Godfrey Church of Christ

Tim Tebow And Does God Care About Who Wins Football Games?

2011-12-16T21:24:00.004-06:00

Matt 5.40 tells us that God causes his sun to rise the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

In football terms this means that even the evil and wicked will win games and even the most devoted follower of God is not guaranteed to win even one game. There are other issues at stake, however, while not applying to football or sports in general, when it comes to life, God principles don't just cease to exist when they reach the athletic arena.

What I mean is this... James 4.10 tells us to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Which area off my life is segregated out of the grasp of this doctrine? That's right, the truth that is God's Word penetrates every area of every being's life. Sports are a part of peoples' lives and God cares about peoples' lives.

On a related tangent, using this doctrine, I'd advise Lebron James to be as humble as he can and he'll start the march toward the 7 championships he boasted about bringing to Miami. After all, which area of my life is not subject to the words found in James 4.6 which quotes Proverbs 3.34 also found 1 Peter 5.5, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Tim Tebow isn't the one who says about himself, "All He Does Is Win"

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T07:25:00.004-06:00

If I live to be only as old as Steve Jobs when I die, that means I only have 11 years to live. I know that I'm not even guaranteed another day, but when I consider the impact Steve Jobs has had on so many people with the technological breakthroughs he authored, it is VERY impressive to say the least.

Okay, so NOW, today, Saturday, October the 8th.... What is the most important thing to Steve Jobs? The answer was, is and will always be for Steve Jobs and each one of us..... our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our earthly lives come and go, but eternity ... well, it's, uh .... FOREVER!!!! As the yapping dogs in our lives try to distract us from the reality of how primary our relationship with Jesus Christ is, it is literally an eternal challenge to keep our lives focused on the ONLY thing that will matter in determining our eternal destiny and destination.

Have a great weekend and may God bless.

Currently Studying Acts....

2011-08-11T07:06:00.004-06:00

... on Wednesday evenings. Going over Acts chapter 16 where the Spirit changes Paul and Silas' plans on where to go next and after God opens the heart of Lydia the maker of purple in Philipi, she becomes a believer in Christ. Wise people in my life have told me that if I wanted to hear God laugh, tell Him my plans. God tells us that everything we see is temporary, while the unseen is eternal and for us to fix our eyes on the unseen. What a challenge to our everyday living!!!

I'm shocked and stunned and flummoxed

2011-05-23T13:01:00.002-06:00

The world didn't end a few days ago, so now I'll have to mow the lawn again....

Study Finds Religion May Be Heading for Extinction in Parts of World

2011-03-23T17:02:00.003-06:00

The headline blared, "Study Finds Religion May Be Heading for Extinction in Parts of World".

It concludes "The model predicts that for societies in which the perceived utility of not adhering is greater than the utility of adhering, religion will be driven toward extinction". I know of a model long ago in which two countries came to the same conclusion. Israel first, then Judah, fell, as those things that seemed right to men ultimately led to destruction.

There really is nothing truly new under the sun, even though we often perceive these studies as "new".

KNOCKOUT !!

2011-02-22T09:37:00.008-06:00

8, 9, 10... yer out!! Timothy Dalrymple at Patheos writes a sensational piece on the value of suffering and how Christ fills suffering with purpose.... the hat tip goes to hotair headlines under miscellany of all places...

It is hard for me to make the transition between suffering and salvation but Dr. Dalrymple so accurately describes how suffering doesn't enter our lives shouting, but instead by the powerful quieting of the chatter of unimportant things.

For whatever reason we can hear, feel and yes, I believe "catch a glimpse of the kingdom" as Mike Cope described at Winterfest just a couple of days ago, in the midst of pain.

Making Philemonade

2011-02-14T13:20:00.006-06:00

God doesn't want me to impose my will even when I'm right. I don't adhere to this teaching when raising my children, but in trying to make myself and others to "do right" it is often frustrating.

When Paul was writing to Philemon about Philemon's runaway slave named Onesimus, Paul was right and Philemon was wrong. Paul let him know about it when he told Philemon that he could be bold and tell Philemon what he should do. Paul, or rather God through Paul, did not want any actions taken by Philemon to be forced, but to come from within his own heart.

God through Paul let Philemon know he'd be coming by to check on him in last part of his letter. God lets us know too. God let's us know that He likes a cheerful giver, not a begrudger. I'm not sure if begrudger is a word, but I don't want to be a begrudger.

Even if we're right about theological points of view or doctrine, we'd be wrong to try and force someone to do something they don't want to do.

God won't allow us to force someone's sincerity anyway...

Service, Sacrifice and Suffering

2011-01-27T11:20:00.003-06:00

God wants us to choose to sacrifice. God wants us to choose to suffer for His Kingdom. Saying God wants us to choose to serve in His and for His kingdom makes perfect sense while the other two are a bit more challenging.

In Hebrews 11.25 we read about Moses' CHOICE to suffer. He could have had it all... all that is... that THIS life has to offer. Moses turned it down and CHOSE to suffer, chose to sacrifice and chose to serve in and for God's kingdom.

Now I tend to try to avoid all forms of suffering and sacrifice that I can. Romans 8.17 tells me if I want to share in Christ's glory I must also share in His suffering. If I choose not to suffer today, when will I initiate an opportunity to suffer.... because this physical life is just going to pass me by...

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T11:48:00.003-06:00

The sense of renewal and 2nd chances abound at the beginning of each year. The Lord, however renews on a more frequent schedule....

Lamentations 3.22 made even more familiar by the song...

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!!"

As the "newness" of this year wears off, (it's already to late to say "Happy New Year") we can have the confidence in God's love for us starting anew each and every morning. Now THAT'S security. :-D

December...

2010-12-11T09:04:00.003-06:00

Wow, that was fast, 2010 is almost gone and 2011 is just around the corner. I am just now realizing that I said twenty ten and twenty eleven instead of two thousand ten ... etc.

We're in Luke 22 on Sunday mornings and in Acts 3 on Wednesday evenings.

Lord willing, Kim and I will begin our 7th year here at the Godfrey Church of Christ on December 18th, which was move in day, but I had made a trip with a U-Haul truck the previous weekend and had preached Sunday Dec. 12th

In the beginning Jesus created the heavens and the earth.

2010-10-15T08:45:00.005-06:00

Oh wait a minute, in Genesis 1.1 the quote actually says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." What about John 1.3 where the scripture reads all things were created by him and nothing was created without him in reference to Jesus.

Is inserting Jesus into Genesis 1.1 really that radical or is it just restating what Jesus claims about himself all along?

All you need is love.

2010-09-20T16:56:00.004-06:00

In 1 Corinthians 13.8 God through the inspired writings of Paul tells us that Love never fails. I never connected the objections to this scripture to immaturity until the other day. 1 Cor. 13.11 finally made the connection for me. It reads, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."

God calls the man in the parable in Luke 12.20 a fool for trying to be rich in material wealth while being poor toward Godliness. God through Paul calls the church in Galatia fools in Galatians 3.1 in the more related issue of trading in the message of grace and mercy for the old message of the law, behaviors and non-behaviors.

When God says in Galatians 5.13-14 for us to serve one another in love and that the entire law is summed up in a single command, that being to "Love your neighbor as yourself, who is it that needs more specifics and wants to bring up a particular circumstance for judgement? Why it's the spritually immature person, isn't it?

When God says in Romans 13.8-10 that all the commandments are summed up with "Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Who is it that these instructions aren't specific enough for except for the spiritually immature?

If I object and start trying to defeat the truth that is God's Word with analogies, illustrations or life events I magnify my immaturity by thinking my wisdom will somehow nullify or invalidate whatever part of the truth I am at odds with. All the questions the Sadducees, Pharisees and experts in the law had for Jesus never defeated the truth, but only served to show how immature they were in their thinking.

I remember the old saying from one of my high school teachers speaking of how naive young couples could sometimes be: "You can survive on love and cheese as long as the cheese holds out." The "get real" attitude this saying really communicates is that love is not enough.

God did not create the universe, says Hawking

2010-09-02T08:08:00.002-06:00

In a new book, entitled The Grand Design, famous physicist Stephen Hawking asserts that,

"Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist," Hawking writes.

"It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going."

Of course, the first question that a Believer, such as myself, asks is - where did gravity come from? A cyclical, if not cynical, question from a non-believer may be - where did God come from?

I think the answer to that question is that God always was and always will be. I cannot imagine a beginning for God any more than I can imagine an end. I do believe that he set the universe going. The converse would be a very cold notion, devoid of that most precious thing: Love.

God ALWAYS wins!!

2010-07-21T20:01:00.006-06:00

1 Cor. 13.8 "Love never fails..."

leader says:...........team says:
one....................two
win....................for you
three..................four
win....................some more
five...................six
win....................for kicks
seven.................eight
win....................feels great
nine...................ten
win....................again
win....................again
win....................again
win....................again
win....................again

Born That Way

2010-07-10T08:05:00.004-06:00

James 1.19 instructs us, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. I don't know about you, but my natural tendencies are the exact opposite of those godly instructions.

It is almost as if God is saying, "Don't do what comes naturally."

If you back up to James 1.2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds," Yeah, like that comes naturally.

I believe the message of Christ is giving up our own identity and putting on Christ. Having love for my enemies doesn't come as naturally as "eye for an eye and tooth for tooth" does.

When my defense is just to shrug my shoulders and say, "That's just who I am." , I believe God's instructions are "Yeah, quit being that and be godly instead." That's a life long struggle in the making. I encourage you to take up that struggle. The Lord knows I am struggling too.

