Lesson in LeadershipHocker Family in 1970 at Oregonia Ohio
from left: John, Uncle Larry, Dad, Kelly, Myself, Mom, & Rick

When I was twelve we lived in the parsonage at Oregonia, Ohio where Dad was pastor of the Oregonia Church of God. The picture above was taken at our dining room table. In case you can't see the resemblance, I am the boy in the striped shirt sitting between my two youngest brothers. I had been playing the piano and organ for church, because we didn't have that many people who could. One Sunday morning, our Sunday School Superintendent asked me to play the organ softly while he read the announcements after Sunday School. During the announcements that Sunday, a man seated at the back of the church spoke out loudly saying, "Could you stop the music, we can't hear what you are saying!" Well, the man was hard of hearing anyway, and I was playing the organ with the volume all the way down as soft as it could be played. Still, I slipped off of the organ bench and sat on the front pew. There was a big lump in my throat. I just wanted to go and hide, but I couldn't. The kids from children's church were singing right after the announcements, and it was my responsibility to lead them. I did my best to swallow the lump in my throat and just go on. After church I told Dad how I felt, and he responded that I had just learned an important lesson about leadership.

One thing you can count on in leadership is that confrontation and criticism are always included for no extra charge. Hey, that's even the case when you are a volunteer! In Numbers 12 Moses finds this to be the case even from the folks closest to him. His brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, speak against Moses in Numbers 12:2.

"Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked.
"Hasn't he also spoken through us?"

We learn so much here about how to handle criticism. In verse three the Bible says that Moses responded with humility. When we respond with humility we allow God to vindicate instead of hurting those who have criticized us. Sometimes criticism is just and intended to be constructive. At other times it is the tool of our enemy who is bent on our destruction. Ultimately we need to focus on the big picture and stay on course. God has given us a job to do, so we don't have the luxury of wallowing in self-pity. We must get up and keep on going. Don't let the nay-sayers and the critics discourage you today. Take heart as you continue walking in His will for your life. Have a blessed day.

Happy Birthday, Daniel

My Son, Daniel and His wife Bethany

on their honeymoon in St. Thomas

Twenty eight years ago today, my wife and I entered a whole new world, the world of parenting! Today is our oldest son's birthday. We are so proud of the man he has become, but how time has flown! It doesn't seem so long ago that we were waiting for his arrival. My wife wanted to name him after me, Daniel, Jr. After she had carried him for nine months and endured 27 long hours of labor, I believed she had earned the right to name him. I had been given my father's middle name and was always proud to have his name. He and mother didn't give me his whole name becasue he didn't want to name me "Marvin." I have come to understand that a name is what we make it, and Dad has made "Marvin" an honorable name. The other reason I consented to give Daniel my name is because I would have been proud to be Marvin Daniel Hocker, Jr. I have only hoped that I could live my life in such a way that my son would be proud to have my name.

According to Philippians 2:9-11 God has given Jesus an awesome name.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Now we are instructed to pray in the name of Jesus, and expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. Hey, whatever it is that you need today, I want to encourage you to trust Him. I am praying that you will discover the awesome power of the name of Jesus. Have a blessed day!

Teamwork

photo from www.topswiss.ch

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision, the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results (from www.bankersonline.com)." As Moses pursued all that God had given him to do, it quickly became clear that there was no way that he could do it all by himself. Here in Numbers Moses is directed to divide the tasks out to the different families. They knew where they were to camp and what their responsibilities were when it was time to move. When you think of the logistics of moving this crowd of people throught the wilderness, you know it was a huge project, bigger that any one man.

The work of God's kingdom continues to be the same, but God has not deserted us. We don't have to row our boat all alone. First He has promised that He will be with us. In Matthew 28:19-20 as He gives us the great commission He says,

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey

everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age."

The he also reminds us that we are to work together. We are not only in the boat with Christ, but we row together with our brothers. Galatians 6:2 says,

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way

you will fulfill the law of Christ.

We only have real success in the work of Christ's Kingdom when we help others to succeed. We are in the boat together. Together we can win! Have a victorious day!

One Step at a TimeThe Spanish Steps photo from www.photo.net

Today my reading takes me to the book of Numbers. Moses is called upon to take a census of the people. What a tremendous undertaking this will be! Some estimate that the population of all the Hebrews who came out of Egypt was between four million and six million people. How do you handle a mamoth size task? I believe the same way you climb the Spanish Steps, on step at a time.

