Abstinence Education

Some of you may have heard about this.  A report on Abstinence Education was paid for with tax payer dollars.  The Obama administration refused to release the findings.  It has taken some effort for it to be released and took multiple request through the freedom of information act to get it done.  It is in my opinion a blatant effort to stand in the way of family values.  Parental access to meaningful public programs that support Christian and family values on teenagers having sex and sex before marriage.  The left is now saying that the report has no significant information in it and it shouldn't be a big deal that it was not released.  I would venture to say a read of it yourself will prove otherwise.  Here is a article.

Feds embargo pro-abstinence findings

The full results of a national study that favors abstinence education is being withheld from researchers and the public.

The taxpayer-supported survey from 2008 found that around 70 percent of parents and their teenagers believed that teens should wait until marriage to have sex. Despite release of the study's summary and its highlight at two major public health conferences last year, the Department of Health and Human Services is withholding the full results according to Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Foundation.

"When a researcher [Dr. Lisa Rue] asked the HHS for the full results, she [was told it] is not public information and it has not been released to the public and so you don't have access to it," relates Huber. "[I find that] a little incredulous since it was shared publicly at two different venues."

Huber questions the motivation of the Obama administration, noting that "as of this past fiscal year, President Obama specifically put in his budget a desire to end all funding for abstinence education."

She hopes a change will be made soon. "We think that an administration that wants things to be open and clear should certainly do something different than the decision that is currently being exercised," Huber remarks.

Read the rest of this story here

For a link to a PDF file of the actual report click here.  If you have a digital reader such as a Kindle you can download the PDF to that and read it on the go. I am currently wading through it now it is 195 pages long.  I think it is worth the read I will post some additional information on it at a later date.  It took a significant amount of effort to get this released.  I think Christians every where should take the time to read it. 

Why do you think the Obama administration would benefit from with holding this report?

Things That Will Make You Say Hmmmmmmm

Gonna try to limit my words on this post.   I have some other media that will make several points.  I feel that these are all tied together or at least they have been for me.   This material has presented itself and I think sometimes we just need to step back and think about what we are doing.  Take a look see what ya think.

The Least from Floodgate Productions on Vimeo.


OUCH!!!!!

Next is excerpts from a blog that I check out from time to time.  His points are about tithing.  I have heard this type of sermon many many times. 

12 reasons why you don’t like sermons about money. Chris Elrod



Over the years I have discovered that no other subject brings more disagreement and heated conversations than when I preach about money. People get mad…they get defensive…they become defiant…and some even leave the church. I’ve also discovered over the years why this happens…and have taken the time to make a list of 12 reasons why some people don’t like sermons about money. By the way…if you think I’m writing this about you…or to you…you are correct.

1. You don’t give. - 90% of the people that get upset about sermons on money do so because they don’t give. The sermon hits too close to home, makes them feel guilty…and makes them have to confront their sin.

Read the rest of the post at the following link.  Chris Elrod's Blog

After reading the post..... it didn't  set exactly right with me and as I usually do......  I read the comments.  The following comments made me think a bit about the sermon that I hear most often over the years or the statements that I hear most often over the years about tithing.

Here are those comments:

Does your church teach that you are to follow the Old Testament law? I thought the law ended at the cross.



Tithing was an Old Testament law that ended at the cross along with the Levitical priesthood per Hebrews 7:5,12,18. In Malachi 3:7 God makes it clear He is speaking about not following His ordinances (in Numbers 18).


Do YOU follow God’s ordinances in Numbers 18 – take the tithe to the Levites, those who receive the tithe can own no land, etc. etc.? Do YOU follow God’s definition of His tithe in Leviticus 27:30-33 – crops and animals raised on the Holy land?


According to The Word, those who put themselves under the law will be cursed by the law.


The New Testament teaches generous, sacrificial giving, from the heart, according to our means. For some, $1 might be a sacrifice, while for others, even giving 50% of their income might not induce a sacrifice. In the Old Testament, ONLY the farmers tithed, and it was equal percentage (a tenth). The New Testament teaches the principle of equal sacrifice instead of equal percentage. Equal sacrifice is much harder to achieve than giving ten percent.


I can give you two good reasons why many don’t like your sermons about money. You are teaching what church leaders came up with in the second half of the 1800s – CHANGING God’s definition of His tithe from GOD’S increase of crops and animals to man’s increase, and CHANGING God’s directions to take the tithe to the Levites to take the tithe to the church.


Gary Arnold - August 19, 2010 at 12:35 pm


Reply


5.


I completely agree with Gary. Chris, I encourage you to read Malachi and understand the context of that book before using it as a basis for tithing.


Also, through your Reasons #7 and #8 you’re basically calling folks who volunteer their time while not giving money “thieves” and that is absolutely ridiculous.


Josh - August 19, 2010 at 1:58 pm


Reply


6.


A few thoughts.


Matthew 5:17-18 states Christ came to fulfill the law and not abolish it. Subsequently, the introduction of Christ in the New Testament does not mean that we are exempt from the Old Testament laws. For example, Mark 12:28-31 describes Christ instructing His followers to love God first and others second. This verse reinforces the law found in Leviticus 19:18. Alternately, Christ taught us (parables, miracles) there are new areas of focus for those who follow Him. For example, see The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 that represents a new direction for those who claim God. This is different from Old Testament accounts of God instructing His people to destroy all foreigners (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).


On to tithing…


I interpret your reference to Philippians 4:19 within the broader context of the section (Phillipians 4). Paul is thanking the Phillipians for being generous and sending him, Paul, gifts. Paul isn’t talking about the Phillipians giving to God.


