The truth

You are not alive until you have it and you had better not die without it!

No comment

Um, like I said, no comment.

In the words of Satan

Since I got no response on FB maybe you will respond and give your reaction here where you can do it anonymously. This video really opened my eyes to a few things, what about you?

Time, It's not on your side

Been a while since I blew off a little steam, so here goes. Why is it that so many people are consumed by time? Everyone has enough time for what they want to do but little time to invest in others. I find this especially true in a church setting. They will sit all day for their own particular ministry but any other ministry had better end on time! Of all the places I have traveled and worshiped the only place that there are "clock watchers" are in the American church. It is because we care so little for the Word or is it because we care too much for ourselves or maybe we have lost the art of relational time. I have come to like the places in the world where spending time together are more important than what a person has to do next. It comes off to me as people are so consumed with self that they really are not listening to what is being said but simply marking time until their next engagement. In Acts 20 Paul preaches until dawn and the people stayed and listened. Not because they didn't have anything else to do but because there was true hunger and thirst for the Word. There wasn't someone in the back of the room waving their hands pointing at the clock or pretending to sleep trying to make Paul wrap it up. They didn't leave that morning after listening all night complaining that Paul had gone long. And the guy who did fall asleep died, yes Paul brought him back to life but take from that lesson what you will on the dangers of not paying attention. The other reason people are so ready for it to be over is that they have not come to worship but to receive. They either have never been taught or have forgotten that church isn't about us, it is about God. We go to church not to "fill up" but to pour out. Pour out ourselves in worship only then can we "leave full". Our problem is that we go in full of self, expect to get more for ourselves, and then leave "on time" so that we can get to whatever we have to do next. Rant complete.

Some Spurgeon

I never could believe in the Jesus Christ of some people, for the Christ in whom they believe is simply full of affectionateness and gentleness, whereas I believe there never was a more splendid specimen of manhood, even it's sternness, than the Savior; and the very lips which declared that He would not break a bruised reed uttered the most terrible anathemas upon the Pharisees- Charles H Spurgeon

Good stuff!

Been gone a while

Well the first trip to Bulgaria is over. We had a great trip. Went back on Facebook mainly to keep family updated on the trip while gone. To be honest I think I'll drop back off until the next mission trip. Finding it a little annoying. A think there is a whole lot of fake and self righteousness going on their. Why do people act that way? Why can't we just be real with each other? Oooo, look at me, I'm more holy than you! Makes me sick to see people jockey for comments to the affirmative for their thoughts and the instant demonization of those with an opinion different than their own. I find it funny too that I can post something about a total waste of time and get 900 comments in response. Post something that will cause them to face themselves and their sin and get silence. The reason is if they were to be real then the facade would could down and all would see us as we truly are. Comments?

Seven days!

Next Wednesday the team and I will be getting on a plane and heading back to Bulgaria. This is the first of three trips this year. Looking for lots of prayer as we begin to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Looking for God to use us in a mighty way.

House...cont.

Ok, half of the kitchen has been torn out and replaced. Whew! I am beat.

Spring break workathon!

Melissa and I have been wiring from morning to night and beyond on the kitchen. Photos to come soon. We are about beat!

Spring Break

Well Melissa and the kids start spring break and they will be home for a week. We are gonna try and get half of the kitchen torn out and the new fridge and stove installed.

Rightly Dividing the Word

Pastor Neil brought a great message this morning. The mystery of God's sovereignty. Not even the atheist can claim that he has rejected God. It was God's sovereign choice to harden the heart just like it was God's sovereign choice to open the heart unto salvation. God is so awesome in that no one believer or unbeliever can boast. News flash - God is in control and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank God!

House cont.

New fridge, check! New stove, check! Ready to rip out half of the kitchen, um, no! I have to get a new breaker panel and rewire the half of the kitchen that the stove and fridge is going on too. So, Melissa is dying to use the new stove. I have to admit, we have never had appliances this nice or neat! I told her to get what she wanted and she did. Even though it's gonna be a lot of work I look forward to getting them installed for her.

