Justified!

I've Moved!

2008-06-11T19:42:00.001-05:00

This blog is now powered by WordPress. Go to my new site here.

Please update your links. I'm not sure when I will delete this page. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Storm Chasing... There's a Hobby!

2008-06-04T20:29:00.002-05:00

One of my hobbies is being part of SKYWARN (storm spotting for the National Weather Service).

I think I've found a web site to browse occasionally: Tornado Videos, Tornado Stock Footage, Storm Stock Videos. These are the guys that make videos for the Discovery Channel.

In many ways I think that they are nuts. In other ways I think I'd love to do that for a vacation!

History Repeats Itself

2008-06-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

Florida Disabled Woman on Feeding Tube Could Become Next Terri Schiavo

Here we go again...

Let's Get Ready to Rumble

2008-06-04T11:06:00.001-05:00

McCain, Obama Trade Early Barbs to Frame General Election Race - America\’s Election HQ

I really didn't mind when the Democrats where fighting each other. It was fun to watch.

But now the match begins: McCain vs. Obama. To be honest, I'm not pleased with either candidate. McCain is a little too liberal for my views. Obama is way too liberal for me.

But since God can work through ruthless dictators like Saddam Hussein and company (see Romans 13), He can work through our future leaders also. The United States of America has fared liberal presidents before. Is this next presidency any different?

I some ways I believe that it is different. In spite of past liberal presidents, the country over all was conservative by nature. There was a balance to what the politician could accomplish. However, I believe, our country is NOT as conservative as it once was, especially in regard to life issues. This president may be able to move the country even farther to the left without the conservative constituency holding him back.

With social issues, fine. It's the people's will. With financial issues, fine. Again, it's the people's will. Health Care? Let them have their shot at a solution.

But what about LIFE issues? The voice of the unborn is already muffled by many liberal politicians. What does the future look like for the unborn?

What about Euthanasia, so called "mercy killing"? Unfortunately, liberals "loving to help people" will likely send people to the grave faster than ever!

Listen to God's Word. Think through your vote guided by your Christian conscience. Remember that the presidency is more than just fixing our personal problems or flattering our personal taste. There is a larger picture that must be thought through. Each vote is a critical decision, not just for you but also for the entire country (present and future).

May God's will be done through our election process.

Perspective...

2008-05-27T18:23:00.001-05:00

We're complaining about gas prices. What will these folks do? It's not like you can sneak outside for a few minutes.

FOXNews.com - Crisis in Orbit: Space-Station Toilet Breaks Down - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News

Way to Go Governor!

2008-05-27T17:34:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty Vetoes Human Cloning, Embryo Destruction Bill

Tim Pawlenty did the right thing here!

A Theology of Fear

2008-05-27T09:06:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, while I was mowing my lawn, two ladies decided to "interrupt" me. The Jehovah's Witnesses were in town! We had a pleasant conversation. I listened. (My theory with the JWs and the Mormons is that if they waste their time with me, they have less time to "instruct" those who don't know better.)

What I heard was a theology of fear. She kept indicating that the world was falling apart: Gas prices, food shortages, warfare, and the like. She used Scripture out of context to prover her point.

Toward the end of the conversation, she asked if I would like the book "What Does the Bible Really Say?" I agreed. (Again, the more resources I take, the less are on the market for those who may not have discernment.) She then asked if she could come back again. I said, "Yes."

My plans are to listen some more and then ask questions not for my sake, but for hers. Why not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who don't yet know?

The visit, while friendly, was pure fear tactics. The JWs were trying to scare me into believing.

Jesus doesn't evangelize this way. Christ's message is not of fear, but invitation. He meets people where they are (applying Law or Gospel as necessary) with the goal of winning their soul and calming fears as a Father to His child. Jesus is the fulfillment of Psalm 37, the very passage the JWs were using out of context to "win me over."

The Gospel lesson for this last Sunday is an example of Christ's message for our daily living. Unfortunately we often read this text as law, "Stop worrying!" However, the Gospel application is "God will take care of you, relax."

" “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:25-34, ESV)

Watch the media, listen to the political campaigns. The theology of fear is rampant! However, remember Christ is in control. Yes, rising gas prices are a reality. No doubt there is less food available in the market due to ethanol. But let us not give up on the message of Christ: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Don't fall for the theology of fear. God will take care of us. Relax!

(I'll keep you posted regarding the JWs.)

Remember!

2008-05-26T08:19:00.003-05:00

While many are celebrating the unofficial start of summer, please remember to pause and remember those who died serving our country. Their ultimate sacrifice has given us the freedoms that we enjoy!

