“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18

Your prayers for my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski, his wife Linda and their family are much appreciated and coveted.

Today Chuck was not able to be at church. During the night…Chuck was admitted to the hospital because of intense abdominal pain he was experiencing. Tonight he is resting more comfortably and has received more units of blood. Also of concern is Chuck’s blood levels. His platelets are low…and need to come up higher before they can proceed with the chemo treatments. On Monday the doctor will be running a CT scan due to concerns of a mass in his abdomen that appears to be the cause of the intense pain Chuck is experiencing.

Even in the midst of great pain…Chuck’s desire was to be at church and preaching the message that God had laid upon his heart, “Thinking Like a Genuine Servant”. Lord willing and by His power Chuck will be able to do that.

We thank God for providing his willing and obedient servant Dave Dunn and a timely message on adversity.

Dear Father we lift up our beloved Pastor Chuck to you. We ask for your hand to be upon him, Linda and their entire family. We ask for you to ease Chuck’s pain…and increase his platelet levels so his is able to receive the chemo treatments. We ask for you to give the doctors great wisdom and discernment in finding the cause his pain and the best treatment. We ask you to help Chuck bear that which has come upon him. Bring peace and comfort that can only come from you. Give Chuck and Linda great wisdom…may your grace and mercy be poured out upon them. Continue to reach out to the unsaved through Chuck’s suffering…and bring many more into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We know that you are able to do abundantly more than all we ask or imagine…even healing your servant. Yet we humbly submit to your will and plan…for Chuck and our church. Thank you dear Father, in your Son’s blessed name we pray.

Please be sure to click on the link to Kindred Community Church…so you can download and hear Chuck’s recent sermons.

To those people on the left…or as it’s now called the progressives. To those who think evil is the person cutting down trees in the forest, or persons driving SUV’s. To those who fight the killing of baby seals…but defend a woman’s right to kill her baby up until birth. To the Cindy Sheehan’s of this world and those who stand with her…who think real evil is our President taking our battle with the terrorists to the middle east, drawing them to a centralized place and defeating them over there, instead of on our own shores. To those who call President Bush a murderer and terrorist…and say that America has killed millions of people and is not worth dying for. To those who “want to understand” the people that slaughter living human beings created in God’s image…like NIck Berg and countless others.

To those who have trivialize rape by defining it as rape when a women regrets the sex she had the night before. To those can’t see the racism in thinking that people of color are unable to meet certain standards…so you lower the standards. To those who are left over from the 60’s and 70’s…who can’t see or acknowledge that you just plain got it wrong. You’ve made the world a worse place, not better. Your naivety can’t be excused when it permits evil to continue to flourish.

Please read the words of my friend Dan Horowitz. He’s one who get’s it…he understand what real evil is.

“While I have been self described as to the right of Atilla the Hun, perhaps in my old age I have become more tolerant of some things which I previously have condemned. But one thing that I have learned in my life is that evil is best fought with the barrel of a gun. You do not defeat tyrants with words, resolutions,self doubt, offers of therapy, you defeat tyrants by standing up to them, refusing to be cowed and when all else fails, military action. How many of my relatives would still be alive if during the beginnings of world war two the British and French tried using force versus appeasement? Peace in our time as said by Neville Chamberlain resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people.”

“Will people never learn that the price of freedom is paid in blood, not speeches! I’ll get off my soapbox now.”

Thank you Dan for so eloquently putting into words how to fight evil in this world. Please…don’t get off your soap box…it’s a message much needed by a naive people.

My friend Dan Horowitz sent the following response, via e-mail, about my early posting on Hugo Chavez:

“I was quite amused by the remarks of Pat Robertson coming from a man of god, I was a bit surprised. While I absolutely despise hugo chavez (not worth capitalizing his name), perhaps Pat’s comments will mobilize the opposition in Venezuela. I have two good friends who live there and their lives are being ruined by chavez. If you do not support him or vote for him, you are unable to get a passport to leave the country. Both of my friends voted against him and now when they tried to renew their passports, they were told they cannot get one. So now they are stuck in the country with this tyrant.”

“Perhaps since he is already paranoid, this will drive him over the edge. I don’t really care what the Venezuelans think of our country, as to be honest, they are but a speck of dust on the map. The only importance they have is their oil. I’m sure chavez will continue to boast that his troops will defeat the USA in case of a invasion. (Perhaps if we only sent two Marines, his army might have a chance to defeat us.) But since that is not going to happen, he will continue his slide towards fidel castro and ruin the lives of the citizens of Venezuela.”

To Dan’s comments…I must say I second them. Chavez is a tyrant…and must be disposed. He is slip sliding his way towards Communism and totalitarianism. He is evil and wicked…and must be removed from power. Amen, preach it brother!