The Love Wins heresy

Maybe you've seen the bumper or window stickers that say Love Wins and thought oh that's nice, I want one because in the end Love does win and never saw the danger behind have it on your car. Well, the theology behind Love Wins is heretical and is being promoted in our generation by the heretic "pastor" by the name of Rob Bell. Bell's new book by the title "Love Wins" spins a mighty web of deceit and says that God would never send people to hell and that Jesus isn't the only way to heaven. Bell is a Universalist which believes all people end up in heaven no matter what they have placed their faith in. Bell claims that he has a new way to think about salvation and hell and that the "old way" is incorrect. So let me get this straight, according to Bell, Jesus, the Bible, and almost every biblical theologian for almost the last 2000 years has been wrong? My advice is to stay as far away from Love Wins as possible, why? Because the Bible instructs us to flee from the world and the flesh, and so I would flee! Pray that God will open the heart of Rob Bell and lead him unto salvation because right now he is denying the only person who can save him and that is Jesus. Also, pray protection of the many Christians who might suffer to read this book and be misled, pray that God would restore those who are pulled away by this false teacher.

Project 764

Just got back from our annual outreach trip to the Appalachian trail. Had another great time this year. The team was great, the food was great and the fellowship was great. What a unique way to share the love of Christ with a unique group of people. We served close to 150 hot dogs to hikers again this year. Dispite the snags getting this trip off the ground God turned it into a great time that glorified Him. Thanks to all those who went on the trip and look forward to doing this again next year.

Funeral for a man of God

This is the first time I can say that I have been to a funeral and it was awesome. As I watched his three grown children talk about him I could see and feel their pain. My heart was broken for them as I know what it is like to lose your father. I could also see the joy through their tears that they knew just as he knew, his last breath here would be his first breath in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ. My limited exposure to this man did not prohibit me from knowing where he stood. He radiated the grace and love that he only received from the One who saved him. From the amount of people that filed through the funeral home showing their respect to the amount of people who attended the funeral service you can tell that this wonderful man of God affected many lives. Knowing his children and that all of them are men and women of God there is little doubt that this man, their father was good steward of what God entrusted to him. By chance if any of his children read this, I love you, and now I know why you are so easy to love. I am praying for you all. May the God your father loved and you love heap upon you comfort and peace during this time of grieving.

Don't you just love it

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. God worked me over the past few days but only because He had to. So thankful that I have a loving wife, a loving pastor who, even though I wear him thin, has yet to give up on me. More important than those two, a God and Savior who loves me enough to not leave me the way I am. That is the thing a lot of people miss. God does love us and take us the way we are, but, and its a big but, He loves us too much to allow us to stay that way. I learn things the hard way in that I have to be taken to the wood shed in order to learn. God has had me out there at the shed for a while now and finally my friend was invited and held me down while I took the spanking. Just what my God ordered! God disciplines those He loves and sometimes He goes through our brothers and sisters in Christ to discipline us. Looking forward to tomorrow, nice change.

um.....

BROKEN..................

Can't win for losing

Have you ever been in one of those situations where no matter what you do you lose? Well that's where I found myself today. It seems like lately I can't even tell someone hello without offending someone else. My only prayer is that I will learn whatever lesson God is trying to teach me so tat I will not have to go through this again. Many of you know me well enough to know that I have been in the wrong before but rarely have I been in the position that no matter what I do it seems to be wrong. I can't even stand for the right thing, uphold right principles without doing that wrong. Okay, I will admit, I think I am officially throwing myself a pity party. I would like to thank that person who told me that my blog has helped them, you know who you are. I love you and your family and hope to see you guys get everything straightened out. I am praying for you! It is uplifting to hear that even in our troubles we can help people. I think the trouble with a lot of believers is that we feel that we have to put on the good face for people all them time like we never have troubles. I have a problem with faking it. I am not good at it. A dear lady whom I love very much asked last wednesday how I was doing, I told her great. She knew I was lying and called me on it. I am just not good at it anymore. Are we not called to share one another's burdens? Is it even possible to share your burdens without the gossip train firing up? Or how about someone who does the exact thing they accuse you of doing, only you are wrong for getting upset with them? I need your prayers! I am seriously under attack here. I am fighting th battle of depression at a time when I should be rejoicing. This shows I have some priorities out of whack. I have discovered one of my problems is that I have spent so much time looking outside myself that I have forgotten to look inside myself. Because of this I have let a few things creep into my heart that need to be reconciled. 

