Hey Folks,
I never cease to be amazed. This past week, at a beauty pageant of all places, conservative Christian values once again came under attack. During the April 19 Miss America Pageant, judge Perez Hilton asked Miss California, Carrie Prejean a loaded question. Loaded because he wanted the answer she gave. Loaded because he wanted a platform to mock traditional values. Loaded to offer him the opportunity to rant and ridicule anyone who stands for anything right.
Hilton asked Prejean....who is openly Christian, "Should every state legalize same-sex marriage?" She responded by saying, "In my country, in my family, I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be...between a man and a woman."
Since then, Hilton has been on a crusade to crush Carrie Prejean and all those who hold her values. Guess what? He's offended. Guess what again? I'm offended that he's offended.
I'll never go on a crusade to bash the gay community, but I will take the opportunity to defend the truth, morals, values, and everything that has made America great. I don't know Miss Prejean. I appreciate and agree with her opinion, but my defense is less about her and more for the truth she stood for. She spoke her mind...it just happened to be influenced by her Christian roots. If she had sided with Hilton, she would have immediately became the spokesperson for gay marriage. But she disagreed with the mainstream media and is receiving what has become the bitter fruit of speaking your mind.
On the Fox network Miss California said, "I forgive him (Hilton). I know that he's angry for whatever reason. I know there must be a bigger issue going on in his life." The bigger issue in his life and in the lives of all who oppose God, truth, purity, and morality is Evil. That's the bigger issue. The Apostle Paul wrote, "In the last days perilous times will come. Men will be lovers of themselves..." (2 Timothy 3:1-5...read it) The problem is much bigger than some guy named Hilton getting his fifteen minutes of fame on YouTube. It' s bigger than obscenity on every network and in every news publication. It's worse than a bad economy. It is clear and unashamed Evil. And, it's going to get worse.
President Obama said recently on his world tour, "Islam has made the world a better place." I completely disagree. The world will never be a better place. It will become worse. The good news of Christianity is that Jesus didn't come to make the world a better place. He came into an evil world to save sinners from their sin.(John 16:33) His grace is greater than our sin.
Chances are this week, there will be another slam against Christianity and all that is good and right. I ask you to join me, and others who believe in traditional Christian values, in simply standing for truth. That begins in our homes, churches, and schools. Our goal is not necessarily to change the world, but to be faithful where we are. Let's pray for each other.
See you later, Michael
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friends, Flowers, and a Funeral
Hey Folks,
It's amazing how a funeral can bring us all back to reality. My friend Rodney Bowling died two weeks ago. It's especially eye opening for me. Rodney and I graduated together from Brewer High School in 1981. We both went into the ministry. We both attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated about the same time.
Like most of us who claimed Rodney as one of our friends, I was surprised at the news. Many of us who went to school gathered at the funeral home and waited in line at least two hours to tell his wife and children how sorry we were. But here's a good question: Were we really sorry...or were those just the right words to say? I can tell you, we are sorry....we hate it for his wife and children....we hate what they'll face in the days ahead...we hate that his life was cut so short.
But, more than anything, we are shocked. Shocked, because we realize we could be next. Shocked, because we have come face to face with the ugly reality that we're all gonna die. I'd like to think I'm going to live till I'm 100 then die in my sleep. I like to imagine that I'll spend 50 or 60 years married to Crystal....that I'll grow old enjoying my children and grandchildren. But I, along with many of Rodney's friends, have had a reality check. We do care. We are sorry. But, more than anything, we are shocked.
How do we respond to such shock? Ignore it? Make light of it? Here's what happened on Friday after the funeral. Me and my two best friends from high school, Marty Feemster and Van Johnson, went and played golf together. That may not seem like much except for the fact we have never played golf together. In 46 years of life we have never spent most of one day together doing anything. Van even had to borrow a set of clubs. We played the last few holes under a Tornado Watch. We laughed, cut up, lost too many balls, and had more fun than I have had in a long time. Marty, Van, and myself were all friends with Rodney. His death has been a wake up call for us.
