Goodbye 2008

Today is the day! Time to save money on anything with 2008 printed on it. Lord willing, tonight we will usher in the New Year.

To say that 2008 was an interesting year would be an understatement. A lot has happened in our world. Our nation saw a major shift in politics, economics, and morality. Who knows what our future holds, but one thing is for sure...God is in control!

There is a statement I think of often at this time of year and it comes from the movie Forrest Gump. I don't know how many of you remember Forrest & Lieutenant Dan celebrating New Year's Eve at the local bar, but after the countdown the lady next to Gump says she just loves New Years because "everyone gets a second chance."

A second chance at what? To get it right? To make their mark? To truly change? What is it that this young lady looks forward too...or better yet, what does she regret? The point here is simple: for many people, New Years is an opportunity for redemption (at least in their own mind). They think that by changing some type of behavior or removing a particular habit from their lives - all will be well.

Good idea...Wrong methodology.

The fact of the matter is that we can try and improve ourselves but we will never experience genuine change unless something happens on the inside. That's right...we must change from the inside out. How many people try to clean up their mouths by making a resolution to not cuss but don't realize that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks"? How many people try to improve their own self worth by making a resolution to lose weight without an understanding that "we are fearfully an wonderfully made."

I know that change is good...maybe not the Obama change...but change in general can accomplish quite a lot. None of us will ever better ourselves or those around us unless we first recognize that something has to take place. The problem here is that we are focused on the wrong "something". We must 1st take care of our heart problem before we can ever influence the other problems in our lives.

The Bible teaches us that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and that "our sins have cut us off from God." We can never better ourselves with God because we continually fall short. Only when you and I recognize our inability along with His capability will we ever experience true and genuine life change. Only as we turn from our self ruled lives and turn to His grace will we ever experience redemption. Redemption isn't about saving face as the young lady in Forrest Gump believes. No...true redemption is about saving the soul. It is God buying back His creation through the sacrifice of Jesus.

We must understand that through salvation something amazing happens. Not only are we forgiven of sin but the Bible teaches that God's Spirit then begins to reside in us. The Holy Spirit is able to lead, guide, teach, and correct. He is able to help stay on the straight and narrow path we want our lives to proceed down. He keeps us focused not just on the good things but the best things. Without the work of the Holy Spirit 2009 will look just like 2008. Yes, we can expect to continue to fall under the same stresses, give in to the same temptations, and continue in bondage to the same addictions.

If you are looking for a real "New Year" then you must end this one the right way. Give your life to Christ...every area...and watch Him do what you have been unable to do for years. He will grant you forgiveness, He will give you the ability to forgive others, He will bring you peace, He will give you security, and He will change your life. That's a promise.

Our hope in the New Year is the same as it was 2000 years ago. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Peter I close: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3

May God grant you a prosperous and peaceful New Year.

If You're Going Through Hell...

Most of the stuff I get in my inbox isn't useful, however, today I received something that we can all use. **Word of caution: If you cannot handle "straight talk" you may not be able to read Doug Giles latest newsletter. I'm going to post his points on the blog but if you would like to read it in its entirety please go to: http://clashradio.com/column.html (you must copy & paste into your browser)

"If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going."
This article is meant as an encouragement to keep fighting in life and to give a great understanding of how to handle trials.

1) Jesus Promised Pain.

2) Are You Gonna Cowboy Up or Lay There and Bleed?

3) It's About Character Stupid.

4) Don't Blame God if You Brought This On.

5) Solomon Says, "Relax."

6) The "Gift" of Hell.

7) One You've Made it Through "Hell", Don't Become a Jerk.

I will say this about Doug - you don't have to wonder what he thinks. I hope that you will take the time to read his article. It can't hurt...at least not long.

Dec. 26th - Let the Memories Begin

Hope you got everything you wanted!

From: PBC To: You

Before the "Big Day"

Allow me to share with you a few more words of wisdom from Max Lucado's "God Came Near."

In Chapter 29 he tells the story of a time when their daughter almost drowned in a friend's pool. Lucado said, "The stool was kicked out from under my feet and the rope jerked around my neck just long enough to remind me of what really matters. It was a divine slap, a gracious knock on the head, a severe mercy. Because of it I came face to face with one other the underground's slyest agents - the agent of familiarity.

His commission from the black throne room is clear, and fatal: 'Take nothing from your victim; cause him only to take everything for granted'...His goal is nothing less than to take what is most precious to us and make it appear common...He won't steal your salvation; he'll just make you forget what it was like to be lost. You'll grow accustomed to prayer and thereby not pray. Worship will become commonplace and study optional. With the passing of time he'll infiltrate your heart with boredom and cover the cross with dust so you'll be 'safely' out of reach of change. Score one for the agent of familiarity.

Nor will he steal your home from you; he'll do something far worse. He'll paint it with a familiar coat of drabness.

He'll replace evening gowns with bathrobes, nights on the town with evenings in the recliner, and romance with routine. He'll scatter the dust of yesterday over the wedding pictures in the hallway until they become a memory of another couple in another time.

He won't take your children, he'll just make you too busy to notice them...Before you know it, the little face that brought tears to your eyes in the delivery room has become - perish the thought - common. A common kid sitting in the back seat of your van as whiz down the fast lane of life. Unless something changes, unless someone wakes you up, that common kid will become a common stranger."

I don't know what it is about human nature, but we tend to forget how special people are in our lives. Salvation loses its zeal, marriage loses it expectancy, and relationships lose their value. I pray that during this Christmas season that you will not forget the miracle of the virgin birth. I know...it has become almost common. We have seen the nativity's, hung the lights, and wrapped the presents. I hope that this Christmas you will remember why we celebrate. May we capture the wonder of the shepherds, the excitement of Mary & Joseph, and the love of God in giving His Son Jesus to save us from our sins. And while you're at it: enjoy the time that God has given you with your family. Allow your kids to enjoy Christmas and don't worry about the schedule. Rip open presents with joy & gladness. Love those whom God has given you.

May each of you be able to capture the true meaning and joy of Christmas. I hope to share with you after the holidays. Merry Christmas.

God Came Near

In his book, God Came Near, Max Lucado writes the following:
"...God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.

The Omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.

God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.

God had come near.

He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, bust as one who first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts." pp. 25-26

Think about this fact: God became a baby! This idea is so unfathomable that Hollywood struggles to re-create the miracle. Who or what can give this story the true justice it deserves? You can.

The greatest story ever told is one of God coming in human flesh, living a perfect and sinless life, dying upon a cross for the sins of humanity, and being resurrected from the dead. And God gave this story not to the most profound writers of the modern day but to fishermen, tax collectors, and other common men. He then passed that story on to each and every one of us who have called upon the name of Jesus for salvation.

This Christmas season you need to remember that His name was called Emmanuel...meaning "God with us." Oh, how the world needs to know that God came near!

A Christmas Carol

I don't know about you, but I love Dickens story, "A Christmas Carol". However, I must admit that I have only seen the movies.

This is one of those stories that never grows old. In fact, what I have found so refreshing is that every time a "new" rendition comes out - the story is unchanged. I was reminded last night that when I was younger we had an album (yes...an album) which had the Disney Christmas Carol along with an illustrated book. We used to gather in our parents bedroom and listen to this story every year. As a side note I had to explain to my 8 yr. old that an album was a black, plastic, round item that had lines upon it...you placed it under a needle...well, you get it. *Dare I try to explain 8-tracks?

