Getting Through Christmas When You Lost a Loved One

The 'Woke' Generation

 It is accepted that the so-called 'Woke' movement stands for idealism, intuition, romance, generosity, creativity, wisdom, and tolerance. Interesting. I suggest that all of these things sound good on the surface, however, they are essentially emotional responses to our environment and social condition.

The problem is that the spiritual nature of man is pretty much ignored. I would further suggest that the real 'Woke Movement' consists of those who have discovered God's presence and interaction with His creation. Truly 'Woke' individuals have learned that God lives, that God loves, and God liberates for all eternity those who seek Him out. Considering this broader look at 'Wokeness' and what it means for me, I am proud to call myself part of the 'Woke' generation. (Gary Laws, 'By His Stripes Blog')

What Happens One Minute After You Die?

 

Heavenward

 Heavenward! by Gary Laws

I believe, above, there is a land,

Far from the toils of life.

A place where love and peace does reign,

No tears, no quarrels, no strife!

A place that has been set aside,

for saints and sinners too.

Who've had their sins forgiven by,

The One whose life is true.

It is eternal, lasting, real,

Where Christ has built our home.

In mansions fair, we will abide,

No more to wildly roam.

Tis' heaven, this place that Christ does live,

and we shall live with Him.

For all eternity we'll sing,

Our praises to our King!

This all is very real, you know,

Were it not so He'd tell.

His promises are true, for you,

for me in Heav'n we'll dwell.

What Glory waits, what light doth shine,

upon the holy hill,

where God doth sit, His arms outstretched,

for this, His blood did spill!

Copyright 2012 © Gary D. Laws All Rights Reserved

Some Personal Thought on Personal Loss

 

SAYRE CHRISTIAN VILLAGE WORSHIP 9/26/2021

Nice to have my daughter, Cathy, and Granddaughter, Madison, assisting in the Sayre Christian Village Worship Service today. Cathy is the Pastor's wife at Emmanual Baptist Church in Stanton, Kentucky.

 

Christians and Social Ministry

Preaching at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky.

I enjoyed preaching at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky. It was a great experience.

 

GRACE

 Grace

If in me a light does shine,

Tis' because the Lord is mine.

Saved and sanctified within,

Serving humbly, now for Him.

I cannot claim His bloodstained robe,

except by grace on me bestowed.

My life falls short of all I owe,

I've surely missed the mark.

Sin takes it's toll for I have seen,

in me dark shadows stand between,

my God, my Lord and all that's clean,

Save grace that's made me whole.

Tis' grace that comes to those who seek,

the freedom of new life 's mystique.

The knowledge of the truth, the One,

Discovered through the Son.

Amazing grace, so undeserved,

Yet Jesus life and death reserved,

For us new life He has secured,

With Him we'll dwell through time!

And now for you, the Lord awaits,

your sin and sins He will replace,

With grace that others have embraced,

Now yours forevermore.

The everlasting crown now yours,

protects, preserves, makes heaven yours.

Ensures your presence on the shores, With Jesus there to dwell.

(Gary Laws)

Leadership

 It is not leadership when you compel certain behaviors from people. Pushing people into compliance by way of your authority cannot be looked at as a positive thing. Real leaders lead by example and they inspire those who are subordinate to them. It is then that people respond and get the job done.Churchmen, listen and learn! (GDL, EMM Ministries)

How Can You Know Heaven is Yours?

Internet Ministry for Today

 

Can Heaven Really Be Yours?

Putting Out the Fire

Bible Discovery Video Promo

Trusting God for a Better Life

Get Up, Get Ready!

Destination: Heaven - ETA Unknown

Friend of the Friendless

I Have Heard the Joyful Sound (2)

The Pandemic and Our Spiritual Health

Fear of the Unknown

One interesting thought. Some of you are old enough to remember Orson Welles and 'War of the Worlds'. One after one, world leaders took to the air waves to address their people about the arrival of the aliens. People were in a state of panic and behaviors changed as a result. That was all people were talking about. All other news was set aside for the coverage of this world wide invasion.

It occurred to me that some 'invaders' cannot be seen. They come in all forms and panic is often the result. We are now experiencing a very real 'invasion'. These invaders cannot be seen, but we know they are there...somewhere!

