Don't Ignore God!

Galatians 2

¹ Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. ² I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 

Have you ever had a "revelation" from God? I have. Sometimes that's not easy to admit publicly. People think you're weird if you tell them "God has spoken to me" or "God has told me to do this". I can tell you it's even strange for me. Who am I that the God of the universe talks to me? If that's not strange, I don't know what is. The more time I spend with God, the more time I spend studying his word, the more he reveals to me. Sometimes it's so clear it's audible. Sometimes it's an "Aha" moment. I am convinced that God has made special revelations to most Christians. However, most of us don't respond to them. As I look back, I also have ignored God, on many occasions. Lately, God has been prompting me to change. Actually, the prompting has been growing. It's getting to the point I just can't ignore God anymore. I have gone through denial, anger, sadness, joy, and many other emotions to get to the point of peace. Oh boy! Here we go God! I trust you with all my heart, soul, and mind! I am yours!

Be Prepared!

2 Timothy 4

 ¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.


The NFL season is nearly over. We have only two teams left. All the other teams are taking some much deserved time off. But, it won't be long before they will be back at it. They will work on their speed, strength, and agility. They will heal wounds and work to be better at their position. It's no different at the High School level. I went up to the weight room after school and it's about full, not of basketball players or wrestlers, it's full of Out-of-Season Athletes.  Track, Softball, and Baseball players are all getting ready for the upcoming season. They don't know what the season is going to bring. They just want to be ready for all situations.

It's also out of season for Motorcycle Riding. But, my CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association) buddies and I are all getting ready for the upcoming season. We had officers training this past weekend and plans are in motion to serve Christ when the season gets started.

We all need to do the same thing. As Christians, we never know when God is going to call on us to witness to a co-worker, friend, or family member. We need to be ready at all times. We need to be ready in-season and out-of-season. Start today. Read the Bible, Study his word, Pray without ceasing, and prepare yourself to witness to the world. Build relationships. Earn the right to share Christ with others through those relationships. Be Ready!

Closet Christians!

Galatians 1

 ¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.


It's great that Facebook has a "Like" button. People like to be liked, not just on Facebook. I have met people that act like they don't care what people think. Most of those people are grumpy old men who know they couldn't please anyone if they tried. So, they just don't try.

How important is it for you to be liked? Do you manipulate your faith so you can be liked? Do you avoid "Being Bold" because you think it will offend others?  I'm embarrassed to say, I've not been as bold as I should have been, because of peer pressure. It's not always cool to be an active christian. It's a lot easier to be a closet Christian. Closet Christians worship God on Sundays but not through the week. They might even read the Bible, but don't apply it. Closet Christians can't fight peer pressure when it comes to treating others poorly. They justify their sins and claim weekly forgiveness every Sunday. Yep, I could go on all day. I've been there, done that.

With the world as it is today, we need Bold Christians, not Christians afraid of their own shadow. We need Christians willing to take their Faith to the Streets not keep it in the sanctuary. We need to use our Faith to help the widows, orphans, and the lost. Now's not the time to rest.

Dear Lord, Please help me be Bold for you. Help me to take this wonderful faith I have and USE it for your purposes. Forgive me for not heeding the prompting of the spirit. Forgive me for not building relationships for the privilege of sharing your love. I'm sorry Lord, Forgive me! Amen!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2 Timothy 3

 ¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

These verses reminded me of a book I've read to my kids (many, many, many years ago):

Maybe you haven't read the book or forgotten what it was about. So, here it is, Enjoy!

I can certainly relate to Alexander. No, today wasn't all that bad. It wasn't great either. But, I have had some days that were Terrible, Horrible, No Good, very bad days. I have had days where I just wanted to move to Australia. I'm confident we've all been there.

Hope is just around the corner. God is with us. No matter how bad our days, he promises a brighter tomorrow. A hope that is ETERNAL. It's through Jesus that the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, very bad days.......go away for ever. Thank You Lord for the hope you provide. Thank you for this wonderful, adventurous life. Lord forgive me for giving up hope and getting bogged down with the evil in this world. Forgive me for not being focused on you and your love when things go wrong. Thank You Lord, for this very day. Thank you.  This day was a blessing to live for you!

The test!

2 Corinthians 13
 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

When was the last time you've taken a big test? It's been a long time since I've been in school, but I can remember taking some big tests. Now being an administrator at a high school, I see Some pretty good students fret about exams. The really good students study by examining themselves. They make flash cards, go over notes, review questions, and drill/ practice repeatedly. The ones who don't care, just wing it!

One exam you can't "wing" is the test of your faith. It is the biggest test you'll ever face. You want to be ever vigilant. You want to prepare for the test. Look deep into your heart. Are you going to pass the exam. Many of us have been tested by God. I don't know anyone who likes it.to prepare for the tests to come we need to study God. We need to read his word, follow his leadership. We need to open our hearts to his presence. We can only pass the test from him if we remain in him.
Help me Lord pass the test!

