Coca Cola Has Made it to the Middle East


It's like a Muslim "Where's Waldo?" Can you find Osama in this picture?



9/27/07 - Life Journal - Too Busy Being Instead of Doing


"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."
Haggai 1:9-11


The Lord, through Cyrus, commanded His people to return to Judea and rebuild His temple. When they got there it seems they took their time and were busy settling in and taking care of their own houses instead of His. For this He withheld His blessings upon them until they commenced building the temple.

Life does get in the way. School, work, hustling kids all over the place and even working FOR the church take away precious time that we should be spending working in His honor. A lot of times we are so busy doing church duties that we forget about being the church. Everything we struggle for in this world to "better" our lives, God will blow away. Jesus again said it best in Matthew 6:19,20, ""Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Lord thank you for your grace but let me not forget my mission. Help me stop the lip-service I hear and speak, saying we must be the church for our community, without acting out on our words. Make me realize the difference in doing church and being the church.

U.S. Women Fall After an Awesome Run



The U.S. women lost to Brazil ending their hopes for a third World Cup championship and a 51 game winning streak. Amazingly this is Brazil's first foray into the championship game. I don't think anything will stop them now. I didn't catch any of the game but I did see the Brazilians beat the Chinese like they weren't even on the field with them. The U.S. will play Norway on Sunday for third place.

Johnny Mac's take on the discernment "watch-doggies"


To all of you discernment experts (e.g. Ken, Phil and Symphony of Scripture) that "claim" John MacArthur as your spiritual lead, I think you'd better re-read this chapter in "The Truth War"!

...from page 135...

Still, overzealousness is clearly a danger we need to guard against carefully. There are indeed some full-time critics operating today, always looking for a fight, taking fleshly delight in controversy merely for controversy's sake, and making judgements that may be too harsh or hasty. Don't fall into the trap of assuming that the most censorious and nitpicking opinions are automatically the most "discerning" ones. Watch out for the person who shows no caution or restraint about making severe judgements and yet claims to be a "discernment" expert. True discernment is gained by applying our hearts and minds to biblical wisdom, not by fostering a critical spirit.

As a matter of fact, Scripture says that those who are merely pugnacious or quarrelsome are unfit for spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 3:3). When Paul laid out the qualifications for church leaders, he was emphatic about this. "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth" (2 TImothy 2:24-25). That is the spirit we must cultivate. Contending earnestly for the faith does not require us to become brawlers. Let's acknowledge that as plainly as possible and never lose sight of it.


Just thought I'd point this out. You guys have some good things to say but it's buried in all that manure you toss around so often.

We're Just Trying to Help


......and yet another person's take on the same passage from Supernaturally Pure. I love these Life Journal's!

I am probably taking this a little out of context, so you can write me back and let me know. Ezra 4:1-5 explains that when the people where trying to build a temple to God that “well wishers” and “do gooders” came by to offer a hand. They even explained that they seek God and that they have been making sacrifices to Him for quite some time. Well, the people who were building kinda said, Nah, we’re o.k., we got this. We’re going to build it according to the vision given to us.

Now I think that it was great for the people to come and offer a “helping hand” to the temple construction company, but as it turns out, they were only there to push their own agenda/vision on the workers. They were not there to assist in the vision of the new temple, they were there to run things the way that they saw fit. How do I know, read on: “Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.” What? I thought that they just wanted to lend a hand. They did, as long as it was in accordance with what they wanted, and not the vision that was given to the people building the temple.

How does this play out in modern day church planting? Easy. Whenever a new church is planted, the church planter will inevitably have scores of “Christian” people come from various churches in that area. Why? Well the reasons vary. It could be that they genuinely want to help with no agenda (yeah right), they could be dissatisfied with their current circumstances, and be seeking a new environment as well as a plethora of other reasons. Here is where the problem comes in, the “Christian” that comes to a new church plant situation often comes with a set of values and thoughts about how things should be. They often come to change rather than to get on board with the vision that the church planter has. A vision given to him by God. A vision for the church and people that he is supposed to raise in that community.

When the “Christian” comes from an established church to a church plant in order to change things to their slant/bent it ruins the plans that God has given to that Church planter. In our situation, 99% of the troubles that we have gone through have been because of “Christian” people who either have their own agenda, or who want to force their ideologies onto a new church situation. Bad idea, bad situation.

So if you are a person who thinks that he can circumvent the vision that God has placed on someones heart, please check yourself. Figure out if you are seeking your own will, or God’s will. God, please don’t let us get in the way of what you want to do through your servants. Amen.


Helpful Enemies


Here's an alternate look at the same verses I did my Life Journal on today. It is from Pastor Jim Holm on his New Hope Daily Dose blog and it brings up some good points. Like Jude says in his letter,"For certain men whose condemnation was written about[b] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord."

SCRIPTURE: Ezra 4:1-2 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the Lord God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here."

OBSERVATION: News Flash: Some people can't be trusted.
The enemies came and said, "Let us help." Zerubbabel and the leaders didn't get sucked into their trap.
The enemies knew that the best way to destroy this work was from the inside. Get inside on the team and destroy it from the inside out. A destructive worker on teh team is far more destructive and distracting than those who are known enemies on the outside. The leaders were very wise in not accepting their help. They still caused trouble, but not as much as they would have caused on the inside.

APPLICATION: Not everyone who says, "I want to help" should be allowed to help. Those who are allowed to help, who are part of the team, should not be allowed to distract or hinder the work.
Paul said that wolves will come in among you in sheep's clothing trying to cause problems from the inside. For this reason a leader should always be on guard and watchful, not just of those who pose a threat from outside, but even more for those who pose a threat from the inside.

PRAYER: Good Shepherd, be watchful over Your people. Empower those who are genuine in their desire to help. Expose those who pose a threat.

Thanks Jim, keep it up!



9/26/07 - Life Journal - Whoever's Not Against Us is For Us


When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, "Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here." But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, "You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us." Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 4:1-5


The Israelites passed up the help from "the enemies of Judah and Benjamin", not necessarily because they new they were enemies but more likely because of a dislike or bigotry of these people. What could have been an opportunity for God to work in the enemies hearts turned out to be a major delay in the building of the Temple.

We need everyone! No matter what their circumstances. If we're to reach everyone all denominations must work together. The "enemies" above said that they sought after the Israelites God (though in this case it might have been a ruse but only God truly knows a persons heart). Instead of encouraging others that may be different than us to help us on our mission there is a constant battle within the church that is killing us. We all need to keep focused on the cross. Or goals are the same. Jesus said, "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." (Luke 9:50)

Lord rid me of my bigotries and preconceived notions. People are put into my life for Your purpose, don't let me turn away possible victories for Your Name.

