Chivalry: Flatline?

Don't pull that plug just yet. Chivalry is still kicking although the evidences are seldom seen. Have we even been taught what it means? Or perhaps we just forget... No, maybe we just choose not to. Meanwhile, as we walk with our hands in our pockets our significant other is opening her own door and pulling out her own chair. Of course not every guy is the romantic type, but there is something called effort. The gentleman is becoming extinct partly because that behavior wasn’t seen in the household. Generations have passed down negligence. However, it only takes one to break the mold. Resuscitate. 

  

With Valentine’s Day closely approaching, chocolate boxes and stuffed teddy bears are probably the last resort. We all know you can never go wrong with roses either but how about trying something different this year. Hopefully you’ve already bought your gift and/or made your plans for her. So when February 14^th arrives, and you’re with your wife or that lovely lady you’re courting, show her what a gentleman does. In my opinion, it shouldn’t require there to be a special occasion to make her feel like she’s loved--and remember, love is an action word. Show it every day. Chivalry is merely selflessness. It’s doing so she doesn’t have to and without obligation. No reason necessary. To be unselfish is a tremendous quality and part of the effect of the Holy Spirit.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” -1 Corinthians 13:4,5 

Painted Christ

If you're into contemporary art you might want to check out Christian artist, Lance Brown. The canvased wonder shown above is titled "Forgiven." For me to try to put something like this together it would probably take me an entire day at the minimum. Painting is just not one of my gifts. Lance, however, is able to stroke his brush and 10-15 minutes later...presto! If that isn't incredible enough, he even paints it right before your eyes while he tells a story about Jesus. Each painting has it's own story behind it. It's such a powerful and creative ministry. Lance is a great example of a willing servant who utilizes his talent for the kingdom of God. He currently resides in Arlington, Texas where he works on his art full time. You can contact him via email at lbrown1506@yahoo.com or go directly to his website to arrange a live session at paintedchrist.com.

"Brokenness" by Lance Brown

"Prince of Peace" by Lance Brown

Wolf In A Sheepsuit

In a world filled with distractions from the absolute truth, there is a desperate need for light in the midst of all the darkness. Now, more than ever, the Christian voice needs to be heard. The love of Christ needs to be seen in all of us that profess Him as our Saviour. Too many of us are worried how we may offend someone. Maybe we are afraid of being an outcast. Whatever the case may be, we are not on this earth to please man. We aren’t here to blend in with society. Our focus should be solely on being a sweet savor to our Heavenly Father with obedience and allegiance. 

Since the entertainment industry is doing such an excellent job in redirecting our attention away from God, we can ill afford to be complacent, quiet Christians. It’s comforting to know that we have some co-laborers in the mainstream culture. Actors and athletes have the uncanning ability to influence us. Although they are just normal people like you and I, what they say or do has more leverage than us “mortals.” Hollywood is notorious for being a sin pool infested with wolves in sheep’s clothing. It’s no coincidence God placed some of His children among them to shine a little light. 


The devil is truly roaming the earth seeking whom he may devour. He knows he has limited time to loosely claim his own. Don't forget that he has help. The master of deception has countless tactics and tricks up his sleeve to lure us. His work is mostly subliminal so you won't notice him initially if at all. Some of the celebrities and entertainers our culture blindly emulate are part of the process. This is by no means meant to scare but simply to inform. So before you rest your eyes on a screen or bob your head to a song, know what you're doing. The majority of these artists below are probably either on your iPod or someone else's that you may know of. My plea is that you don't just take everything at first glimpse and ignore the signs. Do your research. Don't be so gullible and naive.

Thanks, Mister Rogers

I know I'm not alone when I remember spending some of my most formative years in front of the TV watching 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.' There was just something about his always peaceful and soft-spoken demeanor that made him so likable. However, he wasn't just a nice guy. His strong morals and compassion for others was a reflection of his calling to the ministry. His strong faith in God and conviction toward the destructive television industry is what allowed him to be in our living rooms. Over the years we watched Mister Rogers change into his sneakers and sport cardigan after cardigan. He taught us the importance of being "neighborly" to one another which is one of the two greatest commandments given to us in New Testament scripture. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." - Mark 12:31

History repeats itself. Fred Rogers had absolutely no idea how futuristic his style was. Now over 40 years after he debuted his first cardigan sweater it has become one of the hottest trends in fashion. So if someone says "you look like Mister Rogers," then you have just been complimented my friend.

The Christian Allegiance

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands. One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe."

"I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God."