As Europeans explored North America, the French laid claim to the Mississippi River Valley. No one knew exactly the dimensions of the area or what it contained. In 1762, preoccupied with its conflicts with England, France ceded the land to Spain. But in 1800, they pressured the Spanish to return control…for a considerable price.

This caused great concern throughout the new United States. Thousands of settlers had moved west, depending on access to the Mississippi. What would it mean to have France as a neighbor, particularly with Napoleon Bonaparte as its leader?

U.S. President Thomas Jefferson instructed the American ambassador in Paris to inquire about purchasing New Orleans, at the mouth of the Mississippi. To everyone’s surprise, Napoleon, needing cash and facing renewed war with Great Britain, offered to sell the entire Louisiana Territory. A treaty was signed on May 2, 1803, but was antedated to this day, April 30.

This purchase doubled the size of the United States, adding nearly a million square miles at a cost of less than three cents per acre! Napoleon got cash but never realized the value of what he gave up!

I sure don’t want to loose something to know how much value it actually was.

In 1917, as a young student in China, Mao Zedong wrote that he “did not agree with the view that to be moral, the motive of one’s actions has to be benefiting others.” He believed that other people existed “only for me.” This credo of selfishness motivated Mao as he rose to leadership and throughout his life. With every action, he sought to benefit himself.

Many people-in business, politics, and relationships-apply this same principle. They make decisions based on tangible returns and act only when they will personally benefit in some way.

But the Bible teaches a completely different worldview. Paul explained that in every area of our lives, we Reap what we Sow. How can we Sow what is “good”? The Greek word indicates that “good” is what is honorable and useful, what brings joy and happiness, and what is consistent with the nature of God.

When should we “do good”…Sow Seeds from what God has given us…invest our time, talent, and treasure? Paul said we should do these things “while we have opportunity.” The Greek word indicates specific times and places. This means whenever we have the opportunity-anytime God opens a door.

Who should we help? We should pay special attention to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but we must not neglect others-neighbors or coworkers, people we pass in shops or on the street, drivers on the highway, passengers on planes or trains …anyone.

Today, seek to be a faithful servant and good steward of the resources God has given you. He’s given you time, talent, and treasure so you can serve His Kingdom, bless others, and help meet their needs.

I’m headed today for a CASA luncheon & VOA meeting in Sioux Falls. 

& possiblily a new computer – Thank you President Bush

We’re having Celebration Sunday today.  I’ll be with the Kids and we’re planning a big pizza party.

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 NASB

Born on this day in 1794 in Hingham, Massachusetts, Henry Ware, Jr. knew the value of a Christian family. Through the influence of his father, who was a minister, Ware became a pastor and later a professor at the Harvard Divinity School. He also edited a Christian publication and actively sought to help others live fruitful Christian lives.

Ware saw how easily the things of the world could disrupt family life and how important it was for Believers to have strong Christian homes. He expressed these truths in a hymn called, “Happy the Home When God Is There,” which was published in 1846, three years after his death.

Ware wrote, “Happy the home when God is there, and love fills every breast; when one their wish, and one their prayer, and one their heav’nly rest.” He knew how quickly each family member could be distracted and wrote, “Happy the home where Jesus’ Name is sweet to every ear; where children early speak His fame, and parents hold Him dear.”

Ware knew that prayer and praise needed to be at the center of family life: “Happy the home where prayer is heard, and praise each day does rise; where parents love the sacred Word and all its wisdom prize.” He prayed that God would “let us in our homes agree this blessed peace to gain; unite our hearts in love to Thee, and love to all will reign.”

Today, remember how swiftly your home can be torn apart by distractions and things of the world. Make sure God is the center of your family life. Make your home a place of prayer. Every day, read the Bible and put its truths into practice in your life.

Cephas (the apostle Peter) was a special disciple. He had a unique relationship with Jesus. He was trained for leadership, became a powerful minister of the Gospel, and was used mightily by the Holy Spirit. Yet Paul had done something remarkable: He had the courage to confront Peter, telling him that he “stood condemned.” He told Peter that he had made a mistake-he was wrong!