Unlike the Hollywood left who are enchanted with the likes Castro…I have nothing but distain for him and look forward to that day I wake up to the news that he is dead. Like Dennis Prager frequently points out the left goes around singing the praises of Castro and saying that in Cuba there is a 100% literacy rate. But what they leave out is that they are not free to read what they want. Better to be uneducated, illiterate and free. You can get educated and become literate…but the freedom thing is a little harder to achieve…just ask a few Iraqi’s.

I hate all bullies…and think they need to be opposed and removed from power…from the school yard to those running a country.

Thanks Daniel…please feel free to comment any time. I greatly respect your very conservative and proud American and Jewish perspective. Dan…you need to get back to California…into Prager territory. We need more good conservatives in this very liberal state.

Pat…one last thing. And it’s a poor reflection on me as a Christian that this was not my first point to you.

As a Christian and Christian leader, entrusted with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, you have been called to pray for the repentance and salvation of Hugo Chavez.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

“Everyone”…includes Hugo Chavez!

You know…it’s been a really long week…and I’m tired. But before the week is up I feel compelled to speak out against Pat Robertson’s comments on Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez.

One of my biggest criticism of Muslims is that they remain silent when fellow Muslims commit evil acts of terror in the name of their god. I want to make sure that I don’t turn a blind eye or act complacent when a fellow Christian errs…especially so publicly.

So Pat…let’s take a look at what you said: “We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability,” Robertson said Monday on his Christian Broadcasting Network. “We don’t need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It’s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.”

What you said was patently wrong…from beginning to end. So where do I start? Well first and foremost what you said brings reproach on the name of Christ. To have a Christian advocating the assassination of a leader goes against the very Book that you believe in and hold dearly.

May I remind you that in 1 Samuel 24, that David purposely decided that he would not kill King Saul even when presented with an easy opportunity to do so. This after numerous attempts by Saul to kill David. Saul hated him and wanted him dead. Yet David took the higher road and trusted God and His timing and plan to remove Saul from power.

1 Samuel 24:10 “This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’s anointed.”

Vs. 12 & 13 – “May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.”

Pat, that is quite different from your comments. A Christian should never be a tool or instrument to bring harm or evil upon another.

Your comments brought reproach upon fellow Christians. In a world that already hates us or is suspicious of Christians and believes that we are filled with hate and intolerant…you just confirmed their suspicions.

Tell me…do you think it more likely that unbelievers will be attracted to Jesus or less likely after hearing your comments?

You are giving unbelievers, who are already dead in their sins, a reason to remain there…since they have seen a very ugly side of a Christian. Trust me…Satan will use this to keep more people from coming to a saving faith in Christ.

Your comments brought reproach upon our beloved country, the United States of America and our President. President Chavez was already paranoid and thought that the US was out to get him…and now he has it from the lips of a famous American whose voice is heard around the world. Just lovely!

By the way…we tired this back in 1961…it was a dismal failure. You might have heard of it…it was called the Bay of Pigs. When someone thought it would be a peachy keen idea to take Castro out of the game. Bottom line…it didn’t work. It was a big fat failure and brought much embarrassment to the US.

Pat…no matter which way you examine your statement it was wrong and hurt in ways you can’t begin to count. So what is a Christian leader to do when they see evil and a power hungry leader inching his way towards totalitarianism? You are to speak out and speak the truth and tell of what he is doing and why it’s wrong. Inspire and encourage those who have the will to oppose him, his own people, to rise up and regain power. Not through assassination or murder but by ousting him…and putting someone his place that will uphold the rights and freedom it’s citizens.

Your comments have brought to light the fact that there is opposition to Hugo Chavez. Your inappropriate comments may in fact have effectively killed or put on hold a successful deposing of this man. So in the end…you comments back fired and caused harm, not good. Let me leave you with this verses from Titus 3:8:

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. ”

Emma and Destinee…Miracles from God

In my earlier post I wrote about Emma and Destinee’s mom…Theresa. I told about what a wonderful and loving mother she is. And there is no better evidence of this sacrificial love than her girls. You see both Destinee and Emma were premature. Destinee about a month early and Emma a whopping three months early. Obviously their birth and subsequent good health are a work and miracle from a loving God. It is also a result of the sacrificial love from their mom.

To ensure that Emma had enough womb time and increase her chances to be born healthy…Theresa had a lengthy hospital stay. Then Miss Emma could wait no longer and made her grand entrance a breathtaking 3 months early. Both mom and dad…big sister Destinee made the hospital their home away from home until their daughter could join them at home. A little over three years later brother Abraham would join this loving family.

