In Case You Were Wondering...

A leading Israeli rabbi has ruled that the anti-impotency pill Viagra can be taken by Jews on Passover, reversing a previous ban.

Viagra had been deemed not kosher since 1998 under strict dietary laws over the week-long Jewish spring holiday.

Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu said the pill can be swallowed if it is encased in a special soluble kosher capsule first.

Viagra's Israeli manufacturers said they sought an answer after receiving queries from worried religious men.

BBC News has the rest of the story here.

Jesus Scented Candles?

File this under: Too Much Time on Your Hands…

An American couple have created a scented candle based on biblical accounts of what Jesus smells like.

Bob and Karen Tosterud, from South Dakota, were inspired by a verse that says when Jesus returns to Earth his robes will perfumed with myrrh, aloe and cassia.

Karen sourced the fragrances on the internet and had a family friend manufacture the 'His Essence' candle, reports WCCO TV.

"I thought: "I wonder what that would smell like". It would have to be wonderful because of who they are representing. If you're not religious at all, it's just a subtle scent. I think it can be shared by all," she said.

The candles have proved to be a huge success with Christians and the His Essence range is being sold by Interior Plus, an American version of IKEA.

Interior Plus owner, Kim Foels, said she is a fan of the candles: "When I burn it in my home, it just gives me a feeling of when I was a little girl growing up."

The candles costs £9.50 and burn for 80 hours.

Conservative Talk Hostess Request Prayers at Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Laura Ingraham

PRAYER REQUEST FROM LAURA: "You know I hate Drama Kings or Queens, but I am asking for your prayers today and for the forseeable future. On Friday afternoon, I learned that I have joined the ever-growing group of American women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. As so many breast cancer patients will tell you, it all came as a total shock. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me--my family, a wonderful fiance (if he thinks he's going to get out of marrying me because of this little blib, he's sadly mistaken!), my friends, and my church. I am absolutely blown away by how helpful and kind everyone has been--including total strangers who have experienced the same rollercoaster of emotions. The sisterhood of breast cancer survivors is inspiring. I am truly blessed. On Tuesday I will have an operation and within a few days will know more about the future. I am hopeful for a bright future and a "normal" life (well, scratch the "normal" part). Anyway, people have gone through much worse, and I know I'll obliterate this. I am thanking you in advance for your prayers. You are my family. And remember, I'll be back sooner than you think."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and the millions of women who are fighting and winning over breast cancer...

Decision Time For Evangelicals

"We have come to a turning-point in the road. If we turn to the right, mayhap our children and our children's children will go that way; but if we turn to the left, generations yet unborn will curse our names for having been unfaithful to God and to His Word." Charles Spurgeon

This powerful quote comes from a great commentary by Southwestern Baptist Seminary President R. Albert Mohler. It is well worth your time to read his critique and call to return to the roots of the Gospel before it it too late. As always his insights are right on and will profit those who are doers of the Word.

Abortion Clinic Workers Refuse To Help Mother After Her Baby Was Aborted Alive

This is one of the most heat-rending story I have ever heard about the evils of abortion and its willing accomplices. Read it and weep as I have done.

Orlando, FL - Angele, a single mother in her thirties with two children, thought that abortion was the answer to her circumstances. At almost 23 weeks gestation, she entered the EPOC Clinic in Orlando, Florida. Little did she realize that the next day she would give birth to a live, perfectly healthy boy whom she named Rowan. Cradling Rowan's moving body, her screams for help were ignored by abortion clinic workers while her son took his last breath...

The full story with picture of little Rowan can be found at Worldnet Daily and Liberty Counsel websites.

I wonder for how much longer God will withhold His righteous judgment upon this nation. The pagan nations were decimated for their practice of infanticide, do we deserve any less a fate? May God have mercy upon us!

My prayers go out to Angele and her family. May they take comfort from the knowledge that baby Rowan is safe in the arms of the Savior and his brief life may save countless more little ones from a similar cruel end.

What is Man? Two Parts or Three?

