tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33461580640912009802011-07-28T18:00:15.352-07:00Godly Marriage - Godly Children - Godly LifeJ. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.comBlogger581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-62367964963898936292011-02-09T07:01:00.000-08:002011-02-09T07:14:19.125-08:00

As he walks into the coffee shop, he notices two guys sitting at a small table to the side of the room. They’re engaged in a deep conversation, so he waits for just the right opportunity. After ordering a Pumpkin-Spice Latte, he sits down at a table next to the two men. He just can’t wait to talk to some one.He holds off until there seems to be a break in the discussion. Quickly moving to his

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-83800001624150715452009-11-24T19:34:00.000-08:002009-11-25T07:05:42.879-08:00

I went to Starbucks this evening to finish up some homework, and to watch some movies. I sat in one of the two lounge chairs just to the left of the main door. After sitting there about 45 minutes, this guy walked in and sat down in the chair next to me. I could tell he was a fellow LeTourneau student, because he had a stack of books, a laptop, a worksheet he was working on, and a Venti coffee to

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-65098385716777228252009-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:002009-08-18T12:47:21.288-07:00

How often do you get caught up in the details and over complicate matters? It happens to me regularly. I get bogged down in the details of my life and sometimes miss the big lessons that God has clearly set forth in His Word. I spend much time analyzing the details of certain passages and neglect the main point. This has happened with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Pneumatology.Some

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-41579925672108011952009-08-14T08:35:00.000-07:002009-08-14T09:14:54.467-07:00

The Old Testament boggles the mind of many unbelievers, atheists, and liberal Christians. The plagues, wars, blood, death and destruction are too much for them to digest. Massive death and destruction cause them to doubt that character and nature of God, as well as the credentials of the Old Testament. Liberal Christians reject and dismiss the value of Old Testament to their own detriment.The

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-10704236408452662732009-07-02T06:25:00.000-07:002009-07-02T07:18:23.556-07:00

The King James Version and the Old English language threw me for several loops when I was a child. I could not understand; it just didn't make sense. The New International Version has played a major role in helping me to know God and His ways. Today, I have a little love for the old English language. In certain cases, it really brings light on the hard realities of this life. Consider these words

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-69105692510552756102009-06-28T21:36:00.000-07:002009-07-01T13:56:11.007-07:00

REPENT! REPENT! Can you hear the voice of one calling in the dessert?"Make straight the path of the Lord!" "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Yes, I know. You can do without the yelling. Might I suggest that you have not done well without the yelling? Might I suggest our nation is far from God, and far from

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-7354483622711738252009-06-08T13:54:00.000-07:002009-06-08T14:16:21.496-07:00

Many folks claim the Bible is full of contradictions. Typically hung up in details, they fail to comprehend the great worth found in paradoxial statements flowing from the mouth of God. Some spend their lifetime arguing variances in numerical accounting, all the while missing the one reality that will change their eterinal destiny.“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-91090445941812919062009-05-14T11:07:00.000-07:002009-05-14T20:19:33.216-07:00

Arm chair philosophers oft assess which presents the greatest danger, "Science, or religion?" So too maybe we should ask, "Which religion is most dangerous?", "What is the modern day 'Yeast of the Pharisees?'"The choices are vast. There are the major world religions of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Christianity. Within each there are all manner of variations and perversions thereof. There are the

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-65670597207242382372009-05-07T08:20:00.000-07:002009-05-29T08:45:25.065-07:00

Christianity is oft cited as an exclusive religion. Can Jesus really be the only way to heaven? Inclusion is heralded as "must have" positive character trait. While we can certainly make the case that Christianity is positively and negatively inclusive, Jesus' mission on earth was exclusive in some senses.When hounded by a Canaanite woman with a demon-possessed daughter, Jesus initially ignored

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-40630535237506215732009-05-07T07:53:00.001-07:002009-05-07T08:20:27.752-07:00

Imagine the scene with me. Jesus is yet again confronting the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They are complaining to Jesus, because the disciples did not wash their hands before they ate. Maybe, they were concerned about the disciples catching the swine flu. Maybe, they were concerned about Jesus having more followers on Twitter. Whatever their motive, Jesus blasts the Pharisees,"And why

