No More Home Bible Studies?

This is one of those shocking stories against Christians in the United States.

- Nathan

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Happy Resurrection Day!

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today! Christ the Lord has risen today! 

This is one of my favorite days of the year. It's the day that Christians can tell a world (that pays attention at least this one day) that there is a difference between Christianity and all other religions of the world. We can show the world that we're not looking for a figure-head or someone to get questions answered or even to better ourselves - but that we serve a Savior who did die and who did rise from the dead! 

Jesus is the difference. In these difficult days in America and around the world, we need to keep that faith to believe in the Savior - the only One who can take whatever's wrong in our lives and make it right. Jesus saves, He still does - and I'm forever thankful that He's willing to take even a small amount of faith on our part to save us from our sins and hell. So get up and celebrate that the tomb is still empty and that because He lives, we can face tomorrow!

In His Grip!

Nathan

Pastors - Be Careful

I was reminded again today in church about why our Christian leaders (i.e. Pastors) are supposed to conduct themselves with a higher standard.

Hebrews 13:7,17

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct....Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

If those who attend church are supposed to follow and obey those who lead in the church, those leaders should be acting in a godly way. I went to a church a few years ago where the pastor didn't lead or live correctly and many people left because they knew they couldn't follow his poor example. Just a reminder to pastors and church leaders to guard your hearts and minds in Christ.

I thank God that there are many good pastors including mine who take the Bible and their relationship with the Lord and with their congregation seriously.

I also wanted to congratulate Don and Sharon Engram on their 50th wedding anniversary! Pastor Don was my pastor for many years. Another great couple who led by example.

Nathan

Twenty-Eight Years Old

Today I turned twenty-eight years old. It's also the first day of spring. I'm sure the people in the North didn't get the memo of spring starting with all the snow falling out their windows.

I'm beginning to understand people that say time is flying by. I had a conversation with a co-worker the other day and we figured out that the individual days go by slow (at least weekdays) but the weeks, months, and years go by fast. We just couldn't figure out why.

It should be a fun year. I'm working on a lot of different stuff and a lot of detailed steps go into each project. Pray for me this year please!

In His Grip!

Nathan

Arizona Statehood Day

At 10:00am on Valentine's Day in 1912 President William Howard Taft signed the proclamation for statehood in the White House, which made Arizona the 48th State of the Union.  The news was immediately telegraphed to Phoenix, and later that day, George W. P. Hunt placed his hand on a Bible and was sworn in as the first governor of Arizona.

The proclamation for statehood also enforced the new Arizona State Constitution which includes the opening Preamble:

"We, the people of the state of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this constitution."

The constitution also established the legal state motto of Ditat Deus, which in Latin means "God Enriches".  Ditat Deus has been a legal part of our government seal since our earliest days as an Arizona Territory.

PRAY:  Let us celebrate Arizona's birthday by acknowledging our gratitude to Almighty God and declaring that God does enrich us!  Pray also that our government leaders -- Governor Brewer and Executive officials, Legislators in the Arizona House and Senate, our U.S. Congressmen and Senators, and our Justices and Judges -- will all experience a greater revelation of Jesus and His government in their personal lives as well as in their official capacities.

Gaither Vocal Band Wins Grammy!

Nashville, TN (2-9-09) - Members of the Gaither Vocal Band received an early valentine from the Recording Academy last night when their latest studio project, Lovin' Life, garnered a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel Album during the 51st annual awards ceremony. This is the eighth win overall for the Gaither Vocal Band and its predecessor, the Bill Gaither Trio. Bill and Gloria Gaither have also won Grammy Awards for the Homecoming series of videos and received the President's Merit Award in 2005. The CD was produced by all four members of the Vocal Band, and marks the first win for members Guy Penrod, Wes Hampton and Marshall Hall.

The Grammy win capped a week that saw the venerable group virtually dominate several Billboard charts. The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 1 and Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 2 CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard's Contemporary Christian album chart, marking not only the Gaither Vocal Band's first No. 1 on the Christian album chart, but also their first No. 1 debut on that chart as well. The DVDs of the same title debuted in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Music Video charts as well, ranking ahead of long-form music videos by such acclaimed artists as Il Divo, AC/DC, the Eagles and the Temptations. The CDs also garnered both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on the Southern Gospel album charts. The impressive sales of both CDs earned them the #53 and #60 positions on Billboard's Top 200 representing all genres of music.

