Well, after a long trip to the Caribbean, a major systems crash on my computer (that I'm still not sure is over) and then a major "systems crash" with me and my asthma, I have been rather neglectful with this site. My apologies and I hope to do better (if I can stay out of the hospital with this asthma attack which is always somewhat questionable).
My daughter just called me in tears to tell me that one of the co-owners and his wife of the company she worked for 3 years ago, were killed in the airline crash on Sunday in Lexington, KY. Our daughter was very, very close to him and his wife and their one daughter (about her age). She had spent countless hours in their home and he had been instrumental in training her in her career--he had been her mentor. His wife had taken an interest in her as well and had welcomed her into their home as part of the family. Our daughter would house sit for them from time to time and even baby-sit the dog when they were away. Needless to say she is devastated.
But the thing she expressed that has torn her up the most, is knowing they had never obeyed the gospel by being baptized into Christ and becoming members of His church. They were lovely people, kind and good, but were not Christians as the Bible defines. It is so difficult to loose those we love and truly that is magnified when we know they are not ready to meet their maker. I told her all she can do now is pray for God's mercy.
It is at times like these that I am reminded how urgent the need is for us to take the gospel to ALL those that we love. It is imperative that we strive to teach any and all that we have any influence upon before it is too late. But even then it is the choice of each individual as to whether they will see that need and respond or not. Our daughter had spoken many times to this man and his wife about what she believed the Bible taught on salvation and yet they did not accept it. Now they are in the hands of a merciful and just God. How much more tragic would this be for my daughter had she never mentioned Him to her friends.
Dana Burk
What are you doing to teach your friends and loved ones about the gospel?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
A Little Perspective
Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10minutes.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.
He hears the gun fire and bombs.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.
If only there were more men like him. (borrowed)
WOW!!!!!! Dana
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.
He hears the gun fire and bombs.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.
If only there were more men like him. (borrowed)
WOW!!!!!! Dana
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
There Are Three
We traveled to Puerto Rico and then to the tiny Island of Tortola this past weekend in the midst of all the new security regulations. We spent about 2 hours snaking our way through the long security check lines in Puerto Rico on Sunday afternoon in order to make a short 25 minute flight to Tortola. During the last hour of our wait, we were close enough to the security check point that we could watch the people as they went through the metal detectors and had their bags searched for liquids and gels.
I was amazed at the sight I saw. Basically three types of people approached the security check points. There were those who had been very careful to follow exactly the instructions that were repeatedly being announced over the loud speakers and posted on every wall and pole. They proceeded quite quickly through the check points (once they reached them). There were those who had been careless and forgotten to remove a bottle of lotion, toothpaste, or some other seemingly innocent offending item. This caused delays for not only them, but all who were behind them. And then there were those who were simply rebellious. These marched right up to the security officers with soft drinks and water bottles in hand, defying and arguing every step of the way as items were removed from their bags and thrown away. I must admit I had to fight back my anger as I continually watched them cause all of us to suffer delays because of their behavior.
If you think about it, aren’t there the same three groups in the spiritual sense? There are those (hopefully you fall into this group) who are very careful to do exactly what God commands and instructs us to do through His word. They will proceed very easily through the gates of Heaven come Judgment Day.
Then there are those who mean to do well, but are careless—they are not careful to do exactly what God says. Because of their careless attitudes, they often hinder others from being obedient to God by teaching them that all they have to do is come close to His word. Maybe they teach all you have to do to be saved is believe or, they may teach that it doesn’t really matter how you worship God as long as you are sincere. But Jesus said in Matt. 7:21-23 that it is not those who believe in Him and worship Him in their own way, but rather those who “do the will of my Father who is in Heaven” that will be saved. In Matt. 15:9 Jesus said, “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” We cannot be saved by being careless in our worship to God or being fooled by following others who have been careless with the commandments of God. If we are careless with His word, we will not get through the gates of Heaven and we may hinder others who follow after us.
