tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58571683737911640012024-03-12T21:54:38.647-07:00Cozaddale ChroniclesTravis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-3956163585703127512020-01-16T13:27:00.002-08:002020-01-16T13:27:47.768-08:002020 Tea on the Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again! <br />
A few years ago I posted my thoughts on the best iced tea available in our area of Ohio. That post had more interaction and feedback personally than anything I had every written (which says a lot, which I don't want to think about).<br />
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It has become a tradition, that each January I share my thoughts on the best tea in the South Western Ohio area.<br />
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Apparently, according to my teen daughter, when someone shares "what's going on concerning a person or topic," it is called getting the "tea". So, today I will once again, give the Tea on Tea.<br />
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What is our tea judged by? First, and most importantly, is the taste. It must taste good. It cannot have that "coffee ground" taste to it. It should be pleasant to the pallet. Then, we decided that the cup is of great importance. What your tea is served in is of great importance. You want a cup that holds enough to satisfy your tea desire, but that also can keep the tea ice cold. As your ice melts, your tea becomes watered down. The amount of ice is important too. There is nothing worse than a tea that is luke warm that should be iced! We also judge tea by its "smoothness." Some teas just are "smooth" as it enters the mouth and travels down the throat leaving a pleasantness in your mouth and mind. My wife, for all you sugar people, judges her tea by how much sugar is added. There is a right balance that must be achieved. Their is also the eye test. A cloudy tea equals a bitter tea. The tea must be brewed-freshly. A fountain tea was created after the fall of man and is part of the curse of sin. There is also availability. While the iced tea may be superb at "Jimmy's Jungle Hut," if you have to drive 30 miles to get to the only JJH, then we can't count it. The final criteria is consistency. By this I mean, when you go to this place and order the tea, can you count on it being good every time? That said, here is our top 10 teas based upon these credentials. <br />
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SPOILER ALERT-FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, I HAVE A NEW NUMBER ONE!<br />
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Did you know that America spent nearly 10 Billion dollars on Iced Tea at restaurants this year!?! Americans drank nearly 5 billion galloons of tea this year! This is serious, and as far as I know, this is the ONLY BLOG DEDICATED TO THE EXPOSING OF THE BEST TEA IN SOUTHWEST OHIO! SHARE THIS BLOG NOW AND LET THE RECORD BE SHARED!<br />
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10. GOLD STAR: Gold Star Chili is a Cincinnati specialty. You either love it or hate it. For years, their tea was through the same fountain machine as their sodas; but now they have started brewing their tea. It is pretty good. The cups are your basic fast food cup, the straws normal size, the ice usually is lacking, and the clarity most often muddies. Having said that, they are getting better. They are everywhere around here. So congratulations Gold Star for making the list! (By the way, I like your food better than Skyline....I said it, let the hate begin).<br />
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9. WENDYS: Wendys last year cracked the top 10. Wendy's tea used to be disgusting, but they have come a very long way! The taste is good, and it is brewed fresh. The color is pleasant. The cup is that thin plastic cup, which is less than desirable, allowing the ice to melt way to clip and condensation building up on the outside as well. The condensation runs down the cup and leaves moisture on your desk or in the cupholder of your car-which usually has a small piece of paper in it, which then gets soggy and is virtually impossible to then get out without making bigger mess. But, they do have HUGE large sizes. If you are needing a tea to last all day, this is the place! But again, the ice melts way to quick in those cups. Having said all that-well done Wendy's, you are getting better!<br />
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8. WHITE CASTLE: White Castle was a solid 2 on this list before, but has dropped way down. White Castle used to use the ConTea brand, but has switched brands now. The result, a much poorer taste. The consistency is not there anymore. The cups are the plastic cups. The size of the cups is better than most options out there, but it just isn't what it used to be. Being a huge White Castle guy (not a fat reference), I am disappointed. If White Castle reads this, go back to ConTea! Overall, it is o.k., but not what it once was. I used to brag on their tea, now I avoid it. There just are better options out there.<br />
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7. SKYLINE: Another Cincinnati specialty and good (not as good as Gold Star). Now for all you Cincinnatians, Skyline tea is decent. The sweet is VERY sweet if you are into that. The unsweet is pretty good. The color is always a little cloudy. We both feel at times the tea has sat in that large tub a little too long. They never put enough ice in the tea, and should you get a large, you are dealing with a plastic, condensating, decorated cup. It's good. It's too expensive for what you are getting. If you are ever driving down the road and you just want a tea, you can find better places; but don't fear, if eating in, in ordering one of these teas. They made the top 10, but could do better.<br />
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6. DUNKIN': Making the top 10 for the first time and not just barely, is Dunkin'. I was slow on getting into the Dunkin' tea, but have figured it out now. Their tea is fairly priced and normally has a very clear appearance. The cups are the thin plastic ones, and upon going to a better cup, would go up one or two spots. There are Dunkin's everywhere. EMPLOYEES PLEASE NOTE; when you make the tea in the morning, do NOT USE THE SAME CONTAINERS YOU MADE THE COLD BREW OR ICED COFFEE WITH. This leaves the tea tasting with that coffee ground taste. Easily avoided if you follow my suggestion...and trust me...I know what I am talking about. So why the big jump....in a simple phrase...unsweetened shots of flavor. I have found this to be wonderful. May I suggest and unsweetened large iced tea with two shots of blueberry and two shots of raspberry. You will not be disappointed. You're welcome everyone. <br />
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5. SONIC: Now to some, you may have expected Sonic tea to be higher on the list. On my personal list, it would have been higher, but on Stacey's list it is a lot lower. So, we give it a 5 rating. The pros are that the cup is by far the best! You can get a tea from Sonic and have enough to sip on till you go to bed. I recommend going early and ordering your .99 cent Route 44. It's the only way to go! Then the ice, by far the best of anyone else. You just can't beat the small crushed Sonic ice. Where Sonic falls is the taste. For unsweet drinkers, it is fair. At times, the unsweet has no taste at all, almost like water. For sweet drinkers, the tea just isn't that good. Consistency is poor too. Sometimes, you get a good one, other times you are sure that tea has sat there in a pot for a couple of days. Not real smooth ever. So, the cup and ice are off the chart good. The tea is fair. In the morning, it is my tea of choice; for my wife, she'd pass every time. Also, get the app! You always get half price drinks when you order on the app, and there is just something special about pulling in a stall and seeing your name on the screen being welcomed. <br />
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4. McDONALDS: Yes, we are loving it, just not as much! McDonalds tea came a long way from what it once was. Quite frankly, we believe McDonalds is the first fast food chain to start the quality iced tea movement (if there is such a thing). You just never saw a fast food chain push their iced tea until McDonalds. In 2008, McDonalds rolled out their Sweet Tea and it all took off. Why a number 4 rating? Well, the cups have changed. No more styrofoam cups. Truly a disaster. They say it is for the planets health. Seriously, since when is McDonald's concerned about anyone or anything's health? That is not why we come there you crazy clown! Consistency is not what it once was. It is nice to know that pretty much anywhere in the country you go you can count of a pretty good iced tea from McDonalds. Occasionally you will get that coffee ground flavor in a McD's tea, but over all its trustworthy. The sweet tea is above average. The sugar ratio is good for most sweet tea drinkers (if you like Kool-aid). There is a pretty good smoothness to their tea. The color not so good. It probably is the tea we drink the most, mainly because of convenience and price. But please McDonalds, get rid of those plastic thin cups!!!<br />
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3. McALISTER'S DELI: What???? After years of being number one, it has fallen. First the positives. What makes this tea stand out? Well first and foremost,<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s1600/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s200/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" width="148" /></a>the taste is very good! I don't believe it is quite what it used to be, but it is very above average! I find it getting some cloudy lately-perhaps due to their iced tea bins not being as clean? There is a crisp taste to this tea. It has tea flavor that is close to perfection. This is a fine, high quality iced tea. When it comes to smoothness, only one other tea can compare. Consistency is absolute perfection. To have such a great tasting tea, that is perfectly smooth, and it be that way every time you purchase one is quite impressive. The tea to ice ration is always perfect. You can order this tea and eat lunch and sit and talk for 30 minutes and you will still be able to sip that extraordinary tea. The cups are the perfect size for tea drinkers. One con is that the cup is plastic. While the size is perfect, the plastic will allow ice meltage on a hot summer day. Also, availability hurt their rating. While there are quite a few McAlisters around, the lack of a drive-thru and quantity of stores caused a slip in rating. But, in our minds, its way worth the cup to drink that delicious tea! <br />
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2. CHICK-FIL-A: Moving up one spot this year in the top 10! No, the "Christian" friendliness has nothing to do with this selection. We only are judging by the tea. The tea is very good here. It has a good taste. The tea always has a smoothness about it. The tea is is very consistent. We have never gone to Chick-fil-a and received a bad tasting tea. The cups are insulated and large enough. Stacey agrees that the sweet tea is consistently good as well. The problem here (and it is a big one) is that Chick-Fil-A puts WAY TOO MUCH ICE in their cups. You can order a large tea (and the cup is plenty big) and drink it all in about four drinks. Now when dining in, those super nice employees are ready "to serve you" and refill those teas; but drive thru and carry out just doesn't work in the tea area. Great tea! Great consistency! Good smoothness! Great cups! Just back off the ice! This review was MY PLEASURE.<br />
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AND NOW FOR THE NUMBER ONE TEA FOR THE 2020 RANKINGS:<br />
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1. STARBUCKS: I find myself coming here all the time for the tea these days. First, please don't give me all the "you are a Christian, you shouldn't support Starbucks." If you only want to support company's that agree with our stands, well, prepare to produce everything at home. I go on....here is why they climbed the chart so quick: Taste! Absolutely one of the best teas you will drink. They use the Tazo tea brand, which is above average good. When I order, I get a Trenta Black Unsweetened Iced Tea. It doesn't need any flavors or sweeteners. I keep it simple. The ice to tea ratio is pretty good. The cups are those clear plastic, but acceptable. The plastic is a little thicker than most stores, so I don't feel it is as much a deterrent. The price is a little high, but you get what you pay for. Not a big fan of much else at Starbucks (except the Keto drink my daughter has us hooked on-message me for details) Truly, it is a great tea. The taste is always perfect. For the record, as much as I made fun of it at first, I love the sippy cup top. No straw is great (and not because of the turtles). I highly recommend it and your driving through to get one. They are truly everywhere! So sorry McCallisters and all my "brethren" who despise my bragging on Starbucks, but the tea is great and in my opinion, the best "fast food" tea available in southwest Ohio!<br />
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Well, there you go. I know everyone was wondering and now you know what teas Stacey and I drink. So now when you are out there driving around and get that hunkering for a good iced Tea, you finally got something to go by. I love my wife, and I am glad she loves iced tea too. Enjoy my friends!<br />
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That's the Tea!<br />
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-91852414178549004452019-02-06T12:17:00.001-08:002019-02-06T12:17:16.678-08:00What Do I Do? The other day, someone simply asked, "What do you do?" Now, they were not asking my vocation, but as a pastor, they were asking what all do I do. I tried to answer them the best I could, but the reality is, as my dad always said, "every day is an adventure." <br />
I thank God for the privilege of being able to serve as a pastor. It is such an honor that God would allow me to do so. I've heard the old joke, "must be nice to only work two days a week" more often than you can imagine; and while I know most people are just kidding, I do not think that most people realize what all a pastor truly does do.<br />
I would start by saying that every pastor, every week, every where, every day does not truly know what he will "do." That's part of the adventure. I also know that every pastor should strive to live a disciplined life concerning his time. I also know that a Biblical pastor should spend his primary time in the Word of God, and be sure that his duties do not cause him to "leave the Word of God to serve tables." (Acts 6:2). But, serving tables is part of it.<br />
Every pastor would write a different piece than I am about to write, but for what ever reason, I feel the need to stop and answer my friend and share "what I do."<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YefkVUXw4Bs/XFsfFZnD6cI/AAAAAAAAIwI/7wR2QgkCy3Ulvx4JS_mMpX6LoFLcU93uwCLcBGAs/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="258" height="151" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YefkVUXw4Bs/XFsfFZnD6cI/AAAAAAAAIwI/7wR2QgkCy3Ulvx4JS_mMpX6LoFLcU93uwCLcBGAs/s200/images-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a> Let's start with the first day of the week, Sunday. Sundays are the best! This is the Lord's day! Now for the pastor, it is definitely not a day of rest, but it is never commanded in Scripture to be a day of rest, but it is the Lord's Day. I woke up Sunday morning at 5:45 a.m. I got alone with the Lord and read, meditated, and prayed for the day. I then got dressed and ready and left by 8:00 a.m. I and my daughter picked up a young lady who helps work on our bus, and then we arrived at church. We then road a bus route and I ran the route, leading in songs, games, and teaching a lesson. Upon returning at 10:05 (oops we were late), I went to my office, grabbed my Bible, and walked into my Sunday School class. I teach the young singles class. I dismissed at 10:45 and headed over to the auditorium. I met with some visitors, talked to a man struggling with some family issues, and greeted the brethren. The service started at 11:00 and I had the privilege of preaching on "Keep on Singing." When the service concluded, I shook everyone's hand as they left. I was given multiple prayer requests, a few compliments, many greetings, a good joke, and a request for counseling later this week. When the last person walked past, I ran to my bus, had prayer with the kids and we were off. We dropped off our kids as we passed out a snack, drink, and usually have some singing and games. We arrived back at church at 1:45, and I dropped off my things in my office and then we got in the car and headed towards home. Starving by this time, we stopped into a Gold Star Chili and ate as a family. We got home around 3:15 p.m.. I finally was able to use the restroom and even had time to play my daughter in Mario Kart (I actually beat her, first time ever). We soon got back in the car and headed to church as choir practice begins at 4:30. We arrived and I went to choir. (I have 4:30 discipleship every other Sunday and the off Sundays I go to choir). Following practice, I ran to my office and had 15 minutes to look over my sermon and pray and get back to the auditorium. The Lord blessed with a good service. Following the service, we spent some time fellowshipping with the church. As I was making my way later towards the back, a young person caught my eye. They were hurting. I went to them and they soon began to pour out their heart. We went and met and I tried to share what the Lord laid on my heart to help them. We left church about 9:00 p.m. and headed home. Upon getting home, we fixed a light dinner and ate it as a family. It was just that quickly 11:00 p.m. and we headed to bed. I answered two emails, played a game of Clash Royale, looked over my calendar for tomorrow, returned two texts, and had prayer. I drifted off somewhere around 11:45.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTP8B6fPhFQ/XFsitKvFXBI/AAAAAAAAIwU/eh8Np90Gr1sTdfPy1MESvpK4CAOAM6pHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTP8B6fPhFQ/XFsitKvFXBI/AAAAAAAAIwU/eh8Np90Gr1sTdfPy1MESvpK4CAOAM6pHgCLcBGAs/s200/Unknown.jpeg" width="200" /></a> It's now Monday morning at 5:30. A dear missionary I love, who needs prayer as he was hurt on the field, touched base with me through WhatsApp. The chime of that alert gets me up. I have a time of fellowship with this brother, and then begin to spend time reading my Bible and in prayer. At 7:00 a.m. I am getting dressed and ready for the day. We leave a little before 8:00 a.m. for church. There my wife and I teach and my daughters attend our school. I got in and got busy. I spent the morning writing post cards. Every Monday, I write post cards to all of our college kids that are away, those who are not feeling well, and anyone that has a birthday or anniversary that week, along with a few other random cards as the Lord lays it upon my heart. I then worked on the slides for the Sunday morning service. With everything fresh on my mind from the weekend, I type out the slides that will be used for this upcoming week. Following that, I had to return a car we had rented. Our vehicle has been broken down and in the shop, so we had to rent a vehicle. It was due back Monday, so I took it and cleaned it out and gassed it up and returned it to the dealership. Bro. Sallee picked me up and we stopped on the way back and had lunch (aka a staff meeting about the week ahead of us). We then stopped by the post office where I mailed the post cards and returned to school in time for me to teach three classes. At 3:00, I finished my teaching (I teach typing, Literature, and Algebra 2 on Mondays). I then had to contact another two schools about scheduling a tournament basketball game. I was emailed the seeding and it is my responsibility as serving Athletic Director to schedule these things. I then went and got the bus ready and the basketballs and equipment together for our game Monday night. As coach of our basketball team, it is my responsibility to do these things. I filled the water bottles up with the help of my wife and loaded the bus. It was then a teacher brought a situation to my attention that needed to be handled immediately. I called a meeting with some staff members and we dealt with a pertinent matter. It was then 4:30 and it was time to leave for the game. I and Bro. Sallee are the only CDL drivers available on weekdays, and I normally drive the bus to games. So, off we went at 4:30 towards Dayton. After a little over an hour drive trip, we arrived at our location. We had a Junior High Game and a Varsity Game that night. While driving, I received notice from a lady of her husbands funeral arrangements. We finalized the arrangements when I parked and was able to get a phone call back to her. I also was still texting and emailing trying to figure out the tournament games and their times. The games began at 6:00 and ended around 8:45. We stopped soon at a fast food restaurant and grabbed some food, only to return to church around 10:45. I parked the bus, dropped off a few items, and arrived back home at 11:30. After cleaning up and answering a few texts and emails, I laid down in bed. My precious wife had stayed up to tell me good night. I played a game of Clash Royale (you don't understand, it helps me unwind), had a time of prayer, and drifted off around 12:30 a.m.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9QKvKwutpM/XFs2uXzAPsI/AAAAAAAAIwg/LnqbCCtNhXwSxGuQ0fCaj2APw2tKiKcqACLcBGAs/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9QKvKwutpM/XFs2uXzAPsI/AAAAAAAAIwg/LnqbCCtNhXwSxGuQ0fCaj2APw2tKiKcqACLcBGAs/s200/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a> Tuesday came too quick! The alarm went off at 5:00 a.m. and we were up and going immediately. A young man who recently rededicated his life and has been back active in church was having surgery at Christ hospital in downtown Cincinnati at 7:00. I got dressed and was out the door soon and arrived at the hospital and spent time with the young man and his family. Before they took him back, I had prayer with them all and spoke to the doctor who was confident things were going to go well. I left the family and sat down in a quiet spot, a small lobby, in a nice chair. I reached out to the same missionary to check on his progress and fellowshipped with him a bit. I then called my wife to make sure they made it out the door safely that morning, and then decided it was a nice place to spend some time with the Lord. I read my Bible, prayed, and thought on the day. I then headed back to church with a quick stop by Sonic for a large drink and a Keto Bowl. Not bad for $4. Upon returning to school, I had two emails and two phone calls to return (still working on those tournament games a few other things). I then taught my typing class at 10:00 a.m. and met with the seniors about their senior trip. I then booked our lodging for the trip and made and paid for reservations. I had to run to the store to get a baked chicken for lunch (because the dog grabbed our lunch my wife had laid on the countertop that morning-bad DOG), and then returned just in time to feed the family. After lunch, I prepared some notes for Sunday night and then taught my Algebra 2 class. One call I had received that morning is that one of my men's elderly mother was rushed to the hospital. Following my Algebra 2 class, I typed out what the seniors had to bring for tomorrow's hot lunch and then headed to Wilmington, Ohio to the hospital to visit this man and his mom. I arrived at the hospital at around 3:15 p.m. and spent some time with the family. I got back in the car around 3:45 and got out my Bible. I had not had time yet to prepare my message for our nursing home service that night. There in the parking lot of the hospital, God gave me my message from Mark 14 about being broken and giving God the glory. Upon finishing the message, I began my drive home. Each night at nursing home, we give out a Grace gift to one of the residents. I had not gotten that gift yet, so I stopped at the grocery and picked out a gift, along with some windshield wiper fluid (the car I am driving had none), and some broccoli for dinner. I got home and gave my wife the broccoli, and as she prepared it, I went through the mail. I had gotten home about 5:10, and she had dinner done at 5:30. We ate as a family, and I was in the car leaving at 5:45 to head to nursing home. My daughters and I stopped and picked up a young lady who helps at nursing home and we arrived at church around 6:10. We (my daughters, two young men, and about 4 teen girls) loaded the church van and headed to the nursing home. Our service runs from 6:30-7:30. We had a very sweet service, and as always, the residents encourage us more than we encourage them. We loaded the van and stopped at a UDF for a treat. Most of them got ice cream; but I got a coke zero and a few peanuts (4 carbs). We arrived back at church around 8:15, and I was home by 8:45. I then posted on Facebook about the service on our church page, answered two emails (still working on those tournament games), and then got a glass of water and watched the State of the Union Address (not bad President Trump). I then went straight to bed, had a time of prayer, played a round of Clash Royale, and was sleeping by 11:15 (I was pretty tired).