tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56025402011-04-21T21:42:49.779-04:00...thought-provoking commentary by randall gearharttheChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comBlogger1621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1173312809190852752008-09-28T19:00:00.003-04:002009-02-17T10:13:24.989-05:00

I invite you to visit my new "devoBlog." And after you've stopped by "the blog," you can head over to theChurchGuy.tv where you can view video messages from my 30+ years in ministry.I hope to meet you there, soon!Randall Gearhart"theChurchGuy"

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1066798357587813082005-07-10T01:05:00.002-04:002009-01-22T17:38:59.527-05:00

Line Upon Line is a collection of personal essays, words of inspiration, and thought-provoking commentary on current events. If this is your first time here, be sure to check out the archives, too. You might find just what you're looking for!If you surf on over to Randall Gearhart Ministries, you can learn more about me, and have access to RealPlayer audio files and transcripts of my

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1099565492101554152005-07-10T01:01:00.000-04:002005-07-10T06:42:04.616-04:00

I recently published a book of some of my blogs that's now available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Booksamillion.com.One Step at a Time: Words of Wisdom, Wit, and Inspiration is a collection of ninety-five inspirational essays, quotations, and Scriptures originally published over the past year on my “Line Upon Line” weblog.The thought-provoking commentary and stories in One Step at a

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1108988568409285452005-02-21T00:01:00.000-05:002005-02-21T07:38:47.466-05:00

"You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you first discover how much you really trusted it?...Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief." --

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1104845353424863552005-01-04T01:01:00.000-05:002005-01-05T02:43:43.406-05:00

"The acid test of our faith in the promises of God is never found in the easy-going, comfortable ways of life, but in the great emergencies, the times of storm and of stress, the days of adversity, when all human aid fails." -- Edith Bell think on these things... Hebrews 11:32-39 (NLT) Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1089527836988672352004-07-26T01:01:00.001-04:002009-01-22T17:45:10.815-05:00

My son, Jason, came home one afternoon a few weeks ago and asked me if I'd seen the "pirate ship," docked near the Military Street bridge in downtown Port Huron, Michigan. I told him, "That's not a pirate ship--it's a replica of the Nina, one of the three ships that brought Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic to the new world."The 93-foot-long ship was built in Brazil in 1991. Since that

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1088675825589424772004-07-01T01:01:00.000-04:002004-09-14T04:42:58.893-04:00

I found the following item from Charisma News Service, while going through my email early this morning. Christian "American Idol"-style Talent Show Coming to TBNBest known for its televangelists, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) has announced plans for a Christian version of the popular "American Idol" TV show. "Gifted" is scheduled to debut in October on the world's largest religious TV

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1087441424088165242004-06-20T00:01:00.000-04:002004-06-23T18:48:54.540-04:00

"We knew we could play with these guys, but we had to prove it to everybody else." Chauncey Billups, 2004 NBA Finals MVPLast Tuesday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Detroit Pistons reached the top of a mountain that few thought they could climb. Defying the odds makers, and ignoring grim predictions by the "experts," the Motown team stood triumphant at center court with the 2004

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-108748030129805462004-06-17T00:01:00.000-04:002004-06-17T10:04:39.826-04:00

Insight for Leaders, from Literature Ministries International is a daily email devotional based on the always thought-provoking, and straightforward writings of A.W. Tozer. Today's edition, "Worship: Discharging Our Obligation," is "right on" (or as the Brits would say, "spot on"). I thought you might enjoy reading it, too. "Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1086519617464381032004-06-07T00:01:00.000-04:002004-06-08T13:59:23.316-04:00

"After the wall was finished and I had hung the doors in the gates, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. I gave the responsibility of governing Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the fortress, for he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. " Nehemiah 7:1,2 (NLT) Our nation and the world are observing the passing of the 40th

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1086340336761325252004-06-04T00:01:00.000-04:002004-06-05T04:43:52.880-04:00

