Brother Intern

Introducing Johnathan Harrell, new student of expository preaching and relevant ministry. Johnathan, aka Johnny V., aka Joe Nathan, aka Brother Intern is doing a super fabulous job at the Kings Congregation. He is a student of Southwestern Christian College by way of Sheldon Heights Church of Christ in Chicago.

I think he is learning a great deal about preaching and ministry. We got to hear him for the first time as he shared some deep thinking on John 3:16 a few days back. He did a great job and we look forward to seeing his development.

I have been told by many that he is a songster, a melodian if you will. I found this as proof, thought you'd enjoy.

Go Johnny V!!! (said with Brooklyn accent) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEzLCe_qG9U

Five Stones in Hand

We all know the story of David and Goliath. While it is the classic tale of good versus evil, it is also proverbial in that the little guy beat the big guy. Everybody loves the one who beats the odds and overcomes great disadvantages to do the impossible. Rocky, Luke Skywalker, Rudy and Seabiscuit are some examples.

With just one stone from the river bed, a lad named David killed an eight foot muscle man named Goliath. He won the battle for the host of Israel in the valley of Elah. What a shock that must’ve been. No wonder that David would later become one of the most notable figures in Scripture.

As amazing as it is that it took just one stone, it is also profound that he had five stones in hand. In fact he had a staff as well. He was prepared for a longer fight than it took. In my mind David thought, “First I’ll stand at a distance, hit him with this, then this, then move in hit him with this and this, step closer hit him good with this, feint like I have another stone and then ram this staff down his big mouth!”

Maybe David didn’t think like that but we do know he had more going for him than his blessedness. He did not go into this momentous battle counting on a one stone miracle. He had supplies, strategy and his secure faith in God.

The thought is that faith in God doesn’t mean that you fail to have a strategy or plan. God may be with you and will give you the victory, but that doesn’t exempt you from doing your part. God’s part is awesomely wonderful, but we still have our part to play.

-He answers prayer, but diligence still matters.
-He will make a way out of no way, but you should still look where you are going.
-We are blessed and highly favored, but we should still wash up and dress to impress.
-He gives us a ready recollection, but we still must study to show ourselves approved.
-God will provide, but you should still have a retirement plan.
-He has given us the victory, but we still must fight the good fight of faith.

David’s five stones is a great lesson for us all. Pray, pray and pray, but be ready with five stones. Never think you are so blessed that you need not be prepared.

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;… (Prov. 30:24-25).”

Bird Poop Beauties

There's a special facial being offered at a New York spa for $200. It uses an Oriental powder made from or with Nightingale excrement.

Yup. You heard me. Bird poop is smeared on people's faces in search of that healthy, exuberant glow. http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINN2542211820080425

The world seems to be going mad. Poop on the face just about says it all.
What a wonderful world this would be if we were half as concerned about inner beauty as we are about external temporalities. The countenance of character is wondrous to behold. A pleasent smile, a twinkle in the eye and a beautiful mouth speaking blessings and kindness. That's beauty, poopless beauty. Don't put poop on your face, try some principles in your heart.

Nightingale dropping treatment - $200. Wonderful personality - Priceless.


" Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:2-4)."

Flood Waters

"Save me Oh God, for the waters have come in unto my soul... (Ps. 69)."

The recent flooding of the Midwest has devastated lives from Missouri to Arkansas. Our prayers go out for those in the affected areas.

Ironically, a flood is basically made up of a good thing, water. Every living thing needs water to survive. Rain and snow are God's methods of cycling water throughout the earth, thereby providing sustenance and maintaining life. A flood however, is literally too much of a good thing.

"Into each life some rain must fall." The problem is not the rain, it is absorption. If the rain fell at a rate where the earth could 'drink' it in, no problem. But when too much comes too quickly the river swells, the levy breaks and the tears start to flow.

In like manner, we are often inundated with challenges in our lives. While essential to our growth and greatness, problems can create flood like situations. If they came in some orderly, manageable fashion, then we could process it, absorb it with no struggle. Unfortunately, trouble doesn't set appointments with your Administrative Assistant. It just walks into your office, takes a seat in your chair and puts its feet on your daily planner. It happens.

Thank God for salvation from the overwhelming situations of life. He comes to our rescue.

"Ezekiel 16"

‘Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem, “Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite, your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. “As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. “No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born. “When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ (Ezekiel 16:3-6)."

Three relevant thoughts come from this passage.

I. God has a harsh reaction to sinfulness. This chapter is one of the hardest hitting, soul-shocking passages in Scripture. Red hot indignation, incredulous observations and divine retribution are evident in God's message through the prophet. Sin is the reason. It is a grand reminder that God is provoked by immoral living.

II. God knows where you come from. In the above quote, God is erasing Jerusalem's pride over their heritage. He essentially says, "You weren't all that. You were the unwanted offspring of heathen parents." Ouch!! Those were hard words for pious Jews. Good words for some of us as well. Perhaps not so dramatic, but God knows the real story behind our made for testimony tales.

III. The thoughts and intents of men have no power over the Word of God. They say 'die'. He says 'Live'. I'm going to listen to what God says. It makes perfect sense that the highest perspective has the greatest power over my life. I should listen to what He says rather than man. I need to constantly hear what God has to say about my life.

Let's live in such a manner that God is pleased with our lives.

Happy Birthday Relevant Revelation

That's Right! That's Right! Expalot is growing up! Celebrate!!!

One year ago was the launch of the Expalot experience and God has blessed it to grow. Thank you Lord! He has blessed this site with vision, relevance, favor and opportunity.

Thanks to all who check in from time to time and see what's going on. You help me to be fresh and relevant as a blogger. We celebrate your patronage and publicity.

Thanks to the commentators. Your insight, questions, wit and personality add so much value to the blogspot. That's right Al, you are appreciated.

Special thanks to Keri Smith (aka the Blog Mother) for the idea and original setup. Her creativity and support has birthed a great number of cyber expositions.

Thanks again everyone. See you soon for 76.

Here's to more Hopedealing!!!