The Passion of The Christ:

Last night we went to see Mel Gibson's controversial new film on its opening night. So much has been written elsewhere, I would't begin to expand on it; just journal my reaction:

For 2 hours my eyes were glued to the big screen and my thoughts to a singular verse:

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The 'endured' part was stark. But through it we glimpse the 'joy' part... our compelling hope.

Jesus the Christ loved us that much... and for no apparent reason. How awesome this 'joy', for those who put their trust in Him.

I cannot wait to see my Savior face to face.

So much going on now in Indy -- so little time to type...

Our "Crossroads Connection" -- COLLABORATIVE e-newsweekly tells tons of it, so I won't repeat it here.

An interesting side note though -- I got two quick responses as the e-newsweekly went out. One from an office-guy in the national office of a significant ministry... taking me to task for emailing it to them without 'permission'. It's a ministry we've helped a ton over the years, and I'm awaiting his reconsideration before telling you which ministry it is.

But the second ministry is a mega-ministry here in Indy, writing me to tell us how great they think the collaborative e-newsletter is and what how important it is to help build connections like that.

Thanks God, for providing an encouragement like that at just the right time. And in the future, may I somehow figure out how to encourage many, without alienating any.

Governor's Prayer Breakfast:

No mention of the God-man, Jesus: no prayers in His name... no mention in Lloyd Ogilvie's talk, no direct mentions in the songs sung... just miniature hints at him... at best.

Our self-sacrificing God is incompetently referenced without mention of His transforming sacrifice at history's pivot point. Anything less is only 'god'. And no amount of obligatory references to 'god' is sufficient to overcome the insult to His name.... "I AM".

Borrowing from Cornelius Van Til: "The God of Christianity cannot meet these requirements of the autonomous man. "

Yet... reflecting inwardly... how many days go by that I fail to adequately tell others of this God-man, Jesus?