SEMPER FI

Greetings my friends. One of me and Brenda's...or is that Brenda's and I... favorite T.V. shows...is NCIS. This show...that was a spinoff from the T.V. show...JAG...comes on the USA network...at 4:00 CST...and is on for three hours. We love this show. It stars Mark Harmon...who is the leader of a group of special agents who investigate crime. Brenda...thinks that I look like Gibbs (the Mark Harmon character)...but she always says it with a smile on her lips.
Anyway...Gibbs is a Marine...who more than once has said SEMPER FI.

My military career is checkered. For one thing...I don't have a military career. In 1967...I tried to join the Air National Guard in an attempt NOT to be drafted into the Vietnam War. They rejected me...because of my two little fingers that were crooked from birth. Their reasoning was...that the tests that I took indicated that I was more qualified for clerical duties...and I would be unable to TYPE...because of my crooked little fingers. My next brush with the service was sweating out the DRAFT LOTTERY...which was cut off...before I got drafted. Years later...I was in between jobs...and I was recruited by Sgt. Dean Porter of the National Guard. I took examinations...was accepted...went down for my physical...passed my physical...and was driven back to National Guard headquarters to sign my papers. Sgt. Porter was salivating as my pen touched the line....and at the last moment...I pulled back my pen and told Sgt. Porter...I don't feel right about this...I CHANGED MY MIND. It would have meant going away...and being away from Brenda for over 6 months. Years later I ran into Sgt. Porter in the locker room of Courtsouth Racquetball Club...and I introduced my self to him and asked if he remembered me. A smile came on his lips...and he said..."Yes...I remember you Mr. Boyd. I still have those papers waiting for you." Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah...the one who got away.

Why am I revealing all of this to you. I really can't relate to someone who has honored us with military service....but have ultimate respect...and some regrets for not pursuing a career...but God had other things and plans for me.

Now...on NCIS...the show about Naval Crime Investigation Services...Gibbs... the Marine...says SEMPER FI. Brenda asked me what it meant...and I was not sure...so I Googled...and found out.

Semper Fi...is short for Semper Fidelis...which is Latin for ALWAYS FAITHFUL.
It is also the title of what is known as The Marine Hymn. That got me to thinking about GOD...who IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL...more than a Marine. Even when I am NOT faithful...HE is ALWAYS FAITHFUL.

"The steadfast love (lovingkindnesses) of the Lord never ceases...His mercies (compassions) never comes to an end...they (love and mercies) NEVER comes to an end...they are NEW EVERY MORNING...GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS."
(Lamentations 3:22,23)

This led to other sayings about the Marines that again...got me to thinking about God. They apply to Marines...Ruminators....God...the Kingdom of God...etc.




GUNG-HO: This is a Chinese phrase that means WORKING TOGETHER. This is what they saw the "American Marines" doing...the were always...WORKING TOGETHER. It is a "willingness to tackle any task, or total commitment to the Corps." To me it speaks of the tenacity of the believer...as we work for the kingdom...and God...as..."we know that all thing WORK TOGETHER for them that LOVES the Lord...and are CALLED...according to HIS PURPOSES." (Romans 8:28)

ONCE A MARINE...ALWAYS A MARINE: This was the official motto of the Marine Corps League. It is said to have been uttered during a barroom argument...by Master Sergeant Paul Woyshner...as he shouted out..."Once a Marine...Always a Marine." The mindset of a Marine is ... there are no ex-Marines...or former-Marines. According to my sources...there are (active duty Marines (2) retired Marines (3) reserve Marines (4) Marine veterans. Once they EARN THE TITLE...they remain a Marine for life. Again...we have said this about being a Ruminator...once a Ruminator...always a Ruminator. In regards to...the gifts and calling of God in our lives...Paul points out..."For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable--He NEVER WITHDRAWS them when ONCE THEY ARE GIVEN...and He does NOT CHANGE HIS MIND...about those to whom He GIVES GRACE (free gift)...or to whom HE SENDS HIS CALL." (Romans 11:29)

A FEW GOOD MEN: This phrase was from an advertisement for enlistment on March 20th, 1779 in Boston. The idea was...that "a few good men" would be enough. It reminds me of the Texas Ranger motto..."One riot...one Ranger." Jesus...was looking for "a few good men"...when he called a rag-tag group of fishermen...to become FISHERS OF MEN. That group of a FEW GOOD MEN...grew to millions world wide...who carry on the work of the ARMY OF GOD...as we fight against spiritual wickedness in high places. Randy Stonehill (one of the pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music...aka...CCM...origianally called Jesus Music) had a great song on his LOVE BROKE THROUGH album (vinyl record...that spins around and around and produces sound when you place a needle on the grooves)...called ANGRY YOUNG MEN. God is calling a few good men...and wo-men...that are PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR FAITH.


