I was sitting in my office tonight, looking at my bookshelf for something specific, and pulled out a book entitled, "Heart Talks with Ministers." This book was compiled by a Nazarene minister and has several different articles, or chapters by other men. This book has no copyright date in it, so I don't know when it was written, but there is a handwritten name and date in the front dated 1931 as a gift. I came across a chapter entitled, "Fallen Ministers," and wanted to share an excerpt with you.
"Little indiscretions, little deviations from the pathway of strict prudence, little violations of the conventionalities of refined society, are courses which, in their relation to the opposite sex, have led many a minister on to more adventurous things, and have resulted either in his moral ruin, or in so smirching his character and reputation as thereby to render his continuance in the ministry a stench in the nostrils of the public, and an occasion of casting suspicion and reproach upon all ministers, however decently and holily they may have lived. The minister of the Gospel who does not observe that plain and sensible rule given by John Wesley to preachers, "Converse sparingly and conduct yourself prudently with women," will almost certainly become a moral pest in society, involving himself and the church in contempt and disgrace.
There is no justification for a brother, in shaking hands with a lady, to hold her hand unduly, press it to his own, gaze into the depths of her eyes, etc., even though he shout hallelujah! while doing so. If she has not the moral courage or the disposition to rebuke his course, someone else should do it, and in a way to impress him strongly with the impropriety of his conduct. There is no justification for a preacher's holding so many private conversations and having so many private correspondences as some do with certain female members of their congregations, even though the private interviews and communications may be ostensibly on religious topics. Religion always thrives better in the daylight and in relations between the sexes that require no privacy. Nor is there any valid excuse for a minister's devoting himself in the way of personal labor, especially in campmeeting and revival work, chiefly to trying to help the female sex. With some men this is a suspicious circumstance. They seem to feel specially called to labor with girls and women.
Not that judiciously endeavoring to instruct and help those of the fair sex is in itself wrong; but it is the paying an over attention to them, and that to the neglect of others just as needy and worthy, that should be guarded against, lest it cause one's good to be evil spoken of, and at least familiarity should breed contempt, or something worse. And, of course, he who cultivates what is generally known as "spiritual affinity" outside his own family relations, is to be regarded with grave suspicion, since "spiritual affinity," so-called, is almost sure to become fleshly affinity, or free-love before long, if allowed to run its course. Alas! how numerous have been the instances in proof of this!"
Bishop W.T. Hogue
Heart to Heart Talks with Ministers
Chapter 7, P 56-57
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
"The School of Affliction"
That was the title of the sermon that Pastor Mike Ridge preached this morning in church. It was an excellent sermon, I must say!
One of the things that he talked about was the fact that "The School of Affliction" gets our attention. Sometimes it is how God has to get our attention. He used a story in II Samuel about Absalom and Joab to illustrate the point. Absalom had not spoken to his father for quite some time, and wanted to contact him, so he sent a message to Joab, requesting his presence. Joab ignored the request. Later, Absalom sent him another request, but to no avail. Joab still would not respond. Finally, Absalom told his servants to go set Joab's barley field afire. . . That would get his attention! Joab then made his way to see Absalom.
The point was that sometimes God tries to get our attention. . .He calls, and calls. . .but we choose not to listen. Then God has to send some sort of affliction our way to get our attention, just as Absalom sent an affliction to Joab to get his attention.
The plea was not to make God have to send affliction in order to get your attention!
This post does not do the sermon justice, but it was a really good sermon!
One of the things that he talked about was the fact that "The School of Affliction" gets our attention. Sometimes it is how God has to get our attention. He used a story in II Samuel about Absalom and Joab to illustrate the point. Absalom had not spoken to his father for quite some time, and wanted to contact him, so he sent a message to Joab, requesting his presence. Joab ignored the request. Later, Absalom sent him another request, but to no avail. Joab still would not respond. Finally, Absalom told his servants to go set Joab's barley field afire. . . That would get his attention! Joab then made his way to see Absalom.
The point was that sometimes God tries to get our attention. . .He calls, and calls. . .but we choose not to listen. Then God has to send some sort of affliction our way to get our attention, just as Absalom sent an affliction to Joab to get his attention.
The plea was not to make God have to send affliction in order to get your attention!
This post does not do the sermon justice, but it was a really good sermon!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The Eternal God
While at church this evening, something was mentioned that, although very basic to Christianity, is amazing to think about.
