Fighting the Good Fight!

To Believe or NOT To Believe...

2009-12-08T21:11:00.003-05:00

Here is an interesting story I have come across. Not sure of the validity of the story or not, but it does make you think...

A TEXAS BEER JOINT SUES A CHURCH

In a small Texas town, (Mt. Vernon) Drummond's bar began construction on a new building to increase their business.. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, 'I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.'

Obstacles...

2009-08-20T11:45:00.003-04:00

Ran across this quote while in sermon prep and thought I would share it here. Oh, how we need to be determined to do what we are called to do. In fact, I think that is should be in a Believer's DNA to be an overcomer!

1 John 4:4 - You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
1 John 5:4 - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.
Romans 8:37 - But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Adam & Eve

2009-08-12T11:49:00.002-04:00

I heard some disturbing news on FOX this morning that only magnifies the fact that this Nation continues to get more and more sick.

This whole politically correct thing is just getting out of hand with people saying that we cannot call someone and elderly person any longer, or a senior citizen; they are now an "older person."

Now, for as silly as all this seems, what is really disturbing is that they also have changed how we refer to Adam and Eve! You know...the first two people God created in the Bible!? Well, according to the "powers that be" we have to refer to them as "Eve and Adam!" This is because when it is the other way around, it makes the man sound dominate over the female. Well, not for nothing, but isn't this how God established it?? I know that it doesn't fit our culture, but Christians never will anyhow.

So as for me, and my Church, we will still know these two as ADAM & EVE! After all, the Word of God will remain and never can be changed - not a jot or a tittle!

God bless you as you wade through this world, doing your best not to be dirtied by its fodder. And remember to fight the good fight of faith!

Reality Check!

2009-03-23T14:02:00.003-04:00

Thought this was a fun reality check for why we do what we do, and the sense in it all (if there is any at times).

Keep this in mind when you are at the restaurant again... Or maybe you should think about this when you are writing out your tithe check this week???

Christianity...

2009-03-19T13:41:00.003-04:00

Here is a great quote that I found in a missionary newsletter recently, and I thought I would share it here. Good food for thought!

"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.

The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

C. S. Lewis

There is no living on the fence for any of us! "God doesn't have any fair weather friends" as Mirilla Cuthpert told Anne in Anne of Green Gables. Which is the same that Jesus says to us when He tells us to put our hand to the plow, and not look to the left or the right. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.

Lost & Found

2009-03-06T12:31:00.003-05:00

I am just finishing up my sermon for Sunday Night this week (yes, we still have a Sunday evening service) and it is about the Parable Jesus taught in Matthew 13. Where the man sells everything in order to buy a field with a great treasure buried in it, and also the pearl of great price.

These two simple parable tell us a great truth about God's Kingdom. That the sacrifice we make for the sake of gaining the Kingdom is not really a sacrifice in the first place. It is a win-win situation afterall... We trade in so little, and gain so much! So what sacrifice what there made in the first place?

Well anyhow... I came across this little story from a Pastor's newsletter, and thought it was fitting so I wanted to share it here...

There is an ancient story about a man who hid his gold by burying it at the foot of a tree. Every week he used to dig it up and admire it. A thief noticed this routine and dug up the gold and ran off with it. The next day the man went out to discover his gold was missing. His mournful cry was so loud that he neighbors came to comfort him.
One of his friends asked if he ever used the gold. “No,” said the man, “I only came out to look at it.” The friend replied, “Why don’t you just keep coming out and look at the hole. That will do you as much good as just looking at the gold.”Do we make the best use of our resources, or is it just as if we did not have it at all?

This story teaches us a lesson in a bit of a different direction than the parables, but is still of value. We can't bury our gifts, and expect them to be blessed. It would be just like you didn't have them in the first place! Even though you know where they might be, they are still lost! So, find them, and use them!

Don't Go To Church?!?!

2009-02-21T17:56:00.002-05:00

Starting in March, I am beginning a new sermon series that God has laid upon my heart. I have entitled it, "Don't GO To Church - BE The Church!" My intention is to take six weeks and discover what Church is and what it means to BE the Church.

I will attempt to give a snapshot of the thoughts here on my blog...so check back!

2008-12-04T17:19:00.000-05:00

"One of the marks of true greatness

is the ability to develop greatness in others."

-J. C. Macaulay (1889-1977), writer and theologian

The greatest of all are servants!

2008-12-04T17:06:00.002-05:00

Jesus is our greatest example of servant-leadership that we will ever find. I love to think of Him with the towel wrapped around his waist and washing the disciple's feet. It is a good reminder for me of how I should be.

Well, I ran into this great story on the web and I thought I would share it here. Another example of servant-leadership...

A noncommissioned officer was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam.
As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man who was passing by stopped to ask the one in charge why he wasn’t helping the men. With all the pomp of an emperor, the soldier responded, “Sir, I am a corporal!”
“You are, are you?” replied the passerby, “I was not aware of that.” Then, taking off his hat and bowing, he said, “I ask your pardon, Corporal.” Then the stranger walked over and strained with the soldiers to lift the heavy beam. After the job was finished, he turned and said, “Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not enough men, send for your Commander in Chief, and I will come and help you a second time.” The corporal was thunderstruck. The man’s name was General George Washington.

Isn't it true that we all want to be honored, respected and appreciated? So badly, sometimes, that we almost demand it. However, the fact is, that these things cannot be demanded or even requested, because true honor, respect and appreciation only come one way. When we become servants.

Keep these passages in mind when you are thinking of the need to be humble and lowly...when you need to be reminded that we have to serve others, and chafe at the thought...

Matthew 19:30 - But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Mark 10:44-45 - ...and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. [45] "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Again, Jesus was the greatest example...especially when He laid down His life for our salvation.

Why should I go to Church???

2008-12-01T12:17:00.003-05:00

This is the general jist of a question that I am giving some thought to this morning. Is going to Church imporant for a person to do in order to be "saved?" And if one is a Christian, should attending Church be a priority or not?

Now, for me, I have already answered this question. I have already made the decision for myself. However, I know that there are numbers of people in our modern world that really question the significance of Church, and it services; even deeming them un-necessary any longer. Well, as I have been digging around for some imput, I have come across a few reasons why Church and attendance is important, which I will paste below from clarifyingchristianity.com The obvious is the first one, with the Hebrews verse about "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." But, I thought the others were valid as well. Please leave a comment yourself!

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Can a person be a Christian and not attend church?
This is a valid question, since going to church does not save people. They are saved (and get to go to heaven) by getting right with God. Still, getting right with God is only the start of being a Christian, as a birth is only the start of having a life.
We understand that some people may find themselves in a position where they do not attend church for a short time. (Perhaps they just moved to a new city and have not found a church, or are in the hospital and can not physically go to church.) That is not what we are referring to in this section. This section is about people who can not be bothered with going to church and purposefully and consistently stay away from church. We believe that such people can not remain Christians for at least three reasons:
1 - The Bible has no examples of anyone who was right with God but also stood alone and did not spend time with other believers. Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us clearly that we should gather together and encourage and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
2 - In Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul tells us how husbands and wives ought to relate to one another. There, he teaches that Christ relates to the church as if it were His “bride.” He always wants the best for her and loves the church so much that He gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). If you told someone, “I love you and I want to have a close relationship with you, but I can’t stand being around your spouse at all,” you might get a punch in the nose! In the same way, people who say “I love Jesus, but I do not want to have anything to do with the church,” are putting up a wall between themselves and Jesus.
3 - Using figures of speech, Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18 refer to Christ as the “head” and the church as the “body.” 1 Corinthians chapter 12 further explains how the church (the body) is made up of individuals who work together, pooling their talents, skills, and strengths—all for the purpose of helping as many people as possible get right with God and grow closer to Him. To refuse to be a part of the body is to say that we do not want to follow God’s plan. In a sense, such people believe that by acting on their own that they have a better plan than God does. There is a lot of arrogance in such thinking.

Wedding Wisdom

2008-12-01T10:28:00.003-05:00

I was priviledged to perform a wedding this weekend for a young man from our Church, and at the reception his brother shared this clever quote that I thought was good advice for all of us who are married. Hope you get a kick out of it...

"To keep your marriage brimming,

with love in the wedding cup,

whenever you're wrong, admit it;

whenever you're right, shut up."

-Ogden Nash

Recycling at its finest...

2008-11-13T10:06:00.005-05:00

I was watching Fox News this morning and they did a story on these booths that are scattered across NYC. Remember the days before you had a cell phone...go back a couple years, and you will remember that we used to occasionally use a pay phone. Right? Yeah... Well, those booths still linger around that city, and someone has come up with a way to use the bones of the booth, and "converted" it into a prayer booth. I don't know if it is wrong for me to think this to be a bit comical, but it is to me.

Anyhow, as I was checking this out on the web, I saw a comment by someone who said this couldn't be from the Church because there is no place to give an offering! Maybe they should have left the slot for the quarter??? :)

Hey, as I think about it...it seems that there is some prejudice here... It seems to me that this is taylored more for the catholic that us Pentecostals! ;)

The Paradox of our Age

2008-11-13T09:55:00.002-05:00

I was sent an e-mail today about "The Paradox of our Day" and it seemed to be something that we all need to hear so as to re-prioritize our lives because so much of it is true. And in researching this essay, I came to find out that it was written by a pastor, who unfortuantely later was found to be lacking himself... Nonetheless, the essay is worth the read today still...

The Paradox Of Our Age

by: Dr. Bob Moorehead

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less common sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more more medicine, but less wellness. We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; more food but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort but less success. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom.

I am sure that this is a variation on the original because there are so many of these out there...even under different authorship.

Gays gone wild in a Christian Church

2008-11-12T15:15:00.005-05:00

I had this article e-mailed to me today, so I thought I would share it with you here. Christians, this gives us all something to prayerfully consider in the days that are ahead of us. What will it be like as the months pass, and evil increases as the Bible describes? Sadly, but not surprisingly, sin is becoming more bold because it is more widely accepted.

Check this article out...

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I also wanted to drop this in here because it sort of relates. I found this on pastor Paul Grabill's site today. It is a video of a woman being treated very badly as she protested a protest in CA against the homosexual agenda...

Watch this at...

A Nation Blessed...

2008-11-10T09:59:00.005-05:00

Just a thought today about our nation, and its blessings...

I know that we are a very blessed nation, and that we have MUCH to be thankful for. However, with the recent elections, many are getting a little down in the mouth because we have concerns and even fears about what our future holds.

I read this verse today, and thought that it applies so very much. Proverbs 11:10-11 - When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is glad shouting. [11] By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. I am led to believe that as the Believer is blessed by God...a city (or nation for that matter) will also be blessed. Likewise, a nation will be torn down by the mouth of the wicked. Here again, we see the battle between the good and the bad, the Lord and the devil.

And, as I read this, I am seeing the need for us (the Body of Christ) to BE what God has called us to be, because I see it that God brings His blessing upon a nation through the Body of Christ. The problem is, is that right now, there are a few things to be concerned about. Now, I am not saying that it is our fault; however, it does make me question our presence in this nation. Are we the powerful force that God wants us to be? Are we making the difference to the magnitude that He envisions for us? Just think, when prayer was taken out of school back in the '60s, was the Church, as a whole, fighting that in any way? Since then, we have to admit the Nation has not been blessed by that action. Or abortion... Etc., etc.

Now, please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying that WE are the blame. But what I am saying is something I remember hearing from T. D. Jakes when Bill Clinton has his little escapade with Monica... I remember that Bishop speaking about how at a time like that, the response should not be so much on booing and hissing Mr. Clinton, but instead, we (The Church & Nation) should be searching our own hearts, and asking the Lord to know us, and to forgive us. Afterall, we elected this man in, and he, in many ways, represented us Americans.

I like that thought...that we search our hearts out. It brings new light to the verse that we have all heard many times over...2 Chronicles 7:14 - ...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Friends, I want our Nation to be a blessed Nation...and I want to be a reason that God commands His blessing towards us. I know that these days are growing more increasingly evil, but that is just when our light should shine a little more brightly, right?

Remind yourself of that childhood song you used to sing, "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine." And remember that we have work that needs to get done, before the return of Christ. In light of what we see happening in our world, I am only reminded that the retun of Christ is all the more closer...so let's work while there is still light! Let's see our Nation be blessed as we all want it to be!

Married FOUR times!

2008-11-08T10:48:00.002-05:00

I get a weekly e-newsletter from one of our District's pastors, and at the end of them, he has a funny joke to share, which I like to post here...

The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married – for the fourth time.
The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband’s occupation.
“He’s a funeral director,” she answered.
“Interesting,” the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living.
She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she’d first married a banker when she was in her early 20s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40s, later on a preacher when in her 60s, and now in her 80s, a funeral director.
The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.
She smiled and explained, “I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.”

Wesley's Covenant Prayer

2008-11-07T13:03:00.009-05:00

I came across this prayer from Nick Poole's blog and I thought it was great for every believer to read and know. I plan to plug this into my message on Sunday Morning...it is a good one for us all to consider and meditate upon.

John Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;

let me be employed for you or laid aside for you,

exalted for you or brought low for you;

let me be full, let me be empty;

let me have all things, let me have nothing;

I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal
And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father,Son and Holy Spirit,

you are mine, and I am yours.