God is my Coach!

2 Timothy 2
3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

The military teaches the soldier must obey, without question, the commands of his officer. Likewise, the athlete is to do everything the coach asks. That rule is just as important as the rules preventing off sides. I believe hard work always pays off in the end. But, hard work against what the coach wants is not "hard work". If we work hard pulling against the Lord, I can assure you, it will not be rewarded. We must try to please the Lord. We must seek his willin our lives and act upon that will. We cant get tangled up with civilian, worldly plans. We need to be in prayer for guidance and wisdom. We need to search the heart of God and make it our own. God is our leader. God is our coach. God is the creator and he alone has the plan. Reveal it to us Lord Jesus! Amen!

SAD DAY.....Miss you Dad!

2 Corinthians 12

⁹But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Today is a sad day in my family. Here is my mom's post on Facebook:


January 23, 2001 The saddest day in my life!!!! The day I lost the love of my life, you lost a father, grandfather, great friend, your pastor. Yes, we lost Jack on this day and he will never be forgotten. I do thank God for my family who surrounded him the night he passed away and have surrounded me ever since then. I thank God for the life he has given me, the gift of helping those who are in need. But what a price to pay for that gift! May God be with all of us today as we remember. We know he is looking 
down on us at all times. Rest in peace Jack. Love you Ellen

My Brother Jack also wrote a wonderful Poem for today: (He's a pretty talented guy!)

Time Heals Everything (Jack Rhoades, Jr.)

Time heals everything,
Or so they say.
But whoever said that
Never loved this way.

How can time heal
And how can it cure
The pain of a loss
Still present and pure?

Yes, time does pass
And lives go on,
But the emptiness is there,
Knowing what’s gone.

Days turn to weeks,
And weeks turn to years
Yet, the loneliness persists,
And even the tears.

To think you’ve moved on
And the grief’s in the past,
Is simply not true,
It will ever last.

Time doesn’t heal
A loss like this,
When it’s your dad you need
And your dad you miss.


Today is the anniversary of my Father on Earth joining my Father in Heaven. My Dad was a great man. He worked hard for us. Supporting 6 kids has never been easy. Late in his life he heard and answered the call to go into full time ministry as a Methodist Pastor. He was always open to God and his calling. He was so wise. I have shared before the great times we had with our weekly Cracker Barrell breakfasts. I treasure those times. I also treasure how he loved my kids. He was such a fantastic Grandpa. My kids adored him. This Godly man was the true leader of our home in every way. He was our spiritual leader and so much more.


When you lose someone like we lost Dad, you are at your weakest moment in your life. The loss weighs heavy then and it weighs heavy now. As you can tell from my Mom's post, she has continued to be "weak" in this loss. But, my Mom is the perfect example how God can take our weakness and make them our strengths. Mom has taken her weakness and turned it for God's glory. She has been there for so many people. She can truly say she knows where they are coming from. She is a Chaplain and has been a great leader in grief recovery. God has used her through this weakness and made her strong! 


Praise God he is our strength and our shield, an ever present help in times of loss. Praise God!

From one Family to another!

2 Timothy 1

 ³ I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Who can you thank for your faith? It's easy for me. My Grandparents on both sides, Grandma Rhoades and Grandma/Grandpa Lewis, were so key in developing my faith as it is today. That was carried on by my mom and dad. Now I am so proud that my daughters carry on the faith and they have passed it down to their kids. I know and am apart of 4 generations of Faith in Jesus Christ. I'm sure their are more generations before that to lead to my faith. 

I am sadly aware that the transfer of faith from generation to generation in families is dieing. Some families can't remember a time when Christ was central to their daily lives. That is so very sad. We must make sure the Love of Jesus Christ is transmitted to all who come after us. The tradition of faith is so important. I know how the Holy Spirit guided my grandfather in his ministry. I know how my own father traveled from the business world to being a full-time Ordained Pastor. I know the struggles of those before me and how they overcame with the saving grace of God. Finances, illness, and family strife have been faced by my ancestors. I have faced many of those same challenges. I know God has been faithful in all those situations. He will remain faithful to me, the next generation, and the generation after that.

I praise God for his work, not just in my life, but the life of those who have come before me and those who come after me. Praise God for his guiding hand!

What are your weaknesses?

2 Corinthians 11
 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.

I am an emotional guy, not like a crying emotional guy. (although I can get choked up at a powerful movie!) I don't always keep my emotions "in check". I get angry pretty easy and have had problems with a temper in my past. I have gotten better but it is still a weakness. I am, in many ways, a perfectionist and I'm not always open to other peoples opinions. I don't tolerate vicious, vindictive, hateful people.

