A History of Prayer
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •
I love history. In school, I always aced history and English. It’s no wonder I still love to read stories and articles on historical events—from yesterday, last year, and even 2,000 years ago. Everyone and everything has a story and history to tell.
Just the other day, I read how the National Day of Prayer first began, and how and why the tradition was continued throughout history. Days of prayer were declared by:
• President George Washington after the Whiskey Rebellion. • President John Adams when France threatened to make war with America. • President Madison during the War of 1812. • President Tyler when President Harrison died. • President Taylor during a cholera epidemic. • President Buchanan to avert civil strife. • President Lincoln during the Civil War. • President Andrew Johnson when President Lincoln was shot. • President Wilson during World War I.
Finally, in 1952, President Truman made the National Day of Prayer an annual event, saying: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace…we stand in special need of Divine support.”
And President Ronald Reagan declared the National Day of Prayer to take place each year on the first Thursday in May.
Praise God that our country has not thrown this sacred national holiday out of the books like we have so many other holy things. In light of how important this event is, we must also realize the importance of daily prayer for our country, its leaders, our government, schools, media, and other influential figures.
You’ve probably heard this Scripture used over and over again, but it’s good to know that God’s Word is unchanging and His promises are true. The Bible says, “My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, HCSB).
Do you believe God will do what He says if we obey His commands? Do you make time each day to pray for our government, our troops serving overseas, our President, and other political leaders? Are you praying every day for the Presidential candidates campaigning across the U.S.?
As believers and Americans, it is our responsibility to be faithful in praying for our country—not just in times of crisis, but always.
Source of historical facts: American Minute with Bill Federer (www.amerisearch.net)
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Responding to a culture in transition
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •
Growing up in a small town, I was naive to much of what the world was really about until I moved away from that airtight bubble and into the big city. My eyes were opened to a whole new way of thinking, living, and being.
Where I had once been sheltered in a loving Christian home, I was thrown into the “real” world when I joined the “worldly” masses. My faith didn’t change in a bad way—but it was certainly tested and challenged more than once. My move forced me to own my faith and back up what I believed—on more than one occasion.
That was over five years ago. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to evaluate how my generation of believers—myself included—has responded to the changing culture, and the issues of God, politics, and world events.
For some, life still only revolves around them and their worldview is extremely self-central. But for others, life and faith has become about making change happen and speaking out for what they believe in a materialistic, self-consumed culture. There are certainly other categories of people that have come to my attention, but it seems that these two are the ones I’ve encountered most of the past few years.
I remember MTV making a big push several years ago about getting out and voting. I noticed that a lot of people my age didn’t really care as much then. But it seems something has changed over the past few years. More and more I’m seeing people—especially Christians—involved in causing change in our culture by going out into the world and making sure that it happens.
I’m curious to see how this affects our country in the years to come. The world is coming to us in droves each and every day. And American Christians—especially people my age (20s-30s)—are beginning to realize the impact we could have right here in our own back yards.
How are you responding to this movement? Is there a way you can impact your culture and bring about a revolutionary change that will move people toward salvation in Jesus? What are you doing to change the world? Are you voting in a way that will honor God and set people up to find Truth and freedom in Him?
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Please Step Aside, Ma’am
Posted by: Brent James on May 10, 2008 Hot Issues •
Is it over? Howard Dean hopes so. Rush clearly doesn’t. Whatever your take, George McGovern, speaking aloud what many democrats would only whisper quietly, has urged Hillary Clinton to step aside by declaring that Barak had won the nomination.
The Clinton campaign, despite numerous suggestions and pleas for a white flag, has given no signs they intend to shut down. George Stephanopoulos encouraged Hillary to accept the vice presidential role.
Speaking with John Gibson on radio last week, Geraldine Ferraro, who has been working with Clinton from a distance, advised that there is still a chance for a Clinton victory. The thinking is this: If Hillary could win 80% of these remaining Democrat primaries, she would tie Barak H. Obama for delegates, but not the popular vote. That’s a big “if”.
May 13 - West Virginia
May 20 - Kentucky, Oregon
June 3 - South Dakota, Montana
There is another possibility that in recent days has gathered optimism based on comments from Howard Dean. That is, whether or not the Florida and Michigan delegations will be seated. Dean told CNN “I think the delegates are eventually going to be seated in Florida and Michigan as soon as we get an agreement between the candidates on how to do that.” Then last week, he followed that statement on the Daily Show, by confirming that both state’s delegations would definitely be seated.
