Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday Meetin' and Dinner On the Grounds
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Good Ole Boys
I always thought this was a great song, but I even liked it more hearing it today! I must admit, that I really identify with it. Before I was saved I fancied myself pretty much as just a good ole boy! Here is a link so you can listen to the Dixie Melody Boys sing it: (I picked a different video from the last post, but it is the same song. I hope it will be a blessing!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqwF4WipeHs
Here are the words:
Just some good ole boys, never meanin' no harm,
You can take it from me, I used to be a good ole boy.
Good ole boys, they come a dime a dozen,
Doin' good, good as they care to be.
And everybody loves to be around them,
Because a good ole boy, he'd never harm a flea,
But the only life they know is their pleasure,
They live their lives for things that they enjoy,
And when they're asked about the love of Jesus,
They say don't worry about me, I've been a good ole boy.
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven,
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found,
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
The weekend comes and they're out on the road again,
Waylon and Willie, playing on the radio,
They worked all week and they didn't cheat one person,
'Cause a good ole boy is good, don't you know,
So good ole boys, I beg you heed this warning,
'Cause very soon we're going to see the Lord,
And when he asks just why you should go to heaven,
I pray you won't say, "I've been a good ole boy".
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
It turned out that God called on me today in church to preach the sermon I typed out here this morning. When He was giving me the message yesterday evening, I thought maybe I would be asked to preach today. But then I thought it may be just a sermon idea that God wanted me to share with the internet via this blog!
Our small country church down the road has 5 of us preachers as members, but it is rare that all 5 are there at the same time. Today there was a good crowd, even though it was raining, and all 4 of the other preachers were there! At the beginning of the service, I thought that the chances were pretty good that one of them would be called upon to bring the message. But when the time came, the pastor called on me! God knows what is needed!
The message went really well, but I didn't preach it exactly the way I wrote it down in the previous post. You got the general idea, though. I actually think the points came across much better delivering them in person rather than in writing!
I didn't use the song from the Dixie Melody Boys at all in the church service, either. That was just for you guys here on the blog! By the way, I didn't think of that song until God had already given me the entire message, so I did not just try to preach the song!
But I wanted to post it again here for those of you who didn't really want to sit through and read the entire sermon on the last post. I figure there is a good chance some of you didn't stay with the sermon and didn't even see the link to the song! Maybe now the song has gotten you interested and you will go back and read the sermon and the Bible verses that go with it!
God bless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqwF4WipeHs
Here are the words:
Just some good ole boys, never meanin' no harm,
You can take it from me, I used to be a good ole boy.
Good ole boys, they come a dime a dozen,
Doin' good, good as they care to be.
And everybody loves to be around them,
Because a good ole boy, he'd never harm a flea,
But the only life they know is their pleasure,
They live their lives for things that they enjoy,
And when they're asked about the love of Jesus,
They say don't worry about me, I've been a good ole boy.
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven,
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found,
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
The weekend comes and they're out on the road again,
Waylon and Willie, playing on the radio,
They worked all week and they didn't cheat one person,
'Cause a good ole boy is good, don't you know,
So good ole boys, I beg you heed this warning,
'Cause very soon we're going to see the Lord,
And when he asks just why you should go to heaven,
I pray you won't say, "I've been a good ole boy".
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
It turned out that God called on me today in church to preach the sermon I typed out here this morning. When He was giving me the message yesterday evening, I thought maybe I would be asked to preach today. But then I thought it may be just a sermon idea that God wanted me to share with the internet via this blog!
Our small country church down the road has 5 of us preachers as members, but it is rare that all 5 are there at the same time. Today there was a good crowd, even though it was raining, and all 4 of the other preachers were there! At the beginning of the service, I thought that the chances were pretty good that one of them would be called upon to bring the message. But when the time came, the pastor called on me! God knows what is needed!
The message went really well, but I didn't preach it exactly the way I wrote it down in the previous post. You got the general idea, though. I actually think the points came across much better delivering them in person rather than in writing!
I didn't use the song from the Dixie Melody Boys at all in the church service, either. That was just for you guys here on the blog! By the way, I didn't think of that song until God had already given me the entire message, so I did not just try to preach the song!
But I wanted to post it again here for those of you who didn't really want to sit through and read the entire sermon on the last post. I figure there is a good chance some of you didn't stay with the sermon and didn't even see the link to the song! Maybe now the song has gotten you interested and you will go back and read the sermon and the Bible verses that go with it!
God bless!
He's A Good Person ... Or Is He?
I feel like sharing the sermon that God has placed on my mind this morning. It's a simple topic, but one that most folks need to reconsider.
I have often heard comments like, "He's really a good person. He just needs God in His life." I'm sure I have even thrown those types of words out, and I realize the intended meaning when we say things like that. We mean that the person is hard working, mostly honest, provides for his family, and is glad to help out a friend in need if he is able. Things like that. And those are all important qualities to have. But I'm afraid that our society is made up of a whole lot of really "good" folks who are on their way to Hell!
You see, the idea that someone can be a "good" person is a lie straight from Satan, and is trapping many people! We in the church are even contributing by making such comments about our lost family and friends. By saying nice things about them being "good", we are actually pushing them towards the very gates of Hell!
The Bible is clear that no one is "good" instrinsically, even if they have some good, moral qualites about them.
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;" (Isaiah 53:6)
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6)
"Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?" (Proverbs 20:6)
And in many, many other places in God's Word. Let's consider some passages from Luke Chapter 18, verses 9-27. I suppose a good title for this would be:
Good People Going to Hell
I: "Good" People Are Not Justified
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
One thing I notice is that the Pharisee prayed "with himself" in verse 11, and not with God. He was obviously "proclaiming his own goodness" as the writer of Proverbs calls it. The publican recognized that he was in fact a sinner and asked God for mercy. Jesus said that the publican went to his house justified, but not the Pharisee. Being justified means to be declared righteous before God !
Paul writes a lot about justification, but let's look at just a few verses from Romans chapter 3:
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
I know those are some deep verses but they are so powerful! He says that the righteousness of God is manifested in Jesus Christ and we can all have that righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ when we believe! (v21 & 22) He goes on to explain that Jesus does this freely because of His amazing grace (v24), and that Jesus is "a propitiation" for God which means that His sacrifice satisfied and appeased God's wrath against sin. This is why we can claim His righteousness for the remission of sins! (v25) Jesus declares His righteousness because He is just and is the justifier of we who choose to believe in Him! (v26)
But "good" people are not justified unless they repent of their sins and accept Jesus!
also,
II: "Good" People Are Not Born Again
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
These verses speak of the innocence of a babe and that the kingdom of God belongs to such as them. We must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, without relying on all our "goodness" and past history. We must become as innocent as a child by being born again, spiritually!
Look at Jesus's words to Nicodemus in John chapter 3:
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I think these verse speak for themself pretty nicely. A spiritual re-birth is needed to enter the kingdom of God. This passage speaks of another Pharisee, but this time he has an open mind and is not proclaiming his own goodness like the first one we looked at. Nicodemus is not yet persuaded to accept Christ and be "Born Again" at this point, but later he will speak up for Christ among his peers in John 7:50, and will eventually help bury Jesus in John 19:39, indicating that he gradually came to faith and belief in Christ and was indeed "Born Again" sometime after this first encounter with the Master!
But being a "good" person does not mean that person has been "born again".
Let's continue along in Luke 18 with another rich person who is "good". We will see that:
III: "Good" People Are Not Going To Heaven
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
This rich ruler was a very "good" person. He obviously thought that his goodness counted for something, but he still wanted to make sure that he would in fact acquire eternal life.(v18) Jesus wanted him to realize that only God is truly "good", and that this rich ruler was not really "good", no matter what he thought of himself!(v19) The guy claimed that he had kept each of the 10 Commandments that Jesus mentioned (which is not possible, but that is another sermon) from his youth up, and I'm sure that society had branded him as a very "good" person.(v20-21) He failed the test of the first of the 10 Commandments, however, "Thou shalt have no other god's before me" as he had made his riches his true god. When Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give to the poor so that he could have treasure in Heaven, he went away sorrowful, without salvation, because he had great riches.(v22-23) Even though he was a "good" person he could not go to Heaven! Even if all his "good" deeds outnumbered all his "bad" deeds, he could still not go to Heaven without being obedient to Jesus and accepting His invitation of "and come, follow me." (v22)
So, good people can not go to Heaven based on their own "goodness" nor based on their riches.(v24-25)
They that heard this teaching asked, "Who, then can be saved?" and Jesus explained that it is impossible with men, but it is possible with God!(v26-27)
In Luke 19 we see another man. We don't know for sure if he thought of himself as "good", but chances are someone in his family would have said that he was actually a "good" person no matter what his life was like! We do know that he was rich, however, and we know that he learned "it is possible with God" first hand because Jesus states in verse 9, "This day is salvation come to this house". He is an object lesson in answer to the question of "Who then can be saved?" Zacchaeus did not get caught up in his riches like the good ruler did in the chapter before. He also could not trust in own "goodness". He repented of his sins and received Jesus joyfully!(v6) That is the type of person who can be saved! Here are the verses from Luke 19:
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Zacchaeus decided to do basically what Jesus had suggested to the other rich ruler in Luke 18. He gave half of his goods to the poor and wanted to make restitution to anyone whom he may have cheated!(v8) He did this after he received Jesus joyfully, and not as some work trying to earn his way into heaven. He did good things because he had repented and recieved salvation, not because he was "good" in and of himself.
As the Bible says in Ephesians Chapter 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
You see, we are saved by grace through faith in Christ when we are born again and allow Him to justify us. It is not because of any works that we may do out of our own "goodness". We then have a home in Heaven, but before we go there we are called to do good works because we are saved!
So "good" people are not justified, are not born again, and are not going to Heaven.
I could go on and on, as more verses keep coming to mind as I type, but I believe this is where the message should end.
I'm also reminded of a great old Southern Gospel song that goes along perfectly with this topic. It was by the Dixie Melody Boys as they were doing a spin off the the Dukes of Hazzard theme song, called Good Ole Boys. I found the song on You Tube and I really hope you will listen to it.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzDd9Agob_g&feature=related
And here are the words:
Just some good ole boys, never meanin' no harm,
You can take it from me, I used to be a good ole boy.
Good ole boys, they come a dime a dozen,
Doin' good, good as they care to be.
And everybody loves to be around them,
Because a good ole boy, he'd never harm a flea,
But the only life they know is their pleasure,
They live their lives for things that they enjoy,
And when they're asked about the love of Jesus,
They say don't worry about me, I've been a good ole boy.