"It's easier to ask forgiveness...

2010-06-22T20:04:00.005-06:00

...than to ask permission." Most everyone over the age of 20 has heard this saying. It alludes to a particular activity or event a person would like to participate in while knowing their parents or spouse would never agree to their participation. The person goes ahead without asking and then feigns surprise and regret when the object of their inconsideration objects afterward.

This is just another worldly saying that goes against scripture. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul tries to justify his disobedience in sparing some of the best livestock with the reasoning of wanting to sacrifice them to Lord. Samuel poses the question in 1 Sam. 15.22 "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Samuel, or more accurately, God through Samuel answers this question immediately in the rest of the verse with: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

In Hebrews 6.6 the writer, inspired by God, correlates the forgiveness necessary for those brought back to repentance with crucifying the Son of God anew. It's easier to ask forgiveness wouldn't sound so much easier if it were me or my son being crucified to provide that forgiveness.

March, April, May....

2010-06-19T13:39:00.003-06:00

June 19th, wow, there's been a lot of living since my last post back at the Ides of March minus ten. It was still technically Winter and now it's almost Summer. In practical terms it's alresdy summer. We are excited about our VBS coming up on August 1st-4th. Fathers Day is tomorrow and Camp Ne-O-Tez is just around the corner too. God Bless and God's speed in all you do for the kingdom this week and this summer. :-D

WE BUY JUNK CARS

2010-03-05T17:14:00.004-06:00

This is the message on the sign at "Fred's Towing" in Alton, IL on the Corner of Washington and Salu. I think there is a parallel between the sign and the message of Christ. Christ redeems junked lives.

No matter how much I may believe my life is junk or I have messed up my life with my mistakes, God sees SO MUCH value in my life AND YOURS, that He sent His Son to die for all of our mistakes, bad decisions, and misplaced priorities.

Romans 5.6-8 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteousman, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

speaking of a blur....

2010-02-05T09:44:00.001-06:00

Wow, can you believe it's already February the 5th? I'm taking lessons in how to show people about Christ since showing people has so much more of an impact than just telling people. Not to negate or discount the importance of telling people.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

2009-12-02T15:54:00.003-06:00

It always seems like a blur, but so do the years between 88-90 or 98-00 or even these past two years.

In the same way God knows what we need and yet still instructs us not to pursue our own agendas, I believe God knows our limitations and only expects us to do what we can. I also believe this takes away any of my excuses of inability or lack of opportunities. God is interested in my using the abilities I do have and me taking advantage of the opportunities I do have.

During this period between Thanksgiving and Christmas I'm going to try and take the time to "play God" in someone's life. Matt. 25.40... I want to encourage those around me as well.

When Most People Are Wrong

2009-10-13T08:27:00.003-06:00

Matthew 7.13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Whenever I am selfishly pursuing my own agenda I become part of the norm in society. No one will blame me for trying to make things better for my family and myself. The undertow I will have to fight to live a godly life trying to help others instead of just helping myself will be a lifelong challenge.

How can so many people be wrong? They are doing what comes natural. I believe going against what come naturally to us is why trying to walk the narrow way is such a daily battle. I'll be going against the grain, running against the wind if you will and fight against the rising tide all my life. The victory won't show up until my Savior comes back to rescue me.

Linda Diane Grewar Lampley

2009-09-18T21:42:00.002-06:00

Linda Diane Grewar Lampley was born on February 12th 1944 in Madison Tennessee. Linda died on Friday, August 28th 2009 at the General Hospital in Jackson Tennessee.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Evelyn Grewar as well as her brother Bill.

Linda is survived by her husband Rodger Dale Lampley Sr. of Three Way, TN and her sister Billerine Grewar Warner of Wrightwood, CA. Linda is also survived by her five children, Rodger and Joyce Lampley of Enville, TN and their two sons Rodger and Bill, James and Kim Lampley of Godfrey, IL and their four children Savannah, Greg, Tabitha and Zek, Cam and Lorrie Gulley of Eastland, TX and their five children Chloe, Parker, Kaleb, MacKenzie and Heath, Shane Lampley of Memphis, TN and his son Steven of Knoxville, TN, and Houston and Brandi Lampley of Memphis, TN and their three daughters Allison, Brooke, and Kaitlyn.

Honduras, Predisan, and Trying to make sense of it all.

2009-07-03T21:30:00.002-06:00

If you have been following the news coming out of Honduras, to say the country is on edge is an understatement. Kyle Huhtanen, one of the directors at Predisan, writes a compelling essay about how the dominos have fallen thus far. Kyle also notes how the consistency of our challenge to model Christ is paramount and takes precedence over any of our particular political druthers, no matter how high the stakes.

Our prayers go out to Honduras, Predisan and particularly the families living in such a tense situation.

And the next logical step is...

2009-06-08T10:37:00.001-06:00

... to start worshipping frogs. It would be hilarious if it weren't so tragic.

Post Number 100

2009-05-14T20:40:00.003-06:00

Even the world recognizes how shallow chasing after materialism is.

The clip is only 32 seconds long, but when the woman at the end sarcastically notes, "Now my job is WAY less soul crushing." ... the harsh truth about how soul crushing and soul destroying the agenda of this world really is comes creeping out around the edges.

Compared to 90% of the world or more, anyone working in the conditions these people are acting as if they are working in would be considered beyond rich and successful, but there is no satisfaction to be gained in life through only an abundance of stuff.

Jesus said "A man's life consists of more than just and abundance of things."

Church-Shopping.

2009-04-28T13:02:00.002-06:00

I recently came across a pair of articles that discussed the frequency in which Americans change their religious affiliation. One conclusion, "More than four in 10 American adults are no longer members of the religion they were brought up in..." or as noted by another article, "What the Pew researchers didn't anticipate is that fully 44% of Americans have changed faiths at least once. "

It is interesting that an article chose to headline the minority behavior uncovered by Pew Research (i.e. "Church-Shopping" and "Changing Religion"). Further, there is no indication if this is an increase, decrease or steady trend in American behavior. The article entitled "Changing Religion" touches on this by noting that, "the fact that most people who switch religions do so before they are 24, combined with the finding that older people as well as younger people have changed, suggests to Smith that the trend has been going on for some time". It seems to me that there is nothing new in the results of the study. America has always been a religious "free-for-all". From the Puritans to the Latter Day Saints to the Family churches, there has always been choice in this country when it comes to the choosing of one's religion.

The real trick, in my opinion, is to maintain your faith. If "church-shopping" is a result of an effort to keep one's faith fresh, I cannot find fault in it. But in the end I think it is a loop that cannot circle forever. It will eventually lose it's momentum. The apostle Paul was a master at finding the good in every situation. He exhorts Timothy in 1 Tim 6:6,"But godliness with contentment is great gain.". At the end of the day I believe that what we all need is Love. That is supplemented with Peace for those who are able to be contented in their godliness. I hope that our house of worship is providing both in great abundance.

Ref:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1894361,00.html

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/27/changing.religion.study/

While I'm Waiting by John Waller

2009-04-09T08:37:00.002-06:00

Part of the soundtrack to the movie Fireproof. Excellent movie, sensational song.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40.28

Dishonest Scale

2009-04-03T08:56:00.004-06:00

It will not matter if the Constitution of the United States is interpreted to read that the union of two men or two women is equal to the union of a man and a woman in marriage. Just because someone, a court, a congress, a king or a president declares a lie to be the truth, that lie does not cease to be a lie and the truth does not cease to be the truth.

The financial parallel is just as destructive as we have seen how declaring someone living entirely from gov't benefits, i.e. unemployment, food stamps, welfare, (all of which have a legitimate place in our society) as equal to someone providing a service or producing a product, i.e. gainfully employed, when it comes to being able to purchase a home or qualifying for a loan.

The dishonest scale hurts everyone involved even if the damage is not felt immediately as was the case with the banks and other financial institutions of the United States.

The Parallel Mission

2009-03-31T06:15:00.004-06:00

In Gen. 24 Abraham has his servant swear to him he would go find a wife for his son Isaac from among his own people. We never learn of this servant's name and his role is completed by the end of the chapter.

The servant is going to find a wife for the son of his master. Since the church is the bride of Christ and we are trying to bring people to Christ, isn't our mission the same as Abraham's servant? I am sworn to find a bride for my master's (God's) Son.

Also note how the servant is concerned about the "what if." What if the girl refused to come back and be the son's wife? Then the servant is released from his oath. We don't have to worry about those who refuse, ours is only to press on presenting Jesus' offer of glory, salvation, redemption and honor.

Why Does God Operate The Way He Does?

2009-03-30T08:06:00.003-06:00

It's the age old question of "Why?" Why doesn't God intervene in a different of more effective way as I see it? Why does God allow what seems to be injustice in my eyes to occur on almost a daily basis?

I believe this is part of the mystery of God. God tells us His ways and thought are not our ways or thoughts, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. As the heavens are higher than the earth, is the illustration God uses through His prophet Isaiah 55.8-9

Penn Jillette gets to heart of the matter.

2009-03-24T16:04:00.002-06:00

The money line comes around 3:15 "How much do I have to hate someone not to share Jesus, if I believe they are lost?"

