It's Convention Time- Love Those Democrats!

Through a friend, I was able to get a copy of the Monday evening agenda for the DNC Convention.

Schedule of Events
7:00 pm OPENING FLAG BURNING
7:15 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
7:20 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Barack Obama
7:25 pm OPENING PRAYER - Reverend Jeremiah Wright
7:45 pm CEREMONIAL TREE HUGGING - Darryl Hannah
7:55 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Joe Biden
8:00 pm GLOBAL WARMING!!!!!!!!! - Al Gore
8:15 pm GAY WEDDING PLANNING - Rosie O'Donnell
8:35 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Hillary Clinton
8:40 pm CHARGING OUR TROOPS WITH WAR CRIMES - John Kerry
9.00 pm MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SADDAM AND HIS SONS - Cindy Sheehan and Susan Sarandon
10:00 pm ANSWERING MACHINE ETIQUETTE - Alec Baldwin
11:00 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Evan Bayh
11:05 pm COLLECTION FOR THE OSAMA BIN LADEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FUND - Babs Streisand
11:15 pm FREE THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS FROM GUANTANAMO BAY - Sean Penn
11:30 pm OVAL OFFICE AFFAIRS - William Jefferson Clinton
11:45 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Nancy Pelosi's Rack
11:50 pm HOW GEORGE BUSH BROUGHT DOWN THE WORLD TRADE TOWERS - Howard Dean
12:15 am FREE THE MINUTEMEN IN IRAQ'S PRISONS - Michael Moore
12:25 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Paris Hilton
12:30 am SATELLITE ADDRESS - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
12:45 am NOMINATION OF BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA - Nancy Pelosi
1:00 am Ted Kennedy proposes toast and SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM
1:05 am CORONATION OF BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
1:30 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST TO Ritt Momney
1:35 am Bill Clinton asks Ted Kennedy to drive Hillary home.

Sorry I missed it!

The Bible in a Minute

Click Here

Thoughts on the Need of Relationships-

I have been reading the best seller ‘The Shack.’ I have been struck by a number of comments in the book. Here is one: ‘Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationships.’

Jim Darnell made a similar comment: “I am very much aware that much of life is relationships and if your relationships are good your life is good.”

Do you have good relationships? You do need them; a relationship with God, your spouse, and with others. I have some great relationships here at the church and around the world.

One such relationship is Pastor Rob and Brooke. They have been with me for close to 17 years now. They have won my respect and appreciation. They have stood the test of time, struggles, disappointments, and sorrow yet remained faithful, loyal, proven, and as refined gold increases in value they have increased in value to me, the Kingdom of God and The Vine Fellowship. I have few friends that have preserved and have my loyalty and trust as do Pastor Rob and Brooke.

Pr 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Pr 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Pr 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

True friends don’t tear each other down, reveal secrets, disrespect one another even when disagreeing, separate and divide from others, are not jealous and always remain loyal. I consider Pastor Rob and Brooke as true friends.

My prayer is that you too can experience that true friendship and relationships that we all desire and need. In order to have friends, one must show himself friendly!

I have had friends leave me, betray me, speak evil of me, turn others against me, given up on me - but I have never quit loving them and consider them friends to this day! I would always receive them back! That quality of never giving up on anyone regardless what they have done to me amazes my wife!

On another note for pastors, I think you can relate to this. I may be gone for a Sunday ministering elsewhere or on vacation. I generally don't announce my absence. I have been asked why I don’t announce when I am leaving town or having guest speakers. My answer is a difficult one to say and causes me great pain and frustration. But here it is — it is because attendance is generally down when I am gone. For some reason people feel that if I am gone they can be gone too. They may stay home, go to the lake or park, or visit another church. Who knows why this happens but it does grieve me. Do they only have relationship with me and not other members of the Vine? But, enough of that as that is my cross to bear alone.

Texas smoker/grill - for men only!

This is how we make our BBQ grills/smokers in Texas -
got to love it!

Populate or Disintegrate!!

Stagnant -- not advancing or developing (the economy is stagnant)

The economy is not the only thing that can go stagnant. How about a church going stagnant? How about your church growing stagnant and becoming irrelevant to our society?

What are some signs of a stagnant (dying) church? Consider these (list not exhaustive):
-Declining or steady number of baptism, attendance, and giving
-Little excitement for outreach or mission to save the lost
-Few new and young families
-Church work is perceived as what takes place inside the church building only
-Prevailing sense of complacency
-Witness and outreach effort are done mainly by the pastors
-A high percentage of inactive members

Jesus stated what our purpose as the church was and if we fail to follow this we become like the list above:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand — shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Mt 5:13-16 TMB

Who among us wants to be thrown out, to be put in the garbage? None of us do! But that is what a church is in danger of if they fail to realize why they are here. Too many think churches are all about them, getting their needs met, and gazing at each other’s navels.

It is not! It is about being the Kingdom of God here on earth and visible to the world! It means demonstrating God’s love to all. It means going out to bring them in. It means inviting people to our activities. It means going out to where they are so as to reach them. How will they be saved if they don’t hear the message from you and me?

How do we avoid becoming stagnant?
-Invite your friends to services and special events?
-Endeavor to pray and seek new souls for the Kingdom of God.
-Encourage young families to come to the church.
-Help with your churches outreaches?

We either populate the church with new souls and families or we disintegrate!

(Listen, I am in FL for vacation- last post for a week! See you again on the 18th. Until then stay safe!)

Do They Think Jesus Was a Liar?

Do They Think Jesus Was a Liar?

By Cal Thomas
Syndicated Columnist/FOX News Contributor

I am shocked and appalled over a newly published survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. It finds most Americans believe there are many ways to salvation besides their own faith. Most disturbing of all is the majority of self-identified evangelical Christians who believe this.

Apparently they must think Jesus was a liar, or mistaken, when he said: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.” Look it up.

This theological ignorance is a product of several things. It is surely a product of biblical illiteracy by people who don’t read, or selectively read scripture. It is also fallout from the political correctness vice that says you are intolerant if you believe anything to be true, because people who have another truth, or no truth, might feel bad and experience rejection.

If they feel rejection now, wait until they hear “away from me, I never knew you.”

Tolerance is a good thing. People should tolerate and respect people of different faiths, or no faith. But watering down your own set of professed doctrines in order to appeal to the lowest spiritual common denominator is akin to Peter denying Christ three times.

