Flying Low

On Wednesday the Lord had a sales meeting with me. The reason I say sales meeting is that years ago while working for a company they would always have sales meetings. Now in these meetings they would never tell me anything I didn't already know but when I left there I was ready to go. Don't know why but I was. So on Wednesday for some reason I was really frustrated, don't know why I just was. So I thought I would call my wife and have her pray for me. I have in the past and it really helped me; but I didn't. Then I thought I would send my Pastor a text message and get him to pray for me; but I didn't do that either. I just didn't feel like that was what the Lord wanted me to do so I just waited on Him. Boy did He teach me. My daughter and I work together about 4 or 5 days a month. Well we were working together. She had left me to finish up at this Church and she went and did another account down the street; we do that all the time. I always get finished before she returns. I was sitting there with the doors open so I could see when she returned. That's when a bird flew in the sanctuary. I thought well it will fly out the same way it came in. But as the bird flew through the doors it went up into the high ceiling and never dropped low again. As the bird flew panicky around and around, back and forth I saw it would never get out without help. My daughter soon came and saw what had happened. We both began to work at trying to get that bird out. We would not let it light and it soon wore itself out and we were able to catch it and set it free. What the Lord taught me in all this was priceless. Many times we keep getting higher and higher, we think we are somebody. We are tops in our field (nothing wrong with that) and then we start thinking we can't lower ourselves to help; well you know that ONE! Afraid they will do better than we do and we just can't have that, can we? In order to be free we may have to get low. Like that bird all he had to do was get low and there were three doors open for him to fly out, but he kept flying higher and higher. After the Lord taught me that I was fine. No, I wasn't flying higher and higher in the way I just explained, but I was trying to solve problems without the Lords help and because of that I had frustrated myself. A self induced problem I didn't need. So what is a verse that will help in a case like this?

Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; (humbled) and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Jam 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Jam 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1Pe 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1Pe 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
I just need to wait on the Lord. I already knew that, it wasn't something new, just something the Lord needed to remind me of by teaching me again. I know that many of you don't have those kinds of problems. I just wanted to let you know I do and if you have no one to pray for today I could use your prayers. Tonight I will stand in front of a group of men and women who have a few problems they can't seem to get rid of. I know the answer that will fix the problem or problems it is in one word "JESUS." Have a great week end and I'll see you Monday and for goodness sake go to Church Sunday your pastor would love to see you and so would everyone else.

Keep Hope

Never Give Up Hoping. When Alexander the Great crossed into Asia he gave away almost all his belongings to his friends. One of his captains asked him, "Sir, what do you keep for yourself?" And the answer of the king was, "I keep hope." In the day you and I live in I believe we have lost the true meaning of the word hope. We say things like "I hope I get to go" or "I hope that doesn't happen." It is used in a negative sense. What is the meaning of the word HOPE? A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, a belief "it is obtainable"; or confidence in a future event. That sounds positive to me, I like that word "Confidence." So when I say "I hope I get to go" I am really saying "I am confident I will be going." "I am confident if nothing happens I'll be there." So when Alexander the Great said "I keep hope" he was saying I keep confidence. So when we read this in our Bibles we can be excited about what we are reading because it is very positive.

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, (Confidence) and without God in the world:

Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope
(Confidence) of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope
(Confidence) in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1Peter 1:3
Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
(Confidence) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

My Pastor, many years ago told me "Wayne you have confidence in God but son; I like it when people call me "son" but you just don't any confidence in yourself or your abilities. I needed to hear those words, for what he said that day was very true. But there is a danger there too and that is one can get to confident in themselves and think they don't need the Lord at all. As I was reading in Joshua on yesterday God showed me that. Jos 7:2
And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.

Jos 7:3
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.

Jos 7:4
So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. Oops, did they forget to pray? I believe they did. They were trusting in past experience. Had they prayed God would have told them not to go for something had changed since the last battle? But they view it by their past experience and their ability over few and they lost. This is when a person gets too confident. Just remember our past confidence may have been wonderful, but we must trust in our God for present confidence. Did you ask God for help this morning or are you running on your abilities and past confidence. Hey, we need Him today in all our decisions. Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

A Woman Washing

Our Emotions are powerful motivators, and more than almost anything else in our lives they will drive our behavior. Anger and resentment will knot up your stomach. Emotional baggage will cause you to lose your appetite and your joy will slip out of your life. Life is too short to stay angry for even a day. My wife says you get angry and in a short time you're over it. You know life is too short for me to stay angry and surely with the ones we love. My brother and I would fight and kick and hold each other down when we were young. Man we would be mad at each other for…well not too long because we were back playing and all was forgotten in just a short time. You know I can't even remember one single incident of why we were angry. You know why? We were brothers and loved each other. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it sure does enlarge the future. Remember emotions are powerful motivators. 2Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

