Something in the water

Today, I feel like I need some distraction from the unrelenting election coverage.  Next week, Carrie Underwood is co-hosting the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley, and I will watch.  I became a country music fan late in life, and I credit much of my interest to Carrie Underwood winning American Idol.  Carrie is an amazing example of a celebrity that can remain popular while holding on to a strong Christian witness.  I posted this fantastic version of "Amazing Grace" previously, and for something a little more current, "There Must be Something in the Water" is on her 2016 tour.

Debate Winner

After enduring the third presidential debate last night, I feel a since of sadness over our political system.   I am not excited about voting for either major party candidate and am uneasy about how things will proceed for our country over the next four years.  I was introduced to a third alternative this week in Evan McMullin.   I know very little about him except for the media coverage since he joined the race in August as an independent.  All I can say is he seems intelligent, well-spoken and rational.  I have not seen him under pressure, so I don't know how he might respond in a debate situation, but my instincts say he would do very well.  My son, Michael, had to explain to me how it would be possible for him to actually win the election.  He wins his home state of Utah, the other two candidates split the remaining electoral votes evenly, neither has a majority, and the house of representatives appoints McMullin as president.   That would be a God-size miracle that only He could perform.  That may or may not be His will for now.  However, I know that no matter what happens, He is in charge and His agenda is the one that will become front and center one day.

Antiphonal trumpets

Church looks different for a lot of us these days.  I grew up in a traditional Presbyterian church complete with 6-figure pipe organ.  Now my church has a 6 figure A/V booth with two cameras with operators and three remote cameras - one with joy stick.  I'm not making fun.  I love my church.  But I remember the day at 1st Pres when they added the antiphonal trumpets in the rear of the sanctuary.  The "trumpets" were driven by the pipe organ and were debuted with "God of Our Fathers Whose Almighty Hand".  But every service included The Doxology (Old 100).  I have been thinking of the Doxology recently as The Georgia Wind Symphony, which Caroline and I play in, is preparing a composition based on that hymn.  The Doxology begins with "Praise God from who all blessings flow."   As my current church is in the midst of a month of prayer, I want to recognize that every good thing is a gift from God.  That doesn't change, no matter how we worship.  And God hasn't changed either.

 

Tall Order

We just started a new sermon series at The Vine titled "Kingdom Come". We are looking at how Jesus taught us to pray using The Lord's Prayer as a model.  This week we are focused on praise, adoration and God's love.  John reports Jesus' words to us in John 17:23.  "I in them and you in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." God loves us like he loves his own son - and that's how we are to love others.  Tall order.

Love To Learn

I ran across this short article by Scott Bessenecker relaying an encounter he had with a Jehovah's Witness that had stopped by his home to invite him to join a bible study.  Scott is in full time Christian ministry, and while the idea of starting a study with a stranger wasn't an opportunity he was ready to jump at, his response to her was insightful.  He briefly told the visitor what he believed, but then said that if those things weren't true, he did not want to believe them.  If she would take the same position, he would agree to meet with her.  She turned and left.  His conclusion was that all believers need to constantly think about and challenge what they believe - and be willing to question thoughtfully what others believe.  Being inquisitive and discerning is Godly.  I think this is why I am drawn to authors like CS Lewis and Dallas Willard and have gone back to their writing over and over again.  It's not just the words they write and the thoughts they express, but a genuine love for truth and knowledge that is undeniable.

Making Clemson great

There's nothing like the first day of fall to confirm that football season is well under way.   And there is nothing like seeing someone overcome hardship and thrive to make for a great story (and some wet eyes). You may remember this story from year's past, but either way it is worth a watch.  Bob and Diane Saville are neighbors and clients at Lake Hartwell, and their son, David, thrived with the football program at Norcross High School and then at Clemson University.  This 10 minute video tells the story.  Please take time to watch. You won't regret it  - or forget it.

Scaring the children

I am super-saturated with the media coverage of the election.  I am very tired of mountains being made out of mole-hills.  I take the election very seriously, but I am amazed at how the smallest incidents can become the subject of news for multiple nights (or weeks) of news coverage.  I want to vote, but I don't know what to do.  Andy Stanley did a great job of calming my fears with this clip from one of his sermons.  You may have seen this on social media.  Either way take a look, and let me know what you think.  Click here for video.