If there are many paths to heaven, Jesus suffered and died for nothing. He could have stayed in heaven, sent down a book of sayings and avoided crucifixion. Orthodox Christians have always believed – and their Bible teaches them — there is only one path to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ and him alone. One can believe whatever one wishes, but you can’t be considered a Christian without believing in this fundamental doctrine.

Christian churches have a lot of work to do in addressing biblical illiteracy, ignorance and, yes, heresy, in their midst. They might want to pay more attention to fixing what’s gone wrong among their members before expending too much energy on politics and politicians.

thanks bobby

Do they get it?

THIS IS A CEILING MURAL IN A SMOKER'S LOUNGE.

Congrats- Rush Limbaugh!

Ann Coulter had a great article singing the praises of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh entitled the 'Other Inventor of Radio.' You can read it here:

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27819

I remember 20 years ago today what I was doing when I heard the first Rush Limbaugh radio program. I was working for a friend laying tile. We laughed at all his zany antics, sayings, and attacks on Liberals. I was hooked!

I remember well his monologue on farding and the ensuing bashing he took for bringing this up. Who had ever heard of such a thing? Now it is common place and often time Rush does not get the credit for initially telling the world of this dangerous practice. For those of you in Rio Linda who still don't understand, farding is putting makeup on while driving a car; 'a farding woman drove into my car...' Rush knew then and now the danger of this female phenomena. Look at this article telling us today how dangerous it still is:

http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?sid=673206&nid=456

I want to extend my appreciation and congratulations along with President Bush 43, President Bush 41, and Jeb Bush the former governor of Florida as well as a host of others to Rush for being the best thing that happened to AM radio and the United States!

Thank you Rush for being the point man of Conservatism! You have taken your share of hits, but like the 'Energizer Bunny' you have kept on and not given up.

Your passion inspires us all.

the 'They Say' group

Do you know that often times in the church, places of employment, schools, etc. there is a large, often disgruntled, contingent of people that no one ever sees. They may not be able to see them, but boy do people listen to them and repeat what they are saying. That is the unseen group called “The ‘They Say’ Group.”

I have encountered them over the years in my experience here at the Vine. In fact, when I first came here I set out what I called ‘21 Rules of This House.’ When I shared them with the church I also told them we were not going to tolerate factions, egocentricity (the world moves around me, and in ministry it is all about me which causes people to get bent out of shape), and we would not listen to the unseen group called the ‘They Says.’

You have heard about them in conversations with other people. Because they will quote them often, “Well, you know what they say…!” You may ask that person who the ‘they say’ are and you will notice the blank look on their face because they can’t identify them or are unwilling to. So, with that said you should discontinue the conversation!

Listen, nothing of significance is ever accomplished by the ‘They Say’ Group. In fact, quite the opposite generally happens with strife, confusions, contention, disunity, etc. being but a few of their results!

A group closely associated with the ‘They Say’ Group is the ‘Anonymous Group.’ They too may mean well but they conduct their conversations, letter writing, behind the scenes ministry, anonymously.

I can find no place in Scripture where we are called on to deal secretly. We are Children of the Light! The Bible says let our ‘Yes be Yes and our No be No!’ In other words we are to own up to what we say and think! We are to allow someone to quote us if they are going to repeat us! We are to sign our name to all correspondence or notes that we send! Away with ‘don’t tell anybody I said that’ or anonymous notes.

We can all benefit from open discourse and an open exchange of ideas. But, if we don’t follow these rules we will be destroyed by the incessant picking of the ‘They Say’ Group or the ‘Anonymous’ Group.

Eph 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace(NIV).

We are all called on to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace! All of us should make this our endeavor too and not be part of these groups.

Don't Try This in Church!

Hmmmm, Jesus uesd a whip to run the money changers out of the temple!

Is it Really Body Art? To Ink Up or Not? Pt. 3

So what does all this mean? Chuck Gerwig is a youth pastor at the conservative Santa Cruz Bible Church in Santa Cruz, Calif. The burly Harley-Davidson riding pastor has worked in ministry for 23 years. He is the founder of SacredInk.net, a site devoted to the ink experiences of 17 tattooed Christians. Through his work Gerwig, who sports tattoos and a shaved head, has noticed a “reexamination of faith” among the young with one of the tell-tale signs being tattoo.

“It’s like an outward symbol of the inward truth,” Gerwig said. “For years tattoos were considered wrong. It was considered sinful,” he added. “There’s obviously been a big shift in the culture. This generation, I believe, is asking more questions than prior ones.”

Most important, consider your motives for getting tattooed. Certainly some people do so to rebel against authority; if that’s your reason then you need to go to the cross and receive healing before tattooing. If you are doing it to shock people, refer to previous sentence. But if your motive is for positive and deeply spiritual reasons, then ink up.

SacredInk give these guidelines: Tattoo is a significant life-choice and should be only entered into with a great deal of forethought. Some questions to ask yourself if you are young and considering a tattoo are:

-Am I legally of an age to get a tattoo?
-If I live with my parents, would my parents support my decision?
-Would I be defying the authority God gave my parents over me at my current age?
-Would I still want this particular image when I get older?
-What if my future mate wouldn't like having to see this image for a lifetime?
-Would this tattoo be in an area of my body that would be plainly visible? – Many people do unfairly judge people with tattoos as being “second-class.”
-Would this image bring God glory?
-Do I feel fully convinced that tattoos are allowable for Christians?

If the tattoo will not violate your conscience or others, if it will not cause permanent harm or disease, if it will not harm relationships which you have and if it is symbolic of a Biblical truth which will benefit your relationship with Christ - then I believe that Christians are free to get tattoos. But remember, the butterfly you get now will likely resemble an amorphous blob when your skin succumbs to the stretches and wrinkles of age.

In the end, should we worry too much about how we decorate our exterior as long as we devote our interior to Christ?

BTW, my son didn’t get the tattoo and neither did I! Whew!!!

Is it Really Body Art? To Ink Up or Not? Pt. 2

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Ink opponents typically ignore the verse that says God “inscribed” a picture of his people on his palms (Isaiah 49:16, NASB; the AMPLIFIED BIBLE says “tattooed”), and instead ominously quote another Old Testament verse: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:28, ESV). Understanding the context of the Leviticus verse, however, is imperative.