This brings us back to SEMPER FIDELIS...ALWAYS FAITHFUL Brenda and I took a trip out west...and one of the spots was OLD FAITHFUL Some of our friends went to use the bathroom...and missed Old Faithful...because while their internal geyser went off...Old Faithful remained faithful...except it was early...so maybe Old Faithful...was not so faithful.

In my research for this Rambling (I know...I actually sometimes do research)...I found what was known as THE MARINE'S PRAYER. According to this author...of a book I can't recall... stated..."Contact with the Diety is serious business (ain't that da truth. It is also an excellent idea for Warriors who are expected to put their lives on the line against assorted foes. For U.S. Marines of any faith who may desire guidance when contacting their Maker...the Marine Corps has a ready aid, THE MARINE'S PRAYER." I found this interesting:

Almighty Father...whose command is over all and whose LOVE NEVER FAILS...make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclinded to doubt...steady my faith...if I am tempted...make me strong to resist...if I should miss the mark...give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth...and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY.

Well...If the Marines...can approach their jobs...with such tenacity...my faith may need a little jump start.

Love and Gung Ho Kisses
Rodney "Semper Fi" Boyd

HASHBROWN THEOLOGY

Greetings Hashbrown lovers everywhere. I wrote a little blurb on my Facebook page about HASHBROWN THEOLOGY...and wanted it to get onto the blogsite...in an extended form. For those who have read the snippet...read on for a little more...for those first time readers...enjoy.

I love to eat at the WAFFLE HOUSE...especially sins there is no smoking there any longer. Eggs...waffles...bacon...coffee...and of course...especially...the HASHBROWNS. There are at least...according to the menu...1,572,864 ways to order them including:

1. Smothered--onions
2. Covered--cheese
3. Chunked--hickory smoked ham
4. Topped--chili
5. Diced--tomatoes
6. Peppered--jalapeno peppers
7. Capped--mushrooms
8. Scattered All The Way


What was it that got me thinking about...ruminating about Waffle House Hashbrown? I'm glad you asked. I was reading PSALM 32 one morning...and saw how King David...the man after God's own heart...was asking God to deal with his (1) transgressions: going beyond known limits (2) sin: missing the mark (3) iniquity: rebellion (4) deceit.

King David...had killed threats to his sheep...stood up to giant and was still standing when the giant was on the ground via a surgical strike stone from his slingshot...anointed as King... Psalmist/musician...was now...needing forgiveness for his sins. He had abused his authority as king...had sex with another man's wife (Bathsheba)...plotted to cover it up by having her husband come in from the war front so he could lay with his wife...and make him think it was his baby (a little kink in the plan when her husband would not enjoy the pleasure of sex while his men were in the field)...then the King arranged for his murder. Thinking he got away with it...a prophet exposed him for his sin. PSALM 32 and PSALM 51 are a contrite sinners prayer for pardon and expression of blessedness of forgiveness and trust in God.


King David's life became SCATTERED. In Genesis 11...there were a group of people in the plain of Shinar...that settled there. They were in communication with one another...since they all SPOKE THE SAME LANGUAGE. The only problem was...the were speaking and elevating themselves. They wanted to build themselves a city...with a tower that reaches to the heavens...SO that we may MAKE A NAME FOR OURSELVES...and not be SCATTERED over the face of the whole earth. Being SCATTERED was not considered to be a good thing.

The Lord came down...saw what was shaking...and said..."If as ONE PEOPLE SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE they have begun to do this...then NOTHING THEY PLAN TO DO WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM."
(Genesis 11:6) The solution was that God SCATTERED THEM...exactly what they did not want to happened. They stopped building the city...and from there the Lord SCATTERED THEM OVER THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH.



King David wanted his SCATTERED LIFE (because of his transgression, sin, iniquity, and deceit to be dealt with by God. Well...just like the Waffle House has the solution for their HASHBROWNS...so does God...if we open up to Him. King David wanted to be:

1. Transgression/Going beyond known limits--forgiven
2. Sin/Missing the Mark--covered
3. Iniquity/Lawlessness/Rebellion--Not imputed/accounted for
4. In his spirit (little s...human spirit)--No deceit

Trying to keep silent about his sin did not work...his body wasted away through groaning all day long. For day and night...Thy (God's hand) was heavy upon him. His vitality was drained away.

