Can I Get A Witness?

Day 302 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses today in my front yard. It was an experience that I will definitely use to grow in my understanding of scriptures. These two guys were semi-well versed in the JW apologetics department, but still I gave them the gospel and what a true follower of Christ is.

It is amazing how their religion takes scripture and twists it, even changes words and adds words to make them fit into their belief structure. Although they (the Jehovah's Witnesses) are similar to the Mormon religion, they do have some very strong distinctiveness. I have been in contact with a Mormon for about 2 years now and I think I know a lot of their beliefs, but the JWs today did catch me off guard with a few questions and thought processes. I actually thought at some points they were trying to confuse me to get my footing off so they could pour their false doctrines down my throat. I was in prayer the whole 2 hour conversation as king for God to direct me through the conversation. And He did.

One point they were trying to hound into me was there was no hell. I couldn't help but think of Rob Bell, even though the JWs and Bell have different thoughts to dissuade people from believing. They kept speaking of destruction in the sense of obliteration, the second death as just being totally destroyed. We did go to the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 and I think that got them thinking a little bit harder. They did have an "answer", albeit a flimsy one that they didn't seem to confident in. The just of it was that "Abraham's Bosom" was just an analogy to the Kingdom, so speaking of eternal torment was also just an analogy. We did come back to this story a time or two through the conversation and they kept saying they would have to "study" it more, which I took as "take back to someone higher up that can tell me how to refute this".

They left after standing outside for 2 hours, sometimes with small rain showers coming down, so they were at least dedicated to the conversation and I was dedicated to not asking them inside my home. I had my MacArthur Study Bible in hand as I wanted to show them the differences in their NWT and a different one that they are not allowed to read from. I did get the more outspoken one's phone # with the agreement I would call him to set up another meeting, with the caveat that I would give him a topic for discussion as well. The other young man was really the one that I sensed was questioning some things in his own head, he nodded some as I was refuting some of their claims and said on more than one occasion that he would "look into it".

I know God is able to pull any of these deceived people from this false religion, He pulled me from a false religion that I was perfectly content in believing as well. Deception is a wicked thing and those embroiled in it do not realize they are deceived, they simply follow along and believe everything that is pumped into them. God can change that though and that is why I am not fretting over the "I should have said ...." and relying on Him to work in these two young men as He sees fit. I do ask that you pray for Andrew and Nick that they will be exposed to some true theology in places other than my house. Pray that any seeds sown today may take root and sprout into fruit that God will use to break these guys from their bondage. I have the highest faith that God can do this, just as I know that He can save my children and the lost friends and family members I have, even the ones that profess Christ but do not know the True Christ.

Waiting For The Crest

Day 301 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, my Mom faked me out again today. I received a picture in a text message from my Mom's phone #. Turns out that she had to get someone else to send it for her as she has given up on trying to send it herself. 2 Days ago I wrote about her lack of electronic prowess and it seems that the seclusion and hours and hours to figure out her phone are turning up fruitless. I think she just gave up though and is no longer trying to send them, which is fine.

This picture that she sent is looking the opposite way from the picture 2 days ago. This is actually looking toward the direction that the river is in relation to her house. This is normally a gravel road that starts right after the blacktop ends from her road. It is about 1 - 1 1/2 miles to the normal place the river is, but as you can see the river is fast encroaching through the fields and down the roads.

She does seem a little less frantic over the past couple of days. I think it may be because the flood waters have remained fairly steady, but they are calling for the river to rise another 2-5 feet. We think she will be okay, as far as her property goes. It is not looking like it will get to her house, but you never know. So, we will have to work fast if she starts to feel threatened by the rising water. It's a wait and see right now and probably will be through the time the waters recede.

Please keep praying for everyone around here. Also please pray for those south of us ht by the rash of tornadoes 2 days ago.

Also wanted to let you know that the City of Paducah has installed 2 webcams that show the progress of the river. Here is a link to the camera, which refreshes every minute.

I Got You Babe

Day 300 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Isn't technology amazing? The gift that God has given us to explore, entertain, learn and cure is really mind boggling at times. Like my picture today. That is my grandson Elliott, in utero, still about 2 months from making his official arrival on this side of mommy's belly. But look at the detail of his face that can be seen using sound waves through Emily's belly. Amazing, simply amazing.

This little bundle of joy will be making his grand appearance toward the end of June. He already has a lot of fans and those fans have a lot of plans for him. I'm sure for the first year or two he will be readily accepting of others plans, but as he begins to grow and to develop his own personality he will more than likely start exerting his own plans. It's inevitable and expected and all part of the life process as we forge our our likes and dislikes, wants and desires.

Another thing that all babies have born in them is a sinful nature. Yes, even sweet baby Elliott who has not even taken his first breath yet has the DNA of sin embedded in him. It would not be a stretch for me to say that he could be raised without anyone at all telling him a lie or even telling him what a lie is and for him to blurt one out one day. Maybe it will be for self preservation to avoid punishment or maybe it will be to gain something he desires. What the lie will be is a desire of selfishness in whatever capacity that it is exerted, he will sin. He may even sin more than one time, actually I am exaggerating a bit, he will sin many times and will probably sin daily.

He will be born as all of humanity has since Cain and Abel, with a sin nature inherited from Adam and Eve. That sin nature and essence separates us from the Holy God of the Universe. He is perfect and He requires perfection to be in His presence. That is why without a perfect Mediator we can not have the fellowship with God that we desperately need. The Mediator? Jesus Christ. Christ was born perfect, lived a perfect and sinless life. He bore our sins upon Himself, willingly, so that we may once again have access to the Father. If not for that sacrifice we would be hopeless and doomed, but thanks to God's grace he made the Way for us to regain fellowship. We must only trust in Christ, not just with lip service, but a total upheaval of self and a total casting of ourselves to Him. In Him we place our trust, we trust that He will save us. No amount of working can gain us the salvation that was purchased by His blood on the cross of Calvary. He bore all sins and finished it all, if you would only trust and believe in Him, totally.

Are you trusting in something other than Christ to have saved you? Many place their trust in a prayer or in a profession of faith, as I did for 30 years of my life. Others will point to a preacher's admonishment and affirmation as their proof of salvation. To those things I say you are trusting in a false idol. Only Christ can save you and only Christ can change you. No manner of working, no manner of doing good deeds, no amount of church attendance, no amount of feeding the poor or even reading the bible will save you. Only Jesus Christ. Only the full submission to Him will you find the hope. Is that where your hope lies?

A Monumental Day

Day 299 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This is a monumental picture today. Not because of the content necessarily, but by the one that took the picture, the same one that sent it. My mother. My brother gave her a cell phone a few months ago, which she is still figuring out the nuances of, like making calls and answering calls. I love my mom, but when it comes to technology if it has more than a on/ off button it is over her head. For an example: she figured out over the past 12 months or so how to program her VCR (yes, VCR) to record certain shows at certain times, AKA program the timer. For the previous 25 years or so she had me set it for her, even after a power outage she would ask me to come out and reset the programming. So, you can see that she is not rally tech savvy.

