I finally remembered one of my favorite singer/songwriters released a new album last Tuesday.  Bebo Norman’s self-titled album is well crafted and smartly written. While it seems a bit too “pop rock-ish” for his folky style, there are many tracks that deserve a listen for the words alone.

In my first run though the album, the words to “Britney” immediately stood out.  While I’m not a “fan” of the person it’s about, the message of the song is clear.  Bebo’s sincere apology for scoffing at her as a celebrity who has fallen in the glare of the media’s flashbulbs and video cameras, hit me like a ton of bricks.  I found myself convicted for doing the same.  Laughing at her difficulty and desperate cries for help (figuratively and literally).

Many say who cares? They have it all. Do they really?  No matter what they all seem to have, we are all fallen and in desperate need of God’s grace and mercy.  For some reason we seem to think it’s not real when celebrities fall into tough situations and despair.  Perhaps in a few cases is a pre-planned act to get publicity, but many times it’s more serious than we realize.  Either way it’s fodder for the gossip magazines and entertainment news media.  We as a society eat it up.  Sad but true.  My hope and prayer is we can see all people through God’s eyes, including celebrities.

Bebo talks about the song here.

Below are the lyrics:

Britney
By: Norman/Ingram

“Britney I’m sorry for the lies we told
We took you into our arms then left you cold
Britney, I’m sorry for this cruel, cruel world
We sell the beauty but destroy the girl

Britney, I’m sorry for your broken heart
We stood aside and watched you fall apart
I’m sorry we told you fame would fill you up
And money moves the man so drink the cup

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

Britney I’m sorry for the stones we throw
We tear you down just so we can watch the show
Britney I’m sorry for the words we say
We point the finger as you fall from grace

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

It’s coming back for you
Yeah, it’s coming back for you

Britney I do believe that love has come
Here for the broken, here for the ones like us

I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you

It’s coming back for you
Yeah, it’s coming back for you”

“The DaVinci Code” movie opens this weekend and I thought I’d throw in my two cents. I should preface by saying I have not read the book yet and do not intend to see the movie.  Mainly because I’d rather not give the author my money.  However, I am going to read the book, but I will be checking it out from the library or borrowing it from a friend.  I feel that to effectively engage in conversations with people about it, I should read the book.  This fictional novel will not change my views as a Christian, nor create doubts in my mind about my faith. I have heard about the content of the book from others and could probably discuss it without ever reading it. However I think it would be disengenuous on my part to not read it and yet discuss its falsehoods.

The ongoing boycotts of the movie are understandable and for the most part I agree with them. In essence, I am doing the same thing. With that in mind, I don’t necessarily have a problem if a Christian decides to go see it. I think Christians that decide go see the movie may have legitimate reasons for doing so and that should be respected.

Director Ron Howard contention that its a harmless, fictional movie is quite short sighted in my opinion. They do say that it makes people discuss religion which is true to an extent. However one of the actors, Ian McKellen [Gandalf of "Lord of the Rings"] made a very foolish, uninformed statement in response to a question by Matt Lauer on the “Today” show about some calling for a disclaimer in the movie that it is fiction.

He stated “Well, I’ve often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer at the front saying ‘this is fiction.’ “

The problem with that is the Bible is not fiction at all. For McKellen to make such a statement about the Bible while defending a clear fictional work that makes a shameful mockery of the Bible is both ironic and sad.

Mr. McKellen, In fact there is overwhelming archeological, internal and external evidence that the Bible is indeed true.  My hope is one day you will come to that understanding.

Note: This is another re-post from the posts that disappeared.

Happy 2006!

The past few days I have seen a couple of “2005: Year In Review” TV shows recounting the news, sports and technology stories of 2005. These shows are a staple of this time of year and I always find it amazing to watch these shows from the perspective of thinking back to January of that year. Thinking back to when no one but God knew what the 2005: year-in-review would document.

Each year so many things occur that we never expect. Exhilarating stories, sad stories, shocking stories, funny stories extending over a gamut of emotions and senses. I find that incredible! As 2006 begins, I again have that sense of wonder. What will this year bring? What stories will the Year In Review of 2006 tell? The Lord only knows.

Note: This was originally posted on Dec 25th, however due to some technical issues with my website host it got lost in the shuffle. I didn’t realize it until now.

Merry Christmas! And I am not ashamed to say it!

Much has been made in some media outlets this month about the ridiculous shunning of the phrase “Merry Christmas” in corporate America and retail outlets nationwide. It must say its about time this really was made a focus nationally. Replacing the phrase Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays, Season’ Greetings, Winter Holiday, X-mas, Festivus, etc has become more widespread in the past 10-15 years. This is a shame as it is hiding the true reason for this holiday. I find it ironic that this trend has spread, yet most everyone in the country has this day off of work and 98% of businesses are closed. These are the same business and companies that forbid using the word Christmas.
Although this is the case, I am not surprised. Our culture had become increasing hostile toward anything referring to Jesus Christ. This is sad to see, however as a Christian I expect that many elements of this world will be hostile towards anything related to Christ. Despite the culture drifting away from a Christ-centered life, the great thing to know is the Lord God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And on this day when we celebrate Jesus’ birth, it is reassuring to know that He will never sway in the turbulence of today’s culture, offering everyone mercy, forgiveness and redemption from sin through Him.

Merry Christmas!

The following are lyrics from the song “Take Heart, My Friend”
By: Fernando Ortega
Consider it a prayer for my friends who are affected by the coming Hurricane Rita.