How did King David deal with this situation.

1. I acknowledged my sin to Thee
2. My iniquity I did not hide
3. I will confess (say the same thing God says about it) my transgression to the Lord

Cause and effect of King David's request...THOU DIDST FORGIVE THE GUILT OF MY SIN.

For us...it all comes back to the DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION...NOTHING MORE...NOTHING LESS. (D.B.R.)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Lord...I give you my HASHBROWNED LIFE...my SCATTERED LIFE. There may be 1,572,864 ways to order the HASHBROWNS at the WAFFLE HOUSE...but there is only ONE WAY to get your sins forgiven...by the D.B.R...nothing more...nothing less.

Love and Hashbrowned Kisses
Rodney "Waffle House" Boyd

THE COUNT UP...BLAST UP

Greetings friends...T-Minus 10...T-minus 9...T-minus 8...T-minus 7...T-minus 6...T-minus...5...
T-minus 4...T-minus 3...T-minus 2...T-minus 1....BLAST-OFF. I love to watch a rocket launch. I love the anticipation as the countdown ensues...and the rocket is poised to reach the bonds of the heavens... breaking the hold of the gravity of earth.

NOTE: I equate this blasting off...to the word HALLEL...where we get the word HALLELUJAH. That word for praise...and praise God....means to exult...jump up...spin around...rave on...get clamorously foolish. Just like that mighty rocket BLASTS OFF...and breaks the hold of gravity...so it is with our PRAISE...our HALLEL to God...that breaks the hold of the gravity of this world on our spiritual self. It's like the song says...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the THINGS OF EARTH
Will grow strangely DIM
In the light of His GLORY AND GRACE...BLAST OFF

There is another factor to this lift off...this blast off...from the mundane events of this world....when you are getting discouraged and down. When your life is in a rut...like a grave with both ends knocked out as you go back and forth...over and over...rehearsing in your mind everything that is wrong in your life. The is another aspect of COUNTING....that will poise you for BLAST OFF...a LIFTING OFF of the cares of this world. It is COUNTING your blessings.

In the Ruminator Class...we have a phrase that speaks of thinking, saying and doing...and it works for the negative...and it works for the positive.

"Unrestrained thoughts (what we think)...produces unrestrained words (what we say)...resulting in unrestrained actions (what we do).

Counting our blessings...means that we have to focus on the good in our lives.. versus the troubles. See the collage with various counts. You've got COUNT Basie. I was honored to see the Count on one of my first dates with Brenda... when we went to the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville Tennessee around 1969. For $15.00...we got to see in the round...Tom Jones (during the peak of his popularity...Gladys Knight and the Pips (whoo...whoo)...and COUNT Basie and His Band of Renown. Good date...Good music...GOOD GOD!!

Another COUNT who is a favorite of mine...and Jack Hayford...is the lovable Muppet...COUNT von COUNT. The COUNT loves to COUNT anything. He will begin COUNTING something...in a slow Transylvanian accent...Ooooooooone....
Twooooooooooooo....Thrreeeeeeeeeee...and then he will laugh...Ah-ah-ah-ha.

The last picture...is just a counting on the fingers (my favorite method of math prior to a calculator...0,1,2,3,4,5...and then add the toes)

In 1897...two men wrote a song...that became known world0-wide...called COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Johnson Oatman (pictured here)...wrote the words...and Edwin O. Excell wrote the music. Oatman was a Methodist Episcopal minister...who was also a full time retail and insurance man. His other songs included:
No, Not One...Higher Ground...The Hallelujah Side. The song was sung along with other classic hymns during the WELSH REVIVAL. Gipys Smith (evangelist) was quoted in the LONDON TIMES..about the song...
"In South London the men sing it, the boys whistle it, and the women rock their babies to sleep singing this hymn."

When upon life's billows
You are temptest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
COUNT your many BLESSINGS
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the LORD HAS DONE


COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS name them one by one
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS see what God has done
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Name them one...by...one
COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS
See what GOD HAS DONE

Life's Billows...being tossed between the billows...discouragement...thoughts of all being lost...burdens...loads of care...the cross that you bear, admid conflicts (great or small)...are REALITIES. In contrast...we have the option of RE-FOCUSING our THINKING...that will result in a RE-FOCUSING of our SPEAKING...that will REFOCUS...our ACTIONS.

