Welcome to my blog

Hello,

I’m Mark.  I hope you enjoy my blog.  I hope to have fun with it and hope it is something that can be a benefit.

Jackie Robinson’s epitaph reads “A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.” I hope that this can have an impact.

Thanks ahead of time for anytime that you check out my blog.

Corruptible vs. Incorruptible

Many things in life are corruptible, or at least have the potential to be corrupted. Things are corruptible, governments are corruptible, people are corruptible, companies are corruptible, computer files can become corrupted.  Even our sports teams and sports heroes.

I Peter 1:18-19 looks at the difference between what is corruptible (perishable) and what is incorruptible. “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible (perishable) things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish or without spot.”

We are not redeemed by that which can be corrupted or that which will perish. That is a comforting thought. For those people who made read this who are not Christians — wouldn’t you want this?

Verse 23 of I Peter 1 goes on to say “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”

Everyone has the opportunity to secure that which is incorruptible, but for some reason, not everyone takes advantage of the opportunity given.

It’s very difficult to rely on things that will become corrupted. Once something becomes corrupted or perishes it is of no use. But that which is incorruptible will last forever. That which is incorruptible is the word of God, which has the words of life. The Blood of Christ is also incorruptible. The love of God is incorruptible.

Which do you prefer? The things of life that will not last or the words of life that will last forever.

Super Sunday

 Of course as everybody knows the NFL decides it champion this weekend with Super Bowl 44 in Miami.

Over the years one of the references to the big game has been dubbed “Super Sunday.”

One of the great things about being a Christian is that every Sunday is Super Sunday, because we continually learn more about a Creator who loved his fallen creation so much that He sent His one and only perfect Son to redeem man and reconnect with them once again.

Indeed one of the things that we do on each of these “Super Sundays” is to remember the act that brought about that redemption. Also, we worship God the way He wishes and not the way we wish. We communicate with God, through Jesus, by the avenue of prayer and we are inspired by readings of God’s Word and the preaching of His wonderful message.

That’s what I call a Super Sunday.

I will enjoy the game this Sunday, but I will get far more out of the time that I will spend at church this Super Sunday and next week, and the next week and the week after that and so on.

The NFL can claim only one Super Sunday, but Christian’s have 52 of them.

Global Warming

I was thinking about Global Warming last night and this morning as we were dealing with temperatures below 10 degrees.  With all due respect to our former Vice President Al Gore — boy is he backing the wrong horse.

When you think about it — we think an awful of ourselves if we think we are going to destroy the Earth.

All the information and the fear that is spread by Mr. Gore and those like him express a lack of faith in God.  And if we buy what they are selling it shows our lack of faith as well.

A Christian simply cannot accept the conclusions drawn by the Global Warming crowd. 

I want to examine some facts concerning this subject.  The Global Warming crowd is right about one thing — global destruction will occur — but it won’t be by man’s doing.  God has reserved this for Himself.  II Peter 3:10 says “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”

The Lord will handle the task of the destroying the Earth and He will do so on his own schedule. 

Another fact:  Human destruction will occur.  But it won’t be because of the environmental actions of men.  We are told in scripture that man will be around when Jesus returns to claim His own at the end of time.  Check out the words of II Thessalonians 1:7-8 “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Mankind will have a front row seat to witness the return of Christ.  See I Thessalonians 4:15-17.

Christians who buy the thoughts on Global Warming, that man will destroy the Earth or his own existence — either have forgotten the words of the Lord or simply do not have enough faith.  We have seen this thought process before from scoffers in the New Testament.  II Peter 3:4 “Where is the promise of His coming?  For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

I guess we need to ask ourselves this question.  Do we believe His words or not?  If we do than we must say no to Global Warming.

It is imperative that we teach our children the words of God and His promises— because they are one of the specific groups that are targeted with this.  They get to see to pictures of wildlife and stranded polar bears and their sympathies get played upon and a belief is created about Global Warming.  Our children must know that God is the One that is in control of this world and He will be the One to destroy mankind (or save them) and this earth.  While the schools continue to promote and perpetuate this fear of man, it is our responsibility to teach our children a healthy dose of fear in the One the Bible says “in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17.

To be fair, if we reject these ideas and conclusions about Global Warming, does this mean that we should not be concerned about our environment?  I don’t think so.  This creation is the home that God gave us to live in.  Just as we are instructed to care for our bodies (Ephesians 5:29) and to be humane to animals (several passages in the Old Testament speak of this), then we also need to be conscious of how we treat the Earth.  It is a gift from God! 

However, we should not lose sight on what our ultimate responsibility is and that is to love and care for our eternal soul and be concerned about the souls of others.  

Jesus did say after all in Luke 19:10 that he came “to seek and to save that which was lost.”  

RedStorm join in Haiti relief effort

RedStorm join in Haiti relief effort

By Mark Williams — Rio Grande Sports Information Director

Rio Grande — The University of Rio Grande and the RedStorm athletic program are joining the relief effort for the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake two weeks ago with Operation RedStorm Relief for Haiti. 

