mikesblog

An excerpt from my life story---The minibike

2011-03-10T11:01:00.002-06:00

Although I can’t blame any Eddies’, I seemed to have my fair share of mishaps. My earliest recollection (I was probably about 7 years old) of such, was at the home of some of my parents’ friends. I do not remember their name, nor where they lived, but I can vividly recall the lay of the land and the look of the home. I also remember that they had at least two children. A girl who was much older than I and a son who was just a little bit my elder. This boy had a minibike.
Where I grew up, in a neighborhood, there was little knowledge of any type of motorized transportation designed for kids. Where I grew up if you didn’t push, pull or peddle it…it didn’t move. But these folks lived in the country with acreage enough to allow children to crash their motorized toys without fear of concrete casualties. A minibike is simply a very small motorcycle-like contraption usually powered by nothing more than a five horsepower motor. It doesn’t go very fast. It sits low to the ground and has a wide, cushioned seat to help aid in the balancing act performed by a little fellow as he blazes trails through the pasture.
At one of our visits to this home, the parents had all gone inside and left us kids to our own time of playing in the yard. The boy who lived here decided he would ride his minibike. So he did. Around and around the yard he went. I sat patiently and wondered if he would ever invite me to take a turn on his wonderful, motorized toy. Eventually, he pulled up next to where I was standing and asked me if I would like to take a ride. (I must at this point in my storytelling, make a confession. One of my greatest faults, which has existed since my childhood and still haunts me as an adult, is my inability to admit that I do not know how to do something. I will try to accomplish almost anything, even though I have no idea what I am doing. I guess this helps explain my fair share of mishaps). So there I stand, with an open invitation to take the reins of this motorized vehicle and head down the open trail.
So I accept the invitation. The owner steps off of the minibike and allows me to take control. I throw one leg over and plant my bottom firmly on the wide, cushioned seat. I am given instructions about the brake and throttle. The brake is simple a lever next to the left handgrip. All one has to do is extend the fingers from the grip and pull back the lever. The minbike stops. The throttle is a typical motorcycle-style throttle. To go, the rider just rotates the right grip in a backward motion. The further he rotates the grip, the faster the minibike goes. Simple enough.
So I nod, as does an F-16 pilot who has just given the deck crew permission to catapult his jet off of the deck of an aircraft carrier. I loosen the grip of my fingers holding the brake, and I increase the torque of my right wrist. Away I went. What an experience of liberation and power…for about 15 seconds. That’s when I hit my first bump in the trail. It probably wasn’t a huge hole, but it was sufficient enough to cause my right hand to increase torque beyond that which was wise. The rapid increase in speed threw my bottom of off the minibike, leaving me hanging on to both grips with all my might. My belly is on the seat, the throttle is wide open, and this demon machine is dragging me wherever it wants. Remember I made mention of how agile I was? I don’t know what the world record distance is for riding a minibike this way, but I must have come close. Eventually, the possessed vehicle did win, but only after dragging its passenger through a barbed wire fence and coming to rest in the middle of a tomato patch. This is where my parents found and rescued me. Even though I made several requests, my dad never would buy me a minibike. I wonder why?

Do You Want It?

2011-03-10T10:26:00.004-06:00

I am not God. I do not know everything nor do I pretend to.

Not being God, I do not know other people's thoughts. I do not understand all the ways that the sin nature, outside influences and life experiences have molded their thought process. But I have observed that most people are as adults very similar to what they were as children.

The very outgoing child produces an outgoing adult. The very shy child produces a shy adult. Now I know that there are variants, but for the most part, this is the pattern. Those who were outgoing children, the ones who are not afraid to perform in front of an audience, are adults who have no or little trouble standing before others. Those who were very timid as children, still find it very difficult to have all eyes focused on them and their performance.

The insecure child that found his self-worth in bossing around others grows into the adult who is happy with nothing less than complete control of the situation. The weak spirited child who was controlled by others grows to be the adult who is everyone's doormat, constantly being stepped on.

Now I do know this, the Lord can change anyone. But the choice of change belongs to the individual. Many people foolishly believe that if a person just prays for change that God will miraculously alter your mind so that you become that which you desire. But this is not true.

There exist no deficiency in your character that is stronger than God's ability to alter it. Yes, God could take over and make you become that for which you long. But then you would cease to exist as you are. You would no longer be the creature that has absolute free choice, but you will have become a pawn in the hand of God. Every time you would make an unprofitable move, God would just slide you over where you belong.

If you want to alter your thoughts and your character you are going to have to work at it. The commitment you made 10 years ago is no good unless you have been working for the last 10 years to make it happen. The natural course is already set. You have been this way since you were a child. It comes easy. The vision you may have for yourself is going to take work to attain.

This is the difficult part because the nature of man is lazy. It is always easier to choose the path of least resistance. Staying the way you have always been is not going to take any effort. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. But if you really want to change, it is possible. There is nothing to keep you from being who you want to be, except for you.

One day during wrestling practice our coach was driving us hard. I had quit exercising because I was exhausted. The coach in his challenge towards perfection hollered "Do you want it Wilkes?".
"Yes Sir!" I responded as I restarted the workout. But it wasn't long before I had quit again.
"Do you want it Wilkes?" the coach barked at me as though my weakness was frustrating him.
"Yes Sir", I barked back at him with anger in my tone as my body starting resuming its duties. But soon thereafter I collapsed. I was convinced I could go no farther.
"Do you want it Wilkes?" the coach bellowed as though my exhaustion was the most offensive thing he had ever witnessed.
"No Sir", I replied with a smugness typical of a 16 year old.
"Finally the truth", he responded.

Do want to change? Quit quitting!!!!!

Politicians, Power and Invertebrates

2011-02-24T22:09:00.002-06:00

If my memory serves me right, I was taught that an animal that lacked a spine is called an invertebrate. The older I get, the more I believe that most politicians fall into this category. Having never been elected by my fellow citizens, I do not know exactly how, or why, this transformation takes place. But it does! When one is looking for a vote his spine is as rigid as an oak plank, but as soon as he realizes he has won, he donates his oak plank to the nearest furniture mill. He’s not going to need it anymore, he’s a politician.

Once his lungs grow accustomed to the air of power that his elected position provides, his only concern is making sure that his lungs get their fix. What a rush it must be! I say that because most will abandon truth, their principles and sometimes even decency to assure that their future as a power-inhaling, elected official is secure.

My, oh my, how our day cries out for men of integrity. People who will do what is right, even it if means they may not be re-elected. I am not talking about disregarding the will of their constituents. I am talking about making courageous choices in challenging times. Doing what is right.

A Full Belly

2010-02-27T06:53:00.002-06:00

I am in the process of reading the Quran. I read heretical doctrine for the sole purpose of knowing for fact what they teach. This allows me to teach my people why we are not ecumenical. I have thoroughly studied the Catholics, Methodists, Pentecosts, and Assemblies of God. These four mainstream religions do not adhere to the biblical plan of salvation. Therefore the before mentioned label of “heretical” is certainly applicable.

Although these mainstream religions are heretical, they, in print, all teach kindness to other people. This is where Islam separates itself. I have never read anything so full of hatred. In the Quran, Muslims are commanded to kill Jews and Christians. This mandate is not a one-time mentioned doctrine delicately hidden away between lines, but rather it is plainly proclaimed hundreds of times.

The term “radical Muslims” is what has my belly begging my mouth for another round of Rolaids. These people who are killing others in the name of Allah are not “radical”. They are following the prescribed behavior laid out for them in their instruction manual…the Quran. Today’s media outlets would have us believe that most Muslims are decent peace-loving people and that these killers are extremists who have perverted their peaceful religion. The truth is that a Quran believing Muslim should kill every one of us when they have the opportunity.

Do I believe that some people identify with Islam (because of cultural heritage) and remain decent people…yes. Just as some people claim to be Baptist yet have no idea what Baptists believe. But anyone who claims to believe the Quran and practice Islam should be expelled from our country. In a civilized society, a person who believes in killing another simply because of a different theological view, should not be allowed refuge.

I am amazed that this country, that I love, has sunk to the point where she is at today. Jews, Christians and heterosexual white people are sitting ducks in the pond of the Political Correctness Police Department’s pond…and its duck season. The accusations are not tempered and almost every social woe is attributed to one of these groups. But if anyone dares to say anything against the ills of a minority or against the beloved Muslims then problems are sure to come.

I, for one, have a belly full of everything being my fault. I am a white man who believes the Word of God. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin…I believe it. The Bible teaches that any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage is a sin…I believe it. The Bible teaches that a man should work for a living (or not eat)…I believe it. The Bible teaches that I, as a child of God, should love even my enemy…I believe it, because he needs to be saved. The Bible teaches that I should obey the laws of the land…I believe it.

Since it is against the law for me to holler “fire” in a crowded theater, I won’t do it. It will cause a state of panic in which someone is likely to be injured. Since it is against the law to incite a riot, I won’t to it. I do not think an unruly mob is the answer to every problem. You see, we are a civilized people who do not look to violence as the first answer to every problem.

So if you are a peaceful Muslim who has never read the Quran….Read it! If you do not believe it denounce your religion. If you agree with it, and you feel it to be your duty to kill me, I hope that someday you realize your need for Jesus as Savior. Until then, get out of our country!

The Sinful Snow

2010-02-12T14:58:00.002-06:00

It was exhilarating to enjoy its presence. Now it has passed and left a slushy, muddy mess to deal with. Sound familiar?

When The New Wears Off

2010-02-12T04:41:00.001-06:00

Good Morning. I am setting on couch thinking about what fickle characters we are. I just took my dog outside for his early morning business meeting and I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of snow which has remained on the ground. You see, In Louisiana snow is rare, and it’s sticking and remaining on the ground is even rarer. So we are excited. My boys will wake in a couple of hours and we will probably by-pass our Fruity Pebbles and head straight outside to play. It’s going to be a fun day.

But in other parts of the country, what we are excited about, they think to be mundane. To my Yankee friends, a little snow is no more tantalizing than the rising of the sun. I reckon that if I were exposed to as much snow as they are, its present appeal would soon wane.

This is the intrigue to me. We naturally get excited about the new or unique. Children get excited the first time their eyes behold that new toy. The new car owner can’t wait for all to see him in his new ride. I even had a North Carolina cousin get excited when I took him for a boat ride and he saw trees growing in the lake. He had seen pictures of them before, but he was awed by actually seeing Cypress trees. We southerners get excited about rarely seen snow.

But to all, the new becomes old. The toy that once produced a glisten in the eye of a child has now been reduced to being a bottom-dwelling occupant of a toy box that is rarely opened. The car that was originally washed every other day, now sits in the drive with 2 months of rode grime covering its paint and 2 inches of sand hiding its carpet. If my cousin were to move to the south, he would soon pass by the majestic Cypress trees and never give them a second glance. The snow that causes this southern boy to act like a 7 year old, would be a considered a nuisance if I lived in Minnesota.

What has happened? I guess the best I can figure is it has something to do with the Garden, sin and always wanting something different than that which we have.

Kids set aside their toys to play with something “better”.
Men and women set aside years of marriage to pursue something “better”.
God’s people set aside the “old Bible” to pursue something “better”.
Churches set aside the old traditions to pursue something “better”.

But soon the “betters” of life have become the old and mundane. So new “betters” must be found. But you know what…some of the old stuff is still pretty good.

So this is what I am going to do today…
1. I’m going to enjoy the snow, but I am also going to stand in awe of the beauty and grandeur of the Bald Cypress. I will not overlook the blessing of enjoying any part of God’s awesome creation.
2. When my boys wake up, I’m going to hug them as though I haven’t seen them in a month. Our soldiers wish they could hug their kids right now. I will not overlook this blessing.
3. I’m going to prepare my heart for another “routine” Sunday. “Same ole, same ole”. I am going to preach my message as though it is the last one I convey to the people. It may be. I will not overlook this blessing.
4. I will read my old KJV. I know to some there are “newer and better”. My Great-Grandfather preached from an old KJV. Bro. Hughes was preaching from an old KJV the night I finally cried out for Jesus to save me. God has preserved His Word for me. I will not overlook this blessing.
5. When my wife wakes from her slumber, she will still be as beautiful to me as the 15 year old girl I fell in love with 24 years ago. I will thank God for my wonderful wife and another day that He has given us together. I will not overlook this blessing.

What Do You Think?

2010-02-11T09:09:00.002-06:00

What can we do to improve the Louisiana Missionary Baptist News? (Besides more pictures of me) We are always looking to better our product. Any ideas? Suggestions?