The song encourages us not only to think about how God good is...but says to COUNT THEM...and not only to count them...but to NAME THEM...one by one. When you begin to do this...the column with crud...the things of earth...become strangely dim...in the light of the COUNTED BLESSINGS...and His GLORY AND GRACE...BLAST OFF...or BLAST UP...the pull of the GRAVITY OF THIS WORLD....loosens.

NOTE: This is NOT a denial of the bad stuff in the world...or the bad stuff in your life...BUT it is denial of the bad stuff the right to RULE YOUR LIFE.

As it says in Philippians 4:8..."Finally brethren...whatever is TRUE...whatever is HONORABLE...whatever is of GOOD REPORT...whatever is RIGHT...whatever is PURE... whatever is LOVELY...if there is any EXCELLENCE...and if ANYTHING IS WORTHY OF PRAISE...LET (allow) your MIND to DWELL ON THESE (the stuff just listed versus the junk)."

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS (during the good, bad, and ugly)...AGAIN (in case you didn't here it the first time)...REJOICE. Let (allow it to happen) you forbearing (appropriate, gentle, moderate) spirit be known to all men. THE LORD IS NEAR....BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING (don't be anxious)...but in EVERYTHING (the good, the bad, and the ugly)...by (1) prayer [talking to God]...(2) supplication (humble petitioning...counting, naming one by one)...(3) with THANKSGIVING (by faith, before you see anything change)...LET (allow it to happen) your REQUEST be made known to God." (Philippians 4:4-6...Ruminator Version)

NOTE: God knows...but the encouragement is for you to allow God into your life and situation and to help you. We have the power to edge God out of our life and situation. But when we begin to COUNT OUR BLESSINGS...naming their one by one...things can begin to change... the things of earth growing strangely dim...in the light of His glory and grace.

The CAUSE AND EFFECT of you changing your THINKING...SPEAKING...DOING...is...THE PEACE OF GOD...WHICH SURPASSES ALL COMPREHENSION SHALL GUARD YOU HEARS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS. (Philippians 4:7) then Philippians 4:8 kicks in with the MIND DWELLING PRINCIPLE.

Isaiah 26:3 says..."the steadfast of mind Thou wilt be kept in perfect PERFECT PEACE (why) because it is stayed on you (because He trusts in Thee)."

In Romans 8:5-8...we seen where a MIND-SET will lead you. "For those who are according to the FLESH...SET THEIR MINDS on the THINGS OF THE FLESH...but those who are according to the SPIRIT...the things of the Spirit. For the MIND SET on the FLESH is DEATH...but the MIND SET ON THE SPIRIT...is LIFE and PEACE, because the MIND is SET on the FLESH...is HOSTILE TOWARD God...for it does not subject itself to the law of God...for it is not even able to do so...and those who are IN THE FLESH...cannot PLEASE GOD (see Hebrews 11:6 on how it is possible to please God).

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE....

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

One of my favorite places of COUNTING...is found in PSALM 103:1-5. It is the Psalmists admonishes to his soul...to BLESS the Lord. This is to be ALL THAT IS WITHIN US TO DO...to BLESS HIS HOLY NAME. Here is just some examples of the BLESSINGS YOU CAN COUNT...and to forget NONE (no not one) of his BENEFITS...

1. Pardons ALL your iniquities
2. Heals all your diseases
3. Redeems you life from the pit
4. Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion
5. Who satisfies your years with good things
6. So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Well...that is a good place to start with your COUNTDOWN.

Count your blessings name them one by one...count your blessings see what God has done...Count your blessings...name them one..by..one..count your many blessings SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE.

Love and COUNTED KISSES
Rodney "Breaking Free From Gravity" Boyd

TOP TEN REASONS ROD DOES NOT NEED GOD IN 2009

Greetings all ye who deem themselves to be self-sufficient. Here it is...2009... another year where we can survive on our own. No need for God...since we consider ourselves to be gods. We are the master of our fates...our destiny is in our hands...the world (the corporate and personal0 is just fine. With that in mind...here they are....THE TOP TEN REASONS....ROD...DOES NOT NEED GOD IN 2009.

DISCLAIMER: For those unaware....this is a tongue in cheek poke at those who think it is all about...them.

So.............with out further adue...let us proceed.

This was originally posted to my wall on FACEBOOK.



