Waxing on Political Incorrectness

Jordyn went to "College For A Weekend" this past week at Liberty University where she is planning to attend full time next Fall. Hard to believe! I am so proud of my little girl! I am so glad that Jordyn wants to go to Liberty.

She brought me a shirt back this weekend and I absolutely LOVE IT!

Is anybody else out there just sick of political correctness?

I was driving down Sycamore Street in Petersburg the other day and saw this banner hanging across the road advertising the "Holiday Parade." Are you serious?

And then to make it even more ridiculous a caption underneath read "Going Green On The Scene." I almost had to pull over and puke.

Are we robots? Can we not think for ourselves anymore? Are we really ready to do away with our faith in the Lord and the common sense that He gave us?

I recently heard a commentator say that "This country has a virus and it is killing us. It is called political correctness." And yes! It was on FOX NEWS! I watch FOX news! I love FOX news! Yes, I am one of those...those "politically incorrect" rednecks. You know those uneducated types that still believes that the Constitution should be interpreted as it was written. I believe in free speech and freedom of religion. I believe in the right to bear arms. I believe in traditional marriage. One man, one woman. I believe that freedom comes with responsibility.

I believe we reap what we sow.

I believe that principles like honor, character and commitment are invaluable.

I believe that a child is a child no matter how young or how small, in the womb or out. And I believe that refusing to protect the most innocent of all lives is a choice that NO ONE has the right to make.

I am actually naive enough to think that history does not change no matter how much a "politically correct" world-view would like it to.

I believe that the less money you have, the less you should spend and that applies to the government no matter what fantasy you aspire too (refer back to history).

I like Glenn Beck. I like Rush Limbaugh. I like Mark Levin and think that Sarah Palin, Michelle Malkin and Ann Coulter all have more spine than most of the men in positions of influence in this country.

They are far from perfect people and I don't even agree with everything they say but at least I believe that they actually believe what they say.

I don't believe that a person can stand on conviction and principle and be every body's favorite.

I am sick and tired of hearing people apologize for truth. I am sick of hearing myself apologize for truth.

I believe there is truth that never changes regardless of how persistently the masses choose to deny it.

I love Jesus. I love Him. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. The only way.

I believe that everything that is written in the Bible is true. Everything. Noah built an Ark and Balaam's donkey talked to him.

God became flesh and laid down His life for my sins. Jesus died and rose again and He is coming back again to judge the living and the dead and the only way to be right on that Day of Judgment is by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in this life.

Yes. I believe all of this. Yes. My daughter is going to Liberty University! Am I "politically correct?" I sure hope not.

Catching Up

Left to right- Johnny (my father-in-law), Pat (my mother-in-law), Ryan (my brother-in-law), Jordyn (my daughter), Becky (my wife) and me.

It has been a while since I blogged. I missed the whole month of August and as I sit here with Jordyn watching the US Open, it is a reminder to me that Summer is almost over.

The Summer just flew by as always but it was good. We have been very busy in the ministry but I did get to the beach for a week with the whole family at the end of July. It was a great week (see above picture) and another one of those times that compelled me to consider how time is flying by.

We have had many vacations at the beach and I thought of the years when Jordyn would spend hours building sandcastles, Ryan would play "Mario Kart" and Amanda would be incessant in her attempts to persuade "Nanny" to take her to "Wings" to go shopping.

This year, Jordyn spent hours reading Solzhenitsyn, Ryan checked stocks and Amanda didn't even make the trip...she is married now and lives in Colorado Springs!

What? When did all this happen? Guess I am just either getting old, nostalgic or both but those years went by like a flash.

It was a reminder to me, in real time, that our lives are literally vapor. Try as we may to hold on to such blessings, they are all temporary, which makes me cling even closer to what will last...my Lord Jesus.

He is so awesome and as the old song goes, "The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows."

I thank Him for the wonderful blessings of family...my beautiful wife, Becky and my amazing daughter Jordyn. I thank Him that Amanda is married and happy and I thank Him that He has blessed our family with a strong bond of love and faith in Him. But most of all I thank Him that He has revealed Himself to me. His grace is truly amazing.

I thank Him that while this earth and all that we see will pass away, His word will never pass away.