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-47436999447433239572009-04-16T06:36:00.000-07:002009-04-16T07:21:31.791-07:00

A good friend asked me this week, "Where do you see yourself in three years?" I must admit. At that moment the vision was not clear in my mind. Then came last night ... After being in downtown Austin all day, I came home to find Dede watching "The Rookie"."The Rookie" is a great movie for many reasons; it was filmed in Hutto, Texas; Kitty, my niece, is in the movie; it's about small towns and

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-28977728746630618312009-04-03T11:00:00.000-07:002009-04-03T11:08:04.975-07:00

Death and suffering is an issue oft ill-addressed in church teaching. The thought of death and suffering drives many away from God, yet the topic is foundational to understanding the nature of God. Allow me to summarize the Bible in three words: Generation, de-generation and re-generation. God created the Edenic world (generation). Sin entered the hearts of mankind (de-generation). The price

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-84844797810525440722009-03-26T09:41:00.000-07:002009-03-26T10:08:08.194-07:00

My fellow lawbreakers, do you have faith in the law? That question could conjure up many different notions, so please allow me to elaborate.Most religions advocate salvation by works. If you follow the rules, you get the prize. Christianity is very different in that we teach the prize comes by faith. Faith in what? Faith in Christ. But what would faith in Christ be, if Christ had not

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-74403291776338291422009-03-19T08:22:00.000-07:002009-03-19T09:04:57.050-07:00

Maybe you've heard of the Jesus Seminar. This group of supposed experts claim authority over which of the Red Letters were spoken or not spoken. This false persuasion of Christianity places emphasis on the assertions of man over the assertions of the Bible. Such assertions embrace the curse, rather than the blessing. Just as bad are those that emphasize some aspects of the Scripture over

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-60940721991975624272009-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:002009-03-18T13:30:48.877-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures you are about to see will take your words away, and fill your mind with awe and wonder.The city of Babylon is mentioned throughout the Sacred Scriptures. It is the city where human ingenuity came to life, and made itself known as an enemy of God. It is the city known for one of the Sevens Wonders of the world, the Hanging Gardens. It is

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-68069748765983210602009-03-12T09:25:00.000-07:002009-03-18T12:16:31.789-07:00

Clint Eastwood would say, "Go ahead, punk. Make my day". Badge or not, Dirty Harry carried a vigilante style of law enforcement. Abel's brother, Cain, carried a similar attitude. I know we all love to see the bad guy meet his maker. Unfortunately, our pursuit of justice often trumps discernment. Then we wind up cutting down the fruit of the vine. Allow me to explain.In the Parable of the Sower in

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-89206704326391200472009-01-08T06:53:00.001-08:002009-01-08T07:27:20.804-08:00

The prophets dealt with it. Jesus rebuked it. He and the Apostles died because of it. Bible translators were killed by. Today, the Word of God is maligned by it; and many people reject it.It is establishment religion, in opposition to the One True Church.One of the lies from the Garden of Eden is that you shall become like God. This is the pursuit of Satan and the unregenerate man. Men

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-49073973940990190062008-12-11T06:25:00.001-08:002008-12-11T06:52:58.669-08:00

It's just an interesting phrase to consider. The words came right out of Christ' mouth, spoken to the disciples.And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ - Matthew 10:7 (ESV)The Kingdom of God is at hand? The Kingdom of Heaven is near? What was Christ speaking of? Was He speaking of physical proximity, chronology, spirituality, or what?It's also interesting to reflect

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-6776009211115760612008-12-08T07:53:00.000-08:002008-12-08T08:25:06.351-08:00

It was released less than three months after my day of birth, but it's one of those classic movies that many of us "more mature folks" have seen and remember, the movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World." The plot begins with four car loads of people hearing the dying words of a thief. With his last breath, he tells of a $350,000 treasure buried in Santa Rosita. Then it is off to the races as the

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-43084403799132894652008-12-08T06:22:00.000-08:002008-12-08T08:31:51.334-08:00

