Shopping For Beliefs (?)

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Shopping For Beliefs (?)

Beliefs are like all the items at Walmart. You move through the store of ideas and down every aisle. We see thousands upon thousands of ideas or beliefs that we may purchase.

SYRIA IN THE NEWS

SYRIA IN THE NEWS!

Well Syria is in the news. It is a nation now in civil war and people die daily. A very grievous situation. They appear to have used lethal gas on its own people killing even the children.

Even as I write this, the President and his staff are pondering whether to attack Syria to send a message to President Assad of Syria. The news now reveals Navy destroyers are in the area and able to strike Syria at will and another destroyer is on its way.

Life Marches On!

Life Marches On!

I visited the hospital yesterday of some dear ones. While there, I was told of others in a nearby room. I visited this elderly woman and her husband. She had nearly died and they were moving her to intensive care. I held her hand and comforted her the best I could and prayed over her. I then held the hand of her dear husband and tried to comfort him. Just an hour ago, she died. She is now with God. They told me of a grandson in town here who never visits. They also, told me of another grandson who lives 6 hours away that was rushing to be with them. Such is the irony of life.

The days of our life are passing one by one and time is marching on.

The only thing that really matters is to love God and do His will and love our fellow man.

God help us to see what is valuable in life. There are hurting people everywhere and so much needs to be done. I try to do what I can and pray God for the wisdom and discipline to move forward to help more. I pray to God to give me time and opportunity. Thank you God for letting me serve you.

Let us all love each other and help each other. Let us move the church everywhere to help people. Let us allow Jesus to work through us!

BURDENS OF LIFE!

BURDENS OF LIFE!

My dear ones, many of you may have trials and disappointments right now in your life. I wish to give you these thoughts.

All of life has its trials. Remember the purpose of this life is to prepare us for the next life. All that happens to you in this life is designed to shape you into one fit for the next life. That is hard to grasp sometimes. But, I do not believe anything happens by accident. All that happens to me or to you has a purpose. There is a meaning and purpose for all things.

There is the ripple effects of life. All our lives overlap and interconnect in so many ways. We are not made to live our live alone and disconnected from other humans. We are all connected in marvelous ways. Our life touches others and in turn the lives of others touches us. The decisions of one generation touches the lives of those that will follow. It is a great mystery but such is the marvel of life.

Therefore, the trials and troubles of your life are the result of many factors and there is a great purpose for all such things that come to you. You are not alone. There will come a time when you will know and understand all things for all shall be revealed.

We must know there is a great war going on in this world. It is the war between good and evil. We are a fallen world and as such the world carries the heavy weight of sin and its dark effects. Sin touches everything in our lives and brings more destruction then we can begin to comprehend.

We must also know there is a great God who loves us all and is watching all. In His great mind and power their is a reason for why it is the way it is. This is the best of all possible worlds and there is no way to put all factors together and come up with any better situation then what we now have. This is a world of soul making. We are prepared for the next world.

Our God has given us all the tools to know, learn, think, and live a life of true victory.

Do not despair and do not give up. Be true to God and His word and be faithful to God always, even unto the end of your journey here.

So, whatever trial and sorrow or disappointment you now face, do not give up, but allow God through Christ Jesus to lift you up and carry you through to absolute victory. Great are your troubles, even greater is the God we serve!

"for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. " (I John 5:4)

(The picture here attached is one of an artist impression of Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus in moment of time. In this scene is the hope of humanity. It is profound and far reaching in its total effects upon the human race. In things that most never notice nor consider, is the power to do the impossible. God be with you!)

THE CHRISTIAN AND GOVERNMENT

THE CHRISTIAN AND GOVERNMENT

First century Christians lived in a dictatorship. They had no civil rights and did not live in a free society. Despite that, they covered the world with the message of Jesus. They also, did all this while being persecuted by the government to the point of death.

What does this say to us? The NT makes clear that our main objective as Christians is to put Christ first in all things (Matt. 6:33). We are taught to preach the gospel to all the world (Mark. 16:15,16). Our lives should reflect Jesus.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Rom. 12:1).

We are taught to place our great affections and love toward heaven (Col. 3:2).

I do not wish to make my house a arsenal of weapons and bullets and knifes and weapons of death. I do not wish to march in protests to burn down buildings and threaten leaders. I do not wish to harm any man.

