Off My Chest-From My Heart: the Blog

A Final Message From Pastor Bulldog's Blog Network

2009-10-18T19:28:00.004-05:00

Hello to all of the many friends of Bob Adams' ministry. On October 16, 2009, Pastor Bulldog slipped quietly and peacefully from this world. He had many health issues in his later life, but he proved that "bulldogs are survivors" by not only working through them, but working within them to help others.

His son, Dr. Jeff Adams, wrote a post about him on his blog, http://www.drjeffadams.com./

Please send cards with your thoughts to Helen, who adored Bob and always was enthusiastic in her support of his work.

Helen Adams
c/o Del Mar Gardens
12100 West 109th St.
Overland Park, KS
66210

Bob wrote a wonderful book, "Off My Chest, From My Heart", which contained Blessays with memories of his life and work. It is entertaining and inspirational and well worth reading and sharing. If you would like an e-file copy of that book, write to pastorbulldog@gmail.com. It will be free and with no further emails to bother you.

(If you print out the hard copy, it would make a wonderful gift to a friend or for sharing with your Sunday School class.)

The mailbox will be kept open for another few weeks, so act soon for your free copy.

Pastor Bulldog kept the faith and finished the race with valor. You keep the faith too.

Survivor Chronicles #4

2009-09-11T16:47:00.031-05:00

"What Are You Trusting God To Do For You?"

I never forget that greeting made famous by Evangelist Manley Beasley. He preached it, he lived it, and he would look one directly in the face and challenge them with it.

Trust is just that – it’s TRUST: not a shred of doubt or dust of wavering, no shades of gray – it’s just plain downright ((( TRUST! ))). I know this, but if you are a new or are an undiscipled believer, you can learn from the Bible how to “trust in the Lord” with all your heart, soul, strength … in EVERYTHING in ALL THINGS, TRUST in the “ALL IN ALL.” Am I clear?

I have learned through many trials that we learn how to trust God by steps: some by large steps, others by smaller steps, but always faith is a gift from God that comes by hearing and hearing or reading is from the word of God. The Lord knows what each of us can take and will not let us fall when the Devil attacks, but will provide a way to escape – believe it. Having cancer is so much easier for me since I learned to trust.

I would hate it if, at some juncture of my pilgrimage, I should say, "Enough Lord, the enemy is too much," and find myself wandering in the wilderness for forty years as the untrusting tribal heads of Israel did at Kadesh. God sent to spy out the land that they were promised.

However, my present trial has reasonably good news to report. Before my fourth chemotherapy treatment this week, the PA reviewed the results of my recent PET scan. The tumor on my lung has been significantly reduced in size and the mass that was close to my spine and that appeared on my neck was completely gone.

I say "reasonably good news because it is not over, but I am grateful and I am waiting on the Lord for the next move, trusting wholly in the Lord, as did Caleb, I am like a gear shift, ready to be moved into "Drive."

I do not mean to imply that I have not had moments of concern. When we hurt, we register concern, which in turn is a trigger to get going on a plan. But I have also learned to “be vigilant; because [my] adversary the devil … “, seeks to ruin as many testimonies as possible and to destroy the cause of Christ (1Peter 5:8).

My Oncologists at the Kansas City Cancer Center must be pleased with my PET scan report: I have two more treatments spaced about two to three weeks apart. But I would not tell you that chemotherapy is a "walk in the park." It takes a good two weeks for my system to get back to a reasonable status before the next treatment,

This time it was a bit rough. I sat for six hours of IV intake as usual; a pleasant experience, but it hit me when I got home: flu-like aches and pains in every muscle and joint and even my hair hurt. I hate to take heavy pain pills, but this time I took the big pain pill. But it is survivable to those who have the survivor attitude of Caleb … and other bulldogs: Bulldogs are survivors! Grrrrr!

Some patients come for 30 minutes, others are there for various other amounts of time. It is not my intention to say that what I do is what you will experience. I only want to instill a lack of fear in that I went through difficult life-threatening illnesses, which are peculiar to me, only, and I survived and am surviving, because I am a survivor in His name.

I am presently at peace in the midst of probably the most severe trial, and Jesus is present and handling all of the controls and dosage amounts. Fear not, He is with us always and never leaves nor forsakes us - unless we allow fear to take over and the Bible records that “…whatsoever is not of faith is not of God” (Romans 14:23).

Please Note: Written on the night of President Obama's address to Congress on Health Care and I'm saying to myself, if this American Health Coverage is the best in the world, make repairs, but don’t chop it up in order to manufacture problems - fix it. That’s a vacuum salesman’s trick to get a sale. Once more: Don’t sell the Cadillac because the ash tray is full.

Helen and I thank you for your card, visits, and most of all for holding us up before the Throne of Grace.

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Blessay #229, September 1, 2009

2009-09-02T14:44:00.016-05:00

Note: SURVIVOR CHRONICLES are journals of our treatments for a tumor and are posted on “The Topic of Cancer”, a separate blog of this blog network. Go to http://bulldogs-are-survivors.blogspot.com , Click on the “The Topic of Cancer” text Icon on the left sidebar menu.

Tower Building, #101
by Pastor Bulldog

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:28-30).

"You have been advised," is the tone of the Master's voice as he teaches his disciples with this kingdom parable in Luke. He is illustrating that whoever would be His disciple must be prepared with a tower-building mentality; able to visualize the cost of building stone upon stone.
You may be saying, “What has a tower got to do with my affliction? I'm sick!” And the answer is ... believers should understsnd that accepting Christ as saviour is only the beginning of a glorious lifetime of spiritual growth, illustrated by tower-building.

In ancient Palestine towers were built to protect vineyards, sheep, and for vineyard keepers and shepherds. They were built tall in high places, sometimes as parts of city walls, or separately, for observation, protection, and defense against predators; man or beast.

When the Lord had delivered him from his enemies, the sweet Psalmist of Israel called the Lord, ”[my] goodness, my fortress; my high tower, my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust… (Psalm 144:2).”
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Building a spiritual tower costs dearly. Studying to know God from the word of instruction that he left us, calls for a cost of absolute love, unfeigned faith, obedience and time. The cost could be too severe for today’s average church member; more than someone is willing to pay.

A tower must be on a sure foundation: “... Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16).”

Many want to know how to attain eternal life and ask to be placed on that foundation. But like the rich man that Jesus told to sell everything he had and give it to the poor, the influence of the world system makes the cost was too much for him.

He turned aside preferring the tarnished relics of a world system of sin and pleasure. I feel sorry for that poor rich idiot. He was blinded to the simple concept of “love God with all heart, mind, soul, and body.” The Lord wanted all of him: experience, fortune, and loyalty.

If he had shown willingness to follow Jesus, he could have become a valuable disciple and a faithful steward of his own possessions, washed and restored. And … maybe he would have had his name in the Bible, instead of just “rich man.”

The Cost:

Surrender All to Jesus:

to love Jesus more than family members;

to love Jesus more than his own life,

to love Jesus more than any or all of his possessions,

to deny oneself,

to pick up one’s cross and follow Jesus,

to expect to be hated of all men for “His name's sake.”

”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” ”And: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22).”

Towers are actually made of lofty goals and implemented by disciples, which make for easy attitude measurements of how sincere one is when singing, “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” Building your spiritual tower is to snap “living” stones in place, one on top of the other, on the sure foundation.

These new hopeful disciples are “lively [living building] stones,“ as Peter calls them, ”built up a spiritual [tower], an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5).

“Foundation stone,” then, calls for another tower to build; the Church of God, which has merged together in one, Gentiles and Jews who have decided to follow Jesus. ”For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 3:11).”

Does God Have A Plan?
Does God Intervene Into the Affairs of Men?
Do Policemen Like Coffee and Donuts?

Ananias, a humble church member in Damascus, a common man of no significant reputation, except that the Bible refers to him as a “certain disciple,” was a faithful believer, growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. He was ready when Jesus spoke to him in a vision to receive Paul, “… a chosen vessel to the Lord, to bear his name before the Gentiles ….” The Lord placed him exactly where he was for a reason, “Behold, I am here, Lord.”

Paul built his tower on the foundation of the LAW as given to Moses. He received a Rabbinical education, a zealous defender of the LAW, persecuting believers of “that way,” consenting to the martyrdom of Stephen, when he was blinded by a heavenly light so that he fell off his “high horse.” He met Jesus, the fulfillment of the LAW, who told him to go to a certain disciple in Damascus where he would get his sight back and receive inner light form the whole counsel of God. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

A common man, Ananias, discipled the acclaimed and powerful persecutor of believers, so that Paul built a new tower on the Church’s one foundation, which is Jesus Christ, the Lord. His tower protected much fruit, a hundred-fold, for he was a church planter as well, to all they in Asia and to the Gentiles through Europe.

Is your tower a refuge, an escape, an armory for putting on the whole armor of God, and for a place to worship and to heal. Have you started to build your tower since having believed? Or did you consider the cost too much and decided to suffer the shame of not completing your growth in Christ?

"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is (1Corinthians 3:13)."

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New and hopefully permanent email addresses for Pastor Bulldog:

pastorbulldog@gmail.com and
omc.fmh@gmail.com : Both email addresses are sent to the same Inbox. =====================================

Survivor Chronicles #3

2009-08-30T10:29:00.018-05:00

“GIVE ATTENDANCE...”

” to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee … Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all …[in the chemo treatment room]” (1Timorhy 4:13).

I suppose that some can read, exhort, and study while chemicals course through their bodies, but not me. My dosage is heavy and it takes four to six hours each treatment. I spend that time in a comfy recliner, close my eyes, and get some peaceful rest.

The treatment room is pleasant: It is large with three walls of windows on the ground floor overlooking a garden landscape. The room is filled with recliners and lots of cheerful daylight. It is peaceful and the caregivers, of compassionate Kansas and Missouri women, have a gift of making one feel special.

It’s amusing to me; the nurse holds a couple of chemical bags for me to read while she reads to me: my name, chemical name, potency and date; this before hooking them up to the IV tower. It’s like a waitress in a fine restaurant, showing a couple of wines for approval: “good choice.” But this treatment is a bit bizarre in the first place.

Extreme fatigue is the side effects of my treatments with flu-like aches and pains, which takes about two weeks to subside. I have a strong pain pill, but I have only taken it three times during these three treatments. But we are all different and what happens to me may not happen to others, but be prepared.

Chemotherapy has some positive effects. After losing my bale of frosty white hair, I discovered my ears: large pointed wings like Dr. Spock on “Star Wars,” and I don’t have to shave, whiskers just won’t grow – maybe slow-growing fuzz.

Just before the third treatment, the Oncologist showed the CTscan results, which was to determine the next step; to go ahead with the third treatment, to include some radiation, or to have further chemo treatments; the latter being the most encouraging option.

The scan showed a slight reduction in the tumor on my right lung and it also showed that the original visible cyst on my neck had disappeared. He prescribed three more treatments spaced every two or three weeks apart and to include another scan.

However, I am cautious. elation can be stressful and stress is stress. I am just praising God, but understanding that I still need to trust Him continually, because it is not yet over. I maintain a neutral mode to let the immune systems do what the Creator ordained them to do. Negative thoughts are from the Devil and will minimize healing.

However, Paul told Timothy to “Neglect Not the Gift that is in Thee.“ Being comfy-cozy in a recliner and taking a huge dose of chemicals does not mean that one should temporarily toss off the gifts that the embedded Holy Spirit of Jesus gives to believers. "… the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29).

I never did fret about what gift I have, as many do. I believe every believer has many gifts that the Holy Spirit will engage for appropriate action for an auspicious event. The main thing is to do something when the Lord says, “Get up: Go.”

A chicken farmer I knew who was so proud of his money selling chickens to restaurants occupied a pew on Sunday, but not much else. He told me that his gift was giving money to support the church and that’s all he needed to do… well, we wish him lots of “cluck.”

This is the perfect place to meditate on those things that come to me from giving attention to the great doctrines of the Bible. It is a time of peace, rest, and healing. I’m good for six hours of rest and meditation, even if I can’t read – but I will exhort if given opportunity.

Chemo and cancer are survivable. This is the perfect place to meditate on those things that come to me from giving attention to the doctrine of the Bible. It is a time of peace, rest, and healing. But do not let one negative thought from the Devil enter in.

”Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable [positive] in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
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Survivor Chronicles #2

2009-08-16T11:25:00.030-05:00

Medical Science or Alternative Medicine?
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

What to do: What to do… Who is right, who is wrong? That is often the dilemma that comes on with the battle of cancer. I have heard this often as a medical center chaplain on the Oncology Ward. I have also experienced it personally. Every answer was standard: Consult your Pastor and confide your feelings to your Oncologist and I will pray with you for comfort and direction.

I learned the truth of 1Corinthians 10:13: Each affliction may be different, but is as intense as everyone else; and God will “also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” He does not give you an aspirin or does not always heal directly, but He knows how much you can take before breaking.

Our main consultation should be with the Master Physician, the Lord. He does not dispense confusion and the answer He gives to all who come to Him is, ”Fear not!” I have found Him to be a very personal Oncologist and easy to talk to. While the members of His flock are sheep, each sheep is different and unique… yet, all are stamped with the earmark of the Lamb of God.

I must go back to my first bout with colorectal cancer in order to describe how it affected my present battle with invading forces. I was told that it was “dire”. The operation was reasonably successful, but a little had invaded a lymph node, so the treatment was a protocol of chemotherapy and radiation.

However, I admit that I had concern about my mode of treatment. If I chose a mixture of both medical and alternative methods, my oncologists would not abide by that. Then as now, I sought divine guidance, not franticly: hysteria blocks investigative thought and solutions. My immediate goal was to acquire peace so that intermediate and long term goals could emerge with clarity.

The Psalmist’ prayed; “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:” and I wondered “How does one hear lovingkindness?” It came to me that I have actually been listening to the voice of the Lord, the personification of Wisdom, Justice, and Love, and Lovingkindness. There He was; every morning as I was ready to start the day: “Lord, ‘in thee do I trust, cause me to know the way wherein I should walk (Psalm 143:8);”

Lovingkindness showed me the way. I was very aware of His presence and unafraid, just peaceful: perfect peace that passes all understanding. So; at 11:00 A.M. every day, I was face down on a lab table in the “sci-fi” room where the radiation would come out from somewhere and go into my body someplace: the technicians had retreated behind a lead shield in another room. I was all alone and serenaded from beeps and buzzes before I heard the extended humm of the juice being applied. But I was ready… here’s why:

Is the Creator of heavens and earth able to still the waves of radiation? All powers are subject to him: in His nail punctured hand is “power and might; to give strength unto all; upholding all things by the word of his power. He laid the foundation of the earth: set the North over an open place, stretched out the heavens like a garment, “according to the working of his mighty power,” which He employed when he raised Christ from the dead. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made“ (John 1:3).

That must have been quite a blast of divine power that raised Jesus from the dead, power that scientists may call radiation today: the same power from the image of the invisible God, who spoke and the light separated the darkness. With His fingers, He decorated the heavens with sprinklings of heavenly bodies, on course and in their places. Radiation? Nothing to it for the Lord Jesus Christ. He invented it

When I heard the hum of the radioactivity, it was the right nail-punctured hand of the Master Physician on the control, measuring the exact amount needed. The same is true for chemotherapy. The right hand of my salvation measured the amount of chemo that should drip slowly into my veins.

I can hear some of you draw in your breaths; “But what happens if you are not cured? What you are saying is false hope!” Not at all: I cannot find “false hope” in the Bible: various types, yes, but it is all hope. When I underwent the procedure, I had hope: others were there in silent witness to my reactions. If I should make one move of doubt, it could affect a lot of people. So, I am like the gear shift on a car; in neutral until the Master engages me. I would not frustrate the plan of God for my life.

If the invading forces prevail, God has a way for me to escape, which is far better than anything produced by avoiding false hope. I did not care, for He would get the glory in my body by life or by death, as Paul taught the Philippian church.

Update: I have had two treatments of chemotherapy and this coming Tuesday I will have the third usual six-hour infusion and then an evaluation. Don’t worry about me: Jesus and I will get caught up on a few things and I may need an attitude adjustment. I’m just going to spill over onto Him.

Thank you for your prayers, and to God be the glory.

Robert N. Adams (Helen says “Hey”)
We are Pastor and Mrs. Bulldog
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Survivor Chronicles #3 will have a more complete description of the treatments, consultations, and of the Kansas City Cancer Center.

The Healthcare Gap

2009-08-11T15:19:00.022-05:00

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"The house of representatives ... can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates into tyranny." --Federalist No. 57, February 19, 1788
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"And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:27): "... there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11).

CHANGE? I Did Not Expect This!

2009-07-22T11:30:00.017-05:00

THE OLD ORDER YIELDS TO THE NEW -

Not without a few well-chosen "barks" from Pastor Bulldog. I have begun chemotherapy treatments to eradicate a tumor on my right lung. I have also begun a series on the treatments, The "Big C" Chronicles: the process, the progress, my thoughts, the effects, and results. I will add an account each week until whatever. I recognize this "sting" as the Lord permitting it to happen that He might prove me for even greater service to the Lord, "whether by life or by death". At the same time, Helen is going through a battle of pnuemonia on top of the after effects of her second pacemaker/defribulator implant. To make the treatments for both of us easier and to keep our boys from "tearing their hair out" in extra work, worry and concern, the family in a concerted effort has helped us close up house-keeping and move to a beautiful long-term care faciltiy, Del Mar Gardens of Overland Park (Metro Kansas City, MO), Kansas, just nine miles from our former home. The Bulldog will continue to bark by God's grace through faith. Keep checking in, there's more to come.

Thank you for your prayers.Click on "THE TOPIC OF CANCER" link on the side bar to the left for The "Big C" Chronicles. Thank you for your love and loyalty. "To God be the glory, Great things He has done."

