The God Breathed Word

2 Timothy 3:16 “The Word” preached July 27 2008 by Ron Smith

Every part of Scripture (pasa grapheh) is God-breathed (theopneustos) and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.

God-breathed –  There is a common theme throughout the Bible about the breath of God.  Because we understand God as spirit, God reveals Himself in elements like clouds, pillars of fire, burning bushes, etc.  The Biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek both use words for air and wind (ruach and pnuema respectively) to represent the spirit.  So when we read aloud the word of God our very breath participates in God’s breath and the air we use to sound out God’s scripture is sanctified by His word.  This mysterious way in which God communicates in and through us makes it clear why we should memorize, pray and meditate in God’s word as part of the abundant life Jesus promises to give us in this life and the next.

Showing us truth –  Pontius Pilot asked Jesus “what is truth?”  And Jesus was the living truth staring him in the face.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life: no one comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6).  And Jesus showed the man who was about to order His death that He was born to testify to the truth and that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to His voice (John 18:37).

Exposing our rebellion –  Our rebellion to the truth is most apparent at the trial and passion of Jesus Christ.  The truth is that we may “know the truth” but not know it well enough to do it or to find the truth in ourselves or in others.  When I pray and reflect on what to preach in church, it needs to be in my heart and in my actions as well.  It is not enough to remember what Isaiah said about the promised Messiah.  I need to remember that that same Messiah (the chosen one of God) lives in me and greater is He that lives in me than He who lives in the world.

Correcting our mistakes –  John Wesley put Scripture as superior over reasoning, experience and tradition when we are trying to know God and find out how to correct our mistakes.  When we try to solve our mistakes in life without God’s word and wisdom, then we are essentially telling God with our actions that we are going to continue in our rebellious life style and that what we do is somehow “beyond good and evil” – outside of God’s reality like this child’s computer game by that title (also a title of a book by the professed atheist Friedrich Nietzsche):

Training us to live God’s way – Plenty of examples of God’s way of living (that is Christ-like in nature) can be found in the book of Proverbs:  Try reading just one chapter for each day of the month (There are 31 chapters in Proverbs).  Happiness makes you smile (Proverbs 15:13).  A kind answer soothes angry feelings (Proverbs 15:1).  A true friend will keep a secret (Proverbs 11:13).  You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much (Proverbs 10:19).  Don’t tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today (Proverbs 10:19).  Everyone likes to brag about getting a bargain (Proverbs 20:14).  Wise friends make you wise (Proverbs 13:20).  It’s better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich (Proverbs 16:18).  Telling lies will get you in trouble (Proverbs 17:20).  Don’t give up (Proverbs 24:10).  Make your parents proud, especially your mother (Proverbs 23:25).  Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble (Proverbs 21:23).  Respect and obey the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).  Don’t tell everything you know (Proverbs 12:23).  Go looking for trouble, and you will find it (Proverbs 11:27).  Teach your children right from wrong and when they are grown they will still do right (Proverbs 22:6).  Not getting what you want can make you feel sick (Proverbs 13:12).  The hungrier you are, the harder you work (16:26).  Don’t try to get even (Proverbs 20:22).  All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).  It’s a dangerous thing to guarantee payment for someone’s debts (Proverbs 11:15).  Don’t say, “I didn’t know it!”  God can read your mind (Proverbs 24:12).  Don’t argue just to be arguing (Proverbs 3:30).  Obey the teaching of your parents (Proverbs 6:20).  Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground (Proverbs 4:26).  Don’t ever think that you are wise enough (Proverbs 3:7).  Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed (16:3).

Dear Heavenly Father, the most important thing I need to know is that you loved me and everyone in this world so much that You sent your only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  I believe in Your promise of everlasting life.  I believe in Your Word.  I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior – in His name, Amen.

080520 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Christian Attorney Craig Cornwell

Craig Cornwell practices law with the United States Department of Agriculture stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, but serving a large portion of the Southeastern U.S.

Craig’s personal testimony of his faith walk with Jesus Christ provides practical insight on how practicing Christians can and do work and live with daily and long term stresses.

