But you don't understand...

First is was money, then it was time, then it was more...
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When will it be enough and when will I get mine...
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I'm not sure if I'll ever give again...
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What if...
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Have you been like me. You involve yourself in something and after a while you think they owe you something. Well it may be that way in the world, but in the spiritual realm there needs to be a different perspective...
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Now before you jump to conclusions or finish reading and think "hey I know someone who needs to hear this", remember, all of us have given more than we have gotten in some realm or another. All of us have felt we got taken advantage of. Especially if you have let a vacuum salesman in your front door...
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Jesus understood this temptation, he also understood that our perspective is limited. That's why he said the following...
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"Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most assuredly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:16-21 WEB)
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I want you to ask yourself 2 questions...
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When you decided you should give because you felt "God" wanted you to, Where did you think you were investing?
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When you figure that one out, ask yourself... Why did you think you were investing?
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These questions may be closer than you are comfortable, but the reality is, the more honest you are, the more grace you'll understand you need...
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That's fertile ground for growth or revival !
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Till Next Time...

A Blast From The Past...

It's not a familiar sight these days with all the modern conveniences of life, but it's one that still has meaning to me. I saw it recently and it inspired me to think of a lesson in life that I have been taught and reminded of many times.
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Those of you who have a few memories behind you will relive days gone by. Your heart will be warmed and chilled, possibly at the same time. Sitting right there, in plain sight, with it's handle in tact and it's pipe extended as if to search for it's catch. Get ready for a walk down a path of yesteryear's....
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There sat a hand pump for a well...
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Those of you who lived when houses did not have water in them and a trip to the well meant a number of things will appreciate the next few paragraphs. For those of you who didn't, this would be a great time to practice the principle of this blog entry.
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I remember the well pump outside the back of my grandparents house in southern Kentucky. I remember pumping water for every purpose imaginable, all of which now I can turn on a faucet and accomplish.
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But one thing stands out to me about hand well pumps. Stories, not experiences. Stories of how if the pump was not used regularly, even some who had some "time" on them, the seals would get dry and the pump would not work.
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So, to get the pump to work, you had to pour water into it. There are stories of those who had come upon a well with a bucket of water hung on it with these instructions...
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Pour a little water in the pump and pump the handle. Do this a little at a time until the pump begins to bring up water. NOTE: When you are done, make sure to refill the bucket for the next person who will need this pump.
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Now, imagine you're thirsty, and you see the bucket of water there. It contains plenty of water for you to satisfy your parched throat. But, if you do that, you will not have the water needed to pump more. But you'd wouldn't be thirsty, your mouth would not stick together.
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You reason within yourself, both arguments seem valid...
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"What has anyone done for me lately..."
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"Someone pumped this bucket full for you..."
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"But I don't have the time to do all that work..."
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"Someone else took the time..."
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"You don't understand, the last time I tried to help, it just made things worse..."
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"But the job got done after you learned about your mistakes..."
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"Yea, but..."
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"I know but..."
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"You don't understand..."
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"No, you're the one mistaken..."
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This could go on forever, all the while, your thirst is not quenched and your conscience is not calmed.
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So what would you do?
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Better yet, what have you done.
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Paul the Apostle writes... Doing nothing through envy or through pride, but with low thoughts of self let everyone take others to be better than himself; Not looking everyone to his private good, but keeping in mind the things of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 BBE).
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You see, you've already made a choice.
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Some of you have given in to your desire. And there you sit with your belly full and your bucket empty. Emotionally you can't seem to find rest. Spiritually you can't seem to find peace. Relationally you can't find satisfaction.
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Some of you have primed the pump and in so doing, you have found the secret to life. Not every day is totally full emotionally but guess what, you've got a bucket from previous visits to prime with. Not every day is filled with peace, but guess what, you can grab that metal handle and pour a little prayer into the well, and in God's time, just like the pump, you get a cool drink of peace to caress your dry soul. All of your relationships are not perfect, but guess what, humility won out and you have a bucket full of forgiveness you can begin working with so that your heart will be lightened when God brings reconciliation.
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You see, self says drink up. Self says don't worry about filling up the bucket. Self says Today is all you have. Self says take the bucket with you just in case you get thirsty later. All the while, you forget that self leads to emptiness.
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Humility says, someone else thought of you. Humility says, it's hard work, but it's worth it. Humility says I'll do what I can, although I can't do everything. Humility says, I'm not the center of the universe. And when humility wins out, everyone gets a little water.
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Let me finish with just a couple of things, hoping they are helpful. First, humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. God loves you, and it's not because you're good. It's because He's good. He wants to rain on your soul with forgiveness and confidence. You will need both, the first to understand what was done for you, the second to do for others because you've been done for.
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I pray that you will find a little cool water along your path today, some will need more than others, but remember, none of us are exempt from filling up the bucket again.
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None of us...
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We may need help pumping, but we're still not off the hook...
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Till Next Time...

Favorite Group, Great Words, Bees Killer...

