I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope that all of you who read this blog will have a wonderful 2014. As we leave 2013 behind, I want to share with you two passages of Scripture for the coming days ahead.
Philippians 3:13-14 -- "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12: 1-2 -- "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I also want to give you a challenge for the New Year. Try to find at least one person in January to share the Gospel with. Resolve to make 2014 the year that you seek to obey the Great Commission.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Weekend Sermon--A Message For the New Year
I hope that everyone had a very good Christmas. I'm glad you were able to join me once again for another edition of the Weekend Sermon.
I want to thank you for your prayers the past few weeks. The Lord is good, and He has supplied my needs for this month. I'm very grateful, and I give the Lord Jesus all the praise and honor that is due unto Him. I also want to thank Jesus for helping me to make it through the Christmas season when I often feel very depressed as I miss my family who have all gone on to be with Jesus in Heaven.
There is something I want to ask everyone who reads the blog to pray about in the coming weeks. I have been doing some research as to what countries have the fewest number of Christians and in what countries Christians face the most persecution. The country that I found that is at or near the top of both of these categories is the Maldives located in the Indian Ocean. This country bans all religions except Islam, and anyone who practices Christianity is severely persecuted. According to some statistics I came across, there are only 200 to 300 Christians in this nation.
Please join with me in the coming weeks in praying that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will reach the people of the Maldives. Pray that in some way, people will hear about the love of Jesus and turn their hearts toward Him.
Last week, we talked about Christmas and the fact that Jesus came for everyone. He made His message of love and forgiveness known to everyone including those whom others in society rejected. Whosoever will may come to Jesus. Jesus said that whoever would come to Him, He would not cast them out.
Today, as we approach a new year, I want to talk about a man who greatly inspires me. Acts chapters 6 and 7 tell the story of a man named Stephen. Let's look at the life of this man and see what we can learn from him as we head into 2014.
As Acts chapter 6 begins, the new Christian community is rapidly expanding. People were being added daily to the number of believers in the church.
Part of the ministry of the early church was to care for the less fortunate members of the church including widows. Unfortunately, there arose a dispute among the early Christians about whether or not one group of widows was being treated fairly.
The Apostles decided that their job was to preach the Gospel. They decided to appoint some men as deacons in order to make sure that the social welfare mission of the church was carried out properly. One of the men they selected to be among the first deacons was a man named Stephen who the Bible says was a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost.
The first thing we need to learn from the account of Stephen for the new year is the importance of taking care of the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ and the needs of those in the general community that the church ministers to.
In many of the churches I attended as a young man, the social ministry of the church was looked down upon. No one wanted to help the poor, the oppressed and the less fortunate in the church or society at large.
This was not the way the early church acted. The Apostles wanted to make sure that the whole ministry of the church was carried out. They would preach and proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus, and the deacons would be in charge of the social welfare ministry of the church.
As we head into the new year, let each one of us make a commitment to help others. There are many people in need all around us. The church has an important role to play in meeting people's needs.
I've said this before, but I believe that all churches should have a food pantry ministry to help feed the hungry. There are also many homeless people in this country as well that need the church to help them.
In 2014, let us commit ourselves to doing all that we can to help the poor and the oppressed in keeping with the example of Jesus, the Apostles and deacons like Stephen.
Stephen didn't just help head up the social ministry of the church. Stephen was a man who boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stephen was performing miracles and signs in the name of Jesus. This caused many to believe in Jesus, and the religious leaders wanted Stephen out of the way. They brought Stephen to trial before there council.
In spite of persecution, Stephen did not back down in proclaiming the message of Jesus. When he had the chance to speak before the council, Stephen gave one of the great sermons recorded in the Bible. This is recorded in Acts chapter 7.
When I was in college, I had to take a church history class. The professor of this class believed in an extreme liberal theology. He actually called Stephen stupid, and said that Stephen shouldn't have given the message that he gave. Needless to say, this professor and I didn't see eye to eye on many things.
It is my hope that in 2014, all of us who are followers of Jesus will have the same boldness in proclaiming the Gospel that Stephen had. There are many people in this world who have never heard the message of Jesus. We must obey the Great Commission and spread the Good News.
In many countries, as we try to spread the message of Jesus, we may face great persecution just as Stephen did. However, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit and continue in boldness to proclaim Christ. If we don't, the message of the Gospel may be lost.
For instance, look what is happening in many countries of the West. Secularism is growing and growing in Western Europe, Canada and the United States. The number of Christians is shrinking, and many immoral ideas are becoming the law and Christians are becoming marginalized in society. It is possible that in the not too distant future, that Christianity will be little practiced in the West.
Don't think that it can't happen. I am reading a book called "The Lost History of Christianity" written by Philip Jenkins. In this book, the author discusses how the Christian faith was once widespread in places like Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Now, there are very few Christians in any of these places.
Unless we as followers of Jesus remain faithful in spreading the message of the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, people will not have the chance to respond to the message of Jesus and have eternal life.
After Stephen preached his message, the people stoned him to death. Stephen saw Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Stephen asked as he was being stoned that this act would not be laid against the account of his killers.
Stephen was a man who practiced forgiveness just as did His Lord who when He was being nailed to a cross said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
In 2014, let us as followers of Christ commit ourselves to be like Stephen. Let us proclaim the message of the Gospel even in the midst of persecution. Let us help meet the needs of others in the name of Jesus. And let us be people who practice forgiveness in imitation of our Lord.
