President Bush

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I read some interview articles about President Bush’s book “Decision Points.” The book sounds like a good read.

What impresses me about President Bush is how secure he is in who he is. As president he took responsibility for problems regardless of cause. While his ‘New Tone’ policy is debated, Bush demonstrates nobility by it. The carry over to his post-presidency is shown by not critiquing Obama. Further, President Bush seeks anonymity.

As is any presidency, people will debate the Bush years. But, I greatly admire the man. He is not full of himself. His ambition to stay out of the political fray brings a fresh nobility. To let history make its own judgements by not rebutting criticism takes humility.

I’m interested if these thoughts will continue or how they will be altered after reading his book. For sure, it would be nice to see more leaders with a depth like President Bush, regardless of political ideology.

Manic Monday: Live to work?

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Often we get stuck in the live for the weekend rut. God created us for work. Whether your job is what you like or not like, God placed you there.

In life group we talked through what it means to “set our minds to things above.” A key conclusion we talked about fulfilling the role God gave us in each moment He places us. It’s being who God wants us to be wherever we are.

Maybe we should change perspectives and live to work. There is huge ministry opportunity to serve and help those we connect with at work, family or wherever God places you. The weekend is a joy no doubt. But there are God sightings during the work week as well.

(especially on Monday)

Why not Wednesday? Pray

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We should pray and keep the Gospel first. The success of the church is not determined by who wins elections. It’s success is determined by the work of God in the people of God. It starts with, held up with and ended with prayer.

1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying ) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

~ 1 Timothy 2:1-8 NASB

Some things never change…

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I vaguely remember 1984 and the re-election of Ronald Reagan. Given the mid-term election I listened to his and other presidential speeches. What I find remarkable is how things have not changed. In listening to Reagan’s “A time for choosing” speech in 1964, the issues were the same. The accusations and stances of both sides were the same. I guess some things never change.

Regardless of your political belief, the issues are still the issues. It causes me to scratch my head, in all honesty. For 12 years before I was born until now its the same issues, challenges and struggles we face exist. America is still here, and we still get to vote. Some things never change.

Reagan summed up elections well. Are we better off than we were before, and we get to exercise that choice today. And regardless of political belief and with how little things change, I raise this question: Is this what the founders meant by “In God we trust”? He never changes.

Who are you?

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Who are you? I once received a comment that I don’t just sit and talk about what I had for lunch on my blog. Well, I thought for once I would. You will soon see why. It deals with this question: Who are you?

My lunch
Today I did not have a glutinous lunch. I did not drink dehydrating beverages (depending on one’s view of caffeine, which does not dehydrate according to National Geographic article on Caffeine). I did not eat a bird with avian flu. I did not starve myself. I did not consume alcohol. I did not eat iceberg lettuce. I did not eat MSG. I had no inappropriate conversation. I did not pay, nor did I tip. I did not have heartburn; I did not have an upset stomach. I do not, did not, have had not mad cow. I did not eat rice, white or whole grain. I am not, did not, will not, and shall not eat green eggs, nor did I have ham. I was not friendly, and I ate no fruit, though I did have it, I did not partake. That was my lunch, sounds good, eh? Did I really tell you what I ate for lunch?

If a person asks you who are, what are you going to say?
I am a saint saved by the grace of God because Jesus Christ died and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures that I believe to be completely true and the guide for my life. I exist to serve God and to equip His people to do the same. I love God, I love people and I love the Bible. I am a husband who loves his wife, who also loves God.I am a dad. I am fallible, but I am sanctified. I do struggle, but I am also victorious. I do not make life a big deal, but I know its consequences are eternal. I am emotional and intuitive, and I analyze that often. I deserve wrath, though I will gain riches. I am often confused, but my hope is eternal. There is much I want, but I have everything I want and need. I am a lover of coffee, sunsets and other little gifts of God. I know little, but I learn often. I fail, I win and given either I would do it all again. I thrill seeing a changed life, and seek to do the same with my own. I fear God. I am a Christian and so I am free!

The bottom line:
We are often more concerned with NOT being than BEING. Focus on who you are and what your trying to become. Telling people what you are NOT does not tell them who you ARE!

Why not Wednesday? Read the OT

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A New Name for an Old Book
By Ty Woznek

There sits before me a book whose parts are two
The first is the old
The second is the new.
To Study, know and live the whole makes one tired
Because we focus on the new
The old we have retired.
So I rename the book confused, and both parts if I could
The first I’d name unread
And the second misunderstood.

Name it & claim it!

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The Sunday sermon talked about the cows of bashan from Amos 4. (Ok, you can insert corn fed, I mean lame jokes here: The sermon was moo-ving, A1 sermon, nothing like milk of the Word, etc.) I suppose there is just no way to discuss that passage elegantly as the cows referred to women. The juxtaposition of brokenness to hiding it was striking.

Pondering the sermon
Those who hammer holiness in their sermons need to take a serious look at key women in the Bible. It’s messy. Then, take a look at key men in the Bible. It’s even more messy. The problem with depravity is the constant thought that we don’t measure up; that we are lacking. This leads us to a choice: to listen to the fool or the wise. To listen to fallen voices of depravity or the grace of the Gospel. Pastor Jon did a good job pointing to these two choices: truth or error.

Name it & claim it
There is truth to the name it and claim it phrase. It’s not centered on our wants, but grace. 1 John 1:9 is a name it and claim it principle. If we confess our sin (name it) He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins AND cleanse us from all unrighteousness (claim it). Name it and claim it should be about grace, not possessions. When we embrace our brokenness God offers not just forgiveness, He cleans us up!

The Bottom Line:
We have a choice. What will we pursue? Truth or error? Grace or tyranny of our fallenness? If being perfect consumes us, we will never get dirty. Serving and helping people is messy. We want to hide our depravity, but Jesus bring it into the light. We view it as a stain, Jesus views it as dirt to be washed away. His scars prove that. We view it as hopeless, Jesus forged the Gospel in hope. Name your sin, claim its forgiveness, and as a bonus Jesus makes you clean. The Gospel is a powerful thing.

Linx & stuff

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Few things bring greater joys than my two boyz loving each other. There are glimmers of hope when the laugh and play together. I pray that it continues throughout their life time.

Check out the latest from Apple.com! Cool stuff!

Happy at the park