"Watch out now." "You better be nice." "You're gonna burn in hell." "You better play by the rules." "Don't make me come down there."Today, the Christian church in America has shifted too far in the opposite direction, but not too long ago preachers pounded on pulpits and threatened the fires of hell, if you did not accept Christ as Savior. The truth is that without Christ all are condemned to

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-31199015193986810392008-12-08T05:49:00.000-08:002008-12-08T06:22:11.507-08:00

The mysteries of Christ are many and marvelous. How can it be that He is both before and after David? How is that He could create the world and then be born into the world that he might save the world? These questions are not beyond explanation, but they are marvelous mysteries that reflect the ever present nature of Christ our Savior and Lord.How is it that he saved you and me on the cross

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-83313067393110275392008-11-24T07:42:00.000-08:002008-11-24T07:59:51.189-08:00

He was the twenty-sixth President of the United States. His final Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued on October 31, 1908, the year that Henry Ford's Model-T went into production. President Roosevelt gives praises and warnings that are still apropos.For the very reason that in material well-being we have thus abounded, we owe it to the Almighty to show equal progress in moral and spiritual

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-85611388323261509502008-11-24T07:05:00.000-08:002008-11-24T07:42:08.439-08:00

The Old Testament Prophet Daniel is a unique character, and many of you are re-reading his prophecies in light of current events. Daniel was a man that interpreted dreams, because he knew how to seek the Lord. Daniel was a man that observed a desolate time in the history of Jerusalem, and he knew to turn to the Word of God, specifically, the prophecies of Jeremiah, to understand the times.As

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-29803371644527314122008-11-13T11:37:00.000-08:002008-11-13T12:07:30.076-08:00

Weak-willed women; that's the way the NIV says it. The various Bible translations use a variety of words to describe these women: weak-willed (NIV), gullible (NJKV), weak-minded (GW), foolish (BBE), or silly (KJV). Reading this passage today, the first thing that hit my mind, was weak-willed men too! Yes, men and women fit this description. Read the passage with me.But understand this, that

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-694569583295179092008-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:002008-11-06T15:46:54.244-08:00

The modern sciences and the secular rationale for disease, paralysis, illness, missing limbs and death itself, all tie to a material explanation of man's condition. Secularist believe we are constituted by a material mass that is manipulated by chemical alterations. They do not recognize the distinction between body and soul. With chemicals, drugs, physical treatment, therapy, diet change or

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-1723340362946057122008-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:002008-11-06T16:05:02.453-08:00

It's been twenty years in the making and oh what joy and fun. It's been twenty-years in the making and it's only just begun. It's been twenty years in the making, my soul still being cleaned. It's been twenty years in the making, and I'm still learning ... He is the King!It was October of 1988 in Houston, Texas. Dede wanted to go to church, and I thought she was out of her mind. Church wasn't for

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-4961727858238478332008-10-21T09:31:00.001-07:002008-11-06T16:12:53.434-08:00

The name of this blog is Know the Blessing, and I am delinquent in posting a new blessing. "New" in this case would be misleading, because the topic is actually very old.In order to "know the blessing", you must first understand the curse. In order to see the provision of God in our lives, we must first see what it is like without God in our lives. In order to know the peace, hope, and confidence

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-85245257689160780552008-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:002008-09-26T12:26:27.131-07:00

What prayer has the Lord answered in your life recently? Do you pray in such a way that His answers are recognizable? Is your prayer life fulfilling? Does it lift you up not only because you give your cares to him, but also in knowing that He has provided.We've read the Ask-Seek-Knock section of the Sermon on the Mount numerous times. Do we really look to God with faithful expectation? Do we

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-3723079468401143752008-09-18T06:11:00.000-07:002008-09-18T06:56:06.613-07:00

If you like Denzel Washington, surely you remember the two Titan coaches. If you love football, surely you "Remember the Titans". This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Awesome drama, rivalry on many fronts, love, hate, victory, defeat, fun, sadness, harassment, encourgement, genuine caring, bigotry, true love and eventual acceptance; Excellent acting! This movie is a landmark film in my

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-3246778109069850102008-09-11T06:14:00.000-07:002008-09-12T13:57:02.655-07:00

