This is a rare Monday blog entry. I had to stop by and use the only cpu I have available with Internet. I'm going to make a political point but it's one that is true in every area of life. Friends, we must learn to read for ourselves. Just because you hear something doesn't make it true.
Case in point: Sarah Palin was just interviewed by Charlie Gibson of ABC. Charlie and the officials at ABC have just cemented this view for me today. When one listens to the interview you could very well see Palin as weak in some areas or not as informed on others. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said this week concerning Palin that she gave a "cliff-noted performance". Well, when you consider the editing done by ABC it's easy to figure out why.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/09/13/abc-news-edited-out-key-parts-sarah-palin-interview
Copy the above link and put it into your address bar - read the parts of the interview that were taken out of the televised portion and come to your own conclusion. Not only does Palin sound more knowledgeable but confident in her answers. The question is: Does ABC want Palin to sound bad? Of course they do!
Folks, this isn't just true when it comes to politics but in everyday life. How often has someone heard a preacher say something from the pulpit and come away saying it was truth without ever reading for themselves. How often has a teacher taught something in a school room without a child researching for themselves? How often do people listen to the "drive-by media" and think that what is being said is true because it was on the news?
Become an educated voter, educated student, educated believer, and an educated citizen. This, of course, means you are going to have to read for yourself. Don't let someone else do all the work for you. Too many people in this world have an agenda that is far different than the one you have. The teachers in our government schools may have an agenda for your kid than what you have. So you must be involved in their lives and ensure that they understand your worldview.
With the race for President heating up in this country I hope that people will begin paying attention to what is being said but more importantly to what is believed by these candidates. It doesn't matter how eloquently one may present the material - you may have to look into their policies for yourself. You may have to look at a budget plan, a policy, or a voting record.
That's the great thing about freedom...you don't have to take everything they say as truth without ever looking into it. The freedoms afforded us by the Constitution of this United States allow us to ask questions and look at facts for ourselves. We are only robbing ourselves if we do not.
Have a great week!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Celeb Buzz & Worldview
I want to be the first to say that I could care less what people like Kid Rock, George Clooney, Pamela Anderson, Matt Damon or any other "celebrity" thinks about politics or anything else. However, because these people are famous every statement made gets reported.
I don't care because many of the actors in Hollywood are left leaning, abortion promoting, tree hugging, American hating people who treat marriage as if it's an audition, sex as if it's a new exercise regiment, and God as if He if he were Morgan Freeman in "Bruce Almighty". Many of these celebrities left their traditional family roots a long time ago to begin their quest for fame and glory in Hollywood. They learned long ago that they had to be willing to do and say anything to be accepted within their circles. So when Matt Damon compares Sarah Palin's VP bid as a "bad Disney movie" or Pamela Anderson uses a vulgar comment to express her hatred for Mrs. Palin - sure it makes "news" - but WHO CARES!
#1 - I Don't Look to Hollywood to Decide My Values for Me.
I like many of you can appreciate the work an actor does on a film. I can appreciate a great performance, a moving dialogue, etc. But when it comes to personal political/religious/social statements I recognized long ago that my beliefs and Hollywood don't mix.
#2 - I Can Think for Myself.
I often get criticized for my conservative values and beliefs. I often get placed in the Republican camp although I do not consider myself a republican. I'm a believer in Jesus Christ who has very serious views about politics, personal faith, and problems in society. I don't need Brad Pitt to teach me how to dress, Tom Cruise to teach me how to believe, or any other celebrity to give me their take on the issues of the day. I am an individual that God created with a brain that can analyze policies and values on my own. Not only that - but I have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling inside of me that guides me into all truth.
#3 - I Am Not a Celebrity Worshiper.
Once again I will say that I can appreciate the works of an actor/actress, musician, or comedian. But just because some idiot comedian from another country thinks I should vote for Obama for the good of the world or that promise rings for young people are ridiculous, I'm not going to bow down and tow their line. (MTV music awards reference)
To be quite honest (as if I haven't been already) there are many people in the movie and music industry that I have lost a great deal of respect for because of their actions and the words they spew. Many of you have had the same feelings. Consider the fall-out a few years ago when the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks decided to stand on stage in a foreign country and mock our president. Or go back even further when Jane Fonda decided that she needed to have her picture taken with the enemy of our country while our military suffered great losses.