God gave this command to the Israelites around 1444 B.C. (right after the parting of the Red Sea) to forbid them from practicing the idolatrous customs they’d picked up in Egyptian captivity. Their captors had a nasty habit of slashing themselves to express grief and to appease their pantheon of imaginary gods. Example, ”So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.” 1Ki 18:28 NIV

The Egyptians also tattooed their bodies with symbols of pagan gods. So Jehovah, the only true God, essentially said to the Israelites, I don’t want you to practice those silly superstitions anymore. You’re my people, and I love you. The heart of God’s message isn’t about body art, but about reminding the Israelites they belong to him.

These prohibitions seem to relate to pagan religious customs which should be avoided, including pagan mourning rites (vv. 27-28) Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R.B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983–c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary: An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

“Make any cuttings in your flesh” (v:28): the reference here is to the practice of making deep gashes in the skin while mourning the death of a relative. This was done to provide life blood for the spirit of the dead person rather than to express sorrow. On account of the dead: as indicated above, this describes the purpose of all the actions in verse 27 as well as verse 28. Péter-Contesse, R., & Ellington. (1992). A handbook on Leviticus. UBS handbooks; Helps for translating (Page 296). New York: United Bible Societies.

Do we today follow God’s original intent for Leviticus? Because if Christians today adhered to the literal application of every moral and ceremonial rule handed down to the Israelites, no one could eat shrimp or cheeseburgers (Leviticus 11); moms would be “unclean” after childbirth (40 days of separation from society after a boy, twice as long after a girl), so new mothers couldn’t go to Beth Moore Bible studies or Curves or book clubs for more than a month (Leviticus 12); menstruating women would have to separate from friends and family for seven days during that time of month (Leviticus 15); no one could wear clothes woven from both linen and wool (Leviticus 19); and everyone who went out to eat after church could merit a possible stoning (Exodus 31).

The great news of the gospel is that Old Testament law no longer binds Christians. Avoiding tattoo parlors or Red Lobster doesn’t make you righteous - Jesus’ death and resurrection do! While you need to remember your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16), you don’t have to let other people’s sense of religious propriety constrain you. However, if our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark it up” with tattoos or body piercing. An important Scriptural principle on issues of this nature that the Bible does not specifically address is that if there is room for doubt as to whether it pleases God, then it is best to not engage in that activity.

Next post- The Implications

Is it Really Body Art? To Ink Up or Not?

A number of years ago my son Jason asked if he could get a tattoo. Rather than be shocked by his request I was cool and said why didn’t he wait a few years until he was older and if he still wanted one I would get one with him. ‘What did I just say,’ I said silently to myself?

I thought back to the church plant in Scotland I was involved in many years ago, I would watch in amazement as young people would come out of tattoo parlors sporting (showing off) tattoos glowing with vibrant colors! Did they not realize that they would eventually turn a 'darkened black/green not so pretty mark' on their bodies?

In fact, in Bible College, I remember one student who got some of his tattoos removed but not without considerable pain and scaring. Of course, that was before the advent of laser that has now found a new use (according to the ads) among those who don’t want their tattoos anymore.

A pastor friend called me this year and wondered what I thought of staff people having tattoos? Of course I now actually have some that do. I tried to give him some pointers, not sure I helped.

A couple of weeks ago three children’s workers returned to the lodge sporting what looked like actual tattoos, one of them on the calf and the other two had theirs in the small of their backs. They asked me if I was shocked. ‘Of course not,’ I said. Of course I was wondering if the mountain air and altitude had gotten to them and if I was next. (They were henna tattoos that faded off over a brief time) Whew!

And now many are asking about the tattoos of Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Healing revival. Does and can God use an inked body for His glory?

So it is obvious that Christians are now getting tattoos. Many are going through the doors of ‘questionable tattoo parlors’ and allowing others to put their hands on their bodies and ink them. Google this issue, and you’ll see opinions varying from “Go for it!” to “You’ll go to hell for it.” Many Christians as well as Pastors are grappling with the tattoo question.

I have been studying this issue (as any pastor should) having read countless articles, have had numerous discussions (or were they heated debates?) and I have arrived at a peace in my mind about it. I will attempt to put forth some ideas and will give references if I have them or can remember them.

Next post- What does the Bible say about tattoos?

Also, at the end of this series I will tell you whether or not my son and I got tattoos!

Wear Yourself Out!

Ex 18:17-18 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. NIV

I have run 5 marathons and I am acquainted with hitting the wall. I’ve known first hand the cramping and exhaustion that often occurs. I have experienced the complete physical depletion!

You can imagine my surprise that over the past few months I have arrived at a point of physical depletion – all without running any marathons!

It all started with a few Saturdays on a project at home where I literally exhausted my body. Plus add to that the fact of God moving at the Vine and my praying upwards of an hour for people on numerous Sundays. Then add a trip out of town, stress of meetings, and sleepless nights. What does all this spell- exhaustion!

I hit the wall physically! I wore myself out in spite of knowing Jethro’s counsel to Moses!

An upper respiratory infection running for 4 weeks! Fungus infection in my throat! My immune system compromised! That is the price I am paying for not pacing myself. As a response to all this, my Doctor, my wife, and son put into affect an intervention. I have been confined to my house for rest since Thursday. No work, no tennis; just rest----

I am feeling somewhat better and I hope to preach Sunday- on Ex 18:17-18!

Thanks for praying.

Bridge to Hawaii or Understanding Women?

A man was walking along a California beach and stumbled across an old lamp. He picked it up and rubbed it and out popped a genie.

The genie said, "OK, OK. You released me from the lamp, blah blah blah. This is the fourth time this month and I'm getting a little sick of these wishes so you can forget about getting three. You only get one wish!"

The man sat and thought about it for a while. Finally, he said, "I've always wanted to go to Hawaii but I'm scared to fly and I get very seasick. Could you build me a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over there to visit?"

The genie laughed loudly and said, "That's impossible. Think of the monumental logistics! How would the supports ever reach the bottom of the Pacific? Think of all the concrete! Think of all the steel! No, think of another wish."

The man said OK, sat back down and tried to think of a really good wish.

Finally, he said, "I've been married and divorced four times. My wives always said that I don't care and that I'm insensitive. So, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know how they feel inside. I want to know what they're thinking when they give me the silent treatment. I want to know why they're crying and know what they really want when they say 'nothing'. Most of all, I want to know how to make them truly happy."

The genie said, "You want that bridge two lanes or four?"

Who's My Neighbor?

A 91-year-old woman who had crawled under her car to look for her keys ended up stuck beneath an axle for two days until her mail carrier noticed letters piling up, police said.

