The world had to bid a sad farewell to Paul Harvey today.
His voice coming across the radio airwaves seemed to make sense out of chaos. I always thought of him as a voice of common sense in a snooty news world.
Paul Harvey was like one of us.
A day wasn't complete unless I got to hear, "The Rest of the Story" when I was growing up, a segment he began in 1976. Harvey had been delivering information to America since 1951 for the ABC News Radio Network.
Though his radio appearances have been sporadic of late, radio will never be the same without him. We will miss you Paul Harvey.
It also was a sad day around the Stewart household as we lost our 15-year-old Basset Hound Matilda. She was a good friend and will be missed, but all things have an ending, even a loving and loyal dog like Matilda.
We'll see you in the morning Pig.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Telling the Story
A couple of months ago my wife and I bought a piano as we decided we needed to learn a little music to help our 6-month-old daughter have a more well-rounded life.
The thing is, neither me, nor my wife, knew how to play a piano. We got a great deal on a beautiful console-type piano from a wonderful farming family in Latexo.
With some help from my mom, who knows how to play the piano, and some lesson books she gave us and some we bought for ourselves, we are slowly playing notes that can resemble a song now and then.
I was able to buy a book last week that had an assortment of hymns in it, including my favorite hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story."
"I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do."
For those who grew up in the country churches around here, I am sure you know the song well, and it has been in my heart ever since I was a child.
The words to the hymn are from a poem written by Katherine Hankey in 1866. Actually the poem was in two parts, the first part asking about who Christ was and the second part of the poem answered the first poem's question. The poem was called, "The Old, Old Story." Part one was called, "The Story Wanted," while part two was called, "The Story Told."
That's what Christ is. For those who don't have Christ in their lives, they want him and their soul longs for Him. They need that story, whether they realize it or not. But, after we have Christ, we are charged to do the telling.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
The days of this world are getting short. We have a purpose, and that is to serve God with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our mind. Fulfill that purpose and share the free gift God offered to all — that is the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross and through his resurrection, we can spend eternity with our Savior.
Now, isn't that a story worth telling.
The thing is, neither me, nor my wife, knew how to play a piano. We got a great deal on a beautiful console-type piano from a wonderful farming family in Latexo.
With some help from my mom, who knows how to play the piano, and some lesson books she gave us and some we bought for ourselves, we are slowly playing notes that can resemble a song now and then.
I was able to buy a book last week that had an assortment of hymns in it, including my favorite hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story."
"I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do."
For those who grew up in the country churches around here, I am sure you know the song well, and it has been in my heart ever since I was a child.
The words to the hymn are from a poem written by Katherine Hankey in 1866. Actually the poem was in two parts, the first part asking about who Christ was and the second part of the poem answered the first poem's question. The poem was called, "The Old, Old Story." Part one was called, "The Story Wanted," while part two was called, "The Story Told."
That's what Christ is. For those who don't have Christ in their lives, they want him and their soul longs for Him. They need that story, whether they realize it or not. But, after we have Christ, we are charged to do the telling.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
The days of this world are getting short. We have a purpose, and that is to serve God with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our mind. Fulfill that purpose and share the free gift God offered to all — that is the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross and through his resurrection, we can spend eternity with our Savior.
Now, isn't that a story worth telling.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Fun Time
There is nothing I like more than things from the past.
I got to experience a lot of those things Wednesday morning at the home of Mark and Sandra Ham of Tennessee Colony as they hosted the Cedar Creek Model A Club at their home.
The old Model A's were something to behold shining beneath the East Texas sun. I was all I could do to keep from jumping in one and driving it home, but my conscience got the better of me so I decided to leave them for the people who have spent countless hours restoring them to their former glory, and for many cars, they are better now than they were 80 years ago.
Please visit the Herald-Press photo gallery on the H-P Web site to get a closer look at all of the cars that were there.
I got to experience a lot of those things Wednesday morning at the home of Mark and Sandra Ham of Tennessee Colony as they hosted the Cedar Creek Model A Club at their home.