Salute Those Who Are Brave Enough To Defend Our Liberty

2009-07-03T21:32:00.033-05:00

July 4, 1776: If these farmers, merchants, and scholars were not ready, they got ready ,,,in a minute!

From the Revolution agaist tyrany, to the Surge that made a nation free. To ridding godless terrorists in Afghanistan; after having helped to save Europe and the world from a massive global holocaust while losing our loved who did not survive our own holocaust at Omaha Beach, the Americam soldier, sailor, coast guardsman, Air Force airman and fighter/bomber pilot, and including the Merchant Seaman, is ready in a minute to take arms to keep our country safe from those who have no conscence and would just as soon shoot, stab, skewer, hang, or saw us in half, as look at us ...after laughing at attempts to negotiate.

Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775, delivered a speech to Colonial delegtes to vote on being independent colonies. Only the last part is presented here.

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Thank God for the spirit of '76 ...still alive through all of our mistakes and controversies. Pray without ceasing for our brave professional troops who are giving all they have - and for their families.

Celebrating Our Nation's Independence since July 4, 1776.

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"Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:" (Job 22:15-16)

Blessay #226

2009-06-29T19:45:00.013-05:00

(A revision of a much earlier Blessay by Pastor Bulldog)

FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his BENEFITS:” (Psalm 103:2)

One of the sweetest sights I have seen in our 62 years of marriage is that of Helen reading her large print Bible: in the dining area with her cup of coffee; in her recliner until she drops off to sleep; or on the side of her bed in the middle of the night when she can't sleep.

Often something she reads brings tears to her eyes. "This is so beautiful, I can’t get over it. God gives us BENEFITS. Just think of this – BENEFITS like you get from your employer. It’s just too wonderful.” But that's my girl: the word of God bows across her heart strings, playing them like a cello.

Meditation on the word of God gives cause to reflect on the differences of God’s ways to the ways of the world. Every decade or so, employers deal with employees in different ways. It wasn’t so long ago that human relations people camped on college campuses on recruiting missions, competing for the best brains. Benefits were the carrots of competition to lure them in. College seniors actually made career decisions based on benefits.

And the worst of it is that the whole process of benefits backfired. A recruited “shooting star” got all the benefits possible and some asked for more. Then they were lured away by another company – hop-scotching to mega bonuses and salary increases like the benefit game corporation heads, city managers and school superintendents in moving from job to job; each one giving larger severance bonuses.

How temporal are man’s benefits. As we write, corporations are actually planning to drop health plans and benefits. But with God, His benefits are permanent, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29)

It is still fresh in my mind that benefits in my day were simple: If you did a good job today, you got to come back tomorrow. It was not unusual for a person to be told not to bring their lunch on Friday: they might be sent home early because they would not be back on Monday.

Experts say that benefits or the lack of them can cause job related stresses, which can result in angst, depression, poor diet, and lack of exercise: known factors in developing a life-threatening disease. It is important at this time to remember and meditate on all His benefits, some of which are clearly stated in Psalm 103:3-5:

Verse 3: “Who FORGIVETH ALL THINE INIQUITIES ...:" The most beautiful words to me are "… thy sins be forgiven thee (Matt 9:2);” “… come unto me … and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28)”. What better BENEFIT? Are you hanging on to guilt, knowing that God turns His head and cannot look on iniquity?

If you have accepted God's free salvation through Jesus, you are saved from the penalty of your sins, according to the word of our immutable God. God has already turned His head away from your sins; they were judged in the body of His only begotten Son as He spoke in agony, “My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” It's over – forget it, God has, why can’t you?! Now, go on! (Accept peace and get rid of stress)

Verse 3: "... who HEALETH ALL THY DISEASES: (Caveat ... if we let Him) Some people just accept diseases, drifting into stress and bewilderment. They pray and hope for healing, but do not see in their mind’s eye that their request is placed at the foot of the throne of grace. God’s gift of faith is a super charged BENEFIT: On numerous occasions Jesus said, “They faith has made thee whole. Faith is a gift of grace through faith and it comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. It’s okay to say, “Lord, I believe, but help me in my unbelief.” Who can find a better health care plan that makes a person whole?

The administration believes the people’s cry for change to mean, "We have no health insurance but from 'Caesar' (John 19:19)". However, we can trust Jesus: He never sees too many patients, never has waiting lines, is ready to see you 24/7, no price increases; Jesus paid it for you, and He has promised never to drop you. In addition, America has the best health care system and the most skilful and professionally trained health care professionals - IN THE WORLD.

Politicians and humanists who say the government is more capable of seeing to the needs of the people do not understand people or they hope for total control of the people, because the people do not know what they need and the government does.

Verse 4: “Who REDEEMETH THY LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION ...: Another BENEFIT is sanctification: instant and on-going. New believers are separated from the world at their new spiritual birth, but a discipled believer belongs to the Lord and keeps himself separated from the entanglements of the world, yet having a good report from those without.. Any deviation from the path of being conformed to the image of Christ can and will result in physical destruction and/or spiritual destruction: fellowship with the Lord.

God had a church full of sanctified sheep at Corinth, but they felt so secure that they engaged in all sorts of fornication. The Apostle Paul severely scolded them in his first epistle, telling them to get their act together and to kick out a “black sheep” from the flock, who engaged in incest, to let the Devil's wolves deal with him. But in his second epistle he applauded their repentance and restoration. The sheep of the good shepherd, know His voice and he saves them from destruction of body and soul, and He will rescue them, even if there is only one ... you.

Verse 4: " ... who CROWNETH THEE WITH LOVING KINDNESS and TENDER MERCIES:” The good life does not exist outside of being a believer in the LORD Jesus Christ. Worldly pleasures are only "the high life," and don't reach any higher than the moon.

Therefore, worldly pleasure seekers have shallow ambitions, temporal at best, and we all are like ants on this small planet, which Almighty God hung upon absolutely nothing and placed His throne in the north over "the empty place (Job 26:7)." Kindness and mercy are from Mount Zion above, on the sides of the north, the place of the throne of God.

The BENEFIT is a crown of kindness and mercy from God the Father, who is spirit, and Jesus Christ, " ... the image of the invisible God … (Col 1:15),” and from the Holy Spirit, "… the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive … but [we] know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:17)." Wear your crown with the grace and love for which it was given (Three benefits for the cost of one).

Verse 4: “Who SATISFIETH THY MOUTH with good things ... ; When we look at the disciples Jesus picked, we have to wonder at the diversity of occupations and standing in the world: tax collector, physician, fisherman, and others, making a group of future apostles. Good words are good BENEFITS for use at the right time to the right people: those who hearts are prepared to seek the Lord.

The Master told His disciples that He would give them a mouth; the right things to say to the house of Israel that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The "good things" the Psalmist mentions are those things that are spoken from the mouth that sprung from the heart. Much later, the Apostle Paul gave good news with the gospel message of Christ, dead, buried, and risen. Then he gave an invitation: " ... if you confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom 10:9).

Verse 5: " ... so that THY YOUTH IS RENEWED like the eagle's.” But when? Israel is waiting for that, "Next year in Jerusalem," and so am I. Here, then, is the BENEFIT tested, in that there is a time of affliction and a time for healing and relief. But, Is it soon or do we wait and wait and wait to feel the Lord's healing touch? Isaiah’s poetic prophecy concerns Israel, but at the same time God gives us the same advice:

"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 (Isa 40:31).

Are you waiting? So are we; waiting to run and not faint; my dear wife will run and not stagger or reel or faint ... so we ask when we shall see God? Call me crazy, but the thought of soaring like an eagle gives me quite a lift, and although it refers to Israel’s future, but it thrills me to pieces. I am also lifted when I read Isaiah’s words to Israel, "Thy youth is renewed,." I claim that verse.

Let's see, I am 82 years old, and when I think of Helen and I bursting through the ether in eternity to a never ending adventure of service to the Lord my heart skips a beat. The Bible says that when we see Him we will be like Him, and we shall see Him as He is (1John 3:2-3). He was about 33 ½ years old. My goodness, it will be so good to be 33 ½ again. What a BENEFIT, what a Savior!

What sayest thou? Comments, please!

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Blessay #225

2009-06-16T10:16:00.010-05:00

Are You Cast Down? Well, Praise Up!
From Off My Chest, From My Heart: the eMail, By Pastor Bulldog

(Psalm 42:5; 11; 43: 5) “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Who is this that writes with such flip-flop authority about the downcast and the hopeful; all in one short paragraph? Not David this time, but the sons of Korah, probably descendants of the insurgent of (Numbers 18:8-9): musicians in the temple in charge of the worship services.

Their music is mournful, and their beds at night are soaked with their tears of remorse as they remember life as it was in Jerusalem, the holy city of Zion. No more will they be coursing up the steps to the temple, singing and praising Jehovah God, for His grace and mercy to Israel.

The disobedience and spiritual adultery of the sons of Jacob (Israel) caused God to execute His justice as a holy and righteous God and to carry through on His promises of blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-15) and cursings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Knowing that Jehovah "inhabits the praises of Israel", their praises became empty phrases of hypocrisy and they were exiled: Israel in the north to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.

Perhaps there is no worse tortured remembrance than that of remembering how it was "when” and how their days could have remained pleasant as a nation IF they had not drifted away from their foundational moral Law of God in obeying His ordinances, judgments, and commandments.

But now they are in Babylon, a strange country, with an even stranger God who sanctions the worst of hedonistic practices and inhuman treatment. They were a nation that forgot God. Having been entrusted with the oracles of Jehovah that were given to Moses on top of old Sinai. They agreed that all Jehovah commanded, they will do, but it did not take long for them to backslide and lose favor with God.

Yet, today we can praise Him as they did: There are millions around the world, Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of God, who hungrily seek to know more about God and beg for Bibles and teachers.

All men are sin contaminated from birth by inheritance, and all who reject the notion of original sin are the best proof of its truth. Yet... You don't have to remain in your inherited sin, IF you are a new creation in Christ.

You can live free of sin and can overcome its temptation.
You can be in the company of sinners saved by God’s grace through faith; faith that comes through hearing and reading the word of God.
You can be among a new people, a spiritual newly born people who will see Him as He is and will gaze upon His countenance.
You are forgiven IF you accept that Jesus' pure blood of God was shed for the remission of your sins.
You are free to know the mysteries of God in His dealing with the world. How great is this new world of investigation.

"YET" the Psalmist remembers his calling of God and advises, "Hope thou in God": and "I shall YET praise him for the help of his... countenance?" In the midst of depression the leaders of worship, the godly sons of Korah, wash their faces, put on clean garments, count to ten and say "I will YET . . .".

An interesting word is "countenance": from Webster 1828 Ed. in online "eSword", "Literally, the contents of the body; the outline and extent which constitutes the whole figure or external appearance. [But more appropriately, the human face; the whole form of the face, or system of features; visage."

This first definition not only refers to "face”, but also it describes explicit delineation of the body, or the image of the invisible God, whose punctured nail-scarred hands are stretched out to receive your petition and to give you grace, peace and comfort.

So, why do I get so down and depressed? There is no reason to, when His countenance comes to our aid, eliminating killer stress and setting us upon a rock in peace as we gaze upon His countenance. And we hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

The theme text is repeated almost verbatim in two other passages: The three passages are in two Psalms that could have been meant to be only one. The changes in each passage are made in the last part of each.

(Psalm 42:5) "... for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance".

The reference is to HIS countenance which, after the horrors and heart-sick melancholy of a nation in exile, the Psalmist will be satisfied with God’s face in righteousness: God is righteous, but the Psalmist must have righteousness accounted to him. Then his search to see His face is rewarded and we are embraced with the warmth of His everlasting love in eternity. Jesus sticks closer than a brother, and His Holy Spirit is our advocate and teacher… “Love so amazing, Love so divine.”

(Psalm 42:11) "... for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God".

Again, it's no wonder you feel cast down: STRESS is the Devil's fiery dart of choice, and he does not have to work to hard to hurl it at us. Natural man is naturally sinful and will naturally drift away from God. We let ourselves be exposed to the enemy: We cease from letting God be the Captain of the hosts of the Lord, who LEADS us into battle. "Faithful is He who also will do it."

(Psalm 43:5) "... for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God".

The singers of Israel sang a sad song even after a remnant was restored back to Jerusalem. Life never was the same as in the victorious days of King David and the glorious years under King Solomon. God’s people, Israel, serve to give us warning that God blesses that nation whose God is the Lord, but brings justice on that nation that forgets God and says, “We have no God but Caesar.”

”The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young” (Deuteronomy 28:49-50). And… that was Israel and every nation in history that forgot God. Who is next?

I look forward to His pleasant countenance in eternity and His intercession for me today. He is my God. Is He your God? "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:23).

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News About OFF MY CHEST, FROM MY HEART: the eMail

2009-06-01T16:57:00.022-05:00

We will cease posting the weekly devotion, Off My Chest, From My Heart: the eMail, because of unknown hindrances, until we can research and restructure and explore our many options.

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We have tried three times to post Blessay #224, and for some reason, it (and others) have been blocked. Our List Distributor is as puzzled as we are. In checking with other newsletter owners, we find that others have had the same difficulty: This all began with our List Distributor's problem with Yahoo.
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I don't know who is at fault or for what reasons caused this, nor do I care at this point. I do know that the List Distributor is exhausted for all he has been through in trying to unscramble this mess, and that he has had us list owners at heart. He is a good man and could use an extra bushell of prayers.
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But I am tired and recently developed a serious illness, for which we will be going though some procedures. Our concern is for the messages we feel that the Lord has given us to pass on to "whosoever will" read them. I cannot be bothered with chasing down problems and eating up time and energy on computer stuff.

When I die, it is my request that our two sons will find me sitting in front of this desk top H.P. with my last Blessay on the monitor, keyboard on my lap and right hand on the mouse.

BUT THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN ANYTIME SOON. I have many themes in folders for future blessays until they run out your eyes.
My progress will be posted on the "Cancer" blog,

http://omcfmh-6.blogspot.com/ -

as a teaching tool for your benefit. Isn't that what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth?"

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And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation (2Corinthians 1:6).
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In the meantime, all future Blessays will be posted on the Main Blog of the Fifteen Blog Network, http://bulldogs-are-survivors.blogspot/.
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To God be the glory,Great things He has done.
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Robert and Helen Adams

pastorbulldog@kc.rr.com

omc.fmy@gmail.com

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Please Note: In addition to the above, I have found that a large group of subscribers are missing from the list. If you have not received your Blessays for some time, please let me know and I will re-subscribe you.

Little Anti-Christs around the world are doing everything they can to destroy the Bible, discredit the Lord Jesus Christ, and ruin a Christian's testimony. But I would hate to think that they would target my subscribers . . . yeah?

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time (1John 2:18).

Blessay #224

2009-05-26T12:18:00.008-05:00

Note: Our weekly Blessays are posted on this blog for Yahoo subscribers who cannot receive it.

WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD by Pastor Bulldog
Text: Ephesians 5:26; “That He might sanctify it and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

There was an ignoble ritual in the Army in the 40s decade called a GI bath (General Issue). I would assume it is still being done, except that it may not be necessary in this day and age of designer fragrances.

There was a young GI in my barracks who was not hindered by cleanliness. He went for extraordinary lengths of time without so much as a wash rag to his face - UNTIL: the emanation from him formed a different aura, so thick that it was hurting our eyes. So, it was necessary to put together a *committee*. He was captured and carried, kicking and screaming, into the latrine where he was deluged with water from a hose and with G.I. soap. The poor guy was scoured, scrubbed, and rubbed until he was spic and span, mad, and left to drip-dry.

OUR COUNTRY NEEDS A G.I. (God Inspired) BATH

There is a stench of rottenness that has caused a smog of smut over our country and it is like an incoming tide, washing up flotsam and jetsam and ugly little sea creatures. Media people, bloggers, entertainment Novas, super ambitious politicos, and just plain downright mean, cantankerous, ignorant, disappointed, envious, greedy, filthy mouth no talent ... (you fill in the rest), are wasting their time and ours on trying to destroy careers and to topple those in the spotlight. They do the work of Huns and Visigoths

Their main target is Jesus Christ, the Bible, and Christians. Nominal Christians don't bother them, because Nominal Christians have no sense of solid doctrine and "fold" easily and join in with them.

We need outraged up-holders of Judeo/Christian moral values to form committees to backwash this flood with GI baths of decency, purification, high level thoughts and deeds; to saturate the air with stinging rebukes of scripture, and prayer vigils in non-public places: non-violent, but visible, prayer warrior sessions.

Avoid noisy demonstrations: they are what give godless humanists, fuel to ridicule with nasty, degrading terms from filthy mouths and polluted hearts. The offenders have no shame and to respond in kind is to give them what they want. Let them ridicule believers for praying and reading our Bibles. Heap coals of fire on them with pity and kindness and let God deal with them. Isn't that what Paul instructed the Corinthian church to do in regard to incest?

In my years of observing Presidents, administrations, Congress, lobbyists and the court system, I have never witnessed such falsification, blaming, name calling, manipulation, hypocrisy, political game playing, skull-duggary and blatant in-your-face, white-washed larceny . . . and it's only May.

Congress is such an amusing place, Will Rogers found most of his irony in Congressional malarkey. It is where every mean and nasty barb and dart that is aimed at another is followed by ‘. . . My good friend and colleague the honorable [ Representative/Senator] from the great state of . . . ‘.

"These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots (Jude 1:12)".

(No disrespect to the good law makers with right motives; may their tribe increase, God bless them.)

