Information Overload

"Information is everything." I have said that so many times in the past 3 weeks that most everything has lost significance and become just information. It is a true statement, particularly related to ads. But too much information can overload the brain. At least that is true as far as my brain is concerned. Really, there are times when I think I need to just "control, alt, delete" and reboot my brain.

Enough about me. I want to share a few links for on-line Bible study resources. (This is not a paid advertisement.) I have worked with it for a day or two and I really like it. It is similar to E-Sword, yet different. Both resources can be downloaded for free or you can order the CDs.

E-Sword has many add on features. Some are free and others can be bought. I am partial to it because it offers Strong's Numbers and definitions right with the text. This link will take you to Bible Pro.com. This site boasts of 45 Bible translations, a dozen or so commentaries, daily Bible reading helps, and maps of all kinds. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Bible News is a basic sort of search link, good for any link list. It offers search by word, reference, or topic. If you have been to my sidebar, you already know about Christ Notes . I think their widget is one of the best for blogs and such. And a final link that offers a world of Christian links; CrossSearch.com.

Flawed but Faithful

A man with many names. Remembered by the masses as the one who walked on water and sank. Remembered by others as the disciple who denied Christ 3 times in the same night. And still others recognize him as the center stage preacher of Pentecost.

Cephas/Kepha was Peter's Aramaic name meaning rock. Jesus gave him this name in John 1:42 translated into Greek as Petros.

James refered to Peter as Simeon (the Hebrew name for Simon) Acts 15:14

He was called Simon Peter in Mt. 16:16, Acts 10:18 refers to him as Simon known as Peter.

Some facts about Peter the disciple of Christ.

• was one of the first disciples called Mark 1:16-18


• was a fisherman from Bethsaida John 1:44


• had a home in Capernaum Mark 1:21,29


• was married Mt. 8:14, Luke 4:38


• took his wife along I Corinthians 9:5


• was a Galilean with an accent Mark 14:70


• was a brother to Andrew (disciple of John the Baptist) John 1:35-42


• was named first in the disciples' lists in the synoptics


• was in Christ's inner circle with James and John


• saw the risen Christ I Cor 15:5


• received a special commission in John 21:15-19


• his preaching led to the conversion of thousands on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:14-40

Historians tell us that he was crucified for the cause of Christ. Regardless of his faults and failures, he remained faithful to the end.

Psalm of the Shepherd

Who has not heard the 23rd Psalm? The only ones who haven't heard it are the ones who have never been exposed to the Gospel at all. It is probably the most familiar text of the Bible along with John 3:16. Even the un-churched have heard the Psalm of the Shepherd. It is a staple of funerals everywhere. Often Sunday School children memorize it before they enter elementary school. It is a simple chapter, yet so profound.

It is so familiar that I often take it for granted. When attending funerals, I often join the minister and softly quote it as he reads. It is ingrained in me. Seems like I memorized it when I was only 5 or 6. Learning it by heart came through years of repeated interaction with the verses. Sometimes it seems to be an "old hat" kind of thing and other times it is the best medicine. Nothing really comforts me more than knowing The Good Shepherd will take care of me all through this treacherous journey called life. And He will be there when it is time to step over the threshold and into everlasting life with Him.

Rather than continue with my observations of the chapter, I want to link you to some sermon notes that really spoke to me. Please take time to check them out and leave a comment or two. I'm sure the pastor would be encouraged by your visit.

Cargo Transport

I borrowed this post from the Pilgrim. Stop by his place for more good reading. Enjoy.

Heavy load? This cargo was no problem for the transport. It gave us all a good chuckle when we saw the toy dump truck chained to the transport.

My mind went to the scripture written by the psalmist. "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you." - Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Often our trials and cares seem overwhelming and we wonder if we will break beneath the load. Why not heed the Lord's invitation to give Him our burdens...our load.
Our cares and concerns, though burdensome for us, will not break Him. They are like a toy truck chained to a mighty transport. Give them to Him today!
Posted by David Warren Fisher at Pilgrim Scribblings

