This morning caught myself COMPLAINING ABOUT ONE OF MY BLESSINGS. Have you ever done that? I won't go into detail about my complaint this morning but trust me as soon as I made the complaint { and I complained to myself, no one else was around} it was like a dagger that plunged into my heart. I immediately asked the Lord to forgive me for the complaint. I reminded myself I would not want to lose the thing I was complaining about and that I needed to count my blessings not complain about my blessings. 

We humans are really good at complaining. And we believers can really complain as well. Remember in the Bible where the children of Israel complained about the Promised Land? When they complained about the Manna? We complain about the price of gas and yet we have gas. We complain about our children and yet we have them. We complain about our restaurants and yet we have them. We complain about our Lords will and desires for our life and yet we have been bought with a price , { the blood of Jesus } . How can we complain about His ownership when it really means we were once owned by the devil and Jesus bought us with His payment for sin and we have been set free. Yet we seem to complain about His right to rule and to lead us into freedom. At times we complain about the greatest blessing of all!

I am attempting today to be watchful for the things I am complaining about, especially if I am complaining about my blessings. I encourage you to think about ways you may be complaining about your blessings. Send me a comment and let me know ways it is possible to do such a thing.

Complaint with the Lord is serious. Study about the Israelites and see if God was not very displeased with their continual complaint about what He meant as blessing. Think about it!

TODAY IN HISTORY!  

1. 1564- JOHN CALVIN DIED. On his grave it is simply written, "John Calvin, father of the Reformed Churches." 

2. 1668- MASSACHUSETTS EXILED BAPTISTS. Yes, you heard it right. Early in our nation those who settled in that area believed in sprinkling and frowned heavily on immersion as the Biblical mode of baptism. Baptists historically have been known as Biblical, Evangelistic and Separated people. I am Christian first and foremost but because of the Baptist doctrine and their other distinctive I have chosen to be a Baptist pastor.

3. 2349 B.C. - THE EARTH DRIED AFTER THE FLOOD. Genesis 8:14  After this God gave the rainbow which is a reminder that the earth will not be destroyed by water again. The rainbow is a type of cross. The cross is a constant reminder that our sins have been paid for and that we will never face them again. 

 Woke up this morning earlier then normal. Before I opened my eyes I hear the sound of many different birds giving God they're morning praise. I listened and counted at least 5 different types all praising Him in their own style and unique sound. As I laid with my eyes closed I joined in with these precious birds and gave the Lord praise with a silent noise from my heart. Finally I decided to open my eyes and as I did I recognized it was going to be a beautiful day here in Northeastern Indiana. As I looked out my north bedroom window I saw the sun shining through our big Blue Spruce. The sun was bright and bold and it was positioned about half way up that big tree and had found a peeping hole and oh what a sight. Blue sky, blue spruce, green grass and a bright orange ball of fire in the midst of that scene. Here was the sun, the tree, the sky, and the grass all giving they're morning praise to the Lord. So I thought I would join in and began to sing in my heart, "He touched me, He touched me, and Oh the joy that fills my soul." 

As I watched the sun peeping through the spuce I thought my Lord is just like that, He gives me glimpses of Him. If I saw Him in all His glory today it would take my life, I must be readied for that and in death or rapture that will happen where I am made ready and able to see Him in all His glory. 

As I showered and dressed I continued to praise the One who is all together worthy. I noticed Cooper was in a praising mode as well. I let him out and he wagged his tale and pranced out into the backyard as if he knew who had made the day and who was to be praised. You may think I was only thinking that about Cooper, but the Bible teaches that all of God's creation praise Him and even the rocks shout out HIS GLORY! 

As I drove to the office I saw other animal life squaking, barking, moving, and some even honking{ not even knowing} they  also were breaking out in a spontaneous praise to our great God.  

I hope you have had you're Morning Praise and if not get with it now. I hope you will have your Noon Praise and the Early Evening Praise, and the Before Bed Praise as well. Praising the Lord is desired and deserved by our Lord. Praising the Lord is good for us in so many areas. I think I will just have a PRAISE THE LORD DAY! How about you?

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1787- THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION BEGAN.

There seemed to be a snag in the writing of the constitution. It is said that Benjamin Franklin interrupted and suggested that they seek help from Almighty God. That they did, and help they received. 

2. 1803- THE BIRTHDAY OF RALPH WALDO EMERSON. 

