 |
| Mission Statement: Is
to bring the lost to Christ by teaching and equipping the believers
|
Rod’s Ramblins
“EVERYTHING
I
NEEDED
TO
KNOW
ABOUT
LIFE,
I
LEARNED
FROM
A
JIGSAW
PUZZLE”
1. Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later. (see #4).
6. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
7. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.
8. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
9. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
10. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).
11. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.
12. When you finally reach the last piece, don't be sad. Instead, rejoice in the masterpiece you've made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
These are good pieces of advice, but here’s the main thing to remember…
**The
creator
of
the
puzzle
gave
you
the
picture
as
a
guidebook.
Refer
to
the
Creator's
guidebook
often!
He
knows
what
the
final
result
will
be.
And,
He’s
given
us
the
example
to
follow,
and
the
intelligence
to
make
good
decisions.
As
Paul
told
us
“Follow
my
example,
as
I
follow
the
example
of
Christ.”
I
Corinthians
11:1
Because I care,
Rod
(APRIL
2012)
IT
IS
FINISHED!
Got
any
unfinished
projects
around
your
house?
I
could
probably
find
a
few
around
my
place.
Of
course,
they
are
my
wife’s,
not
mine.
(if
you
believe
that,
I’ve
got
some
ocean
front
property
in
Wyoming
to
sell
you!)
It’s
not
always
easy
to
start
something,
but
it
seems
like
it
is
always
harder
to
finish
it.
Especially
when
the
task
might
be
painful,
humiliating,
even
fatal!
I’m
reminded
of
the
lyrics
of
an
old
“Petra”
song
that
speak
of
a
task
that
needed
to
be
finished,
but
was
not
an
enviable
assignment.
The
title
is
“It
Is
Finished”.
In
the
heat
of
early
morning
on
a
hill
they
call
the
Skull
The
roaring
of
the
angry
mob
had
settled
to
a
lull
All
eyes
were
cast
upon
the
man
whose
hands
and
feet
were
bound
They
saw
him
cry
in
anguish
when
they
heard
the
hammer
pound
They
saw
the
bloody
woven
thorns
with
which
his
head
was
crowned
They
watched
the
bloody
cross
of
wood
be
dropped
into
the
ground
The
soldiers
gambled
for
his
clothes,
they
watched
them
win
and
lose
They
saw
the
sign
above
his
head
that
said
"King
of
the
Jews"
It
is
finished!
And
the
sky
grew
black
as
the
night
It
is
finished!
And
the
people
scattered
in
fright
The
work
had
been
done,
redemption
had
been
won
The
war
was
over
without
a
fight
It
is
finished!
They
searched
his
face
for
anger
for
vengeance
in
his
stare
Instead
of
eyes
that
burned
with
hate
a
look
of
love
was
there
He
prayed
for
their
forgiveness
and
bowed
his
battered
head
And
no
one
knew
the
meaning
of
the
final
words
he
said
It
is
finished,
the
provision
has
been
made
It
is
finished,
the
foundation
has
been
laid
He
paid
the
ransom
due
and
tore
the
temple
veil
in
two
And
opened
up
the
way
for
me
and
you
IT
IS
FINISHED!
One
of
the
reasons
that
often
makes
it
easier
to
go
through
the
discomfort
and
stress
of
finishing
a
project
is
the
reward.
Using
a
piece
of
furniture
that
you
built
somehow
gives
justification
to
the
hours
and
sweat
you
put
into
it.
Getting
a
book
published
makes
all
the
time
and
thought
worth
it.
Seeing
your
kids
succeed
and
mature
into
godly,
productive
citizens
cancels
out
all
the
tears
and
fears
in
child-rearing.
And
evidently,
giving
each
of
us
the
hope
of
an
eternity
so
wonderful
we
can’t
imagine
it—was
worth
the
suffering
that
Christ
endured.
He
could
have
looked
at
us
and
decided
to
quit,
but
he
didn’t
until
it
was
finished!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(MARCH 2012)
Don't Retire Before You Acquire The Fire!
I
joined
our
small
rural
fire
department
shortly
after
I
was
married,
and
put
in
my
twenty
years
before
retiring.
In
that
farming
community,
most
of
our
calls
were
grass
pastures
or
wheat
fields,
but
there
was
an
occasional
structure
fire.
In
western
Oklahoma,
where
the
“wind
comes
sweeping
down
the
plain”,
many
times
that
wind
was
the
force
that
fanned
the
flame
and
fueled
the
situation.
Our
new
theme
for
2012
is
“ACQUIRE
THE
FIRE”
and
the
corresponding
scripture
is
2
Timothy
1:6.
“For
this
reason
I
remind
you
to
fan
into
flame
the
gift
of
God.”
This
gift
of
God
is
the
Holy
Spirit,
and
we
are
called
to
be
the
force
to
fan
that
fire
into
flame!
It’s
going
to
take
some
sacrifice.
When
Abraham
took
Isaac
up
to
Mount
Moriah
in
Genesis
22,
Isaac
noticed
that
they
had
the
wood,
they
had
the
fire,
but
they
didn’t
have
the
lamb.
You
probably
know
the
story.
Abraham
had
been
asked
by
God
to
sacrifice
his
son
as
a
test
of
his
faith.
Right
before
slaying
his
son
on
the
altar,
God’s
angel
stopped
his
hand,
and
provided
a
lamb
for
the
sacrifice.
Now,
4,000
years
later,
we
can
look
at
many
churches
around,
and
we
can
invert
the
question
and
ask
“We
have
the
wood,
we
have
the
lamb,
but
where
is
the
fire?”
The
wood
is
the
cross
of
Calvary,
and
the
lamb
is
Jesus
Christ,
the
Lamb
of
God.
We
know
about
the
sacrifice—but
where
is
the
fire?
Where
is
the
passion
to
fan
the
flame?
The
fire
can’t
just
be
on
the
pyre,
and
you
can’t
hire
the
fire.
It
will
require
that
you
inquire
to
a
higher
desire.
You
must
dig
yourself
out
of
the
dire
mire,
and
quit
being
a
liar
and
a
crier.
No
doubt
you’ll
perspire,
but
don’t
tire
and
don’t
retire,
but
acquire
the
fire
so
you
can
aspire
to
inspire
before
you
expire!
In
other
words,
get
fired
up
and
fan
the
flame
before
your
pilot
light
goes
out!
The
story
is
told
of
the
only
survivor
of
a
shipwreck
who
was
washed
up
on
a
small,
uninhabited
island.
He
prayed
feverishly
for
God
to
rescue
him,
and
each
day
he
scanned
the
horizon
for
help,
but
none
seemed
forthcoming.
Exasperated,
he
eventually
managed
to
build
a
little
hut
out
of
driftwood
to
protect
him
from
the
elements
and
to
store
his
few
possessions.
He
worked
extremely
hard,
and
put
much
effort
into
the
structure.
But
then
one
day,
after
scavenging
for
food,
he
arrived
home
to
find
his
hut
in
flames,
the
smoke
rolling
up
to
the
sky.
The
worst
had
happened!
Everything
was
lost!
He
was
stung
with
grief
and
anger.
"God,
how
could
you
do
this
to
me?"
he
cried.
Early
the
next
day,
however,
he
was
awakened
by
the
sound
of
a
ship
that
was
approaching
the
island.
It
had
come
to
rescue
him.
"How
in
the
world
did
you
know
I
was
here?"
asked
the
weary
man
of
his
rescuers.
"We
saw
your
smoke
signal!"
they
replied.
Fire
can
be
helpful
or
harmful.
I
pray
that
as
you
sometimes
go
through
the
fire,
you
will
acquire
His
fire!
And
that
if
you
feel
God
has
burned
you,
that
you
will
remain
faithful,
keep
fanning,
and
look
beyond
the
flames
to
the
final
result.
You
may
have
to
make
a
sacrifice.
Because
I
care,
Rod
(FEBRUARY 2012)
DON’T LOSE YOUR BALANCE!
As
you
are
reading
this,
I
am
afloat
somewhere
in
the
Caribbean
Sea,
hopefully
on
a
ship
and
not
in
a
life
vest!
(pray
that
our
captain
doesn’t
have
any
relatives
to
wave
at
along
the
way!)
I
am
looking
forward
to
some
relaxation
and
refreshment,
as
well
as
enjoying
God’s
beautiful
and
vast
creation.
Being
out
in
the
huge
ocean
really
makes
you
feel
small
and
insignificant,
even
though
God’s
Word
assures
us
that
we
are
not.
In
Luke
chapter
twelve,
Jesus
tells
us
that
even
the
sparrows,
who
are
only
worth
2
cents,
are
not
forgotten
by
God,
and
that
we
are
worth
much
more
than
they.
And
later
in
the
chapter,
he
talks
of
the
lilies
of
the
field,
who
are
made
so
beautiful
even
though
they
here
today
and
gone
tomorrow.
He
assures
that
God’s
provision
for
you
is
far
above
his
care
for
them.
Yes,
God’s
creation
is
amazing,
and
most
of
us
have
only
gotten
to
see
a
small
part
of
it.
But
even
though
we
are
but
a
speck
in
the
universe,
God
even
knows
the
numbers
of
hairs
on
our
heads.
But,
too
often
we
start
believing
that
we
are
so
important
and
irreplaceable
that
the
kingdom
of
God
couldn’t
function
without
us.
I
call
that
the
“Phariseeical”
attitude.
It
is
a
very
treacherous
trap
to
fall
in,
and
Jesus
warns
us
several
times
to
beware!
Although
we
need
to
realize
our
importance
to
God,
we
must
also
be
in
humble
submission.
There’s
a
good
old
saying:
“God
wisely
designed
the
human
body
so
that
we
can
neither
pat
our
own
backs
nor
kick
ourselves
too
easily.”
Golf
immortal
Arnold
Palmer
recalls
a
lesson
about
overconfidence.
"It
was
the
final
hole
of
the
1961
Masters
tournament,
and
I
had
a
one-stroke
lead
and
had
just
hit
a
very
satisfying
tee
shot.
I
felt
I
was
in
pretty
good
shape.
As
I
approached
my
ball,
I
saw
an
old
friend
standing
at
the
edge
of
the
gallery.
He
motioned
me
over,
stuck
out
his
hand
and
said,
'Congratulations.'
I
took
his
hand
and
shook
it,
but
as
soon
as
I
did,
I
knew
I
had
lost
my
focus.
On
my
next
two
shots,
I
hit
the
ball
into
a
sand
trap,
and
then
put
it
over
the
edge
of
the
green.
I
missed
a
putt
and
lost
the
Masters.
You
don't
forget
a
mistake
like
that;
you
just
learn
from
it
and
become
determined
that
you
will
never
do
that
again.
I
haven't
in
the
30
years
since."
Overconfidence
and
a
self-serving
attitude
can
be
fatal,
both
spiritually
and
physically.
During
the
Battle
of
the
Wilderness
in
the
Civil
War,
Union
General
John
Sedgwick
was
inspecting
his
troops.
At
one
point
he
came
to
a
barricade,
over
which
he
gazed
out
in
the
direction
of
the
enemy.
His
officers
suggested
that
this
was
unwise
and
perhaps
he
ought
to
duck
while
passing
the
barricade.
"Nonsense,"
snapped
the
General.
"They
couldn't
hit
an
elephant
at
this
dist--."
A
moment
later
Sedgwick
fell
to
the
ground,
fatally
wounded.
We
are
encouraged
to
be
confident
of
one
thing—and
that
is
God’s
promise
of
salvation.
In
1
John
2:28
we
are
told
“And
now,
dear
children,
continue
in
him,
so
that
when
he
appears
we
may
be
confident
and
unashamed
before
him
at
his
coming.”
I
think
the
operative
word
here
is
“continue”.
Don’t
be
too
timid
and
apprehensive
to
be
effective,
but
don’t
go
to
the
other
extreme
and
be
too
self-absorbed
and
overbearing
either.
Paul’s
letter
to
the
Philippians
in
chapter
4
says:
”Rejoice
in
the
Lord
always:
and
again
I
say
,
Rejoice
.
Let
your
moderation
be
known
unto
all
men.”
“MODERATION.”
That
means
not
extreme,
balanced,
modest,
not
excessive,
temperate,
disciplined,
reasonable,
and
controlled.
Achieving
that
balanced
moderation
isn’t
always
easy,
and
we
need
to
call
on
God’s
help
each
day
to
be
able
to
maintain
that.
I’ll
see
you
in
a
few
days,
after
my
suffering
in
the
sun
comes
to
an
end.
I
pray
that
we
all
can
have
that
confident,
humble,
moderate
balance
in
our
spiritual
lives
as
well
as
our
physical
lives.
Right
now,
I’m
working
on
maintaining
both,
but
mainly
the
latter
by
turning
over
on
my
deck
chair
every
15
minutes
to
achieve
a
moderate
tan
and
avoid
excessive
sunburn!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(JANUARY 2012)
More
Than
Just
Duct
Tape
The
first
week
in
January
has
to
be
the
most
depressing
week
of
the
year!
The
holidays
are
over,
all
the
family
and
friends
are
gone,
the
presents
have
all
been
opened,
the
Christmas
candy
has
dwindled,
and
now
it’s
time
to
go
back
to
work
and
school!
What
a
drag!
While
I
think
that
all
of
those
things
are
very
depressing,
they
are
not
the
most
depressing
aspect
of
the
first
week
in
January.
The
most
depressing
part
has
to
be
starting
those
expected
New
Year’s
resolutions!
You
see,
up
until
December
31,
you
can
tell
yourself
“next
year
I’m
going
to
getting
more
active
in
church,
next
year
I’m
going
to
get
my
finances
in
order,
and
next
year
I’ll
start
getting
in
better
shape.”
But
after
December
31,
there
are
no
more
excuses!
It
IS
next
year,
and
this
is
where
the
rubber
meets
the
road!
This
is
where
we
find
out
if
we
are
only
talking
the
talk,
but
are
unwilling
to
walk
the
walk!
Last
year,
like
many
others
across
the
country,
I
decided
to
make
a
couple
of
New
Year’s
resolutions!
I
was
going
to
lose
some
weight,
and
I
was
going
to
learn
to
be
a
more
patient
person!
I
wasn’t
going
to
be
depressed,
I
was
just
going
to
start
my
resolutions
and
not
think
about
it!
So
that’s
what
I
did.
I
woke
up
on
January
1,
put
on
my
sweat
pants
and
went
upstairs
and
worked
out.
For
lunch
I
had
a
nice
big
salad
and
for
dinner,
some
steamed
veggies
and
a
grilled
chicken
breast.
The
next
day
I
woke
up,
went
and
worked
out,
ate
a
salad
for
lunch
and
salmon
and
veggies
for
dinner.
The
next
day
when
I
woke
up,
I
hurried
into
the
bathroom,
stepped
on
the
scale,
but
I
hadn’t
lost
a
pound!
How
depressing!
I
was
so
depressed,
that
I
put
my
sweat
pants,
sweatshirt
and
tennis
shoes
on,
got
into
the
car,
drove
to
the
nearby
Krispy
Kreme
and
ordered
a
dozen
of
“you
know
whats”
and
a
large
cappuccino.
While
I
was
driving
home
eating
my
donuts,
some
jerk
pulled
out
in
front
of
me.
I
slammed
on
the
breaks
and
my
cappuccino
went
splashing
onto
the
seat
and
dash.
I
laid
on
the
horn
and
yelled
at
the
guy.
(as
I
remember,
something
about
a
moron)
So
within
the
span
of
three
days,
I
had
broken
both
of
my
resolutions!
And
I
thought,
how
depressing!
But
I
had
learned
an
important
lesson:
that
correcting
problems
requires
more
than
just
duct
tape.
Let
me
explain…
In
Mark
chapter
10,
a
man
ran
up
to
Jesus
and
asked
“What
must
I
do
to
inherit
eternal
life?”
The
man
in
this
story
came
to
Jesus
with
sincerity
and
fell
to
his
knees
before
Him.
But
this
man
was
only
looking
for
one
thing,
a
quick
fix.
The
above-mentioned
item
is
the
essential
ingredient
to
have
around
if
you
need
a
quick
fix,
just
ask
any
guy.
It
will
more
than
likely
do
the
job.