The Culture of Corruption and
the Culture of Concupiscence

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, boasted about cleaning out the culture of corruption within 100 days. That was when Republicans handed over and just gave Congress to the DNC. Her goal was noble, indeed: corruption she knows something about, But a larger phenomenon is growing like yeast in bread dough. It's the Culture of Concupiscence (def: No holds barred ) The Psalmist heard it in his day, Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Sometimes I feel like Elijah. Am I the only one who is sick of it? Are there others who are as outraged as me?

School kids have always been savvy about adult stuff, but their daytime domains are now infected with low life lures. The culture of concupiscence is loaded with Socialists and Secular Humanists, whose manifestos denounce God, the worship of God. and they explode from emotional internal combustion and rage at those who do worship God - we are a threat to them and their ugly lifestyles. *How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? (Job
15:16) .* (Gee, I wish I had said that!)

WE NEED TO FORM G.I. COMMITTEES
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

From heaven, Jesus selected a committee of 40 holy men of old: prophets, judges, kings, business men, and priests, and breathed His testimonies, ordinances, and commandments into their personalities and considered backgrounds to form a guide book of 60 books, unchanging and absolute. It's called THE BIBLE, one book; no need to call it anything else; it is the ONE BOOK by which men may find God and be guided by Him in peace, grace and safety.

This committee of “washers"; members of a spiritual spa of sorts, where you are rubbed down with oil, lifted up spiritually, and given peace, mercy, forgiveness, and access into God's grace, and are inwardly clean and refreshed. They recorded God's infallible words as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. By them you can know that all the wrong things you ever did in your lifetime have been washed away.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit (1Thessalonians 4:7-8)”

The greatest benefit of all for believers is that we can be washed daily, morning, noon, and night. The sign on God's door says, "OPEN 24/7" Our privilege is a walk with the Lord who listens anytime to anything we need to say, and washes away the guilt of sin by His word and enables you to be a beacon in a world gone mad.

A TIME OF MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE

2009-05-25T09:50:00.015-05:00

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
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In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

A TIME TO REMEMBER AND PRAY for Our Military Units around the world, for our Government Officials, and for our President and God-given right decisions in these times of global indecision.

O God, our Father, Strong to save: Consider this Nation, our issues are grave. Bless our young folks who willingly serve, Your grace in service, they strongly deserve. For the parents of the fallen, we ernestly pray, that we'll see loved ones again, in that great peaceful day. We pause this day in order to say, 'Dear Lord, their memories we keep sweet, 'till someday we'll meet, with a hug and kiss, on a great golden street! Amen.

BLESSAY #223 (Weekly email)

2009-05-06T15:33:00.025-05:00

GOOD QUESTION!
by Pastor Bulldog
"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (Psalm 15:1)"

My mind can do crazy, but interesting things, at times, when I meditate on a Bible passage like, "Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” I'm sure of my salvation, but there are others who are not. So upon reading it again and again, I was reminded of that old gospel song we used to sing at church camps and youth meetings.

"Do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me,
Way beyond the blue."

And the reply that I hear in my mind's eye is, "My child, how could I forget you. You are a special creation and I have had a plan for your life since you were first formed in the womb. No, my child . . . I remembered you when I descended to earth as the only begotten Son of the Father, and I bought your redemption . . . all I ask is that you remember me . . . 'way beyond the blue!'"

So, there are two ways of regarding this Psalm of David.

The First Way: it causes believers in Christ, and non-believers, to pause in the midst of dozens of duties and packs of projects to allow the Holy Spirit to inspect their hearts. Then, we ponder, "Have I allowed presumptive sins to become obsessive sins? Or have I truly been forgiven for my sins?" "Will I dwell in your tabernacle on your holy hill Lord? I have assumed that I am saved, but there are times when I wonder."

The time I spent 45 days in the hospital for a very serious internal difficulty that almost cost me my life. I had no problem answering the Psalmist's question. Like the Apostle Paul, he was "cool" either way: if at last his trophies he would lay down, he knew what was ahead with certainty, an eternity of blessing and praise to God was to be his lot. If God chose to leave him here, then he knew he had a ministry and a purpose - a "win, win" situation. Who could do better than that?

As for me, my mental gear shift was in neutral, a "win/win" situation. Not to appear to be pharisaical, but I had my Bible on my side table and doctors and nurses who came into my room every morning saw it open and being used on my lap. Some stopped to make an appreciative comment.

It made me realize that we cannot allow sin to ruin our testimony. There is a world that is "white unto harvest" and it is watching what we Christians do and say. They may just want to stick their toes in to test the water, but we never know how the Holy Spirit works on individuals who hear what we say, watch what we do, and make a judgment call. They cry out, "Lord, what must I do to have eternal life. Who can live with you in the heavenlies?"

The Second Way: to think of this Psalm as a joyful reminder that, because of Jesus, we have access into God's matchless and unending grace, and the capacity to live what God requires of us – through Jesus, and to know the depth of the riches of His wisdom and knowledge for His unsearchable ways and judgments “past finding out!” This makes utopian fantasies; dark dreams from man-made religions, seem shallow and spiritually impotent. Moreover, thinking about the throne of God in Zion on the sides of the North in the heavenlies expands our souls.

We look forward to His second coming to set up His kingdom of heaven in Zion on the sides of the North in Jerusalem. It is not fiction or fantasies, but an actual place waiting to be occupied by those who have completed their pilgrimage with and in the Lord Jesus Christ. It makes one want to shout "Abba Father and - "YES!" Halellujah!

A soul-winning woman and children’s Bible teacher in our ministry was asked if she planned on taking the tour to Jerusalem with a group from our church. She replied, “Thank you, no; I plan to be going there by and by with the Lord.”

Do you think it's easy? Here is what God requires:

”He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:2-5).

When Israel was delivered out of Egypt, walked across the parted Red Sea, and gathered at the base of Mount Sinai, the Lord came down in smoke and fire and dictated the LAW to Moses. He promptly went down and read it to the people. The people shouted, "All that the Lord requires, we will do." But they didn't. No mortal man can live up to the requirements of God, because it takes the power and strength of the Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the LAW, to enable us to do it. One must abide in Jesus and He in them.

The Old Testament LAW is quite a load of requirements. It takes a lot of hard implementation to achieve everything that is required from God and no man can keep it. THAT'S THE POINT. The Old Testament Jew was bound by the Law and could not implement it into their life-styles. When they forgot God and struggled to live by their own efforts and worshipped the gods of their neighbors, they got weaker and weaker as a people until God sent them into exile.

Paul wrote Titus that it is "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5); "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1Thessalonians 5:24).

Those who will dwell in His Holy Hill are they which dwell (abide) in Him – and He must abide in you!

Robert N. and Helen Adams
(aka Pastor & Mrs. Bulldog)
"Beloved, wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3John 1:2)

A Proud Time for US

2009-04-14T20:43:00.023-05:00

Thank God for Answered Prayer ... the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, wich involved the greatest Navy in the world and a squad of Navy super hero SEALS.

While the administration and liberals are giving this country away to the world and apologizing for our way of life, for our high ideals and morals based on the Judeo/Christian moral value system, God answered prayer and set the scene for a display that the God of the Bible is the one true God over all ... believe it or not or believe anything you want, HE IS GOD ... NO MAN CAN CHANGE THAT! He is for life and they are for death. And He looks down on the sons of men and intervenes into the affairs of man.
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And one brave man of high ideals sacrificially faced death at the hands of godless pirates and cut throats in order to take the place of his crew, to free his crew members ... a great simile of John 3:16, "God so loving the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosover believe on Him shall not die, but shall have everlasting life."
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This country is still in the business of dispensing compassion to our neighbors and providing rescue from their destructions. We may be tested by those who want to destory our way of life and success, but they use their militaary for murder and extortion; we use ours for our security and offer the lives of our young men and women for their security and relief.

I am so proud to have been a merchant seaman in WWII, a part of the crew of the SS Robert L. Hague, a Liberty Ship in the service of the US Merchant Marine, a ship which was armed, by the way and prepared to defend itself.

I swell with thankfulness and pride in hearing the accounts of the rescue of this brave captain who offered himself to save his crew ... a fantastic Easter story.

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(Photos: The American stars and stripes, which is higher than the Gadsden flag, yet the Gadsden flag stands for unity and independence. Developed by Benjamin Franklin in 1775, features a rattle snake on a yellow background with the words, "Don't Tread On Me."
Captain Phillips with the destroyer, USS Bainbridge Captain, Commander Frank Castellano.

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

2009-04-09T13:39:00.023-05:00

Have A Blessed Easter Observance!

It is good to rise up on Easter morning and rejoice over the death, burial, and resurrection of the LORD Jesus Christ. "HE IS RISEN!" is the shout from the tomb, and echoing from the hills of Judea, "HE IS RISEN INDEED?, and as Paul wrote twice in the passage, 1Corinthians 15:1-8, "according to the scriptures".
He is very God and very man, whose life split time in two, from BC to AD.

But foolish men and women in high government porisitions and with self gain as their motivation, and greedy and godless wealth-seekers of all ilks and sorts, foolishly attack Jesus and the word of God he left us to guide us in civil matters and in our love to God, ourselves and to our neighbors. How foolish they are "spots in . . . feasts of charity . . . feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds . . . " (Jude 1:12). "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest ... " (2Peter 2:17).

God has a management system: He tells man what it takes to please God and then lets the evil ones whose hearts are set on destroying the knowledge of God, set their own course and ultimately destroy themselves and innocents along with them. But when His cup is full, He dispenses judgement against unrighteousness. Have you read about Job? The man that was severly tested when God let the Devil have his way with his life, family and fortunes, but Job never cursed God; he asked for a hearing.

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"The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations ... The blessed Religion revealed in the word of God will remain an eternal and awful monument to prove that the best Institution may be abused by human depravity ... It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors." --George Washington

Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation

2009-03-28T21:41:00.006-05:00

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare..
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
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With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God..'

What Manner Of Love . . .

2009-03-24T07:17:00.008-05:00

From BLESSAY, Number 210, December 6, 2008

Denial is setting in like concrete in the minds of millions who are sick and tired of . . . they don't know what. I believe it is because world events that affect our lives are happening so fast that it is confusing and frightening. The world is out of control and there is no force of a gyrocompass to keep it on course. And . . . I need a hug!

Denial is a “cop out.” It is a naive cover-up for issues that won't go away. Denial cannot stop the spread of cancer or killer stress build-up. The most dangerous result of denial is refusal to prepare sensibly to fight . . . whatever it is that's bothersome. The initial sting of bad news is useful in making one take action to prevent more killer stress, and to keep a clear head to find reasonable remedies.

The world does not know what it means to be “connected” to the God of all creation and to feel the warmth of His love, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to receive His mercy and grace. I cannot imagine a world without Almighty God looking down on the sons of men and hearing our pleas.

I come from a railroad family and when I think of connection I look back at the images of long freight trains standing in the yards ready to take their load of materials to Texas. I see the conductor at the back wave his lantern to the engineer and off they go . . . that is, just the engine and the first ten cars. The last 75 cars don't move an inch while the front end goes speedily away. Whoops! The brakeman assumed every car was connected.

There are many gods men worship, but there is only one God, the Lord God, and Jesus is His name, who is connected in a personal way in the hearts of believers. Men make assumptions in regard to their eternal state, but an assumption is a form of denial. It keeps them from having God in all their thoughts so that they cannot visualize the truth of the Bible in regard to eternal life. Without God in his thoughts and the Holy Spirit of Christ in his heart, man cannot think beyond his Day Planner.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1John 3:1).”

Who can describe the love of God that exists in the hearts of believers? Does "joy unspeakable" or "peace that passes all understanding" do it? Well, it is adequate for right now until we see Him face to face.

It is a love the world does not have nor does it know how to get, because it comes by faith through grace and it cannot be manufactured by our own efforts. Yet the Bible says “For God so loved the world . . . just think of the price He paid to redeem us to Himself.

Whoever assumes the love of God without accepting it is not connected and when the promise that we will be caught up to meet Him in the air occurs, they will be left behind on the tracks. Better check those lynch pins. Assumption is without knowledge and brings on denial.

There is a remnant of the world's population that the Bible calls "sons of God", and sets us apart from "the sons of men." The “sons of men” find deep faith in the one true God, whose name is Jesus, to be revolting. They resent believers for what we have that that they say they have. They have faith, they say. But to what and to whom is their faith aimed? A positive outlook assumes faith, but there is no connection through grace by faith, and they are left standing on the tracks.

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright (Illustrator, 1876-1944)

What they do not have is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. They see no reason for their atonement. The Christian faith is the only belief system that is based on grace through faith, not of works of righteousness. All other religions are require some form of works for purification and atonement. But faith is a gift from God and it comes by hearing the gospel and the gospel comes by the word of God. "Aye, there's the rub."

The sons of God live by faith in and from God (Romans 1:17), but the sons of men live by their faith (works, Titus 3:5), which is self-righteousness, not the righteousness of God. They live in denial with no connection.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1John 3:2).”

Lorica of Saint Patricck

2009-03-13T00:11:00.022-05:00

Lorica, fr. Latin meaning "body armor (of Roman soldiers)," describes the evangelist priest and Bishop, who was born of Scottish and English parents. His early life in the 14th century was hard, having been kidnapped by raiders, when in his teens, twice, and sold and made a keeper of sheep. During his first escape from slavery, he was sold back into slavery in Ireland, escaped again and spent seven years in Europe. Having found Christ as his master during his sheep-herding days, he wanted to further his education and study the Christianity at the Lerin Monastery in France.

After becoming a priest and returning to England, he had a dream that the Irish people called out to him to return to Ireland to minister to them. He did and by his deep faith that the Lord was ordering his steps, he preached “Christ and Him crucified, buried and risen from the dead,” to pagan Druids. This fiery priest was made a Bishop in 432 AD. The term "lorica" or breastplate is similar to the Apostle Paul's admonition in Ephesians.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:11-17). "

Patrick and his band of dedicated followers, were responsible for many conversions. His zeal to drive paganism, symbolic of snakes, from Ireland, motivated him to write many breastplate prayers, like this one from the 4th century, attributed to St. Patrick.

I bind myself today
The power of God to hold and lead
His eye to watch, His might to stay
His ear to hearken to my need
The wisdom of my God to teach
His hand to guide
His shield to ward
The word of God to give me speech
His Heavenly Host to be my guard.

Patrick tried hard to see to the conversion of the King of Tara, who gave him freedom to spread the gospel throughout the land. He plucked a Shamrock from the ground and told him that there was but one stem, but three branches representing the Holy Trinity. It impressed the king greatly, but there is no evidence of his conversion, much like Paul preaching to King Agrippa, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:28)."

Nevertheless, Patrick and his followers were free to spread their faith throughout Ireland and did so to great effect. He drove paganism (symbolized by the snake) from the lands of Eireann.

"Patrick died on March 17th in the year 461 at the age of 76."
Source: Ireland Information
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Chuckle: When we think of Ireland, we also think of Limericks. My favorite is as follows:

The Reverend Fiddle from Tralee,
Received an honorary degree,
But he reeled in dismay,
When he heard people say,
Here comes The Reverend Fiddle, D.D.
(Author: don't know, don't ask)

Happy 100th Mr. Shea

2009-02-01T23:16:00.013-06:00

George Beverly Shea turns 100
Associated Press - 2/1/2009 4:10:00 AM
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George Beverly SheaOn the ladder of life, George Beverly Shea says he's almost reached the 100th rung.
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Shea says he will be honored Monday evening with a birthday party at The Cove, a North Carolina facility of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Graham is among some 270 invited guests.
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The long-time Christian singer says he had a wonderful career singing at Billy Graham crusades. "I overwork the word 'privilege,' but I can't find anything better," he tells Associated Press. "It's been a great privilege to be associated with Billy and his son and his whole organization."
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He and Rev. Billy Graham have been friends for almost 70 years. "He's been a wonderful man to be with all these years," Shea shares. "I met him when he was 21 and I was 31. I was an announcer and singer at a radio station in Chicago."
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In the meantime, Shea has been receiving congratulations, including a birthday card that came in the mail from England's Queen Elizabeth.
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Shea is in remarkably good health and spirits as he completes his first century. When asked if there has been any secret to his long life, he recited a hymn about God's love and then broke into song.
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Article posted Feb. 1, 2009, by ONE NEW NOW.COM

Antoehr Article on George Beverly Shea by the Associated Press, Click link or paste in browser.
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Photo image of George Beverly Shea talks at his home in Montreat, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. Even at age 100, the songs that defined his career just seem to burst out of Shea, booming in a signature bass-baritone voice that can still quiet a room in an instant. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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Note: Robert and Helen Adams had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Shea sing the night we both accepted Christ as our Saviour after the preaching of Mr. Billy Graham: the 1968 Kansas City Crusade . . . Singing, Preaching, Accepting, the route to eternity.

"AND A TIME TO [BELLY] LAUGH"

2009-01-29T14:46:00.015-06:00

(Ecclesiastes 3:4) A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Even today, when I think about it, there is a deep interior surge that wants to break out into a gigantic horse laugh.

It was a sitcom episode that was one of the funniest in TV history. Helen and I laughed, and we laughed harder until we could not see because of the tears. We doubled over, we clutched our sides, and when it was over, we felt drained. It was cathartic. We were completely relaxed and strangely refreshed.

Medical scientists, from Galen, Hippocrates, Aristotle and the physicians of ancient Greece, to the present time, have prescribed humor as the greatest relief of stress. Pindar, the poet, wrote, “The best of healer is good cheer." Hippocrates, father of modern medicine, was the first to consider that the physician’s job was to heal the whole person instead of only the parts of the body. It is a sense of humor that puts the whole body at ease and makes it easy for the immune systems to work.

