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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Conservatives Police Their Own!

Amid Calls for Resignation,
Sen. Larry Craig Steps Down from Top of Committee Posts

This headline speaks volumes about one of the major differences between conservatives and liberals. For the most part, when a conservative does something illegal or immoral, other conservatives move to do something about it.

(Insert tongue in check here)

You mean you thought those calls for Craig's resignation were from the liberal side of the isle. You mean like the liberals who always police their own. That they have no skeleton's in their closets.

(Now remove the tongue out of check)

The title of this blog is "Do the Right Thing!" Most of the time, conservatives do that when it comes to policing their own. That's what the conservatives who are calling on Craig to resign are doing - policing their own.

In Honor of Rev. O.C. Boston, October 1, 1903 - August 30, 1977

Please allow me to do a little therapy for myself as I write a tribute to my late grandfather.

August the 30th this year is the 30th anniversary of the passing of my grandfather, Rev. O.C. Boston. 30 years ago today a great man went home to be with his Father in Heaven. I still mourn the loss of this great man, but am so grateful that someday I will see him again when I make it to heaven.

There are so many things I could say about Grandpa Boston. He was the pastor of the church where I currently pastor two different times, once in the 1940's and again in the late 1960's. It was at this church that I first remember going to Sunday School, and hearing my grandpa preach.

What a privilege and honor it is to serve the Lord at the same place that Grandpa did!

That last summer Grandpa was alive was one of the best summer's I can remember. Grandpa had moved away to preach at a couple of different churches, but had returned close to where we lived when I was a teenager. It was about 17 miles from our house to his. Many times I would ride my bicycle from home to his house to spend time with him.

Grandpa loved to fish, so I loved to fish. He seemed to always be able to work in a time to go fishing even if he was busy.

Grandpa had been told by his doctor that he needed to cut down on some of his physical activities like mowing grass and gardening due to a problem with his heart. That year, the church where he was preaching paid me to mow the grass (my guess is Grandpa paid me out of his own pocket). It was a big yard, as there was the church yard and the parsonage yard connected.

Well, that year, school started a few days prior to August 30th, and I wasn't going to be able to get to mow the church property until Saturday. Now Grandpa was one of those types that if the yards have grown even a fraction of an inch, then it had to be mowed by Sunday before church services.

He was worried that it might rain on Saturday, and that the yard wouldn't be mowed for Sunday morning. So in spite of the doctors warnings, Grandpa decided to mow all the grass with a regular lawn mower (I used a riding mower, but he didn't like it because he said it jarred him around too much).

I think you probably know what happened next. Grandpa died of a heart attack doing my job for me. I have long since gotten past the guilt I felt, as Grandpa knew he wasn't supposed to be mowing and I would have been there to mow Saturday. But what I really realized is that he died doing what he loved, working for the church and his Heavenly Father.

There was something else that happened on that day - August 30th, 1977. I turned 15 years old.

So on the 30th anniversary of your passing Grandpa, I thank you for all that you taught me about life, and I know you would be happy that I am now doing what you always hoped one of your family members would do, and that is preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You let me preach my first sermon at age 14, and I remember it like it was yesterday.

Rest in peace Grandpa Boston, see you in heaven some day soon!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

This One Returned Home Safe!

I heard from my mother, that my cousin Mark Kinslow has returned safely to the soil of the "free and the brave". Mark is on the list of those who we have been praying for that are a part of the GWOT.

I'm going to switch the list to show up in the top left where it now tells you to link to the article. The link will remain so that you can still add to the list by putting your "hero's" name in the comment section or email me at hopecyberpastor@gmail.com and I will manually add it for you!

Thank you Lord for Mark's safe return!

Monday, August 27, 2007

How Can This Be????

It seems like just yesterday that my "baby" daughter would crawl up in her daddy's lap every night about 8:30 and I would rock her to sleep. It's only memories now, as on Monday we will be taking our "baby" on a college visit.

Where have those 17+ years gone? Am I now getting close to being officially old? Now instead of saying daddy tickle me, she says dad I need gas money. Oh my, oh my I look at pictures on my desk that show her in years past and there is one thing in common. It's her beautiful smile.

So to my dear "baby girl", keep that smile on your face and may God lead you in your decision about where to go to school (I forgot to mention, she is going into youth ministry), and with all the decisions that life brings your way.

******** On a side note, our good friend Snooper has a son, MJ, who will be leaving for Iraq real soon. Please keep MJ and the entire family in your prayers. Mine is making a decision on where to attend college, but Snooper's is heading off to war. God be with you MJ!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Sunday Sermon Outline

Life as a Christian (The Early Days)

Acts 2:42-47

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

This was right after Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost and 3,000 were saved from one service!

How was life as a Christian in the early days of the Church?

1. Verse 42

A. Devoted to learning (taught by the apostles)

B. Fellowship

C. Eating

D. Praying

2. Verse 43

A. Filled with awe

B. Wonderous things done by the apostles

3.Verse 44

A. They were all together

B. They had everything in common (unity)

4. Verse 45

A.Sold their possesions and goods (as it was needed)

B. Gave to anyone in need

5.Verse 46

A. Met at the Temple every day (tough to get people to church for 1 or 2 hours, once a week today)

B. They ate together

6. Verse 47

A. Praised God

B. The Lord added to their number DAILY

My question is this. If this plan was so successful in the very beginning days of Christianity, why don't we follow it today?

Are We All Guilty of This?