If you are reading this blog and you have never asked Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord, I hope that you will end the year on the right path by starting a walk with Jesus. Begin 2014 as a follower of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father accept by Him.
Thank you for reading this blog in 2013. Next week, there will not be a book review on Wednesday, but book reviews will return the following week. Next week, I will begin a series of messages on the majesty of Christ as presented in the book of Hebrews. May God bless you. Amen.
I want to thank you for your prayers the past few weeks. The Lord is good, and He has supplied my needs for this month. I'm very grateful, and I give the Lord Jesus all the praise and honor that is due unto Him. I also want to thank Jesus for helping me to make it through the Christmas season when I often feel very depressed as I miss my family who have all gone on to be with Jesus in Heaven.
There is something I want to ask everyone who reads the blog to pray about in the coming weeks. I have been doing some research as to what countries have the fewest number of Christians and in what countries Christians face the most persecution. The country that I found that is at or near the top of both of these categories is the Maldives located in the Indian Ocean. This country bans all religions except Islam, and anyone who practices Christianity is severely persecuted. According to some statistics I came across, there are only 200 to 300 Christians in this nation.
Please join with me in the coming weeks in praying that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will reach the people of the Maldives. Pray that in some way, people will hear about the love of Jesus and turn their hearts toward Him.
Last week, we talked about Christmas and the fact that Jesus came for everyone. He made His message of love and forgiveness known to everyone including those whom others in society rejected. Whosoever will may come to Jesus. Jesus said that whoever would come to Him, He would not cast them out.
Today, as we approach a new year, I want to talk about a man who greatly inspires me. Acts chapters 6 and 7 tell the story of a man named Stephen. Let's look at the life of this man and see what we can learn from him as we head into 2014.
As Acts chapter 6 begins, the new Christian community is rapidly expanding. People were being added daily to the number of believers in the church.
Part of the ministry of the early church was to care for the less fortunate members of the church including widows. Unfortunately, there arose a dispute among the early Christians about whether or not one group of widows was being treated fairly.
The Apostles decided that their job was to preach the Gospel. They decided to appoint some men as deacons in order to make sure that the social welfare mission of the church was carried out properly. One of the men they selected to be among the first deacons was a man named Stephen who the Bible says was a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost.
The first thing we need to learn from the account of Stephen for the new year is the importance of taking care of the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ and the needs of those in the general community that the church ministers to.
In many of the churches I attended as a young man, the social ministry of the church was looked down upon. No one wanted to help the poor, the oppressed and the less fortunate in the church or society at large.
This was not the way the early church acted. The Apostles wanted to make sure that the whole ministry of the church was carried out. They would preach and proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus, and the deacons would be in charge of the social welfare ministry of the church.
As we head into the new year, let each one of us make a commitment to help others. There are many people in need all around us. The church has an important role to play in meeting people's needs.
I've said this before, but I believe that all churches should have a food pantry ministry to help feed the hungry. There are also many homeless people in this country as well that need the church to help them.
In 2014, let us commit ourselves to doing all that we can to help the poor and the oppressed in keeping with the example of Jesus, the Apostles and deacons like Stephen.
Stephen didn't just help head up the social ministry of the church. Stephen was a man who boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stephen was performing miracles and signs in the name of Jesus. This caused many to believe in Jesus, and the religious leaders wanted Stephen out of the way. They brought Stephen to trial before there council.
In spite of persecution, Stephen did not back down in proclaiming the message of Jesus. When he had the chance to speak before the council, Stephen gave one of the great sermons recorded in the Bible. This is recorded in Acts chapter 7.
When I was in college, I had to take a church history class. The professor of this class believed in an extreme liberal theology. He actually called Stephen stupid, and said that Stephen shouldn't have given the message that he gave. Needless to say, this professor and I didn't see eye to eye on many things.
It is my hope that in 2014, all of us who are followers of Jesus will have the same boldness in proclaiming the Gospel that Stephen had. There are many people in this world who have never heard the message of Jesus. We must obey the Great Commission and spread the Good News.
In many countries, as we try to spread the message of Jesus, we may face great persecution just as Stephen did. However, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit and continue in boldness to proclaim Christ. If we don't, the message of the Gospel may be lost.
For instance, look what is happening in many countries of the West. Secularism is growing and growing in Western Europe, Canada and the United States. The number of Christians is shrinking, and many immoral ideas are becoming the law and Christians are becoming marginalized in society. It is possible that in the not too distant future, that Christianity will be little practiced in the West.
Don't think that it can't happen. I am reading a book called "The Lost History of Christianity" written by Philip Jenkins. In this book, the author discusses how the Christian faith was once widespread in places like Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Now, there are very few Christians in any of these places.
Unless we as followers of Jesus remain faithful in spreading the message of the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, people will not have the chance to respond to the message of Jesus and have eternal life.
After Stephen preached his message, the people stoned him to death. Stephen saw Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Stephen asked as he was being stoned that this act would not be laid against the account of his killers.
Stephen was a man who practiced forgiveness just as did His Lord who when He was being nailed to a cross said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
In 2014, let us as followers of Christ commit ourselves to be like Stephen. Let us proclaim the message of the Gospel even in the midst of persecution. Let us help meet the needs of others in the name of Jesus. And let us be people who practice forgiveness in imitation of our Lord.
If you are reading this blog and you have never asked Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord, I hope that you will end the year on the right path by starting a walk with Jesus. Begin 2014 as a follower of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father accept by Him.
