Fred Dallas

It's been a long time since I've watched Award Shows of any kind, but being the newsaholic that I am, I've become very aware of the language that many find amusing, entertaining, or part of everyday conversation.  I grew up in a day and age where my parents did not hesitate to literally wash my mouth with soap.  The "F" word was not allowed under any circumstance.  No, I'm not talking about that "F" word, but the one that refers to a bodily function that comes with odor.  How far we have come when those who have public platforms to lace their award speeches, their monologues with boldness and a good measure of arrogance.  Unbelievable!  Yet it is true. I am not the one to set the bar for righteousness, I'm far from being good or perfect.  What bothers me as much as anything is the moral superiority conveyed with their verbal attacks and vicious, foul-language.  An old friend once said referring to the Hollywood crowd that "they have bodies ...

Wounded by my President's Attitude! I generally stay away from posts that have obvious political overtones but I'm sorry I can no longer be silent on this one. Recently I've watched to my absolute horror the beheading of journalists, the burning alive of a Jordanian pilot (a spectacle carefully designed to shock the sensibilities of the western world). I've seen the pictures of kidnappings, murders, and abuses in mass that have broken my heart and caused me to asked 'what in the world is going on?' Mr. President, there is no way you can minimize the horror or the nature of these atrocities by deflecting the threat 'radical islam' poses by bringing up the Crusades of almost a 1000 years ago. Nor can you point to the abuses of misguided Americans who falsely used Christianity to justify their economic greed by 'importing' cheap labor. Remember that is was well-meaning Christians that spearheaded a movement to bring slavery to an end. Since you we...

It's no surprise that the untimely, premature, and unexpected death of Robin Williams has captured both our hearts and minds.  After all over the years we've invited him into our homes and paid to be entertained by him.  To say that he was a comic genius is still not the accolade that we feel best describes his talent.  His creativity, his quickness, his expressions have fascinated us to the point eliciting our admiration and dumbfounded response . . . "How could anybody do that?" The tweeted reactions declare our loss and echo a hope, possibly unfounded, that he is now entertaining angels in heaven.  Robin's search for personal happiness and fulfillment led him such that he ended his life this side of heaven by asphyxiation, hanging by his belt. Heaven is a part of our Christian belief system - it has made its way into the fabric of our collective DNA and consciousness.  Unfortunately what so many apparently believe is heaven is 'our gift' to someone we...

In just a few days a band of 8 will be traveling to Acajutla, El Salvador (August 28 - September 3, 2011) to partner with Living Water International (http://www.water.cc) to assist a local drilling/hygiene team in there efforts to provide a village with fresh, clean water. It must be pointed out that often times water is available in one form or another. It could be a hand-dug well close to a home. It could be a nearby stream where jug after jug can be hauled back to the home - often times by the women or children of the village. But think about it. If there is a hand-dug well and it is located next to the home you can easily believe that contaminated with all kinds of waste matter that has seeped into the water source that makes it germ infested. If there is a nearby stream more than likely it has also become a the spot for the entire village to bathe, to wash clothing, to take care of bodily needs. It also becomes a favorite gathering spot for animals. Now, use your imaginati...

I read today that more than 90% of all that we hear each and every day is negative. It is designed to somehow diminish the way we perceive ourselves. It's bad enough when others are feeding us with negative talk and commentary but when we are the authors of our own demise because our own 'self-talk' contributes to the negative feelings or beliefs we have about ourselves that is sad. What God says about us is that we are worth a great deal - so much that he allowed his Son to dies on calvary's blood stained cross that we might see ourselves as more than just another person but as a Child of the Most High. Here are some things to ponder: (1) Never think or speak negatively about yourself, that puts you in disagreement with God. (2) Meditate on your God-given strengths and learn to encourage yourself, for much of the time nobody else will. (3) Don't compare yourself to anybody else. You're unique, one of a kind, an original. So don't settle for being ...

The Water Crisis Water . It is at the heart of a daily crisis faced by a billion of the world’s most vulnerable people—a crisis that threatens life and destroys livelihoods on a devastating scale. Unlike war and terrorism, the global water crisis does not make media headlines, despite the fact that it claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns. Unlike natural disasters, it does not rally concerted international action, despite the fact that more people die each year from drinking dirty water than from the world’s hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes combined. This is a silent crisis experienced by the poor, and tolerated by those with the resources, technology, and the political power to end it. Yet this is a crisis that is holding back human progress, consigning large segments of humanity to lives of poverty, vulnerability, and insecurity. At Living Water International, we are addressing this most basic of needs by helping deprived communities acquire ...