2Samuel 11:3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

Do you see what happened? David saw a woman washing herself and kept watching and the reason I know he kept watching was, he was able to notice she was very beautiful. He wouldn't have known that unless he lingered in his looking. Then David let his emotions began to think for him, he sent someone to ask about her and find out who she is. David is allowing his emotions to take him too far. That's what our emotions will do. Before it is over David had allowed his emotions to take a man's life. It all started out as a simple walk on the roof which turned into a longing look. That will happen to us all if we allow it but we have the power to overcome. Mad at someone just remember "he who angers you controls you." Keep unforgiveness in your heart and it will spring up in bitterness. Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, {Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing} be put away from you, with all {hatred} malice:
Life is just too short for you and I to get angry for any length of time for all it will lead to is loud quarreling and hot tempers which will cause our mouth to open and allow wrong and hurtful words to flow out freely. Think before you speak today and tell someone today you're thankful for them. It will do more for you than them.

Win the Lottery

Have you ever had this though "if I could win the lottery I would have it made for the rest of my life." "If somehow I could make it rich my problems would be solved." Many have had thoughts like those while missing out on what they do have. There was a young teenager in Amsterdam. He spent most every day in the garage playing music with his neighborhood pals. He had the desire to be famous so he put every bit of his free time into his music. Well the practice paid off and eventually he became very wealthy and famous. He admitted that his fame and fortune was the only joy he ever had in life. It seemed as if his fortune had really paid off. He could buy whatever he wanted the finest of cars, homes all over the world, date most any beautiful woman he wanted and world class models would give anything to be by his side. The man held back from no earthly pleasure. In the midst of what appeared to be success he sat down in a luxurious hotel one day and penned the words to his autobiographical song, "I can't get no satisfaction." Another part of the song he says "though I've tried and I've tried and I've tried." By now you know who I am writing about ,none less than Mick Jagger who today is still trying to find satisfaction through instant gratification. So he keeps trying and trying and still as of today no satisfaction. So what will satisfy you? This is an old, old story. Every heard of the wisest man that ever lived? His name was Solomon we can read about him in 1Ki 3:5
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. What would you have asked for?

1Ki 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. That's being humble!

1Ki 3:8
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

1Ki 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

1Ki 3:10
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

1Ki 3:11
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

But something happen!

1Ki 11:1
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

1Ki 11:3
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. They did what? Turned away his understanding heart!

What we think will make us happy usually doesn't. One more line of Cocaine, One more drink, one more marriage, one more affair, we keep reaching for happiness when it may be right at your finger tips already. Stop for a minute! Now look around you! What do you see? You're already blessed with the things you have, quit looking for something better because it's not there. Do you have a job? Be thankful for many are out looking for one. Do you have money in the bank? Be thankful for many don't. Do you have a home? Be thankful for many have lost theirs. Have you health? Be thankful for many are on their death bed. Do you have a family? Great for many have left their in search for a better one. God has blessed you so quit chasing the rainbow because there is no pot of gold there.

 

 

Memorial Day 2009

As I said on Friday I want to tell you of one of my hero's. The year was about 1966 when I met him for the first and only time. I was with my dad as he talked with a man whom he knew who lived down the street from where we boarded our horses. I did not know him or his son but my dad introduced them to me. We were introduced and I am sure we shook hands but I can't even remember that. Then you may ask how in the world did this person become one of your hero's? Let me explain. About a year or so later my dad told me that this young man had been KIA (Killed in Action) in Viet Nam. He was killed on December 2, 1967. He had only been in the Viet Nam for 10 days and was shot and killed. His name was Wayne J Stokes; I go by his grave 3 to 4 times a year to pay my respect to a war hero that I really didn't even know. But yet I do! He gave his all that you and I can live in a country where we can enjoy freedom. I went by his grave not long ago and began to think of how a Mom and Dad must have felt the day they were told their son was gone. For the likes of me I could only imagine. Then I notice their tombstones, they both have passed away and what does it even matter now. But it does matter; there are thousands of families who are still suffering from the loss of their love one. What is sad that the war in Viet Nam is not over! The war in Viet Nam was awful and too many good men died. But what many don't know is that they are still dying. From what you may ask? One thing, Agent Orange and then some from the memories they can't get out of their heads. My good friend Phillip Nixon had his liver replaced. Stanley DeCastor has problems with his skin because of Agent Orange. He was told as many others it won't hurt! Jimmy Johnson was told that he had changed. I guess so; he lives with the horrors every single day. Jerry Barns was shot twice and the night mares and cold sweats are always with him. Ask a person who was there and you will not get much information. I talked with a man in Hawesville, KY. He told me it seemed so long ago, a time I wish I could forget. So while we have the day off and sit in the luxury of our home and watch our children play at our feet or BBQ with our families don't forget the men and women who paid the price for you to have that privilege. I want to say thanks to my hero Wayne J. Stokes, you gave it all! God bless you!