Betty Borowski, of the Milwaukee suburb of Greendale, was found Tuesday and remained in a hospital in critical intensive care Friday, her niece Nancy DiMarco said. The hospital would not give an update on her condition Saturday.

Borowski, who lives alone, became stuck June 29 while looking for her keys; her head apparently got pinned by the axle, Greendale Police Chief Rob Dams said.

"She was pretty well wedged in there," Dams said. "It looks like she crawled under headfirst."

Borowski's mail carrier noticed Tuesday that the previous day's mail was still in her mailbox, police said. He rang the doorbell and then asked a neighbor whether he had seen Borowski lately. He hadn't, so they called police.

Firefighters lifted the car with a jack and removed Borowski, who was dehydrated and confused.

It turned out her keys were in the car door.

Borowski appears to be recovering, DiMarco said, but may have suffered a minor heart attack while under the vehicle.

"If it wasn't for people seeing a situation and following through ... who knows?" she said. "She wouldn't have made it about one more day."

Would you have noticed?

MAJOR CHANGE HAPPENING IN MY LIFE

While at the Liberty Fellowship conference this week the presbytery met at the conference. A major change is occurring for me at this time, but let me say straight up that IT DOES NOT INVOLVE MY LEAVING VINE FELLOWSHIP NOR RESIGNING AS PASTOR. Let me give you the details as expressed in a letter sent to LF members by our former Executive Director Jim Darnell (with me in pic):

At our Liberty Fellowship Summer Family Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina I resigned as Executive Director of Liberty Fellowship. I will turn 67years old at the end of August and feel the Lord changing our ministry…

I could not make these changes if Pastor David Kerr had not been willing to become our new Executive Director. God has always been faithful to provide the point man leadership for this Fellowship. When Brother Bill Stamp stepped back from the office of president after many years of service, Danny Tice stepped up to the plate. When Danny resigned God persuaded me to do it for three years. Now the Lord is bringing David into this responsibility.

David Kerr is a man of real character and anointing. He is a good man and a creative leader. I trust him fully. He will do a great job.

What will be my future relationship to the Fellowship? I will continue to be a faithful member attending district meetings and the summer conferences, but not as a presbyter. Beth and I love Liberty Fellowship. I will also continue to oversee those in the fellowship that I have been pastor to for many years. Also, since David Kerr is pastor of a church he will not be able to fulfill all the traveling responsibilities of the Liberty Executive Director. He has asked me to be his traveling arm of the ministry. When he can’t go do a new church building dedication, a local church Bible conference, or a church leadership training session, etc… I will go for him. I made this personal commitment to David and the presbytery.

May God continue to bless you, your family, your ministry and Liberty Fellowship. It has been my honor to serve you. Jim Darnell.

So, there you have it! I have been Administrative Director of LF for a number of years. I assumed the responsibilities of Executive Director this past week. Tammy Barch will be Executive Assistant and carry many of the responsibilities that I previously had. Therefore we need your prayers and God’s grace and abilities to faithfully perform our duties as we continue to serve both Vine Fellowship and Liberty Fellowship!

News from the NC Mountains-

We are into our third day of Liberty Fellowship Annual Family Conference. It has been awesome! There are not many organizations that attempt a 'Family Conference' anymore because of the logistics, cost, and the hassle of setting up children's and youth ministries to run concurrent to the adult meetings. LF has successfully done this every year since it's beginnings! It really is a conference for the whole family ministering to the whole family.

Mike Cavanaugh is our speaker for this conference. He had flight problems on Monday and was not able to make the first meeting. So, I ended up preaching the first service- God was faithful and showed up and touched the hearts of many people.

Tuesday is always a 'family play day' and families are encouraged to do something together. We had a golf tournament, tennis, white water rafting, kayaking, shopping, eating---- great time had by all.

Mike's main theme Tuesday night was training the next generation. Challenging to us as a fellowship and the changes that are taking place with us right now.

I am up early- 4:15am - planning for the presbytery breakfast mtg, the general meeting, a LF business meeting with all the members, and then my seminar this afternoon on 'How to Handle Rejection in Ministry!' Appreciate your prayers.

And yes, I still remember that tomorrow is my 37th Wedding Anniversary to the most wonderful wife, mother, woman of God that I know on the face of this earth- I love you, Debi!

Liberty Fellowship - 37th Wedding Anniversary!

Debi and I left IMMEDIATELY (notice my stressing immediately) after service Sunday to catch a 1:15PM flight to Atlanta, GA. We were on our way to Liberty Fellowship’s annual summer conference in Lake Junaluska, NC. We rented a car (reserved economy - they upgraded us to a convertible no additional charge - we must look like convertible people!) and drove the 3½ hours through the beautiful NC Mountains including the Great Smokey Mountains. This is familiar territory to us having grown up in Bristol VA/TN.

The presbytery will be meeting during this time and it is a very important meeting. I can’t say much now but will share with you soon why I am asking you to pray for me and God’s wisdom. I know I can count on you.

1 Tim 3:2(TLB)For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be a good Bible teacher.

Please notice the above emphasis on ‘one wife.’ Debi and I will celebrate our 37th Wedding Anniversary while there on July 3rd. I am delighted that I can live with the ‘wife of my youth’ and that we have maintained a great healthy and heavenly marriage all these years. She is a complete joy to me and one that I don’t take for granted. God has used her to help mold and shape me into the man that I am today. I esteem her highly for the Lord’s sake. Debi, I love you and thank you for loving me and forbearing with me all these years. May God grant us many more to come!

We finish our Presbytery meeting on Friday morning and we will drive back to Atlanta staying the night and then flying back to Arlington on Saturday. I will be in the pulpit next Sunday.

In light of this week being July 4th, I want you to know that Jesus Christ has set us free and free indeed. We are to die to sin and live to and for Him. We are no longer under condemnation. You can't get any cleaner but you can go deeper!

Dietary Issues?!?

A doctor was addressing a large audience.

"Red meat is bad for you," he told the audience.

"Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining."

"Chinese food is loaded with MSG."

"High fat diets are disastrous."

"No one knows the long-term effect of germs in our drinking water," said the doctor.

"But one food is the most dangerous of all and I bet every one of you has eaten it at least once. Can anyone tell me which food causes the most problems for years after you eat it?"

An old man in the front row raised his hand and softly asked, "Is it wedding cake?"