080518 Trinity Sunday Worship including Matthew 28:16-21 "We Serve One God" by Pastor Ron Smith

Matthew 28 14 27 We Believe in One True God preached 5 18 2008 by Ron Smith
When John Wesley said “the world is my parish” he was reflecting a sincere trinitarian view. Because God is a loving father, He wants those who are growing into the image of His Sonto experience the full abundance of the Holy Spirit in the entire world – not just a small piece or with small numbers in our heads and hearts.
I gave many of you a short insight into the Doctrine of the Trinity at Margaret Pitts' and Margaret Lynn's home when we thought about how God's number – even if it is the number one – is always bigger than our number or numbers. Of course, I was limiting that thought to the number of people in a church congregation or the number that show up for a particular worship service. But each one of us is privileged to come in communion with a triune God who teaches how to grow into His image as triune reflections of our divine father, brother and comforter.
One of the reasons why many people don't want to dwell on this understanding of God is that the Trinity makes it so clear how strange and different God is than our wildest imagination. Mary Louise put it this way when she thinks about the Trinity: “Sometimes when I pray I tell God He can come in the door but He has to sit in the chair and keep quiet. I know it sounds stupid, but I don’t want any of the omnipresent, omnipotent stuff. That’s too scary for me. I tell God I would like to learn to be open and intimate with Him, but I don’t want Him violating me.”
This may give us some insight as to why Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist was necessary – so as to take out notions of a threatening Father God and calm our instinctive anxiety with the “beloved Son” and “peaceful Holy Spirit.” Jesus comes out of the wilderness after wrestling with temptations from the Devil. He victoriously descends into the water as our human representative and comes out of the water with the the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove and the Father's voice announcing His approval and love of the Son.
Marriage is a perfect example of how God teaches us how to perceive the uniqueness and union interplay. But even if you are not married there should be similar experiences in your life. Very good friends or a husband and wife have to recognize the difference between Self-sacrifice and Suffocation – or the difference between Self-assurance and Loneliness. Listen to the basic tension in what we recite before the wedding vows are given: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh”
(Genesis 2:24).
The divine relationship is one that accepts and gives of oneself without becoming smothered. Jesus exemplified this in parables like the Good Samaritan and lessons that ended with "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink," and, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these ... you did it to me" (Matthew 25:35, 40)
Our relationships have the same kind of scary stuff that the Trinity is made of. We span two major conditions Union and Uniqueness. We strive for union, while also wanting to maintain our own unique individual selves. How can we keep this up without fusing and losing our individual identities – or emotionally cutting ourselves off from each other without the support and pleasure of love? What is man that thou art mindful of him . . . that thou hast placed him a little lower than the angels. The angels are fused with the will of God and have no will outside merely acting as messengers and agents of God's will. Our non-fused selves have a built-in tension with complete mindless obedience, because God wants us to understand and experience more of what the Trinity experiences. We are privileged to share in God's triune dynamic.
The physical world around us gives many examples of how water assumes different characteristics depending on the environmental circumstances. Our relationships and God's Trinity exhibit different personalities and roles for playing out who we are. But the unique properties of H2O remain the same and God speaks through His creation. The heavens are telling the glories of God.
In the poem “God's Trombones” when God is about to create mankind He says, “I'm lonely. So I think I'll make me a man!” But that poet wasn't thinking out the Trinity or that God is so loving within Himself that He could not be lonely or without love for self within His perfect triune fellowship. God as creator father, loving son and holy spirit is totally self-assured. Whereas when any one of us behaves self-assured without others, then we inevitably become lonely. Like Tarzan without Jane or Robinson Crusoe without Friday we swing too far out on a limb or wander away on a deserted island in the abject poverty without our social context. The body of Christ is the most perfect reflection of the Trinity in our earthly lives because God is with us in this new creation.
Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that without Your example as a triune God we would be like lonely people on our individual islands trying to push our way across deserted oceans of time and space. You brood over the chaos of our imperfect suffocating and lonely lives in Your perfect Trinity and You remake us as Your new creation – the Body of Christ in Your triune image. Thank You for making us for each other to the same degree as You are not made, but having always been who You are – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

080516 Friday Focus - “Discover the Leader Within” by Daniel Monplaisir from TeenPact

Daniel Monplaisir has been involved in leadership and speaking from the very young age of twelve. Even before then he was involved in theatrical programs in his community and church in New York City.
Now, hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Daniel has been involved in leadership positions almost everywhere he goes. Recently, Daniel has been a Traveling Ambassador for TeenPact Leadership Schools, Chief Operations Officer for the Alabama Sports Festival and the “Let Freedom Ring!” Ceremonies, and a Cadet in the Alabama Army National Guard.
While traveling with TeenPact, Daniel had the opportunity to speak all over the country to all different age groups inspiring every person to discover their own capabilities of leadership. He spoke in several different states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Iowa, Tennessee and Nevada.
Daniel has a special talent in the Arts and has been involved with Theatre at his alma mater, Faulkner University, and has been involved with puppetry through his church and an International Dream Team.
When Daniel was eighteen, he served as President of his Toastmasters International Club, was an umpire for Dixie Youth Baseball, and was involved with Upward Basketball and Special Olympics basketball programs.
Speaking to all ages and interests, Daniel Monplaisir has inspired so many people with high energy and interactive presentations to understand leadership and to become leaders themselves. Everyone can discover the leader within!
This particular speech is an expose of Daniel’s motivational leadership style.

