Glory to God in the Hightest

To all of you, from the depth of our hearts, Sandy and I want to wish you the merriest of Christmases, and an absolutely blessed new year.

What a tremendous year God gave us in '09. It has long been our prayer that He do things that only He can receive credit and praise for. He has proven Himself over and over again and we give Him glory!

Trusting Him to do it again, in 2010!

Adapting to change

Change on any level or any degree can be difficult at best. Especially when it is unsuspected. A sudden illness, an accident, or a decision that is made, can, and usually does bring about change. It may be that someone is pressed into action, or has to take on duties that they are uncomfortable with; or maybe they have to adapt to a different lifestyle, one that is completely foriegn to them. Sometimes those changes are temporary, and sometimes they are permanent. Some changes are for the better and some are not.

Recently there have been some changes in my life. An operation that resulted in a small stroke, (if there is such a thing as a small stroke), has left my mother in law with only limited use of her right hand. Certainly that effects her, but it also effects those of us around her. I mean afterall, she has cut my hair for almost 20 years now, and I don't feel real comfortable with her snipping close to my ear with a very sharp pair of scissors. I'm only kidding! She hasn't been released to drive yet, she can't write her own checks, and eating left handed does have it's drawbacks. Through all of it she has kept her sanity. Can't say much for the rest of us though. Kidding again!

Other changes effect us and those around us as well. For instance, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians that if anyone is in Christ, they become a new creation, old things are passed away and everything becomes new. To the one that is changed, it is a great and wonderful change, but some others don't seem to understand. We don't talk the way we used to; we don't go where we used to go; food tastes better, which in turn can lead to some physical changes like weight gain, but we don't want to go there. Our friends scratch their heads and think we have lost our minds.

Still, there is another change that awaits those of us who have found that new life in Christ. It's one that will effect us in ways we can't even imagine. That right hand of my mother in law will work perfectly again. I may not even need a hair cut. We'll have a glorious body fashioned after the body of the One that began the new work in us. What a day that will be. As for me, I'm anxiously awaiting that change.

Oh, and by the way, if you haven't experienced the change that Christ brings, when He returns, your life will be effected by that change.

To borrow a phrase from Wolf Brand Chili, "How long has it been since ...?...well that's too long!"
That is how I feel about this blog spot. Time has simply gotten away from me. Thanks to all of you who have faithfully checked on my unfaithfulness to update our blog spot.

So much has happened, I don't know where to begin. I have spent most of the time since just before WILD WEEK, hopping around like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. (Another phrase I have borrowed from ...I don't remember who.) Anyway, things are returning somewhat to normal. I can't believe I said that. I can't recall any semblance of normal, ever!

Anyway, We have had an awesome summer. Our youth "Mission to Mission" was nothing less than fantastic. Through, VBS, Church services, and door to door food distribution and witnessing, 81 people came to know Christ as Savior. To Him be the glory!

On a different note, I know that most of you have been praying for Reba Burns. There will be a benefit concert on September 19th @ 6:00pm to help offset the enormous medical bills that resulted from her accident at camp. I hope that all of you will make plans to attend. There will be a tremendous time of praise and worship, and an opportunity to help out our sister in Christ. I hope to see you there.

How long has it been since you you prayed for someone who is lost; out of fellowship; sick; or thanked God for someone who isn't? "Well, that's too long!"

Did I hear someone say CAMP?

Well get ready! T's are in, (they will be passed out this Wednesday...that's tomorrow).

In case you've forgotten, our team color is red, so red up! t-shirts, bandanas, hair dye (be sure to get permission first), flags, caps, anything to show your spirit.

The BIG BUS will leave the Church parking lot at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 7th. Don't be late!

It will be good to see some of our old friends again, (like Kacy & "Grandpa" Ken) and meet some new ones.

I AM EXCITED!!!

Where has it gone?

This past weekend our "son", whom Sandy and I have tried to raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, walked across the stage and received his high school diploma. As I watched, as best I could through tear clouded eyes, a young man that once occupied a vast majority of our lives, began a new phase of his.

