Six Best Friends

Good Monday Morning To You!!!

The other day someone asked me about my dogs. I have been preaching for forty years and have loads of experience and education. I have several degrees and lots of letters after my name, and what do people want to know? How are your dogs. Incredible. The fact is I am a dog lover. Since my childhood I have had six dogs in my life. The first was a Collie named Gi-Gi. She was a beautiful dog. My mom named her, but I do remember where that idea came from. I’ll have to ask her. Gi-Gi was the dog of my childhood from the early sixties. She was a great playmate. Dad built her a doghouse in our basement and it was so sturdy, it took three grown men to move it outside. Gi-Gi loved her house - she always laid on the ground outside it. I would put her in it, and right back out she’d come. It was big enough, and was water proof, complete with a shingled roof and sturdy floor. Gi-Gi laid in frount of it.

Next was Peppi; we called her Pep. Peppi was a Miniature Schnauzer whose momma was my uncle’s dog, Doogie. Doogie was unable to nurse her pups, so we got Pep when she was just a few days old. We bottle fed her and she grew into a healthy little girl. Peppi would get so excited whenever we’d come home from being wherever we had been. She would bark and jump. She would literally jump up into your arms. You’d better plan on catching Peppi, because she was coming. Pep was the dog of my teenage years and early adulthood.

Next was Marco. After I tell you about her, I’ll save the other three for another time. Bess and I wanted a dog, so we went to the dog pound in Cincinnati and looked at several. We looked for a dog that wanted to be wanted. As we strolled past the cages, we saw one that had several dogs in it. All the dogs except one was playing in one corner, while this little Australian Shepherd was laying in a corner by herself. She had this sad look on her face and Bess and I knew at once that this was the dog for us and our family. We brought her home, and the kids just loved her. Marco, we called her Mark, was a good guard. Each night she would go to different bedrooms to check on everybody. Marco was also a Frisbee catcher. You could throw the Frisbee across the yard and she would take off, leap into the air, and catch it. She very rarely missed. She was also a good hockey goalie. The kids would take a miniature hockey stick and hit one of her Kibbles toward her from the other side of the room. Once again, Marco rarely missed. She was a mighty fine dog, She was with us when we moved into our present home in Florida 15 years ago. Next time, I’ll introduce you to dogs four, five, and six. Their names are Kaiser, Frazier, and Bubba.

What a tremendous service we had at Friendship Harmony yesterday. Karan Barry has agreed to play piano for us, and Eleanor McDonnel is leading our singing. This morning was their first time together, and already I’m calling them the dynamic duo. The music at our church is extremely uplifting. I began a four part series called God’s Open Doors. We will be looking at the many open doors provided by our Heavenly Father. The notes are below, and the video will likely be posted by mid-week. To get to the video, go to www.youtube.com. When their home page comes up, type in Pastor Victor Cooper in the box next to their logo. It should take you right to our video ministry. The video ministry is off to a bit of a slow start, but already I have heard from someone on the west coast who was blessed by it, and wanted to share a positive comment. Another family in one of our western states has also sent positive feedback. The video ministry will grow, but already it is a success for our Lord. I believe it is successful because of Jesus. I hope the videos bless you, too. Here are those notes.

God’s Open Doors ©
various
Series: God’s Doors By: Pastor Vic Cooper
1 of 4 1/26/13

I. A door of answered prayer Acts 12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
A. The Church had been fervently praying for Peter’s release.
B. Rhoda looked through the door, but did not open it.
1. Many children of God look through the door at God’s answer, but do not open the door and seize it.
C. The Church refused to believe her report.
1. “Sadly, many answered prayers stay out on the porch because we won’t walk through the door God has opened to go get them.” Pastor Vic Cooper 10/08

II. A door of utterance Col. 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: [4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
A. This could also be called a door of opportunity.
1. Paul wanted an open door of opportunity.
2. Too many Church members are praying, “Lord, there is my neighbor; send him.”
3. As with the prophet Isaiah, Paul was saying, “Lord here am I; send me.”