<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY2xC8OtUog/XFs6j4Qm_uI/AAAAAAAAIws/k86R8t5OYgk9K-vEiJ3nq5yFkyfD4aoNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="319" height="99" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY2xC8OtUog/XFs6j4Qm_uI/AAAAAAAAIws/k86R8t5OYgk9K-vEiJ3nq5yFkyfD4aoNgCLcBGAs/s200/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a> Believe it or not, it was Wednesday next (today-the day I am writing) and the alarm went off around 6 a.m. I spent some time in prayer and Bible study (God always blesses obedience-Joshua) and then got ready for the day. We were out the door and at church by 8:15 and the day was already moving. I went in and collected orders for the senior hot lunch today and then headed to the grocery to get the items needed (one student forgot their items, and we needed a few others). I stopped in the parking lot and checked in with the missionary on his progress and called our church commissioned missionary, Bro. Roberts, and checked on him. I then drove through and got my wife and I a drink and a Keto bowl, and got back to church by 9:30. I answered two emails and then it was brought to my attention that the pouring rain was flooding the buildings and septic. After developing a plan to build an Ark (or keep the building dry) I headed to the kitchen. The seniors are having a mashed potato sundae bar today (only $3). We had to prepare 80 servings of mashed potatoes with all the fixings (I made me a mashed cauliflower sundae bar-only 4 carbs). We then ate lunch and I returned to my office. There I had to call and pay for a propane delivery at my house and return a form to our government about our income. I then called my son who is away at college and I then emailed one of our college students who are away at college and tried to encourage them, as I heard they were very discouraged. I then had to teach myself how to do our Algebra and then go teach it to the students. Following class, I spoke on the phone with our church commissioned evangelist, Bro. Ted Alexander about his ministry and then mailed two books to our dentist office. You see, last week I was there, and one of the hygienist suddenly passed away. They were all still struggling with her death, and I teach a grief counseling class at times. I mailed them a letter and two books that will help if they read and trust the Lord it speaks of. I then typed up this article you are reading while waiting for the 3:00 bell to ring. (it just did). Soon, my family and I will head home. It will be a little slower night-I think. That visitor Sunday who asked for counseling is coming over tonight at 6:00. So, we will head home pretty quick and fix dinner and clean up after dinner and pick up the house and then welcome them at 6:00 to our house. I do not know how long the time needed will be, but I have marked off the night for it. I also hope to get those tournament games finalized tonight, spend some time around a family altar, beat Grace again at Mario Kart, and start some studies towards tomorrow night's sermon. <br />
But there you go....there is a few days of what I do (at least what I could remember). Every day is an adventure! Tomorrow's adventure will begin soon enough.Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-42290032264951895122019-01-10T12:40:00.001-08:002019-01-10T12:40:40.341-08:00The "Tea" on Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago I posted my thoughts on the best iced tea available in our area of Ohio. That post had more interaction and feedback personally than anything I had every written (which says a lot, which I don't want to think about).<br />
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Today, I feel the need to update that post, as teas have unfortunately changed, and the quality is different than what is once was.<br />
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Apparently, according to my teen daughter, when someone shares "what's going on concerning a person or topic," it is called getting the "tea". So, today I will give the Tea on Tea.<br />
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What is our tea judged by? Well, we talked about this in great detail. First, and most importantly, is the taste. It must taste good. It cannot have that "coffee ground" taste to it. It should be pleasant to the pallet. Then, we decided that the cup is of great importance. What your tea is served in is of great importance. You want a cup that holds enough to satisfy your tea desire, but that also can keep the tea ice cold. As your ice melts, your tea becomes watered down. The amount of ice is important too. There is nothing worse than a tea that is luke warm that should be iced! We also judge tea by its "smoothness." Some teas just are "smooth" as it enters the mouth and travels down the throat leaving a pleasantness in your mouth and mind. My wife, for all you sugar people, judges her tea by how much sugar is added. There is a right balance that must be achieved. Their is also the eye test. A cloudy tea equals a bitter tea. The tea must be brewed-freshly. A fountain tea was created after the fall of man and is part of the curse of sin. The final criteria is consistency. By this I mean, when you go to this place and order the tea, can you count on it being good every time? That said, here is our top 10 teas based upon these credentials.<br />
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10. WENDYS: Cracking the top 10 this year is Wendy's. Wendy's tea used to be disgusting, but they have come a very long way! The taste is good, and it is brewed fresh. The color is pleasant. The cup is that thin plastic cup, which is less than desirable, allowing the ice to melt way to clip and condensation building up on the outside as well. The condensation runs down the cup and leaves moisture on your desk or in the cupholder of your car-which usually has a small piece of paper in it, which then gets soggy and is virtually impossible to then get out without making bigger mess. Having said all that-well done Wendy's, you are getting better!<br />
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9. PANERA BREAD: Not the most manly place to eat; but when dieting, you sure can get a good amount of food that is tasty and low on calories. On Stacey's list for sweet tea, not that good. On my list for unsweetened, pretty good. You control the ice to tea ratio. The "smooth" factor is very good! The cups are too small and flimsy and allow quick melting of ice. There are options for the tea in flavors without the sugar, so I do appreciate it that as well! Consistency is there. Overall, you won't go wrong. Problem is, I like my tea to be there all day. A Panera Bread tea will last through lunch. Thirty minutes later, it is a "Laodicean" mess.<br />
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8. WHITE CASTLE: White Castle was a solid 2 on this list before, but has dropped way down. White Castle used to use the ConTea brand, but has switched brands now. The result, a much poorer taste. The consistency is not there anymore. The cups are the plastic cups. The size of the cups is better than most options out there, but it just isn't what it used to be. Being a huge White Castle guy (not a fat reference), I am disappointed. If White Castle reads this, go back to ConTea! Overall, it is o.k., but not what it once was.<br />
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7. SKYLINE: If you are not from Cincinnati and you do not know what Skyline is, I am seriously sorry. Now for all you Cincinnatians, Skyline tea is decent. The sweet is VERY sweet if you are into that. The unsweet is pretty good. The color is always a little cloudy. We both feel at times the tea has sat in that large tub a little too long. They never put enough ice in the tea, and should you get a large, you are dealing with a plastic, condensating, decorated cup. It's good. It's too expensive for what you are getting. If you are ever driving down the road and you just want a tea, you can find better places; but don't fear, if eating in, in ordering one of these teas. They made the top 10, but could do better.<br />
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6. SONIC: Now to some, you may have expected Sonic tea to be higher on the list. First of all, all the fancy flavors do not interest us as we stick to sweet or unsweet. On my personal list, it would have been higher, but on Stacey's list it is a lot lower. So, we give it a 6 rating. The pros are that the cup is by far the best! You can get a tea from Sonic and have enough to sip on till you go to bed. I recommend going early and ordering your .99 cent Route 44. It's the only way to go! Then the ice, by far the best of anyone else. You just can't beat the small crushed Sonic ice. Where Sonic falls is the taste. For unsweet drinkers, it is fair. At times, the unsweet has no taste at all, almost like water. For sweet drinkers, the tea just isn't that good. Consistency is poor too. Sometimes, you get a good one, other times you are sure that tea has sat there in a pot for a couple of days. Always a danger for the coffee ground taste at Sonic. Not real smooth ever. So, the cup and ice are off the chart good. The tea is fair. In the morning, it is my tea of choice; for my wife, she'd pass every time.<br />
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5. McDONALDS: Yes, we are loving it, just not as much! McDonalds tea came a long way from what it once was. Quite frankly, we believe McDonalds is the first fast food chain to start the quality iced tea movement (if there is such a thing). You just never saw a fast food chain push their iced tea until McDonalds. In 2008, McDonalds rolled out their Sweet Tea and it all took off. Why a number 5 rating? Well, the cups have changed. No more styrofoam cups. Truly a disaster. They say it is for the planets health. Seriously, since when is McDonald's concerned about anyone or anything's health? That is not why we come there you crazy clown! Consistency is not what it once was. It is nice to know that pretty much anywhere in the country you go you can count of a pretty good iced tea from McDonalds. Occasionally you will get that coffee ground flavor in a McD's tea, but over all its trustworthy. The sweet tea is above average. The sugar ratio is good for most sweet tea drinkers (if you like Kool-aid. There is a pretty good smoothness to their tea. The color not so good. It probably is the tea we drink the most, mainly because of convenience and price.<br />
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4. STARBUCKS: Cracking the top 10 this year and pretty high. I find myself coming here more often for the tea these days. First, please don't give me all the "you are a Christian, you shouldn't support Starbucks." If you only want to support company's that agree with our stands, well, prepare to produce everything at home. I go on....here is why they climbed the chart so quick: Taste! Absolutely one of the best teas you will drink. They use the Tazo tea brand, which is above average good. When I order, I get a Trenta Black Unsweetened Iced Tea. I don't do all those flavors and add-ins. I keep it simple. The ice to tea ratio is pretty good. The cups are those clear plastic, but acceptable. The main draw back is the price. Like everything at Starbucks, it cost too many bucks. Truly, it is a very good tea. I highly recommend it and your driving through to get one.<br />
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3. CHICK-FIL-A: Moving up one spot this year in the top 10! No, the "Christian" friendliness has nothing to do with this selection. We only are judging by the tea. The tea is very good here. It has a good taste. The tea always has a smoothness about it. The tea is is very consistent. We have never gone to Chick-fil-a and received a bad tasting tea. The cups are insulated and large enough. Stacey agrees that the sweet tea is consistently good as well. The problem here (and it is a big one) is that Chick-Fil-A puts WAY TOO MUCH ICE in their cups. You can order a large tea (and the cup is plenty big) and drink it all in about four drinks. Now when dining in, those super nice employees are ready "to serve you" and refill those teas; but drive thru and carry out just doesn't work in the tea area. Great tea! Great consistency! Good smoothness! Great cups! Just back off the ice! This review was MY PLEASURE.<br />
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2. MIAMI MARKET: Miami Market is a carry out located on St. Rt. 131 in Day Heights near Milford. If you have not discovered this hidden gym of tastefulness, you need to do so today. The food and sandwiches are the biggest and the tastiest around. Their hot plates are delicious and plentiful. Their brownies are to die for....but back to the topic at hand. Behind the cooler near the deli, hidden almost, is freshly brewed iced tea, both sweet and unsweet. The tea (just as the food) is wonderful! The color is perfect. The cups are styrofoam and large, keeping your drink cold and plenteous all day. I have never gotten a bad tea from Miami Market. Truly, you must stop there...frequently. The staff is awesome and I promise it will be the largest bologna sandwich you have ever eaten, if you are into those like me! Anyways, cracking the top 10 and landing at number 2 is Miami Market!<br />
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Are you ready for it?<br />
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The Number 1 Tea of choice on our list?<br />
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We should first state that also receiving consideration were the following: Zaxbys, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, and more. Did you know that last year America spent over 8 billion dollars in Iced Tea at Fast Food chains? This is serious!!!<br />
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OK...her it is...the number ONE choice of Travis and Stacey when it comes to Iced Teas is...<br />
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1. McALISTER'S DELI: Still number 1!! What makes this tea stand out? Well first and foremost,<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s1600/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s200/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" width="148" /></a>the taste is just out of this world. There is a crisp taste to this tea. It has tea<br />
flavor that is perfection. It is by far, the best tasting tea, both sweet and unsweet, that is out there. This is a fine, high quality iced tea. When it comes to smoothness, no other tea can compare. It is the standard of taste and smoothness for all other teas. Consistency is absolute perfection. To have such a great tasting tea, that is perfectly smooth, and it be that way every time you purchase one is quite impressive. The tea to ice ration is always perfect. You can order this tea and eat lunch and sit and talk for 30 minutes and you will still be able to sip that extraordinary tea. The cups are the perfect size for tea drinkers. The only not perfect score this tea gets is the cup. While the size is perfect, the plastic will allow ice meltage on a hot summer day. But, in our minds, its way worth the cup to drink that delicious tea! By far, the best!<br />
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Well, there you go. I know everyone was wondering and now you know what teas Stacey and I drink. So now when you are out there driving around and get that hunkering for a good iced Tea, you finally got something to go by. I love my wife, and I am glad she loves iced tea too. Enjoy my friends!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-38439034224350718682018-09-20T14:26:00.002-07:002018-09-20T14:26:40.804-07:00Created For His PleasureRevelation 4:11 reads, "Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."<br />
This passage of Scripture clearly teaches that all things were created by God. Further, all things were created for God's pleasure. The word pleasure there is the Greek word <i>thelema, </i> meaning "what one wishes or determines to be done." <br />
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Part of the "all things created" is us. You and I were created for His pleasure. At first, our minds go to some king or dictator seeing us as some jester or slave, but that is not reality. God does not treat us that way; yet, we were created for His pleasure.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_tqlbAR4fA/W6QNXDgvzhI/AAAAAAAAIpw/1NzmbRJlHBwrPM7Hv1rTirWX5LLkYt_PwCLcBGAs/s1600/283861-white-castle-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="518" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_tqlbAR4fA/W6QNXDgvzhI/AAAAAAAAIpw/1NzmbRJlHBwrPM7Hv1rTirWX5LLkYt_PwCLcBGAs/s320/283861-white-castle-2.jpg" width="320" /></a>There are many things created for our pleasure. A White Castle cheeseburger can be created for my pleasure. When it is, it is totally in my hands, soon in my mouth, and I am greatly pleased. The cheeseburger has no say in what happens, for it was created for my pleasure. <br />
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A teenager will turn on his playstation, which has been created for his pleasure. The playstation will play and do whatever the young man tells it to; for it was designed for his pleasure.<br />
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We were designed for God's pleasure; yet, He doesn't make me do anything. God doesn't make me wear certain clothes or listen to certain music. God doesn't make me go to church or force me to tithe. He has the power to do so and the right to do so; yet, He doesn't make me. Too many Christians do these things, along with many more, trying to earn God's pleasure. If those things were the zenith of His pleasure, He would force us to do them. But, they are not.<br />
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So what is His pleasure? We were created for His pleasure, that is our purpose in life! If you are reading this and you have said (or are saying), "I have no purpose," or "What is my purpose?", I am about to share it.<br />
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You were created for His pleasure! So....what is His pleasure? He doesn't make you do a thing. God's pleasure is to have a relationship with us, and us allowing Him to be our pleasure! Let me explain. God gets pleasure in being our God! He desires to have a relationship with us (through salvation) and then to be the God we need Him to be.<br />
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Stop and think Who God is to you. Seriously, think of a one word answer to "Who is God to you?"<br />
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Got it?<br />
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Keep Scrolling....<br />
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Think on it.<br />
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Stop! Before you go on. I want to answer it for you. If you are saved and have answered this question, here is your answer: He is what you needed Him to be. For the person having grown up in a broken home, He is your Father. For the person who faced the hardest of times, He is your Strength. For the person who needed deliverance, He is your Salvation. For the person who was weak and almost done, He is your strength. For the pastor, He is your Life. For the addict, He is your Deliverer. I could go on, but you see, we were created for His pleasure; and His pleasure is to be our God...just the God we need. What a God!!!<br />
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How does this make me respond? I love Him, because He first loved me. I want to serve Him, because He gave all for me. I want to be holy, because He is holy. I choose to dress the way I do and listen to what I listen to, because...How could I not? I just want to please Him....and I and God get to share in His pleasure!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-11935941606763764612017-08-25T11:32:00.001-07:002017-08-25T11:32:35.508-07:00Not The Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With today's social media, we all have so many outlets to share our opinions...too many outlets. My grandpa always said, "Opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and most of them stink." While we all have opinions, many that would read this and follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram also have preferences and we all have convictions! Daily, I find great joy in reading through my friends posts. I love being challenged by the math questions, finding the hidden objects, laughing at someone falling in a video, and then nearly every time you find it! What is it that seemingly shows up daily on my "friends" pages? A controversial statement. As soon as I read it, my emotions start kicking in, my thoughts start racing, my "wisdom" starts to pour forth, and before you know it, I am typing and correcting the world....well, I used to. You see, I stopped.<br />
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Now, before you start calling me a coward and a compromiser and tearing down statues of me, let me explain. I will start with a story. Once upon a time, quite a few years ago now, I was commenting on every one's blogs trying to make my point, I was writing weekly my own blog begging people to comment and challenge me, and I was ready with my 120 words a minute typing skills to correct my brothers and sisters who needed correcting. There are many illustrations I could point to, but the bottom line is, I was wrong. I was not wrong in my stand, I was not usually wrong in my thinking, and I was about 50/50 on the deep stuff, but I was wrong in trying to correct everyone through social media.<br />
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On my Facebook page, I try to pretty much share a good quote every so often, pictures for my family, and brag on my God and the church He allows me to serve in. Every once in a while, I will share my opinion on something, but you will notice something below those opinions...NO COMMENTS. There were comments made, but I hide them, because social media is not the place for spiritual debates.<br />
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For one, the Lord gave us some simple instructions in Matthew 7:6:<br />
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"Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again to rend you."</blockquote>