Amidst the swelling of the chest to button popping proportions, and quiet, but very noticeable tears, I realized, again, that not only was his life about to change, but ours was as well.

As he left Sunday afternoon for his new job at a youth camp, I walked into his now vacant room, and wondered if I had done the job that God entrusted to me years ago. It seemed like it was only yesterday that he was taking his first steps, and blowing out a single candle on a birthday cake.

It's in these times that our minds race with thoughts, not of wondering if our children are going to disappoint us, but have we disappointed them? Have we done all we could do to prepare them for what God has in store? Have we missed some important teaching opportunity? Will they be able to face this ever changing world with confidence and purpose?

Then I think of the many students in our youth group, and wonder the same things about them. What will they take with them into the coming years?

As I say so long to a fantastic group of graduates, wondering where the time has gone, I say hello to another group of kids who are wide with expectations, and excitement of becoming a part of our youth group.

It's with these thoughts spinning in my head, that I find both comfort and challenge in the timeless truth of God's Word, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

But still, I don't know where the time went and if the lessons were adequate. So I will simply, "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding and in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct mine and their paths."

Asset or Liability?

In a world where many people see teen-agers as a liability, I can only direct your attention to Lake Fork Baptist Church. It is there, that on any given Wednesday night, you will find between 55 and 70 "youth" praising and worshipping the God of their salvation.

In that crowd you will also find 14 students who are giving up a portion of their summer vacation to serve on mission teams that will carry the Gospel to: the Rio Grande Valley, Israel, Kazakhstan (Russia), and Tasmania, Australia.

I join God in viewing these, and all other teens, as an asset. I give Him praise for allowing me to be in the presence of a group of "Souled Out" youth.

Rambo or Barney Fife

Some will remember two completely different characters that bring to mind two completely different characters. Rambo (Sly Stallone) was a perfect picture of a perfect physical specimen, while Barney Fife (Don Knotts) was the exact opposite. One feared nothing, while the other was scared of his own shadow.

Some years ago I traveled to Ontario Canada on a hunting trip. Bear hunting! (How stupid is that?) The "bush" was thicker than "The Big Thicket" in east Texas. Small trails led deep into the woods. Upon arrival at the camp, my hunting guide, who was a bear of a man himself, led me down one of those trails approximately 3/4 of a mile into the bush. He showed me a stand in a tree about 15 feet off the ground. Boards nailed to the tree trunk were to be used as a ladder to climb up the tree.Once in the tree, the stand was a piece of plywood approximately 2 feet by 3 feet. That was where I was to sit and wait for a bear to come along the same trail that I had just walked to get to the tree. We then returned to camp to get dressed for the hunt.

With so much camo on that I would never be found in the woods if I were to get lost; my back pack full of everything I could possibly need if I did get lost; my rifle, knives, ammunition, and tons of other stuff, in case I got lost; I climbed in the back of a pick up and headed out... to the woods. My guide stopped the truck about 1/2 mile from the small trail that I was supposed to walk down to get to my tree stand. As I watched him drive away, reality set in! I looked like Rambo, but I felt like Barney Fife.

On the outside I looked fearless, but on the inside, well, that 's a different story. I don't think my senses had ever been as keen as they were that late afternoon. Every sound turned my head. The light breeze sounded like gale force winds. The crackling of a branch under my feet sounded like a giant tree crashing to the ground. My heart was in my throat. The sound of my pulse thumped in my ears like a bass drum. I was alive and I knew it.

I recall another time when, walking down an alley on the south side of Chicago, the Rambo, Barney Fife thing occurred. Only this time the opposite was true. I looked like Barney Fife, but I felt like Rambo. My mission was to share the Gospel with some kids who were drug addicts. I had met their parents, and/or siblings in a drug rehab center where I held weekly Bible studies. My senses were alive; my walk was with purpose; lives were in the balance. Being obedient to the great commission carries with it a boldness and power that is unmatched in any activity, on any level. Knowing that the God of all creation is walking with you, dispels all fear. As I look back, I was more alive then than I was in the woods of Canada.

By the way, I did bag a bear. But greater still...some drug addicted kids gave their hearts to Christ.

