Mikebatts's Weblog

“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”

mikebatts — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:00:21 +0000

Let me begin by acknowledging that I realize this will be an unpopular post today. But I just felt the need to share some initial thoughts upon hearing of Osama Bin Laden’s demise, and the resulting reaction by everyone from co-workers to the mass media.
Upon hearing of the news, my first reaction was “it’s about time”. We’ve been chasing this guy long enough, and he certainly was the mastermind behind many evil deeds.
But the more I heard and saw the reactions and comments of people in general, the more I began to notice a trend-absolute nationalistic fervor and vitriol toward everyone not American. Here’s where I will get in trouble. Yes, he was an evil man. Family members of his victims are calling this justice, and no doubt it probably is. But I feel like the Spirit is impressing upon me one thing over and over: but for the grace of God through Christ, I am capable of the same horrific acts; worse even. And besides that, our God is a holy God, so holy in fact that the impure thought you or I had 10 minutes ago is just as much an abomination before him as murder. This is not me speaking this truth, it is God’s Word.
So what am I to do with this prodding? I am just thankful that the Lord will, in due time, exact vengeance on all enemies of the cross, in whatever form they take, and that by His matchless grace I am not among those. But it does not change the fact that I deserve to be.

Sojourners

mikebatts — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:37:20 +0000

I know, it’s been awhile. No excuse really, just life I guess. My friend Beth Sessoms inspired me to post again. If you have a chance, please read her most recent post (http://www.bethsessoms.blogspot.com/) on the passing of her sister from this wearisome world to life everlasting. And of her anonymous works of grace, which her Father in heaven prepared in advance for her to do. It just got me to thinking, along with both of my grandmothers struggling with sickness and hospitalized, how this life is but a vapor, and that we are truly sojourners in a foreign land. The beauty of this as a believer in Christ is that, being a traveler in a foreign land implies GOING somewhere else. As Andrew Peterson so aptly writes in “All Things New”, “hold on to the promise, the stories are true, Jesus makes all things new” (on a sidenote, I highly recommend “The Far Country” and “Resurrection Letters: Vol II” from said artist as fantastic bookend commentary on death and resurrection as a believer).

I just implore those reading this to live life as if (because we are) pilgrims on a journey, to be radical and joyful in the giving of ourselves to others for the sake of Christ! If we were not here for this purpose, we should have been brought home swiftly by now. Thanks Tonya, for blazing the trail.

The Gospel Under Attack Here and Abroad

mikebatts — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:30:40 +0000

This is, of course, no great revelation. From the days of the prophets to the stoning of Stephen, the Word (the One that became flesh and dwelt among us) has been subject to ridicule, doubt, and gross mis-interpretation, while the regenerate believer has been subjected to everything from quiet laughter to scorn to murder. Some things never change.

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2010/03/american-street-evangelist-jai.php

The real issue has been the same since the days of Isaiah- is the heart a heart of stone or a heart of flesh? Does one rebel, or does one surrender? If the answer is one of stone and rebellion, the Word of God is a stumbling block, foolish, hypocritical, illogical, and altogether useless.

On the other hand, if the heart has been made into flesh, and the rebellion turned to thankful surrender, It is salvation unto those who believe.

Welcome Explorers

mikebatts — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:29:08 +0000

Just a note to, admittedly, a somewhat small audience of folks. The Sunday school class I teach has been renamed “Explorers”, and has been opened up to the age known as “almost finished high school to 99 and beyond”. Welcome, and I will be posting my study notes for this class in the box.net widget as pdf files, located on the right side above my “links” section of the blog. I will have these posted before the coming Sunday class, so you can look at them before class if you wish. BTW, you other folks out here in cyberspace are also encouraged to read, and comment too. Be nice but honest.

Phone A Friend

mikebatts — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:28:54 +0000

Just wanted to throw this in the pan and let it simmer on low heat. When was the last time you called a friend you have not seen in a while, just to see how they are doing? Well, I can tell you it’s been a while for me. I was reminded of that fact yesterday, when a friend called me, just to check up on me. I was so busy that I had to tell them I’d call back. Then I forgot until this morning. I also had a friend call me last week, just to check up on me-while his son is in the hospital!

I’ll agree with Paul, who confessed in Romans that, while he knew in the Spirit what he should do, his flesh simply sometimes did not oblige. Forgive me friends, and thanks for being there. And thanks for spurring me on to “phone a friend”.

Sacrifice in the Old Testament…..why?

mikebatts — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:30:23 +0000

My friends and I were having breakfast this morning at Sharpsburg Retaurant (free plug) and reading chapter 10 of Hebrews. It got us to thinking about sacrifice in the Old Testament. How are we to apply it? It’s still in the Bible, it was Jesus Christ pre-incarnate, but now we are under the new law. Right?