My, how this Scripture is applicable! In case you don't know, Facebook, Twitter, and whatever ".com" you go to, is not Christian. You may have Christian "Friends", but it's not a Christian setting. When we take matters of spiritual debate to social media to exchange Sword blows, it is ALWAYS rooted in pride. <br />
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What ends up happening is described in the above verse. We take what is precious and let "swine" handle it. How often are debates "hi-jacked" by some reformed, Calvinist, compromising, antagonist, agnostic, liberal, or worse-a know it all Baptist who then twists, distorts, misinterprets, and abuses Scriptures to make their point? <br />
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Who wins these debates? How often do you ever read the final comment as "well brethren, I am so glad we all could humbly discuss this and all come to the same Scriptural conclusion"? Normally, we end up with "I'm blocking you," "brother, I appreciate you, but can't agree on this," or the best <i>lets still be friends</i> comment, "I suppose we will agree to disagree." No one ever wins on social media, except the swine. There are those who mock the Lord, Christianity, and His Word who watch all of this and laugh. While a world is supposed to view a John 13:35:<br />
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"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."</blockquote>
Instead, they see the arguing, tempers, and emotions being shared and are not being drawn to Christ, for sure. That which is precious is then trampled under feet with all the "traffic" and the end result is those "turn again to rend you."<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong, use every outlet you have to share the Truth. Matter of fact, share your convictions, your preferences, and even your opinions; just reconsider allowing or participating in a debate on social media. Remember, it's your page, your tweet, your space (lol) and you can share what you want; just keep in mind <i>others.</i><br />
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I know the Scriptures teach rebuking, correcting, and teaching; but it also is pretty clear when and how to do this. Paul had an issue with Peter and he withstood him <b>to the face</b>. (Gal. 2:11). In other passages, the rebuking is done either by "going to the brother" or handling it in a church setting. Going on social media is not "going to a brother." <br />
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Here is a novel idea, talk to people. Go and see them as Paul did and how the Bible instructs. You can visit, call, FaceTime, Skype, email, text, private message (need I go on?), but stop and think before you cast pearls before swine. <br />
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Face to face or voice to voice is preferable and most Scriptural. Why? Because writing keeps a wall up. When you write (type), you are most often more comfortable in sharing things you would not at first say. Most of us wrote, "I love you" before we said it to our <i>honey</i>. We will type things at first, we normally would not say face to face. Then, emotions get involved. When participating in an online social media debate, you have time to read, get mad, develop your point, and then scathe the other. Words are much more harsh when hiding behind a keyboard.<br />
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I know some are probably still fuming and ready to correct me, but stop and think first. God gave us a gift to handle spiritual matters and debates, it is called a local church. The church is still the "pillar and ground of Truth." (1 Tim. 3:15)-not social media. If you have questions, concerns, and disagreements, handle them within your local church.<br />
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I know, I know, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (1 Tim. 5:20). But those instructions are for a local assembly dealing with corrupt elders. I hate to bust the bubble of all our "spiritual watchdogs" out there that are caring for all us and warning all of us about all the heathen and heretics and compromisers out there, but...that's why God gave us a local church. I have no problem warning the flock that God has placed me as the under shepherd of whoever and whatever is wrong out there, but it really isn't my business what other church's are doing. I think we can trust God to handle His churches.<br />
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One last thing to consider is the spiritually weak. The Bible warns about offending the little ones. Children, definitely, but also the young in the faith. As a pastor, I have other pastors and spiritually mature people who are my "friends" on social media; but I also have new converts and lost people who are becoming wise unto salvation. We have to be careful about hindering the work of God with our words and debates on social media outlets. They are watching. Paul gives us a thought on this in 1 Cor. 8:9:<br />
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"But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."</blockquote>
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So there you go, something to think on. I will post this, I will share this, but I will not debate this on social media. Feel free to contact me personally if you like. May others see Christ in us, the love of God, and read and hear only Truth spoken in that love.Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-55019770875512395582016-02-09T08:00:00.002-08:002016-02-09T08:01:39.514-08:00Snow<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _45m_ _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="dfd4p-0-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVsupRJw-_c/VroNHF3AXsI/AAAAAAAAICY/FWSqBm9CF0k/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVsupRJw-_c/VroNHF3AXsI/AAAAAAAAICY/FWSqBm9CF0k/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></span></a><span data-offset-key="dfd4p-0-0" style="color: white;">Today here at home, we are enjoying a beautiful snow. It really is our first good snow of the year. As I drove in this morning and looked at the snow, I thought of some Scriptures about snow. Snow gives us some beautiful pictures in the Word of God: </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="df2ca-0-0" style="color: white;">1. Forgiveness of Christ: Psalm 51:7 describes the forgiveness of God as making us “Whiter” than snow. There isn’t much more “white” than a field of untouched snow, but our forgiveness in Christ makes us “Whiter” than snow. If you look close enough in any snow, you will find contaminants, but in the forgiveness of Christ, ALL is forgiven. Is. 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall e as white as snow...”</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f9dhm-0-0" style="color: white;">2. Refreshing of the Word: Proverbs 25:13 states, “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.” In the harvest time men are working hard and pouring themselves out to reap all they can. It is hard work. In those days, there was no ice machines, but rarely and at great expense, one could be sent to the top of a nearby mountain and obtain snow and then hurry back to the men working. By then there was offered to the laborers an ice cold drink of pure water. That snow represented the refreshing power of the faithful messenger. A faithful messenger these days is rare, but for those laboring in the field, nothing refreshes the soul like the Word of God.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="clo22-0-0" style="color: white;">3. Folly of a Fool: Proverbs 26:1 reads, “As snow in summer....so honour is not seemly for a fool.” The thought of seeing what I am seeing in my front yard in July is ludicrous. So, the Bible teaches, is honor for the fool. It is time we quit trying to give honor to those who live ungodly lives. It is the fool that says in their heart there is no God, and may we add to that, it is a greater fool who says there is a God, but they will not serve Him. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5klp7-0-0" style="color: white;">4. Face of God: Rev. 1:14 gives us an eye witness of our God: “His head and his hairs were white look wool, as white as snow...” What a day, when we get to behold with our eyes the pure, righteous, holy face of our God!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4ibrl-0-0" style="color: white;">Thank the Lord for snow.</span></div>
Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-62016897137308522272016-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:002016-01-14T11:30:16.051-08:00Why Our Girls Do Not Play Basketball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The picture to the right is that of our church's academy's girls volleyball team. This was them displaying their trophy after volleyball tournaments. We are very thankful for our young ladies. After volleyball season begins basketball season. I schedule our academy's games, and each year I am asked if we have a girl's basketball team. Each year I answer "no." They usually ask why, and I usually answer with a vague response like "it's just not something we do." It's an acceptable answer, but I know I didn't answer anyone's question. I've never really given an answer. I know there are parents who wonder the same thing. To be honest, we would probably be pretty good after some practices, but still...no thank you. <br />
The reason we do not have a girl's basketball team are quite simple. Now, let me make clear, I am NOT saying that others are wrong and in sin if they have a girls team. I am NOT saying that girls should not play basketball. What I am saying is that I chose for our girls not to based upon the following reasons.<br />
First, and foremost, the Lord just doesn't give me liberty to do so. I have prayed about it, and if I were to have one at this time, I would be going against what I know God has told me not to do. As a pastor, I try to be sensitive to the Lord's leading. Second, I don't care for what most often is produced. To be a "good" basketball team, your team must hustle, run, be aggressive, fight for the ball, box out, be strong, and dive for the loose ball. Growing up, most schools I went to had a girl's basketball team. When we first started CBA, we had a girl's basketball team. The "good" basketball players carried these characteristics with them off the court. Most of them were "jocks" with aggressive spirits. When I read the Bible about young ladies and Biblical ladies, the ideas of diving on floors in front of men, fighting, boxing out, and being physically dominant is just not found. The reality is, most who were "good" girl basketball players did not end up being sweet, modest ladies.<br />
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Third, and sorry for the awkwardness, it just many times is not modest for ladies to run up and down the court and occasionally diving to the ground for a loose ball. Most time the shorts and culottes ride high above the knee when running down the court. My understanding and conviction is that above the knee is nakedness as defined in Scripture (Ex. 28:42; Is. 47:2-3; 1 Tim. 2:9). For this same reason, our boy's basketball team wears long pants. Also, a modesty issue is the cut off sleeves along with the running up and down a court for a lady as designed by God. You may think I am being too strict, foolish, or a sexist, but just watch most men's eyes when a lady is jogging by. <br />
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Titus 2 gives us our Biblical goals for our young ladies. The Scriptures demand they be taught to be sober, love their husbands, be discreet, be chaste, a keeper of the home, good, and obedient to their own husband (submissive). Playing on a basketball team helps in none of these areas in my opinion. Rather, it teaches them to be emotional (just watch a game and hear the screams and watch the tears), strong willed, in your face, hustle at all cost, be at practices away from home, be dominant, and modesty not prioritized. This just isn't what I desire for our young ladies.<br />
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Again, any one else can do what ever they feel the Lord will have them do. It is none of my business and I do not write this to correct anyone, but to explain why we do not participate. Do as the Lord leads you; just make sure you have asked the Lord what He thinks about it.Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-82338634925119964992016-01-11T08:19:00.000-08:002016-01-11T10:28:02.874-08:00An Open Letter to the Struggling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My name doesn't matter, but I represent those who go to church every week, get out of the car with our smiling family, sing the songs with a smile on our faces, and "amen" when the preacher is preaching. I represent those who go back to church on Sunday night and the mid-week service and spend an hour or two on visitation every week. I represent those who dress with standards, and call other Christians brother and sister each time I meet them. I represent-the Church people.<br />
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First, trust me, we all have our problems. Even though the above paragraph truly does represent me and my family most every weekend, we have our own struggles. We all have our past, we all have our besetting sins we must guard against and often repent of, we all have days of tears. Yet, there we are each week enjoying the presence of God in the presence of our brothers and sisters. <br />
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The reason I write this is because we get a bad rap most often. A quick "google" and you can find plenty of open letters to us church people from those who have struggles reminding us that we are not perfect and how we don't understand and how we need to quit judging and how we are pushing you away. Well, as a representative of many of these "church people," let me just answer that we know we are not perfect. Probably, we know that more than you understand. We are so far from perfect. Matter of the fact, we make ourselves sick when we look at ourselves, and that's why we are so happy! You see, I know how bad I am, but despite me and my flesh, the Lord has saved me and forgiven me! Because of His great mercy, I get to go to Heaven! What a miracle! How can I not be happy? I have given all my sin and guilt and unrighteousness to God, and in exchange He gave to me His Son's righteousness! All this, by repenting of my sin and trusting in Jesus Christ as my Saviour! Even after that experience, I have failed so many times. Yet, time and time again, I confess my sin and turn from it and He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse EVERY TIME! No wonder I smile a lot. I know we are not perfect. <br />
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The accusation that we don't understand just isn't applicable either. I do understand. I am a sinner. I have sinned and done things I so bad regret. Our sins may be different, but we are both sinners the same. Even if there are some sins I may have never participated in that possibly you find yourself entangled in, doesn't mean I don't understand. All sin is addictive. All sin is powerful. All sin can take over your life. I do understand what it is like to be under the power of sin.<br />
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Then there is the whole judging thing. I speak for the great majority here, "no one is judging you." How could someone who knows how wicked they are and how powerful sin is think they are better than someone else struggling with the same thing they struggle with? No, we are not judgmental and no, we do not think we are better. Matter of fact, we care even more. We understand and we reach out our hand to help you with the Truth. That hand out reached is not a hand pushing you away, but a hand to offer you help. A hand to help you get up. A hand to help you overcome. A hand to help stabilize you. The devil tries to get you to duck when we reach out that hand, but he is lying to you. That hand is one that is just there to offer help. The reason we do that is because someone reached out a hand just like that to us in our life. Each of us have needed that hand, and we still do. That's why we spend so much time together with our brothers and sisters. We need each other!<br />
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The problem is many times, that the person struggling doesn't want help. Now that statement may upset you and you may think "here he goes again being judgmental," but please let me try to explain. We all are often like little children in the sight of God. We all fall at times. Then, just like I have done both physically as a child and spiritually too often, we lie there and cry because we have fallen. What we want is for someone to lie there next to us and cry with us. We want people to wallow in our sorrow with us and feel like no one understands what it is like to have fallen. Reality is, we all have fallen. Some have harder falls than others, but we all have fallen. What did we need when we fell? We didn't need our parent to lie on the ground and cry with us, we needed a strong and loving hand to lift us up and help us get on our feet again. We needed a stabilizing hand to just "be there" in case we began to fall again. It wasn't long, until that fall was behind us and we weren't even thinking about it anymore...because we let someone help us get up. <br />
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How does this work? That "rhetoric" you hear from us ("let the Lord help you," "you must repent and turn from your sin" "you must take hold of God's hand" "you need to come to church and be faithful to services" "quit going to those places that offer temptation") is not judging, it's experience. Those are words that we were told that helped us get up and get on our feet. You see, we don't think less of you because of sin, because we are right there with you as sinners. We just have experienced the forgiveness and restoration of God and the necessity of fellowshipping with our church for strength and stabilizing. <br />
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The good news is that there is hope! The Lord will help!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #f8f8da; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px;">Fear thou not; for I </span><em id="yui-gen73" style="background-color: #f8f8da; border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">am</em><span style="background-color: #f8f8da; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px;"> with thee: be not dismayed; for I </span><em style="background-color: #f8f8da; border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">am</em><span style="background-color: #f8f8da; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px;"> thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. </span><span style="background-color: #f8f8da; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px;">For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.</span><span style="background-color: #f8f8da; color: #01103a; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 14px;"> Isaiah 41:10, 13</span></blockquote>
It's not just words, the Lord truly will help and strengthen you. His hand is mighty. Victory comes when you are willing to get the sin out and the Lord help you up. And I promise, we will be there offering our hand too, for that's all we know to do, because that is what the Lord and others did for us. We love you!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-28682157236112192742015-12-26T17:06:00.000-08:002015-12-26T17:06:11.789-08:00What It's All AboutWell, another holiday season is about to pass us by. Again, it has been crazy busy and filled with the hustle and bustle that seemingly never ends. Last year, we did not go Black Friday shopping due to the fact that all the stores opened so early on Thursday, we refused to leave our families on Thanksgiving. This year, the stores opened even earlier, and we again stayed home with our families. But this year, we decided to just spend the evening out shopping after all the "crazy people" had gone home. It was a good choice, and we met late that Thursday and shopped until the wee hours of the night. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34ivtEMWCco/Vn8tx3x3LKI/AAAAAAAAH_c/IVmgTeiWA4I/s1600/12313864_10153778127921057_230567433972323285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34ivtEMWCco/Vn8tx3x3LKI/AAAAAAAAH_c/IVmgTeiWA4I/s320/12313864_10153778127921057_230567433972323285_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>This year, the group consisted of myself, Chrystal, Rachel, Rick and Jerrica. We met at Walmart and began our night. It was crowded, but not as much as we were used to. In many ways, it was sort of more enjoyable that way. We purchased a few items and headed for the check out. It was then I looked up and almost passed out. Let's just say it was a classically dressed walmart shopper. The lady had nude colored pants on and I was almost sure she was without bottoms on. I was wrong, thankfully, but the group didn't let me hear the end of that. So, when we got to the check out lane, I spoke to the cashier. I encouraged her to check the lady behind me really good as she was just released from jail for shoplifting. I admitted she was my sister, but didn't want her to go back to jail and to please understand she was a kleptomaniac. By the time I was done cashing out, my sister had heard our conversation. The cashier was checking out everything Chrystal was buying and her cart to make sure nothing was being stolen. Chrystal finally "admitted to the cashier" she had a problem, but assured her it was under control. When my sister Rachel walked by who had cashed out at another lane, she spoke out and said, "Chrystal, you didn't steal anything did you?" The cashier was a little nervous, but thankfully Chrystal didn't steal. Well, then again, maybe she did. While we were shopping, she saw a toy that her daughter really wanted, but they were out of. It was in another person's cart. Now that person was looking at clothes and left her cart in the aisle. I don't want to say anything, but Lici did love that toy!<br />
We then went out to the car. We were all going to ride around in Rick and Rachel's car. We put a few items in my trunk and headed to the car. It was then that I saved Jerrica's life (maybe a little over dramatic here). She was walking between cars when a speeding car came flying by. Let's just leave it at a close call. We then went Eastgate and went to Toys R Us and Kohls. The lines were still pretty large and I again was able to convince Chrystal to spend more of her money (it is always a goal of mine). We got a few good deals and then Chrystal swore she was done being talked into buying things by me. It was in line that I saw some awesome Charlie Brown Christmas glasses. Her family, on Christmas, were going to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas movie, so I encouraged her to get them. She refused, swearing she would not give in. I was disappointed I was unable to convince her to do so...that is, until two days ago when I saw this picture on her Instagram account:<br />
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Yeah, those are the cups and yes she admitted she went back and got them. We then headed back to Milford to go to Target. First, we had to stop at a UDF for a soda to keep us going. I got a Diet Mountain Dew (the nectar of life) and then we were able to continue. We took a trip to target where I got a great deal on some candles (don't ask, it is a fetish of mine). We then all agreed to go back to Eastgate to check out a new store. When we got there Chrystal couldn't believe we were back at Eastgate...though we had just agreed to go there. A little too tired maybe?<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtsVed-7DqY/Vn8zy-26sAI/AAAAAAAAH_4/fbeU6evgyGM/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtsVed-7DqY/Vn8zy-26sAI/AAAAAAAAH_4/fbeU6evgyGM/s320/IMG_2150.JPG" width="320" /></a>Now this new store was pretty awesome. They had a little bit of everything. I didn't buy anything, but they had some odd things. It was there I found a little gem. I took this little gem and put it on and hid in an aisle I knew my sister Chrystal was coming to. It worked to perfection! It really woke her up! <br />