A Plea To My Blogger Brethren

2010-02-11T08:55:00.002-06:00

My fellow bloggers. Two things are apparent. 1. You have at least a little spare time (else you wouldn't be reading this). 2. You enjoy (to some degree anyway) sharing your views through the medium of that which is written.

I am asking you to start writing. Not necessarily 50,000 word dissertations, but brief concise articles on issues relevant our work and the Word. I ask that you would then send me those masterpieces (mikewilkes12@gmail.com or mikewilkes@bellsouth.net)

Many months, we are struggling to find print-worthy material for the Missionary Baptist News. I am not promising that what you send me will be published, but the more material we have to choose from the more likely we are to produce a quality product.

Some of you are quaking at the thought of turning in something you have written because of your lacking the ability to write in a proper fashion. Have no fear, that is exactly what the editor is for. He will take the language you have butchered and produce a grammatical masterpiece. Then, all will be impressed with your grammatical acuity.

Seriously, will you give consideration to sharing with others that which you have gleaned.

Communism...Could It Be?

2010-02-11T08:41:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, while coming home from piano lessons, my son asked me, "Dad, what is propaganda?" Since we were not engaged in any type of discussion along these lines, his question seemed strange. I asked him what in the world would prompt him to ask such a question. He told me that one of his classmates did a social studies project on the Cold War and the propaganda associated with it.

So I did my best to explain to him what I perceive propaganda to be. I told him that propaganda is basically information that is repetitively fed to a people, but the information is factually flawed. I went on to use the example of the "health care crisis" issue in our country. I told him that we certainly have very serious problems with our health care system and its costs, but we are nowhere near being in a state of crisis. But the political powers that be and the media have convinced many people that we do.

I explained to him that communism gets its foot in the door by presenting a supposed "crisis" and then persuading people that government is the only solution.

My son then looked at me and asked, "Well dad, are we communists yet?"

Its a crying shame my 12 year old son has better sense than our leaders.

Fair Is Fair

2010-02-05T08:46:00.000-06:00

Why was president Obama so criticized for his association with Rev. Wright? Is it fair to think that just because he was close to and fellowshipped with the Rev., that he embraced the same hateful views?

Maybe they were just good friends. Even though they had some common ties, maybe the foundational rhetoric spouted by the Rev. was despised by the Pres.? Maybe he had a completely different view of the U.S. and race relations. Why is it automatically assumed that just because two parties join hands that they have the same foundational principles? Is it fair to make such an assumption?

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

2010-01-29T11:11:00.002-06:00

Old and well-worn are both the discussions and debates about different Baptist groups and their inability to work together. The present day factions were formed many years ago and most of the brethren who were directly involved in the splits have gone to be with their Lord. So, those of us who are serving today are left to work with the bounds set by the problems of yesterday.

We learn of some of the pivotal points of yesterday's divisions from the remaining eyewitnesses, but most of our understanding is a result of the written documentation which bears testimony to the sad events of the past. But since recorders bore witness of the events with an influx of their own prejudices, no declaration of absolute truth exists which one might stand on and declare it as an unchallenged truth. So we are left to look elsewhere to see why different groups of Baptists to not work together for the cause of Christ.

How and why Baptists originally split may be debated, but the fact that they hold different views about how mission work is to be done cannot be contested. So it stands to reason, since different Baptists groups differ on how to accomplish the most foundational purpose of associated work, then they are unable to work in joint capacity for the cause.

The reason most Baptists groups are unable to work together is found in the purpose for associated work. The foundation, upon which all associated work is established, is the endeavor of mission work. The intent of spreading the gospel to the entire world and establishing churches is universal among Baptists, but how it is accomplished is where the breach becomes irreparable.

Some struggle with this divergence and desire to be able to fellowship on the common points and overlook the major points of associated work. This is akin to the adage of “majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors”. In any effort of joint cooperation, if the two parties have differences relevant to the task at hand, and desire to work together, they will have to come to some sort of resolution concerning their dissimilarities.

Usually what happens when differences are present and the two parties are willing to work together, one of the two parties is willing to lay their view on the shelf and make their stand a “non issue”. Concerning mission work, I believe the Lord gave His authority to preach, baptize, teach and establish churches to His local, visible New Testament church. No other group, board, committee, convention or association has this authority. This authority cannot be re-delegated. I will not lay this principle on the shelf.

I can enjoy coffee at McDonald's with a Baptist brother although we may come from different associated works. But the church of which I am member cannot commit ourselves in any joint effort with those who hold an opposing view concerning the church’s purpose and responsibility. This being said, I think it wise to fellowship only with those who have built on the same associational foundation.

AreYou Sure YOU Want To Be A Soul-Winner

2010-01-27T12:18:00.003-06:00

My subject in this post is the oft used phrases "Winning people to the Lord" or "Soul-winning". Let me preface any further comments by stating that I am not in any way anti-evangelistic.

Within the confines of my fellow bloggers writings has been mentioned the disturbing use of easy-believism techniques. I define these as methods of possibly leading people to hell while convincing them they are on their way to heaven.

The presentation of the gospel to the lost should consist of these facts:
1. All have sinned and come short of the glory God
2. God loves you
3. God loves you so much He sent Jesus to die for your sins
4. God wants to save you from your present condition which does not meet His standards
5. This salvation is offered to you because of what Jesus has done for you
6. Jesus is the only way
7. God will save you if truly believe this, calling out for Him to save you
8. Hell is real
9. Heaven is real
10. Judgment is certain

In a nutshell, the conveyance of this message is evangelism. Some may reword it. Others might change the order. But these truths must be understood and truly believed in order for a person to be saved.

The problems arise after these truths have been presented. What is my obligation before God at this point? Do I now try to persuade them? Am I a "Jesus" salesman who is working on commission and fear a checkless payday if I don't make the sale? Or in my deep-hearted love for this lost person before me, am I blinded so that I cannot see the fact that if this person is going to be saved they have to turn to God...I can't make them.

Mass evangelism is a setting usually associated with huge tents, dynamic speakers and thousands of people hearing the gospel preached. At the close of the service it is common that "anyone who wants to be saved" raise their hand as a public acknowledgment of their needing Jesus as Savior. Then the evangelist will word a prayer usually having the penitent repeat the words. The words are not usually some out-of-way wacky heresy, but usually some patterned "sinner's prayer". Then the evangelist praises the Lord for all the new children of God who have been snatched from hell's flames. Then the new converts are encouraged to go join a church of their choosing.

But "repeat after me-ism" is not exclusive to mass efforts. It is also commonplace in one-on-one evangelism.

This is the most common practice of easy-believism. It is making things, not necessarily as easy, but as comfortable as possible for the sinner. It is a painful thing to stand at the foot of Calvary and have to confess that it is my sin that Jesus died for. So in order to make things easier, the message bearer will pray for the penitent, or simply ask the penitent to repeat a prayer, or raise his hand. This makes it easier.

Easier than what? Easier than taking them to the foot of Calvary and leaving them there.

You see, some believe if we do this (take people to the foot of Calvary and leave them) they (the lost) will not know what to do. But if we have properly explained to them everything the Bible teaches about their need to call on the name of the Lord we have told them all they need to know.

Too often are the times the lost man never truly turns to God, he has been dragged to a point of decision by some over-zealous evangelist. Now you have a person who has been convinced by man that all is well. Some time later the Word will prick their heart to be truly saved and they will fight off conviction with their recollection of their previously enjoyed "experience". How many people have you seen in your ministry who have been saved, but thought they already were? Personally, I've seen too many.

I personally don't win anything or anyone for the Lord. I tell people about Jesus. If there is a soul won in the great battle between God and Satan, I didn't do it. I just put someone on the playing field by leaving them at the foot of Calvary.

What My Jesus Went Through For Me

2010-01-27T12:03:00.001-06:00

After the arrest in the middle of the night, Jesus was next brought before the Sanhedrin and Caiphus, the High Priest; it is here that the first physical trauma was inflicted. A soldier struck Jesus across the face for remaining silent when questioned by Caiphus. The palace guards then blind-folded Him and mockingly taunted Him to identify them as they each passed by, spat upon Him, and struck Him in the face.

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and exhausted from a sleepless night, Jesus is taken across the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate. You are, of course, familiar with Pilate's action in attempting to pass responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea. Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate. It was in response to the cries of the mob, that Pilate ordered Bar-Abbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

There is much disagreement among authorities about the unusual scourging as a prelude to crucifixion. Most Roman writers from this period do not associate the two. Many scholars believe that Pilate originally ordered Jesus scourged as his full punishment and that the death sentence by crucifixion came only in response to the taunt by the mob that the Procurator was not properly defending Caesar against this pretender who allegedly claimed to be the King of the Jews.

Preparations for the scourging were carried out when the Prisoner was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head. It is doubtful the Romans would have made any attempt to follow the Jewish law in this matter, but the Jews had an ancient law prohibiting more than forty lashes.

The Roman legionnaire steps forward with the flagrum (or flagellum) in his hand. This is a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each. The heavy whip is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back, and legs. At first the thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continue, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.

The small balls of lead first produce large, deep bruises which are broken open by subsequent blows. Finally the skin of the back is hanging in long ribbons and the entire area is an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. When it is determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner is near death, the beating is finally stopped.

The half-fainting Jesus is then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with His own blood. The Roman soldiers see a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be king. They throw a robe across His shoulders and place a stick in His hand for a scepter. They still need a crown to make their travesty complete. Flexible branches covered with long thorns (commonly used in bundles for firewood) are plaited into the shape of a crown and this is pressed into His scalp. Again there is copious bleeding, the scalp being one of the most vascular areas of the body.

After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers take the stick from His hand and strike Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp. Finally, they tire of their sadistic sport and the robe is torn from His back. Already having adhered to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, its removal causes excruciating pain just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, and almost as though He were again being whipped the wounds once more begin to bleed.
In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans return His garments. The heavy patibulum of the cross is tied across His shoulders, and the procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution detail of Roman soldiers headed by a centurion begins its slow journey along the Via Dolorosa. In spite of His efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious blood loss, is too much. He stumbles and falls. The rough wood of the beam gouges into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He tries to rise, but human muscles have been pushed beyond their endurance.

The centurion, anxious to get on with the crucifixion, selects a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. Jesus follows, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock, until the 650 yard journey from the fortress Antonia to Golgotha is finally completed.

Jesus is offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic mixture. He refuses to drink. Simon is ordered to place the patibulum on the ground and Jesus quickly thrown backward with His shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square, wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly, he moves to the other side and repeats the action being careful not to pull the arms to tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement. The patibulum is then lifted in place at the top of the stipes and the titulus reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" is nailed in place.
The left foot is now pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed. The Victim is now crucified.

As He slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists excruciating pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain -- the nails in the writs are putting pressure on the median nerves. As He pushes Himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He places His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again there is the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet.

At this point, as the arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by his arms, the pectoral muscles are paralyzed and the intercostal muscles are unable to act. Air can be drawn into the lungs, but cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically, he is able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences recorded:

The first, looking down at the Roman soldiers throwing dice for His seamless garment, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

The second, to the penitent thief, "Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

The third, looking down at the terrified, grief-stricken adolescent John -- the beloved Apostle -- he said, "Behold thy mother." Then, looking to His mother Mary, "Woman behold thy son."

The fourth cry is from the beginning of the 22nd Psalm, "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?"

Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain where tissue is torn from His lacerated back as He moves up and down against the rough timber. Then another agony begins...A terrible crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart.

One remembers again the 22nd Psalm, the 14th verse: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level; the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissue; the tortured lungs are making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues send their flood of stimuli to the brain.

Jesus gasps His fifth cry, "I thirst."

One remembers another verse from the prophetic 22nd Psalm: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou has brought me into the dust of death."

A sponge soaked in posca, the cheap, sour wine which is the staple drink of the Roman legionaries, is lifted to His lips. He apparently doesn't take any of the liquid. The body of Jesus is now in extremes, and He can feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues. This realization brings out

His sixth words, possibly little more than a tortured whisper, "It is finished."

His mission of atonement has completed. Finally He can allow his body to die.
With one last surge of strength, he once again presses His torn feet against the nail, straightens His legs, takes a deeper breath, and utters His seventh and last cry, "Father! Into thy hands I commit my spirit".

