I tried posting this one earlier, but for some reason it didn't take...
My good---great friend AARON KUGLIN is getting married!
I knew that something was up last week when he told me he was "seriously seeing someone..." and I kindly asked him to "keep me informed."
Monday morning, bright and early, I get a telephone call from Decatur, GA and the cheery voice said, "She's wearing a ring on her finger..."
I'm so happy for Aaron and Kristy, even though I've never met Kristy.
Aaron and I have been pals for almost seven years...and he is one of the sources of great joy in my life...He is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, and has been one of my very closest friends for a long time now.
I could say so much about him...but I won't...
At least not right now.
Rules of the South....
Someone posted this on a message board a while back. I'm a native Southerner...even though now I am happily transplanted in the North...aka YANKEE LAND....
I will neither confirm nor deny the "truthfulness" of any of these rules....but they are hilarious:
___________________________________________________
RULES OF THE SOUTH
A friend just moved from Southern California to South Carolina and he e-mailed this. He said they gave it to him at the state line.
If you are going to live or visit in the South, you need to know these rules:
1. That farm boy you see at the gas station did MORE work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
2. It's called a "gravel road." No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. The red dirt -- it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color, don't wash your car for a couple weeks -- it'll be permanent.
4. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little 13-inch trout you fish for -- bait.
6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards (ducks) are making their final approach, we will shoot it (the phone). You might want to insure it's not up to your ear at the time.
8. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
9. Tea - yeah, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is really, really sweet. You want it hot -- sit it in the sun. You want it unsweetened -- add a LOT of water.
10. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
11. So, you have a sixty thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a quarter of a million-dollar combine (it's farm equipment) that we only use two weeks a year.
12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.
13. We eat dinner together with our families. We pray before we eat yeah, even breakfast). We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays and we go to high school football games on Friday nights. We still address our seniors with "yes, sir" and " yes, ma'am," and we sometimes still take Sunday drives around town to see friends and neighbors.
14. We don't do "hurry up" well.
15. Greens - yeah, we have greens, but you don't putt on them. You boil them with salty fatback, bacon or a ham hock.
16. Yeah, we eat catfish, bass, bream (pronounced brim) and carp. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
17. They are pigs. That's what they smell like (money). Get it -- pig farms -- income -- money? Get over it. Don't like the smell? Interstate 77 goes two ways .Interstate 20 goes the other two. Pick one.
18. Grits are corn. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them. If you want to put milk and sugar on them, then you want Cream of Wheat -- go to Kansas. That would be I-20 west.
19. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer r season or dove season. Both are holidays. You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on either day.
20. So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
21. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazards. It spooks the fish and bothers the gators...and if you hit it in the rough, we have these things called diamondbacks, and they're not baseball players.
22. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot...his name is "Sir," no matter how young he is.
23. We have lots of pine trees. They have sap. It drips from them. You park your Navigator under them, and they'll leave a logo on your hood.
24. You burn an American flag in our state, you get beat up. No questions. The liberal contingent of our state legislature -- all four of them -- enacted a measure to stop this. There is now a $2.50 fine for beating up the flag burner.
25. No, we don't care how you do things in California or up North. If it is so great, why not stay there?
26. And no, down here we don't have an accent, you do.
___________________________________________________________
I think most of them are pretty funny. And some of them are "gospel" truth too.
I will neither confirm nor deny the "truthfulness" of any of these rules....but they are hilarious:
___________________________________________________
RULES OF THE SOUTH
A friend just moved from Southern California to South Carolina and he e-mailed this. He said they gave it to him at the state line.
If you are going to live or visit in the South, you need to know these rules:
1. That farm boy you see at the gas station did MORE work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.
2. It's called a "gravel road." No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. The red dirt -- it's called clay. Red clay. If you like the color, don't wash your car for a couple weeks -- it'll be permanent.
4. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.
5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little 13-inch trout you fish for -- bait.
6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards (ducks) are making their final approach, we will shoot it (the phone). You might want to insure it's not up to your ear at the time.
8. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.
9. Tea - yeah, we have tea. It comes in a glass over ice and is really, really sweet. You want it hot -- sit it in the sun. You want it unsweetened -- add a LOT of water.
10. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.
11. So, you have a sixty thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have a quarter of a million-dollar combine (it's farm equipment) that we only use two weeks a year.
12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.
13. We eat dinner together with our families. We pray before we eat yeah, even breakfast). We go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays and we go to high school football games on Friday nights. We still address our seniors with "yes, sir" and " yes, ma'am," and we sometimes still take Sunday drives around town to see friends and neighbors.
14. We don't do "hurry up" well.
15. Greens - yeah, we have greens, but you don't putt on them. You boil them with salty fatback, bacon or a ham hock.
16. Yeah, we eat catfish, bass, bream (pronounced brim) and carp. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.
17. They are pigs. That's what they smell like (money). Get it -- pig farms -- income -- money? Get over it. Don't like the smell? Interstate 77 goes two ways .Interstate 20 goes the other two. Pick one.
18. Grits are corn. You put butter, salt, and maybe even some pepper on them. If you want to put milk and sugar on them, then you want Cream of Wheat -- go to Kansas. That would be I-20 west.
19. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer r season or dove season. Both are holidays. You can get pancakes, cane syrup, and sausage before daylight at the church on either day.
20. So every person in every pickup waves? Yeah, it's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
21. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazards. It spooks the fish and bothers the gators...and if you hit it in the rough, we have these things called diamondbacks, and they're not baseball players.
22. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot...his name is "Sir," no matter how young he is.
23. We have lots of pine trees. They have sap. It drips from them. You park your Navigator under them, and they'll leave a logo on your hood.
24. You burn an American flag in our state, you get beat up. No questions. The liberal contingent of our state legislature -- all four of them -- enacted a measure to stop this. There is now a $2.50 fine for beating up the flag burner.
25. No, we don't care how you do things in California or up North. If it is so great, why not stay there?
26. And no, down here we don't have an accent, you do.
___________________________________________________________
I think most of them are pretty funny. And some of them are "gospel" truth too.
No ordinary "Joe"
at least I don't think so. My buddy Joe Misek has started blogging!
Here's his link:
http://joemisek.blogspot.com
Go visit my friend, and read about his life...his thoughts...his emotions, and tell him that PHIL sent you over! It will be a good visit.
For both of you.
Here's his link:
http://joemisek.blogspot.com
Go visit my friend, and read about his life...his thoughts...his emotions, and tell him that PHIL sent you over! It will be a good visit.
For both of you.
Does it ever slow down?
I'm just going to say it:
I'm exhausted!
