Seek Him First

Point of clarification

2011-12-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

Cliff Note: I just posted this on my other blog, WIXY's Gone Bananas. I then thought it would be good reading here as well.

With all the political correctness from one side and making sure we don't deny our Lord, many of us have really forgotten the true reason for celebrating. I speak now as a born again Christian, something I have been since June 6, 1980.

The Christ I serve does not live in a manger. He was placed there right after his birth. He was taken out of there, grew up and was a carpenter. Then for 3 years, went around His small area of the known world primarily with 12 others and started to change the world.

The Christ I serve is not a dead man on a cross. He was there for several hours suffering for all those who accept His sacrifice for our sins. He was taken from that cross, placed in a borrowed, guarded, tomb, where He rose from 3 days later.

The Christ I serve sits at the right hand of God almighty interceding on my behalf whenever I stumble. And that's a full time job if was just for me. But He will do it for you too. All you need to do is ask Him.

Cliff Note: the photo in this post is one of the generally accepted images of Jesus Christ. Is that what He really looks like? I don't know. I do know that someday I will find out what He looks like and I love him no matter.

It can happen to anybody.....

2011-11-06T14:28:00.000-05:00

It's been almost 20 months since I've wrote anything here. I guess it took 2 broken bones, a plate and 8 screws to get me to blog about my faith. Well that and the latest faith column by Terry Pluto.

To bring everybody up to speed, here's what happened: Since October 22, I have been nursing a broken ankle I got while preparing to do some yard work for my in-laws. I was only supposed to be there for a couple of hours then I would go home and prepare for the Rittman band show that evening. I was to be the emcee. That was not to be. My announcing was to end a week early this year.

The month of October wasn't the greatest month. Started out by my being called into HR were I work. I was then told that my pay was being cut significantly. With my pay reduced that low, I felt like a first class loser. I know the Lord provides, but sometimes being knocked down like that will reduce the male ego to a pile of rubble. It has been a long hard struggle since I lost my last job 12/31/2009. But generosity and prayers of friends and family have helped me through many lean, dark days.

I would always say that I was under attack by the devil, but the fact remains that sometimes my own stupidity dictates my course in life. The Friday before my injury, I had discovered several overdraft charges in our checking account. At this point, I knew that the only thing I could do was pray, and I sometimes can be too hard on myself. I think that I don't deserve God's provision when it's something that's a product of my own neglect that gets me in a predicament. Well God does supply in His own time.

That Friday evening after I left work, I went to Jeromesville, where the Rittman football team was playing Hillsdale. This particular evening, the field was very soggy, so the marching band gave a standing concert performance. After halftime, some of the band members called me aside and gave me a card signed by all the band. Inside the card was a check, a gift from the band boosters. The students then proceeded to tell me how much I meant to them, that my announcing gave them energy. And since I wasd a part of them, they wanted me to go and have a snack with them. I also let them know that I would make an effort to not ever miss any more marching performances. As the saying goes, famous last words...

The next day I went to work, was looking forward to going to and being part of the 21st annual Rittman Indians marching band review. Then came the accident. I was checking out the back yard at my in-laws house, while my father in law was finishing up the mowing in front. I was only intending on going back far enough to see how wet the back was when I saw some dead branches on the ground. I thought I would take them to the brush pile at the property line. As I approached the rear of the property, I slipped and fell, turning as I lost my footing. I felt a crunch that I assumed was my artificial knee. As I attempted to get on my feet, I saw that my left ankle was badly swollen. I knew then that the ankle was at least dislocated. I then screamed, but to no avail. I then took out my cell phone and called 9-1-1. As I have said repeatedly, this is one call I don't ever want to hear the recording of. But the local police and EMS, said that I was lucky to have had my phone in my pocket.

Anyway like I said at the top of this post, my announcing ended a week early this year and it wasn't by my plan. I have got to know a lot about my friends and family the past 2 weeks. My Facebook group was abuzz, wanting to know about everything that happened. And my favorite student musicians? They let me know that, as one of my other friends put it, they are as big as fans of mine as I am of them. I have some unfinished business that I intend to take care of during the Winter concert on December 12.

In his latest Faith and You column, Terry Pluto discusses why you shouldn't think that God is punishing you when bad things happen to you. And yes, I wondered why I was being punished the past month or so. You can't help but feel that way at times. That's why we need one another. To support one another and to let us know that God is here to take care of us.

Click here to read Terry Pluto's Faith and You column from November 5, 2011.

Views Change

2010-02-14T14:59:00.003-05:00

I was thinking as I attended church this morning that my views have really changed many times since I accepted Jesus almost 30 years ago.

When I first got saved, I jumped into my faith feet first reading not only my Bible, but every bit of denominational literature I could get my hands on. I also listened to some of the most hard headed people I could listen to. And if people didn't believe exactly the same way I did, in my mind they were going to Hell. I guess I was quickly becoming a pharisee. I shudder to think what the Cliff of 1980 would say if I could see the Cliff of 2010.

Musical tastes were the same way. Those I ran with thought the only modern music that was pleasing to God was Southern Gospel. That was one place I wasn't all that dogmatic in as I liked some of the contemporary music. This brings another thing to mind, an email exchang I had some time ago with another blogger.

Those who read my main blog are familiar with Sue Wilson. She is morning show co-host and program director of country station WQMX, Akron, Ohio. Sue is also former program director of WFHM, Cleveland, Ohio, aka the Fish, which is a Contemporary Christian Music station. Sue has first hand knowledge of people judging others on the basis of their choice of music. Sue has taken phone calls and emails from some who have have had less than a Christian attitude toward her, her employer, and the music. She told me that she once wrote an article called "You Have Reached the Pharisee Hotline" or something like that. I have never thought of laying into any program director because of the music in any format and it pains me to think of anybody who would be so thoughtless to send any mean spirited communication to anyone who has as sweet a disposition as Sue.

I think in the past few years I have opened up my mind aa little more and this has helped me to be able to relate to many more people than in the past. I have learned not to look at some of the minor doctrinal differences of my brothers and sisters in Christ in a judgmental way. And if organ music helps you get closer to the Lord, go listen to it. And may God richly bless.

Sunday Musing: If my people

2009-11-01T17:32:00.002-05:00

I normally post the Sunday Musing on WIXY's Gone Bananas, but today I feel the need to post this musing here, the blog I have neglected entirely too much.

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Amplified Bible

I wrote a musing a couple of months ago concerning an issue on the upcoming ballot in Ohio. If passed this would allow casinos to be built in the three largest cities in the state. I have voiced my opposition several times in the past couple of months and have been told that I'm crazy since passage of this issue would bring much needed money into the state. I don't feel that we need to get money in that manner.

As much as I believe in the right and responsibility to vote, I also believe that putting your trust in God is more important. I don't put my trust in any political party as both have disappointed me. I feel when we deify our elected officials, we are worshiping false gods. And when we look to filthy lucre to save us, we are gravely in need of personal revival.

We need now, more than ever, to seek God's face and seek His will in our lives. God will send us the stimulus package He feels right for us to have. And it won't be a package that exploits the poor and greedy. It will be one that will lift those up who seek His face and we will get healed when we turn from our wicked ways.

We put our trust in the living God and He will heal our land.

Don't worry, just go to the Lord

2009-08-16T19:16:00.002-04:00

^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

^8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:6-9, The Message

This has been one summer I don't care to repeat. Those who read my main blog, know about some of the problems my wife and I have had, and there are others that I haven't written about as those involved have asked me not to. All of this has had a very bad effect on my wife. And yes, we have gone to church and have requested prayer.

This morning I was watching David Jeremiah as I was getting ready for church. He was speaking from the scripture that I have highlighted above, Philippians 4.

With everything around us that tells us how to handle our problems, we all too often go to the tried and true method, applying the Word of God. He's only been around since the beginning and nothing surprises Him. But all too often we are surprised by what should have been our first result, not the last.

All too often there's too much around us to stimulate our minds. We have all kinds of music, movies, games, etc too keep us from being bored. But it also keeps us away from our worship of Almighty God.

I want to end this with Philippians 4:8 from the King James Version:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Pray faithfully

2009-07-19T18:41:00.002-04:00

A situation addressed in my church this morning has prompted this latest post. Our pastor was mentioning a something he had to deal with in the past week. He didn't mention specifics, such as who and what, and in my opinion, he didn't need to as it was not any of my business. One thing I do need to do is take it to the Lord. He knows the specifics and I have to put my trust in Him to direct those affected.

Reminds me of a time many years ago when I requested prayer for my wife and I made it an unspoken request. Some people come to me after the service to ask what the problem was because it would help them if they knew and they could pray intelligently.

I say pray faithfully. Give it to a God who knows all, including someone else's ailments, financial status, and spiritual condition.

God doesn't give extra credit for knowing more than others.

The title says it all-I'm Forgiven

2009-07-03T19:48:00.001-04:00

From the early eighties comes this live performance by Russ Taff. I love the chorus-" I'm forgiven, now I have a reason for livin', Jesus keeps givin' and givin'...Givin' till my heart overflows."

Prayer Request at the Prayer Hub

2009-05-13T08:54:00.002-04:00

Dear God,

We pray for Jeffrey as he is battling more than one terminal disease. Your word says that by your stripes we are healed and we pray that healing power over Jeffrey. It's in the precious name of our savior Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen

Please go to the Prayer Hubs and join with us as we seek God's healing on the life of Jeffrey and those whose lives he touches.

Do you have a hard time staying awake in church?

2009-05-09T15:56:00.002-04:00

I have been reading the latest Faith and You column by Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer. The title is "Even if you fall asleep, it's better to attend services than not." I recommend you follow that link and read the column. It will either speak to you about yourself or others.

I have a problem at times staying awake in church. For years I wondered why this might be. Then after falling asleep behind the wheel 10 years ago and wrecking my car, I found that I was suffering from sleep apnea. I did get some relief from that diagnosis. I am afraid of what some might say when I go to church and nod off. I have done this during revival meetings when we get home at 10pm and I have to awaken at 3am. I would call it doing my neck exercises. By no way am I proud of that, But in Matthew 11:28, Jesus said "Come to me those who are weary and I will give you rest."

So is it better to be in church, barely awake with people praying for you, or at home, in front of the tube?

Be Still

2009-04-11T10:31:00.002-04:00

Psalm 46(KJV)

¹God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

²Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

³Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

⁴There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

⁵God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

⁶The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

⁷The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

⁸Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

⁹He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

¹⁰Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

¹¹The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

There are times that we are so busy that we forget about the Lord. We are looking so hard to find the answers for our problems and we go to great lengths to reach futile results. Without God,there is only confusion. If we would just take time to look around, we would see the wonders of our creator. God's fingerprints are everywhere.

