The Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13: "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. "

I have been thinking about this verse lately because its truth is something I've been wanting to include in a song I have been working on recording. But, in general the subject of self-denial has been something I've been wrestling with for some time and after reading a post by my friend Rod Carroll on a book he recently read by John McArthur I was challenged even further to think about this issue. Here are some of my conclusions:

1. We do not earn our salvation by self-denial......it is by self-denial that we show we are saved.

2. If we believe in Christ alone for salvation and fogiveness of sins, it has to be because we have a broken and contrite heart over our sins.

3. If this faith resides in us, then we will love Christ.

4. If we love Him, we will want to obey Him and His word and commands will be the standard that guides our love driven obedience.

5. Such love will go against the grain of our yet fallen (but regenerated) natures , and so to obey will often involve a stuggle with the flesh (remaining sin in us).

Thus the gate is narrow that leads to life. Only those with this faith in Christ love Him enough to want to obey Him when it goes against our nautural fallen desires and ambitions or in difficult circumstances. The broad way has plenty of room and space enough to accomodate our amalgamations of selfishness and notions of faith in Chist. It is magnanimous enough to allow us to continue in known sin and feel good about our relationship with God. Yet, ........in what is the best explantion of self-denial, our Lord Jesus had this to say after speaking on taking up our cross and denying ourself:

Luke 9:24: "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it."

Putting to death sin and all self-rule. That's it...SELF-RULE and all its expressions of selfishness and sin must die to enter the narrow gate and stay on that narrow path. And Jesus said few are those who find this way to life. Why?? It goes against our fallen nature. It is all of grace that any of us have entered this narrow gate. This way of salvation is open to all who want it. But herein lies the problem. We by nature to not want it on Christ's terms.

Yet,........Fly to Jesus......and be at peace with God.
He still receives sinners.

Snow Day in the Deep South...5.5 inches

I got out of bed this am and walked into the living room.....glanced outside and thought to myself..."man, we sure got a good frost last night"....and then realized it was snow and was still snowing. Woke everybody else up to check out and play in the snow.....just doesn't happen that often around here. The weather man predicted a possible snowy/wintery mix of moisture up north of us but only a low temp. of about 36 degrees. Well, guess who was wrong! The Lord sends even His snow on those he chooses!
Here are a few pics........!!!


Julie and Lauren....

Little Will......

Me and my girlfriend..!!!

Christmas Hymns

If you are like myself you most likely grew up singing the same 8 to 10 "Christmas Hymns" each year over and over again, .....of which many do have excellent texts. However, what I was not aware of is that there are a great number of Christmas Hymns out there that for one reason or another have not made it into the average hymnbook over the past 50 to 100 years. In fact, there are tons of good hymns out there that just aren't being used ........with rich biblical texts full of sound theology. Hymns from which you can really be thought good doctrine. Texts that take you on a good journey and point out the glory of God.
With this in view I would like to take a few posts to share some of my favorite "new" Christmas Hymns. However, this first selection is not one of those but one of the more familiar standards that happens to be my all time favorite Christmas Hymn. Try and read it without singing it like a poem you have never read. The theology is amazing. Enjoy!

Hark! the herald angels sing,"Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!
"Joyful, all ye nations rise,join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim,"Christ is born in Bethlehem!
"Hark! the herald angels sing,"Glory to the new born King!

"Christ, by highest heaven adored;Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased as man with man to dwell,Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,"Glory to the new born King!

"Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,born that man no more may die,
born to raise the sons of earth,born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,"Glory to the new born King!"

Charles Wesley

College Regular Season is in the books......

Here's is how the SEC West played out in conference play: (www.secsports.com)
Alabama 8-0 impressive..
Ole Miss 5-3 surprising....
LSU 3-5 disappointing...
Arkansas 2-6 hmmmmm.....
Auburn 2-6 are you kidding me....??
Miss. St. 2-6 sadly, not really surprising....

I believe the SEC media had picked Auburn 1st followd by LSU. I guess that's why predictions don't mean a thing.....ya gotta tee it up play the games.
Once again the SEC finished up strong in the National standings and if Alabama or Florida wind up winning the National Championship it will make 4 out of the last 6 years a SEC team has won it all and 3 in a row.......LSU03, FLA06, LSU07, ALA/FLA08????? We'll have to wait and see.
Hey, but does anybody really care.......? I guess some of us in the SEC do.......but in life's big scheme, it is just a game that big boys play!! Let's not lose any sleep over it.
Any nascar fans out there??

