Hot-Tempered Woman Burned Up Over Heat

A Michigan couple made headlines this week after having a disagreement about the temperature of their home.

When Joseph Grucz asked his wife, Cheryl, to turn up the heat, she grabbed the couple's gun and fired one round. The bullet missed Joseph, but instead struck and destroyed the couple's flat-screen television (which is just simply a tragedy in its own right, in my book).

While speaking with the police dispatch operator as he hid his head under a pillow, Joseph claimed Cheryl was, "all excited about it because she's so cheap."

Well, let's look on the bright side here: Mrs. Grucz's frugality is certainly commendable, as is her determination to conserve energy and be "green." Okay, we're probably stretching a bit there, but you get the idea.

Despite her best efforts to be fiscally and environmentally conscious, one would hope Mrs. Grucz will be able to manage her temper more effectively in the future.

No doubt, each of us can recall a time or two (or seventy) where we let our own tempers get the best of us. Remember, anger is a natural human emotion. The difference is made in how our actions are affected by that anger:

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV

So lest we ruin a perfectly good flat-screen television (or worse), let us always remember to take a moment to collect ourselves when the blood begins to "boil."

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Discovering He Was Dead Could Have Killed Him

Gheorghe Stirbu, a 61-year-old Romanian retiree, went to authorities last week to have his identity card reissued because the old one had expired. His request was denied by virtue of the fact that he was dead. That's right...dead.

He was handed a death certificate showing that Stirbu himself had expired on March 3, 1999, from breathing difficulties, and been buried the same month.

"When I saw it I couldn't believe it," Stirbu said. "How can someone who is fully alive be declared dead?"

Stirbu's daughter said the shock of hearing that he was officially dead could have killed him.

"At first I laughed because I though it was a joke and then I realized how serious it was," she said. "He could have had a heart attack. He didn't sleep for days when he found out the news."

Stirbu has prepared papers to prove he is still alive.

I do not suppose this sort of thing happens all that often -- someone finding out he or she has been dead for eight years. Quite simply, it is a physical impossibility to read one's own legitimate death certificate.

However, it is quite common throughout the world for men and women to learn that they are dead on another plane, while yet they live. If a man lives in sin and apart from Christ, he is dead in those sins. He is a spiritual corpse...a dead man walking, if you will.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh...
Colossians 2:13a, ESV

When a person finds out a vital part -- yea, the everlasting part -- of his or her being is lifeless and doomed to destruction, it may very well result in a period of shock and denial. But friend, the souls who are dead in their trespasses need to know!

They need to know the bad news before they can accept the good news.

...God made alive together with him [Christ], having forgiven us all our trespasses.
Colossians 2:13b, ESV

In what action was this resurrection with Christ accomplished? Back up one verse...

...having been buried with him [Christ] in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12, ESV

Rescue the perishing! Preach Christ to all the lost, boldly proclaiming the truth about the inseperability of salvation and baptism.

The so-called "Sinner's Prayer" has never saved a single soul, nor will it ever. The world needs to know!

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The Secret To Daniel's Success

The secret to Daniel's success is not really all that much of a secret, for it has been recorded in the pages of Scripture for about 2,600 years!

When Daniel had been found alive by King Darius after a night in a den of lions, this was the explanation given by Daniel himself:

My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.
Daniel 6:22, ESV

Well, that was rather predictable, right? That same cause and effect has been observed and related in Bible story after Bible story. Ahhh, but you would be forgetting the rest of the story!

How was it Daniel was found to be "blameless before him [God]"? This did not come about by accident, but with a determined effort to live a holy life unto the Lord. Rewind your "mental video" of the account of Daniel back to almost the very beginning of this book.

When Babylon had conquered Judah, King Nebudchadnezzar summoned for some of the people of Israel (Daniel 1:1-3). As part of his decree, he requested some of Judah's finest young men to be brought forth (v. 4). Among these young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (the latter three being more widely known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

King Nebudchadnezzar's plan for these young men was for them to be educated in the ways of the Chaldeans for three years (v. 4-5). When young Daniel was offered the king's food and wine, he declined. There was quite apparently something associated with the meat and drink at the King's table that would have conflicted with Daniel's religious convictions.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Daniel 1:8, ESV

Regardless of what the reasons may have been, this attitude of unwavering faithfulness to his God in the midst of a crooked and ungodly society would prove to be the key to Daniel's success. The key word is "resolved."

Daniel's success came in the form of surviving a night in the midst of a hungry den of lions. Your success and mine will come by overcoming our adversary the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

If we will "resolve" to do what is right and shun what is wrong, we can experience success. If we wait until we come to the "fork in the road," my friend, it is probably already too late! Be resolved even now to be faithful to the Lord your God!

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The "Prosperity Gospel": Reaping What They Have Sown

Hundreds of millions of dollars, millions of viewers, thousands of church members, and two divorces.


If you were to turn your television to channels such as the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), INSP (The Inspirational Network), or The Word Network, you would see men like Rod Parsley, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, and women such as Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Juanita Bynum just to name a few.


You would more than likely not see these individuals preaching about the tragedy of sin, the good news of salvation in Christ, the need to worship God in spirit and in truth, or any other Biblical doctrine. The odds are that you would hear a motivational speech on wealth and prosperity.


In what has become known as the "Prosperity Gospel," these and other neo-Pentecostal charlatans have convinced the world that God wants all believers to be exceedingly wealthy. The sentiment is that if you are not financially rich, you are doing something wrong. The sermons invariably consist of either no Scripture whatsoever, or a sprinkling of Scripture taken woefully out of its rightful Biblical context.


Recently, two very prominent married couples in the "health & wealth" movement announced they were filing for divorce. Kenneth Weeks and his wife, Juanita Bynum, are in the midst of a bitter divorce that has quickly become a public spectacle. These two "preachers" were married in what their church called "the wedding of the century," the tab for which exceeded $1-million in 2003. This couple was famous for their marriage and couples retreats wherein they supposedly bestowed the secret to marital bliss to those in attendance.......for a hefty fee, of course. Now, after less than four years of marriage, they are divorced.


Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church in Tampa announced their intention to divorce in August of this year. I have personally been very well acquainted with the Whites' dealings since I grew up in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. They have been fixtures in both the Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times for their shady financial dealings and dishonest ways.


The Whites' Tampa home on Bayshore Boulevard (one of the most exclusive parts of town) has an assessed value of more than $2.22-million. They also have substantially expensive homes in San Antonio, Texas, New York City, and Malibu, California. Now, really...how many mansions does a preacher need?


I recall an article in the Tampa paper several years ago wherein Mr. and Mrs. White flaunted their expensive homes, automobiles, and wardrobes, saying God was using them to show believers everywhere how He wants to bless their lives.


My friends, the preachers of and adherents to the "Prosperity Gospel" are finally beginning to reap what they have sown. These two cases come in the wake of Richard Roberts' (son of Oral Roberts) scandal, wherein it was shown he and his wife had been using millions of dollars of university funds for lavish homes and vacations. And yet, despite all the dishonesty and transparent greed, these figures are still as loved today by most of their followers as Jim and Tammy Faye Baker were in their own day.


My friend, whether it be in this life or that which is to come...

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8, ESV

And this is precisely the problem: The preachers and peddlers of the "prosperity gospel" are sowing to their own flesh. They are corrupt, and will in turn reap corruption. May we reach all we can with the TRUE gospel...the one that contains the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16)!

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The First Church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:42, ESV

This statement from the divine record shows us God's plan for his church. In its infancy, the church of Christ was:

1. Sound in doctrine
2. Strong in fellowship
3. Devoted in worship
4. Steadfast in prayer

Why would we ever want to de-emphasize any one of these areas? Each one is vital to the healthy growth of the body of Christ. Which of these items do you suppose we may deem less important than any other? Beyond a doubt, one of the reasons the early church prospered in such a way was due to their balanced approach.

Let us all step back from time to time and be certain of our motives in all that we do. Let us never neglect to maintain healthy, Biblical teaching while pursuing unity. At the same time, let us never fail to pursue peace and brotherly kindness while defending sound doctrine. A balanced approach will cause the church to prosper and grow in a healthy way.

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It's The Thought That Counts

Having trouble deciding what to get the friends and family on your gift list? Here's an idea: Animal feces?? Hey, like they say, "It's the thought that counts." Aye, but who in the world thought of this?!?!

Sure enough, as further proof you can purchase virtually anything on the internet auction giant, eBay, an organization has placed Rhino dung up for sale.

The International Rhino Foundation is auctioning seperately on four pieces of dung from endagered species of Rhino. The proceeds will help fund conservation efforts.

Each piece is dried, mounted in a clear trophy case, and labeled with the kind of rare Rhino that produced it. How fancy!

At the time of this writing, there had been 43 bid between all four......um.......items. The high bids thus far range from $510 to $560. Shipping costs $16, which makes me wonder how the ones shipping these items will respond to the question, "Does this package contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous?"

For the record, close-up photos of the Rhino droppings were available, but I refuse to gross our loyal Food For Thought readers out with that sort of imagery.

So, if you are one who participates in the tradition of gift giving during the holiday season, what are you giving? The kids want the latest and greatest toy, the teenagers want the slimmest, coolest cell phones and mp3 players, and the adults want gadgets, cash, and stuff to lay around the house. This certainly is not intended to discourage such a tradition -- I enjoy gift giving myself.

However, when all the kids' toys have been donated to Goodwill, when the teenagers' cell phones and iPods have been replaced by ones with newer technology, when all that stuff laying around the house has been sold for unbelievably low prices at yard sales, what will be left?

Yes, when all is said and done, all that expensive "stuff" will have the same end as the Rhino dung!

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
2 Peter 3:10, NKJV

The phrase "burned up" in the New King James version could more literally be rendered, "laid bare." The English Standard Version translates that phrase with one word: "exposed." For, on that day, even that which was our pride and joy will be exposed for what it truly was: a temporary treasure.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness...?
2 Peter 3:11, NKJV

So amid all the gift giving this holiday season, remember to give what really counts. Your love toward your fellow man, your righteous example and counsel to your children or grandchildren, and the gift of eternal life to any who would know the gospel.

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Where Are All The Preachers?

Reports in recent years have revealed an increasing dearth in preachers among the churches of Christ. Multiple studies have concluded that pulpits are being vacated far quicker than men are being trained to fill those same pulpits.

I suppose we could list any number of possible causes for this trend. Irrespective of the reasons, the body of Christ simply must make it a greater priority to train young men to preach.

Some of our pulpits are being filled by well intentioned men who have little to no formal training. Certainly, I am not alleging that it takes a degree to preach God's word. However, like anything else, preaching is a skill that ought to be honed through education and study whenever and wherever possible.

How can the preacher shortage be remedied? Consider just a few suggestions:

1. Encourage those who are but small boys now to be aspiring preachers. You never know how planting that little "seed" of encouragement early on can blossom at a later time!
2. Be careful how you speak of preachers and elders, particularly in the company of children. How many young men will want to go to school to be trained as a preacher when he grew up hearing mom and dad badmouth the preacher and elders?
3. Support one or more preacher training schools in your monthly budget (we have several schools doing a fine job).
4. Remember that no preacher is as great as some brothers and sisters think, nor as bad as others think. The respectable preacher is one who sees himself as one among many humble servants of God, laboring alongside every member of a local body of Christians.

In an address at Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky, Edgar DeWitt Jones said...

The preacher for this day must have the heart of a lion, the skin of a hippopotamus, the agility of a greyhound, the patience of a donkey, the wisdom of an elephant, the industry of an ant, and as many lives as a cat.

Friend, we need better men for better churches. Inspire today's children to dream of preaching the gospel; support and encourage those presently being trained and schooled; and work willingly alongside those who even now address the saints from time to time with messages from God's own word.

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Thoughts On 'The Christian Graces'

Verses five through seven of Second Peter chapter one are commonly referred to as, "The Christian Graces."

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV

Consider these brief thoughts relative to "The Christian Graces":

1. All of us need these.
2. All of us need all of them.
3. None of us are born this way.
4. Adding these to our character will enable both others and ourselves to see that we are a child of God.