So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

This prayer was the heartbeat of one of the most dynamic movements for the renewal and expansion of the Christian movement. Maybe it can be a motivating prayer for a movement within our hearts once again?

Mr. President

2008-11-05T14:12:00.005-05:00

Well, I want to drop a few comments here on my blog in regard to the elections last night. I have to admit that I am disappointed with the results, and have a certain amount of hesitation in reference to our nation and where it may be going in the near future. However, I must remind myself that God is STILL on the throne, and He has not changed His heart towards America or Americans. Truth be told, we might get too wrapped up in the whole election thing anyhow...

In any event, I want to give some thoughts from my heart in regard to what we see happening in our country.

First off, Judges 21:25, "...everyone did what was right in their own eyes." This is what I see transpiring with our own country. As for voting morals and looking at the character and integrity of a man...I feel that these days are over. It seems to me that people are more concerned with the "what's in it for me" kind of thing. I saw this one lady on the news who said she was voting for Obama because when he is president, she won't have to worry about putting gas in her car, or food to eat...as if he will cure everything. What was she doing.? Exactly what seemed right in her own eyes.

Which leads me to this second thought. In I Samuel 8, when the people didn't care for Samuel being their leader, and they wanted a king to judge them instead. It was not God's best, but because they wanted something, ie. the king, God gave it to them. Then Saul came on the scene, and we all know where that ended up. Well, here we are as Americans. But for those who know the Word, we know that sin and lawlessness will increase. Not to mention the liberal mentality of Americans...therefore, it is not surprise that a liberal won. It is only a reflection of the heart of Americans. What is more sad than that is that it reflects far too many "Christians" too. I mean, just as simple as this, what Christian can vote for a man that supports the act of killing the unborn? Who can support something that is clearly unBiblical?

This only reminds me of Matthew 24:12, where it says that "because lawlessness is increased, the love of many will grow cold." This election reminds me that we are living in the last days, and that we who know the Lord must get busy telling others about Jesus! So, let's get motivated because the time is short.

All in all, I am not mad that Obama won...I have no anger about that. But what is happening in my heart is that I am sobered at the thought that we (Believers) must get busy to reach out, and make a difference because the Lord is coming soon! The trumpet is about to sound!

My last thought as to why the elections went in the direction they did. Isaiah 55:9 - "So are My ways higher than your ways. And My thoughts than your thoughts." Maybe we don't understand why things went this way, but we have to trust in our reliable God who has everything under control. Again, He is STILL on the throne!

The elections are coming!!!

2008-11-01T14:00:00.005-04:00

Came across this from one of our District's pastors...thought it was some good advice for us all.

Will You Speak About the Election?
by Jeff Leake

As Election Day approaches, I am being asked this question from a growing number of people. What do you think? McCain? Obama? Who should a Christian vote for? Now, I know in just listing this question on the blog, there is the potential for a flurry of comments for or against candidates and issues. Can I ask for you to guard your words in leaving comments? Please don’t use the comment section as a plea for one or another of the candidates. (Read on to see why)

First, my hope for the future of the USA does not rest in this election. I believe in voting. I also believe that good leadership is critical to any nation, church, family, or business. But I believe that God is big enough to work in and through whatever happens on Nov 4th and beyond.

Second, my primary concern is with the Kingdom of God and not with the United States of America. I know that sounds almost offensive to some people. But the USA is not the centerpiece of the vision that God has for the world. His primary concern is with souls coming to know Jesus. Often it seems that Christians in the USA think that God’s main concern in the world is with our own nation. The world is so much bigger than that. He is just as concerned with Rwanda or Nicaragua as He is with the USA. Mostly He is concerned with the lost, the hurting, the poor, the innocent, the vulnerable.

Third, I believe that a believer should consider moral values, character, and vision when they make their decision to vote. I think that every voter should get educated about the candidates that are running, not just for president, but for local offices as well. Some of the values that I will be thinking through will have to do with the unborn, the definition of marriage and the family, with helping the poor, the end of racial injustice, and with standing up for human rights in parts of the world where people are at risk (just to mention a few).

Fourth, my responsibility is to pray for and even bless governmental leaders, even when I disagree with their policies. Whoever is elected as President, I will bless. I am not going to speak evil, spread false rumors, or run down my leaders. Some people’s Christianity will be tested on the Wednesday after the election as to whether they will act in love, faith, and blessing toward the person who has been elected.

Fifth, I think at times we can over-estimate the election season. As I look back on the past 16 years, we have had 8 years of Bush, and 8 years of Clinton. Neither one proved to be the messiah and neither one was the devil. Both have been imperfect people who accomplished some good and some not so good. The next President will be the same. And regardless of who is elected, we need to remember that we can still influence policy and decision making by staying engaged in the process.

Sixth, my passion is to represent Jesus well in the world. Partisan attitudes often divide. When we speak harshly or unfairly of one candidate or another, we affect things as much by our negative fear based attitude, as we do by our words. One reason why younger people in our nation are closed to the church is due to the perceived anger and self-righteousness of people identified as Christians. I believe we should stand for what we believe in, but with humility, kindness, patience, and grace.

Seventh, I want to protect the unity of the church (not just APC but believers all throughout this nation). I personally know many believers who are passionate for Obama. I know many who are just as passionate for McCain/Palin. I like to imagine what it is like to worship in Rwanda where Hutu’s and Tutsi’s worship in the same church. Remember that 800,000 or more died in genocide a few years ago in Rwanda, but somehow these of different parties have learned to forgive and live in love. In the church where my father-in-law pastors, there are Contras and Sandinistas who worship together. These two groups had been in civil war for years. Surely, Republicans and Democrats can worship together and yet disagree on who to vote for?

Finally, I like to consider what Jesus did regarding politics when he walked the earth. The Governmental Leaders in his day were corrupt, evil, and murderous. King Herod slaughtered 2 year old boys. A few years later in Rome, Nero burned the city and blamed Christians. Some Roman Emperors fed believers to lions in the Coliseum. Wow.

Do you know what happened? The Kingdom of God advanced! In fact, in harsh governmental environments, the Kingdom of God often flourishes most. In the past 80 years, China has been under some severe rulers. But the Kingdom has exploded in that nation in spite of the fact that it is against the law to openly preach Christ. Jesus never hung his hopes on a change in political leadership. He worked for a greater Kingdom reality in the hearts of men and women.

I think it is safe to say that neither Obama nor McCain is the hope of the world. That is Jesus. It is also safe to say that neither candidate will be as much a threat as Nero, Herod, or Mao. If the Kingdom can expand under their leadership, I am confident God can continue to work no matter who is elected in 2008.

So I will be voting. I will vote based on character, values, and vision. I will pray for the election. And when I wake up on Wednesday, I will commit to pray for whoever is elected. I will not give into a spirit of fear but I will continue to walk in faith. And more than anything I will seek first the Kingdom of God.

as seen in Pastor Jeff Leake’s blog “The LaunchPad” on Wednesday, October 29, 2008.

Hope this was of some help in regard to your voting choice this Tuesday. In any event, just vote!

Converting a Bear

2008-10-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

A priest, a Pentecostal preacher, and a rabbi all served as chaplains to the students of Northern Michigan University in Marquette. They would get together two or three times a week for coffee and to talk shop.

One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn’t really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another, and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it.

Seven days later, they all came together to discuss their experience.

Father Flannery, who had his arm in a sling, was on crutches, and had various bandages on his body and limbs, went first. “Well,” he said, “I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him, I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle as a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation.”

Reverend Billy Bob spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, had one arm and both legs in casts, and had an IV drip. In his best fire-and-brimstone oratory, he claimed, “WELL, brothers, you KNOW that we don’t sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from God’s HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UP another and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quickly DUNKED him and BAPTIZED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the day praising Jesus.”

The priest and the reverend both looked down at the rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IVs and monitors running in and out of him. He was in really bad shape. The Rabbi looked up and said, “Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start.”

White haired!

2008-10-02T20:32:00.003-04:00

Here is a great quote about wisdom...

"A wise man learns by the experience of others.

An ordinary man learns by his own experience.

A fool learns by nobody's experience."

James 1:5 tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God for some... Could anyone use any wisdom? We all could use it, and the only one who can truly give it is God, who holds ALL wisdom.

This weekend I will continue one with the series, "Jesus is in the House!" and we will be looking at what John saw of Jesus...His white hair. Speaking of His wisdom He has for all who are in His house!

Noah's Ark

2008-10-01T11:23:00.002-04:00

I was sent an e-mail about this amazing feat by a creationist in the Netherland. This guy built a replica of Noah's Ark. Pretty amazing pictures of what he created, and seeing the size of this thing makes you appreciate what Noah did by himself, with ridicule, for years on end.

Here is the link to pics and info... http://www.pbase.com/paulthedane/noahs_ark

Couch Potatoes

2008-09-30T19:45:00.006-04:00

Went to our Sectional Meeting today and had a great conversation with the other Pastors there. We always have a great time of discussion, and today's meeting was no different. We got in a conversation about growth. Which branched into the idea of quantity verses quality...

In any event, my friend Ron, from Clarion, made this statement which I thought was so good. He said, "Consumpsion without movement is not good." (Or something to that effect.)

Well, we know that this is true in regard to our physical bodies. If we take in more calories than we burn on a daily basis, we will gain weight. Then, you become more sedate and less productive, which is all the more worse for you. In turn, this makes for a neat thought in regard to our spiritual lives. If all we do is attend Church and just soak in the truth of God and His Word, but yet never do anything with what He has invested in us, then are we not "Spiritual" couch potatoes? Are we not only pew warmers? And, are we not missing out on what the point of what the Word would have us to do in the first place? Jesus commanded us to GO into all the world and preach the Gospel! To be in joyful, and fruitfull service for Him.

Think about the guys that were given the talents in Matthew 25. Their master expected them to do something with what was given to them. They acknowledged that their master was a hard man...so they knew that He would expect something from them, and from his investment.

With that thought in mind... What about our productivity? What do you think God willl expect of us someday? Will we wish we were more productive one day? Do we need to get up off our pew and do something for God today? Does our activity match our consumption?

New Sermon Series...

2008-09-19T12:51:00.008-04:00

Colossians 1:18

He (Jesus) is also head of the Body, the Church.

Once I return from vacation this week, I am starting a new series of messages that I have entitled, "Jesus is in the House!"

The text will be from Revelation 1, where John sees Jesus reveal Himself in the midst of the Church. I will be highlighting each of the items in regard to Jesus, and how that speaks to us today.

Hope you don't miss one Sunday! And, for you who jump on the blog and don't attend GTAG, I will try to post a thought from each message on here for you...

Church: Tearing it down, or Building it?

2008-09-19T12:51:00.002-04:00

Saw this neat little ditty, and thought I would share it here...

Ten little Christians standing in a line,

One disliked the pastor, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late,

One slept in on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to heaven,

One took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians chirping like chicks,

One disliked the music, then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive,

But one lost his interest, then there were five.

Five little Christians pulling for Heaven’s shore,

But one stopped to rest, then there were four.

Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,

One got her feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians knew what to do,

One joined the sports crowd, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,

Differed with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian can’t do much ’tis true;

Brought his friend to Bible study, then there were two.

Two earnest Christians, each won one more,

That doubled their number, then there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked early and late,

Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians, if they doubled as before,

In just a few short weeks, we’d have 1,024.

In this little jingle, there’s a lesson true,

You belong to the building, or the wrecking crew.

Bridge Out!

2008-09-18T13:55:00.003-04:00

Have heard this joke a few times, and thought it could make a good point for us Christians / Clergy if we think about it...

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Two men of the cloth, a Catholic Priest & a Episcopal Pastor, were out on a roadside one day hanging a sign which said, "The end is near! Turn yourself around now - before it's too late!" Just as they were tapping it into the ground, a car sped by them, and the driver yelled out, "You leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

After a moment, from around the curve, they heard the sound of screeching tires and then a big splash. After which, the Priest turned to the Pastor as asked, "Do you think the sign should just say, 'Bridge out?'"

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Have you ever wondered why people don't listen to us (Christians) anymore? Maybe because they already know what we are going to say... Judgement, condemnation, etc. We might have to change our strategy, not the Message, but the methods...? Try showing them the love of Christ.

Like the old saying goes, "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."

Canality VS. Spirituality

2008-09-17T11:08:00.006-04:00

We had an Evangelist, Rev. Carl Harris with us here at Glad Tidings A/G all last week. What a great time we had, and what a powerful time it was. By the end of the week, I was able to witness a wonderful change in the attitudes and spirits of the people. Our lives were changed to say the least...

Anyhow... I wanted to share a quote from one of the messages from Bro. Harris that just struck a chord with me in regard to complaining, he said...

"A carnal man complains about a thing.

A Spiritual man proclaims a thing."

I just thought that was a great line, that came from God, and was able to zero in on the hearts of men. We all need to hear this once in a while...that we need to keep positive and focused on the Lord. Philippians 4:4 tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Then, a few verses down, we are given another verse that is important for us to remember in regard to our thoughts and attitudes (since our thoughts produce attitudes). Philippians 4:8 -Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Case and point...get Spiritual about our situations and circumstance, and avoid complaining. Easier said that done, right?

Why go to Church?

2008-09-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

This seems to be an age-old question. One that many, if not all, struggle with on a weekly basis. So here is some advice for that personal debate that I thought was worth posting here.