Phillip Ross over at Pilgrim Platform raises an interesting topic concerning the composition of man. He writes:

"I bought a new Reformation Study Bible, edited by R.C. Sproul, and was reading Genesis 2 and the various comments and notes this morning. A brief article on page 10 discusses the composition of a human person."Each human being in this world consists of a material body animated by an immaterial personal self. Scripture calls this self a 'soul' or 'spirit.'"While the article argues for the traditional understanding of a dichotomous composition, there are many believers who argue for a trichotomous composition. Most of the discussion of this issue that I have read leaves my head spinning. There is much confusion about it. Some distinguish between mind, body and soul, other use body, soul and spirit. The first issue, though, is whether people are dichotomous or trichotomous."

Ross then makes a case for the trichotomous position. Arguing:

Genesis clearly reveals that man was created in the image of God. Exactly what that image is or what it means has been discussed for aeons. My take on it, following Van Til, is that since God is a Trinity, a trichotomous being whose various distinctions do not violate His unity and wholeness, man has a similar analogical trichotomous composition.

From there he raises the question of what distinguishes a believer from an unbeliever, positing that the difference lies in the void in the composition of the unbeliever.

I want to argue that both believers and unbelievers are trichotomous but unbelievers have an empty or unrealized element. Clearly, unbelievers are not whole, not complete. Someone has said that all people have a God-sized hole in them, and that they are not complete until God fills that hole. This lobbies for the fact that the Holy Spirit is dispatched to believers for the purpose of salvation, which amounts to the wholeness of believers in Christ. Believers are yoked with Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That yoke is composed of human spirit (or soul) and Holy Spirit.

Unbelievers are not constitutionally different than believers, and are therefore trichotomous. However, only two of their three cylinders are firing, to borrow an engine analogy. Two of their three cavities are filled -- body and soul -- and the third cavity is devoid of the Holy Spirit.

Like I said, an interesting topic. I can see the reasoning behind the trichotomous position. However, I need to think further on the point raised concerning whether or not the Holy Spirit is the "missing" element or third part of man's makeup. How does all this fit into man's perfect state in the Garden ofEden? In what way does the doctrine of total depravity fit this scheme - since in it all the parts of man are corrupted - Body, Soul and Spirit? How is the Spirit's place in the Trinity kept separate from the Spirit's place in the composition of man?

For now I am more comfortable with the traditional understanding of the nature of man. Seeing the Holy Spirit's role as applying the total salvation of Christ to the whole of man - recreating in him the image of God lost in the fall. Believers having experienced the reclaimation of God's original design, while unbelievers still tragically and fatally flawed.

Let me know what you think...

On Recommending the ESV

I have been using the English Standard Version (ESV) devotionally and in my studies for some time now. I find it to be one of the best of the current crop of translations. At The Spirit-Filled Life you will find an excellent endorsement of the ESV and its use in today's "dumbed-down" Christian culture. It is worth a thoughful read. Find it here: The Spirit-Filled Life. And for a good study Bible using the ESV check out the The Reformation Study Bible edited by RC Sproul.

Senator Pryor Sees Rash Use of Religion by Evangelicals

Sen. Mark Pryor lashed out Wednesday at the Christian evangelicals who have joined the attack on Democratic filibusters of President Bush’s judicial nominees. Their tactics threaten "to make the followers of Jesus Christ just another special-interest group," Pryor said in a conference call with Arkansas reporters. "It is presumptuous of them to think that they represent all Christians in America, even to say they represent all evangelical Christians," added Pryor, 42, a first-term Democrat who has considered himself an evangelical Christian for 25 years.

Pryor said he was "very disappointed" that some of the movement’s leaders "have entered into this fray." A number of conservative Christian organizations, which want more right-leaning appointments to the federal bench, have been calling for an end to judicial filibusters. Many joined the National Coalition to End Judicial Filibusters, which sent a letter to key Republican senators April 4 urging immediate action. Among the dozens listed as part of the coalition were Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus on the Family; Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; and the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition.

What especially caught Pryor’s attention were recent remarks made by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. "For years activist courts, aided by liberal interest groups like the ACLU, have been quietly working under the veil of the judiciary, like thieves in the night, to rob us of our Christian heritage and our religious freedoms," Perkins says in a message posted on the group’s Web site.

