Saturday Thoughts...Dad's funeral services

Just to continue some thoughts regarding Dad's funeral services Thursday evening and Friday.

We arrived back home today around 1:30 pm. I really appreciate all the flowers, gifts, e-mails, cards, and phone calls we have received. I know many of you would have liked to have attended but couldn't because of the weather, distance, or having to work. That's very understandable. Nevertheless, thank you so much for your prayers(I don't know what people do that are not covered in prayer)and kind words and deeds.

The service itself yesterday was beautiful. Everyone did a wonderful job. The crowd was made up of some family, friends, and many, many pastors and ministers. My uncle from Arkansas led off in prayer. He is faithful Baptist deacon who has been a successful small businessman in Arkansas for as long as I can remember. He and his wife Carolyn came up Tuesday ahead of the snow storm and went back Friday. They are precious people.

My other uncle, Pastor Jerry Ballard (Columbus, Indiana), followed his brother Bud with the reading of the obituary and a Eulogy. He did a wonderful job sharing about their boyhood growing up in Pumpkin Bend, Arkansas. He talked a lot about the mischief he, dad, Bud, and Gene (my deceased uncle) would get into and how my grandfather would discipline them (the old-fashion way which would be considered abuse today). Jerry and dad have always been close. Dad led Jerry to Christ when they first came up to Indiana to work. Later, Jerry led dad in receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I really appreciated Jerry's wife, Geraldine. Geraldine has been the Executive Secretary & Treasurer at the Indiana State Office for a long time. The State Overseer of Indiana refers to Geraldine as the "real Overseer" of Indiana (he's kidding of course..I think). Anyway, Geraldine made so many phone calls for me this week and printed the programs for the service. I don't know what we would have done without her. She is a jewel!

My dad and mom's pastor, Maggie Phipps, who pastors a church called "Caring and Sharing" in Indianapolis followed with another eulogy. They have a wonderful ministry that feeds and provides clothing and lots of other services to many, many people on the west side of Indianapolis. Maggie is well-known throughout Indianapolis and loved by the community. She is quite a servant of God.

Next my sister's family shared. My niece, Bree, who is a gifted writer, shared her thoughts about dad. The funeral director later told me has has never seen someone so young share so eloquently in that kind of setting before. Then, my sister and her husband shared their memories back to back. One thing that Bob (my brother-in-law) shared that I had never heard before really blessed me. He said back in the early 90's when he and Candace moved to the east side of Indy from Lee College. He got a job selling cars at a car lot not too far from where my dad worked at the Kroger plant before dad went into full-time ministry. Bob told us that he would often run into people that worked at Kroger. He would ask them if they knew Don Ballard. Now this is fifteen years after dad had left Kroger. But Bob said that everyone that he talked with that knew or remembered dad spoke of his "high character and his Christ-like life."

Candace was not on the program to share. Nevertheless, she did a wonderful job. I am really proud of Bob and Candace and their beautiful children, Bree, and Danielle.

Afterwards, everyone viewed a video tribute to dad. I had worked on this particular video all week and I would cry as I would work on it. Annette watched it with me for the first time Wednesday night and we sat and cried together. Anyway, as you can imagine, I don't think there was too many dry eyes in the place. I might play it Sunday AM if the KP family wants to see it. If you attend KP and you want to see it, please let me know before the service starts.

My brother followed the video. I felt sorry for him. But he is such a powerfully anointed speaker...he did great. Tom and I both were with dad when he died Monday. He shared a little about that and some other humorous stories. I might share some of Tom's thoughts at a later time. It was really good!

After Tom, the assistant pastor of dad and mom's church shared an old song called "God Walks the Dark Hills." Of course, it was one of dad's favorites. Then, Woodrow Alley, one of dad's long-time pastor friends shared some thoughts and stories. Woodrow and his wife came and prayed for dad about this time last year. God really used Brother Alley to prophesy over dad. I sincerely believe that God gave dad one more year to fulfill Brother Alley's prophesy. Brother Alley is 75 years old and still evangelizing. I know the KP family enjoys his ministry.

Finally, I concluded the service with a few thoughts and an altar call. It all started with dad back in the early 60's which would eventually lead to all of dad's family (dad, mom, and six siblings) coming to Christ. Dad's children and grandchildren know Christ as their Lord and Savior. But dad was always burdened for a few family members and close friends that were still out there lost. It is my prayer and dad's that everyone that was at the funeral service left there with the assurance of eternal life. Dad will be looking for you when the rapture takes place very soon. I hope he finds you there.

