The Reason Why...

One of the great gospel singer/pianists Gerald Wolfe wrote a blog post that I thought needed to be repeated here. It was written so well I couldn't have said it better. So, here is his post from his Just The Way It Is blog in its entirety below. --Nathan

*** CAUTION: POLITICS INVOLVED ***

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a personal message concerning the upcoming Presidential Election. Since then, that message has made its way around the world... literally, and I have received hundreds and hundreds of emails supporting what it said. I've also received some negative comments... twelve, to be exact.

I've noticed all twelve of the negative emails I received have a similar theme, almost verbatim arguments, justifying their positions on voting for Senator Barack Obama in next month's election. The interesting thing to me is that the emails came from fellow Christians from different areas of the country, so I would assume they don't know each other. It's almost as if they copied their positions from some sort of memo on "why Christians can, and should, vote for Barack Obama." I'm convinced these folks are trying to justify something in their minds that isn't resonating in their hearts. I say that because, if you strip away the "talking points", you get to the real heart of their arguments... money. Without exception, after expressing their opinions on how"the President can't do anything about Abortion", or "nobody likes Abortion", or "what about the needless loss of life in Iraq", the arguments then turn to the economy, and ultimately, their wallets. I am convinced that if Senator Barack Obama wins the Presidential Election next month, it will be because men and women who call themselves "Christian" will vote, based on their view through the lens of self-interest rather than the view through the lens of scripture.

Here then, is THE reason I will not vote for Senator Barack Obama:

1. Barack Obama is the most pro-Abortion (not pro-choice) candidate to ever seek the office of the Presidency. He has said "one of the first things" he will do as President is to "sign the Freedom Of Choice Act" into law. Most people have never heard of it, and have no idea about what it means. I have read it on the US Senate website. It provides for Abortion-on-demand throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy, and negates any current State Laws that prohibit or restrict late-term or partial-birth Abortion. It also provides for Federal funding of Abortion, something currently prohibited by the "Hyde Act". There's a great article written by Princeton University Professor Robert George, concerning Senator Obama's pro-abortion views, and you can read it here.

Of course, as a conservative, I have many, many reasons why I wouldn't vote for Barack Obama besides the "life" issue. Issues like our speedy slide into Socialism, more and more government control over our financial institutions and businesses, tax policy, and so on, but I am compelled by scripture to look out for "the least of these." It's impossible to "care" about people, if you think it's perfectly acceptable to kill them before they're born.

One of Senator Obama's favorite verses of scripture is "if you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me." He uses that verse to justify his Socialist policy of redistribution of wealth... taking from those who have and giving it to those who don't have as much. The problem is, the scripture speaks of "giving", not "taking". The Biblical view is based on two principles; one is the tithe, which is ten percent of a person's gross income given to the ministry of the local church. The other is "giving", which is above and beyond the tithe that "is the Lord's". Senator Obama, who says he's a Christian, doesn't tithe, let alone give, according to his tax returns. Over the last two years, when he has made a substantial income because of his best-selling books, he has given less than four percent of his income to charities or churches. His running mate, Senator Joe Biden, has given around three percent of his income to charities or churches over the last nine years. Their rhetoric about "caring" doesn't match their record. On the other hand, Senator John McCain has given close to eighteen percent of his income to charities and churches over the last two years, according to his tax returns. Based on the facts, who really cares about "the least of these"?

This year, there is not a Presidential candidate that perfectly matches my core values and beliefs. I am certainly not a "McCainiac", and I find myself in disagreement with him on several issues. However, on the most important issues, his opposition to the Freedom Of Choice Act, and his desire to nominate "constructionist" Justices to the Supreme Court, we are in agreement.

Any person who can over-look the value of the unborn for perceived financial reasons, cannot call themselves a true follower of Christ. There is no valid argument one could give to justify their concern for others, if they would vote for someone who is an adamant supporter of the most pro-abortion legislation every written, period. Call it what you will, a "Christian" who votes for Barack Obama is voting their self-interests, their greed, or their politics, not their convictions.

Ways to Maintain Insanity (08.03.08)

I was sent this list of things to do and wanted to share it with you. Laughing out loud is a good thing!

1. At Lunch Time, Sit in Your Parked Car with Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer at Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It 'In.'

5. Put Decaf in The Coffee Maker for 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For Smuggling Diamonds'

7. Finish All Your sentences with 'In Accordance With the Prophecy.'

8 dont use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go.'