People are so often discouraged before they even begin when they face such a big challenge. Perhaps today, you are facing one of the biggest undertakings of your life. Perhasp you feel inadequate for the job. In Numbers Moses faces this huge task by breaking it down into smaller more manageable tasks. So household by household, and tribe by tribe he counts the Hebrew people. Counting them was an option for Moses. God told him to number the people. Therefore He had to count them to obey God. Perhaps the task God has given you seems to large an undertaking. Well, I have some good news for you from Paul's letter in 1Corinthians 10:13

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond
the course of what others have had to face. All you need
to remember is that God will never let you down;
he'll never let you be pushed past your limit;
he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Remember that you will reach the top, one step at a time. You may not think you have the strength to go all the way, but just look at what God is asking you to do right now. I believe you can take just one more step, and if you do, one step at a time, you will finally reach the top!

If You Obeyphoto from www.vincepinto.com

What would you call the enforcement scene above, overkill? You would certainly have to say they were putting some "teeth" into speed limit enforcement. What we have is amazing illustration of covenant. The sign simply says, "Speed limit enforced by aircraft." You wouldn't expect the aircraft enforcing speed limit to be a military helicopter! Maybe they're just kidding, but who wants to take the chance? It looks like they mean serious business. However, if you just obey the speed limit, you can enjoy the highway and scenery, without any interruption of your travel. If you don't, then wow, what an awesome enforcement vehicle!

In today's reading from Leviticus, we find that God really means business when it comes to His laws and statutes, too. God has just finished giving details to Moses as to how they should obey God's law. Then here in Leviticus 26 He describes the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Hey, the military chopper above is a mere grasshopper compared to the awesome power of God Almigty.

The message here, is simply obedience. It is time to focus on obedience to God's standard of holiness. If we obey, there are blessings , and if we rebel and do it our way, then we must know that there will be consequences. Today I want to encourage you to obey God. Have a blessed day.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?

Picture from www.themes.ru/wallpapers/movie/mi

One of God's most awesome attributes is His Holiness. Some of God's attributes are unique to Him. Only God is omniscient (all-knowing), and only God is omnipresent (eveywhere at the same time). However, God intends for us to emulate some of His attributes. God instructed Moses and Aaron in Leviticus 11:44:

For I am the Lord your God. You shall therfore consecrate
yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.

God's love and His holiness are attributes that He not only want to share with us, but that He commands that we develop them. In John 13:34 Jesus says,

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

God also makes it clear that this attribute of holiness is not optional. In fact, we cannot be in His presence or see Him without holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says:

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Snažte se žít se všemi v míru a zasvěcujte se Pánu - jinak nevejdete v jeho slávu.
(Židům 12:14)*

How can we be holy? Is God commanding us to be what we cannot be? If it is impossible for us to be holy, then why would God demand the impossible from us?

First, I want to reassure you that God has given us a “Mission Impossible.” That was a movie with a sequel. This is what Jesus has to say about it in Mark 10:27;

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible,
but not with God; with God all things are possible.”

Podíval se na ně a řekl: "Člověk na to nestačí, ale Bůh je všemocný.
(Marek 10:27)*

Therefore, personal holiness is within the realm of possibility with God. First it is possible because Jesus puts His own holiness on our spiritual account. His awesome holiness counts for us. Second it is possible because everyday we have the opportunity to choose to serve Christ, or to follow our own way. It is through daily choosing to respond rightly to God’s grace that we are daily enabled to live a life of holiness before God. God has promised to never put on us more than we can bear, so today, I want to encourage you to choose Christ and His holiness. When you do, you get to start again with a clean slate. You receive His holiness when you are forgiven. You can’t be any holier than at that moment when all of your sin is cleansed in salvation. Then, you honor the precious gift of His holiness by living in a way that pleases God. God is holy, and He commands us to be holy as He is holy. Everyday we have the opportunity to practice living the holy life.

*Scripture verses in Czech provided for my friend Ludvik Machala

Take It to the Next Level

Oops this is my article for Saturday, but I didn't get it posted until late tonight, (after midnight). Well, It's been a long day, and I've been getting ready for a trip in to Tupelo, Mississippi. Anyway, we had a great service Sunday. The praise and worship was a real blessing, and I enjoyed preaching my Sunday message, "Take It to the Next Level."


What is the next level? I guess that depends on what's important to you. If you're into video games, the next level might be the new X-box 360, or a new version of an old game like Pong. The new X-box made no small splash on the Christmas scene this past year. If you're into multi-level marketing then might be thinking of sales volume. As I thought about the expression, "taking it to the next level," I came across everything from video games, to business articles, extreme sports, and space suits. Still I felt that God wanted us to think about the next level in terms of our spiritual growth. 2 Peter 3:18 makes it clear that spiritual growth isn't optional.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Usilujte o duchovní růst a hlubší poznání Pána Ježíše Krista.
Jemu patří všechna sláva již nyní i na věčnosti! Petr
(2.list Petrův 3:18)*

It doesn't say, "maybe you should think about spiritual growth," nor "perhaps you consider growing in the spirit." Peter writes more in the form of a strong command, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord." Today, I want to encourage you to pursue the next level in your spiritual growth.