I caught this article today in my surfing. While I consider myself a “right-winger” and have a visceral response to the words of Tony Perkins, I also have some sympathy for Senator’s Pryor’s position. I wonder if, perhaps, we are overstepping our bounds as evangelicals, especially our leadership, who seems to have forgotten what happened when the Moral Majority thought too highly of themselves. I believe that Christians should be involved in the political process, but we must remember that our primary influence should be to change human hearts and not judgeships. We cannot ultimately legislate morality. When Jesus engaged the political structures of his day, he counseled respect and pointed to the greater reality of the kingdom of God. Are we perhaps in danger of trying too hard to create “a heaven on earth”? Paul warns us that the weapons of our warfare are not the same as those of the world. (2 Cor 10:3–5) Rather than constantly signing petitions and calling our elected officials, perhaps our time would be better spent on our knees asking God to send revival. Not even the Senate can filibuster that!

A Wonderful Reminder For Preachers

The Legacy by Ron DiCianni

This is one of my all time favorite pieces of art. I have it in my office at home. It is a powerful reminder to me, as a preacher, that I don't labor in my own strength and in my own wisdom. Rather, I stand in a long line of godly men who have received God's call to speak His truth in an age that prefers lies.

There have been many Sunday mornings when I have felt inadequate for the job, but have known the touch of the Savior's hand encouraging me to press on.

I offer this as a visual encouragement to the faithful men who week after week mount the pulpit and hold forth the Gospel of Life.

We are heirs of a godly legacy and we must answer the call until the next generation comes to take our place and we join the great cloud of witnesses awaiting that glorious day of our Lord's return.

Maranatha!

Until then - Preach On!

Music Minister Booted from Nashville Star

My pick for this season's Nashville Star, Jayron Weaver, got the boot tonight. The music minister of his local church in Dallas, Georgia, he clearly had the best voice in the competition, but, he was not a favorite of judge Anastasia Brown, who thought he lacked the "grit" to be a country star. Doubtless, her observations contributed to Jayron's exit. Still I am sure that he will be picked up by some label - Christian or Country. Best of luck, Jayron and God Bless!

Top 10 Issues Facing the Church Today?

Lifeway surveyed over 1,300 ministry leaders to compile a list of the ten greatest issues facing the church in the future. Here is their list. What do you think?

The Top 10 Issues Facing Today’s Church

10. Abortion
The church's lack of an effective response to 30+ years of legalized abortion.

9. Homosexuality
The rising social pressure to accept same-sex behavior and relationships.

8. Relevance
The seeming inability of the church to answer questions one has living in the "real world."

7. Marriage
The negative effects on families that result from divorce, adultery, etc.

6. Apathy
The seeming lack of personal interest, support, and enthusiasm from the pews for the work of the church.

5. Doctrine/Worldview
The growing pressure to compromise principles to make truths more palatable to an audience. The widening influence of explicitly anti-Christian culture and negative influences on the church.

4. Evangelism
The decline among Christians in personal sharing of the Gospel.

3. Leadership
The need for clear, biblical vision and direction by church leaders.

2. Discipleship
The need for involvement of every believer in being continually transformed into the image of Christ.

1. Prayer
The need for more ongoing, passionate prayer in both personal and church life.

The Diet of {book} Worms

Solomon rightly says: "Of the making of books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) But now there is a great new resource from a conservative protestant, reformed perspective that helps ease some of the weariness. Recently launched The Diet of {book} Worms ( a hat tip to M. Luther) provides a clearinghouse of some of the best reviews of many of the popular books filling the shelves at local bookstores. I just read a penetrating review of Joel Osteen's new bestseller that gets to the heart of his "ungospel" Good News.

From their FAQ:

Can You Explain The Purpose of this Site? In short, this site is a collection of links to discerning reviews of Christian books. It is a resource for Christians to research books and authors. We collect reviews written by discerning readers and link to them from this site. Once our editors have reviewed the book, we generally provide a consensus view of the book. So the next time a person says to you, "Have you heard of this book?" you can search for it in our database and find one or more discerning reviews of that book. Similarly, next time you are looking for a good book to read, you can visit this site and find a book that you know will prove edifying.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I will be returning often for help is choosing for my own reading and recommending books to my congregation.

You should check it out as well!

The Minster's Bible

O God of Truth,

I thank thee for the holy Scriptures,

their precepts, promises, directions, light.

In them may I learn more of Christ,

be enabled to retain his truth

and have grace to follow it.

Help me to lift up the gates of my soul

that he may come in

and show me himself when I search

the Scriptures,

for I have no lines to fathom its depths,

no wings to soar to its heights.

