College Football Bowl Games - Comparing Roster Rankings And Outcomes

There was a time in the not so distant past that I was oblivious to the importance of football recruiting. For most of my early life, SMU was a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC), what would easily be a Power conference by the standards of today. SMU played and recruited against Arkansas, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU, Houston, and Rice. Getting top players to come play in the SWC, in Dallas, and get an outstanding education was pretty simple. And if you were willing to "play the game" that other big schools were playing, you could dominate recruiting - and SMU did.

But something changed in the 80s. The NCAA wanted to make an example of a school in an attempt to reduce the rampant cheating throughout college football, and SMU was the perfect target. It was a private school, smaller fanbase, and less likely to fight back against the selective nature of the investigation and penalty. The NCAA lowered the boom on SMU, shutting down the program for a year. SMU was allowed to play 6 away games in 1988, but opted not to play at all. We would start from scratch in 1989 with a whole new staff and recruit a team from the ground up. I watched coaches/recruiters from every college land on our campus like vultures picking at a carcass, recruiting our players who the NCAA graciously allowed to transfer without penalty. Many of these same programs routinely offered money, cars, prostitutes - whatever it took on the recruiting trail. It was a disgusting day to be a Mustang.

Many people look to the events surrounding the Death Penalty (DP) as the primary reason SMU underperformed for almost 40 years. Certainly it played a major part. But it was truly just the spark that led to the program being put in a position where it could not compete. The real damage came from three key events. 

#1 - The End of the SWC - Had the "merger" with the Big 8 occurred in the early 80s, there is no doubt SMU would have been included - as the best team outside the major state schools. Had it not been for Texas politics, Baylor and possibly Texas Tech might have been left behind. When the dust settled, Houston, Rice, SMU, and TCU had no conference home. Houston chose wisely to look East, and joined with schools who would become Conference USA. The other 3 went West and created the first SUPER conference the WAC 16 - which included teams like BYU, Utah, Air Force etc. On paper, it actually looked like a promising group. But these were teams nobody in Texas followed. The games were late at night, and some programs quite literally could not keep their lights on! Within a couple of years, there was a split, followed by additions and subtractions. And for the next few decades, SMU would wander from one lousy conference to another. 

During this time recruiting hit rock bottom. Nobody wanted to play in some no name conference against some crappy state university. The travel was far and inconvenient for fans. The dates and times sucked. There was little television coverage, and even less national media coverage. And then out of nowhere, the college football experts declared that some universities were more special than others. The special ones were declared morally and physically superior, received more media dollars, better bowls, and were almost guaranteed that one among this anointed few would be DECLARED - NOT EARN, National Champions. So roughly half of FBS, including some schools like SMU who had National Championships, Heisman winners, and 70+ years of playing in a top conference were effectively left behind. And there was little that could be done. Why?

If You Haven't Won A Conference Championship Since The 70s - Maybe You Don't Belong In A Power Conference?

#2 The Pye Penalty - After the DP, SMUs leadership overreacted to the situation. There was NEVER any academic scandal at SMU. Players went to class, made their grades, and graduated with legitimate degrees. In their zealousness to "clean" SMU, administrators first attempted to cancel football, thinking a focus on academics was what the doctor ordered. This was quickly shut down. Athletics are the front door for a university, and every study has confirmed that a successful athletic department keeps alumni engaged and supportive. Plus, a successful and visible program increases applications and quality of applicants. My first real exposure to SMU came from a church youth group watching a game in the Cotton Bowl.

So the "hate athletics" types decided they would "castrate" SMU sports to make sure it would never get out of control, or be nationally competitive. What did that mean? The standards for admittance were raised above any FBS school. Players had to be admitted before they could visit, or even be offered by coaches. For those unfamiliar with college acceptance, getting admitted to a school can be an arduous ordeal - especially before computers. A high school student might be on the edge and dependent on grades in the final semester to pass. Plus, every decent athlete had already accepted an offer elsewhere before SMU got around to accepting and inviting them to visit. It KILLED recruiting, probably as much as our crappy conferences.

The few athletes who were willing to wait, often were rejected in very public and disastrous ways. In football, we were fighting against FCS and JUCO for recruits, and getting excited when we stole a recruit from North Texas. In the early days of recruiting services, our classes were rated among the worst of FBS schools, behind all our natural and historical rivals. And then people wondered why we couldn't win the crappy conference where we were currently stuck.

In the meantime, long time rivals like TCU, a team that I never saw SMU lose to growing up, 15 straight years until after my graduation and the DP, were now out recruiting SMU, and winning. They switched conferences to further separate themselves from SMUs mediocrity - who could blame them? The trend switched, and they were now winning the Iron Skillet much more frequently. 

Apparently, Arthritis Is Contagious At TCU.

#3 Power Conferences - The genesis of this was mentioned above. Suddenly, a select handful of universities were anointed as Power schools for absolutely no reason at all. For every Alabama - that probably deserves special recognition, there was a Vanderbilt, who had NO business being in a Power conference. Teams like Iowa State, who haven't accomplished anything since before the First World War, were arbitrarily determined to be better than all non-Power schools.  As BAD as SMU has been for these few decades, they still have substantially more accomplishments than ISU and many so-called Power schools. And then there are schools just happy to be along for the ride - like Texas Tech, our favorite school in dusty Lubbock, Texas. They have averaged 3.9 conference wins over the last 27 years. Is that Power worthy? Who knows?

If you were a top athlete choosing between any Power school and even the very best "G5" school, which one will you pick? Nine times out of ten, that player is going to pick a Power school. This was something that became obvious observing recruiting for the last few decades. And it was one of the primary drivers for getting SMU back to playing Big Boy football. And since we were effectively blocked by our "friends" in the Big 12, who also assisted in destroying the PAC12 - another possible pathway for SMU, the ACC became our best option. And we will start playing in the fall of 2024.

I must admit there was a time I did not trust recruiting rankings. I believed that the system was rigged, players were rated higher based on picking certain schools. There may be a little of that still happening, but competition between the services has forced them to get better. Plus, in the digital age, its far easier to confirm offers and find out which schools are recruiting certain players. There was a time when player ratings were quite arbitrary. There are areas - small town and private school players that may fly under the radar. But that is quite rare. If you are a decent player with a chance at the next level, you will get evaluated. And if not, players can easily promote themselves and get noticed. And as you go up in quality, from an unknown to a can't miss player, they will be accurate more times than not. There will always be injuries, players not making grades, transfers etc. And there will always be that kid that gets discovered playing 6-man football who comes to town and is All Conference as a walk on. It happens. But those are exceptions.