I believe this is the fear and trembling attitude Paul writes about when sharing Christ with the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 2.3. Notice how Penn is impacted by the man's kindness. More change comes from love than criticism. I believe I read that from H. Norman Wright's, "Quiet Times For Couples"

Meeting the Eyes of Jesus

2009-03-18T09:08:00.003-06:00

John Mark Hicks is an author and a professor. I have had the privilege to hear him give a couple of lectures on the book of Job. He has been the author of some of the most dynamic insight I have ever been around. His penetrating essay on what Peter saw when he met Jesus' eyes immediately after fulfilling Jesus' prophecy about denying him three times before the rooster crowed taps into the power of God's Word so effectively it's humbling, inspirational and encouraging at the same time

Hmmm

2009-02-24T13:45:00.002-06:00

Lia is only 12 years old, but she is considered old enough in many states to choose to terminate a pregnancy. She makes compelling points no matter what political stripe is addressed.

Silent Sermons

2009-02-16T14:15:00.002-06:00

I got an e-mail today with the following Blog posting:

http://blogs.chron.com/leonhale/2009/02/sunday_morning_in_a_church_whe.html

I know many people - who I love and respect - that worship in a similar way. I suppose that there could be nothing truer than to say, "Well, I reckon I'd rather you'd be fishing and thinking about church, instead of being in church and thinking about fishing.''

I am jealous of those who can find meaning in "the creation" and do not need to discover more about the Creator - those who listen to Silent Sermons and can divine from them what it is that we all need to fill our hearts with peace and contentment. However, Silent Sermons seem to produce more questions than answers for me.

I guess I fall into the category of those who need encouragement from the Assembly. In Hebrews 10:25 we find, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.". I know that when Christians begin to quote scripture that those advocating Silent Sermons will tune out. But as I think about what the scripture is telling us, it seems to me that we NEED one another. We need one another not only in terms of being a part of Christ's Kingdom here on earth, but also in helping us to remain faithful when the inevitable weakness comes.

There are days when I do not feel like getting up and going to worship service. It happens more often than I really want to admit. But there has never been a day when I didn't feel better as a result of that attendance. In my arrogance, I have to believe that the encouragement that I receive from other people in the Congregation has got to be more effective in building faith than an examination of the lessor plants and animals in God's creation.

Guaranteed 10,000% Return on Your Investment

2009-01-22T20:36:00.005-06:00

I know, if it sounds too good to be true... Mark 10.29-30 is where Jesus tells us no matter what sacrifice we make on behalf of the kingdom, we will receive a hundred times as much in this age and the age to come.

...which could technically be stated as a 20,000% return on your investment.

I do not think it is any coincidence this dialogue with the disciples follows the interaction with the rich young man instructed to sell all he had, give it to the poor and follow Jesus. I believe Jesus is demonstrating how the rich young man had just turned down the best opportunity he'd ever be given.

"For where your treasure is...

2009-01-21T11:09:00.004-06:00

there your heart will be also." Matt. 6.21

What would the stethoscope reveal about me?

Parallel Promises

2009-01-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

Genesis 15.1 God tells Abram not to be afraid. God tells Abram, "I am your shield" and Abram's reward is great.

Judges 6.12 The angel of the Lord tells Gideon, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."

Ephesians 2.6 God through Paul writing to the saints in Ephesus, "...God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."

In the case of Abram and Gideon, both men react by discounting God's promise and deliverance by noting their present circumstances. Abram had no heir at the time and Gideon was trying to scrape up some food. God ignores their present circumstances addressing them as if all His promises had already been fulfilled. Abram and Gideon are distracted by their present circumstances and brings those circumstances to the forefront of their conversations with God.

When I read in Eph. 2.6 the promises through Christ to the saints in Ephesus and to modern day Christians as well, I wonder how many times I allow my present circumstances to distract me from the coming promises of God. Both Abram and Gideon had the faith to execute God's will in their lives. Gideon did need further convincing, but in the end took advantage of the opportunity God gave him for greatness. Abram believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.

The only scene left to play out is how will I react to God's promise and opportunity for greatness? There will be some who are raised up with Christ and seated with Christ in Christ at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but in the one to come. (Eph. 1.20-21) The fulfillment of these promises are definitely coming to pass. Will I be part of that glory or will it take place without me?

Only through Christ do I have this kind of opportunity.

Science changes its story.

2008-12-20T08:07:00.004-06:00

One of the challenges of putting faith into science is that it will change what it considers to be truth with excitement and flourish. The old truth is unceremoniously thrown out and the new "real" truth is crowned with certainty and authority.

The latest example has to do with the earth's magnetic field. Here is the article. Even though the scientist admit that a particular truth as it was presented before is now, "completely the opposite of what scientists had thought" as the article states, the new discovery seems never to be prefaced with the disclaimer or hedge, "unless we are completely wrong again."

Contrast this to the truth of God's word which NEVER experiences this breakdown of principles to make a "breakthrough."

Love....

2008-11-11T10:38:00.002-06:00

is not rude. 1 Corinthians 13.5

What does the world say I'm worth...

2008-11-04T09:46:00.003-06:00

versus what Jesus Christ says I'm worth?

Because of the coloring it is hard to read on the graphics below. It says. "My blog is worth $0.00. How much is your blog worth?

My blog is worth $0.00.
How much is your blog worth?

2008 Halloween Photos!

2008-10-28T09:31:00.002-06:00

http://godfreychurchofchrist.googlepages.com/halloween2007

Servant to Critic Ratio

2008-09-18T10:29:00.002-06:00

Mark 14.3-9 records the woman pouring VERY expensive perfume on Jesus' head. Immediately some of the people present said indignantly to one another how wasteful this act was and how the perfume could have been sold for more than a year's wages and given to the poor.

They were rebuking this woman harshly when Jesus steps in on the woman's, the servant's, behalf. Jesus tells them to leave her alone. Jesus then questions their motives asking them why they are bothering the woman. Jesus then validates her service by saying she has done a beautiful thing to Him.

This event leaves me wondering what the servant to critic ratio was when this happened. It would seem to be at least 1 to 5 or even 1 to 10. That is one servant for 5 or 10 critics to feed. I think each of us need to serve in such a way as to support at least 5 or 10 critics with our service. You know, just to at least give some of the the other servants a break. I would go so far to say if I don't have a band of 5 to 10 critics telling me how much more effective or efficient my service could be rendered, it must be because I am not serving.

A lot of servants will be tempted under such criticism to throw up their hands in disgust or despair and quit serving. Satan is hoping for just such a victory in our lives. Don't give in, just keep serving. Keep serving despite the criticism, keep serving despite the discouragement, keep serving despite Satan. Besides, who knows how much relief you are giving to another servant by simply occupying their would be critic.

Newsboys Concert in Six Flags

2008-08-15T18:30:00.001-06:00

My latest favorite song.

Good Samaritans Can Still Be Found

2008-07-29T12:49:00.002-06:00

My wife and I were working at our country home and decided to quickly run into town to buy gas for our lawn mower to finish the day's chores. Since I was working outside, I had on a pair of shorts with no pockets which I normally do not wear. I grabbed my wallet, keys and the gas can and off we went.

I stopped into the Casey's in Jerseyville, IL and took my wallet out of the center console of the car, swiped a credit card and put the wallet on top of the car (no pockets! Argh!). After making sure the gas can was positioned securely in the trunk, and with great purpose, I drove out of Casey's and back to work at home.

I'm sure you can see it coming. The wallet flew off of the car and onto State Street as I drove along in happy oblivion. Here is the amazing part of the story; an employee from Casey's, Vicki, was just then going home after her shift and spotted the wallet. She picked it up, took it home and spent the time to look up my telephone number and call me at home. When we received the call, I didn't even realize that my wallet was missing!

Uncharacteristically, for a notorious cheapskate like me, I had a lot of cash in my wallet along with three credit cards and a company calling card. You know how all of that stuff accumulates. I went into town and retrieved my wallet. Vicki would not take any reward money.

In the news, we hear about Drive-by shootings, Tractor-trailers running over other cars, America's Most Wanted criminals and a daily roll call of atrocities. Rarely do we hear about a good-hearted Midwestern woman in an All-American town living the life that we have all been called to live. I don't know if you consider this a newsworthy article, but I consider it a reaffirmation in the goodness that surrounds us. Quietly, without fanfare or fame, making a difference in the lives of others and inexorably, like a river flood, overwhelming the evil in this world. Thank you, Vicki, for being who you are.

Praying

2008-07-24T10:04:00.001-06:00

One of the realizations, through God's grace, I came to gain a better understanding about this past week at Camp Ne-O-Tez, is how fiercely God guards the avenue of prayer between Him and His creation. When I gave a class the opportunity to pray silently, I was asked how I could know if anyone was actually praying. That's when it hit me. No one can make anyone pray and conversely, no one can KEEP anyone from praying.

Prayer in the schools gets a lot of play from legislatures mandating a "moment of silence" to reflect, gather one's thoughts or pray. Corporate prayer gets a lot of press with the separation of church and state being pounded to death from every angle.

Amid all the opinions and controversy God has created the opportunity which cannot be denied people or compelled upon people with a strength so mighty He can STILL be reasoned away as uninvolved if it is so chosen by any particular individual to do so.

Maybe Later Ministry

2008-07-23T15:03:00.000-06:00

Watch it; It's brutal

Camp Ne-O-Tez

2008-07-22T18:13:00.004-06:00

Wow! what a week. From July 13th through the 19th I got to experience Camp Ne-O-Tez, which is located south of St. Louis near Desoto, Missouri and Washington State Park. I'll write more later, but here is their website.