Two quotes that I want us to reflect upon today are very interesting. The first one comes from the Ghost of Christmas Present. Scrooge has basically tied this spirit with an attempt to close down bakeries on Sunday (which at the time was used by the poor since there was a law against baking bread on Sunday). The spirit replies, "There are some upon this earth of yours...who lay claim to know us, and who do their deed of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry and selfishness in our name, who are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves, not us." Does that sound familiar to anyone? How often has religion tied things to God that have nothing to do with him? Reminds me of a true story: A group of church people from North Carolina gathered at a local restaurant after services one Sunday. As the waitress went around to the tables asking for beverage orders the pastor leaned back in his chair rather pompously and asked, "Young lady did you go to church this morning?" She replied, "Pastor, someone had to fix your lunch."

The next quote from the book is one of my all time favorites. Scrooge asks the Ghost of Christmas Future, "Are these the shadows of things that Will be or are they the shadows of things that May be, only?...But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change...I am not that man I was...Why show me this, if I am past all hope?" I often wonder how many of us would change if we knew what the future held? I think we all would. Think about it...how many people would go to hell if they knew that was their future destination? No one in their right mind would choose hell over heaven! The good news in all of this: No one has to go to hell. No one has to be separated from God for all eternity. Jesus gave his life so that each of us could change the things that may be.

This Christmas I want all of you to remember that Jesus was born to take away the sins of all men who would accept Him...to change what "May Be." I leave you with the words of Tiny Tim - "may God bless us everyone."

Bring Out the Millstones

I have had enough! I am so sick of reading new reports everyday about these sick people who cannot keep their hands off of children.

Yesterday I read a news report from ABC about a 55 year old man who was sexually molesting children. The sad part of the story is that nobody knew that this man was allegedly abusing 1 girl from 2004-2008 and another girl from January-December until the 9 year old wrote a letter to Santa asking him to put an end to the abuse of her and her 10 year old sister. Oh, by the way, he worked for the school district for 11 years.

Today brings another story...this time out of Nassau. A PTA mom in charge of fundraising was found with a 13 year old boy in the back seat of a car. Joan Tuckruskye and the child were discovered half naked parked behind the school. Once again, someone involved directly with the public school.

I say, "Bring Out the Millstones."

Luke 17:2, "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

You want to know what I think? Obviously you do because you are still reading. I think we hear so much of this garbage going on today because we are too soft as a society on sexual predators. I don't care if we are talking about someone who is molesting children or raping women; we do not do enough as a society to STOP this problem. It's obvious that prison time means nothing to these individuals. Worse than that - the ones who do go to prison often come out and do it AGAIN.

What if we decided that people who sexually abuse children should have a millstone hung around their neck and cast into the sea? Is that too harsh? When I consider that most of these kids spend the rest of their lives trying to overcome this brutality it's not. When I think about the fact that most of these kids end up in abusive relationships later in life...drowning in emotional baggage...living in fear and shame...it's easy to see that our justice system doesn't deal harshly enough.

Oh, but there is some candle holder out there waiting to have a vigil for some brutal human being hoping for a stay of execution. Think about it folks: too often it's people like this who are looking for opportunities to work with children. They target daycare facilities and children's ministries in churches. This pandemic is widespread and doesn't look to fade away until we as a nation say enough is enough. I read a quote today that said we need to "stop raping our greatest resource." But it won't stop until we decide to deal with it. How many kids have to be hurt? How many kids have to be exposed through child pornography? How many children have to go through counseling before we wake up?

I hear so many Christians talk about Sodom & Gomorrah in reference to homosexuality. But I want you to consider that when you read about the issues in the Bible you will find that no one was safe from their perversions. It's not just a gay issue...it's all types of sexual perversions. God brought judgment upon that nation because they failed to deal with the unrighteous acts of its people. Why would God not do so today?

Here in just a few weeks we will celebrate the coming of Christ to our world. Most of our children are only concerned about their gift under the tree. They are healthy, safe, and most of them aren't scared about anything happening to them. I want you to think about that and remember that a 9 year old girl got her wish this Christmas. The abuse has stopped for now. We can only hope that justice will be served and pray that these two girls in Texas will be able to overcome this tragedy. I just wonder how many of these girls and boys are out there today that nobody knows about.

They are still hoping...

Dress for Success

I want to assure my reading audience that today's blog is not about fashion. If there is one thing my wife will tell you about me is that I am not fashion conscience. I'm BIG into t-shirts, jeans, shorts...comfort clothes. If I see something I like and think it would be comfortable to wear - it's mine. However, you rarely this pastor in a suit because it's just not me.

There is a bit of clothing that I do want to recommend to all of you: the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us a description of the armor that a believer should be dressed in everyday. Rather than post the entire reference here I will give a detail list:

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Gospel of Peace Shoes

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation

Sword of the Spirit

This line of clothing may not put you on the latest runway but it will provide the adequate protection needed when in the line of fire. Think about the necessities that God gives through this armor. You have the truth to support you, righteousness to cover your heart and vital organs, shoes which are adequate to carry the Gospel wherever He leads you, a shield and helmet to protect you, and a sword to fight back.

God has got you covered in this line of clothing. When you are fully equipped then you will be able to fight the good fight of faith. You will be able to carry out any assigned mission that God gives. And should you come under attack (which you probably will), then you can defend yourself appropriately. I personally love the shield of faith which is able to protect against the fiery darts of the enemy. I also love the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. There is no sharper two-edged sword in the world.

You have heard from other about how we need to dress for success in this world. If you want to go anywhere in the corporate world you would not wear a jogging suit (as Seinfeld says, "It tells the world I have given up." The same holds true in the spiritual world as well. When you and I are clothed in the armor of God we will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. I believe it's a great practice for believers to spend time in prayer every morning and actually visualize themselves being clothed spiritually for the day ahead. Why not? How many of you spend countless minutes every morning pouring over the closet trying to find something to wear? Why not do the same for your spiritual life?

And once you are fully clothed be reminded of another element of victory: prayer. If you plan on dressing like an overcomer then you must understand the necessity of praying always "with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit". Adding prayer to your wardrobe is like putting on cologne - it becomes your fragrance of choice throughout the day. Oh, how well pleasing our aroma is to God when we add prayer to our daily lives.

Hey believer...don't run around naked!

From Struggler to Overcomer

Yesterday, I shared with you from a struggler's perspective. Today, allow me to speak from my position as an overcomer.

Romans 8:37, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

If we are not careful as believers we can lose focus about the position we have in Christ. We are to be honest about our struggles. We should be willing to come clean about our failures. However, we should not be allowed to live in an attitude of defeat. God's Word teaches us plainly that we are able to overcome temptation, trials, etc. and that we are more than conquerors (super-victors) through Jesus Christ.

May we never forget that God has said that "greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world." There is nothing and nobody in this life that is able to separate us from the love of Christ. Therefore, if we cannot be separated from God's love and He has already proclaimed us victorious we have absolutely no reason to "stay" bound in our vices.

When I led the Recovery Ministry of our church, I was reminded to always identify myself according to my position in Christ: "My name is Neal and I am a believer who struggles with..." Don't allow yourself to be identified in life as an alcoholic, drug addict, depression sufferer, addict to pornography! Always recognize who you are in Christ and the focus then becomes all about Jesus and less about you.

Folks, in and of ourselves we could never overcome addictions and temptations. But in Christ all things are possible. If we could do it on our own then we would have done it a long time ago. If we could change our attitudes, change the way we speak to people, change our behavior patterns, or change our actions - who in their right mind would continue being bitter, hateful, or sinful? None of us would. Only through God's power can we ever hope to see true change. The good news in all of this is that God is able...and through Him we all are able to be overcomers.