The services now have composite rankings of rosters, which make it quite easy to compare teams, and as I have played with it, noted that its rather accurate. Take the first few bowls and consider the chart below.

Each bowl game is two lines, winner on top, loser on bottom. I've included a few rankings for reference - although some of those may be post-game. The focus should be on the number of 5-4-3* players, average per player, and total points as well. Comparing those is quite interesting. Take the New Mexico Bowl. I had folks on social media continually tell me how tough CUSA was this year, especially NMSU, who I've heard upset Auburn. But I have watched football for more than a year, and understand there is a definite tiered system of talent. One "exception" does not change the rules. NMSU did have a few highly talented players, but Fresno is loaded and has much more QUALITY depth. The Total Points is a key indicator, but the difference in rated players 3* or better 64 > 27 is HUGE. That means at almost every position, including special teams, Fresno likely had a player that was a little bigger, faster, smarter, or just plain better than NMSU. And the score reflected that.

And Now, We Dance!

As the talent gap narrows, as in the first two bowls listed above, then individual performances, game conditions, preparation, coaching, player transfers or opt outs come into the equation. Georgia Southern had a slight talent advantage, but Ohio won easily. There was an even bigger gap between JSU and Louisiana, yet JSU managed to win in OT. And then take a look at UCLA and Boise - a Power team against one of the better "G" teams. Look at the ranked players - 23 4* to Boise with 1. Boise does have a ton of 3*, but not enough to overcome the talent gap. And of course the score reflects this.

So what does this mean looking forward? Here are a few upcoming games. These are mostly "G5" contests, and other games that caught my eye. It is NOT a comprehensive list.

 

Again, I just want to point out a few and see if they turn out as expected. I will start with SMU, who has done quite well building their team through recruiting, portal, and NIL. We do not yet have a true Power roster - which explains the losses to OU and TCU this year, which both had more or better rated talent, but we are competitive with the ACC. For our game with Boston College, look at the numbers. SMU should have a very slight edge in talent. The one hiccup is the very best player, QB Preston Stone, is out with a broken leg. But there still should be enough talent to win this game. At the very least, we should be competitive. It is a home game for BC, and that far North, weather could play a factor.

Another interesting game to consider is UTSA and Marshall. The latter has a history of giant killing, although it comes and goes. Looking at the numbers, I am inclined to believe UTSA will win big. They have a multi year starter in SR QB Frank Harris - assuming he plays. And if HC Traylor does not get hired away, I think this game goes to UTSA. Talent and depth should overwhelm Marshall, and playing in Frisco - while not a home game, should favor the team from San Antonio.

And now we come to the most perplexing bowl placement of the season. FSU was booted out of the top 4 even though they were unbeaten because of SOS. Liberty was kept in the NYD bowls because they were unbeaten, screw SOS. The consistently inconsistent NCAA strikes again. In some ways, it feels like just another SMU screw job - we've had our share. But the more I think about it there may have been a diabolical reason for their inclusion. It helps the committee justify the absolutely horrible exclusion of FSU. AND, when Liberty gets beaten senseless, it will give college experts another chance to say - "See, G teams do not belong!" I've always believed Hawaii was set up this way in 2007. They were unbeaten, but played a ridiculously easy schedule, not as bad as Liberty - but close. They had no business playing Georgia, and there was little chance the game would be competitive. Hawaii had a GOOD team, but not anywhere close to the talent level of Georgia. Something similar happened last year with TCU. They managed to make it to the championship - I suspect Sonny D made a pact with the father of lies. And in one of the saddest games ever broadcast, TCU was quite thoroughly humiliated in front of the whole world. Georgia was just far more talented than the Lizards that day.

The Flames had a great season. I read that every day on social media. I will never disagree. But when your SOS is 133, you need to, at least mentally, place a little asterisk next to that season. If Liberty played in District 11-6A in Texas, one of the toughest high school districts in the country, including the state champions for both division 1 and 2 this year, they would be undefeated. And that's great. But who did they play? And then all sorts of ridiculous arguments are thrown out, we beat this team, who beat this team. CUSA is at the bottom of the food chain. Its like beating high school teams, just ever so slightly better. Whether you beat SHSU by 4 or 40, its still a team wearing FBS diapers. Its like 1989 when SMU restarted our program - everyone beat the crap out of us. It was shocking when we won! Yet we managed two wins that year - UCONN and North Texas.

There was a time I used to believe that if SMU just had the right coach, he could take whatever roster we had and win the national championship. That only works in Hollywood. The reality is it takes GOOD players, a lot of them. It takes senior leadership, playmakers, depth, solid coaching and good game plans, and then, the players have to execute. More times than not, the team with the better athletes, those more highly recruited and prized, will win. Good players make coaches look much better. Is Nick Saban an awesome coach, or is it because he is 3-4 deep in 4 and 5 star athletes at every position? I guess its sort of a chicken or egg type question. Alabama is going to get top players no matter who wears the whistle. And for reference, this year's Alabama has 74 4 or 5* players on their roster. Their starting teams could almost be ALL 5* players. That amount of talent can make any coach look legendary. And someone who really knows what they are doing will get the most out of them. But if it were easy, everyone would be Alabama or Georgia.

Now consider Liberty's Fiesta opponent - Oregon. By every objective measure, Liberty has no business in this game. They are like Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. If they manage to make it a competitive game, I will be happy for them. If they win, I will be thrilled. But the odds are not in their favor.

Assuming most starters play and don't opt out, Oregon will trot out a team with 5 5* and 48 4* players. Meaning that the 2-deep will likely be filled with 4* or better players at every position. Oh, and they have 32 3* players as well. What will Liberty counter with for the game? 2 4* and 19 3* players will get their Flame on at the Fiesta Bowl. Will that be enough? Maybe they will get lucky, a turnover or two? Maybe a key Duck will miss the game? Maybe the Duck's charter flight is late? Anything can happen, right? All they need is a really rousing pep talk, that fires up the players and leads them to certain victory.

Is it impossible? No. In sports, there is always a chance - that is why you play the game. But I suspect Oregon will be playing their 3* players at the start of the 3rd quarter, and will have likely covered the 65 over by then. Maybe the Flames can prove me and the college football world wrong.

