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Simon Says > Jesus Says I saw this video from Francis Chan about making disciples and it really hits home when he compares how most of us have all played "Simon Says" as a kid, but yet we think that when Jesus says all we need...

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Heart Check For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others...

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Keep Me Humble I occasionally publish notes on my YouVersion profile, but for some reason they don't always show up, so I will also post them here. After reading Luke 8:9-14 I decided to write a letter to God and...

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Merry Christmas 2010 This year seems to have flown by! I am not happy to see it end, but I am thrilled for 2011 to start. This past year I found myself in several interesting places ministry-wise. Many of you know that...

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My Light Will Shine This year I am taking the page from a friend of mine, Adam McLane, and I will not only be passing out candy for Halloween but I will also have some coffee and hot chocolate for the parents that are walking...

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Watching History Being Made

Category : Life, Politics

This week was a week of history making days. The first occurred on Tuesday, 4 November 2008, and that day should live on in our memories as a day that our nation took a huge step forward in the Civil Rights Movement. I don’t care who you wanted to win the election you have to admit that this was a momentous occasion for our nation. I was proud to call myself an American on that day, because I believe a part of The Dream that Martin Luther King, Jr. had was achieved. Many Americans finaly saw past the color of a man’s skin and choose someone other than a white guy to be President.

I heard so many wonderful comments that I just thought were wonderful regarding this election. One was from a woman who had her 3 year old son with her and she had said that she was so happy to be able to tell her son that he didn’t have to only dream of being a rap star or basketball player to make a name for himself, because now he could be President of the United States of America.

Another one was from a woman who had gone to the polls with her 90+ year old grandmother. She had said that her grandma had lived long enough to remember when African-Americans couldn’t vote and now she was able to vote for and see a African-American become President.

The last one was from Whoopi Goldberg. She had said that she talked with her mom, who was always a positive thinking person, and asked her if she ever thought she would live to see the day she would see a African-American become President and her mom said that she never thought she would.

When I heard all three of these statements it brought tears to my eyes. I hope that we as a nation continue to move forward in this regard, because we are sadly way behind most of the rest of the world in this regard. I look forward to the day when we can see a Latino President, Asian President or even an American-Indian President. So let’s all take a moment and celebrate this wonderful day and once again on 20 January 2009. This is a time to set down ou political differences and take joy in this historic moment.

The other historic moment that took place happened in the northern regions of Michigan’s lower peninsula, in the city of Traverse City at the Black Star Farms. It was the wedding of Eric and Laura Voigt. While this was not the first wedding ceremony that I conducted it was the first wedding ceremony that I did for someone who was a teenager in a youth group I was the youth pastor at. Besides that part I also believe that every wedding is a historic moment because it is the uniting of two lives together.

I love weddings and find great joy in attending them or, if I get the honor to do so, conducting the ceremony of a wedding. Marriage is such a wonderful thing and something that should be treasured and cherished. I especially love when they do the dance at receptions when they have all the married couples come out on the dance floor and the eliminate them until they have the couple that has been married the longest out on the dance floor. Kimmy and I will sit there and watch that older couple dancing, and dream of the day when that is us. We don’t see any other option but growing old together and staying madly in love with each other. That is my prayer for every married couple and that is my prayer for Eric and Laura Voigt. History started indeed.

Hanging My Head In Shame After The Election

Category : Faith, Politics

No, it is not because I am upset at the result. I am upset at the reaction that many of my Christian friends are having towards this outcome. I find it really sad that people who are commanded in Scripture to respect the authorities that are over them are choosing to disrespect President-elect Barack Obama.

The Bible is very clear as to how Christ-followers are to respond to those in authority and unfortunately much of the responses that I am seeing from some of my Christian friends on Facebook is not Biblical, in my opinion. I think back to my reaction in 1992 when Bill Clinton became our 42nd President and it was deplorable. I did not show him the honor that he was due and instead of lifting him up in prayer I was tearing him down with my speech. And that was ungodly. I have repented of that behavior and have made a choice to change that from here on out. Instead I am choosing to follow the words of Scripture.

Romans 13:1-7 - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Whether we like it or not, God has placed Barack Obama as the next President of the United States and we as Christ-followers need to give him the respect that the office deserves based upon the Word of God. We are also commanded to pray for them.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

So I implore Christ-followers to change the tide of this country and do as a friend of mine said and choose to radically love for change. Another friend of mine made a great comment on Twitter, “Jesus calls us to SALT, not assault. Selah.” All I can say is, “Amen!” How are you going to respond?

History Made and Dream Fulfilled

Category : Politics, Sports

Michael Phelps has been dubbed the greatest Olympian ever after winning 8 golds in a single Olympic games as well as 14 golds lifetime. That is more than any other Olympian and quite an accomplishment for someone who has at least one more Olympics to go.

And since he is a Michigan Man, I am all the more happier to have seen him win those golds. There was only one race I missed on the TV, but I got to see it online, and it was the first relay race when the team came back at the end. Everyone of his races had me cheering and the best had to be his .001 win in the Fly. It had me cheering right along with him and I loved his families reaction. It was as the MasterCard commercials say “Priceless”. It was a truly historic moment and it fulfilled a dream that Michael had since he was young.