In the last seven days I have:
Participated in two conferences (student matters) here at work;
Worked at two career/resource fairs (on my feet for at least 5 hours each);
Participated in a condo association board meeting;
Cleaned my house for potential buyers to view;
Worked in the new Facility of my local church, preparing for the dedication (www.moodychurch.org) 12 hours on Saturday, and 8 hours on Sunday;
Put in 40 hours worth of work in my office.
Where did my weekend go? I spent at least 20 hours out of 48 at the church--I was happy to do it, but I'm also glad that "dedication" is behind us.
My back hurts, my feet hurt, and I just feel drained.
And I'm not even married! And I don't have small children at home!
What is my problem?
I just don't seem to have the stamina nor the energy that I once had.
Oh well.....
I'm exhausted!
In the last seven days I have:
Participated in two conferences (student matters) here at work;
Worked at two career/resource fairs (on my feet for at least 5 hours each);
Participated in a condo association board meeting;
Cleaned my house for potential buyers to view;
Worked in the new Facility of my local church, preparing for the dedication (www.moodychurch.org) 12 hours on Saturday, and 8 hours on Sunday;
Put in 40 hours worth of work in my office.
Where did my weekend go? I spent at least 20 hours out of 48 at the church--I was happy to do it, but I'm also glad that "dedication" is behind us.
My back hurts, my feet hurt, and I just feel drained.
And I'm not even married! And I don't have small children at home!
What is my problem?
I just don't seem to have the stamina nor the energy that I once had.
Oh well.....
Earth's Loss and Heaven's Gain!
I just returned from a short lunch break and heard the awful news:
Dr Jerry Falwell, Pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, Chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia has gone to be with the Lord this morning.
He was found unconscious in his office. All efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
I first met "Pastor Falwell" thirty plus years ago when he did a tour of the nation entitled "I LOVE AMERICA!" That was the very first time I heard Robbie Hiner and the "Sounds of Liberty"...it was a grand evening.
Dr Falwell pastored the same congregation that started in his living room more than 50 years ago.
I remember hearing him on the radio back when I was a teenager, with the half-hour program "The Old Time Gospel Hour"...I also remember the Sunday television program by the same name.
I didn't always agree with Dr Falwell on a variety of political issues. But I have always admired his bold stand for the power of the Gospel, the love of Jesus Christ, and our eternity with God for those who have trusted His Son.
This is a tremendously sad day for the Christian Church in the United States, and indeed around the world.
Let's remember his precious family in our prayers. That includes his large, loving church family as well.
Dr Jerry Falwell, Pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, Chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia has gone to be with the Lord this morning.
He was found unconscious in his office. All efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
I first met "Pastor Falwell" thirty plus years ago when he did a tour of the nation entitled "I LOVE AMERICA!" That was the very first time I heard Robbie Hiner and the "Sounds of Liberty"...it was a grand evening.
Dr Falwell pastored the same congregation that started in his living room more than 50 years ago.
I remember hearing him on the radio back when I was a teenager, with the half-hour program "The Old Time Gospel Hour"...I also remember the Sunday television program by the same name.
I didn't always agree with Dr Falwell on a variety of political issues. But I have always admired his bold stand for the power of the Gospel, the love of Jesus Christ, and our eternity with God for those who have trusted His Son.
This is a tremendously sad day for the Christian Church in the United States, and indeed around the world.
Let's remember his precious family in our prayers. That includes his large, loving church family as well.
The First Commandment with A Promise...
Exodus 20 tells me to "Honor thy father and mother..."
Yesterday was Mother's Day--one of my two least favorite holidays in the whole year. The other "least favorite" will be Father's Day in a few weeks.
My parents abandoned me when I was a small baby, and for all intents and purposes dropped out of my life when it was convenient for them to do so.
My precious Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did one terrific job, if I must say so myself.
We were discussing this very issue in Sunday School yesterday: Honoring your parents.
This has plagued me for a long time. But it seems to have all "come together" yesterday. I don't "honor them" for their sake. I "honor them" for my sake. The promise of God is to me. The promise is that "it will be well with you all the days of your life." That is God's promise to me--for honoring those who "gave birth" to me.
And that's the "hard" part for me. Jodi (my biological mother) and I are friends. Very platonic friends. I'm happy with this arrangement, and it seems to work for me. I'm not sure how it works for her--and for the most part, I've not really cared how it works for her. There is no hatred nor animosity there--but there is a heavy load of indifference, on my part.
So how do I honor someone who abandoned me, and indirectly (sometimes directly) abused me when I needed them most?
What say ye?
Yesterday was Mother's Day--one of my two least favorite holidays in the whole year. The other "least favorite" will be Father's Day in a few weeks.
My parents abandoned me when I was a small baby, and for all intents and purposes dropped out of my life when it was convenient for them to do so.
My precious Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did one terrific job, if I must say so myself.
We were discussing this very issue in Sunday School yesterday: Honoring your parents.
This has plagued me for a long time. But it seems to have all "come together" yesterday. I don't "honor them" for their sake. I "honor them" for my sake. The promise of God is to me. The promise is that "it will be well with you all the days of your life." That is God's promise to me--for honoring those who "gave birth" to me.
And that's the "hard" part for me. Jodi (my biological mother) and I are friends. Very platonic friends. I'm happy with this arrangement, and it seems to work for me. I'm not sure how it works for her--and for the most part, I've not really cared how it works for her. There is no hatred nor animosity there--but there is a heavy load of indifference, on my part.
So how do I honor someone who abandoned me, and indirectly (sometimes directly) abused me when I needed them most?
What say ye?
The not-so-pretty part of King David
Read 1 Samuel 24 and 25.
We are studying the life of David in our Sunday School class. And so far, we've all liked (for the most part) what we've discovered about the second king of Israel. We've found a brave, proud, and loyal servant of the Lord. We've found a man who refuses to kill the same mad man who has tried to kill him on several occasions. We've found a young man who honors the Lord and the Lord's anointed--even at the risk of his own life.
But then we come to 1 Samuel 25. The story of David, Abigail, and Nabal.
There are some things that we know from this story:
1) Nabal is a rude, arrogant, and foolish man.
2) Abigail is a smart, wise, and diplomatic woman.
3) David is ready to kill a man, and his entire village--just because Nabal spoke rudely towards him.
David sends his men to tell Nabal, "Look, we've protected your sheep even though we didn't have to, and we've not harmed your shearers (even though we could have), and we are tired and hungry, and we want your food from your farm. Furthermore, we want it now." (my paraphrase and emphasis).
