As I have stated before, my years working with teenagers and children were some of the most exciting. You are never out of illustrations and anecdotes.
Back in the early 80's our church owned a beautiful youth camp in Bellbrook Ohio. It was a beautiful 50 acre campus. We had so many wonderful weeks of camp where we saw many decisions for Christ and many friendships were formed that are alive today.
When children's camp time came we were always privileged to have the pastor's wife go with us for the week as a counselor for the girls. She was a great counselor and lots of fun. Her and I used to try to prank each other, one outdoing the other.
On one occasion Diana had really got me!! I decided I had to get her back. In the girls' cabins, which were very nice a-frames, the counselor slept by the door in a single wooden bunk. One day while the girls were involved in an activity or sport I entered the cabin where she slept. I had gone to the store at the bottom of the hill and purchased some limburger cheese. Now this would not be a big surprise and sure enough she smelled it immediately upon entering the cabin. She was convinced I had put it in her bunk. Well, she could not find it. She went to bed that night and needless to say never slept. The next morning while we conducted chapel she removed all her sheets and pillowcases and took them to the laundry and cleaned them. She was convinced she had solved the problem. When we saw her headed to the laundry I shared what was going on with the boys and girls. They thought it was hilarious.
That night she retired and there was that smell again! She got up and found the cook and informed him a skunk had crawled under her cabin. He went through the motions of looking for a skunk and of course, none was found.
Finally the next day I could stand it no longer. I told her I had taken the smelly cheese and rubbed it into the wood at the top of her bunk where she lay her head. She never would have thought of that!! I guess I just could not wait to tell her I had beat her in a prank. She was always a great sport and wonderful counselor.
The Bible says in Ecc. 12:1 ,"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh,when thou shalt say , I have no pleasure in them.;" I have been in many churches that have decided it is too much trouble to work with children or attempt to deal with them. Oh my, what a tragedy. Our Lord had much to say about the importance of children. We must do our part to try to reach them for Christ and train them to serve the Lord in this dying and lost world. Our pastor is coming out with a new book concerning youth and children and parenting and it would be beneficial for all parents to get a copy for the edification of the family and the rescuing of the children.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Pastor
On July 25, 2004 at approximately 9:30 p.m., I sat in my car outside of the auditorium looking up at the large white cross that hangs on the front of it. The church had voted that evening and had extended to me the call to be their pastor. I had gone home after the service while they voted, and had now returned to be alone and make certain the will of God.
As I sat in my car in a now empty parking lot, I asked God out loud "Are You sure? Pastor?" The thought frightened me some what, and yet I knew as tears ran down my cheeks that God wanted me to do just that. I immediately, and haven't stopped yet, began to ponder and study as to what a pastor is and what God expects of him.
I am blessed to have been raised in a home of a pastor, to have watched a Godly grandfather pastor his flock, and to sit under a few other pastors who have been greatly used of God. I am privileged to have met hundreds of other pastors as a young man, and to sit, watch, listen, and learn from them.
I have also in my lifetime seen some pastors who abused their calling. I sat under pastors who spent time later in jail, and some died in disgrace.
I knew a pastor is to "heed, feed, and lead!" I knew the pastor is to be an overseer. I could pass my pastoral epistle test in college, list every qualification in Scripture for my Baptist Distinctive test, but for the first time in my life I REALLY considered, "What is a pastor?"
Summary: I've learned a lot and still have much to learn.
On this blog this year, I will write every three weeks-first on the topic of the pastor.
My father will continue writing every week after me as his health permits.
Pastor Rick Sallee will write every third week on Ohio Baptist History.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Are We Losing Our History?
In our Baptist Heritage Conference here at Cozaddale Baptist Temple Bro. Henson made a statement to the effect that we need a study in Ohio Baptist History. There has been much written of our early history but as time has elapsed it seems so has our recording of it. The other day we visited the site of the
We are going to start with our Church, the Cozaddale Baptist Temple Loveland Park Baptist Church in Loveland , Ohio Cozaddale Baptist Temple Loveland Park
Bro. York then called for a motion to “organize this group of born again believers for the body known as the Cozaddale Baptist Temple
Bro. York read the constitution under which this body is organizing and called for the constitution to be accepted as the constitution of the Cozaddale Baptist Temple
Bro. York presented Bro. Charles Girvin a license to preach and a minister’s manual. These were presented and received by the authority of the Loveland Park Baptist Church
Bro. York preached the charge out of II Chronicles 2:1 “Building a House for the Lord My God.” He then read a verse of dedication from Numbers 7:1
Bro. Roundtree lead the congregation in an invitational hymn “Only trust Him.”
Bro. Girvin thanked the congregation for the call and the confidence. Bro. Tye offered the benediction.
The charter members present that day were Charles Girvin, Rosetta Girvin, Ronald Girvin, Charles D. Girvin, Carol Girvin, Sandra Girvin, Patricia Ann Girvin, Charles Justice, Robert Spencer, Lucille Spencer, Jeffery Spencer and Gail Spencer; the charter was left open for six weeks for additional members to come in as charter members.
Witnesses to this organizational meeting were Bro. John T, Coleman, Pastor of Queen City Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Bro. Harold Tye, Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Cincinnati , Pastor Donald Poole, Pastor of Socialville Baptist Church in Mason, Bro. James Ball, Queen City Baptist Mission, Bro. William Anders, deacon of Loveland Park Baptist Church Mission , and Bro. Clarence York, Pastor of Loveland Park Baptist Church
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Thoughts on the Sabbath
Recently, I was preaching through Genesis 1-2 and studied how the on the seventh day the Lord rested from all His work which He had made. This led me to do some studying on the Sabbath Day. The Lord blessed my heart and taught me some things, and I just wanted to praise Him for it and share it as it may be a blessing to others as well.
I believe in the Bible there are three Sabbaths. The first is the Lord's Sabbath spoken of in Genesis 2:1-2 when He rested from from all His work. It is so important to note that He rested "from all His work..." Many misquote this passage in just saying "On the 7th Day, God Rested;" as if God was tired or worn out from all His creating. This is not the case as we read in Isaiah 40:28,
My mind went to a cross when our Lord cried out "It is Finished!" It was not that Satan had beaten Him, He had lost the battle, or His strength was depleted! No, salvation's work was completed and He was finished with what He had come to this earth to do!
