The Mystery of Prayer
June 30, 2016
Scripture
Quote
Although Satan uses distractions, he does not want us to understand that we are being distracted. If we understand that he is behind the distraction, he loses his advantage.
Satan loathes and fears believers who pray. Any sincere pray offered by believers bothers Satan. He does not want us praying. Anemic prayers, good prayers, short prayers, long prayers, any prayer is bad as far as the devil is concerned. He does not mind us talking about prayer, reading books on prayer so long as we don’t pray. His approach is to discourage us from prayer by raising an endless questions that we cannot answer.
How does prayer work? Why would an infinite God who dwells in eternity listen to the prayer of a finite human in time? If God is sovereign, how can our prayer affect His will? How can He listen to thousands of us praying at the same time? How in the world can the human prayer of today affect the weather of tomorrow? We have answers to none of the above questions. Prayer is a mystery. It is something that we are to do in spite of the fact that we do not understand how it works. One does not have to understand the dynamics of electricity to flip a light switch.
Do we know how to pray? Do we understand prayer? No, but I will pray every day. Don’t let Satan keep your from prayer. He will do everything he can to keep you out or your prayer closet. Many times, the devil has said to me, “You can’t pray, you don’t even know how.” My response is–“You may be right but I am going to pray anyway.”
- We had two deaths in Danville yesterday: Sammy Crow departed this life at 3:15 pm at HH. Then we found out last night that Billy Laney’s son, James McAbee [45] was killed in an accident on 157. He was driving a tractor on 157 and got run over by an 18 wheeler. Sammy Crow [73] had a stroke Tuesday morning and never recovered. Sammy is survived by his wife Kathy, two sons, Bryan and Brett, two sisters and his mom who depended on Sammy for a lot of things. This is a shocking blow to the Danville community and the Crow family.
- I had two places to be this morning and they were 200 miles a part but the LORD heard despairing cry and sent a helper to Columbia, Tennessee to pick up Seth who has been to summer camp.
- I’ve been behind all week: can’t get caught up. Shohn will be carrying Clara to B’town to the doctor and I will be in an out, mostly out. Call my cell if you need me.
BLOCK PARTY AUGUST 13
Parking Crew
Satan
April 6, 2016
Scripture
When the day came for the heavenly beings to appear before the LORD again, Satan was there among them.
~Job 2:1, GNT
Quote
There are two extremes that we must avoid in relationship to Satan: one is to disbelieve in his existence and the other is to become obsessed with his person and power.
~Ya’akov
I was reading in Job 2 yesterday morning when three words exploded in my mind, “Satan was there.” God called a meeting of the heavenly beings and Satan was there among them. Isn’t that just like him, the diabolical intruder always showing up when he hasn’t been invited. When brothers and sisters in Christ gather for worship, Satan is there among them. Have a REVIVAL meeting and Satan will show up. Have a business meeting and Satan is there. Plan a prayer meeting and Satan will try to get it stopped but if that failed, he will show up, he will be there. He is always there.
I have no intention of saying anything good about the devil but I will tell you what I know. First of all, he is an angel, a fallen angel: he is not God, he is simply a want-to-be god. He is antichrist and he hates anyone who worships Jesus. Thus he hates all believers and does everything in his power to destroy our bodies, reputations, witness, testimony, joy, confidence, integrity and courage.
Jesus has changed things forever, He came to destroy the works of the devil and He was successful. We who trust Him with our sin and shame will congregate in heaven in the not to distant future and Satan will not be there.
- THE GATHERING TONIGHT at 6:30
- I saw something last night that I have never seen. In Ty’s game, a kid grounds out to first and made a home run. Normally, that would be impossible but it happens. The kid was out by three steps and the ump called him safe, then we commit a comedy of errors and the kid scores. The P.A. announcer [probably his mom] said, “Home run for Tommy, winner of a Firehouse Sub.”
- Dog Wood Winter is here and it gets cool with the sun goes down.
- Speaking of prayer–Franklin Graham Prayer Rally April 14.
