Great, Great Words...

Forever King!
You're ev'rything My heart has need to know!
My first, my last, my future, my past,
The strength of all my hopes!
You're the Rock of all the ages,
Eternal timeless Savior
Forever King,
You're ev'rything forever!

Before the kingdom, You were the King
And when there was nothing
You were everything!
Before foundations stood,
Before evil, before good,
You were forever!

Before the night, before the day
Before the man was formed from clay
Before life, before death
Before the first breath,
You were forever!

After the stars desert the sky,
After the rivers all run dry
When the earth is no more
And the heavens roar
You'll be forever!

Then we'll gather around Your throne,
Of ev'ry nation all Your own
And in one accord
We'll praise You Lord
You are forever!

Author: Eddie Carswell Copyright: 1986 Songs Of Promise (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) Lowery Music Company, Inc.

I first heard this song about 19 years ago when I was stationed in the Denver area, and worshipped with the great congregation of Denver First Church of the Nazarene. The wonderful in-residence men's trio (Brotherhood) sang this song one Sunday evening, and the power of the Holy Spirit moved marvelously in that church facility. The altars filled up with people seeking the Lord and surrendering everything to Him. These words have filled my mind for a very long time now, and I wanted to share them with my "Something to Consider" readers.

From the Pen of Maya Angelou

Thanks to Brent Young for sharing this in a forum where I participate:


I Am a Christian by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow.

That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

What say ye?

Free Hugs....what a great idea...

http://www.free-hugs.com/


Just saw this fella (Juan Mann) who came all the way from Australia to Chicago--to be on the OPRAH Show (www.oprah.com) to advertise his "free hugs."

What a great idea!

Just about everyone I know loves to be hugged...I know that I do.

So why don't we all go "hug" someone today....it will encourage them, and it will do worlds of good for you also.

So who can I hug?

This is a crying shame...

It seems that our BAPTIST brothers and sisters in Christ have lost their minds...again.
_____________________________________________________

SBC Seminary President Defends Campus Ban on Charismatic Practices
10/26/06
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker,
Agapepress

A spokesman for a Southern Baptist seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, is defending the public stance that the theology school has taken against certain contemporary charismatic Christian practices or beliefs.

In late August, Pastor Dwight McKissic of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, preached a chapel message at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, during which he spoke of having experienced a "private prayer language." That reference to what some charismatic believers describe as speaking or praying "in tongues," prompted the seminary to pass a resolution stating that it would neither endorse charismatic practices -- including "private prayer language" -- nor employ those who promote such practices.

According to a recent Christian Post article, McKissick, who is also a newly appointed trustee at the seminary, was aware at the time he gave his sermon that many leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) disagree with speaking in tongues and a number of other charismatic beliefs. However, he has commented that he believes God gave him that specific message to preach that day.

The message sparked debate throughout the Convention, with some Southern Baptists saying that encouraging Christians to speak in tongues conflicts with the policy of the SBC's International Mission Board, which prohibits appointment of missionary candidates who practice a private prayer language.

And now, some two months after the inciting chapel sermon, trustees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), have voted 36-1 not to tolerate any endorsement or promotion of the practice on the school's campus. McKissick himself cast the dissenting vote and commented afterward on the "charisphobia" of the prohibition. However, he told the Christian Post he praises God for the "clear, forthright, honest" statement from SBTS, which he hopes will lead to further clarification of where the SBC stands on this issue.

Seminary Head on Charismatic Christianity: Let Baptists Be Baptists Paige Patterson, president of SBTS, defends the seminary's ban on private prayer language, saying it was important for the school to remain faithful to Baptist witness and distinctions. "We do believe in absolute religious liberty," he observes, "but we also believe that if you're going to be a New York Yankee, you shouldn't wear a New York Mets uniform."

In other words, Patterson explains, "We believe Baptists ought to be Baptists and charismatic folks ought to be charismatic. We simply felt that at this point it was necessary to indicate the trajectory of our school." He characterizes the seminary's ban as a move to affirm the Convention's doctrine and its distinctiveness.

"We recognize that our charismatic brothers and sisters are just exactly that -- they're brothers and sisters in Christ," the seminary president points out. "We honor that, and we do a lot of things with them; but we're Baptists," he says. "We are concerned about the confusion that often exists now as to who's what and where."