"Though it is a wonderful truth to know that we are saved by grace, it is equally wonderful to know that we live by it as well. Though we labor, just as the birds of the air labor, we do not need to grasp and grab frantically, because we have One who cares for us just as he cares for the birds of the air." Richard J. Foster think on these things... Matthew 6:24-34 (NLT) "No one can serve two

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1085649959530694402004-05-27T00:01:00.000-04:002004-05-28T00:27:17.540-04:00

morass: An area of low-lying, soggy ground; something that hinders, engulfs, or overwhelms. I received the following Gallup Alert from The Gallup Organization, on May 21, 2004: Democrats and Republicans Agree That U.S. Morals Are Subpar One thing that most Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, can agree on is that moral values in the United States are less than good and are

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1084078999308046402004-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:002004-05-17T11:25:51.723-04:00

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1084351490445715032004-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:002004-07-08T03:28:12.540-04:00

Regular readers of Line Upon Line may have noticed that I haven't posted anything for a few days. "Other things" have demanded my attention, so the blog has had to wait. I've got a couple of essays in mind, and you'll likely see them soon. But here are a few thoughts until then... National Day of Prayer I traveled to Flint, Michigan, last Thursday for the First Annual Metropolitan Flint

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1083214020554561592004-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:002004-05-31T05:22:57.473-04:00

We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 (AMP) There were about ten or twelve of us guys who traveled from Dublin, Georgia, to Fort Mill, South Carolina, to visit Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's Heritage Village, U.S.A. We went to check out some of their buildings--one barn-like structure in particular--that one of

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1082877656026513962004-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:002004-05-31T05:26:13.650-04:00

"Like an emperor whose writ is absolute within his empire, the unexamined tyranny of modern time imposes its perspectives and preferences on all who live within its sway." Os Guinness Last week I discovered an interesting book by Os Guinness. Its intriguing title, Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance, urged me to pull it from the Borders shelf and take a closer look.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1082333344863033352004-04-19T01:00:00.000-04:002004-09-14T04:17:20.286-04:00

Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will only kneel down and worship me." "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him.'" Matthew 4:8-10 (NLT) In September 1995, trumpeter/singer/songwriter

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081816183685052142004-04-13T00:00:00.000-04:002004-05-31T05:31:36.426-04:00

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NKJV) While going through some boxes of notes, papers, and "stuff" I've accumulated over the last 20 years, I found a clipping from the January 14, 1979 edition of Parade magazine. Under "Words to Ponder," there appeared a quotation attributed to

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081653117224637352004-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:002004-04-11T06:37:21.530-04:00

Matthew 28:1-9 (NLT) Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081606205329923332004-04-10T00:00:00.001-04:002004-04-11T10:52:05.890-04:00

Matthew 12:38-40 (NKJV) Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.'' But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081474859224907802004-04-09T00:00:00.000-04:002004-04-09T00:15:59.750-04:00

"Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, 'Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not.'" Martin Luther think on these things... John 1:29,35-37 (NKJV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081463383694975272004-04-08T00:00:00.000-04:002004-04-09T17:13:32.373-04:00

"But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NKJV) "John Wesley got down

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081387021822403102004-04-07T00:00:00.000-04:002004-04-07T23:30:36.326-04:00

"Sometimes I think the Church would be better off if we would call a moratorium on activity for about six weeks and just wait on God to see what He is waiting to do for us." A.W. Tozer think on these things... Isaiah 30:15, 18 (NLT) The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1081067931315684732004-04-04T00:00:00.000-05:002004-05-31T06:12:30.326-04:00

After I posted my March 31 weblog entry, "Searching for the Perfect Church," a faithful Line Upon Line reader wrote the following: Good morning. I just read your posting on 'the perfect church'. Is this your idea of a joke???? What you describe as the perfect church is God's ideal, yet the reality is VERY far from this ideal. I personally know dozens of believers who have left the church

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1080722075924320282004-03-31T00:00:00.000-05:002004-04-04T05:14:18.810-04:00

