Hello all! Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to March, a nice month I might say. One in which we can all take time to honor the Irish and St. Patrick’s Day! Although the Irish have never really done nothing other than be a thorn in the side of the English (their rightful Lords) and eat too many potatoes, we should still honor them! So this month is for you- BrYce Cooper, you pail, freckled, Irishman! (See if I ever care what you say about this blog!!)

All joking aside, I really don’t have much to say other than two things that have come across my mind lately: The Boss (no surprise there!) and Charles Colson.

This was a nice, little thing that Newsweek did on the former Nixon counselor with regards to this 2008 Presidential election and the role of Christians. I really found the conversation concerning Christians defending their beliefs against a secular world more interesting. This was really neat for me to read and anyone who might know even a little something about Chuck Colson. To keep it short, he has the honor of being remembered as one of the cronies of President Nixon. There is a great line by Woodward and Bernstein in the film All the President’s Men about Mr. Colson: “The most powerful man in the United States is President Nixon. You’ve heard of him? Charles Colson is special counsel to the President. There’s a cartoon on his wall. The caption reads, “When you’ve got ‘em by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.” I know this might seem inappropriate to some, but honestly, we’re discussing a sick, evil man who worked with a horrible man to destroy the Constitution of the United States. Colson was a bad dude, if you get my drift. But instead of his reputation ending with Watergate, he gave his life to the Lord, and since has become a respected man once again. He is a wonderful example of the power the Lord yields.

One other thing that I have been pondering lately is this thought of going to the Bruce Springsteen concert (as of this moment, 19 days) soon! Really though, something that has really consumed me is the thought of worship before the Lord. Now, I do not believe that there is a set, standard way to worship in song. I do think about how we act at certain venues and events compared to church. I’m sure all of you have been preached at about this, or thought of it or even been convicted because of it, but it really has gotten under my skin. I really opened my heart and had to ask the question-”why don’t I sometimes get excited for Worship as I would if I were to see the Boss. Why do we all go nuts and cheer at ball games and only limit that passionate worship for “special events” such as a Passion Conference?

Springsteen is an awesome artist and performer (there is a difference, ask John Wiley and Colby and Chandler- D.C. 05′ BABY!!!) but what did he ever do for me? Christ died my soul to save and so many times all I can do is just look at a screen and keep my hands in my pocket! I really have a strong desire to ask God for a heart and soul that explodes for His love and the opportunity to worship Him!! I really do not care about this situation in just how it looks to other people, we aren’t to care about what others are doing or thinking or how they are acting during worship, our focus should be on the Lord.

On March 22, 2008, if the Lord wills it, I will see one of my all-time favorite artist, LIVE, and my focus will be on him and the E Street Band! It is my desire though that the Lord would become my true focus everyday in every little and great thing I do for Him! Get excited people, remember- Out of Zions Hill SALVATION COMES!!!! That’s a top-40 I’ll never get tired of hearing! Much love!

Check out this article on Britney Spears and her relationship with the media that ran in USA Today last week. I kid you not, it broke my heart! Read it and see if you pick up on what I am referring too specifically in the article! It does a great job at giving us a quick snapshot of our culture!

Also, in five of the major categories for the Academy Awards (Best Pic, Dir, Lead Actor, Sup Actor, Screen play) I was correct in all my predictions!! I was extremely pleased with Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, but there was never any doubt that No Country For Old Men would sweep!! If you have not seen either of these great films, please do so!!

I would like to thank Pastor Woody, a great mentor of mine, for his fine leadership in “linking”!!!

After a week, I feel like I have had some time to better formulate some political ideas that I have recently posted. To answers Mr. Tapp’s question- I really had to think hard one that one. I do believe it has to be some type of combination of the two. Keith is right, the sole answer is the Gospel. That should be the focus. Keith also used a great truth, people are sick. It is the sick people that need help, that need a cure. That cure is the Gospel!

Because people are sick, are entire world is. Business, political, financial, and even our entertainment industries are sick and are in need of the one and only true cure: Christ! We see this all the time in politics too. Gambling in Kentucky is a great example. The Commonwealth is in desperate need of funding and our economies are slowing down somewhat. There are some in government and other industries which are involved in public policy that look to expanded gaming to “cure” this problem, or if you will, “sickness”. As citizens we want easy, quick solutions to hard, complicated problems. Either we raise our taxes, or we regulate, or deregulate or reduce government funding and/or programs. Usually though we like to have our cake and eat it too!

I simply do not want Christians to think about one or two issues and begin to believe that only those issues effect the family. I am so gracious that my God would allow me to join with my fellow believers in praying together for our state over the issue of gambling. Why don’t why prayer over other issues though. Health-care, funding education, infrastructure, or a living wage? All of these issues effect the family, anyone of these issues can be skewed because of our fall and sin. The last thing I would want to see are Christians voting Republican or for a conservative candidate because they might (maybe- maybe not, only that candidate knows what they really think and believe in their heart and mind) right according to the scriptures on one or two issues and at the same time, they might be wrong on the other five or six!! I know Evangelicals have distanced themselves from those of the “social gospel” over the last century, but I believe we can somewhat embrace their causes without diminishing the Gospel of Truth. Churches might have to start thinking of how they can do a better job of practicing public policy within their communities and not just simply calling for change or preserving policy.

So, what do you guys think? Should Christians leave the Republican or Democratic Parties? How should Christians vote with concern to economic matters? Of course these answers should be found in the Word, so does anyone have an passages they would like to use to contribute to this discussion? What are some thoughts concerning the pic above? I am not a smart guy, I really don’t know all that much about politics or history, I just learn by reading and listening, so- help me learn!!

Love you guys!