We then headed out and back to the car. Other than a useless stop at Meijer, there isn't much more to report. It was a good night filled with lots of laughs. <br />
After a few busy weeks at school and church, Christmas finally arrived. I love Christmas. This year seemed to have a theme to it. It was an unplanned theme, but one definitely developed. I call it a nostalgic Christmas for me. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUUksn3lKU0/Vn81DayqZ7I/AAAAAAAAIAA/6WpPunFm62k/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUUksn3lKU0/Vn81DayqZ7I/AAAAAAAAIAA/6WpPunFm62k/s320/IMG_2292.JPG" width="240" /></a>You see, it started on Christmas day. After a lovely Christmas Eve at my in-laws with gifts, food, and a Garfield Christmas special, we spent Christmas at home-as we always do. It was a wonderful day of family time. To me, one of the most important parts of the holiday season is TRADITION. We woke up that morning, but no one can get out of bed until 8. We read the Scriptures and had prayer and then opened gifts. Oh, how I love to see the kids excitement as they do so. We then played some games. I lost at Trouble, I lost at Sorry, I lost at Pie in the Face, and then lost to Alex in baseball on his new game system. I hate losing, even to my kids; but Christmas is different. It's ok for that one day. Then, my friend Matt dropped off a gift. I could not believe what he gave me. There in the package was <i>my hat</i>. You see, when we were teenagers, I always wore the same hat. I had a black Boston Celtics hat with Larry Bird embroidered signature on the front and his name and number on the back. When I was about 16 or 17, we were at an amusement park and while riding the roller coaster, my precious hat flew off. We tried to jump a fence to get it...no luck. We tried to talk a worker to getting it for me...no luck. I sadly had to leave my hat. For years, we both joked about losing my hat that day and I swore I would one day get it back. Well, Matt found the exact hat on the internet and brought it to me. I couldn't believe it. It brought back a lot of memories. I so appreciate it Bro. Matt!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRlDVp2kumM/Vn82Rr1GW2I/AAAAAAAAIAI/W7WxspqDRqQ/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRlDVp2kumM/Vn82Rr1GW2I/AAAAAAAAIAI/W7WxspqDRqQ/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next day, we went to my parents. It was such a joyous time. My dad again put on his Christmas hat and read the Christmas Story to all us kids and now his grandkids. Dad again cried during prayer (and this year his dog decided to bark through the prayer-demonic I believe). We then all opened gifts. Dad always starts with stockings. I replaced my stocking a few years ago with a better one. It was again awesome to watch the kids and us adults open our stockings. Rachel got her make up, Chrystal got her nail stuff, and I got my chocolate peanuts and another present we shall leave anonymous dad gets me each year. We then started opening gifts. This year, my sisters got me two special gifts. <br />
First, they got me a pack of M.U.S.C.L.E. men! I absolutely loved these as a kid. They were my favorite toy growing up. They even got me rubber bands to go with them. <br />
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I couldn't believe they found these. Again, so many memories. Then my sisters got me a polar bear. You see, when I was growing up, I had a favorite stuffed animal. Obviously it was a polar bear. His name was Dan. Even though I grew out of the "sleep with a stuffed animal" stage of life, I kept Dan. He was that one stuffed toy I always liked keeping. Dan went everywhere with us. We moved a lot, and Dan was taken each time. It was while I was away at college my freshman year that my family moved again. That time, my dad decided to throw away Dan. He was always brought up when we spoke of bitterness in our house and I am glad that Dan II has now arrived at our home. </div>
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We spent the rest of the day playing games (we loved pie in the face-see Chrystal Snell's Facebook page for videos). We laughed and shared stories and watched the kids play. We just enjoyed it all. Then, we had not even gotten all back home, before we all were texting each other and sharing how we so much appreciate each other and the love we can share. I told them "I am glad that all our children see it as normal that family get together and enjoy each other's company, laugh, cry, and love." I want that to be the normal for them someday. I want them to have traditions, good traditions. While watching the Garfield Christmas special Christmas Eve, I think that Garfield said it best: "Christmas, it's not the getting or the giving; it's the loving." That is what it's all about.</div>
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-20249962602193777712015-08-20T14:55:00.001-07:002015-08-20T14:55:09.034-07:00Cozaddale Baptist Academy-The Lord has been Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Soon at Cozaddale Baptist Temple all the children will be being dropped off in their new school clothes, wearing new shoes, with lots of paper, pens, and notebooks ready for another school year to begin. Those students will find their seats, share stories from the summer, and begin another school year. For four students, it will be there first year as they enter Kindergarten. For three, it begins their senior year, which I hope is a fabulous year of good memories.<br />
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It doesn't seem possible that I graduated 22 years ago from high school. I can't even believe I just typed that. The Lord has sure been good to me and has taught me so much. As I look forward to teaching again this year, I have been thinking about the history of our school.<br />
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This year the Cozaddale Baptist Academy will begin its 19th year. I can't believe I just typed that as well. It all began with a phone call in 1996. I was in college at Fairhaven Baptist College and my dad called me. He told me that he really felt of the Lord to start a Christian school at our church the following year. He then told me that upon graduating college, he would like for me to come home and lead in establishing this ministry at Cozaddale Baptist Temple. <br />
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I was thrilled, then scared to death. My senior year at college, one class I had to take was School Administration. I never paid so much attention in any class like I did that one that year. To graduate that class, we had to start a fictional school and organize everything from teachers to class schedules to restroom breaks and everything in between. The difference between my project and everyone else's was that mine was not fictional. <br />
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I called my project "The ABC's of CBA." That project is still the parent/student handbook we use today (though edited quite a bit). You will be glad to know that I received an "A" in school administration. <br />
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The next fall we began the Cozaddale Baptist Academy. That first year we had 23 students. (I remember because that was Michael Jordan's number). We all met in one room with each student a desk attached to the wall in our learning center. The year went well with my dad overseeing the year very closely. <br />
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As the years went on, the school grew and with every year, my dad gave me the reins more and more. We took the school from a learning center to a traditional class room school. By the year 2003, the school had 120 students. While I like to believe we made a lot of positive influence on a lot of children, I also know that I made many mistakes I would love to go back and change. I began to see that some of my philosophies, while the student's were happy, wasn't the best philosophies. There was a lot going on behind the scenes that I was too young and ignorant to see. I guess, my head was in the sand some what. <br />
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Most everyone from those days can tell you about the long recesses, sports programs, and such. Again, much good can be related and there are young people still faithfully serving the Lord, but I began to notice a trend that the majority of our graduates were not staying faithful to church. I, as there youth pastor, principal, and teacher, take a lot of that blame. The Lord began to stir my heart and I began to search the Scriptures more about this ministry. I studied every aspect from "Is it even Biblical to have a Christian School" to "Why a Sports Program?"<br />
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Then, in 2004, my dad was moved of the Lord to Kansas to pastor a church there. Soon, I was the pastor at Cozaddale Baptist Temple. I turned over the job of CBA administrator to my good friend Bro. Carr. We had many talks about philosophy and the direction of our school. I thank Bro. Carr for years of faithfulness in leading the school and implementing positive changes as we were led of the Lord. <br />
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We limited who was able to enroll their children into our school, we removed all the "dating spirit" out of our academy, we began to focus more on academics and less on entertaining. We desired for our students to learn what a walk with God is. Our school schedule was so full, that we eliminated all sports programs, for it had become too much of a priority. There were many changes, and the school began to shrink. By 2010, the school had 30 students, but the Lord was blessing.<br />
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We began to see changes in the young people. We had a different spirit amongst students and teachers. Our graduates are still faithful to church. To God be the glory. In the last few years, we have brought back again a limited sports program, but now the priority is not a sport and practices are very limited. Will we be a powerhouse in volleyball or boys basketball? No, but if our young people are still in church serving God years after graduating, I'm fine with it all.<br />
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Some of our earlier graduates from the early days would never consider sending their children to our academy. Some because they don't care for the spiritual as they should, others because they know some of the foolishness that went on that I wish I could change. But regardless, what everyone will find is a different school than what it was. <br />
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I am thankful for the 58 students planning to attend Cozaddale Baptist Academy this year. I am thankful for their spirit, their love for the Lord, their walk with God, their sweetness. I am thankful that we do not have to focus on disciplinary actions, but on maturity. I am looking forward to this year and am thankful for every parent who has entrusted us with the opportunity to be of a help to them in rearing their kids. You see, this is the greatest difference the Lord has led me in. <br />
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The Lord had to show my that it is not my responsibility to rear other people's children, but can be used of the parents in helping them. I do see the mandate in the great commission to teach others to "observe all things." I do see in Psalm 1 the necessity of not sitting our children under the counsel of the ungodly. Thus I am convicted that parents must lead in the training of their children via home schooling them or the church being a help to them in this way.<br />
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So, we begin the 2015/2016 school year. I am thankful for every student and every graduate that has ever come to CBA and I do not think that any would doubt that I truly loved them. I pray the Lord continues to lead and guide in the upcoming year and years ahead. Praise the Lord for His blessings and leadership at the Cozaddale Baptist Academy. Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-12556058858673355052015-04-27T18:38:00.001-07:002015-04-27T19:04:23.464-07:00Five Reasons Why I Am NOT Leaving My Independent Baptist Church<br />
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In the last few years articles keep being written and shared on social media as to why people are choosing to leave their IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church. Seems almost weekly someone else is posting another person's reasons for their getting out of church or going to some non-denominational church; the whole time pointing the finger at the pastor, preaching, program, and people of these church's for their leaving.<br />
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Each posts says basically the same thing: First it's the "to each their own, I don't want to offend anyone, just sharing my thoughts..." You know, you can come across as being judgmental and that is one of the reasons you are upset at these churches. You of course are justified in leaving because you are not judgmental and all these "thoughts" you have about why these churches are wrong are not judgmental at all...right?...well...um.....<br />
Second, you will read the "I don't want to influence anyone in making a decision to leave their church..." Oh, well of course not. Why would someone consider leaving their church after reading about all the reasons why you left your church just like the one they are attending? Makes perfect sense. We will continue...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9n7t6igYLM/VT7cjuRao_I/AAAAAAAAH2I/4Up0u_1zxxE/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9n7t6igYLM/VT7cjuRao_I/AAAAAAAAH2I/4Up0u_1zxxE/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a>Next you will read about how the authors "are sure there are pastors who are not like this out there..." Shew, I feel better.<br />
Then the onslaught begins. You will read about the lack of expository preaching, the apathetic worship, judgmental spirit, and true lack of spiritual teaching and knowledge (you know, the kind you get from John Piper). Then the writer of the post, who doesn't want to offend anyone or judge anyone, will give some correction to these churches (in love of course). <br />
Oh man do people love reading this who are either out of church today or find themselves as former IFB attendees. I mean, FINALLY, they are justified in their actions. Then all those who the Devil is trying to get out of church FINALLY have good reasons to leave their church. Well done non judgmental, Christian love endorsing, knowing God deeper brother. <br />
But then we take a step back and look at the whole picture.<br />
First, to be fair, sadly there are some churches that have lost their first love. I pray they can be restored. I read some of these posts about how awful all these churches are and think to myself, "Wow I am blessed to attend my church!" We love preaching from the Word of God and really don't have much of an appetite for the "fluff" preaching. When we sing, it is Christ honoring music sung by believers who sing for one purpose, to worship God. One elderly man who recently sang in our church paused before singing and said, "This is for the Lord, but you are welcome to listen." Spot on brother! Judgmental spirit? I am sure some would like to challenge me on this, but I will get to that. I will just say, a strong stand against sin is not judgmental-it's Biblical. Loving people is Biblical. Speaking the truth in love is Biblical. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EU4WAkjeUbg/VT7hSEDjahI/AAAAAAAAH2U/pPQHFqSc32g/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EU4WAkjeUbg/VT7hSEDjahI/AAAAAAAAH2U/pPQHFqSc32g/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>We could go on, but let's get to the nitty-gritty. Those who write these posts or share these posts need to stop also and evaluate. First, many who share these things are out of church now. You can read why on those posts and then read their comments "I fully agree," "Spot on article," "Couldn't agree more.." Then we stop and think. We read how Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25). How can you not like or attend what Christ loves? Oh, I know some response: "The church is all believers." Actually no, if you studied the Bible expositionally you would see that there are only local, visible, called out assemblies (John Piper needs to get a little deeper in the Book on this issue). So Christ loves the church, shouldn't you? How can you not attend what Christ loves? Some may say, "But the church I attended was dead, or wrong, or backslidden, or whatever..." Fine, but why aren't you in church today? There sure are a lot of churches out there preaching the truth, and I will help you find one. You see, the problem is not the church, it's you. Can a church go wrong? Sure, it's made up of people. If my local church went the way of the world this weekend and everything right about it disappeared, I'd go to church next Sunday somewhere. You see, I don't go to church for people, I go because Christ loves the church and I love Christ. He said I needed church, so I need church. <br />
Many who post and share such articles about why they have left their IFB church need to ask themselves why they haven't been to church in a years. Let's assume your church you used to attend did go the wrong direction; there are plenty that haven't. So maybe the problem is not just that church.<br />
Those who have left their old church and now attend a non-denominational church or something like, I would just encourage to pray and ask the Lord to lead you and study your Bible. Is what is preached there line up with God's Word? You see, I trust the Holy Spirit will guide the believer to Truth (1 John 4:6). If you are led to error...well...you might want to try spirit or study salvation.<br />
Then to those who are still in a good church, but you like sharing those posts about why people have left the Truth, will you stop and think what you are doing? You may agree with some points (i.e.-I agree we need more expository preaching), but you sharing such things helps no one make the right decisions. You are pointing people away from the truth. If you are burdened for your church, talk to the pastor. If there are unbiblical things going on in your church and you have prayed, spoken to leadership, and nothing is going to change, let the Holy Spirit lead you, but don't post on Facebook why Independent Fundamental Baptist are failing, because there are many that are not. No church is perfect, but there are plenty striving to hold to Truth and honor God. And can I counsel you? Be careful, your eyes are leading you astray.<br />
So I finish with five reasons why I am NOT leaving my Independent Baptist Church:<br />
1. I love the Lord and He loves the church.<br />
2. I need the Word of God preached to me and my church is preaching the Truth.<br />
3. The worship in my independent Baptist church is Christ honoring, flesh denying, and from the heart.<br />
4. The people in my church love the Lord, love His Word, and love each other.<br />
5. Not a Sunday goes by that I have not learned, grown, and fallen more in love with my Lord and His church.<br />
<br />Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-25718948512262176622014-10-28T14:08:00.001-07:002014-10-28T14:08:41.480-07:00If You Are InterestedI recently have finished putting together a short book of messages for the elderly. These messages are what the Lord gave to me while preaching at our nursing home ministry. The book contains just under 60 pages and includes why to have a nursing home ministry, how to have a nursing home ministry, and 25 messages for the elderly. The messages are a study of the elderly in God's Word. The messages are a study of the elderly's life and lessons from them that can be applied to elderly today. The book is being printed and will be available in print in a month for $5; or you can purchase a PDF copy of the book for $2. Just email me at cozaddalebapt@zoomtown.com or you can pay via paypal on the link on this page.<br />
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Also, I recently finished writing a short play for our Christmas service at church. The play should last approximately 30 minutes and is simple to act out with only 8 actors (5 of which should be children). The play is titled "Shalom". You may have a copy of it should you desire for $1. All offerings given towards the play will go towards our church camp.Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-9620364618335530752014-08-21T20:45:00.002-07:002014-08-21T20:45:30.127-07:00Gunnison Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"That's beautiful!" These words were spoken one...two...maybe three hundred times today. The beauty of God's creation is truly astounding! Here in Colorado, it is on grand display. <br />
Waking up early, I was able to take a walk this morning in the brisk cool Gunnison air. I was able to meet a lady who also was visiting the area from Arizona. As I asked where exactly in Arizona, she replied, "Oh you will never have heard of this place. It's in the Mojave Desert in the middle of nowhere." I finished her statement by adding "Bullhead City?" Long story short, she was raised Lutheran, but I was able to share a witness with her and shared information about Mojave Baptist Church (our church plant in Bullhead City). <br />
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Following my walk, I joined up with Bro. Roberts and Bro. Davis and we headed out looking for housing for both of these men's families. Our goals today were to find them both housing, Bro. Roberts possible employment, and a meeting place for the church plant. Yes, I know that is a bit much to ask for in just less than a day, but we do serve a big God!<br />
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By 10:45 a.m., the Lord had allowed us to meet Floyd who offered a completely furnished home to Bro. Davis to rent at a very great rate. The house can fit all his family and has "hunting ground" if he is interested. If you know Bro. Davis, you know this is amazing!<br />
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We then began driving, calling, and asking God to lead us to a place for the Roberts family. We found quite a few leads, but the cost has been very high. This evening, one person we had left a message with called back. It was near dusk, but we agreed to go and look at the home. The home has room for the family, a nice size yard, is extremely clean, and has a huge separate garage and work shop for someone who would like to work out of their house. We have not been able to go in the house yet, but have an appointment to do so in the morning. If you know the Roberts family (and his profession) you know this is amazing! Please pray for our meeting in the morning!<br />
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While visiting one of the homes today and touring it, we heard construction sounds. The house next door to that one was being built. Upon meeting and speaking to these men, the owner of the business invited Bro. Roberts to call him when he returns in October as he could use some help with someone with carpentry experience. <br />