With the onset of the Corona Virus, there is , indeed other news. It is good news, comforting news, powerful news. That news is... GOD IS STILL HERE, He is present everywhere,and He is still in control.

"So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you;
don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, help you.
I am here with My right hand to make right
and to hold you up."

Isaiah 41:10

A New Life

"Jesus paid it all,
all to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

(Alvina M. Hall)

The impact of these words is evidenced by the fact they are published in over 700 hymnals. The song is a testimony to the thoroughness of Christ's atonement and sacrifice.  Christ's sacrifice on the cross was so powerful that it literally wipes out all of the penitents sin. There is no sin so egregious that it cannot be forgiven by God, who loves all of His creation.

As you survey, in your thoughts, all of the wrong you may have committed, know that God so completely loves you that He will forgive ALL of your misdeeds and you can begin the rest of your days with a clean slate. All you need do is recognize your sin, confess it to Him and ask Him to forgive you, and finally, commit your life to following Him all the remaining days of your life.. Do this, and heaven will be yours and, in the meantime, you will live the abundant life as God has intended for you. God Bless you!

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Matters of Health-Ok, then...What Should we Pray For?

How often do we pray for the healing of another? Pretty often, I would guess. I pray that God would restore to health many people as I become aware of their physical and emotional needs.

However, I cannot help but wonder if such prayers are appropriate. I think, at times, I should just be asking that God's will be done as it regards the sick and infirm.

Have you had similar thoughts? Not to worry. I believe that it is just fine to do both. Jesus prayed that the cup He had been given be taken from him. He then prayed, "nevertheless Thy will be done". Following this example, we should do both it would seem.

Judgement Day

Evangelical Christians believe that there is coming a day of accountability.  They believe that , one day, everyone will stand before a holy and righteous God who will pass judgement upon them and the life they have lived.

Unfortunately, some hasten that day of judgement by the opinions and observations they make about others, even other Christians. While I believe it is proper to judge certain behaviors, passing judgement on people, as individuals, is a risky business! Most often we lack any real knowledge of where people have come from in life and where they really stand before God.

At times we pass judgement on people because we do know something of their history. We see them for all the mistakes they have made in life while failing to recognize who they really are...today!

A wise man once said, "Don't judge a person for who they were. Appreciate them for who they have become!" Good advice for us all!

Discovering Your Real Self in Ministry

It is said that, "All of life is a stage!". There is a great deal of truth to this, I believe. It would seem that we are all 'performers' of one sort or another.

This is true, not only in life, but also in ministry, I suspect. Many ministers are trained to put on great performances. Please the 'audience' and be all things to all people. We spend so much time creating an image of ourselves that, often, we fail to discover and develop our true person. Not only do others fail to see the 'real' person behind the persona but, in truth, there may not be a real person there at all!

O, if only we could 'get off the stage' and discover who the person God created us to be really is. Then, perhaps, others would make the same discovery. It would be a real person they would meet, not some fabricated notion of who we think we should be! Do this and you may learn, for yourself, who you really are!

Music Conservatory at Melbourne Corps

 Sunday July 9th saw the Camp Keystone Music Conservatory Students visit The Salvation Army in Melbourne, Florida.

Under the watchful eye of the Divisional Music Director, these students performed a variety of
                                                        Salvation Army music & drama.

Lieutenant Carlos Roja, Corps officer, welcomed over 50 young people to the morning worship service and it was standing room only for the service.

Lieutenant Roja brought the morning message, assisted by his wife and the Sergeant Major.

The service opened with the fabled 'Star Lake March' by the conservatory brass band. This was followed by the Conservatory Songsters and the drama section. All three sections made outstanding contributions to morning worship. 

 The Salvation Army is noted for it's work with young people throughout the world and the same is true in the state of Florida. The Salvation Army's Camp Keystone is home to the Conservatory.
 I was particularly impressed with the brass band which performed at a very high level. Whether performing a rousing march or a meaningful devotional, the band showed an incredible discipline as they played.

After morning worship there was a time of fellowship over lunch and then an afternoon concert.

Everyone in attendance was filled with excitement as the Salvation Army youth ministered to all present. (Gary Laws) 

The Salvation Army Melbourne, Florida

The Salvation Army of Melbourne, Florida is a Salvation Army church and Social Service Center. It is located on the Florida Space Coast.