I know, wives are going to dislike me, but such is life! Besides it is funny and can go both ways!

F.T.U.C.C.U.S.A.

Great humorous commentary on the church goer and his wants!

Update- Pastor Phillip Miles Released!

This is an update on a previous post.

From the church website:

Monday, June 23, 2008

Pastor Phillip Miles is being released! The court of appeals deliberated for 10 minutes after arguments were made and reduced his sentence and ordered his immediate release from prison. We hope to have Pastor Miles home in the next several days. Thanks to all for your prayers and support.

My House Will be His House! Pt 3-

3. He had a plan for his family. Being priest of the family is not enough. The Godly father must also have a plan for the spiritual life of his loved ones. Joshua said, “…we will serve the Lord.”

A father must strive with God’s help for family unity. When Joshua spoke his voice rang with the sound of unity: “me and my house.” There was togetherness. And I believe that the reason that unity was there was due to his Godly character, his example. His faith was genuine, authentic and as a result his family said, in essence, “Whatever you say, dad, we will agree.

Joshua was determined at least to establish a spiritual oasis with his family. In such an oasis, spiritual giants are grown.

The family will usually follow the parent, especially the father. Someone has said, “A boy loves his mother, but will follow his father."

There is a touching story about a humble, consecrated pastor whose young son had become very ill. After the boy had undergone an exhaustive series of tests, the father was told the shocking news that his son had a terminal illness. The youngster had accepted Christ as his Savior, so the minister knew that death would usher him into Glory; but he wondered how to inform one in the bloom of youth that he soon would die. After earnestly seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, he went with a heavy heart through the hospital ward to the boy’s bedside.

First he read a passage of Scripture and had a time of prayer with his dear child. Then he gently told him that the doctors could promise him only a few more days to live. "Are you afraid to meet Jesus, my boy?" asked his devout father. Blinking away a few tears, the little fellow said bravely, "No, not if He’s like you, Dad!"

Dad's, let's strive to be the best!

My House will be His House! Pt 2-

Continuing with my Father's Day 2008 message on Joshua.

2. He was Priest in his home. He acknowledged his responsibility for the spiritual life of his family. He spoke for his family; he declared their intent.

-A priest cannot function unless he is in close contact with God.

-According to the Bible, the family was designed to be the basic educational unit (Deut. 6:6-9; 11:18; Eph.6:4). It is the father’s duty, then, to make sure his children know how to be saved and how to walk in the ways of the Lord.

-The greatest thing a father can pass on to his children is the love of God. We all know that love begets love. In chapter 3, verse 11, Joshua urges Israel to make love of God their special aim. If we would give love we must first receive it. And if we are to pass it on to our children and grandchildren, we must first absorb it and then demonstrate it.

There is this story of a little fellow, frightened by lightning and thunder, who called out one dark night, "Daddy, come. I’m scared." "Son," the father said, "God loves you and he’ll take care of you." "I know God loves me," the boy replied. "But right now I want somebody who has skin on." As I have lived my life in front of my family, I have endeavored to be this above all else - God’s love with skin on.

-As priest of the home, the Godly father is also a man of prayer. He goes to God often on behalf of his family, asking for wisdom and courage for himself, and protection for his wife and children. Job is an example: “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom” (Job 1:5).

Part 3 will follow tomorrow.

My House will be His House! Pt 1-

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:14-15

On Father’s Day 2008 I turned to the final chapter of Joshua. You all are familiar with the quote I used. Joshua was 110 years old, served Moses for 40 years, and now had been leading the children of Israel in the promise land for 25 years. His task is done. The land has been conquered, divided up and given as inheritance to the tribes to settle and prosper in.

Joshua was a great leader for the nation of Israel. But he was also a great leader for his family! I noted 3 things that he did as a father:

1. He was the leader in his home! He was the leader of his household. He did not abdicate that nor lord it over his family. He was a man of courage, integrity, and conviction. Joshua knew that a nation was only as strong as its Fathers. Joshua knew that the father holds in his power the security of today and the potential of tomorrow.

If as fathers we choose to ignore the God-given responsibility we have been given, we unknowingly are sowing seeds of wickedness that is destined to confront us. A.B. Simpson called this the “wickedness of weakness” when we men refuse to fulfill our place as the leader of our household. Yet I have seen this abdication time and time again of fathers.

I have spent my years here at the Vine encouraging men to be the leaders in their home. I can’t make men be that- but there is this ‘wickedness of weakness’ I have watched time and again as strong willed women have led their family out of the Vine and other churches followed by their husbands saying “Yes, dear.” These men acquiesced without one ounce of backbone to stand up to their wives and be the leader of the home that makes those kind of decisions!

God, please let men be men and fulfill their destiny you have for them!

Parts 2 & 3 to follow with other 2 things that Joshua was as a Father.

Keeping Your Monitor Screen Clean-

We clean the outside our our monitor screen and this pug cleans the inside for us!

Oil Crisis Solution!

OPEC sells oil for $128.00 a barrel.

OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $7.00 a bushel.

Solution: Sell grain for $128.00 a bushel.

Can't buy it?
Tough!

Eat your oil!

thanks Dawn

Absurdity #35- PC Police Try to Silence Resturant Owner-

A Philadelphia resturant has been cleared of a discrimination complaint triggered by the owner's sign telling patrons, "This is America. When ordering, please speak English."

The controversy began in October 2005 when owner JoeyVento put up a small bumper-sticker size sign.

On June 12, 2006, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations launched a discrimination case against Vento. It alleged the sign violated the city's Fair Practice Ordinance by discouraging the business of non-English speaking people, including, most importantly, Hispanic-speaking immigrants.

Vento said, "I'm an American of Italian descent, but I don't go around telling people I'm an Italian-American. I always say I'm American-Italian. If you are a true American, then put America first."

Vento said, "You have to assimilate here so the U.S. becomes your first country."

Vento said he always took the sign positively.

"To succeed in this country it helps to speak English. It's as simple as that."

"This is a great victory," said owner Joey Vento.

I'll say!!!

Pastor Phillip Miles - Bullets Get You a Russian Jail Cell!

Travelling overseas in some countries is always a risky proposition. What you carry with you is always open to scrutiny. There are many things that I would suggest that you not take with you - add bullets to the list!

To know more about this and keep an update of Pastor Miles' appeals. go to Christ Community Church website and click on 'News Update.'