Since she received the cell phone from my brother I have been trying to show her how to send text messages. Now that the water is encroaching on her property again I showed her how to send picture messages, several times. I showed her once again a couple of days ago when we went out to get some of her things she didn't want to risk losing to flood waters if they got to her house. I walked her through each step at least a couple of times, but she did not really seem that interested in learning. I told her that instead of explaining to me where the water level was that she could just message me a picture and show me.

Fast forward to today at about 8:15 this morning and the picture above showed up in a message on my phone. I was blown away. Not by the water level, but that she actually sent me a picture message. I thought, "Yes, she figured it out". I found out later that she had actually gotten a neighbor kid to help her with it, but anyway it was a milestone moment for the less than technologically adept mom'o'mine.

I think I will once again start pushing the idea of a DVR to replace her VCR now that she is making leaps into the 21st century. Maybe I should help her with baby steps though and not rush it too fast. Even though a DVR is much easier to work than a VCR, for her it would be like me trying to learn Spanish in a single 5 minute class. But, anything is possible and she might pick it up rather quickly. She is not one to try new things very readily.

On a serious note, please do pray for her and her neighborhood as the flood waters encroach. As of right now we are supposed to be fairly rain free for a few days, but then it is supposed to start again. Pray that the water stays at bay and that she remains safe through this time. She is well supplied, so food and drink are not a need, but safety and well being is. Right now she would need to be reached by a john boat or a really high sitting truck, neither of which I have immediate access to. I know that God will do what is best and I totally trust Him. So please pray for her and that God will reveal Himself to her in new ways through this time.

Old Man River - Flood Of 2011

Day 298 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We drove down to the river this evening to see history being made for our area. The flood of 2011 has been predicted to be "catastrophic" and "epic" by national news outlets. As of right now I would guess that the level is still pre-1997 magnitude, but it is raining right now and raining hard at times. We are also being predicted to receive more rain in the coming days. I'm sure the timing means a lot to flooding vs. adequate time to drain and I am praying that there is enough time between rain and drain to keep the waters at bay at my moms house and several friends houses.

In my pictures you will see the concrete flood wall that protects our fair city from the Ohio River. This flood wall was put into place after the 1937 Flood that ravaged many communities and did over $22,000,000 worth of damage to Paducah, which in 21st Century dollars would be in the billions. You can read about the 12.2 mile system here. I also failed to mention that some of the system is earthen and actually starts right down the street from our house. I think the natural topography of this area serves as a barrier also because we are kind of up on a small hill. Our house is actually a little over 100 ft higher than my workplace is, according to my wife's new GPS unit that tell your elevation.

Seeing this much water this close to the flood wall system is truly amazing. I see the river and its raw power and it amazes me. The same water that gives life to us can also take that same life away in an instant. I never underestimate any of God's creation and the power that He puts behind it. If, when you look at His creation, you are not awestruck. Think of the power that a lot of people cower to like storms and catastrophes, but yet never acknowledge the God that created these forces and the laws that govern them. So many people fear nature more than they do our God. How is that? How can you fear something that at most can kill your physical body, but yet not fear the One that can destroy both body and soul in hell? Matthew 10:28

So many people are deceived these days and it shows through their lifestyle. Many people profess to know God, but how can they if they live like they do not know Him? Titus 1:16 lays this out for us, rather bluntly. This single verse reputes 90% of the folks that claim to be Christians in this world (my guesstimation, not scientific). These people are the same ones that are mentioned in Matthew 7:23 when Jesus tells the false professing Christians to depart from Him on Judgment Day. Notice too that these same people cast out demons and healed people. How many people have you healed and how many demons have you cast out? For me that would be a big zero.

I pray that many are awakened to the Truth of Scripture and repent of their self centered religion that is dragging them to hell. Millions of people will end up in hell because of false teachers. This is one of the reasons we must stand up against the heresy that comes forth in the Name of Christ. Be diligent, fight the good fight and keep praying for these poor souls.

Calm Between The Storms

Day 297 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It's a little calm right now outside. That is actually kind of eerie because I have always heard the saying "the calm before the storm" and this is it.

It seems like my area is caught in a cycle of storms, with a little break between each. The stage is being set for "catastrophic" flooding, which is only one aspect of the damage happening in this area. We are seeing a high likelihood of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds in tandem. Many people that I know are taking steps to prepare for the flooding, including my mother and several of our church family and some co-workers. As of right now the threats at my house are from the immediate weather systems that have us in their sights.

The flood of 1937 is largest in recorded history (other than the THE flood recorded in the bible) that caused over $22,000,000 in damage. I wouldn't even care to imagine how much that would be in today's dollars, but I'm sure it would be at least the billions, if not trillions. The flooding that they are calling for this time is supposed to be almost as high as it was then, by the river height. The flood waters from the Ohio River will not make it out to our house, but the back wash and the disabling of the streams into the river could cause some issues. I have seen several streets flooded on my normal commutes, so my immediate area is not without flood issues.

My prayers right now are that there be no tornadoes, the "damaging" winds they are forecasting will not materialize and that the flood waters are kept at bay. Will you join me in prayer for these things and lift the residents of Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri up for safety and for protection? I know that God's will is going to take place, but I also know that He allows us to be part of it through our prayers for whatever reason He designed it that way for. So pray at every remembrance of this post and of every news cast you see or every time you see water throughout your day, but please join us in prayer.

Resurrection Day 2011

Day 296 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Resurrection Day 2011, which some call Easter. I think that Resurrection Day is a more appropriate term anyway, after all it is the day that Christians celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Without His resurrection Christianity would be just another religion among the others, but Christ arose from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Father and He is coming again. He is coming back one day (looks like soon) for those that trust in Him, not only with lip service but truly trust in Him for everything.

So, it was also an exciting day at church too. Chandra and I were baptized, which has been in the makings for about 2 years. As a child I said the prayer, walked the aisle and was submersed in water, which was just me getting wet. I was not actually converted then and lived like the world until God really showed me who and what I was and who He is. That is when I saw that for 30 years I had relied on my profession of faith as a child, always pointed back to then and was indeed a false convert. I knew I wanted to be baptized, but I didn't want to in the same church I was in, which was also my childhood church. God had been dealing with me about that place anyway, with the man centered messages, the back slapping, buddy system and the sin that ran rampant because most were also false converts. I needed a strong biblical church home and I wasn't getting baptized until I found one.

It didn't take long and God put us at Oak Grove. We started the new members class and through it I remembered that I had never been biblically/ scripturally baptized. With that we agreed, along with the pastor, that Chandra and I would both be baptized with the next baptism service. Well, to make a long story short, Chandra had some health issues at the time set for the first baptism, she was in the hospital, so we weren't able to. Fast forward to the next time and again, she was in the hospital. Today happened to be the next baptismal service set and I told Chandra that there was no way she was going in the hospital this weekend. It worked out well and I got to share about 30 seconds of what I just shared here.

It was a great day indeed. God was good today to us, as always, even though I continually defy Him He keeps loving me. What an awesome God He is and I praise Him for loving me as sinful and dirty as I am. He has done a work in me and continues to do so daily. The closer I get to Him, the more He exposes, the more I see my need to trust Him more and more and turn loose of my flesh. Only by His grace am I where I am and only by His grace do I continue my walk.

