2/29/08 "Matthew Chapter 5-The Journey to Easter"

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205&version=31

2/28/08 "Matthew Chapter 4-The Journey to Easter"

The Temptation of Jesus
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus Begins to Preach
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

The Calling of the First Disciples
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

2/27/08 "Matthew Chapter 3-The Journey to Easter"

Here is a link to Matthew chapter 3 from bible gateway.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=3&version=31

Remember, that starting March 1, I will feature the stories behind one Easter hymn per day through Easter. If you have one particular song you would like to know about, let me know by leaving a comment.

2/26/08 "Matthew Chapter 2-The Journey to Easter"

Matthew Chapter 2 (starting yesterday we are attempting to read one chapter of Matthew each day leading up to the last chapter on Esater Sunday morning.)

The Visit of the Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[b] and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ[c] was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'[d]"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[e] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Escape to Egypt
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."[f]
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."[g]

The Return to Nazareth
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

2/25/08 Matthew Chapter 1-The Journey to Easter (Devotional 2 of 2)"

Today is the day you can start reading the Gospel of Matthew (one chapter a day ) and end up with the last chapter of the Gospel on Easter Sunday morning. So, start the Easter journey today with Matthew Chapter 1.

Here is a link to read on-line:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=1&version=31

2/25/08 "Do Not Call List" (Devotional 1 of 2)

There are a couple of things in life I can do without, but they seem to follow me around: walmart and telemarketers.

I would much rather shop in a 'mom and pop' store than walmart (no offense to any who works/ed there).

I think because we have student loans, and one credit card, we get the record number of phone calls each day from random sales people who don't speak the English language well.

I was awoken this morning at 7:15 am by one. That's not a good way to start off the morning!

So to change the focus, here is a verse I will put my trust in today:
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. -Psalm 17:6

I am thankful that no matter what, God does not put us on His 'no call list'. But, we should be faithful in prayer. Bro Mark said one time for us not to give our 'shopping list' prayers to Christ. Be true, honest, and sincere. Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6. Don't try to set a record for most theological words in a row...just give Him your heart.

2/24 "Making the Most of the Time That's Left"

While reading Dr. James Dobson's book "Straight Talk to Men: Timeless Principles for Leading Your Family" I read the following poem about a man and his son. And about how quickly the time passed from the child being a child to becoming a man. We are to value the time we have with our friends, family, and our God. We are to be bold witnesses and fulfill the Great Commission.

If you are parents, read this poem and then embrace the remaining time you have left with your children before they are parents...themselves...

Little Boy Blue
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)
The little toy dog is covered with dust,
But sturdy and stanch he stands;
And the little toy soldier is red with rust,
And his musket moulds in his hands.
Time was when the little toy dog was new,
And the soldier was passing fair;
And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue
Kissed them and put them there.
"Now, don't you go till I come," he said,
"And don't you make any noise!"
So, toddling off to his trundle-bed,
He dreamt of the pretty toys;
And, as he was dreaming, an angel song
Awakened our Little Boy Blue---
Oh! the years are many, the years are long,
But the little toy friends are true!
Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand,
Each in the same old place---
Awaiting the touch of a little hand,
The smile of a little face;And they wonder,
as waiting the long years through
In the dust of that little chair,
What has become of our Little Boy Blue,
Since he kissed them and put them there.

2/23/08 "Power of the Cross"

from www.gettymusic.com

Story Behind: The Power of the CrossHymn for Communion

"The Power of the Cross" is a meditation on the sufferings of Christ.
Over the past couple of years, we have been working through the Apostles Creed and writing hymns teaching the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.

The Creed teaches that 'He suffered under Pontius Pilate', and in communion we are commanded to 'remember his death 'til he comes'. In the New Testament, Paul and the Apostles often preached and prayed in more detailed and visual ways about the cross, turning all of our senses to Christ's sufferings and their significance.

