Pleasing God

SCRIPTURE

So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him.

~2 Corinthians 5:9, NLT

QUOTE

The key to lasting happiness and real pleasure in this world is not found in seeking gratification, but in pleasing God.

~Francis Frangipane

In John 8 Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Paul echoes this truth in Romans 15:3, For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Paul said of himself in Galatians 1:10, Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Twice in the New Testament, at His baptism and transfiguration, a voice came from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

To live to please our heavenly Father is a noble aspiration.  What does it take to please God? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because the subject keeps coming up in my daily bible reading. Two Old Testament passages come to mind…Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul. The second is Micah 6:8, No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. From these two scriptures, we have a good list, a guide for pleasing God.

1. Fear the LORD. The word fear is respectful awe.
2. Love the LORD with all your heart and soul.
3. Serve the LORD with all your heart and soul.
4. Do what is right.
5. Love mercy.
6. Walk humbly.

Every thing we do must be done in faith for without faith, it is impossible to please God.

EXTRA

• Today we pray for MINISTERS and MISSIONARIES.
• Great services yesterday and so thankful to be there, it would have been hard to disappoint me. I love Communion Services. A special thanks to Frankie for getting our video to run, to Sheila for preparing the elements, to Linda for playing our background music and for the great job that David and team did with the praise. I got so choked emotionally while Linda was playing the Old Rugged Cross that I did not think I was going to recover.
• We go back to Dr. Black this evening LORD willing. I hope we get a game plan but I know deep down that I should not complain: my problem is minor compared to what some are going through.

LIFE

SCRIPTURE

“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

~Matthew 12:50, NASB

QUOTE

Everybody needs Jesus.

~Ya’akov

Life is about love, relationships and family. In order to teach us how to live and to love, the Heavenly Father placed us in two families. First there is our biological family and then there is our spiritual family. The first is temporary and the second is eternal. Living in relationships seems to create some problems because each of us has flaws. We all sin, we make mistakes, we yield to temptation and we do and say hurtful things. It is impossible to live in a family where there is no pain, no disappointment and no problems. We don’t seem to understand that another’s failure is an opportunity for us to show them the kindness, mercy and love of Christ. In any relationship there is going to be some conflict: if there is no conflict, it is most likely a one sided relationship which is not a very good relationship. A lot of conflict rises from unmet needs and unfulfilled expectations. When you expect any human whether it be spouse, parent of friend to meet all your needs, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. There are some needs that only JESUS can meet. Unhappy people are those who expect mere humans to meet their needs.

• Today we pray for the …Peace on earth sounds good to me. I am tired of violence and hate; I am ready for the Kingdom of Christ where the lion will lie down by the lamb.
• Supper tonight at 5:30…AWANA at 6:15 and the GATHERING AT 6:30. Tyler will be with us tonight and then his work is carrying him out of town. Let’s all show up and show him our appreciation.
• Kane is home but cannot have visitors….Sorry about that!
• Keri saw a doctor in Huntsville yesterday: they are changing her meds and hoping for better results.

LOVE

SCRIPTURE

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love {agape} will last forever!

1 Corinthians 13:8, NLT

QUOTE

Gravitation can not be held responsible for people falling in love.

~Albert Einstein

One of the weaknesses of the English language is that we have only one word for love whereas the Greeks had four: eros is romantic or erotic love; philia is affectionate regard for a friend; Storge is the affection we have within the family–parent loving child or child loving parent but the word that Paul uses in I Corinthians 13 is agape. It is a divine love, a love from above. It is not natural, it is supernatural. It is an unconditional love. For the sake of time, I want to talk about the two loves in the scripture and quote. Einstein is talking about eros and Paul is talking about agape.

Not every marriage in our culture begins with eros but that is how the great majority get started. Daddy referred to courting as “sparking” and it was right on the money. Eros is the combustion caused by the sparks. Eros is like a roaring fire and it you are not careful, it can get out of control. But to keep any fire going, you have to kindle it and sometimes is it gets down to stirring the embers, putting dry kindling on it and fanning the flame. Erotic love is an emotional trip. It is exciting and rejuvenating. It can make old folks feel young.

