There have been many symbols for Christianity through out the church age. Fish, shepherds staffs, etc have been symbols of what Christianity stood for. But it is fitting that the CROSS has become the one true symbol of all Christians everywhere. I think that is proper because that was where God's love and wrath came together. As the mediator between God and man {1st Timothy 2:5}, Jesus bore God's wrath for us and extended God's love to us. On the cross, Jesus gave us God's mercy and grace through His sacrificial , shed blood.

Jesus' primary purpose was not to give moral and ethical and religious teachings, although He did certainly did this also. But  as the sinless Lamb of God, He came to die on the cross to pay our sin debt in full, once and for all time. This is the heart of Christianity, and that is why the cross is our symbol of belief. 

The atonement was necessary because there was something broken in us. Our sin had alienated us from God. And if Jesus had not shed His blood on the cross, you and I could never know God. There is no other way but the cross.

Do you know Jesus? Perhaps you have heard about Him all your life, but the cross has never become personal to you. Friend, nothing in this world or the next could be any more personal. That the Lord Jesus Christ loved YOU and laid His life down for YOU! That is personal!. Whether you accept or reject Christ's sacrifice on the cross determines whether you will have peace with God and your sins forgiven. It determines whether you will spend eternity in heaven or in hell.

If you are a believer, it is possible to do more then wear across necklace or display one on the wall of your living room. It is possible to pick up your cross daily and display the cross to a watching world. Jesus commanded us to do this daily. Ephesians 5:2 says, "And walk in love, as christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."  Each day as we pick up our own crosses allowing the aroma of our individual lives to be pleasing to our Lord. And as we do, Thank Him for what He did on that wonderful cross by each day offering up your own life to Him in return. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1867- THE DATE OF THE ALASKA PURCHASE. Let us pray for every church and Christian ministry in this state today.

2. 2010 - This will be the first day for Janet Shipps to be without her husband {Larry}. For over 5 decades they were with each other nearly every day. Larry went to heaven yesterday at around 5:30 p.m. Let us pray for Janet today and each widow or widower that we know. Their burden is heavy to carry but with the Lord's aid it is possible.  

 Good Monday to all you blogers. We had good services yesterday at Liberty. We had two believers follow the Lord in Believers Baptism in the morning services. In the evening we had a dear 87 year old lady, { Wilma Rust} join our church. It is good to see folk baptized and joining. Also in our evening service we anointed Bob Vigar and Wilma Rust, and prayed the prayer of faith for them. Both had requested the Pastors and Deacons to pray this special way for them. Bob has a very serious problem with his aortic valve and Wilma is having serious sight problems. We asked others with burdens and problems of all sorts to come to the altar for special prayer. It was a powerful and precious way to end our service. The Lord was with us in a manifested way in each and every service. Our folk who were part of our mission team sent to Costa Rica returned yesterday morning and we were thankful for safety and the good reports we heard. Thanks for praying for this missions trip. 

We are gearing up for our annual, "PRAYING AT THE CROSS" service this Thursday evening at 7p.m. It is always a special time to pause and reflect about the CROSS Of CHRIST. We will sing, reflect, rejoice, praise, give thanks, and pray at the cross. Hope you can plan on being here for this wonderful event in this wonderful season of Easter.

This Sunday our entire morning service is dedicated to learning about the "RESURRECTION POWER OF JESUS" and how it applies to individual lives. I will be speaking from the scripture about Christ's Resurrection power and then Jaun & Becca Guerra will share their testimony about how they came to Christ and how his almighty power has changed their lives in so many ways. You won't want to miss the morning services and I will assure you will want to have a family member or a friend here at Liberty as a visitor. INVITE, INVITE, INVITE. Sunday evening we will observe a "CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION" service. 

I need to go for now, in about 10 minutes we will begin staff meeting. I will have Pastor Chas, Ryan, Mike, Bobby, along with Matt Dooney and Barry Early in our office for a few hours as we go over all the ministries and things at Liberty. We will discuss, decide and pray about many things. If you think about it today can you pray for all the Pastors, Deacons, and Leaders of Liberty today. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1929-F.B. MEYER DIED. He was a gracious, great preacher. He wrote many great books and commentaries that are still widely published and studied. I sure hope in some way my life and yours will still be producing on this earth when we are in heaven.

2. 1790- THE BIRTHDAY OF JOHN TYLER. John Tyler was the tenth president of our nation. Pray for our president today and his aids and all that work with and for him. 

 This Sunday in both morning and evening I will be speaking on perhaps the greatest theme of the Bible, the CROSS! In the morning I will be using the text of Mark 15 and in the evening Genesis 22. Yes, the cross is in the Old Testament! In fact the scarlet thread that weaves the Bible together is the Blood of Jesus. The Blood of Jesus is the theme of every book in the Bible. It is the key to every chapter. One thing I have learned in life is that when things are going really bad, that what I need is a good dose of the cross, and when I focus there it gives me the power to keep going on and not to quit. If Jesus, can do that for me I can surely endure this for HIM. I have also learned that when things are going real well, that what I also need is a good dose of the cross. When every thing is going well I have a tendency to start thinking how good I am and pride begins to creep into my life. As I focus on the cross it helps me to see who I really am without Jesus. I am JUST A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE! When I feel all alone, when I think all have forsaken me, when I start believing that no one cares, I must focus on the cross. In seasons when I feel so overwhelmed I must take a walk to a hill called Mt. Calvary and remember His payment for my victory. When I have thoughts that I am a failure and am not succeeding I must look up and close my eyes to all my feelings and focus on the true fact of the cross. When I am so overcome by thoughts that I have no value, I must sit down at the foot of the cross and listen to my Saviors last words and as I do I am filled with understandings of how HE values me. OH HOW JESUS ME!  Burdens are lifted at calvary. " At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day." Maybe what we need today instead of a lot of what we are attempting to put in our minds and hearts today is simply , " A GOOD DOSE OF THE  CROSS."