III. A door of service 1 Cor. 16:9 (NASB) for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
A. Paul recognized it as a “wide” door.
1. How wide does the door need to be before we will walk through it?
2. A good burglar only needs the door opened a small crack.
B. Paul also saw it as potential for effective service.
1. How much success must we be guaranteed before we will pass through the wide and open door?
C. Paul knew there would be adversities and adversaries, but he refused to let that stop him.
1. How often do we let even the hint of an adversity hinder us?
8810. Epigram On Overcoming Handicaps
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.
—Booker T. Washington (Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations)

IV. A door of Heaven John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. [9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
A. Jesus alone is the door to Heaven. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
B. He also said that any other way is the way of “thieves and robbers.” Rev. 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Before I say goodbye, sadly I must announce the passing of one of our deacons, and founding members, Brother Bob Kramer. Bob had been fighting pancreatic cancer. He was 67 years ago. He will be missed here at Friendship Harmony. Some people say that Bob lost his battle with cancer. I beg to differ! The cancer lost - Bob was victorious! Death for a believer is not a loss. It is a victory. Although we mourn his passing, we can rejoice that Bob is healthy again and living safely in the arms of Jesus. Pray for his wife, Esther, and their family.

Also, in two weeks on February 10, we will celebrate our second anniversary as a fully constituted Church. Lots of special things will be happening that day, so if you’re in the area, I hope you’ll be with us. The day will conclude with a carry in meal. The church will be providing the ham, turkey, and drinks. I hope you can be there. Fiddlin’ Bill will be with us to provide the music. Have a good week, and when the video is posted, I’ll let you know. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Marshal Victor Cooper Saves The Day!

Good Monday Morning To You. Thanks for letting me drop by for a brief visit. I enjoy our time together! I trust you had a good week, and that all is well. Sit back and have a cup of coffee or a glass of juice with me. Boy, have I got a story to tell you!

First of all, our house is out in the woods. We’re back so far that the Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry doesn’t get here until Tuesday. We share these woods with lots of different critters. There are snakes, bobcats, coyotes, and wild hogs, just to name a few. Most of the time they stay to themselves, but I did have to shoot a snake the other day. Last Thursday night our daughter, Michele, took the boys out at about 10:00 pm. The boys are our two Miniature Schnauzers. After less than thirty seconds she came back in and told us a large animal was out there and she hurried the dogs back in. It was bedtime, so Miss Bessie and I decided we’d take the boys out. She would take the leashed dogs, and I’d take my pistol. I have a western holster hanging on the head of my bed with a loaded .41 magnum in it, just like a good cowboy would. We went out, and sure enough, in the corner of our neighbors yard across the street, was something large. While she handled the boys, I stood facing this beast with the pistol at my side. I locked my eyes on it and stared it down daring it to move. It stood still, but I considered firing a warning shot to scare it off; I was about twenty five yards from it. I decided not to shoot, because I figured it was possibly someone’s dog and was scared and meant no harm. Since it did not seem threatening, I continued to stare it down until Bess, Frazier, and Bubba went into the house. I then very slowly, and with deliberate caution backed up the five steps expecting the creature to lunge. I was glad it ended peacefully. I was also glad the neighbors had their garage light on. It provided enough illumination to see that something was there, but we could not make out what it was.

The next morning, I went out to see if there were tracks of any kind. We live on dirt roads, so tracking is quite easy. There were none. That night we took the boys out again, and “our friend” had returned. He was standing in the same spot. I knew we’d be safe though, because Marshal Cooper had his trusty Smith and Wesson with him. This cowboy is deadly at twenty five yards. Again it ended without incident. Praise the Lord!

On Saturday morning I went out again and there in the daylight I saw our menacing foe. It was a little white yard sign that a fertilizer spraying company had put in their yard. That’s right. Pastor Vic had a stare down with a little, cheap, cardboard sign. Not only that, but as I said, I considered shooting it. Cowboy Cooper was going to shoot the neighbors innocent little paper sign. Needless to say, I had one of those moments where you tell yourself, “You’re an idiot!” What can I say? If you’re ever having trouble with a potential deadly little sign, call me. I’ll keep it at bay and you safe.

Yesterday was another tremendous service at Friendship Harmony. The attendance was good, and it truly was a joy to have been in the house of the Lord. I preached a message titled, “Promise Fulfilled - Guaranteed!" In it I brought a message from an event in the life of Abraham. I gave the following four points: God gave a promise; Faith believed it; Hope anticipated it; and God delivered it. The notes are below. I hope they are a blessing to you.

Promise Fulfilled - Guaranteed!
Various
By Victor Cooper
(adapted-main pts.)
6/7,24,26,30/12

Intro: From the life of Abraham we learn how God’s promises come with guaranteed fulfillment. How did it work for Abraham? We will examine how it worked in his life, and how it can work in yours.

