Good morning, blog readers, from sunny, windy and cool (61 degrees) Wisconsin where, on my morning walk, I saw: 8 robins, 6 deer, half a moon and “Barkie the Dog!” Thank You, Jesus!
This recent (4/26/24) headline, from “The Christian Post,” got my attention: “Taylor Swift’s new album draws criticism from Christian leaders who say it mocks God, Christians.”
In the article, Nicole VanDyke reported: “Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department , has garnered criticism from faith leaders who have taken to social media this week to express their distaste with the lyrical content that they believe mocks God and Christians. Released last Friday, critics have voiced concern over lyrics that seem to suggest that Christians are both hateful and judgmental.”
As a pastor for some 40+ years, I have seen a lot of people come and go, with and without faith. And, I can see where some outside of faith in Christ would look upon Christians as “hateful and judgmental.” Let me remind you that not everyone who says he or she is a “Christian” is a true follower of Christ. In fact, Jesus said, in Matthew 7:13, 14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction (hell), and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life (heaven), and few are those who find it.”
Jesus also said, in Matthew 5:43, 44: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And so, as Christians, we are called by Jesus Himself to love and pray for Taylor Swift that she would recognize her sin and need of a Savior (Romans 3:23, 24) and believe Jesus died on a cross for her sins, was buried and raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:1-4) to forgive all her sins and give her eternal life (John 3:16). Blessings with love in Christ, Doug (5/1/24)
Doug's daily doings 