Troy's Story

Article: Being Authentic

2011-09-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

It seems that Christians are not the only people struggling with issues of authenticity (i.e., Authentic Christianity). The word authentic is gaining popularity with broadcasters and politicians. Enjoy this fun and observant article from the New York Times.

"Authenticity seems to be the value of the moment, rolling off the tongues of politicians, celebrities, Web gurus, college admissions advisers, reality television stars. In recent months it’s been cited by the likes of Katie Couric (“I think I love to be my authentic self,” she said on CBS); Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (“I believe in being as authentic as possible,” she told Glamour magazine); former Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania (who on Fox described himself as “being authentic”), even Pope Benedict XVI (more on that in a moment)." (Continue here.)

Week #2 - Between Showers - 1914 - Charlie Chaplin

2011-09-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of Chaplin's early hits.

Week #2 - Life of an American Fireman - 1903

2011-09-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

Another Edwin Porter classic.

Week #2 - The Great Train Robbery - 1903 - Edwin Porter

2011-09-07T22:02:00.001-07:00

Video: The History of Copyright Law

2011-09-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

This funny and visual video will walk you through the origins of copyright law. Worth the watch.

Video: Chipotle + Green Farming + Cold Play & Willie Nelson = Amazing Video

2011-09-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

I truly enjoyed this creative video from Chipotle. Sure, it's a two minute commercial for the restaurant chain, but it's extremely creative, moving, and worth watching. This is a wonderful example of visual storytelling. There is zero dialogue yet you connect emotionally with the protagonist. The experience is enhanced by the Willie Nelson cover of Coldplay's "The Scientist". Watch and enjoy!

(Feel free to let me know what you think.)

Video: Three Pros regarding the covenant of marriage.

2011-08-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Piper, Carson, and Keller on Sustaining the Covenant of Marital Love from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Video: News story for Camp Erin

2011-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

I produced this video for the 2008 Camp Erin held near Big Bear, CA. It was picked up by the local news agency Instant Riverside. I shot it on a Panasonic DVX-100b. I also wrote and edited it.

Blog: Most Unreached People Groups are Illiterate

2011-08-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Desiring God recently wrote:

Over 70 percent of the world’s population consists of people who are oral learners — people who cannot or do not read. Most of the world’s unreached and unengaged people groups are preliterate. They are primarily oral learners who cannot read or write the language that they speak — often because their language has not yet been reduced to writing. Their lives are lived out in an oral fashion. They learn about events in their world, form their opinions, share knowledge, and entertain one another using only the spoken word.

Conclusion:

Our faithfulness to the Great Commission calls us to learn new ways of communicating the Word that are intelligle to those who sit in darkness. We must love the world's least reached peoples enough to share the gospel with them in ways they can understand. It's then when pagans will be won, believers will be discipled, pastors will be equipped, and the church will expand for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Article: Take back the liberal arts

2011-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Too often, liberal arts courses aren't attuned to undergraduates looking for a broader understanding of the world but toward professor's narrow interests.

Los Angeles Times Link

Blog: The Double-Reach of Self-Righteousness

2011-08-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Double-Reach of Self-Righteousness

Challenging words from Tullian Tchividjian.

Video: Harvest Crusade 2011 Promo

2011-08-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I worked as a field producer conducting the interviews you'll see in the first two minutes of this video. We shot back in March in Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Our shooters were my brother, Noah, and Chris Banning. They were shooting with the Canon 5D.

Video: Beautiful Time Lapse Videography of L.A.

2011-08-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Justin Bleeker shared this beautiful time lapse videography on his Facebook page. I thought you'd enjoy watching it as well. It was shot on a Canon 5D and 7D.

LA Light from Colin Rich on Vimeo.

Article: Christianity without Christ?

2011-08-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

A recent article by the BBC entitled "Dutch rethink Christianity for a doubting world" focused on a pastor in The Netherlands who "can offer his congregation little hope of life after death". His church is a member of a "mainstream Protestant church" where they sing hymns and read the bible, but he does not believe that "God exists at all as a supernatural thing." In fact, he believes that Jesus "may never have existed".

So how can a Christian church teach that there wasn't really a Christ or God? Perhaps the following quote might help us understand this strange reality. Another church in Holland is trying to reach young people. One of it's coordinators says

"The Church has to be alert to what is going on in society," he says. "It has to change to stay Christian. You can't preach heaven in the same way today as you did 2,000 years ago, and we have to think again what it is. We can use the same words and say something totally different."

This is Post-Modern thinking at its best, yet, it is not new thinking. Paul warned Timothy to stay away from people who "[have] a form of godliness, but [deny] the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:5)

You can not have Christianity without a living Christ. Paul told the Corinthians that "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (2 Corinthians 15:14)

This biblical truth is contradicted by Dutch pastor Klaas Hendrikse who says, "You don't have to believe that Jesus was physically resurrected".

Christ is the Cornerstone of the Christian faith. There is no "alternative" way of looking at it. Believe that Christ lived a perfect life, died on the cross absorbing God's wrath, and rose again conquering death and sin. Or don't believe it. If Jesus wasn't the Christ, there is absolutely no point to follow a faith that is based on a fictional or finite character. As Paul said, it is extremely vain. There is absolutely no purpose.

Let's pray for the churches in The Netherlands and around the world who deny the living Christ. May they "see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Corinthians 4:4)

BLOG: Naugles Lives On

2011-08-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Naugles Lives On: This fellow blogger shares my passion for good food - especially Mexican food! This particular article is about a restaurant that still uses the original recipes from the old Naugles restaurant.