Here are a few thoughts about the Perfect Church and Perfect Church people--which, by the way, are one and the same. The Church is people. The Church is not an institution, nor a denomination, nor a building, nor an organization. The Church is the people of God--and God is perfecting a people who will live to show forth His praise and glorify His name in the earth. 1 Peter 2:9,10 (NKJV) "But

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1080494275734731472004-03-28T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-29T00:34:14.123-05:00

The following is from Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner's book, The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Warfare: "The primary [spiritual] battle is between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God, between the Antichrist and Christ, between the father of lies and the Spirit of truth; and we are in that battle whether we like it or not. The primary location of that battle is our minds.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1079828142524780562004-03-25T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-29T00:47:35.686-05:00

Acts 17:10-11 (NLT) That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. In 1974, a year after

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1079701244678159782004-03-21T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:18:39.746-05:00

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV) In his book, Winning the Invisible War, E. M

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1079369160757692202004-03-15T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:19:14.140-05:00

"Measure not God's love and favour by your own feeling. The sun shines as clearly in the darkest day as it does in the brightest. The difference is not in the sun, but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof." Richard Sibbes think on these things... John 14:26,27 (AMP) But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1079251924872856862004-03-14T00:00:00.000-05:002004-07-09T06:40:02.606-04:00

Revelation 12:7-12 (NKJV) And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1078370400452723342004-03-09T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:20:51.576-05:00

A team of scientists recently published findings about the behavior of ants along congested food trails. After reviewing videotapes of thousands of ants, they discovered that ants tend to get pushy and shove one another off the main path when traffic gets heavy. Gee, that sounds like some Christians I've known. If someone gets in their way, they just shove them aside or run over top of them--"

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1078549734225952802004-03-07T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:21:18.793-05:00

"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour." (1 Pet. 5:8 NLT) I've noticed a disturbing pattern of spiritual attacks on believers over the past couple of weeks. I'm convinced this is a counter-attack by Satan against God's children--a calculated response to the phenomenal success of Mel Gibson's

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1078169796660073492004-03-04T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:21:53.623-05:00

My wife and I went to the Krafft 8 Theatre in Port Huron, Michigan, Monday morning to see The Passion of the Christ. I'm sure by now, many of you have either seen Mel Gibson's much talked about film, or plan to see it soon. The film earned $125 million in its first five days--putting it right up there with Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The Paralysis of Analysis It's hard to

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077943539187053742004-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:23:06.170-05:00

"Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." Brother Lawrence think on these things... 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1078077681892515172004-03-01T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:23:27.356-05:00

"We must honestly look at our lives. We shall see that there is much of self in us. We often try to live the Christian life in our strength. (The very fact that we are "trying" to live the Christian life shows that "self" is still reigning!) Self tries to do Christian work. Self easily gets annoyed. Self becomes envious of others. It resents others. It finds fault. It gets worried. It is hard.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1078079286779462902004-02-29T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:23:54.826-05:00

Happy Leap Day! Speaking of leaps... I was 18 years old when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, July 20, 1969. "The First Lunar Landing: As Told by the Astronauts," a transcript of the post-flight press conference, recalls the moment: "And at 10:56 p.m., Armstrong, descending from Eagle's ladder and touching one foot to the Moon's surface, announced: 'That's one small step for a man, one

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077163929191169452004-02-28T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:24:39.856-05:00

Psalm 33:20-22 (NKJV) Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. think on these things... 1 Peter 1:6-9 (LVB) So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077599806406742162004-02-26T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:25:05.546-05:00

"Many people preach and teach. Many take part in the music. Certain ones try to administer God's work. But if the power of God's Spirit does not have freedom to energize all they do, these workers might just as well stay home. Natural gifts are not enough in God's work. The mighty Spirit of God must have freedom to animate and quicken with His overtones of creativity and blessing." A. W. Tozer

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077158007279287232004-02-24T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:25:37.186-05:00

