Greetings!
Oh the snarky thoughts running through my head about this major ice storm that was supposed to come in at midnight… I mean 1 a.m. … er I mean 3 a.m.
I’ve been out twice this morning. I drove the speed limit on what could be considered “damp” conditions. I did have to run my wipers though, for a few minutes, but I did shorten the delay per wipe one whole notch.
Stay warm and safe, everybody, and enjoy that extra milk and bread you got last night while battling the masses.
Let’s get to this week’s DHD!
- Obama outgoing
President Obama has one more week in office. I have done my best to be respectful of our 44th President of the United States.
The Bible instructs us to respect those in authority (Rom. 13, 1 Pet. 2), and the basis of this instruction is God is the one who permits rulers to reign. I try to avoid trashing public figures who may disagree with my views and values, mostly because of something my pastor has said in the past, “What I say about you says more about me than it does about you.” Treat people with respect and kindness, not because of who they are but because of who you are.
Though I respect President Obama, I am pretty much polar opposite when it comes to the political issues in our country. We may share desired outcomes on issues such as observing human equality, supporting the unemployed, caring for refugees and reaching world peace, but the ways and means to reach these desired outcomes would contradict.
Two comments from President Obama have stuck with me since his campaign days of running in 2008. The first was a response during a forum where Pastor Rick Warren asked him when do the human rights of a baby began. Obama responded with saying the answer to the question was “above my pay grade.”
I found a great article pointing out “Six Times” when the president demonstrated that he DID know when such human rights began. I remember the first event on the list when Obama activated the “Mexico City Policy” soon after he became president and made known that supporting abortion practices in other countries was not above his pay grade.
The second comment I kept in my memory came from his victory speech in the 2008 election:
“And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I many not have won your vote, but I hear your voices. I need your help, and I will be your president too.”
Yes, he was speaking to me that night, and I was rather impressed. I thought maybe he will be reasonable and understanding to conservatives who hold firm to their beliefs and values because of biblical instruction and convictions.
Unfortunately, President Obama was the opposite, and not only was he unreasonable and unwilling to understand, he often discredited Conservative Christian values while misquoting Scripture.
I do wish President Obama and his family well, as he proceeds to his next chapter of life.
- Trump’s transition
And the presidency of Donald Trump is about to begin. I am neither exhilarated nor devastated. I have shared my concerns about President-elect Trump in past DHDs, and though there is some promise of greater observance to honor sanctity of life, I am still watching and waiting to see how everything unfolds.
Just with President Obama, I will respect President Trump and for the same reasons. I do have my list of disagreements though. His past business dealings, marital issues and degrading remarks are not favorable.
However, I have similar displeasure for how the media and Hollywood personalities treat Trump. This isn’t to say Trump is undeserving, and some of his responses, though not surprising, make me roll my eyes and let out a big sigh.
There’s a lot of confused people, a lot of mean-spirited journalists and politicians. But there’s also a lot of work to be done. President Trump already has a rocky start, but I pray God will intervene and make Himself known throughout the next four or eight years.
“(God) controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings…” (Dan. 2:21).
- Waxing reality for Christians of ‘Our Time’
Trevin Wax announced he has a new book coming out titled This is Our Time. He set up his book announcement with a prelude blog that was a great read for Christians, helping them understand what exactly is our mission, in relation to the recent presidential election results.
“Many Trump supporters and ‘#NeverTrump’ folks were preparing to be prophetic toward a Clinton administration. But now, all Christians will have to wrestle with what our witness should look like in the Trump era.
“We weren’t expecting this, say people from both groups. No. We weren’t, but Election Night didn’t surprise King Jesus.”
Wax said his book offers a view at different “myths and worldviews that animate our society these days.” He also offers a charge to Christians to be involved in what’s happening and make a difference by sharing the Gospel.
“Ten years ago, older millennials were all singing John Mayer’s ‘Waiting on the World to Change.’ Well, it did. Now, we’re up. It’s our turn.”
- Berry and Brian debate on Dabo
Earlier this week, the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football National Championship. It was a great game, and I enjoyed watching it, or at least the second half because the Thunder was busy defeating the Chicago Bulls earlier that night (priorities you know!).
Postgame remarks by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney sparked debate. Oklahoman columnist Berry Tramel questioned Swinney’s explanation for his Tigers winning the game because of love. Brian Hobbs responded to Tramel, stating he went to an extreme in reading between the lines.
I think both Berry and Brian present great points. Brian did a great job expounding on Swinney’s humility and gratefulness to God for what he has been able to accomplish. Berry’s point of “Clemson love” being irrelevant to the outcome of the game can’t be disregarded, though.
I like Coach Swinney, and I applaud him for being vocal about his Christian faith and for offering worship services and prayer meetings for his players.
But Swinney needs to be aware of how his remarks can easily be misinterpreted. He can be rather vague in his postgame remarks. Vagueness breeds confusion and misunderstandings.
Later that night, in the postgame press conference, he went off on how he insisted his team beating Alabama is not an upset, and he was rather passionate about it. Of course, he did not intend to discredit the Crimson Tide, especially since he is a Bama product, and he gave much props to Coach Nick Saban and the Alabama squad.
However, everybody knows Alabama was the top seed, undefeated prior to the game and the previous national champion, so Sweeney’s insistence on beating the Tide not an upset is illogical and could be insulting.
My advice to Coach Swinney is keep sharing your faith but avoid confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).
- Speaking of Christianity and confusion
Check out George Guthrie’s blog about Rethinking Phil. 4:13.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is quoted often and referenced many times in athletics. This is a great piece about the context of the verse and how Paul emphasizes contentment instead of “ability enhancement.”
- Winter watch
As I finish this week’s DHD, the weather is still being closely watched. I look outside and don’t see much happening, but I do know that isn’t the case everywhere else. Be in prayer for those who may be affected by these conditions, especially in the northwest area of Oklahoma.
I have been in touch with Sam Porter who leads the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief ministry, and they are preparing for the worst this weekend.
Stay warm and safe!