#10 I subscribe to the BOOT STRAP THEOLOGY...where I pull up MY OWN boot straps...so I don't owe nuttin' to nobody...including God. I am a self-made man.

#9 I am a follower of Frank Sinatra...so let's all turn to page 245 in our ME BOOKS...and sing all three verses of I DID IT MYYYYYYYYYYYYYY WAY.

#8 Jesus may be Lord, MASTER and Saviour...but I've got MASTERcard, Discover, and American Express to meet my needs according to the debt cycle of the world. I am my Lord/Boss/One in control... Master...and Saviour of myself.

#7 When you are as intellectual as I am...you don't need God. After all...I have come to the conclusion that THERE IS NO GOD...so I can't need help from what is not real. NOTE: Atheist...intellectuals...and agnostics..."spiritual" people may not believe in God...but God sure does believe in them...enough to allow His Son to die on a cross in their place.

#6 I don't really need God...because I've got all my ducks in a row with my 401K, stocks, investments, etc. After all...WALL STREET IS LORD...and as long as WALL STREET is stable...I don't need God.

#5 I will need God...when the world gets bad enough. So far...so good. NOTE: Sometimes you got to stink enough...where even you can't stand your funky smell.




NOTE: We are have way to the # 1 reason. Let's here a word from our sponsor...the RUMINATORS. If you are in the Smyrna and surrounding area...stop by on Wednesday nights...for a JOURNEY through the ONE YEAR BIBLE...RUMINATOR STYLE. Email me for more information. And now back to our exciting adventure of TOP TEN REASONS ROD DOES NOT NEED GOD IN 2009.

#4 Why do I need God...I've got a wife who tells me what to do. Instead of saying YES LORD...all I have to do is say YES DEAR.

# 3 God is for sinners...and I don't sin. My armpits don't stink either. I am a pristine individual...PRAISE ROD.

EMERGENCY SPIRITUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.... this is a test...it is only a test...in the event of a real SPIRITUAL CRISIS...you would have been notified to fall on your knees and repent of your self-sufficiency.
#2 God is for losers...and I am a WINNER...or that's what all the positive thinker gurus tell me. All I have to do is awaken the giant within me...confess over and over that I am all I need...become a magnet for good things...do good works...and all of my needs will be met according to the riches in myself.


COMMERCIAL BREAK: Are you tired of being tempted...enticed to evil...pulled away from who you really are? Are you weary of trying to do the right thing... and still missing the mark. Are you fed up with walking in the flesh and experiencing the same old habits and being tied up and bound again, and again, and again? Is that what's troubling you Boopie? Well.........HAVE I GOT A CLASS FOR YOU. On Sunday mornings at Smyrna Assembly at 9:00 CST...you can join the rest of the HERD....for the new teaching series called HOW TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATION, SIN and the FLESH. If you can't make it...you can email Ramblin' Rod and request a copy of the workbook...that will be sent to you via email attachment...for the low, low price of FREE.

And now...we return for the conclusion of TOP TEN REASONS ROD DOES NOT NEED GOD IN 2009.

And the #1 reason...Rod does not need God in 2009.....

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME BABY...IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See ya next time...for the TOP TEN REASONS.......

Love and RodMEy Kisses
Rodney "As The Deer Panteth For The Waters So My Soul Thirsts After Thee" Boyd

THE C-FACTOR

Greetings Oh Ye Chili aficionados. The question arises...with...or without? Depending on who you are talking to...you either like your chili with meat...or without meat. I prefer my chili...
CON CARNE...with meat/flesh.

I have vivid memories of growing up...and every other Wednesday night...when my Dad got paid...we would go to the local Kroger...and buy groceries. When we got home from Kroger...Mom would put on a pot of coffee...and open some cans of chili...CON CARNE. When I close my eyes... to this day...I can almost smell the aroma wafting through the Boyd household. Even to this day... I judge all chili...by my Mom's chili...out of the can.

I like my chili with meat/flesh...but my Christianity is another thing. The C-Factor...is a series of Cs...CONFESSION...of a...CHRISTIAN CON CARNE. This would be...a Christian (follower of Jesus)...with or in...THE FLESH.

Of course there is only one thing worse than a sinner...and that's a Christian...who walks and lives in the flesh...or the CARNAL...CON CARNE life.

The word in the Greek language for flesh/meat/carnal...is SARX. Sarx is...flesh...the meat of an animal...human nature...with it's frailties (physically or morally)...and passions...carnal.

