For His Cause

We're Getting Married

2011-11-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

We're fixing to have a very merry Christmas this year. Yes, that's right! We're getting married on Christmas Day. 46 days to go. I guess it's safe to say that we are just "slightly" excited! =D God's been good to us. Plans are coming along just fine, but please keep us in your prayers. Thanks so much!

Engaged on 9/16/2011

Me & My Love

2011-09-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.

Servant Leadership continued

2011-06-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some additional distinctions between servant leaders and leader-men, specifically relating to the home.

LeaderMan: Reiterates his authoritative position in the home
Servant Leader: Earns with his actions and love for his wife the respect as the authority of his home

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LeaderMan: Puts "the ministry of the church" at the premium in his life and family
Servant Leader: Realizes that his family is his first ministry, and is faithful at home first.

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LeaderMan: Ignores his faults while focusing on his strengths
Servant Leader: Admits mistakes, and takes full responsibility for them

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LeaderMan: Wants other family relatives and his church to think well of his home.
Servant Leader: Answers only to God for the direction of his home, regardless of others opinions.

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LeaderMan: As part of his job, tries to make life fair and easy for his children
Servant Leader: Teaches his children the truth about life, and makes them grow up understanding concepts like unfairness, wrongdoing, forgiveness, repentance, diligence, and determination.

Just a few more thoughts about servant leadership as it relates to a home. Hope you enjoyed it.

Servant Leadership

2011-06-04T02:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone has at one point in his/her life come across someone that they consider a leader. But being a leader is a completely different ballgame. You'll see that the very moment that you're expected to be a leader. But how you handle that expectation is very telling as to what kind of leader you are. In my experience, there is two types of leaders. Servant Leaders, and LeaderMen. Leadermen are a dime a dozen, while Servant Leaders are very, very rare. Below are some distinctions between the two. These are in reference to a Pastor:

Servant Leader: Has something to say

LeaderMan: Wants a platform on which to say something

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LeaderMan: You almost feel you know his family, because he's your Leader

Servant Leader: You allow him to influence you, because you know his family

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LeaderMan: Wants you to know he's a Leader

Servant Leader: Doesn't have to act like he's a leader

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LeaderMan: Loves the idea of The Church

Servant Leader: Loves God and the actual individual people God brings across his path

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LeaderMan: A great speaker, but self-described as, "Not really a people person."

Servant Leader: Makes himself a people person

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LeaderMan: Helps you find where God is leading you in his organization

Servant Leader: Helps you find where God is leading you

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LeaderMan: Gets together with you to talk about his vision

Servant Leader: Gets together with you to talk about your vision

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LeaderMan: Resents "sheep stealing"

Servant Leader: Doesn't get the "stealing" part, since he doesn't own anyone to begin with

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LeaderMan: Wants the right people on the bus

Servant Leader: Wants to sit next to you on it

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Servant Leader: Shows you his whole heart

LeaderMan: Shows you a flow chart

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LeaderMan: A visionary who knows what the future looks like

Servant Leader: Knows what your kitchen looks like

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LeaderMan: Excellence, Excellence, Excellence!

Servant Leader: Meekness, Love, Grace, Charity.

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LeaderMan: Talks about confronting one another in love

Servant Leader: Actually confronts you in love

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LeaderMan: Impressed by success and successful people

Servant Leader: Impressed by faithfulness

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LeaderMan: Invests time in you, if you are "key people"

Servant Leader: Invests time with you, and shows you in actions that he loves you

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LeaderMan: Reveals sins of his past

Servant Leader: Reveals sins of his past and present

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LeaderMan: Gives you things to do

Servant Leader: Gives you freedom to do what's right

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LeaderMan: Leads because of official position

Servant Leader: Leads in spite of position

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LeaderMan: Deep down, threatened by other Leaders

Servant Leader: Has nothing to lose

Thankfully, I can say that my Pastor is a Servant Leader! If you have a Servant Leader for a Pastor, you had better thank the Lord every day.

Next time, I'll do some distinctions between Servant Leaders and LeaderMen in the home.

Salzburg!

2011-05-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! I'm in Salzburg, Austria for a scholarship trip to the Salzburg Global Citizenship Seminar. I'm staying next door to the Schloss Leopoldskron, the location for the film "The Sound of Music." The Meiherhoff (also owned by Max Reihnhardt), is next door to the Lepoldskron. That is where I'm staying, and although also being an old building, is quite nice. The three meals a day served at the Schloss to seminar students is second to none, and I've been treated like nothing less than royalty by the staff here. No complaints.

Welkommen zu das Schloss Leopoldskron!

This is outside the back door of the Schloss.

The lectures have been tough due to jet-lag, but it's been interesting to say the least. The issues of global concern are interesting to investigate, and determining the best ways to develop solutions of international concern with respect to other cultures is not as straightforward as it may sometimes seem. But, I'm sure I'll have plenty of that for the rest of the week. For now, good night (although is't only 5:55 p.m. at home, it's midnight here...ugh). I'll post some more pics later this week.

Till next time,
Clay

Lt. Col. Allen West Under Fire

2011-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

A good man responds well under fire. As John Adams would say, "Facts are stubborn things."

Maynard Case Dropped

2011-04-16T19:30:00.001-07:00

Ronald Reagan on Christ's Divinity

2011-04-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

In a March 1978 letter to a liberal Methodist minister who expressed doubts about Christ’s divinity—and accused the then future President Reagan (born 100 years ago this month) of a “limited Sunday school level theology”—Reagan responded:

"Perhaps it is true that Jesus never used the word ‘Messiah’ with regard to himself (although I’m not sure that he didn’t) but in John 1, 10 and 14 he identifies himself pretty definitely and more than once. Is there really any ambiguity in his words: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me?’… In John 10 he says, ‘I am in the Father and the Father in me.’ And he makes reference to being with God, ‘before the world was,’ and sitting on the ‘right hand of God.’…

"These and other statements he made about himself, foreclose in my opinion, any question as to his divinity. It doesn’t seem to me that he gave us any choice; either he was what he said he was or he was the world’s greatest liar. It is impossible for me to believe a liar or charlatan could have had the effect on mankind that he has had for 2000 years. We could ask, would even the greatest of liars carry his lie through the crucifixion, when a simple confession would have saved him? … Did he allow us the choice you say that you and others have made, to believe in his teachings but reject his statements about his own identity? [Note that Reagan is using C.S. Lewis’s famous ‘liar, lord or lunatic’ trilemma argument]

"I still can't help wondering how we can explain away what to me is the greatest miracle of all and which is recorded in history. No one denies there was such a man, that he lived and that he was put to death by crucifixion. Where … is the miracle I spoke of? Well consider this and let your imagination translate the story into our own time—possibly to your own home town. A young man whose father is a carpenter grows up working in his father's shop. One day he puts down his tools and walks out of his father’s shop. He starts preaching on street corners and in the nearby countryside, walking from place to place, preaching all the while, even though he is not an ordained minister. He never gets farther than an area perhaps 100 miles wide at the most. He does this for three years. Then he is arrested, tried and convicted. There is no court of appeal, so he is executed at age 33 along with two common thieves. Those in charge of his execution roll dice to see who gets his clothing—the only possessions he has. His family cannot afford a burial place for him so he is interred in a borrowed tomb. End of story? No, this uneducated, property-less young man has, for 2,000 years, had a greater effect on the world than all the rulers, kings, emperors; all the conquerors, generals and admirals, all the scholars, scientists and philosophers who have ever lived—all of them put together. How do we explain that—unless He really was what He said He was?"

Quote of the Day

2011-03-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

"Worry is the biggest waste of emotion. It doesn't fix the past; it doesn't change the future; it just helps ruin today." - Unknown

99 Balloons

2011-03-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

A Child Of Mine (To All Parents)
Edgar Guest

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief.
You'll have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

I post this in memory of Silas Boaz Blackburn, who I learned more from than any 2-year old in the world. When life seems at it's worse, he lends his smile to my memory to remind me how good God is. Thanks for all you taught us, Silas...

Funny, Confused Little Lamb!

2011-03-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is my state of mind most days...

A Man's Word

2011-03-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

I told him I would. And I didn't.
It wasn't a big deal. It was something small. So I shouldn't worry about it, right? I shouldn't let it bother me?

But it does. It bothers me a lot. I said I would, and I didn't.

He says it doesn't matter, and that I shouldn't worry about it anymore. But when he says that, he focuses on the thing that I didn't do that can be taken care of anyway, rather than what I'm focused on, which is the greater issue that my word should mean a little more, regardless of the promise.

Whether he realizes it or not, this incident will cause him to doubt, however slightly, next time I give him "my word."

What is your word, and what can be said for it? If you don't have your word, then what do you have?

My Dad used to tell us that if we couldn't keep our word, then we weren't ready to be a man. Yet today, so many "men" have no interest in making sure that they keep their word, and they really can't be trusted to follow through with anything.

What kind of promises have you made? "I will never" do this or that. "I will always" be this way. Does it matter to you if you don't follow through with those promises? Those statements are made with the understanding that we are all human, you say? Are they? Or were those statements understood to mean that no matter what, you can overcome your humanity in times of weakness to be a man of your word?

"Preacher, I'll be here for you. When the fire is on, I'll be right by your side."

I start to yawn when I hear that these days. And I almost even feel like it's an indicator that they surely will not follow through.

Peter said, "I will die with you." And he denied the Lord in his darkest hour.

Somehow, in society today, a person's word doesn't mean as much as it used to. Think about when the Bible demeans "trucebreakers," which is someone who doesn't stick to an agreement that they made. In olden times, I could have shaken a man's hand, and bought his piece of land from him with that handshake. Now, we need multiple notarizations, bank papers, 14 signatures, etc.

You get the drift...

People do not mean what they say.

Here's a popular one: "Till death do us part." Wow! What about the third time you say it? Do you mean it that time, too? When I went to Technical School, I heard a guy tell his girlfriend, "I'll always be with you." That was about 4 months before they "broke up," as they say, and that was about 2 years ago now.

Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. People don't want to hear what you say, they want to see what you do. The preacher wants you to be there for him, not talk about it in times of ease. Your husband or wife wants you to always be with them, not just tell them that because it's what they want to hear.

I am determined to be a man of my word.

He told me not to worry about it, so I have chosen not to beat myself up over it. But what I will do: let him know that I'd like a chance to make it right, and show him that I am not one who says, and doesn't do. People who do that aren't men.

I have been, and am determined to remain, a man of my word.

The True Man

2011-02-21T18:32:00.001-08:00

By Edgar Guest

“This is the sort of a man was he:
True when it hurt him a lot to be;
Tight in a corner an' knowin' a lie
'Would have helped him out, but he wouldn't buy
His freedom there in so cheap a way
He told the truth though he had to pay.
Honest! Not in the easy sense,
When he needn't worry about expense

We'll all play square when it doesn't count
And the sum at stake's not a large amount
But he was square when the times were bad,
And keepin' his word took all he had.
Honor is something we all profess,
But most of us cheat --- some more, some less
And the real test isn't the way we do
When there isn't a pinch in either shoe;

It's whether we're true to our best or not
When the right thing's certain to hurt a lot.
That is the sort of a man was he:
Straight when it hurt him a lot to be;
Times when a lie would have paid him well,
No matter the cost, the truth he'd tell;
An' he'd rather go down to a drab defeat
Than save himself if he had to cheat.

Basis of Betrothal

2011-02-12T21:18:00.001-08:00

I know many of those who hear of my “betrothal” wonder: “What does he mean by “courting” and “betrothal.” The most important institutions ordained by God are the most attacked institutions by the devil. As a result, there is a lot of confusion about just what the appropriate process is that leads to marriage.

Like anything else in the Christian life, the Bible is the final authority for faith and practice. Many Christians think that there is no real instruction on this issue in the Bible, leaving it to their best guess or how they were raised to determine how it should be done. Even worse, some simply allow their kids to follow their flesh, dating around and doing nothing different from the world.

On this issue, however, there are 2 clear examples in scripture. In Ephesians 5, the word of God compares a Godly relationship between man and wife to the beautiful relationship that Christ has with his church. A man is instructed to love his wife as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it. A wife is instructed to submit herself unto her husband as the head of the home, just as the church is to be submitted to Christ as the head of the church. In Genesis 24, a relationship between Isaac and Rebekah blossomed, based on faith in God and not sight or on fleshly desires. Using Christ and the church, and Isaac and Rebekah as examples, let’s look at a few key principles about betrothal.

Very clearly, it starts with sacrifice on the part of a man. Before Christ could betroth his church, he first gave his life for it in his death on the cross. He “purchased” his church, in a sense, with his sacrifice for it. A young man who has not demonstrated sacrifice in seeking God’s will for a wife has not yet demonstrated the first and possibly most necessary step for preparation for marriage. If a young man cannot sacrifice before marriage, you might as well not expect him to after marriage. Betrothal starts with the principle of sacrifice.

Essential to the process, as well, is the response of the young lady. Just as Christ will not force anyone to accept his Salvation and be part of his church, no young lady should be forced to go anywhere she doesn’t want to go. In some cultures, their women have no choice and are practically treated like property. This is not a principle found in scripture. Rebekah, when discussing the idea of going to be with Isaac in Genesis 24, was asked personally whether she would go. “Enquire at her mouth…” were the words of Abraham’s servant. Similarly, we are the decision makers when deciding whether or not to accept the invitation of Christ to be his bride. Using this guide, a young lady should decide whether or not to “go” with a young man.

Living each day from the time we are “betrothed” to Christ till the marriage in heaven, God desires for us to draw close to Christ, knowing him better and better, learning how to be his and please him. In this process, Christ also draws close to us, and desires that we live a life that is pleasing to him so that we can be close to our Saviour. This is mirrored by a young man and woman drawing close to one another, and getting to know each other better following their betrothal as it leads to them getting married.

Young people confuse this step more than any other. They begin the process of getting to know one another as a determinate stage that helps them decide whether or not this young person is the one who they should marry. This is unscriptural. I am not trying to say that, in the real world of wickedness, that there are not some exceptions where a young person should withdraw from a courting relationship. But as a general rule, the praying about this relationship should have already occurred prior to courtship.

During the betrothal process, it is important to note that there is no physical contact between the two individuals. While this is very unpopular even in Christian circles, it is clear in I Corinthians 7 that the only exception to a no-touch policy between men and women is marriage. The first time the 2 should touch should be at the wedding. Another important thing to note: prior to the betrothal relationship, there shouldn’t be any “boyfriend/girlfriend” relationships. This is especially unpopular in modern society, but it is the truth, nonetheless. For one thing, it teaches young people that it is “ok” to maintain a laid-back attitude concerning relationships, and boyfriend/girlfriend games only teach lack of commitment. If a young person gets married who has played these boyfriend/girlfriend games, this person has to forget everything they did during their teen years and relearn how relationships work. If they don’t, it will lead to disaster. And a young person shouldn’t be involved beyond a simple friendship with the opposite gender until that young person is ready to get married. Until that time, they should remain content and uninvolved with the opposite gender. No exceptions. It will only lead to hurt and/or premature relationships.

I am currently waiting on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. At his appointed time, he will come and get me for the wedding. This is the last principle of betrothal relationships: the young lady waits patiently until her man comes and gets her! This is mirrored in Genesis 24. Rebekah was willing to go with Abrahams servant… “Enquire at her mouth…” She went, and was married to her Godly groom. Here are two wonderful stories of successful marriages in your Bible, and they provide a wonderful guide for us to follow.

“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20

I Believe To See

2011-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

"When trials take their toll, beyond what we control, we rest upon the faithful one; the keeper of our souls."

This song defines our relationship, as it should any betrothal relationship that is pleasing to God. And I sure enjoyed singing it with my girl. =)

Dealing With People

2011-01-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why they left? Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehemjudah, "the house of bread," over in the book of Ruth. And why? I know there was a famine. But did they expect there to never be a famine in the land? The famine will surely come...it always comes. It's just a matter of when...

I wonder if someone had asked them why they were leaving, what they would've said. "We are afraid of..."

Stop right there. Fear? Where fear is the fruit, doubt is the seed. This is the opposite of faith. But there they go... leaving Bethlehemjudah.

There is a tendency, in the ministry, to get hardened. It's not that the tenderness toward others is gone, or that you no longer desire to help those who need it. It's simply that you get tired of seeing those who seemed the most loyal, the most unmoveable, and the most faithful, depart in time of famine.

I am not where I am today because of the greatness of man; I am here because of the greatness of God. If I had based my loyalty, devotion, and steadfastness on the strength of a man, or the greatness of a leader, I would no longer be in the ministry today. You see, there have been many opportunities for me to get out of this fight...and tempting occasions as well. I am who I am because of the grace of God, and the day God changes will be the day that it will be right for me to go to Moab in the famine.

To quote one of my favorite lines from any hymn:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name."

I say all of this because I am beginning to wonder what it is that causes people to make decisions. For instance, I go to Truth Baptist Church because I believe that is where God wants me. It is my Bethlehemjudah. One day, I will go away to Law school, and when that happens, I will do it because that's what I believe God wants me to do.

But then I see people leave our church. And rather than base it on the will of God, they base it on feelings and fear. "Well," you say, "they've been feeling like leaving for a long time." Oh yeah? SO HAVE I! But since when do our feelings have anything to do with the will of God? Since when do Christians reserve the right to make decisions as if God's will has nothing to do with their life?

Why were you at Truth Baptist Church? Because Bro. Buddy Maynard was such a great man? You're right...he was and he still is. But if you were here because of his faithfulness, I'm surprised you weren't disappointed and scared off sooner! What a sad reason to be somewhere...the strength of a mortal man.

You see, I am not here because my Pastor is perfect. I'm here because God is perfect, and he told me to be here. Only those who base their decisions on man need act in fear, out of feeling. Only someone who bases their decisions on a man need change their mind at the drop of a hat.

And only a fool would leave the "house of bread," where God is, because there is a famine in the land.

My Betrothed!

2011-01-11T18:58:00.001-08:00

It’s been 2 weeks and 3 days since Christmas day, when I asked Lydia for the incredible honor of courting her. Her response will be forever etched in my mind…it was the greatest honor I’ve ever been given.

Courtship life has been fun! No complaints from me. Who would even believe me if I did, right? =)

The Biblical name for this is betrothal. There is absolutely no going back. When God created man, he didn’t give him the choice between Eve, Evelyn, and Ethel. God brought the woman to the man, and that was it. One man for one woman. Period. We do not believe in “trying out” and “dating around” so that you can be sure that you are compatible. You see, when God gave me assurance that Lydia was to be my wife, I didn’t doubt his ability to put compatible people together.

Lydia is the other half of my puzzle…

She’s the dot to my “i,” the cross to my “t”

The butter to my bread, the spoon to my tea

…well, you get the point. =D

But, as I was saying before I got distracted, betrothal is a commitment between two that means that we are growing together, and are meant for one another. We refer to this as “courtship.” This term has been used frequently among Christians to describe a sort of “dating” where a young man or lady will “court” multiple young people before they even get married. This is not our definition. This type of behavior is found nowhere in scripture, and I’ve never heard of the positive effects from this philosophy. If anything, it teaches a young person to devalue commitment and is really nothing less than worldly dating with supervision. I believe your heart is similar to a cake, and that when you enter into any serious relationship with another person, you give them a piece of that heart. As you grow together, you continue to give your whole heart to that person. If you begin a relationship and end it, and then repeat this process multiple times, then you are giving a piece of your heart away. When marriage finally does happen, a young person has to re-learn commitment and put behind him/her everything that they practiced in so-called “courtship.”