Reminds me of one of the many great songs that my nephew Jason wrote, "You Will Be"

Some of the lyrics:

"When the song is sung and the day is done, when the final battle's won, You will be, You will be.

When the dust is cleared and there's no more tears, when there's nothing left to fear, You will be, You will be.

You will be exalted to the highest place. There will be no other to steal your praise. Even after losing count of days, You will be!" - Jason Burton

What are you depending on? What are you hoping in? Anything other than Jesus, simply will not last.

The Risen Christ says:

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Even More From Bizarro World

Yes it is that time again...time for another observation of "Bizarro World."
This particular piece will be a bit different from my previous musings as I will not be making cynical comments about our government or the President...no this is strictly for and about us "Christians."
Don't get me wrong...I still stand by all that I have said in the past about the policies and actions of our government and the President. I still believe in calling evil evil and I refuse to say something is "OK" just because of the absurd idea of political correctness but I will not talk about that stuff today. I want to talk about another observation that is also very bizarre but hits much closer to home.

In Hebrews 10 we as believers, are instructed to consider how we might stir one another up to love and good works... I hope this little note might stir up one or two Christians who read this.
If you are not a believer or don't believe in the authority of scripture, then you might find this to be dogmatic and offensive.
My observation today is meant to appeal specifically to the sensibilities of those who really believe what is written in the Bible
You know... about God? Remember Him? Spoke the heavens and the earth into existence? The Alpha and Omega? The Beginning and the End? His Glory fills the whole earth? Perfect in all of His ways? All of His judgments are right and true? Revealed in His Son Jesus Christ? Became sin who knew no sin that we might become His righteousness? Died for our sins, paying our price for our rebellion and rose on the third day defeating death and the grave? Gives liberally of His Spirit to all who ask believing? Sanctifies, empowers, counsels, teaches, comforts and leads all who hear His voice? Is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords to judge the earth in righteousness and rule the nations with a rod of iron?
Remember Him? Do we?

I know I said I would not talk about the government in this piece but I did not say I would stop being cynical...brothers and sisters, I am being cynical for a very serious purpose and I use the word "bizarre" in a very sober tone today.
Here is what I find to be bizarre (and remember, this is an observation, not a declaration):
People who sing about God, talk about God, build buildings for God, focus their higher education on God, along with countless other activities about and for God (that all may be good) seem to have so little interest in praying to God.
I am not claiming to know anyone's heart or trying to judge your prayer life, just observing the activities that the Church seems to be interested (or not) in.
That Bible that we claim is the inerrant, infallible Word of God has right much to say about prayer...way too much to mention here...things like, ask and you shall receive, pray on all occasions, without ceasing, with all kinds of prayers and stuff like that...check it out for yourself. The fact that so few believers seem to want to gather to simply pray is bizarre in itself but here is the fact that qualifies this situation for a "Bizarro World" piece.
WE KNOW OUR NATION IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE AND WE STILL WILL NOT PRAY!!
We see what is going on in our country...we see what our government is doing...we have to know that we live in a critical moment of time...and yet we don't find that prayer is important enough to devote ourselves to.
I know what some might be thinking "You don't know how much I pray alone." True. I don't pretend to, but here is the deal brothers and sisters (remember I am writing to believers) this country of ours has roughly 300 million people and roughly 200 million of them claim to be believers. If 200 million people were praying effectively, do you really believe we would be in the trouble we are in?

We, the Church, have to face up to our responsibility in this day. We have pointed the finger at "culture" and government for far too long (I am guilty). Again, we must stand for righteousness. I am not saying that our beliefs and convictions have no place in social and political matters. What I am saying is that the very problems we have been complaining, boycotting, e-mailing and facebooking about are our own.
The Church needs to examine ourselves in this dark day. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord Almighty. We need to realize that we have become too proud and self-sufficient to pray. I don't mean a few words thrown up asking God to bless our activities. I mean, on our knees...our face...repenting and broken before the Lord in prayer.
I am convinced that the willingness of the Church to humble ourselves is the last and only hope for America.
If you are already one of the few who are fervently seeking the face of the Lord don't quit! Don't ever quit! And if you are one of many in this country who claim the name of Jesus Christ but have become so distracted by every activity that serious, humble and fervent prayer before the Lord is a rare (if ever) part of your schedule I call you you to repent. Repent of your prayerlessness. Repent of your pride. Repent of your self-sufficiency. Do not trust in your riches, your organizations, your buildings and your successful enterprises...trust only in the Lord.

