When I Was A Child . . .

Recently my youngest son, Donovan, lost his first baby tooth. As it is for virtually all young children, this was a momentous occasion for him, a milestone marker in his young life, and a time of great joy. Other rites of passage of the young are running through sprinklers on a hot afternoon, catching fireflies during the twilight time of dusk, and playing games with friends under a starry summer evening.

The last couple of weeks my wife, my younger sister and I have all enjoyed watching our own kids playing No Ghost, Crack the Whip and other games we enjoyed ourselves as children. It makes one feel good as a parent to watch one's children engage in wholesome entertainment, and I, for one, am always reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 when I watch the young at play, "Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

When Jesus looked out at the throng of people who were following after Him and He saw the little children among them, He thought of His Father and His Father's kingdom. So why shouldn't we? For as He said, " . . . the kingdom of God belongs . . . " to those who are like children.

It is important to remember, though, that being childlike is not the same thing as being childish. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things." We are expected to grow and mature as one of His disciples. So how are these passages harmonized?

To be childlike is to be humble and lowly in spirit: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:4) When we as disciples of Jesus imitate Him by living a life of service and humility, the Lord will exalt us (James 4:10). It is not a little child who is full of self-pride. They are innocent of this. It is the individual who wants everything his way who is being childish.

What it boils down to is this: To be like little children means that we will trust in the Lord in every aspect of our lives just as little children are trusting and dependent on their earthly parents in every aspect of their lives. To live as one of God's children in His kingdom is to depend upon Him for everything, for without Him we can do nothing of ourselves. As Jesus said in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit: for apart from Me you can do nothing."

May the Lord bless you!

The Christian Faith of Our Founding Fathers

Happy birthday, America! May we never let the truth be quenched by secular historical revisionists who try and claim that our Nation was not founded by Christian men with Christian principles. The following are truths that will no longer be taught in our Nation's public schools.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

These are the first and second clauses to Amendment 1 of the United States Constitution. Thank God we live in the United States of America! Thank God our Founding Fathers saw fit in their wisdom to allow for a nation to rise up based upon the proposition that all men are created equal in the eyes of God Almighty, and that they should be allowed to pursue their spiritual side and worship their Creator. Today as we are approaching the celebration of the 232nd birthday of the United States of America, what better time is there than now to let us be reminded once again how our forefathers viewed God, and what part they felt that Christianity should play in the governance of a nation.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

Our Founding Fathers believed wholeheartedly in this principle. James Madison, the Father of the U.S. Constitution, and fourth President of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of American civilization, notupon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the futureof all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind forself-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to governourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Our Founding Fathers sought the guidance of God and proclaimed their faith in Christ Jesus throughout their great struggles, and one can see their faith displayed in the documents they wrote, such as is found in the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the Founding Fathers in July 1776:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that theyare endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This thought resounds from the Holy Scriptures when Peter said on the day the Holy Spirit first opened his eyes to reveal that the Gospel was also intended for the Gentiles: "…I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him." (Acts 10:34-35)

In today's world of secular revisionist history there are many that would like you to believe that our Founding Fathers were atheists, deists, and agnostics. Unfortunately, many of these secular revisionist historians have made their way to the United States Supreme Court, making rulings in the recent years that prohibit the mere displaying of the Ten Commandments in Court Houses. These secular revisionist historians are desperate in their attempts to wish to convey this image of these great men, our Founding Fathers, as agnostics who rejected God so as to further their own anti-God, anti-Christian agenda which seeks to remove God and His blessed Son from all aspects of our society, and make their godless views, therefore, more respectable, and more palatable for public consumption. Whether it is the extraction of "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, or the deletion of the words "In God We Trust" from our money, or even changing the names of cities that incorporate the name of the Lord in them, such as Corpus Christi, TX, these people will stop at nothing to try and remove God from the hearts, minds and lives of the people. Paul spoke of those holding similar attitudes as today's revisionist and elitist historians do almost 2,000 years ago when he said this to the church in Rome: "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." (Romans 1:18-23) You see, God has revealed Himself to mankind even through His glorious creation! Paul says we are all without excuse for not honoring our Creator. Our Founding Fathers understood this intrinsically. How do I know this? Because I have examinined their beliefs through their own words.

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, said this in 1781:

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a giftof God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."

Do you not hear these same thoughts conveyed in the following passages from God's word as expressed by Jefferson? "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25) "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13) And found written on the cover of his personal Bible Jefferson had inscribed:

"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrine of Jesus also."

And as Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in thes ame mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Benjamin Franklin, one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, made the following statement at the Constitutional Convention, on June 28, 1787:

"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle have observed frequent instances of superintending Providence in ourfavor.... And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or, do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

"We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except theLord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we shall become a reproach and a byword to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.

"I therefore beg to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and it's blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business."

And from the word of God we find the following sentiments that had been expressed by Benjamin Franklin: "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and one of the authors of The Federalist Papers, had the following words recorded as he lay in his bed dying on July 12, 1804:

"I have tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty; through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me."

And from the repentant thief on the cross we have the following: "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" (Luke 23:42)

Patrick Henry, a great American patriot and statesman, in his Last Will and Testament, dated November 20, 1798 said thusly:

"This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed."

Paul wrote to his family in Christ in Ephesus, saying, "To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ." (Ephesians 3:8)

And 23 years earlier in 1775, Patrick Henry stated these words which echoed throughout the land:

"An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. Thebattle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

This is very reminiscent of the statement made by Joshua in Joshua 24:15: "And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

And in 1796 Patrick Henry said:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

Paul said in his epistle to the churches in Galatia, "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the Gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, upon declaring a National Day of Prayer and Fasting following the Battle of Bull Run, said:

"It is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to His chastisement; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and to pray, with all fervency and contrition, for the pardon of their past offenses, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action."

Lincoln's thoughts can be found in the following verses: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." (Psalm 111:10)

"It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as withsons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12:7)

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exaltyou." (James 4:10)

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

George Washington, the first President of the United States, said the following on October 3, 1789, while proclaiming a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving:

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and to humbly implore His protection and favor."

Washington also kept a prayer journal. This is one of several entries:

"Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve Thee, the everlasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.

"Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel. Give me repentance from dead works. Pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto Thyself, the God of my salvation. Teach me how to live in Thy fear, labor in Thy service, and ever to run in the ways of Thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber. But daily frame me more and more into thelikeness of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in Thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends and kindred, unite us all in praising and glorifying Thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before Thee blessed Saviour, Who hath taught us thus to pray, our Father. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ."