Patterson says SBTS adopted its firm stance against Pentecostal or charismatic practices, in part, in the interest of maintaining the school's focus on the denomination's primary concerns. "The emphasis that we want to have here at Southwestern Seminary," he asserts, "is on the evangelization of the lost and the international mission enterprise."

Meanwhile, McKissic has mentioned that he plans to ask the SBC to take up the issue officially, as the Convention has yet to adopt a formal position on spiritual gifts. The Texas pastor is "absolutely convinced," he says, that while many of the leaders and "the elite" in the denomination may disapprove of speaking in tongues and other charismatic practices, a majority of those in the pews of SBC churches would look favorably on them.

(Source: Agapepress)
***********************************

I have a couple of questions for the good "BAPTISTS":

1) Why don't you try being a good Biblical Christ-follower, first and foremost?

2) Do you believe that "Baptists" have the full revelation of all that God wants to do and intends for His children?

3) Are those "charismatics" inferior to you--or your inflated sense of spiritual superiority?

What say ye?

When I'm RIGHT, I'm right!

I honestly and sincerely do not want to sound like an egotistical bragadocio in this post.

Really, really I don't.

But I recently read something in Robin McGraw's (Dr Phil's lovely wife) new book, that hit a chord with me. She has a chapter entitled, "When I'm right, I am right..." And while it was funny, inspiring, and informative, it caused me to think.

It made me think about the time more than two years ago when I posted the reasons that I would not vote for "Bush-Cheney 04"--and now, if I'm not mistaken, all of my reasons have been proven true.

Robin's writing made me think about a couple of relationships that have exploded in my face--because I dared to stand up for the truth, and not back down. These explosions have been painful, but now I find out that the stands I took were correct. Time has proven this to be so.

I'm the first one to admit that I do not like a "Know-it-all" person--who can never admit their mistakes, misjudgments, or misgivings. And the reason I don't like them, is because I used to be one of those kinds of people.

My friend Kevin Bussey over at "Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee" http://kevinbussey.wordpress.com/ has a fascinating personal account of how the Lord is continually delivering him from some inbred Pharisaism. And if we are really honest about the situations in our life, most of us have strong propensities toward being first-class Pharisees.

But, again, let me say this--as modestly and as humbly as I know how: When I'm right, I am right...

Thanks Robin, for reminding me.

Not now, Senator, not now!

In the microscopic chance that Senator Barack OBama, or any of his staff read my blog--which I 100% seriously doubt--let me weigh in here on the "presidential possibilities" for the Junior Senator from Illinois.

NOT NOW, Senator, NOT NOW!

Personally, I think you would make a terrific holder of the Oval Office...but not now. In six years, definitely, but not in 2008.

I have followed your career very closely since you won the Senate seat in November 2004. I visit your website often, and read just about everything I can find about you.

You are a charismatic, gracious, engaging, intelligent and thoughtful person. I have no doubt you are the very same in the Chambers of the United States Senate. Or at least you should be.

But "now" is not the time to make a run to occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

I watched your interview on Meet the Press yesterday with Tim Russert. I only wish you had stayed true to your original answer from February of this year. You should fulfill your six year commitment to the people of Illinois. End of discussion.

You do not have the "legislative" experience needed--but then again neither did the current President. And you certainly have at least two years more than he had when he entered the White House, and at least four years more legislative experience than he will have when he leaves in two years. But that is beside the point.

The people of our great state need you to represent us, and to voice our concerns in the Senate.

It's just not time for you to run--not in 2008.

However, if you do run, I will seriously consider voting for you.

When you ran for the Senate seat--that was an easy decision---look who was running against you.

If you run for President of the United States, I will consider all of the candidates.

So Senator, now is not your time.

For Today...."All things are possible..."

I'll confess:

I'm not a huge football fan. Yet, living in the city of Chicago, I do follow the Chicago Bears--even though from a distance. They won their game against the Arizona Cardinals last night....even though it took the 4th quarter to get there...

But more than the football game, my heart has been meditating on what we "win" when we commit everything in our being to live as Christ-followers. I just want to make sure that I am following Christ with far more fervor than I am following a sporting event.

