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I attended the Rewired men’s retreat last weekend at Falls Creek Conference Center, near Davis. A highlight of the event was a preview showing of an upcoming movie, War Room, the fifth film to be released from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who also directed and produced faith-based films such as Fireproof and Courageous.
Those who are fans of the previous Kendrick brothers’ movies should fall in love with War Room as well. In fact, I think War Room exceeds the former four films.
As Fireproof focused on strengthening marriages, and Courageous emphasized the importance of Christian men being leaders, War Room stresses prayer and how it plays a significant part of the strategy for facing spiritual battles.
Though the story centers on Elizabeth Jordan, played by well-known Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer, and how she deals with her husband and daughter, the real star of the show is Miss Clara, an elderly woman who befriends Elizabeth. Miss Clara’s sagacious influence and humorous remarks make her appear “Yoda-like,” but her practical, methodical approach to an abundant prayer life exceeds a fictional “Force,” that could impact Christian viewers in making changes to how they approach God’s throne.
Both the opening and closing scenes are what make War Room surpass other Kendrick movies. Miss Clara’s dialogue plays a significant part in both the movie’s beginning and end, but the soundtrack and filming elements add to the chilling effects as well.
Unless you can take advantage of early previews, you will have to wait until War Room premieres Aug. 28 in theaters. However, the wait will be worth it. Churches and Christian groups wanting to reserve showings would be making wise investments. Visit www.warroomthemovie.com for “Group Tickets.”
Photo credit: Kevin Peeples, courtesy of AFFIRM Films/Provident Films
Hope your week is going well. There’s quite a few popular social topics to discuss, and I’ve picked six to share. Let’s get to them.
Scott Brooks
I am glad I had some time before addressing the Oklahoma City Thunder letting Coach Scott Brooks go. If you read my DHD last week, you know I said “Don’t believe the garbage of the Thunder getting rid of Coach Brooks.” I was wrong.
The Thunder dismissed Brooks but not because of anything he did or did not do. GM Sam Presti said this was about the future and not about the past, which means this has to do with more than preparing for next season. The Thunder are primed to win an NBA title, and many are aware of this, which means this seems to be an odd time to change coaches and appears to be a risky move.
I am surprised as other Thunder fans. It’s hard for me to fully grasp the reason for firing Brooks. But just as I sat at Owen Field that October night, watching the Sooners lose to Notre Dame and, in the middle of this disappointment, hearing my brother-in-law tell me the Thunder just traded James Harden, I am certain, in time, this move also will make sense.
Next Thunder Head Coach?
I don’t know who will be the next Thunder head coach. Popular opinion is that it will either be collegiate coaches Kevin Ollie, UConn, or Billy Donovan, Florida. As difficult as it is for me to deal with the Thunder dismissing Scott Brooks, it is equally hard to believe the Thunder will turn over the reins to a coach with no NBA experience.
Yes, Ollie is a former Thunder player, and a well-respected one, especially among his former OKC teammates. Yes, Donovan is a successful coach with two NCAA titles and has developed many players who are currently on NBA rosters (Bradley Beal, Corey Brewer, Udonis Haslem, Al Horford, David Lee, Mike Miller, Joaquin Noah, Chandler Parsons and others).
Usually, though, it would seem that a team with far less potential of winning an NBA title would be a better fit for a coach like Ollie or Donovan. People talk about the success Brad Stevens has accomplished with the Celtics, after coaching at Butler. But the Celtics have gone through a major rebuilding phase. Nobody expected Stevens to win an NBA championship in his first year at Boston. That’s what is expected of the next Thunder coach.
Now, just as I’m sending this out on the internet, watch an announcement be made that either of these guys will be named the next coach in OKC. If so, as a Thunder fan, I’ll learn to adjust.
However, unless the announcement happens today or even sometime next week, I would favor the possibility of somebody with NBA coaching experience to be the next Thunder coach. In fact, be aware of how long the San Antonio Spurs are still competing in the playoffs.
I know it’s considered a pipedream, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of a possibility of the Thunder landing Gregg Popovich, especially if Tim Duncan announces he is retiring. It is widely known the relationship Presti has with the Spurs, and Thunder chairman of ownership Clay Bennett LOVES Popovich.
Call me crazy, but until the official announcement is made, I’ll keep dreaming.
Randy Travis speaks openly about God’s Grace
I read the letter country singer Randy Travis wrote to fans after the ACM Awards Show. I wasn’t aware of him suffering a stroke. I’m not an avid country music fan, so I don’t keep up with that social news.
