a momentary epiphany of profundity

Is this what I am aiming for? A moment of profundity? My 15 minutes in the spotlight? In many ways, I'm afraid so. Deep in my heart I am shallow.

I read this line 'a momentary epiphany of profundity' in a posted review of Lauryn Hill's 'Miseducation' on Reformed Blacks of America and the poignancy of the phrase struck home.

See I had been subtly been shaking my head at this young woman's deconstructionist patchwork of ideologies and personalities when it struck me that I do the same thing. I try to cobble together the cool and appealing ideas and positions along with my version of Christianity to make up my persona. I am wooed by our cultural tide even as I try to fight it. Like a boogie board alone in the surf, I lurch and jump when I am loosed.

YET God's law and the Holy Spirit are good and right to point out my sin so clearly. I am so judgmental. I think I know it all. Then I want justification so I speak and write and blog mostly so just maybe at some point someone will think I'm profound. At least just for a minute. I try to get my life from what people think - EVEN though He's convinced me that He is my Rock.

I sell out my Rock and my Deliverer for a patch of gravel on the sand. And then wonder why it hurts when I land on reality beach.

Thank You Lord for your mercy and long suffering with me. Thank you for revealing Your Word to my broken yet prideful heart. You are my Rock and my Deliverer and my Only Comfort in life. In You will I trust.

Holy Hip Hop Help

A godly man discussing godly music. Originally posted on John Piper's Desiring God blog.



I'm old school and out of touch musically, but I hear high commendation for these artists from Troy Coons and the staff at Impact Movement. People I respect. And you know, if the Lord is in it, He'll bring on this revival!

Prosperity Idol Worship

Found this on I Speak the Truth and it brings tears to my eyes. Tears of anger and deep sadness. This is bondage and slavery to which hundreds of thousands are enslaved in our nation and around the world.


And this sort of teaching is the most visible face of Christianity to a lost and dying world. Is it wrong to pray imprecatory prayers against this shit?

Oh wait, I am no better. I want money and ease more than I want You oh Lord! Who do I think I am? Just because I seek money in more 'appropriate' ways, am I better when I worship an idol? Oh Lord My God Have Mercy on Us!

I Have a Sword Because I am in the Killing Business

Yeah, that's right. Swords are for killing. That's why I have a real battle-ready sword just like this one. And I almost always have a knife or a blade within reach as a reminder that we are in a dangerous business. Church is a life and death business. Don't be fooled.

John Piper wrote a great short article about swords and dying here. He says stuff so much better than I do.

Here's to the King who's killing my sinful desires with the Truth of His Blade!

Dangers of Bling

Well you never know when or how the effects of wealth will turn sour.

Now you know.

Blessed Brokenness in 2008

Thanks be to God for His mercy and generosity. I am deeply honored and humbled that the God of all gods would chose a wretched rebel like me to be His servant. I am shocked that He would make me His son and heir through His Only Faithful Son Jesus Christ.

Thanks for reading my blog in 2008. Many broken blessings to you and yours in 2009.

Dog Lovers Feast?

Some people must love dogs more than I do or that is a bad sticker placement.

Do You Think about Jeremiah Wright?

I confess. I am susceptible to media influence. I don't have (or take) time to investigate. How about you?

Like, when you hear the name Jeremiah Wright, do you immediately form an opinion? Or do you have a more informed opinion?

As a pastor it ticked me off that a soundbite of any pastor's sermon would be taken out of context and used for political purposes. I listened to the context of Rev. Wright's 'Damn America' sound bites. I challenge you to do the same. You may find to your shock that you agree with the point he was making too.

Reformed Blacks of America posted a good article that challenged my thinking in several directions. Then I took the 45 minutes to watch a more developed media interview with Rev. Wright and Bill Moyer on his 'Journal' show and I'm wiser for it.

I Agree with Jeremiah Wright
about a lot of things. I probably disagree with him about significant issues. But I'm not above learning from anyone. And I repent of my instant arrogance and judgmentalism.

I'm an arrogant fool, but God humbles me so I'll still learn about culture, diversity, theology and His Kingdom.

The Kiss of Deaf

A new danger to teach your teenagers! More fodder for the birds and bees talk! One more reason to run from temp-TA-tion young PEEP-le! I am here to testify!

Imagine me on the youth speaker tour? "It wasn't years of runnin' sound for demonic back-beating Rock and Roll bands. (Turn it up to 11!) It had nothin' to do with getting blindsided in the head by a softball during intramurals. (Although that does explain some other issues.) This is why I am deaf in one ear. (Where's my Josh Harris dating book now?)

I admit it. The secret is out. It's all over the internet. I'm addicted to kissing. SHOCKING?! I've been kissing my wife since we were dating and I'm paying the price now. As our gang of rebellious suburbanites called it back in the dark days of the early 80s, there's been too much 'sucking face'."