Today we celebrated the Lord's Supper. I think today was one of the first days that I ever approached it rightly thanks to a message that I heard this past week. I don't remember who it was by but I didn't want to pass it off like it was mine. I used to approach the Lord's Supper thinking that I was okay to receive it if I had inspected my heart and life and repented of my sins and ask forgiveness of those sins that I had done and yet was unaware of them. We are instructed by Paul to not take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. Our question should be, just when are we ever worthy to approach the Lord's table? The answer is never. Not even after we have repented and no amount of prayer makes us worthy. Only when we find ourselves resting in HIS mercy and grace can we rely on His worthiness. You see, by praying and repenting, thinking we are clean, we are still relying on our worthiness, which is nothing but filth. I heard this and a shutter of fear ran through my soul. Just how many time have I courted judgment by approaching the Lord's table in the wrong way. Paul warns that "this is why many of you are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep." Wow and this was me and many if not all of you. Do you realize how we have been flirting with death? Only by realizing that we are not and never will be worthy of His table can we truly rely on His worthiness. Stop right now and thank God for His mercy. We have really depended upon it in this matter. Praise God for He is good!

God and Japan

When we see things like what has happened in Japan many will ask, "If God is good and loves mankind why does he allow things like this to happen?" To ask this question is to really not have a good view of who God is. We must always remember that He is sovereign, just and working things out according to His will. Japan is a very secular pagan society, how best to give Christians an opportunity to show exactly who God is and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring hope to the hopeless than something like this? "Well what about all those innocent people who died?" To ask this question is to have a wrong view of man. There is no one who is innocent. God would still be just if he took us all out. If he did we would be getting what we deserved, just punishment for our sins. What an awesome opportunity the church now has in Japan to show the love of Christ and to share the Gospel of Christ. So why does God allow things like this to happen? The answer isn't as difficult as you might think, quite simply, to bring glory to Himself.

Just when I thought it was over

Apparently I am not ready to shake off the funk. I thought I was over it but here it comes again. No, I am not sick, physically anyways. Just down in the dumps. Just how does one deal with not wanting to be around those you care about the most? How does one not criticize when things are wrong that should be right? I am open for criticism. As a matter of fact I need it. Please feel free to let me have it, in fact it will be the greatest show of love for me short of dying for me. Does anyone love me enough to tell me where I am wrong and have overstepped my bounds? I think I crave for someone to tell me these things. I think it is a greater injustice to not tell me and let me continue than it is to stay silent and let me continue. Are we not brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we not commanded to rebuke? I can't seem to see around this beam in my eye to get a good look at myself in the mirror so will you look for me? I hate feeling this way, it just isn't right to have everything and yet feel like you have nothing. I am not throwing a pity party, woe is me, I am simply venting and putting it out there in hopes that it will aid another and second by getting it out of me it will leave. Let me know what you think........

I have been away and so have you!

Well, the move is complete and we have been in the "new" house for a week now. The starting gun has just sounded though as now everyday I will be working on some aspect of this house. Getting caught up on school and desperately trying to finish one of my classes that ends tomorrow night. After that I will only have three classes to worry about. Doing these classes which are required for my degree but I could care less about are going to be the death of me. Why is is so difficult to work on things which I have no interest in? My mood is improving as I rise from the ashes of the mullygrubs I was mired in. Wasn't it called the Slew of Despond in Pilgram's Progress? Something like that anyways. It sure is liberating to slip back out of that miry clay. Thank you Jesus for always being there when I get over myself. As one of the Monty Python gang use to sing, "Always look on the bright side of life!" Now stop whistling the tune! NOOOOOOOOOOone expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Do you like it?

Do you like seeing the real me? The not always pretending everything is ok? This is the life of a sinner struggling with hating his sin.  Are you gonna pray for me or gossip about me? In a brother or sister's time of testing this is when true colors will be shown. Not during the smooth sailing, oh no, that's where the mistakes are made and then the testing comes. A good friend of mine calls this the mullygrubs, and boy do I love them. This is when I either grow or fail and then grow, either way God is going to grow me. Why put it out there for all to see? Maybe someone will see my trouble walking and it will grow them without having to go through it.

cynical

This is my battle today. Pride has led me here. I feel like I am above and beyond most if not all. This is not a good place to be for I know it is not the truth. Confusing "doing" with "being" is a terrible mistake to make and yet I make it. This is what is called self righteousness and it is my sin du jour. Are not these times of testing fun? I pray that I can let go of self and let God be God.

