Prosperity Praise

One of my "new" favorite websites is A Little Leaven. I don't know where they find this stuff!

I Need a Break

I need a break from some of the blogs I read. A lot of what I read online is connected in some way with doctrine/theology/church life/etc. Some of it falls under the category of "critique" of other ministries, some of it deals specifically with and in defense of the "emerging or emergent church" (however you choose to label it).

After looking at this, this, and this, I've reaffirmed my belief that some of these so-called pastors exist simply to generate as much controversy as possible--to be as flippant, "in-your-face" irreverant as they can be. One of them actually states his goal is to "tick people off." A Biblically, noble, Christ-honoring goal I must say. It makes me sick and sad at the same time. They claim they are seeing conversions in droves, but what are the people converting to? So...at least for now, I'm taking a break from reading their tripe. My blood pressure will be better for it.

An encouraging thought: it ain't gonna last. This fad will go the way of others before them. Two years ago, you couldn't swing a dead cat in a Christian bookstore without knocking over a Purpose Driven Steak Knife Set, Purpose Driven Swiss Army Knife or Purpose Driven Combination Mouse Pad/Daily Journal/food processor! These guys and their silliness will go away...I just hate to think of the bodies of unsuspecting "followers" that will be scattered along the wayside.

The emerging bloggers won't miss me...and I certainly won't miss them.

PS: I've got set a "Prayer of Jabez" lawn furniture listed on eBay if anyone is interested.

I'm Not Votin' for This

  

What do these three men have in common? Just in case you don't recognize them, they are (left to right): Joseph Smith, Glenn Beck and Mitt Romney and they are, for lack of a better label, "Mormons."

Smith is the "founder" of the Mormon church, aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Glenn Beck is a radio talk show host; he also has a "news" show on CNN.
Mitt Romney is one of SEVERAL Republican presidential hopefuls.

Smith claimed to have been given direct revelation from God, via an angel named Moroni. Under Moroni's inspiration, Smith wrote "another testament of Jesus Christ"-The Book of Mormon; he also wrote "The Pearl of Great Price" and "Doctrines and Covenants", all of which are said to be of equal value or importance as the Bible. Mormons also wear special undergarments or "holy underwear" that "remind[s] members of the church that they have chosen to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord." (Source).

I'm sure I'll be accused of being biased or unfair in my assessment, but this whole "mormon thing" sounds kinda silly to me. I think Joseph Smith pulled a fast one. I think Glenn Beck is funny on the radio; I don't like his TV show. Mitt Romney wants to be president, but I just can't bring myself to vote for someone that could fall for something this silly. A radio host is one thing, but President? Naw. I need a President that can't be suckered.

I Think This is Funny

Q: What do you get if you cross a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian?
A: Somebody who knocks on your door but has no idea why.

(Thanks to "Mr. Right"--commentor on Mike S. Adams column today on Townhall)

Odds and Ends

Parent's Anniversary
It's been several days since I've posted--too much to do in too little time, I guess. My mom and dad's 50th wedding anniversary is tommorrow. That's a long time to be married to the same person, especially in today's world. I know people that can't stay married that many WEEKS!

There won't be a big celebration; my dad is in the hosptial (has been since Christmas day) with a severe infection that has damaged his kidneys and is causing some "memory" problems. (This is on top of the fact that he has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma- diagnosed in 1997.) He talks about things that happened years ago and makes reference to things he's imagined (he thinks they are real). He's very weak and has to use a walker/wheelchair to get around, which doesn't make him very happy. It's tough on my mom. Say a prayer for them.

Ed Young, Jr
On a different note, found a link on Old Truth to a "sermon" (and I use the term loosely) by Ed Young Jr and his wife, Lisa. According to the website: Ed and Lisa Young talk candidly about what it takes to teach our kids about God’s design for sex. They repeatedly refer to God's desire for us to experience "big sex."

The video opens with a sound clip of A-Ha's (Norwegian band from the mid-80's) "Take on Me." What it has to do with the topic is beyond me, but Ed obviously likes the song: "I like that song, don't you? Take on Me. That's awesome." The rest of the video is pretty weak as Ed and Lisa "preach" from a queen/king size bed on the stage (I think the idea is to look like a bedroom). I think I prefer a pulpit. They quote a little bit of Scripture, but all-in-all the whole thing is kinda silly. You can watch the video here.

Tom Cruise
Stop the presses and someone call Tim LaHaye! According to this article, Tom Cruise is the "new 'Christ' of Scientology, according to leaders of the cult-like religion." The article goes on to say: "Like Christ, he’s been criticised for his views. But future generations will realise he was right."

"Help me, Tom Cruise!"

Purpose Driven Candidate
DraftObama.org has launched a new page dedicated to naming the names of those celebrities that have pledged their support for Illinois Senator Barack Obama's presidential aspirations.

"It's not often you get Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Pastor Rick Warren, and George Clooney on the same list. That just shows the incredible ability of Senator Obama to inspire some of the most famous and respected Americans alive today," said Ben Stanfield, DraftObama.org founder.

Maybe Obama will pick Rick Warren as his running mate!

I DO Get This

I DO get this: Joel Osteen Tops Most Influential Christians in America

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. --2 Timothy 4:3