Scott Freeman

Today’s sermon from the series on Great Themes of the Old Testament. This is on the concept of Torah.

If for some reason it doesn’t work you can also access it here: http://sfreeman.podomatic.com/  or sign up for the podcast on iTunes.

Ok, probably nobody cares about my opinion on the world’s greatest reality show but I’m sharing my thoughts none the less.

This season kicked off last night with each of the 15 contestants performing the song of their choice.  Once again, we see that selection is important.  Early thoughts: the females are impressive.  I just hope it already hasn’t been decided to give it to the creepy dude.

Here’s my thoughts:

Storm Large–Pinball Wizard: I love the name, and I love her.  She did a great take on an old classic.  Great stage presence and tremendous command of the song.

Ryan Star–Iris: Although it’s hard for me to separate this song from the stupid movie it came from, this was good.  I have a hard time picturing Iris being performed by Supernova, but Ryan did a great job.

Toby Rand–Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door: Another good performance, although I felt like I was watching MTV Unplugged or attending Saturday night services at my local Emergent church.

Patrice Pike–Somebody to Love: The band loved her and I can see why. The only problem is that I hate this song.  It’s obvious that she is a great performer.  I’m glad I’ll be able to hear her do something else.

Magni–Satisfaction: I liked Magni, but it seems no one else did.  I’ll chalk it up to Icelandaphobia.  Sure, it’s hard to redo this one, but he was okay in that bland American Idol sort of way. On second thought, bump him down the list.

Zayra Alvarez–Bring Me to Life: Randy, Paula back me up here.  That was “pitchy.”  Didn’t like the song or the performance.  Who knew Penelope Cruz could rock?

Jenny Galt–How You Remind Me: We could have gone all night without a Nickleback song, couldn’t we?  How’s this for a rule? If it’s been sung on American Idol it’s off the list.  She’s a great musician though, and will likely do better in coming weeks.

Josh Logan–She Talks to Angels: This was one of my favorite performances of the night.  I’m not sure if he is right for Supernova but he was having a great time and brought on da funk.  He was a little too happy for the lyrics, however.

Matt Hoffer–Yellow: Love the song, but the performance was just a’ight.  I have the feeling this guy will last a few weeks by being bland enough to fly under the radar.

Dilana–Lithium: What was that? I haven’t been this scared watching a performance since I saw Alice Cooper singing “Only Women Bleed” on TV when I was 5 and thinking that he was saying “Only Women Breathe.”  I was sure I was a goner.  Once I got past the emotional trauma of her performance, I was riveted.  She is definitely a captivating performer and will be around for a while.

Dana Andrews–I’m the Only One: Yawn.  She definitely needs to pick a better song next time around, which could be tonight. Strong voice, though.

Phil Ritchie–Cult of Personality: Ty did this on the first show last year.  Why would you repeat that?  Why would you think we want to hear it again? Seriously.  Ty redeemed it from the fact that it was played 63,000 times an hour back in ’88.  But that was last year.  Can we forget this song again, now?

Jill Gioia–Piece of My Heart: We’re going to have to keep our eyes on this little firecracker.  She’s got some pipes, yo.

Chris Pierson–Roxanne:  If I was voting last night, he would be the one to go.  That was just painful to watch.  He’s on the hot seat as the worst performance of the night.

Lukas Rossi–Rebel Yell: I don’t care what you say, that guy was stoned.  20 bucks he takes a swing at somebody before the season is over.  He just freaked me out too much for me to really like him.  But he does have this 1970′s glam rock-star mystique about him.

Right now, I’m liking Storm, Josh and Dilana.  Anybody else watch this?

If you have not set your Tivo’s for the greatest reality show on TV, then this is your friendly reminder: Rock Star: Supernova premieres tonight at 7 Central. Tonight’s show is 90 minutes and will be followed by another show tomorrow night.

Next week, Rock Star will settle into it’s Tuesday/Wednesday schedule.

If you love rock and roll, this is your show.