I can ignore or make light of the reality....or I can face it. I can determine I am going to live each day with purpose. I'm not going to coast. I'm going to enjoy my wife and children while I can. I'm going to appreciate people more than I have in the past. I'm going to play golf with my buddies more often. I'm going to live for Jesus in such a way that when I die, my family won''t have to wonder where I am. I'm going to live till I die.
I dropped in to visit my dad on the afternoon of the funeral. I'm not a big "hugger"...but that day, before I left I hugged him and told him I loved him. He told me he loved me too. Then said, "It's something to think about, son...you never know who could go first...could be me or you." That's reality.
Talk To You Later, Michael
It's amazing how a funeral can bring us all back to reality. My friend Rodney Bowling died two weeks ago. It's especially eye opening for me. Rodney and I graduated together from Brewer High School in 1981. We both went into the ministry. We both attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated about the same time.
Like most of us who claimed Rodney as one of our friends, I was surprised at the news. Many of us who went to school gathered at the funeral home and waited in line at least two hours to tell his wife and children how sorry we were. But here's a good question: Were we really sorry...or were those just the right words to say? I can tell you, we are sorry....we hate it for his wife and children....we hate what they'll face in the days ahead...we hate that his life was cut so short.
But, more than anything, we are shocked. Shocked, because we realize we could be next. Shocked, because we have come face to face with the ugly reality that we're all gonna die. I'd like to think I'm going to live till I'm 100 then die in my sleep. I like to imagine that I'll spend 50 or 60 years married to Crystal....that I'll grow old enjoying my children and grandchildren. But I, along with many of Rodney's friends, have had a reality check. We do care. We are sorry. But, more than anything, we are shocked.
How do we respond to such shock? Ignore it? Make light of it? Here's what happened on Friday after the funeral. Me and my two best friends from high school, Marty Feemster and Van Johnson, went and played golf together. That may not seem like much except for the fact we have never played golf together. In 46 years of life we have never spent most of one day together doing anything. Van even had to borrow a set of clubs. We played the last few holes under a Tornado Watch. We laughed, cut up, lost too many balls, and had more fun than I have had in a long time. Marty, Van, and myself were all friends with Rodney. His death has been a wake up call for us.
I can ignore or make light of the reality....or I can face it. I can determine I am going to live each day with purpose. I'm not going to coast. I'm going to enjoy my wife and children while I can. I'm going to appreciate people more than I have in the past. I'm going to play golf with my buddies more often. I'm going to live for Jesus in such a way that when I die, my family won''t have to wonder where I am. I'm going to live till I die.
I dropped in to visit my dad on the afternoon of the funeral. I'm not a big "hugger"...but that day, before I left I hugged him and told him I loved him. He told me he loved me too. Then said, "It's something to think about, son...you never know who could go first...could be me or you." That's reality.
Talk To You Later, Michael
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
47th Year
Hello Friends,
I got to thinking about it the other day. It was Friday, March 27th that I began to think about it. I was enjoying my 46th birthday and had an ugly thought. I am in my 47th year of life. I'm not just 46 years old, I am in my 47th year pushing 50. You hear broadcasters and journalists all the time saying, "We are in the 21st century." Sounds impressive as if we had something to do with it. I am in my 47th year and really had nothing to do with it. Mom and dad took care of me the first 21 years. Crystal has taken care of me the last 20. For about six years between my folks and Crystal, the Lord was busy watching over me. I have arrived at my 47th year by the grace of God.
I heard about Bill and Bob, two old men, in their early eighties walking along a bike trail early one morning. As they enjoyed the sunrise they noticed a frog sitting right in the middle of the trail. As they approached the frog, it spoke to Bob the older of the two men. It was a girl frog and she said to Bob, "Pick me up, kiss me on the head, and I'll turn into a beautiful princess and go anywhere you want to go and do anything you want to do." Bob reached down, picked up the frog, and put it inside his jacket pocket. His buddy Bill said, "Bob, did you hear that? That frog said if you'd kiss her, she'd turn into a beautiful princess and go anywhere and do anything you want to do. Bob turned to Bill and said, "Yes, I heard her, but at my age I'd rather have a talking frog."