David had no right to "call in this favor." Sure, David was fleeing from Saul, and was running for his life: tired, exhausted, probably afraid and depressed.
David had witnessed the horror of Saul's murdering of an entire city of priests because they didn't cooperate with his scheme--or even knew anything about it. But now David was willing to wipe out an entire community--just because an arrogant farmer was rude to him.
It's truly amazing how much of SAUL is in David's heart. Gene Edwards' masterpiece A Tale of Three Kings truly assists us in understanding just how much "humanity" this soon-to-be-great King really possessed.
David is probably not 25 years old now, but he's bent on wiping out innocent people--just for giving him an answer he didn't like. How very, very like the man he would replace: King Saul.
So how much of "Saul" do I have in me?
What about you?
We are studying the life of David in our Sunday School class. And so far, we've all liked (for the most part) what we've discovered about the second king of Israel. We've found a brave, proud, and loyal servant of the Lord. We've found a man who refuses to kill the same mad man who has tried to kill him on several occasions. We've found a young man who honors the Lord and the Lord's anointed--even at the risk of his own life.
But then we come to 1 Samuel 25. The story of David, Abigail, and Nabal.
There are some things that we know from this story:
1) Nabal is a rude, arrogant, and foolish man.
2) Abigail is a smart, wise, and diplomatic woman.
3) David is ready to kill a man, and his entire village--just because Nabal spoke rudely towards him.
David sends his men to tell Nabal, "Look, we've protected your sheep even though we didn't have to, and we've not harmed your shearers (even though we could have), and we are tired and hungry, and we want your food from your farm. Furthermore, we want it now." (my paraphrase and emphasis).
David had no right to "call in this favor." Sure, David was fleeing from Saul, and was running for his life: tired, exhausted, probably afraid and depressed.
David had witnessed the horror of Saul's murdering of an entire city of priests because they didn't cooperate with his scheme--or even knew anything about it. But now David was willing to wipe out an entire community--just because an arrogant farmer was rude to him.
It's truly amazing how much of SAUL is in David's heart. Gene Edwards' masterpiece A Tale of Three Kings truly assists us in understanding just how much "humanity" this soon-to-be-great King really possessed.
David is probably not 25 years old now, but he's bent on wiping out innocent people--just for giving him an answer he didn't like. How very, very like the man he would replace: King Saul.
So how much of "Saul" do I have in me?
What about you?
If God is God, then Why?
My long-time friend, Dr Al Truesdale has written a marvelous, searching, probing book:
If God is God, then Why? Letters from New York City
This is a companion book to an earlier volume, If God is God, then Why? Letters from Oklahoma City written in the late 1990s, concerning the horrible bombing of the Murrow Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Al, a retired theology professor, sensitively and compassionately answers many questions that everyone raises about the "goodness" and even the "severity" of God.
This fictional account of letters to a pastor addresses the unavoidable question: What kind of loving Father would allow the suffering of September 11, 2001?
We find the solution in the life, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son.
While acknowledging the absolute sovereignty of God the Father, Truesdale doesn't run and hide behind that well-established fact. He grapples with some of the heart-wrenching questions that many have asked through the ages, and that many will continue to ask.
Let me encourage you to get both volumes.
Published by Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, these two books will encourage you, enlighten your mind, and cause you to look deep within your own heart. These volumes will draw you into deep response for the suffering and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If God is God, then Why? Letters from New York City
This is a companion book to an earlier volume, If God is God, then Why? Letters from Oklahoma City written in the late 1990s, concerning the horrible bombing of the Murrow Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Al, a retired theology professor, sensitively and compassionately answers many questions that everyone raises about the "goodness" and even the "severity" of God.
This fictional account of letters to a pastor addresses the unavoidable question: What kind of loving Father would allow the suffering of September 11, 2001?
We find the solution in the life, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son.
While acknowledging the absolute sovereignty of God the Father, Truesdale doesn't run and hide behind that well-established fact. He grapples with some of the heart-wrenching questions that many have asked through the ages, and that many will continue to ask.
Let me encourage you to get both volumes.
Published by Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, these two books will encourage you, enlighten your mind, and cause you to look deep within your own heart. These volumes will draw you into deep response for the suffering and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There's alot of truth to this...
I'm not sure who "authored"this--but it states exactly how many of us in the "silent majority" feel about the "undocumenteds" in this country:
_________________________________________
Let's say I break into your house.
A lady wrote the best letter in the Editorials in ages!!!
It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.
Her point: Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.
Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.
Let's say I break into your house.
Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).
According to the protesters:
You are required to let me stay in your house.
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan.
You are Required to Educate my kids.
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).
If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.
It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house.
And what a deal it is for me!!!
I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.
Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE so you can communicate with me.
Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!
Only in America .
_________________________________________
Let's say I break into your house.
A lady wrote the best letter in the Editorials in ages!!!
It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.
Her point: Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.
Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.
Let's say I break into your house.
Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).
According to the protesters:
You are required to let me stay in your house.
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan.
You are Required to Educate my kids.
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).
If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.
It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house.
And what a deal it is for me!!!
I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.
Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE so you can communicate with me.
Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!
Only in America .
Send them back! Do it now!
All of the "undocumented" (read ILLEGAL) folks in this country have decided that it is time to "march again for our rights..." As a matter of facts, they are doing it even as I am writing this post.
My first question is this:
If you are here "undocumented" then what "rights" do you suppose you have? You are breaking the laws of this free nation--and you have the gall to think you have "rights"?
The government of the United States of America needs to grow a spine and do something about the "undocumented" "illegals" in this country. And do it now...post haste!
As a taxpaying, law-abiding, citizen of this great land, I'm devoid of any patience where this issue is concerned. The rest of the taxpaying, law-abiding, citizenry (and documented immigrants) in this country have been "robbed" long enough.
Personally, I want every person who insists on not becoming part of this nation (and have come here illegally) to go back to wherever they have come from. We do not want you here--particularly so if you insist on breaking the laws of this land.
We want you to:
1) Come here legally. Wait your turn, and do it legally.
2) Learn to speak ENGLISH...not Spanglish, Polish, or Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics....ENGLISH....
3) Become a citizen of this nation. Start today...regardless of the cost. Either become an American, or find another nation in which to live.
4) Insist and demand that your children and family learn to speak English.
And for the legislators:
1) Grow a spine, for heaven's sake!
2) Enforce the laws of this land.
3) Refuse amnesty, guest worker programs, and anything else that will encourage people to break the laws of this land, and violate us as they have been doing for years.
My first question is this:
If you are here "undocumented" then what "rights" do you suppose you have? You are breaking the laws of this free nation--and you have the gall to think you have "rights"?
