Man Becomes Like The God He Serves

I heard an interesting statement yesterday. "Man becomes like the God he serves." I had to think about that for a moment. I didn’t readily agree at first, but you know the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with it. I have said for years that we develop our earliest ideas about God from what we see in our fathers. If your father was a strong personality, a disciplinarian, chances are pretty good that you saw God this way early in your life. If he was patient, laid back and easy going, again chances are good that this is how you saw God. We also are influenced in this area by our preachers and church leaders as we listen to them and see them make application of scriptures. We inherit our initial concepts of God. If we then take those concepts of God to the scripture with us, and it would be almost impossible not to do this, we in turn interpret the scriptures through the filter of our picture of God. We even read them with the perceived inflection, tone and attitude we think "our" God would express. One can only wonder where guys like Fred Phelps, who preaches hate and his members picket funerals of our troops, got their initial impressions of God. But it does tell us much about how he views the God he serves. Through the years my concepts of God have changed, thankfully. The God that I initially served was not very appealing. He was very judgmental, quick to punish, and very intolerant. As a result my early years of preaching could be described as, "Hell Fire and Brimstone", "Repent or else". There was allot of fear motivation in those early years mainly because fear was my own personal motivation. The God I served caused me to have fear so I felt it my obligation to cause fear in the hearts of others. I had become like the God I was serving. What brought about the change from then until now? In short it was the development of my own personal faith. Spending time with God and His word. Spending time with older, mature Christians who had grown in their relationship with God through the years. All of these things began to challenge long held ideas about God. Slowly, but surely, the Father began to chip away at my heart and the transformation was begun. I say begun, because it will be a life long task. So what is the God you serve like? Chances are He looks at things allot like you do.

How Did We Get Here?

I ran across an interesting article today. The article opened with this statement. "I once heard a church-growth consultant remark, "most churches are not rejected, they are ignored." Church buildings are on every corner it seems, but if you are among the unchurched, it matters little to you, unless you get caught in a traffic jam as services let out. Few churches today are proactive. They are more like "fall out shelters" where the members come to escape the constant bombardment of sin. Once service is over we rush to our cars, stop by our favorite restaurant, usually with other members, and we always sit in the non-smoking section. We don’t want to get to close to those of the world lest something rub off on us. We notice those who are not dressed in church clothes and feel sorry for them. But that is about as far as it goes. I wonder to myself sometimes, "How did we get here?" How could we have lost that evangelist spirit? How could we have become so complacent toward people who are lost and without hope. Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, that when we lose our saltiness we become good for nothing. He also said that you don’t light a candle to hide it under a basket, (or a church building), you put it on a stand to be seen by all. I guess in some ways we have become the "underground church", not to be confused with those who do so because of persecution and fear of death. Isn’t that ironic? "Father forgive us for our timidity, we know it didn’t come from you. May your love compel us to share what wonderful things you have done for us, with those who have no hope".

ACAPPELLA CONCERT - MARCH 11TH.

FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE YOUTH MINISTRY AT MADISON CHURCH OF CHRIST. CALL 615-860-3252 FOR TICKET INFORMATION. THIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT EVENING.

Homecoming Mourns the Loss of a Dear Friend

If you are a fan of southern Gospel music, you will be familiar with the name Bill Gaither. His "Homecoming" concerts are held all over the US and the world for that matter. I just receive word last night that Anthony Burger, piano player for these concerts and the Gaither Vocal Band, died suddenly during a concert on a cruise ship of an apparent heart attack on February 22nd. Anthony was only 44 years of age and leaves behind a wife, two children a family that loved him dearly, and many devoted fans. Over the last several years a number of the older members of the "Homecoming" group have passed away. But Anthony was really just in his prime.Without question he will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.

Marzipan Babies

Thanks to Terry Hoover fotr sharing these amazing pics with us!

These are made with marzipan....really unbelievable! While some of the faces may look "crafted" rather than "real", every detail is amazing, and the rest looks VERY real. Be blessed and enjoy the talent given one person by God.