The effort is headed up by Rio Grande assistant men’s basketball coach Kyle Adams.  Last Thursday night (January 21) the athletic department along with the Ladies of Lambda Omicron Psi conducted a raffle during the men’s and women’s basketball games.  Proceeds from concessions at the game and the upcoming games this week will be a part of the effort. 

Adams said that other fundraising activities have taken place and more will be occurring in the future.  “People are just really trying to have a heart to help the people of Haiti in their time of need,” Adams said.  “I was able to partner up with the Ladies of Lambda, who are some really good, young college students who are willing and passionate about public service.”

“Last week we were able to do what’s called a ‘Dorm Storm,’ we went into some of the residence halls and asked for donations, took the time to try to educate some of the students on what’s going on in Haiti,” Adams added.  “We were also able to secure some gift certificates from Bob Evans.  Mr. (Ray) McKinniss has been a great supporter of our basketball program and he was able to make that possible for us, we raffled those at the game.” 

“We’ve also decided to continue to try to use this as an opportunity to try to bring people on the campus together, people in the community of Rio Grande,” he said.  “We’re setting up a date for a rally where different people can come in and share their talents.  The rally will be in conjunction with a telethon.”

“We’re just trying to have a lot of things going on, trying to help where we can.”

Adams was effusive in his praise for the Ladies of Lambda.  “I have to give it to the Ladies of Lambda,” he said.  “With basketball and what I do in the residence hall it takes up a great deal of my time and the Ladies of Lambda have really kicked in and they have a very, very big heart for service.”

Adams went on to say that the Rio Grande student-athletes have also been involved with this endeavor as well.   “Coach Bob Willey has come up with some ideas from his program of different things that we can do,” Adams said.  “It’s a sad time, it’s an unfortunate time, but it times like these where people can really get an opportunity to show their heart.  And it brings people together, so I’m excited about that.” 

“Our athletes as a whole have been very supportive in wanting to help kick in wherever they can,” Adams added.  “

A monetary figure of $5,000 has been targeted by Adams and the athletic program.  “We’ve set a $5,000 goal,” Adams said.  “Initially we wanted to donate clothes, but after contacting some people we found out that clothes was not what was needed.”

“Financial assistance is what was needed,” he added.  “We figure that $5,000 would be something that would be attainable.”

Adams reported that University of Rio Grande president Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley has also pledged some money to the cause.  “She wants to match a certain amount of whatever is raised on campus, so we’re getting a lot of campus involvement.” 

“We feel like we’re moving in the right direction, we don’t know if we’ll meet our goal, but it’s our full intention to work towards that,” Adams said. 

Operation RedStorm Relief for Haiti will continue with the men’s and women’s basketball games this week when Rio Grande plays host to Pikeville College on Thursday (January 28) and the University of Cumberlands on Saturday (January 30).  Thursday’s games are at 6 and 8 p.m. respectively while Saturday’s games will tip-off at 2 and 4 p.m.

Faith & Baptism

Faith and Baptism.  Some argue that one is necessary while the other is not.  Let’s examine the issue a little closer.  According to scripture both faith and baptism are essential to salvation. 

Bapstism is faith in action.  For no other reason than it is obedience to God’s Word.  Baptism is a demonstration of our faith in God.  Just like Jericho.  Just like Gideon’s army.  Just like Noah.  Did Joshua and his his army have faith in God — no question.  Is faith why the walls of Jericho fell — partly, but it also had to with the fact that they obeyed God.  They followed what he said to a T.  Same with Gideon and his army, the same with Noah. 

Do you think that if Joshua had deviated from what God put in place that the walls would have fallen?  “This marching around the wall once a day is silly, let’s do something else.”  That would have been a terrible mistake.    Marching was essential to taking Jericho.  Faith and obedience accomplished the feat. 

Do you think if Gideon had decided to add to his arsenal of either men or weapons that he would have been victorious, even if he would have faith?  “Only 300 men that’s crazy, go get a few thousand of those guys back we need them and, oh and by the way, bring some heavy artillery with you?” Again, that would have been a mistake.  Doing what God said to do in Gideon’s battle was essential.  Faith and obedience accomplished the feat.

Do you think if Noah had decided to use a different type of wood than gopher that the ark would have floated? 

It’s important to pay attention to the words of Matthew 7:21-23.  Jesus is not speaking to the hardcore sinner in that passage, but those who claim to follow him.    It’s not just about talking a good game.  Faithful obedience is a prevailing thought. 

James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” (NIV)

Do a self-examination — II Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you  — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (NIV) 

Baptism in water is spoken about frequently throughout the New Testament and in each case it is always involved in the salvation of one’s soul.  Jesus himself spoke about it in The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16.  He told Nicodemus in John 3 that a person must be born again of water and the Spirit.

Peter, the apostle, the one Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to, preached on the day of Pentecost and in answer to the question of “What must I do to be saved?  Peter replied and said “repent and be baptized everyone in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (or forgiveness) of your sins.  And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 2:37-38. 