I told you yesterday that I'm a fellow struggler...which is true...but according to God's Word I am "more than a conqueror." In other words - I HAVE THE VICTORY! When I was a kid there was a cartoon that came on called He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. He-Man was a larger than life figure with super strength and ability. However, if you know the story, then you know that He-Man had an alter ego Prince Adam. Adam was weak. Adam was timid. Adam was youthful and inexperienced. Only through the power of Grayskull (mystical/magical force) was he able to become He-Man. In our own strength we are no more than He-Man or She-Ra. It's when we are empowered by God's Spirit that we are able to be masters of our own universe. If you are a believer in Jesus say it with me: "I HAVE THE POWER!"

Remember these words as you go from being a struggler to an overcomer: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." Zech. 3:6.

May the Lord continue to strengthen you and give you the victory.

Are We Learning from the Past?

"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." 1 Cor. 10:11

Remember the old saying, "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it"? If there is anything that I have learned in my 34 years of life it's that I better learn from the past. Some of you may say, 'Well that's just good old common sense'...no, it's much better - it's biblical. When Paul penned these words to the church at Corinth it was for the purpose of reminding the believers that lust and idolatry go hand in hand. Earlier in the same chapter he encouraged them to not become idolaters as some of them nor to commit sexual immorality as some of them did and in one day 23,000 fell.

I know those numbers seem astonishing but is there any real difference today? Statistics prove that 40 million (that's million with an "m") U.S. adults struggle with pornography. I just came from the Drudge Report where I saw several news articles with the word "sex" in the title. Middle & High School kids, teachers, KFC workers, etc. The list is endless. And yet we have not learned the lessons that history has given us nor have we learned the lessons of God's Word.

Some of you may have wondered why I have a link on the rights side of the page for XXX Church. Well, to be quite honest with you it's because men and women in the church need to realize that out of that 40 million in America many "strugglers" are members and leaders within the body of Christ. And before we start condemning and scowling let us remember that temptation is the same across the board regardless of what the item may be. We have seen the affect that greed can have in our country (just look at Wall Street) and the object there was money. Think about the alcoholic, drug addict, etc.; these temptations all come from the same root cause: lust. And lust always lead to idolatry which always ends in destruction.

I share all of this with you as a person who has an accountability partner and who is an accountability partner. That's right folks...I'm a fellow struggler. I personally use the XWatch service to monitor my activity on the Internet and have a weekly email sent to someone who will ask me questions if they find anything that looks wrong. "But you are a pastor!" I know - why do you think I take such measures? I want to ensure that I am not weighed down by the sin which so easily ensnares us (Heb. 12:1).

As a nation we need to look at the example of Rome. Rome wasn't destroyed by an outward force. No, they were destroyed by an inward lust...and that lust turned into idolatry. They worshipped all things sexual and it destroyed them. Back up a little in history and you will find that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for this very same problem. The problem of lust which led to idolatry. When will our nation learn? When will our churches learn? There must be an opportunity within the local church to come clean. We need to offer support and prayer to those who struggle with all types of temptations. We need to ensure that they can have confidentiality and accountability from within the body. How will we ever see people set free by the truth if they don't feel that they can tell the truth?

The good news: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. 10:13

My prayer for all the "strugglers" out there is that we will know the joy of 1 Cor. 10:13 and the faithfulness of God to help us get out from under whatever temptation is holding us down.

I know it's not spiritual but...

Steelers beat the Cowboys 20-13 this past Sunday. It wasn't pretty but it is a "W". I will say that as a fan much of this game was very hard to watch. A 3-3 tie at halftime. Then to go down by 10 in the 3rd quarter...I was already thinking about how I was going to have to give congrats to my friends who like the Cowboys (Ugh). But the Steelers fought back and won the game.

I have been a Steelers fan since the early 70's. That was a good time to start! I was probably about 5 years old when I made that choice, and like a lot of things in life it stuck.

There is just so much about this team that I like: Hard nosed smash mouth football, relentless defense, and a blue collar work ethic. I have always been impressed with how the Rooney family continually puts out a strong football team with little regard to "big name" players. Oh sure, they have some household names on this team but it's usually because of what they have accomplished as a member of this football team.

Like most of you I grew up a a lower middle class family. We had to work hard for everything we had. If necessary you would get up everyday and fight with everything you had just to make ends meet. You may have been tired at the end of the day but it was always worth it. Maybe that is why the Steelers have always appealed to me. They have always worked hard to be the best and to beat the best.

I do have to thank Tony Romo for having a horrible game. I'm especially thankful for the 4th quarter interception he threw to allow us to go up by a touchdown.

I know this has nothing to do with eternity but it sure helps get the week off to a great start. I hope that all of you (even the Cowboy fans) will look for the "good things" in life this week. As the holiday season is upon us we can easily allow the fun of family and friends to be crowded out with schedules and shopping. Take some time to enjoy the life that God has given you. I will say this: If the Steelers would have lost my life would have still been blessed.

Thanks for letting me share.

Did you see Hannity & Colmes last night?

During last night's episode of Hannity & Colmes - Rick Warren was interviewed - and there was a lot of talk about Jesus.

Here's a link to the transcript: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,461685,00.html

I was rather pleased with Pastor Warren's answers. Of course, today I have already seen so many people say that he "wimped" out on some of the answers. Please...give me a break.

Why can't we be happy that a man of God went on a television show with a huge audience and gave several references to Jesus Christ. Pastor Rick shared how Jesus said He was the way, that God didn't send 100 Jesuses but 1 Jesus, and spoke of the importance of each of us accepting Him as God's gift of salvation. Is that not enough?

In fact, when Colmes pressed him about the issue of salvation and whether or not other faiths would lead people to the same place, Warren answered: "I'm not the authority on this but Jesus is..." AMEN! However, for some people out there - it's not enough. They will never be satisfied unless there is someone standing on top of the desk and screaming you better get right with God.

This is a great frustration for me...and I'm a preacher! You may not like a certain style of ministry, style of preaching, etc. but don't belittle someone because they didn't answer the way you would have. If you ask me there are too many self-proclaimed authorities on the bible and true church representation. Why can't we just be glad that regardless of HOW it happened JESUS WAS PREACHED!!!

Listen to the words of Paul in Philippians 1:15-18, "Some preach Christ from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ form selfish ambition...supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love...what then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." WOW! Maybe if some of the opinionated people would actually read the Bible they could rejoice over the fact that Rick shared Jesus last night and could rejoice that His name was magnified.

To quote Forrest Gump: "That's all I've got to say about that."

Is it O.K. to laugh in church?

Let me ask you a SERIOUS question: Is it o.k. to laugh in church?
Answer: I hope so.

Charles Swindoll wrote a wonderful book several years ago entitled "Laugh Again" to help believers experience outrageous joy. It is a great read that covers a very interesting subject within the church. Allow me to share with you some of the chapter titles: Your smile increases your face value, Laughing through life's dilemmas, Hanging tough together and loving it, and freeing yourself up to laugh again.

Swindoll's introduction says it all: "Can you remember when life was joyful? I certainly can. Without knowledge of the Dow index or the drop in the gross national product or the accelerating crime rate in twenty-five of America's largest cities or the decreasing health-care benefits in our country's major companies, I was happy as a clam. I neither expected much nor needed much. Life was meant to be be enjoyed, not endured, and therefore every day I found something - anything - to laugh about...through my childlike eyes people were funny. (When did they stop being funny?)...(When did everything get so serious?)...(Why have families stopped making music together?)...In many homes - dare I say most? - laughter has left. Joy that was once a vital ingredient in family life has departed, leaving hearts that seldom sin, lips that rarely smile, eyes that no longer dance, and faces that say no. Tragically, this is true in Christian homes as well as non-Christian...maybe more so."

Philippians 4:4 tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"

Allow me to share some humor with you today as I seek to bring joy to your heart and hopefully a smile to your face.