Here are other NT scriptures about giving. Please note they do not specify an amount:


1 Cor 16:1-2


1 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.


2 Corinthians 9:6-8


6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.


While I understand your passion to teach your flock, I view your teaching as incomplete. It’s typical in modern churches. I believe the cause of the issue isn’t the hearts of the people, but the financial overhead burden of the church. In my opinion, churches should not own any property. Pastors shouldn’t be paid a salary, either. The NT model is vastly different from our current implementation of church.


I suggest those interested in another view of church read “If The Church Were Christian” by Philip Gulley.


Keith - August 19, 2010 at 10:33 pm


Reply


7.


Some final thoughts, Chris… in response to your #8 and #9 reasons.


In Malachi 3, the rightful recipients of the tithe were the widows, the fatherless, and strangers. Israel was ignoring the needs of these 3 groups by withholding her tithes. The real message of Malachi 3 is that God opposes the oppression of the poor.


So, in the context of Malachi 3, it is my understanding that the tithes were given to support widows, the strangers, and the Levites… who owned absolutely nothing.


Again, I encourage you to look at the contexts before using these ancient passages as basis for arguing that Christians should give 10% of their income. As Keith mentioned above, I also think the real issue here is the financial overhead burden of the church. I don’t see a problem with asking members to give money to fund certain things the church needs, but I would encourage pastors to do so without manipulating scripture.


Josh - August 19, 2010 at 11:12 pm


Reply


8.


Keith said, “Matthew 5:17-18 states Christ came to fulfill the law and not abolish it.”


This is where some education in law is useful. What does fulfill mean? What does abolish mean?


Let me give an example. A legal contract is enforceable under the law. Let’s say you hire a contractor to build a swimming pool in your back yard. Once the contractor has completed the job, and everything in that contract has been completed, the contract has been fulfilled. The contractor’s job is to fulfill the contract, not abolish it. He fulfills it by completing the terms, bringing it to an end.


Consider:


Hebrews 8:13 (KJV) – In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.


Colossians 2:14 (KJV) – Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;


Galatians 5:18 (KJV) – But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.


Galatians 3:19 (KJV) – Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.


Until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. In other words, until Jesus came


and fulfilled the law.


Galatians 3:23-25 (KJV)


23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up untofaith which should


afterwards be revealed.


24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be


justified by faith.


25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.


Galatians 3:10-14 (KJV)


10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed


is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to


do them.


11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just


shall live by faith.


12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.


13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is


written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:


14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we


might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.


Gary Arnold - August 19, 2010 at 11:17 pm


Reply
  Gary Arnold has a website and on his comments his name was highlighted as all commenter's are when they put a website in the URL box while typing a comment in to any blog.  Here is that website.  Gary Arnold

FYI:  The original poster of the blog has since deleted all of the comments and made derogatory comments about the comments that were made.  I knew this was going to happen so I copied the entire text of the blog and saved it.  Couple of points here.  If you are going to have a blog...... moderate the comments.  If you do not agree with them don't publish them.  If you do allow them to be published and they are just a different view and are in good taste and form.  Then DON'T DELETE THEM!!  If you allow comments to be published or you moderate and post comments do not go back and delete them especially if you have actually responded to them.  Your readers will know and it looks dishonest.  It is your blog you don't have to defend anything if you don't want.  But don't cover up what you have already allowed to be said unless it is obscene or inappropriate.

Next is a post from a blog that I also read..... 

Proving John Wesley Wrong

In the 1700s John Wesley realized something frightening about Christians I’ve only just learned about myself in the last few years.

In a sermon titled “The Inefficacy of Chrisianity” Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, cried out:


“I am distressed! I know not what to do! …true, scriptural Christianity has a tendency, in the process of time, to undermine and destroy itself.”  Read the rest of it at.....  Shaun Groves

I don't think we do a good job of proving Wesley wrong at all.  I think as a whole we prove him right.... day after day.   These things fit together for me in this way.

• 
  
  I don't think we do what we need to do as the Church
• 
  
  There are more non-profit organizations that are not Christian based reaching people in need than ,even most, Churches are and they have a better percentage of amount per dollar that actually goes to the needy.
• 
  
  I think we preach and teach religion and what man has created and not true scripture in many cases or at least manipulate them for our own purpose.
• 
  
  If so many others see this----- even Wesley hundreds of years ago.  Why are we not doing something different.

Finally I want to leave you with this...... a video that has hope and a call to make something happen.

Well what do you think.  I feel kinda woozy...

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG

For those of you wondering what the gibberish is on the title line....... My cat did not walk on the keyboard... for that matter I don't even have a cat.  Those of you familiar with computers and html encoding or web design will know exactly what it means.  For the rest of you okay....... OKAY  I will tell you instead of making you click on one of those orange words that are links to other Pages.  What!!!!!! (sound of screeching tires inserted here)   ORANGE WORDs take me to some other page? you ask..... ummmm yes I answer in a polite and helpful manner ( all the while thinking to myself.... this is your first computer right?  How did you find my blog anyway?).  They take you to some other page.  I am sorry; I kinda thought that most everyone knew that the change in text color was a dead give away that if you move your mouse pointer over it a finger pointing hand pops up.  ( those of you that have the designer Barbie theme on your computer the mouse pointer may change to Barbie's pink little corvette.   Just trying to help....... Just trying to help)  And I am not judging you can have the Barbie theme if you want to Ted.  You told me before your daughter is on the computer more than you it's okay.  It is funny that she knows how to install it and you don't know how to un-install it and she is only six. 

