ENCOURAGEMENT

Yippee, ye-haw, wahoo, yahoo, google, gargle and giggle

2012-01-18T08:29:00.015-06:00

PRAISE GOD

For about forty years I have been wanting to be in the country. Technically I am now. But not far enough to suit me. So with things changing as they have I got this idea about four years ago. If the Lord was willing, perhaps I could buy a small piece of country to use as a retreat. It had to be cheap, cheap, cheap. So land sold for taxes became my target.

Face it. Even the Lord himself often went into the wilderness or to the mountain to be by himself and to pray. I'm sure not better than him.

The idea was to get a patch of woods and "sorta" put in a "permanent"

camp site. A tent would fall prey to bears and coons after my snacks. So something just a little more stable than a tent, a parking spot and place for a campfire. And one important thing to me, my preference was to have it in rough country.

Praise God. After loosing out on a number of sites in the last couple of years the Lord saved one for me. I was able to buy it direct from the state.

Regarding a small shelter to keep my snacks in, or get out of the weather. Well, this one came with an old mobile home. So my little shelter measures 52' long and 12' wide. Beggars can't be choosy.

LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED IN THIS.

1. The first piece of property I went after I stood on a passage of Scripture. Then made a trip to the property to name it and claim it. Some real estate investment company with money in the bank did a better job of naming it and claiming it.

2. The second piece of property. Buy this time I had read a book by one of our esteemed Christian leaders with a huge ministry. He said the thing to do was speak to the land or problem or what every. So, standing on the same passage of Scripture, I went out and spoke loud and clear to that patch of woods. At the sale there was a couple that both of them must have spoken to the patch of woods. Because they got it, not me.

3. This piece of property. It seemed the Lord was keeping it from selling for some reason. So I begin to look at it again more closely. Then I simply went to the Lord as a begging child of his. No naming and claiming. No speaking to it. Simply begging to show his mercy on this one if it was in his will. Also the Lord took a portion of the same Scripture, this time, and gave it to me as a promise.

The first two pictures are my front yard. Yes they are taken in January. In the summer it is much nicer to see.

Another point. As brother Oral Roberts would point out the need of "Seed Faith". Yes this was planted at a number of places along the way. Even before some of the lost sales. I believe in it too. So it would have a bearing on the final out come.

You have to get into it. This is the entrance from the road.

If you are a devout Christian you are wondering how I could squander this much money on something just for me. I'm with you there. Would it help here if you knew that the total price to me, all back taxes and land was just about the same I paid for my wife's used motor scooter?? PRAISE GOD.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

2011-12-24T06:07:00.020-06:00

My wife had me take her to see the brand new CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART.

Truly it is a magnificent facility. We enjoyed the experience. There were even some pretty pictures there. And there were some pictures, art or what ever, that were only cluttering up the walls. In truth maybe not. They may have been covering up holes in the walls of the new buildings.

When we got home I begin to wonder, what the CRYSTAL BRIDES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART cost?

A trip to the Internet gave some insights. As expected it was not possible for this old guy to get exact numbers. But what I found was something like this;

Expected yearly expense to be met, 16-20 million dollars per year. [Just to maintain it]

Approximate assets, about 800 million dollars. I think that included the art on display. Now that is a bunch of money to bring a little culture to this area. A walk through to see some pretty pictures.

I am familiar with this area. I live uncomfortably close to it. I also know that we have homeless people and families. There are hungry people here. The Salvation Army shelters are full and church food pantries are running low.

It makes me wonder about misplaced values.

Forgive me. On second thought I remember several of the churches we passed on the way to see CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART. Perhaps this is simply a demonstration of American churchianity on a grander scale than theirs.

I no doubt am too much in the flesh. I would rather see a hungry stomach filled and a poor widow sheltered from the weather than someones mind enlightened to cultural things.

There possibly is as spiritual side to it. After all, poor hungry people need to see pretty pictures too.

THE PLAN

2011-12-12T15:40:00.010-06:00

You know the current concept as well as I do. If we are to succeed we must plan and plan. Then work the plan. Strive to effect the plan. Force the plan if necessary.

But you have noticed some problems involved. Like life. It gets in the way.
And a Christian recognizes some other thorns in the rose bush.

"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 15:28 (NIV)

"I know, O Lord,
that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his steps."
Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

"There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

I have just finished reading a very inspiring book. It happens to cover the life or work of seven different individuals. Each one was use of God in a mighty or miraculous way. Each of us would have been happy to accomplish what they did.

After finishing the book, something stood out to me. There did not seem to be one who had a plan for life or accomplishment. Yet they "did it."

What was obvious was,

l. Yes. Each one had a desire, dream, hope, longing, ambition, purpose they wanted to accomplish or do for God. And it would appear that God put that desire in their heart.

2. Their course of action was to pray about it and wait on God. Some times the waits were long and the prayer was much.

3. As God opened - or closed - doors, they went through in faith.

4. Would you believe it. The mission was accomplished. The goal was met. And God was the one who got the glory.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)

Why blog?,

2011-12-06T20:05:00.011-06:00

WHY BLOG

WHY BLOG?

"The Lord gave me this answer:

'Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you,
so that it can be read at a glance.
Put it in writing,
because it is not yet time for it to come true.
It may seem slow in coming,
but wait for it;
it will certainly take place,
and it will not be delayed.
And this is the message:
'Those who are evil will not survive,
but those who are righteous will live
because they are faithful to God.'"

-Habakkuk 2:2-4 (TEV)

Now you know, why blog.

TINSEL & TOYS

2011-12-05T10:31:00.026-06:00

It's taking a long, long, long time.

But I'm beginning to learn.

That I can only use one at a time.

Someone once said,

"Only one life,

Twill soon be past.

Only what is done for Christ will last."

"Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others. If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?" -1 John 3:16,17 (TEV)

TWO HAMS AND A TURKEY

2011-11-24T10:30:00.003-06:00

The turkey took the picture.

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DISASTER

2011-11-21T19:58:00.039-06:00

We live in a world that offers no true hope.

If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you pay any attention to what His word says about these end time days. If you have been listening as God is warning us through the ministries of today. Then you know that our beloved nation is headed for disaster because it has turned it's back on God - just as Israel did.

The prophet Jeremiah lived in a time like our own. God was preparing to destroy Jerusalem and Judah in Jeremiah's life time.

However in the midst of this God said,

"But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water.It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit."-Jeremiah 17:7,8 (TEV)

"My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus name."

GREATEST TREASURE

2011-11-19T20:03:00.007-06:00

TREASURE!

MONEY.

STOCKS.

BONDS.

REAL ESTATE.

???????????

HEY! I HAVE EVEN MORE IN THE BANK.

[If I did not. I would be bankrupt.]

Where is your greatest treasure?

Money sure is not mine. Mine is in a very

simple, life dependant, fact. God helped

me see this in a statement He made about

about Israel and Jerusalem in particular.

"He always protects his people and gives

them wisdom and knowledge. Their

greatest treasure is their reverence

for the Lord." - Isaiah 33:6 (TEV)

If I have a fear of God. A reverence of

God, I have everything.

His blessing. His health. His help. His

wealth. His wisdom.

You name it. What ever my need, I have

it from him if I reverence him.

Can you say that with your bank account

in today's economy?

TRUE SUPER STAR

2011-11-18T18:20:00.018-06:00

"Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel, but on

a candlestick; and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in

heaven." -Matthew 5:15,16 (KJV)

We live in a very dark world. May

Jesus set us on fire. Then we can

glow in the dark and be true

super stars, leading the way to

the Savour.

TRUST

2011-11-05T10:29:00.023-05:00

You thought this was a picture of a toad. No, it is a picture of trust. He/she/it, is waiting for lunch. "He [God] gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call." - Psalms 147:9 (TEV) Jesus said, "Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?" -Matthew 6:26 (TEV) Yes, the Scriptures teach us to work for a living. But we are to take our needs to God and trust him to work it out, instead of worrying about it.

Incidentally, this particular toad was

basking in the sun. I want to follow his example and bask in the love of God while waiting in trust for Him to work

things out for me.

This little guy is on to something. He was back

the next dayjust as fat as could be. He is waiting again in trust of his creator for another meal.

Speaking of being on to something. I have found a

refreshing blog called "From My Prayer Chair" by

Malinda Edgell. It is concise and insightful. Well

worth the minute it takes to read it.

frommyprayerchair.blogspot.com/

Try it. You will like it.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

2011-10-27T08:42:00.027-05:00

Oh how things have changed!

Healings and miracles were the norm for the apostles. This got them in trouble. They did not have a license to heal. They did not even use the approved medicines. Then to add insult to injury - they did it for free.

But the authorities made and interesting observation about these apostles.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." -Acts 4:13 (NIV)

They saw two elements: a. They were uneducated. b. They had been with Jesus.

Today we are "schooled". And today we send sick people to the doctor to die at his hands.

But God also use "schooled" or "learned" people in the same way as Peter and John. Consider the apostle Paul. Education is not the missing element.

What was the cause of change?

Makes a person wonder what the missing element is!!!!!!!

DISCOURAGEMENT THERAPY

2011-10-25T16:56:00.028-05:00

Discouraged?

I knew a man who was always happy and up beat. Dick was an inspiration just to be around. He was a successful business man and pastor. In fact, even on his death bed he was winning people to Christ.

One night he told us his secrete. [This was before he died. Just thought I would let you know.] When he was discouraged, he would get in his car ( To be alone.) and go for a ride. Then he would begin to praise the Lord.

Try it. It works. Your discouragement will leave.

HE WAS IN A RUSH

2011-10-25T09:00:00.022-05:00

I read in a motorcycle magazine about an incident with one of their staff members. He was in a rush. Waiting for a traffic signal to change, he wanted to be first across the intersection. He would have been - if it were not for a negligent driver running the red light.

The motorcycle rider had,

the fastest reaction time,

the fastest vehicle,

the right of way,

and the broken leg.

King Saul was in a rush. He started to seek God's leading. But life came too fast and he said, "There's no time to consult the Lord!" -1 Samuel 14:19 (TEV)

That same impatience cost him the kingship. Becoming impatient earlier Saul offered a sacrifice he was not supposed to. God speaking through the prophet Samuel said, "But now your rule will not continue. Because you have disobeyed him, the Lord will find the kind of man he wants and make him ruler of his people." -1 Samuel 13:14 (TEV)

That was king David, "a man after God's own heart." David had learned not to be in a hurry with God, but to wait for him.

In the remainder of 1st Samuel and 2nd Samuel we see David constantly consulting God. And when in doubt reconsulting God. As the Psalmist, David mentions fifteen or twenty times the matter of waiting on God. [Depending on your version and it's word usage.]

>I can relate to king Saul. And I can relate to the motorcyclist. But when will I ever learn to "wait on - or consult" the Lord?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way." -Proverbs 3;5,6 (TEV)

Have you ever got in a rush and missed the Lord's best??? Tell us about it. I don't want to be the only one that failed to wait.

THE BLESSING OF PAIN AND DISAPPOINTMENT

2011-10-24T09:20:00.041-05:00

Are pain and disappointment a blessing in disguise?

John Newton lived a despicable life admitting to being "an infidel and libertine." It eventually reduced him to "a servant of slaves in West Africa." Finally in a severe storm the ship he was on about sank, then he turned to God.

He ultimately wrote, Amazing Grace. A song that for several hundred years literally blessed millions of people.

Joseph's dreams shattered. Sold into slavery, and imprisoned for years. But prepared by God to save his family and nation.

Paul and Silas. In prison beaten and bleeding, but singing praises to God. An earth quake opened the jail, and opened the heart of the jailer saving him and his family.

