Joseph's Thoughts, Idea's and Whatever Else

"Thy Face" Poem by Tom Smith

2010-03-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

“Thy Face, O Lord, Will I Seek”

“When thou saidest, ‘Seek ye my face,’ my heart said unto thee, , Thy Face, Lord, will I seek’.”
Psalm 27:8

We’re all in search of something
In this helter-skelter world,
Pursuing possessions, fame and fortune,
Leaving us spinning dizzily in a whirl.

One event after another
Is the order of the day;
Then, we wonder why we’re so exhausted
In the busyness and the fray.

There’s nothing we can find
In this world’s vast array of treasure
That can fill the emptiness of the heart
Or bring us lasting pleasure.

Only by seeking the Face of God
And the Life that He does offer
Are we able to enjoy His Greatest Treasure,
Which is never found in man’s own coffer.

This Treasure is Jesus, His only Son,
Who came to live on earth;
He walked and talked with men of old
Of His Kingdom and the new birth.

He lived and died and rose again
So from sin we might be free;
In Him we find all we’ve been seeking
When we bow to Him on bended knee.

Yes, it’s when we choose to seek His Face
That we find the meaning of true Life;
It’s when we surrender our lives to Him
That we gain victory in the midst of strife.

To seek Him is to find Him;
To love Him—oh Joy Divine!
So seek His Face in all you do
As you leave your cares behind.
Tom Smith

“Falling Down As Dead Men”

2010-02-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. . .” Revelation 1:17a
It only takes one glimpse. “And when I saw Him.”
We talk much about Jesus. We quote Scriptures of the Bible that deal with his promises. We even sing songs about Him and His power to change lives.

But, the question is “Do we really know Him?”

If we do we we would understand we can never be the same again.
Do you see Him there in your home as the Unseen Guest who longs to be host, listening to every conversation, looking over your shoulder at the things you read, the programs you watch on t.v. and the computer, the letters and e-mails you write, and so on?

Do you see Him there riding quietly beside you in the car as you go to work, listening to your conversations on the cell phone, and watching your reaction when the guy cuts you off in traffic or grabs the parking space you were headed toward?

Do you see Him during worship, eavesdropping on your thoughts as you sing those songs of praise and listen to the message or even Preach it yourself? Do you see Him hearing those critical words you mutter under your breath about someone else or those words of gossip about someone else?

Do you see Him in the middle of the night standing beside your bed when you wake from a dead sleep or find sleep hard to come by? Do you see Him as He slips in beside you, puts His arm around you and holds you close as tears of grief and regret flow down your face?

Do you see Him drawing near to you in that difficult time when everything’s falling apart and your long cherished dreams suddenly come crashing down on the hard rocks of reality? Do you see Him crying with you when that loved one has died and you stand at the grave not wanting to leave?

Do you see Him? If so, you know why John said “I fell at His feet as dead.”
When we really really see Him like Isaiah our reaction is “Woe is me, for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips—for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts” (Is. 6:5).

"Copied and Pasted"

2010-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT:

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.

IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.

IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.

IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.

IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET:
A JOB,
A DRIVERS LICENSE,
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,
WELFARE,
FOOD STAMPS,
CREDIT CARDS,
SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION,
FREE HEALTH CARE,
A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION.

"Just a Question"

2010-01-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

We know that the "Great Commission tells us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. In the book of Acts Peter baptizes in the "Name of Jesus."

Peter was never rebuked for baptizing in Jesus name therefore it was not wrong in the eyes of God. So why don't we? Why don't baptist baptize in the name of Jesus? Why do we lift our hand and say the words we say? Why not just say, "We baptize you in the Name of Jesus?"

“The Secret of Success”

2010-01-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

“Then he answered and spake unto me saying, This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of host.”
Zechariah 4:6

This is not the world’s way of doing things, but in the end it’s the only one that matters. Opinion polls. Marketing strategies. Ten-year plans. Perk charts. Wiring diagrams.
Those are what make for “success,” according to the shakers-and-makers in this world. In fact, these professional gurus have demonstrated great abilties in developing products that will appeal to their target group according to studies and trends.

