Moses

Sierra and I were in town this evening and on the way home we were listening to some Bible stories. One of the stories was about Moses and the burning bush. What I found interesting was how he continued to argue with God while looking at a burning bush that would not burn. A miracle. Why did Moses not realize he could accomplish the thing God was asking him to do? Should it not have been obvious God would take care of him? Is this applicable to us today? Does God give us miracles we can use to remember or realize He is in control? I think so. Did Moses not recognize this incident as a miracle? Many times we don't recognize things as miracles. We like to say they just happened. Was this Moses problem? I doubt it, after all the bush talked Moses and told him to take off his sandals. Why is it so hard to follow God's leading when it is so obvious He will watch over us?

Christmas Favorite

O Come All Ye Faithful is my favorite Christmas hymn. First, the song writer calls us to come to Bethlehem and worship. Second, he tells us who God is. Third, he implores the angels to sing. Fourth, He was accepted, by some, as the Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing. After each verse he calls the singer to come and adore Him. It is interesting that he tells the angels to sing. A misconception most people have is that angels sang to the shepherds. This is incorrect. Angels cannot sing they have not sung in scripture since the fall. In fact, the Bible says in Luke 1:28 And having come in, the angel said to her. In the following verse the angel said to her. The angels may have longed to sing but could not. Once again, I wonder what your favorite Christmas song is?

Digital Camera

There are so many choices and we are not sure what to purchase. What would you suggest? Make, model #, etc.

Bulls and I Part II

Slowly I descended from my perch and began to flail my arms and holler. After watching my performance for several minutes Chief Bull seemed to take exception to my antics. He began throwing acres of mud high into the sky with his front feet. This tends to be a sign of anger and frustration and before I knew what had happened I was lying in the fetal position in the mud. How did I end up in the mud? Well, over the next several days I replayed this incident in my mind using slow motion. If my memory serves me correctly Chief Bull came charging in with head down and nostrils flared. The speed of a 1500 Lbs of beef is astonishing. I began to turn my body away from this crazed animal but I was not quick enough. I took a glancing blow to the left side of my upper back. His head was right in my arm pit and I proceeded to rap his hard head with all the energy and muscle I could muster. While I was busy annoying him with these ferocious raps to the noggin, I found my vocal cords and let loose a shrill and piercing NNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!! He bounced my puny frame off of the rear tractor tire. While I was lying there in the mud I knew he was going to grind me into human beef patties. I was to scared to get up and walk so I crawled slowly around the back of the tractor, under the wagon tongue/hitch before jumping up and dashing to the fence. As I crawled over the fence and began to go for help I saw Daddy arrive. I went blubbering toward him sobbing out my story,I cannot remember if he saw any of this rodeo or not, he wandered around looking for a big stick. After finding a weapon he stood beside the gate waving his tree limb while I drove through the gate. Daddy shut the gate and we headed home. I remember wandering why they didn't attack Daddy but they did attack me. Strange, I think they knew I was scared and this made them nervous. Needless to say this was the last time I fed these massive creatures until they finished building a drive by feeding bunk.......

Bulls and I

While I was growing up some wise man decided we should raise all our bull calves up to 1200-1500 Lbs. To understand this situation totally you may need to know a few facts. The farm I grew up on was set up as a partnership. The partnership included five men. So we had 120 cow herd supporting 5 families. Raising bulls till they were full grown was suppose to help the cash flow. Now one other bit of information that is needed concerns the weekend work schedule. As I got older I pushed to be used. I was feeding cows by the time I was 11-12 or younger I can't remember. I really was to young but I was able and because of my ability I pushed the guys to let me participate. I did not enjoy milking so I talked the men into letting me feed instead of milking on weekends. This story revolves around a Sunday morning incident when I had to feed the bulls. They were located in a pasture roughly 200 yards from the farm. Due to trees and an assortment of other opaque items you could not see the pasture from the farm. This spring morning I arrived at the gate opened it and drove through. After much agonizing of the mind I decided I should shut the gate because bulls running loose on Sunday morning would make some men rather unhappy. As I drove to the bunk I noticed there was roughly a foot of muck and mud causing the tractor to slide around the hillside. I was hoping the bulls would follow me and be so thankful for the feed could open the gate in peace. After running out the feed I drove back to the gate and was I was not pleased to notice about 30 bulls who were ungrateful for the feed and more interested in watching me open the gate. What to do? After thinking a little I decided the best option was to take another lap by the bunk and hope they would follow me down. A few of them followed me but the mud was deep the tractor slid around so much I could not get back to the gate before they realized I was only teasing them. They promptly gathered around the gate again to see what I would attempt next. The nasty beasts chuckled fiendishly as I sat on the tractor pondering my next move.......