Too many people settle for a "talking frog" when they could have a "princess." I'm talking about life. I'm talking about life that's worth living. For me, I'm talking about my walk with the Lord. Too many people settle for a "talking frog" religion, when they could have a "princess" salvation. These are those who are Christians, but never really become followers of Christ. These are those who get saved and eventually go to Heaven, but they miss out on what Jesus called the "abundant life." I am in my 47th year. I have been saved for 27 of those years. I hope I have another 27 years ahead of me to preach the Gospel. I would love to be an old preacher one day looking back over 75 or 80 years reflecting on the faithfulness of God. I have made up my mind. I'm not interested in settling for a "talking frog" way of life. I want a princess salvation.
Listen to Isaiah 40:8. "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Yes the grass withers, the flowers fade, ...and so do we. But even though we fade and wither like the grass and the flower, we have the promise that the word of God never fails. God is true to his word. We can have eternal life. We can know peace that passes understanding. We can have joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. That, my friend, is "princess" salvation.
I'll talk to you later.
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries...Preaching Schedule
April 3-4 First Baptist, Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 First Baptist, Rogersville, Al., Revival
I got to thinking about it the other day. It was Friday, March 27th that I began to think about it. I was enjoying my 46th birthday and had an ugly thought. I am in my 47th year of life. I'm not just 46 years old, I am in my 47th year pushing 50. You hear broadcasters and journalists all the time saying, "We are in the 21st century." Sounds impressive as if we had something to do with it. I am in my 47th year and really had nothing to do with it. Mom and dad took care of me the first 21 years. Crystal has taken care of me the last 20. For about six years between my folks and Crystal, the Lord was busy watching over me. I have arrived at my 47th year by the grace of God.
I heard about Bill and Bob, two old men, in their early eighties walking along a bike trail early one morning. As they enjoyed the sunrise they noticed a frog sitting right in the middle of the trail. As they approached the frog, it spoke to Bob the older of the two men. It was a girl frog and she said to Bob, "Pick me up, kiss me on the head, and I'll turn into a beautiful princess and go anywhere you want to go and do anything you want to do." Bob reached down, picked up the frog, and put it inside his jacket pocket. His buddy Bill said, "Bob, did you hear that? That frog said if you'd kiss her, she'd turn into a beautiful princess and go anywhere and do anything you want to do. Bob turned to Bill and said, "Yes, I heard her, but at my age I'd rather have a talking frog."
Too many people settle for a "talking frog" when they could have a "princess." I'm talking about life. I'm talking about life that's worth living. For me, I'm talking about my walk with the Lord. Too many people settle for a "talking frog" religion, when they could have a "princess" salvation. These are those who are Christians, but never really become followers of Christ. These are those who get saved and eventually go to Heaven, but they miss out on what Jesus called the "abundant life." I am in my 47th year. I have been saved for 27 of those years. I hope I have another 27 years ahead of me to preach the Gospel. I would love to be an old preacher one day looking back over 75 or 80 years reflecting on the faithfulness of God. I have made up my mind. I'm not interested in settling for a "talking frog" way of life. I want a princess salvation.
Listen to Isaiah 40:8. "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Yes the grass withers, the flowers fade, ...and so do we. But even though we fade and wither like the grass and the flower, we have the promise that the word of God never fails. God is true to his word. We can have eternal life. We can know peace that passes understanding. We can have joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. That, my friend, is "princess" salvation.
I'll talk to you later.
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries...Preaching Schedule
April 3-4 First Baptist, Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 First Baptist, Rogersville, Al., Revival
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Billboard on the Beltline
Friends,
There's a billboard on the beltline highway near our church that's getting a lot of attention. The beltline is highway 67 that runs right through the middle of Decatur, Alabama. There is bumper to bumper traffic everyday. It's that busy. It's a great place to advertise your church or business. Several local churches have done just that.
