Pastor Jim's Wit & Wisdom

The Facts – Just the Facts

2012-02-14T05:08:00.000-05:00

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. (Mark 1:12)

You must love Mark’s style. He doesn’t let any grass grow under foot while telling his story of Jesus. He uses one verse to tell about the temptation of Christ while the other gospels go to great detail. It’s not that the temptation of Christ isn’t important, after all Mark doesn’t even give us an account of the birth or Jesus; but Mark wants to get to the meat of Jesus’ life and teachings. He is not much of a story teller. He is more of a “the facts just the facts” sort of guy. Something you may wish to keep in mind when telling others about Christ.

Often when we share our faith, we dance around the issues. It’s good to remember that there are a number of people like Mark who want to get to the facts -- just the facts. Some folks can take the story of Jesus and bore people to death. Don’t be one of them.

Coming soon! A Study of the Book of Mark. Check with us often.

Find inspiration, encouragement, and wisdom in For His Glory: a Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. Peek on the inside, see what others are saying, and find out more about the author by CLICKING HERE!

Great Expectations

2012-02-11T08:13:00.000-05:00

Great Expectations

Attitude makes all the difference....

Pastor Jim's Wit & Wisdom: Measuring Greatness

2012-01-30T06:25:00.000-05:00

Pastor Jim's Wit & Wisdom: Measuring Greatness: When measuring greatness, do so by service and not recognition. The station a person holds in the sigh...

Measuring Greatness

2012-01-30T06:20:00.001-05:00

We are a ministry of Net 153.

When measuring greatness, do so by service and not recognition.The station a person holds in the sight of God is not determined by thecheering of the world crowds but by a willing heart to serve the Lord andothers.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see yourgood works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. - Matthew23:11

Find inspiration and wisdom in Jim's new book, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. Currently on sale.

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The Quicksand of Self-pity

2012-01-28T06:29:00.000-05:00

The Quicksand of Self-pity

This little piece of advice will change your life -- if you apply it!

AGAIN! Beware of stinking thinking!

2012-01-16T07:16:00.000-05:00

AGAIN! Beware of stinking thinking!

Where is your head? Is your thoughts running amuck? Check out this wisdom tidbit.

God's Creation

2012-01-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

God's Creation

Check out this little nugget of wisdom.

What Suit Will You Wear?

2012-01-11T05:57:00.000-05:00

Each day, Lord, I choose the "attitude suit" I will wear. Some days I put on my grump- doomsday-prophet suit; and on other days, I dress in my flaming red “angry bird” suit. This morning I found that I had worn to bed my cloudy-day pajamas; so I considered my poor-me blue suit. Nevertheless, with some reluctance, I chose to put on my it’s-a-great-day suit. And! Surprisingly it was a great day.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he... (Proverbs 23:7)

Pastor Jim's new book is currently on sale! A must read for the new year. See what others are saying and take a peek inside by Clicking Here!

Daily Wisdom Tidbits: The real blogger of wisdom

2012-01-10T06:29:00.000-05:00

Daily Wisdom Tidbits: The real blogger of wisdom: By now many of you know that I have really been pushing people to read through the Bible. There really is some reason to this madness! I can...

Let Goodness be Your Trade Mark

2012-01-08T14:14:00.000-05:00

Let Goodness be Your Trade Mark

How are you known? Not everyone that claims to be a Christian has a good reputation...

Click above and read on.

Our 2012 Parenting Tip

2012-01-06T07:10:00.001-05:00

Our 2012 Parenting Tip

We really got brave and published this! I can see the eyes rolling now. take moment and check it out.

You are also invited to add a tip or two of your own in the comment box.

Every Day a New Day

2012-01-04T05:03:00.000-05:00

Do we start each day with old baggage? Good advice for anyone Every Day a New Day

A Person's Size

2012-01-02T05:46:00.000-05:00

A Person's Size

What makes a man a man or a woman a woman? What makes you an adult? Find out by reading A Person's Size

A Delight

2012-01-01T06:05:00.000-05:00

Many may know the famous Christmas hymn Joy to the World. A few may know the author, Isaac Watts; but very few know anything about the Senior Isaac Watts. The elder Watts was a man of principles and faith that was often separated him from family because he his stanch faith landed him in prison. In 1865, while in prison, he wrote a letter to his family directing part of it to his eleven-year-old son, Isaac. The next few articles will address the charge that Senior Isaac directed to his son. They are wise thoughts that all should take to heart!

