This question involves several seperate issues: 1) Stewardship of our environment, 2) Dependence on foreign oil, and 3) Getting along with activists. I’m  not sure I have space to address them all, but here goes.

Let me say that the Bible is clear – that we are to care for and about our planet. We, as Christians, must be good stewards of our environment. We should lead the way in the Green Movement. That said, there is a unique difference in how Christians view our world, and how non-Christians, or for the lack of a better term, Environmentalists, view our world.

Stewardship of the earth implies caretaking, not abusing. We are to carefully manage the resources God has given in order to protect and and preserve them. We must understand that God has placed on this planet, all we need to feed, clothe, and house the people that live here.

The real differnce in our approach to this issue is found in our understanding that this planet is not permanent. Environmentalists work to preserve the planet’s resources from a perspective that the earth will last forever. The temporary nature of the earth does not justify abuse on our part, but it does allow us to see that the planet has been given for our use. We work to preserve our resources as long as they last, but not for an eternity.

So, we must seek to use the resources of the earth, and do so in harmony with all of life. I believe this is possible, and is being done. A recent picture of thousands of caribou laying and grazing next to the Alaskan Pipeline illustrates this truth.

Research should continue for alternative fuel sources, but we should not feel guilty or abusive if we responsibly use the resources we have. Oh. Greenpeace? Not sure they can be satisfied, but that ‘s just me. I’ll talk to you about foreign dependence next.

Yesterday, one of our office employees forwarded a link of a pastor praying before a NASCAR race. The local news announcer at a Nashville station remarks that,” This prayer is one of the most unusual you might ever hear.” and I think it is. But I loved it. Now there is the rub, because this prayer has set off a firestorm in some Christian circles, and the remarks by many Christians have been, well… less than flattering. I liked it; in fact I thought it was hilarious. Now there is yet another rub, many think that a prayer should never been described as hilarious but I think there are more of these types of prayers than we know. I am convinced that God must laugh at our prayer on occasion, the situations we can get into that require intense prayer are sometimes hilarious.

 I will include a link to this prayer because you will have to listen for yourself to know where I am coming from. http://deadspin.com/5824226/this-pre+race-prayer-might-actually-be-the-most-redneck-moment-in-nascar-history
Here are some general observations;

1. The crowd actually heard his prayer. I have been invited to pray before many events like this, and a typical payer is seldom noticed, and most are simply waiting for the “amen” to offer their own, “Play Ball,” or, “Gentlemen start your engines”. Oh, I know it is God that I am talking to so it is not about the people in the crowd listening, but that said, the thought that goes into many public prayers does take into account that folks might be listening.
2. The crowd liked the prayer, were engaged and laughed. I know some will say, ”They laughed, how can that be good?”  It was disrespectful irreverent and a joke. Not a real prayer at all.
3. Why was it a joke? Is it ok to thank God for a car, technology, fuel, tires, or fun entertainment? I think so — we do it all the time. Who has not thanked God for their car or asked for one if they need it? Who has not thanked God for technology? It has been used by Him to save lives. I think all he thanked God for was appropriate, and since I am married to a “Smoking Hot Wife” whom I thank God for every day, I do not see a problem. I thank God for my children just as he did. So what in the prayer was out of line? The way he did it? Who is to say that his heart was not right? The heart seems to be the criterion in scripture. Besides, we have no problem when a child thanks God for everything they see when offering their bed time prayers. So what is the big deal?
4. I think this guy earned the right to have conversations with people who are far from God. I think folks in the crowd thought, ”Who is that? I want to go to his church. He is fun, crazy, and neat.” My own sons — after hearing this – said, “I want to go hear him preach.” Sometimes, getting out of our “church speak” and having fun opens a door to genuine conversations about the things of God, and I bet a conversation with this guy would be an uncompromising dialogue about a God who loves us and offers eternal life in Christ. I think I would like to go to his church as well.
5. Jesus endured the same kind of ridicule for the radical things he said and for his continual departure from the stale religious rituals of His day. Before we throw stones think about it. Maybe the only part that was not normal was the “Boogety, Boogety, Boogety” at the end, and I think God laughed at that too.