Written by, Dr. C. Truman Davis

A Little Squirrely

2010-01-26T20:53:00.003-06:00

Ever seen a squirrel in the middle of the road when a car is closing in? "Do I stay? Do I go this way? Do I go that way?" "OK, I'll go that way. No, wait, I'll stay. Hold on, I'll go the other way". "But maybe I shouldn't". "OK, I will". "I'm really not sure if I'm certain about maybe making a possible decision about this predicament". Then, SPLAT. Squirrel dinner. Complements of the Micheline Man.

Often are the times I have the mind of a squirrel. While my mind is focused on a particular subject, another thought enters my mind's peripheral. "Should I stay with I'm working on"? "Boy, oh boy, that other sure looks good". "But if I leave the trail I'm currently on, I'll never find my way back". "But maybe the other will lead to something sweeter". "No, stay where your at". "OK, I'm going to chase the new, I can come back to the old". "Maybe".

Now if you are wondering what usually happens within the confines of my cranium whenever I am in this indecisive state...

Lets just say there are a lot of skid marks on my mind's highway.

Adoption

2010-01-11T10:24:00.000-06:00

Does my dad, Ray Wilkes, need to adopt me? Do those who have been born again by the Spirit of God need to be adopted by Him?

Get 'Em Wet to Get "Em In

2010-01-08T10:35:00.004-06:00

I'm not looking for any names to drag through the mud. I'm just wandering if the belief that one is baptized into the church a common belief among our missionary baptists brethren? If so, what is their biblical basis for such an idea?

Are You Sure You Are Convicted?

2010-01-08T09:49:00.003-06:00

It is a common thing to hear a person claim they are “convicted” about a certain belief. Their using this word is the way by which they suggest that God is the one who has led them to their conclusion.

The persistent use of this word in connection with one’s theological views produces obvious problems. At the same time one person is claiming God has convicted them that women wearing pants to church is wrong, another is claiming God has convicted them that it is alright. Since neither have a clear-cut biblical basis for their argument, they must play the “conviction” card.

I have personally seen this card used to condone everything from staying home from church to gambling at casinos. It is purposed to be the trump card. The perfect time to play this card is after all cards of debate have been played, and neither participant has clearly convinced the other. When one claims “well, I am convicted” the game is over.

“I am convicted” means they have convinced themselves (without clear biblical basis, else that card would have been played) that God has ordained their view as the one to which all others should conform.

No. What I just wrote is not correct. The “I am convicted” view is not a stamp of approval by God, but rather one who is claiming to have been convinced by God. In other words, how can you possibly argue with one who is claiming to stand simply where God has put them?

According to Mr. Webster, all meanings of the word “convict” carry with them some sort of guilty connotation. The only time people are convicted by God is when He is revealing their sin to them. The word convict never means simply convinced, much less convinced by God.

What people really need to do is be honest. It is not called “a conviction” it is called “an opinion”.

I do know that some will disagree with what I have written. But I want you to know that I am really convicted about this.

Oh No!!! The Preacher Doesn't Know!

2010-01-03T05:11:00.002-06:00

It’s been a while, so I will slowly insert my toes into the blogging waters lest I move too fast and lose my footing. I’m restlessly sitting in a hotel room in Dallas. It’s the wee hours of the morning and the reading of preachers’ blogs has served me as a passer of time.

But the more I read, the more concerned I grow over the seemingly unscathed view some preachers have of their opinionated conclusions. Without a doubt, some issues are so clearly and repetitively addressed in the Bible that God has left man without any room for opinion. For example, the only way someone can open the Bible and teach works for salvation is to clearly distort or ignore what God has said. But a wide array of issues are not as clear.

The issues which are not as lucid are varied. The precise placing of the time when Lucifer was cast down or exactly when Jesus will return are obvious examples of issues which have produced a myriad of hypotheses.

We preachers have to frequently deal with these questions, and others, from people who look to us as those who should have the answers. But the honest truth is that sometimes even we preachers do not have a definitive answer. Without a doubt, we have opinions, after all we are preachers and when God called us into the ministry it seems as though our opinion gene was genetically enhanced and our pride cells were multiplied. In other words…I know what I am talking about and don’t even think about telling me I’m wrong!

Is it a bad thing for a preacher to simply say, “I don’t know”?

Well, I don’t know.

Am I An Indian?

2009-05-05T21:29:00.003-05:00

Last week, as usual, I picked the boys up after school. Hayden was sitting in the back seat and Hunter was in the passenger seat. We are heading home and we are having our usual discussion about their day. What did you have for lunch? Did anyone in your class get in trouble? (The last question is simply a bait to allow the boys the opportunity to confess)

I looked over at Hunter and he had already started on his homework. He likes to start on his homework before we get home so he will have more time to play baseball in the yard. He was working on something to do with Indians.

He asked me a couple of questions and then I proceeded to let him know that my great-grandmother was full-blooded Indian. After hearing this news, the floodgate of questions was opened. After a while he started trying to figure out how much Indian blood he had. After I told him that I was 1/8th Indian, I tried to explain to him that he was 1/16th Indian. He looked over at me with a funny look and said, "No, Daddy. How many quarts?"

Do You Remember?

2009-04-28T10:45:00.004-05:00

I posted earlier what I would miss about some of my instructors. Here are a few things I'll remember about some students.
Jared...your wrong.
Mark...iron your shirt.
Josh...Arkansas stinks.
Alex...turn your chair like the rest of the class.
Martin...go back to Texas(you can leave your wife and kids here, they're sweet).
Tommy...awesome guns.
Tim...the boogey man
Justin...have any holes in your wall?
Joey...check your britches.
Micah...want some fish?
Wayne Lee...Deacon/Calvary.
Josh L...what did you tell the husband when counseling him?
James...buy a used car, not new one.
Jonathon...wake up
Jessie...country
Cole...how can 2 totally different sounds come from the same box?
Richard...poked anyone lately?

Noon-Time Recollections

2009-04-28T10:16:00.003-05:00

How'd you like that title Bro-in-law? Well, I'm done. I have finished my seminary course at LMBIS. This Friday, they will bid me farewell at the commencement exercises. I do not expect to see tears in the instructors' eyes. But I might produce one.

I love LMBIS. I have spent more time within her walls than the average student. Some might accredit this to my lack of intellectual acuity, but I would rather say it was simply the result of my life choices. Whatever the reasons, after completing my first year in 1986, I have now seen the waving of the checkered flag.

I am forever indebted to those men and women who work at the school. I have been blessed to sit at the feet of men who love my Lord and His Word. Not once has my mind been impregnated by force with doctrines, but it has been challenged to let the Word of God speak. Not in the LMBIS voice, but in God's.

I am blessed to live close to the school. They may graduate me, but they have yet to ban me. So the glow of my balding head will be lighting the halls of the school in the days to come. Some may graduate with a belly full of school and disappear for years to digest their intake. Me, I'm still starving. I want more!

I want more of Bro. John's bashing my use of the English language. I want more of Bro. Wager's attempts at explaining to me the beauty of the construct state of Hebrew nouns. I want more of Bro. Joe's banging his head against the board in disgust because some student just made the same Greek translation mistake again...for the 10th time. I want more of Bro. Jim's taking role on the last day of school(By the way, it was a scheduled day of school). I want more of Bro. Wooley's infectious optimism and attitude(he will be missed). I want Bro. Don to still call me a dumb preacher.

But most of all, I want more of the sweet fellowship.

Blow Your Nose

2009-03-14T09:08:00.004-05:00

Sounds like it is time for some Claritan. Someone needs to take something to help unclog the organ of discrimination. The vast majority of these posts have been double-dipped in sarcasm. Can't you smell it?

The brethren who roam the same woods I do relate to one another with knee-deep, roll ya britches up sarcasm. Are we serious about the stands we take? Yes. Do we roll it up in double-battered chimichanga of personal insults, before we serve it to each other? Yes.

If you don't like it...don't sit at our table and try to eat with us.

I love it! I love the way, Snyde, Carter3, LLL, Slim, ArchBishop, Bro-in-law1, Bro-in-law2, Mikey Matty, and Neally fuss with one another. We are waiting on you Harry. Join in.

Smells like someone got their feelings hurt on another site. If an attack on your views is the cause, either change your views or learn to deal with it. If you feel like people were mean to you, go find another playground. I say this because I personally know every one of these men. They are good men who would never intentionally offend someone. What we do here is the nature of our relationships with each other. We play a little rough with each other. We have fun doing it. So no offense is meant by this, but if you can't run with the big dogs, that's OK. I'm sure there are plenty of Chihuahuas wanting to play.

Bro. Truth. Awesome. Keep your anonymity. You've got us all guessing. I love it. Hope you can handle eating with us.

Not Exactly Poker

2009-03-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

Do you buy raffle tickets if the money is going to a good cause?

Do I Want That Face on My Book?

2009-03-13T09:40:00.002-05:00

Dealing with Facebook. If you have a "friend" whose page has some inappropriate comments, should you revoke their privilege as being listed as one of your friends?

What's Up With The Steeple?

2009-03-13T09:38:00.001-05:00

This question is posed by one of my boys. Why do churches have steeples? I know I could look it up, just figured some of you quick witted brethren might have fun with this one.

A Message from a Burrito

2009-03-13T09:31:00.002-05:00

I love camp. But to tell you the truth, things have been mighty quiet around here. Bro. Doug has been busy getting everything ready for your arrival. From building repairs to landscaping, he keeps things looking good. Bogg Springs is a beautiful place to spend a week at camp.
There were a few of us burritos left over from last year and we’ve been in this freezer just waiting for Spring to come. Bro. Doug has gone out and brought in some new boys. Supposedly, they are “better than ever”. They claim to be made from the choicest meat from the best of the herd. Every year…same old story. These new burrito boys are no better than we old ones are. We’ve been around for years. It reminds me of the boys at camp every year thinking they can beat the preachers…same old story.
But enough about me. You folks will be coming to Bogg Springs Youth Encampment from Monday, June 29th through July 3rd. The fee for camp this year is $77. That’s quite a deal for a week’s worth of meals like me.

We look forward to seeing you at camp this year.

Signed,
Last Year’s Camp Burrito…that’s still talking to you.

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #5

2009-03-13T09:23:00.003-05:00

Do God's people still have "gifts?"

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #4

2009-03-13T09:23:00.001-05:00

Why did Abraham lie about Sarah being his wife? Was it the right thing to do?

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #3

2009-03-13T09:20:00.001-05:00

Why do people claim "God has convicted me", as their reasoning for believing something? Isn't conviction a word that carries a negative connotation.

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #2

2009-03-13T09:19:00.003-05:00

Why was it that the only question Pharaoh asked Jacob was "How old are you?"

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #1

2009-03-13T09:17:00.001-05:00

What is proper attire for worship services at camp?

Snyder Made Me Do It

2009-03-13T08:54:00.001-05:00

At the behest of Bro. James, I ask this question...Does Jesus tarry His coming?

The Three Amigos...Wilkes Style

2009-03-01T07:00:00.003-06:00

Recently, much mention has been made of my family. Most of the attention has been focused on the relationships between three men...myself, Bro. Michael Reese and Bro. Jason Hebert.

For the benefit of those who are ignorant, all three of us are Pastors of Missionary Baptist Churches. Michael married my sister, Karen. Karen is the middle child in our family and as such, she claims irreparable damage. She was lost in the middle.

Karen...Poor Karen. Middle Child Syndrome. Michael married her knowing she had this problem. So I am forever indebted to him for his willingness to take on the responsibility of caring for one who has an issue for which there is no cure.

Jason married Cindy. Cindy is the youngest of us kids. The baby. You know what a commitment a baby is. They need an extra dose of love and care. I will always be thankful for Jason's extra helpings of love and care he doses out toward her.

Often the entire crew makes road trips together. All 13 of us. These trips are usually to the national ABA meeting. These trips are not for the faint of heart. We have saved a life on the concrete of I-20 (literally), had van problems in the Guadalupe Mountains, made repairs in the parking lots of El Paso, searched for tire shops in the boondocks of Alabama, been broke down in Daytona, been on the wrong side of town in Kansas City and suffered through an attack of the scours which demanded stops at every exit.

But the good stuff is found in the relationships between myself(the Navigator), Michael(the Driver) and Jason(the Chef).

As the Navigator, I line out the itinerary for our cross country excursions. I am Good. I know exactly what time we will arrive at our destination. I set allotted times for rest breaks and meals. You must train your bladder to function according to my itinerary. Unscheduled "potty" breaks are unacceptable.

Michael Reese is our primary driver. After we get him "booted up" (getting his mind focused to the task at hand) he does quite well. We do have occasional trouble with his hard drive going into hibernation. As a result, you can be guaranteed at least one u-turn during every trip.