Dad's body was buried in a little country cemetery in Clayton, Indiana, not too far from where Annette and I lived before coming to Ohio. It's a beautiful little spot with a farm and cornfield not too far away. It is definitely dad's kind of place. One day soon he will be looking down on that very ground when his body comes out of that grave (I Thessalonians 4:15-18) and joins his spirit in the air. I plan on following his body to that great homecoming in the air! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

-Pastor Randy

Friday Countdown...Dad's funeral service today

It's really late and I am emotionally and physically beat. But I wanted to share a few initial thoughts regarding dad's service last night and today. I will share more tomorrow.

The visitation went well Thursday evening. I hate that the weather was so bad in Ohio. I know that others wanted to come but just couldn't due to the bad road conditions. Nevertheless, I so appreciated your prayers.

We had two people share some memories and thoughts about dad on the half hour during the visitation beginning at 6:30 pm. I had never seen it done before, but I thought it worked out pretty well. We done this because we had so many that wanted to share something that we couldn't possibly work it all into the Friday service. It was really neat hearing from some of the youth that I had grown up with at the Greenfield Church of God. I appreciate their humorous stories, kind and comforting words.

Dad's life touched many lives. Not just as a pastor, but the 17 years he served as a lay person working at the kroger plant in Indy. This was pretty evident by the testimonies and the outpouring of love shown the last few days.

This week we have received emails, cards, and phone calls from so many people all over the country. It has been very touching!

I love you all. I will share plenty more tomorrow.

-Pastor Randy

"I Didn't See A Sting"

Sorry, its been awhile. As you know, its just been really, really busy. This morning we went to the funeral home and made the arrangments. I think everyone knows but the visitation is set up for Thurs. 5 to 8 pm and the service will be at 10 am Friday at Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville, Indiana. The funeral home bought a church building located behind the home. They have turned it into a very nice banquet hall/chapel. It is very spacious and should serve us well.

I really don't want to write too much about Dad's passing Monday at this point. Of course, it is still very fresh and emotional for me. Today on my way back from Indy, I received one phone call after another. Sometimes I would get choked up during the phone calls and many times weep in between the phone calls. It is as hard as I thought it would be but at the same time the joy I feel for dad is a great comfort. Truly, when a dad is saved and lives for God, his salvation is a wonderful gift to his children and wife when he dies.

One observation I do want to share about dad's passing. As I watched dad breathe his last breath and pass on into eternal life a scripture passage hit me in the face that I have preached many times. The scripture came from 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, " O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

I am here to tell you from what I saw UP CLOSE THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO STING IN DEATH FOR THE BLOOD-BOUGHT, REDEEMED BELIEVER IN CHRIST. The hebrew word for "death" denotes "point or poison." Some translate it as "hurt." At noon Monday, for the first time in my life I saw a body of a dear man that had held me, carried me, hugged me, kissed me, that gently and firmly touched me throughout my life turn lifeless. As painful as that was to watch, there was no stinger. Jesus removed the sting at Calvary and all my brother and I could do was rejoice with tears and hands raised in victory.

Well, I need to go. I have so much to do. Please KP family remember Linda Apke, Anna Hilton, Ken Brumfield this week in your prayers. And thank you so much for your prayers for me and my family. Like wings they have carried us. I love you!

-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

Hello everyone. I trust you have had a great day of worship. I thank Brother Tim Orr for preaching both services today. I heard he done a wonderful job and you had good worship services today.

The latest on dad is he is hanging in there. It's little after 11:00 pm here. My mother, brother, sister, and I are in the room with dad. It has been a hard few days but very soon I believe dad will be with the Lord. I am anxious for him to experience heaven and for his time of suffering to end. Thanks so much for every one's prayers. If he goes home soon, I will post the services times on this blog and the church office will be sending out e-mails.

I love and appreciate you all!

Saturday Thoughts

Dad had a very restful night. He is only taking his medication for pain at this point. He is unconscious, but comfortable. I had a good time with him and the Holy Spirit this morning. I put a "greatest hymns" CD in and we worshiped and read the psalms followed by a great time of prayer. The presence of God was wonderful. Even though he was in an unconscious state, I know he heard everything and joined in.