Sin
March 25, 2016
Scripture
But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
~I John 3:8, NLT
Quote
There is pleasure in sin but only for a season. If there was no pleasure involved, no one would be tempted.
~Tim Kamikaze Keenum
Sin is similar to fire in that he attracts but then destroys. Moths will fly into the flame of a candle. Mosquitoes and many other insects are attracted to light, they cannot resist the temptation although it means certain death. Sin is like fire in the way it destroys, first it attracts and then it burns.
Ultimately all who refuse to repent will suffer the consequences of eternal fire. Have you heard of Baba Gurgur. It is a natural gas fire near the city of Kirkuk in Northern Iraq. Scientist estimate that it has been burning for 2,500 years and no one can put it out. The flames are perpetuated by natural gas percolating through the rocks. Similar fires are found in India, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. No one started these fires and no one can put them out.
Would a loving God send humans into an eternal flame? Technically God does not send us to hell, we are attracted to sin and refuse to repent. The essence of sin is “I must have my way: I insist upon it.” This attitude puts us in a constant state of rebellion. As C.S. Lewis says, “In the end God says, ‘not my will but thy will be done.'” Hell is the consequence of demanding our way.
- I cannot get over the wonderful weather this week. It has been perfect. Thank YOU Jesus.
- We completed the first phase of our new office and man cave. The LORD blessed me with three days off and just enough energy and health to get it done. Phase two is wiring and getting electricity to the building.
- Today is a happy/sad day for me. Gary and I shared some dreams together and I was convinced that the LORD was going to heal him. We had some big plans that will not materialize in this world. Six weeks or so ago, I realized that Gary was not getting better and I have grieved since. Gary loved to help people. He was a people person. He not only helped others, he did it cheerfully. Every time I look at the ramp in the FORTE, I will think of Gary. I do rejoice that Gary’s suffering is over. He suffered much more than people realize and in that light, I am thankful for his promotion. Pray for his COLS which is today at 3:00 at DBC. God blessed me and DBC when he lead Gary to join our fellowship.
- June just told me that Kevin Turner [former Bama fullback] passed away with ALS at the youthful age of 46. His son is going to Clemson. Dabo and Kevin were team mates at Bama.
- Tomorrow is Joe David 40th birthday. It doesn’t seem possible. Our children were born in March, April, May and June. All are two years a part. It didn’t happen according to plan, it was providential.
- SWAMP JOHN’S coming April 3rd. Sunday is your last day to purchase tickets. Amy has to call a number in on Monday. I think we are around 250 but I thought we would do much better. We have to pay them $8 per plate so we are not raising much for St. Jude’s and in my opinion, they are worthy. St. Jude’s is a charity hospital and yet they treat you like royalty. I have never seen anything like it.
The Hour of Darkness
March 24, 2016
Scripture
Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.
~Luke 22:53, NLT
Quote
The battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.
~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
I am a sore loser. As bad as I hate to confess it, I have something in common with Cam Newton; I don’t lose graciously. I hate to lose at T-ball. Back when Ty played, I was trying to get him to chase this kid down and tag him out but Joe David told him no and he did what his daddy commanded. I was fit to be tied, Ty could have tagged this kid easily. Lori came to the fence and said, “Granddaddy, the kid has autism, we don’t try to get him out.” I said, “We have two on our team that are just as bad and they are tagging them.” She said, “I know Granddaddy, but we aren’t them.”
I am also a sore loser when it comes to the devil, evil and injustice. I hate abortion and few days pass without me thinking about the grip that evil has on our nation. I hate cancer and I hate drugs and that includes alcohol and tobacco. Cigarettes took the life of my bother and nephew. Some times we pray sincerely for what we believe will glorify Christ but our prayers are not answered, at least in the way we imagined. It appears at times that the power of darkness in triumphant over the light but the apostle John’s words on this subject are encouraging, “For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.” Sunrise is a slow methodical process, the darkness does not disappear in an instant but once the sun burst on to the scene, we know that darkness will soon be gone.