Best as we could tell, the Old Testament is still very relevant, as it shows an illustration of how unworthy and undeserving we are before a Holy and Righteous God. It took blood and ritual to “be made right” in that day, although, as Isaiah points out, if the heart of the worshipper wasn’t right or was haughty, God despised their offerings. Now, it simply takes faith in Christ to know Him. Jesus paid the price for all sin-past, present, and future. Rejoice in your salvation, one that is not purchased with a dove or a goat, but THE Lamb of God!

Just take a few minutes and read some of Leviticus or Numbers, and you will gain a whole new appreciation for the gift of the Holy Spirit-that is, your belief in a Christ that makes foolish the wisdom of the world.

Up Close And Personal With A Guitar Great

mikebatts — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:37:17 +0000

Way back in March, I posted about an opportunity Jamie and I had to go to a Tony Rice concert with my friend and co-worker Ben Arnette. I mentioned that we were going backstage to meet Tony. Alas, that night it was not meant to be. We were informed late that Tony’s mother was in town, and that his backstage time was to be spent with her. Can’t blame him.

Fast-forward to last weekend. Ben had the opportunity to again see Tony Rice at a bluegrass festival, at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, NC. Tony’s management company was kind enough to give another chance for Ben to get backstage and meet Tony and photograph that famous six-string.

Turns out, things worked out for the best. A professional photographer(Greg Knott), and Ben’s son, Sam, accompanied him. I have included a few pictures, but not too many. Then you wouldn’t buy the book when it is published….

All kinds of interesting info was brought forth in the interview, but I’ll only share a few tidbits…..again, the book is in the works……

Tony mentioned that the neck on the guitar is not original, but from a slightly later model OM-body Martin. Thinner neck, wider string spacing for those lightening-fast runs.

Also, the first time Tony heard the guitar was at a 1960 Kentucky Colonels show, being played by Clarence White, later of The Byrds fame. When asked when Tony first played it, he responded, “That same night.”

Enjoy the pictures, and buy the book when it is released. It will be a must-have for fans of famous instruments. Next on Ben’s wish list: Doc Watson’s Gallagher. Stay tuned…..

Christians’ numbers decline? Maybe not….

mikebatts — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:33:45 +0000

As usual, Mark Driscoll hits the nail on the head in a response to a Newsweek cover story on the declining number of Christians in this country.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519517,00.html

Simply stated, the changing times make it so that there isn’t much benefit to simply saying you’re a Christian without being one. Morality is such that people generally could care less that you make 2 appearances at the local church a week.

But, like Mark, I think this is a good thing. Now maybe we’ll have a better bead on how many believers in Jesus Christ there are, versus how many country club members are paying dues this Sunday. God is the great “weeder-outer”…

Btw, good to speak with you again. More to come..

A Word Of Thanks….

mikebatts — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:43:31 +0000

Just wanted to thank the members of R & R Fellowship and Mt.Hermon Missionary Baptist Church for hosting the “Raising Great Kids” conference. The emphasis on God’s grace in His adoption of the sinner called to salvation, tied in with the need to pray for the salvation of our children was fresh water to one who was thirsty. And to be able to attend the conference with my wife was like a weekend long date! Have you seen her new “do”? It’s really cute…..

Thanks especially to Dan Rolfe, who spoke on the tough subject of discipline of your children. With Dan’s 49 years experience, he had much to offer….

And remember, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15

Guitar techies- I need you…

mikebatts — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:14:15 +0000

The flatpicking genius himself.

If you are a guitar player, or an afficiando of acoustic instruments in general, I have a task for you. The guitar pictured here is a 1935 Martin D28, one of the most sought-after instruments in guitardom. The back and sides are made of Brazilian Rosewood, an endangered wood highly prized for its resonance and bass power. Anyway, I ramble….

Tomorrow night-that is Wednesday, March 11, 2009, I will have an opportunity I am excited about. Not only do I have tickets to a Tony Rice Unit/Dan Tyminski Band show in Raleigh with my wife (date night!), but I will have an opportunity to meet Tony backstage!

My friend, and the service manager at our dealership(Hubert Vester Toyota), Ben Arnette, has a project going where he wants to interview/photograph famous instrumentalists with their instruments. He has asked for and received permission from Tony’s people to go backstage, to interview Tony about the instrument and take a series of photographs. Well, he needs someone to hold the background cloth for the photograph! On to the point of this post (besides shameless boasting, of course)…

If you could ask one question of Tony relating to his instrument, whether it be about care and upkeep, string guages, security on the road, whatever- I will take your question to Tony himself. And I’ll tell him you said hello. So let’s have your question..