Attention Word Slingers readers: Beginning December 11, 2019, all posts will be available at BaptistMessenger.com. Thank you for reading Word Slingers!
Another busy week is concluding, but I am happy to say that November is here!
I’m a big fan of November. Yes, it is the month which features my birthday, but it’s still a happy segment of the year for other reasons. Thanksgiving, of course, is a joyful time. Football season is reaching its peak. There seems to be a fun connection of fall heading into winter that meets in November, and of course, Christmas season is one of the happiest times of the year, which kicks off this month.
This is why I say November is the Friday of the calendar year. TGIN!
Now that I’ve shared my excitement on November, here’s six timely topics I address in another addition of Doyle’s Half Dozen:
Houston’s response to HERO
Last Tuesday was Election Day and a victorious one for many voters across the country who hold conservative views on social issues. A recap of the election wins is provided in Baptist Press’ article “Pro-family voters score ‘massive victory’.”
One of the most significant election results was in Houston, as voters rejected Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) by the percentage margin of 62-38. For an explanation of what was involved in HERO, read ERLC’s Joe Carter’s piece “Explainer: What You Should Know About Houston’s ‘Bathroom Ordinance’.”
Of course, there are those who are disappointed with the voting result. Many liberal-minded celebrities and political figures will say how terrible and discriminatory it was to vote down HERO. Comedian Seth Meyers gave a response recently on his NBC late show. Obviously, he can get away with it because … well you know, it’s just a “humorous gig.” All the while, presentations like this paint a picture of bigotry and moronic mindsets of those who voted against the ordinance.
Believe what you want, but if you don’t think political maneuvers such as HERO attempt to beat down those whose conscience and convictions disagree with homosexual and transgender philosophies, then you are deceived. This wasn’t about equal rights. There are other laws in place that prevent discrimination – actual discrimination. HERO was about elevating a new ultra-liberal agenda that is beyond fairness.
Thankfully, for now, there are moments when Christian moral values still have precedence.
Bravo for Bevin
Another conservative victory happened in the Kentucky Gubernatorial Race. I did some reading up on Matt Bevin who will be sworn in on Dec. 8 as the Bluegrass State’s next Governor and the second Republican to be elected Ky. Gov. in four decades.
Bevin gets strong approval from Southern Seminary as he has close relationships with the Louisville, Ky. School. He also opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, which means he will provide stronger support for Kim Davis, the county clerk who made national news for her refusal to sign marriage licenses.
Bevin served four years in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Captain. He also has a large family, which includes adopting four children from Ethiopia.
I liked what I read about Bevin until I went to his Wikipedia page and noticed a section about his reputation of lying. Granted, it’s Wikipedia which doesn’t hold much credibility, and when people run for office, such smearing accusations seem inevitable.
For the most part, I believe Bevin will have a positive impact.
A Great Gospel Presentation Piece
WordSlingers contributor Stacy Neuschaefer wrote an excellent blog involving the movie “The 33” which is scheduled to be released in theaters next week. I admire people like Stacy who can easily apply the Gospel to relevant social topics.
She explains she has not seen the movie, but she is aware of the actual story behind the movie and uses its timeliness as an opportunity to tell unbelievers a powerful example of how what happened to the 33 miners in Chile can relate to her Christian testimony… as well as mine, and perhaps yours.
Royals Rally Around Character
I grew up a Kansas City Royals fan. George Brett’s attempt to bat .400 during the 1980 season is what drew me. I remember all the details of winning the 1985 World Series and could recite K.C.’s starting lineup, including Buddy Biancalana starting at shortstop.
However, after the 1994 Major League Baseball strike, my interest in professional baseball began to wane. The Royals were hit hard as a result of that historical blemish, causing the team to spend years in the basement of divisional standings and collect multiple seasons of 100 or more losses. Countless years went by before I could even tell you one player on the Royals roster. I confess, my loyalties flailed.