John wrote of Christians having their sins washed clean in the blood of the Lamb: "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14)

Paul wrote of Christians being united in the likeness of God and Christ when he wrote the following: "For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." (Romans 6:5)

" . . . and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." (Ephesians 4:24)

These next words were spoken by George Washington as he resigned his commission as general of the Continental Army on December 23,1783:

"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping."

In his farewell speech given on September 17, 1796, Washington said:

"Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts ofJustice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

Paul asked, rather redundantly to the church in Corinth, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20)

Morality and justice will cease to be when we allow God to be removed from our lives. John Adams, the second President of the United States, and father of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, said this in 1756:

"Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only Law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a paradise would this region be!"

His conclusions can be garnered from the Scriptures: "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on Earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed." (Psalm 112:1-2)

John Adams also said the following:

"We have no government armed with the power capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and true religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

John Adams was correct, for the consequences of an immoral society are made manifest: "Therefore God gave them over in the lusts oftheir hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them." (Romans 1:24)

Daniel Webster, statesman, lawyer, and orator, was his era's foremost advocate of American nationalism. Here are his thoughts on the Bibl eand country:

"If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

Webster's words seem to agree with those of Jesus. Jesus said: "It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed." (Luke 17:28-30)

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision reached in 1892, said thusly:

"Our Laws and our Institutions must necessarily be based upon the teachings of the Redeemer of Mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent, our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian."

John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, said:

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U. S. President, and known as "Silent Cal", said:

"The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

The United States Congress, in 1782, declared:

"The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

God would seem to be in favor of that: "Train up a child in the wayhe should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was considered by his peers to be one of the most prominent of the Founding Fathers, alongside Ben Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. He wrote textbooks, formed curriculum plans, crafted educational policies, and helped establish five universities and colleges. As the founder of public education in America, listen to his definition of what he said public education should contain:

"The only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty."

On March 28, 1787 when Dr. Benjamin Rush proposed his plan for public education in America he wrote:

"Let the children who are sent to those schools be taught to read and write . . . and above all, let both sexes be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education."

In another educational proposal he wrote:

"It will be necessary to connect all these (academic) branches of education with regular instruction in the Christian religion."

In 1791 Dr. Rush wrote a lengthy pamphlet entitled A Defense of the Use of the Bible as a Schoolbook. Here is how that writing began:

"It is now several months since I promised to give you my reasons for preferring the Bible as a schoolbook to all other compositions. Before I state my arguments, I shall assume the five following propositions: 1. That Christianity is the only true and perfect religion; and that in proportion as mankind adopts its principles and obeys its precepts they will be wise and happy. 2. That a better knowledge of this religion is to be acquired by reading the Bible than in any other way. 3. That the Bible contains more knowledge necessary to man in his present state than any other book in the world.4. That knowledge is most durable, and religious instruction most useful, when imparted in early life. 5. That the Bible, when not read in schools, is seldom read in any subsequent period of life. My arguments in favor of the use of the Bible as a schoolbook are well-founded."

Benjamin Rush was another of the Founding Fathers who would be enraged at being called an atheist, agnostic, or deist! His stand as a Christian was undeniable.

Roger Sherman was the only man to sign all four of America's founding documents. He signed the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the Articles of Association, and the Articles of Confederation. He was one of the five men selected as a committee to write and present the Declaration of Independence. His Christianity was made evident in statements made by him such as the following:

"I believe that there is only one living and true God . . . that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him."

Roger Sherman seconded the motion by Benjamin Franklin to start each session of Congress with prayer. Roger Sherman was one of the most visible figures at that convention, speaking 138 times. Roger Sherman openly challenged his countrymen in a sermon that was published:

"Let us live no more to ourselves, but to Him Who loved us, and gave Himself to die for us."

Roger Sherman is yet another contradiction to the accusation that our Founding Fathers were not guided by the teachings of Christianity! This man who helped write the Declaration of Independence; this solitary signer of America's four founding documents; this stalwart patriot, Roger Sherman, was a believer in the Bible and his Lord, Jesus Christ! Do not, my friends, let any try and persuade you that our Founding Fathers intended the first two clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution to mean that God and Jesus Christ were not to be allowed ever in the halls of our government! We have provided historical proof from all three branches of the federal government that disputes once and for all this claim.

Finally, we shall let John Jay, one of the authors of The Federalist Papers, have the last word. In a letter to his friend Jedidiah Morse dated February 28, 1797 Jay wrote:

"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

First National Bank Loses Heartbreaker 3-2

The First National Bank Cal Ripken baseball team (pictured to the left with their regular season championship trophies) fell to KAM Services 3-2 on Thursday, June 26, 2008 in a heartbreaking loss. First National's overall record now stands at 14-2, and the best they can finish in the post-season tournament is third place.

The fourth seeded KAM squad struck early with one run in the top of the first inning. Travis Kittell grounded out second to first to lead off the game. Alex Allen hit a 1-1 fastball off of Jacob Stephens into center field for a one out single. Tanner Scott followed with a deep fly ball into center field that fell for an RBI triple as Allen was able to dislodge the ball from the glove of catcher Daniel Ferguson on the play at the plate. Chase McDaniel hit a grounder to third baseman Wyatt Krikie who threw to first baseman Alex Gowin for out number two. Scott took off for home when Krikie's throw went to first, and First National completed the tough double play as Ferguson tagged out Scott who attempted to jump over the tag at the plate.

Creighton Simmonds worked the count full in the top of the first before being issued a walk from pitcher Alex Allen, and Simmonds stole second before advancing to third base on a wild pitch. Alex Gowin also worked the count full before going down swinging for out number one. Payton Hartbank hit a sharp grounder to second, and it appeared that Simmonds hesitated ever so slightly before heading for home where he was thrown out at the plate for out number two. Very good base running by Hartbank had him reaching second base on the fielder's choice to bring up Jacob Stephens, who was thrown out on a very close play shortstop to first baseman to end the inning. It appeared from my position in the stands that Stephens just beat the throw as he hustled down the line. Since Hartbank was at second base, the base umpire was positioned behind shortstop and he may have been blocked momentarily on the play. But that is just a part of the game, though, and this umpire is a very good umpire in my opinion.