On my way to work this morning, this song kept running through my heart:

Almighty God, my Redeemer, my hiding place,
my safe refuge
No other name but Jesus
No pow'r can stand against You

My feet are planted on this rock
And I will not be shaken
My hope, it comes from You alone
My Lord, and my salvation

Your praise is always on my lips
Your word is hidden in my heart
And I will praise You with a new song
My soul will bless You, Lord

You fill my life with greater joy
Yes, I delight myself in You
And I will praise You with a new song
My soul will bless You, Lord

When I am weak, You make me strong
When I'm poor, I know I'm rich
For in the power of Your name
All things are possible!

________________________________
Yes, with Christ all things are possible...even in football!

Facing the Giants: GO SEE IT!

Okay, okay, I'll admit it here and now:

I'm not much of a "movie" person. I have to really, really be interested in the "subject matter" or one of my absolute favorite actors has to be starring in it. I've never been diagnozed as ADHD--but that can be a very good "cop out" for me, if I don't want to sit through two hours of something or another on the big screen.

But Facing the Giants was well the time..and the effort. The website www.facingthegiants.com will give you all details about this terrific film.

I can't remember when I've seen a clearer presentation of the power of Jesus Christ than what I saw in this movie.

My good buddy Larry Ohannes and I drove more than 60 miles (round trip) out to the "burbs" just to see this movie. I'm glad we did.

None of the cast were "big name" actors per se, but the story they told was riveting and inspiring. It made me rejoice more than once.

Strengths of the movie:

Great presentation of the gospel. Great reminder of what "life" used to look like. The rural Georgia setting (and all the Southern accents) were amusing.

Alot of humor that was used well in this film. I laughed out loud more than once.

Weaknesses of the movie:

It was a "low budget" film. I read somewhere the budget was less than $250K. I'm not surprised...and the producers should have spent alot more on the film. No need to present the "gospel" in a cheap fashion. The world will notice that--and we believers should too.

"All well that ends well"--and that's not always the fact in real life. While the leading character (Coach Grant Taylor) got everything he wanted--after a battle in his mind and soul--real life doesn't always play out that way. Sometimes God does leave the "question marks" in place in our life. That's when we have to trust Him the most--even if the "?" never goes away.

I would encourage folks to see this film.

The 2006 Mid-terms....

Oh well, the "midterm" election season is upon us...and we are all victims of the horrible mudslinging that is pouring through this nation like the furies of Hades.

I'm not sure that I've recovered from the 2004 Elections enough to even care about the ones that will take place in less than 30 days. Many people who claim to be "Christ-followers" were down right ugly and mean-spirited because "other Christ-followers" didn't vote for this person, or that person. I hope that doesn't happen this time.

But I do hope this much:

No church will endorse a candidate from their pulpits.

No Christian will judge the integrity or spiritual fitness of another Christ-follower because of their "vote".

That every eligible American citizen will exercise their obligation to VOTE.

I'm not particularly crazy about these choices either---and haven't been for almost 20 years now...but I will be voting.

It's my obligation as a citizen, it's my duty as a taxpayer, and it's my privilege as a Christian to vote.

I will vote.

Not sure whom for...but I will vote.

You can count me in.

"Deal or No Deal"

One of the most profound passages of Scripture in all of the New Testament is a simple, but convicting verse from the Gospel of John:

"By this shall all men know you are My disciples when you love one another." (Chapter 13, I'll let you look up the exact verse...).

Jesus had just finished what many scholars will call the "Upper Room discourse"--the last meal before His betrayal, trial, murder, and Resurrection. He had invited them to "eat bread" and then showed them how to "wash" each other's feet. These activities are far more than just symbolism to be preached on once a quarter. These were commands of Christ that we should be observing, and better yet, fulfilling.

One of the reasons I wanted to write about this command/admonition is because it has been so easily and often ignored by those who claim to be Christ-followers.

Some things that I've observed in "church" for the last 38 years:

1) We want to have great music, and good participation. (I love great music, and I always want to participate...one reason I am not a Catholic, I'm sure)

2) We want to have great preaching and teaching, and we want people to "grow" in their knowledge of God's Word and God's ways. (No argument from me here either...I'm all for it...absolutely. I need to grow in God's Word and in His ways.)