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We then went across the street to the Gunnison Recreation Center. Bro. Roberts explained to them that they were coming to plant a church there in Gunnison. He asked if they had any ideas for a meeting place when needed. Just so happens that something was open. They had a room that could accommodate up to 60 that was available. Bro. Roberts asked about the cost, to which the lady said she would love to have them, "how about $20 a week?" Yeah, we can handled that!<br />
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We were able to pass out tracts to quite a few, Bro. Roberts was asked to preach every Sunday at a local camp ground, we enjoyed great fellowship, and shared our hearts with one another. <br />
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It is now 10 p.m. here in Gunnison. Let's review what the Lord did today. Housing for the Davis family-YES. Housing for the Roberts family-seems like a YES. A meeting place for a church plant-YES. Bro. Roberts to find employment-YES. Gospel passed out, fellowship shared, and God knitting hearts-YES, YES, Yes! Can God do all these things in 14 hours-YES!!!!!<br />
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Please pray for us as we look at the house in the morning. Pray for the Lord's will there. We then will make a four hour drive to Denver and Lord willing a 3 hour flight home followed by an hour drive home. Please pray for safety!<br />
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All we can say after today is "To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done!"Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-89185934847967691502014-08-20T22:50:00.000-07:002014-08-20T22:50:13.025-07:00Trip to Gunnison Part 1<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5paVKOyRQA/U_WEtVMOJ6I/AAAAAAAAHqY/KY0wMEYsTqI/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5paVKOyRQA/U_WEtVMOJ6I/AAAAAAAAHqY/KY0wMEYsTqI/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" /></a>Bro. Bryon Roberts surrendered to the Lord to take his family to Gunnison, Colorado to plant a church. Bro. Roberts is sent out under the authority of the Cozaddale Baptist Temple. Bro. Shane Davis just a few weeks ago, surrendered to the Lord's leading to go with Bro. Roberts to Gunnison to help do the work of an evangelist. These are exciting days for our church!<br />
Both men and their families will leave for Colorado the first of October. <br />
In preparation for this move, I have joined these two men for a quick trip to Gunnison. We left today, Wednesday, and will return Friday. We have many goals for this trip and I am praying the Lord leads us to reach these goals in accordance to His will.<br />
First, we desire to find housing suitable for both families. Prices to rent are very high and we will need the Lord's leading in this area. We also are seeking the Lord's leading as to a place where contacts to meet to have Bible studies and eventually meet as a church as homes are outgrown. We will be looking at some community centers and such. Possible part time work opportunities will be sought out as well.<br />
Secondly, as pastor, I am praying the Lord gives me wisdom and counsel to share with these men the next few days. Serving in the ministry is truly an honor and I am thankful for all the men who have shared with me counsel so vital to me today. I seek to answer questions they may have, share dangers to avoid, and counsel to help serve. I also seek to get a greater burden for Gunnison as our men are here serving. This burden can then be taken back home to our church and prayerfully shared with our folks.<br />
Thirdly, we seek to be a witness. How awesome would it be to plant seeds, water seed, and possibly even see a soul accept Christ these next few days? Already, God has enabled me to pass out the Gospel. Would you especially pray for our shuttle bus driver in Denver whose son graduated from the University of Cincinnati. We were able to speak to him and give him the Gospel. <br />
Lastly, pray for good fellowship. These men will need to be close and have their hearts knit together as they will serve in the ministry here. It is my prayer that this Biblical team of 2x2 will be used of God to help establish a work for the Lord in Gunnison, Colorado.<br />
As I flew in the plane to Denver, Bro. Davis was asking questions about the ministry, to which I was trying my best to answer He then spoke of what sacrifices I have made to be a pastor. I thought for just a second and said to him, "Brother, I don't understand what sacrifice is like you and Bro. Roberts know. I have not been asked by God to sell my land, possessions, and leave my home to go to a field where I know no one. It is you that have made the sacrifice."<br />
I am thankful for these two men. I am thankful for the friendship. I am thankful for their testimonies. I am thankful for their sacrifice to our Lord. I am thankful for time to share with them, invest in them, and assist them in preparing for this work God has called them to do. <br />
Isn't serving God great!!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-20701973523896903242014-07-09T11:30:00.001-07:002014-07-09T11:30:40.305-07:00#notyourenemy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One phrase I was never allowed to say when I was growing up, which we too don't allow our children to say, is "It's not fair!" I thank my parents for never letting me get by with saying such a phrase, for it taught me to deal with it. Sometimes things don't go our way, but God is still in charge and may His will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. The issue is not fairness, but submission. It is not situations are unjust, but rather we are prideful. So, when life doesn't go your way, you deal with it trusting God to take care of matters. He always does.<br />
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That brings me to my post today. Internet and social media has opened up so many avenues for the believer to share his faith. I am thankful for this opportunity. I have embraced it and can say that over 60% of the visitors that have visited our church the last year first "checked us out" on the internet. The days of the Yellow Pages are gone, people are going to check you out by your webpage and Facebook account. Welcome to 2014.<br />
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Years ago I had a Facebook account, but I became inactive for a few reasons. One of which, I was out of control. I was addicted to seeing what everyone else was doing and then when I saw what many were doing, it made me upset and hurt that they would ignore God's Word and do such things. I then would start preparing sermons to "let them have it" for all the things I saw they were doing. For me and my immaturity, it was good that I stepped away.<br />
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A while back, embracing the world we live in, I sought to establish our church on Facebook and social media and I would need to have a personal account to administer a page for our church. So, I find myself back, but this time, I like to think I am a little more mature. I set some boundaries as to who I would have as "friends" and have blocked any who would put me "in the flesh." It's gone well thus far and I enjoy staying up with pastors, missionaries, family, and friends.<br />
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Still, there are those times when you read something or see something that makes your jaw drop or your blood pressure rise. I will think, "I can't believe they would say such a thing," "how could you post a picture like that?", "why are you mouthing off like that?", etc. I find myself in amazement how bold the carnal can be. I then get upset in my heart, hurt in my heart, revengeful thinking, but usually by walking away can get over it and go on.<br />
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My mind then at times goes back to that little child in me that says, "It isn't fair!" Why can the carnal all express their beliefs and carnality, but I have to be quiet because it may offend them. You can point fingers at me and call me spineless, but when your church member or another well known pastor puts pictures of themselves dressed carnally, you don't say anything either-at least to them, or I would read it. We will take strong stands against the people we never speak to or come in contact with, but those "in our circle", well...we just take it and <i>deal with it.</i><br />
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But, I've been thinking lately about this. Consider these verses:<br />
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"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience, the aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine, shewing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, should speech, that cannot be condemned: that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you... For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;... these things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." Titus 2</blockquote>
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"This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" Titus 1:13</blockquote>
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"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2</blockquote>
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"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." 1 Timothy 5:20</blockquote>
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"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 </blockquote>
There are many more verses, but you get the picture. <br />
Now, I know we should do these things with long-suffering and treating others not as an enemy, so I am letting everyone know that I am not your enemy, and I love you, and will always love you not matter what; but, when you see the #notyourenemy, you will understand.<br />
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So, if you know better, but decide to be carnal and put a half naked picture of yourself for the world to look at, be ready for the #notyourenemy. When you say, "If I see that preacher I will punch him in the face," expect to get a reply #notyourenemy. When I put a Scripture verse that deals with your carnality, remember #notyourenemy. When you start mouthing off about doctrine, holiness, or a church doing right, don't be surprised to see the #notyourenemy. When you put up your worldly music and you know better, the #notyourenemy is coming.<br />
I encourage other believers to get a spine with me, and without being hateful, in love, simply add a #notyourenemy. Soon, just the #notyourenemy will speak enough. <br />
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In our family devotions last night, we were reading 2 Thessalonians 3 and I was speaking to my children about these verses and I paused at vs. 14 and the "that he may be ashamed." I told my children that the reason people who claim to be saved are so bold in their sin many times, is that no one ever makes them feel ashamed. We should be doing this. We can still speak the truth in love. We can still be long-suffering and kind. We can live in a 21st century and still take a stand because we want to see others do right. We need others to tell us when we are wrong that they are #notyourenemy. We need to bring back some holiness by standing with the Word of God and may others know we love them, desire God's best for them, and we are #notyourenemy, but will stand with God!<br />
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-71828227260770841822014-04-30T12:44:00.002-07:002014-04-30T12:48:15.254-07:00I Have A Weird Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I attend and have the privilege to pastor the Cozaddale Baptist Temple. I truly LOVE what the Lord has called and enables me to do. I've been pondering a motto the Lord gave to me the last few days for our church:<br />
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"A 21st Century Church Just Like Your Baptist Grandfather's"</blockquote>
I think that would adequately apply to us, and for this, I praise the Lord. I have intently studied our church's history, I have read about the past and spoken to to past members, I have been at the church since 1994, and I am thankful that our church, for many years has stood for the Truth.<br />
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I guess living and serving in my little world around me caused me to grow ignorant on some things. Recently, it was said of Cozaddale Baptist Temple that:<br />
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At first, I was a little taken back, then a little upset, then a little proud, then a little convicted I was proud, then...well...here I am. It was the word "weird" that got me. Why would any one say my church was "weird?" I looked up the definition of weird:<br />
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"Bizarre, unnatural, unearthly."</blockquote>
I am good with it! Now, I know the pastor is a little weird, but I don't think that is what is meant in the statement. The focus is on the second part of the person's statement "...believes things no other churches do." <br />
First of all, there are plenty of churches which believe very much like we do. Every church is going to have differences, that is part of being autonomous. Every church should preach the Truth as the Lord teaches us in His Word. Every pastor should teach and preach the Word of God. Will there be differences? Yes. Can there be fellowship still? Yes and no.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qfwiecwLgo/U2FHgaswm_I/AAAAAAAAHNM/LdzWQtfABnA/s1600/10155199_716674815043137_1218792584088847162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qfwiecwLgo/U2FHgaswm_I/AAAAAAAAHNM/LdzWQtfABnA/s1600/10155199_716674815043137_1218792584088847162_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>Yes, we can love every believer and treat every believer with respect. No, we cannot compromise what we believe the Word teaches by ignoring Scriptural truths. Here is the thing, for every standard our church holds, I can think of a church that has a higher standard than we do. My daddy taught me many years ago, "Never criticize someone with a higher standard than yours." I wish there were more daddy's like mine so I wouldn't have to write this.<br />
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Fact is, our church does hold high standards in doctrine and holiness. Why? We just strive to live and believe what the Word teaches. <br />
So what makes us weird? You know it isn't the non-denominational crowd accusing us of being weird. The world doesn't like us, but by in large respects convictions. It isn't other denominations that accuse us of being weird. We have some serious doctrinal differences, but never has another denomination accused Cozaddale Baptist Temple of being weird.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOvNyY_jL74/U2FHeWrFQlI/AAAAAAAAHNE/N7cesWn0wpE/s1600/10270721_391985120941230_2687296037115143600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOvNyY_jL74/U2FHeWrFQlI/AAAAAAAAHNE/N7cesWn0wpE/s1600/10270721_391985120941230_2687296037115143600_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>So why would "the brethren" think us weird? Why would communion, modesty, the bride of Christ, preaching a divorced person remarrying is adultery, desiring music that glorifies God and not man, only accepting baptism with authority, ordaining our own men make us weird? Then again, it is those very things that has become bizarre to many of God's churches, they are most definitely unnatural, and certainly unearthly. <br />
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So, I suppose they are right. I have a weird church. Thank God I have a weird church! If you have a weird church, you ought to praise God to! We may be weird, but praise God we are not dead!! Our church is growing, reproducing (planting churches), souls are being saved, buses running, academy, nursing home ministries, fellowships, community outreaches...not bad for weird church. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!<br />
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I love my weird church!<br />
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-73102785452332827272014-04-15T08:28:00.000-07:002014-04-15T08:28:28.549-07:00Dressing for the Occasion <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42BDtd2Af_Q/U01DZKrJD_I/AAAAAAAAHMg/4srCwgoApz8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42BDtd2Af_Q/U01DZKrJD_I/AAAAAAAAHMg/4srCwgoApz8/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a>No, it's not a matter of salvation; but neither is it an amoral subject. It is sad how far we have fallen amongst believers in our area of dressing for the Lord. Many books have been written, sermons preached, and more debate over this subject than I could ever write about; yet, the deterioration of standards continue at an alarming rate. <br />
The core of the issue has already been mentioned. While many verses and arguments can be made, let us get to the crux of the matter.<br />
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"....whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31</blockquote>
When our motive is simply this, to bring glory to God, modesty is never an issue. The problem is not "Old Testament Law," "long flowing robes," "or covering loins to thigh;" but the person dressing for their own glory and not God's. A person dressing for God's glory would not care to take a chance on wearing what God would be displeased with. A person dressing for God's glory would not desire to wear clothing that attracted sensually the glory to themselves.<br />
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Let's cover a few arguments:<br />
<u>Legalism:</u> Legalism was an issue of the Pharisees in God's Word attempting to obtain salvation through the following of strict rules and guidelines. While I do know some who believe in a works salvation, most everyone of them are not "dressing for the occasion." When one accuses someone who believes in modesty of being a legalist, they are showing an ignorance in the term legalism and falsely accusing a brother. I repeat my first line, "No, it's not a matter of salvation."<br />
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<u>Judging:</u> The most quoted verse of the Bible as of 2010 is Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged." How often do we here the immodest crying out that people need to quit "judging them?" First of all, please continue reading that passage in context (vs. 2) "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged:...(vs. 3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerst not the beam that is in thine own eye? (vs. 5) "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye: an then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." So, the context of the passage is we need to make sure we are right <b>before we help someone see how they are not right.</b> It's not about one person better than another, but all about one person helping another. The reason this help would be rejected is because the person has a carnal mind.<br />
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<u>It's Old Testament:</u> Usually this is the argument used against a woman not wearing "that which pertaineth unto a man." (Deut. 22:5) The argument is that it is found in the Old Testament and not applicable to this age of grace. Or that this passage refers to the sin of cross dressing only. The New Testament simply says this in Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Because we are saved by grace does not mean we make void the law (Old Testament), rather we establish it! Our life should be one that desires to be holy, to obey, to live a life that glorifies God.<br />
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<u>You Can Be Immodest In a Skirt:</u> True, you can, but that is why we have mothers who teach young ladies how to sit, how to walk, and how to stand. This "Excuse" is the worst to me. Young children also don't have a problem running around completely naked, but their comes a time when a parent teaches them they cannot do this anymore. Problem is mothers do not want to dress right, so they let their girls dress wrong and now ladies don't know how to sit, walk, and stand in even modest clothing because they are so used to sitting cross legged, legs spread, and bending over in front of the whole world. If one desires to dress to glorify God, they will easily be taught to stay modest in those clothes.<br />
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<u>I'm the Same Person in Jeans as I am in a Skirt:</u> No argument. You just as carnally minded in a skirt as you are in your jeans.<br />
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There are plenty of books and materials to study Scriptures on why to dress modestly. Everything changed when the mega churches started enjoying the money. The Fundamentalism influence ignored doctrine. Church members never matured. The "big churches" dropped their standards. The "little churches" followed the big church's example. I am sickened by the pastors who once taught, lived, and believed this, but have given in to their wife's carnal desires or their lusts and changed their stand.<br />
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In a room with other people, go to google images and search "modest clothes girls." It's happy, it's pure, its easy to look at with no fear of who is looking at you. Then let your wife search "girls in jeans" and ask if she would like her husband and sons to look at the screen? <br />
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I am an endorser of preaching and letting people have time to mature. But friends, there is a big difference between "I don't know" and "I won't, NO!" Clothes do not change the heart, but having a heart after God changes the clothes.<br />
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Revelation 4:11 reads, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created ally hints, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."<br />
Romans 9:23 reads, "And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory."<br />
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We are to live for His pleasure and for His glory. Now, may we dress for the occasion!<br />
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-75040453322320874002014-03-27T13:18:00.002-07:002014-03-27T13:22:54.570-07:00A Lot of Hurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We live in a world that lives for pleasure yet dwells in depression. 1 out of every 10 Americans are now on anti-depressants, yet we live in a nation with more ways to make one's self happy than any other nation on earth. There were nearly 40,000 suicides last year in this country. People live in darkness and depression fighting their own thoughts and emotions until getting to a place of exhaustion and depletion. Sadly, this is not just occurring in the lost world, but in God's churches as well. <br />
HURT. It's a terrible word. The word means "mental pain, offense, grieving; to injure, to cause pain." For many, this is life. If it isn't the mental pain, it is the physical (or at least the belief one is in physical pain). <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">The United States makes up only 4.6 percent of the world's population, but consumes 80 percent of its opioids -- and 99 percent of the world's hydrocodone, the opiate that is in Vicodin. Why the usage? Because they HURT. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">In the Bible, demonic forces are always bringing hurt upon people. For example, consider the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">demoniac in Luke 4:33-35: </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPVXG8OBpbg/UzR4g1tdkiI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/wqGRm-cAb6c/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPVXG8OBpbg/UzR4g1tdkiI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/wqGRm-cAb6c/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">"And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not."</span></blockquote>