As an example I would like to call your attention to a certain Jew in the book of Acts, named Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, who we read about in Acts 18:24-28.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,
came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough
knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in
the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and
taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the
baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their
home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged
him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving,
he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he
vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the
Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Mezitím přišel do Efezu žid z Alexandrie jménem Apollos.
Byl to výborný řečník a znalec Starého zákona.
Byl pokřtěn po způsobu Jana Křtitele,
znal leccos z Ježíšova učení a nadšeně a přiléhavě mluvil
o Ježíšovi. Tak vystoupil bez bázně i v efezské synagóze.
Tam ho uslyšeli Priscila a Akvila, pozvali ho k
sobě a důkladněji mu vysvětlili Kristovo evangelium.
Apollos se pak rozhodl jít dále do Řecka a zvěstovat
Ježíše. Efezští křesťané mu to schvalovali a dali mu pě
kný doporučující dopis. Svým výjimečným obdarováním
prokázal platné služby věřícím v Řecku. Zvláště vynikal
v debatách se židy, kterým dokazoval ze Starého zákona,
že Ježíš je Mesiáš. (Skutky apoštolské 18:24-28)*

This passage gives us a picture of Who God wants to take to the next level, How He wants to do that, and Why! Apollos is described as a man who is mighty in the Scriptures, while still be instructed in the way, and being fervent in spirit. I believe that he represents whoever wants to grow in the Spirit. That means that if you have a passion for God's Word then you are a candidate to take it to the next level spiritually. Secondly I think it is so important that Apollos learns the way more perfectly because of his relationship with Priscilla and Aquilla. God want you to be vitally involved with others to bring you into all of his wonderful plan for your life. I don't believe you get to the next level by being a spiritual hermit! Lastly, Why does God want to take us to the next level? Your sphere of infuence can have such an impact on others! If you submit to growing in Christ, and let him take you to the next level, then your life will have an awesome impact on the lives of others. Hey, Let's take this relationship with God to the next level! There is so much He want to do to bless your life. Next level, here we come!

*Scripture verses in Czech for my friend Ludvik Machala

From the Back of a Truck Picture from www.roatanisland.net

Doing business from the back of a pickup truck used to mean selling fruit or vegetables as in the picture above, but as you can see in the picture below business from the back of a pickup truck takes on a whole new meaning in this age of technology. Our old friend Michal Sokol and his boss Mr. Ludvik Machala were taking care of their business back home in Europe, from the back of Odell's pickup truck via their laptops and the internet.

Perhaps you had the opportunity to meet Michal and Ludvik at church last Sunday or at our Wednesday evening Bible study. Thursday morning I found the two of them outside, checking on business back home. Since MACHALA is a multi-million dollar business, I thought it was interesting to see them at work in this setting. Wow, business from the back of a pickup has certainly come a long way! When I look at technological advances in the last thirty years, I am amazed. You see, I am old enough to remember a time before personal computers and before video games. I can remember a time before cell phones too, although I wonder how parents managed keep track of their kids..

We live in a world that epitomizes the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 3:7.

always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

Předstíraný zájem o duchovní věci nikdy k ničemu nepovede,
protože ve skutečnosti jim jde o něco úplně jiného.
(2.list Timoteovi 3:7)*

It is even more amazing that we can know so much about outer space and micro organisms, while we know so little about inner space or our own souls. We understand so much about temporal things and so llittle about eternal things. What if we have all the toys and all the technological gadgets, and what if we have the latest in computers and communication devices, but fail to communicate with God? Mark 8:36 asks the question this way.

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Vždyť co člověku prospěje, získá-li celý svět a pravý život promarní?
(Marek 8:36) *

Hey, don't get so caught up in the progress of this world that you forget to prepare for the one to come. I want to encourage you to live today in light of eternity.

*verses in Czech provided for my friend Ludvik Machala

I Did It My Way!Picture from www.franksinatra.com

Frank Sinatra made the song, My Way, popular when he recorded it in Hollywood, December 30, 1968. However the song was much more than a great hit because it's message reflected a growing philosophy in our culture. In fact, it put the 1960's cultural mindset into words, and helped to shape ideology for the next decade. No, I don't mean that one song accomplished all of this. I am saying that the song reflected the culture's philosophy because as an art form music is an expression of our soul. The lyrics follow.

