Don't Drop the Baton

In some respects I feel like I'm emerging from a fog that I've been in for some time. For over two years...we as a church were focused in prayer for our Pastor, Chuck Obremski. We prayed that if it be the Lord's will, he might be healed. With his recent passing...I want to make sure that we as a church and as individuals...keep our focus.

Mike and Jo Paddison at Kindred shared a perspective that they had. It comes from 2 Samuel 12:15-23. It's the story about David and Bathsheba's baby...who after birth became very sick and eventually died. While the child was deathly ill, David fasted and prayed that his child would be healed. When the child died, servants were fearful of telling David the news since he was so desperate. When David was told the news of the child's death he got up, washed, put on new clothes and went into the House of the Lord to worship. When asked why, this was his reply:

2 Samuel 12:22-23 - He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

Like David...we need to keep our focus on the Lord and worship and praise Him for who He is. We need to remember our aim and focus as a church. What is that aim, what is that focus? That focus is "Reaching the World with the Word". The Word of God, Jesus Christ and the gospel message. There is a world of people who are lost and dying in their sins. We need to keep our focus on getting the Word of God to the people who are perishing.

One of Chuck's admonitions...was to not drop the baton as we take the next leg of the race. We have been handed that baton...and must keep our focus...so that one day, when we are called home, our Savior Jesus Christ will welcome us with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

And joining us will be the many who received that gospel message, salvation and forgiveness from their sins.

"Don't drop the baton." Let run our leg of the race well!

Jesus Paid It All

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Words by Elvina M. Hall - Music by John T. Grape - 1865

Overview of Romans

At Kindred's Wednesday night study...last week we started in the book of Romans. Tonight Elder, Dave Dunn continued on with his Introduction.

Below are some key verses that give a chapter by chapter overview of this book known as the Magna Carta of the Bible:

Romans 1:18 - The Immoral Man
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

Romans 2:1 - The Self-Righteous Man
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Romans 3:20 - The Religious Man
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Romans 4:3 - Old Testament
What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Romans 5:8 - New Testament
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:6 - The Godly Process
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Romans 7:19 - The Inner Struggle
For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.

The Hinge Verse...Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:5 - TheBelieverss Walk
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Romans 9:8 - The Flaw
In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.

Romans 10:3 - The Failure
Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Romans 11:11 - The Solution
Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.

Romans 12:2 - The Benchmark
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 13:14 - ThBelievers's Responsibility
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 14:19 - Legalism and Grace
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 15:13 - Maturity
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 16:25 - Faithfulness
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past.

The Roman Road

Ever hear of "The Roman Road"?

The Roman Road is various scriptures within the book of Romans that spell out the gospel message, from the need of salvation because of our sinful state to the way to salvation through Jesus Christ.

It's a wonderful tool when you want to share the gospel message. So write it in your Bible or keep it available on a note card.

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:13
For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wanted...Prayer Warriors

David over a Pilgrim Scribblings posted the following about his daughter Tracy. Please lift up Tracy and her parents Carol and David in prayer...during this very difficult and trying time.

"On Monday Carol and I learned that our daughter Tracy Gregoire (37) has uterine cancer. Tracy already has cerebral palsy and this added burden for her has been frightening to say the least. She will undergo a complete hysterectomy on Monday, October 3rd in Toronto. Following that she will find out if the cancer has spread and whether chemotherapy will be necessary. Tracy's dream has always been to marry and have children but this will not be possible now and she is devastated. We will keep you posted as we learn more."

"Please pray for Tracy and please keep Carol in your prayers as well. She has enough on her plate without this latest bombshell but we know that "as for God, His way is perfect". Thank you so much for standing with us."

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 27:13 - I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

To Defend or Not to Defend?

Okay...so I'm going to have re-evaluate whether or not I should defend Duane Patterson anymore.

Duane...is also known as Generalissimo ...the producer of the Hugh Hewitt show. Hugh frequently rags on this poor boy...eliciting a maternal reaction from me...wanting to make Hugh to knock it off and stop being a bully.

Now I've got to rethink my stand. You see...I've seen a whole new side of Duane. In exchanging a couple e-mails back and forth...now the truth can be told. Our very own Generalissimo is positively incorrigible.