Switchfoot This Is Home: Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian

2008-05-13T11:18:00.001-06:00

We took the Godfrey Youth Group to see Switchfoot late last year in Springfield, IL. It looks like the band has taken another step forward with a video release in association with the new major motion picture Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian:

Election day draws near...

2008-05-07T19:33:00.003-06:00

I believe it is in Dan. 2.21 where Daniel in his prayer recognizes that it is God who "sets up and deposes of kings." I think with all the turmoil and instability in the upcoming election, gas and energy prices, food prices spiking and natural disasters occurring with startling regularity it becomes even more important, if that's even possible, to understand we are totally depending upon God for not only our daily bread, but to be able to do any of the things which make up our daily routines.

I am reminded again of how David, in 2 Samuel 6.13 takes only six steps in his journey to bring the ark of the covenant to the City of David, stops and throws a party of celebration and gratitude for God's grace and mercy. I believe God wants our entire lives to be lived with that kind of gratitude and that kind of enthusiasm.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

2008-04-16T16:07:00.002-06:00

very powerful message in only 6 minutes. Wow! just Wow!

Cactus Cuties sing the National Anthem - Awesome!

2008-03-25T13:36:00.000-06:00

The more we know...

2008-02-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

the more we know we don't know.

So long self

2008-02-28T08:25:00.003-06:00

ht to: kingdom living

Well, I botched the link to kingdom living, but I thought the song by Mercy Me was compelling enough to make the attempt to post it here as well.

I understand the message, I continue to struggle with the application.

Who's the Greatest?

2008-01-17T22:51:00.000-06:00

Many times in the different Gospels we find the soon to be apostles of Jesus Christ arguing with one another over who is the greatest among them.

How foolish of them, I would think to myself. Who in the world would argue about that? Upon closer examination of this conflict, I think this particular argument is what every argument anyone has with anyone about anything is about. Who gets to tell whom what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Power, control, and authority to be wielded by those who have it over those who do not.

This is not God's way. Therefore this attitude is not Godly, to say the least, but more importantly, there is the need for self examination of motive and goal. Do I want what I want because it is right or because I am selfish? Will I abuse the power and authority I have, given to me by God of course, for my own selfish gain or pleasure? If I am wanting what I want because it is right do I continue to be right in my strategies and behaviors used to persuade others to give me what I want?

A formidable challenge to say the least.

WHEN Can We Praise the Birth of Christ?

2007-12-19T09:44:00.000-06:00

Those of us in the church of Christ often mention at this time of year that we hold the belief that Christ was not actually born on December 25th. The fact is, since no one actually knows the date of Christ's birth, one can make the logical conclusion that there is only 1 chance out of 365 that December 25th, or any date for that matter, is going to be the correct date to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Therefore, because we will never know for sure the proper date, we should NEVER celebrate the birth of Christ. No. That is not correct. What did God do when Christ was born? He sent an Angel with a heavenly army to announce the great news. See Luke Chapter 2: "13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." This is what God did. To follow His example we should also proclaim the great news. Yes, I believe that December 25th is for the convenience of tradition. Nothing more than that. But I also believe that any reason to think about Christ is a good thing. No matter what time of year. Christ said in Luke Chapter 9:50, ""Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you.". Do not stop anyone from celebrating the birth of Christ. Not now or in July. The reason is too important to depend on the time of year.

Please see the sermon 'Tis the Season' from our Minister James Lampley for a better examination of this idea. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Check out our new calendar!!!!

2007-12-09T09:17:00.001-06:00

Check out our new calendar!!!!

The Faberge Egg...

2007-11-29T09:46:00.000-06:00

just broke the old record of 13.2 million dollars when it sold for almost 18 million. Why and how? I am inclined to shake my head when I hear of tremendous resources laid out for the purchase of such obviously frivolous items. However, when I take inventory of my own life and think of a skill I could have developed or the many good works I could have done if I had used my own time and resources more efficiently or less selfishly, I want to change the subject back to the obvious irresponsible use of talent, time or resources other people are guilty of wasting.

The Washington Redskins'

2007-11-28T09:44:00.000-06:00

defensive back, Sean Taylor, was murdered at the age of 24 at his home in Miami, Florida. To hear of someone so talented and so young losing their lives is, for me, more disturbing than hearing of someone die of cancer at age 80. In my mind I reason the 80 year old person has had their chance or chances to accomplish whatever they wanted to in their lives.

My same reasoning will conclude how this much younger person didn't receive the same opportunities to live, adjust, live, adjust as the older person did. My sense of justice is skewed by the lack of my knowledge of either person's heart and motives. What might look like injustice or even unrighteousness in my eyes could be changed simply by the complete knowledge of the lives, hearts and situations that existed in reality rather than in my own incomplete perception of the same.

I think this same lack of information when sizing up people, their hearts, motives and situations contributes not only to miscommunication between people, thus hurting their relationships with one another, but also builds walls between people and prevents them from even ever establishing a working relationship in the first place.

With each person, whether known personally, famous or both, God knows them completely and the truth about their lives is the most important aspect in their existence is their relationship with God. This, for me, never comes into such clear focus until someone has crossed over into the eternity God has promised is following this physical life. This also is easier to see in the lives of others rather than evaluating our own relationships with God and subsequently seeing the need to change.

Support Our Troops!

2007-11-17T11:27:00.000-06:00

Click here to send our troops a free Holiday Postcard with your personal remarks.

Voting Godly

2007-11-09T06:54:00.000-06:00

I know a lot of fine people who vote both for the "D's" and the "R's" and neither seem to understand how the other could call themselves a Christian and vote the way they do.

We know that it is God who sets up and deposes kings, so whomever the latest Caesar turns out to be, God's kingdom will still reign and our responsibilities to God's kingdom will remain unchanged.

While the different candidates and parties are representative of very different visions for the country's future, neither will be able to take away the responsibility each one of us has to reflect Christ in all we say or do.

With that said, each of us still has the obligation to vote godly, just as our obligation remains valid no matter what verb is being applied to our lives.

This Week's Sign...

2007-11-08T11:57:00.000-06:00

that the Apocalypse is upon us. With apologies to Sports Illustrated. We now have a $25,000 dessert. Now $10,000 just wouldn't cover the expenses, no, we have to charge $25,000 or we'd just be losing money.

Seriously, I wonder how many of my possessions would be categorized as luxurious fluff and would simply disappear if I were "reduced" to only the things I NEED.

Baseball and Steroids

2007-09-19T10:43:00.000-06:00

I voted to brand Barry Bonds' record breaking home run ball with an asterisk.

What is the opposite of peace?

2007-09-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

1 Tim. 1.2b reads "... Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." I had a brief devotional on this verse this past Wednesday and I continued to think about this verse until now. I reasoned justice is the opposite of grace. I certainly do not want justice for myself when it comes to salvation.

The opposite of mercy is condemnation. Condemnation would be justice for all sinners. No one desires to be condemned. War is the opposite of peace, but in this text I thought turmoil or crisis would represent the opposite of peace with equal accuracy. This is not to say that war is not the opposite of peace, but war is an extreme opposite. As I considered the causes of turmoil or of a crisis, I think the idea of simple uncertainty became the lowest common denominator in my mind concerning the opposite of peace.

Financial markets plummet at the prospect of uncertainty. Oil prices soar at the rumor of uncertainty. I believe one of the primary gifts of God through Christ is the peace that comes through the certainty He offers us. Life is so uncertain and God tells us through James 4.14 just how uncertain this physical life can be. "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for little while and then vanishes." Contrast that uncertainty with the absolute certainty of Hebrew 13.8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever."

The challenge is ridding ourselves of the doubt trying to rob us of the peace Jesus Christ died for us to have... forever.

The 3rd Annual Gospel Concert...

2007-08-28T06:20:00.000-06:00

was held in Venice, Illinois at the Tyrone Echols Senior Center on the corner of Brown and Klein Street this past Saturday evening, August 25th. The concert was hosted by the Logan Street Church of Christ and the featured group were the Dothanaires from Dothan, Alabama. It was such an uplifting experience to enjoy the fellowship meal together after hearing how connected praising God and growth of the kingdom is. All of the groups were so passionate and enthusiastic in their praise for the Lord. The lead singer for the Dothanaires preached a lesson within each of the songs he sang. I can't wait 'til next year. I didn't know what I'd been missing.

Don't Look Now...

2007-08-27T14:06:00.000-06:00

but there is a new post on this blog. The summer has come to a close with the kids back in school and looking forward to UT football this Saturday. Hope to be posting something more substantial soon.

Vacation Bible School

2007-07-26T12:06:00.001-06:00

This Year's VBS is now only a fond memory. Thank You to everyone who volunteered their time to make our Vacation Bible School such an unmitigated success. As I was on stage during one of our skits, I couldn't help noticing the rapt attention that we commanded from the children. That is success! And it is but one of many examples of the fun and learning that took place from Sunday, July 22nd through Wednesday, July 25th. It's a feeling that you can't find anywhere else. Please join us next year. It seems that each year is better than the year before.

It must be my lucky day!!!

2007-07-06T21:13:00.000-06:00

Numerology isn't my thing, but when a vehicle turns over 100,000 miles I usually take notice. So tomorrow being 07.07.07 here I am taking notice. I think Albert Einstein is credited with saying, "God doesn't play dice." On the contrary, God does play dice, but He already knows the outcome. Proverbs 16.33 tells us that the die or lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision belongs to God. No such thing as luck or coincidence. It took me a while to fully digest just how far reaching that statement really is and how powerful God has to be for things to look as chancy as they do.