Consider that God is eternal. . . that means not only that God lives in the past, but that He also lives in the future. . . simultaneously. Absolutely amazing! I don't know anything about tomorrow, except that God is already there working in my life. He doesn't just know what is going to happen to me tomorrow, but because he is not subject to time, He is already there, with me, walking beside me helping me though the day, week, month, etc.
I cannot completely wrap my mind around the fact that He can do that, but it brings a peace and comfort that is just amazing.
Isn't it great to be a born again Christian!?
Consider that God is eternal. . . that means not only that God lives in the past, but that He also lives in the future. . . simultaneously. Absolutely amazing! I don't know anything about tomorrow, except that God is already there working in my life. He doesn't just know what is going to happen to me tomorrow, but because he is not subject to time, He is already there, with me, walking beside me helping me though the day, week, month, etc.
I cannot completely wrap my mind around the fact that He can do that, but it brings a peace and comfort that is just amazing.
Isn't it great to be a born again Christian!?
Hauling lumber with a 6' pickup bed
This is not an easy feat! Try several 16' 2x6's.
I believe there were 12 of the 2x6x16's, and 8 sheets of 1/2" particle board. There were no apparent weight issues, but the length was a completely different story!
My Dog (Even though I don't have one)
Sandra and I were visiting a church today, and were invited to lunch at a member's house, which was a blessing, and while we were there, they printed this off and gave it to us. I thought you might enjoy!
My dog sleeps about 20 hrs a day.
She has her food prepared for her.
She can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood, in a house that is much larger than she needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives those accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like royalty, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her living costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head, Holy Smokes,
My dog is a democrat!
Hope you enjoyed that!
She may have even been able to run for president!
My dog sleeps about 20 hrs a day.
She has her food prepared for her.
She can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood, in a house that is much larger than she needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives those accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like royalty, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her living costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head, Holy Smokes,
My dog is a democrat!
Hope you enjoyed that!
She may have even been able to run for president!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Cool Water Pump!
I now drive a 2005 GMC Canyon, and love it! Of course, it is a big change from the '03 Silverado 2500 that I was driving. Trying to get used to a smaller bed with less capacity has been a challenge to say the least. You should have seen me trying to carry a truckload of 2x6x16's the other day down the NW Expressway here in OKC! Redneck to say the least!
Well, my water pump started to leak the other day, and was making some pretty rough noises, so I went and got the $50 water pump, and decided to change it on Friday evening. The water pump is completely different from any I have ever seen. . . of course, the truck is a little different too. It has a 3.5L inline 5 with plenty of get up and go. The water pump was about 7" from front to back with a diameter of about 4". There were no inlet and outlet connections, which I thought was very odd, but rather, the impeller is out in the open, and it appears that the impeller uses the actual engine to direct where the coolant goes. It was pretty cool. The only downside was the fan nut, which is a 36mm nut, which only has room for an extremely thin wrench to get in to break it loose. The Auto Parts stores sell a special wrench to be able to do this, but they only want about $60 for it. More than the water pump. . .really GM? I'd never use it again, so I spent about 3 hrs trying to get that stupid nut broke loose! I got it, and it cost me nothing, but a little bit of time. Overall, it was a pretty simple job. Much easier than I would have expected, and definitely much easier than other water pumps that I have replaced!
Well, my water pump started to leak the other day, and was making some pretty rough noises, so I went and got the $50 water pump, and decided to change it on Friday evening. The water pump is completely different from any I have ever seen. . . of course, the truck is a little different too. It has a 3.5L inline 5 with plenty of get up and go. The water pump was about 7" from front to back with a diameter of about 4". There were no inlet and outlet connections, which I thought was very odd, but rather, the impeller is out in the open, and it appears that the impeller uses the actual engine to direct where the coolant goes. It was pretty cool. The only downside was the fan nut, which is a 36mm nut, which only has room for an extremely thin wrench to get in to break it loose. The Auto Parts stores sell a special wrench to be able to do this, but they only want about $60 for it. More than the water pump. . .really GM? I'd never use it again, so I spent about 3 hrs trying to get that stupid nut broke loose! I got it, and it cost me nothing, but a little bit of time. Overall, it was a pretty simple job. Much easier than I would have expected, and definitely much easier than other water pumps that I have replaced!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Surprise!