Where I work, whenever something that's being built isn't going to customer's specifications, we give engineering a call. We should also do this in life, as the Lord is the master engineer. Problem is we have people coming to us with their answers, or we want to see how the folks on television are handling it.

We need to be entertained constantly and in our pursuit of constant entertainment we don't take time to hear the still, small voice of God.

Take the time to listen. You will be glad you did.

The last post has been pulled

2009-04-08T20:06:00.002-04:00

I pulled the last post here because an anonymous commenter had made mention that I was ignorant of the Catholic denomination. The statement I made was not meant to be all inclusive of the faith and I did not want to risk offending anyone through this, or any, of my blogs. That's not the way I do things here.

Now if I post a scripture that offends, then so be it. The person offended by that has to deal with a higher power than me. And Jesus Himself said that there will be those who will be offended by the gospel.

I want my words to be out of love when I write on this blog.

Prayer request on Prayer Hubs

2009-02-10T06:28:00.002-05:00

It's been 1-1/2 months since the passing of our dear friend Suzanne Horne. Those closest to her are still feeling the hurt as if it were yesterday. I don't blame them, especially Bella and Campbell, her children. Bella's grades have been dropping, as she has taken this the hardest.

Please pray for continued comfort for Bella, Campbell, and Suzanne's parents, Jerry and Betty. Pray that God wraps His arms around them and wipes the tears from their eyes.

Go to the Prayer Hubs and join the prayer chain for this hurting family.

Come to the table

2009-01-18T14:04:00.002-05:00

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 55:1-2 KJV

All my adult life, I've gone to churches that have some pretty active services, to say the least. We clap, shout, raise our hands to the Lord, and testify. In some services we ahve people running around the church. All this in praise to God. Nothing wrong with that. Would you rather be in a service where things are all laid out and orderly? Nothing wrong with that either.

I have been in services where people have been all active around me, praising God, shouting, hugging each other, and I am not feeling a thing. I am going through some struggle and nobody knows. I'm not doing anything about it either. The next service the song leader gets up and says "I'm still feasting from the last service." I left starving, but it was my own fault. I didn't feast, but I also didn't come to the table.

As the scripture states all God offers for us to feast on is free. All we have to do is come and dine. God has a big buffet table of blessings laid out for us to enjoy. It's all free.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Psalm 23:5 KJV

A cloud of witnesses

2009-01-04T15:10:00.003-05:00

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

I have been thinking about those who have gone on before us. This is something brought on by the passing of our dear friend, Suzanne Horne. I believe from email contact and some things she wrote on her blog that she is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that I will see her some day.

I also believe that, according to the preceding scripture, that she is part of that cloud of witnesses the writer of Hebrews mentions in the scripture I put above.

There's a southern gospel song that says, "I've got more to go to Heaven for than I have yesterday." In the past several years I've lost many people-family, friends, and a former pastor. If the Lord doesn't come soon, I will lose more. those who have given their hearts to Christ will be among the cloud of witnesses. That cloud will also include, Abraham, Moses, and all the other saints mentioned in the preceeding chapter, Hebrews 11.

With that kind of audience, we need serve the Lord with all our beiong.

A Christmas Poem

2008-12-15T04:39:00.001-05:00

This is the poem I wrote to read in church. Last night was our Food for Christmas singing and I felt led to finish this poem yesterday afternoon and read it last night.

Mary and Joseph, they came into town

The lack of room had caused them to frown

They finally found comfort inside a cave

Not made for man, but protection it gave

They came into town for Caesar to tax

Decree for a census, he wanted his facts

Not knowing that he was a part of God's plan

God's plan to bring salvation to sinful man

The Virgin Mary, she was so great with child

Not being protected from all of the wild

God provided protection for them on that day

And provided a bed that was made out of hay

The angels that night would all start to sing

Born in the hay that night was a king

Forgiveness from sin, this child He would bring

Take away from believers, death's awful sting

This was God's present to all of this Earth

The present was wrapped up in this child's birth

This child would come here to pay for our sins

And when you accept that your story begins

God's Ultimate Gift

2008-11-30T19:36:00.002-05:00

People are running to and fro
Shopping for gifts, the stores they will go
Showing their loved ones how much they do care
But I know of a gift, one that you can't compare

Up on Black Friday all too early
To be with some people all too surly
In the stores they push and they shove
To get things to show their love

God came from Heaven above
To show all of us His love
He came here to Earth
And had a simple birth

Was not early or late
He took on our fate
And was born here to die
For the sins of you and I

So when you give an you get
I hope you will not forget
The gift that comes from above
The gift the Lord gave of love

If My People

2008-11-08T19:02:00.003-05:00

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Elections are past and soon we have new elected officials taking office. Some will be happy, others will find fault no matter what happens.

I have wondered often since 1980, when I gave my heart to the Lord, why do people who claim to be born again Christians always put more faith in a political party than God? If we were to plug into the power we have at our disposal, we could all make a difference.

Michael Card Wrote the song "Heal Our Land" for the National Day of Prayer several years ago. Below are the lyrics.

Forgive oh Lord - and heal our land
And give us eyes to seek your face - and hearts to understand
That you alone - make all things new
And the blessing of the land we love - are really gifts from you

Refrain:
If my people - Will humbly pray
And seek my face and turn away - From all their wicked ways
Then I will hear them - And move my hand
And freely then will I forgive - and I will heal their land.

Unite our hearts - in one accord
And make us hungry for your peace - and burdened for the poor
And  grant us hope - that we might see
The future for the land we love - our life, our liberty

Pray for those in authority

2008-11-05T03:50:00.002-05:00

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

1Timothy 2:1-3 The Message

By now, we all know the next president of the United States will be Barack Obama. Whether or not you voted for him, our command from the Bible is to now pray for him. If as Americans, we pray for our leaders, we can help cause change.

Gossip-Words CAN Hurt

2008-10-18T09:40:00.002-04:00

This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! James 3:7-10 The Message

One of the most damaging things one can do to another is spead a negative word about them. It can be done in many ways. It can be done through everyday conversation, seemingly innocent, or it can be spread through malicious gossip. We can do it by blogging also. Many times it has been done in the form of a "prayer request."

No matter what way this is done, it's just plain wrong. Just sound out the word "gossip." Doesn't the word sound like a snake hissing? And what was the first appearance of Satan in the Bible? A snake. And he was appealing to the ego of Eve. Much like repeating gossip appeals to the tail bearer's ego.

Cleveland Plain Dealer sports and faith columnist Terry Pluto has written a column in today's paper called "Gossip can be easy to spread, difficult to undo." A very well written column and his message hits home. Terry talked to several local clergy in the writing of this and has scripture references from the book of Proverbs. Take time to read this, and recommend it's reading to others. Better yet, print it out and give a copy to your pastor.

Seen on a church sign in town

2008-10-05T18:45:00.003-04:00

For real change, choose Jesus!

Cast your nets in the deep!

2008-09-28T14:39:00.003-04:00

1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Luke5:1-7 KJV

I noticed today that there was a larger than usual congregation in church,but given the current state of current events, it doesn't surprise me. I recall that around 1980 there was an increase in church attendance too, and during that time there was also problems with the economy, and this weeks grim news along with increases in unemployment arecausing people to look where they don't usually go looking. Prayerfully, they will find something and come back for more.

The above scripture was the text for this morning's message. Our pastor, Jeff Ball, urged everyone to follow the Lord's command and cast our nets in the deep. No matter what the need is, the Lord will supply.

Simon Peter had his doubts. He had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Surely human logic told him that there wouldn't be any fish out there. But it wasn't just any one who told him this. This man was just preaching the truth,as he had never heard it proclaimed before. This man was from God.

Peter then took the boat into the deep and cast his net. He then caught s much fish, he had to call another boat to help bring them in.

Jesus wants to do the same for us. If we are behind in our bills, He wants us to cast our nets. He is willing to supply all our need. He will supply these where we wouldn't expect. All He wants is for us to hear and obey His Word. The same goes for other needs we have.

Don't put your faith in politics. Put it in the Son of God.

Imitate Christ

2008-09-10T07:35:00.000-04:00

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NKJV
One of the features at Promise Keepers on Friday night was comedian John Morgan, who did a dead on impression of President George W. Bush. He gave a humorous performance, saying things like, "the republicans are represented by the elephant, the Democrats by the donkey, or as my friends south of the border call then 'burritos."

As a Christian, John Morgan wondered how he could honor God while going around doing impressions of George W. Bush, and the Lord impressed upon his heart that this is a gift that He has given to John Morgan. John also challenged all of us to use our gifts to glorify God.

Most important "convention" of the past week....

2008-09-08T07:38:00.002-04:00

In the past 2 weeks we saw the Democrats and Republicans have their conventions to nominate their choices for president. People everywhere are full of hope because they could effect change at the top therefore making Americans lives better.

Not gonna happen.

This past weekend, my son and I went to the Wolstein Center in Cleveland to participate in the Promise Keepers conference. We were with thousands of men, there because we all disire to be better husbands, sons, and men. We know that the way to do that is to put trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. We heard from 6 excellent speakers, ways to draw closer to God, ways to avoid temptation. We saw the power of God by praising Him led by Steven Newby. We laughed at comedian John Morgan, who did a dead on impression of George W. Bush. We also were treated to the comedy of Cleto Rodriguez.

I took pages of notes and in the coming days I will try to write about my experience on this blog.

I say this is most important because we have to get our men together, make us men again. Bring us to our knees. Bring us to the realization that it will not be a political party that will "fix" America. It will be the power of the Lord that "fixes" this country.

Real People, RealTestimonies

2008-08-16T21:08:00.002-04:00

My favorite sports and faith columnist, Terry Pluto, has hit another home run. His faith column in this morning's Cleveland Plain Dealer is titled "Find powerful stories from everyday people in every church." In the article, Terry writes about going to a church in Michigan's upper peninsula that maybe was attended that service by 25 people. But there were some very faithful people there. Please read the article.

Also check out on my side bar a link to the Gray and Company website where you could order any of a number of books written by Terry Pluto.

My heart was blessed by this story, as I am small church person myself. I also think that we should glorify God in all things. God is just as much in it when I get over a cold as He is when a drug addict gets delivered. The Lord supplies when we get the money to make our house payment. He also supplies on a hot day when we scrape together enough change to buy a bottle of water.

And get this:There is the same amount of rejoicing in the presence of angels when the elementary school student comes to the Lord as when the town drunk does.

