Thank you, Pastor Wesley for continually
         pointing me toward God's Word.

No matter how many steps we've taken away from the Lord, we're only One Click Away from Home

More secrets in La Mancha Code:

Jennifer and I just figured it out. Get this--Seven days from now (on May 31th), it will be exactly 6 days from 06/06/06...the Gubernatorial Primary Elections will be held on that very day (13 days from today).

I know...I know...it makes you consider whether you ought to vote in that election...

If that isn't enough...consider this...

Page vi (Roman numeral for 6) of our own 1991(upside double-six) Baptist Hymnal begins the opening paragraph of the introduction to this collection of 666 songs with a quote by Benjamin Keach from the 1691 edition of his hymnbook:

'Tis a hard case that any Christian should object against that duty which Christ and his Apostles, and the Saints in all ages in their publick assemblies were found in the practice of it; but 'tis no easie thing to break people of a mistaken notion, and an old prejudice taken up against a precious truth of Christ.

The Lord will, I hope satisfy all his People about this heavenly ordinance in due time, and they shall not call it a Carnal nor a Formal thing anymore,...

I must tell them: if Common prayer lay under Sacred Institution in the New Testament, as singing of Psalms and Hymns doth, I should as freely embrace that."

I know...I know... it makes you consider whether you ought to sing at church...

Check out the words to Hymn Number 666:

Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord.
  Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord.

Holy is the Father,
  Holy is the Son,
     Holy is the Spirit; Blessed Three in One.

What meaneth all this? Well, if you didn't listen yesterday, you'd better click below and listen today:

Here's Pastor Tim Stevenson's Opening Message
 CLICK HERE for Audio: The Da Vinci Code

Final Clue for today: Between the time you finish and the moment you arrive at our Sunday 'publick' gathering, look for an ancient windmill...

or simply contact me for my exclusive DVD Sermon Series (with reproducible notes):
  
                      La Mancha Code: Deciphered

Tuesday, May 23, 2006
 

Monday, May 22, 2006

"You google people?!" she asked with that incredulous tone so familiar to her Daddy's ears.

"Well, yeah...adults do that, honey."

I had just asked Mary if she remembered how I had warned her about how a kid had gotten killed--all because a text-message announcing a birthday party had gone out to everyone on someone's cell phone contact list. It was months ago...

"Yeah, I was googling Pastor Ken Hendon to see if there was anything on the Internet about him. The news account said that the 16 year old boy had been a member of his church." 
             (click here) to read the article

"Did you talk to him about it?"

"No, I googled him after church last night."

Golly, now that I read the story again, I see that the shooting took place in Elk Grove (not Stockton) so maybe it was a different Rev. Kenneth Hendon who spoke at the boy's funeral. Well, I'll find out tomorrow because 'our' Pastor Hendon is gonna call me to get together.

He has been preaching at our church every second Sunday evening for a couple months. Pastor Hendon is the first pastor in our association of regional churches to accept my invitation to go to Liberia to assist Pastor Wesley. As an older pastor, I'm being used to spur this humble young man to prepare for the future. He is a great preacher with good doctrine. I have been telling others that he preaches in the traditional African-American style. However, last night he made sure to distance himself from that description. He said,

"I'm not traditional...I'm not an entertainer."

So, I listened to his heart as he was getting warmed up to preach away at the tip of an iceberg found in II Timothy 3:1-5:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

So, I figure that the young preacher has seen some stuff in his church background that has made him want to clarify for us that his preaching style isn't about 'tradition.' He wanted to affirm the role of the Holy Spirit in his outward platform presentation of the Gospel.

Nevertheless, I find the guy quite 'entertaining.'  He'd better be...he preaches until he's done. Last night he started after the Youth Choir sang (6:30) and finished around 7:45. Robin McCall says that she likes to let preachers preach until they're done!

Yeah, well, Jerry said that the Da Vinci Code was a really long movie...

Laverne Avila, of all people, asked me to preach on the Da Vinci Code. She doesn't use the Internet so she didn't know that I had already made some public comment about that current event. However, it came up in the Youth Sunday School yesterday. Jerry was sharing that his boss (at Togo's) was kinda preaching the Da Vinci Code.

Jerry refuted his boss's assertion with a quote Dad had made about church history. Then, in Sunday School, he asked the Teacher (Dad with a tie) for some specific facts with which to empower him to speak intelligently to his boss.

There you go folks...those specific Sunday morning promptings weigh heavier with me than Outreach.com (or whoever else is marketing their purchaseable programmed Da Vinci church-stuff).