And now, the end is here
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and ev'ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way

The first stanza paints a word picture of someone facing the final moments of life with confidence. Unfortunately, the representation is that of self-confidence. There is one thing he knows, and that is that he did it his way. Even if he has regrets, it was his life. He made his own plans and did it all his way.

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way

I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way,
"Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way"

He was bold about it. He was in control! He spoke his own mind. While this philosophy sounds bold, it is also a mind set that rejects submission to God. Notice the words of the last stanza.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!

If the person declaring this bold message is really facing the final curtain of life, then his life is ending in tragedy, because he has not realized the purpose for which he was created. In fact he sounds proud of the fact that his were not the words of someone "who kneels." To come to the end of life and not kneel before the Creator is tragic indeed. The Bible records in Hebrews 9:27

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Člověk umírá jen jednou, a pak bude postaven před soud.
(Židům 9:27)*

God created us all with a purpose, and one day we will face that final judgment. We will stand before God as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive what is due him for the things
done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Tak jako tak se nakonec všichni musíme postavit před
Kristův soud, kde bude každý náš čin,
dobrý i zlý, spravedlivě ohodnocen.
(2.list Korintským 5:10)*

The good news is that we can face the end with confidence, and it doesn't have to be some misguided self-confidence, if we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. John 4:17 records it this way.

In this way, love is made complete among us so that
we will have confidence on the day of judgment,
because in this world we are like him.

Boží láska nám dává jistotu, že se nemusíme bát jeho soudu,
protože se snažíme uvádět do života jeho lásku.
(1.list Janův 4:17)*

I am praying today that you will turn your heart toward God, and ask Him to forgive you for living life "your way" instead of His way. Begin realizing the purpose for which you were created to live life at it's fullest. When you face your final curtain, I am praying that you will have confidence because you have kneeled before God and because you did it His way. Have a blessed day.

*Scripture verses in Czech for my friend Ludvik Machala

Following the Tracks My son, Graham

My son, Graham, has been working on his Space Exploration Merit in our boys ministry program, Royal Rangers. As he was doing a Google search on the topic, he came across a really interesting article. You can see the entire article at www.astrodigital.org/space/stshorse.html. The article starts by asking if you know that the distance between the rails on the railroad track are four foot eight and half inches. Where in the world did such an odd measurement come from? As we follow these tracks we make some very interesitng discoveries. According to this article it came from England because the first U.S. railroads were built by former Englishmen, and that was the measurement between the rails on the English railroad system. Well then, why did the English use this measurement? Apparently, the article claims that the English railroad used this measurement because it was the same distance used by the folks who built the tramways. They claim that folks who built the tramways used this measurement because that was the spacing used between the wagon wheels by those who built wagons. The folks who built the wagons used this measurement because of the ruts in the old roads across England that were made by Roman chariots. Finally they claim that the chariot makers used this odd measurement because they were trying to build the chariots just big enough to accomodate two horse's rear ends.

Ruts in Pompei made by Roman chariots

Now if you find all that hard to believe, here's the reason the article was found under space exploration. The SRB (solid rocket boosters) that you see on the sides of the main fuel tank on the Space shuttle when it launces are built at a factory in Utah. Since these rocket booster would be shipped by rail, they had to factor in the size of railroad tunnels, when they built them. Their article therefore concludes, "So a major design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was originally determined by the width" of a horse's rear end. (Another website to see on this tale is www.straightdope.com/columns/000218.htm, a good article by Cecil Adams)

(cartoon from www.straightdope.com/columns/000218.htm)

What amazes me most is how that decisions made so many thousand of years ago continue to impact our lives today. Who would have believed that the distance between Roman chariot wheels could have had such and impact on modern life? Today, I want you take that thought a step further. Do you realize that there are decisions you make that may not only impact generations to come but will matter for all eternity? The truth is that how you decide to live your life is impacting everyone in your sphere of influence, especially your children. What you teach them will definitely impact generations to come. Evidence of this kind of impact on future generations is found in the text of the "Ten Commandments," in Exodus 20:4-6.

"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything
in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them;
for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,
punishing the children for the sin of the fathers
to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand {generations}
of those who love me and keep my commandments.

No decision we make is more important than whether we choose to obey God and honor Him as God with our lives or to ignore His claims and live life our way instead of His. That decision is of eternal importance. Perhaps you have been putting off some important decisions. Maybe you just keep saying to yourself, "Oh, I'll deal with that later." Today, I want to encourage you to make that decision for God. Acknowledge Him as God in your life and purpose in your heart to live for Him from this day on. Impact future generations as you prepare your heart and soul for eternity.