3. 1824- THE AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION WAS ESTABLISHED. What an impact Sunday School has had in our churches and nation. May we keep the attention on Sunday School for all ages. 

It is Monday morning May 24th. It has been 4 days since my last blog. Sorry about missing Friday, I was out of the office and was unable to send out a blog on that day. We had good services at Liberty yesterday. Good attendances and the Word of God went out in powerful ways in each Sunday School class, Junior Church and in  each of our 3 main assemblies. Pastor Click preached at New Hope Baptist yesterday and reported a wonderful spirit as well. It is good to be in the service of our Lord.

Summer time is upon us. Already here at Liberty we have several who have began their summer vacations. We missed them yesterday for sure. We are creatures of habit, and when our schedules change in the summer we can get off track. We take much needed vacations, but if we are not careful, we begin to think our lives would be better if we moved to our favorite vacation spots. May I encourage you to enter your summer with intentional goals and practices in mind to spiritually flourish  . Let me give you several thoughts that may help you this summer keep moving toward the Lord Jesus Christ.

TIPS FOR SUMMER!

1. HAVE A PERSONAL BIBLE READING SCHEDULE. 

If you have not already , begin a schedule to read through the Bible in a year. Every day Bible reading is so basic, but so needful (Matthew 4:40). 

2. HOLD NO GRUDGES!

Husbands and wives. Sisters & brothers. Forgive one another. Don't ruin your summer by living in the past. If you are not right with someone, restore that relationship before summer starts ( Ephesians 4:32 ).

3. SERVE YOUR FAMILY.

It could be a cookout, time at the park, a date with your wife, a day get away. Plan both family activities and some special time with your mate and with each individual child ( Ephesian 5:25).

4.SERVE YOUR LORD. 

Serve the Lord by serving others in need. Volunteer to help at teen camp or junior camp. Children and teens make big decisions for God at camp. Help a widow or some other in need ( James 1:27 ). 

5.BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR MINISTRY.

Tell you Pastor or ministry leaders when you will be away on vacation. Make sure all your ministries are covered for those who are not gone and will need to fill in. 

6.MOVE TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH. 

Enter into the summer intentionally wanting to hear every message ( Acts 13:7 ). You may have your own seat where you always sit, but it may help when you feel a little lethargic in the summer, get out of your comfort zone and move closer to the preaching.

7. PLAN TO LEAVE YOUR OFFERING WHEN YOU TRAVEL.

I want to have everything set in order before I leave for vacation ( 1st Corinthians 16:2 ). Even when I am gone,the church continues to minister and incur bills. 

8. READ A GODLY BOOK.

Readers are leaders and leaders are readers. Equip yourself by reading Christian biographies, books on doctrine, leadership, marriage and other topics that will help you be a better Christian. Encourage your children to read, and even offer incentives on finishing a book. 

9. SHOW GRATITUDE EVERY DAY.

The average employee  complains about everything, no matter their pay or responsibilities. How would your workplace change if you showed gratitude to your co-workers and bosses. Hey that will work in the home and church as well. Make it a summer of gratitude ( 1st Thessalonians 5:18 ). Work on it!

These are just some suggestions for SUMMER 2010! Hope you have a great one!

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1429- JOAN OF ARC WAS CAPTURED.

2.  1819- THE FIRST STEAM SHIP CROSSED THE ATLANTIC.

3.  1844- SAMUEL MORSE SENT THE FIRST ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. It was sent from Washington to Baltimore. The words were,"What God hath wrought." 

4. 1883- THE DATE OF THE OPENING OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE. 

 Many are living "To Busy" a life. A Christian who is always living a frenzied life is one who is missing what the Lord has planned for them. Yes, the Lord will keep us busy and productive but His plan is never for us to be so wore out that we can't even think straight. God wants His children to enter into His rest ( Hebrews 4:11 ). That means rest in every area of life, spiritual, physical and eternal rest. 

Psalm 127:2 tells us, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for he giveth his beloved sleep". 

GOD GIVES US REST EVERY NIGHT. It is not God's plan for us to work every hour of our life. It is not His plan for us to rise up early and stay up late. He wants us to work every day and to rest every day. We live in a day with so many opportunities. Not so long ago when the sun went down you needed to go home and get to resting. There was no television and no electric lights for that matter. But now it seems we can work all day and stay up all night with such things as internet, television, etc. Some would say, I want to enjoy all life has for me, you really can't without taking proper rest. Now I know many are sleeping their lives away and that is a problem as well, but the old saying, " I'd rather burn out then rust out," but either way you're out! The best thing we can do is get a goods night sleep. One of God's great blessings is sleep, He makes sleep sweet, (Proverbs 3:24 ) and He makes sleep safe, (Proverbs 4:8).

