Mile High Rev

REVerie - And You Wonder Why We Call it "God's Country?"

Jan took this photo out of our back window recently.  I just figured out how to access this grouping of photos – she has a new camera that uses a different storage system.  Couldn’t wait to post it.  I guess it’s “self-explanatory!”

REVerie - Someone Has A Special Birthday

My Mother-in-Law – Margie Nicholson

Jan and I are heading to Michigan to celebrate her Mom’s 80th Birthday!   Margie was born on February 2, 1928.  This coming Saturday, we will help her celebrate 80 years on the planet!  I’ve blogged about her several times in the past.  She’s such a special lady.  There’s so much I could write about her, but since I will be seeing her soon, I better be careful! 

I’d like to blog on the actual day of her birthday – 2/2, but I’m not sure about my Internet access.  Just in case I don’t have access, I thought I’d get a head start on both congratulating her and thanking God for her.  I’ve known her for 38 of her 80 years. (I met Jan in 1970.)  She’s been a wonderful warm person who always made me feel welcome, from the very first time I was in her home back in Jackson, Michigan. 

Using her first name as an acronym, I want to paint a thumbnail sketch of her for you.  This is a very brief peak into the life of this amazing woman.

M – Musical

Margie is one of those uniquely gifted people who is blessed with perfect pitch and uncanny musical ability.  To hear her play a piano is to wonder, “Did God make the piano for people, or certain people for the piano?”  Her playing took my breath away the first time I heard it, and it still does.  She passed this musical ability along to all three of her daughters.

A – Attractive

The beauty of a woman is both inner and outer.  Some women have one or the other, but Margie is a rare combination of both.  She’s taken very good care of herself.  She dresses with class.  She is neat and orderly – I love that, of course.  Margie is the kind of person people can’t ignore.  Her inner beauty and outer beauty combine to make her winsome and attractive to everyone who meets her.

R – Relational

Speaking of “meeting people,” Margie talks to everyone!  She’s gregarious and outgoing.  If you look up the word “extrovert” in the dictionary, yes, her photo is there.  She is friendly, interested in people, and a great conversationalist.  The two of us have had some great talks through the years.  Margie has hundreds of friends, and I know that they all regard her as a close friend!  She has that special ability to make a person feel like they are the only one in the room when they are speaking with her.  One more thing – you never have to say, “Talk, Margie!”

G – Goofy

I admit that I was looking for a word to go with “G” - but on the other hand, could I tell you some very funny stories about my dear mother-in-law being goofy!  She has an amazing sense of humor and she can make you laugh in a heartbeat.  Speaking of “heartbeats,” some of you recall that a couple of years ago, she had a heart attack.  It was a serious time for the whole family.  But guess who made us laugh while she was lying in the hospital recovering from the surgery?  Wish I could tell you some of the things she said, but I value my relationship with her too much to take that risk.   Trust me, she was hilarious!

I – Intelligent

I’ve watched Margie tackle so many projects through the years – business and financial, organizational, physical, technological, and spiritual.  One thing I’ve observed time after time, she is one “smart cookie!”  Seriously.  She’s got a great mind and a powerful ability to put things into motion.  She’s handled so much through the years - and always with precision and efficiency.  The kind of things she’s accomplished takes significant brain power – she’s succeeded again and again.  Watching her gain a grasp on the computer and cell phone are two examples of her willingness to keep learning.

E – Evangelistic

I have had the honor of not only knowing Margie, but also, knowing her mother.  Grandma Smith was an amazing spiritual force.  Margie picked up many of those same traits.  She has a strong walk with the Lord.  She evidences a passionate interest in church, the Bible, Christian music, summer Bible conferences, and all things spiritual.  It’s not unusual for me to receive the notes from the sermon “the week before” in occasional letters from her.  She and my father-in-law have been very active in church (served 25 years as Music/Choir Directors in a Michigan church), the Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, and a seniors’ ministry in Florida called, The Breakfast Club.  Margie is NOT “ashamed of the Gospel.”  As you can imagine, we heartily agree on that point!

Can you tell?  I love my Mother-in-law, and I’m very proud of her on this happy occasion.  Jan and I are thrilled to be able to spend some time with her on her birthday.  The years become more precious with the passing of time. 

80 years is a remarkable milestone!  Congratulations, Margie.

 

 

 

REVrant 33.5 - Barack Obama, the "Muslim" rumors, and his Pastor

Q&A: Barack Obama | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction.

