It was a mistake

It was a mistake, I had one ham and box of groceries left due to a family moving. I am not the brightest bulb on the tree but I just couldn't take this stuff back to the church. Besides the perishables were thawing. I pulled into the wal-mart parking lot to get some milk. Boy, was it crowded! I looked over at the next car and it had about a half dozen kids from pampers to pre-teen. The mother was trying to control the crowd as the Dad was inside. Yes Lord, I hear ya. I unloaded the goods in the needy-mobile. The lady was surprised, kids pleased and I felt God connected the dots once again. My bulb burned a little brighter that day. Thank you Lord! Br.L

The first game

O.U. Does not play till 9:30 pm!!!!!!Are you kidding me? When the game is over it will be time for church. Is South Texas in a different time zone than America Central? I can go to a movie, read all 150 Psalms, mow my yard and the neighbors and still have time for a Calgon break! 9:30 is not late for college kids but for we who are pushing medicare it is the 30th of February! My snacks will have mold on them and my late night meds will be worn off. I can understand Hawaii and the west coast teams but the central US teams? Okay, I have vented now. Forgive me, its only the first game. If you agree with my vent...say AMEN!!!!! Br. Larry

There is a famine in our land not for bread or water

Over one third of the world is hungry, malnutrition or starving. Famine is a widespread scarcity of food due to drought, floods, war, over population, government policies and unwise use of land. Of our 7billion people on the planet, 2.8 million children die a year due to hunger. Every 5 seconds a child dies from hunger. Over 60% of the worlds hungry are women and elderly. In many African countries

  1 out of 6 infants will die or be crippled by low birth weight due to hunger. One third of deaths in Africa are due to hunger. Two thirds of the worlds hungry live in 7 countries and surrounding areas. THINK......our greatest battle in America is too much food, overweight, obesity ( self inclusion ), and poor health due to lack of exercise. Did you know that nearly 2 billion people live on less than a dollar a day? Over 11 million children will die in Africa because of AIDS, yes, including Malawi. 85% of the clean water on our earth is used by 12% of the people. These problems are heading in our direction, soon. However, there is a famine in our land not for bread or water, but for hearing the Word of the Lord. We are not interested in His Book, so it may soon be as obscure as many would like it to be. A recent Gallup poll stated that not 50% of Americans knew Genesis was the Bibles first Book. 75% of Americans know only one Old Testament Prophet. Only 34% knew who taught the Sermon On The Mt. and only 3 out of 10 adults could name the Gospels. Amos 8: 11-14 indicates this happened to Israel. Why should we be spared. Question: Where is your Bible? Do you read it? How often? Do you apply it to your life? "....they shall run to and fro to seek the word of God but will not find it." vs.12...Come to Church tomorrow but read the Word TODAY!!! Br. Larry

Everyone loves a mystery.

Everyone loves a mystery. "And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry His cross." Mark 15:21
So, who was Simon? Are we supposed to identify him because of his sons? They apparently were well known in Christian circles. Cyrene was an influential Libyan city with a Jewish community. It is possible Jesus carried His

cross as far as the city gate, then collapsed. Simon seems to have become a christian. Mark mentions the sons who were well known. Paul mentions Rufus and his mother in his letter to Rome, Rom.16:3. Though forcefully compelled, here is a man who literally picked up the cross to follow Him. I imagine both Rufus and Alexander never grew tired of telling the story of how their father carried Jesus cross. Simon met Jesus on Calvary road, his life was changed. We are asked daily to carry our own cross and follow Him. Very compelling, here an entire family is touched but isn't that the way it should be when we meet the Savior of the world? Br. Larry

You know you are in a small town when...

You know you are in a small town when.......You used to drag main. You know what 4-H is. Getting paid minimum wage is considered a raise. Your teachers remember when they taught your parents. Your only newspaper was a weekly. Your summer swimming hole was a pond. You can name everyone you graduated with. You still wear your letter jacket. There is only one stop light. It was cool to date someone from the next town. If you just went for a walk five people would offer you a ride. I am from a small town. Br. L

I am part of Gods body, are you?????

