I've been thinking a lot about politics lately; as an Iowan, it was hardly an option. And I have been writing about politics a lot lately - something I have promised to correct. Don't worry, while I'm going to start with politics and patriotism as a background, I've got a very biblical and spiritual point to make in this post. America's Greatest Economic Challenge As I have observed American politics and the American economy, I think I have placed my finger on what our biggest political problem is. We want to "fix our country" but we don't want to change anything significant while we … [Read more...] about Are You a Gulf War or World War II Christian?
Confessions of a Whippersnapper
Okay, so I was a bit inspired by Dave Miller’s post giving advice to the young whippersnapper types around. Now on the one hand they say, “You’re only as young as you feel!” If that’s true, then I think I must be nearing retirement. If 31 feels this different from 21, I hate to think what 41 or, gasp, 51 holds! But no matter how I feel, I still fit into that whippersnapper category. Later this year will mark the completion of my 8th year in pastoral ministry. While some would still consider that the infant stage, or maybe toddler, I tend to look at it more from the angle of, … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Whippersnapper
A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa
I just got back from the Republican Caucus. Well, actually, I just got back from the Democratic Caucus as well. We got some bad information and showed up at Obama headquarters and spent a few embarrassing minutes figuring out we were at the wrong place. So, we ended up being a few minutes late when we finally got to the Republican Caucus. The Democratic Caucus process is really complicated. They have "viable" candidates and "non-viable" candidates and revotes and groupings and all sorts of things. The Republican process is much simpler. Each candidate gets five minutes of promotional … [Read more...] about A Baptist Pastor Caucusing in Iowa
You are not alone in the woods
Back on the New Year's Resolutions post, I told Dave I'd try to write more for Voices. Well, more than my recent stream of goofy and non-serious comments. I might dig up something controversial to help with the blog traffic, but for now the most controversial I'll get is gun ownership and responsible wildlife management. These past few months, I've been spending a good part of my time in the early mornings or late afternoons sitting on the edge of farm fields at rest, waiting for certain forest animals to make their appearance. The plan, of course, is to shoot one of the deer when they come … [Read more...] about You are not alone in the woods
FAMOUS LAST WORDS: I KNOW WHEN TO QUIT. I CAN HANDLE IT (CB Scott)
Editor: CB shared this with me, and I meant to put it up on New Year's weekend - I was in deep mourning because evil prevailed so constantly in football, both college and pro over the weekend and my brain was not functioning correctly. I forgot. The video is pretty graphic. Beverage alcohol is a drug. The use of beverage alcohol has brought much sorrow to many people. The video below was sent to those of us in Alabama who support ALCAP (Alabama Citizens Action Program). I ask you to watch it. Give it some thought. … [Read more...] about FAMOUS LAST WORDS: I KNOW WHEN TO QUIT. I CAN HANDLE IT (CB Scott)
5 Questions with….an IMBer in Contemplation of Past and Future
Hey folks, it's time for a new installment of our award-winning "5 Questions with..." series. We've been taking a brief hiatus, one that was not foreknown but was indeed predestined by my fall workload. Today's subject is Fuzzy Goldenblister, an IMB worker for somewhere between 10 and 15 years. He's roguishly handsome, erudite, and cooks a mean mac-and-cheese with peanut brittle casserole, but he possesses almost zero people skills. We caught up with Fuzzy as he was polishing a turtle in the back yard. 1. Looking back at yourself and the IMB, what lessons did you learn or mistakes did … [Read more...] about 5 Questions with….an IMBer in Contemplation of Past and Future
Dads, Show Them His Glory
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. As I was reflecting on the life of Augustine these words took on a little different shape for me. I have always read these words as if Paul is saying, “don’t be a jerk to your kids, but instead bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” As if Paul is saying here, “Be nice to your kids and make sure you tell them about Jesus”. I still think that is a good part of what Paul is saying. I think he is speaking of tender nurturing and discipline and admonition in … [Read more...] about Dads, Show Them His Glory
How Quickly It All Goes By: A Meditation for Young Whippersnappers
The prophet Isaiah compared people to grass, which springs up quickly, flourishes, then dies down as the days grow cold. Life, even long life, passes quickly. I am feeling that so strongly this year. In the blog world, I'm an old fogey. Of course, I'm way younger than CB Scott, but most of you who read this fall into the general category of what I call young whippersnappers (a term originally used to describe Matt Svoboda, but since expanded to refer to all you youngsters who are pastors but only recently had to begin shaving!). I was one of those about a week and a half ago. It seems … [Read more...] about How Quickly It All Goes By: A Meditation for Young Whippersnappers
Musings on Resolutions (updated)
This post is modified from one that appeared two years ago on sbcIMPACT. “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.” Thus begins the list of Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions, written prior to his fame or the Great Awakening, at the end of his Master’s studies. I seldom if ever write out resolutions for the New Year. I fear I’ll give up or forget partway through January, merely calling criticism on myself for failing to … [Read more...] about Musings on Resolutions (updated)
“Pleased as man with men to dwell”
This line from the song “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” is one of my favorites from all Christmas songs. This line, from a later verse of the song, speaks of Christ in a rather poetic (and memorable) fashion that makes the ear tingle and the heart raise. I think one of the reasons why hymns have been losing their edge in public worship, besides the style of music itself, is the work it takes to understand them. Just singing the words “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see” is impossible to understand without a thinking brain rearranging the words to get: “See the Godhead veiled in … [Read more...] about “Pleased as man with men to dwell”