Christmas

We are currently entering the Advent season. I am wondering what your favorite Christmas song is and why? I will post my favorite Christmas song in the next day or so.

Thanksgiving

What I am thankful for.
1. My wife It is a good thing to be thankful for a loving wife. I know of situation where this is not the case, in fact, they almost hate each other.
2. Sierra, for being helpful, most of the time. For loving her siblings.
3. Aleya, for having so much energy. She thoroughly enjoys life.
4. Jayden & Jackson, for their unexpected arrival.
I am thankful God has seen fit to give us these four unique children and for giving us a rainbow to help us remember He is in control and cares about us. I am thankful He has seen fit to place these children in our home regardless of the mistakes we have made and will make in the future. I am thankful my children will be able to overcome my mistakes if they let God rule in their hearts.
What are you thankful for today?

Communion

What is communion? When council meeting and communion come around, twice a year for us, I always have some questions. We practice a close communion not to be confused with closed communion. Close communion is when you can participate if you have made prior arrangements. Should participation in this service be solely based on my relationship with God? If a partake unworthily it is between God and I? Or should my participation be based on accountability to others and God? I wonder if we are correct in our approach. The argument against open communion stems from how little we know an individual. If he/she is living in sin and we commune with them we would be doing an unwise thing. Why? Isn't their sin between them and the Lord? I realize there needs to be forgiveness and accountability to the church body. Should this rule out letting people we do not know participate?

Crashed and Burned

Apparently our nemesis crashed and burned. He was shut down late Saturday evening and upon reawakening on Sunday morning he did not respond well in one particular area. We performed CPR to no avail. After much frustration and anguish I purchased another nemesis and we are currently getting acquainted. So far this version seems to be handling its duties very well. How long his willingness lingers is yet to be determined. What am I referring to?

Mr. Noble

Once again I am in the process of having a unique musical experience. We, VOP, were told we would be welcome to help Rivermont Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir perform the Messiah. The service is tomorrow, Nov. 20 at 6:30 PM. This is the third or fourth time I have been able to help them and I have always enjoyed the experience. This year they asked Weston Noble to come and conduct the performance. He studied under Robert Shaw and has talked about the Shaw method during rehearsals. He taught at Luther College for years, 57 or so I think. He is very good and it has been a pleasure singing under him. Not only is he an excellent musician but he firmly believes what we are singing about. I also had the privilege of standing beside Dr. Komplein in the bass section this morning. He is an excellent bass/baritone soloist. I found it helpful to listen to him. If you are in the area and want to hear a church choir do the Messiah and do it well please come and hear us. These people are doing this because they love to sing and, most importantly, believe what they are singing about.

Survey

I am wondering how many of the folks who visit this site are married. I would like for you to comment and tell me if you are or are not married. If you are married how long have you been attached and how many children do you have? If you are not married are you dating and how long have you been working on the relationship? Are you engaged? Or have you not found any one willing to begin a relationship?

Another

This may be the one you were wondering about Rob. I found this song a couple years ago while I was pounding out some hymns on my piano. Number 54 in the Church Hymnal is where this tune can be found.

God, My King

God, my King, Thy might confessing, Ever will I bless Thy name;

Day by day Thy throne addressing, Still will I thy praise proclaim

Honor great our God befitteth; Who His majesty can reach?

Age to age His works transmitteth, Age to age His pow'r shall teach.

They shall talk of all Thy glory, On Thy might and greatness dwell,

Speak of Thy dread acts the story, And Thy deeds of wonder tell.

All Thy works, O Lord, shall bless Thee; Thee shall all Thy saints adore:

King supreme shall they confess Thee, And proclaim Thy sov'reign pow'r.

Unbelievers have an inaccurate view of God. They may not believe God exists or that God is good. Someday everyone will confess that He is God. We as believers need to be talking about the great things God, Our King has done for us. What has God done for you today/yesterday?