A friend sent me this link to a Christianity Today interview with Barack Obama.  (Thanks, DH)  Then, I also found this link to a Beliefnet interview Obama did:

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/228/story_22894.html

I am not planning to endorse any candidate on my Blog.  That’s not my purpose.  But, I do have passion to speak the truth about any or all of the candidates, whether Republican or Democrat.  Obama has been the victim of a slanderous rumor and I hope these interviews will put this rumor to rest.  I encourage you to check these columns out for the following reasons:

1. It’s time to take Obama’s word that he is NOT really a Muslim.  I’ve received those forwarded emails from several people and I hope that we will all do our best to quell these unkind and politically motivated rumors.

2. Obama makes a gripping comment in the Beliefnet interview – “It's a tricky thing, anybody's relationship with their pastor!”  AMEN. (You have no idea how I’m holding back on a dozen comments I’d like to make right now!) Obama is referring to his current pastor – Jeremiah White – who made a slanderous comment about Bill Clinton in his sermon last weekend.  His church’s magazine also recently gave an award to controversial black Muslim leader, Louis Farrakhan.  The candidate is not a carbon copy of his pastor, and should not be accountable for everything his pastor says or does.  I thought Obama did a good job of kindly and respectfully making the point that he doesn’t agree with his pastor on everything.

3. Obama makes a very clear statement of faith when he says, “I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

REMEMBER – I am not endorsing Obama (or anyone!).  I’m calling on my Christian friends to be careful that we are not guilty of spreading scurrilous rumors. 

REVrant 33.4 - Stay Away from "Swivets"

I love words.  I love reading words.  I love writing words.  I love learning new words.  To help me learn some new words in 2008, Jan gave me a daily calendar that has a new word for each day.  Today’s word made me chuckle.  One, because of how it sounds.  Two, because I regularly encounter people (including Christians) who are in one of these!

To my Christian friends…the Bible makes it clear that we’re not supposed to be in a “swivet” about anything.  Philippians 4:6 comes to mind – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Or how about Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more than clothes?”  Or how about Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

I’m looking forward to a “swivet-free” 2008!  How about you?

REVved - Powerful Movie on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - "The Great Debaters"

The Great Debaters (2007).

Mrs. Rev and I saw “The Great Debaters” today – on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Best movie I’ve seen in years!  The movie is set in 1935 and is based on the true story of a professor and debate coach from Wiley College – a college in Texas.  The story unfolds against the backdrop of violent racism in the deep south.  While the debate team holds out hope of debating the Harvard debate team, they face unbelievable odds and painful persecution.  I won’t spoil the plot of the film, but I was in tears at several points as I pondered the shameful history of racism in America.  (Caution – there are some graphic scenes and the film may not be suitable for children.)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was fiercely committed to non-violence and paid a huge price for it – his life.  But his legacy is played out in our society on a daily basis.  He had “A Dream”…and although it’s not yet a “dream come true,” our country is at a very different place today than it was in the early 1960’s.

I remember driving from Michigan to Florida in 1963 when my dad accepted the pastorate of a church in the south.  Unbelievably, during the trip, I saw a parade of sheeted and hooded Ku Klux Klan members at one point and observed a bathroom labeled “coloreds” outside a gas station (remember those?) at another point.  The reality of racism hit me squarely in the face during that trip.  I’ve never forgotten the fear and shame I felt on that trip. 

On this day, pause to thank God for the changes that have taken place in America during the last four decades.  Like I said, we’re not living Dr. King’s full dream yet, but we’re much closer to it than when he died.

REVerie - Brad Paisley at The Pepsi Center

bradpaisley.com - Official Site.

Brad Paisley – accepting the Male Artist of the Year at the 2007 Country Music Awards.

Thanks to some kind friends, Jan and I got to enjoy Brad Paisley at the Pepsi Center last night.  And we almost lost our hearing!  Not really.  But, the decibel level was supersonic, that’s for sure.  Paisley is the Country Music 2007 Male Artist of the Year, and last night, he proved why he deserved the award.  Man, can that guy play the guitar!  And sing!  I have his 5th Gear Album on my Ipod, but I was unaware that he is the lead guitar player.  At several points in the evening, I was reminded of the screaming guitar riffs of the 70’s from Jimi Hendrix.  Took my breath away.  (And nearly took my hearing…but I digress!)  If you enjoy intense and screaming lead guitar playing, check out Paisley - this guy rocks!  (At times it seemed more rock, than country, in fact!)  For any of you guys who may have attended the FBC 2007 Men’s Retreat, you may recall Paisley’s song – “I’m Still a Guy!”  (Remember that Todd and Greg did such a great job with it?).  Hearing it from “the man,” was stupendous!