Well, I don’t believe in that, and neither does my beloved. Commitment should define every relationship, especially those which lead to marriage. We have decided to do this the Bible way, and have faith that when God said go, it wasn’t to get us involved with someone who he did not intend for us. God’s way is BEST!

Lydia Joy is my betrothed…interpreted, she’s mine, and I’m loving every minute of it. =)

Till next time,

Clay

Kirk Cameron Interview on MSNBC

2011-01-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

This clip is 2 years old, but I think it demonstrates an interesting point. This is an interesting short clip from MSNBC featuring Kirk Cameron, one of the lead actors on Fireproof and co-host of Way of the Master Evangelism Series, discussing Fireproof and his commitment to his wife.

Interesting Fact

2011-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Something for the readers to think about:

The average Facebook user spends 18 minutes a day on Facebook

The average Christian spends less than 3 minutes a day reading the Bible.

Is it possible that a user of Facebook, without any obligation to Facebook itself, is more dedicated to Facebook than a Christian is to his/her Bible?

Is it possible that you, Christian, as a Facebook user, spend more time reading status updates and comments on Facebook than you do reading your Bible?

The facts suggest that it not only is possible, but that it is likely.

I hope that you do not fall into these averages listed above. If so, you should reconsider your priorities.

The Christmas Gift

2011-01-01T08:57:00.001-08:00

The Christmas Gift

Here’s a story of Christmas
It’s the greatest one I know
It’s a story of friendship
That between two would grow

A young man; a young lady
Who learned to forgive
And the young man who gave
The greatest gift he could give

He could’ve given roses
Which he already had done
He could’ve written a letter
To tell her how lovely she was

But to show her, for Christmas,
How she had torn his world apart
He decided, on this special Christmas
To give her his heart

By Clayton Maynard

I wrote this poem for a young lady tucked away in the Netherlands! God told me in October that she was to be for me, and so I flew over as the first Christmas visitor they have had in 15 years. I asked Lydia on Christmas day for the amazing honor of courting her! She said YES!! Can you believe it? I am amazed at the tremendous blessings of God upon my life. Can you believe that the most incredibly beautiful person in the world was tucked away in the Netherlands for me? I serve an awesome God.

We look forward to growing in the Lord together over this next period of our lives, following his Spirit to lead us and guide us in everything.

A Favorite Picture of Mine

2010-12-31T10:42:00.001-08:00

When God Became Flesh

2010-12-25T01:38:00.001-08:00

When God became flesh… this is a concept too infinite for man to fathom. Why God, the Creator of heaven and earth would decide to clothe himself in human flesh, to die for his creation and save them from destroying themselves…it’s truly amazing!

But here on Christmas, we are celebrating, not just the birth of a baby, but the entrance of God himself on this earth as one of us, so he could know us, understand us, and die for us.

I am amazed that God came, but even more that he came for me!

Truly man, afflicted as we are, tempted with every temptation that we are, yet wholly God. Yet he set aside his power of creation to be crucified of it, and for it.

On this Christmas, let’s remember that it’s not the presents that make Christmas, but the presence of the one that came for us.

…cause it’s still the greatest story ever, ever told!

Merry Christmas!

Hallelujah Chorus - Handel's "Messiah"

2010-12-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

Went to Handel's "Messiah" with my friends, the Huussens! Here is the video of the Hallelujah Chorus!

Why?

2010-12-21T01:19:00.001-08:00

Why do we do what we do?

I know this is a rhetorical question, but think about it for just a moment. Why?

Suppose a man came home with flowers for his wife. She, in surprise, says, “Oh, how thoughtful of you! Thank you! That’s so sweet that you were thinking of me!” Suppose this man said in response, “Well, it’s my duty, I’m you’re husband.” Or, what if he said, “Well, I thought you needed it.” Or better yet, how about this response: “Oh, they were real cheap, it was no big deal.”

I don’t think this flies real well with the wife. But how come? Do you think this woman even wants the flowers now? Why not?

We tend to do a lot of things for strange reasons. I give 10% of my income, and rightfully so. I go to church. I dress a certain way. I try to live holy. But why?

God, in his word, states that we were created “for his pleasure.” Does it really please God that we do so many of these religious rituals because we’re “supposed to.”

In Matthew 23, God rebukes a group of people, religious leaders, no less, for thinking that the outward actions were what mattered, and told them that after searching the world over for converts, they make one twice the child of hell as they are! Jesus seemed to disregard deeds done based on “duty” and not on love. I can almost see Jesus telling the Pharisees, “I don’t want your flowers.”

I can do very nice things for those I love, and they accept them with true love in return, because they believe it came from a heart of love. Christ just wants the same. He doesn’t want your income “because you’re supposed to” give it. In fact, he says in Corinthians to determine in your heart what to give, and do it out of cheerfulness. Why? Because God doesn’t need your money! He needs your heart!

Why do you give to missions? Because God needs it? God tell us in Psalms 50, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee. The world is mine, and the fullness thereof.”

Jesus was truly angry with the religious leaders who had all the rituals down, but missed the message of God in the incarnation of his Son. He ignored their rituals.

Let’s not be polished on the outside, so that we can be in the right place, at the right time, dressed the right way, to be seen by the right people. Let’s show God love out of a pure heart. And do live holy, and be in your place, and give what God says to give, and do right….because of love!

Why? Because I love Christ!

You Were Created

2010-12-08T20:37:00.001-08:00

The following is a speech I gave at Gulf Coast Community College on 12/2/10. The pictures were my visual aids. Enjoy!

Look at these magnificent works of art! If I were to ask you how these works came to be, I might get a variety of answers. However, you would most likely say the first came about as a result of a master architect, a building contractor, construction workers, and the necessary tools. You would probably say that the second piece of art is a result of an artist who had spent much time and effort to develop the skill that is necessary to draw this wolf. But what if I told you that this magnificent structure was the result of an explosion at a brick factory, or that this beautiful drawing was the result of a dynamite pencil that randomly exploded and spread the lead on a page in this way? You would think I was crazy!! Yet when looking at the magnificent world around us, the complexity of human life on earth, and the interconnectedness of our entire universe, some would say that this is the result of pure accident and chance. I, for one, do not believe that order comes from chaos. First, I will state my case. Then, I will tell you the erroneous philosophies being taught at the highest level of education.

Before beginning, I will give a challenge to everyone in here that just wrote me off as delusional and unscientific. Open your mind to facts, and think critically about everything. That’s all you must do. If you’ve done that, I can respect whatever conclusion you come to about this topic. You need to know, though, that there is an entire body of scientists nationwide who believe in creation, and they are scientists. It’s not just radical Christians that support this worldview.

Let me state my case. First, I take the position that the earth was created in 6 literal 24 hour days. I believe the scientific evidence supports this view. Based on this belief, I can make a few predictions:

   1. The earth show signs of order and intelligent design.

    2. There will be thousands upon thousands of symbiotic   relationships.
- Every organism, in one way or another is dependent on other organisms. These are symbiotic relationships.

    3. There will be limits to the variations life forms are able to produce.

- The Bible says that organisms will reproduce “after their kind” (Genesis 1:25). You may get a big dog, a little dog, or a wolf, but you get the same “kind” of animal (Bible, Genesis 1:25). There are limits to the variations. There are lots of dogs in the world. They may have a common ancestor--a dog. Just because there are variations of dogs does not prove that the dog came from a rock 4.6 billion years ago.


4. There will be a purpose to life. You have a purpose; I have a purpose; we all have a purpose in life.


5. There will be non-material things that cannot be explained by natural means or science such as love, justice, mercy, innate knowledge of right and wrong, and absolute
truth.


6. There will be a way to find the purpose of this Creator figure, maybe through a messenger. He might even write a book telling us how he created us and why.


7. I predict there will be an afterlife where you face the Creator to give an accounting for everything you’ve ever said or thought or done.

I further believe there was a literal, worldwide flood where a canopy of water which was protecting life on earth from harmful sun rays fell down and destroyed everything that creeps on earth besides one man and his family. Before the flood, the average life of man, according to the Bible, is 912 years old (“Bible” Genesis 1-5). What predictions can we make based on this teaching?


1. There will be legends of a creation and a “golden age” in every ancient civilization that reflects this time before the flood.

- And there are!


2. There will be skeletons found that show signs of people who were very aged compared to us, like larger brow ridges, and bigger jaws.


3. There will be biological problems for people today, such as wisdom teeth for 50% of the population, that suggest we don’t grow as old or big as we once did.


4. There will be a general “longing” for things to be restored to peace as it was in the garden of Eden.

- Just about every culture on earth has stories about a heaven or place of rest, where you can go after this life.

What difference does it make if evolution is true? Well, if evolution as we know it is true:

1. How do we tell right from wrong?
2. Death is the hero. Death brought man into this world. In order for evolution to work, something has to evolve into something better, and the rest have to die.

I believe that the flood happened and the entire earth was covered by water about 4400 years ago (King James Version). From this belief, I can make a few predictions.

1. There will be hundreds of layers of strata.

2. There will be billions of fossils located in those layers including oil and coal.

3. There will be deltas and canyons showing evidence of rapid erosion.

4. There will be legends of this world-wide flood in cultures all over the world.

- And there are!

5. There will be vertical trees in the upright position, running through many of these strata layers at once. And sure enough, we have thousands of them.

Anyone that tells you that those layers are millions of years apart are either ignorant or they are lying to you, because if you can show me a tree that stands upright for millions of years while the layers form around it, I’d like to see it.

Now we need to define some terms. Let me point out something you hear all the time, and show you how it is misleading. “Evolution is a fact” –this is a mantra! You hear this all the time! Well, micro-evolution is a fact. Microevolution means variations within species, kind of like my dog example that I talked about earlier. But evolutionists today take micro-evolution and use it to prove macro-evolution. Macro-evolution, however, which is one plant or animal changing into another, is NOT a fact! Dogs do not produce non-dogs. If you want to believe they do, that’s fine; believe what you want, but don’t call it science, and don’t charge tax dollars to pay professors to teach it to helpless kids. We’ve never seen any organism produce organisms not of it’s own kind. Macro-evolution is not science.

Pease do not confuse evolution with science. The evolution being taught in the Natural Science building across the yard is religious, not scientific. When I refer to evolution, I am not talking about variations within a species. I’m talking about the macro-evolution that is being widely taught as scientific fact. Evolution is mixed in with science, true. But that does not make it scientific. Beer is advertised at football games. This does not make beer athletic by association. Evolution is not science. It’s a religion.

Evolution teaches that 20 billion years ago nothing exploded; 6 billion years ago the earth cooled down, and then it rained on the rocks for millions of years and turned it into soup, and then the soup came alive 3 billion years ago. This is what the books teach. I read one book when I was in school that said, “progress from a chemical soup to a living organism is very slow.” Sure is; it’s never happened! This is one of the most unscientific ideas in history of the world! Inorganic matter never has become organic matter. Evolutionist are 200 years behind science! We knew 200 years ago that inorganic matter doesn’t create or become organic matter! But evolutionary scientists believe it did! Are there variations of dogs? Sure are. Does this mean that it all started with soup 4.6 billion years ago? Absolutely not! This process of chemical soup turning into organic life is ridiculous. Something is only science if it has been reproduced in a laboratory or observed in nature—neither have ever been done. There have been rumor of some claims that it has been “very close” to being done in a lab. I have never seen evidence of this, but even if the report is true, it still admits that it’s not being done. And even if it is done, what do you suppose has been proved by a bunch of intelligent scientists getting together to make soup turn into organic proteins? That it takes intelligence to make life, that’s what it proves! The Bible says, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (“Bible” Romans 1:22). If you think your great, great, great, great, grand-daddy was a rock, I think you’re a fool. But at least stupidity is curable! We’re here to help.

People are welcome, in our great land of freedom, to believe whatever they choose, but it should be illegal to use tax-dollars to infuse this religion in public schools, and evolution is nothing but a religion.

Furthermore, I’m not against you believing a stupid theory, but don’t support it with lies. It’s not illegal to have a dumb theory, but it should be illegal to lie about the evidence to support the theory, and it’s even worse to accept tax dollars while I lie supporting this theory; and that happens on this College campus.

Darwin said in his book, “It is a truly wonderful fact that…all animals and all plants throughout all time and space should be related to each other…” (Darwin 170).

Darwin observed 14 kinds of finches on the Galapagos Islands, and he correctly concluded that they had a common ancestor--a bird. But then he incorrectly concluded that it was enough evidence to conclude that birds are related to bananas, which he says in his book, Origin of the Species, and what some of your Gulf Coast Community College professors believe. Now if you want to believe that birds are related to bananas that’s fine, but don’t call it science.

There are numerous other examples of faulty evidence. For example the mutations of biological codes. Mutations do not add new information; they just scramble what’s already there. And you cannot find one positive mutation, cause nobody has ever seen one. One professor told me that a beneficial mutation example was that if you have sickle cell anemia, you can’t get malaria. That’s brilliant! That’s like saying if you cut off your leg you can’t get athletes foot. Sickle cell and Malaria are both negative! You think that process turns a rock into a human in 4.6 billion years? I admire your faith. I don’t admire your intelligence, but I do admire your faith. In order for evolution to occur, biological mutations would have to occur in which the gene code was made more and more complex, and this has never happened. In every case, the mutation always loses or scrambles the gene code, and never adds to it. You would have to believe that the gene code of a rock led to the creation of every gene code on earth today. You want to see a genetic bottleneck? Look at the gene code of a rock sometime.

Then you have the vestigial structures argument. They say a whale has vestigial structures where his legs used to be, and that these are no longer useful to him because he cannot walk. For one thing, these vestigial “leg” bones are barely a few inches long, and if they didn’t have these bones, whales couldn’t reproduce. You see, it has nothing to do with walking. It has to do with making baby whales. They say your tail bone is vestigial and serves no purpose. If anyone present is willing, I will pay to have yours removed. I will not go into the grotesque detail, but there are some important functions that you could no longer perform without your tailbone.

Now, most of the professors that I have talked to tell me that I am resorting a “God-of-the-gaps” theory. In essence, this theory states that since I don’t know how it happened, God had to have done it. Well, I do believe that God created everything we know. But is believing that God miraculously spoke the world into existence any different than thinking organic matter came from inorganic matter, which is no less a miracle. Until evolution bridges this important gap, they believe in miracles. They say that they only accept what can be proven with physical evidence. But there is NO physical evidence to support that we came from a rock 4.6 billion years ago. That, my friend, is a miracle! And if you believe that, then you believe in miracle-of-the-gaps.

In conclusion, I would like you to ask yourself this question: are you going to allow the variations of species and that we observe, which is true science, to be extended and extrapolated to prove that all species came from one single cell. If you are, than I encourage you to observe the Critical Academic Literacy that this College has been trying to teach us, and think critically about what you’re being told. Thank you.

Works Cited
The Bible. King James Version. 1611. Genesis 1:25, Romans 1:22. Print.

Darwin, Charles. Origin Of The Species. XI. New York: P.F. Collier and Son, 1909-14. 170. Print.

Kids Define Love

2010-10-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

We live in a day where many words such as loyalty, gratitude, love, friendship, etc. are being redefined. In reality, what has happened is people really are mistaken on what words mean. Love is a very important word, and understanding this crucial word and what it truly means is important before you can make the statement "I love you," or use the word in any other context for that matter. I recently read the following on how kids define love, and thought it was very interesting. You’ll see my commentary on the quotes in parentheses as well. Enjoy.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.

So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

- Rebecca - age 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.

You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

- Billy - age 4

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

- Karl - age 5

(I know some people that think that Karl) =D

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

- Chrissy - age 6

(That IS love!)

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."

- Terri - age 4

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

- Danny - age 7

(My kind of love, Danny!)

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"

- Emily - age 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

- Bobby - age 7

(Wow!)

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."

- Nikka - age 6

(we need a few million more Nikkas on this planet)

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

- Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

- Tommy - age 6

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."

- Cindy - age 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."

- Clare - age 6

(She knows better than most teens who loves her the most!)

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."

- Elaine-age 5

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

- Mary Ann - age 4

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

- Lauren - age 4

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."

- Karen - age 7

(What an image)

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."

- Mark - age 6

(I bet mommy knows you’re telling people that) =D

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

- Jessica - age 8

(Very true!)

Till next time,

Clay

Casual Christianity

2010-10-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have become quite a blog-reader. In fact, I have become a pretty regular reader on certain blogs that update relatively frequently (unlike mine). I was reading a blog yesterday when a thought hit me that I feel is very important in the Laodicean church age in which we live. The article pointed out that churches today value style over substance. Church advertisements on the radio, etc. point out that you can "come as you are," and "wear your jeans," and enjoy the "live band," and "fun activities for the kids." The various features of a particular church aren't necessarily wrong, but we are sending the wrong message. In our 30 seconds or 60 seconds of radio time or interaction with the grocer or paying for gas, we should focus on the substance of our faith, not the style of our Christianity.

You and I, they say, should make our moments count by communicating the most important message. While this is generally accepted in Christianity as true, I am of the opinion that this philosophy of "substance over style" can miss the point. When the substance of our faith does not effect the style of our Christianity, what does it effect? Don't misunderstand. I agree with the principle that we should focus on Christ and the eternal destination of the lost soul over a particular singing group, etc., but to say that style does not matter is naive. Let me explain. I am not saying that we should focus on style over substance. But doesn't the style betray the substance? For instance, if I should hear a radio ad promoting a live band, youth activities, and a dynamic atmosphere, I am hearing about their substance! The correct substance portrays the correct message.

During Speech class at the College yesterday, I was hearing an Informative Speech on a particular church in our town. This young lady (yes, true ladies are rare down at the college) described her church as fun, exciting, and a host of other adjectives I can not recall. This church is called Northstar Church, and is your typical non-denominational church that is really no more than a continual Christian rock concert. During Q & A after the speech, I asked her what about her church stood out as the reason she loves it. Her answer? "The dynamic environment." I responded with, "Oh, I thought you were going to say it drew you closer to the Lord, or something like that."

I don't know for sure, but maybe the reason they choose style over substance is because style is their substance. If that's all a church has to offer this dying world, and for most churches it is, then let them advertise it, because the last thing we want them advertising is a perverted gospel that gives false assurance. Rather, those of us who do have true substance should focus on spreading the truth of our faith, and living that substantial faith so that the style of our Christianity is immediately associated with the substance that we speak of.

And the lesson to learn is this: our style betrays our substance. Do you have real substance to your faith? If so, does it show in your style? Does our style resemble our substance? Let us live the substance our faith commands.

Quote of the Week

2010-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

"A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

A Week in Cleveland, Ohio

2010-08-18T21:57:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day of school. I am exited to be back at the grind, because there is only one way to a law degree, and that is through college. But on the other hand, there is nothing more aggravating than college work. That said, it looks like I should have a little more fun this semester as part of the Honors program at Gulf Coast.

Before school started, I took a week trip to my Uncle Tim and Aunt Sandy’s house in Ohio for a visit with the family. Here are a few pics of the trip.

They were trying to get me to hang around a little longer—or a lot longer. =D

This is Lark, or Larky-boy, with a typical face he makes.