080411 Friday Focus with Hamid Sattari - Christian, Iranian and American

Hamid Sattari is a naturalized United States citizen who escaped Iran when the current Muslim extremists took over the rule of his homeland. His parents were killed at the close of World War II when Russian officials wanted their oil rich land. His intellectual curiosity led him to becoming first a medical doctor in Iran and then an Iranian Air Force pilot capable of flying all craft available. He rose to the rank of base commander under the Shah's regime. The Khomeini revolutionary forces planned to assassinate Hamid, but he managed to first get his American wife and children to the U.S. before persuading his fellow Iranian Air Force officers to grant him special leave out of the country. The pilot of his jet plane to Western Europe almost turned the craft around just to hand Hamid over to the assassins. But he was miraculously saved.

Even though Hamid remained Muslim while residing in Montgomery, he tried praying to Jesus because he heard that Christ was a healer and might save his dying sixteen year old daughter from eminent death. When his prayers were not answered he was at first very angry at God and in particular toward Jesus of Nazareth.

But then another miracle happened. Hamid was actually visited by Jesus Christ in his deepest depression and sorrow. Hamid declared Him Lord and Savior of his life. And today this man is a devout follower of Jesus Christ. In so doing he has lost relationship with his friends and family in Iran.

Hamid's testimony should help many people to understand the saving and redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Thank you Hamid for your wonderful Christian witness.

080406 "Walking On" by Pastor Ron Smith

Cleopas and the other disciple were walking away from Jerusalem when the resurrected Christ joined them. His death was so certain that they could not perceive Him to be the stranger who was listening and talking with them.
What do we have in common with these two and what can we expect to happen when we have renewed encounters with our risen Lord? My friend Al Perkins has helped me identify seven seasons of faith that we discover as disciples of Jesus Christ: curiosity, commitment, shock, disillusionment, hope, a deeper search and revelation. My walk with the Lord (and perhaps yours as well) continues to pass through these seasons of faith like weather patterns of my soul.

Curiosity is how they first heard Jesus when they first started to follow Him during His earthly ministry. Like the Greeks who came to meet Him in the Temple, all potential disciples say, “we would see Jesus” (John 12:20-22). Jesus is the Alpha to all meaningful relationships, which begin with curiosity and questions. When I asked Annemarie out for a cup of coffee after Christianity and Western Thought class more than 40 years ago, I was just curios. And so was she. But there was no real relationship until we committed ourselves to a real relationship.

Those disciples also made a commitment when they decided, “I’ll follow Him.” But they were supposed to be with Jesus admitting their discipleship during His trial and execution and they didn’t do that. In the same way today - it isn’t just wearing the right T-shirt with the right scripture verse on it. It isn’t about whether we show up on NFL televised games with the right signs declaring gospel messages, either. But it’s a start and some of us might never walk on beyond this stage or season of faith.

When we see a person we greatly admire fall into disrepute by the media, some of us are not surprised. But some of us who knew the person to be of good character just can’t believe it. These disciples were like the latter. They were in shock when they heard that Jesus had been arrested. The shocking truth is that He was crucified precisely because God loves us. And we did the arrest, torture and execution in our vilest sinful condition. Just as the cartoon suggests: we caught God looking at us “in that way” and we were determined to kill Him.

They were overwhelmed with disillusionment. All that they had hoped for – “that he was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:20) - everything that Jesus had meant to them as the promised Messiah was gone and they felt that there was nothing else to look forward to. The two disciples were like the two characters in the fourth cartoon. As if one sign weren’t bad enough, “The end is near”, the other carries an even worse prediction: “You wish!” Without Jesus the end to the hellish conditions of this world are nothing compared to the prospect of no end to turmoil in hell after death without Him. These wandering disciples were so disillusioned that they could not see how close their salvation was. He was with them all that time of despair.

Hope seems to come from out of nowhere when this stranger starts helping these walking disciples to remember what the prophets had foretold: Sure, the Messiah was to be the prince of peace, counselor and ruler. Yes, even more. But Isaiah also said that by His wounds we are healed and He must suffer and rise up from the dead on the third day. Our salvation relies on repenting by His name so that He may forgive the sins of all nations (Luke 24:44-45). And just as “no scripture was harmed in the preparation of this sermon”, no scripture was altered in the preparation of your personal salvation through Jesus Christ.