GOD GIVES US REST EVERY WEEK. In the Old Testament, God's commandment was to work 6 days and rest on the 7th day,( Saturday) which was the Sabbath. After Christ arose Christians were to begin to worship on the first day of the week, (Sunday). They did this to commemorate the day that Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 20:7). Now I hear some of you saying we New Testament believers do not have to observe Jewish Sabbath laws. That is true but the Lord had a purpose for His children when He gave the original 10 Commandments. We see the character of God in them and they were given for our good. It would be wise for us to follow God's plan to rest one day out of seven. For most it would be Sunday, the Lord's Day (Revelation:10). 

REMEMBER THIS, there is never enough time,ability or energy to do everything you want to do, and we will never be able to do everything others want you to do. But you will always have time, ability and energy to do what God wants you to do. We need to slow down, set priorities, and get nightly and weekly rest. Every night practice physical rest. Every Sunday pull out of the busy world, and practice spiritual rest. It is God's plan for each of us. 

TODAY IN HISTORY! 

1. MAY 19th- Yesterday was my sister Kay's birthday. Didn't blog yesterday so I wanted to put it in today and since it is my blog I can do that. Happy Birthday Kay, I love you. Now back to today.

2. 1506- COLUMBUS DIED IN POVERTY IN SPAIN.

3.THIS IS CONSIDERED BY SOME AS THE TRADITIONAL DATE OF PENTECOST. I sure need Pentecostal Power today! How about you?

4. 1749- THE FIRST FIRE ENGINE WAS USED IN AMERICA. It took place in Salem, Massachusetts. Thank the Lord for our Firefighters and pray for them today.

5. 1927- LINDBERGH FLEW NON-STOP FROM NEW YORK TO PARIS. 

It is a rainy day today in Northeastern Indiana. Our dog Cooper did not want to stay out this morning. He just wanted to stay in and lay around but I made him go out and stay for the day. You should have seen his sad eyes. I didn't really feel sad for him because I know the truth even though he wanted me to think different. I know that he had two treats this morning before I left him out. I also know that he had M&Ms last night before bed. Karen is giving him M&Ms with peanuts. She won't give him many because of the little chocolate she says but I think it is because she wants them for herself. I didn't really feel sorry for him because I know he also ate a lot of popcorn with me when the M&M provider stopped being so benevolent. I didn't really feel sorry for him as well because I know he got to lay on my bed last night for a while before I had to CARRY him downstairs to his own bed. You may ask why did you have to carry him down? The answer is he didn't want to go and so I had to see to it that he was deposited into his own comfortable place. I did not feel very sorry for him because even though he was outside he still had the entire garage as a warm place for him to stay. In that warm place was food, water, a nice bed and access in & out if he wanted. 

Now with all his needs and wants cared for he still gave me the SAD EYES treatment. He wanted to go inside where he thought it better because of a little discomfort, a little rain and some coolness. But his good master said NO and made him stay outside which will be better for him in the long run of an entire day. 

I am glad my Lord makes me stay outside some. I am glad He is a good Master that cares for me and more often then not is giving me more than my needs but my wants. And yet often I think it is not enough. I seem to always want more. I give Him the Sad Eyes look all the time. I think I need things that I really don't need. 

Back home Cooper is probably laying on his comfortable bed thinking it would be better back in his chair. But if he were in his chair he would be thinking it would be nice to be in his bed in the garage. I think it would be better for Cooper to just enjoy where he is, enjoy what his master has provided for him. Come to think about it, I sure am like Cooper a great deal when it comes to my MASTER. How about you?

TODAY IN HISTORY.

1. 1933- THE TENNESSEE VALLEY ASSOCIATION WAS ESTABLISHED.