The surgical specialist MD who shot cobolt 60 into my cranium was rather humorless. I sensed that when I first met him, so I enjoyed trying to get him to take a joke and smile. "Good morning, Doctor. How are you?" Without a lot of grace he replied, "Mngnfiskllsllll" (meanng okay). My stock and trade ice-breaker is, "Your looking good, whatever you're doing, keep it up." You would have thought I accused him of mal-practice. But he did smile eventually and was courteous - and a darn good surgeon.

Under inspiration the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Thessalonians 5:23).

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "Joy, temperance and repose, Slam the door on the doctors nose." And in seeking more about “laughing” in the Bible, I must confess that, “belly laugh” could not be found anywhere. However, it is “joy” that is most frequently given. The words “joy” and “mirth” cover the whole range of laughter from a titter and a tee hee, to an earth-shaking guffaw.

Consider the experience who, after a long weary travel from the East, ”When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). I find it hard to believe that a rough and ready bunch of shepherds gave out anything less than uproarious gales of laughter that could be heard from Bethlehem to Damascus.

Solomon, probably the wisest man who ever lived said, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) He also wrote that there is a time for everything, even laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:3-4). He was also the world’s greatest cynic with 1,000 wives. He understood what real stress was like. Think what his Nordstrom’s bill would have been like . . . and that's not very funny!

Solomon wrote "a time" for a total of twenty-eight times in that passage that covers everything "under the sun." But there is truth in his cynicism, else the Holy Spirit would not have dictated its inclusion in the Bible. But over the span of his life, nothing escaped his inquiry. He went from a man who had it all, materially, to a man who realized he had nothing at all, spiritually. And now, he’s not laughing, he’s just giving advice, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

I have lived over seven decades of “twenty-eight times,” and I can look back and see wars, fights, squabbles, murders and the taking of lives for lives, so I am inured to it all and understand the “times.” Ever hear of the Rehoboam syndrome (1Kings 12:6)? Young leaders abandon the advice and teaching of their elders and opt for the direction of “the wild ones.” There is a war every two decades and they get worse. We never learn from history. But I am not depressed or cynical or do I have the urge to give in to cynacism or licentious abandon (as Solomon also suggested). My Bible tells me who is in charge of it all . . . EVERYTHING, and I know a lot about His will and plan for EVERYTHING - even for you and me. He is a very personal God, knowing our thoughts, intents, and needs.

When it’s time to heal, you just have to stop what you’re doing and go to bed. With all of the issues of the world confronting us, it’s enough to make us sick and your mind-set makes healing so much harder for you, and worse yet, is that it is difficult to open that Bible to let God talk to you.

How is your approach to reading the Bible? Is it, humorless, lifeless, knowing the answer is in there, but worry has clouded over your walk with the LORD? It seems to you that you are the only one to be so persecuted with your affliction. But that belief just makes 1Corinthians 10:13 invalid. You are not alone. And yes, Jesus heals and Jesus saves, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Call in the troops, those dedicated prayer warriors who have been in the same spot you are in and have the spiritual tenacity to go to God with importunity. There is no point in going it alone. It only makes hope deferred, which makes the heart sick, "but when the desire (hope) cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12). You will find that it is easier to laugh then, but can you laugh when sick?

Side-splitting laughter is good for managing stress - some stress is good, but it is like coughing. It forces good things to happen as more oxygen is pumped into our bodily systems, like increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. First, it causes the stress that causes illness to break up, so that the forces that cloud your constructive reactions and keep you from having peace in your soul give way to joy and peace. It works, God made it to work, so use it.

When that is done, the body is free to do what God designed it to do: employ all the healing systems of our bodies to build us up with "Joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1Peter 1:8) and "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Bring it on and lighten up!

by Pastor Bulldog

THE CHURCH and the STATE

2009-01-18T21:10:00.011-06:00

Let the Government Have the Stress!
by Pastor Bulldog
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Were you watching the Presidential count-down on television, On November 4, 2008? Sen. Barack Obama, became our 44th President Elect of the United States of America and on January 20, 2009, he will be our 44th President in actuality.. He is the CHANGE the American People wanted. If some were disappointed and feel their prayers were not answered, know this: God always answers prayer.
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God has a plan and it will not be diverted. We have a new President in power by a remarkable series of events. Let' keep our prayers going up in regard to President Elect Obama. I am looking and waiting to see the direction God is going to take this country and the world in general. Whoever is in the Oval Office, God put him there.
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A heart-stirring historical event has happened; something that needed to be done since the days that slave ships unloaded their cargo in our ports. I can see God's hand in this. He set the stage for overturning injustices which have kept this country from its full potential. We have only had partial greatness because of internal distresses. And now we have been given a level playing field; one nation, indivisible, for the people, by the Lord through human instrumentality.
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As I was contemplating this sudden turn of events, I went to the word of God, which is the only way to get your head on straight after expectations have been fractured. I thought to myself as I recalled the times the Lord mightily blessed Israel, His people; and also the times He intervened into their wicked ways and sent judgment upon them. In the shallowest course of history and even the chronology of civilization in the New York Times Almanac, the rise and fall of civilizations and empires, at the height of hedonistic practices and injustices, should make the most hard-hearted stop and gasp.

Will God intervene to restore this country's core values and Bible morality? Our nation's history, while noble, is not "squeaky clean." God promises judgment upon all presumptuous wicked actions of men and countries and civilizations.

It takes no great historian to determine this. Regular systematic reading of the Bible for believers reveals heavely wisdom to even the simplest of souls the direction of God's will in carrying out His plan. I believe that the biggest differences in understanding the Bible is in how it is usedt. Do you want to find a verse of passage that you can use to prove that God approves of killing unborn children, or to come up with a revelation that homosexuals are God's gift to humanity?
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You've heard it said that you can make the Bible say anything you want it too, and that seems to be true. With little or no knowlege, we see Bible verses flung into our faces, extracted out of context from the word of God in order to support private agendas. Our oldest son has an expression for such hypcritical disembling fools: "educated above their intelligence."

More and more we are seeing an exodus of Biblical morality which God gave us to keep us from killing ourselves. But the unredeemed of the world have an authority problem and are saying, "We want no king but Satan (What other choice is there?) So, we have the choice of which version, which part, which verse of the word of God we can choose to omit or change according to what we want people to read and prove an unpricipled doctrine.

So in praying and watching to see what God brings about, we have these questions to ponder as we meditate from our daily time in the Bible:

Will the church be attentive to its God-given mission to bring many to Christ and to take care of the afflictions of their own without governmental intervention, or will they be forced to take their ills and hurts to undogly psychologists and psychiatrists?
Will the Lord insert the stopper on the moral spiral that is draining the strength out of our country?
Will the false prophets in our old-line churches continue to lead innocent and ignorant sheep astray by preaching erronious doctrines?
Will this nation repent for the moral injustices committed by our country, as Daniel did for Israel in exile?
Will we undergo the Lord's national chastening by letting our enemies overthrow us from within and by causeing us to live under Socialism?
Will we take the Lord's chastening like well-born-again children of the Lord? "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6).
Will we pray for our President Elect as we give worship to our heavenly King?

The ancient Church at Antioch, Syria, was without guile, no biases, and gave no offence to the Jews and Gentiles or to the Church (1Corinthians 10:32). It began and “fleshed out” as they just went about doing the work of the Lord. It is a good model for effective local churches, "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). But they lived, worked, and worshiped while under a cruel and unfriendly government.

A true believer wants to be approved of God and seeks the thrill of ministry opportunities. Let us be approved of God as workmen that need not to be ashamed and know that our ministry is to shed light; when the light is turned on, cockroaches scramble back into darkness.

”Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1Thessalonians 5:4-8).

The Fellowship of Auld Beloved Acquaintances

2009-01-02T21:28:00.020-06:00

Let's hoist our cups of kindness (ginger ale?) and greet each other with "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3John 1:2)

Don't you agree there should be some options open to New Year greeters other than "Old Lang Syne"? Here's the thing, revelers get teary-eyed at the stroke of mid-night and hug and kiss whomever is around and sing "Should auld acquaintances be forgot . . . Instead, why not greet each other with,"Beloved I wish you prosperity and health for 2009, and that God blesses you richly. But being practical it is not a likely to happen.

According to a Wikipedia article "auld lang syne" in the poem by Robert Burns, in Scotish language means "old long since." But the English translation simply means "long long ago", "days of long ago", "in olden days', or even "once upon a time."

But for a 3rd generation Scotsman, whose heart stirs at the mournful squeals of the pipes, Auld Lang Syne is okay by me. It is traditional but unfortunatly it is assotiated with millions of revelers getting "snockered" by downing a cup or two of Dugan's Dew of Kilkarny. It's a cinch that auld acquaintances WILL be forgotten, not only in days
of auld lang syne, but on the first day of 2009. It's absolutely certain that Christians wake up on January 1 feeling a lot better than they.

Robert Burns' verse is truly for Scots and for those who claim to be Scotish to avoid the embarrasment of not being Scotish, but "Beloved" is for everybody. It's the mark of a loving acquaintance like that between the Apostle John and Gaius. Endearing terms come naturally to those who have the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. I chose 3John 1:2
as my signature verse and greeting because it is pleasant to hear and read and full of teachable opportunities. When I give a verbal greeting, many smile and stop as if to say, "Oh, how nice."

It assumes a mutual understanding of fellowshiip in the spirit, not in the spirits. It is something more than the automatic greeting, "How ya' doing?" Although well-meaning it is shy of impact, especially when the giver of the salutation turns his head to look at
someone else. When I am greeted that way, I am tempted to reply, " Hold on now. Look at me. Do you want the long, short, or revised version?"

I believe that 3John 1:2 is a good template for greetings. "Hey there, I hope God has blessed you richly Are you keeping well? Did you enjoy the Bible study last Sunday morning as much as I did? How is the Lord blessing you? As Jesus said to His disciples, Pray in this manner.

John greets Gaius as a brother in Christian fellowship. For us his greeting is to all the brethren in Christ. It causes one to be sensitive to the needs of one's neighbor. The Apostle Paul sincerely suggests in four places, "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" (1Thessalonians 5:26). But I think I'll pass on that. I'm still trying to get past a manly and bonding hug. I'm just not the huggy kissy type!

BELOVED," the Apostle greets us. He is addressing Christians, not to those "who are without." One who can call another person "beloved" and mean it from the heart is a true believer who loves the brethren. It is like Jonathan and David loved each other in inseparable fraternity, as two who will know each other in eternity.

It is an internal joy from being in the presence of another whom is a friend indeed and a friend in deed. It is a bond that brings empathy and floods of importunate tears and pleas to the throne of grace from the congregation when one in in dire affliction. So let the Holy Spirit give you a well selected verse from the word of God as your
signature verse. It leaves the brethren feeling good . . . somebody actually cares about their welfare.

"PROSPER" - in all things concerning spirit, soul, and body (1Thessalonians 5:24). That is the kindest thing to say in closing an email or snail mail message, to anybody, not just to the body of Christ. Prosperity finds its way into the coffers of believers as
well as greedy unbelievers, like God's rain on the just and the unjust. (Romans 1:10-11) means to have a prosperous journey that yields fruit for the kingdom; . . . Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some
spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (Also 1Corinthians 16:2).

"HEALTH" In Genesis 43:28, Joseph in Egypt inquired of his brethren as to their father, Israel. They did not know who he was. They answered, "Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive." I am grateful for the reply our oldest son gave to a mutual
friend he had not seen for a long time. "His mind is still sharp". (Also Proverbs 16:24; Acts 27:34)

"PROSPEROUS SOUL" It has to do with growing in the knowledge of Christ. 3Jn 1:3-5) "For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;" There is no other way to expect the Lord to prosper us than to walk with Him, listen to Him speak to us through His word, and to be as obedient as Caleb who wholly followed the Lord.

"What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them thatfear him; and he will shew them his covenant". (Psalm 25:12-14)

What I Liked About the Latinos in North Africa

2008-12-04T06:06:00.008-06:00

Posted by: Jeff Adams in Ministry Musings, December 2, 2008.
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I continue to reflect on my recent visit to North Africa, seeing a dream fulfilled before my eyes. For 30 years I have said that Latin Americans have the potential to be wonderful workers and representatives of Jesus Christ in places like North Africa. Let me give a couple of specific examples of why I liked what I saw. . First, Latin America culture is normally very warm and personable. Latin Americans who have relocated to places like North Africa seem to have a relatively easy time of making friendships and mixing with people in the context of the local culture. North Americans and Europeans often struggle in this area, being used to guarding their “personal space.” It seems to be much more difficult for them to jump in and mix with the local culture. . Second, many of the Latinos have a wonderfully mature understanding of the doctrine of vocation. They don’t need a “cover” or excuse to live an Islamic culture. Many of them would view this as dishonest or giving the impression that they are there merely to “convert” people. My Latino brethern seem to be very comfortable with who they are and just as they are. Whatever vocation has opened the door for their presence in their guest culture is a legitimate part of their personal identity, and they believe it their biblical responsibility to serve God through that vocation while making a genuine contribution to the community with no expectation of receiving something in return. Seeing the tranforming influence that many of them have garnered as a result is very encouraging indeed.

THREE REASONS FOR PERPETUAL THANKSGIVING DAYS.by Pastor Bulldog

2008-11-27T19:16:00.007-06:00

Our Thanksgiving Prayer is to praise the Lord for all of you, wherever in the world you are.

I am thinking of the larger Church of God made up of local churches of Jews and Gentiles who together, as one people with different characteristics and colors, have been reached by the gospel and have accepted it for eternal life with Christ. For this I give thanks and pray that we all should “Pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17) . . . until Thanksgiving Day, 2009. I offer three reasons to do this.

Reason #1:
Needed are daily times of remembrances, giving praise to almighty God for his gift of faith, repentance, reconciliation and restoration. Example: the time the Lord's "stiff-necked" and disobedient people, Israel, was returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Zion.

The Jews could scarcely believe their ears on hearing that their prayers were answered by Yeshuah's infinite mercy to them in allowing a remnant to return to rebuild the Temple. It was in sorrow they sat on the banks of Babylonian rivers and wept when they remembered Zion and cried out for deliverance (Psalm 137:1).

"And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid" (Ezra 3:11). In like manner, beginning with President George Washington, we have a time set aside for remembrance of God delivering our colonies from tyranny and to enable the completion of our foundation for governing a free people.

Reason #2:
Needed also is to pause and reflect that the kingdom of God is in Spirit, not in material things as impressive buildings and trappings, and that believers are servants and minister to God more than to be ministered to.

(Luke 17:11-13) "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. (12) And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: (13) And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

Leprosy in the Bible is a picture of incurable sin that separates those who have it from others who are "cleansed" but not healed. By that I mean that mankind lives in a perpetual state of leprous sin inherited when sin was introduced into the world (Romans 3:10; 5:12). There is no cure for leprosy, only cleansing declaration by Priest under careful observation.

Only God can heal, as in the case of Miriam. "And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee." (Numbers 12:13) And only God's blood can atone for our sin state.

Even the most unrighteous person who is tired and weary from the binding cords of their sinful condition, and whose heart is prepared to seek the Lord can be healed. Yeshua said, "Call unto me . . . ", Jesus said, "Come unto me . . .".

Standing afar off, the ten lepers in Samaria knew of the works that would prove Messiah's advent as foretold by the prophets. They realized that the Lord was not obligated to cleanse them, yet they called out for mercy . . . and the Lord has plenty of mercy.

(Luke 17:14-16) "And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. (15) And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, (16) "And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

Thanksgiving is a time believers should offer praise to the Lord that we have been healed from the curse of our inherited sin condition, and that we have been restored to citizenship in heavenly places. The joy, the peace and the miracle should grab our hearts as we reflect on our former state as aliens from the kingdom of God. But God, in His own body, brought about reconciliation . . . think of that! But we should give thanks for that every day.

(Luke 17-19) “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (18) There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. (19) And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Interesting to me is how Jesus brings deep conviction in the hearts of men simply by asking questions. But with this stranger (Samaritan with Gentile status), who was so overcome with the evidence of his healing, that Jesus opened the eyes of his heart to realize that he was talking to the promised Messiah. He is worthy to be praised.

I give thanks for the word of God which is inexhaustible in truth and daily – no, hourly – no, minute by minute guidance by the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. Do you experience conviction when you come upon a question in the Bible?

In addition, have you noticed the number "ten" in regard to the lepers? Notably, it is the number attached to Gentile significance. They were "unclean" residents in Israel, in the North of Palestine, where the ten tribes, after separating from Judah in the south, settled down while settling for heretical practices, so as to be almost on the level of Gentiles. They were the first to be exiled into many places by the Syrians, and Judah was later exiled to Babylon.

Also it is interesting that the ratio could apply to believers in general. Paul said "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:" (Romans 9:6) It is possible that only one in ten church members are true heart believers (My speculation only).

One leper whose faith made him whole, became an example of a true believer in Christ. Sad to say that there are not more, but Jesus discerned the hearts of the nine who went back to their worship and obviously believers with a head knowledge, not a change of heart.

Reason #3:
Finally, needed is for believers to make Jesus a companion, even at the dinner table. Set your affections on things above, things that play on our heart strings, not things that cause salivary glands to activate upon seeing a dead bird. How, then, is our heart attitude toward Jesus as we think of things for which to be thankful?

But what will you do with Jesus? Is he your "chief Shepherd" or are you "the chief turkey" in slacking off like the nine that returned without giving due praise (Please excuse the mixed metaphors)? Will you join Helen and me this Thanksgiving as “we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing” in remembering a few choice admonitions from the Apostle Paul to the churches.