I want you think for a moment…Miss Emma was three months premature. A stage in the womb in which many states would still permit someone to have an abortion. While very tiny, Emma was in every way fully human, deserving of life…and loved by her parents, sister and Creator. Not only was Emma a blessing to her family…God blessed her abundantly with wonderful, devoted, loving parents. Parents willing to obey God and sacrifice for their children. God has and continues to bless this precious family.

Theresa, Hector, Destinee, Emma and Abraham…I love you very much!

The above picture is of Emma and Destinee. They have been chosen to be part of ad campaigns for the Red Cross. This picture will be seen all around…promoting the importance blood donations and the difference that you can make in the life of another person.

1. God is number one…and that’s all.

2. Don’t pray to nothing or no one…just God.

3. Don’t cuss nobody…especially the good Lord.

4. It’s Sunday…why don’t you pass yourself by God’s house.

5. Your folks done did it all…listen to them.

6. Killing ducks and fish, that’s okay…people no.

7. God gave you a wife…sleep with just her.

8. Don’t take nobody’s boat…or nothing else.

9. Stop lying…your tongue is gonna fall out.

10. Don’t go around wanting some body’s stuff.


Yesterday I left my I-pod at work…so I wasn’t able to download Dennis Prager’s show for my morning walk. So out came the good old Walkman…while I fished around for a Bible study tape from Chuck. I selected one from 11/17/02, called Fulfill You Ministry Part 2 (2 Timothy 4:2).

We’ve all had those times where God brings just the right message to you, at just the right time. Well this was one of those times. In the middle of the tape…was “The Ten Commandments…Cajun Style”. Using a New Orleans accent Chuck rattled them off and as he always does…making things clear, plain and simple.

It was great listening from almost three years ago. It was pre Chuck’s cancer, it was pre our starting Kindred Community Church…we were still a Bible study back then. It was after the Angel’s had won the World Series…and post 9/11. So a lot of memories poured forth while listening to this tape as Chuck referenced these events.

It would have been about six weeks before our church had it’s first official Sunday as a church. It was an exciting and scary time…but one filled with expectation to see what God would do.

Back then Chuck had a lot of energy that he put into his studying and preaching…and he had a bit of an edge too. Chuck always has a passion for God’s word….and speaks the truth in a straightforward and direct manner. While his passion and drive remain…Chuck has softened a bit…and God continues to transform him into the one whom I refer to as my beloved Pastor.

This was really wonderful reflecting back on all the God has done over the past…almost three years now. Praise God…and my great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Well I have come into possession of a terrifically wonderful photo….that can surely be classified as “it just doesn’t get better than this file”.

It’s a picture of an individual…who at this time shall remain nameless…dancing on a table, during a meeting no less. Now the folks that know him…would be hard pressed to imagine him doing this even in an inebriated state. But this boy was stone cold sober and dancing in front of over 200 people. (I guess we can cross shy off his list character traits?)

Alright…so maybe he’s a bit competitive…and was spurred on by the enthusiastic cheers of his people. Perhaps he wanted to see his competitor buried in the dust by his skillful dancing reminiscent of Fred Astaire…or is that Michael Jackson? (Actually he reminded me a bit more of Zorba the Greek.)

And now I’m left with this dilemma…to post the photo or not? So…what do I do? I have no doubt that if the situation was reversed…it would have been posted within seconds of it being snapped. And goodness knows this individual is always quick on the draw with a cleaver and pithy comment whenever the opportunity strikes. (However I did advise him recently…that he really needs to work on clear and direct comments. Especially when communicating with folks over 40…whose brain function is somewhat impaired…even on a good day.)

Now I truly must be getting soft and weak willed in my old age. Heck…I’m just plain loosing it…because my first instinct is to give this gent a break…and be charitable.

So reluctantly…for the moment…I am going to resist temptation to post this photo. Keeping in mind that if the spirit moves me…I may reevaluate this decision.

Even now as I’m walking away from the computer…I’m shaking my head and muttering…I’m loosing it. Next thing you know…I’ll be campaigning for Hillary. Okay…let’s not go that far. Perish that thought. Hummm…what do I do?

Courtesy of Merriam Webster’s website…here is the definition of forgiveness:

Function: verb

Middle English, from Old English forgifan, from for- + gifan to givetransitive senses

1 a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital for
b : to grant relief from payment of

2 : to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) :
PARDON intransitive senses :
to grant forgiveness
synonym see EXCUSE

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 8/14/05
Mark 10:45

1. The Two Possibilities
A. The Offender
B. The Offended

2. The Offender (Matthew 5:23-24)
A. Stop
B. Go
C. Reconcile
D. Return

3. The Offended (Matthew 18:21-35)
A. Recognize – that we will have an unlimited number of opportunities to forgive others. (Matthew 18:21-22)

B. Realized – that forgiving is possible only as a response to the grace of God. (Matthew 18:27)

C. Resist – the temptation to be hypocritical. (Matthew 18:28-30)

D. Refusal – to forgive will have severe consequences . (Matthew 18:34-35)

Not difficult to offend. Francis Schaeffer said that people naturally want to boss others around. One does not automatically abandon this mentality when he becomes a Christian. Our greatest battle is not one with God…Jesus took care of that. But our greatest battle is with each other.