Any way I digress, WYSIWYG pronounced.... drum roll please.......  wiz-ee-wig  (sounds like the sound of those too cool DJ guys scratching the records on the turn table...... fashizzle)  TWO TURN TABLES AND A MICROPHONE...... (Sung at the top of my lungs).  It stands for..... I know you have been waiting for this..... What You See Is What You Get.  Now that wasn't that hard and for those of you that already knew that most of this will be remedial for you from here on out.  I have always heard that you speak to the lowest common denominator.... or was it teach to the lowest common denominator.  Either way it is a good idea sometimes to start simple and catch others up to speed.  ( I think teachers should try that sometime, teach to the lowest 10% of achieving students and not to the highest 10% of achieving students.... might see better results)  Oooooops off track again...... getting back on track again now.  For those of you "A" students and general smarty pants thanks for waiting for the slower ones to catch up.  Remember what we do unto the least of these we have done unto Christ.   All you smarty pants out there that have waited patiently have earned an "A" with Jesus  ...... you go guys.

So why do I bring up wiz-ee-wig?  Well its about this blog.  I wanted to take a moment to let you in on a few things about this blog.  So here we go in bullet point fashion.  ( I always like those guys that blog with bullet points it's so to the point(get it point..... bullet points.... ahw never mind)  makes me think they know everything and are just to busy to fill in the rest with loooooooooong drawn words)  That is so not me ha ha......

With out further adieu my bullet points ( I am so smarticle) hey just humor me and go with it....

• I am all about looooooong drawn out words..... I even ramble get use to it.
• my favorite punctuation is    .........  that indicates a pause..... its conversational (like how I used that?)
• I like parenthesis (  Hi ) what occurs in the parenthesis are counter thoughts quippy little things that add to the story line.  Sometimes that doesn't work that well and gets people lost.  Try holding your finger under the word that you are reading to stay on track. ( don't do it after eating Cheetos it makes the screen a mess) See what I mean about the parenthesis.  Oh and Ted you know how your daughter hates the Cheetos mess on the screen.
• I do my best with proper punctuation.  I may not get it in the right place all of the time, but I always throw in a few extra here and there just in case one gets left out.  (I will leave it up to you to visually move the appropriate offending punctuation mark to a location where it is not as offending.)
• I do spell check and try to eliminate misspellings.  However from time to time there are what I call TYPO'S those would be words that are misspelled but have letters in them that are anywhere on the keyboard 1 or 2 keys from the intended letter.  Sometimes it even results in a word that is actually spelled right but has no relevance to the actual sentence. You guys have seen this before...... but you guys are way to smart not to figure out what word really goes there.
• I think the any words you want to type here strike out thing is cool too and it means words I really want to say or mean...... in a tongue in check manner that are witty or comical in nature.  I don't use that very much.  (cause to be honest with you I am not really that funny...... unless your laughing at me.... then we may have a different story)  See what I did there?  I got all of those punctuation nuances in one bullet point.  Clearly I am a master blogger have no idea what I am doing.
• I write what is important to me.  This has nothing to do with anyone else directly.  I have 10 million readers and they are from all over the United States.  Some of them are pastors (more than one why would they be reading it.  Well they know me or are related to me.......thanks Uncle John.  Most of them are related to me no really they are related to me).  Some may be mom's (thanks mom.... shout out to moms there).  Some may be deacons..... or nuns ( well that's actually just my friend Larry that has a nun costume he wears for Halloween.... oh I have told him it is creepy.  I can hear Larry now.....  Why did you tell them.... uh sorry Larry.  I wont do it again...  Well I thought it would be funny....... Yes I know its not funny to you..... but maybe it is to them.   Listen Larry I didn't tell them about the Tele-Tubbies outfit you have.......... oops I may have just let that slip too.   Larry don't hang up.... I don't want you mad at me...... Larry.... Larry...... LOVE YA MAN!  Larry is pretty mad at me right now.
• I do have readers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.  (okay the New Zealand hit came only one time and I think it was for the search "While biting his toenails")  but he was really in New Zealand.
• I may say things in my blog that offend you.  I don't think they will offend everyone...... Just some of you. 
• I mainly am writing about subjects that are in my head that I have been thinking about and that I am working out in my own spiritual walk with Christ. 
• I may juxtapose two points of view and never clearly state where I stand just to make you think.  (really I just wanted to find a way to use juxtapose in a sentence.... you will have to look that one up)
• First I hope if you read any of my blog posts that it makes you think.  If any of the points, characters, or circumstances relate to you personally in any form or fashion.  It is coincidental.
• I may use other peoples words or elements to make my points.  I will give credit where credit is do with a link (those are the orange words that we talked about at the beginning it could be any highlighted color on other peoples blogs... I don't want to confuse you) if I don't use any of your words and say..... combine many different thoughts and resources and put it in to my own words then no credit. 
• If I am using someone as a bad example.   I will change their name to protect the guilty  (Larry).  Just for the record, I am probably not using you as an example anyway even if  I am talking about a person wearing a T-shirt that says " I get enough exercise pushing my luck"  and you happen to actually own a t-shirt that has that saying on it.  I am not talking about you.......... most likely..... not...........talking....... about you.
• If I have put it here than I feel strongly enough about it that it needed to be said.   Hey get this..... If I have said it than you can bet your $2.00 can of hairspray, that is going to help get your hair all on fire about it, that someone else has said the same thing.  I try to base my views on a Christian World view (that might be an oxymoron...... no I didn't just call you a moron) and biblical truth.  That is not always easy.
• If I happen to be out of line and you are offended, don't like it, hits to close to home etc etc etc.... blah blah blah...... wa wah wa wah wah wah (My best Charlie Brown's teacher voice)  Then if you know me then I expect you to have the wear with all to come speak to me about it. 
• I am done being popular..... wait I never was popular so why waste all the time.... I am just going to be real....... bottom line real.......  I am going to try to be WYSIWYG that is hard sometimes cause we want to be liked by so many.  We hold back to please people and not please God.  It is epidemic and I am just plain tired of it.  So here I am warts and all and you can pretend you don't have warts that you are covering up and flaws. Things in your past that by the grace of God through Christ you have been forgiven.  You can pretend that life isn't spinning out of control..... but it is.  You can pretend that you have it all together all the time, when we are just people looking for hope in Christ the only true source of hope.   But Christ is hope........... to us through us.... we have to be that to others.  We have to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ and remind them that we are one in the body of Christ.  No more negative comments about our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Be the body the arms the hands the feet. ( did I say I sometimes ramble)
• My post will be rarely short.... most of them are 1,000 words are more...  I am a quantity guy not necessarily a quality guy.  I cannot use twitter because of this reason.  I can barely use facebook.  If I was a preacher I would need and hour just to get warmed up....  ( I know .......you are all thankful that I am not a preacher)
• I will make mistakes and may not use my own advise that discretion is the better part of valour (I didn't make that up I just use it a lot)  Sometimes I throw caution to the wind and respond out of emotion...... those are never pretty but I will stand by my words to all 10 million of you.  If need be apologize.... (me me me me....... it's to late to poligize its to laaaaaate..... beautimous) Cause I heard in Sunday School that it is better to be kind than right..... I like that, but I do know that you can also be Kind and be Right! I like that even better