THREE THINGS ABOUT EROS YOU MUST REMEMBER: [1] Eros is highly conditional; it is a need love and it must be nurtured or it will die. [2] Agape is eternal and eros is temporal. [3] Erotic love may meet a need but it will not meet all your needs. It is woefully insufficient when it comes suffering and hardship. Long story short, for any marriage to endure long term, we need to move from eros to agape.

There is no good news for the shallow minded who jump from one relationship to another looking for a new erotic high. If you are one of the many who exalts personal happiness over the happiness of your children let me tell you what your future holds. You will grow old and die lonely. You cannot get to the moon in a sports car. You can get to the moon, but you have to have the right vehicle which would be powered by a Saturn V. Eros cannot get you to the kind of happiness you desire because it lacks the power to do so. In the end you will fail miserably short and you will regret not doing the right thing.

• TODAY WE PRAY FOR TEACHERS who are excited about next week which  is SPRING BREAK.
• Clarification: I do know that several members read the blog but your names are not revealed to me unless you are a follower. Jason or someone who knows more about it than I do can tell you how to be a follower. He does not look for the blog, it automatically comes to him. I think through his email but I am not sure. Most of you follow on Twitter or Facebook but there is another way. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to tell you to do it and you may not want to.
• We are aware that some will be gone this Sunday but we did not have another date due to Easter and the things that surround it. Our VISITATION IS STILL ON…Mandy and I are working on assignments. It will be a cookie and brownie blitz and the visits will be ministry related. Everyone can go out, even the children. Report time at 6:00 and then Pizza.
• The Wednesday night schedule is full…supper at 5:30, AWANA at 6:15 {they had 100 last week, Shohn found three more that were not counted} and the GATHERING AT 6:30. Next week {March 25} we do not meet.
• MARCH 29th is the egg hunt at 5:00 and fellowship at 6:00. We may do burgers and dogs. We are going to wait until we get a weather forecast before we decide.
• I think Kane is coming home for a few days and Keri as appointment in Huntsville today.

God Doesn’t Play Trivial Pursuit

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SCRIPTURE

And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid.

~Luke 12:7, NLT

QUOTE

Fear is False Emotions Appearing Real.

~Zig Ziggler

We all feel intimidated by larger than life situations such as cancer, divorce or a family member addicted to drugs, it is easy to give in to doubt, fear, discouragement and sometimes despair. During these difficult times, the most stabilizing factor in our lives is the assurance that Jesus loves us and that He cares about the tiniest detail in our life. He even knows how many hairs we have on our heads and that includes nose and ears. Too much detail, right!

Big and little are a part of our vocabulary and thinking but not God’s. To HIM nothing is big or small which means nothing going on in your life is  trivial to Him. This is why Paul said in Philippians 4…Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

• Well folks, you did it again. We had enough food to feed an army. I appreciate it and I know the Holladay family appreciates it. I want to thank those who prayed for us. I did not think I could do the service without at least one emotional breakdown but God’s grace was sufficient. I will miss Kenny dearly but I cannot tell you how relieved I am that he is not suffering anymore. No more pain for Kenny, no more, ever!
• A special thanks to all the ladies who prepared food, to Jennifer, Mandy, Sheila and June for serving. The ladies from Friendship were a tremendous help and they also helped with food and drinks. We want to thank Matthew Tyler Vest for running the sound and Sylana for lining him up. Joe and I were about to panic.
• Today we pray for a troubled world: Islam has raised its hideous head once again. ISIS murdered an airline pilot. Islam is a religion of darkness [ignorance] and hate which glorifies murder and violence. How intelligent do you need to be to know that murder is wrong?
• THE GATHERING TONIGHT at 6:30 with supper at 5:30 and AWANA at 6:15.
• GOLDEN GIRLS this Saturday at 9:00 at Cracker Barrel in Hartselle.
• Kane Hogan is in the picture below, see if you can find him. When you do, say a prayer for him.

Blessed Assurance

SCRIPTURE

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

~I John 5:13, NLT

QUOTE

Faith is the assurance that the thing which God has said in His word is true, and that God will act according to what He has said in his word.

