“What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.” - Michelle Obama

I love politics. I have since I was a kid. And it matters because policies shape so many aspects of our daily lives. There were many times I thought I would eventually wind up in politics. In fact, a Major I served under in the Army said he was sure one day he would hear about “Senator Doebler”. Since I’ve been in ministry, God has redirected my passion. The church is the ultimate hope of the world, not government. And Jesus is the ultimate answer to all of life’s questions. So, my political voice has been quieted.

But today, the gloves come off. I can not stand on the sideline and observe quietly and let the statement made by Michelle Obama go unaddressed and be at peace with myself.

RANT ON —– GLOVES OFF

I am absolutely appalled that the wife of a candidate that has a serious chance to win the Presidency would make such an outrageous, ridiculous, and hideously wrong statement. According to reports I read, she is 44 years old. That would mean that her “adult life” has been lived out since the mid-1980s. Which makes her my contemporary since I am now 46.

What America has she been living in? Because it certainly isn’t mine. Oh…that’s right. I only went to a regular state university. She went to Harvard and Princeton. Definitely not my America. I struggled to support my young family when difficult economic conditions hit and joined the Army. Oh…that’s right. She worked for a prestigious law firm. Definitely not my America.

So how is it that in my America, a place where I once couldn’t get food stamps even though my family was living on MREs, I could still be proud! How is it in my America, a place that I have had to work hard for every break I’ve ever gotten, I could still be proud! How is it in my America, a place where I couldn’t even buy my first real home until I was 35 years old, I could still be proud! How is it my America, a place where Christianity is pushed further and further to the back of the bus, I could still be proud!

Maybe the better question is how is it in her America, a place where she went to the best universities in America and worked in the most prestigious professions while at the most prestigious firms, she has never found reason to be proud? Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: America, News, Obama, USA

Alright…it’s guy’s night out! That means that the top 12 dudes are going to be beltin’ it out tonight. And it least this year, most of the guys actually DO look like dudes. I wanted to stick a finger down my throat every time Sin-juju got up last year. We’ve got a couple of wayward shots on the guy side, including an almost Sin-juju repeat/look-alike, but overall, I think this is a strong line-up of dudes. We may even have another Daughtry in this group. We’ll see.

1. David Hernandez - Crap…came out of the chute talking about crying. Come on dude! After…maybe. But not before! Oh well! He was smokin until he went for the chick notes at the end. He’s got a sellable voice though.
2. Chikezie (aka Cheezit) - Looks like he’s trying out a Luther Van Dross vibe. I don’t care for LVD, but chicks love that style. They’ll probably go for Cheezit too…..BIG SURPISE: Paula loves it.
3. David Cook - Think this guy has got a real chance…but the whole Partridge Family/David Cassidy song didn’t get me off on a good foot with him. Although it did remind me of Lori Partridge…and that’s a nice memory.
4. Jason Jeager - A dude that has his son with him is A-OK in my book. Not digging Moon River though. I mean, he’s singing fine, it’s just not a dude song. Andy Williams was never my model of masculinity. And Paula admitting she performed her first ballet recital to that song proves my point.
5. Robbie Carrico - So far, this guy reminds me a little of Bo Bice. Great song choice for his style. Totally made it sound real and now. He’s in it. Dig Three Dog Night stuff!
6. David Archuleta - This guy will be on speed-dial for all the young girls. I’m not even sure he owns a razor yet, but he will be a force because of the speed-dial element….which doesn’t hurt if you want to win AI.
7. Danny Noriega - My wife calls him this years “confused Sanjaya”. I agree. At least if he makes it (which is almost a given…[see speed dial element mentioned above]) he can sing better than Sin-juju. At least Simon can shoot straight.
8. Luke Menard - Orlando Bloom look-alike, but can summarize this song in one word: B.O.R.I.N.G. Wake me up when it’s over please. But hey…at least he’s got a cute wife, so he’s got that going for him.
9. Colton Berry - Can’t pull for anyone who flaunts looking like Ellen Degeneres…..especially when it’s a DUDE! A little self-respect please. And don’t disrespect the King…Elvis is throwing up on his blue-suede shoes.
10. Garrett Haley - Seacrest said that he looks like Leif Garrett (exactly what I was thinking…which kind of makes it weird). Plus his name IS Garrett. Don’t know anything about him yet. Let’s see what he’s got. Confession, I half-way liked Neil Sedaka when I was young, but that time has passed. How does this kid even know a song by Neil Sedaka? The fact that he knows one is probably enough to disqualify him from winning.
11. Jason Castro - Another unknown since they gave him no airtime before now. I don’t know how anyone can deal with dreads (not that that’s a potential issue for me). For a kid that hasn’t done public performances before now, he’s a total natural.
12. Michael Johns - This guy totally rocked the house w/Bohemian Rhapsody last week. Another really great song. Not quite as solid as his take on Queen, but there is no doubt that this guy will be in it down to the wire. He’s got a lot going for him. Plus, who doesn’t like an Aussie accent?