However, that is not what this post is really about, but I wanted to mention it because it was historic in it’s own right. But what I am talking about is the nomination of Senator Barack Obama as the first African-American to a major party.

I don’t care what side of the aisle you sit on or even if you sit on the fence. You have to admit that what happened last night, and even tonight with his acceptance speech, that it is great to finally see that race barrier starting to fall even more. Heck, even the fact that Senator Hillary Clinton had a serious run at it as well was also a great thing to see. You don’t have to like them to at least respect those things happening.

I honestly thought that the Republican Party would be the first to nominate an African-American candidate and not the Democratic Party. Not sure why, but just a feeling I always had.

I find it very fitting that Senator Barack Obama is accepting the nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, because it is a significant step towards seeing that dream achieved. I am looking forward to hearing Senator Barack Obama’s historic speech on this historic night, because as someone who still considers himself undecided I want to gather as much information as I can.

The sad part about all of this is how people are trying to use race as an issue in this election. What I respect about Senator Obama is that he has chosen to try and leave race out of it for the most part. I have yet to see him play the “race card” as some people have claimed him for doing. Mostly it is people looking for it or even race baiting, in my opinion.

What bothers me the most is that while people accuse Senator Obama for using the “race card” I see no one blaming Senator John McCain for using the “victim card”. I have really struggled with even blogging my thoughts about this and before I do let me say that I respect the sacrifice that Senator McCain has made for our nation. He suffered horrible things at the hands of his captors and served his country with pride.

However, if I have to hear him say one more story about his time as a POW, I think I may puke. I swear that during the Saddleback Civil Forum that he talked about his time as a POW after just about every question. Don’t get me wrong I respect his service to our country, but if Senator Obama can’t bring up his race, which has had a major influence in shaping his own life, then why should Senator McCain be allowed to bring up an experience that shaped his life ad nauseum? And someone else isn’t allowed to bring up theirs which just as much shaped their life and still continues to shape it to this day, because it is an ongoing experience. I know that people will label me “un-patriotic” or “un-American” and that just simply isn’t the truth. I am just merely pointing out that it should go both ways for both guys. The comment button is below so go ahead and fire away.

I have made no secret that I will not be voting for Senator John McCain. But I will change my mind if he declares that not only will he get rid of frivolous spending on things like studying the DNA of black bears in Montana, but that he will also not take a salary while he is President or make tax payers pay for the catering service in the White House or maid service or gas for Air Force One, etc. After all, the guy has a wife who is worth $100 million dollars and has more homes than some small countries. So I think he can afford to help out the country for 4 years by doing that. He will then have my vote. So, Senator McCain, if you are listening and want my vote then that is what you wil have to do to get it. Otherwise, you can keep on living in your myriad of homes and dream of living in the White House.

But for now I just want to focus on Senator Obama helping our country achieve the dream and shape history.

Paris Hilton Responds to John McCain

Category : Fun, Politics

Some of you may have seen the response that Paris Hilton has to Senator John McCain’s attack ad against Senator Barack Obama titled Celeb. However, just in case you haven’t, here it is for your entertainment. It is pretty funny. At least Paris can poke fun at herself.

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

John McCain Has Gone Too Far

Category : Mobile Blogging

Senator John McCain has gone too far in his attempt to win the Presidency. First of all, I am sick of seeing all of his negative ads, but not he has come out with a new one entitled “The One” and as a Christ-follower I am appalled and offended. His attempts to win the White House this way, I believe, are going to back fire on him. I hadn’t planned on voting for him before I saw this ad and it has all the more sealed it in my mind that there is no way I would ever vote for him now.

Watch the video below yourself and see what I mean. It is bad enough that people are calling Senator Barack Obama the messiah (note the lower case “m”), but now Senator John McCain is painting him as the Messiah or possible even the anti-Christ. I don’t know his intentions but he is painting himself even more clearly as the person I do not want running our country.

I have been leaning towards Senator Barack Obama, but for the most part I would still classify myself fairly undecided. I would like to see who he chooses for his running mate and I would also like to research out some of the third party candidates and explore their views as well, such as Bob Barr.

HT to Matthew 25 Network. You can sign a petition here asking Senator John McCain to take down this disgusting ad.

Political Thoughts

Category : Politics

I am happy to see that Mike Huckabee has finally dropped out of the race this past Tuesday, which is something he should have done several weeks ago when he had no chance of winning the nomination. Instead he insisted on wasting millions of dollars, because McCain hadn’t officially locked up the nomination. I guess Mike never took math because it was pointed out that if he had won every primary including the four this past Tuesday he would still have been about 200 delegates short. I wasn’t impressed with Mike before and I am even less impressed now. He should have ended his campaign when it was impossible for him to win and given the money to a charity or something.

Seriously, he wasted millions of dollars campaigning for nothing and even appeared on Saturday Night Live, which was mocking the fact that he could not possibly get the nomination and that he still was in the race. I just don’t understand his logic and I figured that a man who used to be a pastor would think about the waste of money and how it could be used for something so much better, like bringing clean water and basic sanitation to third world countries, or to help end hunger somewhere, etc. But instead he campaigned right through Tuesday and quit after McCain secured the nomination.