By his aid may I be enabled to explore

all its truths,

love them with all my heart,

embrace them with all my power,

engraft them into my life.

Bless to my soul all grains of truth garnered

from thy Word;

may they take deep root,

be refreshed by heavenly dew,

be ripened by heavenly rays,

be harvested to my joy and thy praise.

Help me to gain profit by what I read,

as treasure beyond all treasure,

a fountain which can replenish my dry heart,

its waters flowing through me as a perennial river

on-drawn by thy Holy Spirit.

Enable me to distil from its pages faithful prayer

that grasps the arm of thy omnipotence,

achieves wonders, obtains blessings,

and draws down streams of mercy.

From it show me how my words have often been

unfaithful to thee,

injurious to my fellow-men,

empty of grace, full of folly,

dishonouring to my calling.

Then write thy own words upon my heart

and inscribe them on my lips;

So shall all glory be to thee

in my reading of thy Word!

From Valley of Vision published by Banner of Truth Trust

Christian Radio No Longer Christian?

A powerful editorial by Brannon Howse entitled Christian Happy Talk
raises some serious questions about the direction of Christian media in the US. Building off the recent firing of Pastor Marty Minto for comments made on air about the Pope's afterlife, Brannon takes a hard look at what he sees is the selling out of Christian media (radio, books, music). He observes:

"The firing of Pastor Minto brings to the forefront a national debate that has been swirling for some time among Christian broadcasting and publishing circles. As doctrinally questionable books like Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now," fly off the shelf, with their largely secular, Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller message, we have to ask, what is the goal? Where's the Bible? Are these radio programs and books not really an inch deep and a mile long with spirituality mixed in to appeal to the masses seeking to feel good in their sin? Many Christian broadcasters, authors and publishers are pitching a message that attracts an audience, offends few and is so palatable that it sells like hotcakes to Americans looking for spirituality. Make no mistake; this is a spirituality based on a self-help, be-happy, have-it-all message that is far from biblical Christianity despite the packaging."

I think he is right on here. We have sold the Good News for Happy News. And ultimately that is Bad News for this country and the Christian Faith.

NBC's Revelations - A Quick Review

I tried unsuccessfully to catch the rerun of the premiere of NBC's Revelations on USA Network last night. Couldn't make it. I fell asleep about half-way through. Thank goodness for TIVO. But what I did see was the usual secular sensationalism covered with a venneer of pseudo-religious hocus-pocus. It will probably get big ratings, but will only serve to 1) scare the gulible faithful, 2) marginalize further those already turned off by "End-Times" preachers, and 3) force other networks to promote similar dreck.

For a unique review of the show from an evangelical Christian perspective see this post at American Vision by Gary DeMar.

Do youself a favor get a Bible and read the "original" script - entitled, by the way,
THE REVELATION.

Another great cartoon from CoxandForkum.com
Posted by Hello

Awesome Sand Sculpture
Posted by Hello

Pray for the Papuans

Christian Papuans Facing Genocide, Says WEA Researcher

“Papuans, often Christian leaders, are frequently killed by the TNI (the Indonesia military), who are constantly trying to provoke retaliation that could be claimed to justify a full scale massacre against the 'separatist threat,'” reported RLC’s Elizabeth Kendal in the April 13 release of the Religious Prayer Bulletin.

“The TNI terrorizes Papuans from helicopters, shooting civilians, burning villages and churches, and forcing thousands to flee their homes and hide in the jungle where they die of starvation, illness or injury,” Kendal added.

Eastern Indonesia’s Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) forms the western portion of the island of New Guinea. Although it has been memorably highlighted in Don Richardson's well known missionary tales 'Peace Child' and 'Lords of the Earth,' many people worldwide have not even heard of Papua or confuse it with the independent nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the eastern part of New Guinea

According to Operation World, more than 90 percent of indigenous Papuans are officially regarded as Christian, mostly Protestant. An amazing statistic, sources say, since Papuans were animists and headhunters only 50 years ago.

NYC Cleans Up Its Act

New York Daily News - City cleared to XXX out smut shops

Another small victory for decency. Way to go NYC! May other cities follow suit.