DUST

We were young, strong and fool hearty.
We were men of steel who rode iron horses.

But steel and iron rust away.

Soon we shall all fade, as did the life we led.

And we shall return to the dust from whence we came,
leaving only a fleeting memory and a name upon a wall.

1C9H

One Charlie Niner Hotel (1C9H)

I watched, helplessly, as a beautiful land was torn by war.

I raised my angry eyes and voice toward Heaven and shouted,

"Why God?"

But no answer came.

I watched, helplessly, as my friends were shattered by war.

I raised my angry eyes and voice toward Heaven and shouted,

"Why God?"

But no answer came.

I watched, helplessly, as she died in my arms.

I raised my angry eyes and voice toward Heaven and shouted,

"Why God?"

But no answer came.

I stood before a silent, black wall.

I raised my angry eyes and voice toward Heaven and shouted,

"Why God?"

But no answer came.

I felt a slight tug on my sleeve and looked down into the shiny eyes of a small child. He asked, "Were you a soldier, Mister?"

With a tiny finger, he pointed and said, "My grandpa was a soldier and a hero. Did you know my grandpa, Mister?"

I took his small hand in mine; and with a sweeping gesture I said, "Yes, Boy. I knew your grandpa; I knew them all. They were all heroes. Would you like me to tell you about them?"

My answer came.

John H Sosebee WWII Thanks Dad

Thomas Henry Roberts. I knew him well; we all thought he was strange when we were kids. Then I found out why! He was a Corporal in the Marine Corps, serving as a Rifle Sharpshooter and member of the Mortar Platoon a survivor of Iwo Jima. He passed away July 14, 2007 at the age of 86.

Thomas Craig Richard Jr. PFC KIA 8 February 1968

I could tell you more but I have told you enough at this point, and if you do nothing else today pray for our Military they need your prayers. God Bless You! Enjoy the day for freedom has a price.

Sgt. Wayne S Sosebee, USAF 12791196 1968-1972

I Can

I remember the time I was in basic training; being yelled at, told not to bounce but walk straight, being torn down so the drill sergeant could build me up and make men out of boys. All that was fine because we were all being told the same thing at the same time. But there is a day that I have not forgotten. It was the day the drill sergeant had me in his office. I was getting close to being shipped out when he called me in his office. I and another soldier had just gotten into a; well let me just say confrontation. I was fearful I was going to be set back and there was nothing I could say or do. So I just sat there in silence. Then as my sergeant began to scream at me and tell me how; well you get the picture. But then he said this and it literally crushed me. He told me that I would never amount to anything and I was worthless and useless. That's been over forty years now and for a time I believed what he said was true. But you know what? What he said was a lie. One day a man saw something in me his name was Ken and he took the time to tell me about Jesus. Then there was another man his name was James Peppers. Then another man his name was Ray Hill. These three men encouraged me greatly. Then one day I read this Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. They that wait! Don't get in a hurry just wait for He will renew your strength because you will need the strength to soar with the eagles and to run and not be weary and walk and not faint. So when you hear the words, "You can't…" "You mustn't," "You won't. Just remember you can, you will, you must! Paul put it like this Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Believe the naysayers if you want, I did for a while but believing what God has to say and what He has in store for you is far better. Remember you can have as much as you want or as little as you are satisfied with. Sad to say we are satisfied with too little too many times.

 

The Diamond was Full

The year 1995 the million-dollar arms were at home. The Cadillac bats were in the rack. But the owners, determined to start the season, threw open the gates to almost anybody who knew how to scoop a grounder or run out a bunt. Batters were hustling to the plate to take their swings? Questionable call went uncontested? Umpires were thanked after the game? Fans were returning foul balls? While the million dollars and Cadillac players were negotiating for more money. The games weren't fancy and line drives rarely reached the outfield. Pitchers were throwing the ball so slowly the radar gun couldn't clock them. But, my, did the players have fun! The diamond was full of men who played the game for the love of the game. These men didn't see themselves as a blessing to baseball but baseball as a blessing to them. They didn't demand more playtime; they were thrilled to play at all. So what made these men so special? They were living a life they didn't deserve. These men weren't picked because they were good; they were picked because they were willing. They didn't complain because their names were not on their jerseys. They were just happy to be on the team and have a jersey. That's the way the Apostle Paul starts off the book of Romans "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ." He was living a life he didn't deserve. So are we! Our past pardoned, our future secure and we have peace with God. Think I'll just stop right there and say "Halleluiah!" Living a life I don't deserve. I wasn't picked because I had something special; because I didn't. Could it be that I am willing to play on the team regardless of the pay? I just love the General Manger He is wonderful to me and I am not expecting any luxuries from Him but from time to time He sends some my way; maybe because I am on the team. They come in Blessing Deut 28:2
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Pro 28:20
A faithful man shall abound with blessings:
The next time you think you have a Cadillac bat or a Million dollar arm just remember without a place to play you just ride the pine! So get in the game and watch God change your life.