Paul state, "I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan' messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was: 'My grace is all you need. for my power is greatest when you are weak.'" - 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 (TEV)

Much of the New Testament was written and many churches started in Asia minor as a result.

Even Jesus was "made perfect" through suffering. "But even thought he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him..."-Hebrews 5:8,9 (TEV)

Above all, God wants our pain and disappointments to drive us to Him. That is where the real blessing will come to us.

"We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose." - Romans *:28 (TEV)

Am I going to let God use my pain and disappointments in life? Or just complain about them?

NEW BEGINNINGS

2011-10-19T09:19:00.009-05:00

"The Christian life is a life of new beginnings." said the old Divine. [An expression

that was used for famous preachers of the past.]

That offended me. No I thought. That implies we mess up, fail, fall short or sin and

have to start again. I have given myself totally to the Lord and it is from here until

death us do part.

I have lived a Christian life for more than fifty years since then. (Not necessarily an

an exemplary one.) And I can assure you that, "The Christian life is a life of new

beginnings."

One of the sisters is taking a break from blogging and it got me to thinking. Isn't

this the way the Lord made things.?

Nature it's self is that way.

God gives us a new day every twenty four hours. Some one was kind enough to

point out how "evening and morning" were the first day. The day starts with rest.

Praise God.

A new week starts every seven days - with a day of rest.

There is a new moon every month.

A new year starts with a winter of rest.

And the Israelites were to give the land a rest every seven years.

Life wears us down to where we need a new start. And the new start, starts with a

rest in the Lord
.

"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you

rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and

humble in spirit; and you will find rest."

-Matthew 10:28,29 (GNV)

Have you ever had a new beginning????

THAT'S MY WIFE

2011-10-19T06:04:00.044-05:00

That's my wife. Doing what she does best, SHOPPING. [Well, she is a terrific cook, and a hard worker. Perhaps third best.] My wife is a world class shopper. When shopping I would pit her against any woman on the planet.

I do not have the fortitude to handle one of her shopping forays. So shopping with her is a very rare thing. But we want to pass on to you the elements of a successful purchase. They come from decades of observation, not participation.

These are the characteristics of a successful purchase.

l. It will take your hard earned money. Or someone Else's hard earned money. Or money you expect to earn in the future. (No. She rarely used my money.) It cannot be a "freebe" unless you already have three of them.

2. Whatever you purchase is going to take up space that could better be used for something else, even if it only hides the view of something else.

3. The purchase you make is going to require maintenance as long as you possess it.Cleaning, dusting, washing, polishing, oiling, protection, feeding, watering, petting or something.

4.If there is something on sale, buy it, whether you need it or not. Think of all the money you will save, if you ever do need it.

5. Your satisfaction with it will be short lived. It will not be long until you are on the prowl for another bargain or a different size, shape or color.

Now that you know what to expect shopping, get out there and practice, practice, practice.

Disclaimer:

No. I did not show my wife this post nor get her permission. I do not have

time for a trip to the emergency room or even a family spat.

There has been "some" first hand experience in gaining the above wisdom.

It totally reinforces that gained by observation.

GOTTA QUESTION FOR YOU PREACHER

2011-10-11T16:01:00.005-05:00

I'm just a simple old man. Some things are hard for me to understand. Please explain something to me real simple like.

My understanding is that preachers preach because they want to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Now that is a very noble thing to do. May God bless you for doing it.

But what I do not understand is how gathering a group of Christians (All ready "saved" people.) around you and preaching to them is taking the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Then doing it again and again and again adinfinitum.

Any clarification you can offer me on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

An old man.

WANTING THE HONOR

2011-10-06T09:57:00.021-05:00

The company I worked for was bought by a new owner and we moved into different facilities. I do not know why, but I was anxious to see the new business cards.

No, I was not going to have any. My position did not require business cards, but most of my coworkers did.

The day the new cards came I grabbed one of my manager's cards. At first glance of the new card something went all over me. Like a chill, a premonition or a scare.

It was obvious. The pride of the new owner overshadowed everything else. Clearly the business would fail. Why?

The Scriptures say, "Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall." - Proverbs 16:18 (GNB)

The business started with a bang. Perhaps it would be better to say a big splash. And as you already guessed, a few years latter ended with an unpretentious end.

God hates pride and arrogance. See Proverbs 8:13 and other Scriptures.

The Scriptures teach us, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:6,10 (GNB)

If we want to be lifted up, exalted, honored, praised, we have to humble ourselves before God. He will lift us up in his own time and way.

The loftiest position a human can attain on earth, is flat on their face in humble submission to God our creator.

THE LORD'S HERITAGE

2011-02-10T17:47:00.004-06:00

I can still see it.

That small casket

there in Oakdale

Memorial Park.

In that casket was

Priscilla. My first

born. My own flesh

and blood.

About a year latter

there was another

small casket at Oakdale Memorial Park. It was my second born, Patrick.

Both had been "still born". Young fellow that I was, it still was

not obvious to me that God was dealing with me. That is another

story. But in time it was settled when I yielded and permitted Jesus

to not only be my saviour, but my Lord.

By this time it became a question to the wife and I if we could even

have children.

But there is also another scene in my mind. I can still see that small

room where we met for prayer and Bible study before Sunday

School.

I do not know who was leading that morning. Nor what they said.

But I do remember the two chapters that were used and the portions

of them that God used to speak to my heart.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb

is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a might man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be

ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

-Psalms 127:3-5 (KJV)

"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house:

thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Behold that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD."

-Psalms 128:3,4 (KJV)

You almost know the rest of the story. The Lord gave us children.

And you know kids. They grow up and have kids.

But the chapter did not stop there. It's last verse says,

"Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children and peace upon Israel.

-Psalms 128:6 (KJV)

By the way,

I have seen my children.

I have seen my children's children.

And I have seen my children's children's children .

ISN'T GOD GOOD?

OUT DONE BY THE CHICKENS

2011-02-06T19:17:00.008-06:00

Out done by the

chickens.

Yes, the very hens

in the picture. Though

the picture was taken

last summer.

Several days ago

when the "monster"

winter storm passed

through out area

it was depressing.

I had gone down the hill to my office to have some time alone

with the Lord and some spiritual refreshing. I was suffering from

"cabin fever", old age and lots of other stuff. Well, in short I just

was not happy with life in general.

It happened that morning that I was reading in Ephesians. One

portion in particular caught my attention,

"addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always

and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ to God the Father."

-Ephesians 5:19,20 (RSV)

In fact, it sort of stuck in my craw.

It was bitter cold as I trudged back up to the house through the

snow. When I went by the chicken house do you know what those

dumb hens were doing? Singing, just like it was spring.

O.K., so the hens are more spiritual than I am.

Incidentally, being winter their egg production was zilch. But

since the above episode they have started laying again. There

must be a lesson in this somewhere.

OUCH

2010-10-16T06:49:00.007-05:00

"The kingdom of heaven

is like treasure hidden in a field,

which a man found and covered up;

then in his joy he goes and sells

all that he has and buys that field.

"Again,

the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant

in search of fine pearls,

who, on finding one pearl of great value,

went and sold all that he had and bought it."

-Matthew 13:44,45 RSV

Ouch. Parables hurt.

These guys put EVERYTHING they had on the line to get what

they wanted.

Jesus said that is the way the kingdom of heaven is. To acquire it, we

have to put EVERYTHING on the line for it.

I have to constantly question my self, "Have I put EVERYTHING on the

line for the kingdom of God?"

Or, am I like the previous parable?

"As for what was sown among thorns,

this is he who hears the word,

but the cares of the world

and the delight in riches choke the word,

and it proves unfruitful."

-Matthew 13:22 RSV

GOD TO THE RESCUE - AGAIN

2010-10-14T13:23:00.013-05:00

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths."

-Proverbs 3:5,6 RSV

I use eBay sometimes when there is something that cannot be acquired

locally, or I do not want to pay the new price.

My habit is to keep track of the item I'm interested in. Then if the bidding

is to my liking, jump in at the last minute.If I win the bid, I want to pay as

soon as I win. Then I "Owe no one anything," and can forget the whole

process until the item shows up at my door step.

My last purchase was not quit that simple. ( Yes I had prayed about it.

And possibly, like yourself, it was more to get the Lord's permission than

to find his will.) After winning the bid I tried to pay. And tried to pay.

And tried to pay. The seller's system simply would not except my input.

What should have been about three clicks of a mouse and a password

had grown to forty-five minutes of frustration. (Yes I'm an old, OLD

man.) I finally gave up in total exasperation.

Later in the day while burning trash I sat on a log and prayed even more

fervently. The Lord put a thought in my mind. So I went up to the house,

pulled out the lap top, and tried the idea.

You know as well as I do what happened. First time it went right through.

I had been relying on my insights instead of properly acknowledging HIM.

We have a great, wonderful, loving God who wants to lead us aright - if we

will but let him.

THERE'S A LESSON HERE SOMEWHERE

2010-09-05T13:36:00.003-05:00

"Woodrow Wilson was once asked to deliver a

five-minute talk, but declined on the grounds

that it would require a month of preparation.

'In that case,' inquired his astonished guest,

'how long would it take to prepare a ten-minute

talk?'

'Two weeks.'

'And how long for a half-hour speech?'

'One week.'

'How long for a one-hour speech?'

'Oh,' said Wilson, 'I can give that right now.'"

-Speech:Dynamic Communication

by Milton Dickens pp. 116, 117

ADMONITION TO PREACHERS

2010-08-30T07:04:00.021-05:00

Hey "Preacher"! Can you

stop talking long enough

for some advice from old

men? It will only take a

minute.

A short time ago a church within driving distance had a series of meetings with a renowned teacher/ preacher. This brother had enough degrees, titles and experience to satisfy the most discriminating. Due to the distance, and personal circumstances, I decided to attend only the first meeting. Even the offering for him was decided before hand. [This was something between the Lord and I over another matter. It simply needed a recipient.] The renowned brother was extremely interesting. He was a very learned Bible teacher, and presented the teaching of the Scriptures in a most persuasive way. Although I had decided to attended only the first service, after about thirty minutes of his teaching I begin to consider coming to the rest of the meetings, despite the distance and personal circumstances. In fact after an hour he was still holding my interest [That is a miracle.] and I was still of the same persuasion. However. By the time one hour and forty-five minutes had elapsed, the pendulum had swung the other way. No way was I coming for three more meetings. And I was giving serious consideration to giving the offering somewhere else - any where else. I'm weird. I know it, I confess it. But I'm in good company. "Mark Twain is credited with a story about an overlong sermon. At the end of twenty minutes he was so favorably impressed he decided to put in five dollars when the offering was taken. Twenty minutes later, he decided that two dollars would suffice. After another twenty minutes, the proposed contribution shrank to one dollar. When eventually the sermon ended, Mark Twain awoke from a doze and placed a dime on the plate." -Speech: DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION by Milton Dickens pp. 318,319

The apostle Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not

a matter of talk but of power.

- 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

Brother James said, "Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak,..." - 1:19 NIV.

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not

keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and

his religion is worthless." - 1:26 NIV

"... but no man can tame the tongue." - 3:8 NIV.

Just the thinking of some old men.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MINISTRY?

2010-08-24T10:31:00.009-05:00

"You will never be short of ministry -

evangelistic or otherwise -

as long as you are full of the Word of God."

-Reinhard Bonnke

Charisma

Dec. 1993, page 26

HOW TO GET WISDOM

2010-08-23T13:55:00.008-05:00

"How I love your law!

I think about it all day long.

Your commandment is with me all the time

and makes me wiser than my enemies.

I understand more than all my teachers,

because I meditate on your instructions.

I have greater wisdom than those who are old,

because I obey your commands.

