Mental Musings

What is the problem with America? Many will immediately point to the immorality displayed on television or through the music industry. Others will point to the every changing perversive and permissive sexual nature of the culture. Some may point to certain political parties or even the acceptance of religious cults such as Islam. While all of these may contribute to the continual immorality of our nation, I would argue that the problem with America begins with Christians who have opted to blend into the society rather than stand out as those who have been set apart by God. Granted, even the great apostle Paul had trouble living Christ-like always. "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what i do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that goo...

One among the billions wandering through the street Liars, cheats, and scum were all that I would meet Wailing, screaming, pleading, no help could we find there For each and everyone had nothing but despair Our sentence had been ordered, guilty everyone No room was there for recourse; we knew what we had done The words the judge declared rang throughout my head “Found guilty on all counts, you’ll hang until your dead” There was no hope for me, the die at last was cast I hungered for the day when I would finally breathe my last Standing on a hillside he looked on my disgrace Tenderness and mercy could best describe his face He looked on me with sadness; a tear fell from his eye I heard his voice inside my head as he began to cry “Father, these are mine, you promised them to me I’ll pay for all their crimes, I’ll set the captives free” Then riding on a donkey, the people gathered round The crowd was all excited at this man that they had foun...

The title of this post alone might cause some people to question my sanity. I admit that if I were to see this I would immediately think that it was some secular-humanistic way to excuse immoral behavior. But the title comes basically from my recent study of an exposition on “Morality and Psychoanalysis” by C.S. Lewis in which he discusses the differences between making moral choices as opposed to actions based on the raw materials of an individual. While Lewis was far more adapt at handling the psychological aspect of this discussion, and any desire to fully understand this one premise would necessitate a prior reading of his arguments on The Law of Human Nature, I will attempt to give a theological summation (which in itself seems to be an oxymoron) of what Lewis so eloquently explains based on logical reasoning. The mere act of choosing, whether right or wrong, is something that we each have the ability to do because of free will. The Law of Human Nature stipulates that there...

Flying Fully Forward by Steve Poole I am hampered, I am hogtied Displayed for all to see I am ruled and regulated Infuriatingly Plateaued so they think Yet dare not cut me free I'll soar above the four winds A voice calls out to me High above the mountains Let loose with my skree Eyes search all around Then dive toward the sea Rise again victorious My catch where it should be Wings are not yet tired No need for perch or tree Flying fully forward Eyes are fixed on Thee Once I reach Your arms They'll see then finally A mind totally bent On creativity Giving You the glory Now to eternity

Air rushes upward through a canopied passageway winding through moist tunnels covered in a thickening paste on its way toward those twin caverns below. On the downward slope the air encounters outcropping obstacles that narrow the channel making the journey increasingly difficult. A rhythmic mechanism drones on in its quest to draw the air further and further toward a momentary resting place. Squealing ensues as the openings seem to whither away. Spasmodically the air seeps into the once grand chambers now swollen inwardly from unnatural growths clinging to the surrounding walls. Pushed beyond limits the switch is thrown into reverse and the air begins a reverse trek toward its freedom once again.

We had advertised and planned to host legendary World Heavyweight Champion wrestler Lex Luger at our church on Sunday, February 24, but when he was picked up from the airport his health was such that he had to cancel his plans to speak. Our senior pastor was also not feeling well, so I made some contacts with men who had filled in for us in the past. They also were not available. That is how I wound up putting together the following sermon based on studies that I have shared on my blog during the past few years.