 

 

 

 

Misunderstood

Have you ever been misunderstood? I am sure we can all say yes to that. I remember one time when I was fishing with my father-n-law in Florida. We saw a man who with desperate sounds began to try to get everyone's attention. It took a minute for us to understand what he was trying to say; or show us. A number of water spouts were headed our way. A water spout looks like a small tornado in the water. It didn't look very dangerous to anyone else that was fishing and no one else seemed upset. This man was acting strange. I wonder if he was just misunderstood by everyone there? What if we were in a room and a man came running into the room and began to tell everyone that the building was on fire and everyone needed to get out. Although he was telling the truth no one in the room is upset at all because we all misunderstood what he was saying. He is telling us in a language we don't understand. Jesus was misunderstood more than once let's look at Mark 15:34
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:35
And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
They misunderstood Him? They had only caught a fragment of His speech. They had only heard a syllable or two. Had they caught the whole of it— let the whole sentence sink into their hearts— they would have known that He was calling upon God. No they thought He was calling for Elias. Many Christians do the same thing. Let me explain! At a revival meeting an invitation was given for folks to come forward if they wanted to be born again. Near the back a young man was approached and asked if he would like to be born again? To which he replied "NO!" Then he was asked why don't you want to be born again? The young man in all seriousness answered "because I'm afraid I'd come out as a girl!" What was the problem? He simply didn't understand and because of that the man was misunderstood. That's the problem people don't understand and therefore they are misunderstood. When I have a problem with my computer the person who tries helping me will speak in a computer language I don't understand. Listen to what Jesus said Matthew 13:13
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Jesus said I am going to tell you in a way that you will understand, because if I don't you will misunderstand what I am saying. Think about it the next time you use words like Saved, become a Christian, accept Christ, and receive Jesus, even Savior. Ever asked anyone if they were lost? They may not understand your language and therefore misunderstand what you are saying. Paul prayed like this Colossians 4:3
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door (give us an opportunity) of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Colossians 4:4
That I may make it manifest, (clear as possible) as I ought to speak.

Make yourself clear and don't be misunderstood, asks God to help you and He will.

Appreciation

There's a game that when played no one wins everyone loses. It's called the comparison game. The Bible tells us that this isn't wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. There will always be someone else who does things better or is more effective than you. Think for a moment what this essayist had to say. He says that people are either people which are minus or those which are plus people. The minus people are those who leave us poorer, and the plus those who leave us richer. A person who comes along and all they can do is find fault in all you do, that's a minus person. I will agree we don't do everything perfect and yes, we do make mistakes. But to be honest with you we don't need to hear it forever; do you think? Then there are those who I love to see coming in my direction because I know that before they leave there will be some appreciation coming from their lips. That's a plus person and I believe we all would like some appreciation for things we do from time to time. Our Lord was wonderful in His appreciation. He saw the worshipping woman in the harlot, the disciple in the despised tax collector and the rock in the unstable will of Simon. He saw Sparrows when others saw no value in them. He saw the beauty in the lilies when others just saw flowers. He saw you and the _______________ in you when others just saw all the imperfections you were making. The Lord has appreciation for you. No wonder we follow Him and want to do our best for Him. We all are just one person and we all are working with what we have. As I close today I want to leave you with this poem.

 

I am only one, but I am one;
I cannot do everything
But I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do
And what I ought to do
By the grace of God, I will do.
—Canon Farrar

 

Twenty Dollar Bill

It's a story about a twenty dollar bill. It was asked "what good things have you done?" Well the twenty dollar bill said "there was this time I bought medicine for a sick child." Very admirable I must say. Oh that's not all there was this time I bought food for a hungry family and another time I bought clothes for an elderly man. Then a newborn baby was without formula because the mother had no money; well I bought the formula for that newborn. Now that's a wonderful story a twenty dollar bill doing good things. But while out on his adventures the twenty dollar bill made its way to the bank and there something happened and this twenty dollar bill had to be taken out of service. What could have possibly happened at the bank to have this done to this good twenty dollar bill taken out of service? Well after close examination it was discovered that this twenty dollar bill was a counterfeit. Although this twenty dollar bill had done wonderful things it was really worthless and sent to the furnace to be burned up with other counterfeits. What a good story with a sad ending. But wait, the Bible has a similar story read it for yourself… Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Matthew 7:19
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Just like the twenty dollar bill doing good things; the only problem was that on the day of examination it was found that this twenty dollar bill was not real no matter how much good he had done and was cast into the furnace. Like many people today they are doing a bunch of good things. Why they are members of a Church and everything. The only problem with that is that good things are simply only good things and they will never help on judgment day. Here, like the twenty dollar bill it will be a bad day for them; let me show you… Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. What will be important…? Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; We all do good things from time to time but it's not what we do that's good nor is it about what we do that's bad. But it is about who we know and the one we must know is Jesus Christ. 1John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
That's simple enough those that have the Son have life and miss the furnace!