New Feature Added

For those who take the time to scroll down to the end of the page, I have added a new feature - a cartoon from Chris Muir called Day-by-Day. A humorous take upon the events of the day from a slightly right perspective. Enjoy!

And so it begins...

Six episcopal priests have been targeted for their opposition to the ordination of Gene Robinson as the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Andrew D. Smith said in letters sent to the priests that they had ''abandoned the communion of the church," which would mean the priests would no longer lead their parishes. The priests could later be defrocked.

Who is out of communion with who here? Those who stand up for biblical truth or those who trumpet a "new age" in religion?

The Rev. Christopher Leighton, rector of St. Paul's Church in Darien, is one of the six priests who received a letter from Smith.

A statement that was circulated April 3 to the St. Paul's congregation said Smith accused Leighton, ''without explanation, of having abandoned the communion of the Church, and he proceeded to threaten further action which would bring harm to Father Leighton, our parish, and our mission." Leighton said Smith is imposing ''spiritual gag orders."

''The real story is our freedom to speak and our freedom to practice our faith is what is being inhibited," he said. Leighton and the other rectors represent conservative parishes that opposed Robinson's consecration. The six churches have since tried to break away from Smith's authority and be supervised by another bishop.

I wonder how soon we will see this taking place in other mainline denominations - Where the laity remain conservative, but the leadership is packed with liberals?

Mae Magouirk's Story Thus Far...

I'm sure you have been following the sad story of Mae Magouirk referenced in my last post. (Thanks again GTL!) While there has been some good news, the family was dealt a blow today as well.

Ken Mullinax sent the following email today:

MY Aunt Mae is now being nourished and hydrated at UAB medical Center. HOWEVER, BETH GADDY HAS ISSUED AN ORDER TO THE MEDICAL STAFF AT THE CCU-UNIT of UAB WHICH PREVENTS MAE'S BROTHER (A. B. McLeod) SISTER (Lonnie Ruth Mullinax) and nephews/any of the Alabama relatives FROM VISITING MAE MAGOUIRK IN HER ROOM at the hospital. When we appeared today to visit Mae, we were turned away by hospital staff! It is ironic that my Mom is on the 7th floor and Mae is located on the 8th floor of UAB but she is prevented from seeing her sister who is suffering from the same heart malady. SO IT GOES. It is heartbreaking..but we are still overjoyed she is receiving substantial nourishment, fluids and a proactive medical treatment....praise Christ!!

What amazes me is the complete lack of shame exhibited by first, Michael Schiavo and now, Beth Gaddy. The eyes of the nation are focused upon their actions, but they don’t even seemed fazed. The defiance of sinful man is beyond belief. There was a time that families could sit down and deal with such matters in a calm and rational way, now it seems that we have allowed lawyers and judges to replace such discourse. Once we take that first step those on the the slippery slope only gain speed. May God spare Aunt Mae the same fate as Teri Schiavo!

I'm Agreeing with a Liberal on Something???

While wandering through Blog-Clicker raking up credits I came across a post from a self-professed “pistol-packing leftie.” Usually I just tune out till my time is up, but since it referenced a story that I have been following I tuned back in. And guess what I am agreeing with The Gun-Toting Liberal! But take heart my dear friends, I am not cancelling my membership in Rush 24/7, or putting a Hillary ‘08 sticker on my SUV. Just proves that on some issues even a liberal can be “right!”

‘Seems like yanking feeding tubes out of the so-called “useless” folks in our society has become a bit of a sick FAD lately. Not so long ago, we had pet rocks, beanie babies and most recently, “Support The Troops” magnets but now… folks… yanking feeding tubes out of handicapped folks has seemed to have really caught on these days. Visit your local hospice today so you TOO can get your “I yanked the feeding tube out of Granny and all I have to show for it is this lousy t-shirt” T. “Not funny”, you say? GOOD, because it’s so NOT funny, it’s SICK!

Aigh’t, here it is in a nutshell:

Seems Miss Mae’s got a couple of problems (glaucoma and a heart problem) and her granddaughter has decided it’s time for her to go “home to Jesus”, even though the REST of her family thinks she’s a NUT and thinks Jesus’ decisions should rest SQUARELY on the J-Man Himself’s shoulders and NOT some whacked out school teacher.