Let's not get carried away!!!

2007-06-12T12:56:00.000-06:00

Is not reading a book the same as burning it? No, it is not. Tom Wayne, in the above article, is frustrated by the lack of reading today. He has tried to give many books to different organizations and has found he can't even give them away. He decided if no one would read these books, he might as well burn them. Why aren't people interested in learning about or at least reading what he wants to share with them. Instead people want to read material they find interesting.

I wonder how many books would need burning if Tom's criteria were the law of the land. I would think there would be some kind of time limit for any library for any reference that goes unused for a period of time to be discarded, donated or maybe even destroyed. Maybe people just don't like being told what to read by Mr. Wayne or anyone else.

De La Hoya v. Mayweather and Blasphemy

2007-05-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

Tonight Oscar De LaHoya fights Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the junior middleweight title (154 lb limit) or, if you like, super welterweight title in one of the most anticipated fights since Tyson and Lewis fought in June of 2002.

I remember watching De La Hoya fight as an amateur in the Golden Glove Nationals down in Knoxville, Tennessee. I have followed his career for some time and have never really been won over as a fan of his for a number of reasons. I do have complete respect for his boxing skills, all he has accomplished over the years and I am rooting for him to clean up the sport a bit as he evolves into the promotion side.

I believe Oscar has bitten off more than he can chew with FM Jr.'s speed, youth and experience. Floyd doesn't endear himself to most fans with his arrogant statements about being better than Sugar Ray Robinson. Floyd has the makings of being the greatest with his perfect record of 37-0 with 24 knockouts, but he is a long way from being considered worthy of being mentioned with Sugar Ray Leonard, much less Sugar Ray Robinson.

As I was saying before, I think Floyd will win because of his speed, youth and experience. You can imagine how troubled I was to hear the statement made by a person who wears my same name make the following, what I consider to be, blasphemous statement concerning Floyd Mayweather Jr.

HBO's Jim Lampley said "If Floyd Mayweather were fighting God tomorrow, I'd make him the favorite to win by unanimous decision." I was immediately reminded of King Herod in Acts 12.22 being flattered by the crowd as having the voice of a God instead of mere man. Since Herod did not immediately give praise to God an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms.

I am also reminded of Proverbs 27.21 which says, "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." As foolish of a statement as Jim Lampley made and as revealing as it is about his own character, the real pressure, the real person placed in the crucible by the statement is Floyd Mayweather Jr.

I do not know if Floyd is even aware of the statement or how he reacted to the statement if he is aware of it, but I do know that I am leaning more toward De La Hoya winning tonight. I previously had given De La Hoya little or no chance, but when you hear such a preposterous statement made it makes you pause.

Study the Word of God Like You're Looking for Money.

2007-05-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

I was running the other day and as I run, I always look for any obstacles such as glass, holes in the sidewalk or uneven places that might cause an injury. I usually run against traffic so theoretically if a car were careening out of control I might have a chance at diving in the ditch. Every once in a while I'll notice a penny or sometimes even a quarter. On this particular day I see a one dollar bill about 2 feet off the sidewalk in the grass. I immediately stop and as I bend down to pick it up I notice ANOTHER one dollar bill.

Well, I had planned on just picking up the one dollar and keep on running, but now upon finding the second dollar I am in official looking-for-money mode. Who knows, maybe the unfortunate soul who had lost the couple of bucks had also lost a twenty! I mean, there is no sense in letting all that money blow around littering up the place. I have discovered there is a special attitude involved whenever I am looking for money.

Now I'm not talking about the general awareness of noticing money lying around somewhere. I mean when we are with purpose and eagerness looking expectantly for money or even the anticipation of finding money we have lost KNOWING it has to be here somewhere.

I try to read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with each day's date so when I found the couple of dollars on April 24th, the experience of finding the money was still fresh in my mind when I read Proverbs chapter 2, yesterday. The chapter begins by laying out a list of "ifs" when it comes to accepting words of teaching, storing them within us, turning our ear to wisdom and applying our hearts to understanding. The payoff comes in verse 5 with the reward being gaining the understanding of the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God.

The crescendo for me was when I read the instructions when it comes to calling and crying out for insight and understanding in verse 4. "... and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure," That verse took on a whole new meaning for me after finding the couple of dollars and having my attitude changed instantly into the one of "looking for money." I was WAY too happy about finding a couple of dollars on the street. If I can apply the same enthusiasm and downright determination to studying the scriptures and gaining the wisdom and insight I am promised a success that a lifetime of searching for silver can't match.

I notice the instruction is not to search for it harder than we would search for silver or hidden treasure. We are only instructed to equal the intensity we have in our lives for gaining money. We know the wisdom and insight involved in God's Word is many times more valuable than any money we can gain in our lifetimes. I think the challenge is maintaining that focus and determination about God's Word in spite of the messages, that is, lies, that society tries to convince us to spend our lives pursuing instead.

"The Church of Christ is HIV positive."

2007-04-25T12:48:00.000-06:00

We had a preacher from Nairobi, Kenya speak to us this past Wednesday night and we heard him again at the area-wide singing on Sunday evening. Nyabuto Marube, pronounced (Nyuh- BOOT oh, -- Ma RU bee) made this statement at the Sunday evening service where probably 4-6 congregations were represented.

Nyabuto then quoted 1 Cor. 12.25-26, putting emphasis on verse 26 about how if one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it. He shared this with the story of a man who had left behind a wife and several children for the Kayole Church of Christ to look after when this man died of AIDS.

Wow! The characteristics of Jesus as the savior taking on our afflictions, being a man of sorrows and being familiar with rejection and being ostracized had never been clearer than when hearing this man speak. I hope I can springboard off the inspiration he has given me to reach out, as Nyabuto is, to a community as desperate for the good news of Christ as any I've ever talked to before.

"Who has sinned...

2007-04-17T10:27:00.000-06:00

... this man or his parents." The disciples saw a man who was born blind and immediately assigned blame to certain people as well as blame and motive to God. Jesus answered the disciples, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

I am gratefully very removed from the massacre at Virginia Tech yesterday. The questions about why are already swirling on the airwaves. God's motives will be speculated upon by many even well meaning people. I believe times like these reveal God's motive behind sending His Son as our Saviour.

It is BECAUSE of the evil in the world that we all need saving. When things are going semi-smoothly for me it is tempting to look around and wonder why all the fuss, what do I NEED saving from? This world ain't all bad. Then the reality of how damaging and damning sin on the loose is comes crashing down all around me. I fear the suffering of epic proportions touching me intimately as all these families at Virginia Tech are feeling.

It is during these times of crisis when people start looking deeper for answers than ever before. The answer is Jesus Christ. It is only through Him we are offered the opportunity to attach ourselves to true power, authority, goodness and immortality. Surely no one can be surprised at the occurence of such atrocities anymore. Denying the probability or even the certainty of extremely similar events within 10, 5 or even during the next year would serve only to certify one's insanity.

The salvation of Christ makes a person's death gain rather than loss.

Philippians 1.21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Does that take away the pain of suffering? No it doesn't. Even Jesus sweat drops of blood in the anxiety leading up to His sacrifice on the cross. Even Jesus cried out "Why?" on the cross during His suffering. However, Jesus' death on the cross was not the end and His sacrifice for us makes it possible that our own deaths don't have to mean the end for us either. His resurrection gives us hope through the trials and tribulations of this life no matter what or how harsh the suffering blow dealt us.

Where'd all the Honeybees go?

2007-04-11T15:02:00.000-06:00

Who can keep up with all of the variables pushing on our world these days? The bee farmer in the article is missing approximately 50 million bees. How would you like a world map sitemeter on all their locations? God knows each of their whereabouts.

Jesus tells us that our Father in heaven does not let a sparrow fall to the ground outside of His will. Matthew 10.29 Jesus also tells us we are worth more than many sparrows. That kind of attention to detail by the creator of the universe is reassuring and a huge confidence builder in a world full of mindbreaking problems.

Jesus tells us, "It's gonna be allright. My Dad's taking care of things. Don't mind the things of this world. Focus on the eternal. That's what's really important in the end." That is an easy task on some days. On other days it seems right near impossible.

Teachers

2007-03-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite movies is The School of Rock starring Jack Black. Maybe because it reminds me of the things that I considered important when I was that age. A great scene in the movie shows the teachers at a table eating lunch together. Dewey (Black's character) has all of them listening to him tell funny stories and cracking jokes. At the end of one of his stories the punch line goes, "and those who can't do, teach...and those who can't teach...teach gym [as he points at the PE teacher]", and they all crack up, including the PE teacher. That scene really floors me.

I sure hope that it isn't the case - that those of us that teach Sunday School can't "do". Is there anything that a teenager can sniff out faster than a hypocrite? I don't think so.

Which brings me around to my point - finally! If you haven't taught a class on Sunday morning, you should give it a try. I'm certain that you will find it a very gratifying experience. I've always said that I get more out of it than my students. Please volunteer!

skubalon

2007-03-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

In Philippians 3.4-6 Paul lays out his "qualifications" for being highly regarded by men. He has an impressive resume' for the criteria demanded by the religious ruling class of the day. Down in verse 8 Paul makes an equally impressive comparison of his strengths just listed to the surpassing greatness or excellency of knowing Christ. Paul considers the bullet points so desirous by men as dung or rubbish. At Winterfest there was an emphasis on all the things our society encourages us to pursue. In comparison to knowing Christ it is all "skubalon." Skubalon is the Greek word for dung or rubbish; things worthless and detestable.