Bees can be pesky, but there are products that get rid of them quickly. Last night while I was just "chilling" after a long day I put on my headphones and listed to some music I had put on my IPOD.
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As I was listening one of my favorite groups, the Newsboys, came on. I was totally blown away. I have listened to this song for years but it's timing was really quite interesting. I have printed the words below and a link, if you want to listen to the song, you'll be touched. Read on and watch bees die...
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You are waiting on a beach for a healing word to come maybe an apology in a bottle maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry." and the hurting leaves you numb
.Will you forgive? will you forget? will you live what you know? He left his rights will you leave yours? you don't understand it let it go.You are waiting on a beach this is where the east meets west and as another sun sets on your anger the darkness laughs, as the wound destroys and it turns your prayers to noise.
Will you forgive? will you forget? will you live what you know? He left his rights will you leave yours? you won't understand it let it go
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This bitterness you hide it seeps into your soul and it steals your joy 'til it's all you know let it go.Will you forgive? will you forget? will you live what you know? He left his rights will you leave yours? you won't understand it let it go
.Will you forgive? will you forget? will you live what you know? beneath the cross you hear His words, "Father, forgive them," and you know you can't understand it let it go.Here is a link that shows a video that someone made from "Lost" and put the music in the background. It's pretty interesting as well. If you don't want to watch the video, at least you'll get a chance to hear the song.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiWDl3Vw3uc
.Happy Bee Hunting....Till Next Time...

Bees That Have Buzzed...

This morning I was re-reading my notes I have made in times of study or reflection. These often turn into blog entries. Most of the ideas I come up with are thoughts that have been spurred by others, experiences that have happened... Sermons I have heard... books or articles I have read... Insightful, funny or heart touching stories that I have come across.
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Out of these come the "ramblings" in my mind, which end up in print.
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This morning I came across a quote, I don't know it's origin at this point, but the thought came to my mind, "That's one of those things that 'buzz' and distract me from life on occasion."
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No one wants to admit faults or failures, but the reality is we all have them. So, from my life, both past and if I'm not careful (which sometimes I'm not) in the present, comes a "buzzing bee" that this quote reminded me of.
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I have in the past, and sometimes in the present, had hurts (perceived or actual) that I have not dealt with. Then I became angry at someone for what I think they did or did not do for me. As a result, I have fallen prey to bitterness. Bitterness truly is the seed of anger that has grown in the fertile ground of unforgiveness. One such incident happened about 15 years ago, I will not recount it, but the picture was so vivid to me this morning that I thought you, like me, might need to remind yourself of the effects of bitterness.
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So, without any extra commentary, just this brief introduction, I now introduce you to one of the "buzzing bees" that has distracted me. It may be one you can identify with...
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"Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die."
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Be careful, don't get "buzzed" (a whole new look at this term for those of us who grew up in the Hippy era)...
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Watch out for distractions...
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Till next time...

Buzzy, Buzzy Bees...

Recently I decided that I would take a little time to "grow" my spiritual walk. So, Bible and study materials in hand, I ventured to a remote location for the day. Provided for me was a wonderful little cabin and a host of acres around it to roam. So, read, pray and roam I did.
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During my day I went for a walk in the morning sun to get my senses heightened and my mind cleared so that I could focus on a reading when I returned. Well, upon returning from my hike, I felt a little weary, so I laid down and began to read. If you're like me, that posture is not a good one for serious reading, and you guessed it, I fell asleep.
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About an hour later I awakened, ready to dive into spiritual truths that would bring my inner soul encouragement and life. The next few moments revealed that I was not alone!
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Much to my dismay, the window on the cabin had been left open by its previous occupant. Low and behold, I was surrounded by bees.
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I'm not afraid of bees, honest. I only have disdain for their sting. No allergies, unless not wanting to be in pain is an allergy. Last year I was stung 5 times. One day I was stung three times, twice by one bumble bee who, in my opinion, had gotten up that morning with my name on an attack order.
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Being the nimble young man that I am (gray hair is only a disguise) I began chasing these intruders to rid myself of their "buzz". By the way, that's what got my attention, the buzzing noise was so loud I thought the hive was in the room.
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One down, two. Three lay dead then four. One busy little one tried to escape but he joined a second and they became five and six In all I killed over a dozen. I know there were more than a dozen, but I got tired of making tally marks on the side of my fighter jet fly swatter.
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One thought came to mind as I was mining truths from scripture while waiting for the next Kamikaze to arrive, Satan would try something stupid.
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Scripture says "Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Without a long dissertation, I want to make a point before I finish. If you study the technique of lions, they often work in groups. One of the lions will scare the herd of prey away from itself with noise and roars, when the prey runs from the noise, it runs right into a trap. Your life and mine are no different, Satan, who has no victory over the Christian, makes noise and we run. The problem is, most times it's into a trap.
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Anger, self pity, unforgiveness, hurtful words and the like are the traps we find ourselves in. The main goal, distraction from our faithfulness to Christ.
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How about you? What distracts you from your task of following God and staying close to his Word?
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You've heard it said at a telethon, "the lines are open". Well, the blog is wide open, why not tell the world, or at least the three people who read this blog, and use it as a prayer of therapy for your soul today...
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Till Next time...