Happy Thanksgiving

The apostle Paul over and over speaks about being thankful and how Christians are to function with an attitude of thanksgiving everyday. As I think about that, I'm struck by the thought of how this is just the opposite attitude our fallen nature takes. Really, it takes little to no effort to complain about most anything. Long shopping lines. Bills. Stress at work. Stess at home. The evergrowing high cost of living. A dissapointing this or that.........you name it.
It does on the other hand take effort to be thankful. Our selfish nature opposes it. We have to make ourself count our blessings or they will often go uncounted. I include myself. No wonder Paul makes it a top priority to often remind Christians to be thankful. Why??? Because we don't deserve any of the good things and times we experience. If we consider honestly in the light of God's word what we deserve............we would cover our mouth's .........and if we would dare speak it would be to say "Thank You Lord, Thy will be done"..............But you know the good things we enjoy. The things we easily take for granted. Health. Food. Clothing. A roof over our family's head, besides all the extra blessings like vacations, Christmas gifts and the like that most of us are blessed to enjoy. Friday outings. Friends over for dinner. Church family get togethers. Easter candy. A steak dinner. McDonald's. TV. Movies. CD's. ......on and on......(cell phones).............
but we actually deserver none of this. We deserve to live in misery. We deserve to eternally exist in torture. We deserve God's wrath justly expressed and poured out on us in Hell. Forever. And Forever.
But...........God has sent Jesus. If we have Him we have everything. Yes, everything. Eternal forgiveness of sins. What is a long line at Walmart compared to that?? What is a loss in a football game in light of that? What is a tought day at work in light of that? Mere light afflictions not worthy to be compared with what is coming to us...........Eternal Bliss with our Savior!
Let's be thankful and commit ourselves to encouraging one another to be thankful. We have so much when many have nothing. Many near and far do live in extreme poverty. May they one day find everything in Christ if they have not already. May we commit ourselves to that task and joyfully take our role in the gospel enterprise........whatever God has for us........let us do it with all our might so others may see Christ in us. And be thankful.
"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" 1Thes. 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving!

FBCC WebSite

I'm happy to announce that First Baptist Chruch, Clinton Louisiana has a new website thanks to Carrie King. Carrie has done an excellent job of creating a fresh, user friendly site for our church that allows anyone access to online sermons and podcasting. She would tell you it is a work in progress, but she has uploaded a good bit of Bro. Fred's most recent sermons from his series in Ephesians as well as the initial lesson from Bro. Mitch for the adult sunday school class.
Bro. Fred's messages from Eph. 6 on the "the armor of God" have been the best presentations of such that I have ever been exposed to. Especially his message on 11/09/08 on "the Breastplate of Righteousness". It is a message that is packed full of encouragement for the believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Also, Bro. Mitch has started a new study for the adult sunday school class. He is going through a book entitled "Spiritual Depression-its causes and cure" by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I personally plan on utilizing the online listening feature for this study since I am now teaching sunday school myself.
If you want to check out First Baptist Clinton just go to:http://www.fbcclintonla.com

Full and Free

Twas fixed in God's eternal mind,
when His dear sons should mercy find.
From everlasting He decreed,
when every good should be conveyed.

c.
In every mercy......full and free,
A sovereign God I wish to see........
To see how grace, free grace has reigned,
In every mercy He ordained.

Also the means were fixed upon,
through which His sovereign love should run.
And every favor richly given,
flows from the high decree of heaven.

pilgrim project vol. 1

Fly

there is a way that seems right to a man,
while he seeks to follow his heart;
feelings deceive while he makes his plans,
and death will be the last part.

unless the light of the gospel breaks in,
and gives us eyes to see,
what the true nature of sin is within,
we'll perish in our unbelief.

c1
we must fly......unto Jesus,
and forsake our own way,
He's the Door into heaven,
oh come to Him and be saved.

