Internet Psychic Mind Readers???

Someone sent me one of those internet illusions that claim to read our mind and since it is Saturday (the only day I allow myself to 'play' on the internet) I went ahead and took a look at it. Sure enough, this website had the uncanny ability to read my mind - every single time. I tried it with my family and some friends - it worked every single time without fail. WOW!

I'm kinda dense, so I'm a sucker for these "puzzles." The worse part is that I can never figure them out and I feel so stupid when someone points out the solution to me. Has this ever happened to you?

Nobody likes to be tricked or fooled. Yet I believe that there is an Enemy who's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy, we must be careful not to fall prey to his evil tactics. The Bible says that he transforms himself into an angel of light. In other words, Satan gives the appearance that his plan and methods are good. Yet we should not be fooled because as believers we should be aware of his schemes and devices. When sin looks good to us we have to remember that it is like a mirage, an illusion. In the end it will only destroy us.

Psychic Mind Reader? Click here to check it out. It is quite captivating, but trust me, it is merely an illusion. See if you can figure it out and let me know if you do. In the meantime, don't let the Enemy deceive you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and live for him!

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:2-3 The Message

Help! I'm doubting the Lord!

John's Disciples Sent to Jesus

Have you ever had doubts about God? Have you ever doubted his goodness? Well, if you have you are in good company. Often circumstances have a way of clouding our view of God. Check this out.

John the Baptizer (he wasn't a Baptist by denomination - I threw that in for my Baptist friends!) was thrown into prison and was cutoff from the world. Meanwhile Jesus was out healing people, preaching the gospel, and demonstrating by his deeds that he was clearly the Messiah. But John was cutoff from the "press" and was beginning to wonder if Jesus was truly the Christ.

He sent two of his disciples to enquire of the Lord if he was in fact "...the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Lk 7:19 NIV) Was he feeling sorry for himself? I don't think so. I think he was asking a very simple question: Is my life counting for something significant? Am I in prison for a just cause? If so, I don't mind suffering. Just please tell me - has my life counted for something of eternal value?

John's doubts led him to ask questions of the Lord. Let me encourage you today to allow your doubts to ask questions of the Lord. He can take it! (Besides, he already knows your thoughts) The catch is this: we have his promises all thoughout the Bible ensuring us that he loves us, will provide for us and will meet our needs (not necessarily our wants). Then, face your doubts honestly and allow the Lord to meet you where you are. And know this too that the Lord has a good plan for your life and ultimately our reward is not here on earth, but in heaven.

Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Col 3:24 NIV

Priorities

My daughter Mackenzie horseback riding

This past Saturday was a busy day around our house. On top of that, our church (www.newcovenantbible.org) was having a nationally known speaker from Bryan College in Dayton, TN John Stonestreet speaking at the church on topics I am very interested in. I had to allow my personal priorities dictate what I should do. What are your priorities? Here's two of mine.

My first priority is God. More than ever I am realizing how dependent on God I am and how much I need to continue cultivating a deep relationship with him. My time alone with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is something I constantly work on.

My second priority is family. My family and I have just walked through two of the most difficult years of our lives. Since January 2004 we had to look for a new ministry position which caused a lot of difficulty. We felt rejected and betrayed. We circled the wagons and I spent a lot of time focusing on ministering to my wife and children as we looked for another church to serve.

Having our priorities in order will help us as we try to juggle the many responsibilities of life. In a world where we often have many good choices to choose from, it helps guide us to the best choices.

The picture of Mackenzie, our 7 year old daughter? Well, instead of attending a really wonderful seminar that would have served me and my career, I'm happy to share that I took my daughter to go get a pumpkin and a pony ride. I'm glad I did.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. Mark 10:42-44NIV