No Greater LoveMy Valentine and I

Sunday, I shared several pictures of couples in our church, as I talked about the greatest love of all. Someone said that they noticed I didn't include a picture of my wife and I. Since today is Valentine's Day, I am including some pictures my Valentine and I. Now we certainly have changed through the years, but this May we will celebrate 29 years of marriage, and she is still my Valentine. The year that we met I gave her a Valentine card with a hound dog on the front. the message inside said, "Valentine, I'm going to hound you 'til you're mine." Later that Valentine's Day, I walked by her singing a line from the old Elvis Presley song, "I ain't nothing but a hound dog." Then on our first Valentine's Day after our wedding, I wrote her this line, "I hounded you, and now you're mine, so forever you'll be my Valentine."

Kissing the Bride

As I celebrate Valenine's Day with her this year, I am recalling how her life has reflected the greatest love of all. The greatest love is that love declared by Jesus in John 15:13.

Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.

Největší lásku k přátelům prokáže ten,
kdo za ně položí vlastní život. (Jan 15:13)*

Through the years I have witnessed day by day as she has laid down her life for others, for her husband, her children, and for ministry. Today as I celebrate Valentine's Day, I am thankful to be married to a real Proverbs 31 lady. I am proud to be her husband and her one and only Valentine.

*verses in Czech for my friend Ludvik Machala

Break the BarriersMr. Ludvik Machala at CFA

No, this isn't Jesus, the name above his head is just part of our banner at Christian Fellowship. This is my new friend, Ludvik Machala. Ludwig is a very successful business man from the Czeck Republic and is visiting here with our Michal Sokol. Even though Ludvik could understand very little English, he attended our Sunday services, and Michal translated for him.

I always find it a special challenge to comunicate across cultural barriers, and felt honored by the opportunity to share my morning message in this setting. It also reminded me of the words of the Message of the Apostle Paul first in Romans 10:12

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same
Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him

A v tom není rozdíl mezi židem a jinověrcem. Všichni mají
jednoho a téhož Pána, a ten je stejně štědrý ke všem,
kdo se k němu obracejí. (Římanům 10:12)

Paul makes a strong point that No matter what our ethnic or cultural background God is available to us and wants to bless our lives. Paul puts it this way in Galatians 3:28, as he is speaking to the church at Galatia.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,
male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Není už rozdílu mezi Židem a Řekem, otrokem a pánem,
mužem a ženou; všichni jsme si v Kristu rovni. (Galatským 3:28)

When we understand God's heart, we will understand that He sent Jesus for the sins of the entire world. As we reach out to the world we must reach beyond our own culture and let God touch others through us. Maybe your cultural hurdle isn't a language barrier. It may be no more than just the fact you were born on the other side of the tracks. Perhaps God wants you to share the gospel with a "redneck." Hey, rednecks need Jesus. too. Maybe you are a redneck, and God is trying to get you out of that box to witness about His love to some "uppity up." God just want us to understand that He loves them all. Let's break the barriers and proclaim God's love. Have a blessed day.

*verses in Czech included for my friend Ludvik Machala

Prayer Meeting

We are certainly having some great prayer meetings on Friday nights. There may not be very many of us attending, but there is such an awesome awareness of God's presence as we pray together. This is of course evidence of His promise to us in Matthew 18:20,

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

There were six of us last night, and I want to say just how much I appreciate those who are coming to pray. Besides sharing prayer concerns with one another and lifting those specific need in prayer, we are also praying for needs as God reminds us of them during aour prayer time. Sometimes this kind of Spirit-led praying brings a boldness to pray about some very serious issues, including our prayers for our community with regard to the gang problems and meth labs.

Perhaps you are not able to join us physically at the church on Friday nights, but I want to encourage you to take some time to pray anyway, anywhere you can.

As Moses and the children of Israel wandered throught the wilderness, they did not have to rely on God's promised presence. They had a visual manifestation of God's presence daily in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. We may not have that physical manifestation, but we certainly become aware of His awesome presence when we pray together.
I am looking forward to wonderful answers to our prayers, and asking God to make Himself known to you as you seek to know him more fully through prayer. Have a blessed day.

God is in Control

Carole from ealier years raising her boys

Last night we went to visit Carole. Many of you have prayed for Carole for a long time now. She has been battling MS for ten years. When you remember how full of life and energy she was before, it is difficult to see her in her current condition. Since we believe in prayer and in healing, it's hard to understand why Carole isn't healed. If wanting it was enough she would have been healed long age. It seem that the family has done everything from carry her to the best clinics, to take her to the best know healing crusades. Add to those efforts all the personal prayer, the tears, and the just plain old desperate crying, and you have a picture of how the family has wanted her healing.

