I hadn't really intended to watch last night's presidential candidate forum hosted by Saddleback Church and thier celebrity pastor, Rick Warren. Part of the reason was that I was uncomfortable with the idea of a church being the host of a purely political event.
I'm still not sure how involved churches need to be involved in politics although I agree with those who believe that IRS regulations that restrict pastors from discussing politics should be
repealed.
I'm not a big fan of Rick Warren, either. For all the good he has done, I disagree with his whole purpose-driven approach to church. I didn't care for his bestselling book as I thought it was too theologically shallow. I honestly wasn't sure that he would be willing to ask tough questions. I doubted Pastor Warren's motives thinking he was looking for a way to give Senator Barack Obama a chance to make an appeal to evangelical voters who could very much decide the outcome of the election.
The format of the forum with each candidate being asked the same questions separately and not knowing the other's answers seemed a bit unconventional. I wasn't sure it would work.
I was wrong.
Last night's forum was one of the biggest moments of the campaign and the best opportunity for voters to see the stark contrast between these two men. If you didn't get to see it, you should at least read the transcript.
Senator Obama was clearly uncomfortable in this format. His answers were often rambling and unclear. At times the viewer couldn't be certain whether he had actually answered the original question. Perhaps he would have been better off if he had heeded Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen's advice: “Instead of giving big speeches at big stadiums, he needs to give straight-up 10-word answers to people at Wal-Mart about how he would improve their lives.” (Hat tip: Hot Air)
Senator Obama is a great speaker and can make a speech like very few speakers I've ever heard before. But when you put him on the spot to answer questions in a debate or forum such as this, he can't articulate clear answers to questions and tends to commit serious verbal gaffes. Either he was unprepared for the questions he was asked (which is inexcusable, since the abortion question, which led to the aforementioned gaffe was bound to come up) or it is a sign of his total lack of experience that drives him to perform so poorly in debates.
Senator McCain, on the other hand, was succint and clear in his answers to the questions posed. He dealt with each issue honestly and knew exactly where he stood. Some Obama supporters (including his media cheerleaders) suggested that McCain cheated by listening to the questions. Senator McCain didn't need to cheat. He knows what he believes and says what he thinks without worrying about currying favor among potential voting groups. Such frankness is refreshing in a politician.
It's also clear that McCain has a huge advantage over Senator Obama in experience. So much so that when you compare the two candidates answers side-by-side it's clear that McCain is far more qualified than Obama. It's no wonder than many felt McCain had a much better night.
Pastor Rick Warren did this country a great service by providing the public an opportunity to see these two candidates respond to the same set of questions. We learned a great deal last night about both these men. Perhaps the debate organizers could learn a thing or two from the Saddleback event. Maybe, as one commentator suggested today, they could get Pastor Warren to moderate one of the debates. We could do a lot worse.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Quick Takes - 8-15-08
Been on the road this week and haven't had much time to blog but here are a couple of quick thoughts for the weekend:
Billboard seen during my travels: "Stop Talking. Start Drilling." Pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?
Making a deal with the devil? I don't see how this helps Obama. Oh well, at least all those reporters at the convention will have something to write about. By the way, I don't buy all the talk about the Democrats being a united party. Don't believe me? Pay attention to that roll call and see if I'm right.
Sure, the left wants to blame President Bush for everything. But now the Russians are joining in on the fun. Unbelievable.
Doing my daily glance at the baseball standings I noticed something interesting: the Chicago Cubs have the highest run differential in the majors scoring 155 more runs that their opponents as of this writing. They currently lead the NL Central by four games. The next closest team? The Boston Red Sox at 118. They trail their division by 3 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay but lead the AL Wild Card by 2 1/2.
Memo to the New York Times: do your math homework. This is just further proof (as if we needed it) that the old "mainstream" media aren't to be trusted any longer.
Finally, one of my favorite shows returns to the airwaves. Chuck is back on September 29. Here's a season two preview to get you ready:
Billboard seen during my travels: "Stop Talking. Start Drilling." Pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?
Making a deal with the devil? I don't see how this helps Obama. Oh well, at least all those reporters at the convention will have something to write about. By the way, I don't buy all the talk about the Democrats being a united party. Don't believe me? Pay attention to that roll call and see if I'm right.
Sure, the left wants to blame President Bush for everything. But now the Russians are joining in on the fun. Unbelievable.
Doing my daily glance at the baseball standings I noticed something interesting: the Chicago Cubs have the highest run differential in the majors scoring 155 more runs that their opponents as of this writing. They currently lead the NL Central by four games. The next closest team? The Boston Red Sox at 118. They trail their division by 3 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay but lead the AL Wild Card by 2 1/2.
Memo to the New York Times: do your math homework. This is just further proof (as if we needed it) that the old "mainstream" media aren't to be trusted any longer.
Finally, one of my favorite shows returns to the airwaves. Chuck is back on September 29. Here's a season two preview to get you ready:
Monday, August 11, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
Baseball is a lot like life. It's a day-to-day existence, full of ups and downs. You make the most of your opportunities in baseball as you do in life.