I'll Try Again...

2008-05-25T21:33:00.000-05:00

It's been over five months since I've blogged. I feel bad. Please forgive me. There certainly hasn't been a famine of topics. I've just been busy doing other things.

Originally the goal of this blog was to discuss issues that relate to Christianity and American society. What are some topics that you would like to see? Is there anything that hasn't been covered on the Internet?

The Pendulum Has Swung?

2007-12-18T16:28:00.001-06:00

I haven't read the article completely yet, but according to US News and World Report in A Return to Tradition, Americans are preferring traditional worship again. Actually from the bit I've read so far, it appears that they are picking and choosing certain "traditional things" like post-modernists do.

Being in the Midwest, the churches around me just finished going through the worship war moving the direction of "contemporary worship." Now a new war will begin. This time going the other direction. They will say, "We want more traditional worship Pastor."

One should just stay with historical Christianity. You won't get motion sickness from all these fads / movements that arise with generational Christianity.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-18T07:46:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I celebrated the High Feast of Christmas Shopping. It was a joy to go to the store clerks and wish them a Merry Christmas or a Blessed Christmas and watch their reactions. Some were irritated. Others were "transformed" as a smile came to their face and wished me the same.

Whether the world likes it or not, whether some celebrate it or not, Christmas will soon be here. The Christ child's birth will be celebrated by Christians around the world. The promised Messiah is born into human flesh for us. The Christ child came into this world to save it, not condemn it. How can that not bring joy to those who believe? This joy is available for this entire world, believing and unbelieving!

Perhaps even more important to us who live after the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Christ is that this Messiah is coming again! I think that, The Day of Judgment, is really what the unbelieving world is dreading. That's why they react the way they do to Christmas. Everyone knows His return is coming; it's written in our hearts. Some choose to live in denial. But Christmas brings Christ to the forefront once again. It makes denial more difficult. The sad part is that Christmas makes the Day of Judgment a day to celebrate. Some have missed the point.

Mike Huckabee is coming out with an advertisement to wish people a Merry Christmas. I wonder if that will wreck his aspirations to be President? Christmas means Christ is real. Salvation is offered; judgment is coming! If Huckabee won't be president because of this message, I guess I just wrecked my chances too. MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Christ child was born for you!

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

2007-12-18T07:03:00.001-06:00

FOXNews.com - Girl, 10, Arrested for Using Knife to Cut Food at School

A Florida 10-year-old girl brought a knife to school to cut food during lunch. She was arrested for violating a weapons policy and charges are filed. This is a classic case of following the letter of the law and not the spirit. Couldn't a simple discussion with the girl and her parents satisfy the requirements of school safety?

I can see it now. "Sir, your daughter was sent to the principal for cutting her food with a knife." The parent response. "Praise the Lord! I've been trying to teach her manners for years!" I wonder if the parents will be charged because of their association to the crime?

Are we this paranoid as a nation? I'm for safety in school, but come on! Don't people understand that, medically speaking, you can do just as much damage with a sharp pencil or a pen as a steak knife? Will those be illegal soon too?

Here's the kicker. I don't know Florida law, but in some states this child would be able to get an abortion without her parents being notified. Where's the law to protect the safety of that child?

National Right to Life Endorsement

2007-12-17T20:50:00.001-06:00

The National Right to Life has endorsed Fred Thompson for the Republican party. We'll see how this important connection changes his numbers. Watching the last Republican debate (Des Moines Register), I was impressed with many of his answers (and lack of an answer in one situation.)

The candidate's Life agenda is important to me. He needs to look after humans from the "womb to the tomb." I guess that rules Rudy out. In my opinion, he was slammed by the National Right to Life newsletter that was in my mailbox today. Too bad, he'd be great with national defense.

I'm still not ready to decide who my man is going to be yet. I still
have some questions that haven't been answered. There are lot of
issues that I'm monitoring.

The big dilemma will be what to do in a choice between two pro-murder candidates. Do I waste my vote on a third party? Remember Ross Perot? That's how we got our last pro-murder president (Clinton).

What is your plan of action if this issue arises after the Conventions this summer?

More on Mormons from Gene Veith

2007-12-17T08:38:00.001-06:00

Gene Veith had a great post today to show the fallacies of the Mormon beliefs. Check it out.

What Mormons believe — Cranach: The Blog of Veith

The Electronic John the Baptist

2007-12-15T08:44:00.001-06:00

This past year has brought all kinds of weather disasters. The most distressing comment I heard was, "We never knew it was coming." How unfortunate!