We live in a democracy and thus we have freedoms unparalleled in human history. With such freedoms I can vote my wishes and desires and I can petition my government for what I see is wrong. I can march in peaceful protests to influence change. I can support with money under the law candidates that I feel will represent me well. I can run for office myself to try to change things. In all things I should pray and seek the best for all.

If Christianity could be born and even thrive in a Roman dictatorship then it can do well in our system. If our system changes to one of limited freedoms we can still do well as Christians.

Sometimes, I think we have it too easy. With all our freedoms and comforts we have grown fat and lazy to doing God's will and have neglected the most important things. Trials and persecution have a way of bringing the church together in unity and love and respect. It motivates us to see clearly what is really important. It helps us yearn for heaven and to be with God. I do not wish for trials and pain and persecution. But, I do pray for God's will in all things. I know that the most important thing is to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me.

God bless America with freedom, peace, and righteousness. God bless us all to be good Christians and good citizens of this beloved nation.

(picture attached is an artists rendition of the Apostle Paul before Caesar. Remember, Paul used his Roman citizenship to preserve his rights as a Roman and defend what was right before the world. (Acts 25:1-12).)

Government 4

Government 4

I wanted to write a few words about Obama Care and what we face as a Nation.

I believe in the free enterprise system and thus I am not happy with the massive government intrusion into the health care industry. I do not believe the new system will work long term and will be fraught with fraud and corruption of every kind. We are heading for big trouble.

Government 3

Government 3

I have studied economics at the University of Arkansas, Freed-Hardeman University, and the Princeton University -- Merrill Lynch Financial Center. I enjoyed working in the financial world of Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UP Bank and finally building my own financial services company. I have always been fascinated as to how economics and political systems operate.

Government (2)

Government (2)

Since 1996 I have worked for a period of time in the financial world and been charged with managing millions of dollars in investors money. One thing I learned was that in America for our system to work we need this capital for investments. If people are not making profits in business and then free to keep it and make additional investments then our economic system would collapse. If government engages in high taxation and shifts the people's money from those who earned it and can use it to invest to social programs then again, in time our system will collapse, and there will be no money for anyone.

Faith Is The Victory

FAITH IS THE VICTORY!

Do you have faith? People hate change. But change is always coming. Most changes are just fine and are of no real eternal consequence. Sometimes changes are great and it means more souls are saved and God is glorified. Some changes are corrupting the Word of God and need to be halted.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

I think we all grow up in a box. We see the world and life, and have our understandings based on the box that we were placed. Such is life. We are subjective in our thinking. By that I mean we see all things based on our view point and perspective. In a sense we all have been programed a certain way.

POLITICS

POLITICS

George Washington believed the infighting of the political parties was so out of control it would destroy the grand republic. He died thinking our nation most likely would not survive.

Wow! What would he think of it today?

All the pulpits in America and I mean

50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

On August 28, 2013 citizens from across this country will converge upon our nation’s capital to commemorate and celebrate the historic March On Washington which occurred 50 years ago on August 28, 1963

Early Memories of Church and Family! 1960

Early Memories of Church and Family! 1960

The picture here is people leaving church services in 1960. I remember 1960. I was just 5 years old. But, I have some memories. There I was with mom and dad at the Nettleton Church of Christ, Jonesboro, Arkansas. The building was over by the railroad tracks in the Nettleton community. 1960 was a different time and age.

One Day At A Time

We live but one day at a time, the silent march of life until finally it is all over. Life with its hopes and dreams is no more. We move through the maze of this existence to reach forth to something beautiful. With hope and great aspiration we ever reach. Many know not for what, others with confidence of a better day. But, we all reach, ever reach for a more glorious existence. --Allen Ashlock--

Shopping For Beliefs (?)

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping For Beliefs (?)

Beliefs are like all the items at Walmart. You move through the store of ideas and down every aisle. We see thousands upon thousands of ideas or beliefs that we may purchase.

However, do not be deceived. Some items or beliefs are not what you need or they will serve no real purpose in your life. Just like you cannot go to Walmart and buy every item you see, so you cannot embrace every belief system of this earth. You must make selections based on what you can afford and what you need. You must use discernment and make choices in the selection of ideas and beliefs that you will embrace.

Government

 

 

 

Government

If you notice the purpose of this page, it has to do with things I am interested in and that I write about. It is about religion, politics, history, culture, stamp collecting, music, and other things.

