A New Year

I want to wish each and everyone a very Happy and Blessed New Year.

A Year Has Come And Gone

Another year has come and is just about gone, it was year where some things changed and some stayed the same.

Family wise: changes the boys keep growing up, both excelling at different endeavors. same- I keep getting older.

Job wise: same- still at the Post Office. change- playing supervisor when my boss is off. Hoping for 5 day delivery.

Hobby wise: same- learning to play the Banjo. change- ?

Ministry wise: same- still at Edgemere Bible Church, this past November was our 10 year anniversary. change- focus, which I pray will show up in the coming year.

I know that is very general, but in each of our lives we have all experienced the same thing, which leads to an important question. Will we spend this coming year focused on the good or bad of last year, or will we be focused on the year ahead and what God has in store for us. I know in my own life I have spent alot of time looking back and thinking about what could have been if only.... That has been alot of time wasted. My prayer for this coming year is to be active in the hear and now, not focused on the past or waiting for the right time. To be doing the things God would have me do now, not be stopped by the past or more focused on a better time to do this. I pray you and I begin to realize that has the world we live in seems to get worse and worse, we have been placed here for such a time as this.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I want to wish each and everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. Even in all the hustle and bustle of trying to find that perfect gift, don't lose sight of the gift that God has given us, his son Jesus. Who came into this world to live, die for our sins, and rise again. That all started in that stable in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago, and that is why we celebrate Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas.

Christmas & Dueling Banjos?

I know it may not be what you thing of at Christmas, but it works for me.

Christmas Lights To Music

It does not get any better than this, christmas lights and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Carol Of The Bells

Here is the banjo song of the month. Enjoy.

15 Signs That A Church Is In Trouble

Perry Noble, a pastor in South Carolina, had this interesting list in blog. Signs that a church is in trouble, I think if we are honest we can see many of these not just in our church but in our lives as well. Since we are the church, we must be on guard. Has you read over the list take it as a warning, or an alarm.

If most of those things are not in your life, be on guard. If they are already then sound the alarm and get rid of them. If the church is to make an impact, we have to make an impact. Allowing any of these 15 things to remain in our lives will limit and even end any impact we might make. Click on the title above and be challenged.

The Crow

If this Steve Martin guy isn't careful he will make a career for himself. The Crow is written by Steve Martin, he is accompanied by a couple well know banjo players Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka. Enjoy.

Evangelism: One on One

As we think about reaching those around us for Christ, we tend to put conditions on how we want those people reached. The least we have to involved the better. Do something at church, so we can bring them. Show a movie, bring in a speaker, just so I don't have to be the one to tell them. Yet one of the most effective ways is one on one, reaching those people that we have contact with. Click on the title above and see what Dr. Tony Beam has to say about it.

A Spirit of Fear?

In his blog calling Christian Leaders to Stand Up, Buck Jacobs hits on one of the the obstacles facing the church today. It is not from the outside, it is from with in and as Steve Brown would say it spells of smoke. In other words it is from the pit of Hell. That obstacle is fear and it has stopped many of our churches and individual Christians in their tracks. Fear of how making a stand for God will affect me, my job, or family. Fear of losing friends, positions, influence, and the list goes on.

The Bible makes it clear that we have not been given a spirit of fear and we should not fear the things of this world. In Romans Paul tells us that in fact we have been given a Spirit of adoption, and are now co-heirs with Jesus. Jesus did not fear or back down from the things of this world nor should we. In the coming days I will share some of the things I think have become obstacles to the church. In the mean time this is where it starts, fear can paralyze us if we allow it. Overcome fear we can overcome anything. Click on the title above if you want to read more on what Buck Jacobs has to say.

The Master Of Banjo At Work

We have heard those of the classical music persuasion say Ah Bach, when they hear something from Johann Sebastien Bach. In the Blue Grass realm when we hear the following song we say Looky Yonder It's Earl! The Banjo song of the month is Foggy Mountain Breakdown, played by Earl Scruggs and friends. You will even see Steve Martin in there.