 

 

Hid

The word "HID" is used 129 times in the Bible, the first time we see the word Hid is in
Genesis 3:8 And they (Adam and Eve)
heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Adam and Eve tried to hide from God's word. Many are trying that today, but have you noticed God's Word is everywhere. All of a sudden it's there on a bill board, on a cornerstone, in the newspaper, or in the book that you are reading; it's everywhere. That's the way God wants it, because we will never be able to say "I have never heard of God's Word." It's everywhere!

Not only can the Word of God not be hid but neither can Jesus.
Mark 7:24
And from thence he
(Jesus)
arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he
(Jesus)
could not be hid.
It Was Impossible to Conceal Christ. So it is in the day you and I live. Yes, many try to have Him concealed. Let's do away with the 10 commandments, no more Christmas pageants, No more praying at Football games, not even at graduation ceremonies, let's make no mention of His name. But it is impossible to conceal Jesus. Missionaries all around the world proclaim Him by name. Pastors stand and shout His name. People tell of His wonderful grace and what He has done in their lives, children, marriages, business and friendships just to name a few. Hide Jesus? Impossible! It would be easier to hide the sun than the Son of God. Now you and I can hide him but it only hurts those around us and the ones we care most for. 2Cointhians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
But you know what? I find it impossible to hide Him. Here is why.
2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be
(be where?) in Christ, he is
(he's what?) a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ever tried hiding that new car, that new house, that new piece of jewelry, or that new job? Why no and why not? It is impossible to drive a new car and not be noticed, move into a new house and not let people know, have a new piece of jewelry on and it not be noticed or get a new job and not tell others about it! When the Lord forgave you of all your sins people knew it because you either told them or it was seen in the new walk you had. You couldn't keep it hid because you are "IN CHRIST" and you are a new "CREATURE." The things you once enjoyed doing are not that enjoyable anymore. It's not that you can't do them! There're just not that important anymore. The reason being something else is far more exciting and has now become new to you. Like that new car you want everyone to see or that new job you are dying to tell everyone how you landed it. Now it's Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

There are a lot of things I can hide but there are some things I can't hide. I can't hide the love I have for my wife, children and our grand children. Neither can I hide Christ for time I spend with Him will shine through me as it did with Moses. Exodus 34:29
And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

Exodus 34:30
And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
When we spend time with Him it's impossible for others not to see Him; you can't hide Him. Take time with Him this weekend and your frown will turn into a smiley face. God Bless you!

She Called 911

My day got off to a bad start yesterday. Well, let me just say it wasn't the best day I've ever had. Of course the Lord has unique ways of turning lemons into lemonade. I always try my best to have a good attitude. Then it happened! I was going about my daily work routine when I read this story that I'm about to share with you. I almost stopped reading it too soon. When I was finished I was laughing my head off. I thought you might enjoy it as much as I did; and I don't know you may not be having such a good day yourself. I hope this changes it like it did mine.

The way my friend told it, this guy pushed his motorcycle from the patio into the living room, where he began to clean the engine with some rags and a bowl of gasoline. When he finished he sat on the motorcycle and decided to start it to make sure everything was still ok. Unfortunately the bike started in gear and crashed through the glass patio door with him still clinging to the handlebars. His wife had been working in the kitchen. She came running at the noise and found him crumpled on the patio badly cut from the shards of broken glass. She called 911 and the paramedics transported the guy to the emergency room. I'm sure that you will agree with me in that the story is humorous---- that's what you get for being a big lout and bringing your motorcycle into the house, but here is where I really split a gut. Later that afternoon after many stitches, had pulled her husband back together, the wife brought him home and put him to bed. She cleaned up the mess in the living room and dumped the bowel of gasoline in the toilet. Shortly thereafter her husband woke up, lit a cigarette, and went into the bathroom. He sat down and tossed the cigarette into the toilet which promptly exploded because his wife had not flushed the gas away. The explosion blew the man through the bathroom. The wife heard the explosion and her husband's screams. She ran into the hall and found him lying on the floor with his trousers blown away and burns on his buttocks. The wife again ran to the phone and called the ambulance. The same two paramedics were dispatched to the scene. They loaded the husband on the stretcher and began carrying him to the street. One of them asked the wife how the injury had occurred. When she told them, they began laughing so hard that they dropped the stretcher and broke the guy's collarbone.