This is Jewel, one of my cute cousins. Here I was giving Jewel some tips on taking good pictures with her camera. Rule #1: don’t take pictures of ugly people. Fortunately for her, she was sitting in a room full of Maynards, where that was not an issue. =D

And this is Holly, inevitably cute, with a smile that’s contagious.

On our way to church! That’s Angel on my lap, and Jewel to my side.

The gardens are a Maynard trait…and a good one at that. Their garden is doing great, and we worked in it some.

Levi—my man!

Sleeping beauty.

The kids wore me out, although I can’t complain about the massage therapy…even if it was done with Levi’s feet.

Levi called me “Ah-bo.”

She is so easy to make smile…

Lily is 9, and along with Calandra, is becoming a fine pianist. With some hard work, she’ll leave academics like me in the dust.

I bet you can’t guess what I’m doing here…

Calandra is ten years old.

Angel, the heart-breaker.

Jewel, the avid artist at work!

They like to help around the kitchen counter….sometimes it’s a good thing. (ahem) =)

“Peek-a-boo!”

Heading to dinner and a visit with Aunt Connie and Uncle Butch.

Larky giving me a face at the Hometown Buffet.

Well, all good thing must come to an end. In fact, Delta Airlines does not have a good relationship with me. All my interactions with them happen to be when they fly me away from those I love. Just think, maybe the next time I see clouds from this angle, I’ll be flying right on past them, meeting my Lord in the air!

I got a text message with this picture during my layover in Atlanta with the caption, “Where’s Claybo?” I can’t help but notice the red eyes. No worries…I should be back for a visit before long.

Ugh, it’s late. Goodnight, all!

In It To Win It!

2010-07-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

Winning is not an event, a time and place, and an action. It is not the sudden celebration of being on top of your goals, your dreams, or your fights. Winning is much more than the comparatively brief moment of excitement when all is said and done, at the end of the day when you receive the reward of your labors.

Winning is an attitude. It is a way of life.

Winning is every second of all four quarters of a game. It is every burn and muscle ache of a marathon; it is every minute and hour of study, every moment of initiative and extra hard work, every decision to put away the weights and hinderances from you, regardless of how petty they may seem, or how long the temptation persists.

In everything a real winner does, he wins. The final score may not show it, the last blow may be the one that knocks him out of the rink, and the last shot that falls may be the nail in the coffin that sinks his every effort to come out on top. But he wins. He wins because no matter what he does, he leaves everything, his heart and his soul, on the floor and leaves that fight knowing he did his best. In victory, he cherishes it. In defeat, he learns from it, making it not a defeat for him, but a lesson.

Winning is an attitude.

"Yeah, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,..." Phillipans 3:8

I have won many things, and in this world, there is much allurement out there to win and to succeed in various things. As with any winning, it comes with much sacrifice. But this is the part of winning that makes most people losers. It is hard, sometimes painful, to sacrifice in order to win. Consider a fighter, who gives up all foods that would hinder his physical shape or bodily systems, keeps a sleep log, trains for hours a day. etc. He gives his life, literally, to be the best fighter he can be. Or an athlete, who does similar routines in health and dieting, physical exercise and training. Or an elite soldier, who once again demostrates unquestioned determination in giving up his home and family to be the soldier he needs to be.

Winning takes sacrifice.

But to win Christ? As I stare in amazement at the phrase itself, it seems an impossibility. For one thing, he had to win me, sacrificing himself on Calvary! How could I win him?

This is ultimate sacrifice. It is not sacrificing family, food, fellowship, or life itself. It is being willing to sacrifice any and all of those things, including any honor you would receive for those sacrifices! At least with a fighter, you may enjoy the benefits of a healthy life and good self defense. At least as an athlete, you enjoy health and millions of dollars due to the idolizing of American sports today. As a soldier, should you truly give up life or limb, you will have much honor in this country, whether you died or were injured in an act of courage and bravery for this country and for your comrades. These are no small things to speak of.

But when you become a pursuant of winning Christ, it is of no benefit to you. It is all a benefit and glory to Christ! In the pursuit of winning Christ, you will have nothing of which to boast, nothing to claim, and should you sacrifice all, and "count them but dung," you will, in the end, hope against hope that you may get closer to understanding what Paul meant when he said, "Let this mind be in you..." You will chase that presence of God that demands ultimate sacrifice of self and pride. YOU gain nothing.....except the likeness of Christ!!! And even this serves only to glorify his name and further his cause, leaving you the with only the blessed priveledge of knowing you gave to him somewhat similar of what he gave to you. Self sacrifice is a pursuit in a Christians life that desires to make him more like Christ, so that you can aim to live in his steps, spending and being spent for others.

I can only hope that I can come close to pleasing my Saviour as much as he pleases me.

I don't suppose I will ever fully understand the concept of winning Christ. I can only pray and work, so that when I stand before him, he will say, "Well done!" If I could hear those words one day from my heavenly Father, I'd say that would be winning enough for me.

A Good Statesman

2010-07-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

This is a good video of what many feel is a politician debate. But, Mr. Keyes is not enough of a politician to win an election. He is what our forefathers were, and that is not politicians, but statements. You will, as a Christian, enjoy this video. I only fear for those Christians who contributed to this mess by voting for Obama in the Illinois Senate race against Mr. Keyes.

Praying As We Ought

2010-06-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

It has been said that prayer is ignorance that trusts in God. As Christians, we are so ignorant, we have no choice but to trust in God as we lean on Him in prayer.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:26 that “we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” That comes from the mouth of a man who was saved more than 25 years when he spoke it. You would think that after a good amount of time and experience, we would get to the point where we at least know for what to ask our heavenly Father in accordance with His will. But the truth is, we are helpless and ignorant children when it comes to the mind of God in many areas. How often have prayer requests been heard regarding unpaid bills, sick children, lost jobs, and countless other serious circumstances that put us on our knees before
Him, only to be at a loss for words? We are absolutely sure for what to ask as far as our will is concerned, but what about what His wishes are? What about what He sees? We are unable to see around today’s corner and, therefore, have no idea what results would come from a “Yes” answer to these requests.

In Numbers 21, the children of Israel are out in their wilderness journey, doing what they do best--complaining about the Lord’s lack of provision and Moses’ lack of leadership. The Lord sends fiery serpents among the people, and they begin to die as they are bitten. The natural request is: “pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us” (Num. 21:7). If answered, it would have doomed every bitten Israelite to certain death. In His mercy, the Lord ignores their request and provides something much better: a cure. Moses is told to make a serpent and hold it high on a pole for the smitten to see and live. That is “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).

Just removing the serpents was not the right request. Maybe just removing the cancer, just healing that sick child, just paying that insurmountable bill, etc., isn’t what the Lord has in mind. I realize how hard this is to swallow, but the Lord has a lot more in mind than just our desires. He is dealing with a myriad of consequences that come with each request, about which we know nothing.

So we approach Him in ignorant faith. Oftentimes unable to fathom what He has in mind, we must kneel before Him and just wait; wait for the right things to say and wait for the Holy Spirit to help with our infirmities (Rom. 8:26). Waiting for something more than just what we want.

Any Christian who has been saved for a number of years can look back on some requests that they are glad the Lord did not answer with a “yes,” though that is what they wished for at the time. In hindsight, it is easy to clearly see that He who is “rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4), sometimes says “No,” not in anger, but in love.

James and John once came to Jesus Christ and asked to sit at His right and left hands in His glory (Mark 10:35-37). Jesus answered that they did not even know what they were asking. Of course they didn’t. Like ourselves, they only had in mind what surely was an admirable request. What they could not know was that they were actually begging to be put into a position to have themselves beheaded by the Antichrist in the Tribulation. The right and left hand spots were already reserved for the “two olive trees” of Zechariah 4:3, the two witnesses who must be killed after preaching before the Antichrist (Rev. 11:3-9). James and John only saw a pretty good position in the kingdom, and what could possibly be wrong with that?

Thank God for ignorant faith. In our weak and sinful condition, we can come boldly before Him on His throne and wait for help from the Holy Spirit of God with all these infirmities (Heb. 4:16); especially the infirmity of selfishness that cannot see more than an inch in front of our faces and no further, an infirmity that hinders us from seeing clearly. Yet ignorant faith can help us to see, though “through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12). A sympathetic Holy Spirit helps us to see beyond ourselves. He reminds us of examples of those He has helped in their infirmities before us: like Esther, with both parents dead, living in an idolatrous foreign land, yet able to see past her own life and say, “If I perish, I perish” (Esth. 4:16); and like Ruth, a widow, outside of the promises of God and without hope in this world (Eph. 2:12), yet able to see past her Moabite gods and say, “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

The Apostle Paul, after being saved many years and seeing the hand of God in his life, realized that “we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” But that does not mean that we do not pray. That does not mean we grovel in our infirmities and fear to make a single move. Instead, in ignorant faith, we kneel and ask the Lord to remember “that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). In spite of the sins and infirmities, we look to lean on Him as we make our “requests . . . known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).

Prayer is ignorance that trusts in God. We pray for more faith and He gives darkness. We pray for peace and we get more struggles. We pray for a chance to serve, and He gives a corner in which to wait. We pray for fire to burn in our hearts, and we get more coldness. So in ignorant faith, with examples who have gone before us, we continue to believe that “He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37), even when the answer is “No.”

Bravery

2010-05-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Bra'very, n: Courage; heroism; undaunted spirit; intrepidity; gallantry; fearlessness of danger; often united with generosity or dignity of mind which despises meanness and cruelty, and disdains to take advantage of a vanquished enemy.

"Be brave!" I was 7...maybe 8 when I recall hearing this phrase. My father was hosting a Maynard house boxing show, with half the neighborhood in our livingroom. Friday night fights had nothing on this! Punches flying, faces and heads getting hit, and everyone, including the ones boxing, having a blast!

But I had some growing up to do. You see, boxing is not very fair...especially when you get hit a lot. That was me. I got hit more than a lot! If someone was bleeding, it was me. If anyone got injured, it was going to be me. If anyone was ready to quit, count on it--it was me.

I sometimes felt like quitting. The punches hurt, and the fatigue can wear you down. "Be brave!" That was my dad's phrase...and it was like pumping me with an energy boost! I was ready to go when I heard those words.

I didn't realize how much boxing was like life...

"Be brave!"

It was that easy...as a kid, that's all I needed to hear. But in boxing, and in life, it's easier said than done. I wonder how many children are told that they need to be brave?! I know they do not know the importance of the concept.

But there are only three things that keep you going, whether you are in the ring, or in life. And they are real simple.

1. Be able to take a punch.

Throwing punches is great, but if you can't take one, you're sunk! You have to be able to bite a few punches real good, and still keep fighting! Life punches you! If you've lived life for any length, you'll see that. Everybody wants to throw punches at the enemy, because it's fun, and we like throwing punches, but it's when the punches hit us square in the face that we begin to rethink our dedication to the fight. "Be brave!" Take a punch, and keep fighting. If you can't, you won't last long.

2. Want to fight

You will flame out REAL fast if you don't want to fight. I can't tell you how many kids I've seen with a ton of potential that never get out of the starting bell 10 seconds because they don't want anything to do with the fight. When living for God, you have to want it! If you don't desire this fight, it will spew you out before you ever throw one punch! If you don't want it, then you definitely won't take a punch well. In fact, the first punch will send you to the floor, KO'd, because if you don't want to fight, you just won't. (Didn't I say this was simple?)

3. Have the right people in your corner

This is the most important concept, whether boxing or living for God. I would've fallen long ago, in the boxing ring and in my life, had it not been for having the right people in my corner. God is in my corner. My parents are in my corner. If I only ever had God, that would be enough to last the fight, but I have more. In addition to my parents, I have other friends...notice I didn't say buddies...in my corner. You can't have your buddies in your corner. All they will do is distract you. You need God, your family, and good solid people who have your best interest at heart and have proven that they will stick with you. Otherwise, clean your corner out. Get God in there, first of all, and then get your corner full of people that can truly help you stay in the fight. Buddies will say, "Have fun!" while the right people will say, "Be brave!"

I have a good corner, and thanks to them, I love this fight, and I've learned to take some hits. Loving the fight helps you take some hits. And when you start to really hurt, your corner comes through to encourage you to "Be brave!"

We need some brave individuals. We need some people who aren't looking for a reason to bail out of the fight. We need some people to realize who should really be in their corner!

And when you have those three things...jump in the ring, and "BE BRAVE!"

What has happened...

2010-05-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

There is no easy way to write this post, as a lot of things that I simply do not have the time to tell about have occurred. First, my brother, Russell, got married to Hannah a month ago today. You can check out some pics at:

www.lovestorieswritteninheaven.blogspot.com

Then, I finished my freshman year 2 weeks ago. I have much to do this summer, as I plan on making some extra cash as well as stay busy around here at the academy. I am looking forward to a much needed break, though. I need to breathe deep for a while...

So, I've been doing the things that I love for the last two weeks...spending time with family, working at the academy, working out (HOOYAH!), and best of all, spending more time with the Lord, and THAT has been truly amazing! Isn't our Lord wonderful? He is truly altogether lovely!

I sat in church last night as my dad preached about thanksgiving and that we should think more on what we have to be thankful for, and I realized how much I have to be thankful for...and then after the preaching, during the invitation, members of our church just went to one another and told their brethren and sisters how much they appreciated them. You know, we all have people in our lives that we would simply not be the same without, and it is good for us to let those people know every once in a while how much we appreciate and love them. Last night, our entire church broke into a semi-frenzy of people wandering about, expressing their love and thankfulness to people who mean a lot to them. And it was good. Good for our church. Good for our hearts.

You see, sin can rip through a place, the devil can use people to divide, and false brethren can hurt...but true love still prevails!

I encourage you to do the same...find someone who mean alot to you and tell them so. You will be glad you did, and it will be healthy for you both!

Well, a pointless post is better than no post, so there you have it! LOL

I did want to let you all know what's been going on with me. Later, I plan on writing some posts about ideas that have been around for a long time and I haven't got to. But, thanks to summer, I'll have a little more time. Till next time.

Clay

“Christian Rock?”

2010-03-25T20:50:00.001-07:00

What is "Christian?" Simply, it is Christlike, as they were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). But what is meant by "Christian Rock?"

First, you need to understand "rock and roll." I took a course on understanding music history last semester, and I learned a few things. "Rock and Roll" is a term that was first used by disc jockey Alan Freed in 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio.

He began using this term in 1951 to describe fornication in the backseat of a car while pop music was being played, because he thought the action was “exciting and inciting.” The term caught on, and the music mixture of country, jazz, blues, and rhythm that Freed aired became known as “Rock and Roll” music, or “Rock” music. This music has the natural overtone of sensuality and fornication, and is filled with rebellion and indecency. The music teaches all manner of immorality and is described in the vilest of terms.

To explain further why this music is from the pit of hell is to explain why Mt. Everest is tall.

As I sat in class last Tuesday, my teacher, who grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, left God and is an atheist and evolutionist, made the following statement:

“Back when I was a kid in the Baptist church, rock music was evil. It would damn your soul, because it was the devils music. Now, we have churches that embrace ‘Christian’ rock, having evolved their standards to fit in with the modern trends. I asked some kids the other day who went to this type of church why they went. They told me the reason they go to church is for the music! I was sure that they would tell me that they wanted to get closer to God, but no, they went for the music. Doesn’t that seem counter-productive? To compromise to the point that you lose what you started out trying to achieve?”

This comes from an evolutionary atheist, and yet there are claiming “Christians” who defend Christian Rock music!

If Christian means Christlike, and Rock and Roll means backseat fornication, does “Christian Rock” mean Christlike fornication? Do you see the hypocrisy of any saved person who listens to this trash?

Christian Rock and the CCM movement attempts to converge the meaning of the gospel songs with the music styles of the world. This is not possible, because the music that perpetuates betrays the words that are being sung, and the carnal overrides the spiritual.

To be honest, I don’t have a lot of time for people that like to slur the lines between Christian Rock and CCM and pure gospel music using subtlety and borderline music.

Who needs Jars of Clay or Jars of Mud, or whatever they’re called? And why would groups like the Gaither Vocal Band, Steve Green, and others in the southern gospel world slant their music to try to take a middle ground, to jump back and forth over the fence of right and wrong in their music? Whether we believe it or not, these musicians are about money for the most part, and the money is in the modern music, so there you have it! The problem is, the worlds music does not accentuate a Godly spirit, but a carnal one.

What all Christians need to realize is that when the music betrays the message, the sanctity of Godly music is lost, and the flesh will dominate the environment, every time!!

I say we produce a music that lives up to the holiness of the book we preach, the righteousness of the God we serve, and the true worship that our Lord deserves and desires. Then, and only then, will music accomplish its purpose: lifting up and glorifying our God!

More Ben Everson

2010-03-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Good Songs!

2010-03-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here is some good music to listen to. He adds some visual effects as well, but his music is top notch.

Till next time,

Clay

Is this my blog?

2010-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

I just ran across a link in my favorites, and I realized it was a blog link. No sooner had I clicked on it than it asked me to sign in. After putting in my usual username and password, it took me to a blog dashboard, and I wondered to myself if this was my blog. Indeed, it was! It had my picture, my information, even some interesting information about myself on the profile. Yes, this was surely mine!

You probably know that the first paragraph I was being sarcastic. But yes, it has been so long, that I almost forgot I had one--or two for that matter! So here I am, offering my deepest apologies for being so absent. I have been incredibly busy for a while. Life speeds up so fast as you get older. Indeed, much has happened.

I have started my second semester of college, and boy has it already been a ride. I preached at Bro. Charlie Andrews' youth rally in January, and this last week, our family went to the funeral of Dr. Homer Smith. So, like I said, much has happened. If you would like to hear the messages from the youth rally, click here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Clay^Maynard

Again, I've been busy in many things, but I look forward to getting back to the blog(s) as much as I can. If you'd like to know how I am, this is the blog to watch for. My other blog is strictly political, and you can find it on the sidebar. I will be posting there from time to time as well, Lord willing.

In Christ Alone,

Clay

His Thoughts or His Mind?

2009-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus;"

Philippians 2:5

"For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

If his thoughts are above our thoughts, then how can the mind of Christ be in us?

It is not the understanding thoughts of the Almighty's ways that we are to have in us, but rather the mind of willingness to do God's will and humility that the Saviour possessed while on earth. It is not the ability to know all things as God does in Isaiah 55:8 that we are commanded to have, but the ability to obey without understanding, like Christ did in Philippians 2:5.

Too often we desire the opposite: to understand the ways of God Almighty and his perfect design, and yet we refuse to have the submitted, self-sacrificial mind that our Lord displayed in his life on earth, though we be commanded to "follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21) The path of Phillipians 2:5-8 goes unaccomplished in most Christians as they seek to know "why" God does things, reaching beyond human comprehension into the knowledge of an infinite God, which we will never understand.

Our Lord would rather us have a Christ-like submission to his authority, crucifying ourselves with Christ. In this way, it is not our will, but his being done. This is the mind of Christ.

Therefore, not understanding God Almighty's thoughts and ways, let us have the mind of Christ.

True Victory; True Defeat

2009-12-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

Victory is a coveted thing. A measure of heavenly immortality on mortal earth. Victory is when you truly get triumph in the face of a struggle.

And defeat. Defeat is not a "knocked down but never knocked out" attitude. Defeat is when you lose. In effect, the battle is over. No one takes defeat well.

