Wine our most natural resource

I am a recovered addict! Addict of what you may ask? Well the truth is I am an addict of whatever Satan was able to shackle me with. For a season and a season again it was alcohol. For a longer season it was pornography. But let's focus on the alcohol for now. Do I think it is out right sin for a person to drink? Suprisingly no. I do believe that alcohol is able to alter your mind temporarily.
So herein lies my problem with alcohol. What is your motive? I would guess because you enjoy a good glass of wine or an ice cold beer on a hot day. Hey if your a golfer nothing better.
I submit that in a small amount your thoughts can be different and you feel the effect. This alone is not condoned by scripture. We are called to be sober and of sound mine bringing every thought to captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Well Jesus made wine?  I was told that by a pastor and that it is mentioned in the scripture. Well yes and it is also mentioned a hundred other places not to allow anything that pulls you or your thoughts from Christ. So does alcohol pull you to Christ? Does it increase your walk? Is it necessary for the body to be sustained? Does alcohol tend to make relationships better? Hmm I think no, no and even more no's!
So why take the risk?
So now here is my real reason to abstain.
I am.involved with people that are recovering heroin and meth. addicts. Is alcohol a safe alternative? No! Even if you believe that addiction is all physical it is still not a safe alternative. Addiction is spiritual and any substance is replaceable by satan with another substance.
The wine theology that I keep hearing from.pulpits is nothing short of heresy to me. We are called to be light and life and to be different.
If all that isn't enough then let me say this. One of the people you are talking to or a person in your congregation may have an addiction problem! Will you cause them to stumble for your own pleasure?
I heard a man stand up from and say how God blessed him.because he was able to get a bottle of wine cheap at a restaurant. I later read his testimony on his Facebook page how God had delivered him from alcoholism. Should we return to the place of our sin? Does a former slave take his children to play with the chains that once bound him?
Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour!
Blessings! Seek the Father's heart with ALL of yours!!

18 Reasons Why Recovering Drug Addicts Are the Best People to Love

18 Reasons Why Recovering Drug Addicts Are the Best People to Love: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”- Oscar Wilde

My boss, A great man, we mourn our loss!

Michael R. Houseknecht

Michael R. Houseknecht 38, local businessman and life-long resident of Batavia died most unexpectedly on January 7th.  

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years Jennifer Anne Thornton Houseknecht.  Mike and Jen were high school sweethearts before marrying, soul mates and best friends.  He also leaves behind his adored children Meghan Elizabeth and Ella Grace.   Those who know Mike know that his faithful devotion to his girls was the essence of who he was.  They were his everything in this world.  

Michael was born on May 2nd, 1977.  He is survived by his truly bereaved parents, his mother Sheila Mitchell of Batavia, and his father and stepmother Ralph (Buddy) Houseknecht, Jr. and Katy Gorton Houseknecht of Perry and Bonita Springs, Florida; his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Agnes Houseknecht, Sr. of Stafford.  

He is also survived by his in laws, Timothy and Margaret Thornton, sister and brother in law Bridget (David) Uberty along with nieces Allison, Emma-Kate and Lily, brother and sister in law Kevin (Sarah) Thornton; aunts and uncles, Greg Houseknecht, Mary Kay (Bill) Barton, Thomas (Lynn) Houseknecht, Tim (Sue) Houseknecht, John Houseknecht and Aunt Katie (Gary) Berger. 

Michael was a 1995 graduate of Batavia High School.  He earned a baccalaureate degree in business from SUNY Brockport in 1999.  From there, Michael went on to achieve success as a business owner, both in his former role as co-owner of Loose Ends Vending and in his current endeavors as owner of both Statewide Machinery and House O’Laundry.  

In addition to his accomplishments in industry and the business world, Mike had many outside interests.  He loved to play golf, boat, attend sporting events and concerts with his family and friends.   He always found the time to volunteer as a soccer coach for his girl’s teams, assisted modified basketball coach for his daughter Meghan's team, and serve on the Board of Governors at Stafford Country Club.  Mike will be loved and remembered forever by his family and friends.  His devotion, loyalty and generous spirit made him a remarkable man; one that many were fortunate to consider a friend.   Eternally etched in our hearts and minds will be his contagious full body laugh, his inability to whisper, his sharp wit and memorable one liners.  Mike was a man that commanded a room and made it a funnier, happier place once he was in it.  His love of laughter and levity in all situations was a gift he shared with all who knew him. 

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions made in Michael’s memory to the Michael Napoleone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021 or online atwww.michaelshope.org. This was a cause that was near and dear to Mike’s heart. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.