by Chris Doyle | Jan 5, 2018
Greetings!
It’s getting warmer! You know it’s been cold when you’re excited for the temperature to be above freezing.
Enjoy the warmth while taking in this week’s DHD. Let’s get to it!
- Sooners aftermath
I join the many who are sad after Monday’s Rose Bowl result. However, don’t lump me in with the foolish ones who are crying for coaches to be fired. That’s my biggest annoyance after OU loses.
One reason I am sad is I no longer get to watch Baker Mayfield play with the Sooners. I know there is much to criticize about the polarizing quarterback, but I enjoyed watching him lead the offense the past three seasons. I have many great memories of sitting up in the north end zone of Owen Field and watching Baker pull off some of the most unbelievable plays. There will be more enjoyable views from Section 18, Row 65, but those games from the Baker Mayfield era will be some of the best.
- Thunder is thundering
Now I’m back to enjoying Thunder games. And the Thunder have been looking good lately. They have won eight of their last 10 games, even though they should have won all 10. Regardless, there’s a much more positive outlook right now in Loud City.
Rookie Terrance Ferguson has had time to shine the last two games. I am glad he has been a positive contributor while the Thunder has been on the road.
Russ is at a good pace right now, especially stepping up on the defensive end. I also love the performances of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony during the recent successful stretch.
By the way, the noise about PG while the Thunder have been in LA? Don’t get caught up in that. Enjoy the team for now, and see what happens when it’s over. Nothing is guaranteed beyond this season.
- New song intrigue
I have only heard this song two times when it has come on the radio, and I found it fascinating both times. “Broken Prayers” by new artist Riley Clemmons has some strong lyrics.
“I’ve been taught how to talk to You” is how the song begins. “Say all the words I am supposed to; Bow my head, say ‘Amen;’ Yeah that’ll do” also is a part that is intriguing. Clemmons seems to reflect on her upbringing in church, perhaps, or growing up in a Christian family.
Then the song goes on with Clemmons expressing more of what happens when she engages God with her life experiences, of tears and fears and messy words and hurt. But she acknowledges that God sees the beauty from her broken prayers.
Two thoughts about this song: 1) I love the example this young lady demonstrates of being open and consistent with God; 2) I’m glad someone taught her to pray.
- DeYoung and de resolutions
Kevin DeYoung encourages me with his blogs. He offered a great one this week about resolutions that affect your yearly calendar. Suggestions like taking two three-day sabbaticals to catch up on things at home, Bible reading and needed rest. Or cutting back on certain obligations in order to meet new people, reconnect with past friends and spend time with family.
I loved what he wrote on one resolution regarding planning this year’s vacation time. He said “it’s usually better to spend money on experiences and memories as opposed to stuff.”
Check out his resolutions’ list and see what you could implement in your life this year.
- Moore’s take on applying Jer. 29:11
Russell Moore gives a great application piece for one of the more quoted Bible verses. Check out “Does Jeremiah 29:11 Apply to You?”
One of the great things Moore does is expounding on the book of Jeremiah, which isn’t a good one to use for finding a self-help mantra. As Moore said, Jeremiah is about “God disrupting his people’s plans and upending his people’s dreams.”
“Through Jeremiah,” Moore wrote, “God is telling the exiles (in Babylon) that their scattering isn’t accidental. God has plans for them, plans that include even what seems chaotic and random. Moreover, these plans mean the exile isn’t permanent.”
The biggest danger that Moore points out is trying to apply the “American dream” to Scripture. He said Jer. 29:11 does apply to us, but it doesn’t promise “the kind of future American culture prizes.”
- Not taking the bull by the horns
I end with sharing a fascinating video. I’m curious to know how this many men could be involved in such a crazy stunt. Of course, this appears to be safer than the Running of the Bulls. Apparently, bulls are not threatened by anything below eye level:
https://www.facebook.com/dmmartin7711/videos/1784895885140909/
by Chris Doyle | Dec 29, 2017
Greetings!
I’m back among the living! Last week, I did not produce a DHD as I was one of many recovering from the recent wave of Flu A. Believe it or not, it takes mental power to come up with my musings of six topics, and that flu bug zapped me from exerting such abilities.
Now that I’m healthy again, here’s this week’s DHD!
