Surrender is Freedom

Last night, along with a highly-diverse group of people nationwide, I watched God’s Warriors on CNN. A special documentary that, last night, investigated how Christian “radicals” are using their faith to influence politics. The program was very interesting and I believe a job was well done by the reporting crew.

I personally found it sickening to see many high-profile “Christ-followers” wrongfully utilizing our political system. Why are they doing this? They want FORCE society as a whole to conform to their beliefs and traditions. I have to admit that I could type for days on the issues presented last night. In general, I feel it’s a disaster to God’s Kingdom for self-proclaiming Christians to abuse the intentions of Gods church in this way. A message of salvation, faith, hope and love - all twisted around by some politically minded believers trying to conform a nation to God’s values through the law.

I am all for people turning their lives to Christ. I support a full life surrender to Jesus Christ, The Messiah. He loves and redeems human beings from sin and eternity away from God (hell). I’m not hateful toward people who do not follow Christ. The Holy Bible states that we should show others love and respect, share of God’s love and mercy, and allow others to decide for themselves what to do with that information. This is a DRAMATIC difference from some “God Warriors”, many of whom have made it their mission to force North America and the world (if possible) into a Christian way of life. I’m shocked that people believe the delusion that a country forced to be “godly” will actually produce that result. To force a society, by law and leadership, to acknowledge and obey the ways of God will NOT render a nation of born-again believers. It will start a revolt against the government and Gods church.

On one hand I clearly believe that this world would be a better place if all people embraced and lived according to the Holy Bible. No one can deny they would be happy to get rid of lying, murdering, theft, hatred, evil and the like. On the other hand it appears many ”believers” feel the need to use politics to strong-arm people into conformity. You simply can’t force anyone to obey God. Even GOD is not forceful, but He is however crystal clear with His intentions and expectations with how we should live. He is clear on what is approved and what is not.

To me, the fool is the one using a political office and/or pedestal to fight a believers agenda. I am NOT, repeat NOT saying God has no place in politics and government. Without Him there we are screwed. I’m simply focusing on the issue of using politics to forcefully shape a nation. Again, neither God or a majority of the church function by force, but rather in love and relationships to changes lives for the better.

If we desire for others to change their lives around and embrace the ways of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible, then awesome! But it does not appear to me that using the political systems to bend the law and government into a perfectly shaped “christian world” is the answer. One person who who appears to agree is Greg Boyd. He was presented on the program last night. Great thoughts and here is his BLOG. I hope people will reply to this post.

Who would have thought that turning 26 would finally reveal the secret to life? The fountain of youth - how do we grow old without looking and feeling old. I got told today I could pass for a high school kid, so apparently I’m doing something right. The secret - well it’s not a steady diet of hamburgers and Cherry Coke. No, see that makes you rich. Just ask Warren Buffett, that’s his favorite meal. That guy runs like a Timex watch - keeps on tickin’

No apparently the secret is much more inflexible - good genes. At age 60 my dad still looks like a much younger lad. Maybe this isn’t very encouraging or the answer you might have expected. Sorry. They say “age is beauty” so maybe we should accept the progressing fate.

The fun thing about birthdays is getting so many peoples very best for a few minutes. It’s nice! And having rich friends who fly you off to a small island for a privately prepared feast - priceless. Well, at least it seemed that way in my dream last night.

Eh, I say enjoy the process. Give me 20 more years or so and we’ll see if I have the same spunky outlook. My boss says that I still have that youthful twinkle in my eye. She said that as people get older though that the twinkle dims due to the grinds of life wearing on us. I boldly said I intend to be an “old-twinkler”. I hope to continue walking in joy before the Lord and someday have a wrinkled twinkle in both eyes! To me the fountain of youth is within; a matter of the heart not related to superficial appearance.

Praise God for another today.

Here is a unique CNN Special that I intend to check out. Apparentely, they are going to examine three major religions in our world. One each night. Not sure how in depth or what the angle will be exactly. Should be interesting. If you watch this as well, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.

See Here~

From my devotional today, 

“A few months before my father died of cancer, he wrote me a letter in which he said: “I never think of you that I don’t offer up a short prayer for you and your success. I know you. I know what’s behind you. And I am pretty sure that I understand your goals, the kind of writing you hope to do, and the message you wish to convey. Stay in there and pitch, and may the Lord bless you. I am just so proud and thankful that the Lord let me be your father.� – David McCasland 

I share this because it hit me. Without going into long-standing personal issues I’ve faced on this topic, I would love a letter like this from my dad. An honest, real, deep and heart-felt recounting of the ways my earthly father feels about me. Every boy longs for a role-model and hero. The father is designed to be the perfect fulfillment to this need. Not every young boy is so fortunate to have a father like McCasland. From the beginning each young boy wants to know, “do I have what it takes?� The above letter from this father certainly meets that need. It establishes the approval, satisfaction and love the son needs from the father. It means everything! And this is barely the tip of the iceberg on this subject. 

“The New Testament contains two letters from Paul to Timothy, a young man he mentored and considered his “true son in the faith� (1 Tim. 1:2) and his “beloved son� (2 Tim. 1:2). The second letter begins with Paul’s deeply personal words assuring Timothy of his love and faithful prayers (vv.2-3). Paul affirmed Timothy’s spiritual heritage (v.4) and his God-given gifts and calling (vv.6-7). Then he encouraged him to live boldly for the gospel of Christ (v.8).�� 

Paul affirmed and prayed continually for young Timothy; no doubt helped bring him to the amazing fruition of being mighty a warrior for Christ. Paul was a stand-in father figure, but an overwhelmingly crucial piece of building Timothy up in the Lord. Completely necessary, completely desired and completely obedient!

So yesterday my friend talked me into getting a haircut with him at this place. Yeah, just a hole in the wall joint and it was cheap. Cultural yes, very much so. Some people would not think much of it I assume, but there was something unique about my experience.

This was the first time in just about 7 years that another person gave me a haircut. I’ve been cutting my own hair for that long. Saves me a ton of money and I’ll likely keep doing it. But it was cool to go with my friend and have a guy with a foot long goatee cut my hair. It’s a wam-bam here’s your $7.50 cut kinda place. Primarily Mexican and Asian people working and getting “hair service” there. The cut menu actually had a “spiky style” (which I got) and “Mohawk” as choices. The mohawk tempted me just for the sake of doing it.

You walk into this place and notice all the people standing around. Various ethnic backgrounds represented and I’m the minority. Next you take a number. Yup, just like at the post office or phone store. My wait didn’t take long and neither did my hair cut. The result is a much shorter than I intended doo - but the random compliments so far have made it more likable.

All in all it was a good experience. Next time I simply need to be more specific. Almost every guy leaving there looked like he asked for the military cut.  I’m just another lemming now. Well for a couple week until my hair grows out. Only one major balk at this cultural hair cutting experience - next time - DON’T CUT OFF MY SIDEBURNS!