Global Warming

Let's get down and dirty and create some controversy. There is a phenomena out there that has been slowly building a head of steam and, although I will not be putting a lid on it in this little blog, the thing still needs to be addressed. My focus is on how the truth of TRUTH has become perverted and watered down by the lie of situational relevance. It may sound fine to say, "If it is true for you, great. It may not be true for me," but it is still hooey no matter how you wrap it up. Universal law works the same for all of us. Gravity is gravity, speed is speed. It might be great for you to jump off a ten story building because you "feel" you should experience a certain freedom of flight, but the ground will still flatten you when you hit it. That pancake effect would be true for all of us. Now you can shake your fist and proclaim that there is no God, but you will still stand before him some day. Know what I mean? What is true for me is true for you. We are sinners in need of a savior and Jesus graciously gave himself to fix our problem. Cool!
Okay, more controversy! Take the current fad of Global Warming. Barely reported over the last few days are the findings by scientists that the earth has warmed exactly 1/2 the amount that is being feverishly preached. The study shows that the methods of recording temperatures over the last few decades has been faulty because most 'highs' have been collected within the confines of cities. Did you know that asphault is hotter than dirt? It is proven that cities generate more heat than the rural areas but the effect is inconsequential when compared to the overall surface area of the planet. The fact is, global temperatures have remained constant for as long as readings have been recorded.
So you ask, "will the globe burn up?" My answer is yes! But listen, it won't be from green-house gasses or emmissions from feed lots. Planet Earth is not going to self-combust. Truth has been so twisted that the only truth that counts is untruthfully discounted. (See if you can wrap your mind around that statement!) The earth is someday going to be fried by the hand of God. 2 Peter 3:10-11 says it, look it up. The good thing about that particular burning is that it won't be destruction for destruction sake. It will be a refining by fire. You see, there is a new heaven and new earth waiting for you if you are a radical follower of Christ. He is the truth, the way, and the life. He is going to move the one out of the way and make room for the better. Sounds wild and wonderful at the same time doesn't it?
What shall we do about global warming? Well, once this absolutely cold winter finishes its course, put on some sun screen and get a tan. I look forward to warmer days again. I am also looking forward to the NEW DAY that is approaching. In the mean time, take the talking heads, the politicians, and Hollywood with a grain of salt. Their truth is only relevant to them anyway! Pastor Jim

Look Out, Here Comes A 'Christian!'

Jesus had a great way to deal with political situations.....he would disappear. Of course, he really didn't vanish...poof....into midair, he just got out of Dodge on the shortest track available because his mission was the cross, not a throne. Now some would interpret Christ's actions in such a way as to boldly proclaim that Christians have no place in politics. When it comes to America, these mis-interpreters are wrong.
In our pluralistic society, it is the privilege and opportunity, nay, the God given right of every citizen to be involved in politics. Freedom without politics would be....well, it would be heaven. But entering the political realm doesn't mean one is necessarily entering evil.
Take our current political reality. Many of the politicians, both aisles included, are proclaiming Christianity as their preferred 'faith.' Careful now; claiming the Christian faith doesn't really mean much. Hitler claimed the same. What counts is to live the Christian faith in all of its aspects. You love God with all your heart, and you treat your neigbor with the same love you should have for your own life. There's the rub! Let's rub it for a minute.
If you can't cheat, steal, or tell lies about your opponent, you are not going to be considered a very proficient politician. In fact, if you act like you really are a believer in the authentic Jesus of the Bible, you will automatically open yourself up to attack. We can see that happening right now. Presidential candidates are trying to prove themselves the better 'Christians' while simultaneously dishing someone who really seems genuinely sold out to Jesus. Is there reason for this mentality? Yep!
Matthew 6:11. "Blessed you are when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad!!" In otherwords, when everybody gets upset because a politician is actually acting out the faith he or she professes, EXCELLENT. Don't get mad, get glad. That is how it is designed to happen. It is also why most Christians have an aversion to entering the political field. You can't react like the devil when you are accused of looking like Jesus! Honestly, I prefer trying to look like Jesus in the everyday world where there are no cameras or talking heads to take me apart, but the days of comfortable Christianity are about over; publically and privately.
The fact is, most of us are smart enough to be good governors but we're probably not mean enough. To me, that is a sad commentary on the state of our society and political system and may be a reason why more true believers should be getting involved. What does all of this tell us? Rojoice when men revile you and, pass the ballot. The elections are coming.
Happy voting. Pastor Jim

Grab Life By The Tail

My dog 'Harley' hates squirrels. He hates them with a passion. He will tear through a foot of snow (about his own height) to get at one of those rascally critters. At times, he even hallucinates that a squirrel has invaded his domain. In those moments, the inside of the house is quite peaceful.
I remember the day he finally caught one. Out the back door and off the deck he flew, snatching the squirrel by the tail as it climbed to the top of the fence. The problem is, you really do not want to catch a squirrel by the tail. It makes them mad. Sure enough, the squirrel turned and latched on to the top of Harely's scruffy head. (He is a long-haired Jack Russell Terrorist) The dog took off across the yard, shaking his head with a fury while the little rodent held on for dear life. It continued as long as Harely had the little guy's tail in his mouth. He didn't chase squirrels again for a week or two.
Life can be like Harley and the squirrel. In fact, I believe God meant it to be that kind of adventure. Jesus said in John 10:10, "It is only the enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come so that you might have life to the fullest."
Wow! From time to time, people get so beaten up by life that it becomes easy to simply give up, surrender to the inevitible. But belief in Christ is a violent act of the will that turns from the things that kill, to placing faith in the only one who can give real life. That would be Jesus.
So, no matter what circumstances surround you, grab life by the fury little tail and hang on! More importantly, take hold of Jesus. An adventure awaits. Merry Christmas, Pastor Jim