- Christmas reflections
Christmas was somewhat low-key this year. It was spent with family. Good food and great company. For precautions while still in recovery mode, I did not attend any church services, but I did observe a live stream webcast on my church meeting on Sunday morning.
It was a great sermon by my pastor on an unorthodox Christmas message – Mark 1:1, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus, the Son of God.” The message of Christmas in its simplicity.
- The Last Jedi – if only
I watched Star Wars: The Last Jedi twice. I always go initially, so that when I watch the second time with Karen I can answer informatively whether or not a scene is going to be scary. After 10 years of marriage, I’ve learned that questions are always asked during movie watching, even though the questions and answers are usually the same:
“Is this scene scary?” “No”
“Is he going to die?” “Just watch”
Do you want to know what the major spoiler is for this year’s Star Wars movie? The major spoiler is… there IS NO MAJOR SPOILER. They are just building it up so you’d go see it.
Yes, I was disappointed. It was good at the beginning, but bad acting and liberal pacifist script writing took over after the first couple of scenes.
I loved Poe in the opener. His banter with pasty Imperial leader was great. It went downhill soon after.
Ray disappointed me big time, and I didn’t like the way they portrayed Luke either. Also, there were too many underdeveloped characters, two of whom were overpaid, I’m sure, because they are “popular Hollywood celebrities.”
I suggest watching Rogue One again. That movie well surpassed my expectations.
- Darkest Hour appears to shine
WordSlingers movie critic Michael Foust gives another good review. His latest one on The Darkest Hour increased my interest.
Foust intrigued me about the exchanges between Churchill and his secretary. I get the sense this will not be for those who don’t like heavy drama, but good acting and a good script are appealing to me.
- Messenger story second ‘most-read’ on BP’s 2017 list
Next week’s Baptist Messenger will feature the top stories in 2017, and among the list will be Laura Perry’s story “From transgendered to transformed.” The Bartlesville native also made national news, as her story was picked up by Baptist Press.
BP reported its top 10 “most-read” stories in 2017, and the newswire ranked Perry’s story as the second-most read of the year.
May God use this Gospel-centered story to impact many more people.
- The true message of marriage revealed
Jaclyn Parrish shares a powerful story in her piece “I married a same-sex attracted man. And I am blessed.”
It is too apparent how much marriage is under attack today, but among the confusion, misunderstandings and flat-out sinful interpretations, Parrish gives a bold message that is hard to miss.
“Every Christian wedding has declared war on the armies of darkness,” Parrish wrote. “And every Christian marriage has been an act of faith. Each one lives or dies by the decision to wake up each morning and believe, for one more day, that God’s plan for men and women truly is best. Our marriage is not unique in that respect.”
Let’s pray more people come to understand the Gospel through what marriage, in its truest sense, represents.
- What are you asking in 2018?
Scott Slayton gives a good list of questions we should ask, as the new year begins. These are not easy, but they are helpful. Check out “Nine Questions to Ask Yourself to Prepare for 2018.”
The questions don’t make you feel guilty. They are practical inquiries to help face what 2018 may bring while also growing in your relationship with God.
Happy New Year, DHD fans! I look forward to connecting with you regularly in 2018, a half dozen topics at a time!
by Chris Doyle | Dec 15, 2017
Greetings!
Many topics to address this week. Let’s get to it.
- Judging Moore
The special election for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat happened this week. It fascinates me when the nation decides to pay attention to election issues, especially those on the state level.
Those who rarely dabble in political dialogue come out of the woodwork on some situations, but when it involves moral issues, such as Planned Parenthood being exposed or a Christian baker on trial, not a peep.
I would not have voted for Roy Moore. I noticed there were 23,000 write-in selections, and, at first reports, Moore’s opponent won by a difference of 21,000 votes. As I mentioned in previous DHDs, Oklahoma does not allow write-ins on election ballots, so I encourage “Leave it Blank” and have the vote counted as an undervote. This is what I did in the last presidential election.
Though I don’t support Moore, I hope those whom I respect who were making public disagreements of Moore’s candidacy would consider the issues his campaign supported, such as the Sanctity of Human Life and Religious Liberties, and don’t portray those issues in similar fashion of disapproval.
- Churches challenged for Religious Liberty
Speaking of Religious Liberty, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission submitted a great piece to help churches that may face legal challenges.