I've felt victory before. True victory that was so longed-for and coveted that it almost hurt me for the exitement that I felt. It was a swelling of joy and longing in my heart that almost burst my spirit. And I've felt defeat. I've felt completely crushed, as if victory was not at all possible.

In fighting my flesh, victory and defeat are real things. In spiritual warfare, both of these can be felt. Sometimes just a whiff of victory can be very encouraging at a point in life where the campaign seems marked by defeat.

Most of the time, victory cannot be acheived because our battle efforts are not passionate enough. We lack the energy and will to do what is necessary in certain battles to gain victory. Then we get knocked down. We suffer losses. We take steps backward.

A lot of times, a defeat can aggravate me to the point that I will go all out, sparing no expense, and doing drastic things physically and spiritually to gain that victory. I'm a winner, and losing is not something I do well. And if anything good can come from losing, it is the determination that pushes me over the top to gain the victory, because I've made the effort necessary to win.

And that's where you need to get if you seem to never gain the victory. Get in a mode of win-or-die syndrome. And give it all you've got! You cannot go too far in putting forth an effort to gain a victory for God. Do the drastic things that seem overboard if that's what it takes. Fast for long periods of time. Pray at crazy hours of the morning and night. Get close to God in ways that you need to in order to get the upper hand on the flesh. You have to make the flesh weary and wasted before the spiritual man can get a solid foothold. Make the old flesh weary and tired. Then get a hold of God, and beg him for his strength. Victory is possible. Especially after defeat. God wants Christians to be victorious, and with his help and a sincere will-power, it can be acheived.

This is the purpose of the altar in the Bible--for flesh to be sacrificed. Burn the flesh. When the stink of burning flesh begins to rise out of your life towards God and for God, he says it will be a "sweet smelling savor." What stinks to you in the flesh will smell good to our Savior. Lay yourself on the altar, and kill the wicked flesh, sacrificing it to the Lord.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galations 2:20

Christmas Ladies Meeting Setup

2009-12-10T13:41:00.001-08:00

I have been sick for the last two days, and finding myself without much to do, I thought I would put up a few pictures. Although ladies meetings have nothing to do with me, I usually have a lot to do with the setup, cleanup, and eating up of the leftovers. So, I thought since I had a lot of investment in it, I’d put up a few pictures of that.

Somehow food tastes better when you eat it in a nice setting.

Somehow my mom couldn’t bear not to have a Christmas tree, so we settled for this little 3 footer. The way I see it, I have enough work to do without making extra work for myself. Makes sense, right?

These were the able waiters at the party. Many times I have been in those outfits, getting picked on, poked at cause I was at a ladies meeting, getting my cheeks pinched, and being told I was handsome all night (though it may be true). :) I don’t envy you boys… hope you had a blast! :D After setup, I left and went with Russell over to his trailer for a few hours. I’m sure the ladies had a good time, as always.

Double Decision

2009-12-07T20:46:00.001-08:00

It is always easy to say things. It’s not always so easy to do them.

Words spoken in time of ease many times are hard to swallow in times of testing. And due to the excess of words, we find ourselves questioning things that we once have said, and now are expected to act upon.

It’s not that what was once said was wrong. It doesn’t even mean that we no longer believe it now that the testing is upon us. But our flesh gets into situations where our desire is so overwhelming that the things we once stood for are now being second-guessed and even being tossed to and fro in our minds.

As a Christian who takes a stand for many things, this is especially important. You must take that stand, but taking that stand will require you to live a very specific way.

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?…[he] In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Psalm 15:1,4

Swearing to your own hurt, and changing not. These are powerful words spoken by the psalmist, realizing some things he knew personally.

David said he would not touch God’s anointed. When Saul began throwing spears, David ran. He honored his word. But it did not end there. After more than 5 years of running from Saul, the opportunity to kill him was well within David’s grasp. Yet he apologized and repented for simply cutting the cloth of Saul’s garment. Swearing to your own hurt… and CHANGING NOT!

Stability is probably the most lacked character trait in this generation. People don’t even know what to stand for, and then those that do know what to stand for don’t stand.

There’s no such thing as making a decision for God only one time. If you make a decision for the Lord, the devil is sure to test it. Try it. If you made the decision once, you will need to make the same decision again.

I made the decision a long time ago to do whatever the Lord told me to do. A semester into college, I’ve made that decision at least 100 more times. :)

I made the decision not to use certain language. I make that same decision every time I go to work and deal with certain people that do their best to bring out the worst in me.

I made the decision to keep myself pure, saving my heart and body for the precious young lady I marry. I made that same decision again today.

The point is, if you made the decision for the Lord, expect to make it again, and again, and again. A world of sin is against everything you promise the Lord.

Have you made the decision to do whatever God wants? If you have, then never let financial circumstances, geographic locations, or self-will deter you.

Have you vowed to keep yourself pure? If the answer is yes, then never, ever give your heart, emotions, or feelings to anyone whom God has not expressly told you is the man or woman you will marry, and only then after you have the go-ahead from God’s authority in your life. In fact, I ask every unmarried young adult with Christian parents reading this to make a vow to the Lord: Vow to never pursue a relationship that leads to marriage until both of your parents approve. If one of them sees a problem, then there’s something wrong. But I promise you, if both of them agree that it is good, you can be sure the Lord is in it. (That advice was unplanned so that was free of charge) :D

And that will be another decision that your flesh will be sure to test you on. Just remember, even if it hurts, CHANGE NOT! What was right when you made the decision is still right today. Do not change based on the situation. The circumstances do not warrant exceptions, the circumstances show what you really believed all along. Stick with those decisions… especially when it hurts. God loves to see his children make decisions, and then make the same decision again when the going gets tough and it isn’t easy, because it honors him.

Double decisions will be the greatest tool of public testimony you can have. And to top it off, God will be pleased. And when he smiles, the frowns of the world won’t mean a thing. I love to make God smile, and he put it on my heart to write this post. God is pleased with double decisions!

One Nice Picture!

2009-11-17T17:35:00.001-08:00

Just a few friends having a blast at the beach.

(Oh, actually it’s a few friends and a twitter-pated couple!)

Good times, tough times...

2009-11-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

It has been a very unusually grim time around Truth Baptist Church and the Heritage Boys Academy. It has had its highlights as well though. Alot has happened, so I'll do this in chronological order.

On Wednesday, the 21st of October, our dear friends from the Netherlands, the Huussens, arrived in Panama City. They will be here until the first week of December, and will be back again sometime after the first of next year to get ready for the Russell and Hannah's wedding. I don't know the details of it all yet, but nonetheless, it has already been alot of fun since they've been here. I have enjoyed every spare minute I can "escape" over to their trailer. :D That was one of the highlights.

Then on Monday, the 26 of October, our campmeeting started. We had Pastor Charlie Andrews, Pastor Mike Keenan, Bro. Terrence Calvin, Bro. Terry Kendrick, Bro. Jake Huussen, and Bro. Daniel Waters preach during the week. There were some other assorted preachers during the week, including myself, and I had such a great time preaching! The Lord gave much liberty and I can't remember having such a good time preaching. The whole week was truly a blessing to our church. The quality of the preaching was excellent, and the Lord met with us in a great way.

Then some tough times came. On Sunday, the 2nd of November, Silas Blackburn, who has been fighting cancer for close to 6 six months, went on to be with the Lord. He went after fighting a battle most men couldn't take. The Lord's grace has been, and will continue to be sufficient. We are all grateful for the comfort that Silas' battles are now over, and we will see him again, and soon.

Since then, I have spent the last 9 days with some disease I can't seem to shake. It has included severe headaches, fevers, head and chest congestion, coughing, etc. It has in a large way interrupted school more than anything. It is the first time I've been sick this year. It has really caught me off guard, because I typically stay pretty healthy. Anyway, pray that I can shake this thing before Monday, cause I can't miss any more school or I'll really be in trouble.

I have really enjoyed some things I've learned from God recently as I've tried to grow closer to him. He has been especially close and real through the tumultous times, and I cherish the things I am learning and have learned.

The Lord is good.

What is Important?

2009-10-03T19:09:00.001-07:00

What is important to you?

Family? The right to be raised and raise your family as you see fit, stay healthy as you see fit, and love and serve God as you think is best is seen by most Americans as a right, and one that they would die for, at that!

Friends? Your brothers and sisters in Christ and the comraderie you share is crucial to your spiritual encouragement and help, and I know that this is important to the majority of my readers.

Freedom? The ability to choose to serve God, own a gun, homeschool your kids, and preach against everything the Bible does are all freedoms that I would give my life for tomorrow. And so would most of my readers, I would presume.

But what we would truly give our life for tomorrow is what we give our lives for today. A lot of what goes on in American patriotism and politics today is nothing but talk!

People say they love America. Yet when it comes right down to it, they do nothing to effect the change they say they want to happen.

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when people vote, not for the best man, but rather for the man who has the best chance of beating who they hate the most. (You want change, you say?)

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when we send back to congress the same men who created this mess, and even elect them to the office of the President of the United States. (Where’s the Maverick now, when we need him most?)

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when I can’t even get people to read a political blog that discusses the very issues they say are important to them.

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when the courts, the lawyers, and the politicians are passing law after law trampling your freedoms and labeling you in a way King George III could have never dreamed of before the War for Independence. And you do nothing.

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when some people have already quit reading this article because they don’t want to get involved with “all that political stuff.”

I have a hard time with the “I Love America” claims when you watch America go to Hell on a regular basis, and you can’t even get off the televisions, the video-games, the computers, and the beds to go on visitation, street preach, and be a witness for Christ. When you refuse to be different on purpose in situations where you can make a difference for God…

My point is this: I don’t believe a lot of people love America the way they say they do. When I get riled up about these issues, and I watch others yawn, I wonder just how possible revival is in this country. I wonder just how possible a real change for God is possible with these lazy Christians who “say” they love America.

You love yourself and your comfort. That’s what you love; because that’s what you act on.

But mark my words—you will answer to God for wasting the greatest opportunity of freedom a people has ever had in world history. You’ll answer to God for the immeasurable amount of patriot blood that has been spilt for what we squander today. And to top it off, we’ll have to apologize to some great men that gave their families, their fortunes, their reputations, and their lives so people like us can write what we think on a blog without government censorship.

If you want, you can plop down into your E-Z chair with a magazine and a cup of tea with your claims of “Oh, it’s just prophecy being fulfilled. Even so, come Lord Jesus.” But your complacency will be answered for one day. That’s a fact.

More than just forgetting...

2009-09-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be BLOTTED OUT, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" Acts 3:19

"I have BLOTTED OUT, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." Isaiah 44:22

In your bible, you find that God forgets our sins. Our iniquities he will remember no more. But in these passages, I find an even deeper description of God's mindset toward our sin, past, present, and future: Blotted out.

When I forget something, it doesn't mean that it ceases to exist (I wish that were true in school). It simply means that I am unaware of it. But when something is blotted out, it literally ceases to exist! How can this be?

The almighty God that created our very being, hung stars we can't imagine in places we can't comprehend, and orchestrates the thunder I hear outside my window right now, said that your sins are "blotted out." I don't presume to understand my God in these things, but I have chosen to believe him when he says them. My sins aren't in a closet somewhere to be brought out by the adversary at the judgement. They simply don't exist. When I call to remembrance my sin, the Father turns to his Son, and says, "What is he talking about?"

I don't know about you, but many times when I pray it seems my sins are ever before me. I can't shut the sin out of my mind long enough to even talk to the Lord! If that happens to you, then that is the devil trying to distract you, hinder you, and stop you from praying. From now on, do what I do. I say to the Lord, "Lord, please hold on one second." Then I turn to the devil, and I say, "Devil, that sin is what Jesus took to Calvary, and I appreciate you reminding me of all that God did for me when he blotted out my sin. Anything else you need?" Then, without further delay, I continue praying.

That may seem strange to you, and you may think I'm crazy for talking to the devil like that. But just think of it this way--He doesn't mind interrupting you and God to talk to you, so you might as well take the time to shut him up. Just tell him that anything he wants to talk about is already gone in the blood of Jesus Christ, so he needs to go kick a coke can down the street, cause you don't have time to talk to him today. AMEN! Don't waste time with that old fool!

Remember saints, your sins are forgiven, and on top of that, they're blotted out!

The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad!

Fast Living and Long Vacations

2009-09-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am alive, if you began to wonder. Life has just been extremely busy for me lately. I haven't had time for really anything but school and work. I used to go to the gym pretty regularly to play basketball...not anymore! I used to do my piano lessons on Friday, my morning off. Now I take my Sunday afternoon nap and do piano lessons in that time. You know it's bad when your next door neighbor who just happens to be your grandmother says, "I never see you anymore." Yeah, I know. I hardly see myself anymore, it seems. The mirror is forgetting what I look like. :D Just kidding.

Actually, in times of crash and burn, I get moments of tranquility. I have my little recesses that I can't really afford to take, but the cost of not taking them just happens to be higher. It's a nap here and there, or something like that. I just do it and then make up for it later somehow.

Anyway, college has been a quite an experience, so to speak. I have had many, many discussions with professors who profess to be wise, but really can't back up what they say. They are used to students who allow themselves to be spoon-fed everything without feedback. I couldn't even begin to tell on this blog the stories of class issues that come up. It boils down to the fact that this country is so ignorant of truth, that even the concept of making sure things are true is completely foreign to them.

So here I sit, looking at my laptop screen, getting ready to take an absence from school for the next 2 days, and thanking God more than ever before that vacations exist. I wonder sometimes just how much of my life is going to be at this level of fast-pace. I want to think that after college, it will slow down, and I'm sure it will. Whatever the case, I am willing to give my time, effort, and personal well-being to the cause of Jesus Christ. Making a difference for Christ will never be convenient, and I am resigned to that fact. As a lawyer, I don't plan on signing papers for corporations to do business to the tune of $300 per hour. I plan on really making trouble for the devil, if you want to look at it that way.

But for this next week or so, it's time to sleep, eat, laugh with family, bible read, sleep, bible read, eat, sleep, have fun with family, bible read, good book read, sleep...you get the picture. :D

Stay in the fight, for it will soon be night, Christian!

In Christ Alone,
Clay

God's Will for Me

2009-09-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Should I think beyond God's will for me
And dare to fall as prey
To future days too far from me
And miss God's perfect way?

Should I think above God's will for me
As though there is a place
That I could reach by my own lead
Surpassing God's daily grace?

Should I think behind God's will for me
And wonder how it would measure
If I returned God's will to flee
And wish for seeming pleasure?

Should I think around God's will for me
That other ways be known
Than the way I know and plainly see
That God has clearly shown?

Or should I rest on eagles wings
And determine not to wrest
The design with which God fulfills all things
And wait--cause He knows best?

Real Treasure

2009-08-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”

Christians today see their lives through the dimmed glasses of worldly philosophy. We seem to think that our life consisteth of the abundance of things that we possess, though the Bible warns us of this. In fact, the measure of a life is not in the amount that you can see, but rather in the amount that you can’t see. What has he given of himself to God?

The amount of yourself that has been given wholly to God is the true measure of your worth in this life. Those that only look to lay up great wealth here on earth have missed the greatest blessing that wealth can be to you—giving. If God supplies my needs, and I believe he does, then the amount of myself and my possessions that I give to God is the measure of what I think I need to help God take care of me. Do I have the faith that God can supply my needs without my help?

Christians have laid up no treasure in the eternal bank of heaven, focusing to treasure all temporal (and I mean REAL temporal) possessions in safes, banks, and wallets.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Herein lies the problem. God wants your heart. When he gets that, the money comes with it. My treasure has, for the most part, gone to reach souls around this world. As a result, I don’t have as many earthly treasures. Should I worry? Did God need that money to pay for my college? No! God paid for my entire college with scholarships.

When your money is not surrendered to the Lord, neither is a whole host of other things. Why? Your heart is wrong.

I know why so many churches freeze up when money is mentioned. I know why missionaries are spending 4-5 years on deputation. I know why the Mormons are doing such a much better job of reaching this world. Because we are looking at the sorriest bunch of Christians God has ever had to work with! You as God’s people are sitting on your wallets as if they belong to you while a lost world is going to Hell! That’s why.

Perhaps your pharisaical, cold heart will only be softened by the flames of Hell as the lost are turned into it on the day of judgment. I promise you, you will be the one that loses out by storing your money in banks that will burn and wallets that steal your treasure, and therefore your heart, from God. God’s people need wake up—and fast! The end is near, and the churches are asleep at the wheel.

Examine yourself!

Coming Home

2009-08-25T22:12:00.001-07:00

Breathing hard, he turns the corner. Although he hardly looks the part, he knows these halls very well. The beautiful walls of ivory are decorated with the richest and finest ornaments anyone has ever seen. He takes another turn, leading to the court room. He is hardly presentable in these garments. The stench he leaves behind as he walks through the corridors leaves the bystanders in awe that one would present himself this way. But, they had learned to keep their opinions to themselves when it came to the Kings son. After all, who were they?

He passes by the chamber of learning without even a pause. How many hours had he spent in the chamber of learning? As a child, he had learned so much in that chamber, yeah, precious riches of wisdom. This knowledge of the holy is still with him today. Today, he hardly looks like he once did. He once resembled the royalty he was—and still is!

He sees down the corridor on his left the chamber of fellowship. How many joyous moments has he of that wonderful place? Growing up there, he had the pleasure of spending much of his life in precious communion with the King’s cabinet and counsel. How embarrassing it would be to be confronted in such an environment in his current state!

No, he must keep going.

He finally enters the main hall that leads to the court room.

Almost there…

Now that he’s here, doubts enter his mind as to his decision. What will his father think? Does he know of his son’s indiscretion? Of course he does! Could he possibly not know? Dare he ask for mercy again after again hurting his father? He wasn’t sure.

He sure didn’t remember the hallway toward the courtroom being this long of a walk. His breathing is heavier than before.

He hadn’t been gone long…or at least it didn’t seem long. He had just wandered…a little. But it didn’t take much. First it was just a fancied thought and before you knew it, he was at the end of his rope. Now, here he panted forward at the door through which his fate would be decided.

He begins to recall his father’s mercy last time this happened. What a fool! How could he have done this again? He can only imagine his fathers hurt…

After being adopted out of such a bad situation, you would think a Kings son would have some more loyalty than this. After all, his father kept back no blessings from his son in his time. Everything he owned was a gift from the King; he had given him everything! But in getting what he wanted, he lost what he had! Why did he leave again? That’s funny! As big as it seemed then, he can’t even remember anymore!!

He begins to weep. How foolish can he be? How pointless could the reason have been for him to leave if he can’t even remember?

He must pull himself together before he reaches the courtroom so he can present his sincere apology, and accept his fate. He must.

But thinking on his sinful ways is not helping. He tries to stifle his sobs as he looks up knowing he must be close to the courtroom of his father by now…

And there he stood, in front of his father, in the middle of the courtroom!

Someone must have opened the courtroom doors without him knowing, and while his head was bowed with his sorrow, he had unknowingly walked right in to the courtroom.

His father saw his sorrow. He saw the tears. He saw him bearing out his heart. And now what?

He couldn’t speak. But then, he realized he didn’t need to. He could see his father’s eyes stinging with tears, and he knew once again the great love his father had for him. He knew in that one glance that forgiveness was granted. He not only knew it---he felt it! Once again, everything was ok! His father embraced his son, glad he hadn’t gone far, but even more glad he was quick to come back when he realized his mistake.