It is great that he was introduced during the Sunday night broadcast after the singing of his popular song “Forever and Ever Amen.” In response, Travis penned his appreciation. You can read the full letter here.
While addressing his letter, this is my weekly emphasis of the Gospel being shared. Travis said he “gained a greater understanding of God’s grace.” Later he wrote about “God’s amazing grace.”
I am encouraged by Travis’ words. To speak openly and clearly about how powerful God’s grace is, especially after his experience, should cause more than a response of sentiment. May God use this letter for further understanding of many to His wonderful grace and the saving power of His Gospel message.
A conversation with an LGBT affiliate
Yesterday, I received a phone call from a media member who is doing a follow-up story about the “Gospel, Sexuality and the Church” conference in early March, hosted by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The gentleman mentioned who he represented, and I initially presumed he was planning to paint a negative picture of the conference.
He said he watched the videos of the sessions from the conference that are featured on www.bgco.org, and he pointed out he viewed the breakout session that I moderated, “What to Do When a Loved One Says ‘I’m Gay.’”
I was grateful to hear him speak positively about the session. He said he also found Russell Moore’s opening sermon at the conference to be encouraging.
Our conversation was professional and positive. There was an understanding that we both represent groups that have opposite views, but it does not mean we had to be argumentative, even disagreeable.
I have no idea what his story will present. I pray it will be reflective of the conversation we shared.
Read Moore’s blog post on Bruce Jenner
Speaking of Russell Moore, you need to read his blog post that went up today, “What Should the Church Say to Bruce Jenner?” on Moore to the Point.
All of it is powerful, as Moore comes through, yet again, on the best way to approach this popular social issue. But this is one of my favorite parts:
“The hope for Bruce Jenner, and for others like him, is not to alter the body with surgery or to flood their system with hormones. The answer is to realize that all of us are born alienated from what we were created to be. We don’t need to fix what happened in our first birth; we need a new birth altogether.”
Pray for Marriage
Next week is when the Supreme Court begins to hear arguments on same-sex marriage. As I mentioned previously, I hope you will consider to set aside time to pray specifically for this trial at 9 a.m. CST on April 28. You can read more about this emphasis here.
I’m off to the “Rewired” Men’s Retreat at Falls Creek. If you’re going too, I hope to see you there!
This week was a heavy one. Observing Tax Day and the end of the season for the Thunder were two heavy experiences for me personally. We also pay tribute this weekend to the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Building here in Oklahoma City.
Of course, I should point out that today is of personal significance. On April 17, 2006, Karen and I observed our first date. I asked her to go with me to mail my taxes. She now jokingly says she was worth .29 cents, the price of a stamp. A month and a year later, we were married. Sometimes, guys, it’s not in the extravagant but in the creative that can win her over.
And on that piece of advice, here are my thoughts on six timely topics.
No more Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder ended the 2014-15 season this week with a commanding win over Minnesota. I mentioned last week that I hoped for OKC to play strong in the four remaining games, and the Thunder gave valiant effort, despite losing one at Indiana.
I confess, it still hurts, even though I realize OKC probably would have gotten swept by Golden State in the first round. It hurts because this season had great potential for the Thunder, but the abundance of injuries took the wind out of their sails and caused an unbelievable setback.
I have great hope for next season. The roster is stronger, I believe, than it has ever been for the Thunder. Russell Westbrook is now playing at a higher level; Kevin Durant should recover from his foot ailment, and all the new players who came on board this season will have a full training camp experience this fall.
Don’t believe the garbage about the Thunder getting rid of Coach Brooks. Don’t fall for the trap in idle talk of Durant leaving the team after next year. I wrote about this wasted discussion last year, and my conclusion remains the same: enjoy KD while he is here, and let the future take care of itself.
So that’s that, Thunder fans. Grit through this year’s NBA Playoffs, and be encouraged knowing there’s great aspirations for next season.
Grace revealed in Aaron Hernandez’s trial
Former New England tight end Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder this week. This comes as no surprise to anybody who is familiar with this nationally-prominent case.
But one unexpected response came from Ursula Ward, the mother of the victim. This gracious woman had her moment in court, sharing memories of her son Odin Lloyd. Then she made a statement that even the most faithful Christian would be surprised to hear in that setting:
“I forgive the hands of the people who had a hand in my son’s murder, even before or after,” she said.
I know the national media won’t highlight these powerful words to the level in which they should be analyzed. But for a mother to express forgiveness to the one who murdered her son goes beyond natural tendencies.
“Here, in her hour of built-up tumult and longstanding grief, she forgave … forgave a big, rich pro athlete who didn’t have the decency to express a hint of acknowledgement at her words, at her pain, at her absolution,” reported Dan Wetsel of Yahoo Sports.