Church bulletin bloopers:
"This afternoon there will be a meeting in the north and south ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends."

"The choir will be participating in the local community sing, which is open to everyone. They will be sinning at 6:00pm this Sunday."

"There will be a sin-in at the Johnsons' home this evening, immediately following the pastor's message, "Intimate Fellowship."

"Solo: 'There is a Bomb in Gilead'"

"Order of Service: Silent Prayer and Medication"

"Pastor Brown will marry his son next Sunday morning."

Letters to the pastor (from children of course):
"Dear Pastor,
I know God loves everybody, but He never met my sister.
Yours sincerely,
Arnold"

"Dear Paster,
My Father couldn't give more $$money$$ to the chrch. HE is a good chrischen but has a cheap boss.
Ronald"

These stories are shared with you to help you understand that there is plenty to laugh about. Whether there are stories about children, misprints, or just funny events; it's o.k. to laugh. With that I add: it's o.k. to laugh at church. It's good for God's people to laugh together.

Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart does good like medicine..."

Tuesday - No Snow

Well, it's Tuesday - the kids are out of school because of the weather...there's only one problem - no snow.

This could lead me into a discussion on our reliance upon government provided transportation for our kids to school...however, I'm not going to "officially" visit that subject today. I'll just say this: If the kids are going to be out of school for snow "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

For the people who know me personally, you know that I enjoy hunting. This past Saturday I was hunting with a cousin and was able to use one of his lock-on stands. This was rather refreshing for me because the last couple of times in the woods I had taken my boy. This typically means hunting on the ground or in a blind. This also means trying to decipher the different noises in the woods. Was that a squirrel or was that Hayden rubbing his boots together? Get the point? Don't get me wrong - I love sharing my passion for hunting with him, however, it is always nice to go out and enjoy the "calm" of nature (before I disrupt all that silence with the sound of my rifle...LOL...).

As I was sitting in the stand this past weekend I was overlooking a beautiful scene. I could see all around and was anywhere from 25-30 ft. off the ground. I thought about David referring to God as his High Tower. Now without doing significant research on the military advantages of a high tower I can think of some basic assurances of it's meaning.

God as my high tower gives me:
The ability to be above my problems.
The ability to see so much more than I can on the ground.
A place of refuge and safety.

If you have been a believer of any length of time you can appreciate the need to be above the problems of everyday life. Having God as my high tower elevates me to a peace that is beyond comprehension. While most people have to live among their problems, I am able to take refuge from the despairs of life...I am able to see things from God's perspective and I can assure you that my "problems" look much different from His perspective than my own (on the ground).

I recently spoke to some believers about a very serious problem they are facing. Now, don't get me wrong, they still have their problems. But what a difference faith in the Lord can make. It's good to know that "all things work together for good to them who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose." It's good to know that "He who has begun a good work in me will complete it...". God offers us peace in the midst of life's storms, joy in the midst of pain, and abundant life in the midst of despair. Over and over again I find that God always turn my "mourning into dancing" and I'm able to trade in the "garment of sadness for the garment of praise."

I mentioned earlier that my kids are out of school for snow when there is no snow...well, you may be experiencing s similar situation spiritually. You have been told about the peace and joy that should be yours but you are not "feeling" it. Find your strength and your refuge in the Lord. He will give you what you need in this time. You may not be able to play in the snow but you can know that He is with you.

Have a blessed week.

Thanksgiving Hangover

They must have doubled up on the steroids for my turkey.

I've been sleepy for two days now.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As many of you know there is a poll question asking about your favorite holiday. It looks like (so far) I'm the only one who chose Thanksgiving. Why Thanksgiving? It has to do with the celebration. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. For believers this means more than just being thankful for health, prosperity, security, etc. It's a time to be thankful for our salvation. For me this is a day that incorporates all the rest. I can be thankful for the birth of Christ and the death/resurrection of Christ. Christmas - too much commercialism. Easter - too many marshmallow treats. If you will notice I did not put Resurrection Sunday. Oh, but there is a difference.

I hope that each of us will take time to give thanks unto God in the presence of all our family. Our kids need to hear of our thankfulness. Our family (lost and saved) need to hear of our gratitude toward God.

The picture above is a "horn of plenty." Is your horn full? Has God not provided all of our needs according to His riches in glory? Has God not fulfilled his promise to add all of these "things" when you sought after His kingdom? God has provided and God has kept His word.

I encourage you all this Thanksgiving to express your thankfulness to God by sharing Christ with someone. Who knows...maybe then you can give thanks for leading that lost loved one or friend to Christ!!! WOW! Can you imagine?

Psalm 100:4-5, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

A Preacher's Frustration

What a beautiful day! As I begin to share my thoughts I stare out the window and watch huge flakes of snow fall. I absolutely love snow. It's a wonderful interruption to the dreariness winter. Most winter days there is an almost gray look about the world but then comes the brilliance of white. During this time I'm reminded of the scripture that says, "...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." [Isaiah 1:18]

It's verses like these that continually prompt me in the preaching of salvation. I was once one of those clothed in crimson but now (in God's sight) I'm white as snow. This past Sunday I shared one of the most simple Gospel messages I have ever preached. It was basic - to the point - easy to understand. I sensed that the Spirit of God was at work and yet did not "see" anyone come to faith in Christ. Thankfully, I know that I was not made for results - that is, it's my job to preach and God's to save. However, I cannot help but to feel a little frustration as people leave such services without making a commitment of their life to Christ. How does it happen? How are we able to "brush off" the convicting power of the Holy Spirit? Don't get me wrong...I'm remember those days well. I remember gripping the backs of pews. I remember wondering if we would ever stop singing the closing hymns. I remember walking out church doors thinking I survived another one. But, as a believer, it's hard to fathom how I (or anyone else for that matter) resisted God's love for me.

A few years ago a lady I worked with gave me some great insight into the heart of an unbeliever. She said, "What makes you think that you can say something in 30 minutes that would make me change my entire life?" Good Point! The only answer I have is that apart from the work of the Holy Spirit there is nothing I can say. There is nothing you can say either. Salvation is a HUGE step in life. When we submit our lives to the Lordship of Christ we are making a decision to turn everything over to Him. However, speaking on behalf of those who are now on the other side, it's the best and most important decision any of us could ever make.

Don't get me wrong folks - I will keep on preaching salvation through Christ. In fact, the frustration I feel at times only fuels my passion to ensure that I communicate plainly the way to salvation. There are several moments in scripture where people rejected Christ...some to His face. And if they didn't choose Christ under the preaching of the Savior then who in the world do I think I am?

My greatest concern is what goes on in the mind of the unbeliever. Are they experiencing the conviction that I remember as a young man? Are they leaving these services with great conviction? Is God at work? The only answer to these questions is for the church to pray with all we have that God does move and God does work in the hearts of the lost. Then AND ONLY THEN will people give themselves to the Gospel message. Jesus is the only way to salvation. He is still the door to everlasting life and forgiveness of sin. We cannot change the message but we can affect the type of soil we sow upon. I hope that the church will renew her efforts to pray for the lost and sharing of the Gospel.

Bowl of Rice...No Substitute

K.P. Yohannan wrote in "Revolution in World Missions" that 'A Bowl of Rice is No Substitute for the Holy Spirit.'

The reason for K.P.'s assertion is that he has seen too many "missionaries" become so concerned about social and physical problems that they often become misguided in their work. One of the "lies" he believes the enemy has used to confuse the Church is that we cannot preach the Gospel to a man with an empty stomach.

K.P. goes on to say that 'A man's stomach has nothing to do with his heart's condition of being a rebel against the holy God...For all people, the only way to become a child of God and inherit His kingdom is to repent from sin and humble ourselves before the Lord.

