My quiet time Scripture reading this morning was 2 Corinthians 10-13. In the first ten verses of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about how he learned the lesson of the suffiency of grace. Paul learned that all he really needed in life was the grace of God.
That made me think of a couple verses I will be preaching on this coming Sunday evening:
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Then I thought of my blog laments about how frustrating this house process has become and how anxious I am to have some resolution. (It's pretty embarrassing when we sin so publically.)
I confessed. I followed the instructions in Philippians 4:6. God fulfilled his promise given in Philippians 4:7. I'm through with my anxious complaining. There will be no 'House Saga IV' blog post.
Lesson learned... for now.
Pastor Noel
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The House Saga
So we made an offer on the house with a pre-approval letter as per the bank's instructions. The bank (a bank owns the house) turned it down because the pre-approval letter was not from their own bank. Then we went through the process again and submitted an offer with their letter. They turned it down. Then we submitted a higher offer. They turned it down. Then we submitted a new higher offer. They turned it down and commented... "We haven't really had an issue with the money you have been offering, we just can't consider your offers in the form they are presented."
Yea. Thanks for the heads up on that.
So I guess we are back to square one.
We presented a new offer, with the correct pre-approval letter, in the correct form. What will go wrong tomorrow?
The saga continues.
Actually we aren't that frustrated. I have a peace about the whole thing. If this isn't the house for us, then we'll just look for another. We probably won't submit another offer after this one unless it is just to come up a little and see if the bank will come down to our number.
We couldn't move until after our Global Focus conference is over anyway. If we bought the house now I would have to make payments on two places for a month. So there is no real hurry.
If you think about it, pray for us.
Noel
Yea. Thanks for the heads up on that.
So I guess we are back to square one.
We presented a new offer, with the correct pre-approval letter, in the correct form. What will go wrong tomorrow?
The saga continues.
Actually we aren't that frustrated. I have a peace about the whole thing. If this isn't the house for us, then we'll just look for another. We probably won't submit another offer after this one unless it is just to come up a little and see if the bank will come down to our number.
We couldn't move until after our Global Focus conference is over anyway. If we bought the house now I would have to make payments on two places for a month. So there is no real hurry.
If you think about it, pray for us.
Noel
Monday, March 19, 2007
March Madness
March Madness has begun. No not the NCAA Basketball Tourney... I'm talking about 'Dancing with the Stars.'
This is the girls' favorite show so we all watch it as a family, or I should say, the three of them watch it and I work on the computer. (Thank God for laptops!)
Today was a pretty good day. Troy came by the church today to tell me about another teen who made a profession of faith last night after church. I won't steal her thunder by telling you who it is now, but I think she will make it public this Sunday. A few weeks ago, we spent a Sunday morning going over the theology of baptism. Since then, many peole have been taking a close look at whether their baptism was 'in order.' Pastor Wally shared with me today that he had someone else speak with him about wanting to be baptized last night. It has been an encouraging day.
During the last commercial break in 'Dancing with the used-to-be Stars,' they said that Coke has changed its formula for religious reasons. I'm not sure what they've done or why, but I think there is a sermon in that.
I may have some very good news to share with the church Sunday...
By the way, no word on the house. We thought we would hear today if they accepted our offer but we didn't. Maybe tomorrow.
Later...
Pastor Noel
This is the girls' favorite show so we all watch it as a family, or I should say, the three of them watch it and I work on the computer. (Thank God for laptops!)
Today was a pretty good day. Troy came by the church today to tell me about another teen who made a profession of faith last night after church. I won't steal her thunder by telling you who it is now, but I think she will make it public this Sunday. A few weeks ago, we spent a Sunday morning going over the theology of baptism. Since then, many peole have been taking a close look at whether their baptism was 'in order.' Pastor Wally shared with me today that he had someone else speak with him about wanting to be baptized last night. It has been an encouraging day.
During the last commercial break in 'Dancing with the used-to-be Stars,' they said that Coke has changed its formula for religious reasons. I'm not sure what they've done or why, but I think there is a sermon in that.