You
can
fix
your
bicycle
seat,
a
leaky
pipe,
a
broken
toy,
or
even
an
extremely
vocal
and
obnoxious
OU
fan—at
least
temporarily!
If
you
can
break
it,
duct
tape
can
probably
fix
it!
The
problem
is,
the
solution
is
only
temporary.
Many
people’s
lives
today
are
held
together
with
duct
tape.
You
can’t
say
“Yes,
I
want
to
take
control
over
my
finances,”
and
continue
to
live
beyond
your
means
and
buy
on
credit.
You
can’t
say
“Yeah,
I
want
to
have
a
better
relationship
with
my
kids,”
and
continue
to
work
70
hours
at
the
office.
You
can’t
say
“Yes,
Lord,
I
want
to
have
a
dynamic
and
growing
relationship
with
You,”
and
continue
to
give
Him
only
an
hour
out
of
your
week.
You
can’t
say
“Sure,
I
want
to
see
great
and
awesome
things
happen
here
at
Newcastle,”
and
continually
refuse
to
get
involved.
Making
a
significant
correction
requires
more
than
just
a
temporary
quick
fix.
The
man
in
the
passage
got
the
answer
to
his
question,
but
it
was
not
what
he
was
hoping
for.
He
wanted
something
quick
and
easy.
When
Jesus
challenges
us
to
make
a
change
in
our
lives,
He
doesn’t
ask
us
to
change
things
that
we
are
already
doing
well.
He
may
ask
you
to
work
on
your
pride,
your
selfishness,
your
jealousy,
your
greed,
and
it
probably
won’t
be
as
simple
and
quick
as
you
had
hoped.
But
don’t
walk
away
sad
as
this
man
did.
Instead…
“seek
first
his
kingdom
and
his
righteousness,
and
all
these
things
will
be
given
to
you
as
well.”
If
you
try
to
just
get
by
with
a
temporary
quick
fix,
more
than
likely
you’ll
end
up
with
a
big
sticky
mess!
Have
a
great
NEW
YEAR!
Because I care,
Rod
(DECEMBER
2011)
~The
Old
Man's
Auction~
Years
ago,
there
was
a
very
wealthy
man
who,
with
his
devoted
young
son,
shared
a
passion
for
art
collecting.
Together
they
traveled
around
the
world,
adding
only
the
finest
art
treasures
to
their
collection.
Priceless
works
by
Picasso,
Van
Gogh,
Monet,
and
others
adorned
their
walls.
The
man’s
son
became
experienced,
and
soon
dealt
with
art
collectors
around
the
world.
But
as
winter
approached
and
war
engulfed
the
nation,
the
young
man
left
to
serve
his
country.
All
too
soon,
the
elderly
man
received
word
that
his
son
was
missing
in
action.
It
was
not
long
until
his
fears
were
confirmed
that
indeed
his
son
had
been
killed,
and
had
died
while
rushing
a
fellow
soldier
to
a
medic.
Distraught
and
lonely,
the
old
man
faced
the
upcoming
Christmas
holidays
with
anguish.
The
masterpieces
hanging
on
his
walls
only
reminded
him
that
his
son
was
not
coming
home.
On
Christmas
morning,
a
knock
awakened
him,
and
he
was
greeted
at
the
door
by
a
soldier
with
a
large
package.
He
introduced
himself
by
explaining
that
he
had
been
a
friend
of
the
man’s
son,
and
that
he
was
the
one
being
rescued
by
the
son
when
he
was
killed.
He
explained
that
he
was
also
an
artist,
and
they
had
enjoyed
talking
about
their
passion
for
art.
In
appreciation
for
his
friend’s
heroism,
he
presented
the
man
with
a
large
portrait
he
had
painted
of
the
man’s
son.
Overcome
with
emotion,
the
old
man
thanked
the
soldier
and
promised
to
hang
it
above
the
fireplace.
He
studied
the
work,
and
although
the
world
would
never
consider
it
a
work
of
genius,
the
painting
featured
the
young
man’s
face
in
striking
detail.
The
soldier
departed,
and
the
old
man
set
about
moving
thousands
of
dollars
worth
of
paintings
aside
to
hang
the
portrait
directly
above
the
fireplace.
He
spent
Christmas
gazing
at
the
gift
he
had
been
given.
During
the
weeks
that
followed,
the
man
learned
that
his
son
had
rescued
dozens
of
wounded
before
his
life
was
taken.
This
news
helped
to
ease
the
old
man’s
grief,
and
the
portrait
soon
became
his
prized
possession.
He
told
everyone
who
visited
that
it
was
the
greatest
gift
he
had
ever
received.
The
following
summer,
the
old
man
became
ill
and
passed
away.
With
no
survivors,
the
art
world
was
in
anticipation
of
a
possible
auction
of
the
priceless
works
of
art
he
had
possessed.
And,
sure
enough,
according
to
the
will
of
the
old
man,
all
of
the
art
would
be
auctioned
on
Christmas
Day.
The
day
finally
arrived
and
art
collectors
from
around
the
world
gathered
to
bid.
The
auctioneer
began
the
auction
by
asking
for
a
bid
on
a
painting
that
was
not
on
the
list
of
priceless
treasures.
It
was
the
portrait
of
the
old
man’s
son,
and
the
room
was
silent.
The
auctioneer
again
asked
for
an
opening
bid
of
$100.
Moments
passed,
and
still
no
one
spoke.
Then,
from
the
back
of
the
room
came
“Who
cares
about
that
painting.
Let’s
forget
it
and
get
on
to
the
masterpieces.”
More
voices
echoed
in
agreement.
The
auctioneer
was
adamant
that
this
painting
must
be
sold
first,
and
again
asked
for
a
bid.
Finally,
a
friend
of
the
old
man
spoke
up
with
a
bid
of
$10,
stating
that
it
was
all
that
he
had.
The
auctioneer
asked
if
anyone
would
go
higher,
but
after
continued
silence,
the
familiar
words
came
“Going,
going,
gone!”
The
auctioneer
then
looked
out
over
the
audience
and
announced
that
the
auction
was
over.
Stunned
disbelief
quieted
the
room.
Then,
someone
spoke
up,
and
soon
the
room
was
filled
with
questions
and
demands
for
an
explanation.
The
auctioneer
replied,
“It’s
very
simple.
According
to
the
will
of
the
father,
whoever
takes
the
son--gets
it
all!”
Just
as
the
art
collectors
discovered
on
that
day,
the
message
is
still
the
same.
The
Father,
whose
Son
gave
His
life
for
others,
gives
all
the
opportunity
to
take
the
Son
and
receive
more
than
we
could
ever
imagine.
Whoever
takes
the
Son--gets
it
all!
It
was
the
doubting
disciple
Thomas
who
received
this
answer
from
Jesus:
"I
am
the
way
and
the
truth
and
the
life.
No
one
comes
to
the
Father
except
through
me.
If
you
really
knew
me,
you
would
know
my
Father
as
well.
From
now
on,
you
do
know
him
and
have
seen
him."
(John
14:6-7)
The
Father
gave
his
one
and
only
Son
for
you.
As
we
remember
His
birth,
I
hope
that
you
will
have
a
wonderful
Christmas,
and
that
if
you
haven’t,
I
pray
that
you
will
accept
this
ultimate
gift
of
the
Son,
and
know
that
with
it,
you
will
get
it
all!
Because I care,
Rod
(NOVEMBER 2011)
WELCOME
TO
MY
PITY
PARTY
As
I
grow
older,
I’m
finding
out
more
all
the
time
why
people
get
to
the
point
that
they
are
ready
to
go
be
with
God.
I’m
not
sure
what
all
is
involved,
but
it
seems
to
be
a
combination
of
many
factors
that
bring
you
to
that
stage
where
you
just
don’t
care
for
this
life
filled
with
the
apathetic,
inconsiderate,
self-centered,
and
evil
people
of
this
world.
I
suppose
that
seems
a
little
harsh
and
detached,
but
I
think
we
get
to
the
point,
like
Elijah,
where
he
sat
down
under
a
broom
tree
in
1
Kings
19
and
said,
"I
have
had
enough,
LORD,
take
my
life;
I
am
no
better
than
my
ancestors."
I
don’t
know
what
all
Elijah
had
to
deal
with,
but
we
do
know
that
Jezebel
had
just
threatened
his
life,
and
that
he
was
on
the
run.
Even
though
in
the
previous
chapter,
he
had
just
seen
the
power
of
God
on
Mount
Carmel,
and
God
had
just
sent
rain
after
three
years
of
drought.
We,
like
Elijah,
forget
where
we
are
and
what
God
has
gotten
us
through.
Sometimes,
we
even
go
as
far
as
to
imitate
his
arrogance
when
God
confronted
him
and
he
responded
"I
have
been
very
zealous
for
the
LORD
God
Almighty.
The
Israelites
have
rejected
your
covenant,
broken
down
your
altars,
and
put
your
prophets
to
death
with
the
sword.
I
am
the
only
one
left,
and
now
they
are
trying
to
kill
me
too."
It’s
pretty
easy
to
get
discouraged
these
days.
When
I
see
how
our
kids
dress
and
act,
complete
with
tattoos,
piercings,
and
some
type
of
device
stuck
to
their
ear
every
waking
moment,
I
wonder
what
our
next
generation
will
bring.
When
I
see
the
church
lowering
standards,
watering
down
scripture,
and
stooping
to
entertainment
to
attract
people,
I
get
discouraged.
When
I
see
homosexuals
and
trans-genders
being
celebrated
on
every
television
show
and
movie,
and
that
I
am
chastised
for
speaking
against
it,
I
think
that
we
are
in
that
state
of
depravity
that
the
first
chapter
of
Romans
speaks
of.
When
I
see
a
nation
founded
on
Christianity
allowing
a
group
of
religious
terrorists
to
establish
their
religion
of
hate
and
practice
their
own
immoral
values,
I
fear
that
Satan
is
winning
the
war.
And
also
when
I
see
good
people
making
every
other
event
a
priority
above
their
worship
to
God
and
letting
their
kids
rule
the
home,
I’m
ready
to
move
to
a
cave
with
Elijah
and
let
someone
else
deal
with
the
problems.
I
know,
it
sounds
kinda
like
I’m
indulging
in
a
little
“pity
party”,
but
I
see
these
as
clear
and
present
dangers,
and
indicative
of
our
deteriorating
society.
We
shove
it
all
under
the
rug,
put
it
on
the
back
burner,
or
even
hide
it
away
where
we
can’t
be
bothered
with
it.
But,
hopefully,
God
will
remind
us
that
we
are
not
alone,
and
that
we
will
rise
above
the
fray.
As
was
the
case
with
Elijah,
there
are
many
still
striving
to
serve
and
obey,
and,
of
course,
He
is
always
with
us.
You
might
also
remember
that
because
of
his
faithfulness,
Elijah
didn’t
have
to
experience
death.
And
even
though
we
most
likely
won’t
have
that
whirlwind
experience
that
he
had,
we
DO
have
the
promise
of
a
perfect
eternity.
We’ve
been
having
some
good
discussions
in
Bible
study
concerning
heaven
and
our
eternal
reward.
There
are
some
differing
opinions
about
what
will
and
will
not
be
a
part
of
that
wonderful
place.
The
only
thing
that
I
can
say
for
sure,
is
that
we
can’t
say
for
sure
what
it
will
be
like.
One
of
my
favorite
verses
comes
from
1
Corinthians
2:9
“However,
as
it
is
written:
’No
eye
has
seen,
no
ear
has
heard,
no
mind
has
conceived
what
God
has
prepared
for
those
who
love
him.”
We
won’t
know
what
God
is
preparing
for
us,
but
we
do
know
that
it’s
perfect,
and
I
know
that
I
will
be
there.
Wait
a
minute,
how
can
someone
as
imperfect
as
I
be
in
that
perfect
place
for
eternity?
Oh,
yeah—Jesus
Christ
died
in
my
place,
and
even
though
I
only
deserve
to
be
stuck
in
a
cave
alone
and
feeling
sorry
for
myself,
I’m
gonna
live
forever
in
paradise!
God
is
good—all
the
time!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(OCTOBER 2011)
In Other Words…
I’ve been thinking—I know, for me, that’s dangerous. But it seems to me like those who think they know what’s best for us are very good at disguising their intent. I’ve researched some of the great “projects” that have been achieved or that are trying to be implemented. See if you don’t agree with me that, although the name sounds good, the ultimate conclusions are not. They are godless and violate Biblical principles. I guess that they don’t think that us dumb Christians can see through the sugar-coating. (or they just don’t care!)
~Freedom
of
Choice
Act~
A
bill
to
nullify
any
state
or
federal
law
that
would
"interfere
with"
access
to
abortion.
As
it
is
worded,
it
will
protect,
consistent
with
Roe
v.
Wade,
a
woman's
freedom
to
choose
to
bear
a
child
or
terminate
a
pregnancy.
This
new
bill
would
invalidate
all
federal,
state,
and
local
limitations
on
access
to
abortion,
including
partial
birth.
It
was
campaigned
that
the
first
thing
this
administration
would
do
if
elected
was
to
sign
this
bill,
but
so
far,
it
is
pending
in
Congress.
IOW
This
act
would
lift
ALL
restrictions
concerning
abortion.
~Affirmative
Action~
This
refers
to
policies
that
take
race,
ethnicity,
or
gender
into
consideration
in
an
attempt
to
promote
equal
opportunity
or
increase
ethnic
or
other
forms
of
diversity.
The
focus
of
such
policies
ranges
from
employment
and
education
to
public
contracting
and
health
programs,
and
is
suppose
to
redress
perceived
disadvantages
due
to
discrimination.
IOW
It
is
the
preferential
selection
of
unqualified
candidates
over
qualified
candidates.
~Fairness
Doctrine~
A
policy
of
the
Federal
Communications
Commission
requiring
that
the
holders
of
broadcast
licenses
present
controversial
issues
of
public
importance
and
to
do
so
in
a
manner
that
was
(in
the
Commission's
view)
honest,
equitable
and
balanced.
Adopted
in
1949,
but
overturned
in
1987,
it
has
now
resurfaced.
IOW
It
is
an
effort
to
silence
conservative
radio
shows.
~Uniting
American
Families
Act~
A
bill
to
amend
the
Immigration
and
Nationality
Act
to
eliminate
discrimination
in
the
immigration
laws
by
permitting
permanent
partners
of
United
States
citizens
and
lawful
permanent
residents
to
obtain
lawful
permanent
resident
status.
It
will
recognize
committed
same-sex
couples
as
families
for
immigration
purposes,
and
has
been
further
expanded
to
provide
rights
to
the
children
or
step-children
of
the
foreign-born
partner.
IOW
It’s
another
step
to
accept
same-sex
marriage
as
well
as
grant
citizenship
rights
to
homosexual
partners.
~Reproductive
Health
Care~
This
normally
refers
to
the
general
welfare
of
the
reproductive
process,
including
hygiene,
contraception,
controlling
sexually
transmitted
disease,
and
family
planning.
Recently,
though,
this
language
is
used
to
mask
the
option
of
abortion.
IOW
Another
way
of
trying
to
hide
the
horror
of
taking
innocent
life.
~Hate
Crimes
Law~
Essentially,
hate
crimes
laws
would
add
additional
criminal
penalties
upon
anyone
convicted
of
a
crime
against
an
individual
when
that
crime,
according
to
the
proposed
legislation,
is
motivated
by
the
actual
or
perceived
race,
color,
national
origin,
religion,
sexual
orientation,
gender,
or
disability
of
the
victim.
It
has
already
become
law
last
year.
IOW
This
further
moves
the
agenda
to
criminalize
Christianity
and
silence
Christians.
Anyone
contributing
to
the
mental
state
of
someone
committing
such
a
crime
could
be
prosecuted
and
imprisoned,
as
ministers
preaching
from
God’s
Word.
~Domestic
Partner
Expansion
Law~
This
is
basically
an
“everything
but
marriage”
law
for
homosexual
couples.
This
domestic
partner
law
gives
same-sex
couples
all
the
state
rights
of
marriage
without
the
name.
The
legislation
makes
domestic
partnerships
equal
to
marriage
in
areas
of
community
property,
guardianship
and
powers
of
attorney.
It
allows
partners
the
right
to
refuse
to
testify
against
partners
in
court.