Check out Erik Stanley’s article “Is Your Church Prepared to Handle a Challenge to Its Religious Liberty?”
The article states “It is not a matter of if churches will face legal challenges to their religious liberty but rather where and when.”
- A ‘no-spoilers’ review of The Last Jedi
Are you planning to see The Last Jedi this weekend or soon? Michael Foust gives some excellent thoughts without revealing anything plot-related about the latest Star Wars film.
He also gives his personal ranking of all the Star Wars movies. I think he ranks Rogue One way too low.
- Waxing evil and manners
Trevin Wax once again gives a good blog this week. Check out his response to the New York Times article “The Nazi Sympathizer Next Door.”
“We deceive ourselves,” Wax wrote, “if we think evil is relegated to ‘monsters,’ or that evil beliefs take root in people who belong to a different class of humanity than ourselves. The disturbing thing about evil is that it’s everywhere, and most of the time, is not extreme.”
Here’s a great example Wax offered:
“Watch the video of a Planned Parenthood executive munching on salad and drinking her wine while she casually discusses how she adapts the abortion procedure (‘I’m gonna basically crush below, I’m gonna crush above . . .’) in order to salvage the body parts of unborn babies for sale.”
- Wise Men revealed
Hannah, my co-worker, should appreciate this blog. Check out Greg Lanier’s “We Three Kings of Orient Aren’t.” Hannah is our office Nativity Scene “expert,” and we have fun with the discrepancies of having the Wise Men appear in the popular manger exhibit.
Lanier gives great insight to the mysterious men who appear before Jesus in his infancy. It’s a great read for this time of year. I hope you can use the information when discussing the birth of Christ with friends and family.
- Christmas-themed DHDs
I conclude with sharing three DHDs I did last year for the Christmas season. I hope you enjoy reading them. I definitely enjoyed reminiscing! Here they are by title:
DHD: Six ‘Underrated’ Characters of Popular Christmas Shows
DHD: Six Christmas Traditions
DHD: Six Christmas Blessings
by Chris Doyle | Dec 8, 2017
Greetings!
This week’s DHD is committed to a very important legal battle that appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court this week. Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission squarely focuses on the legal challenges between religious liberty and same-sex marriage. Actually, it appears more to be the social approval of same-sex marriage.
Three years ago, I blogged about the progression of tolerance to acceptance to approval of homosexuality. Tolerance is way gone – 10 years, at least, gone. “Acceptance” is what could be considered the proper Christian response, as far as treating those of the homosexual (or LGBT) community respectfully. It is possible to be respectful without approving beliefs and life practices, which is how I describe “acceptance.” As I said then, “The Golden Rule has no exceptions.”
Acceptance, though, is becoming unacceptable. Approval is the expectation in the public square. Here’s what I wrote in 2014:
“Approval is growing rapidly. In some aspects, it is being demanded legally, especially if you are in a business that is involved in weddings, such as bakeries, florists and photography. If you own a bakery, flower shop or a photography service and refuse to accept a request to provide a wedding cake, flowers or take pictures for a same-sex wedding, you may face legal charges. This has already happened in New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, as well as other states.”
Now, three years later, a bakery in Colorado is the focal point. Because of the significance of this case, I’m dedicating all six points this week to Jack Phillips, the baker under fire, and the monumental court battle he is facing. In other words, this week’s Doyle Half Dozen will be a Baker’s Half Dozen.
- Meet Jack Phillips
I begin with introducing Jack himself. This is an excellent 10 min. video. He tells his story with comments from his daughter who works with him and from his lawyer. The video portrays him as a reasonable, caring man. It explains the name of his bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop, is based on Eph. 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece…”
Watching the video will provide a better understanding of Jack, his business and his desire to honor God through his work.
https://www.facebook.com/prageru/videos/965045540328065/
- An unexpected advocate
Check out New York Times columnist David Brooks’ piece “How Not to Advance Gay Marriage.” Obviously, by the title, he supports same-sex marriage, but his article defends Phillips.
“First, it’s just a cake,” Brooks wrote. “It’s not like (the same-sex couple) were being denied a home or a job, or a wedding. A cake looks good in magazines, but it’s not an important thing in a marriage.”
Though Brooks and I are polar opposites on the main issue, we share a similar method of appeal. In fact, in a rather Bizarro World fashion, I can appreciate Brooks’ “neighborly approach” as a better alternative than the choice of the two men who instigated this legal battle because Phillips wouldn’t offer them a wedding cake.