Rhett Lashlee - College Football's Coach Of The Year

Its rare that among the nominees for college football coach of the year, that the winner is so obvious. Only NCAA politics could keep SMUs Head Coach Rhett Lashlee from the award he clearly earned. But let's take a look at the evidence and see if I can convince you of this truth.

There are several Coach of the Year awards, here is a quick summary of those.

AFCA COY - Picks their national winner from 5 regional winners. Coach Lashlee was not among those 5. Some folks just don't follow college football.

AP COY - I cannot find a list of finalists. But like the clowns above, they took pity on Sonny Dykes of TCU and gave him the award last year. Remember Sonny, he was the coach who set the record for the most humiliating defeat in a national championship game, losing 65-7? Then he followed that up with a brilliant 5-7 campaign in 2023. Wait a tic, I think Georgia just scored again!

Sonny's Last Days At SMU

Eddie Robinson COY - Voted on by the Football Writers Association of America, this one has released its finalists and it does include Coach Lashlee. The finalists are David Braun of Northwestern; Jamey Chadwell of Liberty; Kalen DeBoer of Washington; Eliah Drinkwitz of Missouri; Jedd Fisch of Arizona; Rhett Lashlee of SMU; Chuck Martin of Miami (Ohio); Mike Norvell of Florida State; Barry Odom of UNLV; Nick Saban of Alabama; Steve Sarkisian of Texas; and Jon Sumrall of Troy.

I will be using the above list of finalists for some of my comparisons, as it seems to be one of the better collections of coaches. This same group also selected Sonny Dykes last year as COY, but they can atone for this horrible mistake by supporting a truly gifted coach, SMUs Rhett Lashlee.

SMU Heisman Winner Doak Walker 

George Munger COY - Another one that includes Coach Lashlee as a finalist. Many of the same coaches above are finalists here. Willie Fritz of Tulane won last year. I give kudos to this organization because when news of Joe "Pa" Paterno came out that he protected a rapist on his team, and enabled a pedophile to roam the campus for decades, they rightly rescinded their three awards to him. It is also why the Joe Paterno award no longer exists. Pedophile enablers, even if they win football games, should NEVER be celebrated.

Home Depot COY - Already made their decision. They selected Kalen Deboer of Washington. So make sure you shop at Lowes or Ace from now on. They also picked TCUs Sonny Dykes last year, so not real sharp when it comes to understanding the game.

Paul "Bear" Bryant COY - Yet another that picked Sonny D last year - I do not understand how this man fooled so many otherwise intelligent folks. They did include Coach Lashlee in their finalists, so they can also atone for their mistake.

Bobby Dodd COY - Focused on teams that meet Academic Progress Rates that exceed 965, and coach must be in their 2nd year or longer to be eligible. Lashlee qualifies on both counts (2nd year; APR 977 T53rd). Willie Fritz of Tulane won it last year - making you think that Lashlee would be in a good position to win this year. The Mid-season watch list did NOT include Lashlee, and I have not seen a finalist list as of yet.

SMU WINS!

There are a few others, but you get the idea.

Let's first look at some of the other finalists. Remember, in most cases, this award is based on performance to date, not what might happen in the bowl games.

POWER CONFERENCE COACHES

I am not opposed to a Power Conference coach winning the award. But what I want to see is a coach who overcame significant hurdles, losing season in 2022, injuries to key players, tragic events like a death in the program family - major obstacles to achieve greatness. Why? If you are in a Power conference you already have NUMEROUS advantages over your peers. Texas, Washington, Alabama, Florida State, Missouri can literally choose who they want to sign. They are major state schools with HUGE budgets, filled stadiums, numerous boosters, best facilities, and play on major networks at the best times. Even Northwestern still benefits GREATLY in the Big10, even though the results may not be as good as their peers.

I also want to see a significant change from the prior year, and achievement WAY BEYOND expectations. Four mentioned above were picked either 1st or 2nd in their conference preseason polls. Improvement from 11 wins to 13 as a Texas or Alabama is not impressive. In the case of Texas, they routinely out recruit all their peers, and load up on talent. Winning in double digits is EXPECTED. Same goes for Alabama, FSU, and Washington. You could make a case for Northwestern or MAYBE Missouri, a big turnaround, but not even a conference championship game? Again, with all their resources, I would expect so much more, even playing in the Big 10 or SEC.

G5 COACHES

I truly despise that term, and HATE that college football is segregated. Thankfully, SMU returns to Big Boy football next year, playing in the ACC. As much as I hate the label, it is a reality of college football today. G5 teams are playing at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage compared to the POWER teams. Talk to any recruit with any talent, they are far more likely to sign with a Power team than any G5. The reasons - the prestige factor, more likely to play on the biggest stage and against the best opponents. They are far more likely to get a chance to play for a national championship. Facilities are generally better, in fact most everything is bigger and better at a Power school. Even if you leave home, your family is far more likely to see you play at a Power school - carried on major networks, rather than a G5 team on streaming services - if at all.

With that said, consider the coaches who had an impact this year. Did any of these earn coach of the year - even with the limitations of G5 status? I'm working backwards from last to first.

Jon Sumrall, Troy - SOS 95

- '22 12-2 (7-1) SBC; '23 11-2 (8-1) Bowl: Birmingham Duke (7-5) FPI 32

- UNRANKED: CFP, AP, Coaches 

- FPI 45; Sagarin 45; Massey 39*

Troy was picked 1st in West and led all teams with 92 points and 10 1st place votes. Very little change from last year, met expectations and yet unranked. A solid bowl win over a Power team would be a great cherry on top. Solid play earned Sumrall a new coaching gig. But coach of the year?

Chuck Martin, Miami (Ohio) - SOS 114

 

- '22 6-7 (4-4) MAC; '23 11-2 (8-1) Bowl: Cure App St (8-5) FPI 68

- UNRANKED: CFP, AP, Coaches 

- FPI 71; Sagarin 75; Massey 61*

Miami (OH) was picked 3rd with just 2 1st place votes. Nice jump from 6-7 to 11-2 and winning the MAC championship. Team was unranked, a terrible SOS and landed in the high 60s, low 70s for most rating services. A bowl win would be a nice reward for a good season. But what did the coach do to deserve COY?

Barry Odom, UNLV - SOS 68

- '22 5-7 (3-5) MWC; '23 9-4 (6-3) Bowl: Guaranteed Rate Kansas (8-4) FPI 29

- UNRANKED: CFP. AP, Coaches, 

- FPI 74; Sagarin 74; Massey 77*

UNLV was picked 9th with 1 1st place vote. This coach should be worthy of some serious consideration. Took a 5-7 team to 9-4 and won the MWC when nobody thought they stood a chance. SOS is average at 68, not ranked, and ratings in the 70s holds them back IMHO.