- Ernie Harwell
- Ernie Harwell
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Interview: Stephen Mansfield, Author of The Faith of Barack Obama
A person's faith is a window into their soul. For a politician, how he or she speaks about his or her faith will tell you something about how they will govern. Stephen Mansfield, author of the new book The Faith of Barack Obama, says that in examining the Senator's faith journey gave him insight not only into the Democratic presidential nominee but insight into larger cultural trends as well.
"Barack Obama's faith and his spiritual journey not only are shaping this election but also, as you tell the story and reflect on it, captures many of the trends that are most powerful and transforming in this age," said Mr. Mansfield in a recent interview.
One of those trends is one that Mr. Mansfield says has largely been missed by the mainstream media: a gradual shift of young evangelicals to the Democrats. Part of this trend is due to the recent loss of prominent national Religious Right leaders such as Jerry Falwell and D. James Kennedy as well as the prominent moral failure of former National Association of Evangelicals president Ted Haggard. But part of this trend is also due to younger voters that Senator Obama has energized through the campaign.
"The younger voters coming on line tend to be postmodern theologically to the extent they are theological at all and tend to lean leftward in their politics," said Mr. Mansfield.
Mr. Mansfield argues that Senator Obama is a person that these young, liberal evangelicals identify with because he shares their values. In order to make that argument, he had to address head-on the issue of Obama's true faith, as well as his church, both of which have been the subject of much controversy so far in this campaign. He deals with the issue by first dealing with one of the big unanswered questions of the campaign: why Obama chose to attend Trinity United Church of Christ whose pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, has infamously made anti-American and hate-filled statements from the pulpit.
"I think Obama is very clear that he first went to church to get connected to a church not so much out of a spiritual search but because people he was working with in the South side of Chicago challenged him that he would be more successful if he had some connections to church, some connection to faith. But I think in time he was captured by the Gospel," said Mr. Mansfield.
It is that Christian faith, that Senator Obama would bring into his administration should he be elected this fall. He has already signalled an intention to continue the faith-based initiatives begun by President George W. Bush. But an Obama election could also provide the impetus for a major shift in American politics.
"Obama is a unique creature because he is so deeply Christian who intends to bring his faith to bear on public policy and is very much on the left," said Mr. Mansfield. "I think what is diminishing is a secular approach to politics and what's arising is a faith-based approach to politics and now I think we have the opportunity in this country for the great debate between a right-leaning, limited government, low taxes, anti-abortion type of faith-based politics and then the more left-leaning version of that on the other side."
Already his book has garnered criticisms in some corners for not being critical enough of Senator Obama. In fact, many on the right have openly expressed anger at Mr. Mansfield, who is conservative and pro-life, for painting what they believe is a too flattering portrait of the Democratic nominee. By contrast, the author says his intention was simply to be fair and objective in examining the Senator's faith.
"As a Christian, I have written a book about another man's faith and I'm intrigued by his faith," said Mr. Mansfield. "I want to encourage his faith and I believe he is sincere about his faith. Now people who share my political vies are upset with me because I have written this book and basically what they are saying is 'you are too Christian, you should be more Republican than you are Christian'. What I have written is an honest, objective evaluation that celebrates Obama's faith to the extent it can be celebrated, questioned it where it had to be questioned and basically tries to explain it in terms of our times which is something we need, by the way, as we approach this election."
At the same time, Mr. Mansfield hopes that his approach in this book will serve as an example to politicians on how to deal with the pressing issues of our day that doesn't involve the bitter partisanship on both sides of the aisle that has become the norm in Washington.
"I have to say that one of my goals for this book besides just the content was to find the tone that I hope will be replicated a bit more in American politics," said Mr. Mansfield. "This vicious left/right fighting that is happening in America is paralyzing us. It is keeping up from accomplishing anything. And I have to say, as a Christian, it is ungodly. My hope was to write a book that would model a certain tone while communicating facts that people need to know."
Click here to listen to the entire interview with Stephen Mansfield.
"Barack Obama's faith and his spiritual journey not only are shaping this election but also, as you tell the story and reflect on it, captures many of the trends that are most powerful and transforming in this age," said Mr. Mansfield in a recent interview.
One of those trends is one that Mr. Mansfield says has largely been missed by the mainstream media: a gradual shift of young evangelicals to the Democrats. Part of this trend is due to the recent loss of prominent national Religious Right leaders such as Jerry Falwell and D. James Kennedy as well as the prominent moral failure of former National Association of Evangelicals president Ted Haggard. But part of this trend is also due to younger voters that Senator Obama has energized through the campaign.
"The younger voters coming on line tend to be postmodern theologically to the extent they are theological at all and tend to lean leftward in their politics," said Mr. Mansfield.
Mr. Mansfield argues that Senator Obama is a person that these young, liberal evangelicals identify with because he shares their values. In order to make that argument, he had to address head-on the issue of Obama's true faith, as well as his church, both of which have been the subject of much controversy so far in this campaign. He deals with the issue by first dealing with one of the big unanswered questions of the campaign: why Obama chose to attend Trinity United Church of Christ whose pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, has infamously made anti-American and hate-filled statements from the pulpit.
"I think Obama is very clear that he first went to church to get connected to a church not so much out of a spiritual search but because people he was working with in the South side of Chicago challenged him that he would be more successful if he had some connections to church, some connection to faith. But I think in time he was captured by the Gospel," said Mr. Mansfield.