An Open Letter...

I felt burdened in my heart to share this letter I wrote to cancer patients. If you are currently going through a time of illness that has left you feeling less, take a moment and read....Dear Friend,.When I first began as a volunteer chaplain at Caylor Nickel Hospital, Bluffton Indiana, in 1987 I realized there were many more people facing health issues than I had ever imagined. Now, 20 years later, I am ministering to those individuals on an daily basis. Gilead Ministries has become such a blessing to me. And by the response of the cancer and long term illness patients we serve, it’s become a blessing to others as well..I write to you today about a difficult and yet important topic. I would say that many of us have felt uncomfortable around people who are Christians. My own experience early on in my church attendance was a bit intimidating. Although I have been a Christian for over 30 years now, I still find times when I struggle with the reality of God and the call to live for him. You may find this a little difficult yourself..I want to talk to you honestly for just a moment. From promises of wealth and prosperity to health and well being, the claims of many who represent the church can make us all a little weary. This is especially true if we have struggled with an illness that has taken away some of the very things we thought God would provide. The most challenging thing for me as I reach out to you and others who have a struggle with physical battles, is to help you understand that God works most often through a time of pain or trial..The only illustration, though it may fall way short of understanding God, is to equate it with the very treatment you have received for your own illness. Sometimes the administration of the treatment is painful or causes other sickness, but it is in this process that healing comes. Unlike medical treatment, God’s use of our pain is not limited by the fraility of a human body or intelligence. Where doctors don’t understand and are restricted by their own humanness, God does understand and brings assurance. He says to you and I, "there is something bigger than sickness"..Like you, I want to live forever. The very thought of death sometimes chills me to the soul. I have had a number of trials with my health in the last 10 years, none of which were so bad my life was threatened. Still, because I am human, they brought my heart pain. Two years ago, after 2 surgeries and my father’s death in a four month period, I battled depression and questioned all that I was going through. You may be experiencing or have experienced the same thing. I want you to know that I care, and although I cannot totally understand all you feel, God does..It is my prayer that you find hope, beyond the darkness of your difficulties. Hope in something bigger than the brevity of life here on earth. Hope in a God that says to you, "I love you". It’s why he sent His Son Jesus to earth..Friend, I did not write this letter to offend and I don’t presume to know what your relationship with God is. I only knew I had a burden to share these thoughts with you. Thank you for your patience with me as I shared my heart with you..Want a relationship with Jesus Christ?.Click Here... http://www.needhim.org/
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Till Next Time...

A Little Dessert After The Meal...

This little treat is from a book by Ben Patterson. The next time you think you have something important to say, remember the words of an intelligent man who knew when not to talk...
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Albert Einstein was once the featured speaker at a dinner given in his honor at Swarthmore College. When it was time for him to speak, he stood up and told the astonished audience, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very sorry, but I have nothing to say." And he sat down. A few seconds later, he stood up again and said, "In case I have something to say, I will come back and say it." Six month later, he wired the president of the college with the message: "Now I have something to say." Another dinner was held, and Einstein made a speech.
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And of course the next time you get into an argument and feel the need for back-up, you may want to ponder these few sentences...
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Albert Einstein stood for everything the Nazi's hated: individualism, innovation, intellectualism and tolerance. His theory of relativity was particularly odious to them. So one hundred Nazi scientists collaborated on a book to disprove it. Their goal was to rid "German physics of his absurd and insidious "Jewish speculations." But Einstein wasn't ruffled. He said, "Were I wrong, one professor would have been quite enough."
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So, are you like me, getting in more trouble for opening my mouth than keeping quiet?
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Take heart, and take notice. The next time you think you have something to say, meditate a moment before you speak.
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And when in the corner of controversy, understand that as a Christian, not even the hordes of hell can disprove your faith (unlike Einstein, you do have something else in your corner, and it can be held up in any battle).
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Till Next Time, Enjoy!

More Like Meat Than Bread...

I have recorded a number of statements that are like morsels of bread for a hungry heart. This little set of sayings has a different tone to them. They are more like chewing meat than bread. I hope you enjoy them, they are truly something to think about...
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There are few disciplines in the Christian faith that test our fabric more than suffering. But suffering which seems to have no purpose you can grasp, it is the grand-dad of them all"

From an Anonymous Sufferer

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"Second only to suffering, waiting may be the greatest teacher and trainer in godliness, maturity, and genuine spirituality most of us ever encounter"

Richard Hendrix

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Hope your day is filled with grace, especially if you are suffering or waiting...

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Till Next Time...

The Next Time You Say...