Oh, the picture is of one of my favorite hymns that we happened to sing today - "Great Is They Faithfulness"

April Showers

Day 295 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We had a great day today at Matt and Emily's co-ed baby shower. There was a great turnout and baby Elliott made away with a big haul. Not only was it a fun filled time, it was also a temptation filled time. There was Missy cake there, the best cake that one can possibly put in their mouth, and I had to refrain because of my diet. That's OK, because I'm going to bribe her to make me a "coming off of my diet" cake when I reach my goal. It will be my first hoorah, instead of a last hoorah. It may be my only hoorah, because I might go into a sugar comma.

It will be only 2 more months until I am officially a grandpa. One thing I'm not sure on is what for Elliott to call me when he gets old enough to talk. Of course we have to figure something out, because everyone will be calling me that for him to associate the name with me. If anyone has any cool grandpa names let me know. All I can think of that is non-traditional is "Pap" or maybe just "Jeff" will do. The names "grandfather", "grandaddy" and "papaw" don't really feel right to me for some reason.

On a more serious note, I would ask the readers of this post to pray for Matt, Emily and baby Elliott. Also please pray for both sides of the family as we are joined as one family, that we will always hold Elliott's interests in the forefront. I have seen many families have divisions wedged between them for whatever reason and I really don't want to do that, at all. Ever. Also pray that Elliott will be raised to know who God is and to know the price that He paid for him and that he will come to know Him early in life.

Quality? Who Needs It?

Day 294 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I was looking for a video tp post on Facebook of two different song. The first was "Sunday" by Tree63, which I thought would be a good Good Friday post, seeing how Sunday is coming. Then I was looking for "Amazing Love" by the Newsboys and/ or Chris Tomlin and quickly discovered something, that their is a lack of good quality videos of Christian songs on Youtube. I might just have to remedy that. I think just a basic computer program that automatically puts your chosen pictures into a slide show would be better than the video portion of these videos.

I am not quite sure, however, what the copyright laws are. I do know that some videos that people upload with certain songs gets the audio disabled by Youtube. I assume that their technology is similar to the iPhone app "Shazam", which allows you to capture small portions of songs and then tells you the name, performer and gives you a handy link to buy the MP3 version of the song. Great technology and actually kind of impressive.

So, where do I start? Maybe with these 2 videos that I mentioned. I'm sure it would be a great undertaking to make videos that would actually compliment these songs and the thousands of others on Youtube. Who knows, I might just start playing around for the practice of using the great programs that I am fortunate to have.

Thanks For The Memory

Day 293 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Here's a blast from the past - a 3 1/2" floppy disc. Yes, that can hold a whopping 1.44mb of information. Whew! That's a ton of information, well, it used to be about 15 years ago.

So, 15 years ago was around the time I purchased my first PC. Honestly, I paid a ton for it and my cell phone has twice the memory and probably 100 times the computing power that the PC had. The hard drive in my first PC was 3.1gb. Yep, a monster then, but virtually worthless these days.

Over the years as technology has progressed, file sizes have gotten much larger. A photo from almost any digital camera today could not even fit on one of these floppy discs that I pictured, but back in the day I could fit a hundred or so on there. As a matter of fact, my first digital camera used floppy discs as their storage device. It was a Sony Digital Mavica and cost as much as a used car. Thankfully I realized I had gone off the deep end when I bought it and sold it quickly on ebay for what I gave for it.

Actually, these floppy discs are probably so obsolete that I would have a hard time even finding a drive to read them with. I should probably check into that, because I'm sure there is a file or picture on one of these that I really need to have, but don't remember.

I thank God for technology. Many people believe it's a curse, but I believe it can be used as good or as evil. I have been greatly edified and have resources at my fingertips that one would have to, in days gone by, have attended seminary to have available to them. I can sit in front of my computer and have a face to face chat with anyone in the world in real time, that is if I had a webcam. No other time in history could people hear the Word without the advancements in technology that God has blessed us with. But like most things, the enemy also wants to partake and corrupt the gift. Because of that corruption many people want to steer really clear of any temptations that may arise with that technology. That's fine and I will respect their convictions, but they are really missing out on the wealth of resources available.

I just wonder what the Lord has in store for us in another 15 years.

The Color Of My Youth

Day 292 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

While cleaning up at my dad's old house I came across this coloring book from my childhood. As you can see I was 11 years old when I colored the pictures. The City of Paducah held a coloring contest for kids and my brother and I participated. This was part of the annual Paducah Summer Festival, which was always a a week of events that my whole family looked forward to. Unfortunately, the "powers that be" within the Paducah city government have decided for the first year in 44 years there will not be a festival. They cite declining attendance and lack of funds in a down turned economy, but I cite mismanagement and greed.

Got off subject a little on my rant against the city's decision, so I apologize.

My memory is not any where near what I want it to be. My childhood is fuzzy, at best, with a few memories that still hold on. I do remember other times and happenings when I am reminded of things for one reason or another, usually a picture, song or just thinking back and trying to actually remember things on purpose. It does bother me that I can't remember more and only remember generalities when I do remember things. I know it is one area that I have never really sought God in and asked for Him to open up my mind and allow my memory to actually work better.

I would really love to be able to retain information and recall it at will. I see it as a curse in one way, a very big way, but then again I see it as a blessing in some ways too. It is great to not remember why I get mad about something, so I forget about it easily and move on, I don't hold a lot of grudges this way, if any at all. This comes in real handy being married, so I do see the good in a seemingly "bad" area. I would just like to be able to memorize scripture easier or be able to take some seminary classes and retain the information instead of it being lost. It is hard work for me to remember things and I find myself jotting notes here and there, then when I find the note I have forgotten what it means. So, you can see I have it bad.

Once again, this is yet another area of my life where I do not seek God as I should. I praise Him that He allowed me to see my failure in not trusting Him for healing in this area. I will definitely be seeking God to do some healing in my mental state and lack of memory. One more reason to praise God.

Purpose Driven Anthill

Day 291 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've seen this anthill behind our house many times. Usually I just snarl my nose up at it and hope they don't migrate into our house. Today was a little different. I just watched these little ants working their little legs off. I was impressed with their agility, their strength and how they all seemed to be on a mission.

I wondered what they were actually working for. What is their goal? What do they do under the ground? Do they ever sleep? What do they eat? Where do they relieve themselves?

It's hard to think about a life form that seemingly has no impact on anything other than its ant hill. To us humans these ants are a nuisance, but what is their actual purpose? For that matter, what is the purpose of any life form? I know the I know the chief purpose of man is to glorify God. I've not really followed catechisms before, but I do know that the Westminster Shorter Catechism's first question is: "What is the chief end of man?" With the answer: "To glorify God". I would tend to agree with that, even though we fall way short most of the time and seem to always want to glorify ourselves.