In this losey-goosey...world that we live in...I am seeing an increasing tendency...for followers of Jesus...to let the guard down...and instead of walking by the Spirit....we walk/live...with a mixture of Jesus Loves Me This I Know...and...doing anything I want, when I want, and how I want. This is a recipe for trouble.

DISCLAIMER: Let me say from the onset...and I know that this will come as a surprise to many of you...that I am not perfect. You can easily come in and scrutinize my life...and I will come up lacking and wanting. I know that when you point your finger at someone...you have three pointing back at you. I know the Scriptures talk about not judging...while you try to take out a speck in someones eye...while you have a 2 x 4 sticking out of your eyes. So...as I right this...I am looking at a mirror and talking to myself.

I have been a follower of Jesus for the past 38 going on 39 years. In the early days...it was a roller coaster ride...and sometimes the roller coaster came of the tracks and I crashed in a flesh accident. I smoked more dope...drank more booze...and did more stupid fleshly things...AFTER I was saved, baptized, baptized in the Holy Spirit...than BEFORE I became a follower of Jesus. I guess that's why I have empathy...for those struggling with FLESH issues. I especially am sadden...when I see "some" young Christians...teens and old young Christians...being bound again by choices to live a carnal life.

NOTE: Not all believers are walking in the flesh...not all teenage believers are living a carnal lifestyle...but enough to where....I am reflecting on MY LIFE of FLESH WALKING.

There is nothing new under the sun. God's people have always been on the roller coaster of life...and the Bible is a reflection of how God deals with His people. If I was writing a book about mankind's relationship with God...I would probably hide the warts...and make believers look pristine...BUT not God. The Bible...especially the New Testament...are writings...letters of corrections and encouragement.

I Corinthians 10:1-33 talks about God's people who were LAID LOW IN THE WILDERNESS. Why did God reveal these things? According to I Corinthians chapter 10 verses 6, 11...these things were written to us as EXAMPLES and INSTRUCTION for us...SO WE WON'T BE LAID LOW IN THE WILDERNESS.

WARNING #1: I Corinthians 10:12...warns us that if you think...that YOU CAN'T FALL TO THE FLESH...look out. "Therefore...let him who thinks he stands TAKE HEED...LEST HE FALL." It's easy...to sit back...and look down on those who do certain things...that WE DON'T DO...and at the same time...DO THINGS that we should NOT DO.

WARNING #2: Beware of being a spiritual ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK. I am guilty of this...trying to determine someones motives for why and what they are doing. It's like it says in I Corinthians 2:11..."For who among men KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of a man...except the spirit of the man...which is in him?"

WARNING #3: Spend more time interceding for the FLESH WALKER...than tsk tsking the FLESH WALKER.

NOW...what to do...what to do? Do you just let us FLESH WALKERS...keep on walking in the flesh. No...I would dare say...encourage by the Word. As it points out in Galatians 6:1-4..."Brethren...even if a man is CAUGHT IN ANY TRESPASS (not just walking in the flesh...but actually caught in overt sin)...you who are SPIRITUAL...restore such a one in a SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS (not in a fit of anger or superiority)...LOOKING TO YOURSELVES (check out the mirror)...let you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens...and thus fulfill the law of Christ. For if ANYONE THINKS HE IS SOMETHING...when he is nothing...he deceives himself. But let each one examine his OWN WORK... and then he will have a reason for boasting in regard to himself alone...and not in regard to another."

The last collage is what I desire for the youth of the church where I attend...the young adults that have grown up in the church...the adults who have been Christians forever and have gotten in a spiritual rut....and especially ME.

I Timothy 1:7-16...is Paul writing to a young Timothy...about what he needs to do...as a young man walking out his faith and authority in the church. He encourages Timothy...to not allow anyone to LOOK DOWN ON HIS YOUTHFULNESS. Don't give anyone a reason for disregarding your confession of faith in Jesus Christ. I see 5 areas where Timothy is encouraged to DISCIPLINE HIMSELF FOR THE PURPOSE OF GODLINESS....(1) Speech (2) Conduct (3) Love (4) Faith (5) Purity

SPEECH: is what we say...but what we say is what we think. Of course in the Ruminators...we quote..."UNRESTRAINED THOUGHTS... PRODUCE UNRESTRAINED WORDS...RESULTING IN UNRESTRAINED ACTIONS. I am not talking about cussing...however that is a big part of it. The foulness that comes out peoples pie holes is atrocious. I am not talking about non-Christians...I don't expect anything less...but I am talking about followers of Jesus. Reading Facebook or My Space is revealing of what is in the hearts of many people. Another aspect of disciplining the speech...is how much unbelief, worry, tension, anxiety, fear comes out of the same pie hole that praise God on Sunday mornings.

