Why don't people have jobs?

They seem to just make it their life goal to comment on other people's blogs just to hear their own voice and ruffle conservative feathers...no one thinks your really smart. You like to hear your own voice. Get your value through being God's child not from being an pain.

Untitled

I tried something a little different. Having been a Christian for 11 years, I have never prayed for the process of sanctification to speed up. The Lord has really been doing a number on me, and now I am hating the sin in my life with a new passion. The world tells us not to hate anything about us. We've been given the tag, "good people". We need to love ourselves and accept our mistakes and shortcomings, or so the therapist will tell us.

While we shouldn't hate ourselves, we also shouldn't grow comfortable with sin in our lives. We should hate sin in our lives, for God can't stand it. I don't like myself when I hate a brother in Christ who I severly disagree with in certain life issues. I just don't like being that guy; the one whose love for enemies falls WAY short of the prescribed one from the Sermon on the Mount.

So my prayer is that the Lord would transform me more and more into the image of His Son, for sometimes I'm not to fond of this version of myself.

R.I.P. Skip

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons lost their head basketball coach yesterday when he went for a jog. He was in great shape before that. This is just another example of man not being promised tommorow. He was a good coach and a better human being, judging from all the comments of students at WF. My dad went to WF and we both follow WF basketball pretty closely.

On a better note, I'm playing golf today with dad, bro and pastor...somewhere there's a joke in that scenario-I guess we need a rabbi to make it complete.

And to make this blog complete...we need a pick me up...I got it, how about a pic of the best breed of dog ever?


Much better!

Negative Friday

Ok, two negs in a row, it's okay-this stuff is worthy of writing about. I had the radio tuned to NPR for some odd reason and heard an interfaith conversation going on. Hmmm...maybe the Christian guy will have the guts to actualy quote Scripture, "There is no other name under heaven which saves (Jesus)" We need backbone, we need fearlessness in the pulpit, we need un pc dialogue for the gospel to thrive, it WILL draw people. So the dj ask the question....tnesion in the air....what will the pastor say???

The LADY preacher said, "We welcome all faiths and are directly involved in finding unity with other faiths." Hmmm....What was it that God told Joshua before entering the promised land? Something about not bieng like the people from other nations, something about serving Him only and throwing out the false gods. Muhhamed, Bhudda, a tire iron, they are all dead, dumb, and mute and won't save people. To the LADY preacher who was on the show, I pray that her eyes will be opened about her role in the church, God's view of salvation, His offer, and what happens to people when they compromise. I wanted to yack in my mouth becasue of all the pc, lets hold hands and sing kumba ya-ness. It really was sickening.

Bumper sticker

I saw this bumper sticker at a Wal Mart parking lot that read, "If you obey, God will pay." I wish I were kidding, but I'm not. The thought behind this theology is that God is indebted to us in some fashion because we have earned something through our actions, namely our obedience. It makes me shiver out of disgust. He bieng Holy and untouchable in every way possible owes us something? Is that what the gospel means? Acting good and getting stuff? Sure, there's that propitiation thing and yes, forgiveness through the ransom paid by Jesus blood....but I want my stuff! I pray the driver of that car wil have thier eyes opened and that the maker of that horrible sticker would learn of his folly and repent for showcasing a false gospel....there's some pretty strong language for people who did that in the text.

James 1:6

"But let him ask in faith, with NO doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." Ouch! That's a little below the belt, also it says in the next verse that the man who doubts should expect to receieve....nothing from God! Don't you hate it when the Bible steps on your toes? C'mon word of God, you should have more tact (kidding, of course).

This has nothing to do with the verse, but there is a mega church in my area. While speaking to a friend about that church, she had many 'heard it through the grapevine' moments about why people are starting to rumble around there. I didn't want to hear it, but I did want to hear it at the same time. It was all gossip, most of it from a reliable source about why certain changes were bieng made. I will pray that those people's eyes will be opened and that the Holy Spirit would grab a hold of all them with power. While I differ in an enormous manner, theologically, with these people, I don't want to see that ship go down. Yes, they hype Joel Osteen on many occassions, I still don't want them to nosedive into oblivion.



That's me right after reading the James passage mentioned earlier, by the way.