But what about other life forms? Do we really need organisms that live in the volcanic discharges in the oceans? Would we be fine without the platypus? How about things like poison ivy? What purpose does that serve, other than to make us itch? Then there is the question of the vastness of the universe. What is the purpose of having billions of planets and stars? To which the answer to all is to point to our awesome God that created it all. The smallest microbe screams praises in its life to our God. The endless universe, as recently observed by modern science" shows just how small we are and how big God is. Everything that God created naturally points to Him, even us rebellious humans.

I just hope that if I ever start feeling down or "useless" that I think of the ant. It's purpose is being carried out without delay and very diligently. An ant never once questions its purpose or shakes its ant fist at God. I hope that I can be the same as the lowly ant and just do what I was designed for - Glorify God. The rest will fall into place as He directs my steps.

Old Dead Guys

Day 290 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

The picture today is of the inside of a book I just purchased off of Ebay. If you do not recognize who this is, it is Charles Haddon Spurgeon, also known as "The Prince Of Preachers". A very influential pastor from days gone by.

The title of this book is "Sermons of the Rev. C.H. Spurgeon Of London". It was published in 1858, which was still during Spurgeon's life time. I have not read the book, so don't ask me about it yet. I do know it is available online for free through the Google Books website, which is great, because I do not really want to risk messing up further a book that is 153 years old. The book is not perfect by any stretch, some water marks, yellowed pages, the spine is missing and replaced by some kind of tape. Overall though, 153 years and it is still readable is a major feat in itself. I am, however, not sure if the signature in the front is an actually signature or if it was printed. I am leaning toward printed, but who knows, it might be the real thing.

I highly recommend checking out the "old dead guys" and reading their sermons. Examine how God centered they were and it will open your eyes a bit to how man centered a lot of messages are these days. Spurgeon, Wesley, Newton, Luther and Flavel would be some place to start. A good website that has several of these "old dead guy" messages is Puritan's Sermons . This would be an excellent website to start your delve into the mind of yesteryear.

Time Is Not On My Side

Day 289 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've been putting in a few hours to get a sermon jam together of last weeks message from Brother Michael of Oak Grove Baptist and Real Truth Matters. Finding time to do so seems to be a little tricky these day. First of all, I'm not very proficient (efficient too) with the Adobe programs, so it is a learn as you go thing. Secondly I have a full time job that takes up most of my daylight hours. Third is family life at the homestead, as I can't take all of my "free" time and spend it tucked away at my desk. Fourth, I have other chores that I need to do around the house like mowing, taking stuff to the dump, doing taxes and all that other fun kind of stuff. So, I have to juggle it all around to be able to do it all and not step on the toes of the others, because all are important.

I suppose that as I work with these programs I will become faster and get the feel of how to chop up messages to compact it into a 3 minute or less version. That's a huge feat because an hour sermon chocked full of great truths is not very easily dissected to give a Cliff's Notes version of. I can't change the message and I can't rip things out of context and must give the viewer the just of the message, or enough that they feel the need to download and listen to the whole sermon.

My goal number one in these projects is the bring glory to the Lord. There are other, lesser, things that are also goals such as deadlines and gaining experience. I will admit that these will probably be really rudimentary and not full of very much fluff for the first few months as I properly learn the tools and techniques. So stay tuned and watch the progress, leave me messages and please give me feedback and HELP if you can give me pointers in After Effects, Premier and/ or Photoshop.

As Hudson Taylor said, "God's work, done in God's time, will never lack God's provision". That is my go to phrase right now as I make myself more readily usable by God. If He is in this then He will supply the knowledge, the time and hopefully the newer version of Adobe CS Suite 5.5. So, if any Adobe execs are reading or if you happen to have some extra cash lying around, send it my way for the newer and easier to work with versions of these programs. Just sayin'.

Gotta run. It's getting late and I have to get up for work in the morning. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment and let me know how you found my blog.

Out With The Old

Day 288 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Another "Free Dump Day" has come and gone here in Paducah. Getting ready for today started, for me, on Thursday evening. I had originally planned that taking a vacation day on Friday would be the best time to start loading stuff up. We ended up having a huge chance for rain for Friday, so I started loading Thursday evening and covered the truck load up with a tarp. Good thing I heeded the weather forecast, because it rained - and it rained a lot.

I ended up making 2 runs to the dump, which saved us about $50 in fees. It was a fairly painless process and I only had to wait with the first load, because everyone in front of me had big trailers full of trash and debris. No big deal, because 15 minutes gave me time to take the tarp off of the truck and quietly watch the goings on.

My picture today was taken while I was waiting for the go ahead to pull into my designated drop off location. These workers were the ones taking the appliances that people were disposing of. Honestly, I didn't see these people working very much while I set there for my 15 minute wait. Not saying that they didn't do anything, but for that 15 minutes they were highly overpaid. The other workers were very friendly and helpful and complimented my old truck. I even had one guy ask me if I wanted to sell it on my second trip, which I declined to do.

I completed the tasks I set out to do this morning. The rest of the day was spent with my beautiful wife and the evening with the whole family. All the boys were here, including Matt, who brought Emily over to visit. She is really showing a lot now at 30 weeks along. So, counting baby Elliott, we had 7 folks here for dinner and a little talking. It was a great day and I thanked God for His provisions throughout the day.

Looking forward to tomorrow now, awaiting what God has in store for services. He is doing something within our body and it is wonderful to see His hands in each family at Oak Grove.

Awesome Display Of God's Power

Day 287 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I have to confess first thing, I did not take this picture, but wish I had. It is really cool. Probably the first I have ever seen with lightning and a rainbow in the same picture. It certainly beat any picture that I could have taken today.

Pictures like this catch a split second of time that will never be recreated. Now, with this photo, the split second awesome display of our God can be enjoyed for many years to come. I have been noticing more of nature that God has given to us. Even the mighty thunderstorms that rolled through this evening displayed the glory of God. The crashing thunder and winds only are a minimal fraction of what God can do. After all, look at the fastness of the Universe and see His glory on display. Why else would He create so many solar systems, planets and stars except to show us how awesome He is?

It does seem like we are smack dab in thunderstorm alley right now. Somehow our weather patterns have been more intense over the past couple of years. I know that the U.S. is not mentioned in scripture about the end times, but the weather is, so maybe this is one of the signs announcing Christ's return. No other time in history have as many prophecies been fulfilled. Are you ready? Is Christ Lord of your life? Have you seen your utter depravity and lack of ability to save yourself? Turn to Him and place all trust for all things in Him. Today is the day of salvation, you may not get another.

Hidden Amongst The Busch

If you saw my post from yesterday in my "Year in my life through pictures" series you saw a picture of the beer aisle at Wal Mart. What you may not have seen was a Million Dollar Bill tract that I left on top of the Natural Light cases. Have another look at yesterday's picture, then look at the picture from this post where I cropped where the MDB tract is.

I highly recommend that everyone get at least a small supply of solid gospel tracts to hand out and to pass out. I have written several times on the great ministry of using tracts to witness to people. Me, being of a quiet disposition, really appreciates the door opening nature (or ice breaker as Way of the Master calls it) that tracts afford. I keep a constant supply of money themed tracts, because they catch attention very quickly. I leave these everywhere, and I mean everywhere, from the gas pumps, to the beer aisle at Wal Mart, to the restroom, to leaving with a tip at a restaurant, I look for opportunities to leave these.