Here's the problem: Actors/Actresses, Musicians, etc. think that they can get away with any and every statement made and the American people will continue to fawn all over them. I say "Enough!" It's time for our young people to once again look into their own family trees, communities, and churches to find their heroes. It's time for the people of this nation to stop idolizing these people (many of whom couldn't hold down a real job) and realize that they are just actors playing on a stage. And for a great majority of them controversial statements mean that they are once again "news."
As I look over my life I cannot think of one celebrity that I wanted to be like. I can't even think of one athlete that I wanted to be. Sure, we all pretended to be somebody when we played those invisible basketball teams, or stood before those pretend crowds and sang but the fact of the matter is I wasn't going to be any of them. I may have worn a "Beat It" jacket and a glove but I wasn't going to be Michael Jackson (and please don't hold that horrible piece of history against me). I can only be me doing whatever God allows me to do. But in the end I do hope that my son will look up to me one day and say "Dad, I hope that I can carry myself in life the way you do." I hope that my daughter will look to me and say, "Daddy - I hope that when I have a husband that he will love me the way you love mom." Why do I say that? Because I don't want my kids to grow up and be like Hannah Montana or one of the Jonas Brothers. I want them to grow up and be who God created them to be in spite of what Hollywood or anyone else tells them.
My reasoning for today's blog is simple: I'm tired of the celebrity and Hollywood culture's influence on this country. We have heard so many attacks on our nation and our leaders of the last 30+ years of my life that it's getting insane. Not only that, but I just read an article today about a young female (I cannot use the words woman or lady because it doesn't fit) who graduated from Sacramento State that wants to auction off her virginity to help pay off student loans. America's worship of the celebrities of this world is crippling the values of our nation and I'm sick of it. We need to understand that our choices have consequences once again. This 22 year old may be able to pay off her student loans but she will never be able to regain her innocence. We cannot hit the rewind button in life and do it all over. However, God does have a "delete" button when it comes to our sin and it's called forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
I don't care because many of the actors in Hollywood are left leaning, abortion promoting, tree hugging, American hating people who treat marriage as if it's an audition, sex as if it's a new exercise regiment, and God as if He if he were Morgan Freeman in "Bruce Almighty". Many of these celebrities left their traditional family roots a long time ago to begin their quest for fame and glory in Hollywood. They learned long ago that they had to be willing to do and say anything to be accepted within their circles. So when Matt Damon compares Sarah Palin's VP bid as a "bad Disney movie" or Pamela Anderson uses a vulgar comment to express her hatred for Mrs. Palin - sure it makes "news" - but WHO CARES!
#1 - I Don't Look to Hollywood to Decide My Values for Me.
I like many of you can appreciate the work an actor does on a film. I can appreciate a great performance, a moving dialogue, etc. But when it comes to personal political/religious/social statements I recognized long ago that my beliefs and Hollywood don't mix.
#2 - I Can Think for Myself.
I often get criticized for my conservative values and beliefs. I often get placed in the Republican camp although I do not consider myself a republican. I'm a believer in Jesus Christ who has very serious views about politics, personal faith, and problems in society. I don't need Brad Pitt to teach me how to dress, Tom Cruise to teach me how to believe, or any other celebrity to give me their take on the issues of the day. I am an individual that God created with a brain that can analyze policies and values on my own. Not only that - but I have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling inside of me that guides me into all truth.
#3 - I Am Not a Celebrity Worshiper.
Once again I will say that I can appreciate the works of an actor/actress, musician, or comedian. But just because some idiot comedian from another country thinks I should vote for Obama for the good of the world or that promise rings for young people are ridiculous, I'm not going to bow down and tow their line. (MTV music awards reference)
To be quite honest (as if I haven't been already) there are many people in the movie and music industry that I have lost a great deal of respect for because of their actions and the words they spew. Many of you have had the same feelings. Consider the fall-out a few years ago when the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks decided to stand on stage in a foreign country and mock our president. Or go back even further when Jane Fonda decided that she needed to have her picture taken with the enemy of our country while our military suffered great losses.
Here's the problem: Actors/Actresses, Musicians, etc. think that they can get away with any and every statement made and the American people will continue to fawn all over them. I say "Enough!" It's time for our young people to once again look into their own family trees, communities, and churches to find their heroes. It's time for the people of this nation to stop idolizing these people (many of whom couldn't hold down a real job) and realize that they are just actors playing on a stage. And for a great majority of them controversial statements mean that they are once again "news."