And
it
provides
the
same
remedies
as
married
couples
in
ending
relationships,
including
division
of
property.
IOW
It
is
being
recognized
in
some
states,
and
is
actually
the
final
step
toward
legalizing
gay
marriage.
~Race
To
The
Top~
Is
a
$4.35
billion
United
States
Department
of
Education
competition
designed
to
spur
reforms
in
state
and
local
district
K-12
education.
States
are
awarded
points
for
satisfying
certain
educational
policies,
such
as
performance-based
standards
for
teachers
and
principals.
IOW
Just
another
way
to
impose
federal
control
over
state
schools,
to
place
our
children
in
the
hands
of
un-elected
bureaucrats
and
special
interest
groups
in
Washington.
~The
Dream
Act~
This
bill
would
provide
conditional
permanent
residency
to
certain
illegal
alien-students
of
good
moral
character
who
graduate
from
US
high
schools,
arrived
in
the
US
as
minors,
and
lived
in
the
country
continuously
for
at
least
five
years
prior
to
the
bill's
enactment.
If
they
were
to
complete
two
years
in
the
military
or
two
years
at
a
four
year
institution
of
higher
learning,
the
students
would
obtain
temporary
residency
for
a
six
year
period.
IOW
First
introduced
in
2001,
it
has
been
re-introduced
several
times
with
different
names,
most
recently
in
May
of
2011.
It
is
simply
just
another
way
to
encourage
and
reward
illegal
immigration.
Because
I
care,
Rod
(SEPTEMBER 2011)
The
other
day
I
was
driving
home,
having
a
great
day,
and
minding
my
own
business.
I
came
to
a
stop
sign
and
pulled
up
behind
the
single
car
in
front
of
me.
When
the
light
turned
green,
I
waited
several
seconds
for
the
car
to
move,
and
after
what
I
thought
was
a
reasonable
amount
of
time,
I
lightly
hit
the
horn.
Immediately,
the
driver
looked
up,
displayed
a
visible
finger
gesture
of
disgust,
and
sped
off
through
the
intersection.
This
isn’t
the
first
time
something
like
this
has
happened,
and
I’m
sure
that
you
have
experienced
it
too.
You
try
to
be
patient
and
point
out
what
needs
attention
or
correction,
and
it
gets
thrown
back
in
your
face,
and
you
are
made
out
to
be
the
“bad
guy”.
This
brought
to
mind
other
times
when
the
tables
were
turned
against
me.
A
few
years
ago,
my
Mom
had
found
a
car
that
she
wanted
to
purchase
from
an
individual
in
her
church.
I
agreed
to
bring
her
used
Crown
Victoria
to
the
city,
where
I
was
sure
I
could
sell
it
relatively
easy.
In
only
a
week
or
so,
the
car
was
sold,
paid
in
cash,
and
I
didn’t
think
much
more
about
it.
Until,
a
couple
of
months
later,
Mom
called,
saying
that
she
had
received
a
parking
ticket
in
the
mail
for
the
car.
I
did
some
research,
called
the
Department
of
Motor
Vehicles,
and
found
out
that
a
citation
had
been
issued
to
that
vehicle
here
in
OKC.
I
explained
that
the
car
was
no
longer
owned
by
my
mother,
and
I
was
informed
that
the
title
had
never
been
registered
with
the
new
owner,
and
no
tax
had
been
paid
or
tag
secured.
So,
they
explained,
Mom
was
still
responsible
for
the
car
and
any
violations
incurred.
We
had
signed
the
title
over,
but
because
of
the
new
owner’s
lack
of
responsibility
to
do
the
necessary
paperwork,
Mom
was
left
with
his
mess.
Fortunately,
I
was
able
to
get
in
touch
with
the
grandmother
of
the
irresponsible
brat
and
she
finally
got
everything
straightened
out.
Because
of
the
inability
to
discipline
in
the
classroom,
and
I
suspect
a
lack
of
restraint
and
correction
in
the
home,
a
New
Jersey
teacher
is
in
danger
of
losing
her
job.
Jennifer
O’Brien,
frustrated
with
several
students
in
her
first
grade
class,
made
the
comment
that
she
“was
a
warden
for
future
criminals”.
I’ve
substituted
in
the
classroom
in
recent
years,
and
I
would
have
to
agree
with
her.
She
was
even
hit
by
one
of
the
students
recently.
But
instead
of
some
corrective
measures
taken
to
insure
discipline
and
obedience
by
the
administration,
this
tenured
teacher
is
reprimanded,
called
a
“racist”,
and
is
awaiting
a
decision
about
her
employment.
Another
recent
atrocity
saw
a
local
pharmacist
sent
to
prison
for
life
for
defending
himself
from
a
robbery
where
his
life
was
threatened.
I
wonder
if
those
pronouncing
sentence
would
react
differently
if
they
would
have
had
a
gun
stuck
in
their
face.
Do
you
see
what
I
mean?
Our
entire
society
is
UPSIDE
DOWN!
Conservative
Christians
were
called
“terrorists”
by
members
of
Congress
and
even
our
Vice-President
recently.
All
the
while,
members
of
Islam,
a
“peaceful
religion”,
promote
the
murder
of
those
who
believe
differently,
advocate
the
abuse
of
women,
pirate
ships
on
the
seas,
and
train
young
men
to
kill
themselves
and
others
with
explosive
devices,
and
cannot
be
labeled
terrorists.
Same-sex
marriage
and
living
together
without
commitment
is
acceptable
and
Biblical
marriage
is
called
old-fashioned.
You
can
take
an
unborn
child’s
life,
but
it
is
wrong
to
execute
a
mass
murderer
or
tamper
with
some
endangered
fish
or
bird’s
habitat.
We
can’t
apprehend
or
even
question
someone
who
may
be
in
our
country
illegally,
but
instead
we
justify
it
by
hiring
them
to
do
the
work
we
are
too
lazy
to
do,
and
give
them
free
assistance
that
isn’t
available
to
the
average
legal
citizen.
We
take
away
from
those
who
have
worked
hard
for
years
in
a
respectable
job
or
have
established
a
business,
and
give
to
those
who
won’t
work
and
contribute
nothing.
Parenting
has
been
replaced
with
Ritalin
and
video
games.
You
can
have
pornography
on
television
or
the
internet,
but
you
had
better
not
have
a
nativity
scene,
a
cross,
or
the
Ten
Commandments
in
a
public
place.
Biblical
references
and
quotes
are
found
all
over
our
Nation’s
Capital,
but
don’t
dare
use
the
name
of
God
or
Jesus
in
a
prayer
in
a
classroom
teaching
our
Nation’s
history.
I
guess
we
shouldn’t
be
surprised.
We’re
told
in
the
Word
that
things
would
deteriorate.
Peter
told
us…
“don’t be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
And
in
the
Sermon
on
the
Mount
in
Matthew
7,
we
are
warned
of
false
prophets
in
sheep’s
clothing.
In
Matthew
24,
speaking
of
the
end
times,
we
are
warned
that
many
will
be
deceived,
even
the
elect.
But
my
favorite
passage
is
in
2
Peter
2:1…
“But
there
were
also
false
prophets
among
the
people,
just
as
there
will
be
false
teachers
among
you.
They
will
secretly
introduce
destructive
heresies,
even
denying
the
sovereign
Lord
who
bought
them…”
It
gives
assurance
that
they
will
come
to
destruction,
but
in
verse
2,
we
are
reminded
that…
“many
will
follow
their
shameful
ways
and
will
bring
the
way
of
truth
into
disrepute.”
Don’t
be
one
of
those
followers!
Satan
is
a
master
at
deception,
and
he
is
working
overtime.
Paul
lived
in
an
upside
down
world
too—he
was
imprisoned
and
in
chains
for
trying
to
show
others
how
to
live
eternally
in
heaven!
How
distorted
is
that?
Many
today
are
living
in
oppression
and
persecution
for
trying
to
do
the
same
thing.
So,
expect
continued
injustice,
expect
being
labeled
the
“bad
guy”,
and
stay
right
side
up!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(AUGUST 2011)
ARE
WE
THERE
YET?
If
you
have
children,
or
have
been
on
vacation
recently,
or
a
combination
thereof,
you’ve
probably
heard
that
phrase
at
least
a
dozen
times.
As
a
rule,
patience
is
not
in
abundant
supply
for
young
people,
and
actually,
most
adults
too!
Family
vacations
usually
intensify
that
impatience,
at
least
by
the
second
day.
After our empty nesting, our family vacations were often spent with the youth group on their summer trips. About 9 years ago was one such outing, and I still remember it vividly. (I can’t seem to block it from my memory!) 12 of us in two vans for 4 days, which again, can add to the impatience. But at least it was in cooler Colorado, and lower temperatures always seem to help ease the tension. When we left Oklahoma, it was 108 degrees. But the next day on top of Pike’s Peak, it was 70 degrees cooler! We tried to bring some of that moderation back, but it got lost in western Kansas somewhere.
Anyway, back to the subject. You’ve got to admit that we are a pretty impatient bunch of people. While we used to be content to wait three or four days for the next stagecoach, now we get upset if we miss a section of the revolving door! I get frustrated because my older computer at home takes a few seconds longer to load web pages! When we moved to “THE CITY”, I was reminded of the statistic that I had read about life in urban areas. I would now become a part of those people who could count on spending six months of their life sitting at stop lights! Six months! Twenty four hours a day! Seven days a week! That’s almost unbelievable, until you start focusing on those many minutes a day waiting for green. It will make an impatient believer out of you.
One
of
my
favorite
books
is
James,
and
in
the
fifth
chapter
he
writes:
“Be
patient,
then,
brothers,
until
the
Lord’s
coming.
See
how
the
farmer
waits
for
the
land
to
yield
its
valuable
crop
and
how
patient
he
is
for
the
autumn
and
spring
rains.
You
too,
be
patient
and
stand
firm,
because
the
Lord’s
coming
is
near.”
Now, I’ve lived in farming communities for most of my life, and even farmed some myself. So I can say with some understanding that maybe a farmer isn’t always the best illustration of patience. And right now, I think we’re all getting a little feverish about some moisture. But I think the writer is asking us to keep trusting, have faith, and know that God is still in control. Also know that His timing is perfect, even though we don’t always agree. It’s easier said than done, but putting your faith and hope in Jesus will help you overcome that impatience and give you a strong feeling of contentment.
I’ve waited in line to ride a roller coaster for 45 minutes. I waited at a railroad crossing one day for 42 minutes. I’ve waited to get a table at a restaurant for over30 minutes. But sometimes in four seconds I could lose my patience with my kids, both under and over eighteen years of age. I guess I’m not quite there yet! God, please don’t stop working on me!
Because I care,
Rod
(JULY 2011)
W ONE NATION, OVER GOD X
A
title
for
a
recent
editorial
caught
my
eye,
“One
Nation,
Over
God.”
The
more
I
thought
about
it,
the
more
appropriate
it
seemed!
We
ARE
becoming
a
nation
over,
above,
and
without
need
of
God.
Oh,
it’s
happened
very
slowly,
and
some
may
have
not
noticed
the
change.
That
is,
if
you’ve
just
arrived
from
Mars,
been
locked
in
your
room
for
thirty
years,
or
can’t
read!
I’ve
been
privileged
to
live
in
this
great
nation
for
over
half
a
century,
but
it
seems
evident
to
me
that
we
are
following
the
paths
of
ruin
and
destruction
from
within
that
have
plagued
other
mighty
nations
throughout
history.
In
America,
we’ve
had
the
same
form
of
government
since
its
birth,
almost
235
years.
During
that
same
time,
France
has
gone
through
seven
government
changes,
and
Italy
has
changed
48
times!
What
has
caused
our
longevity?
Could
it
be
that
this
nation
was
founded
on
Biblical
principles?
Let’s
look
back
to
the
Hebrew
nation,
and
God’s
promise
to
them.
In Exodus 19:4-6, and in Deuteronomy 26:18-19, God declared that He had set them above all nations—IF they would keep his commands and obey fully. And then in Deuteronomy 31:16-18, God warns Moses of the disasters and difficulties to come to the Israelites because they had forsaken Him, and worshipped other Gods. I see a strong parallel with the course America is taking. How long will God put up with us?
We all remember Patrick Henry and his famous quote: “Give me liberty, or give me death!” But another quote from this statesman that hasn’t been printed enough is this: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians—not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Sadly, we have slowly but surely removed most of that emphasis over the years, almost to the point of complete elimination of Christian values in government and society.
Our generation has not been taught, and therefore has forgotten the deep Christian roots of the founding of this nation. 94% of the quotes for composing and shaping our Constitution at the Constitutional Convention came directly or indirectly from the Bible. In fact, our three branches of government—judicial, legislative, executive—came directly from Isaiah 33:22. “For this Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is He who will save us.”
All state constitutions in early America required every appointed or elected official to publicly make a confession of faith in God, in Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Another requirement was acknowledgement that the Scriptures were divinely inspired.
Now, we can’t hardly mention God, in government, school, or any public gathering without threat of a suit or jeopardizing our job or family. Can you see the decline?
But, our nation is the #1 nation in the world, you say. Yes, we are #1 in many areas: violent crime—divorce—teen pregnancy—voluntary abortion—illegal drug use—even illiteracy in the industrialized nations. Maybe as we celebrate our nation’s birth, it’s time to stand up and get back to the foundation while we still can.
Let’s
put
our
nation
back
where
it
should
be,
UNDER
GOD!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(JUNE 2011)
HAVE YOURSELF COMMITTED!
You’ve
heard
the
story
of
the
pig
and
the
chicken…they
were
walking
together
down
the
street
one
day
and
noticed
some
poor
children
who
looked
as
though
they
hadn’t
eaten
anything
for
days.
Moved
with
compassion,
the
chicken
said
to
the
pig,
“I
have
an
idea!
Let’s
give
those
children
a
nice
breakfast
of
ham
and
eggs!”
The
pig
contemplated
the
chicken’s
suggestion,
and
then
said,
“Well,
for
you,
that
would
involve
a
small
contribution.
But
for
me,
it
would
involve
total
commitment!”
It
is
much
easier
to
make
a
contribution
than
it
is
to
make
a
commitment.
It
is
much
easier
to
make
a
promise
than
to
keep
one.
When
it
comes
to
our
relationship
with
God,
we
often
content
ourselves
with
comfortable
contributions.
A
wealthy
young
man
once
came
to
Jesus
in
a
crowd
and
asked,
“What
good
thing
shall
I
do
that
I
may
obtain
eternal
life?”
(Matthew
19:16)
He
was
probably
hoping
that
Jesus
would
encourage
him
to
give
a
substantial
contribution,
or
become
a
regular
supporter
of
His
ministry—something
he
was
willing
to
do.
Instead,
Jesus
shocked
everyone
by
saying,
“If
you
wish
to
be
complete,
go
and
sell
your
possessions
and
give
to
the
poor,
and
you
shall
have
treasure
in
heaven,
and
come
follow
Me.”
That
was
something
the
young
man
was
UN-willing
to
do.
In
this
story,
the
very
thing
which
the
wealthy
young
man
sought—happiness—eluded
him.
The
Bible
says,
“…he
went
away
grieved
because
he
was
one
who
owned
much
property.”
God
doesn’t
want
our
contribution;
He
wants
our
whole
life.
He
doesn’t
want
a
tip;
He
will
have
the
entire
financial
package.
He
won’t
settle
for
a
truce;
He
demands
unconditional
surrender.
If
He
gets
our
heart,
He
gets
everything
else
too.
Jesus
did
not
make
a
contribution
toward
the
world’s
well-being.
He
gave
the
ultimate
sacrifice
of
His
life
on
the
cross
as
a
substitute
for
sin.
He
was
committed
to
our
eternal
salvation.
He
is
still
committed
to
awakening
each
of
us
to
this
great
gift
of
forgiveness
and
eternal
life.
His
commitment
to
you
should
be
your
motivation
to
be
committed
to
Him.
The
saying
goes:
“It
is
a
wise
man
who
will
give
up
what
he
cannot
keep
to
gain
what
he
cannot
lose.”
So,
are
you
unsure
as
to
whether
or
not
you’re
fully
committed?
Here’s
a
simple
test:
just
show
me
3
books---your
date
book,
your
check
book,
and
your
favorite
book.