I came back on board the Royals bandwagon during last year’s playoffs. They were so much fun to watch and enticed my interest, so much that I kept up with the team throughout this season. This year’s playoffs run equated last year’s dramatics, and then surpassed them with another come-from-behind victory in Game 5 to win the World Series.
The Baptist Messenger featured two Baptist Press articles on the Royals recently. In Sept., a story ran that gave insight to the Royals G.M. Dayton Moore’s decision to emphasize character as part of putting the team together. Last week, second basemen Ben Zobrist was highlighted as being a “missionary” to his teammates, as he is the son of an Illinois pastor.
Taking from Trevin: Time Tells Truth on Women’s Suffrage Leaders
If you did not know, “Doyle’s Half Dozen” was influenced from the column series of one of my favorite bloggers Trevin Wax, his weekly feature “Trevin’s Seven.” This week he features a TIME magazine story about pioneers of women’s rights would not approve of today’s feminists’ view of abortion.
I’m just thrilled that TIME would have such a story, but I hope this would also add to the rise in the pro-life movement, helping women understand, as the article points out, that abortion “would burden both a woman’s ‘conscience in life and soul in death’ and also ultimately an exploitation of women.”
Next week’s BGCO Annual Meeting
Starting next Monday, Nov. 9, I will be attending the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma’s Annual Meeting at Oklahoma City’s Southern Hills Baptist Church. I look forward to all of the sights, sessions and sermons, including the one by my pastor Hance Dilbeck who will give his address as this year’s BGCO president.
If you are going to be attending, please come meet me and let me know that you are a reader of WordSlingers. I’ll even give you a shout-out in next week’s DHD if you do!
It’s a busy time, as October is about to wrap up. So many timely topics to discuss. Here’s six I have chosen in this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen.
Great Start for the Thunder
NBA season tipped off this week, and one of the best opening contests was the Thunder hosting the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday night. This was a phenomenal heavyweight battle between two of the best teams in the league this year.
I knew the Spurs were going to be tough this year. They always are. I knew adding LaMarcus Aldridge would make them even scarier. But either it didn’t register with me in the offseason, or I didn’t pay attention, but it dawned on me last night that the Spurs also snagged David West from the Indiana Pacers. Talk about a deep front court. Usually San Antonio relies on unknown big men, mostly from international ranks. With Aldridge and West on the squad, they now got marquee gamers to go along with Kawai Leonard (a sleeper pick for NBA MVP this year). The Spurs don’t look so ancient anymore.
Now that I’ve boosted the Thunder’s season-opening opponent, I thought the Thunder came away with a huge win, and it took a full team effort. With Leonard guarding Kevin Durant and challenging KD all night, the Thunder’s top player did not have such a great returning performance, after last year’s injury-riddled season. But he, along with about four other Thunder players, were strong at pivotal times. Westbrook will be the popular pick for player of the game, but Dion Waiters hit two late jumpers; Enis Canter scored on putbacks and muscle shots, and D.J. Augustine also came off the bench to spark a Thunder rally with a steal that led to fastbreak points.
And there were other contributors, as well. But one thing that stood out to me was the coaching decisions. Billy Donovan and his staff made solid late game assignments, as far as who to have on the floor and how to maintain the lead. Durant may have said it best in the postgame, when he said the Thunder are now “unpredictable” as far as how they will manage their late game performance and who will be the one putting up the winning shot.
Though the long season has begun, be encouraged, Thunder fans, with this opening performance.
Third GOP Debate
I gave analysis on the previous presidential debates, but unfortunately, since I was working the Thunder game I did not see the debate firsthand. Anything I would offer would be recycled commentary, but I am encouraged with the highlights, hearing Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Chris Christie take on the CNBC moderators (by the way, I don’t think I have ever watched a minute of CNBC) and rightfully accusing them of staging fights among the candidates instead of allowing them to discuss important issues.
