General Information

I was looking forward to five days at the World Center Marriott Hotel in Orlando, Florida. I wasn't looking forward to being away from Jenny but I knew the accommodations would be great. She elected to stay home because the days began at 7:30 am and ended at 8:00 pm. No time to spend together. As it turned out she made the right decision. As I write this post I am in a Holiday Inn Express in Gainsville Florida waiting for my truck to be repaired. As I drove down Friday the truck began to give me some problems. Luckily I was near the city of Gainsville, Florida. I drove to a Ford dealership at 4:00 pm. Too late for anyone to check it out. I rented a car and continued my drive to Orlando arriving four hours late around 10:00 pm. I felt sure it would be repaired by the time I came back through today (Wednesday). On Monday I was informed the catalytic converters were shot. They were ordered on Monday and scheduled for delivery tomorrow (Thursday). I'm hoping they arrive as expected and I can be on my way tomorrow evening. Pray my truck will get repaired tomorrow and I will be home by evening.

Great job Franz......thanks!!!!! I informed Franz several weeks ago that I would be out of town this past Sunday so he could secure a substitute teacher and give them plenty of notice for prepartion. In the past I have encouraged Franz to teach but he has never done so. The Lord has blessed the Hope Class with several gifted and qualified teachers; of whom Franz generally asks. But not this time!!!! Jenny told me Sunday evening that Franz had taught and did a marvelous job. I understand there was lots of class participation and involvement. I called Franz to congratulate him and tell him what a blessing this is to me. He immediately began to share with me how God blessed him in his time of preparation and presentation. He seemed to have a renewed commitment to the study of God's Word. It is the food for our spiritual growth. Join with me and Franz and re-commit yourself to personal bible study. We are blessed to have such a wonderful Sunday School Class.

Franz & Kathy are grandparents for a third time. Karter Bruckmair was born earlier today to Delana and Scott Bruckmair. Join me in prayer that God will use Karter in a very special way during his lifetime.

I must go for now.

Until next time.......
Danny

As usual I have spent my Saturday morning at Blackbird, sipping coffee, reflecting on God's Word and observing the various people as they come and go. I have been out of town this week and tried to make several post earlier. As I challenged each of you to do, I emailed Pastor Jay to let him know I was praying for him as he was God's messenger during Dexter Baptist's revival. I received a kind response from him on Tuesday afternoon thanking me. I hope you made him aware of your support also.

A couple of things are happening today. First, the "Gospel Sing" benefit for Ted Austin will be occurring between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Please try to attend and let Robin know you are praying for her brother. The benefit is free, but donations will be accepted. This evening, our church is sponsoring a children's event beginning at 6:00 PM. You can review the post this past Sunday to discover more about these events.

Have you studied your lesson for this week. The title is "When All Hope Seems Lost." I posted an introduction to the subject on Monday. No one has responded with a comment, but I hope you have read it. If not, please review the post in preparation for this week. Our scripture this week begins with Genesis 39:21 and concludes with Chapter 40.

We Can Trust God - Genesis 39:21
At this time life was difficult for Joseph. I am sure Joseph had difficulty seeing God at work; but He was! Can you relate? This verse is short but powerful. It contains a proclamation and two assurances. Can you identify them? I am reminded of Romans 8: 28-31. Specifically verse 31 - If God be for us, who can be against us? We must remember God's sovereignty extends to our lives. Because He is is sovereign we can trust Him at all times.

We Can Serve Others - Genesis 40:2-3, 5-8
I believe God wants us to model servant leadership. This was taught and demonstrated by Jesus on many occasions. I can remember where Jesus done so - when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, the teaching of the first shall be last and...more. Can you identify others? If so, bring them tomorrow and share with the class. Joseph was assigned the responsibility of serving the Chief Butler (Cup Bearer) and Chief Chef (Baker) while they were in prison. He did so faithfully even though he had a right to be bitter and defiant. After all, he was stolen and sold into captivity, he was falsely accused, and imprisoned. Little did Joseph know that God's sovereignty was at work. What is the lesson here? Regardless of our circumstances we can respond in love to everyone. Joseph went about his daily responsibilities and continued to believe in God. He looked for every opportunity to point to God. God used his faithfulness to eventually remove him from this situation and catapult him into prominence. He accurately interpreted the dreams of the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker. He gave God the glory, verse 8, "do not interpretations [dreams] belong to God? Tell me them [your dreams] I pray you."
Joseph found ways to serve God in prison. We should find ways to serve God in our circumstances also.

