Cell Phone Cameras Stink

For some reason this stinkin cell phone won't send the other pictures. Can you sense the hostility in these words. grrrrr!! Not that you would be able to make out what was in the photos any way.

Night Of Worship

Last night was wonderful. My mother and I had a great time at the concert. It was really cool to see and hear over 3 thousand people singing to God together. We had some of the best seats. Main floor, only 11 rows back from the stage. I'm bummed because I didn't take the camera. There were some great photo opportunities. I tried taking some shots with the cell phone but they do no justice. Israel Houghton and New Breed was the opening act. I had no idea who they were but they did an awesome job getting everyone pumped up and praising the Lord. As it turns out the lead guy, Israel, his mother was originally from Waterloo, Iowa. We also found out that Chris Tomlin was prayed over as a boy. The prayer was for him to be a song writer and leader for God. Pretty cool to see it has come to pass.

The presence of God was definitely in that place last night. Being just one face among thousands is something else. I was thinking that I am no more important than the next face. God hears all these individuals and cares so much for each and every one. What a huge God we serve that sees and knows all.

Man, three solid hours of praising and worshiping God. It seems like that's a long time but really it isn't. I hear that the underground churches in china will gather and worship God all day. Something like 12 hours or so. Now that is a hunger for the Living God.

Quick Daily Thought

It's almost noon and I have a four hour trip ahead of me to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to see Chris Tomlin live. Thought I would jot down a quick thought before I go. I know that I will probably be exhausted by the time I get home tonight. I don't expect to get home until around two in the morning.

The last couple nights I have been doing my daily bible reading in the books of Exodus, and Leviticus. I'll be completely honest and say that I can barely stand to read these two books of the Bible. There is so much repetitive law and instruction. From the construction of the Tabernacle to the priestly garments and the law of burnt offerings and the law of grain offerings and the law of peace offerings and the law of sin offerings and so on and so on.

At first thought the laws given seem only to have been made obsolete by Jesus. Paul said that when the complete and perfect came, the incomplete and imperfect would become void and superseded. But while all these specific laws have become void, we must not lose sight of the fact that they are "superseded" by the underlying spiritual principle which is just as binding. (AMP notes) Jesus Christ Himself said, "Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law...;I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill" it.

I'm so glad we don't live in those times anymore. We live such free lives with Christ now. No more burnt offerings of specific order and so on. He came that we may have life and life more abundantly. These books show me how God takes our sin so seriously, and makes me appreciate the gift of His son Jesus Christ this much more.

In Galatians 2:19-20 of the Amp. Bible it reads "For I through the Law [under the operation of the curse of the Law] have [in Christ's death for me] myself died to the Law and all the Law's demands upon me, so that I may [henceforth] live to and for God. I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Burdened... Please Pray!

I'm super excited about going and seeing Chris Tomlin tomorrow. But there is one thing that is on my mind that I can't shake. I've been burdened with this most of the day. I received tragic news today. I found out that one of my old friends new husband committed suicide. I can't imagine the grief that she must be going through right now. I bring this up here so that the power of prayer can take place in her life. I ask all who read this to pray for this young lady. Her name is Erin. I've seen what takes place from blog to blog. It's a beautiful thing when we can rally in prayer for someone, even someone we don't know. I pray that she doesn't do anything rash but that she will turn to the Lord. I know she has Christian influence in her family but like me, she has lived far from God. If anything I pray that this situation will result in the salvation of her soul somehow. I keep thinking of the same scripture over and over. "-God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;"

I'm calling these things that do not exist as though they did. Our God is Able. He hears, He cares. He answers.

Another Poem

May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day.
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing-
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe.
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

~Kate B. Wilkinson~

New Age Stuff

What do these things look like to you? Ink pens? Or perhaps ink pens with cameras? Have any guesses? How about laser lights? All good guesses but not even close.

Did you guess computer? That was my first guess too. Can't get nothing past me. :-) Just what I need. Something that costs me a thousand dollars or better that I can misplace. This is where blue tooth technology is taking us. I'm still confused on how the keyboard works.