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A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Church every Sunday (or Saturday). "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

Well, as you can imagine, this started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for two weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals but I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Church for nourishment. I would be Spiritually dead today!"

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Remember, when you are DOWN to nothing...God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and recieves the impossible! Thank God for your physical AND Spiritual nourishment!

Arrogance trips someone up again...

2008-09-15T22:44:00.004-04:00

I am watching a pretty awesome Monday Night Football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. So far, it is a pretty great game. The first half of the game has proven to be the second best scoring game of all time in the first half, with 54 points.

Anyhow... The play I want to highlight is in regard to the rookie, DeSean Jackson (Eagles) who was about to score a touchdown towards the beginning of the second quarter, but because of his arrogance, he threw the ball down (as if to say "did you see that?"), thinking that he had already scored. To his dismay, the play was called back and those six points, were pulled off the scoreboard, and his touchdown was erased out of the books under his name; for no other reason than his arrogance which led the way to his fall.

There is an obvious Scripture verse for this play. Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. And oh, how true that was for this instance. From listening to the commentary on the television, it seems that this has been an ongoing problem for DeSean, and they sited a play that Desean did back in his High School career, if I am not mistaken, when he took a swan dive towards the end zone, while running the ball in from the five yard line, and fell short at the one yard line. Ouch!

DeSean, I guess that it is time to get that pride under wraps before it really costs you and your team some losses. As we all need to do... Pride is a horrible attitude that works in opposition to God and His will in your life...so get victory of it before it gains victory over you.

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BTW - I was able to attend a Monday Night Football game back in '95 between these same two teams in Philly. It was an awesome game to be at, especially being that this is a great rival. And, I hope that the outcome is the same as back then. Go Cowboys! They just scored again, and pulled ahead!

A Fresh Perspective...

2008-09-15T11:30:00.005-04:00

I read this from Pastor Tim Satryan's e-newletter today, and I thought it was worth sharing here. It really makes you think about what you have, and what you have to do to get it...then, it gets you to wonder if it is worth it all anyhow.

One day, a financially comfortable father decided to take his son to the country, with the purpose of showing him how poor people live, and that the son could understand the value of things, and realize how fortunate they were.
They stayed overnight at a very humble family’s farm for 1 day and 1 night. As the trip ended, and during their return home, the father asks his son:
So what did you think of the trip?
It was great, dad!
Did you see how poor and needy some people have to live?
Yes!
And what did you learn?
I saw that we have one dog in the house, but they have four. We have a huge swimming pool, but they have a river that never ever ends. We have imported lamps in the patio, they have the stars. Our backyard ends at the fence, but theirs goes on and on into the horizon. Especially though, dad, I saw that they have time to talk to each other and live as a family. You and Mom have to work all day, and I hardly see you both!
As the conversation ended, the father remained silent, and his son added: Thanks Dad, for showing me how rich we could be!!

We'll never forget...

2008-09-11T18:38:00.004-04:00

New York City - Washington D.C. - Shanksville, PA

It is hard to believe that seven years have past since the attack on September 11, 2001. We remember the people who died from this tragedy, and the heroes who took the plane down in Shanksville, PA. Plus, we can never forget just how much we need the good people who work in emergency services in all of our towns.

What is amazing is how I so vividly remember what I was doing on that morning. Do you?

Making the time...

2008-09-10T17:10:00.004-04:00

Our Assistant Pastor and I were talking the other day in regard to people making time for doctor's appointments, but yet many fail to make time for God. Hear me out in this...

If you think about it, all of us have to make time in our busy schedules to get to doctor appointments, dentist appointments, vet visits for our pets, take the time to get our kids to their sport practices, etc., etc. Yet, when it comes to God and our need for Him, we become very passive. Thinking, if I can get there to Church, I will, if not, I won't.

Now, taking this a step further, think with me... As you read the Bible you will find many who went out of their way to be certain that they were able to connect with God to meet their needs. Consider the blind man named Bartimeaus in Luke 18. He would not be quieted, but yelled out all the more when asked to leave Jesus alone, "Jesus, have mercy on me!" The woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5, pressed in to just touch Jesus, even though she was not invited to do so. How about Naaman the leper in II Kings 5, here was a guy that went out of his way to seek out the Lord by going to the man of God for a healing in his body. Story after story in the Bible depics for us this idea of going out of our way to connect with God to recieve a special touch for Him. Bottom line, it takes some effort from us. In spite of our not wanting to impose. It's funny how we will go out of our way for our health to get to a doctor's visit, but we fail to go out of our way to go to the GREAT PHYSICIAN. What is wrong with us?

Last guy to consider... King Asa in II Chronicles 16. He was a Godly King, but it ended up that at the end of his life, he got sick, in fact, the Bible says that he became diseased in his feet, according to II Chronicles 16:12. What is sad about the whole of is life is shared in that verse too. It goes on to say that "His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians." Now, don't misunderstand me here, I am not against going to the doctor. However, I am against those who prefer to consult the physicians, and neglect to consult the Lord.

My exact point is this...we take all the time we need to tend to ourselves for the physical body (our hair, nails, doctor's visits, the chiropractor, the dentist, etc.) Yet, we give God only an hour on Sunday and expect Him to meet every need that we have. I think the Biblical pattern is opposite that. We have to get determined to pursue the Lord and seek Him out for our lives and our life's needs (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional).

All in all, my heart is simply wondering why we, as Christians, don't make getting to God a priority, so much so that we would tear through a roof to get to Him? Consider this thought with regard to your life today, and see if the Lord wouldn't say that maybe you (and I) haven't been guilty of doing this.

"Flip-Flop" Religion...

2008-09-06T18:08:00.005-04:00

I was doing my devotions out of Malachi 1 from "God's Word for Today" and it had a great thought which I want to expand on...

It says in Malachi 1:6-8 - " 'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, 'How have we despised Thy name?' [7] "You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, 'How have we defiled Thee?' In that you say, 'The table of the Lord is to be despised.' [8] "But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?" says the Lord of hosts.

Sadly, what is happening is that God is disturbed at the people who give Him only what they want to...not what they should. Instead of presenting the very best for a sacrifice as was required of them, they would offer a crippled or blind animal to God. Surely they supposed, they were going to die anyhow, and God wouldn't want us to fall short, they must have reasoned. But they all to quickly forgot that God is a jealous God! He is not one to overlook His requests of us just because it might be too hard or trying for us. No! God must come first, and we show Him that He is first by the sacrifices we make for Him on a daily basis.

While I know that I am not sacrificing a lamb to God today, my life is a "living sacrifice." Romans 12:1 - I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Therefore, it is considered "reasonable" for God to require the best for us...not just what we have left over once we have worn ourselves out. That is where the "flip-flop" idea comes in. We intend to give our best, but when the actual moment of requirement comes, we hold out on God and give Him what we can, because our best would hurt too much. Aren't you thankful that God didn't do that to us? Aren't you thankful that Jesus didn't do that to us? I sure am! They gave their best! They gave their all!

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One more thought...

I heard this recently from a missionary, Rev. Denny Seler, missionary to Jamaica. He was speaking to our Church from Mark 12:13-17. In it Jesus is being questioned about paying taxes, and whether they should do it or not. Jesus picks up a coin and asks, "Who's image is on the coin?" The obvious answer is Caesar, to which Jesus replies, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

The point to be made here is in the answer to this question..."Whose image are you made in?" Come on, you know... Genesis 1:26 - Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..." You and I are made in HIS image! So then, as LIVING SACRIFICES, what should we give to God? Our best...not just what we can "afford." We were made in His image, for His pleasure.

So, when God requires something of us, should we hold out on Him? Should we commit and then abandone our commitment? No! We must be faithful and stay faithful. DON'T FLIP-FLOP! There is enough of that today in the Church. People saying, I'll be there, and then you never see them. People who make a commitment to serve the Lord and the Body, and then they never come around again. People who make the decision to be committed to God when they are in trouble, but then abandon ship when the going gets good. People who can never get up to go to Church, but will not miss the early morning men's breakfast. People who can't seem to find the time to do service for others, but when there is a concert they want to go to an hour away, they won't miss it. People who...you get the point.

All in all... Christian, give your best, and don't flip-flop on God. He does not simply overlook it as we might think, because there is no immediate consequence. Malachi 1 is an example of how it makes God feel.

BTW - Don't you love the Red Sox too?

Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican V.P. Candidate - an A/G girl!

2008-09-05T22:17:00.004-04:00

Hey, I thought this might be of interest, Gov. Sarah Palin at the Wasilla A/G Church in Wasilla Alaska; of which she was and her family were a part of, up until 2002. So, check out this link here http://www.netbroadcasting.tv/sarah_palin.html to learn a little bit more about her and her faith.

BTW - I am not working on the McCain - Palin Campaign. :)

The Doctrine of Balaam - #3

2008-09-04T13:27:00.002-04:00

Here is the final installment of my thoughts on Balaam and his long decline into narcissism. Hope you have enjoyed it, and I also hope it has exposed some failing in your heart as you may have sought your will over God's.

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The TEACHING of Balaam.
Revelation 2:14 - But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality.

Balaam is given ample opportunity to repent and change…
-On three occasions, Balaam goes to curse Israel, and yet…Israel is blessed by God.
-And each time Balaam returns home, burning with the desire to HAVE THAT MONEY!

So, he devises a plan to get Isreal in trouble, and get his money!
He creates a “teaching” for the King of Moab to share, getting the children of Israel to stumble into sin, and loose God’s blessing…

You can read of it in Numbers 31:16 - "Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord."

-Basically, Balak corrupted Israel by leading them into idolatry and immorality.

Psalm 106:28 confirmed the falling away when it says…”They joined themselves also to Baal-peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.”

Therefore, this “teaching” caused Israel to violate God’s call for them to SEPARATE from this world…to come out, and “be ye separate!”

-Therefore, judgment came upon them!

So, just what was this “teaching of Balaam?”
It was the misconception that they, being the chosen people of God and blessed by Him because of their covenant with God; could not be cursed again.
-A sort of “once-saved-always-saved” mentality…
-Or a “hyper-grace” teaching…which means that it is a grace that forgives sin without repentance. FALSE!

So, because of this false teaching that Balaam spread among them, they were cursed, in spite of their believing otherwise…
And people were STUMBLING in their faith because of it!

All in all, it was COMPROMISE! And, compromise will never pay, will it Church? In fact, as we know, it is dangerous to compromise with the world!

There is an old Russian parable that goes like this: A hunter went into the woods to shoot a bear for a fur coat. When he found a bear and was about to shoot the bear startled him by speaking in a gentle soft voice, “Isn't it better to sit down and talk this through, maybe we can come to some agreement or compromise.” They sat down, the bear asked, “What do you want from me?” The hunter replied, “A fur coat.” The hunter then asked, “What do you want?” The bear replied, “A full stomach.” The bear then said, “Good, I think we can help us both.” Soon the negotiations were over...and out from the woods came the bear...ALONE! The bear had a full stomach and the hunter had a fur coat!!!
-Compromise rarely satisfies both equally!

Listen friends…Paul warns us all to take heed…1 Corinthians 10:11-12 - "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."

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BEWARE of Balaam's doctrine in our world today...rest assured, it is out there!

Save our Economy - Vote for John McCain!

2008-09-04T13:23:00.002-04:00

I was sent this clever little piece of information and I thought I would share it here...quite funny actually, and very practical. With its advice, we can "kill two birds with one stone" so to speak.

How To Save the Government (and us) $5 Million.

A president's pension currently is $191,300 per year, until he is 80Years old. Assuming the next president lives to age 80. Sen. McCain would receive ZERO pension as he would reach 80 at the end of two terms as President. Sen. Obama would be retired for 26 years after two terms and would receive $4,973,800 in pension. Therefore, it would certainly make economic sense to elect McCain in November. How's that for non partisan thinking???

The Doctrine of Balaam - #2

2008-09-03T12:46:00.003-04:00

Here is the next installment on this thought of Balaam and his wanderings... Hope it helps you.

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2. The ERROR of Balaam.
Jude 1:11 - Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

Woah! This is quite the motley crew, and people you do not want to be associated with…
-And in the middle of them is our old pal, Balaam…

Now, the original word used for “error” here is the Greek word for “delusion, deception fraudulence, or to wander.”

Therefore, Balaam’s error was in his persisting in search of that “reward” from the King…
-Because he wanted to get his hands on that loot, he opened himself up to trouble and error.
-Why?
-Because he would have done anything to get it…

And, that is just how sin works in us too…especially if it is something that we really want…
-We will find a way to get it…we will also then, justify it!
-Even if it means that we have to follow a false line of reasoning…thinking that it really won’t bother God all that much.

Oh, we couldn’t be more wrong if we get into this position…and you probably won’t hear much from God either, because you won’t want to hear it! (Balaam’s donkey came into play because of it.)

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This short lesson ought to help us to see just how delusional we get when we are going in out own direction, against the Lord. Pray that God would send you a "donkey" to help you when you get this stubborn. :)

The Doctrine of Balaam - #1

2008-09-02T09:24:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to place these thoughts about Balaam's downward spiral on this blog for quite some time now, and I am finally just going to make the time to do it...