I HOPE THAT MADE YOU LAUGH AND PUTS A BIG SMILE ON YOU FACE FOR EVERY BAD THING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU IS NOT ALWAYS YOUR FAULT.

 

Unfinished

Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary,

Every man learns certain lessons from the trade in which he is engaged. Nobody is unaffected by his business. The farmer is very different from the sailor, because the one is a farmer and knows about soil and the other is a sailor and knows about the sea. Through His youth, and on to the age of thirty, Jesus was known as the Carpenter of Nazareth. As a carpenter Jesus had the ability to see more in a log than the average person; when others only saw limbs, twigs and bark Jesus could see ploughs, chairs, bowls and platters all hidden in the tree. Jesus has always had the ability to transform. Think of the first disciples. Not in one hour did Simon become Peter. John was not made an apostle "while you wait." There is nothing more wonderful in history than the long, patient, and persistent way in which the Lord transformed these followers of Galilee. In a single instant He could heal the leper. In a single instant He could raise the dead. It took many a thousand weary instants to transform Simon into Peter. Jesus saw what Simon Peter could be not what he was. So it is with you and I Jesus can see what we can't. That reminds me of a song!

 

He's still working on me

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the potter; I'm the clay

He's not Finish Yet!

 

Pony Express

Sept. 15, 1858, The Overland Mail stagecoaches ran from St. Louis to San Francisco in 24 days through desert, mountains, and bands of hostile Indians. Freight on the Southern Overland was limited; the greatest load, including mail, was no more than 750 pounds. Establishing the Overland Mail, however, meant that mail and express no longer had to go by sea. The Pony Express rode its way into American legend on April 3, 1860. Its Pony Express riders travel over a central route the 2,000 miles between St. Joseph, Mo., and Sacramento, Calif., in ten days on a regular schedule. It was officially discontinued on Oct. 26, 1861, though it operated until November 20. The Pony Express was successful from a time standpoint, but it was a financial failure, losing its owners more than $200,000 in the 18 months of its existence. Nevertheless, it played a major role in establishing rapid communication between the loyal North and the West coast during the Civil War. The Pony Express helped keep California in the Union. We have come a long ways in communication since then. What used to take weeks only takes seconds? What if someone would have told Wild Bill, and Buffalo Bill; riders of the Pony Express that in less than 200 years what you are doing now will be done in seconds. They would have said you are out of your mind! But it has come to pass and you and I are living in that day. What one day seemed impossible has now become possible. So what should this teach us? What one day looks like an impossibility can become very possible. Luke 18:27
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Things change over time but God never does. Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. He is perfect so there is no need to change. He is true so He never needs to change. He is Holy so why would there be a need to change? We are the only ones that need to change and He helps us do that aren't you glad!

Taking a Risk

John Parker had it made. In the first 150 years of America's history everyone was not free; many were slaves. Men, women, boys and girls were listed as property, owned by another. John Parker after two failed attempts to escape his Southern slave owner; finally got his freedom. He chose to live in Ripley, Ohio on the freedom side of the Ohio River. He got his own house and made it a home. He got a good job and began to make his own money. He was finally safe, secure and successful. But then he started doing something at night. Night after night, John Parker risked it all. For what you may ask? Under the cover of darkness, he would row across the Ohio River to the slave side in Kentucky. Now, if he was caught he could lose his freedom; he could lose his life. In spite of the risks, John Parker went looking for runaway slaves. It is said the John Parker was responsible for at least 900 slaves going free. I want you to get the picture! We see a liberated slave, taking great risks because he can't leave other slaves where he once was. It was because of his efforts that many were able to put these four words on their tombstones, words that powerfully told their life story: "Born Slave, Died Free". Those words could be put on my tombstone too. Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, (made live) who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved ;)

Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: I was born a slave to sin; no one had to teach me to lie and steal and cuss and a number of wrongs. But one day a John Parker stepped into my life. His name was Ken and he told me about the Lord Jesus Christ and what He had done for me and a few days later I was made alive. Now I can say "Born Slave and one day will Die Free". That's what we should do this week, take a risk and be a John Parker to someone and see if we can liberate someone. Are you willing to take the risk? Every Friday night I see those who were in bondage to drugs, alcohol, pornography and other things being a John Parker for others willing to take the risk. Get out of the comfort zone and take a risk.

