I love my blackberry!

I've been learning how to use my blackberry phone. Man it's cool. I've been texting folks, sending e-mails to let folks know my number will be changing. Getting e-mails while away from the computer is the bomb! And the best part - not one single dropped call yet. Even driving by the golf course or creek!

And yes, Randy and Jon (you know who you are!) I'm even thinking of the spiritual application in it.

Why is it that we as people of the 21st century want to be connected 24/7 to everybody - but don't have the same passion to be connected to God 24/7? And why is it that so many times we seem to have "dropped calls" when it comes to our connection with God... HINT: THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON GOD'S END!

There - chew on that for a while - I have been.

A new number - uggghhh

Here's a pic of my new phone - it's a cool Blackberry Curve.

Now here's the deal - I bit the bullet and got a "family plan" for our cell phones. I've been dodging it for some time. Long story short - I wound up having to get a new number - DON'T ASK! Anyway - now I have to make contact with hundreds of people and tell them my old numbers will no longer work.

For those interested here is my new number - 502-316-1851 - and now I can read texts w/out having to pay 20 cents each time.

And then I got to thinking about this in spiritual terms. We are doing this series about discipleship and it dawned on me - when it comes to me being like Christ - what "numbers" in my life need to be changing as well?

Maybe there are some folks in my life that don't need to be "in my five" anymore. People that have too much negative influence on me.

Maybe there are some others that need to be added. Some people that God wants me to be an influence on.

And of course I need to have God on speed dial - I need to spend tons of time talking with Him - and the cool thing is that there are no "roaming charges"!

In the Christian life there are times when I need to be changing my number - what about you?

Guest Blog - Nell Anne Gossett

Guest Blogger - Nell Anne Gossett

A few days ago I walked into Southside Elementary to pick up my granddaughter from school. Since it was a lovely fall day and I was early, I sat outside on one of the benches.

A group of young children walked out of the school toward the flagpole. They were discussing which one of them was going to get to lower the flag and who would fold it. It was obvious that the daily job of caring for the American Flag was a privilege they had earned.

As they began, a grandfather walked up with a preschooler perched on his shoulders. The little one said, "Hey Pa Pa, Look!" The grandfather took the little guy off his shoulders and began a simple explanation about taking care of the American Flag and it's importance.

While the children worked on their task, the grandfather stood at attention and placed his hand over his heart. After studying hi papa for a few moments, and trying to decide which hand to place over his chest, the little boy did too. As the school children finished, the grandfather said, "Boys, you did a fine job." Pointing to the top of the flagpole, he said, "You know, the top of the flag pole is called a truck. How about that?" He then picked up his grandchild, placed him on his shoulders and went on into the school.

For all the teacher, parents, and Papa's who teach and reinforce the importance of patriotism and respect ... thank you. For all the veterans who gave us those freedoms thank you! God bless America.

What now?

Last night history was made in America and a lot of it was really good news.

As a country we have gone from the days where a black man had to sit in the back of the bus to a African American sitting at the most powerful desk in America (maybe the world).

We have elected our 44th president - and that alone is a blessing.

We have once again seen the democratic process work - whether we agree or disagree with the results we need to be grateful for the system.

We have reason to praise the Lord. I know some reading this will be "down in the dumps" today. But I have to ask why? Do we believe that our going into a private booth and writing down a name is really all this is about? Have we forgotten that it is God Himself who set's leaders in place?

(Rom 13:1 NIV) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

This is not to say we don't challenge them if we feel they are wrong. And it may call for times of social injustice when the rule contradicts God's law. But it is clear in Scripture that God has a hand in such matters.

And make no mistake about this... Barack Obama is our President elect because God has ordained it.

So what do we need to do now?

Pray. Pray for him and his family. Pray for the newly elected officials that will join in him governing this great country. Pray for this country - we have some serious issues. Pray that God will use this new administration to bring this nation back to Himself. It may be through revival or tribulation. Pray that God be glorified.

A Proud Dad!

Today is a great day in America. It is a day we get to exercise our right to freely choose who will serve for the next four years as our President.

But for me it's a great day for another reason. It is the first time my son Jon was old enough to participate in the Presidential election. He is 21 and while he has voted in the past - he was not old enough in 04 to vote for this office.

I'm proud of you son!

GO VOTE!

Warning - PG 13.

OK - the title may be a little bit scary - so here's the deal - I'm going to give some straight talk and use some straight language - also keep in mind I deal with a lot of men one on one ... so for the ladies reading this - please do not be offended. If you are squeamish - just don't read this one.

In our culture we have a lot of people who want to "live off the government tit". Hey - I warned you. But you understand exactly what that phrase means. It speaks to the "entitlement" attitude that is pervasive in our culture. If I get hurt in an accident - I deserve to be a millionaire. If there is some handout - I deserve to be at the head of the line. I deserve to own a home - even if I can't really afford it. The list goes on.

But sadly - this mentality carries over to the church. I'll come to your church if you meet my needs. I'll keep coming until a new church offers some new and exciting program - so you better treat me right. I'll give my money if I like the music. I'll serve if it's cool and does not make me uncomfortable.

In our men's breakfast this morning someone said, "Too many People are trying to live off Dean's tit." OK - that's not a picture you ever wanted to have! But do you understand what it means? Sure you do - there are many, many people that are satisfied to get their spiritual food from me and me alone.

But there are some problems with that.

#1 It's simply not enough - I could never give you enough "milk" to sustain your spiritual life.

#2 It's not balanced - the weekend services are hard. I have the responsibility of giving salty food to the seeker so they get a thirst for God. I give milk to the infant Christian so they can mature, and I want to give some meat to the more mature Christ followers to help them grow stronger. It is very seldom (if ever) that all three can be done in any one weekend.

#3 The biggest problem is that it's just not Biblical. As believers we are called to be self-feeders. We are all called to not only feed ourselves but feed others.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (KJV)

All of us as taxpayers are tired of so many people wanting to "live off the government tit".... It's time we as believers get past "living off the preacher's tit" as well.

It's time to take off the bib and put on an apron!