I have been attending church at Melbourne for almost a year now although illness has kept me from fully participating.

The following are some pictures of a recent worship service.

The members of the Melbourne Corps meet every Sunday. They worship in a lovely sanctuary just blocks from the Melbourne airport.

Visitors are always welcome and they come frequently. Located on Florida's Space Coast, The Salvation Army of Melbourne welcomes guests from all over the world.

 

 Music is a big part of the worship service. The Corps has a Band, Songster Brigade (Choir) , Worship Team and several pianists who add much to                                                                     the uplifting character of worship. 

 The Band adds a lot to the worship setting. Bandmaster Alan Moss, who is also a professional musician, composes and arranges music for local Melbourne music groups. However, his primary commitment has been to Salvation Army music. Originally from St. Louis, Alan has been in Melbourne for almost twenty years.

 

As is the case in most Florida churches, members come from all over the United States including the Caribbean Islands.

 

 Major Juan Guadalupe and Major Bivi Guadalupe
are the Pastors and both serve with energy and commitment  to the people they lead.

       

We Have Done Away with God!

Mass murder is but one of the symptoms of our declining society. There are many more.

The disintegration of the nuclear family, divorce higher than ever, single parent households higher than ever, explosive sexual content in all forms of media, church going on the decline, the banning of God in the public arena, the increasing restriction on religious speech and on the list goes.

You can believe whatever you want, but we are reaping the benefits of a culture who has done away with God.

We have become a hedonistic society whose only concern is doing what feels good regardless of the consequences. What used to be regarded as right and virtuous is now considered to be narrow minded, bigoted, hateful and ...downright wrong!

Yes, you can believe whatever you want! That is your right.

I believe, like the ostrich who places his head in the sand, we have become blind to all that is good and righteous! GDL

The Christians Role in a Declining Culture

The Christians Role in a Declining Culture

Very few times in history has the personal ministry of God‘s servants been needed more than today! These are not normal times! It would seem that the world around us is falling apart at the seams and that the influence of the devil is more prevalent than ever. Everywhere we look, we are confronted with the reality that we live in very troubled times.

The world is rejecting traditional Judeo/Christian values like never before. Principles that were once regarded as virtuous are now considered, by many, to be narrow minded and unrealistic. Humanity seems to be living more recklessly. The notion of a Higher Power is seen as naive. Humanity is becoming openly hostile toward people of faith. To publicly bear the name Christian, once a high and noble claim, is to risk holding one’s self up to ridicule, even shame in today’s world.

World Politics

The politics of the world are changing as well. I am not referring to partisan politics, rather I am pointing out that radical factions in the world have developed philosophies that are bringing, or at least seem to be bringing, civilization to its knees.

Political terrorism, once confined to a few areas of our globe, has now become a worldwide problem. The conflicts we face seem to be absolutely senseless. The global community is facing a type of radicalism that it rarely has seen before and it is not difficult to conclude these are not normal times. This radicalism has claimed the lives of millions of people and there is no end in sight.

Church Conflict

Even the Christian Church seems to be in crisis. The absolutes we find in Scripture are being called into question. The divinity of Jesus; the requirements of salvation; the virgin birth; Christ’s atonement on the cross; even His very existence are being challenged within some factions of the Christian community.

Adultery, illicit and deviant sexual behavior, truthfulness, character and integrity are seen within the context of a relative philosophy.

Behaviors, once thought to be in violation of God’s law, are now deemed acceptable under certain relative circumstances.

I believe the Gospel message is needed today more than at any other time in history! Yet, if the Gospel is to be heard then it must be brought by God’s people who are remaining faithful to its message.

World Conditions Predicted

Our Scripture is taken from Jude 17-23:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (KJV)

For the purpose of this study, I would like to concentrate on these verses. They speak very directly to the condition of the world today. It refers to mockers in the last time, those last days before Christ’s coming.

Yet, there is a sense in which Christians should not be surprised as we look at the circumstances of our modern world. After all, the Bible has predicted that, as we get closer to the second coming of Christ, the condition of the world will deteriorate.