Guinness Book Of World Record Holder Todd Taylor

Todd has an amazing life story if you ever get the chance to watch it, do it. Enjoy.

Be Thou My Vision Bluegrass Style

I had not heard of this family before, but they do a good job on this song. Enjoy.

Losing Your Religion

Andy Stanley is doing a series on Losing your Religion, this is an interesting article that goes along with his preaching. Click on the title to read the article.

I Wonder....

We just had our first car show/yard sale, and it all went pretty well. We had a good turnout, people seemed to enjoy themselves, and if you have an extra $25,000 laying around I know where you can purchase a really nice 1940 Lasalle. It was interesting to watch the people come and go, but it was some of the conversations that caused me concern.

I have been at Edgemere Bible Church for almost 10 years and after hearing some of the folks yesterday I wonder what we have been doing. When we have done VBS, we have coated that neighborhood with flyer's and knocking on doors. We have done team kids during the school year and had many kids from the community and their parents there for different events. I could list other numerous things we have done.

During the course of the day I had numerous people who have lived in the community for many years say, I did not even know you all were here. My thought was what have we been doing all this time, or maybe a better question what haven't we been doing. I know what we need to do, each of us must figure out a way to reach those around us. I am not talking about around the building that the church meets at, I am talking about those around us each and every day.

It is pretty clear that what we are beginning to see in surveys is true, people that we know impact us the most. I know those people have received flyer's, and personal invites, but not from people they know. Church it is time we begin to impact this world, it starts with those around you and I.

Star Wars Theme on The Banjo

The banjo song for the month is one that you would probably never expect to hear on the banjo. Enjoy.


Man Plays An Awesome Star Wars Theme Tune On His Banjo - The funniest videos are a click away

Camp Faithless: Britians First Atheist Camp

I just heard this talked about on the radio today, but just when you think you have heard it all. It is the time for camp, and I know that there is a camp for just about everything. Now in Britain they just had a camp for atheists, understand they are not trying to influence anyone just cause them to think for themselves. In the article there is an interesting thing they do.

"The British camp has, however, imported one prominent element from the original concept: a mind game centred on imaginary unicorns. The children are told to imagine that the camp is surrounded by unicorns which cannot be seen or touched, but which are there because there has to be 'faith' that they exist.
They are then encouraged to develop rational arguments to prove that the unicorns cannot and do not exist, with anyone who manages it awarded a prize - a £10 note signed by Richard Dawkins."

So just as the unicorn does not exist, God does not exist. This is being pushed more and more from all sides. Even some churches have fallen in to the trap, and are now teaching that the Bible is not totally true. My question to that is if parts of it are not true which parts are they? How can you believe some but not all? We have got to get back to teaching and preaching the entire Bible as what it is, the Word of God. If you would like to read the entire article click on the title above.

Wedding Dance

I know this will probably lead to a lot of other couples trying to top it, but I still think it is pretty cool.

I Am Good

We here those three little words a lot, mostly after a good play or the accomplishment of something we thought we could not do. Usually it is said in jest, and there are others there to help bring us back in check quickly. When it comes to getting in to Heaven many honestly feel that some how some way they can be good enough to get into Heaven on their own. How, by being good enough on their own.

The problem with that way of thinking, the Bible does not agree. In fact in the book of Romans Paul tells us there is no way we can do it on our own. If you want to know more click on the title above and check out my sermon Am I Good, the next one would be a good one to listen to as well.

Living Together First Can Spoil Marriage

So many couples feel like they have to try living together before marriage, then they will know if they are compatible or not. Sadly studies show that people who live together first have a higher divorce rate than those who do not. I ran across this interesting article that supports that thought, it is not the first time I have seen studies come to this conclusion. It is the first time I have seen it come from something that people would not think is religious. To read the article or share it with someone click on the title above, it may save them from a lot of heart ache later.

4th Of July Tribute

4th of July Tribute - Amazing videos are here


Happy Birthday America, let us begin to seek the Lord.