A good, solid, Biblically based tract is a very good tool to quickly convey the gospel. Even when a person may not want to talk to you, they will take something handed to them and possibly read later. Will it lead to their conversion? Who knows but the Lord, but you have sown a seed. I would recommend any one of the fine organizations below to get tracts from. Bezeugen Tract Club is a great way to break into handing tracts out as well. They will send you monthly 30 tracts for you to pass out, one per day, for FREE. Yes, FREE. They have an awesome ministry and I encourage you to partner with them in the distribution of tracts. They also have tracts available for purchase, which the money goes back into the ministry to help fund the free tracts sent out. Please check out the following websites and pray about which tract God will have you to use. Who knows, you may feel guidance to get a pack of each. Also, Real Truth Matters can design tracts for you and have them professionally printed or take your design and have them printed, with your organization's contact information.

Bezeugen Tract Club
Way of the Master/ Living Waters
One Million Tracts
Custom Tract Source
Real Truth Matters

Also, the guys at Custom Tract Source have written a great little article detailing "why" Christians should use tracts and many ways to pass them out.

Have A Drink On Me?

Day 286 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

One of the biggest questions that resounds through out Christendom is, "Is it okay for a Christian to drink alcohol?" Even though it doesn't matter what I say, I'm going to say it anyway. I believe it does align with scripture though, so that's my qualifier.

The first miracle of Jesus that's recorded? Yep, turning water into wine. This is where the questions arise. "Was the wine Jesus produced alcoholic in nature or was it just grape juice?" I have no idea and since I do not have the original text in front of me, nor would I know how to rad and interpret it anyway, I'll just say that it doesn't really matter. I don't think that Jesus turning water into wine is there for us to dissect and try to form some religious dogma around. So many people want to throw this into your face and say, "See! That's the ultimate proof that Jesus said it was ok to drink alcohol". Is that so? I don't read that.

I do, however, believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is perfectly fine for a Christian. Now, I will be called a heretic by some, but wait just a minute. Jesus always addressed the heart issue with everything, so where is your heart in this? Just because the Bible doesn't say "Thou shalt not drink beer" does not give you free reign to get sauced every day. It is one of those "gray areas" of scripture that really is a heart issue to the core.

What is your reason for drinking? Is it to loosen up, to give you a little more freedom with your words, to help you sleep better? If yes to any of those then you are probably sinning. Why? Because you getting drunk, even if it's what you call "a buzz". This is spoken of in scripture in a few places. Ephesians 5:18 tells us point blank to not be drunk. Acts 2:13 when the Holy Spirit descended and signs wee given of that event some said they were drunk, which was derogatory in that they were babbling. Proverbs 20:1 says whoever gets drunk isn't wise. Proverbs 21:17 says wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler and if you go astray by them you're not wise (you're dumb). Bishops in 1 Timothy 3 are disqualified if they are "given" to wine and deacons "not given to much wine". Titus 1:7 speaks also of overseers of the body and are disqualified if they are drunkards. Continuing in Titus 2 older men are told to be sober and older woman to not be "given to much wine". Rev. 14:8, 10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3 are all used as analogies about God's wrath, immorality, etc. Luke 7:33-34 records that John the Baptist didn't drink wine, presumably to not taint his image and therefore disqualify him a a speaker for God.

I think, however, that this is actually a Romans 14 issue. Some Christians are perfectly within their right to drink a little wine here and there, it doesn't violate their conscience and therefore is not sin. Others may be heavily burdened by alcohol and therefore it would be sin to them if they drank wine, they would violate their conscience. Where this gets to be the bigger issue is when some flaunt their "freedom" to drink wine and cause strife between "weaker" brothers. Some like to actually say to those that area against drinking that they are sinning for not drinking wine, that it is a "gift" from God and that to not partake of this "gift" is sin. It is almost a bade of honor, "Look, I have total freedom to drink all of this wine and I am not sinning. You are just weak in your faith, weaker than I and this proves it". Now, that is sin. That type of attitude springs forth from the heart as pride, which is sin through and through.

But I only mentioned wine in my comments here. What about the "strong drink"? I gather that whiskey and such were not made at the time scripture was penned, so it is not even mentioned, but the spirit of the message is there. Also, "strong drink" is mentioned almost (if not every time) in a negative tone. Through a little research I found that the "strong drink" mentioned in scripture was probably beer or ale that had a higher alcohol content than wine did.

It all comes back to the heart. What is your motivation for drinking? Why do you desire alcoholic beverages? Can you function without alcohol? Are you defined by your alcoholic beverage? This is not to even mention where you drink alcohol. Do you go to bars or nightclubs? If so, then you have other issues that you might need to self examine about. Do you think yourself more spiritual because you feel free to drink wine or beer? Do you trust your heart to tell you that it's alright to drink beer or wine? Do you or have you scour(ed) scripture to justify the drinking of alcohol? If a "weaker" brother comes over will you flaunt your drink in front of him or will you put it away so it is not even an issue? Wold you drink in front of non-believers and not be convicted that it might hurt their path to salvation as John the Baptist showed?

So, it comes down to more than just being not weak or having "liberty". It always comes back to your motives, which flow from your heart. That is Jesus' point in everything, to point us to how depraved we are and how much we need Him for everything, even our choice of beverages. I'll not condemn someone for drinking a beer every now and then or having a glass of wine with their dinner, but I do think it is not one of those things to be flaunted or bragged about. Do it in your home so it doesn't hinder a brother, your testimony or the Gospel.

This does remind me of joke though:
Q: What's the difference between a Baptist and a Presbyterian?
A: The Presbyterian will say hi to you in the liquor store.
You are now free to laugh.

Just Say No

Day 285 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I have a sweet tooth. Just wanted to get that out there. So, what does a sweet tooth not agree with? My diet. This makes it very difficult when one of my favorite sweets is in the house, Little Debbie Nutty Bars. This is a test to my flesh, if I give in for a momentary satisfaction or to "just say no". I have determined that just saying no is the way to go. This also is affected by my "big why" in that my "why" for losing weight is much larger than my "why" for wanting to eat a Nutty Bar. Well, a whole box of Nutty Bars.

This is also a struggle in the spiritual realm often for me. Should I really commit that sin of the flesh instead of remaining true to my Lord? Do I really want to defile my Savior for a few moments of fleshly pleasures? Of course the answer is a firm no, so why do we choose to sin anyway? Is it that our flesh is so depraved, even if we are children of God? Is our flesh that in control that we can't say no? Not at all, we say no all the time to sin. In fact if not by the grace of God in any of our lives, saved or not, we would be so heinous that no one would want to be around anyone else. We couldn't have friends, because we would always be trying to steal from them, lie to them and probably kill them. The grace of God that keeps us from doing that is an amazing thing to ponder on for a while.

