Should They Be......?

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Jeffrey Dahmer killed people and then ate them.
Timothy McVey bombed a building housing a day care center.
OJ Simpson killed his ex-wife and her 'new' boyfriend and then lied about it and walked free.

Suppose any (or all) of these men were to be saved. How would you honestly feel about it?
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COR22 Events

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We at COR22 Ministries have taken a bit of a hiatus; howbeit, not of our own decision. We have been want for event's. During this break we have began (again) recording our first album (we debuted 5 yrs ago and still no release, shameful!). However, with the 2009 spring/summer season on us and a couple events on the schedule we're beginning to get the fever again!

Consider this a bit of an advertisement!

Would your church, youth group, outreach, social club, etc like to have COR22 present an evening of song and testimony focused on our LORD JESUS CHRIST?

Since we have freely received we freely give our gifts and talents back to our Father in worship! We will also entertain out of state engagements! Please contact our booking office at 937.423.3258 to schedule an event!
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Explanation

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Due to some recent communications (phone calls, emails, personal conversations) I feel somewhat compelled to explain my current situation.

As many of you know (all 3 of you who actually read this blog) I have been unemployed for the last 2 months. During this time I have been able to find temporary odd jobs to generate a small amount of income; however it has been substantially less than the necessary amount to fulfill our monthly obligations. Nevertheless, God is faithful!

Also during this time I have turned down 2 job offers. This concerns some people. Perhaps you have even been concerned about, or confused by, these decisions. While I understand I am under no obligation to defend my decisions, I'm compelled to explain them. About one month after MulchPlus of Ohio, Inc laid me off as office manager they called me wondering if I would be willing to come back to work for them in a new position. This position would be outside sales. Upon investigation, though, I found that they still had full intention of closing the company down through liquidation or by selling out no later than September 2009. It seemed extremely irresponsible for me to jump on a sinking ship in hopes of a successful rescue. Consequently I declined the offer. Some criticized this decision. Renita and I, however had mutual peace with the decision and we moved forward!

A short time later I received a call for an interview with Health Markets. The first interview was more of an information session, but when I left I had more questions than answers. Nevertheless I was excited by what I viewed as opportunities! Shortly thereafter I received a second, follow-up interview. During this interview I was sold on all the benefits and perks of becoming their 'agent' and asked when I would like to start. Any reference to the 'over 100 products and services' was vague and non-specific. I probed deeper into the details, finding the details hard to uncover. Then one day Renita specifically prayed (unbeknownst to me) that we would be clearly shown whether this was a right decision. In a matter of a few short hours I uncovered a myriad of 'red flags' through some online searches and again, I declined the offer.

Still I'm unemployed. Still I have monthly payments, mortgages, bills, and children who need fed. God is still faithful! I trust my 'prayer requests' aren't seen as complaints, but as what they are. I hope my declining of two offers aren't viewed as me being unreasonable but as following what I believe to be the Holy Spirit's lead. I beg each of you (all 3) to join me in praying for the right opportunity; one in which my needs will be supplied WHILE I bring God ultimate glory! I know you are praying and I thank you already!

If, however, you happen to see obvious blind-spots in my job search I trust you will care for me enough to pull me aside and point them out!
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Decisions

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The job I was offered yesterday was with HealthMarkets. HealthMarkets is affilliated with and offers benefits through NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed). Coupled with the 'membership' benefits is access to health/life insurance through Mega Life and Health and Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee.

Everything seems/seemed legitimate, but then I stumbled across this today.......
Ripoff Report - HealthMarkets
Ripoff Report - NASE

How does a person know what's truth and what's fiction? How am I supposed to sort through the racket when NOTHING else has surfaced on the occupational horizon?
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Job Opportunity

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Please pray for me as I make an occupational decision. I received a call back today making me a solid offer, a 'how soon can you start training' kind of offer. It would be outside sales in the Richmond/Muncie, Indiana area out of a Fishers, Indiana office. The catch is the 100% commission based salary. While the opportunities are endless the risk seems as equally great with my family and monthly monetary needs. The product/service being sold is membership into a buying network offering small businesses the buying opportunities of larger corporations, along with affordable life/health/dental insurance.

Quite frankly, I'm scared; but if this is the opportunity the Lord wants me to accept, I welcome the challenge! Please pray that I will make an educated, responsible and Spirit-led decision! I also have two other (local) possible opportunities.
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Marvelous Grace & Mercy

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Several times in our communion service tonite the thought was presented that no matter how hard we ran, God ran harder. I was struck by it! At the end of the service I had my Bible open to Isaiah 64 & 65 on the table in front of me. As we were invited to bow our head for a final, closing prayer my eyes fell on this at the beginning of Isaiah 65.....

I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me;
I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me.
I said, 'Here am I, here am I,'
To a nation which did not call My name.
I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,
Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,
A people who continually provoke Me face to face,
Offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on bricks; (false (idol) worship)
Who sit among graves and spend the night in secret places;
Who eat swine's flesh,
And the broth of unclean meat is in their pots.
Who say, 'Keep to yourself, do not come near me,
For I am holier than you!'

....no matter how hard I ran, He ran harder and overtook me in spite of myself!
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Prayer Requests For My Second Week Away

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- Protection over my heart, mind, thoughts and actions
- Physical protection over Renita and our children at home
- His will regarding Tuesday's job interview
- Opportunity to spend time with Josh, Tom, and others according to His will
- Time to finish preparing for Thursday evening's chapel service at NCCF
- Attitude which reflects the character of Christ in the face of life
- Courage to overtly live, speak and display the gospel to those I'm working/staying with
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