A little assignment for all you bloggers. Sunday morning I will be speaking from Mark 15:21-47 a message entitled, THE CONGREGATION AT THE CROSS." I will be looking at the different type of people who were part of the congregation at the cross. I think they are the same type of people that are usually in our congregations today. Look to see who they are and decide what each of these people or groups of people represented. Then ask yourself the question. Which group am I a part of? To find the answer you will need to be in service this Sunday or listen on line.

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1513- PONCE de LEON DISCOVERED FLORIDA. Pray for the churches and Christian ministries in this state today.

2. 1892- THE DEATH OF WALT WHITMAN.

3. WHY NOT TRY TO DO A KIND DEED FOR ANOTHER PERSON TODAY? Just an act of kindness to someone God brings to your mind. It really will make a difference and it will make our world a little better place to live. 

 Have any of you noticed our first born daughter is looking a little large in the tummy. There is a good reason for that, in a few weeks she is getting ready to deliver their second child. We are looking with anticipation to getting to know our second grandchild. By the time she will be born we will have already prayed for her a great deal! Children are a gift from God, and we will be so blessed to welcome this precious one into our family. 

Karen and I found out that each of our four children had unique temperaments and talents. As the children grew we needed to customize our parenting skills and approaches to each child. Proverbs 22:6 says we must "train up a child in the way he should go." Our children may live in the same house, eat the same food, breathe the same air, attend the same church and be taught the same truths , but they are different in a wonderful way! It will be the same way with our new granddaughter and her sister Lucy. 

Despite the differences in children, they each need PRAYER! Karen & I have found that our prayers for our children are the most effective and most powerful thing we can do help develop their individual character. We prayed daily for our children before they were ever conceived and every day after. We prayed for their salvation, the perfect mate for their life, for their safety and most importantly that they would become adults who would love the Lord and serve Him in all the ways He desires. Prayer has made a difference in our children and is still making a difference in their lives today as they are building families for Christ as well. It is a pleasure to see our children pray for their families now, and guess what? They pray for their parents as well. "What so ever a man soweth that shall he also reap."

Isaiah 54:13 "AND ALL THY CHILDREN SHALL BE TAUGHT OF THE LORD; AND GREAT SHALL BE THE PEACE OF THY CHILDREN." Parent's we must learn to pray scripture verses for our children and grandchildren, it really does make a difference. 

We pray that for our children and our two grandchildren and all the grandchildren that will arrive one day that they will be taught of the Lord. We are asking the Lord to teach them through godly parents and grandparents along with Sunday School teachers and youth pastors, etc. We are asking that they will be taught through His indwelling Spirit and His inspired Word. We are also asking for Him to bless them with peace, well being, prosperity, and favor. We want them to be godly and not just good. 
 

If you have children our grandchildren, pray! The enemy is out to destroy their lives. We have been placed as spiritual shields to protect them from the devil's attacks. We must enter the battle and be examples, teachers, and prayer warriors. THEY NEED OUR PRAYERS TODAY! We must not let them down!

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1890- BILLY SUNDAY QUIT BASEBALL FOR MINISTRY- This great American evangelist saw over ONE MILLION MEN come to Christ in his meetings. Not counting children and women. He was greatly used to bring revival to America. Perhaps the last national revival of our nation. He played professional baseball in Chicago. He was saved through the ministry of PACIFIC GARDEN MISSION in the heart of the WINDY CITY. The Lord got ahold of his heart and Billy chose to leave money and prestige and began to preach for his Lord. Little did he know the effect it would make for all eternity. May we be willing to obey our Lord today in the whatever and wherever of life.

Music in the life of a believer is vital as well as the home and the church. Its impact is for good or bad in our lives and in our churches is immeasurable. Some view music as simply a form of entertainment and emotional conditioning but godly music plays a much larger role in the Christian. 

Scripture is full of passages that teach us the reasons for Christ honoring music. As we study the scripture , one cannot miss how from the beginning of mankind and even throughout eternity godly music has been ordained of God with particular purposes. I love godly music and how it helps me in my journey with Christ. But not all music draws us to Jesus, in fact the worlds music will lead us away from Christ. Let me share some Biblical principles as we attempt to incorporate music into our life as a means  of drawing nearer to our Lord. What did God have in mind when He created and ordained music?

1. THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIP-"And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang and the trumpeters sounded: and all continued until the burnt offering was finished" {2 Chronicles 29:28}.

2. THE PURPOSE OF THANKS-"Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God" {Psalm 147: }.

3. THE PURPOSE OF REJOICING-" Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, rejoice, and sing. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp and a voice of a psalm' {Psalm 98:4-5}. 

4. THE PURPOSE OF CONSECRATION- "Search me, O. God, and know my heart: try me , and know my thoughts"{Psalm 139:23 ]. {Spoken in song} "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation" {Psalm 111:1}.

5. THE PURPOSE OF EDIFICATION-"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" { Colossians 3:16 }.

6. THE PURPOSE OF EVANGELISM- "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it , and fear, and shall trust in the Lord" {Psalm 40:3}. 

7. THE PURPOSE OF PRESERVATION OF FAITH-"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works" {Psalm 145:1-5}.

                          MAY THE MUSIC OF OUR LIVES, HOMES, AND CHURCHES BRING GLORY TO GOD !!!!

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1858- THE FIRST CABLE CAR WAS PATENTED.

2. 1775- THE DATE OF PATRICK HENRY'S ORATION. The famous words of "Give me Liberty or give me death." He would rather die than be a slave. He would rather dead than not be free. To him security was not the main thing but freedom. A man of Character and values. We need such today! To him socialism was not the main thing but freedom. He did not think that government owed him a living or even a health insurance policy, but rather owed him  the right to have a chance to make a living and pay for his own way. 

3. 1912 THE BIRTHDAY OF THE FAMOUS ATOMIC SCIENTIST VON BRAUN. This great scientist said many times that he believes in God and that science itself led him to his belief. He said that no matter can be destroyed. Consequently, the soul will live somewhere forever. Good rational thought based by Biblical truth. Let us pray today for our generation of scientists who lead our nation toward further advancements. 