What are you worried about? What concerns you most?As we walk through this life our priorities, our first concern, changes with the seasons of life and with culture and technology. As a child your first concern maybe playtime. Teens maybe concerned primarily with the latest trend in clothes or electronic games/gadgets. Parents maybe concerned with paying for college.Our first concern is manifest

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-81999616411882385762008-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:002008-09-08T08:05:37.346-07:00

Have you heard the parable of the Good Juan Martinez? In Jesus' day it was a no name from Samaria. In your case, maybe it was was Sam Martin from Austin. In some future era, it could even be the Good Sam Martian, as your space ship crash lands on some distant planet. In my most recent episode it was a bad alternator and the good Juan Martinez, from Memphis, Texas.When you turn on the blinker and

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-77421481634826182922008-08-28T07:53:00.000-07:002008-08-28T08:52:43.146-07:00

Fasting is a bit foreign in today's culture. Most commonly it is associated with abstaining from food. If you've ever tried to fast in today's culture, you quickly realize how much emphasis we put on eating, and the difficulty of avoiding meals from a cultural viewpoint. With that aside, allow me to suggest what I believe is a much more complete understanding...The first reference to "fasting" in

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-32175075383094268412008-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T09:26:36.429-07:00

Brother you missed it. If you live in or around Hutto, and were not at LaHermosa's 10th Annual Men's Conference, you missed it. It was an incredible blessing. It is always an incredible blessing when men gather in the name of the Lord.I know. You have stuff going on. If you'd been with us, Pastor James McGilveary of Straightgate Fellowship in Hutto would have helped you clean out your garage. And

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-31213092846366862742008-08-04T07:05:00.000-07:002008-12-09T13:40:17.055-08:00

Our Bible Class is going through the D. James Kennedy book, "Why I Believe". The second chapter is titled, "The Stones Cry Out". In reference to Luke 19:40, Kennedy asserts that archaeology is the voice that cries out in our day. While the followers of Christ remain somewhat quiet, the artifacts of history loudly speaks to the accuracy of the Biblical record and the Truth of His Written Word.Then

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-76075357161212546822008-08-01T18:38:00.000-07:002008-08-02T08:05:52.396-07:00

My favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon, Bully for Bugs, involves Bugs digging right into the middle of the bull fighting arena. As the toro is running the matador out of the arena, Bugs is trying to get directions to the carrot festival. The bull steams up Bugs' tail, and "you realize this means war", declares Bugs. Well, I don't suppose Bugs ever read the New Testament, but suffice it to say, his

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-79665107454655586602008-07-25T07:33:00.000-07:002008-08-01T18:38:39.189-07:00

Yes, I'm making up new words. It's for your benefit and that of Anonymous. Maybe you recall Christ's words in the sermon on the mount. One of His topics was oaths.“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-23897715212313504362008-07-17T06:25:00.000-07:002008-07-17T06:42:20.466-07:00

American culture has a preoccupation with sexual fulfillment: affairs, love triangles, all manner of sexual relationships ... It is near impossible to watch TV or a movie without seeing some form of sexual immorality being glorified or projected as normal, and this is lived out in a considerable portion of our population. The ways of Christ and His Word are rejected as out-dated and even

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-30525418265223657152008-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:002008-07-10T06:38:24.234-07:00

Well we did it. It was a touch painful for a couple of us, but the blessing that flowed was incredible. An hour plus change and new location made a world of difference. Instead of 7am in Hutto, the men of New Hope are now meeting at 6am in Pf-ville. Honeycut, Luce, Gibson, Coker, Moore, Peterman and I shared a great time of fellowship, breakfast, prayer and discussion of the Bible. I'm very

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-16181552666938873372008-07-03T07:27:00.000-07:002008-08-01T19:21:02.749-07:00

I wish I understood it. I wish I could fully explain the logical and how's it derived. The truth is that I can't. It perplexes me to no end, and I am driven to help turn around this backwards thinking. I'm sure you've heard the type of statements I speak of. It's the kind of statement that equates good with evil and evil with good.Last week Eileen Flynn, religion reporter for the Austin-American