~George Mueller

Do you struggle with assurance? Do you have bouts with doubts? Do you worry for fear that things may not  turn out right? We all want a happy ending, right! A woman in Orange County, California had been passing a particular church building for years and then one Sunday she decided to attend. It was a big church that seats 3,000 people. She did not know a soul so she went a little early and found her a seat in the middle of the auditorium. She got into the service to the extent that she really did not pay that much attention to who was sitting next to her. At the benedictions, the isles were packed with people so she decided to savor the moment and remain in her seat. Then she noticed a young woman near her sitting quietly in the pew. She spoke to the young woman, “This is my first time here and I really enjoyed it, what about you?” The young lady said, “It’s my first time also.” The older lady said, “You are not from California, are you?” The young lady said, “No, I am from the Mid-West, I came here in search of my birth mother.”

We will call the older lady Mavis and when Mavis heard the phrase birth mother, she swallowed hard. “You’ve been thinking about this a lot haven’t you,” said Mavis. The young lady confessed that she had. Mavis did some confessing herself, after getting the young girls name, she said Cheryl, I gave my baby girl up for adoption 25 years ago and I’ve always had doubts if I did the right thing.” She said, “In a way, I am as troubled as you.” Cheryl said, “I am 25, what is your girls birth date?” Mavis said, “October 30.” Cheryl said, “October 30 is my birthday.”

Long story short: Cheryl was Mavis’ daughter. It was a miraculous reunion. Let this be a reminder, God loves you. Even though there are 7 billion people on planet earth, He knows exactly where you are and he even knows how you feel. He has a plan for you and it is all going to work out in the end. Trust Him!

• Today we pray for FAMILIES.
• We got home [1120 Ironman] a little before 1:00 and I ran by the office and then began visiting. I had a good visit with Kenny and the boys. Every moment is precious. Judy Davis had Gall Bladder Surgery but she is at home doing well. Larry Garner had his last Chemo treatment last week and is felling pretty good. He’s not any where near 100% but he is better.
• The Senior Adult Fellowship is not today, it is next Friday, January 30 at 11:30 in the Parlor. We are having June Daphney’s famous home made rolls. Mandy is baking a ham and doing Apple Dumplings. Big Mama is whipping up some mashed potatoes and a batch of green beans. Your option is a dessert or a vegetable.
• When we left Mobile yesterday morning, I had on crocs and a T-shirt and it was 68 degrees. When we got to Hartselle, it was overcast and 48 degrees. We had shirt sleeve weather all four days in Mobile. I came in about dark last night and we were having a cold rain that felt close to what we had the other day.
• SUNDAY is a full schedule: Deacons at 8:15, LCBS at 9:15, Worship at 10:15 and 6:00. LORD willing we will have donuts and biscuits.

FRIENDS

Better Than The Garden Of Eden

SCRIPTURE

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

~Romans 8:1, NLT

QUOTE

“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain. But He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”

~Source Unknown

An old preacher once said, “I rather live in Romans chapter 8 than the garden of Eden. You are fenced in on one side by “No condemnation” and on the other by “No separation.” I agree with the old preacher, there is more security in Christ than in any place. I read through Romans 8 in the NLT yesterday and I was blessed. There is a lot of comfort in Romans 8 for a believer in Christ. Check out the ending…I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is enough to make an Episcopalian shout.

• A good day in RETREAT and for RETREAT. I love rain. I know I am in the minority but I prefer rain and 40-50 degrees to dry and 20 degrees. After last week, this feels like a heat wave. Thomas has a nice man cave and I thank him for sharing it.
• Today we pray for TEACHERS.
• PTL for another great visit with Kenny last night, two nights in a row. Pray for his son Bradley to get here safely: I think he is in route. Kenny was sharp as a tack. He is going to watch the championship game. I don’t think I will watch it: call it sour grapes, bad attitude, sore looser or too much to do. I’m not sure I know myself.
• People are shaming me for putting Gregg’s wedding picture on Twitter. Don’t be feeling sorry for him; he deserves everything he gets. Ken showed me more after he left: he thinks he got them all but he didn’t.

FriendsF

SCRIPTURE

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

~Proverbs 17:17, NLT

QUOTE

Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.

~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

Job said, “How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! Jack says, “Job is right.” Very few people live a life time without some adversity. It is awfully difficult to get through this broken world without some pain and heartache.