 Good Monday to each Bishir Blog reader. We had good services at Liberty yesterday and had great reports of the services at New Hope as well. At Liberty we witnessed a young adult lady, Isabella follow the Lord in baptism and we received into membership 3 new members in the evening service. On Saturday we had over 60 faithful witnesses go out on our first Gospel Blitz of the season for which I am very thankful and am sure the Lord is well pleased.

It is raining this morning and even though I would prefer sunshine the spring rain is needed to clean up things as well as help resurrect all plant life and make our world green once again. I am asking the Lord for His Spiritual rain on my life today, to clean up my life and make me alive with His resurrection power.

The last time I blogged I asked each of you to think about what it means to have an Excellent Spirit? An excellent spirit attracts people. In Daniel 6:3 we read that Daniel was a man with an excellent spirit. But how can you define this type of a spirit. Several of you took a little time to share your ideas and thanks for your insight. I always enjoy reading your comments as "Iron SHarpens Iron." Today I would like to share some thoughts about what I think an Excellent Spirit looks like. 

1. THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY.

Humility is not a matter of thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of others before ourselves. Humility recognizes the privilege of serving others, while pride tires of service and feels entitled to be served. An excellent spirit will always be expressed from a heart of servitude. Regardless of our position. Serving the Lord is a privilege.

2. THE SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE.

One with an excellent spirit will focus on what they do have not what they don't have! God does not expect we American Christians to feel guilty for our blessings, but He does expect us to be grateful. 1st Thessalonians 5:8 teaches that we are to be thankful in all things. A grateful spirit will be expressed in a giving spirit.

3. THE SPIRIT OF FAITH.

There is something about a person who believes God can that encourages others to press on for God. The work to which we are called is a "Work of Faith" : "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus christ, in the sight of God and our Father" {1st Thessalonians 1:3 }.

4.THE SPIRIT OF FLEXIBILITY.

The early Christians demonstrated incredible flexibility even through persecution. Acts 8:4 records this. They were scattered and as they went everywhere they preached the Gospel. When one door closed, they moved on, continuing to do the work of the Lord. Flexibility can be a tough quality to develop, but it makes a big difference in a Christian's spirit!

5. THE SPIRIT OF COMMITMENT.

1st Corinthians 15""8 admonishes us to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in God;s work. A n excellent spirit sticks to ones job, stays when it is difficult, and is faithful until the Lord rewards your labor.

6. THE SPIRIT OF COMPASSION.

God blesses Christians and Ministries that demonstrate the spirit of compassion reaching out to those who cannot reciprocate. God also blesses individuals who remember the griefs and burdens of others and minister to their care.

7. THE SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING.

Is there anything more frustrating and demoralizing than being misunderstood? Proverbs 17:27 says, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit." Appropriately taking time to listen to others, to seek to hear the heart of someone else, adds attractive value to one's spirit and can draw others to the Lord. This spirit of understanding is needed in making our decisions. "We must not lean on our own understanding." 

We all face adverse circumstances that challenge our spirits. At those times , we are tempted to allow our spirits to be overwhelmed which hinder the enabling grace of God. Trials, don't create the spirit in a Christian they merely reveal his spirit. Allow God to sustain and renew our spirit through His Word during times like these. If we cooperate , God will use difficult times to develop our spirits into ones that are EXCELLENT. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. THE EARLIEST DATE ON WHICH EASTER CAN FALL.

2. 1934- INDEPENDENCE WAS GRANTED TO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. Pray today for this nation and its people. For each church and missions ministries in this fertile country.

 An excellent spirit attracts people. When we find it in a young lady, it attracts a young man. When we find it in a dad, it attracts the loyalty of his children. When found in a wife, it attracts her husband's heart and interest. When found in a soul-winner, it attracts an unsaved person's attention and willingness to listen. Simply put: AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT IS ATTRACTIVE! 

The prophet Daniel had such a spirit, and it attracted a heathen king: "Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm" {Daniel 6:3}.

With that in mind I would like to ask a question for each of you readers to think about and comment on. What do you think it takes to have an excellent spirit? Of course you already know that I have some ideas, and you are right. I will comment on those ideas next time I blog but for now I want you to ponder this question and perhaps you would like to share some of your ideas on the subject. How could we define an excellent spirit?  It sure gains us influence with all our loved ones and even a lost community. "PONDER & POST" and we will talk about this next time on the BISHIR BLOG!

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1.  1837- THE BIRTHDAY OF GROVER CLEVELAND.

2. 1861- THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE WAS OPENED IN LONDON. This of course , was Spurgeons famous tabernacle. It seats 1700 people, 700 on the main floor and 1000 in the balcony. Originally it seated several thousand and each service was packed and overflowing. Someone asked Spurgeon what was the secret to his power in the pulpit? He answered, Our PRAYER ROOM is always full of prayer warriors when I preach. Oh may we learn, "LITTLE PRAYER LITTLE POWER, MUCH PRAYER, MUCH POWER.

3. 1915- THE DATE OF THE FIRST ATLANTIC WIRELESS. 

4. 1813- THE BIRTHDAY OF DAVID LIVINGSTON. What a missionary he was. What a tremendous work he did. Only eternity will reveal the MILLIONS of souls that will be in heaven because of the dedicated , faithful, hard work of this great man. I pray for my own self today that the Lord will keep my heart and mind toward eternity and not the here and now. 

 God has given us an incredible commission: "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" { Mark 16:15 }. He has given all the equipment we need to get the job done, but each of us often forget one of the most basic things He has given us to get the job accomplished-TIME.