If you're like me, you've wanted to do big things. Especially if you're a Christian, you want to accomplish big things for God. Well, take a moment and read these words of wisdom from Rick Warren...
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We are often challenged to do the “great things” for God. Actually, God is more pleased when we do small things for him out of obedience. They may be unnoticed by others but God notices them and considers them acts of worship.
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Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day. Even through such simple acts as telling the truth, being kind, and encouraging others, we bring a smile to God’s face, God treasures simple acts of obedience more than our prayers, praise or offerings. The Bible tells us, “What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice.”
(I Samuel 15:22 NCV)
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Rick Warren
Purpose Driven Life
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How 'bout taking a moment and doing something little?
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Till Next Time...

Overheard on E-Mail...

Here's an interesting list of things we do I recently received by E-Mail...
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Thought you might enjoy these...
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Why, Why, Why ?
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Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?
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Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?
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Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
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Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
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Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
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Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
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Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
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Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?.
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If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
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Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
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Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
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Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
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Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
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Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
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How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
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When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
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Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
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In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
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How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
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And my FAVORITE......The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
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Until Next Time...

Bites Of Borrowed Bread...

Here is another installment of "Bites Of Borrowed Bread..."
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Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.

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Winston Churchill

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Don't quit today, as Max Lucado says...

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"Each day deserves a chance"

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Till Next Time...

From The Mouth Of.... Comedians?

Here's an interesting quote from an unlikely source...
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"With hurricanes, tornado, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and 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?"

Jay Leno

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Something to think about...

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Till Next Time...

Look At The Lovely Couple...

OK, the wait is over, here are the newlyweds...
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Cute Aren't They!!

Bites Of Borrowed Bread...

Here is another in the discoveries of words worth sharing...
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You don't need to drop names or show off. Do you feel the need for affirmation? Does your self esteem need attention? You need only pause at the base of the cross and be reminded of this: The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you."

Max Lucado

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Look in the mirror, Look at the cross, Act accordingly...

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Till Next Time...

Bites Of Borrowed Bread...

Here is another great saying that I ran across, it's pretty self explanatory...
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"Demanding respect is like chasing a butterfly. Chase it, and you'll never catch it. Sit still and it may light on your shoulder."
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Oh and by the way...
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I'm a new Father In Law, Nate and Sarah wed Saturday, August 4, 2007. Pictures and details to come...
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Till Next Time...

Words To Think About...

Here is a phrase I thought was inspiring. I heard on TV the other night. This gentleman died of cancer and this was his answer to the difficulties that came with his disease...
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"there's a lot of things to think about but nothing to worry about"
Matt Coepke
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Don't recall if them saying anything about his spiritual life, but if we know Christ, this is a great way to see life.
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Hoping today is a blessing...
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Till Next Time...
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P.S. Pray For Rain!

More Bites From Borrowed Bread...

Here is a bite of borrowed bread from a friend of mine, she does a great job of observing things that matter, here's a little glimpse into her insight...
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Things I learned from a three year old while in Indiana:
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Imaginary friends can't breathe when big people sit on them
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Everyone's name in Mike
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There's always room for fresh strawberries
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Everyone goes to Grandma and Grandpa's house after church
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Jesus lives in my heart
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Imaginary friends don't have to have last names despite what Uncle Steve says
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We should invite people to church more often
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Princess rooms rock!
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Public restrooms are stinky
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Being spoiled ain't half bad
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Be friendly to all you meet
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Blankets spread out on the living room floor make great swimming pools
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McDonalds' "fry-fries" make anyone's bad day better
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Running around in your underwear is the best way to survive a hot day
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(Please let me add here, this is a 3 year old, it would be ill advised for those above this age to employ this heat survival technique.)
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What wonderful wisdom have you learned from the children around you?
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Still rambling, how bout you?

Of Carts And Horses...

Recently as I drove through town I observed a church sign. Most churches today have a sign and many put sayings on these signs. This one, unfortunately, got me...

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It read... "Wanted: Friends who don't believe - Come into the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ." I found it interesting. I had to think a second. What did they really want? What was the purpose of this sign? What where they saying?

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My thoughts, after my questions...

...I really think they wanted to see people come to church and come to know the Lord as savior.

...I really think they purposed in their heart to reach out to the community.

...I really think, they may have missed the boat!

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OK, no "you're judgmental" e-mails. I know my vices. I also know people. Let me see, can you say you've observed this in our current society...

...No one knows their neighbors names (or very few of them) anymore.

...No one invites people to dinner or a cookout, just church and then only during a promotion.

...Most don't talk to neighbors, unless they need something. That includes church, after all you would not want to miss the praise or the prize at the Sunday School contest.

...Most of us suspect our neighbors more than we love them.

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I could go on, but you're getting the picture. Listen, I'm guilty from time to time of wanting to be a good guy in the eyes of my fellow church goers. I know it's cool to have a "new" person sitting next to you in church and have others envy you. I just want you to stop a moment and take a heart check, WILL THIS PERSON COME TO KNOW THE LORD IF I KEEP LIVING THE WAY I'M LIVING?