Secondly, there is the Jewish Sabbath. It is first mentioned in Ex. 16:23 before the 10 Commandments demanded it be observed. Here the Jews were to collect enough manna so that none would have to be collected on the seventh day. What was this seventh day for? Ex. 31:12-14 says clearly that is was to be a sign between God and His people-the Jews:
The third Sabbath is for the New Testament saint as read of in Hebrews 4:3-11. Upon our salvation, we entered into His rest. You see, we do not rest in a day, we rest in a Person-the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:28).
There are many out there who believe that we are to observe the Jewish Sabbath. This is incorrect as the Jewish Sabbath is just that-for the Jew. It was a sign between them and God. Others try to make Sunday a Christian Sabbath, and we must be careful there.
Sunday is the Lord's Day. After the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, churches in Scripture gathered "upon the first day of the week." (John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Why do we gather upon the first day of the week and not the seventh? One may quickly answer, because that is the day He arose! Amen, but there is more.
The Old Covenant (Testament), shows how the Jews did all that they did believing and looking forward to the day when Christ would provide Himself a Lamb sacrifice for all sin. The Old Testament Saints were saved just as we are saved today, by faith in the work of Calvary (Romans 4:3-"Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." James 2:23 also). They were saved by faith in what Christ would do. Thus they lived their lives, sacrificed, and did all their works believing what Christ would do one day.
We are saved by faith as well. The only difference is that we place our faith not in what Christ will do, but what He has done! We enter into His rest and then spend our lives serving God (Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:17).
The Jews observing the Sabbath was a testimony between them and God that they were delivered because of what Christ would one day do. They did their works because of their faith in what Christ would do for them on the cross. Thus, six days of labor and then that day of observance.
We gather on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, because we are saved by faith in what Christ has done, we are born again, a new creature, and our life then is new and spent in service to our Saviour. We entered into His rest and then present ourselves a living sacrifice. Thus, the Lord's day and then six days of labor.
I believe in the Bible there are three Sabbaths. The first is the Lord's Sabbath spoken of in Genesis 2:1-2 when He rested from from all His work. It is so important to note that He rested "from all His work..." Many misquote this passage in just saying "On the 7th Day, God Rested;" as if God was tired or worn out from all His creating. This is not the case as we read in Isaiah 40:28,
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.God wasn't worn out or weary, He did just what Scriptures say He did, "rested from all His work which He had made." In other words, it was all finished and he ceased creating! Gen. 2:1 reads, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them."
My mind went to a cross when our Lord cried out "It is Finished!" It was not that Satan had beaten Him, He had lost the battle, or His strength was depleted! No, salvation's work was completed and He was finished with what He had come to this earth to do!
Secondly, there is the Jewish Sabbath. It is first mentioned in Ex. 16:23 before the 10 Commandments demanded it be observed. Here the Jews were to collect enough manna so that none would have to be collected on the seventh day. What was this seventh day for? Ex. 31:12-14 says clearly that is was to be a sign between God and His people-the Jews:
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Further, it is stated in Deut. 5:12-15 that the Sabbath was for the Jew to remember how they were delivered from Egypt:
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.Again, I think how that the Lord has brought us out of the world and delivered us with a mighty hand; but we are not the Jews and the observance of the Sabbath is not for us. When Christ came, He fulfilled the law and observing of such days is no longer mandated on the believer (Gal. 4:1-11; Col. 2:16-17).
13 Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work:
14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
The third Sabbath is for the New Testament saint as read of in Hebrews 4:3-11. Upon our salvation, we entered into His rest. You see, we do not rest in a day, we rest in a Person-the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:28).
There are many out there who believe that we are to observe the Jewish Sabbath. This is incorrect as the Jewish Sabbath is just that-for the Jew. It was a sign between them and God. Others try to make Sunday a Christian Sabbath, and we must be careful there.
Sunday is the Lord's Day. After the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, churches in Scripture gathered "upon the first day of the week." (John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Why do we gather upon the first day of the week and not the seventh? One may quickly answer, because that is the day He arose! Amen, but there is more.
The Old Covenant (Testament), shows how the Jews did all that they did believing and looking forward to the day when Christ would provide Himself a Lamb sacrifice for all sin. The Old Testament Saints were saved just as we are saved today, by faith in the work of Calvary (Romans 4:3-"Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." James 2:23 also). They were saved by faith in what Christ would do. Thus they lived their lives, sacrificed, and did all their works believing what Christ would do one day.
We are saved by faith as well. The only difference is that we place our faith not in what Christ will do, but what He has done! We enter into His rest and then spend our lives serving God (Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:17).
The Jews observing the Sabbath was a testimony between them and God that they were delivered because of what Christ would one day do. They did their works because of their faith in what Christ would do for them on the cross. Thus, six days of labor and then that day of observance.
We gather on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, because we are saved by faith in what Christ has done, we are born again, a new creature, and our life then is new and spent in service to our Saviour. We entered into His rest and then present ourselves a living sacrifice. Thus, the Lord's day and then six days of labor.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Yes, This Really Happened To Me In The Ministry
Psalm 126:1 says, "Then was our mouth filled with laughter,and our tongue with singing:then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done a great thing for them." It is so very true that when you have joy in your heart it will show up in your life. Happiness depends on circumstances. However Jesus gives us joy that no man may take unless we allow it to happen. That is the reason I have been sharing humorous things that have happened to me in the 45 years of the ministry. I pray it will bring a smile to the face of those who read it and perhaps motivate someone to be a blessing to someone else. "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov.18:24.
For several years I traveled to North Carolina to preach for a mountain preacher that pastored in the black mountains and was a dear friend. We had many wonderful services and saw many decisions for Christ.