The most damning practice of this evil world may be propaganda. I was thinking last night about this and I can’t think of a single injustice that is not perpetuated by lies. Abortion is based on a lie and so is evolution. We don’t even teach kids the truth about our nation, its founding and forefathers. As long as lying works and deceives the masses, I doubt that Satan will change his tactics.
- Enjoying this beautiful weather. Thank You Jesus.
- Gary Garner’s COLS is tomorrow at 3:00 with visitation from 12:00-3:00, interment at Shoal Creek and feeding the family at DBC. The visitation and service will be at the church.
- Kenny Evans will be with us on Mother’s Day, this is one week earlier than the original date.
- Sunday is your last chance to get SWAMP JOHN tickets for April 3. If you do not get advance tickets, you are taking a risk and no one can guarantee you a plate. The ones who have tickets eat first and then if there is any left, people can buy a plate for $12.
- Franklin Graham Prayer Rally April 14. Do you care enough about this country and the future of our grandchildren to miss one day of work. We have six men signed up, it should be 60. The last prayer rally we had in Montgomery was to support biblical marriage. We may have had 200 show up. It was a pitiful turnout. I beg you in Jesus name to get concerned: prayer is our only hope because Christ is our only hope.
Rejoice
February 9, 2016
Scripture
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell there.
~Revelation 12:12, ERV
Quote
The things that I long to be free of–guilt, shame, fear, greed, lust, impurity–are all related to sin.
~Ya’akov
Therefore is a connecting word. To understand verse 12, you have to read the verses prior: Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (devil) and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
Did you catch that: the devil has been evicted from heaven, he was forced out and thrown down. The good news is; no devil in heaven. The bad news is that he was cast down to earth and he came here in a rage. He is angry at God for evicting him from heaven. He has lost the battle in heaven and he lacks the power to enter into the presence of God. He cannot touch God so he goes after God’s children here on earth. This is not a reason to fear, he cannot get to you without going through Jesus.
The ancient serpent, the accuser of the brethren, the adversary, the deceiver of the nations has brought the fight to this world because he could not conquer heaven. He vents his anger toward the Church, the body of Christ. He spews out a river of venomous propaganda in an effort to destroy the body of Christ. He is angry, desperate and losing power. In other words, eventually, he will fizzle out. His best days are behind him while our best days lie ahead.
- WOW! The LORD is good, another profession of faith. Our God is an awesome God.
- I went with June’s class yesterday {Senior Adult Ladies} to Greenbrier for an evening meal and had a very good time. I think we had nine. During the meal, Lou said to me, “That was a good service this morning. I especially liked Brad Paisley singing the Old Rugged Cross.” I think every woman at the table echoed her sentiments. I am here to tell you, the Senior Adult women like Brad Paisley: we are going to have to have him back.
- Edith Sandlin has surgery in Huntsville today.
- Continue to pray for Gary Garner, Buford Burgess, Heath Roberts, Kane Hogan and Kerri Callahan.
- My car read 45 degrees [yesterday], the sign out front concurred and the computer said 45 but that was the coldest 45 degrees I have ever felt. It felt like 25* to me. Four more Sundays until the time change and six until Spring.
The Power To Say No
September 23, 2015
SCRIPTURE
But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.
~I Peter 5:9, CEV
QUOTE
The proper response to Satan’s lies is God’s word of truth.
~David Egner
Well before your time, there was black comedian named Flip Wilson who hosted a weekly TV comedy hour. He was most famous for playing the part of Geraldine Jones, a sassy liberated black woman with a boyfriend named killer. Geraldine was forever getting into trouble but she always had an excuse, the same excuse–“The devil made me do it.” I am afraid a lot of folks use this as an excuse but in reality the devil has no power over a believer. Christ via His grace has given you the power to say “NO!” We can resist the devil by staying strong in the faith.