Because He is, I am, ALIVE!

Proverbs 28:1 says "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

I am what I am!

When God pronounces a "woe" you can take it to the bank. Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Recently in the news, Homeland Security named, to the shock and dismay of many, some groups that they included as terrorists and could possibly pose a threat to our country.

I am proud to say that I belong to almost all of those groups. I am:

• a veteran, having served our country for 4 years of active duty in the US Navy, and I will still fight to defend my country and my family!
• a conservative right wing supporter of the pro-life movement (which is not a movement but is a Biblical standard set long before movements began)
• a Christian who still believes that God is a holy and righteous God who loves us, but also judges sin and unrighteousness.
• a preacher who believes the Bible is the infallible, inherent Word of the living God and who believes and teaches end time prophecy;
• and to sum it up I am: a wide eyed, sanctified; blood bought, Spirit taught; Bible totin', Scripture quotin'; Satan bashin', sin thrashin'; Christ followin', pride swallowin'; hard prayin', truth conveyin'; faith walkin', Gospel talkin'; bonafide BIG TIME believer and proud of it!

So if that classifies me as a terrorist...I am what I am!

It's Crunch Time

It's time for our pre-camp meetings. Deadlines are here and paperwork is due soon!

April 22nd...everyone going to camp needs to meet in the youth room @ 7:30 pm. Your paperwork will be handed out at that time.

THEN, Saturday, April 25th @ 9:00 am, parents and campers will meet in the Sanctuary to go over all the paperwork and get it turned in. It must be completed at that time. There will also be a question and answer time. I have made arrangements for a notary to be available in case you need one.

I am looking forward to another blessed week at camp. If you haven't checked out the web-site go to www.wildweek.com and www.campwow.com. Get ready!

Sense or Sensitivity

I have always thought of myself as having relatively good sense. Still at times I wonder! What is good sense anyway? Is it making right decisions? Is it knowing how to accomplish a certain task or work out a difficult problem? Or is it having sense enough to keep your mouth shut and walk away from what might become a bad situation. Sometimes we as adults think we have more sense than the younger generation. After all we have experience at life. But there are times when sense needs to give way to sensitivity. Being sensitive to the needs of others is what actually makes more sense in almost every situation.

Did you ever have a bad day? Have you ever needed a pat on the back? I certainly have, and if you've been around teens very long you know that many of them have as many bad days as they have good ones. Maybe a not so good report card; or perhaps a so called friend made fun of them or put them down in front of their peers. Or quite possibly they don't come from the best home environment. But praise the Lord they choose to come to church! Maybe they aren't dressed like we would prefer. They may even have holes in their jeans or smudges on their faces. But deep down on the inside they have feelings just like yours and mine.

The next time you see one of our students, or anyone else for that matter, who isn't smiling, or isn't wearing what we you think they should, give them a hug or a pat on the back or maybe even one of your smiles. They might be having a bad day. Be sensitive, which by the way shows good sense.

Who's account is it anyway?

How much is too much and how far is too far? I suppose those are age old questions. When it relates to us personally we have a tendency to draw some very definite lines. Sometimes we get pushed and shoved around until we throw up our hands and say "enough!"
Having recently learned (well maybe not completely), some lessons about deposits to and withdrawals from our personal accounts (not $'s in banks located in the town where we live, but our emotional banks), I'm fearful that for the most part I am overdrawn and in some cases on the verge of bankruptcy. Those words can relate to our account from which others withdraw or to the accounts of others from which we withdraw.

I am thankful that God's bank is never empty, even though there are times I'm sure He could say to me "enough!, you haven't made enough deposits to cover your withdrawals and your account is overdrawn." But instead, "Out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again."

He could have said "enough" when my sin debt became so great that it would have tested anyone elses love and patience, instead, "He bore my sin in His own body on the cross."

He could have said "enough" when my sin drove nails in His flesh and peirced His side; He could have called legions of angels to His rescue, instead He said, "It is finished!" and He died alone for you and ME.

Transaction completed! (An accounting term meaning... reconciled.)