Every one of us has twenty-four hours in a day, and we are held responsible for each and every minute, to make it count for eternity. I know for myself I seem to be running a race with time. Every moment it seems that I am becoming more and more aware that life on this earth is running out and it won't be long that "MY TIME" on this earth will be over. It seems to help me to remember some simple truths about time:

            1. Time is a gift from God.

            2. Time is life. When we waste time, we are wasting life.

            3. Time lost can never be retrieved or replaced.

            4. Time is the most precious commodity.

God does hold us accountable for every moment of time He has given us. To fulfill the purposes Jesus has assigned us, we must budget our time { daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly } as one of the greatest gifts and resources God has given us. Read Ephesians 5:16 today and see if it doesn't teach us to do just that! 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. SAINT PATRICK'S DAY. Pray for our Christian friends in Ireland today.

2. 1910 THE-CAMPFIRE GIRLS WAS ORGANIZED. If you have a little girl still in your home spend a little extra time with her. I am so proud of our three daughters. BETH, ABBY and RACHAEL I love you!. All three of them are serving the Lord today and Karen & I can testify that all the hard work of being a consistent and dedicated parent is worth all the effort. Parent's with children in the home , remain dedicated to rearing "On Fire " children for Christ. Hey by the way I am proud of our son Matt as well and each of our sons-in-law and of course our daughter-in-law, Megan.

 It is an early Tuesday morning and I am sitting in the quiet of my office. No one will be here for a good while and I am enjoying the time alone with my Lord. Cooper, our dog came with me today. We have some plans for him later this afternoon so he needed to get up and come to the office a swell. When I told him he was going with me today he got so exited. He enjoyed his ride in the car, he has explored all the offices and now is on my couch ASLEEP! Wow the life of a dog. In fact he is SNORING. I hope no one comes by and thinks the preacher is in his office snoring. I do have appointments today but those I am meeting with I didn't think these particular ones would mind. In fact COOPER is so smart he may have some good advice to give them himself! Enough of that!  

What is your purpose today? Now I know you have a lot on the agenda but what is your purpose in all will do. And how are you going to fulfill that purpose? For each of us believers our purpose is clear, it is to bring glory to our Lord in everything we do, everything we see, say, think, absolutely everything! And once we surrender to this purpose we find we can't accomplish this purpose without the aid of the one we are wanting to glorify. In order for us to glorify Him we must produce fruit and that fruit is His fruit. John 15 teaches us that "Herein is my Father glorified in that ye bear much fruit and that the fruit remains." Our Lord is glorified when He is making us Godly Fruit. So we must yield and abide in Him so he will produce in our life His fruit. We can't do this in our flesh. In fact when we try to produce fruit we are only producing fruit of the flesh. Our flesh gets in the way and attempts to steal all the glory. Man is glorified at times like that and God' Glory our main purpose is thwarted. Our purpose must be accomplished in His power for His person!

I understand today , for many of you what I just spoke about is basic and mostly review, but it is what everyday we must remember and rehearse in our minds. This needs to be the focus of every believer every day. Hope it will be yours this fine spring day. 

Please pray for Max Tucker and Jane ann as Max's sisters funeral is in Kokomo today. Also Gareth Weaver has come home from the hospital as well as Bob Vicar. It is good to see both these men doing better in health. 

Cooper just got up and I think we need to go sniff some shrubs outside and possibly kill some grass.  Have a good day in our wonderful Saviour and Lord! Praise His Name! 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1751- JAMES MADISON WAS BORN. James Madison was our fourth president of our United States. Remember this is the nation where a child may be born in poverty and become the president of this country. This is a nation where we still can dream and each of us have opportunity to improve our lives. We can still hear the Gospel and preach his Word. We are a free people who can share with others about Jesus. May today we share the Good News with someone else. 

2. 1802- WEST POINT WAS ESTABLISHED. So many great men have attended this great institution, presidents , generals, supreme court justices, senators, congressmen, college leaders, and other world leaders. May we thank the Lord for our nations military and also pray for their continued safety and steadfastness. 

 It is Monday morning and we are facing another wee for the Lord. Yesterday's services at Liberty were really good. In the morning services the singing was great and Judy Frank provided a greta special as she sang about the grace of God. She used a video that went along with the song and it really added a lot to bring the song home to the hearts of each of us. We spoke on "Defeating Depression" and the altars were used as people were seeking the Lords aid in overcoming this terrible problem in many of our lives. In the evening service we were blessed to have Patrick Beard and Russ Cooper with us from Jackson, Tenn. They are both missionaries with the ministry "Indigenous Outreach." What a great service. What a service. The singing was powerful and the special by one of our children, Taylor Hiatt was wonderful. Then the missionaries presented and preached to us about what their ministry is doing in Ethiopia. All I can say is WOW it was of God. For all who were here I am sure each and every one would say the same. At the end of the service we received a special  offering for this ministry and the amount totaled over $2400.00. Our people love missions and when they see and hear missionaries with such power and blessing of the Lord they respond. We also had special prayer for those from our church getting ready to leave this Friday for Costa Rica. We have 8 folk who will be visiting and serving with the Loramans , our missionaries in this island nation. Pastor Bobby Cupps our church planting pastor is home for a little while and he prayed for the team. It was a great Lords Day at Liberty. Pastor Bobby preached at New Hope Baptist yesterday and reports that one senior girl in high school was saved in the morning service there. We had at least one saved at Liberty in the morning, PTL there are "New Names Written in Heaven." 

As I have already mentioned that I spoke on "Depression" yesterday let me encourage each of you to listen to this message again. You can do so on line here at www.libertyfamily.org . Go to resources and click on sermons. Usually we have the weeks sermon on by Monday but this week you may need to wait till Wednesday because Pastor Ryan is in California preaching at a Children's Conference. He will return Wednesday morn and the sermon should be on line by then. But let me encourage each to listen to this message again and again, not because of who is preaching it but because of the great Truths that are in 1st Kings 19. Our Lord doesn't want us to live our lives in caves but out with the people making a difference in their  lives and ours. The best way to overcome depression is to get out of ourselves and into the lives of others. Find someone today that you can minister to and I  will quarentee you will find out the one you ministered to the most was you! 