9/25/07 - Life Journal - A Time to Plant...


"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."
Luke 8:5-8


Jesus then explains that the "seeds" are the word of God and the different consequences of the seeds are the same as our consequences depending on how we receive His word.

As Tim Lipe so clearly explained in his message Sunday, this in no way means that we are to be particular when sharing our love and story. As we toss seeds far and near God will resupply us. His words are never-ending. We may never know what comes from our effort but that is not our job. We could be planting seeds or even watering seeds that others before us have planted but then the onus is on God. He will send His spirit to these people and ultimately it will be their decision. Like in craps, the more squares you bet on, the greater your odds. The more seeds we spread the greater the odds of someone new coming to Christ and receiving the gift of salvation.

Lord fill me up with your word so I can plant it everywhere around me.

Attitude Adjustment - P.O.D. - Alive




Everyday is a new day
I'm thankful for every
breath i take,
I won't take you for granted (I won't take you for granted)
So I learn from my mistakes
It's beyond my control
Sometimes it's best to let go
Whatever happens
In this lifetime
So I trust in love (so I trust in love)
You have given me
Peace of mind

I, I feel so alive
For the very first time
I can't deny you
I feel so alive
I, I feel so alive (so alive)
For the very first time (for the very first time)
And I think I can fly

Sunshine upon my face (sunshine upon my face)
A new song for me to sing
Tell the world
How I feel inside (tell the world how I feel inside)
Even though it might
Cost me everything
Now that I know this
So beyond, I can't control this
I can never
Turn my back away
Now that I've seen you (now that i've seen you
I can neva look away

And now that I know you
(I could neva
turn my back away)
And now that I see you
(I could neva look away)
And now that I know you
(I could neva
turn my back away)
And now that I see you
(I believe no matta
what they say!)


Decisions, Decisions




9/24/07 - Life Journal - The Centurion


He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed."
Luke 7:6,7


The centurion is the first gentile we meet that shows his faith and believes that Jesus is the Son of God. He also shows the humbleness before Him when he declares that he does not deserve Him in his presence. Being a soldier himself he understands the logic of a hierarchy and knowing this he places Jesus at the top, what Jesus says or commands is done without question.

I also must humble myself and submit to His authority for He truly is the Ruler of All Nations. He has the power to change my life and through me the lives of others. With the unquestioning dedication of a soldier it is my duty to "enlist" others through the example of my life and the words of my testimony and they too, like the centurions servant, will be healed.

Jesus, use me, wipe the scales from my eyes to I can walk blindly in your path, using your light for guidance, humbly making my way to the foot of the cross.

9/23/07 - Life Journal - Re-gifting is Biblical


"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:32-36


This chapter is jam-packed with knowledge and would take a lot of room to write up everything that grabbed me but these verses in particular stood out. It is a basic premise of living missionally. How can the love of Jesus through His Gospel be spread if it's stored up within us and only shared with other Christ followers?

Too many churches are like this. Members invite each other over, help with others daily needs, celebrate in times of joy and comfort each other in times of sorrow. This does nothing but confirm the suspicions of the non-believers! For the most part we already look like some exclusive fraternity with our own music, language and God. Sequestering ourselves like this helps nobody. We must love the unloved, bless the cursed, give without reservation and bring Jesus to the lost.

Lord thank you for all your blessings and my salvation through the death of Your Son. Let me be a messenger for you, pouring out your love and blessings to others as it flows into me.

9/22/07 - Life Journal - Blind Faith


When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
Luke 5:4,5

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Luke 5:12

When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:19

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:27


In this one chapter we read about some people who showed amazingly blind faith when their few minutes on earth with Jesus took place. First, Simon (Peter), who is from what we know of a pretty competent fisherman. Now this dude who He has probably known His whole life as the carpenter's kid is telling Him how to fish! He obey's and reaps great results!

Next Jesus comes across a leper who immediately fall's to his face and doesn't ask, "If you can...", but "If you're willing...". He had no doubt that Jesus could do this but left it up to His will. Realize this was most likely the first time he had ever seen Jesus though almost positively had heard the news.

The next example differs in that it is the faith of friends, not the stricken himself, that catches the attention of our Savior. These guys knew that if they could just get their friend an audience with Jesus he would be healed! Unbeknownst to them, He was so taken by their faith before even considering the paralytic He forgives them of their sins! More fruits of faith!

Finally we come to Levi (Matthew), a hated tax collector, taking money from his own people to give to the Roman overseers. When Jesus tells him to "Follow Me", something in His presence convicts Matthew to drop everything and step out in faith and follow.

People today may say, "Sure, it was easy for them, Jesus was right there with them, how could they not believe?" But did they have the Holy Spirit with them? Did they have the New Testament records of the remainder of His ministry? Did they see Him crucified and risen? I have all of this but still just stick my toe in the water instead of jumping in the deep end! I can read and study all I want and pompously flaunt my knowledge while committing sinful pride, and worse, skepticism. Why do I feel the need to keep proving the truth to myself over and over again. We could all use a little more of the faith of a child, myself especially.

Lord, strip me of my arrogance, purge my mind of all the worthless debate on doctrine and practice, break me down to nothing and leave me with a child like faith.

9/21/07 - Life Journal - Get Right With Him!


How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?
Psalm 137:4


While in captivity the Israelites were asked to sing of Zion but they hung up their harps and refused. They were not in Him so how could they sing about Him?

I've had times like these when the pressures of this world have me so distracted I feel like an imposter singing His praises, whether at church or along with the radio in my car. For true worship you're heart and soul have to be in the right place. It's almost as if God is saying, "Uh-uh, you're not singing to me today, you know and I know it's just lip service. Get right with me and come back later, I'll be waiting!"

Lord, you're to awesome to be worshipped with anything else than my whole being. Forgive us for given you anything less.

Bridge to Terabithia


It's over! Happy and sad. Happy that I'll have my wife and daughter back but still sad because I know how much Caitlyn loves acting and Sheri loves helping out.

The play went awesome! Seven performances in all without a hitch. Even the finale on Sunday when I took Sheri's spot as "Crew Chief" so she could watch from the audience. Caitlyn was amazing. After each show she was showered with flowers, congratulations from the adults and autograph requests from the young kids. She was beaming. Lord thank you for the awesome gifts you have given her and let her discover new ways to use these to glorify Your Name!

With all the craziness this past weekend I've completely neglected my Life Journal and the fact that I'm feeling guilty really shows the significant impact it has had on my walk.