This Sunday, July 5th, churches all over the nation will be bowing their knees in humility before the Lord.
The Family Research Council has been rallying the Church in its "Call 2 Fall" that will take place this Sunday. I am not big on promotions and programs but this one is a "no brainer"
It is simply a call to the Church to humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance and although a couple thousand churches have signed up to participate and about 26,000 people will be involved, that is such a small portion of our nation's believers.
Have we become like the Church at Laodicea?
Do we say "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" not realizing that we are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. The Risen Christ counsels us to buy from Him, gold refined by fire, so that we may be rich, and white garments so that we may clothe ourselves and the shame of our nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint our eyes, so that we may see. Christ says "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."
To many the idea of calling the Church to fall on our knees on Sunday morning is "over-the-top" and "fanatical" ... "getting carried away"..."too charismatic"..."just a show" (wouldn't want a show in Church!)...praying in Church...too much to ask?
That my brothers and sisters, is truly bizarre.

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Doug Howard

I washed and waxed my cars today. My 2005 Honda CRV and even my ole 97 Mercury Sable. That might not seem like a big deal but if you know me then you probably have noticed that I am not that much of a "car guy." But I had a special reason for washing my cars today. I did it in honor of Doug Howard and if you knew Doug, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Doug passed away this past Friday and I knew that if I had died before Doug and he was going to my funeral, his car would be clean...then again, his car was always clean...ALWAYS clean.

Doug lived across the street from us and I will miss him. I know his family and many friends will miss him greatly and Jean, his wife of almost 44 years, most of all.

I know Colonial Heights Baptist Church will miss him. I remember when my family and I started going to CHBC in 1998, Doug was as constant as anybody there. It always amazed me how he seemed to be at every door, all the time...always ready to serve as usher and always that humble, but confident grin on his face.

I can see him now, quietly setting Pastor Harper's water in place before the service and I can hear his commanding voice as Finance Committee Chairman, dispelling any notion that the Finance Report during the Business Meeting would be met with anything but a unanimous approval. Whenever the "voice of God" was needed for Pageant Performances, it was Doug they asked. He was quiet most of the time but when he spoke, everybody listened.

Doug was just one of those special people who seemed to have a sense of quiet confidence, humility and kindness all the time.

That is how he was to us before we joined CHBC, while we were at CHBC and he was the same to us when we left CHBC in 2005 and I began to Pastor Community Christian Fellowship.

Every Christmas, a few days before Christmas Day, Doug would deliver a tin of "Chex Mix" to all the neighbors. I have never been a big fan of "Chex Mix" but there was something special about that gift every year. I will miss Doug ringing my door bell this Christmas. I will think about him then.

He was a man that I respected greatly, even before I knew of his distinguished service to our country, all of his medals and awards, not to mention being called to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 and sent to Indonesia after the Tsunami of 2004.

To me, he was just a great neighbor and a brother in Christ. Not the type that you have cookouts and block parties with but the type that you just knew would be there if you ever were in crisis and you needed a hand.

He was the same when I visited him in the hospital and he knew he was dying. Even though he was very sick, he still had that same look of quiet confidence. He was concerned with others, getting his affairs in order and making sure that he would not be a burden to anyone when he left this world.

When I finished washing my cars today, I went to put the hose up and heard water leaking out...guess the washer is bad...I couldn't imagine Doug ever having such a problem, then I imagined his face as I tried to neatly put the hose away, struggling to just get it under the porch. I looked at my cars and thanked the Lord for humble servants of His like Doug Howard. I am sure that as Doug is now in the presence of the Lord, he is far from concerned about cars and lawns but I have feeling that if he saw my cars today, he would grin and he might even say "good job." See you on the other side Doug. Thanks.