Just how bad would we be? Would we be bank robber bad? How about murderer bad? How about Hitler bad? I'd say even worse than any of those, because even Hitler had a type of universal grace from God that still withheld his full potential of evil, even though he is often considered the most evil man to have ever lived. Even Satan is restrained to a degree by God's grace. After all in Job we are told that Satan must obtain permission still from God to do anything.

So next time you are set between deciding to sin and deciding to not sin, think of God's grace in your life. Think on Him and His love a perseverance and tolerance of our sins, but not in a way to justify sinning, but in order to show just how much He loves us. That thought would make any true child of God really have to fight to say "yes" to sinning.

Hi - Ho Silver

Day 284 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I'm sure this coin is worth a few dollars and increasing daily. After all, everything seems to be going up right now, but especially gold and silver. This is due to inflation and the continued decline of the "worth" of the dollar. Many people are turning to precious metals to have something tangible "just in case" in the future.

I was talking this over with a friend at work yesterday and I mentioned that if I had some extra money I would definitely be investing it in gold or silver. He made a very good point that I hope comes out right, because it was great. He said that even gold and silver will not be worth much if and when a financial collapse happens in this country. He gave an example that he would much rather have a chicken than a bar of gold, because no one will really want a bar of gold, but everyone would want a chicken because it is usable. Very good point and put things into a little better perspective for me on the "value" placed on certain things by us humans.

I do for-see a very big financial meltdown, soon. I do have money invested in a 401K that will probably be wiped out and the little bit I earn at work will be worthless then as well. It is a scary thought if you think about how you will learn to survive without relying on money as your means of obtaining goods and services. If/ when our currency collapses what will we use? Gold? Silver? Gas? Anything else that someone puts a value on? All I've got to say is, "I'm not really worried about it".

Not being worried about something as serious as a total change of life for everyone does sound kind of flippant and arrogant, but I know my Source. I know that my Father will supply my needs as He sees fit for what condition He wants to place me in. I may have a totally different lifestyle then, but I will still be resting in the knowledge that God is in full control and nothing is taking Him by surprise.

Too many people want to place their hope and life in the money that is in their bank account. The more money they make the happier they are, or seemingly happy they are. I'm sure someone that strives for more money is really feeling down about now. They are putting their hope in an inanimate object that scripture calls the love of as the root of all kinds of evil. The large bank account they have worked so hard for, given up valuable time with their family for will be wiped out and they will be devastated. Their reason for living will be lost, to amass as much money as possible. Where will they turn then? Maybe a some will see the error in their ways and repent and turn to God as their supply, but I would chance to say that most will be shaking their fist at God and telling Him that He allowed them to go broke. Some may even resort to suicide because their whole reason for living will be gone.

We have to watch in our lives for the idols that seem to sneak in. This can be any number of things from people, jobs, a hobby, TV, the internet, your children or anything else that is elevated above God. We must be constantly aware of how depraved we are and how easily we turn our gaze from Christ. We have the greatest Treasure and we often times want to trade Him for temporal things that hold no eternal value and will be gone one day. We must cling to our Savior and resist our flesh to build idols in our life that distracts us. Focus is the key. Focus on Christ. Gaze upon Him every waking moment and commune with Him constantly. Do not give room for anything to wedge in between you and Him even a little. Call out to God to strengthen you for this and to burden your conscience if something does creep in unnoticed,

God alone is worthy of our praise.

Flavor Of The Day Limeaflower

Day 283 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog sereis

On my diet I do not have very many options when it comes to things to satisfy my sweet tooth. I suppose if I had not fulfilled my sweet tooth cravings so much in my past I would not be in the condition that I am in currently. But, I do still crave sweets and I do need some kind of release from that, so I have recently discovered sugar free pudding and have been partaking of that yummy treat lately.

While looking at the pudding choices I saw the sugar free Jell-O right next to the pudding and decided to get some of that too. It's actually not Jell-O, but the store brand, so I may get in trouble if I keep referring to it as Jell-O, but what else do you call it? Like a Q-Tip, what else do you call the sticks with cotton on the ends of them?

Tonight I decided to make up some lime Jell-O and had to follow the directions because I can't recall ever making Jell-O before. I was moving along fine, boil a cup of water, stir for 3 minutes, add cold water, chill, add fruits or vegetable. Vegetables? In Jell-O? Who would do a thing like that? What kind of vegetable is proper for Jell-O? What vegetable compliments lime Jell-O? Since I'm on a low carb diet can I add green beans to my orange Jell-O without it clashing? How about cauliflower to the lime flavor?

I've really wracked my brain trying to figure this out. Can anyone please fill me in on this conundrum? I know I may not be the best cook in the world, but c'mon. Next thing someone will want to put something like carrots into a cake and pass it off as good.

Now That Is Nasty

Day 282 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, this blog series is on the wind down stages of my 365 day journey through my life in a picture a day chunks. My birthday will be about 10 weeks or so, July 2nd, and that will be my last post in the series. Hopefully I will continue to post more often than I was before this series. Sporadic posts were the norm for me, but I never really tried to force myself to write anything.

Saying all of that, what blog series is not complete without a post about fake owl puke? This stuff has got to be the sickest product I have ever seen. Apparently owls regurgitate bones, hair and feathers of the birds and mice that they consume. Kind of like a big cat hairball, I guess. Whatever it is, this products is SICK. No wonder these ended up in the local clearance store. I anticipate seeing them around for a while on the shelves, until they run them 90% off anyways. At 90% off it would make them $.40, which is even within my budget to buy as a gag (no pun intended) gift.

I would just like to know who would give one of these to their child. It does recommend not giving them to children under 3, but I would recommend to not give them to any child, without qualifying it with an age. At best these could be used in a biology class for demonstration purposes, but not as a play thing for a kid.

Saying all of that, I must add that I am a bit intrigued by these things now. I wouldn't mind seeing how these things look in person and doing their thing. Yeah, curiosity killed the cat or mouse and starling in this case. I'd like to see how accurate these nasty specimens are. So, if anyone buys one of these sets let me know how it looks, send me a picture or a video.

Normally in my blog posts I swing to spiritual things, but this post I will not do so. I think it would be demeaning. So, with that, I will end this post and resume posting "normal" subject matter tomorrow.

FORE! Watch For Falling Discernment

Day 281 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Another trip to Lifeway, another questionable "Christian" item sighting. Today while looking through the study guides this little gem smacked me in the face. A golf study/ help DVD. I'm not really sure what to call it as it is really obscure in its cover descriptions. What is shown on the cover is "Master the course", "Five lessons to lower scores" and "Strategies for your game in golf & life".

So, question #1 is, "Is this a Christian study to edify a person to become closer to the Lord?" Next would be, "If this is a Christian study, why is it marketed as a golf lesson?" Then the next question is, "If this is a golf lessen then why is it even in a 'Christian" retailer on the shelf next to other bible studies?"

Actually I just looked up the "In His Grip" golf entity. I am still kind of at a loss of what to make of it. Is it based for the purpose of building up men in a godly manner or is it as a recreational outlet? It seems it is a mixture of the two as it talks about having golf events and also challenging those that participate to be more on par with God. I am not against Christians getting together and having fun, nor am I against entities that promote and sponsor these events. What does bother me is the marketing and the products that are produced and hawked by these organizations. I mean, do we really need a study that is based in golf instead of being based in scripture? Does a Gilligan's Island bible study really need to be made and sold in Christian book stores?

