What are we doing?

I sometimes feel like a termite in a yo-yo. Being a conservative I am quite critical of big government, waste, taxes, immorality, and the disingenuous nature of government and politicians.

I am continually amazed at how the Church resembles politics. I have had recent contact with churches who are seemingly more concerned with themselves and their reputations than with the cause of Christ. The politician will inevitably act in self interest. The church is closely pursuing.

Looking at the Water...

I have of late been preaching on the Exodus and the children of Israel. They have the same problem as the church of today. When approaching the Red Sea they complained of the POSITION of the water. At Marah they complained of the PURITY of the water. After Sin they were upset about the PRESENCE (or lack thereof) of the water. If we could all get our eyes off of the water and on the God of the water we would not be shocked when the water flows from the Rock!

The Doctor is... WRONG!

I went to the hospital the other night with throat problems. Having very little use for doctors I went as a last resort knowing that there was infection in my throat and ears. The doctor decided to do chest x-rays and an EKG to rule out heart attack. I asked the nurse what an EKG costs? HE did not know. I asked the doctor how much was an EKG? SHE did not know. This is the problem with healthcare today and why costs are spiraling out of control. I never met a mechanic or a carpenter that had no idea concerning the cost of parts or lumber. It's their job. I refused both procedures and requested antibiotics. Three or four hours later my heart attack was clearing up quite well.

HAIL PROOF...

This morning the message was from Exodus 9. The plagues were progressing as was the level of judgment. Once a month God was giving pharaoh an opportunity to repent and turn. Repentance was present with pharaoh several times throughout the ordeal but no turning. Before the hail and fire came Moses told them to get inside. Before God judges He gives man an opportunity to get inside, or under the Blood. Those that took the man of God seriously were spared the judgment, those that hearkened not were doomed without protection. I am glad that I received Christ years ago and am now hail/Hell proof!

Moses and Aaron...

I preached this morning out of Exodus 5. Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh and requested release to go three days journey into the wilderness to worship. What a shock when Pharaoh kicked them out, told them to get back to work, decided to supply straw no more, and increased the daily brick production demands. Sometimes when serving God things do not necessarily just fall into place. Serve God anyway for it is right!

Consider Lot...

I preached this past Sunday morning on Lot and his choice to trade Canaan for Sodom. He had considered the path long before ever being presented with the opportunity to choose. This premeditation was demonstrated by the simple declaration that he pitched his tent "toward Sodom." Before long he found himself sitting in the gate and holding a position within the community. Sin will take us farther than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us more than we are willing to pay. Lot lost everything by being drawn by the well watered plains. Choices matter.

It's not what you said, it's how you said it.

We have all heard the comment "It's not what he said, but how he said it" that bothered me. As a preacher of the gospel for almost 15 years I have found that this is code talk. What is really being said is that it really was what was said. In my nicest voice I could tell a dog that I am planning to take him to the pound and have him put to sleep. He would wag his tail in delight because of the way that my statement was made. His delight would not detract from the truth that his destination was the chamber. If I said to you in a hateful voice "Here is a thousand dollars, buy what you want", would you refuse the money? I think not. Content does matter, stop whining over how it was said and truly examine the message. Jonah converted the whole of Nineveh through his preaching while secretly wishing that they would all be cast into the pit. The message mattered. Good for Nineveh that they ignored "the way he said it."