And the kings aides and the bystanders in the court looked on with awe at the relationship of a forgiving father and an unfaithful son.

And now the painted picture hangs in the corridor of the King’s son, ever deepening his love for the father. For he that is forgiven much, the same loveth much!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The King is my heavenly father. The unfaithful son is me. The time this occurred? Last Sunday morning.

Our Problem with God’s Will

2009-08-20T21:59:00.001-07:00

I appreciate God’s will. I’ve seen it guide, work, and lead in many situations. The will of God has led me as much as I’ve seen it lead anyone. I’ve seen God speak when I had questions, showing me his will. I’ve watched God’s will work in the lives of others. I’ve seen the blessings of those who followed it, and the horrible consequences of those who did not.

I’ve never believed God’s will was a mystery. I always believed that if you truly wanted God’s will, God would show you what he wanted. People act sometimes like God is playing hide and seek with his will, like he gets some sort of pleasure out of seeing you distress over what he might want for you. I don’t believe my Lord does that.

But there is something about God’s will, that, if you don’t understand it, you could be greatly discouraged and disheartened. This concept is called God’s timing! Revealing his will is an art that only God understands, and it’s where faith comes into the picture. There is a beauty that turns the head of God Almighty, and it’s faith.

God does not show you his complete will. He only shows you what he wants you to see. I used to deeply wonder at why he would do this. One night, as I was meditating on this, I asked God why he wouldn’t tell me some important things I felt like I should be able to know. I simply asked God to show me why he wouldn’t let me see the whole picture, or at least more than I was seeing at the time. Then, whether by divine inspiration or common sense I don’t know, it occurred to me that what I knew about God’s will, I would prepare myself for. What I didn’t know about God’s will for me, I could not try to prepare for. Maybe God didn’t want me to try to prepare for my own future instead of letting him prepare me for my future.

And here lies the problem. Are we content to only see as much of God’s will as he allows us to? Do we allow our wishes to see too much of his plan deter us from doing his immediate plan. Could it be that your misconceiving that God is not showing you his will when in reality his will is for you to do nothing. You can’t see everything at once; it would take away from the sovereignty of God, as well as our dependence on his guidance. Don’t allow the road signs miles down the road that you can’t quite make out distract you from adequately obeying the road signs right in front of you. Focusing on God’s will in 5 years may cause you to lose focus on God’s will for you right now.

Faith is taking the first stair when you can’t see the whole staircase. Faith is trusting God to only show you what part of his will he wants you to know for now and being content with it. I say this not because I have conquered it completely. Rather on the contrary, I have been chastened on this quite recently. Without realizing it, you can build up a grudge against the Lord about something you don’t or can’t understand. Don’t allow that to happen. Be content with only a piece of the puzzle. One day, when the picture is all complete, you will enjoy the beauty of it tremendously, because you know every mountain and valley of each piece.

Just something to think about.

His Grace Is Sufficient

2009-08-19T21:19:00.001-07:00

I wrote this song back in 2006, but it took a while to develop if you know what I mean. I normally include a key change when we sing this, but due to some voice issues on my part that morning, we omitted it on this occasion. Russell and my dad really make it sound nice here singing those parts. Hope you enjoy!

Vacation

2009-08-18T18:04:00.001-07:00

The Maynard family has been on vacation for the last week, and we have enjoyed ourselves. After visiting some relatives, we played golf today before heading home. The course was phenomenal! Below is the best pictures from golf.

Needless to say because of the pictures, it was beautiful. Now that I’m in the car on the way home, it has started POURING RAIN. I mean it is coming down in sheets. The Lord was good to keep it clear until we were done. Praise the Lord for a good day and a great week!

If you happen to think of it, pray for me tomorrow. I start school, and it will be groundbreaking day, so pray that the transition is smooth. I’ll let you know probably tomorrow how it went.

Piano Duet - Keep on the Firing Line

2009-08-15T14:46:00.001-07:00

"And laid thy hand upon me..." Psalm 139:5-6

2009-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's one thing to imagine great things to be done for God, and even ask for the Lord to do them through you. It's one thing to offer your services to God. But it's quite another thing for God to lay his hand upon you.

When God lays his hand on you, you are ruined. You are only good for his use. Someone who has been chosen by God cannot succeed at anything besides what he has called you to be. You cannot be a good salesman, policeman, or soldier of the armed forces when you're called to preach. You won't make a good insurance agent, real estate developer, or even church worker when God wants you on the mission field. I didn't say you couldn't be those things, you'll just be barely making it on your own, miserable out of God's will.

Only God knows what I know about myself. And while everyone else can say the same, it does not take away from me the amazement that God decides to use me. I'm not the only candidate out there. God makes a conscious choice to put me in positions to get glory out of my life. Why?

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

When choosing someone to be a young preacher one day, God must have looked over the earth for a young, small, unworthy boy. He saw the most insignificant and wicked young man, and decided that if he would give his life to God, he could get glory from his life, seeing he had absolutely nothing to be proud of. He knew at that time how much I would fail him, how much I would fall short, and how sorry of a Christian I would be, and he still laid his hand on me.

Then I've gotten up and preached and God seemed to just blow through and lavish favor on me....for what reason, I for the life of me cannot figure out! I am the last person worthy to be used for God's glory in something like washing a toilet, let alone for God to tell me to preach his holy book.

He's sees right through me! He sees as I preach and knows the struggles I face even in things I'm preaching about. He sees my pitfalls that show up in my sermons, and he allows me to preach the standard so much higher than I've ever been able to attain. I've always had to be honest with him. What's there to hide from him, anyway?

He knew before he saved me what kind of Christian I would be. He knew before he called me just how much I would hurt him in my actions, though striving for better. He knew! And he still laid his hand upon me!

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

God, if I am only good on earth for one thing, may it be bringing you honor and glory. If I can only attain one thing, may it be that in spite of myself, my love for you always be stronger than the day before. And in essence, God, please help me to bring a smile to your face!

Vacationing!

2009-08-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally completed the 2 day, 18 hour trip at about 11 p.m. last night. We were tired, but the family was up and waiting for us. The Lord kept us safe, for which we are grateful! My Uncle Tim has a beautiful place up here in Chardon, Ohio. Here are some pics:

That's about it for now...I'll probably put up another post out of Psalm 139 later.

“Thou hast searched me…” Psalm 139:1-4

2009-08-09T21:48:00.001-07:00

People don’t understand what you are feeling. You don’t even understand it all…and yet God has already searched you. God has performed an operation on you that has all of your worries and cares on inventory.

“Thou hast searched me, and known me.”

If anyone knows me, it’s the Lord. Boy, does he know me! I’ve been at his feet just a few times, for many different things. I’m glad he knows me. It brings me comfort. No one else has to understand, including myself. God is the one making decisions, so as long as he understands I’ll be OK. I’m glad he does.

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.”

Have you ever tried to hide from God? We don’t really believe we’re hiding, we just try to ignore him quietly. We try to act like God doesn’t know us as well as he does.

“Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it alltogether.”

It says he compasses our path and our lying down. There is not a flank that the enemy can penetrate. Compass literally means to surround. God has compassed you. Not only has he compassed me, but he has compassed my path. My path is where I’m headed! My future has already been staked out by the Saviour. There is nothing to be uncertain about. He will wake me tomorrow. He will meet me at the car tomorrow to help me carry my mental luggage throughout the day. He will open the classroom door on the 19th to greet me at school. I am compassed, brethren!

When faced with a complication in life, Bro. Neils Gade once said, “It’s a matter of prayer, but not a matter of worry.” That is an attitude that would help us all if we would adopt it.

I’m starting to think we complicate the Christian life a bit too much. And it is complicated when we must handle the struggles.

It’ almost like there is a stack of paperwork that is too overbearing for us too even handle, and we let it depress us. Meanwhile, on the other side of the desk sits God. He has all the same information organized and analyzed, and even gives you the answer to the problems that await. Yet still, we allow the sin of worry and anxiety to overcome us. Why don’t you depend on him? It's the Lord’s problem. I have given my life to the Lord, and in return he has promised that I can cast all my care upon him. (1 Peter 5:7)

Just leave it at that.

Good times at HBA!

2009-08-03T20:43:00.001-07:00

This was a funny moment the other day at the academy. Saturday while we were outside for recreation, Luis Cabrera, a boy in the home, completed quite an amazing feat here. Enjoy!

Quotes of the Week

2009-08-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." - Charles Spurgeon

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." - Charles Spurgeon

"A vigorous temper is not altogether an evil. Men who are easy as an old shoe are generally of little worth." - Charles Spurgeon

And for the quote of the week:

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."

- Charles Spurgeon

Working out your own Salvation

2009-07-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

I took my parents truck down to the car wash to get washed recently. They do a real good job, inside and out. It smells real nice, looks real nice, and it takes a whole lot less effort for just a little cash. So anyway, I was in the waiting area drinking coffee and checking out the newspaper they had laying on the table there, when a mid-40's lady maked the comment, "That Obama is wicked!" She had obviously been looking at the back of the newspaper I was reading and saw the front page article regarding the federalization of all health care. And she didn't even dignify him with the customary "President" title! Wow! She just blasted him with the term "wicked!" Atta' girl! :)

But what got me was not the way she addressed Obama (I won't even dignify him...), but the word she used to define him..."wicked." That, to me at least, carries a biblical connotation. So I simply asked, "Ma'am, are you born again?" To that she replied, "Son, I'm saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost!" I guess that's a yes, huh? But if you know anything about dealing with other religions, you know that the phrase she gave me is easily identifiable with the Pentecostals who believe in sign gifts in our age for all believers. They say it is a requirement of Salvation to speak in tongues, which is evidence of the "filling" of the Holy Ghost. Well, if you know your Bible, the "fruits of the spirit" as listed in Galations 5:22-23 are the way to "walk in the spirit" according to Romans 8 and be fillled with the Holy Ghost. The filling that happened in Acts 2 was the same filling that I got the day I was saved, except I didn't have to perform the same "gifts" the believers did in a pivotal dispensation to show a sign to the Jews. (1 Corinthians 1:22) And it certainly didn't have to be done in order to be saved like they say. That's adding works to Salvation which is heresy. It doesn't mean that those who believe that doctrine aren't saved, it just means they are trying to prove something that isn't necessary instead of just believing what God said by faith.

I got all of that from the term, "saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost." I knew who she was, what she believed, and I knew that she was trying to feel me out, so to speak. So I said, "God filled me with the Holy Ghost too. That's what happened when I got saved!"

Ok, so by this point, we had both staked out the battleground! She was a Pentecostal, works added to Salvation, miracle worker, and I was a hard-nosed, fundamental, by grace through faith alone, Independent Baptist. War was on the way, and I could feel it! These Pentecostals that I meet aren't too meek, if you know what I mean.

She said, "Well, I'm just trying to 'work out my own salvation.'" I responded, "Good for you! I know that 'he which hath begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." She snapped, "Well you still got to work out your own salvation!!!" Aha! She's used to sinking people with one verse of scripture!

But that one verse had me puzzled. I didn't know exactly what to say, and in a Nehemiah moment I begged God to give me something to tell this woman. A bible believing, King James banging, church kid was stumped out of the blue, and I didn't even know why.

But out of nowhere came this:

"W-w-well, y-you work out your own salvation....(seconds that felt like eternity)...the same way you work out your muscles."

God, where is this going?

"Really?" she says. "How is that?"

"Well, you don't work out the muscle for it to exist, or even to prove the muscle exists. You work out the muscle because that's what it's there to do--work! Salvation doesn't need to be worked out to exist in the first place. It just needs to be worked out because that's what God gave you Salvation for--to work it out!"

THANK YOU, LORD! (deep sigh)

And before I realized what had happened, they had informed the woman that her car was done, and she could go. She saw that as a convenient exit and made her way off. But she got the truth, and she didn't get it from me! That came from the 3rd heaven on that woman's behalf to help her understand her Bible.

And while the Pentecostal was being shown that she didn't need to do a miracle to be saved, the Baptist was getting one on his behalf.

A Blog worth checking out!

2009-07-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

Hey, all! My dad started a blog! The url is www.preacherbud1611.blogspot.com. So check it out. I'm looking forward to the articles he posts in the future.

Quote of the Week

2009-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

"I'm doing what I believe God told me to do. If you don't like it, go to heaven and take a u-turn!"

- Charlie Andrews.

The Journey Goes On

2009-07-23T20:42:00.001-07:00

Time has passed, and nothing has changed about the fact that things always change. I hate change...some of it anyway. It's always exciting to see the new, and at the same time sad to see the old go away. This is happening in more than one area of my life as of late.

First, I am officially a college student at Gulf Coast Community College. Honestly, up until this point, I was anxious to get the "ball rollling," so to speak. Now, I'm kind of apprehensive about the fact that for the next seven years, life is going to be full of changes. But, that aside, I'm glad that things are moving along. My first four classes are scheduled to begin August 19th, so please pray that the Lord would prepare me physically, mentally, and spiritually for what lies ahead. The starting classes are: English Composition I, General Psychology, Understanding Music, and American National Government.

On another sphere, Dad and Russell are just getting the hang of their schedules back after the overseas trip, and Dad had to work at the boys home today, and Russell drove 2 and a half hours each way to take Mom to the doctor today. Russell has acclimated better than some would expect, and I'm not talking about jet lag. (stifled laugh) Seriously, he has kind of jumped right back into things and done well for that matter. Russell and I just got to sit down tonight and really review his trip via videos and pictures. He could not have had a better trip, it seems. The Lord truly blessed it. From all the mushy stuff that normally happens, to the hilarious teasing that naturally takes place, to the supporting cast that is my Dad and the Huussen family, I had a great time looking at all the memories that were made. I wish I could have been there...
Anyway, Russell and I got to talk for a while...not something that happens very often anymore, and it made me realize just how little that has happened in the last 6 months or so. Let me advise you that have family and loved ones around you: appreciate those you love, and forget about the undesirables. Love and care deeply while you have them by your side. Because, like I said, life changes things. The perfect word to describe what I mean is the word cherish. Cherish the times you enjoy with those you love. Enjoy simple daily things that will not always be there. Cherish opportunities to make differences you will not always be able to make.

Well, if you can even imagine me being this way...I've been kind of quiet and to myself the past couple of days. And it's because of all that's going on that I just wrote about. My family will be taking a week and a few days of vacation at the beginning of August. It may be the last time our family is able to travel long distances together as a whole. Possibly, we can take one more the first week of October. We are jokingly calling it our "Farewell Tour." :D But when the laugh dies away, we know it's true. We won't be the same for very much longer. Life changes things.

But, as sad as it can be, it can be that exciting as well! The journey goes on, and God is looking to do much with the Maynard family in the future. Whether that is the college student trying to make a difference at school, the eldest trying to add Maynards to the bunch, the youngest making fun of both, or the parents trying their dead-level best to lead a ministry, a church, and some goofy Maynard boys toward God's will for them, I promise you, much is in store. Just wait and see!

Congrats!

2009-07-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

My brother, Russell, and my Dad have just returned from the Netherlands. This was a special trip, especially for Russell and the one he was going there to visit. (oooohhhh!) :D

Hannah Huussen, daughter of missionary Bro. Jake Huussen, was the purpose of Russells trip. Through divine direction on the part of both Russell and Hannah, it is now official that they are courting! (party) Hannah was unaware of his coming until the morning he arrived, though from what I can tell, she is very pleased with the outcome of the visit! :)

Congrats, big brother! You deserve everything God has and is blessing you with due to your patience and waiting on his direction. Staying on your toes and dodging a few bullets was surely worth the prize in the end. Love you, Russell!

Hannah, my sister in one way and soon to be in another, congrats! :) It is truly precious to me to see the Lord's hand guiding the two of you together. I'll try not to hold your choice against you. LOL Actually, it was God's choice, and he doeth all things well! I know it was God's choosing because Russell, for all his good tastes, isn't THAT good at choosing! :) Love you, Hannah!

What's best about the whole thing....IT CAN STILL BE DONE RIGHT!!! So for all the doubters, the mockers, and disputers that would try to discourage, distract, and help God out, stay away from me!! God doesn't need your help, and he'll do a top notch job without your input. Patience pays, and haste wastes! When God sends Ms. Universe into my world (not for a while, I assure you), God will know, I'll know, and Dad and Mom will know. I don't need to go to other churches, college, campmeetings, etc. to find a choice. God's way is best--always has been, always will be.

Thank God for his works toward them that fear him! God be praised! Russell and Hannah, God bless you both! We love you dearly!

When you don't understand, just understand!

2009-07-19T21:20:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we have a thought processes that lead us to believe that what we think is important. "I think....", "I believe...", etc. I have come to the conclusion that what we think is not only unimportant, but also unnecessary. We think too much instead of focusing on what we know.

In the military, it doesn't matter what you think. It matters what you know. In the academy where I work, there is a chain of command from the top to the bottom, and it doesn't matter what you think, it only matters what you know. The Christian life is no different.

In a battle situation for the military, you thinking could cost lives. It's not your job to think, and it's not your job to weigh options, it's only your job to act on what you know is right. Do. Quit thinking! When the order comes, don't think about it...just do it. It comes from the top, and you aren't going to be held responsible for the right or wrong of the order, only whether or not you obeyed.

That brings me to the point of this post. Sometimes things don't make sense. There always will be things that don't make sense. But when you don't understand, just understand this: you understanding is not a priority! When you understand that, understanding everything else becomes a commodity. We need to quit thinking like we as Christians have to understand things that happen.

I think of David...he was completely misunderstood. He did not understand why he couldn't be king from the day that God annointed him. But the important thing was he didn't let his lack of understanding God's doings get in the way of him allowing God to work on him. There are things you will never understand...and there are people who will never understand you. They misunderstood David and read into his actions because they had a plan. Others around him had reason to read into his actions so they could call him subversive. This was a plot to find reason for Saul to kill him.

There is not one whose actions have not been misread or read into. Everyone has been misunderstood at some point. None was misunderstood and misread like our Lord, though. He was killed for claiming to be who he was, being charged with blasphemy.

Like Christ did, and like David did, we should not worry about what we can't control, what others think, what we think about things we don't understand, and focus on what we know. And Christian, you know what's right! Quit thinking...just do right. If you do that, your misunderstood and misread actions will be explained by your steadfastness in what is the truth.
What's right? Do it...and leave the rest up to God to sort out.

Don't think. Do right.

The Far Country

2009-07-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

When the prodigal son took his journey, there is no doubt he took a physical, literal journey into the far country. The far country was full of bright lights, city attractions, and sensuality. It was enough, whatever it was, to lure even the fathers son away from home. But what is the far country? Does it have to be across the country? I don't believe so.

The moral of this story as Jesus told it was not the son that left, but the elder son that was still with the father. The Pharisees were murmuring about Jesus eating with and receiving sinners. Jesus responded by telling them about the sheperd who left ninety-nine to find one, and when he is found, there is great rejoicing. The same with the lost coin, etc.

So the problem being dealt with in this parable is not the sons that leave physically, but rather the ones who never left the fathers side, yet never understood the heart of their father toward those who were wayward.

The Bible is clear that we should be very forgiving as spiritual Christians in the spirit of meekness. (Gal. 6:1) This was not the case in Luke 15. The elder brother had a clear problem.