Donna Baker

2008-08-12T20:24:00.003-04:00

About a month and a half ago I posted about a church service I attended where the special singing was my sister in law, Donna Baker. My daughter, Sylva, posted this video on GodTube. It is rather long as far as videos go, almost a half hour. Sit back and be blessed. Hit the pause on the music player.

Filthy Rags

2008-08-11T19:11:00.004-04:00

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 KJV

We're all sin-infected, sin-contaminated.
Our best efforts are grease-stained rags.
We dry up like autumn leaves—
sin-dried, we're blown off by the wind. Isaiah 64:6 The Message

In my last post, I expounded about those who wanted to earn God's favor. God's favor isn't earned, it's a gift of God's grace. I feel the Lord wants us to enjoy our Christian walk and if we are always trying to earn our way into Heaven, we will always worry if we have done enough.

This is one problem I have with legalistic beliefs. When have we done enough to earn our way into the kingdom of God?

I praise God for His grace and for his love of which there is no measure. And if there is no measure, how do we know how much we have to do to earn it?

We do works for God because we love God. We want to see those around us to accept His sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Or as the song says, Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.

Wait on the LORD

2008-08-10T17:57:00.003-04:00

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.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
Isaiah 40:31 Amplified

I was looking at this verse in my bible as I was waiting for service to begin. There has been a lot of opinion of the word, "wait." Some think the word means just sit and expect things to happen. Others think it means the same as what a waiter in a restaurant would do.

One of those opinions in and among of itself smacks of "easy believe ism." The other of "legalism."

Yes, we should serve the Lord by serving others, but we should also remember that God's blessings is a result of His grace and not as payment of services rendered.

We should do the things we do for the Lord because we love Him. We get blessings from God because, and only because He loves us. We are to wait for the Lord to bless us. He will in HIS time. He will give us the endurance to finish the race.

Free Byrd

2008-07-19T20:22:00.003-04:00

In this morning's Cleveland Plain Dealer, Terry Pluto reviews a book written by Cleveland Indians pitcher Paul Byrd, titled Free Byrd. The book tells about Byrd's struggle as a pro athlete and Christian.

Pluto wrote a real good review of the book, starting out discussing when Byrd would be spending long nights in a hotel room looking at his computer screen, wondering if he would give in to looking at porn, a problem Terry Pluto himself has confessed to having had.

Another part of the review I liked and one that I could identify with is Byrd being a young Christian and being too aggressive with evangelistic efforts and turning people off to the Lord.

It blesses my heart when a local sports figure professes his faith and writes a testimony about it. This is definitely a book I have got to check out.

Praise the Lord

2008-07-16T04:42:00.001-04:00

Psalm 150

1-6 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!

This version of Psalm 150 comes from The Message.

I have no comment except enjoy the scripture and go out and Praise the Lord.

Come unto me

2008-07-13T16:24:00.003-04:00

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

As those who read my blogs know, I have been somewhat under the weather this weekend, so I haven't been blogging as much as usual. I have however been emailing a fellow blogger, and this topic came into my heart as a result.

There are many who have gone through much in recent times. We can tell others and we sometimes get a shoulder to cry on, other times we may find we are in competition with others, as they launch into a game of "can you top this." As a result of struggles, many question their religion.

Jesus says "Come onto me." He doesn't say come unto the Pentecostals, the Baptists, the Catholics, the Lutherans, The Methodists, etc. This is where our childlike faith comes in. We are to come unto Jesus. He wants us to take HIS yoke upon us. He wants to take our load upon Himself and help us. He wants to lighten our burden. He wants to give our souls rest.

Jesus is here for us when others aren't. When we are alone and afraid, He is the still small voice in the night that gives us comfort.

There are many good Christians, but we all are human, and as such, we may fail. We are to be like Christ and reach out to others. We are to help others carry their load.

I am going to end this post by giving the same text, Matthew 11:28-30, from the version known as The Message:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

How do you handle hard times?

2008-07-05T09:41:00.002-04:00

Hard times. We all have them. This year my brother passed away and my father in law is having some health problems which are making my wife feel helpless.

We read about people losing their jobs, their homes being foreclosed on. People around the country are dealing with natural disasters. And the future could be cloudy to us.

But we serve a Lord who cares for us. He knows tomorrow because he created tomorrow.

My favorite faith columnist, Terry Pluto, has written a column in this morning's Cleveland Plain Dealer called "In hard times, trusting God means trusting yourself."

I suggest you give the story a read. If you've not been through hard times, you probably someday will.

End of a very busy weekend

2008-06-29T18:36:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-22T19:38:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-06-01T17:51:00.002-04:00

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.

About using God's name in vain.....

2008-05-29T07:40:00.004-04:00

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. Exodus 20:7 KJV

No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD will not put up with irreverent use of His name. Exodus 20:7 The Message

It's been said that as Christians, we have to pick and choose our battles. Language is one of these things. Some people can get too legalistic when it comes to listening to others.

A topic on other blogs have centered around one of the seven words you can't say on television and body parts. As a rule, I try my hardest not to say some of these words. A good part of the time, the flesh prevails.

I used to be one of the types that would cast judgement on those who would say "shoot" or other substitute swear words. I felt that that was just someone's attempt to "legally swear."

My biggest problem is with those who use God's name in vain, or a thoughtless manner. Jesus Christ is my Lord. To me, He is not a swear word. People don't realize what they are asking when they ask God to damn something. And while we are at it, I don't like it when they refer to the Lord as "the man upstairs."

A local radio host overuses the phrase, "my God in Heaven." That usually has me reaching for the button to change stations.

Another way I have the name of our Lord used in vain was several years ago when I worked overnights stocking shelves in a grocery store and one of the other stockers had a bad habit of using the MF word. We would go into the break room and he would then be telling someone that they should accept Christ as their personal savior. That would really offend me because that cheapens salvation.

Our attitude and mention of God and all His names, should be very holy.

What are your thoughts?

Keep this in mind

2008-05-04T13:27:00.004-04:00

Since this is Sunday afternoon as I write, I want to remind all churchgoing people this as you are enjoying your Sunday dinner. It's okay to have the pastor for dinner as long as he's there eating with you. Think about it.

Strength in numbers

2008-05-01T18:18:00.004-04:00

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Hebrews 10:25 KJV

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 Amplified Bible

People are always saying that they can worship God as well at home as they can in church. According to the Word of God, that's just not so. But what constitutes a church? The word "church" means "called out assembly." Where does this assembly of believers meet? Ideally we meet in a building maybe several times a week. I know several of us meet at various blogs and through email.

Why should believers meet? To help one another, to give each other strength, and to pray for one another. As Christians we should serve each other spiritual food.

If one has a burden, they should go to the brethren, and seek prayer. We should lift those burdened up to the Lord. It's a lot easier to lift someone when there are several helping lift.

A match will burn quickly. A match put to some kindling well placed between logs in a fireplace, will start a fire that will keep many warm.

God gives us all a role in helping one another. If you can't be in church as often as you like, seek fellowship among us. You may find something that will benefit you in your Christian walk. Or you may have something that may benefit the rest of us.

But by all means, seek out folks that you can have some physical fellowship with. People that will love on you when you have a struggle. And people that you can love on when they are hurting.

Cliff Note:While I was making my comment as a followup to Suzanne's comment, I was checking out The Message's translation of the verse I quoted. I want to share this with everybody: "And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Matthew 18:20, The Message.-Very powerful!

On translations

2008-04-29T06:55:00.002-04:00

In the last post here, I used verses from "The Message," Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible. I regard this as a study aid, to enhance my reading of the King James Version. At one time, I felt that the KJV was the only reliable version. I still take the KJV to church with me.

There are some who feel that newer versions are corrupted, and others who feel that you cannot be a Christian if you don't use the KJV exclusively. I now have a problem with that thinking. I want people to be able to have God speak to them.

Any thoughts?

Forgiveness to others has benefits

2008-04-28T18:46:00.003-04:00

23-24"This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.

25-26"Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.

Matthew 5:23-26 The Message

14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. Matthew 6:14-15 The Message

I want to look at the other side of the forgiveness issue and that would be our forgiving those who do us wrong. The Bible commands us as Christian to forgive those who do us wrong. And if we do not find it in our hearts to forgive we cheat ourselves as God will not accept our offerings nor will He hear our prayers.

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Romans 12:14-21 The Message

As you can see by the verses I have taken from The Message, there are many benefits from having a forgiving heart.

Forgiveness

2008-04-27T10:21:00.002-04:00

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:12-22 KJV

One thing that really breaks my heart is when I do something wrong to someone close to me, and no matter how many times I try to apologize, they will not forgive me. How many times are you required to apologize before someone else is required to forgive you?

According to what I read in the Bible, you are required to forgive immediately without the person apologizing to you. Our prayers aren't even going to be answered if we have anything against our fellow Christians, which is one of the reasons the Church has very little power nowadays.

Churches and families have split over some of the dumbest reasons and people not willing to forgive over things. Whether it's a church or a family the hurt over this never heals and there are some very ugly scars left, usually in the form of appearance in the community.

Forgiveness doesn't change the past, but it sure does make the future easier.

Blogs of Note

2008-04-16T12:15:00.002-04:00

I noticed as I was reading the prayer requests here that I had a new visitor. Elizabeth, or ekelly, has a relatively new blog, called Elizabeth'sChristianBlog. I would guess, by reading her words, that Elizabeth is a relatively new Christian. She seeks fellowship with other believers, so go on over there and give her a look see.

Elizabeth came here through Kathy's Klavier. Kathy has a guest poster right now, her husband, Eddie. He is sharing his testimony with all of us, how the Lord helped him through disease when he was in his early 20's. This promises to be a very inspirational series. Kathy has also left a couple of prayer requests here.

If you have a prayer request, let us know and all who read them will take them to the Lord on your behalf. If you feel a burden to pray for the requests, click on the link on the upper right on the side bar.

Do you work to please God?

2008-04-14T07:46:00.003-04:00

The "Faith and You" column written by Terry Pluto from this past Saturday's Cleveland Plain Dealer is titled "The way we work says something about how we live." Terry touches on things we do at work and that we should be glorifying God in the way we work. One of the examples Terry uses is when we are trying to show how spiritual we are by reading our Bibles when we should be doing our jobs. Workplace gossip is also touched upon in this article. the story is well worth a read so check it out.

Cliff Note:Also remember Terry Pluto is the featured author. He has written many books about sports, as he has been a sports writer for the past 30+ years. He has been a Christian since 1997 and has written two faith books, "Everyday Faith" and "Faith and You." click on the links on the sidebar for more information about how to order these books.

