Pray for Our President and His Family

February 12, 2010 at 4:26 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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“(1) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – (2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself for all men – the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV)

When was the last time you prayed for our president and his family? They need our prayers. I am not going to rant or take sides politically right now. If for nothing else than respect for the office of president, let’s pray for him and his wife and his children. Most of us will never meet him, but we can pray for him. We’ll never meet his wife or children, but we can pray for them.

There are enough people criticizing him and his decisions. There is a place and time for that. There are enough people hoping to vote him out of office during the next election. Like him and his agenda or not, Jehovah God has allowed him to be the president of the United States of America. Almighty God raises up and He lowers down whom He wants to. We need to show the president some respect and pray for him.

Pray that:

  1. He, his wife and children will come to a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior if they don’t now have that.
  2. He and his family will be protected from violence and harm.
  3. He and his family will be healthy and safe both physically and emotionally.
  4. He will be a loving husband and father.
  5. He will think clearly and make the right decision and not a politically correct decision.
  6. He will be a man of integrity, truthfulness, honor and courage.
  7. His closest advisors will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior.
  8. He will get godly counsel and follow it and that ungodly counsel will be thwarted.

He may never know we pray, but God does. Our God is an awesome God! Let’s pray according to Scripture like He is. Thank you for praying.

Be encouraged,

Bill   (Romans 15:13; Psalm 5:11-12)

 Awesome God

by Rich Mullins

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

Our God is an awesome God

Wimps, Wildmen and Warriors

February 11, 2010 at 12:11 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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(part 1)

There has been more talk and writing recently about what it means to be a man. Within this discussion people voice their concerns and thoughts about masculinity or the absence of it. There is always the concern about the lack of role models for boys to emulate. There is also concern about men taking longer to grow up and be responsible. Now there are churches trying to have tough men and macho ministries. Many men and women have sought to find an answer to why men don’t attend church regularly or at all.

 Over the next few weeks I will seek to give my perspective and thoughts on this subject. From my vantage point and experience I have broken the discussion down into three areas. There are boys and men in every category. You may already be thinking of where some man fits. I also hope to give an illustration from Scripture of a man in each category. What does God’s Word have to say about wimps, wild men and warriors, if anything at all? Today is just a brief overview to set the stage.

 WIMPS: better known as sissy’s. “Sissy” is not a politically correct word. No boy or man worth anything wants to be called a sissy. More dumb dares have been accepted just to prove that you are not a sissy. Back in the day, it was connected to girlish behavior. But let’s stick to the word, “wimp.” It conjures up pictures of Popeye’s friend, Wimpy. The overweight, out of shape glutton who was borrowing the price of hamburger with the promise of paying it back tomorrow. Who really wants to be known as a wimp?

WILDMEN: to some boys or men, this is the ideal. The do what I like when I like to whomever or with whomever I like kind of man. He’s the brash, in your face adventurer. To show my hand a little, I have a simple question that I have asked a number of men for a few years. No one has yet given me a good Biblical answer. So if there are any Eldredgeites out there, “where in Scripture are we told to be wild men”? Please show me where God wants boys or men to have hearts that are wild.

WARRIORS: just what is a warrior? Does modern society (especially boys and/or men) understand what a warrior is? The word is used so loosely that I am not sure that we understand the real definition. Is it someone who just toughs it out when things are bad? Or is there more to it than that? When we understand what a warrior was in Scripture is there any application to present society? Is being a warrior a role reserved for men only?

I have my perspective, beliefs and practical application. Not everyone will like what I have to say. That’s o.k. with me. I will leave you with some questions to think over. So now, where is the Church in all of this mess? Where is the Church learning about masculinity, maleness, manhood, and just being a man? How do we let boys be boys while helping them learn to be a man? What is a man supposed to act like? How do men balance being tough with being tender? How do men balance humility with ambition?

I have a lot more questions, but I’ll stop here. I will try to ask and answer some questions next week. I will also give an illustration from the Bible. I hope you will be back to learn about wimps. I just don’t want you to be one!

Much grace and peace to you,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

(Romans 15:13; Psalm 5:11-12)

(copyright: Bill Mazey)

Can You Smell The Coffee?