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven,
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found,
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
The weekend comes and they're out on the road again,
Waylon and Willie, playing on the radio,
They worked all week and they didn't cheat one person,
'Cause a good ole boy is good, don't you know,
So good ole boys, I beg you heed this warning,
'Cause very soon we're going to see the Lord,
And when he asks just why you should go to heaven,
I pray you won't say, "I've been a good ole boy".
Good ole boys won't make it into heaven
Good ole boys won't wear a crown,
Good ole boys won't live forever,
Where the Saints of God are found
So don't you dare be misled,
Only Jesus gives real joy,
You can take it from me, I used to be,
A good ole boy!
My prayer is that all who read this little sermon will one day be rejoicing with me with Jesus in His Kingdom!
God Bless!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thankful for the Wreck
Well, any crash you can walk away from is a crash you can learn from! I’m thankful for the lessons that we learned back on October 9th when Erica had a mishap down the road from our house while driving my car.
She and Matthew were helping our volunteer fire department deliver soup bean dinners that they had sold as a fund raiser. I was pleased that they were giving their time to contribute to a noble cause, not expecting anything unusual to happen.
Erica had the cell phone we had given her last Christmas and used it to call home. On the other end of the line Lisa heard that there had been an accident. Erica said that she and Matthew were both OK but the car was "in the ditch". We do have ditches alongside many eastern Kentucky roads, and then we have DITCHES! What Erica was talking about, however, stretched the limits of what even we hillbillies would consider a ditch!
In this next picture you can see the road and the tree. Erica was actually driving toward the tree, the opposite direction the nose of the car is now pointing. She was looking over her shoulder at a trailor she thought might be the one they were supposed to drop off a dinner to when the passenger tire fell off the side of the road. She over corrected and wound up spinning out of control and leaving the road tail-end first, narrowly missing that tree.
It’s difficult to tell how steep the incline is in these photos, but the back tire was actually off the ground with the car delicately balancing, feeling like it was about ready to over-tun onto it’s top. They safely climbed out the open window on the passagener’s side and made the phone call.
This particular "ditch" required assistance from a wrecker to get my car out:
Amazingly, the only thing that was really damaged was the muffler! That’s one tough Ford Taurus.
Why, you might ask, would I be thankful for a wreck? This week of Thanksgiving I am counting my blessings, and it is sobering to think that our soon-to-be Thanksgiving celebration could have been dramatically different from what it will be. One or both of my two oldest children could have been spending this holiday in eternity! What if the car had hit that tree, or rolled over further down the hill, or if another vehicle had been at the same spot on the road at that time? I believe that there was Divine intervention during that moment, and the grace of God allowed no one to be harmed! There have been several instances over the years when Guardian Angels were involved with the protection of my family, and this was certainly one of them! I’m sure there have been many more that we do not even know about, but when we do notice such a blessing, it is easy to be thankful.
I’m also thankful for the calmness and peace He allowed Erica and Matthew to have in the midst of this accident. I’m thankful that neither were injured at all, and I’m thankful that the repair bill to the car was so minor. I’m thankful that this incident did not create an undue fear in Erica or Matthew about driving in the future, and I’m thankful that they are both such good drivers. I’m thankful that they were wearing seatbelts. I’m thankful that we got to meet some neighbors that we had not known previously (from the trailor).
A bit more than a month later Erica had her 18th birthday. She had wanted a car all her own for some time, and if we did the wish thing while blowing out the birthday candles, she may have wished for a Pontiac Grand Am the last couple of years:
This year she did not have to make such a wish because a few days earlier, we found this for her to drive:
It’s a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, pretty close to what she had been dreaming of.
I know what some of you may be accusing me of, but I assure you, buying this car for her is in no way related to any thought of keeping my Ford Taurus safe!
I actually just wanted to bless her with a nice gift, just like my Heavenly Father enjoys giving good gifts to me.
May each one of you reading this experience a humble and thankful heart toward Him this Thanksgiving, and always!
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3 comments
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blessedx4 on November 24, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Grace be to God for allowing them to not be injured. Yes, it seems their Angel was working over time. I know this will be on your mind this Thanksgiving. Teen drivers do wonders for your prayer life. LOL!! I'm glad your car escaped injury also. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Blessings,
Tiffany
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Schatzi on November 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Praising God with you…I can see from the photos that this could have been far worse…. "Thank you dear Lord for protecting these precious children. Thank you for keeping them safe and calm during this time … we thank you for all the other times that you watch over them and they didn't even know it but you do … we praise you for your mercy, grace and protection over this family … in Jesus name Amen!"
Have a blessed weekend.
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Call of the Land on January 18, 2010 at 11:52 am
I thank God that no one was injured!
Connie
She and Matthew were helping our volunteer fire department deliver soup bean dinners that they had sold as a fund raiser. I was pleased that they were giving their time to contribute to a noble cause, not expecting anything unusual to happen.
Erica had the cell phone we had given her last Christmas and used it to call home. On the other end of the line Lisa heard that there had been an accident. Erica said that she and Matthew were both OK but the car was "in the ditch". We do have ditches alongside many eastern Kentucky roads, and then we have DITCHES! What Erica was talking about, however, stretched the limits of what even we hillbillies would consider a ditch!
In this next picture you can see the road and the tree. Erica was actually driving toward the tree, the opposite direction the nose of the car is now pointing. She was looking over her shoulder at a trailor she thought might be the one they were supposed to drop off a dinner to when the passenger tire fell off the side of the road. She over corrected and wound up spinning out of control and leaving the road tail-end first, narrowly missing that tree.
It’s difficult to tell how steep the incline is in these photos, but the back tire was actually off the ground with the car delicately balancing, feeling like it was about ready to over-tun onto it’s top. They safely climbed out the open window on the passagener’s side and made the phone call.
This particular "ditch" required assistance from a wrecker to get my car out:
Amazingly, the only thing that was really damaged was the muffler! That’s one tough Ford Taurus.
Why, you might ask, would I be thankful for a wreck? This week of Thanksgiving I am counting my blessings, and it is sobering to think that our soon-to-be Thanksgiving celebration could have been dramatically different from what it will be. One or both of my two oldest children could have been spending this holiday in eternity! What if the car had hit that tree, or rolled over further down the hill, or if another vehicle had been at the same spot on the road at that time? I believe that there was Divine intervention during that moment, and the grace of God allowed no one to be harmed! There have been several instances over the years when Guardian Angels were involved with the protection of my family, and this was certainly one of them! I’m sure there have been many more that we do not even know about, but when we do notice such a blessing, it is easy to be thankful.
I’m also thankful for the calmness and peace He allowed Erica and Matthew to have in the midst of this accident. I’m thankful that neither were injured at all, and I’m thankful that the repair bill to the car was so minor. I’m thankful that this incident did not create an undue fear in Erica or Matthew about driving in the future, and I’m thankful that they are both such good drivers. I’m thankful that they were wearing seatbelts. I’m thankful that we got to meet some neighbors that we had not known previously (from the trailor).
A bit more than a month later Erica had her 18th birthday. She had wanted a car all her own for some time, and if we did the wish thing while blowing out the birthday candles, she may have wished for a Pontiac Grand Am the last couple of years:
This year she did not have to make such a wish because a few days earlier, we found this for her to drive:
It’s a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, pretty close to what she had been dreaming of.
I know what some of you may be accusing me of, but I assure you, buying this car for her is in no way related to any thought of keeping my Ford Taurus safe!
I actually just wanted to bless her with a nice gift, just like my Heavenly Father enjoys giving good gifts to me.
May each one of you reading this experience a humble and thankful heart toward Him this Thanksgiving, and always!
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3 comments
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blessedx4 on November 24, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Grace be to God for allowing them to not be injured. Yes, it seems their Angel was working over time. I know this will be on your mind this Thanksgiving. Teen drivers do wonders for your prayer life. LOL!! I'm glad your car escaped injury also. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Blessings,
Tiffany
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Schatzi on November 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Praising God with you…I can see from the photos that this could have been far worse…. "Thank you dear Lord for protecting these precious children. Thank you for keeping them safe and calm during this time … we thank you for all the other times that you watch over them and they didn't even know it but you do … we praise you for your mercy, grace and protection over this family … in Jesus name Amen!"
Have a blessed weekend.
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Call of the Land on January 18, 2010 at 11:52 am
I thank God that no one was injured!
Connie
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Please Pray For Our Town
Believe it or not, there are still places where the evils of alcohol sales are not present. Pure Water Hollow is placed amidst one of those rare locations.
We are thankful for the tri-county area of Lawrence, Martin, and Johnson counties where you will not see any type of alcohol in any store or restuarant anywhere! We have no liquor stores or bars and beer cannot be gotten in any of our gas stations or convenience stores. You can not sit down in any restuarant in any of the surrounding towns and see or smell the alcholic drink from the table next to you.
Please pray today, 6-9-09, for the future of one Eastern Kentucky town. The small town of Paintsville, Kentucky, is voting today about whether or not to allow alcohol sales. The town and county has been "dry" since 1944, but the pro-alcohol forces have been going strong. Every 5 or 6 years the issue has come up and it has been voted down each time. The last time it was up for a vote was very close, however, with the "dry" side winning by only 70 votes. The paper said that there are about 1600 eligible voters in the city limits.
We often do business in Paintsville, and do not want to see the alcohol displays in Wal-Mart and would hate to see liquor stores or bars there. We don’t want the children of the community, or our own children, to have that in their faces to tempt them. If alcohol is allowed, the message to the young people would be that there is no harm in drinking, when that just is not the case.
The polls are open until 6:00 tonight and I would appreciate folks praying for this small community.
Here is a brief article about it if you would like to check it out:
http://www.dailyindependent.com/local/local_story_158234230.html
Thanks, and God bless.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 comments
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purewater on June 9, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Thank you to all who prayed today, but I just heard the disappointing news that more voters in Paintsville favored alcohol by a 650 to 594 margin.
I don't know if there will be a re-count or if those numbers are final. It seems like some fishy business went on, and maybe there will be more to this story in the future.
It is hard to believe that so many voted "wet" because there were no locals doing any active campaigning for alcohol. Somehow groups of folks from Lexington were in town to canvas the area door to door, but I did not hear of any local group activly supporting it.
We are saddened by this news here at Pure Water Hollow, but God is still on the throne. I believe He is saddened as well, but He can work even in this.
We will keep praying, and I would ask any of you who know the word of prayer to continue praying for Paintsville.
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Schatzi on June 15, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I will be praying. Here in Canada you are not permitted to sell any kind of alcohol/liquor unless it's from a licenced liquor store. I cannot believe you can buy liquor in Wal-mart or a ocnvenience store…that just blows me away.
God will still have victory.