I have known his dad Houston for many years. Let's pray for them all and especially for Pastor Miles release and his wife, Lynn, to be encouraged and comforted.

Speaking Up and Paying the Price!

Do you remember Bridget Bardot? You do???? Aha, caught you!

Well, the 73 year actress and animal rights activist was just fined $23,000 for making anti Muslim comments. France is home to Europe's largest Muslim community, estimated at five million people.

It seems that she wrote France's interior minister (current President Nicolas Sarkozy) that Muslims should stun animals before slaughtering them during the Aid al-Kabir holiday.

So what is wrong with that? Nothing. But here is what she said that got her fined:

"I've had enough of being led by the nose by this whole population which is destroying us, (and) destroying our country by imposing their ways."

Bardot already has four convictions on similar charges. In 2004 she was fined 5,000 euros for inciting racial hatred in her book "Un Cri Dans le Silence" (A Cry in the Silence).

One against 5 million - great odds.

When will it happen here? Will you be that one?

Drunk Drivers - STAY HOME!!!

Jennifer and Neil - Katie's parents.

A beautiful wedding - family leaving in a limo - head on collision with a drunk driver -

The drunk driver, 24 year old Martin Heidgen, had at least 14 drinks before he got on the freeway speeding in the wrong direction.

What happens is gruesome - not for faint of heart!

This story is so tragic, I won't do it justice. I'll let you read it (mature audiences only)

This is so wrong!!!!!

This is why I don't condone drinking! You never know when you will become the killer!

Too Close For Comfort?

Michael Roach, 55, trained in the same Tibetan Buddhist tradition as the Dalai Lama, and became a monk in 1983. Monks must take strict vows of celibacy. So what’s wrong with that? Well, Michael and Christie McNally, 35, a Buddhist teacher, took vows to be never more than 15 feet from each other. No problem though as they claim that they are celibate too.

However, within the traditional Buddhist religion living with a woman whether celibate or not is a scandal. Talk about gender divide and separation!

So how do they do that? Half of the year, it's fairly simple, since they both live in a tiny, 22-foot yurt (or tent) in the middle of the Arizona desert, where they read books at the same time and follow each other like shadows. (They first moved there to do a silent retreat, so from 2000-2003, they lived in complete, silence and meditation.)Things do get a bit more complicated when they travel. For example, if they can't get seats next to each other on a plane, they simply refuse to board. If one gets up to go to the bathroom, the other must follow and stand outside the door. Now that is togetherness to the max.

I don’t know if you should try this at home. What do you think?

Deputized!

The Sheriff is in town and you have been deputized!

Joshua 10:24-25 NIV
When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."

Col 2:15 NIV
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Lk 10:17-19
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” NIV

There was a missionary who went to Africa to preach the Gospel. One day he was going to preach somewhere and he rode on his horse. When the horse got to a certain location, it stopped and refused to move. The man got off the horse and looked round to see what was there. He saw a big snake near a big stone and he was scared.

Having heard stories of dangerous snakes in Africa, he started to calculate what solution could help out. He decided to quietly move back to his horse and go back home, saying that he would apologize to the congregation for not coming. He then heard the Holy Spirit say he would have failed in his duty, if he did that. He summed up courage and picked stones and threw them at the snake. To his surprise, the snake did not move. He moved back and threw more; then he realized that it was already dead. This means he was occupied for about 30 minutes, by a dead, harmless snake.

We spend too much time concerned with the attacks of the devil when we have been given authority and power over him. Jesus wants us to walk in that victorious authority here on earth. It is part of His Kingdom being demonstrated on earth through us. We have been deputized-we are appointed by Jesus as His substitute with power to act!

Let’s act like it!

Pothole Religion-

After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys, a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle through her kitchen window.

The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole.

As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother runs to the yard in a panic.

'Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!' she asks as she shook the older boy in anger.

'We were just playing 'church' mommy, ' he said.

'And I was just baptizing him.....in the name of the Father, the Son and in...the hole-he-goes.'

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Still in Pensacola FL with Debi. Have breakfast and lunch mtgs today. Preach at Liberty Church tonight. Visit with some friends tomorrow in nursing home then on to lunch at Fish House. Been extremely busy week here. Need to get home for some rest!

Freedom is Never Free-

Heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

Yesterday at church, I began the service with tribute to the 1.2 million men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom! I was glad to be tell the saints that Michael Allee had returned from his 3rd deployment to Iraq. I read the citation from the President of the United States for Christopher Clair upon receiving the Bronze Star after 4 deployments to Iraq.

Here is an excerpt from an email sent by Jerry West, a friend of mine:

On a recent flight home, I saw something that was impacting. On the flight from Atlanta to Orlando I saw a young Marine sergeant. I always make sure to thank them for serving. (We have a nephew who is back in Iraq.) This young Marine was in dress uniform; he thanked me for my support.

When we landed, we were told to stay seated because “Staff sergeant Gomez is escorting the body of a fallen Marine home.” When I left the plane, I stood at the window and watched the honor guard escort the flag draped casket to the hearse, to take the young man to his resting place. Sergeant Gomez stood on post, never wavering. There were at least 100 of us watching without a sound, some were crying, I know I was.

It was bittersweet. Bitter, because someones son/husband/brother was coming home in a box; Sweet, because he fought for our cause. It was my honor to watch this. I wanted to share this with you, because it brought home the great price of freedom. This Marine lost his life, Jesus gave his, and freedom will always have a price tag. Our nephew said he was going back because there is unfinished business. This is his 5th time over, last time he was sent home injured, and refused a purple heart.

Recently in our home church, a young pregnant lady and her husband from Lebanon, both born Muslims, asked Jesus to be the Lord of their lives; they wanted to know more about this Jesus. She is receiving death threats from her family, but they wanted Jesus more. Our troops are fighting for the freedom of people just like this young couple that want to know more about Jesus. It is not just about politics, it’s about freedom, true freedom.

I want to pay tribute to all those that knew freedom isn't free and were willing to give their lives to have it. I also want to say thank you to those who even now are fighting to preserve it! God Bless you and God Bless the USA!

Gotta Love Birthdays!

Celebrated my birthday on May 10th. Staff surprised me with a meal and a Leather Rolling Notebook Case! Received many cards- love them!