I am quite aware that Lifeway and other "Christian" book stores are in the profit realm. I have no issues with that at all and would like to see many other Christian establishments opened up, but in a Biblical sense. I would like for the retailers to actually look at the material they are selling to their customers, pray about it and maybe actually read a book or watch a DVD. Get a group of discerning folks together and give them books, DVDs, CDs and other items to evaluate before placing them on your store shelves. After all, God will hold those that sell questionable materials responsible for the repercussions of these items.

Just sayin'

Lost In Translation

Day 280 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Seems that I have finally figured out what the unpardonable sin is. It's not homosexuality as many would have it these days, murder or being a thief - it is not using the King James Version of the Bible or better said, using a translation of the Bible other than the KJV.

Today I was not only "unfriended" on Facebook for making a remark on a KJV onlyist's wall posting but he blocked me as well. He had stated something about the differences in the KJV and the ASV, I simply stated that I had a love for the KJV, but also believe that other translations also hold the fullness of God's Word. I wasn't snarky and I wasn't rude and BAM! less than a minute later I was blocked. I can't say that I am not bothered by it. Well, actually being blocked doesn't bother me, but folks that say others will go to Hell for using the ESV translation will really does bother me.

As I said, I love the KJV translation, I was brought up with it and only found out there were other versions later in life. That's all that anyone used or even mentioned at my church during my youth. When God actually saved me I really wanted to understand His Word so I started discovering other translations and actually did research to find one that is accurate as possible. I still have an affinity for the KJV, but do not ascribe to it as the "only" translation acceptable by God. I happen to have more KJV in my home than any others combined, so I am far from a KJV exclusionist (if there is such a thing). I do not hold disdain for anyone that chooses to use the KJV exclusively either. What I do find offense to is when someone says that it is the ONLY translation that can be used and all others are trash.

The mindset of the actual KJV onlyists is very law focused. You "must' use this version or you are damned. That is a added doctrine by these folks. This in effect changes the Gospel into another gospel that we are warned about in Galatians 1:8-9. Adding any conditions to salvation makes it us who are the reason for salvation. "I said the prayer", I walked the aisle", "I read and study the King James translation and will go to hell if I don't" are all adding to the Grace of God bestowed through the work of Christ and His Gospel. We cannot do anything to gain salvation, especially ascribing to "musts" in translations.

I will agree that there are some "translations" that are heretical, to say the least. The first that comes to mind is "The Message" and all of its incarnations. This "version" is nothing more than someone's rendition in "modern" words that really twists the meanings of the True Word of God. Others that are not good are the RSV, NRSV, New Jerusalem Bible, NWT and the latest version of the NIV and the TNIV.

On the other side are the actually good translations, which include the KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESv and the "Way of the Master's" Evidence Bible, which is actually the KJV with newer words replacing all of the thee, thou, thine and so on. Any of these I recommend. Some of them use earlier texts than the KJV did for translating.

Let's look at a single verse in different translations. The verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21, which I like to call the Gospel in a single verse. God could use this one short verse to bring about repentance in a person, it is His Word that has the power to save. So let's look and see what different translations have this verse to say and see if any of them are heresy:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.(NKJV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be (B)sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB)

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (HCSB)

So, within those versions was the Gospel compromised? Were they all true to the Word? Did they all convey the Gospel, simply and truthfully? A yes to all of those questions.

So, if you are a KJV onlyist, please reconsider your unbiblical stance on saying people will go to Hell because they use a different translation. Keep using the KJV by all means, it is great, but do not condemn others because they want a Bible translation that they can actually understand. Also, one more question - where is the Spanish speaking KJV bible? Are all of those that use a different translation in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German or Swahili going to hell because they don't read the only "Authorized" version of the KJV? Please take this false doctrine out of your vocabulary.

P.S.
I am very open to comments and will approve any except those with cursing or those that are blasphemous. I welcome the views of those that have a different take on things than I do. I am not too proud to say I am wrong on any topic and feel that dialog is beneficial to all of God's children. I believe that the children of God bare witness to one another through the Spirit and therefore will come to a agreement at some point, especially on the essential doctrines of scripture. The non-essentials is usually where the arguments get started and folks get mad, because they defend their customs and practices instead of weighing everything against scripture. May God help us all to seek the Truth of His Word together and in love for each other and especially for our Lord.

What's The Point?

Day 279 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've been saving Coke points for a while now. I've also been using them for a while too. Over the years we have gotten tickets for the family to Six Flags, A cool Diet Coke director's chair, several 12-pack coupons, a couple pair of Skull Candy ear buds, a die cast truck and other things that slip my mind right now.

The caps pictured are worth 3 points each, 12 packs are 10 points each, cases of 24 cans are 20 points and the 32 packs from Sam's Club are 25 points each. Right now my point level is a little over 6,100 and this is after getting all of the things I listed earlier. Thing is that right now there is not a lot of offering in the reward store. So, I must keep collecting points looking forward to something "better". Actually I am looking for something that "better" suits my likes but is not necessarily better.


That's how we often look at a lot of things through life, the "something better" out on the horizon that we can't quite make out yet. We just know that what we have before us is not satisfying enough, so we long for something "better". That is, until we meet the One that satisfies every longing our souls have ever had. When you come face to face with Christ everything else pales in comparison to Him. Not that we will not have any other "wants" in life, but our "wants" will be radically changed because of Him. This is what Psalms 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". This does not mean a new Escalade or 3,000 square foot house, but that your heart will be changed and He will change your desires to things that glorify Him. Now that is awesome, but contrary to a lot of the messages from pulpits today.

Has God given you new desires? Do you still walk with "self" as your focus or is Christ your focus? Are your steps ordered by the Living God or do you wander aimlessly through life kicking dust and wasting your life? Is your "wants" greater than what scripture says your wants should be a child of God? If yes, then you probably need to do some deep soul searching and long communing with God to see if you are His child or not. Certain things scripture says will be evidenced in your life as a Christian and if they are missing then you are proven not to be His. At this link is a transcript of a sermon by Bro. Paul Washer that shows a lot better than my feeble words can even start to. Please read through it and pray as you do for God to open up your true state before Him.

Trees, Seeds, Soil And The Gospel

Day 278 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

While looking out our back window earlier I was admiring the trees standing across our property. Some of the trees still hold limbs that were snapped during the ice storm 2 years ago, dangling in the breeze. Other new limbs have sprouted out of some of the trees and leaves are starting to bud out from the limbs. One majestic oak stands in the background, limbs like huge arms extending across the sky. Some of the trees were very damaged in the storm and are only dead stick protruding through the ground, lifeless, biding their time until they decompose enough to snap and fall to the ground.

All of these trees have similar beginning, roots if you will. They started from seeds, deposited in the ground from another tree. Some of these trees are 100 years old or older and some are only a few years old, but they all started with a seed. That is the law of nature, seeds go into the ground and life springs forth.