This came from NJGOP in the comment section on this blog. I'm sure some of you don't see all the comments, so I wanted to share this wonderful story with everyone. NJ, thanks for sharing and the story says it all, no comments needed from me!

I only got to hear the last 15 min or so, but it was really cool to hear your live human voice.

I wasn't sure of the significance of mentioning Rich Mullins since I tuned in so late -- but I do have a 2nd hand Rich Mullins story you might like:

A good friend won a contest and the prize was 2 tickets to a Phillies game, getting to sit with Rich Mullins. She gave her spare ticket to another one of my friends who relayed this story.

The friend that won the ticket is kind of a "chatty" person (really really nice -- but I think we all get kind of duh... when around celebrities) so she's chatting with Rich Mullins and kept talking about her church, (used to be my church too) and how great it is, and about how he should come to our church sometime and it would be so cool if he came ... blah blah blah.

So Rich Mullins, at the Phillies game...really cool, really mellow says, You know, people are always inviting me to their church. You see that guy over there? (motions to someone a few rows away) I'll bet you nobody ever invites him to church. Or how about those people.. (points to some other people) how about you invite them to your church?

I never forgot that story. Wish I had been there to witness it myself.

***Footnote, today, the person who invited him to her church is running a growing women's conference in her area and is making a difference in the kingdom of God.

Are You Kidding Me??????

Is there no level that this woman will not stoop to? You know it's bad when other democrats are distancing themselves from idiotic comments like these. How dare she use our safety as a political sound bite. Between her and obama, they are doing more to harm our national security with their outrageous statements than anything they accuse President Bush of doing! I intentionally used CNN's story so no one would say it was a right wing conspiracy by Fox to misquote the poor pitiful presidential candidate!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/24/clinton.terrorism/index.html


Clinton: Terrorist attack would help GOP


By Alexander Mooney
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- She says she is the Democrat best equipped to fight terrorists, but White House hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton told New Hampshire voters Thursday that another attack on the United States would likely help Republican candidates at the polls.

"It's a horrible prospect to ask yourself, 'What if? What if?' " Clinton, a New York Democrat, told a house party in Concord, according to the New York Post and The Associated Press and confirmed by her campaign.

"But, if certain things happen between now and the election, particularly with respect to terrorism, that will automatically give the Republicans an advantage again, no matter how badly they have mishandled it, no matter how much more dangerous they have made the world."

Clinton added that if such a scenario occurred, she is the best Democratic presidential candidate "to deal with that."

Clinton was in the crucial early voting state Thursday to unveil her health care plan.

A Clinton spokesman, Isaac Baker, told CNN "Sen. Clinton was making clear that she has the strength and experience to keep the country safe."


Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, who is also competing for the Democratic nomination, issued a statement Friday afternoon calling Clinton's remark "tasteless."

"Frankly, I find it tasteless to discuss political implications when talking about a potential terrorist attack on the United States," he said.

New Mexico Bill Richardson, another Democratic presidential candidate, disparaged Clinton's remark.

"We shouldn't be thinking about terrorism in terms of its domestic political consequences, we should be protecting the country from terrorists," said Gov Richardson in a written statement
.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Update on Our Friend

I just got an email letting us know that our friend who had the surgery on Wednesday made it home today. Everything went as well as it possibly could, but it was very serious surgery and she will be on complete bed rest for the next two weeks (or at least that's the doctor's orders). We will see if she complies, but seriously, we need to keep her in our prayers. We also need to thank God for the outcome. God Really is Good!!!

What About the Babies?????

I've read quite a bit lately about the lack of outrage over the the number of abortions (murders) performed in the US, while at the same time the huge amount of press and outrage at the Michael Vick case with the dog fighting issue.

I was going to just keep quiet about this issue because there were great articles from numerous sources and I am pretty sure most people know my position on the abortion issue.

Well, I decided to add my 2 cents worth because this has really started to eat away at me. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE MATTER WITH THIS COUNTRY??????

I am not going to do the research to get the exact figures, but there are thousands of abortions every year, and we just have to accept that as the "law" of the land? I say hogwash! And let me say this - name me one politician who says they are for the murdering of unborn babies. I'll go out on a limb and say NONE. It's always under the guise of "a woman's right to choose".

Now to the Vick issue. He committed a crime. He has pleaded guilty. I believe he should be punished to the normal extent that is warranted for his crimes. I do not believe that he should be "banned for life" from the NFL as some are suggesting, but should get the same punishment others have recently received for criminal offenses. And I think he should get help to address the issues that go along with his desire to participate in such activities.

But ppppllllleeeeaaaasssseeee, let's focus our anger, rage, and efforts on something that makes a real difference in this great country. Every single illegal dog fighting operation in America could be closed down tomorrow, and my life would not change one iota.

Let me finish with a personal story about abortion and then maybe you will see why I just can't get that worked up over the Vick issue.

When my daughter was pregnant with our 2nd grandchild, there were some "markers" that showed up indicating that the baby "could" have Downs Syndrome. She was referred to a specialist in this area, and I went along with her and my son-in-law for the appointment.

On the ultra sound, what had shown up as "markers" earlier, were now in the near normal range. However, there was a test that could determine whether the baby had Downs Syndrome or not. There was a risk that doing the test could cause my daughter to go into labor and it was way too early for the baby to survive that. My daughter decided - no test, why take a risk.

This "specialist" said that if my daughter was considering "terminating" her pregnancy, they needed to do the test that day, as the time for being able to "terminate" the pregnancy in Indiana was very close.