That
will
most
likely
be
a
pretty
good
indication
of
what
is
most
important
in
your
life.
So
don’t
be
a
chicken,
or
a
pig
for
that
matter.
What
better
time
to
give
yourself
fully
to
Him
than
today.
He
did
for
you,
you
know.
Because
I
care,
Rod
(MAY 2011)
THE
PERFECT
PASTOR
I
read
a
humorous
illustration
recently
(or
at
least
I
hope
you
find
it
humorous)
that
lists
the
qualities
of
the
"perfect
pastor".
My
thought
is
that
it
was
probably
written
by
a
pastor,
or
more
probably
by
a
former
pastor.
It
lists
these
qualities:
1.
The
perfect
pastor
preaches
exactly
12
minutes.
2.
He
frequently
condemns
sin,
but
never
upsets
anyone.
3.
He
has
a
doctorate
degree,
but
talks
on
a
level
that
can
be
understood.
4.
He
works
from
8
am
until
midnight
and
is
also
a
janitor.
5.
He
makes
$60/week,
tithes
25%,
wears
nice
clothes,
buys
good
books,
drives
a
nice
car,
and
gives
about
$80/week
to
the
poor.
6.
He
is
28
years
of
age,
but
he's
been
preaching
for
30
years.
He
is
wonderfully
gentle
and
handsome.
7.
He
gives
himself
completely,
but
never
gets
too
close
to
anyone
to
avoid
criticism.
8.
He
speaks
boldly
on
social
issues,
but
must
never
become
politically
involved.
9.
He
has
a
burning
desire
to
work
with
teenagers,
but
spends
all
of
his
time
with
the
senior
citizens.
10.
He
makes
fifteen
daily
calls
to
member
families,
visits
shut-ins
and
those
in
the
hospital,
spends
all
his
time
evangelizing
the
un-churched,
and
is
always
in
his
office
when
needed.
Sounds
like
a
pretty
tall
order
to
me!
I
think
it's
going
to
take
a
combined
effort.
And
I
know
I'm
very
inadequate
in
most
areas,
so
I'm
asking
for
your
help.
One
of
the
marks
of
a
healthy
church
is
that
they
successfully
plug
in
all
members.
We've
had
a
great
response
in
sign-ups
from
the
Ministry
Fair
recently.
Now,
it's
up
to
the
ministry
leaders
to
put
legs
on
those
names
and
get
them
moving!
And
for
those
who
signed
up
not
to
be
just
a
name
on
a
page
for
another
year.
Don't
wait
for
your
leader
to
do
all
the
work,
but
offer
your
assistance
without
them
having
to
call
and
beg.
In
the
short
time
I've
been
in
full-time
ministry,
I've
found
out
several
things.
The
first
is
that
ministry
can
be
one
of
the
most
rewarding
things
that
I
could
do
with
my
remaining
time
on
this
earth.
It
is
filled
with
some
of
the
highest
"highs"
that
you
can
imagine.
But
it
also
creates
some
of
the
lowest
"lows".
Let's
work
together
against
Satan
as
he
strives
to
stifle
us
with
"lows".
It's
going
to
take
a
combined
effort,
all
of
us
and
the
Lord!
I'll
give
you
this
promise--I
will
strive
to
continue
to
use
what
talents
God
has
given
me
and
to
try
to
do
everything
with
excellence.
I
ask
of
you
the
same
promise.
Make
your
service
to
God
and
His
church
a
priority
by
giving
of
your
time
and
fulfilling
your
responsibilities.
Perfect
pastor?
Hardly.
It's
too
late
for
me
to
get
my
degree,
and
I
think
near
impossible
for
me
to
preach
only
12
minutes.
So,
let's
make
a
deal--if
you'll
put
up
with
me,
I'll
put
up
with
you!
But
we
won't
put
up
with
conflict,
apathy,
or
controversy.
Remember,
from
Ephesians
4:16
"From
him
the
whole
body,
joined
together
by
every
supporting
ligament,
grows
and
builds
itself
up
in
love,
as
each
part
does
its
work."
Because I care,
Rod
(APRIL 2011)
Be
Positively
Significant
The
old
farmer,
looking
through
critical
eyes,
had
become
somewhat
cynical
and
seemed
to
find
something
wrong
with
everything.
One
day,
feeling
exceptionally
frustrated,
he
decided
to
sell
the
old
dump
and
re-locate.
He
called
the
realtor
about
listing
all
of
his
property,
and
waited
for
the
advertising
to
go
out.
After
a
few
days,
he
called
the
realtor
and
asked
her
about
the
listing.
She
read
the
ad
that
she
had
put
together
back
to
him:
"An
ideal
location
with
a
spacious
house
and
well-built
barns.
Well-bred
stock
are
included
with
this
acreage
that
has
a
beautiful
pond
and
plush
pastureland."
The
man
listened,
and
then
asked
her
to
repeat
the
ad
again
slowly.
After
a
brief
pause,
he
told
her
not
to
run
the
ad.
“I’ve
decided
not
to
sell.”
He
said,
“I’ve
been
looking
for
a
place
like
that
all
my
life!”
A
sure
way
to
make
yourself
miserable
is
to
focus
on
the
negative.
If
you
just
look
for
what
is
wrong
with
your
life,
your
family,
your
church,
I
guarantee
you’ll
find
it.
It
all
has
to
do
with
attitude.
The
Proverb
(23:7)
goes:
“As
a
man
thinks
in
his
heart,
so
is
he.”
You
may
be
around
unreasonable
people,
in
unpleasant
circumstances,
awaiting
an
uncertain
fate,
but
how
you
respond
to
those
negative
influences
will
show
what
kind
of
person
you
are,
and
also
the
depth
of
your
faith.
Instead
of
asking
“Why
did
this
happen
to
me?”,
why
not
ask
“How
can
I
use
this
to
glorify
God
and
further
His
kingdom?”
In
Philippians
4:12-13,
Paul
writes
that
he
knows
what
it
is
to
be
in
need,
and
also
to
have
plenty.
But
through
those
experiences,
he
has
learned
how
to
be
content
in
all
situations.
You,
too,
can
make
a
significant
impact
by
being
positive
and
keeping
an
upbeat
attitude.
We’re
all
going
to
experience
troubles
and
unpleasantness,
but
Paul
tells
us
early
in
Philippians
1:27
“Whatever
happens,
conduct
yourselves
in
a
manner
worthy
of
the
gospel
of
Christ.”
Maybe,
as
this
poem
shows,
you
need
a
little
adjustment…
One
ship
drives
east,
and
another
drives
west,
with
the
selfsame
winds
that
blow.
‘Tis
the
set
of
the
sails,
and
not
the
gales,
that
determines
which
way
we
go.
Exciting things are happening at Newcastle Christian Church! Get behind them and get in the middle of them! Maybe it’s time you brought your involvement up a notch! See you at Sunday school and Bible study next week!
Because I care,
Rod
(MARCH 2011)
A
Little
Dab'll
Do
Ya!
Some
years
ago
a
minister
walked
into
his
church
office
after
a
Sunday
morning
service
to
find
a
sandwich
bag
on
his
desk
containing
three
chocolate
brownies.
Some
thoughtful
and
anonymous
saint
who
knew
his
love
for
chocolate
had
placed
them
there,
along
with
a
note
that
contained
a
short
story.
He
immediately
sat
down
and
began
eating
the
first
brownie
as
he
read
the
following
story:
Two
teenagers
asked
their
father
if
they
could
go
the
theater
to
watch
a
movie
that
all
their
friends
had
seen.
After
reading
some
reviews
about
the
movie
on
the
Internet,
he
denied
their
request.
"Aw
dad,
why
not?"
they
complained.
"Its
rated
PG-13,
and
we're
both
older
than
thirteen!"
Dad
replied,
"I
said
no
because
that
movie
contains
nudity
and
portrays
immorality,
which
is
something
that
God
hates,
as
being
normal
and
acceptable
behavior."
"But
dad,
those
are
just
very
small
parts
of
the
movie!
That's
what
our
friends
who've
seen
it
have
told
us.
The
movie
is
two
hours
long
and
those
scenes
are
just
a
few
minutes
of
the
total
film!
It's
based
on
a
true
story,
good
triumphs
over
evil,
and
there
are
other
redeeming
themes
like
courage
and
self-sacrifice.
Even
the
Christian
movie
review
websites
say
that!"
"My
answer
is
'no,'
and
that
is
my
final
answer.
You
are
welcome
to
stay
home
tonight,
invite
some
of
your
friends
over,
and
watch
one
of
the
good
videos
we
have
in
our
home
collection.
But
you
will
not
go
and
watch
that
film.
End
of
discussion."
The
two
teenagers
walked
dejectedly
into
the
family
room
and
slumped
down
on
the
couch.
As
they
sulked,
they
were
surprised
to
hear
the
sounds
of
their
father
preparing
something
in
the
kitchen.
They
soon
recognized
the
wonderful
aroma
of
brownies
baking
in
the
oven,
and
one
of
the
teenagers
said
to
the
other,
"Dad
must
be
feeling
guilty,
and
now
he's
going
to
try
to
make
it
up
to
us
with
some
fresh
brownies.
Maybe
we
can
soften
him
with
lots
of
praise
when
he
brings
them
out
to
us
and
persuade
him
to
let
us
go
to
that
movie
after
all."
About
that
time
the
minister
began
eating
the
second
brownie
from
the
sandwich
bag
and
wondered
if
there
was
some
connection
to
the
brownies
he
was
eating
and
the
brownies
in
the
story.
He
kept
reading...
The
teens
were
not
disappointed.
Soon
their
father
appeared
with
a
plate
of
warm
brownies,
which
he
offered
to
his
kids.
They
each
took
one.
Then
their
father
said,
"Before
you
eat,
I
want
to
tell
you
something:
I
love
you
both
so
much."
The
teenagers
smiled
at
each
other
with
knowing
glances.
Dad
was
softening.
"That
is
why
I've
made
these
brownies
with
the
very
best
ingredients.
I've
made
them
from
scratch.
Most
of
the
ingredients
are
even
organic.
I
used
the
best
organic
flour,
the
best
free-range
eggs,
the
best
organic
sugar,
and
premium
vanilla
and
chocolate."
The
brownies
looked
mouth-watering,
and
the
teens
began
to
become
a
little
impatient
with
their
dad's
long
speech.
"But
I
want
to
be
perfectly
honest
with
you.
There
is
one
ingredient
I
added
that
is
not
usually
found
in
brownies.
I
got
that
ingredient
from
our
own
back
yard.
But
you
needn't
worry,
because
I
only
added
the
tiniest
bit
of
that
ingredient
to
your
brownies.
The
amount
of
the
portion
is
practically
insignificant.
So
go
ahead,
take
a
bite
and
let
me
know
what
you
think."
"Dad,
would
you
mind
telling
us
what
that
mystery
ingredient
is
before
we
eat?"
Dad
responded,
"Why?
The
portion
I
added
was
so
small.
It
was
hardly
a
teaspoonful.
You
won't
even
taste
it."
"C’mon
Dad,
just
tell
us
what
it
is."
Again,
Dad
tried
to
reassure
them.
"Don't
worry,
it’s
organic,
just
like
the
other
ingredients.”
"Dad!"
the
kids
exclaimed.
Finally,
Dad
relented.
"Well,
OK,
if
you
insist.
That
secret
ingredient
is
organic...dog
poop."
The
minister
immediately
stopped
chewing
that
second
brownie
and
spit
it
out
into
the
wastebasket
by
his
desk.
He
continued
reading,
now
fearful
of
the
paragraphs
that
still
remained.
Both
teens
instantly
dropped
their
brownies
back
on
the
plate
and
began
inspecting
their
fingers
with
horror.
"Dad!
Why
did
you
do
that?
You've
tortured
us
by
making
us
smell
those
brownies
cooking
for
the
last
half
hour,
and
now
you
tell
us
that
you
added
dog
poop!
We
can't
eat
these
brownies!"
"Why
not?”
said
Dad.
“The
amount
of
dog
poop
is
very
small
compared
to
the
rest
of
the
ingredients.
It
won't
hurt
you.
It's
been
cooked
along
with
the
other
ingredients.
You
won't
even
taste
it.
It
has
the
same
consistency
as
the
brownies.
Go
ahead
and
eat!"
The
kids
were
horrified.
"No,
Dad...NEVER!"
"And
that
is
the
same
reason
I
won't
allow
you
to
go
watch
that
movie.
You
won't
tolerate
a
little
filth
in
your
brownies,
so
why
should
you
tolerate
a
little
filth
in
your
movies?
We
pray
that
God
will
not
lead
us
unto
temptation,
so
how
can
we
in
good
conscience
entertain
ourselves
with
something
that
will
imprint
a
sinful
image
in
our
minds
that
will
lead
us
into
temptation
long
after
we
first
see
it?”
The
minister
discarded
what
remained
of
the
second
brownie
as
well
as
the
entire
untouched
third
brownie.
What
had
been
irresistible
a
minute
ago
had
become
detestable,
and
only
because
of
the
very
slim
chance
that
what
he
was
eating
was
slightly
polluted.
(surely
it
wasn't...but
he
couldn't
convince
himself.)
Why
do
we
tolerate
some
sins?
Do
you
need
to
eliminate
some
ingredients
from
your
recipe
for
life?
On
the
day
of
the
Passover,
the
Israelites
were
commanded
to
remove
every
bit
of
leaven
from
their
homes,
as
it
represented
sin.
Sin
is
like
leaven.
“Do
you
not
know
that
a
little
yeast
leavens
the
whole
batch
of
dough?
Clean
out
the
old
yeast
so
that
you
may
be
a
new
batch.”
1
Corinthians
5:6
Got
anything
you
need
to
clean
up
in
your
life?
Because
I
care,
Rod
(FEBRUARY 2011)
DEFYING
DIRECTION
In
1636,
the
first
institute
of
higher
learning
was
established
that
was
solely
for
the
purpose
of
training
members
of
the
clergy.
It
was
a
little
school
on
the
east
coast,
you
may
have
heard
of
it.
They
called
it
Harvard.
After
about
ten
years,
it
went
liberal
and
diversified
into
other
areas.
Then,
in
1701,
a
group
of
ten
Connecticut
clergymen
donated
books
to
start
a
college
also
specifically
for
clergy
training.
It
also
went
liberal
in
even
less
time,
a
little
school
that
you
probably
remember
called
Yale.
The
Presbyterians
started
a
college
in
1746
that
again
was
explicitly
designed
for
clergy,
and
was
also
the
first
to
accept
students
of
other
faiths.
But
once
again,
in
a
few
years
this
little
school,
Princeton,
changed
its
course.
It seems that many times in our lives we start off on the right track, but get derailed along the way. As a member of the male sex, I am branded as one who won’t seek direction. I guess we can blame it on Columbus, who set sail for the Orient, ended up in the Caribbean, and set the pattern for the next 500 years that “men still won’t ask for directions!”
The
story
of
Jonah
comes
to
mind
when
we
speak
of
losing
direction.
Jonah
had
the
directions
given
to
him
by
God,
but
he
decided
to
go
his
own
way.
After
running
away,
hiding,
encountering
a
violent
storm,
being
cast
overboard,
and
spending
an
uncomfortable
three
days
in
a
fish’s
belly,
he
finally
took
the
route
God
had
planned
for
him.
Now,
your
journey
may
not
be
as
exciting
as
that,
but
I
really
believe
that
God
has
a
specific
road
for
you
to
take.
The
problem
is,
like
that
of
Jonah,
we
often
have
a
different
plan
in
mind.
As
God’s
messengers,
I’m
afraid
that
too
often
we
don’t
heed
instruction
very
well.
A
man
was
being
interviewed
for
a
job
with
the
United
Parcel
Service
for
rural
delivery.
He
was
asked
the
question
“Can
you
follow
directions?”
His
response
was
“I
guess
so,
I’ve
been
married
for
30
years!”
I
perceive
that
the
question
God
is
asking
is
“Can
you
follow
directions?”
He
has
given
us
an
explicit
set
of
blueprints
in
His
Word,
and
it’s
up
to
us
to
seek
out
His
will
for
our
lives.
James
1:19
says
“Everyone
should
be
quick
to
listen…”
Listen
for
His
call
and
respond
accordingly,
or
you
might
end
up
all
wet
and
stinking!