They invited Jesus to stay with them. They wanted to make a further search about this stranger and what He had to say. They continued to listen to Jesus (the Living Word of God) review the scriptures including the earliest prophesy of how the Messiah would crush the head of the evil serpent who had brought death to our first parents in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). The end of God’s new creation story was in the battle in which Satan wounded the Messiah on the cross, but the Messiah destroyed death by His perfect life, submissive death and victorious resurrection (Isaiah 53). This journey of the hearts and minds of these two caused them later to remark, “did our hearts not burn within us?” But they didn’t express it with such emotion when they were with Him.

Finally, at the table when Jesus broke the bread with them – this is when and how they recognized Jesus’ true identity. This is the revelation that each disciple must have so as to find out who Jesus really is in his or her own life. It is not so much in what He says, but in what He does at the table. Walking on with God is only part of our relationship with Him. The full cycle requires revelation of the risen Savior and Lord in our midst.
Dear Heavenly Father, whatever season of faith we are in right now I pray that You send Your Holy Spirit to be with each one of us. If we find ourselves just curious, then give us more than just wanting to see Jesus. If we are committed to following Jesus, help us to stay the course and always walk with Him. If we are shocked by the cruel conditions in this world, give us the faith and grace to walk on with Jesus. If we are disillusioned from not feeling or sensing Your presence, then give us hope for the living of these days in expectation of Your coming. If we have hope, but fail to give others hope by sharing Your love and grace, please forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. If we are still searching the scripture for You, please reveal Yourself to us as living among us. For it is in dying that we are born to eternal life by His blood and name: King Jesus, Amen.

080321 Good Friday Service with 7 Preachers Interpreting Christ's 7 Last Words from the Cross for 7 Minutes Each

Below is the order of worship with assigned speakers and times for this very unique ecumenical service representing church leaders from the Church of God in Christ, Episcopal, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, and United Methodist Churches.

Good Friday Service
7 Words – 7 Ministers – 7 Minutes
March 21, 2008

Words of Welcome Pastor Ron Smith
Opening Prayer Pastor Ron Smith

11:30am THE FIRST WORD Rev. Al Perkins
Luke 23:33-34 - When they came to the place called “The Skull”, they nailed Jesus to the cross there, and the two criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They do not know what they do”.

11:38am THE SECOND WORD Rev. Johnny Davis
Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals hanging there threw insults at him: “Aren’t you the messiah? Save yourself and us!” The other one, however, rebuked him, saying: “Don’t you fear God? Here we are all under the same sentence. Ours, however, is only right, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come into your kingdom!” Jesus said to him, “I tell you this: Today you will be with me in Paradise”.

11:46am THE THIRD WORD Rev. Ed Diebler
John 19:25-27 - Standing close to Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s Sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son”. Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother”. And from that time the disciple took her to live in his home.

11:54am THE FOURTH WORD Rev. Tom Bridges
Mark 15:33-34 – And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elo-i, elo-i, lama sabach-thani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

12:02pm THE FIFTH WORD Rev. Doug McCurry
John 19:28 – After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, to fulfill the Scripture said, “I thirst”.

12:10 pm THE SIXTH WORD Rev. Carmen Falcione
John 19:29-30 - A bowl was there, full of cheap wine mIxed with vinegar, so a sponge was soaked in it, put on hyssop and lifted up to his lips. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished”.

12:18pm THE SEVENTH WORD Rev. Clifford Terrell
Luke 23:46 – Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