Jesus pointed this out to the Pharisees who loved money in Luke 16.15b "... What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." The stage at Winterfest was filled with stuff like an electric guitar, big screen TV and a ton of other things representing all of the valuable stuff in the character's life in the skit. After dying, this person was awarded the prize of everything he had valued in his life. In comparison to the joy of knowing Christ and receiving eternal life, it all looked like skubalon.

In our day to day lives it is extremely challenging to abandon the life of trying to accumulate skubalon and instead embrace the life of accumulating the treasure, the prize, the crown that will not tarnish, rust or get stolen. Recognizing skubalon when we see it and placing our priorities on the things having an eternal value is a challenge not limited to our teenagers.

Now THAT'S Integrity

2007-03-09T08:06:00.000-06:00

One of the speakers at Winterfest was the Olympic Gold Medal winner Mike Marsh. He excelled in track in High School and at UCLA. Upon turning pro, his then trainer confronted him with the fact that due to so many athletes taking performance enhancing drugs, (everybody's doing it) Mike would never make it on hard work, desire, talent and commitment alone. Mike's trainer was so sure about this, he gave Mike a choice. Either start taking steroids or find a new trainer.

Mike found a new trainer.

Many aspiring Olympic athletes are asked the simple question: If you could take a pill guaranteeing a gold medal in your sport, but also guaranteeing your death in 10 years, would you take the pill. Many answered yes to that question and also answer yes to steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Mike talked to the teens at Winterfest about not taking the easy road in life of acceptance, inclusion and popularity when the sacrifice you will be called to make is your integrity.

Perseverance and Patience

2007-03-01T13:11:00.000-06:00

Roger Crouch was born colorblind. After his application to become an astronaut or military pilot was turned down because of this inborn inability, Roger could have easily justified surrendering to the impossibility of his dream of space travel as an astronaut. His application rejected for over ten years, make that twenty, no; make that an application rejected for over 30 years running did not discourage this man from continuing to apply. By now Roger was a scientist working with metallurgy in weightless conditions and in April of 1997 he realized his dream of space flight as an astronaut/scientist aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

Roger spoke to the teens at Winterfest and acknowledged that while realizing a dream of space flight might be "a" prize, nothing compares to "the" prize God has in mind for us through Christ. When I think about waiting for God to deliver, my timetable is considerably shorter than 30 years. Roger's commitment and determination coupled with the perseverance and patience is truly inspirational.

What is this I hear about you?

2007-02-27T09:57:00.000-06:00

One of the speakers at Winterfest talked about the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 starting in verse one. This was the question posed by the master to his servant. "What is this I hear about you?" The point was made that God is extremely interested in knowing how our lives are going, about our struggles, our victories, our failures. The point was also made that just as the master already knew the answer, God of course already knows the answer as well. God still wants to hear it from us firsthand. I wonder if God just wants to see how honest we will be with Him and in the end with our own selves about our struggles. I look at the honesty of Job in his sufferings, the honesty of Jesus on the cross. God defended Job's integrity to Satan and Job's words to his friends. No need to defend Jesus' words.

The next question highlighted in the parable was the question the servant asked himself.

What shall I do now?

The theme of Winterfest this year was "The Prize" and how society encourages us to think about the present and worry about the past, while the message of Christ contained in Philippians 3.13-14 emphasizes the need to forget about the past and strain toward the future we have been promised through Christ.

Winterfest 2007

2007-02-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

Wow! Winterfest Gatlinburg was awesome as usual. I wish I were more familiar with the music of Jars of Clay. We've got some pictures posted at our other website here . I'll start posting some of the messages that stuck in my mind as time permits.

Seeing is Believing ... or is it?

2007-02-09T11:47:00.000-06:00

This post is somewhat removed from a few posts ago about wise sayings that are not true. This may be the strongest wise saying or at least look like a very sound wise saying. After all, if I saw something with my own two eyes how can I possibly deny the truth of reality. I have in the past condemned those who lived during the times recorded in the Bible who witnessed so many miracles as being either wretchedly hard headed or hard hearted. Then of course the other viable option is to question the intelligence or lack thereof of any person who could have witnessed undeniable miracles and yet STILL not put their faith in Christ.

I still sometimes foolishly think that if I, like Paul, before his conversion had been struck blind for three days and then had my sight restored, I would and would have lived a more righteous life and would have unquestionably made better decisions than I have over the years. I believe the scriptures stand in direct opposition to this kind of thinking. In Matthew 23.30 Jesus points out how the religious leaders of the day thought like this. "If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets."

This kind of reasoning, as Jesus judges it, does not aquit those leaders, but instead condemns them as guilty of not only the blood of the prophets their forefathers had killed, but also even the guilt as far back as the murder of Abel by Cain will be laid at the feet of that generation.

Luke 16.19 begins the story of the rich man and Lazarus where both die and the rich man is in torment as Lazarus is at Abraham's side being comforted. After the rich man's request for relief with water from the tip of Lazarus' finger is denied, the rich man's thoughts turn to his five brothers. The rich man asks that Abraham allow Lazarus to go to them to warn and prevent them from suffering the same end as he has. Abraham tells the rich man that his brothers can listen to Moses and the prophets to gain salvation.

Here the rich man, I think, makes the case for the wise saying, "Seeing is Believing" when he suggests to Abraham that Moses and the prophets won't be nearly as convincing as seeing someone from the dead testify about eternity. Abraham obliterates this type of reasoning in Luke 16.31 in the conclusion of the story when he says, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."

Devlin, Sundance and Kids.

2007-01-27T09:44:00.000-06:00

The news for the past two weeks has been full of headlines involving children. We heard the miraculous news of the recovery of two kidnapped boys followed by the not-so-miraculous news of a child rape scene in a movie shown at the Sundance Film Festival.

In the first case, the exhilaration of finding the two kidnapped boys alive quickly gave way to speculation on the failure of Shawn Hornbeck to escape from his captor, Mike Devlin, despite apparently numerous opportunities. I can't imagine how the boys would feel if they saw themselves on TV being criticized for not running away if they had the chance. Can't we agree that it is highly likely that they were under some form of duress; threats of harm to themselves or their families? At the very least shouldn't we be compelled to give these children the benefit of the doubt that all is not what it seems to be from an adult perspective? Maybe something else is at work here. Perhaps the 24 hour news cycle is driving some decision-making in our country's newsrooms.

In the second case, there is a scene in a movie starring child actress Dakota Fanning alluding to the fact that she is being raped. The phrase 'alluding to' is intentional as the scene was partially described on the radio during a review show that I was listening to on my drive home. What really got me thinking was the editorial content of the show responding to the negative reation by so-called "conservative groups" on the movie's content. The Host said, "How can anyone criticize a movie that they haven't even seen?". The response from the critic, "Exactly. And this stuff REALLY happens.". As for the Host's remark, I don't think that it is necessary to actually see something to know that it is inherently evil. Can any of us actually see what lurks in the hearts of men? No, but evil it can surely be. And for the Critic's remark, we are all aware that this stuff really happens. And if the point of the remark was that by showing the scene, the revulsion would deter this behavor, I sincerely hope that this was the intention. In our world, I believe it is far, far more likely that the scene was either a publicity-seeking gambit or - may it not be so - catering to the segment of our society drawn to pedophilia. In either case, it again seems that an adult motive is at work, soundly quashing any regard for the child actress.

Can we stem the tide of pushing the adult world into our children's world? Using an analogy in our high tech lives, I believe we need to build a firewall to protect the innocence and wonder of childhood. Their minds are so fragile. They do not have the time and experience aquired in a lifetime by adults for reasoning or for developing any of our defensive and coping mechanisms. I do not think it was an accident that God chose to bring Christ into this world as an infant. It must have been a part of His plan to allow Christ to fully understand the journey that each one of us takes in determing our path between good and evil. May it always be so that each one of our children can develop free from the cares of the adult world.

The Florida Gators...

2007-01-09T13:49:00.000-06:00

won the college football National Championship last night. As much I don't care for the Gator chomp, program or teams I thought Billy Donovan, Florida's basketball coach, said something very telling as part of a motivational speech he gave to the football team. Billy Donovan's credibility is at an all-time high after coaching the basketball gators to its own National Championship this past April. He said, " The ingredients to winning don't change. It stays the same" He continued, "What changes are the people. People change. The focus changes. People's commitments change. Their accountabilities change. But the ingredients to win are the same ingredients now as they were 50 years ago."

The stability of those ingredients for winning, I believe, are similar to the winning strategy in evangelism. Love never fails. 1 Cor. 13.8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13.8 Why would I adopt any non-100% success rate strategy?

Selling, Marketing and Evangelism

2007-01-04T08:16:00.000-06:00

As I embark on the New Year I have been looking at just how results oriented the message of Jesus is. Trees producing fruit, servants managing money, soil producing a crop are just a few examples of how concerned God is with the bottom line. "I knew you were a hard man," says the servant that hid his money in the ground, "You reap where you have not sown and you gather where you have not scattered."