Jamey Chadwell, Liberty - SOS 133

- 22 8-5 Ind; '23 CUSA13-0 Bowl Fiesta Oregon (11-2) FPI 4

- CUSA champs - New conference with two teams transitioning to FBS.

- Tot Off #3; Tot Def #47

- Score Off #5; Score Def #40

- Tackles for Loss #54; Team Sacks #80

- Def Tds #25 33-Way TIE;

- CFP #23; AP #18; Coaches #18 

- FPI 49; Sagarin 47; Massey 35* 

Liberty was new to CUSA this year, so somewhat of an unknown. They were selected 2nd of 9 teams, with 4 of 22 1st place votes. I've added some statistical information for additional scrutiny. The biggest downside simply cannot be overlooked - SOS 133. The absolute worst of FBS. Any FBS school would look good statistically and would stack up wins playing Liberty's schedule this year. Just based on roster rankings, half of SMUs schedule would go undefeated playing that schedule. And the offense SHOULD put up huge numbers, and be very stingy on defense, yet they didn't rank so well on D. They managed to get ranked in all the polls, but the ranking services looked at them far more objectively with a 35 - 49 range - which is probably a bit high, but fair. The college football fairies gave them the Golden Ticket to face Oregon in the playoff. This appears like a repeat of the 2008 Sugar Bowl, where an undefeated Hawaii, who played a dreadfully weak schedule, got humiliated by Georgia on national TV - much to the delight of the TV execs and folks who make money off this segregated football crap. If they keep the game within two TDs, I will be pleasantly surprised.

Rhett Lashlee, SMU - SOS 76

- '22 7-6 (5-3) AAC; '23 11-2 (9-0) Bowl: Fenway Boston College (6-6) FPI 86

- AAC Champs - 1st SOLO Conference Title since 1982 (84 shared)

- AAC CCG win over '22 champ Tulane, SMU w/o starting QB

- Tot Off #14; Tot Def #12

- Score Off #6; Score Def #12

- Tackles for Loss #13; Team Sacks #2

- Def TDs #1 5-Way TIE 

- CFP #24; AP #17; Coaches #19

- FPI 20; Sagarin 21; Massey 26*

In the new AAC, SMU was disrespected in a number of ways. Players were overlooked for all conference teams, and most importantly the media voted SMU 3rd of 14 teams in 2023, with only 3 of 34 1st place votes. This is AFTER the departure of Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF to the Big 12. To the credit of this staff, they went to work recruiting and in the portal to add depth and quality, especially on defense, and it showed. This was the best defense by any measure going back to the 80s. And they accomplished something else that has not been done since that decade - a conference championship and undefeated in conference play. In every category that matters, offense and defense, SMU was a top 15 team. And they played a schedule that included two ranked teams, and last year's national runner-up, TCU. I mock TCU and Sonny Dykes, but that team is still LOADED with talent and played a very tough schedule. That team would have easily been undefeated playing LUs schedule.

The point being that SMU maintained the high rankings on both sides of the ball, even against some pretty good teams. Last year, SMU stumbled into their bowl game with a number of key starters either out, or playing injured. This year, the depth was such that SMU was able to prevail even when key starters were hurt. The best example was the dominant performance against Tulane in New Orleans. QB Preston Stone went down in the last regular season game with a broken leg. Kevin Jennings RF stepped in and was able to play well enough for the win. They say defense wins championships, it certainly applied to that game. 

And one final note, Action Network announced their All American Team and SMU had one player on the 1st Team - DL Elijah Roberts. The American conference, in a moment of pettiness, did not think he did enough to earn a spot on the All Conference first team. They even chose Tulane coach Willie Fritz as coach of the year!

Fenway is a nice reward, but SMU deserved better. And Coach Rhett Lashlee, for all that he has done for the team, and the SMU community, has earned the Coach of the Year award.

*Massey Ratings. I did not use the Massey Composite because some of the ratings are downright ridiculous. For instance, Liberty is rated as high as 3 and as low as 89. If you believe either is remotely true, you are delusional. SMU is equally mishandled, with ratings as high as 11 and as low as 78. Clearly, a case of too many cooks in the kitchen who know little about college football. For grins, LUs composite is 20, SMUs 22. 

Links to all the ranking service pages under the Lashlee profile.

Mustangs Stampede To Victory!

SMU At Tulane - AAC Championship Game 2023

SMU In Locker Room

Computer Generated Interpretations of G5 Mascots - Blame AI, Not Me.

Miami (OH) Redhawk

Troy (Modern) Trojan

Liberty Flames? Did Not Compute. 

Vegas Rebel



And finally....

The College Football Playoff Committee Hard At Work

You Know They Take The CFP Super Serious

Its all in good fun. I miss college football without all the politics and BS. Just give me a 16-game postseason tournament where every team has a legitimate shot to earn a bid as conference champions, no loopholes for "special" teams like Notre Dame, no spots given because of ratings or enrollment, simply let the 16 best teams line up and play to see who wins it all. That is my dream. I hate that any computer geeks, sportswriters, or secret committees have ANYTHING to do with postseason.

Let Them Settle It on The Field!

Then the SOS really doesn't matter. FSU, SMU, and Liberty all get their chance to prove they belong and play for a national Championship. That would be swell!

SMU - First Outright Conference Championship in 41 Years!

If you have read any of my blogs you know that I am, and will always be a committed SMU fan. I've written about my Mother's love for SMU, the many family ties to the Methodist church and the school, and my experiences on the Hilltop. It just seems like part of my family.

My positive memories of SMU go back long before I attended. My Mother introduced me to SMU during a United Methodist Youth Foundation trip to see the Mustangs play in the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Both my sisters were in the church youth group, and my parents were chaperones. I of course as a wee one, had to come along. All that I knew about college football at that time came from my Father, who graduated from the University of Texas. He was there at the same time as Tom Landry, and UT was his team. Naturally, it was mine, until I saw the red & blue of SMU. I believe that first game was against Houston. And I'm pretty sure they lost, but I was hooked. My Mother told me stories of SMU greats like Doak Walker. He was there when she attended. Her excitement led me to learn more. I drove librarians crazy in elementary school finding books on the SWC, and SMU. I found a biography on Doak Walker - which I read and turned in a pretty nifty book report. I also found books on the Southwest Conference, and the many greats from SMU. This culminated in a priceless piece of literature on the topic of what would you do with $1,000,000. That was a lot of money back then. I wowed the class with my plans to purchase SMU and make it THE VERY BEST University on the Planet. I dream big.