Not sure if Duane's reply reflects the "ugly American" or the "ugly baseball fan". In response to mentioning David Fisher at Pilgrim Scribbling and him being Chaplain for the Toronto Blue Jays...here's Duane's first response:

the blue jays??? boy, he's into serious ministry. do they still play baseball in canada???...dp

Of course I had to come to the defense of one of my favorite bloggers...and here an unrepentant Duane's response.

I'm glad to hear that there is a conservative in canada who likes baseball. I just pray he gets a chance at the major leagues someday...dp

So okay...I don't think it's an ugly American thing...I think it's more baseball related. Bottom line...Duane is one cocky son of a gun.

And Hugh, Hugh...he's just as incorrigible and cocky as Duane.

So where does this leave me? Should I defend Duane anymore when Hugh is picking on him? Or should I cheer Hugh on?

Better yet...I'm turning on Prager instead and be done with it!

ARRRGGG!

While on vacation this week I'm engaging in all manner of evil...among which is listening to the Hugh Hewitt show. Hugh's show can be very educational...and even a wee bit entertaining, on occasion. I'm in need of a good laugh this week...and stumbled across one.

Now for those of you not in the know...September 19th was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. About the only pirate word I know is "Arrrggg". Now that's a darn good word. And I'm most likely to utter that word in on Monday...as the week quickly spirals out of control by 9 AM.

But to celebrate the day...I just had to find out my pirate name...Susan Bunts translates into Wench Grainne O'Malley in Piratease. Not only am I ready for next year's celebration...but I am well equipped to ride Pirates of the Caribbean.

So watch out...next time I utter the word "Arrrggg"...you don't know what other ill mannered pirate behavior I might have adopted.

Be sure to click on the link for FroggyNet...to find our your true pirate name. Get to know the real you.

Arrrggg!

Don't Get Stuck on Stupid...Positively Refreshing

On Hugh Hewitt's show...they played a clip from a press conference today in which Lt. General Russel Honore was responding to reporters rather inane questions. That in itself is not unusual...but what was unusual was Honore's response. It was on of those lines...that you wish you had uttered...and will be sure to keep handy for future use.

Some callers contributed additional lines...that were pretty darn good too. "Life is hard, it's harder when you're stupid." "Ain't no fixin stupid."

Below is the posting from Radio Blogger...that has the transcript from the Lt. General's exchange with a not so bright reporter. Right on Lt. General Honore...you are my hero!

Don't Get Stuck on Stupid

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin held a press conference a little bit ago, and started losing control to a media pool assembled that was showing signs of panic, due to the previous incompetence in the region by the local and state government. Lt. Gen. Russel Honore stepped in and literally took over. Here's what he had to say:

Honore: And Mr. Mayor, let's go back, because I can see right now, we're setting this up as he said, he said, we said. All right? We are not going to go, by order of the mayor and the governor, and open the convention center for people to come in. There are buses there. Is that clear to you? Buses parked. There are 4,000 troops there. People come, they get on a bus, they get on a truck, they move on. Is that clear? Is that clear to the public?

Female reporter: Where do they move on...

Honore: That's not your business.

Male reporter: But General, that didn't work the first time...

Honore: Wait a minute. It didn't work the first time. This ain't the first time. Okay? If...we don't control Rita, you understand? So there are a lot of pieces of it that's going to be worked out. You got good public servants working through it. Let's get a little trust here, because you're starting to act like this is your problem. You are carrying the message, okay? What we're going to do is have the buses staged. The initial place is at the convention center. We're not going to announce other places at this time, until we get a plan set, and we'll let people know where those locations are, through the government, and through public announcements. Right now, to handle the number of people that want to leave, we've got the capacity. You will come to the convention center. There are soldiers there from the 82nd Airborne, and from the Louisiana National Guard. People will be told to get on the bus, and we will take care of them. And where they go will be dependent on the capacity in this state. We've got our communications up. And we'll tell them where to go. And when they get there, they'll be able to get a chance, an opportunity to get registered, and so they can let their families know where they are. But don't start panic here. Okay? We've got a location. It is in the front of the convention center, and that's where we will use to migrate people from it, into the system.

Male reporter: General Honore, we were told that Berman Stadium on the west bank would be another staging area...

