The book of Second Chronicles, among other things, correlates the actions of various kings of Israel & Judah to their respective nation's futures. Just like any list of leadership in nations, there were good, bad and morally mixed leaders. In a secular world, good leaders are primarily known as leaders that got their nations through tough times, both economically and militarily. They may have also pursued agenda's of growth or destruction. In the Biblical realm, good leaders were known by whether or not they pleased Almighty God. Chronicles shows clearly that the nature of the leaders walk with God affects the people of the nation. Other books in the Bible do this also, from Moses and the Jewish people in Exodus to the Anti- Christ and his followers in Revelation. Chronicles, however, doesn't use the King's relationship with the people as the yardstick for good. The yardstick was the King's relationship to God. It seems today in America that those running for election have to sell themselves to the people. So consequently they must be vague about where they stand on issues, because they are attempting to satisfy the people. As a Christian I believe our only hope is for those holding office to be more interested in satisfying God then the American people. I for one would welcome candidates to be honest & tell me where they really stand. A critical election is coming up for our nation on November 4th. This blog is not to tell you how to vote; however, there are two elements to your vote. One is to consider voting for those that espouse Christian beliefs and advocate laws or policies consistent with Biblical principles. That puts responsibility on us to find out what they really believe not just by listening but going back over the past and seeing how they have voted previously on such matters. And remember this- The only way for voters to know Biblical principles is through Bible reading, study and meditation. The other essential element is through prayer. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 details how, through asking God His will, our leaders can bestow God's blessing on our nation. We need to collectively pray for such a leader!

Good Monday morning! Yesterday I was trying to use a joke to lighten up a spot in our morning message. What I was saying was 'The Bible teaches the Lord is coming back on Monday because the Bible says He is coming in a day when you THINK NOT. Now after you laugh a little once you get it that sure is how I feel this Monday morning. Seems like the weekend and al it has for us in ministry really wipes you out on Monday. Monday is a great day to meet with the staff and tie lots of loose ends together and lots of other things that don't take a lot of serious thinking. We are rejoicing over the report brought to us last evening in church about out EVENT EVANGELISM OUTREACH at JAMES DEAN DAYS in FAIRMOUNT, INDIANA. It was reported that 136 people made professions of faith during the 3 day event. WOW 136 adults, teens and children prayed to receive Jesus as Saviour. Thanks to Tom & Carolyn Curtis who trained our willing workers and then for those who spent time helping them at the festival to share Christ and pray. This is the type of thing we nee to be about. We need to be sharing the GOOD NEWS more then we normally do. Yesterday our buses brought in 274 on the routes, Pastor Ryan was telling me that the new Children's Center was FULL. We dedicated this building just over 1 year ago thinking it would take a long time for that to ever happen but the Lord has shown us again what He wants to do in this place. Five were saved off the bus routes and we praise the Lord for that. Last evening n church we emphasized the "Table The Lord Has Prepared For Us". I am still rejoicing over what He serves us on a daily basis. He certainly gives us BETTER FOOD then the world,the flesh the devil. We each need to remember the Lords Table is prepared in the presence of our enemies and the Lord serves up all we need to be over-comer's in this world and the next. Have a great day!

 What a beautiful Friday morning we are having in Northeastern Indiana. The weather this past week couldn't be in more perfect! Last evening we had a wonderful time at church, we started our new elective groups and had a great attendance. If you were unable to be here do your best to be here next Thursday as it is not to late to jump in one of the small study groups. This Sunday the Lord is leading me to preach from one of my favorite Psalms. Chapter 23 is the particular passage and the Lord has given me some fresh insight into this classic scripture. In the morning we will look at the first several verses with the emphasis "The Lord My Shepherd". In the evening service we will look at the last several verses with the emphasis "The Lord My Table". In the evening we will CELEBRATE as we receive communion! I am looking with anticipation to what the Lord is going to do in each service and our Adult Bible Fellowships. I want to give you a prayer request-- Pastor Bobby & Aly Cupps will be traveling this week. They are coming to our area for a few weeks. Please pray for them as they travel. Next Sunday evening they will report to our church on the church plant in L.A County. This is the church that Liberty has helped to plant in that metro area. All you "Overcomer Class Attenders" don't forget tonight as we have a carry in fellowship at the church at 6:15 p.m. Hope to see you tonight. Also remember to pray for Tom & Carolyn Curtis as they are leading an Event Evangelism Outreach at James Dean Days in Fairmount, In. this weekend. We have several of our Soul Winning members helping there. Let each of us back them up in prayer today, Saturday and Sunday. I look forward to hearing many testimonies as to how the Lord used them to share the Gospel with others.  Pray for our missionaries today and also lift a special prayer for America's leaders in the political and financial realms. Have a great day!