Also, Mark 5 speaks of the demoniac of gadara who "always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones." HURT. Crying and cutting himself was the result of a great demonic presence.<br />
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Our nation has not only a sin problem, but a demonic mastery. We truly, as no other time in this nation's history, deal with "spiritual wickedness in high places." Those lost without Christ in this world stand no hope in overcoming the hurt without the power of the liberating Gospel. <br />
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Sadly, many Christians deal with demonic hurt as well. A believer in Christ cannot be demonically possessed, but can be demonically oppressed, depressed, obsessed. Before salvation, we were of our father the Devil who held possession of our life. At salvation, the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13) indwells us, and never more can Satan hold possession of our life! Satan then seeks oppression, depression, and obsession. Satan can attack from without in your life to bring oppression through circumstances, temptations, and the past. Once he is allowed place in your life, he then will bring a depression and darkness into the life. Doubt will fill the mind of the depressed. Soon, by the believer giving place to the devil, that believer can be demonically obsessed. The HURTing will separate themselves from all they love, their church, their faith, and will soon lose even the ability to stop the wrong thoughts from overwhelming them. They are demonically obsessed. (Eph. 4:27 "Neither give place to the devil." Rom. 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." )<br />
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The Lord wants to come into your body and take up residence with your spirit. (1 Cor. 6:13-20; Rom. 8:9, 14-16). The Lord desires us to have His joy and His joy remain in us (Jn 15:11). We are instructed repeatedly in the New Testament to "Rejoice in the Lord!" In the Bible, God always desires to keep his children FROM HURT (Daniel 3:25 "He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt..." Daniel 6:21-22 "Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me...") <br />
David, because of his yielding himself to temptation, had become filled with sorrow and obsession. In Psalm 51 we read that he felt dirty (vs. 2), his failure was ever before him (vs. 3), he felt cast away from God's presence (vs. 10), and wanted to have restored "THE JOY OF THY SALVATION." <br />
Satan cannot have the soul of the believer, but should he take from them their joy, he takes from them their power to make a difference in someone else's life. A believer robbed of joy becomes HURT and then all his life's focus and efforts are upon himself. The Devil is a thief. <br />
Consider John 10:10<br />
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"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:"-This is Satan.</blockquote>
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"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."-This is our Lord!!</blockquote>
So, how do we take back this ground yielded to Satan and get back our joy? Consider three passages:<br />
1. Daniel 6: In this passage, Daniel was under attack, was hated, and lived in a land that was not his home. Yet, he had, in vs. 3, "an excellent spirit." If anyone had reason to HURT, Daniel did. But rather, he had an excellent spirit. How? The answer is in verse 10, "...he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." He talked to God and praised Him three times a day!<br />
2. Psalm 119:161-168: The author was being persecuted (161) and lied about (163)-he was under attack. Yet, he had (165) "great peace" and was not HURT. How? "I rejoice at thy word...thy law do I love...seven times a day do I praise thee." He focused on God's Word and held it dear. When one is under demonic attack, his mind and feelings will lie to him and all he can trust is God's Word. Then, he praised the Lord 7 times a day. The more intense the battle, the more often we must praise the Lord. Why praise the Lord? We are thanking Him for all the ways He blesses us. Then we must answer this question, "why does He keep blessing me?" The only answer we have is "He loves me!" The more we realize He loves us, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we "keep His commandments" and His joy remains in us (Jude 21). This is why Peter instructs believers in his first epistle that when they are in "heaviness through manifold temptations," to "gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according tot he former lusts in your ignorance, but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." The mind will begin to deceive you when in you are HURTing. Cling to His Word and Praise Him.<br />
3. Colossians 1:13-14: These verses are powerful verses in God's Word. Revelation 12:11 reads, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony..." They 2 keys to victory over "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" are Salvation and our testimony. You must be saved to overcome. Second, the believer overcomes by the Word of their testimony. This is where these verses in Colossians come in. I believe that if every believer takes the time to praise God at least three times a day (keep a written journal to look over at times to affirm God's love to your mind) and when under attack audibly give these verses as their testimony, the HURT will leave their lives. Read aloud these verses:<br />
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"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"</blockquote>
Glory be to the Lamb!!! I am saved! I am delivered from the power of darkness! I am in the kingdom of His dear Son! I am redeemed by the precious blood! My sins are forgiven!! <br />
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Believer, you do not have to live in hurt. No matter the past, no matter the temptation, no matter what your mind tells you, God's Word is true and it says I am delivered! <br />
This is not just a sermon I put together, it was my life. I spent two long years in HURT. God graciously showed me how to have victory and I believe God allows these times:<br />
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Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.-2 Cor 1:4</blockquote>
So many HURTing seemingly everywhere. My friends, take it from me, God doesn't want you HURTing, and He will take it all away if we will take the time to lean on Him, see His love, love His Word, praise His name. The HURT can be removed!<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span>Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-60936786205074911622014-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:002014-01-21T12:13:07.228-08:00Modern Day Pharisee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I read through modern Christian periodicals, books, tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, and more, I keep coming upon a term that I think needs expounded on. The term I keep reading of is "Modern Day Pharisee." <br />
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Sounds serious doesn't it? Take that you....you...you whoever that stands for. Modern Day Pharisee? What is a modern day pharisee and what do they do? Now, before the thousands who read this blog start hammering away at definitions of a modern day pharisee, I think it is best to stick with our rule of thumb....WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? <br />
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I suppose the best way to begin to study this is by defining what a past day pharisee was. The "law of first mention" takes us to Matthew 3:7-8:<br />
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"But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:"</blockquote>
So a Pharisee was one who was not saved. They had never repented and were not ready for the wrath to come. I suppose then a modern day Pharisee would have to be someone who is not saved.<br />
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A pharisee was also someone who was very righteous in their works. Matthew 5:20 reads,<br />
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"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter ingot he kingdom of heaven."</blockquote>
Apparently, they were very righteous acting (not enough to work their way into heaven-no one can do that) but they were very righteous acting. They did things like tithe (Matthew 23:23), pray (Luke 18:11), fast (Matt. 9:14), and was sure to look good on the outside (Matthew 23). And you know what? The Lord never rebuked them for doing these things. His rebuke was not that their works were wrong, but rather:<br />
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"...within they are full of extortion and excess.....within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."</blockquote>
The past day Pharisee was a lost man. A religious, but lost man. They loved being seen by men, they lied, they converted others to lies....they were lost, but knew a lot about the Truth. <br />
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Now, we come to 2014 and read all about the "modern day pharisee." So, they must be referring to people who know the truth but are lost and need to repent and be saved, right? <br />
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Let's examine. Here is a comment from Facebook from an Independent Fundamental Baptist describing the modern day Pharisee:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-reactid=".r[p].[1][3][1]{comment10203141989215102_7625415}[0].[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3].[0].{end}[0]{4}[0]" style="background-color: #fafbfb; line-height: 14px;">"To hit the nail on the head it generally seems to be those who are 'most' separated. The outside of the platter is clean type. </span></span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;">Ironically it is modern day Pharisee as it gets."</span></blockquote>
So, the modern day Pharisee is one who is most separated? I don't understand. I would if it would have been added, "but the inside of the cup is filthy and needs to be cleansed, but that isn't there. Then you read of others who always associate the modern day pharisee with those who have standards in music and dress, strong doctrine, church discipline, proper church polity, and separation from things in the world that Scripture teaches are wrong. <br />
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Now did the past day Pharisees pay attention to details in strict standards, Bible, discipline, polity, and separation? Yes, but those things were never rebuked by our Lord. Matter of the fact, He says, "these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Again, they were rebuked because inwardly they were lost and all the rituals in the world profit nothing without a personal experience with Christ; but after a personal experience with Christ, these same things can share light to a very dark world. <br />
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Take circumcision for example. Some Jews were thinking that their circumcision was "what it was all about," Paul rebuked them in Romans 2 saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.....But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."</blockquote>
Let me conclude....I get it. I know what everyone is trying to say. There are some who are so full of themselves and proud of themselves that they forget what it is all about, souls. But it seems that the only people using the term "Modern Day Pharisees" are other believers who have lower standards of those they accuse trying to appease their conscience by casting stones at others. The ones accusing others of being a MDP are not trying to help a brother, but tear one down. The ones accusing others of being a MDP usually are the ones who in their heart know they are not right with God in a matter and just because another brother will not tell them they are "OK" or condone their unbiblical life, they feel the need to tear them down and destroy them.<br />
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Wait a second, the past day pharisee couldn't stand the righteousness the Lord lived and tried to tear Him down and destroy Him to cover their inward wickedness...maybe the modern day pharisee is the ones accusing others.....maybe....think about it.<br />
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Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-18199099066133841072014-01-13T13:49:00.003-08:002014-01-13T13:49:58.478-08:00Balanced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Webster's 1828 defines Balance as: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an impartial state of the mind, in deliberating; or a just estimate of the reasons and arguments on</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">both sides of a question, which gives to each its due weight, or force and importance."</span></div>
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I've been doing a lot of thinking on balance as pertaining to the ministry and being a pastor. I've learned a lot and am trying to keep learning a lot. Growing up in the ministry as I have has allowed me many unique opportunities to watch first hand the ministry....people. I've learned there are many different types of people. I've learned there are many different types of pastors. I've learned there are many different types of stands about everything. </div>
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I've also learned just how many "camps" there are in just the Independent Baptist arena centered around these different stands. There is one group that says "dress however you want" who is opposed by the "high standards and nothing else" crowd. There is the "repentance means change of mind" crowd opposed by the "repentance is a work that must be accomplished before salvation crowd." There is "be loyal to and obey your pastor or else" crowd opposed by the "the pastor is just one of the guys" crowd. There is the "music better come from the Pirate guy" crowd opposed by the "Legacy Five is performing at our church" crowd. Then there are the following: "We use a screen and no song books/those liberal churches using a screen," "Nonessentials don't divide/everything is essential," "mission boards/no mission boards," "you need a little righteous indignation/all anger is wrong," "pre,post, a", "open, close, closed," and the list goes on and on. Area churches keep their distance from me because they "have heard" what I believe, but not many have ever ask.</div>
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I've watched men change over the years. I hear of others today. I read about pastors and their wives who I've had speak at my church just a few years ago now tearing down what they preached was right at this church. So what is the balance? With all these voices, what is right?</div>
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I've tested the waters with some different camps since becoming pastor. I've been with the fundamental crowd, BAPTIST crowd, Bob Jones crowd, Southern Gospel crowd, sacred music crowd, Baptist are the only ones going to Heaven crowd, and have been contacted by the ecumenical crowd too. I've hung around Ruckmanites, Hyles worshippers, John R. Rice groupies, Sword, Revival Fires, Fairhaven, Heartland, and West Coast. I've had Pastor Brandenburg, Ev. Ted Alexander, Missionary David Cloud, Pastor Jeff Fugate, Pastor Mike Allison and Kenny Baldwin at my church. I've been removed from mailing lists, put on black list, made fun of by the fundamentalist and hated and scorned by What Fundies Like.</div>
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All the while wondering, "where do I fit in and with who?" You know what? I gave that up a while ago. I really don't care. I've learned this, all that matters is the Bible. I don't follow a certain man, camp, or philosophy. 2 Peter 3:17-18 reads, </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."</blockquote>
You know what God wants? He wants us to steadfast and growing in the Lord. He wants us to beware of lies and crowds that are in error because He is coming back soon! The Lord wants us to be balanced. The picture above says it all. Stand upon the Rock! Take Truth and lay it out and just stand upon it. <br />
<br />Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-8304090502247273092013-12-02T06:58:00.003-08:002013-12-02T06:58:44.005-08:00They Say Dogs Don't Go To Heaven; But Mine Did.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In September, of 2006, my dad called and told me about a man in his church in Kansas that had some chocolate Lab puppies available if I was interested. I certainly was interested! I immediately reserved me a puppy and in just a few weeks was holding in my arms the cutest little brown lab you had ever laid your eyes on. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVJ7kuP0-l8/UpuwYA27P7I/AAAAAAAAGR4/ZL4hFX1vjzI/s1600/1101_1067722816224_7573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVJ7kuP0-l8/UpuwYA27P7I/AAAAAAAAGR4/ZL4hFX1vjzI/s320/1101_1067722816224_7573_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Seeing how he was a chocolate lab, I thought of the perfect name for him-Snickers! Snickers was a little puppy, but had huge paws. It was obvious to see that Snickers would grow up to be a pretty big dog, and that he certainly did.<br />
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Our children immediately also fell in love with Snickers. They enjoyed playing with him, giving him snacks, and watching him play with whatever toy he could get his teeth around. Snickers pretty much lived inside and easily became just part of the family. At Christmas time, we all would hang our stockings, and was sure to hang Snicker's as well. He had his own hat, ornament, and loved candy canes. Snicker's was always sure to find a delicious bone every Christmas morning in his stocking. He would take it and want to go outside with it and enjoy it all alone (I think he was afraid we would take it from him).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjafVuLheY/UpuwYUl5svI/AAAAAAAAGR8/WA2QBDGhf-Y/s1600/1101_1067722776223_7324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjafVuLheY/UpuwYUl5svI/AAAAAAAAGR8/WA2QBDGhf-Y/s320/1101_1067722776223_7324_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> Snickers loved playing at the dog park in our town. He would look so much forward to running in the field and jumping in the pond and trying to catch the bull frogs. I am not sure what he would have done if he would have caught one.<br />
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Snickers grew to be quite a large dog. At his last last vet appointment, he weighed in at 115 lbs. Snickers was not overweight, just a very strong dog. Our neighbor called him "roids" because he accused him of being on steroids. Once our son was walking Snickers and Snickers saw a cat. He chased that cat four doors down, dragging our 100 lb. son behind him on the leash. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpocLrRFUGw/Upuy0DkN01I/AAAAAAAAGS8/8ST4eGKfWfA/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpocLrRFUGw/Upuy0DkN01I/AAAAAAAAGS8/8ST4eGKfWfA/s320/IMG_0948.jpg" width="239" /></a>Snickers loved so much sitting outside and watching the birds. He never chased them, just sat there in the sun watching the day go by. Each night, after the kids went to bed, Snickers would come inside and eat and sit with me. Before we got our new couch, Snickers would sit on the couch with me. In the winter, I loved it so much as he was the greatest electric blanket a guy could ever have. <br />
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We both enjoyed a late night snack, except my how Snicker's would drool. It was actually disturbing what a drooler he was. My wife wasn't real fond of this part of Snickers. Any time she would sit and eat a snack at night, there he would be. He never begged or whined, just sat there watching and hoping she would give in. He may have gotten more if he could have controlled that drooling of his. She was rather disgusted at it and many times excused him to his house.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_0Ydv1AJQc/UpuzBoP4m5I/AAAAAAAAGTU/2eL7eEE3-uQ/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_0Ydv1AJQc/UpuzBoP4m5I/AAAAAAAAGTU/2eL7eEE3-uQ/s320/IMG_0950.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
Snickers "house" was the garage. We had divided our garage into two sections with a wall. The first part was a family room, and the second part was Snicker's house. It had some totes, our freezer, some clothes, and his big comfy pillow he slept on. He actually looked forward to going there at nights. When he was real tired, he would beg to go and get excited when you got up to take him. He probably was so excited though because every night I gave him an extra treat as he went to his house. My how this dog loved cheese and bacon strips. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miWhRhKY3lA/Upu1ZUnLpkI/AAAAAAAAGTg/nmMCPZKReiM/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miWhRhKY3lA/Upu1ZUnLpkI/AAAAAAAAGTg/nmMCPZKReiM/s320/IMG_0682.jpg" width="240" /></a>Snickers enjoyed life at our house. He was, about as much as a Burke as you can be. He loved family, he loved to eat, he loved being around people, he adored children, he loved being loved. Each night, after he ate dinner, he would (like a cat) just go back in forth in front of you. He expected you to raise your legs so he could run under them scratching his back. He would do this all night if you let him. He was a morning dog. As you would approach his door to let him in in the morning, you could always hear that "T-rex" like tail beating the walls inside. He was always happy! That tail would always wag, and if it hit you, you knew it. He grew up and was getting older, but I think he always thought he was a kid. He just loved being around you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCePFIfook/Upu2qoXnSII/AAAAAAAAGTo/PFPDqrYRBY4/s1600/IMG_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCePFIfook/Upu2qoXnSII/AAAAAAAAGTo/PFPDqrYRBY4/s320/IMG_0979.jpg" width="239" /></a>Snickers also was a perfect Burke because he like making people happy and would take any aggravation you sent his way. Our children when they were younger would grab his ears, tail, and try to ride him. He would just sit there looking at me with a "you can stop them now" look on his face, but not one time in 6+ years did Snickers ever growl, snap, or even look angry at anyone. He could take a lot and just keep loving. <br />
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As a pastor, there are some days when there are a lot of burdens on you. The last 6 years have seen many burdens shared by me with this dog. He was my friend. Every time I needed to talk, he would sit and listen. It is as if he knew I needed an ear and would lay his head down and just listen. I always joked with him after these "sessions" telling him, "Can't you tell me you understand how 'ruff' it is?" He never did, just listened and when I was done, would get up and wag that ginormous tail of his, as if to say, "It's over, lets go on."<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IENmH_djd_E/Upu3YSv_UrI/AAAAAAAAGTw/OBYF9-VAwqs/s1600/IMG_1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IENmH_djd_E/Upu3YSv_UrI/AAAAAAAAGTw/OBYF9-VAwqs/s320/IMG_1395.jpg" width="239" /></a>Snickers even enjoyed watching a good t.v. show as long as you were petting him all the while. In a nut shell, he was the perfect dog for me. He was my friend and companion. <br />