Jason Hebert is our chef. Although he never actually cooks anything on our trips, he is the one who plans our meals. He is probably more diligent about his responsibilities than anyone else. Before he has swallowed the last bite of food on his plate, he is already discussing what eating establishment will be our next destination.

One might ask, "What do the wives do?" I'll answer that question as soon as my wife quits yelling at me.

Priorities

2009-02-28T07:04:00.002-06:00

No trap here. Just curious. In what order would you place the following financial priorities of the church?
1. Care for the Pastor.
2. Necessary building improvements (ie. a new roof)
3. Unnecessary but desired building improvements (ie. a gymnasium)
4. Mission support

It's Time To Go

2009-02-27T14:10:00.003-06:00

Does God ever lead His men by discouragement? Most of the time, a pastor does not resign and move on until the church is in disarray. Is this the way God is working?

Simple question. Very complicated situation. Just challenging your cranium to house activity, rather than just serve as the soil holder for your crop of hair.

Daddy's Challenge

2009-02-27T13:46:00.002-06:00

I have two sons. Both seem to enjoy success at whatever they set forth to achieve. Whether in the arena of academics or athletics, few brass rings have eluded them. Now don't misunderstand, I am extremely thankful. Our boys, at this stage, enjoy their academic challenges, so their mother and I have little problem getting them to fulfill their obligations.

Our concern is making sure that they always give God the honor and glory. It is an easy thing to become high-minded when every step is a successful one. Do we want our boys to stumble? Absolutely not! But at the same time, problems breed dependency and we want our boys dependent on the Lord.

They are still young. Pride is not yet a serious problem. But it is coming I'm sure. I know that hard challenging days are ahead. But I do not want to wait until they are 16 to teach them the lessons they need in order to grow into the men God would have them to be.

So how do you help teach the "perfect kid" the lesson of humility? We've tried telling them they're stupid...but they are as smart as their momma. We've tried to tell them they're ugly...but they are as good looking as their daddy. What do you do?

You Better Get The Kids In The Book

2009-02-27T09:17:00.004-06:00

Conney told me to address the issue of young children and the mentally getting to heaven. I normally ignore his commands, but I feel compelled.

Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire"

It is commonly believed that a name is written in the book of life when one is saved. If this is true, when does the young baby ever get his name recorded? One thing I do know...if the name is not recorded, the lake of fire is his destiny.

What Was I Thinking?

2009-02-27T08:30:00.002-06:00

Man, am I a goof. As a preface, let me say...I am sorry. I had no idea that the posting of the lyrics to "Simple Man" by Charlie Daniels would offend anyone.

As to whether or not this has tarnished the shine of my character's luster...you be the judge (if you consider yourself worthy). But anyone who knows me, knows how I live. What you see in my public life is exactly what you will find behind the doors of my private life. Perfect....No! Forgiven....Yes! Striving for the mastery....Always!

But I must at this point try to stomp out the proliferation of ignorance. So here is a little more information about the man, the song and the "word".

Charlie Daniels was raised in a christian home. He turned his back on his upbringing. He turned to the world and wrote songs centered on drugs and alcohol. But today's Charlie Daniels is a different man. Read this quote from him...

"I make no secret about my Christian faith. On stage I do a hymn and I tell the people that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. Many people misunderstand the Gospel message. They think that you have to be "good enough." People need to understand that they can never be "good enough." There was only one Person in the whole world who was -- Jesus Christ.
I try to get across the message: "You're a sinner, and I am too. When we accept the Savior who puts our sin under His blood, the sin is gone." It's as if that sin never existed. That's something that is hard to understand, but that's what the Bible teaches. You've got to accept it and believe that it's true, that it's the Word of God. The Bible is not just pretty words that someone sat down and wrote one day. The Bible is God-inspired. It is real."

Now, whether or not you want to be a fan is up to you. I never said that I was or wasn't. I simply posted the lyrics to one of his songs. I thought about this song at a moment when I was becoming increasing frustrated with the direction of our country. Are the lyrics "a little rough around the edges"? Absolutely! Do the lyrics cry out for a need of true justice...Absolutely! Was my posting these lyrics an attempt to proclaim a spiritual message...No! By the way, neither was my posting about a dog smelling like fritos, but it caused no uproar.

The word. Considering the context, the word "hell" in the song can have no reference to the place of eternal torment. How can a person be madder than "hell"? Have you ever been happier than "heaven"? According to Webster's 1828 the word "hell" also means "The place at a running play to which are carried those who are caught" or "A place into which a tailor throws his shreds". The online etymology dictionary also records that the word "hell" is used as "figuratively for "any bad experience" since at least 1374. As an expression of disgust, etc., first recorded 1678."

Do I use the word as a slang. No! I do not like how crude it sounds. Is it a sin? I'll let someone more qualified than I make that determination.

In closing, I titled this post "what was I thinking". Here's why. Instead of that old filthy country music station, I decided the other day to tune in to a "christian" station. While listening, an ad came on encouraging everyone to attend a "Rock and Roll Worship Leader Camp". As I ponder my choice to tune in..."What Was I Thinking".

Confused

2009-02-22T08:06:00.002-06:00

I keep hearing terms like "Safe" or "Under the blood" when referencing young children. Would anyone like to elaborate, so that a simpleton might better understand?

What About the Kiddos?

2009-02-14T04:16:00.001-06:00

When the Lord comes back and takes the saved to be with Him, what about young children and babies who have not been saved?

A Simple Man's View

2009-02-14T03:04:00.002-06:00

These are the lyric's to the song "Simple Man" by Charlie Daniels...

I ain't nothin' but a simple man
They call me a redneck I reckon that I am
But there's things going on
That make me mad down to the core.

I have to work like a dog to make ends meet
There's crooked politicians and crime in the street
And I'm madder'n hell and I ain't gonna take it no more.

We tell our kids to just say no
Then some panty waist judge lets a drug dealer go
Slaps him on the wrist and then he turns him back out on the town.

Now if I had my way with people sellin' dope
I'd take a big tall tree and a short piece of rope
I'd hang 'em up high and let 'em swing 'til the sun goes down

Now I'm the kinda man that wouldn't harm a mouse
But if I catch somebody breakin in my house
I've got twelve gauge shotgun waiting on the other side

So don't go pushing me against my will
I don't want to have to fight you but I dern sure will
So if you don't want trouble then you'd better just pass me on by

As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess

Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest

You know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bibles away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land
The Good Book says it so I know it's the truth
An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth
You better watch where you go and remember where you been
That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man

A Few Good Men

2009-02-11T08:29:00.003-06:00

Last night I had the privilege of attending an awards ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base. Among the attendees were some of the "higher brass" in the area. Bossier City's Mayor, the Base Commander and numerous Colonels and Captains were in the room.

I never served in the military. I always had a longing to, but God had a greater plan for my life. But I do come from a family rich in military heritage. My dad is a Vietnam vet. His dad was a World-War 2 vet. My mom's dad was a World-War 2 vet. So I do have a fair knowledge of the military and their protocol.

The banquet last night was a mixture of both military and civilian personnel. The ratio of attendees was about 90% military and 10% civilian. Upon arrival, everyone walked around socializing with one another. After a while, my wife and I found the table with our names on it and sat down to keep Grandma Pearl company(She can't stand for long periods). Shortly thereafter, I noticed something. Me, my wife, and two other civilians were the only people sitting. All military personnel, dressed in their "mess blues"(which is the equivalent of a civilian tuxedo), were still standing and socializing. One young Sergeant, who was to sit at our table, was standing behind her chair. It was blatantly obvious that she wanted to sit down...but she couldn't.

Military protocol demands that at a military meal, no soldier sits until granted permission to do so.

Then, after the arrival of the base commander, who was running late(what could he have possibly be doing that was more important than banqueting), all soldiers were granted permission to be seated.

Some loathe the military and its life. (A subject to be considered another day) But I admire the discipline, in regard to his relationship to commanding officers, of a soldier. He does what he is told to do. He doesn't have the privilege of an opinion...he does what he is told. I wander if these verses fit?.........

2 Timothy 2:3-4
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

One extra note...Bossier City's Mayor, Lorenz Walker was the keynote speaker. He said, " Do you know what politicians and diapers have in common? They both need to be changed often...and for the same reason."

Undisciplined, Dunce or Dingy?

2009-02-04T09:48:00.002-06:00

What is wrong with me? I can study until my mind collapses from fatigue, yet I still have trouble with retention. I have been exposed to, and use, all of the memory techniques available. I do find some benefit with associational memory, but soon after I not only forgot that which I intended to remember, but also that which I associated it with.

So, I have to figure out what the problem is. Maybe I just lack mental discipline. Although it would be painful to admit, it is a possibility. I do have a lazy nature (most of us do) but as far as my studies are concerned, it is extremely rare for me to be preparing at the last minute. I am usually prepared well in advance. But I will confess that my mind is as factually sharp as a butter knife. Some people can retain dates, and names and facts with relative ease, I do well to remember my name. But I do not have any trouble with analytical thinking. My mind is sharp in analysis and quick thinking. So if you ever need an explanation for something, just ask, I can usually figure it out...just remember though, that five minutes later I may forget that we ever had a conversation.

Maybe it is not a lack of discipline, maybe I just don't have it. Some people (Bro. Michael Reese) for example can remember everything. If you ever want to know who preached in chapel on a particular Wed. in 1986, call him, he'll remember. I can barely remember 1986. Some people have it...others don't. Maybe I'm just a little dunce-like in this area.

But there exist one last possibility I would rather not mention, but for honesty's sake feel compelled to do so. Maybe I'm dingy. Dingy is defined as a slang word meaning crazy or insane. But it is usually used in describing a person who misses some of the simpler things. Remembering a few facts for a test seems simple enough, but boy do I have trouble with that.

Quite embarrassed is how this syndrome leaves me feeling. Taking a simple test of straightforward facts and bombing even though I prepared...embarrassing. Forgetting people's names...embarrassing. Kissing the wrong woman on the cheek and telling her you love her (thinking it is your wife)...embarrassing. (Don't call the professionals, I'm just kidding about the last one).

Enviromentalist Toe-Jam

2009-01-27T03:27:00.003-06:00

I know. The title it, well...it just sounds gross. Just humor me.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to take my boat to the lake. It has been a few months since I had run it, so I figured she was tired of sitting there, and I didn't want nautical arthritis to set in on her bow.

You see, gasoline engines need to be run from time to time. They were designed for that purpose. They were not built as residential complexes for the less-than-desirable creatures of the animal kingdom. I promise you this, you would not make a pet of anything you'll find living in an idle piece of equipment which once served as a mode of transportation. (Unless, you happen to find some perverted pleasure in walking your pet rat or cockroach).

So I charge-up the batteries and take Ole' Betsy to the lake. She fires right up and purrs like a kitten with a milk mustache. I make a few laps around the lake and start to bring her in to let her rest and then...she dies.

My motor is an old one. A 1979 115hp Mercury. The "Tower of Power". I like an old motor. No computer. No multitude of sensors. Just fire and gas. So, if the motor quits running, you have lost either your fuel supply or your spark needed for combustion. It's really about that simple.

So, I look at my clear-view inline fuel filter, and I see this "stuff". This "stuff" has clogged my filter and is preventing fuel from getting to the motor. But this foreign material is unlike any I have seen before. It is not the usual accumulation of loose dirt particles, it is a translucent, gooey looking blob.

I am able to get back to the ramp and load the boat, but the real fun has just begun. Now, I start my trek to world's unknown to discover the origin of the UGOS (Unidentified Gooey Object or Stuff).

With relative ease, I accomplish my mission. Because of a dual mission (protection of the environment and energy independence) some egg-head invented "gasoline" made from grain products, primarily corn. This miracle fuel is called Ethanol. This is not new, but re surged with higher fuel costs. It is an alcohol-like liquid which is used as a subsidizer in gasoline. It is not used to enhance the performance of the fuel, but rather as a filler. But Ethanol has many drawbacks. One of which, is the damage it can do to some types of plastics and fiber glasses (such as the fuel tank in my boat). It "eats away" at these materials and forms a jelly-like substance which is extremely harmful to fuel systems.

By law, in La. anyway, gas pumps which are pumping Ethanol "enhanced" fuels (usually at a ratio of 10%) must be clearly marked as such. So I guess I must have been jelly-filled for pumping the mess in my boat. But I do lay claim to ignorance.

So, my intent of giving Ole' Betsy a good day of exercise ended with my having to clean a bunch of "environmentalist toe-jam" out of her system. Thanks Sierra Club!