I confess that I don't know why, but there are some things I know. Every time I visit Carole at the nursing home, she lifts her hand and praises the Lord. Often she will say, "God is in control." This is one thing I know. I agree with Carole that God is sovereign. The awesomeness of her faith always inspires me. I have never seen her bitter, nor complaining. She just endures with quiet, stedfast, faith. Hebrews 3:14 mentions this kind stedfast confidence,

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the
beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.

Earlier Hebrews 11 gives us a record of what is sometimes called the "Faith Hall of Fame." In this passage we see as it were a parade of Bible heroes that culminates in these words in Hebrews 11:32-35.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell
about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel
and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms,
administered justice, and gained what was promised; who
shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames,
and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was
turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and
routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead,
raised to life again.

What get my attention even more are the next comments in Hebrews 11:35-38.

Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that
they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers
and flogging, while still others were chained and put in
prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two;
they were put to death by the sword. They went about
in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and
mistreated— the world was not worthy of them.

The light always shines brightest in the darkeness. As Carole has faced this ordeal with MS for the last 10 years, she has touched so many lives with the beauty of her spirit, and her unwavering faith in her Sovereign God. We still cling to the hope that one day God will raise her up and restore her completely. We still pray, asking God for healing and deliverance. Most of all we still stand in agreement with Carole's awesome declaration, "God is in control.!"

Today is the Day!

I have lived in Georgia for twenty years without visiting a dentist except to take my kids, but this past Thursday a piece of a tooth fell out while I was eating tomato soup! My wife decieded she was going to make me a dental appointment, and she did, that very day! Now you know what I'm thinking, "Oh boy, the dentist, he's going to drill my teeth! My gums are going to bleed, and my mouth is going to hurt." Of course, most of us don't like pain. In fact, we don't even like discomfort, and I knew this wasn't going to be a comfortable experience. I dreaded it. One reason that I dreaded it so was simply because I had procrastinated going for so long. I just knew I would be in trouble with the dentist and his hygienist. However, life is full on uncomfortable things, adversity, pain, and heart ache. Going to the dentist is just a liitle snap shot of life.

There are a lot of people who live by that old adage, "Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow." My father-in-law has often said through the years, "pay me now, or pay me later." This dental trip definitely fall into those categories. Regular maintenance, paid for a little at a time, will keep you from costly payments later. That's true with your car, with taking care of equipment, taking care of your home, and taking care of your teeth! As it turns out the folks at the dental office are certainly going to see me regularly now, every Thurday morning for the next eight weeks! They want to spend the next four weeks just scraping my teet beneath the gum line! Wow, is that ever going to hurt? The they want to extract all four of my wisdom teeth, and do a root canal on that tooth that caused all this trouble in the first place! You know what I'm thinking? If only I had kept up regular visits to the dentist, even just once a year, I wouldn't be facing all of this now. "An ounce of prevention is worth way more than a pound of cure. Well, it's to late now. Here we go. Today it was basically just lot's of pictures, then next week all of the "fun" begins. Well, let's remember another old adage here, "into each life some rain must fall." It is just raining on my parade right now; that's all.

Well, I have taken a deep breath and dove into this dental project. Now, I'm committed. So many other areas of our live are like this little snapshot. Maybe, your need this morning is a long way from dental needs. Perhaps there is a relationship problem. It needed some maintenance years ago, but you just procrastinated. Now, it seems like just saying, "I'm sorry," isn't near enough. So, you put it off. The longer you put it off, the more bitterness grows. Perhaps it seems not that it is impossible to reconcile that relationship. Failure to treat my dental needs, will only make matters worse. Likewise, failure to take some positive action about your situation will only allow things to get worse.

It's time to use that victory slogan, that the tennis shoe company, Nike, has made famous,"just do it." The Bible says this in 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV),

behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Later in the New Testamet Hebrews 4:7 (KJV) records,

To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Although I know the next eight trips to the dentist won't be pleasant, I understand that they are necessary, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to halt the deterioration. Today, you may be facing an awesome opportunity, too. Don't miss it. Do it, now. Don't let deterioration continue. Listen to God; He is speaking to you. Have a blessed day!

Absolute Truth!

Josh McDowell

It wasn't too long ago that I had the privilege of attending a Josh McDowell seminar held at the Wink Theater in Dalton, Georgia. One of the things that really held my attention was a discussion about the cultural shift in this generation. I'm not talking about a generation gap. That's what people were talking about when I was a teenager over thirty years ago. This is a completely different way of thinking. Josh explained that most of us had grown up believing truth is absolute. We would say, "it is true therefore it works." However, young people in this generation would say, "If it works then it is true." On the surface these remarks seem very similar but there is a world a difference.