"A single idea, passionately embraced by a few, has the potential to affect significant change." -- RG think on these things... Matthew 18:19,20 (NKJV) "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.'' John 15:7,8

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076903945169973862004-02-23T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:25:59.200-05:00

"You have been approved!" I like those words! How about you? Have you ever applied for a credit card and been turned down? Have you ever been denied a loan? If so, you know the feeling that you feel when you've been rejected -- and that feeling doesn't feel very good. General Motors loan division is called the "General Motors Acceptance Corporation." I was without a job for about a year

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077170821400137032004-02-22T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:26:32.733-05:00

You may never know that JESUS is all you need, until JESUS is all you have. Corrie Ten Boom think on these things... 2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NKJV) As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; he is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. "When circumstances

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077168068299178572004-02-21T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:27:00.513-05:00

One of the most important things in the believer's life is that they see themselves as God sees them. The fact is, those who are in Christ have been created in the image and likeness of God, Himself -- they have been made righteous, holy, and filled with wisdom and truth. When you start seeing yourself as God sees you, the world will see this new creation, too! think on these things... 2

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077214923363674302004-02-20T00:05:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:27:31.140-05:00

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." -- John 15:13 (NKJV) Here's a great review written by Jon Walker, of Mel Gibson's soon to be released film, "The Passion of the Christ." It's worth your time to give it a read. I also thought you might benefit from the following article posted on the Baptist Press News website. "The Passion" will certainly raise

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077165320853508092004-02-19T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:27:57.280-05:00

A long, long time ago, when my wife Debbi, and I were dating, one night we went to a carnival near Flint, Michigan. We ventured into the House of Mirrors. While trying to make our way through the maze, a little kid came up, growled at me, bared his teeth, and started biting my leg. Now, I really wanted out of there -- and fast! Can you picture me desperately trying to find the exit, running

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077072277417185022004-02-18T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:28:29.216-05:00

1 John 1:5-9 (NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1077052199890839772004-02-17T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:28:49.560-05:00

Yesterday, I posted a quote from Arthur Wallis' book, "The Radical Christian." Would you like to read a bit more? Great, I thought you would! "All too frequently, after the divine seed has germinated in a man's heart, after he has entered the kingdom by the narrow gate and begun to walk the straight path, the radicalizing process slows down and eventually is arrested. He begins to revert to

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076986232502159802004-02-16T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:29:16.466-05:00

Here's a challenging quote from Arthur Wallis' book, "The Radical Christian." "In the secular world men recognize that the radical is an enthusiast for his cause. He is thorough, wholehearted. That's what they mean when they call him a fanatic. There is more than a pinch of truth in the assertion that "when you call a Christian a fanatic, you really mean that he loves Jesus more than you do!"

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076726388146731052004-02-14T00:15:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:30:43.310-05:00

When I was an instructor at RHEMA Bible Training Center (1978-1981), one of the courses I taught was New Testament Survey. I had a student in my class, Andy LaRocca, who sat in the back of the room and drew cartoons of my lessons. Andy is extraordinarily talented! Here's one of his comic creations from John's epistles. John is often referred to as the "Apostle of Love," since God's love is a

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076126670961231762004-02-12T00:43:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:31:06.123-05:00

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it." -- Brother Lawrence If your life is anything like mine, there are plenty of things to think about and do each day. Sometimes, it's easy for God to get crowded out. So, I have a suggestion to get your day off to a good

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076166868671689612004-02-10T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:31:35.996-05:00

Recently, Sam Hinn, pastor of The Gathering Place, in Sanford, Florida, and brother of Benny Hinn, came and ministered at Life of Faith Fellowship Church, in Port Huron, Michigan. Sam had a message planned for the Monday night meeting, but as he began to minister, the Holy Spirit led him to speak some specific words to the local church congregation and leadership. This was Sam's first visit to

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1076339383036159542004-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:32:06.343-05:00

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -- Sir Winston Churchill think on these things... Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV) But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073573053760305512004-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:32:36.996-05:00

