The Hour of Darkness

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.

NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Franklin Graham, with Bible in hand, addresses the crowd before his father Billy Graham speaks during his Crusade at Flushing Meadows Corona Park June 25, 2005 in the Queens borough of New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the site for Graham’s sermons on June 24-26, which looks to draw thousands of people from across the country, and will purportedly be the aging Christian evangelist’s final crusade. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)

God’s Plan

Scripture

God sent a man.

~John 1:6, NLT

Quote

God’s plan is to send a man

~Ya’akov

Last night we talked about the authority in being sent. When Jesus sent His disciples our to heal, cast out demons and preach the gospel; He gave them power and authority. God’s plan has always been a man. When Israel was in deep, deep, bondage in Egypt–God did not send an army of angels, he sent A MAN, the man Moses.  When Jerusalem was in shambles, God did not sent a book on TEN WAYS TO RESTORE BROKEN WALLS, He sent A MAN, the man Nehemiah. When God needed a forerunner for the Messiah, He did not sent a marching band, He sent A MAN, the man John. When we were hopelessly lost in sin, God did not send us a manual with detail instructions on overcoming sin: God sent A MAN, the man Christ Jesus…Son of God and Son of Mary.

Some times we get to focused on books, programs, experience, processes but God’s plan has already been revealed completely in Jesus. We need to stick to the PLAN, the man Christ Jesus.

• My Nephew Heath had another surgery yesterday evening late {Jan. 25} and it was a success we hope and pray. His first surgery was on December 15 and he has had problem after problem since. We hope this takes care of the problem.
• Little Chloe Bug has surgery this morning: she is having her tonsils removed {8:15 am}
• Neel Methodist will be the host for Debbie’s family as they share a meal after today’s COLS. DBC is sending chicken and Tea.  If you would like to help, get your food to Neel Methodist between 2:00-3:00 today.
• I want to thank the LORD for the beautiful weather and that I am making progress toward recovery. It is not hurting me to walk and I did not use ice a single time yesterday. I just want to praise God for his goodness and thank you for your prayers.

Ignorance Is Not Always Bliss

SCRIPTURE

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?

~Mark 10:38, NLT

QUOTE

In Christ Kingdom, the road to greatness travels through the valley of service, sacrifice and suffering.

~Ya’akov

With a little prodding from mom, James and John got a little over ambition and ask Jesus for the one and two spots in the Kingdom but they were thinking that Jesus would be sitting on a throne ruling, not nailed to a cross dying. Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? In Judaism, a cup meant one of two things, suffering or celebration; here it meant bitter suffering. These two ignorant teenagers said, “Yes, we are able.” Jesus replied,  “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering but I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left.”

These boys did not ask for the throne; they knew Jesus belonged on the throne. They were willing to serve under Him but they did not want to serve the other ten. It is hard enough to submit to a perfect Jesus, who wants to submit to earthly authorities? James and John were kids, most think from 14-20 years of age. They were in for a shock and some accelerated learning. The Cross and the Resurrection were eye openers and they both drank the bitter cup of suffering. James was the first martyr and John survived imprisonment and a pot of oil. They tried to kill him but he wouldn’t die. In time they learned the truth: in the Kingdom, the way up is down.

When I was a young preacher I aspired to be great and then I learned: every great man of God has suffered intensely. Adrian Rogers lost a son, he literally died in his arms. Ron Dunn had a son commit suicide. On and on I could go. When I became aware of the price they paid, I gladly surrendered my ambition.

Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “I am told that I must esteem others as better than myself and there is only one way I can do it–I must contemplate the cross of Christ until I am crushed into the dust. It is the only thing that curbs the flesh in me.”