So as I leave you to mull all of that  over...... wuh huh?????  I will be singing this new little ditty as I move right along

 wiz-ee wiz-ee wiz-ee-wig wiggity wiggity wiggity wiz-ee-wiggity wiz-ee-wiggity wak.  Kinda catchy I think.

My Book List

Here are a list of some of the books I have read in the last year or so.  I wanted to pass them along on the off chance that you might be looking for something to read.  Something that may challange your spiritual walk with Christ or that may just give you an opportunity to do something to sharpen the saw.  These books are in no particular order.  Some of them were read at the begining or middle of last year. There will be just a little infomation from me on them and a link were you can get additional information or purchase the book if you feel so inclined.

Same Kind of Different As Me By Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent / Thomas Nelson Denver Moore grew up in Louisiana in the 1960's, working on a plantation as a modern-day slave. Ron Hall is an international arts dealer who moves between upscale New York galleries and celebrities. It seems unlikely that these two men would meet under normal circumstances. Until Deborah Hall, Ron's wife meets Denver and sees him through God's eyes of compassion. When Deborah is diagnosed with cancer she charges Ron with the mission of saving Denver. From this request, an extraordinary friendship forms between Denver and Ron, changing them both forever. A remarkable true story of friendship and unconditional love!

This is a really great book about loving and living the way Christ would have us to. It gives us great insight into how Christ's blessing come through us blessing others. I gave my copy away to share with others you will enjoy this book and it will challenge you.

What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing By Ron Hall, Denver Moore & Lynn Vincent / Thomas Nelson Art dealer Hall and homeless advocate Moore offer new reflections on what we can learn from reaching out to people different from us. Their thoughts on faith, friendship, reconciliation, compassion, and healing will touch your heart. Includes stories from folks impacted by Same Kind of Different As Me and samples of Denver's paintings.

This is the second book from Denver Moore's story and has stories about people helping people. People stepping out on faith to make a difference. I gave my copy of this one away also to share with others.

The Way of the Master--Book with free download By Bridge-logos Publishing The Way of the Master is the flagship work of Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron's organization. It anchors their award-winning television program as well as their radio show and website. Considered by many to be the definitive text on evangelism, this book has been updated, expanded and illustrated with photographs for this edition. It is anecdotal, loaded with commentary that is more conversational than academic. It's an easy read with a hard message that has already changed the face of sharing faith. Free Audio Download available of "Hell's Best Kept Secret."

Wow this book will make you think. Say what you want to say about Kirk Cameron but this book is full of truth and a healthy dose of WAKE UP and do something about it. I loaned this one out cause it is that powerful you should take a look you might think a bit differently about sharing your faith and be more bold about doing it.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God By Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski / David C. Cook The God of the universe is crazy about you! His love is the most powerful thing in the world and He wants to give it to you, so you can live for Him. If you have made a commitment to follow Christ, then read Crazy Love to be reminded and challenged in your walk. Sharing from his own life struggles and sacrifices, author Francis Chan issues a call for selfless, Christ-like living. Let the love you have received from God impact your life like never before.

This was a bit of a slow read the first couple of chapters. Then came the heavy hitting stuff that will cause you to dig deaper into the word and give you a better understanding of what God's call is in our life. I have started keeping an eye on Chan as a result of reading this book. He is exibiting a true desire to live what he preaches. He will bring much glory to God no need to wait and see he is doing it now.

Things They Didn't Teach Me In Worship Leading School (New and Updated) By Tom Kraeuter / Ywam Publishing The insights of fifty prominent worship leaders from around the world are sure to make you smile, laugh, and think in new ways about worship leading and the limitless experiences God can use to teach you important lessons. Find out how God works in worship through: the absence of worship-band members, sound-system failures, spiritual battle, last-minute program changes, and worship leaders who "just don't feel like leading worship today." And how God works in worship to: bring joy to his people, minister to physical needs, strengthen the faith of the weary, answer prayer, and bestow grace on the unworthy.