"Continue seeking him with seriousness. Unless he wanted you, you would not be wanting Him." -- C.S. Lewis, from "Letters of C.S. Lewis" think on these things... James 4:8 (LVB) And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV) "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." "[Prayer] closet communion needs time for the

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1075885414336122512004-02-05T00:19:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:32:58.110-05:00

"Greetings! Your name has been selected..." Wow! It's fun to win stuff, right? I won the lottery once -- the Selective Service System lottery. I was awarded a two year, all-expense-paid opportunity to see the world with the United States Army. That was back during the days of the Vietnam War. The lottery drawing was held December 1, 1969, at Selective Service National Headquarters in

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074703883363988622004-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:34:02.170-05:00

A good name is better than precious ointment... -- Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NKJV) Do you remember singing the Gaither worship chorus, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name"? (If you do, you've been around a while!) It's true, there is "something" about the name of Jesus. The name of the Lord is a powerful force in heaven and earth. God has made salvation, healing, deliverance,

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074516575225524312004-02-02T00:03:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:34:23.360-05:00

"Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment.... but trust in GOD, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity." Dwight L. Moody think on these things... Psalm 20:7 (NLT) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Galatians 3:2-7 (NKJV) Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1075461847788715862004-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:34:41.890-05:00

I know the power a motion picture has to change a person's life. Jesus Christ became real to me in 1973, as I watched the film version of the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar". But at the same time God was using "Superstar" to capture my heart, others were criticizing and demonizing the movie. Writer Julene Snyder recalls the controversy: "Of course, religious sorts had kittens over the

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1075352999321649492004-01-29T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:35:25.843-05:00

I've received Os Hillman's email devotional, TGIF Today God is First, for a few years, and have been blessed time and time again. The following was Os' devotional for January 27th. It really ministered to me, so I asked Os for permission to share it here with you. Seeing the Works of God by Os Hillman "Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1075224319635261322004-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:36:05.623-05:00

"I surrendered unto Him all there was of me -- everything! Then for the first time I realized what it meant to have real power." -- Kathryn Kuhlman think on these things... 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (NLT) I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it. I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1075007802262227552004-01-25T00:16:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:36:52.950-05:00

Here's a nifty idea -- Post-it Brand Software Notes for your PC desktop (sorry, no Mac). You can create your own notes with pictures and hyperlinks...stick notes on your computer desktop as a visual reminder...add alarms to your notes so you don't forget whatever it was that you didn't want to forget...and more! You can try the "Lite" version for FREE! I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074982463812336972004-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:37:12.153-05:00

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." Dale Carnegie think on these things... Romans 4:18-21 (Williams New Testament) Abraham, building on hope in spite of hopeless circumstances, had faith, and so he actually became the father of many nations, just as it had been told him, "So numberless

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074703819996903222004-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:37:35.090-05:00

One of the most recognizable advertising promotions in recent memory is Nike's "Just Do It!" campaign. But, did you know a similar call to action was issued 2000 years ago at a wedding reception in Cana of Galilee? Jesus, his disciples, and his mother, Mary, were present at a wedding supper, when the supply of wine ran out. Mary knew her son could meet the need of the moment, and enlisted

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074706306124769792004-01-21T00:54:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:38:00.483-05:00

When I read the following story by Chuck Colson, I wanted to pass it along so you could read it, too. (Yes, I know that the Christmas season is over -- but I figured as long as the guy on the corner still has his Christmas lights up, it would be okay.) January 6, 2004 At the Foot of the Cross - A Story You Haven't Heard Chuck Colson Angel Tree, our Prison Fellowship program for prisoners'

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074409269199590992004-01-21T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:38:22.483-05:00

Do you remember Love Song, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Chuck Girard, Dallas Holm, Annie Herring, Andre Crouch, Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, Barry McGuire, Don Francisco, or Honeytree? Are we ringing any bells, here? Well, how about Petra, Russ Taff, Jamie Owens Collins, Reba Rambo, Phil Keaggy, Evie, Farrell and Farrell, Leon Patillo, The Imperials, Keith Green, or Don Francisco? Or maybe Edwin

