A Muddy Well

The book of Proverbs is a book of wise sayings that should be read every 30 days. I have been reading Proverbs every month now for the last 18 years. The other day I read Proverbs 25:26 and it spoke to me. It says "A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well." What does this mean?

1. The righteous are being observed and are a source of life

2. The righteous should be like life giving water to those that know them

3. The righteous are to be an oasis in the wilderness of sin

I would encourage you to keep your heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life. Make sure that you are that well of life giving water.

Where is the God of Elijah?

In 2 Kings 2, we read the story of Elijah and Elisha before Elijah is taken up to Heaven. Several times Elisha is told by Elijah to stay, but he refuses as he presses on with his mentor. Finally the whirlwind separates Elijah and Elisha, and the mantle of Elijah is left behind. Then Elisha picks up the mantle and asks "where is the God of Elijah?" And as he comes to the Jordan River he uses the mantle to touch the water and the waters part just like they did when Elijah did the same thing.

Let me ask you a question. Are trusting in the God of Elijah or in your Elijah? Do you wonder what you are going to do once your mentor is taken from you. Here is my advice. Now is the time that you must get to know God more than you know your mentor. Then you will have the God of Elijah with you always.

Great Christian Music

Today I was listening to Steve Green and I thought "is there anybody that sings quite like him?" The answer to that rhetorical question is (of course) no. But what is even better than Steve Green is when he sings a duet with Larnelle Harris.

This song reflects that reconciliation movement that was sparked during the early days of Promise Keepers. Let this be our prayer, "teach me to love." Enjoy.

Carman Video

A Street Full of Names

Today as I was walking back from the school in our town I walked down what I call "Senior Alley." This is the stretch of road that all of the seniors spray paint their name just prior to graduation. I noticed some names had faded, and others were fresh from last year. Others were large and rightfully so because they wanted you to know that they had been there. I thought about another street, one that will not have names but rather is made of gold.

This street is made of transparent gold! Hard to believe, but the Bible says it is like "transparent glass." Although this is not a street where you can mark your name that you were there, it is a street that has been walked upon by those Christians that have gone on before us. If your name has never been on a street or a street sign, it matters not. What matters is that your name is the Lamb's Book of Life. Is your name in that book?

Repentance: Not a Bad Word

Repentance is a word that we associate with people who really have messed up (i.e. Tiger Woods, David, J. Swaggart, etc.). I guess I should have put my name in there, but was afraid of the mail that I would get,LOL! Seriously we need to put repentance in the proper perspective.

It is not regret, like King Saul. It is not remorse like Judas. It is repentance like Peter and many others. Repentance isn't a one time deal it is a daily occurrence in the life of a Christian. Repentance is removing the hindrance or sin that keeps us at a distance with God.

Repentance is the first step to experience the refreshing of God (Acts 3:19-21). God wants us to repent so that we would enjoy fellowship with Him again, not because we are so bad.

Today repent and then rejoice!

Fruit From a Funeral

As a Pastor a great deal of my time is spent praying with people or for people, so I am no stranger to prayer. I am always amazed when God allows me to be a part of something great. Let me explain.

The beginning of this month I preached a salvation message at a funeral, and there were people there that were moved by God's Spirit. I never know what the Lord is doing until some time later. Apparently there was a lady in the audience that was ready to make a change in her life. This lady has a sister that goes to our church. They asked me if I would go and pray for her house, because there were some weird things happening. I agreed, and yesterday as we talked and before we prayed I ask this lady if she would like to become a Christian and have Jesus take control of her life. She said yes. All I can say is that I live for those moments, and in those times I realize that all the troubles and trials I went through were worth it to see one person become a follower of Christ.

Today, don't neglect planting the seed of the Gospel in someone's heart. You never know where you will see the fruit.

Steel Wool

Just found out the reason for the clog. It was a steel wool pad that went down the disposal. All I can say is, we don't even use steel wool! Well hope you have a great day.

Clogs

I have been dealing with a problem with our kitchen sink. Our sink is backing up every time the dishwasher is on. Yuck! We have a plumber there today, and he is trying to fix the problem. It got me to thinking that sometimes in life things "back up" on us and we are surprised as to what was causing the problem. Let me share with you about getting rid of clogs.

1. Make sure you confess your sins daily (no matter how big or small)
2. Don't be afraid of dealing with a mess. (be honest about your faults)
3. Make sure you take precaution against clogs. (forgive freely and love lavishly)

Clogs happen because we aren't mindful of what we put "down the drain." Let's be careful about what goes in. Who knows with a little precaution, maybe you won't need to deal with clogs.

Is This All a Dream?

I have been following Ted Dekker's books for quite a while. I am currently reading "Green" which is the end of the four book series if you started with "Black" or it is the beginning if this is the first book that you have read.

The premise goes something like this. You and are present in two different realities and the reality that we know is really not all that is going on. I encourage you to read these books as they will take you on a ride! Be warned they are not written for Christian audiences, although the love of God is expressed all through the book it is not extremely overt.

So let me end with a question, is this all a dream? Read "Black" and you decide. Happy reading

No More Death

Today was the funeral of the man in our community. The church building was packed and there was standing room only. Well what do you expect from a man who has 7 kids, 27 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren? What a great heritage and legacy to leave behind.

I was given permission by the family to preach the Gospel and preach I did. I had a translator who is a prominent member in our community, and he did a great job. I told the people that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and we had a great response. I look forward to building some relationships with these folks I have just met. Okay, let me stop rambling.

Today at the funeral there were a lot of tears shed. I hate death and what it does to the people that we love the most, and yet death is a doorway to eternity. I think I know how Jesus may have felt at the funeral of Lazarus, He loved Lazarus and He cried over what death has done. Death is a separation from God, but for the Christian it is a graduation to our Heavenly home. I love that passage in Revelation 21:4 that says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death..." What a great promise to know that there is coming a day that we shall have our tears wiped away by God and there will be no more death.

Come quickly Lord Jesus.

I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy

Mansions and Memories

Today is the viewing of the Christian man in our community. It is also the first day of 2010. I am sure none of the family thought they would be spending January 1st honoring the memory of their loved one. The man whom we are remembering was a Christian and he has made it home before me. He is not in that casket, that was just the house he lived in. Interesting side note, in the Hispanic culture the family will have somebody at the place where the body is in residence. Tonight there will be some folks sleeping in our church, I am glad that they feel comfortable in the House of the Lord.

In preparation for tomorrow's funeral service I have been drawn to John 14:1-6 where Jesus gives the promise about the place that He has prepared for those that belong to Him. Let me share with some thoughts concerning this passage.

• The place God has prepared is a place of peace
  
• The place that God has prepared is for those who have prepared themselves.

If you are planning on spending an eternity in Heaven, have you purchased your ticket?