Definition of Marzipan: A Almond paste: a sweet paste made of ground almonds and sugar, often with egg whites or yolks, used as a layer in cakes or molded into ornamental shapes

Click on each picture to appreciate the detail

The Great Reign Robbery

The religious world’s view of eschatology, (last things), has left many with a tremendous void in their lives. Turn on most any religious program and someone will be talking about the latest earthquake, landslide or flood, and how this is a sign that the end of the world is near. Millions of dollars have been spent on the latest "Left Behind" series of books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. This fictional story series covers the events related to the end of time as they see it unfolding from scripture. So what is the problem? Why does this teaching leave a void in people’s lives? Let me explain. First of all, while it may make for good reading, it is not true to scripture. The message of premillennialism is that the Kingdom of God is not yet established. While that was the intent of Jesus when He came, the rebellion of the Jewish nation prevented it, and the church was substituted until a time in the future when God would give it another try. Now let me ask you, is there anything in that description that caused you to question it’s validity? Have you ever known the will of man to overrule the will of God? Have you ever know God to "try" to do something and not do it? The Kingdom was preached by John and Jesus as being "at hand", (Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Jesus also said that some of those who heard Him speak would "see" the kingdom come with power, (Mark 9:1; Matt. 16:28; Luke 9:27). Add to this that the New Testament writers spoke of the kingdom as being in existence and that they were apart of it, (Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9). The nature of this Kingdom was spiritual, not physical, (Luke 17:20-21). Just like the Jewish nation of old, many today are waiting for a physical Kingdom and a physical Christ to reign upon the earth. This brings me to the second, and maybe the most important reason for my concern about this view of the "End". Jesus is reigning NOW, and we should be too! Someone once called this teaching "The Great Reign Robbery". While millions wait to reign, they could be reigning with Him now. There is almost an air of doom and gloom over the religious world today. The focus is on all the bad that is happening, how evil is taking over our world. I often hear prayers asking Jesus to come and take us out of all of this. I wonder, have we forgot why He has us here in the first place? But more on that later. Let me ask you, are things really that bad today? Look at what many suffered in Biblical times, (Heb 11:32-40). Note the following. "Are things getting worse? Would the evidence for deterioration be the hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis? That doesn’t work to well. When we ask ourselves ""In which generation since the first century have their been these things?"" the answer comes back ""in all of them"",. The truth is - since Jesus came into the world, brought his word, and established his kingdom, things have improved immensely. Temple prostitution is down. Sacrificing sons and daughters in fire to Chemosh are down. Worship of the mythological God’s is down. The number of people who choose a course of action by cutting open birds and sifting through their guts for direction is down. Slavery is down. Knowledge is up. The availability of God’s word and wisdom is up phenomenally. The number of Christians, and the percentage, is up. Facility of travel is up. Medical advances, communication technology, and material abundance are all way beyond what they were in the first century. And Christians can make the case that Jesus coming into the world has produced most of the freedom and progress leading to these advances." (Terry Hall, "Then The End Will Come). Because many see the return of Jesus as being imminent, there is an attitude of "what’s the use". "He will be here soon anyway, let Him sort it all out when He comes". With this attitude no long range plans are made, vision is short sighted and limited. You would think it would cause urgency, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. There also seems to be a spirit of timidity when we face the world. We don’t act according to our position. Think with me about this for a minute. If we really believed that Jesus is on the throne, and we are "fellow-heirs with Him" (Rom. 8:17), would that change the way you view your world? How would it change your self image, your self confidence? Would you be more bold? Think for a moment about the change that took place in Peter. He was a disciple of bold claims, but weak follow through. He denied, lied and cursed to keep from being associated with Jesus. But after the Resurrection and the Kingdom came look at him! He speaks boldly for the Lord. Even when beaten and imprisoned, you can’t shut him up. From historical records we learn he died by crucifixion, upside down, the position at his request, because he felt he didn’t deserve to die like his Lord. I am reminded of Mark 4:35-41 where Mark tells of the time that the disciples were in a boat with Jesus and a fierce storm arose. Here is the picture Mark describes. The disciples are afraid for their lives, and Jesus is sleeping like a baby. Fear, doom and gloom have no place when we are in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals who ever lived, conquered almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, he couldn't sleep and left his tent to walk around the campgrounds. As he was walking he came across a soldier asleep on guard duty - a serious offense. The penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death; the commanding officer sometimes poured kerosene on the sleeping soldier and lit it. The soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life. "Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty?" Alexander the Great asked the soldier. "Yes, sir," the soldier responded in a quivering voice. "Soldier, what's your name?" demanded Alexander the Great. "Alexander, sir." Alexander the Great repeated the question: "What is your name?" "My name is Alexander, sir," the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly Alexander the Great asked, "What is your name?" A third time the soldier meekly said, "My name is Alexander, sir." Alexander the Great then looked the young soldier straight in the eye. "Soldier," he said with intensity, "either change your name or change your conduct." Nuff said!