This book and the next two are full of great information on leading worship. Being a worship leader, the ins and outs the ups and downs. I would encourage anyone that is a worship leader for a small group, Sunday School, or Church to read all of these books. They are a great reference. If you are a pastor and have a worship leader and want some insight in to things they experience and ways to help them along with guidence as you lead your congregation it would be well worth the time, effort and money to get these. I have used them as refrences many times over the past year along with Tom's web site. www.WorshipLeadingAnswers.com

The Worship Leader's Handbook Practical Answers to Tough Questions By Tom Kraeuter / Ywam Publishing The question-and-answer format makes this book immensely practical. You'll find help sections on the worship leader, relationship to the congregation and the pastor, leading worship, the worship ministry team and more. How about real-life, proven answers to questions like: What style of music is acceptable? Should I prepare ahead or be spontaneous? What about leading in a small group? How do I deal with "unstable" musicians? Can I lead worship in just 15-20 minutes? What if I don't have any musical training? Am I too old to lead worship? These and dozens of other tough questions are answered in this practical, no-holds-barred book.

Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader By Tom Kraeuter / Emerald Books Learning any craft by trial and error can be frustrating. This is especially true when learning how to be effective as a worship leader. Practicing untried methods and ideas on your congregation or music team often proves discouraging. Trying unsuccessful ventures long-term can be devastating. Keys to Becoming an Effective Worship Leader is full of valuable insights gleaned from years of experience. These practical, proven ideas will benefit anyone involved in the ministry of praise & worship.

Grace For the Moment By Max Lucado / Countryman From best-selling author Max Lucado comes a wisdom-filled treasure chest for your daily quiet time - reflections to draw you closer to God as well as understand His direction and timing. Every new day brings a Scripture verse to contemplate and an inspirational thought that will feed your soul the entire year. A wonderful gift for yourself and a friend.

This is a daily devotional that I have used for the past couple of years and continue to use. There are so many pages dog eared in this book it's kind of a mess but it speaks to me and puts me in the word daily. I would encourage you to find a devotional that you can use daily. Todays devotional is from 1 Samuel 16:7 God sees our value. I am so thankful for that.... Do we see the value in others?

Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses By Ron Rhodes / Harvest House Publishers Cult expert Dr.Walter Martin once said the average Jehovah's Witness can make a "doctrinal pretzel" out of the average Christian in about 30 seconds. Yet it is possible for you to effectively respond with bold confidence to a Jehovah's Witness- and this book will show you how. Reading from the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses offers many outstanding features. Here's a sample of the powerful tools you will find in this complete hands-on guide to sharing the truth of God's Word in a loving, gracious way: side by side comparisons of the New World Translation and the Bible along with clear, simple answers to each doctrinal error espoused by the Witnesses. point-by-point lists of the favorite tactics and arguments used by the Witnesses- along with effective, biblical responses to each one. hundreds of penetrating questions you can ask to challenge the Jehovah's Witnesses' confidence in the Watchtower Society.

This book and the next one came out of necessity. They are deep and require some attention and a bible to refer to while reading. We all should be able to defend our faith. Seems like a lot of people don't even know that it is under attack but I will tell you the amount of distortion that is out there is amazing. I am not talking about the little theological things that are minor and not significant to the Core of Christianity... you do have to be careful of some of those things but I am talking about the big things that are disgised as little things that will damn you to hell. Start looking its going to get worse..... A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the first step to all wisdom and knowledge to ensure you are not lead astrey. Second step read the bible..... Third step read some other books that will help you in your understanding.

10 Most Important Things You Can Say to a Jehovah's Witness By Ron Rhodes / Harvest House Publishers Are Jehovah's Witnesses knocking on your door and asking you questions? Do you have a friend or family member involved with the Jehovah's Witnesses? Are you unsure of what to say to them? Looking for a little certainty, a little confidence? Then you will really enjoy this book. Cult expert Ron Rhodes has compiled a list of ten pivotal issues that need to be brought up with Jehovah's Witnesses. Though short (concise), this book is accurate, and fair, and offers all the relevant information to make you more confident in your dealings with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Rhodes' goals for this book? Simple: To identify the ten most critical issues/problems To examine the exact nature of each doctrinal error To contrast the cultic teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses with the truth revealed in the Bible To review basic principles of Bible interpretation (with a view toward showing how the Jehovah's Witnesses do not follow them) To explain the correct meaning of the numerous Bible verses that the Jehovah's Witnesses (and other cults) cite incorrectly or out of context Does Rhodes achieve these goals? Quite admirably so. His exposition of the history, doctrine and practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses is truly eye-opening, and will greatly encourage all who seek to reach out to Jehovah's Witnesses with the truth. His strong biblical stance, and his passion for the truth are infectious, and will aid anyone in their conversations with Jehovah's Witnesses (and other cults as well). With an easy-to-use layout, and clear, concise descriptions, this book is great for quick referencing. After reading this book, not only will you be able to stand your ground against the arguments of the Jehovah's Witnesses, you will also be able to more effectively share the gospel with them.

The Love Dare By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick / B & H Publishing Group The Love Dare, featured in the new movie Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron, is a forty-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Too many marriages end when someone says "I don't love you anymore." The Love Dare discusses how such a statement reveals a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love. Each reading includes Scripture, a statement of principle, the day's "dare," and a journaling area and check box to chart progress. Dare to take The Love Dare, and see your marriage change forever. Paperback. Focus on the Family recommendation.

This is a good book. It is easier said than done. I have picked this up and done parts of it and put it back down. It has been an on going process for some time now. I think it is worth it... just have to stay motivated to complete the tasks.

My Utmost for His Highest, Updated Edition By Oswald Chambers, edited by James Reimann / Barbour Publishing A priceless classic at an affordable cost! Jim Reimann's modernization of the beloved devotional My Utmost for His Highest has introduced tens of thousands of new readers to this classic work from Oswald Chambers. Now you can bring the challenging, life-changing insights of the updated My Utmost for His Highest to even more readers--through this special promotional volume. Featuring helpful Scripture and subject indexes, in an attractive softcover, this volume is an incredible value.