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Without taking away the reality that God has to call a person to himself, he tells us to compel them to come. But the question is WHERE DID HE TELL US TO INVITE THEM TO? If my memory serves me correctly, it was to a WEDDING and a SUPPER, not church.

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Please read these carefully (underlining mine)...

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And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. "And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. "But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests." (Matthew 22:1-10 NKJV)

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Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, "and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' "But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' "And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' "Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' "So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' "And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' "Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:16-23 NKJV)

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Let me ask you, what do the Wedding and Supper represent? The Great Supper and Wedding Feast of Christ. When does it happen, well the invitations have been going out for years, and the time is not known, but it will be when Christ comes back for his church. Now ask yourself this question in closing...

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Did Jesus say "stand at the door and tell them to come the feast" or "go get them and bring them back?"

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As Jesus said, "Go and do likewise..."

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Till next time...

Bites Of Borrowed Bread...

Hey out there in blog land, I am alive and well, a little busier than I like over the last month or so, but good none the less. From time to time I come across sayings, I've been collecting them for years. This morning I came across a winner, I thought I would share it out here in blog land...
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All of us have been behind the gun in life and wondered how the next chapter would play out, this phrase says it well, especially if you know Jesus Christ as Savior...

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"The most meaningless statistic in a ball game is the score at halftime"

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Remember folks, the game isn't over and we're not home yet...

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The Best Is Yet To Come!

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Just a little bite of bread of borrowed bread, hope it helps to lift your heart today...

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Rambling Again...

Pray, Pray, Pray...

I am sending out an all points bulletin...

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We need warm weather next Saturday (May 12, 2007) for our annual Car Show...

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Please keep us in prayer as we raise money to keep Gilead encouraging cancer patients...

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Check Out Our Previous Shows...

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http://www.gileadministries.com/car2005.html

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God Bless...

THE ICING, THE CAKE, THE ICE CREAM.... DESSERT IS SERVED

Dear friends in Blog Land...

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I am glad that you have taken this journey with me. There are many other journeys we'll make take together in the future, but I have to say this one has been enjoyable. Challenging from time to time, but enjoyable none the less.

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As we wind down our "Question that begs an answer" let me say that what I've gotten from this process is very valuable. I have enjoyed the interaction with the crowd of bloggers and blog readers and have grown by it. I don't know where you are today, maybe you are in a church you feel is dead. "It's the ________________ you may say, no suggestions here, just wanting you to take honest inventory of your own struggle. Others may say "Our church is wonderful, it has the greatest _________________", again, no suggestions, just the interaction with your own thoughts. No matter which church you are in, let me challenge you with a thought that I think puts the icing on the cake...

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ARE YOU WHERE GOD WANTS YOU?

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Before you say a rousing "Amen" or "Oh Me", I ask you to ponder this question of questions for a few moments...

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What do you base your answer on?

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Have you REALLY ever asked God this question?

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In what way did he give you clear direction?

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Can I meddle a little, OK I already have before now, what's the difference. Many of us, yours truly included, have made choices that in hind sight are much clearer. Sometimes it's so clear we see right through it with no true sight of what's right in front of us.

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Some of you are basing your answer on the Pastor, the youth program, the Sunday School class you're in, the small group you belong to, the music your church sings, the color of the carpet, the number of years you've been there, the traditions you enjoy and on and on and on. I could actually go on for a good portion of the night.

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Some of you are no longer where you used to be for some of the same reasons. Add to it that you've had your feelings hurt, been overlooked for things you should have been asked about or to be involved in, you were sick and no one knew it (hospital stays go here), the version of the bible they used wasn't right, that deacon (or some other figure head) was out of line or didn't notice me or didn't shake my hand or... , our pastor does not do, the church should have _________, and again the list could go on and on.

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Can We be honest here for a moment?

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What do all of the above options have in common?

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The person in the mirror...

I would say you, but the reality is a big I is in the way, you base all your expectation on what you find appealing, helpful, blessed, great, powerful, spirit filled and on and on and on. You get the picture, DON'T YOU?

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Before you get our your daggers and want to throw them this way, again I ask you to ponder. All of the above mentioned items are preferences, nothing more and nothing less. Our take, taste and desires play a big part of who God has made us, but when allowed to drive the bus they take the crowd to the wrong place. I am not suggesting everyone is on the wrong bus, but I got to tell you, I have yet to have anyone say to me, "Bill, God is calling me to a smaller ministry so I can learn to love others and be a servant." I have heard, "the church isn't meeting my needs" or "our music isn't really worshipful" or "my pastor didn't ________" or "that Sunday School class should have ________". I don't hear "God wants me to quit my job and take a lower salary so I can work with _______________" very often and when I do, the one who is doing that gets rave reviews until their kids go without a "new" pair of shoes. Or you find out they didn't have grocery money and instead of buying them groceries we hear "they shouldn't put their kids in that type of environment." I know, you may feel these to be extreme examples, but believe me, they are more common that my ears have wanted to hear. Put yourself in harms way and you may be called a KOOK ! Talk about reaching out to people that others are intimidated by (that can be board room of corporate or bum on the corner) and you'll find the church with it's own thoughts, for instance, you may be told you don't belong in that world or we really need them in our church. Listen, not all are called to do things in this type of fashion and would rather be the ones God calls to be successful financially so you can give instead of go. Instead we give out of guilt instead of conviction and qustion where we are with God when things don't match our own description of what God should do.