2. TODAY IS PEACE DAY. Pray for world peace but know this there will be no total peace until Jesus returns.

Psalm 23 teaches us that the Lord is our shepherd and we are the sheep of His flock. The shepherd in the middle east get up about 4 a.m. and begin to graze their sheep. The dew is usually still on the grass and it is very quiet. The sheep graze but about 10-11 a.m. the middle east sun begins to blaze and the shepherd will need to begin leading His sheep to a shaded area where the sun is not burning the grass and where the sheep can still graze. Without the shepherd the sheep would stay in the sun and juts end up parched and possibly would die . You might ask why wouldn't they just seek shad and water for themselves as other animals would? Well, the answer to that is they are not created by the Lord to do so. Sheep were created different then lions, bears, eagles or any other of the animal kingdom. When the Lord said in Psalm 23 , "The Lord is my shepherd he was saying we are sheep. He didn't liken the believer to a bear or a lion but a sheep. We are a flock of sheep. Psalm 100:3 "We are the sheep of His pasture." 

As you study sheep you will find a few very interesting facts about these little animals. First, Sheep are Dumb. They are not very intelligent at all. Secondly , Sheep are Defenseless. A horse can run, a lion can roar and bite, a mule can kick, a bear can crush, a snake can strike a SKUNK! A sheep cannot defend itself. Thirdly, Sheep are Directionless. They are easily lost. Isaiah 53:6 "All we like sheep have gone astray." Sheep will stray and not know how to get back to the fold. They will be all alone and prey for the enemy. Have you ever tried to get rid of a cat? What about a pigeon? But sheep are directionless, they need led. Hosea 11: 7 ,"My people are bent to backsliding from me." This is a sheep nature.

Fourthly, Sheep are Dependent, they can get what is called Cast. They will get sick and they roll over on their back side and can't get back up without help. King David said, "Why art thou cast down my soul." If the shepherd doesn't come searching for the wayward sheep and rescue the sheep will be destroyed by the wolf of just simply die because it cannot care for itself.

In the spiritual sense we are like sheep. We are spiritually, Dumb, Defenseless, Directionless, and Dependent. We are needy, and our greatest need is the GOOD SHEPHERD! Until we realize we are like sheep we will always be trying to care for ourselves {pride}. We will always be straying off and getting lost. We will always be finding ourselves sick and in a cast position unable to get out of the situation we are in. We will find ourselves in life threatening places and being tore apart by the enemies of self, sin, satan, and the world. We must realize who we are. We are sheep and we are needy. We need to settle it once and for all that we need a SHEPHERD. One who loves us, one who can lead us, care for us, protect us. 

I am THANKFUL the Shepherd of my soul, JESUS! 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1. 2349 B.C.- THE SKY CLEARED AFTER THE FLOOD. Genesis 8:2

2. 1792- THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE WAS FORMED.

3. 1864- MONEY ORDERS WERE ESTABLISHED.

4. 1954- RACIAL SEGREGATION WAS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL BY THE SUPREME COURT.

 Does God exist? Is God real? Many claim to be "Agnostics," they say you can't really know if there is a God. Many others claim to be "Atheists", they say definitely there is no God. They say there is absolutely no way an eternal God exists so they deny his existence. Now the truth is Atheism and Agnosticism lead to despair. If you deny the existence of God there is no real meaning to life. It doesn't matter how you live or how you die. If there is no God then there is no meaning to life, no reason to live. All there is , is the now so live the moment, experience whatever you desire, today is all you have. And in the end it means absolutely nothing. But we believers know different, we know there is a God and there is  a purpose for living and when then life is over there is another that will last forever. This life is connected to the next and it is eternal God who links together. 

Today in our nation we are fast becoming a non-believing people. Many no longer believe in the existence of God. In most of our large cities there is a great movement of doubt toward the existence of a supreme being. There is tremendous doubt about a creator God. 1st Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." The english words "To give an answer" is from the greek word which means to Defend. We are to be able to know what we believe and why we believe it. We are to believe something because it is Biblical and reasonable and thus we are to be able to defend what we believe to those who are not sure and because of their unsureness they doubt. We are to be able to bring a reasonable and Biblical answer to all their questions , especially those about God Himself.

If someone were to walk up to you at work, or at the park or anywhere else and they said, "IS GOD REAL" , what would you say?  Well, the Bible says so! Then they say, I am not sure I believe the Bible, do you have any other reasons for believing in God. What if someone asked you, Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? What would you say? What if someone were to ask, Why should I believe the Bible?  Don't all paths lead to God? What happens when I die? Could you defend what you believe? 

How can we defend Christianity if we don't know that God exists ? So this Sunday morning at Liberty Baptist we will take on this GOD SIZED QUESTION , DOES GOD EXIST? I will attempt to give Biblical and Logical answers why we can believe that God is real and because of that we find answers for life and eternity. There really is purpose and meaning to life. We will find that YES there is a God and He is real. By the way we will learn that there is only one God and only one way to God. Amen. Hope to see you Sunday morning at Liberty and make sure you invite someone to attend with you. 