Of course, my daughter said that wasn't a choice, but the "specialist" was very persistent. I was trying to be a good dad, and just sit back and let my daughter and son-in-law do the talking and not be too pushy.

However, after the 8th time of her mentioning "terminating" I decided if she said it again, I was going to not keep my mouth shut, and lower the boom on the lady. The good Lord above obviously knew I had enough and the lady didn't say it any more.

I tell you all of that to say this. I have a wonderful, healthy, precious grandson who does not have Downs Syndrome. Had the "specialist" had her way, this may not have been the case.

Tell me friends, WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE OVER THIS, and why are we not pushing harder to make this Supreme Court "law" go away!

There you go, my 2+ cents worth on why I really don't want to hear anything else about Michael Vick!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

This Politician Has it Right!

Wow, does this Congressman ever nail it! Thanks to Spree for sharing this letter she received from Representative Trent Franks!



August 23, 2007
Susan Duclos
(redacted)

Dear Susan:

I appreciate your letter regarding the conflict in Iraq and our national defense. It is always good to hear from you on the many significant issues facing our great nation, and this in particular is one of inarguable importance.

The first and primary purpose of the federal government is to protect its citizens. The President has shared with me his deep concern over our action in Iraq causing harm or the loss of human life. I share his concern. However, I also join him in recognizing the stark reality that the free world is engaged in a far greater war than the one seemingly being waged on the battlefield of Iraq.

Osama bin Laden himself has said, "The most important and serious issue today for the world is this Third World War.... It is raging in the land of the two rivers. [Iraq] The world's millstone and pillar is in Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate."

Americans must realize the fact that, regardless of how we would like to see the war in Iraq, terrorists see it as the front line in a global war in which suppression, intolerance, persecution, and merciless acts of terror are the enemy's weapons of choice.Defending our homeland against terrorism has forced us to enter into a new kind of war. It is one we would rather not enter, but one that we must, and have, taken to the enemy. All agree that terrorists from the Middle East region have poured into the Iraqi theatre, contributing to the violence and war efforts, in the hope of seeing America, the "Great Satan," defeated. However, it is easy to forget that in these years since 9/11, and throughout the course of the war, there has since been not one successful terrorist attack on United States territory. I believe President Bush was right in acting decisively to secure our country, and defend the American way of life jeopardized by terrorism and those nations who seek to destroy our freedom.

Consequently, I have cosponsored H.R.511, "to pledge the faithful support of Congress to members of the United States Armed Forces serving in harm's way." This legislation pledges unequivocal support for our men and women in uniform, stating that Congress will not cut off or restrict funding for units and members of the Armed Forces that the Commander in Chief has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

In addition, let me also add that I believe our defense strategy abroad must be coupled with the realization that strengthening our border security is absolutely vital in defending against the grave threat of terrorism. As we continue to wage war overseas, I recognize that an unregulated, unsecured border poses just as grave a threat for terrorist penetration as does the threat of a nuclear, militarized jihad overseas. In order to effectively address this critical issue, we must focus on providing the resources for which the Department of Homeland Security may effectively maintain a secure domestic border. Therefore I will continue to support legislation that places the security of our nation as the first and fundamental priority.

We have been blessed in this nation to be protected and served by the noblest soldiers in the world. These courageous men and women deserve our utmost honor and gratitude for the enormous sacrifice that they have so willingly made, so that we and ages yet unborn may continue to walk in the light of freedom.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I wish you the very best in life, and I hope you will continue to inform me of the issues that concern you. In the meantime, please feel free to visit my website at http://www.house.gov/franks.

Most Sincerely,

Trent Franks

Member of Congress

Prayer For our Blogging Friend

A good friend of our blogging group, Patriots for Conservative Values, had surgery yesterday. One thing about situations like this is that you have to wait until the person is able to use their computer again to find out the details. In other words, we must leave things in the hands of the Lord! No better place for our friend to be than in the awesome hands of God Almighty!

Father in Heaven,

Hear our prayers just now for our dear friend. We know she had surgery yesterday, and are anxious to hear how she is doing. We pray for you to lay your healing hand upon her body. We pray for a speedy recovery. We ask that you give her peace in this difficult time.

So many times throughout your Word, we see the hands of the Great Physican at work. We pray that for our friend just now. We pray for each doctor, nurse, and any staff member that has a part in our friends care. Bless each of them, and give them the wisdom to do what is necessary for our friend, and to do it properly.

Father in this time where we don't know what is happening with our friend, give us the assurance that You are in control! We know that is the case Father, and we sometimes need to feel that special comfort that only You can give.

Father, we pray these things in the precious name of Jesus!

Amen

Feel free to add your prayers in the comment section!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

There Really is Hope!

Following up on the discussion that was on Blog Talk Radio yesterday, this story shows the HOPE there is in Jesus Christ! I've know about this story for quite a while, but I love so much the hope that it shows for everyone!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/08/former_rockers_bestseller_deta.php

Former rocker's bestseller details rise to
fame, depression, new life in Christ

Allie Martin
OneNewsNow.com
August 22, 2007

A former rock star who came to Christ two years ago hopes his story will encourage others to look to Christ for meaning, purpose and hope.

Brian Welch, founder of the heavy metal band Korn, soon found himself and members of the band wealthy after their debut album sold millions. However, Welch says along with the money came depression and an addiction to methamphetamines. Welch details this rise to fame, depression and drug addiction, and his turning to Christ in a new book titled Save Me From Myself."