The Doors

2009-01-23T05:31:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard, or maybe used, the reference to God "opening and closing doors"? This expression is usually used when a person is facing a difficult decision. In an effort to find the proper exit, people ask God to shut down every unprofitable lane and draw them to their proper destination. Certainly, no one is arguing the desire for God's leadership or His ability to control all things and present opportunities. But if we are not careful, we will crash.

Life is about choices. Some spiritual. Some physical. Not all situations have a "wrong" choice. Blue shirt or red shirt? My choice. But neither choice is a "bad" one.

But some choices do have consequences and some of these consequences can be quite severe. If you refuse to acknowledge your sinful condition and need of a Savior, eternal torment will be your consequence. But it is your choice.

As God's people, we need to be careful how we view God's role in our decisions. Waiting for God to "open" or "shut" doors before we will commit to a decision, is often the result of a skewed view. Before we make a decision, we are often looking for external manifestation even though we have already received internal confirmation.

"Life is a highway" and if we desire that God close off every lane other than our own and only open the exits He wants us to take, we are desiring a somewhat Calvinistic existence.

One of the most difficult decisions I have ever made was leaving Holleyman Chapel MBC to come to Whispering Pines MBC. If I had decided to stay where I was, would that have been an ungodly choice? Whispering Pines wanted me to come in view of a call. The door of opportunity had been opened. But should I have waited for doors to close? Maybe I should have waited for my business to start failing, the church to start splitting, my wife to lose her job and the boys to start having serious problems at school. Then I would have known that God was closing doors.

But the problem was that I already knew what God wanted. Not from some external "signs" such as the slamming of doors, but by God leading in my heart. I just knew it!

Most pastors receive numerous opportunities to go preach in view of a call at another church. These are open doors. Are they not? But just because a door opens does not mean that it is God's perfect will for us to walk through it. I think it wise that we base our decisions not on external expectations but rather on those things the Lord has already given us...His Word and His Spirit.

Death Stinks

2009-01-19T05:37:00.003-06:00

Today I'll be attending my 3rd funeral in the last 10 days. I just want to offer a short suggestion to my preacher friends. Death stinks. Do not try to make a funeral some sort of celebration of life.

I learned this lesson a couple of years ago when I had to bury my mom. Few people had more love for life than my mom. She was about as giving and loving as any I've ever seen. Her death created a huge void in our family.

When we had to bury her it hurt...bad. I didn't want to celebrate her life, I wanted my mom back. I know that was an impossible request, but that's all I wanted nonetheless.

Every family you will have to minister to, is in this same boat. They are extremely damaged. They are not in the shape to celebrate anything and we as preachers shouldn't be foolish enough to expect it if them. Leave the hyper-spirituality for the fairy tale world. Those who are having to bury a loved one are hurting. Death (our great enemy) has taking away one who is dear to their heart.

Love them. Help them any way you can. Pray for and with them. Preach Jesus.

The Old People Were Right...Again!

2009-01-09T08:49:00.003-06:00

When I first started on the endeavor of writing my thesis for my Master's Degree (25,000 words) I kept hearing people say how 25,000 words was not enough to sufficiently cover a subject. Although never expressed audibly, I'm thinking these people just don't know what there talking about.

I know that they have already walked this path before. I know that they have already written their thesis. But I'm Mike Wilkes. And I am smarter than they are. How in the world would I ever be able to write 25,000 words in such a short period of time? These instructors are asking way too much. I am a husband, a dad, a coach, a pastor, a counselor, a student, a hunter, a fisherman and a lawnmower. No way would I ever be able to put together that many words and certainly not in the time allotted.

Now, a couple of weeks after having turned in my thesis (26,720 words)I am rethinking my positions.
#1 I wrote my thesis on the Humanity of Jesus, I didn't cover the subject adequately in 25,000 words and probably couldn't with 50,000.
#2 Even with all my other obligations, I had plenty of time to get it done
#3 I don't know everything
#4 Old People are always right

Another Stick Gone

2009-01-09T08:12:00.003-06:00

I am sitting here getting ready to go to the funeral for Bro. Dwight Bird. Bro. Bird was never a man of notoriety in our national work. But he was a good stick. Let me elaborate.

A while back a preacher-friend and I were discussing the increasingly liberal paths the Lord's people seem to be taking. Both of us were concerned and we were deliberating the ways in which we might help to curb these trends. After a while we both concluded that the course of many of the Lord's people and His churches is like a raging river which is out of control.

My brother then stated that there was little we could possibly do. That's when I told him that we needed to be "sticks in the mud". "Stick in the mud" has long been a term used to describe someone who was unwilling to "change with the times" or "go with the flow".

I went on to explain to my friend that a "stick in the mud" is not going to reverse the course of a stream. But if you can put enough sticks in the mud, it sure will slow down the process of erosion.

I thank God for some of the erosion slowing sticks I have known. Thank you Bro. Bill Pickard, Bro. Don McCormick, Bro. Ken Price, Bro. Willie Knight, Bro. Dwight Bird. Thank you men for being "sticks in the mud".

Huntin with the Cuzzes

2008-12-30T12:13:00.002-06:00

During the Christmas break, all of the clan was blessed to be able to get together and enjoy some good fellowship. We have a good family with plenty of love. One evening, Uncle Cooney and Cindy's two boys Parker(8) and Peyton(5) came over to go hunting with Umpie Mike (that's what TaTa (Taylor)called me when she was a baby, and it stuck).

So here we go. Me, Hayden, Hunter, Parker and Peyton all start walking toward the stand. As we walked by the pond and started to near the woods, Peyton started to cry. I asked him what was wrong and he simply said, "I want my daddy". Now why anyone would feel comforted by the presence of Cooney leaves me scratching my head, but hey, this is the boy's daddy. So I told Peyton that his daddy wasn't here, and I asked again about what was bothering him. He then explained to me that he was afraid of the woods. He told me, "There might be a King Cobra in there".

While I am trying to reassure him that everything was going to be fine, the other 3 boys shifted into counseling mode and started to help me out. Or so they thought! One tells Peyton, "There ain't no King Cobras. Just rattlesnakes and copperheads". Another chimes in, "There ain't no King Cobras, just rabbits, and deer, and bear". I highly recommend staying away from these boys if your ever standing on the edge of a bridge.

Finally, I am able to calm Peyton down. Not only did I convince him that my gun could take care of any King Cobras, but it could also take care of rattlesnakes, copperheads and bear.

We make it to the stand and all climb in. It was a little crowded, but not all that bad.

One thing I haven't mentioned, is that before we left the house I gave every boy a flashlight. I figured this would make each boy feel a little more comfortable walking home if it had gotten a little dark. I had no idea the flashlights would be the focal point of the hunt.

Now I don't know what it is in the male constitution that draws him to flashlights, but it is real. Men like flashlights. Boys like flashlights. We can't have too many. And they can't be too bright. Some believe a male's self-worth is measured by the brightness of his flashlight. If you don't believe it try this...give two men flashlights and I guarantee you they will see whose is brighter. See what I mean.

So here we sit. 1 man. 4 boys. 5 flashlights. All inside a 4 x 8 boxstand...8 foot off the ground. As the sun set, and daylight faded it must have looked like...Well. Did you ever see Close Encounters of the Third Kind? Do you remember the space ship with all of the lights flashing from every opening and portal?

Surely the wildlife behind my house felt as though they had been invaded by something from beyond our realm. They had never seen anything like this. Lights flashing. Condominium shaking. Whispered giggling. Repeated funneling.

Oh, just in case your wondering...we didn't see a deer.

Peace

2008-12-30T11:48:00.002-06:00

Everyone from young children to Miss America contestants want world peace. I reckon that its not too bad of a desire. But, is world peace high on the Lord's current list of priorities? Some will be quick to rebut, quoting the Biblical record of the heavenly host' proclamation. The Bible declares...

Luke 2:8-14 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

What should be noticed is that the heavenly host did not proclaim peace among men, but peace, goodwill toward men. This is peace and goodwill being extended from God toward men in the form of His Son, Jesus.

Consider also the words of Jesus.

Luke 12:51-53 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Learn From Wise Men

2008-12-30T11:41:00.004-06:00

Matthew 2:9-11
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Very simple lesson...When the wise men had reached their destination, they rejoiced.

When they came into the presence of Jesus, they worshipped...there is a difference!

Clues to Help Redneck Readers Take a Quiz

2008-12-15T19:26:00.002-06:00

Let's see if this helps.

Bubba = Giant Corporations who have mismanaged their business. I.E. Banks, Lending Institutions and Auto Manufacturers.
Jim Bob = American Taxpayer
Rosco = Federal Government
Leroy = IRS

What Do You Think?

2008-12-15T19:22:00.002-06:00

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane did He fear what lied ahead of Him? If not, what did He feel, and what did His words mean?

Redneck Quiz

2008-12-12T14:16:00.006-06:00

Bubba has a double-wide. Jim Bob has a single-wide. Bubba's been cooking chitlins. But now he is chasing Daisy (his girlfriend)round the pickup and forgets to turn the burner off. He burns his double-wide to the ground. Jim Bob wishes he could help Bubba, but its all he can do to make the payments on his single-wide. So Rosco, Bubba's buddy, gets Leroy to take money away from Jim Bob so Bubba can get back on his feet.

Who's the sorry dog Redneck? And why?

What Has Entered My Nose?

2008-12-12T14:01:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting here eating Fritos Corn Chips. Anyone ever noticed how your dog sometimes smells like Fritos?

Please Don't Cry!!!

2008-12-09T20:10:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, Dec. 8, 2008, my youngest son, Hunter, wanted to go hunting. My brain was exhausted from a draining day at school, but since Hayden had just recently killed his first deer, I figured little brother deserved his chance. But there is one glitch, Kim is not home, she is shopping in Shreveport. This is only a problem if Hayden doesn't want to go hunting with us. If Hayden doesn't want to go, we can't go. Inside, because of my being tired, I am quietly hoping he will say no. Hunter is excited. He is already getting ready. So I ask Hayden if he wants to go (Please say no. Please say no). He says yes. Man, my only excuse blown away. So we all get ready and walk to the woods (or forest as Hunter calls it).

The wind had been blowing hard all day and when we settled into the condo/deerstand, it hadn't let up. About 15 mph out of the south. All 3 of us got comfortable in our chairs. Hayden is sitting there writing a report for school. Hunter wants to hold the gun so he can look through the scope. I'm tired.

Hunter can't sit in his chair and have the necessary height needed to view the shooting lane through the scope. Here we go again. Numb legs. So I let him get on my lap and look through the scope. To the wildlife in the area it must have been an unusual site. The black piece of steel protruding from the hole in the big box. The barrel of the gun would have been practically unnoticeable if it hadn't been moving. And boy do I mean moving.

I'm not exactly sure what all he laid the cross hairs on, but I know that sometimes it was almost under the stand, then it would be straight up in the air, then to the left, then the right. Sometimes the barrel of that 243 was moving so fast it looked flexible (remember shaking the pencil in your hand so fast it looked like rubber). I tried to encourage him to be still, but at the same time if he doesn't kill anything I don't have to clean it. So shake it Hunter, Shake it.

Since the wind is blowing steady out of the south, I am focusing most of my attention toward the north. Remember the old rule of deer walking into the wind, not with it. It's about 5:00. Hayden has finished his report and he is now an extra set of eyes to try and spot the deer before they spot the rubber barrel sticking out of the side of the stand. And the wind. What a nightmare. To Hunter, every leaf that hit the ground was a deer.

Out of nowhere, Hayden whispers quietly but firmly,"Deer, Dad, Deer". And sure enough, standing right in the middle of our shooting lane is a deer. He is eating our corn, with his face away from us, and his posterior facing us. I grab the earmuffs and put them on Hunter. I look over at Hayden, and he has already put his earmuffs on, has them covered with his hands, and is crouched down as though someone has just hollered, "INCOMING".

I had been very adamant with the boys about taking only "good shots". We had repeatedly gone over where to aim. But this deer is not moving. All we see is butt. So I lean up to Hunter's ear and whisper, "I'm going to whistle at him. He will turn. Then you shoot him". He turns enough so that I can hear him whisper. He says "Sir?" So again I said, "I'm going to whistle at him. He will turn. Then you shoot him". He nodded. So I whistled. The deer turned. The gun went bang.