Sadly, more and more churches (and Christians) are buying into these strategies these days.
For some reason old-fashioned preaching of the Gospel just doesn’t seem to cut it in our always on the go and short attention crowds and the “It’s all about me” generation.

Yet, such was prophesied as we near the time of Christ’s Return (II Tim. 4:3-4). Even so, we should not be deterred from the truth of Gods word. His Word is changeless. And, His Way of doing things also doesn’t change. It is the true and Holy way.

Look at God’s words to Zerubbabel (and us) once again: “Not by might or power”—not by physical strength, clever persuasion, bombs, bullets, missiles, troop strength, financial resources, etc.

“But by My Spirit”—only that which is God-initiated, God-designed, God-sanctioned and God-anointed will pass through the fires of Judgment; all else will fall to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).

That’s why it’s important for us to remember this when we’re attempting to do anything for the Lord God. Only that which has God’s stamp of approval will succeed when everything else has failed (Mt. 6:33).

So, the question is “What am I attempting for God that is impossible to accomplish without His help?” Or, “If what I’m doing suddenly ceased, would others notice or care—i.e., is it really making any eternal impact and difference at all?”

Tough questions, aren’t they? But questions that must be honestly asked if we’re to ensure our “labor has not been in vain” when we pass from this walk of life (I Cor. 9:27; 15:10, 58; Phil. 2:16; I Thess. 3:5).

Remember my friends, " For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the things done in this body wheither they be good or bad." What he we stood before him even today? How would you stand? What words would you hear? What would you have left to throw at the precious feet of Jesus???

May we spend some time today allowing the Holy Spirit to examine what we’re doing and why. Then, may we listen to what He has to say and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure we’re “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and operating in His Strength, not our own.

"Does God Still Care"

2010-01-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

Last week we were informed through extensive tests that Clayton's bladder condition has gotten worse instead of better due to the fact his nerve ending were damaged because of his birth defect. Also the test revealed his sphincter muscle does not work at all. Due to this condition the doc told us he will be in a diaper for now on. We have gone from not cathing him at all to now cathing him every three to four hours. My wife and I watch him as he gets frustrated trying to keep up with children his age. We watch him as he tries to play tag but can't because of his lack of mobility. We watch children playing baseball, football and basketball just wishing he would have the chance to shine so bright but knowing he will never get the chance.

Yes they did inform us of the possibities of this at birth, but for the past three years things seemed to be working in his favor. None of the above traits were affecting him. Now it looks as if many of the hard to accept characteristics of children born with Spina Bifida are being seen in the life of my little man.

So why? Does God really care? Is his hand of mercy and grace still extended to my son and family? Who's fault is it? Who's sin and shame caused this frustration and pain?

John 9 teaches us of a boy born blind from birth. Many didnt understand the reason or accept him in his condition, but Christ did. Many blamed this one and that one, but Christ blamed no one. Christ even lets us know the reason for his blindness. Vs.3 "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." And it was.....40, 41 "And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We SEE; therefore your sin remaineth."

You see, "I know God still cares." I know, "His grace will be sufficent in every time of need." I know, "All things will work together for good to them that love God." I just pray that God will use this in a mighty way to reveal his Light just as he did with the blind man. Do I wished Clayton did not have to go through what he will have to go through for what possibly could be the rest of his life. Yes!! Do I pray for God to take this pain away? Absolutely!! Do I get down and frustrated and wish God would not have choosen me? Who wouldn't!!! But God is God and who better to trust in all things than the one who created him just as he is. Just as I have said before Clayton may be handicapped, he may be slow and face surgeries and hardships in the present and future, but he is perfect in the eyes of God. He is just the way God needs him at the moment. Who knows someone may just trust Christ as savior by watching the life of my son. That would be awesome because in the end physical disabilities will all vanish, but spiritual sickness will last throughout all eternity.