Because
I
care,
Rod
We’ve
just
had
our
annual
MINISTRY
FAIR,
and
I
hope
that
you
have
signed
up
to
be
involved
in
some
areas
of
ministry
that
use
your
talents
and
gifts.
It’s
not
too
late
to
seek
God’s
direction
for
your
life,
and
to
use
the
resources
He’s
entrusted
to
you
to
build
the
kingdom.
We
need
EVERYONE
to
be
involved.
Remember,
there
are
3
kinds
of
people—those
who
make
things
happen,
those
who
watch
things
happen,
and
those
who
wonder
what
happened!
Where
do
you
happen
to
be?!?
(JANUARY 2011)
AN
INCONVENIENT
TRUTH:
"Global
Pew
Warming"
After surviving another decade, I’ve got to share a grave concern that I have. By the year 2020, if the Lord tarries, I’m afraid the church as we know it will be in massive trouble. There will be very few churches that escape the reach of this dilemma. Almost every church in every part of the world will be affected. A flood that has long been predicted by those who monitor and track the climate change in church is inevitable. Global Pew Warming (or GPW) will wreak devastating consequences on our environment unless a change is achieved!
For years there has been a melting away of the basic truths of God’s Word. In an effort to be relevant, more user-friendly and more comfortable to the masses, shortcuts have been taken in the application of truth. Sound, Biblical preaching and teaching have undergone massive erosion as progress and growth at any cost has become the focus. Biblical convictions that once stood as the foundation for the infrastructure of the church have been replaced by feelings, fun, and frivolity.
A consequence of this epidemic is already being seen affecting the spiritual food supply. Genetic modifications have been made to the good seed and have caused fruit production to decrease to levels that have not been seen in our lifetime. The fruit that is being produced by this modified seed lacks the ability to provide necessary nutrition and ultimately, to sustain life. Though it has only been used in production for a relatively short time, this bad seed is showing its inability to produce lasting results.
Defined, GPW is the sad truth that large majorities of the people who are in the church today are not born again believers as defined by scripture. (see 1st John) They are people who have been convinced, through various means, that church is good for their life and their family. They have been convinced that they need to add God to their lives in order to be more complete. They have been convinced that going to church can be fun, exciting, and a great benefit to their sense of well-being. They have been shown that the church can compete weekly with anything in the secular world in order to attract their attention.
Massive amounts of resources have been used to grow this environmental nightmare. Money is thrown at anything that will get people in the doors. Time and energy are expended by well-meaning members as they are given tasks that are supposed to be building the church. Methods, no matter how harmful, are legitimized and become the accepted norm as long as they work to the desired end; bring in lots of people, keep them happy and have plenty of programs for them to support that make them feel good about things in their lives.
One question is “Who is responsible for this Global Pew Warming?” While I am sure that there is enough blame to go around, the responsibility for this seems to fall squarely at the feet of leaders, specifically leaders in the church. Many leaders in what is called the church today, have become addicted to “BIG Church—BIG Production—BIG Budget—BIG Buildings—BIG Debt—BIG TV—BIG crowds—BIG success”. In their pursuit of these goals, the Biblical environment that is supposed to exist in the church has been polluted to the point that it is hardly recognizable. What we see today is a result of years of neglect. The outlook seems to be very bleak.
For many of these leaders, because of their addiction, their goals and desires, when confronted with the need for change, they can only give it lip service. They see clearly that reform is needed to correct the problems associated with GPW, but the cost is just too great. If they initiate reform and return to Biblical truth, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all its exclusivity, people will be offended. More than likely, many would choose to leave the church and an exodus like that would trigger a landslide of financial problems, not to mention the programs that would be destroyed. All that time and energy, wasted!
The hope lies in leaders in the church who believe that the Lord is the One who builds His church. They rest securely in the fact that they are called to faithfully preach, teach, disciple, train believers, and to support all areas of ministry by being the example, and not the exception. They desire to see the truth transforming power of the Gospel at work in the lives of those who are being born again.
So is there hope? Can Global Pew Warming be reversed? I believe so. It starts with individuals. If you’re content to be a part-time, irresponsible, fair weather fan, then don’t expect any results. Don’t presume a change if your mission is “I’ll try to make it once every few weeks, but only if you’ll give me a comfortable cushion to cook concisely”.
And, if you spend necessary, meaningful time in the pew, but your warmth stops there, you can also expect a cold ineffective environment. Sorry if that’s inconvenient—the truth often is.
Because I care,
Rod
(DECEMBER 2010)
SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED…
Those
fateful
words
will
be
the
doom
of
many
a
Christmas
toy
in
the
next
few
weeks
as
far
as
I’m
concerned.
Trust
me,
I’ve
been
there!
I’m
never
buying
another
gift
that
gives
any
hint
that
I
will
be
required
to
spend
several
frustrating
hours
on
the
living
room
floor
testing
my
sanity
and
questioning
my
devotion
for
my
kids
or
grandkids
while
trying
to
decipher
a
supposedly
“user
friendly”
set
of
directions
conceived
in
the
warped
mind
of
some
evil,
mad
scientist
from
another
part
of
the
world!
Talk
about
testing
my
patience!
I’m
at
the
point
where
I
want
someone
else
to
do
the
assembling!
But,
if
you
think
about
it,
all
things
have
some
assembly
required,
from
the
new
bicycle
under
the
tree,
to
the
new
home
down
the
block,
to
the
new
Christian
needing
guidance
and
purpose.
And
I
know
that
more
than
once
I’ve
been
guilty
of
skimming
the
directions,
grabbing
tools,
emptying
sacks
of
bolts
and
parts,
and
all
the
while
deciding
where
the
pieces
go
by
trial
and
error.
That
course
of
action
usually
causes
undoing
and
redoing
on
my
part,
while
adding
to
the
time
and
frustration
involved.
This
process
is
usually
accompanied
by
a
momentary
temper
tantrum,
a
brief
stroll
to
the
porch
for
some
fresh
air,
and
a
return
to
the
floor
to
assemble
the
directions
in
their
proper
order
and
read
them.
Why
didn’t
I
do
that
in
the
first
place?
We
are
often
guilty
of
looking
for
someone
else
to
take
care
of
situations
that
we
have
failed
at
before,
or
that
we
don’t
want
to
take
the
time
and
effort
to
help
figure
out.
Most
of
the
problem
seems
to
stem
from
the
fact
that
we
don’t
read
the
directions
before
embarking
on
a
project,
whether
it
be
a
Christmas
Eve
motorized
scooter,
or
a
friend
in
need
of
spiritual
guidance.
God
has
given
us
the
instruction
manual,
and
it’s
up
to
us
to
open
it,
study
it,
and
believe
that
following
it
will
give
exceptional
results!
If
you
have
trouble
getting
motivated
for
personal
study,
we
invite
you
to
be
a
regular
part
of
Sunday
school
or
Wednesday
evening
Bible
study.
Both
are
informal,
with
opportunity
for
questions
to
be
discussed
and
answered.
These
are
also
great
times
to
enjoy
fellowship,
get
to
know
other
members,
and
to
build
friendships,
as
well
as
increase
your
knowledge
and
understanding
of
the
scriptures.
There
are
classes
for
every
age
group
each
Sunday
morning
at
9:30.
And
right
now
on
Wednesday
evenings
at
7:00
we
have
just
started
a
study
on
Ezra
and
then
on
to
Nehemiah
to
study
the
rebuilding
of
the
temple
and
the
walls
of
Jerusalem.
Programs
for
all
ages
of
youth
are
also
available
during
that
time,
so
involve
the
whole
family.
Remember,
we
ALL
still
need
a
little
assembly.
Happy Holidays and see ya Sunday!
Because I care,
Rod
(NOVEMBER 2010)
What
Are
You
Doing
Here?
What
ARE
you
doing
here?
At
church,
I
mean.
Did
you
know
that
each
week
53,000
people
leave
the
church,
many
of
them
never
to
return.
So,
what
keeps
YOU
coming
back?
First
of
all,
what
causes
people
to
leave?
Oh,
there’s
a
variety
of
reasons.
Most
of
the
time,
it’s
never
really
disclosed.
Many
leave
from
some
disagreement
or
incident,
which
is
usually
evidence
of
a
deeper
spiritual
problem,
and
the
matter
is
used
as
an
excuse.
There
are
some
who
get
tired
of
“playing
church”,
and
return
to
their
former
lifestyle
of
selfishness
and
indulgence.
And
some
feel
that
they
aren’t
being
fed,
that
they’re
not
growing
and
being
challenged,
and
that
their
gifts
aren’t
being
used.
I’ve
noticed
that
many
families
leave
for
the
most
part
for
the
desires
of
their
kids.
Instead
of
being
responsible
parents
who
make
the
rules
and
lead
the
family,
they
give
in
to
the
“wise
counsel”
and
whining
of
their
overindulged
kids
who
are
seeking
entertainment
and
social
fellowship
rather
than
learning
God’s
Word
and
being
examples.
And
some
just
aren’t
happy
unless
they
are
trying
something
new.
Instead
of
being
a
vital,
active
part
of
the
church
that
they
chose
to
be
a
part
of,
they
see
a
new
building,
or
make
a
new
friend,
or
attend
an
inspiring
service,
and
the
church-hopping
is
on!
And
yet,
for
that
huge
number
that
leave,
an
unknown
number
stay,
who
possibly
also
are
not
growing,
who
are
not
being
sincere,
and
are
just
going
through
the
motions
and
doing
the
right
things
at
the
right
times
because
it's
the
right
thing
to
do,
and
not
because
their
lives
are
being
changed.
So
many
people
choose
to
stay
at
the
“surface”
level
in
their
Christian
lives.
Don’t
let
me
get
too
involved,
or
take
on
any
responsibility.
I
have
other
priorities
that
may
keep
me
from
attending,
and
I’m
not
sure
that
I
want
to
commit
to
supporting
the
church
with
my
presence
or
from
my
income
every
week.
I
will
be
there
if
I’m
there,
and
if
I’m
not—don’t
bother
me
by
calling
and
convicting
me.
And
then
there
are
those
who
don’t
even
have
a
clue…
Larry
Stockstill,
pastor
and
author
of
“The
Remnant”
tells
a
story
of
meeting
a
man
at
a
local
gas
station.
He
asked
him
what
church
he
attended,
and
the
man
replied
“Bethany”,
which
was
where
Larry
ministered.
He
asked
“Don’t
they
have
three
campuses?”
and
the
man
responded
that
he
attended
the
north
campus.
“Really,”
Larry
said.
“Who’s
the
pastor
there?”
When
the
man
couldn’t
answer,
Larry
introduced
himself
as
the
minister
at
that
location.
You
can
imagine
the
uncomfortable
situation
for
that
man!
Let
me
suggest
that
I
see
three
basic
levels
of
participation
that
are
evident
in
those
who
do
remain
in
the
church.
Will
you
take
this
time
to
evaluate
yourself
honestly,
and
make
an
effort
for
improvement?
ATTENDER:
they
sporadically
make
the
church
their
headquarters,
but
make
no
commitment
with
finances,
attendance,
or
involvement.
But
when
they
are
questioned,
they
refer
to
it
as
“my
church”.
MEMBER:
they
are
weekly
attendees
and
tithers,
and
are
usually
participating
in
the
activities.
But
they
possibly
aren’t
walking
in
purity
or
are
lax
in
evangelism
and
personal
study
and
growth.
MULTIPLIER:
they
are
sold
out,
and
the
church
is
their
number
one
priority.
They
are
committed
and
faithful
to
it,
and
supporting
and
building
it
by
touching
lives
is
important,
and
not
just
another
duty
to
perform.
In
2
Timothy
2:1-2,
Paul
tells
Timothy
to
be
a
multiplier
“You
then,
my
son,
be
strong
in
the
grace
that
is
in
Christ
Jesus.
And
the
things
you
have
heard
me
say
in
the
presence
of
many
witnesses
entrust
to
reliable
men
who
will
also
be
qualified
to
teach
others.”
The
early
church
had
no
beautiful
buildings,
no
elaborate
sound
systems
and
projection
capabilities.
There
was
no
air
conditioning,
no
great
communication
resources,
or
playgrounds
and
gymnasiums.
But
they
DID
have
one-on-one
evangelism,
instead
of
enticing
people
with
entertainment
and
a
fancy
atmosphere.
The
peace
through
Christ
and
the
reward
of
eternal
life
were
the
things
that
drew
people.
I
hope
that
is
why
you’re
here,
why
you’ll
stay
here,
and
why
you
want
others
to
be
here.
Let
us
never
forget
that.
Because I care,
Rod
(OCTOBER 2010)
There's No Place Like Home!
INGRATITUDE! It’s one of my pet peeves. There’s nothing I dislike more than witnessing a lack of appreciation, especially when I should be on the receiving end of that gratitude! Sorry for the pity party, but I wager that probably you all have had occasion to have been the recipients of some very deserved thanks or compensation for something you had done, and you also got Zilch! Nothing! Nada! Zero! Zippo! Not even a simple acknowledgement!
When
that
happens,
you
just
have
to
bite
your
tongue,
swallow
your
pride,
and
forget
about
it.
But,
what’s
the
old
saying,
“Easier
said
than
done!”
Don’t
people
know
that
1
Thessalonians
5:18
says
“Give
thanks
in
all
circumstances”?
Even
the
godless
atheists
know
that
it’s
expected
to
express
a
little
recognition.
Trying
to
substantiate
my
pre-conceived
notions,
I
searched
the
word
“thanks”
in
the
Bible.
But
every
place
but
one
that
mentioned
to
“give
thanks”
was
to
God,
not
to
me
or
you.
Now,
don’t
get
me
wrong,
gratitude
is
expected
and
necessary
as
we
deal
with
each
other,
but
our
neglect
usually
comes
in
our
lack
of
appreciation
to
God.
The
following
story
hit
home
with
me.
Maybe
it
will
with
you
too!
An
old
missionary
couple
had
been
working
in
Africa
for
years
and
was
returning
to
New
York
to
retire.
They
had
no
pension;
their
health
was
broken;
they
were
defeated,
discouraged
and
afraid.
They
discovered
they
were
booked
on
the
same
ship
as
President
Teddy
Roosevelt,
who
was
returning
from
one
of
his
big-game
hunting
expeditions.
They
watched
the
fanfare
that
accompanied
the
President's
entourage,
with
passengers
trying
to
catch
a
glimpse
of
the
great
man.
However,
no
one
paid
any
attention
to
this
deserving,
elderly
couple.
As
the
ship
moved
across
the
ocean,
the
old
missionary
said
to
his
wife,
"Something
is
wrong."
"Why
should
we
have
given
our
lives
in
faithful
service
for
God
in
Africa
all
these
many
years
and
have
no
one
care
a
thing
about
us?
Here,
this
man
comes
back
from
a
hunting
trip
and
everybody
makes
much
over
him,
but
nobody
gives
two
hoots
about
us."
"Dear,
you
shouldn't
feel
that
way",
his
wife
said.
He
replied
"I
can't
help
it;
it
doesn't
seem
right."
When
the
ship
docked
in
New
York,
a
band
was
waiting
to
greet
the
President.
The
mayor
and
other
dignitaries
were
there.
The
papers
were
full
of
the
President's
arrival.
No
one
noticed
these
missionaries.
They
slipped
off
the
ship,
found
a
cheap
flat
on
the
East
Side,
and
hoped
the
next
day
would
bring
a
way
to
make
a
living
in
the
city.
That
night
the
man's
spirit
broke.
He
said
to
his
wife,
"I
can't
take
this;
God
is
not
treating
us
fairly".
She
replied,
"Why
don't
you
go
in
the
bedroom
and
tell
that
to
the
Lord?"
A
short
time
later
he
came
out
from
the
bedroom,
but
now
his
face
was
completely
different.
His
wife
asked,
"Dear,
what
happened?"
"The
Lord
settled
it
with
me",
he
said.
"I
told
Him
how
bitter
I
was
that
the
President
should
receive
this
tremendous
homecoming,
when
no
one
met
us
as
we
returned
home.
And
when
I
finished,
it
seemed
as
though
the
Lord
put
His
hand
on
my
shoulder
and
simply
said;
"But
you're
not
home
yet."
Always
remember
that
our
reward
is
not
of
this
world,
but
is
eternal,
and
is
gaining
interest
each
moment.