Through all my weaknesses, God has been able to use EVEN me. He has guided me through my weakness to become a better person. I am not the person I want to be, but I am more today than I was yesterday. It is not through my own power, it's through my weaknesses that God has spoken to me. I trust him and love his grace.

I know there are people out there like me. They know there weaknesses. They know they need to get better, treat people better, become more loving and caring. The only real way to do that is through Jesus Christ. Please forgive my weaknesses, I am a sinner who is relying on the grace of Christ to become a better man.

God doesn't spin the truth!

1 Timothy 6:20

 20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

Old people, (I don't think of myself this way, yet), hate technology. They don't like the Internet, Facebook, or twitter. Although many seniors are embracing technology, many want to go back to the "good old days" of newspapers, writing letters, and sitting on the front porch. While I can relate to the slowness and simplicity of the past, I don't want to go back. I love my connectedness. I love the open and rampant exchange of knowledge. With such open access comes responsibility. Newspapers used to be held in very high regard. Now they report from left wing or right wing bias. I used to think they were about truth. Now they "spin" the truth. The Internet and social sites are the same. You have to read from a suspicious heart. Some times the knowledge they are peddling isn't knowledge at all and it's not the truth.

As Christians we have to be careful of what we accept of knowledge. The Internet opens up vast knowledge, but it can't be trusted unequivocally. The best filter to use with twitter, Facebook, etc., is through Jesus Christ and the Bible. Connecting with God and knowing him is where we need to start and finish. Seeking God with our hearts, souls, and minds,will lead us to truth and knowledge in our lives. Seek him and know!

I'm not that great!

2 Corinthians 10

 ¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 

It is so easy to compare ourselves to others. I have two YOUNGER brothers who are over 6' tall. I envied them and their stature compared to my shortness. I would have given anything to be taller. I also envy people who have the gift of prayer. They always seem to have the words to say. I've heard people envy people in education. They think it would be great to have the summers off. If they only knew!

I think we all know someone who thinks they are the greatest thing since "Sliced Bread". They don't ever look at anyone else in envy. They're too busy posing for the mirror! I am the first to tell you, I'm not that great. Lord knows, (and Stephanie has seen it first hand!) I'm not what I want to be. I am on a mission to be what God wants me to be. I'm not there, but I just want to take more steps forward than I do steps backward.

Humility is important for Christians. We, of all people, should know we're not that great. We are sinners, ALL of us. We should also be the first to acknowledge, any gifts we have come straight from the one who created the universe. Without God, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we are nothing. If we can boast anything, we should boast about the number of people we have led to Jesus Christ. Can any of us boast in that area?

One Big Happy Family!

1 Timothy 5

Widows, Elders and Slaves

 1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
 

I love these verses. This is the simplest description of how we should treat each other.but, before I get started, I need to clarify something. I know not all families are like mine. We really love each other. My family is the best. We would die for each other if we needed to. When we laugh apart, we laugh together. When we cry, we all cry. It is so sad to me that all families aren't like this. If you have a great family like mine, these verses make sense. We need to treat each other like we're family.these verses don't say just treat your friends as family. We are supposed to treat EVERYONE like family. Friends, coworkers, aquaintances, strangers,black, white, Asian, Greek Jew, all need to be treated like your brother, sister, mom, or dad.

If we could all do that, myself included, this world would be a wonderful place.

Enthused about Christ?

2 Corinthians 9

 1 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. 2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

Are you an enthusiastic Christian? I'm ashamed to say I'm not as enthusiastic as I should be. I wonder why that is. Am I eager? I need to show more excitement for Christ. I certainly want to have an infectious enthusiasm for my Lord and savior. I want people To say, they know my eagerness and are stirred to action because of me. I definitely have much to be enthusiastic about. My God has blessed me so abundantly, it should make me explode with joyful exuberance.
I have been saved so may times from the muck and the mire of life. God has pulled me from bad work situations, financial peril, family troubles, and so much more. Yet, I dont always act like it.

Dear Lord, forgive me for no being thrilled about the life you have blessed me with. I deserve nothing, yet you have granted me everything, even up to eternal life. I praise you Lord for who you are. I will ever praise. I will shout your holy name from the mountain tops because you have saved me. Lord grant me your joy. Please lord grant me your grace. Help my actions lead my family, friends, and coworkers to a closer relationship to you. I love you and thank you, precious father. Amen!

The Bible is not a "Wives Tale"

1 Timothy 4

⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 

I'm not sure how "Wives Tales" go their name. But, old wives tales are interesting. Here are some of the most popular:

10 Old Wives' Tales Debunked

Separate fact from fiction when it comes to these commonly-held beliefs

By Meghan Ahearn

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We all grew up with sayings that were intended to frighten us into being good or convince us to eat better. Looking back, some of these childhood proverbs don't even make much sense. (Ever hear the claim that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years? Uh-huh, sure.) However, there are quite a few axioms out there that people still believe in. That's why we decided to investigate 10 common old wives' tales to see how they hold up under scientific scrutiny. From the moon's affect on crime sprees to the true causes of colds, this list is sure to surprise even the most enlightened among you.

1. Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your eyes.

False: Couch potatoes around the world will feel vindicated to learn that this warning isn't true. According to WebMD.com, the worst thing that can happen as a result of sitting too close to the screen is a nagging headache.

2. Taking a swim less than one hour after eating will give you life-threatening cramps.

False: Countless kids were scared into thinking that if they went back in the water less than 60 minutes after eating, they would cramp up and drown. But according to MayoClinic.com, it's perfectly safe to swim after you eat a light meal or snack. The site does recommend taking a break after eating a big meal, however--not because of cramping, but due to lethargy.

3. Chocolate causes acne.

False: All those years of teenage angst weren't caused your weakness for Hershey's Kisses after all. The American Academy of Dermatology says acne is not caused by any specific type of food, including chocolate. The adolescent affliction is, in fact, beyond your control, since it's linked to the levels of testosterone in your body.

4. Feed a cold, starve a fever. (Or is it starve a cold, feed a fever?)

False: According to WebMD.com, starving is never a good idea--under any condition. When you're ill, your body requires nutrients from all the different types of food in a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, yogurt, protein and, of course, chicken soup.

5. Carrots improve your eyesight.

Partially True: The American Optometric Association found that 48% of Americans still believe carrots are the best food for eye health. And though the root vegetable does have beta-carotene and Vitamin A, which are good for night vision, even healthier for the eyes are dark leafy greens like spinach, which contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Popeye was on to something, after all.

6. Cracking knuckles causes arthritis.

False: Here's another parental fear tactic that isn't all it's cracked up to be. John H. Klippel, MD, Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, recently told USAToday.com that he doesn't "know of any evidence that suggests that cracking one's knuckles actually can cause arthritis."

7. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Partially True: This saying has been around since before the discovery of an apple's vital nutrients: Vitamin C and polyphenols. Regardless, the core of the matter is that while this fruit will help keep you well, it's not always enough to keep you out of the medical danger zone.

8. Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

False: According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike the same place numerous times. In fact, the Empire State Building is hit an average of 25 times a year--the reason why it was once used as a lightning laboratory.

9. Going out in the cold with wet hair causes sickness.

False: Neither wet nor dry hair significantly increases your chances of getting sick. WebMD.com says colds are solely caused when viruses are passed from one person to another, so you should be more concerned with how often you wash your hands, not your hair.

10. More crime occurs during a full moon.

False: Many interesting things are thought to increase during a full moon: emergency room visits, accidents, fertility, werewolves. Almost all these phenomena are attributed to the Lunar Effect, which tries to link deviant behavior and the phases of the moon. However, according to myth-buster and syndicated columnist, Cecil Adams, there is no truth at all behind the theory.

Read more: Old Wives Tales Revealed at WomansDay.com - See List of Old Wives Tales - Woman's Day 


People treat the Bible like an old wives tale. But, most people never read it. They just take what they are told about the Bible and never really find out themselves. These verses talk about wives tales. But, it also talks about training yourself to be Godly. You can't do that without some serious study of the Bible. This wonderful Book, written by the hand of God, is the only way we can truly attain wisdom. Don't just let others tell you what's in there. Dig into the Bible, let the Holy Spirit speak to you. The Wisdom you will gain is priceless.

I don't like Robin Hood!

2 Corinthians 8

 ⁸ I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
 ¹⁰ And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. ¹¹ Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. ¹² For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.





Robin Hood had it all wrong. Well, at least, he's misunderstood. It's totally against our society to force the rich to give to the poor. (I am by no means rich. Although I am probably considered in the Upper end of the middle class, I'm not rich!)  If the rich get richer illegally or corruptly, we should take it from them, just like Robin Hood. But, the largest portion of our RICH people achieved it through their own hard work or the hard work of their family. They or their families have pursued the wealth and have achieved it. Should they share it? Yes, definitely!


So how do we get a "Rich" person to share the wealth.  That's where 2 Corinthians 8 comes in to view.  The key to giving is attitude. Willingness, eager willingness are the key to living a christian life. God certainly expects you to share your blessings. He WANTS you to give abundantly. But, he doesn't want to force you. He wants you to be eager to give. He wants you to be joyous about giving the gift. If a gift is given unwillingly, it's not really a gift. In order for America to continue to be the land of opportunity, we can't force people to share their wealth. Americans must become EAGERLY WILLING to give. We shouldn't be trying to legislate giving. We shouldn't try to penalize success and hard work. We need to work on changing the hearts of the giver.  We need to change the hearts of men so they can not give enough. The greatest way to change someones heart is through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. If we want a society that shares the wealth, Christ must be at the center.