Benediction Pastor Ron Smith

080316 Matthew 26:14, 66 "Unpredictable Love" by Pastor Ron Smith

Many writers and thinkers have suggested that we live in an age of narcissism. This concept is based on the mythological god named Narcissus, who very predictably fell in love with himself after a goddess, whom he rejected, cursed him with self-infatuation. Judas’ behavior predictably resembles Narcissus and some other betrayers in the Bible like Absalom. That earlier “son of David” was a predictably self-absorbed and manipulative individual. Absalom used his manipulative charm to win the hearts of the common people. He predictably tried to take over his father's throne. Absalom, Judas and Narcissus all exemplify our personal hubris (character glitch) that predictably kicks in when we think or behave like we know what is really best for us and those around us – instead of God Almighty.
Palm Sunday is based on Matthew 21:1-11, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the Passover feast. Many people who cheered and chanted the entry greeting “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord – Hosanna in the Highest” – many of them used this passage from Psalm 118, precisely because it was the prophetic greeting for a victorious king entering Jerusalem. But less than a week later those same people had seen no king like they had expected. They were telling themselves and God Almighty that THEY knew what was best for themselves and that THEY didn’t want this Son of God – this heavenly king of peace and righteousness.
They had a passion for a king they could manipulate with parades, compliments and political favors. But God had a passion for His chosen one to save us all from our petty spoiled selves. God’s passion won out as it was supposed to do. That’s why we call this coming week “The Passion of Christ.” As foretold in Isaiah He ‘gave His back to the smiters,’ and His ‘cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;’ He did not hide His face ‘from shame and spitting’ (50:4-9a). Yes, He “heard the whispering of many people and demons -- terror on every side!-- as they schemed together against Him, as they plotted to take His life. But He trusted in God His Father, O LORD, He said, "Thou art my God." (Psalm 31:15-16). “Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).
Tragedy and pathos led up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Judas Iscariot represents each one of us - as a fickle self-centered follower who cheers God on with pretended devotion on Palm Sunday and betrays, mocks and derides Him a few days later. Bipolar treacherous hearts beat against the steady forgiving love of God through Jesus Christ on the cross.
I have turned against God and betrayed the love of Jesus, while expecting only the worst from God in return. Then when God didn’t punish me I have occasionally chosen to continue to punish myself in spite of God’s forgiveness and grace. I won’t go so far as to try suicide, but I have thrown money or something else back at the people or things that were involved with my wrongdoing, so as to make myself feel better, like Judas giving back the 30 pieces of silver in disgust or out of remorse.
When I resign myself like Judas – to try to undo the wrong by myself - repenting under my own strength and becoming hopeless, then I will inevitably – predictably - fail. When I shoot at the sinful targets of unbelief and self-centeredness – God’s prevenient grace and love has blown and steered circumstances around my misguided arrows to His unpredictable will – in spite of my worst intentions.
Here is the great hope for those who draw near to God: if Judas’ betrayal became part of the best way to bless all creation, then how much greater will God bless us all when we individually follow God’s will and truly accept God's grace. When I am less self-reliant or self-absorbed, then I begin to reestablish a right relationship with God.
The blood of Jesus can cleanse us of even the most awful sin. Jesus is always willing to forgive us and to receive us in love – just like He did on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
We can choose to be unpredictable like Jesus and forgive those who have wronged us. Then God will in unpredictable fashion make us whole again.
Dear Heavenly Father, You enable us to embrace the joy and happiness that comes from forgiving and being forgiven. Your throne of mercy and grace is unequaled and far more glorious than any earthly ruler – including those we sinfully obey in our own hearts and minds when we sin against You. Forgive us Lord and teach us to forgive. Empower us to pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus Christ – in His name we pray, Amen.

080302 John 9 "God Sightedness" by Pastor Ron Smith

Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). When I’m making hospital visits for our members or constituents with the public safety departments I can’t always dress up like I do on Sunday’s. That’s probably why some people ask for my ID or business card so that they can see that I am a pastor. When any of us act in Christ-like ways of loving kindness and forgiveness, then that is how Jesus says we glorify God and prove our real identity as Christians.
I hope some of you read my Steeple article for this Sunday and reflected on the similarities of this Gospel story and 1 Samuel 16:1-13 where David was selected to be king of Israel. God instructed Samuel: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature . . . for the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
There were probably other blind people who made contact with Jesus, but this man was used “to glorify God” as Jesus explained. The Greek word for glorify is also used to make a “judgment about someone’s personal worth.” This means that those who truly see God’s presence in the life of Jesus Christ will make the right judgment about Jesus beyond the healing and miracles that He performs.
Samuel glorified God by following divine direction to choose the least likely David. The supremely chosen Messiah chose the least likely blind man from birth to glorify God and show how much He loves each one of us.
David didn’t look much like a king and Jesus didn't look much like a Savior to some people. When Jesus came to his hometown of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, the people asked one another, "Isn't this Joseph's son" (Luke 4:22)? Even though many people saw His miracles and healing and heard His teaching, Jesus’ own hometown folk thought that He just looked like the carpenter's kid.
The once blind man proved that he was a true follower of Jesus, especially while the Pharisees were questioning him. His light was shining before others as one who was thankful and truthful about what had happened to him.
My friend, Arnold Smith, has experienced a very different kind of blindness in his life. He is now an associate pastor in Selma, but he used to be a professional basketball player. His success in sports, in business and with different women had blinded him to the truth of his miserable life. In 1998 he robbed a bank with three other men, because he was blind to how he was manipulated by others who said it couldn’t be done.
5 minutes of temporary egotistical blindness resulted in 5 years of prison and being away from people who loved and cared for him. While in prison, he obeyed Jesus like the blind man was healed of his moral and spiritual blindness through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It was like Jesus had spit on the muddy life style he had been living and he only had to obey and wash his eyes in a prison cell.
Recently, Arnold discovered that his 14 year old daughter, whom he had raised since birth is not really his biological child. And a few weeks later a woman from his professional sports era disclosed he had fathered another daughter, whom another man had supported for 12 years. The healing miracle is that he is now able to support both girls and consider them both his own, while maintaining a steady marriage to his current wife (Mea), a beautiful baby boy (Aaron), and a full time ministry. The Pastor of the church in which he is an Associate was the manager of the bank he robbed.
Arnold says, ‘No one can tell me that Love doesn’t work! I am not only a living witness but proof ! God is Love! Love never fails!”
Dear Heavenly Father, just as You gave sight to Arnold and the blind man in our gospel story, please remove whatever blindness we have in our life. Lord God, You promised that when we desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part You shall make each one of to know wisdom (Psalm 51:6). Help us to see clearly before we stumble for a life-time or even blindly walk away from Your eternal heavenly light. Save us LORD – for Your love never fails, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