Well now!
A good friend of mine just called me yesterday, and told me that he found my blog! Well. . . I had pretty much completely forgotten about it until he called me! Thanks, Bob! It took me a couple of hours to figure out what my username and password were, and it is taking me forever to type out this post! Sandra and I don't have internet at the house, so it is on my phone. Any posts will be pretty short until we get a keyboard that I can use with my phone.
A good friend of mine just called me yesterday, and told me that he found my blog! Well. . . I had pretty much completely forgotten about it until he called me! Thanks, Bob! It took me a couple of hours to figure out what my username and password were, and it is taking me forever to type out this post! Sandra and I don't have internet at the house, so it is on my phone. Any posts will be pretty short until we get a keyboard that I can use with my phone.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
LinuxMint 10
I've just installed LinuxMint 10 on my new desktop, and I love it! The desktop is not actually new, but someone put it along the side of the road without a hard drive, and said we could have it. My brother, Justus, had an extra hard drive(only 4G), so I thought I'd give it a try! If you can get past the differences it has from Windows, it is the best thing since DOS! Well, I'm using it now, still trying to get used to it, and if you get a chance, look it up.
(LinuxMint 11, also known as "Katya" is also out, but my computer didn't like it, so I reverted back to 10)
http://www.linuxmint.com/
(LinuxMint 11, also known as "Katya" is also out, but my computer didn't like it, so I reverted back to 10)
http://www.linuxmint.com/
Friday, May 13, 2011
Why do I not eat at resturants that serve alcohol?
And why am I even writing this? Well, there are a few reasons for both, and I'll start with the later.
I am writing this post because of the fact that I believe that eating or fellowshiping in the proximity of alcohol is something that a Christian ought not do. Not everyone believes this, and that is fine with me. I'll not argue with you over the subject, or even try to tell you that you are wrong simply because it is not something that will keep you out of Heaven, and it is not worth getting into a big argument over.
I am writing this post because it never ceases to amaze me how many Christians are appalled at the fact that I do not eat at a restaurant that serves alcohol. Hey, if i have the choice to "abstain from all appearance of evil." then I think it would be more pleasing to my Heavenly Father if I chose to do what he commanded me to do. It is very interesting to me, that when this comes to light with a non-believer, someone who has not accepted Christ as their personal Savior, they are more often than not, fully supportive of the stand that is being taken. I have heard the statement, "Wow! That's different, but hey, you're a Christian." (This is usually after saying, I'm a Christian, and they serve alcohol. I can't eat there.) That doesn't happen often simply because I don't eat out often, and to eat out with someone who is not a fellow Christian is even more rare. (Usually only at company dinners, etc.) What gets me though is when another Christian says something like, "Well, that's dumb." or, "Well, You shop at a grocery store that sells alcohol, don't you? It's all the same thing!"
There is a difference between the two, and I hope to show what they are here. I'm not usually good at explaining things, so hopefully it can be understood why I believe what I do.
If you are a Christian reading this, then you already know that there is ample evidence in Scripture that alcoholic beverages are not intended by God to be ingested. Some examples of that are as follows:
Pr 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
(KJV)
Pr 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
(KJV)
These are only two of the many Scriptures that indicate to us that God is not pleased with drunkenness, and the consumption of alcohol. Many others indicate that it is strongly related to mockery of the Holy Spirit, is directly related to adultery and other forms of immorality, and the fact that it is just plain foolish.
As a Christian, I do not eat at restaurants that serve for the following reasons;
1. God clearly commands us as Christians to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (I Thessalonians 5:22) But not only does he command us to abstain from the appearance of evil, but also from many of the things that are associated directly with alcohol, such as fornication(which includes adultery and incest), in I Thessalonians 4:3. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" It could be very easy to be seen walking out of a restaurant not realizing that you are following, or leading a group of people that had a little too much to drink, and then be seen in church the next day. . . what kind of testimony would that be? Would they ever listen to you if you knocked on their door making calls for your church? They have a mental picture of you, even though you were not drunk, walking with a group of people that were drunk. . .some Christian he/she is. "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
2. To be in the presence of those drinking alcohol allows the Christian to be in an environment that is toxic to his/her Christian beliefs.