Only a selfish, self-centered person would be upset with the rejoicing over a son come home. You see, the elder brother was as far away in his heart from the father as the younger son was literally. And by the way, it's just as far of a trip back home when it's a heart problem as when it's a outward flesh problem. I know this because I've never been to the far country in person. I've never run to the bright lights and big city attractions of this world. Yet I have made my homeward run many times--in my heart.

I do not downplay the fact that the elder son had never left home. It is no secret that the physical far country holds far more dire consequences than the far country of your heart. But I assure you that the far country of your heart is no less sinful.

I have returned from that far country a few times. I will not, by the grace of God, go back. That far country has its markings--critical of everyone and everything, fleshly decisions, and self-serving and self-centered actions. While in that far country of your heart, you can't even allow someone else to enjoy the blessings of God on their life. The servants think they're spiritual, the brethren are overplayed, and the father is unjust and unfair after how good YOU'VE been. That's how you think in the far country of your heart! Leave it at once. Realize that the physical far country is a place that you could be tomorrow aside from Gods grace, and rejoice with the rest of us. The father has slain the fatted calf for those for whom we rejoice. You won't stop the party, so you might as well get in on it.

Notice that the father reminded the elder about his inheritance at the end of the story..."All that I have is thine," he said.

Just maybe if you'll come home from the pity-party, you'll be the next recepient of the fatted calf. In fact, I know that you will. But there aren't fatted calfs slain at the fathers table for those who abide in the far country, whether in the flesh, or in their heart.

Come home.

Quote of the Week

2009-07-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but throught men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men....and at that, men of prayer.

~ E.M. Bounds

P.S. I am not dead, just real busy right now. I have some posts on the way, I just can't make any promises. There "should" be a new one by tonight on both of my blogs.

In Christ Alone,
Clay

New Blog!

2009-07-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have started a new blog!!! Pray I have more time for it than I have for this one...or maybe it would be better to have more time for this one, and then some more time after that for the other one. LOL Either way, I wouldn't mind spending more time blogging, so pray about that!

The purpose of the blog is stated on the top right sidebar, so check it out.

http://www.freedompoliticsonline.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

In Christ Alone,
Clay

On the Fourth of July

2009-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I got this email from a friend of mine that goes to our church who works out on the beach. I thought it was pretty good...

"With the 4th of July coming up in two days working at the beach, I have and will see a lot of fire works; people will stand in awe and say 'oohh...ahh, they are so pretty...look at all the colors!' But when is the last time some one stood in awe in an open field or on the beach and said 'ooh look at Gods painting in the sky which is new twice a day everyday!' or watched the lightning and imagined what majesty it took to create. This just came to me as I am walking my floors watching the fire works and watching people watch the fireworks all the while above the fireworks God is not being upstaged as he has lightning in the clouds. Glory and Honor and Praise be to God, Holy and Righteous. AMEN!

Quote of the Week

2009-07-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

"Whatever mans opinion of you may be, let it not be more humbling than your own view of yourself. If any man thnks ill of you, do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral picture painted and it is ugly, be satisfied, for it only needs a few blacker touches and it would be still nearer the truth."

-Charles H. Spurgeon

Some of my favorite kids!

2009-06-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

I love the kids at our church...so here are some pics.

Me with Joshua Steven Channer -- 2 weeks

Christina Channer -- 2 years (A piano player prospect)

Quote of the Week

2009-06-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Prayer is not getting things from God, that is the most initial stage; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God so that I tell Him what I know He already knows in order that I may get to know it as He does. - Oswald Chambers

*Note from blog author: This quote had me up until midnight last night! What a powerful statement.

The Thief is Dead!

2009-06-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

For the past month or so, we've been having problems with a raccoon getting in our chicken pen. Our chicken population has gone from 19 to 4 in the last few weeks, so I guess the fight has been on. Well, last night, I planned on going out and sitting in the woods beside the chicken pen until he came out to get his evening meal. As I was walking across the yard with the gun and a flashlight, one of the boys in the academy ran up to tell me that the coon was in the pen right then! So I hurried over there, and sure enough he was in there. Three 12 gauge turkey-shot rounds later, it was a done deal. Now we need to go buy some more baby chicks to replace all the dead. Anyway, here are the pics...

They are very beautiful animals....if they just wouldn't mess with my chickens!!

But there is forgiveness with thee... Psalm 130:4

2009-06-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

The ideal of forgiveness is a choice and an emotion of supernatural composition. It is not a humanly natural trait. A heart of forgiveness can only come from the God who gives it. Yet, as hard as it can be to forgive, we are asked to do it often. Why?

If I could think of one characteristic of Christ as it pertains to my relationship with the Lord, I think it would have to be forgiveness. There is not one trait of my Lord that overshadows my relationship with him as much or as strong as his forgiveness toward me. Forgiveness is by definition to pardon or remit and offense or debt; to overlook an offense and treat the offender as not guilty of the said offense.

Many times there is not forgiveness with man. But Psalm 130:4 is one of my favorite verses because He is always willing and able to forgive. His forgiveness toward me is what makes me love him so. In fact, every time I confess my sin to him, I find myself in deep thanks and gratitude for his forgiveness, being amazed at the fact that he would forgive me yet again. In fact, if it wasn't God that was doing the forgiving, I wouldn't believe it to be genuine. But my God is amazing!

So, in essence, to be like Christ, we ought to be a forgiving people. And yet, I think this is one thing that most Christians never learn--a forgiving heart! I think we've learned, in a lot of ways, how to abuse the goodness of God by never showing the goodness we've received to others.

In the account of Matthew 18:21-35, we find a lesson by the Lord Jesus about a man that owed a great debt. After being forgiven by the king of this insurmountable debt, he would not forgive his neighbor of a simple, small debt. Do you think you've been forgiven of 100 sins? 10,000? Probably more? Christ forgave you of all those sins, never needing forgiveness himself, yet needing forgiveness on a constant basis, we would dare to refuse forgiving others. How many times have you not forgiven someone in your heart, then asked God for his forgiveness?

I believe there are Christians all over standing in churches thanking God for forgiveness, and if they would be real quiet, they would hear the Holy Spirit yelling back, "Then why don't you forgive?"

Forgiveness is as much for the one giving it as it is for the one receiving it. Why? Because if you desire to be Christlike, you must forgive. If you do not forgive someone, you are hindering both yourself, and the one you refuse to forgive, in your walk with the Lord.

Has someone ever forgiven you? How did you feel about that? Thankful? Do others deserve forgiveness less than you do?

Galatians 6:1-3
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."

The issue of unforgiveness stems from pride. You cannot harbor unforgiveness in a humble heart. You cannot harbor unforgiveness in a heart that is right with God.

The bottom line is, people are worth forgiving. I've heard people say, "You don't know what they did to me." To that I say, I also don't know what you did to the Lord that he forgave you for.

Just forgive.

Quote of the Week

2009-06-16T14:54:00.001-07:00

"Isn't it amazing the responsibility with which God entrusts me, in spite of my proven proneness to fail him? But even more amazing to me is that I could ever lack faith in him, when he has proved time and time again that he will never fail me."

-Clay Maynard

Noah

2009-06-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

"And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." Genesis 7:5

Repent! Repent! The judgement of the Lord is come! Any who would escape must flee to the refuge of the Ark of God, through the door that God hath opened. Come, before the rain falls!

What a nut! This Noah guy is crazy. He plans on building a boat in the middle of a field because water is going to fall from the sky? He's nuts....

Noah was alone. When he began this amazing task, the environmentalists began going crazy about the trees he was cutting down, the natural habitat being destroyed, the homes for animals vanquished at the end of an inhumane, crazy man's axe blade. The building department council got together and decided that it was illegal, seeing Noah had not obtained a permit to build such a structure. As punishment, the government confiscated his house with all his earthly belongings.

Nothing of earth matters to me. Get on the Ark! How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

You would think everyone would leave the nutty old man alone, but they didn't. They taunted him, along with his three sons.

Hey Japheth, you as crazy as your old man? You think the water is coming too? Or are you just building along with the family to keep from feeling guilty? You know he's crazy, don't you?

Hey Shem, what about your wife? You gonna take her on that filthy boat with all those vile animals? What kind of man are you to lead your family into something so incredulous? Aren't you responsible for your own wife, or you just trying to appease your dad?

Hey Ham, you know even your uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, and other relatives think he's crazy, too?! You think God would really kill all the relatives and family--the whole known world for that matter--and only save your family? Are you really that narrow minded? You think you're better than us?

It was taunting for sure. But it didn't stop there. The local nightclubs, dance parties, and proms moved to Noah's field. After all, what better way to drink the night away than laughing at old diluted Noah and his boys building away at that old boat. How long have they been at it, 45, 50 years now?...

When the Ark is finished, then the flood will come upon the world of the ungodly! Come help us build, and get on board!

At first, the relatives tried to engage him in useful conversation.

You know, Noah, we believe like you do, we just think you're a little too hard on everyone else who may not be just like you. You know, Noah, maybe you should settle down on that building a little and show a little more compassion.

But he was insanely committed to this tedious, useless task. He was unmovable.

Would true compassion shield you from the truth to accommodate your sinful practices? Is it greater compassion to leave off building the refuge from the coming storm, suffering my own family to be judged? Nay, nay, brethren, it is compassion that drives me to tell you to leave your sinful ways, and help me build this ark, saving your families as well!!

Noah, Noah. How long will you persist? Till you die? You've been working on this monster of a ship for like 100 years now, and still no water has fallen in any measurable amount, and yet your sure the whole world will be covered? God will punish us? Where is he Noah? Why isn't God helping build the boat? HA!!

Be not deceived. God is not mocked! Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap! Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Say to thy soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." THOU FOOL! This night thy soul shall be required of thee.

We went and talked with Dr. Doubtful Disputations, Noah. He said the signs are evident in your behavior that you have a severe medical condition. Noah, you can be treated with doses of community involvement and compromise, and we promise, you'll think a little more clearly.

Hey, Noah! The government just put a label on you. You're a fanatic! You home school your children, you read the King James Bible, you believe in the constitution, you believe in the second amendment, and, worst of all, you're building a boat to get out when it's all just seemingly coming together for the first time here on earth with amazing unity under our new president and congress and judges!

We're just having a good time, Noah! Is that so wrong? You think so narrow minded, Noah; just loosen up a bit!

It is not my mind that is narrow, but my morals. My mind is free! It is your mind that is narrow, while your morals are loose! I seek to obey God, by faith, to the saving of my house.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh!

Noah had no ministerial association for comfort, encouragement, and help. He had he, his wife, his 3 sons, and their wives. That's it! No one else! Yet, I happen to believe, that if a man wins his own family, he has won his first and greatest mission field. Noah had no converts, but his family was on the ark with him that day.

Noah finally got them fool animals on the ark with him. Man, what a boat! And what a nutty old man. Ha ha ha... he says he's gonna be inside the Ark seven days before the so-called "rain" falls. What a cook!

Hey, Noah, you old coot! We're just gonna have a party right here outside your boat. After all, "God" shut the door right? (laughing) Hey, everyone, lets have a toast to day 4 of the week before "God" "floods" the earth! Ha ha ha...

Hey, Noah, it's day seven. This is the day, right? I guess we'll see right? Ha ha.

(Silence)

What is that? Do you feel something? It's like water is sprinkling.

3 hours later

Noah! Noah! Open the door!!! (gasp) (choke) Noah, just get a rope out the window or something, Noah. Noah, we're going to drown. (gulping) It's to our shoulders, Noah, help us!!!!

Settled into the innermost chambers of the Ark, sits Noah, his wife, his children, and their wives. They realize the punishment and judgement of God in a whole new way. They pray that somehow God would block out the awful sounds of those people dying...

And when the last knock on the side of that Ark faded away... and all was quiet, Noah was just glad he had obeyed God. And this preacher of righteousness now had spared his family, and in turn, the human race.

Don't quit telling sinners of the wrath to come, but don't feel responsible for their actions. When you've done your job--telling the truth--leave the rest to God, and get on the boat!

For further updates

2009-06-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Due to the busyness of my schedule, I will not be posting the updates concerning Silas Blackburn from here on out unless it concerns me. There are other blogs to follow for these updates, and I frankly do not feel like repeating the same information when I could direct you to blogs where the information is found.

http://www.kdforthecongo.blogspot.com/ - Mrs. Karen Blackburns blog
http://www.cherishedheritage.blogspot.com/ - Mrs. Kim Channers blog

More Updates

2009-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I said not to expect many posts, and I have not disappointed, huh?

Monday morning started with a bang, as I helped early in the morning to get my mother, Mrs. Karen, Paige, and Silas packed and headed down to the hospital in my truck.

What a cute kid!

Silas is now back in Gainesville after a week stay at home. He has already begun and is in process of his second chemotherapy treatment. Please pray for his pain level as it is sure to be high. From what I am told, they are planning a stem cell extraction so they can clean it of neuroblastoma cancer cells. They will then store the stem cell until later on when they can give it back to him. Later on next week, we will need 2 more platelet blood donors to give blood. I could possibly be one of them.

He has received 2 natural treatments of ozone therapy. This is a proven medical practice that is working around the globe, though yet unapproved my the AMA (American Medical Association) Although this is not administered at Shands in Gainesville, they have been giving him these treatments when he's not hospitalized, and plan to do more of the same. I am told that he pukes after the ozone therapy. This is not a bad thing; it is the detoxifying process of both the cancer and the chemotherapy.

I have stayed pretty busy myself, schooling the 5 remaining Blackburn children every day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., then going to work at the academy from 3-10 p.m. I had one person joke that I had no life. I beg to differ. It is only when we lose what we think life is that we can find what life is all about. "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall find it." If your life is about helping others, you really know what life is.

I love school!!!

All the students but one. (two are in the background)

Can't forget about lunch!

I have had a blast, despite a little tiredness. I have been glad to help in some way. When I school the kids, give blood, anything...I feel like I'm being a part of helping them. That's all I want at this point--to be a blessing. Bro. Nick is on the road for the next two and a half weeks with Josiah and Buddy Stonewall, so that leaves me only four kids to school right now. Also, Charity Lyman flew in today, and I'm being told that she is going take the main load of watching and caring for the kids--possibly including the schooling. If you want to help out financially with the many costs of the treatments, commuting, caring of all the children, etc., You can write a check to "Truth Baptist Church." Write "Silas Blackburn" in the memo, and the money will go straight to a fund set up by the church to take care of the costs as much as is possible. Send the checks to:

4015 Maynard Dr. Panama City, FL 32404

Well, that's all for now.

In Christ Alone,

Clay

Busy and busy some more!!

2009-05-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

I have been incredibly busy as of recent. In fact, it's to the point where people I live with are forgetting what I look like and making appointments to see me. LOL I'm just kidding!
It actually started about 2 weeks ago when Graduation practice really began to heat up. Because of the situation with the Blackburn baby, my mother could not direct the program as she normally does, and so the directing of the program was left to me. Over the last two weeks, I have averaged 2 practices a day, somewhere around 2-3 hours a practice. Aside from the actual practice, I have had to write, proof-read, and type 4 speeches, as well as proof-read 10 graduate speeches, type 6 songs, practice the songs with the boys, get the program to transition smoothly, etc. To say that this program has absorbed my last two weeks is a huge understatement. The program was this last Saturday the 25th. I can't say it went off without a hitch--and the perfectionist in me hates that--but I once heard a man I greatly respect say that he would go to war with an 80% army, cause you'll never get 100%. So, I need to learn to be content with coming a little short of perfection...

I just got to breathe a sigh of relief over this weekend since the graduation is over, and I am now beginning teacher duties starting today. In care of the Blackburns schooling, I have taken four students, or, stoogents I could call them! LOL They are certainly quite a case to have on your hands! In fact, as I write this, the last two are finishing their school here at about 1 p.m. School starts at 9 a.m. and ends at about this time every day. And in case that wasn't a full time job, at 2 p.m., I will head to the boys home to finish the last two classes of school over there, and then finish the shift until 10 p.m. I wish I could say that this type of schedule was temporary, but it looks to be like this for a while in the future, so don't expect lots of posts. I'm glad I'm staying busy; the idle mind is the devil's workshop, and God knows that, so he's keeping me out of trouble! :) Please pray for me. I will sure need it to keep my sanity! It was hard enough doing my own school, but it does not compare to having to teach others.

By the way, yesterday was the one year mark since I graduated from high-school! Man, time sure did fly! I will be starting college in 3 months from now, my older brother turns 20 in a few weeks, etc. I'm half way to turning 19, and I still haven't stopped to enjoy 18 like I told myself I was going to. Does it ever slow down? One day I'll be a lawyer, and I'm going to wonder where my childhood went. I'm going to wonder what took up all that time... as the old Ron Hamilton song says, "Cherish the Moments."

Well, these needy children are dying to have my always-helpful attention once more, so I'll write more soon. I have a post about the prodigal son I would like to post in the next week or so, but it's real looooooooooong!!! Pray I can shorten it a little.

In Christ Alone,
Clay

The Miracle of Salvation

2009-05-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

He's in a fix. This sea of life is tumultuous! He's been here forever it seems...it might as well be forever, cause he knows of no other life outside this raging sea he lives in. There have been good days and bad, but the good days are few.... and it's so lonely.

Living in the troubled sea is no easy task, especially without the boat, sails, anchor, and captain needed to weather such a storm. The rashes from constant waves and torrents of sins consequences rack his body with pain, and the taste of that awful seaweed rises from his tongue every time he takes a laboring breath...but that's just life here on the sea.

The attacks come so sudden, so sudden it takes him by surprise, though he should be accustomed to it by now. Those sea creatures, monsters that they are, seem to toy with him on a constant basis, the sea monster of them all telling him he's got no hope. What if he's right, though? He wonders when they'll just kill him and end this misery most call life... Well, if this is life, I want no part of it. He seems to think no other life exists...

The storm is back. All of the empty promises, broken relationships, and unfulfilled expectations are thundering through the sky, reminding him of times where he trusted that he could make it on his own, trusting his own heart... well, he still does, cause he learned from those mistakes; I'll do better next time.

It's killing him now, this restless sea. He surely cannot make it long in this darkness...it's overtaking him. He chokes hard on the bile mixed with salt water in a half cough, half vomit that hurts him to his very soul! He feels something like a log of some sort with his right hand, and clutching it with all his might, hoping it will save him from sure destruction, it too crumbles upon contact, following the path of all he has clung to in this sea. His head is barely staying above the water, and only for seconds at a time. The will to survive rises within him, but the weights of his past sins and the bleakness of having true hope...well, why try? He will soon die, he knows. He no longer resists...

He hears the voices of men... sailors ....men somewhere ... maybe he's just already losing consciousness from lack of oxygen ... but no, those are the voices of men he hears!! He hears the croaking of wood and metal as the biggest ship he's ever seen comes into view on the horizon. A life boat with a rescue team is on it's way!!!! Finally, help is here; he may just live! But can they get here in time?

Maybe it's one of the delusions those sea monsters like to pull... but he's never had one like this before. In fact, just the view of the ship and crew seemed to bring over him a longing to be one of them. They worked with such strength and confidence, though they also bore the storm that was raging. They worked with such purpose. There seemed to be a calmness... or peace, aboard that ship... even in such a storm. He wonders who their Captain is...