So the next time we want to throw our hands up and say "enough"...or ask "how much is too much", or "how far is too far"...remember that "we owed a debt we could not pay and He paid a debt He did not owe" and that's called GRACE.

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

Busy! Busy ! Busy!

Don't look now but our already busy schedule is getting busier!

Spring sports...UIL competition...proms... spring break...graduation...on and on and on. Not to mention preparation for VBS, summer camp, mission trips, D- Now weekend, splash bash, and then SCHOOL AGAIN! When will it ever slow down? Almost makes me tired just writing about it.

As busy as it is I LOVE IT! It sure does make the day pass. Of course if you aren't involved in all or at least some of these activities you probably have some time on your hands.

In busy times or in our spare time we all need to take time or make time for God. After all, He took time out of His busier than ours schedule to create for us a beautiful world for us to enjoy; gave us the gifts and talents we have that we might show forth His praise and glory in our lives. He even took 33 years and set them aside just for us, to prove His love by both living and dying for us.

So, the next time you check your watch or your calendar, remember that time, once it is used up...is gone, never to be regained. And always remember, "Just one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last."

Attention Bargain Hunters!

The smart shopper is always looking for a bargain. The best possible product for the best price. Included in that price we want warranties and most of all guarantees. Assurance that whatever product we choose will bring full and complete satisfaction, won't wear out wear down or show any signs of erosion.Some call it "more bang for the buck."

Have I got a deal for you! It's found in the 91st Psalm.

"If you make the LORD your refuge ...and your habitation" (Psalm 91:9), there are some guarantees that follow that decision.

Living "IN" the LORD brings:

• protection - "no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your dwelling", angels will protect you wherever you go. vs 10-11
• victory - "lions and poisonous snakes will be trampled under your feet" vs. 13
• deliverance - "When they call...I will answer...I will be with them...I will rescue them" vs 15
• satisfaction - "I will satisfy them and give them long life...and My salvation." vs 16

WOW! A lifetime guarantee!

And the best part, the price is exactly right. Oh it was very costly to the original purchaser; cruel mockings, scourging, the thorns, the nails. the cross, the blood. Then the offer: "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Are you thirsty for a real bargain? You can't beat this offer!

Religion Relationships and Roadmaps

Have you ever been accused of trying to force religion on someone? It seems that when we talk to others about faith in Christ we are misunderstood and the one we are talking to thinks we are talking about "Religion." So, immediately we make an attempt to shift the conversation by saying "I'm not talking about Religion, I'm talking about Relationship."

After all, isn't a close relationship with Jesus what we desire?
But, how do we get to that point without having some religious practices?
Doesn't our spirituality need and depend on worship, prayer, Bible reading/study, and fellowship? And aren't those things "religious" in nature?

Jesus seemed to hate religion when He condemned the Pharisees for the way they "practiced" theirs; the rituals of giving, fasting, and praying to be seen of men. But, He taught His disciples how to pray, encouraged fasting, told them to search the Scriptures, spent much of His time fellowshipping with them and others, and eventually shed His blood for the "church" which is religious in its very nature.
It is true that our spirituality is totally based on our relationship with Christ, but "Religious practices" can be "Roadmaps" that lead to a "Relationship" that is not only fulfilling but rewarding as well.

I hope to see you in church so we can worship, pray and study God's Word together.

Religiously in a Relationship,
Bro. Bob

DEADLINE! DEADLINE! DEADLINE!

Registration fee for camp is due this week.

This summer we will be going ot Camp WOW (Walk On Water) in Oklahoma. Checkout their web site www.campwow.com Camp dates are July 7-11. It is still WILD WEEK, just a different location...6 hours closer! Ken Freeman and Kacy Benson will be speaking and Nick Thurmond will be the lead worshipper. I am looking forward to another tremendous week.

You can start praying now that God will do again what He has done before...souls saved and hearts set on fire with the message of salvation found only in Christ's blood.

If you haven't signed up...there's still time.

LET ME KNOW THIS WEEK!