Lastly, there are those who couldn’t care less about God or His word. In fact, they are very rebellious and defiant toward anything religious. They are actively fighting against everything He commands and instructs us to do. They have so spread their false doctrines of humanism and evolution that millions have been fooled and will never even approach the gates of Heaven.
Are you angered by these types of people as you watch them defy our God and take countless others with them to eternal torment? We are commanded to love their souls, but we should abhor their ways.
Are you being careful to follow God and His instructions exactly as He says and are you encouraging others to do the same? Your path to Heaven will be sure and the gate will be wide open for you if you heed His commands.
Dana Burk
I was amazed at the sight I saw. Basically three types of people approached the security check points. There were those who had been very careful to follow exactly the instructions that were repeatedly being announced over the loud speakers and posted on every wall and pole. They proceeded quite quickly through the check points (once they reached them). There were those who had been careless and forgotten to remove a bottle of lotion, toothpaste, or some other seemingly innocent offending item. This caused delays for not only them, but all who were behind them. And then there were those who were simply rebellious. These marched right up to the security officers with soft drinks and water bottles in hand, defying and arguing every step of the way as items were removed from their bags and thrown away. I must admit I had to fight back my anger as I continually watched them cause all of us to suffer delays because of their behavior.
If you think about it, aren’t there the same three groups in the spiritual sense? There are those (hopefully you fall into this group) who are very careful to do exactly what God commands and instructs us to do through His word. They will proceed very easily through the gates of Heaven come Judgment Day.
Then there are those who mean to do well, but are careless—they are not careful to do exactly what God says. Because of their careless attitudes, they often hinder others from being obedient to God by teaching them that all they have to do is come close to His word. Maybe they teach all you have to do to be saved is believe or, they may teach that it doesn’t really matter how you worship God as long as you are sincere. But Jesus said in Matt. 7:21-23 that it is not those who believe in Him and worship Him in their own way, but rather those who “do the will of my Father who is in Heaven” that will be saved. In Matt. 15:9 Jesus said, “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” We cannot be saved by being careless in our worship to God or being fooled by following others who have been careless with the commandments of God. If we are careless with His word, we will not get through the gates of Heaven and we may hinder others who follow after us.
Lastly, there are those who couldn’t care less about God or His word. In fact, they are very rebellious and defiant toward anything religious. They are actively fighting against everything He commands and instructs us to do. They have so spread their false doctrines of humanism and evolution that millions have been fooled and will never even approach the gates of Heaven.
Are you angered by these types of people as you watch them defy our God and take countless others with them to eternal torment? We are commanded to love their souls, but we should abhor their ways.
Are you being careful to follow God and His instructions exactly as He says and are you encouraging others to do the same? Your path to Heaven will be sure and the gate will be wide open for you if you heed His commands.
Dana Burk
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
You Can't Pray!!!
I am once again on the road--well, not exactly on the road but across the ocean in the Caribbean. Today is the first chance I have had access to the internet and so my blog has suffered, but I should be able to blog for the next several days. When checking my e-mail, I came across this excellent piece that was sent to me. Many of you may have already read it and for that I apologize for the repetitions, however, I was very moved by its sentiments and want to share it with you. God Bless you, Dana Burk
BY THEIR IGNORANCE, THE SUPREME COURT HAS GIVEN US A DOUBLE STANDARD...SEX AND MURDER IS OK, BUT DON'T MENTION GOD'S NAME - THAT'S AGAINST THE LAW. THIS IS WHAT'S WRONG WITH OUR WORLD TODAY!
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.
"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment."
However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. "However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."
Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER."
BY THEIR IGNORANCE, THE SUPREME COURT HAS GIVEN US A DOUBLE STANDARD...SEX AND MURDER IS OK, BUT DON'T MENTION GOD'S NAME - THAT'S AGAINST THE LAW. THIS IS WHAT'S WRONG WITH OUR WORLD TODAY!