The government of the United States of America needs to grow a spine and do something about the "undocumented" "illegals" in this country. And do it now...post haste!
As a taxpaying, law-abiding, citizen of this great land, I'm devoid of any patience where this issue is concerned. The rest of the taxpaying, law-abiding, citizenry (and documented immigrants) in this country have been "robbed" long enough.
Personally, I want every person who insists on not becoming part of this nation (and have come here illegally) to go back to wherever they have come from. We do not want you here--particularly so if you insist on breaking the laws of this land.
We want you to:
1) Come here legally. Wait your turn, and do it legally.
2) Learn to speak ENGLISH...not Spanglish, Polish, or Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics....ENGLISH....
3) Become a citizen of this nation. Start today...regardless of the cost. Either become an American, or find another nation in which to live.
4) Insist and demand that your children and family learn to speak English.
And for the legislators:
1) Grow a spine, for heaven's sake!
2) Enforce the laws of this land.
3) Refuse amnesty, guest worker programs, and anything else that will encourage people to break the laws of this land, and violate us as they have been doing for years.
My buddy Paul...on his wait to Kuwait...
The day I've dreaded for a while is now here.
My buddy Paul--an officer in the United States Army is enroute to Kuwait, and then to the supposedly safe "Green Zone" in Baghdad.
I'm not happy about it at all...Paul wanted to go to this assignment, and even volunteered.
I've known this for several months now...but that doesn't make it any easier.
I'm wiping tears from my eyes, even as I write this post.
With the failures of the current administration in the White House, I'm just praying for God's protection around my dear friend, and that he will come back to the United States alive, in one piece, and in sound mind.
I'm just not sure what to think right now. He and I have talked about this for a long time...he and I are very close friends...and I love him dearly.
So does his wife, his son, and the rest of his family. He's a brother to me.
Please pray for him. Please pray for every military service personnel who is serving any where in the world right now.
My buddy Paul--an officer in the United States Army is enroute to Kuwait, and then to the supposedly safe "Green Zone" in Baghdad.
I'm not happy about it at all...Paul wanted to go to this assignment, and even volunteered.
I've known this for several months now...but that doesn't make it any easier.
I'm wiping tears from my eyes, even as I write this post.
With the failures of the current administration in the White House, I'm just praying for God's protection around my dear friend, and that he will come back to the United States alive, in one piece, and in sound mind.
I'm just not sure what to think right now. He and I have talked about this for a long time...he and I are very close friends...and I love him dearly.
So does his wife, his son, and the rest of his family. He's a brother to me.
Please pray for him. Please pray for every military service personnel who is serving any where in the world right now.
My buddy, Jonas...
I have a good friend...his name is Jonas...and it was by the providence of God that we met almost a year ago.
Here's the story:
I was walking out of the lobby of the Marriot Hotel (on the Magnificent Mile--Michigan Avenue) last Spring. These two young guys were looking at a map, and looking very, very lost. I offered to help them find their way to wherever they were going. This was about 3 p.m.
One of those guys was my now-friend Jonas. So instead of just giving them directions to where they needed to go, I offered to show them a thing or two here in the Windy City, since neither of the guys had ever been to Chicago before.
They took me up on my offer. We had a grand time for the next 5 hours. That was the beginning of a very special friendship with this 19-year old Real Estate agent--Jonas.
We've stayed in touch ever since that time. He was living in Madison, Wisconsin where he grew up. His parents divorced many years ago, and his dad now lives in the Bay area of northern California. Jonas moved out there last November, to be near his father.
Therein lies part of the heartache that my friend is experiencing. Jonas' mother is a diagnosed, legal schizophrenic--something no 19 year old dude is able to wrap his mind around. From what he has told me, she is very, very controlling and almost destructive when he is around her.
His father--who has been mostly an absentee dad for the better part of his life--is a real "play boy" womanizing just as much as he possibly can fit into a 24-hour period.
This has been a real disappointment to my buddy. Jonas is not a Christian. He has been severely turned off by "organized religion", or so he tells me. But now, he has a tender heart.
Last night we were talking about his relationship with his dad. Jonas moved to the Bay area (at his dad's behest, I might add) so he could be near the man he calls "father." Sadly enough, his dad has paid little to no attention to this gracious and charming male who calls him father. Jonas has been so tremendously disappointed in his biological father, and I can understand that feeling oh so well.
While talking with Jonas, I felt like just bawling. I remember how disappointing my relationship with my own biological father has been--a man with whom I've had no contact for almost 15 years now. I don't even know if my "dad" is dead or alive. And right now, it just isn't an issue for me.
But I learned something a few years ago--you can call it a "prophetic word" in my life. One of the most godly and loving people I know called late one night just to tell me: "Phil, remember your Heavenly Father is nothing like your earthly father. Your Heavenly Father always keeps His eyes on you, and loves you more than you could ever love yourself, or expect anyone else to love you."
In the nick of time last night, I sensed that God wanted me to share that with Jonas. Even though Jonas would never make any pretenses of being a Christian, he did understand what I was doing my best to convey concerning the Heavenly Father.
This 19-year fella needs the Lord. He needs to know that Christ will love him more than anyone else ever could love him. He needs to know that Christ will never forsake him, or go "schizo" on him.
Jonas is my buddy, and I love him dearly. He knows that he can trust me. I just want him to know that he can trust the Saviour whom I love so dearly.
Please pray for Jonas.
Here's the story:
I was walking out of the lobby of the Marriot Hotel (on the Magnificent Mile--Michigan Avenue) last Spring. These two young guys were looking at a map, and looking very, very lost. I offered to help them find their way to wherever they were going. This was about 3 p.m.
One of those guys was my now-friend Jonas. So instead of just giving them directions to where they needed to go, I offered to show them a thing or two here in the Windy City, since neither of the guys had ever been to Chicago before.
They took me up on my offer. We had a grand time for the next 5 hours. That was the beginning of a very special friendship with this 19-year old Real Estate agent--Jonas.
We've stayed in touch ever since that time. He was living in Madison, Wisconsin where he grew up. His parents divorced many years ago, and his dad now lives in the Bay area of northern California. Jonas moved out there last November, to be near his father.
Therein lies part of the heartache that my friend is experiencing. Jonas' mother is a diagnosed, legal schizophrenic--something no 19 year old dude is able to wrap his mind around. From what he has told me, she is very, very controlling and almost destructive when he is around her.
His father--who has been mostly an absentee dad for the better part of his life--is a real "play boy" womanizing just as much as he possibly can fit into a 24-hour period.
This has been a real disappointment to my buddy. Jonas is not a Christian. He has been severely turned off by "organized religion", or so he tells me. But now, he has a tender heart.