Seek Him First Prayer Request List

2008-04-06T15:37:00.003-04:00

This is something else I had thought about this weekend.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.- Matthew 18:19 KJV

Many of us, including myself, have prayer requests which we share with other bloggers. It may be on our blogs, or it may be via e-mail.

I would like to use the comment section of this post for prayer requests that you may have. I will also link this specific post to both my blogs and invite anybody else to link this specific post to their blogs as prayer reminders.

So use the comment section to record your prayer requests. Please, nothing else but prayer requests. If you record one here and like for it removed later, contact me, or if you are logged in just click on the trash can which would appear on your comment.

Perhaps there will be a follow up post on answers to prayer where we can all praise God for His answer and to give Him the glory.

May God bless you for your faithfulness.

Awesome Responsibility

2008-04-06T07:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was going through my email and get this note from Annie, who writes a blog called Annie's Antics. Like this blog, she uses hers to glorify God. She stopped here as a result of a Google search and landed on a post I wrote on January 20 of this year, called Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord. Annie told me that this post had spoke to her and wanted to tell me how much this blog had blessed her.

I originally wrote that post because a friend was going through a real mess. I had thought of her when I wrote that, but the comments bore the fact that it touched others too.

It's an awesome responsibility when God uses your efforts to touch others that you don't know.

One of the reasons that I changed my template here was to make these words easier to read. I will look for other things here to change to make things easier.

I don't want to be fancy, just faithful.

Seeking God, Making Changes

2008-04-05T08:35:00.002-04:00

Cliff Note: I have some changes in mind for this blog and they are under construction in my head. I will proceed as the Lord directs.

Today is the day I will go see Terry Pluto at the Wadsworth Library. Chances are when he gives his talk on his latest book I will have to view it on closed circuit television in another room in the library, but afterwards he will sign some of his books. I bought one last night to mail out. I also have one for him to sign for me. The book is special because it belonged to my brother.

Last week, in Terry's "Faith and You" column in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Terry's topic was Trusting God's will can stir big changes-inside of us. Terry writes about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, in a very intense prayer session, asked God three times, to "take this cup from me"-if it was God's will. Jesus was getting his heart ready to fulfill the mission he was sent to the world for.

Terry then writes about people who pray to God and expect God to change. But effective prayer will be to have God change us.

One thing that was touched on briefly was Terry taking care of his father after he had suffered a debilitating stroke. To those who reside out of the area, I would like to suggest a book called "Our Tribe." It tells of the relationship between Terry, his father, and their shared love for the Cleveland Indians. No matter which team you root for, you will be touched by the story of Terry Pluto and his dad, Tom.

Music player now here

2008-03-26T09:44:00.002-04:00

I have a music player with all Christian music on this blog.

I have received some concern that my player at WIXY's Gone Bananas didn't have enough praise and worship music.

I use this blog mostly to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the music player will also Glorify God.

I hope it's a blessing to you.

Please let me sing in the choir, in the choir...

2008-03-09T10:00:00.003-04:00

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psalm 95:1 KJV

I decided that this part of the tribute of my brother, Ricky would be better suited for this blog,

While he was growing up, Ricky always liked going to church. He got into everything that was going on there. And he liked to sing hymns- very loud. This is one thing he did despite the fact I wasn't going since I was sowing my wild oats at that time(don't worry, that crop wouldn't have a decent yield).

We would go to church on Sunday, St. Mark Lutheran Church Brunswick, Ohio. Ricky was in the choir. This choir would let anyone sing with it, only requirement was a desire to sing. Ricky had that, but no talent. We sat in church and when it was time for the choir, his voice could be heard over the others. I'm sure folks were cringing listening to that, but these people were probably as spiritual as I was at the time as I wasn't saved then.

In later years while he was able to, Ricky would help out in whatever capacity he could in the church, first St. Mark then St. Paul Lutheran Church Cleveland, Ohio. People in the church took an interest in him, taking him to movies and ball games. And he still sang, very loud and extremely off key.

The reason I bring this up on this blog is I want to give one of my observations. Sometimes we don't someone to sing in "our" services because they either don't sound or don't look like what WE feel they should.

If someone who sings off key affects the way we worship the Lord then who is closer to God? The one who can't sing but tries anyhow, or those who have the talent but won't?

The Bible says to make a joyful noise, not a perfect one.

By the way, Ricky is singing with the angels today. He is singing all the right notes and blending in perfectly.

Repost: About This Blog

2008-03-08T19:31:00.002-05:00

Cliff Note:As I am working on a series of posts about my recently deceased brother at my other blog, WIXY's Gone Bananas. I thought I would repost my debut musing on this blog.
This post is from December 19, 2006. If you are unfamiliar with my other blog, go on over and read about the memories of one who thought the world of his big brother.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.-Matthew 6:33

I thought of this verse this morning as I was driving to work. I was trying to give my son some counsel last evening about a struggle he has had for some time, and I could not think of what to tell him. I feel that the Lord had given me the verse, which I was meditating on for a good part of the day.

Another thing that this verse inspired me to do was to start this blog.

For those who have just happened by here, let me introduce myself. My name is Cliff Feightner, from Rittman, Ohio. I am the author of another blog which is called "WIXY's Gone Bananas". That blog is about my life, my family, my interests, and my faith. Most things I write about there center around my home town of Rittman.

I hope to dwell a little more about my faith on this space. I was invited last week to join Christian-Bloggers.com. I made mention in WGB last week that that wasn't necessarily a Christian blog, but I was a Christian with a blog. This one will be, I hope, a "Christian Blog".

Let me start by saying that people have complicated, what should be a very simple salvation. Let's keep it simple.

This is how it feel to be free

2008-03-01T13:17:00.001-05:00

Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers

Repost: Arrogance is not a Spiritual Gift

2008-02-29T16:05:00.002-05:00

Cliff Note: This post was originally on WIXY's Gone Bananas October 12, 2006. This was the last of a three part series that I dealt with some spiritual issues, mainly music. The reaction from this led to this blog being started.

Two books of the Bible immediately come to mind when I think about arrogance. 1 Corinthians and James. I imagine that the apostle Paul probably had his fill of know-it-alls around during his time. And James was handling the holier than thou crowd.

We see the same problems today.

If you are expecting an expository message, don't. I'm just sharing my heart.

You have people nowadays who think that if they have been saved longer, go to the correct church, make more money than you or come from the right region, they are more spiritual than you.

Oh, and if you listen to the wrong music, you can't possibly be spiritual at all.

Some of the worst name calling comes from folks from different denominations. Baptists call Pentecostals a bunch of "snake handling holy rollers". Freewill Baptists tell Southern Baptists, who are Calvinistic that they believe they "are going to Heaven whether they want to or not." Southern Baptists tell Freewills that they can be "saved today and lost tomorrow"

I've heard that eternity is going to be so long because God has to straighten us all out.

I once took part in a discussion in Sunday School. A question was asked, and I volunteered an answer. I knew the split second the words got past my lips that I was wrong. An elderly saint in the back of the sanctuary proceeded to say that "that was the view of narrow minded people". Imagine that. I was rebuked and insulted at the same time. So much for a soft answer turning away wrath(no I didn't get revenge. But I don't attend that church anymore)

A poster on the listening party forum today, stated that "everybody he has known that's been saved, has been pretty screwed up." That's another arrogance problem I've ran into the past twenty-five or so years. We always wanted to hear the testimony of the drug dealer, prostitute, porn star, prison inmate, etc. who has gotten gloriously saved. Heck, I smoked a little dope, drank some, and did a few other things I'm not proud of before I accepted Christ as my personal savior. But who are you going to church to hear the testimony of? Nikki Cruz or Cliff Feightner? Thought so. I doubt if my story will be on "Unshackled" soon.

My point on the above paragraph is that any who read this who are saved, no matter what you did before accepted Christ, you are just as saved as me.

And another bit of good news is this: you have the same access to the throne of grace that I do. It's not what I've done but it's what Jesus did on the cross for me.

Repost-Holy War part 2

2008-02-28T04:20:00.004-05:00

Cliff Note: I reposted the first part of what was originally a three part series over at WIXY's Gone Bananas. I thought I would at least repost this one here. It was the reaction from this three part series that got me to thinking about starting this blog.

Cliff Note part 2: Recently, Kathy's Klavier had a post titled "Music and Christianity." She has posted several scriptures to go with it. I think that would be a worthwhile read if you haven't already seen it.

I once heard an evangelist say that music is the most carnal part of worship, and in some ways I agree with him. As human beings we sometimes are too selfish to see ministry opportunities in front of us because we don't think God honors "their" style of music.

The church my wife grew up in split one time mainly because of musical preferences. Those who founded the church were southern of origin(the founding pastor of the church was from Georgia), so the members for the longest enjoyed four part harmony, quartet singing with just the piano. Well time marches on, people come, others move, some go on. The biggest struggle in life, it seems, is change. Well the pastor the church elected was NOT from the south. The people he reached out to also were not from the south. The music they liked was traditional. A house divided against itself shall not stand. That church to this day has not had a powerful influence on the community.

It's been said that "Christians are the only one that shoot their wounded." I feel that this is especially true when it comes to a singer or preacher who don't specifically ministers to our tastes. Some have fallen. I've heard some defended, and others condemned by some of one preference, and the other way around with those of the opposite preference.

The sad truth is this- Jesus told the disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. It's easy to talk to those you like and whose tastes match yours. It's not as easy to go to those that you may not like, especially those who think that the music you listen to is "of the devil." Most of those people are our elders. We get past personal preferences, and maybe they have something for us that might help our personal walk with the Lord.

May God richly bless those who have read this message, and may we all have patience toward those we may meet.

The first part of this series, Can't We All Just Get Along? is reposted over at WIXY's Gone Bananas.

Now I know!!

2008-02-25T11:52:00.003-05:00

And Joseph said to them, Fear not; for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.]

As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day. Genesis 50:19-20 Amplified Bible

We spent the weekend very discouraged. Kathy was expressing many bad thoughts. We had other problems within our family and could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. And to top it off, Kathy had to take one of our cats to the vet this morning. It turned out the cat had feline lymphoma and had to be put down.

With all of what my family had gone through in the past couple of weeks, I was at wits end.

Meanwhile Liquid, who recently has gone through things I wouldn't want, to is flying high. Not drunk, not high on drugs, and not in an aircraft. Suzanne had taken all she could and yesterday left it at the altar, as she had rededicated her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. She couldn't wait to email me about it. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

We got to emailing each other and I told her about the cat and wondering on our keyboard why all his was happening, having a mini pity party for myself.

Suzanne's reply was that we all are making Satan angry. He's upset that several of us are using the internet, something he likes to claim as his playground, for witnessing and fellowship.

