I agree with President Obama this time

WICHITA, Kan. – Dr. George Tiller, one of the nation's few providers of late-term abortions despite decades of protests and attacks, was shot and killed Sunday in a church where he was serving as an usher. (ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press Writer Roxana Hegeman, Associated Press Writer) Click here to read entire article.

Shot and killed in a church. That is just wrong, VERY WRONG!

President Barack Obama said he was "shocked and outraged" by the murder. "However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence," he said.

I couldn't agree more.

Dr. Tiller was taking the lives of preborn children, a fact that is incontrovertible. But the assailant took matters into his own hands when God ordains government to deal with such matters.

Jesus gave us a very simple formula for living our lives as Christ-followers: Love God and love people. The assailant missed this part of the Bible.

It is not easy to love people who are taking the lives of innocent, preborn children. But when you consider that Jesus allowed himself to be nailed to a cross for our sins, loving people becomes easier. And it is right to love them.

And the assailant was in church. I'm happy for that.

A right perspective

I just finished readying Job (sounds like "lobe") this morning and one phrase struck me:

Job answered God,: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head." Job 42: 1-3 The Message

I have to say every day, "I'm convinced God. You can do anything and everything." In my early years of ministry I had an answer for everything. I would go toe-to-toe with people about deep theological issues spouting and pontificating, babbling and muddying the waters. Not so much any more. I've come to the conclusion that there are some things I will never know or understand.

One thing is certain though: God can do anything and everything. My fear is that I don't live as if I believe this is true. I've got some room for growth especially in this area. Tye out.

I don't wear "Christian gear"

Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) donned a hockey jersey with his basketball jersey #23 for a recent Chicago Blackhawks hockey game. The rub? Reebok has exclusive rights to the equipment and hockey gear for the NHL. Jordan is "Mr. Nike." So, they sewed a red patch over the Reebok emblem. Click here to read the entire article.

This is pure craziness. But it demonstrates to me the power of influence. If Michael Jordan is sponsored by a company, their revenue goes up because of his ability to influence people.

As Christ-followers, we have the power to influence people for Jesus Christ. Many people wear "Christian Gear" and some even have Christian bumper stickers. Anyone care for a "Testamint" to freshen your breath? Not me.

Love God, love people. Mark 12:30 paraphrased. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Mark 12:35

Christ-followers are the best advertisement for a God who loves us, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead three days later. And we advertise best when we are loving people the way Christ loved us, unconditionally.

Tye out.

Aerial Pictures of the Future Home of New Covenant Bible Church

Mackenzie and I went flying with our friend Ed Wischmeyer and we were able to take some pictures of our church's future home. Enjoy!

Click here to enjoy!

Tye out.