Well I guess I'm through revealing my heart. Just help to sometime air things out. Please remember us in prayer. It's a battle through this pilgrims journey, but one day soon we will all be home. "Even so come Lord Jesus."

"He is a Great God"

2010-01-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

“Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Never has there been a simpler, more blessed invitation than this one. If we received a handwritten, special-delivery invitation today from the President we’d sit down dumbfounded, and go even if we don't care for the man.
Yet, the God of the universe has invited us to “Come unto Him,” even though He knows everything about us (Ps. 139).
Every evil thought we’ve ever had (or will have). Every sinful deed we’ve ever done (or will do). Every unloving, critical word we’ve ever spoken (or will speak).
But, He still says “Come unto Me.” The question is “Will we, like the prodigal son, arise and go” (Lk. 15:18a)?
The next question is “Who, then, is invited and what should he/she wear?” The answer is in the verse. The answer is before our very eyes. "Whosoever will may come” is implied and understood in the direct command “Come.” And, the proper attire is “Just as you are.”
Look at those words again. “All you that labor and are heavy-laden.”
It’s the picture of someone who’s been out working in the fields all day long. Their clothes are dirty and soaked in perspiration. They’re far from the desired smell of most. And, the Master knows the journey is a long one so He drives up on His wagon. . .stops with His Mercy and Grace and says to us, bent low by the burden of sin, “Come on. Hop aboard. I’ll give you Rest.” Praise the Lord!!! Did those words “And I will give you rest” sound inviting to you? In this hectic, hurry-up world we know little of this thing called “rest” anymore. From the time we get up in the morning until we collapse in exhaustion late at night we’re “go, go, go. . .hurry up and wait. . .grab a bite on the run. . .catch your breath if you can. . .and hang on for the ride.”
But, in the midst of it all, we can still have His “one-of-a-kind, indescribable Peace” (Jn. 14:27; Phil. 4:7) But there is a secret only the studier learns. So what is it? Quite simply to “take Jesus’ yoke upon us and learn of Him” (Mt. 11:29a). Why not thank Him right now?

When to Call Upon the Lord

2010-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

“When to Call Upon the Lord”

“Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.”
Psalm 50:14-15
We shouldn’t wait until this time to do so, but neither should we hesitate to do so when it comes.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble.”
Someone once cautioned the saints of God of only having “foxhole faith,” i.e., treating Him as a “God in a jam” and forgetting all about Him when things are going good. Likewise, we should also guard against never praying and just assuming He’ll always automatically “supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus” because He promised to do so (Phil. 4:19).

The Heavenly Father loves it when we “offer unto Him thanksgiving and pay our vows unto the most High.” Truly in everything we should give thanks for this is His will for us in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:18).

Yet, there are times when everything begins falling apart. It matters not if we’re regular in church, giving a tithe and offering, visiting the sick, helping the poor, etc. We enter into one of those “soggy seasons of life” (Eccl. 3:1-8) where “our tears have been our food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). Or, like Job, even though we’re spiritually mature, upright, fear God and avoid evil (Job 1:1), we still enter into a “dark night of the soul” and inwardly feel destroyed, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job. 5:7).

It’s during these difficult days of “Fiery Trials” that we must call upon the Lord and know He will deliver us. And, in the process we must also “Glorify Him” in both words and deeds as others watch our suffering and struggles—knowing “all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
When you feel like throwing up your hands, throw them up to God. God likes to see His people shut up to this—that there is no hope but in prayer. In prayer lies the Church’s power against the world.
But, the power for this comes from “unceasing prayer” (I Thess. 5:17) as we “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, submit ourselves to God by drawing near to Him and resist the devil in every way” (James 4:6-8).
None of us are immune to perplexity or finding ourselves at “Wit’s End Corner.” But, even there we know what to do: “Cry out to the Lord” (Ps. 107:28a) and know He’ll hear our cry and bring us out of our distresses as He makes the storms calm, so that the waves are still (Ps. 107:28b-29). Thank You, Lord, and thank you reader for your prayers. I need them.

