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.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Enlarge our borders
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.
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.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Lean not unto your own understanding
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.
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.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Greatest Command
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?"
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.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Fellow Blogger Using Time wisely
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Looking unto Jesus...
...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.
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.
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