3) We have bought into the idea that "another conference" or another "advertisement" or another "method" of evangelizing will reach people, will get them in the "door" and will win them to Jesus.

So here's what I think:

Do what Jesus said. Love one another. Love one another so fervently that this same "love" will spill out on the streets--where the unloved, the unlovely, the unchurched, the unbeliever all dwell--and will reach them. No one has ever loved us like Jesus has, did, and still does!

But how do we truly "love one another"?

This "love" that Jesus was talking about must extend far beyond the sanctuary, and the Sunday School room. This "love" that Jesus was talking about must be visible and functioning Monday through Saturday--long after the songs have been sung, the offering has been counted, and the parking lots are empty.

I'm convinced that Christ was absolutely correct when He said, "By this shall all men know..."

Not by anything else...not our slick advertisements, evangelistic campaigns, or our "new and improved" methods.....

What say ye?

Happy Birthday, Tereasa Rollings!

God always brings along very special people in my life. Tereasa Rollings is one of the most special people I've ever known.

We have quite a history over the last 30 years.

I was first introduced to "Mrs Rollings" when I enrolled in the Freshman Biology class at Madison County High School, in Alabama in the Fall Semester, 1976. The class was overcrowded, and Mrs Rollings asked if anyone wanted to transfer to the "other section" of biology--and since she was already writing my fingers off anyway--I raised my hand.

BIG MISTAKE...BIG, BIG MISTAKE!

For some reason, Tereasa became a dear, dear friend of mine at that point. I clung to her as my new friend, and she was more than happy to give me some "guidance." This wonderful relationship continued for the next several years. She was as tough as nails in her classroom situations, but was a wonderful, gentle, and godly influence in every situation. She helped me sort things out in life on more than one occasion.

There are so many, many marvelous things I could say about her...and all of them would be true. But this is a "blog"--not a book.

She makes the best chili I've ever eaten.
She encouraged me to become a good writer and a better musician.
She has introduced me as "Doctor Phil" before..and I blushed..and accepted the flattery.

She is a wonderful, gracious, godly lady who has loved so many "confused" kids just like me...and it has made an eternal difference in my life.

Happy Birthday Tereasa!

"Stop Dating the Church"....

One of the books that I plan to read in the next week or so is Stop Dating the Church..and fall in love with the family of God by the same dude that wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye--Pastor Joshua Harris.

I ordered a copy from Amazon.com and I can hardly wait to get it in my greasy hands.

The Executive Pastor at The Moody Church (Dr Hutz Hertzberg) strongly recommended this volume to me last Sunday, and I want to read it.

I have a passion for the church, for God's plan for His Church, and for God's people.

Have any of you read this book?

If so, what do you think?

Happy Birthday, Vicki House

My precious friend Vicki Dean House is celebrating her 43rd Birthday today!

She and I became good friends many, many moons ago in college. We have remained good friends ever since.

She and her husband Gary live in the Abilene, Texas area.

I just wanted to wish her a wonderful, wonderful birthday today!

Mark Foley...so what else is new?

The Apostle Paul gave this very significant and sobering admonition to the Christian believers in Corinthian more than two thousand years ago:

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor 10:12).

I am sickened by the revelations of former Congressional Representative Mark Foley (R-FL) and his "issues" while serving in the United States House of Representatives. I am deeply saddened that this public servant did not receive the help (emotionally, professionally, and spiritually) that he needed.

But what is more alarming is the fact that so many of the "Religious right" have bowed their knees to the "Baal" called the Republican Party--swallowing just about everything the GOP tells them--about anyone.

A gentle reminder here: GOP does not stand for God's Own Party. Anyone associated with Foley's "problem" and took no action should be held accountable NOW and at the Ballot boxes in November. This country deserves no less.

As the "Foley scandal" unfolds (even more than it already has), Christians (Christ-followers) will do well to remember the words of Paul. He was admonishing a church well known for it's "freedom" concerning sexual matters....a sinful freedom, though it was.

As a Christ-follower, I am convinced that I belong to Him. But His possession of me, doesn't mean that I cannot sin again. It does not mean that I will never be tempted again. And it certainly doesn't mean that I can "live above it all" in my own power and strength.