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canadaroxieg9 on June 17, 2009 at 8:42 am
That is too sad that the "WET" side won. I enjoyed reading your postings~~I too am from Canada and cannot believe you can buy beer at the gas station!!?? Do they not have a big thing about drinking and driving down there? I would think that would be the last place there would be alcohol. Craziness
But it was fun to read the things on the farm. God Bless Roxanne
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jrejhkids on June 17, 2009 at 9:41 am
I was interested in your comment. My son is going to Berea College this fall. They advertised that that is a dry county. Is it still a dry county?
I have enjoyed reading your blog.
~jrejhkids
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Purewater on June 17, 2009 at 4:44 pm
This is in response to the above comment by jrejhkids.
It is interesting that you mentioned Berea because we used to live there way back in 1988/89. We did not go to college there, but lived just a half mile from campus. It was a very nice community and I believe that it still is.
Berea is located in Madison County, which is a dry county. The county seat, Richmond, is a wet city however, the same way Paintsville just went wet. In Richmond there are numerous bars and liquor stores which gave it a "dirty" feel in my opinion. We are much removed from the situation there now, but I have no reason to believe that Richmond has gotten any better.
Berea is about 15 minutes from the bars in Richmond. The drinking atmosphere was a hugh temptation for the students at Eastern Ky University in Richmond because the bars are just a few minutes walk away. At least at Berea the students have to drive, and I believe that most of the students that go to Berea are not as tempted to drink.
I did hear of Berea college students going to Richmond to "party" from time to time, however. I guess that is a temptation at most colleges no matter how conservative. If your son knows anyone at EKU it will be very likely that he will get invited to a party where alchohol is involved.
It is good to know about these types of things ahead of time in order to be prepared. In conclusion about Berea College, if one of my children feel led to attend there in the future, I would not hesitate to send them. It is not exactly an overtly "Christian" atmosphere, but it is not an altogether ungodly place, either. (Neighboring EKU, on the other hand, would be another story. I would have to pray long and hard about sending one of my children there.)
Continue to pray for Paintsville. I doubt if many bars would be able to make a go of it here the way they have in Richmond. Perhaps there will not be too many stores that decide to sell alcohol, even though it is legal now. I'm praying that many store owners will view it as a bad business decision to sell alcohol, instead of a get rich scheme.
God Bless,
Eric
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jrejhkids on June 17, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Thank you for your comments. That gives me a better idea of what it is like back there. We are out west and have not visited the area yet. My sister lives 1 1/2 hours north, and my parents 3 hours south. They have sent us pictures, and giving us a little idea what it is like. I did not know there were "dry" and "wet" counties.
Thank you again for your information. It was very helpful to me as a mother sending my oldest off into the world to college.
~jrejhkids
We are thankful for the tri-county area of Lawrence, Martin, and Johnson counties where you will not see any type of alcohol in any store or restuarant anywhere! We have no liquor stores or bars and beer cannot be gotten in any of our gas stations or convenience stores. You can not sit down in any restuarant in any of the surrounding towns and see or smell the alcholic drink from the table next to you.
Please pray today, 6-9-09, for the future of one Eastern Kentucky town. The small town of Paintsville, Kentucky, is voting today about whether or not to allow alcohol sales. The town and county has been "dry" since 1944, but the pro-alcohol forces have been going strong. Every 5 or 6 years the issue has come up and it has been voted down each time. The last time it was up for a vote was very close, however, with the "dry" side winning by only 70 votes. The paper said that there are about 1600 eligible voters in the city limits.
We often do business in Paintsville, and do not want to see the alcohol displays in Wal-Mart and would hate to see liquor stores or bars there. We don’t want the children of the community, or our own children, to have that in their faces to tempt them. If alcohol is allowed, the message to the young people would be that there is no harm in drinking, when that just is not the case.
The polls are open until 6:00 tonight and I would appreciate folks praying for this small community.
Here is a brief article about it if you would like to check it out:
http://www.dailyindependent.com/local/local_story_158234230.html
Thanks, and God bless.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 comments
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purewater on June 9, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Thank you to all who prayed today, but I just heard the disappointing news that more voters in Paintsville favored alcohol by a 650 to 594 margin.
I don't know if there will be a re-count or if those numbers are final. It seems like some fishy business went on, and maybe there will be more to this story in the future.
It is hard to believe that so many voted "wet" because there were no locals doing any active campaigning for alcohol. Somehow groups of folks from Lexington were in town to canvas the area door to door, but I did not hear of any local group activly supporting it.
We are saddened by this news here at Pure Water Hollow, but God is still on the throne. I believe He is saddened as well, but He can work even in this.
We will keep praying, and I would ask any of you who know the word of prayer to continue praying for Paintsville.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schatzi on June 15, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I will be praying. Here in Canada you are not permitted to sell any kind of alcohol/liquor unless it's from a licenced liquor store. I cannot believe you can buy liquor in Wal-mart or a ocnvenience store…that just blows me away.
God will still have victory.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
canadaroxieg9 on June 17, 2009 at 8:42 am
That is too sad that the "WET" side won. I enjoyed reading your postings~~I too am from Canada and cannot believe you can buy beer at the gas station!!?? Do they not have a big thing about drinking and driving down there? I would think that would be the last place there would be alcohol. Craziness
But it was fun to read the things on the farm. God Bless Roxanne
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jrejhkids on June 17, 2009 at 9:41 am
I was interested in your comment. My son is going to Berea College this fall. They advertised that that is a dry county. Is it still a dry county?
I have enjoyed reading your blog.
~jrejhkids
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purewater on June 17, 2009 at 4:44 pm
This is in response to the above comment by jrejhkids.
It is interesting that you mentioned Berea because we used to live there way back in 1988/89. We did not go to college there, but lived just a half mile from campus. It was a very nice community and I believe that it still is.
Berea is located in Madison County, which is a dry county. The county seat, Richmond, is a wet city however, the same way Paintsville just went wet. In Richmond there are numerous bars and liquor stores which gave it a "dirty" feel in my opinion. We are much removed from the situation there now, but I have no reason to believe that Richmond has gotten any better.
Berea is about 15 minutes from the bars in Richmond. The drinking atmosphere was a hugh temptation for the students at Eastern Ky University in Richmond because the bars are just a few minutes walk away. At least at Berea the students have to drive, and I believe that most of the students that go to Berea are not as tempted to drink.
I did hear of Berea college students going to Richmond to "party" from time to time, however. I guess that is a temptation at most colleges no matter how conservative. If your son knows anyone at EKU it will be very likely that he will get invited to a party where alchohol is involved.
It is good to know about these types of things ahead of time in order to be prepared. In conclusion about Berea College, if one of my children feel led to attend there in the future, I would not hesitate to send them. It is not exactly an overtly "Christian" atmosphere, but it is not an altogether ungodly place, either. (Neighboring EKU, on the other hand, would be another story. I would have to pray long and hard about sending one of my children there.)
Continue to pray for Paintsville. I doubt if many bars would be able to make a go of it here the way they have in Richmond. Perhaps there will not be too many stores that decide to sell alcohol, even though it is legal now. I'm praying that many store owners will view it as a bad business decision to sell alcohol, instead of a get rich scheme.
God Bless,
Eric
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jrejhkids on June 17, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Thank you for your comments. That gives me a better idea of what it is like back there. We are out west and have not visited the area yet. My sister lives 1 1/2 hours north, and my parents 3 hours south. They have sent us pictures, and giving us a little idea what it is like. I did not know there were "dry" and "wet" counties.
Thank you again for your information. It was very helpful to me as a mother sending my oldest off into the world to college.
~jrejhkids
Friday, May 29, 2009
People Need the Lord
(The following is from a deep conversation between myself and another homesteadblogger concerning spiritual matters.)
——————————
Original message from janaeel:
Hi,
I am a 46 yr old construction business owner from washington. I was introduced to you blog from a a commentor on HSB. I went back and read nearly every post you wrote to date. I was very inspired and at the same time saddened by the way my life has turned out. I have the knowhow to do what you do on your farm and enjoy that part but I seem to be missing something spiritually. I have never been very religious but when I encounter someone as your self my life seems to have an obvious hole. I am afraid that if I were to pursue the need the the people in my life would distance themselves from me. We live a lifestyle not bad but lacking in direction in the faith department. You and your children seem so grounded. I know by your blog that you are a busy man with work farm and your preaching but I was hoping you might have a few words of advice.
Thank you for your time,
Janaeel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
——————————
Original message from Purewater:
Dear Janaeel,
It sounds like God has been trying to direct you in the direction He knows is best! It does take some major leaps of faith, but He will always help when a man desires to lead his family in the way they should go, toward God.
It is hard to offer specific advice without knowing your situation better, but I have picked up enough from your couple of posts to say a little.
Your number one priority has to be your own spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. It is important to daily meet with Him during a quiet time, when you can read His word and ask Him questions. Even just 10 minutes a day will be a great help. For most, early in the morning is the best time, before everyone else in the house has gotten to moving around. It sounds like He has already been showing you things in your own life that can be given up or improved upon for His glory. The more time you can spend reading the Bible the better.
Second priority has to be getting your wife on board 100%. My family would be a wreck if my wife and I did not have the same focus. As you move closer to the Lord and begin to change, it is likely that your wife will notice. You should share with her what the Lord is showing you. Hopefully she won't resent your spiritual leadership; most wives long for such leadership, but they don't know how to put it into words.
Do you all have a Bible believing church where you can worship together? This can be important, but be careful that you don't fall into the trap of depending completely on them for your families spiritual nurishment. You are actually the one responsible and you will be better suited to direct your family than any pastor or Sunday school teacher. You wrote that your youngest is 10. How old are your others? It may be hard changing the relationships you have with them, but in time, they will see the change in you and will likely be open to discover what it is all about. Deep down, teens desire love, guidance and boundaries.
These are some of my initial thoughts after praying about it for the past hour or so. I wish you well, and will be praying for you. What is your first name? It would be easier praying specifically instead of for "Janeel". Unless that is your name, in which case I hope I did not just offend you.
Anyway,
God Bless,
Eric
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
——————————
Original message from janaeel:
Hi, Eric
My name is Bill. I have children 27,22, 12, 10. 10 & 22 are boys the others girls, 3 grandsons – 9,3, 6 months. I am hoping that if I make this change the people I will meet will be more genuine than the ones I am currently surrounded by. Most leave me feeling so empty because the just need me for what I can do for them but dont involve me on a personal level. Everyone seems so self obsorbed but it may be just me and the hole in my life i am feeling. It may be clouding my views. Thank you for your prayers and the time you took to respond. I know you are a busy man.