The old Model A's were something to behold shining beneath the East Texas sun. I was all I could do to keep from jumping in one and driving it home, but my conscience got the better of me so I decided to leave them for the people who have spent countless hours restoring them to their former glory, and for many cars, they are better now than they were 80 years ago.
Please visit the Herald-Press photo gallery on the H-P Web site to get a closer look at all of the cars that were there.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Attention all Farmall lovers
For the Farmall folks out there I have a question.
I have a Farmall Super C with some hydraulic issues. The pump works great, but leaks like a sieve back into the oil pan. I've been told that it needs some new seals, anybody with any other suggestions out there just let me know.
The new price for those pumps, from what I've seen runs from between about $350 to nearly $700.
I have a Farmall Super C with some hydraulic issues. The pump works great, but leaks like a sieve back into the oil pan. I've been told that it needs some new seals, anybody with any other suggestions out there just let me know.
The new price for those pumps, from what I've seen runs from between about $350 to nearly $700.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Revenge will Make Your Stomach Hurt
As a Christian, it's easy for us to look down on other folks.
We'll tell ourselves, "Look at the way they are living their lives, I am glad I'm better than that."
I will admit, that thought has popped into my mind many, many times. I am as guilty as the Pharisee in this parable.
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I an not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." — Luke 18:9-12
I mean, it feels good to feel like that, but pay heed to the words of Christ, which can cut you to the core.
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." — Luke 18:13-14
That's a tough pill to swallow, I know, but we are vile creatures to say the least. Even in something noble we may do, we seek our advantage and try to remind others of what we have done.
There's another aspect of this as well. Many times we look at people getting away with things. When we find ourselves in the economic climate we are in, it's easy to look at people who haven't put their faith in the Lord seemingly getting ahead in life, living the life of luxury.
We see them and we burn in anger. We know they steal from the people around them, yet the arm of justice cannot touch them.
We see men of power, people in high places, neglect the commandments of God and serve at the later of Baal. We want them to pay and we want to see it Now! At least I do, but there again, God has a purpose I don't understand.
There must have been similar circumstances for the church in Thessalonica, as much as we can glean from the inspired words of the Apostle Paul.
"Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perserverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well." — 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Alright, glad to hear it. It's about time.
Hold on a minute now, and let's finish what Paul was saying.
"This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you." — 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
That kind of throws a wrench in our plan for revenge.
There is hope for the worst of sinners and believe me when I say I am one. We must always remember the mercy of our God.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." — 2 Peter 3:8-9
Oh how we long to see the wicked get what's coming to them, but let me tell you this folks, without Christ we will all get what is coming to us — there simply is no escaping it.
There is one unpardonable sin in this world; and that is not accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
God hates sin, but the blood of Christ will cover all others if we only accept it.
There are a lot of folks out there who don't want to admit that. They will say there are many ways to God, but it isn't so.
Jesus calls everybody to him. For the ones who don't come, they will be punished, but we shouldn't relish that for anybody.
Instead of wishing doom upon them, pray for them that they might come to Christ and experience true life. You never know, that one person might be the one where God says that's enough Son, go and gather your bride.
Oh how I long for that day to be with my Savior. I may be tomorrow or it may be in a hundred years, but I believe with all of my heart Christ is coming for us soon. Are you ready?
We'll tell ourselves, "Look at the way they are living their lives, I am glad I'm better than that."
I will admit, that thought has popped into my mind many, many times. I am as guilty as the Pharisee in this parable.
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I an not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." — Luke 18:9-12
I mean, it feels good to feel like that, but pay heed to the words of Christ, which can cut you to the core.
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." — Luke 18:13-14
That's a tough pill to swallow, I know, but we are vile creatures to say the least. Even in something noble we may do, we seek our advantage and try to remind others of what we have done.
There's another aspect of this as well. Many times we look at people getting away with things. When we find ourselves in the economic climate we are in, it's easy to look at people who haven't put their faith in the Lord seemingly getting ahead in life, living the life of luxury.