L.B.Y.F

2009-08-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

This past week was an awesome experience for me as I watched God work in the lives of about 150teens of all ages. Monday evening through Friday night GodStrong a Christian band here at Calvary played and did bring Honor and Glory to Jesus Christ. During the worship service each person, as I could see, reverenced God in every way. There was no "hoopla", clapping or outragous activity in the worship services at L.B.Y.F. I watch as people young and old sang out praises to the Lord Jehovah as GodStrong played hymns and also some modern worship songs of their own. I witnessed the awesome moving of the Spirit of God as the Word of God was preached with boldness. My eyes filled with tears and my heart leaped with joy as I watched teens of all ages at the alter praying to Jesus, and Christians rededicating their lives to Christ. As the week closed we learned the six souls came to know Jesus and many more stood to publicly testify their renewed dedication to the services of God.

Each night around 9 or so the band would play for a time or praise and fellowship. It did amaze me asI saw teens and adults alike simple have a good time as brothers and sisters in Christ.
The teens would sing and do their signs or whatever you call it, to songs just as they did as little children in V.B.S and as we adults still do today if we sing, "This Little Light of Mine." We played differnt games and just had a good time.

Thank you again Walnut Hill and Eastside for letting us have a part in this past week. We are looking forward to next year!!

JP

" They Make Me Sick"

2009-07-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

It does indeed make me sick when I see people taking advantage of the unlearned concerning their illnesses and handicaps. It amazes me how someone can take the last cent of a cancer patient, the last dollar of a crippled child's parent and the seeming only hope one might have by enticing them to believe they have the "Gift" from God to heal their condition. This does make me angry and I need your prayers concerning this issue.

This is what I think about these spiritual perverts who prey on the unfortunate:
1. They are evil to the core and infested by Satan himself.
2. They are grossed with sin and need Jesus to save them.
3. If Benny Hinn is so powerful why does he still wear glasses?
4. If they had powers as they claim why are they not hanging out at Childrens and all other
hospitals?
5. They are liars and the truth is not in them.
6. They are tares who will plunked out by Christ and burned. And I do care for their soul.

Am I in the flesh because I just got back from one of the saddest places I have even been. Maybe so, but the truth is the truth. No apologies here, but I will offer up prayer for their soul.

" I Believe "

2009-07-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

* I believe some are quick to judge one another by the actions of the Churches in which they
pastor and forget they are sent there by God to lead them forward!

* I believe some often judge the entire Church by the way a few act and believe!

* I believe some are to quick to respond to blogs without thinking therefore respond
in bitterness and possible anger!

* I believe ministers should be careful as to how they respond to blogs understanding anyone
can read them.

* I Do Believe I'm here at Calvary to march forward for the cause of Christ; to be
uncompromisable; to remain conservative to all issues concerning bible principle; to be bold
and understanding concerning the King James Bible; and to love my brethren and sisters in
Christ always no matter what we might disagree on.

* I do believe prayer still works so men of God and whomever else is reading this please pray
for me as I serve the Lord, remain conservative, and lead this Church the way God would
have me to and how He wants it to be.

Bitter Sweet

2009-03-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

To all my blogging brethren:

Please keep my family and I in your prayers. Calvary in Hamburg, Ark. has called me and I did accept. It know it is Gods will that I make this step in my ministry. I will resign Wednesday night and Sunday will be my last service with them. They have been wonderful to my family and lots of memories have been made in the last 6 yrs.

Also please pray for Stockwell Church as she looks for the man that God would have to lead her. Stockwell is a wonderful group of people that love the Lord and God's man. If anyone knows of a Sound Preacher that may be interested in coming in view please let me know or call Bro. Billy Tollison at 1-318-965-2342