Dad had a lot of visitors today, most of which were family. Mary [Robinson] Roland and her husband and son came. Pastor Larry Pyeatt also came to the hospital. Mary's dad, Elmo Robinson, as I wrote in yesterday's blog, was dad's best friend until his passing. Mary was more like a sister to me growing up. Mary was a very gifted and anointed solist. She went on to sing and travel with Nancy Harmon for many years. Mary was very special to dad and I know he was too her as well.

Well, I came back to my mom and dad's house this evening to rest up some. My brother is staying with dad tonight. I plan to get back up there pretty early in the morning...Lord willing.

I appreciate everyone's prayers. We can feel them! Have a wonderful worship time tomorrow. Give God your best in every aspect of your worship!

-Pastor Randy

Friday Countdown...updated at 10:26 pm

Hello everyone. Annette and I are on our way to Indy today. My father is not doing well and doctors are giving him just days to live now. If you would, please remember my mother and our family in your prayers. The KP family is a praying church and I know you will be lifting us up all the way. I love and appreciate you!

Update on Dad, 10:26 PM

Dad is resting now. He has had a lot of stimulating today...most of the family was up here throughout the day. He pretty much went to asleep around 4:30 pm and has been sleeping pretty sound. He cannot swallow at this point. So we can't give him anything to drink or eat. However, the doctor says the Parkinson disease is keeping him from realizing that he is hungry and thirsty.

Tonight, I read a little from Don Piper's new book, "Heaven is Real." He is the man that wrote "Ninety Minutes in Heaven" a few years ago that is still selling off the shelves. I read tonight where Rev. Piper said death is like a bridge between earth and heaven. He said for him the second he died he was instantly in heaven...no transition, no long tunnel, etc.

Last night as I was praying late the Lord gave me a vision of dad entering into heaven. I saw lots of familiar faces coming up and hugging him and patting him on the back. I first saw his dad and mom, Arlice and Amy Ballard. Both of which received Christ toward the end of their earthy lives. Then I saw dad's three sisters hugging him: Midge, Doris, and Helen. They were really, really glad to see him. Midge had only been there herself a few weeks and she seemed the most joyous of all of the three sisters to see dad. Then, I saw his oldest brother, Gene, who lived in Oregon, who dad never got to see very much after he left home. And then, there was Elmo Robinson, dad's best friend. Elmo died in the late sixties when he was fairly young. Him and dad were really close. We went to their house seemly every Sunday night after church. Elmo left a wife, Daisy, and four children. Dad I think kind of tried to take Elmo's place as Diane, Gary, Mary, and Sheila grew up.

In my vision the people just kept coming: Sister Silcox, Sister Wright, Pastor Jack Gambill, Pastor Rick Philpott, and many, many others. There was my grandpa and grandma on my mother's side who were waiting anxiously in line to greet and hug dad. There were many people that I didn't think he knew but they knew him. As my vision of dad in heaven ended, he seemed overwhelmed and caught up in what seemed to be a personal homecoming just for him. He had crossed the bridge and what was waiting on the other side was only the beginning. Wow!

I know I will miss him when he crosses over sometime soon. He has been a great dad and I would rather God heal him and keep him here. However, what awaits him is so much better than anything he could experience here. Someone once said, "When were born, we cry and the world rejoices. When we die, we rejoice and the world cries." Well, I would rather cry now knowing that my dad is rejoicing in heaven for eternity!