The tendency to blame others and make excuses is common to man. Remember Adam’s excuse in the garden, “It was the woman You put here with me,” the man said. “She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it.” Remember Moses scolding the Israelites, “And the LORD was also angry with me because of you.” We all do it but it is not acceptable: Adam had a choice and so did Moses. Adam had no right to blame God for his bad choice and Moses had no right to blame the Israelites for the bad choice he made.
- Gary Garner did not get moved but they hope to do it today. He did walk some yesterday, PTL.
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Kelvin Callahan did not get to come home, Oxygen level too low. Maybe today, not sure.
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Kane update: Feeling good tonight, eating ok, stomach is upset because the pancreas is not digesting properly. They think it needs additional enzymes they can fix it just waiting on test. We are tired but I really feel the prayers keeping us keeping on. [I tried to edit, Michelle doesn’t use punctuation]
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We may feed the Jolly family Friday. Joe David is checking with family. The service time has not been set at this time. Joe David is officiating I think.
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GATHERING tonight at 6:30.
Watch Out!
May 28, 2015
“SCRIPTURE
“Stay alert! WATCH OUT for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
~I Peter 5:8, NLT
QUOTE
The devil is a fallen angel and sometimes he appears as an angel but he is not: his pride made him a devil.
~Ya’akov
The key word is ‘prowls’. Have you watched a cat small or large stalk its prey? Whether small or large, there instincts are the same. They sneak quietly upon their prey and then pounce. The lion is the most feared beast in the wild, its roar is so intimidating that the victim is paralyzed with fear and cannot move. If the lion went about roaring all the time, the prey would hear and flea. But the lion crouches, crawls, slips, sneaks ever so quietly upon its prey catching them unaware of his presence. When he knows they have no escape, he growls in triumph.
Keep and eye out for the devil. He is sneaky, subtle and deceitful. He hides his agenda until he’s in a position to do you harm.
TODAY WE PRAY FOR THOSE HAVING TRIALS
- Senior Adult Cookout this Friday…BBQ Chicken and ribs..11:30 at the pavilion. Seniors your option is anything you want to bring. I’ll do the meat and Mandy will do the baked beans and get us some dinner rolls. We will also have the team and a freezer of cream.
- VBS-VBX June 8-12…8:30-11:30…this could be a historic VBS.
- A SPECIAL THANKS to David Hopper. He is not only a whiz with a guitar, he is a whiz with computers. He fixed my computer with a text message. All I had to do was follow his instructions.
- There is a lot going on June 6th which is unfortunate but nothing can be done about it. We need a good turnout in Montgomery; this is our chance to take a stand. I will say this: we are going to keep on until the left takes every right we Christians have. For some reason, we don’t get upset unless they get into our pocket book. TAKE A STAND FOR BIBLICAL MARRIAGE.
- Alaina Fitzgerald became seriously ill while the family was on vacation in Branson. It is my understanding that she has multiple blood clots in the left lung. I know the family would appreciate your prayers. I got an update from Jackie yesterday and things were about the same.
WE LOVE VBS NOT CBS
Though Satan Should Buffet
March 2, 2015
SCRIPTURE
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
~I Peter 1:18-19, NLT
QUOTE
If you are a Christian, you are at war. But our approach to spiritual warfare usually falls into one of two extremes – either we place an undue emphasis on Satan and his powers or we completely ignore the existence of a personal enemy.
~Chip Ingram
I do agree with Chip Ingram; many Christians do err in giving Satan too much credit. We do not need to glorify a devil but at the same time he does accuse, slander and tempt us. Josh and Kevin’s great uncle, Ken Jacobs, sang IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL in last night’s service and the words of the second verse spoke to my heart…
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
The word buffet can refer to food but originally it was a blow with the hand to the face, something that strikes with telling force, like a slap. During His trial, Jesus was slapped by both the priest and the soldiers. Satan likes to harass believers. He is especially good at casting doubt and promoting fear. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness and he slandered God in the Garden of Eden. Anyone who has the nerve to slander God and tempt Jesus is certainly not going to hesitate to buffet you and I.