I have found this stuff to be facinating as I have come across it while studying for a message from a series I did on the Seven Churches in Revelation, chapters 2 & 3. When I came to the 3rd Church, Pergamos, I found it...the Doctrine of Balaam. We remember him from the Old Testament and his talking donkey; but there is so much more that we rarely catch. Hopefully these next few blogs will catch some of us up on his ways and teachings that seem to still be creeping their way into the Church at large in 2008...

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1. The WAY of Balaam
2 Peter 2:15 - …forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness…

You see, Balaam typifies all of us who try to pressure and persuade God into our plans…
-So that we can do what we want to do? Have you been there?
-And while we rationalize what we are wanting to do…we are giving in to compromise…and ultimately, the devil!

Church, the “way of Balaam” refers to those who nag God into letting them do what they want to do…even in direct opposition to His will and purpose.

It means that you are going YOUR WAY instead of GOD’S WAY!
And, God will permit it, only because you have “free will.”

But, listen to the truth in this one passage… Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

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I know this is a very short synopsis of it, but more is to come. However, in your spare time read up on the history of Balaam, and see just how he handles his temptation. Check it out in Numbers 22.

I leave you with one thought in Balaam's story that can be applied to us all...

“Any praying about the known will of God is rebellion against God!”

An atheist walking in the woods...

2008-09-02T09:22:00.001-04:00

An atheist was walking through the woods. 'What majestic trees!' 'What powerful rivers!' 'What beautiful animals!' He said to himself. As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him. At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!' Time Stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?' The atheist looked directly into the light and said, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?' 'Very Well,' said the voice. The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke: 'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's off to work we go...

2008-08-30T15:56:00.006-04:00

I saw this from a sermon on-line and I thought it was interesting...

We have seen or heard some of these saying before, I am sure...

“I Owe, I Owe, It’s off to work I go.”

“How can I soar with the eagles, when I work with turkeys all week?"

“I’m so broke I can’t pay attention.”

Everyone has an attitude about work...good or bad, and sometimes mixed. But, work is a HUGE part of our lives... It takes a large part of our time and demands much of our attention. In fact, it is said that over the course of a lifetime, from 18 - 65, if you work a 40 hour per week job, you will have spent 97,760 hours at work. Now, that doesn't include any overtime... Boy! Aren't you glad you got a day off from work today? (At least, I hope you did...)

One verse comes to mind for us on this Labor Day. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." For as much time, or as little time we spend "on the job" remember that we must do it as unto the Lord because we represent Him on the job as well as off.

Hit him again, Lord!

2008-08-30T15:46:00.004-04:00

A crumbling old church building needed remodeling. After the sermon, the preacher made an impassioned appeal looking directly at the richest man in town. At the end of the appeal, the rich man stood up and announced, “Pastor, I will contribute $1,000.”
Just then, plaster fell from the ceiling and struck the rich man on the shoulder. He promptly stood back up and said, “Pastor, on second thought I will increase my donation to $5,000.”
Before he could sit back down, plaster fell on him again. This time he cried out, “Pastor, I meant to say $10,000.”
He sat down, and a larger chunk of plaster fell on his head. He stood up once more and proclaimed, “Pastor, I will give $20,000!”
This prompted a deacon to shout, “Hit him again, Lord! Hit him again!”

Hope your Church never get to this state of disrepair; but if it does, I bet you might pray for God to "hit someone again!" LOL!

"Tender Loving Care"

2008-08-30T15:38:00.003-04:00

Came across this story about how love makes a difference to our health...enjoy!

Lessons from Rabbits
by Richard Innes

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:9-10

Scientists were studying the impact of a high-cholesterol diet on heart disease. To measure this effect, they fed a group of genetically similar rabbits the same high-cholesterol diet. To their amazement, half the rabbits developed heart troubles, while the others were normal, with no noticeable heart disease.

This outcome was not explainable, so they bought new rabbits and repeated the study. At the end of two weeks, they obtained the same results. Something was wrong with the research design, but they could not determine the unaccountable variable.

Eventually, they discovered that during the evening the assistant who fed and cared for the rabbits took the rabbits out of their cages and cuddled them and petted them while she changed their bedding and food. However, because she was short, she could not reach the rabbits on the top shelf, so they were simply fed and changed without being picked up. Sure enough, after two weeks, the rabbits on the top row all had heart disease, while the rabbits on the bottom row were healthy. The environment and diet were exactly the same. The only variable was expressed love through touching.

I’m not suggesting that we ignore a healthy diet. Not at all! But every one of us also needs a healthy diet of love and affection if we are to be and stay healthy.

May we be so filled with God’s love that we will always be loving and affectionate towards our loved ones and also (with discretion) to all the people He brings into our life.

Worry...

2008-08-29T20:07:00.001-04:00

I came across this quote in preparation for my message I am speaking to the Church on Sunday morning about worry...

"Worry pulls tomorrow's cloud over today's sunshine."

-Chuck Swindoll

History in the making...

2008-08-29T19:47:00.011-04:00

I am not huge on politics, but I do have to say that I love this season in America. When the Presidential Elections are in full tilt. I have such fun watching the debates and listening to the banter that is involved in the process. (Although, I do not enjoy it in Church.)

Anyways... This time around, we are about to see history made with either side winning. Either there will be a woman on the ticket who wins, or a non-caucasian in the white house for the first time ever. "The race" is always exciting to me, but to see history taking place right before your eyes is an awesome thing. We have told our son, who is 13, that he ought to pay close attention because of it...not that it matters to him anyhow.

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In any event, I wanted to comment on something Obama said with regard to McCain's choice as his VP, Gov. Sarah Palin from Alaska. Not an exact quote, but the jist is that, here is a person who was the mayor of a town of about 9000, who is just one heart-beat away from being the President of the United States; inferring that this was a poor choice for McCain, and for the American people.

Well, regardless of how you feel, I couldn't help but recall the passage of Scripture that tells us to "not despise the day of small beginnings." And even David was overlooked for God's choice placement...

BTW - Gov. Palin was the president of her high school's chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Trivia...

Jesus is "spotted" on a moth?

2008-08-28T17:13:00.002-04:00

I don't know... What do you think?

When I came home from the office this afternoon, CNN had a story on a moth that looked like it had a picture of Jesus on it. I guess you could make out the image of some kind of man on it's back if you look at it hard enough, but the bluish spot on Jesus' forehead makes me wonder if it really is him??? :)

Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." But, I am not sure that this is what God meant specifically...? Maybe the moth got a tatoo?? LOL! However, creation does testify of God.

I had to chuckle at the report because they had a pastor on there from Pittsburgh, PA that said we were supposed to worship the creator, and not His creation. I totally agree, but I was not tempted to worship this bug in the least; nor the grilled cheese that looked like Jesus was on it, or the variety of things whose pictures race over the web day by day...

Keep focused on Christ! Hebrews 12:2

Shh...

2008-08-28T15:20:00.004-04:00

I found this quote on a friend's blog today, and I sparked some good thoughts...

"There are silences harder to take back than words."

-Poet, James Richardson

We have heard it said before that "silence is golden." Although, there is truth to that and it might be fitting for many situations...there are times that we need say something! I think of when Madalyn Murray O'Hair was able to get prayer removed from the school system back in the 60's...where were the Christians who stood up and said something? Even in our society today, there are many laws being passed that oppose the Scriptures...why don't we say something?

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

-Edmund Burke

That is a powerful statement for us to hear. Plus, it ought to motivate us to not just "be" but to also "do."

Silence isn't alway golden, is it?

Do you think we (Christians) need to be more vocal about our faith? Drop me a line...

Some fun Bible humor...

2008-08-25T11:51:00.001-04:00

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
A. Ruthless.

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, becausethe apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longerlived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest baby sitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath into a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.

PS... Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee?
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . . "Hebrews"

Moving video...

2008-08-15T21:43:00.001-04:00

This is a great video that depics our blessed assurance in Christ and what He has done for us.

Plus, it is a pretty moving presentation with a different visual stimulation.

Pitfalls & Quicksand

2008-07-24T10:44:00.004-04:00

Remember the old video game Pitfall? (I know I might be dating myself, but I am not really that old.) It was a classic game that was exciting to most, after all, at the time it was the thing...today, it would be considered a dinosaur compared to the games that are out there today.

Well anyways... I got thinking about this old game when I was doing my devotions this morning. I was reading from Ephesians 5:15-17 - Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, [16] making the most of your time, because the days are evil. [17] So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Two thoughts caught my attention as I was reading...

First, was in verse 15, and in another version of the Bible it says to "walk circumspectly" and the idea that it is giving to the reader is that we must walk with caution as one would walk through dangerous and rough terrain. I couldn't help but think of how dangerous and difficult it is to navigate our lives through this world. So much so, that even well meaning people fail at their attempts every day. Which tells me that good intentions are not good enough...you know what they say about good intentions? The key then, for us to walk with this wisdom is not found within ourselves...it is found within God. We need the Lord, and verse 18 tells us that we must "be filled with the Spirit." In the context of the passage here, "being filled" is not a one time event, but instead it must be done on a continual basis. Then, we are best equipped to walk circumspectly...as the Spirit of God leads and directs us.

The second thing that captured my attention was in verse 16, "redeeming the time." I love this thought because it goes in direct opposition to what the world says. It tells us that what we "do in Vegas, stays in Vegas." However, we must remember that God sees all, and He doesn't let things slide. We have to redeem the time because there is an enemy of our souls who will capitalize on every moment in order to get us to compromise and stumble...he attempts to hurl us into the pitfalls and quicksand of life. We must redeem the time because, as the verse goes on to say, "the days are evil." They do want to lead us to misfortune and demise. The day and age that we live in is peppered with compromise and easy living, but we must not yeild to it all. We cannot yeild to the mantra of our society. We have to be like those salmon who swim upstream...we must go against the culture of our day if we are going to be successful at avoiding the pitfalls and quicksand of our world.

So friends, walk with caution as you traverse this world. And remember that we are pilgrims just passing through. This old world IS NOT our home. Hebrews 13:14 - For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.

Sin is selfish...

2008-07-22T14:54:00.001-04:00

I have just recieved some terrible news today. A friend, a young man that attended our Church we pastored in Buffalo, NY died today. It is a tragic story really, and I will not go into details, but I will say that his struggle with drugs is what beat him. Please pray for his family.

Although he had things going in the right direction for himself... He had a wife, a child with another on the way. He could not find the fortitude to overcome his "demons" and lost it all to the addiction.

I couldn't help but think just how selfish sin really is. It thinks nothing of your life, your family, your finances or future. It thinks only of itself. How it can grow and take over another. The Bible makes it clear that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy...and what is more sad is that we are the door-keeper to that transition in our lives. We have choices to make. We hold those keys.

Sin is so selfish...and yet, we give into it and let it take the wheel of our lives. Why? Just thinking about the nature of sin, and the enemy's intent in for us should make us hate him and what he offers all the more!

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, [20] by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

Just food for thought...

LOUD CHURCH!

2008-07-16T14:13:00.007-04:00

Here is another report on a Church in our region... Thought this to be interesting, especially in a day when we are typically toned down, this Church seems to be pumping up the volume! It must be a Psalm 150 type of place...

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Revloc Church Faces Complaints From Neighbors
REVLOC, Pa. -- It was a typical Sunday service at Believers Fellowship Church in Revloc, Cambria County.
The service included prayers for America's leaders and music from the church's band.
"We have a contemporary worship service," said Pastor Brian Tunstall. "Some might say our services get a little loud."
The Believers Fellowship congregation moved into the church about six years ago.
Since then, some neighbors have complained that services there are too loud.
They've also claimed that the church's Wednesday service lasts until late at night.
Church leaders disagreed and said services are usually over by 9 p.m.
They added that they don't want to cause problems in the community.
"We're working very hard to resolve this," said Tunstall. "We don't want conflict with anyone in Revloc."
Tunstall said the church plans to install air conditioners to help damper the sound from their services.

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I have to say kudos to them for lifting up their shouts to God. And I also have to ask, "When was the last time a pentecostal Church has been accused of being too loud by the passers-by or our neighborhoods. Not that we want to be trouble makes, but we do have something to shout about too...

Slain in the Spirit

2008-07-16T13:34:00.004-04:00

I have come across this interesting article in our local news about a guy in Tennesse who is suing his Church because he was slain in the spirit and hit his head, causing injuries. Take a read...

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Man Sues Church Over 'God Injury'
Man Prayed For 'Real Experience,' Not Medical Bills
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A man said he was so consumed by the spirit of God that he fell and hit his head while at a Knoxville church.
Now he wants Lakewind Church to pay $2.5 million for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering he said he's endured from his injuries.
Matt Lincoln, 57, says he decided to sue the church after its insurance company denied his claim for medical bills.
Lincoln has had two surgeries since the June 2007 incident but said he still feels pain in his back and his legs.
The Sevier County man said he was asking God to have "a real experience" while praying at church.
He said he has fallen from the force of the spirit before but has always been caught by someone.
Lawyers for the church said other congregants saw him on the floor laughing after his fall. They said he failed to look out for his own safety.

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Is there any wonder that we need to have "catchers" in the Church today? I know that I have seen people fall over in the spirit, hit their heads terribly hard on the pews, and walls, etc. and NEVER even know it happened to them. Which only causes me to question this man's experience; and acknowledge that we need a TRUE move of God's spirit once again.

humility

2008-07-02T09:10:00.002-04:00

I recently came across this quote in an e-mail I recieved and I really liked it, hope you do too.

