Monday, July 31, 2006

Optical Illusions ! !

IS THIS POSSIBLE???

Is God your Pilot.....or......Co-pilot???


My wife and I were driving down Sprinkle Rd. yesterday when we came across this bumper sticker. “If God is your co-pilot………..Switch seats. Ever since yesterday I have been pondering that thought, so I thought I would add it to my blog today.

I’ve heard about books being entitled “God is My Copilot” as well as films, articles, and sermons. I still like the sentiment. I’m glad people are open to sharing their faith about not trying to live without the presence of God in their lives. I feel a connection to those people. I’ve even been blessed by the content of these messages.

I’ve learned, however, that the slogan doesn’t go quite far enough, at least not for me.

Please don’t get me wrong; I’m not criticizing the faith of those who have used this motto. Neither am I trying to “one up” these folks in spirituality or piety game. Nor am I trying to play a little semantic game. Instead, I think I’ve learned the hard way that God can’t be in the copilot seat of my life. He’s got to be the main and only pilot, or I’m pretty much headed for disaster. I’ve learned that if the LORD is not in complete control, then I generally “goober up” a lot of things in my life.

What’s the big difference? Isn’t this just wrangling about words?

Nope! The difference is huge. It means everything. When God is the pilot, I recognize that life lived the right way is led by the Spirit of God. I think of the song that says “My Life Is Yours To Control.”


My life, Lord, is Yours to contol;

I give you my heart and my soul.

I’ll seek Your will never mine,

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make.

Along every path that I take,

So when I complete life’s race

“Well done,” you will say.

Does this mean that I don’t “goober up” some days? No, I can still mess things up pretty badly. Sometimes, I even have the “help” of others who try to mess things up for me. Although I then need to realize that God has a lesson for me to learn during the times that I “goober up”


Here’s my four point flight plan:

1. Each day, I specifically acknowledge that I need to have God lead my life through his Word and his Spirit, otherwise I will make a mess of things. (Romans 8)

2. Each day, I intentionally rejoice, knowing that the Creator of the universe is involved in my life, working things to conform them to his will. (Philippians 2:12-13)

3. Each day, I purposely reassure my heart with the promise that I am not alone in trying to live my life and in trying to do what is right. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

4. Each day, I consciously trust that even when I’ve messed things up, God is going to step back in and work things toward his eternal purpose for my life. (Romans 8:28-30)

So rather than sticking God in the copilot’s seat, let’s let him fly the plane! Won’t you join me in making an intentional commitment to ask that God take control of your life... and let’s make that decision every day, as we start the day! I believe we will find this is better than good... it is THE BEST! ! !

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Happy 5th Birthday Maddison! ! !

Today we celebrated Maddison Josephine Cooper's Birthday. She is now a whopping 5 years old and still growing like a tumble weed. The afternoon started out with a Thunder-storm and down pouring of some very much needed rain. It was blazing hot 90+ degrees before the rain took over and cooled everything down. We were not going to let a little rain scare away this party. There were Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, Neighbors and friends all here to have a feast and to enjoy some fellowship. I huge "Thank-YOU" goes out to my MOM and DAD for putting alot of time and money into this gathering. I will have to admit those "BBQ RIBS" were by far the best I have ever tasted.......... Ever thought about entering into Kalamazoo RibFest Dad? I think you would win hands down ! ! ! Can I get a hearty....... Amen Brother ! ! ! ! It is always fun to be with family and friends. I am glad you all could make it and I am sure you are even happier because, I know you went away with a plate full of my "Daddy-O Rock'n on the Patio" BBQ RIBS. I guess that is all for now. I think it is time for me to go ice down my arm from that nasty fall I took off the back porch. Thanks again. I LOVE YOU ALL ! ! ! !

Love,

Brian

GREEN MEADOW BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH








Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church has been my church all my life. I grew up in this church as a child and by God’s grace I am fortunate to still be serving here. Pastor Paul Pendell is one of the greatest preachers of all time and I think he just gets better each and every week.

Do you have a church? Are you looking for a church? We would love to welcome you in with open arms and have you visit us sometime. Our church has a Statement of Faith that we believe in.

1. We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible. (II Timothy 3:16)
2. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (I John 5:6-7)
3. We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:23)
4. We believe in the blood atonement of Jesus Christ in necessary for the forgiveness of sin. (Ephesians 1:7)
5. We believe in the local church and its independence under the headship of Christ. (Colossians 1:18)


I encourage you if you are seeking for a church to come and visit.

Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church.
6914 East “ML” Avenue.

Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

(269) 345-2417.



Church Service Schedule:

Sunday School- 9:45 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.

Morning Service- 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

Evening Service- 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m.

Wed. Bible Study/Prayer 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Grandma's Favorite Pastime

July6,1929 - June 11, 2001

Josephine Viola Veld my grandmother(bestfriend) was a Detroit Tiger Fanatic. I remember watching the Tigers back in the 1980's with her back on the farm. We would be sitting in the living room with a Diet Coke and popcorn watching them Tigers play on their ancient console T.V. Do you remember them Detroit Tigers from the 80's? I remember them Tigers winning the World Series back in 1984 with players: Darrell Evans 1b, Lou Whitaker 2b, Tom Brookens 3b, Alan Trammell ss, Kirk Gibson rf, Chet Lemon cf, Larry Herndon lf, Lance Parrish c, Jack Morris pitcher, and Sparky Anderson -manager.

Now I look and see how well the Detroit Tigers are playing this season. It brings back alot of memories of watching them back in the 80's with my grandma. I hope this is the year for the Tigers to break out of their slump and make a run for the pennant. With a relatively new Ball Park (Comerica) and a talented group of young players this could be the year. So let's *ROOT* *ROOT* *ROOT* for the home team, if they don't win it's ashame. For it's ONE, TWO , THREE-STRIKES your out at the Ole Ball Game. GO DETROIT TIGERS.

I LOVE YOU GRANDMA ! ! ! !

Love,

Brian

Friday, July 28, 2006

Finally Home

Welcome to my "Finally Home" Blog site. My name is Brian Cooper and I thought I would venture out and try the blogging world. I picked "Finally Home" because, it comes from a song written by L.E. Singer, 20th Centruy and music composed by Don Wyrtzen, 1942. This song holds a special place in my heart from the words alone.

FINALLY HOME

When engulfed by the terror of tempestuous sea.
Unknown waves before you roll;
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your weary soul.

chorus: But just think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand and finding it God's
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night,
O how lonley death can be;
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

chorus: But just think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand and finding it God's
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory and finding it HOME!

Oh how the words to that song just thrill my soul. Just to think that one day I will no longer be passing through this temperal earth. I know my Lord will return someday and take me home to glory. That place I will forever call HOME ! Do you know where your home is going to be?