Well, that was years ago. Now he sits aboard the same ship of grace! He had no problem abandoning his old clothes and ways when this ship passed by. Come to find out, the Captain is there for leadership, but he's also the anchor for stability, the sails for direction, and the bow for durability. It should be easy to trust the Captain, shouldn't it? I mean, the storms are still bad, but he's on a ship that just can't be brought down!!! After all, the Captain promised when they get to port, he will share his name, his wealth, his home, and his inheritance with this old hopeless sinner! He wonders sometimes how long it will take to get home, but as long as they're headed there, he's just fine.

But... sad to say, sometimes his weaker nature gets the best of him. He begins to question the Captains directions, deciding to try to guide the ship his own way... My, what mistakes can be made doing that!! He should just let go and let God...

Why would he question the Captain? Was he doing so great out on life's sea alone? Now he has someone to call family, friends and shipmates that would never let him down if they could help it, and the friend that sticketh closer than a brother! What could he possibly do without the Captain? He doesn't want to leave the ship. To whom shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. He, well, he just doubts sometimes. But what a great Captain he is, he is always forgiving, always concerning, and always caring. But, the only thing is, when he steers things away from the Captains plans, he always hurts his Captain. And he hurts himself as well. The more he tries to control things on his own, the farther he gets from the Captains best for him, settling for God's partial blessing.

Isn't is good that God doesn't kick out the doubters? I mean, Thomas doubted, and Jesus didn't kick him out of the group. That's comforting isn't it? Thomas' only problem was that he missed church on Sunday. :D Remember? Everyone was there on Sunday morning for church but Thomas. He slept in and got a bad rap! Jesus didn't even scold him, he just decided to make a second appearance, and told Thomas, "touch me, and see."

But the doubting isn't only with the saved, it's with the lost. Over in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul had to rebuke a bunch of people who weren't teaching the Resurrection. Doubts, doubters, and doubteresses. (I'm not smart; I came up with that word.) LOL

Listen, if you're lost and you're a doubter, and the Holy Spirit can't convince you, I surely can't convince you. All I can say is, it's true. You're wanted; your soul was worth dying for to the creator of the universe, and the old rugged cross was for you!!!

I met a man the other day who just told me, "That's too good to be true. Nobody gets deals like that in the real world. That's just your crutch." I proceeded to tell him that if you're hurt, don't you want a crutch? And by the way, Christ is so much more than a crutch for me... he's wings to fly as eagles!

I wrote a song the other day for doubters because of that man. The song isn't finished yet, because I only included the lost, but when it's done, the third verse will include the saved who doubt as well. I'll post it when I'm done. Hope it helps!

Could it Be Real

---

I heard a story; I heard a song

I heard a testimony, the word of God

I felt his touch upon my very soul

This perfect love I simply had to know

---

I heard his voice; it whispered soft but clear

I needed life that gave me rest from fear

Could I let go, and quell my shameful pride

His blood could heal, forgive, and satisfy

---

Could it be real, my sins be washed away?

Could he forgive, and cleanse my deepest stain?

If I believe and turn in Godly sorrow

Could it be real, that he my soul would save?

---

So I believed. By faith I took his word

And now I'm clean, I know my hope's secured

He gave me peace where there was only fear and doubt

And now this love, I know and tell about!

---

I know it's real; my sins are washed away

His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain

When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow

I found it real, cause he my soul did save!

---

You may not see, and doubt that it is so

But you can't doubt this joy this peace I know!

---

I know it's real; my sins are washed away
His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain
When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow
I found it real, cause he my soul did save!

By Clay Maynard

Update on Silas Blackburn

2009-05-18T20:43:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Silas. The latest developments are as follows:

Bro. Rob Unger and Bro. Mark Gregory, both men of our church, went to the blood bank on Sunday to donate more blood. Unfortunately, they had to leave in the middle of church as soon as we got the news of his blood count. The situation at the present is, his blood count is extremely low, and their blood needs 48 hours to go through processing and hit the supply shelf for Silas. We are hoping his blood platelet level will stay high enough until then. If it doesn't, they will be forced to use some unknown donor blood, which is not our desire. Please pray that it will stay stable until then. I am told that if he gets low tonight, my blood will be used for him until more is available.

My heart has been terribly heavy as of recent for little Silas. Do not cease to pray for him, brethren and sisters. I will keep you updated as I get news.

In Christ Alone,
Clay

More Blood Needed

2009-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

We have learned from down south Florida at Shands that Silas is in need of more blood. His blood counts are dropping rapidly at this point, and they had to put him back on his morphine drip. They are not ready for Silas to leave there yet. Russell and I drove to Dothan, Alabama today to give blood. He will have it in the next couple of days. Please pray for the little guy. He is in alot of pain.

I shot this picture outside the other day.

Walking across the yard to go to work, something flew past my head as I walked under a tree. Looking to see what it was, it was the poor little bird. He had fallen from his nest. My first instict was to try to get him back to the nest where he belonged, but if you know anything about animals, they will reject their young if human contact is made. My best bet was to leave him on the ground and hope that the parents came to get him.

When I came home from work, he laid there still, dead on the ground. I gave him a proper burial, and went inside with a unique thought. Why couldn't something have been done? I knew he would die without help. His parents must have known that too. But they left him to die alone. Could it be that they were too busy to go get him? Maybe they were so lazy they didn't feel like going to get him?

Regardless, it made me think of Silas. What a loved little boy he is!! I'd take that cancer in his place if I could. In a heartbeat. I'd do it tomorrow if they could possibly pull that off.

But then I think of the cancers around us; worldy music, worldy philosophies, and the influences of sin. These cancers eat up our young today. The young generation of this country is laying in the middle of the yard, subject to being trampled on, freezing to death, and the ravaging of the wild animals. No one would get them some help, or take the necessary means to get them to safety from the snare of the devil. No blood would be donated through prayer and fasting, to get them the transfusion they need from sins diseases.

What a poor little bird. But how much worse to see this generation of kids being ignored the same way.

Please continue to pray for Silas. Every prayer is a petition to the all-powerful King of the universe. We need yours!

Encourage Yourself in the Lord!

2009-05-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have been reading 1 Samuel as a contrast to my normal Bible reading, which is stuck in the judgement of the major prophets.

Anyway, I read 1 Samuel 26-30 yesterday, and I was touched by the Lord about several things. Today, I picked up a book by Max Lucado called "Facing Your Giants." I picked up reading where I had left off at chapter 8, which happens to be about 1 Samuel 30. This was a great encouragement to me, so I've posted the link below to read it online in Google Book Search. I hope if you're down and out like I get sometimes, you'll take the time to read this.

"Slump Guns"

In Christ Alone,
Clay

Update On Silas Blackburn

2009-05-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Silas Blackburn's first chemotherapy treatment started on Friday night, and it ends tonight at 7 p.m. It is too early to tell as yet how successful if any the treatment has been. He underwent surgery earlier last week to get a biopsy from his under his arm where one of his tumors are located, and they also took a bone marrow sample. As stated earlier, there are other tumor locations in his abdomen (very large), and in his head. The cancer is also present in his adrenal glands. The biopsy confirmed that it was cancer, and the bone marrow was clear, with no cancer found. The bone marrow results are a blessing because these cells can be used later to grow new cells in case Silas needs them later. This will greatly aid his recovery.

Due to surgery, and the cancer, Silas was in need of blood. His blood was low. The doctors preferred that the blood be that of someone not in the immediate family due to similar antibodies, etc. Therefore, my dad drove over to Gainesville and donated two units of his blood, and my younger brother Aaron donated one unit. My blood type matches his as well, and I am prepared for a trip should he need more blood. I am already on the blood donor list along with my older brother. He will be receiving the blood already taken this morning.

My dad had an interesting conversation with a nurse at the Blood Bank there in Gainesville on Saturday morning. She told him how that when these cancer patients need new blood, they will take the contaminated blood (due to the cancer and the chemotherapy) and replace it with the donor's healthy blood. She said that they trade the sick, diseased blood with healthy, pure blood. He put a big smile on his face and told the nurse that he had that done years ago. She responded, "you had a blood transfusion?" He said to her, "yes Ma'am." He continued, "Years ago, I had sick blood that was contaminated by sin. Jesus Christ replaced that 'bad blood' with his, and since then I have been a picture of perfect spiritual health, and I have eternal life!" This black nurse smiled really big and said, "Honey chile, you shore did!" Glory to God!! As a result of this conversation and others, dad preached a great message Sunday morning at church on "the Blood". Praise God for the salvation, sin-cleansing, sonship, sancitification, strength, and security found in the "Blood of Jesus Christ". (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Thank you for your continued prayers for Silas and the Blackburn family. Below is information to send a personal greeting to Silas Blackburn directly to his hospital room. This is a free service offered by Shands Childrens Hospital. We have seen the cards when they are delivered to the room. They are very nice. To send a greeting card free of charge right to Silas hospital room go to: http://www.shands.org/Public/message/default.asp
You will have to enter the following information.

His name : Silas Blackburn
The facility he is in: Shands Childrens Hospital UF (Gainesville)
The room #: 4528.

Urgent Prayer Request - Silas Blackburn

2009-05-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am a little late in posting this, but this is an urgent prayer request.

Silas Blackburn is the son of missionary Nick Blackburn to the Congo. At 2 years old, Silas has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks the nervous system. He has a large tumor covering his abdomen, and it is spread through his lymph nodes, brain, and adrenal glands. He is preparing for intense chemotherapy at Shands hospital in Gainesville, Florida, and I'm told will begin chemotherapy treatment today.

My mother is currently residing at the hospital with the Blackburns with my brother, Aaron. My dad just returned home from his first trip down, and plans to commute regularly.

Please, brethren, make this an urgent matter of prayer. They will need much wisdom and grace in the coming weeks while decisions are being made. It is our desire that the Lord's will be done.

If you would like to send a message of encouragement to the Blackburn family, go to http://www.shands.org/ and click on "For Patients and Public." Then click on "Send a Patient a Message," and put in Silas' name and room number, which is 4528.

It is ultimately in God's hands, but your prayers are greatly appreciated. I don't believe the Lord would be upset with any that would push away from the table for a time of fasting over this issue. These folks are one of us, and there's not one of the Truth Baptist Church family that has not been effected by this.

With my dad and Aaron gone, the schedule at the academy has tightened up a little, not leaving me much time, or I would have posted this sooner. The timeline for the situation is indefinite at this point. However, There is no doubt that we need a miracle from God!

On behalf of the Blackburn family, we appreciate your prayers.

My Saturday

2009-05-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had an action-packed day this last Saturday! It started quiet and serene at about 6 a.m. at the location shown below. This is the pond on our property. I believe that God wants us to be still sometimes and fellowship with him. This is a favorite place of mine to do that. "He leadeth me beside the still waters..."

After a shower and a quick breakfast of strawberry yogurt, butter and jelly toast, and a glass of milk, I was out the door. I had the college SAT to take! After arousing my companions (6 boys in the academy) who were also taking the test, we went down to the local high school where the test is administered. Well, 4 hours later, after a real sanity-killing, hair-brained, mind-wrenching effort (LOL), the test was over. It was one tough test, but I am confident that I did well. I had the Lord with me, and he's a lot smarter than the professor that wrote the book. :D I am also very confident in the homeschool system which has proven to do a much better job than any public, compulsory education. I'll get the results from the test in about a month.

Upon getting home, I was delighted to spend the first part of my afternoon with our dear friends in the Netherlands via skype. The Huussens have been dear friends to our family, and it is a fun past time of ours to talk with them occasionally through the amazing modern technology we have today. Not all missionaries have been so priveledged in past times! We communicate with the missionaries out of our church this way as well. I was not much help to the conversation Saturday, but I was there, and the thought is what counts, right? :D

After that, I decided to check up on the gardens. Seeing that this is probably the most exciting time of nature for me(have I already said that?), I took some pictures of them.

There is something uniquely beautiful about the way life begins that has always made me love gardens, even with all the hard work that is involved.

Later that afternoon, we had the whole property over into our front yard for a cookout! This was a special time of fellowship, food, and fun. We cooked out hamburgers on the grill, and had a great time. Sometimes, it is easy to take for granted the place of peace and quiet we enjoy in the middle of a wicked world. It is truly a haven from the pressures, the influences, and ideals of the world.

The night ended on a rather sad note. We received news that the Lymans, evangelists out of our church, had been attacked while street preaching. Without many details, we heard that one had been drug to the ground and beaten while others had been assaulted. This is the day in which we live, folks! This is only the beginning of many more persecutions that will come! Just remember, they hated your precious Saviour before they hated you. No servant is greater than his master.

We knelt there on the porch collectively and had a prayer meeting for our brethren and friends at that street preaching event. We committed the situation and our friends into the hands of the Lord, knowing that the arm of flesh can do nothing. It is not flesh and blood that we fight, dear Christian. It is principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.

So, while being disturbed and fearful for our brethren in the field, we had the peace and calm assurance that God was and is in control.

And that was the end of the day. Packed day, huh? Well, staying busy keeps me out of trouble, so I can't complain. I would tell you about my wild yesterday, including some interesting events last night, but I don't have the time. Remember, keep me in your prayers. I need it!!

Who ever said the ministry was boring?

All My Needs

2009-04-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19

I believe this verse is one of the most doubted verses in the Bible for Christians today. You show what you believe by what you do. Belief inspires action. If you believe God supplies all your needs, you will depend on him; if you do not believe that God supplies all your needs, then you will seek to supply your own needs. Belief inspires action.

I know that until I leave my fathers home, I can depend on being able to eat here. I know that the need of my stomach will be filled with groceries from this house as long as I live here. My action based on that belief is that I will eat here and not worry about it. If I was worried about it constantly, I would be showing my belief that my father was not sufficient in providing groceries by going out of the way to provide for myself.

I see people on a regular basis acting as though God does not see their needs, when the truth is, their "needs" are not what God sees as needs, but wants. Why does our lack of faith take over a situation that is simply God's job? Why do we act as though the need is not going to be supplied by our heavenly father? If my earthly father is faithful in supplying earthly needs to me, how much more is my heavenly father capable of supplying my needs? Not only does he supply my needs, he has an advanced knowledge of my grocery list! I do not even need to tell him what I need for him to know. He already does. Before I even ask for it, he is preparing to provide it.

Are his riches in glory ever going to be insufficient? Will he bounce the check of heaven on my little problems? There is no way, and it would be mad to suggest it! However, modern Christianity lives in an independent lifestyle that seeks a faithless provision to our needs by seeking to meet them through fleshly means. Do you realize that Satan is waiting for your independence from God's way so he can attack you with vices that you alone cannot handle?
Your self-dependent attitude makes you completely vulnerable to situations that only the power of God can help you through! Do not become self-sufficient and self-dependent, thinking that you can somehow manage this Christian life without the help of Christ, who was the ultimate example. Do not think that you can live a supernatural Christian life, following his steps, without Christ' power. That is simply mad!!

So that brings me to the point of this post.

Let God supply your needs. I am in a situation right now that requires ultimate dependence on God. I have no control, and therefore I am naming and claiming Phillipians 4:19. I need him to supply the need. I could make a knee-jerk decision to try to handle it myself, but that will only make matters worse. I need to depend on God!

Do you need money? Does God know that? Of course he does!! What doesn't he know? The answer is not to take matters into your own hands! If you're right with the Lord, pray and ask God to take control, admitting your incapability to handle the situation.

Now, God is not a bell-hop either! God does not watch his children muddle around and mess up a situation, only to run and bail them out when they realize what a mess they've made. If you have not honored God, do not expect him to save you from the consequences of your sin. That is not what is being written about in this post! I am talking about you being in situations that you cannot control and allowing God to do his job as your father.

Do you need a husband or wife? Who would know best when and who you need? Of course, God would!! If God knows best when you need to be married, and he knows best who you need to marry, shouldn't you just claim the promise of Phillipians 4:19 that God will supply that need?
When it's time, God will give you who you need, when you need them. And trust me, he knows best. I believe that. I personally have asked God to pick me out a wife! I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, and so God is in charge of it. He is well able!!

If I believe that promise, why should I try to "help" God out by taking steps outside of his guidance? Why would I flirt with someone, knowing that God has a very special young lady that he has chosen for me? Why would you? Is God not able? If he is able, and he has not given you direction on it, then you should not be meddling; it is obviously not the right time!

The best part is, when God supplies, you know it was God! When my financial situation pans out just fine, I know who to thank! "Thank you, Lord, for your help!"
And when God puts his approval on Miss Wonderful and says, "Psst! She's it!" I'll know it's God's doing. Because, after all, isn't it he that supplies these needs?

It's as simple as this: Let God be God! Let God supply your needs! He's surely worth trusting.

Outside Work!!

2009-04-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am an outdoors guy! Though I spend much of my time at computers, desks, and tables, I would much rather be in the sun, sweating real hard, and wearing myself out. Actually, manual labor is like a stress-reliever for me, and the last two days have been full of it. Here are a few pics.

This is me cutting a tree up for fire wood. Excuse the finger in the camera shot, it was a 7-year old. =D

This is Aaron in one of his favorite places, on the tractor tilling up the garden for crop planting.

After Aaron got done, I spent the next 2 hours with 8 boys from the Academy hoeing, planting, and covering 5 rows of butter beans and 14 rows of corn. Tomorrow I will be planting about 10 more rows of corn, 3 or 4 rows of squash, and a couple of cucumber. This adds to what my dad already did yesterday, which was about 6 rows of okra and 12 rows of green beans in a separate garden.

I just love this time of the season. It must be something about life, and the way things grow that intrigues me...I don't know. Whatever the case, we'll be seeing lots of black, cold soil, weeds, young plants, grown plants, harvest, canning, etc., etc. over the next few months. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow for you when I'm done, and I'll certainly keep you posted as the season progresses.

A Letter From The Boss

2009-04-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I received this over email, and thought it was very good. It is definitely worth reading as it describes the economic situation of America quite well. Please take the time to read it; you won't regret it.

A letter from the Boss

To All My Valued Employees,

There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, someday, I too, would be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 a.m., mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 p.m., I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bailout all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business and employing you is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why: I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes, unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch. The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child by a different man waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously,government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree, which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy.
Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you and your coworkers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,
THE BOSS

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of otherpeople's money." Margaret Thatcher

The sad part of this fictional letter is, that is exactly what many business owners have done. There is little to no farm community or agricultural community in America anymore because of the taxes, forcing us to supply the demand through imported goods. It is not our business world anymore, it is the businesses of other countries that gets our money through imports. When they finally get sick of minimum wage laws, and the taxes upon taxes mentioned in the above letter, they leave. Thus, our economy is deflated, and President Obama spending more of someone else's money will not solve it; it will only make it worse. Because one day he will wake up with the rest of the United States government and find a people unwilling to give them another dime to waste on foolish programs such as Social Security, Global warming, etc. or to spend frivolously on useless people that come to America to live off of my job.

America, WAKE UP!

The Fight Is On

2009-04-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I seem to inhale blessings and triumphs, while exhaling spiritual findings and insight. These have often been called "mountain top" moments. It's the time in your Christian life where you are walking with the Lord, the devil is firmly planted between your heel and the floor, and all inside seems still, quiet, and serene. The victories are being won, the flesh is in total subjection, and you are ready to charge all of hell itself with faith that overcomes the world! It is at these times that you wonder if you will ever go back again. Back to where the struggles take place. Back to where the flesh is formidable, the foe advancing, and your spirit is struggling to breathe. Those times of fighting the devil are a distant memory from the mountain top.