This pastor had 3 sons who were what a person would picture in their minds as mountain men. They loved the Lord and were active in their dad's church. It was our habit to preach at night and then travel to the top of black mountain where they had built a beautiful 2 room cabin. We would hunt and fish and enjoy wonderful fellowship. On one occasion the sons had planned to take me 'coon hunting after the service. I That night I preached and was truly exhausted. However they would not hear of me missing going 'coon hunting. Now I had been 'coon hunting many many times. However instead of letting the dogs run and then going to them when they treed, they decided we should run with the dogs. We ran and ran and ran! When we returned to the cabin I was so tired I barely made it to the bed before I collapsed. Five hours later they woke me up to take me squirrel hunting. We split up into two groups and I went with the son who was my age. We entered the woods and found a good place to sit and listen. I sat on a fallen log and Larry sat on a tree stump about 6 or 7 feet away. Being exhausted it did not take long until I fell asleep. Now I had with me a 12 gauge shotgun with a hair trigger. When I dozed off I began to fall off the log and awakened with a jerk. When I did I pulled the trigger! I shot right at the feet of Larry. He arose and said he was going back to the cabin. He was white as a ghost. All the way back to the cabin I asked him over and over if he was mad at me. Finally he looked at me and said, "Preacher, I am not mad at you but I will never hunt with you again." Though it was an accident I can say that for the rest of the revival meeting when the service ended they let me go to bed. "All things work together for the good..." Amen?!!
I pray this makes you smile and you will wear it all day and share Jesus at every opportunity.
For several years I traveled to North Carolina to preach for a mountain preacher that pastored in the black mountains and was a dear friend. We had many wonderful services and saw many decisions for Christ.
This pastor had 3 sons who were what a person would picture in their minds as mountain men. They loved the Lord and were active in their dad's church. It was our habit to preach at night and then travel to the top of black mountain where they had built a beautiful 2 room cabin. We would hunt and fish and enjoy wonderful fellowship. On one occasion the sons had planned to take me 'coon hunting after the service. I That night I preached and was truly exhausted. However they would not hear of me missing going 'coon hunting. Now I had been 'coon hunting many many times. However instead of letting the dogs run and then going to them when they treed, they decided we should run with the dogs. We ran and ran and ran! When we returned to the cabin I was so tired I barely made it to the bed before I collapsed. Five hours later they woke me up to take me squirrel hunting. We split up into two groups and I went with the son who was my age. We entered the woods and found a good place to sit and listen. I sat on a fallen log and Larry sat on a tree stump about 6 or 7 feet away. Being exhausted it did not take long until I fell asleep. Now I had with me a 12 gauge shotgun with a hair trigger. When I dozed off I began to fall off the log and awakened with a jerk. When I did I pulled the trigger! I shot right at the feet of Larry. He arose and said he was going back to the cabin. He was white as a ghost. All the way back to the cabin I asked him over and over if he was mad at me. Finally he looked at me and said, "Preacher, I am not mad at you but I will never hunt with you again." Though it was an accident I can say that for the rest of the revival meeting when the service ended they let me go to bed. "All things work together for the good..." Amen?!!
I pray this makes you smile and you will wear it all day and share Jesus at every opportunity.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Political Ponders
The year 2012 is a very important year for our nation. This upcoming election is one of great importance. Every Christian should be participating in the upcoming and all elections. In my studying the last few years intensely on Baptist history, it became quickly evident in our nation's history that Baptist played a HUGE part in the forming and direction of our government.
It is, and always has been, a Baptists belief that no state or governmental power should use its sword to force men against their conscience. Roger Williams points out in his book "The Bloody Tennent of Persecution": "Matthew 5:44, Luke 9:54-55; He (Jesus)charges straightly, that his disciples should be so far from persecuting those that would not be of their religion, that when they were persecuted they should pray, and when they are cursed, they should bless...the civil sword, called the sword of civil justice, which being of a material, civil nature...cannot extend to spiritual and soul causes, spiritual and soul punishment...the Spirit of God never intended to direct, or warrant, the magistrate to use his power in spiritual affairs and religious worship...the Christian church does not persecute, no more than a lily scratches the thorns, or a lamb pursues and tears the wolves." This is what our nations "separation of church and state" is all about.
It was not our founding father's intention that the government have nothing to do with God and religion. One can see this by reading our founding documents. It was our founding father's intention that the state NEVER force anyone to worship against their conscience.
Having said thus, as a pastor, I cannot nor will I use my pulpit or our church as a political propagandist. Not only is such unethical, but it is illegal. But, as a citizen, I have a right to share my political opinions and views. In our nation's great history, we are truly indebted to Baptist for standing and doing such; not as a church or a religion, but as a people and citizens of this great land. Where would our nation be had not men like John Clarke had not stood and spoke truth and influenced others in the political forming of our nation? What if Baptists had not insisted upon the Freedom of worship and thus the first Amendment?
I want to challenge Baptists to get involved in speaking up for what is right. Not as a denomination, not as pastors, not as churches; but as citizens. Below, is a letter written by Mr. Josh Davenport which I believe needs to be considered by all Americans.
www.baptistsforronpaul.com
It is, and always has been, a Baptists belief that no state or governmental power should use its sword to force men against their conscience. Roger Williams points out in his book "The Bloody Tennent of Persecution": "Matthew 5:44, Luke 9:54-55; He (Jesus)charges straightly, that his disciples should be so far from persecuting those that would not be of their religion, that when they were persecuted they should pray, and when they are cursed, they should bless...the civil sword, called the sword of civil justice, which being of a material, civil nature...cannot extend to spiritual and soul causes, spiritual and soul punishment...the Spirit of God never intended to direct, or warrant, the magistrate to use his power in spiritual affairs and religious worship...the Christian church does not persecute, no more than a lily scratches the thorns, or a lamb pursues and tears the wolves." This is what our nations "separation of church and state" is all about.
It was not our founding father's intention that the government have nothing to do with God and religion. One can see this by reading our founding documents. It was our founding father's intention that the state NEVER force anyone to worship against their conscience.
Having said thus, as a pastor, I cannot nor will I use my pulpit or our church as a political propagandist. Not only is such unethical, but it is illegal. But, as a citizen, I have a right to share my political opinions and views. In our nation's great history, we are truly indebted to Baptist for standing and doing such; not as a church or a religion, but as a people and citizens of this great land. Where would our nation be had not men like John Clarke had not stood and spoke truth and influenced others in the political forming of our nation? What if Baptists had not insisted upon the Freedom of worship and thus the first Amendment?
I want to challenge Baptists to get involved in speaking up for what is right. Not as a denomination, not as pastors, not as churches; but as citizens. Below, is a letter written by Mr. Josh Davenport which I believe needs to be considered by all Americans.