"......Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior." Eph.5:23 As a Christian we are a part of the same body, the church. There are 57 different sects of the christian faith who believe they're the only ones going to heaven. Can you imagine the gasp when they see us? I have always like this little poem I used to quote when I spoke at the prisons........I dream death came

the other night and heavens gate swung wide. There met me an angel fair who ushered me inside. There I saw people who I had known on earth, some I labeled as unfit and others of little worth. Indignant words rose to my lips but never were set free, for the stun surprise on every face, showed no one expected me!!!!!!!!! Br. larry I am part of Gods body, are you?????

You know you are an Okie if...

You know you are an Okie if..........The weather is always the first ingredient of a discussion. If If you go weeks without mowing your yard and then have to mow it twice in one week. If 50% of the time there's a little Oklahoma map in the corner of your TV screen. If 98% of the people you talk to are negative about government. If you are willing to drive 30 miles to buy gas 2 cents a gallon cheaper,

and then brag about it. If you can't wait to go to the mail box each day but you're not sure why? If you still pull over for a funeral procession. If school was canceled for ice and heat in the same year. If you know at least three people that hit a deer. If most of the States festivals are named after a food, fruit, or vegetable (Rush Springs Watermelon, Prague Kolache, etc.). If you think everyone else not from Okla. has an accent. If you see men wear Bib-Overalls to funeral service. And if your local paper puts national headlines on the last page and gives 5 pages to sports. You're an Okie. Br. Larry

He has never broken a promise

Before Joshua died he gave a reminder to the Israelites. It is an astounding statement of encouragement"......and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God has promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed." Joshua 23:14 There is a this assurance wrapped up in the promises of God. I bear witness that this is true in my life. He has never broken a promise but I have broken so many. The words that struck are, ALL and KNOW. Since God never changes, neither does His promises. Thank You Lord! Br. Larry

Whats on God's mind?

Whats on God's mind?
1. Celebrate life today, make a memory, smile be positive.
2. Claim His Promises, you cannot lose. He keeps all appointments and never makes mistakes.
3. Contemplate on the situation, see the opportunity, love the one in front of you, think of the blessings, think, think.
4. Communicate with God and others, share communion of the Holy Spirit, see the blessings more than the burdens.
Br. Larry

Give me a sense of humor, Lord.

I do a lot of funerals. Some years between 75 and 85 services. I may witness over a hundred deaths at the hospital in a years time of every age and circumstance. I am well acquainted with grief and sorrow. I am convinced this is a calling of God and far beyond my own abilities to minister. That makes humor very special to me, hopefully to others. There is so much pain in life we need to release the

endorphins and laugh, laugh, laugh. The ones in poverty, pain, rejection, loss, betrayal, need the gift of muse, if just for a moment. Jesus laughed, God laughed, the Holy Spirit in us laughs when we do. Most people I meet are dragging a chain of depression, problems, or struggles with the past. Yet, the cure is defined in scripture, Pro. 17:22 " A merry heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones." Do you see the contrast in that verse? My humble prayer is
Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Let me tell a good joke.
Because laughter is Sweet, Lord. Let me lift other folk.
Br. Larry , so you'll understand why I love humor so much.

Look around today, what do you see?

I was sitting in a waiting room doing what they do there, waiting. Not one magazine was appealing. Someone had taken the Gideon Bible and the T.V. was on a Soap Opera. I sat, soaked and soured. So, I decided to examine the room as to its content. There were flowers and greenery but they were not real. There were some prints on the wall, Monet' knock offs, they were not real either. The table looked like fine wood

but it was plastic, not real at all. The behavior of certain people was polite but as plastic as the table, false smiles, insincere words and far from real. I closed my eyes and in the crowded waiting room I prayed, there was my Lord with me, listening and finally, something, someone that is real. It is an artificial world we live in, the most real is the spiritual, supernatural, those things of God. Perhaps that is what Paul meant when wrote to the Church at Corinth, " As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18 Faith is real. God is real, though unseen, knowable, and the Lord Jesus who died on the cross 2000 years ago, as real today. Look around today, what do you see? Br. Larry