Last night we were talking about his relationship with his dad. Jonas moved to the Bay area (at his dad's behest, I might add) so he could be near the man he calls "father." Sadly enough, his dad has paid little to no attention to this gracious and charming male who calls him father. Jonas has been so tremendously disappointed in his biological father, and I can understand that feeling oh so well.
While talking with Jonas, I felt like just bawling. I remember how disappointing my relationship with my own biological father has been--a man with whom I've had no contact for almost 15 years now. I don't even know if my "dad" is dead or alive. And right now, it just isn't an issue for me.
But I learned something a few years ago--you can call it a "prophetic word" in my life. One of the most godly and loving people I know called late one night just to tell me: "Phil, remember your Heavenly Father is nothing like your earthly father. Your Heavenly Father always keeps His eyes on you, and loves you more than you could ever love yourself, or expect anyone else to love you."
In the nick of time last night, I sensed that God wanted me to share that with Jonas. Even though Jonas would never make any pretenses of being a Christian, he did understand what I was doing my best to convey concerning the Heavenly Father.
This 19-year fella needs the Lord. He needs to know that Christ will love him more than anyone else ever could love him. He needs to know that Christ will never forsake him, or go "schizo" on him.
Jonas is my buddy, and I love him dearly. He knows that he can trust me. I just want him to know that he can trust the Saviour whom I love so dearly.
Please pray for Jonas.
What do you look for in a "church"?
I've been part of what the post-moderns call "organized" religion since I was six years old. I'm quite convinced that God established the "church"--imperfect though it is, and that His Son gave His life for the "church." The "church" is God's idea--not humanity's.
But I've also wondered, and still wonder "What should someone look for when making the search for a local church?"
Some things are obvious:
A clear commitment to the infallible Word of God.
A clear commitment to the Triune God.
A clear commitment to Jesus as the ONLY WAY to God the Father.
A clear commitment to the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the "church."
But what do you look for when you are in that search for a local church?
I must confess that my criteria has changed/altered/adjusted over the last many years.
When I was in college (1980-1985), pursuing the undergraduate degree, I was a member of one local church--and never even remotely considered finding another congregation.
When I entered the United States Air Force, my choices for corporate worship were somewhat limited, depending on where I was stationed at the time.
When I re-entered civilian life in August 1996, my choice was pretty clear--or at least I thought it would be. And then I changed local churches.
When I moved to Chicago, I came here with a "church plant" that didn't work out, and so I became a regular worshipper at The Moody Church here. I was very active in a few ministries, and only left when I felt the Holy Spirit pushing me elsewhere...
I returned to The Moody Church in November 2005 after being part of a congregation that I loved for three years--but sadly felt that I couldn't trust those "leading it" and knew the best thing I could do would be leave, painful as it was.
I hope I never have to look for another "church home"...not any time soon.
But what do you look for in a "local church"?
But I've also wondered, and still wonder "What should someone look for when making the search for a local church?"
Some things are obvious:
A clear commitment to the infallible Word of God.
A clear commitment to the Triune God.
A clear commitment to Jesus as the ONLY WAY to God the Father.
A clear commitment to the present ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the "church."
But what do you look for when you are in that search for a local church?
I must confess that my criteria has changed/altered/adjusted over the last many years.
When I was in college (1980-1985), pursuing the undergraduate degree, I was a member of one local church--and never even remotely considered finding another congregation.
When I entered the United States Air Force, my choices for corporate worship were somewhat limited, depending on where I was stationed at the time.
When I re-entered civilian life in August 1996, my choice was pretty clear--or at least I thought it would be. And then I changed local churches.
When I moved to Chicago, I came here with a "church plant" that didn't work out, and so I became a regular worshipper at The Moody Church here. I was very active in a few ministries, and only left when I felt the Holy Spirit pushing me elsewhere...
I returned to The Moody Church in November 2005 after being part of a congregation that I loved for three years--but sadly felt that I couldn't trust those "leading it" and knew the best thing I could do would be leave, painful as it was.
I hope I never have to look for another "church home"...not any time soon.
But what do you look for in a "local church"?
The Problem with Pain...
My friend Kevin Bussey (www.kevinbussey.wordpress.com) in his blog "Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee" asked a very profound question last week. One of his posts was entitled "What Happened to My Brady Bunch World?"
And now, more than ever, that is a very real and relevant question.
As the events of recent days have so drastically have reminded us, this world (and those of us who still inhabit it) have a problem with "pain." I can't begin to imagine what the people connected to Virginia Tech must be experiencing now--and the level of pain they must endure.
I can't begin to imagine how those families who lost loved ones and friends in the Twin Towers tragedy (almost 6 years ago now) must have felt then, and must still be feeling.
But I can say that I have not been immune to pain in my own life. I have known the pain of being abandoned as a baby, and being raised without parents. And even though I wasn't aware of the pain at the time, I did feel it's realities some years later.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by family members, and being abused by those whom you trusted. It's no fun, but that didn't stop it from happening.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by friends whom you knew would be there--and for some reason they weren't. And I've been guilty of doing the same thing, sadly enough.
But, as I look back on the incidents of "pain"--I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul said to the Christians in Corinth, when he referred to all the "pain" in his life and ministry as "these light afflictions."
I'm very thankful that "this world" is not all that we have, or can look forward to in the future. I'm eternally grateful for the promise that we can indeed hold a title to the "City Whose Builder and Maker is God."
The writer of Hebrews tells us of God's people who endured all kinds of things (Chapter 11), and he/she ends that particular thought with these profound, sobering words: "of whom the world was not worthy...."
Oh, that my life and moreso, my outlook on life, would be like that!
A marvelous hymn that I learned many, many years ago has these precious words:
"Some through the water
Some through the flood
Some through the fire
But all through the blood.
Some through great sorrow
But God gives the song,
In the night season
And all the day long."
It's those very precious "songs in the night" that reminds me that God knows, feels, and understands my pain.
Even when it's self-inflicted (but that's an entirely separate post).
But any pain that I might feel could never compare to what a miracle-working, humble, generous man felt one day more than 2000 years ago when he stood on a lonely hill outside Jerusalem and cried. He was on a Cross. He felt forsaken and alone.
But even in His pain, He took the criminal on one side of His cross to Paradise that very day.
He never denied His own pain. But He never let it stop Him from doing what had to be done.
That man, Jesus Christ, made a way for me to endure the pain, by enduring His own pain. He made a way for me to see "beyond the pain" because He saw beyond His own.
The words of John the Revelator says it so well..."I John saw the holy city....no more pain, nor sorrow...."