Article: Is Church Membership Biblical?

2011-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article explaining the biblical nature of church membership by Pastor Matt Chandler. Like him, I grew up in a church context that did not emphasize membership. I had many of the same questions that he had regarding church membership. If you aren't committed to a church, this article will gently explain the biblical call to "submit" to a local church. We don't like commitment in our modern world, but let me say it is a true blessing to belong to a local church.

Link to Pastor Matt Chandler's article.

Words "carry the freight of truth and beauty"

2011-07-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

"I love words. I rarely think of them as efficient, but as precious. God made them to carry the freight of truth and beauty. Nothing is more valuable than God’s truth and beauty." John Piper

Often in the field of communication you hear that words are "symbolic". Though this is a true statement, many post-modern thinkers deconstruct this reality to the point of nonsense. They would argue that words can mean whatever you want them to mean. Since there is no true reality, you can bend them and shape them any way you want.

Yet, language was created by God to "carry the freight of truth and beauty." I love how Piper expresses this reality. You can almost picture the "train" of words traveling out of our mouths loaded with meaning and message. Regardless of what language you speak, words are connected with the ideas and concepts that represent the way we view the world.

Naturally, we don't know how to speak of "beauty and truth" in a God honoring manner. The Proverbs say, "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things." As harsh as this sounds, we are all born into sin and fall in the category of "the wicked." Unfortunately, we don't see ourselves as wicked people. Thanks to Hollywood, "the wicked" often look like horned creatures with blood dripping from their mouths. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches "we have all fallen short of the glory of God" and that "none are righteous." Romans chapter three explains why this is considered "wicked" and "evil" - because "no one seeks God" on their own. Sure, we are religious and spiritual creatures, but only to the end of pleasing ourselves and not God.

Romans three addresses how this "wickedness" affects our words.

"Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

This does not mean that someone who does not know Christ does not see and recognize beauty and truth. It does mean, however, that they fail to see that it comes from God. As it says in verse 11, "No one understands; no one seeks for God."

The Christian does not arrogantly state that only we can see "beauty and truth", however, by God's grace, we are able to give God the glory for such things. We seek to load our words with meaning and understanding that honors God. Do we always succeed in doing so? Unfortunately, we don't. But when our words "fall short of the glory of God" and are derailed, we should quickly look to the "author and finisher" of our faith for forgiveness and direction. He is the source of all good things - even words.

Article: How the drugs of the 60s changed art

2011-07-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't read all of this yet, but it looks interesting.

Article Link

Slamdance Trailer Contest

2011-07-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Slamdance Film Festival (yes, I used to work for the festival) has launched a new contest to help develop their new trailer for next year's event. You must submit your "pitch" by August 31, 2011. The winning idea will be turned into a one minute trailer that will play before each movie at the festival in January. You will also receive a year’s supply of Good Health Natural Foods products.

For more information, click here.

Article: Find Your Creative Groove

2011-07-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Find Your Creative Groove - Todd Henry - Harvard Business Review

This is a great article focused on how to generate creative ideas and a challenge for myself - set aside time to develop ideas.

I'm Back!

2011-07-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well over two and a half years ago I stopped blogging. I'm not sure why I stopped. Part of it was due to the fact that my family and I went through a rough year. Several close family members died. I changed jobs. We bought a house. Then we had a new baby. We were busy with life.

Through it all, the Lord was faithful to watch over us. We never lost our hope in Christ and we could honestly say we "rejoiced with hope" that he was being glorified.

Nevertheless, I stopped writing.

I also think there was another reason. I began to use Facebook back in the summer of 2008. I have to admit I like Facebook. I know there is a lot of discussion as to the benefits of social networking. I believe it is a tool and like any tool it can be used for good or bad. I think for the most part, I've used it well.

That said, I limited myself to the world of what I will call "status update blogging". You often have instant feed back and you don't have to spend a lot of time writing. But I am a writer and I am itching to write more than my status update will allow me to do.

I also want to be able to find articles and video links that I post. On Facebook, these links are quickly lost due to the constant strata being developed by each update. I believe my blog will allow me to archive these things so I can find them for future use. I also want them to be a resource for my readers (especially my students).

So, I'm back!

A Good Cousin; A Good Friend

2009-01-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

I miss my cousin Mark. I hope to write more later, but as for now, I will miss his presence on this earth. I am encouraged to know that the "living hope" he had in Jesus Christ has brought him safely into heaven. Praise the Lord for God's mercy.

Goodbye Mark!

This is a picture someone posted on his memorial blog. It was taken when I graduated from CBC (now CBU) in 1996. Mark is to the left of me and my dad and brother David are to the right.

Still Praying for Mark

2008-12-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Summer before last, Mark played on our soccer team. It was so much fun to get to see him, Angie, and Nolan every week. I pray that by God's mercy he can join us on the soccer field some summer evening when the air is hot, the friendship is warm, and days last long into the night. Godspeed my cousin!

www.prayforthelamberths.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR MARK

2008-12-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

My dear cousin Mark has been hurt very badly in a dirt bike accident. Please pray that the Lord will do a miracle to heal him. Please pray for his wife and 6 year old son as well. Most importantly, please pray that the Lord Jesus will be glorified in this time!