I Broke The Jeep

Today my Jeep is broke and awaiting repair uptown, thus I can not make it in to work. So I thought I would direct you to the church blog to check out some of the mission pictures I posted over there. Down and to the left you will find the church blog link or click here.

Last night after checking out my mothers new horse I ventured back to Clear Lake for another deer party. On my way down the interstate my belt tension pulley decided to spit out her bearings. Being that I have a new alternator and power steering pump and belt I didn't want to risk anymore damage to the super blessed Jeep. So up town Hanlontown she sits. I guess I will take this time to do more church website updating...later.

My Baptism

Here I am getting ready to take the plunge. Can you see the sweat on my brow?The speech! This was a shock. I had no idea I was going to do this. I was a little nervous and to tell the truth, I have no idea what I said. Did I speak at all?
And its official. I am dead to sin. To help me get over my nerves I had to keep telling myself that Jesus hung on the cross in front of everyone with my sin upon Him. I can surely do this in front of a congregation.

The aftermath. Do I look any different? I think I look cleaner. Thanks Pastor Will, at least I don't have to take a shower tonight. Ha Ha.

Mission Complete

We had a great time today working hard for a good cause. I regretfully forgot my camera this morning so I have no pictures of my own. There was another young man that was going around taking pictures so I asked him to hook me up. He said he would so I will have some photos to post here and on the church blog. The Lord really came through today. He put this mission on the hearts of many people. There was such a great turn out that a 6 hour job turned out to be just under a 3 hour job. The entire basement is now gutted and ready for reconstruction.

We had prayer in the morning which turned out to be a good idea. God's provision and devine safety was there. I had a huge fluorescent light fixture break free from its mounts and swing right by my head before the wire snapped and fell to the ground with sparks flying. People brought there little kids along to help out. With so many boards laying around with nails protruding it was a miracle there were no kids with holes in there feet.

The devil tried coming against us by dropping the temperatures to -8*. But this didn't stop dozens of people from coming and lending a helping hand. It was cool to see the love of Christ at work in that place. I know God is going to bless this new church being planted. It definitely was getting the attention of the whole neighborhood. Running in and out of the church dumping garbage there seemed to be more and more people walking by commenting and a small crowd outside the bar across the alley watching. If you plant it they will come. OK ...that was bad. I am more than ready for a nap... adios'...check ya later...peace

Being Baptized

In two days I will be getting baptized. I'm going down, getting dunked, going under. I will be publicly proclaiming my faith in Jesus Christ before over one hundred people. Wow, that makes me nervous to think of it that way. But I'm going through with it anyway. I'll just have to do it scared.

I will be having my funeral Sunday after the sermon. Resurrection following the death and burial. I will be raised with Christ and dead to the old self once and for all.

Jesus Messiah

I would leave all my friends again if I had too. All who weaken my faith and form my way of thinking. Only to know Jesus more deeply. To know His rich love for me is overwhelming and well worth the sacrifice.

One more week until...

New Life

Something tells me this tree is going to be just fine. This gives me the feeling of spring. And I LOOOOVVE spring. Perhaps I will get some other plants that I can kill off then bring back to life :=) Take a look here to see what it looked like at the beginning of the month. And here to see it just two weeks ago.

Ingrained With Belief

When I look back at my entire life, I see that I have been ingrained with my belief in God. I have never once stopped believing that Christ walked this earth some time ago and died for many. Of course I had to take the first step of faith for myself and receive Christ but never not once has He been removed from my beliefs. You can say that I was an unbelieving believer. A rebellious punk with no respect for the spiritual side of things. A heathen, full of the devil. I can admit that I made many, many bad decisions. But the fact that God never left me alone plain just brings me to tears. Every thing I've done and gone through, He's always been there with me just waiting for me to turn towards Him. His rich mercy encompasses me, His grace blankets me. I have been ingrained with this belief system since childhood. I can't help but think how hard it must be to discover Christ without this kind of upbringing. It's not hard for God since he knows every heart and anything is possible with Him, but think how detrimental it is to bring your children up in the ways of the Lord. Teaching them along the way and being a good example as Christ was, is so important. Those little eyes are watching you always and they might be young but they're not stupid. They catch on very easily. Pray for your little ones that they never leave the shadow of the Almighty. Pray that God will stalk them and keep them close, no matter what kind of mess they might get themselves into. If it wasn't for my mothers fasting and prayers, and the rest of my families prayers, who knows where I would be. Would I still be alive? Tuff to say.

