Just a note for November 5th

To quote Pastor Pete Wilson,

Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States.

And furthermore, you need to know this is not a surprise to God. Before the billions of dollars were spent on this campaign, God already knew the outcome. He wasn’t sitting around the television last night ringing his hands like you were.

He doesn’t need a Republican or a Democrat, an electoral vote, or a state. He’s not red or blue. He’s God.

He’s God and I’m not. You’re Not. Obama is not. McCain is not.

So if your candidate lost. I’m sorry. If you’re worried your issues aren’t going to be being addressed. I’m sorry. But God is still God and He’s still sitting on His throne.

Let’s move on.

Election Day reflections

Well, i have a minute unitil my next appointment, so i thought i might jot down a few reflections about election day.

1. I did vote today. I did, i prayed hard (whatever that phrase means) about how to vote and decided on the perfect candidate. I will be honest with you, it was hard. While weighing the opinions of many, the smear campaigns of both sides, the strengths and supposed truths, i came to a conclusion that wasn't all that difficult. This election was tough, to be candid, i have switched twice between my support for both candidates these past months, but upon studying God's Word and upon praying and reseaching, i chose a man that i know will never and has never let us down, i did a write in vote for JESUS.

I know, many will be put off by this, but for me, i had to. I couldn't fully support wither side because to me, neither represent a picture of God's Grace, peace making love and purity, and i think they way you vote says a ton about you, so my personal conscious and understanding brought me to this descision. I will take any questions or concerns on this as always.

2. James Dobson is an awesome guy, but needs to not speak so often about politics. I don't know if anyone saw his new document he is pushing, the Letter From Obama's American in 2012, but it, um, wow. Here is the link if you didn't view it yet. (http://focusfamaction.edgeboss.net/download/focusfamaction/pdfs/10-22-08_2012letter.pdf) In this letter Dobson is playing the role of a Christian in 2012 after Obama is elected, here are some highlights,
* The Supreme Court would pass law that legalizes same sex marriage across the US
* Elementary schools will mandate homosexuality as a choice to children
* Christian radio stations will be removed from the airwaves
* Churches will be forced to hire homosexuals and host homosexual weddings–or lose 501c3
* Christian nurses and doctors banned from practice–after Obama forces them to do abortions.
* Pornography is mandated to be openly displayed in gas stations, newsstands, and grocery stores
* Home Schooling has been outlawed
* 4 US cities have been bombed, Obama does nothing in response
* Obama increases funding to known terrorist allies.
* Obama deepens ties to Communist nations and Communist revolutions break out in Latin America
* Tel Aviv is destroyed when the new USSR launches a nuclear attack against Israel.

That’s a brief look at the world from Focus on The Family’s perspective should Obama be elected. All of these things assume that Obama does nothing to stop these events or perhaps encourages them.

The letter wraps with the future Christian asking the question: “Who is to blame?” I find it unfortunate that Dobson points the finger at naive Christians who have voted for Obama

Now, let me just say, as i said before, i didn't vote either side, but, to say that a man who claims Christ either allows these things to happen, or encourages them is irresponsible.

We have a responsibility to represent the name of Jesus with integrity. People are watching. You want to know why there is even a fear of “hate speech” laws being enacted? Read this letter. Why do homosexuals claim Christians hate them? Read this letter. Why are Christians increasingly being marginalized in society? Read this letter folks … and you will know exactly why we’re at this crossroads in society. I’m ashamed at the tactics taken by Dobson and his crew.

This letter is not about creating meaningful dialogue. We cant scream–”If Obama gets elected the world will end!” setting forth apocalyptic visions–and then claim, “We love all people, including Barck Obama.”

We can’t slander a man so disgracefully in the name of “Truth” and then expect a pat on the back come Judgment day.

We all reap what we sow.

If we slander “them” (whoever that may be) … don’t be shocked when they slander us.

Which begs the question– does Focus on the Family even care about slandering someone publicly? What does the Bible have to say? What about Jesus–is this His Way?

This letter’s tone and intent does not reflect the Way of Jesus.

The Way of Jesus is different from society’s.

Jesus conquered through love … not fear. Certainly not hate. This letter reflects the way of society–not Jesus. What happens if Focus on the Family is “successful” in its campaign against Obama? If you overpower a strong man through violence and slander–don’t be shocked when a more powerful and more persuasive person throws you off the hill soon. This is the pattern of politics–and society– that Focus on the Family has stooped to.

Even if Obama was evil–and Focus on the Family helps defeat him with a slanderous letter–all Dobson has accomplished is to repeat the cycle of society.