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How To Follow In The Footsteps Of Jesus

From time to time, we sing an old hymn entitled, Footprints Of Jesus. The chorus of this song reads...

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where e'er they go.

For those who understand the nature of Christ (God's Son and the Savior of mankind), following in the footsteps of Jesus is the prime objective. Consider the words of Peter's God-breathed message...

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21, ESV

But how does one truly follow in Christ's footsteps?

B -- Believe in him (John 1:12)

Y -- Yield to him (Romans 12:1)

G -- Go to him in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

R -- Read & study his word (2 Timothy 2:15)

O -- Obey his commands (John 15:14)

W -- Work for him (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I -- Ignore the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

N -- Nothing held back (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

G -- Give talents and resources (Matthew 25:20; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

I -- Increase in fruit (John 15:8)

N -- Neglect not God's gift (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)

G -- Gather with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)

R -- Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:4)

A -- Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

C -- Conquer Satan and temptation (James 4:7; Matthew 26:41)

E -- Expect Christ's return (Hebrews 9:28)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18, ESV

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Why You And I Need Christ

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and he life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6, ESV


Without the WAY you cannot go.
Without the TRUTH you cannot know.
Without the LIFE you cannot grow.

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Ehh....Close Enough

A bank teller in South Carolina refused to open a new checking account for a man after he handed her a $1-million bill (a photo of which is at right). Alexander Smith of Augusta, Georgia was arrested on forgery charges for attempting to pass off this counterfeit bill as legal U.S. tender.

By the way, the United States Treasury has never printed a $1-million bill.

Despite the fact that this case involved a somewhat obvious counterfeit bill, it still amazes me how precise many counterfeiters can be in their attempts at duplicating genuine notes. Add to that the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of counterfeit merchandise sold every year (such as footwear, clothing, watches, electronics, DVDs, pharmaceuticals, etc), and this country has an epidemic.

There is something for you and I to consider here relative to matters of faith: You and I need to be on guard for counterfeit Christianity.

The Bible speaks of the danger of joining oneself to such a group:

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, ESV

Friend, be very cautious when it comes to your inner man -- the part of you that will exist throughout all eternity. Pay close attention to how the church you attend compares to the Scriptures. Are there any conflicts? Perhaps only small ones?

Let's go back to the counterfeit bill for a moment. The difference between the best "fakes" and the genuine article is minute -- undetectable by most! But go into a bank and try to open an account with counterfeit bills and see if they say, "Well, these bills do not match authentic currency....they cannot be real....but hey, they are VERY close. So we are going to accept them and open your account." Not going to happen, folks!!

Under the inspiration of God, one true apostle of Christ wrote to God's people regarding false apostles of Christ:

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15, ESV

Here is a fact: Some people know very well they are deceiving souls, and some do not. The ones who do not know they are teaching falsely are themselves deceived. Now, whether one deceives another intentionally or unintentionally, the problem remains. The only solution is to expose them to truth and hope the heart is soft enough to be receptive thereto.

Let every last one of us always keep these questions before us:

1. Why do I believe what I believe?
2. Why do I worship in such a way?
3. Why am I a member of _______________ church?

If the answers ever become something other than, "Thus says the Lord," we can be certain that our source of authority has become something other than God's word; and any source of authority outside of that word will be woefully insufficient as we plead our case before the judgment seat of Christ.

Friend, let's get back to God's way of doing things.

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Zip Those Lips!

We need more silence in the world.

Oh, there is a time to speak -- even times when the truth simply must be told.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.....a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, NKJV

By practical observation, however, it would seem that the vast majority of mankind seems to be under the distinct impression that silence only has a proper place when it comes to others. Sadly, the wisdom of maintaining one's peace appears to be a skill that is passing away.

According to an old Irish proverb, "The silent mouth is sweet to hear."

In what I personally regard to be one of the most insightful and desperately needed Proverbs of the Bible, the wise man said...

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge; and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
Proverbs 17:27-28, ESV

You may have heard this similar thought: 'Tis better to keep your mouth shut and have them think you a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Truly, we are a world in desperate need of a better appreciation for the power of silence!

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"Black Friday": Be Wise This Year

Black Friday is just around the corner. Just in case you are not familiar with the term, it is also known as the day after Thanksgiving.

The origin of Black Friday comes from the shift to profitability during the holiday season. Black Friday was when retailers went from being unprofitable, or "in the red," to being profitable, or "in the black", at a time when accounting records were kept by hand and red indicated loss and black profit.

For many though, the term has come to mean something quite different: Black Friday is the day when already holiday-weary shoppers brave the throngs of shoppers in an effort to find the best deals of the season. More than 100-million shoppers will bite, gouge, and claw their ways (figuratively speaking, of course!) through masses of humanity and merchandise to get an early jump on their holiday gift list.....and this is just the way many of these folks would have it!

If you are not an avid shopper, this may come as a surprise. Yes, I've known and have been related to quite a few men and women who thrive in such environments. But no matter where we are this Black Friday and throughout the entire holiday season, there is something we ought to think about: Exercising financial wisdom.

In her book "Debt Proof Living," consumer financial expert and personal finance coach, Mary Hunt, gives a list of debt trap warning signs:

1. You are living on credit
2. You pay your bills late
3. You are not a giver
4. You are not a saver
5. You dream of getting rich quickly and living an extravagant lifestyle
6. You worry about money
7. You overspend your checking account

Where is the wisdom in loading up our credit cards in December and paying finance charges we cannot afford until the next holiday season rolls around? Overextending oneself financially takes a toll mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Financial crisis is always near the top of the list in causes of divorce.

Why not take care of the problem before it can even arise? Be wise this holiday season. Do not overextend yourself. Do not talk yourself into believing what many retailers want you to believe...namely that your family and friends will be disappointed if you do not lavish upon them expensive gifts.

There is much more that could be said about this. The Bible has much to say in regard to God's people exercising wisdom in finances. I will leave it at this:

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." (Proverbs 22:7, ESV).

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Sinning With The Stars

Sometimes, we have to say things even though we know they will be looked upon as extremely unpopular.

