a believable way. However, with all of the advancements in CGI which currently exist, it is almost impossible to create a CGI character that is flawless. Aslan for instance is close, but I still had the feeling that He was digital lion.

The one missing element that may be impossible to remedy in any future Narnia films is the wonderful witty narration of Lewis himself. Throughout the books he inserts little quips and quotes that are key to making the Narnia series what it is. Without a narrator reading directly from the books, I'm not even sure it would be possible to capture this effect. Of course doing this would probably slow the story down a bit and quite possibly lose some of the younger viewing audience.

The positive element in all of this is the simple joy of being able to go back and read the books and know that there will always be certain little treasures hidden within the pages of these classic stories. The film adaptation is very good and well worth seeing in the theater, but the books will always be just a little better. Even so, "Aslan is on the move!"

The Kingdom of Narnia is at hand!

2005-12-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is our intention to go and see "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" while down here in Mexico. We are hoping to find a theater that will air it in English as most children's movies are dubbed in Spanish here in Mazatlan. I have read a number of reviews and find that they are all across the spectrum when it comes to being favorable or not.

One of the greatest dangers in this time of computer generated graphics is to cut out dialogue and replace it with "action" in order to make the picture more exciting to younger audiences. A Christianity Today critique I read said this very thing. If you are a C.S. Lewis fan as I am, you know how tragic that would be. The witty dialogue of the beasts, children and Aslan is one of the greatest aspects of the entire Narnia series as the life of the Kingdom of God is foreshadowed simply and profoundly. I am trying to not set my expectations so high as to make them unattainable.

Nevertheless, I am encouraged that one of the most influential thinkers of the 20Th Century is going to have his post-mortem shot at impacting an entirely new generation with the beauty, wonder, power and grace of Aslan and Narnia. Repent! The Kingdom of Narnia is at hand!

Christianity Today Review of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

World Magazine Review of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

It´s almost NARNIA time!

2005-12-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Is the time finally at hand when Christian thought and worldview are starting to get a greater hearing within American culture? For all of the things which we could lament surrounding us in pop culture, I am starting to notice a trend toward movies with a Christian world and life-view on the increase. The first installment of the C.S. Lewis series, "The Chronicles of Narnia" will be hitting theaters on December the 9th and they promise to be true to the books and values of Lewis and his family. God´s voice is getting a hearing in spite of the fact that others are trying so hard to squeeze Him out, or at least marginalize His people. Let us as the redeemed community be as loud to applaud Disney for making this movie as we have been to yell when they blow it! Go see "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" and travel to the wonderful land where Aslan rules!

CLICK ON TO THE WORDS, "CHRONICLES OF NARNIA" TO LINK TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE!

Some Good News and Some Bad News!

2005-11-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

I have lived in the State Of Washington for 17 years now, and it has taken most of that time to become a genuine Seahawks fan. You see, during high school I lived in the San Francisco area for a number of years and got to witness the 49ers as they developed an awesome dynasty. Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Keena Turner etc...! I got very spoiled to say the least.

Since I moved to Washington, I have had to endure watching Seattle sports teams break their fan´s hearts over and over again. Somehow I determined ´twas better to flirt than make any commitment. To love is to hurt. To commit myself to the Seahawks was to prepare for the "Dear John letter" to come.

After all, I watched the Sonics win 64 games in 1996 only to be beaten by the Jordan-led Bulls in the finals. Wouldn't you know the Sonics would have to face the greatest team in NBA history the year the Bulls would set a new record for the most wins in a season! Soon after, the Mariners equaled the greatest regular season in MLB history by winning 116 games and then promptly losing to the hated Yankees in the playoffs. Last year, I remember watching the Seahawks melt down against the Rams in the fourth quarter of a regular season game and then go on to complete that process in the playoffs. Could this year be any different? Well, I think I am finally "getting serious" because I am actually starting to imagine the Hawks in the Superbowl this year.

I have been following these Alexander-led Hawks while down here in Mexico and I can say I think we have some good news and some bad news for fans everywhere. First the good news. The Hawks are winning games they had the amazing ability to lose last year. They held on against the 49ers, and then won a squeaker against a Giants team intent on losing. The New York fans now know what it feels like to be a Seahawks fan for a change!

The bad news must come though, so here it is. There is nobody right now that can or will stop the Indianapolis Colts as they march undefeated to the Superbowl and establish themselves as the greatest individual season team in history. I have watched them play several times now, and I can honestly say that they are the best team I have seen since my Joe Montana Niner days. Peyton Manning is far and away the best quarterback in football and on his way to becoming one of the greatest ever. So, we have the privilege of watching our Seahawks peak right when Indianapolis is going to make history.