Jesus showed us a new Way. A Way that compels followers to love our enemies so extravagantly that the watching world rises to our defense, or walks away compelled to investigate further. A Way that sheds light on conversions through follower’s unwillingness to fight fire with fire. A Way that shows the world what it truly means to be human. This is the Way of Jesus. The pattern of Jesus. It is a Way of love. A conquering and raging love, unstoppable, unshakable– and unmistakably different from what we demonstrated in this letter

I understand that it isn't my place to judge the motives or actions of Dobson, but as someone who loves his books, sermons and articles, i must say his political ways sadden me. I'm not a political writer/preacher at all, but for us to say that a party or person has the monopoly of Jesus is just restarting the issue that the Pharisees and Sadducess had in Jesus say, remember these weren't just religious leaders, they were also the two leading political parties of that day.

3. People generally can't wait for this day to end. It seems everyone i talk to in psyched about the end up political signs, commercials, ads in the mailbox and phone calls. I think in the end all Christians really do trust that whomever gets election it can't stop God from working through them.



Well thats about all i have for today. Thanks

Thoughts on this video?

My best friend is a movie star

Well sort of. My old college roommate and best man at my wedding Daniel Sanders is now living in Hollywood and making movies and stuff of that nature. He has been a part of some stuff so far, but I am convinced is destined for huge things. Here is a video of some of the stuff he did in film school and recently
My Reel

Everybody needs to repent sometime...

You know, every Sunday i give an invitation and when i do i will mention stuff like Baptism, joining the church, rededication, but i got to be honest with you, i want to answer the invitation myself sometimes, i mean really i do.

I haven't for several reasons, one of which being that church folks see it as a scandal enough when people do it to begin with (although this is a minority of church folks to begin with, but, it happens, sadly) and also, can the Pastor redidicate?

On the surface this seems like an easy question, "Of Course he can", i mean everyone is entitled to public repentance, including the pastor, but then when i look at it deeper, i dont see it that way, I mean i should, but, i dont.

Only those who know me really well know how much of a sinner i am, because, i am. I have as much of issues with sin as anybody, ever. But i dont think people always want to know that. I think people alot of times want to believe that at least someone can be a picture of how we should be, that it is actually possible to live sinless, to not let God or your loved ones down daily, but sorry to say it, thats not me.

Repentance is (to me) the hardest thing about following Jesus. It means that we have to put to death (Colossians 3:5) the things that we are doing. And that is really hard. If sin wasn't enjoyable, we wouldnt do it, so obviously, i do it. But yes, i need to put it to death. It just needs to die and die fast.

So i guess, without specific confession, this is me answering my own invitation. I need to rededicate myself as a follower of Christ Jesus. I need to focus of His Will and not my ego, negativity, pride or apathy.

I guess posts like this are the reason i named my blog "Weekly Rambling From A Churchy Nerd" becuase, well, this is just rambling. I am really sorry for anyone that I have heart in my career of sinning, and if you need an exact apology, call or e-mail me and i will most likely ablige.

If you are a fan of Benny Hinn, sorry...

If not, lol i got to tell you, i can't get enough of this, lol.

Good things...

Things as so good now, and i just can't complain. I say this because God is teaching me to live a life of contentment. This week we re concluding our sermon series on Philippians titled "The Life You Were Meant To Live" and i am working on chapter 4, which is about how Paul challenges us to be content and joyful always. It made me think about my own life, and how much i long for the "better things" in life. I dont mean tropical vacations or expensive cars, but i just mean better situations. Like to live in a world where those around me can just get along or for a life with no monthly payments (haha, YEAH). But instead i need to understand that i am unbelievably blessed, so i thought i would list some really good areas where God has blessed my life.

One thing lately that God blessed me with was with an awesome church. Our leaders at South Side car so much about Jesus. They really do. Change comes easy to them because they understand that to reach people for Christ you have to do whatever it takes. This involves taking a chance on a goofball like me, starting a ministry like the contemporary service/small groups, and having a great youth program led by a very mature, seasoned and called minister (Dave Plumley)

Speaking of Dave South Side has an amazing staff. Ray is the most ridiculously intelligent man i have ever met (seriously, ask him ANYTHING) and Danny has a grasp of relating to people that i only hope to attain someday. Plus South Side has such a great and supportive community of believers that it just makes getting out of bed worth it most days.

Another huge blessing is my family. I LOVE my family. My daughter is the most hilarious combination of Emily and I, and she is getting so old is is almost scary. My wife is a picture of God's grace to me because just like Grace, i don't deserve Emily for how often i mess up, but she loves me anyway. More about them on a later post, or well, most of my posts.

Also i must mention the blessing of my college friends. I got to go to a wedding this past weekend and catch up with a group of people that i love more than life itself. We can not speak for 2 years at a time and then instantly its like we never were separated. That group of people represents everything that is holy about me, and i will never, ever completely lose touch with them (Lord Willing).

Another is a recent one, you may have saw the picture at the top of the page and thought that the post was a review of Fireproof, well its not, but if it was it would be a long one. I saw this movie with a group from our church last night and i LOVED IT. I cried like 3 times, and identified completely with the lead character. Small budget, yes, but amazing film nonetheless. Every actor did this movie for free, but it gave me so much to think about as far as how i treat Emily, and i hope i grown from it.

so that is a list of just a few of my blessings, what are some of yours?