Indescribable


We'll be playing Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable" this Sunday and I happened across this article at blog.worship.com about the story behind the song. It's a little long but a great example of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Speaking of breaking out of a comfort zone, a few weeks ago I left my spot behind the drums to do a duet with Joe. It was awesome, we sang "If I Had a Million Dollars" by the Barenaked Ladies. First time singing plus first time on bass guitar. I enjoyed it so much and got such positive feedback that when I had an option of using another drummer this week I hopped at the chance to play bass again. Singing back up is still in the air but we'll see at practice.

What's keeping you in your comfort zone? What does God want for you that you're holding back on?

The rest of our set list this week is...........

Famous One
Sing to the King
Not to Us
Whisper My Name
How Great is Our God

See y'all there!

HALO 3 is Released....


...and all my brain can come up with is "Who Cares?"



Oktoberfest is Hard Work!




A Prayer Everyone Can Relate To.....


God, right now my life is too busy. Help me find creative ways to slow down and live at a pace where I can hear and see you better. Help me to read the Bible and live so much like Jesus that I'll have eyes to see and ears to hear what you want to say to me.


From "Outflow" by Steve Sjogren and Dave Ping.

Elements of Missional

The following five "Elements of Missional Churches" was produced by Tim Keller six years ago. It is a comparison of the 'Christendom' of old and being a church to the present. What do you think of these elements?

1. Discourse in the vernacular.

In 'Christendom' there is little difference between the language inside and outside of the church. Documents of the early U.S. Congress, for example, are riddled with allusions to and references from the Bible. Biblical technical terms are well-known inside and outside. In a missional church, however, terms must be explained.

The missional church avoids 'tribal' language, stylized prayer language, unnecessary evangelical pious 'jargon', and archaic language that seeks to set a 'spiritual tone.'

The missional church avoids 'we-them' language, disdainful jokes that mock people of different politics and beliefs, and dismissive, disrespectful comments about those who differ with us

The missional church avoids sentimental, pompous, 'inspirational' talk . Instead we engage the culture with gentle, self-deprecating but joyful irony the gospel creates. Humility + joy = gospel irony and realism.

The missional church avoids ever talking as if non-believing people are not present. If you speak and discourse as if your whole neighborhood is present (not just scattered Christians), eventually more and more of your neighborhood will find their way in or be invited.
Unless all of the above is the outflow of a truly humble-bold gospel-changed heart, it is all just 'marketing' and 'spin.'

2. Enter and re-tell the culture's stories with the gospel

In "Christendom" it is possible to simply exhort Christianized people to "do what they know they should." There is little or no real engagement, listening, or persuasion. It is more a matter of exhortation (and often, heavy reliance on guilt.) In a missional church preaching and communication should always assume the presence of skeptical people, and should engage their stories, not simply talk about "old times."

To "enter" means to show sympathy toward and deep acquaintance with the literature, music,theater, etc. of the existing culture's hopes, dreams, 'heroic' narratives, fears.

The older culture's story was--to be a good person, a good father/mother, son/daughter, tolive a decent, merciful, good life.

Now the culture's story is-- a) to be free and self-created and authentic (theme of freedom from oppression), and b) to make the world safe for everyone else to be the same (theme of inclusion of the 'other'; justice).

To "re-tell" means to show how only in Christ can we have freedom without slavery and embracing of the 'other' without injustice.

3. Theologically train lay people for public life and vocation

In 'Christendom' you can afford to train people just in prayer, Bible study, evangelism-- private world skills--because they are not facing radically non-Christian values in their public life--where they work, in their neighborhood, etc.

In a 'missional' church, the laity needs theological education to 'think Christianly' about everything and work with Christian distinctiveness. They need to know: a) what cultural practices are common grace and to be embraced, b) what practices are antithetical to the gospel and must be rejected, c) what practices can be adapted/revised.

In a 'missional' situation, lay people renewing and transforming the culture through distinctively Christian vocations must be lifted up as real 'kingdom work' and ministry along with the traditional ministry of the Word.

Finally, Christians will have to use the gospel to demonstrate true, Biblical love and 'tolerance' in "the public square" toward those with whom we deeply differ. This tolerance should equal or exceed that which opposing views show toward Christians. The charge of intolerance is perhaps the main 'defeater' of the gospel in the non-Christian west.

4. Create Christian community which is counter-cultural and counter-intuitive.

In Christendom, 'fellowship' is basically just a set of nurturing relationships, support and accountability. That is necessary, of course.

In a missional church, however, Christian community must go beyond that to embody a 'counter-culture,' showing the world how radically different a Christian society is with regard to sex, money, and power.

In sex. We avoid both the secular society's idolization of sex and traditional society's fear of sex. We also exhibit love rather than hostility or fear toward those whose sexual lifepatterns are different.

In money. We promote a radically generous commitment of time, money, relationships, and living space to social justice and the needs of the poor, the immigrant, the economically and physically weak.

In power. We are committed to power-sharing and relationship-building between races and classes that are alienated outside of the Body of Christ.

In general, a church must be more deeply and practically committed to deeds of compassion and social justice than traditional liberal churches and more deeply and practically committed to evangelism and conversion than traditional fundamentalist churches. This kind of church is profoundly 'counter-intuitive' to American observers. It breaks their ability to categorize (and dismiss) it as liberal or conservative. Only this kind of church has any chance in the non-Christian west.

5. Practice Christian unity as much as possible on the local level.

In Christendom, when 'everyone was a Christian' it was necessary (perhaps) for a church to define itself over against other churches. That is, to get an identity you had to say, "we are not like that church over there, or those Christians over here."

Today, however, it is much more illuminating and helpful for a church to define itself over against 'the world'--the values of the non-Christian culture. It is very important that we not spend our time bashing and criticizing other kinds of churches. That simply plays in to the common 'defeater' that Christians are all intolerant.

While we have to align ourselves in denominations that share many of our distinctives, at the local level we should cooperate and reach out to and support the other congregations and churches in our local area. This will raise many thorny issues, of course, but our bias should be in the direction of cooperation.

HT FIDE-O

LSU vs. South Carolina


Can Steve keep things going for the Gamecocks?



9/20/07 - Life Journal - I Wait for the Lord


I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5


The Psalmist is crying our for mercy, he knows that his sins are forgotten but is patient for God's forgiveness.

We all must be more patient. When things don't go our way we can feel like God has forgotten but He knows all and we can't comprehend the way He is using us to meet His ends. With patience, I must keep my hope (faith) alive until his plans are revealed.

Lord, I'm the clay in Your hands, mold me and my life to your wishes for I know You only want good for me and whatever you do is to bring glory to Yourself. My soul and I will wait for the Lord.