• I like good news but this has been a tough week and I have a heavy heart tonight. Gary fell yesterday morning and they rushed him to DGH where he stayed all day in the ER. Finally got him into a room last night but his head was killing him and they finally got him easy around 8:00. The report from the PET scan was not what we wanted but they say it is treatable. The man has been through so much. When I got to the hospital yesterday morning he was feeling better and we talked for about 30 minutes about spiritual things. He told me things that made my heart sing. I left on a high note but on the way home from the funeral home Hannah sent me a text and then Larry called a few minutes after I got in. The best news was that they gave him something for pain and he was getting easy. You have been so good to pray for Gary but I am asking you to pray again. I don’t understand this but I don’t understand a lot about suffering. The great Albert Schweitzer, “Whoever is spared personal pain must feel himself called to help in diminishing the pain of others.” He was a doctor, I am not. All I can do is pray and stand beside those who are suffering. I will tell you this: I am not going to miss this world.
• Tonight is our GATHERING at 6:30. Fifteen minutes of praise and worship and then our break-out groups. The Choir is having a supper tonight and they want everyone to show up. Men, they need you. David is going to introduce the Christmas music. He would be very encouraged to see a crowd for choir. Everyone make a special effort. Call Mandy or Jamie to get details on the party.
• YOUTH: you to could have a pizza party if you do what I ask–[1] Move the racks upon the amphitheater stage [2] take down the remaining fence [3] put picnic tables back under pavilion. Mrs. June will be watching and if she sees you working, she will go get the pizza. No work, no pizza. Text JD and tell him what kind you want if you want the pizza.
• Joe David and I had lunch with Allen and the Blackwood Brothers yesterday. The Blackwood’s are highly intelligent but Allen may be sitting at the head of the table. He doesn’t say much: he doesn’t get a chance.  I love their stories about their grand parents. I should have invited Hannah, she idolizes Keith. She talks about him all the time.
• Needs for FRIDAY BACKPACK PROGRAM: Poptarts, Peanut butter crackers, canned food [Ravioli, Chili, spaghettios], Caprisuns, Fruit Snacks, Applesauce, Granola Bars, Fun sized candy bars.
• Word Press is free so I shouldn’t complain but in their effort to make me pay, they allow glitches in the program. They will not let me delete pics and I have the Wheaties picture of the pervert and I am so sick of seeing it every time I do the blog.

The New Birth

SCRIPTURE

How can someone be born again when he is old like me?

~Nicodemus…John 1:4, The VOICE

QUOTE

I tell you the truth: only someone who experiences birth for a second time can hope to see the kingdom of God.

~Jesus

How can a man be born again when he is old? Only when he is willing to die…to self, rights, virtues and especially to religion. He must be willing to die to the old and to embrace the new. This new life is found in Christ and it exhibits itself in constant repentance and unconscious holiness. If you are unwilling to receive HIM {Jesus Christ} there is no way for God to impart new life to you. The only way God can give you Himself and His kingdom in by giving you His Son.

• No Deacon’s meeting Sunday.
• Election Day this Sunday.
• Baptism Sunday Morning.
• Send Block Party feed back to jack@danvillebaptist.org

Little Bud, alias Joe Wheeler rejoicing because he got to come to Block Party.

Adam with Grandparents, Bro. and Mrs. Alvin Tucker

Looks can be deceiving: this is three peas in a pod.

 

PROFILING In 732 AD the Muslim Army which was moving on Paris was defeated and turned back at Tours, France, by Charles Martell In 1571 AD the Muslim Army/ Navy was defeated by the Italians and Austrians as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to attack southern Europe in the Battle of Lapanto. In 1683 AD the Turkish Muslim Army, attacking Eastern Europe, was finally defeated in the Battle of Vienna by German and Polish Christian Armies. These attacks on Christians and Jews have been going on for 1,400 years and it seems that Washington and the media are not aware of the facts. Think what our world might be had we not won the battles listed above. These people hate Jesus and Jews. And let us not forget that Hitler was an admirer of Islam and that the Mufti of Jerusalem was Hitler’s guest in Berlin and raised Bosnian Muslim SS Divisions: the 13th and 21st Waffen SS Divisions who killed Jews, Russians, Gypsies, and any others Hitler deemed “subhumans”. It seems that  a lot of Americans have become so insulated from reality that they imagine that America can suffer defeat without any inconvenience to themselves. Pause a moment, reflect back. These events are actual events from history. They really happened!Do you remember? In 1968, Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by a Muslim male. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by Muslim males. In 1972 a Pan Am 747 was hijacked and eventually diverted to Cairo where a fuse was lit on final approach, it was blown up shortly after landing by Muslim males. In 1973 a Pan Am 707 was destroyed in Rome, with 33 people killed, when it was attacked with grenades by Muslim males. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by Muslim males. During the 1980’s a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by Muslim males. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by Muslim males. In 1985, the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by Muslim males. In 1985, TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by Muslim males. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by Muslim males. In 1993, the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by Muslim males. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by Muslim males. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take down the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers. Thousands of people were killed by Muslim males. In 2002, the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against Muslim males. In 2002, reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and beheaded by—you guessed it was a— Muslim male. In 2013, Boston Marathon Bombing 4 Innocent people including a child killed, 264 injured by Muslim males. No, I really don’t see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you? So, to ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics intent on killing us, airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to profile certain people.  So, ask yourself “Just how stupid are we? To elect Obama, we had to fall out of a stupid tree and hit every stupid branch on the way down. Absolutely No Profiling! They must conduct random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, secret agents who are members of the President’s security detail, 85-year old, Congressmen with metal hips, and Medal of Honor winner and former Governor Joe Foss, but leave Muslim Males, alone lest they be guilty of profiling.  Ask yourself “Just how stupid are we?” Really stupid!