I Miss My Grandpa (for the time being)

2008-12-09T00:08:00.001-08:00

As many of you have heard, my grandpa died a couple of weeks ago. He was 88 years old. I have such fond memories of visiting him and my grandma in Oregon. I loved my grandma's cooking and my grandpa's tracker rides.

I stumbled across some photos tonight we took when we last visited in Oregon three years ago. It was a lovely Christmas with our family. We assumed this might be our last trip to their home. We were sadly right.

Last year my grandma fell, breaking her hip, and my grandpa began to slowly decline. My mom had to go and care for her and my grandpa for nearly 3 months. My aunt, dad, and mom ended up bringing them to Riverside the day Jackson was born. Little did I know that Jackson's first year of life would be my grandpa's last.

We were in Sacramento last week for his funeral. I spoke about Paul's words in 1 Cor. 15 about how death has no sting for those who hope in Jesus Christ. My grandpa trusted Christ as his savior. His faith wasn't futile. Christ does save sinners. What great comfort there is in these words. And what great hope that one day in eternity I will be worshiping my creator and look over to see my grandpa doing the same thing!

Here are a few precious photos:

The Fastest Year of My Life

2008-11-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

Jackson will be one in about 6 hours. This time last year, Melissa had just received her epidural and we were settling into a long night of controlled contractions and passionate pushing. (I don't know if Melissa would quite use the word "settling".) And at about 5:48am on November 7, our little boy was born much to our great joy.

It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I will never forget it. Truly it seems like only a few weeks ago now. It's interesting how long those first few weeks felt due to our lack of sleep, and now I'm saying it went so fast.

I've learned a few things this year. Here are four:

1. The Lord gives us kids to teach us how much we need Christ.

2. How absolutely blessed I am to have married Melissa.

3. That coffee can be a man's little helper when the Grim Sleeper won't leave you alone.

4. A little boy's smile and hug can make all the troubles of a day disappear.

Happy Birthday Jackson! May the Lord bless you with many more.

Pro-Obama = Pro-Abortion

2008-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Justin Taylor posted the following on his blog today. I believe he is 100% correct. If you are a Christian and you believe life begins at conception, you must read the following and ask the Lord for wisdom. Tomorrow's vote is critical on so many levels; most importantly concerning the lives of unborn children.

He writes: I want to plead with fellow evangelicals to recognize that this is a watershed election with regard to abortion. Barack Obama has promised to make signing the Freedom of Choice Act his first order of business in the White House--and with a Democratic Congress, he will be able to make this happen.

The Knights of Columbus recently catalogued the many small successes achieved in the pro-life political process since 1973:

The Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions;

The federal law banning partial birth abortions, which was finally upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in April 2007;

The “Mexico City Policy,” which has barred the use of federal taxpayers’ money to pay for abortions in other countries;

Laws in 44 states that preserve a parental role when children under 18 seek abortions;

Laws in 40 states that restrict late-term abortions;

Laws in 46 states that protect the right of conscience for individual health care providers;

Laws in 27 states that protect the right of conscience for institutions;

Laws in 38 states that ban partial birth abortions;

Laws in 33 states that require counseling before having an abortion;

And laws in 16 states that provide for ultrasounds before an abortion.

With a stroke of the pen, all of these would be gone.I am under no illusions that electing John McCain will necessarily lead to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. But I do believe that McCain would be a good pro-life president, I know that McCain would veto the radical FOCA, and I know that Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion candidate to ever run for president.I believe evangelicals should care deeply--though not idolatrously--about this election, and that they should do what they can to stop, or at least slow, the slaughter of the innocent. Voting is one of the things you can do. I encourage you to do it, and to do so with a view toward the weakest and most defenseless members of the human race--3,700 of whom are being killed every single day in the United States.

I Like Obama, But I'm Not Voting For Him

2008-10-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

I think Barack Obama would be an interesting guy to share a pint with and talk about world issues. He seems like a nice guy and I know my little boy would enjoy playing with his daughters. I also would like to move America forward regarding race and have a "black" president. That said, I also believe he would understand why I am not voting for him.

I'm not one to buy into fear. I hate demonetization. I enjoy a true exchange of ideas. With that said, I want to encourage those of you who plan on voting for Barack Obama to consider the following info.

If you have an open mind, please consider this fact.

An Obama Administration will have no checks and balances for at least two years. The senator with the most liberal voting record in congress will now lead the executive branch. The senate and house will be controlled by the Democrats and be lead by two of it's most liberal thinkers -Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article concerning the issue of "A Liberal Supermajority" on October 17. They open with this disturbing thought :

Though we doubt most Americans realize it, this would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on.

They go on to detail some of the "changes" we might see.

* Universal Healthcare - "Like Medicare or the Canadian system, this would never be repealed."

* Financial Over-Regulation - "The danger is that Democrats could cause the economic downturn to last longer than it otherwise will by enacting regulatory overkill"

* Higher Taxes - "Taxes will rise substantially, the only question being how high."

* Green Taxes - "A tax-and-regulation scheme in the name of climate change is a top left-wing priority.

* Free speech and voting rights - "A liberal supermajority would move quickly to impose procedural advantages that could cement Democratic rule for years to come." Here's an actual quote from Obama:

"I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors," Barack Obama told a crowd in Elko, Nev. "I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face."

Michael Barone's article entitled "The Coming Liberal Thugocracy" details this chilling thought in The Washington Times.