The Person Most Qualified For Leadership Is The One Who Cares The Most

129 in Mike Murdocks 2 minute wisdom, volume 4

Caring qualifies you to lead others. You do not have to have a Ph.D. You do not have to be especially gifted.

The greatest quality for leadership is...truly caring about things being right.

People don't always remember what you say, they always remember how they felt when you said it.

Waiting on God

I am still learning on how to wait for God. Wait on His timing and not mine. Sometimes He doesn't always make sense to me. But I know being patient will pay off in any situation. When I pray for certain decisions I need to make, I lean on God but sometimes I think He should speak right away. Sometimes I get ahead of God and don't listen the way I should. I make rash decisions without waiting for an answer. For everything there is a time and a season. I know this is how God works. Yes, sometimes He will speak right away but other times He doesn't. I need to learn a little thing called patience.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire , wanting nothing".

(James 1:4)

New Blog In The Making

I have been stirred up in my spirit about starting a church blog. This will be a blog on my church, activities and other goings on. We had a service last Sunday that got me thinking. Our service was mainly on vision for 2009.

We have a web site but it is out of date. No one seems to know how to update it, nor do they have time. I thought this would be a great opportunity to do something constructive for the church that anyone with internet access can enjoy. Not only can they read up on what is coming in the future but they can catch up on what they have missed.

This may take a while to get off and going but I felt pulled in this direction for some reason or another. Anyone can come see what God is doing in our church through our various ministries.

Mordern Day Pharisee

Have you ever had to deal with a modern day pharisee. Early in my relationship with the Lord I had an encounter that I will soon not forget. I always thought this guy was a genuine seeker of the Lord until I came to bat with him.

We talked about the things of Heaven and what it would be like. We usually had a good time together. But then the ugly truth came out. I knew he wasn't really saved and this was my goal. I could tell by talking to him and the way he talked with others that he had never experienced the renewing of the soul. I would share things with him out of the Bible and for the most part he always agreed. He told me he believed every word of it.

Until one day. I'm not sure what got us off to the races but I know it had something to do with the Sabbath. I tried stressing to him to find a church and get settled in it. He told me that all preachers, all churches have it wrong to worship God on Sundays. Then, get this, he asked me if I burned fire on the real Sabbath. I said, "what"? He ragged on how it is stated in the law that we are not to make fire on the Sabbath. Apparently this fellow has spent all his spare time reading only the Old Testament. He told me I should look at my Bible closer and that I should start in the book of Daniel. I told him to read the New Testament and start in the book of John. I said that Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. He came that we could enjoy life. This didn't settle well with mr. pharisee.

Later I remembered a teaching from a dynamic preacher about religious people. He said that a religious person will freak out when you tell them that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. So I couldn't resist. I turned to this guy and said, you understand that I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Oh-man. This guy just about came unglued on me. He said you better not say that. I said well it's true. He said no one is righteous not a one. I said except me. He got so mad that he said I can't tell people these things because everyone interprets the scriptures for them selves. I guess he hasn't read the part in the New Testament where it states that no one can interpret scripture for them selves. If I new then what I know now I would have taken the time to point out every single place in the Bible where he was wrong.

We drove by a huge church and he got all huffy puffy. He said, I hate big churches, it's all about money with them. I knew I was dealing with a case then. This guy really thinks that he is in good with God because he goes around trying to get people to buy Bibles and teach them his half truths. I caught him a couple of times speaking straight up lies that he interpreted for himself. All this time he would try teaching people but never not once did he mention a word of Jesus Christ. He never stated that Jesus is the way to Heaven and without Him there is no hope. Whenever I tried correcting his teachings he would get all mad at me. He said to keep my mouth shut unless I could point it out in the Bible. I wanted this guy to get saved but didn't know how to deal with him. He made my blood boil. I said I only say these things because I see you walking out side of the covenant. I said your standing on the threshold of the door Christ opened for you and I just want you to step through it like I did. I let him know that he was still living in sin, and I just didn't want him to go to hell. He snapped at me and said, "Do you still sin." I thought about it and said, "Not on purpose". He said, "well see".