Believe me when I say I enjoy it when I hear someone has been blessed by something I post here. It is an awesome responsibility that we all have to uplift others while using our blogs as a witness to a hurting world.

Why do bad things keep happening to my family?

2008-02-22T18:17:00.002-05:00

One thing I don't want my blogs to be about is my problems. Right now though, I feel like Job. Today, right before 11:00am I get this call from my wife. She had just gotten into an accident where she pulled out in front of this car. Fortunately the speed limit where she was at was 25MPH.I was an hour away, but I probably took the WIXYmobile faster than I should getting to Wooster Hospital. Thank God it wasn't anything more serious than a concussion.

The car is not drivable and the appraiser will be at the impound lot early next week.

These past couple of weeks have not been kind to us.

Early last week our son was hospitalized for a week.

I had to appear in court yesterday and even though the case was thrown out, I had to miss two hours of work.

And now this accident.

You know, I should be grateful that nothing more serious happened and I am.

But financially there have been many incidents that have set me back in the past couple of years. Why is it I see some people who live less than honorable lives and don't have these things happen to them? We had a president who committed an immoral act in the White House and his approval rating shot up after he admitted to it. Things happen to me and people tell me that it's my own fault. Why?

Yes this is on the right blog. I will add scripture to this after I am done feeling sorry for myself.

Blessed are the poor in spirit...

2008-02-17T18:11:00.002-05:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.-Matthew 5:3

With those words, Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount. It's interesting that the first words out of Jesus' mouth was encouragement towards the downtrodden. We sometimes try to make logic of these things, but that's when it happens to someone else. When it happens to them we say that they weren't in the will of God. When it happens to us it's "Why me God?" But Jesus says "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Why are we supposed to be happy? "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Better days are ahead. If not sooner it will be later.

After this past week the above verse had come to mind. Sometimes I have to look at the simple. God's Word isn't complicated and it shouldn't be made that way.

One thing that's on my mind

2008-02-14T07:58:00.002-05:00

I don't have to prove how much I love Jesus by forwarding an email.

Post to check out

2008-02-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

New friend Kay, over at Loop De Loops in La La Land, yesterday wrote an excellent post titled "Without Him." She writes about the message at her church and gives her testimony. In the comment section, several, including myself, gave testimonies.

It's worth you going there and reading it.

AVALON - TESTIFY TO LOVE

2008-02-10T15:56:00.001-05:00

First command with a promise

2008-02-05T18:27:00.000-05:00

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV

A post on another blog really broke my heart this week. Amias had posted about the way her adult children treated her. Times like this I am convinced that adult children is not an oxymoron. It infuriates me when I see how some treat their parents, especially when parents sacrifice much for their children.

This is not an isolated event. This attitude is rampant.

Now I also read such bloggers as Kathy's who sing the praises of her children. Jessica is another who can't wait to tell how proud she is of her son and daughter. I take pride in the good parents on my blog roll. I feel that they all set good examples for others to follow.

Unfortunately there are many children who believe that they deserve the latest and greatest, no matter what it does to the budget. If they don't get it, mom and dad are the bad guys.

But what gets me is those who reach their adult years and forget that mom and dad worked long and hard to clothe and feed them. Parents who took their children to the emergency room late into the night and went to work early the next day. Parents who sacrificed to give their children a good Christmas. Parents who were involved in their activities.

My father passed away in 2000. My mother in 2004. I wish they could be around to see their great grandchildren.

My mother called me about just about everything after my dad died. She suffered from COPD, her reward for being around smokers all her life as she didn't smoke. I went over 40 miles from my house to hers to take her to the emergency room. Why? Because she trusted me. I wouldn't have had it any other way. And the reason why I did that was because she changed my dirty diapers early in my life. I didn't need any other reason.

Funny though as much as modern medicine is extending peoples lives, some will negate that by the way they treat their parents. If you don't believe me reread the scripture.

Love them while you can!

If My People

2008-02-04T18:36:00.000-05:00

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Tomorrow is "Super Tuesday" where about 40% of the delegates for the political conventions here in the USA will be decided. Of course there is plenty of campaigning, and some mudslinging. Unfortunately some Christians place too much hope in their political parties and way too many put too much faith at the top.

Should we vote? Yes. We should also pray for our leaders whether we agree with them or not. We should also pray for wisdom as we prepare to make decisions at the ballot box.

Study the issues. If a candidate professes to be a Christian, pray that they "walk the walk" as well as "talking the talk."

But remember this-As Americans we should regard all elections, whether they be for school levies, or for President, as important.

How much control does TV have in our lives?

2008-02-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

In this morning's edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Terry Pluto gives his observation on how much television controls our lives.

It's something to think about as we are about to embark on Super Sunday, the day which has the most watched show of the year.

As he usually does, Terry gives many viewpoints and sites many several sources. It is definitely worth a read.

New Christian Friend

2008-01-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

I want to give a Seek Him First welcome to Melanie, who authors Monday Through Sunday, a faith based blog that reads like a devotional.

I guarantee that you will get many blessings if you check it out.

Needed: Leadership

2008-01-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

One of the books I've read this month is titled "You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader." The author is Mark Sanborn. One of the reasons I read the book was that he was kind enough to respond to a post on my other blog after I mentioned his book, "The Fred Factor." Mark, like most who read these words, is a believer. The version of "You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader" I read was an expanded Christian version of the book.

I read the book about three weeks ago, but some of the message sunk in this past weekend after an incident on my job. In the business world, as well as the church world, there are many managers and administrators. But sadly many of these managers and administrators are not leaders.

Seeing that I am writing this on my faith based blog, I will deal with the church aspect of this. I was saved in June, 1980. Having been baptized some two years prior to that, I had some trying to tell me that it wasn't salvation at that time, but Satan telling me that I wasn't really saved. Some of these folks were deacons in the church that I had attended, and one of these folks was the pastor. In looking back at that, I feel that the consul coming from these "leaders" in the church was to make them look good and not from the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I've heard others get the same counsel and accept it. Some who did are no longer in church. Others heard the Holy Spirit again and came to accept Him and now are being used in a mighty way.

Sometimes a young Christian in a small established church has little room to grow, because these churches are steeped in tradition and those in "leadership" roles do not want to give way for anyone who might do things contrary to the way it's been done for years and years. The folks who can't find an area to serve either find somewhere else to serve or fall by the wayside. The small churches, steeped in tradition, eventually die of old age. Churches that don't have a free flow of leadership become stagnant.

One of my most frequent observations in the past couple of years is that some give the impression that arrogance is a spiritual gift. I've had Christians tell me that they know more about things of the church than I do because they've been a Christian longer. I don't think God regards seniority when he uses us. I think He looks at our hearts.

You don't need to be a deacon, elder, trustee, teacher, or a pastor to lead one to Christ. Peter Led many to Christ. Andrew led Peter to Christ. Which leader was more important? The answer to that one is this is a trick question, as the most important leader is the Holy Spirit as without Him, we can't lead anyone to the Lord. Without the Holy Ghost, no other office in the church is necessary because with Him we have no church.

No matter what job you have in the church, do it under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and He will help you to be the leader you need to be.

Judge Not

2008-01-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Judge not,that ye be not judged.- Matthew 7:1 KJV

I have mostly Christian readers of my blogs, but I also reach out to unbelievers. I like reading about peoples lives and their views on it. I enjoy the lines of communication that I make through the blogosphere, especially when it becomes one on one with email.

I get messages from people who thank me for not being judgemental. I will tell you though, that process has taken years to achieve.

I got saved in June of 1980 as a result of reading literature connected to a Christian publication. as I have posted before, I will not give the name of this publication, seeing I see some legalism and hate coming from it nowadays. I see a contradiction of the gospel message coming from it. For years I had thought that it was the authority for my Christian education. I learned a lot of Bible, but little love. I was very judgemental because of it. As a result, I couldn't get along with people from other denominations, let alone those who didn't profess to be believers.

We as Christians are to follow the example of Jesus, not other people. The best way to find out the example of Jesus is to read His Word and find out what He is like. We find that people we tend to shun, He embraced. He never told anyone to clean up their act, then He would associate with them. he was more concerned about the condition of their soul, and felt their life would clean up afterward. Even though we sing "Just as I am" if the anybody with a bad reputation would come into worship with us, we have a tendency to wonder about their ulterior motive.

I once heard a former pastor say during a message that we should go into the projects and win the lost there, instead of having them come into church and polluting those in service. As I say, he is a former pastor.

You can't win the lost if you don't associate with them.

Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord

2008-01-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 KJV

Sometimes we have to remember that as Christians, we have the Lord "watching our backs." We sometimes feel that we have to get our "pound of flesh," when we've been wronged, but that's not the Lord's way. We have Jesus to fight our battles and we have to wait on Him, as He will avenge us in His time, which would be the perfect time.

In the interim, we are to "live peaceably with all men." If someone does us wrong, my mother used to say, kill them with kindness- "if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."

Sometimes people do things to hurt us and it's human nature to want revenge but , as Paul wrote in the text for this post, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Easy to say, easy to read, but hard to do.

Dear God, please give those who are wronged the strength to let you avenge those who wronged them. Help us all to be an example to those who do others wrong by following the example of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.

White as snow

2008-01-06T19:24:00.000-05:00

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18KJV

This post was inspired in part by a post and comments at Amais' Liquid Plastic blog.

Winter is here in Ohio and I got to remembering some thoughts I had some 25 years ago as I was driving to work one winter morning.

There was a light, but fluffy coating of snow on the ground. The snow was a very bright shade of white. I was on a spiritual high and I got to thinking about the goodness of the Lord.

I thought about the fact that the snow covered the ground and the marks that man left on the Earth during the other three seasons. The snow is helping prepare the Earth for agricultural use for the following seasons. Snow also replenishes the water table.

Snow is similar to the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

The blood of Jesus covers our sins, and renews us for eternal life. The blood prepares us to be fruitful in our Christian walk. If we have the blood on the outside we have the Holy Spirit on the inside.

God took our black hearts,
Covered them with red blood
Made them whiter than snow.

Follow up from my other blog

2008-01-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

For those who just come over to this blog, Happy New Year.

If you read my post over at WIXY's Gone Bananas yesterday, you know that I mentioned a book called The Fred Factor as recommended reading. The book's author, Mark Sanborn, left a message in the comment section thanking me for the recommendation. We had an exchange of emails on the topic. Mark told me that he gets google alerts when his books are mentioned(Hi Mark). He also wrote the following:

I take from your profile you are a believer. I am as well. Don't know if you know it, but both The Fred Factor and You
Don't

Need a Title to be a Leader are available in a slightly different and overtly Christian edition from Waterbrook Press.