At first I wasn't even sure if I wanted to do a book because I'm a musician. I wanted to do a record, you know, but once I started writing it I was like this is God because it just started flowing out of me and I'm just thankful that he's blessing it and so many people are getting inspired by it," says Welch.

Among those inspired by the book are former drug addicts and current drug addicts. Welch says that he had tried to get off drugs before Christ, but found only temporary relief.

"When you quit speed, you can't wake up, because ... everything is shut down and all you do is crave sugar, and your eyelids are like glued shut and you just are like knocked unconscious because you're so high for so long that you just crash when you're done," he says.

In 2005, when Welch came to Christ, he was finally delivered from his drug addiction. He then went into seclusion for a period of discipleship -- and now Welch wants others to know that true freedom is possible through Christ."

[I secluded myself] like Paul went away for years with the Lord. I felt led by God; it wasn't nothing [sic] that I did like, 'Well, I'm going to go away like Paul' -- it was just [that] I was like trying to go out there and do everything at first. And then God caused circumstances to happen to where I would have to go," he explains.

With the release of his new book, Welch says his story is being told to a broad audience that includes old Korn fans. Welch is planning to release a solo record later this year.

Great Show on Blog Talk Radio!

I thought the show yesterday evening done by American Truth Warriers on Blog Talk Radio was really good (in spite of one very nervous guest). The questions were excellent, the other guest had a great story to share, and I certainly believe that God received the glory He so richly deserves. I also loved the music picked out. Rich Mullins is one of my favorites, and how can you go wrong with a song that says "I know my Redeemer lives".

Thanks to friends and family for all the nice comments!

If you missed the show and would like to hear it, go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anewtone and scroll down to "archieved segments" and click on the show for August 21st.

Again, to God be the Glory!!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Guest on American Truth Warriers

I have been asked to be a guest on the American Truth Warriors show on Blog Talk Radio at 7 pm (eastern) Tuesday night. You can click the link below to access to show online. I believe that you will find it worth your time to tune in, as the other guest scheduled is a hero from the war in Iraq!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anewtone

Also, a shout out and plug for the guys from A Newt One. You can visit their site at:

http://www.anewtone.com/

A Monday Night Football First

What was so special about the Monday Night Football game between the Colts (might I add World Champion to that) and "Da" Bears? Was it the rematch of last years Super Bowl? No. Was it because it was on ESPN? No. Did Peyton Manning go off for 5 touchdowns? No (actually the Bears won 27 - 24).

OK, it was the first time in my 45 years that I attended a professional football game in person. I had flashbacks of my younger years. Our tickets were eight rows from the field right in the corner where the Colts run onto the field.

My son-in-law won the tickets at a company function and my thanks go out to both he and the place he is employed for helping make this 45 year old man have a great Monday Night First!

Oh yeah, when Peyton came out of the locker room for the 2nd half, I got his picture on my cell phone and sent it to my kids, and then a text message that said "this is soooo cool"! Maybe, I'm not as big a dork as they always tell me I am!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Sunday Sermon Outline

I have said in the past that most of the time I develop my own sermon outlines, but on occaision I will use someone else's material. I totally changed directions on my sermon after some questions and events of this past week.

The sermon outline below is from Mark Scott. Scripture references are in italics.

Miracles: Previews of Coming Attractions
Mark 6:56

56And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Introduction
Jesus Christ was no mere slight–of–hand magician. He was, in the truest sense, a worker of wonders. The Gospels do not have an unhealthy interest in miracles, but they give us plenty of miraculous evidence to believe in Jesus.


Two qualifications about Jesus’ miraculous works should be made:
1. Miracles do not appear in every page of Christ’s life. They are exceptions to the norm.
2. Miracles are not self-authenticating.

They do not ensure belief

Mark 6:5-6
5He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
. They should help engender faith (John 10:38)
38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
;


John 20:30-31
30Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


but they can get in the way of faithful progress

John 6:26
26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.


The issue before us in our text is that all that came to Jesus were healed. I would like to ask why. For what reason did our Lord work miracles, signs, wonders, and works?

I. To Show His Identity

Mark 2:10
10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic,

A. There is a right relationship between a miracle and the Messiah. Jesus healed the paralytic’s sickness to prove that He could solve the man’s bigger problem of sin.


II. To Demonstrate That the Kingdom Had Come

Matthew 12:28
28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.


A. There is a right relationship between the reign of God being reestablished on planet earth and the Messiah. Casting out demons was a sign that the end of the age had come.


III. To Extend Kindness

Matthew 8:4
4Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."


A. Sometimes Jesus worked miracles just because He wanted to. His heart went out to hurting folk. No doubt the leper welcomed the words, “I am willing.” His heart is touched with my grief


IV. To Stir Controversy

John 5:1-18
The Healing at the Pool


1Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." 8Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.' " 12So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.


Life Through the Son

16So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. 17Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." 18For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

A. There is a right relationship between miracle and mess. Miracles can make things very messy. They can get the miracle worker in a heap of trouble, especially if they are done on Saturday. It may sound odd to our ears, but Jesus sometimes worked miracles to stir up the people so that they would be forced to deal with His deity and claims.


V. To Reward Faithfulness
.

Mark 7:24-30
The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman


24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. 26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." 30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.


A. There is an interesting relationship between faith and miracles. It is not an absolute relationship. Faith is not always required for a miracle for a very simple reason—God is sovereign. To the woman who was a definite outsider (a dog) the miracle proved a reward of her faith.


VI. To Fulfill Prophecy
.

Matthew 8:17
17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
A. There is a right relationship between predictive prophecy and the Messiah. It was said that when He came the deaf would hear, the blind would see, and the lame would leap like a deer.