080118 Friday Focus - Dale Osterman YMCA

Dale Osterman's career has been devoted to managing YMCA programs. He now manages the downtown Y and oversees the greater Montgomery YMCA with it's board of directors. Dexter Avenue United Methodist Church has maintained a long standing relationship with the Y and currently send our underprivileged inner city youth to summer, Christmans holiday and Spring break YMCA camps.

Dale is a lay leader in the Prattville United Methodist Church and a member of the Walk to Emmaus community of Central Alabama. In this message we hear his personal testimony of ministry in the Y and his passion for helping others find Christian fellowship and personal development through this organization.

080104 Friday Focus - Wynona Crosskey, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations

Wynona has a wonderful personal witness of her relationship with Jesus Christ. She is also a member of our 301 Ballroom Dancing Club that meets every Friday evening in our fellowship hall. Her career is with the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations specializing in Unemployment Compensation.

071209 Matthew 3:1-12 "Fruit That Befits Repentance" by Pastor Ron Smith

John the Baptist’s life was completely absorbed in getting himself and others ready for Jesus Christ. His whole life was an Advent Season. Our personal relationship with Jesus as Lord of our life means that we can get ready for Jesus like John the Baptizer in three ways: 1) You can prepare your heart by retreating often in prayer and Bible study – alone (like John in the desert) and with other sincere disciples (like John’s disciples and later the disciples of Jesus). 2) You can go where the people are – like John did at the Jordan River. And 3) you can proclaim fearlessly the Word of God – even in the presence of powerful people like the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
1) We also have a simple message of hope in our spiritually dark and barren surroundings. It’s hard to repent and “change your life for God’s kingdom” when you’re too busy trying to belong to the right social group or say and think the right kind of things to please people and not God. You and I can claim Isaiah’s prophecy, too. Do you feel like your voice is calling in words and deeds to point each person to God’s ways, but it seems to fall on deaf ears and hardened hearts like it would in an empty desert? God’s word will not return void, for you tell of the King of Righteousness and Glory! The King-of-Kings’ road will be leveled out – made smooth and straight (Isaiah 40:3) – in spite of the deaf ears and hardened hearts.
2) People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him, the preacher, in action. He drew large crowds because he was unusual. He lived oddly, dressed oddly, and ate oddly. Untainted by the materialism of the culture or the legalism of the Pharisees, he could hear God clearly and make that truth known to others. As we untangle ourselves from materialism and religiosity, we too will hear God and become ready to be restored.
3) John speaks fearlessly to me at this time in my life and not just to a group of insincere Pharisees and Sadducees. I am snake-like when I do church things just to be popular – or just to react to what others are doing – or try to gain the confidence of others without gaining God’s approval. Snake-skin is water proof. Just as water does not change or affect snake skin, God’s cleansing and washing of sins will not work against a stubborn and unrepentant heart. Neither water nor God’s forgiving grace will make any difference to a life that is not ready for change.
When I feel someone is wrong or I feel how badly I'm treated, not much change will happen. God’s plan for restoration requires a complete change of MY mind, so that I'm willing to look at myself and admit my wrongdoing and my need of help.
When I accuse or even castigate others, the Holy Spirit will respond to my sincere confession and request for forgiveness. The fruit of this repentance is to ask forgiveness from those whom I have wronged (when I am made aware of it) and then to allow the Spirit to wash away the dirt and silt of my selfishness and stubbornness. Even if the others whom I have wronged are no longer available - the prophet Joel invites us to become cleansed by fasting, weeping, and mourning -- by genuine repentance.
I can’t just shed crocodile tears like a snake at the Jordan with John. I must ask for forgiveness from a contrite heart. God’s new life awaits: Instead of anger I get peace. My selfishness turns to helpfulness. My stunted spiritual growth becomes the joy of growing in thankfulness. Change is the fruit of true repentance.
Every moment of your life can be a baptizing experience in the river of life, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. But the “fruit that befits repentance” has to start showing up. And God promises to send His Holy Spirit, like John promised Jesus’ arrival: When you repent - the main character in your life’s drama comes in and you’re not just a stagehand looking for the next prop or the next pathetic trophy of this world that will only tarnish and disappoint.
Jesus has promised to ignite the kingdom life within you, like lighting a fire within you. It is the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house - make a clean sweep of your life. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false He’ll put out with the trash to be burned.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help every one of us to be like John the Baptizer and act as a road sign that points people beyond ourselves to You in Jesus Christ. Help us not to point to ourselves, calling attention to our knowledge of the Bible or our holiness. Rather, in our message and in our conduct, may we be signs that point beyond ourselves to God, in the blessed name that we wait for and anticipate in our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