Below is one that I will remember:

Thanks Rob and Brooke :>)

Debi and I left Sunday afternoon for a road trip in our convertible to Pensacola FL. I have a Globe International Board meeting on Tuesday night, lunch with Ken Sumrall and Buford Lipscomb on Wednesday, preach at Liberty Church that night, lunch on Thursday with Robert and Vicki Pooley at the Fish House for some good fellowship and Grits a Ya Ya! Will be seeing other friends as well and checking out some condos for our family vacation in August. Should be a great time. We return on Friday.

Preach With Power - Not Just Theory

God is doing something great among us here at the Vine as we draw closer to Him. He is meeting us in fresh and new ways in our services. I have had many comments on what is happening. Many don’t want to leave as they are afraid that they will miss something. When God is in the house in demonstration of power and the miraculous, there is a sense that anything could happen. I don’t want to leave either!

1Co 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. NIV

Paul was a great communicator, preacher, writer, evangelist, and apostle. However, from the verses above he just didn’t rely on his skills and gift of communication. He knew he could preach everyone under the rug. But, he would rather speak a few words and see the power of God manifested than be eloquent and communicate with many words and not see the power of God.

Bill Johnson said, “Many of us have preached in the name of Jesus without any demonstration of power. That kind of powerless, ineffective preaching must stop. We can’t afford to give theory without the reality anymore.”

Ouch! I strive to be a great communicator at the Vine and when I minister other places. I still want that but now with fewer words and the demonstration of the power of God! This is what Jesus told his disciples:

Mt 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. NKJV

Pastors, let’s believe God to demonstrate His kingdom here on earth through us.

The Other Good Samaritan

Lk 10:33-34
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. NIV

A rich man died and went to The Judgment.

St. Peter met him at the Gates of Heaven and said, "Before you meet with God, I thought I should tell you - we've looked at your life, and your really didn't do anything particularly good or bad. We're not at all sure what to do with you. Can you tell us anything you did that can help us make a decision?"

The man thought for a moment and replied, "Yeah, once I was driving along in my Ferrari and came upon a woman who was being harassed by a group of bikers. So I pulled over, got out my tire iron, and went up to the leader of the bikers. He was a big, muscular, hairy guy with tattoos all over his body and a ring pierced through his nose. Well, I tore the nose ring out of his nose, and told him he and his gang had better stop bothering the woman or they would have to deal with me!"

"I'm impressed," St. Peter responded, "When did this happen?"

"About two minutes ago," came the reply.

Are You Standing Firm?

This happened here in our area. My wife asked "What he was thinking?" I had to answer, "I honestly don't know." Any thoughts or comment on this?


Gal 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. NIV

Gal 6:1
If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. TMB

1 Co 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV

Lord help us to stand firm, resolute, circumspect, and cautious!

Supernatural Saints!

I am thanking God for the last two Sundays. God is doing some special things among us at the Vine! I am excited to come to church just to see what He is up to!

I’m only human!
Have you ever said the above phrase? Our Life Group is reading and discussing Bill Johnson’s ‘The Supernatural Power of the Transformed Mind.’ Here are a couple of excerpts from Johnson’s book:

“To say, ‘I’m only human,’ is to say, ‘I’m only satanic.’ Humanity without Christ at the center is satanic in nature. When you’ve been given the Spirit of God, you lose the privilege of claiming, ‘I’m only human.’ You are much more than that!”

“I have come to see that the normal Christian life means miracles, spiritual intervention, and revelation. It means peace, joy, love, a sense of well-being and purpose—all these traits that elude so many Christians. Written into the spiritual DNA of every believer is an appetite for the impossible that cannot be ignored or wished away. The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us, making it impossible for us to be content with what we can only see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Our hearts know there is much more to life than what we perceive with our senses; we are spiritually agitated by the lack of connection with the realm of the supernatural. In the end, nothing satisfies the heart of the Christian like seeing so-called impossibilities bow their knees to the name of Jesus. Anything less than this is abnormal and unfulfilling.”

The truth for us all is that we are far different than we often understand. We are bearers of the supernatural life of God dwelling in us! That is why the enemy tries to keep us down and out- he doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by Christians who know who they are and are willing to act it out daily in the course of their lives.

Let God arise in His people! Let’s expect the miraculous!

New Use for Tennis Racket- Ouch!

New Set of Wheels on the Way to Heaven--

Evangelist Ronnie Hill is offering the opportunity to win a set of wheels if you go to his website and watch a 3 minute testimony about Jesus.

You can choose a CHANCE to win a new Dodge truck, Jeep Wrangler or Chrysler 300.

CATCH- You have to listen to his 3 minute testimony. You can find it here.

The drawing is taking place on December 12, 2008. In three months about 3,649 have entered the drawing (did I, you ask?). More than 840 have prayed to receive Christ!

GOOD NEWS- no prayer for salvation required to enter. The contest that is!

Wired!!! This is India-

Click to see larger pic

THIS IS INDIA.

IT'S WHERE YOU CALL WHEN YOU HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM WITH YOUR COMPUTER OR OTHER OUTSOURCING NEED.

When God Responds-

Last Sunday I preached on the subject mentioned in the previous post- 'What do you want me to do for you?' After I finished I called people forward for prayer and had them state what they wanted God do do for them - and then we prayed. The prayer time went well over an hour and God's presence was mightily there. People didn't want to leave!

Here is a testimony from Sunday:

I just wanted y'all to know how powerful the prayer service on Sunday was to us! I am new to all of this. I was raised Methodist and that is completely out of my comfort zone, but I can't tell you how glad I am that we went up there! I have been in so much pain for months from the RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It's gotten to the point, even with medication, that I can't do everyday things. There were days that I was in the bed with fever and couldn't move. I have multiple joints that need to be replaced in my feet. I also have joint pain/damage/swelling in my hands, knees, hip and neck. I had gotten very discouraged because this has been so debilitating. It's NOT ME to just lie around. Although, after Sunday, I have been remarkably better! I feel more like myself!! I only have a little aching and stiffness in my feet and that's all! I haven't had a "bad day" at all this week, which is unheard of! Also, my son has a condition that he was born with in his knees that causes him pain. The next step for him is surgery. After Sunday, he has been pain free! He has been able to run and play! He was even trying to find the spot in his knees that normally causes the pain and couldn't! I hope that everyone involved on Sunday was as encouraged as we were! God was definitely in the house! Praise God!! KM

Wow, more Lord of your power and healing virtue to be manisfested!

What do you want me to do for you?