Hey did you hear there was another EARTHQUAKE in Indonesia yesterday?  Is any one watching for the signs of Christ's return. With more frequency of each sign it seems the people are falling deeper and deeper into a spiritual sleep. 

TODAY IN HISTORY! 

1.1767- THE BIRTHDAY OF ANDREW JACKSON

2. 1820- MAINE ENTERED THE UNION. Pray for this states churches, pastors and christians.

3. 1919- THE AMERICAN LEGION WAS FORMED.

4. 2010- PASTOR TERRY BISHIR HAS TO HAVE A STAFF MEETING RIGHT NOW. 

 It has been a very full day today. I am just getting to blog and it is going on 5 p.m. and need to be home in just a little while. I was at the hospital in Kokomo this morning by 7:15 a.m. and stayed with Bonny Vigar until Bob came out of surgery. The surgery was successful and we all prayed prayers of praise. I then left and drove to Marion and preached the funeral of Nora Jane Grenier. She is the sister of some  of Liberty's people Joann Shaffer and Burr Nelson. We were able to present the gospel to many who are lost and also to minister to hurting hearts. We came back to the church and met with several staff members concerning some very important matters and then spent some time talking and counciling one of our young couples as they seek the Lord's will. We also prepared for tomorrows Deacon Fellowship meeting and now it is time to go home and help Karen move some furniture and work on fine tuning our newly renovated bedroom. Life is full and ministry is never finished but I am glad to have life and to be able to serve my KING. You may ask who is your KING? It is not myself, it is not a human, it is not an idol, it is JESUS. 

Please pray for our deacon meeting tomorrow. Many decisions will need to be made and the only decisions need to be in the Lord's will. We covet your prayers. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1789- THE FIRST UNITED STATES POST OFFICE WAS COMPLETED.

2. 1912- THE GIRL SCOUTS ORGANIZATION WAS FORMED. This organization has been a tremendous contribution to the lives of girls in our nation. Pray today for the young girls in our communities. 

3. 1959- CONGRESS VOTED HAWAII AS THE 50th STATE. Pray for the churches and christian ministries in this state. 

 On my way to the office this morning I was thinking about all the folk I needed to contact today and all the things which needed worked on and my driving was on auto pilot. I was just driving out of habit. As  I came around a curve guess who was sitting on the opposite side of the road and facing me? I know all of you bloggers are so smart and you already have guessed, yes it was Mr. County Sheriff. And do you know what he was doing? Yes, I know you already know that also, he was checking for my speed. He had a "SPEED TRAP" set up. As soon as I saw him what do you think I did? Again I understand how bright my audience is, yes I hurried and put my foot on the brakes. Just a natural response because I wasn't sure I was doing the speed limit because I wasn't sure what the speed limit was in that SCHOOL AREA!  Well, PTL I must have been traveling at a safe enough speed because I didn't get pulled over. Temptation is like that isn't it? Out of nowhere, as we are traveling down lives roads, Satan sets "Traps" in order to pull us over and hold us in bondage for a while. We need to be watching a little more carefully as we travel in life don't we. Another thought is our God sets some speed traps of His own. He sends warnings through circumstances that get us to slow it down a little. May each of us heed His warnings. 

Tonight at Liberty we will begin our new adult elective classes. Our line up is going to be really good. Hope to see each of you this evening. I also want to say thanks to each who made our Annual Music Banquet a success. This past Tuesday evening many of our instrumentalist, singers, p.a. personnel, video folk and others who help in our worship ministries got together for a nice meal. It was a time to honor the faithfulness of all those in this important area of our church. Nearly 100 people were here and it was a sweet time. I want to say thanks to all especially Pastor Chas as he oversees all of this area. 

Please spend the day lifting Bob & Bonny Vigar up in prayer. Bob is having serious problems with his heart. He is in Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo, In. Send a card letting them know our prayers are with them. We have many others to pray for so lets do that as well but Bob's situation is of the utmost severity. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1.1896- THE BIRTHDAY OF CHARLES W. KOLLER. Koller was born in Waco, Texas, and was president of Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago from 1938 to 1961. Pray today for our Bible seminaries. We our seminaries to stay strong and to defend the Bible and the Faith.

2. 1959-GUSTAF JOHNSON DIED IN MINNEAPOLIS,  MINNESOTA. Johnson was a great personal soul winner, pastor, and defender of the faith. He was the outstanding personality of the Evangelical Covenant Church group of America. He was widely used having spoken at Moody's Founder's Week and other conferences around America.

3. 1796- THE BIRTHDAY OF FRANCIS WAYLAND. Wayland was converted early in life. He became a Baptist preacher and educator. He was president of Brown University from 1827 until 1855. Pray that God will continue to raise up Godly leaders as He did in the past.

Last evening after a long weekend and a very intense Monday I got home about 6 p.m. Karen was not able to get home before 10 p.m. because of an obligation with a school function. So I was home by myself { except for Cooper our dog} and usually I spend several hours on Monday in study for next Sundays sermons. But last night being really weary I decided to read what I term lightly. That means catching up on some magazines and periodicals and just some shorter reading. I looked over some material that our church planting pastor Bobby Cupps had given me earlier in the day. By the way it is good to have Bobby with us for the next 4-6 months. Bobby had given me some small books and some bulletins from churches he had been in lately. I like seeing what other pastors and churches are doing. It gives me good ideas. After reading this material I proceeded to read  this months copy of " K. MAGAZINE." This magazine is the brainchild of our children's pastor and one of my sons-in — law Ryan Frank. Several years ago he had the idea that Americas children pastors and workers needed more help in their ministries. With his own burden to help reach and teach our young children the truths of God's Word He and Beth set out to create and develop and publish a cutting edge magazine to help. The Lord has used them to do just that. It is one of America's premier publications on this very important area of our churches and homes. As I read the entire magazine it was such an encouragement to this pastor to see that there are so many younger adults that are coming in behind my generation, who will fill in the ranks of leaders for the next generation. Pastor Ryan & Beth, hats off to your ministry here at Liberty and to your National ministry of  KIDZMATTER and K. MAGAZINE. Pastor Cupps & Aly, it blesses our heart that you are planting churches and you will be doing so in the days ahead. Pastor Mike & Sarah,  praise the Lord for your ministries and it is our prayer we will help you become all the lord wants in the great future ahead of us. We are presently working with many other young adults and teens in our ministry in the area of training and placing them in leadership capacities. I would begin mentioning names but the list is to large to do so. Just in the last several weeks we have placed some of our young adults into leadership roles in Busing, Jr. churches, Visitation, Worship, and other areas. Just this past Saturday eve we celebrated the birthday of our youngest daughter Rachael {She is now 23} and we had nearly 20 young adults at our home. Some now married some not married but as I sat with them and listened to them I was so moved with their intense love for Jesus. I am so proud to be a part of " A CHURCH WITH A FUTURE NOT JUST A PAST." I can almost hear many of you readers shouting AMEN to yourselves as you read such things. Pray today for many more young people to fill the ranks and become tomorrows leaders in this church and the churches across the world. 

