Boy I sure feel bad for the people that have to do so many things.  I hear them all the time, "I have to go to work, I have to get supper......."  I can't believe the things I get to do.  I get to serve the people of my Church.  I get to serve Hospice patients as their Chaplin.  I get to help my wife be all that she can be.  I get to pray anytime I want to the Creator of the Universe.  I get to do a lot of special things.  I'm glad I don't have to do anything.  I get to do it all!!  (Psalms 100:2 check it out)

As I was driving through town today it became obvious that a skunk had just traveled through the area.  This is the middle of February in NW Ohio! Somebody needs to get that skunk a calendar cause it has been led astray.  How often are we decieved also?  Paul warned the people at the city of Cornith against those who didn't believe in the resurrection and would say, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Cor 15:32-33 (NLT)  Who you hangin out with?  Let's hope they are a more reliable influence than the skunk I smelled today.

I have proven time and again that I have the Spiritual Gift of STUPID.  It just comes natural, I don't even have to try and there it is.  Many of my days start with this prayer,  "Lord don't let me do anythign stupid today that will embarass You but only the things that will build You up".  I'm a firm believer in knowing your limitations and staying within them, and my morning prayers reflect that principle.
Having said that, I'm feeling pretty good about myself today...  As I'm finishing up with this weekend's message "The Covenant " I came to the realization that I am a VERY SMART MAN.   You are probably asking yourself, how does he think that?? I choose the most wonderful woman in the world and she made a Marriage Covenant with me over 40 years ago that continues to grow with each blessed day.  I AM THE MAN!!!
(Amazing what a little trickery will do when choosing way out of your league)

See Genesis 15.  This is the passage we fashion our traditional weddings from.  Come check one out this Sunday10am Second Baptist Church, Defiance, and 6pm Fellowshp Church,  Antwerp.

You have left the planned route

We have GPS (global positioning satellite) devices in both our vehicles.  If we get off the  GPS's  predetermined path to our destination it will tell us in a computer designed voice.  The GPS device in Lou Ann's car says, "You have left the planned route. Do you wish to return to the route?" and insists that you go back to the route it is relentless, up to a point, then it simply says, "If you wish to return to the planned route push the green button and say, "route". Sometimes I think I know the route better than it does, and much to Lou Ann's discomfort I turn a different way than our GPS says to go.  When I do that the GPS drives me nuts insisting that I turn and get back to the planned route.   Most of the time I just shut it off, wait a while, let it forget that I ever asked it for direction, and then innocently ask it again for directions disguising  my voice.
We often treat God that way.  God has a plan and we insist on traveling our own route no matter that we have little or no idea of the direction to start with.  God spoke to Moses through a GPS (the burning bush) and gave him directions of how to free his people from the Egyptians.  Moses used every excuse he could think of to not travel the route that God had called him to, "I'm a nobody, What if they want to know your name?, What if they won't listen to me?, I don't speak well in front of crowds".  Each time God's answer pointed Moses back to the planned route. Finally Moses followed, although from time to time he deviated from the route, like when he struck the rock (Numbers 20:1-12), and God's people were freed from 430 years of slavery.
What about you?  What direction has God given you?  Are you following or do you have a better route?
YOU HAVE LEFT THE PLANNED ROUTE - DO YOU WISH TO RETURN TO THE ROUTE? IF YOU WISH TO RETURN TO THE ROUTE SIMPLY PUSH THE GREEN BUTTON AND SAY ROUTE.
Today my prayer to God was simply "ROUTE".

Check out Exodus chapters 3-4

Tracy, our daugter, talked to Lou Ann and I last night and told us she felt led to offer something in the way of a blog or tele-confrence that would offer an encouragemnet to start the day with.  I thought what an excellent idea.  How many times have you and I started the day thinking of the bad things that day may have in store instead of the good things that the day offers?  I would encourage you to read Psalms 16.  I share this single verse with you from this encouraging Psalm.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presenceand the pleasures of living with you forever.        Psalms 16:11 (NLT)11 No matter what may befall you this day God has great things in store for you!  Remember In Christ your problems are temporary, your joy in the Lord is eternal!
Have a great week,
Pastor Max

This past week I heard another person tell me how they wish that more Christians were real.  When I questioned what they meant by "real" I was told that most Christians talk one way and act another way. I think at times we are our own worst enemies for evangelism. Does your walk match your talk?  Those who are looking for the hope that Christ our Savior brings are looking for someone who is authentic with their faith, someone who is not just talking the talk but also walking the walk.
James 2:14-17  Check it out.

The importace of prayer

Prayer is our lifeline to a healthy relationship with God.  This series on prayer is intended to help us understand the importance of prayer, as well as answer some of the tough questions about prayer.  As Craig and I share our experiences on this subject it is our prayer that you will be encouraged to take your prayer life to a new level.
Hope to see you this week as we share another message on prayer.