Here is a thought – an observation, really. It has been said that fifty is the new forty. Being now in my fifties leads me to agree with that statement. Fifty years old is much younger these days than it has been in the past. Partly because I am on the other side looking back, but also because, I think, folks in their 50’s are much more active today than in times past. My Tanya and I consistently go to the gym and enjoy outdoor activities that are quite challenging physically.  As I reflect upon my childhood, my parents were not nearly as involved in physical activities as we are. Now, there may be many reasons for it, but that can be the topic of anther discussion.

Fifty is the new forty, but if that is true, then 21 is the new 12 — or at least 15. Think about it. Kids are leaving home later today than ever before. I married at 21, and that was the norm then. Today, a 21 year old is likely to be at home, still in school, working, or trying to figure out what he or she wants to be when they grow up. The point is, that we seem to be growing up later and later these days, but are demanding that children make life changing decisions earlier than ever before. Am I the only one who feels this way? A student in high school needs to have a good idea where they would like to attend college by the time they finish their 11^th grade year. The paperwork and entrance process demands one finish early in order to do everything necessary to be accepted at that chosen university. When I was in school we did not have to make such decisions until we were seniors — but then, 17 was 17 — not the new 13.

I know this may be unpopular, but I am convinced that children are maturing slower emotionally while they are maturing faster physically, and that is a deadly combination. Children who are sexually mature, with raging hormones while being emotionally immature makes for a disastrous potential. I say this and, sadly, have no real answers for the problem, except to suggest that, somehow, our parenting might be at fault. Now, that is even more unpopular. But think about it.

I think my generation was given greater responsibility at an earlier age and that might have contributed to a maturity level at a younger age. This generation has been catered to at such a level that they have been given little responsibility and thus have not matured at the same rate. It seems that parents today are bent on making life good and easy for our children, when life is not always good, and is seldom easy. We have a tendency to shoulder the hard stuff for them and protect them from failure, when the hard stuff and failure are two necessary life lessons that need to mastered early on if we are to be successful.

I do not want to think of my childhood as the “good ole days.”  I will leave that to those who are older –besides, I am still in my 40’s since 50 is the new 40. When I grew up I was allowed to learn the lessons of life even when they were tough. My parents rallied around me in those times to teach me that failure did not have to be final and never defines who we are. These are lessons we will learn if we make it in life, but if our parents do not teach us early we will learn them late. Ultimately, as parents we cannot protect our children from those lessons forever. When I played sports as a child there was a winner and a loser and we were taught to be good losers. Today, everyone wins, everyone gets a trophy, and everyone misses the lessons of life that are essential to survival. Oh, they will learn them, and maybe even at a young age, but only because 21 is the new 12.

Coach McCoy, the father of professional football quarterback Colt McCoy, once said that he and his wife strived to prepare their sons for the path not the path for their sons. That, I think, is the key. To prepare our children for the path is to allow them to fail, to teach them in the struggles of life. Do not prepare the path, making sure they never face disappointment or hardships, instead, prepare the child for the path. Let’s try that, and maybe 21 will actually be 21.

To illustrate let me take a story from the headlines of yesterday’s news report. The story is about a new swim suit line just released by Abercrombie and Fitch. This company is no stranger to controversy, but their most recent decision has landed them in some hot water. The news story reported that their latest line of swim wear features a bikini with a padded bra and, here is the controversial part, the swim suit is targeted to girls as young as 7 years old. I must say I was somewhat encouraged by the apparent outrage over this marketing ploy since so many other similar marketing techniques seem to go unnoticed.  

As I see this story unfold, I believe it is another illustration that life, according to this world’s standard, is a setup. Think about it. This world seems to place extreme importance on physical appearance - especially for young girls. We bombard them with pictures of what “real beauty” looks like, images that are almost always scantily clad, and now offer padded bra for girls 7 years old. Where does this lead? Am I naive to suggest that some of the statistics of teenage pregnancy are somehow connected to this “sex sells” mentality? Is it possible that young girls are beginning to think that they are not ok as they are and as such could not be loved as they are and must somehow search for that love through sex?

I know many will disagree with me here so I will return to my original point. Life is a set up. Ok, follow me here. We give our 7 year old girls pushup bra swim suits to draw attention to their bodies at a time when they should be focused on playing (ok I am digressing again). From 7 years old they are made aware of their sexual nature, they are led down a path that ultimately leads to sexual experimentation and involvement. Studies have revealed that most children have their first encounter sexually before the age 13. (I am relying on memory here so don’t get hung up on that quote it might be younger)

So here is the setup. You tell me, what happens to the girls who get pregnant at age 13? Does the world reach out and say “you poor thing you are just a victim of circumstance”? No, our society looks down its nose and calls the child irresponsible, point’s fingers at the parents and the school system for not educating them in the issues of sexual relationships. It is a set up – hey, these children are just walking down the path the world has pointed them toward and then when they arrive where it leads the world condemns them and calls them a slut.