"Although God is aware of all things, He is searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. And that something is humility. God is decisively drawn to the humble." -C. J. Mahaney

There is something to that, isn't there? God does embrace the humble, and He wants to build humility in each of His children.

In Proverbs 6, God lays out six things He hates, actually...SEVEN. And at the top of the list is A PROUD LOOK. In James 4:6 the Bible tells us that God is actually opposed to the proud, or that He resists the proud...that is a side of God that none of us should want to be on the recieving end of. However, He continues on to say that "He gives grace to the humble."

So my blogging friends, in God's eyes...humility is where it is at! I know it goes in direct opposition to who most people are today, and that might explain why people are having trouble in their faith. Try it God's way...try humility.

more info.

2008-06-26T23:22:00.000-04:00

Here is another link to some additional info. I have found...http://www.gantdaily.com/news/43/ARTICLE/23988/2008-06-26.html
At least they found this guy.

A Tragic Day

2008-06-26T23:09:00.000-04:00

We had a very eventful morning here in our little town of Clearfield...

I recieved a prayer-chain call this morning telling me of a man being shot in the head at a local Methodist Church. Link to a short article about it here http://www.wjactv.com/gant-daily/16718326/detail.html or here http://www.theprogressnews.com/default.asp?read=13027 What a horrific thing to happen to anyone, anywhere...

There is no report as to the motive, but our little town is a buzz with speculation, as you can imagine. All in all, prayer for these men is certainly necessary, as well as this Church and its leadership.

more faith...

2008-06-24T23:43:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share a couple more quotes about faith to suppliment my previous blog...

"Faith has to do with things that are not seen

and hope with things that are not at hand."
-Thomas Aquinas

I really like this one...

"God our Father has made all things depend on faith

so that whoever has faith will have everything,

and whoever does not have faith will have nothing."
-Martin Luther

Do you know of any great quotes on faith? I'd love to hear them!

Hope Against Hope!

2008-06-24T23:24:00.000-04:00

My assistant, Pastor Brian, dropped this pretty awesome passage on me a few days ago, and it has really stuck with me since then...

Romans 4:18-21 - In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So shall your DESCENDANTS BE." [19] And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; [20] yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, [21] and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.

Isn't that just powerful? Abraham believed IN SPITE OF what seemed to be reality in the natural. That is the very battle that we are all in...to believe, to hope against hope, to trust in God so that we can see His word, which was spoken to us, to become a reality in in our lives. (In His time. -Ecclesiastes 3:11)

To dig a little deeper, try this quote on for size...St. Augustine said, "Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand." Awesome! However, we do just the opposite, don't we? We want to have things become a reality, and then we will believe...but that is not how God works. He responds to our faith, and then the reality (or understanding) of our hope comes into existence.

The noble father, in John 4, exercised this kind of faith. He asked for Jesus to come to his house to heal his son, but Jesus just spoke the word and sent him on his way. So, for this dad, every step towards home was a literal "step of faith" and he found out that when you hope in God, and walk in faith, He works on your behalf. And he understood that faith does work when he heard that his son was healed. That is why he believed, and his whole household!

What are you facing today?

What are you going through that you need to apply some faith to?

Trust in God, and place your faith in Him!

Then, understanding will come your way! It may not be overnight...remember that Abraham waited for quite some time!

No Fear!

2008-06-20T17:01:00.001-04:00

I thought this was a pretty cool picture that I came across with an awesome Scripture verse imbedded into it...II Timothy 1:7.

Check out this guy on this huge wall...amazing! It would test my fears!

SURVIVING VS. THRIVING

2008-06-18T10:48:00.001-04:00

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Here is a thought that I have had for quite some time now. It seems to me that many people today have the mentality of just surving from day to day. We all know how mundane life can get, as well as how hard it is sometimes. I can't help but see it when you consider just how poorly people do at disciplining their children, or the care and upkeep of thier homes, even just paying the bills. With the way the world is today, it appears to me that people are concerned about SURVIVAL. And the thought of THRIVING seems to be just beyond their reach.

Now, I understand that I don't speak for all. However, I do speak for what I percieve in the "world" that I presently live in in Central Pennsylvania. It seems to be faily evident that the reason we don't always see a great increase in people's lives for the better is because they can't help but see themselves just trying to get through another day. And it is beyond economic, and social status... Life is full of challenges and trials today that can get a person way too overwhelmed with themselves...and that is just the problem, isn't it?

When we become too consumed with "me," and "my life," we fail to realize what life is all about. It really isn't so much about "me," as much as it should be about GOD! Then, we become concerned about others, as is a natural response to the Lord in our lives, because He is concerned about others. Jesus summed up the whole Law into a few words in Matthew 22:37-40 - And He said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] "This is the great and foremost commandment. [39] "The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

Finally, an interesting thing happens in our lives when we focus on these two things, rather people. We gain an inspiration for who we are and what we do! We find some resemblance of PURPOSE for our lives, and we "switch gears" so to speak... We go from mere SURVIVAL to THRIVING! Abounding in the Lord!!!

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." Hey! Don't allow the devil to steal from you anymore, and get back some LIFE! Go into the enemy's camp and get back what he stole from you, as the song says and THRIVE!

We live in perilous times, and now is a great time for the Church to rise up and be what God has called it to be. But it seems to me that this "survival" mode has crept into the Church too. We can't have it any longer! It is time for us, Believers in Christ, to set a new pace and accomplish something for the Lord! May the Church THRIVE once again under the mighty hand of God, and with the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Little Johnny the Baptist

2008-06-12T09:29:00.000-04:00

Wanted to share this cute little story...

Matthew 18:4-5 - "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greates in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." Oh, to recapture that child-like faith again...

Johnny's mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat in the back yard. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A little while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church."

Jesus does tell us to "count the cost" of being His disciple first in Luke 14...

W-O-R-K

2008-06-10T09:41:00.000-04:00

Oh, that nasty four-lettered word...WORK! We all seem to hate it, but yet, we find it necessary if we hope to eat! :)

I spoke to the folks at Glad Tidings A/G this weekend from a familiar passage...II Timothy 2:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth."

This weekend was the weekend that we used to honor our graduates. (Of which we only had one this year.) Anyhow, I spoke to the people about God's great graduation day that awaits us...when we will be taken to glory! However, in the meantime, we have to be doing a few things that we gather from II Timothy 2:15...STUDY, WORK, and DISCERN!

For our purposes here, I want to focus on that second thought...WORK. We all know what it means to work. Some enjoy it, and others don't. Truth is, that many Christians seem to shrink away from it in this day and age, in regard to getting involved in the Church and its mission. I came across this cute thing about work, and it goes like this..."There are three kinds of workers: When a piano is to be moved, the first kind gets behind and pushes, the second pulls and guides, and the third grabs the piano stool."

The dilema is that we must not allow for this laziness to creep into our Spiritual life... Though we don't like to work, it is clear in Scripture that we must work for the Lord. Though we don't do it to get saved, according to Ephesians 2:8-9; we do need to do it to prove our faith in the Lord is genuine and real, according to James 2:17-20. In fact, the quality of our faith will show through in our work for the Lord.

So, as you carry on with your week, remember that we will be judged according to our works. They will be tried by fire one day. And Revelation 20:11-15 gives us a bit of a discourse in regard to the final judgement... Verse 13 tells us that "every one of us will be judged, according to our deeds / works."

So, the question must be asked, "What have you done for HIM lately?"

Self-Control

2008-05-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

I had this little story forwarded to me, and I thought it was quite good, and gives a fresh perspective to us about how our actions can hurt others... Hope you enjoy!

"NAILS IN THE FENCE"

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. So his Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in thefence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is stillthere."

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are very rare jewels, indeed! They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Maybe you need to ask a friend to forgive you if I have ever left "a hole in their fence!" Don't hesistate to do it.

Consider this quote...

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." -Harvey Mackay

Puns are Phunny!

2008-05-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

I get a kick out of some puns. I really like the show Frazier, and he takes every opportunity that he can to play with words, and use puns. I know, it is dry humor, but humor nonetheless; and I really enjoy them sometimes... I say that with the risk of being considered really cheesy myself becuase most consider puns to be the worst jokes ever. It is when someone says a pun, most respond by saying, "Oooo, that was a bad joke."

Try these ones on for size...
"Energizer Bunny arrested -- charged with battery."
"A pessimist's blood type is b-negative."
"Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat minor."
"A bicycle can't stand alone because it is two-tired."
"You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it."
If you have some good ones, please share them!

Well anyhow... With that in mind, I ran across this in my Bible reading time, Jeremiah 3:22, "Return, you backslidding children, and I will heal your backslidings." I know that God is not trying to be funny here, in fact this is a very serious moment. But, according to my study and some commentary, He is taking advantage of a pun.

The Hebrew root word that occurs here in this verse apply for both words, return & backsliding. These are both variations of the same word. So God is using it to His advantage, as if to say, "If you are into returning to something, RETURN to Me and not your sin!"

Beyond the pun, and the funny stuff, I have really seansed this to be a word from the Lord for us American Christians and non-Christians. It is time to return to the Lord!

Hosea 10 says the same thing in verse 12. "For it is time to seek the Lord, till he comes and rains righteousness on you." Church, I think that we would all agree that it is time to get ahold of God, and let God get ahold of us...as I say.

Let's return to the Lord, isn't it time? And that is no joke...

Missing the Point!

2008-05-06T09:42:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share an illustration today that still strikes me deep as I think about it. I have been preaching from Revelation 2:1-7, where the Lord speaks to the Church of Ephesus about their lossing their first love. We all run the danger of doning that very thing... We get busy, we try to keep things going, but are spread out too thin, and before you know it, we have lost our first love and we have missed the whole point of why we are doing the things we are doing for God because the love in our hearts for the Lord have grown cold.

This story I have run across really speaks to the issue in a vivid way. John MacArthur, Jr., in his book The Ultimate Priority tells the following story…
A number of years ago I read a newspaper account of a christening party in a wealthy Boston suburb. The parents had opened their palatial home to friends and relatives who had come to celebrate the wonderful event. As the party was moving along and the people were having a wonderful time, eating and drinking and celebrating and enjoying one another, somebody said, “By the way, where is the baby?”
The heart of that mother jumped and she instantly left the room, rushing into the master bedroom where she had left the baby asleep in the middle of the massive bed. The baby was dead, smothered by the many coats of the guests.
Christian firend, that is a vivid and disturbing image, revealing to us just how caught up in the work of the Lord we can become, and yet fail in ministering to the Master Himself. Like with the Mary and Martha dilema in Luke 10. But Jesus said that Mary chose the better thing. Which is a warnign to us that if we are not cautious, we can miss the whole point of what we are doing! It really is all about Jesus!
Give this some thought, G. Campbell Morgan said, “No amount of activity in the King’s service will make up for the neglect of the King.”

Hum the lyrics to the song, "Heart of Worship" to yourself, and remember that in all we do and say for the Lord...it is first ALL ABOUT HIM! Don't miss the point.

A Country Funeral...

2008-05-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

I had this story sent to me by a friend, and thought I would share it here...it is cute and funny. Hope you enjoy it!

As a young minister in Kentucky, I was asked by a funeral director to hold a grave-side service for a homeless man, who had no family or friends.The funeral was to be held at a new cemetery way back in the country, and this man would be the first to be buried there..I was not familiar with the backwoods area, and I soon became lost. Being a typical man, I did not stop to ask for directions. I finally arrived an hour late..I saw the backhoe and the open grave, but the hearse was nowhere in sight. The digging crew was eating lunch. I apologized to the workers for my tardiness, and I stepped to the side of the open grave. There I saw the vault lid already in place. I assured the workers I would not hold them up for long, as I told them that this was the proper thing to do.The workers gathered around the grave and stood silently, as I began to pour out my heart and soul. As I preached about "looking forward to a brighter tomorrow" and "the glory that is to come," the workers began to "Amen," "Praise the Lord," and "Glory!" The fervor of these men truly inspired me. So, I preached and I preached like I had never preached before, all the way from Genesis to Revelations.I finally closed the lengthy service with a prayer, thanked the men, andwalked to my car. As I was opening the door and taking off my coat, I heard one of the workers say to another, "I ain't NEVER seen nothin' like that before, and I've been puttin' in septic tanks for thirty years.

"When God's People Pray"

2008-04-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

I have started a series on Wednesday Nights at our Church called, "When God's People Pray." It is a video teaching created by Jim Cymbala, from the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Thus far, I am very pleased with it, and the people seem to be enjoying it very much.

I just wanted to share a thought from it that Jim Cymbala said that just caught my attention, he said, "Anything God can do, prayer can do." I am not sure if this thought is original to him, but it just impacted me so much to think that we have the opportunity to pray and actually see God do great things...and the connection between what God can do, and prayer... Well, it was just awesome to hear it like that.

It all just reminded me of James 5:16 - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. To which many of our folks last night had shared testimonies as to how they have seen God answer prayer. Prayer really works, when God's people pray...

Isn't it true? Have you prayed today?

Are you caffiene-free?

2008-04-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

I used this little ditty I came across last night in my sermon on our need for more of God, and Pentecost in these last days. Thought it was good, and hope you appreciate it...

Too many have a caffeine-free relationship with God.
-It won't stir you up…
-It won't keep you up…
-It won’t wake you up…
-And, it won't pick you up!!!