071120 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Chip Nix, Attorney

Chip Nix is one of the founders of his law firm, when he began practice in 1973. His many years of experience have all been in the defense of civil cases and dispute resolution involving civil matters. He was elected and served as a Bar Commissioner for the Alabama State Bar from 1989 to 1991. Chip was the 1990 President of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, which is an organization of over 1,200 Alabama attorneys who work primarily in the defense of civil cases. He is board certified in Civil Trial Practice by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and has taught numerous courses about trial strategy and technique.

071016 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Judge Lynn Bright

The Honorable Judge Lynn Bright retired from 25 years on the bench at the District Court for Montgomery County, Alabama a few days after this recording. Judge Bright is married to the Mayor of Montgomery, Bobby Bright. They have three children, Neal, Lisa and Katie. Judge Bright plans to be a full time First Lady to the City of Montgomery and lead this community with dedication and perseverance. Their faith in Jesus Christ is very apparent through humble and practical public service at home, church and community.

Her message of hope and encouragement gives us a sense of meaning and purpose in our own gifts of the spirit. May you bare fruit for the Lord in your personal lives and witness like Judge Bright. Each persona has a special calling to fulfill the promise that God has made by bringing you into this world. Jesus Christ calls us all to a personal relationship with Him as the greatest gift. Won't you accept this gift and share it with others as well.

071012 Friday Focus - Eva Newman, First White House of the Confederacy

Eva Newman is the director at the First White House of the Confederacy and other tourist information in Montgomery, Alabama.

In this podcast Eva tells of her love for America. As a young girly Eva immigrated in the early 1950's with her family to the United States on a banana that landed in New Orleans (the other port of entry for immigrants). They had just gone through over four years of terrible persecution and imprisonment because her father refused to cooperate with the communist officials in turning over his business in Czechoslovakia. Eva also tells of losing her husband to the Vietnam war and raising four sons alone.

071009 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Carter Papke, Assistant District Attorney

Carter Papke and his wife live in Millbrooke, Alabama north of Montgomery. But they teach Sunday School at Frazer Memorial UMC on the east side of town. Carter graduated from Jones Law School at Faulkner University and has worked in the District Attorney's office for more than 20 years. His educational and speaking gifts are apparent during this podcast.

The following is the text from the PowerPoint presentation viewed during Carter Papke’s podcasted presentation:
Montgomery County Pre-Trial Diversion Program
Ellen Brooks, District Attorney, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit

What is Pre-Trial Diversion? In 1978, the Alabama Legislature passed Act 706 providing for the establishment of a Pre-Trial Diversion program for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. The program is operated through the District Attorney
In 1978, the Alabama Legislature passed Act 706 providing for the establishment of a Pre-Trial Diversion program for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
The program is operated through the District Attorney’s Office and the purpose is to divert certain first time nonviolent offenders from the traditional court system into a highly individualized and supervised restorative program.

Considerations include:
Undue hardship caused to the accused or the victim
Excessive costs of prosecution in relation to the offense
Possible deterrent value of prosecution
Aid to other prosecution goals

How does it work?
Steps for Acceptance
Signed Order from Judge and enter Guilty Plea
Application Received by PTD
Application Screened by PTD
Victim and Arresting Agency Approval
Applicant Interviewed and Tested
Citizen
Signed Order from Judge and enter Guilty Plea
Application Received by PTD
Application Screened by PTD
Victim and Arresting Agency Approval
Applicant Interviewed and Tested
Citizen’s Advisory Commission Approval
District Attorney Approval
Requirements if Accepted
Be Responsible, Law-Abiding Citizen
Be Employed
Further Education
Perform Community Service
Pay Restitution
Attend chemical addiction, financial, individual and group counseling as directed
Inform Spouse, Parents, and Employer
Meet Financial and Child Support obligations
Do Not Use Any Controlled Substance Unless Prescribed