Thank you for reading this blog in 2013. Next week, there will not be a book review on Wednesday, but book reviews will return the following week. Next week, I will begin a series of messages on the majesty of Christ as presented in the book of Hebrews. May God bless you. Amen.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas Eve Story
Here is a link to a story I wrote about a nice Christmas Eve that I spent with my friend Toby.
http://voices.yahoo.com/christmas-eve-corgi-10474515.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/christmas-eve-corgi-10474515.html
Friday, December 20, 2013
Weekend Sermon
I didn't think that it was going to happen, but I made it to the library this morning. We did have the freezing mist this morning, but the roads were warm enough that it didn't cause any trouble. The temperature got up to 55 degrees here yesterday. Tomorrow has me kind of worried. They are calling for freezing rain, sleet, and up to eight inches of snow. I may stay home and not emerge until Monday.
Well, I am glad to be able to be here and post the sermon. Please continue to pray for me. I have a potential job prospect, so there is at least some hope there. I need a job bad. I also have to sell my house. There just seems to be no way that I can keep it. I keep on trying. I haven't quit yet, but life is hard. Being able to post the sermon helps me.
During this Christmas season when we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, let us especially pray for peace in this strife filled world. It saddens me deeply when I hear about the suffering of the children in Syria. Let us all pray that Jesus will come again quickly and redeem this world from the mess that it is in. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Please.
In last week's message, I spoke about celebrating Jesus' birthday the way that He would want to have it celebrated. We should do all that we can to make Jesus the focus of Christmas. We should try to determine in our hearts what we can give to the Lord on His birthday.
Today, my message will be fairly brief. I'd like to talk about something that is revealed in the Christmas story that has further revelation throughout the life and ministry of Jesus here on the Earth.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, He demonstrated by the announcement of His birth that His ministry and love would be available to all people.
At times, people overlook the significance of the fact that the birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds in the field. They heard the angel chorus that brought the exciting news that a Savior had been born, then they went to see where baby Jesus lay.
Shepherds in Jesus day were looked upon with little respect. They were considered to be dirty people who smelled awful, because contrary to what many people know, sheep smell worse than pigs. Shepherds were considered to be untrustworthy, and they were looked down upon by people in high society.
No matter what society at large and the religious leaders of the day may have felt about shepherds, these men who were watching their flocks by night were the first ones to hear the momentous news that Jesus was born.
This is just the first time that Jesus brought His ministry and his message of love and healing to those whom the rest of the world looked down upon. Jesus associated with those whom the religious leaders despised. This is made clear in Luke 15:1-2 which says, "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying 'This man receives sinners and eats with them'".
Jesus loved and cared about the people that the rest of society despised. The tax collectors were considered to be traitors and greedy. Jesus chose one of the them to be one of His twelve disciples.
Jesus loved and cared about the others who were classified as sinners. Jesus healed the sick and touched the lepers and those considered unclean.
Jesus cared about the poor in the world. He said that the poor were blessed, and that part of His ministry was to preach the gospel to the poor.
Jesus did not reject anyone who wanted to come to Him. Jesus said, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
In Jesus day, children were viewed as having little importance. In fact, the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus. However, Jesus told them to stop. He said, "Let the children come unto Me."
Samaritans and women were also not considered to be important, and they were looked down on as inferior in Jesus day. Jesus told the good news to a Samaritan woman and used the example of the Good Samaritan in His teaching about who is my neighbor.
Jesus also made His birth known to the learned and the wise. The three wise men from the east saw the star and followed it to where Jesus and Mary were.
Through much of His ministry, Jesus was rejected by the rich, the powerful and those with some type of authority. However, He always invited people to follow Him. Jesus said that it was hard for the rich to enter into Heaven, but it was not impossible because all things are possible with God.
This Christmas season you may feel lonely and rejected. You may be depressed, and others have made you feel bad. Always remember that Jesus loves you. Those whom society rejects, Jesus loves all the more I believe.
During this Christmas season, if you have not accepted Jesus' gift of forgiveness, salvation and a personal relationship with Him, I hope that you will do that today. There is no better friend than Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
I hope that everyone who reads this blog has a very Merry Christmas. There won't be anymore book reviews until the New Year. I will post a sermon next week. May God Bless, and thank you for reading my blog. Amen.
Well, I am glad to be able to be here and post the sermon. Please continue to pray for me. I have a potential job prospect, so there is at least some hope there. I need a job bad. I also have to sell my house. There just seems to be no way that I can keep it. I keep on trying. I haven't quit yet, but life is hard. Being able to post the sermon helps me.
During this Christmas season when we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, let us especially pray for peace in this strife filled world. It saddens me deeply when I hear about the suffering of the children in Syria. Let us all pray that Jesus will come again quickly and redeem this world from the mess that it is in. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Please.
In last week's message, I spoke about celebrating Jesus' birthday the way that He would want to have it celebrated. We should do all that we can to make Jesus the focus of Christmas. We should try to determine in our hearts what we can give to the Lord on His birthday.
Today, my message will be fairly brief. I'd like to talk about something that is revealed in the Christmas story that has further revelation throughout the life and ministry of Jesus here on the Earth.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, He demonstrated by the announcement of His birth that His ministry and love would be available to all people.
At times, people overlook the significance of the fact that the birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds in the field. They heard the angel chorus that brought the exciting news that a Savior had been born, then they went to see where baby Jesus lay.