It is that Christian faith, that Senator Obama would bring into his administration should he be elected this fall. He has already signalled an intention to continue the faith-based initiatives begun by President George W. Bush. But an Obama election could also provide the impetus for a major shift in American politics.
"Obama is a unique creature because he is so deeply Christian who intends to bring his faith to bear on public policy and is very much on the left," said Mr. Mansfield. "I think what is diminishing is a secular approach to politics and what's arising is a faith-based approach to politics and now I think we have the opportunity in this country for the great debate between a right-leaning, limited government, low taxes, anti-abortion type of faith-based politics and then the more left-leaning version of that on the other side."
Already his book has garnered criticisms in some corners for not being critical enough of Senator Obama. In fact, many on the right have openly expressed anger at Mr. Mansfield, who is conservative and pro-life, for painting what they believe is a too flattering portrait of the Democratic nominee. By contrast, the author says his intention was simply to be fair and objective in examining the Senator's faith.
"As a Christian, I have written a book about another man's faith and I'm intrigued by his faith," said Mr. Mansfield. "I want to encourage his faith and I believe he is sincere about his faith. Now people who share my political vies are upset with me because I have written this book and basically what they are saying is 'you are too Christian, you should be more Republican than you are Christian'. What I have written is an honest, objective evaluation that celebrates Obama's faith to the extent it can be celebrated, questioned it where it had to be questioned and basically tries to explain it in terms of our times which is something we need, by the way, as we approach this election."
At the same time, Mr. Mansfield hopes that his approach in this book will serve as an example to politicians on how to deal with the pressing issues of our day that doesn't involve the bitter partisanship on both sides of the aisle that has become the norm in Washington.
"I have to say that one of my goals for this book besides just the content was to find the tone that I hope will be replicated a bit more in American politics," said Mr. Mansfield. "This vicious left/right fighting that is happening in America is paralyzing us. It is keeping up from accomplishing anything. And I have to say, as a Christian, it is ungodly. My hope was to write a book that would model a certain tone while communicating facts that people need to know."
Click here to listen to the entire interview with Stephen Mansfield.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Book Review: Lessons From The Road
Ever wondered what it would be like to tour with a rock band? Wonder what challenges a Christian band has to face out on the road?
Nigel James, founder of Ignite, a UK based youth discipleship minstry, has traveled extensively for Third Day for the past eight years. He brings unique insights into the hearts and minds of the band members in a new book entitled Lessons From The Road.
"Every tour since the Fall of 2000, every major tour in the U. S. and other places in the world I've joined Third Day on their tour bus as what they call their road pastor," said Mr. James in a recent interview, "basically doing church on the road with them making sure that we pray together, we read the Bible together, fellowship together, just using the time wisely that we have when we travelling."
His book takes the reader behind the scenes of lift on tour with the band. Fans will be pleasantly surprised at the things they learn about the band. For example, I found myself closely identifying with the feelings of different band members as they shared about the challenges they faced in licing out their faith in a very public way.
In fact, it is the contributions of the band members that makes this book so remarkable. Mr. James was able to each one of the guys contribute all throughout the book. In essence, you get an idea of how different band members reacted to different things that they have faced over the years.
Another wonderful aspect of the book is Mr. James sharing some of the devotions that he shared with band. As a result, we see how a road pastor encourages members of the group.
I came away from reading this book with a newfound appreciation of one of my favorite bands. Mr. James, by sharing his experiences, also shows fans that these men, both individually and collectively have dedicated themselves to serving God first and passionately pursue His will for them and their music. He also reveals their heart for world missions revealing their involvement in numerous projects around the globe. At the same time they are dedicated husbands and fathers committed to serving their local churches.
I highly recommend this book. It will give you a fresh perspective on one of the leading bands performing today. If you're like I am, you'll find yourself both encouraged and challenged by these lessons from the road.
Click here to listen to an interview with Nigel James.
Nigel James, founder of Ignite, a UK based youth discipleship minstry, has traveled extensively for Third Day for the past eight years. He brings unique insights into the hearts and minds of the band members in a new book entitled Lessons From The Road.
"Every tour since the Fall of 2000, every major tour in the U. S. and other places in the world I've joined Third Day on their tour bus as what they call their road pastor," said Mr. James in a recent interview, "basically doing church on the road with them making sure that we pray together, we read the Bible together, fellowship together, just using the time wisely that we have when we travelling."
His book takes the reader behind the scenes of lift on tour with the band. Fans will be pleasantly surprised at the things they learn about the band. For example, I found myself closely identifying with the feelings of different band members as they shared about the challenges they faced in licing out their faith in a very public way.
In fact, it is the contributions of the band members that makes this book so remarkable. Mr. James was able to each one of the guys contribute all throughout the book. In essence, you get an idea of how different band members reacted to different things that they have faced over the years.
Another wonderful aspect of the book is Mr. James sharing some of the devotions that he shared with band. As a result, we see how a road pastor encourages members of the group.