I had an interesting conversation about this the other day when considering strategies for evangelism. Admittedly when talking about selling, marketing or any other kind of results oriented strategies, it sounds shallow or even crude when correlating it with sharing the gospel message. However, when it comes to results or "winning" as the case may be, God is all about it. In the description of love found in 1 Cor. 13, before we are told how love is patient, kind, and forgiving, God tells us through Paul that He doesn't care what we know, believe or do if it is not accompanied by an attitude of love which He then carefully defines for us. I think the pinnacle of what God is trying to tell us comes in verse 8 as it reads, "Love never fails."

Why does God want us to adopt a life of love, a strategy of love, to walk in love? I think it is for the most simple reason available. Love wins. Love succeeds. Love never loses. Love gets the results God wants. Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing." I think God subscribes to that philosophy when it comes to relationships among people. If someone were to suggest a DIFFERENT strategy, shouldn't I want to know if that suggested strategy EVER fails. If it doesn't have a 100% success ratio, why would I even consider trying it when God has given me a failproof method. You could take medicine A which has been proven to cure you 100% of the time or you can take medicine B which has been proven to cure you 95% of the time and to kill you only 5% of the time. Who would even consider medicine B?

Now if we look at how Love is defined by society we might consider the song by the Rolling Stones, "Love Stinks." The song by Nazareth, "Love Hurts" A line in "Love Hurts" is "I know it isn't true, Love is just a LIE made to make you blue." Then the song by Don Henley and Patti Smyth warns that "there's a danger in loving somebody too much," because "sometimes love just ain't enough." When love is REDEFINED as a burning desire within ourselves that must be fulfilled, love will be devalued to represent selfish desire, lust and justification for sexual immorality. It is then that those songs become true about love as it has been redefined by society.

Do I want to redefine love as something it is not and then complain to God when my version of love FAILS? This kind of love is nothing close to the unfailing, invincible, winning love that God has defined for us in His word. In the end, if I am doing this, I must admit that there isn't a problem with love, there is a problem with... me. If I am really wanting to win, won't I use love as the Ace of Spades trump card that it is in my life. The problem with trying to use love selfishly is that love is not selfish. I can't use love ruthlessly because love is not ruthless. I wonder if God is serious about wanting me to love others as HE has specifically defined love? I believe He is eternally serious about it.

Carpe Diem

2006-12-19T13:44:00.000-06:00

Ask, Seek, Knock
This is the sub-title listed in the NIV translation above Matthew 7.7-12, which reads,

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

I think this is Jesus' way of saying seize the day, but maybe even more specifically, Jesus is telling us to be a pro-active people or a pro-active person. Taking the initiative demands a certain willingness to take on risk. Jesus realizes this and the fear that will accompany facing any risk and so after encouraging His followers to take the initiative, He follows it up with the promise of success.

Jesus says that God is better than even the best of earthly fathers. Notice how even in our relationships with others, as Jesus states what is commonly known as the golden rule, we are instructed to take the initiative in a pro-active role rather than being passive in a reactive role.

Ice Storms

2006-11-30T18:48:00.000-06:00

Being part of the greater St. Louis area, Godfrey is still thawing out from the Rain/Ice/Snow storm that hit the vertical mid-section of the United States this past Wednesday and Thursday. My family has been very fortunate that we haven't lost electrical power as millions initially and hundreds of thousands who are still without electricity even today.

Even as our schools are back to business and the driving challenges are limited to ice patches here and there mostly in parking lots, I have noticed that no one is labeling this storm the "Storm of the Century." The last storm I remember having not only the quantity of ice, but also the staying power that comes with the lingering frigid temperatures happened in the mid to late '70's down in West Tennessee.

Now I wonder how long it will be until I can again see the inspiring ice coating of the barren trees as the sun lights them up. Even as awesome as the sights are and were over the past few days I do not wish for this "pleasure" again any time soon. The pain and suffering endured by some because of the brutality of the ice makes any desire on my part to see the beauty of the ice in nature seem, at the mildest, cruel.

It makes me wonder how many of my own desires, if they were fulfilled, would by default, cause pain and suffering to those around me known and unknown. I have regularly and sarcastically suggested that a sign of growing old is hoping that it will not snow. No one ever hears a child say, "I hope it doesn't snow," or "I sure am glad it didn't snow." I now think that rather than being a sign of aging, these statements are born out of a certain maturity that may or may not be accompanied by age.

I am sure that as I enjoyed my days out of school, sledding and leisure back in the '70's as a result of that ice storm, I was completely ignorant of the pain and suffering taking place all around me due to the same event that was the origin of my delight. I remember my disappointment as time went by without another storm of that caliber showing up to rescue me from..., to rescue me from..., to rescue me from..., nothing terribly bad, only the routine. Memories are harder to create for me when I am in the routine. Time passes faster for me when I am in the routine, but I am not nearly as appreciative of the blessings God has placed in my life.

What is it about the peaks and the valleys of life that help us gain insight and wisdom into areas of our life that we would never uncover during the routine? How much realization comes during the peaks when compared to the education imparted during the valleys? I think this is why Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, "...we rejoice in our sufferings." I don't believe Paul is saying he enjoys suffering, but rather the fruit of suffering listed in verse 4 and 5 of Romans chapter 5. I want the hope that doesn't disappoint. I want the character and perseverance. I just don't want the suffering that produces those things. I want humility without the humiliation. I want the ability and discipline to focus on the truly important things in this life without the suffering and loss that immediately produces that desired focus. Can I gain the maturity to look past the struggles that are inevitably coming my way and see the opportunity, the honor or the glory in doing the good works that God has prepared in advance for me to do? Eph. 2.10

"That's going on your permanent...

2006-11-16T09:44:00.000-06:00

record." Whenever we hear those words directed at ourselves or someone else, usually it is in the negative sense. Whatever the event, action, behavior or lack thereof we all have parts of our lives that we wish could simply be erased from existence. I don't have time to chronicle all of my bad decisions or mistakes that I have made, am making and will make, but rest assured I have made my share or more of these foolish choices in my life. Some of you will need less convincing than others. :-)

One of the greatest things about the message of Jesus Christ is the opportunity to let us not just start over with a clean slate, but that God focuses on only our positives through His grace and mercy and the path to forgiveness that He has blessed us with in the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ on the cross. Negative has a way of completely overpowering any positives a person may have in their lives. With all the media attention atrocious acts are given, any one of those acts could be used against that person to not only outweigh any good that person has done, but easily erase from anyone's memory any positive attributes the person may still possess. Notice how society wants to erase any good accomplished by a person, corporation or country and how successful society is to that end. When people start talking about legacies and the like, many successful and even historic figures are cut down to nothingness with just the accusation of negative, not to mention those who are totally destroyed by the truth of a particularly dreadful, as society judges it, character flaw.

I think the Kingdom of God came to turn the tables not only on the hierarchy of society, (Mark 10.43, "...whoever want to become great among you must be your servant.") but also in even how we present ourselves to others. Most of us are familiar with "putting our best foot forward." This strategy is the worldly way. We do this when meeting new people, interviewing for jobs, dating etc. Is my "best foot" really just a lie or will I actually become the person I want those who I am trying to impress to believe that I am? In 2 Cor. 11.30 and 12.5-6, God through Paul shows us the example of how the Kingdom of God turns us upside down when it comes even to presenting our strengths and weaknesses.

Will I have or can I develop the discipline and the wisdom to actually boast about my weaknesses as Paul does? If I don't or if I am not, then I need to. God reveals the truth behind this strategy in 2 Cor. 12.9, when He told Paul that His power is made perfect in weakness. Because of this Paul determines to all the more gladly boast of his weaknesses. Shouldn't that be my attitude as well? Adopting that attitude will not only take lots of courage, wisdom and discipline, but I think it may be one of the greatest leaps of faith a person will ever take.

To Vote or Not To Vote...

2006-11-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

that is a question. Usually around election time this topic will show up in the pulpits across America. An even more pointed question is, how should a Christian vote? Someone against voting might quote Philippians 3.20 about our citizenship being in heaven. I think that is an accurate application and it certainly applies to voting. Another good scripture would be 2 Timothy 2.4 about a soldier not getting involved in civilian affairs, but concentrating on pleasing his commanding officer. I would hope that I would have the discipline to abandon considerably more of my worldly attitude than just giving up my right to vote if I lean on these particular passages of scripture to explain my position on not voting.

Paul in Acts 22.25 invokes his rights as a Roman citizen to save himself from a sure flogging at the hands of local authorities. Why does Paul speak up and not just take the beating that he had already endured on other occasions? I think Paul is using his rights as a Roman citizen to further the Kingdom of God. Paul's Roman citizenship is simply a tool in his arsenal provided by God. Many of us are blessed with tools at our disposal to further the Kingdom of God. I believe we will have to give an account of how we used those tools just as the servants in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 are called to account for themselves.

If I honestly believe that not voting will further the Kingdom of God, I think it would be a sin to vote. If I honestly believe that voting will further the Kingdom of God, I think it would be a sin not to vote. Who I should vote for should fall under this same test. My vote or decision not to vote should be used like all of my other tools that God has blessed each of us with. All things in all ways should be used for the glory of God. Live Godly, speak Godly, and vote Godly. I believe people can be right on both sides of this argument.

Another Wise Saying That Isn't True

2006-11-01T12:38:00.000-06:00

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

This saying is close to "don't mess with success."

In John 15.1 Jesus says that He is the vine and God is the gardener. In verse 2, Jesus says that God cuts off every branch in Jesus that bears no fruit...