I. God gives a promise. Genesis 17:1-8.
A. v2. “I will make a covenant with you.”
B. vv4-6a “I will make you the father of many nations.” cf.vv20,21
C. v6b “Kings will descend from you.”
D. v7 “Mine is an everlasting covenant.
1. Called unconditional, or unilateral. God is simply saying, “No matter what you do, this is what I will do.”
2. Salvation is an unconditional covenant.
E. What promise (s) has God given you lately?

II. God gives a promise; faith believes it.
Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
A. Sometime the promise seems a bit far fetched.
1. A promised son to a couple beyond child bearing years. Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
2. Abraham’s faith was not the catalyst for righteousness, but was the result of righteousness.
B. Has God’s promises to you become more than an illusion?

III. God gives a promise. Faith believes it. Hope anticipates it.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
A. He waited for it. The Greek word means he accepted the fact and expected it.
B. It wasn’t just any city he waited for. He wasn’t going to accept the first one to come along.
Genesis 17:18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
C. Have you accepted less than God’s promise to you? Have you quit looking altogether?

IV. God gives a promise. Faith believes it. Hope anticipates it. God delivers it.
A. The promise is fulfilled. Genesis 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
B. The promise is challenged. Genesis 22:1-2 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. [2] And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

C. The promise is hung on to. Genesis 22:7-8 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? [8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
D. The promise pays off.
1. The Jews are a real people descended from Abraham.
2. The Arabs are a real people descended from Abraham.
3. The Messiah is a real person descended from Abraham.
E. Have you seen a promise of God to you fulfilled lately? If not, do you believe it as if it already has?

In closing, let me say that we are still receiving donations for our online video ministry. If you would like to be a part of that outreach, please send your check to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church; 2296 Date Street; St. James City, Florida, 33956. On your check’s “memo” or “for” line, write video. Our treasurer will then know where to direct your gift. Building fund, or general fund gifts should also be marked accordingly. Thank you for helping us with what I believe will be an exciting outreach for our church.

Have a good and a safe week, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Still Alive!!!

Good Monday Morning to you!!!

I do hope you’ve had a great week since last Monday. Last week Miss Bessie and I stopped at Pastor Bob and Wanda Felber’s home at about noon. Bob and Wanda fried up some eggs, sausage, and apples. We also had biscuits and gravy. This was our dinner. Dinner is what you city folk call lunch. Fancy city folk call it luncheon. Whatever, I’ll bet our dinner beat your cold bologna sandwich lunch. It was delicious. Thanks Bob and Wanda.

Things have settled down here. My son, Kevin, an over the road truck driver, came home in early January. He was supposed to be here briefly, but came down with a case of strep throat. It took two rounds of antibiotics to clear it. He left last Friday and by the time you read this will be pulling into a terminal in Chicago. He’s already made stops in Atlanta and Memphis. This time is different though. This time he left his traveling companion, a miniature schnauzer named Bubba here with us. Our family is partial to dogs in the terrier family, especially schnauzers. Bubba was a rescue dog - he had been treated badly by his former owner. Kevin picked him up in Lexington, Ky. and kept him with him on the truck since last April. With the exception of a few days at home last August, those two have crossed this country ever since. It was decided that Bubba needed some time around other people and animals, so he is home with us. Frazier and Bubba play well, but the cats are still undecided. Bubba is adjusting and doing well, but Pastor Vic is having a hard time keeping up with “the boys.” My cardiologist said I needed exercise, and these two are certainly seeing to it that I get it. They sure are fun - and great company.

For the fourth week in a row we beat an attendance record at Friendship Harmony. It just keeps growing and growing. God gets all the glory for it! I pray our Church continues to receive His blessings, and that we continue to remain worthy of them. I know we are not worthy, but the LORD is blessing the faithfulness of His people. What a tremendous blessing it is.

Our constitution service is just two weeks away on February 13. That will be an awesome day. If you are in the area, be sure you come by and be with us. A fellowship meal will follow the service. If you are not here, why not take some vacation time and come down. I promise you it will be well worth your time. I’m trying to convince my Mom to come down for a visit. Let’s think about this: Cincinnati in February -- 2 degrees and snow and ice on the ground. Pine Island in February -- 72 degrees and the ice is in our lemonade. It is a no brainer, she should come and so should many of you.