Still Running with the Vision

This man has driven more miles, visited more inmates, prayed for more patients, worn out more cars, and written more booklets/tracts than anyone I know. And he is a 92 year old man
with his own website: V.V. McCoy Outreach Ministries: Preaching Peace, Perfecting Purpose, & Imparting the Prophetic.
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He has been in full-time ministry as long as I can remember. He has planted churches, pastored many more, and evangelized from one end of Tennessee to the other. He has done mission work and served as a volunteer chaplain. I believe he has been inside of all 600 rooms at Jackson General Hospital; probably several times over. Ask any A/G preacher around here if they know Brother V.V. and they will probably have a story or two to tell you.
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He has dedicated babies, performed wedding ceremonies, and preached funerals and homecomings. He has mentored and sent lay people and ministers alike. He has lived the Word of God and lived it well. And he is still living and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I don't know how much longer he will be on this earth, but I guarantee you he will not quit preaching until he breathes his last breath. It is my prayer that he leaves this life in his sleep, because I know he wouldn't want to be cut off right in the middle of a good text. (smile)
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Please pray for my Great-Uncle V.V. McCoy. His wife of 70 years is now in the nursing home. She has Alzheimers and he could no longer care for her at home. His health too is beginning to wane. He was admitted into the hospital earlier this week. His heart is weak but his mind is still sharp. He quotes the Bible, chapters at a time. Prayers and prophetic words are always on his lips. Just this evening, he prayed for one of his nurses. She said he spoke the very scriptures that she needed to hear.
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I just wanted to give him some roses while he is still living. I thank God for Uncle V.V. and I love him.

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**** Late addition: You can find full copies of his works at this site.

Just a Reminder

There are a few things I would like to remind you to remember. They are just as important today as they were when the Apostle Peter reminded the church of these things over 2000 years ago.

Peter exhorts the church to remember. II Peter1:12-15, II Peter 3:1,2

This indicates that the knew already. They had heard already. II Peter 3:17

What were they to remember?

Promises and knowledge of God IIPeter 1:4

Prophecy of scripture IIPeter 1:19-21

Prophecy of the OT & commandments of the NT Apostles IIPeter 3:2

Why were they to remember?

to make their election sure IIPeter 1:10

to obtain a heavenly home IIPeter 1:11

to understand the apostacy of their dayIIPeter 3:3

to understand God's promises IIPeter 3:9

to be prepared for the 2nd coming of Christ IIPeter 3:10

to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ IIPeter 3:18

All the King's Horses

Today I want to look at the life of Saul prior to the story of A King and a witch. as referenced in I Samuel chapter 28.

King Saul did not become a disobedient law-breaker overnight. As we look into scripture we can see a fleshly pattern forming early in his reign. I Samuel 13:7-12 gives insight to how he dealt with fear, pressure from his servants, and his own impatience. When he thought he could wait no longer on the man of God, he conducted the sacrificial offerings himself.

I Samuel 15:7-9 records additional actions that were in direct conflict with the orders of God. In his explanation to the prophet Samuel, he sought to blame the people for sparing the best of the livestock. In this he also established his bent toward deceit. The people would have only done what had already been sanctioned by the king. This instance also shows that he presumed his choice of sacrificial animals would appease God for his disobedience. This opens the way for his involvement with the occult.

Moving on to I Samuel chapter 18; we read in verses 7-15 of his jealousy of David, his envy of the blessings of David, and his fear of David as one chosen by God. He even attempted to murder David. And he did kill 85 priests in retaliation for one who had helped David.

Chapter 28 of I Samuel opens with the Philistines in array against King Saul and his army. Verse 3 of the same chapter tells us plainly that Saul had no means of spiritual guidance, godly or otherwise. He was in a strait and willing to ask for help. Verse 6 states: And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Saul looked for the answer to come in similar fashion as it had come before. But God was not obligated to answer the prayer of the back-slidden i.e. disobedient king.

He then sought direction in the same fashion as the heathen. Not only was he willing again to break the law of God, he was willing to break his own edict concerning wizards, witches, and such. A man is destitute when he will compromise his own integrity to save his skin.

He did not find the kind of answer he wanted. It makes no difference how you interpret the appearance of Samuel; his reply was on the mark. Rather than delve into the possibilities concerning the spirit that was conjured, I want to leave you with these observations.

Saul's position as king did not exempt him from obedience to God. His earthly possessions and power could in no way sway the hand of God. Even his past relationship as a chosen vessel of God could not curry the Almighty's favor. The prophecy concerning his kingdom would be fulfilled. Ultimately, disobedience would be listed as the cause of death for the king. Saul had pronounced his own death sentence when he broke the law of God.

• Even in a lighted place there will always be someone who has shady connections.
• Seeking the right answers by the wrong means will prove to be futile.
• One must stay in right standing with God even in the absence of a spiritual shepherd.
• Character is developed early in life and is shaped by discipline or the lack thereof.