It is a setup, I tell you and that is just one example. In the series of messages I will share many others. The good news is the God has made a way for us to live above the world’s standard. God invites us to a new standard of living that is upside down and inside out compared to the world’s, one that offers hope and help, purpose and power.

For more come see us on Easter or check out the series on line.

The subject of Heaven seems to strike a chord in the heart of every person – and for good reason I might add, because we are made for eternity. I believe God has set eternity in our hearts so it is reasonable to expect a fascination with the subject. The book recounts the experience of a 4 year old who had a close encounter with death and during that time visited Heaven. I have not read the book so a critique would be premature. I have though, seen the interviews the family has had with news media and from that have a general idea of what the book reveals about this journey to heaven.

I do not propose to offer an opinion about the nature of the experience of this young man and do not intend to speculate about what happened, but I do want to offer a suggestion for the apparent conflict that emerges from such experiences. I say conflict because this is not the first book written to chronicle the experience of folks when they face death and return – or who we might say die and then return to life. Whether the book looks at the experience of a child who shares things that could not have been known to them or the experience of others who are drawn to a light or still others who meet loved ones who have been dead for many years, there is a conflict that emerges. The conflict is connected to experiences that do not align with scripture. Even as subtitles these discrepancies create a huge problem. What do you do when the story of a person’s encounter with heaven differs from what the Bible tells us about the same place? Well, to make a complicated matter seem simple, due to the lack of space in this blog post, I say chose scripture. I know it might not be as exciting but I am convinced that Scripture is the bedrock of God’s revelation of Himself and Heaven. That is not to say that God will not or may not use other methods to communicate to us, He is God and can do as he wishes, but it is to say that the primary method He has chosen to give us today is His word. To contradict His word is unthinkable. That would bring all of it into question.

So, always interpret events about God and Heaven and the things of God in light of the revelation of His word. I listen with interest to these stories and I am encouraged by them but when something in the book does not match with what I know the Bible teaches I simply smile and say that is neat I do not understand what all of this means but I do know what the Bible says and on that I stand firm.

So, read them if you like but not to the neglect of His Book. I love what my dad once told me before I headed off to seminary, “Son, never let it be said of you that you spend more time reading books about the Book than you spend reading the Book.” Good advice, after all the best description you will ever find of Heaven is in His Book, and it is incredible.

This is a fascinating story that has not received the attention I think it deserves.  Meche, according to the New York Times announced that he would retire, giving up the payday due on the last year of his deal. The article also notes that Meche has always been known for his integrity and his response to this decision was that he just didn’t like the idea of not earning his keep. The article also said that his decision left the baseball world stunned. I bet it did. The decision is stunning but it is also stellar. Wow! In a day when the attitude is; get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can, this is a classy move.

This guy is one that we can truly lift up as a sports hero, one we can hold up before your children. I know that many will immediately discount his move drawing attention to the fact that he has already earned millions but even armed with those facts $12 million is still a lot of money to walk away from – even if you are a millionaire. Most millionaires would not leave that kind of money on the table.

I think his decision was a matter of integrity, here is a guy who seems to live by the principles. I was taught as a child, an honest day’s wage for an honest day’s work. In this instance he felt that he was not giving labor worthy of the agreement. Again, well done and may his tribe increase. Honesty, integrity, honorable work ethic, these are things more valuable than money. The writer of Proverbs says a good name is more desirable than great riches (22:1). Gill in this decision earned a good name.

I have discovered that God’s method works. I know that should be a no brainer but for me it was a great discovery. I have tried to commemorate the times of God’s faithfulness in my life with some simple reminder that when seen will jar my memory and help me focus again on His faithfulness. I should have learned this lesson as a child ‘cause I remember my dad gave everyone in the small church he pastored a small cross to carry in their pocket as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. He said as you reach into your pocket during the day to retrieve change you will see the cross and remember what God has done for you.