KAM did not score in the top of the second as Corey Godden, who had a two out single into left center field, was left stranded at first base.

First National tied the score at one run apiece when Nixon Doughty came around to score. Doughty walked on a 3-1 pitch to lead off the inning. Wyatt Krikie struck out swinging on a 2-2 fastball, but hot-hitting Skyler Bryant drove a 1-0 pitch from Allen deep down the left field line for a double that plated the speedy Doughty. Alec Carey was called out on strikes for the second out of the inning, and when Daniel Ferguson's line drive was caught by first baseman Hayden Chupp First National's second inning came to a close. Baseball really is a game of inches, and sometimes this old adage applies to individuals. Hayden Chupp is probably the tallest player in the league, and had any other player been at first base Ferguson probably would have had a run scoring single or possibly even a double, which would have turned around the entire direction of the game completely. But as it went, Ferguson's drive was caught, and the game was knotted 1-1 after two complete innings of play.

Payton Hartbank went to the mound in the top of the third and KAM went down 1-2-3. First National had back-to-back two out walks to Dylan McBride and Creighton Simmonds in the bottom of the third, but the threat was to no avail as both runners were stranded when the deep fly ball off the bat of Alex Gowin was hauled in by the center fielder.

The top of the fourth inning proved to be the difference in the ballgame as Travis Kittell led off with a four pitch walk as Jacob Stephens resumed pitching duties. Alex Allen doubled into left field putting runners at second and third with nobody out. Tanner Scott followed by hitting his second triple of the game as he drove a 1-1 fastball just inside the first base line into right field as both Kittell and Allen scored to take a 3-1 lead. Coach Chris Hartbank called a timeout to calm his team down as the highly competitive Stephens showed signs of frustration by kicking the mound following a wild pitch to Chase McDaniel. I say wild pitch but it was not really a wild pitch officially since Tanner Scott did not advance, probably since he wisely remembered what happened to him in the top of the first inning when he tried to score at the plate. After the meeting at the mound, Chase McDaniel lined out to first base for out number one, and Scott was left at third base when Gaven Ayers and Blaise Hiltebeitel both struck out.

First National had their chance in the bottom of the fourth as Payton Hartbank singled into left on a 1-2 count. Jacob Stephens blasted a triple deep into right center field that appeared would tie the game at three apiece as a two run home run, but Stephens stopped running about 10 feet from the plate. He then attempted to make it home but he was tagged out for out number one as the play went 9-4-2 (right fielder to second baseman to catcher). Nixon Doughty grounded out pitcher to first and Wyatt Krikie went down swinging as the rally fell short.

KAM went down in order in both the fifth and sixth innings. First National threatened to tie it in the fifth as Skyler Bryant had his second hit of the game, a gift infield single to lead off the inning. Bryant hit a high foul pop up on the first pitch he saw but the ball was dropped in foul territory by the catcher giving Bryant a new life at the plate. Bryant then hit an 0-2 pitch high in the air again, this time just in front of the plate as the pitcher and catcher for KAM failed to communicate as to who was going to take charge and haul in the ball. First National, however, did not take advantage as Alex Carey went down swinging on a 2-2 count for the first out of the inning. Daniel Ferguson followed by hitting an 0-2 count high off the plate and back to the pitcher for a fielder's choice as Bryant was called out at second base. Once again, in my opinion it appeared that Bryant was actually safe at second as the throw from pitcher Scott was high, pulling the shortstop off the bag. He must have felt so, too, for he then proceeded to tag the runner who was standing on the bag. But once again, this is just a part of the game, and the play stood with Ferguson at first with two outs on the fielder's choice. Bobby Pearson was called out on strikes and the inning came to a close.

First National went down in order in the bottom of the sixth to end the game.

I was not privy to the after game meeting, but my son, Daniel Ferguson, told me that coach Chris Hartbank said he took personal responsibility for the loss of the game as it was his indecision that brought about Jacob Stephens being thrown out at the plate in the bottom of the fourth. I have always had great respect for coach Hartbank, and when I heard this it only further confirmed what I had felt. This is something that will long stay with these kids, and I know it affected my own son. Daniel told me that he felt it was just as much his fault as it was his coach's that the team lost because he did not hang onto the ball in the top of the first inning when Alex Allen came home to score. In my opinion coach Hartbank taught these kids some very valuable lessons. He taught them humility and personal responsibility, two characteristics that are missing in so much of our society today, and two charateristics that are sorely needed. And by him taking the responsility for the loss he also did something else: He showed by his example that the team wins and loses together. It was his comments that caused my son, Daniel, to reflect personally on what he could have done better to have helped his team win, and this will make him not only a better baseball player in the future, but even more so, it will make him a better person.

Coach Hartbank, as well as the rest of the coaches, Tony Simmonds and Jason Gowin, please accept my personal thanks and gratitude for all the time, dedication, effort and energy you have put into making this such a great and enjoyable baseball season for all involved. You have not only taught the kids to be respectful in winning, you have also taught them to be gracious in defeat. And to all of the kids on the First National Bank Cal Ripken 2008 season team, thank you as well for such fond memories. Now go on out and finish on a winning note!

Cups of Water and Lawn Mowers

Knowing that our heavenly Father sees us and cares for us should be enough to motivate and encourage us to remain faithful. Even though no one else outside Christ understands " . . . the peace of God, which passes all understanding . . . " (Philippians 4:7) that is available to all Christians, we can choose to respond to His promise when He tells us, "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) Let the Lord's love be enough for you today as our nation prepares to celebrate yet another birthday. Do something for someone else this week, and do it in the name of the Lord. Someday you will receive a full reward for all that you have done. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:6) And as James concurs, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you." (Hebrews 4:10)

As Jesus our Lord said, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink, because ye are Christ's, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Mark 9:41) Little things, small things, what some people might even call insignificant things are often times used by the Lord to make huge differences in our lives. A cup of cool water offered in the name of Jesus to one who is parched and thirsty becomes something that is wonderfully powerful. When brothers and sisters in Christ share and honor Him by doing what they can to help each other, and they use the talents that the Lord has blessed them with, they honor the Lord, and fulfill His command to " . . . love one another . . . " (John 13:34). In such circumstances, a cup of cool water is much more than a drink, it becomes a holy gift given to the Lord Himself.