In
Mark
9:41
Jesus
reminds
us:
“I
tell
you
the
truth,
anyone
who
gives
you
a
cup
of
water
in
my
name
because
you
belong
to
Christ
will
certainly
not
lose
his
reward.”
So,
go
ahead
and
help
with
the
big
things
and
even
the
small
things,
even
if
no
one
notices.
Because
when
you
get
“home”,
your
Father
has
got
a
great
deal
of
recognition
for
you!
Because I care,
Rod
(SEPTEMBER 2010)
TEN YEARS AFTER...
When
I
was
in
high
school,
there
used
to
be
a
rock
group
named
“Ten
Years
After”.
I
never
really
knew
exactly
what
that
meant,
(and
I’m
sure
they
didn’t
know
either)
but
it
seemed
to
be
applicable
here.
A
lot
can
happen
in
10
years.
I’ve
been
thinking
about
where
I
was
10
years
ago.
It
was
a
memorable
year,
if
only
because
of
the
nice
round
number
of
2000.
Sometimes
it
seems
like
these
years
have
passed
so
quickly,
but
there
were
times
that
just
seemed
to
drag
along
slowly.
On
the
positive
side,
I’ve
had
a
career
change,
changed
communities
twice,
empty
nested
my
home,
and
added
two
great
sons-in-law
to
the
family,
as
well
as
six
more
perfect
grandkids.
I’ve
met
hundreds
of
new
people,
enjoyed
my
dream
cruise
through
the
Panama
Canal,
seen
my
wife,
my
son
and
his
family
on
a
national
television
show,
and
had
both
daughters
compete
in
the
Miss
Oklahoma
pageant.
I
have
undergone
successful
hip
replacement,
I’ve
not
been
audited
by
the
IRS,
and
I’ve
not
had
to
declare
bankruptcy.
(recent
credit
card
expenses
pending!)
Life
has
been
pretty
dull!
On
the
other
hand,
I
could
focus
on
the
negative.
Peggy
lost
her
dad,
our
daughter
had
a
disturbing
bout
with
cancer,
and
my
van
was
wrecked
by
an
impatient
driver
with
a
cell
phone.
I’ve
not
been
nominated
for
“Preacher
of
the
Year”,
nor
have
I
won
the
Publisher’s
Clearinghouse
sweepstakes,
and
we’ve
lost
at
least
50
goldfish
to
the
final
flush.
Life
has
been
pretty
dull!
10
is
a
pretty
significant
number.
Whenever
you’re
angry,
you’re
supposed
to
count
to
10.
If
I
rent
10
videos,
the
next
one
is
free.
The
census
comes
every
10
years.
Our
monetary
system
revolves
around
multiples
of
10—10
pennies
make
a
dime,
10
dimes
make
a
dollar,
10
one
dollar
bills
make
a
10
dollar
bill,
etc.
Birthdays
also
follow
that
pattern,
and
although
I
don’t
clearly
remember
my
tenth
birthday,
I
am
glad
that
my
next
“multiple
of
ten”
is
several
years
away!
Even
so,
these
occasions
should
be
a
time
to
celebrate
and
look
back
over
our
past
accomplishments.
And,
it’s
important
to
enjoy
the
milestones
in
all
areas
of
our
lives.
The
number
10
shows
up
significantly
in
God’s
Word
also.
There
were
10
plagues
on
the
Egyptians,
the
tabernacle
had
10
curtains,
10
posts,
and
10
bases.
There
were
10
lepers
healed
by
Jesus,
10
servants
with
10
minas
in
the
parable,
and,
of
course,
the
10
commandments.
A
notable
verse
from
the
Old
Testament
prophets
comes
from
verse
10
in
the
third
chapter
of
Malachi.
“Bring
the
whole
tithe
into
the
storehouse,
that
there
may
be
food
in
my
house.
‘Test
me
in
this,’
says
the
LORD
Almighty,
‘and
see
if
I
will
not
throw
open
the
floodgates
of
heaven
and
pour
out
so
much
blessing
that
you
will
not
have
room
enough
for
it.’”
The
verse
in
Malachi
gives
us
a
tremendous
assurance.
He
is
promising
us
an
outpouring
of
blessing
that
we
can’t
even
imagine!
But,
He
is
also
challenging
us
to
first
trust
Him,
and
to
trust
Him
enough
to
give
to
Him
first.
As
the
saying
goes,
“Give
the
Lord
what
is
RIGHT,
not
what
is
LEFT.”
I
suspect
that
we
could
not
imagine
what
the
Lord
could
do
here
if
everyone
would
commit
to
do
that.
I
think
that
the
Lord
is
challenging
us
to
reflect
on
the
wonderful
blessings
that
He
has
already
lavished
on
us,
and
to
know
that
he
will
never
leave
us
or
forsake
us.
God
deserves
and
expects
our
best,
and
although
we
fall
way
short
of
the
potential
we
have,
we
have
to
keep
striving
to
improve.
I
don’t
have
a
guarantee,
but
I
hope
and
pray
that
I
have
another
10
years
to
serve
the
Lord,
and
to
be
a
part
of
Newcastle
Christian
Church.
There
is
a
lot
of
uncertainty
in
this
life,
but
one
thing
IS
certain,
and
that
is
God’s
promises!
So,
let’s
continue
to
build
a
big
storehouse
so
that
when
the
floodgates
open,
we’re
ready
to
receive
those
blessings!
So,
you
think
your
life
has
been
pretty
dull?
I
want
you
to
look
back
over
the
last
10
years,
and
see
where
you
were,
and
where
you
are
now.
I
hope
you’ll
look
back
and
weigh
the
positives
and
negatives,
and
that
you
won’t
see
that
word
TEKEL
written
on
the
wall
as
Belshazzar
did,
and
are
“found
wanting.”
And
then,
that
you’ll
start
looking
forward
to
what
God
has
planned
for
us!
And
remember,
His
plans
include
using
YOU
to
accomplish
His
purpose!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(AUGUST 2010)
FEAR
FACTOR
One
of
the
many
“reality”
television
shows
has
6
people
competing
for
a
$50,000
prize
by
overcoming
their
fears.
Many
of
the
competitions
involve
heights,
being
underwater,
or
eating
some
disgusting
items.
There
must
be
a
panel
of
researchers
somewhere
who
sit
around
and
think
of
situations
that
will
strike
fear
and
intimidation
into
the
contestants.
As
we
sit
in
our
comfortable
homes
and
watch,
it’s
easy
to
say
that
we
could
overcome
our
fears
and
win
easily,
but,
as
they
say,
it’s
easier
said
than
done!
Another
show
I
recently
viewed
took
people
who
had
gone
through
a
terribly
frightening
experience,
and
asked
them
to
face
their
fears
by
again
going
through
the
experience
under
safer
circumstances.
One
young
woman
had
almost
been
killed
by
an
alligator
and
was
terrified
to
even
look
at
another
one.
She
was
taken
by
professional
trainers
into
an
enclosure
where
she
finally
even
sat
on
one
of
the
reptiles
and
held
its
mouth
closed
with
her
hands.
Another
man
had
his
bungi
cord
break,
and
suffered
terrible
injury
from
the
fall.
After
extensive
treatment
and
recovery,
he
was
taken
again
up
180
feet
high
to
face
his
fear
of
falling.
We
all
have
different
fears.
No
doubt
you’ve
heard
of
claustrophobia,
which
is
the
fear
of
enclosed
spaces
like
elevators
or
MRI
tubes.
But,
did
you
know
that
there
is
also
agoraphobia,
which
is
the
fear
of
open
spaces?
That
seems
kind
of
strange
to
me.
I
guess
you
would
need
to
live
in
a
closet
and
drive
a
VW!
Monophobia
is
the
fear
of
being
alone,
aquaphobia
is
the
fear
of
water,
and
acrophobia
is
the
fear
of
heights.
There’s
even
phobophobia,
which
is
the
fear
of
fears!
Proverbs
9:10
says:
“The
fear
of
the
Lord
is
the
beginning
of
all
wisdom.”
Now,
you
might
say
“I
don’t
think
I
ought
to
fear
God.
Isn’t
He
a
loving
God
that
cares
for
me?”
DON’T
take
this
as
a
trembling,
constant
terror,
intimidating
kind
of
fear,
but
DO
take
it
to
mean
to
give
God
the
respect,
reverence,
and
holiness
He
deserves.
Oliver
Cromwell
said:
“I’ve
learned
that
when
you
fear
God,
you
don’t
have
any
man
to
fear.”
Have
you
ever
bungi-jumped?
Well,
I
haven’t
either,
I
guess
it’s
one
of
those
fears
of
mine.
But
let
me
sweeten
the
pot
a
little.
I’ll
give
you
$10
to
jump.
Still
no?
How
about
$10,000?
Starting
to
consider?
Let’s
try
$100,000.
You
may
decide
that
you
could
overcome
the
few
minutes
of
agony
on
top
of
the
platform
for
a
reward
like
that.
I
think
that
is
what
Paul
is
trying
to
say
in
2
Corinthians
4:17,
where
it’s
recorded
“For
our
light
and
momentary
troubles
are
achieving
for
us
an
eternal
glory
that
far
outweighs
them
all.”
Remaining
faithful
is
not
always
easy,
and
there
are
some
in
this
world
who
face
the
fear
of
humiliation,
intimidation,
and
even
death
while
they
look
forward
to
that
reward.
I
will
tell
you
what
is
really
frightening.
We
have
a
just
God
who
has
promised
to
go
with
us
through
anything
we
face,
and
who
sent
His
only
Son
to
die
in
our
place
if
we
will
just
accept
His
gift
of
grace
and
mercy.
I
think
it
would
be
beyond
terrifying
to
stand
facing
Him,
and
try
to
excuse
ourselves
from
accepting
the
sacrifice
given
for
each
of
us.
I
hope
that
is
a
fear
that
you
won’t
ever
experience!
And,
by
the
way,
my
earlier
offer
to
pay
you
to
bungi-jump
has
been
withdrawn.
I
have
a
fear
of
going
broke!
Because
I
care,
Rod
(JULY 2010)
FREEDOM WASN'T FREE!
Often,
disagreements
surface
about
certain
social
issues
where
the
Constitution
is
quoted
for
guidance
and
clarity,
and
many
times
the
“intent”
of
the
founding
fathers
is
also
a
subject
for
debate.
I
know
that
I
can
better
realize
people’s
intent
by
knowing
their
character
and
track
record.
I
hope
you
will
find
these
facts
and
stories
about
the
signers
of
the
Declaration
of
Independence
as
interesting
as
I
did.
History
records
that
five
signers
were
captured
as
traitors
by
the
British,
and
were
tortured
to
death.
Twelve
had
their
homes
ransacked
and
burned.
Two
lost
their
sons
in
the
Revolutionary
Army,
and
another
had
two
sons
captured.
Nine
of
the
56
fought
and
died
from
wounds
or
the
hardship
of
war.
Carter
Braxton
of
Virginia,
a
wealthy
planter,
saw
his
ships
swept
away
from
the
seas
by
the
British
navy.
He
sold
his
home
and
properties
to
pay
his
debts,
and
died
in
rags.
Thomas
McKean
was
so
hounded
by
the
British
that
he
was
forced
to
move
his
family
almost
constantly.
He
served
in
Congress
without
pay,
his
family
was
kept
in
hiding,
and
his
possessions
were
taken
from
him.
Vandals
and
soldiers
looted
many
of
their
homes.
Francis
Lewis
had
his
home
and
properties
destroyed.
The
enemy
jailed
his
wife,
and
she
died
within
a
few
months.
John
Hart
was
driven
from
his
wife’s
bedside
as
she
was
dying.
Their
13
children
fled
for
their
lives.
His
fields
and
grist
mill
were
laid
waste.
For
more
than
a
year
he
lived
in
forests
and
caves,
returning
home
after
the
war
to
find
that
his
wife
was
dead
and
his
children
had
vanished.
Twenty
four
of
them
were
lawyers.
Eleven
were
merchants,
and
nine
were
farmers
and
plantation
owners.
Most
were
men
of
means,
well-educated,
and
they
signed
the
Declaration
knowing
full
well
that
the
penalty
would
be
death
if
they
were
captured.
In
the
tenth
chapter
of
Matthew,
12
men
were
also
sent
out
with
a
mission,
and
also
with
the
knowledge
that
their
stand
would
be
dangerous,
possibly
even
to
the
point
of
death.
Jesus
told
his
chosen
twelve
“I
am
sending
you
out
like
sheep
among
wolves.”
He
warns
them
of
being
flogged,
arrested,
and
betrayed.
He
talks
of
rebellion,
hatred,
persecution,
and
death.
But
they,
as
the
founding
fathers,
knew
the
importance
of
their
actions
as
well
as
the
consequences.
They
were
not
wild-eyed,
radical
extremists,
but
they
were
faithful,
committed
men
of
integrity.
I
imagine
most
of
you
are
like
me,
enjoying
the
freedom
this
nation
gives
us,
and
suffering
only
mild
persecution
for
the
cause
of
Christ.
But
I
recently
saw
figures
that
between
160,000
and
200,000
people
died
each
year
just
because
of
their
Christian
stand.
That
causes
me
to
thank
God
for
this
nation,
for
the
sacrifices
of
individuals
who
gave
us
liberty,
and
for
the
Christian
values
it
was
founded
upon.
Even
though
some
would
interpret
the
“intent”
differently,
I
think
this
statement
from
the
New
England
Confederation
is
very
clear:
“We
all
came
into
these
parts
of
America
for
one
and
the
same
end
and
aim,
namely,
to
advance
the
kingdom
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ.”
Because I care,
Rod
(JULY 2011)
Subject: JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: DAD
Long-term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
~ Must provide on-site training in basic life skills, such as nose blowing.
Must have strong skills in negotiating, conflict resolution
and crisis management. Ability to
suture flesh wounds a plus.
~ Must be able to think out of the box but not lose track of the box,
because you most likely will need it for a school project.
~ Must reconcile petty cash disbursements and be proficient in managing
budgets and resources fairly, unless you want to hear, "He got
more than me!" for the rest of your life.
~ Must be able to drive motor vehicles safely under loud and adverse
conditions while simultaneously practicing above mentioned skills in
conflict resolution.
~ Must be able to choose your battles wisely and then stick to your
guns.
~ Must be able to withstand criticism, such as "You don't know
anything."
~ Must be willing to be hated at least temporarily, until someone needs
$5 to go skating.
~ Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
~ Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go
from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat, in case this time the screams
from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
~ Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as
small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
~ Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million
cheap, plastic toys and battery-operated devices.
~ Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production
of multiple homework projects.
~ Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients
of all ages and mental outlooks.
~ Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the
next.
~ Must have a highly energetic entrepreneurial spirit, because fund-raiser
will be your middle name.
~ Must have a diverse knowledge base, so as to answer questions on the
fly such as "What makes the wind move?" or "Why can't
we just stop all wars?"
~ Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
~ Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the
end product.
~ Other responsibilities include floor maintenance and janitorial work
throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years,
without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually
exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION
You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment
is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will
help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them
whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme
is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement,
no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, the job supplies
limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life,
if you play your cards right.
HAVE A GREAT FATHERS’ DAY, DADS!
Because I care,
Rod
(MAY 2010)
"The Walls Come a Tumblin' Down
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days." (Hebrews 11:30)
Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal (1394-1460) never captained a ship or sailed on a voyage of exploration. He stayed home and read accounts of others who had. He thought about what they said and let his mind march around new theories about what the world must be like. He wondered and imagined, calculated and drew maps. Prince Henry died thirty years before Portuguese explorers were able to test his theories, but when they did, they brought back proof that he had been incredibly accurate. As a result, Portugal took the lead in world exploration for fully a hundred years. Other nations held back, making excuses about internal problems. Other explorers did not see the possibilities or worried about lack of money. They lacked faith to move past what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles.
To feel bound by perceived limits
is so human, so common. A century ago there were predictions that no
one could ever drive a car 60 miles per hour because the
wind would suck one's breath away. In 1934 the track coach at the University
of California laid out what he believed were the absolute limits of
achievement in track
and field events. All of them, of course, have long since been exceeded.
High school athletes today are out-performing Olympic champions of a
few decades ago. There
appears to be no limit to how fast we can run, how far we can go, how
high we can leap.