I have avoided all evil conduct,

because I want to obey your word.

I have not neglected your instructions,

because you yourself are my teacher.

How sweet is the taste of your instructions -

sweeter even than honey!

I gain wisdom from your laws,

and so I hate all bad conduct."

-Psalms 119:97-104 TEV

THE PHOTO

2010-07-08T05:48:00.008-05:00

There is a photo apparently taken by John Hedgecoe

some time prior to 1988 that haunts me, yet continually

draws me back to look at it.

Please, I am not a writer, poet or photographer. I

cannot adequately describe the photo. (Not even

smart enough to scan it, in addition to copyright

problems.) But you have a good imagination - don't you?

The photo was taken at twilight. The sun had set. Off in

the distance the moon is coming up over a winter's

scene. It is a bleak and barren landscape with a light snow

covering the skimpy vegetation. Very likely a desert.

Near the center of the photo is a small cottage. The

cottage appears to be a two room dwelling. Perhaps

a kitchen, living room on one end. And a bedroom on

the other. There is a fireplace and chimney on each end of

the house, with no apparent smoke coming from

either, perhaps due to clouds or a fog bank behind it.

If that were all there were to the photo, it would leave

you with a feeling of bone chilling desolation. A sense

of hopelessness and despair. A feeling of deadness.

A sad cold lonely scene.

But from the window on the right is a soft yellow glow

of light. That light turns the picture into one of hope.

You sense warmth, comfort, security, food and

companionship there, in the midst of that cold dead

world at the end of a dreary day. All from one small light.

We live in a hard cold world that is lost and on it's way

to the devil's hell. Jesus said that we are "the light of

the world". I want to be a light. A small light. But one

that can guide, comfort and encourage someone to

our heavenly home.

Lord, help me to burn brightly for you.

JOY, JOY, JOY

2010-06-30T05:41:00.006-05:00

"Count it all joy, my brethren, when you

meet various trials, for you know that the

testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness have its full effect,

that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking in nothing."

-James 1:2-4 RSV

There is a truth I see repeated over and

over from Genesis to Revelation, "...he

who endures to the end will be saved."

It is contrary to some of the doctrines of

the day. [What else is new?] But God sees

fit to continually draw it to our attention.

"Endures." Life is hard. Life hurts.

Relationships go bad. The body hurts.

The pain of failure is too real. Expectations

never materialize. Desires are not realized.

And often the very things that make us

grin, laugh, giggle and smile only draw us

away from the one who gave us life and

died for us.

But praise God. These things are only testing

my faith. Will I remain true to the Lord

through it all? If I will, they strengthen me

and prepare me for a glorious reward and

eternity with God himself. No wonder we

can rejoice in our trials - even when it hurts.

"Rejoice always,"

-1 Thessalonians 5:16 RSV

LEARNING FROM AN ARTIST

2010-06-14T06:50:00.003-05:00

There is a renowned artist who lives about five miles

from me. No, he does not know me. If he did he would

move. And I would not know about him, if it were not

for the newspaper telling me about him.

The paper states that he has paintings in, "some

1,000 private collections and more than 60 museums

and corporate collections,". He does watercolor

paintings. If you want to follow up on him, his name

is, George David Dombek.

The point of interest to me is, how did he become so

successful? What is it about this man that allowed

him his achievements?

After reading the article. (Yes the whole article.)

Three things stand out that I can learn from and

apply to my life as a Christian.

l. He is focused. He states, "The only thing that I

have an interest in is the painting. Almost anything

else is a waste of time,".

His wife says, "If he is working on a painting and is

really into it...it's hard as hell to get his attention."

I wish to God that I had that kind of devotion to

the things of God. You know, "...seek first the

kingdom of God and his righteousness...". And

that the world and the things of the world would

find it, "...hard as hell to get..." my attention.

2. He is a hard worker. Mr. Dombek speaking of

his father states, "...he gave me everything. [He

taught me] that if you're going to be successful,

you're going to have to work. And because of

that I've turned into a friggin' workaholic,".

The Scriptures tell us, "Whatever your task, work

heartily, as serving the Lord and not men."

-Colossians 3:23 RSV.

Yes, I know. Hard work alone will not get a

spiritual job done. It requires the Lord working

through us and the anointing of the Holy Spirit

to get God's work done.

3. The article in the paper tells us that Mr. Dombek

"works every day as if it's his last." You nor I either

one have any guarantee about tomorrow. I need to

live each day as if it were my last one here on this

earth.

With God's help, I want to apply the principles

that made Mr. Dombek a successful painter to

myself so I might be a successful servant of out

Lord.

THIS IS A FLOWER

2010-06-03T18:28:00.012-05:00

This is a flower!

I would not know

it, but the wife

told me so.

Now you know

why she won't

let me mow here.

This is a flower

also. She said

so. I can't mow

here either.

You guessed it.

another flower.

Now this one I can recognize as a flower.

WHAT'S THE POINT?

Last year when we moved into the house my wife could come

home from work and rest. (After fixing my meal.)

This year when she comes home from work - well, she has

flowers to take care of. Even the little guy I can recognize

as a flower. Where she has it, it has to be watered several

times a day.

She is tired. But there is work to be done. Flowers to be

taken care of. Bushes to trim and weed eating to do, and,

and, and.

Notice closely. I am leaving out the shop. The motorcycles.

The projects going on there. The rabbits. The chickens.

The garlic. The Jerusalem artichokes. etc, etc.

This has me wondering. Iv'e been toooo busy too.

It seems the Lord is just not quit as close as he used to

be. Might we be doing too many things, even good

things?

Jesus said,

"And others are the ones sown among thorns;

they are those who hear the word, but the cares

of the world, and the delight in riches, and the

desire for other things, enter in and choke the

word, and it proves unfruitful."

-Mark 4:18,19 RSV.

There is a lesson in my wife and her flowers.

Paul told the Philippians to, "... think on these

things." I think I will.

LEARNING FROM MOTORCYCLES

2010-05-16T13:22:00.012-05:00

When it comes to motorcycles, we do not all like the

same thing. You are glad of that. Right? Otherwise

everyone would want one like yours.

Years ago I bought an old Honda Goldwing with the

intended purpose of stripping it down. The reasons at

this point are not important. I call it my Hebrews 12:1

Motorcycle.

It started off looking like the motorcycle below. Many

people just love it that way. But to my self it looks too

much like a moving van coming down the road.

It was stripped down in stages. About the first week end

I had it, I took of the barn door in front. Both linen

closets on the sides. And the kitchen sink off the back.

That was a loss of 71 lbs the first week end. It went into

the stage above as my work bike for many years.

But that still was not were I wanted it. Being retired

now and not needing it for work every day it could be

stripped further. The Lord helped my get it to the

point of the picture below. It's almost were I want it.

Some more to go, or you could say it is still under

construction.

Why is it my Hebrews 12:1 motorcycle?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud

of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin

which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance

the race that is set before us, "

-Hebrews 12:1 RSV

I want all "the dead weight" off the motorcycle. The less

weight, the faster. Or if you prefer, less dead weight

burns less gas.

Now you may never get your motorcycle into a race.

But if you are a Christian you are in a race. AND,

the Lord wants us to remove all the dead weight from

our lives. For us dead weight comes in many forms.

In our day the Lord's comment comes as a real

warning.

"but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches,

and the desire for other things, enter in and choke

the word, and it proves unfruitful."

-Mark 4:19 RSV

Cares, riches, desires all can become weight that

holds us back, presses us down and makes us lose

the race.

Like the motorcycle above. We will always be under

construction in this life. The Lord is shaping us up

for himself. But if we are serious about living for

Christ, it is up to us to remove the dead weight

from our lives.

WHOSE DISCIPLE ARE YOU???

2010-05-06T07:52:00.017-05:00

No, that is not a mansion - by today's standards.

It is simply a house that I have admired for years

and reminds me of a mansion.

Like myself you have been seeing photos of mansions

owned by some of our esteemed "Christian" leaders.

And hearing even of others. This is consistent with

other material that has been published in Christian

periodicals for years.

But what has that to do with discipleship?

Webster says a disciple is;

"l : one who accepts and assists in spreading the

doctrines of another : as a : APOSTLE 1 b : a

convinced adherent of a school or individual...."

SO?

Are these "mansions" demonstrating discipleship

of Christ or someone else?

First, a challenge.

Take a:

Pencil and paper
Quill and papyrus
Scribe and clay tablet
Word processor
Computer
Whatever.

One one side put a plus. On the other a minus.

Or, one side, God wants me rich, and other the

other God wants me poor. Or, prosperity and

poverty. Just something that is meaningful to

you so you can compare Scriptures.

Now get your Bible. NOT SOME ONE'S BOOK.

Start with Matthew 1:1. Read every word.

Every sentence. Every paragraph. Every page

to Revelation 22:21. Yep. That's the entire New

Testament.

Each time a thought is expressed about an

individuals financial well being, or responsibility,

one way or the other, note it on the appropriate

side of the page.

Here is one place I can make you a guarantee.

Your flesh will not like what you find. Mine didn't.

To sum it up, Jesus example and teaching are;

Blessed are the poor.

-Mt. 5:3,Lu.6:20, Ja.1:9, 2:5, Rev. 2:9,

and other places.

Woe to the rich.

-Mt.13:22, 19:16-26, Mk. 4:19, Lu.6:24

1 Tim. 6:9

Leaders not to be greedy for money.

-1 Tim. 3:3 and 8

Sell what you have.

-Mt. 19:21, Lu. 12:33, Acts 2:44,45,32-35

Forsake what you have.

Lu. 14:33

We are to be strangers and pilgrims -

not residents.

-Heb. 11:13, 1 Pet. 2:11

Jesus example. He did not even have a home.

-Mt. 8:20, Lu. 9:58.

Example of his "true" disciples".

Peter and John, no money.

-Acts 3:6

Paul homeless.

-1 Co. 4:11

When we follow the teachings and example of

today's popular teachers, by indulging in larger

homes than needed. More and better

transportation than needed. Storing up financial

reserves. Indulging in luxuries and enjoyment.

Yes, even better motorcycles than needed.

We are being disciples of some teacher or other.

But not a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In truth, then we are prodigal sons squandering

our heavenly father's resources and goods for

our own pleasure.

"The time will come when people will not listen

to sound doctrine, but will follow their own

desires and will collect for themselves more and

more teachers who will tell them what they are

itching to hear.

"They will turn away from listening to the truth

and give their attention to legends."

-2 Ti. 4:3,4 TEV

We are in those days now. Are you a disciple

of Jesus? Or a disciple of a teacher of the

itching ears? It's time to turn the T.V. off and

open our Bibles.

THE TALE OF TWO FUNERALS - TALE TWO

2010-04-30T06:46:00.008-05:00

A TRIBUTE TO JEANNIE

There were seven of us. Well, if you count her

husband and a funeral home employee, nine.

Not even a Preacher at Jeannie's funeral.

Here was a life that had gone from affluence and

influence to obscurity and poverty. Of health and

radiance to old age with pain and suffering, burning

out in the end.

That is, to the casual observer.

But those of us who knew Jeannie knew she was

at her coronation.

Jeannie was a spiritual GIANT. A prayer warrior.

An encourager. One up lifting her savior and

Lord Jesus Christ at every opportunity.

This world was not Jeannie's home.

Jeannie left all the pain, suffering and disappointments

of this world behind. She was now truly at home

with God Himself.

Those of us that are left behind owe a debt to

Jeannie for the influence she was in our lives. A

debt that can never be paid.

Jeannie left a note behind, found by her husband;

"PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY. The only trustworthy

preparation are those of the Heart, not the body.

If you love the LORD, this is where preparation

must begin."