This was the last time I seen or talked with this modern day pharisee. The only thing I can do is pray for him. It is scary to think that we have so many people out there that think the way he does. And these people go around teaching there ways to others. They use half truths to rope in the unsuspecting. This is a demonic spirit that is bringing these people down. We need to pray for these types of people. We need to intercede in prayer, we need to wage warfare against these forces with the power inside of us as true men and woman of God. In the Bible it says "He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world." Sorry, I can't point that out in the Bible exactly where it is but I know it's in there. (He Hee)

Chris Tomlin Coming Soon

The count down has begun. Two more weeks until Chris Tomlin live. Wooooooooo!!!! I am pumped. I think I will go and practice singing in front of the mirror now.

GUEST BLOG: David Letterman

If David Letterman did say these things I am proud of him for a change. No matter what your political convictions are, this is an eye opener....
What a thankless people we are over all!!David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....

As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, What are we so unhappy about?Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk shows? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an "other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative. With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

~David Letterman~

Cross Over The Bridge

According to Wikipedia encyclopedia, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, more than 23 miles long, is the longest bridge in the United States. It is not the only way across-a boat could sail across or a plane could fly over the lake. To drive around would be twice the distance. So driving across the bridge is the most convenient way. The choice is yours. Another bridge spans the widest chasm in the entire universe: the bridge between a lost, sinful soul and God's gift of eternal life. Many people think they choose one of several different bridges to reach God, such as doing good deeds or trying a famous self improvement effort. Some try faithfully and sincerely following one of many religions. Yet the Bible clearly tells us there is only one bridge that will reach all the way across the gulf caused by our sin, and that is the bridge Jesus provided through His death on the cross. When we place our faith in His sacrifice as the only acceptable payment for our sin, not merely following His example or moral teaching, we cross the only bridge that reaches to God. No one is excluded from using it; it is available to anyone who trusts in Jesus alone for their salvation. It is not a toll bridge, because Jesus paid the price on the cross.

Alberta Clipper Go Away!

This is the coldest weather we have had in about a decade. Monday a storm rolled through Northern Iowa. They talked the thing to death. We were expecting a huge blizzard and we only got 4 inches of snow along with some wind after the snow. Then last night another storm came through and dumped somewhere around 5 more inches of snow. This time the temperature dropped dramatically. This morning it was a whopping 15 below zero. Tonight the temp. will be around 25 below with the wind chill reaching 45 below zero. I think I will start saving my vacation time from work for this time of the year. I really wish I was on a tropical island about right now.

With two snow falls back to back, my drive way could use a good scooping. my cut off point for shoveling snow is 10 below zero. The snow will just have to wait until it warms up.

Online Investments

I have been doing some studying on online investing. Looking at companies that deal with renewable energy. Like wind energy and hydrogen energy/fuel cells. I have also looked into precious metals. It's a tuff decision when it comes to these things. There seems to always be some kind of risk involved. I suppose a lot of these decisions are determined by how much of a grip money has on us.

I found some companies that look very promising for the future. When you look at the market now you might feel a bit hesitant, but these areas are going to take off soon. We will be coming into a new age where we won't be so reliant on oil. Fossil fuels will be a thing of the past. People will realize how important it is to use cleaner energy. Let me get something straight, I am no market whiz kid or anything. I have done some investigating and it seems to me that this is where we are heading. Has anyone noticed that the term "GREEN" has been being used more often. There are wind farms going up all over the state of Iowa, not to mention countless other states. Many of the major car dealers are coming out with hydrogen run vehicles. I'm not saying to drop money into GM or Honda. Look for companies that specialize in making these special hydrogen fuel cells themselves. GM or whatever other companies will have to purchase these things to begin with. Don't take my word for it. Do some investigating of your own. "Green" seems to be the future. So perhaps Waste Management would be another investment opportunity. Just a thought.