Gas Prices

Venting. I am so displeased with the price of gas when crude does not reflect the increase, it is simply based on speculation on middle-east unrest. Prices soar quickly but trickle down slowly. We are left with no choice but gag on the gouging of oil companies. I feel so sorry for those hardworking folk who barely make enough to eat and this pushes them out of financial control. Then billions of dollars in profits. Why do they even advertise? Not one politician is proposing a solution. We need trains, buses, alternate cheaper fuels and creative leadership that is not afraid of big money. I will pray. Br. Larry

Are we ready for revival?

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12 Sounds like a time for fall gardening of the heart. Let the Holy Spirit get your heart ready for planting, growing and harvest. Gal. 6:7 says,"Whatever a man sows he shall reap." I see that as being a simple process or the law of the harvest. Are we ready for revival? It is time, it is needed, it is God's will. Br. Larry

Don't give up when discouragement comes.

Don't give up when discouragement comes. When you're tired and frustrated so much left undone. Hang in there when you seem alone, there is a hand on your shoulder from the distant throne. If you are tired and seems no energy to plod on, take breath, you have already won. The people you count on let you down? A remark, a criticism, a complaint and whine? Those things must not control your thoughts, God is at work, see what has already been wrought. Stand up straight, never bow to this worlds plan; He has your back He has your hand. We will safely arrive home! Br. Larry

What I won't worry about today

What I won't worry about today. My yard. My neighbors yard. Politics. Trivial opinions. What Europe and the Middle East think of America. Who won an award in Hollywood. Who is winning at the Casino. Government greed. How much taxes Mitt Romney paid. Where Barak Obama was born. BUT what I will be concerned about is hunger in Shawnee. Our American Military. Drug abuse among our youth. Single mothers who struggle. Sharing the Gospel with the world. Churches that are in need of revival. The homeless. The arena of open immorality in our country. My family. My Church. My friends. What about you? Do you pet the petty stuff or pray over the real issues? Just saying......Br. Larry

Comfort measures.

For any who need a reminder of comfort measures, read 2 Cor.1:1-7 the term comfort and its other root words are mentioned ten times in the first seven verses. Basically, as God has comforted us, we give comfort to others. Read especially verses 3 and 4..."....the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so we may be able to comfort others in any affliction." Br. Larry

Tithing - The right thing

The right thing. Ever question about donating your time and finances to the church and the Kingdoms work? There are so many with their hands out for our hard earned dollar and labor of love with time given. Before I ever entered the ministry, I volunteered at church. I was taught store house tithing from Malachi 3:10-11 and eagerly practiced it. Why? Because the Bible teaches this and I am a christian, follower of Christ.

It is the right thing to do as a believer to be obedient to our Lord. He does not need my money but I need to give. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. You see, it all belongs to Him, not me, I am a steward of the finances of my Master. Time and energy? Where else are souls saved, lives changed, worship experienced, fellowship shared, missions and ministry carried out? Only in the church. I am a servant with no regrets of giving of time, treasures, tithes and myself. You only get to keep what you give away, think about it. I had toys in the world but I have joys with Jesus. Never complain about your time and tithe given. The Lord will take care of you as He promised. And most of all there is peace in knowing I have done the right thing. I would not take back one day or one time of my service my Lord. Yeah, It is the right thing. Br.L

A miracle already forgotten.

