National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 2

In my last blog, I addressed some of President Trump’s less-than-Christian remarks at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast. It amazes me how the press, who often disdain everything Christian, quickly judges the worthiness of those who refer to themselves as a believer.

While I agree with the President’s critics that he failed to live up to the high standards called for by Scripture, I also pointed out that all of us fall short of these aspirations. Trump himself acknowledged that he often makes things difficult for believers who support him. The audience laughed with understanding. God is still working on all of us. Thankfully, He doesn’t disown us every time we fail.

Continue reading “National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 2”

Finding Peace in a World at War

Recently, there has been much buzz over the President’s State of the Union Address as well as the associated protestations of his detractors. Opinions abound. Numerous comments, in both professional and personal media, sadly reinforce already well-established biases. Often, today’s commentators abandon critical reasoning, and instead, resort to spinning every societal happening into confirmation bias.

Linguistic yoga has reached a new level as polarized pundits witness the same event and then mutilate the facts in such a way as to advance their own pre-determined agendas. These pontificators of cultural righteousness see nothing wrong with their side and everything wrong with the other.

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Prophets and Pharisees Part 3 of 5: Is My Attitude In Line With God’s Heart?

heart-526661_1920In Part 1, “Is it About God or is it About Me?,” we looked at how true prophets must always be concerned that their message is in line with God’s heart and purposes. In Part 2 we asked “Is this Kingdom or is this Personal?” When we speak or write, are we advancing God’s agenda and mission or our own? Continue reading “Prophets and Pharisees Part 3 of 5: Is My Attitude In Line With God’s Heart?”

From The Call to the Commission and Beyond

study-862994_1920Henry David Thoreau observed, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” While I differ greatly from many of Thoreau’s Transcendentalism-informed conclusions, this observation is noteworthy. It is apparent that many of us do indeed lose sight of our hopes and dreams as we age and are bombarded by the many unexpected challenges life brings, and the surprising speed by which time passes. Continue reading “From The Call to the Commission and Beyond”

The Warren Buffet Guide to Church Culture

audience-868074_1920Imagine Warren Buffet’s personal assistant called your friend one day and told him that the famous investor wanted to personally teach your friend the secrets of financial success. What if the offer included personal investment advice with a guarantee that your friend would dramatically improve his lifestyle by becoming more prosperous, successful and influential? Now imagine that your friend told the personal assistant that he would be happy to learn from Mr. Buffet provided the billionaire first dressed more culturally relevant, listened to popular music, would speak common street jargon, would relate his teachings to popular television and film, and would post catchy memes on popular social media sites. Continue reading “The Warren Buffet Guide to Church Culture”

A Few Lessons From Billy Graham

billy-graham-393749_1920Many people inside and outside the church feel a great sense of loss with the passing of, perhaps, the greatest Evangelist since the Apostle Paul. Even at the age of 99 – and long past his active ministry days – his loss is still deeply felt by millions around the world.

I believe it is only appropriate to take a break from our series to briefly honor this man who has impacted so many. Though days could be spent reminiscing all that he was and all that he accomplished, I have narrowed the list down to seven things that all of us would do well to imitate. Continue reading “A Few Lessons From Billy Graham”

Fast Forward 2018 – Jesus Judo Part 4: Diligence& Sloth

FFp4Today, we are continuing our efforts to use a little “Jesus Judo” on the enemy of our souls by turning his attacks back against him. This is accomplished when we do the right thing God wants us to do rather than the wrong things that our adversary desires. We have been looking at the Seven Virtues and the corresponding Seven Deadly Sins. Our goal is to always finish on the virtue side. So far we have covered: Chastity & Lust, Temperance & Gluttony, and Charity & Greed. This time we are going to take a brief look at Diligence & Sloth. Continue reading “Fast Forward 2018 – Jesus Judo Part 4: Diligence& Sloth”