I’m looking forward to the SEC Championship Game tomorrow. Too bad UGA is not in the mix; that would be incredible. But, I believe it’s going to be a great game between Florida and Alabama. Florida has been strong for years but I’ve been saying for a while now to watch Bama. Once they got Saban, I knew they were on the rise. It’s going to be a battle for sure. When it’s all said and done, I’m pretty sure an SEC team will be in the Championship Game against a Big 12 school. And, as an SEC loyalist, you know I’ll be pulling for them over the Big 12.
All I Want for Christmas…
Okay, for those who know me well, you understand that I don’t even start thinking about Christmas until after my birthday on November 29th. It’s a rule in my household as well; and Stephanie must show great restraint in obliging me.
This morning, Jake came to me with an “all I want for Christmas” conversation. Here’s how it went.
“Daddy, I don’t want a lot for Christmas. I only want three things.”
- A Wii Fit
- A real gun so I can hunt with you
- A real Monster Truck that I can drive around our house and on our road
Now What?
This is truly a historic time for our nation. We have just elected the 44th president of the United States who will be inaugurated in January. The truth still remains however, we are a nation divided over some very contentious issues. And the question on my mind is really simple, now what?
Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Ultimately, the problems within our country are not economic, financial, national or international…they are spiritual. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Not only are we a nation full of sin, but we are a nation that has become proud of sin.
Look at history as recorded in Scripture as well as the nations that have risen and fallen before us; anytime you remove God from the picture, you spell doom and defeat for your country. So, now what? What is our task as believers today in America? What has God called us to do? I believe we have been called for such a time as this. And I believe the church is at a critical juncture and crossroads. Will we rise to the occasion and reach our nation for Christ, or will we abdicate our responsibility and fade into the shadows? It’s up to us.
I’m Not Watching
It’s no secret that I’m somewhat of a political junky…and for good reason. I have decided, however, that there is no way I’m watching the election returns tonight. I remember staying up late in 1996, 2000 and 2004 hanging on every word and watching every state come in (and in fact, watching state returns in 2002 and 2006 as well). But now, I’ve just decided to wake up in the morning and hear the news.
Why?
- Well, for one thing, I’ve become fairly disillusioned with the media. Even the good news stations say the same thing over and over and have “breaking/urgent news” every five minutes. Is that really how often something absolutely urgent happens? Maybe so, but it reminds me a lot of the boy who cried wolf.
- Also, I’m not quite sure how this thing will turn out and if I’m going to be depressed or upset, I might as well wait until the morning.
- Finally, I’ve just decided that ultimately, God is in control. It’s not like I’ve decided that so it makes it true, I’ve just chosen to actually live by that philosophy in my life. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” I believe this and to be honest, that gives me an incredible sense of peace regardless of the outcome of this election.
Are there weighty and important issues at stake? Absolutely! Do I stand in favor of the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage? Absolutely. But I also know that there has never been an election in Heaven to replace God and there never will be. So, He’s still on His throne, He’s still in control and He’s got it all covered. Maybe we’ll be surprised, maybe we won’t…but I can guarantee you HE won’t be!
Somebody’s Gotta Say It
I think I have a pretty good sense of humor but there are some things I just don’t get. That being said, it’s pretty clear to me that the ad department at Burger King and I are pretty much out of sync when it comes to humor. If you ask Stephanie, she could tell you that I’ve been complaining about Burger King commercials ever since the scary, plastic, oversized king appeared on the scene (if not before). And now, here’s the ad for their shroom and swiss burger. Are you kidding me?