Jesus fed 5000 in the Gospel of Mark ch.6., a tremendous miracle. There were 12 basket full of fish and loaves left. Then in the next scene they are in a boat on a stormy sea while Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Fear grips the twelve men until Jesus comes walking on the water. Verse 48 says he meant to pass by them but He rescued them. He gets into the boat and the wind ceases. Verse 52 is very interesting, for it says,

"They did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened." So, back to the previous scene of many people and much food. A miracle already forgotten. Here is where I see myself and most of us also. A dense mind and a hardened heart that will not let us receive the supernatural work of God. God is a novelty, a flash in the earthy pan but to deem this as available each day in fellowship is standing water on the cement of the human heart. Whether in a boat on the sea or a grassy mountain side being catered by the creator, we are in access to divine provision daily. Lord, clear up our misunderstanding and chisel through the hardness of our doubting heart to what is in us and around us and above us. YOU! Br. Larry, just saying.....

GOOD OLD DAYS?

I remember Howdy Doody Time, Coke in return bottles, 15 cent hamburgers, Studebakers, taps on shoes, and prayer in school. I remember hairnets on waitresses, the twice a week milkman, the ice-dock, F.W. Woolworth, and the Ten Commandments in school. I remember commodities with good cheese, 10 cent a gallon gas, the one room school house and a Christmas play in school with baby Jesus. I remember so

meone washing our windshield, Mighty Mouse, Bull Durham tobacco, no seat belts and teachers quoting Scriptures. I remember two week Revivals, 10 day Vacation Bible Schools, red Kool-aid and everything closed on Sunday. I remember looking ahead instead of back but maybe they really were the GOOD OLD DAYS? All I'm saying...Br. Larry

People may be good and faithful, they still need Christ.

We are somewhat muddled about our belief system and tend to drop our convictions, this creates compromise. The Bible is Gods word, Jesus Christ is Gods Son, He died literally on the cross and arose from the dead for the sins of the world. He is the only way to God the Father and Heaven eternal. He places His Holy Spirit in us when we are saved which means Christ in us. So, we are Christians. Let m

e be clear and I hope it is not offensive because that is how people become crucified. But, Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, no other religion or denomination that excludes Him will suffice. People may be good and faithful, they still need Christ. There are not ten truths, just one, Jesus Christ is Lord. Br. Larry

The Debate In Denver

The Debate In Denver
With suits and ties pre-chosen, they squared off on the stage,
Prepped and ready, to unload the scripted page.
Each party claims a winner, each one came out on top,
When either one got started, it was hard for them to stop.
The pundits now have begun, dissecting every phrase,
No zingers or one liners spoken, no cheering voices raised.
Somehow I imagined, as my eyes were fixed

with a stare,
An image of Clint Eastwood talking, to an empty chair.
I also could not help but wonder, as I munched on a snack,
What China thought while watching, will they pay us back?
Republicans vote for their man, Democrats will do the same,
A few valuable Independents, will call the Presidents name.
I think as a nation we should not give in to fear-
It is time for the words,"Lord hear our humble prayer."
What about the price of gas? Immigration? The war?
A middle class disappearing and the plight of our nations poor?
One thing I am glad of, as I watch here from my home,
That my God has no term limits, He is always on the throne!
Br. Larry

Begin in me Lord.

1. The Pentecostals call it praying through or staying on your face before God till the answer comes or He releases you. The Baptist called it prevailing or persevering in prayer till a change came in you or peace was given. Whether at a prayer bench, an altar of mourning at church or in our prayer closet at home, we are seriously deficient on prayer. We use about 30,000 words a day, yet so few are t

   o God in prayer. We watch 5-8 hours of TV a day and cannot find time to read the Word of God. We cringe in the Sports world if our team loses whether local or professional. However, someone slips into hell every few seconds and we remain unmoved. There is a unified confession among most true believers that we need personal and corporate Revival. Down deep we know that will not happen without repentance of sin and Holy Spirit wrought prayers. Naturally, we are busy people, families, jobs, recreation and staying healthy. Self-absorbed perhaps. Now, do not mistake church activities, as good as they may be, for spirituality of the Lord. What we need comes only through self denial and hunger for His will as our Lord Jesus Christ is lifted up. Yes, the world is evil, the end is near, the fatigue is real but make no mistake about it, that has nothing to do with the apathy in our own anemic hearts. I am asking God to send a (as the old folk referred to it) Holy Ghost revival where the grip of sin is broken, lives changed and a fresh breath of God is breathed upon His church. The price to pay is steep. Your time, energy, toys, even finances are surrendered. We are like disciples at the cross, afar off from the action. Lets get in that upper room till there is movement. This not a gripe, theres is plenty of that, but a plea for deliverance. Begin in me Lord. Br. Larry

BECAUSE HE LIVES!

