Make the most of your time.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-21)

This verse talks about a great need of mine today; making the most of my time. I found it interesting what it didn't say about making the most of my time. It didn't say to get organized. It didn't say work harder. It didn't say read more or research more, or learn more, or watch more tv, or spend more time on facebook. It says be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hyms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Lord help us all to make the most of our time today.

I Did Such a Dumb Thing

My Grandma Thompson was such an amazing person. She was 93 when she passed away but a few months before she died I received a letter from her asking me to sing at her funeral. As you can imagine, when I recieved it I sat down at my desk and cried. Not long after that, I went to see her in the nursing home where her life would soon end. When I walked up next to her bed and spoke to her, she opened her eyes and said, "Oh Ronnie, I did such a dumb thing." I asked her what she did and she said, "I just thought it would be a good idea to plan my funeral and I thought, wouldn't it be wonderful if someone came to know Jesus at my funeral." She continued, "I remember you singing that song called 'The Alter' and I thought it would be a good song for you to sing at my funeral, but I never should have asked you to do that." I told her if she wanted me to sing at her funeral, I would sing. I did but that's not the point of this post. The point of this post is that my Grandma, until the day she died was so passionate about changed lives and people knowing Jesus that she yearned for it up until her death. I know of a man and his daughter who were saved because of an amazing lady (his wife, her mother) who attended the funeral. This lady told me a few days later that she left the funeral feeling like she knew my Grandma and was sorry she didn't.

I was just thinking about all of the energy I've put into arguing with people about this election and that maybe my time would be better spent telling people about Jesus. I'm sure that's what my Grandma would do. Jesus died for my sins and he died for yours too. He loved us so much that he gave up a place in heaven, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose again, ane went to prepare a place for us in Heaven. The cost? No cost! Just Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. I certainly don't deserve it, but I am so thankful for the gift of eternal life. I was blessed to have two Godly Grandmothers. Grandma Thompson was the last to pass away but Grandma Harris was just as special and loved Jesus just as much. She also loved the Dallas Cowboys but that's another post for another day.

WAY PAST TIME TO PRAY

Just today I've heard that one candidate for President believes the constitution is fundamentally flawed and yet he desires to put his hand on the Bible in January and swear to defend that very constitution. And there is a proposition in California to legalize Gay Marriage. There are 1.21 million abortions annually in the US. Regardless of how you feel about any of these issues no one can argue, unless you don't believe in God, that it is time for Divine Intervention. We need God to change our hearts, to turn us back to Him. The offer still stands...If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, will forgive their sins, and heal their land.

Lord, I pray for this country. I pray your will is done next Tuesday. We have a limited view of the world but you can see it all. Please guide this country. Change our hearts. Forgive us for our sins. Make us more like you. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Share the Wealth

Here is a creative approach to redistribution of wealth as offered in a local newspaper...Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughedas he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tipto someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside.The server angrily stormed from my sight.I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed money more.I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.OR IS IT....REDISTRIBUTION OF SOMEONE ELSE'S WEALTH IS A GREAT IDEA

Why I Will Vote For McCain

I agree with McCain on National Defense - I believe he will do whatever it takes to win in Iraq and Afghanistan. Criticize Bush if you must but, we have not been attacked on our own soil since 2001. I believe McCain will continue that fight.

I agree with McCain on taxes - I believe he will be fair and will employ many of the strategies Reagan did when the economy was slumping.

I agree with McCain on spending - Every family in America understands the reality of not being able to buy anything you want, congress needs to learn that lesson and McCain and Palin are the only ones with a record in this area.

And now for the Big one and frankly, If McCain disagreed with me on the first three issues and agreed with me on this one, I'd vote for him. This is the one issue every candidate seeking my vote must get right. I have heard this called difficult but it's not. I figure if you can't get this one right, I don't really trust you with the rest of them. The issue? Abortion. I'm pro-life and so is McCain. I've been called a one issue republican and a one issue conservative. Okie Doke, that's what I am and that's why I'm voting for McCain.

And, as of today, he's closed to within 2 points in the polls. It could be a close race.

But, in keeping with the name this blog. The main thing is this. Regardless of who is elected, it will be my responsibility to pray for him daily and pray I will. If it is Obama, I commit to praying for God's hand to be on his presidency just as I will if McCain wins.

Back to the Main Thing

Well, the fact that I haven't posted since May of 2006 is the best evidence that I struggle to keep the main thing the main thing. I have been busy working and taking care of the family and arguing politics and watching sports. Consequenlty, I have paid very little attention to my spiritual life. It's time to fix that.

My prayer

Lord Jesus,

Help me experience your love, grace, and power today. There are issues that will only be resolved if you intercede. Intercede I pray. My life is not about me but loving and serving You. It's about finding and fulfilling Your purpose for my life. It's a journey I am helpless to complete alone. I need You, I need friends, I need help.

In your precious holy name,

Amen

Hey Dad, Can I Get on the Computer?

Sunday afternoon, I was at the gym when my 9 year old son called. He said, "Hey dad, can I get on the computer?" "For what", I inquired. "To read Pastor Rick's blog" he replied. "Who's blog?" I asked. Long pause...."Uncle Rick's Blog." "Sure" I said. Fifteen minutes later, he called back and said, "Dad, I'm done, what else can I do?" So I told him to read Wade Burleson's blog. He asked if it was as good as Pastor Ricks. I said, "well, it's pretty good." Fifteen more minutes pass and the phone rings again. "Dad, you're right, this is good...did you read about the conversation with Chairman Hatley?" "I sure did, why don't you go play x-box." "Okay dad."

It's pretty cool that I don't have any reservations about my nine year old reading his uncle's blog and the blog of Wade Burleson. They keep it real, don't mince any words, but they are gracious and kind. I'm proud of them...and I'm proud of Tanner. I love you son.