Overlooked

Looks like I am having trouble walking again. The walk, you know what I mean? I don't know if it is pride or just me wanting to be a part of something, maybe its all pride. Maybe, I just thought I would be asked but that didn't even happen. Self denial is at the heart of following Christ, I have to reconcile this with grace and mercy, I know. Doesn't stop feelings from getting hurt. It seems that no matter where, I am always on the outside. Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel and calling it quits, but my love for God, no matter how small it might be, keeps me in it. Don't get me wrong this isn't a pity party, I am not feeling sorry for myself. Maybe, I'll just step aside and just stop, would anyone even notice and ask me or would the complaining and gossip train kick in? No one ever ask me, they ask those who are inside my circle, but don't come close enough to really care. I know that I am rambling but this is how I purge it from my soul. I have felt the weight of depression before and this is not it. I feel like that kid who no one picks to be on their team and I am left to just stand on the sidelines to watch the game. Scratch that, I wasn't even invited to the game much less stand in the crowd to be picked even though I said I wanted to play. Guess its worse because the kid from the next neighborhood was invited to play. Is there no one able to see pasted my facade? My facade has taken my whole life to construct, it is what protects me and keeps my heart from breaking. More than likely it is a bad thing for me, in fact, I know it is because my heart still gets wounded, much like it is right now. Can't wait to teach in the morning, it's really all I have. I thank God for my wife. He has used her time and again to rescue me from myself. With her I have been able to discover agape. Since she chose me, God has blessed me far beyond anything I could have imagined. Ugh, the funk is on. Wow, really? I am this beat down over this? Maybe I can just sleep it off. Maybe it's because its 115 am and I have been moving, cleaning, and painting all day since early this morning. I am going to bed, the morning sun will bring change, how do I know? God renews us every day and I need renewing, BAD!

Where are the cats? Have you seen the cats?

The cats knew something was up and have been hiding from us while we have been moving. Today we couldn't find them in a virtually empty house. Did they slip out and open door during the move? They have never gone outside before, they have always been too scared. Oh well, if they want to stay in the old neighborhood I guess I'll let them.

Moving is 4 the birds

Well, last night we spent the night in the new house. I didn't get much rest, hard a hard time sleeping. A few friends moved all my heavy furniture for me today. Just a few little things and cleaning to be done now at the old house. Man, I am glad the moving is almost over. I am beat! Through it all God is good and has blessed me with a lot of fellowship time with an old friend that I haven't been spending much time with. Good but tough times.

Ah, Sunday

Oh, how I love the Day of the Lord. Great worship today at Glenloch. Neil continues to walk us through Romans. What a masterpiece the book of Romans is.

Tomorrow starts our final push to get moved. Once out, we have to get this placed cleaned. Man we can dirty up a place.

Moving anyone?

Began to move more stuff today, fun fun!!

Look up Dr Kermit Gosnell and read the article from the Huffington Post. Nice, huh?

Learned a new term, Christotainment

What is Christotainment? Unfortunately it is what is going on and being passed off as worship. If you win people with entertainment you must entertain them in order to keep them, then they die and go to hell. Worship service is to worship God not entertain those who show up to the church building. Grow you church over night, all you need is a great sound system and light show, throw in so good singers and boom, instant crowd! What ever happened to a reverent worship service where God is shown the up-most respect and honor. Why all the silliness and story time from the pulpit? Man is not saved by stories, man is saved by hearing the gospel preached. Jesus said that if He would be lifted up, HE would draw men unto himself. The gospel is what people need, nothing more, nothing less. Thanks Wretched!

The Daniel Diet and the house.

Have you heard of the Daniel diet? Well the spiritually immature being blown about by this and that have heard and are doing it. Unfortunately they haven't read the Scriptures to see that it actually made Daniel and company fatter than those who ate the king's choice foods and wine. Unfortunately, "America's Pastor" Rick Warren is leading or attempting at least, to lead his church into this farce. There is no diet plan anywhere in the book of Daniel. Sorry pastor Warren, swing and a miss. The Wretched crew offers a better diet from the book of Daniel, The Lion's Den Diet. You simply don't eat the food placed before you.