Those three seem to have the best grades among popular opinion. I have not heard anything about Donald Trump, Ben Carson or Carly Fiorina – the non-politician candidates. The same about Mike Huckabee. I heard negative marks on Jeb Bush, Rand Paul and John Kasich.
Taking stock of all the debates combined, one name that seems to remain consistently positive is Rubio.
Lankford Supports Praying Coach
This seems to be the next issue among religious liberty rights. Joe Kennedy is an assistant high school football coach in Bremerton, Wash. who has made a tradition of praying on the field after every game. Kennedy is on administrative leave from the team because he continued his post-game prayer after he was told not to do so.
Senator James Lankford spoke about this action against Kennedy on the U.S. Senate floor. This 13-minute address is powerful, as he brings up many examples of public prayer that have occurred on the football field. He also best describes how we as Americans observe religious liberty, “We’re not a nation that is trying to purge all faith. We’re a nation that allows people to live their faith.”
Lankford ends his speech appropriately by voicing prayer in the chamber. Watch and be encouraged:
One of my favorite outtakes: “It’s hardly in the best interest of anyone – secular or religious – to ask people in the marketplace to act in ways they consider immoral, just because their views are unpopular at the moment.”
More on the movie Woodlawn
This Sunday, I will be at First Baptist Church in Duncan to hear Caleb Castille speak. He played Tony Nathan in the faith-based film Woodlawn. If you have not seen this movie yet, I strongly recommend you do. Read my movie review here.
WoodlawnMovie.com
I look forward to meeting Castille, as I plan to interview him for an upcoming story in the Baptist Messenger.
Other related news about this movie. I was told First Baptist Church in Blanchard hosted a showing of the movie this week, inviting the Blanchard High School football team. The invitation was extended to the Bethany High School football team, as Bethany player Hudson Haws suffered a major injury in last Friday’s game against Blanchard, causing paralysis below his chest.
Pastor Andy Finch of Blanchard, First said extending the invitation to include the Bethany team is “a sign of unity in prayer and support for Hudson.”
As I mentioned in my review, this movie can be a catalyst to change lives and invigorate people to share the Gospel. I pray for God’s will to be done in Hudson’s life, to include healing, and may He be made known through this experience.
Happy Reformation Day!
We all are familiar with what happens on Oct. 31. Though it is popularly observed as Halloween, it is also known as Reformation Day. It is the day in which almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation is what eventually led to churches today teaching the doctrine of salvation being obtained by grace through faith and not of works.
If you would like to know more about Reformation Day, read this piece on Ligonier.org.
I made a visit to the Oklahoma State Capitol this morning (Friday, Oct. 23) for the Baptist Messenger to cover an interesting visit between Governor Mary Fallin and a group of cowboys who traveled 109 miles from Wichita Falls, Texas on horseback to deliver to the Oklahoma Governor a special gift.
John Riggs, pastor of Texoma Cowboy Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, left Tuesday, Oct. 20 with a group of horsemen to deliver a special “monument” of the Ten Commandments to the Gov. Fallin. I was pleased to observe the formal meeting in front of the Capitol building, as Pastor Riggs expressed his disappointment with the removal of the Ten Commandments monument from State Capitol grounds earlier this month. The Governor shared the pastor’s grievances.
They ended their meeting with a time of prayer and a photo shoot. “God give you peace and safety as you ride back home,” Gov. Fallin told Riggs and his fellow cowboys before they mounted to head back south.
What to make of the Benghazi hearings
Former Secretary of State and current Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton met with the House Select Committee for the hearing on the tragic incident in Benghazi three years ago. Some of the highlights from Thursday’s hearing involve South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy, the committee chair, interrogating the madam secretary.
I confess, I enjoy watching Gowdy interrogate people. It’s quite entertaining, and I knew once he had the chance to question Clinton, it would be worth grabbing the popcorn.
It appears Gowdy struck a nerve when he brought up email exchanges between Clinton and Sydney Blumenthal, who is identified as a friend of Clinton and her husband but, according to Mrs. Clinton, NOT an advisor.