Both books are excellent and would be great for leadership and disciple training in an overtly Christian edition.

Check out your local Christian bookstore or go online for these great resources.

Also go to Mark Sanborn's website and sign up for his free newsletter, which is sent out via email. You can get some good resources on leadership, and everybody can be a leader. Remember Andrew lead Peter to Jesus and Peter lead many.

Someone may be watching.....

2007-12-28T11:59:00.000-05:00

Amel and I exchanged messages on Facebook yesterday. I explained my two blogs to her. I told her that WIXY's Gone Bananas was more of a personal journal and Seek Him First is the blog where I try my best to glorofy the Lord. Amel then told me that she used these blogs as devotionals since she didn't go to Sunday School much as a child.

This got me to thinking that this is both an honor and a great responsibility. Since I don't have a site meter on this blog, I don't know how many hits I get here in a day, and I don't know where the hits come from. But what I do know is this: there may be someone in need when they come across our blogs, someone who may need a word of encouragement.

Shortly after I got saved in 1980, I asked the Lord to give me a ministry. In the past 27 years I have been a song leader, assistant choir director, sang solos in church, taught Sunday School, and preached a few messages. Most of these gave me a good ego stroke. When it hit home that one coming to this blog comes looking for spiritual food, that really humbled me.

Pray that I don't disappoint my friends who stop here. I will pray that those who minister here in the blogosphere can help feed those who are starving spiritually, and we all can maintain the sweet fellowship we have.

Dual Posts: Terry Pluto on Joseph

2007-12-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

This being the weekend before Christmas, I want to share with my blogging family an article that Terry Pluto wrote in this morning's Cleveland Plain Dealer, and also available on Cleveland.com.

The article is about how churches sometime beautify and sanitize the Christmas story. Terry also writes that the story of Joseph should be an example for people of all faiths to follow.

It should be of interest to those who find themselves raising a child that they didn't bring into the world themselves.

Take some time to reflect on the very humble beginnings of the greatest man who ever lived.

From 1979- Billy Graham Christmas Special

2007-12-21T16:22:00.001-05:00

This clip from the special featured Evie and George Beverly Shea.
Some of the related features include other clips from this special. Other Christmas carols include a clip from the Tonight Show of Sandy Patty singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain." As Johnny Carson introduces Sandy Patty he holds up her latest record album. Seems strange for him to hold up something so big as a 33-1/3 RPM album.

The "Christian" Blogosphere

2007-12-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

This blog was originally started to separate some thoughts I would have about Christian living and to post prayer requests. This was to be my "faith based" blog. I have been very careful, as far as calling this a "Christian" blog. This blog is based on my walk with the Lord, but I like to consider myself a Christian with two blogs.

I hope you're still with me. The reason that I am posting this is because of a Christian publication that feels that there should not be "Christian" blogs. Their reasoning is that anyone can have a bad experience against some church or Christian college, which would be of their own doing, and are in the position to influence millions with their views.

What hurts is this reasoning paints anyone who wants to express their faith with a broad brush, and I take exception to this.

There are those who read these words that inspire me to do my best. There are also those, such as Kathy, who utilize their blogs to read like a good devotional. There are also those who I have learned to rely on as prayer warriors.

I am not going to give a link to the Christian publication which I referred to in the second paragraph, as I don't want to risk offending anyone who reads this. I didn't agree with the article, but the same ministry that publishes the paper also published the booklet I was reading over 27 years ago which put me under conviction that I needed Jesus in my life.

I just wish the folks who cast aspersions on the Christian blogosphere would read blogs like "Kathy's Klavier" or "This and That."

I had a burden

2007-12-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

The Lord laid a burden on my heart this morning to pray for all my blogging friends. I have prayed for all those who either blog or have place comments on either of my blogs.

May God richly bless you.

About acting human

2007-12-09T18:05:00.000-05:00

Amias had made a comment on my last post here:

"it's so refreshing to see someone who is a Christian, act like a human being."

There are times when I wonder why it's so difficult for a Christian to act human.

We put on our clothes the same way as others. We get tired at the end of the day. We eat . We sleep.
Just like those who don't claim to be Christians.

And just like Jesus when he walked the Earth.

This month we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus is God in the flesh. when He walked the Earth, He showed mercy on those who would accept mercy, gave answers to those who inquired of Him, and love when others demanded judgement.

Jesus had human emotions. He got hungry and thirsty. He got angry when He needed to. His anger was towards the religious leaders, not those who those leaders looked down on.

We sometimes think WWJD- What would Jesus do. The only way for us to find out what Jesus would do id read His word. Be a student. Ask for God's love, agape love, to flow through you and read His word through eyes of love,

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law-Romans 13:8

And notice in the above verse, it doesn't say love only Christians, but love one another. It's hard, but it's possible.

The voices in our head

2007-12-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

This morning my church, the South Main Street Church of God, in Rittman, Ohio had it's monthly fund raiser, country breakfast. My job in this fund raiser is to deliver orders which are called in. Today, there was a lull in the action so I went home to deliver some breakfasts to my wife and sister. I took a small break and went to Cleveland.com to look at Terry Pluto's faith column, which was titled, "When dark thoughts creep in, hold them in." In this article, Terry tells you how to deal with the voices in your head.

With Christmas swiftly approaching, you may have some ideas about either wanting to avoid certain people or tell them what you think of them, neither of which is the Christlike thing to do. The voices in our heads may be telling us not to listen to others because their problems are their own fault. Or that person's testimony is always the same when they stand up.

Fact of the matter is, some folks only think of Jesus twice a year-Christmas and Easter. There could be a reason why. Maybe the voices in our heads are telling us to just have fellowship with those we know, or see more often. Maybe that's the reason. The voices in THEIR heads are telling them that there are no friendly people in church. Maybe the voices in their heads are telling them that they aren't good enough to have fellowship with the more regular church goers.

Remember, the only Bible some people see are how much Jesus we let shine through us.

I am going to end this post with a plug for my friend Terry Pluto. He is a sports columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also loves the Lord and writes a faith column every other Saturday. Terry has written over 20 books on sports and some on faith. A great gift idea would be one of his books. Check out the selection at www.terrypluto.com.

rebecca st james - song of love

2007-11-24T19:02:00.001-05:00

Here's one of my favorites. Listen and be blessed.

Top 10 signs that your pastor may be long winded

2007-11-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

10 You go to church hoping to get home before kickoff. You leave hoping to make it home by halftime.

9.Waitress from chicken house calls. Wants to know if everything's okay.

8.Airport calls, says the snoring of congregation is too loud.

7.You go on a two day fast before you go to church. It's half over before you leave.

6.Instead of tithes, ushers are collecting rent.

5.Says morning message is only 60 minutes which actually means what will be on TV when message is over.

4.When he says he may be taking too much time, the amen corner responds with "AMEN"

3.Young man falls from third floor, dies and is brought back to life. See Acts 20:7-12

2.During miracle service, many are cured of insomnia.

And the number one sign:
People depicted in stained glass windows are looking at their watches.

Dual Posts:Reason for this Vacation

2007-11-08T04:23:00.001-05:00

Those of you who have read WIXY's Gone Bananas since the start remember the story of my father in law's stroke. Those who aren't familiar and don't want to go through over 350 posts to find it, I will post the link. The post was called "Jesus take the Wheel." Check it out and as an added bonus, scroll down and read David5258's excellent. comment on the song.

My in law's were getting ready to go to Florida for the winter when the stroke occurred. It turned out to be a "mini stroke." Well they spent Christmas in Ohio, which meant they got to see their great grandchildren on Christmas Eve. Sometimes things like that turn out to be compensation for a minor inconvenience.

The day after Christmas, it was on to Florida, traveling tandem with a couple from their church. Health wise the stay in Florida was nothing out of the ordinary, but they flew my wife and her sister down to help with the drive back this past spring.

My father in law had a couple of setbacks during the spring but nothing major. His heart doctor told him late in the summer that his heart was in the best condition in years. The plan was to drive to Florida on their own, which went well until late September he was showing his neighbors how to do something they were doing easier and his defibrillator went off. At this poing my wife got a call from her mother. She said that she was going to call her sister and have them sell their trailer in Florida. Kathy told her that I had vacation time and would drive them down if they could fly me back. I had told my father in law the day my mother died, when he called me and told me how much they appreciated the care I gave my mom. I told him if need be, I would do the same for them.

They took me up on the offer, and insisted that I take time to enjoy myself there. I've never been to Florida, so there are things I will see in person for the first time. I will also get to go to the orange juice processing plant, where I can drink all the juice I want. They will take me to the ocean(another first), and I will get away from the rat race for a week.

Dual Posts:Blessings

2007-11-05T20:01:00.001-05:00

This is one of two dual posts, meaning this will be posted on both my blogs, this week. the other will appear either Thursday or Early Friday.

On October 16, I posted about Terry Pluto on my Seek Him First blog. I sent him a link to it and he responded by a very nice email asking for my home address. He sent me a book he co-wrote with Bill Glass titled "Champions for Life-The Power of a Father's Blessing." He autographed it-"To Cliff-You are a Blessing!" That, in itself, really blessed me.

I was reading this book as I was waiting to see the doctor late this afternoon. What I was reading was what Bill Glass, former Cleveland Browns player and current prison evangelist, had written about men and women needing blessings from authority figures. I am taking this book to Florida with me and I will review it in the weeks ahead.

This occurred to me: Those who read these blogs are a real blessing to me. I get encouragement from those who leave comments here. Those who find these blogs through other blogs, just about all of the time, usually begin with "I really enjoy your blog." I fear that sometimes I may not respond in kind. I've gotten email from those who are concerned about my emotional state and they always pick me up. Sindi just did that for me last week, and it's touching that someone whom I've never met could be such a blessing me.

Those who wished me a happy birthday last Tuesday really blessed my heart. Those who consider me a friend and say so on their blogs or in my comment section, your words are priceless.

And before I post this, I want to say this to those who are my friends but aren't bloggers:Your comments here give me something to brag about to other bloggers I want to be a blessing to everybody and some of you show me how to do it.

One final exhortation:Be as much a blessing to others as you are to me.

A Pick Me Up

2007-10-28T19:34:00.000-04:00

This weekend has been one of mixed emotions for me. First came the end of marching band season. I'm happy for the Rittman student musicians. They have worked so hard this season and it was an outstanding one. But I was somewhat sad as it marked the end of some folks involvement with the band. Adults whom I've become friends with and students who have grown into responsible young adults. And on a selfish note, as announcer, I was enjoying the attention(and praise) I was getting. That's over until next August.