Waxing on Peril

The United States of America is a nation in peril. Why? The economy? The economy is only a symptom. We are financially in trouble for sure, but that is not the root problem. The root problem is that the United States has become a nation where the word of the Lord has become an object of scorn. We are like Israel of Jeremiah’s day, which took no pleasure in God’s word so the word of the Lord was against them: 
“Your ways and your deeds have brought this upon you. This is your doom, and it is bitter; it has reached your very heart.” Jeremiah 4:18
The Apostle Paul wrote of the end result of the rejection of God’s word in Romans chapter 1:

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

This week our President proclaimed June as “LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009” giving his official approval to behavior that God’s word clearly denounces. Read the proclamation for yourself:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/

"The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:10-11)
10,000 Presidents can proclaim pride in perversion. 10,000 nations can approve of the mass slaughter of millions of unborn children and it will never change the counsel of the Lord.
This is not political speech, nor is it judgmental speech and it certainly is not “hate speech.” If the ship is sinking and one tries to convince you to secure your life vest or get into the lifeboat, he definitely does not hate you. We must not allow the incessant message of political correctness that is now officially approved of by our President to silence the truth. We must warn people while there is time.
The Bible is full of warnings.

Hebrews 12:25
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

The Lord is not willing that any should perish but you must reach repentance in order to be saved. You must repent, Jesus said, or you all will perish. Repent of your rebellion against God. He is God alone. His word will never pass away.

Repent today and trust Jesus to save you. He became sin who knew no sin that we might become His righteousness. His blood will cleanse you, His Spirit will regenerate you, His life is eternal and He has promised to never leave or forsake you but you must repent of your ways and put your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes unto the Father but by Him.
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

John 3:16-21
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Common Ground?

I watched a documentary produced by the BBC today titled, "The Fatal Attraction of Adolph Hitler." It examined the euphoric allegiance that kept so much of Germany enraptured by Hitler during the Nazi Regime. Even during the intensive Allied bombing in which 300,000 German civilians died, the majority held firm in their commitment to their "Fuhrer."

 As Hitler began the systematic slaughter of millions of innocent Jews and others, most of Germany did not realize the horror that was taking place in Death Camps like Auschwitz where two million were murdered in one location. Even those who knew of Hitler's "Final Solution" had been led to believe the lie that this atrocity was actually a necessary action. 

Obviously, the Nazi Regime was ultimately defeated and most know that Adolph Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as the Russian Army closed in on Berlin. 

The Nazi Regime was now history and the killing stopped, but then many of the German people who had supported Hitler were faced with the reality of what he had done. As the German people witnessed the evidence of what Hitler had ordered, the spell was broken. National pride and loyalty gave way to horror and regret. The attraction that had been dressed up in politics and promises had been fatal for millions. Adolph Hitler had been successful in swaying an entire country to support mass genocide.

As every book, movie, or documentary that deals truthfully with The Holocaust makes you feel, I sadly thought of all of the innocent life that was so tragically taken. 

I thought of the loss that so many families suffered and I thought of the loss that the world had suffered as the possible contribution of these millions of lives were denied...and then I wondered...I wondered if the political rhetoric would mean the same to Americans if we could see just some of the tens of millions of babies that have been murdered in our own National Holocaust. I wonder if we would be so quick to applaud the liberal mantra of "freedom of choice" if we could just see some of what these lives may have brought to our world. 

Would the "fatal attraction" to the idea of "choice" be as appealing to us if we were forced to stand in close proximity to just some of the 50 million dead. 50,000,000 lives wasted. 

This is the ghastly fact that no amount of "common ground" will ever cover up. 

More From the Bizarro World

One day a couple of years ago, a man stood up in our church with something to say. 

I remember this particular comment not because of his statement but because of how it was prefaced. Before this gentleman shared what was on his heart, he said "I am making an observation, not a declaration."

I appreciated his humility and his candor. 

Candor, I have no problem with...humility in my "observations" may not be as apparent. So while I make my observations, please bear with any personal opinion that may be painfully obvious...but then again, transparency is a good thing right? 

Once again I am observing the actions and statements of our nation's leaders and scratching my head bald. I will make a few sarcastic comments and then give some serious perspective.

For the sake of time I will keep it short....ha, ha.

 I will not mention the 300,000 dollar Manhattan fly-over, while "fiscal responsibility" rhetoric and the dangers of "unsustainable debt" are proclaimed. 

I will not bring up the budget that will be over a TRILLION dollars in the red. 