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.
"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment."
However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.
Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. "However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."
Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER."
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Servants of God
We studied about the name "Adonai" in our Bible class tonight and I was so impressed by how we are God's servants. The name "Adonai" means Lord or Master--the one who owns the servant or slave. But it also implies the one who provides for and protects the one who is owned.
Our God purchased us--He bought us to be His servants or slaves. We do not like the thought of that and yet that is exactly what the Bible says. Furthermore, we are instructed (commanded) to obey Him in all things since He is our master and Lord. However, our Master and Lord loves us as His dear children and wants only what is best for us. He provides all good things for us including forgiveness and mercy.
He is very serious about His responsibility as Master and Provider. How serious are we about being faithful servants to Him. Do we truly understand our role as slaves to God. Do we realize that ALL of our time and resources really belong to Him, not me? He bought us to serve Him. If we want forgiveness and mercy from Him, then we must recognize that we belong to Him and so does our time, our money, our homes, our lives. What kind of servant are you?
Dana Burk
Our God purchased us--He bought us to be His servants or slaves. We do not like the thought of that and yet that is exactly what the Bible says. Furthermore, we are instructed (commanded) to obey Him in all things since He is our master and Lord. However, our Master and Lord loves us as His dear children and wants only what is best for us. He provides all good things for us including forgiveness and mercy.
He is very serious about His responsibility as Master and Provider. How serious are we about being faithful servants to Him. Do we truly understand our role as slaves to God. Do we realize that ALL of our time and resources really belong to Him, not me? He bought us to serve Him. If we want forgiveness and mercy from Him, then we must recognize that we belong to Him and so does our time, our money, our homes, our lives. What kind of servant are you?
Dana Burk
Monday, August 07, 2006
An Amazing System!
Have you ever stopped to think about what exactly makes your car work? You turn the key which is connected to an electrical source which allows the engine to work. You press the gas pedal which is connected to an electrical source which allows a pump to begin the circulation of gas. The engine turns, belts spin, fluids move, and tires go round and round. All of this takes place so you can go down the road. If one part of the car goes our or is not working properly, then the entire car will suffer. What an amazingly integrated system!
The Lord's church is much the same way. If we are going to be moving in the direction God wants us to move there must be different parts all functioning together. When one of us fails to work then the body suffers. What an amazingly integrated system!
(borrowed)
Do we often think about the perfect system that our Lord bled and died for--that our Lord purchased with His Own Life. Some have said that it is not important to be a part of a "church". If that is so, then why did it cost my Savior's life? Why was the price so high? "...to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) Obviously God felt the church was necessary and its value, priceless. We should value this precious church as well.
Nothing God ever created was less than perfect or unimportant. He is the creator of His church as well as its designer. We should study this amazing system and do our best to make sure that it functions as He intended. We must also do what the word says to be a part of that system. (Acts 2:40-41) Do you value this amazing system as our God does?
Dana Burk
The Lord's church is much the same way. If we are going to be moving in the direction God wants us to move there must be different parts all functioning together. When one of us fails to work then the body suffers. What an amazingly integrated system!
(borrowed)
Do we often think about the perfect system that our Lord bled and died for--that our Lord purchased with His Own Life. Some have said that it is not important to be a part of a "church". If that is so, then why did it cost my Savior's life? Why was the price so high? "...to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) Obviously God felt the church was necessary and its value, priceless. We should value this precious church as well.
Nothing God ever created was less than perfect or unimportant. He is the creator of His church as well as its designer. We should study this amazing system and do our best to make sure that it functions as He intended. We must also do what the word says to be a part of that system. (Acts 2:40-41) Do you value this amazing system as our God does?
Dana Burk
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Simple Gospel
I have been studying the Bible with someone the last few days and after two or three studies she made the observation of how simple it was to understand the Bible--she said, "It is so plain." It is not that this young woman was not religious or did not know the Bible at all, but rather that the doctrine she had been taught had so twisted the word that it made it difficult to understand.
