We always have something to say...

When the Shunammite woman's son died on her lap she said, "It is well".

When there were five thousand to be fed Philip said, "There isn't enough."

When Job was sick his wife said, "Curse God and die."

When Israel stood on the brink of the promised land ten spies said, "We can't do it."

When Israel stood on the brink of the promised land Joshua said, "We are well able to go up."

When Jairus' daughter was sick his servants said, "Why trouble the Master your daughter is dead."

When Jesus heard Jairus' daughter was dead he said, "Only believe."

When the man with the lunatic child saw Jesus he said, "Your disciples couldn't help."

When Jesus heard the man with the lunatic child he said, "Bring him to me."

I think you get the picture. We always have something to say. We can either look on the dark side of things or we can look at things the way Jesus looks at them.

I have made a choice to look at things the way Jesus does. He has never been stumped as what to do. He has never looked at things the wrong way. His words always bring hope and peace.

What are you saying about what you are facing today? Would you consider saying what Jesus said, or what others in the bible said in their faith and trust in Christ.

Let's be honest. We are going to say something about what we are facing and the bible indicates that our words carry some weight. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue...

Chose today to speak life. Speak life into your home. Speak life into your friends. Speak life where you work.

We will always have something to say. Let it be LIFE giving.

Blessings,
Rick

Same thing only different.

Tomorrow I will start the process of radiation treatment. This is the second round of treatment. This time it will be a wider band of radiation.

I don't know what to expect from this. Last time I did have some side effects but not that bad.

This time because I have to tape on a part of my new speech device it could get a little sensitive. I will just have to wait and see about that.

Have you ever had to face the same thing in your life but it was at a different time and place?

Here is the good news! Jesus is the same. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

I am going to a different doctor, different hospital, even a different radiation machine.......same Jesus.

Whatever "same thing" you may be facing today although it is a different time and may involve different players, Jesus is still the same.

He will be with you in this time as He was before. Hebrews 13:5...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Now that is some good news!

Blessings,
Rick

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

I am learning new things each day when it comes to talking and how to deal with the bumps in the road that try to obstruct moving forward.

It takes more time and effort right now to do what used to be just a few minutes but I am learning.

I know that my speaking will get better and clearer as I progress forward. The change will seem to be the norm after a period of time.

Speaking of change or new things that must be done in our lives; what new thing or change are you having to deal with right now in your life?

I realize that most of us do not embrace change overnight. I know there are exceptions to that but most of us like to hang on to the familiar.

Yet, if we are going to go forward there will always be changes taking place. Think about this. A newly married couple have to make changes when they get married, then when children come along more changes are made, then as the kids get older more changes, then when they move out more changes, then as their children get married that couple now have grandchildren and still more changes. I think you can see that there will always be something that changes.

So how can an "old dog" learn new tricks...

1. Don't fight the inevitable. If you need to change then change. I could fight learning how to speak in a new way and never learn or I can simply say, "This I must do", learn and move forward.

2. Embrace those things that need to change. That simply means to me that we need a right spirit when it comes to change. Don't begrudge it but embrace it.

3. Don't be intimidated by change. I know at first it was very difficult for me to try and talk in public. I felt embarrassed and very self conscious about it. One day, however, I made up my mind to just jump into it. This was how it was going to have to be right now so I decided I just have to do this regardless of how I felt. It really wasn't as bad as I thought.

4. Keep moving forward. The bible verse that I like so much when it comes to change and moving forward is this one: Philippians 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,* but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, NLT

I am sure there are other things that will help us but these four things have certainly helped me to make the changes I need to make.

What is it today that you are struggling with in the area of change and moving forward. I want to encourage you to look into the Bible for help and direction. Speak to someone that can help and encourage you with sound advice and then "Go Forward".

When Moses went to God for help when facing the Red Sea this was God's advice to him. Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

When you think of what happened at that point (Red Sea split) it sure makes me to want to take God's advice.

I am an "old dog" but I am learning new things everyday.

Blessings,
Rick

It is good to know we are not alone.....

Today I went to another minister's fellowship meeting. It is great to know we are not alone in this life.

When I was going through all that surgery it was good to know that there were people there praying for me and people all around the world praying for me.

There is a great verse in the bible: Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.


There are those today who would say they don't need anyone. That is so sad. God created man so that He could fellowship with him. If God wanted to fellowship with man and we are created in His image then we need fellowship with one another as well.

Today as I was standing with the other ministers at that meeting I was so thankful to know that we are workers together.