Jeannie's time had come for her departure. She

had fought the good fight, she had finished the

race. she had kept the faith. Now there is in

store for her the crown of righteousness, which

the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her

on that day - and not only to her, but also to all

who have longed for his appearing.

THE TALE OF TWO FUNERALS - TALE ONE

2010-04-21T07:36:00.005-05:00

I was fifteen minutes

early to the funeral, but

could not find a parking

place. And after a long

hurried walk I arrived

at the mortuary, stuffed

with people.

Who was this that was

so popular? Let's just call

the deceased "Joe", O.K.? That is not his real name.

But it is a good name, while the real Joe lives in another

town - and will not be reading this.

Joe and I had worked for the same company for around

twenty three years. Joe had been my immediate boss.

We had a constant daily working relationship for this

entire period of time. It was a good relationship.

Perhaps that was the reason for my concern.

Over that entire period of time Joe seemed to have

less interest in spiritual things than a wooden table

would have. I had been unable to stir any interest in

him toward the Lord. Nor had another former

employee who went on into the ministry.

Our ways separated about fifteen years ago when the

company was bought out. The few times I met Joe after

that and from all the reports I received, Joe was still

the same old Joe. Dead toward the things of God.

Yes, Joe was a good man.
Yes, Joe was an asset to the community.
Yes, Joe was a good family man.
Yes, Joe was a church member, at least in his latter years.
Yes, Joe was very active in the community.
Yes, as you can see Joe had many friends.

But I was concerned for Joe's soul. So at the funeral I

was listening very intently, more intently than to any

sermon. Looking for any clue, had Joe ever turned

to the Lord?

Now Joe's entire life had been obsessed with sports.

So, what was the theme of the funeral? Sports, and

Joe's activities in the sporting world. Even "his pastor"

gave several illustrations of Joe's sporting activities.

But not a word, not one word about Joe's spiritual

condition. Not a word about our need for the Savior.

Not a word about Heaven or Hell. Not a word even to

encourage any of the listeners to consider their

spiritual condition or the coming day of death.

Perhaps it was because Joe had one of the most

stressful jobs in the industry that he turned to drink.

[Or my working for him?] He did not let it effect his

work. It was just a thing at nights and week ends.

But they tell me it was severe. Even this weakness

or fault was passed over lightly at the funeral,

almost as a joke, by the "pastor" and others as a

wrinkle God could work out now.

The likely hood that Joe was burning in a devil's

hell - even while we were in the funeral - was

devastating. And even more, the "pastor's" seeming

lack of concern about real spiritual matters regarding

Joe or those in attendance at the funeral.

Even though there had been laughter and a

light atmosphere at the funeral. It was the worst,

most depressing funeral I have ever attended in my

life. Does no one care about their soul?

I went home depressed.

THE PAIN OF THE "LORD'S DAY".

2010-04-18T19:32:00.007-05:00

I'm different. I'm weird. I'm out of step. And I thank

God for it. By nature I'm hyperactive. That's based on

observation, not scientific testing. You know, compared

to other people, real people.

That of course is what got me into trouble in my first

childhood, and does now in my second childhood.

Further, being an old timer, we were raised to honor

Sunday as the Lord's Day. The Lord's day was to be a

day set aside for the Lord. (Strange - huh?) So, I have

all my life tried not to work or do anything unnecessary

on Sunday - "the Lord's Day". [I honestly feel this is one

of the reasons the Lord has given me health that is far

better than my peers. No doctors. No medicines.

Praise God and thank you Jesus.]

(I know. I know. We are not under law now, but under

grace. The law was written for our learning. You

know, don't steal, don't kill, don't chase your neighbor's

wife, and don't do bad things. So we don't need to pay

attention to this sabbath thing.)

Consequently, by Sunday evening - since it has been a

day of rest - I begin to fidget and squirm. I can not even

sit still. It hurts. My prayer almost becomes one of,

"Lord help me." And to think that most people just

want to sit all their life. Ouch!

However there is a word used in the Scriptures that

has become very meaningful to me, "afflict". Especially

regarding some of the special holy Sabbaths it is used.

Look at Leviticus chapter 16 as an example. There

God tells them to "afflict them selves and not do any

work." (My paraphrase.) You know what "afflict" means.

So we will not do a word study.

The Lord let me see something. My doing nothing

physical, becomes an affliction to me. It hurts when I

cannot wiggle or do what I want to do. But, if I am doing

it as unto the Lord, it is in obedience, AND, even becomes

a sacrifice to the Lord. A fasting of sorts that pays

dividends here in this life also.

(Hurting for the Lord while setting in your chair.

You can't beat that.)

The Church at large in this country has gotten away from

honoring Sunday or any other day as unto the Lord. Yes,

we profane a holy day and do what we want. Could this be

one of the reasons the Church as we know it has lost

it's power - resulting in our country going to the dogs????

Perhaps we could learn something from the prophet

Isaiah. Remember, the Old Testament was written for

our learning even if we are living under grace.

"If you turn back your foot from the sabbath,

from doing your pleasure on my holy day,

and call the sabbath a delight

and the holy day of the Lord honorable;

if you honor it, not going your own ways,

or seeking your own pleasure,

or talking idly;

then you shall take delight in the Lord,

and I will make you ride upon

the heights of the earth;

I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your

father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

-Isaiah 58:13:14 RSV

YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED

2010-04-01T07:18:00.010-05:00

Isn't it pretty? It needs unchained and "fixing".

That's the way it is with a lot of the people

that ride these things. They need unchained

and "fixed" by the creator.

Thank you for your prayers. A week ago I

ask you to pray for me. I was sorta in a

dilemma . I feel the Lord answered your

prayers and I want to thank you.

It was a spiritual battle centered around

"motor-sickles". [An expression a good

friend has used. I like it.] And later in the

day that "you all" begin to pray for me the

Holy Spirit very peacefully and gently showed

me what I was to do.

With my shop, my interest in "motor-sickles",

and the small amount of mechanical ability

the Lord has given me - I am to use these

as a focal point of ministry on the local level.

(Bikers and motorcyclist are always looking

for someone to fix their scooters. But they

are the ones needing "fixing".)

I was wanting to "hermitize". [My expression.]

It looks like that is out. But, Jesus is Lord. And

I want Him to be Lord in my life also.

That poor picture above is where that

motorcycle was found. Yes, I brought it home

to "fix".

Thanks again for your prayers and God bless

"you all".

WE ARE BUSY WORKING ON DAISY CHAINS

2010-03-29T08:12:00.005-05:00

No. This is not a daisy.

I would not know a

daisy if I saw one. And,

I've seen this flower.

So it must not be a

daisy. It is just to get

your attention.

There is a poem or

writing of Amy Carmichael that has been such a

challenge to me over the years that I want to share

it with you.

AT PRECIPICE EDGE

by Amy Carmichael.

"The tom-toms thumped straight on all night and

the darkness shuddered round me like a living,

feeling thing. I could not go to sleep so I lay awake

and looked; and I saw, as it seemed, this:

I stood on a grassy sward and at my feet a precipice

broke sheer down into infinite space. I looked but

saw no bottom, only cloud shapes, black and

furiously coiled, and great shadow-shrouded hollows

and unfathomable depths. Back I drew, dizzy at the

depth.

Then I saw forms of people moving single file along

the grass. They were making for the edge. There

was a woman with a baby in her arms and another

child holding on to her dress. she was on the very

verge. Then I saw that she was blind. She lifted her

foot for the next steep -- it trod air. she was over

and the children with her. Oh, the cry as they went

over! Then I saw streams of people flowing from

all quarters. All were blind; stone blind. All made

straight for the precipice edge. There were shrieks

as they suddenly knew themselves falling, and a

tossing up of helpless arms catching, clutching at

the empty air. But some went over quietly and

fell without a sound.

Then I wondered, with a wonder that was simply agony,

why no one stopped them at the edge. I could not.

I was glued to the ground and I could not call; though

I strained and tried, only a whisper would come.

Then I saw that along the edge there were sentries set

at intervals. But the intervals were far too great,

there were wide, unguarded gaps between. And over

these gaps people fell in their blindness, quite unwarned;

and the green grass seemed blood-red to me, and the

gulf yawned like the mouth of hell.

Then I saw, like a little picture of peace, a group of

people under some trees with their backs turned

towards the gulf. They were making daisy chains.

Sometimes when a piercing shriek cut the quiet air

and reached them, it disturbed them and they thought

it a rather vulgar noise. And if one of their number

started up and wanted to go and do something to help,

then all the others would pull that one down. 'Why

should you get so excited about it? You must wait

for a definite call to go! You haven't finished your

daisy chains yet. It would really be selfish.' they said,

'to leave us to finish the work alone.'

There was another group. It was made up of people

whose great desire was to get more sentries out, but

they found that very few wanted to go, and sometimes

there were no sentries set for miles and miles of the

edge. Once a girl stood alone in her place, waving the

people back, but her mother and other relations called

and reminded her that her furlough was due; she must

not break the rules. And being tired and needing

a change, she had to go and rest for a while; but no

one was set to guard her gap, and over and over the

people fell like a water fall of souls.

Once a child caught at a tuft of grass that grew at the

very brink of the gulf; it clung convulsively and it

called -- but no body seemed to hear. Then the roots

of the grass gave way and with a cry the child went

over, its two little hands still holding tightly to the

torn off bunch of grass. And the girl who longed to

be back in her gap thought she heard the little one

cry and she sprang up and wanted to go; at which

they reproved her, reminding her that no one is

necessary anywhere; the gap would be well taken

care of, they knew. And then they sang a hymn.

Then through the hymn came another sound like

the pain of a million broken hearts wrung out in

one full drop, one sob. And a horror of great darkness

was upon me, for I knew what it was -- the Cry of the

Blood. Then thundered a voice, the voice, the voice

of the Lord; 'And He said, What has thou done? The

voice of they brother's blood crieth unto Me from

the ground.

The tom-toms still beat heavily, the darkness still

shuddered and shivered about me; I heard the yells

of the devil-dancers and the weird, wild shriek of the

devil-possessed just outside the gate. What does

it matter, after all? It has gone on for years; it will

go on for years. Why make such a fuss about it?"

PRAYER REQUEST

2010-03-25T16:29:00.005-05:00

No. Those are not

my motorcycles,

they belong to a

good friend.

They just happen

to be in my shop.

However their

condition illustrates

my request for prayer. They are scattered

around.

For most of the month now my mind has been

being "side tracked". We will call it that anyway.

If it is of the Lord to lead in a little different way-

Praise God. But if it is the adversary trying to

distract me. HELP.

Please pray that the Lord will help me to stay in

His will - not mine.

Thanks and God bless you for your prayers.

STRETCHING THE GAS

2010-03-21T09:20:00.007-05:00

A few years ago I rode one of my motorcycles

out to the west coast to visit with my kids. This

particular motorcycle has only a five gallon gas

tank on it. It's not like that land yacht you drive

around town with a huge gas tank. With only

five gallons you learn to measure out your gas

stops, and often. So I worked on about

one hundred and fifty miles between gas stops.

This gave me a margin of safety.

I left the Ozarks the last day of February. So

it would have been the first day of march that I

was out in west Texas. It was a Sunday afternoon.

In that part of Texas it can be a loooooong way

between towns, and the wind was blowing like

crazy. When I went through Pecos on Hwy 20,

it was so windy I had to lean the bike into the

wind just to stay on the road. Now if you drive

anything other than a golf cart, you know that

can be real hard on gas mileage.

I was getting low on gas. But seeing a sign that

another town was only about fifteen miles or so

ahead, I decided to push on to it. That would

leave me a little extra gas for that real long

stretch coming up.