MEMORIES

From about the age of eleven I lived in the small town of Greenbrier, Tennessee. I was passing through Greenbrier last Fall and took a picture of the church building where I worshipped during my early years. A lot of memories came flooding back as I thought of those days. Sonny Childers, my best friend at the time, and I led the singing for most services. The singing in that old building without carpet and just bare walls really sounded great. There were deacon pews at both sides of the pulpit and that is where the teens would sit. That kept us out of trouble and in full few of our parents. Most Sundays the building would be filled near capacity. Everybody had "their" pew and that seldom changed unless a visitor got their first and caused them to sit somewhere strange. Most of the prayers had those all familiar phrases that you just learned to prayer from hearing them so often. You would have thought that we had a book of prayers that we prayed from. There were a lot of "Thees" and "Thous", just like you would read in the King James Bibles that we used back then. I especially remember brother Billingsly’s prayers. What struck me most about him was not the words he used, but his posture when he prayed. I can still hear the creaking of the wood floors and the pews as at the age of 90+ he struggled to kneel between the pews. Even as a teenager I was moved to see him make such an effort, not to be seen of others, but because this was a position of reverence to him, and to many of his generation. We did not have air conditioning back then. The funeral home provided us with fans and we keep the windows open in the Summer. I remember when they finally purchased an attic fan. It was the biggest fan I had ever seen in my life. The blades were about eight feet in diameter, and when it was cranked up on high it would pull a breeze through the windows that would keep everybody cool. It never was quite the same when we moved out on the main highway and built the new building. The church was growing and we needed more room. Barb and I were married around that time. I began preaching and we soon moved away. When ever we would get back from time to time, I would always drive by the "old building", and remember. That is where my spiritual journey began, on Maple Street, in Greenbrier, Tennessee.

"Generosity"

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen. MAN: "Hello" WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?" MAN: "Yes" WOMAN: "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?" MAN: "Sure, ..go ahead if you like it that much." WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2005 models. I saw one I really liked." MAN: "How much?" WOMAN: "$60,000" MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options." WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing .... The house we wanted lastyear is back on the market. They're asking $950,000" MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer 900,000." WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you!" MAN: "Bye, I love you, too." The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment. Then he asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"

"A Happy Heart Makes The Face Cheerful" Prov. 15:13

"Some people who attend church and sing hymns about God's love look as if they were baptized in lemon juice. This fact is sadder than it is funny. Christians should be the happiest people on earth, with smiles that proclaim God's goodness. Glum and despondent believers should be sued for false advertising--Jesus Christ is far greater than they're letting on." Jim Cymbala, "Break Through Prayer"