Remember all creation and give praise to Jesus, the creator, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Ephesians 5:20)
Remember our inheritance in heaven with Jesus who said, "The Father and I are one." "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:" (Colossians 1:12)
Remember as grateful people that He is ever present with us. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17)
Remember the name of Jesus, and that sacrifice in prayer, as in giving, is a far better remembrance, for in Hebrews, He is regarded as "Better." "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15)
Remember also, what we were like before and how that by His great love and sacrifice we have escaped eternal death and have been given eternal life.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" (Ephesians 2:4)

Salute to Veterans, November 11, 2008

2008-11-10T07:58:00.014-06:00

November 11, 1917, marked the end of "Mr. Wilson's War." "Armistice Day" became "Veteran's Day" to honor veterans of all of our wars.

Thank God for the American "Dough Boy" of WW I.

Shall Never Forget These Heroes of All of Our Wars Who Kept Us A Free People.

Three times in the gospels, Jesus said, And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6)

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (Mark 13:7)

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. (Luke 21:9)

WW I Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri.

Pastor Bulldog's father was an Officer of Field Artillery in France in WW I, and volunteered for the new Air Force Wing of the Army and crashed on take-off. But his guns "gave 'em hell" before he ended his air force career. Just before Pearl Harbor he was medically discharged from the Indiana National Guard with the rank of Colonel.

Pastor Bulldog was under age for the Navy in WW II, and enlisted in the U.S. Maritime Service, which took him if he could breathe and raise his right hand; trained by the Coast Guard, sailed in the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and the Pacific and later joined U.S. Regular Army.
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United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Fact Sheet:
America's Wars & Veterans
. American Revolution (1775-1783)
Total Servicemembers .....217,000
Battle Deaths .....4,435
. War of 1812 (1812-1815)
Total Servicemembers.....286,730
Battle Deaths.....2,260
. Indian Wars (approx. 1817-1898)
Total Servicemembers.....106,000
Battle Deaths.....1,000
. Mexican War (1846-1848)
Total Servicemembers.....78,718
Battle Deaths.....1,733
Other Deaths in Service.....11,550
. Civil War (1861-1865)
Total U.S. Servicemembers (Union).....2,213,363
Battle Deaths (Union).....140,414
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Union).....224,097
Total Servicemembers (Conf.) (note 2) .....1,050,000
Battle Deaths (Confederate) (note 3) .....74,524
Other Deaths (In Theater) (Confed.) (note 3, 4).....59,297
. Spanish-American War (1898-1902)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide).....306,760
Battle Deaths.....385
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....2,061
. World War I (1917-1918)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)....4,734,991
Battle Deaths.....53,402
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....63,114
Living Veterans.....1
World War II (1941-1945)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide).....16,112,566
Battle Deaths.....291,557
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....113,842
Living Veterans (note 5).....2,306,000
. Korean War (1950-1953)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide).....5,720,000
Battle Deaths.....33,741
Other Deaths (In Theater).....2,833
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....17,672
Living Veterans.....2,307,000
. Vietnam War (1964-1975)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide) ....8,744,000
Deployed to Southeast Asia .....3,403,000
Battle Deaths .....47,424
Other Deaths (In Theater) .....10,785
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) .....32,000
Living Veterans (note 5, 10).....7,125,000
. Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991)
Total Servicemembers (Worldwide).....2,322,000
Deployed to Gulf.....694,550Battle Deaths.....147
Other Deaths (In Theater).....235
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....1,590
Living Veterans (note 5, 10).....2,269,000
. America's Wars
Total U.S. Military Service During War.....41,891,368
Battle Deaths.....651,030
Other Deaths (In Theater).....308,800
Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).....230,279
Living War Veterans.....17,456,000
Living Veterans (War & Peacetime).....23,442,000
Source: Department of Defense (DoD), except
living veterans, which are VA estimates as of Sept. 2008.

------------------------------------

And he shall judge among the nations,

and shall rebuke many people:

and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4)

Pray For Our New Leader

2008-11-05T00:53:00.005-06:00

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

Barack Obama,

44th President of the

United States of America

Change the American People wanted.

We owe him our allegience.

We owe him our respect of office

We owe him our prayers to Almighty God

He owes the American People their best interest.
He is capable of greatnes by the grace of God.

His election to this high office is the Lord's doing.

We need to learn what God is doing and walk with Him.

God has used Barack Obama for the Change God wants.

Barack Obama is our Commander-in-Chief

And the Lord Jesus Christ is our King.

OFF MY CHEST, FROM MY HEART!

2008-10-26T00:37:00.002-05:00

Blessay No. 10, January 19, 2004

WHO HATH EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR
by Pastor Bulldog

The short time that I served as a medical center chaplain gave me the perspective I was looking for, in that I was able to observe reactions and emotions of those facing life-threatening illnesses. The many times I spent as a patient I also regard as a plus.

I found that it is easy to say, “Oh I have faith. I believe God has the power to heal me,” but eyes and mannerisms of many reveal pain and fright. They are robbed of fighting strength and resolve; “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” The body’s immune system becomes defenseless. But being able to make personal application of divine power through grace establishes great peace. See how that works?

The Bible is full of similes and word pictures to impress upon the minds of the fearful of the power of God, but the cares of the world can dim the apprehension of them. For ears that are dull of hearing, a good jolt of the reality of Biblical truth helps one to “get understanding” and to LET God be God.

So, notice that little word “let”. It’s small, but it is mighty. It means something is possible, but prevented from happening until one will LET it happen. From Webster’s 1828 Dictionary it means, “To permit; to allow; to suffer; to give leave or POWER by a positive act, or negatively, to withhold restraint; not to prevent.” When I think about it, I am reminded of rodeos I have seen and gates which prevent power from breaking loose.

Just imagine this with me. The chutes are to our left over there and it’s the bronco-busting event. There’s Beelzebub in chute #3. All “hell’s about to bust loose.” Cowboys are all over the place holding that mean critter, but he isn’t cooperating. He’s MAD, and he wants out. He’s thrashing, snorting, kicking and bumping against the sides of the stanchion and you hear the crack and bumps and the clatter and you see the dust and straw and it makes you wonder who ever would try to ride that beasr is a maniac.

We’re talking about “major league” POWER there. And the cowboy who’s going to try to tame that pent up beast has climbed up and is ready to drop down on the horse, which he does and that makes the horse MADDER, but cowboys have the bronco tightly tethered until the rider is ready. Finally he’s on and getting himself settled and the horse is saying, “You just wait, Bucko, you’re a dead man.”

He makes sure of his handhold on the rope. Then, when he’s ready, he says, “LET HIM GO.” Raging, bucking, twisting, rearing, stomping – it’s all power broken loose.

That illustration of unleashed power is easy to read and understand. I’ll bet that it is firmly planted in your mind, but it makes me wonder why it is sometimes difficult for one to deeply comprehend the amazing power of God from the illustrations He gave us in the Bible.

Take for example the first time the word “Let” appears in the Bible. “And God said, LET there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) “Let” is mentioned 14 times in Genesis One in connection with the creation. God unleashed His power by the word of His mouth, “LET.” The word, “LET,” is used in simplicity by Jesus when He commands us to, “LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Paul describes Jesus as the personification of power, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints IN LIGHT: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:12-17)

There are a lot of “lets” in the Bible and I should not make dogma out of this, but it’s easy to tell what “let” means depending on who is saying it.

It releases PRONOUNCEMENTS from the mouth of evil and worldly men who mean, “I’m taking over from God.” “And they said, Go to, LET us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and LET us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4)
It releases PROPHECIES from God through the mouths of men. “And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and LET thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.” (Genesis 24:60)
It releases PRAISE when spoken by the righteous. “LET my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.” (Psalm 71:8)
It releases PLEAS from the mouths of righteous and needy people. “LET the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
It releases POWER from the mouth of God. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness….” (Genesis 1:26)

Do you know what? Almighty God, the author and finisher of our faith through the Lord Jesus Christ, has implored us to learn HOW to LET His power flow through us to accomplish His plan for our lives. LISTEN UP!

“So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

One needs to develop spiritual ears in order to hear what God is really saying to you through His word.

“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, LET HIM HEAR.” (Matthew 13:43)

Eight times in the gospels, Jesus implores, “Who hath ears to hear, LET HIM HEAR.” Let it happen. Let it penetrate. Let it be meditated upon. Throw every useless thought out of your mind.

Eight times in The Revelation, Jesus advises, “He that hath an ear, LET HIM HEAR.” LET Him heal your diseases. LET Him give you faith. LET Him supply your need. Stand back and away from negativity and LET it happen from God. Don’t hold it back.

You who are students of numbers in the Bible know that “eight” signifies new beginnings. Jesus broke loose from the grave on the eighth day. LET that power be released into your spirit, soul and body. Regardless of your affliction, it can be a new beginning.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And LET him that heareth say, Come. And LET him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, LET him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

PRACTICE OVERCOMING FEAR AND NEGATIVITY; MEDITATE ON THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES, MAKE THEM YOUR PRAYERS.

“LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. LET not your heart be troubled, neither LET it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
”The night is far spent, the day is at hand: LET us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and LET us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12)
”If we live in the Spirit, LET us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal 5:25)
“LET all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” (Ephesians 4:31)
“LET this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5)
“And LET the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
“LET the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

(c) Copyright, 2003-2008, All Rights Reserved. The SURVIVORS INTERNET MINISTRY, INTL. Robert N. Adams, Founder-Director,

To purchase the book Click here: OFF MY CHEST, FROM MY HEART.

FATHER, YOU PROMISED!

2008-10-21T01:10:00.003-05:00

"ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." (Psalm 119:49)

Our two boys were a delight to raise. Jeff and David are ten years apart. Helen always said that we raised two only chilldren. Helen and i are "only children," yet our backgrounds were different.

Her parents were extra loving and she learened to love and grew up with her mother's motto in her thoughts - Others. Her mother was a sweet little Southern woman who was a certified flower judge in Virginia and was active in charity work with the Richmond Home for Ladies.

Her father was a high level executive for the Old Dominion state of Virginia. He was closely involved in her rearing in many ways. He peaked her curiosity about the nature of things, gave her a beautiful black Irish setter named Mose, and saw to her education at the historical College of Willliam and Mary. Her security as a child was verrified when she wanted something and she sweetly said, "Daddy, you promised." Actually he had no intentions to forget; he always remembered.

My shildhood days were a little different. I had a good childhood, not without a lot of knocks, however. My parents were divorced. Mother was there for me as best she could, but her work as an expert Gregg Shorthand stenographer opened wide doors of opportunity, mostly a short distance out of town. But for little boys, how does this sound? Mother, you promised. Not the same is it?

The one thing i have always missed and have always wanted was a dad. I would have thought I was in heaven if I could have said, "Dad, you promised." I had a grandfather who did a good job of filling in . . . but it was not the same and I always knew it. During the hard times of the depression, I seem to remember that we did not want for anything. Grandpa made a good salary from his office job on the Santa Fe Railroad.

He was good at drawing pictures and I would ask him to draw a picture for me when he went to work. I didn't have to say Grandpa, you proimised, he always did it. I usually asked for a soldier and he would come home with a great pencil drawing of a Captain of the Horse Marines, a splendid straight-backed figure on a handsome steed.

My three parents were loving and saw that I was in Sunday school and church. But the circus in those days lightened up the atmosphere with a pre-show parade down Summit Street to the fair grounds - elephants, giraffs, tiger and lion cages, floats with pretty women, and a circus band. When Donkey Baseball and carnivals came to town, I would say, "Grandpa, you promised," and he would crack a smile and together we went.

But a father does a much better job of making everything seem just fine. He is good at bringing a boy out of gloom into the sunlight; soothing hurt feelings, or being there to coach you when somebody wants to pick a fight, and to say things like, "Hey, son, that's a good job you did in making that tie rack at school." He's there to say, "It won't hurt after a while. Just hold on, son." Or he might say, "Try a little harder, son. You can do anything you set your mind to. I'm here right beside you."

I found that our heavenly Father is like the good father, such as the one Helen had, will do everything he can for his child including chastening when needed, "for whom he loveth, he chaseneth." (Hebrews 12:6) I tried to be a good father to our boys and with Helen's sage counsel, I think I did okay without ever going to Father School.

The Bible is a good "Father Book" It has a section devoted directly to the secret of being a good father, as well as a good husband, and a good employer and employee, Ephesians 5:20-6:8. The only problem is that while the Bible has solutions too many people have an authority problem and yield to the Devil's tools against conversion: " . . . the lust of the flesh . . . the lust of the eyes . . . the pride of life . . . ." (1John 2:16) They are hard to resist; many don't want to resist.

Today, political spin doctors publish so much untrue trash, so often, that those who do not bother to read up on issues look at the outword appearances, having no spiritual discernment to see in a person what God sees. The ancient computer acronym, GIGO, (Garbage in, garbage out), is an appropriate description of conditions.

To avoid bad information that prevents our making good judgments, our minds and hearts need to be re-programmed. We need to pour in righteous data to push out the worldly sludge. Like compusters, we'll run a lot faster. Re-programming the mind; and memorizing Bible data and repeating it whenever a virus wants to set in, makes one ready to give an account of the hope that is in him to every man that asks.

The best re-programming and mental virus protection for me is Psalm 119. It is repetitious but every verse speaks of David's love for the word of God in a different way. I feel that reading a portion of it everyday is like taking vitamins. If I allow myself to absorb the repitition I find new meaning and I build up a wall against the wiles of the Devil. It is Hebrew poetry divided into sections of eight verses that begin with a letter of the Hebrew allphabet.

As I was reading Psalm 119:49-56, it came to me that here is a section from David's heart that lifts one through the fog of confusion and lets the mind receive direction, and the soul and spirit relax in comfort from the LORD. (Psalm 119:49-56)

In Verse 49, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." the Psalmist essentially said what I find myself saying, "My heavenly Father, you have promised and in you I place my trust."

The LORD's promises are like a soothing balm to my soul. It takes me back to the time Helen and I invited Jesus into our life to be Lord and Master. (Vs. 50) "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me."

To soul winners and defenders of the faith, scoffers can be unmerciful in their opposition and make you feel wretched. How often are we beat down like trampled saw grass? But the word of God has never failed to bolster sagging spirits. (Vs.51) "The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law." It is not about our hurt feelings. God's word is incouragement and lets me know that I have done well as a "good and faithful servant."

It is all about remembering the promises of God that he kept by bringing judgments against wicked and evil enemies of God; and his promises to deliver me from the snares of the fowler. (Vs.52) "I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself."

A sudden blackness of mood and the terror of feeling like I am in a black hole can overtake me by feeling that our nation is forsaking God. It's the Elijah complex. (Vs.53) "Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law."

But even in the blackest night, the Lord takes my hand and joy comes in the morning because my Father has promised and has given me a new song. (Vs.54) "Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." But in all the days of my pilgramage on earth, I know whom I have believed, who gives me songs in the night." (Job 35:10) And my heavenly Father is a keeper of promises.

If I go to sleep at night with trouble on my mind, I awake in the morning beginning the day with trouble in my soul. But if my mind is focused on the Lord and his promises, it ls like praying without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17) as Paul commanded. (Vs.55) "I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law."

And when I awake in the morning after a night of peaceful sleep, my afflictions seem light and bouyed by the Spirit of God who instructed me in the night. The world is still here and it may be full of conflict but I have renewed confidence for the day. (Vs. 56) "This I had, because I kept thy precepts."

In your daily Bible devotions, as you come across a promise of God, claim it and say, "Father you promised, and I have your peace that passes all understanding and with it I have unspeakable joy."

Robert N. Adams
(AKA Pastor & Mrs. Bulldog)
"Beloved, wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and bein health, even as thy soul prospereth," (3John 1:2).

"AT THE END OF THE DAY," Blessay 201

2008-09-29T22:09:00.003-05:00

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (1Peter 4:7)

One of my little quirks is that I have a habit of picking up on phrases that become cliches. "At this point in time" is one, but the current catch phrase is "at the end of the day"

It's good to have a new phrase to rattle around in conversation, or rather, end it. It can mean several things and it can mean absolutely nothing. It's like a spoken period, unseen punctuation. Everybody uses it ad naseum.

Anthropology: The evolutionist said, "Our best guess is that at the end of the day man evolved from a drop of water in space."

Astronomy: The “star gazer” said, "All kidding aside, our findings show that at the end of the day the moon really is made of green cheese."

Health: The doctor said, "Bottom line: at the end of the day your back pain should get better in a couple of years. I'll see you then."

Politics: The Senator says, "There's enough blame to go around, but at the end of the day, blah, blah, blah, and that means more blah, blah, blah!"

Geriatrics: The pharmacist said, "It's a bitter pill to swallow, but at the end of the day the side effects are compatible with your other side effects."

Construction: The carpenter said, "Let the chips fall where they may, at the end of the day, at least the dry wall will be finished.

Religion: Pastor Bulldog says that "at the end of the day let's put an end to the mindless use of this phrase." (Yawn!) Do I hear an 'amen?'

God has a plan for the end of the day but it does not include a time table. God has no time table; he has a dispensation schedule because he exists in eternity past, present, and future where there is no time - heady, isn't it?

"Time" is man's restraint, categorized in heaven with chunks of years of time called "dispensations."

A "Dispensation" is explained in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia this way: "The Greek word (oikonomi´a) so translated signifies primarily, a stewardship, the management or disposition of affairs entrusted to one." Clarke's commentary refers to Dr. Macknight; “the plan which the master of a family, or his steward, has established for the management of the family;” If he is a selfless servant his dispensation is extended. If he is self-seeking, the master will end his dispensation of service and start a new one with a new servant.

The Bible dispensations or divisions in which God sets up man to manage or oversee the conditions, tasks and provisions under which God entrusts to him, are obvious to a committed KJV Bible reader. Understanding them aids the serious Bible lover to understand sound doctrine and reveals the progress of God's plan for the earth as it is guided through the ages to the end of the day and the establishment of the kingdom of heaven.