February 7, 2010 at 8:01 pm | Posted in Coffee Reviews, Coffee Shop Reviews | Leave a comment
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If you are a coffee drinker, you know that there is just something about the smell of coffee. I like having a coffee maker with a timer because I can smell the brewed coffee in the morning when I get up and its ready for me and my wife. I usually buy whole bean and grind it as we use it. Sometimes we’ll make a cup in the afternoon too, mostly regular, but sometimes decaf. I like dark roast coffees best, but I’ll try lighter roasts. I don’t drink flavored coffees; just give me regular coffee, strong, not bitter, with one teaspoon of honey and a little cream. Man, I’m looking forward to tomorrow morning already.

So my wife and I like to go on a date and try different coffee shops. We will visit them, see what their daily brews are and pick one to have. We have been in just about every coffee shop in Louisville. We like to see how the staff interacts with us so we usually ask them questions about the coffees and their store. We like to sit down enjoy the coffee, watch the people and talk with one another. One of the coffee shops we really like is Sunergos. They are located at 2122 South Preston Street (www.sunergoscoffee.com). We like their coffee so much we buy the beans to make it at home. Sometimes though we just like to go there, sit down and enjoy the coffee.

My wife likes to look at the art they have hanging on the walls and we like the eclectic mix of furniture. The staff is friendly and helpful. Saturday we tried what they call Blend B in a French Press. The coffee was stronger than being brewed in an auto drip machine. It had more of the coffee oils and grit in it then we are used too, but it was pretty good. In about a week we are going back to try the same blend in a Chemex brewer. We want to see how the coffee tastes with that brewing style. We are trying both of these because we are interested in purchasing one for home use. The staff helped us by answering any question we had. It was an enjoyable coffee drinking experience.

We’ll definitely keep buying Sunergos coffee and brewing it at home. We’ll go to other coffee shops, but I know we’ll be back to Sunergos. We appreciate the products they sell and the friendliness of the staff. If you want some good coffee, go to Sunergos. I don’t think you will be disappointed. You can find them online at: www.sunergoscoffee.com .  I posted this recommendation because we like supporting local small businesses. Oh yea, the date was good too! I’m looking forward to the next one we take to another coffee shop.

Pray for the Pastor’s Wife

February 5, 2010 at 2:40 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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This Friday I would like to encourage everyone to pray for their pastor’s wife. I am not thinking of any pastor or pastor’s wife in particular. I am thinking that the pastor’s wife can be a tired lady. She may also be discouraged and lonely. Some women marry men who are pastors or who are studying to be pastors. Some men are called into the ministry after being married and the wife becomes a pastor’s wife. These are some of the reasons why we will pray this way this Friday.

Another reason a pastor’s wife may need prayer are expectations some church members may put on her. Some people think they know what a pastor’s wife should be doing in the church without getting to know her. Sometimes she isn’t accepted just for who she is. She may not know how to play the piano. So let’s pray for the pastor’s help-mate. Oh, if you’re a pastor, pray for some other pastor’s wife and trust God to raise up someone to pray for your wife.

Pray that:

  1. She will have wisdom and discernment in dealing with parishoners.
  2. She will have a good or a couple of good close friends.
  3. She will respect her husband privately and publically.
  4. She will be able to know who she is and like how God made her.
  5. She will have a close relationship with the Lord and know His presence.
  6. She will have the joy of the Lord in her life.
  7. She will serve in the church in the power of the Holy Spirit.
  8. She will love people and be friendly.

There may be other ways to pray for her too. Each woman may have different needs and be at differnent stages in life. This prayer guide is in no way exhaustive, but it is a good starting point. Thank you for praying for these important sisters in the Lord. I’ll leave you with a great Scripture and great song to take you into your weekend.

Much grace and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

(Romans 15:13; Psalm 16:11)

John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”

“Fairest Lord Jesus”

From Munster Gesangbuch, 1677

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlawns,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring:

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing. 

3. Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,

And all the twinkling, starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heav’n can boast. 

4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forever more be thine.

Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus

February 3, 2010 at 3:28 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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It’s the middle of the week and you may need a little pick me up. Sometimes when I get a little drowsy I will do some exercises or just get up and walk around. It usually makes me feel better and alert and ready to take on my task again. It may be connected to how God made us, but to exercise or physically exert myself helps me feel better and think better. It just helps me focus or refocus. For me its better than a cup of coffee or tea.

