Reflections of a Jazz Theologian

A Prayer from St. Augustines Prayer Book

I praise my God this day:

I give myself to God this day:

I ask God to help me this day.

Feel free to join in and pray improvisationally...what are your requests to God this day?

MJ

Here are two thoughtful articles in light of Michael Jackson's passing...

The Pop Reconciler by Ed Gilbreath

and

Michael Jackson:  Soloman Sans Wisdom--The king of pop had it all, yet the most important things seemed to ellude him by Chanel Graham

RENOVARE' International Conference on Spiritual Formation

I'm here in San Antonio for the RENOVARE' International Conference.  It's hot and humid...but oh so worth it to hear from Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Max Lucado and Eugene Peterson.  

Today I had the privilege of speaking about the subject of my book, Finding the Groove, and tomorrow I will share with the conference during the general session.

Stay in the groove,

robert

Questions for Adam

What would you ask Adam?  Here are my questions.

Why didn't you say anything?

Too often we blame your wife for partaking of the forbidden fruit.  But you were there...RIGHT THERE! The scriptures say that, "she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."  (Gen. 3.6)  So the whole time Eve was being deceived you stood by in hushed silence watching her.  Why didn't you say anything?

How long did you wait?

John Eldredge was astute in pointing out that, "there was a moment in Eden when Eve was fallen and Adam was not:  she had eaten, but he yet had a choice...Adam chose Eve over God."  Wow...you sat there with the fruit in hand and pondered life with Eve in a fallen state verses life with God untarnished.  How long did it take before life apart from God seemed more desirable?

What was it like to walk with God?

You spent leisure time with the Creator.  Did he explain the platypus and mosquitoes?  It must have left a lasting impression on you for it seems that you told your great great great great great grandson about it.  Is that why Enoch decided to give it a try? (Gen. 5.21-24)

Do you know who Barry Black is?

Barry C. Black is the current chaplain to the U.S. Senate.  Appointed in 2003 he is the 62nd person to hold this position and the first African-American.  He spent thirty-nine years as a Navy chaplain earning the rank of Admiral and three doctorates along the way (ministry, philosophy & psychology). Now he walks the corridors of power serving as spiritual advisor to the nations most powerful elected officials.

His book, From the Hood to the Hill:  A Story of Overcoming, chronicles how unlikely his story is.  A child  of poverty and familiar with visiting social workers he credits a sovereign God who answered the prayer the prayer of his single mother...

"During her baptism, she asked God to do something special for her unborn child.  Later, she frequently reminded me that, because of her prayer, God had set me apart for holy use.  'You are different, God's child,' she would say.  'Never forget this.'  And I never did."

Now that you know who he is, pray for him! Chaplain Black spends his days providing spiritual direction to those we have entrusted with the direction of our country.  He provides non-partisan guidance for a flock of almost six-thousand Senators, their families and staffers. Daily leading them in multiple Bible studies and opening the Senate in prayer.  

As he intercedes for them, let us intercede for him.

Are you a Cosmo-Christian?

Skye Jethani (author of The Divine Commodity, which is a must read) has a post on his blog about what he calls Cosmo-Christians.  What about you...are you a Cosmo-Christian?  

Find out at his blog Skyebox.

Obama's Pro-Life Appointment

When President Obama announced the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Neighborhood Partnerships many wondered if he was serious when he made abortion reduction one of the main goals.  

Today's news seems to indicate that he meant it...just read this 

President Obama Appoints Anti-Abortion Catholic

or

Obama's Pro-Life Appointment on Beliefnet

It's a bird...It's a plane...

Jazz at the White House!

The President and Mrs. Obama's remarks comprise the first four minutes fifteen seconds and then ELEW and Esperanza Spalding perform.  

Joshua DuBois--Obama's Man of Faith

President Obama picked 26 year old pentecostal minister, Joshua DuBois, to head the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  

The key priorities of the office are as follows:

• Reduce Poverty 
• Reduce Abortion
• Promote Responsible Fatherhood   

DuBois is man to watch and pray for.  Christianity Today just did an article about him called "The Perfect Hybrid."  It's worth the read.