Good idea, but because I have ADD it took me a few years to figure out on my own what my dad was trying to teach me. Now I have simple reminders throughout my home, in my truck, and in my pocket, that serve as memorials to keep my focus on him. This works for me, so maybe you should try it too. Oh I would also suggest that you journal. His gifts are so abundant that you will run out of room for the memorials so write them down and review them often. Besides, one day when I am gone my sons might thumb through my journal and say, “Wow! God is good.”

There was no such thing when I was a kid. If you displayed the symptoms of A.D.D. they just thought you were B.A.D. I was falsely labeled B.A.D. as a child I am certain of it because I was really A.D.D. I believe I still am. It seems this is not necessarily a disorder that one grows out of. I am not saying that this is not a serious issue or down playing the importance of this disorder, I know that A.D.D. is a challenge many struggle with on a daily basis. Seriously, I think I would have been diagnosed with it as a child if that had been an option.

I will use this A.D.D. thing to address what I think is a bigger issue in our society and certainly in our Christian world. I believe there is a growing number of Christians that are suffering from a spiritual form of Attention Deficit Disorder (and I am not just talking about the short attention span that most have in worship services or at least when the pastor gets up to preach). I am taking about the ability to stay focused on God and the things of God for an extended period of time. It seems that today most of us are so easily distracted. I know it is a struggle for me to stay focused on God when there are so many things competing for my attention. I am certain that distraction is a tactic of the enemy as he works at it nonstop lest we hear and respond to that still, small voice of God. I know many at this point might say “why does God choose so often to speak through that still small voice anyway if He wants us to stay focused why doesn’t He speak in a more concise manner?” I would simply say it is my experience that His still, small voice can be awfully loud at times, easy to hear, and clear to discern. The problem is not with His voice but with my attention.

Sound familiar? Do you struggle to concentrate to stay focused in prayer and engaged in Bible study? Do you have a hard time staying focused in the worship time or as a pastor teaches? Does your mind drift to outside interests only to return when you are out of time or the opportunity is gone? Well, maybe you too suffer from a chronic case of spiritual A.D.D. So, what can we do about it? I believe there are …

Now, I do not intend to be Scrooge, and I actually hate being politically correct about anything, but I wonder if our philosophy – as believers that is – is flawed? Does “Merry Christmas” really acknowledge Christ? Does “Happy Holidays” actually exclude Him?  Is it that easy? Can we and should we expect unbelievers to understand what Christmas is all about? Can they ever? Is it reasonable to assume that expressing my frustration with a store that does not have a believer as the CEO or in the decision making position on this matter will do any good? Can my protest and does my protest lead them to a knowledge of who this Christ is? I am even bothered by the level of anger that is often expressed by believers toward nonbelievers about the fact that they do not acknowledge Christ in Christmas. Can we really expect that they ever will? My experience has taught me that they cannot, and Paul even says that only as God reveals the truth will anyone ever get it. I think to put Christ in Christmas you must know Him and have a relationship with Him, and the phrase “Merry Christmas” is not even an indication that believers have placed Christ at the center in their own celebration.

At the risk of opening another can or worms, it reminds me of a statement my dad used to make about the argument of prayer in public schools. Dad would often say, “I am amazed that so many of the people that argue for prayer in public school do not pray at home.” (and I am for prayer in Public Schools)

Listen, I prefer “Merry Christmas” and will use that greeting but I do so because I know what the holiday is all about. However, I am not upset with others who do not because it is likely that they might not know. I just do not expect those who are not believers to act like, and have the same values, as those who are. People without Christ are what believers often call, “lost” and they are good at it. They use a lot of words and phrases that are rather offensive to me, but I know I cannot change their vocabulary until God changes their heart. Maybe the campaign we need to be focused on is one that shares the message of Christmas – that God loves us as we are and came to earth, becoming man, to live and die to pay our sin debt that we might be made right with God. I believe when folks understand that, their vocabulary will follow, and they will be the first to say “Merry Christmas.”

I do find it interesting that we as believers can get more upset over the right phrase than the state of heart another person might have. It is easier to get believers to sign a petition to use “Merry Christmas” than to share the Gospel of Christmas.

Well, just a thought. I do hope you will have a Happy Holiday Season, one that will allow you to know the love that God has for you expressed in the sending of His son, Jesus. That knowledge will change everything.

Merry Christmas.