Stuart and I considered how the reality of His sufferings should penetrate our worship services and were challenged by the need to explain the overwhelming significance and implications these have for our lives. In our congregational worship the sufferings of Christ have often only been given a surface glance and it is hardly surprising that the theological meaning often remains confused:

'This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.'

Our hope is that the hymn; "The Power of the Cross" will be a resource to the church as a declaration of what we believe; a challenging reflection on Christ's sufferings and a powerful song for Easter or Communion services.

It is also our hope that people will be challenged again by the wonder and the power of the cross.

2/22/08 Psalm 90:4

Psalm 90:4 "For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night."

These words are from my Life Application Study Bible (C) 1997

"Moses reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. God is not limited by time. It's easy to get discouraged when years pass and the world doesn't get better. We sometimes wonder if God is able to see the future. But don't assume that God has our limitations. God is completely unrestricted by time. Because he is eternal, we can depend on him."

2/21/08 "Singable Doctrine"

Starting March 1, I will be sharing stories and lyrics from 23 different Easter songs leading up to Easter morning on Sunday, March 23.

Until then, here is an interview (posted Wednesday) with Keity and Kirsten Getty (writers of "In Christ Alone" and many other good church hymns).

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/30.52.html

2/20/08 "Superman...or SuperMan"

Many of you know I have collected Superman memorabilia for over 20 years. I have an unopened Super Powers Superman figure from 1983. It is one of my favorite possessions.

Did you know that there are some similarities of Superman to Jesus? Superman IS a fictional character, but it is a unique witnessing tool to compare the two figures.

Check out this website: http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/superman.htm to see more on this topic. Some believe in Superman...but I believe in the only Super Man to ever live without sin, Jesus.

2/19/08 "Prayer"

See the article called "What Makes Prayer Work" from Focus on the Family...

http://www.family.org/faith/a000001917.cfm

2/18/08 "It Is Well"

The writer of "It is Well with My Soul," Horatio Spafford, once took a trip to reunite with his wife following a tragic loss. Days earlier, his wife had set sail with their 4 daughters on a trip to England, on a ship that sank. Spafford was to receive a 2 word telegraph from her, with the words, “Saved Alone.” Spafford, when he reached the point in the Atlantic where his daughters perished, there wrote the words to this hymn:

"1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

(REFRAIN) It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul."

Faced with this same tragedy...what would your soul write?

2/17/08 "Complaining"

I can't stand complainers....oh wait...did I just complain?!?

A form of the word "complain" is found 29 times in the Bible.

Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining or arguing..."

Here's a question for you...how have you done just today with obeying this particular scripture?

For me...I struggle with this. Complaining seems to follow me around; whether I am complaining about UK's recent basketball struggles or a church member is complaining to me about something going on at church.

Unfortunately, it seems that staff members (since I have been in the ministry) encounter complaining as they walk down the hallway to assist in worship and even sometimes...the bathroom!

This tells me a couple of things.
1) You have to have tough skin to lead people in any environment. If you have more than one person in a room, you automatically have two opinions.

2) Sometimes, we as worshippers, tend to lose our focus when coming into corporate worship. On Sundays, is your focus on the order of service, the fact that the music minister has picked out too any songs you don't know, or is it on the God we serve, worship, and bow down to?

3) Flexibility is key when working with people. In the ministry, especially I have grown to understand that no matter how much effort we put into planning, things usually don't go they way we want them to.

The next time you go to worship...do your very best not to complain. When you complain, I assume someone is around you listening. That is one negative opinion shared in a group setting which you never know how many people are listening. A negative comment in a group setting releases the positive energy in that setting like a inflated balloon that was let go to release it's air. It has been proven that it actually takes fewer muscles in the face to smile than it does to frown. Figuratively, you can also say it take s less effort for us to NOT complain than it does TO complain.

You never know until you try it. Let me know how it works!

2/16/08 "Preparing for Worship"

Saturday is an important day for everyone. We make plans to visit relatives, take trips, etc. One thing that we possibly overlook is to prepare ourselves for the worship to come on Sunday. We should do all things possible when we have a chance to prepare ourselves for corporate worship.