Kids get slides, I want this........


Happy Birthday to Me!




You can get this and others at Amber Iris.

Jesse to Barack - You Act too White....


...which I'm sure Barack thinks is ridiculous, even though he was raised by his white mother (his Kenyan father being mostly absent) and educated in Ivy League Schools. Why when someone like Barack or Colin Powell educate themselves and distinguish themselves as leaders are they backslapped and called Uncle Tom's and sell-outs? They are the role models for the black youth, not sports stars or Rev. Jesse and Rev. Al.

In other news, Barack announced that he is changing his name to Billy Bob Brubaker, will be waving the green flag at the Dodge Dealers 400 NASCAR race in Dover and has signed on Larry the Cable Guy for his VP.

He's shown below with his nominees for various cabinet positions.


*cut me some slack, I only had Microsoft Paint to make the picture*

This About Sums it Up


God. God. God. Light. Stars. Earth. Animals. Man. Woman. Tree. Serpent. Sin. Fall. Noah. Abraham. Moses. Law. John. Word. Virgin. Bethlehem. Flesh. Incarnation. John. Jesus. Miracles. Message. Jerusalem. Passover. Garden. Kiss. Pilate. Guilty. Mocking. Stripes. Thorns. Cross. Golgotha. Blood. Blood. Blood. Death. Sunday. Resurrection. Ascension. Pentecost. Church. Peter. Apostles. Paul. Missionary. World. Bible. Darkness. Reformation. Revival. Israel. Rapture. Tribulation. Antichrist. Mount of Olives. Victory. Throne. Millennium. God. God. God. Worship. Eternity.

Halleluiah.


HT - Rick Frueh

Teenagers............GET A CLUE!!!


Hoorah! Another anthem for those poor spoiled whited middle upper classed brats. Boo-hoo, I'm different, so I'll be "alternative" and dress JUST LIKE all the other "alternative" goth punks that have life so rough because their parents want them to make something of themselves (I guess being a successful part of society is terrible because you're "just another cog in the machine"). If you really want to be "alternative" look into the original rebellious activist Jesus Christ. If you want to stop the violence in this world and the subservience to "Big Business" and "Big Oil" and everything else you whine about He's the way, the truth and the life! Not darkening your clothes and striking a violent pose. Yee Haw, a little school violence will show them.............?

Here's a cheery little excerpt from My Chemical Romance's "Teenagers"

They said all teenagers scare
The living shit out of me
They could care less
As long as someone'll bleed
So darken your clothes
or strike a violent pose
Maybe they’ll leave you alone, but not me

The boys and girls in the clique
The awful names that they stick
You’re never gonna fit in much, kid
But if you’re troubled and hurt
What you got under your shirt
Will make them pay for the things that they did


And Tipper Gore was worried about Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It"?

My Idea of a Radical follower of Islam



HT ASBO

9/19/07 - Life Journal - Pick Up Your Cross


"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Luke 2:34,35


Imagine the thoughts racing through Mary's mind as Simeon tells this to her. Many will speak against her Son, he's destined to cause a big ruckus an her soul will be pierced. Simeon adds "too" to the end of this sentence. Foreshadowing Jesus' death on the cross?

We are also destined to cause the falling and rising of many in that we have their eternities in our hands. One missed opportunity could be all that it takes. Also by living "out loud" and sharing our testimonies many will speak against us as His light flows from us and reveals the thoughts and hearts of those around us. And yes, our souls will be pierced time and time again as those we love fail to come to the love of Jesus Christ. Am I strong enough to bear this cross?

Lord you have a lot of work to do with me. Thank you for your everlasting grace. Give me strength to bear my cross along side your Son.

I've been chosen for a Mathetes Award!



Thanks to Jerry Beuterbaugh for this recognition as I hope that I'm helping others as I am learning myself.

In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "Mathetes" (disciples) to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for the originator of the award, Dan of Management by God, and the person that awarded it to you. Then list the name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.

This is a great encouragement for those who reach you to keep on doing what you're doing.

My nominees in no particular order are: (drumroll please)

Just Another Night Owl

Musings of an Old Pastor

Adam Mayfield

The Weight of the Journey

Rick Ianniello

I just pray a blessing over the bloggers that receive this award, and ask that the Holy Spirit use them mightily as they share the Word of God with the world around them. May all of their efforts be fruitful, and their words carry the anointing of the Spirit of God. In Jesus' name, Amen!

A Kiss for Tebow



Like it says on gigglesugar:

So one football player kisses the quarterback on the cheek. Big freakin' deal, people! This is way tamer than those guys slappin' each others' *butts* all the time. I consider this evolution...


Where everyone gets a ride.........



Seattle has a new trolley, officially called the South Lake Union Streetcar but it has an unfortunate nickname that has apparently stuck. It's known by locals as the "South Lake Union Trolley" -- or SLUT.

Read the whole story here.

Skillet - Savior (I needed a sanity break)




Here's the lyrics of the above, the song is the voice in your head, the voice of Jesus working through the Holy Spirit. When everything else has crashed and broken down He is your Savior! He's everything you've wanted without realizing it...The voice won't stop, He loves you too much!

I'm everything you've wanted
I am the one whose haunting you
I am the eyes inside of you, stare back at you

There's nothing left to lose
There's nothing left to prove
Surrender your love, it's all you can do...Yeah!

What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
But I know, yeah I know
What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
Your Savior

It's time to redefine your deophobic mind
Don't hesitate, there's no escape
The secrets on the inside

There's nothing left to lose
There's nothing left to prove
Surrender your love, it's all you can do..Yeah!

What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
But I know, yeah I know
What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
Your Savior

I am the eyes inside staring back at you
I am the eyes inside staring back at you
You need, You need
Me..yeah!

What you got, what you need?
Everythings gonna crash and break
What you got, what you need?
Everythings gonna crash and break

What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
But I know, yeah I know
What you got, what you want, what you need?
Gonna be your Savior
Everything's gonna crash and break
Your Savior

9/18/07 - Life Journal - Humble Servant


"I am the Lords's servant", Mary answered, "May it be to me as you have said". Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:38

"From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - Holy is His name."
Luke 1:48,49


In her song, Mary is shouting out the understanding that she now had after her conversation with Elizabeth. She would be called blessed because of God's work in her. Imagine the shock of the responsibility that hit her when Elizabeth and the unborn John verified that she was carrying the Lord and Savior? This all was set in motion by her humble acceptance in verse 38, "I am the Lord's servant."