As I look over my life I cannot think of one celebrity that I wanted to be like. I can't even think of one athlete that I wanted to be. Sure, we all pretended to be somebody when we played those invisible basketball teams, or stood before those pretend crowds and sang but the fact of the matter is I wasn't going to be any of them. I may have worn a "Beat It" jacket and a glove but I wasn't going to be Michael Jackson (and please don't hold that horrible piece of history against me). I can only be me doing whatever God allows me to do. But in the end I do hope that my son will look up to me one day and say "Dad, I hope that I can carry myself in life the way you do." I hope that my daughter will look to me and say, "Daddy - I hope that when I have a husband that he will love me the way you love mom." Why do I say that? Because I don't want my kids to grow up and be like Hannah Montana or one of the Jonas Brothers. I want them to grow up and be who God created them to be in spite of what Hollywood or anyone else tells them.
My reasoning for today's blog is simple: I'm tired of the celebrity and Hollywood culture's influence on this country. We have heard so many attacks on our nation and our leaders of the last 30+ years of my life that it's getting insane. Not only that, but I just read an article today about a young female (I cannot use the words woman or lady because it doesn't fit) who graduated from Sacramento State that wants to auction off her virginity to help pay off student loans. America's worship of the celebrities of this world is crippling the values of our nation and I'm sick of it. We need to understand that our choices have consequences once again. This 22 year old may be able to pay off her student loans but she will never be able to regain her innocence. We cannot hit the rewind button in life and do it all over. However, God does have a "delete" button when it comes to our sin and it's called forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We Remember
9/11/2001 AD - Can you believe it's been seven years since that horrible day? I still remember riding in a delivery van listening to the scene unfold after the first tower was hit. I also remember sitting in front of the TV later that evening thinking what kind of a world my children had been thrust into.
The above picture is the only clipping that I retained after the 9/11 tragedy. It's still one of the most symbolic pictures that can be found. As the Star Spangled Banner is played throughout this day - it was true on September 11 2001 - our flag was still there.
This is not a day for politics but rather a day to remember the families of those who lost their lives. It's a day to remember the heroism of firefighters and other emergency workers, public safety officials, and regular men and women. It's a day to once again retain the resolve that this nation portrayed after the worst attack in history on American soil. Even today we hear of a new offensive to find those responsible and to rid ourselves of those who seek to impose fear and death upon this country. Good! I just hope that the people of this nation will remember the pain and anger we felt 7 years ago.
I still find myself being moved to tears as we relive those moments. I still find myself praying for the president of our nation as he does what he can to ensure the defense of the United States. I also find myself thankful that for seven years we have not seen another attack on our soil.
May we never forget and may we never give up.
This morning, as I was reading God's Word, I came across 2 Kings 9 when Elisha called one of the sons of the prophets to go and anoint Jehu as King of Israel. The reason for this anointing was to strike down the house of Ahab because of the wickedness done against God's people. I then went over to Psalm 108 and it was during the last verse that I gained great comfort, "Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies."
On this day, let us not forget to pray for the men and women who are fighting against the enemies of this country. As God allows we will continue to see the defeat of our enemies. Through God we will be able as a country to do valiantly. And my prayer during this time is that we will soon hear of the defeat of those responsible for 9/11. We owe it to our nation (believers) to pray like never before. Our victory in this battle is important for our generation and the ones to follow.
May God grant wisdom to our leaders.
May God grant victory to the men and women who fight for this country.
May God grant peace to the United States of America.
We Remember.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Staying Fit
This has nothing to do with exercise so everybody can take a sigh of relief (WHEW!).
I was reading Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" this morning and want to share with you some of his words. Chambers said, "A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness...If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God's work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around you. God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of a saint."
I must admit that a part of me wanted to save this for our Missions Pastor's blog but it was just too good to pass up (sorry Ron).
When you think about worship what comes to mind? Is it an exercise that only takes place in the public sphere of the church? Is it simply the practice of singing songs together as a congregation? Or do you think of your own private times of getting before the Lord and reading His Word, praying, and singing your own praises to God? I truly believe that genuine worship is a lacking ingredient in the life of many churches because the people of God have not learned how to build up their own lives in private celebration of who God is and what He has done for them.
If we never learn the importance of worship by ourselves then we can never truly engage God in worship as a corporate body. In fact, many believers only sing to God on Sunday morning, only read His Word along with the pastor before the preaching, and only pray in connection with the body of Christ. What happens next in our services is that worship becomes a dry/dead experience with a group of people rather than an exciting engagement with a holy God. Not only that, but our personal lives are never enriched apart from our experiences within the church environment.