John Wooden - Great Coach - Great Man

I have never been much of a "round ball" fan in my life. Maybe its because I never played the game that much when I was in school. One of the greatest coaches of the game was John Wooden. John Wooden was not only one of the greatest basketball coaches to ever coach the game, but was, and is to the day, a man of character and strength. Doug Doyle sent me a note about him and I want to share a portion of it with you. "On the 21st of the month, the best man I know will do what he always does on the 21st of the month. He'll sit down and pen a love letter to his best girl. He'll say how much he misses her and loves her and can't wait to see her again. Then he'll fold it once, slide it in a little envelope and walk into his bedroom. He'll go to the stack of love letters sitting there on her pillow, untie the yellow ribbon, place the new one on top and tie the ribbon again. The stack will be 180 letters high then, because the 21st will be 15 years to the day since Nellie, his beloved wife of 53 years, died. In her memory, he sleeps only on his half of the bed, only on his pillow, only on top of the sheets, never between; with just the old bedspread they shared to keep him warm. There's never been a finer man in American sports than John Wooden, or a finer coach." Our habits speak volumes about our character! There was much more in the piece about his beliefs and principles, all needed in today's world, but seldom found. If you would like to know more about the man, check out "The Official John Wooden" website. Of all the quotes from this great man the one that stands out most in my mind is the following. "There is only one kind of a life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere. Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters." - John Wooden

Chance Encounters

I got to the church building early last night. I decided to just sit in the car and do some reading. The weather was balmy and the temperature was in the 60’s with a slight breeze blowing. It was almost Spring like. I had not be there long when a woman approached me. She ask if I was a minister or on staff at the church, and I told I her I was one of the members who worshipped here. She was probably in her 40’s but looked much older. Life had not been kind to this lady. The lines in her face told a tale as bad as the one she began to tell me. A child now dead from Aids. A boyfriend who gave her Aids now in jail. Life in a motel that was about to be padlocked if she did not pay the rent. She knew the name of our full time elder who works with our benevolent program, and told me he had been helping her with food and clothing, but she had an immediate need and he was not around. It is not unusual for there to be panhandler types in our parking lot from time to time, approaching members as they come and go. They all have convincing stories, and I am sure many of them are just that, stories. But there was an urgency in the eyes of this woman that I believed. I only had ten dollars to my name, so I gave it to her. There was such a look of relief on her face. She looked up and said, "Thank you God!", and then she thanked me and left to keep the "wolf" from locking her door. As she walked away I felt a need to do so much more than just give her money, but the situation was urgent and no time to talk of more important things. I thought of the woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus. Here too was a woman with a past that would make most of us blush. I believe these two women could have talked, compared notes and had much in common. Father bless this woman, and give us other opportunities to meet and share with her the wonderful "waters of life" that are available to her.

Rufus Takes Westminster

Rufus, the colored Bull Terrier took best in show honors at Westminster last night. Shaka Zulu, (2nd pic left) the Rottweiler, was my choice, but I was not the judge. This is the first time a Bull Terrier has taken top honors. While Barb and I have not shown dogs since the early 90’s, we still are drawn to dog shows and especially Westminster. For a few years we raised Cane Corso’s, a rare breed of mastiff from Italy. Cane’s date back to the Roman Empire. The breed was all but lost, but in recent years efforts to bring back the breed have met with some success. Tara, pictured to the left/bottom below, was our dual champion female, ICCF & ARBA. She was a natural in the ring, and without question was the best dog we ever owned. Sadly we lost her to complication during her last pregnancy. Her natural protective instincts and wonderful temperament made her the ideal family dog.

Cane Corso’s are not shown in AKC shows, but on the Rare Breed Circuit. This will be the case until the breed has more registered numbers through out the US, and the leaders of the ICCF approach the AKC for

recognition. It is my understanding that this is in the works as we speak.

At any rate, congratulations to Rufus, even if you do have a face that only a mother , or breeder could love.