How eager are we to submit to the Lord's will without hesitation? Hasn't He already put upon us the command to take the Gospel to all nations? Baptizing and teaching? What are we waiting for? What am I waiting for? Being a Christ follower hasn't been and isn't going to get any easier. Do I think I can wait for a big revival? For Christianity to be cool? Or like Zechariah, has my hesitation taken away my voice until the Son is fully revealed in me?

Lord let me jump for joy like the unborn John and shout Your praise like Mary as I humbly submit to you.

9/17/07 - Life Journal - Don't Mess With the Word!


I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Revelation 22:18,19


The severity of the message Jesus gives us in the book of Revelation can be seen in His final warning to us. Nothing is to be added or taken away from His words.

This warning is very relevant today as different groups are taking sides in deciding church doctrine and the means in which the Word is delivered. I need to be "Berean" in that I must test everything I hear and read against scripture to see it's validity. A lot of new theories and methods may sound great on there own but in the light of His word is when the discrepancies will emerge.

Lord, don't let me get caught up in the latest teaching crazes or doctrinal changes without first coming to you for guidance.

Exclusive Photo of O.J. Simpson Fleeing the Scene


You'll never catch me.....Yippee!!!!!



Gators Trounce Tennessee!


OK, I can't hold it back anymore.........

GATORS 59 - VOLS 20!!!!!

Wow, that feels better....and if I hear one more thing about Ainge's pinkie (owie, my sour wittle pinkie), Urban running up the score (remember the margin of victory clause in the BCS) or leaving Tebow in to get hurt (anyone but "Saint Fulmer" would have gone after his legs) I'm gonna run up and down the streets of Lakeland naked screaming "Tim IS Superman" (ok, so I do that anyway, everyone needs their vices).

9/16/07 - Life Journal - The New Jerusalem


I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21:22-27


What an awesome picture of The Holy City, The New Jerusalem. No temple, God and His son were there. No sun, the glory of God and the Lamb were all the light necessary. Gates always open, no one shut out, no stereotypes, no bigotry. Completely pure.

Wouldn't it be awesome if we didn't need a different church on every corner because He was here with us? Or we didn't need the rat's nest of our legal system because there was no darkness, only light? How about everyone living together, no doors shut because of differences in race, religion, politics, social status, etc.......We can all have this one day if we perservere. But unfortunately not on the earth ruled by man and the deceiver.

Lord keep this vision burned in my heart so I can strive to make it happen now though I know it's an impossible task.

9/15/07 - Life Journal - Can I Get a Witness?


One generation shall praise your works to another, and declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of your awesome acts, and I will tell of your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of your abundant goodness, and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
Psalm 145:4-7


Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise written by David. These verses are specifically praising His greatness and goodness.

They also can sum up some steps in becoming a good witness. I need to pass my knowledge down to the next generation and teach them of His mighty acts and things He has done in my life. I must be a student of His story as it unfolds in scripture and modern theology. I must spread His word to all that have ears to hear it and shout joyfully in worship the thanks I have for all that He has done.

Lord, thank you for all you do for me and my family and may I never forget that the mission you have given me is my one true purpose in life.

Gators Victory over Troy....


....is looking a little more significant now. I'm not saying Oklahoma State is anything special but Troy's offense is pretty impressive.

I'm going to bed now as Troy is leading 34-10 so if OK comes back in the fourth quarter then this post is pretty much moot and I'll promptly delete it in the morning.............

Update, as I turn off the TV, Troy scored again, make that 41-10.

9/14/07 - Life Journal - Glory Revealed


And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called he Word of God.
Revelation 19:11-13


In verses 7-10 we witness the marriage of the Lamb with His bride, the church. Imagine the awe that John felt on this glorious occasion! Prophecy revealed; The Church redeemed for eternity. In the middle of this breathtaking event the doors of Heaven open up and we are introduced to the conquering King of Kings, Jesus the Christ in His full glory. The sacrificial lamb's work is done and it's time to deliver His followers from the evil of this world once and for all!

That is the Jesus we have to look forward to, all our thanks go to the Lamb for our salvation but our hope should be in the warrior King with King of Kings and Lord of Lords tattooed on his thigh, with a sword for a tongue and a rod to rule the nations. We have to inject some of this Jesus into our lives along with the compassionate lamb. There are times for sensitivity and times for some serious butt kickin action and right about now we need more of the latter.

Lord strengthen us, your soldiers. Make us more like your glorified Son of Revelation. We need your wisdom to build our spiritual muscles for this is a spiritual war, not a carnal war.

9/13/07 - Life Journal - Shepherd His Flock


"Son of man, prophecy against the shepards of Israel. Prophecy and say to those shepherds, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Woe shpeherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shpeherds feed the flock?"
Ezekiel 34:2


The Lord was a little ticked off that the leaders of the remnant were taking care of themselves and leaving the majority to fend for themselves.

There are many examples of this today. CEO's raiding pension funds, poiticians taking care of special interests, pastors building huge kingdoms on earth making tons of money, the list goes on. But what about me? How am I doing with my family? Co-workers? People I lead at church? The multitude of lost I encounter daily? How can I be a better shepherd?

Rule #1 - Slow to talk and quick to listen.

Paying attention, showing genuine interest. How can I shepherd these people if I have no idea what's happening with them? Besides assisting physically or in worldly matters, it will open up spiritual opportunities as well.

Lord trust me with your staff. Let me shepherd those I know of and be cognizant of opportunities you give me to shepherd others.

Keep 'em Coming Perry


I think one of the areas the church has failed in is studying the culture in which we exist. Many will call being a student of the culture “worldly,” but if someone goes oversees and studies the culture that exists there then that same group of people will call the international traveler a missionary.

-Perry Noble



John Piper's 6 Minute Gospel

Great introduction to the Gospel and Jesus Christ. Spread it like wildfire!


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Original Source: Desiring God

Are you authentic?


Ragamuffin Soul posted this pic while asking his readers why is it that we are truly authentic in the middle of a crisis, but have such a hard time when things are going smoothly........Any of you have any comments?


Besides, I think it's a hilarious photo!


9/12/07 - Life Journal - Faith and the Furnace?


He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Daniel 3:25


Again we see God using His loyal children to reach the mind of King Nebuchadnezzar. Here Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow in worship to the 90' tall statue the King had set up even though the penalty was "...Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." (v.6) They would follow their God wherever they were led and not defile themselves with foreign idols and as they say, "...If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (v.17,18) Even if He does not! They were willing to go to their death before submitting to the King! As you know in verses 24-27 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are saved by and angel sent from God. We again see King Neb falling praising the God of Jacob.