We Can Seek Help - Genesis: 40:9-15
Joseph interpreted the dreams of the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker. This had to be difficult for Joseph. In these verses we discover much about Joseph and his relationship with God. God revealed the meaning of each dream to Joseph before he told the two men. One was good and one was bad. Did he have to deliver the good with the bad? Would it be proper for Joseph to interpret one dream and not the other? Especially in light of his challenge in verse 8. How would you have responded?

We know that Joseph interpreted both - the good with the bad. God gave him this ability and he had be faithful to it. This is true for us today!!! We may not have the ability to interpret dreams, but we do have gifts that lead others to Christ. By faithfully using our gifts God will be glorified. Joseph knew the interpretations were accurate and would come to pass. He believed God. After he interpreted the dream to the Chief Butler he ask to be remembered. Little did Joseph know that God was at work in his circumstances. We should provide and seek help in time of need. God works through people and we should seek aid from those who may be able to help in out time of need.

We Can Be Patient - Genesis 40:20-23
Joseph did not doubt the interpretation of the dreams. The next few days created hope for all three. First, the Butler hoped the interpretation would come true. Second the Baker hoped the interpretation was false. Finally, Joseph hoped the butler would remember him and help him out of this dreaded place. Each day provided its own level of hope and anxiety. A true reflection of how it is when our lives seem hopeless. Time passed, the interpretations proved true and the Butler forgot about Joseph. It is difficult to be patient when things are bad. How do you think Joseph felt? Let's discuss tomorrow.

Until next time.....

Danny

When All Hope Seems Lost

We continue our study of Genesis and the journey of God's people. The title of this weeks lesson is very exciting for me. Hope is a very powerful motivator. Hope and faith are siblings if not twins in our spiritual walk. Each is uniquely tied to and dependent upon the other. In Hebrews 11:1 it states.... Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (KJV).
Did you see it!!!! Faith is the substance (actions, behaviors, desires, our outward expressions) that result from hope. Hope is the mental anchor that secures us to God and His Son. Hope is a place we can go that assures us everything will be okay. When I have hope; I believe that tomorrow will be better than today. I can be at peace when things are going wrong. I am reminded of the first verse of the song Solid Rock penned by Edward Mote in the early 1800's.. "my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness." Yes, hope is a very wonderful thing. But it must be focused on the right things,
What is the hope of your life? Is it based on material or spiritual things? You will find that where your hope lies; faith will follow. Joseph's hope was in God. Our scripture for this weeks lesson is Genesis 39:21 thru chapter 40. Begin today to read it and search your heart to be sure your hope is anchored in Jesus Christ.

Don't forget to let Pastor Jay know you are praying for him and Dexter Baptist.

Until next time.....
Danny

Surprise - Thanks!!!

What a surprise!!!!!! I began my normal routine this past Sunday. I felt that something was different but did not notice the black object at the front of the room. My normal routine is to first prepare the coffee. This involves a several trips to get the water, filters and coffee; I still did not notice the black object strategically located at the front of the room. Next I arranged the chairs and placed a bulletin in each. Then I turned for one last check of the room before taking my quiet time to reflect one last time on the lesson and pray for God's guidance and presence during our time this day. Then I noticed it, how could I have missed it!!! The old rickety wooden chair was gone and replaced with a brand new, modern, high, swivel chair. This chair has levers to adjust the seat angle, back angle, height, and it is padded. I searched for the secret eject button but could not find one.