See the good folks down at Horizon Community Church for their current Sermon Series. They're right on Highway 99 in that former Bingo Hall--just across the Jordan River. Me and Caleb crossed that river for a look way back when--it seems like it was a generation ago...but then again, I'm thankful for what Eli Tavarez refers to as a little watering hole in the midst of the desert.

You know what else I've gotta deal with? Eva's blog from a couple days ago. So, she rented Brokeback Mountain and liked it?

No, I haven't seen it. I really don't even want to. Where's the Brokeback Mountain DVD Sermon Series? When the Gay Activists finally start to google pastorob, then I'm likely gonna be labeled as 'anti-gay' by somebody. (Remember, I'm not the only guy who goes by the name pastorob...)

I'm not 'anti-gay'. I'm not homophobic either. In fact, I'd like to be able to say that I belong to a 'gay-friendly' church...but that would probably just cause trouble. You see, like Pastor Hendon said last night, I'm not 'anti-gay'...I'm 'anti-SIN'...

Yesterday, we had a sinner-sensitive service. That's right.

I wouldn't mind if next Sunday, our Public Service was full of people who lie, cheat, steal, commit fornication, slander, gossip, etc. As long as there was some 'real' Christians at the altar ready to love them into the Kingdom of God.

Real Christianity gets messy because all we have to work with are people (...and every single person is a sinner--according to the Bible). In fact, even those who try for integrity still must acknowledge that the Bible speaks of our mixed motives. Bill Engel labeled it: Grade A Flesh.

Cathy was called in to teach Kindergarten all week at the Public School down the street from where we live. So, I took over her assertive morning household role and made sure that our high schoolers would be there in time for first hour to begin. How long, Lord? Just a few more years...Daniel is in 11th grade and Mary is in 9th.

Yesterday, Joe (20) played piano for both services. Jerry came forward and knelt at the altar during the second service. He is seeking direction for his life at age (18).

We now have Glenn Parker back as our Bass Player. I asked Rodger Parker's buddy, Joe Andratti, to come to Band Practice this week. Although he is a new visitor, I felt impressed as a shepherd to assign him to a task: Lord willing, he will play acoustic guitar with the A Street Band this coming Sunday.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

We had a great time in the House of the Lord today. Both morning services were active in people praying for each other. I was very happy to see visitors in both services. Some were people we had recently invited on Friday morning Visitation. Others were newcomers to Galt. God really blessed me with these signs of the harvest.

Jim and I went to Sacramento to practice with Jebby's Troupe for Brothers. Then we got back in time for service with Pastor Ken Hendon. So thrilled that Joe, Brian, Rocky, Bill, and Jean all decided to come back for the Evening Service. Afterwards, Mike, Robin, Lynn, Cathy and I went to Hunan House to talk over the day's events. I'm feeling blessed.
 

Saturday, May 20, 2006

From Philippians chapter 4:
 

Friday, May 19, 2006
 

Ohh...here's a letter I wrote to Rodney Edwards. Maybe you'll benefit from reading his letter to a group of interested individuals:

Friends,

I was thinking today about the work that God has called us to do in Liberia and a quote by Oswald Sanders came to mind.  It reminded me of the criticality of moving forward once God shows us His will in an area.  For whatever reason, we choose to delay many times under the guise of planning, preparation and even prayer (all of these are Godly activities rightly done).  Yet when we continue to allow people to die without proper access to His gospel then we are no different than the son who was asked by his father to work that day.  “I will go”, he replied.  But he didn’t. 

The average lifespan in Liberia is under 50 years.  Recent news reports show that Liberia has the highest infant mortality rate IN THE WORLD.  Our vision is to Reach the Nation of Liberia for Christ.  Yet we must be misunderstanding what a nation is.  It’s not a particular piece of land on a continent somewhere, it’s the PEOPLE that inhabit that particular piece of land.  God has called us to reach them for His Son’s sake.  Yet every day a portion of that nation dies never to be reached. 

I’m concerned that I’m missing God’s timing as I seek to obey him, that I’m saying enthusiastically “I’ll go” yet delaying in disobedience.  Join me in praying that God will move each of us to see the important of His timing as we seek to obey His calling.