We see them and we burn in anger. We know they steal from the people around them, yet the arm of justice cannot touch them.
We see men of power, people in high places, neglect the commandments of God and serve at the later of Baal. We want them to pay and we want to see it Now! At least I do, but there again, God has a purpose I don't understand.
There must have been similar circumstances for the church in Thessalonica, as much as we can glean from the inspired words of the Apostle Paul.
"Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perserverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well." — 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Alright, glad to hear it. It's about time.
Hold on a minute now, and let's finish what Paul was saying.
"This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you." — 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
That kind of throws a wrench in our plan for revenge.
There is hope for the worst of sinners and believe me when I say I am one. We must always remember the mercy of our God.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." — 2 Peter 3:8-9
Oh how we long to see the wicked get what's coming to them, but let me tell you this folks, without Christ we will all get what is coming to us — there simply is no escaping it.
There is one unpardonable sin in this world; and that is not accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
God hates sin, but the blood of Christ will cover all others if we only accept it.
There are a lot of folks out there who don't want to admit that. They will say there are many ways to God, but it isn't so.
Jesus calls everybody to him. For the ones who don't come, they will be punished, but we shouldn't relish that for anybody.
Instead of wishing doom upon them, pray for them that they might come to Christ and experience true life. You never know, that one person might be the one where God says that's enough Son, go and gather your bride.
Oh how I long for that day to be with my Savior. I may be tomorrow or it may be in a hundred years, but I believe with all of my heart Christ is coming for us soon. Are you ready?
Potatoes Finally in the Ground
Most folks around here tell you to plant potatoes on Valentine's Day. Well, I just came in under the wire as I covered them up just before dark on Saturday.
Now I have to play a waiting game for a few weeks now before I head back out to the big garden.
According to the East Texas planting guide, which you can find on here, we can start planting sweet corn on March 1.
Some say its a bit early, others say its fine. I have planted on that date before and haven't had any trouble. Of course two years ago we got a heavy snow on Easter, it didn't bother the corn, though.
The plan is to Merritt sweet corn and G-90 sweet corn. The Merritt will be for canning and the G-90 for eating.
The G-90 is a bi-color corn with a high sugar content. It tastes great right off the cob and I love to grill it, but when it comes to canning, the extra sugar in the corn will turn it brown when exposed to the heat of the pressure cooker.
Merritt corn, while not quite as sweet as G-90, is still sweet and holds up better to the canning process.
Also, I will plant some yellow dent later. It will probably be in April before it gets in the ground.
The beans will go in mid-March and the peas in April.
Back to the corn. In case you are wondering for the early planting date, I would like to familiarize you with the corn earworm.
It is the little worm that gets into the end of an ear of corn and feeds on it before drilling a hole out of the husk and falling to the ground to turn into a moth.
For us country folk the worm in the ear of corn is no big deal, but try and sell a worm to city folks and see what kind of look they will give you.
Anyway, planting early will cut down on some of the worm damage. It also keeps your corn from going through as much of the hot and dry Texas summer.
Until next time.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sawmill Work Continues
Readers of the East Texas Farm & Ranch News will know that I love sawmills.
I have one and am trying to build another; kind of a hybrid between a band sawmill and an old circular mill with the traveling carriage.
Work is progressing, slowly but surely. I recently procured the bandwheels off of eBay. They should be in next week sometime. That will go a long way.
I am still working out the details for the carriage motor. I haven't completely decided if I am going to use a hydraulic motor, or rig up a hydraulic transaxle.
The hydraulic motor will take a hydraulic pump, the motor, a reservoir and a valve. The hydraulic transaxle will take a belt pulley.
It seems simple, but I'm not through studying it yet. If anybody has any recommendations, feel free to let me know.
I have one and am trying to build another; kind of a hybrid between a band sawmill and an old circular mill with the traveling carriage.
Work is progressing, slowly but surely. I recently procured the bandwheels off of eBay. They should be in next week sometime. That will go a long way.