If we knew someone who claimed to be a Christian but did not live or act like a Christian, we would consider that person a hypocrite because we believe that truth is absolute. There is no problem with the truth. The problem is in how some respond to the truth. Young people in this generation would see it differently. If Mom or Dad claim to be Christians, but live like hypocrites, they would say, "See, Christianity doesn't work, therefore it must not be true."

This also gives rise to relativism. They might say, "well, it doesn't work for me, but if it works for you, then it's alright." In their thinking there are many truths, and they may even be contradictory. All that matters is if it work for you.

As we think about salvation, this gives rise to som serious problems. It wouldn't matter then how you live, if you just believe. It wouldn't matter then what you believe, only that you believe. Well the Bible teaches us the truth. John 8:32 (NIV) reads,

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Notice that truth is particular. It is the truth, not many truths. The Bible also teaches us that believing in a lie leads to damnation. See 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (KJV).

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,
that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned
who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Notice also what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 14:12 (NIV).

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Yesterday, the message was to choose wisely. Today, I want to encourage you to not be drawn in by the faulty reasoning of this world but stay in God's Word and know the absolute truth. Whatever people my choose to believe, truth does still matter. Let God's Truth set you free today. Have a blessed day.

Choose Wisely! Indiana Jones/The Last Crusade

In the Harrison Ford movie, "The Last Crusade," there is a scene where Indiana Jones and others have finally passed all the obstacles except for one old knight who is the keeper of the Holy Grail. In this place hewn out of rock, there is not just one chalice but many, the old knight says, "choose wisely!" Choosing poorly meant death. There is one chalice that is exquisitely beautiful, but it's looks are deceiving. There is death in that cup. There is one simple cup hewn of wood. This cup turns out to be the Holy Grail, the cup of the Carpenter.

Did you ever wonder what you might ask for if you were told you could have anything you wanted? You might say, "I wish I had a million dollars," or you might ask for your dream house or an expensive sports car. Maybe your less selfish and you would wish for health or even world peace. Did you know that God once spoke to a young man and told him to ask for whatever he wanted?

...and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

1 Kings 3:5 (NIV)

The young man's name was Solomon who has just recently beome the King of Israel following his father, David. His answer is recorded in verse 9.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern
your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.

Can you believe it? He has the opportunity of a lifetime! I mean this is better than finding Aladdin's lamp and getting three wishes! This isn't the promise of a ficticious genie, but the word of Almighty God! How amazing is it that all he can ask for is an understanding heart? Most of the young men I know would have probably taken a much different approach to this opportunity, but listen to God's response to his request in verses 10-14.

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and
not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked
for the death of your enemies but for discernment in
administering justice, I will do what you have asked.
I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there
will never have been anyone like you, nor will there
ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not
asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your
lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you
walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands
as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

Obviously, young Solomon chose wisely. With all the possibilities of his imagination open to him. He chooses wisdom, an understanding heart to help him serve the people better. The truth is that we also have all the possibilities of the future open to us today, and we must choose. How will we decide? Will you choose wisely? Will you choose a life of service to others, or will you choose poorly, thinking only of yourself? Today God has set before you blessing or cursing, life or death. Choose life! He wants you to live it abundantly! Have a blessed day!

Pastor Dan Hocker 

Celebrating Mom's 67th Birthday!A snapshot of Dad and Mom at home from a family album

Today would have been my Mother's 67th birthday, but three years ago yesterday we celebrated her home going. I guess this weekend would have been harder if hadn't been so busy, but thankfully God gave us much to do. Today is no different. My work day is full and won't allow much time for grieving over this great loss. Yes, where there is great love, there is great grief. There are still days, when it sneaks up on me. I think I am doing pretty well, and then all of the sudden, something grabs my emotions, and the tears come to my eyes again. I am missing Mom.

Mother was a great lady. She loved the Lord and dedicated her life to serving Him. As long as I can remember, she started everyday in God's Word. When I was a little boy she had already spent her time with God before she woke me to come to breakfast. She read the Bible through ever year and always taught Sunday School. She was my Sunday School Teacher when I was in high school. The words of Proverbs 31 definitely describe Mom. The words of this chapter were vividly reflected in her life.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)

The truth is that I wept again today missing her, but I have chosen to celebrate her by living life to the full for Jesus Christ. No, I don't apologize for my tears for mother. We cry when we miss our loved ones. However, grief does not debilitate us. We are living with a goal in mind, and Mother has already reached that goal.

Today, in celebration of Mom's 67th birthday I want to encourage you to get into God's Word every day. Psalm 119:105 declares,

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Mother understood the truth of this simple verse, and allowed God's Word to guide her safely home. My prayer for you is that you will also discover the guidance that is yours in God's Word today.