Brooks wrote:
“…the neighborly approach would be to say: ‘Fine, we won’t compel you to do something you believe violates your sacred principles. But we would like to hire you to bake other cakes for us. We would like to invite you into our home for dinner and bake with you, so you can see our marital love, and so we can understand your values. You still may not agree with us, after all this, but at least we’ll understand each other better and we can live more fully in our community.’”
When I first read this, I figuratively stood up and applauded. The part I loved the best is “so we can understand your values.” I can’t speak for Jack Phillips, but if I were in his position and the two men offered Brooks’ proposal, I would graciously accept the offer, and then I would let the Holy Spirit move through the whole encounter, knowing that God Almighty could do a powerful work in that scenario.
- Waxing the words of Sotomayor
My favorite blogger Trevin Wax chimed in on the case. He shared a popular conclusion on how the Supreme Court ruling will result. Wax wrote, “…it appears the Court is divided on usual lines, with Anthony Kennedy as the swing vote (what else is new?).”
Check out Wax’s thoughts on Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s final remarks. It’s fascinating how she said, when comparing interracial marriage to same-sex marriage, that there are laws that “forced people to do things that many claimed were against their expressive rights and against their religious rights.”
How Sotomayor views justice is rather scary and an unfortunate misunderstanding. As Wax points out there is a big difference to what is racialized and what is biblically profound.
- Kennedy’s comments and possible conclusions
In this week’s “The Weekly,” an email newsletter of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), a breakdown report is offered after the oral arguments were given in the baker case. As mentioned Justice Kennedy is widely known to provide the swing vote, and in his concluding remarks, ERLC reports, he “expressed concern that, based on statements made by commissioners, the Colorado commission was expressing hostility to religion.”
ERLC quoted Kennedy who said, “It seems to me that the state in its position here has been neither tolerant nor respectful of Mr. Phillips’ religious beliefs.”
Those who support Phillips in this case should be leery. As I’ve been told, Kennedy is known to rule opposite from the way he expresses his concluding comments during oral arguments.
- Conservatives convert in arguing for rights
I don’t know if I completely agree with the conclusion in a Washington Post’s article, “Abortion taught conservative Christians to argument for minority rights – as they’re doing today in Masterpiece Cakeshop.”
First, that’s a headline my editor would truly love!
Secondly, conservative Christians have been consistently against abortion and for religious liberty. I guess I’m confused in the writer’s description of “minority rights.” I’m concluding he had problems with the name of Jerry Falwell’s “Moral Majority” group and has to find a way to make a jab 30-something years later.
Here’s one interesting paragraph from the confusing article:
The question is whether a Colorado cake baker, Jack Phillips, has a First Amendment right to be excused from his state’s nondiscrimination laws, which say that public accommodations — like bakeries — may not refuse to serve people based on characteristics that include race, color, disability, sex or sexual orientation. Phillips refused to bake a wedding cake for two men and says he should be excused because doing so would violate two First Amendment rights — the free exercise of religion and the freedom of speech. In his view, marriage should only be between a man and a woman — and baking a cake for two men’s wedding would violate his conscience. Perhaps more important, he claims that as a cake artist, he should not be compelled by the government to create messages with which he disagrees.
Something needs to be clarified. Phillips did not “refuse to serve people.” He refused to serve a particular item. If the men requested another baked good in Phillips’ bakery, he would have obliged. By the way, if anybody else regardless of their race, color, disability, sex or sexual orientation ordered a cake for a same-sex wedding, Phillips would not have accepted that order either. So this does not disobey nondiscrimination laws.
- Prayer for Jack
I conclude this week’s DHD with a prayer for Jack Phillips and his legal case.
Dear God,
I thank you for making Yourself known. I thank you for Your Word and how You bring clarity in a confusing world.
Lord, I lift up Jack Phillips to You. I have never met him. All I know about him is what has been presented in this legal case and in the recent video where he shares his story. He comes across to me, God, as a man who desires to serve You through his talents, which You instilled in him. I wonder if Jack knew long ago, when he got into the business of designing wedding cakes, would he have done it knowing such trials would come. That doesn’t matter, though, because You knew.
