Mile High Rev

REVrant 28.10 - One in four read no books last year

I’ve been trying to make a point for the past several months with some friends, and now, here’s some research to support it – one in four adults read NO books last year.  My specific assertion is this – most men don’t read books.  According to the study, the most likely readers are women and seniors.  The typical number of books read was four.  Want a big surprise?  The article reports that those who don’t attend church read more than those who do!  Men read for professional training and typically prefer non-fiction to fiction…but apparently, the majority of men are not avid readers.  Some men haven’t read all the way through a book since college days…and then, it was the Cliffs Notes version!

This is difficult to process.  I’m a voracious reader.  From ages 5 to 18, we had no television in our home, and I became a ravenous reader of everything I get could my hands on.  I obsessed over books and cultivated a life-long passion for reading.  Right now I have five books waiting to be read, while I’m in the middle of a handful that I’m reading.  I was at Borders yesterday, and I forced myself to NOT buy another book…reasoning that I needed to finish the books I haven’t started yet before purchasing another.  I read a few chapters from a fascinating book yesterday morning, titled, Suicide of Reason, that discussed the difference between people of reason and those who live according to the law of the jungle….and it’s application to the current struggle between Islam and The West.  But I digress…

Predictably, I find this research challenging.  Three main reasons: 1) The Bible is a BOOK…in addition to being “the living Word of God.”  2) It’s unrealistic to think that men are going to devour books at the same pace that women will – ministry to men has to take this into consideration.  3) The old challenge my Dad gave me rings true – “You may be the only bible some people will ever read.” 

One in four read no books last year - Yahoo! News.

REVealed - Hurricane Dean Strengthens Into Category 5 Storm

Hurricane Dean Strengthens Into Category 5 Storm Off Mexico's Caribbean Coast.

There’s no stopping it…it’s time to pray for the people in Dean’s path.  While many have been evacuated, there are still people on the Yucatan Peninsula who are in the path of this Category 5 storm.  Most of them are poor people who have little defense against this monster storm.  “Lord, have mercy.”   

REVered - Saturday Hymn - "Blessed Assurance"

In nearly every direction you look, you see uncertainty.  Uncertainty about the war, the weather, the fate of the Utah miners, the financial markets, and the outcome of the 2008 election.  There isn’t much we know “for sure!”  God wants His people to live with certainty and assurance.  As I’ve been studying Romans 5:9–11 this week, I’ve been humming this hymn nearly every day at some point – Blessed Assurance!

“Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him.”  Romans 5:9 

This verse provides assurance and security for all believers.  Take a moment today to reflect on this hymn and it’s powerful message.  “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.”  There IS a reason for you to feel certain and secure!  (Click on the link, make sure your sound is turned up, and be inspired!)

Blessed Assurance.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a fore-taste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

REVrant 28.9 - Lutherans Allow Gay Clergy Two Years of "Breathing Room"

Rocky Mountain News.  I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised.  As you’ll read in this news link, the ELCA – Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (4.7 million members) – has voted at their national convention to allow gay clergy to continue to serve in their churches as long as they are in “faithful, committed same-gender relationships.”  They will look at the issue again in 2009 while a “sexuality task force” studies the matter.

I know how I’m going to look to them and to others for this post.  But, my conscience will not allow me to do otherwise.  Shame on the ELCA for condoning a practice – among their pastors of all things - that is clearly condemned by the scripture...(as is, adultery, and fornication, and gossip, and gluttony, and many other sins – I know it’s not only homosexuality that is condemned…).  And they add insult to injury by saying they are going to be “studying it for two years.”  Studying what?  Homosexual sexual activities including…(since this is a family friendly blog, I’m not going to list the explicit sexual acts performed by homosexuals, but this is apparently part of what will be studied…is it OK for men who lead churches and administer ordinances to be doing these things in same-sex “faithful” relationships?  And by the way, would it be OK for the clergy to do so with 18 year old boys, or 15 year olds…and if not, why not?  Is it wrong?  And if it is why?  And why wrong with a boy, but not wrong with a man?  Yes, I’m looking for evidence of moral certitude at any level within the ELCA.  Can you say anything is wrong?  On what basis?  On a portion of the Bible you like…or agree with?)  This is beyond belief.  I had assumed (despite my doctrinal differences with them) that the ELCA was relatively conservative, and thus, deserving of some hopeful consideration.  Not any more.