At the risk of being looked upon as an "old fuddy-duddy" (even though I'm only 29 years old), I hope you will take a moment to consider why God's people should not be viewers of television programs that glorify immodesty and immoral sexuality such as ABC's Dancing With The Stars.

I am well aware of the fact that Dancing With The Stars is one of the most popular programs on television at the time of this writing. I am also aware of the fact that some men and women within the body of Christ are regular viewers. Without beating around the bush, I will say this bluntly and succinctly: Watching Dancing With The Stars is wholly inconsistent with Christian character.

Could we single out other shows and say the same? Of course. However, looking at this show is particularly important because it so clearly illustrates the problem with modern dancing. This program should be a reminder to Christian parents and teenagers in regard to school sponsored dances, such as proms and homecomings.

Someone might ask, "Well, how can you know it's bad if you don't even watch it?" This hearkens back to the age-old, "don't knock it 'til you've tried it" argument, which of course is an argument that holds no water and is completely illogical.

Nonetheless, it is only fair to address such a question. One need only be watching some other program on ABC (such as college football) to see the frequently-run promotions of Dancing With The Stars, and if the full hour of each episode contained only that which is included in these 30-second spots, that would be sufficient to consider such a program unsuitable for viewing. In truth, however, it does not take a nuclear scientist to accurately conclude that a considerable portion of the program is devoted to sexual movements by scantily clad contestants. Incidentally, there is no way I could have used 90% of the photos I came across in trying to find one to fit this article. Some of the costumes I saw were essentially lingerie, and the poses and action shots would warrant a guaranteed "R" rating by the Motion Picture Association of America.

In doing a bit of research, I have found what people of the world who would consider virtually nothing on T.V. and in the movies to be immoral are saying about Dancing With The Stars. I read a piece earlier today from the Los Angeles Times that spoke of the obvious encouragement the contestants are receiving to "bring out the sexy" in their dance routines. That's the Los Angeles Times, folks. Clearly, they do not see any harm in such an emphasis. What about God's people?

The Bible classifies "lewdness" as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). God has made this fact abundantly clear...that those who practice lewdness will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is true of those who willingly view lewd behavior as much as it is those who exhibit that sexually suggestive behavior.

If you are a viewer of Dancing With The Stars, it may be true that you watch primarily because you like to watch talented people, because you like certain "stars," or for any other number of reasons. But if you wear the name of Christ, I would challenge you to step back and make an honest assessment of this program, as well as any other. We (myself included) have become far too comfortable in letting the FCC regulate what comes into our living rooms instead of the word of God.

My friend, the FCC is not going to be there to plead your case as you stand before God in judgment. If you would be ashamed to admit you watch some T.V. show to your brothers and sisters in the church, that is all you need to know. However, even if we would unabashedly proclaim our loyal viewer status, we still need to reflect on how these shows are hindering or helping our goal of attaining a heavenly reward.

Thanks for reading this humble treatise. I hope it will be an encouragement toward faithfulness for all of us.

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Boundless Divine Care

"As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sand of the sea cannot be
measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me."
Jeremiah 33:22, ESV

In 1837, Johann Hey wrote a poem that would later become the lyrics to a hymn we sing to this day. The words were set to a German Folk tune. Do you recognize them?

Can you count the stars of evening

That are shining in the sky?

Can you count the clouds that daily

Over all the world go by?

God the Lord who doth not slumber,

Keepeth all the boundless number:

But He careth more for thee,

But He careth more for thee.

Hipparchus, who lived several hundred years after the prophet Jeremiah (ca. 150 B.C.) confidently asserted his knowledge of the "fact" that there were exactly 1,026 stars in the universe. Ptolemy, the renowned Roman scientist who lived in the time of Christ, disagreed with the findings of the great Hipparchus. He claimed knowledge of an additional 30 stars, which brought the number up to 1,056. It was not until Galileo's telescope that man began to understand the firmament of the Lord contains a vast, "boundless number" of stars.

It is estimated by current astronomers that there are about Ten Billion galaxies within range of the powerful 200-inch telescope. Consider the fact that Einstein figured total space to be at least 100,000 times greater than observable space, and our most recent and best guesses bring the total up to at least 100 Septillion stars in the universe!! If you have trouble visualizing that figure (like me), here is what it looks like written out...

100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (that's a one with 26 zeros behind it!)

When God used the hand of Jeremiah to write, "the host of heaven cannot be numbered," he really meant it!!! To count the stars would be like trying to count every single grain of sand on all the shores of the earth (Genesis 22:17). If everyone in the world were to unite in an effort to count the stars, each person would count more than 50 Billion of them without the same star being counted twice! Is it not amazing that the God who made them all knows each one by name (Psalm 147:4)? Is it not even more impressive that he cares for you and me more than these (Matthew 6:25-34)?

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In The Shadow Of Lenin

Vladimir Lenin may be the most prominent individual in the rich history of Russia. Born in April of 1870, Lenin became a supreme leader of the Communist Revolution. He would go on to become the first head of the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, and from 1922 the first de facto leader of the Soviet Union. He was the creator of Leninism, an extension of Marxist theory.

Is it apparent in Lenin's writing that he was not wholly set against religion. He certainly looked upon religion as a "crutch" for the feeble-minded. Consider a few of these statements from the pages of Lenin's own writings:

"Impotence of the exploited classes in their struggle against the exploiters ...
inevitably gives rise to the belief in a better life after death."

"Religion is opium for the people. Religion is a sort of spiritual booze, in which the slaves of capital drown their human image, their demand for a life more or less worthy of man."

Lenin agrees with Marx to the extent that due to the fact that religion has deep roots in capitalist oppression, it will not disappear until the people completely overcome their oppression. Lenin writes in The Attitude Of The Workers' Party To Religion:

"No educational book can eradicate religion from the minds of masses who are crushed by capitalist hard labour, and who are at the mercy or the blind destructive forces of capitalism, until those masses themselves learn to fight this root of religion, fight the rule of capital in all its forms, in a united, organised, planned and conscious way."

Lenin was convinced that religion would be obsolete just as soon as the capitalist system could be eradicated.