It is true for too many believers. We want just enough of God, but not too much, otherwise He might stir us up too much...you know what I am saying?

My character I used for the massage last night was Samson. He was a man who was to be fully dedicated to God, but yet, he only went halfway with God, resulting in the fact that much of his life was full of rebellion, resentment, reckless activity and revenge; that certainly was not God's best for him.

Now, I am not advocating caffiene for anyone...I myself have been caffiene free for over two years, seriously. But, what I do know is that I need more and more of God! Don't we all?

How do we beat all the evil in the world?

2008-04-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

I have run across this verse a number of times, and it seems to keep surfacing...this time in devotions with my kids. Romans 12:21 - Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Wow! How appropriate for us to hear when most Christians always cry about all the evil in the world, and how overwhelming it is. This piece of advice is for each of us...start doing good!

How do we deal with all the hate that people seem to seeth with? Display the love of Jesus Christ!
How do we handle the tremendous amount of filthy language that we constantly hear? Begin to talk about God, and speak blessing instead of the cursing.
How do we handle the constant negative attitudes that we seem to combat all the time? Try speaking the positive and words of hope.

You get the point...
So, instead of always complaining about the bad all the time; maybe us Christians should do good and speak good, and be good to overcome it? At least then, the evil is not overcoming us, right? And we aren't contributing to it either.

This may be too simplistic, but there is certainly room for it... You remember the movie "Evan Almighty?" Ark stood for, "Act of Random Kindness." This world can afford a little more of it...

Who is really important?

2008-04-15T14:48:00.000-04:00

This thought came to me during one of our revival services last week. The evangelist was speaking from II Corinthians 4:7 and mentioned how in Bible times people would put valuables in clay pots, even cracked clay pots so as to not draw attention to their valuables they were trying to hide, and thus, lead to the treasure.
Which brought me to think about how we are to be like that invaluable, cracked, and unbecoming clay pot. (Not that we are invaluable or worthless.) However, we are to be the least of anything that draws attention...we are to be ALL about the treasure that is within us! The treasure (or Christ) is to be the focus, and not us. I believe that we forget that all too quickly. Commandment #1 tells us that God is supposed to be first in our lives, and I think that we really miss out on the best God has for us when we place Him in another position. Therefore, it should not be disturbing to us to find that we need to place the Lord in first place...after all, we are the clay pots, He is the treasure.
So, remember to keep things in perspective! Who is really important?

Two Thieves!

2008-04-06T17:14:00.000-04:00

Dropping in quick to post this awesome quote that I heard our evangelist share this morning in his message...

“Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves

- regret for the past and fear of the future.”

-Fulton Oursler

Thought that was just dynamic and wanted to share it with you all. It couldn't be more true!

What are you doing???

2008-04-05T15:50:00.000-04:00

Today I had the unusual opportunity to wake up at 5 AM! This is not my typical routine, but, nonetheless, I did it. Not becuase I wanted to, but because we had our sectional men's breakfast this morning. About 70 men in our area gathered together to eat, fellowship, worship the Lord together and to hear the Word of God preached.

Evangelist Tony Cruz was our speaker this year, and he brought a great word for us to hear as he referenced the life of David. The theme was that we men are in "the fight of our lives." And he brought three points we need to heed... First, we must have a Samuel in our lives who speaks into us. Next, we must face our Goliaths, and overcome them. Finally, we have to overcome our Bathshebas.

I enjoyed everything that I heard and know that it was effective. In fact, I wanted to comment on one thing that I felt the Lord reveal to me in this regard...especially with the final point. From 2 Samuel 11:1, it says that, "Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem." It struck me that when David should have been battling himself, he was not doing that; instead he was falling. The Lord impressed upon my heart that when we are not battling, we will be easy prey for the enemy, and failure is more apt to come. So, we have to stay in the battle DAILY!

Listen to 1 Peter 5:8 - Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Hey, we can never afford to take time for R & R when it comes to the Spiritual battle we are in, otherwise the enemy will have all the more opportunity to move in on us, and overcome us in areas less guarded.

So keep your eyes opened, and stay in the good fight of faith, because this battle is a good one. Plus, realistically, it is a battle for not only your life, but for the life of your family.

Food for thought...

2008-04-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Here is a quote by Leonard Ravenhill that I have heard before, but was reminded of it recently. Something for us to consider in regard to our own hearts...

"One of these days some simple soul will pick up

the Book of God, read it, and believe it.

Then the rest of us will be embarrassed."

I want to be one of those who read it and believe it; how about you? I don't like to be embarrassed, do you?

Up-To-Date VS Out-Of-Date?

2008-04-02T10:36:00.001-04:00

In our morning devotions with our kids today, the Lord brought us to a great passage, and then conversation, about the Word of God being up-to-date with today and our world.

Surely, we have all heard people say that the Bible is old, antiquated and has absolutley no relevancy in our modern society. The DaVinci Code helped to motivate that lie in our world...especially among those who have no real understanding of Scripture, and who have never really studied them. However, those who are in Christ know that those statements are false!

Here was our text for today...

Colossians 1:15-18 - And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. [16] For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [18] He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.

I have to say that it was great to be able to tell our children that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have always been, they are present now, and always will be in existence. The illustration that the devotional gave was that an old book on flowers is still applicable today because the flowers are still the same today as they were 100 years ago and even before then. The same is true of God's Word! Hebrews 13:8 tells us that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever." Neither has He changed! The Word of God is God's revelation of Himself to man.

I take confidence in the fact that the Bible, the all-time best-seller, is still relevant to my life (and yours) today.

Church Sold!

2008-04-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

Ran across this from a friend's e-newsletter...he got it from Lark News.

Enjoy!

BIG TIMBER, Mont. - Without their consent or knowledge, a pastor in rural Montana has sold his church and congregation on eBay for $3 million. "I finally got good and sick of them," says Tad Marshall, pastor for 15 years who completed the secret sale last week. "This serves them right. All of them." But many in the church are stunned by the Marshall family's sudden departure. "We had such a good relationship," says Winifred Barnes. "Whenever I called him in the middle of the night to pray for my psoriasis, he was happy to help. I'm surprised he would treat us this way." Others expressed similar feelings. "We would stop by for surprise visits every time he had a day off, and his wife was always quick to put a pot of coffee on," says Fred Souther. "We'd sit there and chat for hours. Those were wonderful times." One woman recalls how Pastor Marshall responded to her plea to visit her ailing mother every day during her prolonged illness at a hospital 78 miles away. "I don't think he did it because we threatened to quit the church. I think he was genuinely concerned for Mother even though she was in a coma," she says. "We would sit with her for hours singing hymns to her. I could tell he was blessed by it." Another longtime member recalls the day a group of women surprised the pastor's wife with an impromptu shopping trip. "It was clear she was unable to afford modest clothing, so we charged right in and threw away everything in her closet," she says. "Then we bought her new ankle-length dresses with long sleeves. She cried tears of joy that day. She kept saying, 'I can't believe you're doing this.' It was a bonding moment for all of us." Even the board, which had its share of differences with Marshall, recalls him fondly. They say he happily abided by the church's Dress and Grooming Code, kept sermons to 23 minutes as the board required and even abandoned his use of the New Living translation on Sunday morning. "Once he understood it is a devilish translation that twists the words of the original spoken English, he said he'd be happy to go back to using the Authorized King James Version," an elder says. "That's the way Tad was. A real go-along guy." Friends from out of state say Marshall came to rural Montana hoping to find a friendly lifestyle where he could help good-hearted people grow closer to Christ. Instead he found "an enclave of faux-Christian Pharisees" who demanded he serve their every whim, says one seminary buddy. One day while selling old exercise equipment on eBay to supplement his church income, which had been docked by the board because a service had gone too long, Marshall decided to rid himself of the congregation in a creative way. His eBay listing emphasized the positive: "This delightful country church sits on 2 acres of land. Comes complete with congregation and 35 regular tithers! Sunday school wing, no mortgage. Bids start at $200,000." Recent Bible college graduates bid first, hoping to gain a built-in congregation on the cheap. Then several entrepreneurs with ministry ambitions swooped in, driving the price up. Kevin Silver, a 39-year-old former Internet company founder, won with a last-minute bid. He is looking forward to "leaving the spiritual corruption of the big city behind" and taking the helm of the rural congregation. "I always wanted to serve at a little country church where decent people just want to pursue God," he says. "My wife and I are looking forward to settling into community life and getting to know these wonderful folks. This will be a great second chapter of life for us."
APRIL FOOLS!

Funny...

2008-03-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

I came across this joke that has a New England flare...being from Maine, I really appreciated it. Enjoy!

A song leader at a church in New Hampshire was preparing for the Sunday morning worship service. She had planned on playing her guitar, but her electronic tuner was missing. “Maybe I left it in the car,” she thought.
Heading out to the garage, she passed her husband in the living room, watching TV. “Please pray that I find my tuner,” she mentioned out loud, and then asked God to help her find it.
As she searched through the car, she didn’t find anything in the back seat, but then reached under the front seat, and pulled out a can of tuna.
Her husband heard her laughter from all the way in the house and came out to the garage. “Honey,” she chuckled, “the Lord sure answered that prayer – New England accent and all!”

Well, the Bible does tell us in Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you." Do some ASKing today!

Blessings!

Sincerity

2008-03-17T09:04:00.000-04:00

Here is a devotional that I ran across which compliments my message in last night's service from Zechariah 7... Hope it blesses!

“Be sincere... until the day of Christ.”– Philippians 1:10 (NAS)

The word sincere comes from a Latin word meaning “without wax”. In the original Greek it means “sun-tested”. In Bible times merchants sold very fine porcelain that was greatly valued and therefore expensive. Sometimes when it was fired in the kiln tiny cracks would appear. Dishonest merchants would smear pearly-white wax over these cracks, which would pass for unblemished porcelain – unless it was held up to the light of the sun. Honest merchants marked their wares sine cera – “without wax”. That’s a picture of genuine sincerity. No sham, no hypocrisy, no hidden cracks to be covered over.

You say, “How can I live this way?” By keeping your eyes on Christ, not Christians! Paul writes, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph 4:1 NIV). When Paul wrote this he was under house arrest in Rome, yet he didn’t regard himself as a prisoner of the Romans. No, he was a prisoner of Jesus, a voluntary slave, totally in subjection to the Lord. There’s a metaphorical meaning to this word “prisoner”. It can mean “binding as with a spell”. Paul was literally captivated by Jesus Christ! He thought and talked about nothing else. He got up every morning determined to please Him. Some days he didn’t do too well. We all have those days. But the next morning he was up and at it again, more determined and more committed than ever.

Paul’s sincerity wasn’t based on keeping certain religious rules or trying to look good. It was based on a deep love relationship with Christ: “Whatever we do, it is... because Christ’s love controls us” (2 Corinthians 5:14 TLB).

from The Word for Today, February 5, 2008; www.thewordfortoday.com.au

Equipped for Ministry

2008-01-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

Just last Wednesday Night I told our people that God wants to use us for ministry - in ministry. Ephesians 4 goes through some of this when it describes to us the five-fold ministry, and verse 12 talks about how my job as a pastor is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. I believe in that!

I also believe that God has given us all a gift to use for the benefit of the Kingdom. Further, I believe that God does this because of His grace, read Ephesians 4:7. What is frustrating to me is how so many wonder why God would want to use them, they question God's wisdom - like they are so much smarter - and forget about the tremendous grace of God who gives us gifts liberally!

Now, I was just reading this morning of how God delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea, while Moses led them. He was also a guy who questioned God's wisdom in using Him. Yet, He was God's chosen man.

What I love about the thought of God using people was made very evident to me as I was reading in Exodus 14 today. In verse 26, God tells Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea so that the waters will come back upon the Egyptians. Now, I know that God wanted to do that, and He could have just made it happen, but God chooses to use people in partnership with Him to accomplish His work.

Here is a saying to drive home my point: "God alone can save the world, but God can't save the world alone." God has choosen to use us! Won't you jump in and be a part of what He wants to do in and through you?

Is Your Check Engine Light On?

2007-10-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to get away for a few days this week. Yeah! I anticipated them very much, and if I do say, they were very much needed too. I went to our District's Minister's Enrichment, which is a three day event at our District Conference Center in Carlisle, PA. We had a great speaker, Rev. H. B. London from Focus on the Family. He spoke on many different topics that were pertinent to the pastor and his life.

One message, in particular, that was a good reminder to me; and I thought I would pass on because it is important for us all, was in regard to "Watching the Guages." From I Timothy 4:16, he tells us "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." Truth is, we all must pay close attention to ourselves in the Lord - it is our duty as we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Four guages he told us to watch are the:
#1 - Spiritual Guage
#2 - Physical Guage
#3 - Emotional Guage
#4 - Family Guage

All of which can change at any given moment. Good words of advice for the Pastor, as well as the lay-person. Because each day, one guage reading can vary from the next. We experience things, and go through events that change on a moment's notice, making life all the more fluid - and sometimes dangerous. Dangerous, because if we are not careful, and watchful, we can be lead into poor choices and bad experiences all because we didn't watch our guages that were meant to be warning signal to us as we try to "keep it between the lines."

He also went on to mention that there are times we get the check engine light on too. These are crisis moments that must get our full attention so that we don't crash and loose sight of it all.