One of the concerns that I have, however, is that Christians will develop the attitude, “Oh well, there’s not much we can do about it anyway!” It is true that the things predicted in Scripture will come to pass. However, this should not be cause for Christians to abandon the mission they have been given. That mission is to reach the lost of this world for Jesus, the Christ!

Even in the midst of evildoing and sin, there remains the need for the Gospel to be preached. Perhaps it would be better to suggest that especially in the midst of evil and sin! The Gospel message must be raised above the clamor of the world so as to save them that would receive it. Only the power God can positively impact these conditions. These are not normal times!

God Will Use His People

Because of this, Christians must respond to the hearkening call of the Great Commission. If we believe that Jesus is coming again, and if we believe that He is the only means by which men might be saved, then we cannot shrink from our responsibility. If our desire is to be used of God, then our responsibility is to allow God to use us! We must avail ourselves of every opportunity to share God’s love with a dying world.

Courage in the Face of Opposition

 Additionally, we must be willing to do it in the face of significant opposition from those who are determined to silence God and His people. Of course, we know that God cannot be silenced. He will not be silenced! He will continue to use those who make themselves available under these most difficult circumstances.

I realize that one of the great unexplained mysteries of the Bible is why God chooses to use humble humanity at all. He could just ‘will’ peace on earth if He desired to. He could wipe out all adversaries with the stroke of His mighty hand. I don’t pretend to understand why God has chosen humanity as his instrument to communicate to the world. All I know is that He has.

This reality requires that we be faithful and courageous in the face of mounting difficulties. After all, the Bible says, “but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

How Did We Get Here?

I would like to take a quick look at Jude 16 which says, “There are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men‘s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

When men complain and seek their own interests, they do so to promote their own position in this world. They seek their own advantage and this is demonstrated by their behavior. In large measure, this behavior has led us to the current state of affairs in the world today!

As we examine history, we discover that world conflict arises when humanity is seeking its own advantage. Wars are fought to gain the upper hand over one or more groups of people. At times it is geographic expansionism that drives conflict so as to increase the power and influence of the aggressors. Men are at variance with each other for the purpose of financial gain. Often, radical ideologies drive discord among the people of the world. Wars have even been fought over religion, including those fighting in the name of Christianity.

Can There Be Any Hope For This World?

The question must be asked... Is there any hope for this dying world? The answer is clear in Scripture; our hope is in Jesus Christ! Our hope is in His goodness. Our hope is in the truth that good will eventually vanquish evil. If we truly expect to be used of God, then we must hold steadfastly to this truth. God conquers all adversaries, in His own time!

I am reminded of the hymn, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.” (Edward Mote, 1797-1874) Our hope is in a God who will be victorious, regardless of the current state of world affairs.

Where Do We Begin?

So then, how should Christians be going about doing the will of God under these circumstances? You may be asking yourself, how can I stop terrorism or how can I change the hearts and minds of my fellow human beings? You can’t. But God, using you, can!

Are We Really at War?

First, we must acknowledge that we are in a battle. Each of us, as God’s representatives in this world, is called to a spiritual warfare that is every bit as real as human conflict. Now, there is a tendency within some segments of the Church to eliminate, or at least minimize, the use of militaristic language in both the spoken word and song. I am not sympathetic to this movement. Christians must be fully aware that all wars in history pale in comparison to the spiritual war we are fighting against sin and the Evil One.

For many years we have sung the Christian hymn, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before…” (Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924). While this imagery may be distasteful to some, it does reflect biblical teaching. This spiritual conflict is a war and, like all wars, must be fought with great intensity, purpose and diligence.

We are ‘Soldiers without Swords’

Once we realize there is a spiritual world crisis, it will become clear how important our responsibility really is. We are called to vanquish evil; not with the modern weaponry of this world, but with the love of God! We are ‘Soldiers without Swords’ who are armed with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We do not seek to destroy God’s creation, but to save it!

We Are Called to Change the Hearts of Men

Every day people are passing into eternity without the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Some have not yet heard the message, while others have heard and rejected it. One thing is for certain, however; God has called us to bring the message of His love to this chaotic world. It is this message of love and compassion that will change the hearts of those who accept it. That is what God does! He changes the hearts of the penitent. He gives them new purpose and direction. He brings a new understanding of life’s value. When God changes hearts, a behavioral transformation takes place! That is how Christians, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will change the world around them.

