Leaving on a jet plane...

Not that I've been verbose lately, but I'll be offline for the next week or so. I'm part of a team that is headed to Mirebalais to lead a revival, teach Bible school for children and generally minister to the community there.

This is something new for my walk of faith and I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us in Haiti.

Tonight is going to be a rush of shopping, packing, and last minute study and preparation. But come tomorrow, I'll be on the plane and in God's hands.

If you're the praying kind, please pray for safe travel, no tropical disturbances, and our hearts. These folks have been through so much - we want to have a positive impact on their community.

Bon voyage...

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Football is barbaric...sometimes

Or what the Americans call football; it's a rough sport. I'm fine with that.

What I'm not fine with is punks taking cheap shots. Punks like T. J. Ward.



Fox Sports reported that Ward was fined $15,000 for the hit. That's like you fining me $15 for beating the crap out of someone for no apparent reason. Not much of a deterrent, if I was inclined to be a thug.

And of course, Ward said he wasn't trying to hurt Shipley. They always do.

I think Jordan Shipley was a gifted receiver at Texas; don't know much about him as a Bengal but I'd guess he's got a fair few years ahead of him in the No Foul League, er, NFL.

How many times do we need to watch as players stand around after such vicious hits while the object of their destruction gets carted off to the hospital.

Anyone remember Darryl Stingley?

The play in the video above is clearly helmet-to-helmet: a serious foul now in the NFL. Didn't stop Ward from tagging Shipley though, did it? And these players spend more than $15,000 on a night out. Chump change.

Shipley was lucky, he just suffered a concussion. Lucky; right.

What do you think?

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The next book I buy...

...will be a copy of the new release from Dr. David Jeremiah, The Coming Economic Armageddon.

Now I'm not the Chicken Little type, but I think Dr. Jeremiah has made some good points - some scary points. Undertaking a year of research, he has put together some statistics - real numbers - that point to the inevitability of the U.S. economic system crashing.

Many non-Christians out there may sigh, roll their eyes, and say, "Oh boy, another end times scenario from the Christians...yawn."

But in listening to Dr. Jeremiah on the radio the last couple of days, he has dispassionately reported the numbers - numbers about our economy that are dismaying in the least, and frightening at worst. He's not making these up - this is information that is out there for anyone who spends the time to find it. Our debt load, our devalued currency, our inadequate tax base...

Whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim or believe in something else entirely, if you are American and have a stake in our country's continued viability, you should read this book.

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To believe in God...or not

Greetings, blogosphere. I've missed you. Seriously.

New responsibilities at work have kept me from posting at all since the World Cup. My goal has always been to get at least one post up a week, so that should tell you how busy life has been.

I think today's entry is of suitable import to merit extra effort and a return to regular blogging.

As I prepared for our small group session this week - on making a case for God's existence - I looked around the Internet and read a few opinions on God. At the Philosophy Talk blog, I read Ken Taylor's post and many of the comments that followed. There was something almost cavalier about the author's dismissal of God's existence and I wondered at the depth of emotion displayed across the spectrum of belief as people commented.

I can't force anyone to believe in God and I can't convince or argue anyone to a belief in God. Each of us has to make that decision on our own. Jesus died on the cross and defeated death so that we could have a personal relationship with Him. All I can do is share that with anyone, and whether they choose to accept Him (or not) is their decision.

Responding to Mr. Taylor's post, I asked, "Would the atheists be happy if God forced himself on us? If we were all little white-robed-wearing proselytes with no free will?"

Who knows?

Secularists seem to want me to take responsibility for my own life, yet, when I do that and make the most important decision anyone can make, they mock.

Blaise Pascal had a personal experience that revealed to him the existence of God. Then he chose to present the case for belief in a mathematical, reasoned way. And people still mocked him.

I'm not saying that Pascal's Wager is the best foundation on which to believe in God - far from it. But for those that are seeking meaning in this life, it is one of countless arguments for at least considering the truth of God's existence.

The Bible, from beginning to end, is the story of God's effort to redeem mankind. Over and over, time after time, humanity turned away from God to our detriment. Over and over, time after time, God gave humanity another chance.

Finally, as was His plan all along, God said (Disclaimer: I am paraphrasing here), "Here's what I'll do - I will make the ultimate sacrifice and blot out all the terrible things humanity has done, is doing and will ever do. All anyone has to do is believe in Me, accept that what I have done will re-establish the bond I had with humanity in the very beginning, and those who choose to receive My free gift will be with Me for eternity, in peace."

Remember when you were a child and were punished for disobedience. You didn't like that but if you were honest with yourself you admitted that you had messed up and deserved to be punished.