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony I preached “The Preaching Of The Cross” from 1 Corinthians 1:17-19. We talked about how the fact of some man living two thousand years ago and dying on a cross to forgive us of our sins is illogical and absurd. Really it is until you stop and consider just who it was that died on that cross. It was the sinless, holy, Son of Almighty God. The cross doesn’t make the difference, but the one hanging there does. Paul was saying that a proper preaching of the cross must include Christ Jesus. The gospel is the good news of the living Christ. Crucified to death? Yes. Dead still? Absolutely not! He is risen, alive, and seated at the right hand of the Father. The good news is because He is alive, a person who is dead in their sins can live as well. It is Christ who makes them alive. Paul would later tell the Corinthians in this same letter that Christ, (the last Adam) “…was made a quickening spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45b) Paul would tell the Ephesians’ Church, “And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1) The Greek word for quickened literally means to reanimate; i.e. to bring back to life. When Christ saved you, He made you alive. Heaven is not the place where dead folk go; it is where the living go! Have you been made alive by the power of Jesus Christ? Only He can make you alive. He does it by forgiving your sins and adopting you into His family. Remember: a dead child cannot be adopted, only a living one. Every person that Christ receives to Himself, has been made alive by His power. If you are unsure about this, why not send Pastor Vic a message, and lets discuss it further.

May the LORD bless your upcoming week with good health and Heavenly blessings. Thank you for letting me visit with you each week. I really enjoy it. I hope you do too! I look forward to seeing you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Angels and Frazier

Good Monday Morning to you!

Did you notice I changed my profile picture? The little guy with me is my best friend, Frazier. Frazier is 10 months old and is our new puppy. We got him back on the 6th of February. He is a miniature schnauzer who originally came from McKee, Kentucky, near London. Like nearly everyone else in Florida, he is from somewhere else. He is adapting well, but has a few things to learn. We are trying to teach him not to jump on people when they come to see us. We live so far back in the woods that company is rare at our house, so I guess he’s excited about seeing fresh faces. The dog whisperer has given us many excellent tips, and it doesn’t hurt that he too has a miniature schnauzer. Frazier has brought a lot of love and happiness to our home, but I must confess he is my last puppy. I simply do not have the stamina to keep up with his youthful exuberance. I just wonder what happened to mine.

Yesterday we had an excellent service with super attendance. The sermon title came from an old song entitled, “Angels Watchin’ Over Me My Lawd.” I tried to convey to the Church that as believers God sometime will send “ministering spirits” or angels our way as needed. We examined the fact that they are sent. Genesis 24:40a “ And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way…” Angels never come on their own, nor do they ever initiate any action, with the exception of praising God. An angel will only act upon God’s command. If only we as believers would follow that example.

Also, an angel can be an answer to your prayer. That is not to suggest that you pray specifically for angelic assistance, but God can and indeed has dispatched them to the aid of a believer in distress. We read in Numbers 20:16a “And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel…” God is not limited when it comes to answering our cries for help and angels stand ready to assist just as quickly as the LORD says, “Go!” Are you is a difficult or perplexing situation? Perhaps an angel is at your side.

Did you realize an angel can take on any form necessary including that of a human? This is not science fiction, nor is it super spiritualism --- angels are real. They are created beings says Nehemiah 9:6 who according to 1 Peter 1:13b are interested in the happenings here on earth. They even rejoice when a sinner confesses and trusts Christ. (Luke 15:10) Perhaps you have seen an angel, but did not recognize him as such. When we think of angels we think of winged creatures with halos. As far as wings go, that is, according to Isaiah 6:2, an accurate description of the seraphim, one classification of angels. There are many taught in Scriptures including cherubim, principalities, authorities, and powers. The Bible also speaks of the archangel, Michael. Many hold to the teaching of seven archangels, but do not believe tradition; believe your Bible. Michael is referred to as “the” archangel, not “an” archangel. The Bible recognizes only one. The apocrypha speaks of several, but it is not inspired text and should not be given the same respect as the sixty six books of the authorized text.

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Maybe you have seen or met an angel and did not even recognize it. If not, that’s O.K. God does not require you too. Remember one key fact about an angel - an angel is a messenger. The angel’s message might not come by what he says, but by what he does. Pay close attention; you’ll get the message!

