Quote of the Day - 04/18/13

“The Bible generates life, creates faith, defeats the devil, causes miracles, heals hurt, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, enables us to overcome obstacles, is a sword of the spirit and the word of God. Because of the word of God, I believe in Jesus. I believe in what I know, not what I feel.” - Pastor Jack Graham

Quote of the Day 03/28/13

"No one with half a brain wants to be thought of as a bigot. But that's what I and others risk as members of a distinct and irritating minority — as traditional Christians in journalism.

It is a world of language and political symbolism, a world where ideas are often framed so that they may lead to inexorable conclusions favored by the dominant culture. In this media world, I sometimes wonder whether the word "sin" has been outlawed by the high priests of journalism for fear of offending one group or another. And I'd rather not ask." - John Kass

Thought for the day - 03/16/13

"Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause"

This quote comes from the song "Hosanna."  It was playing on the radio this morning and it got me thinking.  What does it really mean to be "everything I am" for God's kingdom?  When we as Christians are called to live for Christ and seek Him in everything we do, does it really mean "everything?"  If we are to take the teachings of Jesus literally, then the answer is yes.  Everything we do from brushing our teeth and eating a meal, to doing our jobs and interacting with people needs to glorify God.

"Everything I am," only makes sense because He created us and therefore we are not our own anyway.  The Bible says we were created in His image for His Glory.  If God created us, gave us out talents and provides all we have, shouldn't we give Him the credit and thank Him all the time?  Shouldn't we seek to glorify Him in our work, relationships and when we are alone?  I would assume that anyone reading this would be saying yes at this point, but do you really believe it?  I mean do we really want to surrender all we have and all we are to the cause of Christ?  I have dreams and goal that may not align with the teachings of Christ, does that mean I need to surrender those as well?  As Christ followers that is exactly what we are to do.

It is easy to get caught up in the glamour of the entertainment industry. When I first started out in the entertainment business I thought that the only way to be considered successful or creditable was to win that award.  The affirmation of my piers is what seemed to matter the most.  In confession, this feeling only left me recently as life lessons have taught me.  It is only human to seek praise from those around you.  In Hollywood it can seem like that is the only thing that matters. Only when we truly seek Him (Matthew 6:33 ) will we be satisfied.  This is a good lesson to learn early in your career, in whatever field, and so important in our walk with Christ and our witness.

In Hollywood, the award show season has come and gone.  Some people won and some lost.  Some did not even get nominated.  You hear celebrities give thanks to God in their expectance speeches but it often comes off really shallow.  If they truly believed in God and that He deserves the glory for all things, then why take the time to thank anyone else.  To take it further, let's look at the content of the work you are being recognized for.  Does it glorify God?  When people see your film do they see God?  If they do not, then how can you think God is pleased with the way you are using the talents He gave you?

Henri Nouwen said, "The dark voices of my surrounding world try to persuade me that I am no good and that I can only become good by earning my goodness through "making it" up the ladder of success."  As Christians we know that this is false.  The only opinion that really matters is that or our Lord and Savior.  We should all strive to glorify Him in all that we do that is seen by others and that which is not.  We do not need to hear the praise of others but strive to hear God say to us "‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" - Matthew 25:21

It would be good to reflect on this as we continue in all our pursuit

Quote of the Day - 10/31/12

“Going through the award season I realized that what we see on the screen, the red carpet, it’s all a façade.  If [the awards are] your end all be all, it’s empty, it’s not satisfying.” - Christina Lee Storm

Quote of the Day - 7/23/12

“But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.” – Francis Chan

There so many evils finding their way to the surface these days and being supported by the secular world.  People are defining what truth is to them and therefore morals and values are being redefined based solely on an individual’s desires.  Or those who clam to be Christ followers try to re-define what God’s Truth is only to support their own desires.  The result of all this is nothing but chaos.  This is true today as it has been throughout history.  It will inevitably lead to our destruction here on earth, and if we are not careful, in eternity as well.

In other parts of this world, Christians are separated from their families, tortured or persecuted to the point of death because of their faith.

Here in the US we are fortunate not to suffer the same way.  We are not losing our families or our lives because of what we believe.  Instead we are tormented and taunted by the secular world.   We are being force to except their ideas or be cast out or “black balled.”

So how do we combat this?  By standing firm in our faith and with prayer.

Prayer is a gift from God.  It’s our way to communicate with our Creator.  We need to be communicating with God on a daily bases, if not more often. Our prayer life is so precious and important to God.  Once restored, this relationship is something that no one can sever.  Not even in this world that tries to suppress it.

We need to keep praying to God that others will understand and follow His Word.  The Truth.  If I told you about a place with no more suffering, no more arguing, no more pain, a place where all our needs are met, a place of eternal peace.  You might say that is a fantasy.  Now, what if I told you that this place was real.  Wouldn’t you want to know how to get there?  Well, that place is real!  And you can go their.  God provided the way! His way IS the ONLY way.  God told this to us out of love.  If that is offensive to someone, I am sorry, but the Truth hurts sometimes.  Sometimes you hurt the ones you love the most. Penn Jillette, an atheist comedian, magician, and filmmaker said, "How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?" 

I will not follow their path into chaos.   I chose to follow God’s path.  He gave us His Word to read, study and pray over.  He sent His Son to show us His True character, how to live, how to teach, how to communicate with the Almighty, and how to die on our way into eternity with Him.   I pray, with all my heart, that others, especially those I love and care about, choose to follow that same path.

1 Corinthians 15:58 

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

Quote of the Day 6/24/12

"However thankful we may be for all our personal pleasures, we mustn’t for a moment lose sight of the great things that we’re living for, and they must shed light rather than gloom on your joy.”         
 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Quote of the Day - 6/04/12

“There is nothing in this world that can compare with the Christian fellowship; nothing that can satisfy but Christ. “ - John D. Rockefeller