The Inner-War of Man...

There's a place in the darkness that I used to cling to it presses harsh hope against time
In the absence of martyrs there's a presence of thieves who only want to rob you blind
They steal away any sense of peace though I'm a king I'm a king on my knees
And I know they are wrong when they say I am strong As the darkness covers me

Chorus-
So turn on the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid
To bare all my weakness knowing in meekness
I have a kingdom to gain
Where there is peace and love in the light, in the light
Oh I am not afraid
To let Your light shine bright in my life, in my life
Oh I... am, I...

There are ghosts from my past who've owned more of my soul than I thought I had given away
They linger in closets and under my bed and in pictures less proudly displayed
A great fool in my life I have been have squandered till pallid and thin
Hung my head in shame and refused to take blame for the darkness I know I've let win

(Chorus)
Can you hear me? (repeat 6x)

Well I've never been much for the baring of soul in the presence of any man
I'd rather keep to myself all safe and secure in the arms of a sinner I am
Could it be that my worth should depend by the crimson stained grace on a hand
And like a lamp on a hill Lord I pray in Your will to reveal all of You that I can

(Chorus)
There's a place in the darkness that I used to cling to
It presses harsh hope against time...
-Jennifer Knapp, Song "Martyrs and Thieves", Kansas CD

Can anyone out there relate??? This is me...point blank. Pondering God's grace and my own wretchedness is a very sobering endeavor.

Ever felt like a soldier with limbs missing on the beachhead trying to fight and having no more bullets, no gun, no armor, no way to save yourself? Then feeling the Holy Spirit pick you up, put you on His shoulder, turn His back to the enemy so their bullets hit Him while he carries back to safety so you can be restored and sent back into battle? This is the Christian life...the way of the Barbarian...welcome to the battle...engage!

You can find this song on Youtube. It's amazingly accurate...

Just for laughs...

Dana Carvey - Tom Brokaw, John Mccain, Barack Hussein Obama



Pablo Francisco - "Little Tortilla Boy"

Christian Tattoo Artists

This is Seattle tattoo artist and shop owner Damon Conklin. Scary dude, right? Think again.
He's an evangelical Christian who uses tattoos as a form of religious expression.

Christian tattoo shops are gaining a lot momentum these days. Some of the artwork being done is fantastic. But not all would agree that tattoos on Christians is OK, right?

So I'm asking what you think.

Should Christians get tattoos?

Is any scripture violated by getting them?

What message is sent by Christians who get them or have them, like myself?

To read the full article on the tattoo artist above click here! I could be wrong, but I believe he goes to Mars Hill.

My Kingdom Is Not of This World...

So where do we go from here? As a nation? As a people? As Christians? As Americans?

Much has been written about John McCain's pick for Vice-President, Sarah Palin. She's the current Governor of Alaska, card carrying member of the NRA, Hunter, Fisher(woman), Wife, and mother of five. To say she's busy is an understatement. Much like my own wife!

Much of what I've read and heard as been either high-praise or great disappointment, with a little "not sure yet." What has surprised me however is that many Christians who I admire and respect are viewing this election and McCain's pick from the same paradigm as the Non-Christians. Should we be doing this? Is there a better alternative view to understanding this election and our current political landscape? I think so.

As Christians let us always remember our dual citizenship. We are simultaneously citizens of the United States of America and citizens of the Kingdom of God. So the big "E" on the eye chart is whether or not the Kingdom of God exists within the realm of this world or a world to come? How you answer this question I believe will determine how you vote in this election. And remember, I'm addressing Christians here, not all people in general.

The way I see it, American Christians have an obligation to vote because God determined to allow us to be born and live in such a time as this. As Adrian Rogers once said, "It is inconceivable to think that God would establish government and then tell His people to stay away from it." I agree, and so should you. Remember God's sovereignty, He knew who would be on the two tickets come this November when it's time for His people to cast their votes. God isn't surprised by McCain's pick like we were. A good Calvinist would say God chose Sarah Palin and not John McCain. Just like God chose Deborah to be Prophetess and Mother over Israel to bring shame to a man named Barak who refused to lead the nation to battle without her joining him. Hmmm, isn't there a Barak in today's picture as well?

So in determining your choice come this Novemeber keep some things in mind as you go to the voting booth:

• As a citizen of America, whick ticket will better seek the prosperity of our nation?
• As a citzen of the Kingdom of God, which ticket will be more likely to be a friend to Evangelical Christians so that we may better continue to fulfill the great commision and harvet as many souls as possible for the Kingdom?
• As a citizen of both, which ticket will seek to promote the sanctity of life which is of utmost importance in the Kingdom of God, and should be as well to any nation seeking God's guidance and blessing?
• Remember, sometimes a foolish man needs an intelligent woman to intercede for him and the nation he serves. (1 Samuel 25:3 "Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite.") Read all 1 Samuel 25 when you're able to!
• Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, the Obama/Biden ticket wouldn't exist!
• Make the best decision for America as a citizen of this nation, and continue to make the best decisions for the Church as a citizen of God's Kingdom!
• Whoever is elected, the church still has their work cut out for them, continuing the mission of God!

For some good thoughts to consider, read Doug Wilson's article on this subject that reminded me of the things I wrote about. He's always a good voice in the wilderness!

"Give Me Your Eyes" - 9-11 Tribute by Brandon Heath