If you are a loner today, stop and realize, you were not created to be alone. God even said: Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone;

I am gaining strength each day. My voice is getting clearer each day. I still experience strain in my throat when I try and talk for a length of time. I guess I will never be accused of being a long winded preacher from this day on.

Blessings,
Rick

I believe I can do that....

Yesterday we had a minister's fellowship meeting. I am one of the presbyters so my responsibility was to open the meeting and close it.

This would be the first time I have gotten up front and said more then a couple words to a group of people.

Everyone seemed to be able to understand me. I am working at being able to talk at the correct pace.

I am going to be preaching my first sermon since this surgery on October 2nd, in our evening service. I am beginning a series entitled "UP" and I will then continue it on the following Sunday morning services in October.

There is still a lot of work to do to be able to talk for more then a few minutes but by then I hope to be there.

I will begin radiation treatments soon so I don't know how that will affect things. I will just have to wait and see on that.

At least for now I believe I am over the hump and hopefully the worst is behind me.

I love this portion of scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 But this precious treasure — this light and power that now shine within us is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe. TLB

Blessings,
Rick

There will be some things you can't do....

After my surgery I was reading some material about what to expect afterwards and some things I may not be able to do. One of them was water sports.

I am not a real water sports enthusiast anyway so it didn't really matter except I like to fish.

Of course I can fish off the bank but it is always better in a boat. Of course, you understand that if I fell in the water that water would come into my lungs with nothing to stop it. That would not be good.

Today I did go fishing. I went with a friend of mine. He has a great boat and he is a great fisherman and knows how to handle his boat.

It was great. We caught a few but it was just good to be out fishing. I did have fish for supper tonight.

There will always be things that we can't do and many times we focus on those rather then on the things we can do.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard a Christian say, "Do you mean I can't do that?" I realize Paul said, 1 Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

That leads me to believe that there were things that even Paul would not do. Things that would not edify. The idea here as you read on in 1 Corinthians is that he did not want to hurt others by what he did. He wanted to be a good example.

So there are things I will no longer be able to do after surgery just as after becoming a believer in Jesus Christ there will be things that I no longer want to do.

Ask yourself this question. "Do the things that I do lead others to want to know Christ or cause them to question my commitment to Christ?"

Something to think about...while fishing.

Blessings,
Rick

The high price of living.....

It is hard to believe the price of the device that I am using on my neck now. They are only good for a couple days and then you have to get a new one.

I can buy them thirty in a package plus I have to buy the adapter that sticks on my neck. They are not cheap either and they are only good for a day.

Today I was experimenting with one of the cartridges and realized I can take it apart and clean the filter. I think I can now get a few days out of one rather then just two days.

The other brand I am also using can't be taken apart without breaking it. I am sure as time goes by I will learn some other tricks to save on money without putting my health in danger.

When I say the high cost of living I am not just talking about bills but about breathing. Without these devices I would be hacking all the time and it would be very difficult to get out in the colder months. So it will cost but it will be worth it.

What about the "high cost of sinning"? The bible tells us in Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

James says, James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sin brings death but Jesus gives life. Today might be a good day to look at your life and ask yourself..."Am I living or dying?"

Deut 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

This verse reminds me of taking a multiple choice test in school, except here God gives us the correct answer. CHOOSE LIFE!

I encourage you today, if you haven't already, to choose life.

Blessings,
Rick

Have you ever played the game with your kids...."I've got your nose"? Then you put your thumb between your first and and second finger.

Today I got a new nose. I know it sounds strange but since I no longer breath through my nose I got a device that is a filter/humidifier that goes over the stoma in my neck and does what my nose did before.

It won't help me smelling things but it will help cut down on the coughing that I have been doing.

How about this? "I got a new heart". Of course, that is possible today with transplants but I am not talking about our physical heart that pumps our blood but a "new heart" given to us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

David said this:Ps 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

In Ezekiel it says this:Ezek 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Many today are still living with an old heart that has yet to be cleansed through Jesus Christ. It does not have to be that way for you. You can get a new lease on life, a fresh new start. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

There is a chorus we sing written by David Ingles.

I'm a new creation
I'm a brand new man
Old things are passed away
I am born again
More than a conqueror
That's who I am
I'm a new creation
I'm a brand new man

You can make that your song today simply by asking Jesus Christ into your life. Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Yes, today I got a new nose. Today you can get a new heart.

Blessings,
Rick

But I am feeling so much better.......

Recovery does not happen over night. I am feeling better and because of that I think I overdo it on some days and by the end of the day I can really tell it.