Gowdy did not disappoint as he was gaining ground, since it appeared his purpose was to reveal Clinton’s relationship with Blumenthal was a matter of concern because it appeared Blumenthal wanted to do some kind of business in Libya. It also was a matter of concern because here is somebody who wasn’t a government official talking shop about Libya with the Secretary of State while the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, a subordinate to Secretary Clinton, had no direct contact with her, as he made multiple requests for more security.
Then, Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings swooped in and caused a distraction, asking for Blumenthal’s complete transcript. Though it was a distraction, and one that will probably get too much media play, Gowdy kept at point stating Blumenthal’s emails were not directly being discussed; rather it was Clinton’s emails, which involved communication with Blumenthal. Bravo, Mr. Gowdy. You, sir, are becoming a U.S. Congressional legend.
All of this to say, the hearing did not reveal much earth-shattering information, and however people think about Hillary Clinton and her role as Secretary of State, or how they lean toward Democrats or Republicans, I don’t think views were changed after Clinton’s appearance in front of the committee.
But here is something you have to ask yourself. Has Hillary Clinton demonstrated herself worthy to be the next president of the United States? Do you think she has the character qualities that define a true leader?
I am currently reading John MacArthur’s book Twelve Ordinary Men, and this passage stood out to me:
“America’s current moral decline is directly linked to the fact that we have elected, appointed and hired too many leaders who have no character. In recent years, some have tried to argue that character doesn’t really matter in leadership; what a man (or woman) does in his (or her) private life supposedly should not be a factor in whether he (or she) is deemed fit for a public leadership role. That perspective is diametrically opposed to what the Bible teaches. Character does matter in leadership. It matters a lot.”
Of course, MacArthur did not single out anybody in particular. In fact, he is pretty much expressing disappointment with the whole leadership crop. But I find it hard to believe anybody would think Clinton presented herself to the House Select Committee in such a way to conclude she demonstrated moral character during the Benghazi tragedy.
Christian Sports Fans Check-up
I was quite wordy with topic 2, which means the remaining four will be brief.
Cameron Whaley gives an excellent assessment for Christian Sports Fans in Sunday Sports Hangover, his debut blog on WordSlingers. I definitely appreciate his third point “Your actions impact others.” Always remember to handle wins and losses graciously.
Preview of Woodlawn Review
I did go see the movie Woodlawn last weekend, and I highly recommend it. My movie review will be featured in the Oct. 29 edition of the Baptist Messenger, but I will offer just a snippet of what I wrote and say this is much more than a football movie and could be the best of the faith-based films. You’ll have to read my review next week to get my explanations.
Progress on Defunding Planned Parenthood
I received information that today the U.S. Congress is schedule to vote on a special fast-track bill (H.R. 3762) that would cut off nearly 90 percent of the federal funds that to go Planned Parenthood – about $400 million.
The report I received from Tony Lauinger, state chairman for Oklahomans For Life, said “This is a special kind of bill called the ‘reconciliation bill,’ that CANNOT BE FILIBUSTERED in the U.S. Senate.”
I will be curious to see if this will pass. Lord, may Your will be done.
Waxing Eloquently on Popular Proverb
Trevin Wax is one of my favorite bloggers. He gave an excellent explanation on the famous proverb “Train up a child in the way he should, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
He shares the appropriate way to apply proverbs and a wise perspective for parenting in Train Up a Parent.
Greetings! Here are six more timely topics for you to consider in this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen. Let’s get to it!
Don’t look now but Planned Parenthood is getting weaker
I’ve offered frequent commentary about the Planned Parenthood issue, regarding the world’s largest abortion provider getting caught selling aborted baby parts and bartering for more money. Now PP reported this week they will no longer accept money in exchange for the aborted baby parts.
As someone humorously tweeted this week: “We are not doing that. You can’t prove we are doing that. You can’t prove that’s illegal. We promise we’ll stop.”
