Last Sunday Evening following church services, we had a young adults

Four weeks ago, I had the privilege to be one of the pastors to preach and teach a group of single adults....

I was listening to LBC 97.3 a few days back on my way into the office.

The number one killer in the Western World over the last two decades has been heart disease. Many of us have been touched in one way .....

"Pastor, I love him and he used to love me!" "I don't know what happened, everything was going great but now all of the sudden he is telling me...

I just finished reading "Decision Points" by former President George W. Bush. The following are some initial thoughts that I had after reading the book:

1. It is easy to forget how big a responsibility being the President of the United States encompasses.

As I read through the book, I could not help but think about how awesome the responsibility of making so many decisions every day that will affect millions of people must be! One thing is for certain, I am glad that I do not have to wear those shoes!

2. I need to pray for our leaders more than I do.

I recall the principles taught in Romans 13 about how we should be subject to the higher powers that God ordained. I am also reminded that we should pray daily for them and ask God to guide them and protect them so that they may be able to make decisions to keep our lives more peaceable.

3. It is impossible to make an accurate assessment without all of the facts.

I was shocked to learn some things that were going on behind the scenes that the media conveniently forgot to put into the 6 o'clock news. There are few people that really knew all that took place on 9/11; the decision to invade Iraq; the financial crisis, etc. If you are like me, it is to assume and come to inaccurate judgments when I react to an initial situation; the older I get the more I believe it is wise to hear a matter before speaking. 

4. The U.S. Military personnel & Coalition forces are still my heros.

One of the more touching parts of the book was to read how our President wrote to each family that lost a loved one, visited the wounded, (More than any other President in history) attended funerals, and upheld the military in highest esteem. President Bush is not a perfect man, but I certainly thank God for his compassion towards the heros of our military and coalition forces.

5. We are a media driven culture not a truth driven culture.

It was humorous to read the "other side" of the story. Throughout President Bush' Presidency, no other President has endured such scorn, mockery, and media bias than He did. I remember even thinking at some points during his Presidency, "If this guy has done half of what he has been accused of by the media, bloggers, etc.. we ought to throw him in prison and hide the key." It was refreshing to get the other side of the story. I was once told by a politician in Tampa, FL, "There are two sides to every story, and the truth generally lies somewhere between the two sides." There is no doubt that the media has an agenda today and they are always looking for the next big thing to report. I determined nine years ago to read the news not watch it for the simple fact that I want to process the news for myself. I do not want it recycled through the presenter's prejudice and bias. 

6. I was disappointed and encouraged by the President's thoughts about Jesus Christ.

Disappointed:

The most disappointing part of the book for me was when President Bush was describing a family meeting that his father, George H. Bush, called with Billy Graham. In the conversation, George H. Bush turned to Billy Graham and said: "Dr. Graham, you preach that everyone has to be born-again to go to Heaven; my mother here is one of the finest Christian women that I have ever met, yet she has not had a born-again experience, will she go to Heaven?" Dr. Graham replied, "Well some people are born Christians, others have to be born again in order to become a Christian." That was the lowest point of the book for any Bible believing Christian. Just a side note, EVERYONE MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!  No one is born a Christian, each person must make a personal choice to accept Christ alone by faith alone in order to become a Christian. Whether Dr. Graham believes this or not, Jesus Christ certainly taught this in John 3.

Encouraged:

Whether President George W. Bush is a believer or not is not my place to decide, but I am certainly thankful that he has an appreciation for the things of God and the Word of God. It was a blessing to hear how he attended church services, read his Bible every morning, worked with Faith Based Organizations, and knew that Jesus Christ could certainly change people's lives. It is always encouraging to hear when any public figure is at least sympathetic and kind towards Bible-believing Christians.

7. We need a Heaven Sent Revival Amongst God's People!

As I read through the book, I could not help but think back to the time when President Bush was in office. During these years, Islam was on the rise, Judeo-Christian values were on the decline, the Seeker Sensitive Movement was in full throttle, and Biblical Christianity was in dire straights. I remember during these years there seemed to be a "coasting" that was taking place amongst believers. It seemed as if our thoughts were: "We have a Christian President, all is well." After 9/11 the churches were full for one month straight; the next year after 9/11 church attendance was in a state of decline. What are the evidences of a need for revival? The most popular preacher in America today is a pagan religionist named Joel Osteen; fewer and fewer young men are willing to preach the gospel and the Bible; a pastor must trim his sermons with funny stories, cute outlines, and earth-shattering media effects just to keep his congregation's attention for his 35 minute share session. We are in serious trouble if we do not return to the Bible. 

Conclusion:

I thank God for President George W. Bush and I am praying for our current President. But my hope is in neither one, my hope is in the Changeless One Jesus Christ who can change lives, homes, and nations that will turn to Him and to His Word.

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