I came away from reading this book with a newfound appreciation of one of my favorite bands. Mr. James, by sharing his experiences, also shows fans that these men, both individually and collectively have dedicated themselves to serving God first and passionately pursue His will for them and their music. He also reveals their heart for world missions revealing their involvement in numerous projects around the globe. At the same time they are dedicated husbands and fathers committed to serving their local churches.
I highly recommend this book. It will give you a fresh perspective on one of the leading bands performing today. If you're like I am, you'll find yourself both encouraged and challenged by these lessons from the road.
Click here to listen to an interview with Nigel James.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
A Wake Up Call For The Church
In a post entitled Why I Walked Out of Church, writer/artist Julie Neidlinger assesses what's wrong with many of today's churches (hat tip: WorldMagBlog):
The entire article is worth reading very carefully as Julie has a lot to say. No doubt there are many other people that feel the same way.
A recent cover story at World Magazine about "NextGen Worship" inspired a strong desire to smack the pastors depicted in the article and in the photos. The cover photo alone enraged me, with the pastor wearing baggy jeans and untucked button-up shirt with flip flops and an ear microphone. Later, the same guy is shown out front of a church holding a paper Starbucks-like cup of coffee. Could he try any harder to be lame?
I'd have liked to have taken that cup of coffee and dumped it on his head. But it's nothing personal against that guy or his beliefs or sincerity. It's an anger at something else.
I'm not going to be one of those starched-collar Christians who, based on personal preference, say that this is a sign we're going to hell in a handbasket and that all things are wrong unless they are done as they were with the Puritans. What I'm saying is that I can't stand the phoniness, or trendiness, or sameness -- or whatever I'm trying to say here -- that the church seems to catch onto at the tail end, not even aware of how lame it is. The fact that this is not only actually successful in appealing to people, but attracts them, also disgusts me.
It makes me want to throw up.
It's buying into some kind of lie or substitution of cool culture as being relevant when it isn't.
The entire article is worth reading very carefully as Julie has a lot to say. No doubt there are many other people that feel the same way.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
Baseball gives every American boy a chance to excel, not just to be as good as someone else but to be better than someone else. This is the nature of man and the name of the game.
- Ted Williams
- Ted Williams
Friday, August 01, 2008
Friday Fun - Five Favorite Audiobooks
One of the ways we pass the time on our long roadtrips (besides the XM radio) is listening to audiobooks. These are our favorites:
Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A quirky and charming story inspired by a newspaper clipping the author ran across in a scrapbook. During World War II, paintings from Britain's National Gallery were stored in a slate mine for safekeeping. Boyce imagines what the impact that art would have on the citizens of a small town with absolutely hilarious results. This is one we never get tired of listening to and many of our own family's inside jokes have come from this book. It's a winner.
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling's stories are timeless in and of themselves. But their even better when read aloud. Although several editions exist, our favorite is performed by famed British actor Geoffrey Palmer. He brings a perfect performance to these wonderful stories.
Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
The first three installments of the "prequels" to Peter Pan are sheer fun and adventure. Both Pearson and Barry show themselves fully capable of handling the task of writing adventure novels that are geared towards kids. All three are performed by the wonderful Jim Dale who uses a variety of different voices to bring the characters to life. These are especially well-suited for longer road trips.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
These are wonderful books to read aloud as a family. Like many other classic tales, numerous versions of the Chronicles have been made with different narrators. However, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production (linked above) is by far the best. This is an unabridged dramatization of all seven books and the production is absolutely top-notch. Each installment is also introduced by Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham who provides some wonderful insights into the writing of each of the volumes. Each time we listen to the books we discover something new and wonderful about the land of Narnia.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This thirteen-volume saga of the Bauderlaire children has something for both kids and parents alike. The books are both tragic and comic at the same time and like many other good audiobooks remain entertaining over repeated listening. Almost all of the books are narrated by Tim Curry (except for the third, fourth and fifth books which are narrated by the author). Curry's performance is absolutely wonderful and like other great audiobook performers knows how to create unique characters with his voice. Just to hear him bring the oft-coughing Mr. Poe to life is worth the listen.
Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A quirky and charming story inspired by a newspaper clipping the author ran across in a scrapbook. During World War II, paintings from Britain's National Gallery were stored in a slate mine for safekeeping. Boyce imagines what the impact that art would have on the citizens of a small town with absolutely hilarious results. This is one we never get tired of listening to and many of our own family's inside jokes have come from this book. It's a winner.
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling's stories are timeless in and of themselves. But their even better when read aloud. Although several editions exist, our favorite is performed by famed British actor Geoffrey Palmer. He brings a perfect performance to these wonderful stories.
Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
The first three installments of the "prequels" to Peter Pan are sheer fun and adventure. Both Pearson and Barry show themselves fully capable of handling the task of writing adventure novels that are geared towards kids. All three are performed by the wonderful Jim Dale who uses a variety of different voices to bring the characters to life. These are especially well-suited for longer road trips.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
These are wonderful books to read aloud as a family. Like many other classic tales, numerous versions of the Chronicles have been made with different narrators. However, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production (linked above) is by far the best. This is an unabridged dramatization of all seven books and the production is absolutely top-notch. Each installment is also introduced by Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham who provides some wonderful insights into the writing of each of the volumes. Each time we listen to the books we discover something new and wonderful about the land of Narnia.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This thirteen-volume saga of the Bauderlaire children has something for both kids and parents alike. The books are both tragic and comic at the same time and like many other good audiobooks remain entertaining over repeated listening. Almost all of the books are narrated by Tim Curry (except for the third, fourth and fifth books which are narrated by the author). Curry's performance is absolutely wonderful and like other great audiobook performers knows how to create unique characters with his voice. Just to hear him bring the oft-coughing Mr. Poe to life is worth the listen.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided.