Been a minute

Back in the blogsphere and it feels good. (Insert Aerosmith's 'Back in the Saddle Again' here) What's going on you may ask? Not a lot, just counting my lucky STARS to be here writing to who might ever be reading this.
So I got to preach at my father's church and it went great. The Lord softened hearts and somehow was able to communiicate through my stammering lips. We're having VBS right now. Other than that, it's the same since the last blog from April. Hope everyone has the best day ever.

I heart....

Curt Shilling!! (He's the man)

ahh just like all my favorite bands....

I guess I AM turning a little political. Rosie is leaving the View. Now, I'm not an avid fan of this television show, but I am glad she wont be on it. She gets in the headlines becuase she stirs up controversy. She is the source of the dumbest quote in America; Mainstream Christianity is just as harmful as radical Islam. Hmmmm....."Love your enemies" ....and "Give infedels two chances for coversion, and on the third use the sword"..hmm, you know what Rosie, I'm calling you out on this one.

We agree on some things...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070423/wl_nm/pope_gays_dc

Stand in it

1st Corinthians 15:1

Paul mentions standing in your slavation which was taught earlier. Do we stand in that salvation?
Romans 8 mentions the mind set on the flesh and the mind set on the spirit. The mind on the flesh screams "ME!" all day long without delay. That screaming of me even works for salvation. Those minds set on the flesh have this pattern. The fleshy mind sins, knows it sinned, and yet tries to atone for those sins by effort. "No thanks, I got it", this mind screams. They show up to church, hear a sermon and know they need to change things, but feel as if they can change things on thier own. A good sermon will last maybe 3 or 4 days on human effort.

The mind set on the spirit knows it is helpless against sin and it's only hope is in Christ. The mind set on the spirit knows there's nothing in it that can please God, so it can only cling to the promises of the gospel. Contrast that with the flesh set mind that is all about work work work, and somehow cleaning up before a Holy God who sees everything.

The fleshy mind has one of two directions it can go; dispair,or a judgmental attitude. Either they will be suicidal or they will turn into a religous biggot.

If you haven't already, ditch the meaningless self reliance and cling to the promises of Another, namely the atoning work of Christ. He was sacrificed for sin BY GOD! Paul later mentions in 1st Cor. 15, that there are some with a vain faith. Scary scary thought. Quit relying on yourself people!

My fav band covering an 80's classic

This is +44, they cover Berlin's 'The Metro' here and do it justice. Look for the one armed drummer in the back, he is the best there is right now.

Loathe yourselves now!

What in the world? The VT thing was horrible and the family will be grieving for a long long time over the loss of their loved ones. A senseless tragedy.

Did you see the press conference? That burned me up! The media needs to sell papers, so they questioned everything the police officer told them from that podium. He took it like a champ. They questioned their ability to respond, their smartness in not locking down the campus after the first incident, the questioned their tactics on alerting everyone…you get the point.

And that’s the world we live in. Question everything. This is the society in the United States. No absolutes, who are you to press your doctrine on me? Never mind the fact there are 100’s of affected families starting the grieving process, I need to sell papers. I hope they have trouble sleeping for a long time over that show of arrogance.

Going to Willy B

Williams Brice is the name of The University of South Carolina's football stadium. Today marks the dawn of a 'newer' new era. We will be SEC champs really soon, and it kind of starts today. I'm taking Timothy, who is a die hard A&M guy. Maybe his eyes will be enlightened today.

a little too negative

I have to balance out these blogs...they've been one hit after another of whats wrong with America right now. So here, I present a picture of a kitten, although she's prob a brainwashed lib. who only uses eco-friendly litter.

propoganda...for the masses

ok, now there's a rock show for environmental awareness? To combat the global changes in temperature, we're going to have a rock show? We're going to spend energy watage out the wazzoo to ....why are they even doing this?

Mags, the Police, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Red Hot Chili's are all on board to use up the gross energy amount of some smaller countries for a 3 hour rock show called Live Earth. Humanism at it's best...do you really think we're that dumb? Please tell me no evangelicals are getting on board for this!

WHAT?!

I read some one's blog...and he likes to act pseudo intellectual by posting a three word phrase and acting like those three words are the most important words ever posted by any individual in the history of the world. He posed a question on his blog..he asked those who read it what is the most ludicrous story in Genesis. People posted the story of God not knowing where Adam is after eating the apple (He knew the whole time, by the way), and someone said the tower of Babel...you get the point.