OK…they’re in the book. My predictions for who will go home:

• Jason Jaeger & Luke Menard

Your thoughts & predictions now…….

Tags: American Idol, Men, TV

The blog world is a fascinating place to explore. It’s amazing the useful information that you can find out there. It’s also a great way to learn from people who have similar passions and thoughts. One such person is a gal by the name of Bridget. I don’t know who she is or even where she is, but I know where she stands. I ran across an article posted on her blog . The article is from worldnetdaily and addresses a subject we have been talking about for a couple of years now. Here are some of the key thoughts:

How the church has emasculated men

---

Posted: January 31, 2008
1:00 a.m. Eastern
Ever wonder why Christian men are so emasculated? Or why most normal red-blooded men find it absolutely impossible to relate to today’s clergy?You’re not alone. I use to think the problem was me, that I was old fashioned - at least that’s what I was told.But then I had an epiphany.God didn’t send girly-men to preach the Gospel, build churches and reform society back in the days of the early church. And He certainly won’t do that today either.J. Grant Dys argues on his blog that the spinoff effects of this reality can be seen in our families (or at least what’s left of them), our schools, our clubs and in the prisons of our society. And ironically, with the death of genuine masculinity, an increasing number of young men are seeking to reclaim their manhood in homosexuality.

On a cultural level, we all know that the idea of a “real man” has almost been beaten out of our social consciousness. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: church, Feminism, Leadership, Men, The Grove Church

I have to say that God is really showing up in our services. We have had one of the best stretches of services that I remember having in our history. And I don’t mean we’ve had flawless services. I touched on that last week. What I mean is that there is a tangible sense of the presence of God.

Moment of confession - We’ve had services since we began where it was totally in our own power. Our plans, our skills, our abilities, our knowledge, and our strength. That may sound bad, but I’m convinced that there are more churches than not where this is true. But God will NOT let HIS Word ever go out without impact. Isaiah 55:11-12 tells us that just as the rain will always accomplish a purpose, so too will His Word. Even if we’re delivering it in our own strength, which we (I) have done. In Philippians 1:15-18, the Apostle Paul said that even when the gospel is preached with impure motives, he rejoiced because God’s Word is still being heard. That’s the power of God’s Word.

That being said, having experienced services that were done in our own power, and experiencing services soaked in the power of God, I’ll take the latter. And we’ve been blessed to sense God’s presence in powerful ways this year.

In The Fire

Our current series, In The Fire, concentrates on the experience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel chapter three. If you’re going to Go B.I.G. in 2008, you can count on having a fiery furnace moment….and then some. Jesus was put to the test IMMEDIATELY after being baptized and beginning his public ministry. You will NEVER realize the “something more” you are looking for without fighting for it.