Honore: Not to my knowledge. Again, the current place, I just told you one time, is the convention center. Once we complete the plan with the mayor, and is approved by the governor, then we'll start that in the next 12-24 hours. And we understand that there's a problem in getting communications out. That's where we need your help. But let's not confuse the questions with the answers. Buses at the convention center will move our citizens, for whom we have sworn that we will support and defend...and we'll move them on. Let's not get stuck on the last storm. You're asking last storm questions for people who are concerned about the future storm. Don't get stuck on stupid, reporters. We are moving forward. And don't confuse the people please. You are part of the public message. So help us get the message straight. And if you don't understand, maybe you'll confuse it to the people. That's why we like follow-up questions. But right now, it's the convention center, and move on.

Male reporter: General, a little bit more about why that's happening this time, though, and did not have that last time...

Honore: You are stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that question. We are going to deal with Rita. This is public information that people are depending on the government to put out. This is the way we've got to do it. So please. I apologize to you, but let's talk about the future. Rita is happening. And right now, we need to get good, clean information out to the people that they can use. And we can have a conversation on the side about the past, in a couple of months.
I think the General just started a movement, and he may not even realize it. Every time a reporter, in any situation, starts spinning, or completely misses the point, they need to be peppered with, "Don't get stuck on stupid."

I'd pay money to see David Gregory in the White House Press Corps foaming at the mouth over something trivial Scott McClellan said, and have McClellan say, "David, you're stuck on stupid. I'm not going to answer that."

I'd have fallen out of my chair if John Roberts would have listened to Joe Biden ramble on, and said, "Don't get stuck on stupid, Senator."

I can see the bumper stickers now. I can even see those stupid rubber wristbands with DGSOS etched in them.

I love General Honore.

My Rainbow...I Will Remember

Genesis 9:12-16

"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

I Hear the Rolling Thunder

Photo from the Orange County Register by Daniel Anderson

Last night...Orange County, California had tremendous thunder storm. The lightning and thunder were simply awe inspiring. To make the moment even more dramatic...while in class at Bible Study Fellowship...just as we started to sing the hymn "How Great Thou Art"...the lighting was flashing and the thunder rolling. It was a great picture of our Awesome God and the universe that he made.

Romans 1:20
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."



HOW GREAT THOU ART

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

words & music by Carl G. Boberg and R.J. Hughes

Byrd Pitches With Heavy Heart

David Fisher at Pilgrim Scribblings posted excerpts from an article by Mark Thoma on the Angel's website. Just as Pitcher Paul Byrd held it together during this game...I know that Chuck would challenge each of us to do the same. Even in our grief...we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, turn to God...and know that He has a good plan that will come to fruition in His perfect time.

During the game, he learns team chaplain dies of cancer
By Mark Thoma / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- Just before throwing his first pitch Sunday afternoon, Angels starter Paul Byrd turned toward center field and raised his arms over his head to form an "O," so Chuck Obremski would see on his TV that Byrd had the ailing team chaplain in his thoughts.

Obremski had been battling terminal cancer all season long, but after visiting him in the hospital Saturday night, Byrd decided he would make a public show of support before every inning Sunday. His timing couldn't have been more appropriate.

Obremski succumbed at 1:05 p.m. PT -- the exact moment that Byrd took the field -- something Byrd wouldn't learn until the fifth inning. When he found out, though, Byrd heeded the chaplain's advice to "finish strong," remaining sharp on the mound in his final innings and earning his 12th win in the Angels' 5-3 win over the Tigers.

As he walked off the field to a standing ovation, Byrd offered one last "O," dedicating the win and his perseverant performance to the man who helped keep his spirits up as Byrd's first year as an Angel got off to a rocky start.

"I had a real tough first outing of the year. ... He called me and said, 'Hey, you're gonna come back from this. We're gonna fight together, and we're gonna win together,' " Byrd said after the game. "He was encouraging me, and I should've been encouraging him."

"These guys know we have to grind every game, every out," Scioscia said, "and we did a good job of holding on today."

And Byrd did, under difficult circumstances, with his thoughts on Obremski.

"We'll miss him. We're sad for us, but it was time," Byrd said. "He was ready, his family was ready. ... It was a good time."