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-60011042641414142902008-06-26T06:48:00.000-07:002008-06-26T07:00:32.414-07:00

One of the greatest enemies of the church walks right in through the front door, bright smiles, and a bubbling personality, at least at first. They join the church, get involved and seam to be a great contributor. Then you find out the rest of the story. When a problem arises, they're gone. They carry their offenses with them as they hop from one church to another.When you get angry with

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-33343960415132509082008-06-19T07:02:00.000-07:002008-06-19T07:31:11.135-07:00

If you've ever watched the TV program Seventh Heaven, you surely remember Ruthie. She's the cute little younger child that is always batting her eyes, and helping her siblings get into trouble, though she tries to stay out of it. Ruthie will often meet her parents' expectations with technical obedience, but her heart is in rebellion with her older siblings. This begs the question of whether

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-63011840868980845572008-06-12T06:57:00.000-07:002008-06-12T07:08:25.542-07:00

I'll never forget it. It was one of those moments that is forever etched in your mind. Some men were gathered in the prayer room on a Wednesday evening. We had already begun praying. After several folks had expressed their heart before God, a surprising, but familiar voice, began praying. He wasn't in the room, when we began, but now he was. It was the Associate Pastor. His prayer began, "

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-48570344533335462282008-06-05T06:33:00.000-07:002008-06-05T06:49:48.985-07:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 NIVHonestly, I've always struggled with this verse. I've had a hard time getting my mind around the phrase "poor in spirit". I've tended to look at it as "poor self-esteem", or "thinking lowly of one's self". The later is still worthy of consideration. Humility and a right attitude or right perspective

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-76738632028584455862008-06-01T20:09:00.000-07:002008-06-02T13:51:01.052-07:00

The prayers have been going up for nearly a year. Little Ebenezer Baptist Church (LEBC) of Hutto, Texas has been seeking a pastor, since the passing of Isaiah Brown in July 2007. People all around the community have been praying for this church. People have gone and laid hands on the church doors crying to God for a Biblical preacher; a man of the Word.The prayers have now been answered. Today,

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-75585544685226258652008-05-29T20:23:00.000-07:002008-06-01T20:08:09.098-07:00

Dude. This May 2008 A.D. has just kept on giving. It's like the month that overtook its neighbors April and June both. I think I've put over ten-thousand miles on my "new to me" Chevy Impala. We've been to El Paso, Lubbock, Abilene, Rockdale and all over Austin. FYI it is six hundred miles from Hutto to El Paso - one way.May is a month of graduations you know. Between family, former youth group

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-5449483656257731762008-05-29T06:33:00.000-07:002008-05-29T06:45:24.952-07:00

You've heard the stories of the fallen preachers; Sex scandals, fraud and theft from the church coffers. Ministers, pastors, preachers and all men are subject to frustrations, arrogance, and all manner of temptations. These temptations are more easily engaged, when we walk alone.Several years ago, I began praying for men to help me walk with God, to hold me accountable and to challenge my

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-77634701042554374622008-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:002008-05-06T12:43:34.312-07:00

Imagine this ..."A mother-in-law perfectly illustrates the gospel."I hope that gets your attention, because it is true. You can read it for yourself in Matthew 8:14-17 (www.blueletterbible.org). Peter's mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever. Jesus touches her. The fever leaves her and she gets up to wait on Him! That's the gospel in a nut shell. We are sick. Jesus touches us. We are

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-89301352974027391332008-05-01T18:50:00.001-07:002008-05-01T18:59:22.827-07:00

Wow! Word's cannot express how blessed I am this day. Things have been hectic for Dede and I both, and that will continue through the weekend. But I tell you, this is the day the Lord has made. I have been inspired by so many events this week and especially today. There are revival meetings going on in Rockdale, the Texas State Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, the National Day of Prayer in Hutto,

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-19694154578456973392008-04-29T20:14:00.001-07:002008-04-29T20:42:47.141-07:00

Maybe you're familiar with the old Talking Heads song. It depicts a wonderful scene. The happy new couple is gathered around. They're watching with great attention and big smiles, proud smiles. It's awesome! The entertainment is free, "Havin' fun for no money".I experienced it today. Well, almost. Ron and I actually paid a couple of dollars to eat a breakfast taco, but the entertainment was free.