Doak Walker Statue At SMU

By the time I was old enough to really understand college football, SMU was transitioning into the Mustang Mania phase. A time of great hype, followed by incredible success. It was just before and during this time I got to experience SMU in person. Both sisters enrolled at SMU, and I went along to help move them in. I was blown away by the scenery the first time. By the time we moved in the 2nd sister, when I was a wee bit more mature, I was REALLY blown away by the SCENERY. I found my future college.

I still had a few years to go, so I followed from my home in Longview. We would usually take one or two trips a year to see a game, often with a church group. When I was old enough to drive, and proven to be reliable behind the wheel, I would travel there myself. I started working at 15, and purchased my own vehicle. And my parents surprisingly trusted me. I did not drink or do drugs, and only went to school and work, so there was little time for trouble.

In 1982, a truly remarkable year, SMU managed to fight its way through their Southwest Conference schedule unblemished. There were a few moments where they cut it close, like winning at Texas Tech in the final seconds on a kickoff return. It came down to one final game against a ranked Arkansas team at Texas Stadium - the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and on Saturdays - the SMU Mustangs. I was among the 60k+ fans, not quite a sellout, but very close. Arkansas always brought lots of fans, but this was packed with Pony fans - alumni, students, and even folks from Dallas who were now Mustangs. The game went back and forth. Two great offenses against two very solid defenses. The second ranked Mustangs (10-0) playing the 8th ranked Razorbacks (8-1). A nationally televised game watched by millions. 

The game did not end as I desired. SMU had a chance to win on a last second field goal, but it went wide. But with the TIE, which was allowed back then, SMU was the undisputed Southwest Conference Champions, and would face Pittsburgh in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. SMU would beat the Dan Marino led Panthers, but in one of many NCAA screw jobs, SMU, the ONLY unbeaten team in the nation, would be voted #2 behind the rapist protector and pedophile enabler Joe Paterno, who won their bowl game, yet had one loss. It was purely a sympathy vote for the whiner in Happy Valley, and some good old fashioned East Coast Bias.

That wasn't the only screw job that would occur that year. Eric Dickerson, who shared time at RB with Craig James, was clearly the best player on the best team in the NCAA by any objective measure. Dickerson was a Senior, Herschel Walker (Georgia) was a Junior - that right there should have led to a Dickerson win. Dickerson (232/1617/7.0/17) was inexplicably 3rd in voting behind Walker (335/1752/5.2/16) and Stanford's QB John Elway (262/405/3242/24/12) Stanford was 5-6 and didn't go bowling. Georgia was (11-1) and 4th in the final poll. Note Dickerson had 100 less carries, 1 more TD, and almost 2 yards more per carry, AND was only 140 yards behind Walker. An obvious case of voter bias. Most college football fans recognized who was best. And Dickerson's time in the NFL proved it.

But that all that came later. For much of December 1982 into January of 1983. SMU nation celebrated. They were SWC champions, and the ONLY undefeated team in the land! It was fantastic being a Mustang, and I eagerly looked forward to actually being a student on the Hilltop.

Some success would follow in 1983 and 1984 - including a shared SWC title with Houston in '84. But 1982 was the high water mark. Then 1987 hit. The program was shut down, followed by the demise of the SWC, and over 30 years of wandering in the wasteland of college football. It was a long road back to relevancy.

As the years went by, I wondered if SMU students would ever experience college football like I did while I was a student. The athletic success was such a major part of my time on the Hilltop. During the dark days of the 90s, I could see students were losing interest, indifferent to sports, and often embarrassed by the results. I would proudly wear my shirts or cap, and take my share of ridicule no matter where in America I traveled. But there were times when older fans who remembered the 80s indicated that they were Mustang fans back then. When I would encourage them to reconsider, my suggestion was usually rejected. People like winners. And for 30 years, SMU could not by any measure claim to be a winning football program.

That is why the win down in New Orleans was so special. No matter what accomplishments SMU had, the naysayers always pushed the goalpost further - one being a conference championship - which quite frankly, SMU had only sniffed at winning. But now, SMU was over that hump. Eleven wins, with a bowl game to come, shows that SMU is going to be a player on the national scene. We have the staff, the players, facilities, financial support, new conference ACC, and now excited students and fans, to keep us relevant in our new home.

Go Mustangs!!!

Surviving The Twelve Dates Of Christmas

Its the film crossover event that couples have dreamed about for years. In theaters this Christmas, a holiday rom-com that when you meet-cute, you die-cute. Its the perfect date film, with something for everyone.

Another Christmas Meet-Cute Goes Awry

The Plot

12 lonely single women make a pact to find love by Christmas. As each one meets their perfect man, they are immediately involved in a horrific accident. Is it Christmas magic? A curse? Or something far more sinister?

Each accident seems to follow a pattern relating to the Christmas song, The Twelve Days Of Christmas.

On the first day, Angie meets her soulmate, Doug, while she is at her grandfather's Christmas tree farm. As they stroll through the farm, they come to a place where some really big trees are being cut for corporate clients. Their movement startles a covey of partridges which fly to one of the recently cut trees. The sudden addition of their weight causes the tree to come crashing down on top of our couple.

Angie and Doug Find Love Among The Trees

On the third day, Grace is at the family chicken farm helping her parents. Prince Albert, of some obscure European nation, takes a tour of the farm. Grace and the prince immediately sense a connection, and start imagining life with each other. Grace gives him a tour of the hen house, when suddenly all the birds attack and peck them mercilessly.

Grace, And the Angry Birds

On the eighth day, a journalist named Kim, visits Luke's dairy farm. She is doing a story on milk production in the state. Throughout the tour it is obvious that there is chemistry between the two. The crew decides to get some shots outside leaving Kim and Luke alone in the dairy barn. In a chain of events that would impress Rube Goldberg, our lovers become victims of the milking equipment.

A Happy Moment Alone For Kim And Luke

The tenth day gets really interesting. Michele is drugged while out partying and awakens in a foreign country where 10 lords fight over her. Who will win? Will she fall in love, or will there be more violence?

Michele Watching The Lords

On the twelfth day, our last ingenue thinks she has found love when she is asked to be a part of a holiday parade. Instead, its a violent protest, including a deadly drumline. Will she survive the trampling and find love?