The next sentence addresses those branches in Christ that do produce fruit. It stands to reason that if the wise saying above were true then the productive branches would be left alone. However, we find out that this is not the case for the productive branches. Instead as Jesus continues in at the end of verse 2, "...while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

Pruning or cleansing, as some versions say, not only does not sound like leaving things alone as long as they are working, but it also does not sound pain free. Those who are fruitful in Christ are given attention by God so that their lives will become even MORE productive. I am reminded of the trees I have seen in orchards. Those trees do not look normal and they aren't because they are specially and specifically pruned to be as productive as they can possibly be.

"If it ain't broke, maintain it or enhance it." is what I believe God's attitude is toward our lives and is what our own attitudes need to be toward our own service in the kingdom.

Wise old sayings that aren't true...

2006-10-20T07:39:00.000-06:00

"There's no such thing as a dumb question."

According to the scriptures, there is.
Eccleciates 7.10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.
1 Cor. 15.35-36 But someone may ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?" How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.

"Time is money."

No it isn't.

"Time heals all wounds."

No it doesn't.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

Yes they will.

"If you don't have your health, you don't have anything."

If you have treasure laid up in heaven, your health or lack thereof becomes irrelevant.

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

Jesus says put all your eggs in his basket. Matt. 6.33

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

Jesus tells us to give up the bird in our hand, our physical lives and along with its desires, for the promise of eternal life.

"If you try to please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one."
or the very similar "The quickest way to please no one is trying to please everyone."

1 Cor. 10.33 ... even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

I'll update this as I think of others

So now do I get to...

2006-10-02T10:58:00.000-06:00

flip out. I just turned 40 so I was wondering if I am now officially excused for irrational or self-destructive behavior. I could go bungee jumping, skydiving, purchase a motorcycle, enter the tough man competition, put it all on black or red and let it ride, start racing a car at the local dirt track, go over niagara falls in a wooden barrel, swim the English channel, take up surfing, run a marathon, walk the length of the great wall of China, hike the Appalachian Trail, go hang gliding, work towards my pilot's license, try to set a new land, air or water speed record, try out for a semi-pro football team or buy a thousand dollars worth of penny stocks on credit and hope to be a millionaire by the end of the week.

I think it is ironic but not coincidental that many mid-life crisis flip outs are, in the end, based in selfishness. Who was I going to write the great American novel for or purchase that red mustang convertible for? Whose life will be enriched if I were to do all the things listed above?

I believe the message of Christ is about enriching the lives of others while sacrificing the enrichment of our own lives as we wait for God to enrich our lives on a far grander scale than we could ever aspire to with our human desires and ambitions. It is so hard to lay down my agenda for my life and take up God's agenda. I want them to run together, but I know they rarely will until I mature enough spiritually through Christ to change my agenda into God's agenda.

And When I Stand Praying...

2006-09-13T14:36:00.000-06:00

In Mark 11:25-26 (New International Version) we read, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Uh, oh. I pray often but it seems that those little grudges that I hold against others are a big problem. I respectfully expect God to hear what I have to say and I deferentially expect God to consider my request - but have I really held up my end of the deal? Have I forgiven others of any perceived infraction against me? That is a question that I must, in all honesty, answer no, I haven’t. And it seems that even the passage of time has not dimmed my enthusiasm for holding grudges and recalling how much I really do not like this or that person.

I happen to have the Closing Prayer at services this week. As I stand praying, can I fully expect God to do what I have asked Him to do when I have not done what He has asked me to do? Mark 11:25-26 is clear. No. It is not logical, reasonable or even remotely rational for me to expect Him to hear me - let alone contemplate granting my requests.

As I think about this I want to Thank God for the cleansing power of Christ so that He can still hear me as I work on this problem. I also pray that he helps me lay these things aside. The Prince of Peace is waiting for me. I pray that the Good Lord helps me remember this the next time I let those grudges get in between us.

Hermosillo, Mexico Church Support

2006-09-13T09:52:00.000-06:00

Jerry Todd is leading a support effort to provide Air Conditioning and a Second Floor Youth Room for the church in Hermosillo, Mexico. If you can, please place your contribution toward this Good Work in the collection box on the wall in the Lobby.

My food is...

2006-09-08T18:49:00.000-06:00

In John chapter 4 after Jesus' initial interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." Just as the Samaritan woman had thought of the living water that Jesus was offering was physical and Nicodemus in the previous chapter had thought of being born again as physical, the disciples asked each other about the physical food possibilities. "Could someone have brought him food?"

Jesus then states in 4.34 "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work?" It is hard to make the transition from the physical needs list of food, water, shelter and clothing to the will of God in my life actually being a need. My need is to do the will of God. It won't be long before I am eating, drinking, sheltered and clothed. How long will it be before God finds me doing His will? It will all depend on how much I need to do His will.

My food is... the Lord of my life, whether or not that happens to be Jesus.

Ministry of death or righteousness...

2006-07-30T19:32:00.000-06:00

I am not a fanatic when it comes to the posting of the ten commandments, but I do think people go overboard on both sides of the issue. I mean how could someone think that posting the 10 commandments is establishing a state religion. On the other hand why would anyone depend on the state to endorse the 10 commandments and go nuts when a school or court has to take them down.

In 2 Cor. 3, Paul describes the law of Moses, the old covenant, basically the 10 commandments as the ministry of death and condemnation. Paul describes the new covenant through Christ as the ministry of the spirit and righteousness. Is this Paul's description, yes, but I think even more powerful and certainly just as accurate --- this is God's description of the old covenant through Paul. The letter of the law condemns, but the spirit gives life. The letter takes life, but the spirit gives life.

What kind of minister do each of us need to be and which ministry do we need to represent? The choice is ours. We can be the ministers of death and condemnation or we can be the ministers of the spirit and righteousness. We cannot be both.

The Friend of a Friend...

2006-07-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

The Friend of a friend is struggling with cancer. This morning, I received an e-mail with the link to the Blog that reports her condition. The next message in my Inbox contained the following interview from the author of a Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren (Saddleback Church in California). As one who believes that God is instumental in our lives, I do not believe that this is a coincidence. Please read the following excerpt and link to the Blog for Cindy Owens.

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, what is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.

God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain."

But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, and drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD.

Please pray for:

http://cindyowen.blogspot.com/

VBS was a huge success! Photos are now available for viewing...

2006-06-21T14:03:00.000-06:00

Vacation Bible School concluded Wednesday night and everyone had a fantastic time. All play scripts for Nights #1, #2, #3 and #4 have been posted to http://godfreychurchofchrist.googlepages.com/youthgrouppage. We encourage you to reproduce and use them as you see fit.

Everyone wore their complimentary VBS T-shirts for our Tournament of Champions on Wednesday and they looked great!

The VBS pictures turned out great!!!! They've been posted to the web. Log on to our Web Page (link below) and click on the Youth Group Photos section for instructions on how to view;

http://godfreychurchofchrist.googlepages.com/youthgroupphotos

Why did God give me authority?

2006-06-14T06:09:00.000-06:00

Many will object to the premise of this question and say, "I don't have much authority or power." While that statement may be correct, it also recognizes that we do wield and have at least some authority. No matter how minimal we feel our authority and power are, the question stands as originally stated. "Why did God give me authority?"

In 2 Cor. 13.10 Paul tells the Corinthians how he does not want to have to be harsh or use sharpness when he comes to them in reference to the power or authority he has. And then Paul, or God through Paul reveals why Paul has the power or authority he has. God gave Paul power or authority to build up or edify the Corinthians. It would seem logical, since this reason behind Paul's authority is given, that the negative reason for Paul having his authority for tearing down the Corinthians would be eliminated simply by implication. God does not allow for speculation in this area to be wrong or right. God spells it out specifically why Paul possesses the power or authority he has as well as the reason that is not behind God's motive for giving Paul authority. "...the authority God gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." KJV uses the word power instead of authority.

Why did God give Paul authority? God gave Paul authority to enable him to build others up.

What was not the reason God gave Paul authority? God did not give Paul authority to enable him to tear others down.

I believe that each of us have been given the power, authority, resources and influence that we have for the same reason God gave authority to Paul; to enable us to build up other people and not for tearing people down. When I use my authority to tear others down I believe it is a perverted use of God-given authority.

When I die, will I leave a hole...

2006-05-24T08:02:00.000-06:00

or will I just be filling a hole? Patrick Mead asks how committed we are to the kingdom. Handle with care, because this essay has some sharp edges. :-) I think it also demonstrates how challenging it can be to balance the need to encourage people's involvement in the kingdom with the need of holding them accountable.

The determining criteria....

2006-05-22T17:21:00.000-06:00

of those who follow Christ is that we love each other. One of the most persistent and harshest observations against the bride of Christ tends to involve the word "hypocrite." I have always had the view that since we are all sinners then we are all, to a certain extent, hypocrites. Here of late, my view or definition of the term "hypocrite" has taken a different turn. Jesus states very clearly in Matthew 18, how His Father will treat us if we are not prone to forgive our brothers and sisters from the heart. Knowing how serious Jesus is about making good on His Word, it makes me reason how compelling our attitude of forgiveness, having compassion, patience, and sympathy as followers of Christ would be toward one another. When this is not the case, hypocrisy reigns. When people come into the midst of the body of Christ the determining criteria is decidedly not an attitude that clearly reflects how my sins are a speck, but my brother's sins are a plank. Now I see hypocrisy represented by a double standard for sins. There is the one standard for my sins and another standard for the sins of my brother. Guess which one is higher? Guess how attractive this message is to a lost world?

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2006-05-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

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