Dear fellow Iowan,
Very soon we will all be participating in an event that could change the course of direction for our entire nation. Of course, I am referring to the January 3rd Iowa Republican Caucuses. Along with all the fulfilling of civil responsibility that will take place that evening in regards to your precinct, choosing delegates for your county convention and submitting platform planks, every attendee from across the state will be voting for the presidential candidate that they believe is best for the GOP nomination. As a fellow Iowan, Christian and my county’s GOP co-chair, I want to spend a few moments to explain to you why I believe Dr. Ron Paul is the man for the job. I know this letter is quite lengthy, but the importance of this election is worth spending the time to read and study about the different candidates’ views. Not only can you read this letter and learn more about Ron Paul but you can also visit a new website: www.baptistsforronpaul.com. While Ron Paul is not the most popular choice among voters in our kinds of churches, such a decision to eliminate him from the options should not be made until we study the candidate ourselves – NOT just base our decision upon what someone else has told us.
For me, transparency is a very important character trait to look for in a candidate, and, without hesitation, I can say that with Ron Paul, what you see is what you get. While others have flip-flopped in the past, have skeletons in their closets, look “plastic” or have an air of superiority, Ron Paul is one of the most humble and sincere men I have ever met. They cannot make ads on Ron Paul in regards to any past positions that conflict with his current views, and there are no skeletons of immorality or questionable involvements in his past. The explanation for this is his strength of being principled. While qualities like that are often just used as bumper-sticker statements and campaign jargon, it is truly principles that have dictated the civil government actions of this man. For instance, Ron Paul only supports legislation when it is expressly authorized by the Constitution, he has never voted to raise congressional pay, has never taken a government-paid junket and does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program. He cannot be bought by lobbyists and has voted “NO” more than any other congressman in United States history. He does not care if he is booed or patted on the back. He does not put his finger to the wind but makes decisions based only upon what our Constitution tells us what the government can do. THAT is the most important trait of a presidential candidate – THAT is what he takes an oath to uphold and protect. Although it is helpful to be a great speaker and have a likeable personality, we must reject this rock-star, popularity culture mindset and vote for a man based upon his principles. One of the largest obstacles I find in talking to people about Ron Paul is the amount of misconceptions that exist about Ron Paul and his views. I would like to talk about a few of those issues at this time.
1. Family Values – Ron Paul, who has been married to his wife Carol for over 54 years, has lived an exemplary life of family values. Together they have 5 children and 18 grandchildren. Ron Paul is a staunch pro-life OB/GYN doctor who has delivered more than 4,000 babies and has never performed a single abortion. Ron Paul’s “We the People Act” effectively repeals Roe v. Wade and would prevent activist judges from interfering with state decisions to protect life. Though Ron Paul, for years, has supported and endorsed a federal amendment to the Constitution to make abortion illegal, he has been sadly mislabeled as not being strong enough on the issue by those who don’t really understand the constitutional roles of the federal government vs. state governments. Ron Paul not only believes that Roe v. Wade resulted in the wrong decision, but, as most DON’T understand, also believes that the case was wrong for the Supreme Court to try in the first place because it dealt with a crime that the Federal Courts have no authority to rule on – murder. Ron Paul believes that life starts at conception, that abortion is murder and that abortion, like any other form of murder, should be enforced by the states. Therefore, it must be decided by each state what the penalty should be for that kind of murder in each particular state. He does not believe this way to escape having to take a stand (you know he doesn’t mind doing that!) but because he understands the Constitution. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to make such laws about murder but Ron Paul also understands that the 10th Amendment allows the individual states to decide on, and, enforce such laws. The federal government has never created or enforced federal charges or sentences on ANY kind of murder because they don’t have the authority to do so. For those who think the federal government should be able to make such a decision I would ask, have you read Articles I and III, AND has the situation on abortion improved since the Federal Supreme Court made their conclusion in Roe v. Wade? Over 30 states have amendments to their state constitutions making abortion illegal but their hands have been tied for almost 40 years because of a federal government decision. We don’t want the federal government making decisions on issues that our founders understood would be dangerous and abusive for the federal government to make.
Also, if we couldn’t get an amendment passed when the Republicans controlled the house, the senate and the white house just a few years ago, what makes us think it is going to happen now? We as pro-life citizens have much more influence in Des Moines than we do in DC and therefore these issues are a lot easier to settle on a local level. That is what our framers and founders had in mind when they wrote the Constitution and Bill of Rights the way they did. Though Ron Paul has consistently voted pro-life, because of the un-constitutional nature of Roe v. Wade, he understands there is a better and more affective way to protect life: repeal Roe v. Wade, uphold life as a government-protected right given to us by our Creator (by passing a federal law protecting life, as mentioned in our Constitution) and then allow the states to determine how that kind of murder is going to be punished and enforced in each state. It sounds great when a candidate gets up and says that he wants to pass a federal amendment making abortion illegal but it is really not a constitutional approach to taking care of the problem. Ron Paul is pro-life and Constitutional at the same time. Ron Paul’s “Sanctity of Life Act” would define life as beginning at conception thus emphasizing the protection of life that was given to us by our Creator.
Ron Paul’s “Taxpayer’s Freedom of Conscience Act” would stop the American people’s money from being used to pay for abortions and fund any so-called “family planning” programs. Ron Paul is mislabeled as weak on the abortion issue because he has voiced that a federal amendment is not the best way to deal with the problem because such an amendment would recognize the authority of an un-constitutional, Roe v. Wade court case and would wrongly suggest that the federal government has authority in the area of murder. The best way to deal with this in a post-Roe v. Wade world is to repeal Roe v. Wade with a simple majority vote and start from scratch. Paul believes abortion is a national issue because it is murder and believes one of the roles of government is to protect life. He is the most pro-life candidate in the running! I don’t know how groups like the Family Leader can conscientiously say what they have said about Ron Paul on this issue when they themselves accepted a large amount of money for their 2010 judge retention vote project from Newt Gingrich who co-sponsored the Pelosi Global Warming Bill that provided taxpayer-funded abortions overseas. Politics is politics even among “faith and family” groups. We need to quit letting such groups tell us who to vote for and we need to quit getting distracted by this hypnotizing Left/Right paradigm and focus on the solution – following our Constitution.