* Unrestricted Abortion - The journal doesn't talk about this, but Obama has promised Planned Parenthood that the first bill he will sign into law will be the Freedom of Choice Act. It is a bill that would invalidate virtually every federal and state limitation on abortion, including all parental notification and consent laws, waiting periods, and limitations on public funding of abortion. You can hear Obama make his promise here.

The Aricle ends with this thought:
In both 1933 and 1965, liberal majorities imposed vast expansions of government that have never been repealed, and the current financial panic may give today's left another pretext to return to those heydays of welfare-state liberalism. Americans voting for "change" should know they may get far more than they ever imagined.

The Truth About Palin' Around With Palin

2008-10-13T22:07:00.001-07:00

Yep! We were that close.

No, we never heard anyone make a threat towards Obama.

Isn't it interesting that "The Media" quickly caught on to one reporter in PA who said he heard one man yell "kill him" regarding Obama? Soon after, there were stories all over the radio and television saying how "divisive" and "angry" McCain/Palin rallies were becoming.

Yet those of us who have attended such events (we saw her speak in Carson, CA) never heard anything close to what these reporters were saying. We did chant "USA, USA, USA!". Is that divisive? We did chant "Drill Baby Drill". Is that angry? (The reality is that the Obama supporters who were protesting those of us waiting to get into the event were very rude, crude, angry, and embarassing.)

So, I felt a bit vindicated today when the Secret Service released their findings about this "threatening" rally. After interviewing over 20 people who were there, they found no one heard anyone yell "kill him". Upon asking the reporter what the man looked like who said this threat, he replied that he didn't see him, he only heard him. Isn't that special? You can read the article here.

I wonder if the media will report this reality as much as they did the false story from last week? Thank God we still have the freedom to report/blog truth.

Picture taken by T. Lamberth © 2008

I Ate Rattlesnake On Friday Night!

2008-09-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! It really does taste like chicken!!

What Happened to All of the Good TV Shows?

2008-09-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

I miss great shows like "Little House on the Prairie". Does every show have to be about scientific sexy cops who can solve life's mysteries while dating the hot model who lives next door?

Check out this video and let the memories of your childhood come flooding into your mind. You'll smile; I guarantee it!

Absolute Concert - July 31, 1993

2008-07-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago today we held the Absolute Concert in Shamel Park in Riverside. Featuring musical guests P.O.D., Rose, and Mike Stand, we had a couple of hundred people show up that day to listen to music and hear the gospel preached.

Man! Time sure does fly. I can't believe it's been that long. If anyone has pictures or stories to share about this event, please comment on my blog. Thanks!

Shaking Christianity?

2008-07-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

A recent article detailing an ancient, stone tablet that dates possibly 100 years before Christ has gain much interest. The article details how this three-foot tall tablet written in Hebrew talks about a "suffering messiah" and that he would "live after three days".

As a Christian, I find this very interesting. The reality is that Christ doesn't need validation from archeology, however, it is fascinating to find historical evidence to support the idea that some of the ancient Jews understood that the coming Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again on the third day. If you read the writings of Moses, Isaiah, David, and other prophets, you'll see that the coming Messiah's agenda wasn't to liberate Israel from it's occupiers, but rather to liberate them from their sins. And how might this Anointed One go about doing this? He would be the final and perfect sacrifice. He would die taking the wrath meant for sinners and rise again on the third day conquering death and Hell. (You can read an article by John Piper on Redemptive History and the Messiah here.)

But once again, so-called "experts" (see Justin Crandall's excellent blog on the subject of experts) are trying to retell and spin the story to make Christ seem illegitimate. Check out this quote from Israel Knohl - an expert in Talmudic and biblical language at Jerusalem's Hebrew University:

The idea of a "dying and rising messiah appears in some Jewish texts, but until now, everyone thought that was the impact of Christianity on Judaism," he says. "But for the first time, we have proof that it was the other way around. The concept was there before Jesus." If so, he goes on, "this should shake our basic view of Christianity. ... What happens in the New Testament [could have been] adopted by Jesus and his followers based on an earlier messiah story." (From Time.com)

Knohl is quoted in another article:

"Resurrection after three days becomes a motif developed before Jesus, which runs contrary to nearly all scholarship. What happens in the New Testament was adopted by Jesus and his followers based on an earlier messiah story." (From IHT.com)

This so-called expert, in a matter of a few sentences, makes a couple of very strong statements. He says this "should shake Christianity" and that this finding "runs contrary to nearly all scholarship". Those are bold and emphatic statements. He doesn't need to back them up. He's an expert. He finally has the spoking gun that just might put Christ out of his misery. After all, isn't Jesus really just a country boy who spun great yarns and made people feel good? And then those dang disciples and that rascally Paul got a hold of him and retold his story so many times that he ended up God. Now we can finally put Jesus to rest in his tomb along with Mary and Joseph and move on with our lives.

Okay. I digress. The reality is that not only does the bible support the idea of a suffering, dying, and rising from the dead Messiah, but most scholars prior to the 19th century would agree as well. (You can start your "scholarly" research here at monergism.com)

Interestingly enough, Jesus has already addressed this issue. He told the pharisees:

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. (John 5:39-40)

The scriptures he was referring to at the time were the very writings of the Old Testament that told of Himself. And yet they did not have the eyes to see or the ears to hear. And it wasn't like they were poor souls who really wanted truth, but couldn't find it. Jesus boldly said "you refuse to come to me".

