Too Normal for Hollywood

I almost fell out of my chair when I read about a new movie that is in the works. Apparently, casting is underway for extras to appear in a new horror film starring Julianne Moore (whoever that is). What caught my attention, and provoked some outrage, is that they are seeking "odd" looking people to appear in a scene that is set in West Virginia. A Charleston Daily-Mail article tells about WV Governor Joe Manchin's protest of this stereotyping.

It is a bit irritating to hear of such a blatant misrepresentation of the people from my home state. I bet you could find weirdos nearly anywhere. Why single out the ones from WV? Is West Virginia the only state left that has ingrates? Actually, the population of WV is only about 1.8 million. (I know a lot of them and they are way too normal for Hollywood.) There have got to be a lot more freaks in California or New York. Talk about "unusual body shapes." Now there's a horror movie just waiting to be made.

Quotable MacArthur

"Two things a pastor should be most concerned about are telling his people who they are in Christ and then urging them to live like it."

Source: John MacArthur, Ephesians Commentary, pg. 100

Accountability in the Church

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17

What does this verse mean for the average church member?

What does this verse mean for the Pastor?

In many churches there is an accountability crisis. I know this is the case because I have personally seen it and I hear of it often in other churches. Although I know the answer to the questions that I posed above, I am thinking through this issue. I welcome you to join me. (read: "please share comments while I'm wrestling with this topic")

Target Prayer

I just had a call from a church member. She asked me to do some "target praying." I understood exactly what my task was. I was being asked to pray very specifically and intentionally for a certain situation. To focus my heart, in prayer, on an urgent need.

Prayer is an awesome thing. God knows, yet he is pleased when we ask. He is the Almighty God and yet we have access to him through Christ. Often we loose sight of this wonderful privilege.

"Prayer - secret, fervent, believing prayer - lies at the root of all personal godliness." - William Carey

Short post today, I don't have much time. I'm aiming for a target!!

Quotable Spurgeon

"Weak may be our feet, but almighty is God's right hand. Rough may be the road, but Omnipotence is our upholding. We may boldly go forward. We shall not fall. Let us lean continually where all things lean. God will not withdraw His strength, for His righteousness is there as well. He will be faithful to His promise, and faithful to His Son, and therefore faithful to us. How happy we ought to be!" Taken from Faith's Checkbook

Are you feeling weak today? Enter into the presence of the Almighty, and lean on Him.

God Doesn't Speak English

I have been made aware that there is an individual in our community that is asking questions about God. I will be seeking an opportunity to "speak" with this person. The challenge for me will be that we don't speak the same language. I barely speak English. Actually, I am fluent in West Virginian, but that's another post altogether.

Someone close to this person, who speaks the same language, has asked me to help them share the gospel. Yesterday I provided a few key Bible verses that will be helpful. At the end of the day, regardless if there is a language barrier, the Holy Spirit of God must do the work. God doesn't speak English, Swahili, Spanish or Arabic. God speaks to the heart, to the deepest need of the soul. "For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness" (Rom. 10:10).

Furthermore, it is clear from Scripture that when all is said and done there will be a great multicultural chorus of praise to God (Rev. 5:9). Isn't it awesome how the Creator relates to all of His creation, not just those who speak English (I say that because we are so very proud of our language aren't we). And, by His grace He will bring many, from every tongue and nation, into a relationship with Him through faith in Christ.

American Idol Upcoming Music

I must admit I am a fan of American Idol. One of my favorites from a past season is Chris Sligh. A friend of mine is friends with Chris' brother. (confusing and not really a connection to me personally but nonetheless it made the post)

Apparently this former AI top finisher is coming out with a Christian album soon. It was Tim Challies who pointed me to this information.

This new single is very solid. You can hear it on Chris' MySpace page. The song is entitled "Empty Me" and below is a sample of the chorus:

"Empty me of the selfishness inside, every vain ambition and the poison of my pride. And any foolish thing my heart holds to, Lord empty me of me, so I can be filled with you."

Great song. Great lyrics.

We Have Power

I had to wait three days before I could write this post. On Tuesday night a strong storm passed through Louisville and we lost our power. Sixty-four hours later all has been restored. For three nights our family huddled in our little house in the pretty, but not so warm, glow of candlelight. Since our house is only about 150 feet from the church (and the church had partial electricity) we ran a very long extension cord to the house in order to have limited power. Actually we had to save the fish, priorities you know. So, we have been without electricity, hot water and heat for three days and it has been a challenge.

Spiritually speaking, as those who are in Christ, we have the ultimate power source. Scripture is clear that all power belongs to God. Those who are in a right relationship with Him, through Christ, are have His power.

We need not look to another source. Christ is all we need. The world, great books, friends, money, sex, career and on the list goes, will never be enough. Just like the extenstion cord we used recently provided us with some power, ultimately it was not sufficient for our needs.

Tonight our family will enjoy a comfortable evening in a cozy warm house, because we have power. Moreover, I am comforted to know that through faith in Christ I am plugged in to the primary power source. That truth is much more comforting.