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074627088838330482004-01-20T00:05:00.000-05:002004-08-30T18:28:09.336-04:00

Many things are worth living for -- only a few worth dying for. think on these things... "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." -- from the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074525447844844122004-01-19T01:09:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:39:03.093-05:00

"Love is creative and redemptive. Love builds up and unites; hate tears down and destroys. The aftermath of the 'fight with fire' method which you suggest is bitterness and chaos, the aftermath of the love method is reconciliation and creation of the beloved community. Physical force can repress, restrain, coerce, destroy, but it cannot create and organize anything permanent; only love can do

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074327729083017652004-01-18T00:53:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:39:24.810-05:00

In his book, "Of God and Men," A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) wrote, "Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again." I believe the devil spends most of his days and nights

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074446188577882022004-01-17T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:39:47.593-05:00

Proverbs 3:13-15 (NKJV) Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074111479131010482004-01-16T00:32:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:40:07.623-05:00

"The people I feel sorry for are those who insist on continuing to do what they have always done but want the results to be different from what they have always been." -- Thomas Sowell Some people experience the "same old, same old" their whole life long, because they refuse to move when God says to move. I wonder how much of God's blessing we miss, because we're not willing to venture out

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074523321817669902004-01-15T00:38:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:40:32.700-05:00

Here's a little utility to keep your computer clock in sync. Atomic Clock Sync works great, and it's FREE! This program requires Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98, 95 or NT 4.

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1074057479615071192004-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:40:47.496-05:00

I am convinced that the increasingly hateful political rhetoric in this nation presents more of a threat to the security and future of the United States than any foreign terrorist. think on these things... Matthew 12:25 (NKJV) But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073912805238756172004-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:41:02.653-05:00

"When someone we love is having difficulty and is giving us a bad time, it's better to explore the cause than to criticize the action." -- Zig Ziglar think on these things... 1 Corinthians 13:4,5,7 (NLT) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. Love

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073535582360173312004-01-09T00:02:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:41:27.560-05:00

In his book, "Mere Christianity," C. S. Lewis expressed his thoughts about the purpose of the Church: "It's easy to think that the church has a lot of different objects -- education, building, missions, holding services....The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, and

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073504318682985512004-01-07T15:04:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:41:50.296-05:00

Stanley King, age 60, died while fishing the River Thames in Windsor, England. Cause of death? Drowning. When Stanley hooked a 3 1/2-pound barbel, he somehow got tangled up in his line and the fish pulled him into the water. A friend heard two splashes, and then he heard Stanley crying out, "I've gone in." And Stanley was no more. If Mr. King hadn't gotten all tangled up, he'd probably be

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073252843744489532004-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:002004-03-26T10:42:10.466-05:00

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1073241777366028822004-01-04T00:07:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:01:04.826-05:00

The arrival of a new year offers each of us an opportunity to stop and consider where we've been and where we're going. As for me, I want to be a better person, a better Christian, a better husband, a better father, a better writer, a better communicator -- well, I just want to be better this year than I was last year! But getting better won't happen by just 'wishing it' so. I'll have to take

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1072718021928976072003-12-29T00:16:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:01:20.576-05:00

I like this quote from A.W. Tozer's book, "Success and the Christian." "The only fear I have is to fear to get out of the will of God. Outside of the will of God, there's nothing I want, and in the will of God there's nothing I fear, for God has sworn to keep me in His will. If I'm out of His will, that is another matter. But if I'm in His will, He's sworn to keep me." Someone once said to me

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1072632936625066062003-12-28T00:35:00.000-05:002004-08-30T18:21:04.086-04:00

