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Re: When You’re Worse Than An Unbeliever

Rick Garner — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:21:53 -0000

So, I moved in with my in-laws for a year while working at WUSA9 in DC. We put our home on the market in Jackson, uncertain how long it would take to sell. Kim went on maternity leave from her job and was able to quit her job. I would fly in every couple weeks, then once a month as we waited for the house to sell.

After a few months, I was seriously questioning God. "Was this not the right move, God? Did you just want to show me that it's not who I know but Who I know but this isn't the job for me for now? Why hasn't our house sold?" I was confused but also had a peace that it was all going to work out.

Our next door neighbor stepped forward and blessed us with buying our house with plans to flip it. And a year after my coming to the DC Metro area, I was able to move my wife and daughter up here.

Kim eventually began working, again, but the blessing of her not having to work until moving was an answered prayer.

Re: This brings back awful memories...

Rick Garner — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:13:04 -0000

Praise God this is not and never had been my church experience. It's sad that for many, this is what they experienced. This is church to them. This is a "Man of God" to them. No, this is arrogant pride. Nothing holy about it. Which makes this man human. I pray that the Holy Spirit reveals and convicts him of his behavior.

Re: When You’re Worse Than An Unbeliever

Rick Garner — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:33:20 -0000

This story made me think of when I was in Jackson, Mississippi, and my wife was pregnant with our daughter. My prayer to God was that He would provide a job with which Kim could stay home as long as she wanted. With our current jobs that wouldn't be possible. I was working at a TV station and had progressed as far as possible without becoming a Department Head. That didn't seem possible as there were no openings.

I had sent out no less than 200 resumes nearly a year earlier and saw no results. There was nothing in the area. I fell into the trap of it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know that'll get me a better TV gig. With my inlaws on the east coast, that'd be a great place to go but I knew no one. What I forgot was that it was Who I knew that was important.

An offer was brought to my attention that I had missed. And everything fell quickly into place after that. But it was all because of prayer and surrender. God's always provided for me. Always. Even when the road seemed impossible, He's made the way.

I was laid off for 24 hours a couple years ago. It was reversed and that experience was so peaceful because I knew God would take care of our family.

Re: Villains

Rick Garner — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:12:54 -0000

This is such a great post, Brother. Because what makes me sick to my stomach is what I see come across in social media and in public. In social media, some Christians feel its okay to tear down another pastor, celebrity, church member, or author. It's veiled in the words or effort to "alert other Christians" but the message seems to do little more than paint the person as a villain.

In public, I've been on the receiving end of others who view me as a villain of sorts because I chose to attend another church.

We get caught up in making people the enemy when Christ said to love our enemies as ourself. It's too easy to label someone a villain when we disagree with their choices or decisions. It takes effort to see past that and love them for who they are. Because people are so much more than their choices or decisions. So much more...

Re: 15 Reasons I Left Church

Rick Garner — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:50:23 -0000

This is an interesting discussion to say the least and one that every one wrestles with at one time or another. After all, we leave jobs so why not leave something with voluntarily attend? Problem is, I'm a bit dismayed at our commitment level these days. Or maybe it's just our ability to let our yes be yes and no by no.

It often seems like - or maybe this is just me - that in my desire to please people and try and be available, I'll say anything but "no." Need me to help move your house? Help with an event? Help fix your computer? "I'll do my best" or "I'll try to be there" or "Let me check the calendar and get back with you." It's an effort to communicate commitment without committing. More often than not, I'll come through...but how much easier would it have been to start with integrity.

Have we become this way with Church? If our expectations aren't met...our feelings are hurt...some people don't seem as open minded as us...or a dozen other reasons, we leave Church and fully rationalize the decision.

More on this topic here: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: Obama compromise on birth control is commendable

Rick Garner — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:54:01 -0000

As others have noted, this seems like a compromise on the surface. But it's just a political "two-step" that's explained fairly well here: http://www.albertmohler.com...

Re: John Piper wants a “masculine Christianity.” What do you think?

Rick Garner — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:02:54 -0000

When I hear about someone such as Piper talking about masculinity in The Church, I applaud the effort. Why? Because men in The Church need to be reminded to "step up!"