I would have said, the most ludicrous story of Genesis is mere man, a dot on the planet, thinking he knows more than God...thinking he is more able to live his life apart from the One who created him. That's pretty dumb, we are dots-we are limited in knowledge, He's not. This blogger only adds evidence to this fact.

Just as ludicrous is the fact that God had a plan to save the people who thought they knew better than God. He didn't have to save us, He didn't save a third of the angels who rebelled. It's ludicrous because it's real, and today we thank Him for the Ressurection of His only Son for our sins, praise be unto Him!! So while many people, such as the young blogger I reffered to, continue to worship man and stroke each other's egos and tell themselves how smart they are for not following an old religion-I'll worship the One True God and pray for those who have fallen pray to this culture of humanism.

Easter Greetings

This should be the new thanksgiving. This should be the time when we do come together and thank the Lord for all things, salvation being supreme. Thank Him for friends to play golf with, jobs, family, and every good thing. Just remember, when Christ was in the garden late that night, there were plenty of caves around there for Him to hide in. The temptation was there but He accepted the cup of wrath. Thank you Lord!

A little out of order...

Easter is the time when we come together and celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. He was here on this planet in body form for 33 years. So call me out of sorts, but today I’m struck with His even coming here. Paul says that God stripped Himself of every advantage of being God and became man! Did He enter this planet as a sultan, heir to a throne, or via some famous family in 1st Century Palestine? NO! He was born in a manger by a hotel that didn’t have any room in it. The people who ran it slept with a good conscience, knowing out by the barn was a young pregnant lady. Ant that’s how God came to this planet…ready for a life of temptation, insults, jeering, rejection, and ultimately death. The one who spoke the planet you see there came here to suffer for the select few who believe in His name. He chose to be affected by the sin He so hates, so that His perfect life could atone for those seeking salvation. Praise Him today. Praise Him for the supper you ate, the people you love, and yes, the salvation he purchased for you.

Sorry Tigers!:(

You dribbled, you missed the mark, you failed....and then you played basketball. AHH Clemson, we have so many fond memories, that time you beat my beloved Gamecocks in Williams Brice stadium, circa 2003; 63-17. Remember that Clemson, when you kept your starting QB in until the late 4th quarter, you kept throwing the fade, even with 6 minutes to go..remeber that? How about the year after when you started a fight with USC and blamed it on the basketball game that was on tv the night before, remember that?



Oh but the time are changing. 31-28 this past year you fell to those Gamecocks your pictured above kicking. You got beat twice in baseball (out of two tries!) by THE USC, and your bball team failed to win the lowly NIT, something we did the past two years in a row...add to the fact it looks like you WILL be starting a true freshman next year at qb...and it's a great time to be a tiger!

the mullet was 86'd

That's me going, "WHY!!!?!?!?" oh well, it was just a mullet

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

We will be 9-3 AT LEAST! Having followed Gamecock football to the point of near idolatry for 20 years, I've never seen this much enthusiasm, this much size, this much speed from our players. It's spring practice and I'm glad we have Super-ior! The freshmen who have reported to practice early have all been accused of taking steriods-it's a great time to be a Gamecock!

Syro-Ephraimite War

We're studying this war in class, and it seemed like a bad reality show. There was an alliance, in anticipation for another alliance to join and fight against Assyria. It didn't turn that way, Judah JOINED Assyria, rejecting the prophet Isaiah's message of hope and trust in God. It spelled the end for Israel after Pekah was assasinated. The Lord was in control over everthing that hapened, and He is in control just the same today..every war, every battle, every alliance, every action, every thought, God is alowing or directly controlling for His puposes and glory!

TV reporter has accident on LIVE TV (she was o.k.)

...and another one

Bear Rescue American Style

another good find!

Ahh S.C. life

I lost a tooth and now have some pretty good mullet action going. Better make sure the Nik Nik nd I aren't related.

Potter vs. clay

Isaiah 29:16 “You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, that what is made say to it’s maker, ‘He did not make me’; or what is formed say to Him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’.”

This group of atheists who are so gung-ho about getting people to denounce God and fear based institutions are just following the pattern that has continued since Adam’s fall. We are the clay from the ground, and here God reminds us to not get it twisted. We need to remember that the clay is not equal with the Potter and that these guys are just backing up what we already know; it is in our unregenerate nature to hate God and to deny Him at every possible turn. Please pray for those making videos denouncing the Holy Spirit.