No, these are not normal times! The circumstances of our day call for action on the part of all of God’s people. Christians believe that on the day of Christ’s second coming, the final victory will be achieved. While we do not know the exact hour or time; we can be sure that He will come again! In the meantime, like the disciples when sent to Jerusalem, we must pray and work without ceasing.

For Those in Ministry

We are praying for all those in ministry this morning. Specifically that God would keep them from discouragement and emotional pain. We ask that when facing challenges which seem unbearable that God will send His assurance and strength. Further, that God will lift their spirits and remind them of His greatness and faithfulness.

 

I invite my friends to pray for them also. At times, ministry can be very difficult, even when they are doing everything as they should. The dark forces of this world can drag someone down to the point where it seems there can be no recovery.

But....recovery and restoration can be found at the feet of the One who has called them!

O, Lord we pray for and believe in miracles!

UPDATE!

 

Back at Moody Air Force Base this past week. We have a real appreciation for our nations military and, in particular, it's Airmen. Back home on the 9th.

They Still Love You

They Still Love You!

Today, I am thinking of all those wonderful people who have suffered strokes. Many people fail to fully understand those who are stroke survivors, especially those survivors who have suffered significant brain damage. There is a tendency to shy away from them or, somehow, to think they are mentally challenged, when, in fact, that may not be the case at all.

Perhaps they have difficulty speaking or they speak in a fashion others were never accustomed to hearing before. For many of their family and friends this is uncomfortable. They see their family member in a different light, perhaps.

This is especially true for teenagers and other youth who might be a bit embarrassed by their loved ones speech, demeanor, or actions.

One thing I would share with everyone....they are still the Dad, Mom, Grand mom and Grandpa you always knew! They may seem different on the outside, but, on the inside, they are still the same loving person you have always known. Make a special effort to let them know that you still love them and care about them.

Don't feed the loneliness they may feel by shying away from them. Remember, they still love YOU!

Thought for Today

I have been traveling much of the summer and have not kept up with my blog posts. Here is a thought for today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work with What God Has Given You

Many times, Christians feel under pressure to get out of the church into the community and begin evangelizing as if they were the Apostle Paul! The truth is that, while God does want us all to win others to Jesus Christ, not every Christian is comfortable with 'buttonholing' people they don't know, or even people they do know.

However, I believe that God has given every one of His people abilities that will enable them to win the lost in so...me way. I have often said that "I don't impose my faith on anyone!" "However, I am more than willing to 'share' my faith with all who will listen!

When I was a much younger man, I remember singing the old hymn, "Win them one by one!" The words are:

"You bring the one next to you and
I'll bring the one next to me.
In no time at all, we'll win them all.
Win them, win them, One by One!"

Whatever talents God has given you, resolve to use them to simply let others know of what He has done for you. I believe that in no time at all you will be given the blessing of the soul winner! Preach, teach, pray, and set before your friends the example God has called you to be! They will come!

The Love Imperative

Christians do not have the power or the authority to either condemn or redeem. Only to love!

 

God will effect His judgement in accordance with those standards of behavior established in Scripture. This judgement will be fair and equitable.

Yes, we must teach scriptural truth, as God has enabled us to know it, however, we must always teach those truths with a spirit of love and a desire to win the lost.

Now, lets all be about the business of love and leave the rest to a Holy God... who loves us all.

John 3:16 (KJV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Work with What God Has Given You!

Many times, Christians feel under pressure to get out of the church into the community and begin evangelizing as if they were the Apostle Paul! The truth is that, while God does want us all to win others to Jesus Christ, not every Christian is comfortable with 'buttonholing' people they don't know, or even people they do know.

However, I believe that God has given every one of His people abilities that will enable them to win the lost in some way. I have often said that "I don't impose my faith on anyone!" "However, I am more than willing to 'share' my faith with all who will listen!

When I was a much younger man, I remember singing the old hymn, "Win them one by one!" The words are:

"You bring the one next to you and
I'll bring the one next to me.
In no time at all, we'll win them all.
Win them, win them, One by One!"