Shepherds in Jesus day were looked upon with little respect. They were considered to be dirty people who smelled awful, because contrary to what many people know, sheep smell worse than pigs. Shepherds were considered to be untrustworthy, and they were looked down upon by people in high society.
No matter what society at large and the religious leaders of the day may have felt about shepherds, these men who were watching their flocks by night were the first ones to hear the momentous news that Jesus was born.
This is just the first time that Jesus brought His ministry and his message of love and healing to those whom the rest of the world looked down upon. Jesus associated with those whom the religious leaders despised. This is made clear in Luke 15:1-2 which says, "Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying 'This man receives sinners and eats with them'".
Jesus loved and cared about the people that the rest of society despised. The tax collectors were considered to be traitors and greedy. Jesus chose one of the them to be one of His twelve disciples.
Jesus loved and cared about the others who were classified as sinners. Jesus healed the sick and touched the lepers and those considered unclean.
Jesus cared about the poor in the world. He said that the poor were blessed, and that part of His ministry was to preach the gospel to the poor.
Jesus did not reject anyone who wanted to come to Him. Jesus said, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
In Jesus day, children were viewed as having little importance. In fact, the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus. However, Jesus told them to stop. He said, "Let the children come unto Me."
Samaritans and women were also not considered to be important, and they were looked down on as inferior in Jesus day. Jesus told the good news to a Samaritan woman and used the example of the Good Samaritan in His teaching about who is my neighbor.
Jesus also made His birth known to the learned and the wise. The three wise men from the east saw the star and followed it to where Jesus and Mary were.
Through much of His ministry, Jesus was rejected by the rich, the powerful and those with some type of authority. However, He always invited people to follow Him. Jesus said that it was hard for the rich to enter into Heaven, but it was not impossible because all things are possible with God.
This Christmas season you may feel lonely and rejected. You may be depressed, and others have made you feel bad. Always remember that Jesus loves you. Those whom society rejects, Jesus loves all the more I believe.
During this Christmas season, if you have not accepted Jesus' gift of forgiveness, salvation and a personal relationship with Him, I hope that you will do that today. There is no better friend than Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus is the friend that sticks closer than a brother.
I hope that everyone who reads this blog has a very Merry Christmas. There won't be anymore book reviews until the New Year. I will post a sermon next week. May God Bless, and thank you for reading my blog. Amen.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Update
Tomorrow, we are under a freezing rain advisory where I live. I do not know if I will be able to post the sermon tomorrow or not. I will try if the roads are not a sheet of ice. Saturday, we are supposed to have more freezing rain, and then it is supposed to snow Saturday night and all day on Sunday. I will try to get the sermon posted this week. If I cannot get out, I want to just take a minute now to thank those who read this blog for their prayers throughout a difficult time in my life. Please continue to pray as I am very depressed right now. Everyone please have a Merry Christmas, and I will try to post when I can. Thank you, and God bless you.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Best Dog and Cat Book of the Year
I usually post my reviews of different books on Wednesday. I won't be able to post tomorrow, so I am writing about books today. Also, I realized that the next two Wednesdays the library will be closed for holidays. So, I decided to unveil my choice for the best dog and cat books I read this year. The dog book was a hard decision. There were two contenders. The cat book was an easy winner.
Best Dog Book of the Year
The best dog book I read this year was "Katie Up and Down the Hall" written by Glenn Plaskin. This book was about how a dog brought three sets of people together who may not have otherwise know each other. When Katie came into Glenn's life, one of Glenn's friends told him about a woman who lived on Glenn's floor who was experienced with Cocker Spaniels. Glenn went over to meet Pearl, and a great friendship developed. Later, Glenn met Ryan and John through Katie. All of these individuals became close friends and spent many hours helping each other through the ups and downs of life. In a real sense, they became a family. This book also deals with the events of September 11. Glenn, Pearl and Katie lived in a building very near the World Trade Center. When the buildings were attacked, Glenn, Katie and Pearl had to evacuate. With the collapse of the towers, Glenn and Katie were separated from Pearl. I'll let you read the book to find out how everything worked out. This is the second best dog book that I have ever read next to "Maya's First Rose" by Martin Scot Kosins.
Best Cat Book of the Year
The best cat book that I read in 2013 was "Pawprints in the Moonlight" by Denis O'Connor. This is the best cat book that I have ever read. One night, Denis hears a strange noise in the woods behind his cottage in Northumberland. Even though it is a cold and snowy evening, Denis investigates and discovers a cat with its leg in a trap. Denis releases the cat who runs away. Denis follows the cat to an abandoned building and finds that the cat is the mother of two tiny kittens. Denis takes the little family to the veterinarian, but there is nothing the vet can do. One little black and white kitten is stronger than the other, so Denis decides to take him home and try to nurse him to health. This is exactly what he does, and Denis names the cat Toby Jug. Toby Jug and Denis have some wonderful adventures during their first year together. Their great adventure is a horse riding expedition through the Cheviots. I think that this is a really wonderful book that is well-written. The writing style reminds me in some ways of the style of my all-time favorite writer James Herriot. For those who are reading this blog in places outside of the United States, the book is called "Paw Tracks in the Moonlight".
Well, those are my selections. If someone else has a dog or cat book that they thought was the best of the year, please share it in the comments section.