I may have some very good news to share with the church Sunday...
By the way, no word on the house. We thought we would hear today if they accepted our offer but we didn't. Maybe tomorrow.
Later...
Pastor Noel
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Time to Blog
I took a prospect family out to dinner tonight and even they poked fun at me for having a blog I never update... So I'll try to do better :)
Pastor Wally preached for me tonight. He preached the best message I've heard him preach. It was timely and convicting!
Tomorrow we find out if the second offer we've made on a house we want to buy will be accepted. I fear it will not. We are praying that everything will fall into place if this is God's plan.
This week is Global Focus week around the office. I hope to get all of the Global Focus stuff settled and decided. I could really use some prayers as we try to wrap up these preparations.
I went over to listen to the youth praise band do a song tonight. They did a very good job. I've asked Troy to preach one Sunday night in the next few weeks. When he does, we'll have the youth praise band play. Everyone will be pleasantly surprised.
This morning in worship service I interviewed one of the young men in the church (Jason Roundtree). Jason did a great job and had a big impact in several people's lives. If I wouldn't have called him by his wife's name (Jami) at the beginning of the interview, it would have been perfect :)
I've had way too many nights away from home. Tomorrow night, NOTHING IS GOING ON! I'm very excited. If the weather is good, I may grill some steaks. Y'all come!
This morning one of the projectors kept blinking once a second while we showed a DVD background to a praise and worship song. I had it working early this morning. This is the second or third time this has happened. There is a $50 reward for anyone who can fix it.
Enough randomness for one blog entry...
Pastor Noel
Pastor Wally preached for me tonight. He preached the best message I've heard him preach. It was timely and convicting!
Tomorrow we find out if the second offer we've made on a house we want to buy will be accepted. I fear it will not. We are praying that everything will fall into place if this is God's plan.
This week is Global Focus week around the office. I hope to get all of the Global Focus stuff settled and decided. I could really use some prayers as we try to wrap up these preparations.
I went over to listen to the youth praise band do a song tonight. They did a very good job. I've asked Troy to preach one Sunday night in the next few weeks. When he does, we'll have the youth praise band play. Everyone will be pleasantly surprised.
This morning in worship service I interviewed one of the young men in the church (Jason Roundtree). Jason did a great job and had a big impact in several people's lives. If I wouldn't have called him by his wife's name (Jami) at the beginning of the interview, it would have been perfect :)
I've had way too many nights away from home. Tomorrow night, NOTHING IS GOING ON! I'm very excited. If the weather is good, I may grill some steaks. Y'all come!
This morning one of the projectors kept blinking once a second while we showed a DVD background to a praise and worship song. I had it working early this morning. This is the second or third time this has happened. There is a $50 reward for anyone who can fix it.
Enough randomness for one blog entry...
Pastor Noel
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Attitude
Several people asked this morning for a copy of the Swindoll quote on ATTITUDE that I shared in my a.m. message, and also people asked for the 'fragrance' verses that I used but that didn't make it into the outline hand-out. (Carla writes the outlines for the bulletin inserts on Wednesday from whatever draft of the message I have done by then. Sometimes the message changes a little between Wednesday and Sunday. Usually the outline doesn't change, but the supporting verses sometimes do.)
As you requested...
Charles Swindoll: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you—we are in charge of our attitudes."
Fragrance Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NKJ Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Pastor Noel Dear
As you requested...
Charles Swindoll: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you—we are in charge of our attitudes."
Fragrance Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NKJ Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Pastor Noel Dear
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Things To Pray For...
Here are some things you can put on your prayer list...
- Global Focus... Things are coming together for our big missions conference in April. I spent some time today talking to some people in Baltimore about how our church can be involved in church planting there. They are excited... I am excited...
- Music Pastor Search... I was at the nursing home today visiting Jean Rine. As I was leaving, sweet little Miss Jean said, "Pastor sit down, I need to talk to you about something!" It startled me. I sat down as I was told. She said, "Pastor, we've gone long enough without a music pastor. I want to know when we will have one!" I said, "Yes Mam, I get the message."