Looking back through history, we can see the results of such a way of thinking. Under Communist rule, the Soviet Union became one of the most Godless and immoral nations in the history of the world -- a struggle that affects modern-day Russia and most of the Baltic states to this day.

In the Summer of 2006, I had the privilege of traveling to Ukraine to participate in a mission campaign. Some of the images I captured on my digital camera are priceless to me. One such image is the photo you see at above, depicting two Ukrainian gospel preachers handing out literature to the townspeople in Svitlovodsk, Ukraine.

As we were handing out these tracts and invitations to a gospel meeting, I witnessed this scene and noted the significance: Here are two young men who grew up under Communist rule doing God's work in the shadow of the likeness of Vladimir Lenin! The poetic beauty of this scene was not lost on me, I can tell you that!

So while Lenin has long since passed over into eternity (1924), and while his fleshly tabernacle remains preserved and on display in Moscow, his soul and his ideology have gone the way of the world. Each of us -- from the most humble servant to the head of state -- will stand before God to give an account on that great day.

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10, ESV

Throughout the former Soviet empire, imposing bronze statues pay tribute to a man many former Soviets still love and admire. However, even the great Vladimir Lenin is not exempt from the great gathering of "all" spoken of in the Scripture above.

And since you and I will be there in the gathering of "all," should we not also "make it our aim to please him" (v. 9)?

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Who Believes In Heaven?

The November 2-4, 2007 Weekend Edition of USA Today included an interesting graph depicting the landscape of who believes in heaven.

Listing the AARP as its source, the USA Today revealed a decrease in faith that appears to be somewhat in proportion to household income.

The graph (which I have reproduced at right-- click to enlarge) shows that 90% of people aged 50 or older with a household income of less than $25,000 believe in heaven. Just 78% of people 50 or older with a household income of $75,000 or more believe in heaven. The data in between these two points shows a consistent decrease as household income increases.

It has been said that you can use data to prove almost anything, and I suppose there is some truth in that. What does a study like this suggest? Well, I would suggest to you that the findings of the AARP's study are nothing surprising or novel to students of the Bible. When I saw this figure, the words that almost instantly came to mind were...

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:19-21, ESV

So does this data suggest our faith will decrease as our income increases? Is this an unavoidable fact of life? Not at all. When we understand the thrust of Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter six, seeing a graph like this in the USA Today is not at all unexpected.

For the majority, the more they earn, the more they are captivated by this world and what it has to offer. They place the greatest emphasis on earning and raising their own standard of living -- that is, laying up treasure on earth. However, when an individual or family does not enjoy all of life's finer pleasures, they are less likely to become fixated on the fleeting pleasures of this life; instead, they are more likely to seek the better life that is promises -- that is, laying up treasures in heaven.

Of course, we always ought to be cautious about painting with too broad of a brush. Is every "upper-middle class" and "upper class" individual materialistic and unconcerned with heaven? Of course not. Neither is every member of the "lower class" a spiritually-minded person. It all depends on the individual.

That being said, money and the pursuit thereof can cause otherwise rationally-minded people to lose all sense of reality and morality. Even the mere prospect of moderate wealth can lead one away from dependence on God and into a life of self-reliance.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income.
Ecclesiastes 5:10, ESV

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Already At It For Next Year!

With the 2007 Cold Harbor Lectureship officially two days behind us, it is time to start planning for and working on next year's program. I am so excited about next year's theme that I had to sit down and design the cover for the 2008 lectureship book (at right).

As you can see from the image, the theme for the 12th Annual Cold Harbor Lectureship will be Balance. I know we every director of every lectureship probably says this every year, but I truly cannot think of any subject that is more urgently needed for consideration by the body of Christ in this generation.

With individuals and groups splitting off and departing in multiple directions, we desperately need to come back to a place of balance -- balance in what we teach, how we live, and any number of other areas of practical living. As we sit down to plan this lectureship, we will make the effort to be balanced in our approach.

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left...
Joshua 23:6, ESV

And, since our mind is still on the Proverbs...

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:27, ESV

Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2008 Cold Harbor Lectureship!

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Pummeled By Pickles

For some of you "pickle haters" out there, this story may be too much for you to read. For those of us who enjoy a good pickle (such as myself), this report out of Niles, Michigan will be good for a laugh. For those of you who despise pickles to their very core -- if they had a core -- this may disturb you.

Two friends became involved in an altercation that will go down in the court logs as one of the strangest ever. Jody Lee complained to friend Bobby Lee Bolen when Bolen went to Lee's refrigerator and began eating pickles. Lee told Bolen that he could not afford to feed everyone. Bolen proceeded to storm out of the house, only to return moments later. He grabbed two more pickles and threw them at Lee, yelling something to the effect of, "Here are your pickles!" (edited for profanity).

Bolen was arrested and imprisoned for 54 days on charges of assault......with pickles. If only he had used the sweet kind. Surprisingly, alcohol was involved (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).

I know for some of you, being attacked with pickles would be a fate worse than death. How silly, though, is the behavior of Mr. Bolen? Perhaps we understand even more fully in cases such as this what God meant when he breathed the following words through the writing of Solomon:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1, NKJV

Be sober friend -- both in mind and in body -- and your regrets will be far fewer.

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Keep That Chin Up, And That Nose Down

I once got in a wee bit of trouble with a brother when I said I was "proud" of a certain group of folks for their attitude and commitment. His objection was that the Bible says we shouldn't be full of pride. That brief discussion made me realize there needs to be some teaching on this matter.

Is there any any distinction made between being puffed up with pride and being proud of something or someone? Consider these points:

1. There is no doubt that being "puffed up" with a haughty sense of pride is condemned by the word of God (cf. Proverbs 21:4; Habakkuk 2:4; Luke 18:11).


2. There is a sense in which we can rightfully praise a group or individual for their character or accomplishments. Consider the manner in which Paul began most of his God-breathed epistles to the churches of Christ in the first century (cf. Philippians 1:1-11; Colossians 1:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10). This amounts to paying someone a compliment.