1994 AND FOLLOWING The picture you see here was taken in February of 1994. A group of men called to be Sports Chaplains during the Winter Olympics held in Lillehamer, Norway. In the picture you'll see a friend who has been a tremendous influence in my life because of His incredible love for the Lord and for people, David Guinn. He's the bearded one next to the giant Norwegian strong man! There are a few missionaries that were serving in Europe at the time and others that came at the invitation of David and Action Ministries International. All were present to share the Good News with folks from all over the world during those 16 glorious days. What an event! OK - not one of us are the same today, 16 years later, as we were then. We all look different - whether heavier, grayer, less hair, thicker glasses - surely the years themselves have taken their toll but each of us have grown. Each of us have had life experiences that have changed us. That's ok - that's the ...

Did God really create me in His Image and What does that mean? To be honest I've pondered that thought many times. It's not as if I'm trying to recreate Him into something of my image or imagination. I doubt seriously that He has a beard to stroke as He contemplates another of His steps towards being a Cosmic Killjoy. For that matter I believe His Word implicitly. He is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). His promise is not to rob us of joy but to fill our life with a sense of abundance - not in terms of monetary wealth but of significance and purpose (John 10:10). Then what does it mean? I can't be exhaustive but let me work on two verses: 1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). There you go! To start with God placed within us the ability to be creative. It would be easy and over simplistic if I were to say we're all Michelangelos in the making. We may not be destined to t...

This weekend (February 13 &14) our Church family will be introduced to our New Teaching Pastor on the North Campus, the one who will fill our pulpit and bring God's Word. It is always a challenge to pick up where another or others have left off. The campus I'm a part of has known some very, very good preachers historically. Whether it is David Lino or Doug Page, both had an unusual way of presenting God's Word with power and conviction. I found this little note the other day about Tullian Tchividjian, the present pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. I thought it spoke to the situation we are looking at on our campus. My heart's desire is that our new Teaching Pastor know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is loved, prayed for, and given thanks for as he undertakes this new calling with all of its responsibilities. Here is the article: One of the hardest issues in pastoral life in following a long-time pastor who founded the church. That pastor’s identi...

I am so thankful for the American soldier! Thankful for their many sacrifices and their place in our world. They, more than the soldiers of any other nation, take the lead in fighting for and maintaining peace and safety for untold thousands in places where language, customs, foods, are foreign to them. All I can say is "Thanks" and "God Bless You". You are not taken for granted. To the contrary you make us proud! Double click the picture and read the black patch!

The Frosts, Longfellows, Emersons, or Poes are few and far between. The poets of our day are the song writers that masterfully use words to stir our heart. But listen, "You are brighter than my darkest night. Stronger than my toughest fight. Just one touch from You my King my Friend And I’ll never be the same again." ... See More “Break through” song – Don Moen | Free christian music download | Wallpapers of Jesus and Mary | Poe www.turnbacktogod.com Click the link above to download “Break through” (5.34 MB) by Don Moen

Accountability Questions This is a list of accountability questions I’ve used in the past to help provide structure to accountability meetings or relationships that center around accountability. No man is an island and no one man is strong enough on his own to find victory all by himself in every facet of his life. Just as we don't heal in isolation we don't stay strong for long as the 'lone ranger'. As a guide and as a starter use the questions below: Questions: 1) Have you spent daily time in the scriptures and in prayer? 2) Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to any explicit materials which would not glorify God? 3) Are you consistently giving financially to the Lord's work? 4) Have you spent quality relationship time with your wife? 5) Have you done your 100% best at work? 6) Have you told any half truths or outright lies putting yourself in a better light to those around you? 7) Have you shared the Gospel ...

Isn't it amazing how easily we pass off what God has called us to do to those we think are more gifted? I've not had the training. I don't have the personal charisma. I'm too old? I'm too young. What becomes obvious in God's word is that he's chosen to use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Jesus didn't go to the synagogue, the jewish schools, or the places of religious learning to find those that would eventually change the world and deliver a message that would bring peace to troubled souls, give hope to those who have given up, or to offer forgiveness to those plagued and weighed down by the realization of our sin. They were simple men, fishermen, tax collectors, and a political zealot. They were emotional even ambitious. What becomes evident is their desire to share not just their story but His Story. The idea was not to gather men and women for the purpose of being 'better, cleaner, nor holier' but to inspire th...

Lord, we stand here as a desperate people, hungry for the things of you. Come quiet the storms that rage all around us so that we hear the passion that beats through your heart. Spirit put healing in our hands, put life in our words, and drive a passion for the lost deep in the hearts of us, your people. Inhabit the praise of us, your children, and father send us out with a reckless passion. Deliver us from evil and set a standard of unity to break down walls and to heal your people. Unity is the cry of your church. Lord, reconcile the children to the fathers and with love, forgiveness, and mercy rush through the hearts of our land. We cry out our deep need for you Jesus, O God, come in power and bring Glory to your NAME. Amen.