Best Wishes to your family,
Bill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Bill,
You've mentioned a couple of times about me being a busy man. This is true, but I actually enjoy taking my time and just experiencing the life God has given us. There are always things going on, which can make things seem busy, but really it is just life. Instead of feeling busy, I am usually just in awe of what God is doing every day. It helps when I can take myself out of the picture and see things from His perspective. I am just a small part in His wonderful plan.
I am convinced that God desires peace and simplicity for His children. We will still have trials and tribulations, even as His children, but He wants us to have His peace and perspective through all the bad times.
I really don't know what you are looking for, but I'm sure that God does, and if He can use a few of my words on a blog site or a message, then I will give Him praise! God has kept you on my mind all day at work, and since you messaged back, I'm taking that as a signal to share more "advice" with you. I pray that you will not be offended but that you will listen with an open mind and heart.
You already know that I am a preacher, so maybe you won't be suprised with a long-winded response. I'm not going to shoot out a lot of Bible at you, even though the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. I sense that you probably just need someone to be "real" with you and tell you the truth, from a Biblical perspective.
You are correct that most folks in our world are overly self-absorbed. God wants us to be Savior-absorbed instead. Some might accuse me of being too absorbed with my family, but my family is what God expects my time and attention to focus on. I am serving God by leading and serving my family, and focusing on their well being is ultimitely accomplishing the cause of Christ.
I may not be the greatest preacher and I may not be the most successful pastor in the eyes of many, but if my family is going in His direction, living for Him, and are able to serve Him in whatever capacity He desires, than I believe He will be pleased with my service.
However, you cannot lead a family to a place where you have never been yourself. You cannot accomplish your purpose in life if you don't really know what your life is meant to be about. You can't know what life is really about if you don't know what Jesus Christ is all about. And you can't truly know that until you know Him!
You said earlier that you have never been a very religious man. This can actually be a good thing for you! "Religious" ideas often get in the way of God's plan. For too many people, their "religion" actually causes them to miss the whole idea of what God really wants.
I am convinced that God does not want a "religion" with us, but instead wants a "relationship" with us. Religion can be misinterpretted by fallen man, when God really wants us to "know" Him and trust Him in a personal way. That is the whole reason that He came in flesh and blood as a human. Jesus Christ came as the only perfect sacrifice for our sin. When He died on the cross and rose again the third day, He made the way for us to be forgiven and have eternal life, but He also made a way for us to know God in an intimate and personal way while we live out our lives here and now!
I was especially fortunate that I discovered this when I was just 19 years old, and have had Him to help me throughout my entire adult life. I've made my share of mistakes going along, but He has always been here to guide me through them, and He is still helping me to decide the next steps to take for my family!
I know that age does not matter to God, and someone who is 46 can find the same peace and blessedness that I did at 19! He can lead you and guide you from this point onward, if you will let Him. I know some of your challenges will be different from mine since you already have a couple of grown children, but even though they may have their own families, you can still have a great impact on them. And your grandchildren need a godly grandfather in their lives! God will help you to know how to relate to your 10 year old son and 12 year old daughter, as well, as you grow closer to Him and begin to understand His will for you!
You do not have to go to a church to get on this narrow road. That may sound strange for a preacher to say, but it is true. I was "saved" out under a giant tree when I actually left the service. Instead of coming up the aisle to the alter, I bolted out the door. I found myself sitting under this tree, crying out to God.
My cry was similar to yours, I think, because I saw His joy reflected in the tears of other people in that service and yet all I felt was an emptiness. My tears were ones of self-pity and despair. The main question I remember saying out loud under that tree was, "What's wrong, God? Why am I so miserable? I'm doing the best I can, but something is missing. What is it, what's wrong, God? I want to be happy like other people. What's wrong with me?" I'd like to say that I used all the proper words about confessing my sin and asking for forgiveness and inviting Him into my heart, but pretty much I was just sobbing that same question repeatedly, "What's wrong, God?"
I don't think that I was even expecting an answer; I was just having one major pity-party. Thankfully, I was not the only one there under that tree in the midst of my pity-party. The one and true Lord, creator of all things, was also there! I had a head knowledge of God, but until that time, I didn't really even believe for sure that He was real! In the quietness of the moment, inbetween my sobs, I heard His still, small voice. His message to me during that moment was, "Eric, you don't really know me at all. I want to be part of your life. I want to be your life."
I can't really say exactly how the unspoken conversation went from that point, but I knew that He was telling me He would help me, and I knew that from that moment on, my life was going to be different. Without really forming any words, I realized that I had caused all of my pain myself through my sin and that it actually hurt God worse than it even hurt me, because He loved me so much. I wish I could say that I actually vocalized a prayer telling Him how sorry I was for going against Him all my life, but I did not. I felt it, however, and as I later came to know Him better, I was able to understand what all was going on in my heart that night. I invited Him to come into my heart and life without really forming the words.
We preachers often speak of the "sinners prayer" and sometimes "religion" gets in the way. Yes, a person must admit they are a sinner, repent of those sins, ask for forgiveness, and ask Christ to save them by coming into their heart. Many people have repeated three lines of a "sinner's prayer" and then been declared "Saved". I'm sure some have actually been saved during such times. I can tell you what happened to me was a very real experience, even though I did not say the "magic words" perfectly. God saved me and I was truly "born again"!
Maybe God wanted me to share all that just so you can better understand what He is trying to do in your life. God is real, salvation is real, and Jesus is waiting for "whosoever will call".
A verse in Revelation has always spoken to me, and it was the final verse that He used to get my oldest son to understand. Jesus is speaking, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." He wants to have a personal relationship with you, just like a friend you have over for supper! He's knocking at the door to your heart, so to speak, and all you have to do is open it up and let Him come in!
After you experience this for yourself, you will understand that your life is meant to be all about serving God in holiness. We serve God by serving other people, first and foremost our families. It is an incredibly liberating truth to understand that God has a purpose for your life and that it is all in His hands. Whatever comes your way, God can use for His glory! It takes all the pressure off, to give your life over to Him. The peace that passes all understanding and His love will fill all the holes and empty places in your life!
He will help you to guide your business for His glory as well. Your life, your family, your business, your dreams; God is actually interested in every part of your life, and He wants in!
If you watch movies, you should find one called "Flywheel". I've seen the DVD for rent at Food City before. It was the first movie from the same guys who did "Facing the Giants" and "Fire Proof" (both of which are also great movies to check out). "Flywheel" is not as famous as those other two, but it has a great message. I'm thinking about it because it is about a guy who owns a business (car lot) and how God intervenes in his life, family, and business. While you are at it, you ought to rent those other two, as well, when you get a chance. I know you want to have less TV, (which is a very important and worthy goal) but a well timed family movie night, with a godly movie, can be an awesome time. It may be a way God will begin to work in your wife and children as well.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'm pretty far away geographically, but technology wise, I'm just next door. I hope I have not overwhelmed you with all this. I believe it has been orchastrated by God, though, so I will try not to apologize for writing so much!
Looking forward to hearing how God moves in your life!
In His Love,
Eric
——————————
Original message from janaeel:
Hi,
I am a 46 yr old construction business owner from washington. I was introduced to you blog from a a commentor on HSB. I went back and read nearly every post you wrote to date. I was very inspired and at the same time saddened by the way my life has turned out. I have the knowhow to do what you do on your farm and enjoy that part but I seem to be missing something spiritually. I have never been very religious but when I encounter someone as your self my life seems to have an obvious hole. I am afraid that if I were to pursue the need the the people in my life would distance themselves from me. We live a lifestyle not bad but lacking in direction in the faith department. You and your children seem so grounded. I know by your blog that you are a busy man with work farm and your preaching but I was hoping you might have a few words of advice.
Thank you for your time,
Janaeel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
——————————
Original message from Purewater:
Dear Janaeel,
It sounds like God has been trying to direct you in the direction He knows is best! It does take some major leaps of faith, but He will always help when a man desires to lead his family in the way they should go, toward God.
It is hard to offer specific advice without knowing your situation better, but I have picked up enough from your couple of posts to say a little.
Your number one priority has to be your own spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. It is important to daily meet with Him during a quiet time, when you can read His word and ask Him questions. Even just 10 minutes a day will be a great help. For most, early in the morning is the best time, before everyone else in the house has gotten to moving around. It sounds like He has already been showing you things in your own life that can be given up or improved upon for His glory. The more time you can spend reading the Bible the better.
Second priority has to be getting your wife on board 100%. My family would be a wreck if my wife and I did not have the same focus. As you move closer to the Lord and begin to change, it is likely that your wife will notice. You should share with her what the Lord is showing you. Hopefully she won't resent your spiritual leadership; most wives long for such leadership, but they don't know how to put it into words.
Do you all have a Bible believing church where you can worship together? This can be important, but be careful that you don't fall into the trap of depending completely on them for your families spiritual nurishment. You are actually the one responsible and you will be better suited to direct your family than any pastor or Sunday school teacher. You wrote that your youngest is 10. How old are your others? It may be hard changing the relationships you have with them, but in time, they will see the change in you and will likely be open to discover what it is all about. Deep down, teens desire love, guidance and boundaries.
These are some of my initial thoughts after praying about it for the past hour or so. I wish you well, and will be praying for you. What is your first name? It would be easier praying specifically instead of for "Janeel". Unless that is your name, in which case I hope I did not just offend you.
Anyway,
God Bless,
Eric
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
——————————
Original message from janaeel:
Hi, Eric
My name is Bill. I have children 27,22, 12, 10. 10 & 22 are boys the others girls, 3 grandsons – 9,3, 6 months. I am hoping that if I make this change the people I will meet will be more genuine than the ones I am currently surrounded by. Most leave me feeling so empty because the just need me for what I can do for them but dont involve me on a personal level. Everyone seems so self obsorbed but it may be just me and the hole in my life i am feeling. It may be clouding my views. Thank you for your prayers and the time you took to respond. I know you are a busy man.
Best Wishes to your family,
Bill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Bill,
You've mentioned a couple of times about me being a busy man. This is true, but I actually enjoy taking my time and just experiencing the life God has given us. There are always things going on, which can make things seem busy, but really it is just life. Instead of feeling busy, I am usually just in awe of what God is doing every day. It helps when I can take myself out of the picture and see things from His perspective. I am just a small part in His wonderful plan.
I am convinced that God desires peace and simplicity for His children. We will still have trials and tribulations, even as His children, but He wants us to have His peace and perspective through all the bad times.
I really don't know what you are looking for, but I'm sure that God does, and if He can use a few of my words on a blog site or a message, then I will give Him praise! God has kept you on my mind all day at work, and since you messaged back, I'm taking that as a signal to share more "advice" with you. I pray that you will not be offended but that you will listen with an open mind and heart.