- We are working on arrangements (and finances) to bring Pastor Fredrick, the pastor of the church in Kenya that we work with, to spend a few weeks with us. We need several things to fall into place (and several dollars).
- Donna George is starting a new Connect Group for ladies...
- Beth Moore Simulcast...
- Upward Basketball...
- AWANA...
- ...
Noel
Saturday, January 13, 2007
What's Up
- Upward Basketball is going great. We just finished week two of games. This year we have between 550 and 600 kids playing or cheerleading. Come out and watch a game next Friday evening or Saturday. It will be a real treat.
- Music Pastor search is progressing. The search team met with someone last week. We are in the 'intense prayer' part of the process. Join us by praying often for this need in our church.
- Our Global Focus conference is getting closer. We'll be talking more and more about this as a church. This is going to be a big step for our church. We will never be the same again after this kick-off!
- The push for additional AWANA workers worked well last week. We could still use more people, even if all you do is come and listen to kids say Bible verses it would be a big help (and it is a lot of fun).
- Great response to the "Facing the Giants" movie we showed on New Year's Eve. We will probably show it again due to so many requests. If you would like to see it again and have another chance to invite friends and family, let me know.
- Pastor Jeff and I are trying to get to Baltimore in the next week or two. Baltimore is going to be a stategic focus city in 2008. We are hoping that we may have an opportunity as a church to help them start new churches in that city. Pray that God will give us direction in this decision.
- Everyone in the family if finally well. Finally!!!
- I was sad that OSU didn't win the National Title but at least a team that had lost to Auburn did. That is like half way winning the title.
Noel
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas Catch-up
Merry Christmas!
I hope you have had a great Christmas. It has been a good day around the Dear house. Christmas gifts were opened (and the girls were very pleased), the ham was eaten... We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and the girls blew out the candles on a birthday cake. (Donna put three candles on the cake and said they stood for the Trinity. I threatened to pull out my theology books so she changed the explanation to "that is what is prettiest.") Emily quoted John 1:1-4 (thank you AWANA) and Hannah read the Christmas story from Luke. Then we played the rest of the day.
About 11:00 p.m. Emily started throwing up, hence why I am blogging at 4:00 a.m. Probably too much Christmas food.
I haven't put fingers-to-keyboard to blog lately, so I'll try to catch up with the goings on...
This past Sunday was neat. Everyone was definitely in the Christmas mood. We saw two people make professions of faith in and following our services. One in the morning, a lady who was invited to church by her neighbors several months ago. She had been very close to making this decision for a while. Pastor Wally had told me the day before that he thought it might happen Sunday and it did! The other person was an out of town guest, the father of one of the men in our church. He, his wife, and his son asked to see me after the Christmas evening service. About a half hour later, in my study, he asked God to save him. It was one of those times when you feel like all of heaven is looking down and watching!
Walking backward in time... last Saturday was a fun day too. Our church had collected the names of just over 130 children who wouldn't receive anything for Christmas without help. So families in our church 'adopted' these children. We invited them and their parents to spend Saturday with us. We had a carnival for the kids while we helped the parents sneak the gifts to their cars, then we all sat down to a very nice ham dinner with all the fixings. At the dinner we gave gifts to all of the parents. It was an example of the true Christmas spirit. Everyone had a blast, those who were receiving help and those who were helping. I was so proud of our church. All together, we gave over 1,000 gifts that day and fed who-knows how many people.
It hurts my head to try to think further back in time...
The week before we unanimously approved the 2007 church budget. (That always makes the holidays brighter for a pastor.) And we pledged over $113,000 in our second annual capital campaign!
Before that...
Vacation was good. We went to Disney World, so it wasn't exactly restful, but it was good.