Remembering When.

If you are around the same age as me the past couple days probably has caused you to reflect a little. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson have all died within the past couple days. As I grew up they were all on the seen. McMahon was Johnny Carson's sidekick on the Tonight Show, you know the one that Jay Leno just turned over to Conan O'Brien. There was not all the cable channels we have now, so if you were up late you probably watched at least the opening monologue of the Tonight Show. That laugh you heard off camera was Ed McMahon, and every once in a while he would show Carson up in a skit.

Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson came on the seen as I was growing up. In the beginning Farrah was known as the wife of Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man, then came Charlie's Angels. Before long Lee Majors was known as Farrah Fawcett's ex-husband. As an actress and model Farrah would become one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Micheal was just a little guy when he started singing with the rest of his family, and in the long run he became the biggest star of the family. How many times millions of people sat there waiting for Michael Jackson's newest video to debute, and thought the moon walk was so cool. Think about how cool it would have been to have a Neverland in your backyard.

It is amazing how time changes perspective, at one point we would have given anything to switch places with anyone of them. I think if you know anything about their recent years, most of us would have given anything not to be in their shoes. Financial problems, health problems, and legal concerns, affected each of them in one way or another. At this point the preacher in me would like to get rather lengthy, but I will just close with this.

As we go through life our focus cannot be the place someone else holds in the eyes of the world, whether it is stardom, power, or wealth. You and I do not see the big picture and we do know what life holds for them. Our focus on others needs to a spiritual concern, we do they stand with Jesus. Rich or poor, powerful or lowly, famous or totally unknown, each of us need Jesus.

Enjoying Sharing Your Faith? pt.2

Make sure you read the first in an earlier post before reading this. Dr. Studebaker offers valuable insight in telling others about Jesus. I hope you find this interesting and inspiring.

Roaming Through Romans

The last three weeks we have started roaming through Romans, it has been interesting. Paul has told us 3 things we need to know if we are to be effective in sharing Christ, the reason why we need to share, and how judging has become a problem. I now God has been dealing with me through this, and I pray our people will be touched as well. Click on the title above and it will take you to the sermon section of our church website, these sermons are the three most recent. If you are in the Baltimore area come join one of these Sundays. Have a great day.

Enjoying Sharing Your Faith?

Most of us would have to answer no, mainly because we are not sharing our faith. In this article John Studebaker (if that last name reminds you of a car you are getting old) tells that not only should we be sharing,but we can be enjoying it has well. Somewhere we have got to develop a burden for the people around us to know Jesus. I am praying for that burden, and I hope you will as well. Click on the title above if you would like to read the article.

Our Position, Our Message, Our Burden

On Sunday we began a series in Romans, called Roaming through Romans. We will not be taking this verse by verse, but more section by section. The first Sunday we saw Paul share 3 things with his readers that he understood. Paul understood his position, a servant of Jesus Christ. He understood his message, the gospel with Jesus at the center. He understood the need for a burden, He had wanted for a long time to visit those in Rome.

If we are going to impact our world we have to understand and have these 3 things as well. If you want to hear more click on the title above it will take you to the sermon. Have a great day.

Christian Man Raped, Murdered For Refusing To Convert To Islam

I know in this article there are conflicting accounts, but is there not something wrong with this? Folks we need to be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world around us. The news that God so loved the world that He sent His only to die on our behalf. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. It is a message of love, and it is one that needs to be shared.

The Roy Clark Quartet

How many Roy Clark's does it take to play Rocky Top?

Roy Clark - Rocky Top - Click here for funny video clips

It would seem to be 5, with a little help from the Muppets. I guess I could have called it Roy Clark's Quintet

Couple ordered to stop holding Bible study in their home

You need to read this article, folks this is getting ridiculous. Some where we have to take a stand.

In honor of Memorial Day. Always remember all gave some, some gave all.

You know what is really cool?