Not So Friendly Fire

In times of war the battlefield can be absolutely crazy. Bullets whistling through the air, bombs being dropped, everywhere you turn there is another enemy to face or a battle to be fought. Casualties are inevitable and most are a result of enemy fire, but occasionally there are those who fall from being wounded by someone who is supposed to be on their side. It can happen from being so close to the battle that they get in the line of fire of someone who is taking aim at the enemy. But there have been cases where an ally has be shot down intentionally. In either case the term used to describe it is "friendly fire."

In our everyday walk as soldiers of the cross we are in a constant battle and there are casualties. Satan's attack is so strong that some fall as a result of his many devices and temptations. Sadly enough, sometimes he uses one believer to attack another. In some cases it can be as simple as a comment made jokingly, but many times those comments are malicious and are intended to bring hurt and/or harm. Many is the believer who has fallen victim to gossip or deceitful criticism. Those bullets and bombs are called, "not so friendly fire"

A song we learned as children says it best. "Oh be careful little lips what you say, for the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little lips what you say."

Let us not be ignorant of satan's devices by allowing him to take advantage of us.
(Bro. Bob's paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 2:11)

Exciting times!

Here and now!

In case you haven't been there...Wednesday nights have been incredible; tremendous crowds, awesome worship and the life group studies have been fantastic! Don't wait to get involved. You will be blessed.

Sign up for camp if you haven't already, deadlines are approaching. The $50.00 registration fee is due no later than March 4th.

Summer mission plans are in the final stages. There are still openings for the trip to the valley July 18-25. If you are interested, please contact me at my office or on my cell. I talked with Pastor Pollo in Edinberg and they are as excited as we are about our visit. The church is already making plans for our arrival. I personally can hardly wait to see our friends there. Please pray for them.


In the news: Playoff bound! GO OWLS & WILDCATS

Reflecting back when as a new born babe in Christ, (many many years ago,) God allowed me to attend prayer meetings in a small country church in Arkansas. It was there that plain and simple men, many of whom were cotton farmers, some with very little education, would pour out their hearts to God. They put into practice what we read in James 5:16 ..."the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." At times God's presence was so real that I wanted to peek to see if He was standing right there.

When we enter into our prayer closet something miraculous happens. We are immediately in the very presence of our heavenly Father, who by the way is the creator of the universe, who knows no limits or boundaries, and we have His undivided attention.

Yet at the same time we enter into a huge and ongoing prayer meeting where countless millions of blood bought believers are praising Him and making known their requests.

It is with both of these thoughts in mind that my faith is strenghtened and causes me to want to linger more and more in His presence.

Our God is an awesome God!

Wow! What a tremendous weekend!

Lake Fork Youth... you are fantastic. I have had nothing but praise for all you did and the way each of you conducted yourselves.

Lake Fork Deacons, wives, and widows of our church...thank you for allowing us to serve and be a part of the "Acts 6 Banquet." We really enjoyed ourselves.

Homer was a hoot!

Lake Fork family...you are the greatest. Thank you for attending our annual Valentine's Banquet and giving to help our kids go to camp this summer. When all was said and done you gave in excess of $2000.00. We are truly greatful.

Be sure to bow to our newly crowned "King and Queen", Ken and Jill McKnight. :)lol. Seriously, thank you Ken and Jill for all you do for our youth department both in and away from church. Ya'll are a huge blessing.


Congratulations to Pam Morrison for guessing to within "1" the total number of stones and shells in the vase. If you are interested, there were 238, and Pam's, actually Lynn's, guess was 237. We hope you enjoy dinner on us.

Finally complete

"Amen, Praise the Lord, Halleluia, and the youth said, Ohh Yeah! "
These have become familiar words on Sunday morning over the past 3 months.
Today I say those words again. Not that some life changing decision has been made, but that the 2008 WILD WEEK Camp Video is complete. Of course you must understand that the person putting it together is technologically handicapped. (For all of you who might be wondering, that would be ME!)

Anyway, there will be a sign up/order sheet in the youth room Wednesday night and Sunday morning. The cost is $5.00(satisfaction not guaranteed)

While editing and adding sound to this video I got to see the faces that remind me of why I accepted this position in the first place. I especially love the smiles. Just to remind you...YOU ARE TERRIFIC!... and I am a blessed man.

