November 30, 2007

Another Persecution Alert

Most Christians in America rarely think about being persecuted for their Christian belief.  Some may have noted an increasingly hostile attitude toward Evangelical believers in our society, but most have never suffered a personal physical attack.  That is not the case for many of our brothers and sisters around the world.  Consider the following report I received this morning from our friends in India:


Twenty Hindu extremists in Karnataka state's Hassan district stormed a worship service on Sunday November 25th.  About 18 believers were worshipping when the attack occurred at Christ Vision Church, a house church associated with the Indian Pentecostal Church, in Balupette village in the Shakleshpur area.

After burning the Bibles of the believers present, the Hindu extremists stripped pastors C.J. Joemon and C.J. Jojo and another believer, G. Anil and dragged them to the village junction about 500 meters (about 1/3 of a mile) away.  There the three men were tied to a pole and beaten.

Police arrived and took the three victims to the police station.  "Instead of protecting the Christians, the police charged the pastors with 'forced conversion and placed them under arrest,'" said Sajan K. George.  Rev. George, of the The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), also pointed out that police officials refused to give medical aid to the Christians until the GCIC intervened.

Scripture has much to say about suffering for the faith:

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.  But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me." (John 15:18-21 ESV)

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV)

The time may well come when we in America will pay a steeper price to follow Jesus, but during this season of an open door of opportunity, let's obediently follow Jesus and be His witnesses wherever we go.

Posted by Jim at 10:44:41 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 29, 2007

Don't Miss The Greatest Story Ever

Alan Tison, pastor of Palm Bay Christian Church in Palm Bay, Florida, shares this timely warning:

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk NC. On their 5th attempt, the plane under the control of Orville, embarked on a 12 second flight.

Wilbur rushed to the local telegraph office and sent the following message – WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS - WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Upon receiving the telegram their sister, Katherine went to the newspaper office, told the editor of her brother’s new flying machine, and informed him, they would be home for Christmas, if he would like to set up an interview.  He told her that was nice, and he would be sure to put something in the paper regarding the boys.

On December 19th, the local paper placed the following headline on the 6th page of the paper: “WRIGHT BROTHERS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.”

The most important story of the year – man’s first flight – and the editor missed it!

I wonder if the same could be said about us when it comes to Christmas.  Look all around us…

• The trees are decorated
• The music is festive
• The Season is Right – It is Christmas, and there are only 27 shopping days left!

In all of our rushing around, in all of our gift buying, in all the things we have to do during this season – HAVE WE MISSED THE TRUTH – Salvation has come in the person of Jesus.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)

Posted by Jim at 00:21:54 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) |

November 28, 2007

Requiem for Jake the Cat


His name was Jake.  He was part of the Kelley family for 16 years.  He was mostly white with some grey.  He came to our house as a kitten, together with his brother Elwood, from a couple in our church.  Elwood died three years ago, but Jake went many more miles.  But this fall, Jake became increasingly frail until he could go not further.

Napping was Jake's specialty.  He knew how to nap with an ease that would have made Sleeping Beauty jealous.  He liked napping on the back of the couch in the sun and curling up against my back as we both would nap on a Sunday afternoon.

He and his brother were named after Jake and Elwood from the Blues Brothers.  We called them the Snooze Brothers.   Jake was never a homeless  alley cat and saw nothing but love during his long and happy days.  He suffered his old age with dignity, without raising a fuss.  He became weaker and weaker, without giving up either napping or being loved.  Last night, he came up on the bed beside me around 3:00 am for some petting and to lay close by my side.  Today, he let go of life as easily as he napped.  Goodbye, Jake.

Posted by Jim at 23:06:07 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 26, 2007

Listen to Wise Counsel

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 ESV)

The harsh reality of this proverb was made evident on January 28, 1986 at 11:39 am Eastern Standard Time.  In an experience that riveted the attention of a generation, the space shuttle Challenger, a mere 73 seconds into its flight, began a plummet into the ocean when its fuel tank tore apart, spilling liquid oxygen and hydrogen which formed a huge fireball at an altitude of 46,000 ft.  Challenger itself was torn apart as it was flung free of the other rocket components and turned broadside into the Mach 2 air stream. The individual propellant tanks were seen exploding — but by then, the spacecraft was already in pieces.

