My Saturday

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

"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!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

"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."

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?

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?

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;"

Heritage Happenings

Well, I have been busy. The past few weeks have included: 2 campmeetings that involved getting home at 1 a.m. or later, 3 missionaries, many trips to Gulf Breeze, FL to take my mom to the doctor, and multiple double shifts at Heritage Boys Academy to cover the shifts. I am not complaining, but this type of continuous activity seems to have a draining effect on the body as well as the mind.

I love working at the Academy, though. Most people wouldn't understand that if they knew what kind of filth is dealt with on a regular basis. But I know that this ministry is the frontlines. These kids were the devil's. Our ministry goes into the devil's playground and nabs these kids, who were victimized by a violent society, and teaches them discipline, God, and the Bible. I think that is why we fight so hard sometimes. It is a spiritual battle that is far outside our capability to understand, and therefore we fight with the power of God, sometimes draining our physical bodies in the process. The devil knows the potential of a ministry such as ours as much as we do, and I'm just glad I'm a part of something that the filthy old serpent is mad at!

Well, onto other things...

I had a very interesting talk with Dr. David Gibbs, President of the Christian Law Association, at one of the campmeetings we went to. With the Lord's help, I will be starting pre-law studies this coming fall semester, so naturally the conversation was in that direction. He was excited to hear of my updated plans (I had talked with him last year), and his comment was, "Finish school young man, and I will fill your briefcase!"









Honestly, I can't wait. I also can't believe that it will be 7 years until I can practice law. That's a long time! Well, I say that looking at the last 7 years, and I realize, on a second thought, how fast it can go. I'll keep busy doing other things besides college, anyway.

Due to the busyness, I haven't had a lot of time to work on my blog. I plan on putting another post up tomorrow, so pray that works out. I am supposed to have the next 2 days off, but in this ministry, I'm on call 24/7. I hope the next 2 days are pretty restful, though. I could use it. I've been quoting Ecclesiastes 5:12 the last few days. "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet..." :D

In Christ Alone,
Clay

The Word of God

I have always loved Psalm 119. It's the biggest chapter in the Bible, and it talks so much about God's word. Out of 176 verses in the chapter, 167 of them refer to God's word. Words such as "statutes, ordinances, precepts, words, commandments, judgements, laws, and testimonies" are all used to describe the Word of God in the chapter. It is the overwhelming theme of the chapter.
And I cannot read it without a great depth of gratitude to God for my Bible!!

The King James Bible is the only one. Changes to it are perversions.

What a joy that while we don't have prophets and preachers doing miracles as they did in times of old, the preserving of our Bible is a miracle in of itself. "That which is perfect" is here. (1 Cor. 13:10) I love my Bible! It is my most cherished earthly possession. It is the only earthly possession I have that bears heavenly significance. Here are some thing I thought of that describe my Bible:

1. My Orders

As a soldier, my orders for battle are found in it's pages. It strengthens me to fight "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." It reminds me that I'm in a battleground, not a playground.

2. My Love Letter

It is through the Bible that we find Salvation in Jesus Christ; without God's word, we would all be lost. Thank God for the love of God that saved me, the love of Christ that constrains me, and the love of the bridegroom that shall soon resurrect me.

3. My Comfort

Sometimes only my Bible can solve my problems. It soothes my broken heart, it's the balm of Gilead to my troubled soul, and I run to it my darkest hour.

Psalm 119: 9
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."

Psalm 119:36-37
"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

It keeps me clean. The more I read, the cleaner my mind and heart is. Someone in sin will not read the word of God; it cleans them. The longer I am in God's word the more it cleans me. "God's word will keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from God's word."

Psalm 119:24
"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors."

Psalm 119:59
"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

Psalm 119:105
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

It leads me. When I don't undertand what to do or how to act, I turn to my Bible. I have great friends and counsellors, but the word of God excels them all! I can always trust in the counsel of the Word of God. It shall never fail me.

Pastor Hank Thompson said on his death bed, "I’ve lived my life upon the Scriptures. I’ve slept on them. I’ve fed on them I’ve given my whole life to the Scriptures; they’ve never failed me. They’ve kept me and led me. They’ve been my life. Don’t ever forsake them..."

Psalm 119:63
"I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts."

It associates me with the right people. When people have God's word in common, it seems like most other things fall into place. I have the most awesome friends anyone could ever have, and I have the Word of God to thank for that! It made me who I am, and it made my phriends who they are! It is how iron can sharpen iron, it settles disputes, it corrects mistakes, and it stays you when you misunderstand those around you.

