Reb Rev's Blog

We were truly and tremedously blessed yesterday by a visit from some of the children from the Odum Home. This is just one of the campuses of the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina.

We were blessed to hear the testimonies of some of the young ladies who shared through song and fellowship. Knowing that we can, in some small way, be a part of this wonderful ministry which touches the lives of so many children and families across the State is a blessing in itself.

You can find out more here at their website –

http://www.bchfamily.org/

May God continue to bless the work of the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC.

A week from this Thursday is Thanksgiving. With football, food and family obligations, it is often easy to get overwhelmed (much like CHRISTmas) and just look forward to the whole thing being over.

I’d encourage to give thought to what it is you are thankful for this year. Then, remember to Whom you are thankful. How sad to be grateful and to have no one to thank, huh?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Happy THANKSgiving!

To all my fellow Marines, let me wish you a Happy 233^rd Birthday!

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference – The Marines don’t have that problem.” – Ronald Reagan

No, it’s not a political statement. Unless God sends me a major redirection message, I’m not heading for any Board of Elections office.

But, as I mentioned in a previous post – I did start back running recently. When I was in the Marine Corps I ran a lot – even beyond what we had to – I ran “for fun.”

For those of you who have seen me, my running may come as a surprise. But I, through a variety of factors, have become more convicted that we are to take care of our bodies and strive for a healthy lifestyle. Something I haven’t done for a number of years.

Right now I’m up to 1.5 to 2 miles a day 3-4 times a week. My goal is to run a 5K race in the spring. I know I won’t win, unless I’m the only who shows up in my age division. But, I’ll be running just the same.

I’d like to challenge anyone reading this to stop and give thought to where you are physically. I’m going to do a few posts on how I got started back and – trust me – if I can get into a fitness routine you can too. Barring a significant physical impairment, everyone can do something. Even then, most can improve in some area.

But for now, I gotta run J

It seems everyone is asking everyone – “what do you think is going to happen on Election Day?”

The more I have listened to folks, and particularly Christians, the more I am concerned – whoever wins the election. I guess the best thing to come out of all this is that it has brought to light these concerns for others.

My main concern is not that Obama, with his espoused desire for socialist practices may win. My main concern is not that McCain, with less than desirable conservative commitments over the years may win.

My main concern is that Christians think that one or the other of these men is the answer to the ills of our nation. It does matter who we elect and every thinking person – and especially Christians ought to give prayerful thought to the choices and vote.

But, the main thing to remember is that God sits on His throne on high – regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.

The answer for this nation is to regain the proper view of a Sovereign God whose Providence guides the affairs of men. When our forefathers sought God’s direction through prayer, it was because they knew it was only by total dependence upon Him they could succeed in their leadership of the nation. Sadly, that seems to have gone by the wayside. We now have politicians who proclaim a private “faith” which does not influence their public life. We have been reaping the fruit of that way of thinking for years.

Whoever wins today, it is our duty as Christians to pray for that person (and all of our leaders). May our primary prayer for them be for an overwhelming sense of conviction to depend on the Sovereign Lord for guidance and direction in their personal life and the life of this great land. Amen.