“It is to be kept in mind that the generations of men do not wait for the convenience of the church in respect to their evangelization. Men are born and die whether or not Christians are ready to give them the Gospel. And hence, if the church of any generation does not evangelize the heathen of that generation, those heathen will never be evangelized at all. It is always true in the work of evangelization that the present can never anticipate the future, and that the future can never replace the past. What is to be done in soul saving must be done by that generation.” (J. Oswald Sanders)

I’ll leave you with a quote from Carl Henry,

“The Gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”

Rodney Edwards
Service To Servants in Liberia
www.servicetoservants.com

Liberian Ministries
www.liberianministries.com
 

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Some of our nation's larger churches are advertising that they will be speaking about the upcoming film: The Da Vinci Code. I recently admitted that I didn't think I'd get on this particular bandwagon.

You may know that I've always enjoyed hearing Ron Howard speak about his filmmaking projects. I would probably want to see the film because Ron directed it. However, I seriously doubt that many of the adults I know will go see the film themselves. Still, I should be prepared to informally discuss the issues involved because I continually meet unchurched people who do frequent movies. Indiana Jones gave many people their first glimpse of the Ark of the Covenant and the outside of Masada.

I have grown more interested in the current TV buzz about the da Vinci Code, yet still don't sense the need to program a public outreach event from it.

So, instead of buying the banner, booklets, and DVD study guides, I'll offer you a free look at this link. Here is a primary source from the author: Dan Brown.

And of course, there's Paul's admonition to Timothy (and me) about pop-mysteries:

Monday, May 15, 2006

Joe got back from southern California last night. He reported that although the concert at Camp Pendleton only had 26 in attendance, half of those marines prayed to receive Christ as their Savior.

I had stopped in to pray with Ronny Shindy before he led a small group of teenagers in a lesson about the Trinity. Although I didn't ask Daniel about the evening's teaching, he told me that it was a good Youth meeting.

Mike Harlan preached an inspiring message to the fourteen adults gathered to hear him.
He began with Peter on the waters of Matthew 14, visited Romans 8, Jeremiah 31, and Isaiah 43:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, you shall not be drowned:
when thou walk through the fire, you shall not be burned... 

All of his scriptural citations and personal stories encouraged his listeners to not be afraid--but to keep putting one foot in front of the other, while keeping our eyes on Jesus.

On the way home, I stopped by Maddog Video and picked up a copy of The Family Stone thinking from a trailer that it would be an entertaining film. The clerk, a local preacher's granddaughter, told me that the movie had made her cry.

"But it says 'hilariously funny'," I replied.

"Well, it has some laughs...
  but it is family stuff...
  and that always makes me cry."

Knowing that Cathy always cries during touching family scenes, I didn't mention my foreknowledge. One matter of family stuff which was served up was that of a 'gay' couple. One of the gay characters was also deaf and his partner was black. Seated around a Christmas homecoming meal, they discussed the hope of adopting a baby boy. Sarah Jessica Parker played the role of one who was obviously flawed in her assumption that there was something abnormal about raising a child in that environment.

Joe and I listened to the Director's Commentary for that one scene. Thomas Bezucha said that this scene allowed for a small political moment. Watch it yourself. The entire film attempts to normalize gay marriage. My son, Jerry, caricatures his Dad's annoyance over this aspect of current script-writing. This generation has been shaped to just 'get over it.' On Mother's Day, our church's family stuff consider her own small moments:






















Seriously Silly: Bobby G, Iona Ruth, and me: click here

Friday, May 12, 2006

Last night at music practice, we decided that we're going to feature an all-man worship team with special songs for Mother's Day (this Sunday). Jim Parkinson is going to sing alongside me.

Well, tomorrow Jim and I are going to have an afternoon rehearsal for Jebby's upcoming production of Brothers. Jim is playing the role of Henry Daggs (a flim-flam man who sells his wares to both sides). You may recall that I'm playing the role of a Southern preacher traveling with the troops. One of my solos will take place at Petersburg:

Now we starve like rats in trenches,
     those of us who are not dead,

On hellish ground, we stood fast,
     while the creeks were flowing red…

There are only just a few of us,
     But we’ll march where we are led…

Four long years of rancid rations,
Four long years of lice and fleas,
Four long years of dysentery,
Four long years of vile disease,

Four long years of amputations,
Four long years of forty rounds,
Four long years of rolling bandages,
(Rachel): Four long years behind a plow,

Four long years of marching barefoot,
Four long years we were underfed,
Four long years nursing the wounded
                  Reading lists of local dead

And it looks
            like the war is finally winding down…


In preparation for my role, I looked over my archives to see about my ancestors' role in this particular scene from Jebby's play.

My g-g-grandfather (John Cleveland) was a Union Soldier but I don't know much else about him yet. From what I can figure his little brother, George Cleveland (pictured here)may have lied about his age when he enlisted in the 27th Infantry in Company G on December 21, 1863 at Vevay. I wonder when Uncle George's hand was amputated?