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The day after Thanksgiving, 2013, something was wrong with my dog. I went to let him out that Friday morning, and no tail was beating the wall. I opened the door and he slowly got up and made his way to the door. I had put some left over Thanksgiving meat in his bowl, but he just walked right by and headed towards the back door. His tail weighed down, his eyes were heavy, and his strength weak. I ask him what was wrong and his tail wagged a bit, but nothing like it should. I took him outside and let him soak in a little sun, but something was wrong. He just lied there. I went into his house to get his water bowl and there was vomit on the ground. My dog was sick. I hoped within myself that he ate something bad and a day outside in the sun would make things better. We went on over to my parents house and I came back home around 5 p.m. to check on him. He was no better, maybe even worse. I decided to take him to the vet hospital. Maybe he had a virus or something a little medication could take care. He slowly got into the car and sat staring out the back window as I drove. He usually on car rides would pant and go from window to window, but this time it was different.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXdbsvVZ3nY/UpyQWh1n-aI/AAAAAAAAGUE/bMWAigjeiBk/s1600/IMG_2419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXdbsvVZ3nY/UpyQWh1n-aI/AAAAAAAAGUE/bMWAigjeiBk/s320/IMG_2419.jpg" width="240" /></a>When we arrived at the vet hospital, the good doctors took great care of Snickers. They took his vitals and came and shared with me that they needed to take some x-rays. The x-rays showed a bowel obstruction and it was bad. Snickers needed surgery. He was very sick. The problem was, I didn't have the money required to have the surgery. I tried to think of ways to get the money, but it just wasn't there. I told the doctor, I was going to have to put Snickers down. The kind doctor understood and said to wait a minute and I could spend a last few moments with Snickers. As I waited for them to bring Snickers to me, I couldn't believe this was happening. It all happened so quickly, it was like a bad dream. Then there was a knock at the door, and a young man brought Snickers in and shut the door. Snickers came up to me with his tail wagging best he could. I held his head in my hands and looked him right in the eyes. I thanked him for being the best dog in the world. I thanked him for always being so kind and gentle with my children. I thanked him for the times he barked to let us know people were around the house. I thanked him for listening to me all those times I needed him too. I told him he was the greatest dog I had ever met, kissed his nose, and walked out of the room. As much as I tried to "be a man," I couldn't help but cry. I cried because I knew that about 10 miles away from me were my children and wife crying, I cried because I knew Snickers didn't understand what was happening, and I cried for myself because I was hurting. <br />
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I signed the papers and was told that they would come and get me when the procedure was over. They said it would take about 20 minutes. Forty-five minutes passed and finally they asked to see me in a room. I waited for the doctor to come in. The room was so still and silent. My mind was flooded with memories of my dog. I heard a knock at the door and the good doctor came in. She had an awkward look on her face. She said, "This is an awkward conversation in some ways. I have an option to give you. As we prepared Snickers for the procedure, he is just such a good dog, he won all of our hearts. Another doctor here at the Care Center recently had her chocolate lab pass away. She has been heart broken, and we thought of her while preparing Snickers. I took the liberty to call her and let her know about Snickers. She has offered to perform the surgery and pay for all medical expenses; but you would have to sign over ownership to her. If he makes it through the surgery, she will take him home and care for him and give him all that he needs."<br />
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What a roller coaster of emotions I went through. I stood there stunned. I wanted to take Snickers home! But, I couldn't, and I definitely wanted Snickers to live. I agreed and signed over the papers. I got in my car and headed home. I had to explain all of this to my children. What a night it had been. I put my hand in my coat pocket and felt his big blue collar and leash. It was a hard night.<br />
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When I got home, all I wanted to do was see Snickers waiting for me there in the living room; but he wouldn't be. I walked in and my wife met me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. The children sat silent not sure what to say. I sat down and my four year old daughter walked over to me. She was trying to be strong for her daddy. She said, "Snickers is in Heaven daddy," but she was at her end being strong. She laid her head on my chest and wept. That broke the dam of tears everyone was trying to hold. After a good cry session, I shared the story with everyone what had happened. We then bowed our heads and thanked God for the years He gave us with Snickers. We thanked God that He had made a way for Snickers to have his surgery. We thanked God for being so kind. The kids went off to bed and I sat there thinking about what I had just prayed. God truly had been amazing in this all. The vet we were taking Snickers too wasn't able to see us and sent us to the Care Center. It just so happened that at that one vet hospital, a doctor had just recently lost her chocolate lab. I sat and thought, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." (Ps. 37:23). The Lord had directed my steps that night. Did the Lord really care about all of this? Of course He did! He cares about me. If He knows when a hair falls from my head, He definitely knew how bad I was hurting and the loss I was going through! If He cares about a worthless sparrow that falls to the ground (Luke 12:6), He cares about a chocolate lab that has protected, played, and pleased this home of ours. God had worked all of this out. But, why?<br />
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Maybe this doctor needed Snickers more than we did. There are a lot of possibilities. I laid my head on my pillow that night and thought on this more. You know, Snickers was a good dog-the best in my opinion; but Snickers was going to die. There was nothing I could do about it, the price was too great. But, there was one person who could do something. That doctor was able to not only pay the price, but to do the work required. Snicker's life would be saved. But now Snickers would go to live with this good doctor. Well, of course Snickers would. The good doctor had paid the price and made the sacrifice, Snickers should not only be hers reasonably, but also willingly. Then my mind thought on this, what better home could a dog have? Snickers was pampered with us at our house, but he hasn't seen anything yet. Those words came back to me: "she will take him home and care for him and give him all that he needs." Snickers was going to dog Heaven. It still hurts, but it is comforting to know where Snickers is at. <br />
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Obviously, what a picture this is of what our Lord has done for us. We can be a good person-the best person, but still we are going to die (Rom. 6:23) and deserve the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15). Our good works cannot save us (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). But there is One who can save us! This Great Physician is Jesus. Not only could He do the work, but He made the sacrifice. He came to this earth and took our place. He went to the cross and died for our sins (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). He took all of our sins and placed them upon Himself (2 Cor. 5:21). He was buried, but three days later rose again! All we must do is see ourselves as the sinners we are, see Jesus as the only way we can be saved, and believe on Him! (Rom. 10:9). The Lord has promised to those that are saved, that He has a place prepared for us called Heaven (John 14:1-3). This land is described as being one of utmost beauty where we will never hurt or need again. We will go home someday to live with the One who paid the price and made the sacrifice so we could be saved. <br />
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While I know that dogs do not have souls and will not spend an eternity in either Heaven or Hell, we as people will. We must be prepared for that day. Has there been a day in your life when you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? (Acts 16:31). <br />
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I will miss my dog Snickers, but I am comforted knowing he is in a place where he will be taken care of and can run and play and enjoy life. They say Dogs Don't go to Heaven; but mine sure did.<br />
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<br />Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-47161407628437274212013-11-29T09:09:00.002-08:002013-11-29T09:09:39.056-08:00Back in the Cold Saddle Again! Black Friday...err...Thursday Night!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After taking a year off, Chrystal and I went out again to fight the elements, crowds, and impulse purchase temptations. A wonderful night once more!<br />
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Our trip always starts in the morning of Thanksgiving as we peruse through all the adds (even though we have seen them all on the internet already) and then call each other and make an itinerary. This year was no exception. After some debate, we decided to start our evening at Kohls for their 8:00 opening. We both agree on this-no store should be open until at least Midnight of Friday. This Thanksgiving Day sale, open at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. stuff is for the birds (get it? Turkey? Birds?...). We both did not want to cut short family time with the in laws, so we met at 6:30-6:45 ish at Kohls. <br />
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This year we were joined in our adventures by Miss Jerrica Wilson. She was a great slave...I mean, friend to spend the evening with us. She did a wonderful job pushing our carts, bagging our products....Just kidding! She was a joy to be with last night.<br />
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Due to iPad update difficulties at my in laws, I was running a little late. When I arrived at Kohls, I found in the front of the line Chrystal and Jerrica. They were the second in line! I asked how long she had been there, and she and the people around her all said they had gotten there around 4 p.m. I asked Chrystal why as I thought we were meeting at 6:30. She said she was just bored. (I found out an hour later that they had gotten there around 6:20 and Chrystal had convinced all the people around her to lie to me. I then told them how Chrystal had someone lie for her last year on Black Friday and they ended up getting arrested-so that wasn't real true either).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I75g_0LGlYE/UpjB1XcHstI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/qQaSI42-vlM/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I75g_0LGlYE/UpjB1XcHstI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/qQaSI42-vlM/s320/IMG_2514.JPG.jpeg" width="240" /></a>After talking to the people around us, they instantly fell in love with Chrystal, who was continuing to offer to place the teen age girl in her arm pit if she was too cold. I also learned that Chrystal had been signing autographs, as she had convinced the young ladies behind us that she was an actress. Only Chrystal could do such a thing while wearing a Frisch's Big Boy Beanie!<br />
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Finally, the doors opened! Being in front, we quickly found the few products we were looking for (special thanks to Chrystal and Jerrica for helping with a double special gift). We then cashed out using our patented process of one of us standing in line while the other shops. Kohls was a huge success and we were out by 8:40!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-debqbUFkz1Q/UpjA6Yl12gI/AAAAAAAAGMI/FPldJaylxnc/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-debqbUFkz1Q/UpjA6Yl12gI/AAAAAAAAGMI/FPldJaylxnc/s320/IMG_2516.JPG" width="240" /></a>After catching up with Ricky and Rachel, we learned Walmart had been pretty much pillaged, so the three of us decided to go to Target. Of course, they had opened much earlier, and we were able to just walk right in. While there was no line to get in-WOW was there a line to get out! I immediately got into the check out line which was weaved through aisles through 4 different departments. While Chrystal and Jerrica shopped, I stood in line. As I went through the refrigerated section of groceries standing in line, I remembered my wife needed eggs to make deviled eggs today. So, I grabbed a dozen eggs. Bad mistake. No less than 30 people laughed as they asked me why in the world I was standing in line this long to buy a dozen eggs. No explanation could overcome the sight, so I went with it.<br />
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The ladies returned, and I was given a chance to shop a little (I bought a meat thermometer for the turkey I currently am watching Stacey cook). Finally, we made it to the check out. Jerrica and Chrystal went and got a soda from the refreshment section and we gathered our items and left; but not before I told the police man that Jerrica had stolen the soda without paying. Jerrica had some explaining to do!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qNNqVQxhg4/UpjEYQ1RFfI/AAAAAAAAGMc/RztVqRVajgs/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qNNqVQxhg4/UpjEYQ1RFfI/AAAAAAAAGMc/RztVqRVajgs/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="240" /></a>The only other item Chrystal was really after was at Gamestop. They would open at midnight. We drove by at 10:30 and no one was there but three very hairy, zit covered, young lads. So, we thought we would run into Meijer and walk around. While there, I did my best to convince Chrystal to buy a Soda Maker Machine. You see, since a young boy, I have had much enjoyment convincing Chrystal to spend her money. It is a hobby of sorts. We went into Meijer just to stay warm. While I could not convince her to buy the soda machine, she did leave with a box of Liddies (as seen on TV), two board games, a Mr. Tea accessory, and a few other insignificant items that cost $100. Brother success! After walking through Meijer for about 30 minutes (me with a hidden whoopee cushion walking behind Chrystal), we finally exited towards the car. There, I convinced Chrystal and Jerrica to pose for this picture with the Meijer sign behind them (and to their unawares, directly below a handicap sign-lol). Meijer was a success!<br />
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We then headed towards Gamestop. Amazingly, this was the most fun of the night. Upon our return at about 11:15, we found there to be about 20 people in line. It was freezing outside, so the three of us sat in our car, in the warmth, and watched the line slowly grow. Every few minutes we debated getting in line, but the car was so warm and we were having so much fun. How were we having fun? Well, for one, Chrystal and I decided, being parked right in front of the line, to take two people in line and watch their actions and guess the words they were saying. What a riot! People had to go to the bathroom, there was a ghost (a man with a white sheet completely over him), people were fighting, flirting, and...well...it was fun. We sorta got into so much and were laughing so much, the car began to shake a little (Chrystal and I blame this on Jerrica sitting in the back seat). Two ladies (who we had just assigned the words of arguing over a daughter at home) began to notice and giving us the "evil eye." The line kept growing and by now there were nearly 100 people in line. The items Chrystal was going after were not at all "Big ticket items" and her main one could be found across the street for just a few more dollars at Meijer, so she decided the cold weather wasn't worth it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAT2Z8IicUA/UpjGCiLMg3I/AAAAAAAAGMo/f3xIJjccrFg/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAT2Z8IicUA/UpjGCiLMg3I/AAAAAAAAGMo/f3xIJjccrFg/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="240" /></a>We then took a picture of the afore mentioned ladies (they were not happy) and pulled out. We made it to the side of the building when Chrystal changed her mind and we parked. We joined the line about 11:40, now about 150 people back. <br />
Yes, we were there when there were only 2 or 3 in line! After a small confrontation with some potty mouth young men, we settled in. We had a great time! We shared memories, we sang a little, we FROZE TO DEATH! <br />
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Chrystal then put her hoodie back on, and we got quite the laugh as I reminded her that in that coat she looked just like a turtle (see picture below). The man behind us agreed and we all got a kick out of Chrystal and I (my hoodie now pulled over my heard) singing "Teenage Obese Ninja Turles!" An employee came out passing out tickets for the items. When Chrystal asked if she needed a ticket for her item, the man chuckled (as did everyone in line) and said "I think you will be able to get those pretty easy. After a chilling hour wait, we finally got to go in. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcPZ4IiijiY/UpjHbeV0geI/AAAAAAAAGMw/sLw4eyakUxM/s1600/IMG_2518-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcPZ4IiijiY/UpjHbeV0geI/AAAAAAAAGMw/sLw4eyakUxM/s320/IMG_2518-1.JPG" width="240" /></a>Upon walking it, let's just say that there were many young men in the store who obviously hadn't showered in a while and who obviously had a lot of baked beans for Thanksgiving. Truly, I haven't smelled something that hideous in a long time. Chrystal got her items and we stood in line the next hour hearing more about "recons, assassins, madden, war crafts, mine crafts, fast cars, and calls of duty" than I ever wanted to in my entire life. Ironic how not one in that store could even carry the weight of a real gun, take one hit in a contact sport, or even drive a manual transmission car...but I digress.<br />
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We finally made it out of the stink hole and headed towards the car. Was it our most memorable trip? Probably not. There were not punches, no ambulances, no riots; but it was good to be back in that cold saddle again. <br />
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I don't go to buy much (I enjoy getting Chrystal to spend her money); but I love going. Jerrica didn't buy one item all night, so I gave here a tide to go I had purchased at Target for $.74 (great deal). In Jerrica's words, "It was just fun to be here." Agreed! In this world of covetousness, anger, division, and sadness, it is just good to stand around a soda maker machine with people you love and laugh at tea bag holders. To me, it is what the holidays are about. Not sales, not crowds, not sports-but family and friends and memories. And the best part is, it is not over. I now will go to my parent's house with my beautiful wife and children, and join my parents and sisters and their families and enjoy that yummy looking turkey my wife just got out of the oven. We will eat, play games, laugh, and share jokes and memories. I love this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-21110054388389840572013-10-15T10:56:00.000-07:002013-10-15T11:15:52.961-07:00Church Plant in Bullhead City, Arizona<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="word-break: break-word;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: left; word-break: break-word;">The following is written by Brother Steven Harris. Bro. Harris was born in Ippy, Central African Republic, on October 19, 1964. His parents were missionaries to the Central African Republic.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> In 1989 Brother Steven Harris and his family went to the field of New Zealand as missionaries . They returned from the field of New Zealand in March of 1991, because their daughter Bethany was terminally ill with a brain tumor. She passed away in April, 1991. On the day Bethany died they were informed that New Zealand had revoked their visa. (His complete testimony can be read on the Mohave Baptist Church homepage). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); word-break: break-word;">"Thus began our search for God’s direction and our next step of missionary service. Knowing that the field is the world we were open to the wherever of God’s leadership. We earnestly prayed and specifically considered Africa, Wales, Russia, Australia as well as many other countries of opportunity and need. I was asked by a pastor friend if I had ever considered church planting in the U.S. That is where God started it all. I could not get away from that question. God was leading me west. I began to look for towns and cities that had no independent Baptist churches. At the end of January of 1993, God made His will know that the town of Bullhead City, Arizona was where He was leading and by February 5th we arrived.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="word-break: break-word;">"I immediately began door knocking on every door beginning at the Colorado River and California border and working north. In my very first week of door knocking I met two families that would eventually become charter members of the Mohave Baptist Church although it took them quite a few more years to begin attending services. At first it was my hope to hold services in our house there in the valley but no visitors ever came. On Sunday, May 2nd, 1993, we began hold services at 5287 Highway 95, Fort Mohave, Arizona. Still no one came, but we started and continued with Sunday school at 9.30 Am, Morning service at 10:30 AM, Evening service at 5:00 PM, and our mid-week service at 7:00 PM on Thursday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); word-break: break-word;">"Although soul winning was an almost daily activity, it wasn’t until the winter of 1994 that God began to increase our number. By our first CHRISTmas party in December of 1994 we saw an average attendance of thirty-five to forty. Our attendance included the Berry Family, the Ortiz family, the Riley family, the Shipman family, the Weaver family and a few more names that elude me at this time. By March of 1995 everyone of those families had moved out of state and we began again. Possibly one of the hardest moments of ministry in my life up to that time. By that time, my soul winning door to door had reached well up into the city of Bullhead City. The question that begged to be asked was, “Okay, so I came, I have knocked on almost every door in town. Almost everyone has heard and had their opportunity. No one is interested. God, can I leave?” The answer was no and I wasn't at all happy with the answer. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); word-break: break-word;">"In February of 1996, we had our first Evangelistic Meeting with the help of the youth group from Anchor Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a group of men led by Pastor Ed Bragg of Lafayette Bible Baptist Church of Baldwin, Missouri. Bill Kinman was contacted and I was able to go by his house and lead him to the Lord. Just down the street one of the men had spoken with Henry Angon and he had made a profession of faith. God had begun to lay the seed that would lead to the salvation of others surrounding those lives. Others that are still a very real part of Mohave Baptist Church. Through that meeting and those souls saved God encouraged my heart and changed my attitude and I happily stayed to see God do great things at Mohave Baptist Church. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="word-break: break-word;">"It was 2003, it had become obvious that God had established His work in the Mohave Baptist Church. I was still a missionary and the work was still a mission. It was time to organize as an autonomous work. We had a sufficient number of members to be autonomous; we had enough experience as a work to be autonomous. The question then became was it God’s will for the only “pastor” the work had ever know to be the pastor or was God’s will and calling in my life to continue as a missionary. It had been ten years since I had come to the Bullhead City area and I had become a pastor. </span> <span style="text-align: left; word-break: break-word;">On Sunday, May 4th, 2003, forty people signed the charter membership of Mohave Baptist Church. Mohave Baptist Church was now it’s own autonomous church. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica;"><br style="word-break: break-word;" /><span style="word-break: break-word;">"On Sunday, November 23rd, I resigned as the pastor and Gary Johnson became pastor of Mohave Baptist Church." </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="word-break: break-word;">The church is now growing and continuing its work for the Lord under the leadership of Pastor Don Randall Jr. </span></span><br />