I look forward to that time. Really, I do.
But until then....
And now, more than ever, that is a very real and relevant question.
As the events of recent days have so drastically have reminded us, this world (and those of us who still inhabit it) have a problem with "pain." I can't begin to imagine what the people connected to Virginia Tech must be experiencing now--and the level of pain they must endure.
I can't begin to imagine how those families who lost loved ones and friends in the Twin Towers tragedy (almost 6 years ago now) must have felt then, and must still be feeling.
But I can say that I have not been immune to pain in my own life. I have known the pain of being abandoned as a baby, and being raised without parents. And even though I wasn't aware of the pain at the time, I did feel it's realities some years later.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by family members, and being abused by those whom you trusted. It's no fun, but that didn't stop it from happening.
I have known the pain of being betrayed by friends whom you knew would be there--and for some reason they weren't. And I've been guilty of doing the same thing, sadly enough.
But, as I look back on the incidents of "pain"--I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul said to the Christians in Corinth, when he referred to all the "pain" in his life and ministry as "these light afflictions."
I'm very thankful that "this world" is not all that we have, or can look forward to in the future. I'm eternally grateful for the promise that we can indeed hold a title to the "City Whose Builder and Maker is God."
The writer of Hebrews tells us of God's people who endured all kinds of things (Chapter 11), and he/she ends that particular thought with these profound, sobering words: "of whom the world was not worthy...."
Oh, that my life and moreso, my outlook on life, would be like that!
A marvelous hymn that I learned many, many years ago has these precious words:
"Some through the water
Some through the flood
Some through the fire
But all through the blood.
Some through great sorrow
But God gives the song,
In the night season
And all the day long."
It's those very precious "songs in the night" that reminds me that God knows, feels, and understands my pain.
Even when it's self-inflicted (but that's an entirely separate post).
But any pain that I might feel could never compare to what a miracle-working, humble, generous man felt one day more than 2000 years ago when he stood on a lonely hill outside Jerusalem and cried. He was on a Cross. He felt forsaken and alone.
But even in His pain, He took the criminal on one side of His cross to Paradise that very day.
He never denied His own pain. But He never let it stop Him from doing what had to be done.
That man, Jesus Christ, made a way for me to endure the pain, by enduring His own pain. He made a way for me to see "beyond the pain" because He saw beyond His own.
The words of John the Revelator says it so well..."I John saw the holy city....no more pain, nor sorrow...."
I look forward to that time. Really, I do.
But until then....
When it doesn't make "sense"
Like the rest of this nation--and indeed a large part of the world--I was horrified by the needless slaughter of 32 people at Virginia Polytechnical University in Blacksburg, VA yesterday.
The gunman, a young 23-year old Senior, killed 32 people before ending his own life. How terribly tragic!
Even now as I am watching the "Convocation" on television, I am profoundly saddened by what has happened almost a thousand miles from me here in the Windy City.
Last night, Charlie Gibson (anchor of World News Tonight) just about brought me to tears. He always ends his "half hour" with the words: "I hope you've had a good day." But last night he couldn't end his broadcast that way. He simply said, "I wish it had been a good day, but it wasn't.." He seemed to choke up, and so did I.
The Governor of Virginia flew back from a trade mission in Japan just to be with "his people" in Virginia. In the broadcast a few minutes ago, he practically preached a gospel message in the midst of all this unspeakable sorrow. He reminded the gathered students, faculty and friends--along with the rest of the world--that the pain felt in this community and in this nation, reminds us of the pain of God's Son who cried from a lonely hill, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?"
What a powerful, powerful reminder.
Let's keep this nation in prayer. We desperately need it.
The gunman, a young 23-year old Senior, killed 32 people before ending his own life. How terribly tragic!
Even now as I am watching the "Convocation" on television, I am profoundly saddened by what has happened almost a thousand miles from me here in the Windy City.
Last night, Charlie Gibson (anchor of World News Tonight) just about brought me to tears. He always ends his "half hour" with the words: "I hope you've had a good day." But last night he couldn't end his broadcast that way. He simply said, "I wish it had been a good day, but it wasn't.." He seemed to choke up, and so did I.
The Governor of Virginia flew back from a trade mission in Japan just to be with "his people" in Virginia. In the broadcast a few minutes ago, he practically preached a gospel message in the midst of all this unspeakable sorrow. He reminded the gathered students, faculty and friends--along with the rest of the world--that the pain felt in this community and in this nation, reminds us of the pain of God's Son who cried from a lonely hill, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?"
What a powerful, powerful reminder.
Let's keep this nation in prayer. We desperately need it.
This is EXACTLY how I feel...
Thanks to CNN for posting this commentary. And this is pretty much how I feel about the whole "world of politics" right now....and how Christ-followers should relate:
________________________________________
Editor's note: Roland Martin is a CNN contributor and talk-show host on WVON-AM in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith."
NEW YORK (CNN) -- When did it come to the point that being a Christian meant only caring about two issues, abortion and homosexuality? Ask the nonreligious what being a Christian today means, and based on what we see and read, it's a good bet they will say that followers of Jesus Christ are preoccupied with those two points.
Poverty? Whatever.
Homelessness? An afterthought.
A widening gap between the have and have-nots? Immaterial.
Divorce? The divorce rate of Christians mirrors the national average, so that's no big deal.
The point is that being a Christian should be about more than abortion and homosexuality, and it's high time that those not considered a part of the religious right expose the hypocrisy of our brothers and sisters in Christianity and take back the faith. And those on the left who believe they have a "get out of sin free" card must not be allowed to justify their actions.
Many people believe we are engaged in a holy war. And we are. But it's not with Muslims. The real war -- the silent war -- is being engaged among Christians, and that's what we must set our sights on.
As we celebrate Holy Week, our focus is on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But aren't we also to recommit ourselves to live more like Jesus? Did Jesus spend his time focusing on all that he didn't like, or did Jesus raise the consciousness of the people to understand love, compassion and teach them about following the will of God?
As a layman studying to receive a master's in Christian communications, and the husband of an ordained minister, it's troubling to listen to "Christian radio" and hear the kind of hate spewing out of the mouths of my brothers and sisters in the faith. In fact, I've grown tired of people who pimp God. That's right; we have a litany of individuals today who are holy, holy, holy, sing hallelujah, talk about how they love the Lord, but when it's time to walk the walk, somehow the spirit evaporates.
A couple of years ago I took exception to an e-mail blast from the Concerned Women for America. The group was angry that Democrats were blocking certain judges put up for the federal bench by President Bush. It called on Americans to fight Democrats who wanted to keep Christians off the bench. So I called and sent an e-mail asking, "So, where were you when President Clinton appointed Christian judges to the bench? Were they truly behind Christian judges, or Republican Christian judges?