By the way, an update for those of you who had been praying for me and my 'ear situation.' (For most of you who didn't know, I have this ear problem when I fly. I've had it about seven or eight years. In the first 15-20 minutes of flight my eustachian tubes blow up like balloons and hurt so bad I almost want to die. It has even caused me to lose consciousness once. I have been to doctors numerous times and tried all kinds of weird remedies to no avail.) I had a little minor surgery a few days before my Disney trip. The doctor gave it a 50-50 chance of working. I got on the plane with fear and trembling. We took off. I waited for the sharp pain to hit. Nothing happened. Nothing at all! It was wonderful! I will probably have to repeat this surgery every two to three years, but I will gladly do so if that is what it takes. Thanks for your prayers!
Well, it's almost 4:30 a.m. Emily hasn't gotten sick again, but I hear her talking in her sleep.
It is supposed to snow this morning. I wonder if it has started yet.
More later...
Noel
I hope you have had a great Christmas. It has been a good day around the Dear house. Christmas gifts were opened (and the girls were very pleased), the ham was eaten... We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and the girls blew out the candles on a birthday cake. (Donna put three candles on the cake and said they stood for the Trinity. I threatened to pull out my theology books so she changed the explanation to "that is what is prettiest.") Emily quoted John 1:1-4 (thank you AWANA) and Hannah read the Christmas story from Luke. Then we played the rest of the day.
About 11:00 p.m. Emily started throwing up, hence why I am blogging at 4:00 a.m. Probably too much Christmas food.
I haven't put fingers-to-keyboard to blog lately, so I'll try to catch up with the goings on...
This past Sunday was neat. Everyone was definitely in the Christmas mood. We saw two people make professions of faith in and following our services. One in the morning, a lady who was invited to church by her neighbors several months ago. She had been very close to making this decision for a while. Pastor Wally had told me the day before that he thought it might happen Sunday and it did! The other person was an out of town guest, the father of one of the men in our church. He, his wife, and his son asked to see me after the Christmas evening service. About a half hour later, in my study, he asked God to save him. It was one of those times when you feel like all of heaven is looking down and watching!
Walking backward in time... last Saturday was a fun day too. Our church had collected the names of just over 130 children who wouldn't receive anything for Christmas without help. So families in our church 'adopted' these children. We invited them and their parents to spend Saturday with us. We had a carnival for the kids while we helped the parents sneak the gifts to their cars, then we all sat down to a very nice ham dinner with all the fixings. At the dinner we gave gifts to all of the parents. It was an example of the true Christmas spirit. Everyone had a blast, those who were receiving help and those who were helping. I was so proud of our church. All together, we gave over 1,000 gifts that day and fed who-knows how many people.
It hurts my head to try to think further back in time...
The week before we unanimously approved the 2007 church budget. (That always makes the holidays brighter for a pastor.) And we pledged over $113,000 in our second annual capital campaign!
Before that...
Vacation was good. We went to Disney World, so it wasn't exactly restful, but it was good.
By the way, an update for those of you who had been praying for me and my 'ear situation.' (For most of you who didn't know, I have this ear problem when I fly. I've had it about seven or eight years. In the first 15-20 minutes of flight my eustachian tubes blow up like balloons and hurt so bad I almost want to die. It has even caused me to lose consciousness once. I have been to doctors numerous times and tried all kinds of weird remedies to no avail.) I had a little minor surgery a few days before my Disney trip. The doctor gave it a 50-50 chance of working. I got on the plane with fear and trembling. We took off. I waited for the sharp pain to hit. Nothing happened. Nothing at all! It was wonderful! I will probably have to repeat this surgery every two to three years, but I will gladly do so if that is what it takes. Thanks for your prayers!
Well, it's almost 4:30 a.m. Emily hasn't gotten sick again, but I hear her talking in her sleep.
It is supposed to snow this morning. I wonder if it has started yet.
More later...
Noel
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Pre Vacation Blogging
I've been away from the blog world for a while. Things have been sort of busy.
Today I have been trying to wrap up sermon preparations for December 10 since I'm heading out of town on vacation after lunch!!!
I ran across this paragraph while reading a sermon by the great preacher of the 1800's, Charles Spurgeon. I'm probably going to read a cut down version of this in my message on 12/10, but for those who read my blog, I want you to read the whole paragraph. This is great!