Certainly, when we do recognize others for their accomplishments, character, or service, we should emulate the apostle's method of recognizing in truth that ultimately the glory belongs to the Lord. Pride becomes a problem when it seeks to elevate oneself above others. On more rare occasions, pride may even be an issue when it comes to our children, grandchildren, or some other close family member.

Someone has said, "Pride is a good thing to have. Be sure, however, it is the kind that keeps your chin up and not your nose."

I would say that sums it up rather well.

r2

Freshly Brewed Coffee, And Philosophy While You Wait

While waiting on a cup of coffee in downtown Birmingham two months ago, I picked up a half-page flier printed on glossy card stock. It was an advertisement for I'll Make You Love Me, a monologue show written by J'Mel Davidson and directed by Doug O'Neil. By the way, I have no clue who these folks are....just reading what it says on the flier.

The photo (inset at right) shows a parent and an infant child in silhouette with the following statement superimposed: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions."

When I picked the card up out of sheer curiosity, I turned it over and discovered that the show was being presented by The Feminist Dedutante Guild. I must confess, I have no clue what constitutes a "Feminist Dedutante."

So, what about that statement: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions." Is there any validity to that? I submit we should consult the very source, the very personification (so to speak) of love -- Almighty God. What does God's word say about love and its relationship to our actions and accountability therefor?

Does God love us even when our actions do not align with his will? "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, ESV). So, the answer is yes...God loves us even when we stand in rebellion to him. However, that does not mean he loves -- or even approves of -- our actions. Will we be accountable for our unrighteous actions even though God clearly declares his love for us in the midst thereof? Consider the following:

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Matthew 12:36, ESV

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12, ESV

The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
1 Peter 4:3-5, ESV

Some of us have become so accustomed to justice bending to the will of the accused that we actually believe the Judge of all mankind will follow suit. Let me assure you, dear reader friend, that God will execute perfect justice. His love and mercy will reign on that day for those covered in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb. For those who have left this realm unprepared and unredeemed, though he love them, they will be held accountable for their unholy actions.

Notwithstanding the Birmingham Feminist Dedutante Guild's propaganda, love means the opportunity to serve a God who is willing to forgive upon our repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God's love does not somehow cancel the righteous and just facets of his nature which demand holiness (1 Peter 1:16).

Interesting what you can learn while waiting on a cup of coffee, isn't it?

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Highlights From The 2007 Cold Harbor Lectureship Book

The eleventh year of the Cold Harbor Lectureship will feature relevant topics, qualified speakers, and outstanding singing. Every year, we publish a book to go along with the oral lectures. The speakers spend great amounts of time in authoring manuscripts several months before they ever step behind the microphone to deliver their message.

Whether you hear these lectures in-person (obviously the ideal), via the live broadcast on the Cold Harbor website, or on a set of DVDs or CDs, you will be greatly enriched by having the corresponding manuscripts. Several of our speakers will change their oral presentation to such as degree that you will benefit doubly by both hearing and reading the information they provide.

The following are just a handful of quotes from some of the authors in this year's book:

"The essence of wisdom is to learn of the ways of God as revealed in His divine inspired word and apply its contents to life." ~ Jimmy Clark

"It is becoming harder and harder as a Christian to be a patriot of this nation. The more man enacts laws legalizing and legitimizing abortion, homosexual behavior, etc., the more difficult it is to be a supportive, loyal citizen of this country." ~ David Sain

"Let us be reminded: The faithful Christian is obsessed! A radical! A fanatic! A revolutionary! Christianity is their vocation (their work and other activities are their avocation). The dedicate, determined, zealous follower of God will not allow anything or anyone to come between him and his charted course." ~ Paul Sain

"In becoming like God we do what honors and glorifies God. In becoming like God we do what is ultimately best for us. In becoming like God we do what is ultimately best for those around us. We must learn to be like God, learn to imitate the nature and character of God in every respect possible. In brief, we are to take his nature, copy it, and make it our own." ~Jody Apple

"Conscience is not our morals or ethics. Conscience is that facet of our minds that tells us that we ought to do right, but it does not tell us what right is. We are taught right by hearing God's word." ~ Glenn Colley

"Fearing God should cause us to obey him, not from abject terror, but from a healthy respect built on understanding. We owe him respect as the Almighty Creator. He has shown that he is fair, loving, understanding, wise, and consistent." ~ Nick Genter

"Thankfully, when a mother trains a child to live for God, the child usually chooses a Godly life. Such a life is the natural result of training arising from a mother's immense love. It is a love that encompasses kindness, patience, and endurance. It is a sacrificial love that is not irritable or resentful. Rather, it is defined by all that is hopeful and good. With her love comes a protective nature. It compels her to do everything she can to secure her home, especially in the spiritual sense." ~ Teresa Hampton

"Money is morally neutral, being neither good nor bad. It has potential for good or bad, depending on how it is earned, how it is used, and attitudes associated with it. Money is a tool to be used and should never be an end in itself. If money becomes the goal rather than a tool to accomplish a goal, disappointment will follow." ~ Dwayne Wilson

"A person's life cannot even 'get off the ground' until an humble respect for God and his will is in place. Once the prerequisite of genuine regard for God is intact, the individual is in a position to hear God and to begin the process of assimilating God's wisdom as it relates to a variety of life's characteristics, including pride/humility, wealth/poverty, sin, folly, goodness, use of the tongue, vengeance, strife, gluttony, justice, love, lust, laziness, death, friends, and the family." ~ Dave Miller

These snippets scarcely even "touch the hem of the garment," but hopefully they have piqued your interest sufficiently to look into ordering a copy of two of this year's book. The book is LOADED with helpful and thought-provoking material based on the book of Proverbs.

If you are interested in ordering this year's book or any of our past years' books, visit the Cold Harbor website by using the link on the right side of this page, then click on the "Lectureship" button on the home page.

We hope these books will provide relevant Biblical teaching for many years to come!

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Polly Want A Wake-Up Call?

Parrots can be a noisy nuisance sometimes, but there is at least one Muncie, Indiana family that may never complain about that noise again.

Shannon Conwell and his nine-year-old son awoke about 3 a.m. last Friday to find their home on fire after hearing their Amazon parrot, Peanut, imitating a fire alarm. The smoke alarm was functioning properly and had activated, but it was the bird's matching call that awoke Conwell. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Conwell grabbed his son and the bird on his way out of the house.