VII. To Pour out the Glory of God
.

John 11:4
4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

A. There is a right relationship between Jesus’ whole life and the glory of God. When He walked among us we beheld the glory of God. When people saw Lazarus walking around all they could say was, “Glory to God.”

Conclusion
But beyond any of these purposes, miracles are part of Christ’s saving work! As Jesus worked miracles He began to save the world. Miracles are not just proofs of deity, and therefore should not be approached apologetically only. The miracle stories of the Bible have salvation talk in them. “Faith”, “save”, and “mercy” are words that appear in the miracles. They are cameos of life in the new heaven and new earth. They are snapshots of future glory. When a miracle takes place the recipients have a brief glimpse into a future world ruled totally by God where there is no sickness, death, or oppression by the evil one.

Illustration
Miracles and the movies. Going to the movies might be an appropriate metaphor to understand miracles. Before the feature presentation there are usually some previews of coming attractions. So it is with Christ’s miracles during His first coming.

To My Friend

I have a very close friend who had an anniversary today. The only problem is that her dear husband has passed on and is not here to celebrate with her. Memories are the only thing she has, but I know those memories are great ones, because she has shared some of them with me.

I wish there was something I personally could do to remove the grief that she still suffers from, but prayer, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen is all I have to offer.

I know that in these times, reminding people that God is there walking with them may seem like hallow words, but to me it is the greatest comfort I know. The hope that we have of seeing our loved ones in heaven is something I know I look forward to.

So may God be with my dear friend today - He always is, but especially when we need Him the most!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Help with Blog Log

To my blog friends: Can you send me a comment on this post with the link to your blog. Several have changed locations and I want to get this done accurately. I appreciate your help as I continue with getting this place where I want it.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Spree's Exclusive

My blogging friend Spree, who did this interview and "exclusive", has had this story picked up by several news sources and "big name" blogs. Below is the beginning of what Spree has on her site. For the rest, click the link below.

Wake up America: ****EXCLUSIVE***Interview with Executive Director of Vets For Freedom, Pete Hegseth

By Susan Duclos aka Spree

Vets for Freedom is a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics—namely "the surge" in Iraq. We support policymakers from both sides of the aisle who have stood behind our great generation of American warriors on the battlefield, and who have put long-term national security before short-term partisan political gain.

Pete Hegseth, Executive Director

First Lieutenant Pete Hegseth served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division for their deployment to Iraq from 2005-2006. Lt. Hegseth served as an infantry Platoon Leader in Baghdad during the nationwide elections in October and December 2005, and as a Civil-Military Operations officer in Samarra. Lt. Hegseth also served in Guantanamo Bay for a year on a security mission with his National Guard unit and currently serves in the 1-69 Infantry, New York Army National Guard. He holds the Bronze Star for his time in Iraq. Pete is a graduate of Princeton University and plans to pursue a Masters in Public Policy at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton in the fall. Lt. Hegseth originally hails from Minnesota, but now lives in New York City with his wife.

The Washington Times has published some key excerpts to this 25 minute interview with Mr. Hegseth, so please head over and read those excerpts with, what the Vets For Freedom does and why, as well as giving a "face" to the Iraqi people and their hopes and desires for their country, what he is hearing from the soldiers and interpreters still on the ground in Iraq and he speaks to why Victory in Iraq is so important to America.

I Don't Think This is Going to Make God Happy!!!!

My thanks goes out to Miss Beth for this information.
Her site is: http://missbethsvictorydance.blogspot.com/

Now my take. First let me say that this is one person and in the Netherlands. Please keep that in mind when reading the article. So why worry about one person in another country and what they think? Well it's obvious that the story is getting some attention. That means that others are going to be exposed to this way of thinking. And this, in my humble opinion, is where the new media comes into play. We've got to speak out against such nonsense.

The Bible clearly tell us that God is a jealous God. And God is called by several different names in His Holy Word, none of which is allah.

Can you get to allah through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

Is there a Trinity with allah?

Does allah allow for free will?

Is the words of allah for the Jew and the Gentile?

I could ask question after question like this with all the answers being "no".

And for those of you, who like I are non-Catholics, please don't place the blame on the Catholic Church. This isn't from the Pope, but from one bishop. There are "renegades" in all religions that don't have the backing of the church, and this is the case here.

Comments are welcome, and if you think I'm wrong, let me know.


WorldNet Daily
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57178

TESTING THE FAITH
Bishop urges Christians to call God 'Allah'
Catholic leader believes it would help ease tensions between religions


Catholic churches in the Netherlands should use the name Allah for God to ease tensions between Muslims and Christians, says a Dutch bishop.

Tiny Muskens, the bishop of Breda, told the Dutch TV program "Network" Monday night he believes God doesn't mind what he is called, Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported.
The Almighty is above such "discussion and bickering," he insisted.


Muskens points to Indonesia, where he served 30 years ago, as an example for Dutch churches. Christians in the Middle East also use the term Allah for God.

"Someone like me has prayed to Allah yang maha kuasa (Almighty God) for eight years in Indonesia and other priests for 20 or 30 years," Muskens said. "In the heart of the Eucharist, God is called Allah over there, so why can't we start doing that together?"

Muskens thinks it could take another 100 years, but eventually the name Allah will be used by Dutch churches, promoting rapprochement between the two religions, he said, according to Radio Netherlands.


However, a survey published today in the Netherlands' largest newspaper, De Telegraaf, showed 92 percent of the more than 4,000 people polled oppose the bishop's view, the Associated Press reported.