Such was the case this week with my own family. I am, by no means, a mechanic. I would not know a Johnson rod if it came up and bit me. (I do not know if there is such a thing as a Johnson rod.) So what may seem like small potatoes to someone else can become a big problem for someone such as me, such as trying to figure out how to get my mower to start and to keep running. Enter Max VanMatre.

Brother Max offered to take a look at our mower and to see what was going on with it, and so I obliged him and took it over to his house. Within a day, and I kid you not, brother Max had the mower running better than the day I brought it home from Wal-Mart. I do not know what all he did with it, although I should since he told me, but since I am mechanically illiterate, it basically went in one ear and out the other. But I do know that he sharpened the blades, and I know he fixed a wheel or two, and I know he cleaned it up, and I know it is running now, whereas it was not before. But to hear brother Max tell it, all he did was offer me a cup of water. So thank you, brother Max, for your assistance. It was appreciated greatly, and the Lord will bless you for it!

May the Lord bless you and our nation!

The Second Amendment Stays Part of the Constitution

In a 5-4 ruling the Unites States Supreme Court upheld the rights of citizens to own and keep guns in their homes. Here is a link to the story from Associated Press writer Mark Sherman:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080626/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_guns

At the risk of appearing pessimistic, and although I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the decision being handed down from the bench, I am not jubilant today. In fact, I am somewhat frightened. I feel trepidation and a bit of apprehension because I am flabbergasted that only five of the Justices to the Supreme Court felt compelled to corroborate the Constitution of the United States, a document they have sworn to uphold and defend. Here is exactly what the Second Amendment to the United States says:

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

What these four dissenting Justices (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Paul Stevens, David Souter, and Stephen Breyer) have attempted to do is to circumvent the Constitutional process and by judicial fiat declare null and void an amendment to the Constitution of the United States!

It is frightening that a member of the United States Supreme Court, Justice John Paul Stevens, could read the Second Amendment and say the following of those on the Court who upheld it: " . . . (the majority) would have us believe that over 200 years ago, the Framers made a choice to limit the tools available to elected officials wishing to regulate civilian uses of weapons."

Unbelievable. And if that is not enough to turn your stomach, read what dissenting Justice Stephen Breyer had to say: "In my view, there simply is no untouchable constitutional right guaranteed by the Second Amendment to keep loaded handguns in the house in crime-ridden urban areas."

Simply mind-boggling. The same people who wish to take away the guns and rights of law-abiding United States of America citizens to defend their home and property are the same people who wish to grant Constitutional rights to armed terrorists! As I said earlier, unbelievable.

I am not a member of the NRA, and I have never owned any firearms in my life other than a BB gun as a child. But I am a full supporter of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The United States Supreme Court has no right, according to the Constitution, to declare an Amendment to that Constitution null and void. It becomes more apparent each and every day that our education system has failed miserably in teaching United States history and our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Each day that approaches it becomes very apparent just how important the upcoming presidential election will be, for the next President of the United States invariably will appoint one or two Justices to the Court. Do we wish to continue as a Republic form of government, where are basic rights of Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and the Right to Bear Arms are upheld and defended, or do we wish to continue on the downward spiral and fall into the hands of a leftist ruling dictatorial oligarchy? But whatever happens, we can rest assured that God's will will be done: "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" (1 Peter 2:13-15)

First National Bank Wins First Game Of Tournament

The First National Bank Cal Ripken boys baseball team defeated Gaines Photography 4-3 in their first game of tournament play. The victory leaves First National with an overall record of 14-1.

Jacob Stephens took the mound for First National, getting Gaines to go down quietly as he struck out the first two batters he faced before Rhett Farmer grounded out second to first to end the top of the first.

First National picked up a single tally in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. Creighton Simmonds led off with a four pitch walk, and he stole second and third. Alex Gowin struck out after going full in the count, and Payton Hartbank followed by getting a free pass, also on four pitches. Jacob Stephens hit a ball back to the pitcher who tried to throw home to get Simmonds at the plate, but his throw was wild, allowing Stephens to take second on the play as Hartbank moved to third. Wyatt Krikie took a called third strike and Skyler Bryant popped up to shortstop as First National went back to take the field for the second inning of play.

Jacob Perry had an infield single to start things off for Gaines, and he moved to second when the ball got away from first baseman Skyler Bryant. Wyatt Montgomery followed with an RBI single into right center field on the first pitch he saw. Blake Massey struck out swinging, Jackson Berg was called out on strikes and Trevor Watkins popped out to second baseman Creighton Simmonds as Gaines could do no further damage, but they had tied the score at one run apiece.

Alec Carey took strike three to start the third for First National. Daniel Ferguson bounded a sharply hit grounder to first on a 2-1 count for out number two, but Bobby Pearson walked on a 3-2 pitch. Chris Butler, also facing a 3-2 count, went down swinging as pitcher Austin Wetzel pulled the string, ending the second inning.

Payton Hartbank took over pitching duties in the top of the third, and his off-speed deliveries were too much for the Gaines batters as the side was retired one-two-three with each batter striking out.

First National's big inning came in the bottom of the third when they struck for three runs. Dylan McBride was called out on strikes, bringing the top of the order, and Creighton Simmonds worked the count full before hitting an infield single to third. Alex Gowin took a 2-1 pitch the opposite way into left field for a single, moving Simmonds to second. Both runners moved up one base on a wild pitch as Payton Hartbank walked to load the bases for Jacob Stephens, who unloaded on a one strike pitch fastball for a bases-clearing triple into deep right center field to give First National a 4-1 lead. Wyatt Krikie stepped to the plate and smashed a line drive that was caught by the first baseman who turned the catch into an inning-ending double play as Stephens could not get back to third base in time.

Momentum definitely seemed to shift in favor of Gaines after the double play, and they responded by scoring two runs of their own. Payton Hartbank was a bit wild as he walked the first three batters. The first two batters of the inning, Austin Wetzel and Derek Pierce, both scored when they pulled off a double steal. The throw from catcher Jacob Stephens sailed into center field, which allowed Wetzel to come in from third, and when center fielder Alex Gowin's throw to third baseman Wyatt Krikie went into the dugout Pierce came home as well.

Coach Chris Hartbank called timeout to settle his team down and to change pitchers, bringing in Alex Gowin. Jacob Perry reached on a fielder's choice as Krikie threw out Farmer at second base. Wyatt Montgomery walked on four straight, but Gowin struck out Blake Massey on a full count for out number two. Jackson Berg popped out to catcher Stephens in foul territory to end the inning.