I am still working out the details for the carriage motor. I haven't completely decided if I am going to use a hydraulic motor, or rig up a hydraulic transaxle.
The hydraulic motor will take a hydraulic pump, the motor, a reservoir and a valve. The hydraulic transaxle will take a belt pulley.
It seems simple, but I'm not through studying it yet. If anybody has any recommendations, feel free to let me know.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Fighting for the Gospel
As Christians, we are under constant attack. The world hates those who have the name of Christ written upon them, yet, there are few who fight back against those who seek to demean the truth, which is Jesus is Lord.
We could do a lot to show the world the light of Christ just in the way we live without even speaking a word, but it seems we're not really interested in living a life like that.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God." — Philippians 1:27-28
A note from the NIV study Bible has this comment about verse 28: "Persistent opposition to the church and the gospel is a sure sign of eventual destruction, since it involves rejection of the only way of salvation. By the same token, when Christians are persecuted for their faith, this is a sign of the genuineness of their salvation."
See the words of Christ to the church of Smyrna.
"These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." — Revelation 2:8-11
Seeing the words of Paul and the words of Christ should convince us not to be timid when it comes to the gospel.
The time is coming folks when being a true believer in Christ will be akin to being a criminal in this country. It may not be that far away, but take heart, because as Christ said, our faith will give us the crown of life.
I cannot promise to be as brave as Paul and the other apostles, but I know the Holy Spirit will give me the strength I need when I need to proclaim his name above all names.
As Christians we are tasked with spreading the gospel, not sitting in comfortable buildings. When we grow in Christ then we can stand what the devil throws at us.
"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." — Philippians 1:29-30
Here are some encouraging words from Christ: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:11-12
I encourage everybody to stay strong, and for the young Christians out there to get strong, in the Word. Only through the study of Scriptures can we counter what the World throws at us.
There is no way of knowing how tough the times we are in will get. The economy may rebound in a few months and the true church will go through a period of revival; but we may also go through a long and deep economic struggle and our ability to share the gospel and the true word of God with others will be limited.
My money is on the second one, but don't let some hard times and the laws of man keep us from spreading the Word of God.
We must choose whom we serve.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
We could do a lot to show the world the light of Christ just in the way we live without even speaking a word, but it seems we're not really interested in living a life like that.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God." — Philippians 1:27-28
A note from the NIV study Bible has this comment about verse 28: "Persistent opposition to the church and the gospel is a sure sign of eventual destruction, since it involves rejection of the only way of salvation. By the same token, when Christians are persecuted for their faith, this is a sign of the genuineness of their salvation."
See the words of Christ to the church of Smyrna.
"These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." — Revelation 2:8-11
Seeing the words of Paul and the words of Christ should convince us not to be timid when it comes to the gospel.
The time is coming folks when being a true believer in Christ will be akin to being a criminal in this country. It may not be that far away, but take heart, because as Christ said, our faith will give us the crown of life.
I cannot promise to be as brave as Paul and the other apostles, but I know the Holy Spirit will give me the strength I need when I need to proclaim his name above all names.
As Christians we are tasked with spreading the gospel, not sitting in comfortable buildings. When we grow in Christ then we can stand what the devil throws at us.
"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." — Philippians 1:29-30
Here are some encouraging words from Christ: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:11-12
I encourage everybody to stay strong, and for the young Christians out there to get strong, in the Word. Only through the study of Scriptures can we counter what the World throws at us.
There is no way of knowing how tough the times we are in will get. The economy may rebound in a few months and the true church will go through a period of revival; but we may also go through a long and deep economic struggle and our ability to share the gospel and the true word of God with others will be limited.
My money is on the second one, but don't let some hard times and the laws of man keep us from spreading the Word of God.
We must choose whom we serve.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Gardening Continues
Broke up about an acre of ground over the weekend, got about another acre to go; hopefully the old tractor will hold up through the work. The potatoes are cut up and will be ready to plant in a day or two. The rain has been a welcome sight. Prayer can go a long way.