Another "lie" is that people will not listen to the Gospel unless we offer them something else first. "Substituting a bowl of rice for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will never save a soul and will rarely change the attitude of a man's heart." He goes on to talk about humanitarian efforts to educate, feed, and improve the health conditions of the world and yet many "died more educated, better governed and healthier - but they died without Christ and are bound for hell."

The point in all of this is: "Feeding programs can save a man dying from hunger. Medical aid can prolong life and fight disease. Housing projects can make this temporary life more comfortable - but only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can save a soul from a life of sin and an eternity in hell!"

"We must learn from the past mistakes of missions and not repeat them. Just before China was taken over by the communists, one communist officer made a revealing statement to a missionary, John Meadows: 'You missionaries have been in China for over a hundred years, but you have not won China to your cause...But we communists have been in China less than 10 years, and there is not a Chinese who does not know...has not heard the name of Stalin...or something of communism...we have filled China with our doctrine. Now let me tell you why you have failed and we have succeeded...You have tried to win the attention of masses by building churches, missions, mission hospitals, schools and what not. But we communists have printed our message and spread our literature all over China. Someday we will drive you missionaries out of our country, and we will do it by the means of the printed page.'"

He was right! May we learn the lessons that history teaches us. The Gospel message - printed and spoken - is the only way to lead people out of their sin and see the Kingdom of God advanced in our world.

Oswald Chambers Insight

I was taking part in my own daily reading assignment and came across this great nugget of truth from Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest."

"When He Has Come" - November 19

"Very few of us know anything about conviction of sin. We know the experience of being disturbed because we have done wrong things. But conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit blots out every relationship on earth and makes us aware of only one - 'Against You, You only, have I sinned...' (Psalm 51:4). When a person is convicted of sin in this way, he knows with every bit of his conscience that God would not dare to forgive him...God does forgive, but it cost the breaking of His heart with grief in the death of Christ to enable Him to do so. The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the divine nature to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say that God forgives us because He is love. Once we have been convicted of sin, we will never say this again. The love of God means Calvary - nothing less! The love of God is spelled out on the Cross and nowhere else. The only basis for which God can forgive me is the Cross of Christ. It is there that His conscience is satisfied."

I don't know about you, but I think we need more preachers like Brother Chambers today. When was the last time you heard one of these famous TV preachers put it out on the line. You know...the mega-church types who only want to fill their sanctuary more than they want to affect the population of heaven. Oh, how we need to return to the preaching of the cross.

I'm thinking of doing a sermon series entitled "God's Word for the Average Joe". Of course, this was initially inspired by the arrival of "Joe the Plumber" during the presidential campaign. It's an attempt to preach the message of God's Word to the everyday individual who comes to visit (which I try to do anyway - but this time with special interest).

It bothers me to think that there are so many people who visit churches on Sundays but come away with a cloudy understanding about how this whole faith thing works. What Chambers reminded me of this morning was "Grass Roots" preaching. Getting back to the basics of sharing to be understood. This is what is needed in our pulpits and our every day lives.

I was talking to a church member this morning whose 1st visit to our church came on a Sunday that I sat down in a chair in front of the congregation with another member of the church to present a simple Gospel presentation like I would in a home/personal visit. This was a clincher for him and his wife in deciding to become members because he had been frustrated for years in not getting what he thought he should be getting from former pastors...a clear understanding of how to share the Gospel. He had had enough of hearing "you need to share" without ever receiving the goods to share.

So, before closing out I want to share with you the remainder of Chambers remarks: "The miracle of redemption is that God turns me, the unholy one, into the standard of Himself, the Holy One. He does this by putting into me a new nature, the nature of Jesus Christ."

Amen!

The SBC of Virginia has started a partnership with the Dakota Baptist Convention. The whole point of this partnership is to help the Dakota's attract church planters to these two states.

Here are some of the statistics:
1 church for every 13,000 people
70 counties with no SBC church
Sioux Falls, SD - population 145,000 - 6 churches
Fargo, ND - population 175,000 - 3 churches
Largest church average attendance - 250

These are some staggering statistics. I'm sure that there are many people (especially those of us who live in the Bible belt) that find it hard to believe that there are states in our country that have a very limited witness. However, the truth is that the further west you go the less visible the witness for Christ.

Yesterday I shared with you about our missionary in Ukraine and how each of us need to allow God to lead us to be on mission with Him. But don't think you have to go overseas...sometimes you need to stay at home and reach those in the states. There was a time when America was known for sending missionaries but in today's time we are also receiving a great number of missionaries due to the lack of a Gospel witness.

Jesus told his disciples that they would be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem (hometown), Judea (state), Samaria (country), and to the uttermost parts of the earth (get the picture?).

People need Jesus. Will we take His message to them?

Missionary Focus

Today's picture comes from my very first mission trip to Ukraine.

Our church has the honor of hosting our missionary (Bruce) this weekend and are looking forward to him sharing with our church. Bruce, like many independent missionaries must leave the field every now and then to continue with vision casting and fund raising to be able to keep the work going.

I want to encourage you today - if you have never took the opportunity and board a plane to go on mission - do it! Your life will never be the same. My first trip was an overseas trip. I was placed in a country where I did not know the language, I did not know what to expect, and I really did not know the missionary. However, this one trip changed my life forever. I saw 1st hand what many people share and that is the "face" of missions.

Please don't ever forget that when God says "GO" he has a people in mind. It's not just a geographical location that God wants to impact but a people group in need of the Gospel. The Bible speaks of a day when every tribe, every tongue, and every nation will stand before His throne giving praise, glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Missions is all about restoring worship to God among the people of the world. Many of these people have never heard the Gospel. Some have only bits and pieces of the truth of His Word. Regardless of the geographical location, missions is about people.

Please take the time today to pray for people like Bruce. Men and women who give their lives to a cause/calling so much greater than themselves. And take the time today to ask God where you can go to impact His kingdom. You may have to get on a plane, in a vehicle, or simply cross the street. Missions can happen anywhere and should happen everywhere. Let God lead you in how you should join Him in what He is doing.

The Day After...

Hello everyone! Sorry that there wasn't a blog yesterday but a man can only celebrate his 13th wedding anniversary one day a year.

I want to share with you something that the Lord has been sharing with me.

Psalm 3:3, "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head."

Look again at those last 6 words: "the One who lifts up my head." How encouraging! When I read these words there is a picture in my mind of a person with heir head bowed down in discouragement/depression and God coming along and taking His hand, lifting their head, and saying "lift up your head little one...I love you."

Is God your greatest Encourager or do you find yourself looking for encouragement in other places? When you and I take the time to pray and read His Word we can find all the encouragement we need. We are told that we are MORE than conquerors, we are part of the BELOVED, we are CHILDREN of the most High God, and we are LOVED! Even now, as I read these words, I find it hard to live loved...don't you?

Dear friends, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior - if you have been forgiven of your sins - if you are found in Him - you are LOVED!!! Never forget it.

Sing with the psalmist today: "Why so downcast O my soul, put your hope in God." God is the lifter of your head. Human relationships cannot equal the relationship we have with God. Financial prosperity can never equal what God can do for you. Business success can never accomplish what the work of the Holy Spirit can accomplish for your spirit. Let God lift up your head!

I pray that you will be encouraged today in all that you do. I hope that you will find lasting peace, serenity, and security in God through Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful that we have a High Priest (Jesus) who can be touched with the feelings of our weaknesses and that He has the ability to lift us up.

Be Blessed today with His goodness.

Want a New Vehicle? Check This Out!

I was invited to listen to a 3 minute story & now I want to invite you.

Go to: www.threeminutestory.com

After listening to the story you may register to win a new car or truck.