Today - check your guages and watch for the check engine light so that you can continue to more forward on the course of life without any snags or regrets.

Thanks H. B. London!

Mission on the Home-Front

2007-09-29T19:30:00.001-04:00

Week #2 was underway for Mission on the Home-Front. We were at Renee Kelley's home today with several men, and a couple teens, who did some much needed work there...

The two existing decks on the house were secured and a third was started. The frame-work was completed, and now it can be measured for the floor and the railings. Then, they got working on some railing for the steps to the basement...there were none before. That will be completed in the future as well.

Missions on the Home-Front will continue in the next two weeks...

Stay tuned for more updates!

And don't get caught sleeping on the job like Greg here...we need your help!

All-Mighty!

2007-09-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to improve myself lately by expanding my vocabulary. So I have been recieving a word a day from dictionary.com to help me do just that. Words like panjandrum, turpitude and doof have been regularly coming to my e-mail and I have learned a few and can relate to a few too.

One particular word that made me immediately think of another was this...panacea. Panacea is a noun that is defined as "a remedy for all diseases, evils and problems; a universal medicine; a cure-all." You are probably thinking the same way I am. I immediately thought of Jesus being this world's PANACEA! He is the cure-all and universal medicine for all of man-kind's evils and diseases. Not just in the physical, but in the emotional, mental and even (and most importantly) the spiritual! He is the cure all for us with all of our deficiencies and failures...aren't you thankful? I know that I am!

Two Scriptures for your consideration...

Isaiah 53:3-5 - He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. [4] Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.
Ephesians 1:22-23 (NASB) And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, [23] which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.

Jesus is our panacea!

He abrogated our moral turpitude so that we are now unabridged.

Blame it on ... myself?

2007-09-25T17:55:00.000-04:00

It seems that in the society we live in today, the idea of blame is very accepted. We even hear it in Church all the time, "It's his fault I am like this. It's my job... It's my wife..." It seems that it is everyone elses fault that things go bad in our lives but our own. Excuses and blame - they are as old as Methuselah. Adam blamed Eve for his eating the apple; Eve blamed the serpent; and we blame Adam and Eve for our problems.
Today, the criminology world will tell us that people are a product of their society too. The same thing. It isn't little Johnny's fault that he stole from someone, his mother was mean to him. How silly does that sound? Very. True is that we become who we choose to become. We are what we choose to be. I gave illustration of this on Sunday by siting my own life - raised in a non-Christian home, and yet I am a pastor today. Make sense? Not really, but yet it does to me. Because I made the choices to be what I am today, in conjunction with Christ's working in me. Understand?
I happened to read this in Proverbs today. Proverbs 19:3 - "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord." Isn't that the truth? We make bad choices in life and try to blame it on everyone else. What's more is that people believe this stuff, but not God! He makes us face our own music and take responsibility for our actions. The truth is that we will one day too.
So, instead of blaming the world for your problems - take responsibility for your troubles and face up to the need to make some changes in your life. Don't be angry at God anymore, but instead come to Him for help to bring about changes in your life for the better. He won't make you change, but you can do it with the resource of His power being available to you to do so. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) - For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power!

JUST DO IT!

2007-09-24T12:50:00.000-04:00

These are the words of Jesus in John 14:15 - "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." As I read them, it made me flash back to yesterday's message I shared in the morning service...

Once again, the Lord laid another message on my heart during the Worship Service, and instead of preaching what I had prepared, I shared from the book of Acts in second half of chapter 5. This is where the disciples are preaching, and once again placed into prison. BUT, an angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors for them to get out and begin to preach once again in the streets. The next the Sadducees knew of these guys was when they were actually preaching. Very cool!

My poin that I wanted to make with this passage of Scripture was in regard to how we get put into a common prison, just like the apostles were; but not because we are standing up for the Lord, but by the bad choices of our lives. We "christians" sometimes get caught up with the things of this world and the appetites of the flesh and what begins to happen is that we find ourselves bound up in a prison with no witness, when we should be outside the Church walls sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others who need to hear.

Now - everyone agreed that we want to see the world come to know Jesus as Savior...and everyone also agreed that we are supposed to be the ones doing it. The trouble is that we get side-tracked. So we have to determine to stay focused and win some victories over the enemy who so easily entangles us in his traps.

Listen, I am a very "black and white" type of guy. What I mean by that is that if we say we are going to live for Christ, and be a witness, then we just must do it. Nothing frustrates me more than to see a "Christian" sit and struggle and strive in their sin when they know they should not be in it in the first place. Does anyone agree with me. If that is so, then we better "turn right, and go straight" as they say. As my Assistant Pastor says all the time to me, using the Nike slogan, "Just Do It!" And we must...

Which brings me back, full circle to John 14:15 - "If you love me???" That really could stand to be the question, couldn't it? Do we love Him? Are we really in this for Christ, or just so we don't end up in hell? We have to ask ourselves these questions sometime!!! Ask youself even now..."do I love Him?" Then, if you say you do...then, keep His commandments!

Blessings to you, and keep your head in the fight! Fight faithfully! Semper Fi!

MISSION on the HOME-FRONT

2007-09-22T13:08:00.000-04:00

Matthew 22:37-39 tells us this...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. [38] This is the great and foremost commandment. [39] The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
With these few verses in mind, it has been an ambition of mine to see our Church be involved in helping others in our own area. We have taken three missions trip to the Gulf Coast area to help the victims of the infamous Hurricane Katrina, and we have loved it and know it is the right thing to do. However, I have always felt that we ought to be involved with people right around us in PA too. Now, my dream has finally come to pass. This weekend our Youth Group kicked it off by helping a widow in our Church get her lawn raked and seeded so that it would not be full of rocks and weeds. They are doing a great job! I am so proud.
We are going to continue to help by having a group of men go over next week and begin to secure a couple decks, build a new one and install some light fixtures. Then, in the coming weeks we hope to put up some insulation and other things too. Hopefully this will spill over into other people's homes and lives.
Plus, what I am trusting to see is that while we are a blessing to this mother of three, we will in turn, be blessed by serving. That is what it is all about...helping, serving, and blessing others! Jesus did it when He fed the 5,000 didn't He?
Now, let me throw one other verse in for good measure...Matthew 7:12 - Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Just as Matthew 22:37-39 wraps up the whole Law, some 600 Jewish laws; Matthew 7:12 encompasses them all. All would agree that it is a great principle to live by. Give it a whirl! That is what we are doing!

Who do you chauffeur around?

2007-09-21T18:17:00.000-04:00

Please don't be offended by this joke I came across, but I thought it was great - plus, it has a great point if we want to see it.

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home.

As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver. "You know" he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?" The driver said, "No problem. Have at it." Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway.

A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap. The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone. The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law... But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person." The supervisor asked, "Is it the governor?" The young trooper said, " No, he's more important than that." The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the president." The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that.

The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?" The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

I know, it may be a little corny, but it does have a great point. It was because of who Billy Graham was that made the officer believe Jesus was there in the back. Which makes me contemplate just who would people believe you or I am chauffeuring around if we were there. The hope is that Jesus would be assumed too.

It is like that old saying which was so popular some years back, "If you we accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to prove it?"

Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Be Encouraged!

2007-09-19T16:39:00.000-04:00

One of my Board Members said this a few weeks ago, and I haven't been able to forget it since he said it. It is pretty cool...

Don't break down, break through!

Be encouraged to press through and gain victory over that which wants to gain victory over you. Remember that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Looking Ahead!

2007-09-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

It seems that I have been dealing with people a lot lately who have trouble with looking on their past and allowing it to hold them down. Now, I know that there should be a fair amount of remourse for our sins, but we should not be condemned by it - especially if it is under the blood. Romans 8 tells us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ! For as much as the enemy/devil/satan would love to condemn you with your sins and horrible deeds of the past, you MUST not stay focused on it. In fact, you have to look forward to your future in the Lord!
Paul put it like this, Philippians 3:13 - Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. We too, have to forget the past and press on towards what lies ahead of us. Another warning of sorts is in Luke 17:32, which says, Remember Lot's wife. Why? Well, she looked back and should not have. She let the past bring death to her life, and if we look back, we only do the same thing - die. Because satan will use it as leverage against us. And, even though we have already been forgiven and set free from it because of the work of Jesus on the Cross, we (by looking back) are overwhelmed with it and are condemned!
I have heard it put like this... You can't drive your car forward by looking in your rear-view mirror. How practical is that? You have to look straight ahead! So - LOOK AHEAD!
Hebrews 12:2 - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Stay Sharp!

2007-09-12T14:53:00.000-04:00

I came across this short story that makes a great point. Let me know what you think...

Two lumberjacks challenged each other to an eight-hour woodchopping contest.
The first contestant chopped for hours on end, taking only a ten-minute lunch.
The second challenger chopped at a steady pace but took several breaks throughout the day, including a long lunch.
At the end of eight hours, the first lumberjack was irritated to discover that his opponent had chopped more wood than he had.
"How did that happen?" questioned the first lumberjack.
His challenger smiled and replied, "Every time I took a break, I sharpened my ax."

So the question that needs to be asked is, "Are you working harder or smarter?"

It seems that we sometimes work fevorishly to do for the Lord, and we forget to pray and seek His face. Then we wonder why we have little to no response. Have we been working too hard? Have we forgotten to be smart? By that I mean, that we have to remember this is God's deal, and He is the one who makes this all happen anyhow, not us. So we have to, and must, lean upon Him to accomplish the work. Our might will never work.

Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord!"

Reconciliation!

2007-09-11T16:13:00.000-04:00

As I have briefly mentioned in the last blog, we are holding "revival" meetings in our Church this week with Evangelist Carl Harris. I must say that God is doing some beautiful things in these meetings. One word to sum it all up is this, RECONCILIATION!
What we are experiencing and seeing take place is just what we read of in I Corinthians 5:18 & 19..."All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others." NLT
Now, I know that there was an original reconciliation that took place when we were first saved, we were accepted and brought back into fellowship with the Lord. However, it seems that God also is doing a restorative work of drawing in people who have lived on the fringe for so long. No longer do they have to live that way though. God is revealing Himself to them and they are being fast-forwarded into an intimate relationship with Him like when they first came to Him. Which reminds me of one other verse...Joel 2:25 - "Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten..." NASB Again, God restored and reconciles, amen?!

Let me tell you, it is like seeing the pieces of a puzzle come back together in the lives of people once again. Awesome! And that is something that only the power of a loving God can do through the power of the Holy Spirit. That is why we still need the Holy Spirit today - and that is why He is still here working on this earth today too.

Let me tell you, if you are in need of restoration and reconciliation, simply call upon the Lord, and you will find Him, and He can do the same in you...

What a summer!

2007-09-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a summer it has been. It seems that it has just flown by with a flurry of activity. We had a week of revival in DuBois, PA where several churches joined together to seek God, and I was able to speak one night on the subject of the Holy Spirit. The local Ministerium hosted a great outreach with Steve Carrier from The Power Team in conjuction with our County Fair. A great praise the Lord to that weekend because about 200 people made commitments to live for Jesus Christ. Then, we also went on a missions trip to New Orleans with 21 of our people. Can anyone say "too busy?" I can.
With all that happening, my family and I were able to go to Plymouth, MA for a few days and enjoy a whale watch and I got to go deep sea fishing. Fun!
With all that said, I am currently trying to just get back to a normal cadence, and also hold a week of revival services with Evangelist Carl Harris - this week. Yesterday was a great day in God's house too. It is great to see people hear from God and then respond to Him. A lot of that was happening, thank God. Looking forward to more of it as the services continue...
Well, I have got to run - always busy - but I will try to get more regular here once again. Phew! LOL!

People are the Purpose

2007-07-11T08:33:00.000-04:00

Here is an interesting quote that I came across in a commentary or somewhere recently...

"People are not your problem, they are your purpose!"

This quote can certainly bring conviction to any of us at one time or another, because we are all guilty of being bothered by people and their silly ways at times.
Recently, God brought this Scripture text to life in me with regard to this quote. That text is Acts 3, when Peter and John went to the Temple to pray and come across the lame man. They did not try to avoid him, but instead told him to look at them. Because they were about to give him something that he did not expect!
They tell this lame man, "Silver and gold have we none, but what we do have, we give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene - WALK!" That particular day, the man was not a problem, he was their purpose.
Jesus left us with a purpose too. It is called the Great Commission. To go into all the world and preach the Gospel. To who? PEOPLE!
Oh, how we have to remember that people are not the problem. No, instead, God has made them our purpose, just as they are His. We are His. Thank you Lord!

Prickly Problems

2007-06-06T11:39:00.000-04:00

The Lord laid this verse on my heart yesterday in our prayer meeting at the Church - II Corinthians 12:7-10. It is the portion of Scripture where Paul pleads with the Lord to remove this "thorn in the flesh" that he had been contending with. You would think that God would do this for Paul; after all, it is Paul, I mean, come on! But God doesn't! Surprising. Which would then make one wonder why. Because we all believe that God has nothing but the best in store for us, and He would never want any of us to hurt. But I came across a statement recently in one of the many books that I have been reading lately, and it said something like, God doesn't have our here-and-now in mind, He has our eternity in mind. With that said, and it being true, then we might be able to understand why we have to go through some of the problems we do.
For Paul, the problem he had was more than a little antagonist, but it was huge. The word used for "thorn" in the text here does not refer to a sliver, but it actually inffers a stake - something like an 18" tent stake sized problem. This was not small thing that Paul was up against, yet it seemed best in God's eyes to permit it to remain. Things that make you go, "Hmmmm?" Why not remove it Lord?