Make sure you ask Pastor Ryan how you can begin getting a copy of K. Magazine! It will be worth the time to read and it will make your heart proud of how the Lord is using this young man and his wife. Also let some of our young adults and teens know how proud you are of them. By the way, the 6 young people who this past Sunday eve ministered to us in drama and song, PRAISE THE LORD for your love for Jesus. 

TODAY IN HSTORY!

1. 1829- THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT WAS OFFICIALLY ORGANIZED. MAke sure to appreciate your mail carrier today. Look for a time to leave him or her a small gift of appreciation and attach a gospel tract and an invite to your church. You never know what may come from that. Mostly they receive complaint not compliment. 

2. 1875- MOODY AND SANKEY BEGAIN THE FAMOUS LONDON CAMPAIGN. This evangelistic campaign shook all of England and hundreds of thousands were saved. It may have been the last time this nation was moved on in such a way. Pray for England today, they are being taken over by Muslim thought and religion. Pray for new evangelist to rise up today, ones with power from heaven who can shake great cities for God.  

I am having my first cup of coffee this morning. I am in my office early before anyone else comes in. I love this time of being alone with the Lord and just having a QUIET TIME.  I am a little tired because at last evening around 11 p.m. I received a phone cal and needed to get up and go make a visit at one of our families home. Becky Nelson called and was in need of prayer and some help with decisions. Her husband Burr, has Alztimers and it seems to be in its final season. Hospice has been called in and yesterday Pneumonia has set into his lungs. We went to sit with Becky for a few hours and I think just being with her helped. We talked about the Lord's great power and how He could do more than the medical field could do and we brought Burr to the Lord in prayer and left him in the strong and safe hand or our Saviour. We talked about heaven. Becky was unable to be in church yesterday because of taking care of Burr. I shared with her what we had preached in the services yesterday, especially in the evening. If you were here you know I spoke about the NEW EARTH, HEAVEN< AND NEW JERUSALEM. We both took great solace from the truths about eternity for the believer. We also talked about the times that we visited Burr at the house before Burr was saved. Several men on several occasions went to give Burr the gospel and finally Burr received the Lord as his personal Saviour. Please pray for Burr And Becky today. Ask the Lord to heal Burr or take him. 

Our services were wonderful yesterday. We had over 650 in the morning service. The attendance is beginning to pick up some. We still have many who are sick with whatever it is that is affecting many in our region. We had the Depouys back from their winter stay in Florida. It won't be long till we will begin to see others return from the South. I think this year we had over 20 of our congregation wintering elsewhere besides Grant County. It will be great to see them when they get back. The altars were used in the services yesterday and new members were received into membership. Last evening we had a full house as we had over 350 in attendance. It was a great service. Thee singing was alive , the special music and drama was moving. God's Word was proclaimed and decisions were made. After the service a lady by the name of Bonny with her 18 year old daughter came to the front to meet me. Bonny asked-do you remember me. I said I am sorry I don't. She told me her name and I said I still don't remember you. She went on to tell me the story of how I had visited her home in Amboy, In 18 years before. She said I gave her the gospel at her door as I was just visiting the Amboy area. As she continued to speak I began to remember the day. She told me she refused to receive the Lord that day but she could not get away from the truth that she was a sinner and that Jesus would save her. Toward the end of the week we had given her the gospel she received the Lord and has been serving HIM ever since that time. She explained she had attended a church in North Grove close to where she lives and that she has been growing in her faith all these years. She went on to explain that through the years she has been getting recordings of our sermons through a person who gets them from another person in our church. She and her children have listened to many of the messages through the years. Her 18 year old daughter joined in and said she was home schooled and that many times she had listened to these sermons herself. The daughter has also received Jesus! They came last evening because the daughter now 18 and graduating from high school in a few months wants to begin attending Liberty and get connected with youth her age wanted to share that with each of you today because you never know how you may be touching lives and not even know how long reaching it may be. 

Did you see another Earthquake took place in Turkey this time. Doesn't it seem that these are getting more frequent? And the thing that alarms me more is the callousness of the people.  "AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH." And one of the things in the days of Noah was they Got to a place were NO ONE was listening. As a preacher of righteousness it really has been a question of mine lately, IS ANYONE REALLY LISTENING." I think so but I also think there are a whole lot more that are not. They are just going on eating, drinking, and living as if Jesus were not coming back at all or that this world is all there is to live for. BE READY, for our redemption draweth nigh. 

I need to go for today. We have a lot on the docket for this week, probably more than we will accomplish but who knows with the Lords help we may accomplish more than is humanly possible!  By faith we are going to attempt such. Appreciate your prayers for a fruitful week. 

TODAY IN HISTORY! 

1.1876-THE SANTA FE RAILROAD WAS BUILT. Thank God for our transportation systems today.

2. 1917- THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION BEGAN. Communism was victorious because people believed in the lie. It takes dedicated people to spread error and dedicated people to spread truth. May each of us be dedicated this week to spread the truth like never before.