TOADAY IN HISTORY!

1. 1796- THE SMALLPOX VACCINATION WAS DISCOVERED BY ELWOOD JENNER. 

2. 1804- THE DATE OF THE BEGINNING OF THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION. 

3. 1490 B. C.-THE SUBSTITUTE PASSOVER DATE FOR THOSE WHO HAD BEEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY. This is a most interesting thing. Those who had been out of the country at the first Passover were allowed to have one on this date. 

 I have been studying 2nd Thessalonians this week in preparation for our new Sunday evening series entitled "Remaining Steadfast." As often the Apostle Paul in his greeting to this good church in Thessalonica asked that God's Grace and Peace be upon them. Now we know he was writing to believers who had already received God's Grace and thus had received His great salvation. But what Paul was asking for this believing membership of this New Testament Church was that they would continue to grow in this grace. Saving grace yes, but also sustaining grace and strengthening grace as well. God's Grace is one of the main resources in the believers life as well as in our churches.

God gives grace to save us and He continues to give grace to strengthen us along the way. Day by day we can receive His grace and apply His grace to everything in our lives. God has given us this all inclusive power so we can love our families, endure persecution, continue to be faithful, witness with love, forgive when we have been offended or hurt, so we can face difficult & disappointing situations. Grace is the unlimited resource of God. It is the inner working of the Holy Spirit of God, to provide strength to the Christian, to develop the Christian in time of need. 

1st Peter 5:10 says, "But the Lord of ALL GRACE who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered awhile make you perfect established strengthened and settle you."

"WITHOUT GRACE WE ARE UGLY CHRISTIANS." Without it we are mean and proud. "WITHOUT GRACE WE ARE QUITTING CHRISTIANS." Without it we are nongiving and uncaring. "WITHOUT GRACE NOTHING GOOD COMES OUT OF MY LIFE." 

As I allow God's grace access into my innermost being I can be a better husband, a better father, a better friend, a better pastor. I may not have what someone else has materially or mentally, but when it comes to spiritual provisions the playing field is level. The ground is level at the cross. WE HAVE ALL GRACE AVAILABLE TO US. 

Grace is what is need in every area of our lives. It makes the difference in our attitudes which make a difference in our joy level. Bitter people have really hard days and gracious people have really good days. It makes a difference in my actions which make a difference in my relationships which make a difference in so many ways. God's grace helps me to be easier on others and also easier on myself. Most of us need to be easier on others and many of us need to be easier on ourselves, do I hear an AMEN? God's grace will help us when we are disappointed and discouraged. God's grace will minister to us when we are overwhelmed and tired. God's grace will settle us when we are worried and frightened. God's grace will hold us steady when we are puzzled and directionless. 

May each of us allow God's Grace to flow through us as we yield to the Holy Spirit. The presence of His Spirit is His grace. The giving of His Gifts are by His grace. The privilege of prayer is by His grace, as we are allowed to come to His Throne of Grace. His Word is a gift of grace. On and on I could go. Yes, it is by His grace we are saved and it is by His grace we work out our salvation as He graciously works in us and through us for HIS GLORY!

Maybe by now you are beginning to see the importance of grace in the believers life. I hope so! Now may each of us seek this great asset in our daily living for the ONE who saved us by His grace to live in His grace ! 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1.1607- JAMESTOWN, VIRGINIA, WAS FOUNDED. 

2. 1846- THE UNITED STATES DECLARED WAR ON MEXICO.

3. 1867- MOODY BEGAN HIS NOON-DAY PRAYER MEETINGS IN LONDON. Many of you know the rest of the story, that a great revival broke out in England and thousands and thousands were saved. Maybe we need to start some  NOON-DAY PRAYER MEETINGS?

4. 1850- CHARLES SPURGEON WAS BAPTIZED IN THE RIVER. He was baptized on his mothers birthday by returning missionary W. W. Cantlow. Spurgeon said, "I lost a thousand fears and in keeping His commandment there is great reward." If you have not been baptized since you received Christ as saviour do it immediately. 

Next month my wife and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage. Proverbs 31:10 says "Who can find a virtuous women? For her price is far above rubies." I agree totally, the value and worth of an excellent wife exceeds any valuable thing in this world. 