First National did not score in the bottom of the fourth as they left one runner in scoring position. Daniel Ferguson had a two out single up the middle and stole second where he remained as Bobby Pearson struck out.

Although Gaines had two infield singles in the top of the fifth inning, they could do no damage. Alex Gowin struck out Austin Wetzel on a two strike pitch that was over Wetzel's head that ended the threat.

First National fared no better in the bottom of the fifth as Chris Butler, Dylan McBride and Creighton Simmonds were all called out on strikes.

Gaines had one last shot as the top of the sixth inning rolled around. Derek Pierce grounded out third to first for out number one. Rhett Farmer doubled off the wall into deep center field, but Jacob Stephens, back on the mound to finish what he had started, struck out Jacob Perry and Wyatt Montgomery to earn both the win and the save. The last pitch was a foul tip that was held on by Daniel Ferguson, who caught the ball just off the ground.

Following the game the team was awarded their trophies for finishing in first place for the regular season.

The Ferguson Family

It was suggested that I upload some more photos of my family so that you all could get a better view of us, so here goes!

From left to right above: Donovan (6 at the time of photo, 7 now and with a missing tooth!), Carey, Daniel (11), David and Damien (9).

We also have two dogs and two cats. The dogs are Thor, who has been with us since November 2005, and Chi Chi, a Chihuahua, who was given to us by my oldest son, Doug, and his wife, Jenny, as a Christmas present last year.

Here to the right is a picture of me with Thor, Chi Chi and Damien taken earlier this evening.

Our two cats are Tigger and Spooky. Tigger, full of fleas like you would not believe, "followed" our oldest son home 12 years ago when we were expecting Daniel. Tigger still acts to this day like a kitten much of the time. Spooky came to us as a kitten shortly after we moved to Mattoon as a "gift" from our neighbors who thought their mother would kill him for jumping up on the table! Tigger is orange and he bounced a lot, which is how he got his name. Spooky was named after the leading character in one of my kids' favorite stories called Halloween Friends because he looked a lot like the cat in the story.

This is Tigger:

And to the left is Spooky. Look at those green eyes glow!

I hope you enjoyed this!

Daniel Ferguson Wins Most Improved Player Award!

Daniel Ferguson was awarded the Mattoon Cal Ripken Baseball League's Most Improved Player Award following the conclusion of the First National Bank-Gaines Photography post-season tournament contest Tuesday evening, June 24, 2008. He is pictured here holding his award as well as the first place trophy his team won for their first place 13-1 finish.

Barack Obama and His Christian Credentials

Barack Obama, in an attempt to appeal to the Christian right,

portrayed himself in the run up to the Kentucky primary as a Christian. (Isn't it interesting how this was overlooked by the mainstream media, even though the Christmas message from Mike Huckabee was fodder for the pundits for weeks?) The images in this article are from fliers passed out by the Obama campaign in Kentucky.

According to the Obama campaign, the purpose of the fliers was to counteract the claim that Barack Hussein Obama was a Muslim. They were also intended to woo "evangelical" voters into the Obama camp in the upcoming general election.

The flier to the left has a quote attributed to Obama which says, "MY FAITH TEACHES ME THAT I CAN SIT IN CHURCH AND PRAY ALL I WANT, BUT I WON'T BE FULFILLING GOD'S WILL UNLESS I GO OUT AND DO THE LORD'S WORK." These are fine words, but as James, the brother of our Lord, writes in James 1:22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves."

Is it the will of the Lord to support the murder and slaughter of millions and millions of the most innocent of all of God's creatures, babies in the womb? Is Obama doing what God would want him to do by supporting abortion on demand, and even voting against the Partial Birth Abortion Ban? From his own words, Barack Obama proudly supports the slaughter of babies. On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the greatest sin we have committed as a nation, Obama proclaimed:

"Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women's health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women's fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election. Throughout my career, I've been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

"When South Dakota passed a law banning all abortions in a direct effort to have Roe overruled, I was the only candidate for President to raise money to help the citizens of South Dakota repeal that law. When anti-choice protesters blocked the opening of an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic in a community where affordable health care is in short supply, I was the only candidate for President who spoke out against it. And I will continue to defend this right by passing the Freedom of Choice Act as president.

"Moreover, I believe in and have supported common-sense solutions like increasing access to affordable birth control to help prevent unintended pregnancies. In the Illinois state Senate, when Congress failed to require insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, I made sure those contraceptives were covered for women in Illinois. In the U.S. Senate, I've worked with Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on a bill that would make birth control more affordable for low-income and college women, and introduced the Senate version of Representative Hilda Solis' bill to reduce unintended pregnancies in communities of color. As President, I will improve access to affordable health care and work to ensure that our teens are getting the information and services they need to stay safe and healthy.

"But we also know that Roe v. Wade is about more than a woman's right to choose; it's about equality. It's about whether our daughters are going to have the same opportunities as our sons. And so to truly honor that decision, we need to update the social contract so that women can free themselves, and their children, from violent relationships; so that a mom can stay home with a sick child without getting a pink slip; so that she can go to work knowing that there's affordable, quality childcare for her children; and so that the American dream is within reach for every family in this country. This anniversary reminds us that it's not enough to protect the gains of the past – we have to build a future that's filled with hope and possibility for all Americans."

Once again, here are Obama's own words on the Supreme Court decision to uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act:

"I strongly disagree with today’s Supreme Court ruling, which dramatically departs from previous precedents safeguarding the health of pregnant women. As Justice Ginsburg emphasized in her dissenting opinion, this ruling signals an alarming willingness on the part of the conservative majority to disregard its prior rulings respecting a woman’s medical concerns and the very personal decisions between a doctor and patient. I am extremely concerned that this ruling will embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict a woman's right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade, which is established federal law and a matter of equal rights for women."

Being born into a Christian family does not make one a Christian; being born again does (John 3:3). Being immersed in Catholic education, which Obama also claims as his Christian credentials, does not make one a Christian; being immersed into Christ does (Galatians 3:27). I hope and pray that Obama is a Christian, but I can not see he is one based upon the fruit he is producing. As Jesus Christ told His followers in Matthew 7:15-20, "15. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Jesus then added, "Not every one that saith unto Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father Who is in Heaven." (Matthew 7:21) So I ask you to judge for yourselves: Is Obama's support for abortion on demand in line with doing the Father's will?