Psalm 119:71
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Psalm 119:114
"Thou art my hiding place..."

It strengthens me in the battle.

When I am weak, and tired, and overwhelmed, I can run to the refuge of his words and find comfort, help, and peace for my soul. This world can tear you up! Especially in the ministry! But God is my refuge, he is a very present help in time of trouble. In affliction, it draws us to know God's words even better, and to love and cherish them even more.

Psalm 119:103
"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Psalm 119:130
"The entrance of thy words giveth light."

It is sweet. I love to sit and meditate on the words of God! It is a past time that you will surely not regret. "Where the word of a king is, there is power." I love the sweetness of the fellowship of God Almighty as I read his word.

Psalm 119:165
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

It grants peace. What can you do with a man who is so founded in God's word that this world cannot offend him? Want peace in the storm? Turn to God's word.

This is not by far all that I gleaned in Psalm 119 this morning. As I drank my Dutch tea and read my Bible, I was simply thankful to God for allowing us the priveledge of holding his word. I pray that I never fail in my faith toward it. I pray that I live it, love it, and proclaim it as long as I live.

Lunatics

In Matthew 17, we find the story of a man with a lunatic son. This son falleth oft into the fire and into the water. He's bound by sin and Satan, unable to even control himself. Aren't people today in this very same condition? Not only can they not help themselves, they can't even tell they need help!

The Condition of the Sinner is Needy. He is bound by the devil and the spirit of Satan. "Do you really think there are people like this around us?" you ask. If they were around when God himself walked the earth, you can be sure they are around in this wicked generation.

They needed help then, and they still do. The place to find help has not changed over the centuries of time. The lunatics need Christ!! If we can get them to Jesus, he can do the rest.

The Committment of the Saints is Neglectful. They cannot heal him. When Christ does the healing work, the disciples are confused. What had they missed? Why couldn't they heal him? Jesus' answer was simple: "Because of your unbelief." "Ye faithless and perverse generation..." Wow! Me? Faithless and perverse? Notice Jesus never rebuked the boy, or even the father. The reason is simple; it's not the job of the world to know the answer. They don't have the answer. They come to you, Christian, to find the answer. Jesus was not mad at the ignorant for their ignorance, he was angry with the disciples, who had showed their lack of faith after walking with the Son of God and seeing the most amazing power ever displayed in history!

I know you've thought it. I have to. "This person will never come around!" "Why do we keep on giving, when they never even notice, only so they can spit in the faces of those who care about them?!" "Why won't they change?"

I've struggled with this as of late. And Jesus gave us the answer in this passage.

Believe.

That simple; that unprofound! We simply don't have faith in God. I know, because I've been in that dark musty hole of unbelief! Recently, too!

"God, move mountains? I just want them to be faithful to church, or act like they care for once!"
In the ministry of troubled youth, I think sometimes the more you give, the more they devour without thought of the sacrifice of others. Sometimes, the ministry is just that way.

Believe? Is that all?

Well, there is one more thing. It's the harder part: "This kind cometh not out but by prayer and fasting." Praying is almost non-existant in churches today. I know that. Need proof? Need the evidence? Power is almost non-existant. Power is the gauge of prayer; no prayer, no power! It's that simple. Christians think that their lack of prayer is something they can hide because no one sees whether or not they pray, when really their complete lack of power is like a bullhorn on the street corner screaming, "I DON'T PRAY!"

I know that hurts; it hurts me as I write it.

If you had an invitation to the White House, you would come without missing a beat! Yet God gives us an invitation to the Oval Office of the universe every day, with the potential of turning nations upside down, and most Christians never show up!

And fast.

Push away from the table. If you thought prayer was almost non-existant, can you imagine the state of fasting?

Listen, God says this is what works! There are most certainly lunatic spirits out there, driving us crazy with our inability to affect them with our ho-hum, run-of-the-mill spirituality. We can't just follow a routine, or follow some script, and expect miraculous results in hearts that are hardened by sin and the spirit of sin itself.

We need belief. Belief that God can heal. Wait!! Not just that he can heal. Faith is substance and evidence! Faith is not just saying God can; Faith is saying we believe God will!
He will heal, and he will help, and he will save, and he will sanctify.

He will!

If they did it once, what's wrong with it happening again? Have faith. Take heart. And know that great victories never were produced over puny foes! Great victories require great foes! And the greater the foe, the greater the potential for God's glory to be shown in victory, and the greater we can expect from God!

