The other day someone sent me this email from Ben Stein (you know the teacher from Ferris Bueller's Day Off... great movie). Personally, I absolutely love what he wrote... so much so that I am posting it on my blog. However, I'd really like to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment with your feedback.
The following was written by Ben Steinand recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what t hey are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrati ng this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crïeche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constituti on and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. Sh e said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK..
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave becaus e their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suici de). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regardi ng the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
Well, if you missed Advance 08 what can I say... it was unbeleivable. God moved in such a powerful way. I honestly beleive that we are on the brink of something powerful. Last night I attended First Friday prayer. There was almost 400 people there. All of them had come to simply seek God. Believe me when I say that revival is right in fron of us. Now is the time for us to press in. Many of you had an encounter with God this past weekend. Understand that you must now nourish that relationship (prayer, fasting, Bible reading, church) so that is can grow.
We have some exciting events coming up that I want all of you to participate in. At the end of October we are putting on our very first stage play entitled "The Voice and the Judgement." Bring some people their life will be forever changed. Also Compel Night 3 will be on Tuesday November 11. We are pushing for 1000 people. Together we can do it.
Keep going after God. Don't let anything or anyone get in the way. I'm praying for you and believing for God's best in all of you're lives.
Some years ago a group of historians gathered together to determine how many years of war and peace the world had experienced over the past 5600 years. As they reviewed the data they concluded that over the 5600 years they looked at 14,351 wars had been fought and 3.6 billion people killed. They also concluded that of the 5600 years there were only 293 years of peace throughout the world. Soberingnumbers aren't they.
Now I don't know this for sure but I propose that each war in some way dealt with the issue of freedom, one side wanting freedom from some form of oppression, and the other not wanting to give up on what they had, whether it be land, people, or natural resources. Freedom is so precious to humanity... The reason for this is that we as the human race have spent most of our existence trying to achieve it or preserve it.
America which was founded on the idea that all men are created equal has been constantly striving to let freedom prevail in our land since its existence. And ever since the beginning we have understood that in order to be a free nation we will have to pay a price. Even before we declared our independence it seems that this was evident in the hearts of many Americans. We all remember hearing about the famous speech given by Patrick Henry in Virginia.
Virginia was a swing state. They were unsure if they wanted to go to war with Great Britain in hopes of Liberating America. Yet, as Henry stood in Saint John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, he ended his speech with his most famous words:
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
The crowd jumped up and shouted "To Arms! To Arms!". This speech is credited by some with single-handedly delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War.
You see liberty is a costly commodity. It never comes without a price. In the case of America, freedom and liberty have been granted at the expense of soldiers who were willing to give their lives. The truth is today we are free to worship; however freedom to worship wasn't purchased by the preacher it was purchased by the veteran. Freedom of speech wasn't purchased by the politician it was purchased by the veteran. Freedom of the press wasn't purchased by the journalist it was purchased by the veteran
Who are these veterans? These veterans are the men and women who gave their lives so that you and I could live in this incredible country and experience all of its amazing freedoms.
Right now as I write this to you today there are soldiers many from our own Trinity Church who are fighting a war against terrorism in a distant land. Now whether you are "for the war" or "against the war" that's not the point. The point is that our brothers and sisters, our moms and dads, our sons and daughters are risking their lives right now...AT THIS VERY MOMENT... so that we don't have to
Now here's the thing, the men and women who have gone out to the battlefields and risked their lives and many who lost their lives weren't necessarily out their because they wanted to be there. I'm sure that if you asked them? Are you excited about being here in Germany, France, Vietnam, or Iraq or Korea, they would most definitely tell you "NO!" But the point is they weren't doing it because they were or are anxious to die for us. They're doing it because they understand the cost of freedom.
They are giving up their tomorrows so we can have our today's. They have counted up the costs and they are willing to pay the sacrifice. Our gain is the result of their pain. The 4th of JULY is not necessarily about applauding our government - but today it's about applauding the citizens who have committed everything for an IDEAL...and IDEAL that says FREEDOM is worth it! Whatever you do, don't forget that freedom is not free. It only comes when people are willing to pay the cost. Thank God for those who understand that and have paid the price.
Well, last night I had the incredible privilege to be on TBN's Praise the Lord. It was a great program. Pastor Steve and Kent Munsey, who are great friends of our family, hosted the show. Honestly I had such a blast. All of the guests that were on are dear friends of mine. Brandon Crouch who is thegrandson of the founders of TBN (Paul and Jan) is one of my best friends, he did an excellent job at encouraging the viewers to never give up and carry each others burdens. John Gray who is the most gifted man I have ever met in my life was just so anointed. When he speaks I get chills. Then if that wasn't enough, Ricardo Sanchez one of America's premiere worship leaders/songwriters was there. His song "Moving Forward," has giving me hope and a tenacity to keep going even when I have felt like giving up.