Now, another full day at the house. Got Maggie's room insulated and sheetrock hung. The family room, I have it insulated and some sheetrock hung. Installed two Hvac returns installed also in the family room. Installed a new thermostat in the living room.

This afternoon took a trailer load of stuff over and got it stacked out of the way. Gonna move as much, if not all, the small stuff moved tomorrow. All the big stuff the first of next week and we will be in. My man Ed is coming tomorrow to install the carpet in the bed room. More to come, never forget to give God thanks, even for the perceived "bad" things.

The House and death

Ok, day 2 of misery. My legs gave out at about 345 but I stayed and worked until 8. My body is hating me right now and my fuse is short. Bodily, I am worn thin, but I have had a lot of time this week to ponder in my spirit. I think death is near. Yes, I am the wretch the song refers to! (Todd Friel) I must remember that my strength is in Christ or I wont last much longer, and  I haven't even moved the furniture yet. Got good news, we get to keep our Uverse! Yea!!!! It is the best TV service/18 mb Internet and phone service I have ever had. Got a 30 yard roll off delivered today which means I have 30 days to get all the demolition done because that roll off isn't cheap. Got all the Sheetrock torn out the new addition. Can you believe that they hung the Sheetrock on an exterior wall without putting in insulation? Well insulation is now there, got a few outlets moved and now it is ready for Sheetrock. Still got plumbing to do and some electrical. Boy I really am rambling tonight. Simply typing as it comes out. I now believe the well is dry. Good night!

The House and my Mack

My little man .is three years old now. If we could just get him to use the potty now it would be great. He is growing too fast.

Success! I installed a new hot water heater, and it works! Booyah! Now got to get moved in. Got some electrical work to do that I didn't get to today.

The House cont.

Can you say running out of time? That's exactly what is happening. Got the room painted, hope it looks better when its dry. That wet paint made all those imperfections in the walls that I spent 2 days sanding look like I haven't done a thing. Tomorrow I have to install a hot water heater and do some electrical work. Hot water heater I have and can do. The electrical I am not so confident in, I mean, I have done it before but I am no electrician. To top it off, it has to be done in time to go to church! I also have to fit time in to get mack a birthday cake, a few presents, take the baby bottles to PRCC, go talk to charter, and I am sure there is more but I have forgotten right now. Got the best Pastor/friend, as he came and helped me finish up the blow in insulation this am. Thanks Neil! Daniel has helped late a few nights too, where would I be without these guys? Far behind schedule!

Best decision I ever made and the house

Yes, 13 years ago today I did make the best decision that I have ever made. I asked my wife to marry me. She made the worst, lol, she said yes. It has been the best 13 years of my 40 years on this earth! I love you Melissa! Now, the house, ugh. I worked from about 1040 until 900 pm today. I am beat! Got to move in this week.

Delivering the Gospel, is there a wrong way?

Is there a wrong way to deliver the Gospel? Is there a line of reverence that should never be crossed? If so, what is that line? What about worship? Is there a line when it comes to reverence of worship? I would love some response to this. You can even post anonymously if you wish. I know what I believe, I just want some serious feedback.

We have a man down!

Ugh, my body is hating me right now. It has been a miserable day pain wise. I feel like I have been beaten with a bat from my ribs down. Got absolutely nothing done today. I can't fall behind schedule, I have to have it ready to move next week. Rest assured God will see me through.

Had a great lesson this past week at Bible study at the bcm. You know God had provided more than enough for Adam and Eve in the garden. I have always thought that they were walking around in the garden fighting the urge to not eat from the tree of knowledge. But you know, in the garden there was no want, there was no desire for better or more, Adam and Eve were fully satisfied because they had God there with them meeting all their needs. They prospered, they were not tempted by the tree. I bet they walked passed it everyday without giving it a second thought.

It wasn't until Satan approach Eve and tempted her to doubt God and His provision did they look upon the tree differently from any other tree in the garden. Bing, light bulb! We read that God will prosper us and immediately we think finances, health, etc. No, not at all. The prosperity is that we get God. He is all sufficient, having already supplied what we need, we need not be tempted with things that are in the process of fading away. The most valuable thing we could be given is the reconciliation we have with God through the blood of His Son Jesus the Christ. Being freed from the penalty of my sin is the greatest treasure on earth and in heaven. Praise God first for who He is and second for what He has done!