It is being at a little league game and watching a kid hit one over the fence for the very first time, and it is even better when that kid is yours. With his team trailing Evan came up with 2 on, and lined the first pitch he saw over the left center field wall. He was almost as excited as Tamara and I. It ended up being a 3 for 3 night with four runs driven in, and 3 runs scored. (Just like his dad use to do.) To top it off he made the game ending catch. Final score 13-9, a great win. Great game Evan.

Think God ever gets like that, really excited when His children do well in something? I think He does. When Tedd and Evan do well I am happy with them and for them. When things do not go well I try to let them know I hurt with them as well. Our heavenly Father is like that, He will be there with us no matter what we are facing if we let Him. Just like it means a lot for us to be there for our kids, as His kid it means a lot to know that God is there. Have a great day.

Something Is Wrong With The Church

This writer brings up several interesting points as he talks about there is something wrong with the church. We keep adjusting to the world, and in the process we may be turning from God. It is time to realize that there are changes that need to be made, but the message can never change. Click the title above to read this interesting article.

America Is Being Destroyed Inside Out

George Barna shared with a group the idea that America is being destroyed from the inside out, which is what happened to the Roman Empire. He does not give a lot of facts or figures like he usually does, it is mostly his opinion.

It is the reaction that is what amazed me. One guy said we have heard it all before, another said it is not as bad as it was. Racial segregation is gone, and women have more rights. Another left feeling confused and cheated.

My only thought is are these people living in the same world as I am, just watch the news or read the paper and say it is getting better. Look at what is going on with kids and teenagers and say that it is just more of the same. The sad part is it is worse and not getting better. In the middle of all this what is the church doing, for the most part nothing. We are to busy focused on ourselves, and all the turmoil in our lives. The church through Christ is the only thing that has the answers that will truly change lives and this world for the better. It is time to change our focus and begin to truly impact our world for Christ. Click on the title above to see the article.

Good Dirt

In the parable of the soils, Matthew 13:1-9, Jesus is sharing what happens to seeds in different kinds of soil. Most of the time it is not good. I shared with our church that I take it that this parable is really describing how we react to God's word. The bird snatching the send from the path is the unsaved, but the rest really describes our reactions.

If we are honest most of us fall into the stony or thorny soil. We usually try to follow what we have read or heard, eventually it gets scorched by the heat or choked by the weeds. Following the idea of how are we to live today, we have to prepare our lives to be like the good soil. We can not allow God's word to be scorched with the things of life heat up, and we cannot allow those things to choke them out. the world will only see a difference in us when we allow God's word to make a difference in us. If you are interested in hearing more click the title above it will take you to the sermon.

Never know where you will find a banjo

Traveling Lite

Ten years a young lady by the name of Kim Jones was killed as a gunman went on a shooting rampage at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. Two months earlier she gave a talking on walking with purpose, in it she spoke of the need to be traveling lite. When the time came she was ready for that journey home, she had not allowed her life to get all cluttered up with the things of the world. Instead her focus was the things of Christ. Our lives are a lot like that, we get all cluttered up then we are stuck. That clutter quickly becomes the focus, and prevents us from doing anything else.

This week we will begin a series on How Are We To Live Today, and this is where it starts. We have to get rid of the clutter that has built up in our lives, does not mean that it is bad, but just like a house it needs to be cleaned out once and a while. Once that clutter is gone we must not allow it to get cluttered again, instead we need to decide to travel lite.

A "Post Christian Nation"

Reacting to the article in last week's Newsweek magazine, Bill Schuler lays out a list of things that if stopped would lead to a post christian nation. Here is the scarry part, most of us are way ahead of him. We have allowed the world to make us believe that our relationship with Jesus is to be carried out for an hour each Sunday morning, sometimes not even then. Then we look around and wonder why the world is like it is.

If we truly want to see this world changed we must make Shuler's list a to do list, in other words, pray more than than just at meals. Embrace Jesus over religion, read and believe the Bible, share the good news of Jesus Christ, embrace the poor, and the list goes on. Jesus showed us how to do it, let's follow His example.