I would highly recommend that every household, business, public place, and church have a weather radio. For the guy that has everything, it's the perfect gift. No, I'm not soliciting gifts, I already have one. These things save lives!

NOAA News Online (Story 217)

One Advent thought, in what ways are John the Baptist like a weather radio? How was John different?

Have Debt... Get A Plan!

2007-12-14T20:34:00.001-06:00

Debt is a reoccurring problem in our society. I've got the problem (not extreme, but still debt). You probably have it also. I'd like to recommend a solution that I've been working for a year now. It works! My debt is shrinking! My financial peace is increasing!

Real Debt Help - Get out of debt with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Plan.

I even got a Christmas card from him!

Synphony of Faiths...

2007-12-06T22:09:00.001-06:00

One common tactic of Mormons is to try to get people to believe they are Christian. Don't believe them, they aren't a Christian denomination. Romney tried that today in his speech by naming all kinds of different Christian denominations. He even used Christian language. However, be careful. Words can have different meanings and politicians are by nature crafty with them. Remember the redefining of "is" by a former president?

For more information from the LCMS website about the Mormon faith, click here. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will move the unbelievers to repentance through the power of God's Word.

How Shallow Is Religion?

2007-12-06T16:23:00.001-06:00

FOXNews.com - Mitt Romney Pledges to Serve No One Religion in Faith Speech

"I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith ... I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law," Romney said. " If I am fortunate enough to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest ... A president must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States.”

While I'm trying to stay out of the political debates on the blog, I do wonder about separating one's beliefs from presidential decisions that will be made. Perhaps it is a symptom of the religious decline in America.

Can one truly act against one's foundational values and not have a burdened conscience? Is religion just something we do during worship one hour a week? Can you separate a faith from daily actions and legitimately hold true to it's beliefs? Isn't "religion" suppose to permeate our entire being and actions?

If we separate our religion from our daily life, we have no religion at all (Mormon or Christian).

Questions about The Golden Compass?

2007-12-03T23:01:00.001-06:00

Concordia Publishing House has provided some resources for those with questions about this fairly controversial film.

Personally, I'm not going to give it any more time. If we ignore it, the press will probably do so also.

Here's something to make you think...

2007-12-03T22:36:00.001-06:00

Does a person get an abortion to save the environment or stay married to save the environment? How do they come up with these ideas and then fund the research projects to verify them?

Does this mean that one can have an abortion in order to get divorced and NOT have an affect the environment? Save the planet; wreck your life.

Here's an idea: Stay married (6th Commandment) and don't have an abortion (5th Commandment)! God will be pleased AND you save the environment (First Article).

And you think you have problems....

2007-12-03T15:43:00.000-06:00

I can't seem to get rid of those pesky squirrels at my bird feeder.

Real Preventative Medicine

2007-12-03T10:24:00.001-06:00

Cord Blood Registry - The Name to Trust in Cord Blood Banking

Cord Blood Registry has had a record growth in 2007 according to lifenews.com. 35% more newborns had their cord blood banked for future usage for other family members who have been diagnosed with a condition that may require a stem-cell transplant.

How is this for stewardship of God's gifts!

Great Post

2007-12-03T08:22:00.001-06:00

The Incarnation & the Humanity of the Embryo — Cranach: The Blog of Veith

This post says it all. Embryos are human. If not, our salvation is at stake. The post is coming from a variety of sources that I frequent.

Nature or Nurture?

2007-12-02T19:06:00.001-06:00

Love of broccoli begins in womb - Times Online

I will vouch for this study. The night before my firstborn was delivered, my wife ate a couple bowls of brussels sprouts at Concordia Seminary's family night. My daughter, soon to be 13, still loves them.

My second daughter and I have a different opinion...

Oops! I did it again...

2007-12-02T19:01:00.001-06:00

I've heard it on the radio. I've seen it on the TV. Now I've read about it. The return of Don Imus after his infamous racial slur. See it here: All eyes - and ears - are on shock jock Don Imus

I've never been a fan of him. I've watched his radio show on MSNBC and turned the channel within seconds. But his return does beg the question, was his apology sincere? Will he change his ways?

So often we say, "I'm sorry." Yet do we "repent"? Do we change our ways or do we simply fall back into the old sinful condition? John the Baptist, who will be visiting us soon in the lectionary, says, "Repent! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3) Let's not just be sorry for our sins, let's let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts through the Word, and change our ways.

As for Imus, time will tell...