Reality Check

There are two kinds of reality. There is actual reality and then there is television reality. I am a true fan of actual reality and try to spend as much time as possible there. It is the TV version of reality that worries me. Please bear with me as I explain.
It seems that there are many out there in TV land “Who Want To Be A Millionaire.” They have tired of “The Simple Life” and have opted instead to get in “The Amazing Race” to see who can capture the great “American Idol” of fame and riches. In spite of what their “Nanny” told them about “The Worlds Most Dangerous Catch” these people seem to have gotten “Lost” on “Temptation Island.” No “Dirty Job” is too degrading for these people as they seek to fulfill their dream of “Dancing With The Stars” in their “Cribs” on “Laguna Beach.” “The Contenders” throw the “Fear Factor” out the window of their “Pimped” rides as they head off to see “Dr 90210” to get their “Extreme Makeover” with hopes of looking like “America's Next Top Model” when all the world really wants to know is “Can They Sing."
Now I may just be an “Average Joe” that needs to be “Overhauled” but I am afraid many of these “Survivors” will one day suffer a “Blowout” and find themselves in “The Real World” when they realize they have been “Punked."
After spending a few of my precious evenings watching them I feel like “The Biggest Loser.” Where is Dr. Phil when you need him?

Take a "Mulligan"

Life can be rather tricky at times. On our best day we still “see through a glass, darkly.”
If you are like me you often find yourself in need of a second chance. You see, just like the Apostle Paul, I have a desire to do the right thing but so often I find myself missing the mark. It is in these times that I am so thankful that through the grace of God I can get a “do over” or a “Mulligan.”
This is not something that I take lightly. Because I realize that a holy and just God cannot simply overlook or ignore my “bad shots.” Sins carry a price tag and someone has to pay.
Thank you Jesus for taking so many “strokes” off my score!

From Joy to Sorrow

I, like so many others awoke this morning to the tragic news concerning the miners in West Virginia. Just last night I had wept tears of joy as I listened to the voice of "Geraldo" describe the joyous scene at the Sago Baptist Church as the families and friends of the trapped miners celebrated the apparent miraculous survival of their loved ones. I can only imagine the devestation they felt when they received the sad truth.
It was just a few years ago that we all sat glued to our televisions watching another story of trapped miners in Pennsylvania. That story ended with the miraculous survival of the miners.
In both instances people came tegether, prayed, and asked God for a miracle. In both instances I prayed and asked God for a miracle. The first time we walked away rejoicing, this time we walk away weeping. The question we always ask in these times is why. I am a pastor. I am supposed to know the answer. I don't.
There are some things that I do know though.
God is good. He can be trusted even when we do not understand it all. This life is short at best so we must "live" while we have life. When you know Jesus even death is a victory!

It is official I am now a blogger! More to come.