- Casey Stengel
- Casey Stengel
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Book Review: BiC's Baptism
Baptism, particularly when done by immersion as it is in many churches, can be a frightening prospect for any believer but particularly for younger children. However, thanks to children's author Robin Khoury (a.k.a. Miss Robin) there is a great new resource entitled BiC's Baptism (Little Light Press).
In this latest adventure of BiC (which stands for Babe in Christ), our young hero has just become a Christian. Now he faces the frightening prospect of being baptized. But first he must learn what it means to be baptized as well as overcoming his fears about the whole process. With help from friends in the church, BiC learns what baptism does and does not mean for him. In addition, he comes fact to face with his fears about being baptized.
The book is geared for children ages 4-8 but can also be used as a great framework for discussions with older believers. It addresses the common misconceptions about salvation and baptism and what the sacrament truly represents.
Both of my daughters were baptized when they were young. In some ways, I wish I had had a resource like this available so that I could adequately explain to them what it truly meant to be baptized.
Ms. Khoury deserves a lot of credit for being able to clearly explain what can easily become a very confusing issue. In addition, Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations are very visually appealing and add to the charm of this wonderful book.
BiC's Baptism is a great resource both for pastors and parents and I highly recommended it to anyone who is counselling younger new believers in preparing them for baptism.
BiC's Baptism is available in both print and e-book format at this link.
In this latest adventure of BiC (which stands for Babe in Christ), our young hero has just become a Christian. Now he faces the frightening prospect of being baptized. But first he must learn what it means to be baptized as well as overcoming his fears about the whole process. With help from friends in the church, BiC learns what baptism does and does not mean for him. In addition, he comes fact to face with his fears about being baptized.
The book is geared for children ages 4-8 but can also be used as a great framework for discussions with older believers. It addresses the common misconceptions about salvation and baptism and what the sacrament truly represents.
Both of my daughters were baptized when they were young. In some ways, I wish I had had a resource like this available so that I could adequately explain to them what it truly meant to be baptized.
Ms. Khoury deserves a lot of credit for being able to clearly explain what can easily become a very confusing issue. In addition, Kevin Scott Collier's illustrations are very visually appealing and add to the charm of this wonderful book.
BiC's Baptism is a great resource both for pastors and parents and I highly recommended it to anyone who is counselling younger new believers in preparing them for baptism.
BiC's Baptism is available in both print and e-book format at this link.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference.
~ Tommy Lasorda
~ Tommy Lasorda
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lessons of a Cubs Fan
It's been a long drought for Chicago Cubs fans. In fact, it's been exactly 100 years since their last World Series Championship in 1908. It's hard to imagine that their last championship came a time when the Cubs were considered one of the best teams in the major leagues.
Since then, the Cubs have occasionally made the playoffs and teased their fans with thoughts of another championship only to ultimately disappoint their faithful in the end. But 2008 has been an atypical season for the Cubs so far. They have one of the best records in the majors and are leading their division as play resumes this week following the All-Star break. Suddenly the idea of a World Series Championship in 2008 doesn't seem too far-fetched.
But Cubs fans know not to get their hopes up too soon. They've been down this road too many times before. Their faithful (and I admit, I have been one of them for the past twenty years) know that things could still go horribly wrong before the year is out. Often, their fans are referred to as longsuffering because of the many years they've waited for a championship team. As the Bible shows us, there is much more to longsuffering that simply waiting patiently for our hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
The most vivid picture that Scripture gives us of longsuffering is the life of Job. The Bible tells us that Job was a righteous man and that Satan sought to test him. God allowed Job to endure trials beyond what many of us could possibly imagine. All the while he remained strong in his faith in God despite what his circumstances and his s0-called friends told him.
The apostle Paul refers to longsuffering as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Unfortunately, many modern translations substitute patience for longsuffering. The dictionary defines patience as "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay". To me, this speaks more to how we wait in line at the drive-thru at McDonald's rather than enduring trials. Patiently waiting for something or someone holds with it a promise that the thing wished for will be provided at some point in the future.
By contrast, the dictionary defines longsuffering as "long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation". Longsuffering is the ability to endure trials and tribulations with no definite end in sight. Paul again helps us understand biblical longsuffering when speaks of the "thorn in his flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) which many speculate to be some type of ailment that plagued him throughout his life. God's purpose in not removing Paul's burden was twofold: to keep him humble and to rely on God for everything he needed.
God uses our trials to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:2-4). He wants us to not only patiently endure them but to develop the spirtiual discipline of longsuffering. It is not merely being patient but waiting upon the Lord to provide even when it doesn't look like He will. It also means humbling ourselves and allowing Him to complete His perfect work in us.