The story is worth your time & who knows you may be the lucky winner!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend.

Some Good News from Election Day

Some very interesting news (good news!) out of several states that voted to protect traditional marriage.

Proposition 8, as it came to be known, was a ballot initiative in some states to protect the definition & tradition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Even in the state of California this ballot initiative passed by a strong majority. This speaks well of our country. I truly believe that "We the People" are sick of the courts trying to legislate homosexual unions from the bench and given the opportunity Americans continue to strike down the idea of extending legal unions to homosexuals.

This passage is already in the courts. Once again marriage is going to be placed in front of judges. And once again we will have to wait and see what the judge deems to be constitutional.

Depending on where you get your news you may have heard that this passed by a narrow margin - you may have heard that it was the direct result of well funded Mormon organizations - you may have heard that this was due to narrow minded. However, exit polls have proven that it's not just religious people who are speaking out against gay marriage...NO, it's the vast majority of people living in these states. And as a person who believes in state's rights, each of these states have the right to set the laws in regard to marriage.

Today - you will hear of people who are rioting in the streets. Protests are being staged, people have been arrested, and once again California is in the spotlight. All we can hope for is that the will of the people who voted in the election will be respected. This is how it should be done.

We thank God that once again traditional marriage has won among the minds and hearts of the American people. We pray that it continues to be protected.

America Has Decided...

November 5 2008 AD: President elect - Barack Obama.

There is no doubt that today is a historical day. Barack Obama has become the first black man to win the presidency of the United States of America. I am joining the ranks of media outlets in congratulating Obama with his historic win.

John McCain gave what I thought to be a classy concession speech. Whether you like it or not there were many times that McCain took the "high road" during his campaign and I didn't think that he would do any less after it was apparent that he was going to lose his bid for the office of president. I also agree with his statement of supporting the new president of the United States which is something that has been missing for President Bush since his reelection in 2004.

Many in our church will remember that just a few weeks ago I preached a message from Romans 13 to remind everyone about our role as believers when it comes to elected officials. God's Word tells us in verse 1 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Some of you may not like it but if you believe in a sovereign God we cannot deny that He allowed the Obama presidency to take place. I am not going to assume that this was God's perfect will but there is no doubt that it was a part of His permissive will. God allowed America to elect the person they wanted. This portion of scripture goes on to say in verse 13 that we should render taxes to whom they are due...customs...fear...and honor. The office of President is the highest office of the land and we should honor that position.

In Obama's victory speech he said these words, "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." To be fair I think of Obama would have lost this election that he would have handled it properly. But he didn't lose...in fact, he won convincingly.

What will America look like in 4 years? I cannot give you an answer. We will have to wait and see what an Obama presidency looks like. All we can do is pray for our country and our leaders. These are difficult times and my hope is that Obama will have a steady hand as he drives this country.

Today is a new day in America. I'm not sure how the media will handle Obama as president. I don't know if they will continue the glossy coverage that they have shown during his run for the office. I will say this concerning the 2008 election: What we have seen is the "American Idol" mentality during this process. People decided long ago that they were going to vote for Obama. It had nothing to do with policies, experience, or character. They liked his looks, his speeches, and his style. When it came down to values (according to the exit polls) McCain won. However, it wasn't enough to win the presidency. That's why I ask the question in the poll to the right - what shapes your vote? When Bush won in 2004 the pundits said it was the "religious right" that propelled him to victory. If that is true then where were they in '08?

The last thing that I will say in light of Obama's win is that conservatives need to find a way to package their message in a way that the general public can agree with it. McCain failed so often to present a clear message. It took someone like "Joe the Plumber" to convey Obama's tax policy. I understand the conservative agenda but only because I pay attention. Many of the people who voted in this election do not pay attention to politics. If they did - Hispanics would have voted for John McCain - based on his stand for amnesty. If anything, maybe people will begin to pay attention. We will have to wait and see how the experiment of Obama as president works itself out and conservatives will have to find a way to communicate their values.

May God watch over president elect Barack Obama and his family. May God grant him wisdom to make the decisions that come with this office. And may God be with our nation during these difficult times.

Get Out & Vote

It's finally here - November 4th - Election Day.

It seems as though this election has been going on for 4 years. It was almost immediately after Bush was sworn in for his second term that we were hearing rumors about who would run for the presidency. After 4 years we stand at a crossroads with 2 candidates that none of the pundits thought would be the nominees.

At the end of last week, I began to think about some of the odd comments that were coming out of the campaigning. So for all of you...

Racist in Pennsylvania who cling to your guns and religion - GET OUT & VOTE!

Selfish People - GET OUT & VOTE!

Unpatriotic people who don't like to pay taxes - GET OUT & VOTE!

Coalminers who think coal is a good energy source - GET OUT & VOTE!

People who believe in the Constitution - GET OUT & VOTE!

Gun owners, business owners, plumbers, construction workers, & everyday Joe's - GET OUT & VOTE!

I'm one of those people who don't think this election is the landslide for Obama that the media has been hoping for. However, it will be a lot closer to their prediction of people of conviction sit at home and watch TV.

It's election day - GET OUT & VOTE!

Friday - Trick or Treat?

Good Friday to all of you. I took our South Africa team to the airport yesterday. It was exciting to see them off. 3 out of the 7 were taking their 1st trip while 4 out of 7 were making their 1st overseas trip. It does my heart well to send them off to do God's work.

O.K. - It's Friday and there is only 4 days left until election day. Are you ready to vote? It will be good to watch TV and not have to see all of these campaign commercials. I'm also looking forward to watching something other than political commentary shows. Nothing against Hannity & Colmes but after this election I will be focusing on other things.

Tonight, our church will be hosting the annual Harvest Party. This is our Halloween alternative and normally very successful. I always find it interesting how many people are looking for something different than Halloween. We try and provide a safe and fun environment and hope that the kids will take more candy home than if they went door to door. It also keeps these families off the street.

Fall weather is here - and the mountains are beautiful. With the opening of muzzle loader season tomorrow there will be a lot more hunters in the woods. Pray for their safety. This is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy the hunting but I also enjoy being out in God's wonderful creation. I don't understand how anyone could enter into the beauty of this world and ever consider that it's all an accident.

I know that my thoughts are random today but that is how my mind is working this week. It's been one of "those" weeks but God is good and He has been gracious...as always.

I hope and pray that all of you enjoy a wonderful weekend. Be in prayer about this upcoming election. Many of our freedoms are on the line as well as our economy. The fate of unborn children rest upon this election, as well as the sanctity of marriage. Our national defense rests in the balance dependent upon who we elect on Nov. 4th. Pray...pray...pray. Remember - God is in control.

P.S. I look forward to getting back to some normalcy with the blog next week. Especially with this election coming to a close, you can look forward to different entries. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts.

The Face of Missions

In Acts 16:9-10 we read about Paul's vision of a man from Macedonia waving to him and asking for help. This portion of scripture reminds us of a very important point: Missions work has a face.

I shared a little of this with our church Sunday evening during a commissioning service for our South Africa Team. This is something that each of us need to remember. It's all too easy to think of missions and only see the people we send. Rarely do we have an image of the ones we are trying to reach.

When you think about China - do you only see an image of the flag or are you able to peer into the eyes of an empty soul? When you think about Africa - is the first image in your mind that of a jungle or do you see the millions of people groping in darkness waiting to hear the good news of Jesus? The picture I share with you today is from our Alaska trip in June and it's a reminder to me of the types of people we encounter when we decide to go.

After sharing this message with our people, one of the team members going to Africa shared with me a story from his trip to Ukraine in July. Scot told me that a brother from Nigeria (who was ministering in Ukraine the same time) found out that we were sending a team to South Africa. He also found out that Scot was going on this trip as well. This brother went to Scot and said, "Go and tell my people about Jesus." WOW! It sort of gives us a different understanding about missions work doesn't it?