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Alcohol makes a mockery of everything that we as Christians stand for. It turns men and women into fools, it lowers the inhibitions of men and women and raises the passions that those inhibitions control. Generally, when one has had alcohol, he usually has one of two reactions. 1. He loves everyone, and would do anything for them, or 2. all he wants to do is fight. If it is the first, then he'll make a fool of himself by doing anything and everything someone suggests. If it is the second, not only does he fight everyone that is around, but he often goes home and abuses his family. How can I as a Christian sit there and watch as a man does either one of these two things? When we look at all of the things that alcohol does, would it be safe to say that it opens a man or woman up to satanic or demonic control? I don't know that it does, but it is something to consider.
3. Eating out is a recreational activity. I don't know of anyone that has to eat out in order to live! What an awful life if that were the case! This is my refutation to those who argue that eating in a restaurant that serves alcohol is the same as buying groceries from a store that sells it. When I go out to eat, it is something that I enjoy doing. It relieves my wife from cooking, doing the dishes, and general cleanup of the kitchen. It is also a good way for me to say to her, "Thank you for all you do for me, let me give you a break tonight!" For the single person, it would be just a way to take a break for yourself. Yes, the grocery store does sell boxed and bottled alcohol, but I am not going to the store to sit down and enjoy a meal, to take a break from the everyday meal planning, or to just sit down and fellowship with someone. I consider going to the grocery store a necessity of life(and not exactly a pleasurable one!), something that needs to be done in order to survive. I do not have the abilities to raise my own meat, or to grow all of my own vegetables and fruits, or to make many of the other things that are needed that may be purchased at the grocery store. Unfortunately, even though there are a few grocery stores that do not sell alcohol, they do not always carry some items that you may need.
4. I know that Jesus ate with the publicans and sinners, and there was probably alcohol present(if their culture then is anything like today), but I am not Jesus.
Although there is no temptation now, there may come a day when there is a temptation to taste an alcoholic beverage. I am just as likely to be tempted as the next guy, and so are you. It is no different from any other sinful activity, and Satan knows how to make it look good to the strongest believer just as he can do with anything else.
I think the main idea here is that the line needs to be drawn somewhere, and unfortunately, no matter where the line is drawn, it is sure to receive criticism. I wish it were not that way, but being different sometimes has a price.
Conclusion
I never try to make a big deal out of believing what I do about this. I have learned over the past few years that it is better to decline an invitation to go to eat unless you know where the inviting party is going. It is not something done for show(as some have accused), but is something that I believe is a matter of right and wrong. My intentions are not to sway those of you who do not agree, but to say hey, this is why I believe what I do. . . check it out for your self. Most people who know me, either don't know I believe this, and the ones that do know didn't know for a long time. . . because I don't make a big deal about it.
As other reasons come to mind, I'll add them to the post. There are a few more, but after typing for so long, I can't remember them at the moment!
Whether you agree or not, I'd like to know what your thoughts are.
I am writing this post because of the fact that I believe that eating or fellowshiping in the proximity of alcohol is something that a Christian ought not do. Not everyone believes this, and that is fine with me. I'll not argue with you over the subject, or even try to tell you that you are wrong simply because it is not something that will keep you out of Heaven, and it is not worth getting into a big argument over.
I am writing this post because it never ceases to amaze me how many Christians are appalled at the fact that I do not eat at a restaurant that serves alcohol. Hey, if i have the choice to "abstain from all appearance of evil." then I think it would be more pleasing to my Heavenly Father if I chose to do what he commanded me to do. It is very interesting to me, that when this comes to light with a non-believer, someone who has not accepted Christ as their personal Savior, they are more often than not, fully supportive of the stand that is being taken. I have heard the statement, "Wow! That's different, but hey, you're a Christian." (This is usually after saying, I'm a Christian, and they serve alcohol. I can't eat there.) That doesn't happen often simply because I don't eat out often, and to eat out with someone who is not a fellow Christian is even more rare. (Usually only at company dinners, etc.) What gets me though is when another Christian says something like, "Well, that's dumb." or, "Well, You shop at a grocery store that sells alcohol, don't you? It's all the same thing!"
There is a difference between the two, and I hope to show what they are here. I'm not usually good at explaining things, so hopefully it can be understood why I believe what I do.