This reminds me of the parable of the soil types found in 3 of the gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. There are 4 soil types that the Lord tells us about, 1) Hardened soil that totally rejects the seed (Gospel) 2) Rocky soil that bears fruit for a moment and then burn up for lack of root depth 3) Thorny soil that springs up, but is killed by the thorn bushes around it and finally 4) The good soil, that produces much fruit. Of the 4 only the last is someone truly converted, the others 2 showed momentary hope and died and the other no hope at all. What stayed the same was the seed that was sown, the Gospel. It was not tailored to each individual soil to make it more palatable, but was sown as the Lord commands. The difference in the types of soil can be seen easily as 1) people that are totally resistant to anything of God 2) those that initially show signs of repentance, but quickly get jaded. Most of the time it is those that are looking for temporary circumstances to be "fixed" so they "try" Christianity, which does not work for them since it was not true faith 3) Like the 2nd shows initial hope of true repentance, but is quickly smothered out by people and circumstances.

I was also venture to say that most of the professing Christians today fall into the 2nd and 3rd soil types. They made a momentary profession of faith, but have since fallen or never even showed the fruit of a true child of God. The thing is is that the modern "Gospel" message that permeates church buildings and crusades today is perfectly fine with these types of professions and readily calls these folks Christians. They give the hope needed in these poor souls that they are "OK" now and have "taken care of it", as long as they "really, really meant it. Really". These people hope lies in faith in a prayer, a proclamation by an alter worker, a walk down an aisle, signing a card stating they "accepted Jesus", but not actually in Jesus. Their faith is in their faith or the words of a man. All of these lead to hell and many are being sent there because of these heresies.

These people are who my heart breaks for. I was one of them for 30 years as I had faith in my faith and in the acknowledgment of a man. False converts are deceived, they believe a lie as truth and are therefore unwilling to believe the truth as the truth. That is why God has to change someone. He changed me, changed my perception of the lies and actually saved me from me, hell and my dishonoring life of sin. These people need much prayer and also need the seed of the True Gospel sown in their hearts, so God can make it take root and sprout in the good soil that He prepares.

Please pray for eyes to be opened. Pray that you are made aware of those around you that are lost and deceived so you can till their hearts with the Good News. Cast the Seed far and wide and leave the results to God. Do not expect yourself to be able to change someone's mind or heart, that's God's job. Just be a mouthpiece for what God has done for you and to you, share the Gospel of scripture then watch God work.

Yes, That Is Redundantly Repetitive

Day 277 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

What is that in my picture today? Yes, it is a yummy Diet Coke, but do you think it is a 2 Liter? How about a 20 oz? Nope to both, take another look at the label. It's a 12oz bottle, which is the same contents as a can. For some reason they have started selling the 12 oz. bottles and all I can think of is that they might one day phase out the 12 oz. cans. No huge deal on the surface of the issue, but it would take a lot of aluminum out of the market place, since Coke and Diet Coke are now reported as the #1 and #2 choices. But what would a choice like that do to our landfills? Our environment?

Do I rally know why the Coca Cola Company chose to make this redundant, repeated size? Not at all, but I say the more the merrier. Diet Coke is my favorite thing to drink, even though I've heard it can mess with your memory. I also know that they charge more money for these little rascals. It may seem like a better price, but they do mark them up higher than the cans. I am really a stickler for how much I will pay for my drinks too. I will no longer buy the 20 oz. bottles because they cost more than a 2 liter. I will only buy a 2 liter if it is $1.25 or less and I will not pay over $300 for a 12 pack of cans. And I have been a loyal Diet Coke drinker since I was 14, which was 28 years ago. But enough is enough with the price increases.

It does seem like everything is getting higher priced. Gas is at an all time high, approaching $4 a gallon. This in turn drives the transportation costs up, which then raises the price of the products. I do know who is in control of everything though. This may all be part of the push towards a single world currency, which would then make way for a single global government. Who knows except the Lord right now? All I know is the days are getting closer to an end. This should make Christians more diligent about telling others about our Savior. We should be telling everyone we meet about the Lord and His grace. We should be broadcasting the seeds of His Word far and wide and leaving the results up to Him. Just GO! Do what each and every Christian is called to do and that is share the gospel with every creature.

We are all missionaries to this dying world. We are His Body and we have our directives. Now let's all do what we know we need to do. He has allowed us to partner with Him in spreading His Gospel and we should take that serious. I do not enough and so I am preaching to myself as well. Let's all seek God's guidance and will for our own path. Ask that He opens our eyes to the opportunities that He has already given us and take them to tell of our God. After all, that's what we should be doing anyway.

Beware Of Falling Temperatures

Day 276 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

The main topic of conversation the past couple of days has been the weather. A week or so ago it was the above average temperatures, yesterday it was the high winds and today was some fairly dangerous thunderstorms. Tonight, however, will be the cold temperatures.

As you can see by my screen capture of our weather forecast, they are calling for it to be 37 tonight. That is cold for here this time of year. I believe our normal lows hover around the mid 50s this time of April and highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s. The cold front that came racing through today brought a large dip in temps almost immediately. It went from 75 to 55 in about 30 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I do like the cooler temps, but I do think it needs to warm up to about 70 and stay there for a while. That is my ideal temperature, not too hot and not too cool.

Once again I am reminded of how people like to complain about the weather and other forces of nature that God controls. I am fine with the temps where they are now, but I do long for a little warmer, but I am not complaining. I am in no position to complain about anything (well, except bad doctrine and the heresy that permeates "church" buildings today). As far as complaining, what do I have to complain about? My diet that I am on to lose weight? Because I am eating salads now instead of Reese's Cups? Give me a break, people across this globe would think it a feast to have what I have for a "normal" meal.

God has blessed me richly in many ways. Birthing me into the USA is one of many blessings that a lot of people take for granted. We live in a relatively free society and still some complain. I don't like taxes, but I like them a lot more than I do living in an impoverished nation. Should I complain about the electric bill? That God has blessed me with a job to pay? How about waiting in line at a grocery store for over 5 minutes? Is that grounds to complain or should I be singing for joy that the Lord allows me to pick whatever my taste-buds want off of a shelf?

God has shown me lately that I am very blessed in every aspect of my life. I can honestly say that I would not trade anything with anyone. I am 100% content and happy to be content with the blessings that God has bestowed to me. My contentedness does wane in an area that comes to mind though, making myself available for God to use and actually using my time to further the Kingdom. I tend to put things on the back-burner for whatever reason, usually because of frustration in myself. I set lofty goals instead of trusting in God to use me how, when and where He sees fit. I try to do too much at once and usually feel inadequate.

I need to trust in the Lord more for my shortcomings and stop trying to make things happen. I try to depend on me and need to hand my life totally over to God and stop trying to take it back, even in the areas that are focused on Him. I depend on me and that is wrong. The good thing in this is I see my faults, God has allowed me to see my short comings and allows me to seek Him for strength to accomplish what He would have me to do. How freeing to know that God gives whatever is needed to accomplish the tasks that He initiates. He has promised to direct our paths and I think that means "he will direct our paths". I just have to stop taking my shortcuts and start taking the correct paths.