When our children were young and at home on occasion Karen would leave on occasion for an overnight retreat or something like that. When she did I would not only be dad but to some extent would enter into the "REALM OF MOM." I would need to leave work early get home and begin to watch the children. I would need to fix the evening meal, usually pizza or hotdogs or some other great creation of Chef Bishir. After supper I would need to clean the table and scrub that pizza pan for about 30 minutes trying to get the burnt evidence off this burnt sacrifice so Karen would not be able to see it when she would get home. We would then attempt to spend quality time with the children as each of the four sought my personal attention. Then it would be time for bed, getting their baths and getting them in their pajamas and hoping they were on right ! Then bed time Bible stories. Then I would ca-lapse on the sofa, praying intently that I would not hear any footsteps in the next 30 minutes. 

The next morning would be time to get the kids dressed and make the beds get everyone in order just in time for breakfast at dinnertime! The day was spent taking care of the children along with ministerial duties in between. 

When Karen returned, I hugged her and acted as if it had been no sweat. No, not really. I would often say , I don't know how you do it. This wife of mine must have been Superwomen. She would smile and laugh and I knew it was okay now because she was back. Now I could relax and get on with what I thought was a hectic schedule of my own. 

I thank God for my "Excellent Wife" and for every godly women who daily serves the Lord and her family. His crown awaits these precious ones. Their value is far above any jewels of this world. 

TODY IN HISTORY!

1.TRADITION SAYS THIS MAY 11 IS THE DATE OF THE ASCENTION OF CHRIST.- Whether this is true or not let each of thank God for the ascention of our Lord and that in the same manner He will come again.

2. MINNESOTA WAS ADMITTED TO THE UNION. 

3. IN 1949- THE UNITED NATIONS ADMITTED ISRAEL. This certainly was red- letter day in the history of the world. 

 Good Monday to each of you. Hope your weekend was a blessing and that each of you had a wonderful time honoring your mothers. Saturday evening we had a good time at the Bishir home as we celebrated Mother's Day, Ryan & Beth's Anniversary, my birthday, Chris's finishing 4 years of college, and Beth's birthday { as Pastor & Marcele were gone during that time}. We had another special guest to our family function, LUNDYN GRACE our new granddaughter, it was her first of many get together's at Grandpa and Grandma Bishir's, she made the day!  It was fun having all the children and there mates all together along with Karen's parents. I thank God today for our family and what the Lord has done in each of our lives.

Yesterday at Liberty we had a great day. We had over 230 mothers present in the morning services. Our attendance for the morning was 740 and it was a great morning to celebrate MOTHERHOOD. We had lots of things planned to make it special for each mom.  The Grimes family from Brownsburg , In. was with us to help us make the day even more special. Robbie & Denise along with their 9 and 11 year old daughters Courtney and Jadyn. Denise's mother Pam was also with them. What a blessing to hear them minister to the family in song, skit and testimony. Then I preached on "Happy Mother's & Happy Children." The altars were used and decisions for Christ were made. Thanks to Carol Sarber and Brenda Ressler who helped to decorate the front of our auditorium with 250 roses of all colors. It was beautiful! At the end of each service each mother came to the front for a time of honor and presentation of the rose of their choice. It was fun to see all the mothers standing together.  

Last evening the Grimes family had the main part of the service and it was sweet and challenging for each one who made special effort to be back on Moms Day 2010.

Well, I have a pretty heavy schedule today so I need to go for now. Will have a little more time to blog in the morning. Speak with you then, but until then keep your eye on the eastern sky because Jesus may come back today. That would be nice! Lord bless each of you! 

 This morning Lee & Lue Parker stopped by my office to bring me a birthday cake and card. It will be my birthday on Sunday and it is Lue's birthday today. Now this is just like Lee & Lue to bring me a gift when I should have brought them a gift. The Parkers have been at Liberty for over 17 years now and how blessed we are to have families like this. Lue is 78 years old today. As we stood in the kitchen of the office annex Lue was showing me her hand which she had surgery on several weeks ago. I took her hand and began to pray for continued healing. As I gazed at her hand I began to think of "A MOTHERS HAND." I wondered about all the good things this mothers hands had done. 

I wondered how many times she held her baby's and how many times she changed their diapers? How many times did these hands  prepare meals and wash dishes for her family. How many times did these hands make a bed, push a vacuum, hang out the laundry, wash a face or clean up a spill?