If you can’t stand the pop politics of American Idol, this is your show.

If you want great song selection and not some disco night, this is your show. Rock Star gets songs from artists that Idol could never get.

If you want contestants who can write their own songs…

You get the point.

This is must see TV. If you doubt that, take a listen to Switch, the latest album from INXS.

Even though Tommy Lee has not gotten the memo that he is 19 minutes into his amount of fame, this will still be great summer watching.

I know I am somewhat critical of our current administration and some of its policy decisions. I also struggle with maintaining the proper balance between patriotism and living as a member of a Kingdom without physical borders.  This nation is not my ultimate home. Yet I do acknowledge the blessings of living in this country.  I am blessed that God has placed me in such a time and location as this.

Today, I give you 38 things I love about living here:

1. I have freedom to worship as I please.
2. I have freedom to say what I feel about policies and decisions made by elected leaders.
3. I’m reasonably sure that every vote I have ever casted was properly counted (except for New Mexico in 2000)
4. My wife is American.
5. We have freedom to choose.
6. The food is pretty good.
7. Football is American.
8. Rock and Roll is American.
9. Baseball.
10. Hot Dogs
11. Slices of Americana such as diners, Route 66 and alt-country
12. Freedom of Speech
13. Freedom of the Press
14. We make great movies
15. We have the separation of church and state while having the freedom to meld religion and politics
16. We have been a source of liberation for millions of people seeking solace, refuge and relief
17. Our unbridled idealism, though sometimes misguided, is inspiring
18. We have come light years in right the wrongs of racism, though we still have far to go
19. Generations have come and gone before me who have wrestled nobly and sincerely with what it means to be faithful and free
20. I can choose what school my kids go to and rest reasonably sure that they will get a good education
21. Every state has beautiful scenery and attractions
22. My Arkansas Razorbacks
23. If we are disgruntled or dissatisfied with our elected representatives we have the recourse of voting them out of office regularly
24. All of those who died battling for the ideals of this country did so out of the sincere belief that they were fighting for freedom
25. Boston in the Fall
26. Our Constitution was not intended to be a static document and has been amended extending rights to oppressed people
27. We were founded as a place for people of all religions, backgrounds and beliefs to worship freely and without redress
28. Historically, we have been a positive influence in the world
29. “This Land is Your Land”
30. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that his dream could be realized in America
31. We can disagree on political positions, the place of patriotism in the church, and the necessity of war and still be fellow countrymen
32. I’m still protected from unlawful search and seizure.  Right?
33. We are not yet all that we can be
34. Our commitment to scientific and technological advances
35. My children were born here with full help and hope of a bright future
36. Springsteen, Dylan, Guthrie and the collective voice of great American songwriters with a conscience
37. That we live in a country so diverse that can produce the Clintons and the Bushes
38. It’s my home where I am free to live, love and minister

What about you?

Until I get that stupid (insert voice of Chloe and Cassie, “Daddy, you don’t say stupid”) sidebar to work here is my current reading list:

From the Library:

The Left Hand of God by Michael Lerner–Worth the read for his proposed Spiritual Covenant With America

American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham
Field Notes from a Catastrophe:  Man, Nature and Climate Change by Elizabeth Kolbert–Can we keep ignoring this?

Coming this week from Amazon:

The Politics of Jesus by John Howard Yoder –Funny, all the stuff I have read by Yoder, I have not read this, his definitive work.

Simply Christian : Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright–Wright is one of today’s greatest living theologians.  I look forward to this latest offering.

After the Locusts: How Costly Forgiveness Is Restoring Rwanda’s Stolen Years by Meg Guillebaud

Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding by John Mark Hicks and Bobby Valentine.  The message of David Lipscomb is one that greatly intrigues me.

This should keep me busy for a couple of weeks.  Is there anything better than a good book?  Don’t answer that.

What about you?  Have you read any of these offerings?  If not, what are you reading right now?

Today’s sermon explores the Old Testament concept of Covenant.