I hope you have a good, safe, and healthy week. The Lord has really blessed my family and me these past few weeks, and we cannot thank Him nor praise Him enough. I pray He bless you, too. By the way, Happy Birthday today to my nephew Shaun. I love you buddy, have a super day! Frazier and I look forward to seeing all of you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

Cold milk with pastor Vic

Good Monday morning to you once again! Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of juice and we can enjoy it together. I believe I'll have a glass of milk. Can any of you remember milk from the farm? I grew up a city boy from Cincinnati, but my aunt and uncle, Margie and Ed Blevins, lived outside London, Kentucky in a community called Swiss Colony. We would go there and visit each summer. Theirs was a rural community where farmers still milked cows and sold the milk fresh. I remember going with my aunt Margie up the road about a mile to purchase some milk. The man sold her two gallons in large glass jars. It was fresh - about four hours from the cow. I even got to meet the cow and pet her. To a city boy, this was a treat given only out of God's grace. She also bought butter and eggs and boy what a breakfast we had! To this day milk is my drink of choice. Unlike farm milk, I now drink 1%. I've learned to tolerate it, but what I'd give for another glass of good cold right from the farm, fresh from the cow, loaded down with cream, milk. And please, do not put mine in plastic - I still say glass is best. Yum!

My Sunday morning message was "Salt and Light." It came from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The text can be found in Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus tells believers they are salt and light. Notice, He did not say we should be or are to be, but that we are. Salt and light are both beneficial to man kind. Salt adds flavor, acts as a preservative, and heals wounds. As Christian salt we add flavor to this world: we improve it. This world in which we live is at least tolerable due to the Judaeo-Christian influence. We act as a preservative because we, through the Holy Spirit, are what is holding this world together. Take the believers out of this world and you have a chaos known as tribulation. You certainly do not want to stick around for that! As salt, we heal spiritual wounds by pointing those poisoned by sin to the only cure, our Lord Jesus Christ.

As light, we are actually reflectors for that Greater Light, Jesus. We are not to let our light become obstructed - it becomes useless. I told you I was a city boy from Cincinnati. Cincy sits on seven hills. At night there are places where you can see the city lights for miles and miles: it is a very beautiful sight. The light is unobstructed and it leaves no doubt that there is a large city there. As believers our light is to shine as to leave no doubt that we love and serve Jesus. It is so that others can see our good works (as salt and light), and glorify our Heavenly Father. (v16)

If the light is obstructed, it is of no value. If the salt looses its saltiness, the only thing it is good for is to be walked on, and God never calls His children to be a doormat for this world. If you are a born again believer, you ARE salt and light. How good is the salt in your shaker? How clean are the reflectors of your life?

Last week I mentioned our little puppy Frazier. He sure has brought a lot of joy into our lives. He is a 7 month old miniature schnauzer. He is a handful, I must confess. As a matter of fact, I have decided at the age of 56 he is my last puppy. I'm having trouble keeping up! This little dude is keeping me active just trying to follow him around. Bess is teaching him tricks: he can sit, shake, lay, and come. They are still working on roll over and catch. Dog experts say roll over is tough, but that they can learn it.

The poor dog has also had to learn all his names. Bess calls him "Freddie Fray." Shelly calls him "Little Mister" and Kevin calls him "Freezer." I call him "Fray-Fray" and off hand I can't recall what Jason calls him, but you can be assured it is anything but Frazier. Some of his other names are "Frazier No!" "Frazier Quit!" "Frazier, get out of there!" Oh the joys of living with a puppy! Actually, we thank the Lord for sending him into our lives. He is such a treat. Maybe next week I'll have Shelly post a picture of him. I do not know how to do such as that. She has tried to teach me, but do you remember that old saying about teaching old dogs???

I do hope you have a fantastic week. Be sure to let me hear from you. It's kinda nice when someone talks back. You can send me an e-mail or scroll down to the bottom of this blog and click on comments. I enjoy what you have to say. My e-mail address is preachercooper@hotmail.com. Its been good chattin' with you, and I look forward when we get together again on Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.

Chattin' With the Preacher!

Good Monday Morning To You! Grab yourself a cup of coffee, or a glass of juice and lets chat. I hope you've had a good week since we met last Monday. I sure am grateful that you have invited me to spend this time with you. I appreciate your time, and I promise to try and use it wisely. If you're new to Monday Morning With Pastor Vic, let me say "Welcome to you." I appreciate you for signing on.

A few of you asked me how my car is doing. It is chugging along on 7 1/2 of its 8 cylinders. It runs rough and I am loosing coolant through the manifold crack, but it is running. I saw the car of my dreams the other day. A few weeks ago on this blog, I told you about a Jeep that I wanted. It is a 4-door hardtop that looks like a mini Hummer. I saw one in a parking lot the other day, so I walked up to it to see what kind it was. It is a Wrangler X. This one was bright yellow and I believe I started to drool. Now I know I'm not supposed to covet my neighbor's ox or his mule, and I do not. His Jeep Wrangler X, might be another issue, though.