May the Lord bless you!

KC Summers Comes To Play, Wins 13-3

The KC Summers kids pitch baseball team advanced to the third round of post-season tournament play as they defeated the higher seeded Diepholz squad (number 2 in the National Division) 13-3 in just four innings of play on Monday, June 23, 2008. KC, the number 3 seeded team from the American Division, plays again this coming Thursday.

Alec James had a two out triple into center field in the top of the first, and he came home on a double by Colton Shoot into left. Shoot was out at third with a center fielder to shortstop to third baseman play as he tried to stretch the double into a triple, leaving KC with a 1-0 lead.

Colton Shoot, pitching for KC, had some trouble finding the strike zone and it appeared KC was in for some trouble. Tanner Miller singled into right on a 2-0 pitch and Peyton Morrow walked on a full count. Shoot induced Brock Moncil into grounding out pitcher to first for out number one, but Miller, who had stolen third base on the previous pitch, came home safely from third on the ground out to tie the score. Clayton Samson drew a seven pitch walk to put runners at first and second. Diepholz employed the running game by executing a double steal to place runners at second and third. Shoot went to a full count again on the next batter, Nic Hutchinson, but Shoot struck him out swinging on a fastball low and away for out number two. Jaden Carlen grounded out back to Shoot to end the first inning.

KC took advantage of poor fielding in the top of the second to regain the lead. Hunter McRoberts reached safely on a two out fielding error by the first baseman. McRoberts took second on a wild pitch, and on a 1-1 count Damien Ferguson drove a double into left center field that drove in McRoberts. Only a good fielding play by Drew Eastin kept Ferguson from advancing further. Cole Kidwell then reached safely on the second error of the inning, this time by the second baseman, which had Ferguson scoring on the play. Kidwell reached second on the second wild pitch of the frame, and he came home for the third run of the inning on a double by Ethan Smith down the left field line. Gage Jones grounded out to first on a full count as KC's second inning at bat came to a close.

Diepholz was held scoreless in the bottom of the second, stranding runners at first and third. Colton Shoot struck out the side for all three outs.

KC's bats went back to work again in the top of the third as they scored four runs to increase their lead to 8-1. Elijah Mulligan led off with a walk but was forced out at second as Dylan Marshall reached on a fielder's choice. Marshall took third on back-to-back wild pitches, and Daniel Mendoza, just home from a Mexican vacation, walked as KC had runners at first and third with just one out. Alec James hit into an RBI fielders's choice with Mendoza being forced at second as Marshall came in from third base. James took second on a single by Colton Shoot, and when both runners pulled off a double steal KC had runners at second and third. Wesley Otto drove both of these runners home with a single into left center field. Back-to-back-to-back walks to the next three batters gave KC their fourth and final run of the inning, with the last walk coming to Damien Ferguson for his second RBI of the game.

Diepholz scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Tanner Miller hit a one out triple into deep left center field that Damien Ferguson raced down quickly to hold the runner at third. Peyton Morrow struck out for out number two, but his teammate Brock Moncil picked him up by hitting an infield RBI single to third. This brought up power hitting Nic Hutchinson, who drove a one strike pitch from Alec James into deep center field for what seemed would be a two run homer. Damien Ferguson, who had spent the afternoon practicing tracking down fly balls, flew to his left and grabbed the long drive in his glove to take away the hit, ending the rally for Diepholz.

The defensive gem by Ferguson seemed to really pick up KC as they scored five more runs in the top of the fourth inning. Ethan Smith and Gage Jones both walked on full counts. They pulled off yet another double steal, putting runers at second and third with nobody out. Dylan Marshall, following a strike out of Elijah Mulligan, doubled into right, scoring Smith and Jones, (NOT their aliases). Marshall stole third and Daniel Mendoza walked and stole second. Alec James grounded out second to first, driving home Marshall with Mendoza advancing to third base. Colton Shoot hit the first pitch he saw from Peyton Morrow, a fastball right down central, into deep center field for a two run home run to finish the day's scoring.

Tyler Diener had an infield single in the bottom of the fourth but Diepholz could do no further damage as the game ended 13-3 in favor of KC Summers. KC's record overall is now 12-6.

D To Z Sports Advances With 12-8 Victory

The number one seeded from the West Division D to Z Sports coach pitch baseball team advanced in the post-season tournament by defeating number 4 seeded from the East Division S & K 12-8 on Monday, June 23, 2008. D to Z's overall record stands at 15-2.

Donovan Ferguson's lofty average took a bit of a tumble as he went 1 for 4. His lone hit was a bases loaded RBI single in the bottom of the third.

D to Z did not play their best game of the year, but they still played well enough to score 3 runs in each of the four innings they batted.

D to Z just missed turning a triple play in the top of the third inning as S & K had runners at first and third with no one out. Shortstop Jonah Smith caught a popup over his head in left field with his back to the plate. He turned and saw that both runners had left their bases, and he momentarily halted before racing to third base for out number two. He then fired to first base where the base runner and ball arrived virtually simultaneously. The runner was called safe, although it appeared the throw might have just beaten him. But the umpire was in a very good position to make the call so he probably made the right call. Had Jonah not had the briefest of hesitation before running to third, however, D to Z would have pulled off the triple play.

D to Z plays again this coming Thursday.

Our Father’s Great Love

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most widely known of all the parables that Jesus taught. Additionally, it is also Jesus' longest parable, comprising 22 verses (Luke 15:11-32). In The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus reaches the apex in His response to the charge against Him leveled by the scribes and Pharisees, which was the accusation, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." And how did Jesus respond to this murmuring? He responded by delivering three parables in which He illustrated quite emphatically His Father's great and undying love for those who are lost: The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Prodigal Son. There is much that could be said about this parable, but I will keep my comments brief. The Parable of the Prodigal Son continues the theme of rejoicing and even adds to it. The first half of the parable illustrates rejoicing over a sinner who returned, while the second half more directly counters the situation Jesus faced: the criticism of the religious establishment about His willingness to be with sinners. Jesus, by telling the parable in the manner in which He did, admonishes those who do not rejoice about the interest in learning of repentance and salvation that is demonstrated by those very sinners in whom the scribes and Pharisees detested. The message is made abundantly clear: if even God and the host of Heaven rejoice over the repentance of one lost sinner, should we on Earth do anything less?

