It is a Prayer

A Lukewarm coffee sits beside my computer in the bagel shop.

Cars pass by the window, driven by people I only glimpse.

A smell of burnt toast wafts through the air.

A running man passes the shop window.

There’s a quick bang of a pan or two behind me in the kitchen.

A customer in nursing attire stirs creamer into her coffee at the counter. She has a black headband.

The coffee equipment is making an electrical, rattling noise.

An elderly couple graze over their food. They have careful hair; she with thick make up, and him with a shirt buttoned to his neck.

The workers are bantering at the end of their shift.

I have a message and a mandate of which to tell them.  Where do I begin?

It is a prayer.

Letter to Tim Tebow

Dear Tim,

Okay – just between you and me, I don’t know if you need to kneel after every touchdown, good play, or completed pass as a football player.  I don’t know how many times is “correct” to mention our Savior’s name in an interview.  I also can’t tell you how often to quote Scripture in an article.  So I’m not going to tell you to do it more, or that you’re doing it too much.

However, I do know one thing.  The world’s answer to those questions will ALWAYS be to do it less.  They will always say, “We are tired of this Jesus stuff.”  The media will ALWAYS find a well-known Christian to help you see how you’re testifying too much about Christ.  Thus, with that in mind – keep on doing what you’re doing. 

Remember that Jesus promised one thing when you represent him – opposition.  He promised persecution, push-back, and ridicule.  I’m sure you feel you’ve experienced all of that at this point.  So just remember, if you are dealing with this, you must be doing something right.  I haven’t seen you do anything “crazy”.  So take it from someone who has done crazy things for the Lord – you’re not doing anything that is out of line.

Remember what happened to Peter and John in Acts, Chapter four.  They were, “commanded not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus.”  Sound familiar?  Their response was, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  Who can shut up about Jesus considering the great love he has and sacrifice he made for humanity.  You can’t! (That’s you Tim!) and neither can anyone who has truly grasped the importance of knowing Christ.

I also don’t see Paul anywhere telling Christ followers to be a little less bold about witnessing.  Can you really imagine Paul saying, “Preach the cross – sometimes!”; or “Just live a good life, and you don’t really need to mention the name of Jesus.”  That is laughable.  Unfortunately, that’s what your friend Kurt Warner is telling you, “Just tone it down, and live the life.”  Fortunately, those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive.  You can live the life AND say the Name.

Hang tough Tim – keep representing Him in your locker room, on the field of battle, and in the interviews.  Let the naysayers comment what they will; but our example in the Word is to lift high the name of Jesus.

Your Friend and Fan,  Shawn

Letter to KC Star (promoting abortion on the FYI page)

Isn’t the FYI page supposed to be about human interest items?  In a recent issue of the Kansas City Star the front page of the FYI section highlighted a local employee for Planned Parenthood.  My issue isn’t with her as my letter shows below, but the fact that the Star’s management seems to be using the FYI page to promote thier pro-abortion views – in my opinion.  What do you think?

Here’s the article…

http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/1202418.html

Here’s my letter…

May 23, 2009

Letters

The Kansas City Star

1729 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

 

To the editorial board,

I am perplexed.  Why was the local Planned Parenthood public relations and media coordinator highlighted on the FYI front page recently? I am sure that Miss Phillips is an interesting and nice enough person.  However, it appears this section of the paper is reserved for human interest stories about random, local people. It’s surprising that this random person happened to be a Planned Parenthood employee during the week that the abortion/prolife issue was in the news because our President was scheduled to speak at Notre Dame. Perhaps the next person highlighted in this section could be one of the faithful employees of Rachel House an organization which serves several thousand young women each year with counseling, new baby supplies, and medical assistance.  The only difference between these organizations is that Rachel House protects life at all stages including the preborn.

Sincerely,

 

Shawn Barr

Adult Ministries Pastor

Antioch Bible Baptist Church