There are also some things happening, in my life, which has made feel like I'm the everyday variety white trash. My world seems to be crashing around me at this point. An expression I always use to give me some motivation in these occasions is "this too shall pass."

Anyway, I've been doing some moping around this weekend, just doing enough to get by. Then I thought as I was surfing the web, I wonder what Terry Pluto wrote in his faith column yesterday. So I checked it out. It's amazing how the Lord works. Terry's column was titled "Getting up again and again after falling down". It was about how Christians keep having to ask the Lord to help them up time and again after feeling low.

God has a way of communicating, doesn't he?

Needed: More Fellowship

2007-10-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

This is in response to a comment left on another post by Sindi, which I have felt times myself. I have met more new friends online in the past couple of months than I have physically.

Sometimes I wonder why this is so. There are many reasons given. We live too far away from others we go to church with, people are working all the time and are too busy are two of them.

People are spread too far apart in our church: Sometimes Christians are bound too much to tradition. They stay in the same church even though they live an hours drive away. That's fine when we all gather together on Sunday, but during the week, if we need encouragement of any kind, it's hard to find someone to talk to.

I recall when I first got saved in 1980. We were going to a Southern Baptist church. It was the one my wife grew up in, founded by one who come from Georgia and some of the first members were folks who come from the south to the Cleveland area by lure of good jobs in the auto factories. The pastor had stressed belonging to a "local, New Testament church". My wife, being bound by tradition and not wanting to hurt her parents, felt that it was wrong for me to want to change churches when we moved to Rittman, which was about 20 miles away from that church. After we went elsewhere for about a year, we returned there and stayed for the next twelve years. But by that time, all those that my wife had grown up with had moved out of state.

I stressed to the pastor when we had left that we were urged to go to a "local, New Testament church" but this church, and the other members were long distance by phone.

But that's the problem by and large. Most people in the church don't live in the community that the church is in. It's very difficult for the church to serve that community. The very visible church on Sunday becomes the invisible church during the week. We can't reach the lost by osmosis, and we also can't fellowship by ESP.

I'm enjoying the encouragement that I'm getting from fellow bloggers and messages we all pass back and forth in the comments section. But I really feel for those who don't get the physical pat on the back when they do well, or the hug they need when they are hurting.

We need fellowship during the week over a cup of coffee and piece of pie. If the lost can see believers loving one another and serving one another then maybe they will see what they need through us.

Dual Posts: Not all Media Types Dislike Bloggers

2007-10-19T20:05:00.000-04:00

Most of my WIXY's Gone Bananas readers know that about 2 months ago I was "dissed" by a certain afternoon radio talk show host and the next day I wrote a post about it. It was somewhat in jest even though I was upset with the language that this "professional" used when he spoke to me on the air. I had played along and got the most hits I had ever got on one day.

I am way past that and have gotten a pretty good out of town following since that day. In the past few weeks, my faith based blog, "Seek Him First" has somewhat taken off, also with readers from outside of Northeast Ohio.

This past week I blogged about Terry Pluto on the Seek Him First side. I had posted links to Terry's articles before on the WIXY side, but this time was the first on the SHF side.

I had also emailed Terry with the link to the post. Even though Terry answers all his email, I hadn't expected a quick response with so much happening in Cleveland sports this week. He emailed me back right away, telling me how much he appreciated that. He also sent me a book of his and in signing that he wrote that I was a blessing. The times I have met Terry in person, he has always given me the impression that he was regular people. He takes time for everyone where he's at and respects those around him, no matter who they are. In short, he lives the faith he professes.

All the comments on that post were favorable. I will post links to his faith columns there when I know that they are on cleveland.com.

Will this get the comments that the Trivisonno post got? I doubt it, but I'm writing this to let my readers know how much a blessing I got.

More About Terry Pluto

2007-10-18T09:56:00.000-04:00

I have some good response from my post the other day about Terry Pluto. I emailed Terry with a link to both of my blogs. One of the posts from WIXY's Gone Bananas concerned a ministry partner of his, named Gloria.

Gloria is a lady whom you can tell by the first minute you talk to her that she loves the Lord. Gloria has a vital part in the Summit County jail ministry. Terry conducts a bible study there. Terry has told me in person that if there was any star in the ministry, it would be Gloria.

During other hours, Gloria works at Sam's Club, passing out samples as a demo person. I was going through a rough period a little over a year ago and I shared some information with her. She wouldn't let me leave until she prayed for me-right there in the store.

Back to Terry. He is head sports columnist at the Plain Dealer, and I figured that he would be too busy to send a response right away since the Indians were in the American League Championship Series. Guess what? He sent me a response yesterday afternoon, a very nice one at that.

Terry has written many books on sports topics. He likes to tell the story about how he would complain about his job to his dad who would then say, "You get paid to go to ball games" which would put things into perspective. He has also written two books specifically on faith topics, "Everyday Faith" and "Faith and You." I know that he sent 10% of his profits of the first book to the Haven of Rest, a homeless ministry in Akron.

He also sent me links about his books and columns.

Terry's books.

Plain Dealer column archive(includes sports columns)

Plain Dealer faith columns.

I plan to add these links to my sidebar in the very near future.

Something to Check Out

2007-10-16T07:31:00.000-04:00

Those who have followed my other blog, "WIXY's Gone Bananas," know that my favorite sportswriter is Terry Pluto. He currently writes for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Before that, he wrote for years for the Akron Beacon Journal. He became a born again Christian in 1997 and shortly thereafter started writing a faith column. When he went to the Plain Dealer, part of the deal was he would continue the faith columns.

This past Saturday, Terry wrote an excellent column on being offended. Click here for story.

And for all my recent friends click here for something I wrote about Terry on my other blog.

One last thing. I am really enjoying the fellowship in the comment sections in all the linking blogs

God is an Investor

2007-10-15T04:21:00.000-04:00

And He changes the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Daniel 2:21 KJV

I gave this advice twice this past weekend, once to a fellow announcer at a high school band show and once to a fellow blogger-Be yourself.

You cannot do your best when you use other people's talents.

All too often we envy others for their talents while making excuses about why we aren't all we could be for the Lord. God didn't give me your talent because he has a different ministry for me.

We are responsible for using the tools God has given us for the up building of His kingdom.

God invests in us, and He is a wise investor. If we use these talents the value of our "stock" go up, and God will give us more. If we don't use our talents, they will be taken away from us.

God wants the best for His children but he wants us to use the best for His glory.

I Smile

2007-10-11T12:56:00.001-04:00

Great song with some very neat pictures.

Dual Posts:Thankful Thursday

2007-10-11T04:34:00.001-04:00

I'm sure that some of you noticed that I didn't post anything in either blog yesterday. That was because I was not up to it emotionally. I did contact one of my best friends via email about it and was sent some real encouragement back.

I figure if I didn't post today, some would get concerned since I have some real super friends who stop by here. So as I was showering this morning, I come up with the idea, actually I ripped it off, I mean borrowed it, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, of Thankful Thursday. I am starting this at 4am my time, and hope to have it posted during my morning break so it will be up before my regular readers take their strolls through the "bloggerhood". And it will be on both blogs.

First, I am thankful that I have good friends who read these blogs, those who have been with me from the start, in August, 2006, to those who who have started reading recently. Your comments brighten my day.

I am also thankful for the job I have even though it's not my dream job and it's 46 miles from my house.

But I'm also thankful that I have reliable transportation to get me there, even if it is a two toned(blue and rust) 1989 Toyota.

I'm thankful that I have a home to go to at night.

I'm thankful that over the years I have always had enough food to eat, to the point I need to lose weight.

I'm thankful that I have those at home who care about me.

I'm thankful that we had enough extra money to eat out yesterday, even if it was Wendys.

Because I am thankful that an old friend of the family followed us in just to say "hi".

I'm thankful that the weekend is coming up, and Rittman has their homecoming game on Friday, and that we have a show to go to Saturday.

I'm thankful God gave a big booming voice and that I can use it to help 44 student musicians.

And that the Rittman Marching Band gives me a good product that makes it easy for me to yell about.

I'm thankful that I have some singing ability, because due to some people not being in church this past Sunday I was asked to lead the singing.

Remember the Bible says that there is power in praise. Start your own "Thankful Thursday" list. It's a very easy post to do because once you start the ideas flow freely.

God is Good - Don Moen

2007-10-05T13:36:00.001-04:00

That's so true!!!

Iron Sharpening Iron

2007-10-04T19:31:00.000-04:00

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17 NJKV

One thing that's amazed me in the past few weeks is how many friends I have made through the Internet. First it was Liquid. Then off her blog, I was introduced to Pilgrim. Last week I was introduced to Frasypoo, and through her blog I was introduced to Kathy's Klavier. And before all this I had known through the Cleveland.com message boards a gentleman known as WZZP.

All these good people have taught me a thing or two about living the Christian life. WZZP was there for me when I was going through depression last winter. Liquid has done a great job in making me feel me about my blogging and has been a fantastic friend behind the scenes.

The first post I commented about on Pilgrim's Scrawl, was about Pilgrim being a serial intercessor. By the way, I was just at Pilgrim's Scrawl and Pilgrim has posted that he will be away from the blogosphere for 1-1/2 weeks, and he wants us to pray for him. He and I have had some contact through email, and we also have become good friends.

Another introduced to me by Liquid is Frasypoo. Frasypoo originally is from India, but now hails from Georgia. Frasypoo is very frank about her religious and political views, but will also let you know if you are doing a good job blogging. She is a very committed Christian.

Kathy(not Mrs74WIXYgrad) came here this week, having discovered me through Frasypoo. I've taken a look at her blog and am impressed. She seems to be a relatively young Christian, but has her feet firmly planted Check out her blog, Kathy's Klavier.

Let me tie this all together. Why have I told you about all these good folks? Because we all need each other. These people have all been working on sharpening me and I hope I have been able to help sharpen them.

It's been said that no man's an island and we aren't. We need contact one with another. God created man in order to have someone to fellowship with. He expects his greatest creation to have fellowship one with another. We can learn from others. We can teach others. Jesus told the disciples to Go therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. We need to learn from some before we can teach others.

If We Are The Body

2007-10-01T18:59:00.001-04:00

Explanation of Posting Above.

2007-10-01T18:49:00.000-04:00

The idea that I had for posting this video was inspired by a post by Frasypoo in her excellent blog, This and That, where she laments about people being on their best behavior on Sunday. During the week they were just another part of the world. I will take it another step since I was the fat kid from the other side of the tracks. Yes I like the songs with more of a beat, but I also like to listen to Christian songs with a message.

Let the music speak to you.