Benefits to the defendant with the opportunity to:
avoid the stigma of a criminal record
make contributions to the community through volunteer services
continue educational goals
become financially stable through steady employment
accept responsibility for past and present behaviors

Benefits to the public:
128 fewer trials
23 out of 58 appeals approved
$147,094.07 restitution directly to victims
17,035 community service hours to non-profits
1.8% recidivism

Questions?
Whether there is a reason to believe that the offender or the victim will benefit from and cooperate with a diversion program
What the impact of charges would be upon the victim, witnesses, the offender and their families?
The economic advantages of restitution to the victim.
The expressed wish of the victim not to prosecute or to prosecute
Age of the case and of the offender
The seriousness of the crime and the effect upon the public sense of security and justice if the offender were to be treated without a conviction.

Whether the offender or the victim has medical, psychiatric, family or vocational difficulties?
Arrest
Indict & Arraign
Apply for PTD
Accepted for PTD
Completes PTD
No Conviction
Trial or Plea
Sentencing
Conviction
Violation

Balance

SummaryInformation
How does it work?
Steps for Acceptance
Requirements if Accepted
Benefits
Questions?

071002 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Ken Selvaggi, WSFA Vice-President

Ken Selvaggi is Vice President and General Manager of WSFA 12 News.

Prior to joining WSFA, Ken was President and General Manager of KSNT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Topeka, KS; Director of News and Marketing for WSAZ-TV in Huntington/Charleston, West Virginia; a news special projects producer at WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY and KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and a news director at WOWK-TV and WDTV in West Virginia.

Ken currently serves on the Board of Directors of the River Region United Way, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts and the Baptist Health Care Foundation.

Ken and his wife Anne have two daughters, Grace and Mary. He is a native of Levittown, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Duquesne University.

In this podcast Ken reviews many of the recent community advancements in Montgomery and the role of the public media (especially television) in the betterment and moral guidance of America.

070918 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Sam Palomaria, Walk to Emmaus

Sam is a wonderful Christian leader and speaker. He and his wife are active lay leaders at Prattville First United Methodist and in the Central Alabama Walk to Emmaus community. Sam is the executive director of the Father Purcell's Hospital for Disabled Children in Montgomery.

Sam and his father attend many of our Dexter events and occasionally speak for our Prayer Breakfast or Friday Focus luncheons. In this message Sam uses his vivid imagination and appreciation for post-modern comic book heros like Spiderman to help us better understand the way our choices to do good or evil are closely tide to the way we perceive heroic characters. Christ Jesus is the only hero who gives us the power through the Holy Spirit to conquer our most evil foes (inside and outside).

070914 Friday Focus - Mary Anne Neeley

Mary Ann Neeley is a historian, preservationist, author, and former educator. She earned a degree in history at Huntingdon College and was a teacher before becoming director of the Landmarks Foundation. She has written and edited several books on local history, including those entitled Montgomery & the River Region Sketchbook and Montgomery.

Mary Ann Neeley is Montgomery’s leading local historian and the former director of the Landmarks Foundation. A native Alabamian, she received her B.A. in English and History from Huntingdon College in 1954 and an M.A. in History from Auburn University in 1973. Neeley taught in the Montgomery public school district from 1966 to 1978 and as an adjunct professor at Auburn University at Montgomery, Huntingdon College, and Faulkner University. Deeply interested in Alabama’s colonial past and settlement, she joined the staff at Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery as a historical researcher in 1978 and served as Executive Director from 1979 until her retirement in 2003. She has written and edited numerous books and articles documenting the history and culture of central Alabama, including The Way It Was (co-authored with Beth Muskat), Capital City Corners, Old Alabama Town, and the narrative for The River Region Sketchbook. Her talk is based on her latest book, The Writings of M. P. Blue: Montgomery’s First Historian.

070911 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Troy King

Alabama Attorney General Troy King has been serving the people of Alabama since 1995. He held top level positions in the administrations of Governor Fob James and Governor Bob Riley, and he was an Assistant Attorney General for four years. He has served as Alabama’s Attorney General since March of 2004, and he was elected to a four year term in November of 2006.

Troy King is the Attorney General of the State of Alabama. He and Mrs. King are the proud parents of 3 young children. They are members at First Baptist Church in Montgomery, where General King teaches 3-year-olds' Sunday School.

This message reveals Troy's deep and sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the positive effects of public servants who are well grounded in their faith.