Catching Up

Our time at Madison is always special, but this past Sunday was over the top. In Bible class we were introduced to Jim Cymbala through a video presentation on prayer that Jim had delivered some time ago. To say that it was powerful would be a gross understatement. Jim is pastor for the Brooklyn Tabernacle in inner city New York. He is not seminary trained, no degrees, and for the most part self taught. (Something I can relate to). His wife directs their now famous choir, although she has never studied music. This amazing couple began their ministry, "ignorant and unlearned", but with a total trust in the God they sought to serve. While we might differ in our understanding of scripture on some things, his lesson on prayer was not one of them. Jim’s lesson was based on the words of Jesus when He cleansed the temple, "my house shall be called a house of prayer". It was without question the most powerful lesson on prayer I have ever heard. Worship followed with great singing, prayers and Phil’s lesson was a continuation of a series he began last week entitled "The God You Are Looking For... Phil and Kim are doing such a great work at Madison. We are on the grow again, and the level of spirituality I don’t think has ever been greater. ****************************************** One of my work associates had open heart surgery yesterday, and I spent the day at the hospital with the family. Tim at the young age of 45 had three by-passes, and a valve replaced. Fortunately there was no heart attack to bring on the need for surgery, so he should feel like he received a new heart when all is said and done. Surgery went well and at last account he was hoping to be in a room before to long. As I sat in St. Thomas’ large waiting area filled with families waiting to hear some news concerning their loved ones, I was struck by the range of emotions flowing in that room. One moment the sound of sobbing and concern for the future, and then in another area cheers went up at the good news they had just received. To think, that this goes on day in and day out 24/7 365. ******************************************* Our snow from the weekend is now gone, and we are to be in the 60’s for the next couple of days. What a roller coaster the weather has been this year.

WINTER WONDERLAND, WE DON'T GET MANY IN TENNESSEE

We seldom get a significant snow where we live in Tennessee. But every once in a while the conditions are right to get a few inches. We got about four inches last night. It was one of those great snow man snows. Wet, easy to pack. Beautiful hanging on the trees. We are 40 miles north of Nashville and they only had rain there. Our slightly higher elevation caused the temperature to be only a degree or two lower then Nashville, and we got the snow. For you guys living in the 'North Country, I know this will not impress you. During our 20+ years in PA, and 3 years in MI, we saw "real" snows. But when you have been away from them for a while, it is good to see one, even if only four inches, every now and then.

WWJP

Suppose that Jesus were to visit your church on Sunday. What would He preach?

This is a question for all of the "lurkers" out there. Let me know what you think.

Head Knowledge III

What is the purpose of the Bible? It is filled with stories, facts, history, poetry. When you read it, digest it, learn it; what should be the result? The result for some is doctrine or religious systems or creeds. The result for others is simply to learn the rules of a rule book. It is a list of the do’s and don’t’s that make one pleasing to God if you could keep them all. Let me suggest that these are the lesser pursuits, and that those who are rewarded by God are those who find HIM as a result. "...he rewards those who sincerely seek HIM." (Heb. 11:6 NLT Emphasis mine). While God through out history had revealed His will for man through many different means, it was the incarnation of Jesus that showed us the nature and heart of God in the flesh. As we noted in yesterdays post, God’s intent and purpose for His chosen ones was for them to become like His Son. "Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus? Christ felt no guilt; God wants to banish yours. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to remove yours. Jesus had no fear of death; God wants you to be fearless. Jesus had kindness for the diseased and mercy for the rebellious and courage for the challenges. God wants you to have the same... He wants you to be just like Jesus." Max Lucado. When we read the scripture we are encountering God. Its message draws us to Him. The closer we get the more evident our need for Him becomes. Eventually our hearts and lives are turned over to Him. The result? "But whenever someone turns to the lord, the veil is taken away. For the lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." II Cor. 3:16-18 NLT. Stop and read those verses again—please! I believe that these verses are among some of the most powerful in all of Scripture. When we read, digest, and learn the scripture, it brings freedom to become like Jesus. How different that understanding is from the one I grew up with. We can encounter the Bible as a book of knowledge to be learned, and come away with knowledge. We can encounter the Bible as a book that reveals the heart of God, and come away with a new heart.