Things to consider:
+ Don't just read God's Word...meditate upon it
+ Plan a family worship time where you pray, sing, and study together
+ Spend time in prayer asking God to continue leading your congregation in worship through the staff He led there, and to be with all in attendance to chance their hearts and minds.
+ Don't plan anything on Saturday nights to that you will be rested for the next morning.

I urge you to take the time (myself included) and prepare yourself for the corporate worship time tomorrow. If you have any other ways to prepare...let me know...there are many other possibilities!

"Change my heart, O God,

make it every true...

Change my heart, O God,

may I be like You!"

2/15/08 "Christian Valentine Thoughts"

Christian Ways to Celebrate St. Valentine's Day
1) Give your life to Christ: God is love and the source of true love. God loved us enough to die for us and St. Valentine loved God enough to die for God's Truth. What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day then to commit or recommit our lives to Christ.

2) Stand up for the truth and proclaim the Gospel of God's love: Sometimes it is dangerous to stand up against injustice, hatred, and prejudice. Sometimes it is difficult to oppose the world's view of things to proclaim the truth of God's Love.

3) Die to self for another: The Bible says that this is love that a person lay down their life for their friends. I have counseled a number of couples before performing their marriage. Each time I have asked them if they would be willing to die for the other. Not once have they failed or even hesitated to say, "Yes!" In a clear cut case of life or death many would die for the ones they love. But in our day to day lives few are presented with a life or death situation. On the other hand, every day we presented with opportunities to die to self. In other words to sacrifice our wants for the wants of another. Try it this Valentine's Day. Sacrifice what you want for what your loved ones want.

from: http://www.geocities.com/alexstevenson.geo/valentine/index.html

2/14/08 "Valentine"

2/13/08 "More Snow References"

Matthew 28:3 "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow."

Revelation 1:14 "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire."

"Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow,
yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow."

2/12/08 "Snow"

I am thankful for the snow Kentucky received over the last few days. Did you know that "snow" is mentioned 23 times in the Bible?

Most notably:
Psalm 51:7 "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

2/11/08 "These Are They"

"These Are They"

The oceans give up of the dead
That are in themThe graves open wide
To set captives free
And those who are roaming the Earth
rise to meet themAbraham's seed
as the sands of the sea

These are they
Who have come out of great tribulation
They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb
They have come through much sorrow into great jubilation
They're redimeded by the blood of the Lamb

And like a strong and mighty army
Their voices are ringing
Oh great cloud of witnesses
They sing freedom's song
As they enter the country
Built by their own fathers
The promissed homeland
They've looked for... so long

And all the strangers
And all the pilgrims
They'll be no longer strangers
All the tired and the weary wanderers
They'll wander no more
The table is spread for the great celebration
And the welcome home banner
Flies over the door

2/10/08 "Joy"

Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
11 You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

"There is joy in the Lord
There is love in his spirit
There's hope in the knowledge of him
There's a fountain that flows
Like a river from heaven
Abounding in love to my soul

All blessing and honor are his
And all glory and power are his
Let all wisdom and strength
Be the Lord's in this place
Let all glory be given to him
There is joy in the Lord
There is love in his spirit
There's hope in the knowledge of him
There's a fountain I know
Every time I am near it
My heart overflows to the Lord"
By Cheri Keaggy

2/9/08 "Dance"

Today, we are taking Gracie to a mini-dance camp sponsored by the DCHS cheerleaders. It will be to the songs by Disney (which are her favorite: Hanna Montana, High School Musical, etc.)

I am glad excited for her. One, because both kids are feeling well and I don't think "pox" are an issue. Two, because she is always energetic. She loves to dance.