In January of 1985 Roger Boisjoly, an engineer for Morton Thiokol observed that under unusually cold conditions the o-ring seal on the space shuttle’s solid rocket booster could fail. Further tests were done, and in July of 1985 Boisjoly wrote a memo to the Vice President of Engineering at Morton Thiokol which stated: “It is my honest and very real fear that if we do not take immediate action to dedicate a team to solve the problem, we stand in jeopardy of losing a [space shuttle] flight.”

Even in the hours leading up to the launch of the Challenger on January 28,1986 Boisjoly and other engineers were stating their belief that it was not safe to launch the shuttle in the record cold temperatures.  Despite the engineer’s concerns, a general manager for Morton Thikol said, “We have to make a management decision.”  They made the decision to recommend the launch.  They made a bad call and by disregarding the counsel of the engineers who had qualms about the O-rings.

I wonder how many months and years it took those men who made “a management decision” to be able, once again, to sleep through the night.

Posted by Jim at 15:32:21 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 24, 2007

Daniel Rohrbough

Daniel Rohrbough was a quiet, happy 15 year old with a wry sense of humor.  He attended Columbine High School and was there on April 20, 1999 when two students went on a rampage of violence and terror.  As Daniel fled the building, he stopped to hold a door open so that other students could escape.  He was shot as he held the door.  Daniel staggered outside as the gunmen continued to shoot.  He died on the sidewalk because he stopped to help others have a chance at life.

You probably have never risked your life to save another person.  Most of us will not face Daniel's dilemma, but we can give others a chance at life.  How you ask?  We can faithfully share the good news of Jesus with those who are separated from God by their sin. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 ESV)


Posted by Jim at 00:11:53 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

A national day of Thanksgiving is a good idea and I am glad that the Nine Wise Souls and the Kooks in Congress haven't obliterated it yet.  A personal day of Thanksgiving is in order, too, since we all have much about which we should be grateful.  From a Scriptural perspective (which is always good to have), thanksgiving should be a continual act that acknowledges God's grace, mercy, and goodness.  By so doing, we are obedient and grateful children of the Most High.

Thank you...each of you who have blessed my life through the years.  You are a wonderful part of God's gift to me.  Special thanks goes to my gracious and lovely wife, my wonderful children, and the church family at Enon.  All of you have exercised patience with me, encouraged me, and loved me.  Thank you all.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

Posted by Jim at 08:04:25 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

November 20, 2007

Jody McLoud

When I attended a high school football game two weeks ago, I recalled the fact that a public prayer was offered before such games when I was in high school (back when people wrote by chiseling on stone tablets).  It didn’t particularly surprise me that, in the current era, a prayer offered before a game over the PA system would be frowned upon.  So I decided to do some research and see if anyone still had the fortitude to swim against the tide of political assault on free speech and religion and offer such prayers.  Guess what I found?

In the year 2000, the Supreme Court, in its infinite wisdom (tongue firmly in cheek), upheld the ruling of Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe that “leading prayers on school property, at school sponsored events, over the school’s public address system, by a speaker representing the student body, under the supervision of school faculty” was in fact a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.  And as Queen would say, “Another one bites the dust!”

Now the good news, Roane County High School principal, Jody McLoud, was not cowered nor intimidated by the ruling of the 9 Wise Souls (tongue firmly in cheek again).  On the night of September 1, 2000, the eleven year leader of the 740 student school delivered this address over the public address system before the game commenced:

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem.

I can designate a school day as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, mother earth, and call it ecology. I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional, Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment.

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be at best, inconsistent and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone except God and His Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be at best, inconsistent and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.  For this reason, I shall, 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's,' and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law...yet."