Gospel revealed in Aaron Hernandez’s trial
Ursula Ward expressing forgiveness and Wetsel’s description of her testimony gives this week’s example of the Gospel in action. As I’ve previously shared, I am spending a few weeks emphasizing the Gospel, and, as always, I welcome your feedback. If you experienced a demonstration of the Gospel, please let me know. There’s no greater message that needs to be shared than the life-changing message of the Gospel.
“In human experience it is a rare thing for one man to give his life for another, even if the latter be a good man, though there have been a few who have had the courage to do it. Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us” Rom. 5:7-8 (Phillips)
“While we were sinners” is an amazing description to pull out of this passage. Wetsel said Ward forgave Hernandez, though the football player did not acknowledge how great this favor was being shown to him. Yet, it is only a glimpse of the act God displayed for humanity and His willingness to offer salvation to those who will believe.
Remembering April 19, 1995
I was living in Virginia when the bombing of the Oklahoma City Murrah Building occurred. Knowing I grew up in OKC, many friends called me that morning, asking if I had any family members affected.
No family members were harmed, but I knew a married couple who were members of my church who died in the bombing. They actually went that day to apply for Social Security, as the husband was retiring.
If I remember correctly, everyone from a 30-mile radius felt the bombing occur. Mom told me she felt it from her office at church, and she thought it was down the street at the construction of Kilpatrick Turnpike (approximately 20 miles from the bombing). Dad was at home (approximately 15 miles from the bombing), and he thought the water heater inside our house blew up.
Many can recall what they were doing that day and how that dreadful tragedy shook the city and impacted the nation. Other tragedies would follow, but the result of this horrible experience caused the world to witness how Oklahoma would respond.
God equipped many to help rebuild and recover, and many went on to help others who experienced future disasters, including New York after 9/11.
“He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (II Cor. 1:4).
Christian George on “Spurgeon Almost Quit”
I had the privilege of meeting Christian George last year. He is an amazing young man who I believe may be the most proficient historian on the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon. He is now at Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, but last year at the “Rewired” Men’s Retreat at Falls Creek, he led a breakout session about the man known as the “Prince of Preachers.”
Earlier this week, he wrote an article “Spurgeon Almost Quit,” and I remember him telling this story during last year’s breakout session. If you have a chance to read any of George’s articles or hear him speak in person, you should be as impressed as I am with his knowledge and presentation.
My mom and Mama Durant
The new video promoting the Mother’s Day Offering for Baptist Village Communities and Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children features Kevin Durant’s mother Wanda Pratt. You should watch this and be impressed with the testimony Ms. Wanda shares.
Pay close attention around the 3-min mark of the video, as you will see my mother who spent three months at the Rehab Neighborhoods at BV OKC. Mom is having a good time, wearing her Thunder shirt and laughing with Ms. Wanda.
Another week, another DHD. My intro will be short so you can take in the six topics below.
Pray for Marriage
A major case will go before the Supreme Court, beginning April 28. What is on trial is how this nation is to observe marriage, an institution that was neither created by government nor has within its purpose the ability to define a person’s rights. However, the highest court in the land will be making a ruling of whether or not this sacred union can be redefined under an interpretation of equal rights.
Russell Moore and the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is asking for people to commit to praying on April 28 at 9 a.m. CST, which is the scheduled time for oral arguments to begin. Also, consider promoting #PrayforMarriage on your forms of social media and use the avatar below:
“The outcome of this decision will shape the landscape of the church’s ministry in the United States for generations to come; and it will have significant consequences on the future of religious liberty,” said Moore.
Please consider being a part of many across the country who can make a difference by fervently praying, and let’s see God move through the answering of our prayers and begin a spiritual awakening through this pivotal time.
Unexpected Support for the Indiana Pizza Place
It’s been spread through the media about the owners of Memories Pizza, a small restaurant in Indiana, who are facing going out of business after expressing to a reporter they would not cater a same-sex wedding.
An article was brought to my attention about Courtney Hoffman, a woman professing to be gay who donated $20 and joined thousands of other supporters in a financial campaign to help the owners of the pizzeria. Why did she do it?
“My girlfriend and I are small business owners, and we think there is a difference between operating in a public market space and then attaching the name of your business to a private event,” she said. “Like, if we were asked to set up at an anti-gay marriage rally, I mean, we would have to decline.”
Russell Moore went on many TV news shows last week expressing similar scenarios to what Hoffman shared about business owners participating in functions that would be against their consciences.
Why is it that Ms. Hoffman understands, yet Apple, Wal Mart, Angie’s List and other businesses do not?