Since then, the Cubs have occasionally made the playoffs and teased their fans with thoughts of another championship only to ultimately disappoint their faithful in the end. But 2008 has been an atypical season for the Cubs so far. They have one of the best records in the majors and are leading their division as play resumes this week following the All-Star break. Suddenly the idea of a World Series Championship in 2008 doesn't seem too far-fetched.
But Cubs fans know not to get their hopes up too soon. They've been down this road too many times before. Their faithful (and I admit, I have been one of them for the past twenty years) know that things could still go horribly wrong before the year is out. Often, their fans are referred to as longsuffering because of the many years they've waited for a championship team. As the Bible shows us, there is much more to longsuffering that simply waiting patiently for our hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
The most vivid picture that Scripture gives us of longsuffering is the life of Job. The Bible tells us that Job was a righteous man and that Satan sought to test him. God allowed Job to endure trials beyond what many of us could possibly imagine. All the while he remained strong in his faith in God despite what his circumstances and his s0-called friends told him.
The apostle Paul refers to longsuffering as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Unfortunately, many modern translations substitute patience for longsuffering. The dictionary defines patience as "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay". To me, this speaks more to how we wait in line at the drive-thru at McDonald's rather than enduring trials. Patiently waiting for something or someone holds with it a promise that the thing wished for will be provided at some point in the future.
By contrast, the dictionary defines longsuffering as "long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation". Longsuffering is the ability to endure trials and tribulations with no definite end in sight. Paul again helps us understand biblical longsuffering when speaks of the "thorn in his flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) which many speculate to be some type of ailment that plagued him throughout his life. God's purpose in not removing Paul's burden was twofold: to keep him humble and to rely on God for everything he needed.
God uses our trials to strengthen our faith in Him (James 1:2-4). He wants us to not only patiently endure them but to develop the spirtiual discipline of longsuffering. It is not merely being patient but waiting upon the Lord to provide even when it doesn't look like He will. It also means humbling ourselves and allowing Him to complete His perfect work in us.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday Fun: Five Things About Me (v.1)
I don't normally write about myself. However, I have, on occasion, run across blog posts where bloggers reveal interesting facts about themselves. So here for your enjoyment are some random things about me:
1. How many books do you have on your shelf waiting to be read?
At last count it was somewhere around 40. If I would just stop visiting used book stores like this one (my personal favorite) I might be able to catch up on my reading. Here are five random titles from the "to be read" shelf:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
John Adams by David McCullough
Second Objective by Mark Frost
Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season by Johnathan Eig
The Faith of The American Soldier by Stephen Mansfield
2. One of my favorite foods is pizza - especially Chicago style.
I love pizza. It's one of my great weaknesses. My first exposure to truly wonderful pizza was a college trip to Chicago (in the dead of winter, no less - oh to be young and foolish) where I was introduced to Gino's East. Chicago style pizza is by far the best and Gino's is the place to get it. Giordano's is a close second and is my preferred choice when in Orlando. By the way, you can order from both places by mail. It's worth the price.
My work takes me to Louisville every year and the trip would not be complete without at least one order from Wick's Pizza. Just forget about the diet and dig in.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual in pizzas, try Blossom Cafe in Charleston, SC. They bake their pizzas in a wood-burning oven and offer more exotic topping combinations than your ordinary pizzeria.
Another Charleston-area pizzeria worth mentioning (and a little on the unusual side) is Evo. The thing that makes their pizzas so good is that they use only local, fresh ingredients.
3. My other favorite food is hot dogs.
Another food that is not diet-friendly, I became a hot dog snob living (briefly) in Chicago. Nathan's and Hebrew National may be the best known and most readily available all-beef hot dogs but nothing beats Vienna Beef. Any self-respecting hot dog joint in the city will serve them and they are absolutely the best. If you're willing to pay the price, you can purchase them on line alone or in a kit that allows you to make them the way Chicagoans eat them.
4. The person I've seen perform in concert the most times is....
James Taylor (four times). Runner up: Chris Rice (twice). They are the only two performers I have seen more than once.
5. When travelling, my favorite places to eat are....
First of all, I always make it a point to have at least one meal at a local restaurant. I've made some great discoveries by willing to break out of my comfort zone and try some place that is unique to whatever town I'm visiting. But it's inevitable that when you're on the road you'll hit some chain restaurants. Here are my three favorites:
Fast Food: Chick-Fil-A. If it's a chicken sandwich you want, where better to go than to the original source. Plus, I love the fact that our of conviction, they are closed on Sundays.
Casual Restaurant: Panera Bread. I love bread and I also love pastries. This has the best of both worlds. It's also a place I could eat any meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and be truly satisfied.
Sit-down Restaurant: Sometimes a little longer respite from travel is needed and Cracker Barrel is the perfect place. I love the down-home, Southern style cooking plus you can get breakfast any time of the day. It's also one of the few chains that is consistently good at every location.