The reality is that unless God opens these "experts" eyes, they will concoct and conclude misleading and damning statements about Christ because they are "refusing" to come to Christ. It's very tragic.

I sure do hope Israel Knohl reads John 5 and the Lord opens his eyes to see the amazing Messiah that came to die and rise again for sinners like him.

John 5:46-47
For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

All Around the World!

2008-04-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just checked my "Site Meter" and since April 1, people from all over the world have looked at my blog including Australia, Ireland, England, and Canada. I've even had hits from Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas. Amazing!

Do you know what seems to be the post that is getting the most hits? It's not about Jackson or my thoughts on the bible. It's one I did early last year about the lady with really long finger nails. Go figure!

So hello world. It's nice to meet you!

From Joy

2008-03-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

I was reading in Matthew last night and these two words jumped off of the page - From Joy! They're found in a very short parable that Jesus told in chapter 13 v. 44:

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and FROM JOY over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

I don't have time this morning to dig into this simple yet profound parable. I do, however, desire to live for Christ today because of the JOY I have found in him. He is my treasure. By his grace I "found" him so long ago and more and more I realize that there is nothing in this world's so called "treasury" that compares to the eternal treasure he is for me.

By his Grace and for his good pleasure I have joy in giving up the world and gaining Christ!

The Truth Will Set You Free

2008-02-27T00:35:00.001-08:00

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 31-32

This verse is quoted and misused so often in America. It's used by lawyers in the court room. It's used by advocates of "global warming". It's used by homosexuals enticing people to "come out of the closet".

Needless to say, the power found in these words is attractive to both Christian and non-Christian alike. But what did Jesus mean? Did he simply want people to confess whatever was true to them "out loud" and feel good about it?

We have to look at the context. Within this chapter of the book of John, Jesus is teaching about who he is and what his mission to the earth is all about. Though many were skeptical about Jesus' claims and words, verse 30 says that as he was teaching "many believed in him".

And it is to those "believers" that he challenges with this idea: true disciples will abide by his word. He doesn't tell them to earn their salvation. He doesn't tell them to practice rituals. He doesn't tell them to listen for a mystical whisper in their ears.

He tells them to abide by his word.
VS 31 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples"

This is the part that the world leaves out. They don't want to hear from Jesus. They're afraid he might enslave them to some ancient religion with rules and regulations. They'd much rather be "free" to define what "truth" is rather than having Jesus define it for them. By ignoring him, they believe they are "set free" from the constraints of Christ.

Yet it is ironic that Jesus himself says these people are slaves. He says in verse 34 that "everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." We know that the entire world is born into sin. Thus the entire world is enslaved to sin. The only chance anyone has to be set free from sin is by the power of Jesus Christ. Jesus puts it so well when he says "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (vs 36)".

There's great hope for sinners in this section of John chapter 8. If the Son decides to set you free from your sins, you will be set free. What Amazing Grace!

It makes perfect sense that Christ's disciples would abide by his word. We were dead in our sins and only heard the wanton words of the world. We were hell bound. We had no wisdom. We saw no light. Yet Christ broke through the darkness to shine his glory into our hearts. Paul puts it best when he says, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)."

True disciples revel in the gospel light. Like the first warm day after a cold, snow storm, Christ's ransomed people step out into the light and bask in it. We're set free from the cold, dead winter and are risen into the warm, life giving light. We don't scurry from it any more like rats or roaches. As John wrote in chapter 3, "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light." This was once our reaction to Christ, but now it is so different.

We want to hear his word. We want to be near him. We expect him to be in every aspect of our lives. We are set free from our sins and forever enslaved to him. But it's not an evil slavery. Jesus describes it best when he says, "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt. 11:30)."

To be set free from one's sin is the greatest liberty we can ever know for it is the one thing we can not do on our own. The only hope for mankind is found in this wonderful statement by our precious savior: if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (vs 36).

If you have found this freedom, embrace it all the more. It wasn't yours to earn. It was by his good pleasure that he gave it to you. Praise him for his grace and mercy!

If you haven't found forgiveness of sins. If you are still enslaved to this world, cry out to Christ for mercy! He is your only hope. Oh that you would hear his words and that they would be liberating to your soul! May you know the truth and may the truth set you free.

Why don't we like Hillary?

2008-02-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Often "right wingers" are made out to be harsh, judgmental, and rigid. They're painted as people who are narrow-minded and linear. So, when a "right winger" happens to say, "I would never vote for Hillary", that is often translated as stating, "I would never vote for Hillary BECAUSE I hate women". For the record, I don't hate women. I love them. I married one. In fact, my mom happens to be a woman. But liberals love to paint the picture that "right wingers" are misogynistic and part of some conspiracy to keep women down.

Here's the truth. I won't vote for Hillary because she doesn't know how to tell the truth. I know most politicians often bend the facts, but Hillary pushes the limit. She's been saying she's worked 35 years in public service. This isn't true. You can read so for your self here. Enjoy!

I've Joined the Dark Side too!

2008-01-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

One of my good friends recently posted a blog stating that she has now joined the "dark side" and enjoys drinking coffee. Since she's come clean, I now must confess I actually enjoy (not just tolerate) the dark stuff myself. It started out innocently over the last couple of years - a frapachino here, a caramel machiato there, a free cup of coffee at a wedding with cake, etc. But then some friends from church introduced me to an Americano. I actually enjoyed the deep, rich, robust flavors. I had one early last year. Then I had one last June. Then I found myself thinking about how I'd like to go buy one a couple of weeks later. It was getting out of control. I stopped cold turkey.

