Welcome to the weekend!  Lot’s happened this week, so let’s get to it!

First, Rev. Russell Moore wrote a must-read column called, ‘Sorry, the Bible Doesn’t Promise to Make America Great Again’.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 wrongly applied to America. And in light of all that the Presidential candidates are saying right now, this is a good reminder/perspective.

The big things that happened this week: Obama gave his final (thank goodness) State of the Union address, The GOP had a rather nasty  (but entertaining) debate, the stock market continued to plunge, Christ continued His reign.

What else? Well…

Walmart said its closing a lot of stores – here’s the list.

Jeb Bush continued to hemorrhage support (donors can’t wait to jump ship). And Chris Cillizza says its pretty hard to imagine him winning the nomination. 

Marco Rubio was endorsed by a “Controversial Theologian” (I couldn’t be laughing harder right now at Time Mag’s definition of “controversial”!)

Ted Cruz (born in the home of Maple Leafs) and his citizenship continued to persist as a topic of debate (thanks to Donald Trump who tweeted about it even this morning!). Here’s the controversial WaPo article discussing the matter.

Other interesting items…

Sean Penn stirred up his share of controversy when Rolling Stone released an interview he conducted of El Chapo (mexican drug scumbag). The only thing I can say about this article is that it was so disgustingly self-righteous and so disgustingly long, that I couldn’t even make it to the interview part. I’m only posting as an FYI so you know what’s going on in the world…I’m not advocating you spend time reading the whole thing!

More controversy…super swimmers!  This is definitely a sign of the times. What bothers me is that we see similar issues invading the church today.

Nice little blip about how John Kasich still attends (or tries to) a bi-weekly Bible Study.

And, did anyone else see this?? Kinda sad…

Shrill: Ann Coulter says “Deport Nickki Haley” 

Best blog of the week! Challies on ‘Amusing 1-Star Reviews of Great Books’

Another MUST READ for people trying to figure out the difference between Cruz and Rubio – look at the type of evangelicals who are supporting these two men. From my own observation, Cruz is probably a more devout or at least educated Christian. But I still can’t help but wince when I read articles like this…

Under the Radar: More Hillary email issues – looking like a Smoking Gun

Unfortunate reality setting in: J.I. Packer can no longer read or write. This is a man whose books have moved generations to their knees, and to a better understanding of their Creator. If you’ve never read any of his books, you owe it to yourself to pickup a copy of ‘Knowing God’

TECHNOLOGY: How to Use Snapchat (for those of us over 30). I found this pretty funny – and helpful (sadly)

Perspective: ‘Istanbul Suicide Bomber Entered Turkey as Syrian Refugee, Officials Say’.  Not the type of article that makes the case for letting in a mass of Syrian refugees to America.

This is just Gross! 

Finally, this is a long, but interesting read: ’50 years later, disagreements over young Trump’s military academy record’

That’s it! Have a great weekend!

PJW