In this article I wish to discuss government. I took as many political science classes as I could in my undergraduate studies. I thought for a time about getting a Master's degree in Political Science. I have always had a great interest in this subject. I have read widely. In high school and college I was on the debate team and enjoyed political themes.

In high school and my first year of college I read a lot about communism. I was fascinated with it. Not because I wanted to be a communist but because of the tremendous power of communism in the world. The Soviet Union was in its full bloom in the 1960s. China was a total communist state and communism was growing all over Asia. We were at war in Viet Nam to stop the spread of communism . Of course, there was Cuba and it was all Communist and it was big news in the 60's.

We Walk This Earth

 

We as humans and Christians that walk the earth must learn to be submissive to the Will of Almighty God. We think we control so many things and events and that we make the final decisions. No, the final and ultimate decisions of this world is made by God. His will be done. Yes, we have to make one great choice. To serve Him or to deny Him. That is in our power. But through His great providence, He is directing all and His goal is the greatest number of saved souls.

So, tonight as you wind down and prepare for bed. Think on this. Submit yourselves unto Him, who knows all and sees all, and understands all, the Almighty.

James 4:7-10

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Our Amazing Universe

Our amazing Universe. Space, what a word and what imagination it brings to our minds.

Great is our God who made all things.

Genesis 1:14-19 - “14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day."

File:Satellite Footprints Seen in Jupiter Aurora

Early In The Morning

 

 

 

 

 

Early In The Morning

"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. " John 20:1

I could not sleep so I have awaken and here I am. I have been reading my Bible and my thoughts have lingered on John 20:1. Here I am early in the morning and it is still dark. I like this time of day. It is quite and I usually feel refreshed from sleep. I pray and read some Bible and ponder my life and world. This time of day and alone is a time I feel close to God in many ways.

Life Is Precious!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Is Precious!

I know a lot of people all over the world. I talk to them quite often and love them all so very much. I pray for them all daily, all my friends whether deep friends or just casual associates. All are precious in God's site. I hear the trials and troubles that many face and my heart breaks when they are sad and suffer. I wish I had a magic wand to wave over them and solve all their hurts and troubles. I wish I had a vast sum of money to solve all their money issues. Since I cannot solve all their problems, I do what I can for them and solve what I can solve and love them all fervently. I pray for the Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth to help them watch out for them.

Sleep Well

Sleep well good friends and loved ones. May the God of Love and Power grant unto you sweet rest. May you arise tomorrow to face a great day and worship your God in spirit and in truth. May all that is sweet and good be yours forever and forever. Dream big dreams tonight of climbing the highest of mountains. You can do it. God is ever with you!

Each Of Us Has A Journey!

 

 

 

 

 

Each Of Us Has A Journey!

You are on a journey! From birth to the grave and beyond, each human has a journey!

The journey of no two humans is exactly alike. Oh, there are similarities but not duplicates. We all travel the path that is set before us, by forces often unknown.

WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT

 

 

 

 

WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT

We are all different. Some want the Bible preached with the cold hard facts, lay it out there, and be tough. Leave the worship sober and serious. Others desire messages that motivate and uplift and encourage as well as teach. Some love worship that is emotion driven. Oh, not contrary to the Bible but worship that touches the heart. Others desire a very formalistic worship service.

THE BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

 

THE BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

 

Do you ever look back on your life and see the forces of Satan and evil at work in your life, and also the work of God and good? More and more I look back and see such battles. Sometimes, it is not so obvious at the time you are living it, but later you look back and can see. I believe often we can look back and see it. Sometimes we see it as we experience such. I wonder how many times the forces of darkness have been at work in my life but God overruled such and saved me. Great is the power of our God over every foe.

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome

Those that know me well, know I love the study of ancient and classical history. I have taken graduate classes through American Public University in this field. It has been a life long passion of mine. Here in my office surrounded by many books of history is a large picture of the great Colosseum of Rome. It is much like the picture attached to this article. Construction started in 72 AD. It opened in 80 AD. It covers about six acres. There were 80 arched entrances to this great structure. 55,000 people could sit in the Colosseum and enjoy the shows. All were seated according to rank. They even had the ability through use of the Roman Navy to connect over the mighty structure a canvas like tent to shield the spectators from heat and rain. There were large bathroom facilities and through use of water from the mighty aqueducts that could flush all clean in just minutes. Each visitor had a coin that had the section for seating and row and seat number. All 55,000 could be vacated in about 15 minutes. They had the capacity to flood the floor and create a lake and reenact naval battles for entertainment of all. They brought in exotic animals from all over the Empire for the joy of everyone.