Paul's God-breathed words to the church in first century Corinth were as follows:

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you then, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 4:15-16, ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV

When you follow the example of a true-hearted Christian, you are following Paul. When you follow the Godly example of a Christian who is following the lead of Paul, you are following Christ. Your words stake claim to being in the light of Christ. When people imitate your faith and manner of life, are they (by connection) following Christ?

The Conwells of Muncie, Indiana learned how crucial an effective imitation can be. Men and women outside the body of Christ need an accurate imitation of Christ -- sounding the warning cry, and leading others to safety.

When people imitate your faith and manner of life (and they will), will they be led toward or away from safety?

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A Lesson From A Hungry Boy

Perhaps you read about the little six year old Colorado boy who smashed up his grandmother's car last week.

It seems this little tike has really taken a liking to "America's Favorite Neighbor," Applebees. This little guy was hungry, and in his mind, Applebees was the only logical destination. So, he grabbed his grandmother's keys, wisely transferred his booster seat from the back seat to the front, and started the car!

He only made it about 75-feet, unable to get the car out of reverse. He crossed the street, hit a curb, and continued moving backward until he slammed into a transformer and communication box, knocking out power and phone service to dozens of nearby townhomes.

Thankfully, nobody was injured, and the little driver got out of the car and informed his grandmother of what had just occur ed. If Applebees has not yet secured this little guy's endorsement services, they really need to do so. "Applebees.....So good we make six year olds think they can drive!"

If we can learn anything from the saga of this wee lad, it is in the realm of desire. Obviously, his childish decision making process is another matter, but reflect for a moment on the drive that motivated him to make "the drive."

Do we have a genuine desire to know and do the will of God? The Bible says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).

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'Twas A Sheep, Not A Lamb

I will be the first to tell you that I am not a poet. Poetry can be an effective teaching tool. I sometimes wish I had such a talent, but I have always been convinced it is wise to recognize one's own limitations.

Nonetheless, when I come across an especially outstanding poem, I like to share it with others. The following is from the pen of a man named James Smith, whom I know nothing about other than the fact that he wrote this thought-provoking poem:

'Twas A Sheep, Not A Lamb

It was a sheep, not a lamb that strayed away,

In the parable we are told;

A grown-up sheep that had gone astray...

From the ninety and nine in the fold.

Out in the meadows, out in the cold,

'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought:

Back to the flock and into the fold,

'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.

And why for the sheep should we earnestly long

And so earnestly hope and pray?

Because there is danger, if they go wrong,

They will lead the young lambs astray!

For the lambs follow the sheep, you know,

Wherever the sheep may stray;

If the sheep go wrong, it will not be long

Till the lambs are as wrong as they.

So, with the sheep we earnestly plead,

For the sake of the lambs today,

If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost

Some sheep may have to pay.

Paul's God-breathed admonition to Timothy was to, "be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12, NKJV). Never underestimate the impact your faithful service to the King of Kings (or lack thereof) has on those around you.

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A Fourfold Folly

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:7-8, NKJV

The fourfold folly here is...

1. The folly of trying to deceive God
2. The folly of expecting something different from what we sow
3. The folly of sowing to the flesh and and expecting to reap of the Spirit
4. The folly of expecting more or less than we sow

God is not deceived, but I truly believe many of us are! Our actions have consequences. If we live spiritually grounded lives, the consequence is spiritual reward. If my life is dominated by fleshly pursuits, my inner man follows the same course as the outer.......it passes away (2 Corinthians 4:16).

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Ezra's Example Of Success

Ezra descended from the lineage of Hilkiah, the high priest (Ezra 7:1). However, Ezra was not able to serve in such a capacity himself during the time of captivity. Still, he gave his time in study of the Scriptures (Ezra 7:6).

Ezra became one of Israel's great restoration leaders. He led the reconstruction of the temple as well as the effort to restore the religious life and institutions of the people. Ezra was very successful in accomplishing these tasks. The following statement is most revealing as we consider the source of his success:

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Ezra 7:10, ESV

Notice Ezra's focus in these three areas:

1. He set his heart on the study of the Scriptures
2. He set his heart on the doing of the Scriptures
3. He set his heart on the teaching of the Scriptures
   

In can neither do nor teach something with which I am unfamiliar. Personally speaking, I cannot repair a radiator on a car, nor could I teach anyone else how to do so. Why? Simply because I have not applied my mind to study the discipline of auto mechanics.

God requires study of his word for the purpose of our own obedience as well as the transmission of his divine truths from one man to another, from one generation to the next.

Your success and mine is a direct result of how well we know the Bible.

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Coming Clean

You may have heard the news that broke yesterday about track and field legend, Marion Jones. Ms. Jones has finally admitted to using performance enhancing drugs prior to her truly golden performance (three gold medals, five medals in all) at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

For several years, Jones has adamantly denied using such substances. In 2004, she held a public press conference in which she strongly urged her fans and the public to trust her word.

The news of her admission yesterday makes every one of her denials and appeals to the public for trust seem exceedingly shallow and blatantly dishonest. To make matters worse, Marion is now claiming she must have been given these substances against her will and without her knowledge. She claims the drugs must have been contained within what she thought was merely flax seed oil.

But this is hardly a new song. Over the past few years with the increasing steroids in sports scandals, several athletes have used the same unlikely, and quite frankly, unbelievable excuse. For an elite athlete to claim that he or she does not meticulously monitor what goes into the body that provides their livelihood is simply inexplicable.

My family lived in Southern California during the early 1990's during part of my middle and high school years. During that time, my dad and I attended a high school girls' basketball game in which Marion Jones was playing. She was one of the most gifted and dominant athletes I have seen in any sport at any level. Marion went on to star as the University of North Carolina's point guard, leading that team to a National Championship during her freshman season. Of course, her track and field accomplishments at the highest level speak for themselves.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and snare of death.