Man, I'm worried that I might lose a few friends, tick off a family member or even lose my job? No comparison but that's what goes through my mind when issues of my spirituality come about. How would I react if I was facing death? If I was that Korean missionary that was beat to death for not converting to Islam? I have to learn to be strong in my faith so the message I pass on to my children is a message of boldness. Only that will keep them on the path as they grow older.

Lord, tattoo the names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego on my heart so that in any situation I find myself in I will have their story with me along with Your strength.

Say it Ain't So......Zenon!


Kirsten Storms, the voice of Bonnie Rockwaller on Disney's Kim Possible and Maxie Jones on ABC's General Hospital was arrested after failing a field sobriety test early Friday morning.

What happened to Zenon, the Girl of the 21st Century? My families favorite girl living in a space station? (If you don't have kids or watch the Disney Channel you have no idea what I'm talking about.)

We Can't Do it Alone


I'm not one for a lot of dramas but this one.....WOW!


A Visitor's Perspective of Church


David Zimmerman is a pastor at Living Waters Church in Lake Wylie, S.C., where he lives with his wife, Christie, and his step-dog, Murphy. You can check out his personal blog here.

He is currently doing a 9 part guest blogging feature for "Church Marketing Sucks". Here's Part One.

It's going to be interesting to see what he found out in his search for a new church.

9/11/07 - Life Journal - Submit and He Will Answer


But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel 1:8

Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
Daniel 2:27,28

As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.
Daniel 2:42,43


It's amazing to me that two of the first actions recorded of Daniel were acts of obedience to God. Now remember, he was in a strange land and he was like, "Nope, not gonna eat your food or drink your wine". Pretty gutsy since the King personally set him up in the palace, but because of his devotion God put it on the officials heart to go along with him. Next, he not only interprets Old Neb's dream, he tells him exactly what the dream was about. Sweet, time to boast....Nope. All the glory went straight to God. Did King Nezzer get ticked? Nope, he fell at Daniel's feet and gave glory to "Daniel's" God. Then he made Daniel the head of all of Babylon!

What an awesome example of how not to seperate the secular from the spiritual. I know I'm different at work, home and church. Language is a little different, jokes that are told are a little different and the amount of time speaking on spiritual matters is a lot different. This double-mindedness is a huge no-no and I'll never be the mature Christian and man I want to be until I can conquer this. I am the clay and iron mixture that can't stay united. The USA is the clay and iron mixture that can't stay united.

Lord, chase the old me out of my home and workplace. Be in my heart when around others to give You glory through my actions.

9/10/07 - Life Journal - Looking Back at 9/11


The kings of the earth did not believe,
nor did any of the world's people,
that enemies and foes could enter
the gates of Jerusalem.

Lamentations 4:12


Not one person believed that any country could come against Jerusalem. That was true, until they had turned their backs on God for the last time and He gave them to the Babylonians.

This sentiment could also be said about the modern world on September 10, 2001, right? Nobody thought we could be touched on our own ground. Especially a bunch of unorganized guerillas (which is what we thought). We are the USA, we go to the fighting, the fighting doesn't come to us! You'd think a tragedy like 9/11 would have changed us, made us realize our need for Heavenly guidance and protection, the need for tighter security at our borders and various changes in law enforcement.

But it didn't, every new law passed to help in this war is met with cries of privacy invasion, profiling and other whiny crap. Listen up, if it will help, do whatever it takes to make sure 9/11 never happens again! The trouble is this politically correctness that sprung from a move away from Christianity and a liberal movement within the church. The post modern world doesn't like the truth. It hurts people, brings bad things to light and hey, who am I to say what the truth is anyway!

This is the deal, if I (a middle-aged white guy) is in a bad section of town in my nice care at 3:00 in the morning, pull me over, chances are I'm doing something wrong. And until the Muslim world pulls together, denounces terrorism and proves Islam is a peaceful religion, they should rightly be under a microscope. Sorry, can't help what I believe.

Lord, please hold back your displeasure and restrain your wrath. I have faith in the young, they can make a difference with Your guidance.

Six Years and Counting


911—SIX YEARS LATER…THE APPROACH OF MIDNIGHT
BY REV. JOHN A. CORAPI


SIX YEARS AGO ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 TIME STOOD STILL IN A SPASM OF BLACK SMOKE, DEATH, AND DESTRUCTION. IT HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT NOW IT HAD, PROVING DEFINITIVELY THAT IT COULD HAPPEN. AN ERA ENDED. INDEED, WE WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME.

FOR A TIME, IT SEEMED TO THOSE STILL POSSESSED OF ANY ABILITY TO SEE SPIRITUAL THINGS AT ALL THAT PERHAPS THE WORLD MIGHT CORRECT IT’S BLIND AND HEADLONG FLIGHT OVER A PRECIPICE AND INTO A MORAL ABYSS. PEOPLE RUSHED TO CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES, AND MOSQUES. THERE WERE LONG LINES FOR CONFESSION IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES. OTHERS MADE THEIR AMENDS WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER IN WHATEVER WAY THEY COULD, NOT SURE WHAT WAS NEXT, NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES.

THE VERY HEART OF THE PORNOGRAPHY AND ABORTION INDUSTRIES SUFFERED A NEAR FATAL CASE OF CASH REGISTER ARREST. CLOSE PROXIMITY TO DEATH TENDS TO BRING REALITY INTO FOCUS.

TIME HEALS ALL THINGS, IT IS SAID. YES, AND IN THIS CASE EVEN MOMENTS OF MORAL LUCIDITY AND SPIRITUAL CLARITY WERE “HEALED” AND REPLACED BY BUSINESS AS USUAL. MANKIND HAS A SHORT MEMORY DESPITE THE CONSTANT REMINDERS OF HISTORY.

IN THE SIX YEARS SINCE 911 HAS A SOCIETY CRIPPLED BY EASE, DEBILITATED BY POLITICAL CORRECTNESS, AND CLOSE TO DEATH FROM THE MORAL MALAISE THAT HAS PLAGUED IT FOR DECADES LEARNED ANYTHING?

APPARENTLY NOT, FOR TODAY EVEN MOST RELIGIOUS LEADERS ARE LOATH TO LINK 911 WITH THE REALITY OF SIN. THE WORD ITSELF HAS BEEN EXILED, MUCH LIKE GOD HIMSELF, FROM OUR SCHOOLS, OFTEN EVEN FROM CHURCHES, AND, INDEED, FROM OUR VERY CONSCIOUSNESS.