People are searching for something that’s real,
Longing for meaning in life.
Groping they stumble alone in the dark,
Unwilling to come to the Light.

c2
want you fly........unto Jesus?
from your sins be made whole,
if your load has you weary,
oh come, find rest for your soul.

want you fly.......unto Jesus?
and find rest in His arms,
if your heart now is broken,
oh come, embraced by his charms.

br.
rebel sinners by nature,
unworthy to be received,
yet the grace of God in salvation,
is given to such as believe.

c3
want you fly......unto Jesus,
and forsake your own way.
He's the Door into heaven,
Oh come to Him and be saved.

want you fly......unto Jesus,
be at peace with your God;
through His blood find forgiveness,
oh come, His grace is for all......
oh come, His grace is for all......
oh come, His grace is for all......


pilgrim project vol1 (town/williams)

Our God Reigns

The king's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. Proverbs 21:1

McCain or Obama......the Lord will direct, raise up and bring down according to His Sovereign decree. What must we do? Pray for whoever is in the position of authority and submit within biblical bounds. They are not there by accident, even though their moral character may be lacking. Remember the Apostle Paul who instructed Christians to be subject to the governing authorities. If I am not mistaken, a wicked man by the name of Nero may have been in authority during at least part of the New Testament era.

Vote

.....it's finally election day. I think almost every commercial on TV last night was a campaign add.........whew!!......I'm glad that's over. I did catch some of SNL's Presidential Bash. Some of that stuff is hilarious......though I have to watch it guardedly and with a fast remote because they can get "off color".....
How about Starbucks and free coffee...??
One has to wonder if they will actually sell anything today...........I had to make do with my home made Wal Mart coffee with french vanilla creamer....YUM...!.....since there are no Starbucks on my way to work. I think State workers are off today......I know the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools are out. Must be nice.

Also, it seems I need to be reminded each time about how a presidential election works with the "Electorial College" vs. popular vote. Cathy and I had a good discussion about it last night. She made the point that in today's world it seems the Electorial College is somewhat outdated especially since now most places (I assume?) use voting machines that are electronic/computerized that give you a tally practically instantly thus giving the populace an "instant voice" on the matter. I know the E. C. is based on population which is good, but wouldn't it be good-er (southern english) to base it all on simply the vote of the individuals of the nation?
Just my take.
Do they still use "chad" machines in Florida?

Anyways.....

If you have not yet, please go Vote for McCain.

The Fall....so far......

A few pics from the early fall...............

the Fires of Reformation...10/31/1517

back in the 16th century,
with darkness all around;
religion was so empty,
it was tradition bound.

for those in the high places,
who to the truth were blind;
their lies were propagated,
keeping the truth confined.

they taught to get forgiveness,
your money it would cost;
they gave no gospel witness,
no preaching of the Cross.

without such proclamation,
God's way could not be known;
the gospel of salvation,
by grace through faith alone..........

BUT,
amid such awful darkness,
at God's appointed time;
He made Himself a witness
to bring His Truth to light.

God raised up Martin Luther,
a monk in need of grace;
and taught him through the scripture,
the just shall live by faith.

with God his mighty fortress,
Luther began to teach;
that faith alone in Jesus,
was all a man did need.

This caused a great upheaval,
with many of his day;
the pope's men thought him evil,
while multitudes were saved.

Justification by faith in Christ, the battle cry, of eternal life...........

IT......WAS......TIME......!
For the Fires of Reformation to burn bright.
CHANGING TIMES......!
Now the Gospel of Grace would once again shine.

SHINE......!!!

Happy Reformation Day..!!!


pilgrim project vol. 2

It's Fall in south Louisiana

Fall has officially arrived. The temps this past weekend were great and on Friday evening,
I couln't pass up the opportunity to light the chiminea for the first time this season. Was awesome sitting there with Cathy as Will rode around the patio on his trike. I really love the fall....it's the time of year me and Cathy fell in love.

Here's to the cool temps!!! Even got down to the mid thirties last night which is a little unusual for these parts in October.
Thank you Lord, for all these "little" blessings that make life here enjoyable. May I find my true happiness in You........

Oh Well.............

LSU vs. Georgia post game thoughts.

...both defenses gave up 38 points. ...sounds crazy.
One QB threw 2 picks returned for TD's which turned out to be the difference in the game.

End Result= Tigers Lose...........52 - 38.
Geaux Tigers.
Geaux Dogs.....get Florida!

Grace

Grace is-- God being kind to those who deserve His wrath and anger.
Grace is-- God being merciful to those who deserve punishment.
Grace is--God's goodness/unmerited favor shown to those who do not deserve it.

All of us by nature do not believe this.

Listen to converstations between unbelievers. In the grocery store, at funerals or wherever. Often when death is faced or at other times you hear folks make statements like this, especially down here in the south....."he was a good ol boy, I never heard him say anything bad about anyone" or
"I know I'm not perfect but I've never killed anyone" or
"I know I don't go to church but I'm not as bad as ol so and so and they were raised in the church"or
"I know he's done such and such but he really was a good person at heart".