As a Congressman, Ron Paul supported the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and sponsored the Marriage Protection Act. (An “Act” is not an Amendment.) The misunderstanding about Ron Paul’s position on a federal marriage amendment to the Constitution is due to the lack of understanding about the role of federal government as stated in the Constitution. Again, Paul understands that under Article I, Section 8, the federal government does not have the authority to make such laws about marriage, but Paul also understands that the 10th Amendment allows the individual states to make such laws as they see fit. Paul has said, “If I were a member of the Iowa legislature, I would do all I could to oppose any attempt by rogue judges to impose a new definition of marriage on the people of my state,” and went on to say, “I will stand with the people of Iowa and will fight to protect each state’s right not to be forced to recognize a same sex marriage against the will of the people.” This is why he has been endorsed by conservative warriors in Iowa such as Kim Pearson and Glen Massie.
In regards to our children’s education, Paul has said, “I am absolutely convinced that the key to an educationally prosperous nation is not found in a federal government program, but is the right of parents to effectively utilize their moral responsibility for their children.” “No nation can remain free when the government has a greater influence over the knowledge and values given to children than the family.” “My commitment to ensuring homeschooling remains a practical alternative for American families is unmatched by any other Presidential candidate. Returning control of education to parents is the centerpiece of my education agenda.”
2. Foreign Policy – Dr. Paul believes that defending our nation is the most important responsibility of the federal government. Ronald Reagan said, “Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country.” Since Ron Paul’s views and message have always been the same, what does that say about what Reagan would say about Ron Paul today? After the horrific 9/11 attacks, Ron Paul voted to authorize military force to hunt down Osama bin Laden and he authored legislation to specifically target terrorist leaders and bring them to justice. The proof is there that we could have done this and didn’t but waited and used the opportunity to spread our military presence with the goal of globalism. Paul’s opposition to the current wars we are in is because they were not constitutionally declared by an act of Congress and are therefore unconstitutional and subsequently out of control with no end in sight. If anyone doubts Ron Paul’s realistic approach to foreign policy, consider this fact: Ron Paul is the military’s top tier candidate with receiving the most financial support for his campaign from active military than any of the other GOP candidates COMBINED.
Contrary to what many are saying, when it comes to Israel, there is not a more pro-Israel candidate than Ron Paul. His position on Israel has been misconstrued because he wants to cut all foreign aid but just because Paul wants to cut foreign aid to Israel does not mean that he is not pro-Israel. He doesn’t just want to cut aid to Israel but to EVERYBODY. We can’t afford it! And, foreign aid was never the philosophy of the founding fathers! To say that he is not pro-Israel because he wants to cut foreign aid to Israel is ridiculous. It’s kind of like saying conservatives hate poor people because they want to eliminate welfare. Is blessing Israel defined only by cutting them a check? Our foreign aid is actually hurting Israel because for every dollar that Israel gets, the surrounding Arab countries each get 5 to 10 dollars. Cutting foreign aid to everyone ends us being on the side of Israel and Israel’s enemies with our taxpayer dollars and “diplomacy” at the same time.
The aid we are giving to Israel is actually anti-Israel because of the strings that are attached. We bind Israel’s hands to the point where she cannot defend herself from attacks without coming to us for permission to make a strike or a peace treaty or make efforts to change her borders. That is not respecting the sovereignty of Israel and that is not being a blessing to Israel. Ron Paul is the most pro-Israel candidate because he supports Israel’s sovereignty. Ron Paul makes it clear that he would not stop, nor should America be able to stop Israel from defending her interests in any way she sees fit. When Israel attacked a nuclear reactor in Iraq in 1981, almost the entire US Congress voted to condemn Israel (Reagan agreeing). Paul was one of the very few who voted against the condemnation and in favor of Israel’s right to defend herself. Where were the Evangelicals then? Why weren’t the Republicans being called “anti-Semites”?
The main reason for his position on Israel (in respect for her sovereignty) is because of the Constitution. We don’t have the authority to do most of what we are doing around the world, including in Israel. Paul does not favor Arab/Islamic countries over Israel – the 1981 situation is an example of that. We have no authority to nose our business into Iran’s business either. That is not isolationism, it is constitutionalism – and our founding fathers believed the same! What people need to understand is the difference between isolationism and non-interventionism as taught by our founding fathers. Ron Paul has said that if Israel is attacked then we should help if they ask us to, but that we should not “intervene” unless our help is first requested.
Ron Paul has never said that we should give nuclear technology to Iran. That would be in contrast to his foreign policy and principles of non-intervention. He doesn’t want Iran to have nuclear capabilities, but what he has said is that we have no right, beyond request, to forcefully stop others from giving or selling that technology to Iran or anyone else. This line we are being fed about the serious threat of Iran is a boogieman created to make us hate Muslims everywhere and eventually wipe them off the map in the name of “spreading democracy,” “fighting terrorism” and “national security interests.” While the government makes a boogieman out of uneducated heathen, they USE that boogieman to take away our rights (TSA, FEMA, Patriot Act, and the recent Defense Authorization Act). While government is too big here in America, our same federal government is attempting to get bigger by attempting to become global. Why else do you think the Democrats AND Republicans are worried about Iraq’s and Israel’s borders just as much, if not more than, our own? Iran has been mad at us since the 1950s when we overstepped our authority, overthrew their government and installed the Shah. They don’t hate us because we are free. Yes, the Muslims in those countries hate Christianity, but they specifically hate America because of our foreign policy and world-police-like intervention. The CIA refers to this as “blowback”. Wouldn’t you hate a country that sends drones and troops into your city because your nation is seen as a global threat? Because “terrorism” is not defined by nations, we can take care of threatening terrorists covertly if we wanted to. We have the capabilities and Ron Paul was and has been at the forefront of such legislation. He understands two things: life is an important gift from our Creator and war, though sometimes necessary, is a terrible thing and should be used cautiously. This was the view of our founders. It was also the view of the Republicans until 9/11.