The House cont.

Spent today hanging an exterior door, installing four can lights and that was it. Isn't that enough? Sheet rock wasn't dry so maybe tomorrow I can sand and paint.

The House

Just spent almost 8 straight hours with only one quick break for supper working on one room. My good friend Daniel was a super star helping me today. Took out some sheetrock, rehung sheetrock, took out a in-wall a/c unit, closed up hole in the wall where the a/c was, then mudded the sheetrock in hopes of being able to sand and possibly paint tomorrow. Got to get carpet in this weekend or early next week. Also have to  get hot water heater in this weekend or early next week. Moving next week regardless! Anyone want to help? (the sound of friends running!)

Easy Christianity

You know its strange that the NT Scriptures don't give even the slightest hint at following Christ as being easy yet easy Christianity is what many in the church look for. They want to be healthy, wealth and wise, they long for happiness. They want to skip past the first two things Jesus laid down for his disciples, "you must DENY YOURSELF, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS," and jump right into "follow me." I hate to give us a reality break, there is no following him without denying ourselves and taking up our cross. There is only deception and denial without the first two. It is time to repent of our pride and self worship, admit it is what we have been doing, and turn to him the author and finisher of our salvation and live in the fullness of life that He has promised those who follow him. Quit looking for another gospel because there is no other Gospel!

You Don't Need Gimmicks, The Gospel is Good Enough

Just preach the Gospel! Jesus said "if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself" so save the gimmicks for the traveling circus and the used car lots. If you win them with entertainment it will take entertainment to keep them. The bait and switch doesn't work in the secular world, what makes you think it will work in church? If you win them with the Gospel, Jesus will keep them. Just give them what they need and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Good Grief

Just because you believe in something doesn't make it true and just because you can prove it doesn't mean people will believe it. The Bible tells us to be prepared to have the knowledge to defend what we believe, so my question is do you? The sad fact is that according to studies done by the Barna Group 55% of adult professing Christians have claimed to have shared their faith within the past twelve months, according to when the study was done. That means that 45% are living a life of willful disobedience. Maybe this is a part of the problem, according to a Gallup poll only 32% of Evangelical Churches believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
This would show that only 32% are truly Born Again because if the Bible isn't the true inerrant Word of God then no one is saved! Yikes!

The 10/40 Window and Missions

Have you ever heard of the 10/40 window? I challenge you to look it up, the majority of the lost people of the world live there. Pray that workers will rise up to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ there. Did you know that 1.6 BILLION people have never even heard the name of Jesus Christ? How will they be saved if they do not hear? How will they hear if we do not preach? Salvation come by the hearing of the Gospel! Let US go, if you can't go, then help send, both jobs are equally important, and be in prayer constantly for the lost.

National Anthem

Thank you Christina for tearing apart our Nation's Song and then butchering the rest of it by over-singing it. It is a sad day for the NFL. Opening- shot, half time- shot, good game, according to Meat Loaf "two outta three aint bad", but too bad for Christina and BEP's we saw them at their best.

Fox, did you think that was a good half time show?

Quite possibly the worst half time show in the history of the super bowl. I am sorry to say that even the Janet Jackson incident was a better performance than that steaming dish we were served this year. I honestly contemplated suicide, yes it was that bad. When you could hear the music, I don't think they could hear just how out of tune they were with each other. Fergie should have been shot on sight for even attempting Sweet Child of Mine, Slash should have smashed his guitar on her. Dirty Dancing remixes, ugh! Hopfully the took the sound engineer outback and dealt with him. A deaf man could've mixed it better. Maybe they will actually bring a good band like Foo Fighters, Poison, or hey roll Ozzy out there, it positively couldn't get any worse than what I just suffered through. I believe my rant is complete!

Norton Anitvirus is killing me

I have Norton Internet Security Suite and just scanned and found 6 new virus on my computer. Luckily they were all low risk/low damage virus'. What the heck Norton you are supposed to stop it before I get it not after! Well, I am downloading a firewall because Norton's isn't doing the trick, hopefully it will help.