June and I are very blessed and tonight we are thankful for Mr. Ray our gracious landlord and a warm cottage to shelter us from the cold. We are thankful for our children, grandchildren, extended family and church family. We are thankful for a kind and gracious Savior who loves us beyond what we can imagine.

We are also thankful that everything went well at Henry’s Celebration of Life Service. It was a celebration of life that I believe honored Henry and exalted Jesus. Speaking for the Bailey’s, we are deeply indebted to all our friends who have over the years stood by us in the difficult times. You buy land, vehicles and houses but you cannot buy a friend nor their loyalty and love. I learned a while back that anything you can put a price tag on has no real worth. Tonight I want to thank God for our friends. Life can be tough but it would be unbearable without friends.

Thank you friends and thank you Sardis Springs for you gracious hospitality and a delicious meal: not to mention a shelter from the cold.

• Today we pray for those who have TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. There are two families I ask you to lift up, both have their backs to the wall so to speak. Kenny Holladay went to Doctor yesterday and was totally exhausted last night. He is still in a lot of pain. Pray for a break through today in this area: most of the pain is coming from his stomach. Jimmy and Debbie Gilliland have their plate full: Debbie’s mom Mary Wilbourn fell and broke her hip. She had surgery yesterday and it went well. Debbie and siblings will have 21 days to make some hard decisions. Pray for Jimmy and Debbie.
• Considering the weather, we had a good crowd last night. Youth was up but AWANA was down. It’s so cold that Jerry Segars who loves January came in from the woods to get warm. It is so cold that John said he was not going deer hunting. When it gets to cold for deer hunters, it is cold. It is about 10* right now and supposed to drop down to 5*.
• Communion this Sunday morning at 10:15…Deacons wear jacket and tie. New schedule worked like a charm last Sunday. We had a room full with only one person late.
• GOLDEN GIRLS is still on for Saturday morning unless I hear otherwise from Judy or the girls. June thinks it may be too cold to get out but Lou was at church last night. We’ll do whatever you want to do.
• SENIOR ADULT FELLOWSHIP will be Friday January 30: the week after June and I get back from Mobile. My sister June Daphney is coming down to make homemade rolls. I imagine we will have some of that L.A. roast and mashed potatoes to go with the rolls and Mandy will be making apple dumplings.
• Holly named the pic below: I will not say which Holly.

THE FAVORITES

Powerful Emotions

SCRIPTURE

When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever.

~John 19:8, NLT

QUOTE

Hate is mindless.

~Ya’akov

John gives us his version of the trial of Jesus in chapter 19…in this chapter, we see three emotions in play and two are negative.

The Jews, supposedly a religious and God fearing people were motivated by ‘hate.’ Every time Pilate tried reason with them, they shouted him down in mob fashion…”Crucify Him, crucify Him, crucify Him.” A few years later, they will do the same thing with Paul who is on trial before Porcius Festus…”Give him death, death, death, death.” Neither Jesus nor Paul violated any Roman Law and both were declared innocent by Gentile Courts but in both cases, the hate of the Jews overshadowed the weakness of the Gentiles. If you do not believe that hate is strong…read Acts 21:13 and compare it to 25:9 and following.

Pilot was motivated by ‘fear.’ He knew Jesus was innocent. Repeatedly he said, “I find no fault in Him.” But due to fear of the Jews and their tendency to riot, he caved and permitted his soldiers to do the Jews dirty work. Again, Jewish hatred overwhelms Pilot fear and weakness.

Jesus is motivated by ‘love.’ First, He loved the Father supremely and was committed to pleasing Him no matter what the cost. Jesus loved His disciples. Jesus loved his Mother. His last official act before dying was to see that His mother was provided for. Jesus even loved the thieves who were crucified beside him and yea even the hate filled Jews. Though you and I have all the tendencies of the Gentiles and the Jews, He loves us.

Which of the three emotions is the most powerful? Which one motivated your actions?

SPECIAL HOLIDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION

WITH MICHAEL MASON

10:15 A.M…Donuts and Coffee at 9:30

In case you do not know the right answer to today’s question: Fear is weak, hate is strong but agape love is stronger.

