I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

We've Added Ads

You will notice that Google is now placing ads on our blog. We signed up for this because we want to establish some income for our tmpministries website.

Please remember that the ads placed are entirely under the supervision of Google, not us. That means we may or may not support the advertisers who appear here. Whether you support them or not is your decision.

We have assurances from Google that the ads will not be inappropriate, but we understand their definition of that and ours may differ.

We will not get rich from these ads, but we will realize a small amount of income which we will use to support our own ministries. If the ads do become a major distraction or become offensive to our way of thinking, we have the option of canceling ads on our blog.

Thanks for your understanding.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

To Shout or Not to Shout

I am neither a hand raiser or a hand clapper in worship services. That is not the background from which I came. Others may do what they feel comfortable doing, that is okay with me. But I am more subdued in my worship.

I've been reading the story of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. He was one of the few "good" kings either Israel or Judah had; good because of his dependence on God.

The leaders of Moab and Ammon threatened Judah. They came with a vast army and made it known that their objective was to defeat Jehoshaphat and subdue the people. Because he was one of the good kings, Jehoshaphat immediately consulted with the Lord, proclaimed a fast and encouraged the people to come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

They had quite a time. One of the highlights was the King's eloquent prayer in which he admitted that he and the people had no power against this invading army. "We do not know what to do," he prayed, "but our eyes are on you."

The prophet Jahaziel spoke, challenging the king and the people with the words that God had given him. "Do not be afraid," he said. "This battle is not yours, but God's."

They had prayer, then preaching, and then praise. Jehoshaphat and all the people bowed down in humility and quietness before the Lord. Then a bunch of Levites leaped up and began shouting very loudly their praises to the Lord.

Could it be that God brings different people together in worship? Some quiet and reserved; others boisterous and lively? And could it be that it is okay to be quiet and reserved, and it is okay to be boisterous and lively, so long as all of us are focusing on our God and His greatness?

Just a thought from a non-clapper, non-hand raiser who loves and praises God as much as the loudest and most boisterous worshiper.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Liking the person, but not his policies

They are a really likeable family. Devoted husband. Beautiful wife and mother. Two children. And a dog. A dog named "Bo."

The President and his family provide a very positive image for the White House. They obviously enjoy being together. They apparently really do like each other. In that respect they are a model for the rest of America where fractured families seem to prevail.

President Obama's sense of humor is refreshing and delightful. As the family approached reporters to show off the new family pet, the President remarked, "Now I have a friend in Washington." When a reporter asked if Bo was sleeping in someone's bed, he replied, "Not my bed!"

It makes it difficult for those of us who oppose the President's liberalism and his spending of trillions of dollars in the first days of his presidency. It is difficult to dislike this president with his charm and charisma and his strong family. But in spite of how likeable he is, and how much I might like him as a person, I must continue to express my opposition to his stands on abortion, on stem-cell research, on the bailout, and on a host of other issues where my conservative views are in striking contrast to his liberal views.

Is it possible to like someone with whom you strongly disagree? Of course it is. That is the situation I find myself in now. I enjoy watching the president romping on the White House lawn with his wife and daughters and Bo, I laugh at his humorous remarks, I smile when he charms someone who opposes him. I like the things he says. I like the person he is.

For the last eight years, I was not that strongly effected by the former president, even though I usually agreed with his positions and approved his actions. President Bush simply was not all that likeable. He seemed a bit aloof, a bit distracted, and one who did not always appear to enjoy his life and what he was doing. I agreed with him, but did not much like him.

But now it is all reversed. Now I find our President very likeable, but not standing where I would have him stand, nor doing what I would have him do. I like him and his family, but not his policies, political philosophies or decisions.

I suppose Bo will not have my problem. He will love the President no matter what, as long as food, companionship and a warm bed is provided. Even if it is not the President's bed.

I, however, need more. I need protection for the unborn, spending restraints, and a strong country that continues to protect my freedom and take only a reasonable amount of my income in taxes. I would very much like to have a President whom I could agree with as well as like.

Maybe next time.