Twelve...

I cant believe we are twelve days away from the wedding. It seems almost unreal. 

I am thankful for you Samantha, just a little more each day. 

Can Any Good Thing Come Out Of Roswell?

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing comeout of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

John 1:46

This past friday Samantha, Mom (Leeder) my Dad (Alex) and myself took a ride down to Roswell, New Mexico to go and pick up some wedding decorations. 

Can any good thing come out of Roswell.... was the thought that went through my head as I was told about going to Roswell to get decorations. Roswell is best known for its alleged alien crash site in 1947.

But all kidding aside this town holds dear memories and precious friends for Mom Leeder and Samantha, having spent much time there. It also provided us a wonderful time of fellowship.

We had a great time! We want to thank the Colker Family, Roswell Baptist Church and Pastor and Mrs. Whitehead and family, for allowing us to borrow their decorations and furniture for our big day. Thank you all very much for your hospitality and generosity.

 Vehicle 1 of 2!

 Samantha and Mrs. Whitehead

 Inspecting the merchandise

 Yup, I'm that strong! :-)

 "Yea or Nay?"

 Having a good time!

 "More?!?!"

 MORE?!?! 

 Flowers!

 Preparing for twins, JUST IN CASE ....actually these were vases for the flowers.

 Having fun!

The Lord sure blessed us with a great day!

And Ribs!

Expect Attacks

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:12

I find it only fitting to write about the attacks of Satan. Any time you decide you are going to step out and do something for God you can sure expect him to fight you.

He sends his attacks in a host of ways, but most often he attacks in the mind. He shoots his flaming darts of anger, hurt, insecurity, jealousy, lust, frustration, ect. into our hearts in hopes that one of those will get our eyes off the Lord and on to a problem.

Our Fight Is Not With Each Other

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]

Ephesians 6:12

Betrothal and getting to the marriage altar pure, are very high on the devils radar. Why? because he knows that all the problems in society are a result of the home.If we raise kids right then they will become productive in society, God honoring in every area of life. If the devil can get us fighting with each other, then our eyes are off God, and we are also blinded to the fact that its the devil causing these conflicts. This is true for every area of our lives, at home, at church and at work.

What was society like when TV had good wholesome shows, where families where families? Now we have a wicked society raised by wicked entertainment. Just about everything in entertainment is designed to destroy God's pattern of the home and allow wicked influences in, all under the disguise of entertainment. Parents (especially Fathers) are usually portrayed as the silly old folks who dont know anything and who are out of touch with reality. Kid's are being taught to rebell against Biblical authority. Media can be a great tool, but at the same time it can be a great danger.

If you desire to live a pure life, and you desire to step out for God in any area, then you can expect attacks. It really dosent matter what the commitment is, expect attacks, be ready for them so when they do come they will not catch you off guard. Expect them to come right away. 

In most of my experiences, the greatest attacks come, just after a great victory. After a great church service or a great time soul winning,  Many of the greatest attacks are after a great time of serving the Lord. Many a Pastor will say the greater the Sunday, the harder the Monday.

You Cant Win...
Alone!

So many people will say, "Ok so i have to be ready, I will be ready, I will make sure I am  doing the things that I need to do, so I will be ready."

You cant do it. Only Christ through you. You cant win, but Christ can, and he will, but you have to let his power flow through you.

In fact the only way to win is for you to say, "God I cant do it, you know I cant, I know I can't, but you can do it through me."

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 

In fact God takes it a step further, he says, that without Him you cant even WANT to do good, for it is Him that gives you the desire and the ability to do his good pleasure, and then it is only by His strength that we will accomplish, His will for our lives. If we try to do it in our own strength, then we will fail, and this is what is ment by the term "we fail of the grace of God"

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled

Hebrews 12:15

In other words we fail because we, fail to access God grace to overcome the trails. 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4

So yes, we need to be read for the trails that will come, we need to realize that we cant overcome, it is all of Christ, and if we will learn to trust Him to overcome trails and not ourselves, we will not fail of the Grace of God, but instead will be able to truly do all things through Christ, and he will strengthen us. 

But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:57

This will ensure you keep your sweet fellowship with your Lord, and with those you love.

Blessed Sunday!

This past Sunday I had the privilege to preach at the First Baptist Church of Costilla County, in Costilla CO. It was wonderful to have Samantha there by my side, playing the piano while I led music and then preached.

I am also thankful for Bro Dominic, coming along too.

This was the first time that I conducted the whole service, Leading music, then doing Sunday School, then leading music for the Morning service, and then preaching the morning service. What a great experience.

 Here Dominic and I are starting the propane heater. We were asked to use this to warm up the church while the Pastor's wife went out on the van and picked up people for church.

 Here I am making use of the extra time we had, while we waited for the people to arrive.

 Preparing for the Song Service. It's hard to pick songs when the extent of your song leading is on a bus route! I just made a joyful noise unto the Lord!

 Time for church!

Really grateful for Samantha for so many reasons, but today I was so grateful for her ability to play the piano!

God really blessed the day, and I am so greatful for the opportunity to serve the Lord.

Psa 122:1

[[A Song of degrees of David.]] I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.