THE FACT IS THAT WE REAP WHAT WE SOW. WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND. THE GREATEST NATION ON THE EARTH HAS THE GREATEST MORAL RESPONSIBILITY. INDEED, “TO THE MAN GIVEN MUCH, MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED. TO THE MAN GIVEN MORE, MORE WILL BE REQUIRED.” WE WERE ENTRUSTED WITH THE WELFARE OF THE WORLD, AND ALL TOO OFTEN THE TRUST WAS BETRAYED. UNDER THE SPECIOUS PRETEXT OF FREEDOM—WHICH WAS REALLY LICENSE—WE BECAME PURVEYORS OF PORNOGRAPHY, ABORTION, GREED, DECEIT, MURDER AND MAYHEM.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING AND MIDNIGHT IS APPROACHING. ILLUMINATED BY THE FALSE LIGHT OF AFFLUENCE AND EASE, SUCCESS AND POWER, WE BECAME BLIND TO THE DARKNESS, AND YET MIDNIGHT APPROACHES, WITH ALL OF THE CERTAINTY OF TIME ITSELF.

HAVE WE LEARNED ANYTHING IN THE PAST SIX YEARS, OR ARE WE YET MORE BLIND, MORE DEAF, MORE STEEPED IN SIN? ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQNENCES. 911 WAS A WARNING SHOT FIRED OVER THE BOW OF A SICK SOCIETY. THE WARNING HAS GONE LARGELY UNHEEDED.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING. MIDNIGHT IS APPROACHING. PRAYER IS NOW THE ONLY THING THAT WILL AVAIL CHANGE, SO PRAY MY DEAR FRIENDS, PRAY LIKE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIFE OF ALL YOU HOLD DEAR IS AT STAKE.

FOR IT IS, IT IS.

GOD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU AND YOURS,

REV. JOHN CORAPI
SEPTEMBER 11, 2007


Climate-change paradox: Greenhouse gas is Big Oil boon


This is odd, BIG OIL and environmentalists agreeing on something!

Oil companies can inject CO2 into oil beds that were once thought dried up or on serious decline and extract oil that was thought to be unattainable. With the need for CO2, companies that are now emitting it into the atmosphere will be motivated to capture it and store it in an operation called sequestration.

Save the atmosphere, increase our oil production and create more jobs for people like me. Let's do it!

Read the story at The Christian Science Monitor.

Budweiser 9/11 Tribute


Budweiser - New York

Posted Jan 29, 2002

The Budweiser Clydesdales pay tribute to new York City.



Shia LaBeouf has come of age..........


This.....


...is a long way from this!




Having 3 kids in the house I watch a lot of Disney Channel (ok so I like it, although I'm getting sick of The Suite Life of Zach and Cody), so I've known about Shia for a while since he was the goof ball Louis Stevens on the show Even Stevens.

After that he made the great film, "Holes", based on the book by Louis Sachar, but I think his breakout role as an actor was as Francis Ouimet in the movie "The Greatest Game Ever Played" which was based on the true story of Francis' victory over his idol in the 1913 US Open. He's since been seen in I,Robot, Disturbia and Transformers to name a few.

Yesterday at the MTV Video Music Awards, Shia announced the name of the newest Indiana Jones movie in which he stars with Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will be in theaters May 22,2008.

Let's hope he can just keep his head on straight!

9/09/07 - Life Journal - God's Unconditional Love


Bitterly she weeps at night, tears are upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is none to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.
Lamentations 1:2


Jerusalem is left in sorrow, the nations she turned to in trouble and paid tribute to for protection have turned away and rejoice in her destruction. She has rejected the unconditional love of God and finds no comfort on earth.

You will be disappointed on earth by everyone at least once. That's a given. Even your closest loved ones are human and they will hurt you, either in malice or without even realizing this. To avoid those times when you are alone and feel everyone has let you down it is important to have the love of the Father to get you through. He will never let you down, find your strength in Him.

Lord, thank you for always being beside me whether I acknowledge Your presence or not.

Britney Spears Flops and Pamela Anderson's Cast-Offs Throw Down

An exciting night at the MTV Music awards.

First off in what was supposed to be the jump-start to Britney Spears career crashed Milli Vanilli style. In what was described as "Choreography for the Nursing Home" Britney was a little slow on her feet prancing around in what could end up being the outfit that cements her kids relationship with their future psychiatrists. I didn't see the show but you can't avoid the pics on the front pages of every internet news site. Let's just say that I'll save you from the discomfort of viewing them here.

Next was the main event with Kid Rock and Tommy Lee sparring in the audience. The funny thing is that this will probably help their careers more than Britney helped hers!

Here's a couple of links:

Britney Fizzles

Kid Rock cited in scuffle with Tommy Lee

Looks like Justin Timberlake made a great career move a while back as he walked away with the Male Artist of the Year.

A Message for Michael Vick from Hollywood


"There are no bad dogs, just bad owners."
Underdog, 2007



9/08/07 - Life Journal - The Lamb with the Voice of a Dragon


11Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.

Revelation 13:11


There will be many that look like the lamb but if we listen closely we will here the voice of the dragon! The bible is full of warnings of false prophets but through scripture study and prayer we will be able to discern the words of the wicked.

There is so much information readily available now. Hundreds of commentaries, thousands of blogs, books, podcasts of sermons........how are we to know the truth? The truth is in our hearts already, we just need to go to Him in prayer to give us the wisdom and constantly seek the truth. We will never achieve ulitimate wisdom here on earth but that is no excuse not to strive for it.

Lord help me filter out all the trash and guide me through the information overload to see Your simple message.

9/07/07 - Life Journal - Satan is Ticked Off!


10"Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."

Revelation 12:10-12


Satan is here, he's been hurled down from his place in Heaven and he's ticked. He will not stop chasing and accusing those that follow Christ and serve the Father.

I don't know why people say becoming a Christian is taking the easy way out. It's much harder to believe than not. Besides that, once you take the leap and become a Christ follower you have officially become an enemy of Satan! You are at war with him, your old self and this world. He's coming at us full force because he knows that his time is soon coming to an end.

Lord help me fight as your soldier in this war against evil and never think that my salvation is a security blanket to hide myself from the rest of the world.

Mike Huckabee


Odd question for a presidential debate, but an awesome answer!


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Thanks a lot Vanessa


Another Disney good girl goes the way of Britney, Christina, etc..... So what if these photos were for "private" use only, the fact that she took them for the purpose of sending them to her boyfriend is bad enough for someone that has become someone to look up to for millions of teen and pre-teens (including my daughter).

Read the story here.

Just ... a little ... farther ... AAAAARRGHHHH ...


I gotta lay off the cheese fries!

Can someone get this for me?