So, because of Your omniscience and omnipotence, I come to You, asking for Your wisdom, grace and provisions for Jack. It will be a long duration of months until the Court ruling comes. Jack needs you, God. Please bless him in a mighty way.
Lord, the country is aware of this case. The ruling will be significant. But You are more significant. Use this litigation in such a way that many will come to know You as Lord and Savior.
Through it all, may You be glorified.
I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen
by Chris Doyle | Dec 1, 2017
Greetings!
I took last week off from DHDing. But I’m back now and ready to share some thoughts on six timely topics.
Here we go!
- Decision made for Dilbeck
Last Sunday, an announcement was made at my church by our pastor Hance Dilbeck. He made it known to the whole congregation he has been nominated to be the next executive director-treasurer for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
I remember a situation a few years ago when Bro. Hance addressed Anthony Jordan, current BGCO leader, in a church service and had difficulty pronouncing Dr. Jordan’s title. Now Hance is a board’s decision away from holding such title.
On Dec. 11, the BGCO board of directors will have a special meeting to approve the nomination by the search committee of Hance Dilbeck to be Anthony Jordan’s successor upon Jordan’s retirement in April 2018. I have heard more than one person say this move is a “no-brainer,” and I agree.
As both a member of Quail Springs Baptist Church and an employee of the BGCO, this appears to be a mixed feeling for me. I consider Hance to be a model pastor. For almost 15 years, he has led QSBC in becoming a dynamic body of believers. There have been many positive changes, and I had the humble privilege of witnessing, even participating, in these exciting moves of growth, mission impact and changing lives for Christ.
But I know Hance is capable of leading at the state level and experiencing progress among all Oklahoma Baptists. I know firsthand he is a visionary from watching what has happened at QSBC under his leadership, and it is evident he is well-respected among Oklahoma Baptist leaders.
The future is bright for the BGCO and also for QSBC, when you consider the church has persevered for 67 years with only four pastors in its history. I don’t have a clue who the next pastor will be, but based on the history of Nichols Hills/Quail Springs Baptist Church, Lord willing, this body of believers will remain strong and consistent in doing the work of the Lord and being a faithful flock.
- Sunday School or small groups
I noticed The Gospel Coalition is sharing different perspectives in the “small groups vs. Sunday School” debate. I would favor Allen Duty’s blog on the benefits of both. Let me share with you a great equipping site that can utilize both or either. It’s www.reconnectss.org.
Some people get caught up in titles, and if that’s you, call it whatever you want. If you want to call it Sunday School or small group, feel free in order to meet your preference. What’s much more important is that you meet and you use this gathering time as a growth strategy for your church, which is at the heart of the Reconnect Sunday School emphasis.
The website I shared gives all kinds of helps and training for teaching, fellowshipping and evangelizing with Jesus being the focus.
- Bible reading plan
Now is a great time to consider what your Bible study method will be for 2018. If you already have one, awesome. If you don’t, consider Denny Burk’s plan. I’ve been using his daily Bible reading plan for the past six years, and every year, my Scripture reading is fresh, as if God had a special message for me, even though it appears I read the same passages every year.
Check out his site. He provides printouts for you, and you’ll notice it is schedule in such a way that is not burdensome. It’s designed with make-up reading days, in case you get behind throughout the year.
Set a regular time every day to read your Bible and spend time alone with God.
- Thunder thoughts
Like many Thunder fans, I’m challenged with the recent game results. I don’t have an answer and don’t have a projection right now. My conclusion right now is this year’s team has been put together to challenge the Golden State Warriors, and they proved they can last week, but the problem is the Thunder also has to face 28 other teams.
Today begins a new month. Hopefully it also begins new results for the Thunder.
- Carter is correct
I learn a lot reading Joe Carter’s blogs. I loved his entry for today, regarding a nonpartisan way to vote. Check out “The Nonpartisan Solution to Our Roy Moore Problem.” He is very much in line with my view of voting “leave it blank” philosophy. I also appreciate his response to the “lesser of two evils” approach.
- Presenting a perception on Poppins
I conclude with another Gospel Coalition article. I’m a fan of movie analyses, and Dean Abbott gives a good one on Mary Poppins and how he believes the Disney classic takes on the ruthlessness of modern society. I especially enjoyed his takeaway from the symbolic aspects of the bank vs. the cathedral.