Kenneth E. Hagin founded RHEMA Bible Training Center in 1974, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I attended the second year of the school and graduated in 1976. After graduation, my wife, Debbi, and I spent the next 2 1/2 years ministering in southern Georgia. In the fall of 1978, we returned to Oklahoma, where I joined the RHEMA faculty, and served as an instructor until the spring of 1981. As many of you

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1072282779046791082003-12-24T00:47:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:01:58.560-05:00

On this Christmas Eve, 2003, I'm putting the word out for a missing child -- the "Christ-child." Have you seen Him? While driving on Krafft Road the other day, I noticed a sign leaning against a split-rail fence by the side of the road. On this piece of wood was a message that had been carefully painted in large black letters, and intended for a person unknown: "You have stolen Jesus from

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1072031554680024602003-12-21T00:36:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:02:22.310-05:00

Guess what I found in one of my desk drawers last night -- my little black book! No, not one of "those" little black books -- this is a small book I bought a few years ago to write down memorable quotations I came across. Would you like to see some of my little black book entries? Ok, here they are. Maybe you'll see something that interests you! "I found success one step beyond defeat." --

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1071835177351547622003-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:02:39.593-05:00

It seemed like a good idea at the time. "Let's put a catchy message on our Dixon-Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils to help kids remember to stay away from drugs." And so they did. The upstate New York pencil pusher made their point by stamping the slogan, "Too cool to do drugs" on their writing sticks. And they were sent throughout the land. This was thought to be a noble idea. But, alas, 'twas

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1071032795440071212003-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:02:57.046-05:00

As I waited for the green arrow so I could complete my left turn onto Krafft Road, I noticed the big electronic message sign in front of Walgreens Drugstore. The glowing red LED's said it all -- "Santa will be here today!" Wow! How in the world did our Ft. Gratiot, Michigan Walgreens arrange that? When I was kid, the REAL Santa Claus could only be found in one place -- Smith-Bridgman's

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1071428169173060392003-12-14T00:53:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:03:12.950-05:00

I like good news. How about you? I got back home this morning about 2:30 AM, after attending a meeting at Good News Fellowship Family Church in Owosso, Michigan. I'd gone over to hear Larry Huggins, a wonderful minister and longtime friend of mine. I went to bed and must have finally fallen asleep around 3:00 AM. About 8:00 AM, I was awakened out of a deep sleep by my wife, Debbi. "Randy,

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1071251608687102072003-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:03:27.966-05:00

Step 1. Stand in front of a mirror. Step 2. Open your mouth. Step 3. Stick out your tongue. One potential WMD found. Be careful where you point that thing...it's loaded! think on these things... James 3:2-10 (NLT) We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1070736996821860762003-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:03:47.060-05:00

I thought somebody -- maybe you -- needed to hear this today. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. -- Galatians 6:9 (NLT) think on these things... "The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1071065933494562352003-12-10T00:01:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:04:02.733-05:00

"Sharing makes you bigger than you are. The more you pour out, the more life will be able to pour in." -- Jim Rohn think on these things... Acts 20:33-35 (NLT) "I have never coveted anyone's money or fine clothing. You know that these hands of mine have worked to pay my own way, and I have even supplied the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1070134370257801152003-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:002004-07-09T07:36:17.093-04:00

"You can tell more about a person by the watch they wear than by anything else." That's the theme of watch maker Seiko's new ads -- part of a 20 million-dollar-plus marketing campaign to help raise its image and appeal to a younger 25 to 40 year old audience. The premise of this promotion is that "one's choice of a watch is purely personal -- the brand, the design, and the functions all

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1070669336242937982003-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:002004-02-02T23:04:36.716-05:00

The way you see life is the way you live life. That is, if you really believe there is a God, if you really believe in life after death, if you really believe there is a judgment, if you really believe in Heaven and Hell, if you really believe in Jesus Christ -- it will affect the way you think and live. Really. This truth was brought to light through a recent study by the Barna Research

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1070481085941312552003-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:002004-01-21T02:00:26.403-05:00