Please pray for the PBC Trailblazer team as they board a plane tomorrow and head to South Africa. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon their lives and their witness. We trust that God will go with them and that we will see and hear the reports of a great harvest among the African people.

I Haven't Forgotten...

Dear Friends,
I'm so sorry that I was unable to get to the blog today. I had a meeting around lunchtime and I'm scheduled to pick the kids up from school. I hope to get back with you all tomorrow.
I do appreciate all of you who check in with PBC Voice...many of you on a daily basis. It's always encouraging to think that some people will actually read what I write!
I hope that you're week is going well.
In Christ,
Neal

A Quick Note

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful weekend.
Of course I'm rarely able to post on Mondays since I don't have "high speed" at home (and I don't dare try to labor through dial-up). I guess I will have to wait until Obama is president since he has assured me that broadband will go global under his energy plan.

Anyway...I'm going to be out of office for the better part of this week. So today's focus on the blog is to share some thoughts about a very important person in my life.

Jennifer and I are preparing to celebrate 13 years of marriage next month. Married life in all has been wonderful. We both agree that the difficulties could never outweigh the benefits. As I get older - and we remained married longer - I can see how blessed I am. I told a group in our church last night that I used to think of Jenn as a compliment to my ministry. Today, I can honestly say that she does so much more than compliment...in fact, she completes the ministry that God has given us.

I can honestly say that my wife is my favorite person in the world and my best friend. As much as I enjoy spending time with "the boys" I enjoy my time with her so much more. Proverbs tells us to "rejoice in the wife of your youth..." How often do you hear men say that they enjoy their wives?

I am a blessed man with a wonderful wife who is a good mother, a loving person, and an enduring friend. Sure - we have problems like a lot of couples. There have been dark times in our 13 year history. However, every day that we are together we learn more and more of what it means to be one in Christ.

Let me say to the husbands out there - LOVE your wife. That is the most basic command that God could ever give to us. It's a command because we struggle with it. Maybe we don't consider it manly enough. We would much rather read "provide for", "instruct", or some other command that required our strength. But God's Word is clear on this: "love your wife as Christ loved the church..." Only under the supernatural power of God can we ever hope to be willing to lay down our lives for our wife.

To the wives: RESPECT your husband. One of the greatest needs your husband has is for you to respect him. It is a part of his love language. Most husbands don't doubt the love of their wife but many do doubt if their spouse respects them. Once again I will say that the reason God gives this command to the wife is because it's the area of their greatest struggle. Therefore, only under God's power can a woman give respect to her man.

What we have seen in our society over the years is a reversal of these commands. It's easy for a husband to respect his wife for all she does - care for the kids, care for the home, working a job. On the other hand it's easy for a wife to love her husband - she's more emotional that way. But God's command goes directly to the love language of each individual.

This is something that each of us need to be reminded of every day. If we are married there is no greater ministry that the ministry we have together. If someone is planning to get married they must consider the weight of these words. We can only have a fruitful marriage by choosing to sow the right kind of seed.

May each of you have a blessed week and may you learn to enjoy your spouse.

An Ordinary "Joe"

If you haven't heard of Joe the plumber - where have you been hiding?

Joe made national headlines after asking Obama about his tax plan should he become president. It all happened while the camera was rolling. Joe explained that he has been a plumber for 15 years and that he was wanting to buy the business he has worked for but was worried that Obama's plan to increase taxes on people who made more than $250,000/year would hurt his business. Obama likes to use that number by saying a quarter of a million dollars (sounds like a lot doesn't it?). The Senator's reply was that he was looking out for people who were behind Joe and wanted them to be able to live where he does. He went on to say that he believes that spreading the wealth around works better for everyone.

Joe was simply in the right place at the right time to ask this question...at least, in some respects. After he became a big issue in the last debate he might be thinking it was the wrong place. In fact, if you look at how the media has handled this guy you would think that he made a death threat against Obama. Reporters have been going through his income tax returns, the "local" plumbers union has no idea who Joe is, some have suggested that he was planted there to ask that question by the Republican National Committee, Joe the Senator has said that he's not anything like the plumbers he knows, and even the "View" has chimed in. This is ridiculous! These reporters have spent more time investigating the past of Sarah Palin & Joe the plumber than they have Obama's ties to Wright or Ayers.

The neat thing about Joe is that he put a face on everything McCain has been trying to say during the debates and on the campaign trail. Now everyone can see someone who is hurt by raising taxes on the evil rich. It has definitely made for some interesting news.

Here's the deal: If McCain wins the presidency he will owe it to two people in particular - Joe the plumber & Sarah the Maverick. Joe ought to be appointed as the Secretary of Labor. Why? Because he gets it!

Maybe he's not just an ordinary Joe.

Moving Forward

O.K. - The last debate is over and now it's left up to people to educate themselves about the issues and then go out and vote for the presidential candidate who will best lead our nation.

I could spend a lot of time breaking down all of the differing views that came out of this debate but I would rather focus on the major "moral" issue that came up. I was really surprised that Obama called abortion a moral issue. If it's a moral issue then why are we still debating it? Either abortion is morally wrong or it's morally right! Our nation is not falling on the side of morality when it comes to abortion.

The facts: Obama is pro-abortion. McCain is pro-life. Obama supports partial birth abortion. McCain does not. Obama voted against physicians giving medical care for children born after a botched abortion. McCain supports physician assistance in this instance. Over and over again, when it comes to dealing with the unborn - Obama and the Democrat party has been wrong. And according to Obama's own words they are morally wrong.

I really wonder how many people discuss their decision with their families or spiritual leaders? I don't know of too many spiritual leaders who would say "Go ahead and have the abortion...it's your right." And on top of that the Constitution before Roe v Wade did not allow for a right to have an abortion.

This is the real civil rights battle of our generation. Who will stand up for the rights of the unborn?

I Just Cannot Help Myself...

I told myself that I wasn't going to do this. I thought that I would take a week to think about different issues and find some other interests to talk about. But I just cannot help myself today. Tonight is the last and final debate between McCain & Obama at Hofstra University. What will we learn?

I'm not sure how all of this will play out. It seems to me that I obviously think differently than the majority of people being polled in America(that's not uncommon). I do hope that the issues that Americans want to hear will come out in tonight's debate. According to most news outlets the important topic is the economy. So if it's the economy I'm curious if McCain will be able to shed light on Obama's economic plan.

This morning on Fox News there was a discussion on how 80% of the top CEO's in the nation favor McCain's economic plan over Obama's. In fact, 6% fear that an Obama administration with his policies would bankrupt America within a 3 year period. One CEO went on to say that Obama has show his inexperience in many of his ideas - one of which is the increase on capital gains tax. Today the Obama campaign came out with the witty reply by saying that basically this is laughable since this year not many people are seeing capital gains.

I chose to share all of this with you because it's relevant to this election. If the vast majority of America's CEO's see an Obama presidency along with his economic policies as dangerous to the economy shouldn't someone besides FOX News be talking about it? Are they discussing this on NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, or MSNBC? Or are you simply hearing that most people say that they trust Obama on the economy more so than McCain? It makes sense since a Rasmussen poll recently learned that a majority of Americans favor increasing taxes on the top 5% and redistributing their wealth to the middle & lower class. This is simply amazing to me.