Surprise, surprise. There was never a response.
An African-American pastor I know in the Midwest was asked by a group of mostly white clergy to march in an anti-abortion rally. He was fine with that, but then asked the clergy if they would work with him to fight crack houses in predominantly black neighborhoods.
"That's really your problem," he was told. They saw abortion as a moral imperative, but not a community ravaged by crack.
If abortion and gay marriage are part of the Christian agenda, I have no issue with that. Those are moral issues that should be of importance to people of the faith, but the agenda should be much, much broader.
I'm looking for the day when Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Joyce Meyer, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, James Kennedy, Rod Parsley, " Patriot Pastors" and Rick Warren will sit at the same table as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cynthia Hale, Eddie L. Long, James Meek, Fred Price, Emmanuel Cleaver and Floyd Flake to establish a call to arms on racism, AIDS, police brutality, a national health care policy, our sorry education system.
If they all say they love and worship one God, one Jesus, let's see them rally their members behind one agenda.
I stand here today not as a Republican or a liberal. And don't bother calling me a Democrat or a conservative.
I am a man, an African-American man who has professed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that's to whom I bow down. If you concur, it's time to stop allowing a chosen few to speak for the masses.
Quit letting them define the agenda.
So put on the full armor of God because we have work to do.
________________________________________
Editor's note: Roland Martin is a CNN contributor and talk-show host on WVON-AM in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith."
NEW YORK (CNN) -- When did it come to the point that being a Christian meant only caring about two issues, abortion and homosexuality? Ask the nonreligious what being a Christian today means, and based on what we see and read, it's a good bet they will say that followers of Jesus Christ are preoccupied with those two points.
Poverty? Whatever.
Homelessness? An afterthought.
A widening gap between the have and have-nots? Immaterial.
Divorce? The divorce rate of Christians mirrors the national average, so that's no big deal.
The point is that being a Christian should be about more than abortion and homosexuality, and it's high time that those not considered a part of the religious right expose the hypocrisy of our brothers and sisters in Christianity and take back the faith. And those on the left who believe they have a "get out of sin free" card must not be allowed to justify their actions.
Many people believe we are engaged in a holy war. And we are. But it's not with Muslims. The real war -- the silent war -- is being engaged among Christians, and that's what we must set our sights on.
As we celebrate Holy Week, our focus is on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But aren't we also to recommit ourselves to live more like Jesus? Did Jesus spend his time focusing on all that he didn't like, or did Jesus raise the consciousness of the people to understand love, compassion and teach them about following the will of God?
As a layman studying to receive a master's in Christian communications, and the husband of an ordained minister, it's troubling to listen to "Christian radio" and hear the kind of hate spewing out of the mouths of my brothers and sisters in the faith. In fact, I've grown tired of people who pimp God. That's right; we have a litany of individuals today who are holy, holy, holy, sing hallelujah, talk about how they love the Lord, but when it's time to walk the walk, somehow the spirit evaporates.
A couple of years ago I took exception to an e-mail blast from the Concerned Women for America. The group was angry that Democrats were blocking certain judges put up for the federal bench by President Bush. It called on Americans to fight Democrats who wanted to keep Christians off the bench. So I called and sent an e-mail asking, "So, where were you when President Clinton appointed Christian judges to the bench? Were they truly behind Christian judges, or Republican Christian judges?
Surprise, surprise. There was never a response.
An African-American pastor I know in the Midwest was asked by a group of mostly white clergy to march in an anti-abortion rally. He was fine with that, but then asked the clergy if they would work with him to fight crack houses in predominantly black neighborhoods.
"That's really your problem," he was told. They saw abortion as a moral imperative, but not a community ravaged by crack.
If abortion and gay marriage are part of the Christian agenda, I have no issue with that. Those are moral issues that should be of importance to people of the faith, but the agenda should be much, much broader.
I'm looking for the day when Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Joyce Meyer, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, James Kennedy, Rod Parsley, " Patriot Pastors" and Rick Warren will sit at the same table as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Cynthia Hale, Eddie L. Long, James Meek, Fred Price, Emmanuel Cleaver and Floyd Flake to establish a call to arms on racism, AIDS, police brutality, a national health care policy, our sorry education system.
If they all say they love and worship one God, one Jesus, let's see them rally their members behind one agenda.
I stand here today not as a Republican or a liberal. And don't bother calling me a Democrat or a conservative.
I am a man, an African-American man who has professed that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that's to whom I bow down. If you concur, it's time to stop allowing a chosen few to speak for the masses.
Quit letting them define the agenda.
So put on the full armor of God because we have work to do.
Does John MacArthur like anyone?
In his current volume The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception, Pastor/teacher John MacArthur (Grace Church of Sun Valley, California) goes after the "Emerging church" folks this time.
Let me recap for all those who may not be familiar with John MacArthur's past publications:
In the late 70s/early 80s, he wrote a book called Those Charismatics. In this volume, MacArthur (who pastors a mega-church in Southern California) basically blasted, with skewed information I might add, all those in the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles with whom he disagreed. He went after practically everyone...few, if any remained unscathed.
In the mid-1990s, he republished his book (with some much needed editorial revisions) under the title Charismatic Chaos. This effort didn't even deserve a yawn--much less a read.
Now he seems to have nothing better to do than go after Rob Bell (Velvet Elvis fame) and anyone else who dares to reach people with Gospel of Jesus Christ using methods other than what he has used over the last forty years.
He really should be ashamed of himself. Really, he should.
Confession time here.
When I was in college, I absolutely LOVED John MacArthur's daily broadcast "Grace to You." As a matter of fact I have several of his books from way back then, and I still enjoy re-reading them. His commentary series has been very helpful in many ways as well.
But, my question remains. Does John MacArthur like anything or anyone that doesn't "do it his way"?
I'm not sure. But I wish he would document why he doesn't like all these people?
What will MacArthur say when he gets to glory and see all these people who have come to saving faith in Christ because of these ministries?
Let me recap for all those who may not be familiar with John MacArthur's past publications:
In the late 70s/early 80s, he wrote a book called Those Charismatics. In this volume, MacArthur (who pastors a mega-church in Southern California) basically blasted, with skewed information I might add, all those in the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles with whom he disagreed. He went after practically everyone...few, if any remained unscathed.
In the mid-1990s, he republished his book (with some much needed editorial revisions) under the title Charismatic Chaos. This effort didn't even deserve a yawn--much less a read.