"The honor of this Grammy Award makes a wonderful statement that, after more than 25 years together, the Gaither Vocal Band is still making the kind of music that stands out in an industry so full of great talent," Bill Gaither responded. "These are very exciting days for the Gaither Vocal Band and this win is extremely gratifying."

Gaither Vocal Band Changes

Have you heard! The Gaither Vocal Band is making a big change in 2009. In case you missed it, I've posted the official press release below. - Nathan

1/13/09 (Alexandria, Indiana) - With mixed emotions and tremendous optimism about the future, Gaither Music Group announces major personnel changes for the Gaither Vocal Band, including the return of some of the group's best-loved alumni.

After more than 14 years as the Gaither Vocal Band's lead singer, Guy Penrod will now begin a new journey. Bill Gaither is delighted to announce today that Guy is pursuing a new direction as a solo artist. It is a bittersweet transition as Penrod will miss sharing the stage with his comrades and he will be greatly missed.

Bill Gaither states, "I am losing a lead singer, but I am not losing a friend. I am extremely grateful for the incredible contribution he has made to the Gaither Vocal Band's legacy." Guy Penrod has said in response, "My years with the Gaither Vocal Band have been among the most glorious of my life. Now, though, with the Band continuing in strength and me tackling the new challenge of a solo career, we can all serve our God even more powerfully in the days to come."

As Gaither has stated at various times of transition, "You never replace a group member... you simply find a fresh, new direction." And with that philosophy at heart, Bill Gaither has gone far beyond simply replacing his long-time lead singer. He has completely recreated the Gaither Vocal Band, now expanding the size of the group from four members to five and bringing back an all-star cast of voices from the Vocal Band's rich legacy of talent. 

Effective immediately, the new roster for the five-member Gaither Vocal Band will be: Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Michael English and Mark Lowry. Mark Lowry will complete all his previously scheduled solo engagements through April 2009 and will appear with the Gaither Vocal Band at every available opportunity during this transition, beginning with the Gaither Caribbean Cruise on February 22.

Marshall Hall, who has sung with the group since 2004, will no longer serve as the group's baritone and will be missed dearly by his friends both on and off the stage. He is a talented singer and producer, as well as an experienced worship leader, who will undoubtedly enjoy a solid future building on the experience gained during his five remarkable years with the Gaither Vocal Band.

The public's overwhelming early response to the January 20th release of The Gaither Vocal Band Reunion DVD, as well as the group's 2009 Grammy nomination, has already begun what could be the group's most unforgettable season yet. 

AZ Cardinals - Headed to the Super Bowl

I've never really been a big football fan. Probably because our home team has never really played pro-football. Oh, they put on the pads and the helmets but they never really played the game. I have a signed football by all the Cardinals back when they were the Phoenix Cardinals.

Now, they're the Arizona Cardinals and they are headed to the Super Bowl! If you didn't know, the Cardinals have the record for the 2nd longest period of time (next to the Chicago Cubs) without being in a championship game or series. Let me rephrase that - the Cardinals HAD the record for the longest time -- didI mention, the Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!

If your team isn't in the Big Game this year (Cardinals/Steelers), root for the Cardinals. It's their time!

Go Cardinals!!

10 Rules For Happiness

Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) once gave a list for the rules happy living. Here's the list to read and think about as you are living life each day!

1. Give something away to someone (with no strings attached).
2. Do a kindness to someone (and forget it).
3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is a priceless guidance).
4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and marvel).
5. Laugh often (it is life''s lubricant).
6. Give thanks to the Lord (a thousand times a day is not enough).
7. Pray (or you will lose the way).
8. Work (with vim and vigor). ["Vim" means "robust energy and enthusiasm."]
9. Plan as though you''ll live forever (because you will).
10. Live as though you''ll die tomorrow (because your body will, on some tomorrow).

American Flag Mosaic

Hey Everyone!

This drawing was included in an e-mail I recently received. I thought you might enjoy it.

Let's remember to pray for the new President and Vice President that they would turn to God in all decisions and in the way they lead.

Nathan

Trying Stuff Out

Hey Everyone!

I'm working on some new things for the ministries right now that will help me better communicate with you. I'm not revealing the details here just yet but I can tell you I'm experimenting with a feature right now on this very blog! Keep checking for new posts.

Also, there is big news about part of the ministries that you'll want to read about. It should be posted later this week so keep watching maackonline.com!

Have a great day!


Nathan