Prayer for Christ Followers Everywhere (especially pastors and staff)


Father, forgive me and my busyness--especially when it is done in Your name. It is so much easier to be busy for You than to truly serve You by reaching out and touching others in Your name. Please forgive me. I want to make a difference for You. Turn my busyness into service to others in Your name. Thank You Father. Amen


From the Life Journal of Pastor Mo - First Baptist Church Idaho Falls, thanks.....

Our Testimony


Great stuff from Pastor Jim Holm of New Hope Foursquare Church in Salem, OR. It's taken from his Life Journal entry for today. It's drawn from Revelation 11:7 and the depiction of God's two witnesses sharing their testimony.

"This life is all about testimony. I have a friend who has said about someone who wasn't exactly following the Lord, "They're working on their testimony." Life before knowing Jesus is building a testimony for His grace to work through. Life after Jesus is sharing that testimony of His grace (while, of course, we continue to build more testimony).
No one can stop my testimony. They can try to explain away creation, try to discredit the Bible and debate points of doctrine, but they can't eliminate my testimony. "I once was blind but now I see. My life has been radically altered, and yours can too" is the message of my testimony and many others just like me. I will continue on this earth until God decides I have finished my testimony. Then I will go to be with Him. You just can't beat that.


9/06/07 - Life Journal - Our Patriotism is Sinful Pride


Therefore no other trees by the waters are ever to tower proudly on high, lifting their tops above the thick foliage. No other trees so well-watered are ever to reach such a height; they are all destined for death, for the earth below, among mortal men, with those who go down to the pit.
Ezekiel 31:14


Assyria, the mighty country that "...towered higher than all the trees of the field..." (v.5) was cast aside and left to plunder by the Lord because "...it was proud of its height..." (v.10) It ruled ruthlessly over all it's kingdom while living for their pagan gods and not the one true God.

I got into this kick for a while when I flaunted my Irish ancestry, proud of it and let anyone know it. As I matured I realized it was my ancestors that made this country, the USA, great and would never consider themselves as anything but Americans. My pride swelled and patriotism was my battle cry. Now as I'm maturing again, not as a person, but as a Christ follower I am realizing that I still have it wrong. I'm proud of my country because of it's wealth, strong military, world leadership and basically it's dominance over all. It's not the same patriotism of my fathers, which was based on pride in leading the world spiritually, in workmanship, in stength of family and community and above all ambition to make a better life for their offspring. The patriotism of today is more like the the tallest tree, Assyria, ruling over the brush of it's servant countries. Our country has the ability to change the world. The faith of our fathers mixed with the passion of our young can bring revival to this land. The last several decades have shown us that greed is the death of us. One thing I can say with surety and not boastfulness is that if this great country falls the world will go with it.

Lord burn away the pride and boastfulness in me and You be my light. This entire planet is yours, not just us arrogant Americans that act as if we have now taken the earthly throne as Your chosen people.

The Modern Story of Babel?


“Sometimes I cannot help but think that in the present confusion we face – the so called style and culture wars – the Lord may be reintroducing us to the story of Babel. Here’s what I mean. The theological dilemma of Babel lay in human beings trying to reach the heavens by themselves, through artifactual efforts and in their way. God knew how dangerous this was and how blind the people were to the dangers. His solution, for that time, was to confuse and scatter them. Likewise today, when we spend so much time in our ecclesiastical efforts to do the construction from culture upward instead of from the kingdom downward, we too can become scattered and irreparably confused. We try this and we try that; we copy here and we ‘innovate’ there. All the while, the Holy Spirit is in a holding pattern until we are willing to re-own the triune God and the Author and Finisher.”

Quoted from Harold Best's book, "Unceasing Worship".

HT - Doxologist (Mars Hill)

D. James Kennedy, On His Own Death


“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.”


HT - Phil Ryken

Grandpa got's skillz


Quick post... A Little Leaven put up a post about a new book Extreme Grandparenting - The Ride of Your Life" offered by Focus on the Family. I love their quote about the book, the cover in particular.....

There is nothing heretical about this book that we know of. We've put it in our museum because we think there is NO WAY that grandpa can get that much air on that bike. Can you say hip replacement surgery?

Brief Intro to the man Elijah



Phil has some great teaching when he sticks to teaching. Follow this link.

Heeeeerrrrrrreeee'sss Freddy


Click to play


9/05/07 - Life Journal - The Taste of Sin


So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
Revelation 10:9,10


This scroll contained terrible news for those he would prophesy against (v.11). It was sweet as honey at first as he would see the coming of the Christ to begin His reign but it would quickly sour as he saw the demise of the many that still haven't turned from their sin.

The things this world have to offer are also like honey when they hit our lips but the sourness of guilt they leave in our stomachs should make us wonder why we took a taste in the first place. Will we ever learn? Can we stop the sin? On the radio today, listening to Albert Mohler, he said that there will be a day when we we have finally over come sin. When we meet Him face to face and are glorified in Heaven. Til then fight the good fight, it will involve suffering, mainly from your old self getting ticked off and fighting back when you turn away from the sweetness of temporal pleasures........

Lord teach me to think eternally, not temporally.

Home Depot Fires Employee for Heroic Act


Dustin Chester, a department manager at the Home Depot store in Murfreesboro, Tenn., saw a man standing next to a soda machine outside the store with a crowbar and a handful of cash.

Chester confronted the man, who took off running. Courageously, Chester ran after the guy, caught him and restrained him until police arrived.

For his efforts, he got a pink slip from Home Depot.

Chester was shocked to find out that for managers and most employees, catching and detaining thieves is against company policy.

“The district manager told me that we are supposed to let thieves walk away; it blew my mind,” said Chester, a one-time employee of the year.

The Home Depot said its policy, which directs workers to notify loss prevention specialists or police to handle criminal situations, is in place to protect its employees and customers.

“The associates involved were not following company policy, resulting in this disciplinary action,” said Don Harrison, spokesman for the Atlanta-based company. “Safety is a primary focus for our company.”

Hey Home Depot. You want to exercise your rights by firing Dustin? That’s fine. I’ll exercise my rights by not shopping at your slimeball store again. I’m sure a lot of other Americans will do the same thing.

As if I needed another reason not to patronize Home Depot. Lowe’s has always been far superior anyway.

Blog reprinted from Tim

Apple Hits Another Homerun




Yes the big news is the new iTouch, the touchscreen iPod with websurfing capabilities and wi-fi streaming of video and audio but hit the link below to see the huge new range of iPods. (oh yeah, to a friend who can't stop lusting over the iPhone, they've dropped the price on that $200 also).



It won't be long before we have this:


The new iSurgery!!!