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This will change your life if you understand the principal.

Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. What is the number one way to resolve conflict? Forgiveness. Both to give and receive it. Misunderstanding or miscommunication…sometimes it is unknown by us that we have hurt someone, that we caused offense. We don’t recognize it or realize it. Communication is so important, listening to words and what was said.

Inability to forgive destroys any relationship. It will effect the body of Christ. We will hurt one another intentionally or unintentionally. Don’t assess motives to one another. Forgiveness is the oil of relationships. It reduces friction. Horizontal forgiveness between people. God’s forgiveness of us makes it possible for us to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:29-32 – No unwholesome words…only that which is edifying.

Two possibilities:
1) The Offender – sometimes on purpose
2) The Offended

Sometimes we may not be aware of how we offended. When offended, we may reply, “if you don’t know by now…I’m not going to tell you.”

God’s word brings clarity when we are confused. Matthew 5:23-24

Offender – what are we suppose to do when we realize it? Stop everything we are doing…stop pretending. Take a good hard look at what God is tugging at to get our attention. Stop pretending that it will go away. You are to go and take care of it.

We should not be like Peter when he questioned about John, “What about that guy?” Don’t be concerned about him…be concerned about yourself. Be concerned about God. Differences should be addressed face to face, if possible. Don’t e-mail…leave out the confusion of misinterpretation. No matter what, just go!

Be reconciled. Do not be angry. It brings about a change of heart. The goal…is peace among the brethren. It’s important to be able to disagree, agreeably.

Return…come again to serve the Lords, present your offering. Nothing will hold us like unfinished business.

Servant – requires humility. It also requires humility to forgive. I’m responsible to that which is right before God. You are then freed up to move forward with the Lord once you take those actions. Certain injuries take a while to heal up.

What if you’ve been offended? Matthew 18:21-35

When you’ve been offended…there are times when you just need to get over it. Stop whining and crying…get over it. Remember…the world doesn’t revolved around us. It’s not all about you…there’s a bigger picture. What is it that is in the best interest of everyone? We are to consider one another as more important than ourselves. Have the best interest of others at heart. Do I have to have my way all the time? Do I have the attitude that it’s all about me?

The Offended…there are an unlimited number of times we will have for forgive one another. Peter asked the question…how many times do I have to forgive? We are always looking for an out. We have an unlimited number of times to forgive because you have an unlimited number of times you will cause offense.

Colossians 2:13-14 – Our transgressions were nailed to the cross. Without that vertical forgiveness…we would not have the ability to forgive others. Have you been broken yet? We are able to forgive others only as a response to the grace of God. Resist the temptation to be a hypocrite. The reason we don’t forgive is because we are unwilling. We have the capacity to forgive. We don’t because we are unwilling.

Relationships that you thought were dead can be mended…made alive again. When you don’t forgive…you pay a heavy price. Unforgiveness is like self strangulation.

Chuck then told the story about Johnny and Sally…playing in the barn yard. Johnny killed the duck accidentally with the sling shot…and Sally saw it. She held it over his head repeatedly, manipulating Johnny into doing all sorts of work for her. Until one day when Johnny could stand it no longer, he confessed to killing the duck to his grandma. Grandma told Johnny that she had seen him kill the duck when it happened. She wanted to know how long he would let Sally hold it over his head before he asked for forgiveness. She had forgiven him the day it happened. But he didn’t take hold of that forgiveness until he confessed and asked for forgiveness.

How long will let you your Sally, AKA unforgiveness, make you a slave?

God too has been standing at the window and saw it all…and forgiven.

by Susan Bunts 8/20/05

I awaken to this song “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me , every morning by CD. I never grow tired of it…in fact in some weird way…I don’t mind that alarm clock going off because I know I will awaken to something that touches my spirit and sparks my imagination…to something more than just this world. Praise God!

Be sure to click on the above link…and explore Bonnie Lehigh’s blog at God’s Most Wanted. The posting that caught my attention is one called “No Other Name But Son”…it’s beautiful and deep.

Bonnie’s site has some fun and whimsical postings…and some that will challenge Christians in their walk…or lead others to Christ.

Thanks Bonnie…your blog is a true delight!