When I pulled into that little town I found two

gas stations. One was boarded up. The other

was locked up. Ouch.

So I pulled back up onto the Hwy. looking for

a sign to see how far to the next town. Ninety

miles - almost out of gas, and no place to turn

around.

By now I was praying at about the same pace

I was breathing. I needed to go back to Pecos.

But could I make it?

The Lord let me see a small side road that went

back to the last small town. Then He let me find

a place where I could ride on the dirt over to that

small road.

As I was returning on that small road I noticed

something. The sun had come out. AND the wind

had quit blowing. Praise God. So I continued to

ease - as in eeeeease very carefully - back to the

small town and back up onto the return side of

Hwy 20.

All the way back to Pecos the sun shone. There

was absolutely no wind. It made a beautiful

Sunday after noon (but slow) ride, with lot's of

prayer.

The Lord let me get back to Pecos and find a

gas station. While the gas nozzle was in my

tank filling up - the wind returned so hard it

almost blew my bike over just setting there.

Praise God. He even controlled the weather

to help this little old guy.

A MISUNDERSTANDING CORRECTED

2010-03-14T15:30:00.009-05:00

Misunderstandings

are easy to come by.

Take the wife and I,

old folks. Some times

I do not pronounce

things clearly, so

she misunderstands

what I said.

Some times I do not hear clearly (listen to) what

she is saying. So I misunderstand. [Notice that is

me that does not speak clearly, or listen carefully.]

So I misunderstand. These times can lead to some

very frustrating times or heated disagreements.

(All is not lost for married couples. Kissing and

making up can be loads of fun.)

Another thing that makes people misunderstand is

-we hear what we want to hear.

Years ago I ended up in a church meeting I did not

want in. One seeking Church direction. But God

worked it out for me to be there whether I wanted

to or not. Even in the meeting I had made up my

mind not to say a word. But when the Holy Spirit

welled up in me with the direction the Church was

to go in this matter - I had to speak anyway. The

pastor said he "heard me loud and clear."

I had spent many hours with the pastor in the

previous months and knew his thinking and what

he wanted to do. But that was not what the Lord

directed me to say. No doubt the fault is mine by

trying not to hurt feelings and may not have spoken

as bluntly as I should have.

But you know what happened. The pastor heard

what he wanted to hear. We went the direction he

wanted to all along, and the Church continued with

a marked decline right up to his resignation.

For sixty or seventy years now the Church in the

United States has been misreading and

misunderstanding the Scriptures.

The Scriptures say,

"...in thy presence there is fulness of joy,..."

-Psalms 16:11 RSV

and,

"...thou dost make him glad with the joy of thy

presence."

-Psalms 21:6 RSV

But we have been reading it,

"...in thy presents is fulness of joy."

Enough said?

MULTI-TASKING CHRISTIANS ?

2010-03-11T08:21:00.006-06:00

It began several decades ago. Some friends

declared that talking while they work did not

effect their work. So I began to watch.

I noticed that when they were working and talking,

they had to begin again and redo things a lot more

than when they were not talking. Maybe it's just

in the definition!!!!

Today it has become very popular to "multi-task".

But does it work? Consider an article from the

Los Angeles Times back on July 19, 2004.

"Multi-tasking, for most Americans, has become a

way of life."...

"But researchers peering into the brains of those

engaged in several tasks at once are concluding what

some overworked Americans had begun to suspect:

that multi-tasking, which many have embraced as the

key to success, is instead a formula for shoddy work,

mismanaged time, rote solutions, stress and

forgetfulness. Not to mention car crashes, kitchen

fires, forgotten children, near misses in the skies and

other dangers of inattention."

It comes as no surprise that there are a huge number

of articles about multi-tasking not working, at least

well. Each time we add a task to the one we are doing,

we are distracted to a greater degree from the task at

hand. The solution is obvious. FOCUS.

A couple of quotes from the business world. Their

interest is success in business, or finance. But the

trues apply in the spiritual realm as well.

"The secret of success is focus. It is the one secret

that ties everything together. According to the law

of attraction, what you focus on is what you get."

-Enoch Tan in Dream manifesto.

Terri Zwierzynski in Solo Entrepreneur states,

"O: 'How to stay focused?'

A: One easy way to get and stay focused is to

have less to focus on!"

The girl is right on. It is so obvious it is almost

funny.

What does all of this have to do with living for God?

A Christian wants to get close to God. As it were, to

walk hand in hand with Him through life. (I hope.)

So God tells us how.

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse our hands, ye sinners; and purify your heats,

ye double minded."

-James 4:8 KJV (Emphasis mine.)

See that "double minded". Dear old brother James

Strong tells us that double minded is,

"Two-spirited, i.e. Vacillating (in opinion or purpose)"

Hey. That's multi-tasking. That's unfocused.

The apostle John says's it a little different.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in

the world. If any man love the world, the love of

the Father is not in him."

-1 John 2:15 KJV

When we have divided interest; money, ambition,

success, enjoyment, toys, honor, entertainment,

more things, fun etc., etc., etc. And trying to live

for God. We are multi-tasking. AND IT DON'T

WORK.

Jesus said,

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his

righteousness;"

-Matthew 6:33 KJV

The apostle Paul was such an outstanding success

in living for and serving God because; his attitude

and example was,

"... but this one thing I do..."

-Philippians 3:13 KJV

Yes, I had to follow Terri's advice. Drop some things

so that there would be less to focus on. I do not need

every thing my little heart or mind desires. I do not

need every comfort or convenience there is. BUT I DO

NEED JESUS.

LET'S START AGAIN

2010-03-07T16:10:00.005-06:00

I know this is something you will not

comprehend. You are total focused,

exercising 110% of your effort with total

devotion and unflinching zeal for the Lord.

But this old boy. Well, let's just say that he

has not achieved your degree of mastery.

The last couple of days my mind has been

distracted with something else. Something

wrong? No. But it sure would be fun -

if the Lord is willing. But you know -

from broad reading of course - that if our

mind wonders from the Lord, that

closeness is lost that is so dear to us.

That is why the embarrassment for some

one else was such an encouragement to me.

One of the ladies at church sang a special.

This is in front of hundreds of people. As far

as I know this lady is completely competent

as a soloist. She had practiced and was

well prepared.

But as she begin to sing something just was

not right. Even to me it just was not

coordinated, synchronized or something.

Embarrassed she stopped, apologized and

began again.

Something still was not right. So she

stopped again. Really embarrassed, she

started again.

Praise God on the third try things clicked -

or what ever they do in music. The she had

a song that was greatly appreciated by the

congregation.

It was like the Lord was saying to me, well

just start over.

Paul writing to young Timothy wrote;

"...stir up the gift of God..." KJV

or "...I remind you to rekindle the gift..."

RSV

-2 Timothy 1:6

That's what I, and your friend, need to do.

Stir up the fire of the Lord again.

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer in his book, "FAILURE

THE BACK DOOR TO SUCCESS" on page 137

says,

"A.W. Tozer. This man who knew God so

intimately, had days when he was so

discouraged he felt he could not continue as

a minister. Imagine! A man who instructed

thousands in the deep things of God often

felt he was a miserable failure. He, too,

was made of flesh and blood."

Then of course there was Elijah, Jonah,

some one you might know, and me.

Like our sister in Christ, we simply need

to start again. Then with Timothy stir up or

rekindle the fire of the Lord within us.

THE NAP

2010-03-01T10:56:00.008-06:00

I fondly remember both of my Grandfathers,

for different reasons of course.

Grandpa on my father's side had a small lemon

grove and raised rabbits. The large rabbit shed

was attached to the back of the garage. Grandpa

wisely left a small area between the garage and

the rabbit shed. In this area was a small work

shop, and an area with curtains around it. The

curtained off area contained a cot. That's right.

a cot to nap on.

Then I did not know why. But grandpa was being

Scriptural.

"It is vain for you to rise up early,

To take rest late,

To eat the bread of toil.

For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep."

-Psalms 127:2 ASV

Scriptural examples.

"And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab

and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the

day to the house of Ishbosheth, as he took his rest

at noon."

-2 Samuel 4:5 ASV

"And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose

from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the

king's house: " [Let's leave the rest of this one alone.]

-2 Samuel 11:2 ASV

I know, I know. You don't live back in Bible times.

Also you are too smart and don't have time to nap.

Let me quote one paragraph from an advertiser of

"Prevention" on page 19

"Recent research at Harvard University involving

more than 23,000 people showed that those who

took regular naps reduced their risk of dying from

a heart attack by fully 37 percent! People who

napped only occasionally lowered their risk by 12

percent, as reported on page 238."

Do not disturb.

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

WHAT HAPPENED?

2010-03-01T08:22:00.004-06:00

My life span

goes back to

when most of

you were only

in the mind

of God. Even

your parents

had not thought

of you.

But even back

then, I begin to

see some things

that were heart

breaking. That is the fall of high profile ministers and

ministries. Now please, please please. I am not trying at this

point to pick on "preachers". If you and I did as much for the

kingdom of God as they, the devil would be after us even worse

than now. [Besides that would take toooooo many posts.]

However they make an excellent illustration at this point.

And the number of incidents, even in my short life span,

would require me to take my shoes off to count them.

You sure don't want that.

About the time you were born I was reading something from

one of the old time "respected" ministers. He said something

to this effect. Nearly all of the preachers who fall, fall to one

of three things.

Wine
Women
Wealth

On the surface it would appear that he was correct. But I

would like to suggest that these were only the tools that

were used to bring them done. NOT THE CAUSE.

You will remember king Uzziah and the way God used this

king. He brought about a revival in Judea. God was with

him and prospered him in every way because Uzziah sought

the Lord.

But then we read,

"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his

downfall."

-2 Chronicles 26:16 NIV

After a period of time has passed, and information begins

to leak out. We find that numbers of the ministers that

fell were exhibiting evidences of pride before their fall.

Let's shift away from the preachers a bit. O.K.

For about thirty six years I worked for a local company.

Over the years it went through a succession of owners.

And like an old piece of furniture or equipment, I went

along with the company from owner to owner. Some of

the owners simply died of old age. Some did not like the

manufacture it was associated with etc.

The last owner. Yes, the very last owner. He was a nice

guy to work for. He wanted to do good. And he was a

professed Christian. BUT.

I remember well the day the new business cards came

out for the department heads. The very first time I glanced

at one something went all over me. The card made it very

obvious that the new owner had a lot of pride. And I knew

right then that the business was going down. The Scriptures

say,

"Pride goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit before a fall.

-Proverbs 16:18 NIV

Yep, the business. It's done. Down. Gone. Out.

But what about us low profilers? We non-entities?

Has God blessed you some way? Perhaps given you

a gift, an ability, a strength? Is it something you are

proud of???

Enough said?

THERE IS A LESSON HERE SOMEWHERE

2010-02-22T08:32:00.006-06:00

This is a "spatula".

Well! I think that

is what the wife

told me it is.

Now that I am "Real

Tired" we have

chickens. So, most

days it is fresh eggs

for this old boy. I've even learned how to fix

them for myself. You simply bust the egg on

the frying pan. Put the gooey stuff in the pan

and throw the hard stuff in that bucket with

the lid on it. Then you let it burn on the bottom

a while. Then take one of those things above,

and use it to flip the egg over and burn it on

the other side a while.

Now the wife is well equipped. She has lots of

those spatula things. Seems like one for every

occasion. I've learned that if I just use the old

cast iron frying pan I can't us a wrong spatula

thing. But look out if I use one of the fancy nice

frying pans. Black bottoms have to have black

spatulas or something.

That spatula thing above in the picture. In my

estimation it is the nicest one she has.

l. Notice the nice clean flowing lines. Some one

went to a lot of work designing that sucker.