Proverbs 21:6, ESV

What is most sad about this story is Jones' lack of honesty. For her fans (like me) and those who admired her talent and work ethic, the tainted shadow she now casts on the sports world is bad enough; but to add to that blatant dishonesty and outright lack of regard for the justice system merely pour salt in the "open wound."

Could you estimate the number of lies that have been told by human beings throughout the history of the world? Do we even have a number that goes so high? Now, how many situations and lives have been improved by all those lies? Not a single one. Lives are ruined and trust vanishes when lies are told.My friend, be resolved to always tell the truth, no matter what!

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 21:6, ESV

Gambling With Eternity

The "gaming" industry in the had gross revenues of almost $85-billion in 2005 in the United States alone. Of course, one's imagination can run wild as to what that figure would look like if every segment of the gambling world reported all income. The "bookie" who is taking wagers on this week's ballgames does not report the money he takes from his clients who call in looking to make an easy "buck."

Simply stated, the gambling universe is HUGE business. Savvy and often seedy businessmen and women are all too eager to break into an industry that capitalizes on the greed and materialistic outlook of a warped nation. Anyone who thinks gambling is a viable source of income is woefully deceived, and sadly mistaken. Simply put, the "house" ALWAYS wins. How else can we account for the palatial casinos and hotels in the aptly dubbed "Sin City?"

Countless families and individuals have been ruined by the deceptive world of gaming. Gambling addiction has been on the rise since gaming has expanded from the casino floor. Among other methods, you can now play poker online, play the lottery by holding a slip of paper, and wager thousands on a football game with a single phone call.

Personally speaking, the most disturbing and outright annoying development over the past five years is gambling's transition from shady and risky to national past time. As a regular viewer of ESPN, I have been amazed at the amount of airtime their national poker tournaments have been receiving. These out-of-shape, middle-aged men have garnered a following larger than most athletes and rock stars! Teenagers know these guys by name and model their own poker-playing "skills" thereafter. Yes, poker has become sport.

Let's be frank here -- gambling is like diving into an empty swimming pool. The chances that you will hit bottom are about the same. We are a nation deceived. Las Vegas' official slogan may be, "What Happens Here Stays Here," but I submit to you there is only one way in which that is true -- that is, in regard to your money. If you go to Vegas, 'tis true......your money will stay behind when you leave. Everything else (regret, shame, anger, compulsion, lies) you most certainly take with you!

People who can afford to gamble do not need money, and those who need money cannot afford to gamble. Listen to the word of God...

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished
Proverbs 28:19-20, ESV

My friend, gambling is most certainly a "worthless pursuit." To the extent that we engage therein, we will be impoverished. If you are involved with gambling on any level, may I exhort you to cease from this un-Godly practice at once. I realize there can be a certain level of compulsion with some people, but I wholly reject the notion that gambling is a "disease." After all, if gambling is a disease, as some contend, can you deduct your losses as a medical expense? Renounce this sinful activity and seek the forgiveness of a loving God who is anxious to forgive, as well as the forgiveness of anyone else who may have been affected.

For those who have never tried gambling, may I encourage you to stay as far away from the practice as you possibly can.

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Remember Lot's Wife

In Luke 17:32, Jesus made this very simple statement: "Remember Lot's wife."

When we go back and look at the example of Lot's wife in the divine record (Genesis 19:1-26), here is what Jesus is telling us to remember:

Remember Her Privileges

• She was faithfully instructed
• She was a relative to one of God's chosen -- Abraham
• She was warned of danger

Remember Her Fate

• It was merited
• It was sudden
• It was final

Practical Reflections

• Beware of earthly entanglements
• Beware of questioning God's commands
• Beware of disobedience

May our memory of this woman's fate, recorded for time immemorial, be an admonition to trust and obey the word of our God.

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20 Ways To Simplify

Most of us think we are pretty busy. Most of us are right. While busy can mean productivity, busy can also mean a life that is “out-of-whack” in terms of priority.

Yes, work begets more work, hobbies beget more hobbies, stuff begets more stuff until the point where we step back in the one free moment we might have during a week and realize…. “It’s time to simplify!!"

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The more “stuff” we have crowding our lives, the more danger we put ourselves in of dividing our loyalty that rightly belongs to the Lord.

Here is an excellent list of 20 ways to simplify, compiled by Dr. Steve Stephens:

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on T.V.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say “no” at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.

12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
16. If you don’t have time, don’t do it.
17. Have a plan for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

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Brotherly Love Conquers All

Tomorrow night (Friday, September 28th) at 8:00 p.m., the West Virginia Mountaineers will take the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. They will line up against the South Florida Bulls in what is being hyped as one of the biggest games in all of college football this season, and as one of the biggest games in the history of the Big East conference.

The University of South Florida is an institution comprised of more than 40,000 undergraduate students in Tampa. It also happens to be the university my wife, Kelly, and I attended. We have been devoted fans of the Bulls (especially football and men's basketball) since our time there in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Obviously, Kelly and I are "pumped" for Friday night's showdown on ESPN. We are in the middle of ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) country here, but we have at least two WVU Mountaineer fans that I know of here at Cold Harbor. I have been preparing both of these brothers for their defeat over the past two or three weeks, but I am not convinced they are ready to handle the deep depression that will set in when the clock reads 0:00 and the point total under "Bulls" is higher than that under "Mountaineers" (sorry guys, had to say it!).

I write all that to say this: No matter how passionate we may be about a sports team or any other interest in life, there ought to be nothing that supercedes these two things:

1. Our love for God
2. Our love for our fellow man

While we should be good and kind to everyone about us, our Christian brothers and sisters should occupy a unique reservation in the love we bestow (Galatians 6:10). Would you believe churches have been split and preachers have lost their jobs due to arguments about football games?!?! 'Tis true! What a tragedy when brethren place greater value on their allegiance to a sports teams (or anything else) than on their relationship in Christ.

It is so rewarding to have Christian brothers like Joe and Steve. We can enjoy the rivalry on the field, all the while maintaining our love for and commitment to Christ and one another.

Friend, never allow anything this world has to offer come between you and your Lord, nor you and your brother!

ps -- be sure to turn on ESPN2 tomorrow night @ 8:00 p.m. to see the Bulls stampede!!

r2