Is a dog chained to a pole really a pet?

The dogs are chained to a pole, run in circles and they never stop barking.

Several of our neighbors have dogs that they claim as pets. I'm puzzled that they keep the dogs on chains tied to poles. One has a little rickety looking dog house and others have nothing. There is a trench in their yards where the dogs have run in circles, barking and pulling against their chains. I wonder if the dogs feel like pets? Their food is thrown to them on the ground, they are rarely walked, never experience a day without chains and even spend winters and rainy days outside.

Some tell me that they are dogs and being chained to a pole is not unusual or even cruel. I wondered about that. If I were a dog, would I consider myself a pet if I were kept chained to a pole?

It seems cruel to me because my idea of a pet is someone or something special. I thought pets get special favor and attention. If being a pet means being chained to a pole, you can have it.

Did you know that often God treats believers let pets? He doesn't keep us chained to a pole and ignore us. He doesn't keep us caged up and tied to a bunch of archaic rules either, but he favors us with enormous blessings on a daily basis; especially those who strive hard to please him.

In fact, God blesses us so much that the devil gets jealous. Once the devil saw how God favored a believer named Job and he said in Job 1:10, "Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can't lose!"

Now that's a pet.

I don't mind being God's pet anytime.

The dogs pull against the chains and bark all through the night. Somehow, I can't believe that they are barking because they are happy.

I used my cell phone at a funeral

I confess; I pulled out my phone at a funeral.

A few years ago it was a distraction to see people manipulating their cell phones during worship services; that's changing. I know it's true because I carry my bible, and over 200 study guides, dictionaries, concordances, and reference books on my phone. It's quick, convenient and efficient for me.

When I was a child I was taught the bible in the old fashioned bible drills The idea was to learn how to find bible scriptures quickly.

I was fast then, but today, I find them on my phone using my thumb even faster.

I have a library of study books, maps and translations that I paid thousands of dollars for over the years. I now have nearly every one of those books on my phone. I probably paid less than $200 to get them there; most were free.

So, recently when I attended a funeral I felt the stares of people in the audience when I pulled out my cell phone to read the passage and tapped on it to take notes during the eulogy. On second thought, it probably looked disrespectful to those from another generation.

There is a thought in Malachi 3:6 that says, "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."

God does not change, but the technology that allows us to know him, study his word and feel his presence has changed. Same God, different day-different way.

The times are changing.

I wasn't the only one at that funeral with a cell phone. Sitting behind the speaker, I noticed that he read his scripture from a cell phone, too.

I rest my case.

I forgot to fill the bird bath

There was no water for the bird.

I stood in my yard and watched a blue jay come to a birdbath we sat up in our front yard. The bird pecked around the edges but seemed to twitch strangely and suddenly flew away. Usually, the birds flit for a moment then pluck their heads into the water for a quick drink and fly away. After it left I realized the problem. There was no water in the bird bath. It was dry. I went into the house, grabbed few pots filled with water and refilled it.

The blue jay didn't come back, but others did.

It's it good to know that God always keeps an eye on us. Unlike my management of a dry birdbath, there will never be a time when God neglects to check on us or provide for us.

There is a passage in Luke 12:24 that says, "Luke 12:24 Look at the ravens—they don’t plant or harvest or have barns to store away their food, and yet they get along all right—for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!

As for the water in the birdbath. I keep an eye on it now, but it's good the birds don't depend on me.

Somebody's listening on your phone

Somebody's listening on your phone!

I watched a movie called Eagle Eye yesterday. It depicted a government security network that spied on the conversations of citizens. The system listened to cell phone conversations, tracked the movements and recorded the activities of millions of people. It targeted those considered threats for elimination by causing auto accidents and other seemingly unsuspecting maladies. From a satellite, the Eagle Eye monitored everyone, everywhere.

A similar idea is projected in Will Smith's Enemy of the State-somebody up there is watching you.

While it is science fiction; it is scientifically possible for everything in both movies to happen. It could be happening right now. Someone, somewhere is monitoring your web posts, purchases, and the very pages you read online.

There's somebody up there watching! Hmmmmm

The bible says there is somebody up there watching, but it's no machine. God watches us and he also watches over us every day. That is reassuring and it is also a warning if we consider straying.

There is a bible passage that refers to this. It's Psalms 139:2-5 "I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going."

Just like the movie Eagle Eye, God hears our cell phone conversations; and more.

He can hear us even when our cell phones are turned off!