50 Yards. Broadside. The deer dropped in his tracks. As soon as he did, I ripped the earmuffs off of Hunter's head and said "You did it. You did it. You shot your first deer!" I gave him a high-five. Then things quickly changed. Hunter is looking through the opening in the stand and tears start to form in his eyes. He sees the deer still flopping somewhat. He's obviously in his latter stages of life, but this is Hunter's first time to see such a sight. I'm thinking "Great, I'm raising PETA boys". So we climb out of the stand. The deer is dead, but we go ahead and walk back to the house to get the four-wheeler before we walk over to the deer.

Great shot. Both lungs. A button buck. We come back and Hayden helps me drag the deer out to the four-wheeler. I ask Hunter if he wanted to help, it was then he informed me he didn't like to get blood from other "creatures" on him. So we take our pictures, and clean the deer. Finally, I figured it was time to talk to Hunter about his emotional display in the stand. I have heard of a lot of kids who feel guilty after they have killed something, so I figured he was just another one of the many. So I ask him, "Hunter, after you shot the deer, you saw the deer still moving, and it looked like you were fixing to cry. What was wrong?" He said, "Dad, when I saw him start moving, I thought he was going to get away." You know what, that's made many grown men cry.

Who Knew?

2008-12-05T17:33:00.002-06:00

I started blogging at the behest of my junior brother-in-law. I jumped in with both feet and invested many valuable brain cells in an attempt to educated the throngs from the storehouse of knowledge resting atop my neck. My postings have been in-depth considerations of a myriad of subjects worthy of my effort and time. So I pondered and typed. I deliberated and typed. I waged on through my oft debilitating handicap with which I am cursed (a wondering mind). So I posted and waited. And waited. And then, someone would not only read my blog, but they would display great courage and respond. But for the most part, one maybe two responses per post. What a failure I have been.

I had no idea that a one sentence question would be the key to unlock the keyboards of my readers. I have grabbed the brass ring Cooney set before me. I have rekindled the fires of Camp's smoker's pit. I did it Cooney. I did it!!!

Just Wandering

2008-12-02T20:24:00.002-06:00

Is it appropriate for preachers, Men of God, to be running around in shorts?

Something Else To Be Thankful For

2008-11-27T05:21:00.004-06:00

If you are a PETA member, you may want to stop reading now. O.K. I warned you. I had a 2 man ladder stand in the woods behind my house. The purpose of this stand was to introduce my two boys to deer hunting. I am an avid hunter and wanted to give my boys the opportunity to blast a whitetail (I warned you PETA people). But sitting in this stand with an 11 year old and an 8 year old made me feel like i was sitting next to life-size bobble-head hunters. Bless their hearts, they can't sit still. So I realized that if these boys were going to have any realistic chance of killing a deer, they would have to be in a box stand. So daddy went to work.

One thing about these boy's daddy...he is not notorious for under-kill. I built a box stand. No, I built a luxury stand. No, I built a small apartment. The stand is 4' x 8'. (For those of you with a Louisiana Public School education, the ' symbol behind the numbers represents ft. Sorry, i forgot, ft. means feet) Anyway, the stand is 8 feet of the ground. The floor is insulated and then covered by a layer of foam matting (for noise reduction and comfort if anyone needs a nap). All of the walls and ceiling are also insulated. Inside the corner of the stand is a funnel. This funnel is connected to a hose which runs down into a 3' deep hole dug with a post-hole digger. (Do I really have to explain the purpose of the funnel?)

Since I was building this thing and cutting a shooting lane in the middle of deer season, I wasn't sure how much it would effect the deer. But, the bobble-head scenario certainly wasn't going to work, so I pressed on. I quit beating, banging, sawing and hammering on Sat. 11/22. Last night, 11/26, evening before Thanksgiving, both the boys and I are sitting in the stand. It's Hayden's turn. (For the sake of clarification, let me elaborate on the "it's your turn" method. I have two boys. So even though I may take both boys hunting, only one of them goes as the "shooter". The other is only there as a spectator. The next hunt it's the other boy's turn).

So there we sit. 5:10. No wind. About 55 degrees. Hayden tells me he saw a deer move to our left. I look and see nothing, but he is adamant that he saw one. The property to our left is not ours, so I am thinking if he did see one I hope it will cross the fence. About 3 minutes later, I hear them. Then I see them... 2 slickheads (non-hunters, that means no visible antlers). I already have Hayden sitting in my lap to give him a better angle for resting his gun (.243 single shot H&R) so I quickly put the earmuffs on him (Hayden can't stand loud noises).

The deer are moving in our direction. It looks like they are going to cross the fence and our shooting lane. I look over at Hunter and tell him, "don't move". I whisper in Hayden's ear, "get ready". Hayden rests his cheek on the comb of the rifle and appears to be looking through the scope. And out of nowhere, the first deer jumps the fence and darts across the shooting lane. Gone! The second deer jumps the fence and stops. Broad-side right in the middle of the lane. 25 yards away. I whisper in Hayden's ear "Shoot". Nothing happens. Again I whisper, "Shoot". I'm starting to think he won't do it, then...Bang!!! The deer runs off. I'm so in tune to watching Hayden, I didn't see the deer's reaction when he shot, so I ask Hayden, "did you hit him?" "Yeah", he replied "I think so". Then he proceeds to tell me that what I had told him was right...he said that when he pulled the trigger he didn't even notice the sound or kick of the gun.

So we all climb down from the stand. As soon as we climb down Hayden said, "Dad, my legs are still shaking, is that normal?" "It sure is", I assure him. It is dark enough that we need a flashlight to look for any visible sign of the deer being hit. We walk over to the spot where the deer was standing and I can see disrupted pine needles and leaves where the deer bolted away. We continue to look and Hunter exclaims, "Blood!" And sure enough, blood. The good kind. White and foamy. The sign of a good lung shot. And there he laid, only 20 yards away. A perfect shot. Heart and both lungs gone, thanks to a ballistic tip. A button buck. The antlers had just barely broken through the skin.

So we drag the deer out and Hayden said,"Dad feel my heart". And so I laid my hand on his chest and agreed that his heart was still racing.

Later that evening, after the pictures and the skinning, while sitting on the couch, Hayden said "Dad, now I have even something else to be thankful for". "Yes you do, Son... Yes you do".

The 4 M's

2008-11-10T22:37:00.002-06:00

1. I wonder how Caleb is doing? I should call.
2. Veteran's Day is coming up. Thanks Dad.
3. My wife is asleep. Must be nice.
4. Why am I doing this I need to be working on my thesis.
5. This fan in the room is too loud.
6. I wonder if Michael is awake.
7. Why do we have hair on our knuckles?
8. Man, how can the Lord love me so much?
9. I am excited about school. Everyday. I love it.

Our New President

2008-11-10T22:11:00.003-06:00

Well, it's been about a month since my last posting and I was starting to hear rumors of widespread chaos and pandemonium by my plethora of readers. Please, cancel the marches and demonstrations...I'm still here.

I went to bed Tuesday...angry! I woke up Wednesday morning...angry! How? How in the world could we Americans have elected a man who has done so little to prove his love and loyalty to our country? I find nothing in this man which draws me to follow him as the leader of my country. What do people see? I know they want from him what he has promised, but what do they see in the man?

But then...somewhere during the day Wednesday something clicked within the walls of my cranium. What if...what if he gets saved? What if Barack Osama realizes that the religious ideals he has embraced are insufficient to merit God's marvelous salvation? What if our President-elect will one day stand before America and denounce his past alliances with the religions and ideologues of our day and profess his faith in Jesus as the Son of God who died for his sins? Can you imagine?

So the bitterness and anger have melted from my being. No, I don't have my head stuck in the sands on fairy-tale island. I know our country is in pitiful shape. I have children which I would love to raise in a truly God-fearing nation. But my friends, the election of this man did not knock one of the legs out from under God's throne. He is still there.

As for me, in my newly discovered serenity, I will pray for our country. I will pray for our president. I will pray for God's hand to lead him in his decisions. But ultimately, I will pray for his salvation. Can you imagine?

Cooney's 3 P's of Preachers

2008-10-09T13:43:00.003-05:00

Cooney, I loved the 3 P's you shared with us about preachers. But I fear some may not understand. So I have taken the liberty to build on the foundation which you have laid.

I.Pot-bellied
As one spends much time in deep study and meditation, his legs begin to swell because of fluid retention brought on by a lack of circulation. This swelling eventually rises throughout the torso giving the appearance of obesity. The truth is preachers are not fat we just look that way because of years of study.

II.Poor
This is not a statement of financial status, but rather a state of pity. ie...that poor dog. It is not that the dog lacks money, but his state is so pitiful that it warrants sympathy. We preachers might warrant sympathy for a number of reasons.
A. After hearing a sermon......."that poor preacher"
B. After seeing me eat.........."that poor preacher"
C. After hearing me sing........"that poor preacher"

III. Penniless
No denying this one...we missionary baptist preachers are broke. I have often wondered why the Lord's churches don't do a better job of taking care of their pastors. Those who have devoted themselves to the ministry full time are at the complete mercy of the church. The church I pastor does a good job of taking care of me and my family. Could they do more? Absolutely! But then as my hackles get up over being under compensated, I always have one thought cross my mind ....................... Am I even worth what I'm getting now.

More m&m&m&m's

2008-10-09T13:21:00.003-05:00

1. It's 1:20, I have too much to do and not enough time.
2. That was a loud truck that just drove down the road.
3. i should have paid more attention in typing class.
4. i wonder what Tayboo is doing?
5. What if Jesus comes back today?
6. Can a person drink too much coffee?
7. I have to go to the bathroom.
8. Is a Basset Hound ever really happy? How do you know?
9. If I had been bigger, could I have played college ball?
10. I'm glad I didn't. My body hurts enough as it is.

I'll Probably Regret This

2008-10-08T12:06:00.005-05:00

I am sitting here laboring on my thesis. Man, 25,000 words is quite an undertaking for a simpleton such as myself. But, I shall prevail. My beautiful wife is not feeling well today, so my mind is somewhat preoccupied with her, thus producing an addled state of mind which has abandoned studies to pursue blogging. Oh the enervated man that I am.

Things are advancing well at the seminary. We students are quite indolent in our efforts and the instructors are very adamant in their expectations. So we have the usual debacle which causes teachers to bang their heads against the wall and leaves students wondering "whats the big deal?" God is good...so all is well.(Remember don't get those backwards)

I'm feeling a little bathetic.
Maybe it's time for the 4 M's (Mr Mike's Midday Musings)
1. Am I really doing best by sending my kid's to government schools?
2. Why has God been so good to me?
3. How does Uncle Cooney button the collar of his shirt?
4. People are worried about money, I couldn't care any less. Is something wrong with me?
5. How tall will my boys be?
6. I need to call my sisters.
7. My feet are going to sleep,perched on top of my desk.
8. I want a new laptop. No I don't.
9. Why are the bookcases in my office this color?
10. I miss my mom.

Now for those who need help understanding what the 4 M's are...let me explain. I have no idea how your mind works. I just hope that it does. I observe other people and I don't feel as though my mind works as does the norm. My attention span is as long as the interval between the flap of a hummingbird's wings. My thoughts run everywhere. I have trained it enough to be able to get things done, but while I am working on something I will have an enumerable number of little quick thought-bursts that will pop into my head. Most of the time I discard them and refocus on the task at hand, but I thought "why not have a little fun?" So occasionally I will post the 4 M's. These are the thought-bursts that pop into my head over a 3 minute period. These are not things that i am dwelling on, they just show up and then they leave. I hope no one ever gets offended. Just have a little fun at my expense. Man am I messed up.

The Antichrist

2008-10-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

Who the “antichrist” will be has long been a subject notorious for producing a myriad of opinions. Although no absolute conclusion can be drawn as to who the “Man of sin” will be, ideas are varied. Speculations have run from Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Pope. Even though who the “antichrist” will be is speculative at best, almost all agree to his being futuristic in timing.

The objective being pursued in this writing is not an understanding of futuristic events, but a desire to better comprehend the present. Four out of the five times the word “antichrist” is used, it is in conjunction with verbs in the present tense, not in the future tense. Simply stated, this is not a reference to someone who is to come, but someone who had already come when the account was recorded. Certainly this flies in the face of most perceptions. Automatically upon hearing the term “antichrist” most people conjure thoughts of the manifestation of evil which shall rise up against the saints of God. Although the futuristic personification of evil is mentioned as “that antichrist” in 1 John 2:18, all other verses give consideration to someone, or something which is already working in the world today. The proper interpretation of Scripture forces one to look not at the end times, but rather to the present day in considering who, or what, this “antichrist” is.