Homework and Morality

Just knocked out my Christian Education class and some Modern Church History. Looking at morality and how it might relate to Education in my Christian Ed lesson for this week. Many of the people in the text had morality all wrong. Morality isn't governed by what we do, it is what it is, God's Law. Moral law is prescriptive, meaning its how we should live, it isn't necessarily descriptive, meaning how we live. Moral law is not determined by the community nor is it by society, it is ingrained to the very fabric of who we are. It is why in every culture around the globe whether you know God or not that things like stealing, murder, and rape are considered immoral and illegal. One guy would use moral dilemmas to determine morality, for instance: "Suppose you lived in Europe during World War II. You are hiding Jews and Nazis come to your door and ask if there are any Jews in the house. Would you lie or would you tell the truth?" Or "A man's wife has terminal cancer, another man develops a cure just for that particular type of cancer and charges $2000 dollars for it. The 1st man doesn't have the money, he borrows as much as he can get from towns folk but i is only $1000. He pleas with the second but the second man won't budge. So, the 1st man breaks in and steals the cure and saves his wife's life." Which man committed an immoral act? So what do you think? Does the ends in these two stories justify the means? Is lying in circumstance #1 morally acceptable? Is stealing in circumstance #2 morally acceptable? Let me know what you think.

I just set up my mobile blogging tool and giving it a test run. Just sitting here watching Todd Friel on wretched tv, my favorite nightly show!

Poll

You are able to post on my blog anonymously, so don't be afraid to speak your mind, that's why I left facebook. And yes from time to time i will remind people that I have a blog on FB but I will not use FB for posting or responding to comments there.

Dual Standards

Question: Have you ever noticed that absolutely no one has to meet your expectations but you are required to meet theirs? Come on people, comment!

Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours!

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Wednesday Night Apologetics

Man, I had a great time teaching tonight! What a great class going on Wednesday night! I love the participation, people who aren't afraid to ask questions, open and eager to learn. A great time of fellowship and learning the fine art of Apologetics. Discussion point: If you don't give the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified you are just giving a pep talk. God has call, commanded, and equipped His people to be His witness', to make disciples, and teach them everything we have been taught by the Holy Spirit, to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The reason many don't share the Gospel of Jesus is claimed to be fear, if we are honest the fear is that many don't even know the Gospel that they say has saved them. My question would be, if you can't share the Gospel because you feel as though you don't know enough, are you sure you have been saved? You can't claim that you weren't called to evangelism, in fact you weren't called, you were commanded. You were given the charge of giving away what you have been given. If you were in class tonight have another laugh: "Man, those were some big heads!"

The House

Okay, I have been working at the house for 2 days now. Um, can you say overwhelmed? This is going to be insane. To say that it needs a lot of work is probably the biggest understatement in the history of the world. Am looking for Romans 8:28 to be in play on this move. Not to mention some friends who won't run and hid when its time to move, you know who you are. I told my wife a little less than a year ago I never want to move again but she didn't take me seriously. So the move will happen soon. God grant me strength to pull this off because without you it wont happen!

DANG!!!! John MacArthur went off on Joel Olsteen

"He is a pagan religionist, in every sense. he's a quasi-pantheist, Jesus is a footnote that satisfies his critics, and deceives his followers. His whole thing is that man has the power within themselves to change their lives. The only way that this can be your best life now is if you are going to hell." "This is satanic" He then goes on to show how Joel's gospel is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ but the "name it and claim" gospel which is no gospel at all."This is false kind of Christianity and a false view of God." "I think preachers like this, who preach this stuff really hate the true God and are afraid to death that some people might find out who he really is."  Ouch You go John! I bet Joel hasn't received a spanking like that since he was a boy. This is what the Bible calls accountability. Did you know that there is a "Your Best Life Now" board game? Oh my, Joel, really? Sad and funny all at the same time. Pray for Joel please.

First Bible in their language

Just saw a video on WretchedTV of an Indonesian Tribe receiving the Bible in their language for the very first time. WOW! The whole village jumping for joy as the plane lands. The men dressed in their best clothes approach the plane as if receiving a honored dignitary. The pilot hands them the box, they turn towards the crowd and the begin to pray thanking God for this day when His Word would arrive in their language. With amen the crowd erupts in joy. Humbles me, have I ever been this hungry for the Word?