The Christmas holidays offer a time for reflection, celebration, and fellowship with family and friends. But they can easily become busy and stressful, too. You might want to visit CBN's Christmas webpage to keep 'the reason for the season' in focus. There's a lot of great information and inspiration there -- including stories behind some of the most beloved Christmas hymns and carols, such

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1069936229883259672003-11-27T00:43:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:23:38.856-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday -- a time of family, food, and fellowship (and hoping the Detroit Lions win!). But, more than that, it serves as a reminder of the One from Whom all blessings flow. Take some time today and give thanks to God for the blessings He's given to you -- and you might also consider how you can share those blessings with someone else. Like Abraham of old, God has

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1069798557526404322003-11-26T00:01:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:24:12.263-05:00

If you're not familiar with this amazing story, you've got to cruise on over to the CBN website and read their interview with Eric Metaxas, author of 'Squanto And The Miracle Of Thanksgiving'. This book, written especially for children ages 5-10, tells the fantastic story of Squanto, a native American Indian, and how God used Him to minister to the Governor Bradford and the Pilgrims when they

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1069592510617208472003-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:002004-01-21T02:10:37.326-05:00

Romans 12:1,2 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1069431591712319112003-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:25:20.466-05:00

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. We might do well to recall the words he spoke in his inaugural address, January 20, 1961. "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1069238273253526472003-11-19T00:37:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:27:10.920-05:00

Herein lies a powerful truth. One would be wise to take it to heart. "A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else." -- American author John Burroughs (1873-1921) And this is true for a woman, too. think on these things... Psalm 37:23,24 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068917658759109642003-11-15T12:34:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:26:17.280-05:00

If you've spent any time on the Internet, you've probably received emails that warn of all sorts of dangers, threats, or increasingly, attacks on our Christian faith and values. I received such an email today, alerting me to a marketing plan that cola maker, Pepsi, is supposedly proposing. Here's an excerpt: DON'T BUY PEPSI IN THE NEW CAN Pepsi has a new "patriotic" can coming out with

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068701600437104862003-11-13T00:01:00.000-05:002003-12-19T07:28:10.200-05:00

I try to spare you by not posting things here that have made their rounds on the Internet. But every once in a while, something comes across my screen that seems worth passing along. So, pard'ner, I hope you enjoy this anonymous piece titled, 'Old Cowboy.' Weedoggies! OLD COWBOY One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068563645244319792003-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:002003-11-11T10:21:39.786-05:00

The following is from the Department of Veterans Affairs website: Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? A. Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068405217345957912003-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:002003-11-10T01:13:30.220-05:00

There's been a lot of discussion in the past few months about persecution of Christians in the United States, and attacks on the truths and values we hold dear. The Alabama Ten Commandments monument case, and the California Pledge of Allegiance ban are two incidents which have made headlines recently. And of course, there's the annual 'you can't pray before the high school football game, or if

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068164130282509782003-11-06T23:55:00.000-05:002003-11-08T03:56:19.133-05:00

"If you believe in forever, Then life is just a one-night stand. If there's a rock and roll heaven, Well you know they've got a hell of a band..." -- Chorus from Rock And Roll Heaven The Righteous Brothers Bobby Hatfield knows for sure today. Bill Medley's partner of the 'Blue-eyed Soul' Righteous Brothers, died in his sleep Wednesday night in a room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo,

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1068051431043956072003-11-05T11:57:00.000-05:002003-11-05T11:57:08.833-05:00

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. -- Psalm 119:97-100

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602540.post-1067917945714519922003-11-04T00:01:00.000-05:002003-12-14T22:51:38.186-05:00

I've got to tell you up front, I have not read Dan Brown's novel, 'The Da Vinci Code'. From the look of things, I might be the only one who hasn't read it. At the moment, it's the #1 best-selling book at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. However, I did watch ABC's one hour special, The Mysteries of 'Jesus, Mary and Da Vinci' last night. The program sought to find answers to suggestions

theChurchGuyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09838505079184828260noreply@blogger.com