Need help? He heard your thought; it's on the way!

They shot back!

I promised not to throw rocks any more!

As a child I enjoyed throwing rocks; sometimes at other boys. Once I was disciplined for doing just that. It seems that I threw rocks at them and they threw rocks at me. I had to promise not to throw any more rocks, so I did. However, I didn't promise that I wouldn't use my sling shot and I popped all of those guys one more time.

I thought about that when I read about President Obama's efforts to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Russia has approximately 2,780 deployed strategic warheads, compared with around 2,100 in the US. Each country is promising to stop using nuclear weapons, but each one plans to keep 1,500 on the side just in case.

It only takes one big nuclear bomb on each side to wipe us all out but we'll keep 1,500; Russia will keep 1,500 and the Iran and North Korea are busy trying to get one bomb each that could blow the whole world asunder.

We are struggling trying to achieve it, but the day of peace is coming. The prophet Michah prophesied it in Micah 4:3 "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

I never threw rocks at those boys anymore. They didn't throw back either. I shot at them with my slingshot.

..and they shot back!

You preach like my daddy!

He said I was like his daddy!

My grandson spent the weekend with me; it's always interesting to listen to three year olds. After worship yesterday he played in the yard for a spell and for a short time afterwards intensely watched a video clip of me preaching. He seemed to study every word. At the end he said, "You preach just like my daddy. He says, 'Yeahhhhh' and 'Yeahhhhh." I smiled.

There is an old saying that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. I guess that means that if you find an acorn, look acorn because the tree it fell from is not far away. In many ways we emulate the characteristics of our parents; not exactly or intentionally; it just happens. I suppose its in the genetic makeup of each family.

John 14:9 Jesus said, " he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.."

I guess that means that in an ideal situation there is not much difference between a father and a son. Sandwich a grandson in between and there is amazement if they are similar in many ways.

As far as my grandson is concerned, I preach like his father. So, when I grow up, I'm going to be just like his father!

He doesn't know it but when he grows up, in many ways, he will be just like his father, too.

It wasn't new but they thought so

He thought he had something new, but it was old school.

Two men had an exchange on my Facebook page yesterday. One announced that "It takes a fool to learn that love don't love nobody." The other chided him for stealing his lyrics. The latter styled himself as someone who was original. Both of them thought they came up with the idea. I could not resist spoiling their conversation by noting that in actuality, before they were born, the Spinners produced the song. It has been recorded several times since even by Eric Clapton. Neither of them answered.

It's hard to think of anything new. Many of today's big music hits include samplings of the hits of yesteryear. New fashions are based on old ones. How many ways can we style our hair until we make it full circle to something that was fashionable 40 years ago, but we didn't know about it.

There is a bible verse, Ecclesiastes 1:9 that says, "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun."

The only new thing that is really new is the mercy and love that God showers on us everyday. Lamentations 3:23 says, "They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!"

I'm ready for today's blessing; it won't sample yesterday, but It'll be brand new.

I said my Easter Speech, 55 years later

I said my Easter speech Sunday, 55 years later.

Yesterday, the children of New Tabernacle continued a long standing tradition of reciting Easter speeches. They ranged from two word speeches, ("Easter Easter") to elaborate poems all presented to a receptive audience. To just about every one's surprise, I gave the last Easter speech.

When I was about six years old I somehow remember attending a small church in Atlanta, Georgia in which I was given an Easter speech to recite. I had a small bunny rabbit that I carried with me as I stood on a box and recited my Easter speech, loudly and with confidence. Afterwards there were plenty of adults who praised me and said, "That boy is going to be a preacher one day."

Four years later, in Monroe I stood on a box to say an Easter speech at Tabernacle. Eight years after that the box changed; I stood behind the pulpit at Tabernacle to preach my first sermon. Two years later I was named the church youth minister. Six years after that I was installed as pastor in the same church. I've been standing behind that same pulpit for 34 years.

Sunday, to every one's surprise I stood on a box at Tabernacle and recited my Easter speech from 55 years ago. (without the bunny rabbit).

"Easter after Easter the message is the same
Easter after Easter God's word to proclaim!
Happy Easter Everybody!

The surprised congregation applauded and the children rolled with laughter

A bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."

That definitely proved true for me. I've been one soapbox or another most of my life.

I wonder what happened to that bunny rabbit?

I won't get my I-Pad today

I won't get an I-Pad today!