Whatever talents God has given you, resolve to use them to simply let others know of what He has done for you. I believe that in no time at all you will be given the blessing of the soul winner! Preach, teach, pray, and set before your friends the example God has called you to be! They will come!

In Defense of Tradition

In Defense of Tradition

                                               Gary D. Laws

Can you imagine the queens Guard Band marching to Buckingham palace playing a Tommy Dorsey swing arrangement in place of the traditional British March! I would imagine the Brits would go ballistic, if not the Queen herself! But why would this elicit such a negative reaction?
Tradition, of course!

I have stood at the palace in London and watched the Guards approach from the distance, marching down the Mall toward the Palace grounds. Given my British heritage, I found this to be a real thrill, even a 'heart pounding' experience. It was wonderful!

In this modern day and age, I think tradition is getting a bad rap! Those who find it meaningful are often criticized, if not ostracized by friend and foe alike.  Get 'with it' they are told and leave such nonsense behind!

Tradition has become an issue in the Christian Church also, especially as it regards music and the modern forms it has taken amidst the faithful.

I believe everyone should worship in an atmosphere they are comfortable with and if that means the more modern offerings then I say wonderful! However, be careful not to hold the 'traditionalist' in contempt. If the traditional music is meaningful to some (I believe many), then let's encourage those who seek it out.

Being comfortable in the worship setting is a prerequisite for true worship. I believe  that is why many churches are offering two services on Sunday morning, one contemporary and one traditional. Of course, to do this you must have a sufficiently large attendance if you are going to seperate the services.

There is another point that might be made. Rick Warren once wrote, "Show me a radio station with a mixed format and I will show you a radio station bound to fail" His point being that people will listen to one genre' at a time and if you mix them on the same station they will tune out! Traditional and Contemporary in the same service are rarely conducive to growth.

I seek out traditional music because it stirs my soul and brings me closer to God.  It enables me to worship as I should. I don't like being criticized for it.

I also like other worship traditions like special music, the choir, vocal and instrumental soloists and so much more.

For those who seek out the more contemporary, more power to you if that helps you get closer to God! As for me, I seek the traditional. I seek what makes me 'feel good' and I don't apologize for it! I seek to be moved by the Spirit as I sing the traditional hymns....that is what is meaningful to me.

I doubt we will be listening or hearing the Queens Bands playing swing style (on the march) anytime soon. Good for them! I applaud them for it!

Best Kept Secret in Oklahoma



Larry and Rick Simpson with Gary Laws (Center)

contact: lawsgaryla@aol.com

 In this day and age when so many of the Hollywood productions are not fit for family viewing, it is a pleasure to know that some studios are specializing in family friendly films.

Skeleton Creek Productions of Enid, Oklahoma is one of those film companies! Located in what would seem to be an unlikely location, SCP is far from the glitter of Hollywood but it is no less professional in it's cinematic offerings.

Hotel Room and/or Doctors Office

Larry and Rick Simpson are the Executive Producers and they  recently gave my wife and I a tour of the many movie sets that support the Western Movie genre' they specialize in. While most of the outdoor shots are filmed in Colorado, New Mexico and other southwestern locations, the indoor scenes are shot at the Oklahoma studios which include an old west Hotel, Saloon, Bunkhouse, General Store and much more.

 

If you are ever in Oklahoma, this stop in Enid is an absolute must see. Thank you, Larry and Rick, for keeping the western genre' alive and producing films that are suitable for the whole family!

 

Mercantile Entrance

Old Western Bank lobby

Mercantile Store

 

Movie Set Photos

 

 

Saloon

Hotel Lobby

Mercantile Store

Jericho Workshop Concludes

The Jericho Workshop was conducted in Vero Beach, Florida on October 1-5. Hosted by The Salvation Army of Vero Beach, the workshop covered a full range of Biblical studies that focused on Joshua and the people of Israel at the battle of Jericho.

Central to the weeks teaching was the importance of God's people following the plan, which was given by God, and the strict requirement of obedience to God's instruction.

 

The workshop series consisted of four evening meetings with great singing and special music preliminary to each meeting. Sunday morning worship was the 5th and final session.