Remember to involve God in every decision you make. Seek His guidance in this subject and you will be glad you did, not to mention your kids and your grand kids and your great grand kids.

If anyone one out there does have some experience with online investing, let me know who you go through. Sharebuilder, Scottrade etc, etc...

Backyard Missions Trip

We are going to be having a missions trip in our own back yard. Today a young man in church told us about a church that is being built in Mason City. This is an old church that has been decaying for some time and has been up for sale for a while now. This happens to be going on right in his own neighborhood. A neighborhood that really could use it from my understanding. The person who is building this church runs a prison ministry in our area which our church just happens to support. His vision for this particular church is for a children's/youth ministry.

In this neighborhood there are many bad things going on. The kids are running the streets and they need a Christian influence in a big way. There are a couple boys at a young age looking at burglary charges, vandalism and assault charges to name a few. Children are living in abusive homes ranging from physical to verbal abuse. There are party houses that have young children running in and out at all hours of the day. There is one young man looking at being tried as an adult for murder as well. This all is viewed from one guys front yard. Who knows what is going on around the corner.

Open Bible Church will be gathering their troops for a special deconstruction of this church later this month. I think this will be a great surprise for the man starting this church. Not to mention for this community. This is a God thing going on here and we all know He is going to do great things through this ministry.

Shhhhh... Are You Listening?

Earlier tonight I was walking through a store. I was behind a lady and apparently her two daughters. As this woman darted here and there her children followed. I noticed the mother was wearing a coat with fluffy animal fur around the hood. Both her children were also wearing similar coats all with animal fur around the hood. I also noticed they all had the same style boots on. All three were different yet the same style. As I was observing this I noticed how they all three looked a like yet were just a bit different.These kids were in the image of their mother. This got me thinking on how we are all in the image of our Heavenly Father.

Later at home while cooking supper I was trying to feed my dog some scraps. I wanted her to do some of her routine tricks to earn her snack. She refused to listen and do what I wanted. I in return got upset and yelled at her. I said, "How do you expect me to give you anything when you won't do what I tell you to do." Suddenly I was swept back to the store were I observed the whole image of God thing and felt God imply something to me. God said, "If you are in my image then how much more do you think I want to give things to you. How much more should you do what your told." Well my attitude changed real quick right then. We need to obey God and do what He says in order to receive all He wants to give.

It is plain as day in the Word of God. In more than one place it tells us to obey His commandments and He will bless us with more than enough. In Malachi it tells us to bring the whole tenth of our incomes into the storehouse. The Lord tells us to test Him in this, that he will open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing. In John 2 we read about the miracle at Cana. This is where Jesus turned the water into wine. Jesus' mother told the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." In order for them to receive their miracle they had to do exactly what He told them, nothing more, nothing less.

Sometimes it's hard for me to hear His voice with so many other voices around me. How can I do what He says if I'm not listening? I need to stay focused on Him and His Word. This is the only thing I can think of. I can't expect God to just come down and sit with me and say, "Hey Mike, would you do this thing for me and I will do this thing for you. He isn't going to send me a text message and give me a straight command to do a certain thing. It's up to me to be disciplined in discerning the sound of His voice. Spending time in prayer and His Word has to be the key. I wouldn't be this far in my walk without it.

Improvements

My tree has made remarkable improvements. Just days after laying hands on this tree and speaking life back into it, brown and dying branches started to slowly turn green. On a lot of the branches there were dead buds. Now green buds are protruding through the old dead ones. It's hard to make out but the tips of the buds are brown. They were completely brown and slowly green ones started growing within them and eventually the dead brown stuff just fell of completely. My pictures aren't very clear. Still trying to figure out this camera.
Take note that I did not give this tree any plant food. I wanted to use words to bring it back to life and of course water helped a little. It bounced back quicker than I thought it would. Thus proving life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Orientation Complete

I am now an official van driver for the church. Last Wednesday I went on a trial run to learn all the stops. It wasn't as scary as I thought it might be. Of course I haven't done it alone yet either.
I will be transporting around 12 kids, ranging from the ages of 7-12. I didn't fully understand the responsibility at first until I took the job. All these children's lives are being entrusted to me. To get them from home to church and back home again safely. I guess you could say it's a pretty important job. I am being fully trusted with my own set of keys to the church. Not everyone can say that.