I believe that Mother is now a part of that great cloud of witnesses of Hebrews 12:1, looking on as we run the race set before us, encouraging us to keep the faith and never, never, never give up! Have a blessed day.

Handling Objections!

This morning I am revisiting the burning bush. As we remember the conversation between God and Moses, there are some interesting questions and comments from Moses. These remarks and God's responses remind me of something taught in sales training called "handling objections." This morning I want you to see how God handles Moses' objections.

In Exodus 3:11 we hear Moses' first objection.

But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go
to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?

Now, Moses raises an important issue. We need to know who we are. How many times have you heard folks say, "I need to find myself." The problem is that so many people just don't know who they are. They feel insignficant. Moses is saying, "Why should the King of Egypt listen to me? I'm not that important."

God responds in verse twelve.

And God said, "I will be with you. And this will
be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you:
When you have brought the people out of Egypt,
you will worship God on this mountain."

God redirects Moses' focus from who Moses is, to Who God is! It is as if the Lord were saying to Moses, "Look Moses, you won't be alone. I am with you." Who then is Moses? He is a man with God! Any man or woman with God is a significant person. God makes the difference! Here is the good news for us today. We also have value and significance today, because God is with us!

I want this first truth to soak in today, because Jesus has promised that He will be with us. His words in Matthew 28:18-20 as he gave us the "Great Commission."

Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

God's word to you this morning is this. "As I was with Moses, I will also be with you, if you will follow Me I will lead you and guide you. You will never be alone!"

If you read the rest of Moses' encounter with God, you will find other objections that Moses raises, but God handles them, every single one. Finally, there is no excuse. Today, whatever your objections, God can handle it. Talk to Him. He is waiting, and He has answers for you!

Realizing our DreamsAllisha and Alfred Campbell Laying Hold of Their Dream

Who would have believed that she bought her dress three years ago and could still wear it? Three years ago things just didn't work out the way they had hoped. Instead of having a church wedding, they had a simple civil ceremony. Unlike so many other people who only dream about doing things, Alfred and Allisha scheduled it and did it! For their third anniversary they celebrated by renewing their wedding vows at the church with family and friend their to witness the event complete with a reception following. It's wonderful to be their pastor and see their dream come true! Just look at their eyes!

This special event accomplished some great things. First it was a reinforcement of their marriage vows, to be faithful to one another "until death do us part." In a society where so many children grow up in broken homes, this was a wonderful way to give security to their children. Children need to see godly love and commitments modeled by their parents. One of our most treasured blessings is that both my parents and my wife's parents have modeled godly marriages that not only give security to their grown children but also to their grandchildren. Our society certainly needs Mom's and Dad's who will marry for life!

The other wonderful thing about Alfred and Allisha's celebration was the encouragement it gives others to pursue their dreams! This morning I would like to use these words from the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 15:7 to encourage you.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Likewise Paul wrote the church in Galatians 6:9 telling them to hang in there even though you may not realize your dream immediately. God hasn't forgotten you, and He sees your faithfulness.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

This morning pursue your godly dreams. They can be realized, just like Alfred and Allisha's, and there will be such joy and celebration for you and encouragement for others. Have a blessed day.

Knowing God from the Burning Bush
Picture from Animation video in Ilumina Gold Bible Program

After Moses had fled from Egypt because of killing an Egyptian, who was beating a Hebrew slave, he had made a new life for himself far away from the mistakes of his past. Then God spoke to Moses at the burning bush and sent him back to Egypt with a message for Pharoh. As we continue through Exodus we find that Moses' relationship with God is what made him a great leader.

Moses' relationship with God was different even than that of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob according to God's own word to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3.

God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. I appeared to
Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by
my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.

The word, "LORD," is from the Hebrew, "YHWH," which is also translated, "Jehovah." God tells Moses that none of his forefathers knew Him on this persoanl level to call Him by his name! Later, when God raises up Joshua to lead the children of Israel, we are reminded again of the special relationship God had with Moses, in Deuteronomy 34:9-10.

Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom
because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites
listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded
Moses. Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses,
whom the LORD knew face to face,

Now, that's exciting to me, because we, too, can know God on this personal level! Not only do we know the name of God the Father, but He has given us the privilege to know Him even more through His Son, Jesus Christ and through God the Holy Spirit, to walk with Him everyday!
When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God again started a fire. Remember that the bush which Moses saw was burning but not consumed. The fire from Pentecost continues to burn for all who will turn aside and answer God's call. This morning I want to encourage you to not only talk to God in prayer, but to listen to Him. God is speaking to you, and wants empower you to serve Him. May God give you a burning bush experience and allow you to know Him like Moses, face to face. Have a blessed day!