What is the problem with this type of language?
Well, it's the same basic problem the Jews had when faced with Jesus as the Messiah. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. It's the language of self-righteousness. Not seeing their utter spiritual bankrupcy before God but depending on the fact that they were "Abrahams offspring". Their self-righteousness was geneological--that is, it was tied to who their ancestors were and the practice of their religion. The same is done over and over today. It is the natural inclination of fallen man. To base our eternal relationship with God on something other than Christ.......like, "my grandfather was a preacher", or "I'm not that bad, ....surely the good I've done out weighs the bad".........
All Self-Righteousness.............
The problem is our ancestry is not the standard.
Whether or not we are as bad as our neighbor is not the standard.
The standard is God. His Law (10 commandments) which reveal His perfect moral character.
In the light of that standard we all fall miserably, yes inifinitely short.

Fly to Jesus.
He completely fulfilled the righteousness of the Law on behalf of sinners and satisfied God's just anger and wrath for all the times we broke that Law.
Fly to Jesus.
You will be accepted by God ONLY in HIm.
Fly to Jesus................

LSU vs. South Carolina

...not much to say this week.
If the LSU defense continues not to blitz and not apply pressure to the USC QB, they could be in trouble again. I beleive we have the personel, just questioning the scheme I see executed on the field. But, Rejoice in the Lord...!!! He is always victorious!!!

Geaux Tigers

i know

the dreadful plight of fallen man,
the depth of his disease.
there is no shade of good in him,
for which he now may plead.

within his heart there is no light,
to point him in the way.
he cannot see his need of Christ,
without a work of grace.

i know.....i don't deserve to love of God,
i know.....i don't deserve His peace,
i know.....the just shall live by faith alone,
i know.....in Christ i am complete.

the message of the gospel is,
that God can now be just,
and justify the vilest men,
by faith in Jesus blood,

to demonstrate so great a love,
He sent His son to earth,
to live a perfect life for us,
that He might bear our curse.

i know.......

in Heaven their would be no place,
no hope beyond this life,
for anyone of adam's race,
if Jesus had not died.

i know.......

LSU vs. Florida

Well, it's Florida week. I'll just give my opinion on the stregnths and weaknesses of each team.
LSU strengths: Offensive Line
Running Backs
Defensive Line
Field Goal Kicker

LSU weaknesses/question marks?: Quarterback--talented but young with limited experience.
Defensive Backs--giving up some big plays.

Florida strengths: Quarterback: talented and experienced
Linebackers

Florida weaknesses: Offensive Line
Running Backs

The Keys to an LSU win in my opinion is being able to take over the game by being able to run the ball at will and putting pressure on Tim Tebow. On paper the Tigers look like they should be able to do both but, the game is not played on paper as we all know. As much as I love a good passing game the ability to run the ball can be crucial in a game like this.

Because of the Tigers strength up front on offense and defense, I think they have a real good shot at coming out of the Swamp with a win on Saturday night.....the Lordwilling!!!

Geaux Tigers

(we got our tail beat 51-21!!)

Cool Song

I heard this music on a tv commercial and it almost immediately caught my attention which rarely happens. I typically need to hear a new song a couple of times before I begin to like it (or not). But, this caught me. When I finally found out who the artist was I also found out that he is a professing Christian. Here's a link to an interview from about a year ago.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2007/jonmclaughlin-mini-1007.html

If any of you know anything else about this guy or have an opinion, I'd love to hear it.

Good Bye Summer (hello fall)

Mississippi State vs. LSU

Last week LSU pulled off another dramatic, nearly down to the wire victory against Auburn 26-21. As I originally thought, the team that got the best quarterback play would win and I think that was the case at least for most of the second half. Auburn has a good team and at this point I hope they win the rest of their games.

This week LSU faces Mississippi State in Baton Rouge. I'm not sure what it is, but State is a team that has really struggled against LSU. 10 years ago when the Tigers were struggling and had a losing season, they still beat State pretty soundly. Just seems LSU has their number. Well, of course that could change but I really do not expect that to change this week. LSU's Offensive and Defensive Lines are really good and I mean that in the most objective way possible. Read the Auburn players quotes from last week. Anyway, I would be suprised for State to really give LSU a scare this year...........but anything's possible. Ask Alabama and Auburn about last years shocking outcomes.........