What had Peter done that was grievous? He was guilty of “hypocrisy.” While in Antioch, Peter had eaten with Gentiles (Acts 10). He had wavered and acted differently when “certain men from James” arrived. Suddenly, “he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.”

Paul understood that Peter’s actions negatively influenced other Believers. While someone else might have stood by silently, unwilling or afraid to do anything, Paul felt compelled to act.

How did Paul know for sure he was right? How had he become so confident? He had spent time alone with God-concentrated time, time in prayer and study (Galatians 1:13-24). Through these times, he listened and learned what God was teaching him. He grew closer to God and more mature in his faith. He became so in tune with God that he could speak and act with great confidence. This is the kind of confidence and boldness God wants you to have. But you cannot have this on your own…it only comes from Him.

Today, ask God to transform your life. Fill your mind with His Word. Read and study it. Surrender your will to His. Spend concentrated time alone with Him. Pray and listen to His voice. Let Him teach you deeper truths and bring you new insights. Deepen your relationship with Him. Watch as He gives you greater boldness and confidence.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” - Psalm 33:12 NASB

Roger Sherman was born in Newton, Massachusetts on this day (or possibly the previous day) in 1721. After impressing others with his ability and integrity as a young man, he entered the public arena in 1743 when he was appointed surveyor of New Haven County, Connecticut. There, he became a respected businessman and lawyer, and gained important political positions.

As Connecticut and other colonies faced difficult challenges, Sherman was called upon for leadership. He became a member of the Continental Congress, serving on many committees, including the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.

After the War of Independence, he served on the committee that formed the Articles of Confederation and then became active in drafting the U.S. Constitution. He later became a U.S. Senator, gaining the respect of leaders throughout the young nation.

During his life, Sherman never compromised his Christian faith. He believed “there is only one living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” He had no doubt “that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.”

Sherman recognized to be successful, a nation needed to be based on faith in God. But in recent years, increasingly, people in countries around the world have moved away from the truths which were clear to Sherman. More than ever, we need people and nations who will return to Biblical standards and not compromise their faith in God and Biblical Truth.

(Sorry to xanga if I don’t respond – My computer crashed several weeks ago and the one I have is very very slow.)

My daughter Alicia drew this picture several years ago.  It’s one on my favorite that’s one the wall.  It was before we adopted Noah & Brooke.  Alicia is graduating from college this year.  She may continue to go to college.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul expressed amazement that they had abandoned what they’d been taught “for a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). They had been taught the true Gospel-a life with the fullness of the life of Christ (Galatians 2:22) that could be experienced by anyone (Galatians 3:28) …a life of freedom (Galatians 5:1)…a life of walking in the Spirit, with His fruit and gifts (Galatians 5:16-25).

As Paul began this letter, he reminded the Galatians that Jesus “gave Himself for our sins.” Why? So He could “rescue” us. Paul used a Greek word he never used again in all of his writings. Literally, he said that it was God’s will that we be taken out “from this present evil age.” Set free! Released! Delivered!

Many Christians make the same kind of mistakes that plagued the Galatians. They accept a life of compromise and are content with an attitude of survival-not victory or abundance, but a life filled with burdens and cares. This is not God’s intention. It is His “will” that we be rescued from this present evil age. God wants us to live in victory, not defeat, and to be free, not bound or overwhelmed with burdens.

I listened to what President Bush wants to talk to the Pope about.  It’s accept all faiths, including the muslem.  Has Christianity gotten so polluted that we will say all roads lead to heaven?  There is only one way to Heaven – Jesus.

Kristina – Getting married in August. 

I’m excited about the increase we’re seeing in Kid’s Church, Heir Force & Whiz Kids.  We’re going to break ground this spring to add and and when the new sanctuary is built the Children’s Ministry is moving into the old sanctuary.  That I’m really excited about. 

I’m headed to Mitchell today for training. 

We’re in the planning stages for our oldest – she’s getting married in August. 

NASA is wanting to bring Mars rocks back to earth.