 Well it is Thursday and we got to the office early so we are facing 13 hours of service for the Lord till after church tonight! That seems like a lot of hours until you realize who it is all for. It is for Jesus!! What a privilege we have to use our time, talent and treasure for HIM! Today I will council, study, visit, help to set up for new adult elective classes, meet with leaders of ministries, administrate, attempt to write an article for K Magazine,  invite folks to our S.S. Class fellowship tomorrow evening , and then teach tonight at church. I am sure there will be many other things such as phone calls and some who will stop by to see me. Now that is a lot but if it transfers into eternal things ,Praise God! Now I know that your day may not be filled with these type of things because most of you are not Pastors , but each of us are "FULL TIME CHRISTIANS". So make your day count, look for the eternal in every thing you do! Have a great day and may it be one that when you get to eternity that it will be known as one of the most productive days you spent on earth for the Lord! 

 TODAY is the first day of the rest of your life! TODAY could be the last day of your life! TODAY in reality is the only day you can live! Let me give you two thoughts for today. First, "LOOK AHEAD OF YOU INSTEAD OF BEHIND YOU". It is much more beneficial to determine where you choose to go than to dwell on where you've been. There is hope. So please look ahead. Secondly, "FOCUS ON YOURSELF, NOT ON THOSE AROUND YOU" . I know it is difficult. I can't number the times I have had to remind myself of this. But I have to come face to face with the fact that it is not within my power, nor is it my responsibility, to change anyone else. I have the freedom and the right to choose for myself, to make my own decisions And so do you. Now I understand that we are each called to help others and to be others oriented in our lives but for us to do this we must focus on change in our selves first. So TODAY lets "LOOK AHEAD INSTEAD OF BEHIND" & FOCUS ON YOURSELF NOT THOSE AROUND YOU". Worthy thoughts! Have a great day! 

It is Monday morning and what a great weekend the Lord gave us at Liberty. We had our annual "Mission's Conference" and it was really nice to hear all the missionaries share their testimonies and to report on their works. It happens every year with me during missions conference , I wish I had 10,000 lives to give to the Lord to go all over the world. So many desperate places filled with desperate people who need the Lord Jesus in their lives now and for eternity. Missions Conference is good for me each year to reflect if we are being effective at Liberty and in my own life. Also it helps me each year to again solidify Gods perfect will for Karen & I for that very certain place the Lord wants us to serve. So many lessons were shared from the scriptures from folk who are surrendered to the Lord. I always take lot's of notes when I listen  to others  share from God's Word and from their hearts. I have already be looking them over and pondering them so I will not be just a 'Hearer Only but a Doer Also". I know for some of our Liberty Baptist family the weekend was full and you may be somewhat tired today, thanks for your faithfulness and I believe the Lord will help each of you to live stronger and better because you made choices that honor the Lord and build Christians. Pleas pray today for America and her churches. Pray for Revival in the Body of Christ!!!!!!!!!! Have a good day. 

 For sure the world we live in is filled with uncertainties. Our world seems very shaky at this time, our economic system seems to be in real danger,{ I still believe it can correct and be stronger if we learn about past mistakes of greed and  unbiblical debt} our political scene is not bringing lot of hopefulness. These and many other unstable circumstances could bring a lot of despair but even in conditions like these we believers have a lot of certainties. We have a joy inside which the world and it's conditions cannot take away. We have forgiveness of sin, we have His presence internally in us which gives us hope in the midst of all that goes on around us. We have the promise that if we lose all the worlds stuff we still have HIS STUFF which is sufficient. We have the hope of heaven and a better day, we have each other {the body of Christ} to walk with us thru all these uncertainties. We have the Bible we can pick up and read and also that we can bring back to memory from what we have stored up to give us answers and understanding in trying times. These worldly economics can't affect us as much as others because e have a spiritual economics. For sure we need to pray for our nation and the whole world, because we are seeing "Birth Pangs" all around. The world stage is being set for one of the greatest days this earth will see, "The Coming Of The Lord". Have you read Revelation  16 - 18 about the world economic collapse? Well one thing for certain our Lord is soon returning and that for the believer brings certainty to our uncertain world. " Look up for your redemption draws nigh". 