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Listen to this passage... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47 KJV). Who added? God. What type of people were among them, if you look earlier you'll see, the passage says, And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (Acts 2:44 KJV). I am not naive, I know humans are well.... human! That's the real reason that God has to be the one to add, and when he does, he doesn't choose any unneeded body parts.

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To close let's look back at our little guy (Ezekiel) in the valley of bones...

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Reviewing where we've come from...

G He was taken by God to the valley in the beginning, He leads us into the same occasionally, read Acts 16 to see where God kept the apostle Paul from preaching the gospel to group of people, not once, but twice before giving him the go ahead to preach in Macedonia.

G He was told by God speak to bones that had no promise of life apart from the one giving the command. Think you have some insight or something to say, apart from God's word, you've got nothing.

G His obedience allowed God to do what Ezekiel needed to be a part of. Understand this, if you don't step up to the plate, God will find others, ask Moses, Elijah or Barnabas.

G Once he was obedient, God began to move among the death before him

G In his awe, he heard the noise of God moving and witness the power of God working right before his eyes.

G Lastly for our review, The only way he saw all that he did was when he followed God's plan to get it done. Be careful, you plan is full of holes, if it has any fabric to it all.

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Now the icing, the cake and the ice cream. Israel was God's Old Testament "Church". The called ones who were to be "salt and light" to the world. They, like us, blew it when they started whining about what they didn't have. "No meat", "No king", "No strength", "No army big enough", "No _________" go do your homework.

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God wants to "party" and he desires to include us, so if we get anything along the way to feed our souls it will be due to our commitment to see "...the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple." (Isaiah 6:1 KJV).

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I can't end this without another reading assignment, there will be no more said about the passage you're about to be challenged to read, but here are some hints as to what to look for... What music was used at this revival. What style of preaching was used at this revival? What evangelism plan was used in this revival? What discipleship program was used in this revival? What passage of scripture was read at this revival? What happened when the preacher "read the word" at this revival? When you answer those questions then you'll have a different focus as to what "church" really means.

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Till next time, read Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9 for your reading assignment. Re-read it if you don't get the answers to all the questions above. Feel free to leave your insights for others to read in the comment section of the blog.

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God bless...

Rabbits and Snails, the Other White Meat?