When the Gaithers, Bill and Gloria began their family, it was the turbulent sixties. The country was being torn apart by Vietnam, scandals, civil rights and young people were dropping out. In 1969 they had two children and Gloria was pregnant again. How could they bring a child into such a world of pain? While pondering what the child's life would be like in the next 16 years Bill wrote this song,"

How sweet to hold a new born baby and feel the pride and joy he gives, but greater still the calm assurance this child can face uncertain days because He lives." The healthy baby boy was named Benjamin which means," Most beloved son", God used a baby to give us one of our greatest loved hymns. These were School Teachers who felt the call of God on their life to bless the church with worship and praise. We can face tomorrow BECAUSE HE LIVES! Br. Larry

The spiritual before the social is the way it works.

We have it pretty good, even if we complain some, we fare better than the rest of the world. Over 1.1 billion people live on less than a dollar a day. 500 million people are hungry right now and another 500 million get too little to eat to be productive. Every day 25,000 people die of hunger, with many of them women, children and the elderly. Most of them perish not just because of food but dirty

drinking water. Add 35,000 children to deaths due to no health care or unchecked diseases. The camps are full. 47 million refugees and displaced people. Of the 27 countries that are in the greatest need, 20 are in Africa, 6 in Asia and the little western country of Haiti. The U.N. reports that 1 million children enter the trade of child prostitution every year. If the current trend continues, the Sub-Saharan African countries will increase from 25 million to 165 million in starvation.There are over 100 million street children in our world today but estimates of 800 million by 2020. Can you imagine how a loving Heavenly Father looks to these people? Oh, that's right, no one has told them about Christ love. Is this any of our business? I am afraid so, because when they cry out, God hears, touches us and we go to help. I watch with most amusement that our biggest issue is too much food and too little walking, as infomercials try to sells us the magic medicine and machine. While researching this I realized if we could reach these people with the gospel God would be their Father and take care of them. Really, it has always worked that way. The spiritual before the social is the way it works. Start praying, now. I have more to share later. Br.L

Roads

There are several roads in scripture. Not I-40's or Route 66, or Hi-way 9's but roads nevertheless. Let me share a few......First, there is the Jericho Road, a road of service to others. thats where the good Samaritan was when he helped the hurting. Then there is the Damascus Road where Saul met Jesus and a conversion took place and he later became Paul. That is a road of salvation. Also, there is

the Emmaus Road where the resurrected Lord walked and taught the disciples. That is a road of scholarship or learning. Then the Via Dolorosa, in Jerusalem is where He carried the cross. That my friend is the road of suffering. We, as Christians have been on the roads and perhaps you are on one now. Br. Larry praying you don't make detour.

Hold onto your friendships, they are gifts of God.

"Never abandon a friend-either yours or your fathers. Then in time of need you will not have to ask your relatives for assistance." I have pondered how precious this relationship of friends really is, it is of God. Search and see how often the term is used in the Bible. I recall such wonderful times with friends, some who are in glory now, my memory bank is full of laughter, tears, adventures and love. Hold onto your friendships, they are gifts of God. Never abandon, never! So dear friends, I am so grateful for you, love you in the Lord. Br. Larry I love the wisdom of Proverbs...

"Hear my cry O' God; attend to my prayer."

"Sweet Hour Of Prayer" was written by a blind English preacher, W.W. Walford, a man of obscure birth and no education, yet with sharp mind a a retentive memory. It is difficult to trace his actual history. Another Minister by the same name wrote book about prayer which contained much of the same phrasing as the poem of the other Minister. Jesus had asked Simon Peter in the Garden," Could you not watch with Me one Hour?"