None of us, unless we sat down and spoke at length to Piper, understand entirely where his heart is on this matter. We have one speech. Maybe even some random interviews or other snippets to lace together. But what some may feel is Piper being dismissive or hurtful to women, I see him telling men to "step up!"

Today, men have been granted a hall pass to Church Leadership and Spiritual Leadership. Many times, women are filling voids in the church because no one else will do it. Do women have the ability to lead? Absolutely! Can and should they? Certainly! Are there times and roles when someone else was more equipped, gifted, and better suited but didn't step up? Totally! And a blessing was missed both by the person that didn't step forward and the people who would've been in attendance.

I look upon this as a mirror of home life. Some men try to avoid family responsibilities with the children, helping around the house, or even romancing their wives. Instead, they work longer hours, play video games, spend more time on Facebook, or schedule tee times with the boys. Avoiding family responsibilities spill over into The Church where there's no yearning to make sure the family is up and ready to go to church. There's no willingness to be willing at volunteering for leading Small Groups, helping at summer camp, or dozens of other needs.

Some men just do what it takes to get through it and say, "See, I was here!" But being physically present doesn't count if one is not mentally, spiritually, or emotionally engaged. Families and marriages deserve engaged fathers and husbands! Step it up, men!

This discussion also reminds me of a recent discussion I wrote about regarding labels: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: Tim Tebow, Jesus jerseys and faith in the media spotlight | Think Christian

Rick Garner — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:29:17 -0000

Perspective seems to get lost with Tebow. As Christians, we can and should only judge a person by the spiritual fruit in their life. If Tebow's spiritual fruit is glorifying Jesus, I expect non-Christians to mock him.

Yet, when Christians mock him because they wouldn't do this or that a certain way...a line is crossed. It's not only an opinion not to be shared in social media but it's also judging how God can be glorified.

So long as Christ is the focus and not Tebow, many folks just need to lighten up.

Re: Blessed are the entitled?

Rick Garner — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:14:58 -0000

Entitlement has indeed run so rampant in our country, it's spilled over into Christmas - a time when entitlement should be the least present. I attempted to address the topic of respect and entitlement here: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: Tell Me Who You Are!

Rick Garner — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:25:12 -0000

Hi! While my blog focuses on different topics, some are perspectives on living in DC/MD/VA but most focus on living out my faith.

Re: The Daily ReTORt: Calling All Bloggers: Share Your Best 9/11 Writing

Rick Garner — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:25:27 -0000

I posted this today: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: An apology

Rick Garner — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 06:54:12 -0000

Your honesty is yet again stark, raw, and rather humbling. We've all used words to hurt at one time or another. We've all felt a need to be right. But have we apologized for it?

It grieves me for you to be in this sort of pain and at the cost of a friendship. I pray that you feel love in overwhelming amounts today both from Christ, your family, and your friends - physical and online.

Re: Is God’s Justice Different Than Ours? Hell, No.

Rick Garner — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 21:44:47 -0000

Exactly. Without love. Without God. Separated from the Father for all eternity.

Re: Is God’s Justice Different Than Ours? Hell, No.

Rick Garner — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:24:19 -0000

It's fascinating to me how many posts float around - likely inspired by "Love Wins" - that speak to the reality of hell. Seemingly, there's an attempt to apply the classic questioning logic of "How could a good God allow evil / allow tornadoes / allow tsunamis / allow massacres / allow hell?"

The attempt feels like a rationalization. Almost trying to prove that God doesn't exist or to call him a liar. We seem to think so highly of ourselves that we can interpret God's ways. We may have some insights and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we may have some clarity...but wisdom is from the Father.

We seem to dismiss that Hell is real. Demons are real. But God is still in control if we allow Him to be.

For an analysis of this: http://www.gotquestions.org...

Re: Spiritual Nutritional Value

Rick Garner — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:38:19 -0000

Oh, this isn't just carmel...you'd likely slapped several relatives after trying this. :)

Re: Spiritual Nutritional Value

Rick Garner — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:23:29 -0000

Self-control would likely be the winner here since I ultimately fail at that far more often then I care to admit. Whether it's eating too much, wasting time, or just not spending enough QT with JC...it's a daily battle.