• Today we pray for Senior Adults. Why don’t we make it Kenny. He did not rest well Friday night, hopefully he rested better last night [or if you are reading early, tonight]
• I think we have flu epidemic and the shot they gave us will not stop it. John, I should have listened to you. I knew not to take the shot.
• No LCBS today and beginning next Sunday, we are going to try a new schedule: Deacon’s meeting at 8:15, LCBS at 9:15 and worship at 10:15. Lets try it for a month or so and see if it will help.
• Thanks for your prayer support. There was a great turnout in support of Jeff and his family. I appreciate it and I know he does. The service went well and the rain held off.

FOX NEWS TONIGHT

Louis Zamperini Documentary
A special Fox News presentation at 10 p.m. (ET) tonight will feature Franklin Graham, Greta Van Susteren and the BGEA documentary, Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace.
Fox News’ On the Record Special: Louis Zamperini: Journey of Faith will also re-air at 7 p.m. (ET) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The movie Unbroken, released in theatres on Christmas Day, tells the story of Louis Zamperini, who survived 47 days on a raft in the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean. The film also depicts his two years of survival in tortuous Japanese Prisoner of War camps.
But it only shines a light on part of Zamperini’s gripping story.
Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace, shown tonight on Fox News, tells the complete story, narrated by Zamperini himself, including how God used the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles to change his life forever.
And you can get a DVD copy of Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace, including exclusive extra features, with a donation to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

A Divine Paradox

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Judgment Without Mercy

 

 

SCRIPTURE

Judgment is without mercy, you see, for those who have shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.

~James 2:13, CT

QUOTE

The love of Christ is incomprehensible: it is too deep for the finite mind to fathom.

~Ya’akov

A 19-year-old Mississippi woman was literally burned alive last Saturday night {December 6} in one of the more gruesome murders in our time. Jessica Chambers, of Panola County, Mississippi had lighter fluid poured on her body and down her throat and then was set afire. “When the fire department got to the scene, she was walking down the road on fire … the only part of her body that wasn’t burned was the bottom of her feet. Chambers was flown to a hospital in Memphis but later died. Authorities said initial autopsy results reveal that Chambers died from severe burns that covered 98 percent of her body.

The entire story is horrifying: who would do such a thing and what should be done to them when they are apprehended? I think most of us would opt for James 2:13a…”Judgment without mercy.”  Soak them in gas and lit them like a torch. Let them experience the horror of such an agonizing death. This would be justice without mercy. Could I carry out such an execution? No but I know some folks who could probably take care of it and never miss a nights sleep.

Now I am going to make a comment that you will not like or at least one you will not be able to understand. Jesus blood would cover this horrific sin if the guilty parties turned to Him in true repentance and faith. Yes, as horrible as this sin was, the criminals could be forgiven. I don’t know if I could forgive them and I have doubts as to whether or not I could ever love them but we are not talking about my puny love; we are talking about Jesus  incomprehensible love. I can’t imagine a love so great.

For the record, I believe the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses all sin and I also believe in capital punishment. If the man or two men or whoever repent, I can rejoice in their salvation but they still need to be executed. Horrible deeds deserve horrible consequences.

• Today is a big day at DBC. The kids have put hours of practice into the play and it opens this evening at 5:30 for one show only. Remember our CHRISTMAS SUPPER followers and I have already tasted the ham: it is delicious.
• Ty-bo had his first official basketball game yesterday and he can jump like his granddaddy Dwight. The little scoundrel had 13 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 assist. Unfortunately he shoots like me: I think he went 1 for 17. He wouldn’t shoot at all in the first half but Brent had a talk with him at half and he started putting them up; shades of Brent when he played for Gary Walker.  Hey, its more fun than a T-ball game.
• Went to Huntsville to check on little Preston Roberts and ran into Ashley Alexander. Whitney is diabetic and almost went into a coma. Thank goodness they got her to Huntsville in time. Whitney is awake and alert but weak. Little Preston is on the ventilator. He is cute as a bug in a rug. They have him sedated while they work on his oxygen level. He will have surgery Monday, Lord willing. Pray for these two families: they have been under a lot of stress these last few days.