I could offer linked stories, but they are everywhere. You should not have any trouble finding legitimate responses that prove PP’s remarks this week demonstrate the $500 million federally-sponsored organization is buckling under pressure.
They have no evidence their organization is more needed over other healthcare centers that outnumber them 10-to-1. They no longer can say they offer mammograms, which they never did. Nothing they offer is different from other medical clinics’ offerings except one thing. They perform abortions, especially late-term abortions, and they cut up the parts of those aborted babies and ship them off.
Keep talking about it, friends. Don’t let down. Don’t give into weak arguments from popular personalities and political figures. The truth is being told, and it’s becoming harder for PP supporters to withstand.
Dem Debate Disappointing
This week’s Democratic Presidential Debate featured five Democrat candidates, and to be honest, I didn’t know there were five Democrats running for President. The media mostly focuses on Hillary Clinton with Bernie Sanders making the news once in a while. I did know Martin O’Malley is running, but I had no idea Jim Webb and Lincoln Chaffee were also in the race.
I won’t go into as much analysis as I did the previous two GOP debates, mostly because there wasn’t much content of which to draw. The biggest sound bite from the event was Sanders defending Clinton on her email scandal. This was both a joke and a political mistake.
I actually thought it was a “left-handed” regard when Sanders said to Clinton “Americans are sick and tired of hearing about your (ahem) emails.” Hillary sure got excited after he said it, but I don’t see how this improves Clinton’s image. Clinton’s scandal was later referred by Chafee when he said, “We have to repair American credibility…I think we need somebody with the best and ethical standards as our next president.” Clinton was asked if she would like to respond to Chafee. She said, “No.” And laughter ensued.
The best way to summarize what the candidates said is they want gun control, free college tuition, more government control and less personal responsibility. They also blame Republicans for everything that is bad.
Also, one other interesting note about the list of Democrat candidates. There were four white males and a white female. The Republicans represent more minority groups among their candidates, as well as a younger generation, especially with Marco Rubio representing both… just saying.
Bat flip – bad form
It is now referred to as “The Flip Seen ‘Round the World.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista smashed a three-run home run that capped Toronto’s major comeback over the Texas Rangers, advancing the Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series. As a way of celebrating his long bomb, Bautista celebrated by emphatically tossing his bat while standing at home plate. This is a common response today. Some would compare it to a football player’s touchdown dance. However, allow me to offer a perspective.
Though I do not fully endorse such individual gratification, the football celebration can be interpreted as just a player excited that he scored, especially if no opponents are near. The baseball scenario of a batter facing a pitcher displays more individual implications between opponents. The bat flip can demonstrate a direct taunt, especially when a stare down is added.
The point I would stress to any and all sports competitors is have respect for your opponent. Demonstrate graciousness both in winning and in losing.
Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Fantasy Sports Foul Play?
I have been participating in a fantasy football league for 20 years. The Blue Cougars, my fantasy team, has had some success over the years, advancing as far as the championship game multiple times, though never claiming a season title. This season doesn’t look good for the Blue Cougars. My first round pick this season was the same pick last season – Peyton Manning. Need I say more?
In all my 20 years of playing fantasy football with friends, there has been no wagering. It has changed how I watch NFL football, but there has been no financial loss or gain among any of my league mates, which is common among many who participate in such competitions. However, the reputation of fantasy football leagues is beginning to be marred.
With the recent addition of fantasy sports websites DraftKings and FanDuel and the revealing news of a DraftKings employee winning $350,000 by participating on FanDuel with “insider information,” fantasy football is becoming associated with online gambling which is illegal according to the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
My take is this. Most fantasy football leagues among friends and co-workers are harmless, especially if there is no wagering involved. But I would be careful how much time is spent on a hobby or an activity among friends if it causes a restraint on the participant’s time with family as well as being an example to others who may have difficulties with gambling addictions.