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-48102732143668476682008-04-09T20:29:00.000-07:002008-04-09T20:40:34.257-07:00

Could it be? Could there be true healing, repentance and forgiveness for racial sins in our land? Could it be that someone has followed the leading of the Spirit, admitted his faults, and then asked for forgiveness?Could this be happening in Jena, Louisiana, home of the Jena Six, while Reverends Sharpton and Jackson are no where in sight?It could be, and in fact it's true. I just spoke to a

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-74360970717782016232008-04-03T07:35:00.000-07:002008-04-04T11:50:28.652-07:00

On the one hand it’s good to get things out in the open. On the other hand it’s good to keep shame hidden and buried away. On one hand you need someone to know what you’re going through. On the other you don’t want any one to know.Secrets: secrets kept; secrets revealed. Secrets exposed; secrets held in confidence. Secrets bottled up; secrets blabbed from the roof tops.Secrets are volatile.

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-64522163808113879032008-03-24T09:27:00.000-07:002008-03-26T09:49:33.353-07:00

It was a week of so after the resurrection of the Jesus. Apparently Peter was feeling a bit perplexed about the situation, and he announces, “I’m going fishing”. Six of his buddies follow suit and they go out all night, and don’t catch a thing. (See John 21 for the full story.)They meet daybreak with a flash back to three years prior. Seeing a man upon the shore, he calls out to them, “Friends,

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-23243718381056172412008-03-18T14:40:00.000-07:002008-03-18T14:54:00.990-07:00

The recipe is an ancient one. It has been handed down from generation to generation. It's been recited over and over again, but it's hard to follow. The ingredients are simple and the instructions are not hard to understand... they are hard to follow.It calls for two parts purity. One part is not enough. To reap the blessing of the age old formula, you really need two parts purity. One

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-29641682921951868482008-03-13T21:14:00.000-07:002008-03-13T21:23:20.043-07:00

Some are afraid, and some are embarrassed; Some are so good that it rarely, if ever, happens. Then there are those that almost take pride in it. I guess I “fall” in the last category. The more spectacular the fall, the more fun you’re having.Skiing at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico is excellent this year! There are over 110 inches of snow, and we had seven inches of fresh powder accompanied by

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-89235480432888089592008-03-09T17:08:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:40:17.412-08:00

Never Ever. That's the name of the class. It was his first time ever. Never before in this life had he done it. The class name was fitting alright. Now, one day later, after four hours of instruction, the "never ever" has passed, and now he is snow skiing (and falling).Michael and I are in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. It's beautiful. It's been snowing in the past 24 hours and there is a ton of

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-85680105726434714042008-03-06T19:03:00.000-08:002008-03-06T19:47:18.749-08:00

Interceptions are awesome! I love playing and watching football. I especially love watching the picks, and doing it myself is an absolute thrill. The face of the QB usually reflects a look of disgust. The enemy got between him and his receiver. Don't you feel bad for him? I guess that depends on the QB and the team protecting him.Well, that's a bit of the devil in me. Satan loves to get between

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-72528909841496707842008-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:002008-01-31T07:07:37.792-08:00

Is America missing the greatest blessing of all?Is your life blessed? What about your marriage? What about your relationships with the opposite sex, parents, children, co-workers and neighbors? It seems the greatest blessing of all is masked in our land. The weight of the world could be lifted from our shoulders, and yet we continue to walk under heavy loads. Our nation is burdened by its own

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3346158064091200980.post-13933535605069618122008-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:002008-01-24T09:56:21.931-08:00

The cultural trends point to the end of marriage as we once knew it. Marriage now binds only a minority of homes in the U.S. The "out-of-wedlock" birth rates continue to climb in the U.S. and abroad. In one since, the end, or doom, of marriage appears to be on the horizon. That's not the question, nor the intent of phrase.In the Old English understanding, we would be speaking of the chief aim

J. Brent Bullockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446216823371648720noreply@blogger.com0