David became a man after God's own heart long before He entered the public position as King of Israel. It was during his time of watching over the sheep that he learned to pray and sing praises to God. Can't you just see David sitting upon a large rock penning those famous words: "The Lord is my Shepherd..." It is during the private times with God that we are able to experience God in a way that is different than the corporate experience. God has our undivided attention to speak, to move, and to mold our lives. I agree whole-heartedly with brother Chambers that it's in the private relationship that we find the greatest element of staying spiritually fit.
Dear brothers and sisters - learn to worship God without the help of a praise leader...learn to dive into God's Word without the help of the preacher...learn to pray without the need of someone telling you to bow your head. God's training ground is always found in the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint. Paul knew that when after his conversion and God raised him up to be one of the most influential of all the apostles.
If you and I want to be of use to God's kingdom and if we really want to know what genuine communion with God is all about then we must take the time to turn our private times into incredible moments of worship.
Here are some spiritual exercises that I want you to try out:
Read His Word Daily - take some time to give your spiritual body the nourishment it needs. Jesus said that man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
Pray Daily - I have found that people who do not pray privately will never pray openly. Not only that, but a lack of prayer is one of the greatest hindrances in the life of a believer and the church.
Sing Privately - For some of you this isn't a problem because you would much rather be alone when it comes to singing. But I want you to understand that it's not about the noise but the words that we sing. Sing to the Lord from a heart that is thankful for the goodness of God. Learn to express yourself in song to the Lord. If there isn't a song that you know that works then make one up.
Learn to Express Your Worship - Lift those hands, clap, dance, etc. Don't be ashamed to get excited when the Lord speaks to your heart. Get up on that mountain top and shout your praises to God. Get in that vehicle and make it a place of great communion with God. Take that study/office in your home and turn it into a tabernacle of praise.
Chambers also says, "If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free (to do His will), you will be ready."
May you experience His presence today! Don't wait until Sunday.
I was reading Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" this morning and want to share with you some of his words. Chambers said, "A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness...If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God's work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around you. God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of a saint."
I must admit that a part of me wanted to save this for our Missions Pastor's blog but it was just too good to pass up (sorry Ron).
When you think about worship what comes to mind? Is it an exercise that only takes place in the public sphere of the church? Is it simply the practice of singing songs together as a congregation? Or do you think of your own private times of getting before the Lord and reading His Word, praying, and singing your own praises to God? I truly believe that genuine worship is a lacking ingredient in the life of many churches because the people of God have not learned how to build up their own lives in private celebration of who God is and what He has done for them.
If we never learn the importance of worship by ourselves then we can never truly engage God in worship as a corporate body. In fact, many believers only sing to God on Sunday morning, only read His Word along with the pastor before the preaching, and only pray in connection with the body of Christ. What happens next in our services is that worship becomes a dry/dead experience with a group of people rather than an exciting engagement with a holy God. Not only that, but our personal lives are never enriched apart from our experiences within the church environment.
David became a man after God's own heart long before He entered the public position as King of Israel. It was during his time of watching over the sheep that he learned to pray and sing praises to God. Can't you just see David sitting upon a large rock penning those famous words: "The Lord is my Shepherd..." It is during the private times with God that we are able to experience God in a way that is different than the corporate experience. God has our undivided attention to speak, to move, and to mold our lives. I agree whole-heartedly with brother Chambers that it's in the private relationship that we find the greatest element of staying spiritually fit.
Dear brothers and sisters - learn to worship God without the help of a praise leader...learn to dive into God's Word without the help of the preacher...learn to pray without the need of someone telling you to bow your head. God's training ground is always found in the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint. Paul knew that when after his conversion and God raised him up to be one of the most influential of all the apostles.
If you and I want to be of use to God's kingdom and if we really want to know what genuine communion with God is all about then we must take the time to turn our private times into incredible moments of worship.
Here are some spiritual exercises that I want you to try out:
Read His Word Daily - take some time to give your spiritual body the nourishment it needs. Jesus said that man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
Pray Daily - I have found that people who do not pray privately will never pray openly. Not only that, but a lack of prayer is one of the greatest hindrances in the life of a believer and the church.
Sing Privately - For some of you this isn't a problem because you would much rather be alone when it comes to singing. But I want you to understand that it's not about the noise but the words that we sing. Sing to the Lord from a heart that is thankful for the goodness of God. Learn to express yourself in song to the Lord. If there isn't a song that you know that works then make one up.
Learn to Express Your Worship - Lift those hands, clap, dance, etc. Don't be ashamed to get excited when the Lord speaks to your heart. Get up on that mountain top and shout your praises to God. Get in that vehicle and make it a place of great communion with God. Take that study/office in your home and turn it into a tabernacle of praise.