One church has gone to the extremes to get our attention. Beside the name and location of the church is this advertisement: "The real 'f' word..." I have been saved and preaching the gospel for almost 27 years. I strive to have a pure heart and mind. I try to focus on the positive. But I have to tell you, when I read that billboard there was only one "f" word that came to mind, and it wasn't forgiveness.
Is it OK for churches to use crude references, offensive suggestions, and sexually explicit ideas to convey our message of Jesus and the cross? We might ask, WWPS....What Would Paul Say? I don't know for sure. I think, however, Paul had other things in mind when he referenced becoming all things to all men that he might win some. Would he endorse using suggestive language?
This type of advertising has become popular among churches today. Why? In many circles, its called marketing. I believe it comes down to sacrificing values to draw a larger crowd. One local church is promoting a sermon series called, "Good sex God's way." That will surely draw a crowd, but will it change anyone's life?
I simply believe we can do better. We have the opportunity each Sunday to preach a a message that will literally change lives. I have no problem with seeking to have a larger crowd to preach to. If we just want to draw a crowd, then we can preach a message about Good sex God's way, The "f" Word, and other extreme topics. But, if we want to see lives changed, we had better preach the cross and point people to Jesus. I may be labeled out of touch by the critics. I may be considered irrelevant by the latest church growth gurus. But I think I'll preach the cross. The preaching of the cross has always seemed foolish to the world. But it's the only message that saves.
Yes, I realize the real "f" word is forgiveness. I realize what the church down the road is trying to do. I realize they are trying to reach a crowd that most traditional churches will never reach. I can appreciate their motives. I have visited their website and agree with most of the core beliefs they hold to. I could have lunch with the pastor and enjoy myself. But the billboard is too much.
I don't have all the answers...I have not arrived...But this one thing I know. The "j" word is the only word that will save a lost soul, help a troubled life, heal a broken marriage, and bring home a prodigal son. The "j" word is Jesus. He said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me."
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries: Preaching Dates
March 30-April 1 New Center Baptist, Moulton, Al. 7pm each nite
March 30 Muscle Shoals Pastor's Conference, Moulton, Al., 10 am
April 3-4 First Baptist, Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 First Baptist, Rogersville, Al., Revival
There's a billboard on the beltline highway near our church that's getting a lot of attention. The beltline is highway 67 that runs right through the middle of Decatur, Alabama. There is bumper to bumper traffic everyday. It's that busy. It's a great place to advertise your church or business. Several local churches have done just that.
One church has gone to the extremes to get our attention. Beside the name and location of the church is this advertisement: "The real 'f' word..." I have been saved and preaching the gospel for almost 27 years. I strive to have a pure heart and mind. I try to focus on the positive. But I have to tell you, when I read that billboard there was only one "f" word that came to mind, and it wasn't forgiveness.
Is it OK for churches to use crude references, offensive suggestions, and sexually explicit ideas to convey our message of Jesus and the cross? We might ask, WWPS....What Would Paul Say? I don't know for sure. I think, however, Paul had other things in mind when he referenced becoming all things to all men that he might win some. Would he endorse using suggestive language?
This type of advertising has become popular among churches today. Why? In many circles, its called marketing. I believe it comes down to sacrificing values to draw a larger crowd. One local church is promoting a sermon series called, "Good sex God's way." That will surely draw a crowd, but will it change anyone's life?
I simply believe we can do better. We have the opportunity each Sunday to preach a a message that will literally change lives. I have no problem with seeking to have a larger crowd to preach to. If we just want to draw a crowd, then we can preach a message about Good sex God's way, The "f" Word, and other extreme topics. But, if we want to see lives changed, we had better preach the cross and point people to Jesus. I may be labeled out of touch by the critics. I may be considered irrelevant by the latest church growth gurus. But I think I'll preach the cross. The preaching of the cross has always seemed foolish to the world. But it's the only message that saves.