This has been a great devotional for me and I have had multiple copies that I have given away. My current copy is the devotional addition. I can not speak more highly of this book. Next to to Bible this is the one book I would not want to be with out. It is deep and meaningful and worth what ever amount of money you spend on it. Today's devotional is on Does He Know Me with readings out of the following Bible verses. John 10:17, John 10:27 and John 21:15 - 17 I can't say enough good things about this devotional. Everyone should have a copy.

I have used this book read and re-read it over the years and refrenced it many times over the past year. If you are into live sound, or a musician and have had enough of others messing up the sound then this book is for you. If you run sound or media at your Church. Get it you will not be dissappointed

What books have you read over the past year or so.

Fish Stories And The One That Got Away

Fish Stories and The One That Got Away.

So here we are the summer is almost over and the kids are getting ready to go back to school.  Most parents are ecstatic about the prospect of the kids being back in school.  I don't know that I am all that eager for them to return.  First of all I remember what it was like for the summer to be coming to an end.  The staying up later than normal and sleeping later than we should.  The running around playing and doing generally nothing that wasn't for our own personal entertainment is done.  It's time to get back to school work.  Homework on a consistent basis..... regularly scheduled bed times and a routine...... not what I ever looked forward too. 

I would get excited about the new school stuff and starting fresh but it was always a slow start for me.  Summer was one of the best times of the year for me and it was a whirl wind of activity.  I remember getting up and going fishing sometimes just me and a couple of friends.  Taking motor oil paddle tail worms and wade fishing Lake Jackson.   Walking right in to the bull rushes to drop the worm nearly on top of a fishes head, super good days indeed.

The last week I have taken the boys fishing a couple of times.  To spend a little time outdoors and to catch some fish.  Fortunately the fish did cooperate and we had a pretty great time.  The interesting thing is I watched both boys fish with the same intensity that they have when playing video games on the Wii, or any other game they may play.  It was very fun to watch and see the looks on their faces as it paid off with the actual catching of a fish.  Go figure virtual reality gaming (only actual reality)  boy pitted against fish... trying to find the spot.... get the right bait and be faster than the fish when it comes time to yank on the rod.

You don't have to have a boat to enjoy this.... there are many places around Highlands County that will allow you to fish with out a boat.  If you don't know where to go ask me and I will let you know.  The second trip we went on was to Fish Eating Creek.  I spent many a day fishing down there when I was young and camping long before it was state run.  The good news is it is state run and still available for day use or camping and many of you may know this but you can launch a boat or rent a canoe there if you would like.  Lots of good times in the good old days happened there.  Some times we would just go and fish under the bridge that crosses Fish Eating creek on Highway 27.  We never had a boat when I was a kid so we learned to fish wading and from the bank both very rewarding methods.

I got off work Friday morning and I had my wife get the boys up early so I could pick them up around eight a.m. (that is when I get off work after working overnight)  We loaded up the truck with our tackle and some goodies that the wife had made for us and headed south.  It takes about 30 minutes to get there and there is a small day use fee but well worth it.  The rest was loads of fun exploring the bank and finding ways to catch fish.  All in all it was a successful day.  Here are a few pics of the ones that didn't get away.

Nice little Channel Catfish that he caught near a bush on the creek

Here is a nice little warmouth that was caught right next to a cypress stump on a live cricket

There were many bluegill caught that day.

We had an unexpected visitor while we were fishing.  You can see the little bump... its a gator.  He watched us for about 10 minutes until he figured out we were not intimidated by him nor where we going to give him any fish ( we caught and released everything that day )  He was about 5 feet long and finally puffed up and showed off his size as gators will do and swam away slowly.  The kids had a blast watching him and agreed that they would really love to hunt gators.  So next year we will be applying for a gator permit to see if we can make that happen.

It was hot, but there were no complaints the boys enjoyed exploring the bank and looking for the next place to drown a few crickets or worms and dream about the really big fish that we might catch.  On the way my son asked me how big do salami's get?  (Tsunami's) and we had a discussion about that.  At one point my son asked if we were fishing in mountain water because he was really thirsty and he wanted to drink just a little.  We had a discussion about being a Christian and knowing what sin was.  I will just say this.... as electronical as I am.... I love the outdoors even more.  I just don't think these kinds of conversations and interaction happen in front of the game system.  Take your kids fishing you don't have to have the nicest stuff or the best location.  The total trip with snacks and bait and gas cost about $40 and part of that was for a cricket basket next trip 1/3 cheaper cause I now have a cricket basket.

I can't wait to take them duck hunting...... now that is way better than a video game!!!!!

What things have you done in the outdoors this summer?

The Dog Days of Summer.

The Dog Days of Summer (<--- Click for definition)

Whew it's hot..... as the days of summer drag on I am reminded of my childhood days when the summer was the best part of the year.  When each day lead to the opportunity of new adventure.  Might I be looking at these days with a bit of Romanticism..... well.... maybe but they were wonderful days none the less. 

I don't remember any complaint about how hot it was and I am sure it was hot.  I don't remember trying to find ways to hole up in the house all day and suck up the AC.  I don't remember there being a single shortage of things to do.  I do remember..... riding bicycles all day.   Ten miles or more to our friends house just so we could hang out and play.  I do remember going to movie matinees at the movie theater for a buck.  I do remember late night catfish trips with my best friend and catching so many we could hardly carry the stringer.  I remember weekend camping trips in the surrounding woods with just us kids several miles away from home...... no cell phones.... no pagers..... no GPS.  Just us....... of course our parents could find us if they absolutely needed to but it would have taken significant effort.