A couple weeks from now, these two teams will meet on the field, and after the Hawks have been humbled as everybody else has, we will be content to sit back and play for second best. I know, I must be getting old, for cynicism has taken hold where fan-faith used to dwell. I can see the "Dear John letter" now.

Blowing Away Stereotypes!

2005-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and readers of IllumiNations!,Today, I have a very special treat to share with you all! The most beautiful, wise, creative and intelligent woman in the world is going to share her profound insights with all of us mere mortals! Peggy Sherman the virtuous, has some thoughts about Mazatlan and the Mexican people that have been burning in her heart. Please enjoy, as I sure do! ;)

"I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows very well." Ps.139:14

Ever since we arrived in Mexico a little more than a month ago, I have been continually fascinated by the beauty and the diversity of the Mexican people. I confess that my image of the average Mexican was someone with beautiful dark skin, shiny black hair, and brown eyes. Growing up in Southern California, these were the majority I had been exposed to. Granted, coming from a family of eleven children we didn't get out much. Going on a trip to Aunt Mary and Uncle George's house 40 miles away was major for us! So my exposure was limited to approximately a 40 mile radius from our home, which I thought was rather ethnically diverse! Upon moving to Eastern Washington 17 years ago, it was much the same within our largely agricultural community.

Doug, our son Stephen, and I recently went on a tour of the ministries that the local Vineyard church is involved in here in Mazatlan. We had some extremely cute little kids following us around at one point during the day. Among them were two adorable kids with red hair and freckles! (You can catch a glimpse of these little Mexican leprechauns if you go to the pictures labeled Mazatlan dump. They are the boy and girl directly to my left.) While eating at Cafe Pacifico for our daughter Sarah's birthday, there were two couples who looked as American as apple pie. Tall, with blond hair and blue eyes and they were talking, laughing, and having a great time all in Spanish! Now, I understand that being in a tourist town such as Mazatlan you're going to have visitors from all across the globe. But the majority are from the US, Canada, and other parts of Mexico. One more example. Earlier this week, Doug and I were eating at McDonald's (Yes, they have Mickey D's here too! Two of them in fact!) In a booth nearby sat three young people. I glanced over at them and thought, " Oh, some typical American teenagers." One young man had red hair, blue eyes, and pale skin with freckles. He was wearing baggy Dickies pants, and the others were dressed in equally trendy clothing. Lo and behold, they were "habla en Espanol-ing"! My curiosity almost got the best of me and I was going to ask them in my limited, halting Spanish where they were from. But they seemed to be in a hurry so my curiosity was left unsatisfied.

My kids say that I'm just being nosey and that I shouldn't be so concerned about other people. But at the risk of sounding defensive or as if I'm trying to justify my behavior, I must disagree with them. I have always been fascinated with the diversity of humanity. I experienced it while having Korean students with us this past summer. I've also been grieved at the tragic history of nations being conquered. And yet how God in His masterful way can, in spite of evil, create beautiful people of various skin tones, hair textures, eyes colors, facial features, etc.

My grandmother Katherine McLaughlin, while in her 80's, did an indepth study of the human cell just for the sheer pleasure of it. I'm sure she explored genetics and how DNA and RNA, peptides and nucleides and all those other "ides" work together to bring forth a unique masterpiece. These all created in the image and likeness of the Master Himself. Maybe that's where I get this tendency. That's it! I am cursed with the predisposition towards "nosey-ness"! As Reptevia said in "The Fiddler on the Roof" when he was told that money was the world's curse, "Then may the Lord smite me with such a curse, and may I never recover!"

Yes, Mazatlan is just one very small example of the diversity and beauty that has been woven throughout all of human history. May God forever receive the glory for it all!

"Live. And live well...!"

2005-11-24T04:47:00.000-08:00

Last week, after my kayaking trip, my friend and brother in Christ, Jim Paul left a comment on my blog about the tragic death of pastor Kyle Lake of University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. According to Jim's account, pastor Kyle was killed when his wireless microphone shorted out while performing baptisms! He died of electrocution while performing a holy rite for God. I can only imagine the loss and confusion his family and congregation must be experiencing right now. If you believe in God and the power of prayer, please pray for this grieving family and church.

Jim passed on a quote from pastor Kyle's last sermon that was profound to say the least. Please read it, ponder it and then act upon it. None of us knows how long we have been given, so let's really "Live and live well!"