2. Notice how solid and well built it is. It is

stouter than any of the others. Well built.

3. See that handle. Real nice comfortable

fit to the hand. It is a pleasure to handle

it compared to the other spatulas.

4. I don't know. But I would bet it cost a lot

more than any of the other ones too.

There is only one problem with it.

IT DON'T WORK WORTH A FLIP.

It makes me wonder how many of our beliefs,

doctrines, concepts of God etc. are like that

spatula.

We have taken our brilliant minds and given a

lot of thought about what we think God ought to

be like. Or how we think He should react to us.

Or how we should react to Him.

Then we found a few Scripture references that we

can arrange in the order we want, and Voila,

a neat doctrine, belief or concept. And best of

all, we like it. That's something we can believe.

BUT WILL IT WORK???????????

NEVER TOO OLD

2010-02-21T15:06:00.008-06:00

This will not mean a thing to you kids

who have not even reach retirement

yet. But some of us older folks need

encouragement too.

Thursday of last week a brother in the

Lord turned ninety-two (92). Being the

pastor's grandfather, the pastor had him

preach. He has being preaching for the

Lord seventy-three years now. And still

out preaches most of the young preachers.

This brother over the years has been used

to bring hundreds to Jesus Christ. Praise

God for that. But one of the discouraging

things about it is that literally hundreds

that he won to Christ were "church members".

Yes, some of the converts were even preachers

who had never had an encounter with the living

God. It is such a sad commentary on the church

of today.

Just being in the presence of someone that

old - still on fire for Jesus - and being used of

God yet is an encouragement.

I pray that with God's help I might be on fire

for Jesus Christ as long as he gives me breath.

"The righteous will flourish

like palm trees;

they will grow like the

cedars of Lebanon.

They are like trees planted

in the house of the

Lord,

that flourish in the

Temple of our God,

that still bear fruit

in old age

and are always green and

strong."

-Psalms 92:12-14 TEV

[Emphasis mine]

HOW BIG IS YOUR BOX?

2010-02-16T13:49:00.008-06:00

Christian Aid

Mission of

Charlottesville, VA

puts out a small

publication called

"Prayerline &

Praise Report.

One of these reports a few days ago really struck

at my heart. I want to quote most of it.

"Ricardo da Silva, leader of Overcoming Faith

Ministries, encountered Milana and 4 children

living in a box on the street where they survived

by competing with rats for food scraps discarded

as garbage. Despite his own poverty, living in 2

rooms with his wife and 6 children, along with

4 adult relatives, Ricardo brought Milana's family

home to share their meager resources."

I am hoping that each time I consider squandering

some of God's resources on my self. Or, pampering

my self some, that this incident will come to my

mind to rebuke me.

"My friends, what good is it for one of you to say

that you have faith if your actions do not prove

it? Can that faith save you? Suppose there are

brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't

have enough to eat. What good is there in your

saying to them, 'God bless you! Keep warm and

eat well!' - if you don't give them the necessities

of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes

no actions, then it is dead."

-James 2:14-17 TEV

"If we are rich and see others in need, yet close

our hearts against them, how can we claim that we

love God? My children, our love should not be

just words and talk; it must be true love, which

shows itself in action."

-1 John 3:17,18 TEV

SUPPER SAINTS

2010-02-12T12:14:00.009-06:00

Many years ago when you were but a wee child -

probably around 1985 - the pastor and I went to a convention in Atlanta, Georgia. It was put on by an Internationally known evangelist. He had with him a high profile group of renowned teachers. In only three days they were going to make supper saints out of us. Now you can't beat a deal like that. I came home with a hand full of teaching tapes telling me how to become prosperous. For the Lord of course. Why else would you want to be prosperous? (I finally burned them a few weeks ago.) And the pastor had an arm load of material so he could become wise, or a deeper student of the Word, or something. You know, I do not remember the name of most of the teachers. I do not remember one teaching session. I do not remember one illustration. I do not remember one prayer. I do not remember one song. I do not remember one Scripture used. But I do remember sister Elizabeth. The conference paid for one or two of our meals each day. The routine was for us to dismiss and reassemble down in the hotel restaurant. There we gathered, six or eight around these round tables for food and fellowship. (That's how you make super saints.) At one of these meals sister Elizabeth sat at our table. During the whole meal she just sat there and bubbled over about how wonderful Jesus was. She did not try to dominate the conversion. But it was not long until most of us shut and listened. She was one that if you had bumped her, Jesus would have spilled out. Pinch her and Jesus would flow over. Insult her and she would have blessed you. Some how she got around to asking if we had gone to the "Holy Lands". Well no. I did not want to admit to her that I had no desire to go. I had already ran into too many preachers who had grabbed their camera. When to Israel for a week or two. Came back instant Hebrew scholars. And spent the rest of their life telling out about it. I did not want any part of it. So I probably mumbled something about not being able to afford it. Now that was absolute Gospel truth. So Elizabeth said something like, "Well ask Jesus to send you." Huh!!! She went on to explain. She could not afford to go either. She was just a custodian in the school district. [Being a custodian is a very honorable occupation. Custodians do not rip you off. They do something worth while for their pay. They help by cleaning up your mess. But it does not pay well.] She continued, If she needed a pair of shoe strings. She ask Jesus. He would see she got them. If she had a desire to go to the Holy Lands she ask Jesus. He would open the doors. She had been over three times already, and seemed to want to go again. No, the pastor nor I either one became super saints. But I have always felt that I ate lunch with one.

GIDEON TRIPS

2010-02-09T09:51:00.005-06:00

Gideon's last heroic act was to refuse the

ruler ship of Israel and insist "The Lord will

be your ruler."

Let's face it. Gideon is on the spot. He has

done the right thing. But his next statement

appears to be an impulsive thought, or an

after thought. "But he went on to say, 'Let

me ask one thing of you.'" - Judges 8:24 TEV

You have never done anything like that. But

I could probably find a shelf full of "stuff" that

was acquired that way. But now it's just useless

or unnecessary "stuff" setting there wasting away.

Or made impulsive replies that have hurt

relationships. Why? We acted in the flesh.

We did not seek God's will or leading. There

were no fleeces put out. We did not even pray

about it. We just reacted.

Only God knows what motivated Gideon. But

the offering was a good one. "The gold earrings

that Gideon got weighed over forty pounds, and

this did not include the ornaments, necklaces, and

purple clothes that the kings of Midian wore, nor

the collars that were around the necks of their

camels." -Judges 8:26 TEV

You know the story better than I. But Gideon

took the loot and made an "ephod" or "idol" out

of it. It seems that most of the older versions

call it an "ephod" and the newer versions call it

an "idol". This makes an interesting study, but

is not all that relevant at this point. It appears

to have become a shrine that was a failure for

Gideon and Israel. Some commentators feel

that Gideon may have done this with the intent

of enhancing the worship of God. But it didn't.

You remember Jesus said, "... the true

worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and

truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the

Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers

must worship in spirit and in Truth." -John 4:23,24

NIV. A shrine only gets in the way.

But is it any different today? The next time you

are in one of our "Worship Centers" or "Sanctuaries"

look around you. See how much of God's monies

have been squandered to allow you to have a

comfy spot to park your exterior posterior, and the

amenities around the building to help enhance your

worship experience. Yuck.

Now forty pounds of gold is a lot of gold to this

old boy. Whether Gideon used it all to make his

"worship center" or not is not known. Even the

other things may have been worth a lot.

The "Jewish Encyclopedia.com" brings up one real

interesting point.

"He makes from the booty an idol ("ephod") in

consequence of which his city (Ophrah) becomes

the seat of an oracle, and he is enabled to lead

the life of a rich chief with a large harem, enjoying

almost royal honors." Thank you Jewish

Encyclopedia.com.

Ever see anybody like that in this country. (Hint,

do you have a television?)

"Lord help us to look only to you. To look only for

your will and away from the things of this world to

you."

LEARNING FROM GIDEON A THIRD TIME

2010-02-08T07:25:00.005-06:00

Deleted, scrapped, gone, puff, vanished.

I had the post on this lesson from Gideon in and ready to publish.

But I realized that it would make everyone mad. That's MAD. You

see the truth that Gideon presents here strikes at the very heart

of one of our most treasured traditions in the Protestant Church.

And even more the church we protest.

One of the things I have learned in a long life is, though the Word of

God will not return to Him void or of no effect. If that Word is counter

to our tradition - we will hold to the tradition every time. Yes, even

in the Protestant Church. If necessary we will twist, turn, bend and

force the Word of God to make it match our tradition. We do not,

and will not forsake our tradition for the Word of God.

So rather than loose all my readers and have to start all over. Instead

of spelling it out, I'll just quote it and let you twist it the way you want.

Bear in mind that of all that God used Gideon for, this took the most

fortitude, courage and honesty of all his acts. This shows the greatness

of the man himself, and why God was able to pick him for the job. Oh!

that we had more like him today.

"After that, the Israelites said to Gideon,

'Be our ruler - you and your descendants

after you. You have saved us from the

Midianites.'

"Gideon answered, 'I will not be your ruler,

nor will my son. The Lord will be your ruler.'

-Judges 8:22,23 TEV

LEARNING SOME MORE FROM GIDEON

2010-02-03T08:10:00.007-06:00

We learned from Gideon the absolute necessity

of knowing God's will before acting on it. One

dear sister said something to this effect.

"If we would put out the fleece more often,

we would not be fleeced so often."

But once we know a direction or action is God's

leading, then what? My personal inclination is

to jump and run. Dive in head first. Work like

the dickens. But that is not the way God works.

If I were a preacher I would go into a long drawn

out account telling you how Gideon had too many

men with him. But all of them were not fit to

serve. I would tell you everything you already

know all over again. Then I would tell you

how God chose those men who were alert and

ready for action etc. But that is not the point.

"The Lord said to Gideon, 'The men you have are

too many for me to give them victory over the

Midianites. They might think that they had won

by themselves, and so give me no credit."

-Judges 7:2 TEV

The point is, we can never accomplish in the flesh

the work of God. One denomination has it right

with what appears to be their motto.

"Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the Lord of hosts."

-Zechariah 4:6 KJV

That's why the apostle Paul said,

"Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to

tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the

language of human wisdom, in order to make sure

that Christ' death on the cross is not robbed of it's

power."

-1 Corinthians 1:17 TEV

He could further say,

"I am most happy, then, to be proud of my

weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of

Christ's power over me. I am content with

weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and

difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak,

then I am strong."

- 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 TEV

An area of interest here. In my life time I have

heard some very poor sermons by uneducated

preachers. And, in my life time I have heard some

very poor sermons by those with the title "Doctor"

attached to their name.

Could it be that if we chased less after human wisdom

- so we can impress people with our accreditation.

And chased more after the Holy Spirit's empowerment

- the church might not be the weak, sickly, impotent

thing it is today???

Remember; Dr. Elijah and Dr. John the Baptist

and Dr. Paul??? (The very thought of it is

repulsive.) If they had earned their doctorate

- we probably would never have heard of them.

They would only have been one more Pharisee.

Paul tried, at the feet of Gamaliel, but gave it up

so God could use him.

K.P. Yohannan, the founder of Gospel for Asia made

several interesting observations in his book, "Learning

to Pray". One of them,

"But then I remember that every failure we have had

and every setback we have experienced was always

because we calculated and did something out of careful

planning, but not careful prayer." p.43,44

Perhaps we could learn all we need to know from

another incident Yohannan relates in his book.

Apparently in the Northern part of India was an

area very difficult to evangelise. Yet there was one

young missionary who had started five new church's in

this difficult area. They wanted to know his secrete.