Enlarge our borders

2007-09-02T17:45:00.001-04:00

This will be similblogged, as both my blogs-WIXY's Gone Bananas and Seek Him First, will have this message today.

Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!" And God granted him what he requested.-1Chronicles 4:10 NASB

Since I've started posting on the media forums, which led to these blogs, I've heard from others who set out in life to do something and ended up in another direction. I have felt privileged and honored that these fine folks have shared their stories with me.

I've heard from those who set out to get more formal education, something most adults don't want, in order further their lot in life and in doing they help others, whether it be their family or others. I've been told of those who went into another field in order to be with their families. That, in my book, is a sign of someone who has their priorities in order.

There are times that we think we know what we want and we make these decisions out of youthful ignorance. We want to be the next big thing, or leave college and become company president. Most likely, ain't gonna happen.

The bible verse I used for this is called the Prayer of Jabez, also a title of a best selling book form a few years ago. It's listed in Pilgrim's profile as one of his favorite books. Jabez asks the Lord to give him a greater reach and protect him. We all need to pray that prayer. Even though I'm a Pentecostal, I don't believe in the name it and claim it types of prayers. I believe that God will give you the resources in order to expand your boundaries. You also are responsible for what you do with them.

You may need the tuition to go to college. God works in many ways. He may help you find assistance in the way of scholarships, or He may help you get extra work to help pay for it. God gives us intelligence, and he also gives us ability.

First thing we need is a plan. Plan your work and work your plan. Shoot at your goals. You never achieve goals if you never set goals.

Two of my readers are extending their education. One is going for a masters degree the other a Ph. D. My daughter who is right now student teaching has told me that her goal is a Ph. D. These three are looking to have their borders expanded and have a plan in how to do it.

In churches, a plan is always being worked on about how to expand the reach in the community. It might be knocking on doors, it may be feeding the poor, or things that appeal to youth. Some feel that they should be in constant fasting and prayer. I've learned over the years not to knock any method of outreach if it brings people in. Especially if these folks get something(a feeling of belonging) they can't get elsewhere.

I have never set goals and wonder where would I be if I had? Now well in my second half of life, I am looking to work on some goals. If you have goal problems, pray the prayer of Jabez and ask the Lord for guidance and ability to use your expanded territories.

Lean not unto your own understanding

2007-08-26T16:53:00.000-04:00

I saw the title on the board in front of the church where my sister goes this morning. It got me to thinking that too often we try to use our own intellect to solve problems instead of giving them to an all knowing, all loving, all powerful, God.

I saw that sign and went to my own church. I sat down at my seat and meditated on the following verse.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;-1Corinthians 1:27 KJV

I also thought about about Pilgrim's latest post where he dwells upon taking his wife, Virtue and Baby Pilgrim to a medical appointment. He was worried about his child being uncomfortable when a parent with a child who was suffering more than Pilgrim's. Pilgrim was worried about the other child being called in before his, but Virtue told him that they should let the other child go before theirs. Pilgrim then mused that even though he was supposed to be the more educated one of the two Virtue, taught him a lesson. Click here to read the post. See if you don't maybe see yourself there.

In these times of powerful computers and emphasis on education, we sometimes forget about the Lord and in doing so we end up working hard and not smart.

The Greatest Command

2007-08-19T13:39:00.000-04:00

This morning's church service was the worship service since Pastor Wesley's funeral. He had passed over the main pastoring to his son, Jeff several years ago and Wes was serving in the Assistant Pastor capacity from then until he went home with the Lord last Sunday morning.

The message today was from Matthew 22, where one of the Pharisees asked Jesus a question; "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40 KJV

Sometimes we don't get it as far as the love part is concerned. If you check out the 10 commandments it's broken down this way: the first set of commandments tell us how we should love God, the other set tells us how we should love one another.

God loves us so much that he bankrupted heaven to come to earth and pay the penalty for our sins. We, as humans have a problem showing love towards other, even the brotherly love we get the name "Philadelphia" from. God wants us to love one another with the love he describes through the apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 13. I linked up King James version of that chapter, but you can go to the drop bar and switch to a version you are familiar with.

That love is translated from the Greek word agape, which is the love you can get only from God himself.

I was thinking about this while sitting in church this morning. Most folks who read these words will never come face to face with me in this lifetime, but I love(agape) all those who read these words and want you to be with me in heaven. Click here for the plan of salvation from Billy Graham's web site. (Also remember to pray for Dr. Graham as I saw he was hospitalized yesterday.)

Those who know Jesus as their savior, pray that His love shines through you and others who see this message. And pray the same for me.

Fellow Blogger Using Time wisely

2007-08-12T14:22:00.000-04:00

Some of the blog surfing that I have done has gotten me some new friends. One of these new friends is a gentleman called Pilgrim. He writes a blog called Pilgrim's Scrawl, dedicated in leaving the world a better place than he found it.

The post that caught my eye last night was one which he describes himself as a "serial intercessor" which to means that he prays for people methodically. He will pray for you without your knowledge, which to me is very cool. This means Pilgrim doesn't want personal glory for his actions. We should all be that way.

A man of God goes home

2007-08-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

I received a call a few minutes ago that pastor Wesley Ball went home to be with the Lord. He was the founding pastor of the South Main Street Church of God in Rittman. He also sang bass with the Mighty Sons of Thunder gospel quartet.

Pastor Wesley was one of a dying breed of preachers, one who preached the Word of God without fear of favor, one of those who had a vision to see souls saved. His son Jeffrey Ball will see that vision proceed.

Pray for the family in this time and pray for the church, that we can continue with Brother Wesley's vision.

Looking unto Jesus...

2007-08-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

...The author and finisher of our faith.

We seem to forget those words in this personality driven time we live in. That's unfortunate.

Jesus is our only hope if we want to make it.

We can look up to others if we like, but we shouldn't try to copy them, since as human beings, we all have flaws. Flaws that can only be smoothed out by the masters hand.

We should strive to be just like the master who does the smoothing.

The great I Am

2007-07-15T18:47:00.000-04:00

While I was getting ready for church this morning, I was watching David Jeremiah. I turned the program-Turning Point, on with about 10 minutes to go. Dr. Jeremiah was talking about Jesus being the great I Am, meaning he is the Lord of the present. He is not the great I Was, or the great I will be. Jesus wants us to hand Him our problems as they come along.

The Bible tells us to "Cast all our care upon the Lord for he cares for you" It says care and not cares. We are not supposed to pack all our troubles in our old kit bag and smile. What we are supposed to do is hand our problems one by one to Jesus, as they come along. Then we have to praise Him. There is power in praise.

Bearing one another's burdens

2007-01-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

I made mention on my "secular" blog-WIXY's Gone Bananas, that I wanted my readers to pray for me. I've been dealing with depression for several months now. This got a response from my good friend Danny, who posts on message boards as BoredOp0930. We then exchanged e-mails, each mentioning personal problems. Danny shared on the comment section of WGB about his ex-fiance who had betrayed his trust.

Sitting at my desk at break time this morning, I got to thinking about the book of James, a book that I think Christians should read often, and I will apologize to my KJV only friends right now. They should read the book in several translations.

The main thought I get out of the book of James is that "Faith without works is dead". I've noticed in the past several years that churches say that they have a missionary thrust, but with their lives they pretty much say "bless us four and no more"

Case in point: about 10 years ago, we changed churches after a long painful decision on our part. My wife had grown up in that church, but doctrinal differences between the pastor and her dad had caused a split within the church. We settled in a church where we had thought the people shown love one towards another. The problem was it was a family church. We had about how much people were quick to visit the sick and support those in need.

Fast forward about 3 1/2 years. I was in the hospital having knee replacement surgery. The stay in the hospital was five days. You want to know how many come to the hospital to visit, besides the pastor? Uh, none. One member told my daughter that "Cliff needed his rest".Funny though some time later the assistant pastor's wife was in the hospital having a baby(by c-section). She wrote in the church newsletter about the stay, and commented that "crowd control was needed" when she mentioned about her visitors. I guess that someone who just had a baby didn't need her rest.

Galatians 6:2 says "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" KJV

Prayer request time comes and we are told to keep it brief when we present our requests. In keeping our worship time in the neat little package we forget that some people are hurting and maybe the Lord wants us to know it. Keeping it brief sometimes only stifles those who are being attacked in a big way by the adversary.

Bearing some body's burden means more than saying "Wonder how so and so is doing?" without actually seeing them and praying for them.

Next time you are in church and you hear a prayer request for the umpteenth time and you are tired hearing about remember our Lord spent nine hours on a cross after being spit upon and beat almost to death for that person(and you too) to give that request. Take note of that request. Turn their burden into your burden. Pray as hard for it as you would pray for your self, and maybe you can shout the victory with that person.

Keeping it simple

2007-01-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

As I was in church this morning, we had a man get up to sing. His name is Issac Sipple, known around town as Brother Sipple. He is 89 years old and goes around from church to church, always carrying his guitar in with him. It seems that everyone is always blessed to hear him, because intead of him coming in and complaining about all his aches and pains, he always talks about how good the Lord has been to him.

Our church has a really good sound system with a CD player, cassette player, and mini disc player. We have several musicians playing guitars, drums, piano and keyboard. But simply this morning it was an "old boy", as Brother Sipple likes to call himself, an acoustic guitar, and a voice which for many years has gone from place to place praising the Lord.

Devotional Links

2006-12-31T16:49:00.000-05:00

Newest link I have added here is for the daily devotional called "My Utmost for His Highest ", by Oswald Chambers. If you stop by here and need a daily devotional, click on the link. Scripture is in King James translation.

Also listed among the links here is for the "Purpose Driven Life" Website, which also includes a daily devotion. If you've not read "The Purpose Driven Life", let me strongly suggest you do so.

A Grim Reminder

2006-12-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

A haunting statistic hit home yesterday as I arrived at work. I was sitting at my desk, going through my e-mail, when Charlie, who occupies the office next to mine, and is one of the best Christians I know, asked me if I heard about this man who had just quit this past Tuesday. I said no, then Charlie told me that he had committed suicide, and was found on Wednesday.

This is one of the times of the year when one of the leading causes of death is suicide. Some feel very lonely. Some feel very hopeless and helpless, and can't take it any more.

Remember, this is the time of the year we spend with our families. But some feel all alone in a very crowded world. Jesus came to the world to be a comforter. As Christians we have the comforter dwelling in us, the Holy Spirit. We are called "Christians" because we are supposed to be "Christlike".

Let's let the Comforter be known through us. Give a smile, a good word, or maybe a handshake to one you don't know. You might make someone's day, or make them feel like they are appreciated, maybe loved. Or you might give someone the courage to face another day.