This comes about at baptism.  God’s grace provides us with the way to salvation — we have to have to faith that He can provide that salvation and once we follow all of his commands — his orders — his directions than we will have salvation.  Just like the walls falling at Jericho, just like Gideon’s army conquering the enemy and just like Noah and his family in the Ark.  It all came about by faith and following what God said to do.

Another reminder of who our true heroes are

The following is a poem that was sent to me that I want to share with you.  It is another reminder of just who are true heroes are. 

He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one.

And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer, For ol’ Bob has passed away, And the world’s a little poorer For a Soldier died today.

He won’t be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won’t note his passing, ‘Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young But the passing of a Soldier Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician’s stipend And the style in which he lives, Are often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier– His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Soldier, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict, We find the Soldier’s part Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he’s here to hear the praise, Then at least let’s give him homage At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just simply a headline In the paper that might say: “OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”

Pass On The Patriotism! YOU can make a difference!

Wait on the Lord

I don’t know about you — but waiting isn’t one of my strong points.  Whether it’s waiting on the person or people in front of me at the check out line or waiting on God.

It’s tough to do — isn’t it. 

We live in a day and time where we want quick results.  Instant everything.  Technology has a lot to do with that, of course. 

The Lord doesn’t tend to go by technology or by my timetable.  Thinking about it — that’s probably a good thing. 

Psalms 37:34 helps me with this problem.  “Wait for the Lord and keep his way.  He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” (NIV)

So whether it’s waiting on the Lord to answer my latest prayer request or for him to come back and take those who belong to him to glory.  I’m sure waiting on the Lord will be to my benefit. 

 

Balance

Balance.  It’s very important.  We see it in all aspects of life.  Balance keeps us upright.  Balance keeps us from falling off our bikes.  A well-balanced meal gives us what we need to grow.  A balanced basketball team wins alot more games than it loses. 

We learn about balance in Luke 2:52.  “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”   (NIV)

Jesus received a well-balanced education.  It included all the areas of growth needed by every child.  He “increased in wisdom (intellectually) and stature (physically), and in favor with God (religiously or spiritually) and man (socially).” 

Care is needed.  For what a child is taught today determines what the man or woman will be tomorrow.  Jesus warns us in Matthew 18:6 to be very careful in the nurturing of children.   “But, if anyone causes one of these little ones, who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. .” (NIV)

We also learn something about balance in Ephesians 6.  I invite you to look at the first nine verses of that chapter.  The verses are filled with a proper balance on how we are to live.  Children in subjection to parents and slaves (employees) in subjection to masters (bosses).  The balance part comes when it also shows how parents are to be toward children and bosses are to be toward employees.

Here’s hoping for a life with more balance — for you and for me.

Excited about the Red Words

I bought my daughter (who is four) a Bible for Christmas. As we were looking at it the other day we looked at some of the passages in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This Bible, like most, has the words of Christ in red. When she saw them she excitedly screamed “red words.” I asked her if she knew what the red words meant and she enthusiastically replied “Jesus’ words.”

It was just another reminder of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

You know, a lot of adults could learn a lesson from the little children and once again or perhaps for the first time, be excited about the red words — the words of Jesus. In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

We need to hunger and thirst for the words of Christ and have that childlike enthusiasm about those words in red and truly discover exactly what they mean.

I remember a lesson sometime ago given by Rex Boyles in which he read about the crucifixion of Christ. He purposely did not stop and make comments only read the account. He talked after that about how we get emotional about things our kids say and do or perhaps we hear a stirring rendition of the national anthem and we get choked up. But, we don’t get choked up about reading the words of God. He made the comment that it was sometimes just too easy to read.

The Bible, the crucifixion specifically has become too easy to read because, perhaps we’ve lost our enthusiasm for the “red words” — for the words of life.

May we never take them for granted. I’m thankful that my daughter feels the way she does about the “red words” and I pray that she never loses that enthusiasm.

I pray that we can all can re-capture that excitement about reading the words of God and that when we come across the “red words” of Christ that we can have that same excitement that I saw from my daughter.

God and Caesar

Luke 20:25 “Caesar’s, they replied.  He said to them, ‘Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’.” (NIV)

For the good of man there are two governments: Caesar’s and God’s, civil and divine.  Being in subject to one does not relieve man of his obligation to the other, of course, if man-made law becomes incompatible with divine law than God must have the priority, which can make things very difficult sometimes. 

There are a couple of passages that help us with this.  In Acts 5:29 Peter and some of the other apostles were taken before the Sanhedrin Council for the awful crime of preaching Christ.  They were given strict orders not to preach the name of Jesus any longer.  This is a classic response by Peter and the apostles, one that we need to follow even though our governments seem to be going farther and farther away from God.  “Peter and the apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’”

The apostle Paul deals quite a bit with this topic in Romans Chapter 13 (1-6). 

Basically it comes down to this.  If you follow the law of God then you follow the law of man, except when the law of man conflicts with the law of God.  God’s law is always acceptable.