Well if snakes are not your type, then maybe a furry little Rabbit is more your style. At this point I must plead your forgiveness, if you are an "animal" person then you are probably find it offensive to hear me talk of rabbits as food, but in my home growing up, it was a staple during hunting season. But rest assured, no rabbits OR snails will be harmed in the writing of this blog entry.
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Have you ever met anyone who had it all together? I am sure you have, even if they didn't they went to great lengths to convince you they did. Well if you've seen one of those people then you've probably met a rabbit. I hope my observations are such that you can identify this animal in the Christian world when I expose it's cute little hop.
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Well let's shine a little light on this furry little nuisance. It's the curse of the "HAVES" and "HAVE-NOTS". I've not only met these folks but at one point in my life I was one. It's a difficult reality and I guess that's what makes me want to be up front about it. Some of you reading this have known me for more years than I will admit in this paragraph.
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Let me explain, some of you may not be on the same page. If you remember the old story of the hare and turtle. That little race that all knew who would win. Well you're beginning to get the picture then. The "Rabbits" are good at telling you where you're not keeping up. It can be anything from praying in public (oh my can a rabbit pray in public, they're so far ahead) to being able to quote Bible verses. It's always "Don't you know about that?" or "I've known that for along time (here the "I'm ahead of you").
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Rabbits are good at running ahead. Let me give you an example from scripture. Round 1... And a certain teacher of the law got up and put him to the test, saying, Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life? And he said to him, What does the law say, in your reading of it? And he, answering, said, Have love for the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and for your neighbour as for yourself. And he said, You have given the right answer: do this and you will have life. But he, desiring to put himself in the right, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (Luke 10:25-29 BBE). Hear the "I've got that one mastered", but what this rabbit did not know was that he wasn't messing with a deacon in a church, or some pastor, or even the little old person who was born in church and still hangs out there 100 years later. He had a big one on the line, the Son of God himself. Let's move on to Round 2... And Jesus, answering him, said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he got into the hands of thieves, who took his clothing and gave him cruel blows, and when they went away, he was half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he went by on the other side. And in the same way, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, went by on the other side. But a certain man of Samaria, journeying that way, came where he was, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity for him, And came to him and put clean linen round his wounds, with oil and wine; and he put him on his beast and took him to a house and took care of him. And the day after he took two pennies and gave them to the owner of the house and said, Take care of him; and if this money is not enough, when I come again I will give you whatever more is needed. (Luke 10:30-35 BBE). OOPS, what happened? The first one, the priest, well he was way ahead, he could not break his stride and dirty himself with this project. The second one, the Levite, hear his pace, he also passed by, gotta wonder if there was a "America's Funniest Home Video's" back then, what the look on these two's face would have been, oh well, only speculation. Round 3, the knockout punch... Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves? And he said, The one who had mercy on him. And Jesus said, Go and do the same. (Luke 10:36-37 BBE) If you can't hear it, Jesus is saying, be like the "dog" and you'll be alright. If you've ever had a big lovable dog, you know they like to lick your face and get all over you to show affection. Good illustration if you ask me, but Jesus didn't ask me, it was good without my commentary. By the way, something else most big dogs like to do... chase rabbits and kill them. Just a thought.
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Es cargo, can't say as I ever had it before, but one thing is sure, this little beast is another one of those dinner table topics that can turn stomachs. Just the mention and you can hear people "argh" or "yuck". So what do this slow moving little slimy creatures look like in the Christian world? Well, I'm glad you asked, I would have not been able to finish without your help.
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There are probably more than two types of snails in the real world, maybe in the church world, but I want to look at two of them today. I'm not sure it makes a snail go slow but I can't say that I would be able to move that fast either with my house on my back.
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You see, there are people, who because of their "load" can be seen as "burdensome" to churches. What usually happens is that these "obstacles" in our church growth plan don't live up to the speed we need to be "a success". What we lack is the vision to see the "down and out" as the means by which God creates real growth, whether numerically or not is immaterial. so for this first species of snails, take a few moments, stop to pick one up and help it's progress by going with it. Just remember, some snails in this group are afraid of heights, so you may have put them back down occasionally and travel at their speed to help them get to the destination. Do not put on one side him who is feeble in faith, and do not put him in doubt by your reasonings. (Romans 14:1 BBE) We who are strong have to be a support to the feeble, and not give pleasure to ourselves. (Romans 15:1 BBE)
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Take a deep breath, we're almost done. There are also people in the Christian world that are so steeped in their own way of thinking, no growth possible for them, they just crawl back into their shell and won't move. What's interesting about this phenomenon is that for some reason, I am not sure all the dynamics, their are able to get a number of people's attention and hold the whole church back. These snails also lack vision, let's see a sample of them in this passage... Then all the people gave load cries of grief, and all that night they gave themselves up to weeping. And all the children of Israel, crying out against Moses and Aaron, said, If only we had come to our death in the land of Egypt, or even in this waste land! Why is the Lord taking us into this land to come to our death by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will get into strange hands: would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt? And they said to one another, Let us make a captain over us, and go back to Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron went down on their faces before the meeting of the people. And Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, two of those who had been to see the land, giving signs of grief, Said to all the children of Israel, This land which we went through to see is a very good land. And if the Lord has delight in us, he will take us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Only, do not go against the Lord or go in fear of the people of the land, for they will be our food; their strength has been taken from them and the Lord is with us: have no fear of them. (Numbers 14:1-9 BBE) Do you hear the tactics of these snails... "if only we had....." or a modern version "if only we hadn't" you fill in the blank in your life as a Christian or for your church. It always has to do with what should or should not be done. No true scripture background most times, just the statement of doubt. Note the difference in the "doubt" in these two different snails.
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One snail should not be looked upon as a burden, the other is a burden to be overcome.
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Well, that's enough for now, dessert is on it's way soon, we'll finish and probably just in time...
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I have to ESC-AR-GO! Sorry for the pun, but my fingers are getting a little tired and out of sorts...
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Till next time...

A Great Question Come Along...

I have a great question that was posed on the blog I would like to share. It truly gets at the heart of decision making when we put ourselves in a place we believe God has called us to. I am including my answer to the question, please feel free to help out on this one...
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Here is the comment/question... Yes, I do think God may call us to dead churches. But will He call us to allow or families to be buried alive under the influence of that church?
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Here is my response.... I can't speak for you and your circumstances but this is a great question. Many times God has called others to the brink of harm, Abraham and Isaac, Job and his children, Peter and John even Jesus himself. I do not mean to imply that this "martyr" mentality be our guide. What I am saying is that when we are following God's plan, even the deadliest of areas have no real threat to our security in Christ. For me, I have caused harm to those come to me sometimes by trying to do things that were not Scriptural, (sincere and seemed like the right thing to do) therefore could not be called of God, and had to make reconciliation with those I have hurt.
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If you have a particular area in mind it would be good to bathe this decision in prayer, scripture and Godly counsel from others. In closing, let me try to give you some helpful things to do when faced with a big decision.
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...First, make sure your own life is currently in fellowship with Jesus. This requires us to "take the beam out of our own eye" as Jesus said in Matthew 7. Many try to fix others or lead others without taking needed time to clear out our own fleshly struggles.
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...Second, do not take scripture and just say "I've found the answer." The possibility that God would call someone to sacrifice their child (Isaac) two times in scripture to prove his trust in a foundational promise to a man whose lineage would become a nation is pretty rare. As a matter of face, God does not repeat that scenario in scripture again. Be careful on just jumping to conclusions without study of the word and prayer.
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...Last, if you have not sought wise counsel from others, then you are short circuiting God's plan to "sharpen iron" (Prov. 27:17). A note on seeking counsel from others. You should speak to three different types (not three people per se) of "counsel". Choose a person who has your walk with the Lord at the heart of your friendship. Choose another person who is not involved with nothing to lose from the decision you are making. Then choose a person who is totally outside of all the stuff, maybe even an acquaintance, who has a Godly reputation. This last person could be a leader from another church.I pray that you have read this info and would love to hear personally from you if I can be of any help.
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Ok Blog fans, if you have any help, let's hear it. All I ask is that you understand this is a time for edification not complication...
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Rabbits and Snails are on the way...
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Till next time...