Best Dog Book of the Year
The best dog book I read this year was "Katie Up and Down the Hall" written by Glenn Plaskin. This book was about how a dog brought three sets of people together who may not have otherwise know each other. When Katie came into Glenn's life, one of Glenn's friends told him about a woman who lived on Glenn's floor who was experienced with Cocker Spaniels. Glenn went over to meet Pearl, and a great friendship developed. Later, Glenn met Ryan and John through Katie. All of these individuals became close friends and spent many hours helping each other through the ups and downs of life. In a real sense, they became a family. This book also deals with the events of September 11. Glenn, Pearl and Katie lived in a building very near the World Trade Center. When the buildings were attacked, Glenn, Katie and Pearl had to evacuate. With the collapse of the towers, Glenn and Katie were separated from Pearl. I'll let you read the book to find out how everything worked out. This is the second best dog book that I have ever read next to "Maya's First Rose" by Martin Scot Kosins.
Best Cat Book of the Year
The best cat book that I read in 2013 was "Pawprints in the Moonlight" by Denis O'Connor. This is the best cat book that I have ever read. One night, Denis hears a strange noise in the woods behind his cottage in Northumberland. Even though it is a cold and snowy evening, Denis investigates and discovers a cat with its leg in a trap. Denis releases the cat who runs away. Denis follows the cat to an abandoned building and finds that the cat is the mother of two tiny kittens. Denis takes the little family to the veterinarian, but there is nothing the vet can do. One little black and white kitten is stronger than the other, so Denis decides to take him home and try to nurse him to health. This is exactly what he does, and Denis names the cat Toby Jug. Toby Jug and Denis have some wonderful adventures during their first year together. Their great adventure is a horse riding expedition through the Cheviots. I think that this is a really wonderful book that is well-written. The writing style reminds me in some ways of the style of my all-time favorite writer James Herriot. For those who are reading this blog in places outside of the United States, the book is called "Paw Tracks in the Moonlight".
Well, those are my selections. If someone else has a dog or cat book that they thought was the best of the year, please share it in the comments section.
Monday, December 16, 2013
A Post About Dogs
I saw this picture with its captions on the Internet. This is one of the reasons I like dogs so much.
Dogs won’t leave you when times get rough
We may not have a lot of money, but we have each other.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Weekend Sermon
Welcome to the posting of the Weekend Sermon. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the library today. This morning, the bad weather came in much sooner than anticipated. We had a little ice problem. About one hour ago, the temperature rose to just above freezing, and I decided to venture out to the library. Tonight we are supposed to have freezing rain, sleet and snow. I am already ready for the end of winter, and it hasn't even started yet.
I have something that I am thankful to the Lord for today. I have a potential buyer for my house. I am praying that all goes well, but I am not counting on anything. I am just glad that there is at least some interest. I still am looking for more work, so please continue to pray for me in this regard. It does get discouraging at times.
I would ask that everyone would continue to pray for peace in Syria. Also, please pray that the people in the Philippines will receive the aid that they need to recover from the terrible hurricane that hit that country a few weeks ago.
In last week's message, I brought up the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as well as Job and Lazarus from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. When we are going through suffering, hard times and struggles, we must have the attitude that Shadrach and his friends had. We must continue to believe that God will deliver by His great power. If He chooses not to do so, we must serve Him anyway. God did deliver Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as well as Job. However, Lazarus died in a wretched state. However, Lazarus was ultimately in fantastic shape, because he was carried to Heaven where he will forever be in the presence of the Lord. For those who follow Jesus, all will ultimately be well for the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
I mentioned that for this week's message that I planned to speak about Stephen from the book of Acts. However, in the last few days, a message has come upon my heart that deals with the celebration of the Christmas holidays.
As I see the celebration of Christmas taking place and all of the activities of the holiday season taking place, a question came to my mind. Is this the way that Jesus really wants people to celebrate His birthday?
The reason I ask this is because someone's birthday celebration is supposed to be about them. It is supposed to be their day.
The more I thought about this question, the more I came to believe that in many regards, the way that the majority of people celebrate Jesus' birthday is not what He would want.
Unfortunately, Christmas has become more the celebration of consumerism and greed than it has become the celebration of the incarnation of Christ.
During the Christmas season, people will shop and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on gifts to give to each other. I know that this is supposed to symbolize the fact that the Father gave us the gift of His Son. But there is so much greed and selfishness in so much of the Christmas celebration anymore.
In the major city that is about 40 miles north of where I live, there where several places this "Black Friday" where violence broke out among shoppers who were trying to get deals on Christmas items. What is the sense of this?
It is my belief that entirely too much focus has gone into giving gifts to each other for Jesus' birthday, and not enough focus has gone into giving something to Jesus for His birthday. Isn't the person whose birthday it is the one who is supposed to receive the presents?
How can we give a present to Jesus on His birthday this Christmas? First of all, we can give Him the gift of our service. Paul writes in the book of Romans that we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. In other words, we are to offer up our time, our talents and our resources for the Lord's service.
I believe that Jesus would be very happy if those of us who claim to follow Him would fully yield our lives to doing whatever it is He has called us to do to make this world a better place. It would be a great gift to Jesus if we would obey His commandments and teachings especially His Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person in this world. Bringing souls into the Kingdom of Heaven is something that Jesus definitely desires.
Another way to give a gift to Jesus on Christmas is to give to those things that are important to Jesus. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for those who already have a lot, think about giving to the poor and the oppressed. Jesus cared about the poor and the needy. Jesus said that when we do things for the least of these, we do it unto Him.