Here’s a LOVELY little quote from her sweet executioner / granddaughter:

“Grandmama is old and I think it is time she went home to Jesus,” Gaddy told Magouirk’s brother and nephew, McLeod and Ken Mullinax. “She has glaucoma and now this heart problem, and who would want to live with disabilities like these?”

Okay now, just to demonstrate how SICK this “Ms. Gaddy” IDIOT is, I’m going to substitute the word “UGLY” for “old”, “THE FLU” for “glaucoma” and “GALL BLADDER” for “heart”….

"*I* think it is TIME she went home to JESUS"!???

Here’s how it pans out:

“Grandmama is UGLY and I think it is time she went home to Jesus,” Gaddy told Magourick’s brother and nephew, McLeod and Ken Mullinax. “She has THE FLU and now this GALL BLADDER problem, and who would want to live with disabilities like these?”

FOLKS! I blogged and blogged and BLOGGED about the danger of going down this road while Terri was still breathing but drying up, starving and her mucous membranes shrivelling up and CRACKING. I said this was STEP ONE toward a “Nazi America” and now, just a few damned weeks later, here we are, full damned CIRCLE!

Listen folks, you just CANNOT go around yanking FEEDING TUBES out of sick folks… ESPECIALLY when they have a living will that clearly prohibits such actions! NO, NO, NO, NO, NOOOOOOOO! This is NOT a good idea. YOU could be NEXT. For Heaven’s Sake, PLEASE save Mae Magourick and save yourselves and America in the process!

For cryin’ out LOUD, what have we become; a nation of candy-[edited], politically correct, party-worshipping, euthanizing foo’s??? Step away from your [edited] “parties” and their STOOPID talking points memos meant to control their “SHEEPLE” for a minute and BE REAL. This is NOT RIGHT! Pope Jean Paul II must be rolling in his grave (and I wouldn’t blame him for it).

Get REAL. When you assume the role of the Grim Reaper, you are asking for trouble.

I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks GTL.

Top Ten Ways to Remain a Spiritual Baby

Modern psychological theory tells us that it is important to get in touch with our “Inner Child.” It is only by embracing the “infant inside” that we can adequately cope with the complex problems of this modern age. Since we in the Church do not want to be found to be following behind the world, perhaps we need to learn to pamper the spiritual toddler within as well. So allow me this morning to offer the top ten ways (with apologies to David Letterman) we can remain Spiritual Babies. Here we go...Number Ten...

10. Compartmentalize your faith. Like the little old lady of used car fame only drive your faith to church on Sundays. Allow Jesus Lordship over your spiritual life, but keep it separate from your day-to-day existence. Keep it nice and neat in a little box so as not to get it dirty with the worries and cares of the real world. By keeping your faith compartmentalized it will easy for you to manage and control.

9. Drink only “milk.” The scriptural variety I mean. Do your best to avoid the meatier portions of Scripture. These often cause indigestion and are too challenging to the Christian trying to avoid growth. Rather spend your time (but not too much) snacking on the high-calorie sweet parts of Scripture. Feast on the goodies while staying away from the responsibilities. Especially avoid passages such as "Take up your cross and follow me." By avoiding a balanced diet of Scripture, you will have some growth, but only as a fat baby.

8. Avoid new experiences. Realizing that new spiritual opportunities may provide a chance to stretch yourself, you should do your best to stay away from such things as retreats, bible studies, new forms of worship, different types of prayer and even changing seats at the Sunday service. When confronted by new experiences and chances to grow respond with these seven words: We never did it that way before! By clinging religiously to the old ways and avoiding the new, you can be assured that no possibility for growthwill ever sneak up on you.

7. Wait until you are “mature” to use your spiritual gifts. Just like the human body, gifts grow by exercising them. To avoid "pumping-up" as a spiritual giant put off using your gifts. Keep telling yourself you will start "working-out" when you have been a Christian a bit longer. Allow yourself to become a spiritual "flabby." Once you do discover you gift, only exercise it when you are asked. Never volunteer! Showing initiative is a bad habit to start if you are trying to avoid growth.

6. Isolate yourself from other Christians. Nothing breeds potential growth than interaction with other believers. By getting involved in their lives and allowing them to become involved in yours you run the risk of actually growing. While sometimes such interaction is inevitable (usually at the once a Sunday worship service), you can minimize the risk by coming in late and leaving early. Don't allow yourself to be roped into the dangerous area known as fellowship time. Such times are fertile ground in which you might actually discover that you like being around other Christians. To further foster this spirit of isolation, never avail yourself of various other opportunities to gather with others. Once you get involved the possibility of growth increases dramatically.

