Skyfall, Technology, and that Old Time Religion

This is the end; Hold your breath and count to ten...

I know, I know... It's about time. I just saw the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall. First, let me just say, I enjoy Adele and her musical style. It's a song with retro theme of Sean Connery and "Dr No." The movie itself has a flavor of retro to it; from Daniel Craig's suits to his Aston Martin, they all bring back the old time memories of James Bond. When it comes to the latest Bond movie, there is a consistent tension between James Bond and modern technology. "Q" is now a young twenty-something. He brags he can destroy computer systems of countries in his pajamas, while Bond brags about how he has to decide between who and who not to kill... Then, he challenges Q that he could never do that in his pajamas. This is only one example of how Bond represents "old school" and Q and the others inside MI6 represent modernism. In the end, Q and Bond both realize there can be a happy marriage between the old spy ways of doing things and the use of modern technology. If you need more information on this, go see the movie...again, if necessary. How does this relate to that "Old Time Religion?" This is too easy and I know many of my contemporaries know where I am going with this one. There is a mindset in many evangelical churches and blogs that the old ways of doing things are passé and must be replaced by more modern and contemporary methods. The old school folks in the church quickly dig in their heels and cross their arms and refuse to consider anything new, quoting, "there's nothing like that old time religion." Maybe there's a lesson the church can learn from Skyfall. That lesson is there is room for a marriage between the foundational principles of the old time religion while implementing today's methods of social media and technology. So, we can say, this is not the end, even if

The skyfalls when it crumbles we will stand tall face it all together.

Triablogue: The Origins Of The December 25 Date For Christmas

Triablogue: The Origins Of The December 25 Date For Christmas: Several factors to keep in mind: - It seems that the December 25 date was being used by Christians to mark Jesus' birth during the ante-Ni...

FALL REFLECTIONS

Phoenix Pastors is now on Skype and Face Time. Both mediums allow us to have live conversations with you with one condition: you also need either Skype or Face Time. Let me know, if you would like to connect. Currently, God has me serving individuals with grief. This door has now opened where we are meeting to listen, discuss, and encourage those going through the journey of grief. All of them are experiencing the death of a close friend or relative. It’s been a challenge, but God is both teaching me and helping those in grief. One individual, we’ll call him “Ray.” He really needs your prayers. His wife died not too long ago. He doesn’t have a relationship with the Lord Jesus and isn’t too thirsty for the gospel. Please pray his heart and mind become free from the spiritual fortresses which keep him in bondage. Just a few weeks ago, God opened the door for me to preach the gospel to over 400 people at a Memorial. The man who had died was well known and well – liked by many people. Some of them were in “recovery” groups which this man led. Others were former co-workers, friends, and family. While it is not easy to measure the results of sharing the gospel, it was a thrill to share with so many at one time. Pray for those folks to reflect upon the words of the gospel and turn to Jesus Christ. Pray as well for the family. It seemed clear that they were not believers. This year, we have three in high school. Kelly is occupied, keeping the home operating and juggling schedules as well as car commutes to work, extra activities, and the homes of our children’s friends. You know, we are dealing with the typical teenager things many of you are aware. Finally, Paul is on the verge of co-producing and writing a manual to train “lay-chaplains.” This is exciting and may lead to future opportunities, including educational classes. We’ll keep you posted. Thank you for reading this and please feel free to share it with someone else who may be interested in knowing more about Phoenix Pastors.

Perfect Peace

I enjoy clarity. While I may not always communicate clearly, my attempt is to be simple and clear. That is why I enjoy the Prophet Isaiah. He is straightforward and clear. For example, Isaiah 26:3 says this: “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You." The clear point is God wants us to experience not just peace, but perfect peace. The word peace in Hebrew is "Shalom." You know this word. It means to wish blessing to another person, not just to them, but to their family and their work, crops, livestock, etc. In other words, may be you blessed beyond your imagniation. Now here's the kicker. Shalom is not only mentioned once, but twice in this verse. In fact, it is used by Isaiah back to back, "shalom, shalom." There is really no English equivalency in the translation, so the closest thing to it is "perfect peace." Ok, so how does one experience this perfect peace? Great question... Here is the answer. Usually, when trials and circumstances come into our lives, they become a distraction to us. These can distract us from many things, including our devotion and loyalty to our Lord. When we become distracted, our peace exits the back door too. Have you ever connected those two things? So, instead of allowing trials and circumstances to distract us, let's choose to use them to remind us of the faithfulness of God. When we do this, God promises to give us His peace. Actually, He promises to give us "Shalom - Shalom! In other words, God will give to us and allow us to experience His "perfect peace." Here is Paul's Principle: When life turns up the heat, trust God to cool you down with his peace, perfectly.

A Tale of Two Cinemas

Charles Dickens coined it - "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times," and each generation, I believe, experiences it. The experience I am referring is the value of human life. There are two movies opening this weekend which promote different views on the value of life: The Hunger Games and October Baby. The Hunger Games' agenda is simply this: life is expendable and meaningless as seen by the elite rulers'lifestyle and how they use fear to control the masses. In the movie, October Baby, the agenda is about the value of a single life. Instead of people living selfishly for themselves, October Baby shows how the values of unselfishness and love promote a culture that respects and fosters life. In a culture which is devaluing the human life, two cinemas offers the viewer two options: life or death. While I am not condemning anyone who views The Hunger Games, I am advocating a balance, if nothing else. If you are planning to see The Hunger Games, take the time to see October Baby also. You may be surprised just how good you feel about life and realize it's your best of times, so far.