 

Don’t Miss the Opportunity

Off to the PTA program, the play in the gym or the Church stage we go. It's time for your son, daughter or grandchild to perform on the stage to make their debut and yes you will be there to catch that moment with your camera. They perform and yes it was wonderful, so wonderful they receive a standing ovation from the audience. Then on the way home you tell them how proud you are of the way they acted out their part or sang their song. Pat on the back and the encouraging words; well you just couldn't keep quiet about it; you took the time to call and tell everyone you could possibly think of. Yes, I can remember both times; the times when I was the center of attraction and the times I have encouraged my children as well as grandchildren. But you know what? Don't know if you have noticed it or not but now that we are much older the words of encouragement are far and few between. I have tried to sing and then heard words like "don't quit your day job." Not much encouragement in those words. I have, as I'm sure you have, done your best only to find that someone else was talented enough to see the mistakes and was more than glad to tell you about them and share with you how you could improve. No standing ovation there, unless you call them standing up to tear you down a somewhat standing ovation. But you know what? I know if I have done good or bad, but just sometimes a word of encouragement would do me good as I'm sure it would you. I have learned to encourage myself. Like the little boy while in the backyard with his ball and bat. He says "I'm the greatest hitter in the world." Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it and missed. "Strike one." He then picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, "I'm the greatest baseball hitter ever," and then he swung at the ball again. And again, he missed. "Strike two!" Then a third time he threw the ball into the air. "I'm the greatest hitter who ever lived." He swung the bat hard again, and missed a third time. He cried out, "Wow! Strike three. What a pitcher! I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!" I still do that from time to time, but to be honest I'd much rather hear it from my wife or a family member or a good friend. You know what? I have the power within myself to encourage someone today. Think I'll do that, it will do the both of us good, especially me. Gal 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Let's you and I go encourage someone, give a good pat on the back and thank them for all they do.

 

Doubt

Faith is wonderful; we use faith everyday of our lives. We have faith in our postal service. We write a letter, sign it, seal it and drop it in the box. We have faith that the letter will be delivered. We have faith in our bank. We go to work, work all week get paid and put that money in our bank and leave with confidence. We have faith in Doctors, Nurses, Medicines, operations, in treatments, why we even have faith in a coke machine. Put our money in, push a button and expect a coke. All that I've just mentioned is us putting faith in people and the things we have invented or organized. But now putting Faith in God or this man Jesus Christ is another story. We see others that have put their faith in Jesus, and we may think; well I just don't know about me! Here is what happens, it is called doubt; oh we don't have doubt in the coke machine or the postal service but when it comes to this thing about my sins being forgiven; well that's another story. You see God will never forgive me for what I have done. Well that's a lie. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever killed someone? I mean premeditated, planned it out and then do it yourself or have it done? You say "why heavens no!" Well King David did. 2Sa 11:15
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. What did you say David? Did I understand you right; put Uriah on the front lines in the heat of the battle and leave him there by himself! Why he will surely be killed. Yes, David knew that and the reason he allowed that to happen was to cover up his sin with Uriah's wife. Guess what; God forgave David of his awful deeds. So why can't we put our trust in a God like that? Oh we can if we will just overcome that doubt in our hearts. But I have found that too many are waiting on that last minute when they can ask God to forgive them like the dying thief that day on Calvary's hillside. Yes, and If you mean it like that thief did God will do the same thing for you as He did that day because the Bible says Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. There are a few problems with that line of thinking. What if you are in an automobile accident? You may not have time! What if you have a heart attack? You are here one minute and the next you are gone without notice! I am sure you can think of many, many more times when you just wouldn't think of asking God to forgive you. Don't wait! For the Bible says Hebrews 4:7….
To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. I am glad I didn't let my past get in the way of my future. As Dr E.V. Hill so plainly said "What He's done for others He'll do for you!"

 

Wasteful

This week we have been having a Spring Revival at our Church (Victory Baptist) and it has been great. On Monday night Dr. R.B Ouellette preached a great message out of Hebrews 2:3-
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; a wonderful message on wasteful living. But he gave an illustration that I could identify with. He told of the time when he was young how he went to a county fair. He told of how he liked to ride all the rides and how much he enjoyed the food at the fair. But then he said he saw some games. Then he began to tell how easy they all looked. So he began to play them and he almost won the big prize but never did. Then he said when he left the fairgrounds he had not rode the first ride nor eaten any of the fair food because he wasted his money. That was funny to me because I had done the same thing when I was younger. 1971 the county fair in Altus Oklahoma I almost won the TV set and when I was out of the money you could see in my wallet this wonderful man asked me to get my mad money. Here was a smart man, I thought, he cares so much for me and sees how close I am to winning that he is wanting to help me. So I dug in and pulled it out and you know what I got even closer to winning that TV. Now out of money and no prize this kind man asked me if I had any more money at home and if I did he would do what he normally doesn't, he would hold my position, for he really wanted me to win that TV. Man I was caught up in this; and yes I did have more money at home. So I told him I would be right back. That is when my wonderful wife said to me "are you crazy, don't you see what he is doing." So we left the fairgrounds without riding the first ride or eating any cotton candy or apple. Sad to say I had wasted my money. So on Monday night the Lord brought all that back to my mind and I asked myself this question "have I lived a wasted life for the one who loved me and gave Himself for me." Luke 15:13
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. Luke 16:1
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. Are we guilty of wasteful living? Am I guilty of Wasteful Living! Have I wasted the Talents that God has given me? Have I wasted the Treasures that God has allowed me to partake in? Have I wasted the Time God has given me? Powerful Questions, the answer is found in the Scriptures Matthew 7:16
Ye shall know them by their fruits.