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting around Your Work Area and Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're not in the Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You by Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

18. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, yelling 'Run for Your Lives, They're Loose!!'

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

Tony Snow Dies (07.12.08)

One of my favorite Conservative commentators and White House press secretaries Tony Snow passed away today after a battle with colon cancer. He was a great Conservative voice and a great man by all accounts.

Here's the statement released by President and Laura Bush:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father's Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith - and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.

Click here for more on the story.

Do Aliens Exist? (07.08.08)

Some co-workers and I were discussing the existence of UFO’s and aliens today. I know, strange topic at work but there was a reason behind it.

Anyways, one co-worker said that she could believe in UFO’s and aliens. Her reasoning is that in such a huge amount of space with galaxies and planets existing far beyond what we can see, why would God just create on one planet which takes up a very small amount of His creation.

I disagree. I believe that there are no aliens on other planets and that UFO’s are just unidentified until we identify them as something man-made or rock from space. Here’s my reasoning: The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” He very clearly has the “earth” singled out meaning that there is significance to it. Genesis then goes into great detail about how much effort God put into designing this planet, the animals, and us humans. No other planet or alien species is mentioned anywhere in the Bible (God’s inspired Word).

Then we get to the New Testament. In comes Jesus. The Bible points out in simple terms (John 3:16) that Jesus is God’s ONLY Son. Now, if Jesus died for our sins once and for all here on earth and He’s God’s only Son, what is the salvation plan for the other alien planets? Did He go and die on their planet too? Are they a perfect species that don’t need to be saved? Do they automatically go to heaven? Do they just cease to exist when they die?

There are too many unanswered questions that don’t reason with what God wrote for us. I think that God designed the heavens as a way for us to see how vast, all-powerful, and creative He is. Just look at His creation at night. Then use a telescope. It’s amazing work!

So, there you have it. My co-workers reasoning and my reasoning (in a little more detail). I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Send a comment and I’ll put it on the blog posting.

Beam me up, ah, I mean – until next time!

Happy Independence Day!

Here are some quotes from America past that show this country is a Christian nation.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. And the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance.”
—Psalm 33:12, NKJ

“For the advancement of the Christian faith in the name of King James the ‘Defender of the Faith.’”
—Mayflower Compact, 1620

“And for the support of this Declaration,with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our Sacred Honor.”
—United States of America Declaration of Independence

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor.”
—President George Washington, 1789

“Finally, let us not forget the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought hither by their veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions civil, political, or literary.”
—Daniel Webster, 1851

“The people of these United States, from their earliest history to the present time, have been led by the hand of a Kind Providence, and are indebted for the countless blessings of the past and present, and dependent for continued prosperity in the future upon Almighty God....The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and driving truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
—The United State House of Representatives, 1854

“Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer (Jesus Christ) of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise, and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian... This is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation...We find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth...These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass or organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.”
—United States of America Supreme Court, 1892

“A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”
—President Woodrow Wilson

“The good (in the USA) would never have come into being without the blessings and power of Jesus Christ... I know how embarrassing this matter is to politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and cynics: but whatever these honored men think, the irrefutable truth is that the soul of America is at its best and highest, Christian.”
—Dr. Charles Habib Malic, Ambassador to the U.N. from Lebanon, 1955

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.”
—Prov. 28:2, NLT

The Monsoon 2008

Tonight we had our first "storm" of the monsoon season! We had the lightning (lots of lightning), thunder, wind, and a little rain. It wasn't what you would call a big storm but it was a start to what will hopefully be a good monsoon season this year.

The last few years have been more like a nonsoon than a monsoon. More storms expected tomorrow night. There's usually a good one on the 4th of July here in Phoenix.

Have a great day!


Nathan

The Buzz

As we got closer to the tree, the sound got louder. We looked around not knowing what to expect. When we looked up, we spotted a beehive about a foot and a half tall! The buzzing was then unmistakable.

Hundreds, if not thousands of bees swarming the hive; taking turns landing on it and flying off it.

Tuesday, we had a beekeeper come to do something with the hive. I wasn’t home at the time but I was told he was in his official beekeeper outfit and sprayed the beehive and all the bees down out of the tree!

Anyways, the bees were Africanized so it was a good thing we got a trained beekeeper out instead of dealing with the hive ourselves.

And that’s the bee story.