Before we point fingers at the "liberals" the "Democrats" and everyone else with whom we may disagree, maybe we should realize that Paul was "on target" and that we have enough to do in "maintaining" our integrity, sexually and otherwise.

So many in the "religious world" are ready to point out, target, judge, jury, and execute "those people." And then we find those "skeletons" that just refuse to stay in the closet anymore.

We all need the grace, forgiveness, and mercy of God. And what goes around comes around.

Everytime.

One Hundred Thirty-Five years ago yesterday...

The great CHICAGO FIRE burned hundreds, possibly thousands of acres of the Windy City. More than 300 people lost their lives during this tragedy.

One can visit the Chicago History Museum (formerly the Chicago Historical Society), and see all the events in the sequence of their occurence.

Of course Mrs O'Leary--and her cows--have taken alot of "heat"--all puns intended, for this awful event in the life of the City with Big Shoulders.

Out of this fire comes alot of things that have profoundly affected not only Chicago, but the nation as well:

Strong labor unions
Structured emergency systems
and...

A seriousness about personal evangelism that affected the church here in Chicago.

D L Moody vowed to never again insist that someone "go home and think about receiving Christ"--because so many perished before they were offered the opportunity to give their hearts to Jesus.

Larry Severa, MD...here he is!

God brings certain people into your life, and they profoundly affect it, enrich it, and bless it. Larry Severa...ahum...Dr Larry Severa, is one of those people.

Here's the link to my buddy Larry's practice in MONTANA:

http://sfweb.billingsclinic.org/sfnasp/PhysicianProfile.asp?drlink='6395'&dblink=1

Larry and I became great pals when we were both stationed at the 51st Training Squadron at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado back in the mid 1980s (1987 to be exact). He is such a wonderful man...a great, gracious, and godly man.

I remember when Larry came out to California to visit me (Christmas 1988) when I was stationed at Beale AFB, just outside of Sacramento. He was stationed at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque at the time. He had never been to California before, so it would be my HIGH privilege to show him around the Northern part of the state...or at least BEALE, and the Bay area afterwards. What a great time we had. We went over to San Francisco, stayed in this somewhat cheesy hotel for an evening right in "Union Square" and just had a wonderful time enjoying each other's fellowship, and the blessings of the Lord.

I distinctly remember how beautiful the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge was decorated that particular night.

I had the wonderful honor to visit him several times in Albuquerque---and he will never know just how much those "visits" meant to me. I still have the t-shirt he bought me the first time I came to visit. (Okay, so I don't throw things away very easily).

Now he's a physician. I am so proud of him. Just seeing all that God has brought into his life brings tears to my eyes. Knowing that God has indeed been faithful to Larry, his wife, and his children is causing me to get very misty-eyed even as I'm typing this post.

Larry, in case you are reading this:

You are supremely loved. You have blest my life in ways that only eternity will reveal. You have been the face of Jesus to me so many, many times. Your friendship and brotherhood are precious treasures to me.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

So what's up?

I love "blogging."

Except for today....and days like today. There is so much going on in "my world" and in my life...that I'm not sure where to start.

Or even if I should.

I'm trying to clean up my credit report....wanting to sell my condo, and even considering the possibility of refinancing. I've got to do something.....fast.

I'm silently grieving over the needless killing of a high school principal in Wisconsin, some precious young girls in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I'm both enraged and offended by the senseless, uncontrolled behavior of a former congressman in Florida--who has disgraced himself, his family, his nation, and his God.

I have an enlarged prostate gland (I know, TMI--too much information), and my physician wants to do some more tests to see if I need to have surgery. It's painful, and I'm beginning to get scared. I'm only 44 years old, and "cancer" should be happening to me--if in fact, it is.

I want to draw close to my Saviour right now, and to hear His voice...above all the fray of everyday life. What is He saying to me? How can I better hear Him?

Pray for me, please

I want to sell my present home. It is a two-bedroom condominium. I am the first owner since it is a new rehabbed unit. It has hardwood floors, beautiful new appliances, central heat and air, and washer/dryer in the unit.

I am just spending too much money on this place, and I want to simplify.

I want to have more money to invest in the Kingdom of God--instead of paying a high mortgage every month. And association fees. And property taxes....

So, please pray that God will give me divine wisdom, and that I can simplify my life as soon as possible.