3-2-2017 Arizona Trip

Taking extra time to travel this trip and not getting in in hurry. I have only passed a hand full of others, driving below the posted speed limit ( don't get nervous seeing a patrol car) and seeing things I have never seen before is fun. We did not get on the road until 10:30. I spent too much time talking to another preacher from Corsicana Texas that was headed to Phoenix as well. Made it to Lordsberg  NM. and got set up in the dark. Nancy is working on her quilt and I am watching my DVD's from last Christmas. The news is just the same old political garbage.

Speaking of garbage: I want to send out a word of appreciation to all the workers that pick up the garbage and keep our world clean. They work hard in all sorts of weather and are faceless servants of us all. They make America a great place to live too.

Fake Pastors?

Are pastors serving the church or are they being served? The modern model of a pastor is not biblical.
God does not call us to be C.E.O. God calls us to be servants/shepherds. Awake! Find the path of servant-hood and bring honor back to the calling.

S.O.A.P.

2-8-2015              Romans 7:1

S.       1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

O.      Laws are for the living, not the dead.

A.      All of God’s laws exist for my benefit. God warns me to protect my soul from sin. I will have safety and peace if I obey.

    P.       Father; thank you for revealing your laws to me. I can walk in security because I am aware              of the dangers. You must love me more than I can understand to give such wonderful insight              and protection to me. Amen.   

Weight Loss War!

Off to get my three week check up. I have lost twenty two pounds at this point. Feeling better and able to get around much better. I have created a new me in my mind, like the old me; tall, slim and strong. I remember the days when I could work from dawn to dusk, eat anything I desired and sleep like a baby. I want most of all to be working again and strong. My goal is to loose one hundred and thirty five pounds. My target is within thirteen months. Yes, I am aiming high. With God: "All things are possible".

12-4-2014      Mark 12:12-17

S.       12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. 13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

O.      The Pharisees try to trick Jesus with questions of controversy. Jesus turns the tables and they are astounded.

A.      I should respect those that lead my country and follow the law. I should also repect God and follow his law. Honesty, integrity, virtue and faith are my hallmarks.

P.       Father; reveal every area of weakness in my life that by faith I may be transformed into a more Christ like man. Amen. 

New Platform

8-4-2014         Acts 22:30

S.       30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused   of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

O.      Paul’s arresting officer brings him before the Jews to have the charges against Paul clarified.

A.      The normal systems of justice are another platform from which we can share the gospel. We must be willing to share our message at every opportunity and in every situation. The people may never hear unless we speak up.

P.       Father; I ask for wisdom and courage in all of life’s experiences. I want to speak up for you and tell the world of your love and forgiveness. Use me Lord, Amen. 

Give to the poor.

7-19-2014      Acts 20:35

S.       35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

O.      Honest words about meeting the needs of others and the ultimate word on giving.

A.      Supporting the weak is more than money. Weakness comes to us when we are afraid, lonely and hurt. Supporting people in these times is just as important as filling their bellies. I will attempt to be there for the ones that are in these difficult times.

P.       Father; I see hurting people in every direction I look. I see hungry people in every direction I look. Guide me by your Holy Spirit in all my efforts to help and support. I am overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. I need you Father to fill me up and then pour me out. Amen.

Work

7-18-2014      Acts 20:33-34

S.       33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

O.      Paul describes his view of labor and reward.

A.      Working to meet our need is the normal course life. Paul also meets the needs of others and so should I. Many are unable to work and earn a living. God would have me to help those around me. Christians share!

P.       Father; strengthen my ability to work and direct me in my giving. Help me to be an example, like Paul, in my giving and in my compassion. Amen.