Just think for a moment, how much interest clusters round the life of an old man. Those of us who are but as children in years, look up to him with wonder and astonishment, as he tells us the varied stories of the experience through which he has passed; but what is the life of an aged man—how brief it appears when compared with the life of the tree that shelters him. It existed long before that old man's father crept a helpless infant into the world. How many storms have swept over its brow! how many kings have come and gone! how many empires have risen and fallen since that old oak was slumbering in its acorn cradle! But what is the life of the tree compared with the soil on which it grows? What a wonderful story that soil might tell! What changes it has passed through in all the eras of time that have elapsed since "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." There is a wonderful story connected with every atom of black mould which furnishes the nourishment of the oak. But whilst is the history of that soil compared with the marvellous history of the rock on which it rests—the cliff on which it lifts its head. Oh! what stories might it tell, what records lie hidden in its bowels. Perhaps it could tell the story of the time when "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the earth." Perhaps it might speak and tell us of those days when the morning and the evening were the first day, and the morning and the evening were the second day, and could explain to us the mysteries of how God made this marvellous piece of miracle,—the world. But what is the history of the cliff, compared with that of the sea that rolls at its base—that deep blue ocean, over which a thousand navies have swept, without leaving a furrow Upon its brow! But what is the history of the sea, compared with the history of the heavens that are stretched like a curtain over that vast basin! What a history is that of the hosts of heaven—of the everlasting marches of the sun, moon, and stars! Who can tell their generation, or who can write their biography? But what is the history of the heavens, compared with the history of the angels? They could tell you of the day when they saw this world wrapped in swaddling bands of mist—when, like a newborn infant, the last of God's offspring, it came forth from him, and the morning stars sang together, and the sons of God shouted for joy. But what is the history of the angels that excel in strength, compared with the history of the Lord Jesus Christ? The angel is but of yesterday, and he knoweth nothing; Christ, the Eternal One, chargeth even his angels with folly, and looks upon them as his ministering spirits, that come and go at his good pleasure. Oh, Christians, gather with reverence and mysterious awe around the throne of him who is your great Redeemer; for "his name is called Wonderful," since he has existed before all things, and "by him all things were made; and without him was not anything made that was made."
Wasn't that worth reading!
Pastor Noel
Today I have been trying to wrap up sermon preparations for December 10 since I'm heading out of town on vacation after lunch!!!
I ran across this paragraph while reading a sermon by the great preacher of the 1800's, Charles Spurgeon. I'm probably going to read a cut down version of this in my message on 12/10, but for those who read my blog, I want you to read the whole paragraph. This is great!
Just think for a moment, how much interest clusters round the life of an old man. Those of us who are but as children in years, look up to him with wonder and astonishment, as he tells us the varied stories of the experience through which he has passed; but what is the life of an aged man—how brief it appears when compared with the life of the tree that shelters him. It existed long before that old man's father crept a helpless infant into the world. How many storms have swept over its brow! how many kings have come and gone! how many empires have risen and fallen since that old oak was slumbering in its acorn cradle! But what is the life of the tree compared with the soil on which it grows? What a wonderful story that soil might tell! What changes it has passed through in all the eras of time that have elapsed since "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." There is a wonderful story connected with every atom of black mould which furnishes the nourishment of the oak. But whilst is the history of that soil compared with the marvellous history of the rock on which it rests—the cliff on which it lifts its head. Oh! what stories might it tell, what records lie hidden in its bowels. Perhaps it could tell the story of the time when "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the earth." Perhaps it might speak and tell us of those days when the morning and the evening were the first day, and the morning and the evening were the second day, and could explain to us the mysteries of how God made this marvellous piece of miracle,—the world. But what is the history of the cliff, compared with that of the sea that rolls at its base—that deep blue ocean, over which a thousand navies have swept, without leaving a furrow Upon its brow! But what is the history of the sea, compared with the history of the heavens that are stretched like a curtain over that vast basin! What a history is that of the hosts of heaven—of the everlasting marches of the sun, moon, and stars! Who can tell their generation, or who can write their biography? But what is the history of the heavens, compared with the history of the angels? They could tell you of the day when they saw this world wrapped in swaddling bands of mist—when, like a newborn infant, the last of God's offspring, it came forth from him, and the morning stars sang together, and the sons of God shouted for joy. But what is the history of the angels that excel in strength, compared with the history of the Lord Jesus Christ? The angel is but of yesterday, and he knoweth nothing; Christ, the Eternal One, chargeth even his angels with folly, and looks upon them as his ministering spirits, that come and go at his good pleasure. Oh, Christians, gather with reverence and mysterious awe around the throne of him who is your great Redeemer; for "his name is called Wonderful," since he has existed before all things, and "by him all things were made; and without him was not anything made that was made."
