Culture War

Lots going on in our country over the past couple of weeks. Things that concern me as an American and more so as a Christian. Here's my take:

1. You may have heard that while in Turkey two weeks ago, President Barack Obama stated that America is not a Christian nation. This is at least the 2nd time that Barack Obama has made this very strong statement.

2. Last week, Newsweek featured on its cover a story entitled “The Decline and Fall of Christian America.” The Newsweek article asserts that Christianity has less influence on our culture today than at any time in our nation’s history.

3. Georgetown University, a Catholic institution, covered up religious insignia symbolizing the name of Jesus during President Obama's address there Tuesday after the White House requested the change.

4. The anti-tax "tea party" protests were held Wednesday across the country and cable anchors and guests -- who for weeks had all but ignored the story -- covered the protests by cracking a litany of barely concealed sexual references using the word "tea-bagging". (I'll let you Google it if you're not sure of it's meaning.)

5. The government considers you a terrorist threat if you oppose abortion, own a gun or are a returning war veteran. This report came out by the Dept. of Homeland Security and is titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment".

So, what does it all mean? Well, it means the war we are really fighting right now is a cultural war. We've been fighting this war really since time began, because, as always, it's a fight against good vs. evil. But, we've got people in power right now that are on the wrong side. And it hasn't taken long, since the change of administration, to see the direction that this tide is taking. To me it's a blatant attack on conservative values. It's a purposeful decision to break down any and all connections this country has embraced, believed in and followed regarding Christianity and Jesus Christ.

I don't know where this will take us as a nation. I don't know the effect it will have on us as a collective group. I do know that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities. (Eph. 6:12) I also believe the Church has got to stand strong right now. We've got to make a difference. We've got to pray. We've got to raise the standard. We've got to make it clear where we stand.

It's time for the wishy-washiness of Christians to be over. It's time for religion to be replaced by life change. It's time for salt and light to be tasted and seen!
It's time for the Church to be the Church. The blood-washed Bride of Christ, ready for her Lord to come and get her.

Now, that is CHANGE that I believe in!

From Plastic Eggs and Chocolate Bunnies to a Cup of Joe

Wow, where has the month gone? Wasn't it just St. Patrick's Day?
Oh well, here we are and it's Easter Sunday tomorrow.
I was doing a bit of shopping today and getting ready for tomorrow and thinking back on how much life has changed for me over the last few years.
As I was browsing the aisles of WalMart today I saw young moms picking up the big cellophane wrapped eggs full of candy and buying bags of plastic eggs, chocolate, etc... Some were walking with their little girls and looking for that special Easter dress.
Well, my kids are just about all grown up. We did go shopping for Easter clothes a few days ago, but I don't get to pick what I like anymore. :)
I actually still make each of my children a basket; well it's really a bag with candy and some special little gift. Nothing too big. This year, since I have almost adults on my hands, I purchased Starbucks gift cards for two of my kids and the other daughter doesn't drink alot of coffee so she's getting a Verizon gift card. Honestly, I didn't know what to get her and she is saving up for a new phone.
So, many things have changed around here.
But some things don't change. The fact that all of my family believes in the life-changing resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The fact that we all get to go to church together tomorrow and worship our Risen Lord!!
So, as I reflect back, I don't really miss the chocolate and the eggs. It's just another season of my life. But I am still so grateful for that Cross and for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. He is not dead, but He is risen indeed!!