Why do I bring this up?  I got a small glimpse of what it use to be like in my childhood.  I decided on Friday to take the boys out to the woods.  We were going to spend a few hours doing the unthinkable...... actually playing outside.  I asked my wife to make us some lunches, peanut butter and jelly and we each grabbed a couple of waters and threw them in our back packs.  We grabbed our bikes, and three B.B. guns and headed to the woods.  We didn't go far into the woods maybe a couple of miles but it was wet and after a bit we had to push the bikes and could no longer ride.  It was hot the going was tough and there was a little complaining but we got to a nice spot as we were all covered in water and sweat.

It was time to leave the bikes and go on foot with the B.B. Guns.  We were loaded, still with backpacks on and we headed deeper into the woods.  Hoping to find new things, discover new places and make new fun.  We did just that.

We have one main rule when it comes to hunting.  If you kill it you have to eat it.  So you better be sure of what you are shooting (no one wants to eat a skunk) and if you have no intentions of eating it your better off just keeping the memory and not wasting the resource.  This is not the only rule.  We are very aware of gun safety.  We talk about it every time we have the guns out.  We don't shoot things out of season and we respect the resources that God has given us.   Couple of things growing up I was always told not to eat any mammals, (rabbits, squirrel, hog etc) in months that do not have an R in them.  That would be May, June, July, August,  so even though we were out there and nothing of significance was in season it still gave us an opportunity to enjoy the experience.  Oh by the way we have claimed open season on the following creatures......  Lizards, all amphibians....snakes and bugs, if you can hit that grass hopper than pull the trigger.   If you see one you can kill it.  You don't have to eat it.  We will all celebrate in your fine shooting and we will go on about our business loosing no sleep about it.  

So what did we shoot?  Empty beer bottles, a few cans and the water bottles that we had brought with us after we had drank them.  The boys are getting very good at shooting... they are able to hit nearly anything that they shoot and almost at will.  They are exhibiting the gun safety rules in the process.  It wont be long until we can graduate to something with a little more bang.  We packed out all the trash that we took in and left nothing behind.  We did leave the tiny little pieces of glass that had been shot and re-shot until virtually nothing remained.  What did we see?  A bald eagle..... A turkey buzzard.....  A water moccasin eating a frog....  My son got a little to close to this while we were wading in ankle deep water.  I shot the 2 foot snake in the head.... he dropped the frog not sure if the snake lived or not but remember we have declared open season on snakes.... and seeing how I was sure it was a moccasin I wasn't going to try and find out if it was going to die from the injuries that I had inflicted upon it.

What did we discover?  That the outdoors are still a lot of fun.  Sometimes boys need to be motivated to dream about adventure.  We decided that we are going to load up and ATV and go to this perfect spot that we found and camp for the night.  Just the boys no electricity, no TV, no video games.  Just us.......... the outdoors, and a few ghost stories.  While your children will remember the time that you spend with them.... I doubt that playing Wii or watching TV with them will have as long of a lasting memory as teaching them to love the outdoors.  

Of all the wonders in the world none speak of God's glory any more clearly than nature.  Find a way to pass that on.  Walking, hiking, fishing, there are hundreds of ways, find one and do it with your kids.  The memories will last a lifetime ..... they have lasted me.   

                                         

Here are the boys looking as menacing as they possibly can.  I am convinced.... how bout you.

What things do you remember doing when you were a kid during the summer?

 

Best Blogs

Okay today I am going to share with you some of my favorite blog posts from others.  This first one is from Ed Stetzers blog.  If you don't know who he is.... You really should get acquainted with him.  Read this opening excerpt and click on link to read the rest at his blog.  He has a lot of great things to say.  I wish more people were on the same page as him.

UnCool Video Bumpers by Ed Stetzer

My friend David Landrith pastors Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, TN. He is a great guy that I am guessing you will hear more about in the future.


The church is currently walking through the Sermon on the Mount in a series called UnCool. You can watch the videos online here.

I had the privilege of preaching there three times in July and I thought you might enjoy the bumper intros they created for their UnCool series.

David tells me that the idea of UnCool came from Tullian Tchividjian's book, Unfashionable. I sent Tullian a copy of the videos tonight and it inspired me to post them here.

Tullian's point was that believers make a difference in the world by being different, and the folks at Long Hollow built on that idea about being different. I think the second one is the best one and you can see it here:

Next two blogs coming up are heavy material and is of difficult subject matter.  I would say that the topics covered by both would be better left for a family discussion if anyone under the age of 16 were to read.  It is not vulgar, but the subject matter does require some parental guidance.  The following blogs bring to mind for me the Sin of Silence (more on that topic later) but of all the Christian leaders..... Churches..... and Christians in the nation and world....... most if not nearly all will be silent on this.  There will be few preaching on this from the pulpit.  There will be many that ignore it and pretend (as usually as if it doesn't matter)  Well Read on before you remain SILENT!

Second Blog  is from the well know Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.,

A Gavel Falls on Marriage: The Proposition 8 Decision

Yesterday, a very important gavel fell on marriage. The central institution of human civilization suffered a direct hit, and its future hangs in the balance.


Thursday, August 5, 2010

The importance of the decision handed down yesterday by U. S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker in California’s Proposition 8 trial will be difficult to exaggerate. Proponents of same-sex marriage immediately declared a major victory — and for good reason. The editorial board of The New York Times declared the verdict “an instant landmark in American legal history,” and so it is, even if later reversed upon appeal.
Jump to blog post here.

