Friday, December 19, 2008

My Daughter's Favorites!


My oldest daughter wanted to have her own blog which I said NO! I did concede she could write on my blog provided I proof it. So here you go;

Anna’ s Favorite Things:

· Full Name: Anna Leigh Strahan
· Birthday: April 23rd
· Siblings: Katherine (sister)
· Favorite Color: Pink and Lime Green
· Favorite Food: Baked Potato
· Favorite Subject: LUNCH!!!
· Favorite Day of the Week: Friday
· Pets: Belle (dog) and Jasmine (cat)
· Favorite Sport: Softball
· Grade: 6th
· Favorite Holiday: Christmas
· Favorite Band: Jonas Brothers
· Favorite Guy Singer: Joe Jonas
· Favorite Girl Singer: Taylor Swift
· Favorite Guy Actor: Mitchel Musso
· Favorite Girl Actress: Selena Gomez
· Favorite Movie: National Treasure 2
· Favorite Number: 88,888

Favorite Animal: Panda

Merry Christmas to each of you! May the Lord Jesus Christ reign in your heart and home this Christmas!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Christmas Season



Most of us get excited during the Christmas holidays and rightfully so. If you have children the celebration of giving gifts during Christmas seems to be taken up a notch. Having said that, many folks in our wonderful country experience difficulty at this time of the year. The reasons are many.

  • Many people have buried loved ones and you especially miss them during the Holidays
  • A lot of people can't afford to provide Christmas gifts for their children let alone exchange gifts with friends
  • I know personally of families who will be separated during Christmas because of the wars
  • I know others who have little or no family with which to share the holidays
  • Many people will celebrate Christmas but not celebrate the Christ child because they don't have a personal relationship with Him
  • Missionaries will celebrate Christmas but very far away from any family
There is a family who left our church to go to the Mission field 3 years ago and I received an email from them. I want to share a portion of that with you.

This will be our third Christmas away from friends and family. This season is probably the most difficult time for most missionaries. HOWEVER, the Lord laid something on my heart and I thought I would share it with you. Christmas is an amazing holiday but we often forget what it's all about...So, yesterday in my quiet time the Lord laid something on my heart. Here' goes...

Typically, Easter is the time that we focus on the days leading up to Calvary and the pain that Jesus experienced. Yesterday I realized that the sacrifice began at Bethlehem and not Calvary. It is my prayer that God will give me the strength to submit myself to Him daily and that I would find great joy in sacrificing myself for the sake of my Lord and King.

What a merciful, and loving God we serve. It is our prayer that FBC experience the true joy of this blessed season by remembering the great sacrifice that was made at Bethlehem.

We love you in the Triumphant and Blessed Name of Jesus!

Jeff and The Girls

Jesus Loves You Chiyawo: Isa Akunonyela Wawo gajenji

I pray as you share with your family the celebration of Jesus that you include others who need to be reminded that Jesus came for all people.

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

JUDGEMENT DAY!




The bible speaks plainly about a judgement day for all people which includes followers of Christ and those who reject Him. In Hebrews 9:27 the Bible says; 'It is appointed once for men to die and after this comes judgement.' God's Word teaches that He will judge lost people(those who reject Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord) for their sin and He will judge saved people(those who recieve Jesus Christ and follow Him) for their works. Nevertheless, we will all be judged.

I had sort of a "judgement day" on Friday. Last month I received a warning for speeding and given a ticket because I could not find my insurance card. I was to appear in traffic court on Friday morning. I was told by the Policeman most of the time if you will simply show your insurance card to the judge they will dismiss your ticket. That is what I was hoping would happen.

Well I showed up for court on Friday with somewhere around 75 other folks each with traffic tickets of some kind. I took my place in the pew (yes, they have pews for you to sit in while waiting for the Judge) near the front row and made small talk with the lady next to me. She informed me she had not had a ticket in several years and was a little apprehensive about what would happen to her. I couldn't say that.

As we all sat waiting patiently for the Judge to appear, it occured to me that one day I and everyone else in that room would be facing another Judge which the Bible mentions. I then began making some comparisons with my present experience to the judgement the Bible describes in the future when this life is over. Here is what the Spirit of God reminded me about our appointment with God.

  • One day we will all find ourselves before God and give an account of our lives. (Romans 14:12) The apostle Paul says good or bad we will give an account of everthing.

  • He will either be our Judge or Savior depending on what you have done with Jesus Christ.
  • Your judge if you reject Him or your savior if you receive Him.

