Decoration Day - Honor in a toxic world

Aaron and Hur - Moses had a posse

Most everyone knows The Lone Ranger. And most everyone knows that he wasn't really alone. That's how he survived many of his encounters with those he faced who were on the bad side of the law. Moses also had a couple of sidekicks or, in today's vernacular, his posse. One was his older brother and the other a friend of the family. If it wasn't for Aaron and Hur, Israel would have been defeated as they fought the Battle of Rephidim against Amelek, the grandson of Esau. We tell the account of how these two men came along side of Moses and turned the tide of the battle through their faithfulness. Too many people don't have someone to "come along side them." They fight life's battles alone and too often end up on the losing side. In this podcast, we encourage those who need an Aaron and Hur as well as those who can be an Aaron and Hur, to activate that relationship and win the battle. We aren't supposed to do this alone.

America - 250 years of freedom

Happy birthday to the land of the free and the home of the brave! 250 year is a record for the length of existence for a democratic republic. We've made it this far, living in the freedom that has been purchased and sustained by those willing to give of their lives. Our name, the United States, has been challenged by some, off and on over the twenty-five decades of our existence. Just how united is our "United?" We've fought off many who have desired our country's demise and, at times, we've even fought against each other. But has kept this nation functioning? Good leadership is important. Strong military gives us some security. Our economy has fluctuated but hasn't crashed lately. We believe the song, "God Bless America" holds the key. Our nation exists because of God's grace shed on us. It's definitely time for America to bless God!

Submission or Subjection - Big difference!

Gorp. A wonderful blend of energizing foodstuffs that some people pick at, taking only their favorites. Too many treat the Word the same way. One of the most confusing and misused word from scripture is the one that has created an incredible amount of division in and outside the church body. Submission. In this podcast, we tear down the misconceptions of the word and expose the intent of those who substitute the word submission with the word subjection. Both men and women will benefit from today's discussion. Clearing up the confusion, as well as laying out the Godly concept of true submission, will open up a whole new level of relationship for those who struggle in this area. And it goes beyond marriage. Ephesians chapter 5 can't be sliced and diced to fit our own design. We all need to understand what Paul is saying here. If you're going to "eat the gorp," you have to take the whole handful and not just cherrypick your favorites and leave the rest. When living by the Word, it's the same way.

Fathers - The wise seek wisdom

Fathers. Time to honor those who choose to be a "Dad." There is a difference. Fathering a child is biological, a title. Being a "Dad" is a role that takes the three "Ts": Time, talent, and treasure. In the day and age when men have been belittled, portrayed as lazy, ignorant, self-absorbed, and bumbling, and demeaned, there are those men who take the time to teach and train their children. These are the "Dads." Men don't have be to a "Schwarzenegger" to be an effective father. In fact, if men spend that much time in the gym, they just might be short-changing their children, especially both time and self-image. Then again, men need to not be "Walter Mitty" as well. Or if you're a Brit, "Oliver Milquetoast." Keep from the extremes when choosing to be a Dad. The Book of Proverbs is an incredible resource for men training up their children. "The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom." Proverbs 4:7 Solomon sought that more than riches, influence, or even long life. And that's a great example for men to follow. Dive into the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and we can learn a lot about fathering and life in general. Gentle strength. Norman Rockwell's "The Saturday Evening Post" August 15, 1923 is a great illustration of this great quality men should exhibit. In this podcast, we don't dress-down men but encourage us all to be who we can be, if we let God make us His men. "Not all men will be fathers but all fathers must be men." - Derf Nerfel

Divine Healing, Part 2 - Faith in a sovereign God

Sickness, disease, injury, birth anomalies, weakness, and aging. Last week we began a conversation as to why all of these exist; the causes and the question of why God doesn't just wipe it all away. - Jesus commended those He healed for their faith. - Jesus told the invalid man that He healed to stop sinning or something worse may happen. - The disciples assumed a man born blind suffered because of his sin or his parents. Jesus revealed to them why he was blind. - Would God use sickness as a means to keep people from sinning? - Did Jesus just respond to everyone's need or was there more to His healing ministry? We pray, with faith, to a sovereign God. But there's a key to that phrase and that's the word "sovereign." Join us as we talk about our faith in our sovereign God.