CONDUCT: is what we do...how we act. Again disciplining...restraining...our thoughts will control what we do...or the choices we make.
Sometimes on Sunday mornings as I stand up on the stage for communion...and I look out at the people...it is amazing how many people are not listening...talking...playing games on their phones...etc. Also...the way people dress is also revealing...especially some of our lovely Christian ladies. There is a looseness in dress...that is distracting...when there is more cleavage showing than a hooker on Saturday night.
Again on Facebook or My Space...are flooded with Christian believers...in seductive poses...for the sake of art...or an in the face comment on the freedom they have.

LOVE: is what motivates and moves us...but there appears to be a confusion with love and lust. Christian boys...whisper in the ears of Christian girls...that they LOVE THEM...but what they really mean is I LUST you. One step leads to another (connected to the CONDUCT)...first base...second base...third base...and rounding to home with a baby. Like Larry Norman sang...I once knew a girl as sweet as could be...but she fell for a man like a chained saw tree...she listened to his lies...fooled by his charms...now she's sitting with a baby in her arms...you got to WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOIN'" Notice it is not just the girl...it takes two to tango.

FAITH: is what we believe...with the root of our believe in the D.B.R...DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION...NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS. If you read the book of Galatians...it is a letter of correction of believers...who are adding to the faith...in the areas of rules and regulations...and walking in the FLESH...not in the SPIRIT.

PURITY: is mixing in bitter waters...with fresh waters...and that makes the whole spring polluted. Purity is a lost art...because after all WE ARE FREE. Paul underscores this in I Corinthians 6:12...in his letter of correction to the fleshly church of Corinth..."All things are lawful for ME...but NOT ALL THINGS ARE PROFITABLE. All things are lawful for me...but I WILL NOT BE MASTERED BY ANYTHING."

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY!

I can't tell anyone what to do...I have a handfull just with my life, my family and those who...for whatever reason look up to me. But this I do know...that is good for me...and everyone.

1. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
2. When you know to do good...do it and don't sin. (James 4:17)
3. Whatever you do...do it by faith...and don't sin. (Romans 14:23)
4. Discipline yourself (remove encumbrances that trip you up (Hebrews 12:1; I Timothy 4:7)
5. Keep focused in the Word (I Timothy 4:11-16; II Timothy 3:16,17; Joshua 1:8)
6. Stay free (Galatians 5:1,9,13,16-26)

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION

If you are in the Smyrna and surrounding area...you are invited to THE RUMINATOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS where we are currently studying HOW TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATION, SIN AND THE FLESH. If you are outside of the are...email me...and I will send you a copy of the workbook over your email

Love and SAN CARNE KISSES
Rodney "Preaching to Me" Boyd

NEW YEARS, NEW CREATIONS, NEW EVERY MORNING

Greetings all of you Golden Oldies...Silver Saints...Moldy Oldies...Old Creations, New Creations....Happy MOO Year.

Well...Today...is one step closer to the return of Jesus Christ...and one step into the New Year. I have experienced 57 of those lovely New Years...some I cannot remember...some I have vague memories...some I remember oh so well. There have been good years, bad years, ugly years...but collectivley...overall...it has been a good life.

I was born on August 15th, 1951...and then born again in the fall of 1970.

"Now there as a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him (Jesus) by night, and said to Him, 'Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; fro no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. Jesus answered and said t him, Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be BORN when he is OLD? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be BORN...can He? Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is BORN OF WATER (physical birth) and the Spirit (born again), he cannot ENTER into the kingdom of God. that which is BORN of the FLESH is FLESH...and that which is BORN of the Spirit...spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you...YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN. The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not KNOW where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is BORN OF THE SPIRIT." Nicodemus answered and said to Him, HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE? (John 3:1-9)