Geaux Tigers

The Eternality of Grace

Predestination. What a "bad" word this used to be in our congregation. Predestination. But it's a Bible word, so, it cannot be a bad word. How many have run from this truth not even really knowing what it is about, but assuming certain wrong ideas propagated by uniformed but well intended folk. Predestination is an act of God out of love for His people. Think about it, the Bible never says God predestined people to Hell,.....but does teach He Predestined people to be His sons and thus to Heaven. It is a glorious truth intended to encourgage believers. (You mean God chose me?? God loves me?? And can it be???)
Here is the double edged truth of the Bible: "If I go to Heaven, it is all of Grace,..according to the kind intention of His will. But, if I go to Hell, it is all my fault for refusing to come to Chirst". Such is our state by nature, undeserving, condemned and unwilling to come to Jesus. What amazing Grace that God would ordain the salvation of any man, much less a number which no man can number!!!

Ephesians ch.1........
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Believer, be enouraged.

In every mercy full and free........
A sovereign God I wish to see.........
To see how grace, free grace has reigned........
In every mercy He ordained..........

all of Grace

as i look deep within,
face to face with my sin,
i'm ashamed.......of who i am.

i see anger and pride,
selfishness in disguise,
who is this?........i'm a sinful man.

(c)
i am just a man -- a sinner,
by grace alone i stand,
'cause You gave up Your life, the supreme sacrfice.

as i look in Your book,
see the path that You took,
all in love.......just to set me free.

i put my eyes on the cross,
count my gain to be loss,
see the love......spent to ransome me.

(c)
(b)
it's all of grace..........that i can call You "Lord",
it's sovereign grace........that mercy found my door.

grace..........all of grace,
grace..........all of grace.

pilgrim project vol? 2008

LSU vs. Auburn

Well, it's that week. LSU at Auburn.
LSU leads the all time series at 22-19-1.
Last year LSU won on essentially the last play of game.
In 2006 LSU lost by not being able to score on the last play of the game.
Both teams have a weakness at the QB position = trying to replace veterans who graduated.
Both teams have solid defenses.
MY TAKE: The team that gets the best performance from the QB position will likely win.

Should be a good one to watch.
Geaux Tigers

Hope in death.........

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.


Hold now Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death O Lord abide with me.

the believer's future........

"And, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace. "

Hurricane Ike

We are beginning to feel the outer bands of "Ike"........rain and wind. Expected to have peak winds in the Baton Rouge area around 3-4pm today of up to 40 to 50mph gusts.
I am in Clinton as I type and we are having stong rain and some good wind now at 8:35am.
We need to pray for our neighbors to the west....Galveston and Houston...........I heard a report on the way to work that they expect Galveston Island to be under water at some point and Houston has a history of flooding and is very close to Galveston.....

Let us pray.........

Geaux Tigers

Well, it is that time of year again. The dreaded football season. I say dreaded because it's easy to allow it to "consume" too much of my time, and that being the case I don't like the temptaion. Don't get me wrong, I love it.....but as I hopefully mature as a christian, I am seeking to learn how to be a good steward of my time, even when it comes to football. I mean, if I were to watch the better part of all the SEC games played on the tube on a given Saturday, my day is spent!! Which would be to the neglect of my loving wife, daughter and son.........who have no real interest in football.............unless it's a "real important" LSU game (is there one not important??)..........!!
.........anyway, you get my point. All things in moderation, which for me is in general, only watching (and hopfully only if it doesn't interfere with or keep me from something else I NEED to do) my LSU Tigers, with few exceptions.............

That being the case, I will try to "Break Down" at least the SEC games on LSU's schedule the weak of and maybe make a post game comment or two. As it stands now, it appears that Alabama, Auburn and LSU are the teams to watch in the SEC West and Georgia, Florida and Vanderbilt (yes Vanderbilt..!!) in the East. Should be an interesting year. LSU had to postpone their game with Tory U. last week due to Gustav, so they are at a disadvantage now in getting their new QB's some playing time before their SEC opener with Auburn next weekend in Auburn,.......which is never an easy game. Since 2000, LSU and Auburn are tied with 4wins and 4losses each in this series.........the home team winning each one,....so.........we will see....!!!

This week, LSU entertains North Texas U. Should not be much of a game, but never take your opponent for granted. God can humble any man at anytime.!!

Anyway, if you love college football, I hop you enjoy the season.........but try to keep first things first........................I mean, does it really matter in the grand scheme of things who won what game and by how much from the 1974 college season? If the Lord tarries His coming, the same can be said of this year.