I have been waiting patiently to get the new Apple I-Pad. There will no doubt be lines in stores all around the world as millions anxiously struggle to their hands on the new device. Those who will plunk down about $500 or more today for the gadget apparently didn't read the advance material. What they read is what the gadget can do; they didn't want to read the other part, or they ignored it. The I-Pad is a light weight e-machine that will allow reading of books, browsing the Internet, operation of of I-Phone apps and scores of other things.

However, the ones being sold in stores today will only do what consumers want done with a Wifi connection. To enjoy it they must remain close to a wifi source; otherwise the gadget is a downer. Later this month Apple will release a version that contains a 3G universal Internet connection. Those who buy today, probably won't be able to upgrade, but will want to. Many will buy another, more expensive unit two weeks from now. (Of course that's probably the marketing plan anyway).

Life is like that sometimes. We can't wait for what we want; we must have it now. In the urgency of the moment what we get often limited. We soon see that we need more. We sense that we need to be universally connected to something greater than ourselves not just a temporary "hot spot" connection.

Sometimes it's better to wait for opportunities, adventures; even for love. What we need comes from God. Only He can provide that kind of 3-G (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) connection. We should not settle for a temporary hot spot, but connect with Him.

This truth is noted in Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I pre-ordered my I-Pad a month ago. I'll patiently wait until the real one arrives; I think I'll enjoy it more.

A flooded living room-April Fool!

It was a good joke! I was really fooled.

I left home early this morning for some quiet time and meditation. As I read several passages of scripture and thought on them the phone rang and my wife, in a very excited voice, started telling me how the living room of our home was covered with water. She said the hot water tank must have burst; water was everywhere. I envisioned a living room full of water, mop buckets, ruined furniture and the whole works. Then she said..April Fool!

We laughed. Not to make it any better,I used our automated caller and called every member of our church and told them that President Obama had declared today a holiday and no one had to go to work- then quickly followed it with...April Fool!

She played a joke on me. I played a joke on all of my members and everybody will probably be playing jokes on each other all day today.

Everybody gets a good laugh, but they don't get the day off.

There is a verse in the bible that when taken personally becomes a confession for each of us. It's in 1 Samuel 26:21 "behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly."

At one time or the other the devil has prompted all of us to play the fool. We have played the pitiful joke of faithlessness on ourselves and on others.

The truth is, God is good all of the time.

And that's no joke.

Being bullied is no fun

They bullied a girl so much she took her life

I was saddened when I heard the news about Phoebe Prince, the 15 year old Hadley, Mass. girl who committed suicide after being bullied. At first, I wondered how being talked about could result in a suicide; then I read the facts.

There were nine youth charged for bullying her. They participated in "a nearly-three-month campaign" of verbal assaults and physical threats against Phoebe. Phoebe's picture was scribbled out of a student-body photo hanging on a classroom wall. The bullies slammed her on Face book and sent her mean text messages. The attacks culminated on the day of her death in a "torturous day" during which Phoebe was harassed in the library, in the hallways, and walking down the street on her way home. On the afternoon of her death, a few of them reportedly drove by her while she walked home, shouted "Irish slut" and "Irish whore," and threw a soda at her.

She couldn't take it anymore.

I remember being bullied in school. I was short and nerdy. It was easy to crack on me. I felt bad even though I was not suicidal.

Often youth don't think how their actions make others feel. Everyone wants to be accepted, approved and to some degree assimilated. None of us like personal attacks.

There is a verse in Matthew 7:12 that says, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Maybe the bullies who pushed Phoebe to her death by their taunts should have learned the lesson of Matthew 7:12

Who wants to be Carlton anyway?

Who wants to be Carlton? We all want to be Fresh Prince!

I watched an episode of The Fresh Prince last night. I recalled a study that was done about that revealed the subtle, negative message black youth are given about achievement and success. The study noted that through many images, many perhaps unintended, youth are prompted to frown on education. The Fresh Prince was a glaring example given.

It appears that Carlton is a highly educated, scholar who speaks foreign languages and is skilled in the arts, economics and other areas. However, rather than being the hero of the series, Carlton is depicted as "Not cool" and a "Nerd." On the other hand, Will Smith is depicted as not too smart,fun loving, popular, street wise and loveable. Despite the fact that he is a dropout and non-achiever, he is the one that kids most want to emulate. The suggestion is clear: Education means Nerd; dropping out and being street wise means being "The Fresh Prince."