  • There will be but one plea for all.................GUILTY as charged. (Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned")

  • There will be no attorneys pleading our case.

  • However, for followers of Christ the Bible teaches that there is one mediator between God and man. His name is Jesus! (1 Timothy 2:5) John calls him our advocate. (1 John 2:1)

  • I felt more at ease than most of the people in the room that day and the reason was; I knew the judge personally and the judge knew me. I am glad to say that I know the God of creation who will judge the living and the dead.

Are you prepared to face the judgement day in eternity? The best preparation is to know God. Do you know Him? The Bible promises you can Him. Listen to what the Word of God says.

'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23)

'but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' (Romans 5:8)

'For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 6:23)

'because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.' (Romans 10:9-10)

'For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Monday, December 1, 2008

JUDAS ASPARAGUS

A friend of mine gave this to me and I wanted to pass it on. Even if you have seen it enjoy it again.

A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. The title is

THE CHILDREN'S BIBLE IN A NUTSHELL

In the beginning, which occured near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methusaleh, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a big boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There was also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was'.)

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Monday Ramblings

  • Just getting my head clear from the weekend. Had 7-9 middle school girls for Disciple Now stay at our home. I am doing things that I used to say only old people do. For ex; 10pm is bedtime, silence and solitude is therapeutic, having a place for things and things in their place is a good thing, it is good to be grown-up(I think)

  • Enjoyed our Worship yesterday. Our focus was on Missions. Was reminded by one of our men the only thing we failed to do during the service was to PRAY for the people the missionaries are ministering to and he was right. They need our prayers as well. Don't forget to pray when you put on your shoes! "how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace"


  • Our church family enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal together last night and then shared some things for which we are "thankful." God is good.

  • I have an idea for "Thanksgiving." Tell me what you think. Let's serve the community a "thanksgiving meal." I realize we can't serve everyone but we could select some of those less fortunate year by year. What do you think?

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Soap Box Items

  • Ted Stevens......shouldn't a felony conviction eliminate you from serving as a US Senator no matter how old or how long you have served? You probably would be turned down for a job at most fast food restaurants with a felony.

  • The Big 3 CEO of automakers.....did you see where they flew on private jets to DC to ask taxpayers(you and me) to bail them out to the tune of 25 billion?

  • Cell phone companies.....There is no loyalty for existing customers. You are treated much better if you are opening a new account...Has anyone ever noticed this?

  • Pacman Jones.....Will he ever learn?

  • An 8 year old murderer.....Is anyone surprised?

  • Phone bills......I have a bundle package......What degree must you have to be able to read and understand the bill?

  • No car insurance card......If you can prove it within an hour or so, does it really matter if it's in the car? Evidently it does, and I've got proof of that.

  • I'm weary of Brangelina, Brittney, Lohan, and Hilton everywhere you turn.

  • I am of the opinion that if Senators, Congressmen,Governors, or any other public servants decide to run for the Presidency/ Vice Presidency, they should resign their present position while campaigning or at least be on leave without pay. They certainly aren't serving their constituents jetsetting around the country. Is that too harsh?

  • Jonestown.....30 years ago. That story is still sad and yet intrigues me how one man was able to orchestrate the death of 900 plus people.

  • What's on your soap box?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Barber Pole, Andy Griffith, and the NFL




I still go to an old fashion Barber here in town. (yes, I go and get my hair cut and people who are there waiting wonder why? It's because I like it!) Anyway as I was sitting in the chair early Monday morning, I became intrigued with the Barber pole. You know the red, white, and sometimes blue pole. So I asked my barber about the origin. I thought it was interesting and for those of you who aren't familiar with it. Here it is.

In the Middle Ages, hair was not the only thing that barbers cut. They also performed surgery, tooth extractions, and bloodletting. French authorities drew a fine distinction between academic surgeons (surgeons of the long robe) and barber surgeons (surgeons of the short robe), but the latter were sufficiently accepted by the fourteenth century to have their own guild, and in 1505 they were admitted to the faculty of the University of Paris. As an indication of their medical importance, Harry Perelman points out that Ambroise Pare, "The father of modern surgery and the greatest surgeon of the Renaissance," began as a barber surgeon.
The barber pole as a symbol of the profession is a legacy of bloodletting. The barber surgeon's necessities for that curious custom were a staff for the patient to grasp (so the veins on the arm would stand out sharply), a basin to hold leeches and catch blood, and a copious supply of linen bandages. After the operation was completed, the bandages would be hung on the staff and sometimes placed outside as advertisement. Twirled by the wind, they would form a red & white spiral pattern that was later adopted for painted poles. The earliest poles were surmounted by a leech basin, which in time was transformed into a ball.
One Interpretation of the colors of the barber pole was that Red represented the blood, Blue the veins, and White the bandages. Which has been retained by the modern Barber-Stylist.