Name Brand

Well, I changed my mind. That is what is so wonderful about blogging.
I was thinking today about the Name Brand dilemma, or isn't it? Do you purchase/wear name brand shirts, shoes, and other interesting items? Is there anything wrong with buying and wearing name brand clothes? I wear some that have been given to me but I would never spend money on shirts. Now I would spend money on shoes, Nike to be exact. Can you be a Christian and support name brand products by purchasing there things?

Good Man

I was saddened to hear Adrian Rogers passed away this morning. He, evidently, had been struggling with cancer and died early this morning. If he lived what he preached he was good man. I hope they continue to use his messages on the radio. He was founder of Love Worth Finding.

My Favorite

Well, I don't know if this is my favorite, but I will start with this one. (I think I am going to take a week and post my favorite hymns.) Part of the reason I like this song is due to the fact it is one of my grandfather's (Grandaddy) favorite songs. It is found in the Church Hymnal # 394.

Call Jehovah Thy Salvation

Call Jehovah thy salvation, Rest beneath the Almighty's shade,

In His secret habitation Dwell, and never be dismayed:

There no tumult shall alarm thee, Thou shalt dread no hidden snare;

Guile nor violence can harm thee, In eternal safe-guard there.

From the sword at noon-day wasting, From the noisome pestilence,

In the depth of mid-night blasting, God shall be thy sure defense:

He shall charge His angel legions Watch and ward o'er thee to keep;

Tho' thou walk tho' hostile regions, tho' in desert wilds thou sleep.

Since, with pure and firm affection Thou on God hast set thy love,

With the wings of His protection He will shield thee from above:

Thou shalt call on Him in trouble, He will hearken, He will save;

Here for grief reward thee double, Crown with life beyond the grave.

When I Call Him my salvation He will care for me. It is amazing how music helps carry the text.

What thinkest thou?

Hark

There is a hymn in the Church Hymnal titled Hark Ten Thousand Harps and Voices which I do not like. I think the music is trite but there is also another reason. Maybe you can explain the lyrics and I will change my mind. One of the verses states Jesus rules the world alone, Hallelujah etc. What does this mean? Jesus doesn't rule the world alone does he? If you have any theological insight on this song feel free to share. Presently, I cringe every time we sing this song.....

News and Notes

Today will be rather busy for a Sunday. After church and lunch I need to dash over and feed the cows so I can come home and dash off to Rocky Mount. Rocky Mount is about an hours drive from my place. VOP has a program at German Town Brick Church of the Brethern tonight. I am looking forward to seeing those friendly people again.
Also, Lyndon's family will be traveling to Washington DC this afternoon and will be flying to Guatemala with yoder pianist's favorite missionaries, Jeff and Crystal. Lyndon and his family will be gone two weeks. You could pray for them as they travel. Jeff and Crystal would appreciate an interest in your prayers as well. Please visit yoder pianist blog by clicking on the side bar link to get more information on Jeff's future plans.

Selections

Let us assume you are in attendence at a song service being held at our church. Let us also assume I am in charge of the service and I am taking selections from the congregation. What selection would you want sung and why? What is your favorite hymn and why is it your favorite?

Ordination

Our church is planning on having an ordination in the spring. This fact has brought several questions to my mind. First, what do you think of the lot? Is this the correct way to chose pastors? Is this the best way? What would be wrong with someone saying I feel called to pastor. My second question is in regards to money. Would it be wrong to pay a pastor? Why do we expect our pastors to work a full time job and still find time to shepherd the flock? And my third and final question, this is similar to the first. Is it wrong to say the nomination needs to be unanimous before you will accept the responsibilty of pastoring? In other words, you would not go through the lot and would only accept the responsibility of pastor if you were unanimously chosen by the church body.

Advice

Once again I bring to you an item of concern and I need your advice. This item is one that concerns my lovely wife. Last night as she was sewing I detected a note of disgust at her machine. My question is this. What type/brand of sewing machine would you recommend? What can I purchase for $200 or less?

Mr. Iron

I had an encounter with Mr. Iron yesterday. This encounter was not very pleasant and has given me a very bad feeling about him and the condition of his wicked heart. Ah, you think I am being harsh! Here are the details surrounding our encounter. I was half finished with my project when he arrived on the scene. I tried to shake hands with him but for some unknown reason he popped me in the face cutting my lip. I held my tongue, mainly because it was wrapped around my bleeding lib. I know it was nothing I said however my actions may have been rather rude. I had grabbed him around the neck and was forcing him between a rear tractor tire and the rim. I see now this must have been most uncomfortable and must be the reason he wrenched free of my death grip and smashed me in the face. I still had to finish my job and proceeded to do so with Mr. Iron's help. However cruel it may seem this was the job he was created to do. Oh, by the way, if you meet someone who introduces himself as Tire Iron beware, he may be carrying a grudge......