“Take heart, my friend, we\’d5ll go together
This uncertain road that lies ahead
Our faithful God has always gone before us
And He will lead the way once again

Take heart, my friend, we can walk together
And if our burdens become too great
We can hold up and help one other
In God’s love and God’s grace

Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender in the night

If we should falter when trouble surrounds us
When the wind and the waves are wild and high
We will look away to Him who ruled the waters
Who spoke His peace into the angry tide

He is our comfort, our sustainer
He is our help in time of need
When we wander, He is our Shepherd
He who watches over us never sleeps

Take heart my friend the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender in the night”

Lyrics 2003 - 2005 Fernando Ortega.

I have been glued to the TV at home and radio at the office monitoring the coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It clearly is getting worse in New Orleans with the waters still rising and over 80% flooded. The hundreds of people being rescued from rooftops and attics. The mass devastation in Mississippi and Alabama is just heart wrenching. I have been praying for all affected directly by this devastation. Please consider donating money to relief organizations such as:

• Salvation Army

• Samaritan’s Purse

• Red Cross

I will be keeping these links in the sidebar. Besides prayer, the most effective way to help now is to give money, since it will go help people immediately.

Please be in prayer for all those in the New Orleans, coastal Mississippi and Alabama as Category 5 Hurricane Katrina bears down on that area. As of this time Sunday, Accuweather.com reports it is the 3rd strongest hurricane on record in the U.S. Predictions are catastrophic for New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Today Pat Robertson apologized for his statement Monday. The official press release included a brief apology and followed by a long explanation. After reading the statement, the final sentence seemed clearly sum up what he was trying to do:

“In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government’s attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.”

There it is. This sums up his press release and his real intentions. Playing the political game of making an extreme statement to bring attention to the issues surrounding Chavez. The ol’ “All publicity is good publicity” ploy to promote an agenda.

Now I can understand trying to promote what he believes the government and public should be aware of. However, using such extreme an statement to gain attention is by no means acceptable as a Christian.

In addition, he commented on his TV show today that “I didn’t say assassination”, however he most certainly did! Come on Pat! Stop playing the tricks of politicians! Christians can be involved in politics and government, but shouldn’t conduct themselves like politicians.

Pat Robertson, the host of the “The 700 Club”, must have decided to turn off the “don’t say that on TV” filter in his brain yesterday when he made the outrageous request calling for the murder of the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.

My open letter to Robertson:

Mr Robertson, Chavez has been shown to be at the very least a kook and a threat to many. Not too many will argue with you on that front. But calling for such extreme and frankly un-Biblical actions is just plain wrong. Did you ever think what you say in such an off-the-cuff manner would not have an affect or reaction? Especially in such a time where the news media is looking for any excuse to make Christians look bad. I think you knew exactly what you were doing and can come up with a list of speculation as to why you said it. In the end, from my perspective, there is no good reason why you made such demands.

Pat, I’m sure you believe that even Chavez can come to know Christ has Savior and Lord. As a Christian, is murdering Chavez a solution? Of course not.

I know we all say things we wish we could take back. I certainly hope that was the case here with you.

As an evangelical Christian, I do not agree with what Mr. Robertson said should happen to the Venezuelan president and would like to say his views do not represent evangelical Christians in America. Mr. Robertson should be reminded that Jesus came to save EVERY person from sin. Even President Chavez could turn from his evil ways.

Case in point, General Manuel Noriega. Remember him? The corrupt, drug running former president of Panama. Well he\’d5s in an American prison now. Despite the despicable, corrupt, and evil things he has done in his past, he has come to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It has been confirmed by many that Noriega is a changed man.
Even though the damage is done, I hope Pat will apologize and ask for forgiveness. I forgive him despite my opposition to his comments.

As a fan of the rock band U2, I have read books and accounts that some of the band members, more specifically the lead singer Bono are Christians. From many of their early and some current albums, the themes and focus of the songs (”40″, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, etc.) have a focus on God.

However many, including myself, have questioned whether Bono is really a Christian. So many times his actions and language have called that in to question in my mind. But then again no one is perfect and it is possible that despite these things he is a Christian and walks with God on daily basis.

All this led to an article I read a couple weeks ago in World Magazine. It’s a weekly news magazine that offers hard news from a Christian perspective. The only magazine of its type that I know of and very well written.

Gene Edward Veith, the cultural editor for World, wrote this article that directly addresses Bono\’d5s faith. Specifically he quotes a recent book “Bono in Conversation” by Michka Assayas, which is essentially one long interview. In it, Bono clearly makes an explicit confession of his faith and being saved by grace. He goes on to boldly witness to the interviewer clearly, concisely and most importantly he speaks the Truth. I was blown away to read how accurately and clearly he explains what it is to be saved by grace through Jesus Christ. In addition, the interviewer seems to have never heard of it explained this way and is amazed to learn what faith in Jesus really is.

Think what you will about Bono and the things he says and does, but this article and interview has given me a new respect for him and hope that what he says is genuine.

This past weekend Billy Graham gave what may be his last crusade sermon in New York. Despite his frail state of health, God gave him the strength to give 3 short sermons with no need for help from his son Franklin. It is truely amazing to think how God has used him over so many decades to speak the Truth of His saving grace through Jesus Christ to millions throughout the world.

What is amazing to me is no matter who you are, what your background is, or what your political views are, he is highly respected amongst all. Why? Because he is a man of God that is a true humble servant of the Lord.

Few have talked about fact is that Mr. Graham is a Democrat. He recently confirmed that in a interview on the Today Show with the very liberal Katie Courac. Some may gasp and think how could an evangelical like Billy Graham be a Democrat? Read the interview I linked earlier. His discussion of his politics and politics connected with the evangelical church today is simple, concise and true. In the end it does not matter to me whether Mr. Graham considers himself a Democrat or Republican. He speaks the Truth in love and is a man of God that all Christians should respect.