-Pastor Randy Ballard

Top Ten Thoughts Regarding the Inauguration

10. As an American, I feel less secure today than I did yesterday. In his first day in office, Obama already is closing Guantanamo Bay and banning all torture techniques. I wonder what kind of message that will send to Terrorists around the world. About "come over and bomb us and do whatever you want...and if we capture you we promise we will put you up in an Holiday Inn Express." GOD HELP US!
9. But I do find myself praying more for Pres. Obama than I did for Pres. Bush.
8. I didn't like him (Obama) taking time to single out the Muslim world in his speech. With his Muslim roots and past Muslim associations, I don't trust him to speak or associate with the Muslim world.
7. I thought his (indirect)rebukes of President Bush was uncalled for and very unprofessional. If our nation is still in existence eight years from now, history will treat Pres. Bush very generously.
6.The booing of President Bush was classless. And what was worse than that was the media acting suprised and rebuking the booing crowd. "It was because of the media's constant criticism for eight years that caused them to boo in the first place."
5. I can appreciate the historical significance that President Obama's inauguration meant to many people, especially to African-Americans everywhere. I too am proud that our nation can vote an African-American man or woman into the highest office in the land. I just wish that person would not have been so liberal in their politics. I would have loved to have seen J.C. Watts, Supreme Court Justice Thomas, Condi Rice, or even Bill Cosby represent the African-American population as President.
4. From all reports (including Pres. Obama's), President Bush and his staff did a first-class job in making the transition. This was not true when the Clintons handed it off to the Bush administration.
3. President Bush and his wife were very gracious throughout the day until the very end. Even though he proved to be a "big-time government spender," President Bush proved to be a very principled man and a man who was not afraid to lead.
2. God help us all if something happens to Pres. Obama and VP Biden or House Speaker Pilosi is running the country. Just another reason why all of us should earnestly pray daily for Pres. Obama.
1. I have never heard the name of Jesus invoked so much in a prayer. Great job, Pastor Rick Warren. Hopefully, Pres. Obama will seek after godly council from Pastor Warren throughout his presidency.

The above is a light commentary regarding the inauguration. If it makes you angry, you are probably a little too democrat and not enough Christian. Just my thoughts! Have a wonderful day.

-Pastor Randy

Sunday Wrap Up

I am sorry I couldn't get to this until now. After Sunday morning service, I had lunch and left for a Pastor's Covenant Group meeting at Higher Ground Retreat Center. PCG's are basically cell groups for pastors. Each PCG is required to have an annual retreat where pastors come together to work through a series of sessions for personal and pastoral development. Sorry if all of this put you to sleep!

Yesterday morning's service was wonderful. We had two people that were saved. One of which is already in a cell and has attended an encounter in the past. However, yesterday for the first time made a public confession.

Hundreds of unsaved names were laid at the foot of the cross yesterday. I encourage you to pray over your names daily. Remember, He is God Almighty. Nothing is too difficult for God. Believe God for your family and friend's salvation.

Please remember Chris McBeath's family. His dad passed away this evening. We rejoice with Chris that his dad is with the Lord. However, it will be a tremendous loss to Chris and so let's keep him in our prayers. Also, please remember my dad. Tomorrow the doctor will put a feeding tube in dad. He may also either go home this week or back to the nursing home. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Ken Brumfield needs our prayers too. He has been in a lot of pain lately and will be going to the doctor later in the week. Also, remember Rachael Worley in your prayers. She is having a difficult time with Asthma.

Have a wonderful week. Remember, be fruitful and multiply as a follower of Christ this week. Tell someone about Jesus! Show someone the love of Christ!

-Pastor Randy

Countdown to Sunday

The weekend is here. My prayer is that you have a restful and wonderful few days. I'm excited about our Sunday services. I plan to minister in Genesis 35 Sunday morning on God's command to be "fruitful and multiply." I encourage you to come hungry and ready for worhip and the preaching of God's Word.

As most of you know, our fast will be ending next Wednesday concluding 21 days of prayer and fasting. It's apparent to me that Satan hates it when the church prays and fasts. We have had all kinds of attacks upon people in the church since the fast began. 1 Peter 4:12 reads "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" In other words, we can expect the enemy to come against us as believers especially when the church is on the offense.

What do I mean by "on the offense?" Read for yourself what the Bible says about the power of fasting and prayer.

Isaiah 58:6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help."

Also,Isaiah 58:9 “...Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble."

And, “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly." Isaiah 58:13

When the church unites together and does these things during a fast, look what God promises us will happen.

Isaiah 58:8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply."

Isaiah 58: 10 "..Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes."

Satan doesn't want God's people to be so blessed. He doesn't want God to be glorified. Thats why we shouldn't think it strange or unusual when these things happen to us when we fast. These are clearly attacks from an enemy that isn't going to roll over and play dead. However, remember, his head has been crushed at Calvary and he is a defeated foe. You and I have won the victory in Christ Jesus!

Keep up the battle!

-Pastor

Wow, It's Cold!

I couldn't write anything yesterday due to ministering at a funeral and then traveling to Indianapolis afterwards. I visited with Tim Orr yesterday on my way to Indy at the hospital in Columbus (Indiana). He had a bleeding ulcer and lost a lot of blood. He received a blood transfusion and was released from the hospital today.