Start The Violin Music

I read through several news stories everyday online. I try to look for interesting and weird stories. This one was pretty sad and as you read it, listen for that violin music in the distance.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Associated Press

LONDON - David Garrett, a former model who has been called the David Beckham of the classical scene, said he tripped while carrying his 18th century violin as he was leaving London's Barbican Hall after a performance, smashing it to bits.

"I had it over my shoulder in its case and I fell down a concrete flight of stairs backward," Garrett said Thursday. "When I opened the case, much of my G.B. Guadagnini had been crushed."

Garrett said he bought the 1772 violin for US$1 million in 2003, and he is now hoping to get it repaired in New York, where he is based.

"I hope and pray that it can be fixed, but if it can't, I hope my insurance policy will let me buy another great violin," the 26-year-old musician said. He told The Associated Press that other published accounts saying the violin was a Stradivarius were incorrect. Guadagnini is believed by some to have been a student of Antonio Stradivari.

The accident occurred Dec. 27 but only became known this week when he returned to London for another concert at the Barbican and told British reporters what had happened.

For his Valentine's Day concert there, he is playing a Stradivarius that's been lent to him.

Garrett gained attention as a child prodigy. Before he was 10, he played as a soloist with the London Philharmonic, according to his Web site. When he studied at the Juilliard School in New York, he became a part-time model to help supplement his income.

7 Observations From 2007

The year 2007 is almost over as I write this. Only a few hours away from the stroke of midnight. As I look back on this year, I came up with a few thoughts on some things I learned. Here are my Seven Observations from 2007. -Nathan

ONE

Truth is always backed up by facts, not by what people say.

A lot of people say a lot of things. Just watch YouTube for an hour! Not everyone tells the truth when they talk. Make sure what you're hearing is backed up by actual facts. The truth always will be.

TWO

The War on Terror is real.

A prominent presidential candidate recently called the War on Terror a bumper sticker slogan. It's much more than that. There are real people who are trying to destroy democracy and Christianity. Most recently was the assasination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. Pray for the leaders and troops in harm's way as they defend our very lives.

THREE

It's not about the style of a song, it's about the message.

The big debate in churches today is the style of music that will be done. I like hymns and I like the new worship songs/praise choruses. The style shouldn't be the debate, the substance should be. The answer is to have a well-blended service each week.

FOUR

The pastor is NOT the focus of a weekend church service - God is.

I knew a pastor who talked about himself and his problems from the platform all the time. Everything that he did was focused on himself. The pastor at my church doesn't even step on the platform until the message. Once on the platform, he preaches straight from the Word. A pastor is not the focus of a Sunday event, God should be the focus!

FIVE

Sometimes is does not good to questions God's motives.

One of my heroes and all-time favorite pianist Roger Bennett was promoted to heaven this year after a 13 year battle with cancer. He was in his mid 40s. His piano playing and the way he lived through the pain and uncertainty is one of the strongest witnesses to trusting Jesus through anything. Why was he taken so early in his life? I have no idea. Trying to understand it while still on earth is pointless. God has the master plan, His ways are higher than ours, and His ways are perfect.

SIX

Looking back cannot overtake pressing forward.

Paul tells us in Philippians to forget what is behind and to press on towards what is ahead. We can look back and see high points and low points in our lives. But looking back without keeping an eye on what's in front of you the majority of the time can bring on mixed feelings. Remember the past as a context on how to live the present. Don't live in the past - the future will leave you in the dust.

SEVEN

When you don't know what to do, just do lunch!

I'm serious. It fills you up so you aren't on edge and gives you a chance to think about what you should do when you get back to working - and who doesn't love a good lunch?

Mistakes and Lying

I read this quote from an article with legendary vocalist Amy Grant and wanted to share it with you. Some of the people from my past need to think about this concept. If a 6 year old girl understands it, then Christian adults should as well.

“I was lying in bed the other night with Corrina, my youngest, who’s 6, and out of the blue, she said, ‘Mistakes aren’t bad, Mom. Mistakes aren’t bad because people make mistakes. Lying is bad, but mistakes and lying aren’t the same thing.’ [Amy continued], really, mistakes are the best teacher, because we learn from our mistakes. You don’t learn from lying, you just dig a deeper hole.”

A Great End To October

It was a great week to end the month of October. Saturday had me performing at a church for their annual Usher's Banquet. I would say that had around 80 people there with the ushers and families. We had a great steak meal outside and then I did about a 20 minute set. I played some of the great convention-style songs of the past. I finished with the most unique song I've written called "The Ushers." I plan to record it and put it up on the Maack Ministries website in the next few months. The pastor of the church then spoke and gave a great message on how the usher's job is so important and is really the first impression visitors have of a church. Let me tell you, of all the churches that I've been at in my life, this church probably has the best in what they do! Thank you for inviting me.