Giving up is really what I talked about last night. The truth is we've all been there before. At one point or another it's happened to all of us. The desire and the temptation to throw in the towel. To give up. We say to ourselves "I just can't go on anymore." This dream,
this mission, this task, this calling is just too hard. In fact it's impossible.
And even though the idea of giving up makes you feel sick inside. Even though you know it's the wrong decision. You're natural mind won't allow you to keep going. Sometimes it seems like the only rational choice you have is to give up.
Too many times I see people give up and quit when the going gets tough. People forsake their dreams, break off relationships, desert their callings, and walk away from their destiny. Why? Because the temporary uneasiness and pain was greater in their eyes than the joy of finishing the task.
I want to encourage you to keep going. Just like the song says keep moving forward. I promise you if you continue trusting in God He will bring you through the storm. The only thing that he asks from you is that you never give up. And that's exactly what the devil wants is for you to give in. It comes down to a choice. A willful decision to stand up and carry you cross, day in and day out.
Well if you missed the beach baptism concert on Sunday at Hollywood Beach I've got to say that I feel bad for you. It was incredible. We baptized over 200 people and then we put on an amazing concert for all of the fine folks in Hollywood. I can't express to you how amazing it was to see people worshipping God all over that beach. Honestly, it just felt good to be a part of it.
Now is the time to for Christians to bring the gospel to the world. We must become proactive in our approach to winning the lost. We've got to get outside of the box. We've got to get outside of our box of thinking and we even need to get out of our physical box of the church. I love the church and I believe it is the hope of the world. Yet, if people aren't coming, "How will they know?" Therefore I think we should start taking the church to them. Wherever there are lost people that's where we should bring the gospel. Even the beach on a Sunday afternoon.
This past weekend was truly about that. I got to baptize two new converts. Yeah you heard me. These two guys were just watching as members of Trinity Church were getting baptized. They fell under conviction and decided right then and there that they wanted to accept Christ. It was so cool. I'm telling you if we Christians will just get bold and step out in faith God will show up. People are searching for something real. They are longing for hope. Don't you realize that you have exactly what they need. Why won't you give it to them? I challenge you to step out of your box and let God take control. Together we can change the world!
Well we did it! This past Tuesday night we had our very first Compel Night and we had over 350 people there (Praise God). But you know what that means. I swallowed the gold fish. It was nasty, but it was well worth it. We had so many first time visitors it was absolutely incredible. We're going to have to come up with something crazy for me to do when we hit 500! Yeah you heard me. We're pushing for 500. We can do it! If we come together nothing is impossible. We just have to speak it out.
This coming week I am starting a new series entitled "The Real 300." Believe me you don't want to miss it. I'm challenging you to stay proactive and continue bringing people on Tuesday nights. Remember we have something the world doesn't. The message of Jesus is the hope of the world. We must push forward and continue gaining ground. This past week was a huge milestone for the Rendezvous, but also a healthy reminder that there are so many people who are desperate for the power of God. People need to encounter Jesus. You just might be there only chance. Let's push for 500!
Luke 14:33- 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.
So far so good. I have had an incredible week. I want to thank everyone who came out on Monday night for the TBN taping. We had a fantastic/ Holy Ghost show. All of the guests did such a phenomenal job. It was such a blessing to have so many of you there. I truly appreciate your support. You have no idea what that meant to me.
Tuesday was also a huge success. We had over200 young adults (not counting the children) attend the Rendezvous for the conclusion of our series "Pickle." Remember don't look back, move on in Jesus name. I want to remind you guys that we are pushing for 300 in attendance. When we do it I'm going to eat a live gold fish on stage. It will be historic.
Wednesday I had the opportunity to tape with my dad for his television program "Shake Up Your World." We got to minister together about how to manage your emotions. It was such a blessing and an honor to be apart of. I'm telling you that show was anointed.
Thursday morning I got up and caught a flight to Shreveport, LA. I am going to be preaching at my father in laws church this Sunday. Now if you don't think that's pressure...LOL. Now what's even scarier is that TBN is going to be taping the service and they will air it on their network. Please keep me in your prayers lol.
As you can tell it has been a busy week, BUT God. I am so full of energy and passion. It's exciting what God is doing at the Rendezvous and truly across the world. I really need us to work together for May 6th. It's our first Compel Night at the Rendezvous. I believe that God is going to something unbelievable that night. Here's the deal I'm asking everyone to bring a guest. In fact I am so serious about this that we are going to have awesome prizes to whoever brings the most people. That night we are going to see souls enter into the Kingdom of God. I want you to be apart of it. Your mission is to bring as many people as you can. Be apart of the change! Do something! Bring someone!