My dad is doing a little better. He has times when he is alert and can respond by smiling or trying to talk. But most of the time he is unresponsive. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Wow is it ever cold out there today. It was -5 degrees this morning in Indy with a
-20 windchill factor. I left a banana in my car overnight and today I could have used it for a hammer...ridiculous! For you that are in Florida or on your way to Florida, you are smarter then the rest of us.

Lets remember the homeless in prayer tonight as we rest in our heated homes. No doubt, there are many even in our own country that do not have adequate shelter tonight. Your prayers can make a difference. God does hear and will disperse angels to help the homeless. God is so gracious!

Have a great Friday!

-Pastor

Jacob's Ladder

When I think of the patriarch Jacob, I think of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Jacob was a deceiver. His many-sided personality was filled with guile, meanness, craftiness and deceit. He's probably not the person you would like to have as your best friend or son-in-law.

In fact, when we meet up with him he is fleeing because he and his mother have deceived his father, Isaac, into giving him a spiritual blessing that had been destined to his older brother Esau. His own wrongdoing had driven him out of the home. When his father sent him away to Paddan-arm to seek a wife, he met his match in uncle Laban. They served deceit and guile up to one another for fourteen years.
It is on this long journey that Jacob, weary from the travel, spends the night in the open. He found a stone to ''put under his head, and lay down in that place" (Genesis 28:11).

Here is a man who is alone with God. Weary and exhausted from the hard day of walking Jacob went into a deep sleep and began to dream. His dream was profound. “He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it" (28:12).
"And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 'I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants'" (v. 13).

The LORD God (Yahweh) got Jacob's attention at Bethel. He demonstrated that He cared about Jacob and his miserable condition. In that dream God rehearsed to Jacob the great promises He had given to his grandfather, Abraham and his father Isaac. It is obvious he will find his mate because his “descendents shall also be like the dust of the earth" (v. 14). Moreover, “in you and in your descendents shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Yes, you read it correctly. God will bless and use a descendent of this deceiver for His eternal purpose. Remember, Yahweh is the God of grace. He will continue to pursue Jacob and work in him until He has Jacob to the place where he can bring glory to the His name alone.

The LORD makes another promise to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (v. 15).

“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' He was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven'" (vv. 16-17). He got up poured oil on the stone and named the place Bethel, “the house of God."

In a later event (Genesis 32:22ff) Jacob wrestled with the angel of the LORD and prevailed against him. Jacob clung to him and said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (v. 26). God changed his name from Jacob to "Israel, for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Israel means “He who strives with God” or “God strives." Much to his surprise, Jacob realized with whom he had wrestled and declared, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved" (v. 30). He went away limping for the wrest of his life.

When God changes the name of a person in the Old Testament it often indicates a new relationship with that person. Jacob’s life would never the same after this encounter with God.Jacob learned that when you are walking with the Lord any place becomes your resting place. Wherever you are Yahweh is there. Jacob just happened to be at Luz. Before He ascended into heaven Jesus told His followers, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We have His abiding presence regardless of where we are. We are always with Him because He is the ladder into the presence of God. There is no place in this universe where our Lord is not with us. He is our dwelling place.

Moreover, there isn't anything that can separate us from our Lord. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Sunday Wrap Up

Sorry, I couldn't do this yesterday (Sunday). I left the morning worship service and went straight to the hospital in Indy to be with dad. I spent the night there and left come back this morning. Dad is still in an unconscious state. Please continue to pray for him and my mom. Thank you so much for your prayers and your love!

It was good to be in God's house Sunday. I so appreciate God's presence and His mighty anointing. Sunday night Pastor Dave Dayton led the communion service and did a wonderful job. I so appreciate Brother Dayton being there when I had to be gone. Kings Point is so blessed with capable men of God who are called to preach the Word. On Sunday mornings now during Sunday School, I am meeting with some of the younger men that are called of God to preach. These men and our retired men will be joining me as we preach through the New Testament this year. I encourage you to read through the bible with us this year. This will make you more ready and hungry to receive the Word on Sundays.

Please continue to remember Chris McBeath's dad in prayer. He had a very difficult day today. Also, remember Tim Orr in prayer. He is in the hospital tonight with some interior bleeding. His doctor believes it is a reaction to some medication that he is on. Also, remember Jonathan and Kim Moore and their family in your prayers. Kim lost her father this weekend. His funeral is this Wednesday at Blue Ash with visitation from 11 am to 1 pm. The service is scheduled for 1 pm.

