What's Wrong With This Picture?

Ted Haggard is back in the news again.

(Associated Press) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Rev. Ted Haggard, who left the megachurch he founded after admitting to "sexual immorality," has asked supporters for financial assistance while he and his wife pursue their studies.
...

"It looks as though it will take two years for us to have adequate earning power again, so we are looking for people who will help us monthly for two years," the e-mail said. "During that time we will continue as full-time students, and then, when I graduate, we won't need outside support any longer."
Haggard left the 10,000-member New Life Church late last year and resigned as head of the National Association of Evangelicals after a former male escort accused Haggard of paying him for sex.
Mike Ware, an overseer for New Life Church, told The Gazette of Colorado Springs on Friday that it was premature of Haggard to release the statement without first consulting the overseers.

Haggard received a salary of $115,000 for the 10 months he worked in 2006 and an $85,000 anniversary bonus before the scandal broke, The Gazette reported. Haggard's severance package included a year's salary of $138,000, and he collects royalties on his book titles, the newspaper reported.
El Paso County records show Haggard's home, which has been up for sale, has a market value of $715,051.

I have no words. I know what Galatians 6:1 says, but I also know what 1 Corinthians 9:27 says. I admit I'm not privy to New Life's discipline and restoration process, and it sounds like Ted Haggard isn't exactly respecting that process, but how can he ask brothers and sisters for money at all, especially so soon after the mess? Isn't it obvious how the world will see this? Where is the glory for Jesus?

Men of my generation ('65-'82)... how many are we losing to addictive PC games?

I came across this article, which struck me as one of the saddest commentaries on North American life that I've seen in a long time. Of course, I feel terrible for the "gamer widows" themselves... they're being cheated out of the meaningful family life that God intended for them. The husbands are depriving themselves too, but can't see it. I can't help but think: How many Generation X (and Y) men are we losing to online, multi-player games such as "World of Warcraft"?

As people who want to see God's zone of authority expand through all of society and over the whole earth, we need to look at our generation and find ways to address this. How many men are essentially "out of commission" in our churches and communities because of this? Sure, let's acknowledge that the games' fantastic realms are a tribute to imagination. We also must understand a man's need for adventure. But I suggest we confront it for the horrible waste that it is. Ultimately there is no impact!

Ten years ago, I was taking a "year off" from graduate studies and started playing Sid Meier's Civilization 2. Engrossing game. Although I didn't play it when Lisa was home, I regret the 2 hours or so I used to play it after getting home from work, before she got home. I quit after a few months when my friend Ken Cleaver (now a prof at Liberty University) once told me he avoided PC games as a "waste of time" (he put it directly, but softly and gently in the spirit of Christ, what a great guy), and I knew that it was. I wasn't an addict on the level of the guys in the article, but I still regret the ultimate loss of that time.

I know that there are teen ministries that use Halo and the like to bond with their students... I recognize that, I'm sure in many contexts, that's fine with careful judgment. But let's be vigilant against any addiction other than addiction to Jesus (thanks Brennan Manning). Guys in their 20s and 30s need to be in the real world, though (again, unless you're using it as a ministry tool and EVEN THEN I'd say severely limit your time with this).

Spirit, enable us to show the men of our generation that there is no greater adventure than fighting for God's Kingdom! Let our own lives sing it!

Hey Rob, What's Cooking?

Well, that picture is from last year at the Oasis 4th of July picnic down in Westland. That's kafta we're grilling, and I was basically serving as Haytham's apprentice on that day.

But this summer is my time to get some grill skills and the kdis got me a great "How To Grill" book, so I've been learning my craft with charcoal. Tonight was sausages over a low fire, with some fine sauerkraut that Pastor Daivd brought back from Germany. A little celery salt on top... YUM YUM!

Fantastic Video on Loving Muslims into the Kingdom

I'm not a guy who always puts up a YouTube video that "you just have to watch this!" But this is an inspiring, moving, concise explanation and appeal to American Christians on understanding and loving Muslims, by Ergun Caner, ex-Muslim: here.