Chess

I am not a chess player therefore I know very little about the sport. However, I do have a question regarding this game of war. Why is the Queen the most powerful piece of machinery? I realize the Queen can move in any direction and is able to capture any thing in its path but why the Queen? Why not the Knight or the Castle? Did the individual who invented this past time have a domineering mother/wife/daughter? What would have inspired him to create an individual of the feminine gender to be the most powerful piece of this game?

Pastor Appreciation

What do you appreciate about your pastor/pastors? Here are a few things I appreciate about our leadership team.
1. Honesty: They have the ability to admit they do not have all the answers.
2. Openness: Willingly admit they have failed in certain areas of life.
3. Willingness: Willing to come and help when needed or in a time of crisis. Realize work/money is not as important as souls. Not only in the local church but also in the surrounding community.
4. Desire to reach out into the community.
I am very thankful for the ministers God has placed in my church and my prayer is that God will bless these brothers as they continue to lead their flock into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Gang 

The Big Picture

Why do we question God's goodness? Why does it feel like the bad things that happen to us are so harsh? If God cares about us why does he allow us to face certain situations? I believe part of the answer, if not all of the answer, is based on the fact God is all knowing. God can see the big picture. God can see the whole of humanity beginning with, or before Adam and never ending. God knows what is best for humanity and he allows things to happen for our good. The painful things in life are things that can draw us to Him. If there was no pain would we need a savior? If there was no pain would we feel any need or desire to find the meaning for our lives? The Why I am here? question. What roll has pain played in drawing your heart, soul, and mind to Himself? It is so hard for us, in our finite minds, to realize there is a big picture and God has us in His picture. God does care and the proof of this fact is found in His beloved son suffering through the pain of the cross. Jesus faced pain, the pain of rejection. Jesus felt forsaken he said "My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" So I believe to wonder if we are forsaken is a natural response to situations we face. The bible also says Jesus was tempted like we are yet He was without sin. The pain of the cross and the pain of feeling forsaken was also part of God's big picture. I believe Jesus understood this picture but I don't think we will until Jesus returns. Hopefully, when life is over I will be able to see the big picture and some things will begin to make sense.

Judas

I have been reading in Luke this week the account where Judas betrays Jesus. Couple things that surprised me. Luke says, I believe, that Judas was filled with Satan. How, could someone who spent so much time with Jesus be filled with the devil? Was Judas any more wicked than you or I? How could a man who witnessed miracles, physical healing and calming the storm, still end up making such a horrendous mistake?
What will keep us from making this same type of mistake. The mistake of denying Christ.

Loss of Life

I cannot imagine what the family, especially the parents, in Oregon or Washington is experiencing right now! Imagine if you lost five of your best friends in one accident, how terrible. Makes you wonder if God is really in control. Which brings me to another question. Is it okay to be mad at God? Have you ever been mad at God? This kind of experience would tend to make me question God's goodness and be angry with Him for allowing it to happen.

Dallas Willard

I have just started reading The Spirit of the Disciplines written by Dallas Willard. He had some very interesting points in the first chapter. Here is a direct quote: Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting, as it has been found difficult and untried. Is to err human? Would Jesus have asked us to do something that is to hard? Do we live the Christ like life in entirety, do we adopt His overall life-style? What was His overall life-style? We tend to believe that living as Christ lived only involves loving our enemies, going the second mile, and turning the other cheek. The rest of the time we tend to live just like everyone else. There is no way we can behave on the spot the Christ did when live as everyone else does when we are not on the spot. Asking what would Jesus do? is not an adequate way to prepare ourselves to face the on the spot situations. How did Jesus prepare? Solitude, fasting, silence, service, prayer, celebration. These things are disciplines. What is the secret to the easy yoke? It is simply living as Christ lived in all aspects of the Christian life not just choosing certain times and places to act like a Christian. Is this the problem with people today? I think I am slowly realizing this is what is wrong with my life. How do you find it?