-Pastor

Some Saturday Night Thoughts on Satanic Warfare

I think a lot of times the devil comes against us using such normal, everyday means that we fail to recognize his fingerprints. Many times his attacks are not big blows that knock you off your feet, but little jabs that don't feel too bad until you have taken a few of them back to back on a regular basis.

This week after facing a few of these jabs on a regular basis it just hit me that Satan is trying to discourage and distract me. As you know, our church is presently on a 21 day fast right now and I don't think our enemy is too happy about it. When you mix prayer up with fasting, Satan gets rattled. He goes on the offense and you have to be ready to take his jabs. Jesus said that some devils only come out by prayer and fasting. I really believe that there are places in our lives and in our families where demonic spirits get entrenched or gain a stronghold. This is when we as believers must apply prayer and fasting...it's the one sure response that gets the devil's attention.

When Satan fights back, this is where some believers back down. Again, many times he uses such normal, everyday trials that we don't recognize that we are fighting a spiritual battle against a demonic foe. But as Paul reminds us in Ephesians, are battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Recognize the enemy for who he is and fight him with spiritual weapons.

Have a good worship day tomorrow. Go to God's house hungry and ready to receive. I promise you won't leave disappointed.

-Pastor Randy

Does God Favor One Team Over Another?

Will the team that wins the NCAA National Football Championship tonight depend on whom God favors? Does God really have a favorite in any kind of competition? Does God get involved in sporting events?

Florida's quarterback tonight, Tim Tebow, is not only known for his great running and passing, but he is also known for his excellent character off the field and he is the son of a missionary couple serving in the Philippines. So does this mean that God will surely favor Florida to win the game tonight?

A lot of people often ponder and discuss such questions. And yes, being a sports fan and a teacher of the bible, I have often been asked these questions. Here are my answers.

Yes, I absolutely am convinced and there is a ton of scripture to back that God definitely blesses and favors His children (people who walk in obedience in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ). Psalm 37:4 reads "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

However, we also know in scripture that our failures, losses, and weaknesses make us stronger. Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 12:9 and 10, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." In other words, Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God is saying that it's not all about winning. That some of our greatest strides, blessings, and victories in life comes through losing, failing, or defeats.

So does God favor one team over another? The answer is God is at work in the lives of the individuals involved in the contests and not just during the contest itself, but before and afterwards. So I do think that God is more interested in working in the lives of the individuals than who outscores who. Nonetheless, I do believe that there are times when God intervenes to help a team or an organization succeed or fail just like He does individuals. It just depends on what He wants to accomplish through the team's defeat or their victory. I think scripture teaches us that God always has a bigger picture in mind than we do and He is always at work in the affairs of man to get the glory that He deserves.

So who will win tonight between Florida and Oklahoma? I don't know, but God does and only God knows why. Enjoy the game!

-Pastor

KP Updates

Greetings everyone! I trust you are having a good day. Just some quick talking points:

21 Day Prayer & Fast - As of tomorrow, we will have one week behind us. If you have failed and eaten when you weren't supposed too, don't beat yourself up...just start over again. Lets not make our fasting something legalistic. God will bless and honor your prayer and fasting, even when we get weak and give in.

KP Food Bank - We are starting a FOOD BANK for needy families and widows in the church. Right now, we need some shelving. We have some, but we need some more strong, heavy duty shelving. If you have some that you would like to donate, please call the church or contact Tonya Garnica.

Preaching Through the Bible in 2009 - please join us by reading through the bible this year. I will be ministering in Genesis, chapters 12 thru 25 this Sunday and in Matthew 5-9 Sunday evening. Cds and dvds are available at the hospitality desk each Sunday for only $5.00. I will preaching out of the Old Testament on Sunday mornings, and New Testament on Sunday evenings. We also will be putting together a CD album which will contain all of the '09 preaching through the bible messages.

Anna Hilton - please remember Sister Anna in your prayers. She has some heart problems along with some sinus headaches.

Cells - All of our cells start back this week after the holiday break. If you are not in a cell you are missing out on an opportunity to grow in God's Word and and in fellowship with other believers. Please call the church office for cell or small group information.

Have a wonderful day!