Two big examples in the Old Testament are: The dispensation given to Adam and Eve, called "Innocence." But at the end of the day he disobeyed God, and they were fired and sent away. A new dispensation was given to them and their families with different conditions. Another dispensation was from the giving of the Law to Moses at Sinai to the exiles of Israel and Judah. The Jews were entrusted with the stewardship of the dispensation of Law, but at the end of the day they disobeyed God and it ended.

We live in a new dispensation today, with the advent of Christ: It's called "Grace,"

The gospel is the engine that ushers in the grace of God to bring people to Christ. Paul explains it this way: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward" (Ephesians 3:2).

Paul also explains the mission of this dispensation, "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;" (Colossians 1:25).

There are rewards for ministry and consequences for letting our dispensation just go by without doing the work of the "great commission" (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus prophesied of the last dispensation at his second coming, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12)

Paul, who gave up his position in Jewry after meeting Jesus on the way to kill Christians, "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me" (1Corinthians 9:17).

So while we say "at the end of the day," Paul calls it "the fullness of times” in this dispensation that “he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:" (Ephesians 1:10).

But at the end of the day or in the fullness of times, is the mission completed? No! When it is the fullness of time, it will be too late to lament as Jeremiah did for Israel, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." (Jeremiah 8:20) Why is it so?

Physical Erosion: “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes” (1John 2:16). Our bodies break down from the abuse of civilization. Nothing ever stands still. It has to go one way or the other. When we hear the phrase at end of the day people past 65 years of age, like Helen and me, catch our breath and consider that it can mean that we have not much time to get back our health and to serve Jesus. Every believer is involved. There is so much that physically impaired people can do. But to those who are careless in their lifestyle, civilization clogs not only the arteries, but our service to Christ.

Baby Boomers, tasting the "good life" scarf down every buffet item they see, pastas with three of four kinds of cheese and lots of it, never pass up a barbecue shack, and guzzle a flood of carbonated drinks to wash it down. But not to worry, they go to the gym and work out.

Spiritual Erosion: “And the pride of life” (1John 2:16). Even secular historians, recording the rise and fall of civilizations and empires, use Bishop Usher's system of dating Bible history. Empires only last about 250 t0 300 years, but who is counting? It's called “civilization,” high living, and it decomposes what man is so proud of building up. Even that nation that God has chosen to be his peculiar people, a holy nation, a kingdom of priests: he raised them to the highest pinnacle, but at the end of the day, he brought them down because of their disobedience.

It should be no surprise to us that Jesus said, "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." (Luke 21:34)

So when asked by his disciples when the end would come, Jesus told them it was not for them to know the times or the seasons. It is all under the Father's control; it is for us to render our accountability, and for him to say when the end of the day will come.

"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." (Acts 1:7) Yet Paul points out that we can know and feel the end of the day at hand, "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you." (1Thessalonians 5:1)

I have had discussions on the end of the day, but what is a day to God? Many have replied with a blaze and cavalier answer, which is like the parable of the five unconcerned virgins in Matthew 25:2. It could be a bad decision. Thinking they have a lot of time, their answer is that whatever the Bible says about the end times, it hasn't happened, so – Alfred E. Newman says, "What, me worry?"

However, the astute every day Bible reader has the advantage over nay sayers in that there are flags and pegs all through the word of God as to the rapture of the church and the return of the Lord to earth and to Jerusalem. It is perfectly clear as the angel told Daniel that the knowledge of it would be revealed. It is progressive revelation.

Peter wrote that one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day. Since Usher's dating is accurate enough for man to make a stab at dating, we are almost to the end of the sixth day. or the sixth thousandth year. The seventh day God ordained as a day of rest, which in the seventh millennium, will be a time of rest for the earth and renewal.

At the first end of the day the disciples watched as Jesus ascended into heaven and two angels spoke to them, " . . . why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:3-11)

Is the mission accomplished? Have you invested time in the commission Jesus gave to be witnesses in "our Jerusalem?" The Apostle John, a very positive and upbeat man because of his closeness and love for the Lord Jesus Christ, gave us the inspired hope of the glory of our seeing him as he is. And we shall be like him. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (1John 3:3)

by Pastor Bulldog

CASTING YOUR CARES UPON HIM

2008-09-11T01:16:00.008-05:00

Blessay Number 9, by Pastor Bulldog is a sample chapter from our book, OFF MY CHEST, FROM MY HEART, Volume 1. It seems to be timely in that the campaign for President of the United States is so confusing. This Blessay can ease anxiety over the selection and helps to resolve that whoever is elected is God's choice.
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by Pastor Bulldog -
Let me tell you about one of my favorite verses.The reason is because it calmed me down in the middle of an imagined crisis. But, this is not about me. It is about God allowing me to experience some crisis difficulties in my life so that I could pass on to you how He delivered me out of them all. My life is nothing if it is not to be used for this purpose. Pay attention.

I would define “imagined crisis” as that which looms large in the imagination until it is regarded almost as reality. It is called angst and it is very destructive to a person’s bodily systems. In the mind, danger is imminent; it’s about to happen, a kind of sword of Damocles. But, your hope is in a two-edged sword, not one hanging over your head. For believers who know how to wield the sword of the LORD, imminent danger does not have to be considered.

We’re not writing about the times the doctor gets serious with you and informs you that you have six months to live. You cannot help but be shocked, but you cannot stay in that frame of mind. You cannot afford to imagine a dire outcome for one minute after the initial shock. After all, you do have some time to do something about it; to fight against the illness or to intensify your fellowship with the LORD. God will glorified in your body whether by life or by death.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.“ (1Peter 5:7)

I had an “imagined crisis” once, long before I had cancer. It involved a trip in a light aircraft. I am not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of flying.As with everybody else, I would rather stay here for a while. I just don’t like the “sting” of death. I’m a big baby when it comes to pain. My wife will tell you that.

It was late afternoon when we took off. The winter weather was changing threateningly. I had been invited to attend a meeting at a church in Wichita. An evangelist, a seasoned pilot, was going to fly down there to another church and invited me to tag along. Two more went with us, a student pilot and an instructor from a local Bible college.

Starting out, the student pilot had the reins and we took off. It seemed to me to be a too short of a distance take off as we swooped upward and to the right like a carnival ride. It took my breath away. I remember thinking unkind thoughts, “What a hot dog,” “What a cowboy this guy is.”

My eyes must have bugged out as we came so close to Kansas City’s tall buildings. Normal people probably would not have given it a thought, but I confess to not being normal when it comes to flying. From then on, whatever boldness I had deteriorated into white knuckle frigidity. I NEVER DID LIKE FLYING IN THE FIRST PLACE AND I WANTED TO GO HOME!

We landed safely at Cessna field, took care of our transactions and took off again, this time with the evangelist at the controls. But on the way home, it started snowing. “Oh God, please put the snow back into your ‘treasures.’” (Ref: Job 38:22)

It became big flakes and turned into blizzard conditions, destroying visibility. Eventually, the plane started icing up, but nobody seemed concerned. They just discussed whether to land at Emporia or to go on in to Kansas City. Soon there was no need for further discussion. We had crossed the no-turn-back line. All the time the pilot kept looking out at the wings with a flashlight.

The storm was blinding, but strange enough, I now had perfect peace, a change from when we first took off. I had been given a Bible lesson in the sky by a man I did not know, but I now count as a friend.

I have had my share of dangerous moments in my lifetime, especially during the ‘40s, but this caused me more alarm. Let’s just say that I’m getting older. I didn’t need to be white-knuckled because the Bible school instructor who sat next to me had his Bible on his lap, making notes and drawing diagrams and grinning. He ignored the bumps, the shakes and the snow and turned his attention to me.

“Did you ever notice this?” he asked me. Without pointing out my obvious nervousness, he tactfully treated me as an equal and gave me an exegesis of 1Peter 5:7. I would have been happy if he had just explained it to me. Actually, in the mood I was in, I didn’t want to hear it, I could not concentrate on it. Nevertheless, I am forever thankful to this kind man of God for his understanding and discernment. More Christians should have it. After force feeding 1Peter 5:7 to me, it finally sunk in. One good man’s effort paid off for me by him holding my face in the word of God in the midst of my anxiety.

There is nothing that gives total peace like the full understanding of God’s word and the actual practical application of it to your spirit and soul. It has a positive healing effect on your body. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Proverbs 1:5)

I also understood that it wasn’t until I abandoned my arrogant negative outlook that truth took hold in the context of the passage which included verse 6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”Then comes vs. 7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Here is proof that He cares for you. Almighty God who spoke the heavens and the earth into existence by His word, had no obligation to humble Himself for our sakes. But He did, as Paul records,

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in ChristJesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:“ (Philippians 2:5-10)

He taught us how to be humble and to get rid of our burdens so that He can exalt us and make us able to execute His plan for our lives, “...that he may exalt you in due time:” Consider it taking off your filthy clothes and casting (tossing, hurling, throwing, junking) them on Him who is humble enough to take them from you.

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6,7)

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)

WHY? BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!

BARACK BEYOND The THRESHOLD, by Jeff Adams, Ph.D.

2008-08-28T21:57:00.012-05:00

Funny how these things work. I knew it was coming, but I wasn’t sure of the time or manner. This afternoon I went to gym, came home and showered. Then, just as I had dried off and put on my shirt, the world changed. Delegate voices sang from the TV in the background as I walked into the bedroom. The great state of Illinois yielded to New York. Ceremonious oratory and flowery introductions raised emotions and expectations to the very top of the Pepsi Center in Denver and spilled over into the world.

Finally, the microphone passed to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton who, amidst more drama, moved that the roll call vote be suspended and that Barack Obama be proclaimed the Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party by acclamation. Speaker Nancy Pelosi put the motion up for a second and was met with united cheers. Then she called for the vote - even louder cheers. Fireworks went off; people screamed and cheered; people wept openly - the world changed, never to return to the way it was. Barack Obama became the first African-American Presidential candidate of a major party in the 232 year history of the United States of America.

This post is not about politics. I want to talk about the world changing. First, a bit of historical perspective.

Though far from voting age, the first Presidential election I remember with clarity was when John Fitzgerald Kennedy became the thirty-fifth President in 1961. He was the first Roman Catholic President. There was no Internet, blogs, or instant global communication, but I still remember the hushed grownup gossip. Some people were convinced that JFK was part of a Catholic conspiracy to take over the country. If elected President, the Pope would take control. Kennedy had already met with him and it was set up, they said. Other religions and denominations would be outlawed or subject to stringent laws. Others were convinced he was a “card-carrying communist.” The real problem, some said, is that he was owned by the Mafia. Those of you who are younger would be surprised to know just how many such rumors were out there. More level-headed people were concerned that he was far too young and inexperienced to be President of the United States. You know the rest.

Now, what’s all this about the world changing? Here are some thoughts running through my mind. Whether Obama wins the Presidency or not, the world has changed.

The world has changed because non-white Americans can now legitimately dream of growing up to become President. A door has been opened. A threshold has been crossed. This may not seem like a big deal, or you may think that the Presidency has always been available to all - unless you happen to be a non-white American. The world has changed because, in the view of many, a legitimate candidate for President finally “gets it” when it comes to change and dealing with the “real issues.” No, this is not about change in health care, foreign policy or taxation. Stop asking for “specifics.”

That is so yesterday. This is a change of paradigm, worldview and spirit. Agree or not, Obama has tapped into the imagination of many of the emerging generation of Americans and a great deal of the rest of the world.

Read the transcript of his speech in Berlin if you still don’t “get it.” To increasing numbers of youth this is not about choosing between conservative and liberal, but about blazing new trails, even if you don’t agree on all the particulars. The world has changed because Obama is neither black or white. You undoubtedly know that Senator Obama is of a white mother and a Kenyan father. Some older African-Americans have complained that he is not “black enough.” Some older Caucasian Americans have complained that he is too black and too connected to that radical black preacher Jeremiah Wright. Precisely. He is neither. Obama is the future.

Win or lose, Republican or Democrat, it makes no difference. Read my lips. Obama is the future. Just a couple of weeks ago we learned that according to current trends non-Latino Caucasians in the United States will be a minority by 2043. African-Americans percentages should not change that much. Obama is the future. You may not like it, but you won’t change it. Obama is the future even if he loses by a landslide. To many younger Americans, black or white, this is not an election about race, but ideas.

They are looking for someone to crush the “good old boy club” on BOTH sides of the aisle. Whether Obama will or can do that remains to be seen. Whether the way he proposes to do it or not lines up with your thinking is not the issue. Someday soon someone WILL change the way we do many key elements of the political process. We have been put on notice.

This is what you must see. The world has changed because the rest of the world has hope that there may someday be a President of the United States who is truly global in perspective. Again, I am just reporting, not saying this is right or wrong. Unless you travel extensively, read obsessively or have an incredible network of international friends, it will be difficult to understand just how much many in the rest of the world who love America and

Americans genuinely despise the current state of political affairs in this country. To many people, just the fact that someone like Obama has made it far as he has restores their faith in America whether or not they agree with all his policies and ideas. Even genuine born again, evangelical believers in other countries are appalled by what they perceive to the be the arrogance and insensitivity of the current administration. They can’t understand why the current adminstration seems to be clueless to even understand, care about or communicate the “real issues,” as they perceive the world. Many people in other countries are following this election closer than some of you, because they understand that what happens here in the world’s only superpower does affect them in real time. When asked, I have seen true shock on the faces of believers in other countries when I tell them that I think George Bush is a genuine believer and a fundamentally decent individual regardless of what you think of his politics. On the first Tuesday of November members of our church will go to the polls and they will vote for McCain, Obama or someone else. Some won’t vote at all. This is America. Those are the options available to us. As Christians we can openly disagree about politics. There is no “Christian candidate.” There may be, though, candidates who are Christians. Conceivably, a candidate who is a genuine Christian may not be the best political candidate in your opinion or mine. That’s the American way of life. It’s always been like that. This is the part that hasn’t changed, thank God!

Here’s what I think we should consider - our mission is not to elect a “Christian candidate” as President of the United States. Christians will disagree about partisan politics - always have. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ among all the peoples of the world. Consider, pray and vote your conscience. Then, consider how the world has changed and how that affects our mission.

However you cast your vote, or not, here’s what we should be able to agree upon.

The world is different now than two decades ago. It’s not going to go back to the way it was. How can we effectively carry out the mission God has entrusted to us? We are not God-appointed custodians of the way it used to be; we are God-appointed agents of transformation.

What are the issues and questions that are being asked by the emerging generation and by people in other parts of the world? What does the Bible instruct regarding those issues and questions? Our country (and much of the world) is becoming increasingly diversified by globalization. How should the church model the world as it should be according to the Bible? At a time when diversity is fast becoming a reality, should the church lead the way in promoting suspicion, distrust, prejudice and segregation, or should the church model Paul’s description of the church in Ephesians 2 as breaking down walls of separation? I don’t want to spend the rest of my life lamenting how the world is not like it used to be. Regardless of what happens politically, we live in a world that presents opportunities to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a degree unheard of since the First Century. I want to embrace the reality of God’s world as it stands and the opportunities it affords.

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Dr. Jeff Adams is Senior Pastor of the Kansas City Baptist Temple and founder/director of The Shepherd's School of the Ministry, founder/director of Que Dice La Biblia, off-campus by video Bible School for Hispanic Pastors around the world. Jeff ministered for ten years in Central America, becoming Senior Pastor of Miramonte Baptist Church in San Salvador, El Salvador, during the height of their bloody civil war. (http://www.kcbt.org/)

IN REMEMBRANCE OF A GOOD MAN

2008-07-15T18:05:00.003-05:00

"Tony Snow Brought the Aroma of Christ to Washington" according to Pastor Tony Beam, Professor, Talk Show Host, and Columnist.

Robert Anthony (Tony) Snow was born in Berea, Kentucky, June 1, 1955, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He died July 12, 2006, in Georgetown University Hospital at about 2 a.m.

Mr. Snow was a television news anchor, political commentator, syndicated columnist, radio host, and the third White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. He was also a multi-talented and avid musician. He was ready to play his flute wherever and whenever his friends in the band, "Beats Workin" was featured, even on the street. He also played the trombone, piccolo, accordion, saxophone and guitar.

We remember Mr. Snow as one whom we always looked forward to hearing speak, whether at a Presidential News Conference, or on a television news panel, or on his radio talk show. He had a delightful and easy manner, but was firm with the press when needed, and always was prepared with accurate facts. He could deliver bad news reports and still make us feel okay about everything.

Mr. Snow was one of those individuals admired and loved by everybody with whom he came in contact. He openly showed his love for the Lord and had a good report from those in business, religion, and politics, 1Timothy 3:7.

He was the kind of man others would be glad to emulate, in that, nothing but good could be said about him. He was a beloved family man and leaves his wife, Jill, their son and two daughters, ages 10 to 15.

LIFEBOAT JUDGMENT CALLS, There is one lawgiver, who is able to save . . . James 4:12.

2008-07-15T13:56:00.010-05:00

The year was 1945 and the war in Europe was raging to an end. Hostilities in Asia were on-going at a great loss of American lives. I was 17 and in training by the Coast Guard to be a merchant seaman in the US Maritime Service at Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, NY.

There were 10,000 trainees with me at the largest training facility of the military services. Training was about seamanship, but it was also about survival; how to man the guns aboard ship with the Navy Armed Guard, how to survive in a flaming ocean after taking a torpedo hit, and how to jump into a sea filled with wreckage from the ship.

Then, we learned about the rules of the life boat. (172 ships were sunk off the Atlantic Coast of the U.S.A. Some residents in Florida reported seeing the smoke of a torpedoed ship).

Our instructor of lifeboat procedure was a crusty old Chief Petty Officer with frosty white hair and a weathered face and a trace of a Scottish accent. He was neat as a pin and his dark blue wrinkle-free CPO uniform was host to many medals of war zones. Even his silence demanded our attention, but when he spoke it was as if he was talking in a raging storm.