My son, Kevin, has a Jeep. His is the kind that the doors lift off, the entire top and upper half comes off, and the windshield lays down. To me this sounds like too much work. I've seen him literally wrestling with that green machine to get it back together again. If I was 26 instead of 56, maybe I'd think differently.

Did I ever tell you about my kids? I have five children; one is in Heaven safe and healthy with Jesus. His name is Davey. Michele is my oldest daughter and she is an on line college student who also own her own business. She started doing it to earn money for her school books, and it took off. She makes wristlet key chains, camera straps, purses, and all kind of hand made items. You can see her work at www.sweetirie.com.

My other daughter, Amanda, her husband Tim, and my two grand kids that I am so graciously allowing them to raise for me, just moved to Arizona. She has told me where, but I keep forgetting. It is near Tombstone. As a lover of Westerns, Tombstone grabs my attention and sticks with me. Tim is in the United States Army and they were just stationed there. I believe his actual first official day on duty at this new post is today. I'm very proud of him. My grands are Nathan (15) and Layne (11).

Our son, Kevin, the Jeep owner, is an over the road trucker. He travels the 48 states with his little dog, Bubba. Bubba is a miniature schnauzer. He makes our family's third and my fourth. We have a 7 month old schnauzer puppy named Frazier. I'll tell you more about him at a later time. We got him in February, a month after we lost our ten year old schnauzer, Kaiser, to Cushing's disease. Losing him has been hard; he was a fine dog. I also had a schnauzer when I was a teen named Peppy. She was a great dog and whenever you came home, she would jump right into your arms. You'd better be prepared to catch her, because she WAS coming.

Our youngest son, Jason, lives in Ft. Myers and has a Patterdale Terrier named Bella. I actually have four grand dogs. Frankie and Dakota, (Amanda and Tim) Bella, (Jason) and Bubba (Kevin). Jason has been in the hardware business, but was laid off last Friday. He was the assistant manager, but ran the store on a day to day basis. Their store catered to the building industry, and the economy has crippled the builders here in SW Florida. He held this job for 6 years and has extensive hardware knowledge. Pray for Jason, he is now classified a displaced worker. With his hardware knowledge, you'd think another job would be a cinch, but those days are gone. It's not Obama's fault, nor is it the fault of George Bush. I believe it's part of God's judgment on America. The leaders and people of this country need to fall to their knees and cry out to Almighty God for forgiveness and direction. However, that's just my opinion.

Yesterday's sermon title was, "If John The Baptist Could Preach In An American Pulpit." The question was posed, "What would he say?" When John preached in the Judean wilderness it was the time of the first coming of Jesus Christ. John preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" His message today would be the same, because Jesus is coming again. Here is my outline from Matthew chapter 3. You may use it for your Bible study, and you preachers may use it or adapt it to fit your needs.

I. Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight. (v3)
A. The people in John's day would prepare the roads upon which the king would travel.
B. They would straighten crooked, twisting roads.
C. We must prepare our hearts and straighten our lives. They are the roads upon which our King travels.

II. Who warned you to flee God's wrath. (V7)
A. If you could flee, where would you flee to?
B. Wrong answerers:
1. to man.
2. to religion.
3. to a Bible believing Church.
C. Right answer:
1. To Jesus. Peter said in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life."

III. You claim to have repented - prove it! (V8)
A. Bring evidence. Example: A man may tell you that he can grow lush, meaty, good tasting tomatoes. The proof is when he brings one for you to see and taste.
B. What evidence would you bring if called upon to do so?
C. The evidence would have to be (back to V3) a straightened out life i.e. a life of righteousness. Righteousness means right with God.

Thanks for this time together. I hope your coffee didn't get cold or your juice get warm while I preached a bit. When I get to talking about the Scriptures, I loose all sense of time. I love them and love teaching them so very much. Don't forget about the contest; please help sign up new readers for the Monday Morning With Pastor Vic blog. Click on the contest button for more info, or scroll down to the end of this article to where it says "comments." Click on that and ask any question, or leave any comment you'd like. It is more fun when conversations are two-way.

May the Lord bless you this week and I look forward to seeing you again next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.