Chambers also says, "If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free (to do His will), you will be ready."
May you experience His presence today! Don't wait until Sunday.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I'm Back...Again!
O.K. I know that I have been away for a while - this time on vacation - but it is good to be back. Took the family to Disney World and had a blast.
When I'm gone there always seems to be plenty of news out there that I would love to comment about. Rather than comment one one thing lets take a look shall we:
McCain picks Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for VP
RNC Convention - Nation tunes in to hear McCain & Palin
Convention Bounce - Palin gives McCain a huge bounce following RNC
Dems Smear Palin - This topic has been covered by several news agencies (nothing new)
Hurricanes Just Keep on Coming
Federal Govt. Bails out Fannie May & Freddie Mac (I thought these were govt. loans anyway)
Caylee Anthony - Will somebody please get to the bottom of this?
Tom Brady Out for the Season - I don't know who is more upset - Patriots or the NFL?
These are just a few of the headlines that I had waiting for me when I came back home. If you think those are interesting - it's only going to get more and more interesting/ridiculous.
Since starting this blog I have made it a point to share various topics because I want all of you to know the things that interest me - politics, sports, family, faith, etc. Sometimes I am very sharp in my criticisms when it comes to politics and current issues (to the disdain of my wife) but it's the way I'm wired. You can call me opinionated if you like but at least you know where I stand. As long as we live in a free country that defends free speech then we can talk about all of the issues. Right? I thought you would agree.
To address all of the McCain/Palin items would take several days and I simply don't want to do that. However, I will admit to being impressed by Alaska's governor and have been for some time. How often do you hear of a woman (a woman governor for that matter) who knows how to shoot a gun and does so to hunt, has 5 children one with special needs, goes to church, takes on political corruption, all the while wears a dress to speak in public unlike other women who feel the need to put on the pant-suit? I'm impressed by her convictions, how she carries herself, and her determination. If you are a fan of politics (which I'm not) John McCain just pulled a great one. Sarah Palin gave him the bounce he needed AND finally energized his party to give him the backing he needs. This is going to be an interesting election year. As far as Palin is concerned the smears against her have been ridiculous and hideous. If they want to take her on over policy then go for it - otherwise give it up.
A few words about the recent bail-out by the federal government for Fannie & Freddie. WHAT??? There used to be a time when banks and loan institutions only lent out money that could be covered but not anymore. And why did Wall Street find the government taking over housing loans as a means of security. The government can't handle social security, their own spending, nor the deficit. Why in the world do we trust them to handle mortgage loans? If I'm not mistaken isn't Freddie & Fannie a direct result of the government saying that we need to make home loans accessible to everyone even if they can't afford a home? The fact of the matter is that whoever wins the White House will have this thing sitting on their desk when they get in office and they will have to deal with it. ***I'm not saying that everyone who gets a loan through these two institutions should not have a home - I'm simply stating that the reason so many have loans through them is because government thought lending should be open to everyone.
Hurricanes. This isn't because of global warming. It's Hurricane season. You can count on it every year around this time. The change in the seasons always bring about the possibility of hurricanes. We simply pray for those who are in the path that we don't see great loss of life or damage to properties.
Caylee Anthony. I'm sure that many of you have heard about this story. I have my own opinion that I do believe her mother knows exactly what has happened to her and she's is not telling. I do pray that something is found out quick and that justice is served.
The NFL. I'm a fan of pro football. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a Steelers fan (no apologies). The NFL over the past few years hasn't been able to market itself without the use of a big name player. With Tom Brady's season ending knee injury there has been as much talk on the sports shows about how it impacts the patriots as well as the NFL. #1 - I don't like to see any player have to endure these types of injuries. But don't you think the NFL will survive? Sure it will. I guess they will simply have to find someone else to place all of their hopes on.
Now that I have caught up on a few things, allow me to share with you a verse of scripture that got my attention while I was away.
Jeremiah 24:7, "Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart."
I'm not going to get into a great discussion about the verse other than to say that I pray the Lord will do this for His people today. Oh, how our churches need to have a heart to know Him. If we have a heart to know Him then everything else will fall in to place. If we have a heart to know Him then we won't squander opportunities, we won't be so easily entangled with everything else, we won't be concerned with our own agenda. I pray today that God gives you that heart. The Bible tells us that He will be found by us if we will seek for Him with all of our heart!
Have a blessed week.
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