You already know that I am a preacher, so maybe you won't be suprised with a long-winded response. I'm not going to shoot out a lot of Bible at you, even though the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. I sense that you probably just need someone to be "real" with you and tell you the truth, from a Biblical perspective.
You are correct that most folks in our world are overly self-absorbed. God wants us to be Savior-absorbed instead. Some might accuse me of being too absorbed with my family, but my family is what God expects my time and attention to focus on. I am serving God by leading and serving my family, and focusing on their well being is ultimitely accomplishing the cause of Christ.
I may not be the greatest preacher and I may not be the most successful pastor in the eyes of many, but if my family is going in His direction, living for Him, and are able to serve Him in whatever capacity He desires, than I believe He will be pleased with my service.
However, you cannot lead a family to a place where you have never been yourself. You cannot accomplish your purpose in life if you don't really know what your life is meant to be about. You can't know what life is really about if you don't know what Jesus Christ is all about. And you can't truly know that until you know Him!
You said earlier that you have never been a very religious man. This can actually be a good thing for you! "Religious" ideas often get in the way of God's plan. For too many people, their "religion" actually causes them to miss the whole idea of what God really wants.
I am convinced that God does not want a "religion" with us, but instead wants a "relationship" with us. Religion can be misinterpretted by fallen man, when God really wants us to "know" Him and trust Him in a personal way. That is the whole reason that He came in flesh and blood as a human. Jesus Christ came as the only perfect sacrifice for our sin. When He died on the cross and rose again the third day, He made the way for us to be forgiven and have eternal life, but He also made a way for us to know God in an intimate and personal way while we live out our lives here and now!
I was especially fortunate that I discovered this when I was just 19 years old, and have had Him to help me throughout my entire adult life. I've made my share of mistakes going along, but He has always been here to guide me through them, and He is still helping me to decide the next steps to take for my family!
I know that age does not matter to God, and someone who is 46 can find the same peace and blessedness that I did at 19! He can lead you and guide you from this point onward, if you will let Him. I know some of your challenges will be different from mine since you already have a couple of grown children, but even though they may have their own families, you can still have a great impact on them. And your grandchildren need a godly grandfather in their lives! God will help you to know how to relate to your 10 year old son and 12 year old daughter, as well, as you grow closer to Him and begin to understand His will for you!
You do not have to go to a church to get on this narrow road. That may sound strange for a preacher to say, but it is true. I was "saved" out under a giant tree when I actually left the service. Instead of coming up the aisle to the alter, I bolted out the door. I found myself sitting under this tree, crying out to God.
My cry was similar to yours, I think, because I saw His joy reflected in the tears of other people in that service and yet all I felt was an emptiness. My tears were ones of self-pity and despair. The main question I remember saying out loud under that tree was, "What's wrong, God? Why am I so miserable? I'm doing the best I can, but something is missing. What is it, what's wrong, God? I want to be happy like other people. What's wrong with me?" I'd like to say that I used all the proper words about confessing my sin and asking for forgiveness and inviting Him into my heart, but pretty much I was just sobbing that same question repeatedly, "What's wrong, God?"
I don't think that I was even expecting an answer; I was just having one major pity-party. Thankfully, I was not the only one there under that tree in the midst of my pity-party. The one and true Lord, creator of all things, was also there! I had a head knowledge of God, but until that time, I didn't really even believe for sure that He was real! In the quietness of the moment, inbetween my sobs, I heard His still, small voice. His message to me during that moment was, "Eric, you don't really know me at all. I want to be part of your life. I want to be your life."
I can't really say exactly how the unspoken conversation went from that point, but I knew that He was telling me He would help me, and I knew that from that moment on, my life was going to be different. Without really forming any words, I realized that I had caused all of my pain myself through my sin and that it actually hurt God worse than it even hurt me, because He loved me so much. I wish I could say that I actually vocalized a prayer telling Him how sorry I was for going against Him all my life, but I did not. I felt it, however, and as I later came to know Him better, I was able to understand what all was going on in my heart that night. I invited Him to come into my heart and life without really forming the words.
We preachers often speak of the "sinners prayer" and sometimes "religion" gets in the way. Yes, a person must admit they are a sinner, repent of those sins, ask for forgiveness, and ask Christ to save them by coming into their heart. Many people have repeated three lines of a "sinner's prayer" and then been declared "Saved". I'm sure some have actually been saved during such times. I can tell you what happened to me was a very real experience, even though I did not say the "magic words" perfectly. God saved me and I was truly "born again"!
Maybe God wanted me to share all that just so you can better understand what He is trying to do in your life. God is real, salvation is real, and Jesus is waiting for "whosoever will call".
A verse in Revelation has always spoken to me, and it was the final verse that He used to get my oldest son to understand. Jesus is speaking, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." He wants to have a personal relationship with you, just like a friend you have over for supper! He's knocking at the door to your heart, so to speak, and all you have to do is open it up and let Him come in!
After you experience this for yourself, you will understand that your life is meant to be all about serving God in holiness. We serve God by serving other people, first and foremost our families. It is an incredibly liberating truth to understand that God has a purpose for your life and that it is all in His hands. Whatever comes your way, God can use for His glory! It takes all the pressure off, to give your life over to Him. The peace that passes all understanding and His love will fill all the holes and empty places in your life!
He will help you to guide your business for His glory as well. Your life, your family, your business, your dreams; God is actually interested in every part of your life, and He wants in!
If you watch movies, you should find one called "Flywheel". I've seen the DVD for rent at Food City before. It was the first movie from the same guys who did "Facing the Giants" and "Fire Proof" (both of which are also great movies to check out). "Flywheel" is not as famous as those other two, but it has a great message. I'm thinking about it because it is about a guy who owns a business (car lot) and how God intervenes in his life, family, and business. While you are at it, you ought to rent those other two, as well, when you get a chance. I know you want to have less TV, (which is a very important and worthy goal) but a well timed family movie night, with a godly movie, can be an awesome time. It may be a way God will begin to work in your wife and children as well.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'm pretty far away geographically, but technology wise, I'm just next door. I hope I have not overwhelmed you with all this. I believe it has been orchastrated by God, though, so I will try not to apologize for writing so much!
Looking forward to hearing how God moves in your life!
In His Love,
Eric
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Timothy Has Turned Around Right!
I just thought I would thank everyone for praying and for the helpful advice.
Last Saturday I asked for prayer that our baby would get out of the breech position, and several of you commented that you would pray and gave us some suggestions. We also asked for prayer at church. We never had to consider a breech delivery in any of the other pregnancies so it was all new to us.
Lisa did some of the things that were mentioned in the comments last week, and coupled with the prayers of God’s people, the Lord decided to allow Timothy to turn around the way he should be! We are praising and thanking Him for the good report at the doctor’s!
They also said Lisa was not dilated anymore than she was last week and thought that Timothy should still be able to wait several more weeks before he makes his arrival. He is in the perfect position for delivery now, and they think he weighs over 7 pounds, but they say it would still be better if he could stay in the womb as long as possible to make sure his lungs are fully developed.
We know it is all in God’s hands. Timothy will come when God directs him to come, and he will be exactly what God has made him to be. Our job will be to love and care for him and guide him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Thanks again for your prayers and we appreciate everyone’s continued prayers for Lisa, Timothy and our family.
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2 comments
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Sugar Bend Farms on February 23, 2008 at 11:29 am
So glad to hear the good news! Praise God! We will continue to pray for a safe and easy delivery and the all will be well with Timothy.
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faithfarm on February 24, 2008 at 8:23 am
Wonderful news-Praise God! I will pray for an easy delivery for Timothy and your wife. Have a blessed day! >faithfarm
Last Saturday I asked for prayer that our baby would get out of the breech position, and several of you commented that you would pray and gave us some suggestions. We also asked for prayer at church. We never had to consider a breech delivery in any of the other pregnancies so it was all new to us.
Lisa did some of the things that were mentioned in the comments last week, and coupled with the prayers of God’s people, the Lord decided to allow Timothy to turn around the way he should be! We are praising and thanking Him for the good report at the doctor’s!
They also said Lisa was not dilated anymore than she was last week and thought that Timothy should still be able to wait several more weeks before he makes his arrival. He is in the perfect position for delivery now, and they think he weighs over 7 pounds, but they say it would still be better if he could stay in the womb as long as possible to make sure his lungs are fully developed.
We know it is all in God’s hands. Timothy will come when God directs him to come, and he will be exactly what God has made him to be. Our job will be to love and care for him and guide him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Thanks again for your prayers and we appreciate everyone’s continued prayers for Lisa, Timothy and our family.
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2 comments
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Sugar Bend Farms on February 23, 2008 at 11:29 am
So glad to hear the good news! Praise God! We will continue to pray for a safe and easy delivery and the all will be well with Timothy.
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faithfarm on February 24, 2008 at 8:23 am
Wonderful news-Praise God! I will pray for an easy delivery for Timothy and your wife. Have a blessed day! >faithfarm
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Baby Update and Prayer Request
We had an appointment with our baby doctor again yesterday. We are now to the every week appointment phase.
For the past few nights Lisa has been having contractions and pain, but the contractions have not been consistent. She felt that something was really going on the night before last, so we were anxious to see what the doctor would say.
Lisa is at 34 weeks but they measured Timothy with an ultrasound to already be 7 pounds! He still seems to be doing fine. The bad news is that he has turned around to the breech position and Lisa is dialated 2 cm. They were thinking about sending her to the hospital or putting her on bed rest, but decided there was not yet that great of need. They want us to just monitor the situation and try to get Timothy to turn around. They said that rocking in a rocking chair can help. We have never had a baby be breech in any of the other pregnancies so this is a new (and unwelcomed) experience for us.
I would appreciate the prayers of our Christian brothers and sisters. We are praying that Timothy will turn himself around while there is still a little bit of room for him, that there will be no need for a c-section, and that Lisa won’t have any more major contractions when he does turn around. It would be safest if we could still wait a few more weeks before having Timothy join us. We’re pretty sure that he won’t go 6 more weeks, though.
By the way, the due date that they are still giving is March 30th, but the ticker on the top of the blog is set for March 23rd. We are now thinking early March will be a good possibility.
Thanks for praying, and I will keep updating in the days to come.
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7 comments
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Kitty on February 16, 2008 at 10:26 am
Praying for you, your wife and the baby. It will all work its way out. Still praying tho………Kitty
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GrandmaRosie on February 16, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Praying for you all. Babies do come , usually when you are about ready to give up!