If you are asked the question on "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" then don't forget where you found the answer!

Andy Griffith trivia question
Well, the question was a little more difficult than I thought. I had a few people who told me they simply didn't know it and I had one correct answer so far and that was from Howard and Clara. CONGRATS TO HOWARD AND CLARA!

The answer I was looking for was "good ole 14A" or the original title of the song was "Welcome Sweet Springtime".

HERE IS A NEW QUESTION!

In the episode titled "The Manicurist" what was the name of the manicurist played by Barbara Eden? (she was best known as I Dream of Jeannie)


















Titans Go 10 and 0. Can they do it? I would love to see it happen but they have some tough games remaining.
They have the Jets at home (who are playing pretty good and they have Brett Favre, from Mississippi)
Then the rest of the schedule is as follows;
at Detroit
Cleveland at home
at Houston
Pittsburgh at home
at Indianapolis
Time will tell!

Friday, November 14, 2008

A Me'lange


I, like many other people, have enjoyed certain television shows through the years and am grateful for syndication. My all time favorite would have to be "The Andy Griffith Show". About 15 years ago I had the bright idea of putting together an "Andy Griffith trivia book". I worked tirelessly watching episode after episode on VHS in order to compile a list of questions that would make up the content of the book. Ita wasn't easy fast forwarding, and rewinding those vhs tapes to make sure the answers as well as the questions were correct. That was before DVDs and DVRs.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I submitted a proposal/idea to a couple of publishers but received no takers. It was and in my opinion still a good idea. I have a few variations if anyone is interested. Nevertheless, all of the handwritten notes I spent hours watching the episodes were for naught. I was looking through some old stuff the other day and came across those hand written trivia questions. I had a new revelation. I know many people out in the blogosphere enjoy TAGS and so I am going to post an Andy Griffith Show Trivia question every so often. I think it will be fun. Send your answer to lapstrahan@gmail.com and I will post the answer and the first names of those who guessed correctly. No looking it up on the internet or googling. Let's get started and we'll begin with an easy one. As Gomer would say; "Lots of luck to you and yours!"

Trivia Question of the Week
In the episode "Barney and the Choir" what was the name/number of the song the choir was practicing?

What is your favorite episode?

Friday's are Fun!

Most people enjoy Fridays whether they are working or not because it means the weekend is about to begin. I don't mean to be technical but Sunday is not a part of the weekend. Sunday is the first day of the week but over the years it has come to be known by many as the end of the weekend because our work week begins on Monday.

Friday is casual day for some people, in other words they don't have to dress in the normal attire. We let our people come to the office in blue jeans. On Friday our office (for the secretarial personnel) closes at 1:00pm. There are a couple of staff folks here on Friday afternoon, including me, which I use for study because it is very quiet. Friday is a fun day because for most of us Saturday is an off day. There is no school, lots of football, golf, movies, eating out, shopping, and many other options for you to involve yourself depending on the time of year.

Some people live for the weekend. They work all week just to get to the weekend. Their life begins at 5:00pm on Friday and comes to a close early Monday morning prior to the beginning of a new work week. Songs have been written about the weekend. Remember this one from the 80's "Working for the Weekend" by Loverboy. Now there is a good name for a band! Steve Wariner sang a song simply called "The Weekend." Barry Manilow sang a song entitled "Weekend in New England". Well I am sure there are others. What are you going to do this weekend?

Let me suggest something for you to do this weekend. Attend a Worship service where you can connect with the Creator of this Universe, Jehovah God! During these difficult economic and unstable days it will be a breath of fresh air to your soul and will encourage you. Don't go alone, take your family or a friend with you. Let the Lord Jesus Christ speak a word of comfort and grace to you! The weekend will take on a different meaning when you make Worship a priority. We were born to Worship the Creator! Listen to this Psalm from King David!

1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.

16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned

I hope to see you this weekend in Worship!


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Random Thoughts

God is in the news!