Frequently read the Holy Scriptures, and that not as a task but as a delight. –Isaac Watts, Senior

Anyone that has every attended a Bible believing/teaching/preaching church knows that they should read their Bible. Usually at the beginning of a new year, pastors give a challenge to their congregations to read though the Bible the next year. Something I encourage all believers to do. But what caught my attention in this charge is the part "and that not as a task but as a delight." All too often the reading of the Bible is viewed as a task and not a delight. We must be cautious when reading the Word of God to approach it as a joy and not a job.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11

With that being said, may we encourage you to take our challenge and read through the Bible in 2012. You can join others in the quest at Read Through the Bible in 2012.

I Resolve...

2011-12-31T06:34:00.000-05:00

We are a part of Net 153 Publications.

With the end of the old year insight and the hope of a new year just over the horizon, our thoughts turn to what could have been and even more important what will be.

These three things we can be sure of:

Some will resolve to be stuck in the past! They will either try reliving old glories or continually beat themselves up because of past mistake. Emerson said, "You have done what you could — some blunders and absurdities have crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

Some will resolve to live in the dreamland of the future. Although we that know Christ as our Lord should look forward to glory, we must not become so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. Some will spend their time and energy always for tomorrow without every taking a moment to enjoy today.

Some will resolve to live today for the glory of God. They will wake up each morning with the resolve to live for their Lord. They will enjoy the ride no matter where it takes them for they rest assured that all is for His glory. Einstein may not have be biblical wise but he did get this one thought right; "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

Below are a few blogs on New Year Resolutions that may be of interest to you. We share them for we wish to live for the glory of the only true God.

Resolutions Worth Keeping

Leader's Insight: Our Chief Work

5 Resolutions to Keep

Resolution Solution (Help in keeping your resolutions)

It's never too late to starting reading through the Bible. Join a community of believers that will encourage you to do so at Read Through the Bible.

I do hope that you will consider For His Glory as one of the book you will read in the New Year.

Are you waiting for the call?

2011-12-30T05:12:00.000-05:00

Are you waiting for the call?

Many professing believers in Christ are waiting for a sign from heaven or a deep voice in the night to move them to share the gospel of salvation found in Jesus when they only need to obey the command already received. Every child of God has the duty -- no has the privilage to share that message.

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, addressed this excuse:

"'Not called!' did you say?

'Not heard the call,' I think you should say.

Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face — whose mercy you have professed to obey — and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world." — William Booth
I ask again, are you waiting for the call?

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

A Must Read for 2012!

For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom is a kaleidoscope of commonsense precepts that challenges the reader to discover the wonders of living for God's glory. Eye-opening, life changing and easy to understand, For His Glory will enrich your life. Take peek inside the book, find out more about the author, and see what others are saying by Clicking Here!

Wit & Wisdom is part of the growing ministry of Net 153 Publications!

A Noble Resolution

2011-12-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

Will you be making some New Year Resolutions? Check out this one A Noble Resolution

Christmas Quotations

2011-12-22T04:39:00.000-05:00

Christmas Quotations

Wonderful truths told in a manner that moves the Heart.

Where is the Merry in Merry Christmas?

2011-12-19T00:51:00.001-05:00

"A merry Christmas, Uncle! God save you!" cried a cheerful voice.

"Bah!" said Scrooge. "Humbug!"" - Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol)

You can “humbug” the holiday, the giving of gifts, Santa, and the feast; but please do not “humbug” the Holy One. The message of Christmas can be lost in the getting and giving of gifts but we must not misplace or reject the Messiah, the savior and Lord.

So allow me to make it clear. A merry Christmas begins with embracing Jesus as your redeemer because the purpose of his coming was to save me and you from our sins. God’s salvation was made possible by because Jesus, God’s son, took our sins on himself and died in our place on the cross of Calvary. Because of that act and the fact he rose from the dead, Jesus can change our life, give us eternal life, and promise us a place in heaven. To receive this salvation provided freely by Jesus is simply. Believe this truth, confess by prayer that you are sinner (We all are) and ask and receive Jesus into your heart.

The merry in Merry Christmas is the fact a savior was born. Embrace the Christ of Christmas and make this a truly Merry Christmas.

Now none but Christ can satisfy

2011-12-17T05:09:00.000-05:00

Now none but Christ can satisfy

The Quest of Today!

2011-12-16T06:33:00.000-05:00

The Quest of Today!

What we seek and where to find it.

Good Thinking

2011-12-15T06:48:00.000-05:00

Good Thinking

Wisdom at its finest. A must read.

Easily Pleased?

2011-12-14T06:49:00.000-05:00

Easily Pleased?

The challenge for today's Christian is to know the awesome God that CAN! Check this nugget of wisdom out.

Stand By Your Word

2011-12-13T07:21:00.000-05:00

Stand By Your Word

Check out this wisdom nugget.

NOW is the Victory!

2011-12-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

NOW is the Victory!

Yes you can win over sin. Check it out.

Seeking Feedback

2011-12-10T06:12:00.000-05:00

I am doing a little research into stress and how people handle it.

The Christmas season can be a time of joy but it can also be very stressful. I am interested in how you handle stress – not just for the holidays but anytime. What do you do? Pray, workout, run, kick dogs, eat chocolate etc? Share with me what you do? If you blog and have written about the subject, share it with me. And yes! I am looking for the lighter side, the uplifting and even amusing side. I don’t want to be stressed out because of your answers. Post your comments below. Thanks. Jim

Accept My Words

2011-12-07T16:43:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine shared this story with me about the new car he purchased. Like most late model cars, his new automobile would signal you when the fuel level was low, which is a modern convenience that many of us have found helpful. On this particular day, my friend was traveling with a friend and was busy exchanging old stories and chose to disregard the signals from his new car. You can guess the rest of the story. Miles from nowhere with a rain storm approaching the car ran out of gas.

Wisdom must be heard and accepted before it can be of any benefit. The mind that is closed and the heart that will not hear what God's word has to say will never find the knowledge and wisdom God offers.
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you… (Proverbs 2:1)

Hot Off The Press

For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom
For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom is a collection of meaningful and powerful reflections from real life experiences coupled with practical biblical wisdom. Going beyond the normal inspirational book, For His Glory unveils a kaleidoscope of commonsense precepts that challenges the reader to discover the wonders of living for God's glory. Eye-opening, life changing and easy to understand, For His Glory will enrich your life.

The Big Word

2011-12-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Are haunted by the "if"???

Do not rest, oh believer, until you have a full assurance of your interest in Jesus. Let nothing satisfy you until, by the infallible witness of the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your spirit, you are certified that you are a child of God.

Hope in a Dark World

2011-11-30T06:48:00.000-05:00

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14 (NIV)

The first words spoken by our Lord, as record in the Gospel of Mark are the highlight of the New Testament message. They are bright words of hope painted on a backdrop of despair.

John’s ministry was abruptly brought to an end. The voice of truth was silenced by those who had no intention of repenting. They only dabbled in religion because of self-interest. The believer should always beware of such people. People that have a self-centered desire for embracing religion are dangerous and as John the Baptist learned, they are not your friends.

John had finished his work on earth. He had cleared the path, prepared the people for the message of hope; and now Jesus would begin his ministry in earnest proclaiming the message the world needed. The Messiah was here and God’s kingdom was near!

Jesus announces a radical change from the law, which continually condemned people. His message is one of hope and grace. For the first time there was real hope for sinner! That hope was not be found by self-effort for that had failed; but rather, the hope was in the Promised One – the Messiah.

To even partially understand grace and especially to receive grace, you must believe and embrace the massager, Jesus. He is the good news. He is the gospel.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

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Our Chief Work

2011-11-30T05:59:00.000-05:00

This little nugget is a reminder of what is important in a believers life. Our Chief Work

Altitude / Attitude

2011-11-29T19:06:00.000-05:00

Is your altitude right? If not then there is a good chance your attitude isn't also. Altitude / Attitude

Daily Wisdom Tidbits: The Question of Sin

2011-11-27T07:25:00.000-05:00

The Question of Sin: C. I. Scofield reminds us of sobering facts concerning personal responsibility, sin, and the Holy Spirit. "No Christian needs to sin. If he...

Be Alert - Stand Strong

2011-11-26T07:17:00.000-05:00

Temptation can come from unexpected sources. Check this out Be Alert - Stand Strong

Turn the wheel into the wind!

2011-11-26T07:12:00.000-05:00

Find yourself in a tough spot. check out this wisdom nugget. Turn the wheel into the wind!

Never Lose Hope

2011-11-23T06:40:00.000-05:00

Never Lose Hope

If you have prayed and prayed for someone you love and they continue to reject Christ, you need to read this little Tidbit of wisdom.

Rules for a Successful Day!

2011-11-22T06:10:00.000-05:00

Rules for a Successful Day! Check out these simple rules that will make everyday a good day.

Somewhere But Not Here

2011-11-19T06:26:00.000-05:00

Somewhere But Not Here

Check out how to improve you day!

Temper, Temper

2011-11-17T08:05:00.001-05:00

Temper, Temper Check out this wisdom tidbit.

A Stubborn Pup Be Not

2011-10-06T08:37:00.000-04:00

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23a)

Most of the neighborhood within a mile radius knows the names of our dogs by heart. The reason they do so is not because they roam the neighborhood getting into mischief. They are known because they can’t roam freely from to house to house. Our dogs are either fenced in or under our constant eye when loose. Thus is the reason why they are so well known. They are the most stubborn creatures on planet earth. When called to go in, every one of them requires at least two to twenty calls followed by a threat or two before they will respond. Toby is the most stubborn of the pack and always insists on being the first out the door and the last to come in.

You can find stubbornness rooted within a lot of people. It can be detrimental to any Christian that digs their heels in when God is calling them out of sin.

We are a lot like Toby when it comes to departing sin. We often wish to linger and enjoy the pleasure of sin. I can imagine that a few of our names are well known among the angels because God has had to call us so often to return the flock.

If you wish to follow our adventures on a more personal level, they check out The Bear Truth Escapades.

What is it that keeps you going?

2011-08-12T06:34:00.000-04:00

Where does your strength come from? What is it that keeps you going? Especially when your life seems to be going down the drain? If you asked the average Joe on the street today, you might get a variety of different answers; and if you asked the average church going, you might be surprised at the variety of differing answers, many paralleling the average Joe’s answers. The average church goer may sing the catchy little tune, “The joy of the LORD is my strength;” but in reality he or she does not necessarily know the joy or the strength. So again I ask, “Where does your strength come from?”

The Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, was no stranger to tough times and even tougher circumstances. He spent most of his life hated by many of his own countrymen and very few heeded his message; but he continued. When pressed, Jeremiah would cry out “O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction…” (Jeremiah 16:19). Jeremiah found his strength by entering into the presences of the Lord; and as strange as it might seem, it was Jeremiah’s troubles that enabled him to enter into the presence God. Because Jeremiah’s troubles humbled and conditioned his heart, he was able to know his God in a greater way. God put Jeremiah in a position where he had to learn to rely on Him; and because Jeremiah had to rely on God, he sought to live continually in the presence of God.

The apostle Paul had a similar experience with the thorn in his side:

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2Co 12:7-10 NIV)

What keeps the believer going and gives him or her strength is presence of God and God’s grace.

Are you beat down today? Are you weary and torn? Then find strength in the Lord. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1).

Side Note: Charles Stanley sheds some light on the mystery of defining “the presence of the Lord” by saying, "Can you and I adequately define the presence of the Lord? No. But let’s describe it as 'God revealing Himself by His Spirit to our spirit for the specific purpose of encouraging us, enabling us, energizing us, informing us, or warning us.'”

Please take time to share this devotional thought with your friends.

May we recommend the following book for your reading enjoyment:

The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success

By Andy Andrews / Thomas Nelson

A unique blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration, this book has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. Now this wildly successful parable is available in an affordable trade paper edition. This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.

Godly Success

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. - Psalms 60:12

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. - Psalms 108:13

Anytime you find the Bible repeating itself, you can be assured that something important is being said. These two verses hold the secret to godly success.

We often use God as a good luck charm. We leave him in the dresser when we feel like we can face life’s challenges on our own. When we fear the challenge is too great, we pull him out and call on him to miraculously get us through. To truly enjoy a victorious Christian life, you must include God in every area of your life and never attempt any endeavor without him – all the time! With God the believer can do all things and without God the believer can do nothing! (See Philippians 4:13 and John 15:5 below)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:13

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5

You can now follow all of Pastor Jim's Devotional thoughts and more at Net 153 Publications: The Publisher of Christian Devotional Materials

Check out Today's Prayer!

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A Case of the Blues

2011-07-21T07:31:00.000-04:00

I should have foreknown that as soon as I started writing that there would be a shortage of time. The last week has been both rewarding and tasking. As I sit at the computer this morning, I am weary.

Weariness can have a terrible toll on the spirit of a person. It can be used by the devil to gain a foothold into a person’s life. The devil came to tempt Jesus after he had fasted forty days. His first temptation was to tempt him to turn rocks into bread. When I am tire. I am tempted to bathe in the pool of self-pity and cloth myself in the “blues”, nether of which help me shed the weariness. What am I to do?

I follow the example of Jesus and spend time in the word and prayer (Mark 1:35) and I choose to engulf myself in joy! Today my clothing will not match. I will wear a wild funny tie or no tie at all. I’ll dance with my wife before she goes to work, walk the dogs longer, smell the roses, and treat myself to a morning at the computer writing about Lord.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

You can now follow this blog and more at Net 153 Publications: The Publisher of Christian Devotional Materials.

May we suggest this book to enrich your life: Handle With Prayer: Unwrap the Source of God's Strength for Living

Why Believe the Bible

2011-03-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons you can count on the Bible being true is because of the fulfillment of prophecy. This is especially true in the fulfillment of prophecy made hundreds of years before concerning Jesus and the atonement he made for us. Perhaps the clearest of the many prophecies is the one that appears in the Isiah 53:

1 ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Aurthur Pink comments on this passage are profound: "This chapter tells us at least ten things about the humiliation and suffering of the Redeemer. It declared that he should be despised and rejected of men; that he should be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; that he should be wounded, bruised and chastised; that he should be led, unresistingly, to slaughter; that he should be dumb before his shearers; that he should not only suffer at the hands of man but also be bruised by the Lord; that he should pour out his soul unto death; that he should be buried in a rich man’s tomb; and then it was added, that he would be numbered with transgressors; and finally, that he should make intercession for the transgressors." (Source: Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross, The)

The Bible has an outstanding record of proofing itself to be true by revealing hundreds of prophetic verses that were made hundreds years before being fulfilled. Don't let the world undermine your faith in the Word of God.

No pastor, no Sunday-school teacher, no Bible, no hymnbook, no community of believers…

2010-12-21T15:15:00.001-05:00

I have never been introduced to Howard Rutledge. I doubt that very few, if any of you, remember him; but he was one of those heroes that suffered as a POW for seven years during the Viet Nam war. He was also one of those kids that grew up in Sunday School thinking all those Sunday School lessons, sermons, hymns, and emphasis on memorizing scripture was boring. Little did he know how important every verse will become and how cherished every hymn would become.

In his book he recalls how important those years spent in church and the word became writing:

Now the sights and sounds and smells of death were all around me. My hunger for spiritual food soon outdid my hunger for a steak. Now I wanted to know about that part of me that will never die. Now I wanted to talk about God and Christ and the church. But in Heartbreak solitary confinement there was no pastor, no Sunday-school teacher, no Bible, no hymnbook, no community of believers to guide and sustain me. I had completely neglected the spiritual dimension of my life. It took prison to show me how empty life is without God, and so I had to go back in my memory to those Sunday School days in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If I couldn't have a Bible and hymnbook, I would try to rebuild them in my mind.

I tried desperately to recall snatches of Scripture, sermons, gospel choruses from childhood, and hymns we sang in church. The first three dozen songs were relatively easy. Every day I'd try to recall another verse or a new song. One night there was a huge thunderstorm—it was the season of the monsoon rains—and a bolt of lightning knocked out the lights and plunged the entire prison into darkness. I had been going over hymn tunes in my mind and stopped to lie down and sleep when the rains began to fall. The darkened prison echoed with wave after wave of water. Suddenly, I was humming my thirty-seventh song, one I had entirely forgotten since childhood.

Showers of blessings,
Showers of blessings we need!
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

I no sooner had recalled those words than another song popped into my mind, the theme song of a radio program my mother listened to when I was just a kid.

Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine
Flooding my soul with glory divine.
Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine,
Hallelujah! Jesus is mine!

Most of my fellow prisoners were struggling like me to rediscover faith, to reconstruct workable value systems. Harry Jenkins lived in a cell nearby during much of my captivity. Often we would use those priceless seconds of communication in a day to help one another recall Scripture verses and stories.

One day I heard him whistle. When the cell block was clear, I waited for his communication, thinking it to be some important news. "I got a new one," he said. "I don't know where it comes from or why I remember it, but it's a story about Ruth and Naomi." He then went on to tell that ancient story of Ruth following Naomi into a hostile new land and finding God's presence and protection there. Harry's urgent news was two thousand years old. It may not seem important to prison life, but we lived off that story for days, rebuilding it, thinking about what it meant, and applying God's ancient words to our predicament.

Everyone knew the Lord's Prayer and the Twenty-third Psalm, but the camp favorite verse that everyone recalled first and quoted most often is found in the Book of John, third chapter, sixteenth verse. With Harry's help I even reconstructed the seventeenth and eighteenth verses.

How I struggled to recall those Scriptures and hymns! I had spent my first eighteen years in a Southern Baptist Sunday School, and I was amazed at how much I could recall; regrettably, I had not seen then the importance of memorizing verses from the Bible, or learning gospel songs. Now, when I needed them, it was too late. I never dreamed that I would spend almost seven years (five of them in solitary confinement) in a prison in North Vietnam or that thinking about one memorized verse could have made the whole day bearable.

One portion of a verse I did remember was, "Thy word have I hid in my heart." How often I wished I had really worked to hide God's Word in my heart. I put my mind to work. Every day I planned to accomplish certain tasks. I woke early, did my physical exercises, cleaned up as best I could, then began a period of devotional prayer and meditation. I would pray, hum hymns silently, quote Scripture, and think about what the verse meant to me.

Remember, we weren't playing games. The enemy knew that the best way to break a man's resistance was to crush his spirit in a lonely cell. In other words, some of our POWs after solitary confinement lay down in a fetal position and died. All this talk of Scripture and hymns may seem boring to some, but it was the way we conquered our enemy and overcame the power of death around us.

Source: Morgan, Robert J., More Real Stories for the Soul, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers) c2000.

In God We Trust??

2010-10-19T14:33:00.001-04:00

When Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, he came to Jerusalem and confronted Hezekiah asking him, "On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem?" It was a timely question because Assyria had been conquering nation after nation with little or no resistance. Hezekiah's answer was that he and the people of Jerusalem based their confidence on the LORD!

This is a fitting question for us today. When the enemies of our nation oppose us, where does our confidence lay? For many today they turn to the world's wisdom. Government or science or military-might is where they place their confidence. It was not so in past! The history of our nation shows that when enemies rose up against our nation that the leaders and the people turned to the Almighty. They placed their confidence in the only true God. The God, for whom so many had fled to this land so they could worship Him freely without fear, was where their confidence lay.

This is also a very fitting question for us personally. When the enemies of life like sickness or any number of life's difficulties invade our homes, where do we place our confidence? Is it in the Lord?

Warning! Dangerous Curve!

2010-10-18T09:12:00.001-04:00

The southern part of the State of Indiana is very pretty in the fall season. The natural woods and hilly terrain make for a very colorful drive on a sunny afternoon. But the hilly topography also creates some extremely dangerous curves and hills. The roads are peppered with yellow warning signs and speed reduction signs. Occasionally a driver ignores the warnings and the result is fatal.

The Bible warns us about living in a "I-have-arrived" state – the place where you think you have conquered sin and are little more saintly than others. That is an extremely dangerous condition that the devil seldom lets pass by and can be spiritually fatal. Traveling the "I'm better than you" highway has sharp turns and extremely slick and hilly roads that even the most seasoned saint will find difficult to handle. Heed what the Bible says!

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1Co 10:12

Grumpy Goodbye

2010-10-15T11:26:00.002-04:00

According to my wife, I got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning; and, as good wives often do, she set me right in her own unique manner. She did, however, get me thinking. Why and what was eating at me that I made so grumpy. Quickly I rehearsed a dozen or more aggravations currently facing me but none of them warranted the amount of energy that I was expending. So what was it?