One issue remains for Clinton and Obama, how this is going to be worked out.
For Barak Obama, including the full delegation would complicate his winning the nomination, which for many, is a done deal. The full inclusion of both delegations would cut his lead and mean that Clinton would be ahead in the popular vote.
But the superdelegate count may be the deal breaker. Clinton once led 169-63. By March 2008, her lead was a scant 35. As of May, the New York Times has Clinton leading by only one. ABC shows Obama leading by two.
Howard Dean, Chairman of the DNC, announced last week that one of the candidates must step down by June so the primaries can be wrapped up.
However things seem to be evaporating, remember Clinton is a pro, and as such is not easily deterred. She has Bill in her corner as well as a host of brilliant political strategists probing each and every contingency as they search for daylight. Don’t count her out. All she needs is a little breathing room and sometimes, that can come suddenly out of thin air.
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How much is too much: Faith and Politics?
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 5, 2008 Biblical Values •
“Evangelicals say faith is now too political.” This is the headline that the Dallas Morning News published in an article just recently. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Conservative Christian leaders who believe the word “evangelical” has lost its religious meaning plan to release a starkly self-critical document saying the movement has become too political and has diminished the Gospel through its approach to the culture wars.
The statement, called “An Evangelical Manifesto,” condemns Christians on the right and left for “using faith” to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible, according to a draft of the document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
“That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots’ for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology,” according to the draft.
The declaration, scheduled to be released Wednesday in Washington, encourages Christians to be politically engaged and uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. But the drafters say evangelicals have often expressed “truth without love,” helping create a backlash against religion during a “generation of culture warring.”
“All too often we have attacked the evils and injustices of others,” they wrote, “while we have condoned our own sins.” They argue, “we must reform our own behavior.”
The document is the latest chapter in the debate among conservative Christians about their role in public life. Most veteran leaders believe the focus should remain on abortion and marriage, while other evangelicals—especially in the younger generation—are pushing for a broader agenda. The manifesto sides with those seeking a wide-range of concerns beyond “single-issue politics.”
The article states that more than 80 evangelicals including Os Guiness and Richard Mouw are among the supporters. And Phil Burress, an Ohio activist, said that if high-profile Christian leaders such as James Dobson and Richard Land don’t endorse the document, then it would not be successful.
I don’t intend for this blog to have a devotional format—with an overindulgence of wisdom and truth from God’s Word. Instead, I’d like for this blog to be a motivation to readers to think this issue through, do some research, pray about it, and figure out what the Holy Spirit may be telling you.
Your thoughts and feedback are welcome.
Source: © 2008 The Associated Press.
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Celebrity Influence
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 1, 2008 Biblical Values •
Celebrities have a magical power over society that has literally grown out of control of the past hundred years.
I’m not talking about the heroes that have risked their lives for our freedom or the founding fathers of our country. I’m referring to the icons in pop culture—on the radio, the big screen, and in the gossip magazines—that have mesmerized our culture.
Lately, I’ve heard more high profile celebrities offer their thoughts and opinions about certain social and political issues than at any other time in my life. When they issue even one simple statement regarding their thoughts on same-sex “marriage,” the war overseas, taxes, or anything else, they capture the attention and unquestioning approval of thousands.
I can see where their voices would be an incredible influence on America—especially young people who often worship the ground they walk on in an all too ungodly way. Likewise, their endorsements of political candidates are extremely advantageous to the ones running for office.
According to Forbes.com article written by David Andelman: “The six [celebrities] who would have the most positive impact on the image of a candidate with whom they associated were Oprah, on top, followed by Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show, Angelina Jolie and Tiger Woods.”
In addition, pollsters at E-Poll Market Research showed that “the younger the voter, the more positive the perception of a candidate endorsed by a celebrity they admire.”
If you don’t keep up with what celebrities believe and endorse, you may be surprised to find where some of your favorites place their loyalty. It’s amazing to me how many people, even Christians, place their stock in the lifestyles, actions, and words of celebrities—imperfect people who are oftentimes far from knowing any kind of Truth.
As followers of Jesus, we know One who is more famous than anyone in the entire world. Do you believe what He has spoken? Do you follow Him where He goes? Do you strive to mimic the lifestyle He had?
What values and beliefs would Jesus endorse? Maybe it’s time we shift our attention and decide to follow in the footsteps of Jesus—the most holy Famous One.
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What happened to the early birds?
