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Thoughts on Veteran's Day

A few years ago I stood in an airport fast food line. I held a $20 bill in my hand as I eyed the menu board trying to decide what to eat. From the corner of my eye I saw two soldiers walking by. I had no idea if they were heading off on a mission or if they were returning home from one. All I knew was that I was very moved and, almost without thinking, I thanked the soldiers for their service to our country, asked them if I could buy them lunch, and then handed them the money in my hand.

This very small gesture was beyond insignificant in comparison to everything that those in the military have risked and endured to insure our country’s freedom and prosperity. Even so, it was obvious that these young men were very moved by the small expression of appreciation. Perhaps it was simply because someone took the opportunity to communicate something many of us feel, but rarely express: sincere gratitude.

Today is Veterans’ Day. First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone reading this who presently serves in the military or has ever done so. Our country is deeply indebted to you, and I for one am personally grateful for all you do and have done to protect our lives and our liberties. Secondly, I’d like to challenge us all to think of a veteran we know and then figure out a way to thank and/or bless them practically this week (let’s get creative!). In addition, let’s pray for people we know (and their families) who are presently or will soon be deployed. In light of last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood, we saw that our soldiers face dangers wherever they are, so let’s keep them all in prayer.

And perhaps Christians can do one other thing for our veteran’s; humbly learn from them. Many of us have never been enlisted in the US military, but let’s remember that the service and sacrifice modeled by our military is something Christians everywhere ought to emulate for the ultimate Commander in Chief:

“And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.” (2 Timothy 2: 4 NLT)

Thought to ponder

This article is worth a read. Among the findings based on Robert Putnam's forthcoming book:

-Religious people are more generous, kind & happy than atheists
-Political and religious fusion greatly hurt religion's influence
-Meaningful community greatly improves lives
-Irreligion among the young isn't irreversible

Here is the quote that excited me and validated our church's decision to be organizationally apolitical:

"The young, in general, are not committed secularists. "They are not in church, but they might be if a church weren't like the religious right. ... There are almost certain to be religious entrepreneurs to fill that niche with a moderate evangelical religion, without political overtones."

The man in power

Well, 50% of America is elated right now (congratulations) and 50% is deflated (condolences) based on the outcome of yesterday’s election. The 1 or 2 of you Nader fans....well, you’re just used to this by now! :)

Either way, I think it is important for us who follow Christ (regardless of political affiliation) to keep a godly perspective. We should always find peace and hope in something, or I should say Someone, far bigger than whoever it is that occupies seats of earthly power. The apostle John had a vision in his book of Revelation that I think is important for us to remember always, but perhaps especially now:

“Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:9-11)

Notice 2 things:
God is on the throne (which reminds us who to FOCUS on)– we shouldn’t be riding a rollercoaster of faith or fear based upon the outcome of a presidential election, because earthly powers will come and go, but God is the one truly in control serving an endless term as King of the Universe

God alone is worthy of our worship (which reminds us who to put our FAITH in)– people may do a great job of leading us temporarily and I believe they deserve our respect. But God created us, sustains us and as our King, He always deserves our reverence; our ultimate allegiance and affection.

This weekend at Calvary Fellowship, we’ll talk practically about what it means to worship God in a message entitled “How To Tell God We Love Him.” Worship is far more than just singing songs; so this Sunday we’ll talk about some of the practical ways we can worship our King.

In the meantime, I encourage you all to pray for both our current and future presidents. That God would guide, strengthen, protect and encourage them. And let’s pray that they too would maintain their focus on and faith in Jesus as they face the most difficult job in the world!

Huh?

Is this article real or is it a spoof from the Onion that managed to go mainstream???

Shane Claiborne in Hartford

Last night I went to see see Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw on their tour promoting their new book "Jesus for President." The authors did a 2-hour presentation that was enhanced by an intriguing visual presentation and interjected performances by a power-folk [my term for them] band called The Psalters.

Some positive impressions:

• I enjoyed the retelling of the biblical narrative in their creative presentation
• I respect the integrity of conviction they have between what they believe and how they conduct their lives
• I appreciate the clarion call for the church to find it's guidance and hope for the world in Jesus as "president" rather than an earthly political candidate
• I was captured by the overall packaging and presentation of their message
• I was personally challenged to really examine to what extent the values of the world we live in has shaped my Christian worldview

I did not agree with everything that was presented; in fact I was disturbed by certain elements. I agree on a macro level; the church is the "called out ones" and we are to live with Jesus as our ultimate leader. I guess where I disagree with is some of the authors' interpretations of what that should look like.

Overall I am glad to have gone and consider it a positive experience. It was also great to run into a crew from Calvary who weren't too embarrassed to sit with their pastor!

Wait 'til your honor gets home

I don't spend much time on this blog commenting on social issues, but this report really frightened me. What is this judge thinking?!? What is Canada thinking?!? Do they really think they know better than a girls' parents about what discipline might be appropriate for her? Does this disturb anyone else?!?

Losing my religion

That's what Americans are doing in overwhelming #s according to this article in the Hartford Courant. Personally this doesn't discourage me, it motivates me to pray and work harder!

Any thoughts on this article?

Blue Back is Here

The town my family lives in and our church meets in has completely changed with the grand opening of the long-anticipated Blue Back Center. As I read this article describing it, I am excited about how the growth/changes in the town will translate into ministry opportunities for Calvary Fellowship.

Pray for a good man

Ben Arment posted a sad report about Jim Mellado, the president of the Willowcreek Association.

My friend Bob and I had the privilege of meeting Jim a few years ago (story here) and we agreed that Jim is an amazing leader and just a generally nice guy.

Please join me in praying for him and his family.

What do you know about the world?

Newsweek is offering a quiz to test your global IQ on its site.

How much do we really know about the world we live in? I'll publish my score if you publish yours!