Thank you for your patience and faithfulness. Always remember that I love you, but Jesus loves you MOST!

Always trying to think of some special way to say things very often leaves things unsaid. For instance, there is no better way to say I love you than, "I love you."

There is also no better way to tell God what's on your heart than to just come right out and say it.

Such is the case with me today. There is a teenage boy in Children's Hospital in Dallas who is suffering with stage 5 Lupus. He is not part of our youth group; as far as I know he doesn't attend church; but he is always smiling, and unlike many who do attend church, he always speaks and has a kind word to say. Do I understand? No, I must say I don't. But if I have to understand God's dealings with people then I would not be believing that He is in control and faith would not be a part of my life.

Since I claim to be a believer, and have exercised faith in so many other areas of my life, I am expressing to God what is on my heart. I am asking that He gives wisdom to doctors, patience and tenderness to care givers, grace to family members, courage to this young man, and peace in the hearts of all who know and love him.

Please join me in praying for Victor as he goes through this difficult time in his life.

A Whole New Look

If you haven't been by the youth room lately, you really need to go take a look. Thanks to many who have given of their time, the youth group, (Alex, Isaac, Justin & Shelby), Lillian White, and LFBC Voluteer Builders, we are going "out with the old and in with the new." Although there is still much to do, we can now meet in there again ( the paint fumes are almost gone.) Stop by anytime. Better still, join us for a tremendous night of praise, worship and studying God's Word together.

Calendar update: January 25 -

• drama practice with Bro Perry Sunday afternoon, 4:30 in the Sanctuary. (Jesus Saves mime skit)
• Afterglow at Lake Quitman - Woodman of the World Camp

Where were you when the lights went out?

I was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying my first cup of coffee and reading, something I do every morning, when all of a sudden everything went dark. (This is not an unusual occurance if you have Wood County Electric as your service provider.) Still it was unexpected. My wife was sitting in the bed reading, Justin was still sleeping and expecting his alarm to wake him. No matter how many times we went to the light switch the power wasn't there. The problem had to be addressed and fixed.

Having power seems to be as natural as having running water. We take it for granted. I remember a few months ago when we once again lost power. (Rumor has it that a snake had slithered it's way into the switching station and shorted out the system.)

In our daily walk with God we often take His power for granted. We go about our daily routine and never notice that slithering sin that finds its way into our lives and shorts out our spiritual power source. Spiritual power comes with a right relationship with God; sin hinders it. Let's not wait until the time we need it most to discover it's missing.

"If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9 KJV

Above my computer screen taped to the wall is a picture of a very good friend of mine. While we were spending time with friends and family during Thanksgiving and Christmas, he was many thousands of miles away in Afganistan. As I looked at his picture my mind went back in time some 40+ years when as a teen ager I spent my first Christmas away from home anchored off the shore of Japan. Even though that was long long ago, I still remember the loneliness I felt that Christmas eve. When Christmas was over, missing home didn't go away. We often think of and pray for service men and women, missionaries, shut-ins, those in prison, and the homeless during the holidays. We even go so far as to send cards, care packages, and give special love offerings this time of the year. But what about the other eleven months. Shouldn't we make every effort to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Take the time this week to send a post holiday greeting to someone far away, or visit some one who is home alone. For sure it will brighten their day and if you let it, yours too. If you don't know anyone like that give me a call, I know one in particular that would love to hear from you.

Mark your calendar

Jan. 7 - S.A.L.T. meeting after Wed. pm service - youth room
Jan. 17 - S.W.A.T. assignment at Carl Gannon's 9:00 - noon
Jan. 25 - afterglow - location TBA
Jan. 25 - Evangelism Conference - evening service
Feb. 7 - Acts 6 banquet - we will be serving dinner to the deacons, their wives and the widows of our church family. (afterward we will decorate for Sunday's banquet
Feb. 8 - Valentine's Banquet - Church wide spaghetti dinner. Youth department fund raiser for camp. (if you are going to camp, be there to help serve)