Posted by: K.D. Hastings on April 30, 2008 Hot Issues •
For those of us who delight in the down-and-dirty of presidential politics, let’s take a moment and reflect on what was the news de jour seven months ago.
While there were many more candidates in the race, each of them very confident they would be the one sitting behind the big desk in the Oval Office next January, there was another scramble going on—the rush among states to have earlier-than-normal primary elections.
These states that jostled for places at the front of the line didn’t want to miss all the media attention. They didn’t want to be after-thoughts. Yet with most of the primaries squeezed together on just a few Tuesdays in late winter, that is exactly what happened.
Now several months after that lemming-like rush to the leading edge of the calendar year, few can name all of the states that held primaries on Super Tuesday, the first Tuesday of February. Yet most Americans, even those not politically inclined, can name the state** that held a primary last week and one of the states*** that will hold its primary next week (May 6).
Nebraska and West Virginia (D) citizens weigh in on May 13 and Kentuckians and Oregonians on the 20th. Voters in Montana (D) and South Dakota go to the polls for their primaries on June 3.
The only folks that might feel somewhat disenfranchised, if you can call it that, are the Republicans in Nebraska who go to the polls on May 13, those in Idaho who vote on May 27 and in New Mexico on June 3. Methinks John McCain has it all wrapped up. But now that I write that, I’m reminded the votes of Democrats in Florida and Michigan are still in limbo, but that’s another story entirely.
So the moral of the story: in politics, the unexpected is to be expected.
** Pennsylvania *** Indiana and North Carolina
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Cowardly Clergyman?
Posted by: Oklahoma Baptist Messenger staff on April 29, 2008 Featured Article •
Since when does a church or its pastor have to remain silent when addressing moral and social issues from a biblical worldview? There is no shortage on those who would like to squelch the voice of the church, especially during a political season.
Now is not the time for the church and its pastor to turn passive with regard to addressing critical social and moral issues from the pulpit. The pastor must speak with conviction based on the authority of the Scripture, not with results from the latest opinion poll. The pastor must challenge his congregation with the truth of God’s Word without regard to the views and opinions of political parties or candidates.
The pastor must do all he can to provide insight to moral and social issues based on God’s Word. Shying away from or avoiding certain issues for fear of offending a particular political candidate or political party member is acting as a cowardly clergyman.
Pastors have every right to preach on moral and social issues and to encourage their congregations to become active in civic affairs. Pastors should never endorse a candidate on behalf of the church. Nor should they use church funds or services to contribute directly to candidates or political committees. The pastor should never distribute materials on church premises that favor any one candidate or political party. However, the pastor does have the right to address moral and social issues being addressed by candidates and political parties.
The church has every right to encourage members to voice their opinions in favor or against legislative issues. A church should never endorse or oppose a political candidate or make contributions to a political action committee. Nor should churches conduct fundraising for political candidates. However, the church is an excellent place for the community to learn more about the political process and legislative issues.
Unfortunately, too many churches and pastors are standing on the sidelines allowing those with a secular worldview to dominate public affairs and critical legislation. Our silence has been perceived as agreement. We must clear our throats and be heard without concession.
We are not skating on thin ice when it comes to taking a stand regarding moral and social issues. We must not be intimidated by those who desire to silence the church. We are called to proclaim the truth. May Joshua 1:9 serve as our guide as we seek to address the moral and social issues of our day. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May the Lord find us strong and courageous as together we seek to make a difference within our culture.
It is time to speak up, pastor. Take a stand with God’s Word as your guide! Churches, stand with your pastor as he proclaims the truth of God’s Word with regard to sensitive social and moral issues of the day.
Church members, beware of allowing your political persuasions to compromise your biblical convictions. Know where candidates stand on the issues and support those who share your values as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
[This editorial is adapted and reprinted with permission from the April 10, 2008 Oklahoma Baptist Messenger.]
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An Assault against Life
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 24, 2008 Biblical Values •
I just recently read an article about a senior art major at Yale, Aliza Shvarts, who reportedly performed the horrific act of abortion on herself in the name of art. The “artist” documented herself on video, through a 9-month period, reportedly artificially inseminating herself and then periodically taking abortifacient drugs in order to induce miscarriages.
According to Shvarts, her goal was to “spark conversation and debate on the relationship between art and the human body.” And she believes “strongly that art should be a medium for politics and ideologies, not just a commodity. I think that I’m creating a project that lives up to the standard of what art is supposed to be.”
Authorities at Yale University are saying the incident is a hoax, but Shvarts has rebutted saying she will prove it isn’t by displaying her documentary in an art show soon.
