Ron Cowart

5 jr

I went to see a Muslim tribute band last night. They were called "Bomb Jovi". They were brilliant. Their last song "Living on a Prayer Mat" almost brought the house down. Then this Muslim guy started bragging about how he had the entire Koran on DVD.

I was interested so I asked him, "Can you burn me a copy?" Well, that's when the trouble started......
23

5 jr

The Story of Saul

While I appreciate ALL of the stories in the Bible, if I were pressed to identify my favorite one, I would probably have to go with the story of Saul. The reasons why are many as the story has something for everyone. However, at least to me, one of it's key points is that no one is beyond saving. What I mean by that is, at times a lot of people, especially Christians, start questioning themselves. "How can Jesus possibly include me among His select, with all that I've done against Him?" Of course, there are more examples but I think you get the point. One of Satan's most used and successful tools is a combination of the lie and doubt. He can create doubt in just about anyone, especially if his target isn't protected by the Armor of God. And if doubt gets it's ugly little foot in the door, the lie can't be too far behind.

So, what does this have to do with Saul? Well, let's see.

Saul of Tarsus swore to completely destroy the new Christian faith, after the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ. Saul, in his quest, obtained letters from the high priest, authorizing him to arrest any followers of Jesus in the city of Damascus. In fact, when Stephen (the first recorded Christian martyr in the New Testament) was killed, Saul was there (watching the cloaks of those who were stoning Stephen). On the Damascus Road, Saul and his companions were struck down by a blinding light, brighter than the noonday sun. Saul heard a voice say to him:

"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4, NIV)

When Saul asked who was speaking to him, the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:5-6, NIV)

Even though the men accompanying Saul heard the sound, they didn't see what Saul saw. Saul had seen the vision of the risen Christ. As such, Saul was blinded and the men had to lead him to their destination of Damascus. Once in Damascus, Saul was led to Straight Street and a man named Judas. For three days, Saul was blinded and during that time, he did not eat or drink anything.

In the meantime, Jesus appeared in a vision to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias and told him to go to Saul. Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul's reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church.

Jesus repeated his command, explaining that Saul was his chosen instrument to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. Ananias found Saul at the house of Judas, just like Jesus directed. Ananias then laid hands on Saul, telling him that Jesus had sent him, to restore Saul's sight and that Saul might be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The scales which had encrusted Saul's eyes, preventing him from seeing, fell away and Saul's vision returned. Saul was told that he would be Jesus' witness to all men of what he had seen and heard. At that time, Saul got up and was baptized a follower of Christ Jesus. Saul was to become known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews) whereas Peter was called the apostle to the Jews.

Saul became the Apostle Paul.

That's right. The same man who authored almost half of the books in the New Testament (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon) was once the lead persecutor of Christians.

Paul suffered much in spreading the Gospel. Most of his missionary efforts were in what is modern day Greece and Turkey, and the surrounding areas. Suffer as he did, nothing stopped Paul from spreading the Word of Jesus Christ.

While there is more (I encourage you to pick up the Word and read this incredible story of the conversion of Saul), it's important to understand there are many things that can be learned from this story. As I said previously, I personally find it comforting when I get down, wondering how Jesus could ever love someone like me. And the wonderful thing about it? His Grace and Promise are free for anyone willing to accept Him.

Thank you Lord for all you have done for me and continue to do, even as undeserving as I am.

Have a GREAT weekend folks!

5 jr

School Days

When I was a kid, still in school
I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance
and it was cool

Then the speaker would come on
and we'd hear the Principal say
Let us bow our heads
as he began to pray

Then the Teacher would ask
for the homework to be turned in
An excuse "the dog ate it"
well, that was a Cardinal Sin

We may have a quick quiz
or begin show and tell
Everyone doing as they were told
just waiting to hear that first bell

Recess is here!!
Let's go out and play!!
We're starting a game of dodge-ball
you would hear someone say

We would play "chase"
Cowboys and Indians too
Or perhaps someone would show off
their new Swiss Army Tool

Then the bell would ring again
and everyone would head back in
Some of the boys tucking in their shirt
Others trying to remove the dirt

We'd have class
until time for lunch
Then many of us would gather
all in a bunch

As the brown bags would come out
and one would hear the negotiations
begin with a shout

I'll trade my ham and cheese
and throw in an apple as well
All I want is your Twinkies
and a promise you won't tell

Those days are now
a thing of the past
Good days, good friends
they simply don't last

Not once can I recall
of hearing about a kid
being kicked out of school
for having a gun in the hall

The worst thing I can remember
I recall all too well
is talking back to my teacher
for my parents she would tell

Riding bikes without helmets
and fighting on the school yard
I never realized until recently
that we had it so hard

We wore pants around our waist
and our shirts were tucked in
We treated adults with respect
saying yes sir and yes mam

What happened to those days?
Are they gone for good?
If given the option of having them back
if I could, I would

So when you send your child
off to class
Remember, they don't have
the things we had in the past

If, from your child
you hear a swear word or two
While it's still inexcusable
Just remember, God is no longer allowed in school

He'll have to wear a helmet
to get on his bike
And he can't put into his pocket
his Swiss Army Knife

We're now better for it
or so they say
We did things wrong in the past
I just wish they were still that way

Ron Cowart | 2014

5 jr

5 jr - Youtube

I remember this commercial like it was yesterday.

https://youtu.be/e6Hfmsjqtb0