Be Sharp

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

Fellowship with friends is a real blessing from Yahweh. I had just such an experience with my friend Steve Taylor. It was comparable to the Southwest Pastors meeting. We talked about many and various topics, encouraged each other, share a lough or two, and attended a spring training baseball game (front row seats on the first base side) for recreation.

We took time to talk about book publication and how beneficial writing classes can be. Steve is working on a book he hopes will be accepted by a national publishing house. Along with this, Wisdom & Power was discussed. Comments were made about how to improve it with pictures of authors and other illustrations, as well as increasing the readership. W&P is filling a need within the Church of God. We want it to be a real blessing to those who read it.

On a theological note we discussed Ezekiel 13 and how it applies to our day. The words spoken against the false prophets, who spoke from their own imagination, are true today for any teacher who doesn't teach God's wisdom and counsel. There are many sources of counsel, but only Yahweh's will stand in the time of storm. That storm is coming.

There was time for some technology in worship information to be shared. Steve show cased a home made rear projection screen he had put together using waxed paper. I admit I was skeptical when I first heard about it, but seeing it in use changed my mind! It functions as well as a "store bought" screen at a fraction of the cost. We should encourage Steve to share the plans and procedures with everyone.

Steve and I talked about he use of electronic devotions. Steve sends out a devotional nearly every day. Kara Taylor, Steve's daughter-in-law, helps him from time to time by creating devotions. Posting these devotions on blogs is a great way to get the message out to a wider community.

We discussed video conferencing, that is virtually free of cost, through Skype. This is the system that the University of Arizona uses for its video conferencing. Skype (a free downloadable program) allows people around the globe to see each other and talk in real time. You need a web-cam and a microphone is all. This is a great way to have Bible studies that people everywhere could be part of with a high speed internet connection.

Along this same line of discussion was CogCast. This internet radio program, organized by Wally Winner, reaches around the world. They broadcast Church of God sermons and songs. It is a great outreach we should support and promote. Many new readers for W&P have signed up through this medium. The tools we have available now give us great reach in this world for kingdom advancement.

Our final time together was "theology over breakfast". Jim Muldoon joined us and the range of topics we discussed was far ranging. The time went too quickly. The idea of sharing in Bible conferences between Lake Shore Bible Church and Church of the Open Bible came up. Perhaps we could do a spring conference at one church and a fall conference at the other. It's been a long time since we've shared in fellowship like that.

True to the proverb, Steve sharpens me, he helps me be sharp for the battle to advance the kingdom of God. Those couple of days were time well spent. I'm looking forward to the next Southwest Pastors meeting.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones