Monday Morning Message From God's Word

God bless everyone and I hope you have a great start to your week.

And They Could Not

Today I shared an intersting message on the account from Mark chapter 9 where a father approached Jesus and asked him to cast a deaf and dumb spirit out of his son. He told Jesus, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” (Mark 9:17-18). Jesus eventually cast out the demonic spirit from the child and he was made whole. However, His disciples were unable to accomplish this and Christ told them that they lacked the power because they failed to pray and fast. What a message for the church today. What we need is not a new program or method or idea. We need to return to the basics of prayer and fasting and this will lead to more spiritual power and greater success in fulfilling the work of the Great Commission. God let us restore the power to His church.

Marriage Workshop

Today our church welcomed Enriching Marriages in Indiana for an all-day workshop and it was a tremendous blessing. Special thanks to Project Director Ida Johnson and Administrators Bishop Stephan and Irma Wilson and all the staff form EMIP. The Rock Church was blessed by this informative and beneficial teaching. We covered two sessions which dealt with the five love languages and budgeting and financial management. Our facilitators were excellent and we look forward to having EMIP back with us in the future. If you would like information on EMIP log onto http://www.enrichingmarriage.org/

God bless and have a great weekend.

A Funny for Friday

Time is Short

Psalm 89:47-"Remember how short my time is"


As children, we always thought the days were long, sometimes way too long. We grew so tired between breakfast and dinner, often having to take a nap. The question, "When?" often came from our mouths, wondering just when we were 'going to leave', 'going to eat', 'going to bed' and 'going to play'. Seemed we had all kinds of time, as though time, itself, stood still.
Now, as adults, time seems to be getting away from us. There's never time enough to really get anything much done in a day. Takes longer to do a project. The day passes so fast, that it's not long until we are seeing the sun go down, and it seems just a few hours ago, it was coming up. We look into the mirror and think perhaps we've aged so much since last week. David was anointed by God, and the Bible says that David was a 'man after mine own heart'. (Acts 13:22) But, he wasn't a man without trouble or persecutions. Yet, he held on to God and his promises. Today, no matter how short the time seems, or how old or feeble we become, we need to hold on to God and his promises, just as David did. As the saying goes, heaven is 'just around the corner'. We need to be as the five virgins who remembered to keep their lights trimmed - stay in the Word, keep our eyes open for him to split the eastern skies. He is coming back, and time for us is short.

God's Word for Today

Cardinals Meet 2006 World Series Rivals

This week the St. Louis Cardinals travel to Detroit to take on their 2006 World Series opponents, the Detroit Tigers. This should be a good series and my father-in-law who lives in Michigan (and happens to be a Tigers Fan) will give me a hard time if the Tigers play well and win the series. I am very pleased with the way the Cardinals are playing and hopefully they can continue playing well. Go Cardinals!

Monday Message From God's Word

"For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. " (Psalm 86:10)

Lip Service Christianity

Many people are guilty of being what I call "Lip Service" Christians. In other words, they talk about how much they love God and His word and sing praises to the Lord, but their lives are telling a much different story. I am reminded of what Isaiah said in Isaiah 29:13 when he said, "Therefore the Lord said, "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me.." This word of the Lord from the prophet Isaiah was a stinging rebuke against the lip service that the people of God were guilty of doing. You cannot come before God in worship and prayer and praise and not have your heart totally committed to God. As my mother used to say to me when I was a child, "Talk is cheap". Don't talk about God and talk about your faith, love and worship to God unless you can back it up with your actions. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Show the world your testimony of new life in Christ and they will listen when you share your faith with them. God bless.

Busy Weekend At the Hospital

I have been unable to post anything for the past two days due making trips to and from the hospital. Sometimes pastors have days where they spend all their time at the local hospital and the past two days have been that way. Hope you are having a good weekend. God bless.

Who's In Jeapordy?

God's Word for Today

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Don't Forget About the Hugs

Every day my son Brice will never fail to ask me a very important question, "Dad where's my hug?" I am a big believer in making sure people know that they are loved and cherished and that's most important for my family. However, in the body of Christ, we forget how important it is that we serve together as a family. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25- Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. That reminds me of a story about a young woman named Linda who was traveling alone up the rugged highway in Canada to the Yukon. The first evening she found a room at a small-town Inn in the mountains and figured she’d continue her journey bright and fresh, early the next morning. But strangley, when she called down to the front desk and asked for a wakeup call at 5 AM the clerk sounded puzzled by her request. She awoke bright and early as she intended, and suddenly realized the reason for the clerks reaction the night before. A thick fog covered the mountain tops — it was not the kind of weather in which you’d want to take a Sunday drive. Not wanting to look foolish, however, she got her things together and went to breakfast. There, she met two friendly truck drivers and who invited her to join them. “So, where are you headed?” one of the truckers asked. “Whitehorse”, Linda replied. “You’re not planning on driving that little car are you?” he said chuckling and pointing outside at the only little car among several eighteen-wheelers in the parking lot. “This pass is dangerous in weather like this!” “Well,” said Linda, “I’m determined to try.” “Well then — I guess we’re just going to have to hug you,” the other trucker suggested. “What?!” Linda gasped, “I don’t think that would be appropriate!” “Not like that!” the two truckdrivers laughed heartily. “We’ll put one truck in front of you and one in the rear. In that way, we’ll get you through the mountains.” All that foggy morning, Linda followed the two red dots in front of her and had the reassurance of a big escort behind as they made their way safely through the mountains. Just as Linda did, we often feel confident that we can get by on our own, without any help from anyone else — and before we know it, we’re lost in the thick fog of the mountain of life. As a Pastor, I have seen so many people leave the fellowship of believers and go off on their own, becoming bitter against a brother or sister, or pastor and believing they’ll be better off doing their own thing. Many of these have sadly never come back to the fold. But this is yet another way the enemy of our souls seeks to draw us away from the Lord. As brothers and sisters in the Lord, we need to be closely knit with one another, helping eachother and giving and receiving compassion and love. We need one another! Let’s get back into fellowship. Let’s make it a priority to be “hugged” by our family in the Lord who know the way and can lead safely ahead of us, and strive to reach out and “hug” others by gently encouraging them along from behind!

Monday Morning Cup of Joe

Today I am playing "Dr. Mom" to my daughter who is sick again. I was hoping to get some work done today and finish up some church projects but not today. Hopefully my little girl will be feelign better soon. God bless everyone and have a good week.

God Bless Our Fathers

God bless all our Father's and have a great day. I hope that you have time to spend with your family and friends and enjoy your special day.

Busy Saturday

I am getting some much needed work on my house finished today. I am preparing my house for painting and wallpapering and also getting some landscaping finished. I love working around my house and get a lot of enjoyment from accomplishing various jobs and tasks. I will be finishing up the painting on Monday and I will move onto the next project on my list. Have a great weekend.

Tim Russert Dead at 58

As a big political junkie who loves to follow politics and current events, I was saddened to hear about the tragic and untimely death of Tim Russert, the award-winning NBC political pundit who communicated his love of campaigns and elections to audiences of millions. He died today of a heart attack at 58, after collapsing in the network's Washington bureau. He had been recording voiceovers for Meet the Press. While there are many political pundits and news reporters, there was none bigger or more respected than Tim Russert. He was a native of Buffalo, New York and never forgot his roots or his hometown. He was said to have loved his family, his faith, politics, the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals. I can definitely relate to Tim Russert's love of faith, family, politics and baseball, as well as loyalty to his hometown, (I still love St. Louis). I always enjoyed watching Meet the Press which re-aired late on Sunday evenings and I felt like I could trust Tim Russert because he was tough but fair to all his political guests that he intereviewed and he always seemed to ask them the questions I wanted to ask. His passing will leave a huge void in the world of politicsa and he will be missed in this 2008 election year.

A Good Thought for Today

One of my favorite preachers was the late Adrian Rogers who once said "A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted." I really believe that there is a great message in that statement. Many people claim to have faith in God and can easily serve God when everything is going well for them and they are not dealing with any problems in their marriage, their family is enjoying life, their finances are in good shape and their health is excellent. There's no trick to having faith in God in those circumstances. However, let your employer notify you that your job in being phased out and you're going to be without a job. Or your routine trip to the doctor results in you finding out that you have cancer. Or perhaps you are like those here in southern Indiana who are watching their homes and property destroyed by tornadoes and horrible flooding. Everything is gone and washed away. That is when our faith is really tested. James writes, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4). We would never willingly be happy that we are suffering, but we should realize that when our faith is tested, it is forging God's character and strength in our lives. We have all suffered and faced difficulties in our lives, but what makes the Christian believer continue to persevere and work through the situations they face as opposed to the one who simply gives up and is overwhelmed, is a faith that trusts God because it has been through testing. Don't let problems make you bitter, but allow God to work in your life to make you better. God bless.

God's Word for Today

"Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)

The Healing Power of Laughter

In Proverbs 17:22, it says, "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (NKJV). I like how the New Living Translation says it even better: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength." With the high cost of prescription drugs these days, we can all benefit from some good medicine that's free! According to a 1988 Health Update published in The New York Times, a group called "Nurses for Laughter" at Oregon Health Sciences University wear buttons that say: "Warning: Humor May Be Hazardous to Your Illness." A family practitioner at New Jersey's School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Marvin E. Herring, said, "The diaphragm, thorax, abdomen, heart, lungs and even the liver are given a massage during a hearty laugh." And Dr. William F. Fry of Stanford University said that "laughter stimulates the production of the alertness hormones catecholamines. These hormones in turn cause the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins foster a sense of relaxation and well-being and dull the perception of pain."
So why don't we laugh more? Over the years, many physical benefits to laughter have been reported by doctors and health care professionals. Here are just a few:

Decrease in stress hormone levels
Strengthening of the immune system
Muscle relaxation
Pain reduction
Lowering of blood pressure
Cardiovascular conditioning
Natural anti-depressant

So why don't we laugh more? I am a member of a large family that loves to laugh—out loud. I mean, really loud! My favorite teachers in school were the ones who made me laugh. And I believe I was always eager to learn from my pastor because he filled his messages with humor, and because the laughter opens my mind and my heart to receive. If you suspect you might be suffering from laughter deprivation, let me encourage you to look for ways to laugh more! It might be just what the Great Physician has prescribed to improve your health and bring joy back into your life. No joke. Neuroscientist, Jodi Deluca, Ph.D., of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University said, "It doesn't matter why you laugh. Even in small doses, it improves our overall quality of life." How can you get a daily dose of laughter therapy? Don't take life too seriously and remember to focus on the lighter side of life. Take time to enjoy your friends, watch a comedy, read the funnies, etc. I'm sure you've heard this before, but life really does go by too quickly to spend it being miserable. Take time to laugh and enjoy life. It can be a blessing to you both spiritually and physically. God bless.

God's Word for Today

"But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Morning Cup of Joe

It's Monday and the start to another week. I hope that everyone had a good weekend and for those in Indiana, I pray that you escaped the horrible weather and storms that have hit our state. I am praying for all of those affected by the storms and thankfully many have not been affected by the weather here in central Indiana. As we go into this week, remember that God loves you and desires to give you His best. He is our heavenly father and we are His children and he loves us with an everlasting love. I am truly thankful to know God and have the privilege of serving Him. Remember to praise and thank God for His love and mercy. They are from everlasting to everlasting. God bless.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Hits Indiana

Well it's been raining for most of this weekend here in Indiana and flooding and severe weather has had a devestating affect on central Indiana. Thankfully, Boone County didn't sustain a great deal of damage but we still have local residents who were affected by the storms. Pray for all of those who have lost their homes and especially for our farmers who have sustained damage to their crops and farmland. I know that all of us here in the Hoosier state will work together to help one another get through this bad summer weather. God bless.

Some Food For Thought

"You do well to believe in God. Satan also believes...and trembles."

James 2:19

The Rock of Our Salvation

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” Isaiah 28:16. Many things can shake our faith. The winds of trial and test can rock our boat and make us sea sick. But if our hearts are truly built on the Rock of our Salvation then the winds may come, the rain may blow, but we will be able to stand against that storm. Our foundation will be sure, built upon the Rock of our Salvation. Job stood tall with all that he went through. He spent many a day and night on his knees, on his side, scraping boils in an ash pile but his faith took the best blows of friend and foe. Job lost everything but not his faith and trust in the Lord. Today and everyday, some type of crisis and calamity overtakes the captives of this world and Christians alike. Christians are blessed because they have a sureness of comfort, care, love, and hope in Jesus Christ. The wind and rain only make our faith stronger and our resolve more determined. We get blown around some but our faith stands.The captives of this world have no such foundation. When they weep we comfort them, we care, we help, for we may be the only comfort they come to know.

Busy Day for Dad

Today I spent most of the day at my children's school watching a spelling bee, a talent contest and my son's kindergarten graduation. I can't believe my little boy is now moving into first grade. It's amazing how fast time flies by when you are working a job, keeping a home, taking care of your family and trying to serve the Lord. I made a conscious decision today, that I was not going miss what's most important. That is family and time with my family. I know we can't devote all of our time to our families, how could we earn a living or provide for them. However, what time we have should be quality time and a great priority in our lives. God has ordained marriage and the family and I pray that I will always remember how important family is and should be to me. God bless.

Monday Morning Cup of Joe

Today starts another week and I hope that your weekend was enjoyable. Mine was busy as usual but that's just part of the life of a pastor. My prayer is this week you will have a blessed week where God's presence is felt each and every day of your life. Seek the Lord in prayer this week and ask God for opportunities to witness and share your faith with others. I still believe we are called to share our faith and the message of the Gospel with others. You would be surprised how many people are looking for answers for the problems in their lives and also need hope and encouragement. Don't be ashamed of the Gospel and let Christ be seen in your life this week. God bless.

God's Word for Today

"I am the Way the Truth and the Life, No man comes to the Father except through me." John 14:7