"God, we just need you to be God!! For the sake of our churches, for the sake of our homes, and for the sake of our nation, please...just be God once again! And give us the faith to trust you to just be who you've always been, and to be who you are."

New Piano!

To start off with, I must say this post is well overdue. However, my schedule over the last week and a half has been hectic, to say the least! I could write a post on what happened just this last week and a half. And it would be a LOOOOONG one. Anyway, all that aside, about 2 weeks ago, the Lord blessed our church with a brand new keyboard. What I had been using was a 66 key keyboard that did not even produce sound to the back of our church properly. Folks that sat near the back said they could only hear a "hum." Well, that has changed.

It came in a box on the front porch. I was excited about it. It was donated by someone who saw the need and went out and provided it. It is a quality, top of the line keyboard that is used in studios. It is a Yamaha CP33. Praise the Lord!!! It is not my piano, but I am the biggest beneficiary of the blessing! I was prepared to go out the following day to buy a stand, pedal, speakers (it did not have built in speakers), and a cord to plug it in to our sound system. No need! God never does a half job!!! The following day, we received 4 more boxes in the mail. One had the stand, one had a new amplifier, one had two extra speakers, and the last had a memory foam cusioned stool. Also included was 2 input/output cords, a set of studio headphones, and the instruction manuals. I estimated that it could have collectively costed near $6,000. What a blessing!!

I am amazed! I have played it for multiple services now, and I still sit down and am amazed by the sound quality and the setup. Even more amazing are the simple blessings of life that God has taken notice of, and given us more than we have asked; Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!!

Here are some pictures:

And video of something I came up with: (I didn't know I was being recorded)

In Christ Alone,

Clay

Just Me

After talking with our dear friends, the Huussen family one afternoon, I found myself reflecting on something that was said. At one point, I told Lydia that she was crazy (she is, by the way!) LOL But her response is what made me think: "No, I'm just me."

I have used that term multiple times since then, including in a previous blog post. (Cause people call me crazy all the time! LOL)

Have you ever met someone who just wasn't themselves. I know that's an oxymoron, but the idea is that this kind of person behaves as if they're someone they're not. Make sense?

It's easy for me to get frustrated with people who act like this. I wonder what their motives are. Only someone who is not satisfied with who God made them would behave this way, and I know that it is not pleasing to God! What would you feel like if you created someone for a unique purpose, giving them limitations that you want to work your power through, giving them strengths that you can receive glory in, and making them different than anyone else so that they are able to be what no one else can, being themselves in God's own, planned way... only for them to strive at being someone else?

I wonder at the motives.... I know that it does not please God. In fact, in my opinion, it smells of wordliness! This attitude comes from the concept that one person or personality is more important than another; that to be, or act, or look a certain way, puts you in a category above others. I believe that this attitude, which has strongly influenced this generation, is from from the Television, Hollywood, Magazines, and Hell itself! It is certainly not from God! This is what God says:

2 Corinthians 10:12
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Comparing yourself to others rather than Christ is simply unscriptural. Paul the apostle constantly references Christ in his epistles when judging himself. He never puts himself in a category based on accomplishments, accolades, or appearance. He simply strived to be like Christ. That is God's desire for Christians.

The Lord told Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7,
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

This is also why fantasy is dangerous. Letting your mind wander makes you wish you were someone or something that you're not. I advise to be careful of most fictional books, as well. It is easy for our carnal minds to lose reality and fantasize about things that are either not God's will, or are simply fantasy. Paul said, "...whatsoever things are true...think on these things." I am not against all fictional books, as long as they honor God. But I think even with clean, Christian fiction, it is easy for the mind to wander. That is not God's will.

Paul also said, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

I've heard of supposed Christian young people taking pictures of actors or so-called "stars" down to the beauty salon to get the same hair cut. I know of people who dress or act different around different people to give a false depiction of theirself based on their company. Then there are those who are not simply not satisfied with who God made them, and resort to painting themselves up to look different, something the Bible classifies as the actions of an harlot. I heard one preacher say, "you need LOTS of paint on that barn!" He was even speaking of his wife! The manners that I grew up with dictate that to be a rude comment! But the point is, did he marry his wife for who she was, or for who she wasn't, but could make herself to look like. I'm not angry or upset at anyone who disagrees with this, but I think America has overdone the philosophy that we need to be someone that God did not make us.