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sheryl on February 16, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep us updated. sheryl
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~Melissa on February 16, 2008 at 10:27 pm
http://www.ican-online.org/pregnancy/breech
But if you want to turn baby since Lisa is contracting, here's a site with some more ideas for turning the baby. I've seen others as well, just do a search and you'll come up with more.
Warmly and Praying,
Melissa
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Morning Sunshine on February 17, 2008 at 8:30 am
my prayers for your family.
there is a chiropractic adjustment that can turn a baby – my midwife sends all her breeches to a certain chiropractor who has had great success. I think it is called a Webster Technique. just a thought.
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Chas on February 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I will be saying a prayer for you all!
Chas
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mom2ahousefull on February 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Praying Timothy (who better be a boy since 'they' already changed 'their' mnds once!) stays put and turns around. Things I've heard that help~ lay on an incline with your head downward (fun at 9 months pregnant), ice packs on your tummy where baby's head is, no sitting in recliners, etc. sit in a hard/straight chair, rocking in a rocking hair, swinging BIG on a swing, and the Webster technique someone already mentioned. If I can do anything, just call me
For the past few nights Lisa has been having contractions and pain, but the contractions have not been consistent. She felt that something was really going on the night before last, so we were anxious to see what the doctor would say.
Lisa is at 34 weeks but they measured Timothy with an ultrasound to already be 7 pounds! He still seems to be doing fine. The bad news is that he has turned around to the breech position and Lisa is dialated 2 cm. They were thinking about sending her to the hospital or putting her on bed rest, but decided there was not yet that great of need. They want us to just monitor the situation and try to get Timothy to turn around. They said that rocking in a rocking chair can help. We have never had a baby be breech in any of the other pregnancies so this is a new (and unwelcomed) experience for us.
I would appreciate the prayers of our Christian brothers and sisters. We are praying that Timothy will turn himself around while there is still a little bit of room for him, that there will be no need for a c-section, and that Lisa won’t have any more major contractions when he does turn around. It would be safest if we could still wait a few more weeks before having Timothy join us. We’re pretty sure that he won’t go 6 more weeks, though.
By the way, the due date that they are still giving is March 30th, but the ticker on the top of the blog is set for March 23rd. We are now thinking early March will be a good possibility.
Thanks for praying, and I will keep updating in the days to come.
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7 comments
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Kitty on February 16, 2008 at 10:26 am
Praying for you, your wife and the baby. It will all work its way out. Still praying tho………Kitty
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GrandmaRosie on February 16, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Praying for you all. Babies do come , usually when you are about ready to give up!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sheryl on February 16, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep us updated. sheryl
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~Melissa on February 16, 2008 at 10:27 pm
http://www.ican-online.org/pregnancy/breech
But if you want to turn baby since Lisa is contracting, here's a site with some more ideas for turning the baby. I've seen others as well, just do a search and you'll come up with more.
Warmly and Praying,
Melissa
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Morning Sunshine on February 17, 2008 at 8:30 am
my prayers for your family.
there is a chiropractic adjustment that can turn a baby – my midwife sends all her breeches to a certain chiropractor who has had great success. I think it is called a Webster Technique. just a thought.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chas on February 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I will be saying a prayer for you all!
Chas
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mom2ahousefull on February 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Praying Timothy (who better be a boy since 'they' already changed 'their' mnds once!) stays put and turns around. Things I've heard that help~ lay on an incline with your head downward (fun at 9 months pregnant), ice packs on your tummy where baby's head is, no sitting in recliners, etc. sit in a hard/straight chair, rocking in a rocking hair, swinging BIG on a swing, and the Webster technique someone already mentioned. If I can do anything, just call me
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Why I Don't Celbrate Halloween
I preached this sermon last Sunday to our home church. Actually, I don't preach word for word what I type out, but it is usually pretty close. Most of the time I don't even type out the sermons that God gives me, but from time to time I feel led to. I thought I would share it here, just to demonstrate some more of my convictions. They are not always popular, but I always feel strongly about them. There is much more that could be said about Halloween, but this is the direction that the Lord led me this week. Our pastor had touched on some of the evil components of Halloween the previous week, but left open the possibility that it may be OK to participate in many aspects of the "fun" part of the holiday. I have difficulty seeing anything about the celebration being appropriate "fun" for a Christian.
(I am always amazed when God allows me to put together a message and uses me to deliver it. This message was not copied from anyone else, but the Lord led me through prayer and study. What follows is a copy of my notes for the message with the actual Bible verses put in where they would have been read aloud):
INTRO:
Many pastors may touch on some of the evil components of Halloween in sermons, but most will leave open the possibility that it may be OK to participate in many aspects of the “fun” part of the holiday. Personally, I have come to the conviction that nothing about the celebration of Halloween is appropriate “fun” for a Christian. There is much more that could be said about the truly pagan origins and Satanic elements of the holiday, but this message mainly focuses on the aspects of Halloween as seen and practiced by 21st century Americans in our culture today.
WHY I DO NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN
EPH. 5:8-16
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
I have been asked by many people over the years, why I do not celebrate Halloween. I was not brought up with any convictions against Halloween: I participated in trick or treat as a child; I’ve been to many Halloween parties in the past; I’ve even helped to organize a full-fledged “haunted house” at a church where Lisa and I were the youth leaders.
As I grew in Christ, and started looking around at what Halloween is really all about, God convinced me that there was nothing about Halloween that should interest me as a Christian. Today, for me as a Christian to want to celebrate Halloween would be like an Iranian citizen wanting to celebrate the 4th of July! It just doesn’t make much sense when I consider the main elements of Halloween:
1) Darkness is enhanced
2) Fear is embraced
3) Sin is expected
4) Death is exploited
5) Evil is exalted
Look at these elements in light of the scripture from Ephesians 5:8-16 as well as other scripture:
I. Darkness is enhanced v8
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the lord: walk as children of light:
Illus: Just look at the decorations surrounding Halloween, and they are everywhere. Halloween decorations are meant to celebrate evil and darkness. The Good Housekeeping Book of Entertainment: “orange, black and red, the devil’s colors, are the colors associated with Halloween, and this scheme should be carried out as far as possible! Have paper streamers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling, or you could make a giant spider web with black and orange strings, or with narrow strips of crepe paper for the four corners of the room, complete with a large spider, ‘one of the devil’s followers’.” Whatever is dark and creepy is supposed to be enhanced during the Halloween festivities.
But what is wrong with darkness?
A) Darkness hides evil
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
B) Darkness is opposite to God
“If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” 1 John 1:6
C) The light of Christ dispels the darkness
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
II. Fear is embraced v9-10
9 (For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Illus: haunted houses, haunted trails, scary movies all have a goal contrary to goodness, righteousness and truth. Halloween says that we should embrace fear as a fun element of the holiday. So what’s wrong with fear?
Fear is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit, but you can make the case that fear may be a fruit of the spirit of Satan:
A) Fear is not from God
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7
B) The love of Christ casts out fear
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
III. Sin is expected v11-12
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Illus: What teens do when they are too old to trick or treat: egging, corning, toilet paper, bashing mailboxes, road blocks, etc
Illus: Police verify that there are more crimes committed during the Halloween season.
We shouldn’t even have to think about what is wrong with sin. Sad to say, most Americans allow Halloween to be an excuse for some “innocent” sinful behavior. Such behavior is actually expected!
A) Sin is enticing
Proverbs 1:10-16
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
B) The Cross of Christ crucified sin
“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
IV. Death is exploited v13-14
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Illus: Slasher movies glamorizing brutal, serial murders. Horror movies glamorizing the supernatural. Wicked movies dealing with the undead like zombies or vampires.
What’s wrong with allowing death, and the “un-dead”, to be some fun things to dwell on during Halloween?
A) Death was not from God - Genesis 2:16-17
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
B) Death is an enemy - 1 Cor 15:26
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
C) The victory of Christ defeated death - 1 Cor 15:21-22
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
- 1 Cor 15:54-57
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
V. Evil is exalted v15-16
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Illus: World Book Encyclopedia “Halloween’s beginnings preceded Christ’s birth when the druids, a pagan group of devil-worshipers in what is now Britain and France, observed the end of summer by making human sacrifices to the gods. It was the beginning of the Celtic new year. They believed that Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to the old pagan ties and superstitions.”
Illus: Today there are real Satan worshippers and witches who consider Halloween to be their “high holy day”
Should a Christian ever be exalting evil?
A) We should hate evil
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Rom 12:9
B) We should overcome evil
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom 12:21
C) We should not look evil
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thes. 5:22
D) The devil is evil
1) Satan wants to be exalted and worshipped
Isaiah 14:12-14
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most high.
E) The manifestation of Christ destroys evil
“He that commiteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
- 1 John 3:8
Go back to some of the previous verses and notice the relationship between the common elements of Halloween and the work of our Savior Jesus Christ:
Darkness is enhanced – the light of Christ dispels darkness
Fear is embraced - the love of Christ casts out fear
Sin is expected - the Cross of Christ crucified sin
Death is exploited - the victory of Christ defeated death
Evil is exalted - manifestation of Christ destroys evil
Ephesians 5:17 is the verse immediately following our text:
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
What is the will of the Lord? For me, concerning the celebration of Halloween, there is no question.
Halloween is celebrated on 10-31 so let’s end with an appropriate 10:31 verse from the bible:
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
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1 comment
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Penny Raine & family on November 18, 2007 at 12:13 pm
and amen and amen and AMEN!
can I use this as an article on one of my websites? giving you credit of course?
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REPLY:
Dear Penny,
Thank you for such a kind comment about the sermon! I usually wonder if anyone really reads something like that all the way through. Of course I always pray that God will direct people to read them and use the messages to accomplish His will, but I usually wonder anyway!
Most of the entries on my blog are limited to only registered users, and some are to only "friends", but the few sermons I have posted are on the web for all the world to see, in hopes that someone may stumble upon them and God will be able to speak to them.
I would be flattered if you used it in any way you can, for the glory of God! If you want to change any of it to fit your needs, that would be fine also. I am not happy with the format the way it is right now because it could be laid out a lot nicer. My computer was not allowing me to do the indentions and sizes and italics and things the way I wanted, so you would probably want to format it nicer.
What other websites do you have? Homesteadblogger is the only site of yours that I know about. Let me know where you put it, if God leads you to use it, because I think it would be awesome to see it on another site! You don't have to credit me, necessarily. My name is not important. The name of Jesus is!
Thanks again, and may God bless you!