Cut to the birth of our first born son in early November. Somehow when you're up all night and then have to go to work, you find yourself tired. You start thinking crazy thoughts.

"Maybe I need some coffee."

Then you respond, "No, no! You've never needed it before."

But you work at a place that has free coffee and you're falling asleep in meetings so you get a cup. And even though it's cold and nasty, it wakes you up. And then you think, "I need something better. I need something rich and dark and full of flavor and then your remember back to those summer days how wonderful that Americano was.

To make a long story short, I was blessed with some money for Christmas and invested in the Tassimo Hot Beverage system that makes one cup of hot Joe for me every morning. It can also make tea and hot chocolate. It's amazing! And so is the fresh cup of Seattle's Best Henry's Blend coffee. I can't wait to have a cup tomorrow morning.

PS.
I still try and only have a cup every other day. The young boy is sleeping a bit better these days and I don't want to become a total addict.

The Lord is Faithful

2008-01-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

There are times when people say things and they have no idea how one, little sentence can effect you. Often this is the case with a negative statement, but I'm amazed at how the Lord can use a positive statement from a fellow Christian to encourage you. I'm not talking about prophecy or a word of knowledge. But I am talking about how a positive attitude in the Lord can be a great example to our fellow brothers and sisters.

I asked a recently married friend at church, "How are you guys doing?"

She responded, "The Lord is faithful."

There was a short conversation that followed discussing the bliss of living with your beloved, but her statement of "The Lord is faithful" was very encouraging.

She could've said, "Oh, we've been so busy", or "Things are good", or "We're very challenged in our studies, but at least we're married."

Nope. She told the truth. It wasn't simple Chrisitanese. It was from her heart stating that regardless of our circumstances, the Lord will always be faithful to His children.

It was a simple statement of great faith. I pray that I can say the same. The reality is that God is so much more faithful to me than I am to Him. I pray today I can proclaim the wonders of his mercy. I pray today I can say despite my circumstances "The Lord is faithful".

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7

Another Video I Produced/Edited

2008-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

I produced/edited this video in August.

Jackson's First Video

2007-11-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the official Jackson Thomas Baby Announcement website. The video is only a minute and a half. Enjoy!

Viva Jackson Thomas!

2007-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

David Brainerd

2007-11-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

May 1, 1742. - "I was enabled to cry to God with fervency for ministerial qualifications, that he would appear for the advancement of his own kingdom, and that he would bring in the heathen. Had much assistance in my studies. This has been a profitable week to me; I have enjoyed many communications of the blessed Spirit in my soul." - David Brainerd

I've been reading (listening) to this book thanks to my friend Justin's email telling me about the free download. (You can find other free Christian book downloads here.) I thought it would be encouraging to read about America's first missionary, but I found myself in a bit of a lull. You might ask, "How can this be Troy? How could a book with the above quote be discouraging?"

I find myself realizing that I'm not really doing much for the Lord and then I struggle with that very statement. Brainerd did. He seemed to be constantly going back and forth with his flesh versus relying on the Spirit to do the work.

Wait a second. Maybe this book is encouraging after all. Despite the 300 years that seperate Brainerd and me, we still struggle with the same things. I can learn from his struggles and victories. Oh to be a Brainerd! When his soul was vexed, he determined to go to the Lord and the Word to find answers. He didn't settle for momentary appeasement. I, unfortunately, can easily turn on the TV, check my email, or pet my cat.

Oh to be undividedly focused on our Lord Jesus and his kingdom. Lord have mercy on my soul and make me useful for your glory!!

Babies + Money = Votes?

2007-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Recent Headline:
" Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday that every child born in the United States should get a $5,000 "baby bond" from the government to help pay for future costs of college or buying a home."

I love how politicians come up with these ideas. Everyone loves babies. Everyone loves money. If we give everyone who has a baby money, then they'll love (vote for) us!!

Do the math: $5,000 per baby = $20 billion dollars a year based on the average of 4 million babies a year born in the U.S.A. If you think illegal immigration is bad now, just wait until their babies get citizenship and money.

How will we pay for this? Stamp this idea: RETARDED!!!!!!

Florida + Baseball = Lost Cause

2007-09-13T22:42:00.001-07:00

This is quiet possibly the saddest picture taken this year regarding a sporting event. Some reports said the fans numbered 450 people. This is ridiculous. What is the deal with Miami? I know it's hot and humid. I know there's yachts to be ridden and the Miami Sound Machine 's dance club in South Beach is rockin', but come on! Four hundred and fifty people at a Major League Baseball game?!

If this was the case for the Devil Rays, I'd understand. They've never really had a winning team. But the Marlins have won Two World Series in the last 10 years. Just look at this picture. Pathetic!

The all new 2020 Toyota Oceania

2007-09-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

A guy in Indiana has recently claimed that he can burn salt water with radio frequencies. Do you know what this means? If this is true, I'll be buying my first Toyota Oceania by 2020. Imagine driving a car with non-toxic fumes into a non-toxic filling station and pumping your car full of salt water! Amazing! The fuel would be cheaper. The air would be cleaner. And that guy in Indiana would be very rich!

Here's the link to the story.

Let's Win Books Together!

2007-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Visit the link above to win some Christian books.
Use this referral number to help increase my chances: 12528

Thanks!