Yes, I realize the real "f" word is forgiveness. I realize what the church down the road is trying to do. I realize they are trying to reach a crowd that most traditional churches will never reach. I can appreciate their motives. I have visited their website and agree with most of the core beliefs they hold to. I could have lunch with the pastor and enjoy myself. But the billboard is too much.
I don't have all the answers...I have not arrived...But this one thing I know. The "j" word is the only word that will save a lost soul, help a troubled life, heal a broken marriage, and bring home a prodigal son. The "j" word is Jesus. He said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me."
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries: Preaching Dates
March 30-April 1 New Center Baptist, Moulton, Al. 7pm each nite
March 30 Muscle Shoals Pastor's Conference, Moulton, Al., 10 am
April 3-4 First Baptist, Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 First Baptist, Rogersville, Al., Revival
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Front Porches and Pulpits
Just this past Sunday, a gunman walked into an Illinois church and shot the pastor while he was preaching. The pastor was killed leaving behind a wife and family. I've had several folks ask me what I thought about that. What is there to think? We live in a messed up world. Sin is more rampant than ever before. People are more vulnerable than ever before. God is rejected more than ever before.
Yesterday, in south Alabama, a gunman went on a shooting spree killing his own family and several other innocent people. Some of those he killed were sitting on their front porch. I don't know about you, but I've never felt threatened on my own front porch. In rural Alabama, the front porch is sacred ground. But things are changing. In the future, those of us who enjoy an evening on the front porch may have to do so while wearing a bullet-proof vest.
Paul said it best when writing to Timothy. "In the last days perilous times will come." Maybe these are the last days, maybe not. But one thing is for sure, perilous times have come. Economic uncertainty, terrorist threats, excessive immorality, empty churches, and socialist philosophies are driving the America I once knew, to new extremes of ridiculous and unacceptable behavior.
I want better for my children and their children. I want our pulpits and porches to be places where our peace with God and peace of mind are not threatened. I want them to be able to enjoy a sermon from the pulpit on Sunday morning and a glass of iced tea on the front porch on Sunday afternoon. Is that asking too much?
We can't hide. We can't retreat to our living rooms...our hide behind our privacy fences...or isolate ourselves from the world. Imagine if the saints of old who died for American and Christian freedoms had bowed to the enemy. Where would we be today?
This coming Sunday I will stand in the pulpit and preach the goodness and grace of God. Sunday afternoon I think I'll sit on the porch for a while. I hope you'll join me.
MM
Michael Mason Ministries
March 30-April 1st (Mon-Wed) New Center Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-4 (Fri-Sat) FBC Bay Minette Marriage Renewal Weekend, Bay Minette, Al.
May 3-6 (Sun-Wed) FBC Rogersville Revival, Rogersville, Al.
Yesterday, in south Alabama, a gunman went on a shooting spree killing his own family and several other innocent people. Some of those he killed were sitting on their front porch. I don't know about you, but I've never felt threatened on my own front porch. In rural Alabama, the front porch is sacred ground. But things are changing. In the future, those of us who enjoy an evening on the front porch may have to do so while wearing a bullet-proof vest.
Paul said it best when writing to Timothy. "In the last days perilous times will come." Maybe these are the last days, maybe not. But one thing is for sure, perilous times have come. Economic uncertainty, terrorist threats, excessive immorality, empty churches, and socialist philosophies are driving the America I once knew, to new extremes of ridiculous and unacceptable behavior.
I want better for my children and their children. I want our pulpits and porches to be places where our peace with God and peace of mind are not threatened. I want them to be able to enjoy a sermon from the pulpit on Sunday morning and a glass of iced tea on the front porch on Sunday afternoon. Is that asking too much?
We can't hide. We can't retreat to our living rooms...our hide behind our privacy fences...or isolate ourselves from the world. Imagine if the saints of old who died for American and Christian freedoms had bowed to the enemy. Where would we be today?
This coming Sunday I will stand in the pulpit and preach the goodness and grace of God. Sunday afternoon I think I'll sit on the porch for a while. I hope you'll join me.