Hell wasn't created for us but as we continued to disobey God over the centuries, it was clear that of the two places available to spend eternity, it was the most suitable for the disobedient.

But you say, "That's not fair!"

What's not fair about it? When you were a kid your parents told you, "If you do this then here's what will happen."

God has told us over and over, time after time, what will happen if we disobey Him. He has given us free will, as well as the full knowledge and awareness of the consequences should we choose to be disobedient.

I'd say that's pretty darn fair. If we had no idea - if we went through our entire lives without the Bible or church or any knowledge of God and His eternal plan - and we ended up in Hell because we had stolen a pack of gum when we were 14, then that would be unfair.

But He has revealed His plan to us; He's given us the rule book; He's told us everything we need to know in order to believe in Him and re-establish our relationship with Him. He's given us the road map to Heaven.

And He has given us free will to choose how we will live our lives. To paraphrase Rod Serling, "There's a signpost up ahead, and on it are two destinations."

Which will you choose?

Dogpile!

I usually don't like to kick a person - or, in this case, a country - while they're down but let's face it, Les Bleus deserve it. Les Bleus - The Blues - France's national football team, lost badly today to tournament host South Africa in the last Group A match from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The scoreline read 2-1 but in reality South Africa controlled the match from start to finish. It didn't help that French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in the 25th minute, leaving his countrymen to defend against a motivated South African side for the remaining 75. In truth, Bafana Bafana (South African term for 'the boys') should have scored more. Doing so might have seen them through to the knockout stages in place of Mexico, but it wasn't to be.

So much for the good ol' days...

How could the 1998 world champions fall so far? Let me throw out a few nuggets...

• Coach Raymond Domenech, after a 2-0 thumping by Italy dumped France out of the 2008 European championships, proposed to his girlfriend in the post-match interview. Nothing like being self-absorbed after an embarrassing team loss.

• Prior to this year's world cup, Domenech prepared a full program for his 24-player squad: mountain bike training, weights, swimming and hiking. It doesn't look like they kicked many balls in the Alps...

• Prior to the aforementioned 2008 European Championships Domenech admitted his team selection was influenced by astrology. Maybe that's why two of his best options, Arsenal regular Samir Nasri and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, weren't even selected?

• Earlier this year, French winger and all-around (not-so?) good guy Frank Ribery was implicated along with Benzema and several teammates in a prostitution scandal involving a minor. Yikes!

• Once Les Bleus actually got to the World Cup, they managed to score a grand total of one goal in three games. Striker Nicolas Anelka was dismissed from the team after allegedly making derogatory remarks concerning/to Coach Domenech during the halftime break of France's humiliating 2-0 loss to Mexico. 

• In protest, the entire French team refused to practice this past Sunday, apparently in a display of solidarity with the dismissed Anelka. Jean-Louis Valentin, the French team director, resigned afterward due to being 'fed up' with the team. You think?

•  Fitness coach Robert Duverne also stormed off the practice field Sunday, tossing his accreditation away in anger after an argument with French captain Patrice Evra - who, by the way, didn't even play against South Africa today. Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!

What a complete and utter train wreck.

At least, for the French, c'est finis. Now the rest of us can focus on really important matters - like the USA beating Algeria in a must-win to make the knockout round after being denied a clear winning goal against Slovenia by Malian referee Koman Coulibaly. Not that I'm bitter.

And speaking of dog-piling; the Irish, who were eliminated in a World Cup qualifier play off by, of course, Les Bleus, reportedly donned somberos and downed tequila shots after Thursday's win by Mexico over the French. Erin go bragh!

This World Cup has more drama than a WWE Smackdown. If this doesn't bring in the fans, I don't know what will.

But to the French...boux houx...and au revoir!

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Morality Play or Discrimination?

According to this report on MSN, a teacher was fired from a private Christian school for having sex outside of marriage. The teacher is now suing the school on discriminatory grounds.

At the risk of offending all free thinkers out there, I think the firing is justified, and here's why:

a) It's a private, Christian school
b) The teacher signed an employment application which clearly states, "...that as a leader before our students we require all teachers to maintain and communicate the values and purpose of our school."
c) The Bible is clear that sex outside of marriage is a sin

It should have been no surprise to the teacher that engaging in sex outside of marriage would put her employment at risk.

I am not setting myself up as a judge here. I'm merely expressing my opinion that considering the values and policies of her employer, the teacher should have been aware of at least the possibility that things could go this way.

I suspect that as a result of the pending lawsuit, the school will be required to spell out in their policies and procedures the types of behavior that are not allowed - that is, if they are allowed to keep some level of autonomy regarding said policies and procedures.