What they found was this,

"There is nothing unusual about him. I found nothing

special except for one thing - he gets up very early

each morning and spends two or three hours in prayer

and then an hour or two reading the Bible. This habit

began while he was studying in one of our Bible colleges."

-p.10

Gideon could not get the job done in the normal way of

doing things. It was not until there was utter helplessness

on Gideon's part and he had to depend totally on God, that

the victory could be won.

LEARNING FROM GIDEON

2010-01-31T10:23:00.007-06:00

Gideon and God's using him has a number of

lessons we can learn from. But first a couple

of illustrations for back ground.

For the last almost three decades I have been

fellowshipping with one of the more aggressive

growing denominations. God's blessing on it

rests in part because of it's strong foreign mission

emphasis. This of course brought numbers of

missionaries and missionary candidates through

the local church.

We all know that to be an effective foreign

missionary takes time. Time to learn the

language. Time to learn and adjust to the

customs. Then time to establish an effective

ministry.

One of these missionaries had just served a

number of years in a particular location. But

now felt "called" to another country. O.K. That

was going to require two more years of language

study in another country. Then move on into the

country of calling.

Several years later in one of the denominational

publications I saw that he was in even a different

county yet. Huh! What happened to the call to

what ever country it was?

Then a couple of years more and he was on staff

at the denominational headquarters.??????

Was he having a hard time determining the will,

or calling, of God? I don't know. But all that

hopping around makes me wonder.

A couple of days ago I was browsing the web for

some reason or other. I ran across a statistic that

surprised me. The same denomination. Of the

new church's they start, 50% do not last five years.

Well, did God call them to start those church's or not?

Those are awful high failure rates for God.

Yes, in God's work (Our ministry for God.) I see

lots of impulsiveness. I recognize it because I am

that way myself. I've been there.

Back to Gideon. Most of the sermons or lessons

I have heard about Gideon are almost critical of

him for putting out the fleece instead of trusting

God and going for it.

But I love this. First when the angel of the Lord

was talking to him - he wanted to be sure. He

asked the angel to give him a sign. (Judges 6:17)

[He worried about false teachers.] Still there is

doubt. So you remember the fleece thing, twice.

Gideon wanted to be absolutely sure that he was

doing God's will. Three times he sought a sign of

God's leading, or if you like reassurance. (Even A

fourth if you want to count when he went into the

camp of the Midianites to over hear a conversation.)

When he was sure God was with him, he went

forth in faith and succeeded.

How much of our own service has come out of

our own head and desires instead of the heart

and mind of God??? Maybe our own fun thing

that we want God's blessing on?

"Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain."

-Psalms 127:1 RSV

This post became too long. The Lord willing we will

come back to Gideon again.

THANK YOU JESUS

2010-01-28T16:06:00.006-06:00

PRAISE GOD.

THANK YOU JESUS.

What happened? For myself, nothing

out of the ordinary. In fact I have been

somewhat down cast. Disappointed.

Discouraged. (The kind of thing that

old age, underachievement and

unfulfilled dreams can do.) Yes and

even bored some.

But for the last several days I have

been overwhelmed with the mercies

and goodness of God to me and you.

Why was I not one of those swept away

in a tsunami?

Why wasn't I crushed to death in an

earthquake?

Why am I not one of the homeless?

Why am I not one of the starving

multitudes?

Why am I permitted to;

Have more than I can eat?
A good bed to sleep in?
A comfortable home?
A loving family?
Even some toys to play with?

I'm not worthy of any of it. It is only

the mercy of a loving heavenly Father.

Truly,

"... the mercy of the Lord is from

everlasting to everlasting upon them

that fear him,...

-Psalms 103:17 KJV

To the whole world I want to say,

THANK YOU JESUS.

DISTRACTED

2010-01-22T07:33:00.010-06:00

One of the the news

agencies gave the

following report a

few days ago.

"Tue Jan. 12 -- More

than 500,000 people

were injured and

nearly 6,000 people

were killed last year in motor vehicle accidents

involving a driver who was distracted while

using a cell phone or texting device. The U.S.

Department of transportation reported Tuesday."

No this post is not about cell phones. I abhor

them. However under some circumstances they

are a blessing. But MOST of the time they are

simply a curse to humanity.

The great Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov,

in his studies on conditioned reflex, taught

dogs to respond to bells.

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the

telephone, taught the entire human race to

respond to bells.

The above report is an illustration of the

seriousness of distraction. It can and does

cause the loss of human life.

But distraction can have even more dire

circumstances. Eternal loss.

Jesus taught us,

"but the worries about this life and the love

for riches choke the message, and they don't

bear fruit."

-Matthew 13:22 TEV

Distraction with the

things of life keeps us

from bearing fruit for

Christ.

That's the loss of

fruit that would bear

rewards through all

of eternity. Just for a

little more of this life, or it's things.

Any thing that takes

our focus off of Jesus

Christ is a distraction -

with eternal consequences.

Even good things can

be a distraction, when

we loose the singleness

our life's purpose for

Christ.

It does not need to be money or greed. Just the

simple God given pleasures of life can become a

distraction, that could side track us forever.

"Be careful not to let

yourselves become

occupied with too much

feasting and drinking

and with the worries

of this life, or that Day

may suddenly catch

you like a trap. For it

will come upon all

people everywhere on earth. Be on watch and pray

always that you will have the strength to go safely

through all those things that will happen and to

stand before the Son of Man."

-Luke 21:34-36 TEV

JUST TODAY

2010-01-20T10:22:00.005-06:00

I was discouraged.

Yesterday had not

been walked close

enough to the Lord.

I had failed the Lord

again.

No, I did not kill, steal

lie or cheat anyone. It

was one of those attitude things that God has been

dealing with me about. He can make little things,

BIG things, when a correction is needed.

Today is a lovely day. But it kept this cloud hanging

over me. "Lord will I ever be what you want me to

be. Will I ever reach that place where I'm victorious

every day?"

Then the Holy Spirit gently brought to my mind a

phrase from a song I have not heard in years.

"One day at a time, sweet Jesus," Praise God.

Yesterday is behind me. I do not have to worry

about tomorrow. Just today. Just this one day.

I had to look it up. But it is copied below - for me.

"I'm only human - I'm just a man/woman.

Help me believe in what I believe and all that I am.

Show me the stairway that I have to climb,

Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.

One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.

Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.

Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never

be mine.

Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.

Do you remember, when you walked among men?

Well, Jesus you know, if you're looking below, It's worse

now than then.

There's cheating and stealing - violence and crime.

So for my sake - teach me to take one day at a time.

One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.

Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.

Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be

mine.

Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time."

Words and Music by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson.

WHO IS LEADING ME?

2010-01-17T16:59:00.007-06:00

The Scriptures tell us, "...Whatever was written

in former days was

written for our instruction," -Romans 15:4 RSV Each time I read about God leading the people of Israel in the wilderness it amazes me. Especially about the cloud by day and the fire by night over the tabernacle. They did not move with out the cloud.

"At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they encamped; as long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp." -Numbers 9:18 RSV (Read Numbers 9:15-23) Nice, cool, neat, great. Direct leading of God. What a lesson for us today. Don't go without the presence of the Lord. And go only where

He leads. But they did not always follow the leading of God. You remember how God wanted them to go on into the promised land. But they did not go. There were "giants in the land". So they backed off. When they found out they were in trouble they decided to go in anyway. Then God said no. But they became presumptuous and went.

The result was disastrous. The Scriptures further teach us,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." -Proverbs 3:5,6 RSV (Emphasis mine.) It makes me wonder. Do I truly acknowledge

Him in all my ways. Or do I become presumptuous and rely on my own smarts.

When I go shopping,
When I make career decisions,
When I make investment choices,
When I dress for the day,
When I relax,
When I play,
When I serve Him with;
Teaching,
Preaching,
Singing.
Writing,
Photographing
etc., etc., etc.

Are the choices mine, or His? When we make

choices with out consulting the Lord, we are presumptuous. And presumptuous people get in trouble with God. Lord, "Keep back they servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!" -Psalms 19:13 RSV

A LESSON FROM CHINA

2010-01-13T09:01:00.005-06:00

Many of you remember the name,

Wang Ming Tao, one of the great house

church leaders of China. He spent twenty

three years in prison for his faith. He

passed away back in about 1991. But his

example of living for God carries on to

challenge us.

Here is a quote from him out of an old

Open Doors publication.

"You ought to make a prison cell for yourself.

When I went into prison, I was broken. I was

an evangelist and wanted to hold campaigns

throughout China. I was a writer and wanted

to write books. I was a preacher and wanted

to read my Bible and write sermons.

"But I didn't have a Bible or a pulpit, a

congregation, a pen or paper. I could do

nothing. Nothing except get to know God.

For 20 years, this was the most beautiful

relationship that I have ever known."

Later he add.

"I was put in a prison cell, but you will have

to do this yourself. Make your life simple, so

that you have time to get to know God."

BAGGAGE

2010-01-10T15:05:00.007-06:00

Baggage We all have

baggage. Baggage

comes in many

different forms. The

type of baggage shown

in the photo, Webster's

New World College

Dictionary calls,

"1 the trunks, bags, etc. of a traveler, esp. when

packed and being used on a trip; luggage..."

This is the type of thing the King James Version

called "stuff". So appropriate. Love that word.

It is so inclusive.

But baggage also has another meaning.

Continuing with Webster's New World College

Dictionary.

"4 burdensome, superfluous, or outdated ideas,

practices etc."

I noted an interesting thing. We have just

moved from the old house into the new house.

We have been in it several months now. Long

enough to feel like home. And to carry on all

the functions of a home.

I have just moved into my new larger office.

It has just been a few weeks now. But long

enough to be functioning with everything I

need.

But in both cases, the house and the office,

there is a lot of excess stuff, or excess baggage

left. We don't need it or have a place to put it.

What on earth are we doing with it? Now it is

just a drag, a burden. Why do we accumulate

things we don't need in the first place?

Isn't that the way with life? It might be material

goods, "stuff". Or attitudes, opinions and ideas.

Or spiritually, traditions, incorrect doctrines or

beliefs and poor spiritual habits.

Why do we keep dragging them along???

The writer to the Hebrews said,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by

so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also

lay aside every weight and the sin that

clings so closely, and let us run with

perseverance the race that is set before

us,"

-Hebrews 12:1 NRSV

(Emphasis mine.)

I know. Some times we do not recognize

the excess baggage we have accumulated.

It is too close to us. You can bet that I

can show the wife all the excess stuff she

has. And she show me my excesses.

It becomes necessary to cry out with the

Psalmist,

"Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!"

-Psalms 139:23,24 RSV

We are going into a new year now. A

great time to lay aside all the world's

excess baggage that holds us back

and aim only at Jesus.

"Lord help us as we enter this new year

to lay aside all our excess baggage and

strive first for your kingdom and your

righteousness."

GOD'S SECURITY FORCE

2010-01-07T20:22:00.006-06:00

During this time of sever weather when God seems

to be making a mockery of the "Global Warming"

hoax, his protection is sorely needed. With ice and

snow abounding, the potential for injury has

multiplied. Not to mention evil on every hand.

Terrorism, more idiots than ever AND our own

stupidity.

Quite a few years ago I begin to pray daily that

God would give his angels charge over our family

for protection. Thank God, I have not regretted it.

I have no idea how many times we have been

spared because of it.

This subject was covered by "Faded Ladies" a

a short time back. Go back to their post

"Spiritual Visitors - Part V". You will really

enjoy seeing God's angels in action in this

post. But it comes again to my mind now while

the need is amplified and to remind us of God's

provision.