Born again...new beginnings...new creation...are words that evoke images of leaving one place and starting over in a new place. As Ed Cole points out in his book ENTERING CRISIS AND LEAVING...we are in a constant state of entering and leaving. We enter a new room and leave the old room...we enter a new job and leave the old job...we enter in new relationships...and leave old ones...we enter new lifestyles and leave old lifestyles. The first collage is one of NEW BEGINNINGS. There is a picture of Phillip being baptized...raised to walk in newness of life. Another picture is of me and Brenda holding Phillip in the beginning of our new life as a family. The lower left hand corner is old Ruminatin' Rod entering this world in 1951...and next to it are the early days of dating with Brenda Sue Williams...who then left that old life...and became Brenda Sue Boyd. Front and center is my first Bible post salvation. I bought that for myself...and wanted a honking big Bible to go along with my faith. It not only was a powerful tool for my spiritual growth...but could also be used as a weapon in case of physical attack. The upper right hand corner...is how...me...or anyone can enter into that BORN AGAIN experience...where you start a NEW LIFE. The cross...the empty cross...that Jesus allowed Himself to be "hung up for our hang ups". He became the propitiation, the substitute, the satisfaction for God...and paid the debt that I/we owed...so we could become NEW CREATIONS.

WOW....38 years ago...I was DELIVERED from the domain/authority of DARKNESS...and TRANSFERRED me to the kingdom of His (God's) beloved Son (Jesus)...in whom I have REDEMPTION...the FORGIVENESS of sins."
(Colossians 1:13,14)

I left the OLD creation that I was...and became a NEW creation in CHRIST.
(II Corinthians 5:17)

I went from not being righteous and just (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12) to being the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST (II Corinthians 5:21
Romans 1:17; II Corinthians 5:14,15)

The computer generated drawing of THE ROSE THAT GREW IN CONCRETE was a project Phillip did for a book report in school. It always speaks to me of how God can grow anything in a rough situation. It speaks of the miracle of going from a stagnated, concreted nothing...to a beautiful flower.


Well...it is a NEW YEAR...and time to leave the bad OLD behind. Thank God... that the new spark of life is not limited to the initial touch of God to man. After the fall...there was life...and the life was JESUS.

Jeremiah the "weeping prophet"...laments about the old condition...and rejoices about NEW MORNINGS.

"Remember my affliction and my wandering...the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me (speaks of cause and effect of the old life). This I recall to my mind...therefore I HAVE HOPE. The Lord's LOVING KINDNESSES INDEED...NEVER CEASES...for His COMPASSION'S...NEVER FAIL...They (loving kindnesses and compassions)... are NEW EVERY MORNING...GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. The Lord is my portion say my soul...therefore I have HOPE IN HIM." (Lamentations 3:19-24)

When you become a NEW CREATION...and you begin to walk in this fallen world....you need to be RENEWED. There is every opportunity to get weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9) As we walk in this NEW LIFE...we have many choices to SOW and to REAP. We see that God is not MOCKED...for WHATEVER (good or bad) we SOW... that shall we also REAP (Galatians 6:7). We can either so to the flesh...or sow to the Spirit. Either way...we reap a crop in our spiritual walk...that will either determine if we continue to walk in newness...or go backward (aka backslide) into the old creation.
(Galatians 6:8)

NOTE: I have backslide, returned as a dog to his own vomit, reaped what I sowed.. many times. This is a condition that I see many people doing...and will be a future Rambling called...CHRISTIANS CON CARNE...Christians with flesh).

We can go from NEW CREATIONS to OLD CREATIONS...from FREEDOM to SLAVERY by our SOWING and REAPING.

"It was for FREEDOM that CHRIST set us FREE...therefore KEEP STANDING FIRM and do not be SUBJECT AGAIN to a YOKE OF SLAVERY." (Galatians 5:1) This speaks of our CALLING. "For you were CALLED to FREEDOM, brethren...only DO NOT TURN YOU FREEDOM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FLESH (carne...carnal nature)...but THROUGH LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER." (Galatians 5:13) Again...more of the Christian con Carne at a later time.

In this first day of the NEW YEAR...I want to encourage all of you CUD CHEWERS...to keep walkin in the NEWNESS OF LIFE....in the NEW CREATION. Remember that His loving kindnesses (plural) and compassion's (plural) and mercies (plural) are NEW EVERY MORNING. That means...that if you blow it on January 1st...you don't have to give up...there is a NEW MORNING COMING... and that would be January 2nd...and 3rd...and 4th...all the way to December 31st 2009...where I will meet you again if the Lord does not return... for 2010.

Until then..."But they that WAIT upon the LORD...shall RENEW...their STRENGTH...they shall MOUNT UP with WINGS OF EAGLES... they shall RUN and not be WEARY...and they shall WALK...and not FAINT." (Isaiah 40:31)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Teach me Lord...teach me to wait.

Love and Spanking Brand New Kisses
Rodney "NEW CREATION" Boyd