Saturday night my family traveled over to Chandler to celebrate my cousin's birthday. I won't tell you how old she is but I can tell you that she's four years older than me. The 12 of us had a great meal (steak again) and a great time together.

Sunday I had the priveledge of hearing my church's pastor speak in the morning and then got to hear a famous pastor and one of my favorites speak in the evening. It was a great night of celebration and I know everyone that was there was blessed.

Tuesday, I went to the "Get Motivated" seminar in Phoenix. It is the country's largest motivational seminar and it was in our arena downtown. The place was packed out and the speakers were great! Just to name of a few of them were Zig Ziglar, Michael Eisner, Suzy Orman, and General Colin Powell. I recommend this to seminar to everyone. Our host for the day was a pastor and speaker. I point that out because half way through the day, he spoke about leadership. He ended his talk by presenting the gospel of Jesus to everyone in attendance and gave an invitation. I know that some got saved on Tuesday!

What a great way to end out October and move into the month of November. I hope that you are receiving blessings from the Lord. Sometimes it may seem kind of difficult to find them in the trials of each day, but I garentee that they are there for you. Live life for the glory of the Lord!

Nathan

Prayer In Arizona

History was made on Tuesday, August 28, 11:00am - 1:00pm, as 95 pastors, ministry leaders, and high-ranked legislators from all over Arizona met for worship and prayer at the historic "Old Senate" chamber and "Constitution Hall" of the original Arizona Capitol.

Hosted by Arizona Call to Prayer and the legislative chaplains, and with worship led by Daniel Brymer and team, we gathered first and foremost to honor God at the historic heart of our state government. Many prayers were given for our government officials and for our state, including for our top government officials in the Arizona House of Representatives, Speaker James Weiers, and in the Arizona Senate, President Tim Bee, who were both present. Pastors and ministry leaders came from as far as Flagstaff, Kingman, Safford, Sierra Vista, and Tucson. We know of no other time that such a large and representative gathering of the Arizona Christian leadership community has assembled for the purpose of worshiping God and interceding for our state at the original Capitol.

Another key component of the event was the connection with the prayers of the first chaplain recorded at the Constitutional Convention for Arizona Statehood in 1910. The Chaplain Seaborn Crutchfield was known for his powerful prayers for Arizona, and many of these were highlighted by various pastors in the very chamber they were originally voiced 97 years ago. All 50 of Chaplain Crutchfield's original prayers of the Constitutional Convention of 1910 have been compiled in one section of the new book by Guy Chadwick, God in the Foundations of Arizona Government.

God is clearly leading us to connect with the foundations He has laid for our state. An important part of our call is to assemble together in simple godly unity to worship and pray for things bigger than ourselves-- for all of Arizona, our land, and our nation. It is very significant, and a great joy, to see so many pastors and leaders respond to the "inconvenient" call to convene at our original Arizona Capitol. Perhaps this is another way in which Arizona is "taking the point" for our nation.

A Response

Several have asked if I plan to respond to the comments written on Mother's Day regarding my "A Dark Cloud" posting that I wrote on April 22. At the time, I decided not to respond because I didn't want to seem like I was stooping to their level of antics, however, now that time has passed, I will give brief responses to both comments made.

First, let me say that what was said leads me to believe that both of these were written by people in leadership roles at the church my posting was referring to. Unfortunately, I can't use names because both writers were too cowardly to reveal who they truly are.

COMMENT 1

Maybe instead of dwelling on people imperfections you should analyze your bitterness. I do not think it is right to talk about anyone but do not forget the fact that we are all sinners in need of salvation. I think instead of the focus being on peoples sins that we already know we all have you should in turn look at praying to surrender your bitterness that you are carrying. By your notes it is obvious that it has become your whole life.