Some letters to the paper were filled with ridicule for the bishop.

"Sure. Lets call God Allah. Lets then call a church a mosque and pray five times a day. Ramadan sounds like fun," wrote Welmoet Koppenhol.

The chairman of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, Gerrit de Fijter, told the Dutch paper he welcomed any attempt to "create more dialogue," according to the AP. But he said, "Calling God 'Allah' does no justice to Western identity. I see no benefit in it."

A Muslim spokesman, for Amsterdam's union of Moroccan mosques, said Muslims had not asked for such a gesture from Christians, the AP reported.


Tensions with the Netherlands' 1-million-strong Muslim community have been high since the 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo Van Gogh by a Muslim avenging a film critical of Islam.
Last week, politician Geert Wilders talked about banning the Quran, shortly after the head of a group of former Muslims, Ehsan Jami, compared Islam's prophet Muhammad with al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.


Muskens made similar remarks several year ago about using the name of Allah, Radio Netherlands reported. He also suggested replacing the national Christian holiday Whit Monday - celebrated the day after Pentecost - with an Islamic religious day.

The bishop also has offended Muslims, saying in 2005 Islam was a religion without a future because it has too many violent aspects.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

God is Still in the Miracle Business!

I spent four hours at a hospital in Indianapolis while my dear friend and church member, Georgia, had a (one time) cancerous lump on her breast removed. Some of you that are on my prayer blog (if you would like to join that blog, it's by invitation only so email me and I will send you an invite), have been praying for Georgia for many months.

Initial biopsies of the lump showed that it was cancer and the doctors were about to start her on chemotherapy then radiation and then the surgery like she had today. One Sunday shortly before chemo was supposed to start, Georgia came forward at the end of a church service. She asked to be anointed and have hands laid on her for the healing of this cancer.

We prayed over her, and she says that she felt a burning sensation where the lump was.

A few days later, she decided to move in with her daughter and change her medical care closer to where her daughter lives. The new doctor decided to not do chemo, but treat her with hormone therapy.

The size of the lump shrunk to the point where the doctor had to do a mammogram to pin point the exact location, for today's surgery.

When the doctor came out today to report to her family, I heard the best news possible for Georgia. The lump was totally removed, and the biopsy on the lymph node was negative. The doctor said things couldn't have been better!

Maybe you believe this way, and maybe you don't - but I am convinced that God removed the cancer from Georgia's body well before today's surgery.

You see, my God is still in the miracle business - and I got to witness one in my friend Georgia's life.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For My Friend

A friend of mine asked me to post the following list of Christian bloggers. Here it is:

I thought I'd post the list here, as a plug for my blogging friends. If your blog is included here, I wonder if you would consider copying this list, and placing it in a post at your own site. That way the entire list can get a broader exposure.

Mark O. Wilson, Revitalize Your Church
Lawrence W. Wilson
Tim Guptill, G'update
Paul Kind, Vagabonding
John & Danielle Freed,
Rod Pickett, Kingdom Come
Jim Garlow
Josh Garlow, In Stereo
John Drury, Drulogian
Keith Drury
Jerry Brecheisen
Ken Schenck, Schenck Thoughts
David Drury
Eric Wagenmaker, Random, Contemplative
Chad McCallum, Compass Church
Dale Argot, Virginia Transplant
Joe & Randi Gormong
Eric Hambrock, The Front Porch
Jim Watkins
Nate Kingsbury
Joel Gorveatte, Get to the Point
Amanda Drury, Amanda's Spot
Bill Lawson, Kidd's Place
A. J. Thomas, The Jonny Smith Regime
Rod Densteadt, Brothers of Willow
Kevin Wright, Wright off the Bat
Shannon D'Agostino, Our Simple Adventures
David Rutler, Savior Stretching
David Sheffield, One Rock Crying Out
Joy Ziegler, Conformed or Transformed?
Matthew Rose, The Matthew Never Knew
David and Katy Kinnan, The Kinnan Chronicles
Ben Robinson, The Orthodoctor
Ryan Budde, The Scope
Josh Cooper, Front Porch Life
Gail Neuerberg, The Beauty of God In Little Things
Straight Talk for Church Planters
Mark Schnell Thinks Out Loud
Brian Russell, Real Meal Ministries
Glen Robinson, Dividing Wall
Tom Kinnan, Keeping Perspective
Steve Matthews
Dean Brown, Corktown Capers
Mark Gorveatte, Church Edge
David Wright
Daniel Shipton,
Dan Bickel, Wisconsin District
Brooks Sayer, Stuff I Say
Doug Dennis, Intentional Interim
Josh & Jamie Hilty, Sermons and Other Stuff
Jeff Bouma, The Fuse
Rick Hudgens, Trustworthy Sayings
Phil Stevenson, Inner Sanctum
Jeremiah Gomez, Musings of a Rookie Pastor
Ed Torres, The Core
Lenny Luchetti, Relevant Living
Brandon & Jennifer Bruce
Steven Sheets
Dale Robertson, Dale's Place

Monday, August 13, 2007

Guest Post From Dean - "Are We Living in the Last Days?"

This response was from my friend Dean to the question "Are we really living in the last days?" I loved his response and got his permission to share. I'm interested in what others might think about this subject.

I always considered the Left Behind Series as works of fiction and not based in fact. Far too many contemporary Christians view them as inspirational or somehow divinely inspired. While it is true that the two who wrote the series are Christian and they use certain Biblical information for the basis of their stories, the books are fiction. Just like the Da Vinci Code. It too is a work of fiction yet people somehow adopted it as truth.