Wasn't that worth reading!
Pastor Noel
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ordinary Week
I'm in a better mood now...
We had a good Sunday yesterday. Next week will be a very important week. Keep the commitments of the church in your prayers.
I had my regular Monday morning breakfast with Pastor Tim from Northside Baptist. He is a good encourager.
The rest of the day was pretty normal. We are doing some mini dramas to kick off the three messages prior to Christmas. I got those dramas outlined this morning as well as the synopsis of the messages. I'm looking forward to Christmas this year.
Upward Basketball evaluations were tonight. I'm thinking about trying to coach both of the girls teams this year. I don't know if that is being too involved in their stuff. I guess I can decide later this week.
Not much else to write about...
Noel Dear
We had a good Sunday yesterday. Next week will be a very important week. Keep the commitments of the church in your prayers.
I had my regular Monday morning breakfast with Pastor Tim from Northside Baptist. He is a good encourager.
The rest of the day was pretty normal. We are doing some mini dramas to kick off the three messages prior to Christmas. I got those dramas outlined this morning as well as the synopsis of the messages. I'm looking forward to Christmas this year.
Upward Basketball evaluations were tonight. I'm thinking about trying to coach both of the girls teams this year. I don't know if that is being too involved in their stuff. I guess I can decide later this week.
Not much else to write about...
Noel Dear
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
A Few More Comments...
I figure, after last night's blog (you should read the previous blog first), I might as well speak my mind today...
O.K. So Ohio has pretty much banned all smoking in public. I am not opposed to that, and I did vote in favor of the law that was approved. But I think the euphoria of some over that 'victory' perfectly illustrates the assinine logic and/or selfishness of many of my fellow Christian voters.
Here is what the smoking ban gives us according to the ads we've seen on television...
1. Healthier environments (for those who survive the womb).
2. Safer public spaces for our children (at least the ones who weren't aborted).
3. Better prenatal health (so people can abort healthier babies).
My point is... People didn't vote to ban smoking because they gave one rip about the health of children and pregnant women. They voted to ban smoking because they don't like to be bothered by the smell.
Well, me neither. I'm just sorry that abortions don't stink.
Let's be truthful... because abortion, which I am told is almost always detrimental to the health of the aborted child, doesn't affect us personally or financially or nasally, we don't care. It's all about us. It's all about what we want. Let us stop trying to fool ourselves into thinking we care about the health of children.
Salt
O.K. So Ohio has pretty much banned all smoking in public. I am not opposed to that, and I did vote in favor of the law that was approved. But I think the euphoria of some over that 'victory' perfectly illustrates the assinine logic and/or selfishness of many of my fellow Christian voters.
Here is what the smoking ban gives us according to the ads we've seen on television...
1. Healthier environments (for those who survive the womb).
2. Safer public spaces for our children (at least the ones who weren't aborted).
3. Better prenatal health (so people can abort healthier babies).
My point is... People didn't vote to ban smoking because they gave one rip about the health of children and pregnant women. They voted to ban smoking because they don't like to be bothered by the smell.
Well, me neither. I'm just sorry that abortions don't stink.
Let's be truthful... because abortion, which I am told is almost always detrimental to the health of the aborted child, doesn't affect us personally or financially or nasally, we don't care. It's all about us. It's all about what we want. Let us stop trying to fool ourselves into thinking we care about the health of children.