GEAUX TIGERS

Heaven is Better.........

"heaven on earth",
a phrase we employ,
describing life here,
at the height of its joy.
the best of our good times,
those above par,
as good as it gets,
they're still less by far..........

love among family,
grace among friends,
the welcome of home,
all appear without end,
the sweetest comunion,
shared here below,
pales when compared,
to what in Heaven we'll know............

C.
Heaven is Better, than the grandest of dream,
Heaven is Better, than the wealth of a king,
Heaven is Better, for all that it's worth,
Heaven is Better, than the best of the earth.

mountains and valleys,
rivers and seas,
oceans of blue,
so vast and so free,
the beauty of this earth,
while marred by decay,
can't be compared,
to that new one He'll make

C
Heaven is Better, than a mountain top scene,
Heaven is Better, than the glory of spring,
Heaven is Better, for all that its worth,
Heaven is Better, than the best of the earth.

B
lay up your treasures above,
where moth and rust cannot invade,
unlike the treasures of earth,
in Heaven they are safe

God sent His Son,
from Heaven to earth,
becoming man,
through a most humble birth,
denying Himself, loving His own,
dying for sinners,
to make Heaven their home..........

C.
Heaven is Better, than the grandest of dreams,
Heaven is Better, because of Jesus our King,
Heaven is Better, for all that its worth,
Heaven is Better, than the best of the earth..........

pilgrim project vol. 1

True Gospel Conversions

I came accross this quote from Charles Spurgeon on Steve Camp's Blog.....
Read this and imagine the response the average chruch attendee might have........


"If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord's will but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their Savior, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel , insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness." -C.H. SPURGEON

How far we have come.......
True faith in Christ alone saves..... NO WORKS ......and such faith is always accompanied by repentance.
The gospel has not changed...!!!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Surviving Gustav

"For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea." Psalm 107:25
"He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalm 107:29

All thanks and praise to God for hearing my prayers for my family and home. We suffered no damage to our home inspite of sustained winds of 60mph and a gust up to 91mph measured at the Baton Rouge airport about 8 miles from us. I have never seen stronger winds than this (the effects). It is pure grace we have no damage, while neighbors do.
He does all things well and acording to His purpose.......even in creating and directing storms and their effects. What an awesome God we serve who sent His Son to rescue us from the wrath to come. Gustav is nothing in comparison. May the Lord show me how I might serve Him in the aftermath.

If Jesus Once..........

There is now no comdemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Rom Ch. 8:1

As I was reading in C.J. Mahaney's book "The Cross Centered Life" in preparation for teaching our church youth group in a couple days, I came across the above verse. Mahaney's context/point was that Christ has taken all of the believer's condemnation before God. So when we daily sin, we should not grovel in guilt, but confess, repent and believe the gospel. I may not always "feel" forgiven, but if I am in Christ, I am forgiven.....past, present and future.

"If Jesus once upon me shined, then Jesus is Forever mine" (from Gadsby's Hymnal 339)

Contentment......a Skill?

I recently finished reading a book by puritan writer Jeremiah Burroughs on Christian Contentment/Happiness. Excellent....I highly recommend it.
Here's some some basic ideas I came away with, either directly from the book or after mediating on some aspect of it:

1. Trust God for your circumstances. Whether rich or poor, own many possessions or little, God is the one who has given us everything we have and has withheld everything we don't have. Knowing this, the Christian can and should be happy whatever his lot because he can know that God has decided his lot for him for his good and God's glory.

2. Remember Jesus Christ Crucified for you personally everyday. If we believe the gospel, then we should have no problem trusting God for our circumstances (knowing that He is good and always does what is right and best).......because God demonstrated His goodness and love at the cross of Jesus. Remember this everyday.

3. Our Eternity is Secure in Christ. If we really believe this, does it really matter whether or not we get to do everything we want in this life....?? No, it doesn't. God has met all our needs in Christ.....ETERNAL HAPPINESS...........so if He chooses to give us much or a little down here really should not affect our state of contentment in this life. What is 70 to 80 years compared to a never ending state of bliss.

4. God gives us what He wants us to have. He witholds what he does not want us to have. (see#1) So, there is no need to fret about getting or not getting stuff, jobs....etc. He has it all under His control. This certainly does not mean we should not pray, work, studly....etc. to excell and advance in our vocation and or provide for our family. Just not to worry....."be anxious for nothing". Trust God. Do what you know you should do and trust God for the outcome. He ordained our days before our birth.