Many charities this year are reporting record lows in giving. Right in the area near where I live, the Salvation Army is reporting that giving is down 60 percent this year. For Christmas this year, let's give to those who really need it.
One other way that I believe we can give something to Jesus for His birthday this year is to spread love and peace within our families and our communities. Try to get along with everyone this Christmas season. Speak words that heal and not words that hurt. As the Bible says, "Be ye kind one to another."
I'm not trying to bring anyone down over Christmas. It is my hope that Christmas will turn from being a commercial holiday about getting things into what it was really intended to be. It is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ who came into this world to die for sinners. He came to take the sins of the world upon Him. He came to conqueror the effects of sin which are death and hell. Thanks be to God, that Jesus has died, He is risen and He will come again.
If you have never put your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross, the greatest gift that you can give to Jesus is to turn your life over to Him and accept Him as the Savior and Lord of your life. I hope that you will do this today.
This Wednesday, I will post another book review. Next Friday, I will post another Christmas sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
I have something that I am thankful to the Lord for today. I have a potential buyer for my house. I am praying that all goes well, but I am not counting on anything. I am just glad that there is at least some interest. I still am looking for more work, so please continue to pray for me in this regard. It does get discouraging at times.
I would ask that everyone would continue to pray for peace in Syria. Also, please pray that the people in the Philippines will receive the aid that they need to recover from the terrible hurricane that hit that country a few weeks ago.
In last week's message, I brought up the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as well as Job and Lazarus from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. When we are going through suffering, hard times and struggles, we must have the attitude that Shadrach and his friends had. We must continue to believe that God will deliver by His great power. If He chooses not to do so, we must serve Him anyway. God did deliver Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as well as Job. However, Lazarus died in a wretched state. However, Lazarus was ultimately in fantastic shape, because he was carried to Heaven where he will forever be in the presence of the Lord. For those who follow Jesus, all will ultimately be well for the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
I mentioned that for this week's message that I planned to speak about Stephen from the book of Acts. However, in the last few days, a message has come upon my heart that deals with the celebration of the Christmas holidays.
As I see the celebration of Christmas taking place and all of the activities of the holiday season taking place, a question came to my mind. Is this the way that Jesus really wants people to celebrate His birthday?
The reason I ask this is because someone's birthday celebration is supposed to be about them. It is supposed to be their day.
The more I thought about this question, the more I came to believe that in many regards, the way that the majority of people celebrate Jesus' birthday is not what He would want.
Unfortunately, Christmas has become more the celebration of consumerism and greed than it has become the celebration of the incarnation of Christ.
During the Christmas season, people will shop and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on gifts to give to each other. I know that this is supposed to symbolize the fact that the Father gave us the gift of His Son. But there is so much greed and selfishness in so much of the Christmas celebration anymore.
In the major city that is about 40 miles north of where I live, there where several places this "Black Friday" where violence broke out among shoppers who were trying to get deals on Christmas items. What is the sense of this?
It is my belief that entirely too much focus has gone into giving gifts to each other for Jesus' birthday, and not enough focus has gone into giving something to Jesus for His birthday. Isn't the person whose birthday it is the one who is supposed to receive the presents?
How can we give a present to Jesus on His birthday this Christmas? First of all, we can give Him the gift of our service. Paul writes in the book of Romans that we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. In other words, we are to offer up our time, our talents and our resources for the Lord's service.
I believe that Jesus would be very happy if those of us who claim to follow Him would fully yield our lives to doing whatever it is He has called us to do to make this world a better place. It would be a great gift to Jesus if we would obey His commandments and teachings especially His Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person in this world. Bringing souls into the Kingdom of Heaven is something that Jesus definitely desires.
Another way to give a gift to Jesus on Christmas is to give to those things that are important to Jesus. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for those who already have a lot, think about giving to the poor and the oppressed. Jesus cared about the poor and the needy. Jesus said that when we do things for the least of these, we do it unto Him.
Many charities this year are reporting record lows in giving. Right in the area near where I live, the Salvation Army is reporting that giving is down 60 percent this year. For Christmas this year, let's give to those who really need it.
One other way that I believe we can give something to Jesus for His birthday this year is to spread love and peace within our families and our communities. Try to get along with everyone this Christmas season. Speak words that heal and not words that hurt. As the Bible says, "Be ye kind one to another."
I'm not trying to bring anyone down over Christmas. It is my hope that Christmas will turn from being a commercial holiday about getting things into what it was really intended to be. It is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ who came into this world to die for sinners. He came to take the sins of the world upon Him. He came to conqueror the effects of sin which are death and hell. Thanks be to God, that Jesus has died, He is risen and He will come again.
If you have never put your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross, the greatest gift that you can give to Jesus is to turn your life over to Him and accept Him as the Savior and Lord of your life. I hope that you will do this today.
This Wednesday, I will post another book review. Next Friday, I will post another Christmas sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Book Review--Chaser
The book I am reviewing today is entitled, "Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words." The dog knows 1,022 words to be exact. This fantastic book written by John W. Pilley tells about the author's efforts to train his border collie named Chaser to learn many words and word categories. Pilley is a retired Professor of Psychology at Wofford College in South Carolina. After the death of his good dog named Yasha, it took the professor some time to acquire another canine companion. He had wanted a border collie for a long time. Chaser was the pick of the litter. Pilley started teaching Chaser the basic commands right away, and she had no trouble learning. Much of the book details the way that Pilley trained Chaser to recognize the unique names of over 1,022 objects. After his training, Professor Pilley and a colleague at Wofford published a paper about Chaser in a peer-reviewed journal. People around the world were amazed at Chaser's accomplishments. Chaser has been profiled in USA Today and she has appeared on the Today show and ABC World News Tonight. There was an extensive piece about Chaser on Nova on PBS as well. This is a great book about a man and his dog and science. I highly recommend Chaser.