What goes for me, doesn't go for you

Have you heard or seen the Chick-fil-a story? The homosexual community is in an uproar because a known Christian company donated money to promote a group that lobbies to outlaw gay marriage. Liberals unite! Boycott Chick-fil-a until they do what we want! Have you ever noticed how Atheist, Darwinist, Homosexuals, Liberals all, are the first to say, don't impose your values on me and yet force their values on you in the next breath? News flash to the Gay community, Chick-fil-a will do just fine without you, as long as they continue to give God and Godly values top priority. Any company or individual in this great nation has the freedom to say or do whatever they want as long as it doesn't harm another person. Well, unless you are a woman and then you can infringe on the rights of an unborn child but that is a whole other issue. What say you?

Don't Be Mistaken, Plus Random Thought

Please don't mistake my grieving my sin as me being down. This is a natural response for a born again believer. Our sin should trouble us to the point of grief, it is only then that we are sick enough of it to repent. What is my sin? Well, let's just say that I understand what Paul means by Romans 7:15 "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate."(NASB) I know that I am not alone, many others know exactly what I mean. 


In an unrelated thought came across Proverbs 30:8-9 and was challenged to make this my prayer. It says: "Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God." How many of us would be willing to ask this of God? It is one of those prayers we just might be scared of but want so deeply.

Speech Class

Just submitted my terrible speech on Calvinism. It was an informative speech and had to be from 4-6 minutes long. Yes, I know, when ever did I say anything that short. Well, I was able to pull it off. It is amazing how natural preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is and how terrified I am at public peaking. There is such a difference. I wish I could just record a sermon and turn it in, then I wouldn't be so nervous. I was shaking and sweating. Ugh! Well it's over for now, until I have to do my persuasive speech, maybe I can persuade my professor that I am nervous. I guess it is God's sense of humor.

Sunday Message

Neil ask this morning what our life verse is. Mine has been John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." This is my battle. We both can't increase at the same time. The message this morning was on Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." The great thing about my God is that in both times of my life, whether He is increasing or I mess up and increase myself, He will bring it about for my benefit and His glory. Granted that it will hurt much less if He increases and I decrease but I will grow either way and He will be glorified either way. What a great God I serve. He is glorified just as much by His justice and wrath as He is through His mercy and grace. Oh how I want to be his obedient child!

Here's some of that rambling I promised

As I stumble who will stand by and watch me fall only to walk away? As I stumble and fall who will be there to restore me? Only time will tell. Many like to point fingers and talk about you to others, few will actually care enough to come and ask. Judgment is in full supply but what about forgiveness, mercy and grace? The things Christians claim to want from you is not what you get from them, or is it? I am one of them, do I give what I expect from others? This is the real me, shell removed, open and exposed, will you wound or restore? Is this who you expected? I don't normally let you in but here I am extending the invitation. I love you so much it hurts, I don't really know how to properly show it. Many call me harsh, hard, cold, uncaring, that I don't show compassion but they really don't know me, my heart, the sad thing is that they don't really want to know because if they did they would come and ask why I am the way I am. I lay myself open to the world, here I am. Will you open your heart to me? Be who you claim to be? My flesh is in the throws of death, I battle it everyday, it doesn't want to die, but die it must. I am my own worst enemy. The Holy Spirit calls to me, reasons with me, testifies to me, here I am, humble and broken as I face myself. Hmm, humble and broken, I should feel better than this but this walk isn't about feelings, its about my sin and forgiveness that only found in Christ. I can learn from you if you really care about teaching me, will you listen and learn from me, Christ has given me so much to give away and has much to give me through you. ramble on.......

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The Beginning

Didn't ever think I would be doing this but here goes nothing. To quote my pastor, Neil Awbrey, it has taken my whole life to get where I am  right now. This Christian journey has been a long tough one for me, as a matter of fact, I am finding it just as Christ promised it would be, impossible but very rewarding. As of right now, I feel like I am hitting a low point but isn't that when we find ourselves to be humble and broken? Just quit Facebook, pretty sure it was an idol for me so I am walking away. Maybe will be better off sharing my thoughts instead of comment on the thoughts of others. I know that I will stay out of trouble that way.