In Ratanur Nepal, many believe that Buddha has re-emerged from the jungle. The reincarnated Buddha is an 18 year old boy. He was first recognized in 2005 in south Nepal where he spent months without moving, sitting with his eyes closed beneath a tree. One believer said "I have no doubt in my mind he is a god, he has been meditating without food and water and no human can achieve such a feat."




          In DC a group of atheist have launched an ad campaign under the title of "Why Believe in a God?" The American Humanist association has spent $40,000 to run these ads on buses in the city and they will run through December.

                          In Exodus 20 the bible records these words "You shall have no other gods before Me." The writer of Psalm 73 asks the question "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare Your works."



                          We must "go into all nations and tell the good news". From D.C. to Nepal and every place in between, people need to know the Lord.

                          • I want your opinion. I am going to replace my computer. In the upper right there is a poll. Tell me what you think.
                          • I hope to have last Sunday evenings sermon on the website by the weekend. You should be able to find it at this link http://www.fbcowb.org/resources/sermons.php

                          Tuesday, November 11, 2008

                          Hot Topic on Sunday Evening!

                          Alcohol was the topic for this past Sunday evening and the bottom line for me is abstinence. I shared with my congregation my upbringing and other factors which began to form my conviciton in the area of alcohol. I grew up in a small town in South Mississippi where you could not buy, and still cannot to this day, alcohol of any kind(legally). Alcohol was not a part of my home life and it was always looked upon with disdain. As I grew I was exposed to the damaging effects of this addictive drug and today through a study of the Word of God I realize the choice for me is to abstain. That is my desire for everyone especially "followers of Jesus"! It is an issue which evokes many emotions but one that is settled between you and God.

                          Abstinence is not required (for everyone) in the scripture but I believe it is recommended. The bible does not say drinking is a sin but certainly can lead to sinful behavior and even drunkeness. Drunkeness is clearly sinful to the point of keeping someone out of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

                          I shared some reasons for abstinence (credit James MacDonald, they are not original with me). Here they are:
                          1. Alcohol is an unnecessary drug. ( it is one of the most abused drugs of our day)
                          2. Alcoholism is a sin not a disease. (1Corinthians 6:9-10)
                          3. Alcohol is addictive. (some people become alcoholics)
                          4. Alcohol is destructive. (the statistics are mind boggling)
                          5. Alcohol impairs wisdom. (Ephesians 5:18)
                          6. Wisdom calls on us to set it aside.

                          One of the major reasons for abstinence as I see it is the damage it does to our witness for Jesus Christ. Paul mentions it a couple of times in 1 Corinthians and Romans. He also tells us many things are lawful but not everything is helpful. In Romans 14 he reminds us that we don't live to ourselves but to Jesus. The Christian life is not a life lived selfishly but for the glory of God so others might be drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ. One question we must ask is "Can I use alcohol socially and be a positive witness for Jesus Christ? The answer for me is very clear!

                          Look at this old newspaper article.

                          A member of Alcoholics Anonymous once sent columnist Ann Landers the following:

                          We drank for happiness and became unhappy.

                          We drank for joy and became miserable.

                          We drank for sociability and became argumentative.

                          We drank for sophistication and became obnoxious.

                          We drank for friendship and made enemies.

                          We drank for sleep and awakened without rest.

                          We drank for strength and felt weak.

                          We drank "medicinally" and acquired health problems.

                          We drank for relaxation and got the shakes.

                          We drank for bravery and became afraid.

                          We drank for confidence and became doubtful.

                          We drank to make conversation easier and slurred our speech.

                          We drank to feel heavenly and ended up feeling like hell.

                          We drank to forget and were forever haunted.

                          We drank for freedom and became slaves.

                          We drank to erase problems and saw them multiply.

                          We drank to cope with life and invited death.

                          Can a Christian drink alcohol? yes. The title of my message was not "can" but "Should a Christian drink alcohol?" I am convicted wholeheartedly the answer is NO!

                          (1 Corinthians 10:31) "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everthing for God's glory."

                          (Proverbs 31:4-7) (Proverbs 23:29-35) (Proverbs 20:1) (Romans 14) (1 Cor. 6: 19-20)

                          I realize many people disagree with my position (which is OK) and sometimes you simply have to disagree. My purpose is to share my conviction. You must come to your own conclusion. Thanks for reading my blog and I hope you come back.

                          Here are a few helpful websites. You probably know more. Send them to me!