Gone too far?

There are some new statistics out and they don't look good. Usually, you have to use a grain of salt with many statistics, but not for this one. Here's the news report:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070315/ap_on_he_me/colleges_substance_abuse

(Sorry, ignorant as to how to link with this new Mac) Anyways, from my own knowledge I can attest to this report's validity firsthand. We expect college kids to go out and have a good time, we expect the occasional kegger, the occasional funny story to bring back home when you were so drunk that.... Truth be told, it's gone too far for many, and I know of a couple who are borderline addicted to drinking alcohol and it all started in college.

Why? Why do people drink themselves in a stupor so many times? Boredom? Maybe for some. I've been in that place before. Maybe they are running from something, maybe they want to aviod something under the viel of being the "party guy". Whatever the reason, more are doing it-to the point of addiction, and it could become a crippiling emotional problem for the best and brightest in our nation.

left wing, right wing..who cares?

I've never been the political guy, but I have new respect for some guys I know who are more vocal about thier political views than I am (Timothy). It takes guts to stand by your guns in this world. Especially in this world where if a general in Iraq catches a cold, than that becomes a stat on CNN on how we are losing the war and should pull out asap. I'm amazed how "slanted" someone can be, and if truth is presented than it is denied and then name calling starts. My eyes are opened, but I'm stil not a political guy.

Oh man, a gem in the blogoshpere!

Looky here: good stuff abounds http://nathaneshelman.blogspot.com/

"Extracted"?

psssst..that means yank it out, 10:00 A.M. Eastern time will be the hour of reckoning!

Lessons from serious tooth pain

Ah, you learn a lot about yourself when you stay up all night with serious tooth pain. Particularly, be grateful when you aren't in pain-and quit with the pity parties. And the photo booth aspect on the new MacBook is cool.

Praise be unto God

He raised us from spiritual death and gave us that status of on in which He is "well pleased" with! This is a pic of the monestary where the cross of Christ was....who knows if that's true, but one thing is true: God's grace is amazing!

this is how nerds fight

Another great one-without religous heresy! (See Bennie Hinn vid.)

Benny Hinn: Let the Bodies Hit the Floor!

ummmm......

Today's daily expression

OHHHH don't listen to Avril Levigne's new single...it will cause this expression. Maybe I'm getting old...

L.I.B.R.A.R.Y.

ladies and gents...the CIU library ....and one bored blogger

The hidden underworld of bloggers

For the most part, I love reading personal blogs-they bring new insight to everyday stuff. BUT, I have found there exists within the blogosphere the hidden underworld of people who really like to get off on people coming over and starting stuff. These people need hobbies, they need families with which to discuss their problems with, they need friends....they need....a life. But I digress. These people only get a wag of the finger, and as you can see that's me...well, wagging the finger- and that's it, no more posting about "no life" bloggers....regular bloggers-blog away!

Lost

ok, what a show, and no you're not getting an, 'Isn't that like us, brother?' moment.

no bromance here

Ever been star struck? Ever had a 21 year old male stand beside you and feel your knees get weak,palms get sweaty, and a lump develop in your throat? That ALMOST happened-but nay! it didn't......

Sitting there in line, waiting for the awesome 80's cover band called McFly-who comes right next to us?? None other than the starting qb for the beloved South Carolina Gamecocks. So automatically, I wanted to say something to him, we made eye contact, a little head nod as if to say, "Hello brother, one whom I find comradory with." Actually, he was trying to cut in line and get in the door first as to avoid the fire marshal code in which you have to keep a tally of who goes in and who comes out, so as not to exceed the limit of patrons.

Then it hit me. I'm NOT the over spiritualizer by any means, but this does have some spiritual remifications. Sometimes South Carolina football can be an idol,and this was a classic incident. This guy is probably a really cool guy, probably has the best of intentions, but he is not God! For a vain second, I had the hope of adding to my value portfolio, the knowledge that I had a conversation with #12. This would cause my stock to rise.

Not so fast, my value comes from God's choice in election to redeem and save me; a sinner. Value from knowing who's who fluctuates and never sticks. So,next time I run into a member of the S.C. Gamecock football team, I'm sure there will be that temptation to say something just to say something. Another timewhen glory is fought over in mind-who to give it to ...God or man?

promise of a new day

yeah that was a Paula Abdul song...just seeing if this new version of Beta works on this computer