Head Knowledge II

A little more on head knowledge from yesterday’s post. One of the results of a quest for head knowledge is a list of the things that we don’t do. You know the things we don’t participate in, (mixed bathing - that terminology always baffled me - dancing, playing pool). The, "we don’t drink and we don’t chew, and we don’t run with those who do" kind of attitude. Our emphasis on "Speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible was silent" while honorable, led to the development of a number of rules and regulations that became law and gospel among our tribe. Our champions took up the list and preached its contents long and loud. What followed was sort of an unwritten code of conduct of the things that we would not do. Things on the list ran from a T-totaler attitude toward alcohol to the prohibitions of instrumental music, etc. It even covered things like ladies not wearing pants, shorts were a no, no. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The result was that we became known for all those things we didn’t do. While I am not implying that that is all bad, it is for sure insufficient when it comes to the purpose and intent of God’s desire for His people. God’s purpose for our development I think is best seen in Rom. 8:28,29 "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." NLT God’s desire was to have a people who were just like His Son. People who not only would not do certain things, but also people who would do the things that Jesus did. It is interesting to note that Jesus got in trouble with the religious people of His day when He did things that were on the religious people’s no, no list. He was, in their opinion, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and teaching doctrines that were in conflict with the accepted teaching of the day. While the religious people were upset, the masses were drawn to him by the thousands. They were drawn not for what He did not do, they were touched by what He did. His kindness, compassion, and mercy touch many hearts. His look, His touch, the genuine concern moved the hearts of men, women and children. Jesus was known to these by what he did, not what He did not do. A disciple’s goal in Jesus’ day was to become just like his Rabbi. It was a goal of more than just emulation, it was the goal of duplication. The disciple was to be like his Master in head and heart. It was more than knowing what the Master knew (head knowledge), it was becoming what the Master was (heart knowledge). How do we know which we are following? When we feel what He felt when we see the lost, the poor and the hurting. When we then in love and faith respond as He would respond, then we will know. Then we will know.

Head Knowledge

The overwhelming emphasis of my religious tribe and the restoration movement has been a quest for knowledge of the Holy Scripture. Some how we came to believe that if we could just know enough scripture, that knowing would make us like Jesus. As a young preacher I was impressed with the ability of those notable preachers who came our way and their ability to quote the scripture. Many would just wave the Bible around, but never have to turn to read a passage. They would just quote it from memory. If you asked a question there was always a scripture to answer it. No if ands or buts, they had an answer. They spoke of the doctrines of error believed by others, and to them the solution was just having the "right" knowledge of the scripture. Our worship services centered around the sermon. It was the focal point and was given the most time, because of the importance attached to knowing the Word of God. We also taught the Bible in our Sunday Bible Classes, we preached it again on Sunday night and we were back in Bible class on Wednesday. We were also encouraged to study the Word daily. And don’t forget the Bible Bowls, and Bible drills for the little guys. We placed a premium on Head Knowledge. Now before you decide to string me up, let me say I am not opposed to Bible Knowledge!!! So what is my point? Our emphasis was so much on KNOWING THE WORD, we forgot the DOING OF THE WORD. The example in the life of Jesus was an emphasis on both. Not only were His disciple following to learn the Word of God, they were following to be LIKE the Word of God. Jesus describes His followers as "Salt", "Light". Salt and Light are things we are to BE. Our lifestyle is to be changed by our knowledge. Becoming like Christ is not just knowing what He knew, it is becoming what He WAS. If we are able to quote the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and we are not going where He went, and doing what He did, what good it that knowledge?

LAUS DEO: A little history lesson you may enjoy.

I thought that you and others may like to see this. One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, is that there can never be a building of greater heightthan the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched top the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America. Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be toGod!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo..............Praise be to God!" From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones sharea message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City ofBaltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented bythe Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy .."One Nation, Under God." I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!" Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Laus Deo! When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all overour nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width andheight of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)