The potatoes are going into the big garden. In a smaller garden near the house, onions are getting ready to go in the ground, along with some radishes and greens. In a few weeks, right around Easter we'll put in some tomato plants and our peppers along with some squash a couple of weeks earlier.
As for the big garden, that's where the potatoes are going. In a few weeks we'll plant the sweet corn and beans. Not long after that we'll plant some peas and field corn. Something new we'll try this year is sweet sorghum. We make cane syrup, so hopefully we'll get a chance to make some sorghum syrup — we'll see.
We have some cabbage that's just about ready we managed to nurse through the winter.
That's it from the garden for now.
The potatoes are going into the big garden. In a smaller garden near the house, onions are getting ready to go in the ground, along with some radishes and greens. In a few weeks, right around Easter we'll put in some tomato plants and our peppers along with some squash a couple of weeks earlier.
As for the big garden, that's where the potatoes are going. In a few weeks we'll plant the sweet corn and beans. Not long after that we'll plant some peas and field corn. Something new we'll try this year is sweet sorghum. We make cane syrup, so hopefully we'll get a chance to make some sorghum syrup — we'll see.
We have some cabbage that's just about ready we managed to nurse through the winter.
That's it from the garden for now.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Planting Time
Preparation for the spring garden began in December this year.
With my old John Deere A, we started breaking ground, this time in an area surrounded by hog wire. I don't want to repeat the losses we had last year do those critters.
Hopefully I'll have potatoes in the ground by this time next week and maybe a few greens.
If you are planting a garden out there, I would love to hear from you and maybe we could share some thoughts and ideas.
Christ: The Complete Package
As Christians, we must always look to the object of our worship, which hopefully for all of us is Jesus Christ.
There are a lot of politicians out there and even people who call themselves Christians who are willing to compromise. They are willing to say there are other ways to heaven. They are willing to allow other doctrines into their hearts. They are willing to exchange the word of God for the words of men.
All of that leads to ruin.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." — Colossians 1:15-20
This brief passage reminds me of the opening of John's gospel.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but darkness has not understood it." — John 1:1-5
Christ was not a philosopher; he was not a preacher; he was not just a good man. Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Universe. He is God.
From this working foundation, we can begin to prepare ourselves for battle against the forces of the world.
Jesus brings peace for those who call upon his name, namely, Jesus brings reconciliation with God through the remission and forgiveness of our sins.
Now, for those who do not accept what Christ has to offer, they have anything but peace.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law — a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." — Matthew 10:34-39
As followers of Christ, we are swimming against the current of the world. The world will call us old fashioned, backward, radical and bunch of other names that don't sound real nice, but we must stand firm and do battle against them, but fight with what God has given us.
On the billboard of Crockett Road Church of Christ in Palestine it aptly says this week to "Fight like a man, get on your knees."
That is how we do battle. We pray for our enemies and ask that God will open their hearts so they may proclaim Jesus is Lord.
Their very soul depends upon it. The fate of the world depends on it.
The time for Christ's return is drawing very near. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see the events unfolding in the world today are drawing us closer to Christ's return.
It could be tomorrow or it could be in 30 years, but don't place a sucker's bet on the fact Christ won't be coming back for his church.
Knowing this, the followers of Christ have an obligation to put our churches back on the path of Christ. To shy away from inclusiveness of other beliefs.
Folks, Christ is inclusive, because all who will call upon his name can be saved, he does not discriminate. What turns people away is telling them there are other ways. Just remember John 14:6
Christ died for the world.
"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." — Colossians 1:22-23
I don't see other so-called gods out there doing that. The world is saved through the blood of Christ — nothing else.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Welcome to my blog
This is something new to me, so I hope all of you bear with me as I welcome you to my blog.
In it I will be talking about farm life, politics and the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. I will welcome comments and encourage you to leave your own thoughts.
Come back often as we look at the world around us here in East Texas.
Wayne
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