3. 1930- PRESIDENT TAFT DIED. You may have seen in the TODAY part of our blog that I have often called your attention to pray for our president. I do so again today. His job is important. My opinion is our president needs to genuinely be born again. Pray for his salvation and ask the Lord to overrule in His life. 

 Today I stayed at home in the morning and did some much needed work at the house. I always treasure my time alone, especially at our home. I am thankful for our house but most importantly I am thankful it is a home. It is the place that Karen & I and of course Cooper live. It was the place where our children grew up and the place they still seem to love to come too. It is the headquarters of our family. It is a place of rest , a safe refuge from the world and all the perils of this life. It is a place to rejuvenate and when we are not well it is a healing place. It is a a Holy place, I love to study the Bible and pray at our home. I couldn't begin to tell you How many Sermons and Bible messages have been prepared in our office at home and just as many at the kitchen table. All the times of final review of these messages on a Saturday night in this place of study. All the times of prayer downstairs by the woodburner and when it is warmer out in the back acres. I am just thanking the Lord for our home and how God has blessed us so much with a place filled with HIMSELF and OUR FAMILY AND SO OFTEN WITH OTHERS. 

I want to encourage all those that attend Liberty to do their best to invite visitors for this Sunday morning services. I will be preaching a message entitled, "THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT." I will use 2nd Peter 3: 10-16 as my text. I believe the Lord will use His Word to bring lost souls to Christ. May we each do our part to invite folk to church.  I well remember the week end that Karen invited me to church for the first time. It was when I was 19 years of age in 1973. It was in April, Karen asked me if I would like to go to church. I had only gone to church once in my life when I was a child. Mom had for some reason taken me alone without dad or any of my brothers or sisters,but only once and never again. So when Karen invited me I said yes. I went that next Sunday and heard the Gospel. I didn't get saved that first week, but all week long I thought about all that I heard. I went back the next week and was saved that morning. That evening I went back to church and that Thursday eve I went back to church and for these nearly 37 years I have not missed many Sunday morning or Sunday evening  or midweek services since. That is the power of an INVITATION to CHURCH. Invite someone this weekend, who knows there may be another person just like that out there waiting to be invited!

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1770-THE DATE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE.

2. 1933- THE ORDINATION OF DR. J. HAROLD SMITH.  This was one of the greatest Evangelist to ever preach. Let each of us pray for the evangelists of our day. 

3. 1953- THE DEATH OF JOSEPH STALIN- Though Lenin is dead and Stalin is dead the Satanic philosophy of communism is very much alive. Pray that it will be stopped world wide. 

 Good Thursday to each of you. Hope your week has been one filled with fruit for the Lord's kingdom. You know John 15v tells us that if we are "Abiding In Him" we will be bearing fruit and not just a little fruit but a lot of fruit and that fruit will remain forever. What kind of fruit is that? It is fruit that Jesus provides and produces. It is the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of good works. Each of us believers are to be a little" Fruity" and a little "Nutty." I can here you saying right this minute, { preacher you sure have that covered }. We are to be "Fools for Christ" and we are to be "Bearers of Fruit".  Nutty and Fruity. When I think of being fruitful the TV commercials for "Fruit of the Loom" comes to mind. People dressed up like Grape, Oranges, Bananas, etc. Spiritually we should be Kind, Gentle, Loving, Patient, Forgiving, etc. When we walk in a room how do people see us, what do they smell, what is it that they experience? When we walk in do they see the mature fruit of Christlikeness and do they taste the Good Works of Christ. Are we bringing into their  life the enjoyment of eating fresh succulent, life giving nutrition.  Are we helping to provide life for others. Are we learning to live for ourselves the abundant life and as we do we are able to give ourselves away? The only way to live this fruitful, abundant, life is to be ingrafted into the branch, via the new birth. Once ingrafted then we can learn to abide, to draw from HIM and HIS resources. To yield, to abide, to seek the resources from the ROOT. I must learn to die so I can learn to abide and live this Christian life. 

Today we are gearing up for tonight's services here at Liberty. We have a lot going planned for this eve.  Awana for the children, youth group for the teens, Yams, for the young adults, adult electives for adults of all ages. Our nursery will be open and manned with faithful workers and our midweek meal will begin at 5:15 P.M. Buses will go out to pick up children who need to learn more about the Lord. Prayer Meetings will begin at 6 and run until after 8. The counciling center will be open and many will be seeking answers, help and hope. I am glad to be a part of a church that believes in midweek services. May GLORY be in this place and all over this place called Liberty Baptist Church in Sweetser, Indiana. 

TODAY IN HISTORY! 

1. 1861-ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS INAUGURATED. What a great leader of our nation. Pause today again as we have so often and pray for the leaders of our country.

2. 1791-VERMONT WAS ADMITTED TO THE UNION. Pray for the Eastern part of our country. It seems to be so liberal and yet its influence is so powerful. In the past men like Jonathan Edwards and Charles Finney preached from the pulpits of the eastern cities. Today may we pray for our Northeastern section of this Nation. Cities like Boston, New York City stand in such great need of revival.

3. 1789- THE FIRST UNITED STATES CONGRESS MET. What great congresses and senates this nation once was led by. May we pray that God would miraculously bring our congress and senate to be able to once again work together and get things right . 

4. IN A FEW DAYS SPRING WILL BEGIN. Not long till flowers will bloom, and leaves will appear on the trees, grass will revive. All this will remind us of our Lords resurrection and of course our very own . 