Accessible & Available

This past week I had an opportunity to serve a family in a very special way. The way it went was the family had a death and were in need of a minister. After seeking many ministers' availability, someone told them to contact me.

I was not only available the day and time of their service, but also accessible then on the phone and the option to meet face to face to discuss the service.

This week, the service was held and the family was very pleased with the outcomes as were the friends. It was great to do this for them.

And here is the bottom line: Ministry is about being available and accessible for people in their time of greatest need. While we cannot be everywhere, where ever we are, we are completely there.

I am so grateful to God to be entrusted with this ministry. Check out my website for my services to individuals and families http://phoenixpastors.webs.com.

As always, have a blessed life..

Real Hope in a Decaying Nation

As I write this, Congress has elevated the debt ceiling to over 16 Trillion dollars. That`s "T" for Trillion. I cannot even imagine that number let alone explain it to my children.

Article Six in our Nation`s Education System allows foreigners to give money to colleges and school districts to propogate their doctrines (and yes, I mean that in the religious sense) to unsuspecting children and their parents.

In a recent days, politicians are more inclined to discuss tax increases or tax cuts rather than dealing with the real issue: spending and the astronomical amount of money the government`s entitlement programs are costing this great nation. Nowhere in the Constitution does it give government authority to provide said entitlements and where the Constitution is silent, the power belongs to the states or people.

Finally, but the list could go on, Iran is ready to have a nuclear arsenol. This is a country that has verbally expressed its hatred and desire to destroy Israel as well as The United States of America.

So, with all this said, how does one have hope? Does hope come from within or from without? Is it temporary or can it be a permanent value? From what source does hope come?

While the world would tell us hope is not a virtue or value, but rather an emotion, i.e., "I hope it doesn`t rain tomorrow" or "We`re hoping to arrive by tomorrow." These are all wishes or hunches based upon emotion.

The Bible does not base hope on emotion. However, when applied, it can affect our emotional state. The Bible demonstrates that hope is based upon truths. In First Peter 1:1-12, there are 3.5 reasons why we can have a real, genuine hope.

1. God gives a new perspective. In verses 1 and 2, God helps us with a new view of us and others. Peter often stuck his foot in his mouth and made many errors, yet God appoints him to be a leader of the church - He is called an apostle. God also gives us new view on ourselves, telling us we are His elect children. This doesn`t make Christians better than others; but it does place us in a better position. We are in God`s family.

2. God gives us a secure future. When we look at the news, the culture, and our 401, the future does not look bright. But when you look at the future from God`s perspective, it is hopeful (see verses 3-5). Peter tells us our future is "kept" or protected - a picture of a town which has a military based in it and the soldiers are guarding it.

3. God is our present help. Throughout the Bible, He either illustrates or tells us He is our present helper in time of need (See Psalm 46). Peter tells us, although we may face conflicts, trials, and even persecutions, he will protect us all the way to His home (see verses 6-9). You can bank on it; God will protect you and even if you have to endure trials (and who doesn`t), He will be there with you.

3.5 God keeps His word. In verses 10-12, Peter tells us how the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Spirit were the source of God`s message of hope (salvation) from the Prophet to the Apostles, to the early church, to you and me today. God always keeps His word.

Friend, we have hope, because of these reasons. They are not based on emotion, but upon God, His character and His word. You can believe in the Hope God gives through Jesus Christ, when you believe God always keeps His promises. And you can trust Him, because He stakes His Name on it!

Here`s a final thought for us: In Christ we:

H - Have

O - (the) Omininpotent`s

P - Provisions

E - Everday...Everytime

Christians have a genuine hope! Do you?

Why Tim Tebow Matters (WTTM)

I enjoy underdogs.  I'm a fan of movies like Facing the Giants, U571, and even Disney's Aladdin.  When underdogs are told they can't, it is inspiring to watch them achieve.  Take for example, Tim Tebow.  In the last year, he has been the epitome of underdog.  While many have dismissed him - guys like Charles Barkley call him a "Nightmare"- let me explain why I believe Tim Tebow matters, both for the NFL and for those of us who enjoy underdogs!

He brings a renewed synergism to nfl.  Some said he wouldn't be drafted and he was; many said he wouldn't make it in the NFL and he is; then the talking heads said he wouldn't win a playoff game and he has.  His presence has ignited Denver and fans across the country.  He would never take credit for this and he would give all the honor to his God.  Perseverance

He breaks the mold, modeling to all you don't have to fit in to succeed.  Ambition/ pioneering Spirit

He  enjoys football and life. When we enjoy what w do, success follows.  

He has a vision bigger than life. They say you cannot live more than 14 days c out food; 7 days c out water, but only moments without hope hope. Hope comes from knowing your future is secure. Tebow has a personal faith in Jesus Christ who said, "I am the resurrection and life...". His future has been secured by his Victor, Jesus Christ. 

He is unafraid & uncompromising with his faith, demonstrating moral strength!

He is a role model which parents can point to for their children.  Whether you're a follower of Christ or not, Tim Tebow matters because he represents what is good about life and professional sports.  In contrast, Charles Barkley was correct when he said, "I am not a role model."  

He demonstrates proper sportsmanship, even after an embarrassing defeat!  Obviously, I'm writing his after the game against New England.  Tebow did not demonstrate what is often seen during games of such high emotion. Yes, he showed frustration, but that frustration was not turned outward towards another. 

He seeks out the forgotten of our culture. While many NFL players serve in their communities, Tebow invests time before eachh game signing autographs for children with severe and debilitating illnesses. 

While some will continue to hurl criticisms and disbelief toward #15, I for one will continue to say WTTM!