Pastor Mike's Weblog

Reading the Handwriting on the Wall  Daniel 5:1-31

Today's American society is becoming more and more secular. We are pushing aside once-honored religious traditions, customs, and expressions. Sometimes this is the result of legal actions spearheaded by anti-Christian organizations. As a consequence, we now live in a society where the sacred is ridiculed, openly mocked, or profaned. Do you take too casual an approach toward the things of God?

What is your Jesus like?

Pride. Perhaps no other word can be both beautiful and ugly at the same time. Observe the pride written across the face of a parent or grandparent when their child excels. Shade your eyes from the glaring pride of a new father carrying out his child to display to well-wishers. Swallow hard and restrain the nausea caused by the neighbor who always points out their newest toy. See the unchurched shun religious people while they compete to make their own church seem the best. The old adage "Don't let success go to your head" reminds us that all humans are subject to the danger that success can change them for the worse. Indeed, most of us know someone who experienced a measure of success and then abandoned his or her former friends or became almost a different person. We say, "Success changed him or her."

I know that question will stir some ardent anti-Disney SBC-ers, and thats OK. They can blast me on their own blog - this one is mine. I ran across a very good article by Devin Hudson over at GraceisthePoint. Devin pastors Grace Point Church in Las Vegas, and on returning from a recent vacation to Disney, had some great observations to make. Below are some excerpts to whet your appetite, and then a link to his blog at the bottom for the full article.

"First Impressions are lasting. If you have been to Disney, you know how well trained their "cast members" (employees) are. They are friendly, helpful, and always seeking to make your experience better."

"Excellence is a must. If you have been to Disney, you know how clean it is. You know how detailed it is. You know the high level with which they operate. Everything they do is done with absolute excellence."

"A good blend of the old and new is not a bad thing. Disney has created some incredible new rides and attractions that are off the hook. Yet they have also held on to some timeless classics that draw huge crowds. What would Disney be without the Peter Pan ride and It's a Small World? They have not dismissed everything "old" as things progressed. They have built on the past for the future."

For the complete article go here. I would be interested in your comments. After reading his article, close the window and return here to watch the video below. It is a stunning example of creativity portraying the human struggle with God interneving in the end.

FACING THE FIERY FURNACE  Daniel 3:1-30

WASHINGTON (BP) - Attempts to advance policies opposed by pro-life and pro-family organizations are expected to resume now that Congress has reconvened after a month-long recess.

The Senate and House of Representatives returned to work Sept. 4 with the war in Iraq the center of attention, but the Democratic leadership also appears prepared to challenge President Bush with votes on such controversial proposals as funding destructive embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) and expanding so-called "homosexual rights." Excerpted from Baptist Press article from Sept. 7, 2007.

And the pressure continues.....

Another hero of the faith has gone home. Dr. D. James Kennedy, a leading theological conservative in the United States for decades, died September 5, at the age of 76.

Go to the following links to read more about Dr. Kennedy and his phenomenal service to Christ's Kingdom work.

Lifeway News Article

The D. James Kennedy Memorial

Baptist Press

Feeling Anxious About the Future                    Daniel 2:1-49

Many people worry about the future. Many worry about their personal futures. Others worry about their children's futures. Some worry about the future of our country. Others worry about the future of our planet. People of true faith do not need to worry about the future because they know the One who controls the future. They also know the empires and kingdoms of this world will pass away.

Have you ever had a grueling week of non-stop crises and demands? How about a week of just being too busy? Yeah, me too. Times like these make me so thankful for the simple things in life. One of the best is a restful nap with my two little boys.

Aaron (next to me) is doing great now and Adrian (on the far right) seems to be doing OK on his new seizure meds. We will still be taking him to Memphis to the doctor for periodic checkups to regulate the meds, but for now he is fine. In a busy time in our lives we did have time for some "daddy-time" that included a great nap a few days ago. Blessings!