The awesome thing about the faith of these three heroes of faith are that there were OK with whatever outcome awaited them. Whether it was deliverance from the fire, or perishing in the flames. Because either way, they were honoring the King of Kings. There was no room for compromise with these guys…no playing it safe. For them, it was all or nothing for their God. And look at the impact.

Playing safe is a sure way to a life of boredom and emptiness. At The Grove, I would rather we fail while achieving great things for God, than succeed at accomplishing nothing. That means we have to be OK with failing. That doesn’t sound acceptable in the church environment. But that’s because too many churches have put God in a box and we have crippled ourselves and cut ourselves off from experiencing the overwhelming greatness of God.

We want 2008 to be more than we ever imagined. And we have a God that wants to deliver. But it will take our whole-hearted commitment and a willingness to fight fire with faith.

HUDDLE HIGHLIGHTS

Each Sunday, our men gather in a huddle to be personally challenged before heading out to live out their faith in their home and in the workplace. This week, we passed out matches. An unlit match delivers neither light nor heat. But when struck, it reveals both. For a match to deliver either, it has to be struck or ignited by other matches. If you’re not taking any blows, then you’re not putting yourself out there for Christ. And if you’re not being challenged and inspired by others, you are limiting your potential and your reach.

Our men will be carrying matches this week to remind them of these simple truths. Grab one yourself and let it be your own reminder this week.

Tags: Bible, church, Faith, God, Jesus, Preaching, The Grove Church

Had a great morning today. I’ll reflect on that later this evening. But now I’m racing toward my nap time. There’s only one problem. It’s time for the Daytona 500…the opening event each year for NASCAR. I didn’t really start out as a NASCAR fan…it still doesn’t come anywhere close to comparing to NCAA football for me. But there’s something about watching the BIG WRECK that they have almost every year.

Is there something wrong with me or does anybody else watch for the same reason? I’m not all that concerned with who wins, but I really don’t want to miss the big wreck. So while I’m stretched out on the couch, the race will be on in the background and I’ll be struggling to maintain a semi-conscious state so that if I hear the words “CRASH IN TURN 4” I can open my eyes and see.

How weird is that?

BTW, if anyone is down there, our good friends have a Jimmy John’s (their link) right across from the track. Stop by and tell them I said HI! (after you’ve ordered a sandwich of course.)…..(man…that’s got to be good for a free sandwich somewhere!)

Tags: football

1. Nathan Peterson Band - Well…..they used to be the NPB, now they’re known as Hello Industry. I still haven’t asked them what that’s supposed to mean, but that’s their new name. Anyway, they spent months in the loft at The Grove recording their new CD, MaryAnn (who was always my favorite on Gilligan’s Island BTW). They videoed (is that a word?) many of their recording adventures and posted them online and you can follow the timeline. And now the fruit of their labor is being made available to the world. They will celebrate with a CD release/launch party at The Grove tonight at 8:00 pm. (And it’s free!)

I’m heading over at 11:00 am to get them in and get them started with set-up and prep for tonight.

2. Valentine Dinner being hosted by our friends over at The Journey of Faith Church here in Peoria. They start at 6:30. Not free, but the food should be very tasty.

Tags: Christian Music, peoria, The Grove Church

I may be slow, but I’m not stupid. When two people I respect, both recommend the same book to me in short order, I take notice. The most recent referral came from Brooke M. (thanks Brooke) who is absolutely committed to spreading the news of this book. The book is called “Save Me From Myself“, by Brian Welch, former lead guitarist for the hard rock band Korn.

In 2008, we’ve been stressing the need to seek out and find the “something more” that Jesus told us was available to us. In an earlier post, I shared an interview with Tom Brady (click here) when he appeared on Sixty Minutes. What was startling about the interview was his open admission that in spite of all his success, there must be something more.

Brian Welch, in the midst of living the “big life”, was struggling with the same question. But he has found the answers that Tom Brady is apparently still looking for. Watch this inspiring, convicting piece of video. Then call a friend and send them this way too.