“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.  Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.  In the same way, men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.  Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”  Romans 1:26–27 – NIV

I imagine Martin Luther is rolling over in his grave at this appalling development in a denomination that bears his name.  To insinuate at any level that Luther would have condoned this practice among clergy is the height of ignorance and lunacy.  Yet, because we live in these times of tolerance, I will be undoubtedly be judged more harshly simply because I am perceived to be “judging” homosexual clergy, than they will be for indecent and unnatural sexual acts between men.  These are the days in which men are “calling that which is good bad and that which is bad good.”  And when this moral confusion exists among the alleged spiritual shepherds of the flock, your church is in critical condition.

REVerie - Extension for 2006 Taxes & "Cheerful Giving"

Some of you know that if you’re unable to file your income taxes on April 15, the IRS allows a 4 month extension, so long as you pay any taxes due on April 15.  Because April 15 is usually quite close to Holy Week and Easter, I find that filing taxes during that time is nearly impossible for me.  So, for years, I’ve filed the form allowing me the four month extension.  Yesterday - August 15 – was the due date for late filers like me.  So, as a loyal American, I made my annual pilgrimage to the mailbox and mailed my federal and state tax forms.  I once again used TurboTax to help me complete my taxes.

For the first time in years, I did not have any taxes due, because my estimated quarterly payments were enough to cover it.   (Don’t worry, I did pay in once a quarter and estimated what I might owe this year.  Pastors DO pay taxes…and if you don’t opt out…over 15% in Soc. Security.  I didn’t opt out.)  So, I’ve paid my taxes, paid my Social Security tax, and “rendered unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”  It was very nice not to have to write checks to the U.S. Treasury and the Colorado Department of Revenue today.

A couple of years ago, we were in DC for a conference.  When I saw this sign on the IRS building, I had to snap a photo.  I’ve been paying the IRS for years…just wanted to document that they really exist! 

One more thing.  Calculating my taxes got me to think about giving to the Lord.  He doesn’t require anyone to file an annual or quarterly form.  No penalties for late payments or under-estimating.  No “tax tables” for tithing.  He just says, “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.”  And, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”  Recently in a conversation with our Director of Operations at the church, I discovered (better said, “confirmed” what I already surmised) that a small percentage of people give the largest percentage of money to the Lord at FBC.  As I listened, I imagined what it would be like if everyone who calls themselves Christians were “cheerful givers.”  I did not “cheerfully” pay my taxes.  I did it out of a sense of duty and because it’s law.  But, giving to the Lord is not meant to be like that.

I chuckle as I hear “emergent” types pontificate about their quest to be authentic and their passion to have “real” spiritual leaders.  They chip away at the alleged hypocrisy of “modernist” pastors and leaders who they deem “inauthentic” and/or “not real.”  There isn’t much that seems more real or authentic than financial stewardship – it’s easily measurable – you either give or you don’t…yet, statistics tell us that it’s mainly the “boomers” and “builders” who give cheerfully and generously to the Lord.  There are other ways to tell if a person is “real,” but the old adage – “put your money where your mouth is” – seems relevant in this conversation.

REVrant 28.8 - Netherlands Catholic bishop: Let’s ease religious tensions — by calling God “Allah”

Netherlands Catholic bishop: Let’s ease religious tensions — by calling God “Allah”.

A friend sent me this link and I felt the need to comment for several reasons;  1) This is a perfect example of the theological erosion that is happening within our tolerance addicted society.  2) Can you imagine anyone suggesting that we call Allah, “Jesus?”  3) It makes you wonder what they are teaching in Catholic seminaries.  4) Since this happened in the Netherlands and involves a Dutch priest, I feel the need (as a Dutchman myself) to apologize for this madness.  5) Finally, “religious tensions” would subside substantially if radical Muslims would give Christians and Jews the same tolerance they expect from them.