It sounds silly but who would ever think that a chair could talk. But it did..... in that quite moment, sitting in this new chair, God reminded me what a great Class you are. You make me proud and I count it a great privilege to serve you. It is the little things we do that communicate God's love. Thank you for all the things you do for me.

Until next time......

Danny

Pastor in Revival

Is it not great to have a pastor in demand!!! Pastor Jay will be in revival at Dexter Baptist Church this week beginning tonight. Churches schedule revivals at various time throughout the year depending on the church's leadership and traditions. However, as most of us know, scheduling and conducting a revival does not mean REVIVAL is experienced. Let us Pray that Dexter Baptist will experience REVIVAL.

We can do our part by praying that God prepare Pastor Jay by giving him insight into how He may use him. Pray for the people of Dexter Baptist - that God will use the sermons of Pastor Jay to soften their hearts so they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Revival is a wonderful thing when it occurs. Most often revival simply becomes an event that is scheduled to occur on specific days of the year. Let us pray for REVIVAL to occur at Dexter. Pastor, rest assured that the Hope Class will be praying for you and Dexter. Preach the Word as God leads you. May Dexter experience the greatest REVIVAL in the history of the church.

To the Hope Class - email and/or call Jay to let him know you are praying for him.

Until next time.....

Danny

Upcoming Events

Ted Austin Benefit - Civitan Fair Grounds
This Saturday , April 19th, there will be a "Gospel Benefit Show" for Ted Austin. Ted is the brother of a member of our class, Robin Davis. Admission is free but donations are encouraged and accepted. Proceeds will go to help Ted offset extensive medical cost associate with his fight with cancer. Many artists from across Georgia and local talent from Dublin churches and organizations will be donating their talents from 2:00 -7:00 PM. A variety of music will be performed. Please make checks payable to "Ted Austin Benefit." Donations can be mailed to New Bethel Baptist Church here in Dublin.

It would be a great show of support for our class to attend as a group!!!!! If you would like to do this, post a comment. If enough respond, we can plan accordingly.

Children's Rally - Jefferson Street Baptist Church

Some may be in a quandry since our own church is sponsoring a Children's Rally on the same day. Not to worry - the time slots are such that you can do both. The rally is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Click on the name McCart Ministries to learn more about this ministry. The focus is for children.....but are'nt we all children at heart- right?

This is one of the many outreach ministries our church sponsors routinely. As we learned from our pastor this morning, this event may be a feature article in the The Christian Index. Email this blog address to all your friends so they will know about the opportunity and what a great opportunity for outreach.

Till next time......

Danny

What One Believes Matters

Do you know what Oprah believes about God and Jesus Christ? As Christians we should know what any person of influence in our lives believe about God. Ms. Winfrey is one of the most influential women in the world. Untold women and men are touched by her daily television program and her Production Company (Harpo). David Taylor sent me this youtube link where Oprah discusses her beliefs with her audience and others. It is worth listening to. Check out Oprah to hear what she believes. Be sure the volume is not muted on your computer. If you have dial up service rather than DSL you may not want to follow the link. Ms. Winfrey is entitled to her beliefs and I will fight for those rights. She has some remarkable qualities - she is dead wrong about God. I am not suggesting she be blacklisted; just know that her spiritual beliefs are not aligned with God's Word



Until next time.....

Danny

It's A Boy

Congratulations to Jackie and Glen - Christin is having a BOY!!! The first grandchild and a boy. I am absolutely positive this child will be spoiled. To read more, see Jackie's comment to the previous post. How about it - does anyone else have good news. We serve an AWSOME God!!!

Until next time...
Danny

Point of Personal Privilege

It's a girl!!!!!! Heather called yesterday to tell us our third grandchild is a girl. It's so exciting and we cannot wait. She and Jeremy are searching for names. Follow this link to her blog to view the list and provide your comments (http://thelittlesprouts.blogspot.com/). I guess we will have to "think pink."

Jenny and I will be meeting Heather and Jeremy to pick up the boys this saturday. We will have them for a whole week. Can't wait.

Until next time......

Danny