In order to have a firm grasp on who, or what, the “antichrist” is, one needs to understand what the term means. The base of the word is the word “Christ” which means “anointed”. This word is used as a title for Jesus. Jesus is the anointed of God. “Anointed” means “to consecrate by unction, or by the use of oil”. Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. This verse declares Jesus to be anointed by God. So one can easily see Jesus was declared by God to be purposed for a particular, spiritual objective. This purpose was revealed by Jesus himself when He declared “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost (Matthew 18:11). This is the heart of the reason for Jesus coming to this earth. Mankind, in his lost condition, needed a redeemer. With Jesus as His name, and Christ as His title, one can see the Man and His purpose.

Having a good understanding of the title of “Christ”, one now needs to turn to the prefix “anti”. Without a long discourse in linguistic considerations, one may still be able to appreciate the purpose of this prefix. “Anti” is used to show either an opposition to or a replacement of. For example, when a person is bitten by a poisonous snake, he is taken to the hospital and treated with an antivenin. This antivenin is simply “anti venom”. Its purpose is to offset the affects of the venom. So if this same principle is used, the “antichrist” is purposed to offset the affects of the Christ. The “antichrist”, or spirit of, is purposed to oppose or replace the Christ.

The object of the enemy is not to replace or oppose Jesus, just His being the Christ. One would find it a difficult task to discover religions which are Anti-Jesus. The vast majority of religions are quick to acknowledge Jesus as a man sent from God. Most will give Him due credit for being the Son of God, a miracle worker, a prophet, born of a virgin and a good man to pattern life after. But how many truly give Him credit for being the Christ? Not a Christ, but the Christ. He is the only one anointed by God to take away the sins of the world. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. He is the only one anointed by God to keep them who are saved. 2 Timothy 2:12… for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The man Jesus is much more than a miracle worker, He is the Christ. This is where the Father of lies has performed a masterful job. He has allowed, probably even promoted a world-wide acceptance of Jesus. Jesus is being preached from the over-whelming majority of pulpits today and it doesn’t bother the Devil one bit. No one is saved by believing Jesus is a good man, or a healer. What the Deceiver doesn’t want preached is the fact that Jesus is the Christ. If one truly believes that Jesus is the divinely anointed by God to take away the sins of the world, and if that same person believes there exist no other Christ, then that person is saved. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

By modern religions having allowed the name of Jesus to remain as their central theme, they are causing great difficulty for many of the saved to see the distinctions between the Truth and a lie. Modern religions are preaching Jesus + works = salvation. They are not preaching Jesus as the Christ. If He is the Christ, then there exists no other anointed. Nothing else can take away sin. The danger of what the Devil is doing is summed up in the “Christian Movement”. This movement idolizes Jesus, but not as the Christ. Anyone who believes in anything other than Jesus, and Jesus alone, as the source and maintainer of salvation is not a Christian. They may be a “Jesusite” but they are not a Christian. Most people in America claim to be Christians, but they are not. Many people in the Lord’s true churches today look to the religious in the community as “Christian Brethren”. They are not. Although they may carry the banner of Jesus, they have abandoned His being the Christ. If they truly believe He is the Christ, then they will gladly abandon their trusts in works. But they will not, because they are working under the spirit of the antichrist.

The following four verses are the only times the word “antichrist” is used in the Bible.
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist,
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

The common theme which is noticed through these verses, with the exception of the first, is the presence of the title of Jesus as the Christ. Do not be deceived. The Devil is not anti-Jesus, he is antichrist. He desires to eliminate the pure truth of the gospel. The truth which declares the only way of redemption is what the devil seeks to destroy.

May God empower His people to be able to differentiate between those who have embraced the man of Jesus, and those who have truly trusted Jesus as the Christ.

To Satisfy the BigUn

2008-10-01T09:35:00.002-05:00

My Bro-in-law (Hebert not Reese) has been aggravating me about my lackadaisical attitude toward blogging. I am assuming that my loyal followers have met and appointed him as their spokesman. My most sincere apologies to the thousands of readers of this blog. I did not have a full grasp of the responsibility I was assuming when I started this thing. I thought it would be an outlet for the occasional gripe or an avenue I might take to publicly display my view from a newly-discovered soapbox. I had no idea that the blog-patrol was on duty and that I had violated one of their tenets. But as it has been said, ignorance is no excuse. So I humbly accept whatever penalties are deemed worthy of the crime. I do plead for leniency.

But, since I do have a responsibility to the masses who hang on my every word, I press forward with a renewed fervor. In this renewed spirit I have formed 5 personal goals to better myself as a professional blogger. The rules will hereafter be known as "Mike's Undeniable Declarations" or "MUD". These rules do have sequential significance in that the first is the most precious to my heart.

If I should ever falter to fulfill any of the following "Mike's Undeniable Declarations"... may MUD be cast in my face...may I eat MUD...may the clarity of my blogging waters forever look like MUD.

Mike's Undeniable Declarations...
1. Every Blog post must meet the standards set forth in the blogging manual "Blogging according to Uncle Cooney"
2. Every Blog must be worthy of reaching the intellectual plateau on which Uncle Michael resides.
3. Every Blog must be worthy of the Snide's opposition.
4. Every Blog must cause Lucious Louie to get out his pig poker.
5. Every Blog must have at least one grammatical bungle which is notorious enough to force a seminary English teacher to reconsider granting 1st year credit to a moron.

2008-07-29T11:10:00.001-05:00

Is Alcoholics Anonymous Detrimental
To the
Cause of Christ?

In the United States, the average age that a young person begins to drink alcoholic beverages is 12. In the United States, there are approximately 14 million people who are addicted to alcohol. Considering these staggering numbers, it is obvious that something needs to be done. No reasonable person would think that this problem will ever “just go away”.

There are a number of programs and facilities designed to help the alcoholic deal with his addiction. These efforts are to be commended for the work they do in salvaging lives and families. Of all present-day groups, none is as well known as is Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bill, a New York stockbroker, and Dr Bob, an Akron surgeon, started this group in 1935. The group is notorious for the anonymity that its members maintain. The organization defines itself as “a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership.”

This group has been crucial in assisting countless numbers to break free from the oppressive chains of alcoholism. The human vocabulary is incapable of expressing the gratitude that flows from the hearts of families whose loved ones have been liberated from their addiction. Certainly, no rational person can find fault with the victory over addiction.

Although no fault can be found with the effects on the physical man, Alcoholics Anonymous has a detrimental thread of spirituality that runs through every fiber of its program. This group does not in any way claim to be a church, spiritual organization or religion, but they give much consideration to the spiritual welfare of its members. They encourage every member to get in touch with God, whatever He is to them. The problem is this…no man can have a truly generic concept of God.

If a man believes in a Higher Power, then it is impossible for that same man not to have other beliefs. A believing man will have a belief about who his god is, what his god expects, and what his god disapproves of. A man who believes in a god will have opinions about death, heaven, hell and eternity.

An encouragement to generically believe in a god is to encourage one to form other opinions about his god. There is no possible harm in this process, unless…the baselessly formed opinions are wrong.

Alcoholics Anonymous has no declared basis upon which to build the spiritual lives of its members. It speaks in generalities without direction or distinctions. The only definitive authority on spiritual matters is the Word of God. The Bible is clear in its declarations concerning man’s need, God’s provision and eternal consequences.

Eternity is at stake. Any entity that perpetuates ideas contrary to the Bible cannot be considered neutral on spiritual things. The idea that a faith in “your own conception of God” is sufficient to generate a relationship with Him is heretical.

The following is a list of excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous. Following each excerpt is the page number on which it can be found.

Read for yourself, and you will see much written about spiritual things, by a group that claims not to be spiritual. Now you determine whether or not Alcoholics Anonymous is detrimental to the cause of Christ.

• He looked straight at me. Simply, but smilingly, he said, "I've got religion." (page 9)
• They had told of a simple religious idea and a practical program of action. That was two months ago and the result was self-evident. It worked! (page 9)
• I had always believed in a Power greater that myself (page10)
• But my friend sat before me, and he made the pointblank declaration that God had done for him what he could not do for himself (page 11)
• My friend suggested what then seemed a novel idea. He said, "Why don't you choose your own conception of God?" (page 12)
• It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a Power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning (page 12)
• Thus was I convinced that God is concerned with us humans when we want Him enough. At long last I saw, I felt, I believed. Scales of pride and prejudice fell from my eyes. A new world came into view. (page 12)
• There I humbly offered myself to God, as I then I understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the first time that of myself I was nothing; that without Him I was lost. I ruthlessly faced my sins and became willing to have my new-found Friend take them away, root and branch. I have not had a drink since. (page 13)
• I was to test my thinking by the new God-consciousness within. Common sense would thus become uncommon sense. I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me. Never was I to pray for myself, except as my requests bore on my usefulness to others. (page 13)
• My friend promised when these things were done I would enter upon a new relationship with my Creator; that I would have the elements of a way of living which answered all my problems. Belief in the power of God, plus enough willingness, honesty and humility to establish and maintain the new order of things, were the essential requirements. Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid. It meant destruction of self-centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all. These were revolutionary and drastic proposals, but the moment I fully accepted them, the effect was electric. There was a sense of victory, followed by such a peace and serenity as I had never know (page 13-14)
• God comes to most men gradually, but His impact on me was sudden and profound. (page 14)
• The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. (page 25)
• We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired. If what we have learned and felt and seen means anything at all, it means that all of us, whatever our race, creed, or color are the children of a living Creator with whom we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as soon as we are willing and honest enough to try. (page 28)
• To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face. (page 44)
• But after a while we had to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life or else. (page 44)
• Lack of power, that was our dilemma. we had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power? Well, that's exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem. That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God. Here difficulty arises with agnostics. Many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcoholic problems and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had neatly evaded or entirely ignored. (page 45)
• Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another's conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps. (page 46)
• When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. (page 47)
• We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. --"Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?" As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.* (page 47)
• In our personal stories you will find a wide variation in the way each teller approaches and conceives of the Power which is greater than himself. (page 50)
• On one proposition, however, these men and women are strikingly agreed. Every one of them has gained access to, and believe in, a Power greater than himself. This Power has in each case accomplished the miraculous, the humanly impossible. (page 50)
• When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith. (page 51)
• When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did. (page 52)
• When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crises we could not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is or He isn't. What was our choice to be? (page 53)
• We finally saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up, just as much as the feeling we have for a friend. Sometimes we had to search fearlessly, but He was there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. (page 55)
• "Is it possible that all the religious people I have known are wrong?" While pondering the answer he felt as though he lived in hell. Then, like a thunderbolt, a great thought came. It crowded out all else: (page 56)
• This man recounts that he tumbled out of bed to his knees. In a few seconds he was overwhelmed by a conviction of the Presence of God. It poured over and through him with the certainty and majesty of a great tide at flood. The barriers he had built through the years were swept away. He stood in the Presence of Infinite Power and Love. He had stepped from bridge to shore. For the first time, he lived in conscious companionship with his Creator. (page 56)
• Remember that we deal with alcohol, cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power that One is God. May you find Him now! (page 58-59)
• Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. (page 60)
• This is the how and the why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing God. It didn't work. Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director. He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His children. Most Good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom. (page 62)
• When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. (page 63)
• As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn. (page 63)
• We were now at Step Three. Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: "God, I offer myself to Thee -- to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!" We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly to Him. (page 63)
• But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the maintenance and growth of a spiritual experience, this business of resentment is infinitely grave. We found that it is fatal. For when harboring such feeling we shut ourselves off from the sunlight of the Spirit. (page 66)
• We asked God to help us show them the same tolerance, pity, and patience that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person offended we said to ourselves, "This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done." (page 67)
• We cannot be helpful to all people, but at least God will show us how to take a kindly and tolerant view of each and every one. (page 67)
• Perhaps there is a better way, we think so. For we are now on a different basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity. (page 68)
• We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically, it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage. All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. (page 68)
• If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson (page 70)
• In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. (page 70-71)
• We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the obstacles in our path. (page 72)
• Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have a spiritual experience. The feeling that the drink problem has disappeared will often come strongly. We feel we are on the Broad Highway, walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe. (page 75)
• We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better. (page 75)
• Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all, everyone? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing. (page 76)
• When ready, we say something like this: "My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen." We have then completed Step Seven. (page 76)
• Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us. (page 77)
• So we clean house with the family, asking each morning in meditation that our Creator show us the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love. (page 83)
• The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it. (page 83)
• We should be sensible, tactful, considerate and humble without being servile or scraping. As God's people we stand on our feet; we don't crawl before anyone. (page 83)
• We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them. (page 84)
• We will see that our new attitude toward liquor has been given us without any thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition. (page 85)
• It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee, Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. (page 85)
• Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. (page 85)
• Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation. We shouldn't be shy on this matter of prayer. (page 85)
• After making our review we ask God's forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken. (page 86)
• Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives. (page 86)
• Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. (page 86)
• Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. (page 87)
• We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems. We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it doesn't work. You can easily see why. (page 87)
• If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also. If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from one's priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer. (page 87)
• We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." (page 87-88)
• We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined. (page 88)
• . You will soon have you friend admitting he has many, if not all, of the traits of the alcoholic. If his own doctor is willing to tell him that he is alcoholic, so much the better. Even though your protege may not have entirely admitted his condition, he has become very curious to know how you got well. Let him ask you that question, if he will. Tell him exactly what happened to you. Stress the spiritual feature freely. If the man be agnostic or atheist, make it emphatic that he does not have to agree with your conception of God. He can choose any conception he likes, provided it makes sense to him. The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles. (page 92-93)
• Job or no job -- wife or no wife -- we simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God. (page 98)
• Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house. (page 98)
• When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned. ( page 100)
• Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand. Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed. ( page 102)
• Since this book was first published, A.A. has released thousands of alcoholics from asylums and hospitals of every kind. The majority have never returned. The power of God goes deep! (page 114)
• And now you know that he can stop if he will! Time after time, this apparent calamity has been a boon to us, for it opened up a path which led to the discovery of God. (page 116)
• We have elsewhere remarked how much better life is when lived on a spiritual plane. If God can solve the age-old riddle of alcoholism, He can solve your problems too. We wives found that, like everybody else, we were afflicted with pride, self-pity, vanity and all the things which go to make up the self-centered person; and we were not above selfishness or dishonesty. As our husbands began to apply spiritual principles in their lives, we began to see the desirability of doing so too. (page 116)
• At first, some of us did not believe we needed this help. We thought, on the whole, we were pretty good women, capable of being nicer if our husbands stopped drinking. But it was a silly idea that we were too good to need God. Now we try to put spiritual principles to work in every department of our lives. When we do that, we find it solves our problems too; the ensuing lack of fear, worry and hurt feelings is a wonderful thing. We urge you to try our program, for nothing will be so helpful to your husband as the radically changed attitude toward him which God will show you how to have. (page 116-117)
• If he gets drunk, don't blame yourself. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem or He has not. If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and your husband can get right down to fundamentals. If a repetition is to be prevented, place the problem, along with everything else, in God's hands. (page 120)
• Many of us have experienced dad's elation. We have indulged in spiritual intoxication. Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product. (page 128-129)
• If the family cooperates, dad will soon see that he is suffering from a distortion of values. He will perceive that his spiritual growth is lopsided, that for an average man like himself, a spiritual life which does not include his family obligations may not be so perfect after all. If the family will appreciated that dad's current behavior is but a phase of his development, all will be well. In the midst of an understanding and sympathetic family, these vagaries of dad's spiritual infancy will quickly disappear. (page 129)
• The opposite may happen should the family condemn and criticize. Dad may feel that for years his drinking has placed him on the wrong side of every argument, but that now he has become a superior person with God on his side. (page 129)
• Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness. (page 130)
• On the third day the lawyer gave his life to the care and direction of his Creator, and said he was perfectly willing to do anything necessary. His wife came, scarcely daring to be hopeful, though she thought she saw something different about her husband already. He had begun to have a spiritual experience. (page 158)
• That afternoon he put on his clothes and walked from the hospital a free man. He entered a political campaign, making speeches, frequenting men's gathering places of all sorts, often staying up all night. He lost the race by only a narrow margin. But he had found God -- and in finding God had found himself. (page 158)
• Every few days this doctor suggests our approach to one of his patients. Understanding our work, he can do this with an eye to selecting those who are willing and able to recover on a spiritual basis. (page 162)
• Still you may say: "But I will not have the benefit of contact with you who wrote this book." We cannot be sure. God will determine that, so you must remember that your real reliance is always upon Him. He will show you how to create the fellowship you crave. (page 164)
• Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven't got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. (page 164)
• Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. (page 164)
• May God bless you and keep you -- until then. (164)