I'm not sure what bitterness he's referring to. If he actually took the time to read my posting, he would see that I gave a factual account of the event that took place in the waiting room at the church as well as other times he had publicly lied and bad-mouthed certain members of the congregation. This story led into what I see as an epidemic in this nation of sins that are occurring even at the top levels of the church. I understand that everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23) but the problem comes when that person doesn't believe he is sinning and shows no sign of repentance. The Bible says to bring it out into the open in Matthew 18:17 after dealing with in private (which I tried on several occasions to do while attending that church). As for this becoming my whole life, he obviously doesn't understand this blog nor does he care to. It is very little of my life and when I write about this past, I grieve for those still in denial and pray that they would repent of their sins and that great things could come from them. I write from past and present experiences. I want Christians to learn how to live out God's Word and just as the entire Bible is written from experiences (God-anointed), I do the same to help give examples of what to look for, things to avoid, and how to live life for the fullest glory of God Almighty.

COMMENT 2

Hey $#%#, quit talking $#%# about my pastor and using your "Living Life" column to bash the people of God and His Bride the church.

Q. What church do you attend?
A. NONE, your not an active member anywhere.

Q. How many times have you sang at a church in the last year?
A.NONE.

Dude.....quit talking trash or im gonna throw you in a pool of water.

I had to edit out the bad language this person used in his comment just to use it in my post! He asks two questions and then proceeds to answer them. I doubt he has ever met me and he wouldn’t know anything about what I’m doing in regards to these questions unless he’s stalking me which is a crime. Both answers are lies that he chose to write. This is called libel. I do attend church regularly. I choose not to disclose which church on this blog because of people like this writer. I don’t know the exact number of times I’ve sung at a church. I’ve been blessed to do concerts and events and in turn have been told what a blessing I have been to them. He could not find where I’ve ministered in concert on my web site because once again, I chose not to post the places for fear that a person like this would come and disturb or harm the people who have come to enjoy a time of music. I have not done concerts in the past few months because I’m working on two new CD projects, a new web site, and gearing up for the 2008 tour as well as several other behind-the-scenes projects. Finally, I don’t really like having my life border-line threatened. However, after thinking about it, it is hot outside so maybe a splash in a pool would be cool and refreshing.

------------------------------------------

As you can see, these two have no grounds for the comments they posted. Unfortunately, when you let the truth be known that others want hidden, you end up with some haters and hateful comments. The person who wrote Comment 2 shows the type of person coming out of this church and how they treat others, speak using profane language, and use threats. I’ve also seen from this person's bio that it appears he puts his pastor on a higher level than even God. That is truly scary. Please pray for these two that they would truly come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and their lives would be changed and used to bring others to Christ. I love to see lives changed and people draw closer to Jesus!

In His Grip!

National Ice Cream Day!

Hey Everyone!

It's National Ice Cream Day! Read more info below...


In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2007, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 15.

The U.S. ice cream industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. About 9% of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation's dairy industry.

Founded in 1900, IICA is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of ice cream and other frozen dessert products. The association's activities range from legislative and regulatory advocacy to market research, education and training. Its 80 member companies manufacture and distribute an estimated 85% of the ice cream and frozen dessert products consumed in the United States. IICA, as a constituent organization of the International Dairy Foods Association, can be found online at www.idfa.org.

Happy Independence Day 2007!

I wanted to wish everyone of you a Happy Independence Day! I've had the opportunity in my life to travel through many of the 50 states. I've seen landscapes, monuments, buildings, and all kinds of Americans still reminding me of the absolute fact that this is the greatest country in the world.

I did a YouTube search on patriotic songs and found two by one of my favorite groups, the Gaither Vocal Band. I've put them below. Enjoy the music and our freedom!

Nathan

God Loves You!

Hey Everyone!

The weekend is over (at least it will be in an hour and a half). Has this year been going by fast for you? It sure has for me. It's also gotten hot! I was watching the Arizona Diamondbacks play the San Franciso Giants this weekend. Everyone there was wearing jackets and gloves! We're here in shorts with the fans on high and the air conditioning humming.

Tomorrow, we go back to work. But remember, we have a holiday on Wednesday. I'll write more on that later this week. Just remember, God made every day and He has a plan for you for every minute of that day. We may not like what we're facing from time to time this week, but it could be something that God wants to help you get through.

Let's all thank God each day this coming week for the good times and the bad times and those times when we just don't seem to care.

Just wanted to remind everyone reading this: God loves you!

In His Grip!

Web Sites Down For Repairs

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that maackministries.com and deserthorizonmedia.net are both down for repairs the next few days.

I'll write another post about the web sites when they're up and running.

Have a great Father's Day and weekend!

In His Grip!

Nathan

Focus On Jesus

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

The words to this familiar chorus have gone through my mind for many years. A simple truth that defies every logic society tells to follow today. It gives hope to a person hurting and a reminder of the truth found in God's Word.