It would be pointless to talk about the Speaker of the House saying that she was not "briefed" she was only "told that someone else was briefed" while she was a member of the oversight committee that was briefed by the CIA about enhanced interrogation methods used on suspected terrorists.

I will not talk about the Secretary of State responding to a report from the Taliban and apologizing profusely for the loss of civilian life in the war zone.

 I will not point out that the Taliban does not have a Washington Bureau...yet.

I mean, come on, this is pretty normal stuff in the Bizarro World so what's the big deal?

Why wouldn't the Alameda Unified School District in California consider supplemental curriculum specifically designed to eradicate "homophobia" in kindergarten children? 

And why should parents have the right to opt their children out?

Why wouldn't Congress push legislation that would make all kinds of sexually perverted people specially protected classes? 

And why would this bill include the homeless? Or the elderly? Or military veterans?

And while our country is headed for bankruptcy why not make Internet gambling legal? 

Why should we oppose Barney Frank's latest brilliant idea?

And what is the big deal that 10,000 or so "stimulus" checks were sent to people who have been dead for years? 

In the Bizarro World, that should not make us concerned about who is running the IRS nor should we question their competence just because they don't pay their own personal taxes or send millions to dead people.

And why should anybody think that there is any conflict of interest just because GE owns NBC, hires Tom Daschle and seeks billions in government contracts under the "Green Initiative."

Just because they own the press and hire Presidential Appointees means nothing in the Bizarro World.

And finally...in this Bizarro World that we now live in, that is so determined to uphold the Separation of Church and State, and has the ACLU ready to bring legal action against anyone who would dare challenge their interpretation of the Constitution...why wouldn't Barak Obama, the most radical, left-winged  supporter of abortion that has ever held the office of President be honored and cheered at a religious, private, Catholic University?

And why shouldn't the peaceful protesters demonstrating their agreement with the teachings of the Catholic Church, that this private University represents, be arrested?

Why shouldn't the Catholic student body break into an Obama inspired "Yes We Can!" mantra when a vocal minority dares to say "Stop Killing our Children!" 

In the Bizarro World you don't really stand for what you say you believe!

In the Bizarro World you appoint the most radical abortion Governor in the history of the United States as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, lift as many restrictions on abortion as you can, appoint a Homeland Security Secretary that puts abortion protesters on the "terrorist watch" list and then stand at Notre Dame and proclaim that we should find "common ground" and work to reduce the number of abortions while not making caricatures of opposing viewpoints. 

In the Bizarro World the Government kindly abstains from making caricatures of opposing viewpoints, they just arrest people with opposing viewpoints.

And so now as I have given my cynical little observations from Bizarro World I hope my point is not lost in the sarcasm. 

In all seriousness, it becomes more and more apparent to me and many others that we are nowhere close to being at home here on this earth. 

While the truth should not be ignored and a dose of sarcastic humor can give an opinion that might otherwise be ignored, bizarre is precisely how the world's ways should look to the true believer. 

We can make observations and I will continue to do so. 

I refuse to call evil good, but I have no false hope in any person, party or government to make any lasting change that would be good and right here on this earth. My hope is in promises that are seen with eyes of faith from afar. Mine is an eternal and living hope through the death, burial and resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His eternal word of truth will never pass away and will never be eradicated. 

He offers this hope to all who would repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Our God is not willing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance! Believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved from this wicked and corrupt generation!

Christ is coming again and He will judge the world in perfect righteousness. There is none good enough and only His work on the Cross is sufficient to save you. His blood will cleanse from sin if you repent and believe!

No President will ever stand in His court and proclaim compromise with evil. 

No Government will ever legislate the murder of children in His Kingdom. There will be no need for legislation to make sexual perverts a protected class of citizens. According to scripture, they will not be there (Revelation 21:8; 22:15).

His Truth cannot change and those who hope in Him have been promised a bright and glorious future of wonders that eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind has even conceived. The things that scripture has prophesied are taking place. We were told ahead of time and our Lord said when we see these things taking place that the Kingdom of God is very near. Lift up your heads for your redemption is near! I acknowledge that I am a "stranger, an exile on this earth." I want to be like those people of faith that Hebrews 11 refers to:

" For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:14-16)