Be warned! Too much kissy kiss can be dangerous!
(Thanks AW for the find)

Free iPod Touch is Crazy

A friend of mine came by the house the other day because he said the Lord told him to tell me that He (God) really loves me and that He (God) wanted me to know that He loves me. To experience it, deeply and with joy. And then the friend gave me an iPod Touch and said it was from God.

Yeah, that is crazy. My kids were shocked. Most people I tell this story are shocked not that God told someone to give me an iPod Touch, but that someone would actually do it.

I was shocked that God loves me and sent someone to tell me
See I have a real hard time accepting love that I didn't deserve. I'm more comfortable with working hard to make people like me and keeping them liking me. Well, I shouldn't say 'comfortable' because it is slavishly painful, but it is certainly more familiar.

And as a pastor, my feelings constantly associate being abandoned by people leaving the church. I'd rather them fight with me, get angry or something - but leaving is the worst. I'd actually rather perform so well that everyone stays and serves alongside me.

The fear of being left or rejected again presses on - even in the middle of great things happening in the church. But I didn't earn it. So I'm not happy in God's love.

Pretty pitiful. Thank God He has compassion on the broken
O God, help me receive Your love that is more than enough for rebellious hearts that want to earn and prove and fight You for the right to merit everything. Mercy!

LORD You are SO good and faithful. Thank You for your mercy and grace!

Thanks for My Father-in-law!!

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE
I'm so thankful for God's protection and salvation! Here Elizabeth, my wife, explains our gratitude!

In 1962, my dad was navigating for this helicopter, when the pilot ran into some wires. When my dad looked up and saw what was happening, he called upon the name of the Lord and was saved.
The blades came into the cockpit and scratched his legs and dented the cigarette lighter in his boot, but he and the pilot were fine. He told this story of God's goodness with tears in his eyes at Thanksgiving dinner. I would not be here if he had not survived.

At the time of this picture, John Edward Kreiner was an Army helicopter pilot with a wife Regina and twin daughters Kim and Karen. My wife was not yet born. She would not be here except for God's saving mercy. Neither would my children, Jake, Erica and Elysia, whom I love!

And I would not be the man I am had God not saved my father-in-law - this time and several others during his entire career as a MASH helicopter pilot in Korea and Vietnam.
Thanks be to God!

With Obushama, the Rich Get Bailouts and the Poor Get Poorer

Obushama! Is something wrong with the picture? Its the same thing. Obama and Bush Obushama are doing the same thing!

The old and new administrations are essentially the same. They are both trying to bail our way out of an economic downturn by giving more money to the rich and powerful. Today I hear it's going to be another $800 billion in bailouts? Is that 1.5 trillion now - to the rich, to try to keep companies afloat so people can keep their jobs and keep consuming stuff on credit. Great. Thanks Obushama! That is really going to help the poor!

And according to Time online not one dollar will get to the rising number of people living in poverty.

Granted, poverty in America isn't poverty in Haiti, but the injustice of it all irks me. Where is all the change?

Are Lunatics Running the Asylum Obushama? Where is all the change?
Now Obushama tells us he is going to cut 'wasteful' government programs. Yeah right, wait until those special interest groups start complaining! How does that help the poor learn job skills and character that will enable them to work with dignity? It won't.

The churches and welfare agencies are going to see HUGE increases in people needing help with finding jobs and feeding themselves and Obushama wants to start massive infrastructure projects building roads and bridges. Guess who is going to get awarded those contracts? Not the poor!

How is that a change?
Real Change would be to help the churches help the poor learn character. Learn SPECIFICALLY NOT to go into debt! Instead, there are 10 million more poor people now than in 2007 and Citi Bank - who hands out credit cards to people like a drug dealer trying to hook new users - they get a bailout!

The poor have dignity and are created by God to work. Government programs that increase availability of credit aren't going to help the poor!

Okay, I need to breathe. Sorry, I get so worked up when I see solutions offered by our government that make the situation worse.

Is This Where the Emergent Church is Headed?

Is this where the church is headed?
This is just so wrong. On so many levels.
For so many reasons.

(WARNING: This video involves people disrobing in church and may cause seriously disturbing thoughts to go through your head.)

Content with Less

I preached on being content recently and it startled me - into more contentment in Christ. Since August, when I went down for foot surgery, I have had less internal stress and more joy (and contentment) in Christ's work for me.

It's nice to have a season of rest, even with the whole world apparently headed into a recession. Amazingly I'm not worried very much. I hope I hold up this well when more poo hits the fan.

If you have been praying for me, thanks!

(by the way, that is not a picture of my hands and stomach...)

Next President Will Change the World?