I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I love my dearest friends the way I do, because they are themselves! They're not pseudo-anything. Nothing fake, phony, or plastic. Just down to earth, real people. I love my family for who they are. I love my friends for who they are.
I want to be...."just me!"



"Just be who you is, don't be who you ain't, cause if you ain't who you is, you is who you ain't!"
- Commen sense

"Just Me," Lydia J. Huussen, Used by Permission

I Am a Soldier

I am a soldier in the Army of my God

I promise to support and defend the Word Of God against all enemies!

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commander in Chief, The Holy Spirit is my Secretary of Defence, The Holy Bible is my Code of Conduct, Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare!

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire! I am a Volunteer in this Army, and I am enlisted for eternity! I will either retire from this Army at the Rapture..or die in this Army!

I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out!

I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable!

If my God needs me, I am there! If He needs me in Sunday School, working with youth, helping adults, or just sitting and learning, He can use me because I am there!

I am a Soldier! I am not a baby! I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked or pepped up!

I am a Soldier! No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me!

I am a Soldier! I am not a wimp! I am in place saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His Kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts! I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to!

I am committed! I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around! I cannot be discouraged enough to cause me to quit!

When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing! If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even! I will win! My God will supply all my needs! I am more than a conqueror! I will always triumph! I can do all things through Christ!

Devils cannot defeat me! People cannot disillusion me! Weather cannot weary me! Sickness cannot stop me! Battles cannot defeat me! Money cannot buy me! Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me!

I am a Soldier! Even death cannot destroy me! For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield He will promote me to Captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him!

I am a Soldier, in the Army, and I am marching, claiming victory! I will not give up! I will not turn around! I am a Solider, marching Heaven bound!

Here I stand!

Taken from the Soldiers for Christ Ministries

Edited and formatted by Clay Maynard

Bible Trivia!

For those of you who have not noticed, I have added an interactive, weekly Bible trivia question to the column on the right side of the blog page. After each week, I will post a new Bible trivia question. You can find the answer to the previous Bible trivia question on the bottom of the column on the right. The questions are not going to be easy to come up with, seeing I will be coming up with them on my own. Your interaction is appreciated. :)

In Christ Alone,
Clay

Clutter in the Prayer Closet

Remember the last time you couldn't find something? First you looked in the obvious places where the object should be, then you moved on to the last place you remember using or seeing it, then it gets real serious and you start digging for it...and digging long...and hard! You mean you're going to find what you're looking for. You've all been there, and before you know it you're in the bottom of some closet throwing everything away!!! :D You're frustrated that you can't find what you're looking for, and you're sick of all the junk that you never use that is getting in the way of you finding what you're looking for.

I was in my closet yesterday. For a very long time, mind you. It ended with about 6 trash bags full of junk sitting outside my bedroom. Needless to say, after about 3 hours of cleaning, the whole room looked 100 percent better! My hard-working brother, Aaron, and I are both completely pleased with the result.

But it's those times where you need something that you realize all the junk that stops you from getting to it. It's the time that you need something important that emphasizes all the junk that's in your closet.

The back door of the Maynard house is where the laundry room is. I remember about 3 years ago, during a campmeeting at our church, we were extremely busy! Consequently, the laundry got so backed up that the whole room was being overcome by our laundry! :D I then had the unenviable task of getting out the back door for some reason I can't remember! What a feat! To climb over all of that laundry for something simple that I needed.

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" Psalm 66:18

The key is the word "regard." It does not say "perform" or "act upon."

Regard - "Attention of the mind." Noah Websters 1828

Simply the "thought of foolishness is sin," according to Proverbs. Regarding iniquity in your heart is just as sinful as committing the act--they're both sin! Regarding iniquity also leads to the iniquity itself when not properly checked. What is regarded in your heart will be performed in you members. Mark it down. You cannot separate the preparation from the action. You will do that which you have prepared your heart to do, which is why Rehoboam messed up the way he did: "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." 2 Chronicles 12:14.

"Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny." -Author Unknown

That unknown author had it right. Paul knew it too! That's why he told those Corinthians:

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Cor. 10:4-5

It's also why he advised in Phillipians:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8

What you regard in your heart affects what you do; what you regard is based a lot upon what you put into your mind from books, music, videos, etc.

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" Psalm 66:18

It does not say the Lord will always say no. It doesn't even say the Lord will not answer. It says he will not even hear you. What a statement to make! How many deafened prayers have you prayed that never made it past the ceiling because of the iniquity of your heart? How many times has God simply never even heard you when you prayed? Isn't that scary? I serve a God that I not only trust, and have faith in, and want. I serve a God that I need!!