I wondered how many times these hands spanked a bottom, or held a book as she read a story and the hundreds of times she held the Bible and read it to her children?  I wondered how many times these hands were clasped in prayer for her husband, children, friends and even her pastor?

I wondered how often these hands steered the wheel of a car as she drove to and from work as she helped to provide income for her loved ones. How many times she drove that car to take her children to and fro. How often did these precious hands wipe the brow of a fevered brow, how many times did they hug the frightened and encourage the downhearted?

Yes, these were the hands of a mother but also a nurse, cook, maid, teacher, chauffeur, hairdresser, tailor and seamstress. The hands of a florist, gardner, baker, proprietor, nutritionist, coach, policemen, contractor, engineer, councilor, and so much more.

THESE ARE THE HANDS OF A MOTHER! All that a mother is called upon to do and be. Today I stand in AW of each mother. God-bless each mother and I sincerely wish you a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!.  

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1.1863- GENERAL GRANT OPENED HIS CAMPAIGN TO CAPTURE VICKSBURG. May we pray for the South and the North today. 

2. 1837- THE BIRTHDAY OF JOHANNES BRAHMS. This directs our thoughts toward great music and should stir our graditude toward those who have provided it for us. Let us spend time today singing or listening to good music. 

3. 2010- Our second born grandaughter will get to come home from the hospital. AMEN!

 It is Wednesday, May 5th 2010. I witnessed a miracle today. I saw the miracle of birth and a new life entering this world. Our second granddaughter was born. She is beautiful and healthy for which we give the Lord praise and thanksgiving. She weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces. She has something already that Grandpa Bishir doesn't have, hair! Lots and lots of black hair. Beth was a real trooper, we are so proud of her. The baby taking to mom as she is eating well. The birth of a baby is a miracle of God. To think of the development of the seed and one-second the child is in the mothers womb and the next out and into this world. Doc Jesh was there to begin working with this precious little one and God Himself as He put breath in her lungs, as He gave divine aid to her heart to keep beating and the desire to breath. He miraculously gave her hunger so she would eat and as she does she will gain the nutrition needed to live. She could hear because the Lord gave her hearing. She already identified the common sound of her parents familiar voices. Miraculous,her senses and her natural desires to live and to function in this new found world. All part of God's plan. 

Miraculous, was all I could think about as I stood and watched her as they cleaned her up. As the nurses did their tender work I prayed for another miracle and that was that one day early in her life she would be tenderly cleaned by the Blood of Jesus. That she would repent of self and sin and that she would let Dr. Jesus cleanse her soul as only he can. 

Miraculous, was all I could think, when I touched her and asked the Lord to touch her as well one day. To touch her with purpose for life. To touch her with His ordination of mission and to lay His hand on her for His blessing for a lifetime of fruitful living. 

Miraculous was all I could think as prayed for His miracle to keep her safe from the world, the flesh and the devil. 

Miraculous was on my mind as I prayed for her to find the perfect husband for her life. My mind began to think perhaps this man to be is alive already or perhaps soon to enter the world himself. I began to pray for God's miracles in his life as well.

Miraculous, was my thoughts toward her parents as they will need miracle power and commitment to rear this little girl for the Lord. They will need miracle love and miracle patience, miracle wisdom and miracle faith. Miracle consistency as they model the Christian life for this little person who will watch them so carefully. 

Miraculous, came to mind as I thought of both sets of grandparents and great-grandparents, of aunts and uncles. Each of us need the miraculous to help these parents lead this bundle of potential to become all her Lord will require of her. 

She really is a bundle of purpose and potential. What will she become? Who will she marry? Where will she live? When will she be saved? What will her personalty be? What will her interests be? Will she do well in school?  Will the Lord come back before she graduates from high school in 2028? Will I still be around for that day{ I will be 75]? These and many other questions that will only find answers as the days and years move forward. But one thing we know, she is in the hand of the Lord. Her parents and grandparents know she is the Lord's and we are only overseers and influencers. But she is the Lord's and that is the safest place to be, in the hand of our loving Lord! 

I would ask all my friends to pray for this precious miracle. For Her to come to Jesus and to dedicate her entire life to His cause. May she know and experience Romans 12 :1-2  in her life. Amen and Amen!

You may be wondering what her name is. I am unsure at the writing of this blog, we will find out soon but I know the Lord has His special name for her already. 

TODAY IN HISTORY!

