I’ve always hated bell-bottoms. My bell-bottoms used to get really dirty in the summer time. Why would Mom and Dad even let me put them on in the first place? Well, I guess because it was 1977. In the deep south people were not exactly fashion-forward, but my parents always had me wearing things that were a little ahead of the times for my small hometown. I remember exactly how dirty they used to get because of a photograph that I look at ever so often.

It was taken during a time when my parents were traveling around the country in evangelism. Me and my two year old sister stayed in Birmingham with some of my relatives. I come from a very southern, country background. Many of the stereotypes of people from the south apply perfectly. From biscuits and gravy and overalls with no undershirts, to dippin’ snuff, toothless smiles, bigotry, drinking and raising hell on weekends, my relatives did it all. Although I come from a family of ministers on both sides with many men and women that loved God with all their …

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American culture is changing at this moment faster than I ever witnessed in my lifetime. Political and religious stereotypes are meshing into something that is nearly indistinguishable.  I don’t often use German philosophy to illustrate spiritual truths, but Hegel’s concepts of thesis (truth), anti-thesis (the opposite of that truth), and synthesis (a blending, or new idea from both) to me is applicable right now in our society because something new is being created.

I am concerned because I do believe in truth and I believe the ever quoted John 14:6speaks of that kind of Truth. “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. No eisegesis here, simply pointing out the fact that Christ is inseparable from His Word. Jesus then in John 16:13 promised of the Holy Spirit that we would receive after His ascension, “Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. “ John 8:31-32 corroborates. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Truth is becoming a philosophical conversation rather than an absolute in our world.

It is …

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I recently had a telephone conversation that affected me deeply. As a parent, I have been humbled many times by the truths I have discovered through the honesty of my children. (Apparently I look scary with a beard and “Mommy and Daddy shows” are not fair…good points.). I don’t mind learning from others, even if they are much younger than I am. A few days ago I came across the work of Lila Rose, a 20 year old student at UCLA. Ms. Rose is a pro-life activist and the president of Live Action Films, a youth led human rights movement dedicated to the respect and protection of all human life including the unborn. She began this type of work as an assignment in high school, and she continues it with her organization. Ms. Rose has made many headlines in recent years because of her undercover investigative journalism which has exposed many flaws in the system, specifically with Planned Parenthood. In her most recent video, Ms. Rose shows the willingness of a Planned Parenthood employee to ignore state laws which require the …

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The recent attacks in Mumbai have left over 155 dead, 327 injured, (at the time of this blog) and left me thinking about a subject that I can’t get out of my mind. Justice.

I think often of the defenseless and the abused…those that have no chance. What happens to the ”bad guys” that prey on the weak and vulnerable?

From a theological standpoint the subject of justice has a few sides. On the spiritual side, I do not want justice because…I would fry. Yet grace seems to nullify justice through the sacrifice of Christ in our stead. We do not get what we deserve. Jesus makes it very clear in John 14:6 that He has provided the way to God, a Way that circumvents the punishment that all men deserve because of our transgressions against Him.

Clearly those without Christ are not so fortunate.

Psalms 10:13-14

13        Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, ”He won’t call me to account”?

14        But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.  The victim commits himself to …

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I believe God loves all people. Do not mistake that fact. Right now however, I want to make a distinction between His love and His favor. God pours His favor on people, and nations that honor Him. We as a nation have done just that. Despite our shortcomings, God favors this nation. I believe this nation is a light to the world. I believe we are a beautiful nation. Why do I believe this? Many reasons…to name a few…Over 50% of the Protestant missionaries in the WORLD are from the United States. There are over 250,000 churches in America that meet once a week or more. 92% of Americans believe in “God”, while 52% believe He is a personal being that you can have a deep relationship with (Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 2008 survey) Even if most of these people are lying, at least they are lying about the right person. We may have stumbled quite a bit, but we have never got out of the race, or quit on God as a nation.  I believe God’s plan for …

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