So we do well not to set limits on what we can do and become as children of God if we believe in the power of Christ within us. We do well not to minimize the potential of the people of God when we act in faith. Walls fall down. Families are transformed, communities changed.
When any of my grandchildren blow
out the candles on their birthday cakes each year and make their wishes,
I make one of my own for them. My birthday wish for each is faith, the
single quality that will guarantee them a successful life. Faith is
simply trusting that God is stronger than all the limitations, hurts,
fears and
problems they may face. I do not pray that they will have superior intellects
or well-coordinated bodies. I am not concerned that they be popular
or clever, blessed with talent or wealth. I care only that they will
persist in faith
toward the goals and dreams that God may give them, and that they may
become the Prince Henrys of their time.
By faith walls fall down.
Because I care,
Rod
(APRIL
2010)
"The Greatest Comeback
of all Time!"
That
didn’t happen! I don’t believe it! That’s not humanly
possible! Have you ever said that after you witnessed or heard something
so remarkable that it was hard to believe? I imagine we all have. I
have always been particularly amazed at illusion, or as we say “magic”.
How do they saw a woman in half, and even pull the two pieces ten feet
apart? How do they make a building, an airplane, or even the Statue
of Liberty disappear? And how is it that a person can know what someone
else is thinking?
It was a different kind of disbelief that gripped us when we saw two
of the largest buildings in the world disappear from the Manhattan skyline.
And we said, “That’s impossible, I don’t believe it!”
But with sobering realization we soon had to accept the fact that the
unbelievable had happened.
In a November issue of Sports Illustrated which was recounting the tremendous
comeback by the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the World Series in 2001,
the editors were prompted to write a top ten list of the greatest comebacks
of all time. Among them were:
Elvis Presley—as a result of his television special in 1968 that
revived his sagging career.
Muhammed Ali—after a seven year exile from boxing, in 1974 he
reclaimed the World Heavyweight title.
Harry Truman—in 1948 gained victory over Thomas Dewey for the
presidency when polls had him losing by a large margin.
Michael Jordan—who in 1995 quit baseball and returned to make
a comeback in basketball.
Japan & Germany—finished at #2 in the list because of their
ability to return as industrial and economic powers in only one generation
after being devastated in World War II.
Humanity—even made the list, after its recovery from the Black
Plague in the 14th century in which 25 million Europeans died.
But the #1 greatest comeback of all time went to Jesus Christ—who
in 33 AD stunned the Romans and defied the critics by his resurrection
from the grave! UNBELIEVABLE!
This was not an article from Christianity Today or even the conservative
Reader’sDigest, but Sports Illustrated! From a group of sportswriters
that usually downplay religion, and change the subject when an athlete
gives credit to God, comes an affirmation that Jesus Christ rose from
the grave! And it is given credit as the most amazing comeback ever.
Hebrews 11:1 states “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for,
and certain of what we do not see.” That belief and faith is the
foundation upon which our hope lies, hope for existence beyond this
world in a place remarkably surpassing our comprehension. Some who heard
the prophets or even John the Baptist did not believe. And sadder still
is that some who actually saw the greatest comeback of all time did
not believe. I hope and pray that you are not in agreement with those
doubters.
You see, Jesus did make the greatest comeback—so far! The list
will need to be amended some day, possibly soon, because He has promised
a return with all the angels in heaven. Every eye will behold him, every
knee will bow, and every tongue will confess His name! It won’t
be any illusion. Believe it!
See ya in the Lord’s house Sunday! And don’t just be a CEO!
(Christmas & Easter Only)
Because I care,
Rod
(MARCH
2010
)
Land of the Meek, Home of the Frail?
America the Beautiful, or
so you used to be. Land of the Pilgrims' pride; I'm glad they'll never
see.
Babies piled in dumpsters, abortion on demand, oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine, choosing to indulge
their lusts, when God has said abstain.
From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away, from the teaching of
God's love and a need to always pray.
We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown, when earth
is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core, appointing godless
judges who throw reason out the door,
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb, but brave enough
to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry, that our land's a moral slum? How much
longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God, from whom we cannot hide? What then is left
for us to do, but stem this evil tide?
If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray; Seek His holy
face and mend our evil way:
Then God will hear from Heaven and forgive us of our sins, He'll heal
our sickly land and those who live within.
But, America the Beautiful, if you don't - then you will see, a sad
but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.
~Judge Roy Moore
THE QUESTION:
How did we come to the place where
belief in God is considered unpopular? Did you ever think that in this
land of the free and home of the brave that we could have sunk to such
a level of depravity? How can we continue to spiral into the cesspool
that our godless society has become without so much as making a fuss?
THE ANSWER:
We’re spiritually sterile. We’re very comfortable and we
don’t want to be disturbed or challenged to make a stand for what
we know is right in God’s sight. If you don’t believe me,
just reflect on these things that I have seen just in my short lifetime:
1. A 12 year old girl can have a living child’s life terminated
without even requiring parental notification.
2. Two men or two women can be recognized as married, and even have
full adoption rights.
3. Children as young as first grade are taught that those two daddies
or two mommies is acceptable and normal.
4. Public schools teach that the earth is millions of years old and
that humans evolved from apes, both of which are completely contrary
to God’s Word.
5. A month has been set aside for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
pride.
6. In 1781, Congress provided funds to print the Bible to be used in
schools, and yet now we cannot have Bible reading in schools.
7. In a nation founded on Godly principles and where the Bible was quoted
more than any other book in writing our Constitution, the Ten Commandments
are restricted from being displayed.
8. Instead of discouraging sexual contact, condoms are handed out in
public schools.
9. Teen-agers can walk around schools wearing trench coats and say “Heil
Hitler”.
10. In San Diego, a local pastor was interrogated and threatened with
fines if they continued to hold Bible studies in their home.
And that’s just a few of the things that have happened, and only in the last 50 years. Can you even imagine what this nation will look like in another 50 years if the Lord tarries? I don’t think we can, and I’m not sure I want to know. I won’t be here to see it, but my kids and grandkids most likely will. If we care about them, isn’t it time we quit being meek and frail? Or we could just sit around and hope things get better. That seems to be working, right?
Because I care,
Rod
(FEBRUARY 2010)
Let's
party!
Think you're
having a bad day? I guess we all do at some time or other. And, at least
once in a while, we might be justified in believing that we would have
been better off to have just stayed in bed. We kinda enjoy a little
"PITY PARTY" occasionally, and sometimes even look for a reason
to have one! Well, the next time you think you are entitled, just remember
these poor folks who probably had a worse day than you did.
You may have heard about the woman who came home to find her husband
in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with
some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle.
Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him
with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that
moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman!
Or, the Iraqi terrorist, Khay Rahnajet, who didn't pay enough postage
on a letter bomb he was sending. It came back with "return to sender"
stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb, he opened it and was blown
to bits!
Even more tragic is the story from California, where fire authorities
found a corpse in a burned out section of forest while assessing the
damage done by a forest fire. The deceased male was dressed in a full
wet suit, complete with scuba tanks on his back, flippers, and face
mask. A postmortem test revealed that the man died not from burns, but
from massive internal injuries. Dental records provided positive identification.
Investigators then set about to determine how a fully clothed diver
ended up in the middle of a forest fire. It was revealed that on the
day of the fire, the man went diving off the coast, some 20 miles from
the forest. The fire fighters, seeking to control the fire as quickly
as possible, had called in a fleet of helicopters with very large dip
buckets. Water was dipped from the ocean and emptied at the site of
the fire. You guessed it, one minute our diver was making like Flipper
in the Pacific, and the next, he was doing the breast stroke in a fire
dip bucket 300 feet in the air!
Now, you've
got to admit, those were some pretty bad days. And I hope and pray that
you never have anything that tragic happen to you. But, sometimes we
are under the illusion that when we become a Christian, we won't have
any "bad days", and that God should protect us from all adversity.
Actually, the first chapter of James, verses 2-3, tells us to "Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
It's much easier to tell someone else to consider it joy, but when it
happens to us, we're quick to exercise our right to invite all to our
"PARTY".
Consider this for an addition to our "bad day" report. You're
arrested falsely, humiliated, spit upon, flogged until almost death,
forced to carry a heavy timber up a steep incline, nailed crudely to
that timber, hoisted up near naked for further humiliation, and left
to die of suffocation and exposure, all the while bearing the weight
of all of the sins of mankind. That's what Christ did for us. He could
have called all the host of heaven in for His "PARTY" and
given us all what we deserve--eternal death. But he chose to give His
life in exchange for ours. You could say it was a bad day for God and
His Son. But what an eternally wonderful day for us!
So, if things don't seem to be going too well for you today, stop and
give thanks that it will be over soon, and pray that you will grow and
mature because of it. And look forward to that day when we'll get to
"PARTY" with all the saints in heaven, and "PITY"
won't be involved!
HAVE A GREAT DAY! KEEP LOOKING UP! (especially if you're diving)
Because I care,
Rod
(JANUARY 2010)
I
Can’t Quite Piece It Together…
If your family is anything
like ours, one of the dilemmas of the Christmas season is scheduling
time for each get-together. It can often be difficult, if not downright
frustrating. And, the older you get, the harder it becomes, because
more kids, grandkids, in-laws, and out-laws must be considered. When
you finally get that seemingly perfect time and place figured out, the
last person you contact always has a conflict!
I remember some years where we have had to schedule from the first week
of December clear through New Year’s Day.
However, this year, the itinerary seemed to fall into place fairly easily.
Our grandkids are always a highlight of our immediate family gathering,
and first priority is to have our family gift exchange when they will
all be there. After that, everything takes a back seat, although we
try our best to make every holiday festivity. (especially if there’s
a meal!)
One stopover that ranks high on our list is spending some time with
my sister and her family in Tulsa. We are on the same wavelength politically,
socially, and spiritually, which helps to make a pleasant stay. Also,
she’s a good cook and even goes the extra mile to have my favorite
candies available. She just notified us to see what our plans were,
and if we could get together sometime over the holidays. We are looking
forward to seeing them, and to our annual viewing of “Christmas
Vacation”.
I happened to see on her “Facebook” that she has acquired
two new 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles, which have become a recent way for
her to pass time. I’m sure there will be one on the card table
when we arrive. You know, you can learn from just about anything if
you look hard enough, and so I’ve put together a few thoughts
and some verses from James that you might remember the next time you’re
snowed in, and pull out a puzzle to pass the time.
I actually don’t help that much, if any, and if I walk by, and
they are struggling to find a certain piece, I will just pick one up
and force it in, even though it’s relatively obvious that the
shape and color are not even close. Those working diligently will give
me their looks of disdain, remove the piece, and return to their searching.
We often do the same thing in life, always trying to force something
to happen, usually from our selfishness and usually ending in disaster.
3:16 “For where you have envy
and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
I’ve slowly learned over the years that if something is God’s
will, it will come together naturally. Are you considering a move or
a job change? Put it in your daily prayers, and continue persevering
while being alert to open or closed doors. In other words, if the piece
fits, use it. If it doesn’t, remain steadfast and patient.
One thing clearly evident to puzzlers, is that the borders need to be
established first. Those pieces are the easiest to find, and will define
and confine the rest of the task. Boundaries give a sense of security
and order in our lives too. This is best illustrated in raising our
kids, but also is applicable in our individual lives. Set up for yourself
some boundaries, and remember that anything that will help you will
be within those limits. There are things you need to know that you’ll
stand for, and things that you will not stand for.
4:4 “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with
the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who
chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Patience is not my long suit, so that probably is why I’m puzzled
by those who like puzzles. I don’t mind doing the border, or finishing
up the last few pieces, but those other 900 pieces are just too time
consuming. It’s hard for me to realize that a great puzzle can’t
be rushed, and that anything worth doing takes time and effort. I would
just as soon have it done right now, which leads to more disastrous
results because of lack of preparation and letting God work.
5:7 “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See
how the farmer waits for the land to yield
its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.”
One last thing I’ve noticed--it sure helps to have the picture
for reference. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guide,
and it’s wise to refer often to the Creator's guide in life too.
He knows what the final result will be, and He’s given us the
guidebook, the example to follow, and the intelligence to make good
decisions. As James says…
1:25 “But the man who looks intently
into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do
this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed
in what he does.”
Have a wonderful New Year, and make a resolution to join us each week
as we help each other put the pieces together!
Because I care,
Rod
(DECEMBER 2009)
Feelin’ Lucky?
Did you ever consider
yourself “lucky”? For most of us, we feel like the only
luck we have is bad luck. Personally, I adhere to the old saying “Luck
is a wonderful thing, and the harder a person works, the more of it
he seems to have!”
I remember a short story we read in junior high literature class. Now,
I don’t recall a whole lot about that class, but this one story
has always stuck in my mind. I’m not completely clear on all the
details, but I seem to remember a man purchasing a vase, and it turned
out to be the kind with a genie inside. (yes, it was fiction) You guessed
it, the genie appeared and offered the man a wish, anything he wanted.
The man thought intently about his wish, and finally came up with a
strange request. He asked the genie to provide him with tomorrow’s
newspaper. That might not be your choice for a one time wish for anything
imaginable, but the man had a plan. The genie produced the newspaper,
and the man immediately went to the horse racing results. He was tired
of being unlucky, and his plan was to place bets on every race and make
a fortune as all the
winners came in the next day. Then, after reading the racing results
and making notes, he dialed the phone to contact his bookmaker. While
waiting for the call to go through, he was thumbing through the rest
of the paper, and happened to open to the obituaries. A quick glanced
caused him to look again, and to his horror, he was viewing his own
name! He was so shocked, that he had a heart attack and fell to the
floor dead.
As I remember, we were supposed to learn the concept of irony from that
story, but I think it also taught me that luck is a risky thing to build
your life on. Wise Solomon wrote these words in Ecclesiastes
8:7 “Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to
come?”
We don’t know all that the future holds. But because of God’s
wonderful promises, we can have assurance of salvation, and we don’t
have to rely on being “lucky”.
I’m preparing a little exercise for our Christmas service. I’ve
written some instructions for passing a gift around the sanctuary during
the message. At certain times during the message, (when I see them dozing
off) I will draw out an instruction, and the gift will be passed, and
only the person that is holding the gift at the end will get to open
and keep the contents. One “lucky” person will win the prize,
and everyone else will just figure that they were “unlucky”.
Two thousand years ago, God sent His gift to man. Aren’t you glad
that it was not just some random act, only for the lucky person who
happened to be sitting in the right seat? It is for everyone who accepts
it, and believe me, luck has nothing to do with it.
Have a wonderful Christmas season! Spread the incredible joy that you
have because you have received God’s wonderful gift, and always
remember the Reason for the season!
Because I care,
Rod
(NOVEMBER 2009)
Going,
Going...
A
doctor, a civil engineer, and a computer scientist were arguing about
what was the oldest profession in the world. The doctor remarked, “Well,
in the Bible it says that God created Eve from a rib taken from Adam.
This clearly required surgery, so I can rightly claim that mine is the
oldest profession in the world.”
The civil engineer interrupted and said, “But even earlier in
the book of Genesis, it states that God created the order of the heavens
and the earth from out of the chaos. This was the first and certainly
the most spectacular application of civil engineering. Therefore, fair
doctor, you are wrong; mine is the oldest profession in the world."
The scientist leaned back in his chair, smiled and said confidently,
“Ah, but who do you think created the chaos?”
I just finished a very intriguing book by author Ken Ham. Ken is the
founder of “Answers in Genesis”, a ministry established
to reinforce the need for a firm belief in the Biblical account of creation
and the flood. The book is entitled “Already Gone”, and
deals with the problem of our younger generation’s detachment
from the church. I encourage you to read it, especially if you’re
raising kids and experiencing this first-hand. It’s available
in my office. In the book, a huge survey was conducted, with some astounding
results
!
Surveyed were 20-29 yr. old evangelicals who formerly attended church
regularly, but no longer do. The surprising statistics showed that 95%
attended church regularly during their elementary and middle school
years, 55% attended regularly during high school, and only 11% were
still attending church during their college years. We’ve always
assumed that most students are lost in college, but this most revealing
and challenging statistic in the survey showed that by college, almost
90% of them were “already gone!”