I think there are times when we push ourselves when we really need to let up. I realize also that there are times when we must push ourselves. I guess that is when we need to know the difference when to do that and when not.

In my case my body begins to let me know. It is at that time I need to realize I am still recovering from major surgery.

Let's take a look at this in our spiritual lives. If you are a new believer there are going to be things you are not ready to do. I have seen many new believers think they are ready to pastor a church are begin traveling and preaching only to give up when it gets tough. Why? They were simply not ready to do that.

The twelve disciples spent three years with Jesus before they were on their own and even then, at times, it seemed they weren't ready.

Paul the apostle took time with some of the disciples to make sure he was on target as to what he was to be preaching.

This does not mean that we are not to share our faith, pray with others, get involved in ministry at our church. It does mean that we need a covering, that is to say we need to be accountable.

I realize there are things I can do and there are things I can't do at this time. There are things God has called me to do and there are things He hasn't.

I try to remember this:It's not the one who runs the fastest nor he that shines for a day but He that endureth to the end shall be saved.

I guess the question would be. How can I know what I am to do and not to do. There are some things we don't even need to pray about. I don't need to pray about praying, going to church, giving, etc. These things are already spelled out in the Bible that we are to do.

The other things I must do: Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As I look to Him, He will direct me in areas of my life that are not specifically spelled out in His word that I am to do.

As we ready His word and look unto Him we will know when to push and when to rest.

On your mark, get set, GO..........

Blessings,
Rick

Did you just say something?

We are told a picture is worth a thousand words. Today I would rather have the thousand words.

If you click on the play button below my picture you can get a sample of what I am sounding like right now.

I believe, as time goes on, that my voice will become stronger and clearer. It has just been a little over a week since I had the voice prosthesis installed and then for a few days I really didn't try to talk because my throat was sore.

I am sure that I will learn not to waste words. It does take more effort to talk now then it did before.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak...

The Bible has a lot to say about our words. It is important what we say. Has what you said ever gotten you in trouble? Have you ever wished you could take back what you said? We probably all have at one time or another.

I am going to be more careful in the future. I want my words to count. I want my words to make a positive difference in people's lives.

We have this article on our refrigerator. I don't know who wrote it but it is good.

"Words can destroy or build up, reject or accept, humiliate or encourage, injure or heal. Proverbs 18:21 say, "The tongue has the power of life and death" (NIV). Indeed. Words can break hearts, crush spirits and ruin lives. The can also convince people to do great things, overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and live better lives. Words have the power to set a person onto a course of God-given fulfillment.

At their best, words can let us know we are loved, forgiven, set free and accepted. Start a sentence with "I" and string a couple of words to it and suddenly you have phrases such as "I love you", "I am sorry", "I believe in you", "I forgive you" and "I am a follower of Christ". You can literally transform your world by what you say".


What is that you said?

Blessings,
Rick

Life......it's all about perspective.

It is so easy to focus on what we are going through and our problems. Who doesn't have a few problems that have to be dealt with?

Today was Salem Assembly's turn to help with the Salem Ministerial Alliance food pantry. That is where food is given to those who sign up for it. Today there was a large group of people. They are from all walks of life.

My responsibility along with four other men was to help carry the groceries out the the car. Reminds me of when I worked in a grocery store and was a carry out boy.

Many of the those receiving groceries could carry their own but many could not for whatever reason. One man told me that he was not feeling well and didn't know what was wrong. There were those with canes and walkers that needed help.

It only took about an hour to help around 140 get their groceries and when we were done I was thanking God for each one that was able to be ministered to. I was ministered to myself from helping.

Having had this surgery it was great just to be out helping others. It helps to keep the right perspective. As Christians we are on this earth to touch others and not just be concerned about ourselves and our problems or needs.

What is it like where you work, or where you shop, or anywhere you go? Those people that seem to be giving you problems could actually be an opportunity to show the love of God to them. Sometimes all a problem (person) needs is a little kindness shown to them.

We could all spend most of our time thinking about ourselves and what we are going through but if we keep the right perspective we can realize what we are facing is not all that bad when we see others that have needs as well.

There is a little song that we sang in Children's Church when I was growing up. It went like this.

J.O.Y., J.O.Y. This is what it means. Jesus first and yourself last and others in between.

I want to stay focused. Focused on what He wants me to do...not how I feel. Focused on ministering to others...not on my own needs. Helping others make it...not just wanting others to help me.

Well, it is perspective isn't it. It is all how you look at it. I remember hearing a preacher use this statement. "I used to complain about having no shoes until I met a man that had no feet".

Blessings,
Rick