"Live. And live well. BREATHE. Breathe in and breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now. On a crystal clear, breezy 70 degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool Autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE. Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.If you bike, pedal HARD… and if you crash then crash well.Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well done—a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed. If you must wipe the snot from your 3-year old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex didn’t catch it all… because soon he’ll be wiping his own.If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well. At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke. And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven. And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because-it-is-most-definitely-a-Gift."

Hearing, Speaking, Reading and Writing!

2005-11-21T03:20:00.000-08:00

Hearing, speaking, reading and writing are amazing God-given gifts with which we express what we call language. Through language, we can travel to the past present or future and even go to lands that only exist within the author´s mind.

In the past month I have met Zeus, Psyche, Hades, Cupid, Artemis, Athena, Poseidon and many others and I have spent some time in a couple of ancient civilizations! I have experienced the grandeur of Atlantis and seen its fiery destruction as the earth rose in travail and devoured that ancient land of myth and fantasy for its exceeding wickedness! I have watched Atlantis be reborn in the modern world in a work of fiction I read called, "World Without End!" I have also traveled into the hearts and minds of other authors as they have told the non-fiction accounts of their own grappling with God, life, faith, disappointment and truth.

As I have read and pondered, many things have passed through my mind that I could write about. Today, I want to talk about the power of language and the blessing of being able to express thoughts, emotion, passion, wisdom, knowledge and creativity.

"In the beginning was the Word...", is how the Gospel according to John opens. In these few profound words, John shows us that everything begins with a thought spoken out into the void. The ancient Greeks believed that this "Word" or "Logos" was the origination and genesis of all seen things. Plato believed that the Logos was the original thought or explanation behind the scenes bringing the visible things into existence. The great saint John goes on to tell a primarily Greek speaking audience that, "...The Word was with God, and the Word was God." John gives personality, reason, intelligence and many other attributes to this creative concept known to the Greeks merely as the "Logos."

Inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, John further tells us that, "The Word became flesh(human) and lived among us!" This Word was and is Jesus Christ, the thought and explanation of God to mankind! Jesus is the Creator, genesis and original thought of God through whom all things seen and unseen came to be!

When God wanted to disclose Himself to us in a tangible way and let us read, hear, speak, understand and act upon what He wanted to say, He spoke Jesus into the womb of the virgin girl Mary. With that, the greatest story ever told became an infant inside the young woman overcome by the angel Gabriel and the power of the Holy One. The language of God to humanity is Jesus, the very Word with skin on!

The language of Mexico is Spanish and I don´t speak it. Mexico is a wonderful place filled with sights, sounds, smells and a language that is mostly foreign to all of us in the Sherman family. Language is the one thing that seems to keep us on the "outside looking in" as we try to communicate here in the land that Cortes and the Spaniards conquered. When God confused the languages at the tower of Babel, He truly knew that the best way to keep people from becoming their own gods was to keep them apart with language. Not that I am not learning some Spanish, for I am learning "poquito!" What I am saying though, is that I cannot really enjoy the richness of Mexico and its folk history, fiction, myth and uniqueness as I could if I knew Espanol. Even the language itself contains nuances that are interwoven into all of the aforementioned elements that make up what we call a culture. Language is key.

I find myself feeling rather infant-like as I go through the process that all of us must go through to learn to live on this planet. As a little baby, I first learn to listen to words and recognize their meaning. After listening for some time, I begin to speak as a baby would with all of the inherent wrong pronunciations. One of the many differences of course is the simple fact that I experience embarrassment and feelings of incompetence. Next, I make attempts at reading, which is really humorous! Forget about writing, I know my limitations!

Language is an amazing gift from God for the purpose of expressing ourselves and being almost god-like in the creation of worlds made from words. However, I long for the day when all is made right and the curse of Babel is removed and we can all speak a common tongue in the kingdom of the Word made flesh! Until then, I will continue to stumble around Mexico and other places on this wonderful planet making a fool of myself and saying things like "no comprende."

Check Out The Photo Journals of Mazatlan

2005-11-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hey all you blog readers,

Scroll down the page and check out the Photo Journals I have posted. There are some really cool pics of our time in Mazatlan. As we take more pictures we will keep you posted and publish them.

By the way, Lorraine and any other readers who are wondering who the pretty blond with the baby is in the first photo journal, it is Peggy's sister Jane. This is her first baby and a miracle baby at that! All in the family are rejoicing with her and her husband Steve. I should have put a caption below the picture.

Moses Lake church family,
You are all loved and missed! Looking forward to seeing you in January.

Doug, Peggy and family