Being Wished Happy Easter

This week I have been told to have a good holiday, Happy Easter, stop putting the wrong mail in my box. The one about the wrong mail in the box is self explanatory, but I am not sure about Happy Easter. The good holiday is just from people that really do not know any better, but what about Happy Easter? I think that happy may be a bit weak as the reponse we should have.

That morning for the ladies on their way to Jesus' grave began with sorrow, as they were going to finish the burial procedures. There was uncertainity about how they would roll the stone away, and if they would be harrased by the guards. That became confusion when they got there and the stone was already rolled away. Fear showed up as they entered to find 2 angels, and the body gone. Matthew tells us that after the angels told them that Jesus had risen from the dead, they hurry away afraid yet filled with joy. When they see Jesus they fall at his feet and worship Him.

That is why I think happy is weak. This was more than happiness, it was a joyous occasion that was taking place that day. When you think about happiness, I can be happy one moment sad the next. The idea of joy runs much deeper, you can have that sense of joy even in the darkest times. The joy they were experiencing then was an everlasting joy that they are still experiencing in Heaven today. Maybe I am nit picking a little, but I hope you have a joyous Easter that continues into eternity.

He is no here He has Risen. Amen.

Go O's

Hope springs eternal, tomorrow is opening day of baseball. Everyone is tied for first, or has some of my pessimistic friends like to say in regards to the Orioles, last. I have followed the O's since I was a kid. watched them win a world series, watched them blow one they should have won. Stuck with them through an 0 for 21 start.

Watched them close Memorial Stadium and was at Camden Yards the first month it was opened. For the last 11 years I have gone into the season with the idea if such and such happens they could surprise some people. They haven't. Although there could be a light at the end of the tunnel, hoping it is not a freight train.

I think they have turned the corner, not this year, but help is on the way. As this year progresses you will begin to see the youngsters brought up. By the middle to end of next year you will the staff of the future, maybe the outfield of the future, and I think a plan in place to keep the Orioles heading in the right direction for years to come. As usual I look forward to this year starting, and for the first time in a while will probably be just as interested in September as the help begins to arrive.

Go O's.

Satan

What do you get when you bring together a pastor, a former hooker, an atheist, and another pastor who does not believe the Bible? Nightline's debate on whether Satan exists or not. If you happened to watch Thursday nights program, you saw really nothing accomplished. There was one statement made that I thought really stood out. The pastor who does not believe the Bible said you can just pick and choose what you want to believe. While we think what a heretic he is, many of us may be more like him than we want to believe.

Many people do not believe that Satan or Hell exists, that includes people in the church. We do not like to talk about sin, and many really are not convinced that there is only one to God. That includes people in the church. Yet the Bible talks about Satan, Hell, and sin. It also talks about a lot more things that we tend to get squeamish about.

If we are going to impact this world it will have to be done using God's word. We have to allow God's word to impact our life, then through us impact the lives of those around us. This is where it has to start, Satan does exist and there is a place called Hell. We have family and friends that are dying without Christ and they will be spending eternity in Hell. Let the debates end and the impacting this world for Christ begin.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

That question has been asked alot during times of real tragedy, and at times when people are trying to be funny. The most memorable time was in 1992 during the LA riots. After a couple days, a man named Rodney King went on TV and asked that very question. Can't we all just get along.

Many of us look at the world around us and ask the same question. We want countries to get along, people to get along, and as Christians we want the world to get along with us. It is then odd that Jesus would say in in Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." He goes on to take about the divisions that will be caused by Him. Yet, is Jesus not called Prince of Peace, Lord of Peace?

Before you call me a heretic, think about what He is saying. Romans 5:1 tells us Jesus did bring the possibility of peace, but it is peace between God and us. That through His death and resurrection we can be at peace with God. The result, alot of the world will hate us.

Jesus was not saying that He wanted to cause division, but live for him, stand for him, and you will see division. In some countries it will cost you your life, and in others your freedom. Jesus was trying to make His followers aware that following would cause conflict, not remove it.