God is Still There

2007-09-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

I like this video. It's to the point, authoritative, challenging, and provocative. What do you think?

Riverside Rangers!

2007-08-27T23:00:00.001-07:00

This summer I played on my first organized soccer team since I was in the 9th grade. We called ourselves the Riverside Rangers. If we rated the season by fun, we were 10-0. If you went by wins, we were 1-9. Either way, I had a blast despite a few bumps and cramps.

Smile! I hope to make a pin out of this picture for my wife to wear around town.

Blog Sweet Blog

2007-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

I like to write, but I don't do it that often. I hear this is a common problem among people who write. I feel I have wronged the writer within me by not taking him out as often as I should. I'm sorry dear author. I am sorry.

See you in a couple of months!

A Great TV Show Idea

2007-05-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

My brother and friend, Noah and Dwight respectively, created this concept for a "Reality TV" show. Watch our promo trailer and let me know what you think. Don't steal it! It's already registered with the Writer's Guild.

Hello

2007-05-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Since I last blogged, my wife and I conceived our first child, we went on a 2 week European vacation, and I gained 3 pounds. Wow! A lot can change in over 3 months.

Here's a video of our cat, Cassie. Enjoy!

Really Long Fingernails!!

2007-01-29T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not kidding. Melissa and I were in CVS tonight to get our photos for our passports when we spotted a rare, human species. She looked like your typical nurse wearing pastel scrubs, but there was nothing normal about this woman. On all 10 of her fingers grew the longest fingernails I've ever seen in person before. I saw longer on "That's Incredible" when I was a kid, but that was on TV. This was live and in color - hot pink to be accurate.

I almost dry heaved. I pointed them out to Melissa and she nearly choked as well. What was going on? Was this a dream? Was Abe Lincoln going to come walking down the Aisle with a beaver in hand? Nope. This was real and quite disturbing.

As a female, Melissa deduced that these nails were real. (She noticed things only girls would know.) Her pointer fingers looked like curly cue fries. All of her nails were easily 6-10 inches long. Freddy Krueger would've been jealous.

Upon leaving the store, Melissa and I looked at each other and asked the same question: How does she go to the . . . .?

The Unreviewed Movie Review

2007-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

This is not a big weekend for the cinema. There's only one New Release - The Hitcher.

Here's the synopsis from www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hitcher/:
This new thriller, which tracks the terrifying trajectory of Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) and Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton), a collegiate couple who are tormented by the mysterious hitchhiker John Ryder, a.k.a. The Hitcher (Sean Bean).

Oh, scary! Scary for who? Who in their right mind picks up hitch hikers? I can't relate.

Here's the low-down:
This movie is not good. Sure, I haven't seen it, but I know it's not good. Why? The trailer tells me absolutely nothing. There's a guy and a girl. They're on a road trip. This crazy guy tries to stab them in the car. Craziness ensues. Who cares?! Another reason this movie is not worth your time: The studio that made it didn't make it available for reviews. That should say something.

Should I stay or should I go? Stay home and watch a good road-trip-gone-bad movie like Breakdown or Vacation.

A Cold Comment

2007-01-17T23:32:00.000-08:00

Has anyone noticed that it's really cold? It's so weird. Here it is January and I actually have to wear layers. Must be global warming, right? I mean it's winter and I see my breath. I actually saw snow fall on Friday. There was ice on the ground yesterday. It's unbelievable and all Bush's fault!

Massive Blog! Friday-Tuesday

2007-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today and Today Only! 5 for 1 Special! I could fake it and post some scribblings over the last few day. I could give up and say I already blew the year. But I won't. I just pick myself up and start writing.

Coming soon!

2007-01-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

I hope to start publishing my "Unreviewed Movie Review" next week at this time. Stay tuned!

Wednesday

2007-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

When you're busy, it's not easy to blog. Especially when no one is reading.

Bible Study

2007-01-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight we discussed 1 Peter 4:7-11. Good stuff. I hope to glorify God in all that I do - particularly serving the body of Christ.

Blog, Blog, Blog

2007-01-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

It's just another manic blog day!

Sunday, Sunday

2007-01-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful day worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ with His people. I am so thankful for the grace He has shown me. He is truly worthy of our praise!

Preparing for Worship

2007-01-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight I continued my meditations on Colossians 1:9-14. What encouraging and challenging words these are to me. D.A. Carson's book, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, reflects on what it truly means to "be filled with the knowledge of [God's] will". He says it's more than just having an understanding about future events such as who should I marry or what career should I choose. He writes:

The rapid growth of many churches in, say, sub-Saharan Africa and in Latin America, as humbling and as thrilling as it may be, will be jeopardized unless it is accompanied by a deepening knowledge of God's will. And in the Western world, where much of the church continues to squander its remarkable heritage in the grace of God, the knowledge of God declines while our fascination with techniques and fads increases. Are these not reasons to join Paul in his prayer that God might fill believers with the knowledge of his will? (p. 104)

Oh that we would desire to meet with God in His word constantly so that our minds and hearts might continually be transformed!

Night at the Museum

2007-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Melissa (my wife) and I just saw "Night at the Museum" and I have to say I had a great time. I haven't had that much fun in a family movie in awhile. I enjoyed every aspect of this film.