If it's about the economy then why don't people have a better understanding of McCain & Obama's policies? I was talking to my father the other day and he said, "Well, they say McCain is going to start taxing health insurance..." All I could say was that the statement was untrue and that I had looked it up. You see, my dad doesn't have cable. He cannot watch something like FOX News to hear both sides of an issue. No - he's stuck with the networks who have been in the tank for some time. What McCain's policy does say it that all American taxpayers will receive a tax credit {$2,500 per individual/$5,000 per family}. This will allow people WHO CHOOSE to buy their own health insurance coverage rather than having their insurance tied to their employer. McCain's plan will start taxing the money that your employer takes out of you paycheck for health insurance (this is the change) but according to the Tax Policy Center the new credit more than covers the additional taxes, leaving you with the insurance you have now, and with a little more money in your pocket come tax time (between $700 and $1,600). In the end, should you choose to pay out of pocket for health insurance [which is what my family does] you have as much money as your employer does to pay for your insurance. Ask yourself this question: How many people do you know that are tied down to a job they hate simply because of "benefits"?

McCain also wants to eliminate taxes on unemployment, allow retirees to keep their money in 401k's longer, drastically reduce capital gains taxes, and allow for shopping in the health care market. In the end what this means for the taxpayer is less government and more individual responsibility and freedom. A recent analysis of the McCain health care plan by Roger Feldman and Health Systems Innovation found that it would reduce the number of uninsured Americans by 27 million - well over half of the present total and all without forcing anyone who now likes their coverage to lose it.

There is no doubt in my mind that Obama is more articulate that McCain. And there is a large group of people in this country who want a president who looks good and speaks well. However, shouldn't this election come down to policy rather than popularity? I think so! Obama's economic plan is socialism - plain & simple. McCain's plan is to allow people to keep more of their money and reduce government spending instead of making government bigger and the deficit larger.

Let's make this very clear: You have a choice come November 4th. What kind of leader do you want? What kind of economy do you want? I think the choice is clear. If you are undecided and this is all about the economy then you must look at the facts. But let me also say that this election is also about national security and winning the war on terror and finishing the job in Iraq. Look at the policies and the records and vote on principals.

Thanks for reading.

Great Article on Lame Christian Media

Allow me to share with you a recent article by Doug Giles. Doug is the voice for Clash Radio and a featured writer with town hall a conservative website. His latest article that came to me via e-mail talks about (in his words) the lame Christian media and it's lack of voice about our cultural corruption.

"If our nation goes down the secular crapper, then I lat a lot of the blame on the limp-wrist Christian media. Yep, I condemn Christian TV, Christian radio stations and Christian publishers that have the power and the audience to pump truth to the masses but have instead chosen to peddle spiritual candy rather than the unvarnished verities that the church and our nation need."

Giles go on to say that Christians who don't speak, sing or write to the serious issues of their day then they have become useless (I said it a little nicer than he did!).

"Aside from Dobson and his crew at Focus and a smattering of other luminaries, you don't hear many of the overt Christian writers or talking heads speaking even mildly to the sassy secularists who are hell-bent on wrecking this land...Y'know, I appreciate O'Reilly, Hannity, Beck and others who go to bat on behalf of Christian principles, but it would be kind of nice to see some more pastors in that mix also. Ted Nugent brings more truth to the table than most pastors and priests do on radio, TV and in print."

He goes on to say, "No matter how you want to slice your silence, Christian ministers and corporations, your mute mouth is cowardice of the highest order and a betrayal of our nation's Christian heritage."

OUCH!

I don't want to steal all of his thunder so if you want to read more then you need to check out his website and search for the article. He's right you know...there has been a lack of noise among our brethren. How can believers sit back and take everything on the cheek when we have been given the freedom to speak out? I must also agree with his assertion that political correctness is the overwhelming reason for the lack of voices on the issues of our day.

If there is one valuable lesson we should have learned from the days of prayer being taken out of our public schools it should be that Christians cannot sit idly by and think it could never happen. Think about some of the things that are going on in our world today. Just yesterday I heard a report out of (all places) San Fransisco where 1st Graders took a field trip to City Hall to celebrate the "marriage" of their lesbian teacher this past Friday. Where is the outrage from the church?

We must regain our voice for the moral issues of the day or our silence could be seen as acceptance. It's times like this that I truly miss Jerry Falwell. Whether you liked him or not at least you knew where he stood. Oh, how our churches need pastors who are not afraid to offend.

Some Good News

A few blogs ago I told you about the movie "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron.

I have some good news concerning the movie. It has been doing very well at the box office of which I am very grateful. However, what I want to share today has eternal significance.

A couple of weeks ago Kirk Cameron & Ray Comfort were holding one of their "Transformed" conferences here on the East Coast. After the conference Ray & Kirk went to a showing of the movie. They entered the theater with only about 30 minutes left in the movie. When the movie concluded, Kirk stood up and introduced himself. According to Ray "...you could have heard a pin drop."

Kirk spoke about some of the highlights of the movie, and explained that the woman he kissed in the movie was not his on screen wife, but his real wife who was flown in as a "stunt double". Kirk went on to introduce Ray Comfort who took the opportunity to preach the gospel.

Once Ray finished the duo thanked the crowd for the opportunity to share with them and attempted to make a quick exit. As they were leaving a tall man in his 30's ran after them and said that he wanted to surrender his life to Christ.

I love this story for several reasons: #1 - It shows that sharing the gospel isn't just something that Ray & Kirk talk about but something they do consistently. #2 - It shows the power that media can have when presenting the gospel. #3 - Ultimately, it demonstrates the power of the Gospel when it is shared. We cannot expect the gospel to simply jump off the pages of scripture. We are the vehicle that God uses to put the Gospel in the hands of the people who need to hear it.

May the Lord bless you this weekend and may you respond to the opportunities that God gives you to share the Good News.

The "NUT" Doesn't Fall Far...

The Big News of the Day is (you guessed it) political. It seems that a particular community group is being looked at over voter registration fraud. ACORN has actually admitted to voter fraud through their registration efforts though they don't necessarily blame themselves. We are hearing reports out of Ohio, Nevada, and other battleground states. What you may not know about ACORN is their ties to Barack Obama.

Back in the early days of Obama's career he was asked to train leaders of ACORN in the efforts they are taking part in today. Not only that, but he serves as their attorney to handle the cases that were coming against them. This group is aggressive and the latest news I heard is that there are 10 states where ACORN's activity is being questioned. Listen to what some have said about this group: "They will follow buses...follow you home...it doesn't matter what you tell them...they don't even put addresses on the forms..." Through the efforts of ACORN many Cowboys fans will be glad to hear that Tony Romo is now registered to vote in Nevada and in Ohio a cat was registered to vote in the 2008 election. Yes friends, they are voting early & often in this years election.

One of the huge problems that we are seeing out of all of this is not just Obama's association here but Obama's associations with several other radical people during his political career. Here's a list: Bill Ayers - Domestic Terrorist, Tony Rezko - corrupt businessman who is getting ready to go to jail, supported Obama's campaign, and got him a sweet deal on the lot next to him in the neighborhood. (As a note I would hate to live in that neighborhood since you have a liberal Senator living next to a corrupt businessman and down the street a known terrorist. And we cannot forget that Obama also has a working relationship with Rashid Khalidi - who has shown a hatred for Jewish people, Father Pflanagan - who has made several Anti-American remarks in his sermons, and of course his pastor Jeremiah Wright who thinks that God should damn America rather than bless it.

Here's the question that needs to be answered by Obama: We know that you want to be the Commander of Chief of the United States...why then are all your past associations anti-American? I know that they may be a hard question Senator but it does shed some light on comments by your wife that were made after you were nominated that she 'for the first time in [her] life is proud of America.' I would like an answer here. Some may say it doesn't matter. They will say this is just like people bringing up Clinton's alleged affairs when he was governor...Oh, wait, Bill did have an affair when he was president didn't he? Never mind.