As the Message says Jesus did not come to make life cozy, but He came offering us something that the world cannot offer, and the world cannot take away. Peace with God, eternity in His presence. As we go through our days here on earth, He gives us a peace that passes all understanding as we face the conflicts of this world.

Being Blessed Or Getting Rich

This past Sunday we dealt with the idea of being blessed or getting rich. Many times we hear that if you are faithful God will heal you or bless you. In today's society we have come to equate blessings with riches or good health. After something good happens you hear that person say that they have been blessed. I wonder if they had not won the game, or the money, or the doctor had bad news would they still feel blessed?

I look through the Bible and I see people that were far more faithful than you and I, and today's world would not call them blessed. If you would like to hear more click on the title above and listen to my sermon on Being Blessed or Getting Rich. You might get a blessing, you had to know I was going to say that. Let me know what you think.

Getting Rest

This past weekend had the one day most of us dread, it was the day we have to turn our clocks ahead one hour. The only year I looked forward to it was the night I was working third shift, we all meant in the office as they turned the clocks ahead. It was great. Every other year it just means I lose an hour of sleep.

This past Sunday we talked about rest, actually the need to rest from time to time. As Americans the thought of resting brings to mind the image of a slacker, or laziness. I wonder if we would call God a Slacker, on the seventh day He rested, I don't think we would. God set the example for us, rest is vital for us physically, and spiritually.

It is during those time of rest that we usually hear from God. In taking that break from the hustle and bustle we are usually in a quiet place. It is in that quiet that we have the best opportunity to hear that still small voice. It is time to slow down, go to a deserted place and rest awhile as Jesus told the disciples. (Mark 6:31) See if you are not better off as you rest a while from time to time.

Being Different

Most of us really do not want to be considered different. Yeah, there is always that one that will do whatever it takes to get noticed. Just watch the episodes of people auditioning for American Idol. But for most of us we just want to fit in, to be just a face in the crowd, or one of many.

The question that you and I have to ask is how far will we go not to be considered different. The Bible says that we are different from this world, and there will be those that do not like us because we are followers of Christ. Living for Christ will cause us to be different, it will cause us to stand out.

This takes us back to the question, how far will you go not to be considered different? Just be silent, reject the Bible, or go as far as to reject Jesus. We have to be who we are, which is followers of Christ. It is not always easy, but what an impact we make when we strive to be not different but a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father.

God's Financial Advice

Money seems to have be the hot topic recently, and usually the word lost is connected. How much money has your 401k lost? How much value has your house lost? Since I lost my job we have no money. It just seems to be getting worse. There is a financial guy I listen to each Saturday while delivering mail, and he said today there are some things that have happened in this recession that has never happened before. He just keeps saying it has to hit bottom sooner or later. Even the experts are not sure of what is to come.

Here is an interesting contrast, the One who does know what is coming speaks about finances as well. His advice is to keep on investing, but not necessarily in the stock market. We are to keep investing in His work. I know that flies in the face of conventional wisdom, our thought at the present is sock it away save all we can. To do this we stop spending, looking for ways to save money. We also stop giving, charities say their resources are running out.

It is alright to save, to spend less, God's word reinforces that. It also tells us to keep giving, take a moment to sit down and read Malachi 3:6-12. When you look at those verses you see we can not afford to stop giving. Here is the real question we have to ask in this, which do we trust money or God?

Life

There is a debate that has been raging for a while, and it involves life. When does it begin, when does it end? Am I someone special, or does it really matter if I am here or not? This week the issue we are dealing with is life, and we will deal with some of the statements that I have already listed.

Abortion, suicide, euthanasia are all topics that are being dealt with in congress and in society. Whether you realize it or not the Bible does talk about life, and it addresses some of these very topics. Join us at Edgemere Bible Church as we talk about this issue, and if you would like to comment feel free.

Marriage Peripherals

When we think of peripherals it usually causes us to think of something that is on the side, not overly important. If you watched the Superbowl last Sunday you were one of 90 million people who watched. That is a fact, but it has no bearing on the game.

