ISRAEL’S RESTORATION

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By Ken Blue
Ezekiel 37

Israel has been scattered throughout the distant lands;
Yet, retaining their identity amid the shifting sands.

God has promised them, through prophets, visions, and signs,
Restoration to their homeland in His appointed times.

Ezekiel was brought to a valley and there made to sit down,
And musing on the Word of God began to look around.

Lifeless bodies everywhere, scattered, bleached and dry;
And listening to the Spirit’s call; he heard their cry.

In their despair and miseries, alleged all hope was gone;
Unmindful of God’s promises; once again to bring them home.

They saw themselves divided, cut off from all parts;
Forgetting prophecies of a New Birth and of their new hearts.

So Ezekiel, he prophesied, to the dry bones and the wind;
And a mighty army arose and stood upon its feet again.

Returning in unbelief to their Promised Land;
Their Scriptures He will open to them, and they will understand.

From a valley of dry bones, to the valley of decision;
Israel will be united there with no more division.

Returning to their Lord, He will then set them free,
And in their land, serving Jesus Christ through all eternity.

PASTOR OR PUPPET

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ARE YOU A PASTOR OR A PUPPET?

puppet on stringBy Ken Blue

“…A bishop then must be blameless One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” 1 Timothy 3:2-5.

The Pastor must learn to wear many hats. He may not be gifted in all aspects of the ministry, but he must know what is needed and be able to lead gifted men and women into those areas. His call is to vision, oversight, and leadership. Not only must he be able to feed the church of God, he must be able to lead it.

The shepherd leads and directs the flock. He chooses the field or grazing area for it. He corrects, and he seeks those who have gone astray. He must care for the young and the old. The health and safety of the flock rest on his shoulders. Regardless of the condition of the church; the Pastor will be held accountable.

The Pastor should decide who his deacons will be. He sets the teaching and sermon agenda for the year. He chooses who will fill the pulpit when needed. He must see that the music, the announcements, and bulletin information harmonize with the purpose of his sermons. He must raise the money for needed ministry projects, and he will be accountable for how it is dispersed. In other words, the Pastor must lead, feed, and guide the church.

This does not mean that the Pastor makes every decision or that he is lord over the church. It means that someone must take full responsibility for the local church, and God has appointed the Pastor to that position.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The Pastor must lead, feed, and guide the church.[/perfectpullquote]

The puppet, on the other hand, is one who is incapable or unwilling to make those decisions. He has strings attached to him, and those pulling the strings make the decisions for him. He is their puppet.

These strings come in many forms. Many times they are attached to the wife, and she gets her wishes done through the Pastor. Others, who may hold the strings, are the deacons, the finance committee, the administrative director, or a few outspoken church members. The strings used by these unruly people come in the form of policies and procedures. Or, they may be a complaint or grievance about a ministry leader or worker, and they push you to deal with it. Their goal is to eliminate that ministry or person, and get your fingerprints on their murder weapon. Don’t fall for it!

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Be a loving, leading Pastor.[/perfectpullquote]

If you are weak, seeking to accommodate those who hold the strings, and assuming you will not be held accountable, you are dead wrong. Be a loving, leading Pastor. You cannot abdicate your duties or responsibilities. Reflect now. Are you the Pastor or the puppet?

ARE YOU A “LATTE” CHRISTIAN?

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CONNECTION BETWEEN A CHRISTIAN AND A LATTE

latteBy Ken Blue

Caffe Latte – “Strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk . Espresso- strong black coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.”

A cute little saying by some preachers and evangelist, in an attempt to question Christian manliness, is to call them “Latte Christians.” What is implied or intended is to attack the sincerity and spirituality of believers in America. Somehow, the connection between the Christian and a latte is supposed to be a gauge of their spiritual maturity. Obviously, the Marlboro Man has never tasted a real cup of espresso.

The first espresso I ever tasted was at a sidewalk cafe in Athens, Greece. The cup was very small, and the coffee looked like crude oil straight from Iraq. The taste was even worse. I was no match for it. I needed two pots of hot water to dilute it to a drinking point. When I was through I had a quart of coffee.