Israel has 200 to 300 nuclear missiles, Iran has 0, Israel has a better intelligence agency than the U.S., Iran is still using camels in their military because they don’t have the technology to make enough fuel for themselves. IF Iran could ever buy or build a nuclear weapon and IF they could figure out how to use one, Israel would stop it and would have the capability to somehow counteract in self-defense. Netanyahu recently testified before the U.S. Congress that Israel can defend herself and does not need the presence of American troops. Paul has said that we should be Israel’s “best friend” and that he would support Israel’s decision to attack Iran or any other threat. We need to realize that our foreign “aid” and military “support” to Israel is not because our corrupt government wants to bless Israel and neither is it because Israel needs or wants our help, but is because big government wants to get bigger – globally! This, of course, is the groundwork that will need to be laid for the war plans of the antichrist, but we are fools to fall for it today since we have a choice!
3. Social Issues – There is also a lot of hype floating around that portrays Ron Paul as wanting to legalize marijuana, prostitution and underage drinking. Ron Paul has said that using drugs is a terrible thing; he has never endorsed the recreational use of marijuana and he does not endorse prostitution or underage drinking. He does not, however, give the popular or standard answer on these issues publicly, he doesn’t say what the misinformed masses want him to say on these issues and we don’t hear from him what the other candidates are saying because he understands the role of the federal government. These are STATE issues that should be decided at a state level (as a national form of check and balance) as covered under the 10th Amendment and not authorized for the Federal government to make under Article I, Section 8. The purpose of the federal government is to protect the states (that’s why we are united) so that the STATES can legislate how they so please. Things are more controllable on a local level (state level) and therefore the threat of abuse of the rule of law is less. It is not the federal government’s job to protect us from ourselves by making wrong choices harder to make. Where will that line of thinking end?
Anytime the FEDERAL government gets involved in issues that should be settled by the states they mess everything up. For example, prohibition was a federal action, it didn’t work, it backfired and it was repealed. The foundational question that must be answered today is “What is the role of government?” Is it the role of government to legislate Biblical morality? Without pulling inapplicable verses out of context about the Old Testament theocracy of Israel, can you tell me where Scriptures teach, for the New Testament age of grace, conscience and human government, that the role of civil government is to legislate Biblical morality? It does not. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth and government is supposed to be a limited, compact-restricted entity designed to protect – not dictate. Before the Jewish theocracy, we see civil government ordained in Genesis 9 with the sole purpose of protection. The Bible teaches limited government. After the Old Testament dispensation was over we see civil government referred to in Romans 13 as being ordained to enforce the second table of the law only. The New Testament teaches limited government as well. Limited government is not some bumper-sticker statement used as campaign fodder. It is the way the Bible teaches that government should be!
The book of Daniel, men like Thomas Jefferson and the persecuted Baptists of Colonial America referred to government as a beast. This beast has a purpose: protection (picture a guard dog). Thomas Jefferson taught that the beast needs to be controlled by “we the people” by being chained down with the chains of the Constitution – not the other way around. When we start giving more to that beast than what it is supposed to have by handing over our authority, our liberties and creating more regulations and laws, it gets bigger and bigger (big government) to the point where it gets so big that “we the people” can no longer control it and it will eat us alive. It hurts small businesses (EPA), it violates our privacy (TSA, Patriot Act, FEMA), it attempts to silence our pulpits (IRS) and it threatens our families (DHS). For instance: the 2nd Amendment was not just given so that we could own guns but was given so that “we the people” could start militias to keep the government in check so that if the government overstepped her boundaries, then “we the people” could step in and reestablish our government (as clearly explained in the Declaration of Independence). That sounds crazy to us today, but it is true and it only sounds crazy because we are brainwashed into practicing big government, we are unscripturally being taught that civil disobedience is always wrong and have the industrial military complex mindset that law enforcement and our military can do no wrong – ever. But now with unconstitutional policies such as the Patriot Act (which should really be called the “destruction of the 4th Amendment act”) and increasing anti-gun legislation (like permits for our 2nd Amendment RIGHT) “we the people” could never do what the 2nd Amendment would allow us to do because the beast of protection is too big! Now we have the mentality that the government is there to control us instead of “we the people” controlling the government so that it can do its limited job of protection (not tell us how to live). More laws, more regulations and bigger government are not the answers to today’s problems.
While some are concerned about where and how far the liberty and freedom principles of Ron Paul would lead us I AM MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE MENTALITY THAT WE HAVE TO RESTRICT AND POLICE PEOPLE’S LIBERTY, AND WHERE THAT WILL LEAD US! Once we start, where does it stop? I would rather have too much liberty than restricted liberty. I would rather have freedom than communism. Homosexuality, substance abuse and fornication are not GOVERNMENT issues, they are GOSPEL issues. It is true that ‘righteousness exalteth a nation’ but it’s the job of the churches to convert people so they can live righteously and it’s not the government’s job to legislate Biblical morality. The blame for these issues does not fall on government, the blame falls on our churches. Our churches have failed and therefore we have shifted the blame to our government and have tried to legislate morality to make up for our slack.
4. His Faith – While I understand that Ron Paul is not an independent Baptist, I do believe he is a born-again child of God. From his statement of faith, Ron Paul says, “I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and I endeavor every day to follow Him in all I do and in every position I advocate.” He then goes on to say WHY we don’t often hear about his faith. “My faith is a deeply private issue to me, and I don’t speak on it in great detail during my speeches because I want to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain.” To understand this statement historically, consider John Leland, the Baptist preacher, patriot, Christian statesman and author of our First Amendment, when he said, “Guard against those men who make a great noise about religion, in choosing representatives. It is electioneering. If they knew the nature and worth of religion, they would not debauch it to such shameful purposes. If pure religion is the criterion to denominate candidates, those who make a noise about it must be rejected; for their wrangle about it, proves that they are void OF IT. Let honesty, talents and quick dispatch, characterize the men of your choice. Such men will have a sympathy with their constituents, and will be willing to come to the light, that their deeds may be examined.” In regards to the evangelical vote, it seems like any presidential hopeful with an ‘R’ in front of their name can get up and pray or say something about Jesus Christ and every Christian in America is ready to vote for that person. A relative of mine who has been a lifelong resident of Texas recently said about his governor, “Why has he waited to talk about God now?”