Mystery. Who wrote this hymn? We do know William Bradbury composed the music and the Holy Spirit has used it often. I have always found it rather convicting since my own prayer life is much short of a sweet hour. There will be no prayer in Heaven,"Farewell,farewell sweet hour of prayer." This Sunday am and pm I will be addressing the subject of prayer. Harkening back to 1845, or the present day, we really need to return to genuine prayer. I am with the Pslamist "Hear my cry O' God; attend to my prayer." Ps.61:1 Br. Larry

The world is going to hell, the church is asleep, and the Great Commission is in remission.

85% are unevangelized in the poorest countries on earth. Muslims are the fastest growing religious group, largely as a result of high birth rate. There are over 1700 unreached people groups, meaning they do not have viable reproducing church. Most of these groups are over 10,000 which means the count of the unreached would be 2000. Two billion people have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. 95

% of the moneys churches raise are spent on themselves, only 5% will actually go to the mission field. 90% of full time Christian workers live in the already evangelized countries. What do all these percentages mean? Simple, the world is going to hell, the church is asleep, and the Great Commission is in remission. America is the new mission field with 190 million people lost or unchurched. The world is aflame and we all have a bucket. Let us go douse the fire of hell with the GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST . Br. Larry

"O' Come All Ye Faithful", and worship.

It is 8:09 am, time to head to Church. Presently, there is a mother struggling to get children ready for Sun. School. A man looking for an excuse to stay home. A teenager sleeping in because they stayed up late last night. The disease of "Morbus Sabbiticus", is epidemic, or Sunday Sickness. The Christmas song might be sung each Sunday,"O' Come All Ye Faithful", and worship. I used to need a revolver held on me to go to Church because I had not prayed, read the word, or thought about God all week. So, I came with a critical spirit. I met the Lord and now, I cannot wait to get there. Br. Larry

The wind blows wherever it pleases.

I missed this for years! John 3:8"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. SO IT IS WITH EVERYONE BORN OF THE SPIRIT." That is the part I never grasp. True, the local weather man can tell you about Jet Streams and wind speeds but they cannot relate it to the born-again christian. The wind of the Spirit moves the believer as they are surrendered to Him in a place of Gods will. Who can predict where God will relocate you? God knows and that is exciting and adventurous. We are like the wind! Br. Larry

Don't live like a loser

"The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet."Rom.16:20 Consider the fabric of these few closing words to the saints at Rome. It is a paradox that a God of peace is going to crush someone but peace deserves protection and Christians in Rome were under persecution. Don't miss this, God is stronger and more powerful, He does the crushing. Yet, it is under the feet of the believer, implying that satan was attacking them and they would be victorious walking over the enemy. For us, there is reassurance that our enemy is defeated and we too have won. So, don't live like a loser....you won! Br. Larry and a good day....

Just because

Grandma and Grandpa were sitting on the porch swing when she said,"Why don't you sit close to me like you used to?", so he scooted closer. "And why don't you put your arm around me like you used?"; so he put his arm around her genly. "Grandpa, why don't you nibble on my ear the way you used to?" With that he got up and started walking off, "Where are you going Grandpa?'
He replied,"I'm going to get my teeth!!!!!". Chew on that
The little country church ran out of grape juice for communion. They substituted persimmon juice. Unfortunatley all they could do after communion was whistle Amazing Grace and go home!!! Br L

IT WAS THE COW AND THE PIG!