One of the many revelers who spontaneously flocked to the White House after Obama's win, chanting, screaming and waving signs like, "Why Wait? Evict Bush Now," summed it up.
"I came down here to make a prayer ... that we'll be able to change the nation and the world,"

So ends one of the many hundreds of articles about President-Elect Obama's mandate to change the US and the world. I can't help but wonder how people have such high expectations?

I think we are in for some serious heartache and disappointment.

After 30+ years of trying to change myself and a few people, only the route of brokenness in Christ has changed me at all. And even then I have so far to go...

Congratulations President Elect Obama

Now broken Christians and fractured saints, let's pray.

For God to protect Obama from idiots and fools.
Who would seek to steer him into sin.
Who would seek to increase arrogance in our nation.
Who would fight God's purpose of humbling and saving His elect.
Who might think we have elected a king.

And especially protect him from fools who would seek to do him harm out of prejudice, racism and hate.

I'm a broken pastor asking broken people to be praying for another broken leader.

And remembering that God is the King over all the earth!

I want Peace after this Election

This Monday morning between 8:30 and 9:30 I've already had five phone calls from live campaigners. I usually take it slow on Monday morning. But everyone wants my vote!

I want peace.
I want peace (and quiet) at home. No more phone ringing, attack ads on TV and my mailbox bulging with junk.

I want peace on the streets too. I was a kid living in a small town in the 70s. I only saw riots on TV news. But I live in ATL now. There's a part of me that worries that some folks will get so mad about the outcome of this presidential race, that they will fight. Am I being dramatic? We'll have to wait 36 hours to see.

I want peace in the church. Our church has both Democrats and Republicans (shocking?) and I told everyone to vote their conscience and then obey God and pray for whoever wins, live a quiet life, pay your taxes and remember who governs you supremely is not Obama or McCain, but Christ Jesus.

Don't get all on your high horse about this political season. It is small potatoes (or more accurately a drop in the bucket according to the prophet Isaiah).

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13:1-7

Christ Jesus is our King! The next president of the United States is His servant.

Let's keep this all in perspective. And let's all keep the peace.

Love Your Kids? Kill Your TV?

According to a study by the journal Pediatrics young children who watch TV have a 28% higher chance of developing ADHD when they are in early elementary school.

We found that early exposure to television was associated with subsequent attentional problems

our findings suggest that preventive action can be taken with respect to attentional problems in children. Limiting young children’s exposure to television as a medium during formative years of brain development consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations may reduce children’s subsequent risk of developing ADHD

And do we need all that mindless crap going through our minds? Man am I guilty of just using TV to numb my brain. I guess it is cheaper and more legal than other addictions, but really, should we as decent human beings aim higher than television?

I do like to watch my Falcons and movies are fun. But I find myself and my kids flipping channels or watching stupid brainless shows. And why?

An ancient writer says, 'whatever is true, noble, pure, right, excellent - think on these things." Wouldn't we all be better served to follow this wisdom?

Back When I Had A Spine
We kept our TV in a closet until our kids were 8, 6 and 3 and got it out only for videos and stuff. I think the only reason it stays out now is that we're all addicted to LOST and The Office (and I'm too lazy to put it away and get it out.)

I watch most of the programs my daughters watch (not all because I'm a great fan) so I can relate to them about it. We talk back to the screen, point out the stupid and wrong things purported in shows and commercials (and debates and SNL Weekend Update) but I wonder if we'd be better off just killing the whole thing....

Is it un-American to kill your TV?

Stupidity Happens Up North, But No Redneck Jokes Yet

This is terrible news. An 8 year-old boy accidentally shot himself with an Uzi while under adult supervision at a gun show. Absolutely a tragic day for that family and anyone who remotely appreciates the constitutional right and to bear arms responsibly.

But the adults at that event were STUPID to let an 8 year-old hold a loaded machine gun, much less fire it.

And you know what I'm curious to see? How does the rest of the media (yes, I am technically a member of the media now that I have a blog) handle the news and commentary?

If this had happened in one of my beloved home states in the South, every comedian (except maybe Jeff Foxworthy) would make redneck jokes about it and comment on how people in rural America cling to their guns and religion - oh wait, that was a presidential candidate who said that... sorry, I'm mad and rambling.

This little boy died at a gun show an hour from Boston Massachusetts because his parents were stupid. People do stupid things everywhere and people loose their lives.

Why? Because actions have consequences. That is the moral order of the universe.

THINK! Ideas and actions have consequences! Say "NO" when kids ask to hold or shoot loaded machine guns! Say "NO" when it is the right thing to say but isn't popular!

He's OUT OF JAIL!

Yeah, sometimes I am shocked! God hears and answers our prayers! My friend and our brother in Christ Jesus is OUT of JAIL and home with his family! Wow! I don't know anymore details than that, but it is not a joke and has been confirmed. So I'm partying!

If you wanted to get caught up, I wrote about the likelihood of him being hanged like his father here and his initial imprisonment here on 9/11.