The actors were well cast
Ben Stiller was fantastic as the night time guard who learns that "history comes to life" during his shift. Owen Wilson had me cracking up playing the role of a "tiny" cowboy. Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney (yes he's still alive), and Bill Cobbs were a delight playing the retiring night guards. And I can't forget all of the actors who played characters from Attila the Hun to Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams). What a fun cast!

A Great Story
Stiller's character plays a loving but divorced dad who is not stable in his employment. He's tried to "make it big" in life with various "schemes", but always seems to fall flat on his face. His ex-wife is concerned that the instability is bad for their 10 year old son and suggest that he not live with Stiller until he stabilizes. This is what prompts him to find the job he ends up with at the museum.

I don't want to over analyze the film, but I did like the fact that a dad could find "greatness" in providing for his family. Sure Stiller ends up in a quite unusual job, but nonetheless, he ultimately finds pleasure in being a good dad.

The Visual Effects were stunning
This movie wasn't easy to make. From the small but epic Roman legions attacking Stiller's character to the enormous T-Rex that just wanted to play fetch, the digital effects blended seamlessly with the live action.

The Music was well scored
Alan Silvestri (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) once again wrote a magical score to accompany the film. It was a joy listening to his charging action music as well as his enchanting sentimental tracks.

No Bad Content
Amazingly, this movie had no bad language, no sexual innuendos, and no bad messages. The only reason it was rated PG was due to some intense, but fun action sequences that a 4-5 year old "could" get a bit startled by.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it to both adult and child.

You Gotta Have Faith!?

2007-01-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

America is full of faith. It's a miracle. Everywhere I go, people are talking about it. Just today I saw a car with a bumper sticker with a simple question - Got Faith?

And yesterday a co-worker was telling me how important "faith" was to her. After all, faith is a good thing.

A couple of weeks ago my wife left her job and her co-workers gave her some parting gifts.
One of the gifts was a mug with the simple word of (you guessed it) "Faith". The friend who gave it to her said "faith" was a special part of her life.

But I'm concerned. Everyone's talking about "faith" but no one is defining what they have "faith" in. If you believe things are going to work out, what are you trusting in to make those things work out?

Pressing the "Faith Full Faithful" to define what they are relying on to make their lives better gets a little tricky. Some say they believe in some form of a god. Others aren't sure, but they just know deep down inside that "all things will work out".

Sadly, some of these people have a "personal" version of the God of the bible. What do I mean by that? They take all of the caring and loving passages about God in the bible and forget about the holy and righteous verses. By doing this, they constructing a God they don't need to be accountable to, but who is obligated to make their lives better because they have "faith" that he will do so.

As George Michael once sang, "You Gotta Have Faith - Baby!"

The Bible defines "faith" as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." But to a person of "faith", this is easily redefined. The problem is they hijack these words and forget to continue reading in Hebrews 11 who their faith should be in - the very God who created them and the universe.

Take a moment to consider our grand planet. Then think about how big the solar system and galaxy is compared to us. Now move on to the universe. It's mind blowing! The very God we should be trusting created everything we see (and have yet to see). We should tremble to think that we treat Him so haphazardly.

I was reading in 1 Peter the other day and was reminded why we should trust God. Peter writes:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

This is true faith. Faith comes from an understanding of who you're trusting in. When we repent of our sins and humble our selves under God's might hand, then and only then, can we trust that He will care for us. The same hand that could easily tear us apart (Ps. 50:22) can through the righteousness of Christ comfort and care for us. This is amazing!

Faith in anything but the God defined by the bible is false-faith. From time to time it might offer a few tingly moments, but in the end it leads to confusion, frustration, and death. So the next time someone asks you if you've "Got Faith?", ask them "In What?"

Two Posts in the Same Day

2007-01-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

If I post two segments in one day, do I need to write the next day? With a bit of confusion about the rules, I will try to blog each day and not post two in one day and think the next day is covered.

I used to HATE Bowl games

2007-01-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

I just watched 2 1/2 bowl games today. What happened to me? When I was a kid my dad completely bored me on New Year's Day by watching football all day long. I told myself I'd never be that way. I'd go to the mall with my wife and not waste anytime on football.

But the only reason I cared was because two of my favorite teams were in these games - the Arkansas Razorbacks and the USC Trojans. The later barely lost and the former won big. (Did I get that right? It's late.)

At least I was able to take our extremely dry Christmas tree down and store away our decorations until next December.

What was the 1/2 game? Well, as we played Apples to Apples at my brother's apartment with some friends, he had the Fiesta Bowl on with Boise State vs. Oklahoma. Boise State dramatically scored with 7 seconds left in the fourth to tie the game. Then they went on in OT to win with an amazing trick play to the chagrin of the OU fans. That was exciting!

Good night. Only 364 blogs to go!

Living in the Year 2007

2007-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, I remember thinking that anything past the year 2000 was really in the future. I thought for sure that "living in the future" would bring great changes. I wanted a computer that would allow me to communicate with other computers anywhere in the world like in the movie "War Games". I hoped that the USSR would fall so scenarios like "Red Dawn" wouldn't take place. I dreamed of cars like KITT on "Knight Rider" that were smart and could tell you the temperature, you gas mileage, and give you driving directions. I wondered what it would be like to have a "car phone" like this rich guy had on an episode of "CHiPs".

Well, you can't have everything. But it sure is nice to be living in the future - the year 2007!

Testing - Testing!

2006-12-10T21:22:00.000-08:00

This is a test of the Troy Story Blogging Network. Repeat - this is only a test.