Kelly Before The Rampage Begins

The Cast

The producers originally set out to cast a very diverse group, including the very best rom-com talent on the planet. A literal whose who of young talent was approached: Autumn Reeser, Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Dove Cameron, Emily Kinney, Katrina Norman, Lacey Chabert, Jen Lilley, Jillian Murray, Laura Marano, Mallory Jansen, Mikaela Hoover, Minka Kelly, Monica Barbaro, Poppy Drayton, Rachael Leigh Cook, Rachel Bilson, Samaire Armstrong, Summer Glau, Taylor Cole, Victoria Justice, and Zoey Deutch.

But every actor inexplicably was working on other projects. It was the same story for all five men who appear in 90% of rom-coms. They all had conflicts and could not commit to this project. It looked like the film was DOA. And yet it was decided to just hire some Canadians - they will do anything for a buck!

The Controversy

The film certainly had its fair share of challenges. One of the producers demanded that they put more women in the film, and make them lame. It was explained that more than half the cast were already women, but to appease her demands, a disabled female character was added. After the first screening, and the overwhelming negative feedback to seeing a disabled woman mauled on screen, the part was eliminated.

The Surprise

Select streaming partners will release an interactive version, allowing the audience to select which couple survives and finds love, and those that do not. There will be literally dozens of possibilities totally in the control of the viewer. 

We listened to rom-com and slasher fans and the one consistent complaint was that the movie never ended the way they wanted it to end. Now they will have the ability to control the ending.

The Press

The feedback for the film as been phenomenal. Just take a look at the favorable press thus far.

Never in my 60 years as a film critic have I watched a film like this!

Neal Pearson, Movie Talk 365 

This is one movie that I am glad is lacking diversity!

Evelyn Madden, DEI In Film

I can't believe I kept my dinner down for all 90 minutes!

Billy Masterson, Dallas Times Herald

This is EXACTLY what the holiday season needed! Four stars!

Greg Holbrook, Daily Freak

 

You will LAUGH. You will CRY. You will KISS ten bucks goodbye!

DON'T MISS THIS FILM!

If your local theater is not showing it, demand they do. This is sure to be a holiday favorite for decades!

Agitating For Satan, Or Preparing For the 2024 Election?

Starting in November, I noticed a huge increase in divisive posts from people claiming to be Christians. They are all over social media. Its like an organized effort to divide Christianity. They post offensive memes and topics that do nothing but create strife among Believers. Is this satan's last stand, or is this an attempt to divide Christians before the 2024 election? Maybe a little a both?

I am always amused by the folks who feel led to be heresy hunters. They police the Body for anything that strays from their "religious rudiments." They are quick to take a sermon completely out of context to prove someone is demonic or a heretic. One really disgusting habit is selective editing of video, so the sermon/lesson lacks context. And of course many of these fine folks are at best carnal Christians, so they lack the maturity to understand Spiritual Truth. To them, its just "spooky" and needs to be condemned.

One of their latest attacks was against Kenneth Copeland - a frequent target of heresy hunters. For the record, I know his ministry well. I've read probably 90% of his books, listened to many sermons, and even attended a Believer's Convention. There is nothing heretical or demonic about his ministry - unless you are not spiritually mature. I was once a religious person. I was Born Again, and lived in the same house with my Spirit-filled parents. But I was just a babe in Christ. I saw them operating their spiritual gifts, experienced the miracles, yet found it "spooky" at times. Now that I have matured, I know exactly what was happening, and saw how God worked through my parents - often saving me from my own stupidity. 

For instance, God would instruct them to pray for me when I was in trouble. They would have no natural knowledge of what I was involved in, so they would pray God's Perfect Will - in the Spirit. When they had peace, they would stop. Sometimes the Holy Spirit would reveal exactly what was happening, other times it was kept under wraps - and Praise God for His Love AND discretion. As soon as we could talk, they would ask me what happened, either to confirm what they already knew, or fill in the missing pieces. Their knowledge of my shenanigans was uncanny. Yet it was their relationship with the Father, and their spiritual maturity, that kept me safe through my wild years.

When I share that with unbelievers, they immediately dismiss it as coincidence or mysticism. Oddly, it is often dismissed by the religious as well. They prefer the God they know to stay in their neat little box. They go to church, sing a song, read a Bible verse, hear a nice talk, and go about their lives. Someone teaching/preaching under the anointing of God MUST be heresy. Someone gets healed, experiences a financial miracle, that is nonsense. We KNOW miracles ended 2,000 years ago! You just want to scream, "WHY BELIEVE IN AN IMPOTENT GOD!"

Here is the Copeland Tweet. This was widely shared on blogs and social media, fomenting many derogatory replies.

This was posted by several pastors, and received many hateful comments from Christians who should know better. I blotted out their names, as my purpose is not to attack them, but the spirit behind the posts. God will deal with them far better than I can, and do it mercifully. Look at the verbiage used. Are these truly men of God? Are they walking in Love? Are they doing their best to keep the peace, or unity in the Spirit? Unfortunately, NO. they are sowing division and strife in the Body, along with confusion. Just because you do not understand something, does not make it demonic. If they are just passing out grape juice and pieces of stale bread once a month, without teaching the importance of Blood Covenants, and how it applies to modern Believers, they are not properly teaching their flock. And I have been in many churches that do just that. Communion is just a religious ritual "that you do" once a month. Some more often, some less often.

Its ironic that religious leaders would call other ministers or evangelists demonic. That puts Copeland in elect company. The religious leaders in the 1st century were fond of calling Jesus a servant of satan. Think about that for a moment. The Son of God was DESTROYING all the works of satan - healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, raising the dead, forgiving sin, supplying the needs of many, yet those whose very lives were dedicated to knowing God, did NOT recognize Him in their presence! That should make you think before you criticize anyone in ministry. How about some mutual respect? Or at the very least, follow the wise advice of Gamaliel, who Saul, later Paul, trained under.

38 Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing); 

39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God! 