Well, there is some reason to believe that God was using this "thorn in the flesh" to keep Paul humble and leaning upon Him. After all, Paul just got done talking about boasting in the verses previous this, and maybe this was the Lord's way to keep Paul in a humble and yeilded state before Him? I think we all know that pride is the one thing that found its way into Lucifer's heart, and lead to his expulsion from Heaven, and pride will do that very same thing in us as well. Pride seperate us from God.

I guess the lesson that we can gain from this is that God allows such "thorns" to remain in us so that we will stay humble upon the Lord. Why did God strike Jacob's hip in Genesis 32? That injury was a permanent thing, and God did it to him, why? I like to think of it as a way the Lord was able to constantly remind him that he had met with God, and that limp was a reminder of that, and of how he now had to lean on the Lord for strength to stand that day and each day after that. That is just what we need to be reminded of too.

We have to lean on the Lord for everything in every day. However, at times we have difficulty doing that, so the Lord will permit prickly problems to come our way to get us in a place where we will be overwhelmed and admit that we can't make it without Him, and we can't. The Bible tells us that "with God, all things are possible," Matthew 19:26. The key - WITH GOD. We have to be reminded of that, and that is just what a prickly problem will do.

Plus, the Lord gave a word of assurance to Paul as an answer to his prayer, "May grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in your weakness." The point - God wants us to get to this weak place in our lives, so that we will lean upon Him and find that we can only do and be as we have found it in Christ. Paul's response was that he would boast in nothing, but in the Lord from now on, and isn't that what we are to do in the first place?

Seems like the Lord can use these prickly problems to produce in us a revival of dependancy upon the Lord!

Graduation Day!

2007-05-23T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today I skipped out of the office for a few hours, put on the "daddy hat" and went to something very special - my little girl's graduation from Pre-School! It is hard to believe that"little" Abbey is 5 years old and is growing up fast.

They had a nice little presentation with a variety of songs they sang for their family and friends, as well as poems and fun activities to share. She did very well through the year and is poised to get into Kindergarden.

Pray for us as we go into this next year of school. We are going to attempt to home-school both Alex and Abbey this coming year. We have been very disappointed in the schools here for a variety of reasons, (as are many parents in this community) so we are going to take things into our own hands. It should be fun!

Mourn with those who mourn...

2007-05-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

It has become another sad day in VA, and around the world. News is spreading of Rev. Jerry Falwell's death this morning (Tuesday; May 15).

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:15 that we are to rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn. So today, we in Christiandom, mourn with the Falwell family and the congregation of Thomas Road Baptist Church. Not to mention Liberty University.

Regardless of whether you agreed with him or not, Rev. Falwell did his best for the Kingdom. He took stands on some things that were necessary, as well as those that we erroneous (like the telletubbies) but nonetheless, he was a servant of God that will be missed, I am sure.

All in all, we have to remember the words of Jesus in Luke 9:50, when the disciples complained to Jesus that others we using His name to cast out demons, and heal the sick. Jesus wasn't alarmed liked they were. He simply said that if they are not against us, they are for us.

Which tells me that whether you liked him or not, he was with us, and on our side. One day we will see him in Heaven and rejoice around the throne of God together. Oh, what a day that will be!

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-14T19:33:00.001-04:00

I know... I know... I am a day late, and a dollar short; as they say. However, they also say it is better late than never! So here are my greetings to all you moms who deserve many kudos for all you do. Bless you!

I am blessed to have a wonderful wife named Angela, who is a fantastic, top-knotch mother to our two great children. To them, she is the best - and she is!

As it typical for us, I always have her preach the Mother's Day message in our Church. Like always, she did a bang-up job and brought a good Word for us all to hear, and grow from. I am so proud of her.

While she shared, she read a fun thing for the moms, and all, to enjoy, and I thought that I would share it here for some fun. So I hope you all enjoy it. We did. I am sure that some parents, and moms especially will identify with it.

THE EVOLUTION OF MOTHERS

Being a parent changes everything. But being a parent also changes with each baby. Here are some of the ways having a second and third child is different from having the first.

Your Clothes
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your doctor confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.

The Clothes
1st baby: You pre-wash your newborn’s clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?

Worries
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper, a frown--you pickup the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Pacifier
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diapering
1st baby: You change your baby’s diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every 2 to 3 hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if shesees blood.

At Home
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

I know we have all been there. No one is in this parenting thing alone, so try to lighten up and enjoy it!

Until next time...

WANTED: Laborers in the Harvest Field

2007-05-09T13:38:00.000-04:00

The Bible (Luke 10:2) tells us that we are to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest field. Why? Because the harvest is plentiful; in other words - there is a lot to do! I believe that with all that is in me - there is tons to do. However, there is the ever-increasing problem of seeing people get involved, and be committed to doing something for the Lord and serving in ministry to others and to the Body.

There could be a variety of reasons why this is so, but I came across this list of reasons why from an e-newletter from our District Church Development & Men's Ministry Director, Tom Rees. He snagged this from another blog from what I understand. I feel it is worth repeating, so here it is again...

Drop me a line and give me an idea of why you think people do not get involved anymore. Maybe we can add to this list. Thanks...

Reasons why people don't serve in The Church... (From PJ Tibayan)
1 - Don't know gifts
2 - Lazy
3 - Don't feel part of the church
4 - Shy
5 - Selfish
6 - Indifferent
7 - Unappreciative members
8 - Angry/critical members
9 - Lack of delegation from leaders
10 - Lack of follow-up
11 - Lack of initiative
12 - Leaders not asking
13 - Fear of what others might think
14 - Parents
15 - Pride
16 - No love
17 - Already have a ministry
18 - Difficult circumstances
19 - Burned-out/frustrated
20 - Unaware of church needs
21 - Handicapped
22 - Misplaced priorities
23 - Rides
24 - Unqualified for the ministry they want
25 - Don't feel gifted
26 - Hog face servants
27 - Not seeing "leaders" serve
28 - Inconsiderate members
29 - Not enough time

We have been doing a study in our Wednesday Night Bible Study at our Church about "Exploring Personal Ministry", which is right in line with this topic. Prayerfully, there will be a renewed motivation to be involved in ministry in the coming weeks as we attempt to help people find their gifts as well as see the need.

Hope to hear from you! Blessings!

Spiritual Warfare

2007-05-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

Many times over I have heard people talk about how we are are not very aware of the Spiritual world here in America. Throughout the world, there is a cognisance of evil as well as the battles in the heavenlies; however there is an almost total disconnect here in the States. Plus, the Bible tells us that, "My people perish for a lack of knowledge."

With that in mind, I certainly do not want to be caught unaware. I have tried to be aware through prayer, and in reading about it. To be honest, I have read a lot about it through the years, especially when I was a teenager. After some break from the subject matter, I have picked up a new book (to me) written by Lester Sumrall called "Demons: The Answer Book." I have not completed the book yet, but have enjoyed it thus far. It has helped me to understand a bit more of how the enemy works in the world, and even in people, at worst.

One thing that I wanted to comment on is in regard to the devil though. He, being the beginning of all the evil and trouble that we have come to know today, is the root of where any and all evil comes from. I am not saying that we can use the old excuse that "the devil made me do it," but I am saying that we find we battle in the flesh with the same trash that lucifer spewed out at the beginning of time.

I have always known that the devil's pride was a major downfall. He wanted to be God, and to be praised like God was. So, the reason of pride always made sense and I never went further than that. Then, in this book, I came to understand that he also was full of greed. Not for money like we would think of in this nation, but greed for what God had. Maybe I am slow, but this seemed to make sense to me all of the sudden. In addition to that, I came to also understand just how elusive greed is in our lives. When you get right down to it, any sin can lead one astray just as these two things did with lucifer when left unchecked. Thus, the reason why we have to guard our hearts...

What I am trying to say is be aware of the battle that we are all in. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." The Lord has let us know of this Spiritual battle. So don't be ignorant of it, be aware of it and engage in the battle friends. Because whether you are aware or not, or are engage in it or not - know that you are in it!

As one TV ad says, "Get in the Game!"

Selfishness...

2007-05-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

My family and I has a weekend off, and the week was spent with other pastors from around our district at our Ministry Summit in Pittsburgh, PA. It was a nice time away to be refreshed and rejuvinated.

Over the weekend, Angela was able to give a concert at her dad's church in Greene, NY which went great. The people were blessed by her ministry and loved the opportunity to bless the Lord in praise and worship along with her.

It was from there that we came home on Monday, for a short lay-over and to pack for the trip to Pitt. This one time we were able to go by ourselves; Angela's mom watched the kids for us which was a nice blessing, and I know that the kids had a ball with her. A great thing since we live so far apart.

Anyhow, what I really enjoyed was a message we heard on Tuesday Night from Rev. Charles Crabtree about selfishness. Rev. Crabtree is the Assistant Gen. Superintendant of the A/G, and he mentioned that he has his concerns about the Assemblies right now, one of which is the gift of the Holy Spirit, but he said beyond that, his foremost concern was selfishness. Which took me back for a minute because there is a "percieved" disconnect from the Gift of the Holy Spirit and his function in our churches and lives, but after I heard the message from Bro. Crabtree, I knew why.

The message was a great one coming from the parable of the Good Samaritan. But before you read it, back up to read the lead-in to that parable. A lawyer is confronting Jesus about what he must do to be saved, and Jesus gives the lesson about the Good Samaritan. The whole idea is that to be saved you must love the Lord with all of your being and the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. That is the clencher... It is easy to say that you love the Lord, but quite another to love your neighbor because it demands that you do something with it.

THAT is the essence of what seems to be lacking in the Body of Christ, according to Rev. Crabtree - and now that I have thought about it, I have to agree. It is easy to say that we love the Lord, but it seems much more difficult to love your neighbors because it requires us doing something about it. Moving beyond our own comfort zones, and actually getting involved other people's lives. His driving point was to the pastors about the need to be better that the high priest and the religious person who passed by the beat-down man, just wishing him well. WE HAVE THE GOSPEL! We must do better than just good wishes for people, we have what they need and we are to share it. Like with Peter and John who went to the temple one day and met a man at the gate, Beautiful. Silver and gold, they did not have, but what they did have, they shared. We have this treasure in clay vessels the Bible descibes...we have to share that treasure. Our salvation is the treasure, Jesus is that treasure. However, it is a treasure that is not to be hoarded, but shared with all - there is plenty of Jesus to go around.

Who was it that assisted the man? The Samaritan, who in that day was a half-breed, and looked down upon. Who would have thought he would have anything to offer? But, he did what we shoudl be doing. Have you ever heard people talk of how someone outside of the Church was so nice and helpful. We wonder, "Is that possible?" Yes! They can do it too, just like in the parable. But, we have to wonder how many "Christians" and "religious people" passed by the needy before he recieved help from the less likely? I am sure, far too many. Listen, I am not preaching - I know that I have been guilty of this, and I have a feeling that you are too. :)

Well, I want to ask you to give this some thought and prayer. I hope that this short synopsis did justice to what I had dropped in my spirit on Tuesday night. I pray this thought transforms your thinking towards selfishness, and gives you an opportunity to search your heart to see if there be any need for repentance. As with all who heard this message in person...I am sure there will be.

How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin

2007-04-17T18:10:00.001-04:00

Check this out - great scenes and a great message. Remember...to worship the Lord and not just endure it when you are in church next time.
(See previous blog)

REAL Worship...

2007-04-17T17:51:00.000-04:00

Worship, at times, seems to be a lofty idea...that we can worship the Living Almighty God. But, it is possible, and desired of us from God. In fact, it is an awesome opportunity that we have to do it. However, I wonder if we ever do miss it in church. I know that we all "worship" at our churches - it is a good thing. But, I have to ask myself sometimes, are we really worshipping?
I woke up Monday morning with this Psalm on my mind, 100 - "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing." It goes on, but I will reserve the space for this page - look it up and read it.
I think it was A. W. Tozer who said of worship that it is "the missing jewel in the Church." I think that this is sometimes true. I know for me, that I feel that there can be so much more to worship than what we really experience on a given Sunday morning. We are good at singing the fast songs, and praising, but when it somes to the slow ones, and worship is given a chance - we seldom take advantage of it. Not that our leaders or musicians are doing a poor job, but we worshippers are failing to see it for what it really is.
It saddens me when I see people enduring worship, and not entering into it. We tend to see it as a means to an end (ie, the preaching - and eventual dismissal from service so we can get on with our lives) rather than a God-moment to worship the Lord who IS WORTHY! And, He is.
I don't know...I just know that there is something more to it than singing a song. It is about giving to the Lord the glory that is due His name because He is good, because His mercy endures forever, and because it extends to every generation - even our kids, and grand-kids will know of the awesomeness of God!
So, when you go to Church this Sunday, don't just endure; instead, enter in and enjoy the opportunity you have to worship God! Lift you hands, and your voices, and priase the Lord!

Hey, enjoy the clip above. I love this song, and this song says it well for me and helps me to enter into worshipping Him because He is truly great!

ROCKY

2007-04-12T21:43:00.001-04:00