Lastly I want you to check out our new youtube page. I am going to be uploading video blogs from all of the different and exciting places I will be at over the next few weeks. If you see a video you like email it to a friend. It's a great way to get the word out.
I love you guys so much. I'll see you at the Rendezvous!
This coming Monday night I am going to be on TBN hosting Praise the Lord with my dad. It's going to be an incredible show. We have lots of powerful and dynamic guests scheduled to be on. You don't want to miss it. There are limited seats available in the studio so if you are planning on attending please be there by 6 pm. The studio is located right off Pembroke Rdoff of I-95. We would love to see you there and your support is always appreciated. Come on Rendezvous lets rock out TBN!
This past Tuesday night we talked about positivity. The Bible says that our tongue has the power of life and death. Some of you don't even know that the reason why your situation never seems to get better is because you have chosen to live in the negative. Until you force yourself to start getting positive in the way you think, in what you say and in how you act you're never going to find yourself free from your pickle.
Remember your outlook determines your outcome. If you choose to be negative, then you will reap negative outcomes. You must remind yourself that the best is yet to come. Don't give up! Keep at it! God has tremendous plans for you. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and he will lead you through.
Don't miss the Rendezvous this coming Tuesday night. We are in the last part of our series "Pickle." Also don't forget to bring a friend. If we get 300 people at the Rendezvous I am going to swallow a live goldfish on stage. I'm not too sure how I feel about it LOL, but either way it should be a good time. It's not going to be the same without you there!
Yesterday after church I took my little brother in law to the Florida Marlins game. We had an absolute blast together even though the Marlins got destroyed by the Pirates. I was able to get some incredible seats, just eight rows up on the third base line. It was a beautiful sunny day and I should have known better then to leave the house without putting on some sun block.
By the time the game was over I knew that I was in trouble. I got absolutely scorched. My knees and my neck were beet red. This morning when I woke up my nose had blisters. I just keep thinking to myself, "Why didn't I put on sun screen?" It's not like I wasn't aware that I have fair skin. For some reason I just thought that I would be fine. Boy, am I ever paying for it now.
However, this whole thing has got me thinking. We sort of do the same thing in life. We know that some things aren't good for us, yet we do them anyway. When we face the consequence we think to ourselves, "What was I thinking?" The Bible says that it's not good enough just to hear the word and believe it, but rather we must apply it. If we don't actually do what it says then it's just like knowing we should put on sun block but choosing not to. If that's the decision we make, we will always wind up getting burned.
This week we are in the second part of our series "Pickle." Tomorrow night I am going to be talking about temptation and what we need to know in order to overcome it. Some of you are constantly getting burned in life. You continue to fall into temptation. Maybe your answer is as simple as... " Don't Forget to Put on Sun Block."
It has been stinkin forever since I wrote a new blog. I am so sorry. I feel like life has been so busy. There are so many awesome things that are happening at the Rendezvous. God is just continuing to bless us. We just finished a tag team series called "You See it Black...I See it White." If you missed any part of it, make sure to watch it in the video galleries. Itwas by far the funnest and most thought provoking series we have done at the Rendezvous.
Tomorrow night I am starting a new series entitled "Pickle." I am very anxious to deliver this message that God has given me because I belevie there are numerous Christians who are caught in a spiritual pickle. Maybe you find yourself unable to move forward in your walk with Christ. Maybe you constantly find yourslef making the same mistakes over and over again. If thats the case for you, well then you need to make sure that you come to the Rendezvous. Because we are going to tackle the scriptures and get some practical answers so that we can continue to mature in our faith.
Can't wait to see you soon. By the way I had an incredible brthday for those of you who have been asking. Thank you so much for your praers and support. I love you!!!
Now I don't know this for sure but I propose that each war in some way dealt with the issue of freedom, one side wanting freedom from some form of oppression, and the other not wanting to give up on what they had, whether it be land, people, or natural resources. Freedom is so precious to humanity... The reason for this is that we as the human race have spent most of our existence trying to achieve it or preserve it.
Well, last night I had the incredible privilege to be on TBN's Praise the Lord. It was a great program. Pastor Steve and Kent Munsey, who are great friends of our family, hosted the show. Honestly I had such a blast. All of the guests that were on are dear friends of mine. Brandon Crouch who is thegrandson of the founders of TBN (Paul and Jan) is one of my best friends, he did an excellent job at encouraging the viewers to never give up and carry each others burdens. John Gray who is the most gifted man I have ever met in my life was just so anointed. When he speaks I get chills. Then if that wasn't enough, Ricardo Sanchez one of America's premiere worship leaders/songwriters was there. His song "Moving Forward," has giving me hope and a tenacity to keep going even when I have felt like giving up.