Despite all of our efforts to grab their attention and entertain them
into developing a relationship with Christ, they are leaving the church
in droves, and at a much earlier age than we expect. The author attributes
this largely to the worldview that they are being fed which contradicts
Biblical truth. And, as much as we would like to blame public education,
at least some of the problem comes from within our homes and churches.
We have bought in to the godless worldview and tried to fit God into
scientists’ speculation as to creation and evolution. We are guilty
of watering down our beliefs and passing on to the next generation the
idea that God may have used “millions of years” and “adaptation
and evolution” to bring about the earth, human beings, and life
as we know it.
What’s the problem, you ask? The Bible isn’t that specific
about such things, and much research has been done scientifically to
support these theories. Well, the problem is, whenever we choose not
to believe the complete Bible as God’s divine, inspired, inerrant
Word, then we open the door to be “tossed
back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind
of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful
scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14)
In other words, if we don’t believe what God has told us in Genesis,
why should we believe the Gospel, the deity of Christ, or the resurrection
and plan of salvation? If we allow our children to be taught that “the
big bang,” “millions of years”, “no global flood,”
and “man from ape” are acceptable possibilities, then we
are going to continue to see this drift from the next generation. And
if we don’t refute that teaching, or even waver slightly on our
beliefs, the result will be compounded in our kids’ minds. We’ve
got to look to God’s Word for answers instead of from some scientist
looking for a government grant, or an atheist looking to win a Nobel
prize. Everywhere in the data received for this survey showed the same
truth: spending time in the Bible is hands down the highest impact on
our spiritual lives. That Biblical foundation is vital! Make sure you
and your kids are grounded! Or you may end up in the group that Paul
was talking to at the church in Galatia:
“I am astonished that you are
so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and
are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all.
Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying
to pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7)
If you’re confused, Satan and his band are ecstatic! They are
creating chaos daily, and if you’re not willing to stand for something,
you’re liable to fall for anything!
Because
I care,
Rod
(OCTOBER
2009)
Back To The Future
“My name is George Jetson, and
I live in the 21st. century.” I still remember those words spoken
each week in one of my favorite cartoons when I was growing up. I also
remember asking my mom if I would ever get to experience this future
world and all the wonderful devices and gadgets that made the Jetsons’
lives easier. There were the moving sidewalks, the instant meals, the
variable altitude apartments on stilts, and, of course, the flying cars.
She assured me that I would probably live in that century, but couldn’t
promise me that the cartoonist’s depiction of life in the future
would be accurate. Well, I have made it well into the 21st. century,
and life is pretty good. I’m not flying to the post office, and
the weather still dictates my activity to a certain degree, but the
last 40 years of technology have changed our lives considerably.
The apostle Paul wrote in chapter five, verse 17 of 2 Corinthians:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come.”
We all look forward to “new” things. Sooner or later, most of us end up with every new gadget that comes along. If you’re like me, first you are skeptical about a product. I remember making the statement that I hoped I would die before I had to learn to use a computer. Then, we accept the new concept, as I spent a good sum on my desktop system. And finally we can’t imagine life without it, as now most of my work is done staring at it!
Even though we are always looking for the new contraptions this world has to offer, they always seem to fade away as time goes on. Anyone have a Commodore 64 computer, an eight track tape player, or a Kitchen Magician? It seems there is always something bigger, newer, stronger, faster, and easier in the future. I guess that’s why the temporary things of this world don’t satisfy. The same thing can be said of false doctrines and trendy philosophies that seem to surface almost daily. Many people are skeptical at first, but as the saying goes: “First we abhor the idea, then we allow it, and soon we embrace it.” The reason we accept these new ideas is that we don’t seek out and understand the timeless wisdom in God’s Word. We are given a great assurance and also a warning in this verse from Hebrews 13:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.”
In other words, if you’re looking for something eternal, look beyond what this world has to offer. It will continue and try to amaze and satisfy us with all kinds of devices to make us happy and lazy, and confuse our minds with notions and opinions contrary to the Word. But instead, continue to put your hope in Christ. He is never changing, and will make you a new creation. And even though we’ll continue to watch new things come and go, you will know that your future will be much more than space suits and robots!
Because I care,
Rod
(SEPTEMBER 2009)
Let Me Slip Into Something
A Bit More Comfortable...
As I grow older, priorities
have changed in my life. Things that used to be so important in my life
often take a back seat these days. For example, comfort has become increasingly
significant. Years ago, when nothing ached, cramped, or throbbed, I
could sleep on the floor or in a tent. Now, a Motel 6 is about as close
as I get to roughing it. In days gone by, I sought the thrill of a roller
coaster or a black diamond ski slope, but that need has been replaced
by an occasional cruise or a matinee at the dollar movie theater.
Being comfortable is great, but it can also be dangerous. I’m
not talking dangerous like falling out of your hammock or falling asleep
in the Caribbean sun, but becoming, as Solomon put it, a sluggard. Numerous
times in Proverbs, the wise king speaks of this habitual offender of
laziness. In chapter 6, verse 9 he says:
“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get
up from your sleep?”
Evidently, the recipient of this reprimand had become way too comfortable.
That is all too common when we have little difficulty to face, and have
everything handed to us.
In society, we look down on laziness and slothful behavior. The strange
part is that we seem to tolerate it, if not even encourage it in our
Christian walk. As a result, many of our churches are dying on the vine,
content to enjoy the luxury and complacency without the difficulty and
inconvenience of seeking the lost.
A certain sea-side town was justly proud of its rescue squad. They were
able seamen with a concern for others. Whenever there was a shipwreck
on the jagged
rocks that protruded along the coast near the little town, the members
of the rescue squad would quickly man their rescue boats and make their
way out to
render whatever aid they could, even under the most dangerous conditions.
In order to show their appreciation for this dedicated crew, the town
built a rescue station right on the edge of the sea. They held community
events to raise funds to furnish it with the very latest in rescue equipment.
They provided opportunities for the latest training in rescue techniques.
Their faith in their rescue squad was not in vain. For several years
this committed crew saved many lives through their tireless efforts.
However, as time went on, some new furnishings were added to the station.
Thick carpeting, plush furniture, an elaborate kitchen, and recreation
equipment further increased the appeal and sufficiency. Soon, what had
been a rescue station became more and more a social hall, a meeting
place for the members. Now when the alarm sounded, fewer members of
the rescue squad responded. They found it difficult to leave the comfortable
confines of the rescue station.
Solomon again speaks in Proverbs 20:4: “A sluggard does not plow
in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.”
Let’s make preparation to get out in the fields. Remember, they
are white to harvest, but the workers are few. Are you ready to go on
a rescue mission? Maybe you need to slip into something a little less
comfortable!
Because I care,
Rod
(AUGUST 2009)
FAMILY MATTERS
1974 was a very good
year—for me, anyway. That year, I received my high school diploma
to the astonishment of many. And to celebrate 35 years since that momentous
occasion, this past Fourth of July week-end, most of my classmates gathered
here in Bricktown. Actually, we’ve been extremely diligent about
meeting together every five years, and most of us have kept in touch
somewhat. Now, we’ve all changed a little—more wrinkles,
less hair, larger waistlines, but what I’ve noticed the most is
the change in what’s important in our lives since we’ve
left our hallowed halls.
At that first reunion, five or ten years out, everyone is out to impress.
Dressed to the nines and trying to look slender and important, we all
were eager to tell our titles and our status, and we hoped everyone
could tell how affluent and successful we had already become.
After twenty or thirty more years, that’s where the change comes
in. Oh, everyone is still interested in where you live and what you
are doing, but you don’t hear the comments about wardrobe and
appearance. What you DO hear are bragging parents and grandparents with
endless albums of the subjects that have become most important in their
lives. At least for myself, those things are my kids and grandkids,
and with each passing year, I realize how meaningful each one of them
is to me.
I recently came across an old cassette tape I had kept with a recording
of Frank Abagnale, Jr. He is regarded as probably the most well-known
con-man in history, and he wrote a best-selling book which also became
a movie called “Catch Me If You Can”. He had left home when
he was sixteen, and had impersonated a doctor, an assistant district
attorney, a college professor, and an airline pilot. He had become a
millionaire twice before the age of 21, but mostly from con schemes
and writing bad checks. Although his story is interesting and intriguing,
it’s not until the end that you see his motive for telling his
story, and my reason for mentioning it.
After relating all of his escapades and spending sprees, he was caught,
and nearly died in the six months he served in a French prison. After
extradition back to the United States, he was sentenced to serve ten
years in a federal penitentiary. It was after that time, that he decided
to use his talents for good, to help businesses recognize and stop theft
in their companies. He started a company with $50 and a phonemate, which
grew to a multi-million dollar business, and he became one of the most
sought after speakers in the U.S.
He is quick to say that he would never want anyone to leave one of his
talks and somehow admire what he did, or think that he had a glamorous
life, or that he in any way gives approval to what he had done. In fact,
he regrets not having a family and all the experiences that come with
it. He chose instead to run away from a broken home and waste a good
part of his youth running from the law, missing out on Christmas, birthdays,
and family gatherings. He closes his speech by saying that he had come
to the realization that FAMILY is the most important thing in life.
If you don’t agree now, I hope that you will as you grow older
and wiser. After all, those precious people are the one thing that we
can take into eternity with us. I hope you won’t forsake them
for the temporary success and status that this life offers.
Because I care,
Rod
(JULY
2009)
The Good Ol' Days
Those were the “good
ol’ days”? Can you even remember…
When it didn’t hurt to get out of bed?
When you didn’t have to fumble around for your glasses to see
what time it was?
When you didn’t have to take a handful of pills twice a day?
When you didn’t have to try to remember if you had taken those
pills?
When you weren’t afraid to look in the mirror to discover new
age spots and wrinkles?
When you didn’t have to get your youthful hair color from a bottle?
When you weren’t faced with the decision of living with pain or
having that knee or hip replaced? Remember?
I’m afraid that I am at that time in life
too, where we are reminded all too often that this body and mind is
temporary and that it is wearing out. We shouldn’t be too surprised,
but we should be motivated to use the time we have left in this life
to be wise and productive with the resources that we have left. Be encouraged
by these words from Paul to the church at Philippi in chapter 3...
"For I have told you often before,
and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose
conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their
future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag
about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on
earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.
And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will
take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious
bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to
conquer everything, everywhere.” NLV
What a great assurance we have! New bodies! And
we are told in 1 Corinthians 15 that they will be imperishable! It’s
wonderful to have that to look forward to, but even as we eagerly await
that time, we are also commanded to “occupy until He comes”.
That includes continuing to serve in the kingdom, and also to be productive
citizens of this great nation. And in that passage we’re also
to watch out for those enemies of the cross of Christ who are becoming
more popular and outspoken.
As we reflect upon our nation’s heritage
at this time of year, we are reminded of those famous words in the Declaration
of Independence, penned by the primary author, Thomas Jefferson.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty,
and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Four times in that great document, there is reference
to God. Not Allah, Buddah, the Great Spirit, or the Man Upstairs, but
to our Creator and Judge. The enemies would have you believe that our
founders were atheists and deists, but don’t be deceived. Of the
56 men who signed that document, almost half held seminary degrees.
Many served as ministers, or were active in Christian service. Most
were members of the American Bible Society. And many lost their total
belongings and even their lives because of the stand they took to establish
this nation under God.
We’ve enjoyed the freedom and abundance of this nation because
of those who stood against the enemies. And we’ve got a great
future to look forward to in heaven because of what Christ did for us.
I pray that our kids can look back on the “good ol’ days”
when they get to be our age, and be thankful that we stood strong against
the evil forces that are hovering and threatening more and more each
day. My further prayer is that they’ll also keep looking forward
to the glorious days (as I do!) with Christ and without aches!
Because I care,
Rod
(JUNE 2009)
Just Lookin' Around...
Have you been furniture shopping lately? Well, I hadn’t been for a while, but we are in desperate need of a new recliner for the living room, and I decided to start my quest for the best possible buy on the most comfortable chair available in the free world. After all, I don’t get to sit down very often, and when I do, I want the ultimate relaxing experience. When I am shopping for an item like that, I want a little freedom to explore at my leisure, and not feel pressured or obligated. But have you ever tried to wander through a furniture store and not be followed by a salesperson on a commission? It’s almost as bad as pulling in to a new car lot! They first ask if they can help, and my standard response is “No, thank you, I’m just looking around.” In this case that isn’t entirely true, because I do have a specific item in mind, but it is my way of conveying that I need a little time and space, and that I will call you if I need you. But all too often it seems that the message evidently isn’t clear enough, as I can always see the vultures hovering in the immediate area, waiting to pounce if they feel that I have shown excessive interest in a particular item.
I see a lot of people just “lookin’ around” today, but without any specific intention or objective. They are just wandering aimlessly, seemingly existing without any real hope. We keep looking around at what this world has to offer, instead of trying to look up and gain some eternal significance for our existence in this life. I read these interesting facts about some of our animal friends who also fail to look up, which yields disastrous results.
*If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
*The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
*A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
In many ways, we are like the
buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our
problems and frustrations, and continue to look around for answers from
the world, never realizing that all we have to do is look up.
In Genesis 15, Abram was told by God "Look up at the heavens and
count the stars--if indeed you can count them." And God told him
that his offspring would be as numerous as those stars. Maybe if we
would just listen to God and look up to Him, we would be blessed tremendously
as was Abraham. But sometimes, I’m still content to just continue
to look around, to imprison myself in the trappings of this world, and
to forget that God has a divine purpose for me. Maybe you and I better
quit flapping and buzzing around helplessly and get out of our chairs
and get to work!
Because I care,
Rod
(MAY 2009)
FATHER KNOWS BEST
OK,
I admit it! I’m not an impulsive, spontaneous person. I like things
planned out, and know where I’m going, when I’m going, why
I’m going, and how I’m going. My idea of “throwing
caution to the wind” is sightseeing on the Bricktown trolley without
having a map and knowing the exact route!
The reason for my confession is that I’m attending a minister’s
conference in Washington DC later this month, and it is a major ordeal
for me to get all my arrangements made. I MUST find the best deal on
my lodging, car rentals, and meals, not to mention travel arrangements.
I must have spent four hours staring at my PC and securing the best
deal on my airfare. I carefully coordinated my flight times, layovers,
and extra fees to be incurred, like checked baggage. (you’ve really
got to watch closely for those “hidden” charges!) I even
took into consideration each flight’s “on time” percentage
and snacks provided.
The one thing that most upsets me in life is when my carefully prepared
plans are changed by some unforeseen circumstances. (or someone’s
ineptness) Immediately my blood can boil and my brain can strain. I
am not too cooperative at that point, and my demand is, as Ricky Ricardo
used to say, “Somebody’s got some ‘splaining to do!”
Same thing seems to happen when things in life don’t go just as
I had envisioned. It reminds me of the story of the only survivor of
a shipwreck who washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed
feverishly for God
to rescue him, and every day scanned the horizon for help, but none
seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little
hut out of driftwood for protection from the elements, and to store
his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he
arrived home to find that his campfire had evidently started his little
hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened,
and everything was lost! He was stunned with grief and anger. "God,
how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How
did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal!" they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things don’t go according to
plan. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives,
even in the midst of pain and suffering. And even though we hate to
admit it, He’s got a lot better perspective of what’s best
for us than we do. Now, don’t get me wrong, preparation is good
and essential to being effective and productive. God gave us each a
mind and specific talents to accomplish what He sets before us. But,
wrap your preparation in prayer, and rely on God and trust Him to lead
and guide you. He may not necessarily give you the easiest path, or
show you all the exact details of the journey, but believe me, the final
destination will be the best. Your plans might leave you temporarily
more comfortable, but remember, next time your little hut is burning
to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace
of God!
May is a busy month, summer vacation starts, graduation, fishing, golfing,
gardening, garage sales, cleaning—so be careful! I don’t
have time for those things, I’m still comparing hotel rates!
Because I care,
Rod
“For
I
know
the
plans
I
have
for
you,"
declares
the
Lord,
"plans
to
prosper
you
and
not
to
harm
you,
plans
to
give
you
hope
and
a
future.
Then
you
will
call
upon
me
and
come
and
pray
to
me,
and
I
will
listen
to
you.
You
will
seek
me
and
find
me
when
you
seek
me
with
all
your
heart.”
Jeremiah
29:11-13