But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.

Paul faced the same thing.

"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7

It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.

I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.

I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?

Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!

I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!

After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"

Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!

I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.

Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.

It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!

Wedding!

2009-04-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am as tired as a guy could possibly be, but hey, I'm used to it. I've slept about 6 hours since I woke up Thursday morning, and today is the big day. A dear couple in our church is getting married today! It is always an exciting time, and coupled with the preparation involved, it is just down right tiring. I've been helping cook alot, mostly.

My mom is the wedding manager, the wedding caterer, and the decorator. Mrs. Cindy Noles, a lady in our church, is the photographer, Russell and Bro. Bob May are the ushers, My dad is the officiating minister, Mrs. Kelli Unger is the seamstress for all of the dresses, and I am the pianist. So, all that to say Truth Baptist Church is a fine place to want to get married from!!

In light of playing the piano, I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous, so that's nothing new. I had to learn more new songs for this one than I have previously. I'll be singing a song as well with my brothers. I am excited and priveledged to be a part of this wedding! This is my 3rd wedding, but it's still very neat!

The service is today at 1 p.m. If you find yourself thinking about it, please pray that I won't lose focus amongst all of the music going on; I'm playing for every music event listed.

In Christ Alone,
Clay

Correction

2009-04-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have reviewed the results from Master Clubs competition, and decided that I covered it plenty in the previous 2 articles on the event. I will not bore you with more on this subject. So....I said I would post those stats, but I've changed my mind. :)

In Christ Alone,
Clay

Master Club Rewind, Pt. 2

2009-03-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the truth team stopping for a hearty lunch of hogie sandwhiches and chips.

Directly after lunch, we had what is called team Bible quizzing. The kid memorized 30 verses and were quizzed by the content and references. This was probably the most intense competition of the day. It was neat to coach our team and be a part of this aspect of the day.

The team got off to a quick start and never looked back. We have won this event the last 6 years. It is no doubt one of our favorite parts of the day.

Mark Unger, of Truth Baptist, won the Quizzer of the Day Award with a quiz-out.

Then began the gym events. Shown below are team relay events that are just the same as the individual card events, but the kids have to work as a team, laying only one card down, then racing down the floor to "tag off" with the other kids. This is always a competitive part of the day with lots of cheering, screaming, and noise going on. This year was no exception. Still, Truth won most of the events. Out of 6 Bible relays, we took 1st place in 5 of them. The Lord is good!

Bro. Unger and I managed the table that our team ran to. The yellow baton signals to the judges that our lane has completed their relay. As you can see, we don't mind cheering for the team!

Us doing so well in the Bible relay events does not mean there was not close competition. It provided some very intense moments on several of the relays. Some of the relays were very close!

Whew! We did it!

Here is a youtube link where you can see the relays in action. You can tell by watching the kids that we had a speed advantage with our kids. These Bible events are more important to us than the athletic events, so we really focus on winning them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJe3djq3pYs&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fapilgrims%2Dprogress%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

This is the awards ceremony. The kids received ribbons and trophies respectively for the categories they placed in.

At the end of the day, the Lord was glorified, the kids were tired, and we had some good fun in the Lord! These kids are receiving very beneficial training in minstry aspects. I can testify to that!

This is the 1st place quiz team. They each received a trophy for taking 1st. Mark, left, also received an additional trophy for being quizzer of the day.

Here are the kids with the Master Clubs leaders.

I will post the raw statistics tomorrow.

Master Clubs Rewind

2009-03-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the results from the Master Club Florida Regional competition. The day started with individual events. This separates into two categories: memorization and performance. Memorization includes card matchings that are timed. These include Bible sequence, Story-chapter-truth, Sword drills, Words from the WORD, etc. Performance includes preaching, Bible storytelling, missionary biography, Bible object lessons, and Bible quizzing. I will deal with the first part in this post.

We arrived at 9 a.m. and set up our little corner of the gym. From this spot we could prepare for the individual events, and watch the team events in the gym.

This is me holding a little girl who sure likes attention from the Maynard boys!

We had several of our church folks present volunteer to judge some of the events.

There were some less-important, non-ministry events the kids could compete in, and it helped their active brains stay focused over the long day. This is called cup-stacking, a timed event.

This event is called 20 minute essay. The kids are given a topic and 20 minutes to write an essay on it. We had 2 kids compete in this category.

This is Bible storytelling.

This is a Bible object lesson. On the table is a bearded dragon, a type of lizard, to demonstrate the devil and his ability to devour.

This is Bible sequence card drill. This is a timed event where you are judged by your time and accuracy. The goal is to put the Bible events given to you in order on a timeline.

This is a sword drill that is timed.
This is called Story, Chapter, Truth card drill. It is where you match the story with the chapter where it is found, then match the truth with the story.
This is called Missionary Biography. In this event, they can present the ministry of a missionary living or in past. They act as a representative of that missionary.
This is our ensemble.

This is my piano student in the piano solo competition. She took first place.

I will post our lunch and the events following as soon as possible. After, I will include exactly what was won by either an individual or our team.

Master Clubs Event!

2009-03-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. I am at a regional competition for Master Clubs, a ministry of our church. This is a competition that teaches children how to prepare, persevere, and perform in areas such as preaching, bible storytelling, missionary presentation, Bible memory, and many other areas that contribute to future ministry. I cannot go into detail right now due to time, but tomorrow I will have pictures, video, and results, along with commentary. Please pray that the kids do well for the glory of God today. I am blogging this from the hotel, and breakfast is waiting....so, tata!

In Christ Alone,
Clay

Trucks and Other Topics

2009-03-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! I figured it was about time for a journal post. Especially with what has gone on as of late.

Last weekend, Russell left with Bro. Unger to do what we call an "extraction." They traveled 9 hours each way to pick up a new kid that was coming to the academy. Anyway, you know what that means for me...LONG days at the academy! =D I worked a double shift Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then I worked again Sunday morning at 6 a.m. So, I was pretty tired. However, I could not resist going street preaching Sunday afternoon with the group from the church. I had not been the last 3 times. (Don't crucify me!) =D I go regularly, but when the Lymans are here, I usually go with them more often than I have this time. I guess I'm busier than I used to be.

When I haven't been in a while, there's sort of an urge in me to go. I can't explain it. Anyway, we were out there about an hour and a half. I had a great time! There were scoffers and hecklers as always, but it's those that hear the word of God and listen that encourages me. Understand though, if no one hears or listens, we are commanded to go just the same. The hardness is greater now than ever before, but that is more reason to go. I cannot sit idly by while false Salvation, false religion, and complete immorality prevail. The cause is too great!

Well, that was Sunday. Yesterday, I drove Bro. Frank Wells to the airport close to Fort Walton, Fl, to see him off to the Congo. Our church took up a love offering of $3,000 for him! That was from the audience, not the church account! PRAISE GOD!!

Our church is looking forward to what the Lord is going to do in the Congo in the future. With the going of the Blackburns, our church has become completely involved in this great work. It is also a great privilege to have the Wells sent out of our church. They are one of us.

Previous to Bro. Wells departure, he had to sell his truck to help get settled there in the Congo. The Lord allowed me the privilege of buying it! It is a 2003 Chevy S10, VR5. It is pictured to the left. It is yellow with black leather interior. It has a 6 cd changer in it as well as heated seats!

I knew I would need a vehicle for college this fall, and the Lord was gracious enough to land one in my lap, while also allowing me to help Bro. Wells get things squared away stateside.

The truck has not yet been made Clay-style yet, but that will be taken care of shortly. "Clay-style" meaning I'll put my cd's in the console, my new floor rugs, a good washing and vacuuming, and obviously my "cool" sunglasses. (Right Russell?) =D

What a privilege it is to serve Jesus Christ in the ministry. I would do nothing else!

If you receive the ministry prayer letter, you will see that I was asked to write the "Truth for Troubled Youth" page. That was fun, as I had never written in the prayer letter before. So, look for my "exclusive" article! =D Just kidding.

Well, that's it until next time.

In Christ Alone,

Clay

If It's Right, Then What Else Is There To Know? Pt 2

2009-03-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

"Why?" He asked politely. He wasn't being rude; he sincerely wanted to know. "Why do you wear long pants to play basketball in? I'm telling you--and it ain't just me--shorts are way more comfortable!" I nodded. "You're right it ain't just you, it's just about everyone in this gym." I replied with a grin. "In fact, it's me too!"

I've known Vince almost since I started going to this gym to work out and play basketball. He's not saved, but he is very respectful of our beliefs. I've tried with no success to get him to come to church. Actually, there are several guys down there that I've tried to get to come to church. People just have no time for God, it seems.

"You're kidding! Why don't you wear them, then?"
"Cause it's not right, Vince."
"So, this is a religious thing!"
"NO, this is about pleasing God and having a good testimony."
"Whatever."

Honestly, I like Vince, but he will never understand me or why I do things.

"It's right" doesn't seem to satisfy those that are lost. However, it never ceases to amaze me that many claiming Christians are the same way. They claim the name of Christ, but they do not represent God's children. They say they are saved, yet, personally, I would mistake them for the devil's kids! Church folks will criticize you as much as the lost nowadays.

I would love to wear shorts....if it wasn't nakedness, sin, displeasing to God, etc. My flesh thinks, "It's easier to move around in, more comfortable, so why not?" But like I said in part one, it's not about those factors. It's about what's right.

What about the things you watch? Do they please God or your flesh? What about your music? Is it uplifting to the Lord, or does it cater to the carnal man? You cannot share qualities! An action or deed cannot and will not please God and your flesh at the same time. Impossible! God will not be honored while the flesh is being gratified. Never!

Jesus asked the question of the Pharisees in reference to John's baptism, "Is it of heaven, or of men?" You know from the Bible account that they would not answer Jesus.

Do you know that every action can be judged by that same question? Music, movies, hobbies, clothing: "Is it of heaven or of men?"

It is one or the other. Does your music please God? Then take it to church and pass it on to other believers for encouragement. Your movies? Let's watch it at church! Wear those clothes that you struggle to justify unscripturally to a church activity, and see if you feel comfortable. Any man that has the spirit of God dwelling in him will know that something is wrong.

"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19

Anyone that loves God and desires to please him will consider their actions in light of God's thoughts.

I know those who are called to preach. They are not right with God unless they're preaching or preparing for it. It's what's right. Some are called to the mission field. They're not right with God unless they're obeying their call. What has God told you? Do the right thing, Christian.

"A servant of God."

2009-03-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

I read this in my Bible today. Paul says in Romans 1:1, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ..." Throughout the Bible, Paul's epistles especially, you see this theme of being a servant and the value that God puts on it, as well as the honor God grants to servants who are faithful. I am a servant of God as well! If you're saved, you should be too. If you are a servant of God, it will make you a servant of others as well. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."

I will not take the time to go through all the references about servanthood and slavery in the Bible. But you all know people that you have come across or worked with that you could say, "they're a servant!" First of all, this is not popular. Servanthood is frowned upon by society today. If you are a servant, you are almost the opposite of success in the worlds eyes. They look down on folks who live for others. But, as a child of God, doesn't this lifestyle mirror the life of Christ? He said, "I am not come to be ministered unto, but to minister."

It's easy to talk about it, and it's easy to show others how to be a servant. Much harder, though, is showing yourself how to be a servant. When you really show your servanthood, you will do something that you really don't want to do. Don't you hate it when there is almost an uproar in your flesh over something it does not want to do? A lot of people go out of their way to do a job that needs to be done, but it seems like it is always something that they enjoy doing. It takes a lot of character to do something you hate.

Character in servanthood is not shown on the plateau's and pulpits of verbal professions. It is shown behind the sink of personal character, or at the tub of self control in an unwanted job, or at the feet of Christ, simply washing feet. Oh, it will not appear as Christ! It will appear as one of the staff at the academy where I work needing me to take their shift. It will appear as vacuuming a car because someone else was careless and made a mess. It will appear as a run to the grocery store to help someone with a vehicle problem that broke down in a parking lot, thus ruining my whole afternoon. By the way, those three things happened to me in the same day!

Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Aha! It will not always appear as if you are doing it for Jesus, but he says that you are! We better remember that when we are inconvenienced and want to throw our mental tantrums about how bad we have it! The Lord is watching you. How do you react in those situations?

David Gibbs said this: "Servanthood is not the stepping stone to greatness; servanthood is greatness!

It is when you become a servant that you realize what happiness is all about: doing for others. When you get busy making yourself available to serve, you will forget about your petty problems and aggravations. You won't have time. I think of people in the Bible that were a servant when it was inconvenient. Remember the Shunemite woman found in 2 Kings 4? That is the only place in the Bible a woman is called great! Why? Because she sacrificed of herself for the man of God.

Well, I just got done doing the dishes before I sat to write this post. I didn't want to. I had washed dishes twice today already, and I happen to wash about 80 percent of the time. I was sick of it tonight. I tried to get one of my brothers to do it to no avail. =D That's ok. Now that it's done, I'm glad I did it. It builds character. =D Besides, no one wanted to do it, and it had to get done. I'm glad that my two busy brothers were not inconvenienced by washing dishes tonight. In fact, they're in bed right now trying to rest for the day tomorrow. It's a packed schedule this weekend, so they'll need it. Just maybe a little extra service wasn't so bad after all.

Phillipians 2:5-8
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Ask the Lord to help you be a better servant. Just a little from my devotions this morning...hope it helped you.

If It's Right, What Else Is There To Know?

2009-03-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Since the dawn of creation, man has been faced with a decision. I've never liked decisions! I hate them. A decision means that one purpose has to be defeated in favour of the other.

But many decisions that you face are easily answered by the question, "Is is right?" There are so many factors in the decisions we make. How do we feel? What do we think? What do others say? What am I being pressured to do? What are others doing? How will this effect me or my future? etc.

I watched a film recently called "Come What May," and it was one of the best I have ever seen. However, it was the slogan of the film that I want to address, "Do what's right, come what may."
In our hearts and minds, as Christians, we know to a great extent what ought to be done. I admit that there are exceptions where it takes some searching of God's will to find the truth. But this is truly an exception. What is right for the Christian is usually found in the conscience that has been directed by the Word of God and reinforced by the Holy Spirit.

Our flesh wants to consider ALL of the factors because it will not submit to the only factor that matters, God's will. And when you begin to allow your flesh to rationalize the truth with the "factors," you begin to lose the battle. What is right is all that matters.

Not your environment. Not your past. Not your present circumstances. What is right! That's it!
Not how you feel. Not what others say, do, or think. Not the possible negative effect that it may incur on you by others who do not agree. What is right! That's it!

We must quit making excuses for why we have not done right. We must quit making excuses for why we are not doing right. We must simply quit making excuses!

If it's right, what else is there to know? The answer is nothing! You need nothing else. Let's just do what's right, come what may.

It was a short, but important, thought. Consider your ways.

Do We Have a Misunderstanding?

2009-03-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Misunderstandings. I could ask, "Have you ever had a misunderstanding?" But I think the better question is, "Who hasn't had a misunderstanding?" Show me someone who has never had a misunderstanding, and I'll show you someone who is either perfect, or they do not have the ability to speak for some reason. Why? Why misunderstandings? Why can't life just go on as normal, everyone understanding everyone, perfect harmony, and effective communication one-hundred percent of the time? That would be nice, wouldn't it?

I had a misunderstanding recently with one of my superiors at work. He said, "I knew you better than to think that, yet I still did!" That describes the situation perfectly! One thing I will love in heaven: NO misunderstandings.

Listen, you are human. Your friends? They're human too. Coworkers? Yep, human. Parents? Human. What about my siblings? Well, if they're anything like mine, they're definitely human!!! :D No, I'm just kidding. The fact is, we're simply all human, and humans make mistakes. Human itself is by nature fallen, and therefore cannot effect incorruption in it's dealings. Do you like mathematical equations? Human = mistakes.

If I was perfect, and all my friends were perfect, we could communicate with complete efficiency. The words I say would be absolutely perfect for what I meant, and they could not be understood any other way. It would come across perfect. Those I am around, being perfect themselves, would take it into a perfect mind and understand it...well...perfectly! Unfortunately, this is far from the case. I am not perfect, and therefore say things that could possibly be misunderstood. My acquaintances hear and understand with an imperfect mind, and sometimes understand things different than they were intended. There is only one word I can think of for situations like this: Human!

Now, this is not to say that we should not try our best to prevent misunderstandings.

Proverbs 18:19 says,
"A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

I believe we should be as clear and complete in what we say as we possibly can. Effective communication skills go a long way in any situation. But, in light of the fact that miscommunication and misunderstandings are inevitable, this is what the Bible says about the issue. (It seems to say something about every issue. Aren't you glad for that?)

Proverbs 18:13
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."

First of all, never assume. Unless you have heard the explanation of what was meant by what was said or done, do not assume anything, especially the worst, about someone. I have been in situations where an action was taken, and someone immediately assumed an intention for the action. That was never explained, just assumed. Needless to say, it led to a mess! Unless you've been reaffirmed in your initial suspicion, do not take action based on your understanding of a situation. Also, instead of making statements, always ask questions first. This allows you to understand the situation properly before making judgement. My dad always says, "It's never best to approach a situation on the attack with your mouth."

Proverbs 18:17
"He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him."

Proverbs 20:18
"Every purpose is established by counsel..."

Seek advice. Talk the situation over with someone who is trustworthy and wise. Allow your "neighbour" to search you. They may see something, notice something, or think of something that you did not, preventing a problem. My parents just happen to be my first option. :) I would go to them first in any situation. You cannot go wrong with such trustworthy counsel. The Word of God and the Spirit of God will also speak to you. Never enter into dealing with a situation without first diligently seeking God in a time of prayer. Know the mind of the Lord on the matter, and ask him to teach you how to handle things. God will lead you. It seems that I naturally want to handle things right away without delay, which allows my flesh to get involved because I have no insight from God before analyzing things.

Lastly, resolve the issue. If wrong has been done, get to the heart of it. Take action on the facts, and do not gossip to any that should not be involved with the issue. This will cause further confusion and hurt. However, if wrong has been done, take it directly to the source.

Proverbs 27:5
"Open rebuke is better than secret love."

Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

However, if it is realized that wrong has not been done, or at least not intended by the erroneous action that was taken, do not hold the other at fault for a simple, unintended mistake. In fact, I believe the Bible instructs us to take responsiblity for the misunderstanding, even if you don't think you should have to. Read this:

Proverbs 6:3
"Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend."

The idea is that no real friend is worth getting mad at for a misunderstanding. It is better to "make sure" your friend than to rehash a mistake that cannot be changed. It always starts with you humbling yourself. That is the issue. It is not easy to humble yourself, especially when you feel that the other has done the wrong. I know--I've been there! I will tell you this: It's worth it! It's far more profitable taking responsibility for a misunderstanding, and receiving and giving forgiveness, than to "figure out" who was really at fault.

I need not elaborate further; it's the doing, not the understanding, of the concept that we have the problem with. I don't know about you, but my friends are not worth being mad at over misunderstandings. I love them too much to be mad at them for too long over anything, actually. Aside from blatant sin, for which I have separated from many, it is just not worth it.

Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 27:10
"Thine own friend...forsake not;"