Eric
(I am always amazed when God allows me to put together a message and uses me to deliver it. This message was not copied from anyone else, but the Lord led me through prayer and study. What follows is a copy of my notes for the message with the actual Bible verses put in where they would have been read aloud):
INTRO:
Many pastors may touch on some of the evil components of Halloween in sermons, but most will leave open the possibility that it may be OK to participate in many aspects of the “fun” part of the holiday. Personally, I have come to the conviction that nothing about the celebration of Halloween is appropriate “fun” for a Christian. There is much more that could be said about the truly pagan origins and Satanic elements of the holiday, but this message mainly focuses on the aspects of Halloween as seen and practiced by 21st century Americans in our culture today.
WHY I DO NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN
EPH. 5:8-16
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
I have been asked by many people over the years, why I do not celebrate Halloween. I was not brought up with any convictions against Halloween: I participated in trick or treat as a child; I’ve been to many Halloween parties in the past; I’ve even helped to organize a full-fledged “haunted house” at a church where Lisa and I were the youth leaders.
As I grew in Christ, and started looking around at what Halloween is really all about, God convinced me that there was nothing about Halloween that should interest me as a Christian. Today, for me as a Christian to want to celebrate Halloween would be like an Iranian citizen wanting to celebrate the 4th of July! It just doesn’t make much sense when I consider the main elements of Halloween:
1) Darkness is enhanced
2) Fear is embraced
3) Sin is expected
4) Death is exploited
5) Evil is exalted
Look at these elements in light of the scripture from Ephesians 5:8-16 as well as other scripture:
I. Darkness is enhanced v8
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the lord: walk as children of light:
Illus: Just look at the decorations surrounding Halloween, and they are everywhere. Halloween decorations are meant to celebrate evil and darkness. The Good Housekeeping Book of Entertainment: “orange, black and red, the devil’s colors, are the colors associated with Halloween, and this scheme should be carried out as far as possible! Have paper streamers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling, or you could make a giant spider web with black and orange strings, or with narrow strips of crepe paper for the four corners of the room, complete with a large spider, ‘one of the devil’s followers’.” Whatever is dark and creepy is supposed to be enhanced during the Halloween festivities.
But what is wrong with darkness?
A) Darkness hides evil
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
B) Darkness is opposite to God
“If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” 1 John 1:6
C) The light of Christ dispels the darkness
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
II. Fear is embraced v9-10
9 (For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Illus: haunted houses, haunted trails, scary movies all have a goal contrary to goodness, righteousness and truth. Halloween says that we should embrace fear as a fun element of the holiday. So what’s wrong with fear?
Fear is not a fruit of the Holy Spirit, but you can make the case that fear may be a fruit of the spirit of Satan:
A) Fear is not from God
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7
B) The love of Christ casts out fear
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
III. Sin is expected v11-12
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Illus: What teens do when they are too old to trick or treat: egging, corning, toilet paper, bashing mailboxes, road blocks, etc
Illus: Police verify that there are more crimes committed during the Halloween season.
We shouldn’t even have to think about what is wrong with sin. Sad to say, most Americans allow Halloween to be an excuse for some “innocent” sinful behavior. Such behavior is actually expected!
A) Sin is enticing
Proverbs 1:10-16
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
B) The Cross of Christ crucified sin
“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
IV. Death is exploited v13-14
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Illus: Slasher movies glamorizing brutal, serial murders. Horror movies glamorizing the supernatural. Wicked movies dealing with the undead like zombies or vampires.
What’s wrong with allowing death, and the “un-dead”, to be some fun things to dwell on during Halloween?
A) Death was not from God - Genesis 2:16-17
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
B) Death is an enemy - 1 Cor 15:26
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
C) The victory of Christ defeated death - 1 Cor 15:21-22
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
- 1 Cor 15:54-57
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
V. Evil is exalted v15-16
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Illus: World Book Encyclopedia “Halloween’s beginnings preceded Christ’s birth when the druids, a pagan group of devil-worshipers in what is now Britain and France, observed the end of summer by making human sacrifices to the gods. It was the beginning of the Celtic new year. They believed that Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to the old pagan ties and superstitions.”
Illus: Today there are real Satan worshippers and witches who consider Halloween to be their “high holy day”
Should a Christian ever be exalting evil?
A) We should hate evil
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Rom 12:9
B) We should overcome evil
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom 12:21
C) We should not look evil
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thes. 5:22
D) The devil is evil
1) Satan wants to be exalted and worshipped
Isaiah 14:12-14
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most high.
E) The manifestation of Christ destroys evil
“He that commiteth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
- 1 John 3:8
Go back to some of the previous verses and notice the relationship between the common elements of Halloween and the work of our Savior Jesus Christ:
Darkness is enhanced – the light of Christ dispels darkness
Fear is embraced - the love of Christ casts out fear
Sin is expected - the Cross of Christ crucified sin
Death is exploited - the victory of Christ defeated death
Evil is exalted - manifestation of Christ destroys evil
Ephesians 5:17 is the verse immediately following our text:
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
What is the will of the Lord? For me, concerning the celebration of Halloween, there is no question.
Halloween is celebrated on 10-31 so let’s end with an appropriate 10:31 verse from the bible:
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
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1 comment
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Penny Raine & family on November 18, 2007 at 12:13 pm
and amen and amen and AMEN!
can I use this as an article on one of my websites? giving you credit of course?
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REPLY:
Dear Penny,
Thank you for such a kind comment about the sermon! I usually wonder if anyone really reads something like that all the way through. Of course I always pray that God will direct people to read them and use the messages to accomplish His will, but I usually wonder anyway!
Most of the entries on my blog are limited to only registered users, and some are to only "friends", but the few sermons I have posted are on the web for all the world to see, in hopes that someone may stumble upon them and God will be able to speak to them.
I would be flattered if you used it in any way you can, for the glory of God! If you want to change any of it to fit your needs, that would be fine also. I am not happy with the format the way it is right now because it could be laid out a lot nicer. My computer was not allowing me to do the indentions and sizes and italics and things the way I wanted, so you would probably want to format it nicer.
What other websites do you have? Homesteadblogger is the only site of yours that I know about. Let me know where you put it, if God leads you to use it, because I think it would be awesome to see it on another site! You don't have to credit me, necessarily. My name is not important. The name of Jesus is!
Thanks again, and may God bless you!
Eric
Sunday, October 01, 2006
The Pure Water Hollow Snake Slayers
I do not relish my role as a Snake Slayer, but someone has to do it. My 13-year-old son, Matthew does not want to be a Snake Slayer, either, but he can do the job if he needs to. He was poised with spear in one hand, hoe in the other. I, with a smoking .22 caliber pistol in my hand, and the snake, he was looking at the bullet between his eyes!
We were once again on our way up in our mountain to enjoy our regular Sunday afternoon walk. The weather was magnificent today, with blue skies, a gentle breeze and a comfortable 70 degrees temperature. This was about as perfect weather as you can have, especially after the rain and dreariness we've been experiencing. (Everyone always says that if you don't like the weather in Kentucky, stick around and it will change!)
Like last Sunday, one of our goals was to check the walnut trees on our property. Like I've mentioned previously, walnuts are one of Lisa's favorites nuts. Last Sunday (after Simon's stings were feeling better) we gathered 5 or 6 walnuts from the trees near by; for some reason they have never borne many nuts. We found one good tree way out in the "back 40" last year. I'm afraid we might miss harvesting the walnuts because it is getting late in the year, and the tree that produced the most nuts is about as far up in the hollow as you can get. We do not get up there as often as we would like to, even though it is a beautiful part of our woods. It is within easy walking distance if you don't mind walking straight up a mountain for about a half-mile! We usually take the truck up to the head of the hollow and then walk from there.
We stopped the truck at what we call our "clearing" about half way up. This is a nice level area carved out of the mountain and would be a good house seat. Right now it is where some very good and plentiful blackberries grow in the summer and also where we have our annual Christmas fireworks.
We stopped here because from this point there is a trail that we named the "Paw Paw Trail" a few weeks ago because of all of the paw paws that were growing all around. (Some years we have been blessed with an abundance of paw paws but other years there don't seem to be any.) It looks like this year there will be a good harvest if we can get them at the right time, so we wanted to check on them before we got up to the walnut tree.
There is also a woodpile up there that we use for our fire at Christmas. The tarp had come partly off, so Matthew decided to cover the wood better. He lifted the old, blue tarp up a bit, and then dropped it again with a breathless gasp and got off the wood pile in a hurry!
"It's a snake! There's a snake under the tarp!" Matthew said this with a bit of urgency but not panic. We asked him what it looked like and he described a light and dark brown pattern with dots in between the dark spots. We have one common poisonous snake in eastern Kentucky and Matthew had just described it: a copperhead! (We also are supposed to have rattlesnakes around, but thankfully, we have never seen one.)
This was one of those afternoons that we had not thought to bring the pistol with us and we did not even bring any hoe or shovel with us. I went up to the wood pile and began to carefully look around and I saw the one Matthew saw and as I uncovered a couple of pieces of wood with my walking stick, I found some more of the same marked snakes! I couldn't be sure how many but I was sure this was actually a den of copperheads!
We sent Matthew back down to the house with the truck to get the .22 pistol, a hoe, a shovel, and our Peterson Field Guide of Reptiles and Amphibians. He is only 13 years old, but he handles that big old '79 Ford truck like he has had his license for years. I gave him his own key to that truck even before he turned 12 because he was doing so much work with it and had shown how responsible he was with it. (He of course does not drive it on the road; only around on our own property. Erica, our soon to be 15 year old, can also drive the truck with no problem. I would have no reservations at all allowing her out on the road if she could have a driver's license now. It will be a big help to us when she can drive legally!) Anyway, Matthew returned soon, and it was time for the Snake Slayers to go into action!
Peterson confirmed that we were definitely dealing with copperheads. We also read that they sometimes den up with other species of snakes as well. I want to kill copperheads, since they are poisonous, but I don't really want to kill snakes just to be killing them.
Matthew and I began carefully digging through the wood blocks with the hoe. There was a big pile of these sawmill blocks and slabs of wood so it was pretty difficult moving them around. We were disappointed at first because we were not finding the snakes and were getting pretty tired, and nervous. After all, we were standing on what may be a huge den of snakes and we could not see them!
Finally we uncovered a couple of snakes, but they were getting out of the way quickly. I tried to chop, but could not get a good strike at them because of the wood. I decided to shoot. Even though I could not see the head, the body was exposed, and I figured it would slow it down anyway. BANG! A direct hit through the body, but it did not seem to slow down any at all. It wound this way and that, and we were frantically overturning the wood to try to follow him. There was another snake near, too, and I awkwardly hit at it with the hoe and tried a shot at it but it seemed to get away! We were finally able to uncover the first one's head and I got a shot off that hit right behind it's ears! (Do snakes have ears?) I fished this big snake out so I could see the other one better. Lisa thought that this other snake that seemingly got away was bigger than the one I shot! I had hit it a couple of times with the hoe, so maybe it was wounded, and a bullet maybe grazed it, so I thought we would be able to find the thing. Surely it was just resting someplace near by. We overturned block after block and dug through the whole pile, but we never found that one.