Little did I realize that frothed steamed milk would transform this little cup of napalm, into a sissy drink called a “latte” that even I could handle. I like my coffee. My preferred drink is an espresso with foamy steamed milk and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. This is known as a “cafe Mocha.” It’s not quite as descriptive of us sissy Christians as the “latte.”

Oh well, up here in the North West, we aren’t allow to slap our wives or spit on the side walk any more. Don’t you just hate the emasculating of your manhood? I guess the only ones left who can have a “latte” are the women and closet sissies. Strong Christians must avoid it.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, OPEN DOOR

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By Ken Blue

Forty years ago this October, 2009, Mrs. Blue and I held the first service of Open Door Baptist Church. We purchased 25 song books and 25 folding chairs, and we met is our small block house in Mount Lake Terrace. The only people present for that service were my wife and our four boys. However, we did have a lady to visit that evening, and she remained with us for many years. Her name was Mrs. Jean Wake.

A few weeks later we rented a small community club and spent a year in it. Some of the people, who were saved in that first building, are still at Open Door. God gave us several souls, and by the end of the first year we had outgrown it. Nearby, was an elementary school where we rented the gym, and used it for about six months. By now, God had given us about 150 in attendance.

Our next move was to Cedar Valley Grange in Lynnwood. This was a much better building. It came with padded seats, hardwood floors and a full basement with a kitchen. Some of those saved in that building were at the anniversary celebration last Sunday. What a joy to see these precious people again!

In 1972 we purchased the present church property. It had some buildings on it which we upgraded and used for church until we were able to build. God’s blessings continued on our church, and we saw souls saved each week. By God’s grace, and the hard work of our wonderful people, we were able to build a two story church building and a two story education building. In addition, the church owns five acres of prime property in Lynnwood. All building and properties are debt free, and the church has never borrowed any money.

The church has had many high days during the years. I believe the largest attendance was 1800! It is difficult to remember a Sunday that we have not had visitors or professions of faith. There are dozens of young men and women, sent out by the church, who are in full time service for Christ. We praise Him for all this.

I appreciate Pastor Jason Murphy inviting me to preach this milestone service. Jason grew up in Open Door and served on staff for six years before taking over the leadership. He is doing an excellent job, and the church continues to grow under his gifted leadership. He informs me that the influx of visitors and the professions of faith continue each week.

God has been good to this preacher and his family. I know who I am, and those of you who know me, know that all the blessings and provisions are by God’s unlimited grace. May His grace continue to be shed abroad on Open Door as they exalt Him.

Finally, I want to say thank you to Jason and Mary. You are in our hearts, and we love you. My prayer is, first of all, a prayer of thanksgiving for you. Then I pray that God will use you in a much greater way to reach, lead, and love people for Christ. Thank you for your kindness to this poor preacher.

REAL REVIVAL

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By Ken Blue

The Evangelist came to church,
With a scream and shout.
“If you want real revival
You must throw these out.”

“The television, it must go,
It is vile and mean.
Especially the satellite,
And the wide flat screen.”

Next, went my beloved laptop,
The net, and email.
“That invention’s of the devil,
And came straight from hell.”

Reluctantly, I tossed my clubs;
Guns and fishing reel.
I’ll get rid of this Iphone.
Now, revival’s real!

I think I’m rid of everything.
It’s all out the door.
Now, obeying all speed limits;
I ask, “Is there more?”

I want revival in my heart,
And love Jesus more.
And so, I thought it had happen.
All was out the door.

Another stepped to the plate,
Anointed from above.
And the content of his message;
Extolled Jesus’s love.

Revivals not in excitement;
Nor is it the shout.
It’s not the top blowing off;
It’s self falling out.

It’s not a white sepulcher,
Nor a shining cup.
It’s opening your heart inside;
Let Him fill it up.

Revival means loving Jesus,
Cause He first loves me.
And letting Him control my life,
In the Spirit, free.

I want revival in my heart,
Emptied of all pride.
Revivals not a surface work,
It’s God’s work inside.