"WHAT'S THE FIRST RULE OF THE LIFEBOAT?" he bellowed. We had no answer, so he yelled out "DISCIPLINE!" And again, "I said; WHAT'S THE FIRST RULE OF THE LIFEBOAT?" We gargled out an answer, "D-d-d-iscipline?"

"LOUDER . . . USE THAT VOICE, SEAMAN or DIE – you won’t be heard if you fall overboard. I said ((( DISCIPLINE )))." He sounded like a klaxon.

Many times I have remembered that CPO instructor: but it occurred to me since having accepted Christ as my savior, and becoming acquainted with the discipling of new Christians, how closely related the terms "disciple" and "discipline" are - Hello!

Lifeboat discipline demanded that only the highest rank of the occupants is the official captain of that boat. It made no difference if the highest rank was that of a deck officer, an engineer, the chief steward or ship’s baker. His word is like the law of the “Medes and the Persians.”

Let's assume that our ship is sinking and we are adrift in a lifeboat. Our qualified “captain” is the Purser, a Naval Reserve Lieutenant Junior Grade, an amiable and decent man with experience in buying supplies for the ship and handling the payroll.

He also is an agnostic, completely indifferent to religion, but goes to church when at home when it is expedient and is a Christian in name only. He believes in Maritime Law and unbending in regard to the general rule of law. But recognizing the enormous responsibility facing him could soften his heart. It’s hard to believe that there are atheists or agnostics in a lifeboat.

OR – the same man could be a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He shares his faith when he has opportunity, but does not wear it on his sleeve. He would not try to form a “Church of the Lifeboat.” He had a daily spiritual walk with the Lord, centered on the word of God, the Bible. His hard decisions were dependent upon “What saith the Lord?” or “What does the Bible say?”

"The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7.

Let's suppose further that an older couple is in the boat and the man suffers from COPD. Other occupants are an expectant mother with her little girl, three Able Bodied Seamen (their rank), and the rest are able passengers. If the sea gets slightly rougher, the boat will sink or capsize. The sea anchor, containing oil to smooth troubled waters, has little effect on an overloaded boat. Regardless of life jackets, they were all in danger of dying at sea.

I would recognize the designated captain and accept his judgment regardless of being agnostic or a believer. He would have to be smart enough to know that a completely lop-sided judgment call could lead to anarchy of a big crowd in a small boat.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” Roman 13:1.

Either of the two would advise us of our situation and clarify his position in assuming command of the boat. He would explain the only option open to him, as they all could see, was to order one person to leave. But the believer would also tell us that he had another option. He had faith in a God of miracles and before he chose what seems to men to be the only option, he would want to pray for a miracle.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 1Peter 1:7.

What kind of miracle would God perform? There is only one kind of miracle with God: one that saves. God is not restricted by our imaginations, he has many options. Read your Bible and make a word study of "miracles." Experience your personal miracle of re-birth - spiritually, John 3:3-8.

WHICH OF THE “CAPTAINS” WOULD YOU HOPE TO LEAD YOUR LIFEBOAT? Would you prefer the one who only has trust in man’s ability, or the one who has “the mind of Christ,” 1Corinthians 2:16, and seeks to know "What does the Bible say?"

Isn’t that what we want from every “captain” who makes life or death decisions which affect us? Man without the Lord, being left to his own devices, is adrift in uncertain waters.

RISING UP BEYOND ANGER by Pastor Bulldog

2008-07-05T21:56:00.019-05:00

Have you ever been so angry that you felt the veins in your neck throbbing like a bongo beat? Have you ever seen someone whose words "blasted" from their mouth and whose face was an unhealthy magenta. Summer in the city can be hot and cause us to "lose it."

The news can make you hot under the collar and cause stress. But stress can be a good thing if it is a temporary warning that gives you a chance to do something about it. Yet, stress can be silent and unnoticed. If you try to hold it in it can kill you. But stress in any form can be the most life-threatening cause that the Devil uses to turn soldiers of the cross into ineffective non-combatants.

Last Fall the "Border Wars" between two outstanding football teams played here in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium before a vast ESPN crowd of partisan fans. Kansas University, in Lawrence, was 11 and O; the University of Missouri, in Columbia was 10 and 1. Both were ranked in the top five in the nation.

The historical significance goes back before and during the Civil War, when Kansas anti-slavery Jayhawkers made murderous raids into Missouri, across the border, and Col. Quantrel's Rebel Bushwackers rode into Lawrence, Kansas, and massacred over 163 men indiscriminately, contributing to the term, “Bleeding Kansas”. Many of the bloodiest and most fiercely fought North/South battles occurred in eastern Kansas (Union anti-slavery) and western Missouri (Sourthern sympathizers) on the very land where we live.

Our home in Mission, Kansas, is only a mile from the border in the metro Kansas City area, about half-way between the two schools. As a loyal Kansan I watched the game with Helen. As Missouri began to run over KU, I could feel the pressure building in my head and down my neck and shoulders. Helen was tensing up also. But then, KU brilliantly fought back and almost tied the score with a last 5 second chance to win – but they lost.

Here's the silly thing: Helen and I became terribly worked up at the loss to Missouri – and K.U. wasn't even our school – Helen is a Virginia girl and we both went to college in Virginia. So - why did we get so worked up? We immediately had to set our affections on other things to rid ourselves of tension.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

Anxiety that turns into angst, sadness that turns into depression, and disappointments that turn into bitterness and anger are things a Christian does not have to have and it can be managed - immediately.

This is a world full of “babies” who cannot find ways to get along unless it is by "sex, lies, and video tapes" and murders. This is not all about interpersonal relationships entirely. It is about a world gone mad ever since the recorded incident in the third chapter of Genesis.

When all the world seems to be "going to hell in a hand basket", if you are a true "born again" believer with Christ IN you and you IN Christ why do you worry about anything. You don't belong here. Your life is in the heavenlies. You are left here on earth to be conformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ and to reproduce other "true" Spirit-led believers.

Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10). And he taught his "children of promise," Isaac, and Jacob, to regard their time on earth as a pilgrimage. We are strangers in the earth, having been set free from the curse of sin. We do not need to sin or to be angry, we have the power to overcome and to obey God.

We are the only people who live in two places; enduring our pilgrimage on earth while having peace from God in the heavenles. If things get bad, we can be transported aloft and look down with pity on this sad state of mankind and their toys.

Remember the plea of a man taken into custody who said, "Can't we all just get along"? The answer is "No." Well, maybe for a while, but how long has any peace ever lasted? The greatest argument for universal sin is man himself, especially the arrogant enemies of God who think that they will usher in the Millennium by the inventions of their own superior intellects.

Actually, man is a poor steward of the earth and cannot take care of himself - and cannot find a way to live forever, except in monuments and dedicated buildings, and they all crumble in time. Cynical? No, realistic, actually.

There are millions on the face of the earth who know in their hearts that there is a God who created all things and He is love - but He is also holy and righteous; He is just and no iniquity can come into His presence, yet He is rich in grace and His mercy endures forever. He is not a God who exacts human blood for atonement of sin. It was God's blood shed for our redemption and sin was judged on the body of His only begotten Son.

And to those of us Christians who look agape at the brutality, corruption, double standards, and the no-standards of a corrupt world system, God gives an answer to us and provides a way to keep our perspective in a daily spiritual walk.

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth [Reckon them dead with the old man you once were; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them" (Colossians 3:5-7).

When you feel yourself turning beet red, obey the warning and leap into the heavenlies to the throne of grace where Christ sits on the right hand of God the Father and receive grace and peace. In other words, rise up and simmer down.

(Angry man image by permission, Tulio Silva)
www.theexperience.aminus3.com

ON PLACES OF REFUGE - by Pastor Bulldog

2008-06-23T11:52:00.012-05:00

This is a major announcement! I have had a revelation from on high as to who will be the next President of the United States.

It was revealed to me that the next President, good or bad , will be an individual chosen by God. No other candidate comes into focus. (Much depends on our prayers)It is God who sets up governments and leaders and overturns them according to His will and plan.

Remember during these perilous times that God had His way with Saul in taking the kingdom from him for disobedience and giving it to David. The Spirit of God left Saul and entered into David. (1Samuel 16:13-14).

Frightening events seem to happen on a greater global scale and frequency: wars and rumors of wars and natural disorders occur almost with regularity, more than news crews can keep up with; floods, cyclones, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, volcanic eruptions, and famines – first here, then there, then everywhere.

Why should Christians wonder at all of these things. We feel they are predicted, although they cause many heart beats to increase. But one can only take so much and before you grab your head and take more analgesic pills you should ask, "Is there a place to shut it off? If we could just get off the world long enough to assuage the awful stress it would be SO nice!

There is a refuge to which we may run and jump off the world. It is the rightful place of believers whose home is in heavenly places and not here on earth. (Ephesians 1:3; 2:6)

We are here and there at the same time and we can rise above it to find peace in Christ - if He is in us.

”That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:18-20; Psalm 110:4)

What “two immutable things?” They are not exactly known, but I believe it can be reasoned that the first immutable thing, as some suppose, was the oath made to Abraham and sealed with a covenant , in which God swore by himself, that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him, Abraham.

I believe the second immutable thing is a reference to Jesus, a “refuge,” and referring to the cities of refuge God provided for a safe place to flee from the avenger for judgement of crimes made unawares. It is clear that our Refuge from sin gives us "hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2)

CAVE OF REFUGE

There are few who have been covered over with as much stress and angst as David. At times when it seemed impossible to escape certain death he sought refuge . He sougjt refuge for defense and direction from God.

Jesus did the same in that he retreated to a quiet mountain place to be alone with the Father. In David's many afflictions the Lord delivered him out of them all. Once he fled from Saul and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. (1Chronicles 11:15).

David looked to the Lord as his “cave” of refuge when other refuges failed him. Jesus is our refuge, as David speaks of Him prophetically, as a place to which we can flee. (Psalm 142:4-5).

There are times when everything in the world outside is as dark as a cave, but inside it is as bright as outside - as you get alone with the Lord. So, in my recliner and the Bible uploaded on my computer I escape into the recesses of my heart/mine “cave of Adullam.

”CITIES OF REFUGE

The Lord is so loving and protective of those who love Him. No detail escapes His provision of our necessities. For Israel going into the promised land, he provided six cities of refuge for those who shed blood by accident or in defense.

Each of these cities provided sanctuary and safety from avengers. The Levites to whom the cities were given also provided worshipful and religious presence. (Numbers 35:6-12).

However, there is a “flip side” to this reprieve. If any who were granted to live in a city of refuge decided he had had enough and left before their cause was judged, then the avenger was free to hunt him down and kill him. (Numbers 35:26-28).

Peter says this regarding those who accept Christ as their Savior and then turn back; “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” (2Peter 2:20),

Three of the six cities of refuge were west of the Jordon River and three were east of the river, so that all of the 12 tribes of Israel would not be far from refuge.

But here is grace: God provided a path to each city marked by signs showing the way to those who were trying to escape their avengers. (Deuteronomy 19:2-3) Our path to God's grace is through Jesus.

JESUS OUR REFUGE

He is Our Consolation: SO – what should be our prayer? As for me, my prayer would be to pray back to the Lord, “ . . . for my soul trusteth in thee . . . . “ (Psalm 57:1-2).

He is Our Anchor: In the harbor at the Atlantic entrance into the Panama Canal, at seventeen, I stood bow watch, as our ship swung on its anchor with a flotilla of other ships waiting for passage.

What would I do if our anchor did not hold and our ship collided with other ships swinging at anchor – and the rest of the crew was ashore, on a spirits-ual observance?

Our anchor holds, yes it holds and holds! He is Our High Priest: “ . . . after the order of Melchizedek, "priest of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth,” (Genesis 14:18-20) a shadow of our high priest, Jesus.

And by Him we have access by faith within the veil where we find refuge and grace. He said for us to “come unto me and I will give you rest.”

TIM RUSSERT, 1950 - 2008

2008-06-13T22:53:00.011-05:00

One of the highlights of Sunday morning to me was to watch "Meet the Press" before going to church. I enjoyed listening to Tim Russert, Managing Editor and Moderator, interview people of note, especially politicians.

I join millions who watched Mr. Russert over the years in expressing shock at his sudden death today at the age of 58.
I am pleased to say that for all the years I watched him I never knew that he was a liberal Democrat. It never ocurred to me to inquire. He made me not care what his politics were.

He was a true unbiased objective journalist.

He was so professional and brought the truth to the forefront from everybody even if they did not want it to come out. He was a journalist's journalist and a perfect gentleman.
The most attractive feature of Mr. Russert was that he was a true family man. It hurts to know that his son, his wife, and his father, will not be able to celebrate Father's Day with him. But they have great memories that will comfort them after the sting
of losing him wanes.
Much is being said about his life and it was a great life. He was a man that others entering the media as a profession would do well to set him up as a model and to try to emulate him. We all will learn more about Mr. Russert as the days go by; things that we never knew about him because he was a modest and humble man. He did not talk about himself. He would rather talk about his father, "Big Russ," his wife and son and family and about others.
He was a man who made a sweet difference in an ugly world. Surely we shall all be praying for his wife, son, his father, Big Russ, and family.

Photo image FOX News.com

WHAT MORE COULD A FATHER ASK FOR?

2008-06-13T21:59:00.008-05:00

Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

It's great to honor mother on Mother's Day, although it has gotten way out-of-hand commercially. So why do we need to subject dear old Dad to the same materialistic observance?

All we dads want is to raise our kids to be successful god-fearing contributors to the local and world scene (after getting the facts and wise counseling from their mothers). When our young eagles are successfully out of the nest and on their own, what better blessings than to see their success?

The blessings of our two boys is that they have been here for us regardless of their busy schecules: Jeff, Senior Pastor of a mega church with an international outreach ministry; David, a Senior Analyst for a subsidiary of a large electronics firm in Burbank, like his brother, could be anywhere from Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Long Island, New York. Either son would do everything he can to be here for us regardless of where they are.

What wonderful memories we have in raising our two boys and seeing their love for us implemented by their care for us in our advanced years.

How do kids get that way, anyhow? Easy, children are gifts from the Lord, to see to their godly development. Therefor we have access to His grace and His Spirit to guide us through the instruction manual, the Bible. All we have to do is to be good role models.

Our children begin life by wanting to emulate their fathers. But sometimes we fathers are too zealous in our rearing of young colts and fillies. That's where we need to go by the instruction book that came with the children the Lord gave us.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Colossians 3:21

So, a good role model father is one who implements the right mixture of forebearance, discpline and love. So here is counsel from our Father God, who knows when to chasten us and when not to.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:9-11

Fathers! Wouldn't it be the blessing of blessings to have the Lord say about you as he did about Abraham, this remarkable statement?

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Gen 18:19

Abraham learned what it took to please God and to recieve prosperity and "bushels" of blessings. All you have to do is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, his atoning death on the cross in your place, and claim His promises. The Father of fathers will say of you, "I knew him and gave him children to be models to their children to be models of holiness to the world of sin and sinners." Then the Lord will receive you and declare, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

HAVE A GOOD AND BLESSED "FATHER'S DAY."

PETUNIAS AND PEONIES

2008-05-27T22:35:00.003-05:00

The Survivor Sagas

We look forward every April to the supermarkets, discount retailers, hardware stores, et al, to their massive displays of young plants, top soil and potting soils, and lots of garden fixtures and decorations - very tempting.

However, because it has been so cool and rainy - and "tornadoey" petunias were held off until the middle of May. And that's so very sad because petunias are Helen's specialty. In fact, if Helen doesn't have her usual fence display of showy petunias, she'll hear about from other residents in our apartment complex.

So off to W_ _ _ M_ _ _ we went, where in a short time we acquired enough petunias and geraniums to decorate the state house in Topeka, and four bags of potting soil - yeah, four bags!

It didn't take long for Helen to plant the petunias in containers, which were placed on a ledge lining the length of the outer board fence of our apartment patio. But back for more potting soil we went and I resisted telling my "girl friend," "I told you so."

And the little transplants began to grow and their pretty little blooms were smiling at passers-by - until more storm alerts and soaking rains came. They could not stand up under a pelting rain. Oh - they looked so pitiful bent over with withered blooms. We had to pick almost all of them until tney were back to "ground zero."

They were not the only flowers that suffered. Across the courtyard there were banks of peonies that had fallen in a tangled mess like party-goers with "too much libation at the ball." (I see a theme for a fable developing here with a moral that would make Aesop proud.)

Peonies give the appearance of being strong with tall sturdy stems and the blooms are amazingly spectacular. They seem to bloom overnight but their season is short. But from the latest deluge, they gave up - they just drooped over and died. They had no stamina. No amount of plant food could heal those sick plants. They just gave up and accepted their fate.

Ah, but then there's Helen's petunias. They droop in the heat, but water strengthens them and they snap back with their heads held high. They may be bedraggled from the rain, but gloom turns to bloom when they look to the sun. When petunias wilt in the hot part of the summer, they can be cut back almost to the roots but water and sun gives them new life - they become spectacular again even up into September.

Petunias are survivors, but peonies will never bloom again this year.

What spiritual moral can you draw from the last two paragraphs?

HAVE A BLESSED MEMORIAL DAY

2008-05-25T21:29:00.001-05:00

Today in the first service, the Pastor paused to recognize those who served our nation in Military Service. I was proud to stand as the congregation applauded us.

It used to be that it was a proud honor to be recognized as having an ancestor who served in the Continental Army of the Revolution. My mother's body rests in a beautiful cemetary in Missouri. It used to be that the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) would place a marker on the graves of their members. It was a nice commemoration of our nation's proud heritage under God.