Also, something else she said that I appreciated: “I just think there’s a lot of room for differences and similarities between all of these businesses, all of these communities, and if we can remember that differences don’t equal maliciousness, and try to find what we have in common — you know, the ands instead of the ors. Maybe we can move beyond threats of violence and have open discussions of the things that we don’t agree on.”
That part of having open discussions is huge. This is where the Gospel can have an impact.
Speaking of the Gospel…
As I mentioned last week, I’m going to spend a few weeks making an emphasis about what is the Gospel. Have you thought about how you would answer the question “What is the Gospel?” Again I welcome any feedback.
In the above topic about Ms. Hoffman having open discussions of the things we don’t agree on, these are opportunities Christians need to seek. The Gospel, not our opinions or perspectives, is what needs to be revealed when such opportunities occur. It’s not about proving someone wrong and trying to win a debate.
See Jesus and the woman at the well for a case study (John 4).
Dave Bliss: Another example of the Gospel
Earlier this week, Dave Bliss was named the men’s basketball coach at Southwestern Christian University, a small NAIA school in Bethany, Okla. If you are not familiar with Bliss, the last time he coached at the collegiate level was at Baylor in 2003.
Long story short, he inappropriately paid, by NCAA standards, for one of his players to attend Baylor. The player was shot and killed, and Bliss made a false accusation about the player in order to cover up his NCAA violation. When his actions were publicly revealed, nobody expected Bliss to coach another college team ever again.
This week, however, the unexpected happened, and the former OU, SMU and New Mexico coach will be on the sidelines for SCU this fall.
So how does the Gospel fit this situation? Read a comment made by Jim Poteet, SCU athletic consultant, featured in Berry Tramel’s column:
“In the world I live in as a Christian, the reason God gave his life for me, he gave me grace. Why wouldn’t I as a Christian want to give grace to someone else who has definitely shown that they want to be a different person than they were before?”
Do you want to understand the Gospel? Do you want to see how it can be demonstrated through humanity? Dave Bliss returning to college coaching is a small example, and what Poteet expressed is a big example.
Westbook’s Generosity
I am a fan of Russell Westbrook. I love watching him play, and I appreciate the view I have of watching him at every Thunder home game.
Not everybody shares my appreciation. Earlier this season, Westbrook acted like a jerk when addressing the media during postgame interviews. In the past, he has had temperamental moments on the sidelines. These incidences would be why some don’t share my fondness.
I won’t make excuses for his downfalls. I wish they didn’t happen, and maybe he’s improving in this aspect of P.R.
Earlier this week, Westbrook gave away the car he received for winning MVP honors at this year’s NBA All-Star Game. The benefactor was a 19-year-old mother of two young boys.
Does this generous act overcome his rude behavior of the past? Probably not, but maybe God will use such graciousness to impact this young lady as well as her children. I don’t recall past MVP winners giving away their awards to the underprivileged. Perhaps Westbrook started a trend.
How will the Thunder end the season?
Westbrook and his teammates are still in contention to make the NBA Playoffs. A popular debate is whether or not it would be better for the Thunder to go into the postseason, or should the team hang it up and take the chance of a high lottery draft pick?
Based on their last outing, losing 113-88 to the Spurs, it’s a growing opinion of OKC foregoing the playoffs since the squad doesn’t appear to be competitive and may be ready to rest up for next season.
Here’s what I want to see in the Thunder’s final four regular-season games. I want them to be as competitive as they possibly can be. I don’t want them to obtain a loser’s mentality.
All four games are winnable, even with the Thunder’s injury-plagued condition. OKC has a better record than three of the teams they face. The other team is Portland who the Thunder face at home, and the Trailblazers have all but wrapped up their playoff ranking (fifth I think?) with no chance of improving, which means their motivation to win the game may be low.
Maybe the Thunder only win one; maybe they win all four. But if they battle throughout these last four games, that could still produce enough motivational juice going into next season. And with this current roster experiencing an injury-free season, I like the Thunder’s chances to claim an NBA title in 2016.
Have a great weekend! And keep looking for ways the Gospel is revealed!
I have been following Matt Moore for awhile. He has a great story to tell, one that relates well to those who identify with the homosexual community. Matt has a solid perspective, and it appears he is growing in his spiritual walk, having converted in 2010 and is now serving at a Southern Baptist church in Louisiana.
I want to share an interview he did with Michael Easley on his show “inContext.” It is 25 minutes, but the content is great if you have time to listen to it. I appreciate Matt’s desire to serve God in the Christian church and to share a message that is unpopular but necessary for today.