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<br />Bro. Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13954235735404261292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-87329422164531296442013-10-02T08:51:00.000-07:002013-10-02T08:51:30.738-07:00Somebody Ought-a Shout!!!...or should they?While I have grown up in church, I had never really been in a "Shouting" church. My first experience with a "shouting" church was going to a Baptist church my grandfather was singing at in Dayton, Ohio. They "shouted the house down" during those songs! I was about 13 at the time, and really enjoyed it a lot. Since then, I've been in a few other shouting churches and sat in a few camp meetings where the shouting continually roars from the saints gathered there. <br />
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What's a shouting church? Now this is an unofficial Travis Burke definition; but by shouting church or shouting service I am referring to a service that is filled with raised voices urging on the singers or preacher with "Amen," "Praise God," "Hallelujah", "Preach it!", "Go On!", That's Right!", "Park There a while!", etc. I've heard a lot in my years at church, some very humorous.<br />
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Now, let me say, I love preaching! I will "Amen" and "That's Right" any preacher who is preaching the Truth! I will raise my voice in a service and "Amen" the Truth that is being proclaimed from the Word of God. Why do I do this? Well, in the Scriptures, when the Truth was being proclaimed, the people were expected to vocally say "Amen", which means "so be it!" (Num. 5:22, Deut. 27:15-19, and Psalm 106:48). I Corinthians 14 teaches on tongues speaking. One warning to the church then when one was praying in tongues is (vs. 16) "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at they giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?" It was expected that others in the New Testament church, respond to Truth with an audible "Amen." <br />
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But, most who read this, will understand that an "audible amen" is not what I am writing about when I write about "Camp Meeting style" or "the shouting the house down church." At the mention of these, many will picture a red faced preacher and a couple of people standing up and pointing at him shouting "That's Right Preacher!" while others are walking on a pew, while others are standing there clapping, while others are raising both hands shouting "Hallelujah!" (and the majority of these are ladies). Someone then takes a jog around the place and everybody starts getting goose bumps at all the emotions being shared in the place. <br />
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Is this wrong? A while back, I quit asking the question "is this wrong?" and replaced it with "what does the Bible say?" We could look at Psalm 132:9, "Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness: and let thy saints shout for joy." The mention of the priests has to put this in context to Old Testament Israelite worship. Technically, shouting is never mentioned in context to worship in the New Testament church, though singing and saying Amen is (Col 3:16, 1 Cor. 14:16). But does this make it wrong? The Bible never commands us NOT to shout. <br />
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The Bible talks a lot about shouting. Th<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;">e Bible recognizes two major causes for shouting. When Joshua and Moses returned to the camp in Exodus 32, Joshua thought he heard a noise of war in the camp (v.17-18). However, Moses told him that is was rather the noise of them that sing that he heard. That is, instead of shouts of war, they were hearing shouts of joy. But this passage shows us something else as well. Not only are there two main reasons for shouting, there are also a good side and a bad side to each kind of shout. In </span><span class="bls" id="Exodus_32_18_51559300" style="background-color: white; color: #000033; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.learnthebible.org/bible/3/EXO/32/18" style="color: #000033;">Exodus 32:18</a></span></span><span class="popup" id="popup-Exodus_32_18_51559300" style="background-color: #dedacb; border: 1px ridge rgb(0, 0, 51); color: #000033; height: 200px; left: 432px; line-height: 21px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: auto; padding: 5px; position: absolute; text-align: justify; top: 969px; visibility: hidden; width: 300px; z-index: 999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.learnthebible.org/bible/3/EXO/32/18#v18" style="color: #000033; display: block; margin: 0px 20px 20px; text-align: right;"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, Moses declared, "It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome." Here we see that a shout of war may come from the victors or from the conquered. But the passage also shows us that shouts of joy can be good or bad. Here, the people were shouting because they had just turned from God and were worshipping false gods. Their joy was certainly misplaced.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I come to this observation. Is it wrong to shout? No. Is it right to shout? No. Since it is not commanded in the New Testament to shout in worship, one cannot and is unjust in deciding another saint is "not spiritual" or "dead" for not shouting. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was usually a spontaneous expression of joy and praise for an extraordinary blessing of God. It came at times of unusual blessing; such as, the completion of the temple foundation, the coming of fire from heaven, or the moving of the ark to Jerusalem. It was never an everyday experience. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #000033; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Shouting was an expression of something else. It was never to be the goal of the saints. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case in certain churches today. The people come to church seeking the emotional release of a great time of shouting. This is not scriptural and runs against the working of the Holy Spirit in believers. Many times, the volume and "need to shout" is felt most by women in the church, challenging the command in 1 Cor. 14:35. Still, Luke 19:37 reads, "And when he was come nigh, even now at </span></span><span style="color: #000033;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">the</span></span><span style="color: #000033;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to rejoice </span></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">and</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">praise</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Jesus commends them for doing so.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #000033;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I will conclude with an example of my point. In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites were about to face defeat. Eli had already been told that his sons would die and Israel be defeated for the great sins of the land. The Israelites decided to go get God after first being defeated, and they went and fetched the Ark of the Covenant. They then went to battle and (vs. 5) "all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again." The heathen Philistines heard the shout and thought "they were getting spiritual and God was come down among them," and now they would be defeated. They were wrong. There was a whole lot of shouting and a whole lot of God talk, but God wasn't in it at all. Eli's sons died, the Ark was taken, and God's people destroyed. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #000033;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Many who are in to the "shouting or it's dead" philosophy love the emotions and feelings, but doctrinally are not as sound. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I ask you to consider the practice of shouting. Is it the practice of the most spiritual? Do those who do it most live the closest to God when they leave the church? Do the churches that shout the most have the most spiritual congregations? Do they have the most pure doctrine? We would do well to consider the motivation that lies behind much of the shouting that is done today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was fresh out of college, I attended a Camp Meeting as a young preacher and experienced this for the first time. There was a long time of singing and people were shouting and hollering and running aisles. Then Pastor Don Green of Michigan stood up to preach and read, "There is none righteous, no not one." No one shouted. No one "Amened". He said, as only he could, "You all shout when some lady tears up and sings about trials, but you can't amen the Truth of God's Word? It was all in the flesh?" It made me think....I hope this does you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #000033; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am not saying it is wrong, but I am not saying it is required. Those who love it most, require it from all to be spiritual. Do I hear a Amen?!</span></span>Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5857168373791164001.post-89730375654176356122013-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:002013-09-25T07:39:03.464-07:00Time for Tea<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-D2udRiJFI/UkH7wJezHhI/AAAAAAAAF3A/FOi8DIqnKfM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-D2udRiJFI/UkH7wJezHhI/AAAAAAAAF3A/FOi8DIqnKfM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">WARNING:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The information below is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">not at all spiritual in anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading this post may cause</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">severe desire for an ice cold</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">glass of tea!</span><br />
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I remember growing up with dad and mom and the choice of beverage always being iced tea. Now let me say, I've seen my dad put down some Pepsis in his life. As a young boy, I remember taking the glass bottles back to the store with us and I being the one to put the bottles on the rollers and send them flying back to....actually, I never knew where they went; but I always sent them there fast!<br />
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Pop (soda, coke, whatever you call it) soon was set aside at our home and we all became tea drinkers. By this I mean iced tea. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a spot of hot tea in the winter made with my Keurig machine with a just a bit of honey dripped in. But my beverage of choice to this day is iced tea. I've been a regular iced tea drinker since I was about 10. I remember I had a blue Mickey Mouse tall mug that I had purchased at Disney. This was my tea drinking glass (I started it way before Uncle Si). My blue plastic glass would lose its Mickey insignia on the outside, but the brown stained inside spoke of its regular use.<br />
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Mom always made tea with just a hint of sweetener in it. I remember seeing those little pink packets around and I suppose that is what she used. Regardless, I loved it. As I grew older, my taste in tea moved on to unsweetened. To this day, I like my tea "Straight on the rocks." (as I joke with my wife). I don't need none of that sugar. If I wanted Kool-aid, I would buy the packets.<br />
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After marriage, my wife became an iced tea drinker too. But, she's a sweet one! Stacey likes her tea all sugary. That has not been an issue in our marriage though. I was concerned at first, but thankfully, she can make it unsweetened and she is then content adding her own simple sugar solution to sweeten it to her liking. I say all this to get to this point...we both like tea and we differ only in the sugar department.<br />
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A few weeks ago, Stacey and I were driving down the road and we wanted a tea. We saw the signs of all the establishments ahead of us that sold our beverage of choice and began a conversation as to which tea we desired to purchase. I decided to share that information with you, my friends, so that you too can make the right choice concerning your iced tea.<br />
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What is our tea judged by? Well, we talked about this in great detail. First, and most importantly, is the taste. It must taste good. It cannot have that "coffee ground" taste to it. It should be pleasant to the pallet. Then, we decided that the cup is of great importance. What your tea is served in is of great importance. You want a cup that holds enough to satisfy your tea desire, but that also can keep the tea ice cold. As your ice melts, your tea becomes watered down. The amount of ice is important too. There is nothing worse than a tea that is luke warm that should be iced! We also judge tea by its "smoothness." Some teas just are "smooth" as it enters the mouth and travels down the throat leaving a pleasantness in your mouth and mind. My wife, for all you sugar people, judges her tea by how much sugar is added. There is a right balance that must be achieved. The final criteria is consistency. By this I mean, when you go to this place and order the tea, can you count on it being good every time? That said, here is our top 10 teas based upon these credentials. <br />
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10. BOB EVANS: At one time, Bob Evans was high on our chart, but the last year or so, the quality of their tea has gone down immensely. The tea to ice ratio is poor. The taste is just bad. A missionary recently said while eating with us there, "This tea tastes like dirty dish water." We agree. If they could find their old recipe and get back to the "Old Paths", perhaps we can see them make their way back up the list. For now...order a water.<br />
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9. PANERA BREAD: Not the most manly place to eat; but when dieting, you sure can get a good amount of food that is tasty and low on calories. On Stacey's list for sweet tea, not that good. On my list for unsweetened, pretty good. You control the ice to tea ratio. The "smooth" factor is very good! The cups are too small and flimsy and allow quick melting of ice. Consistency is there. Overall, you won't go wrong. Problem is, I like my tea to be there all day. A Panera Bread tea will last through lunch. Thirty minutes later, it is a "Laodicean" mess.<br />
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8. BURGER KING: Six months ago, I would literally gag at the thought of drinking a Burger King tea; but somebody is finally getting it right. I am not sure what they changed, but the iced tea at Burger King is quite drinkable now. The taste is good. The ice to tea ratio is fair. The consistency is there. The cups are plenty big enough if you order a large. The cups are the same as their soft drinks though and just don't quite hold up like we would like. The unsweet seems to get a better review than the sweet version. Either way, Burger King is serving a tea finally that is drinkable.<br />
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7. ZAXBYS: Not sure if some readers will know of what I speak. If Zaxbys were nearer to me, it would probably be higher on the list. Zaxbys are located in Kentucky and Tennessee and southern locations. I have never gone to Zaxbys and received a bad tea. It is very smooth. The sweet and unsweet are both fine beverages. The cups are equivalent to Burger King. You control the ice to tea ratio. If there were some Zaxbys up north near us, we would rate them higher. When traveling and you want a good tea and see a Zaxbys, don't hesitate in stopping in (plus the chicken is pretty good!)<br />
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6. CRACKER BARREL: The iced tea at Cracker Barrel is consistent. It is what it is, a pretty good glass of tea. We have never had to ask for a different drink, as it is a good tea always. It's not great, but good. It's not the smoothest, but smooth. The glass is fine, but the ice to tea ratio is always poor. They never give enough ice in their teas. Should you ask for a tea to go, then prepare to drink it all before you get to the car as the cup is way to small. It's good...a deserving 6 on our list...but it is what it is.<br />
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5. SONIC: Now to some, you may have expected Sonic tea to be higher on the list. First of all, all the fancy flavors do not interest us as we stick to sweet or unsweet. On my personal list, it would have been higher, but on Stacey's list it is a lot lower. So, we give it a 5 rating. The pros are that the cup is by far the best! You can get a tea from Sonic and have enough to sip on till you go to bed. I recommend going early and ordering your .99 cent Route 44. It's the only way to go! Then the ice, by far the best of anyone else. You just can't beat the small crushed Sonic ice. Where Sonic falls is the taste. For unsweet drinkers, it is fair. At times, the unsweet has no taste at all, almost like water. For sweet drinkers, the tea just isn't that good. Consistency is poor too. Sometimes, you get a good one, other times you are sure that tea has sat there in a pot for a couple of days. Always a danger for the coffee ground taste at Sonic. Not real smooth ever. So, the cup and ice are off the chart good. The tea is fair. In the morning, it is my tea of choice; for my wife, she'd pass every time.<br />
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4. CHICK-FIL-A: No, the "Christian" friendliness has nothing to do with this selection. We only are judging by the tea. The tea is very good at here. It has a good taste. The tea always has a smoothness about it. The tea is is very consistent. We have never gone to Chick-fil-a and received a bad tasting tea. The cups are insulated and large enough. Stacey agrees that the sweet tea is consistently good as well. The problem here (and it is a big one) is that Chick-Fil-A puts WAY TOO MUCH ICE in their cups. You can order a large tea (and the cup is plenty big) and drink it all in about four drinks. Now when dining in, those super nice employees are ready "to serve you" and refill those teas; but drive thru and carry out just doesn't work in the tea area. Great tea! Great consistency! Good smoothness! Great cups! Just back off the ice!<br />
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3. McDONALDS: Yes, we are loving it! McDonalds tea has come along way the last few years. Quite frankly, we believe McDonalds is the first fast food chain to start the quality iced tea movement (if there is such a thing). You just never saw a fast food chain push their iced tea until McDonalds. In 2008, McDonalds rolled out their Sweet Tea and it all took off. Why a number 3 rating? Well, the cups are great. Insulated, thick, and large enough make the cups a hit. Most of the time, the ice to tea ratio is good. Consistency is above average. It is nice to know that pretty much anywhere in the country you can count of a pretty good iced tea from McDonalds. Occasionally you will get that coffee ground flavor in a McD's tea, but over all its trustworthy. The sweet tea is above average. The sugar ratio is good for most sweet tea drinkers. There is a pretty good smoothness to their tea. It probably is the tea we drink the most, mainly because of convenience.<br />
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2. WHITE CASTLE: While we love those sliders, their food has nothing to do with this choice. The aspect that puts White Castle tea this high is that flavor. It is the most important aspect of course. The cups are fair. The ice to tea ratio pretty good. The consistency is above average. It is that flavor and the smoothness that makes the White Castle Tea sit so high on our list. It really is good. If you could put their tea in a Sonic cup and ice....HELLOOOOO TEA HEAVEN! The sweet tea is sugared correctly. The unsweet tea has such a good taste. We love you White Castle!<br />
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Are you ready for it?<br />
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The Number 1 Tea of choice on our list?<br />
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We should first state that also receiving consideration were the following: Skyline, Dunkin Donuts, Wendys (improving), and Starbucks. Did you know that last year America spent nearly 8 billion dollars in Iced Tea at Fast Food chains? This is serious!!!<br />
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OK...her it is...the number ONE choice of Travis and Stacey when it comes to Iced Teas is...<br />
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1. McALISTER'S DELI: What makes this tea stand out? Well first and foremost,<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s1600/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cT4c4cl3J8/UkLz6psSb4I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/adgUSb12sqA/s200/33981_218804311592646_1226039406_n.jpg" width="148" /></a>the taste is just out of this world. There is a crisp taste to this tea. It has tea<br />
flavor that is perfection. It is by far, the best tasting tea, both sweet and unsweet, that is out there. This is a fine, high quality iced tea. When it comes to smoothness, no other tea can compare. It is the standard of taste and smoothness for all other teas. Consistency is absolute perfection. To have such a great tasting tea, that is perfectly smooth, and it be that way every time you purchase one is quite impressive. The tea to ice ration is always perfect. You can order this tea and eat lunch and sit and talk for 30 minutes and you will still be able to sip that extraordinary tea. The cups are the perfect size for tea drinkers. The only not perfect score this tea gets is the cup. While the size is perfect, the plastic will allow ice meltage on a hot summer day. But, in our minds, its way worth the cup to drink that delicious tea! By far, the best!<br />
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Well, there you go. I know everyone was wondering and now you know what teas Stacey and I drink. So now when you are out there driving around and get that hunkering for a good iced Tea, you finally got something to go by. I love my wife, and I am glad she loves iced tea too. Enjoy my friends!Travis Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022222994131988711noreply@blogger.com0