-Pastor

Bless Israel and God will Bless Us

Please remember Israel today as you pray. Have you ever thought about what people in Israel are facing every day when the awake? What if the Canadian government were sending over about 100 missiles a today into Michigan? How long do you think the United States would put up with that? Not very long, by the second day we would be retaliating with our planes. Yet, Israel has endured these missile firings for months doing property damage, while injuring and killing scores of their citizens.

Now the world is telling Israel that you must sign a peace treaty with Hamas (Palestinian militants). That would be like the U.S. signing a peace treaty with the Taliban. Hamas is sponsored by Iranian terrorists and the Iranian government. Hamas is actually an extended terrorist organization of Iran for the sole purpose of terrorizing and destroying Israel.

We are commanded in the scriptures to pray for peace in Jerusalem. But real peace will be only brought about when the world lets Israel take care of their business by taking care of their enemies. This is not a commentary, just a reminder that according to Genesis 12 whoever blesses Israel...God will bless. We as Americans, we as disciples of Christ want and need Almighty God's blessings. We must bless Israel by praying for her and standing with her as a nation and as Christians. Please join me in praying and fasting for Israel.

-Pastor Randy

Sunday Wrap Up

Top Ten Reasons Why This Was a Great Sunday (in no particular order)

#10 - My voice was a little higher this week and I felt about 75 per cent better!
#9 - Good weather(no snow!)
#8 - Great testimony by Chris McBeath
#7 - You can always tell when our church is praying and fasting...presence of God greater in our services.
#6 - "Preaching through the Bible" series...good systematic study of God's Word!
#5 - Good altar service this morning. Our church corporately has received a greater revelation of the cross of Christ over the years!
#4 - I started a study through the book "The Remnant" this morning for young men in our church that are called to preach. Excellent class!
#3 - Uplifting testimonies tonight in the service.
#2 - Great testimony and message by Brother Tim Orr tonight!
#1 - Great fellowship today before and after services...always good!

Have a great week everyone!

-Pastor Randy

Preaching through Bible in 2009

Well, we have began our 21 day fast. I hope you will participate with us. It is not too late to start. You could start by fasting one meal tomorrow or possibly fasting the morning and afternoon until around 4 to 5 pm tomorrow before breaking your fast. You could do a vegetable and fruit fast tomorrow. Please try to fast and pray with us. God will bless you greatly as well as your family and church.

This year I will be preaching through God's Word during the Sunday services. I deeply feel God's leading this year to begin in Genesis and preach through the Bible. We will be offering DVD's containing both the message and the power point presentations. I sincerely believe that this yearlong emphasis will elevate the importance of God's Word and will also help our KP worshippers understand and appreciate God's Word more. We will be going through the Old Testament on Sunday morning and the New Testament on Sunday evening. Please come prepared to enter in and study God's Word along with us.

- Pastor Randy

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year everyone! Well, here we go again. Another year that God has given us...to serve Him and others. My prayer for you is that this will be a most prosperous year in serving Him and in serving others!

What did you do last night at midnight? Were you in bed or did you stay up and watch the ball drop? I was in my lazy boy and watched the ball drop. It dropped like all the rest before it...not too exciting. However, I'm glad to see a new year. I'm glad God lets us start all over again after 365. That's certainly enough days for one year(366 on the Leap). I like fresh starts and I need fresh starts. Matter of fact, fresh starts are good for everyone. Enjoy yours today and the days ahead!

I started my year in God's Word this morning. This year I am using a one year bible reading from Biblegate.com. I use this website quite a bit. I like to use on line bible reading programs because I like to take scriptures of note and insert them in a word document as I go. A lot of times I will go back to these scriptures and God will speak to me and sometimes Sunday messages or blog articles are birthed. And sometimes it's just a word from God for me.

Well, I hope you have a great January 1. Thanks so much for reading the blog today and every day that you take time to read it. I appreciate it. Many of you have been praying for my dad. He is doing well. He came home from the nursing home yesterday. He even walked in the house from the car. God has really blessed our family this year with touching dad like He has. He has had some rough times and some close calls. But overall, God has really blessed him and our family!

Also, as I close, I know that Chris McBeath is thankful to what God has done for his dad this week. Like we had prayed Sunday, God heard our prayer and brought him out of his coma and he received Christ. Praise the Lord! We will continue to pray for his complete healing. God is so gracious!

-Pastor Randy