Third Blog is from    



Special Meaning by Frank Turk  - to make the jump click here





Well that should give you some pretty good information for the day.  I will post my thoughts at a later date.

Welcome Home

On Sunday I had the privilege and honor of singing during the offering at First Baptist Church Sebring.  I chose a song, Welcome Home by Shaun Groves.  I wanted to take a few minutes to share a little bit more about this song that has been a favorite song of mine since early in the 2000's the exact year I am unsure of..... chalk it up to age.... bad memory..... not sure but I remember hearing it on the Joy FM radio station.  It was one of several songs that really made an impact on me.  The first time I heard this song I remember thinking man that is how I feel.  I just felt like I knew where Shaun was coming from in this song and I found myself drawn to it.  I was moved to sing it not just for me but others and I wanted them to hear it.  I am sure that many people heard that song during those years.  I am not sure how successful it was but I do know that it struck a chord with me and has never left. 

I set out on a search for the song, the album anything I could find.  I would have taken a cassette tape if I could have found one of those.  (for those that have no clue what a cassette tape is click here)  I went to the Christian book store, the local music stores and even tried to find it as a download to no avail.  I did find a chord chart for it about 6 months or so into the search.  I had just started playing guitar Christmas of 2002 and thought, maybe someday I can just play it.  Well as things would turn out about a year later while at the Christian book store I located the backing track for that song on CD.  It had backing track in original key with background vocals and with out background vocals as well as the original performance track. 

Here we are 2003 or 2004 and I now have this backing track CD.  The first time I felt like I could perform the song after listening and singing along to it in the car was the summer of 2004.  I was in Alabama visiting my mother at a family get together in recognition of my Grandfather Reverend John Ramey.  Several of the family members were getting together to sing for Church that Sunday.  I opted to sing with my brother and two cousins Shaun and Kevin and skipped the song (part of it may have been nerves).  I do not remember what song we sang but it was a hymn I am sure and we did our best to sing harmonies.  Don't think we got four part harmony but there were at least three parts going and from what I recall it was done well with a great message.  However, I still hadn't shared that song, not me singing it anyway.

Fast forward to 2010 and I still have this song...... it is still and always will be a favorite of mine.  I had worked on it several times and was planning on singing it as a special while I was leading worship from time to time but the right time just never presented itself.  Until now....... I was invited to sing and I knew this was the song and the time.  I dusted it back off ran through it a couple of times and Sunday morning  I sang it for the first time in public.  This is not about my performance...... This is about this song..... the person that wrote it...... and the wonderful loving God that will make us better than we are...... that will make us completely new creatures through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ.  This song is a prayer in submission to God to make us all that he wants us to be.  To lay down our understanding to lay down our efforts and let God do his miraculous transforming work in us.  I am reminded that God gave us the gift of music through Jubal and that it has the power to drive home his message and in the hands of those that would write songs for the glory of God it is as powerful as any sermon could be (and shorter.... just kidding).  Martin Luther had the following words to say about music... “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world”  and I would agree.

The whole song is wonderful but there are some particular lyrics that really ring true for me.  I will put those lyrics here with a link to the lyrics of the entire song.  Take a moment to read them I am sure we all can relate in some form or fashion.

Take, me, make me

All You want me to be

That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking

That's the opening of the song..... have you ever humbly asked God to take you and make you all He wants you to be.  I suppose that many of us have stopped short of that because it is scary.  It can be painful for God to make us all he wants us to be.  It can be hard to be convicted of the things that we need to change and to feel God moves us into the new us.  Leaving behind the things that we have held on to for so long.  Allowing everything around us to define us and not letting God do that.

Take a seat, pull up a chair

Forgive me for the disrepair

And the souvenirs from floor to ceiling

Gathered on my search for meaning

Every closet's filled with clutter

Messes yet to be discovered

I'm overwhelmed, I understand

I can't make this place all that You can

The words above are my favorite words in the song.  Here we have invited God in and now we see just how meaningless our life has been.  All the things that we have collected, that we made important.  That we have let distract us.  Then the messes yet to be discovered, that is my life...... God refines us, takes little bits of us that we have not turned over to him and pokes them making them sore until we get it out in the open and allow him to clean it up for us.  The things that we do not see, God helps us see and some times that refining is easy and the lifting of the burden we have been carrying is such a relief that it is as if we can breathe again.  Other times that refining breaks us.... strips away from us the very thing that is holding us back from being all that God wants us to be.  I have been there.... I have been broken...... I have been reminded that I am not all that God would have me to be.  We can and never will be able to make or lives all that God can.

If you would like to see Shaun perform this song you can click here.

If you would like to read the lyrics of this song you can click here.

If you would like to purchase Shaun's album this is on or any others you can start by clicking below

Invitation to Eavesdrop, Compact Disc (CD) By Shaun Groves / Provident Music Distribution Shaun's powerfully poignant debut balances tender ballads with driving rock anthems that remind us that the Christian life is a conversation between God and man---and the world is listening to what our every action says about our faith. Includes "Should I Tell Them," "Damage Done," "Satellite," and "Two Cents."

Shaun has a website and a blog that I have followed long before I ever started a blog.  You can go there by looking in my blog roll to the right or by clicking here.  He has a particularly interesting blog entry right now on Miracles from mediocrity you might want to take a few moments to read while you are there.

Shaun is also available for music and speaking engagements by clicking here.  (hmmm maybe we should look into that)  I think he was in Lakeland recently..... I was unable to attend.  Maybe you will consider having come to your Church.  How bout our Church?


Have you ever asked God to take you and make you all that He wants you to be?  Do you trust that no matter what your life would look like that God knows best?  Even if that meant discomfort for his Glory?

How has God been refining you?