Colonial Christians and Judaizers

Liatened to a podcast the other day that talked about post-colonial christianity. How the church or at least elements of it (such as the emergent church conversation) is moving past the idea that we must make converts like us. The whole "Colonial" idea of taming the savage.

Just a thought, one I am developing...are we doing the same thing Paul warned the Galatians about in "boasting in anothers flesh" by making them like us.

It is Christ after all we need to be like, is it not?

This is certainly not an anti-uniform rant...I think it is much deeper than the outward appearance.

To be continued...

Forgiveness

Our CSM's granddaughter was visiting last Sunday and was asked to sing a solo. She prefaced her solo with some remarks. She said God was teaching her about forgiveness through a man (James- I forget his last name) that God brought into her life by murdering in cold blood the father of her two children. - Those were her words. I'm guessing she had to come a long way to that point...to even consider going into prison to see this man...much less to confront him with forgiveness. Yet that is exactly what Jesus teaches us...as we forgive those who tresspass against us...

A-Nuff

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I was reminded this weekend of this truth. Sgt. Kenny Ray - a Texas Ranger from Tyler gave his testimony of losing his 16 year old daughter in a horrible automobie accident.

He said with as much intensity and passion as I have heard, that the Bible does not say "God will not put any more on you than you can bear" . I have heard people say that..it is a misinterpretation of "There hath no temptation taken you bit such as is common to man...(1 Cor. 10:13) It seemed to almost make him angry that people make this misinterpretation.

And then with even more passion, more intensity, he stood tall, strong like a Ranger and said...what the Bible does say is "My Grace is Sufficient for you." His good East Texas translation of that was simply...

Jesus is A-Nuff.

Grace

News

Found this article about the intelligence of short people...

Now that song is long since dead but it is an nteresting read.
News

What the titles and teasers don't tell you is this is a study done in Great Britain. At the risk of offending my British friends...(all three of you) the fact that the sudy was done in Great Britain explains a lot. The problem is the education system. They don't talk right and they have a lot of words messed up. I don't have time to correct all the problems with British grammar but the prime example is their insistence on calling soccer, football. Perhaps if they worked out even their "native" language their kids would do better (even if they are short)

Don't Worry. Be Happy

Lessons in Faith

I had gone by the Hospital to see one of our folks who is having surgery. While there I ran into my cook (good thing we were already at the hospital-jaj). She was having a heart monitor put on for 24 hours.
When I got back to the office she told me this story.
She was praying this morning about how to pay for this($2500 for the one day) I unfortunately had to reduce her hours last year and thus she lost her insurance. She asked God to pay for it.
She went to finance and the woman told her, I am going to give you a letter. If you get a bill...send them the letter. Your monitor is completely paid for.
God is Good! (ALL THE TIME!)

I am Amazed

But it's true, it's true this wonderful story so old but so new.

Terrible Singing

James, Elizabeth’s husband had a stroke about a year ago and has been in a coma. She has been told he will always be…yet her faith takes her to his side constantly, praying, touching singing.

Tuesday she was holding his hand and singing. She said to him if my singing is terrible, squeeze my hand hard. She said he squeezed hard.

Praise God for terrible singing! Praise God for His faithfulness and healing.

A New General

Learned today we have elected a new general for the Salvation Army: General Elect Shaw Clifton. It has always been my trust that God would guide the direction of the High Council in the electing of a General.
I guess it will be a few years before I am up for that gig.

Onward Christian Soldiers!

The W in Christmas

Read this in an email...
The "W" in Christmas Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... Humbled by His love.May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love

Banning Christmas

The American Family Association website has a list of retailers who have banned Christmas. Well actually they just don't use the word "Christmas" in their advertising. At least not as much as the AFA would like.
When was the last time you saw any major retailer talk about Jesus in their advertising. Just plugging in the word Chirstmas will not make them an evangelical organization.
I don't particularly like the use of Holiday instead of Christmas, but it won't change how I worship.
It really is the Churches responsibility, my responsibility, to tel the world the miracle of Christ's birth and the joy of Salvation -not Targets.

Merry Christmas

A Simple Pleasure

I know my location says "Not of this World". That is a spiritual location up for a future post. I actually live in the Piney Woods of East Texas- Longivew to be exact. Up until June I lived in Texas' Permian Basin- (that's a desert by the way). Quite a geopgraphical difference.

I'm actually sitting on my back porch, and watching leaves fall to the ground. From here I can see leaves of green, yellow, orange and red - and oh yeah the brown ones that tend to cover my yard every couple of days.

I look forward to the Spring when these same trees having gone dorment for the Winter- begin to bud and bring color once again to the woods.

It's one of those simple pleasures that bring peace to your soul. Just being still and watching God's creation go through the change of season.

Have Fun Being You!

Denny Crane

I watch Boston Legal just for the final scene each week where Denny Crane and Alan Shore sit on the balcony, smoke cigars and reflect on the days events.

The other night Denny Crane said to Alan Shore, "It's fun being me. Is it fun being you?"

Of course Denny has "Mad Cow Disease" according to his own diagnosis and has a very skewed sense of morality.

The virtues of the charadcers aside, the comment and question provoke thought.

Is it fun being you?

Are you happy with who you are?

I do believe life is a gift and we should enjoy it. I'm not sure people really understand lifes true pleasures.

True pleasures are God's gifts and don't create heartache, disease or hangovers.

Is it fun being you?

Denny Crane

Day Praise Day

I found this in the car. Apparently the class was out on the playground when a thunder storm came through. The thunder and lightning seems so much closer here in East Texas. I don't know how close you have to be to almost be hit by lightning. But I do know if you feel like you were almost hit you were too close. And if you weren't hit, then it is certainly a "Praise Day".

I am so glad that God watches over us. I am so glad that my son realizes this too. I am thankful God saved him and his friends as well.

Grace!

Hockey

Hockey's back. Not just the NHL...but it's hockey season in smaller communities all over thanks to minor league hockey.

I'm sitting here listening to hockey on the internet.

For most it's hard enough to watch hockey in person and follow it. Harder yet on TV...but try just listening.

When the season’s over I find myself pulling out “Miracle” or even one of the “Mighty Ducks” movies.

That is pretty sad...

But, Hockey's back...I just wish my wife would let me get a mullet.