Here is an excerpt from God's Word on dance:

Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

2/8/08 "Hope"

As many of you know, Sarah's mom, Brenda has been surviving cancer for over a year now. My mom's brother has currently been diagnosed with cancer as well. I am the on-line chairperson for the Hancock County Relay for Life. Visit the site here: http://events.cancer.org/hancock

God gives us hope each day in the valleys and on the mountains. Those who fight cancer battle each day just to attempt to live a semi-normal life. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to donate to the local Relay for Life and help find a cure.

Visit http://www.sharinghope.tv/ for some videos to help inspire hope in your life.

2/7/08 "Waiting"

We are waiting around to see if our kids get chicken pox...(see: http://www.dennisandsarahcook.blogspot.com/) so while we are waiting, we will pray.

Have you ever waited for something that was truly important to you? Did God respond to you (for better or worse) while you waited? We are to be patient when praying to God. God will make all things work in His own time. Don't rush the Master Builder.

If we have sickness, pain, and/or loss, we know that God is bringing the one chapter to an end, and beginning another. We are the book, but God is the Author. If we are not patient, and try to write our own story, the outcome will not be divine.

Wait on the Lord.

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford
I need Thee, O, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee
O, bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee.

2/6/08 "Quiet Time"

Psalm 119:145-152 (NIV)

"I call with all my heart; answer me, O Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your laws.
Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever."

2/5/08 "Pain"

C. S. Lewis- "“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

Hebrews 12:11- "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Because He Lives (stanza 3) by Bill and Gloria Gaither
"And then one day I'll cross the river;
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
and then as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He hold the future,
and life is worth the living, just because He lives."

2/4/08 "Contentment"

This thought is from I Timothy 6:8. It was included as part of the morning sermon by Bro. Mark.

I Timothy 6:8 "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

It is hard to distinguish between our needs and wants. Paul reminds us to be content with what we have. When we tithe, we are to give on our faith that God will supply our needs. Can you determine your actual needs compared to your wants? If you are living your life for God, He will supply all you could ever need. Besides, you can't take it with you when you go...

"I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today."

2/3/08 "End of the Beginning"

I have said and will continue to say (until I am proved otherwise) that David Phelps is the best solo singer of my lifetime. His ability to descriptively share the melody of a song, fluent vocal phrases, and unparalleled range makes the first sentence hard to argue with.

He sings a song called "The End of the Beginning" which speaks of a witnessing opportunity on an airplane flight. As we worship today, we should not take for granted that someone in our congregation could have the beginning of their new-life start today.

Here is the video of the song...rejoice in the talents of this man, rejoice that he sings to no one but the Lord, rejoice that this song has reached millions across the world, and that it could also change the lives of the lost in the future...

2/2/08 "Speak O Lord"

Here is the story behind the hymn "Speak, O Lord" By Keith Getty (from www.gettymusic.com):

Songs For Services: Speak O Lord
Hymn for the preaching of the word

One of Christianity's distinctives is that we worship a God who has spoken - who is not silent. From God the Father, speaking the world into creation, to speaking through His Living word in Christ, to speaking by His Spirit through the written word.

Throughout history the word of God has transformed the most proud leaders and the most hopeless victims, the greatest civilisations and the remotest of villages, in every age to every corner of the world - so incredible is its power.

Often today however the preaching of the word has been diminished in value – from its prominence in a service to its passion, but most of all in our own expectation each time we sit down and ask God to speak to us.

In Isaiah the people were performing many acts in the name of God and the Lord said "This is the one to whom I will turn my face – he who is humble and contrite and trembles at my word".

It is our prayer that through the power of the spirit, this hymn will prepare people to humbly listen to the bible being taught and respond to the huge consequences it has on their lives.

After "In Christ Alone" and "The Power of the Cross" this is the most requested Getty/Townend hymn on our website. It is used both to introduce the sermon and to introduce a service. We used it both before and after a sermon when we were with Anne Graham Lotz as a way of affirming the message. It also works well as a choral and solo piece.

To hear a clip and see lyrics, click here:
http://gettymusic.com/USA/lyrics.asp?id=154

2/1/08 "Picture of Grace"

worth watching until the end...