For the first time in weeks, I drove home rejoicing last night for I know that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own precious blood for my wretched soul. I don’t know whether God spoke through the sermon or not but I know he spoke through the song because he spoke to me. The devil has been giving me fits lately. I think I stirred him up with a Wednesday night sermon a month or so ago. I know one thing: God gave me some victory and peace last night and I am thankful.
- There is a lot more I would like to say about the subject above, maybe I can do a part 2 tomorrow. My blogs are like my sermons, the briefer the better.
- TODAY we PRAY for Ministers and Missionaries. I feel like someone prayed for me yesterday. I don’t know who to thank but if you prayed for me yesterday, the LORD heard your prayer. Thank YOU!
- I was uplifted by the Deacon and Wives prayer meeting. I love this once a month meeting. It’s a great idea and I am glad that Mandy thought of it. Remember, next Sunday we have to spring up and it will not be easy for this old timer.
- We got off to a good start in the WINTER BIBLE STUDY. The Spirit was moving and I was thrilled and thankful. I do hope that we don’t get snowed or iced out on Wednesday night like last year. I am praying that we don’t miss three weeks in a row at DBC. I enjoyed the warm rain last night.
A Divine Paradox
December 20, 2014
SCRIPTURE
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
~2 Corinthians 6:10, NLT
QUOTE
A paradox is a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a profound truth.
~Daniel Webster
The bible teaches that God is love and yet He is also a God of hate: logic says He cannot be both but He is–He loves good and hates evil. If he did not hate evil, He would not be good. Paul uses a paradox in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live.” He is either dead or alive right: he cannot be both: not logically but in reality he is alive to Christ and dead to self–so technically, he is both. In the text above Paul says, “I own nothing and yet I have everything.” Paul had nothing when it came to earthly riches but He had Christ who is everything.
I think it was Vance Havner who said, “I bet the devil hated dealing with Paul. When he would threaten to take something from Paul, he would say, ‘help your self, I don’t have anything.’ When the devil would offer to give something to Paul, he would say, ‘what can you give me, I have everything.'” Then he would conclude by saying, “The devil can’t do much with a man like Paul.”
- Today we pray for STUDENTS.
- Tomorrow schedule is lighter than normal: Deacon and Wives meeting at 8:55. My sweet daughter-in-law loves these meetings and so do I…8:55 sharp…five of us teach LCBS so we have to start on time.
- One worship service at 10:15…LORD willing, we will be preaching on Matthew 2:2, “Where is He Born King of The Jews?”
- Don’t forget Michael Mason will be with us on Sunday morning December 28 at 10:15–one service only.
LIFE CHANGING BIBLE STUDY PREVIEW
Key Question: Have you made plans for Christmas? Chances are, if you are a man, you haven’t given it that much thought but your wife has a plan and so do your daughters. Sooner or later, they will inform you as to what is expected of you in behalf of their plans. [A word of advice, don’t rain on their parade]
Proposition: Plans are good; there is nothing wrong with planning but remember God has the right and the power to interrupt our plans.
[Example] Mary and Joseph were betrothed {officially engaged} and they planned to be married. What neither planned was for Mary to get pregnant before the marriage was consummated. Mary had a divine revelation and she knew what was going on plus she knew that she had not had relations with another man. Joseph didn’t understand what was going on. If your girlfriend comes up pregnant and you haven’t had sex with her, what would you think?
Joseph comes up with Plan B…He will not marry Mary {Plan A} and he will not put her through shame. His plan B is to divorce her quietly, with no fanfare or negative publicity. He has no desire to make Mary look bad even though she has betrayed him or so he thinks. Then God speaks to Joseph in a dream and tells him what is going on. Thus Joseph changes his plan again, so in a sense, we are back to Plan A.
INSIGHT: Simple obedience makes a momentous difference. We don’t give Joseph much credit but ask yourself this question, what if he had followed his human instincts instead of obeying God? How would it change this story? In the biblical record, Joseph is always promptly obedient. First he is told to marry Mary which he does. Then he was told to move the family to Egypt which he does. Then he was told to move back to Nazareth which he does. What things did Joseph foresee?