A delightful surprise of the evening was opening act – Rodney Atkins!  Rodney’s lyrical stylings and passionate music was stirring, and at one point, “convicting.”  He does a song called, “Watching You,” which was the most played country song in 2007!  You can check Atkins out at www.rodneyatkins.com.  It’s a very moving song (accompanied by a video) that features Atkins’ son telling him that he learned to do what he does by watching his dad.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place after that song.  Powerful images and lyrics.

Atkins has a way with words – country-style!  He made me laugh several times, but never more than when he improved on a very well known country slang phrase – “Git ‘er done” – by adding – “Got ‘er did!”  Try it.  Say it all in one phrase – “git ‘er done, got ‘er did.”  You laughing?  I am.

I know that everyone doesn’t prefer country music, and I didn’t used to.  But, I think I’ve become a “red-neck,” now that I’ve been to an Alan Jackson concert (a few years ago) and a Brad Paisley concert. 

I guess it went something like this a few years ago.  A friend asked me: 

“Hey Bill, you like country music?” 

“Not a lot.” 

“Well, you need to hear some of these guys in person.  Their music rocks.” 

So…I decided to check country music out.  And I have.  And I’ve become a fan.

Or better said, “Git ‘er done…got ‘er did!”

REVered - "All He asks is that we trust Him."

While shopping for a sympathy card last week, Jan and I found this one.  Hallmark nailed it!  “All He asks is that we trust Him.”

Today as I was signing the card to send it to a grieving family, I felt a powerful wave of hope.  I thought you might benefit from seeing it too!

REVrant 33.3 - Time to Start Barking

If you’re paying attention to the church scene in our post-modern times, you’re well aware of the cultural erosion of belief in absolute truth, and its companion in the church – devaluation of sound doctrine.  I found two quotes recently that sum up my concerns.  The first is from John Calvin and the second from D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

"A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent." (John Calvin)

"There is nothing which is so wrong, and so utterly false, as to fail to see the primary importance of true doctrine. Looking back over my experience as a pastor for some thirty-four years, I can testify without the slightest hesitation that the people I have found most frequently in trouble in their spiritual experience have been those who have lacked understanding. You cannot divorce these things." (Heresies, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

It’s not unusual these days to find cynics loitering around the church (and in many cases, making money by writing books that they hope church people will purchase) making comments like: 1) “You people care more about being right than doing right.”  2) ”The older I get, the less important doctrine is to me.”  3) “Doctrine divides, Jesus unites.”  4) “Who really knows what the Bible says about homosexuality?”  5) “What difference would it make if Jesus wasn’t born of a virgin?” 6) “I’ve given up on going to church.”

I think you get the idea.  These post-moderns are very uncomfortable with the assertion that doctrine matters.  Actually, it makes them mad.  They see passion for sound doctrine as stodgy, antiquated, and irrelevant.  To make their point, they create cheesy caricatures of people who seem willing to die for core doctrinal truths.  I wonder what these post-modern Christian hipsters think about Polycarp, John Hus, John Wycliffe, John Knox, John Calvin, Martin Luther and many other heroes of the faith for whom doctrine mattered more than life.

To borrow a phrase from John Calvin, I think it is “time to start barking.”  God’s truth is being attacked.  I’m not going to be silent.  Shots are being taken at several watershed doctrines by today’s doctrine-bashers: The virgin birth, the subsitutionary atonement of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, the second coming of Jesus, eternal heaven and hell, the eternal security of the believer, justification, and sanctification. 

The Apostle Paul warned young Timothy that this was going to happen.  II Timothy 4:3–4 - “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

To be redundant…I think it’s “time to start barking!”

REVealing - Romney's Michigan Win Creates A Contest

Romney's Michigan win shakes up GOP race - CNN.com.

Michigan, New Hampshire, Iowa…

Romney, McCain, Huckabee…

1 – 1 – 1

Should get interesting from here…

REVved - Huckabee Preaches About Path to Heaven

DISCLAIMER – This is not a political endorsement!

At South Carolina Church, Huckabee Preaches About Path to Heaven.

I don’t endorse political candidates publicly or privately.  But, I do listen to what they say.  After reading that Huckabee preached at a South Carolina church yesterday about the “path to heaven,” I was interested in what he had to say.  After reading this column, I want to go on record – I agree with what Mike Huckabee says about the way to heaven.