 Last evening as most Monday eves I was physically exhausted and mentally , and emotionally drained. We had just through the Lords Day services and as usual there is much to rejoice about and also much that can discourage a pastor as well. As the overseer we are to take the oversight. As we watch for the souls of the people much can be observed in the life of the believer that shouldn't be there as well as much that isn't there that should be. In looking at the things that need changed in others lives as well as ours it can overwhelm one and of course when we are fatigued discouragement can set in. I think for myself as a pastor who has been in the same ministry for nearly 23 years it can at times be a little more difficult to look and oversee and see the areas you have been working on for years in the life of a congregation and on occasion it seems like many still haven't got it and in some cases they are falling back not moving forward. As I type this I am not only talking about others but am thinking of my own life and it's areas that seem to be so slow in development. At this point I need to say that when we feel like this about ourselves and others we need to focus on the things in our lives that have been changed and the areas of life we have learned victory in our Lord. As a pastor and you as a parent or an overseer in some area of life, we need to look and see what needs worked on, what needs changed but we also must understand that we live in a broken world and that people  {including ourselves} will never be all we are to be until we see Christ. We must all work with the Holy Spirit as He changes us, and many of us need a little improvement in the zeal of this yieldedness, but until glorification we should not let the lack of development in ours and others lives bring us to deep depression. The great Prophet Elijah did just this. He was working hard for the Lord. Relentlessly he fought the enemies of God. He fervently addressed the apathy and idolatry in the life of God's people. So much that he grew weary physically, emotionally and mentally. He had taken on a negative attitude, he was wanting to quit, he wanted to die. Everywhere he looked all he saw was bad nothing good. He isolated himself, he was immersed in destructive self pity. He couldn't think right. What was he to do? NOW BACK TO LAST NIGHT. As I was home and very exhausted I was having my own ELIJAH SYNDROME ! I was focused on all the negative and no positive. I was thinking I preached on Sunday and no one was listening. I was having a PITY PARTY and I was the only one attending except the devil. And then I remembered what I ned to do. Get some rest, and experience God's presence. So that is what I did. I didn't turn the TV on. I listened to a good sermon by a great preacher and then I sought the Lord. I knew I needed to hear Gods Voice. I went to Stand Before the Lord and as I did He Passed By. He spoke to me in His "STILL SMALL VOICE."  And oh the difference it makes when you get in God's presence and hear His voice. Then I read PSALM 16:11, "THOU WILT SHOW ME THE PATH OF LIFE, IN THY PRESENCE IS FULNESS OF JOY AT THY RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES EVERMORE." Where is the fullness of joy? Not in any one of the areas that were discouraging me and bringing me to depression, but in the presence of the Lord. Then I heard His small still voice of instructions. What I need to do and how. His encouragement that He had it all under control. That He had 7,000 others in the land that were serving and "getting it." He reestablished my call, reminded me He had much for me to do yet. It wasn't time to die it was time to live, time to get out of the cave and into the  SUNLIGHT!  Don't tell me that Jesus is not alive and that He doesn't make our lives different.  Thank you Lord for your "STILL SMALL VOICE." I thank you Lord that you have compassion on us when we don't get it and when we are acting silly and selfish. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1830- THE FIRST SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND WAS OPENED. Do you know someone who is blind? Bring some cheer to their life today. Perhaps a visit, a telephone call letting them know you care about them. Thank god for your physicall sight today and praise Him for your spiritual sight as well. 

2. 1791- JOHN WESLEY DIED. He said, " All glory to god in the sky and peace upon earth be restored." He then asked for a pen. He got up, though very weak, and sang, "I'll praise my Maker while I have breath, and when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my nobler power. My days of praise shall never be past while life and thought and being last, or immortality endure." He then got into his chair, he asked for praise and prayer and then sang some more. Just above a whisper he said, "The best of all, God is with us." His dry dying lips were wetted and then he said, The Lord is with us , the God of Jacob is our refuge. Farewell!" 

 Good Monday to each of the Bishir Blog readers. We had great services yesterday at Liberty Baptist. The altars were used in each morning service. Many raised their hands to commit to a stronger walk with the Lord. We preached on " Shootout at Carmel Corral." Elijah challenged the" Enemies of God along with the Children of God." I know it is sometimes not so easy to be 100% dedicated to the things of God. We have distractions and pressures but I sure want to be like Elijah of old. He didn't waver between two opinions. Jehovah was God and not any idols. I sure don't want to be a idol worshipper, do you? If God is God then we should serve Him.  I know the message was straight but it was true. And the truth be known, the only thing that would make us uncomfortable was if any of us were partaking with some idols in our life. I know I need to "repair some altars in my life" if I am going to see God send fire into my life. Doesn't work any other way. But if I will present my idols to God , He will send fire to burn them up and take them out of my life. He will set me free from all my idols if I present them to Him on the altar of sacrifice. Only God has the Holy Fire which can set free from wicked idolatry. God's truths sometimes are hard to take and sometimes we would just as soon not hear them but we will never be set free from that which is enslaving us till we come to His truth and listen to it and heed it. Medicine sometimes tastes really foul but in time it makes us better. We as God's people can't always take in sweet words, at times we need real strong medicine. 

All the Liberty family please be in prayer for many of our church body that are sick. Yesterday we had a lot of partial families which tells me that there is a lot of sickness at this time. If you missed someone give a call and let them know you missed them and are praying for them. Also we want to thank the steering committee for our annual Father/Daughter Sweetheart Banquet for a great time. It takes a lot of work to make these events what they are. Thanks to Kathy Barnhart, Tracey Brooks. and Gerri Pattison. Many other ladies and men helped with this special even as well. Perhaps when you see them you can help show a real appreciation. 

Appreciate your prayers this week as we have an extremely busy week. God has been opening doors and we must be willing to enter them as we seek to serve the Lord. Thanks in advance for each of your faithful prayers. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1867- NEBRASKA WAS ADMITTED TO THE UNION. Pray for Christian and missionary workers in this sate.

2. 1932- CHARLES A. LINDBERGH, JR. WAS KIDNAPPED. 

3. 1803- OHIO WAS ADMITTED TO THE UNION. This sate has so many great churches and ministries in it. This state has definitely been blessed through the years . Pray for all the believers in this state today.

4. 588 B.C. EZEKIEL PROPHESIED AGAINST EYGPT. Ezekiel 31: 1