 Good Monday to each of you! Had great services yesterday. In the morning service had 4 adults saved and 1 baptism with an attendance of 798. We had lots of visitors. Wonderful service last eve  and with the Colts winning yesterday that just made it even more wonderful {wanted to put that in there for all you Colt fans}. On Monday we always have our weekly staff meeting and we spent several hours together going over lots of things. We spent a good portion talking about Missions Conference which begins this Thursday. Then we went to lunch together. I really appreciate the staff  the Lord has brought together here at Liberty. As I am typing this blog I am looking out my office window and Walter & Nora Faye Renbarger are outside changing our church sign for the week. As I was watching Nora Faye I was again impressed by her unfailing faithfulness. She is something!! Here she is still attempting to serve her Lord and Church at her age. It reminds me to be thankful and prayerful for all of Senior Citizens. Have a great evening and speak with you soon. 

 How is everyone?  Took Wednesday for a day to be alone with the Lord and do some things at the house that needed done . I always enjoy my time alone and love to work at the home place. It is so true "THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME" !! Got in the office early Thursday and meant to blog but the day was so full, many meetings, calls, prepared Sunday's message, prepared last night's message and so much more. It was good to be in church last eve and to preach on "Sending and Going". I sure hope the Lord will use that message to instill more of a passion in our hearts at Liberty for the great cause of World Wide Missions. I had not spoke in a midweek service since early June, because we have had 11 special speakers on Thursday's  this summer.  This Sunday Lord willing I will preach from Psalm 32 maybe you would like to read it a few times to prepare to listen. I know that it took me 9 hours to prepare the message. I usually spend at least 7-8 hours of preparation time for one message. I often think that if the listener spent that much time preparing to listen it would make a difference for sure. I am sure many do! The Seed of God's Word works if the Soil is fertile, plowed and ready to receive. Psalm 32 is about God's great Forgiveness. I am so thankful to know His forgiveness and to live in it. To "BE FORGIVEN" what a blessing. Hope to see you Sunday at church and for all you reader's who attend elsewhere I pray for your Pastor and churches to have great services. Have a great weekend! 

 How is everyone? I just prayed for our congregation and all those who read the blog. I am not sure who all you readers are but God knows each of you and I just lifted a prayer for all you bloggers. Hey, give me a comment and let me know who you are.

I am reading a good book. The title is "Leaving The Light On". It is authored by Gary Smalley and John Trent. The publisher is Multnomah Books. Let me share some of its words. As a parent, you have an opportunity to build solid and lasting friendships with your children, starting with memories you create while they are still young. How will your kids remember their childhood,years from now? 

   > Will the word "FAMILY" stir memories of warmth, laughter, and deep -felt love?

    > Will it be clear to your kids that you made a conscious decision to invest your time in them?

   > Will they recall supportive arms that hugged away their hurts, voices that cheered them in their success, and compassionate words that soothed them when they failed?

Your kids are bound to face hurts and difficulties when they leave home. That is life. But we can instill in them a confidence that, even in the longest , darkest night, the porch light is always lit  always showing the way to the one place where love is given FREELY, not earned or demanded. 

No matter what kind of start you've had with your kids, it's never to late to turn the light on.  

This is a great book. May help every parent who reads it, thinks about it and works on it. Speak with you in a few days. 

Hope your Monday is going well! We had a great day yesterday at Liberty. In the morning we had 1 adult trust Christ as Saviour and had 3 follow the Lord in believers baptism. Our morning attendance was 768 with over 350 attending in the evening. In the evening service the Lord moved mightily as we looked at the subject of Forgiveness. The altars were used and many breakthroughs took place.  We report this not to boast but to give God the Glory. He is doing great things here and we take no credit but want to give Him His Glory.

Proverbs 15:1 teaches us that "A soft answer turns away wrath". Are there people in your life that seem not to like you or are rude and unkind? Perhaps a boss,teacher,coworker,neighbor,another student, or maybe a family member? What does God want us to do with people like this? LOVE THEM!!! Love them with all your love, Romans 5:5. You see people who are mean, rude, ugly are this way because of one thing, they are hurting. When you respond to people like this in love it disarms their anger and turns away wrath! One of my mentors was Dr Jack Hyles. While I was in Bible college he was my Pastor for several years. I recall him telling a story one day concerning a very rude waitress he encountered one day . He was in and airport restaurant waiting on a plane and had ordered breakfast and the waitress he had was being very rude and unkind. After eating he paid his bill which was around $5 and then left a tip for $20 . When the waitress found the tip she caught Dr. Hyles and said did you leave this tip for me after how I treated you? He said yes. Why would you do such a thing? He answered I figured by the way you were treating me you were having a lot of troubles in your life and I wanted to help you. She began to cry and share and before to long Dr. Hyles led her to Jesus!!! Giving a soft answer really does work! Think of the possibilities that lie before us as we meet difficult people in our life? 