I told the other and only other Wednesday night van driver that I must be ordained to do this job. This is a Mason City route. I know Mason City pretty well considering I grew up there.One of the little girls lives in my old neighborhood. Another little girl lives in the neighborhood of my old babysitter. And there are two boys who live in a house that was once owned by an old friends mother. It was meant to be.

Breaking Out

People have been putting me in a box for a long time. This little place they like to try and keep me. When I made my huge conversion they got a little miffed at me. They could no longer keep me in this box. I broke out and refused to stay in. When I had one guy come up to me and tell me he just doesn't know who I am anymore, I knew I was doing the right thing.

There is always room to expand and grow in my book. They might think their lives are going to stay the same. Not learn anything new, keep the same attitude the rest of their lives, be run by their emotions and so forth but I will not sit in this box and stay the same. I expect more. More changes in every aspect of my life. I can't hardly change anything by staying in this box everyone tries putting me in. I'm going to continue to break out of this stupid box whenever they stick me in it. Can I hear an AMEN!!

You Cannot Force Anyone To Do Right...

135 in Mike Murdocks 2 minute wisdom, volume 5

It is a marvelous and exhilarating experience to look and see the clear path out of a problem.

It is also exhilarating to see the right path for another to walk in...and know that you have the answer. It is excruciatingly painful to watch another ignore your counsel and unravel their own life...before your very eyes. I see this often. Youth do it frequently and almost consistently. They face a fragmented situation, creating constant pain for themselves. Loss after loss, tear after tear. Sometimes, you even observe an experienced believer, overcomer of many battles...refuse and insist on trying "their own way."

The Scriptures say, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death," (Proverbs 14:12). The Word also teaches that their pain will teach them. (See Jeremiah 2:19.)

What can you do? Pray. Re-examine your own life. And continue to believe that the Holy Spirit will exert His influence on their life. The only thing that can work when your counsel is refused, is intercessory prayer for another.

Intercession does not guarantee their obedience or acceptance of your counsel. Intercession does not guarantee that another will follow your instructions or God's. Intercession guarantees God Attention, Unseen Influence and a conscience agitated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will use His influence as well as your own...to turn them toward Himself.

Encouragement: Every Seed Can Produce A Harvest...Good Or Bad. The principle that continuously emerges is...Pain Positions Others To Listen.

Baby Steps

I have learned a lot about taking steps of faith lately. About stepping out of my comfort zone and doing stuff scared. I stepped out of my comfort zone when I started attending Open Bible Church. I was scared but I did it anyway. Now I am pretty comfortable were I am and I'm starting to feel a little selfish. I could do more. I feel like a bench warmer (pew warmer) and don't want to be remembered like that. Like I've heard before, The church is full of willing people. Half are willing to work and the other half are willing to let them. It's time to step up and take another step of faith.

Recently I signed up for the Greeter position but this doesn't require very much work. We have much need in other places of our ministry that no one is willing to do. So I request prayer on behalf of ME considering the other two places to work are the Children's Ministry. The church is in much need of volunteers and no one seems to have the time. I think this will be mostly for Wednesday nights. So as I jump into another uncomfortable situation I know God will see me through. It can't hurt sowing a little time and effort into the children of tomorrow.

I've never told anyone this but I had nightmares after watching Willy Wanka and the Chocolate Factory. All those little Umpa Lumpas or whatever they were creeped me out. So you can imagine how scared I am to be in a room with dozens of little people running around. I might have nightmares the first few weeks but I'm sure I will get over it.

The Image Of Christ On Food

I think this phenomena of seeing Jesus on food is kind of out there. CooCoo for CoCoa Puffs kind of thing. We have all heard of people claiming to have seen the virgin Mary on food and other various things as well as Jesus. Recently I heard about another sighting of the Messiah. Perhaps you have seen this already. Jesus on a tortilla shell. This either confirms one of two things or both. People really want to see Jesus, they want some kind of encounter. Or Jesus really likes Mexican food. You make the call.