If you are a Christian reading this, then you already know that there is ample evidence in Scripture that alcoholic beverages are not intended by God to be ingested. Some examples of that are as follows:
Pr 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
(KJV)
Pr 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
(KJV)
These are only two of the many Scriptures that indicate to us that God is not pleased with drunkenness, and the consumption of alcohol. Many others indicate that it is strongly related to mockery of the Holy Spirit, is directly related to adultery and other forms of immorality, and the fact that it is just plain foolish.
As a Christian, I do not eat at restaurants that serve for the following reasons;
1. God clearly commands us as Christians to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (I Thessalonians 5:22) But not only does he command us to abstain from the appearance of evil, but also from many of the things that are associated directly with alcohol, such as fornication(which includes adultery and incest), in I Thessalonians 4:3. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" It could be very easy to be seen walking out of a restaurant not realizing that you are following, or leading a group of people that had a little too much to drink, and then be seen in church the next day. . . what kind of testimony would that be? Would they ever listen to you if you knocked on their door making calls for your church? They have a mental picture of you, even though you were not drunk, walking with a group of people that were drunk. . .some Christian he/she is. "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
2. To be in the presence of those drinking alcohol allows the Christian to be in an environment that is toxic to his/her Christian beliefs.
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Alcohol makes a mockery of everything that we as Christians stand for. It turns men and women into fools, it lowers the inhibitions of men and women and raises the passions that those inhibitions control. Generally, when one has had alcohol, he usually has one of two reactions. 1. He loves everyone, and would do anything for them, or 2. all he wants to do is fight. If it is the first, then he'll make a fool of himself by doing anything and everything someone suggests. If it is the second, not only does he fight everyone that is around, but he often goes home and abuses his family. How can I as a Christian sit there and watch as a man does either one of these two things? When we look at all of the things that alcohol does, would it be safe to say that it opens a man or woman up to satanic or demonic control? I don't know that it does, but it is something to consider.
3. Eating out is a recreational activity. I don't know of anyone that has to eat out in order to live! What an awful life if that were the case! This is my refutation to those who argue that eating in a restaurant that serves alcohol is the same as buying groceries from a store that sells it. When I go out to eat, it is something that I enjoy doing. It relieves my wife from cooking, doing the dishes, and general cleanup of the kitchen. It is also a good way for me to say to her, "Thank you for all you do for me, let me give you a break tonight!" For the single person, it would be just a way to take a break for yourself. Yes, the grocery store does sell boxed and bottled alcohol, but I am not going to the store to sit down and enjoy a meal, to take a break from the everyday meal planning, or to just sit down and fellowship with someone. I consider going to the grocery store a necessity of life(and not exactly a pleasurable one!), something that needs to be done in order to survive. I do not have the abilities to raise my own meat, or to grow all of my own vegetables and fruits, or to make many of the other things that are needed that may be purchased at the grocery store. Unfortunately, even though there are a few grocery stores that do not sell alcohol, they do not always carry some items that you may need.
4. I know that Jesus ate with the publicans and sinners, and there was probably alcohol present(if their culture then is anything like today), but I am not Jesus.
Although there is no temptation now, there may come a day when there is a temptation to taste an alcoholic beverage. I am just as likely to be tempted as the next guy, and so are you. It is no different from any other sinful activity, and Satan knows how to make it look good to the strongest believer just as he can do with anything else.
I think the main idea here is that the line needs to be drawn somewhere, and unfortunately, no matter where the line is drawn, it is sure to receive criticism. I wish it were not that way, but being different sometimes has a price.
Conclusion
I never try to make a big deal out of believing what I do about this. I have learned over the past few years that it is better to decline an invitation to go to eat unless you know where the inviting party is going. It is not something done for show(as some have accused), but is something that I believe is a matter of right and wrong. My intentions are not to sway those of you who do not agree, but to say hey, this is why I believe what I do. . . check it out for your self. Most people who know me, either don't know I believe this, and the ones that do know didn't know for a long time. . . because I don't make a big deal about it.
As other reasons come to mind, I'll add them to the post. There are a few more, but after typing for so long, I can't remember them at the moment!
Whether you agree or not, I'd like to know what your thoughts are.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
A Must Read For any Patriotic American
Please take the time to read this. Not only will it anger you, but it will also embarrass you as an American citizen. Because of copyright, I'm not sure if it would be best for me to re-post it here or not, so click on the title to read the article.
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