Salt
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
It's A Bad Night
I'm going to try to be diplomatic and not draw any critical emails. Well, maybe that's not true.
It's a bad night...
It's a bad night if you believe that life is valuable. It's a bad night if you believe that children shouldn't be killed regardless of their age. It's a bad night if you believe that it might be wrong to partially deliver a baby and then kill it. It's a bad night if you believe every life is created in the image of God. It's a really bad night if you happen to be an unborn baby who doesn't want to die a violent death before you draw your first breath.
Why is it such a bad night? Because my fellow Ohioans have just elected a man for U.S. Senate, Sherrod Brown, who publically and proudly stands for legalized abortion, partial birth abortion, and for choosing judges who think it is wrong to allow the American people to decide these issues in a democratic or representative fashion.
(And I'm not even going to comment on his support of same sex marriage.)
I have heard all of the arguments about how this is better for our economy, for jobs in Ohio, for education, for health care, for seniors. Those issues are debatable, but one thing is not: If you abort a child, the child is dead. He doesn't need a job. She doesn't need healthcare. The economy is a non factor. Sure, I would like more money, cheaper healthcare, and a stronger economy, but I would trade all of those to save the life of an unborn child. I may be selfish, but I'm not that selfish.
So it is just a bad night. Don't try to cheer me up, it won't work.
To the critics who will want to email me... don't. As a non-aborted, living, American, I am allowed to have my opinions and to express them. When something is wrong, I can say so. I haven't endorsed a candidate for any race, but I have stood on certain moral, ethical, and biblical issues that supercede geography, time, and political perspectives, and I have done so proudly. It is too late to abort me. Sorry you missed the chance. So for long as I live I will not back down from expressing my belief that all life is valuable.
Salt
It's a bad night...
It's a bad night if you believe that life is valuable. It's a bad night if you believe that children shouldn't be killed regardless of their age. It's a bad night if you believe that it might be wrong to partially deliver a baby and then kill it. It's a bad night if you believe every life is created in the image of God. It's a really bad night if you happen to be an unborn baby who doesn't want to die a violent death before you draw your first breath.
Why is it such a bad night? Because my fellow Ohioans have just elected a man for U.S. Senate, Sherrod Brown, who publically and proudly stands for legalized abortion, partial birth abortion, and for choosing judges who think it is wrong to allow the American people to decide these issues in a democratic or representative fashion.
(And I'm not even going to comment on his support of same sex marriage.)
I have heard all of the arguments about how this is better for our economy, for jobs in Ohio, for education, for health care, for seniors. Those issues are debatable, but one thing is not: If you abort a child, the child is dead. He doesn't need a job. She doesn't need healthcare. The economy is a non factor. Sure, I would like more money, cheaper healthcare, and a stronger economy, but I would trade all of those to save the life of an unborn child. I may be selfish, but I'm not that selfish.
So it is just a bad night. Don't try to cheer me up, it won't work.
To the critics who will want to email me... don't. As a non-aborted, living, American, I am allowed to have my opinions and to express them. When something is wrong, I can say so. I haven't endorsed a candidate for any race, but I have stood on certain moral, ethical, and biblical issues that supercede geography, time, and political perspectives, and I have done so proudly. It is too late to abort me. Sorry you missed the chance. So for long as I live I will not back down from expressing my belief that all life is valuable.
Salt
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Whirwind Weekend
Well the whirlwind weekend is over. My step dad's father passed away on Wednesday. So on Thursday when I finished my work we headed to Alabama. We left around 6:00 p.m.. We arrived in Anniston around 1:00 p.m. on Friday. We left around midnight on Friday and got back to Heath Saturday night so I could preach on Sunday morning. One thousand, three hundred miles!
We had a pretty good day today. Three people baptized this morning. A lady named Angela made a profession of faith following the evening service!
Fairly busy week ahead...
I'll try to blog...
Noel Dear
We had a pretty good day today. Three people baptized this morning. A lady named Angela made a profession of faith following the evening service!
Fairly busy week ahead...
I'll try to blog...
Noel Dear
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)