BACK TO REALITY AND OTHER THOUGHTS FOR A SATURDAY

Here in Middle Tennessee we have been experiencing what I think is called a "Green Winter." Temperatures were in the 50’s -60’s for the whole month of January. Well this morning we were snapped back into reality as evidenced by the picture to the right. Temperatures are headed down into the 20’s tonight. They say the ground hog saw his shadow in PA, but not around here. Oh well, Spring will be here in a few short week regardless Paxatauny Phil. ******************************** Moments after her baptism at the Skiatook, Okla., church three months ago, Miss Oklahoma Jennifer Berry looked at her friend Debbie Kendall and smiled." Winning Miss America couldn’t be any better than this," Berry told Kendall, a deacon’s wife who for 13 years has served as the traveling companion for Miss Oklahoma winners." I have never seen anyone so excited in my life," Kendall said. "It was as if she had changed her crown for a halo and was just waiting for her next crown in heaven." But heaven will have to wait a bit longer. Check out the rest of the story at the Christian Chronicle Online. ********************************* Here is a little humor from Cybersalt Digest, especially for the ladies who have had children or plan to in the future. My niece, pregnant with her second child, was certain she wanted an epidural for pain management during childbirth. Her doctor asked her at which stage of labor she wanted the epidural administered. Her response: "Just meet me in the parking lot when I arrive!" ********************************** I was blog surfing the other day and came across a most disturbing notice on a young preachers blog pertaining to his wife. "___________ lost her battle with the disease of depression. She passed away yesterday afternoon. Our family covets your prayers". This young lady left not only her husband behind, but also two little daughters, one not a year old yet. My heart just aches beyond measure for these folks. I have had to sit with two families through the years that had experienced the lose of a loved one to depression, and it is so hard. *********************************** And last, but for sure not least, tomorrow is a very special day. Tomorrow I will have been married to the former Barbara Joyce Allen for forty-two years. I can honestly say that if I had it to do all over again, I would pick my BJ again. She has followed me all over the world, gave birth to two very special children, and is a class "A" Nina to our five grand children. HAPPY NUMBER FORTY TWO BJ! I LOVE YOU.

The Refiner's Fire

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there infront of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh that is easy -- when I see my image in it". If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

GOD'S LIMIT

One of my friends sent me an email the other day that listed different people who had mocked God and then died. Here are a couple example from the email: JOHN LENNON:Some years before during his interview with an American Magazine, he said: "Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain. Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, Today we are more famous than Him" (1966). Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times CAZUZA (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):During a show in Canecão ( Rio de Janeiro ), whilst smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said: "God, that's for you." He died at the age of 32 of AIDS in a horrible manner. Did God cause the premature death of these men? I don’t know, and the writer of the email doesn’t either. Is it possible? I think so. In fact there is a biblical president found in Acts 12:20-23. Herod in all his royal garb came before a crowd that began to say he had a voice like god. Because he did not give God the glory, he was eaten with worms and died. So it does make you wonder. So much depends on the true state of the heart. Something that only God knows. I have often said I had rather see a man stand and shake his fist toward heaven and be angry with God, than deny that He exists. There is hope for the first, but without any faith at all, there is no hope for the second. I do believe that there is a limit with God. Whether we are talking about an individual or a nation, there is a point when God says that is it, that is enough. Sodom and its sister city were burnt to a crisp for their wickedness. NBC is at it again. I am sure they are still smarting from the cancellation of their series, "The Book Of Daniel". Now an episode of "Will and Grace" will push the limit a little more. Donald Wildmon reported, "On the April 13 edition of NBC's Will and Grace, Britney Spears will appear as a Christian conservative sidekick to Sean Hayes' homosexual character, Jack, who hosts his own talk show. Jack's fictional network, Out TV, is bought by a Christian TV network, leading to Spears contributing a cooking segment called "Cruci-fixin's." To further denigrate Christianity, NBC chose to air it the night before Good Friday. " What is the limit with God? I don’t know, and I for one don’t want to know.

Just Let Them Go??

"A prophet's quarrel with the world is deep down a lover's quarrel. If they didn't love the world, they probably wouldn't bother to tell it that it's going to hell. They'd just let it go." (Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking) As I read this quote the words of an old song came to mind. "Why did my Savior come to earth, and to the humble go? Why choose a lowly birth, because He loved me so". I am afraid it will always be a mystery to me - why He loved me that much. A greater mystery is that those touched by such love would remain so quite around those without hope of a life beyond this one. How can such divine love be grasped, but then not shared with those without it? Surely those saved by such wonderful grace could not, would not, "Just let them go."