Spiritually speaking, getting on my knees literally and physically has the same effect. Humbly myself before God and casting my cares upon Him helps me feel better and alert and ready to serve again. Most of the people I know are busy people. We find ourselves sometimes with fewer hours and more tasks. But let us not forget the most important task, prayer and quietness before the Lord.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

If you are in need of a spiritual or emotional or even physical pick me up, maybe it comes from kneeling at the Master’s feet. Cast or literally dump all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7). I would like to leave you with words from a very good book that I read last year.

The Saviour Can Solve Every Problem

by Rev. Oswald J. Smith; music by B.D. Ackley (1932)

  1. The Saviour can lift every burden, The heavy as well as the light;

His strength is made perfect in weakness, In Him there is power and might.

(chorus) The Saviour can solve every problem, the tangles of life can undo;

There is nothing too hard for Jesus, There is nothing that He cannot do.

2. The Saviour can bear every sorrow, In Him there is comfort and rest;

No matter how great the affliction, he only permits what is best.

3. The Saviour can strengthen the weary, His grace is sufficient for all;

He know every step of the pathway, And listens to hear when we call.

4. The Saviour can break sin’s dominion, The victory He won long ago;

In Him there is freedom from bondage, He’s able to conquer the foe.

5. The Saviour can satisfy fully, The heart that the world cannot fill;

His presence will sanctify wholly, The soul that is yielded and still.

From The Work God Blesses by Oswald J. Smith.

(Marshall, Morgan and Scott, Ltd.: London. n.d) p. 6.

 

One month has passed since I have started blogging. It has been both a good learning experience and creative outlet for me. I want to thank everyone who has visited the site. I will try to blog something at least three times a week. Some posts will be longer than others. Some blogging may just be adding to specific pages. Some ideas I have are just for fun and not about the Bible or theology. Hopefully that is o.k. because I think I am a well rounded man. And I don’t mean weight….(that’s a joke!). When you think of me pray for wisdom, discernment, the ability to communicate clearly and good time management. And as I usually tell people, any other way that God may lay on your heart. Here’s a little of what I have in mind.

Words You Should Know:

Next week I will start putting one doctrinal word or phrase on this page. I will give a definition, a Scripture reference and an application. The first pharse: verbal, plenary inspiration.

Book Reviews:

      I am going to try to write two to four reviews a month. Academically I have had to use three different formats: review, summary or report. They are all a little different. Not too long ago I read: “The Holy Spirit in Vietnam” by Orrel N. Steinkamp. I may go back through it and review it because I think it is worth encouraging people to read it.

 I am also attempting to read through “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem as part of my devotional reading. If I read three pages a day I’ll finish it in a year. It is an excellent book. I am currently reading “The Power of Mentoring” by Martin Sanders. I will post a review on it next week. I am also reading “The Spark” by Heward and Bacon.

Lord willing, next week I will start reading “Organic Leadership” by Neil Cole and “Groundswell” by Li and Bernoff. I will post a review on Cole’s book. I have some other reading planned after that also.

 I also allow for flexibility in my reading time, because you never know when someone will recommend something very good. For example, I just read an article in Oncology Times, January 25, 2010, Vol. 32, No. 2 titled, “The Gullible Decade” by Joseph V. Simone. It was short and interesting.

I will pass on to my readers what I have read that I think is worth their time to read and/or purchase. Speaking of that I would like to recommend The A. W. Tozer Electronic Library to you. There are 57 Tozer books, 12 A. B. Simpson books and 12 other Bible References on the disc. If you like Tozer it is well worth having. If you have never heard of Simpson or read any of his material this will be a good introduction for you. You can purchase it here: www.echurchdepot.com.

 Links:

Links from my blog will be added but it is hard to say when. I would also welcome links from other blogs or organizations to my blog as well.

Men You Should Know:

There are men from history that we should know about. They may have impacted the Church in different or crucial ways. I will post on a monthly basis, men I think you should try to know something about. I will trust you to look them up and learn about them

Quotes:

I have collected a lot of quotes over the years. I wrote some new ones down today. I will post quotes whenever and as often as I want to. I will try to find a better way to organize them.

Thanks again for taking the time to read either the posts or pages on this blog. I am grateful and humbled. I hope this blog brings glory to God by teaching and encouraging the saints and by introducing the sinner to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To God be the glory.

GRACE to you,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 21:6

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