That's where the closet clutter comes in. Is your closet full of clutter? Not just the physical clutter, but the spiritual clutter. The clutter that raises the stench of sin from you prayer closet, causing God to turn away in disgust!

As I cleaned out my closet yesterday, I realized that it would have been a lot easier had I kept the clutter out to start with! It's the same way with your prayer closet. Don't let the clutter pile up in there! Go dig it out! Pull it out before God, throw it in trash bags, do whatever you need to, but don't let it still be there when tragedy hits, in the moments of your life where you need God the most! Wouldn't it be terrible for something tragic to happen in your life, and when you begin to pray, you begin to search for God through a pile of clutter? I would hate to think that someones life hanging in the balance was lost, simply because I couldn't get to God for all the clutter of my prayer closet.

It could be that a decision will need to be made, and you need to be in touch with God to make a God-honoring decision, but there's just too much clutter!

"God help me to keep my spiritual closet clean, so that when I need you, I know you hear me! For my prayer closet is a place where we can always meet, free of this worlds clutter! ...oh, and I guess keeping the physical one clean isn't a bad idea either!" :D

The Year of Our Lord?

Every year that passes by, I wonder what the next year holds. I've wondered if I would become famous, author a book or another song, meet the president (that's not as glamourous as it used to be), become rich, get terribly sick, travel around the world, or even die! I like to think about the future like that! That sounds crazy, doesn't it? No, I'm not crazy; I'm just me!! :D

However, the greatest possible thing that could happen this year is for Jesus Christ to come and take his children home. I've decided that nothing in my life would be interrupted by his return. I know every young person has thought that they hope they can perhaps go to college, get married, have children, etc. But I have nothing listed above, or elsewhere for that matter, that I would rather have than the return of Jesus Christ!! The implications are endless!!

I guess I could start with the end of all pain! Hallelujah! Thankfully, I have not had to live with much pain, but I know several people that live in constant pain...I want the end of pain just for them! I sometimes wish that I could share the pain to give them some relief. I used to think that some of these wishes for heavens beauty were selfish; now I just know God knew what he was doing when he promised them!!!

Then no more sin! No curse of the old man. No temptation, whether the lust of the flesh, or of the devil. No more sin. Wow! No more political scandals that hurt uninvolved people; no more drug dealers using children as their messengers; No more children abused, women used, or the weak being crushed by the strong. No more survival of the fittest; no more human nakedness used for advertisement; no more babies being killed by pshycos for parents! No more injustice that locks up innocent preachers while nine-time felons walk the streets and golf courses with a freedom they didn't earn. No more claiming Santa is real while denying the existance of God! NO MORE SIN! No more struggle with the world and the devil for our minds and hearts. Thank God!

No more good byes. Now this is a big one!!! I plan on spending a couple dozen lifetimes with each of my dear friends here on earth. How do you make it away from family and friends that you love so dear? This precious promise that we shall know them "as they are known."

But greatest of all, to see Jesus Christ! To see Jesus' face, from which a beard was ripped by the hands of his own creation, justifying even those sins that they were presently committing! What love!!! He was the embodiment of love! Love that would save me, knowing what kind of sorry Christian I would be! What love..."Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!"

In light of the fact that Jesus could come this year, we should be busier than ever! Souls need to be saved, saints need to be encouraged in the fight, and crowns need to be won for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ.

Do you remember what the angels told the disciples at Jesus ascension? "This same Jesus, which was taken from you, shall so come in like manner, as ye have seen him go into heaven."
What if you had been told that? You would think that Christ was coming in your lifetime!! I believe that's what the disciples thought as well. But, you see, their approach to that line of thinking was different than most Christians today! That is evidenced by their action. They thought, "Jesus is coming back; we've got to get busy evangelizing this world. After all, he said to go into 'all the world.' " The attitude of most Christians today is, "Jesus is coming back, so why bother?" Instead of a motivation for service, the coming of Christ has been the cause of lazy Christianity with the fleeting thought, "I can't wait till Jesus gets me out of here."

What's your attitude? Is it like the disciples? "Jesus is coming back; we need to get busy!" Or is it like modern Christianity? "Jesus is getting us out of here, so why bother?"

I want to be busy when Christ shows up. What about you? If you're not, now's the time to get busy! This could be the year...the year of our Lord!!!

In Christ Alone,
Clay