Me with my lovely wife, Kathy:

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Planning to be Kind. Be purposeful.

A young, very young, friend of mine is looking forward to a project on her 35th birthday.  Here is a cut-&-paste from her FB page.  If you are a FBer you can go there.  No doubt the list will grow.  Lot's of great ideas for showing kindness.  At least one I plan to plug into my life.


Kristan Brown
So, I am turning 35 in June. How did that happen?? Anyway, on my birthday I am going to try to do 35 random acts of kindness. I have started a list of things to do, like take cookies to fire/ems/police, fill the washers with coins at a laundromat, take a meal to someone in need, pay for someones food in the drivethru, etc. I have got to come up with 35 things that can all be accomplished in one day. I am going to attach a card with some type of scripture on it, to hand out or leave where ever I do my acts. So, I am taking ideas and suggestions! What are some great random acts of kindness I can do on my birthday? Remember, I've got to get 35 done in one day! (How did I get so old, so fast?) :)
Like ·  · January 11 at 8:24am · 
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Monday, February 4, 2013

The Power of the Spoken Word:


There is much to commend this piece by Dodge Trucks and the late Paul Harvey. I focus on just one--the spoken word.
To one who has spent his life seeking to impact others with the spoken word, this piece is a reminder that the word well spoken has great power. In a world that expects the average sermon or speech to be a media event--and yes, I used PowerPoint yesterday--it is good to be reminded that there is power in words--just words, real words, spoken in a real voice.
Preachers, let's be encouraged to spend more time crafting our words than we do searching the web for the killer video. As another master word-smith said, "Preach the Word." I know preaching does not preclude the visual. Indeed this commentary in this commercial is enhanced by the photos. I fear, though, that we lean so hard on what goes with the spoken word that we neglect its power.
Here is how powerful words are: I kid you not. If I had money in my pocket, and were looking to by a truck, today, the Dodge dealership would be my first stop.
Ram Trucks Super Bowl Commercial Farmer - Keep Plowing Spot
www.youtube.com
http://CherryHillRAM.com And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer. God 
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Sunday, February 3, 2013

I have observed the shift these two writers talk about--Evangelicals, and others who share their conservative ethical views,  are increasingly looked upon as the enemy.  How could you miss a societal change that obvious?  The phenomena Colin Hansen and Steve Cornell talk about is growing all around us.  The recent flap of Lou Giglio is one example.  These articles ask what we should we do about it?  Hunker down or go on the offense?

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/01/30/dare-to-be-immoral/

http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/dare-to-challenge-the-intolerance/


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Friday, February 1, 2013

Two News Stories with brief comments:

I just saw these two stories.
Both raised reaction in me.  This blog gives me a place to let my thoughts out:


"A pastor created a huge backlash on Reddit when he [Get it right C.T., it's "she."] left a note on a St. Louis Applebee's restaurant bill refusing a gratuity to a server." (here & here)

I offer this tip, to pastors everywhere.  Be generous.  And to "Pastor" Bell, Ms. Welch, the waitress, did not ruin your reputation!  You did, when your lack of character allowed you to write that note to the lady who had just waited on you and your guests.

AND:
In a major policy reversal, the Boy Scouts of America made a statement that the organization will probably allow professed homosexuals to hold leadership positions in the organization. (more)

I'm surprised, though I probably shouldn't be.  
I'm disappointed.  
I know some fine people involved in scouting--folk who are trying to keep roles, relationships, and responsibilities in order.  This will make things harder for them.
This also reinforces a conclusion of mine.  The church--those of us who are willing to live out and die for the truth of God's word--is going to have to stand alone.  I'm not saying that we should not try to preserve as many allies as we can for as long as we are able.  I'm not saying we shouldn't be sad when a cultural friend packs up and heads home.  I am saying that our situation is rapidly becoming identical to that of the First Century Christians in Corinth.  We are going to be called on to make decisions and take stands that no one around us will understand, or support.  We are going to have take seriously the Apostle Paul's admonition:
   “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14–18, NASB95)  

I know the language sounds harsh.  It is Paul's not mine.  We have lived in a place and time where our culture has supported our Christian values.  That has been eroding.  It appears that the deterioration has reached a tipping point.  At this point I'm not speaking as an old Fundamentalist--though I am thankful for what my heritage has given me.  I write as a sad observer.
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