End of a very busy weekend

This morning, we went to church at Triangle Baptist Church, located in Chippewa Lake, Ohio.

The pastor there is Bobby Wheeler, the man who married my wife and I. He was also the preacher who baptized me in June, 1980.

The very talented singer pictured at the piano is Donna Baker, my wife's sister. She blessed the congregation with her singing this morning. She sang for about 1/2 hour. Cliff Note: My daughter video taped the song service this morning and at the current time we are trying to get into the 21st century. We will get this posted on YouTube when we figure this one out.

Bobby preached on the security of the believer and the fact that when God saves the believer, it's not just for a day or two, but it's for eternity. It was a good message and well received.

There was also dinner after the service. That was something I could participate in.

Like I have previously stated, I have a personal history with both the singer and the preacher.

Donna, my sister in law, and her husband Phil, have had a rough last few years. They had a thriving business going when Phil had to have open heart surgery. They had lost their home, as a result of the work Phil wasn't able to do. And there was other personal struggles as well. But through all this, they have been able to look up and thank the Lord for what they have.
Their son Josh and his wife Torrie will be presenting them with their first grandchild this coming November. They are both active in service to the Lord.

Their daughter, Alicia, started life with her own challenges. She was born with a major heart defect and required open heart surgery at a very young age. Alicia is also married and active in service for the Lord.

Bobby Wheeler has served the Lord since the 1960's and is still serving, despite having had open heart surgery, cancer and other heart problems. His preaching style now in 2008 is still the same as it was in 1978. His style is hellfire and brimstone, and he preaches the Word clear as crystal.

Donna and Phil were up from their home around Columbus this past few days helping my in laws, painting and doing yardwork. Phil has been in ministry for the Lord as an evangelist and has had a homeless ministry in the past. Lord willing, I am going to get Phil up and running soon with his own faith based blog.

Judge not

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6:37 KJV

This post was originally inspired by my friend Cathouse Teri. She had wondered on her blog about those who visited there and cast judgment on her. Click here for blog post but be advised, adult language is used there.

Teri's blog does have adult language and some sexual content, but those who arrived there are forewarned about it.

One thing I have learned as a result of my online friendship with Teri is about judging others who blog. Quite often we get the wrong idea about someone from what we simply see from them on their blogs. A title or name may sway some opinions.

Same thing happens in the real world. We might look at one who is dressed differently than us, or may have some body markings we don't have, and we form our opinion of their spiritual state based on that. That ain't right.

As Christians we always have to be able to give a quick, wise answer to any who might have any questions. But the question has to be asked before the answer is given.

Only thing we can do at times is show another love.

I once heard that when we get to heaven, we may be surprised to see some there, and they may be just as surprised to see us there too.

Mansions, Rooms, or Dwelling Places?

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 NIV

In My Father's house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 Amplified Bible

Having spent many years thinking that if the translation wasn't KJV it was "of the devil," I always was confronted with this verse, John 14:2. As I get older I wonder what difference it makes what we dwell in when we get to Heaven. The importance is that we will be in the everlasting presence of the Lord.

We won't need the protection we have on Earth from the elements or from thieves. We won't need banks or safes. The roads we will be walking on are made of gold.

There won't be night and we won't need bedrooms. There will be no sickness so we won't need a medicine cabinet.

No matter what my dwelling place is, I will be living in the lap of luxury. So will you. I will love everyone there with the purest love, the love of God(agape) Why would I want to have walls separate me form you?

If I do have a mansion, don't knock on my door because I won't be there. I will be in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.