ONE OF THE MOST JOYFUL OF MY LIFE.

 It is early Tuesday morning and it is a beautiful day. Karen & I have already gone to the polls { There by 6:45 a.m.} and cast our votes and most importantly exercised our FREEDOM of the RIGHT TO VOTE. This freedom was not given to us without a great price paid by many women & men. The price of loss in every area, including life. I will not let election day go past without casting my vote for each who went on before me and those who currently are providing the right  for this and every other exercise of freedom.

Today I cast my votes for both men and women. People who will hold a lot of authority and influence over my life, as well as the lives of my friends, my congregation and neighbors. I did my research before voting and I think I voted Biblically as best I could. But guess what? I know I cast votes for imperfect people. Many of them I knew to be Christian and many to be moral. People who are trying to do their best to lead their local and regional areas. I voted for some who I knew personally and others I only know what I have read and been able to watch from a distance. In the past I have voted for people who said they would do something and they did. But also I have voted for some who said they would stand for some things and they didn't. That is al part of this free election system, and I think it is the best system in the world. Yet it is blemished because man is blemished. 

As important as it is to vote for human leadership it is more important to vote for divine leadership. I am glad on April 29, 1973, on that election day I voted for JESUS! Every day since I have voted for Jesus! This morning before I got up I laid in bed for about 10 seconds after waking and I voted for Jesus to be my elected King. My elected Leader. My elected Representative. You see when we elect Jesus we are choosing a perfect leader, one who will never lie to us , one who will never misrepresent himself to the people. One who will never make a promise He cannot keep. One we can trust and follow. One who has the answers that really work and lead us into prosperity and peace. One we won't have to pray for but one who will pray for us. 

I CAST MY BALLOT FOR JESUS AGAIN TODAY , HOW ABOUT YOU?

TODAY IN HISTORY!

1.1491 B.C.-THE APPROXIMATE DATE THAT MOSES WAS ON MOUNT SIANAI. This is where the Ten Commandments were given and written by the finger of God on Tablets of Stone. These commandments are good for today as well as then. May we know them and in God's power seek to keep the. 

2. D. L. Moody . Some give this as the date that Moody joined the Mount Vernon Church. At any rate , he was a member of Mr. Kimball's Sunday School class. This was about the time he united with the church. How important it is to be a part of a good SS Class! For Moody it meant being led to Jesus by his teacher. And from there God used Moody to bring two continents to Christ. 

For all you regular Bishir Blog readers sorry about not getting to post our blog till around 6p.m. today. Started early this morning by picking up Pastor Ryan at 6:30 a.m. and getting to Marion General Hospital and spending time with Gareth & Martha Weaver before Gareth was taken into surgery. We spent some quality time in prayer and then went to the church and met with our staff for our weekly meeting. Had some other meetings and then had to go to Gas City for Paul Watson's viewing. Paul was 91 years old and long ago he was affiliated with Union Chapel Baptist. We will have the funeral tomorrow morning at Union Chapel Baptist . This will be my first time speaking there since 1990. After we finished at the viewing we went back to the church for a little bit and then made phone calls on the way home and now after our evening meal we are getting to blog finally. 

Had wonderful Lord's day services yesterday. We spoke in the morning service at New Hope Baptist and the spirit was tremendous. Had many comments on how the Lord spoke to many hearts. We taught on "Making Disciples" and many decided to improve in this area of life. At Liberty Baptist, Pastor Chas preached on "The Sovereignty of God" and in the evening Pastor Ryan took us to the book of Acts chapter 26 and God spoke clearly to each one present. What a great staff the Lord has given us. Making disciples takes a lot of time but the results are worth all the effort. 

According to statistics our world population will hit nearly 7 BILLION by July of this year. Let me help you understand a BILLION! One-Billion-seconds equals 31 years. One Billion minutes equals nearly 1900 years. SEVEN BILLION people. How will we reach them? May I suggest we listen to Jesus and win one and then disciple them. Look at this! If 1 person won a soul and discipled that person for one year you would have two disciples at the end of the first year. At the end of two years you would have 4 disciples. At the end of 33 years you would have over 4 billion disciples. Now listen to this, at the end of 34 years {just one more year} you would have over 8 billion disciples. Now I think Jesus knew what He was talking about! May I suggest to each of us that we go win a soul and spend time disciplling them. If we each would do this we could win this world back for Jesus. May we not just think about it may we do it!

TODAY IN HISTORY!