What If?

2008-07-02T22:47:00.003-05:00

What do we do? I am not a “conspiracy theorist” but I do consider myself a “realist”. Often people would rather stick their heads into the sands of ignorance rather than face unpleasant realities. This is certainly not the course of action which will yield positive results. Even though our country likes to carry the “God Fearing Nation” banner and wave it when convenient, we are no where near truly being a nation that fears God.

We are killing unborn babies by the thousands. We not only condone homosexuality, but it is promoted as an “alternate lifestyle”. The Bible is being reviled and removed at every opportunity while the Koran is touted as a good book. People in power, including our President, have equalized Christians and Muslims. Allah has been unveiled, in claim, to be the same God as the God of Abraham. Do these things sound like the traits of a Bible believing, God fearing nation? Absolutely not! This is where the concern begins.

If we are not a people who look to God and His Word for guidance and answers, then to whom are we looking and from where are we getting our answers? It is my fear that we are no longer being led by God, but deceived by the devil. Intellectual giants now carry more moral authority than does the Bible. It is no longer what is best for the people, it is what is best for me. We have become individuals, not indivisible. We are looking out for number one, while all other numbers are being flushed down the social sewer of immorality and ungodliness.

The issues mentioned in this writing are not the only items of concern. These issues are also not an improbable collection of doomsdayism, but realistic ideas that some in power think would better our society. Are we to sit back and let our country sink to points unimaginable or stand up as representatives of God and do all we can to revert our course? Too often God’s people are content to sail on the “meek” ship, and end up at whatever port of ungodliness the ship determines to be the best. Those that steer our country have been put at the helm by you and I. We did it. We put them in power and now we must make certain that the ship is on the course that will honor and glorify our God. I am not yet declaring “mutiny”, but I do wander how long.

What can I do? We as God’s people are gentle-spirited and do not have the desire to cause waves in the ocean of life. We desire to live peaceably with all men. Often our soft voices do not carry the same amount of influence as those who scream and cry at the top of their lungs. These are the same ones who, when they are not satisfied, make it known by rioting and terrifying the innocent. Is this what we need to do? No, but our tongues are bloodied from having been bitten for too long. Meekness is not weakness. What is it going to take for God’s people to stand up and declare “No More!”

The ultimate concern that I have is for the future of the cause of Christ. It is very predictable if our nation continues down its current path of degradation, eventually tolerance for the truth will wear thin. Will there ever come a day in which God’s people will be forbidden to serve the Lord in our Country? The answer is very predictable…..Absolutely! If our Lord has not yet come back and our path is not deterred this unpleasant prediction will become a reality. How can it not? Is there any course than sin can take which does not eventually lead to an abandoning of all things Godly? We are definitely on a sin led course right now. How far it will go and how long it will last is up to us. Some will say “it has gone too far, and there is nothing we can do”. To these I say,” get ready to reap what you have sown”. With man it may be impossible…but not with God.

What if, the government of our country starts using tax dollars for the promotion of activities which God has condemned? How do you feel about helping to pay for activities that God has declared sinful? Out of one pocket you put money in the offering plate to help promote the cause of Christ. Out of the other pocket you are paying taxes which help to promote ungodliness. It is already happening. Federal tax money is already being used to help pay for abortions, promote the teaching of homosexuality as normal, and encouraging the unbiblical lifestyle of people being supported without having to work. Do we as God’s people need to quit paying our taxes? Well, that too is illegal and there are many positive dividends from the proper use of our tax dollars. But how much more can we take? How far does it go before God’s people declare it is no longer acceptable to break God’s laws with our money? I don’t know, but let us as God’s people pray that He will intervene before we have to.

What if, our government decides you no longer have the right to adequately equip yourself to protect your family from those who might do them harm? Whether or not one thinks this particular subject is appropriate in this arena is up to each, but I feel that it is. Some have said this is a mere political battle, and this type of law will never come to fruition in America. How wrong they were. In the aftermath of the hurricane in New Orleans, the Chief of Police not only declared that every private citizen in the city would have to turn in their guns, but the police force and national guard forcibly entered homes and by force took firearms from those desiring to protect their families and property. Let it be understood, I am a peaceful man, and in no way am I condoning unnecessary violence but, I am the man of my house and as a husband and father I have certain God ordained responsibilities. Not the least of which is to protect my family. God has never blessed cowardice. (Numbers 13:33, Judges 7:3, 1 Samuel 17:24, 2 Samuel 15:14, Psalm 78:9, Matthew 26:56) The Bible teaches us that if the Goodman of the house had been home, his house would not have been broken through. (Matthew 24:43, Luke 12:39) What exactly was the Goodman (head of the house) going to do? Whatever was necessary to protect that which had been given to him. The Bible says “And this know…”, there is no doubt that the Goodman would have protected his own. What will we, as God’s people, do if the day comes that our government tells us we no longer have the right to reasonably arm ourselves to protect our families? I don’t know, but let us pray that God intervenes, and that day never comes.

What if, our government mandates you must send your child to a public school, and this school is teaching doctrines in direct contrast to God’s Word? One might say “This is already being done”. The difference is this, right now you do not have to send your children to the schools operated by the government. You have the freedom to evaluate the situation and make whatever decision you feel is in your children’s best interest. You are the parents, and the responsibility to raise your children is yours. Most schools today do not rely on God’s Word as the final authority, but have turned to man’s knowledge for their perspective of what is true. This is sad, but at least we have options. What happens when we don’t? If they threaten penalties or imprisonment for parents who choose to keep their children from government education, what do we do? I don’t know, but let us pray that God intervenes and that day never comes.

What if, our government declares it to be against the law to physically discipline our children? Certainly it is no secret, that a large number of people now feel it is not in the best interest of children if they are whipped. Many have opted for alternate means of trying to curb the sin nature. Some feel that depriving a child of certain privileges is just as effective as spanking. Others feel they can reason with their children and help them to understand why their behavior is not acceptable. But what does the Bible teach us? Without a doubt, the Word of God is clear on this matter. Regardless of how one “feels” God has given us the best map to follow in modifying our children’s behavior. (Proverbs 10:13, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:15) What do we do, if one day disciplining our children in a Biblical fashion is declared illegal? What if the authorities have the power to take your children from you if you discipline according to the Word of God? I don’t know, but let us pray that God intervenes and that day never comes.

What if, our government demands that religious institutions can no longer be discriminatory in who is allowed to be a part of their membership? According to Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of The English Language 1828 the word discriminate means “to distinguish, to observe the difference between.” Is it wrong for a local New Testament church to have the freedom to determine who is, or is not, allowed to be a part of her membership? There are those who say it is. Some claim that it violates an individuals civil rights. Laws have already been passed that make it illegal for a business owner to refuse someone service because they are a homosexual. There have already been lawsuits against Baptist churches for refusing membership privileges to those who did not meet God’s standards. True churches answer to no one except Jesus Himself. He is the head of the church and His position outranks any government or civil authority. But if the day comes that the government dictates what we must do as the Lord’s churches, what are we going to do? I don’t know, but let us pray that God intervenes and that day never comes.

Without a doubt, there will be some who read an article such as this and consider the author to be nothing more than an anti-government fanatic who is advocating rebellion against the laws of the land. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Bible is very clear in it’s directives that we as God’s people should subject ourselves to and pray for, those who have the rule over us. In should also be noticed that not one answer was giving to any of the questions which have been posed. The reality is this…I don’t have the answers. I don’t know what we should do, or when we should do it. I am not advocating the breaking of laws or the uprising against our government, but something has to be done. I do know this…there is absolutely no excuse for us as God’s ambassadors to be sitting idly by with our mouths shut. We have the instruction in God’s Word to try to live peaceably with all men, but we also have the responsibility to represent God and live according to His statutes. But what happens when the laws that we subject ourselves to, run contrary to the laws of God? I don’t know.

What then can we do? How can we, who are so small in number turn such a mighty vessel that has veered off its course? We can’t. But God can. Let God’s voice be heard through you. You are not the small, little, insignificant country churches…You are the representatives of the living God, and He has some things that need to be said. He needs people to boldly stand up and say, ”No More!” Will this cause all of our problems to disappear and allow us to live in a world of peace and harmony? No, but “the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. Let’s see what God can do with what is left of this country. Let’s put it in his hands.

Getting Started

2008-07-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

Well, here we go! Blogging...I am not certain what the buzz is all about, but I quess there is only one way to find out. My intention is to use this effort to enhance my understanding of the Word of God and better myself as His minister. "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom" Proverbs 13:10. So come on preachers...help a brother out. I take advice on anything.