Rightly so, her display has caused shock and outrage all across the country. National groups on both sides of the abortion debate have condemned the project. And many students on campus expressed their disgust at the “art” project saying “it trivialized abortion and transgressed any reasonable moral boundary.”
I think the first questions we must ask are: Since when did taking unborn lives become art? How could our country allow this to happen? And, how did people become so insensitive to the issue of abortion?
As Christians, we should also be outraged by this horrific act and take a stand against it! It is God who creates human life.
His Word says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16, NIV).
Since the legalization of abortion by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973’s Roe v. Wade, people all over our country have become desensitized to the value of life. Back then, the Court ruled that an unborn child is neither a human nor a person, and therefore is not protected under the Constitution.
Today, our nation is still divided on this issue and it continues to be a hot topic in the debate among this year’s presidential candidates. But, the Word of God stands firm—unchanging—and it specifically speaks out against the massacre of the unborn. Where do you stand? If you’re a believer in Christ, then your decision should be easy. Let your voice be heard.
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McDonalds & Discriminating Taste
Posted by: Brent James on April 23, 2008 Biblical Values •
The word “discrimination” has fallen on hard times. Everyone is afraid of it. I guess it sounds scary. To be caught “discriminating” is a capital offense. But in the real world, it is discrimination that keeps us alive. It is what makes us unique. Say for instance, you walk into a car dealership and see two gentlemen waiting to sell you a car. One appears dishonest to you for whatever reason (perhaps a skinny mustache). The other strikes you as honest. Maybe he has a kind look in his eye. Who do you approach? Congratulations, you’ve just discriminated. Last time I checked, having “discriminating taste” was still a positive attribute. Heck, choosy moms choose Jif.
What does this have to do with voting? Everything. In fact, all of us are going to discriminate this fall in order to select a new president. We’ll be making judgments for goodness sake! It’s okay. Calm down, everyone. God himself expects it.
“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.” Proverbs 3:21
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.” Proverbs 31:9
Participating in political elections is only part of the equation. Voting is a way of life for those wanting a free and prosperous society, uncluttered by social ills. We cast a ballot every time we make a decision to support or reject cultural offerings. We can vote with our money by choosing where to spend it. If you don’t like the fact that McDonald’s believes it is being socially responsible by promoting the homosexual agenda, you stop eating their food.
Wow! That’s freedom. That’s powerful. What values most to you?
Personally, I think Whataburger has better shakes.
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Nobody at the Helm
Posted by: Brent James on April 22, 2008 Biblical Values •
Three years ago I worked for an advertising agency. One Friday morning, after receiving some particularly disappointing news, several of us officers sat around the conference room table discussing our options. The executive managers had just informed us that we would not be seeing raises of any kind for the third consecutive year. The apology sounded rather hollow, as we had continuously improved our team effort to make the company more profitable. Some talked of looking for more rewarding work elsewhere.
Weeks later, we were called to a special meeting to hear the company’s financial status report. When the CFO had finished his presentation with all its attending graphs and charts, he sat down. It made no sense why our revenues were so flat. “Any questions?”
An officer respectfully offered, “I don’t know about anyone else, but if this continues, I’ll have no choice but to seek other employment. Can someone speak to why we are we performing so poorly?”
I was stunned to hear the answer. There was a long silence. The CEO hung his head, then after a long silence explained that four years earlier an aggressive business plan had been adopted, but since that time, no one had bothered to oversee its implementation! There was no one at the helm!!! Those of us below decks had been rowing furiously, assuming that our responsible leaders were making sure all our hard work was applied toward the correct course. But it had been squandered.
It would appear that our great republic is in a state of rudderless wandering. Those of us with a moral or spiritual inkling know we are off course. In the last three decades, every time this poll question has been posed “Is America headed in the right direction?” Americans have overwhelmingly responded “NO” sometimes by a margin over 80%. How do we know to judge whether or not we are headed in the right direction? The Bible lays plain that we each possess an innate knowledge of God’s law. What will we do with it?
Remember last year before all the presidential politicking commenced, we were talking, in a national sense, about the dearth of leadership. We bemoaned the many choices, but few real options. Where are we today? Listen to what our leaders are saying by not addressing the most pressing issues of our day.
Okay, so what next? It’s not enough to just ask questions.
Two leader’s wisdom comes to mind: Jefferson, with his “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” and Ronald Reagan’s favorite “Trust, but verify.”
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