If you are a Christian, God has loved you forever. You can therefore be happy/content in this life. Let us encourage one another daily, as long at it is called "today". Food?, Clothing? be happy. God has and will continue to take care of you. He always does what is best and good.
I personally need this reminder every day..............................

Life is Life

the first breath of a newborn,
the last of an aged soul,
they share this in common,
the Lord is the giver of both.

from birth and the cradle,
to life at a hectic pace,
the image of adam,
has made its mark on our fallen race.

there's nothing new under the sun,
what was before, now is done.
it's all striving after the wind,
and when its all gone, what will be then?

Life is Life,
so much to lose or gain.
Life is Life,
everyone's worth the same.
Life is Life,
all are conceived in sin.
Life is Life,
evryone's born condemned.
Life is Life,
no one may enter Heaven,
Life is Life,
unless through Christ forgiven.

(pilgrim project vo. 1)

Two Men

1st

Our Lord Jesus Spoke of 2 men,
One thought himself free from most sin,
And so when he stood up to pray,
His pride only got in the way.
It kept God away...........

He....knew not his desperate need.
Self-righteousness had him deceived.
Religion is what he did trust.
He thought his good deeds made him just.

2nd

The next man of whom Jesus spoke,
Was under a burdensome load.
His heart was now breaking with grief,
His sin would afford him no peace.
He longed for God's peace.......

He......knew very well his great need,
Se he cried to God for mercy.
And beating his breast as he cried,
This man went hom justified...........

(pilgrim project vol. 11)

Saturday at the Mall

Julie and Will are so different. Both great blessings from the Lord....!!!

Will loves the carousel at the mall.....!!

While walking through the "TigerMania" store Will found this soft LSU football that he immediately latched on to. Of course his dad had to get it for him.

My Thoughts on MySpace........

Here are my thoughts on MySpace:

My own limited experience with MySpace has shown me what a horrible tool for wickedness this can be. While the entity "MySpace" is not sinful in itself, what many choose to put on it is and herein lies the problem. MySpace is simply a medium whereby individuals or groups have the freedom to express themselves.......their thoughts, music, pictures etc...

While such is not in and of itself bad, when it comes from bad people, the results are often very bad!! As a race we are fallen and corrupt in our nature. Jesus himself taught this...."men loved the darkness rather than the light" John 3:19. See also Ephesians ch.2:1-3.

Unconverted people by nature love sin and live in it and when given the opportunity to express themselves, it is often in a sinful way. Take away any restraints and sinners will naturally reveal their sinful loves and desires. Enter MySpace. We now have a medium for fallen people to express themselves without meaningful restraint..........teens and adults alike.

While such a medium can equally be a tool for righteousness, the problem is that I'm afraid unrighteous users greatly outnumber the righteous.
This brings me to the question all Christian parents must answer.
Should we allow our pre-teen and teenage children to use/visit myspace..??

Right now, MySpace is off limits for our pre-teen daughter and she seems to understand and respect our feelings,...wanting to protect her.....while she has schoolmates that are allowed to use it.

Any thoughts or opinions?? Am I overreacting??

Great Hymn Writers.......

Biographical information facinates me as well as other less significant "details" in the lives and activities of those I have some interest in. For example, if I have a new CD (remember those?), I really enjoy reading the "liner notes"....you know, like where the songs were recorded, who played what and when, who was the engineer, who mixed it and where,....etc..etc....


One of America's greatest hymnwriters was Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) and here are a few interesting notes about her:

-she was a Methodist.
-she was blind from aproximately 6 weeks old due to a medical procedure that should not have been performed.
-wrote over 8,000 hymn texts.
-reportedly said * "MOTHER, IF I HAD A CHOICE, I would still choose to remain blind...for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour."
-some of her best known hymn are "Blessed Assurance", "He hideth my soul", "Pass me not O gentle Savior", "I am Thine O Lord".........

One of my personal favorites is "Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross", especially the first line and refrain:

Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary's mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.


*http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=83

Will Sings ABC's

Our Week in Pictures..!!??!!

Needless to say, there is never a dull moment around our house, .....thanks to our beloved "little Will"..!!

I like this Song.......