5. Electability – I used to think that Ron Paul was a little far out there, but I thought that because that is what I was always told. In the last presidential election I caucused for Huckabee, and how disappointing it is to see what he has now become. It is frustrating for me to hear media and paid “political analysts” say that Ron Paul is not electable. Look at the polls! What is funny is that the same people who were saying that about Ron Paul when he was in the single digits are not saying the same thing about those who have NOW sunk to the single digits. Hitler believed and practiced the idea that if you tell a lie loud enough and long enough, people will begin to believe it. The media, both left and right, have been saying that Ron Paul is not electable. They have been telling this lie long enough and loud enough that people started to believe it. Thankfully there are some who don’t depend on CNN, FOX or MSNBC for their information. FOX can say that they are “fair and balanced” all they want (remember Hitler?) but at the end of the day, Rupert Murdoch is still in the media business for the money. Our current big-government, unconstitutional foreign policy is a huge money maker for corporations, including the media, which is why Ron Paul’s views are not popular with the media – both the left and the right. Any perceived lack of electability for Ron Paul is not due to his views but is because of a nation that depends on the media for their thoughts and is out of touch with the principles that this nation was founded upon and those surrounding circumstances. The votes decide if a candidate is electable, not the media.
My final plea is this: We need a candidate that has a proven track record of respect for and adherence to our Constitution. You will never have to guess where Ron Paul will stand because he understands that the Constitution, not the personal or wavering opinion of a politician, holds the principles that our founders intended for us to govern our republic with. The best way to describe Ron Paul is culminated in three basic principles: limited government, states’ rights and the Constitution. Those are just bumper-sticker statements today used as campaign props and slogans, but Paul was serving by these principles while the others weren’t even talking about our Constitution. Paul was constitutional before being constitutional was cool. This is why he doesn’t flip-flop, why he doesn’t have liberal baggage, why he doesn’t conform to different audiences to say what they want to hear and why he is very different from all the candidates. He has a 30 year track record to prove his limited, constitutional government stand! Being a student of Baptist history, American history and their connection, I am totally convinced that our founding fathers and Baptist forefathers would vote for Ron Paul. I am excited about the fact that the principles of Ron Paul are louder than they have ever been before. The candidates are now beginning to talk about issues that the “crazy old doctor” has been preaching about for 3 decades. It’s time that Baptist people start thinking instead of letting someone else do their thinking for them. I hope that the fear of what others may think if you vote for Ron Paul will not hinder you from voting for Ron Paul on January 3rd.
Sincerely,
Joshua S. Davenport
www.baptistsforronpaul.com
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas
I have always loved Christmas. As a child, I couldn't wait until Christmas would finally arrive. Our family tradition was to go over to my Grandpa Burke's on Christmas Eve and then our house on Christmas Day. There at my Grandpa Burke's, all of my dad's brothers and sisters would gather with their children (my cousins), and we would eat a big meal and then gather in the living room. None of us kids ever ate much at those meals, we were too excited about the gifts!
Someone would be designated as the gift 'passer-out-er,' and soon we would hear "To......Jason! From Papa and Mama." We would sit and and enjoy watching Jason open his gift, only because we knew our name was soon to come. Mama would always get her clock each year, as she loved collecting them. Papa would get a new tool, usually a hat, and something else he'd probably never use. One of my dad's siblings would get a 'gag' gift from their siblings (most of which I still will not talk about).
FINALLY, I would hear "To...Travis! From Mama and Papa." Oh the anticipation, oh the joy, oh the excitement of opening that gift! I remember getting a Fonzie Radio one year, a pool stick another, and lots of cars and trucks and such.
Eventually, the last present was opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper was picked up, and we were heading out to the car with a big black trash bag containing our gifts.
Now for our family (my parents and sisters), we were scheduled to open gifts on Christmas morning, but my dad (when it comes to Christmas) is a softy. By the time we would drive from Trotwood back to West Carrolton here in Ohio, we had him convinced to let us go ahead and "open just one present."
That one would end up being two, then three and then eventually all of the gifts. Each gift would be opened after the objection of mom. I can still hear her, "Wayne Lee, there won't be nothing left for in the morning!" And, there never was; but that was fine by us. It was perfect just like that.
Christmas morning was for playing with the new toys and enjoying the bounty! Dad would always read to us Luke chapter 2, and some how mom usually had a last present hid some where to unwrap (she knew what would happen too).
There we would sit in our PJ's listening to the Christmas story smelling mom's breakfast casserole cooking. Dad would pray, thanking God for His blessings, but especially for Jesus.
Well, here we are and now I'm the dad. On Christmas Eve we go over to Stacey's parents, and Christmas Day is spent at home. Now, I'm not a softy like dad when it comes to Christmas presents, I'm as hard nosed as they come-you will wait till Christmas morning! Dad...well, we still have to keep the presents away from him or he would be giving them out 2 weeks early.
On Christmas morning, I'm still the first one up. I love heating the living room, lighting the tree, and situating each present just perfect around the tree. Then I wait...and wait...and cough real loud...and let the dog out loudly...and amazingly the kids wake up soon after. We gather around and I read Luke 2. While I read, Stacey usually has some breakfast in the oven warming up. The kids are anxiously listening to the Scripture. We pray and thank God for His blessings, but most importantly for His Son and our salvation.
The kids then open up the gifts while Stacey and I will catch each other's eye through out it all, so thankful for our children and our family. The rest of the day will be filled with playing that new game, assembly of some sort, and laughs...lots and lots of laughs.
But, it's not over, because the day after Christmas we go to Papa Joeys (my parent's house). Remind me later to explain Papa Joey's name. We will gather at Papa Joey's around 9 or 10. Papa Joey will already be crying in gratitude for his family. The children will be counting their gifts. Rachel will figure out which gift is her make up set, I will find out which one is my chocolate peanuts, and Chrystal will be posting pictures on facebook.
After being there 11 seconds, dad will say, "Well,let's open presents!" After 30 seconds of cheers and jumping up and down by the grandkids, one of us be designated "present-passer-out-er." Papa Joey will read Luke 2 and give thanks for the blessings of the Lord and especially His Son-our Saviour. Soon you will hear "To.....Alex from Mama and Papa Joey!" The children will all watch with anticipation for their name to be next. One of the babies will cry wondering why they haven't gotten a gift yet. Mom will watch with a giant smile on her face sipping coffee. Dad, he will still be crying.