America Faces Challenges!

 

 

 

 

America Faces Challenges!

I love America as I know you do as well. This is a great Nation. As a Nation and as a people we are flawed. However, such is true of all nations of the earth. However, America has done more to defend the freedom of mankind than any nation in history. America has done more to feed the hungry all over the world than any nation in history. On and on I could go about the greatness of American and its contributions to a better world. God bless America!

EXPOSITORY PREACHING????

 

 EXPOSITORY PREACHING????

"Expository preaching (also referred to as systematic exposition) is a form of preaching that throws light upon the meaning of a particular text or passage of Scripture. As "throwing light," this term is more general than exegesis, which is used for more technical and grammatical exposition, a careful drawing out of the exact meaning of a passage in its original context. While the term exposition could be used in connection with any verbal informative teaching on any subject, the term is also used in relation to Bible-teaching and preaching. The practice possibly originated from the Jewish tradition of the rabbi giving a "Dvar Torah", explaining a passage from the Torah, during the prayer services.

Expository preaching differs from topical preaching in that the former concentrates on a specific text and discusses topics covered therein, whereas the latter concentrates on a specific topic and references texts covering the topic."

Running For Homeplate

 

 

I turned 58, Saturday. My wife and I were in Tulsa, OK to celebrate the grand occasion with my daughter and her husband and my three wonderful grandchildren. It was decided we would play ball. So, there I was up to bat in all my glory, I hit the ball and ran with great fanfare. I ran past first, then second, and then 3rd, and then I was in trouble, my wife held the ball just inches from me.  

 

We Enter and Exit At The Hospital

We Enter and Exit At The Hospital


Here in my home town, I have been observing the construction of a new hospital. It has taken a good amount of time to build. When finished, it will be a modern medical facility, one of the world's best.
As I have drove by it at night and saw  all the lights on and people busy working there to get it ready to open, I have thought on many things.

Let's Grow The Body!

 

 

Let's Grow The Body!

Some people tear churches down and some build churches up. Which are you? Do you judge success by how many people are leaving your church or, by how many are coming? Should we not love people? Should we not try to help people? Should we not seek to be good to people? Preaching Jesus is not necessarily always about beating up on everyone. Its about loving people and showing people the better way (John 10:10). Jesus has a drawing power.

We Are Just Passing Through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Are Just Passing Through

Good morning to everyone! We humans walk the earth, but God is all over the universe. He is everywhere. Our purpose here on earth is to prepare for the next life. How is your preparation going? The Bible is the road map and it shows us the way through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the door" (John 10:9).

It is a beautiful world....but I am just passing through.

This World Is Not My Home

1. This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

2. They're all expecting me and that's one thing I know
my savior pardoned me and now I onward go
I know He'll take me through though I am weak and poor
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

3. Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally
the Saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

The Marks of Great Books

 

 

 

 

What Are The Marks Of Great Books?

I believe great books have the following three basic characteristics.

Studying The Bible

Studying The Bible


To read the Bible and to try to live by it, is truly a great task.   It is a most noble task.   None of us will ever master the endeavor.   But, we must try. 


Some will grab a verse here and there and beat everyone over the head with it.   We must avoid such odd behavior.   Others, will read a verse here and there and abuse it and apply it wrongly.   Again, we must seek to avoid such misguided ventures.

Tips For Building A Stronger Marriage (2)

TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE (2)

I have been married for 36 years. It is like I blinked a few times, and here I am. Those older than I tell me, blink a few more times and I am in glory! Life moves fast. So very fast. Hold on to the love you have for in the end it, is the most precious of all your treasures.

George Bailey Lives On!

Look at that face.   Its the face of George Bailey as played by Jimmy Stewart in, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.  Its a good face of a very good man, as the story in the movie will show.   It is the story of a man who cares about others and lives his life putting others first, even above his own personal welfare.  

George Bailey never gets rich and never gets to travel the world and do the amazing things he always talked about.   But, he did do amazing things.  He changed lives one by one.   He did it through the power of generosity and love.   He believed in people and believed each person had value and dignity.   He treated all with absolute respect and always believed that each of them could overcome whatever problem they had and move on to a better life.

TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONGER MARRIAGE (1)

TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONGER MARRIAGE (1)

Soon, my darling wife and I will celebrate 36 years of marriage. We have had some good times and hard times. Life is always moving and changing and turning our heads for sure. We have had many laughs and many tears.

We have been so blessed with having our family in our life. When we were first married, my wife was able to meet my great grandfather. We had grandparents alive on both sides of the family tree. We loved them all. Our children were able to see and know their grandparents and great grandparents. But, all are gone now. With tears, my beloved wife and I held each other and stood at their open graves, one by one. In 2011, we said goodbye to my mother, as she died in my arms, as I quoted over and over the 23rd Psalm. My beloved wife and I held each other and wept. What would I do without my beloved wife? I know not and do not wish to think on that.

Yes, we have had 36 years of love and joy together. We have had some money and we have been completely broke. We have had good friends who love us to this day and some that betrayed us and broke our hearts. We have seen much in 36 years of life.

That is the beauty of married love. You share the good and the bad, but you do so, together. That is how it was meant to be.

God said, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24). This was read at our wedding on August 20, 1977. I did not fully comprehend those words then, but now I understand them better. Not perfectly, but much better.

I am so thankful for the beauty of married love!

Positive Thoughts

 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Prov. 23:7

Be Positive

 

 

 

Resolve to be full of faith, positive and loving. In the end, there is no other way to be. You can look at life with the negative and be filled with despair. Think of what God must see. He sees all the world and all the evil and He knew all in advance this is how it would be. 

 But, our God, is the eternal optimist and so should we be. God help us to be loving and positive and full of faith, for great is the God we serve, and He has a great plan and He will see us through. So, do all the good you can, have a song in your heart, smile to everyone, and walk with the King. Smile and rejoice in your heart, even with tears in your eyes for some trial you are facing, for God is there with you. This too shall pass, this too shall pass....great things are ahead for you, great and glorious things are waiting for you.....you have an amazing future to look forward to, God be praised, oh my, God be praised!

A DAY THAT CHANGED ALL HUMAN HISTORY: WHY YOU ARE HERE NOW!

A DAY THAT CHANGED ALL HUMAN HISTORY: WHY YOU ARE HERE NOW!

I truly believe that very powerful events were in play the day Jesus died and then rose from the dead the 3rd day. I believe it absolutely altered human history. It was a divine intervention. Yes, God and great spiritual forces have intervened in this world many times. Some talk of space aliens coming to the earth and doing this or that. This is real history. God who is a spirit being not of this earth, has intervened in this world many times. The greatest intervention was sending Jesus to the earth to live and die and be resurrected. It sent pulsations of power throughout all heaven itself and deep into the Hadean world and into the fiery pits of hell itself. Every angel of God felt its effects. Every demon of hell knew what had happened. Overwhelming power was manifested the day Jesus died and then was  resurrected.


When did Jesus die?  As the scientists from Romania's  Astronomic Observatory Institute say, Jesus Christ died at 3 p.m. on the Good Friday, April 3, 33AD and rose again at 4 a.m. on April 5.  There are many complications as to calendars and dates.   But this one from the Romania Astronomic Observatory is as good as any.  This is the day that changed history.  This is indeed, the heartbeat of all the Bible.  Without the death of Jesus and His glorious resurrection, all the Bible would completely collapse.  This day was the one day of all human history that was foreseen before the earth was created and all of heaven held its breath till this moment was done.   All history was hanging in the balance.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”  (Mark 1:15).  Here our Lord made clear, "THE TIME HAS COME".   This means the one and only time of all human history is now upon us.  There will never be a time like it again.   Paul taught us in Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love".  Notice, the Apostle talks of the plan of God regarding Jesus, laid out before the creation of the world.   Amazing.   Paul also taught us that when the time was just right, God sent forth His Son, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law," (Gal. 4:4).

The Power of Prayer

 THE POWER OF PRAYER

I believe in life that is not of this world. I believe all over the universe there is a presence of mind, power and thought, that none of us can fully comprehend. Science knows some things about the universe but, very little. Some scientists argue that what is known is less than one percent of one percent, of one percent. There are many unanswered questions. I believe there is a divine power of life that is everywhere. That life is God.

God, the very name brings to our mind an idea that is near impossible to get your hands around. It is just three letters in the English but it is three letters of awesome depth.