 Good morning or afternoon or evening whichever it is to each of our blog readers. We had good outreach event last evening at the church. We had 3 assemblies in the Oak Hill elementary schools on Wed & Thursday with our special guest "Little Tommy". He does lots of cool things that children like to watch , then he invites all the children to come to the evening service's at Liberty on Thursday eve. We had 2 services to handle the expected crowd and it was a good thing. We had nearly 500 adults and children in attendance. Many visitors and many adults and children filled out profession of faith cards letting us know they prayed to receive Christ as Saviour. After service i was talking with Pastor Click and he reported good things with the Teen as they met on their own last eve. Pastor Chas met with our Young Adults last eve and good things happening there also. We need to continue to throw out as many fishing lines and lures as possible. Time is short and the Lord is coming so may each of us be doing what we can to get the Gospel out! Always remember "WHEN YOU CEASE BEING A MISSIONARY YOU BECOME A MISSION FIELD." Wow that is so true. When we become self centered and only think of our wants and our rights we really get sick and it all becomes about us. That usually is not a pretty sight after awhile. Lord help us today to have Your mind and heart, help us to look to the needs of others more then our own selves. 

 I love people and I love the ministry the Lord has given to me. It isn't always fun and it isn't always easy, but when you keep it in perspective that it is the Lords work, it really helps. So often I come up short in my ministry, not because of failure to try but because I am human and I don't have all the answers i need at times. Sometimes people fail me and sometimes I fail the people. But one thing I have found through the years is "JESUS NEVER FAILS". He is so faithful and He is always right. Aren't you thankful today that Jesus never fails? What a great hope. I had one of my friends send me a kind card today and she told me to read Isaiah 41:10 . I will encourage you to do the same. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT CHURCH THIS EVE AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! 

 Every moment we should work on being conscious of the person of the Almighty: His will, His way and what we're doing at a given moment fits into an eternal program of redemption and reconciliation. The worship of God is not a distraction from life. It is the focus upon the source of life. It is seeing the world refracted through its creator. Today let each of us focus on HIM!  Now reread what was just said. Slow it down and practice it today.

For all you Liberty Folk remember to keep Mel & Tammy Weaver in your prayers as the memorial service for Tammy's father is today. Pray for Steve Wilson as he is having a heart Cath this morning. Also beginning today is our Family Outreach Events into the Oak Hill Elementary schools. We will be at Sweetser & Swayzee today and Converse tomorrow. Please pray for the school assemblies and also for Thursday at Liberty as we have two services at 5;30 p.m. and 7 p.m. You can help us get the word out that Thursdays Midweek meal will begin at 5 p.m. to help those wanting to attend the 5;30 p.m. service. Hope that helps. 

 Is it true that Jesus taught us to bless those that curse us ( Matthew 5:44), but blessing the curser is more than merely pronouncing a formulaic phrase. It is caring for that person enough to afford them an opportunity to concider how God might actually bless them. The first purpose in "AGREEABLE DISAGREEMENT" is to care more for the person you are disagreeing with than you do about your own image or winning the argument. After all, people are more important than wins! It is possible to win an argument, yet loose the person.  A better response might be to ask the disagreeable person ,"Why are you so angry?" By provoking people to self-examination, it is possible to engage with them on a deeper and potentially more meaningful level. Often this question leads people to stop in their tracks and come back for a real conversation rather than a one-sided rant. A second purpose of "Agreeable Disagreement " is to shine the truth. If we are concerned about truth because it is beautiful and good, we will not wield it as a sword to slash our opponents into submission. Rather, we can offer truth humbly, as something of great value, and avoid becoming disagreeable in our disagreements. When It comes to disagreements with a brother or sister in Christ , Paul encourages us to be cheated and on occasion taken advantage of rather than go to court against a brother {1st Cor 6: 7}. I think sometimes we don't go to court but we act as if we do. We have issues and we battle it out before all those in our world. It seems to me that Paul was teaching us to " BE REPAIRED TO LOSE AN ARGUMENT RATHER THAN LOSE A BROTHER OR SISTER". Well I am sure you will ponder on this as it opens up other questions. That is the way we learn. Have a great day!