Finally, the last present will be opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper will be picked up, and after some games and the kids playing with their new toys together, everyone will load up the bounty in big black trash bags and head home.
I write all this to explain Christmas. There is no Scriptural mandate to celebrate the birth of Christ. He was not born on December 25th. I'm not worshipping a tree. We will have church-both services-when Christmas falls on a Sunday. I'm not a pagan, nor do I really think this holiday was ordained by God.
But, Prov. 10:7 says, "The memory of the just is blessed:" God wants our families to be happy, a haven from the world, and a heritage to pass down. Part of that heritage are blessed memories. I don't know how many Christmas' we will have with Papa Joey and Papa Napier. Some day, my children will have Christmas at their own house with their family. But, I can't wait to hear about how they all read Luke 2, carried out presents in big black trash bags, talked a papa into giving an early present, and...well, you get the picture.
Christmas as a holiday isn't Scriptural...neither is July 4th, neither is Memorial Day, neither is Thanksgiving Day; but they can be used to practice Biblical principals. I choose to use Christmas as an open door to witness, and a time to make blessed memories with my family. I'll be enjoying this week like few others in the year...I'll be securing the heart of my children...I'll be making memories that are blessed and to be passed down...I'll be using it as a time to teach my children about the Saviour...I'll cry in rejoicing in God's blessings. How about you?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Someone would be designated as the gift 'passer-out-er,' and soon we would hear "To......Jason! From Papa and Mama." We would sit and and enjoy watching Jason open his gift, only because we knew our name was soon to come. Mama would always get her clock each year, as she loved collecting them. Papa would get a new tool, usually a hat, and something else he'd probably never use. One of my dad's siblings would get a 'gag' gift from their siblings (most of which I still will not talk about).
FINALLY, I would hear "To...Travis! From Mama and Papa." Oh the anticipation, oh the joy, oh the excitement of opening that gift! I remember getting a Fonzie Radio one year, a pool stick another, and lots of cars and trucks and such.
Eventually, the last present was opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper was picked up, and we were heading out to the car with a big black trash bag containing our gifts.
Now for our family (my parents and sisters), we were scheduled to open gifts on Christmas morning, but my dad (when it comes to Christmas) is a softy. By the time we would drive from Trotwood back to West Carrolton here in Ohio, we had him convinced to let us go ahead and "open just one present."
That one would end up being two, then three and then eventually all of the gifts. Each gift would be opened after the objection of mom. I can still hear her, "Wayne Lee, there won't be nothing left for in the morning!" And, there never was; but that was fine by us. It was perfect just like that.
Christmas morning was for playing with the new toys and enjoying the bounty! Dad would always read to us Luke chapter 2, and some how mom usually had a last present hid some where to unwrap (she knew what would happen too).
There we would sit in our PJ's listening to the Christmas story smelling mom's breakfast casserole cooking. Dad would pray, thanking God for His blessings, but especially for Jesus.
Well, here we are and now I'm the dad. On Christmas Eve we go over to Stacey's parents, and Christmas Day is spent at home. Now, I'm not a softy like dad when it comes to Christmas presents, I'm as hard nosed as they come-you will wait till Christmas morning! Dad...well, we still have to keep the presents away from him or he would be giving them out 2 weeks early.
On Christmas morning, I'm still the first one up. I love heating the living room, lighting the tree, and situating each present just perfect around the tree. Then I wait...and wait...and cough real loud...and let the dog out loudly...and amazingly the kids wake up soon after. We gather around and I read Luke 2. While I read, Stacey usually has some breakfast in the oven warming up. The kids are anxiously listening to the Scripture. We pray and thank God for His blessings, but most importantly for His Son and our salvation.
The kids then open up the gifts while Stacey and I will catch each other's eye through out it all, so thankful for our children and our family. The rest of the day will be filled with playing that new game, assembly of some sort, and laughs...lots and lots of laughs.
But, it's not over, because the day after Christmas we go to Papa Joeys (my parent's house). Remind me later to explain Papa Joey's name. We will gather at Papa Joey's around 9 or 10. Papa Joey will already be crying in gratitude for his family. The children will be counting their gifts. Rachel will figure out which gift is her make up set, I will find out which one is my chocolate peanuts, and Chrystal will be posting pictures on facebook.
After being there 11 seconds, dad will say, "Well,let's open presents!" After 30 seconds of cheers and jumping up and down by the grandkids, one of us be designated "present-passer-out-er." Papa Joey will read Luke 2 and give thanks for the blessings of the Lord and especially His Son-our Saviour. Soon you will hear "To.....Alex from Mama and Papa Joey!" The children will all watch with anticipation for their name to be next. One of the babies will cry wondering why they haven't gotten a gift yet. Mom will watch with a giant smile on her face sipping coffee. Dad, he will still be crying.
Finally, the last present will be opened, the last scrap of wrapping paper will be picked up, and after some games and the kids playing with their new toys together, everyone will load up the bounty in big black trash bags and head home.
I write all this to explain Christmas. There is no Scriptural mandate to celebrate the birth of Christ. He was not born on December 25th. I'm not worshipping a tree. We will have church-both services-when Christmas falls on a Sunday. I'm not a pagan, nor do I really think this holiday was ordained by God.
But, Prov. 10:7 says, "The memory of the just is blessed:" God wants our families to be happy, a haven from the world, and a heritage to pass down. Part of that heritage are blessed memories. I don't know how many Christmas' we will have with Papa Joey and Papa Napier. Some day, my children will have Christmas at their own house with their family. But, I can't wait to hear about how they all read Luke 2, carried out presents in big black trash bags, talked a papa into giving an early present, and...well, you get the picture.
Christmas as a holiday isn't Scriptural...neither is July 4th, neither is Memorial Day, neither is Thanksgiving Day; but they can be used to practice Biblical principals. I choose to use Christmas as an open door to witness, and a time to make blessed memories with my family. I'll be enjoying this week like few others in the year...I'll be securing the heart of my children...I'll be making memories that are blessed and to be passed down...I'll be using it as a time to teach my children about the Saviour...I'll cry in rejoicing in God's blessings. How about you?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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