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"…"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Mt 20:29-34 NIV

One thing we learn in our Christian walk is that our need will be met (Phil 4:19); but your wants you will have to go get- go after! The two blind men went after Jesus for what He had- the power to heal them! Peter had to get out of the boat to go get what Jesus had! He wanted it- he went for it!

It is said of Joshua and the elders in dealing with the Gibeonites that they failed to ask of the Lord: “The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn't ask God about it.” Jos 9:14 TMB

Too many times we fail to get our wants because we fail to ask of the Lord. Listen, it is not wrong to ask of the Lord. James said, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” Jas 4:2 NIV

Please don’t get hung up on ‘asking amiss or incorrectly’ as some teach, just ask! James is the same writer who said if you were sick to call for the elders to pray over you to be healed! (James 5:14)

Ask to be healed! I am rejoicing over Brad’s healing and I am rejoicing with Trey (a fellow blogger) on his anniversary of being healed of cancer; “…today on May 6th, I celebrate my life being cancer free.” My note- 5 years!

The Lord asks today “What do you want me to do for you?” Ask of God dear friend!

UPS Able to Deliver to the Past!

I ordered an item at Amazon.com on 5/02/2008. Imagine my surprise that UPS had delivered it already- but on 10/25/2006 4:59 PM! Here is what their tracking site said:

Delivery Notification
Dear Customer,
This is in response to your request for delivery information concerning the shipment listed below.

Tracking Number: 1Z A72 28W 02 8741 --- -
Service: 2ND DAY AIR
Weight: 1.00 Lb
Shipped/Billed On: 05/02/2008
Delivered On: 10/25/2006 4:59 P.M.
Delivered To: NEW YORK , NY , US
Signed By: ANDERSON
Location: RESIDENTIAL

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
UPS
Tracking results provided by UPS: 05/03/2008 1:23 P.M. ET

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Do you have anything you want to sent back to the past!?! (BTW, this is real, it happened to me this week.)

Time to Take Action - UPDATED 5/6

Procter & Gamble has added homosexual lovers to its soap opera “As the World Turns.” It has also added scenes of homosexuals with open mouth kissing.

What could be the motive behind P&G’s push is to desensitize viewers, especially younger viewers, to the homosexual lifestyle? How about the ultimate goal of homosexual activists being the acceptance of homosexual marriage.

Procter & Gamble wants to know if you approve its efforts to promote the homosexual lifestyle. It has established a toll-free number for you to call and vote to approve or disapprove its support of homosexuality.

Please call the toll-free number P&G has set up for the public regarding its promotion of the homosexual lifestyle. There is not a live person at this number.

Call 1-800-331-3774 and click 1 for English;
then click on option 2.

Following the recording, click on option 2 again.

UPDATE- After AFA had put out the word that P&G wanted to hear from AFA supporters, P&G abruptly ended the above toll free number.

AFA is encouraging supporters to call P&G and ask the company why it is promoting the gay lifestyle and why it quit using the toll-free number to receive opinions only after AFA notified AFA supporters about it. We urge you to spend a few cents to register your complaint with P&G. Here is P&G’s corporate number to call: 513-983-1100.

Absurdity #34- Baby Droppings - bizarre!!!

Glad I live in the USA, embrace Christ, and, besides, my wife would have killed me if I did this with Ryan and Jason!

What a Mighty God We Serve!

While I was away this past weekend in El Paso I had my Worship Pastor Brad Irons preach for me. He actually lead worship and then preached. He did an awesome job. Go here to listen to his sermon.

Sunday afternoon he started having a severe headache and numbness on his right side. He was taken to the emergency room where even morphine didn't cut the pain he was experiencing. Over the last few days he has been through a number of tests to determine what was wrong. Heart, kidneys, high blood pressure, etc. Doctors thought his heart was damaged and that he may have clogged arteries. They did a heart cath today - and - well, I will let his wife speak for them:

Ephesians 3: 20-21Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Today: Words are just inadequate to express a mighty move of God that leaves a doctor perplexed.

Yesterday Brad's test results were 2 abnormal EKGs and a heart sonogram (video) showing a 40% loss of heart function. It was SEEN ON VIDEO NOT FUNCTIONING!!

Today during the heart cath the doctor was completely shocked to find no real blockages AND a heart that was functioning at 100%. He expressed his confusion about the discrepancies between the tests yesterday and the results he saw today. He was not prepared for what he saw. He was expecting to have to place stints or possibly even go into open heart surgery.

Now he said we will just aggressively treat his blood pressure but no other procedure is necessary as HIS HEART IS FULLY FUNCTIONING AND IN THE CLEAR!!

Truly God did answer the prayers of the saints...and I thank you all for spending the precious time offering up prayers on behalf of our family.

It never ceases to amaze me that God continues to do miracles again and again...each one still leaves me in AWE.... Please continue to pray for Brad today as he is having really BAD back pain and is having to lay flat on his back for the next 6-8 hours. The morphine is not helping the back pain.

Again, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! Dawn

All I can do is agree with her and thank the mighty God we serve. Thank you, Jesus!

God Gives the Victory!

Jos 6:1-2 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. NIV

I love the Book of Joshua! I love teaching from it. It is a book of leadership, strength, courage, inheriting promises, battles, victories, and miracles.

God always goes before us in our walk with Him. The victories are planned by Him beforehand. When Joshua was to confront the mighty walls of Jericho, God had already given Him the victory and how to accomplish it. He followed God's plan to the letter and the walls did actually come tumbling down.

Jos 7:4-5
4 So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water. NIV

In the battle for the next city Ai, Joshua became a little arrogant and forgot to ask God what His plans were for victory over Ai. They decided to send a smaller group to fight and got their tails kicked! It was only after that defeat that Joshua sought the Lord and allowed Him to tell him how to take the city.

Oh how we try too often to live our lives separately from God and fight our battles our own way. It isn't until we have our tails kicked, tucked, and we're off and running from our battle that we finally get to the place where we cry out to God.

You think we'd learn!

Heading to El Paso-

Debi and I are heading to El Paso to be with our friends Buster and Judy Russell. They pastor a great church (LifeGate) there and we always enjoy going there to minister.

I will preach an all day Men's Conference on Saturday and then for the church on Sunday. Monday will be a play day with our friends before heading back on Tuesday.

Buster had mentioned in his brochure about wanting the men of LifeGate to be mighty warriors. So I came up with this slogan, "Strong Warriors against the times!" His youth pastor Josh designed this t-shirt to give to the men at the completion of the day.

Pretty cool --