The conclusion was much simpler. I had become so busy that I wasn't planning any "fun" time for me – like writing. Thus today's blog. Seriously, I have become a workaholic. Everything I do I do for either the ministry and that includes ministering to others. I have allowed it to become so serious that I have become Mr. Grinch, Scrooge, and Grumpy.

It is time for a new leaf – and new nicer me – a new fun loving me. So – I am posting this blog and taking the remainder of the day off and going to find the fun.

Aren’t You Supposed To Hit the Ball?

2010-03-23T08:26:00.000-04:00

Last Thanksgiving Pat and I bought and early Christmas Gift for the family. We bought a Wii Game System. The Wii is an interactive video game where you must actually move your body in order to play the game. If you are playing baseball, you must swing the wand (control stick) like a bat to hit the ball or if you are playing soccer, you must actually block the soccer-ball by moving your head from side to side to block it. It didn’t take long to find out it was more difficult than it looked.

My mother, who at the time was 87 years old, found it extremely entertaining to watch her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren look foolish as they tried to play the different games. At one time she made an observation that we were missing many of the soccer balls. She asked, “Aren’t you supposed to hit the balls?” Something we were trying to do but not with much success.

It is four month’s later and my mother, who celebrated her 88th birthday in January, will be buried today. This morning I hear her words in a new light. It is now my turn to take the place of eldest member of a small but loving clan that my father and mother, Everett and Lorene (Bell) Barr, started. I must be the lighthouse that illuminates God’s love and radiates the warmth of God’s comfort. I must be the compass that will point true north to the only true anchor in the sea of life – Jesus. I must be the shepherd that follows the Chief Shepherd.

It’s my turn to “hit the ball.” A tall order – some big foot steps to follow. But by God’s grace and because of your great example, Mom, I will hit that ball and you will live on through us.

Thoughts on Leadership

2010-02-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

President Harry Truman’s definition of a leader: people who can get others to do what they don’t want to do – and get them to enjoy doing it!

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. –Psalms 78:72 (NIV)

Sole Food

2009-10-15T17:54:00.000-04:00

“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom…” Proverbs 10:31 NIV

I do not like “Sole Food”. Please note that I did not say I don’t like Soul Food. I said I do not like “Sole Food”; the kind of foot-leather you eat when you put your foot in your mouth. Yet, despite my dislike for “Sole Food”, I seem to have a steady diet of shoe leather from speaking before thinking or speaking the right words in the wrong manner and/or time.

The problem with speaking the wrong words or the right words in the wrong manner is that you can not retrieve all of them. The words are like cutting a feather pillow open on a high mountain during a wind storm. You might attempt to undo the wrong but you will never do so completely.

I believe that is why God leave such a terrible after-taste in your mouth after you have inserted your shoe into your mouth. It is so that we learn to choose our words with care and deliver them in the same manner.

May God grant all of us the wisdom to “keep a tight rein on his [or her] tongue!

Is the Fossil Ida the 'Missing Link'?

2009-05-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

A lot of hype has followed the recent news release about a fossil discovered in 1983 by a private collector and recently sold to the Oslo museum in 2007. Three observations I suggest the reader consider following the media frenzy and the claims concerning this fossil.

Call me a skeptic but when so much media coverage is given an announcement like this I always follow a simple rule – “follow the money.” Is money being made here? You be the judge. The day following news release a book on this fossil was released. Two weeks later a special on the History Channel will be aired. And! Don’t forget that Oslo museum must have paid dearly for Ida and the museum stands to gain from the hype and by spin-off’s like the unveiling of Ida "at New York's American Museum of Natural History, which will feature a replica cast in a new exhibit about mammals." (Associated Press)

Again, call me a skeptic but I always want to know if the whole story is being reported. In this case the majority of the media ignored the fact that many from the science community, even noted evolutionists, question and doubt the conclusion hyped by Jorn Hurum of Oslo museum. “I actually don't think it's terribly close to the common ancestral line of monkeys, apes and people," said K. Christopher Beard of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

The third and most important observation for the reader to consider is, “What does the Bible say?” The Bible says that mankind, unlike any of God’s other creations, was made in the likeness of God (Genesis 2:7). We are unique. The “link” is always going to be missing. For a more biblical view point on this subject and all of creation check out this site.