Snakes, Rabbits, Snails and other tasty meats...

Ok, ok, so you're saying to yourself, how is that he doesn't write for a week at a time and then three times in two days...
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Well, I've just had some down time and I think too much when I have free time, it's a curse of us people with hyperactivity personalities.
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Now, on with the ramblings...
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Dessert is about set and our sweet ending will be soon, until it is completely done, here is another one of our conversational thoughts whilst we wait...
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I want you to use your creativity and imagination to help you with this entry, otherwise you'll miss the imagery. The setting is a dry place full of dead bones. You may have seen this one someplace before. You are called to be the life in a dead place (now I must say, some of you may be in a dead place, others of you perceive death but are missing the true nature of God's timing, see the previous blog entry). There are some prevailing winds of thought that blow through the Body of Christ in our current day, I want to examine a few of them for our dining conversation pleasure.
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Did you hear the one about the turtle and the rattle snake? One day a turtle was about to cross a river and the rattle snake asked him for a ride. "No, you'll bite me and kill me." "No I won't" said the rattle snake. "Oh yes you will" protested the turtle. "No trust me" replied the snake. The turtle decided to do just that. Once to the other side the rattle snake bit the turtle. With his dying breath, the turtle said "I thought you promised me you wouldn't bite me?" The snake replied, "you knew I would, it's my nature, I just convinced you I wouldn't long enough to get what I wanted."
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Let's consider the snake, a character from pages past in a garden created by God is not the one I'm referring to here. Dead Church... Snake... Dead Church... Snake... Dead Church... Snake... Oh sorry, I was leaning too heavily on the key board and my repeat setting is quite touchy. What does a snake have to do with a dead church? Well, to understand this little mystery let us go to a passage of interest for our point. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (Jude 1:11-13 NKJV).
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Now, notice some words in this passage, "way of Cain" - jealousy, "error of Balaam - remember the donkey?, Korah - stood against Moses and Aaron, "spots, without fear" - they hurt an assembly because they aren't afraid of their divisive ways, "clouds without water" - ever been dry and watch the clouds (people who could help) walk by without sharing life giving water, "carried about with winds" - popularity, current trends, no foundation, "twice dead" - no big explanations here, they are just dead.
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Let me paraphrase, people who come to church for their own reasons and take and take until they don't get what they want anymore and then cry the place is dead! These are who I will refer to as snakes. Moving from idea to idea, church gimmick to church gimmick and wherever they go they "bite and devour". But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (Galatians 5:15 NKJV) There have been many throughout history that have followed tradition until it killed them or their church, no room for fresh rain, no real foundation other than the roots of tradition they built (note, not scriptural foundation). By the same token there have been many who have belabored their church with every new fad that comes along and have run the Holy Spirit out the same way the traditionalists have but holler about how we're not "keeping up". Blaine Allen (Author of Before You Quit: When Ministry Is Not What You Thought) when talking about the Israelites crying for meat in the wilderness because they didn't want manna, says it this way, "The pressure is there... The intense pressure to produce to look like a... winner. The wise leader asks, 'Who determined the need.' The church down the street? The church growth movement? Pie chart graphs? Forbes magazine? Statistics on plateaued ministries? Who determined the need (of the church)? Remember God determined the need (manna) Remember there is only one Sovereign. He alone maintains the the right to define 'needs'."
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In our world of "meeting needs" mentality in church I want you to think about this statement made about a man you may be familiar with... "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he... And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, "John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true." (speaking of Jesus here) (Matthew 11:11 NKJV), (John 10:40-41 NKJV) John the baptist, no big campaign, and by many peoples definition a loser because it cost him his head. By the way, there's something to be said for the man or woman who will stick it out until they have lost their life living for God's purpose. But Jesus said no greater man was born. Be careful, some of you are to eat, act and be some pretty strange people, but that does not mean without the "miracles" that they are dead.
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Some snakes jump from church to church, some stay forever it seems in the same place, either way, unless God changes them, they will always have the same nature. Watch out for their bite.
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We'll examine Rabbits and snails in our next conversation.
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Till next time