In the first two parables, the lost were found by searching. But in The Parable of the Prodigal Son the younger son was found by waiting. During this time of Jesus' earthly ministry, the spiritually lost were already coming to Jesus. There was no need for Him to seek them out. They had been spiritually dead and were now showing interest. They desired to be taught by Jesus, because as Matthew recorded, " . . . the multitudes were astonished at His teaching: for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes." (Matthew 7:28b-29) Yes, Jesus received them and yes, He did eat with them. His willingness to reach out to those despised individuals would have encouraged them to keep the laws they already knew and to continue to listen to Him for more instruction in God's way of righteousness. But the parable is not pertinent simply to those Jews Jesus was teaching in the first century. The lessons to be gleaned are timeless messages for all as they depict so vividly how much great love our Father has for His lost children. He rejoices over and honors every sinner who comes to repentance. He does not require nor wait for a full and formal apology. He looks into the heart and perceives the attitude of a contrite spirit, and He comes toward us. This theme of joyful acceptance, as similarly illustrated in the first two parables of this chapter, dominates the beginning of this parable. This is the lesson illustrated by the Father: He is always ready to welcome a returning child!

May the Lord bless you!

Obedient Faith

Paul wrote, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. . . ." (Ephesians 2:8-9) Obedience is biblically linked to our salvation as is made abundantly clear in many passages of Scripture (John 14:15; Romans 2:8; Romans 6:16). Paul taught that our obedience to the Lord releases us from sin whereby we can become servants of righteousness: "But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18) Therefore, one who is being obedient is not engaging in a "works-based" form of salvation, but is simply following the word of God. Only those who obey the Lord have the hope of eternal salvation: " . . . and having been made perfect, He became unto all them that obey Him the author of eternal salvation…." (Hebrews 5:9)

When Adam disobeyed God, sin came into the world (Romans 5:19). Paul tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death came into the world by sin and all have sinned (Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23). Therefore, God demands punishment for sin and there is only one punishment: death. The disobedience of every one on Earth is what caused our Lord to endure humiliation and is what put Jesus on the cruel cross of Calvary. Jesus suffered and died in our place so that we could have a chance at life. Without Jesus, we would all be doomed to everlasting separation from God. Following every commandment of Jesus and the will of God perfectly could never accomplish that. Nothing we could do could ever repay God and Jesus back for what they had to do so that we could escape the death we earned with our disobedience. In order to work our way to heaven, we would have to be able to place God in our debt. When a worker earns a wage, the employer becomes indebted to the worker and owes him the recompense for work performed. What could we possibly do to make God owe us anything? By being obedient to the will of God, we are simply doing what we are commanded to do.

Jesus illustrates this principle in His parable of the unprofitable servant perfectly: "But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, `Come straightway and sit down to meat;' and will not rather say unto him, `Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded? Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, `We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.'" (Luke 17:7-10)

May the Lord bless you!

Hedged In

Job 1:9-10 says, "Satan answered the Lord and said, 'Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him;, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land."

When my family and I were living in the Minneapolis area several years ago, a group of self-appointed do-gooders decided that the wolves in the Como Zoo in St. Paul needed to be set free, so they cut open a hole in the fence where the wolves were penned. The wolves, however, did not come out, so these people decided they would coax them out by placing meat just outside of the hole they had cut in the fence. Still, those Minnesota timber wolves remained where they were, completely contented.

Some years ago a group of educators decided to remove the chain-link fence that encircled their elementary school's playground They believed the fence promoted feelings of confinement and restraint. But then a curious thing happened. They noticed that as soon as the fence was removed, the children huddled in the center of the playground to play. Unknown to the "experts," the children had actually gained a sense of security from the presence of the fence, just as the wolves in the Como Zoo bad.

It was this same kind of security that Satan recognized in the life of Job. Figuratively speaking, God had placed a hedge or fence around Job and all he possessed in order to protect him from evil. Job was hemmed in on all sides by this hedge, but it was not a matter of constraint; it was a matter of security. He could live confidently, knowing that nothing could reach him without first having to go through God's hedge of protection.

Every believer today can have that same assurance. The Bible provides us with a first line of defense. The commandments and exhortations that some people view as divine restrictions are really God’s protection plans. Their purpose is to prevent us from engaging in behavior that will hurt us. In addition, we even have the omnipotent hands of God encircling our lives each and every day. No disaster or calamity can touch us that will separate us from our Heavenly Father. Only those things that God knows ultimately will prove to be for our good are allowed to penetrate this divine hedge. So, do not recoil against the restrictions God places in your life. They are hedges for your security and for your protection. Rejoice that God has his arms underneath you (Deuteronomy 33:27) and His hands behind you, before you and over you (Psalm 139:5). You are totally encompassed by His hedge of protection. Inside God’s hedge you are safe! Remember always that God’s hedges are built for protection, not imprisonment.

May the the Lord bless you!

Everyone's A Hero! United Way Wins In Dramatic 18-17 Victory Over Blue Cross Blue Shield

(This game was played on February 23, 2008)

If this basketball game was ever turned into a movie it would be called Everyone's A Hero!, and it would not be an exaggeration. The United Way 5th grade boys basketball team's dream season continued in highly dramatic fashion as they edged Blue Cross Blue Shield 18-17 at Riddle Elementary School in Mattoon, IL.

Daniel Ferguson led all scorers with 15 points, 7 of them coming from the charity stripe where he went 7 for 8. His last 2 points came as he connected on both ends of a one and one opportunity with 6.4 seconds to play, tying the score at 17 apiece.

Following the two made free throws, United Way employed a full-court press. As the ball was thrown in towards mid-court, Blake Hooper stepped up and stole the inbounds pass for his only steal of the game. He was quickly surrounded by two defenders. Blake threw the ball to teammate Sean Huffman who was then fouled with 0.7 seconds remaining. Sean went to the line and sank the first free throw, giving United its first lead of the contest. His coach had him miss the second free throw attempt intentionally to prevent Blue Cross from possibly engaging in some last second heroics themselves.

The first quarter found both teams employing some very stingy defense. Blue Cross scored the first two buckets of the game, and Daniel Ferguson put United on board following a steal and a layup. The first quarter ended with United Way trailing 4-2.

The second quarter still found United Way looking for their offensive game to get underway as they struggled from the field, failing to connect on any of their field goal attempts as the much bigger boys of Blue Cross blocked shot after shot attempt. This led to United being forced to shoot from outside, and the baskets were not fallling. Even when a United player had a good look underneath, they seemed to be rattled just by the presence of the taller Blue Cross players. The only points scored for United in the second period of play came when Daniel Ferguson connected on two free throws. When the first half came to a close United was facing an 11-4 deficit.