When we look at marriage we think a lot of things are peripheral, but they may have a bigger impact than we ever thought. Ever thought about how friends play an important part in our marriage? Do you know there are parasites at work? How about some of the habits we have, think they affect our marriage? We will be looking at the marriage peripherals on Sunday. Missed this sermon, click on the title above. If you have a thought to add feel free. See you Sunday.

I Love Lasagna

Yesterday was my birthday and my mother made lasagna for dinner. I love lasagna, it is even better when it has been heated up 2 or 3 times. Isn't it amazing how we use the word love. I love that song, I love the Ravens, I love you dear. We really do not understand love.

If you look through the Bible you see a perfect example of love. Christ's love for us. He loves in spite of the fact that we do not deserve it. When you think of the love you have for your spouse, is it conditional or unconditional. We will talk about that this week. If you missed this weeks sermon click on the title above it will get you there. If you have a question or comment feel free to add it. See you soon

Banjo Lessons

Have you ever noticed what a difference an audience, whether it is one or many, makes? I have been learning to play the banjo, and I am now taking real lessons. In my room sometimes I am not to bad. At times you might even recognize it. I was ready tonight to impress my instructor.

At the lesson I went into the little room, he was not in there yet. I confidently took out my banjo applied the picks to my fingers and began to play. I was doing pretty good, at least it sounded familiar. Then it happened I saw his shadow go across the wall, my fingers got stiff, and began to play something I don't think he had ever heard before, let alone asked someone else to play. It is amazing the difference it makes when someone is watching.

We are being watched, at work, at play, at home, all through day to day life you and I are being watched. We have to learn to get over the nerves and just be who we are in Christ. No pretending, no posing, just ourselves, struggles and all. I think that is what those around us are waiting to see. I am sure there is more I could say about this, but I have to go practice my banjo.

Foundation of Marriage

Today we began a series on issues, we tend to think that other have issues but we have truth be told we all have issues. Over the next few weeks we will deal with some of those issues. Some will be cultured related, but some will probably will hit home.

Today we dealt with marriage. Seems our culture has issues with marriage, especially the definition. Maryland and most other states only recognize marriage between a man and a woman, but a couple states have had courts overrule that. Now we want to decide the definition of marriage.

Here is the problem God has made it pretty clear marriage is one man, one woman, for life. How do some get two men, or two women out of that? How do some think that marriage can end for whatever reason, after reading that? Its become an issue.

Missed the sermon, click on the title above it will take you to the Edgemere Bible Church web-site. Click on The foundation of Marriage and here what the Bible says.

I find it interesting

It is interesting how people that have never seemed interested in football suddenly are life long Raven fans. I hear we this and we that as they talk about the Ravens, and I think we has this been all year. I know I am now speaking heresy, but if the Ravens should lose Sunday, we will not hear from these new found fans again.

That seems to show up in churches as well. Excitement and everyone is our church and we are doing this, but what happens when the excitement fads. Ever been part of something like that?

Something New

In trying to figure the direction of this blog, here is a new thing we will be doing. We will have Sunday's sermon posted on the Edgemere Bible Church website with a link here to continue any discussion that may have been generated from the topic that day. I will actually try to have sort of a preview posted on Friday or Saturday to prime the pump.

This will begin next Sunday January 18th with a series that I am calling issues. You have heard some say that person has issues or I have issues. Well to be honest we all have issues, some personal and some that affect the culture has a whole. I hope to deal with some of those in the coming weeks.

So How Are Doing?

We are now 4 day in to the new year, and I am curious. I wonder how many resolutions were made and how many have already been forgotten. Over the past couple Sundays we have talked about some goals we should have for the new year. The first we took from Nehemiah, developing a burden for others and praying on their behalf. Today we looked at Malachi and being careful not to give God our leftovers, God really does not like that. After giving Him our least we expect His best. It seems it will work better if we give Him the firsts instead of the leftover.