I don't know when the second coming will be....none of us on earth know that. There are signs and many Bible prophecies that have been fulfilled and many more yet to come. God does things according to His own time line which in no way resembles our time line on earth.

Over the centuries many have predicted the "end of the world" as we know it, some were crackpots but most were simple God fearing men who were sensitive to world events in their time.

Whenever it happens I'm certain of one thing and that is it will be unmistakeable. There will be no doubt, at least among believers. We will know.

In the mean time we have lives to be lived and things to do....."miles to go before we sleep". It is incumbent on us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ but looking at every world event as a guide put's us in dire straights if we let them.

The Bible tells of wars, rumors of war, tribulations, earthquakes and all manner of pestilence and abominations yet hasn't this been the case down through the centuries if you look closely at world history?

Personally I think the time is closer than it has ever been but will I see it in my lifetime? Will you see it in your's? Only God the Father can answer that. Better for us to stay prepared for whatever may happen, that would be prudent, but to live our lives as if tomorrow will be the end is a fools folly.

And yet we pray, "Come Lord Jesus...come."

The remainder was his response to my request to post his article.

Pastor Ed, I am honored that you would want to use what I wrote. Thank you for the kind words. And since I am neither syndicated or receive compensation for what I write you may use it without question. ;)

So many Christians seem to be in this end of the world doomsday mode that I beleive it is adversely affecting their attitudes about the world around them if not their lives.

As I stated above I believe Christs return to be imminent and crazy as it may seem to some I pray for His return sooner than later for all our sakes, but having said that I must also pass along this.

It is my view that our time on earth is merely a "summer camp" and a temporary abode that teaches and stregthens our souls. Our permanent home is with the Father where we will spend eternity when camp is over.

I do not fear death but certainly I am not in any rush to embrace it either....LOL. Living and being a part of this life is what we were sent here for and all the days between birth and death will be whatever we make of it.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Distressing News from Missouri!

I have thought for years that a church would be an easy target. This saddens me greatly. God's blessings to the families of the deceased!



By MARCUS KABEL,
Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 7 minutes ago

NEOSHO, Mo. - A gunman opened fire in the sanctuary of a southwest Missouri church Sunday, killing three people and wounding several others, authorities said.

About 25 to 50 people were briefly held hostage at the First Congregational Church until the gunman surrendered, Neosho spokeswoman Desiree Bridges said.

About four or five people were wounded, Police Chief Dave McCracken said, and several others who were injured fled the scene.

Officials removed two covered bodies from the brick-and-white trim church into a waiting funeral parlor van Sunday evening.

"This is a terrible tragedy which was made worse by the fact that it happened in a peaceful place of faith and worship," Gov. Matt Blunt said in a statement.

The shooter was being held at the Newton County Jail, but police were not releasing any information about him. Bridges said he was related to someone in the church, but declined to elaborate. No charges had been filed Sunday, McCracken said.

McCracken said the gunman had two small-caliber handguns and one 9 mm semiautomatic machine pistol with a large magazine.

The shooting followed the 1 p.m. service, which was attended by about 50 people, ranging in age from children to the elderly. The church opened its doors to the group of worshippers from the Pacific islands that conduct a service in Spanish, said Patty Mendoza, 35, whose friend attends the service.

"There are a lot of islanders that come here," Mendoza said. "It's terrible. I can't imagine what it was about."

The gunman surrendered to authorities after about 10 minutes of negotiation.
"At the time that the rescue attempt was successful we had approximately 20 people in the sanctuary still," he said. "We had some people who escaped the crime scene prior to the police arrival that were wounded, and we had some people escape during the process and at the time of the rescue."

He said no one was injured during the arrest.

McCracken said he could not confirm whether the gunman was a member of the church. But he said an incident involving the suspect and a family that attended the First Congregational Church on Saturday night fueled the shooting Sunday.

"At this point though, we don't have any information more than that," McCracken said.

Calls to the church went unanswered.

The identities of the deceased were being withheld, McCracken said.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Sunday Sermon Outline

What If His People Prayed
A Model from Jesus
Luke 11:1 – 13


Luke 11
The Model Prayer

1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

A Friend Comes at Midnight

5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

I. His Pattern to Model

II. His Provision for Others

III. His Will for Persistence

IV. His Will for Our Potential


Also, don't forget to scroll down or click this link ( Prayer for Heroes in GWOT ) to see the list of those who are in the military and prayer has been requested for. If you want to add to the list, put the name in the comment section and I will add it.

I love you all.......

Pastor Ed

What a Week!!!!!

Wow, this was one busy week, but God is Good and the good things were very good, and the not so good were not as bad as it could have been. I'm going to list everything I can think of below. And now I hope my schedule gets back to my "normal" routine.

Remember - I was gone most of last week to Family Camp for our denomination's district. It was an awesome time of with the Lord, friends, and people I met for the very first time.