                          http://www.alcoholfreechildren.org/en/index.htm

                          http://www.cdc.gov/

                          http://www.focusonthefamily.com/

                          http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/

                          Wednesday, November 5, 2008

                          My Promise to You Mr. President!

                          History has been made! Change is coming! America has spoken and we must move forward. One of the greatest single mandates given to me and other followers of Jesus Christ is that we PRAY for our President. That is my promise to President Obama and Vice President Biden. I will pray for you. I will pray for;
                          1. Wisdom
                          2. Guidance

                          3. Discernment

                          4. Good counsel
                          5. Protection

                          6. Health

                          7. your family

                          8. you to be influenced by the Holy Spirit of God

                          9. that God will place around you people of God on whom the Spirit rests
                          As my friend used to say "You need the prayers and I certainly need the practice!"
                          "far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." (1 Sam. 12:23)

                          Tuesday, November 4, 2008

                          Election Day is Here!

                          I trust you will vote today or already have this morning. It is a privilege we should not take lightly. I was reminded last week by Brenda, one of the ladies in our office, no matter who wins God is still in control. You may have seen them. They were given the title predictions but I believe they are promises.

                          TOP 10 PROMISES---IF EITHER MCCAIN OR OBAMA WIN
                          10. The Bible will still be reliable

                          9. Prayer will still be answered.

                          8. The Holy Spirit will still exalt the Lord Jesus.

                          7. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

                          6. God will still use the preaching of the gospel.

                          5. The purposes of God will still not be thwarted.

                          4. God will still care for His people.

                          3. There will still be room at the Cross!

                          2. Jesus will continue to save sinners and continue to build His church.

                          1. Jesus is still coming again.

                          "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
                          Like the 
                          rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1)

                          Judy, a lady in our church, came up to me and said there was an 11th one;

                          11. Whichever candidate wins the White House it won't be long before He wishes the other man had won. (that may be true)

                          Let's vote today and as you are bombarded with the news of the election throughout the day pause and PRAY for our country and the candidates that above all God will be Glorified!

                          Friday, October 31, 2008

                          Fireproof the Movie

                          Well, Leigh and I finally got to see Fireproof. I've encouraged all of our church members to go and many of them have been. The reviews I've read and their comments have all been very positive. I concur with all of those who have said "you need to see it". It truly is a "must see" movie for everyone. People who are married, those who plan on being married and those who never marry can all benefit from this film. It is biblically solid and very well produced. Kirk Cameron is the only well known professional actor. The other actors and actresses are people like you and me. You can go to the website http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ and read the bios of the actors, the production crew, view a commercial (at the bottom of the blog), and many other options. The film is a ministry born out of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia. This is the third film they have released. If you haven't seen the other two, then you ought to check them out. They are; "Flywheel" and "Facing the Giants". We have them in our church library but you can find them at video stores, LifeWay, and other place which sell movies.

                          Here are a couple of reviews.
                          I've spent my entire life trying to win in two different pro sports. What I appreciate about FIREPROOF is that it's an entertaining and challenging reminder of what it takes to win in marriage!" Joe Gibbs, Owner, Joe Gibbs Racing

                          "Amazing! Action-packed, heartwarming, and a great resource to help strengthen and affirm marriages!" Dr. Gary Smalley, author of Change Your Heart, Change Your Life

                          You can read more reviews on their website. You can also read stories of marriages that have been positively affected by this film.Husbands and wives together can learn some great lessons about love and marriage from this film.

                          I want to encourage you to pray for Sherwood Baptist Church (http://www.sherwoodbaptist.net/templates/cussherwoodbc/default.asp?id=33770)
                          and their staff many whom are very involved with the acting, producing, directing and the many other aspects of producing a movie.

                          If you haven't seen the movie take 2 hours and go, it will be worth it.

                          Thanks to my sister-in-law Susie who watched my children so we could watch the movie.

                          Thursday, October 30, 2008

                          It's a Privilege to Vote but Here's Another Good Reason!













                          As followers of Christ we have a responsiblity to cast our ballot on election day. I realize many of you are frustrated with the choices we have been given. That frustration is seen not only in the national election but also in the local and state elections as well. Never the less it is a privilege to vote and I pray you will this Tuesday November 4th, if you haven't already.

                          To those who may require a little more motivation to go to the polls here it is.





                          p.s. I am considering going to Evansville as soon as I cast my ballot and I hope the light is on! Who's driving?

                          Wednesday, October 29, 2008

                          What's so Conservative about Jesus?