Isa. 35:8 prophesied that in the future kingdom of God there would be a road that even though a man was a fool he could find his way. God says that we will be judged by the word. (John 12:48) If the word was so difficult that only those trained in Seminary could understand it, wouldn't it be unfair of God to judge us by it? But the word of God is not so difficult that we cannot understand it. If we will simply read it and accept it as it is, God's plan for redeeming man is quite simple as are His commands for our worship today.
A number of years ago we had a man tell us he had studied a verse (that I felt was quite clear) for 7 years day and night before he could see it the way he now believed. I had read the verse through many times and never saw the conclusion he had drawn because it was not there. He had to study many other books, written by men, to twist and convolute the meaning of the verse before he could make it say what he wanted it to say.
We can misunderstand the gospel if that is our intent. 2 Thess. 2:10-11 says, "And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie..." If we do not love truth above all things, God will allow us to believe a lie.
We must be seekers of truth and truth only if we want to be saved. The Bible says if you seek you will find. Seek truth and be saved.
Dana Burk
Isa. 35:8 prophesied that in the future kingdom of God there would be a road that even though a man was a fool he could find his way. God says that we will be judged by the word. (John 12:48) If the word was so difficult that only those trained in Seminary could understand it, wouldn't it be unfair of God to judge us by it? But the word of God is not so difficult that we cannot understand it. If we will simply read it and accept it as it is, God's plan for redeeming man is quite simple as are His commands for our worship today.
A number of years ago we had a man tell us he had studied a verse (that I felt was quite clear) for 7 years day and night before he could see it the way he now believed. I had read the verse through many times and never saw the conclusion he had drawn because it was not there. He had to study many other books, written by men, to twist and convolute the meaning of the verse before he could make it say what he wanted it to say.
We can misunderstand the gospel if that is our intent. 2 Thess. 2:10-11 says, "And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie..." If we do not love truth above all things, God will allow us to believe a lie.
We must be seekers of truth and truth only if we want to be saved. The Bible says if you seek you will find. Seek truth and be saved.
Dana Burk
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Egyptian Afterlife
We have two of our grandchildren and our niece staying with us for a few days and so we took them to an Egyptian exhibit at the art museum today. The emphasis of the exhibit was about the Egyptian afterlife and preparation for the afterlife. There were all types of coffins and mummies as well as all of the different types of prepatory clothing, jewelry and death masks made from precious gems and gold. But the most striking thing to me were all of the many, many gods and idols that were buried with the Egyptians.
I have always heard that the Egyptians had many gods, but I never realized how many--over 700. In fact, anything they feared they would simply make it into a god and then offer sacrifices to it and worship it so that it would "protect" them from the very thing they feared. Clever--if it only worked. They then made idols of all the different gods and buried them with the body to protect it in the afterlife.
Our grandchildren are 9 and 6 and when we pointed out some miniature animal gods made of gold (about 2-4 inches tall) the six year old laughed sarcastically and said, "That's not a god, it can't protect anybody." How amazing that a mere child of 6 can so clearly see that a statue of gold has no power and yet the very intelligent Egyptians depended on these toys. I was reminded of the verse in Romans 1: 22-25 where Paul says "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things...and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator..."
This Egyptian exhibit was incredibly interesting and I'm glad we were able to view such awesome artifacts from history, but as we completed our tour and exited through the gift shop (clever marketing) it was basically impossible to buy any souvenirs unless you wanted to purchase an idol. Our niece, who is 16, said as we entered the gift shop, "Well, I guess you can't buy anything here unless you want a god."
The more I see and learn about the ancient Egyptians, the more I question their intelligence. On one level they were brilliant (architecture, writing, medical knowledge, etc.), but where it counts, (spiritually) they were fools--"professing to wise, they became fools". All of the preparations they made for the afterlife and netherworld we have now got on display in our museums--how intelligent were they, really?
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