  • Sunday Worship - Was an intro for Vacation Bible School. I did the material myself and the theme was "Come as You Are". I did something for the first time as I preached in shorts. My wife, youngest daughter, and I did a skit and I had shorts on and thought that with the title and theme, preaching in shorts was the right thing to do.
  • Right after church we had a pitch-in dinner (I don't know how I'm ever going to lose 20 pounds)
  • My oldest daughter, who lives with us, was running a temp of 105 + , so I took her and my son-in-law to the ER. They changed her meds and sent her home.
  • My dear wife, led a group of helpers to decorate for VBS.
  • My daughter's temp went way back up and there were other problems, so they admitted her to the hospital at about 3 am.
  • Our oldest child and only son flew in to Indy at about 2 pm Monday. It was great to have him in town even if the visit was short.
  • Night one of VBS. Call me crazy, but I love VBS. Very nice and a smooth running program. (that's not always the case)
  • After VBS, dinner with my 2 children who were not in the hospital and then we took our leftovers to the hospital to share with my daughter who was feeling much better and was hungry.
  • Tuesday AM, daughter released from hospital. I picked her up and we ran some errands together. It's rare that I spend time alone with her, as she has a husband and 2 children 20 months and under.
  • VBS night two. Another good night - only real problem is the A/C can't keep up with the heat, but that didn't stop the program!
  • Dinner with the entire family, plus my mother and father. We kept the people at Red Lobster busy.
  • Wednesday was the finale day. First our son had to leave about 5:30 pm. I sure miss him when he is gone. Then it was the VBS final night. We cut down to 3 nights this year. I'm sure God was letting us know it was going to be the hottest week of the year when we made the decision to cut the number of days.
  • Thursday, I had a full physical. The doctor thinks I may survive another day or two. Actually the reports were good.
  • Friday, finally able to take it easy for a day.

So, if you thought where's Pastor Ed and did he quit blogging, maybe this will tell you what's been going on and why blogging was way down on my list of "things-to-do".

I wouldn't change much though (my daughter's hospital visit comes to mind), because some of the things I love the most happened this week. I had my entire family together for a couple of days, and that sure makes me happy. VBS has come and gone and was a big success. The doctor didn't find anything horrible during my physical, so it looks like I can keep serving the Lord for a while longer (if that's His will - doctor's don't know everything). And now I'm ready to slip back to a more normal (if there is such a thing) routine.

God bless you all - I miss blogging when I can't, but know that I think of and pray for my blogging family regularly!

Pastor Ed

It Was Only a Quarter

A friend sent this out several days back. Since I've been extremely busy and haven't had the time to blog much, I saved it and wanted to share with all of you. I don't know if the story is true or not, but the message is "priceless". Enjoy and thank you "Angel".

It was only a quarter

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You' d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."

The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian".

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

I Had a Blast on BlogTalk Radio

I called in along with Snooper on Blog Talk Radio during "A Newt One"'s program. And except for Snooper and I talking during a break and being broadcast live, the show was great!

You can click on the link and the show will be archieved soon.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anewtone

The Amazing Adventures of the Superheroes Border Boy and Cyber Pastor

NJ_GOP posted the following on my old blog site. We used to do Friday Night Follies on GOP.com and this a continuation of the ongoing Superhero story of Border Boy and Cyber Pastor (yes it was NJ who first gave me that nic).

She told me today she is about finished with the end of this portion of the story and the only place to find it will be right here at Do The Right Thing (how's that for a promo?). Maybe in the future we'll pull out some of the really old stories and share them here!

For now enjoy this portion!



Friday Night....

Gee, some of you may remember the Amazing Adventures of the Superheroes Border Boy and Cyber Pastor. I reckon since the summer is half over, we ought to be seeing how they are doing on their trek to Alaska, especially since the Alaskan summer doesn't last that long.

Last I recall, they were on an expedition to ANWR, to see for themselves that this vast wasteland would yes, remain a vast wasteland (probably in better shape) even after the oil drilling by our AMERICAN oil drilling.

As I remember, our 2 heroes came across that wicked, evil, no good, double crossing, master manipulator, rat fink of a villain, Dr. SpaceLib working in a bait and tackle shop in the wilderness. He had been sent to AK in the witness protection program after ratting out that nasty, freezer full of cash, congressman. (I guess the Feds wanted him to know the real meaning of "freezer" hahahaha).

Anyway, back to our story:

Our heroes were suspicious about the ENORMOUS coincidence of "running into" Dr. Spacelib .... I mean really, what are the odds? So like good, responsible Superheroes (Trust No Lib) they decided to bring the evil doctor with them to keep an eye on him --- especially since there was an old abandoned Russian spy compound nearby ---- our heroes weren't taking any chances.

Yikes bad spelling error that one.... so OK I'll tell more of the story.The Russian spy compound was (surprise) not so abandoned after all. Legend has it that the property was deeded from the Indians to a guy named Aloysius Goroglian before AK became a state, who secretly sold it to the Russians during the cold war.

He was never prosecuted because no one knows what ever happened to him -- but rumor has it that he had a son whose name was changed to ... you got it, Al Gore. So what does that have to do with Dr. Spacelib? Stay tuned...

Our heroes were on a secret mission, commissioned by the big guy himself. The odds of having the evil Dr. Spacelib in the vicinity of this mission was more coincidence and then running into him face-to-face was more of a miracle than even our beloved Cyber Pastor was willing to believe.

So when they entered the bait and tackle shop to find him refilling the worm tank, Cyber Pastor immediately went for his small but amazingly accurate frisbee of a weapon, his offering plate. Cyber Pastor wasn't quite quick enough though, since Border Boy had his hands around the villain's throat so fast that the good Pastor found himself instead saving the evil Dr. Spacelib's life.

Border Boy said, "Sorry CP -- reflex". They decided it wasn't safe leaving him behind, but they knew that bringing him along could be just as dangerous. Their mission remained secret as they did not discuss it for fear of hidden listening devices....even the renowned Tin Hat was not trusted for protection in this investigation.