                          I mentioned a coupld of posts back that Jesus was liberal in love, patience, and giving. The group I meet with on Wednesday evening came up with a few more areas where Jesus is liberal. They noted He was liberal in forgiveness, healing, grace, mercy, and the list goes on. Maybe you have thought of others. Aren't you glad He is liberal in these things?


                          Well then, how was Jesus conservative? The definition for conservative is "disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change" and "having the power or tendency to conserve; preservative".


                          When it came to moral issues Jesus was conservative. In other words, He had the power to conserve and limit change. He preserved the existing condtions. The bible tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever". Jesus called his followers to "be holy" as He was holy. He was unwavering in His stand against the moral issues of His day, which by the way are the same ones we face today. For example when Jesus confronted the woman who was brought to Him in adultery, He called her adultery "sin". He did not simply excuse her and say "everybody's doing it". He didn't compromise and turn the other way. He confronted it with love, mercy, and grace. He was conservative.



                          Jesus held His ground in regards to those who wished to follow Him. He said some very difficult things to those who considered "following Him". On one occasion He told a man who, instead of following Jesus, wanted to bury a loved one, "let the dead bury their own". On another occasion Jesus said "he who does not hate his brother, sister, mother, or father cannot be my disciple". He was conservative and liberal but always at the proper moment! Lord help me as I seek to be like Jesus. In what ways do you see Jesus as conservative or liberal?

                          Is Jesus Liberal or Conservative?

                          I am convinced Jesus is both. There is no way you can make a solid case for Jesus being one or the other. I believe he was liberal and conservative, but not at the same time. I shared in a message once some areas I found in the Word of God where Jesus is clearly liberal and we should follow His lead. Here are 3;
                          1. He was liberal in His Love for People! (John 15:12)
                          2. He was liberal in His Patience towards People! (2 Pet. 3:9) (Exodus 34:7)
                          3. He was liberal in Giving His Possessions and His Person!(Phil. 2:3-5) (Matt. 8:18-20)

                          I am glad Jesus was liberal in how He loved me? Someone has said correctly "There is nothing I can do to make Him(Jesus) love me any more nor any less." He loves me liberally with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)

                          I am so glad Jesus was patient with me? The passage in 2 Peter tells us that God is not willing that any should perish but He is longsuffering. I am so happy He was patient with me.

                          I am glad that Jesus was liberal when it came to giving! The bible tells us in the most famous passage of all "For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only Son." Jesus said "No one takes it(His life) from Me, but I lay it down.

                          The Good News is that Jesus feels that way about you as well. "Aren't you glad that Jesus is Liberal?

                          What other ways do you see Jesus being liberal? I would love to hear from you.

                          Tuesday, October 28, 2008

                          My Introduction to the Blogosphere!

                          Here are some things I am discovering about the world of blogging!


                          • It is something I should have been involved with sooner! (not because my life or thoughts are interesting and important but it is a healthy discipline for me as a pastor) John Piper writes there are 6 reasons pastors should blog!

                          http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/


                          • I enjoy reading what's going on in the world of other friends and acquaintances. Many of the blogs I follow are fellow ministers.

                          • Reading is one of the best ways to gain knowledge.

                          • I am discovering many blogs contain sermon fodder with stories, illustrations, quotes and etc.

                          • It is a good way to keep up with people from all over the world(literally).

                          • There are common issues facing all of us and opinions vary tremendously. It is helpful to hear how people view these issues. (often times different than I do)

                          • It is a good way to journal and also to vent.
                          • Thank the Lord it is easy to edit your post!
                          I want to encourage you to check out my blog list. What blogs do you follow? Email me some of your favorite blogs especially your own. You can contact me by going to my profile.


                          I close with one of my favorite quotes by Jimmy Stewart from his movie "HARVEY"!




                          "Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be," - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."


                          Monday, October 27, 2008

                          My Girls!







                          Will this election please!! come to an end?

                          I have an idea many of you feel the same way I do about the present election and the campaigns that seemingly have been going on since George W began his last term. We have been inundated with piles of minutia concerning each candidate. I realize the importance of voting and the privilege we have in the good ole USA of casting a ballot. However, while repitition has proven to be a good teacher it can quickly become monotonous. These campaigns have done just that to the point someone yesterday suggested campaigns be limited to 6 months prior to the election. I would cast a vote for that! I am reminded that no matter who is elected they cannot remove the LORD JESUS CHRIST from the throne. He Still REIGNS! Amen and Amen!!!!