What’s Missing?

SCRIPTURE

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 14:17, NLT

QUOTE

Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. Without it there is no accomplishment, only excuses.

~Henry Ford

COMMENTARY

If I had to identify one thing that is missing in the lives of most professing believers who I know, it would be joy. We just don’t seem to be having fun; at least not in relationship to Jesus. We got ape over the things of the world but we manifest no joy in our relationship with Jesus. We are not crazy-head-over-heels in love with Jesus. We have no enthusiasm for His work and we show very little excitement when we worship. Jesus intends that we be filled and overflowing with HIS JOY. {John 15:11}

Are you full of HIS JOY? If not, who do you blame?

EXTRA

• Trivia Question: Where does snow look the best? {In a picture in a magazine or on a calendar}
• THE GATHERING tonight at 6:30…Supper at 5:30 and AWANA at 6:15
• Just 43 days until SPRING. The time change comes on March 9 which is only a month away.

Elephant head in Wales

Celebrate Jesus

Keep The Fire Going

SCRIPTURE: The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. [Leviticus 6:12, NRSV]

QUOTE: A man is a failure only when he quits and I will not quit. ~George Washington

COMMENTARY: The bronze altar was outside the holy place but inside the outer curtain. It was the place where all offering except incense were made. There were morning and evening sacrifices everyday plus those brought by the people during the day. Except in times when Israel was in a backsliden condition, the altar was a busy place. The priest were commanded by Moses to keep the altar fire going, even through the dark hours of the night. The fire was a symbol of God’s consuming and holy presence. When the offerings were placed on the altar, the fire consumed the sacrifice and converted it into smoke and ashes. The smoke went up as an offering to God. The ashes stayed here on earth.  One thing is sure, there is no going up [ascending] without sacrifice and there is no sacrifice without fire. Fire was vital for Hebrew worship. Of course you understand the fire that Jesus brought was of a different sort. Jesus said, “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!” John the Baptist said, I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The fire could be our passion, zeal, love, ardor: I’m not sure. John associated it with the Holy Spirit but did not indicate that they were one in the same. One thing is certain, we are not to let the fire go out. How do you keep a fire going? How do you keep your love for Jesus hot? I would say: [1] Stay in the word [2] Stay in the fellowship and service of the church. [4] Stay on your knees. [5]  Stay focused by sharing your faith. When we refer to a person being on fire for Jesus, it is usually related to personal evangelism.

EXTRA: I did not watch the game live and I’m glad. I caught the last 2 minutes at Hannah’s. Watched the replay this morning around 2:00 am. I don’t know folks–Notre Dame may be more than we can handle. We are making a lot of critical mistakes and don’t seem to be improving. Oh well, it is just a game. Georgia did beat Florida. They do have a very good team and Big Mama is a much better sport than I am. I know you did not know that so I thought I would tell you. LORD willing, Seth will get to see the National Championship game. He is to graduate January 4, 2013. and that is just 33 days from today. GUESS WHAT: Gregg was at the game! Someone gave him a ticket. Can you believe that? I think old Gregg did pretty good. [Inside joke]