That's not the shows intended goal but the results are clear: No black kid admires Carlton but most admire Will Smith. Such shows give the impression that learning, discipline and achivement will turn them into Carlton, a nerd.

What a subtle suggestion! It's powerful.

Our youth should be urged to hang with those who are trying to climb higher and to do God's will, not those who are doing just the opposite.

There are two verses in the bible that speak to this subject. Psalms 1:1-2 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

People may laugh at Carlton because he can't dance, but he'll probably end up owning the dance hall and the rap group that provides the music.

We picked up their meal ticket

They got a free meal on us!

Members of our church fanned out across the city to perform a kind act for we did not know.

Yesterday we passed out little gold cards that informed the recipient that they were being treated to a free meal today as a reminder that God loves and provides. The card asked them to return the act of kindness by doing the same for someone else, leaving them the same message. Sunday it was meals. Sometimes we do other things such as leaving love packages for the trash collectors or slices of cake and a glasses of water for mail carriers. They are small acts of kindness but if multiplied by thousands they could make the world a better place.

Yesterday, my wife and I met a man and his daughters in a restuarant. He was not indigent, but the absence of the mother was obvious to that family picture. We introduced ourselves, passsed him our card and picked up his ticket.

We only asked that he pay it forward to someone else and light up their world in the name of Christ.

When we do kind acts of love, we let our light shine and God is glorified. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The man and his daughters looked at my wife an I with an unbelieving eye; but they didn't turn down the offer. The entire bill was $59.00!

The "I'll bust you in your mouth" syndrome

Vulgarities, threats and acts of vengeance are becoming common. Even children are learning its ugly ways.

The nation is extremely divided over the health care issue. This week congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans, have received threatening phone calls, bricks thrown through windows, a gas line cut at a home and effigies hung. People who are angry because of their votes on the issue have taken matters in their own hands. Threats of violence and violent acts have resulted.

As those threats hit the news there are reports of police officers being targeted by gang members in California in what the governor is calling urban terrorism. Driveby shootings, and thuggery are on the increase. There seems to be a trend toward violent retribution in the nation.

It starts personally when one person calls another and threatens them verbally or physically.

It starts globally when one nation threatens to drop bombs on another or one president pledges to capture or kill the leader of another nation. Retribution inspires more retribution and violence inspires more violence.

When a perceived evil has been done we should work to correct it using every legitimate channel at our disposal; but retribution and violence should not be an option.

Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Even as I think on this, there are two children on the playground with their fists balled up and chests bumping yelling threats, "Say something! I dare you! Say something and I'll bust you in your mouth."

And the cycle of violence continues...

Once, twice, three times a lady

What's the definition of a lady these days?

During our bible study last night the subject of Lionel Richie's song "Three times a lady" arose in connection with a bible lesson about Ruth as an example of a young virtuous woman. When adults and youth were asked their definitions of a lady there were striking contrasts: Adults spoke of integrity, chastity and discipline. Youth spoke of tasteful dress, not being ghetto and education as standards. Adults said a lady would not accept gifts from a man; youth quickly said gifts could be accepted if they were not stolen. Youth never associated chastity or integrity as a criterion; they focused more on public appearances.

It soon became obvious that the definition of a lady has changed for this generation. The youth were on the verge of saying that being a lady may be best but ladies are not popular because ladies don't sport visible tattoos, dress sexy, flirt or engage in the fun of gossip. They say being a lady is a downer but it is more respectable.

The Isley Brothers asked the question, "Who's that lady?" and the bible points us to Ruth: A Lady by virtue of her loyalty to her husband, personal integrity and sense of decency in all matters.

Ruth 3:11 says, "... for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."

Lionel Richie put it this way, "She's once, twice, three times a lady."

Regardless of age a true lady has three characteristics: A sense of responsibility, virtue and decency in all matters.

She's three times a lady.

A place with free health care

There's a place with no health care worries!

The whole country seems to be divided over the health debate. Yesterday, The president signed into law a bill that will make sweeping changes in the way the nation responds to health care issues. Some like it; it seems that the overwhelming majority of the nation does not like it. The debate continues as people yell at each other, break out windows, threaten Congressman and prepare to campaign against the Democrats who voted for the changes.

As the debate continues, health care remains out of reach for millions who won't be covered by the new law either.

The frustration makes us all yearn for the time when health care won't be a concern or a need for that matter. Is there such a time coming? Is there a place free of health care concerns?

