Make a Joyful Noise!!!!!!!!!!!!

Singing is commanded in Scripture as a part of our worship, but it should be so much more than a duty-bound voicing of words. The Bible reveals many reasons why we should want to lift our voices in song.

We should sing of the strength and power of our God. We should sing of the victory that is possible through Him. We should sing songs of exaltation and songs of thanksgiving for our blessings, most especially the blessing of salvation. Our songs should pour forth from an overflow of the joy we have in the love of our Father.


While singing is to be "unto the Lord", it is also for our consecration and edification. As we sing, we draw nearer to God, as well as to one another. Understanding is to be a part of our singing, so let us be sure we are telling the truth when we sing words like, "Jesus Is All The World To Me."


Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Actions Speak Louder Than Words!!!!!!

Actions speak louder than words. That adage is old but it is still true. What you do communicates your character much more vividly than what you say.

Are you one of those who claims to wear the name Christian, but who never shows it in your life? Do the pople you work with ever suspect your belief? Do the people in your neighborhood or at the local market realize that you are religious-minded? If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?


If the answer to these questions is no, you may be like the tree frog who carries a sign that says, "I am red." The fact he is green is not altered by his statement. Being a Christian is more than saying it, it is LIVING it. After all, the best sermon is a sermon in shoes!


Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"

Peeper, by Paul Chandler

Through a mutual virtual friend, I was introduced to the author, Paul Chandler. He was kind enough to offer to send me a copy of his new book, Peeper, if I would promise to post a review of the novel. I readily agreed.

I am so glad I did, because I loved Peeper. I was engaged by the story from page one and found myself wondering how this suspense thriller would end right up to the climax on page 234! The book is well crafted and moves a good pace. The characters are developed in such a way as to have the reader pulling for them to succeed or fail, depending on their role in the story.

The premise of the book is that a man who can “peep” into anyone’s thoughts of any with whom he had an encounter. He had been using his skills to make a lot of money from corporate raiders. When an unexpected consequence takes place, Andrew, the peeper, has to deal with his conscience and goes to great lengths to make restitution, even jeopardizing himself and his future.

The kind of conflicts that Andrew faces are not unique to him, we all have to wrestle with decisions and responsibilities that come with opportunities that present themselves. We have to decide what kind of citizens we will be. His dilemma helps us crystallize our own standards.

If you love a good page turner, I suggest you obtain a copy of Peeper, by Paul Chandler, published by iUniverse, inc. I can’t read your mind; but I don’t believe you will be sorry.

Daily Devotional Time

The battle to remain faithful to God is difficult. Satan wants to utterly destroy each one of us, and his schemes are extremely crafty. The only way to gain strength and competency for the fight is in personal devotional time each day. A disciple is a learning follower, thus Bible study is imperative.

Scripture reading should be incorporated into our daily routine to allow God's word to equip us for all good works. Fervent prayer is also needed in our daily quiet time. There's nothing we cannot accomplish through diligent, faithful prayer.

Personal devotional time in the form of Bible study and prayer will strengthen our relationship with God and allow us to be victorious in our struggles with Prince of Darkness.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved of the God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Dream Vacation for Our Family

My wife and two grandsons and I just returned from a vacation we have been anticipating for a year and a half. We live in South Texas, so it was long drive to Orlando, Florida. We spent six days taking in all the attractions of Disney World, concluding in Star Wars weekend at the Hollywood Studios park. It was a thrill for the 8 & 9 year olds to participate in the Jedi Training Academy and do battle against the villian Darth Maul.

The reason we chose to drive was that we wanted to use the money we would have spent on airline tickets toward the price of a cruise to the Bahamas. So when we left Disney, we went to Port Canaveral to catch the Carnival Sensation. You should have seen me para-sailing off Freeport! We got home today, thrilled by the great time and the great memories.

25 Years and Counting!

We had a big reception this afternoon to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of my dad and my step-mother. My mom passed away 26 years ago, having been married to Dad for 36 years. Melba, my step-mom, had outlived 2 husbands. A few months ago, as their 25th approached, she remarked that in all she had now been married about 60 years and never had a 25th anniversary.

My brothers and sisters and our mates made plans to give them a party to remember, but we did not want to make it a surprise party, we wanted them to anticipate the day.

We rented a civic center in the county seat of the county in which Dad and Melba live. We decorated in an understated way, with the highlight being flowers from Dad’s garden. The food was nice, but not fancy. We had a very nice multimedia presentation that was produced by one of the grandchildren that was very poignant. The guests came from as far away as Michigan and New Mexico, which was very pleasing to Dad and Melba. They had a very good time. In fact, they almost always have a good time. I do not think I know anyone that is more happy in their marriage than these two. They have had a really good run!

Twenty-five years ago I had the privilege of leading Dad and Melba in their vows. Today, Dad wore the same suit he wore on that day. I did not!

Caught in the Act!

When I was in seventh grade, I learned a life-changing lesson. In those days we left our gym clothes in a basket in the locker room all week. We took them home each Friday for washing. One Friday, for some reason, I forgot to pick up my gym clothes. When I got home my mom asked where my gym clothes were. We only lived three blocks or so from the gym, I could easily have gone back and gotten them and been home with no real impact on my weekend.

But for some reason I told my mom that I had gone by the gym and my clothes were gone. I told her someone must have stolen them. I was not in the habit of lying to my folks, but that one seemed to work. I did not have to go back to school that afternoon, problem over.

I was the oldest of 4 and dad worked hard to provide for us. We lived from paycheck to paycheck, so the next day when he took me to town to replace my gym clothes and tennis shoes, I knew it was not an expected expense. I felt really bad, but I did not own up to the lie.

I was a good student and it was not uncommon for me to be called to the office to get some recognition or opportunity. The principal was a good friend of ours, and an elder in the church where we went to worship. So when I was called to the office on Monday morning, I was not prepared for what was awaiting me. My mom and dad were sitting in Mr. Rasco's office! I swallowed hard and entered. I had to come clean and answer for my lie. I determined that day I never wanted to have that feeling again.

Honesty is the best policy!