Consider, after God had given the law to the

nation of Israel, he told them;

"Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you

on the way and to bring you to the place which I

have prepared....When my angel goes before you,"

-Exodus 23:20 & 23 RSV

The thought is also expressed in,

Exodus 14:19, 32:34, 33:2

And my favorite,

"Because you have made the Lord your refuge,

the Most High your habitation,

no evil shall befall you,

no scourge come near your tent.

For he will give his angels charge of you

to guard you in all your ways."

-Psalms 91:9-11 RSV

This is the Scripture the Devil quoted to Jesus

in the great temptation. But it is open for all

who make the Lord their refuge.

Ask God to have his angels protect you and your

family. You will not regret it.

"Lord give your angels charge to protect all who

make you their refuge. Thank you for giving us

their protection because of your love for us."

TOO SMART FOR OUR OWN GOOD

2010-01-05T11:56:00.009-06:00

Personally I would

rather not be around

ignorant, dumb or

stupid people. That

means anyone more

ignorant, dumb, or

stupid than myself.

[If other people think

like that. It may

account for them not bothering me!]

I do not know of any place in the Scriptures that

puts a premium on, ignorance, stupidity, or

dumbness. (You draw the lines of demarcation.)

And I am not trying to advocate them.

But have you ever thought about how sometimes

we are too smart for what we are doing? Too

smart for our own good?

Any time we think we can handle things, or

depend on our own abilities, we are too smart for

our own good. Jesus said,

"for apart from me you can do nothing."

-John 15:5 RSV

The Apostle Paul said,

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

to show that the transcendent power belongs

to God and not to us.-2 Corinthians 4:7 RSV

We are only the container. It is supposed to be

God who is seen in us. Not us and our skills or

abilities or knowledge.

Look what happened to Moses. He was raised by

Pharaoh's daughter in the palaces of Egypt.

"And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of

the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words

and deeds."

-Acts 7:22 RSV

And you know God could not use him that

way. Moses had to spend forty years in the desert

unlearning what he had learned. But when God

got through with him. He was the meekest man

on earth and God was able to use him in a mighty

way.

"Now the man Moses was very meek, more

than all men that were on the face of the earth.

-Numbers 12:3 RSV

[Hey! what happened to his self esteem???]

See this vessel (container).

That is the way we are

supposed to be. It is cheap,

fragile and no good for any

thing. It's purpose is only

to display the cheesecake.

It's all about the cheesecake,

not the container,

Even what little stands

out on this crummy

container, is advertising

for the cheesecake.

That is the way we are supposed to be. Full of

God, and whatever anyone can see in us is only

about God in us.

K.P. Yohannan in his book "Dependence Upon the

Lord" on page 41 gives us this quote from Mother

Teresa.

"I am convinced that when I am gone, if God finds

a person more ignorant and useless that I, He will

do greater things through that person because it

will be His doing."

"Lord help us to only show you and not ourselves.

May you increase while we decrease."

THE WINNER LOST ALL

2009-12-31T07:50:00.007-06:00

God tells us, "For whatever

was written in former days

was written for our

instruction,"

-Romans 15:4 RSV

One of those vivid illustrations

to learn from is Abraham's

nephew Lot.

Here are two wealthy men.

Their business' were already

too large for the area. So out of necessity they split

up. Choices had to be made.

Abraham of course is known as the father of faith.

We would not know much about Lot, if it were not

for Peter's comments in 2 Peter 2:7,8. There we

learn that Lot was a "righteous" man. So today we

could call them both Christians.

But the difference is in their attitudes. Abraham

was living in a tent. He is simply on a camping

trip in this old world. Just passing through. In

Hebrews 11:10 we learn, "For he looked forward

to the city which has foundations, whose builder

and maker is God."(RSV) And from the context

we learn, he did not care which direction he went

in this decision.

Look at Lot's choice. "...Lot lifted up his eyes,

and saw that the Jordan valley was well watered

everywhere like the garden of the LORD,"

-Genesis 13:10 RSV.

All Lot could see was "green". Greener grass

equals green backs to Lot. More business and

more income yet. And an easier life. [And you

thought a "green" life style was something new.]

So Lot won the draw. He took the green

pasture. And old Ab took the desert.

Apparently he did well. You see him moved

into a house in town. The town was wicked.

That bothered him. But the bucks were rolling

in. And business is business.

You know the story better than I. God wiped

that wicked town out. Lot lost everything in

that judgement of God. Lot had made a very

poor choice. He only escaped with his life and

two immoral daughters.

What's the point?

In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 we learn that there

is another judgement coming. One in which

our works will be tested. They will be tested

by fire. Some of our works will stand the test.

And the rest will be burned up. "If any man's

work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though

he himself will be saved, but only as through

fire. (v.15 RSV)

Is that better job, different business, bigger

home, better position the better choice?

Is our choice made on our desires, or God's

will for us????????????????

When that test comes around will we just

make it into heaven, with our works burned

up? Or will we enter heaven with God's

rewards?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-30T17:03:00.004-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

"...but one thing I do, forgetting what

lies behind, I press on toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call of God

in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 3:13,14 RSV

In the coming year may,

"The Lord bless you and keep you:

The Lord make his face to shine

upon you, and be gracious to you:

The Lord lift up his countenance

upon you, and give you peace,"

-Numbers 6:24-26 RSV

HOW TO BE FRUITFUL

2009-12-29T08:20:00.008-06:00

Most Christians want to know

how to be more fruitful for

God. Not being an expert on

such matters I want to say,

"I don't know how. It beats

me."

However the Lord has drawn

several things to my attention

in the last few days. One is a

thought put forth by Oswald

Chambers. In part he said,

"The people who influence us most are not those who

buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their

lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field,

perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives

that mould us.

"If you want to be of use to God, get rightly related to

Jesus Christ and He will make you of use unconsciously

every minute you live."

-My Utmost For His Highest, p.101

That tree in the top photo

is not real, as you know. And

the "fruit" (Let's call it that.)

obviously is just "stuff" my

wife hung on it. (You know,

just like Religion.)

Not good to eat.

This next photo (Poor as

it and the tree are.) is

the real thing. A real

tree with real fruit. And the fruit would be eatable

- if you could stand it.

What did the tree do to produce fruit. Just

existed as a tree and the life of the tree flowed

through it producing fruit. To bear fruit for

God, we simply connect to him and let his life

flow through us. Then the fruit comes.

I want to relate one incident in my life that

illustrates how God can use us without even

trying.

When I was in High School a new boy moved

in the area. His family had been living out

of the country and returned home. So he had

some adjustments to make.

All I remember is I liked the guy. We were both

Christians. He was a nice clean cut fellow. And

when our little group would get together for

Bible study at school (Yes, back then we could.)

he would be, in my estimation, a spiritual

leader - if we even had one.

I had a car. He, didn't. I had a motorcycle, he

didn't. So sometimes I would be taking him to

various Christian functions in my old Ford. We

even cut class together one time. We took my

motorcycle and went up in the mountains. I

think we made it back before the next class. But

my transmission went out in the ordeal. Wow,

what fun for a couple of teenagers.

In short, we were just two Christian teenagers

having a good time together. He went on to

college and got smart. I got married. And of

course our ways parted.

I would hear of him from time to time. He went

on to pastor a church. Then got a doctorate. And

the last I knew was apparently a professor in one

of his denomination's colleges. [I don't know

what he professed. But that's what professors

do, isn't it? Profess.]

Fast forward about thirty five years.

One day leaning against my bench at work a

Christian brother, from another church, came

ambling across my work area. He called this

0ld friend by name and ask if I knew him. Yes.

He ask me if I would be interested in the paper

my friend mentioned my name in. Of course.

I want to quote most of his comment,

"I personally, as a high school student, moved

from the edge of tumbling into the wasteland

of becoming a drop-out into the rich and

productive life I have experienced as a minster

of the gospel, all because a ------ ----- gave me

the most priceless of human gifts - friendship."

Hey! I didn't even try. But God let me be a help.

Jesus said,

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who

abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears

much fruit, for apart from me you can do

nothing."

-John 15:5 RSV

There we have it. Just abide - stay - in Jesus.

Let his life flow through us and grow where

he planted us.

TONIGHT MOSTLY SUNNY

2009-12-26T07:08:00.009-06:00

TONIGHT

MOSTLY

SUNNY

High 31

Low 20

I know. It was still

not 5:30 a.m. But I had been up for over an

hour. Been through two cups of coffee. Had

a cookie. Spent a leisurely time in Bible

reading and prayer. In theory, I was awake.

But the weather report said, "TONIGHT

MOSTLY SUNNY". So if it was not me,

perhaps it's the computer. Went off line.

Shut the computer down. (You know, reboot.)

Got the camera. Started the computer again.

Went on line. Weather report still said,

"TONIGHT MOSTLY SUNNY". Being a poor

photographer, I could not get a good picture

for proof. Shut it all down again.

When my wife finally got up. I fired up the lap

top again. Got the weather on it. Had her read

it. Yep, it really did say, "TONIGHT MOSTLY

SUNNY".

Yes, the weather prophets were predicting a

"SUNNY NIGHT". But I had my doubts. God

said,

"While the earth remains, seedtime and

harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter,

day and night, shall not cease."

-Genesis 8:22 RSV

We'll see who is right.

It reminds me of some of today's prophets,

preachers and ya sayers. They are prophesying

peace and prosperity. (Especially to those

who give to them.) And, that's what we want

to hear.

BUT. Any one who spends time in their Bible

-reading the whole thing - knows that in the

end times it will be anything but peaceful or

prosperous. They also know what happens to

any nation that turns it back on God. When

has any nation ever turned it's back on God,

like our nation, and gotten away with it?

Much of what we hear today would remind

us of the prophets in the time of Ezekiel.

God said,

"...prophesy and say to those who prophesy

out of their own minds: 'Hear the word of

the Lord!' Thus says the Lord God, Woe to

the foolish prophets who follow their own

spirit, and have seen nothing!"

-Ezekiel 13:2,3 RSV

But can we blame the modern prophets all

together? Isn't that what we want to hear?

"For the time is coming when people will not

endure sound teaching, but having itching

ears they will accumulate for themselves

teachers to suit their own likings, and will

turn away from listening to the truth and

wander into myths."

-2 Timothy 4:3 RSV

And if it is myths we want. They will give

us myths. For a price, of course.

The sun is not going to shine tonight. And

God has been telling us there is a DARK time

coming. Instead of rejoicing in the sun shining

tonight. We need to be on our knees, looking

to God for light in this coming dark time.

A THOUGHT ON PRAYER

2009-12-19T17:17:00.008-06:00

Prayer is breathing

for the Christian.

Without it we cannot

survive. It is the

Christian's life.

For years I have

wanted to be a man

of prayer. Like

everything else, I never made it. At least to my

satisfaction.

Years ago I was reading a book on prayer by a

noted pastor on the west coast. I remember him

saying "that when he set in his chair to pray..."

I thought, no way. Coming before the very God and

creator of the universe. And setting in a chair. No.

The only proper way to come before the King of

Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Potentate of the

universe is prostrated before Him.

Now that I am a older, when I set in my chair

to pray......

Today I was sorting through a few of my books. I

try to keep my books on prayer together as a group.

I have some of the classic books on prayer like

Bounds set and other men of God. And of course a

few of the newer hot shots. No, I have not read all

of them yet. That's so I can always have another to

read, I guess.

As I was sorting I noticed that the pile of books on

prayer was getting larger than several of the other

subjects. And I realized that even with all these

books, I still was not the man of prayer I wanted to

be. There were sixty two books and booklets on

prayer.

Now I'm a simple man. And a very simple thought

came into my mind. With all these books on prayer,

I'm still not the man of prayer I want to be. Wouldn't

I come closer to being a man of prayer by simply

spending more time talking with God?