We did overturn one block and found another copperhead! Actually it was Matthew again that found it! (Could this be a gift of his?) This one did not send us on a wild chase; it just stayed curled up there and looked at us! It was an adult, but not as big as the one we already got. They can strike, so I did not want to waste too much time. I just took aim and ... BANG! This bullet went right through it's head and also hit it in the body because of how it was curled up.
We searched through the pile for another 20 minutes or so but by this time it was starting to get too dark to see if a snake did jump out at us. I am sure there was at least one other snake that we were fighting. It either found an escape or else we just did not overturn the wood it was hiding under at the right time. I plan on making time to go up there again during the day sometime soon and remove the entire woodpile. I will be on guard, for sure, and hopefully I will be able to eliminate any remaining snakes, as well as clean up our woodpile.
One thing I don't want in Pure Water Hollow is a poisonous snake! There are now at least two fewer that we have to worry about. By the way, one of the snakes measured 35 inches long and the other one was 24 inches long! Peterson says that copperheads range from 24 to 36 inches long with a record one being 53 inches long! Who knows how long the one that got away is! My role as Snake Slayer will not be over until I am confident that they have all been eliminated!
We did take some pictures of them, even though it was now dark.
I wish to end this post with a prayer of thanksgiving.
"Dear Lord, thank you for keeping that snake from striking at Matthew when he uncovered the first one. He was right there on top of the pile and he could have been bitten, perhaps by several snakes. Thank you for putting your hand of protection over him. Thank you also for keeping me safe, and for allowing the outcome to be a positive one. Help us to clean up the woodpile and get rid of any other snakes that may endanger us in the future. Thank you most of all for your son Jesus, who is the real Snake slayer! In Jesus name, amen."
3 comments
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Morning Sunshine on October 2, 2006 at 9:39 am
now, walnuts are something I DO know about: my mom has a huge black walnut tree, and we are annually cleaning that up!
first, ours do not ripen and fall until Thanksgiving. Dad says there has to be a frost before they will turn black. we get our first frost long before then, and they hang onto the tree, all shriveled and black, but they do not fall in bulk until after thanksgiving.
also, it took 20 -odd years before the tree actually started to produce fruit. I don't know how old your trees are – I would imagine a lot older than that, but…
that is our experience with walnuts.
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Jessica on October 2, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Uncle Eric, you are kind of scaring me with all the say of yellow jackets and copperheads! I hope we have a wonderful time when we come to your house! I am so glad you and Matt are safe! I am praying for you, and tell the kids hi for me! Have a great day!
Love,
Jessica
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Purewater on October 4, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Hello Jessica! Thanks for visiting the blog. We sort of live in the wild but it is a good, safe place, overall. Nothing to worry about, much. There are black bears and bobcats occasionally reported to be around, but we have never seen any animals like that! And we hadn't seen a copperhead in about 10 years before last Sunday, so hopefully they are not very plentiful. We are looking forward to you all visiting next week if you are able to! Tell everyone "hi" for us.
We were once again on our way up in our mountain to enjoy our regular Sunday afternoon walk. The weather was magnificent today, with blue skies, a gentle breeze and a comfortable 70 degrees temperature. This was about as perfect weather as you can have, especially after the rain and dreariness we've been experiencing. (Everyone always says that if you don't like the weather in Kentucky, stick around and it will change!)
Like last Sunday, one of our goals was to check the walnut trees on our property. Like I've mentioned previously, walnuts are one of Lisa's favorites nuts. Last Sunday (after Simon's stings were feeling better) we gathered 5 or 6 walnuts from the trees near by; for some reason they have never borne many nuts. We found one good tree way out in the "back 40" last year. I'm afraid we might miss harvesting the walnuts because it is getting late in the year, and the tree that produced the most nuts is about as far up in the hollow as you can get. We do not get up there as often as we would like to, even though it is a beautiful part of our woods. It is within easy walking distance if you don't mind walking straight up a mountain for about a half-mile! We usually take the truck up to the head of the hollow and then walk from there.
We stopped the truck at what we call our "clearing" about half way up. This is a nice level area carved out of the mountain and would be a good house seat. Right now it is where some very good and plentiful blackberries grow in the summer and also where we have our annual Christmas fireworks.
We stopped here because from this point there is a trail that we named the "Paw Paw Trail" a few weeks ago because of all of the paw paws that were growing all around. (Some years we have been blessed with an abundance of paw paws but other years there don't seem to be any.) It looks like this year there will be a good harvest if we can get them at the right time, so we wanted to check on them before we got up to the walnut tree.
There is also a woodpile up there that we use for our fire at Christmas. The tarp had come partly off, so Matthew decided to cover the wood better. He lifted the old, blue tarp up a bit, and then dropped it again with a breathless gasp and got off the wood pile in a hurry!
"It's a snake! There's a snake under the tarp!" Matthew said this with a bit of urgency but not panic. We asked him what it looked like and he described a light and dark brown pattern with dots in between the dark spots. We have one common poisonous snake in eastern Kentucky and Matthew had just described it: a copperhead! (We also are supposed to have rattlesnakes around, but thankfully, we have never seen one.)
This was one of those afternoons that we had not thought to bring the pistol with us and we did not even bring any hoe or shovel with us. I went up to the wood pile and began to carefully look around and I saw the one Matthew saw and as I uncovered a couple of pieces of wood with my walking stick, I found some more of the same marked snakes! I couldn't be sure how many but I was sure this was actually a den of copperheads!
We sent Matthew back down to the house with the truck to get the .22 pistol, a hoe, a shovel, and our Peterson Field Guide of Reptiles and Amphibians. He is only 13 years old, but he handles that big old '79 Ford truck like he has had his license for years. I gave him his own key to that truck even before he turned 12 because he was doing so much work with it and had shown how responsible he was with it. (He of course does not drive it on the road; only around on our own property. Erica, our soon to be 15 year old, can also drive the truck with no problem. I would have no reservations at all allowing her out on the road if she could have a driver's license now. It will be a big help to us when she can drive legally!) Anyway, Matthew returned soon, and it was time for the Snake Slayers to go into action!
Peterson confirmed that we were definitely dealing with copperheads. We also read that they sometimes den up with other species of snakes as well. I want to kill copperheads, since they are poisonous, but I don't really want to kill snakes just to be killing them.
Matthew and I began carefully digging through the wood blocks with the hoe. There was a big pile of these sawmill blocks and slabs of wood so it was pretty difficult moving them around. We were disappointed at first because we were not finding the snakes and were getting pretty tired, and nervous. After all, we were standing on what may be a huge den of snakes and we could not see them!
Finally we uncovered a couple of snakes, but they were getting out of the way quickly. I tried to chop, but could not get a good strike at them because of the wood. I decided to shoot. Even though I could not see the head, the body was exposed, and I figured it would slow it down anyway. BANG! A direct hit through the body, but it did not seem to slow down any at all. It wound this way and that, and we were frantically overturning the wood to try to follow him. There was another snake near, too, and I awkwardly hit at it with the hoe and tried a shot at it but it seemed to get away! We were finally able to uncover the first one's head and I got a shot off that hit right behind it's ears! (Do snakes have ears?) I fished this big snake out so I could see the other one better. Lisa thought that this other snake that seemingly got away was bigger than the one I shot! I had hit it a couple of times with the hoe, so maybe it was wounded, and a bullet maybe grazed it, so I thought we would be able to find the thing. Surely it was just resting someplace near by. We overturned block after block and dug through the whole pile, but we never found that one.
We did overturn one block and found another copperhead! Actually it was Matthew again that found it! (Could this be a gift of his?) This one did not send us on a wild chase; it just stayed curled up there and looked at us! It was an adult, but not as big as the one we already got. They can strike, so I did not want to waste too much time. I just took aim and ... BANG! This bullet went right through it's head and also hit it in the body because of how it was curled up.
We searched through the pile for another 20 minutes or so but by this time it was starting to get too dark to see if a snake did jump out at us. I am sure there was at least one other snake that we were fighting. It either found an escape or else we just did not overturn the wood it was hiding under at the right time. I plan on making time to go up there again during the day sometime soon and remove the entire woodpile. I will be on guard, for sure, and hopefully I will be able to eliminate any remaining snakes, as well as clean up our woodpile.
One thing I don't want in Pure Water Hollow is a poisonous snake! There are now at least two fewer that we have to worry about. By the way, one of the snakes measured 35 inches long and the other one was 24 inches long! Peterson says that copperheads range from 24 to 36 inches long with a record one being 53 inches long! Who knows how long the one that got away is! My role as Snake Slayer will not be over until I am confident that they have all been eliminated!
We did take some pictures of them, even though it was now dark.
I wish to end this post with a prayer of thanksgiving.
"Dear Lord, thank you for keeping that snake from striking at Matthew when he uncovered the first one. He was right there on top of the pile and he could have been bitten, perhaps by several snakes. Thank you for putting your hand of protection over him. Thank you also for keeping me safe, and for allowing the outcome to be a positive one. Help us to clean up the woodpile and get rid of any other snakes that may endanger us in the future. Thank you most of all for your son Jesus, who is the real Snake slayer! In Jesus name, amen."
3 comments
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Morning Sunshine on October 2, 2006 at 9:39 am
now, walnuts are something I DO know about: my mom has a huge black walnut tree, and we are annually cleaning that up!
first, ours do not ripen and fall until Thanksgiving. Dad says there has to be a frost before they will turn black. we get our first frost long before then, and they hang onto the tree, all shriveled and black, but they do not fall in bulk until after thanksgiving.
also, it took 20 -odd years before the tree actually started to produce fruit. I don't know how old your trees are – I would imagine a lot older than that, but…
that is our experience with walnuts.
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Jessica on October 2, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Uncle Eric, you are kind of scaring me with all the say of yellow jackets and copperheads! I hope we have a wonderful time when we come to your house! I am so glad you and Matt are safe! I am praying for you, and tell the kids hi for me! Have a great day!
Love,
Jessica
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Purewater on October 4, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Hello Jessica! Thanks for visiting the blog. We sort of live in the wild but it is a good, safe place, overall. Nothing to worry about, much. There are black bears and bobcats occasionally reported to be around, but we have never seen any animals like that! And we hadn't seen a copperhead in about 10 years before last Sunday, so hopefully they are not very plentiful. We are looking forward to you all visiting next week if you are able to! Tell everyone "hi" for us.
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