Now he seems to have nothing better to do than go after Rob Bell (Velvet Elvis fame) and anyone else who dares to reach people with Gospel of Jesus Christ using methods other than what he has used over the last forty years.
He really should be ashamed of himself. Really, he should.
Confession time here.
When I was in college, I absolutely LOVED John MacArthur's daily broadcast "Grace to You." As a matter of fact I have several of his books from way back then, and I still enjoy re-reading them. His commentary series has been very helpful in many ways as well.
But, my question remains. Does John MacArthur like anything or anyone that doesn't "do it his way"?
I'm not sure. But I wish he would document why he doesn't like all these people?
What will MacArthur say when he gets to glory and see all these people who have come to saving faith in Christ because of these ministries?
Best Barbeque Sauce I've ever tasted!
http://mcclards.com/
I first encountered the wonderful, wonderful food of McClard's BBQ about 14 years ago when I was visiting friends in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Brad and Jennifer (my hosts) decided that we needed to go camping over near the lake. We did...and we also stopped at McClard's for dinner that night.
Without a doubt, it is the BEST barbeque I've ever put in my mouth...hands down!
Fast forward some 13 years, and one of my students came in for some academic advising one day...and mentioned that he was from Hot Springs, Arkansas...and I mentioned McClard's. His jaw just about hit the floor!
I went online, and ordered several bottles of their wonderful BBQ sauce, and it was delivered via UPS less than a week later.
Oh the joy those bottles of barbeque sauce brought to my soul! And my stomach!
I've just re-ordered, and this time I bought a case!
I also called the owner of McClard's and told him of my great joy in his products. He was delighted to hear of my satisfaction and glee with their "family tradition."
Please check out their website, and visit their online store. Order some of that BBQ sauce, you will certainly be glad that you did!
It's worth ever delicious ounce.
I first encountered the wonderful, wonderful food of McClard's BBQ about 14 years ago when I was visiting friends in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Brad and Jennifer (my hosts) decided that we needed to go camping over near the lake. We did...and we also stopped at McClard's for dinner that night.
Without a doubt, it is the BEST barbeque I've ever put in my mouth...hands down!
Fast forward some 13 years, and one of my students came in for some academic advising one day...and mentioned that he was from Hot Springs, Arkansas...and I mentioned McClard's. His jaw just about hit the floor!
I went online, and ordered several bottles of their wonderful BBQ sauce, and it was delivered via UPS less than a week later.
Oh the joy those bottles of barbeque sauce brought to my soul! And my stomach!
I've just re-ordered, and this time I bought a case!
I also called the owner of McClard's and told him of my great joy in his products. He was delighted to hear of my satisfaction and glee with their "family tradition."
Please check out their website, and visit their online store. Order some of that BBQ sauce, you will certainly be glad that you did!
It's worth ever delicious ounce.
Rosie O'Donnell...just be quiet, please!
Rosie,
I must confess that I loved your show some 13-14 years ago. I thought you were funny, informative, and very entertaining.
I even defended your right to publicly proclaim your status as a "lesbian" in an interview with Diane Sawyer some four years ago on a Primetime Special. I do not agree with your "stance", but I defended your right to be an adoptive parent, and to provide the safety and security for children whom you have chosen to give a home.
But you have obviously crossed the line over the last year or two.
You have singlehandedly managed to offend every military person in this country--active duty and veteran. You are entitled to your opinions concerning policies coming out of Washington, just like every good American is entitled to theirs.
You are not entitled to insult people of faith with whom you disagree. Those same people are not entitled to insult you either. They may vehemently disagree with you. And most of us do.
But please, be quiet for a while. Take a long vacation.
A very long one.
I must confess that I loved your show some 13-14 years ago. I thought you were funny, informative, and very entertaining.
I even defended your right to publicly proclaim your status as a "lesbian" in an interview with Diane Sawyer some four years ago on a Primetime Special. I do not agree with your "stance", but I defended your right to be an adoptive parent, and to provide the safety and security for children whom you have chosen to give a home.
But you have obviously crossed the line over the last year or two.
You have singlehandedly managed to offend every military person in this country--active duty and veteran. You are entitled to your opinions concerning policies coming out of Washington, just like every good American is entitled to theirs.
You are not entitled to insult people of faith with whom you disagree. Those same people are not entitled to insult you either. They may vehemently disagree with you. And most of us do.
But please, be quiet for a while. Take a long vacation.
A very long one.
Dealing with "abandonment" issues.
For those of you who may not know me, I want to divulge a small part of my personal history. I was abandoned by my parents, shortly after I was born. My biological mother and father abandoned each other (eventually divorcing) and thus, abandoned me. I was less than a year old.
Even though my wonderful Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did a marvelous job--with lots of help from the "village" I still feel "abandoned" at times.
These feelings/issues/emotions are not constant...but they are recurring, and usually at the most "inconvenient" times. But when is "abandonment" ever a 'convenient' emotion?
In doing a self-analysis, I am beginning to think that my subconscious fear of being "abandoned" is one of the reasons that I've never married, nor even seriously dated (in a long time). It's not that I don't trust anyone--I just don't want to put myself into a place where I could be abandoned again--by anyone.
I've read and am re-reading Gordon Dalby's marvelous book Healing the Masculine Soul realizing that my own soul does need some "serious" healing. The sooner the better.
And when I think about what "abandonment" really is, and all the "issues" involved, it can be pretty overwhelming. Some of the "issues" are intimacy, relationships, finances, stability, productivity, and even spirituality. And I'm beginning to believe that I've not even scratched the surface.
My saving grace is that Christ has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. I can count on that. Even when other people have.
Even though my wonderful Grandmother Hoover raised me--and did a marvelous job--with lots of help from the "village" I still feel "abandoned" at times.
These feelings/issues/emotions are not constant...but they are recurring, and usually at the most "inconvenient" times. But when is "abandonment" ever a 'convenient' emotion?
In doing a self-analysis, I am beginning to think that my subconscious fear of being "abandoned" is one of the reasons that I've never married, nor even seriously dated (in a long time). It's not that I don't trust anyone--I just don't want to put myself into a place where I could be abandoned again--by anyone.
I've read and am re-reading Gordon Dalby's marvelous book Healing the Masculine Soul realizing that my own soul does need some "serious" healing. The sooner the better.
And when I think about what "abandonment" really is, and all the "issues" involved, it can be pretty overwhelming. Some of the "issues" are intimacy, relationships, finances, stability, productivity, and even spirituality. And I'm beginning to believe that I've not even scratched the surface.
My saving grace is that Christ has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. I can count on that. Even when other people have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)