(Hat Tip: Guy Cannon)

REVrant 28.7 - Man 'Mad At God' Drives Into Church

Deputies: Man 'Mad At God' Drives Into Church - Jacksonville.

“Mad at God” – the universal condition?  A Florida man recklessly drives into a church building to make the point!  It makes one wonder what had happened in this 23 year old’s life to push him to this point.

REVerie - My Friend Stuart

Back in 1999, I had the privilege of meeting Ravi Zacharias as he and some of his team visited Littleton for one week in October, six months after the Columbine shootings.  Since then, we’ve been introduced to several more RZIM team members, including Stuart McAllister, VP of Training and Special Projects.  I’ve enjoyed cultivating my relationship with Stuart for the past several years as our paths have crossed…and via email and phone.  He lives in Atlanta and travels extensively.  Jan and I have shared several meals with Stuart and his wife, Mary, and our hearts have been knit together with a very special bond.  It’s the kind of friendship that is a sheer delight.  We feel as though we’ve known Stuart and Mary all our lives.  And when we’re together, it feels as though the “iron sharpening iron” principle is on over-drive. 

We enjoyed having Stuart and Mary, and their daughter Katherine, as overnight guests Sunday night.  They were vacationing in Colorado and it worked for both of our schedules to connect.  It was a little taste of heaven.

I though you might enjoy learning a little about Stuart by clicking on this link at RZIM.org. Apologetics Teaching Team.  Stuart’s passion for the Lord, his love of reading, his grasp of history, philosophy and culture, and his delightful Scottish accent never fail to inspire me.

 

REVerie - Men's Quartet Yesterday!

Ever since my wife’s parents gave us the GVB CD, “Give It Away,” last Christmas, I’ve been listening to a song titled, “Through.” (Track 6 on the linked album) Amazon.com: Give It Away: Music: Gaither Vocal Band. 

I know music is a very subjective thing, and this particular song may not move you a bit….but every time I hear it, I get a lump in my throat and feel the presence of the Lord.  I mentioned the song to a friend in our church who is quite active in the music program, and he mentioned that he also knew the song and would be willing to sing it…with his brother (who also attends our church) and his father (who is a pastor in another state).  Yesterday was the day!  The guys invited another of our men to sing with them, and they sang in all three services this past weekend.  Additionally, they were asked by a couple who had received some very difficult news last week, to sing it in our Music Room between services.  It’s that kind of song.  It promises that God is going to carry you “Through,” no matter what trouble or suffering you may be facing.

I heard it three times, and it moved me every single time.  The unscripted applause at the end felt very different to me…more like an “amen,” or “we agree,” than anything else.  God provided FBC with our own “Vocal Band”  last weekend.  Thanks guys…and thank you God!

REVved - It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life

Amazon.com: It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life: Books: Denise Jackson,Ellen Vaughn.

Alan Jackson’s wife has written a book about her life story – being married to one of the most recognizable country singers in the world.  An intriguing thing about the book is that the title is a play on words.  When Denise was struggling in her marriage, she assessed that the problem was that it was “all about him” – meaning Alan.  However, the message of the book is that with Jesus Christ at the center of her life and her marriage, things have been transformed so that now, “It’s All About Him” – meaning Jesus.  The book comes with a CD of a song, titled, “It’s All About Him,” which Alan wrote and performs in honor of his wife’s book.

Regular readers will know that I’m a big fan of Alan’s music.  After reading a little about what’s happened in his marriage - the Lord is first! – I’m now a fan of both Alan and his wife, Denise.  If you know someone who is struggling in their marriage, this would make a great gift.  If you want to be encouraged in your own marriage, it’s worth the read.  If you just want to see how God can transform people’s lives, this is a great tool.