1. How many books do you have on your shelf waiting to be read?
At last count it was somewhere around 40. If I would just stop visiting used book stores like this one (my personal favorite) I might be able to catch up on my reading. Here are five random titles from the "to be read" shelf:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
John Adams by David McCullough
Second Objective by Mark Frost
Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season by Johnathan Eig
The Faith of The American Soldier by Stephen Mansfield
2. One of my favorite foods is pizza - especially Chicago style.
I love pizza. It's one of my great weaknesses. My first exposure to truly wonderful pizza was a college trip to Chicago (in the dead of winter, no less - oh to be young and foolish) where I was introduced to Gino's East. Chicago style pizza is by far the best and Gino's is the place to get it. Giordano's is a close second and is my preferred choice when in Orlando. By the way, you can order from both places by mail. It's worth the price.
My work takes me to Louisville every year and the trip would not be complete without at least one order from Wick's Pizza. Just forget about the diet and dig in.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual in pizzas, try Blossom Cafe in Charleston, SC. They bake their pizzas in a wood-burning oven and offer more exotic topping combinations than your ordinary pizzeria.
Another Charleston-area pizzeria worth mentioning (and a little on the unusual side) is Evo. The thing that makes their pizzas so good is that they use only local, fresh ingredients.
3. My other favorite food is hot dogs.
Another food that is not diet-friendly, I became a hot dog snob living (briefly) in Chicago. Nathan's and Hebrew National may be the best known and most readily available all-beef hot dogs but nothing beats Vienna Beef. Any self-respecting hot dog joint in the city will serve them and they are absolutely the best. If you're willing to pay the price, you can purchase them on line alone or in a kit that allows you to make them the way Chicagoans eat them.
4. The person I've seen perform in concert the most times is....
James Taylor (four times). Runner up: Chris Rice (twice). They are the only two performers I have seen more than once.
5. When travelling, my favorite places to eat are....
First of all, I always make it a point to have at least one meal at a local restaurant. I've made some great discoveries by willing to break out of my comfort zone and try some place that is unique to whatever town I'm visiting. But it's inevitable that when you're on the road you'll hit some chain restaurants. Here are my three favorites:
Fast Food: Chick-Fil-A. If it's a chicken sandwich you want, where better to go than to the original source. Plus, I love the fact that our of conviction, they are closed on Sundays.
Casual Restaurant: Panera Bread. I love bread and I also love pastries. This has the best of both worlds. It's also a place I could eat any meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and be truly satisfied.
Sit-down Restaurant: Sometimes a little longer respite from travel is needed and Cracker Barrel is the perfect place. I love the down-home, Southern style cooking plus you can get breakfast any time of the day. It's also one of the few chains that is consistently good at every location.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
If I Were An Obama Supporter.....
Come November, I intend to cast my vote for John McCain. Like many other conservatives, I'm not terribly happy about having to vote for McCain but I really have no other legitimate choice. But if I were supporting Barack Obama, I would be increasingly worried about my candidate.
Given his recent track record of major flips on a variety of issues, Senator Obama is quickly making John Kerry look like a principled politician. It is becoming clearer by the day that the Senator is willing to do and say anything in order to get elected. It's not hard to imagine that if Obama wins the election his first two years in office will be marked by a hard tack to the left.
Senator Obama has been able to clinch the Democratic nomination by preaching an ambiguous message of hope and change without delving into much in the way of policy specifics. But as this campaign move into the more serious season he's going to have to make it clear what he stands for. Otherwise the "Change We Can Believe In" will be his platform that alters direction based on which way the political winds are blowing.
Given his recent track record of major flips on a variety of issues, Senator Obama is quickly making John Kerry look like a principled politician. It is becoming clearer by the day that the Senator is willing to do and say anything in order to get elected. It's not hard to imagine that if Obama wins the election his first two years in office will be marked by a hard tack to the left.
Senator Obama has been able to clinch the Democratic nomination by preaching an ambiguous message of hope and change without delving into much in the way of policy specifics. But as this campaign move into the more serious season he's going to have to make it clear what he stands for. Otherwise the "Change We Can Believe In" will be his platform that alters direction based on which way the political winds are blowing.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
President Bush - Underrated?
During my recent interview with author Jane Hampton Cook, I asked her how she thought history would view President Bush. One of the interesting things she mentioned was how the President was more concerned with doing what he felt was right then what was popular or politically expedient and as a result history will likely look more favorably on his presidency than the press does now. I tend to agree with this view.
It's even more refreshing when members of the mainstream media begin to understand this dynamic. This article (from Great Britain, no less) nails it perfectly and at the same time calls liberals and Europeans on the carpet for their deranged hatred of the President (hat tip: Instapundit):
Well said.
It's even more refreshing when members of the mainstream media begin to understand this dynamic. This article (from Great Britain, no less) nails it perfectly and at the same time calls liberals and Europeans on the carpet for their deranged hatred of the President (hat tip: Instapundit):
This is a man who has the courage of his convictions.
Let’s not forget how Europe does wars.
Usually we wait and wait until the enemy starts attacking, then we let them win a bit, then we fight until we are tired, then we just call the US to come over to clean our mess. That is what happened in WWI, WWII, and the Balkans.
Bush is just showing us what a bunch of dangerous ditherers we are and we hate him for it. Naturally.And the Olympics. Bush said right from the beginning that he’s going to the opening ceremony because he saw the whole boycott thing as silly and counterproductive.