- Trip to Bethlehem with a wife about to go into labor.
- Trip to Egypt with wife and baby.
- Living under the threat of Herod the Great.
- Being the object of gossip when he moved back home.
What Impresses you about Joseph?
- His flexibility perhaps…
- His prompt obedience…
- His willingness to alter his plans….
- His selflessness in always thinking of others first…
- His desire to protect Mary and then baby Jesus…
- His humility; his willingness to be in the background…
What can we learn from Joseph?
- Obedience leads to blessings.
- Simplicity and humility are virtues to be admired.
- Flexibility is a must if we are to follow the LORD’s guidance.
- God wants to change our plans not for one day but for a lifetime.
Personal Application!
- Seek God’s plan for your life.
- Submit to God’s plan for your life.
- Share God’s plan which is His plan for your life.
The Revelation
September 1, 2014
SCRIPTURE
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Worthy is the Lamb to receive authority and wealth and wisdom and greatness and honor and glory and praise.
~Revelation 5:12, The VOICE
QUOTE
It is Christ who is to be exalted, not our feelings. We will know Him by obedience, not by emotions. Our love will be shown by obedience, not by how good we feel about God at a given moment.
~Elisabeth Elliot
I finished reading the Revelation of Jesus Christ yesterday in the VOICE. I don’t know how many times I have read the Revelation but it doesn’t seem to help; I understand very little. There is no danger in me writing on the subject of prophecy. There are some impressions that do get stronger each time I read these mysterious chapters.
- First and foremost, The LAMB {Jesus Christ} is the ultimate Victor.
- There will be an intense struggle between good and evil between now and the end.
- During this time of struggle, there will be temptation, trails, suffering, persecution and even set backs as the devil makes an all out effort to defeat the LAMB. He will unleash his fury as the clock ticks down.
- Things will get worse before we see the final outcome.
- Catastrophic things are going to happen toward the end.
- There is a day in the future when God will unleash His wrath against all who have rejected His Son. They slapped Him in the face, they plucked out His beard, that spit in His face, they mocked, ridiculed, stripped Him, beat Him unmercifully, nailed Him to a cross and then laughed at Him as He suffered but there will be a pay-day for all Christ haters.
- The final battle will not be a struggle: Christ will put down all foes with the power of His presence and the breath of His mouth. He will not break a sweat. It will be a no-doubter from the get go.
What does Air Florida Flight 90, Air Ontario Flight 1363 and Continental Flight 3407 have in common? All three crashed from an ice build up on the wings. For modern jets to stay in the air, they must have a way to keep the ice from building up on the wings. They do this by having foils on the wings that deflate in inflate. If these systems fail and ice builds up on the wings, the plane will eventually go down from the weight of the ice. Sin works in a similar fashion, one of these days the sheer weight of our sin is going to take us down.
- Clara should come home today. I’m not sure about Steve. Joe David visited him yesterday but I didn’t talk to him afterwards. I’m thinking Steve may get to go home also.
- My proofer conked out on me last night. I am having bad headaches from computers and TV. I watched a movie yesterday evening and got it started and nothing seems to help. Getting on the computer has the same effect so there is not telling how many mistakes you will find in this blog.
- GREAT SERVICE yesterday. Joe David preached his best sermon ever and the praise and worship is always good. We got another great rain at 1120. I sat under a shed and read while it rained. I love to hear rain hitting a tin roof.
- Question: Can you climb a water fall? Is it possible for John Tanner to climb a water fall? Is it possible for anyone to climb a water fall? I hope your answer is yes.
EXTRA/EXTRA From Bobby of L.A.
EXTREME ROCK JUMPING
EXTREME DIVING
EXTREME CAMPING
EXTREME SKIING
EXTREME MEDITATION
EXTREME STUPIDITY
EXTREME PICNICING
Jack's Blog 