Christianity

Christianity is more than a philosophy or a religion, more than a faith or a practice. Christianity is a life-a life that centers in the Person of its founder Jesus....Christ. Christian knowledge must center on Him-His person and His life. This includes what He taught and what He did.

No matter what differences all the denominations through out have, we all as Christians in general agree on these five points:

1. Jesus came
2. Jesus died
3. Jesus rose
4. Jesus lives
5. And Jesus is Lord!

If your a born-again Christian, you believe that.

Experimenting

This is what my tree looked like when I first brought it home. Fresh green foliage, adding color to my not so colorful house. But only a few short weeks later, just what I had been concerned about has taken place. Now this tree of mine is sporting the fall look. Not quite what I had in mind. It is quickly dying off. In order to bring this tree back to life I have taken desperate measures. I will be running a few experiments.

Look, it has less than a dozen leaves left on it. Poor thing!


Just as Jesus cursed the fig tree and it listened to Him and withered and died. I will be blessing this tree with my words. I will be laying my hands on this tree and praying life back into it. It should be good practice for when I need to pray for people. I also will be applying the Word of God to it. This should be a fun experiment. I also have brought it into the kitchen so I can tend to it more often for the time being. I will be playing praise and worship music for it frequently as well. I will stay posted on the improvements. May God bless my fair weathered friend!

The Real Secret Of Long-Term Relationships

133 in Mike Murdocks 2 minute wisdom, volume 5

Integrity. Unquestionable truthfulness is the mystery of friendships, marriages that last so long. Deception Is Disloyalty. Disloyalty Is The Seed For Loss.
History has always rewarded loyalty.

True loyalty is so passionate, so obvious to others...and its fragrance so precious that leaders rarely have to question around them who truly is loyal.

Disloyalty...becomes known more quickly than anyone can imagine. The darting eyes, the loss of enthusiasm and the dismissive attitude toward your goals and achievements. Loyal people recognize the value, difference and goals of their leader...consistently, privately and publicly. The Proof Of Loyalty Is The Unwillingness To Betray.

Rave Reviews

My Final Inquiry review goes as stated. I would give it three thumbs up if I had three hands. But I do not. So I give it two thumbs up! Fox Faith does it again. Another great movie without all the profanity you would get with the secular movies. Still I wouldn't recommend letting the little children watch, for there are some fairly brutal battle scenes along with a couple different stonings in this film. One stoning in which is read about in the book of Acts. I enjoyed this film immensely and would recommend it to anyone who is sick and tired of the secular view of biblical history. Not everything is biblical based but that's why it's called a movie. I found this film to be toying with my emotions through out and I felt many different emotions during. Love, Anger, Frustration, Confusion, and sadness to name a few. Hope everyone likes it as much as I did.

New Years Resolutions

I've never made a New Years Resolution in my 30 years of life. I figured I would just fail and be that more miserable. Now I'm ready to take more chances. Chances to make goals for myself and watch them come to pass as I trust God with them. This being my first New Years resolution I figured I'd at least make it a good one. Most people vow to loose weight-exercise more-stop a bad habit, so on and so on. I have dedicated this year of 2009 to the Word of God. I plan on reading the Bible in one years time flat. In 2008 I read through the New Testament just about twice. I feel I'm missing out on a lot from the Old Testament. I hope this will help me be a better influence in my every day life as I try to be a light in a dark place. That's my second resolution for 2009. Being a great influence to the world. Jesus said we should be a light unto the world. We should be a great example. Everyone should notice us and how we are different from everyone else. They should see God's favor upon us. They should see the fruits of the Spirit in us, and flowing out of us like a river of living water as we live a Spirit filled life.

The Rapture

Soon, very soon, will we see our Lord Jesus.

Touching Reunion

I came across this video last night while I was bringing in the new year. I don't know if it was because of lack of sleep or what but this made me want to cry. This is a good example of what kind of impact love can actually have.

If you find yourself starting to sing along with the song...You are problably a sap!!