Tags: Books, Brian Welch, God, Korn, Music, NFL, Tom Brady

Is it just me or does anyone else have mixed emotions about VD (that doesn’t look right) Valentine’s Day? I mean, I really enjoy trying to make a special day for my wife and all, but there are times it just seems so contrived, so forced, so made up. And heaven help the dude that forgets to do the VD (still doesn’t look right) thing for his girl. Never mind if he’s done great things up to that point. It’s all down the tubes if he forgets to do something special today.

Anyway, I was pleased to see another ministry leader I admire from afar expressing similar thoughts this morning on his blog. Perry Noble, pastor of New Spring in Anderson, SC (close to my old stomping grounds) posted this rant this morning:

Happy Valentines Day…I guess.

I know this is supposed to be a happy day…but there are about five things in regards to this day and romance in particular than get on my nerves.

#1 - Cupid

I don’t know who in the heck thought of the guy who wears a diaper and flies around shooting people in the butt with arrows…thus causing them to fall in love…BUT I do know one thing-WHOEVER it was did not live in the South. Seriously…a dude in a diaper with a bow and arrow just would not be very popular in these here parts!

#2 - Passive Men

I once heard a guy say, “I don’t see anything wrong with a girl asking a guy out.” I told him, “That is because you are pathetic!”

Call me “old fashioned,” BUT…the Bible says in Proverbs 18:22, “He who FINDS a wife FINDS what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” Key word-FIND!!!

Dudes, trust me-women desire to be pursued…and if they have to pursue you then they will one day resent you because of your passivity.

By the way guys…pursuing a girl IS NOT sending her a text asking her on a date…nor is it having a friend speak to her (unless you are in the first grade.) It is you BEING the MAN and asking her out…and if she says no then handling it with class!

#3 - Desperate women

Too many women in today’s world (especially Christian women) think that something is wrong with them if there is not a man by their side…so, often times they are willing to take whatever comes along.

Continue reading this really good post here:

I hope you clicked over to finish his post. How ’bout it? Dudes…..do you feel the same way? Gals….do you? Are there any disagreements? How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Like it? Love it? Can’t stand it? This space can be your therapy to finally speak your peace on this subject.

Oh….and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tags: Bible, Men, New Spring Church, Women

Final 24 thoughts:

• Carly Smithson - With an Irish accent, she will probably be a serious contender
• Amanda Overmeyer - The rock-n-roll nurse has made it. Her voice is reminiscent of Janis Joplin and is a style that hasn’t been heard in years. The only question for her be will attempting other styles of music her voice is not suited for.
• David Archuleta- Only sixteen and will probably be the next teen-age hearth-throb on this show. Every year has to have one.
• Christy Lee Cook - One of my favorites from the first show, but I’m not sure how versatile she is.
• Brooke White - This young woman seems to have real character and I hope she does well.
• Danny Noriega- Did we really need to put another Sanjaya in the mix?
• Ramiele Malubay - Gallon size sound out of a pint size girl. Where does it come from?
• Michael Johns - Guys got pipes and has a real shot
• Syesha Mercado - Reminds me of a former contestant from season 1, Christina Christian. She has a lot of appeal. Don’t know if she’s got the vocals, but she would make a good pop star.
• Robbie Carrico - Rocker dude, decent voice, this seasons’ answer to Chris Daughtry, (who put out a really good CD BTW)
• Asia’h Epperson - Lot’s of potential. I give her lots of credit for doing as well as she has having just lost her dad.
• David Hernandez - Sang “Love the One You’re With”, I think this guy has a really good voice, but I’m in disagreement with Simon who thinks he has a lot of work to do.

Most of the rest, I didn’t really hear them, or I didn’t like them. So, there may be a few of the remaining contestants that I’ll wind up liking, but these are early favorites, or at least contestants that I think have a good chance, whether I like them or not.

Tags: American Idol, TV