Archive for October, 2008

The Word 10.12.08

Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The Monday Muse: Economic Bailout

There are so many serious issues being discussed right now in our country. It wasn’t too long ago that we were holding our breath as we waited for another hurricane to strike the coast of Texas and Louisiana. Many people across the country felt the effects of Hurricane Ike. My home, Nashville, suffered a gas shortage that had people lined up for hours screaming at each other just to get a few drops. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought that the end of the world was at hand. It was a strange week.

While Ike put a hold on some people’s daily activities, the presidential campaigns continued to press on. In the midst of an election year, time is precious. Each candidate has turned up the heat as November rapidly approaches. Americans are faced with a difficult decision of choosing between two candidates that claim to be agents of change. Yet, the differences between Obama and McCain are obvious. It is an important election for many reasons.

However, the most pertinent issue facing Americans recently has been the economic crisis. Foreclosures have approached record highs. People are losing their homes. Financial institutions are closing their doors or being bought out. The stock market has been in a free fall. People have been looking for answers. And after much deliberation, an answer has been given. The President, House, and Senate have all approved a $700 billion dollar bailout to buy bad assets from financial firms. Many economists have stated that this bailout was necessary, especially for Wall Street. But what about Main Street? How does this bailout benefit the average American?

So here’s my question to you…

Do you support or oppose this economic bailout bill? Why or why not?

I want to know what you think as it relates to both your own situation and the state of our country’s overall economy.

The Word 10.5.08

Feel free to leave some thoughts on the passage each week. It can be anything from encouragements to observations to questions.

Matthew 3:1-12 (ESV)

3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”

4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”


The Monday Muse

Do you think churches should have regular evaluations of the worship gatherings? Why or why not?

Join the discussion!

Annie’s Music


You can pick up my wife's album on iTunes or Amazon. Interested in booking her for a show? Visit her contact page at www.annielash.com.

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