The bible renews a promise to all believers that in the kingdom of heaven there will be no health issues such as: arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, heart failure or any of a thousand maladies. There will be no sickness at all.

Symbolic of this health care victory will be a tree that will sprout leaves that heal the nations. It'll be symbolic because there will be no sickness.

Revelation 22:2 says, "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

The best part about what's coming is that there will be no monthly premiums, denials for pre-existing conditions or increasing rates.

It'll all be free; paid for by the blood of the lamb.

Between frigid and hot flashes.

I nearly froze Sunday, it's scorching hot today!

The weather is really strange. Sunday it snowed in March; not enough to stick but nevertheless it snowed in Louisiana in March. The next day it was 65 degrees. Today it was 75 degrees. Natural phenomenon is highly unpredictable. It seems that all of us are constantly swinging somewhere between frigidity and hot flashes. We don't know whether it will be hot or cold. There are earthquakes, wars, and even if not real wars there are rumors of wars. The ice cap is melting and things are getting topsy turfy. What does it all mean?

It could mean that we are getting close to the last days.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:7-8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

It looks as if scripture is fulfilling itself. The closer we get to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, the more unusual occurences we can expect. We should prepare.

Until then keep your coats ready for one day and your swim trunks ready for next. We don't know what each day will bring. However, we go forward, knowing whose in charge.

Our God has the whole world in His hands!

The free toothpick sample was tasty

I almost filled up on the samples..almost!

After worship yesterday, my wife and I went to Walmart to get a few items. There was an attendant who offered shoppers free samples of a tasty chicken recipe, bathed in a delicious sauce. The sample was on a toothpick. I tasted the sample, walked around and returned for a second sample, then a third. I liked the samples so much I finally bought a box for myself.

I think that was the whole idea of the samples; to get customers to tryout a product with which they are unfamiliar. Hopefully, they would like the sample so much they would buy the product. It worked.

That's the way it is with God and the wonderful joy he brings to our lives. There are many who do not understand the happy life we live as Christians. It's a life that does not need the world's artificial sweeteners such as booze, drugs and loose living. They won't know unless they trust God for themselves. Just one taste and they will never turn back.

There is a bible verse in Psalms 34:8 that says, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

Just one taste and we will want more of the abundant life he promises.

I have a whole box of those chicken pieces now. Now that I have my own I don't have to walk around in circles and eat from a toothpick!

When I turn 99, it'll be fun

He turned 99 and looked well.

I attended a birthday party for a man who turned 99 years old yesterday. He was surrounded by his wife, all of his children, all of his grandchildren and great grands; all in the same place at the same time. He was alert, walked in the room and was fastidiously dressed for his 99th birthday photo. It was an inspiration.

It made me wonder about my 99th birthday. That'll be in the year 2048. Things will have changed then. I hope to be of sound mind and still planning for the future, obviously not mine, but those of my grandchildren and beyond.

What is more important than a long life is living a productive life. We should show God's love everyday, help the poor, show the lost the error of their ways and challenge injustice in high places. At the end of the day, we will be blessed.

Psalms 41:2 has a word of promise to those keep doing God's will despite advancing age, "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."

As for my 99th birthday party, I think I'd like some lemon ice cream and a slice of butter soaked, home made pound cake.

After that, I'll get on my wristband computer, call up a digital visual screen and begin plans for my 100th birthday!

A house full of junk

They accumulated so much junk in their homes they could not move around!

I watched a CNN news report yesterday about people CNN called hoarders. For some strange reason these individuals feel the need to accumulate what can only be described as junk. One man could not get to his kitchen, see his sofa or climb a stairway in his home because of junk. A woman ate her food in a small junkless space in her living room because the rest of her spacious home was filled with items she picked up on the side of the road, at rummage sales and Goodwills. Their homes were filled with junk..in every room, including their bathrooms!

They all have a disorder that prompts them to collect junk. They can't help themselves.

Most of us may not be hoarders but we do allow junk to accumulate in our lives. Our junk may be leftover baggage from a prior relationship, bad habits, impure thoughts and hatreds, jealousies, etc. As the years pass the junk accumulates quickly. Soon our junk overwhelms us, suffocates us to the point that we can't really live.

Jesus said in John 10:10, ".. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Those who truly follow Christ accumulate those things that will contribute to the abundant life. It means we get rid of the junk and start to really live.

As I watched those hoarders on CNN I thought about my closet; I have some junk to throw out too!