Lamenting for Lamar
NBA star Lamar Odom is on life-support with family by his side. “Believing in the power of prayer” is what Odom’s sister-in-law Kourtney Kardashian tweeted on Thursday. I hope prayer is offered for Odom, and I hope God will make Himself known through the observance of prayer.
WordSlingers blogger Caleb Gordon offers great words of wisdom and the Gospel in his piece “What Lamar Odom Is Teaching Us.”
Watching Woodlawn
Faith-based film Woodlawn comes out this weekend. The true-story football movie starring Sean Austin of Rudy looks very promising, and I’m looking forward to taking my wife Karen to see it. Read more about the movie here on BaptistMessenger.com
I’m covering a variety of topics in this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen. Let’s get to them.
Oregon shooting still resonating
The shooting on the campus of an Oregon community college continues to be a hot topic. President Obama is visiting the families of victims on Friday. The topic of gun control is popular among politicians and media members. This is a difficult, sad commentary in our country right now.
My friend Christi Roselle offered an excellent response and explanation in her blog “Clinging to our guns and religion.” I agree with her that ulterior agendas seem to be exploited when horrific events happen. There needs to be more sensible behavior from leadership.
Ed Stetzer gives sound guidance for Christians in response to this tragedy and tragedies in general. Offering the example of the Christians in Charleston is a powerful lesson we all need to humbly learn.
Carson explains Second Amendment
Ben Carson was on CBS This Morning earlier this week. His calm demeanor is fascinating as he was asked pointed questions about the Second Amendment. Watch the interview and appreciate the history lesson Carson offers.
Disney actor dies
The name “Kevin Corcoran” may not mean much today. In fact, I didn’t recognize this actor’s name when it was announced he passed away this week.
But then I saw the list of movies of which he co-starred, including Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Pollyanna, Swiss Family Robinson and many other Disney favorites, and I immediately remembered the young boy who often played the sidekick role or the pesky little brother with an abundance of curiosity and spunk.
I am a huge fan of the classic Disney live action films. I know I would be slated an “old geezer” if I were to say they don’t make movies like these anymore. However, there is a special element of presentation, the soundtrack (background music), the likeability of characters, the creative plots, the innocence and integrity of the heroes that make these movies much MUCH more enjoyable.
I know very little about Mr. Corcoran’s real life, but I read he is survived by his wife of 43 years. May his family find comfort during this time of grief.
OCPA to house Ten Commandments monument
It was big news this week, as the now famous Ten Commandments monument was removed from the Oklahoma State Capitol and transported to the offices of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA).
Reports state, “The Oklahoma Supreme Court ordered the monument to be removed from the Capitol grounds in June, saying the Oklahoma Constitution prohibited the state from displaying it. The state appealed that decision but could not get the Supreme Court ruling overturned.”
This is not the last we’ve heard about this monument issue. Expect it to be discussed in the public and legal forums in the coming years. In the meantime, it’s great that the Ten Commandments will be featured outside the OCPA offices on 13th and Lincoln, a visible setting for the monument.
Share the Gospel through an app
The Baptist Messenger recently featured a story, “App-ed to share,” about a free Gospel app for smart devices. I am learning about this app myself, and I am intrigued. Mike Napier, evangelism specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, gave a brief tutorial this week on how to use the Gospel app. It definitely can make sharing the Gospel with people much easier, especially for Christians who do not share it frequently.
To download the free “EvangelismOK” at the following links:
The Oklahoma City Thunder started the preseason with a win at Minnesota, 122-99. It sounds like the Thunder was in control the entire game. Granted, it’s the preseason and against the T-Wolves, but with all the discouraging news from last season, I’ll take all the early positives the Thunder can claim.
I will get to see the Thunder in person Friday night as they face a team from Turkey, homeland of center Enes Kanter. I look forward to seeing how healthy KD is, how this deep and talented roster performs, and how new coach Billy Donovan leads the squad. But again, it’s only preseason.