I first registered to vote in 1991 and my first Presidential election was in 1992 between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton and I voted for then President Bush. That was the first of several Republican Presidential candidates that I would vote for, I even registered as a Republican when I registered to vote.

With John McCain obtaining the nomination for the Republican party in the Presidential election I will for the first time in my voting history not be voting for a Republican candidate. I do not feel that John McCain has what it takes to be President of the United States, so I can not in good conscience vote for him. Plus, when I reflect on my list of the things I am looking for in the person to whom I want to be the next President I don’t see John McCain fulfilling enough of them to my satisfaction. In Michigan’s Primary I voted for Ron Paul, because I felt he was the best candidate that I could vote for.

So in this year’s election I will be looking for someone to vote for and cast a Presidential ballot for someone that is not a Republican. I will end up doing lots of research into third party candidates and if Barack Obama gets the Democrat’s nomination I will be looking into him as my possible choice.

Barack Obama Interview in Christianity Today

Category : Faith, Politics

Christianity Today did an interview with Presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama. You can read it here.

Just so everyone knows you can put to rest all of those stupid email rumors that he is a Muslim and refuses to say the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact here are my simple rules for when you get an email forward….

1) Do not believe them.
2) Check it out on snopes.com or truthotfiction.com.
3) Do not forward it on if it is false.
4) Please erase all the “FWD”s in the subject line and erase all the “>”s in the email body along with all of the other email addresses of people who have gotten or sent it, before sending on any email forwards that you have first checked out to be 100% factual.

There is nothing more annoying than having your email inbox overrun with this kind of crap. And I beg every Christian out there to please make sure you do this, because these types of things just make Christians look foolish.

Anyway, enjoy the article and feel free to let me know what you think. I honestly am beginning to like this guy the more I read about him or hear from him.

Michigan Primary

Category : Politics

President’s PodiumTomorrow is the Michigan Primary and so I need to finally decide whom it is that I am going to vote for. Michigan has an open primary so you choose which party it is you want to vote for when you get to the polls. So that leaves my options open.

Last year I created a list of things that I was looking for in my next President. And here is that list….

Someone who….
1) will do what they can to help end global poverty.
2) will do what they can to help bring clean water and basic sanitation needs to the world.
3) will help change the hearts of the American people to believe that abortion is a wrong option.
4) believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
5) help bring an end to the conflict in Iraq.
6) will look for a way to end conflicts that hopefully will not have to result in troops being sent in.
7) will go in with the mindset that “love wins”.
8 ) will not choose to legislate morality, but instead try to teach it and hopefully change the hearts of the people in our country.
9) will turn to the Church and ask her to finally do what they are supposed to have already been doing in regards to helping the oppressed.
10) will protect our Constitutional rights at all costs.
11) will protect our environment.

So I have had that in my mind all along and basically narrowed it down to two candidates. And then I took an online quiz to help you determine who it is that I should vote for. You can find it here courtesy of WQAD in Illinois. My results were as follows, I am only listing the top 6 because it includes the two I have narrowed it down to.

Tomorrow is the Michigan Primary and so I need to finally decide whom it is that I am going to vote for. Michigan has an open primary so you choose which party it is you want to vote for when you get to the polls. So that leaves my options open.

Here is the list of people that I got when I took the survey….

1) Dennis Kucinich
2) Bill Richardson
3) Ron Paul
4) Chris Dodd
5) Mike Gravel
6) Barack Obama

Presidential SealI am really surprised that Dennis Kucinich was number one, because I just didn’t see him as someone I was agreeing with but I haven’t really heard much of him anyway. Ron Paul is one of the people that I have been leaning towards as well as Barack Obama, so I wasn’t too surprised to see them high on the list. And I find it funny that the other three I believe are basically out of the race now.

So I have a decision to make because when Michigan moved their primary up to January 15th the Democrat Party chose to boycott the primary, so there are only four choices on the ballot. And those four are basically the ones who saw an opportunity to take a state and make a name for themselves. And one of them should surprise no one, because it is Hillary Clinton.

Anyway, if I choose to vote on the Democrat ticket I will be voting “uncommitted”, because that is what I would have to vote to basically vote for Barack Obama. Or I could choose to vote for Ron Paul, who is my number one candidate. However, I am considering voting “uncommitted” just to take away percentage points from Hillary. I really don’t know what I am going to do and may not until I get asked at the polls which ballot I want, the Republican one or the Democrat one.

Now I know that people are probably shocked that I am not standing behind Mike Huckabee, I mean after all he is an ordained minister and Chuck Norris says I should vote for him, but I am not going to vote for someone who I do not believe will make a good President. In fact, on that survey I took that I linked to, Mike Huckabee was last on my list. I just am not convinced that he has what it takes to lead our nation and I will not blindly vote for him, just because he is a pastor. I believe that some people are and I think Mike is using that I am a Christian and a pastor angle just to get votes, and that seriously bothers me.

Anyway, I head off to the primaries tomorrow and I look forward to the day being over, so the ads and stuff can cease. Well, at least for a little while.

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