A Jewish man, A Hindu man And an Attorney were traveling through a rural area taking one of those famous short cuts. The trio were working on an election for the lawyer. Suddenly the car sputtered and stopped. No gas. In the middle of nowhere they could not get a cell ph. signal. They saw a farm house and hiked in that direction. They knocked on the door. An old farmer came to the door. They asked

for gas. He had none. Could he take them to town. No, don't drive at night. However, he had one little bedroom with two tiny beds so someone would need to sleep in the barn. Deafening silence. Finally the Jewish man offered to go to the barn. The other men went to the bedroom. 30 minutes later a knock at the door. I cannot sleep in the barn, there are pigs, I will be defiled. So the Hindu man said he would go because that is what Ghandi would have him do. 30 minutes later, a knock at the door. I cannot stay in the barn either. There are cows. The Lawyer grabbed his pillow and headed for the barn complaining about their religious scruples. 30 minutes later there was a knock at the bedroom door.......IT WAS THE COW AND THE PIG! My apologies to all attorneys who read this...Br. Larry

We don't need more money....we need God, we need REVIVAL.

I realize the research is skewered in unemployment stats but I trust the Gallup Polls. Some workers have exhausted their benefits and are not counted but are still jobless. 500,000 gave up looking for jobs. Manufacturing fell 8000 in direct areas and associated workers fell 15,000 workers, many in small business. There are 330 million in America, many are retired, elderly, children, in school, c

ollege, etc. and 31 million are without work. 9% of the workforce are part time and some already hired are seasonal workers. This means they may be back in the unemployment lines by Feb. Our boast is 7.8% unemployment rate. Yet, we are going to head toward a budget showdown due to a divided congress, small business crisis, healthcare reform and continued imports from China. 42 million people are on Food Stamps and many are working at a below poverty level income. they cannot buy a house, a car, send children to college or have a vacation. Those charitable entities show a decrease in income and an increase in needy people. The American Dream lies shattered which grew out of the Great Depression, the belief in better times. Gas prices are still high and even a small drop is fragile. What we see in faces is fear, worry, confusion, some feel hopeless and turn to drugs. We look to the Government to save us and solve our problems. They are not the answer. If we are really concerned we would be on our knees in prayer, our churches would be filled, the filth and immorality around us would be cleaned up. In 21 days God can turn this economy around but we must be willing to repent. We don't need more money....we need God, we need REVIVAL. Consider what James wrote two millennia ago, " You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and and ask wrongly, to spend it on your own passions." James 4:3-4......shall we pray? Br. Larry

It is worth thousands.

Frank Lloyd Wrights Name on an a blueprint, and it is worth thousands. Rembrandts name on a painting and it is worth millions. Longfellows name on a poem and it is priceless. Handels name on a sheet of music, it is worth a fortune. But only Jesus Christ can wash a sin stained soul in His precious blood, place their name in the Lambs Book of Life and no value on earth can be placed on this eternal purchase. What can a man give in exchange for his soul? And you wonder if your valuable, important, needed and above all loved. "For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son......" Br. Larry

My daughters

My daughters who I love equally, who are certainly not identical but special in their own unique way. Cristy, Angel, D'Ann, April and Shelly. You have placed gray hairs in my head and helped remove the rest. You have placed memories in my heart and removed any aspect of boredom I might have feared. You have taught me much about life, with amazing increase in my own personal prayer time. You have t

ested my faith and patience but at the same time toasted my life with treasure troves of love. You have provided me my own Book of Numbers, 17 grandchildren who are as much a blessing as you were when young. When my pockets are empty, my heart is full. As your father I will never wean away from the tendency to rush in when crisis occur to save the day. You have all made me embrace a gift I could receive from no other, pride in each of you. You have given me happiness and heartaches, laughter and tears but this overwhelming joy in knowing you love me outweighs all negatives. And as I look around our humble home, there you are on the shelves, walls and other one time photographs. Thank you dear daughters, the illustrations that spice my sermons, the inspirations that sprinkle my days, and the conversations that are part and parcel of my very life. I just wanted to tell you today how much your Dad loves you. However much maybe, as we measure love...I love you each one, most of all. You are prayed for, loved and appreciated today, tomorrow and forever. Please, walk with God daily, "There is no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth." II John 4
This is from the one who wears lifes most precious name tag, DAD

Never apologize for being an American.