Acts 5:38-39 AMP

I have heard Copeland and others teach on Blood Covenants. I have also read several books on the subject. Cutting covenants goes back to the dawn of time. When Abraham doubted he would have a son, God cut a Blood Covenant with him. That is also what led God to request Abraham to offer Isaac. The Covenant meant that everything God owned belonged to Abraham, and vice versa. So God PROVED Abraham would perform his side of the deal - certainly God could and would perform His. Abraham offered Isaac, yet he was stopped short of actually killing his son - that would be murder. Instead, God provided HIMSELF a lamb in his place. This profound event allowed God to move forward with offering Jesus! Its GOOD NEWS if you receive it! And one heck of a REVELATION, if you have ears to hear. (Genesis 15 & 22, Deuteronomy 7)

Blood Covenants have devolved into sometimes grotesque ceremonies - men, especially religious folks, screw up everything. But the basic concept remains. Copeland has a Native American background, so he has a unique perspective on the value of a Blood Covenant that most Western Europeans/Americans do not share. The demonstration, they only pretended to cut their hands, was so folks could visualize how covenants were often done. And of course understand the POWER behind such a covenant. It was broken on pain of death. It was designed to connect people, or tribes, or families for equal advantage. A stronger tribe might cut a covenant with a weaker one. Together, they are stronger, and that might provide more trade or economic activity. Marriages might be a part of the negotiation, strengthening the bonds between the tribes. Compared to treaties so often ignored, Blood Covenants were rarely broken. Breaking a Covenant could bring about a curse on the whole tribe!

There are many good books on this subject that I recommend - H Clay Trumbull - The Blood Covenant, E.W. Kenyon - The Blood Covenant, H. A. Whyte - The Power Of The Blood, Andrew Murray - The Blood of Christ, and Kenneth Copeland has a mini book study guide - Covenant of Blood. Another related book that I found very interesting is M.R. DeHaan, M.D. - The Chemistry of the Blood. You can find these and others here: Blood Covenant. All excellent additions to your library.

Too many pastors do NOT understand spiritually or historically the importance of Blood Covenants. They would prefer to attack another minister rather than possibly learn from them. If we were keeping score, that is known as PRIDE. Its no surprise that folks mock what they don't understand. But most importantly, when you attack the Body, you attack JESUS. He takes EVERY attack on His Body PERSONALLY, as one of the most famous heresy hunters found out. (Acts 9)

Another favorite target of religious folks is Joel Osteen. The attacks come from every direction. His sermons have no depth. Well, maybe that is what his flock needs. Maybe he is addressing them at their spiritual level, or following the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is very wealthy, therefore he must be evil. Yet there is not a pastor on this planet who would dare offend or chase away wealthy members from their own congregation. He oppresses the poor and steals from people. That claim always amazes me, as I have never seen anyone forcing folks to give money to a church. And in this case, Osteen is a VERY successful author, 7 #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit. Between his writing, along with the books written by his wife, they have earned every penny of their wealth many times over. And its been reported frequently that he takes no salary from Lakewood Church - why would he? And if he did, so what? If that is what the leadership of Lakewood decides, or the Holy Spirit directs, you do it. What outsiders think doesn't matter. As long as it is legal, and at God's direction, I have no problem with it and neither should any Christian, or even a pastor - Christian or not. 

One of his first books, Your Best Life Now - sold over 8 million copies! And he has written more than 18 titles to date. Why is it OK for the world to make millions writing, publishing, and speaking, but somehow evil when a Christian is financially Blessed? Why does jealousy seem to be most prevalent among those who claim to be followers of God?

Again, I edited out the name of the person who posted this. This same message, and ones very similar, are all over social media. Its odd, I look at that property and think - Wow! God is SO Good. What a Blessing from the Lord. He is a GOOD God. And I truly believe folks who obsess over things like this DON'T KNOW GOD. If they did, they would rejoice every time a Believer is BLESSED. It is just further proof to the world that God is real, and Loves His Kids.

How did folks know someone was Blessed in the Bible? They saw the physical evidence of wealth. Maybe its time these "pastors" read the Bible. Its a GOOD Book! Look what God did for Isaac during a famine. And note how the "world" reacted to God's Blessing on him.

12 Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. 

13 And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; 

14 He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants, and the Philistines envied him. 

Genesis 26:12-14 AMP

So today's pastors were the Philistines of the Bible. Not the comparison I would want.

The Favor of God is another way the world can recognize God working through someone. Take the life of Joseph from the Old Testament.

2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. [Gen. 21:22; 26:27, 28; 41:38, 39.]

4 So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge. 

5 From the time that he made him supervisor in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the Lord’s blessing was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 

6 And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s charge and paid no attention to anything he had except the food he ate. Now Joseph was an attractive person and fine-looking. 

Genesis 39:2-6 AMP

How many memes would we see declaring Joseph a heretic if social media and our favorite heresy hunters were around back then? And just imagine their umbrage when Joseph was miraculously, IN ONE DAY, elevated from slave in prison, to the 2nd most powerful man in the civilized world!

7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up. 

8 He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. 

9 He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 

10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed (Anointed His Christ). [Luke 1:46.]

1 Samuel 2:7-10 AMP

God is so good to those WHO BELIEVE. But you know, you will never enjoy what you preach against. If you dismiss God's MANY promises of Blessing and Favor, ridicule them, calling it a "Prosperity Gospel" - why would you expect anything from God? You are in fact preaching a poverty gospel, keeping God's people in darkness and bondage. Judge for yourself what God desires. Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God. Those who approach God MUST believe that He is a REWARDER of those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Just take a look at these next two related memes. They were posted by folks who claim to be Christians. Try to imagine Jesus posting something like this. He treated women with respect, knowing that women, especially when Born Again, are New Creations in Christ. And in the Body, there is NEITHER male or female. Why is this concept so difficult for religious folks to understand? (Romans 8:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, Galatians 3:27-29)

Imagine finding these memes funny as a Christian. God does not play favorites - that is religion. Let's look Biblically at each one to see if there is ANY truth in them. The first one is largely based on a passage in 1 Corinthians 14:34-40. Religion likes to create its traditions, and then find verses that seem to confirm them. There is a LONG history of misogyny in religion dating back to the beginning of time. But Jesus ENDED all that. Women flocked to the Body of Christ in the 1st Century for the Liberty they had in the Body of Christ. Judaizers, pagans, Romans, all kept women on tight leashes. Men were supposed to make ALL religious decisions in the home. This was a major point of contention in the Early church. 

The stage is set to consider the verse. You NEVER take a verse out of context. And, you compare Scripture to Scripture. Let the Word speak. Most importantly have ears to HEAR. 1 Corinthians is a letter written TO Corinth in response to a letter written FROM Corinth to PAUL. So Paul is answering their questions. Sometimes he quotes them, other times he simply refers to their question. Its so simple, yet the religious REFUSE to acknowledge this TRUTH. Note the pattern starting in 1 Corinthians 7. 

• Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. - 1 Corinthians 7:1 NLT

 

• Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. - 1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT

 

• Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. - 1 Corinthians 9:2–3 NLT

 

• 23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. - 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 NLT

 

• Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. 1 Corinthians 12:1 NLT

 

• 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. - 1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT

 

• 34 Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. - 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 NLT

The pattern is clear. Only a theologian would deny the Truth there. The verses used to silence women are NOT PAUL'S THOUGHTS. He is quoting the Judaizers in Corinth - and REBUKING them for it. Does anyone know the Law better than Paul? There is nothing there designed to silence women. And note the response Paul gives from verse 36 forward.

36 What! Did the word of the Lord originate with you [Corinthians], or has it reached only you? 

37 If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit of God and inspired to interpret the divine will and purpose in preaching or teaching] or has any other spiritual endowment, let him understand (recognize and acknowledge) that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord. 

38 But if anyone disregards or does not recognize [that it is a command of the Lord], he is disregarded and not recognized [he is one whom God knows not]. 

39 So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God’s will and purpose), and do not forbid or hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues. 

40 But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion. 

1 Corinthians 14:36-40 AMP

Read that carefully with verse 34 & 35 in mind. It is a rebuke of what the Corinthians proposed. There is nothing in the Law that silences women, that is pure religion at best, misogyny at worst. And look at how Paul wraps it all up - furthering an earlier theme for them to desire to prophesy and speak in tongues (ALL), but it should be done in an orderly manner. Paul did not HATE women. Nor does he endorse their silencing. And certainly God doesn't. God is LOVE. Get to know Him and you will not fall for silly religious ideas like God wants to silence women. When you hear foolishness, you can open the Word and ask for the Wisdom and Revelation to know the TRUTH. And if you know God is LOVE, you will know when someone has "missed" it.

Let’s assume verses 34–35 were commands by Paul. Would this not contradict a passage he had just written in this same letter?

4 A man dishonors his head if he covers his head while praying or prophesying. 5 But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head. - 1 Corinthians 11:4–5 NLT

And secondly, if this was Paul's will, is there a church out there that COMPLETELY silences women - no singing, no public speaking, no passing the peace, no announcements, no teaching of men - complete silence. Absolutely not. Neither do they greet each other with a Holy Kiss, or pray for all in authority and praise God with raised hands. Yet they want to demand women stay silent and ignore the rest? Let the elevator reach the top floor! (2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Timothy 2:1-8)

Why do so many pastors oppose women in ministry? Its an interesting question to consider? Because that is the topic of the second offensive meme. The focus turns away from Corinthians to another misunderstood passage. The entire New Testament is about setting people free, and the Liberty Believers have in Christ. Yet religious folks will find ONE or TWO verses, and instead of them being a Blessing, make them a curse. They are much happier to keep people in bondage to their religious ideas and traditions. But that's not God's Way.

The verse in 1 Timothy is interesting for many reasons. First, it is a PERSONAL letter to Timothy, not the church at Ephesus. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the church there. Second, Paul traveled WITH Priscilla and Aquila to Ephesus. And it was there that THEY taught Apollos the Way of God more accurately. (Acts 18) So in the very city where Paul supposedly wrote Timothy to silence the women, there was a female leader helping teach a man? This is not rocket science folks. That right there should be enough to make you question the religious desire to silence women. Just maybe they have MISUNDERSTOOD Scripture for centuries. Its interesting that in Romans 16, Paul mentions at least 6 women (7 counting Priscilla) who he calls his fellow laborers, yet God wants to silence women and keep them out of ministry?

Is it Biblical for a woman to be a pastor? You might find some good Christians that understand that silencing women is not Biblical. So the religious make their final stand claiming that ONLY men are fit to be in ministry, often specifically pastors. The passages in Timothy are most often used in support. But frankly, its not up to them. 

The Body of Christ has MANY parts, but there is only ONE HEAD - Jesus. All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Sons, because Jesus is a man and there is ONE Body. (Romans 8) Religion divides and causes strife - as we see above. The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. (Galatians 5). There should be unity in the Body. It was the Holy Spirit that brought unity to Jewish and Gentile Believers in the 1st Century. (Acts 11) 

God, not religion, decides where people go in the Body.

12 For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 

13 For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. 

14 For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many. 

15 If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body? 

16 If the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body? 

17 If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell? 

18 But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-18 AMP

 

Note carefully the passage above. WHO decides where someone is placed in the Body. Not men, not religion, but God alone. He has planned out the life of everyone, when and where they are born, the Grace on their life, and their calling. Some reject this and never realize the joy of being in God's Perfect Will. Others attempt to be something else - like shoe salesmen trying to be preachers. And others step into their calling and are truly Blessed, and a Blessing to others. Just think of the damage done the last 2,000 years of literally blocking half the Body from realizing their plan and purpose for their lives. If God calls a young person into the ministry, adults need to nurture that desire and pray for confirmation from the Lord. If God did call them, there is nothing religion can do to stop it.

Now its time to wrap things up. I wanted to focus on division and strife that is coming from those who claim to be Christian. I will save the posts from atheist and agitators for another time. The increasing number of these posts got me thinking and praying. Why so much now? Certainly we are closer to the end than ever, and satan is more active knowing his time is short. But I believe this is an organized effort - by whom, I am not sure. But it seems an interesting coincidence that we are entering election season. Who would benefit most from Christians fighting amongst themselves? This is a time we should be united more than ever, and set aside most of these disagreements. I tend to want to respond to every silly or ignorant post, but often I am just getting in the mud with them. And its likely not to change the heart of someone working for the enemy. So I blog and believe folks will be edified.

We are in the last days, that is obvious by the prophetic events and the signs of the times. Its more important than ever for Believers to be acting in the unity of the Spirit. That means walking in LOVE, especially with members of the Body of Christ. We need to be united in prayer for those in authority. And when it comes time to vote, cast it like a seed, as directed by the Spirit.

33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

John 16:33 AMP 

Here are a few more links that folks might find helpful on the question of women in ministry. I know its a hot button for some, although it should not be.

Female Pastors? – What The Bible Says About Women Preachers

Women Pastors – Paul’s Advice, Or Liberty For Female Ministers?

And don't forget, I have lots of original Christian Christmas stories at my site for kids of all ages. Please take a look and share with your friends.

Read Free Christmas Christian Stories For Kids Online