Just a note: There may be bad weather where I live on Friday. The Weekend Sermon may delayed until Saturday on Sunday.
Just a note: There may be bad weather where I live on Friday. The Weekend Sermon may delayed until Saturday on Sunday.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Weekend Sermon
Welcome to another edition of the Weekend Sermon. I am so glad to be able to post another sermon this week, and I am glad that you have taken the time to read it and reflect upon it.
It is very, very cold here where I live. I can tell that winter has definitely arrived in the American Midwest. I'm glad we haven't had any snow or ice yet where I live. Just to the south of me, they are having a bad winter storm.
Please continue to pray for me this week. I have to be upfront with everyone and say that I am becoming seriously depressed because of the many financial and physical difficulties that I have been facing. I keep praying and trying and struggling, but nothing is going according to plan. To add to the problems, my bank made a serious error in my account that took two days to fix, and my car is making funny noises that have me worried. I will continue to trust in the Lord to keep me going. While I am happy for all the people who are finding jobs, and I am happy about the unemployment rating dropping the in the United States, I am still frustrated by the fact that no matter where I try to find work I am unsuccessful. If I didn't have my writing work, I would have been destitute long ago. So, I am thankful to the Lord for the work that I do have available. Just keep praying. I appreciate it.
Continue in pray for peace in Syria, and add to that list of prayers for peace the Central African Republic. There is extensive fighting occurring in that nation, and they need peace.
In last week's message, we talked a little about Hanukkah and Jesus' message in John 10:22-30. Those of us who trust in Christ are His sheep. We are secure in Him, and nothing can snatch us away from Him or bring us ultimate harm.
Today, I would like to look at a familiar story from the Old Testament that has taken on a special meaning to me in the last few weeks. In Daniel 3, we see the story of three men who demonstrated the courage of their convictions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to give up their lives in order to remain faithful to the true and living God.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taken into captivity by the Babylonians at the same time as Daniel. Along with Daniel, they refused the king's meats and lived on vegetables because they did not want to violate the dietary laws given to the Jewish people by God.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar erected an image of gold, and he ordered that when the music played, everyone was to bow down and worship the image. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego heard the music, they did not bow down and worship the image. The would not violate the command of the Lord. They knew that there was only one true God and they were not to worship idols.
When the king found out about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's refusal to bow to the image, he was enraged. He gave the three friends one more chance to bow before the image. If they refused, they would be punished by being thrown into the fiery furnace. Of course, the three friends refused.
In Daniel 3:17 and 18 the three men said to the king, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." This verse has become very important to me lately.
These three men were not willing to violate the commandments of the Lord. They believed that God had the power to deliver them from whatever the king had in store for them because God is more powerful than any human ruler. What speaks to me is the second statement. These three men said that even if God decided not to intervene and help them, they would do what is right anyway.
I have asked the Lord to help me out of my current difficulties on many many occasions. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has all the power needed to get me out of the mess that I am in. If he doesn't decide to help me, and I can't go on anymore, I will still serve Him to the day that I die. That is the inspiration I receive from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. No matter what happened, they would serve God.
Job was like this as well. All of his friends were against him. His wife told him to curse God and die. But Job would not curse God. Job said that even if God would slay him, he would still trust in God.
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Job could say this because they knew that ultimately, God is in control and He will bring justice and make everything right in the end. That is my belief. No matter what happens on this earth, and no matter what hard times we may go through now, all will be well.
In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they were thrown in the fiery furnace, but the fire did not harm them. They were joined in the flames by one like the Son of God. They came out of the fiery furnace, and the king praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Job was delivered from his problems in this lifetime as well. He was healed, and all of his fortunes were restored.
This is not always the case in the Bible. Sometimes, some very bad things happen to people who believe in the Lord with all of their heart. Take for example the man Lazarus in the story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was destitute and homeless. He didn't have anyone on earth who cared about him enough to help him in his time of misery. His body was covered with sores that the dogs licked. He was as bad off as a person can be in this life. For some reason, God didn't deliver him in this life. Lazarus died. However, because Lazarus trusted in the true and living God, he was carried to Abraham's bosom where he would experience eternal join and happiness. In spite of his terrible circumstances in life, Lazarus never stopped believing in the true and living God.
Like me, you may be facing some really hard struggles and difficulties. Keep praying and asking the Lord for help and deliverance. Jesus told us not to give up in our prayers but to keep on seeking, asking and knocking. Jesus has the power to deliver us from any and every problem.
However, the Lord may choose not to deliver us in this life. We must remain faithful in spite of the negative circumstances because all will be well ultimately. Jesus is worthy of all of our praise and adoration. He has gone to prepare a place for those of us who put our trust in Him. One day, when we are with Jesus, all of the problems will seem as nothing compared with the joy and love that is experienced in the presence of the Lord Jesus.
I realize that I kind of preached to myself a lot in the sermon this week. I hope that you got something out of the message. Next week, I want to bring a message about Stephen from the book of Acts. After that, I want to talk about Christmas. On Wednesday, I will post another book review. May God bless you all.