Compare that with Sarkozy who has changed his mind twice so far and to Gordon Brown who, well... err.
Not much leadership from Europe here, as usual, just doublespeak. Once again, it is to Bush that we look for leadership.
Bush may not have the slickness of his predecessor, but he is a man you can trust and who prefers to tell it like it is.
This is refreshing, and very scary for us who are used to our politicians always talking grandly about principles and hiding behind political mumbo-speak.
The fact is you guys hate Mr Bush because he is not a hypocrite and you are used to hypocrites as your leaders. We hate what we don’t understand.Yes, yes, all you bleeding heart liberals are cringing out there. I can just hear you. But the fact is, Mr Bush has had to take some very tough decisions and the world needs people who can not only talk but also act tough and admit mistakes.
Well said.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Baseball Quote of the Week
You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you, too.
- Roy Campanella
- Roy Campanella
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The Revolution From The Pulpit
In my previous post, I referred to the fact that churches in colonial America had much to do with the change of hearts and minds in the colonists that had to take place in order for there to be an American Revolution. This terrific article from Christian History and Biography explains further the role of the church during the Revolution. It is well worth reading.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Learning from the Revolution
When we think about the American Revolution, we tend to think about the war itself. But as John Adams once wrote, "The American Revolution was a change in the hearts and minds of the people." As Jane Hampton Cook shows in her excellent book Battlefields and Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, the change of hearts and minds took place over a period of 25 years before the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord. There is also no doubt that the Revolution would not have occurred if people of faith hadn't been leading the way.
"What I realized was that there really couldn't have been a revolutionary war without people of faith because part of their Christian duty, their understanding of their Judeo-Christian heritage was that they were to obey their king," Ms. Cook said in a recent interiew. (Click here to listen) "That was part of their responsibility to their faith. But they had to make this change. They ended up realizing and prioritizing Galatians 5:1 which says 'It's for freedom that Christ came, therefore, stand firm for that freedom.' The more they concluded that King George had abdicated his God-given responsibility to protect their God-given rights, the more they realized he had become a tyrant and it was part of their duty by their faith to stand firm for freedom."
Through 365 daily devotions, Ms. Cook provides insight into the hearts and minds of not just our most well know founding fathers but many others who played a vital role in the Revolution. By relying on letters, diaries, and other writings, she is able to provide a window into the minds of these courageous men and women who took up the cause of freedom as part of their Christian duty. We also get a keen insight into their own struggles and find much in their lives that is very similar to our own. The book can easily be read as a novel as Ms. Cook still manages to provide a cohesive overall narrative of the Revolution even though she is working within the devotional structure.
One of the book's greatest strengths is the incorporation of what Ms. Cook refers to as the pulpit perspective. Each week's readings conclude with an entry entitled "Sabbath Rest" that features a sermon from the time period. We get to see how pastors were also struggling with their duty to stand firm for freedom and the impact that their teachings had on the Founders.
Battlefields and Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War is the most comprehensive history of the Revolution that I have come across. It's devotional style makes it great daily reading for individuals or family study. I highly recommend this book as you will gian a much greater understanding of what motivated the founders to abandon their dreams of a quiet life in order to live loud for liberty.
"What I realized was that there really couldn't have been a revolutionary war without people of faith because part of their Christian duty, their understanding of their Judeo-Christian heritage was that they were to obey their king," Ms. Cook said in a recent interiew. (Click here to listen) "That was part of their responsibility to their faith. But they had to make this change. They ended up realizing and prioritizing Galatians 5:1 which says 'It's for freedom that Christ came, therefore, stand firm for that freedom.' The more they concluded that King George had abdicated his God-given responsibility to protect their God-given rights, the more they realized he had become a tyrant and it was part of their duty by their faith to stand firm for freedom."
Through 365 daily devotions, Ms. Cook provides insight into the hearts and minds of not just our most well know founding fathers but many others who played a vital role in the Revolution. By relying on letters, diaries, and other writings, she is able to provide a window into the minds of these courageous men and women who took up the cause of freedom as part of their Christian duty. We also get a keen insight into their own struggles and find much in their lives that is very similar to our own. The book can easily be read as a novel as Ms. Cook still manages to provide a cohesive overall narrative of the Revolution even though she is working within the devotional structure.
One of the book's greatest strengths is the incorporation of what Ms. Cook refers to as the pulpit perspective. Each week's readings conclude with an entry entitled "Sabbath Rest" that features a sermon from the time period. We get to see how pastors were also struggling with their duty to stand firm for freedom and the impact that their teachings had on the Founders.
Battlefields and Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War is the most comprehensive history of the Revolution that I have come across. It's devotional style makes it great daily reading for individuals or family study. I highly recommend this book as you will gian a much greater understanding of what motivated the founders to abandon their dreams of a quiet life in order to live loud for liberty.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
The Lost Art of Hurling A Knuckleball
At one time it was a more commonly (but not widely) utilized pitch: the knuckleball. Now only one major league pitcher employs it. Sports Illustrated has a great profile of the strangest pitch you will ever see thrown and the one guy who still uses it: Boston's Tim Wakefield.
Hat tip: Jonathan
Hat tip: Jonathan
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