In Matthew Three, John the Baptist is at the river Jordan baptizing when Jesus shows up and comes through the crowd. He walks to the river’s edge and steps into the water. (the river He created). We know according to Scripture that John recognized Him and tried to talk Jesus out of it; “I need to be baptized by You,” but out of humble obedience, Jesus submitted himself to the will of the Father, and John baptized Him. You’ll remember when He came out of the water there were some signs: the heavens opened wide, the dove descends, and God speaks: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” What kind of resume did Jesus have? He had worked in a carpenter shop, hadn’t performed any miracles or called any disciples, hadn’t preached in the synagogue or raised the dead, and yet,here the Father is giving Him full approval. But then Jesus leaves this high and holy moment and goes straight into the wilderness. Satan, the father of all lies and deception shows up to test Him. Jesus is there alone, praying and fasting; confronted by the enemy of the soul. We know about the three temptations, but I want to suggest to you that there was really only one—the temptation to do what we want rather than obey Him. But Jesus is victorious over Satan—the Father of all lies. Then, out of the desolation there is consolation—the angels come and attend to Him. Now, I don’t know what you believe, but I believe my God can do anything! Let me say that again. I believe my God can do anything! First, we have the river Jordan, then the wilderness, and now three years later we have a mountain top. In Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to the mountain top, and there is where it happens— Moses and Elijah show up. That’s just the beginning. They had seen Jesus’ humanness. They had seen the miracles. They had witnessed all that He had said and had done, but suddenly Jesus is transfigured, and His God-ness comes out. It’s bright, it’s shining and it’s irresistible. There’s a bright cloud and a voice—an echo from the river Jordan; “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) admonishes us that, “ 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Satan does his best to get us to focus on ourselves, to focus on what was (You remember the good old days), or concentrate on what is (I told you this is a waste of time. You’re going to fail!). Let me remind you that the good work that Jesus Christ has begun in you is the work of salvation and sanctification, and He promises that He will see it to completion.

This holiday season, take a trip back in time as Buddy Holly and the Holly Jolly Christmas Show bring to life the timeless music of rock 'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly at the Freeland Center in Bristow December 2 at 7:30pm.

What is a Sewer Water Slushee? Put any of your favorite fresh fruits into the blender. Add a bit of vanilla or cinnamon. Then pour in a splash of your favorite milk and some sparkling clean ice cubes. Blend it all together, then pour into a tall glass and sip away. Oh, but before you blend it, be sure to add a tablespoon of sewer water – straight from your local sewer.

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Friends of Bill Alcoholics Anonomous meeting Saturday and Sunday, 7-8 p.m. at the True Vine Indian Baptist Church,211E Washington, Bristow.

Fort Gibson: October 20. Elevation is 1 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 68°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Paddlefish good snagging around channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows, spoons, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and main lake. Blue catfish good on shad around channels, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Phillip Hancock admits he shot and killed two men during an altercation at a southwest Oklahoma City home on April 27, 2001. But the 59-year-old death row prisoner maintains that an Oklahoma County jury got it wrong when they convicted him of murdering Robert Jett and James Lynch and sentenced him to death by lethal injection.

Pottawatomie County jail officials covered up the deaths of detainees in their care. On Wednesday, the jail’s second in command was promoted and given a bonus.

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