I am grateful to Majors Sam and Veronica Van Denberg, Corps Officers (pastors) at The Salvation Army, Dave May, Bandmaster, Major Linda Yeck of Minneapolis for providing special music. The Vero Beach Salvation Army Band was on duty each evening.  They featured a special composition of "Joshua Fit' the Battle of Jericho', which was written especially for these special meetings by David May. I trust that God touched the hearts of all those attending and that they will have found the workshop worthwhile.

The Next 'Jericho Workshop'...Vero Beach, Florida

The next 'Jericho Workshop' will be held at The Salvation Army in Vero Beach, Florida, October 1-5, 2014. If you live in the area, and would like to attend, please contact Major Sam Van Denberg, Corps Officer in Vero Beach.

The Church and Change!

We live in a world that requires everything to be new! Perhaps the best example of this is found in the products we sell. Every year we have to have a new car design, however simple the change, in order to keep the consumer happy. Car sales would plummet were it not for these changes!

Another up to date example is in the field of technology. Computers, Smart Phones, Note Pads, iPads and on and on the list goes. In order for manufacturers to maintain market-share they must constantly be 'seen' as improving product reliability, serviceability and functionality. These changes may be substantive or superficial, but one thing is for sure...change is the order of the day!

I cannot help but what wonder if this 'market strategy mentality' is not also creeping (or leaping) into the Church. Can it be that worshipers are also requiring everything to be new? Are we constantly reworking our forms of worship so as to 'increase market-share'? In an effort to please people, are we actually subordinating the work of the Holy Spirit to our own designs and plans? Is it our thinking that we must be 'seen' as progressive in order to be relevant in today's world? Do we have such little confidence in the work of the Holy Spirit that we have replaced it with our own desires, thinking and motivations?

Some of the changes may be Spirit led and substantive, while many other changes may be superficial and counterproductive. In order to keep our 'consumers' happy it may well be that we are seeking change for no other purpose than to rid ourselves of the traditional and create the appearance of being up to date and forward thinking..

I would suggest that it is not as important to be 'seen' as relevant as it is to BE relevant! Being 'seen' has been the downfall of religion and religious people for all of Church history. Calling attention to ourselves will always lead to failure. Calling attention to Jesus and His work will always lead to eternal rewards. O, I know we say we ARE calling attention to Him when in reality we are doing little more than putting ourselves on display.

Having said all of this, I am not opposed to change at all. I am opposed to change that is motivated by self promotion, superficial displays and narcissistic behaviors! I am opposed to the proponents of change who arrogantly purport to have a better way, if not the only way!

The Church ought not to be following the marketing strategies of the Big Three automakers in Detroit...after all, they are going bankrupt! Change for changes sake WILL bring CHANGE....just not the change we need!

"What Makes Christians Different" Video Devotional

Is There Something You Can Do About This?

Al is my next door neighbor. He leaves his doors and windows open most days so as to conserve on energy I would guess. Often I hear Al singing at the top of his lungs to recordings. One day he invited me over to hear his form of Karaoke. He has all the equipment one could imagine. Al lost his wife two years ago and he shared with me that singing helps with the loneliness. He sits all day long, day after day, alone in his apartment. He told me that since his wife passed, "I am so lonely. I can hardly stand it." Sue and I are going to make it a point to visit with him as often as possible.

My heart goes out to all of those in similar situations. There are millions of people struggling with loneliness. Surely some of them are within 'shouting' distance of where you live. Are you looking for them with a heart inclined to lessen their suffering?

What to Do With a Friend Who Is Lonely

One reason people avoid helping a lonely friend is because they already feel stressed out and think that their friend will be a drag on their precious time. In fact, you're probably more likely to call a busy friend who doesn't have time for you than a lonely one that needs your support. So starting today, change this approach. Lonely people don't expect you to be there for them 24/7, but they do need some kindness.
 
Here are some ideas for including a lonely friend in your life, even when you're busy:

• Invite them along to a regular get-together you might be having with another friend.

• Ask them if they want to come with you to run an errand. You can chat and get to know each other as you both grocery shop or run the kids to their appointments.

• Ask them over when you have a family dinner. Your family has to eat, and so does your friend. Combine the two.

• Help them make a connection by introducing them to your other friends.

• Feel like chilling out in front of the TV? Ask a friend over to join you.

• Call to check in on them occasionally.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        God will bless you immeasurably!