As for milkshakes. Mmmm, I don't make 'em but I wish Chick-fil-a would bring back that Coffee Carmel shake...that was dynamite! :)

Re: osama. dead.

Rick Garner — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:13:22 -0000

All the celebrations in the street remind me of how emotional we all are...and how we&#039re not unlike the street revelers on 9/11. We were enraged seeing people in the Middle East dancing and clapping at our destruction. Now, while justice has been served - and of that I am glad - how likely are many enraged at our rejoicing? Death should only be celebrated if a person was a Believer. Then, why have a somber, mournful service? It&#039s a celebration of life!

But this is celebrating OBL&#039s death to the point of Statue of Liberty pictures holding OBL&#039s bloody severed head.

God forgive us for we know not what we do.

Re: Stick a Fork In It - Michelle Woo - [UPDATED] Chick-fil-A Isn't the Only Food Company With Anti-Gay Claims. Here Are Five More!

Rick Garner — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:58:39 -0000

Oh, I don't disagree that it's nice to know what companies are doing with their funds. I do find the concept of our money interesting. Once I've paid someone for a service or a product, it's no longer my money. Thus, it could be viewed that whatever they do with that money is the company's business.

Ultimately, there are extremes in both camps which is why we all should grow up and disagree on things without being disagreeable.

Re: Stick a Fork In It - Michelle Woo - [UPDATED] Chick-fil-A Isn't the Only Food Company With Anti-Gay Claims. Here Are Five More!

Rick Garner — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:58:57 -0000

The gay rights agenda needs new PR, traditional marriage supporters need to show more compassion, and we all just need to grow up: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: Gut Check - Tom Finkel - Gut Check Poll: To Chick-fil-A or Not to Chick-fil-A?

Rick Garner — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:53:32 -0000

The gay rights agenda needs new PR, traditional marriage supporters need to show more compassion, and we all just need to grow up: http://www.richardtgarner.c...

Re: The church should do Great…When you aren’t there!

Rick Garner — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:39:48 -0000

I'm a firm believer in redundancies. No one person should be the only one that can do something. The human body has redundancies - 2 arms, 2 legs (each with multiple digits), 2 eyes, 2 ears, etc. Sometimes, this doesn't happen with the Church Body. Thus, if one person is responsible for something, it doesn't get done. And much of that has to do with expressing needs and communication.

The church and the Church Body is about Christ - not the pastor - so if it's focused on Christ, it'll all be good. :)

Re: Why Feminists Hate Fairy-Tales

Rick Garner — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:27:08 -0000

The morale of this story: we take ourselves WAY too seriously sometimes.

Re: Ain’t No Cold like a Man-Cold

Rick Garner — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:37:42 -0000

Dude, I'm telling you...Zicam RapidMelts with Vitamin C. Start taking them soon and every 3 hours. It is like kryptonite to colds.

Re: Why we left Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

Rick Garner — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 02:28:05 -0000

Thanks for sharing this. I've often compared church attendance to employment. Decades ago, working for one company for decades was normal or at least a goal. Many worked for one company their entire vocational life. Church in some circles seems the same. Some grow up in the same church, get married there, raise their own family, and nearly have their own memorial pew.

There's nothing wrong with being at the same church for most or all of one's life. Just like there's nothing wrong with having the privileged of working the same job or living in the town of your birth. Everyone's story is different and their choices are uniquely special.

To me, the litmus test is simple: is Jesus being glorified? Is He the focus? Am I being fed AND I am able to feed/serve? If the answer is no to any of those, the church is off focus.

I've feared being a church-hopper at times but I think it's crucial to visit other congregations from time to time. It's educational to see how others are doing it. Plus, it's educational to be the newbie.

Ultimately, where my family worships, when, and for how long is between us and Christ. Others may have an opinion but that's nothing I can control nor concern myself with.

To God be the glory! :)

Re: Doritos at the Last Supper? | Think Christian

Rick Garner — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:49:27 -0000

I think it's healthy to examine rituals an chuckle at them. It could also be said that those most offended by this commercial are more connected to their rituals and religion than with the Trinity who indeed laugh at us from time to time. However, I'm not Catholic and don't understand the Eucharist.