MM
Michael Mason Ministries
March 30-April 1st (Mon-Wed) New Center Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-4 (Fri-Sat) FBC Bay Minette Marriage Renewal Weekend, Bay Minette, Al.
May 3-6 (Sun-Wed) FBC Rogersville Revival, Rogersville, Al.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Paul Harvey Has Died
Friends,
Paul Harvey has died, and so has much of what he believed in and stood for. He was a lone voice in recent years speaking on behalf of morality, values, and faith in God. He could get away with talk about God because he had proven himself to be trustworthy. Unlike the popular radio gurus of our day, I could listen to Paul Harvey with my 10 year old son and not have to worry about hearing some surprise four-letter-word. He loved America. He loved all that was right and decent. He evidently loved to work. He died at age 90 and was still actively involved in the daily broadcast.
There's a story within this story that grabs my attention. Harvey often told us the "rest of the story." They were the captivating stories behind the headlines that often told of heroism, honesty, and humility. Harvey's wife, whom he affectionately referred to as "Angel" passed away just last May and age 92. He made it ten months without her. I have heard this same story time and time again of a couple who spends their life together. One of them dies and then not long after the other passes as well. Why is that? I can't say for sure. But I imagine it has something to do with what God called "becoming one flesh." After God had made both Adam and Eve, he said that man was to cleave to his wife and becoming one flesh. Folks like Paul Harvey and his Angel, got a taste of that. We live in a day of disposable marriages, some of which last only hours. Personally, I thank the Lord for men like Paul Harvey who did their part to preserve all that is good. Men like him really are the "salt of the earth."
I have often wondered what would happen to America when we lost men like Paul Harvey and Billy Graham. Paul is gone and Billy is not healthy. We'll never fill their shoes, but some of us must rise up to the challenge. May the Lord enable and inspire us to live our lives for God, to serve our fellow man, and to give our best for the sake of future generations. If we don't, I'm afraid "the rest of the story" will have a sad ending.
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries, Inc.
March 6-8 Adult Retreat, Trinity Baptist Church
March 8 p.m. Walker Associational Evangelism Conf., Jasper, Al.
March 30-Apr 1st (Mon-Wed) New Center Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-4 (Fri-Sat) FBC Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 FBC Rogersville, Al. Revival
Paul Harvey has died, and so has much of what he believed in and stood for. He was a lone voice in recent years speaking on behalf of morality, values, and faith in God. He could get away with talk about God because he had proven himself to be trustworthy. Unlike the popular radio gurus of our day, I could listen to Paul Harvey with my 10 year old son and not have to worry about hearing some surprise four-letter-word. He loved America. He loved all that was right and decent. He evidently loved to work. He died at age 90 and was still actively involved in the daily broadcast.
There's a story within this story that grabs my attention. Harvey often told us the "rest of the story." They were the captivating stories behind the headlines that often told of heroism, honesty, and humility. Harvey's wife, whom he affectionately referred to as "Angel" passed away just last May and age 92. He made it ten months without her. I have heard this same story time and time again of a couple who spends their life together. One of them dies and then not long after the other passes as well. Why is that? I can't say for sure. But I imagine it has something to do with what God called "becoming one flesh." After God had made both Adam and Eve, he said that man was to cleave to his wife and becoming one flesh. Folks like Paul Harvey and his Angel, got a taste of that. We live in a day of disposable marriages, some of which last only hours. Personally, I thank the Lord for men like Paul Harvey who did their part to preserve all that is good. Men like him really are the "salt of the earth."
I have often wondered what would happen to America when we lost men like Paul Harvey and Billy Graham. Paul is gone and Billy is not healthy. We'll never fill their shoes, but some of us must rise up to the challenge. May the Lord enable and inspire us to live our lives for God, to serve our fellow man, and to give our best for the sake of future generations. If we don't, I'm afraid "the rest of the story" will have a sad ending.
Michael
Michael Mason Ministries, Inc.