5. Never question or doubt. If curiosity killed the cat, it certainly can't be good for us right? Obviously we weren't meant to understand the ways of God, so why stretch ourselves by thinking too hard about such things. Accept blindly everything you hear from the pulpit or from the TV or Radio evangelists. Surely they wouldn't lead a person astray? Even if you hear contradictory information, it is better to live in confusion than to wrestle with the deeper things of the faith. Remember what happened to Job when he questioned and doubted -- God himself appeared. To avoid growth it is better if God doesn't pay to much attention to us. Live your life quietly.

4. Rely on your own resources. Foster a sense of independence from others and especially from God. Try to do as much for yourself as possible. Don't let others know you have a need -- they might want to help. Develop this spirit by listening to recordings of "My Way" by Elvis or Sinatra. Read Horatio Alger stories of how people went from rags to riches on their own. Remember that you can pull yourself up by your own bootstraps and that God helps those who help themselves!

3. Live Legalistically. By reducing the Good News of the Gospel into hard and fast laws of conduct you too can become a modern day Pharisee. While growing Christians are enjoying their life of freedom in Jesus Christ, you can burden yourself with unattainable expectations and endless do's and don'ts. By immersing yourself in a rigid strait-jacket oflegalism you can effectively point out the "specks" in other's eyes while clubbing them with the log in your own.

2. Conform to the World. There are billions of them and only one of you, so you are better off just going with the flow. Besides non-Christians have more fun, right? Follow after the crowd, you will have more friends that way. Let the world make the decisions for you. This way you can blame others when things go wrong. Don't be different. People may ask you why and you might be forced to witness to them.

1. Let your feelings, not your faith, dictate your spiritual walk. Ride the emotional roller-coaster of life. Concentrate on you feelings of inadequacy to follow the plan of God. Keep reminding yourself what a horrible person you were. Memorize Romans 7:24 -- "Wretched man that I am -- Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Repeat this often, especially when the threat of growth presents itself. Base you faith on how you feel about God, not on how He feels about you.

If you follow these ten steps religiously, I can guarantee you will live an unsuccessful and ineffective Christian. Just like the thousands who have gone before you! Obviously the preceding was intended to be humorous in its approach. But that humor belies a deeper, more serious concern. Shirley Guthrie in his book “Christian Doctrine” asks some penetrating questions about where we are in our spiritual walk:
· Are you growing?
· Have you settled down comfortably with the growth you have behind you, or are you willing to keep up the constant struggle to keep changing?
· Is your Christian walk an attempt to simply hold on to what you have already achieved in your relation to God and other people?
· Or are you willing to risk what you already learned and accomplished to explore new and more complete ways of loving God and other people?
· Do you spend your life defending and protecting yourself as you are, or are you willing to subject yourself to the dangers of admitting that you are still immature in your beliefs and way of life and need to plow into new ways of thinking and living?

While many Christians would not consciously claim to be practicing the 10 Ways to Remain a Spiritual Baby, sadly their lives show evidence of being mired in one or more of these practices. I would challenge each of us this morning to honestly confront those places in our lives where we allow ourselves to back- pedal and retreat from growth. Many of us compartmentalize our faith; giving Jesus a portion of our lives, but not total control. Remember, if Jesus is not Lord of All, he is not Lord at all. Others of us have fallen back on our own strength and resources in order to grow. With grit and determination we tell ourselves we can become the person God wants us to be. But this self-sufficiency only leads to frustration and despair. We need to surrender to the power of the Spirit who provides the energy to really grow. Many of us leave our spiritual gifts unwrapped to gather dust upon the back shelves of our life, never realizing our great potential. Still others of us have become comfortable with where we are and aren't willing to try new things that might foster a deeper commitment. We are afraid to climb out of comfort zones and experience the deeper waters of faith. Some of us fall victim to the sights, sounds and sensual pleasures of the world and allow our walk of faith to be sidetracked into some dark side alley. By living in the strait-jacket of legalism, others miss out on the excitement of living a life of freedom in Christ. The spots where we falter and fall back are many and various. We need to be aware of them before we can really grow in our Christian lives. Only be avoiding the pitfalls and focusing on the road ahead can true growth be achieved.