Church and Modesty

Here's a post by a friend of mine that addresses the issue of modesty of dress especially in relationship to church attendance. Check it out.........it's something as Christians we can't afford to ignore the importance of especially in that we do not want to cause someone to "stumble".
He included some good links for reference in evaluating this touchy issue. Go to http://rodcarroll.wordpress.com/

Christians, Culture and the World

I listen to Alistair Begg on the radio coming to work at times and today his message delt with issues that hit prettly close to home. We Christians at times tend to lose our focus on what it means to live the Christian life and interact with the world around us and wind up trying to "Christianize" activities on one hand, and protest some people's lives in a way that comes across as self-righteous and unkind on the other.
Pastor Begg's message is entitled "the Kingdom of God pt. B" and is well worth the listen if you get the chance. Check out http://www.truthforlife.org for July 30, 2008.

Starbucks Fun Facts

You probably heard about all the Starbucks Coffee house cutbacks.
Here are some interesting tidbits I came accross in the Baton Rouge Advocate (newspaper) recently:

Anticipated store closures for the following states:

Louisiana = closing 21% of existing 57 stores.
Mississippi = closing some 40% of existing 17 stores.
Alabama = closing 24% of existing 51 stores.

I know this post has no significance unless you are an employee of Starbuck's........but it just seems strange that a company of this size would be making such racial changes so quick. Let me explain: In Baton Rouge for example over the past year or so Starbuck's has built and opened brand new stand alone locations........that they are now turning right around and closing. I mean, the paint must be drying on some of these locations that are now marked for closure..........
......strange!!

Maybe there's a job opening in the Starbuck's organization coming soon in demographic and marketing research..!!

Hang on to your white chocolate mocha.........

STRESS BREAKERS!!!

My friend Rod blogged about stress yesterday......and boy do I understand. I finished the day doing a root canal ......and well...for me as a dentist that can be one of the most stressful procedures I do. It was good for me to be able to go to church afterwords and be encouraged in the word and prayer. God really knows what He's talking about when He says "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together"(Heb. ch. 10)................He uses time with the brothers and sisters to encourage us to press on........
When I got home last night after Wednesday service,..showered etc......I was reminded of a couple of little "stress breakers" God has living in my home with me...........how can I hold on to "stress" after remembering Jesus Christ with His people and starring at these faces......?
Thank you Lord for you gifts!

Saturday Outside

Neighborhood Crew

Good (popsicle) to the last drop!!

My Favorite Hymn

Was listening to a song by Delirious? last night and at some point was reminded of my favorite hymn. It is by Isaac Watts. To those of you who know about church hymns you'll probably agree that brother Watts was one of the most brilliant and prolific hymwriters to date. Just grab your favorite hymnal and notice how many "well known" hymns he is responsible for. My favorite is probably a little less well known in comtempory Baptist life. Anyways, here it is......great food for the soul.

"How Sweet and Awful"

how sweet and awful is the place,
with Christ within the doors,
while everlasting love displays,
the choicest of her stores.

while all our hearts and all our songs,
join to admire the feast,
each of us cry whith thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?"

why was I made to hear Thy voice,
and enter while there's room?
when thousands make a wretched choice,
and rather starve than come.

twas the same love that spread the feast,
that sweetly drew us in,
else we had still refused to taste,
and perished in our sin.

pity the nations oh our God,
constrain the earth to come,
send Thy victorious word abroad
and bring the stranger home.

we long to see Thy churches full,
that all the chosen race,
may with one voice and heart and soul,
sing Thy redeeming grace.

Amen

Saturday Fun......

Saturday was one of those days when I have the priviledge to spend it going and doing with Julie and Will. Julie had her last swim meet of the summer today called the "City Meet", which is held annually on the LSU campus. Cathy, who is working on getting her Masters in Library Science from LSU, was heavy laden with one of her research projects. Unfortunately, she had to stay behind to do school work while I took Julie and Will to her meet. The city swim meet is participated in by the various swim teams of the greater Baton Rouge area. Boy, was it hot today and a great day to be one of the swimmers!!! Here are a few pics from our day.
Will walking......to class?? not so fast......!!!

Julie wanted to visit the Indian mounds or "hills" on campus

Gooooooooooooooo...!

On top.....

Will demonstrating the "roll" technique.........

Julie gets in on the fun.....

Like I said, it was hot. Me and Will went to see Mike the Tiger, but he was nowhere to be found......must have been soaking up some AC inside his pad.....

Julie and her swim buddy Bailey

Truly, God has been good to us......His mercies are new everyday.

Amen.