March 6-8 Adult Retreat, Trinity Baptist Church
March 8 p.m. Walker Associational Evangelism Conf., Jasper, Al.
March 30-Apr 1st (Mon-Wed) New Center Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-4 (Fri-Sat) FBC Bay Minette, Al., Marriage Wknd.
May 3-6 FBC Rogersville, Al. Revival
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monkey Business
Hey Folks,
My mother had so many sayings, I can't remember them all. But every now and then something will happen that will bring to mind one of her unusual sayings. Like just this week with the shooting of a chimpanzee gone wild I remembered something mother said. For instance, if she hit her thumb or stumbled or burnt her finger on the iron, instead of using some by-word, she'd say, "shoot a monkey." I don't know why.
Well, this week someone shot a monkey. Not only did someone shoot a monkey, the New York Post printed a cartoon depicting the shot monkey. Referencing Obama's stimulus package which was passed this week, the caption beneath the shot monkey cartoon read something like, "We'll have to get someone else to write the next stimulus bill." Now everybody's mad in Washington. Al Sharpton even came out of retirement to protest the cartoon. "Someone's got some explaining to do," he said. Someone shot a monkey and now the offended parties want to shoot the New York Post.
I'm not all that offended with the cartoon. First of all I don't own a monkey. Second of all, I have been offended before, and I've learned to deal with it. As a Christian, everything I hold dear has been not only questioned but also ridiculed. The Bible I believe has been referred to as fallacy. Jesus, the say, was simply an ordinary man. His sinless life was a dreamed up after-thought. His second coming is nothing more than a good ending to a made up story. I am offended every Christmas when nativities are made illegal. I'm offended when the cross is called divisive and hateful. I'm offended when God-fearing people are reduced by comedians and politicians as being mindless and indoctrinated.
So, a cartoon about a shot monkey and it's connection to Obama are the least of my concerns. Jesus was cruicified and buried 2000 years ago. People still mock his death. People still reject his message. They still attempt to ignore his impact. However, even though I know not everyone will appreciate it, I will still preach and cling to the message of the old rugged Cross. Jesus, who died there, is the only hope for all the world. I wonder if that offends anyone?
If mother were still with us today, she'd say, "shoot a monkey." MM
My mother had so many sayings, I can't remember them all. But every now and then something will happen that will bring to mind one of her unusual sayings. Like just this week with the shooting of a chimpanzee gone wild I remembered something mother said. For instance, if she hit her thumb or stumbled or burnt her finger on the iron, instead of using some by-word, she'd say, "shoot a monkey." I don't know why.
Well, this week someone shot a monkey. Not only did someone shoot a monkey, the New York Post printed a cartoon depicting the shot monkey. Referencing Obama's stimulus package which was passed this week, the caption beneath the shot monkey cartoon read something like, "We'll have to get someone else to write the next stimulus bill." Now everybody's mad in Washington. Al Sharpton even came out of retirement to protest the cartoon. "Someone's got some explaining to do," he said. Someone shot a monkey and now the offended parties want to shoot the New York Post.
I'm not all that offended with the cartoon. First of all I don't own a monkey. Second of all, I have been offended before, and I've learned to deal with it. As a Christian, everything I hold dear has been not only questioned but also ridiculed. The Bible I believe has been referred to as fallacy. Jesus, the say, was simply an ordinary man. His sinless life was a dreamed up after-thought. His second coming is nothing more than a good ending to a made up story. I am offended every Christmas when nativities are made illegal. I'm offended when the cross is called divisive and hateful. I'm offended when God-fearing people are reduced by comedians and politicians as being mindless and indoctrinated.
So, a cartoon about a shot monkey and it's connection to Obama are the least of my concerns. Jesus was cruicified and buried 2000 years ago. People still mock his death. People still reject his message. They still attempt to ignore his impact. However, even though I know not everyone will appreciate it, I will still preach and cling to the message of the old rugged Cross. Jesus, who died there, is the only hope for all the world. I wonder if that offends anyone?
If mother were still with us today, she'd say, "shoot a monkey." MM
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