The records show that George and John both enlisted when they were 18 at different sites.

However, John was three years older than George. George was in the 27th Infantry for three years. He was mustered on January 7, 1864 and discharged on May 30, 1865.

From June 17-18, 1864, The Siege of Petersburg began and continued... The Michigan 27th Infantry was there at the beginning and for the final battle: the Capture of Petersburg on April 3, 1865.

Last year, I researched the battles of the 27th Infantry: click here for Strawberry Fields, Sadness, Sickness, and Sin in Your Family Tree. 

Our son, Joe, is leaving for Camp Pendleton tonight. No, he is not joining the Marines--he is performing with the New America Singers at Chapel Services tomorrow. Do you see any connection?

Today at Rotary, Mary Sanders spoke about Stress Management. One of our members added that a few years ago he had gotten so caught up with getting to and staying at a certain income level, that his doctor said,

 "Either go home
       and do things differently...or die."

Mary shared a handout with strategies for Stress Management. As I read through the list I see that many of the members of our church have built these same activities into their lifestyles. (If I find time, I'll make an abbreviated list of these and place them in a link.)

Thursday, May 11, 2006

My 'Thursday off' routine usually involves time with a buddy. Jebby and I just went out for our weekly VisionWalk. We talked through aspects of the upcoming musical: Brothers.

Although I am from the North (and my g-g-grandfather was a Union Soldier), I am playing the role of a Southern Preacher who travels with the Confederate soldiers. The many issues involved in our nation's history are explored as Christians on both sides of the Civil War are praying to the same God for Comfort, Correction and Confirmation. Here are some of the lyrics that Jebby wrote for the Preacher to sing as dynamic preparation for the light-hearted showtune Potluck in Heaven.

The Philistines have come down
    from the North to burn our homes.

We must drive them from our soil,
   with our cannons, sticks, and stones.

Have you gotten right
     with the Merciful Almighty?

Have you put your faith
     in our Saviour, Jesus Christ?

By the Precious Blood of the Lamb,
     Everyone here can be saved.
 

As we’ve taken up the rifle,
          let us not forget the Bible,
and hold fast to our Lord’s Promise,
          Everyone of us...even Thomas.

God won’t leave us nor forsake us,
      though the Yankees try to flank us;

      It’s time to get right with God!

And when this life is over,
     and we cross over the river,
we will join the Lord’s Brigade
      and stand fast with Him forever.

There will be a feast prepared,
      that the angels will deliver
      in the presence of our loving God!

There’ll be a . . . Click here
            (Jebby singing Potluck in Heaven)
 

    Between Sneezes: click here

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 (revised mid-afternoon)

This morning Cathy was preparing her Exteriors before leaving to substitute as a Kindergarten teacher. She asked me to read aloud some Scripture, so I chose Proverbs Chapter 10. Later, I wrote a lengthy letter to a couple out-of-state friends about my Interiors. I felt that some of that overflow ought to be distilled and shared locally. The stats show that 87 visitors happened upon this very page yesterday.

If any of you are return visitors today, then I suppose that you have some special interest in getting to know me better. That's encouraging. Hopefully none of you are Identity Thieves seeking to steal something here. So, I'll say it again: I know...TimeTravel is risky business.

So, I'll press ahead and share selected proverbs (intended for you to read with your LifeMessage alongside mine):
  
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon:
        A wise son brings joy to his father,
        but a foolish son grief to his mother.

My father is still living and now shows his support for me as a minister of the Gospel. Although I'm not sure that my life brings JOY to him, I do know that I have his blessing. That is a valuable gift which brings great JOY to me.

Mother's Day is coming on Sunday. My chosen obedience to God's Call would bring JOY to my Motherl. Having died early in her life, she was deprived of watching her five children grow up. Still, her deathbed confession to my Grandma was that she was ready to meet Jesus. That thought continues to challenge my limited perspective of the day-to-day disappointments in life and ministry.

Somehow, the Holy Spirit had convinced my Mother that all things (in her family) would work together for the Good. That 'working' continues today--even as I will internalize the verses below. 

10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
       but diligent hands bring wealth.

Man, the conviction that came over me was quite real as I read this verse aloud to Cathy. I remembered the many, many times that I had chosen a similar verse for expository morning devotions at Alpha and Omega Ministries.

My lady brought me a cup of coffee as I diligently replied to the morning's emails. Wealth looks different through ministerial spectacles; still diligent fingertips advocating on the behalf of others bring an abundance.