Tyler Trader, Zachary Brooks and Alec Carey all made what turned out to be difference makers in the ball game. Tyler Trader's came in the second quarter when he pulled down an offensive rebound, extending United Way's possession. It was following this rebound that Daniel was fouled and sent to the line where he connected on both of his free throws. As it turned out, that ended up being the difference in the game.

Zachary Brooks grabbed three offensive rebounds, each one of them extending possessions that led to United scoring. Had he not done this, United Way loses.

Alec Carey made a great foul in the third period when one of the best scorers for Blue Cross was heading for the basket with a wide open lane. Alec fouled him on the floor, keeping the Blue Cross player from scoring, and Jacob Atkinson came up with a steal that kept Blue Cross off the board in that possession. Had Alec not fouled the player away from the basket as he did, most likely United loses the game by 1 point.

The coaches reminded the United players at halftime not to panic, to run their offense, and to turn up the defensive intensity. Blue Cross made three baskets to extend their lead to 17-4 as things were looking bleak for the United squad. United spread their offense in an attempt to pull the big boys of Blue Cross away from the basket. Craig Henness finally got into the scoring column on a transition layup following a rebound and kickout by Daniel Ferguson, but the team still struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Daniel Ferguson went one for two from the line and when the third quarter ended, United Way was trailing 17-7.

Assistant Coach Jason Kelly got on the squad for hanging their heads when they were walking off the court. He told them the game was not over, but it would be if they did not get themselves up and play like they knew how to play. Coach David Ferguson reminded the boys again that if they kept the faith, good things were going to happen, and there was no need to panic.

Daniel Ferguson went back to running the offense from the point. The boys employed a half court trap that really rattled the Blue Cross team, and little by little, steal after steal, box out after box out, and rebound after rebound, United inched and fought its way closer to Blue Cross. Following another strong defensive stance at the 3:01 mark of the 4th quarter and the score standing at 17-11, Coach Ferguson called a timeout to give his boys a breather and to let them know how proud the coaches were of their play. The boys were told to keep the pressure on the ball at all times, and look for an open man at the offensive side of the court.

Daniel Ferguson used a great screen set by Craig Henness to free himself for a shot, but he was fouled. He made both free throws and the score stood at 17-13 with less than 90 seconds to play in the contest. Jacob Atkinson pulled down a rebound on the defensive end of the floor, and Daniel Ferguson made a pull up jumper from 17 feet out on the left side of the lane and hit nothing but net, and United found itself down by 2 with just over a minute remaining. Coach Ferguson put on a full-court press as the clock ticked under one minute, and with 52.8 seconds in the game Daniel Ferguson tied up the Blue Cross player on a great defensive play, giving the ball to United on the alternate possession.

The Blue Cross coach called a timeout, and Coach Ferguson told Daniel and Craig to run a pick and roll from the top of the lane and that following the play they would engage in a full-court press. Daniel then proceeded to take the inbounds pass and throw the ball down into the corner and out of bounds as he was trying to get the ball into the hands of Sean Huffman.

Coach Ferguson used his last timeout as the clock showed 50.6 seconds. He then asked the boys, "Are you going to do what I told you to do, or not? I just said run the pick and roll, and you didn't do it. I then told you to press, and nobody pressed. Guys, you have to listen to me now because I don't have anymore timeouts left! So let's just relax, don't panic, and let's win this ballgame!" So United went to the full-court press and got Blue Cross to turn the ball over on a double-dribble. Daniel Ferguson, being triple teamed, was fouled with 6.4 seconds left and he went to the free throw line facing a one and one situation with the game on the line. He nailed both of the shots, setting up Blake Hooper's subsequent steal and Sean Huffman's clutch free throw.

The victory gives United Way a 4-0 record for the season.

As Evening Falls

Daylight fades as the sun has set
Twilight still is lingering yet.
See the colors up in the sky
Who put them up there, tell me why?

Now the day darkens toward night,
Still there is a beautiful sight.
Twinkling stars one by one appear
Making God's presence seem so near.

Light from the stars, the moon and sun
Made for us by God's Holy One!
All creation gives Him glory!
As we sing love's greatest story.

From whence came this blessed treasure
Piercing heart and soul with pleasure?
God Almighty did it for us!
Won't you join our happy chorus?

Flee the one who tries to seize us.
Give your life and all to Jesus!
He said we could all receive Him,
If we trust and will believe Him.

He will save us if we obey.
Will you not come to Him today?
You can have your sins washed away.
Be immersed into Him today!

--An original poem written by Daniel and David Ferguson. This came to us as we were driving down the highway one frigid, January evening. The sun was setting, and one by one the stars made their appearance in the cold, winter sky above us. The words seemed to come of their own accord.

Is Spiderman In Your Hymnal?

Each morning before my three young boys head off for school, we spend a little time singing songs of praise and in prayer in devotion to God. Because of this, the boys have a pretty substantial backlog of memorized songs. While preparing for Sunday morning services when my youngest son, Donovan, was still four years old, I overheard him singing snatches of The Lily of the Valley while he was getting dressed in his room. I walked up to him, gave him a great big hug, and said, "You really like that song a lot, don't you? Would you like to sing it in church this morning?" He gave me a great big bear hug in return, looked up to me, and said, "Yes, but I like Spiderman better!"
The innocence and honesty of the very young is a wonderful and delightful thing to behold. Is it any wonder that in referring to children, Jesus said, "Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 19:14)? Who among us who are adults has not at one time or another longed to recapture those precious moments in time when we were still innocent, and everything about our world was new and exciting, and wished that we could somehow restore?
It is this state of being that God longs for His lost sheep to return, for on another occasion when Jesus was speaking He said, "Truly I say unto you, except you turn, and become as little children, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)
God wants to be our Father. He longs for us to come to Him for protection: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto her! How often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!" (Matthew 23:27) In describing the love the Father has for the lost Jesus used the metaphor of a father providing for his child relationship to do so. "Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father Who is in Heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" (Matthew 7:9-11)
Our repentance and returning to God as a trusting, humble child is sought so much by the Father that is causes great happiness around His throne when one does come home to Him: "Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents." (Luke 15:10)
May the Lord bless you!