Debates are over. All of the early appreciation of a novice in the White House four years ago bows to experience today. We have lended that trust again and again in any new Commander In Chief. As one Newspaper in liberal Canada spoke, "Without America There Is No Free World..." Let us not forget that all the nations that fell over the past two years in the middle east were craving the freedoms we

own. Never apologize for being an American. We have confessed our sins repeatedly of slavery, Japanese camps, Native American abuses of treaties but we all now fit under the same umberella of diversity. Patriotism announces not perfection but progress always in tenaciously holding onto freedom both here and around the world. I regret the hesitation of mentioning God in most debates. Yet, every patriotic song we sing and every pledge we make, every money we spend is vivid with His reference. I am a lover of God's America. I pray they bring Him back to forefront of our identity. No apologies. Br. Larry

My plan is to continue trusting God.

With all of our planning, 401-k, annuity, Soc. Security, Insurance and Medicare......My plan is to continue trusting God. I have seen the business world crumble and the Government shut down but I have never known God to be out of resources or ideas. God never needs a bail out, a vote of confidence or a look at what others are doing. Plan for tomorrow, live in today, trust God each day and the eternity of the better life will come. Abundant life here and perfect life there. It is interesting how so many worry so much about everything but their relationship with God. Father, what a wonderful title. He will take care of His children. Br. Larry

What do you really, really want?

They always ask those beauty pageant contestants what they want most of all.....common answer...Peace On Earth. Anyone ever ask you what you want in life? Really, what do you want out of life? Something big, beyond the normal, the unselfish wish that would bless others. Maybe those beauty queens aren't too far off after all. Do away with hunger, disease, crime, greed, child abuse, drug epidemic or

world peace, no more war. Well, let me tell you, all of those things are yours and much more in heaven. You are also given the abundant life in the midst of all the before mentioned trials. It is yours as a Christian. So, when we ask that humongous question to someone without a relationship with Christ, tell them what all you have and it is available to them also. I am absolutely convinced it is the love of God that leads to repentance of sin and faith in Him. What do you really, really want? I can only speak for me and this is my lofty desire.....I would like to see as many as possible come to Christ and be saved before they die or He returns. Think about it, what could be more valuable than that? I have more than I deserve, loved more than I ever expected and blessed beyond measure. Since I have so much, I want you to get in on it too. Trust your life to the Lord Jesus Christ now. Free and freedom all in One. Br. Larry

In The Sphere of Grief

In The Sphere of Grief

​I can’t remember all of their names; the hundreds of deaths performed each year, the tears, the pain, the grief.  Every experience of sadness leaves a notch upon your heart. You can’t help the hurting ones unless you enter the sphere of their pain.  A little more on the wagon of life, a little less on those in loss; pull the load a few days, then rest, set it off.

​I close my eyes and sometimes see an infant in early eternal sleep, or an aged saint in fragile pause, no more expelling breath.  The shrieks and cries of loved ones wage your own emotional stress.  A soul has left for Heaven or that other dreadful place; I can only wonder unless they somehow stated.  A soul carries no weight unless you watched it’s body die, then you carry it in your heart for awhile, or maybe more.  

​Health care, Rescue, Law Enforcement and Pastoral Care collectively are the major players in hurting and death.  The tear drop that almost fell, the collapsing body on shock of loss, the straight line on the monitor and the awful sound of no beeping.  All combine to beat up the inner man leaving bruises on the heart.  Yet, it is a blessing of God to be used in this unique ministry of God.  The message of Grace, God’s love and comfort resonates in times like death.

​Like the prophet of old who stood in the streets of a dying city calling for God’s help.  The Chaplain intercedes for the ones in pain.  They may disdain God, hate church, swear with every other word but they are hurting, in need and God loves them.  Never underestimate the power of genuine prayer; God does listen and He can change hearts.  So, when one heart stops physically, God may start another spiritually.

​Praise God for the blessing of service to Him by helping others.

​Larry Sparks