By pastorbillwalden
I never have been into “March Madness”, the college basketball tournaments, etc.
I have always preferred the NBA. Except for the Lakers. 
But better than both of those is Mexico Madness in March. Cornerstone is heading down with a group of 16 people, to do construction, humanitarian aid, and some sightseeing and fishing, if we get our work done.
We’ll be doing plumbing, electrical, wood framing, and cabinet installation.
On Friday, I’ll be meeting with a group of Mexican national pastors to discuss plans for our Pastor’s conference in October, as well as joining Capilla Calvario Vizcaino for their midweek service.
If you aren’t aware of our work in Mexico, visit our missions website at http://lpviz.wordpress.com
Take some time and check out our site there.
And oh, yes…we might try to force down a few fish tacos.
Blessings all…
By pastorbillwalden
A Barnes and Noble bookstore had this display up in their store. 
They featured a number of books about President Barak Obama, but in the middle of the display, prominently featured a book on monkeys.
Some say that the arranged display was intended to be a backhanded insult to Obama, insinuating that he was a monkey, a kind of racial epithet.
Many in cyber space are objecting to this display, saying that “racism still exists in America”.
Undoubtedly, racism does still exist in America, and all over the world. The heart of man is wicked, so the Bible tells us. Racism is wrong, wherever and however it exists. God doesn’t see people according to color or political persuasion.
But let’s take it to the next level. It is just a question and a conjecture on my part, but here goes…
If typically, those who support Obama are what would be considered “liberals”, we know that many “liberals” believe in evolution, and that we evolved from monkeys.
If, and I say if, that is their conviction, that man has evolved, and that monkeys are our ancestors, then I wonder what the objection is in inferring that Obama is a monkey, or connected to monkeys? Is being called a monkey objectionable, when saying we descended from monkeys is acceptable?
In fact, wouldn’t it be a congratulatory event, that man has evolved from monkeys, even to the point that a descendant of the monkey (which could be any of us), is now President of the United States?
Now certainly, humans are far superior to monkeys. President Obama ought not be referred to as any kind of animal. He is a man, and he is our President, and deserves our respect and our prayers, regardless of our political or spiritual persuasion. Humans are vastly superior to monkeys, and President Obama is a very intelligent and gifted man. To call him a monkey is an insult, if that is, indeed, what Barnes And Noble intended. (that’s up for debate)
But there seems to be a distinct possibility that there is a bit of a double standard here. I think people need to think it through. Perhaps the knee jerk objection to the monkey connection needs to be viewed at a bit more objectively, not that I think we cam from monkeys. I don’t believe in evolution.
But if those who believe in evolution believe we came from monkeys…then a distant reference to our “distant cousins” isn’t such a bad thing, is it? I say that tongue in cheek, and with no disrespect intended.
I hope you catch what I am trying to say. I mean no disrespect to our president. I understand what the “racial slur” implication is. But if….well…I hope you see what I see.
If you want to offer an online prayer for our President, go to http://www.prayforobama.wordpress.com
By pastorbillwalden
I spent a few hours today on another blog debating the idea of God’s direct intervention in leading His children. The general camps were divided as follows:
1. Yes, God still “speaks” to His children through His Word, through revelations of different sorts including prophecy, circumstances, and through the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, etc.
2. No, God gave us His Word, and we ought not to lean towards anything more than that. Love God and do as you please, and things will work out because God is sovereign, and He is good.
That is a simplification of what was said today.
I happen to believe both of those ideas, but that isn’t the point of this article.
Some of the brethren “seemed” to base their theological position upon the excesses of “the other camp”. I won’t even mention what their positions were, or what their arguments were, because that isn’t the main point here.
The Main Point Here Is…it seems as though when we see excesses in a certain camp, it make us sure that our camp is correct, because they obviously make lots of mistakes “over there”.
When the debate started, strong convictions were given. What was revealing though, was that instead of Scriptures leading the way in the argument, the excesses and mistakes from “those other guys” were offered up as evidence “against them” and “for us”. Let me add that none of it was done in a mean or unloving way.
When Biblical evidence was asked for, the formerly “compelling argument” became a bit less compelling, and I felt, concessions were made.
I must admit, that I was challenged in this as well. Is MY theology strongly based on Scripture, or is it equal parts of Scripture, personal experience, and the avoidance of what others do?
What is the point here? Glad that you asked.
We need to be very careful to not build a theology on…
1. Someones else’s bad experiences, or…
2. Our good experiences and comfort levels.
The truth in such topics like “How Does God Lead His Children?” are not airtight, and are not, in my opinion, essentials of the faith.
We should have an opinion on such things. We should have strong opinions.
I hope that our opinions are based more on God’s revealed Word than on experiences, whether ours or other people’s.
By pastorbillwalden
The Bible is an oft quoted book, but the sad truth is that many who quote it don’t understand it. They start from a premise, already having their minds made up about something. They then read the Scriptures, and twist God’s Word to fit their preconceived ideas. The result of this kind of thinking is erroneous.
Such was the case with some Sadducees that conversed with Jesus.
Read more »
By pastorbillwalden
I have high hopes to be able to share more through this new blog site. 
Thanks to Mike Wagner from Miganza Solutions for the great help. If you need computer or web help, contact Mike at www.miganza.com
The new site is still under construction, but I look forward to new ways to post documents, audio files, and video files.
Blessings all, and have a great weekend.
By pastorbillwalden
It is possible to love Jesus and know Him as Savior, yet still have some embarrassment about Him. Our hearts can be divided between our love for Jesus and our fear of being embarrassed. Consider this passage…
Read more »