This whole situation is sort of a shame because, if you're a Christian and an adult, you should know these things already.

What do you think?

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Freaky Friday...

...no, not the one with LiLo.

You can tell it's a World Cup year when they have videos like this one out...



Short post today but honestly, it's quality over quantity, wouldn't you say?

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You can't have it both ways...

Last year I picked up a book by Bill Wiese entitled 23 Minutes in Hell. I read it, shared it with  friends and then it started collecting dust. I happened upon it this morning and spent a few minutes browsing through the beginning again...

This question arose: How many Christians believe in Heaven but don't believe in Hell?

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a mainstream Christian church that actively discusses Hell these days. The Bible says, "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." [Revelation 20:14]

As near as I can tell, Hades is not Hell - it is a place where our spirits go to await judgment. For those who are saved, it is a place of rest...Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43]. And for those who have not accepted Christ as their savior, well, I think Mr. Weise's book sums it up very succinctly.

It's not going to be pretty.

We all seem to love the books and stories that talk about Heaven and listen intently when people share their near-death experiences and how peaceful, etc. they were. And that's all well and good, but if we are to take God's word at face value - as the Truth - then we can't have Heaven without Hell.

If you'd like to know more, pick up a copy of Mr. Weise's book. Alternately, there are several videos of him floating around on YouTube.

If you're convinced that there is a Hell and that you don't want any part of it, well, read Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Everyone has free will - you can pick where you spend eternity. To paraphrase the French Knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, "Choose wisely."

What do you think?

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And then there were 23...

U.S. Men's head soccer coach Bob Bradley has named his final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as announced on the US Soccer web site. Here is our team:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (2010), Marcus Hahnemann (2006, 2010), Tim Howard (2006, 2010)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (2006, 2010), Jonathan Bornstein (2010), Steve Cherundolo (2002, 2006, 2010), Jay DeMerit (2010), Clarence Goodson (2010), Oguchi Onyewu (2006, 2010), Jonathan Spector (2010)

MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (2002, 2006, 2010), Michael Bradley (2010), Ricardo Clark (2010), Clint Dempsey (2006, 2010), Landon Donovan (2002, 2006, 2010), Maurice Edu (2010), Benny Feilhaber (2010), Stuart Holden (2010), José Torres (2010)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (2010), Edson Buddle (2010), Robbie Findley (2010), Herculez Gomez (2010) 

All in all, I'm not too surprised at the choices Bradley made. There are quite a few debutantes to the World Cup stage and, amazingly, only four of the final twenty-three ply their trade in the MLS domestic league. This speaks to the depth of international experience this team boasts and should give fans of the beautiful game here in the U.S. some hope that we will post a good showing this go-round.

I think it's a bit much to ask for that the US team will penetrate deep into the draw, but a strong second place showing in the group stage is almost expected. Unfortunately, that will most likely earn us a meeting with a slightly injury-depleted but still dangerous Germany, the projected winner of Group D.

As always, our international hopes will be hanging on the pace and presence of Landon Donovan. The difference this year is that he has some help. His scorching hot scoring partner from the LA Galaxy - Edson Buddle - made Bradley's cut, and a rededicated DeMarcus Beasley from Scotland's Rangers should offer plenty of speed on the left wing - a prospect we've been waiting years for.

Physically, we look strong in the middle of the park with Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, but there are still questions all over the defensive end.

I'd like to see the proposed starting eleven in action for the final friendly before the team departs. I believe that game will show us a lot of what we have to look forward to. ESPN will be broadcasting the game against Turkey on May 29th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Tune in and support those Yanks!

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No trumpet playing band...

Ever have one of those days that fairly screams, 'Beautiful!'? Today started just like that. It's already getting hot in Florida - I'm talking in the nineties during the day with, maybe, a low of seventy-two. But this morning, the humidity was down and it felt cooler. I left for work and drove through the tree-lined, residential streets of Bagdad. The window was down, the air was cool. The oak trees were a vibrant green and the early-morning sky was impossibly blue. After thanking God for such a great day, I turned on the radio and heard this song...

The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music

Maybe it's because the Doobies were my first concert, maybe it's just because this song and this morning went together so well - who knows - it just fit. Traffic was light, the wind was cool and the sun rose at my back while I drove to work over Escambia Bay...perfect.

I'm no stranger to horns and synthesizers - I love jazz and new wave from the eighties - but this morning, the pure guitar sound of the early Doobies was just what the doctor ordered.

I liked the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald - he has such a great voice...

The Doobie Brothers - What a Fool Believes

But there is something about the early Doobies - straight forward guitar and vocal harmonies with a solid backbeat - that harkens to a simpler, more innocent time.

What drives the soundtrack of your life?

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