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled; Here once the embattled farmers stood; And fired the shot heard round the world.

On this green bank, by this soft stream, We place with joy a votive stone, That memory may their deeds redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

O Thou who made those heroes dare, To die, and leave their children free, -Bid Time and Nature gently spare, The shaft we raised to them and Thee."
The Concord Hymn (edited), by Ralph Waldo Emerson (25 May 1803 – 27 April 1882)

I always looked forward to "Decoration Day" and stopping by Moncrief's Nursery, with my mother and grandmother, to pick up flowers to decorate the family graves in Riverview Cemetary. In the center of the Cemetary there is a statue of a Civil War soldier on a high lilmestone pedastal. It always fascinated me, but I never knew if he was a Yank or a Reb, a Blue or a Gray. He had no distinctive sign or symbol, just a neutral color. The pathos is that he represented brother against brother. But as the anthem says, " . . . when our cause, it is just."

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on.

(Chorus) His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps, They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps: His day is marching on.

(Chorus) His day is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.

(Chorus) Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me: As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on.

(Chorus) While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave, So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave, Our God is marching on.

(Chorus) Our God is marching on.
Battle Hymn of the Republic - Julia Ward Howe (May 27, 1819 – October 17, 1910)

Our Prayers for our nation and military forces should be strong and with confidence as we approach the throne of grace. We will not forget those who have volunteered to take up arms to protect our way of life - and may it continue to please God for grace to preserve the principles of our heritage and to escape the pollution of godlessness, for it is your cause in which we glory by serving you, Lord Jesus, And we know that what we may not understand will be revealed to us in a different time and place, for you are God, and to you belong glory and dominion forever. Amen.

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)

INTRODUCING JOHN SCHELL

2008-05-02T23:41:00.000-05:00

John is one of our team authors who has quite a testimony of how the Lord brought him through a quadruple by-pass surgery.John and his charming wife, Sharon live in Lee's Summit, Missouri. They have two high-achiever children. Jeremy, married to Stacey, is an accomplished concert pianist and Worship Director for the Kansas City Baptist Temple. Jenny is also an accomplished pianist and is Pipeline Association Coordinator for the same company as her father works for.

John, besides doing marketing and training for the Celeritas company, serves the K. C. Baptist Temple on the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, assists in teaching in the Way of Life Ministry Fellowship, and he and Sharon lead a home Bible study in their home.

John was born at Scholfield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father was in the Army Air Force befor it became a separate military arm.They moved to Scott AFB, Illinois and Torrington, Wyoming. He majored in English and Journalism at the University of Wyoming and graduated from the Shepherd's School of the Ministry.

Read John's Blog page. Click on "Survivor Story." He will contribute inspirational Bible studies, which are helpful, inspirational, and pertinent to our Mission Statement. Sharon has promised to "piggy back" on his page whenever she has an opportunity. Sharon's very interesting story is on "Women's Work." Click on their blog pages on the side bar to the right.

I HAVE SEEN BETTER WINTERS

2008-04-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

I just completed my in-home re-hab sessions. I am very pleased that I have a series of simple exercises that are easy and kind of fun. My physical therepist, Jackie, shown here completing my final report, gave me a series of exercises for the lower body and is seen here completing my graduation papers.

My exercise equipment is the back of a dining room chair and two cans of soup - one for each hand - cream of asparagus, chicken and noodles, and/or mix or match. Tina suggested that you can start out slow by making it cans of tuna instead.

Jackie is shown supervising my "ballet exercises" of kicking legs to theI front, side, back and a cool sliding dip with deep knee bends. So Helen took this photo of the action - one of her few chances of revenge.

When I saw the photo, I went into severe shock and trauma. I wanted to hide with the cats under the bed. For the first time, I realized that the illnesses that have overcome me are not to blame - I'm just OLD! Where did the years between 40 and 80 go?

Anyway, I am making a major concession in letting you see this image of me - Ayyyyyyeeeeee! It's the least I can do to show you that physical conditions of the aged can be somewhat corrected by the discipline of simple and easy exercises.

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1Timothy 4:8)

Paul is saying that exercise should not be an obsession over godliness, which pertains to the wellness of the soul and spirit. But it is no less important to the body. So - pick up those cans of soup, grab ahold of that chair and kick.

MEET OUR AUTHORS

2008-04-11T14:02:00.003-05:00

The calendar told us that it is Spring - glad to know that. Suddenly blossoms pushed out the cold weather here in Misson. Helen and I are reminded that it is time to plant a new batch of petunias in the planters lining the front fence of our patio.

The photo image is of a former time for our petunias. It also features one of our contributing authors, Tina Lewis Rowe, seen to the right in this photo taken by her daughter, Shannon.

Tina and our oldest son, Jeff, were on the same high school champion debate team. She is a good friend with a good heart.

Tina had a 34 year career in law enforcement—25 years with the Denver Police Department where she retired as a patrol commander, and eight years as the Presidential appointee to the position of United States Marshal for Colorado. In that role she was responsible for the development and implementation of security plans for the Oklahoma City bombing trials held in Denver, as well as coordinating federal responses at Colorado airports following the events of September 11, 2001. She has been a trainer, speaker and consultant for over thirty years and focuses on personal and professional development for private sector and government work groups.

Tina is one of the Workplace Doctors on the Ask The Workplace Doctors website. (http://www.workplacedoctors.com/) and also has her own online training journal (http://www.tinalewisrowe.com/).

Tina’s interest in wellness results from her own personal efforts to stay fit, energized and positive in her life and work. She helped develop the original fitness program for the Denver Police Department, using the Cooper Aerobics model, and teaches and writes about a balanced, realistic approach to high quality living, using both personal efforts and medical science and without relying on expensive “magical” non-medical supplements or treatments.

Click on Tina's link in the right side bar. She always has something helpful, interesting, and written in a sparkling manner. You will be blessed.

Pastor Bulldog's Survivor Axiom

2008-04-07T22:08:00.004-05:00

If you "walk on eggs" of affliction

don't give in to fright.

If you walk with the Lord with conviction,

You'll not crunch shells in the night.

"Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,

and thy foot shall not stumble." (Proverbs 3:23)

Miracle Medicine

2008-03-26T06:42:00.003-05:00

Jackie came yesterday morning. She really put me through the paces.
But then, Bonnie showed up after lunch and took all the information she needed.
And that's not all. At 2:15 p.m., here came Krista.

Oh, I tell you. It's not so bad growing old when you are surrounded by so much beauty - my dear wife, Helen, especially included!!!

Here's the thing. I checked out of the hospital after spending five days in Critical Care. That morning my admitting internist came by and I asked him when I was good to go home.

"We'll see, perhaps in a day or two". "A DAY OR TWO? - NO, DOCTOR, TODAY!" Well, he was as surprised as I was at my audacity. But he grinned and walked out. He woold not approve unless he thought I would do just as well improving at home. And they needed my room.

My release was contingent upon my earlier request to the pulmonary specialist to set up home care professionals to do rehab - at home - in my chair by my computer - YES!!!

So that is the reason for my bevy of angels who have taken charge of me and Helen said, "Whew!"

Bonnie, RN, is project boss and checks on progress, while taking my vitals and collecting our co-pay.
Jackie, physical therapist. has given me an exercise routine that would make a member of the Ballet Russe proud.
And cute little Krista, my occupational therapist who makes sure I don't fall down in the shower or trip on rugs or am able to lift myself out of my chair (kind of humiliating in a way).

And - they will be back twice a week for eight weeks, to make me a new man. Again, Helen says, "Whew!" But together, we are all determined that being an octagenarian is no hindrance to good health and posture, the term simply suggests HIGHER OCTANE - Get it?.

Thank you all for your prayers.
And a special thanks to Enrique Chi who visited me on his lunch hour and had prayer with me. It's called "Body Ministry" of Christ.
Enrique, electical engineer, certified translator, is a prominent member of the Ministerio Hispano of our church, Marco Castro, Pastor.

Why I Am Called Pastor Bulldog

2008-02-28T14:09:00.000-06:00

Do You Want to Live Forever?

Check it out!

STRESS is a major cause of life-threatening illnesses. When one learns they have one, it causes stress - and stress is what caused them to go through the "fight or flee syndrone". I learned from many afflictions; cancer, chemo, radiation, yada, yada, yada, that it was best to fight like a bulldog. There are reasons why God will let us go through trials (1Corinthians 10:13). God has also given ways to escape or overcome them.

God told Joshua that He would go before him in the conquest of Canaan, and that He would deliver the enemy into his hands. Second in command was Caleb, whose name means several things, one of them is "dog". Caleb's secret to success was to believe God and the promises of His word. So it was not a stretch for me to identify Caleb as a real bull dog, whom the Bible says, "wholly followed the Lord". That was enough for me. I focussed my thoughts on being a real Bulldog Survivor, and to minister the concept from the word of God to others, ergo; Pastor Bulldog.

I have written many things about this Bible concept, which I give in weekly lessons from the Bible called "Blessays", and entitled "Off My Chest-From My Heart". My lessons are from my own devotions and I point out the thngs in today's world that cause stress, and how to find Bible remedies. I invite you to subscribe to these FREE Blessays by clicking on this link. Scroll down to "Off My Chest-From My Heart"

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Bulldogs Are Survivors

The Master feeds him (John 6:48).
And gives him fresh water (Revelation 21:6b).
He has faith in his Master (Mark 11:22b).
He is totally obedient to the Master (Titus 2:9a),
He is focused on victory, not on his affliction (Hebrews12:2a).
He is tenacious, never flees, but fights life-threatening illnesses unto death (Joshua 23:6).
He fights until the Master says, "Come home; the battle is won. Well done thou good and faithful servant"(Philippians1:20).

Please Buy My Book.

2008-02-27T23:10:00.000-06:00

Think about it. All you hear on TV and in the media is somebody trying to sell you something by using a lot of "hype" - endless hype (stands for "hyperbole"). Well, I think it is better just to make a direct statemet about what you want to sell, you know, like in the old days. Take my book for instance.

"I have written a book. My book is a good book. Buy it, please!"

Now, isn't that better? No "hype". However, if you are going through "hype withdrawal", go slow. Scroll down on the right side bar, for an honest report on my book, and also how to buy it to get one book FREE! It is good "hype", try it!

Blessays for Surviving!

2008-02-26T07:03:00.000-06:00

Reconciliation –

How Sweet It Is!
by Pastor Bulldog

What is sweeter than when a man and wife make up after a verbal brawl? He realizes he has caused her to be deeply hurt, and she hopes he will forgive her for those ugly names she wanted to call him in a fit of anger.

It is SO nice when, “at the end of the day”, God is able to reach both hearts with a recognition that with God, RECONCILIATION is possible because it has already happened to them in their relationship to God.

If that is so, why then did they let the monsters of doubt, selfishness, pride, indifference, and, oh, so many other things enter into their marriage that are pretty silly when they hold their breath and think about it.

Reconciliation is a beautiful word. If the emotions evoked from the fact and realization of reconciliation could be commercially distilled and bottled, it might be sold by the name of “Eau de endorphins”.

Most of us have probably not experienced domestic difficulties with our spouses – or we will not admit it. But think of what it is like to have a real hurtful episode between husband and wife that seems unresolvable. Both are hurt so deeply that they do not speak.

They are close to breaking up, when, by the grace of God, a mediator steps in, the "comforter," an advocate, or the one that walks along side of them both (John 14:16,26), reminding them that their love for each other is deeper than their hurt - the problem is reconcilable.

Ephesians 5:21-28, is an inspired word picture of what harmonious love and reconciliation can be. Paul wrote that husbands should love their wives and wives to love them back – as Jesus loves the church. In scripture, that is a commandment from God. It's not open for debate.

Christians who let the Devil's intruders sow seeds of deception, cannot love each other with the “For God so loved the world” type of love that only comes from Jesus. Understanding reconciliation and experiencing its accompanying rapsodic emotion is important - nothing like it.

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2Corinthians 5:18-20).

There are times when most Christians feel a disconnect from the Lord. The inevitable question appears on the screen of your minds, “Am I saved? Am I REALLY saved?” And then, the anxious cry goes up, “Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief.”

Whatever cause there is for our moments of weak faith; illness, angry exchanges, disappointments, depression, pain, medications, whatever, it is time to say, “Time out!”. Read your Bible and learn that reconciliation means, “What a relief it is!”

“Hath Reconciled – By Jesus Christ”

Everything is just fine! We've been reconciled to God (meaning we have been changed spiritually, internally, a new creation, old things are not remembered), and we are justified by faith, with access into His grace, with peace that passes all understanding and joy unspeakable and full of glory - ((( WOW! ))) Can you handle it?.

However, if you are still letting your daily walk with Jesus be set aside because you feel guilty about your past sins, which were judged at Calvary, you are smudging your life with lies from the Devil who accuses you of everything you let yourself believe.

God does not accuse you. You are throwing away the abundant life and peace He purchased for you. And that can lead to sin, and sins committed after your having personally accepted Christ, those sins need to be confessed on the spot, or repented of and judged at the Lord's Table – or – at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10).

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John, 1:9). The good effect of knowing you have been reconciled is motivation to led Christ lead you into ministry. For that, you have liberty and privilege of accessing grace because – you have been reconciled and are justified by faith.

The “Ministry of Reconciliation”

Why, then, is a ministry of reconciliation necessary if God has already reconciled the world to Himself? What more has to be done?Actually, there are two good reasons; reconciliation is ongoing, and it is also definite and eternal. Christians are hit the heaviest by the Devil, the vengeful “prince of this world”. He lost his battle to usurp the authority of the Son of God and aims to render believers powerless to effectively serve the Lord.

The joy of reconciliation can turn to doubt and guilt can make one shrink from duty or turn to anger and resentment. But He will not forsake you; He will chastize you for present sins, yes, yet . . . "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny Himself" (2Timothy 2:13).

Unbelievers need to be reached for Christ and to understand that God has reconciled them to Himself by judging their sins at Calvary. But they must reconcile God to themselves by accepting the fact that Jesus shed His blood for their redemption and that He was raised from the dead to reconcile them, otherwise they remain condemned in their sins.

A gift has a giver and a receiver, unless - the gift is refused and left on the table. The gospel is so simple. It is simply belief in the heart and confession with the mouth in a spiritual confrontation with Jesus, Himself. (Romans 10:9-10).

Many times I have had to pause while reading my Bible and remember that the Lord, who spoke the worlds into existance, condescended to make peace with me through Jesus Christ the Lord. He could have, and should have evaporated me in a puff of steam leaving not even a foot print, because no iniquity can come into His presence, for our God is a "consuming fire". Instead He reconciled me by placing my sins on Jesus to be judged at Calvary. Think of that!

“Reconciling the World”

It seems inconceivable to me that one can read the Bible from stem to stern and miss the point of the whole thing, God in Christ? God was in the world long before the advent of His appearance as Messiah, “the only begotten of the Father”.

From His walk with Adam in the garden to the times of the patriarchs, the prophets, and to His appearing as the promised Messiah, He was in the world reconciling it to Himself.

From the time of Old Testament theophanies (appearances of God in various bodily forms, I.e., to Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and the fourth person in the fiery furnace in Daniel) God appeared to man. But God in the flesh, came into the world when the Father said, “This day have I begotten thee”, and Mary had a little baby, conceived by the Holy Ghost, who grew to become our propitiation, our atonement, our redeemer, and our Lord, Master, and King.

By Him and for Him the world was reconciled to God. He appeared to His brethren, the Jews, as “the image of the invisible God”, and “in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily", but they said, "We have no king but Caesar.”

“The Word of Reconciliation”

“And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation”; given to those who are faithful and trustworthy, whose thoughts are toward the Lord, and who approach His word with eagerness to learn the mysteries of His plans that were formed before the world was formed. Nobody who searches the word of God in order to boast of his own self-righteousness by works, or to warm himself with arrogance, can ever expect to gather gems of wisdom, knowledge, or understanding of what he is reading. To him the mysteries of creation are blocked from view and can only be discerned spiritually (1Corinthians 2:14).

The word of reconciliation (the Bible) is the mind of Christ and by the agency of the Holy Spirit, causes a mind and heart-changing operation – instantly! The gift of salvation is completed reconciliation – it's over, done, nothing more. If someone hands you a gift, you don't take it from him slowly, examine it, set it on the table to see if it explodes, or tell the giver to hang on to it until tomorrow.

“Be Ye Reconciled”

I am troubled when I read that the word of reconciliation says “be ye reconciled” because I know my own heart. I know how many times I have become idle and let the word go by me without investigation. And now I am elderly, but I am not walking on eggs waiting to die. God is never through with His servants until they are called home to be with Him. He simply has changed my ministry to a form that fits my conditions and tells me to "occupy until I come".

To “be reconciled” is the action of a changed people who are active in ministering the gospel to others, whether they are 18 years of age or 99. The gifts and calling of the Lord are without repentance and no servant of God EVER retires. You crave the word of reconciliation. You are anxious to be in the Bible with a daily walk with the author. When you pass by a Bible, there is a tug in your heart that impels you to want to open it up and let the words flutter out and cover you over with deep learning.

That is a hard thing for unbelievers to understand; how ordinary people can find something new in the word of God each day and re-read it every year. We talk to God in prayer, and He talks to us through His written word.

To “be ye reconciled” is to have a regular time with the Lord, a walk in the garden as it was with Adam before the fall. It is to hide the word of reconciliation in your heart. ”This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50).

Our Commission: Having been reconciled to God by Jesus Christ through the word of reconciliation, we have this ministry of reconciliation, that others will reconcile God to themselves through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (2Corinthians 5:18-21). And just when you think that God may be through with you, He reminds you of His covenant of reconciliation He made with you – and you just keep on to the end, being reconciled.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
- Robert Frost