And growth is the goal of the Christian life. So let the world embrace the “inner child” and wallow in its immaturity. We embrace the “Christ Child” who grew up into the God-Man Jesus who gave himself to save the world. And if we allow him to work the miracle of new life within us - “then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ.”

Note to Self...

"A man can't be always defending the truth;
there must be a time to feed on it."

- C. S. Lewis

Alphabet Praise

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

More great poems like this can be found at Dove-Love

I am a Christian

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I was lost"
That is why I chose this way.

when I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are all too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
Which is why I speak His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

Carol S. Wimmer

Grandpa's Hands

Here is something to make you think…

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking, he said in a clear strong voice.

I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK I explained to him.

Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean really looked at your hands?

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Grandpa smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shrivelled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life.

They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.

Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbours, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I thank grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.

To the World You May Just Be SOMEBODY, but to Somebody YOU ARE THE WORLD!

A Conspiracy to Kill Schiavo?

A link from RushLimbaugh.com leads to some very interesting reading on George Felos (Michael Schiavo's lawyer), Dr. Cranford (he made the persistant vegetative diagnosis) and the hospice that oversaw the "death" of Terri Schiavo. Seems they are all connected to the End of Life Choices Society, formerly known as the Hemlock Society. A bizzare sidenote has to do with Felos' professed ability to look into the soul of a dying person. Check these out below:

Unreported Conflicts of Interest

Is hospice industry part of right to die crusade?

The more people know the less convinced they are:

Zogby: Americans Wanted Terri to Live

It is too late for Terri Schiavo, but perhaps her death will shine the light upon the growing Culture of Death in this country.

Judge Greer's Pastor Pulls the Plug

The man many feel is responsible for the death of Terri Schiavo has now himself been cut off from "life support." Judge George Greer recently withdrew from membership at the Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater at the urging of the new pastor William Rice. Pastor Rice, who has been pastor at the church for five months, wrote: "it might be easier for all of us" if Greer left. Rice then added, "But you must know that in all likelihood it is this case which will define your career and this case that you will remember in the waning days of life. I hope you can find a way to side with the angels and become an answer to the prayers of thousands." Judge Greer then responded with a letter severing his relationship with the church.

While Pastor Rice has been the subject of much criticism, I want to applaud his actions, as well as, the action of the Calvary Baptist Church. In our evening Bible Study at Church, I have been looking at I Corthinians and last night we dealt with the issue of church discipline. This is a topic greatly ignored by many in today's "consumer-driven" church market. In order to compete with others churches for members, many pastors and church boards choose to look the other way when sin enters the church. Fear of losing people or money has caused us to neglect what is not primarily a means of punishment, but of restoration. Paul orders the Church in Corinth to turn the offender over to Satan - not for his harm, but for his good. "When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." (I Corinthians 5:4,5) Temporal discomfort is to be preferred to eternal condemnation.

And guess what it works. In II Corinthians 2:6-8 , Paul can now write: ^"The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him." The repentant sinner is restored with much joy and love.

Perhaps, as Pastor Rice has said, Judge Greer, who call himself a conservative Christian, will after considering his actions seek forgiveness from God and the Schiavo family. I know for sure God will do so and I pray that the Schindlers will as well.

Until then, this matter should give the Church pause and cause us to rethink how we administer one of the key marks of the church - discipline. We must remember that the Church is not to be known by how much it is liked, but by how much it is holy.

For some further thoughts check out the blogs:

These are Pastor's Rice own words on the matter from the Florida Baptist Witness.

Another blogger has said, if we had more pastors like William Rice, we would have fewer judges like George Greer.

One more by Michael Gaynor - "Pastor Rice, YES! Judge Greer, NO!"

The Pope Dies At 84

"Well done, good and faithful servant"

While I am not a Catholic, and have some real reservations about some tenets of Catholic doctrine and dogma, I have always had a deep appreciation for John Paul II. His consistent stand upon Scripture, his deep compassion for people of all races and classes, his stubborn faith in the face of Nazism and Communism and his willingness to speak the truth will long be remembered. May we learn from his life and faith.

Rest in Peace, Il Papa...