It is very, very cold here where I live. I can tell that winter has definitely arrived in the American Midwest. I'm glad we haven't had any snow or ice yet where I live. Just to the south of me, they are having a bad winter storm.
Please continue to pray for me this week. I have to be upfront with everyone and say that I am becoming seriously depressed because of the many financial and physical difficulties that I have been facing. I keep praying and trying and struggling, but nothing is going according to plan. To add to the problems, my bank made a serious error in my account that took two days to fix, and my car is making funny noises that have me worried. I will continue to trust in the Lord to keep me going. While I am happy for all the people who are finding jobs, and I am happy about the unemployment rating dropping the in the United States, I am still frustrated by the fact that no matter where I try to find work I am unsuccessful. If I didn't have my writing work, I would have been destitute long ago. So, I am thankful to the Lord for the work that I do have available. Just keep praying. I appreciate it.
Continue in pray for peace in Syria, and add to that list of prayers for peace the Central African Republic. There is extensive fighting occurring in that nation, and they need peace.
In last week's message, we talked a little about Hanukkah and Jesus' message in John 10:22-30. Those of us who trust in Christ are His sheep. We are secure in Him, and nothing can snatch us away from Him or bring us ultimate harm.
Today, I would like to look at a familiar story from the Old Testament that has taken on a special meaning to me in the last few weeks. In Daniel 3, we see the story of three men who demonstrated the courage of their convictions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to give up their lives in order to remain faithful to the true and living God.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taken into captivity by the Babylonians at the same time as Daniel. Along with Daniel, they refused the king's meats and lived on vegetables because they did not want to violate the dietary laws given to the Jewish people by God.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar erected an image of gold, and he ordered that when the music played, everyone was to bow down and worship the image. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego heard the music, they did not bow down and worship the image. The would not violate the command of the Lord. They knew that there was only one true God and they were not to worship idols.
When the king found out about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's refusal to bow to the image, he was enraged. He gave the three friends one more chance to bow before the image. If they refused, they would be punished by being thrown into the fiery furnace. Of course, the three friends refused.
In Daniel 3:17 and 18 the three men said to the king, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." This verse has become very important to me lately.
These three men were not willing to violate the commandments of the Lord. They believed that God had the power to deliver them from whatever the king had in store for them because God is more powerful than any human ruler. What speaks to me is the second statement. These three men said that even if God decided not to intervene and help them, they would do what is right anyway.
I have asked the Lord to help me out of my current difficulties on many many occasions. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has all the power needed to get me out of the mess that I am in. If he doesn't decide to help me, and I can't go on anymore, I will still serve Him to the day that I die. That is the inspiration I receive from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. No matter what happened, they would serve God.
Job was like this as well. All of his friends were against him. His wife told him to curse God and die. But Job would not curse God. Job said that even if God would slay him, he would still trust in God.
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Job could say this because they knew that ultimately, God is in control and He will bring justice and make everything right in the end. That is my belief. No matter what happens on this earth, and no matter what hard times we may go through now, all will be well.
In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, they were thrown in the fiery furnace, but the fire did not harm them. They were joined in the flames by one like the Son of God. They came out of the fiery furnace, and the king praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Job was delivered from his problems in this lifetime as well. He was healed, and all of his fortunes were restored.
This is not always the case in the Bible. Sometimes, some very bad things happen to people who believe in the Lord with all of their heart. Take for example the man Lazarus in the story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was destitute and homeless. He didn't have anyone on earth who cared about him enough to help him in his time of misery. His body was covered with sores that the dogs licked. He was as bad off as a person can be in this life. For some reason, God didn't deliver him in this life. Lazarus died. However, because Lazarus trusted in the true and living God, he was carried to Abraham's bosom where he would experience eternal join and happiness. In spite of his terrible circumstances in life, Lazarus never stopped believing in the true and living God.
Like me, you may be facing some really hard struggles and difficulties. Keep praying and asking the Lord for help and deliverance. Jesus told us not to give up in our prayers but to keep on seeking, asking and knocking. Jesus has the power to deliver us from any and every problem.
However, the Lord may choose not to deliver us in this life. We must remain faithful in spite of the negative circumstances because all will be well ultimately. Jesus is worthy of all of our praise and adoration. He has gone to prepare a place for those of us who put our trust in Him. One day, when we are with Jesus, all of the problems will seem as nothing compared with the joy and love that is experienced in the presence of the Lord Jesus.
I realize that I kind of preached to myself a lot in the sermon this week. I hope that you got something out of the message. Next week, I want to bring a message about Stephen from the book of Acts. After that, I want to talk about Christmas. On Wednesday, I will post another book review. May God bless you all.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Book Review
Today I am reviewing a book entitled "A Dog Named Slugger" written by Leigh Brill. Ms. Brill was born with cerebral palsy that made it hard for her to walk. While in graduate school, she met someone with a service dog who suggested that a service dog could be of great assistance with her cerebral palsy disabilities. Leigh contacted a service dog organization, and she was matched with a yellow Labrador named Slugger. This book tells about how Slugger changed Leigh's life. He gave her more confidence and provided love and friendship. There is a good chapter in the book about the author's fight against discrimination when she tried to bring Slugger to work with her. I highly recommend this book. It is a good dog book and a good book about overcoming obstacles in life and moving ahead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)