Today, we're told to focus on ourselves. We're told to have the most money, have a job with a prominent title, and lie and cheat to get someone out of the way that you no longer feel is adding to the quality of your life.

The Bible tells us just the opposite. It tells us to give to the poor and needy, become less instead of greater, and turn the other cheek when someone is causing harm to you.

The main focus that God's Word tells us we're to have is on Jesus. Once we get saved, our attention should be on Jesus. Everything we do, say, and think should be to glorify Jesus. Look what he did for us! Have you died for anyone's wrongdoings lately? Jesus did! For you! Colossians 3:17 says "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Our focus on living life is to be on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A pastor I knew lost focus on Jesus as he gained total control over every decision made at the church. At first, it seemed harmless but upon further examination, the decisions made were not formed on biblical truths nor were they to bring focus and glory on Jesus. Everything became about getting the most expensive items to highlight in different rooms. Much of the talk when really looked at was the pastor trying to find the best ways to make himself look the best he could in front of his congregation. It became his church. Many of his followers, I believe, would defend him more than they would Jesus. He lost what his focus should have been on and in turn, the church lost focus. It doesn't take much. That's why we're to diligently study the Bible and faithfully pray so that God can remind us of our mission on earth and to help us not become focused on the things of this world but on Jesus and the heavenly things we have coming.

If you want to have joy and peace in your life like I do, focus on Jesus. The trials and problems that you're facing today will not seem so big. Jesus has been where you are and He is ready to take you through anything that comes in the path that you and He are on together.

Christ's glory and grace will absolutely make the things of this earth seem small and insignificant when you turn your eyes on the One who saved you and protects you.

Living life to the fullest is focusing on the One who is everything, Jesus!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there. I hope you had a great day!

I had a wonderful day. We had a great time with family and friends who came together to celebrate our mothers and grandmother (for us grandkids). I was honored today to provide music and share what God has done through Maack Ministries. We also got an update on my cousin’s missions plans.

Blessings just continue to pour down and I’m glad I have a mother who cares for me and prays for me as I go out and spread the gospel of Jesus through music!

In His Grip!

A Dark Cloud

As I sat just outside his office in the waiting area, I could sense a change in the direction of his discussion. My mother had been talking with him about life in general and some about the church. He looked at the desk now empty for the day as the secretary had left for home. It was his next few sentences that made me squirm in my seat and made me want to cover my ears for not wanting to hear what was coming.

“It’s like there’s a dark cloud over the place when she’s here,” he said. He was talking about the church’s secretary. He was the church’s pastor. I don’t know how many times I had heard him praise her to her face when she was in the office telling her she was doing a great job and was an encouragement. To my mother’s and my face, he told of firing her and looking for a new secretary. He went on to explain how when his aunt filled in for a week, she would even dust and vacuum his office – why wouldn’t his real secretary do that, he pondered out loud.

This week I began to think about that again. How could someone pretend in front of so many people. How could he just blatantly bad-mouth members of his congregation, Christians dedicated to the Lord. I don’t know if he’s still pastor there or not but with the immorality and unbiblical behavior I personally saw of him many times, I would guess he is not.

That dark cloud I believe has enveloped over the United States like a bad storm waiting to strike anyone it can. This one week alone, we witnessed a horrible event at Virginia Tech, the anniversaries of the Columbine High School shooting and the Oklahoma City bombing, a hostage taken at NASA and killed along with a suicide, and schools and buildings evacuated because of bomb threats.

Satan is beginning to run this country and Christians are letting him! We’re going along with his guises of how things could be done. We’re witnessing worship services being watered down with songs filled with meaningless diatribe, pastors watering down their sermons or going so long the people lose interest. Deacons and trustees of churches caring more about numbers in pews and the latest and greatest building designs than they do about people’s hearts, and pastors who care more about how much money a person makes than what their dedication is to the church.

We as Christians need to turn from our wicked ways and turn back to God and God alone. We need to ask for forgiveness or our nation is going to fall deaf from hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ! The Bible clearly says that any nation who wants to return to the power of God must first have those who are followers of God confess, repent, and forgive. Until that time, what we saw this week may only get worse.

I pray that it does not. I pray that we will begin to truly see the examples we’re giving the world of Christianity. Let’s begin to remove those dark clouds over the churches of America so we can begin to see the sun once again shine through. Let’s look to Jesus Christ!

In His Grip!