It Seems Crazy

It seems crazy as I was thinking the other day. What if someone told you that they had seen something that was invisible and heard something that was not audible? The first impression would be there is no way, and logically that would be right. But it's not; we don't see electricity but it's there! If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around it will still make a sound but we will not hear it. Men and women have given their lives for what was invisible and not audible yet they saw it and heard it. I know up to this point I have not made much sense. Let me explain;

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Here we see evidence of something that's not seen

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Here it is seeing something that is seen but made of things which do not appear

Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Here seeing him who is invisible

Polycarp was a second century Bishop of Smyma he died a martyr when he was stabbed after an attempt to burn him at the stake failed. Polycarp was asked to deny Christ and they would set him free. Listen to what he told them; "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, Who hath saved me?" At the stake to which he was only tied, for he assured them he should stand immovable, the flames, on their kindling the fagots, encircled his body, like an arch, without touching him; and the executioner, on seeing this, was ordered to pierce him with a sword, when so great a quantity of blood flowed out as extinguished the fire. Polycarp saw someone who was invisible to all those around him but to him He was clearly seen. I guess its true men and women are willing to suffer for what is invisible and not audible. Let me ask you, have you heard Him or seen Him today.

Matthew 25:35
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:36
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:37
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Matthew 25:38
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Matthew 25:39
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Without Doubt a Hero

Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He was sent to Iraq and then there was the day his squad was ambushed ten to one. In the midst of a reconnaissance mission out of nowhere the enemy began to fire upon them. Their vehicles kept moving as Sgt. Rieman dove into the backseat and used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. As they sped away from the ambush, they found themselves ambushed again by some 50 enemy attackers. Rieman was shot in the right arm, he was shot in the chest, he had shrapnel wounds to his chest and stomach and ear, and his squad was out of ammo. In spite of his wounds, Tommy Rieman began firing away with his grenade launcher at their attackers. Finally, the enemy's guns fell silent. Then Sgt. Rieman began tending to his wounded. In President Bush's 2007 State of the Union Address he introduced him to the nation. Sgt. Tommy Rieman is without doubt a hero. But if you were to ask him about his Purple Heart and the Silver Star and ask him if he considered himself a hero. He would say no! That's just what a soldier does, wounded and yes badly wounded but you just keep fighting for there is no place to quit. Anybody can quit. You can quit. I can quit. It is nothing to say I am done, I quit. But do you we really want to quit? I am sure we have all had that thought, "I'll just quit." But you know what? Every time I just think of the Apostle Paul and what he wrote to young Timothy. 2Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Timothy it will not be long before I am to be put to death. But I want you know I'm ready; you see I have fought and I have finished and through it all I have kept the faith. Those words have always encouraged me. So when you feel like throwing in the towel and saying I'm finished, just give it another day and keep putting your faith in the Lord and as my father-n-law has told me in the past "the sun will shine again" and it will. Don't let the problems of this week get you down! Somebody is looking at you as well as to you, don't let them down.

 

Victory

His name Charles E. Boles; during his reign of terror between 1875 and 1883, he is credited with stealing the bags and the breath from 29 different stagecoach crews. He did it all without firing a shot. No victim ever saw his face; no artist ever sketched his features. He hid his face with a hood. No sheriff could ever track his trail. He never fired a shot or took a hostage. His presence was enough to paralyze. A hooded bandit armed with a deadly weapon; his name "Black Bart." When Black Bart was finally tracked down, they didn't find a bloodthirsty bandit; they found a mild- mannered druggist from Decatur, Illinois. In reality, so afraid of horses he rode to and from his robberies in a buggy. The bandit who never once fired a shot, because he never once loaded his gun!

Amazing, that a man could so terrorize his victims, and at any given time all they had to do would be resist him and what would he have done? Nothing, for he was working on fear. He would ambush and take away the courage of his victims to the point of trauma and they would freeze where they were. You know what that reminds me of? Our enemy! The Bible tells us about him in John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
we allow him to ambush us and terrorize us to the point we lose courage. But let me remind you of a promise that has been given to us.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

So when our Black Bart tries to Steal, Kill and Destroy he can only do so if we allow him. For his gun is not even loaded. The Lord Jesus has already won the Victory! So remember we are not fighting toward Victory we are fighting from Victory.