I say, “Jody McLoud for president in 2008!”
Posted by Jim at 09:55:30 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 19, 2007

Keith Green

alt : http://www.youtube.com/v/h89-3_kIRDA&rel=1 Keith Green was 15 the first time he ran away from home. He was looking for musical adventure and spiritual truth. Keith had a Jewish background, but he grew up reading the New Testament. He called it "an odd combination" that left him open minded, but deeply unsatisfied. His journey led him to drugs, eastern mysticism, and free-love.

 When Keith was 19 he met a fellow seeker/musician named Melody. They were married a year later -- but his spiritual quest continued. When he had nearly given up hope, Keith found the truth at age 21 and he never looked back. What once confused him now made sense as he proudly told the world, “I'm a Jewish Christian." As soon as Keith opened his heart to Jesus, he and Melody opened their home to anyone with a need.  Anyone who wanted to kick drugs or get off the street was welcome and of course, they always heard plenty about Jesus.

Not only did Keith's life take a radical turn, but as an accomplished musician and songwriter, so did his music. His quest for stardom ended. His songs now reflected the absolute thrill of finding Jesus and seeing his own life radically changed. Keith's spiritual intensity not only took him beyond most people's comfort zones, but it constantly drove him even beyond himself. Somewhat reluctantly, Keith was thrust into a "John the Baptist" type ministry—calling believers to wake up, repent, and live a life that looked like what they said they believed.

Keith struggled with the same things we do—spiritual discipline, music to write, deadlines, problems crying for attention, and a growing family. He was also discipling the 70 believers who had come to be part of Last Days Ministries—the ministry he and Melody expanded from the outreach that began in their home.

In seven short years of knowing Jesus, the Lord took Keith from concert crowds of 20 or less—to stadiums of 12,000 people who came to worship with him. His recordings were chart topping—and when he began to give his recordings away for whatever people could afford, some misunderstood. Keith's heart was to please the Lord and build His kingdom, not his own.

At this time of great concert ministry and success, the Lord turned Keith's heart once again toward the lost. He wanted to go back out into the streets, the prisons, and the nations to reach those without God. He wanted to sing to them and tell them how much Jesus loved them. While doing just that on July 28, 1982, there was a small plane crash and Keith went home to be with Jesus. The crash also took the life of his three year old son Josiah, and his two year old daughter, Bethany. Melody was home with their one year old, Rebekah, and was six weeks pregnant with their fourth child, Rachel. Keith was only 28 years old.

The only music minister to whom the Lord will say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," is the one whose life proves what their lyrics are saying, and to whom music is the least important part of their life. Glorifying the only worthy One has to be a minister's most important goal! — Keith Green
Posted by Jim at 15:21:23 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 18, 2007

Jacksonville Christmas Parade 2007

If you would like to see the Enon Chapel float in action at yesterday's parade, you can check out the video footage by clicking on this link: Jacksonville Daily News website.  Our choir appears at the three minute and 50 seconds mark.  By the way, Darby and the choir did a great job.  People all along the parade route were praising the name of Jesus as the choir sang.  It was pretty awesome!

Posted by Jim at 22:43:04 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

November 15, 2007

The Silence

Ingmar Bergman, the celebrated Swedish filmmaker, told of a daydream about a 19th-century cathedral.  In the dream, he wandering around the great building until he found himself standing before a picture of Christ.  Realizing the importance of the icon, Bergman said to it, “Speak to me! I will not leave this cathedral until you speak to me!”  But the picture didn’t speak.  That same year—1963—Bergman produced a film entitled The Silence.  The movie is about characters who despair of ever finding God because He is silent.

Bergman’s problem was that he was looking in the wrong place.  God is not silent.  God speaks volumes.  But His voice is not found in an icon in a cathedral.  Rather, He speaks through His Son.  Jesus is God’s full revelation.  His voice is heard in the words of Scripture.

Do you want to hear the voice of God?  Search the Scripture and meet His Son, Jesus!

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV)

Posted by Jim at 22:05:18 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |
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